bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Structure of Heterodinuclear Rhodium and Iridium Borylene Complexes
Authors: Braunschweig Holger , Forster Melanie , Seeler Fabian
Published: November 2008

Herein we report on the synthesis and structural characterization of a representative range of novel heterodinuclear bridging rhodium and iridium borylene complexes. The iridium borylene complexes feature an unusual coordination mode of the borylene ligand. Furthermore, the first instance of a heterodinuclear‐bridged borylene compound containing a chromium atom in the three‐membered ring is reported.
Direct Electrodeposition of Porous Gold Nanowire Arrays for Biosensing Applications
Authors: Zhang Xinyi , Li Dan , Bourgeois Laure , Wang Huanting , Webley Paul A.
Published: November 2008

Nanochannel alumina templates are used as templates for fabrication of porous gold nanowire arrays by a direct electrodeposition method. After modification with glucose oxidase, a porous gold nanowire‐array electrode is shown to be an excellent electrochemical biosensor for the detection of glucose. The picture shows an SEM image of a nanowire array after removal of the alumina template by acid dissolution.

magnified image

We report the fabrication of porous gold nanowire arrays by means of a one‐step electrodeposition method utilizing nanochannel alumina templates. The microstructure of gold nanowires depends strongly on the current density. The formation of porous gold nanowires is attributed to disperse crystallization under conditions of low nucleation rate. Interfacial electron transport through the porous gold nanowires is studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Cyclic voltammetric studies on the porous gold nanowire arrays reveal a low‐potential electrocatalytic response towards hydrogen peroxide. The properties of the glucose oxidase modified porous gold nanowire array electrode are elucidated and compared with those of nonporous enzyme electrodes. The glucose oxidase modified porous gold nanowire‐array electrode is shown to be an excellent electrochemical biosensor for the detection of glucose.
Long‐term data collection at USDA experimental sites for studies of ecohydrology
Authors: Moran M. Susan , Peters Debra P. C. , McClaran Mitchel P. , Nichols Mary H. , Adams Mary B.
Published: November 2008

The science of ecohydrology is characterized by feedbacks, gradual trends and extreme events that are best revealed with long‐term experimental studies of hydrological processes and biological communities. In this review, we identified 81 US Department of Agriculture (USDA) experimental watersheds, forests and ranges with data records of more than 20 years measuring important ecosystem dynamics such as variations in vegetation, precipitation, climate, runoff, water quality and soil moisture. Through a series of examples, we showed how USDA long‐term data have been used to understand key ecohydrological issues, including (1) time lag between cause and effects, (2) critical thresholds and cyclic trends, (3) context of rare and extreme events and (4) mechanistic feedbacks for simulation modelling. New analyses of network‐wide, long‐term data from USDA experimental sites were used to illustrate the potential for multi‐year, multi‐site ecohydrological research. Three areas of investigation were identified to best exploit the unique spatial distribution and long‐term data of USDA experimental sites: convergence, cumulative synthesis and autocorrelation. This review underscored the need for continuous, interdisciplinary data records spanning more than 20 years across a wide range of ecosystems within and outside the conterminous USA to address major crosscutting problems facing ecohydrology. Conversely, the heightened interest in ecohydrology has impacted USDA experimental sites by encouraging new long‐term data collection efforts and adapting existing long‐term data collection networks to address new science issues. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sphagnum under pressure: towards an ecohydrological approach to examining Sphagnum productivity
Authors: Thompson D. K. , Waddington J. M.
Published: November 2008

The genus Sphagnum is the key peat‐forming bryophyte in boreal ecosystems. Relying entirely on passive capillary action for water transport, soil moisture is often the limiting factor in Sphagnum production, and hence peat accumulation. While several hydrological models of peat physics and peatland water movement exist, these models do not readily interface with observations and models of peatland carbon accumulation. A conflict of approaches exists, where hydrological studies primarily utilize variables such as hydraulic head, while ecological models of Sphagnum growth adopt the coarse hydrological variables of water table (WT), volumetric water content (VWC) or gravimetric water content (WC). This review examines the potential of soil pressure head as a measurement to link the hydrological and ecological functioning of Sphagnum in peatlands. The non‐vascular structure of Sphagnum mosses and the reliance on external capillary transport of water in the mosses make them an ideal candidate for this approach. The main advantage of pressure head is the ability to mechanistically link plot‐scale hydrology to cellular‐scale water requirements and carbon exchange. Measurement of pressure head may improve photosynthetic process representation in the next generation of peatland models. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative metabolite profiling of carboxylic acids in rat urine by CE‐ESI MS/MS through positively pre‐charged and 2H‐coded derivatization
Authors: Yang Wen‐Chu , Regnier Fred E. , Adamec Jiri
Published: November 2008

