bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The IgH 3′ regulatory region and its implication in lymphomagenesis
Authors: Vincent‐Fabert Christelle , Fiancette Rémi , Cogné Michel , Pinaud Eric , Denizot Yves
Published: November 2010

The 3′ regulatory region (3′RR) located downstream of the IgH gene is the master element that controls class switch recombination and sustains high‐level transcription at the plasma‐cell stage. This latter role suggests that the 3′RR may be involved in oncogene deregulation during the frequent IgH translocation events associated with B‐cell malignancies. A convincing demonstration of the essential contribution of 3′RR in lymphomagenesis has been provided by transgenic animal models. The mouse 3′RR shares a strong structural homology with the regulatory regions located downstream of each human Cα gene. Mouse models exploring the role of the 3′RR in B‐cell physiology and in malignancies should provide useful indications about the pathophysiology of human cell lymphocyte proliferation.
Changes in Performance of DNA Biosensor Caused by Hydroxyl Radicals
Authors: Nowicka Anna M. , Kowalczyk Agata , Scholz Fritz , Stojek Zbigniew
Published: November 2010

A DNA biosensor was exposed to the activity of OH radicals at two selected stages of its preparation/performance. The sensor was immersed in Fenton solution after immobilization of probe ssDNA layer and after the hybridization process with target DNA strands. It appeared that the extent of damage to ssDNA at the sensing layer was much stronger compared to the dsDNA layer. The visualization of the changes in the performance of the sensor caused by the action of OH radicals was done by applying methylene blue as an electrochemical tag. To explain the changes of the voltammetric peak of methylene blue for two selected stages of the sensor preparation the EIS measurements were also performed.
Voltammetric Electronic Tongue in the Analysis of Cava Wines
Authors: Cetó Xavier , Gutiérrez Juan Manuel , Moreno‐Barón Laura , Alegret Salvador , del Valle Manel
Published: November 2010

This work demonstrates the use of a voltammetric electronic tongue formed by five modified graphite‐epoxy electrodes in the qualitative and quantitative analysis of cava wines. The different samples were analyzed using cyclic voltammetry without any sample pretreatment. Recorded data were evaluated by Principal Component Analysis and Discrete Wavelet Transform in order to compress and extract significant features from the voltammetric signals. The preprocessed information was evaluated by an Artificial Neural Network that accomplishes the qualitative classification. Moreover, a preliminary study related to the quantification of sugar amount present was assessed by Second‐Order Standard Addition Method.
Composite PEDOT/Au Nanoparticles Modified Electrodes for Determination of Mercury at Trace Levels by Anodic Stripping Voltammetry
Authors: Giannetto Marco , Mori Giovanni , Terzi Fabio , Zanardi Chiara , Seeber Renato
Published: November 2010

Electrode modifications consisting of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), including gold nanoparticles according to simple though innovative procedure, are developed. The resulting nanocomposite shows interesting performances as electrode material for determination of mercury by anodic stripping technique, even down to concentration levels as low as 0.83 ng/mL. The analytical performance is evaluated by optimized experimental parameters such as the charge spent during the potentiostatic electrodeposition of PEDOT, the preconcentration time, and the waveform parameters for the differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) redissolution scan. No evidence of significant oxidative degradation of the polymer over repeated analysis cycles is evidenced.
Determination of the potassium content of explosive residues using miniaturised isotachophoresis
Authors: Prest Jeff E. , Beardah Matthew S. , Baldock Sara J. , Doyle Sean P. , Fielden Peter R. , Goddard Nicholas J. , Brown Bernard J. Treves
Published: November 2010

A new method has been developed to allow the determination of potassium in post‐explosion residues to be made using miniaturised isotachophoresis. The method is based on the use of a caesium leading ion with 4.5 mM 18‐crown‐6 ether added to retard the potassium to allow reliable determinations to be made. With the conditions selected no interference was noted from other small inorganic cations, such as ammonium, barium, calcium, magnesium, sodium or strontium. The method was successfully applied to the analysis of seven samples containing explosive residues obtained from the unconfined burning of several flash powders. The procedure was found to offer good linearity for potassium determinations over the concentration range of 1.25–150 μg/mL with a coefficient of determination of 0.999 achieved.
β‐Amino alcohol selectors for enantioselective separation of amino acids by ligand‐exchange capillary zone electrophoresis in a low molecular weight organogel
Authors: Rizkov Dan , Mizrahi Shaul , Cohen Shmuel , Lev Ovadia
Published: November 2010

