bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Tumor Cytotoxicity of Novel Amide Derivatives of β-Hederin
Authors: Liu Yang , Lu Wen-Xiang , Yan Mao-Cai , Yu Yang , Ikejima Takashi , Cheng Mao-Sheng
Published: November 2010

Thirteen novel triterpenoid saponins, designed as amide derivatives of the natural cytotoxic saponin β-hederin, were synthesized by a stepwise glycosylation strategy. The in vitro cytotoxic activity of these compounds was evaluated against five different tumor cell lines. Most of the evaluated compounds showed effective inhibitory activity against at least one tumor cell line at micromolar concentrations. The preliminary structure-activity relationships (SAR) indicate that mide derivatization at C-28 resulted in highly cytotoxic derivatives on specific tumor cell lines, and also resulted in an increase in the antitumor selectivity of β-hederin.
Prooxidant/Antioxidant Ratio (ProAntidex) as a Better Index of Net Free Radical Scavenging Potential
Authors: Ling Lai Teng , Palanisamy Uma D , Cheng Hwee Ming
Published: November 2010

The antioxidant activity of several Malaysian plant extracts was analyzed simultaneously with their pro-oxidant capacity. This ratio represents an index (ProAntidex) of the net free radical scavenging ability of whole plant extracts. We observed that ethanolic extracts of Nephelium lappaceum peel, Fragaria x ananassa leaf, Lawsonia inermis leaf, Syzygium aqueum leaf and grape seed had a lower Pro-Antidex than the commercially available Emblica™ extract which is an antioxidant agent with very low pro-oxidant activity. Among the aqueous extracts, Lawsonia inermis leaf, Nephelium mutobile leaf and grape seed had lower pro-oxidant activity compared to the Emblica™ extract. Among these extracts, aqueous extract of Nephelium mutobile leaf had a very low index of 0.05 compared to 0.69 for Emblica™. Most of the extracts had a far lower ProAntidex compared to the Vitamin C. The index enables us to identify extracts with high net free radical scavenging activity potential. The ProAntidex is beneficial as a screening parameter to the food industries and healthcare.
Combination of Active Components Enhances the Efficacy of Prunella in Prevention and Treatment of Lung Cancer
Authors: Feng Liang , Jia Xiao-Bin , Jiang Jun , Zhu Mao-Mao , Chen Yan , Tan Xiao-Bin , Shi Feng
Published: November 2010

The efficacy of Prunella extracts in the prevention and treatment of lung cancer has been attributed to different components. In this study, an "active components combination model" hypothesis was proposed to explain the anti-tumor activity of Prunella. The efficacy of Prunella extracts from different regions was compared in vitro and in vivo, and the TNF-α activity in serum of tumor-bearing mice was also evaluated. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to analyze the extracts and identify 26 common peaks. Prunella samples from different regions were classified by the cluster analysis method; both P. vulgaris L. from Bozhou and P. asiatica Nakai from Nanjing, which had the highest activities, were further divided into different classes. Six peaks from the HPLC analysis were very similar, and were identified as caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, rutin, quercetin, oleanolic acid and ursolic acid. The total ratio of these compounds in Prunella from Bozhou and Nanjing were 1.0:14.7:3.9:1.0:4.4:1.4 and 1.0:14.8:4.0:0.8:5.6:1.8, respectively. Total triterpenes and total phenols in Prunella were separated by macroporous resin purification for activity studies. The results showed that total triterpenes and total phenols had anti-lung cancer activity and their combination significantly enhanced the activity. In addition, the combination also significantly increased the TNF-α content compared to total triterpenes or total phenols. The results indicated that the efficacy of Prunella against lung cancer was attributable to multiple components acting at an optimal ratio.
Allosteric Modulation of αβδ GABAA Receptors
Authors: Feng Hua-Jun
Published: November 2010

GABAA receptors mediate the majority of the fast inhibition in the mature brain and play an important role in the pathogenesis of many neurological and psychiatric disorders. The αβδ GABAA receptor localizes extra- or perisynaptically and mediates GABAergic tonic inhibition. Compared with synaptically localized αβγ receptors, αβδ receptors are more sensitive to GABA, display relatively slower desensitization and exhibit lower efficacy to GABA agonism. Interestingly, αβδ receptors can be positively modulated by a variety of structurally different compounds, even at saturating GABA concentrations. This review focuses on allosteric modulation of recombinant αβδ receptor currents and αβδ receptor-mediated tonic currents by anesthetics and ethanol. The possible mechanisms for the positive modulation of αβδ receptors by these compounds will also be discussed.
Electrochemical Aptasensor for Endocrine Disrupting 17β-Estradiol Based on a Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxylthiopene)-Gold Nanocomposite Platform
Authors: Olowu Rasaq A. , Arotiba Omotayo , Mailu Stephen N. , Waryo Tesfaye T. , Baker Priscilla , Iwuoha Emmanuel
Published: November 2010

