bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From stem cell to erythroblast: Regulation of red cell production at multiple levels by multiple hormones
Authors: Lodish Harvey , Flygare Johan , Chou Song
Published: March 2010

This article reviews the regulation of production of red blood cells at several levels: (1) the ability of erythropoietin and adhesion to a fibronectin matrix to stimulate the rapid production of red cells by inducing terminal proliferation and differentiation of committed erythroid CFU‐E progenitors; (2) the regulated expansion of the pool of earlier BFU‐E erythroid progenitors by glucocorticoids and other factors that occurs during chronic anemia or inflammation; and (3) the expansion of thehematopoietic cell pool to produce more progenitors of all hematopoietic lineages. © 2010 IUBMB IUBMB Life 62(7): 492–496, 2010
Enzymology of the carnitine biosynthesis pathway
Authors: Strijbis Karin , Vaz Frédéric M. , Distel Ben
Published: March 2010

The water‐soluble zwitterion carnitine is an essential metabolite in eukaryotes required for fatty acid oxidation as it functions as a carrier during transfer of activated acyl and acetyl groups across intracellular membranes. Most eukaryotes are able to synthesize carnitine endogenously, besides their capacity to take up carnitine from the diet or extracellular medium through plasma membrane transporters. This review discusses the current knowledge on carnitine homeostasis with special emphasis on the enzymology of the four steps of the carnitine biosynthesis pathway. © 2010 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 62(5): 357–362, 2010
Aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetase–interacting multifunctional proteins (AIMPs): A triad for cellular homeostasis
Authors: Park Sang Gyu , Choi Eung‐Chil , Kim Sunghoon
Published: March 2010

Aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetases (ARSs) are highly conserved for efficient and precise translation of genetic codes. In higher eukaryotic systems, several different ARSs including glutamyl‐prolyl‐, isoelucyl‐, leucyl‐, methionyl‐, glutaminyl‐, lysyl‐, arginyl‐, and aspartyl‐tRNA synthetase form a macromolecular protein complex with three nonenzymatic cofactors (AIMP1/p43, AIMP2/p38, and AIMP3/p18). Although the structure and functional implications for this complex formation are not completely understood, rapidly accumulating evidences suggest that this complex would work as a molecular hub linked to the multiple signaling pathways that involve the components of enzymes and cofactors. In this article, the roles of three nonenzymatic components of the multi‐tRNA synthetase complex in the assembly of the components and in cell regulation are addressed. © 2010 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 62(4): 296–302, 2010
Manipulating CD4+ T cells by optical tweezers for the initiation of cell‐cell transfer of HIV‐1
Authors: McNerney Gregory P. , Hübner Wolfgang , Chen Benjamin K. , Huser Thomas
Published: March 2010

Cell‐cell interactions through direct contact are very important for cellular communication and coordination – especially for immune cells. The human immunodeficiency virus type I (HIV‐1) induces immune cell interactions between CD4+ cells to shuttle between T cells via a virological synapse. A goal to understand the process of cell‐cell transmission through virological synapses is to determine the cellular states that allow a chance encounter between cells to become a stable cell‐cell adhesion. We demonstrate the use of optical tweezers to manipulate uninfected primary CD4+ T cells near HIV Gag‐iGFP transfected Jurkat T cells to probe the determinants that induce stable adhesion. When combined with fast 4D confocal fluorescence microscopy, optical tweezers can be utilized not only to facilitate cell‐cell contact, but also to simultaneously track the formation of a virological synapse, and ultimately to probe the events that precede virus transfer. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Real time characterization of hydrodynamics in optically trapped networks of micro‐particles
Authors: Curran Arran , Yao Alison , Gibson Graham , Bowman Richard , Cooper Jon , Padgett Miles
Published: March 2010