A new approach to the selective comparative metabolite profiling of carboxylic acids in rat urine was established using CE‐MS and a method for positively pre‐charged and 2H‐coded derivatization. Novel derivatizing reagents, N‐alkyl‐4‐aminomethyl‐pyridinum iodide (alkyl=butyl, butyl‐d9 or hexyl), containing quaternary amine and stable‐isotope atoms (deuterium), were introduced for the derivatization of carboxylic acids. CE separation in positive polarity showed high reproducibility (0.99–1.32% RSD of migration time) and eliminated problems with capillary coating known in CE‐MS anion analyses. Essentially complete ionization and increased hydrophobicity after the derivatization also enhanced MS detection sensitivity (e.g. formic acid was detected at 0.5 pg). Simultaneous derivatization of one sample using two structurally similar reagents, N‐butyl‐4‐aminomethyl‐pyridinum iodide (BAMP) and N‐hexyl‐4‐aminomethyl‐pyridinum iodide, provided additional information for recognizing a carboxylic acid in an unknown sample. Moreover, characteristic fragmentation acquired by online CE‐MS/MS allowed for identification and categorization of carboxylic acids. Applying this method on rat urine, we found 59 ions matching the characteristic patterns of carboxylic acids. From these 59, 32 ions were positively identified and confirmed with standards. For comparative analysis, 24 standard carboxylic acids were derivatized by chemically identical but isotopically distinct BAMP and N‐butyl‐d9‐4‐aminomethyl‐pyridinium iodide, and their derivatization limits and linearity ranges were determined. Comparative analysis was also performed on two individual urine samples derivatized with BAMP and N‐butyl‐d9‐4‐aminomethyl‐pyridinium iodide. The metabolite profiling variation between these two samples was clearly visualized.
Identification of inorganic ions in post‐blast explosive residues using portable CE instrumentation and capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection
Authors: Hutchinson Joseph P. , Johns Cameron , Breadmore Michael C. , Hilder Emily F. , Guijt Rosanne M. , Lennard Chris , Dicinoski Greg , Haddad Paul R.
Published: November 2008

Novel CE methods have been developed on portable instrumentation adapted to accommodate a capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detector for the separation and sensitive detection of inorganic anions and cations in post‐blast explosive residues from homemade inorganic explosive devices. The methods presented combine sensitivity and speed of analysis for the wide range of inorganic ions used in this study. Separate methods were employed for the separation of anions and cations. The anion separation method utilised a low conductivity 70 mM Tris/70 mM CHES aqueous electrolyte (pH 8.6) with a 90 cm capillary coated with hexadimethrine bromide to reverse the EOF. Fifteen anions could be baseline separated in 7 min with detection limits in the range 27–240 μg/L. A selection of ten anions deemed most important in this application could be separated in 45 s on a shorter capillary (30.6 cm) using the same electrolyte. The cation separation method was performed on a 73 cm length of fused‐silica capillary using an electrolyte system composed of 10 mM histidine and 50 mM acetic acid, at pH 4.2. The addition of the complexants, 1 mM hydroxyisobutyric acid and 0.7 mM 18‐crown‐6 ether, enhanced selectivity and allowed the separation of eleven inorganic cations in under 7 min with detection limits in the range 31–240 μg/L. The developed methods were successfully field tested on post‐blast residues obtained from the controlled detonation of homemade explosive devices. Results were verified using ion chromatographic analyses of the same samples.
CE with on‐line detection by ICP‐MS for studying the competitive binding of zinc against cadmium for glutathione
Authors: Li Yan , Liu Jing‐Min , Xia Yun‐Long , Jiang Yan , Yan Xiu‐Ping
Published: November 2008

Development of a feasible method for studying the competitive interaction between a pair of antagonists is essential for understanding the antagonism of trace metals in biological systems. Herein, we report the application of CE on‐line coupled with ICP mass spectroscopy (CE‐ICP‐MS) to investigate the competitive binding of Zn2+ against Cd2+ for glutathione (GSH), which is related to the detoxification of Cd2+ in biological system, and introduce a method to evaluate the kinetics and thermodynamics for the competitive binding of Zn2+ against Cd2+ for GSH. The CE‐ICP‐MS hybrid technique allows easy and sensitive probing of the competitive binding of Zn2+ against Cd2+ for GSH and quantitative determination of the important thermodynamic and kinetic parameters of the competitive binding of Zn2+ against Cd2+ for GSH. Owing to the high sensitivity and element selectivity with multi‐elements detection capacity of ICP‐MS, we detailed the evaluation of the kinetics and thermodynamics describing the competition of Zn2+ against Cd2+ for GSH from the systematic data obtained by CE‐ICP‐MS. The competitive binding of Zn2+ against Cd2+ for GSH was demonstrated exothermic and thermodynamically favorable (ΔG=−7.2 kJ/mol) and driven entirely by a large favorable enthalpy decrease (ΔH=−15.1 kJ/mol) but with an unfavorable entropy decrease (ΔS=−25.6 J/mol/K). The kinetic data were fit to a second‐order equation with the reaction rate constant (k) of (2.18±0.10)×102 L/(mol·s) under the simulated physiological condition.
Chemometric resolution of fully overlapped CE peaks: Quantitation of carbamazepine in human serum in the presence of several interferences
Authors: Vera‐Candioti Luciana , Culzoni María J. , Olivieri Alejandro C. , Goicoechea Héctor C.
Published: November 2008