A new family of copper ligand‐exchange selectors, L‐ or D‐β‐amino alcohols, is employed for the chiral separation of D,L‐dansyl‐amino acids, unmodified amino acid racemates, phenylalanine and tryptophan, and β‐blocker L,D‐propranolol by SDS–micellar electrokinetic chromatography and by electrophoretic chromatography in a low molecular weight organogel (LMOG)‐filled capillary. The LMOG comprised a self‐assembled fibrillar gel of trans‐(1S,2S)‐1,2‐bis‐(dodecylamido) cyclohexane in methanol. The di‐L‐valinol–copper complex exhibited the best performance on LMOG–CE compared with all other β‐amino alcohol–copper selectors. The dependence of chiral resolution on the pH*, the ratio between the copper and the L‐valinol ligand and the concentration of added selector complex in the run buffer were investigated revealing a marked difference between the activity of the copper–valinol and the previously studied copper–valine selector. The optimal separation conditions were achieved using a 2:1 valinol/copper ratio, in accordance with the 2:1 structure of the complex, which was proven by single crystal and powder X‐ray diffractions and by elemental analysis. Unlike the copper–valine selectors that could be used only under acidic conditions (pH* 3.5), the copper–valinol selectors could be used under near‐neutral conditions and even at pH* 9.1. A comparison between SDS–micellar electrokinetic chromatography and LMOG–CE under otherwise identical conditions revealed a significant superior separation on the LMOG‐filled capillaries.
Polyacrylamide grafted on multi‐walled carbon nanotubes for open‐tubular capillary electrochromatography: Comparison with silica hydride and polyacrylate phase matrices
Authors: Chen Jian‐Lian , Hsieh Kai‐Hsin
Published: November 2010

A new nanoparticle‐bound polymer stationary phase was prepared by in situ polymerization of methacrylamide (MAA), bis‐acrylamide crosslinker, and carboxylated multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (multi‐walled CNTs; MWNTs), using the abundant double bonds in the cyclopentadienyl rings in MWNT structure, on a silanized capillary. Each intermediate capillary between the synthesis steps was characterized by SEM, by ATR‐IR, and by EOF measurements varying the pH, concentration, and volumetric ratios of ACN in running buffers. The resulting EOF profile was comparable to those of two other capillaries with different phase matrices, silica hydride and polybutyl methacrylate (BMA) phases. With the complex functionality of MWNTs on the hydrophilic polyacrylamide network, the MAA‐CNT capillary was capable of separating diverse samples with a wide range of polarity and dissociation properties using open‐tubular CEC. Besides optimizing CEC conditions, the migration times of samples were analyzed with respect to velocity and retention factors to evaluate electrophoretic and chromatographic contributions to the CEC mechanism. The migration rates of benzoic acids were determined by the electrophoretic mobilities of the various phenolate ions, while phenolic aldehydes and ketones were additionally influenced by chromatographic interactions, such as π–π, electrostatic effects, hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic interactions. The retention factors were greater for flavonoids, which are polyphenolic, than for simple phenols, but were smaller than those obtained from the hydrophobic BMA‐CNT column. A complete well‐resolved separation of the cationic forms of tetracyclines was acheived either by electrophoresis or by chromatography in the MAA‐CNT capillary, but not in the BMA‐CNT and silica hydride‐CNT capillaries.
White LEDs as broad spectrum light sources for spectrophotometry: Demonstration in the visible spectrum range in a diode‐array spectrophotometric detector
Authors: Piasecki Tomasz , Breadmore Michael C. , Macka Mirek
Published: November 2010

Although traditional lamps, such as deuterium lamps, are suitable for bench‐top instrumentation, their compatibility with the requirements of modern miniaturized instrumentation is limited. This study investigates the option of utilizing solid‐state light source technology, namely white LEDs, as a broad band spectrum source for spectrophotometry. Several white light LEDs of both RGB and white phosphorus have been characterized in terms of their emission spectra and energy output and a white phosphorus Luxeon LED was then chosen for demonstration as a light source for visible‐spectrum spectrophotometry conducted in CE. The Luxeon LED was fixed onto the base of a dismounted deuterium (D2) lamp so that the light‐emitting spot was geometrically positioned exactly where the light‐emitting spot of the original D2 lamp is placed. In this manner, the detector of a commercial CE instrument equipped with a DAD was not modified in any way. As the detector hardware and electronics remained the same, the change of the deuterium lamp for the Luxeon white LED allowed a direct comparison of their performances. Several anionic dyes as model analytes with absorption maxima between 450 and 600 nm were separated by CE in an electrolyte of 0.01 mol/L sodium tetraborate. The absorbance baseline noise as the key parameter was 5× lower for the white LED lamp, showing clearly superior performance to the deuterium lamp in the available, i.e. visible part of the spectrum.
Promoted negative staining of proteins in SDS‐PAGE using Eosin B compounded with magnesium chloride
Authors: Wang Xu , Hwang Sun‐Young , Cong Wei‐Tao , Jin Li‐Tai , Choi Jung‐Kap
Published: November 2010

In this study, we describe an effective visualizing technique for proteins in SDS‐PAGE based on the organic dye, Eosin B, the sensitivity of which can be further strengthened by the addition of magnesium to the staining solution after electrophoresis. The newly developed protocol is low in cost and easily performed compared with the common methods for protein analysis in 1‐D and 2‐D gels. It provides a much better sensitivity (0.2 ng of single protein band) than that of imidazole–zinc negative stain for fixing and staining within 1 h, and an excellent performance in terms of compatibility with MALDI‐TOF MS. The results show that similar identification scores and numbers of matched peptides were obtained by both methods. Furthermore, the effects of different metal salts on the quality of protein visualization by Eosin B were also investigated. Because of its sensitivity, stability, and safety, this stain may be a more practical method for protein determination in the routine laboratory.
Application of carbon nanotubes for in‐capillary incubations with cytochrome P450 enzymes
Authors: Pauwels Jochen , Hoogmartens Jos , Van Schepdael Ann
Published: November 2010