A simple and highly sensitive electrochemical DNA aptasensor with high affinity for endocrine disrupting 17β-estradiol, was developed. Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxylthiophene) (PEDOT) doped with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was electrochemically synthesized and employed for the immobilization of biotinylated aptamer towards the detection of the target. The diffusion coefficient of the nanocomposite was 6.50 × 10−7 cm2 s−1, which showed that the nanocomposite was highly conducting. Electrochemical impedance investigation also revealed the catalytic properties of the nanocomposite with an exchange current value of 2.16 × 10−4 A, compared to 2.14 × 10−5 A obtained for the bare electrode. Streptavidin was covalently attached to the platform using carbodiimide chemistry and the aptamer immobilized via streptavidin—biotin interaction. The electrochemical signal generated from the aptamer–target molecule interaction was monitored electrochemically using cyclic voltammetry and square wave voltammetry in the presence of [Fe(CN)6]−3/−4 as a redox probe. The signal observed shows a current decrease due to interference of the bound 17β-estradiol. The current drop was proportional to the concentration of 17β-estradiol. The PEDOT/AuNP platform exhibited high electroactivity, with increased peak current. The platform was found suitable for the immobilization of the DNAaptamer. The aptasensor was able to distinguish 17β-estradiol from structurally similar endocrine disrupting chemicals denoting its specificity to 17β-estradiol. The detectable concentration range of the 17β-estradiol was 0.1 nM–100 nM, with a detection limit of 0.02 nM.
Recent Advances in Whale-Watching Research: 2009–2010
Authors: Parsons E. C. M. , Scarpaci Carol
Published: November 2010

Whale-watching research encompasses a wide variety of disciplines and fields of study, including monitoring the biological impacts of whale-watching activities on cetaceans and assessments of the effectiveness of whale-watching management and regulations, to the sociological and economic
aspects of whale watching on communities hosting such activities. This article is the latest in a series of annual digests, which describes the variety and findings of whale-watching studies published over the past year, since June 2009.
Le classement européen des villes entrepreneuriales. Méthode, résultats et portée
Authors: Levratto Nadine , Torrès Olivier
Published: November 2010

Résumé Avec l’intensification de la concurrence entre les territoires, plusieurs villes s’interrogent sur la manière dont elles peuvent compenser le déclin de leurs activités traditionnelles par l’activation de politiques publiques capables de promouvoir la création de nouvelles entreprises innovantes. Afin de mettre en place des politiques efficaces, les décideurs ne doivent pas seulement mobiliser des moyens financiers ; ils ont également besoin de faire la preuve du caractère entrepreneurial de leur territoire. Ces efforts doivent être connus, compris et appréciés des entrepreneurs dont le jugement est alors guidé par leurs propres besoins. Cet article présente la manière dont ECER, le classement européen des villes entrepreneuriales, permet aux entrepreneurs et aux décideurs d’évaluer l’efficacité des politiques publiques du soutien à l’entrepreneuriat du point de vue de la promotion, de l’ante et de la post création, du financement et de l’environnement économique. Codes JEL : L28, R12, R51, R58
Institutions et politiques publiques de soutien du système d'innovation de Tunisie. État des lieux
Authors: Haddad Samia
Published: November 2010

Résumé Dans le contexte actuel de l’économie mondiale, certains pays en développement cherchent à développer leurs systèmes productifs afin de créer une stabilité économique. Dans ce cadre, l’État tunisien s’est lancé, depuis les années quatre vingt dix, dans une nouvelle politique industrielle orientée vers le soutien de la R&D et de l’innovation technologique. Le présent papier analyse cette politique en mettant l’accent sur le système national d’innovation (SNI) tunisien. Tout d’abord, il se consacre aux développements théoriques de l’aspect global de l’approche systémique de l’innovation. Ensuite, il expose les mesures institutionnelles, organisationnelles et financières mises en œuvre afin de soutenir la mise en place d’un SNI. Enfin, il essaie de montrer que la participation des décideurs au développement d’un SNI sera insuffisante dans la mesure où les interactions entre les différents acteurs de ce système sont limitées. Codes JEL : O32, O38
Efficacité des pépinières dans la création d'entreprise innovante : cas de la Tunisie
Authors: Fayolle Alain , Ben Salah Amira , Ben Salah Imen , Belkacem Lotfi
Published: November 2010

Résumé Consciente des enjeux liés au développement de l’innovation et de la technologie, la Tunisie s’est engagée dans une nouvelle politique en faveur de l’innovation et de l’entrepreneuriat technologique. Dans ce but, la mise en place de pépinières d’entreprises technologiques et innovantes, est devenue un des moyens privilégiés pour soutenir les porteurs de projets innovants, de l’idée jusqu’à la réalisation. La création et le développement d’entreprises innovantes et technologiques sont devenus, désormais, un enjeu majeur afin de garantir à des pays, notamment ceux qui sont en phase de développement, leur croissance économique, leur niveau de vie et leurs emplois qualifiés. De fait, la recherche de l’efficacité des différentes structures d’appui à la création de ce type d’entreprises est devenue une priorité tant pour ces structures que pour les acteurs qui ont contribué à leur mise en place. C’est ainsi, que nous nous sommes posé la question de l’efficacité des systèmes d’appui à la création d’entreprises innovantes technologiques en Tunisie, plus particulièrement en nous intéressant aux pépinières d’entreprise. Pour ce faire, nous avons mené une enquête auprès de 120 porteurs de projet innovant, qui ont bénéficié d’un accompagnement lors de leur création d’entreprises dans 11 pépinières tunisiennes. Nos résultats montrent que les systèmes d’innovation locaux sont encore en phase d’émergence en Tunisie et qu’ils devraient être renforcés pour supporter davantage l’action des entrepreneurs technologiques. Codes JEL : M13
Que change le développement durable à la localisation des activités ?
Authors: Cardebat Jean-Marie , Musson Anne
Published: November 2010