Drug monitoring in serum samples was performed using second‐order data generated by CE‐DAD, processed with a suitable chemometric strategy. Carbamazepine could be accurately quantitated in the presence of its main metabolite (carbamazepine epoxide), other therapeutic drugs (lamotrigine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, phenylephrine, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, theophylline, caffeine, acetyl salicylic acid), and additional serum endogenous components. The analytical strategy consisted of the following steps: (i) serum sample clean‐up to remove matrix interferences, (ii) data pre‐processing, in order to reduce the background and to correct for electrophoretic time shifts, and (iii) resolution of fully overlapped CE peaks (corresponding to carbamazepine, its metabolite, lamotrigine and unexpected serum components) by the well‐known multivariate curve resolution‐alternating least squares algorithm, which extracts quantitative information that can be uniquely ascribed to the analyte of interest. The analyte concentration in serum samples ranged from 2.00 to 8.00 mg/L. Mean recoveries were 102.6% (s=7.7) for binary samples, and 94.8% (s=13.5) for spiked serum samples, while CV (%)=4.0 was computed for five replicate, indicative of the acceptable accuracy and precision of the proposed method.
Opposing mixed convection and its interaction with radiation inside eccentric horizontal cylindrical annulus
Authors: Sarkar Anjan , Mahapatra S. K. , Sarkar A.
Published: November 2008

In the present investigation, the coupled phenomenon of opposing mixed convection and radiation within differentially heated eccentric horizontal cylindrical annulus has been numerically simulated. The radiation transfer contributed from the participating medium is obtained by solving the nonlinear integro‐differential radiative transfer equation using discrete ordinate method. The participating gray medium is considered to be emitting, absorbing and isotropically scattering. The walls of the annulus are considered to be opaque, diffuse and gray. In the study it has been observed that the Richardson number ‘Ri’ has a small effect on the total Nusselt number ‘Nu’ in mixed convection heat transfer with or without radiation. From the present investigation it is found that substantial changes occur in isotherms as well as in flow patterns, when the Richardson number is allowed to vary in the range of 0.01–1. The influence of radiative parameters on the interaction phenomenon has been delineated through isotherm and streamline pattern. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Benzofuranoid and Two Clerodane Diterpenoids from Pulicaria wightiana
Authors: Venkateswarlu Katta , Satyalakshmi Gandham , Suneel Kanaparthy , Reddy Thummala Sreenivasulu , Raju Tuniki Venugopal , Das Biswanath
Published: November 2008

Methyl 5‐formyl‐1‐benzofuran‐6‐carboxylate (1) and the two clerodane diterpenes, methyl 6‐oxocleroda‐3,13‐dien‐15,16‐olid‐18‐oate (2) and 2β‐(2‐methylbutanoyl)cleroda‐3,13‐dien‐15,16‐olid‐18‐oic acid (3), together with 15 known compounds, were isolated from the aerial parts of Pulicaria wightiana. The structures of the new compounds 1, 2, and 3 were established by spectroscopic (mainly 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR) methods.
Synthesis and Characterization of New Binaphthyl‐Linked Phenanthroline‐, Bipyridine‐, or Pyridine‐Derived Ligands, and the Study of Their Cytotoxic Activity
Authors: Beynek Nesrin , Uluçam Gühergül , Benkli Kadriye , Koparal Ays̨e Tansu
Published: November 2008

In the present work, we describe the synthesis and characterization of five new versatile acyclic or macrocyclic ligands containing binaphthyl‐linked pyridine, bipyridine, or phenanthroline groups in their framework (see Schemes 1–4). The structures of the ligands were elucidated on the basis of elemental analyses, IR, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, and FAB mass spectra. The cytotoxicity of these compounds was tested in vitro by using the tetrazolium salt reduction (MTT) assay on A549 (human lung carcinoma epithelial like) cells. All of the tested compounds induced time‐ and concentration‐dependent cytotoxic effect.
Chemical Constituents from Myrsine africana L.
Authors: Zou Yan‐Ping , Tan Chang‐Heng , Wang Bao‐De , Zhu Da‐Yuan , Kim Se‐Kwon
Published: November 2008

Three new compounds, myrsinoside A (=2,4‐dihydroxy‐6‐methylphenyl β‐D‐(6′‐galloyl)glucopyranoside; 1), myrsinoside B (2,4‐dihydroxy‐6‐methylphenyl β‐D‐glucopyranoside; 2), and (3β,16α,20α)‐3,16,28‐trihydroxyolean‐12‐en‐29‐oic acid 3‐{O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐O‐[β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→4)]‐α‐L‐arabinopyranoside} (3), along with four known compounds, were isolated from the stems of Myrsine africana L. The structures of these new compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis, including 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR and ESI‐MS techniques, and chemical methods.
Rapidly increasing incidence of papillary serous carcinoma of the peritoneum in the United States: Fact or artifact?
Authors: Goodman Marc T. , Shvetsov Yurii B.
Published: November 2008