The utility of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) to decrease the interaction between cytochrome P450 enzymes and the capillary wall during in‐capillary enzymatic incubation was investigated. First, 18 surfactants were screened to determine their MWNT‐dispersing capacity. A probe sonication procedure was developed in order to attain homogeneous MWNT dispersions within a reasonable time. Next, the influence of surfactants and MWNTs on P450 activity was studied, employing verapamil and CYP3A4 as model substrate and P450 isoform, respectively. MWNTs dispersed in Brij 35 did not affect CYP3A4 activity significantly and were selected for subsequent in‐capillary tests. An in‐line CE assay, involving electrophoretic mixing of reagents and zero potential amplification in the thermostatted part of the capillary, was developed. In‐capillary incubations without MWNTs caused adsorption of enzyme to the capillary wall and a concomitant decline of capillary lifetime, even when extensive between‐run rinsing was applied. Addition of MWNTs to the enzyme solution entailed substantial improvement of migration time and peak shape repeatability. The performance of three types of MWNTs was compared.
Feasibility of SU‐8‐based capillary electrophoresis‐electrospray ionization mass spectrometry microfluidic chips for the analysis of human cell lysates
Authors: Nordman Nina , Sikanen Tiina , Aura Susanna , Tuomikoski Santeri , Vuorensola Katariina , Kotiaho Tapio , Franssila Sami , Kostiainen Risto
Published: November 2010

Monolithically integrated, polymer (SU‐8) microchips comprising an electrophoretic separation unit, a sheath flow interface and an ESI emitter were developed to improve the speed and throughput of proteomics analyses. Validation of the microchip method was performed based on peptide mass fingerprinting and single peptide sequencing of selected protein standards. Rapid, yet reliable identification of four biologically important proteins (cytochrome C, β‐lactoglobulin, ovalbumin and BSA) confirmed the applicability of the SU‐8 microchips to ambitious proteomic applications and allowed their use in the analysis of human muscle cell lysates. The characteristic tryptic peptides were easily separated with plate numbers approaching 106, and with peak widths at half height as low as 0.6 s. The on‐chip sheath flow interface was also exploited to the introduction of an internal mass calibrant along with the sheath liquid which enabled accurate mass measurements by high‐resolution Q‐TOF MS. Additionally, peptide structural characterization and protein identification based on MS/MS fragmentation data of a single tryptic peptide was obtained using an ion trap instrument. Protein sequence coverages exceeding 50% were routinely obtained without any pretreatment of the proteolytic samples and a typical total analysis time from sampling to detection was well below ten minutes. In conclusion, monolithically integrated, dead‐volume‐free, SU‐8 microchips proved to be a promising platform for fast and reliable analysis of complex proteomic samples. Good analytical performance of the microchips was shown by performing both peptide mass fingerprinting of complex cell lysates and protein identification based on single peptide sequencing.
Evaluation of the polymorphic D‐loop of Columba livia in forensic applications
Authors: Lee James Chun‐I , Tsai Li‐Chin , Liao Shu‐Ping , Linacre Adrian , Hsieh Hsing‐Mei
Published: November 2010

We report on the polymorphisms exhibited by three hypervariable regions within the D‐loop of Columba livia (pigeon) mitochondrial DNA. A total of 131 samples were taken from 131 randomly selected birds and used in the analyses of SNPs, a variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) and an STR locus using CE. The number of repeats for the VNTR ranged from 2 to 8 producing 21 haplotypes, with 54 individuals exhibiting heteroplasmy. The STR locus exhibited multiple and continuous repeats within each individual and these patterns were not reproducible with individuals of the same maternal lineage, where different haplotypes were noted. Combining the SNP and VNTR loci produced 38 haplotypes, with the power of discrimination being 0.93. The polymorphic regions of D‐loop observed in this study are potential markers for maternal relationship identification.
Improved instrumentation for large‐size two‐dimensional protein maps
Authors: Millioni Renato , Miuzzo Manuela , Puricelli Lucia , Iori Elisabetta , Sbrignadello Stefano , Dosselli Ryan , Cecconi Daniela , Tessari Paolo , Righetti Pier Giorgio
Published: November 2010

Novel instrumentation for performing large‐size (>25 cm) 2‐D maps is reported here. To perform the first dimension, we developed a power supply that can deliver a voltage of up to 15 000 V and allows regulation of current (up to 200 μA) onto each individual focusing IPG strip. The IEF strip tray can accommodate up to 12 IPG strips and the electrodes slide on a ruler, thus permitting running strips of any length up to 45 cm. In addition, this apparatus also includes a second power supply that allows the performance of electrophoresis at high amperage (400 mA) and a Peltier system that allows a 10–80°C temperature control.
An interchangeable approach for modelling spatio‐temporal count data
Authors: Chiogna Monica , Gaetan Carlo
Published: November 2010

We describe a model‐based approach to analyse space–time count data. Such data can arise as a number of time series of counts, each representing a specific geographical area, i.e. as spatial time series, or as a number of spatial maps at different time points, i.e. as temporal spatial processes. We propose a Bayesian hierarchical formulation capable of embracing both cases, with principal kriging functions combined with latent parameters having prior distributions able to deal with spatial/temporal dependence. The methodology is applied to monitoring problems in environmental and epidemiological applications. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal ethanol exposure enhances NMDAR‐dependent long‐term potentiation in the adolescent female dentate gyrus
Authors: Titterness Andrea K. , Christie Brian R.
Published: November 2010