Résumé Notre objectif dans cet article est d’intégrer dans le cadre théorique de la Nouvelle Economie Géographique, le plus approprié à notre sens, les conséquences d’une montée en puissance du concept de développement durable sur les choix de localisation des entreprises. À cette fin, nous tentons d’expliquer ce que signifie un modèle économique qui s’oriente vers le développement durable. Nous essayons alors de répondre à trois questions clefs : quelles sont précisément les externalités négatives générées par le schéma actuel de localisation internationale des entreprises ? Comment les intégrer dans le cadre théorique de la NEG ? Comment se localiseraient les entreprises dans le cadre d’une véritable green economy ? Ainsi, nous expliquons en détail les liens que l’on peut établir entre le concept de développement durable et les choix de localisation des entreprises. Nous présentons et justifions ensuite le cadre théorique retenu. Puis nous exposons le résultat de nos simulations avant de conclure. Codes JEL : F12, F18, Q56
The Pim Kinase Pathway Contributes to Survival Signaling in Primed CD8+ T Cells upon CD27 Costimulation
Authors: Peperzak Victor , Veraar Elise A. M. , Keller Anna M. , Xiao Yanling , Borst Jannie
Published: November 2010

Stimulation of the costimulatory receptor CD27 by its ligand CD70 has proved important for the generation of primary and memory CD8+ T cell responses in various models of antigenic challenge. CD27/CD70-mediated costimulation promotes the survival of primed T cells and thereby increases the size of effector and memory populations. In this paper, we reveal molecular mechanisms underlying the prosurvival effect of CD27. CD27 signaling upregulated expression of the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family member Bcl-xL. However, genetic reconstitution of Cd27−/− CD8+ T cells with Bcl-xL alone or in combination with the related protein Mcl-1 did not compensate for CD27 deficiency in the response to influenza virus infection. This suggested that CD27 supports generation of the CD8+ effector T cell pool not only by counteracting apoptosis via Bcl-2 family members. Genome-wide mRNA expression profiling indicated that CD27 directs expression of the Pim1 gene. Pim-1 is a serine/threonine kinase that sustains survival of rapidly proliferating cells by antiapoptotic and prometabolic effects that are independent of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. In TCR-primed CD8+ T cells, CD27 could increment Pim-1 protein expression and promote cell survival throughout clonal expansion independent of the mTOR and IL-2R pathways. In addition, introduction of the Pim1 gene in Cd27−/− CD8+ T cells partially corrected their defect in clonal expansion and formation of an effector pool. We conclude that CD27 may contribute to the survival of primed CD8+ T cells by the upregulation of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family members but also calls the Pim-1 kinase survival pathway into action.
In Vivo Analysis of Ifn-γ1 and Ifn-γ2 Signaling in Zebrafish
Authors: Aggad Dina , Stein Cornelia , Sieger Dirk , Mazel Martine , Boudinot Pierre , Herbomel Philippe , Levraud Jean-Pierre , Lutfalla Georges , Leptin Maria
Published: November 2010

The zebrafish genome contains a large number of genes encoding potential cytokine receptor genes as judged by homology to mammalian receptors. The sequences are too divergent to allow unambiguous assignments of all receptors to specific cytokines, and only a few have been assigned functions by functional studies. Among receptors for class II helical cytokines—i.e., IFNs that include virus-induced Ifns (Ifn-ϕ) and type II Ifns (Ifn-γ), together with Il-10 and its related cytokines (Il-20, Il-22, and Il-26)—only the Ifn-ϕ–specific complexes have been functionally identified, whereas the receptors for the two Ifn-γ (Ifn-γ1 and Ifn-γ2) are unknown. In this work, we identify conditions in which Ifn-γ1 and Ifn-γ2 (also called IFNG or IFN-γ and IFN-gammarel) are induced in fish larvae and adults. We use morpholino-mediated loss-of-function analysis to screen candidate receptors and identify the components of their receptor complexes. We find that Ifn-γ1 and Ifn-γ2 bind to different receptor complexes. The receptor complex for Ifn-γ2 includes cytokine receptor family B (Crfb)6 together with Crfb13 and Crfb17, whereas the receptor complex for Ifn-γ1 does not include Crfb6 or Crfb13 but includes Crfb17. We also show that of the two Jak2 paralogues present in the zebrafish Jak2a but not Jak2b is involved in the intracellular transmission of the Ifn-γ signal. These results shed new light on the evolution of the Ifn-γ signaling in fish and tetrapods and contribute toward an integrated view of the innate immune regulation in vertebrates.
Exosome-Driven Antigen Transfer for MHC Class II Presentation Facilitated by the Receptor Binding Activity of Influenza Hemagglutinin
Authors: Testa James S. , Apcher Geraud S. , Comber Joseph D. , Eisenlohr Laurence C.
Published: November 2010