Papillary serous carcinoma of the peritoneum (PSCP) has been recognized for almost 5 decades, but little is known about the etiology or pathogenesis of this uncommon malignancy. The objective of this analysis was to examine trends in the incidence of PSCP in the United States. Invasive PSCP cases (N = 4,389) were identified through 24 population‐based registries in the United States during the period 1995‐2004. Incidence rates were calculated per million population. PSCP is a disease of older women, with few cases diagnosed before the age of 40 years. The incidence of PSCP was 64% lower among black women and 47% lower among Asian‐Pacific Islander women compared with white women. Rates among Hispanic women were 39% lower than among non‐Hispanic women. The majority of PSCP (68%) was diagnosed at a distant stage, underscoring the difficulty of diagnosing this malignancy. The incidence of PSCP has increased dramatically during the past decade in the United States with the greatest rise (>13% per year) among non‐Hispanic and white women. This trend was more pronounced among older women and women with early stage disease. The incidence of PSCP shows substantial racial and ethnic diversity. The increase in the rate of PSCP among all racial and ethnic groups during the 10‐year observation period is cause for some alarm. Although the reason for this temporal trend is unknown, some of the increase may be attributable to reclassification of ovarian carcinoma to the peritoneum. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular mechanisms involved in activity of h7C10, a humanized monoclonal antibody, to IGF‐1 receptor
Authors: Broussas Matthieu , Dupont Joëlle , Gonzalez Alexandra , Blaecke Aline , Fournier Mathilde , Corvaïa Nathalie , Goetsch Liliane
Published: November 2008

IGF‐1 receptor (IGF‐1R) plays a key role in the development of numerous tumors. Blockade of IGF‐1R axis using monoclonal antibodies constitutes an interesting approach to inhibit tumor growth. We have previously shown that h7C10, a humanized anti–IGF‐1R Mab, exhibited potent antitumor activity in vivo. However, mechanisms of action of h7C10 are still unknown. Here, we showed that h7C10 inhibited IGF‐1–induced IGF‐1R phosphorylation in a dose‐dependent manner. Also, h7C10 abolished IGF‐1–induced activation of PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathways. Cell cycle progression and colony formation were affected in the presence of h7C10 probably because of the inhibition of IGF‐1–induced cyclin D1 and E expression. In addition, we demonstrated that h7C10 induced a rapid IGF‐1R internalization leading to an accumulation into cytoplasm resulting in receptor degradation. Using lysosome and proteasome inhibitors, we observed that the IGF‐1R α‐ and β‐chains could follow different degradation routes. Thus, we demonstrated that antitumoral properties of h7C10 are the result of IGF‐1–induced cell signaling inhibition and down‐regulation of IGF‐1R level suggesting that h7C10 could be a candidate for therapeutic applications. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Compact spheroid formation by ovarian cancer cells is associated with contractile behavior and an invasive phenotype
Authors: Sodek Katharine L. , Ringuette Maurice J. , Brown Theodore J.
Published: November 2008

Ovarian cancer cells are present in malignant ascites both as individual cells and as multicellular spheroid aggregates. Although spheroid formation affords protection of cancer cells against some chemotherapeutic agents, it has not been established whether a relationship exists between invasive behavior and predisposition to spheroid formation. Aspects of spheroid formation, including cell‐matrix adhesion, remodeling and contractility are characteristic myofibroblast‐like behaviors associated with fibrosis that contribute to tumor growth and dissemination. We explored the possibility that cell behaviors that promote spheroid formation also facilitate invasion. Our analysis of 6 human ovarian cancer cell lines indicated that ovarian cancer cells possessing myofibroblast‐like properties formed compact spheroids and invaded 3D matrices. These cells readily contracted collagen I gels, possessed a spindle‐like morphology, and had elevated expression of genes associated with the TGFβ‐mediated fibrotic response and/or β1 integrin function, including fibronectin (FN), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2), lysyl oxidase (LOX1), tissue transglutaminase 2 (TGM2) and urinary plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR). Whereas cell aggregation was induced by TGFβ, and by β1‐integrin overexpression and activation, these treatments did not stimulate the contractile activity required for spheroid compaction. The positive relationship found between compact spheroid formation and invasive behavior implies a preferential survival of an invasive subpopulation of ovarian cancer cells, as cells in spheroids are more resistant to several chemotherapeutics. Preventing the formation of ovarian cancer spheroids may represent a novel strategy to improve the efficacy of existing therapeutics. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Climate prediction for Brazil's Nordeste by empirical and numerical modeling methods
Authors: Hastenrath Stefan , Sun Liqiang , Moura Antonio Divino
Published: November 2008

Climate prediction for Brazil's Nordeste meaningfully uses information through January to forecast the rainfall of March–June. Empirical methods developed at the University of Wisconsin use as predictors preseason (October–January) rainfall in the region and January indices of the fields of meridional wind component and sea surface temperature (SST) in the tropical Atlantic and the equatorial Pacific, as input to stepwise multiple regression to predict the March–June rainfall at a network of 27 stations. The training period is 1921–1957, the verification period 1958–1989, and real‐time forecasting continued to 2000. A numerical model (ECHAM4.5) experiment conducted at International Research Institute for Climate and Society at Columbia University used global SST information through January to predict the March–June rainfall at three gridpoints in the Nordeste for the years 1968–1999. For the same predictand, a complementary empirical experiment was conducted using the gridded rainfall observations, again with training period 1921–1957, to yield predictions for 1968–1999. Over this period predicted versus observed rainfall are evaluated in terms of correlation, root‐mean‐square error, absolute error, and bias. Compared with the empirical method the numerical modelling produces larger errors and negative bias. The empirical method captures 59% and the numerical modelling 49% of the variance. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Rapid determination of bisphenol A in drinking water using dispersive liquid‐phase microextraction with in situ derivatization prior to GC‐MS
Authors: Wang Xia , Diao Chun‐Peng , Zhao Ru‐Song
Published: November 2008