The dentate gyrus (DG) is a region of the hippocampus intimately involved with learning and memory. Prenatal exposure to either stress or ethanol can reduce long‐term potentiation (LTP) in the male hippocampus but there is little information on how these prenatal events affect LTP in the adolescent female hippocampus. Previous studies suggest that deleterious effects of PNEE can, in part, be mediated by corticosterone, suggesting that prenatal stress might further enhance any alterations to LTP induced PNEE. When animals were exposed to a combination of prenatal stress and PNEE distinct sex differences emerged. Exposure to ethanol throughout gestation significantly reduced DG LTP in adolescent males but enhanced LTP in adolescent females. Combined exposure to stress and ethanol in utero reduced the ethanol‐induced enhancement of LTP in females. On the other hand, exposure to stress and ethanol in utero did not alter the ethanol‐induced reduction of LTP in males. These results indicate that prenatal ethanol and prenatal stress produce sex‐specific alterations in synaptic plasticity in the adolescent hippocampus. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Inc.
Hippocampal gene profiling: Toward a systems biology of the hippocampus
Authors: Valor Luis M. , Barco Angel
Published: November 2010

Transcriptomics and proteomics approaches give a unique perspective for understanding brain and hippocampal functions but also pose unique challenges because of the singular complexity of the nervous system. The proliferation of genome‐wide expression studies during the last decade has provided important insight into the molecular underpinnings of brain anatomy, neural plasticity, and neurological diseases. Microarray technology has dominated transcriptomics research, but this situation is rapidly changing with the recent technological advances in high‐throughput sequencing. The full potential of transcriptomics in the neurosciences will be achieved as a result of its integration with other “‐omics” disciplines as well as the development of novel analytical bioinformatics and systems biology tools for meta‐analysis. Here, we review some of the most relevant advances in the gene profiling of the hippocampus, its relationship with proteomics approaches, and the promising perspectives for the future. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cellular basis of a rapid effect of mineralocorticosteroid receptors activation on LTP in ventral hippocampal slices
Authors: Maggio Nicola , Segal Menahem
Published: November 2010

The ventral hippocampus (VH) was recently shown to express lower magnitude LTP compared to the dorsal hippocampus (DH). Exposure to acute stress reversed this difference, and VH slices from stressed rats expressed larger LTP than that produced in the DH, which was reduced by stress. In an attempt to uncover the mechanisms responsible for this differential action, we found that activation of mineralocorticosteroid receptors (MR) by aldosterone mimics the effects of stress in the VH, to facilitate LTP. We also found that aldosterone reduces GABAergic inhibition in both the DH and VH. We now examined if the reduction in inhibition caused by MRs can underlie the altered LTP in the VH. Rat hippocampal slices were recorded before and after exposure to the GABA antagonist bicuculline and to aldosterone. As expected, blockade of GABA with bicuculline enhanced LTP in both DH and VH. However, its effect did not occlude that of aldosterone in the VH, indicating that the latter drug does not operate by blockade of inhibition. Furthermore, the NMDA receptor antagonist APV blocked LTP induced in the presence of bicuculline, but did not block LTP facilitation by aldosterone, indicating that the effect of aldosterone is not mediated by the conventional NMDA‐dependent LTP generating mechanism. Furthermore, rapid effects of aldosterone on LTP were blocked by the L‐type calcium channel antagonist nifedipine, indicating that aldosterone facilitates calcium influx via nifedipine‐sensitive channels, to enhance LTP in the VH. The locus of effect of aldosterone may be the presynaptic terminal, as it caused a marked facilitation of paired pulse potentiation in the VH but not in the DH. These experiments confirm and extend previous suggestions for the effects of MRs on neuronal plasticity in the hippocampus.© 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enhancement of AMPA currents and GluR1 membrane expression through PKA‐coupled adenosine A2Areceptors
Authors: Dias Raquel B. , Ribeiro Joaquim A. , Sebastião Ana M.
Published: November 2010

Phosphorylation of glutamate α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors by Protein Kinase A (PKA) is known to regulate AMPA receptor (AMPAR) trafficking and stabilization at the postsynaptic membrane, which in turn is one of the key mechanisms by which synaptic transmission and plasticity are tuned. However, not much is known as to how Gs‐coupled receptors contribute to endogenous PKA‐mediated regulation of AMPA receptor function. Here we report that activation of the excitatory A2Aadenosine receptor by 2‐[4‐(2‐p‐carboxyethyl)phenylamino]‐5′‐N‐ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (CGS 21680, 1–30 nM) facilitates AMPA‐evoked currents in CA1 pyramidal neurons, by a mechanism dependent on PKA activation, but not on protein synthesis. This modulation of AMPA currents was mimicked by forskolin (1 μM) and did not occur in stratum radiatum interneurons. Superfusion of the A2Areceptor agonist also caused an increase in the amplitude of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs), as well as in the membrane levels of GluR1 subunits phosphorylated at the PKA site (Ser845). The impact of this increase on GluR1‐containing AMPA receptor expression was evidenced by the potentiation of LTP at the CA3‐CA1 synapse that followed brief activation of A2Areceptors. We thus propose that in conditions of increased adenosine availability, A2Areceptor activation is responsible for setting part of the endogenous GluR1 Ser‐845 phosphorylation tonus and hence, the availability of the GluR1‐containing AMPA receptor extrasynaptic pool for synaptic insertion and reinforcement of synaptic strength. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spatial–temporal variations of methane emissions from the Ertan hydroelectric reservoir in southwest China
Authors: Zheng Hua , Zhao Xiaojie , Zhao Tongqian , Chen Falin , Xu Weihua , Duan Xiaonan , Wang Xiaoke , Ouyang Zhiyun
Published: November 2010