The mechanisms underlying MHC class I-restricted cross-presentation, the transfer of Ag from an infected cell to a professional APC, have been studied in great detail. Much less is known about the equivalent process for MHC class II-restricted presentation. After infection or transfection of class II-negative donor cells, we observed minimal transfer of a proteasome-dependent “class I-like” epitope within the influenza neuraminidase glycoprotein but potent transfer of a classical, H-2M–dependent epitope within the hemagglutinin (HA) glycoprotein. Additional experiments determined transfer to be exosome-mediated and substantially enhanced by the receptor binding activity of incorporated HA. Furthermore, a carrier effect was observed in that incorporated HA improved exosome-mediated transfer of a second membrane protein. This route of Ag presentation should be relevant to other enveloped viruses, may skew CD4+ responses toward exosome-incorporated glycoproteins, and points toward novel vaccine strategies.
RNA Polymerase II Inhibitors Dissociate Antigenic Peptide Generation from Normal Viral Protein Synthesis: A Role for Nuclear Translation in Defective Ribosomal Product Synthesis?
Authors: Dolan Brian P. , Knowlton Jonathan J. , David Alexandre , Bennink Jack R. , Yewdell Jonathan W.
Published: November 2010

Following viral infection, cells rapidly present peptides from newly synthesized viral proteins on MHC class I molecules, likely from rapidly degraded forms of nascent proteins. The nature of these defective ribosomal products (DRiPs) remains largely undefined. Using inhibitors of RNA polymerase II that block influenza A virus neuraminidase (NA) mRNA export from the nucleus and inhibit cytoplasmic NA translation, we demonstrate a surprising disconnect between levels of NA translation and generation of SIINFEKL peptide genetically inserted into the NA stalk. A 33-fold reduction in NA expression is accompanied by only a 5-fold reduction in Kb-SIINFEKL complex cell-surface expression, resulting in a net 6-fold increase in the overall efficiency of Ag presentation. Although the proteasome inhibitor MG132 completely blocked Kb-SIINFEKL complex generation, we were unable to biochemically detect a MG132-dependent cohort of NA DRiPs relevant for Ag processing, suggesting that a minute population of DRiPs is a highly efficient source of antigenic peptides. These data support the idea that Ag processing uses compartmentalized translation, perhaps even in the nucleus itself, to increase the efficiency of the generation of class I peptide ligands.
Artisan retention in an organisation in South Africa
Authors: Van Rooyen Lariska , Du Toit Danie H. , Botha Elrie , Rothmann Sebastiaan
Published: November 2010

Orientation: South Africa is facing a critical shortage of artisans. Therefore it is important to investigate which factors contribute to the retention of artisans by organisations.Research purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate the factors that are important for artisan retention at a South African organisation.Motivation for the study: Organisations that employ artisans need to understand what the main reasons are for keeping or losing artisans from the perspective of the artisans themselves. This information can be used to plan and implement interventions to deal with artisan retention in organisations.Research design, approach and method: A qualitative design was used and a purposive sample was taken (n = 14). A biographical questionnaire was administered and semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather data from artisans.Main findings: Remuneration had the highest rank of all the factors for the retention of artisans, closely followed by development opportunities. Other factors that were perceived as important for artisan retention included equality, recognition, management and the working environment, and working relationships.Practical implications: Organisations that employ artisans should especially attend to their remuneration and development opportunities.Contribution: The results of this study add to the knowledge of why artisans remain with a specific organisation.
Electrochemical Treatment of synthetic and Actual Dyeing Wastewaters Using BDD Anodes
Authors: Bensalah Nasr , Abdel-Wahab Ahmed
Published: November 2010

In this work, the treatment of synthetic wastewaters containing methylene blue (MB) and rhodamine B (RB) and actual textile wastewaters (ATW) using boron doped diamond (BDD) anodic oxidation was investigated. Voltammetric study has shown that both MB and RB can be oxidized directly at the anode surface in the potential region where the electrolyte salt is stable. Galvanostatic electrolyses of synthetic and actual industrial wastewaters have led to total abatement of COD and TOC at different operating conditions (electrolyte salt and initial pollutant concentration and current density) and the efficiency of the electrochemical process was governed only by mass-transfer limitations. The nature of the supporting electrolyte has a great influence on the rate and the efficiency of the electrochemical oxidation of dyes. The treatment in the presence of NaCl appears to be more efficient in the COD removal, while in the presence of Na2SO4 improves the TOC removal. From the experimental results it seems that the primary mechanisms in the oxidation of dyes are the mediated electro-oxidation by hydroxyl radicals and other oxidants electro-generated from supporting electrolyte oxidation.
Sediment and Nutrient Contributions from Subsurface Drains and Point Sources to an Agricultural Watershed
Authors: Coelho Bonnie Ball , Bruin Allison J. , Staton Shawn , Hayman David
Published: November 2010

Excess sediment and nutrients in surface waters can threaten aquatic life. To determine the relative importance of subsurface drainage as a pathway for movement of sediment and nutrients to surface waters, loading from various tile systems was compared to that from sewage treatment plants (STP) within the same watershed. Movement through tiles comprised 1 to 8% of estimated total (overland plus tile) annual sediment loading from the respective areas drained by the tile. Load during the growing season from five closed drainage systems without surface inlets averaged 5 kg sediment/ha, 0.005 kg dissolved reactive P (DRP)/ha, 0.003 kg NH4-N/ha, and 3.8 kg NO3-N/ha; and from two open drainage systems with surface inlets averaged 14 kg sediment/ha, 0.03 kg DRP/ha, 0.04 kg NH4-N/ha, and 3.1 kg NO3-N/ha. The eight STP contributed about 44 530 kg suspended sediments, 3380 kg total P, 1340 kg NH4-N, and 116 900 kg NO3-N to the watershed annually. Drainage systems added less NH4-N and P, but more NO3-N and suspended solids to surface waters than STP. Tile drainage pathways for NO3-N, STP in the case of P, and overland pathways for sediment are indicated as targets to control loading in artificially drained agricultural watersheds.
Measuring Groundwater and contaminant Flux: passive Flux Meter Field Applications and Issues with Alcohol Degradability
Authors: Bondehagen Diane
Published: November 2010