This paper described a novel approach for the determination of bisphenol A by dispersive liquid‐phase microextraction with in situ acetylation prior to GC‐MS. In this derivatization/extraction method, 500 μL acetone (disperser solvent) containing 30.0 μL chlorobenzene (extraction solvent) and 30.0 μL acetic anhydride (derivatization reagent) was rapidly injected into 5.00 mL aqueous sample containing bisphenol A and K2CO3 (0.5% w/v). Within a few seconds the analyte was derivatized and extracted at the same time. After centrifugation, 1.0 μL of sedimented phase containing enriched analyte was determined by GC‐MS. Some important parameters, such as type and volume of extraction and disperser solvent, volume of acetic anhydride, derivatization and extraction time, amount of K2CO3, and salt addition were studied and optimized. Under the optimum conditions, the LOD and the LOQ were 0.01, 0.1 μg/L, respectively. The experimental results indicated that there was linearity over the range 0.1–50 μg/L with coefficient of correlation 0.9997, and good reproducibility with RSD 3.8% (n = 5). The proposed method has been applied for the analysis of drinking water samples, and satisfactory results were achieved.
HPLC‐ESI‐MS analysis of oral human fluids reveals that gingival crevicular fluid is the main source of oral thymosins β4 and β10
Authors: Inzitari Rosanna , Cabras Tiziana , Pisano Elisabetta , Fanali Chiara , Manconi Barbara , Scarano Emanuele , Fiorita Antonella , Paludetti Gaetano , Manni Armando , Nemolato Sonia , Faa Gavino , Castagnola Massimo , Messana Irene
Published: November 2008

Thymosin β4 (Tβ4), its sulfoxide, and thymosin β10 (Tβ10) were detected in human saliva and identified by different strategies based on RP HPLC coupled to electrospray multidimensional IT MS. Tβ4 was almost always detected in whole saliva, its sulfoxide sporadically, Tβ10 rarely. Tβ4 was undetectable in parotid saliva and less concentrated in submandibular/sublingual saliva than in whole saliva. Analysis of gingival crevicular fluid revealed high relative amounts of Tβ4, Tβ4 sulfoxide, and Tβ10 in all the samples. Tβ4 mean concentration was 200 times higher in crevicular fluid (20 μmol/L, N = 9) than in whole saliva (0.1 μmol/L, N = 9). Crevicular fluid concentration of Tβ4 (ca. 5% represented by its sulfoxide) and β10 significantly correlated (r = 0.856; N = 9), and their ratio was about 5. A significant correlation was also observed between Tβ4 concentrations in whole saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (r = 0.738; N = 9). Immunohistochemical analysis of the major salivary glands showed that immunoreactivity for Tβ4 is restricted to ductal cells, with minor degree of focal positivity in some acinar cells. On the whole, results indicate that gingival sulcus is a main, although not the sole, source for oral Tβ4 and Tβ10.
Evaluation of extractable elements in artificial substratum made from sewage sludge: Approach to remediation of degraded land in the Arctic
Authors: Gorbacheva T. T. , Kikuchi R. , Gorbachev P. A.
Published: November 2008

The Arctic (or subarctic) is characterized by a harsh climate and nutrient‐poor soil; what makes it even harsher in Monchegorsk (67°51′N and 32°48′E) is that metal pollution originating from the Ni–Cu smelting industry has severely damaged the soil and ground vegetation, resulting in formation of an industrial desert (barren ground). A pilot‐scale (4 ha) field test was carried out under such conditions to study how to apply municipal sewage sludge for rehabilitation of degraded land. After sewage sludge had been composted, an artificial substratum made from the compost was introduced to the remediation test field, and then willow, birch and grasses were planted on the substratum. The transformation of the artificial substratum was observed in the test field during 3 years. The portion of Cu in residual form was greater than that in other forms, it is hence considered that Cu has low bioavailability in the artificial substratum. Furthermore, the metal distributions statistically increased in fractions of humic acid (insoluble in water under acidic conditions), so the mobile amounts of Ni and Cu became small.

The conclusion drawn from the field survey and analysis of extractable metals indicates that the lost vegetation is being restored even while pollution continues to be discharged from the smelter operation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On modified Hilbert boundary‐value problems of polyanalytic functions
Authors: Wang Yufeng
Published: November 2008

Under the decomposition of polyanalytic functions, two classes of Hilbert‐type boundary‐value problems of polyanalytic functions with different factors have been discussed, and the explicit expression of solution and the condition of solvability have been obtained. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Targeting mitochondrial permeability in cancer drug development
Authors: Berridge Michael V. , Herst Patries M. , Lawen Alfons
Published: November 2008

The past decade has seen the emergence of a new mechanistic paradigm of cancer therapeutics. Not only have mitochondria taken centre stage as key cellular organelles mediating intrinsic pathways of cell death by apoptosis, but nonapoptotic pathways have also been shown to involve mitochondrial mechanisms. Both pathways of cell death involve permeabilization of mitochondrial membranes, but the exact nature of the molecular complexes involved at the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) and outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) remains uncertain in the light of recent gene knockout studies. Consequently, the boundary between mitochondrially‐mediated apoptotic and nonapoptotic cell death is controversial. Here, we discuss the nature of the pore complexes involved in permeabilization of the IMM and OMM. Several compounds that interact directly with components of these pore complexes and have been shown to exhibit anticancer activity are discussed while other compounds appear to act indirectly through stress‐related pathways.
The citrus fruit flavonoid naringenin suppresses hepatic glucose production from Fao hepatoma cells
Authors: Purushotham Aparna , Tian Min , Belury Martha. A.
Published: November 2008