Methane emissions from hydroelectric reservoirs can comprise a considerable portion of anthropogenic methane. However, lack of data on CH4 emissions in different geographical regions and high spatial‐temporal variability in the emission rates of reservoirs has led to uncertainties regarding regional emission estimates of CH4. In the subtropical plateau climate region, we used the Ertan hydroelectric reservoir as a study area. The CH4 flux at the air‐water interface was assessed by floating chambers and factors influencing emissions, including the distance from the dam, water depth, seasonal variation in wet and dry season, air‐water temperature gradient and wind speed, and was also studied through a year‐long systematic sampling and monitoring experiment. The results showed that the surface of the reservoir was a source of CH4 during the sampling period and the annual average CH4 flux was 2·80 ± 1·52 mg m−2 d−1. CH4 flux (and its variation) was higher in the shallow water areas than in the deep‐water areas. CH4 flux near the dam was significantly higher than that of other locations farther from the dam in the dry season. The seasonal variations of CH4 emission in wet and dry seasons were minor and significant diurnal variations were observed in wet and dry seasons. Exponential relationships between the CH4 flux and air‐water temperature gradient were found. Air‐water temperature gradient was an important factor influencing diurnal variations of CH4 flux in the Ertan hydroelectric reservoir. These results indicate that systematic sampling is needed to better estimate CH4 flux through coverage of the spatial variation of different water depths, measuring‐point distance from the dam, seasonal variation in wet and dry seasons and changes in climate factors (such as air‐water temperature gradient). Our results also provide a fundamental parameter for CH4 emission estimation of global reservoirs. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alternative climate data sources for distributed hydrological modelling on a daily time step
Authors: El‐Sadek Ashraf , Bleiweiss Max , Shukla Manoj , Guldan Steve , Fernald Alexander
Published: November 2010

Two major criteria in choosing climate data for use in hydrological modelling are the period of record of the data set and the proximity of the collection platform(s) to the basin under study. Conventional data sets are derived from weather stations; however, in many cases there are no weather stations sufficiently close to a basin to be representative of climate conditions in that basin. In addition, it is often the case either that the period of record for the weather station(s) does not cover the period of the proposed simulation or that there are gaps in the data. Therefore, the objectives of this study are to investigate alternative climate data sources for use in hydrological modelling and to develop a protocol for creating hydrological data sets that are spatially and temporally harmonized. The methods we used for constructing daily, spatially distributed, climatic data sets of precipitation, maximum and minimum temperature, wind speed, solar radiation, potential evapotranspiration, and relative humidity are described. The model used in this study was the Soil and Water Assessment Tool implemented on the Mimbres River Basin located in southwestern New Mexico, USA, for the period 2003–2006. Our hydrological simulations showed that two events in January and February 2005 were missed, while an event in August 2006 was well simulated. We have also investigated the usefulness of several other precipitation data sets and compared the simulation results. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using field data to assess the effects of pesticides on crustacea in freshwater aquatic ecosystems and verifying the level of protection provided by water quality guidelines
Authors: Guy Martha , Singh Lucina , Mineau Pierre
Published: November 2010

The purpose of this study was to investigate how well single-species laboratory data predict real-world pesticide toxicity effects on Crustacea. Data from field pesticide exposures from experimental mesocosm and small pond studies were converted into toxicity units (TUs) by dividing measured pesticide concentrations by the L(E)C50 for Daphnia or acute 5% hazard concentration for Crustacea (HC5-C). The proportion of crustacean taxa significantly affected by the pesticide treatment, called the count ratio of effect, was used in logistic regression models. Of 200 possible logistic model combinations of the TUs, fate, physicochemical variables, and structural variables versus the count ratio of effect for the mesocosm data, the best model was found to incorporate log(TU HC5-C). This model was used to convert pesticide water quality guidelines from around the world into estimates of the proportion of crustacean taxa predicted to be impacted by exposure to a pesticide at the water quality guideline concentration. This analysis suggests 64% of long-term water quality guidelines and 88% of short-term pesticide water quality guidelines are not protective of the aquatic life they are designed to protect. We conclude that empirically derived data from mesocosm studies should be incorporated into water quality guideline derivation for pesticides where available. Also, interspecific differences in susceptibility should be accounted for more accurately to ensure water quality guidelines are adequately protective against the adverse effects of pesticide exposure. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2011;7:426–436. © 2011 SETAC
Regulation of Dab2 expression in intestinal and renal epithelia by development
Authors: Vázquez‐Carretero María D. , García‐Miranda Pablo , Calonge María L. , Peral María J. , Ilundáin Anunciación A.
Published: November 2010