The passive flux meter (PFM) developed at the University of Florida is an innovative device that is inserted into a well in order to measure groundwater and contaminant flux. The in-situ device consists of an activated carbon matrix impregnated with known amounts of alcohols that are desorbed at rates proportional to the groundwater flux through the device. After exposure the sorbent is extracted to quantify the contaminant mass intercepted and the resident alcohol mass remaining. Since the alcohols employed in bioactive sites are degradable, studies were conducted to investigate biodegradation issues and microbial acclimation times in field application. Also, silver-impregnated activated carbon was compared to unamended activated carbon in batch and column studies to determine silver ion effects on degradation. The studies confirm degradation and microbial acclimation occurrence, and demonstrate that silver impregnated activated carbon does inhibit degradation. Issues remain with biofilm/biofouling observed in the field as well as column studies.
Metal Distribution in Lakes surrounding the Kostomuksha Iron Mine and Ore Dressing Mill in Northwestern Russia
Authors: Lehto Jukka , Lusa Merja , Virkanen Juhani , Paatero Jussi , Várkonyi Gergely , Heikkilä Raimo , Kashevarov Boris , Ieshko Eugeny
Published: November 2010

Metal distributions in lakes surrounding Kostomuksha iron mine and ore dressing mill were explored to study the effects of the mill on the state of the lakes. Both surface water and 10 cm sediment core samples were taken from six lakes in the Russian side and another two in the Finnish side at a maximum distance of 70 kilometres from the plant. Concentrations of thirteen metals, phosphorus and sulphur were determined in waters and sediments by ICP-MS after filtration of the water samples and acid digestion of the sediment samples. No increase of these elements was observed in lakes in southwestern direction towards Finland where air transport was the only pathway. In the northwestern direction where there are also water releases from a waste pond of the plant increasing concentrations of Ca, Mn, S, Fe and As towards the plant were seen both in water and sediments phases. This was also the trend for Na, K and Mg in water and for Zn, Pb, Cd and Hg in the sediment. No systematic change was seen in case of Al, P and Ni. It is likely that elevated water concentrations of at least K, S and As are due to water releases from the waste pond but for other elements the source is not quite evident.
Novel Isoforms of Periostin Expressed in the Human Thyroid
Authors: Bai Yanhua , Nakamura Misa , Zhou Gengyin , Li Yaqiong , Liu Zhiyan , Ozaki Takashi , Mori Ichiro , Kakudo Kennichi
Published: November 2010

Periostin is an extracellular matrix protein. Five isoforms of human periostin cDNA have been reported, but the expression of periostin isoforms in the human thyroid tissue is by far unknown. A group of primer sets were designed to amplify the full length of cDNA sequence of periostin. Using human thyroid carcinoma and their paired non-neoplastic tissues together with anaplastic thyroid carcinoma cell lines, we examined the presence of periostin cDNA isoforms by RT-PCR and direct DNA sequence analysis. We identified eight coexisting cDNA isoforms in all the tissue samples and cell lines. Three of them were unique to this study. Especially two of them haven't been previously reported in any species. The eight periostin isoforms differ in the C-terminus from exon XII to exon XXI where alternative splicing usually happens. This is the first report that demonstrates all the eight isoforms of periostin cDNA expressed in the human thyroid gland and identifies three novel isoforms.
History of atmospheric SF6 from 1973 to 2008
Authors: Rigby M. , Mühle J. , Miller B. R. , Prinn R. G. , Krummel P. B. , Steele L. P. , Fraser P. J. , Salameh P. K. , Harth C. M. , Weiss R. F. , Greally B. R. , O'Doherty S. , Simmonds P. G. , Vollmer M. K. , Reimann S. , Kim J. , Kim K.-R. , Wang H. J. , Olivier J. G. J. , Dlugokencky E. J. , Dutton G. S. , Hall B. D. , Elkins J. W.
Published: November 2010

Abstract. We present atmospheric sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) mole fractions and emissions estimates from the 1970s to 2008. Measurements were made of archived air samples starting from 1973 in the Northern Hemisphere and from 1978 in the Southern Hemisphere, using the Advanced Global Atmospheric Gases Experiment (AGAGE) gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric (GC-MS) systems. These measurements were combined with modern high-frequency GC-MS and GC-electron capture detection (ECD) data from AGAGE monitoring sites, to produce a unique 35-year atmospheric record of this potent greenhouse gas. Atmospheric mole fractions were found to have increased by more than an order of magnitude between 1973 and 2008. The 2008 growth rate was the highest recorded, at 0.29 ± 0.02 pmolmol−1 yr−1. A three-dimensional chemical transport model and a minimum variance Bayesian inverse method was used to estimate annual emission rates using the measurements, with a priori estimates from the Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research (EDGAR, version 4). Consistent with the mole fraction growth rate maximum, global emissions during 2008 were also the highest in the 1973–2008 period, reaching 7.4 ± 0.6 Gg yr−1 (1-σ uncertainties) and surpassing the previous maximum in 1995. The 2008 values follow an increase in emissions of 48 ± 20% since 2001. A second global inversion which also incorporated National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) flask measurements and in situ monitoring site data agreed well with the emissions derived using AGAGE measurements alone. By estimating continent-scale emissions using all available AGAGE and NOAA surface measurements covering the period 2004–2008, with no pollution filtering, we find that it is likely that much of the global emissions rise during this five-year period originated primarily from Asian developing countries that do not report detailed, annual emissions to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). We also find it likely that SF6 emissions reported to the UNFCCC were underestimated between at least 2004 and 2005.
Aerosol effects on ice clouds: can the traditional concept of aerosol indirect effects be applied to aerosol-cloud interactions in cirrus clouds?
Authors: Lee S. S. , Penner J. E.
Published: November 2010