Hepatic gluconeogenesis is the major source of fasting hyperglycemia. Here, we investigated the role of the citrus fruit flavonoid naringenin, in the attenuation of hepatic glucose production from hepatoma (Fao) cells. We show that naringenin, but not its glucoside naringin, suppresses hepatic glucose production. Furthermore, unlike insulin‐mediated suppression of hepatic glucose production, incubation of hepatocytes with the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3‐kinase) inhibitor Ly294002 had no effect on the ability of naringenin to suppress hepatic glucose production. Further, naringenin did not increase phosphorylation of Akt at Ser473 or, Thr308, indicating this down‐stream target of PI3‐kinase is also not a player in naringenin‐mediated suppression of hepatic glucose production. Importantly, like the dimethylbiguanide, metformin, naringenin significantly decreased cellular ATP levels without increasing cell cytotoxicity. Together, these results suggest that the aglycone, naringenin, has a role in the attenuation of hyperglycemia and may exert this effect in a manner similar to the drug, metformin.
Intervention research in highly unstable environments
Authors: Buckwalter Kathleen C. , Grey Margaret , Bowers Barbara , McCarthy Ann Marie , Gross Deborah , Funk Marjorie , Beck Cornelia
Published: November 2008

This article highlights issues and presents strategies for conducting intervention research in highly unstable environments such as schools, critical care units, and long‐term care facilities. The authors draw on their own experiences to discuss the challenges that may be encountered in highly unstable settings. The concept of validity provides a framework for understanding the value of addressing the many methodological issues that can emerge in settings characterized by instability. We explain unstable environments by elaborating on knowable elements that contribute to instability. Strategies are provided for improving success of intervention research in unstable settings by carrying out an environmental assessment prior to beginning a study. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 32:110–121, 2009
Genetic and epigenetic inactivation of TNFRSF10C in human prostate cancer
Authors: Cheng Yu , Kim Jin Woo , Liu Wennuan , Dunn Thomas A. , Luo Jun , Loza Matthew J. , Kim Seong‐Tae , Zheng Siqun Lilly , Xu Jianfeng , Isaacs William B. , Chang Bao‐Li
Published: November 2008

BACKGROUND

TNFRSF10C, is located on 8p21.3, one of the most frequently deleted loci in the genome of prostate cancer (PCa). Hypermethylation of TNFRSF10C promoter CpG island (CGI) had been reported in many tumors including PCa. However, the interplay between somatic deletion and promoter hypermethylation of TNFRSF10C on PCa development has not been investigated.

METHODS

Methylation status of promoter CGI and deletion status of the TNFRSF10C locus was investigated by bisulfite sequencing and Affymetrix SNP array, respectively, in 59 pairs of PCa tumor and matched normal samples with three PCa cell lines. TNFRSF10C gene expression changes in relation to cancer‐associated genetic/epigenetic changes in clinical specimens, and change of TNFRSF10C expression before and after 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine treatment in the PC3 PCa cell line was assessed by real‐time RT‐PCR.

RESULTS

We found that TNFRSF10C promoter CGI was differentially methylated in 46 of 59 primary cancers (78.0%). Hemizygous deletion at TNFRSF10C was found in 44 of the 59 prostate tumors (74.5%). Interestingly, in 94.9% of the tumors (56 out of 59), TNFRSF10C was either hemizygously deleted or its promoter CGI hypermethylated. Deletion and/or methylation of the TNFRSF10C gene were correlated with decreased mRNA expression of the gene in clinical specimens. Demethylation of the TNFRSF10C promoter CGI was accompanied by transcriptional re‐activation of TNFRSF10C in the PCa cell line PC3.

CONCLUSION

We found a notably high frequency of promoter CGI methylation and deletion of TNFRSF10C in PCa tissues. Our results indicated that inactivation of TNFRSF10C by chromosomal deletion and promoter methylation may play an important role in PCa development. Prostate 69:327–335, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Structural insights into the interaction between the Cripto CFC domain and the ALK4 receptor
Authors: Calvanese Luisa , Saporito Angela , Oliva Romina , D' Auria Gabriella , Pedone Carlo , Paolillo Livio , Ruvo Menotti , Marasco Daniela , Falcigno Lucia
Published: November 2008

The protein Cripto is the founding member of the extra‐cellular EGF–CFC growth factors, which are composed of two adjacent cysteine‐rich domains: the EGF‐like and the CFC. Members of the EGF–CFC family play key roles in embryonic development and are also implicated in tumourigenesis. Cripto is highly over‐expressed in many tumours, while it is poorly detectable in normal tissues.