Disabled‐2 (Dab2) is an intracellular adaptor protein proposed to function in endocytosis. Here, we investigate the intestinal and renal Dab2 expression versus maturation. Dab2 mRNA levels measured by RT‐PCR are greater in the small than in the large intestine. Immunological studies localize Dab2 to the terminal web domain of the enterocytes and reveal the presence of a 96‐kDa Dab2 isoform in the apical membrane of the jejunum, ileum, and renal cortex of the suckling and adult rat. A 69‐kDa Dab2 isoform is only observed in the apical membranes of the suckling ileum. During the suckling period, the Dab2 mRNA levels measured in the enterocytes and crypts and those of the 96‐kDa Dab2 isoform are greater in the ileum than in the jejunum. No segmental differences are observed in the adult intestine. In the intestine, the levels of Dab2 mRNA and those of the 96‐kDa Dab2 isoform decrease to adult values at weaning, whereas in the kidney they increase with development. Weaning the pups on a commercial milk diet slows the periweaning decline in the levels of Dab2 mRNA in the crypts and of those of the 96‐kDa isoform. This is the first report showing that the 96‐kDa Dab2 isoform is expressed at the apical domain of rat small intestine, that ontogeny regulates Dab2 gene expression in intestine and kidney and that retarding weaning affects intestinal Dab2 gene expression. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 354–361, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Urotensin II receptor predicts the clinical outcome of prostate cancer patients and is involved in the regulation of motility of prostate adenocarcinoma cells
Authors: Grieco Paolo , Franco Renato , Bozzuto Giuseppina , Toccacieli Laura , Sgambato Alessandro , Marra Monica , Zappavigna Silvia , Migaldi Mario , Rossi Giulio , Striano Stefano , Marra Luigi , Gallo Luigi , Cittadini Achille , Botti Gerardo , Novellino Ettore , Molinari Agnese , Budillon Alfredo , Caraglia Michele
Published: November 2010

Urotensin II (UT‐II) is a potent vasoconstrictor peptide and its receptor (UTR) was correlated with human cortico‐adrenal carcinoma proliferation. In this study, we have evaluated the correlation between UTR expression and prognosis of human prostate adenocarcinoma and the involvement of this receptor in the regulation of biological properties on both in vivo and in vitro models. UTR mRNA and protein, evaluated by real‐time PCR and Western blotting, respectively, were expressed at high levels only in androgen‐dependent LNCaP cells. In order to investigate UTR changes occurring in human prostate tumorigenesis, we have also evaluated the expression of UTR in vivo in 195 human prostate tissue samples. UTR was always expressed at low intensity in hyperplastic tissues and at high intensity in well‐differentiated carcinomas (Gleason 2–3). Moreover, we have evaluated the effects of an antagonist of UTR, urantide on migration and invasion of LNCaP cells. Urantide induced a dose‐dependent decrease of motility and invasion of LNCaP cells whose characteristic ameboid movement seems to be advantageous for their malignancy. These effects were paralleled by down‐regulating the autophosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase and the integrin surface expression on LNCaP cells. The effects on cell motility and invasion were likely due to the inhibition of RhoA activity induced by both urantide and shRNA UTR. These data suggest that UTR can be considered a prognostic marker in human prostate adenocarcinoma patients. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 341–353, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lessons learned from implementation of a computerized application for pending tests at hospital discharge
Authors: Dalal Anuj K. , Poon Eric G. , Karson Andrew S. , Gandhi Tejal K. , Roy Christopher L.
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND:

Patients are often discharged from the hospital before test results are finalized. Awareness of these results is poor and therefore an important patient safety concern. Few computerized systems have been deployed at care transitions to address this problem. We describe an attempt to implement a computerized application to help inpatient physicians manage these test results.

METHODS:

We modified an ambulatory electronic medical record (EMR)‐based results management application to track pending tests at hospital discharge (Hospitalist Results Manager, HRM). We trained inpatient physicians at 2 academic medical centers to track these tests using this application. We surveyed inpatient physicians regarding usage of and satisfaction with the application, barriers to use, and the characteristics of an ideal system to track pending tests at discharge.

RESULTS:

Of 29 survey respondents, 14 (48%) reported never using HRM, and 13 (45%) used it 1 to 2 times per week. A total of 23 (79%) reported barriers prohibiting use, including being inundated with clinically “irrelevant” results, not having sufficient time, and a lack of integration of post‐discharge test result management into usual workflow. Twenty‐one (72%) wanted to receive notification of abnormal and clinician‐designated pending test results. Twenty‐seven physicians (93%) agreed that an ideally designed computerized application would be valuable for managing pending tests at discharge.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although inpatient physicians would highly value a computerized application to manage pending tests at discharge, the characteristics of an ideal system are unclear and there are important barriers prohibiting adoption and optimal usage of such systems. We outline suggestions for future electronic systems to manage pending tests at discharge. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2011. © 2010 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Sampling procedure simulating on‐the‐go sensing for soil nutrients
Authors: Schirrmann Michael , Domsch Horst
Published: November 2010