Abstract. Cirrus clouds cover approximately 20–25% of the globe and thus play an important role in the Earth's radiation budget. Therefore the effect of aerosols on cirrus clouds can have a substantial impact on global radiative forcing if either the ice-water path (IWP) and/or the cloud ice number concentration (CINC) changes. This study examines the aerosol indirect effect (AIE) through changes in the CINC and IWP for a cirrus cloud case. We use a cloud-system resolving model (CSRM) coupled with a double-moment representation of cloud microphysics. Intensified interactions among CINC, deposition and dynamics play a critical role in increasing the IWP as aerosols increase. Increased IWP leads to a smaller change in the outgoing LW radiation relative to that for the SW radiation for increasing aerosols. Increased aerosols lead to increased CINC, providing increased surface area for water vapor deposition. The increased deposition causes depositional heating which produces stronger updrafts, and leads to the increased IWP. The conversion of ice crystals to aggregates through autoconversion and accretion plays a negligible role in the IWP response to aerosols, and the sedimentation of aggregates is negligible. The sedimentation of ice crystals plays a more important role in the IWP response to aerosol increases than the sedimentation of aggregates, but not more than the interactions among the CINC, deposition and dynamics.
Retrievals of chlorine chemistry kinetic parameters from Antarctic ClO microwave radiometer measurements
Authors: Kremser S. , Schofield R. , Bodeker G. E. , Connor B. J. , Rex M. , Barret J. , Mooney T. , Salawitch R. J. , Canty T. , Frieler K. , Chipperfield M. P. , Langematz U. , Feng W.
Published: November 2010

Abstract. Key kinetics parameters governing the partitioning of chlorine species in the Antarctic polar stratosphere were retrieved from 28 days of chlorine monoxide (ClO) microwave radiometer measurements made during the late-winter/early spring of 2005 at Scott Base (77.85° S, 166.75° E). During day-time the ratio of the photolysis rate, J, and the dimer formation rate, kf, determines the partitioning of ClO and its dimer, chlorine peroxide (ClOOCl). This ratio J/kf remains uncertain and, as a complement to ongoing laboratory studies, the goal of this work is to provide a constraint on that uncertainty based on observations of ClO profiles in the Antarctic. First an optimal estimation technique was used to derive J/kf ratios for a range of Keq values. The optimal estimation forward model was a photochemical box model that takes J, kf, and Keq as inputs, together with a priori of activated chlorine (ClOx=ClO+2×ClOOCl), ozone, temperature and pressure profiles. JPL06 kinetics are used as a priori in the optimal estimation and for all other chemistry in the forward model. Using the more recent JPL09 kinetics results in insignificant differences in the retrieved value of J/kf. A complementary approach was used to derive the optimal kinetic parameters; the full parameter space of J, kf, Keq and ClOx was sampled to find the minimum in differences between measured and modelled ClO profiles. Furthermore, values of Keq up to 2.0 times larger than recommended by JPL06 were explored to test the sensitivity of the J/kf ratio to changes in Keq. The results show that the retrieved J/kf ratios bracket the range of 1.97 to 1.23×(J/kf)JPL06 over the range of Keq values considered. The retrieved J/kf ratios lie in the lower half of the large uncertainty range of J/kf recommended by JPL06 and towards the upper portion of the smaller uncertainty range recommended by JPL09.
Spatial structure and dispersion of the 16/17 April 2010 volcanic ash cloud over Germany
Authors: Emeis S. , Junkermann W. , Schäfer K. , Forkel R. , Suppan P. , Flentje H. , Gilge S. , Fricke W. , Wiegner M. , Freudenthaler V. , Groß S. , Ries L. , Meinhardt F. , Münkel C. , Obleitner F.
Published: November 2010

Abstract. The spatial structure and the progression speed of the first ash layer from the Icelandic Eyjafjallajökull volcano which reached Germany on 16/17 April is investigated from remote sensing data and with numerical simulations. The ceilometer network of the German Weather Service was able to follow the progression of the ash layer over the whole of Germany. This first ash layer turned out to be a rather shallow layer of only several hundreds of metres thickness which was oriented slantwise in the middle troposphere and which was brought downward by large-scale sinking motion over Southern Germany and the Alps. Special Raman lidar measurements, trajectory analyses and in-situ observations from mountain observatories helped to confirm the volcanic origin of the detected aerosol layer. Ultralight aircraft measurements permitted the detection of the arrival of a second major flush of volcanic material in Southern Germany. Numerical simulations with the Eulerian meso-scale model MCCM were able to reproduce the temporal and spatial structure of the ash layer. Comparisons with the ceilometer network data on 17 April and with the ultralight aircraft data on 19 April were satisfying. This is the first example of a model validation study from this ceilometer network data.
Doppler Rayleigh/Mie/Raman lidar for wind and temperature measurements in the middle atmosphere up to 80 km
Authors: Baumgarten G.
Published: November 2010