Although both Cripto domains are involved in its tumourigenic activity, the CFC domain appears to play a crucial role. Indeed, through this domain, Cripto interferes with the onco‐suppressive activity of Activins, either by blocking the Activin receptor ALK4 or by antagonising proteins of the TGF‐β family. We have undertaken the chemical synthesis and the structural characterisation of human CFC Cripto domain. Using a combined NMR and computational approach, supported by binding studies by SPR, we have investigated the molecular basis of the interaction between h‐CFC and ALK4. Binding studies indicate that the synthetic h‐CFC interacts with the ALK4 receptor with a KD in µ M range, whereas it does not recognise the ActRIIB receptor. The NMR study shows that the h‐CFC overall topology is determined by the presence of three disulfide bridges and that residues H120 and W124 are located between the first strand and the first loop with the side chains externally exposed. A model of the CFC–ALK4 complex has also been obtained by molecular docking and shows that all residues indicated by prior mutagenesis studies can contribute to the ALK4–CFC interaction at the protein–protein interface. Copyright © 2008 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultrafast coherent dynamics in optically driven BCS systems
Authors: Papenkort T. , Kuhn T. , Axt V. M.
Published: November 2008

We present simulations of the nonlinear ultrafast dynamics of a BCS superconductor. Pump–probe measurements and a coherent control technique are employed to gain insight into the excitation dynamics of the superconductor. In pump–probe spectra the energy gap of the superconductor is visible as an area of low absorption followed by a sharp peak. Excitation with a short laser pulse lowers the gap and thereby shifts the peak. However, the numerical calculations reveal the emergence of a nonadiabatic regime on short time scales: A sufficiently short pump pulse causes a fast oscillation of the modulus of the BCS order parameter. Although this parameter can usually be identified with the energy gap, its oscillation remains hidden in pump‐probe spectra, i.e., the gap observed in the spectra is independent of the delay time. Instead the gap in the spectra corresponds to the mean value of the oscillation. By making use of a coherent control technique involving a second pump pulse, this oscillation may be made visible in probe spectra. This is because the reaction of the BCS system to the second pump pulse depends strongly on its instantaneous state at the time of the impact of this pulse. In particular the gap observed in the spectra after the second pump pulse for varying pump–pump delay times mimics the oscillation of the order parameter after the first pump pulse. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Using enthalpy as a prognostic variable in atmospheric modelling with variable composition
Authors: Akmaev R. A. , Juang H.‐M. H.
Published: November 2008

Specific enthalpy emerges from a general form of the internal energy equation as a convenient prognostic thermodynamic variable for atmospheric modelling with variable composition, including models of moist air. This choice presents a general and flexible alternative to the common formalism of virtual temperature employed in most numerical weather prediction and climate models to account for the presence of water vapour and other constituents. The new approach eliminates the need for additional terms in the energy equation, resulting from composition variations along the air‐parcel trajectories and routinely neglected in models. This note presents a derivation of relevant equations from first principles and outlines the changes to existing model codes necessary to accommodate the new formulation. Published in 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cytomegalovirus and human immunosenescence
Authors: Pawelec Graham , Derhovanessian Evelyna , Larbi Anis , Strindhall Jan , Wikby Anders
Published: November 2008

‘Immunosenescence’ is an imprecise term used to describe deleterious age‐associated changes to immune parameters observed in all mammals studied so far. Primarily anecdotal evidence implies that failing immunity is responsible for the increased incidence and severity of infectious disease in old people. However, there is a serious dearth of accurate hard data concerning the actual cause of death in the elderly and the contribution thereto of the multitude of age‐associated alterations measured in the immune system. Cross‐sectional studies comparing those currently young with those currently old reveal a large number of differences in the distribution of immune cell types in the blood, and to some extent the functional integrity of those cells. Many of these parameters differ markedly between individuals infected with CMV and uninfected people, regardless of infection with other persistent herpesviruses. The adaptive arm of immunity appears to be more seriously affected than the innate arm, particularly the T lymphocytes. However, cross‐sectional studies suffer the disadvantage that like is not being compared with like, because the conditions applied during the entire life course of the currently elderly were different from those applied now to the young. These differences in environment, nutrition, pathology and possibly genetics, rather than merely age, may be expected to influence the parameters studied. Moreover, pathogen exposure of the currently elderly was also different from contemporary exposure, probably including CMV. Some of the problems associated with cross‐sectional studies can be overcome by performing longitudinal studies, as pointed out in an earlier analysis of the Baltimore Longitudinal Ageing study looking at lymphocyte numbers. However, longitudinal studies are challenging in humans. Nonetheless, the pioneering Swedish OCTO/NONA studies of the very elderly which for the first time included a range of immune parameters, have identified a set of immune parameters predicting mortality at 2, 4 and 6 year follow‐up; CMV infection makes a material contribution to this so‐called ‘immune risk profile (IRP)’. Whether the IRP is informative in younger individuals and the mechanism of the CMV effect is discussed in this review. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of censored discrete longitudinal data: Estimation of mean response
Authors: Gunnes Nina , Farewell Daniel M. , Seierstad Taral G. , Aalen Odd O.
Published: November 2008