The emergence of a new sensor technology based on the use of ion‐selective membranes provides an increasing number of opportunities for on‐the‐go field measurements of soil nutrients and soil pH. In the future, on‐the‐go sensing should provide a cost‐effective monitoring of heterogeneous soils with high sampling resolution. It is suitable for site‐specific management because it can be focused on the spatial representativity of observation. This study evaluates the on‐the‐go‐sensing sampling design by comparing it with a standard approach to soil sampling for soil pH and the base nutrients P, K, and Mg under local field conditions in Germany. Soil samples were taken in two test sites at a resolution and in a manner as if they were sampled with an on‐the‐go sensing system and were compared with soil samples taken at a coarser resolution and with standard methods. In general, a higher variability was observed among the on‐the‐go samples due to their smaller sample support. The finer sampling resolution of the on‐the‐go design improved field‐scale semivariogram‐analysis results, identifying the spatial structures for soil pH, P, and Mg clearly. In addition, kriged maps of these soil parameters had predominantly higher estimation accuracies. However, the on‐the‐go samples were strongly influenced by the small‐scale variability of K in one of the test sites. This variability increased the kriging standard deviation for K by 50% compared with standard sampling design. Despite of this problem, the on‐the‐go‐sensing sampling design revealed field‐scale spatial variability for base nutrient status more accurately. Except for K, the mean absolute error of fertilizer‐application maps was reduced when using the on‐the‐go sample design in comparison with the standard sample design (Ca: 210/268 kg ha–1, P: 2.85/6.75 kg ha–1, K: 13.7/6.0 kg ha–1, Mg 5.7/6.8 kg ha–1). This will reduce over‐ and underfertilization using variable‐rate fertilizer‐application systems. In the future, it will be of interest if real on‐the‐go soil‐sensor measurements exhibit the same variability behavior addressed here or if results will differ substantially.
A critical evaluation of multi‐proxy dendroclimatology in northern Finland
Authors: McCarroll Danny , Tuovinen Mervi , Campbell Rochelle , Gagen Mary , Grudd Håkan , Jalkanen Risto , Loader Neil J. , Robertson Iain
Published: November 2010

Twentieth‐century summer (July–August) temperatures in northern Finland are reconstructed using ring widths, maximum density and stable carbon isotope ratios (δ13C) of Scots pine tree rings, and using combinations of these proxies. Verification is based on the coefficient of determination (r2), reduction of error (RE) and coefficient of efficiency (CE) statistics. Of the individual proxies, δ13C performs best, followed by maximum density. Combining δ13C and maximum density strengthens the climate signal but adding ring widths leads to little improvement. Blue intensity, an inexpensive alternative to X‐ray densitometry, is shown to perform similarly. Multi‐proxy reconstruction of summer temperatures from a single site produces strong correlations with gridded climate data over most of northern Fennoscandia. Since relatively few trees are required (<15) the approach could be applied to long sub‐fossil chronologies where replication may be episodically low. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative structure–property relationship modeling of water‐to‐wet butyl acetate partition coefficient of 76 organic solutes using multiple linear regression and artificial neural network
Authors: Dashtbozorgi Zahra , Golmohammadi Hassan
Published: November 2010

The main aim of this study was the development of a quantitative structure–property relationship method using an artificial neural network (ANN) for predicting the water‐to‐wet butyl acetate partition coefficients of organic solutes. As a first step, a genetic algorithm‐multiple linear regression model was developed; the descriptors appearing in this model were considered as inputs for the ANN. These descriptors are principal moment of inertia C (IC), area‐weighted surface charge of hydrogen‐bonding donor atoms (HACA‐2), Kier and Hall index (order 2) (2χ), Balaban index (J), minimum bond order of a C atom (PC) and relative negative‐charged SA (RNCS). Then a 6‐4‐1 neural network was generated for the prediction of water‐to‐wet butyl acetate partition coefficients of 76 organic solutes. By comparing the results obtained from multiple linear regression and ANN models, it can be seen that statistical parameters (Fisher ratio, correlation coefficient and standard error) of the ANN model are better than that regression model, which indicates that nonlinear model can simulate the relationship between the structural descriptors and the partition coefficients of the investigated molecules more accurately.
Frequency and severity approaches to indexing exposure to trauma: The Critical Incident History Questionnaire for police officers
Authors: Weiss Daniel S. , Brunet Alain , Best Suzanne R. , Metzler Thomas J. , Liberman Akiva , Pole Nnamdi , Fagan Jeffrey A. , Marmar Charles R.
Published: November 2010

The Critical Incident History Questionnaire indexes cumulative exposure to traumatic incidents in police by examining incident frequency and rated severity. In over 700 officers, event severity was negatively correlated (rs = −.61) with frequency of exposure. Cumulative exposure indices that varied emphasis on frequency and severity—using both nomothetic and idiographic methods—all showed satisfactory psychometric properties and similar correlates. All indices were only modestly related to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Ratings of incident severity were not influenced by whether officers had ever experienced the incident. Because no index summarizing cumulative exposure to trauma had superior validity, our findings suggest that precision is not increased if frequency is weighted by severity.
Dissemination of evidence‐based psychological treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder in the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Karlin Bradley E. , Ruzek Josef I. , Chard Kathleen M. , Eftekhari Afsoon , Monson Candice M. , Hembree Elizabeth A. , Resick Patricia A. , Foa Edna B.
Published: November 2010