Abstract. A direct detection Doppler lidar for measuring wind speed in the middle atmosphere up to 80 km with 2 h resolution was implemented in the ALOMAR Rayleigh/Mie/Raman lidar (69° N, 16° E). The random error of the line of sight wind is about 0.6 m/s and 10 m/s at 49 km and 80 km, respectively. We use a Doppler Rayleigh Iodine Spectrometer (DoRIS) at the iodine line 1109 (~532.260 nm). DoRIS uses two branches of intensity cascaded channels to cover the dynamic range from 10 to 100 km altitude. The wind detection system was designed to extend the existing multi-wavelength observations of aerosol and temperature performed at wavelengths of 355 nm, 532 nm and 1064 nm. The lidar uses two lasers with a mean power of 14 W at 532 nm each and two 1.8 m diameter tiltable telescopes. Below about 49 km altitude the accuracy and time resolution is limited by the maximum count rate of the detectors used and not by the number of photons available. We report about the first simultaneous Rayleigh temperature and wind measurements by lidar in the strato- and mesosphere on 17 and 23 January 2009.
Longitudinal variability of the biogeochemical role of Mediterranean aerosols in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Ternon E. , Guieu C. , Ridame C. , L'Helguen S. , Catala P.
Published: November 2010

Abstract. The Mediterranean Sea is a semi-enclosed basin characterized by a strong thermal stratification during summer during which the atmosphere is the main source of new nutrients to the nutrient-depleted surface layer. From aerosol sampling and microcosm experiments performed during the TransMed BOUM cruise (June–July 2008) we showed that: (i) the Mediterranean atmosphere composition (Al, Fe, P) was homogeneous over ~28° of longitude and was a mixture with a constant proportion of anthropogenic contribution and a variable but modest contribution of crustal aerosols. This quite stable composition over a one month period and a long transect (~2500 km) allowed to define the Mediterranean atmospheric "background" that characterizes the summer season in the absence of major Saharan event and forest fires, (ii) primary production significantly increased at all tested stations after aerosols addition collected on-board and after Saharan dust analog addition, indicating that both additions relieved on-going (co)-limitations. Although both additions significantly increased the N2 fixation rates at the western station, diazotrophic activity remained very low (~0.2 nmol N L−1 d−1), (iii) due to the presence of anthropogenic particles, the probable higher solubility of nutrients associated with mixed aerosols (crustal + anthropogenic contribution), conferred a higher fertilizing potential to on-board collected aerosol as compared to Saharan dust analog. Finally, those experiments showed that atmospheric inputs from a mixed atmospheric event ("summer rain" type) or from a high-intensity Saharan event would induce comparable response by the biota in the stratified Mediterranean SML, during summer.
The role of climatic and terrain attributes in estimating baseflow recession in tropical catchments
Authors: Peña-Arancibia J. L. , van Dijk A. I. J. M. , Mulligan M. , Bruijnzeel L. A.
Published: November 2010

Abstract. The understanding of low flows in rivers is paramount more than ever as demand for water increases on a global scale. At the same time, limited streamflow data to investigate this phenomenon, particularly in the tropics, makes the provision of accurate estimations in ungauged areas an ongoing research need. This paper analysed the potential of climatic and terrain attributes of 167 tropical and sub-tropical unregulated catchments to predict baseflow recession rates. Daily streamflow data (m3 s–1) from the Global River Discharge Center (GRDC) and a linear reservoir model were used to obtain baseflow recession coefficients (kbf) for these catchments. Climatic attributes included annual and seasonal indicators of rainfall and potential evapotranspiration. Terrain attributes included indicators of catchment shape, morphology, land cover, soils and geology. Stepwise regression was used to identify the best predictors for baseflow recession coefficients. Mean annual rainfall (MAR) and aridity index (AI) were found to explain 49% of the spatial variation of kbf. The rest of climatic indices and the terrain indices average catchment slope (SLO) and tree cover were also good predictors, but co-correlated with MAR. Catchment elongation (CE), a measure of catchment shape, was also found to be statistically significant, although weakly correlated. An analysis of clusters of catchments of smaller size, showed that in these areas, presumably with some similarity of soils and geology due to proximity, residuals of the regression could be explained by SLO and CE. The approach used provides a potential alternative for kbf parameterisation in ungauged catchments.
Inguinal Endometriosis: An Uncommon Differential Diagnosis as an Inguinal Tumour
Authors: Wong Wu Shun Felix , Lim Chi Eung Danforn , Luo Xiping
Published: November 2010

Inguinal endometriosis can present as a rare tumor when it occurs outside the abdomen and pelvis. We present a patient with a painful tumor in the right inguinal region, where its diagnosis was made before the operation. This enabled a conservative excisional surgery to be performed. The literature is reviewed and the diagnosis as well as management are discussed.
Binding Studies of a Schiff Base Compound Containing a 1,2,4‐Triazole Ring with Bovine Serum Albumin Using Spectroscopic Methods
Authors: Mei Ping , Liu Yang , Zhang Yezhong , Fu Jiaxin , Sun Xiaohong , Liu Yi
Published: November 2010