The study of longitudinal data is usually concerned with one or several response variables measured, possibly along with some covariates, at different points in time. In real‐life situations this is often complicated by missing observations due to what we usually refer to as ‘censoring’. In this paper we consider missingness of a monotone kind; subjects that dropout, i.e. are censored, fail to participate in the study at any of the subsequent observation times. Our scientific objective is to make inference about the mean response in a hypothetical population without any dropouts. There are several methods and approaches that address this problem, and we will present two existing methods (the linear‐increments method and the inverse‐probability‐weighting method), as well as propose a new method, based on a discrete Markov process. We examine the performance of the corresponding estimators and compare these with respect to bias and variability. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the approaches in estimating the mean of a response variable, we analyse simulated data of different multistate models with a Markovian structure. Analyses of substantive data from (1) a study of symptoms experienced after a traumatic brain injury, and (2) a study of cognitive function among the elderly, are used as illustrations of the methods presented. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bounds on natural direct effects in the presence of confounded intermediate variables
Authors: Sjölander Arvid
Published: November 2008

In epidemiological studies we often want to learn about the direct effect of an exposure on an outcome, i.e. the effect that is not relayed by a specific intermediate variable. In the literature, there are two common definitions of direct effects;controlledandnatural. When the intermediate variable and the outcome have common causes, neither the controlled nor the natural direct effect is identified. Caiet al. (Biometrics2007;64(3):695–701) derived bounds for the controlled direct effect under a set of hierarchical assumptions. In this paper we derive bounds on the natural direct effect under the same assumptions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Endometrial thickness predicts intrauterine pregnancy in patients with pregnancy of unknown location
Authors: Moschos E. , Twickler D. M.
Published: November 2008

Objective

To determine whether endometrial thickness and other parameters are useful predictors of normal intrauterine pregnancy (IUP) in the setting of vaginal bleeding and sonographic diagnosis of pregnancy of unknown location (PUL).

Methods

We reviewed the clinical and sonographic records of all 591 patients with vaginal bleeding and a sonographic diagnosis of PUL between 1 July 2005 and 30 June 2006. Data on maternal age, gravidity, parity, estimated gestational age by last menstrual period (EGA by LMP), endometrial thickness and serum β‐human chorionic gonadotropin (β‐hCG) were collected. Complete data were available for 517 patients, 40 (7.7%) of whom ultimately had normal IUPs. A logistic regression model was constructed using a stepwise procedure to identify variables significantly associated with the outcome of normal IUP. The validity of the model was assessed by receiver–operating characteristics (ROC) curve and Hosmer–Lemeshow Chi‐square analysis.

Results

Four variables (maternal age, EGA by LMP, endometrial thickness and serum β‐hCG) were significant in the prediction of normal IUP (area under the ROC curve = 0.86). As maternal age, EGA by LMP and β‐hCG increased, the likelihood of a normal IUP decreased, while as the endometrial thickness increased, the likelihood of a normal IUP increased. For each millimeter increase in endometrial thickness, the odds increased by 27% that the patient would have a normal IUP. No normal IUP had an endometrial thickness < 8 mm.

Conclusion

Increased endometrial thickness predicts normal IUP in patients who present with vaginal bleeding and PUL. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cardiac screening by STIC: can sonologists performing the 20‐week anomaly scan pick up outflow tract abnormalities by scrolling the A‐plane of STIC volumes?
Authors: Paladini D. , Sglavo G. , Greco E. , Nappi C.
Published: November 2008

Objective

To assess whether medically qualified sonologists with low‐to‐intermediate scanning experience are able to detect major abnormalities of the outflow tracts by reviewing the A‐plane of cardiac volume datasets acquired with spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC).

Methods

Fourteen sonologists of low‐to‐intermediate scanning experience were recruited among residents and colleagues involved in the screening ultrasound clinic at our referral center. Basic criteria for selection were: ability to perform the 20‐week anomaly scan and to assess the four‐chamber view, inability to perform extended cardiac screening (outflows); willingness to participate in the study. These sonologists attended a 2‐hour lesson on: a) how the outflow tract views can be abnormal, and b) how to use a laptop and the dedicated software to review cardiac volumes in the A‐plane only. After this briefing, each of them, independently, reviewed 26 preselected volumes at a workstation (from 16 normal fetuses and 10 with outflow tract abnormalities), without knowing how many of them were normal. After reviewing each volume, the sonologist was asked to define the outflow tract views as normal or abnormal and, if willing, to hypothesize the anomaly. The sequence of cases was changed for each participant. The time allotted for review of the volumes was 1 hour (about 2 min per case).

Results

Of the 364 diagnoses from review of the volumes, 116 (31.9%) were true positives, 195 (53.6%) were true negatives, 29 (8.0%) were false positives and 24 (6.6%) were false negatives. The sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values were 83%, 87%, 80% and 89%, respectively. Individual diagnostic accuracy ranged from 66 to 100% (median, 85.5%) and individual detection rate from 50 to 100% (median, 85%). The detection rate per single congenital heart disease ranged from 50% (for TGA with intact ventricular septum) to 100% (for DORV, DORV with pulmonary atresia and TGA with ventricular septal defect). There was no correlation between detection rate and alignment of the four‐chamber view with the ultrasound beam (apical vs. transverse).

Conclusions

In this preliminary study, we have demonstrated that sonologists with low‐to‐intermediate experience of anomaly ultrasound screening in the second trimester and no experience of insonating the outflow tracts were able to identify outflow tract abnormalities by reviewing the A‐plane of cardiac volume datasets, after detailed briefing. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.