Unlike the post‐Vietnam era, effective, specialized treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) now exist, although these treatments have not been widely available in clinical settings. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is nationally disseminating 2 evidence‐based psychotherapies for PTSD throughout the VA health care system. The VA has developed national initiatives to train mental health staff in the delivery of Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure therapy (PE) and has implemented a variety of strategies to promote local implementation. In this article, the authors examine VA's national CPT and PE training initiatives and report initial patient, therapist, and system‐level program evaluation results. Key issues, lessons learned, and next steps for maximizing impact and sustainability are also addressed.
Continuing land degradation: Cause–effect in Ethiopia's Central Rift Valley
Authors: Meshesha D. T. , Tsunekawa A. , Tsubo M.
Published: November 2010

The Central Rift Valley (CRV) is one of the most environmentally vulnerable areas of Ethiopia. Most of the lowland in the CRV is arid or semiarid, and droughts occur frequently. We studied the dynamics of land use and cover and land degradation by analyzing Landsat data from 1973, 1985, and 2006 using Geographic Information Systems and remote sensing techniques. The analysis revealed that in the last 30 years, water bodies, forest, and woodland decreased by 15·3, 66·3, and 69·2 per cent, respectively; intensive cultivation, mixed cultivation/woodland, and degraded land increased by 34·5, 79·7, and 200·7 per cent. The major causes of land use and cover change (LUCC) and land degradation in the area were population and livestock growth in regions of limited resources, unsustainable farming techniques, the Ethiopian land tenure system and poverty. Lake level and area decline, and accelerated land degradation are the major environmental impacts of LUCC observed in the CRV. The environmental and socio‐economic consequences of LUCC and land degradation are far‐reaching. As a result of the expansion of land degradation over time, agricultural productivity has decreased and worsened food insecurity (shortages) and poverty in the Ethiopian CRV. In addition, if current trends in LUCC continue, Lake Abiyata will dry up by 2021. A detailed study of the degradation amount in relation to soil erosion, sediment yield to the lakes and catchment characteristics should be made using adaptable models; so as to guide the implementation of comprehensive and sustainable land use management by giving more attention to erosion prone areas. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seeding and mulching + seeding effects on post‐fire runoff, soil erosion and species diversity in Galicia (NW Spain)
Authors: Fernández C. , Vega J.A. , Jiménez E. , Vieira D.C.S. , Merino A. , Ferreiro A. , Fonturbel T.
Published: November 2010

The effects of two different soil rehabilitation treatments on runoff, infiltration, erosion and species diversity were evaluated in a shrubland area in Galicia (NW Spain) after an experimental fire by means of rainfall simulations. The treatments compared were: seeding, seeding + mulching and control (untreated). Rainfall simulations were conducted 9 months after fire and the application of soil rehabilitation treatments. A rainfall rate of 67 mm h−1 was applied for 30 min to each runoff plot. Seeding significantly increased plant species richness in the treated plots relative to the control plots, although it had no effect on diversity or evenness. Rehabilitation treatments did not significantly increase soil cover or affect runoff and infiltration. Soil losses were low in all cases, varying from 75·6 kg ha−1 in the seeded + mulched plots to 212·1 kg ha−1 in the untreated plots. However, there were no significant differences in sediment yields between treatments. The percentage of bare soil appeared to be a critical variable in controlling runoff and erosion. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of Water Soluble, Biodegradable, and Electroactive Polysaccharide Crosslinker with Aldehyde and Carboxylic Groups for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Wang Qian , He Wen , Huang Junqi , Liu Siwei , Wu Guifu , Teng Wei , Wang Qinmei , Dong Yugang
Published: November 2010

We report the synthesis and characterization of a polysaccharide crosslinker of tetraaniline grafting oxidized sodium alginate with large aldehyde and carboxylic groups. We demonstrate that this copolymer has the following properties: it is water soluble under any pH, biodegradable, electroactive, and noncytotoxic; it can self‐assemble into nanoparticles with large active functional groups on the outer surface; it can crosslink materials with amino and aminoderivative groups like gelatin to form hydrogels, and thus the electroactivity is readily introduced to the materials. This copolymer has potential applications in biomedical fields such as tissue engineering, drug delivery, and nerve probes where electroactivity is required.

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Enhanced Photoluminescence, Mesomorphism and Conformation of Liquid‐Crystalline Conjugated Polymers with Terphenyl Mesogen Pendants
Authors: Chen Lie , Chen Yiwang , Zhou Dan , Li Fan , Zha Daijun , Yao Kai
Published: November 2010

A variety of LCCPs containing terphenyl pendants based on polyacetylene, polythiophene, poly(p‐phenylene) and a poly(p‐phenylene) copolymer backbone have been synthesized. The effects of the structural variation on their properties, especially their mesomorphism, photoluminescence and secondary structures, were studied systematically. Longer alkoxy spacer favor stronger light emission and better mesomorphism. Disubstituted polyacetylenes show better developed mesomorphic textures, higher quantum yields and better thermal stability than their corresponding monosubstituted analogs. Steric effects and the “jacket‐ effect” from the mesogens cause the bulky terphenyl mesogen pendants to rotate around the main chain and force the main chain to assume a spiral conformation along the main chain in long range.

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