The binding interaction of a Schiff base compound containing a 1,2,4‐triazole ring [4‐(4‐chlorobenzyl‐ideneamino)‐5‐methyl‐1,2,4‐triazole‐3‐thiol, CTT] with bovine serum albumin (BSA) was studied by spectroscopy methods including fluorescence and circular dichroism spectrum under simulative physiological conditions. Fluorescence investigation revealed that the fluorescence quenching of BSA was induced by the formation of a relative stable CTT‐BSA complex. The corresponding binding constants (Ka) between CTT and BSA at three different temperatures were calculated according to the modified Stern‐Volmer equation. The enthalpy change (ΔH⊖) and entropy change (ΔS⊖) were calculated to be −15.78 kJ·mol−1 and 49.23 J·mol−1·K−1, respectively, which suggested that hydrophobic forces and hydrogen bond played major roles in stabilizing the CTT‐BSA complex. Site marker competitive experiments indicated that the binding of CTT to BSA primarily took place in sub‐domain IIIA (site II) of BSA. The binding distance (r) between CTT and the tryptophan residue of BSA was obtained to be 4.3 nm based on F?rster theory of non‐radioactive energy transfer. The conformational investigation revealed that the presence of CTT decreased the α‐helix content of BSA (from 58.62% to 54.66%) and induced the slight unfolding of the polypeptides of protein, which confirmed some micro‐environmental and conformational changes of BSA molecules.
Solvent Dependent Preparation of CuI Nanocrystals and the Catalysis in Sonogashira Coupling Reaction
Authors: Zhang Manbo , Wang Lanling , Tang Boxiao , Shen Xingcan , Hu Ruixiang
Published: November 2010

Octahedral and rod‐like γ‐CuI nanocrystals have been fabricated by using a mild solution method in water, methanol and ethanol respectively. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission‐scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) were used to characterize the product. The as‐synthesized CuI demonstrates higher activity for the Sonogashira cross‐coupling of 4‐iodoanisole and phenylacetylene.
Investigations on the leaf anatomy and ultrastructure of grapevine (Vitis vinifera) under heat stress
Authors: Salem‐Fnayou Asma Ben , Bouamama Badra , Ghorbel Abdelwahed , Mliki Ahmed
Published: November 2010

Leaf anatomical and ultrastructural responses of “Razegui” and “Muscat Italia” grapevine cultivars to high temperatures were studied under controlled conditions (T > 36°C), based on photonic and electron microscopy. Histological studies performed on leaves from heat‐stressed and control grapevines revealed thicker leaf blades under high temperature conditions. Environmental scanning electron microscopy of leaf surfaces from both cultivars allowed observing sinuate epidermal cells on the leaves of grapevines cultivated under heat stress and irregular giant oblong pores on their adaxial surface. When observed by transmission electron microscopy, leaf cross sections in grapevines cultivated under high temperature conditions exhibited folded cuticle and cell wall on the adaxial epidermis layer. Therefore, significantly greater cell wall thicknesses were measured under heat stress than control conditions in both cultivars. Regarding chloroplasts, they were more globular in shape under heat stress compared with control conditions and had disorganized thylakoids with a reduced thickness of grana stacking. The size of starch granule decreased, while the number of plastoglobules increased with heat stress, indicating a reduced carbon metabolism and a beginning of senescence within the 3‐month heat stress period. This study confirms widespread adaptive properties in two grapevine cultivars in response to high temperature stress. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neurotrophic factors improve muscle reinnervation from embryonic neurons
Authors: Casella Gizelda T.B. , Almeida Vania W. , Grumbles Robert M. , Liu Yang , Thomas Christine K.
Published: November 2010

Motoneurons die in diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and after spinal cord trauma, inducing muscle denervation. We tested whether transplantation of embryonic cells with neurotrophic factors into peripheral nerve of adult rats improves muscle reinnervation and motor unit function more than cells alone. One week after sciatic nerve section, embryonic ventral spinal cord cells were transplanted into the tibial nerve with or without glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor, hepatocyte growth factor, and insulin‐like growth factor‐1. These cells represented the only neuron source for muscle reinnervation. Ten weeks after transplantation, all medial gastrocnemius muscles contracted in response to electrical stimulation of cell transplants with factors. Only 80% of muscles responded with cells alone. Factors and cells resulted in survival of more motoneurons and reinnervation of more muscle fibers for a given axon (motor unit) number. Greater reinnervation from embryonic cells may enhance muscle excitation by patterned electrical stimulation. Muscle Nerve 42: 788–797, 2010
Basic and clinical proteomics from the EU Health Research perspective
Authors: Dyląg Tomasz , Jehenson Philippe , van de Loo Jan‐Willem , Sanne Jean‐Luc
Published: November 2010

The European Union (EU) is one of the main public funders of research in Europe and its major instrument for funding is the Seventh Framework Programme for research and technological development (FP7). The bulk of funding in FP7 goes to collaborative research, with the objective of establishing excellent research projects and networks. Understanding the functions of proteins is essential for the rational development of disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment, therefore the EU has largely invested in proteomics, in particular for technology development, data standardisation and sharing efforts, and the application of proteomics in the clinic. The scientific community, including both academia and industry, is encouraged to apply for FP7 funding so that the EU can even more efficiently support innovative health research and ultimately, bring better healthcare to patients.