The hydrodynamic interactions of micro‐silica spheres trapped in a variety of networks using holographic optical tweezers are measured and characterized in terms of their predicted eigenmodes. The characteristic eigenmodes of the networks are distinguishable within 20–40 seconds of acquisition time. Three different multi‐particle networks are considered; an eight‐particle linear chain, a nine‐particle square grid and, finally, an eight‐particle ring. The eigenmodes and their decay rates are shown to behave as predicted by the Oseen tensor and the Langevin equation, respectively. Finally, we demonstrate the potential of using our micro‐ring as a non‐invasive sensor to the local environmental viscosity, by showing the distortion of the eigenmode spectrum due to the proximity of a planar boundary. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optofluidic chip for single cell trapping and stretching fabricated by a femtosecond laser
Authors: Bragheri Francesca , Ferrara Lorenzo , Bellini Nicola , Vishnubhatla Krishna C. , Minzioni Paolo , Ramponi Roberta , Osellame Roberto , Cristiani Ilaria
Published: March 2010

The authors present the design and optimization of an optofluidic monolithic chip, able to provide optical trapping and controlled stretching of single cells. The chip is fabricated in a fused silica glass substrate by femtosecond laser micromachining which can produce both optical waveguides and microfluidic channels with great accuracy. A new fabrication procedure adopted in this work allows the demonstration of microchannels with a square cross‐section, thus guaranteeing an improved quality of the trapped cell images. Femtosecond laser micromachining emerges as a promising technique for the development of multifunctional integrated biophotonic devices that can be easily coupled to a microscope platform, thus enabling a complete characterization of the cells under test. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Cell morphology and intracellular ionic homeostasis explored with a multimodal approach combining epifluorescence and digital holographic microscopy
Authors: Pavillon Nicolas , Benke Alexander , Boss Daniel , Moratal Corinne , Kühn Jonas , Jourdain Pascal , Depeursinge Christian , Magistretti Pierre J. , Marquet Pierre
Published: March 2010

The authors have developed a live‐cell multimodality microscope combining epifluorescence with digital holographic microscopy; it has been implemented with a decoupling procedure allowing to separately measure from the quantitative phase important cell parameters including absolute volume, shape and integral intracellular refractive index. In combination with the numerous different specific fluorescent cellular probes, this multimodality microscopy can address important issues in cell biology. This is demonstrated by the study of intracellular calcium homeostasis associated with the change in cell volume, which play a critical role in the excitotoxicity‐induced neuronal death. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Novel graph distance matrix
Authors: Randić Milan , Pisanski Tomaž , Novič Marjana , Plavšić Dejan
Published: March 2010

We have introduced novel distance matrix for graphs, which is based on interpretation of columns of the adjacency matrix of a graph as a set of points in n‐dimensional space, n being the number of vertices in the graph. Numerical values for the distances are based on the Euclidean distance between n points in n‐dimensional space. In this way, we have combined the traditional representation of graphs (drawn as 2D object of no fixed geometry) with their representation in n‐dimensional space, defined by a set of n‐points that lead to a representation of definite geometry. The novel distance matrix, referred to as natural distance matrix, shows some structural properties and offers novel graph invariants as molecular descriptors for structure‐property‐activity studies. One of the novel graph descriptors is the modified connectivity index in which the bond contribution for (m, n) bond‐type is given by 1/√(m + n), where m and n are the valence of the end vertices of the bond. The novel distance matrix (ND) can be reduced to sparse distance‐adjacency matrix (DA), which can be viewed as specially weighted adjacency matrix of a graph. The quotient of the leading eigenvalues of novel distance‐adjacency matrix and novel distance matrix, as illustrated on a collection of graphs of chemical interest, show parallelism with a simple measure of graph density, based on the quotient of the number of edges in a graph and the maximal possible number of edges for graphs of the same size. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2010
The spectrum of 2‐idempotent 3‐quasigroups with conjugate invariant subgroups
Authors: Ji Lijun , Wei R.
Published: March 2010

A ternary quasigroup (or 3‐quasigroup) is a pair (N, q) where N is an n‐set and q(x, y, z) is a ternary operation on N with unique solvability. A 3‐quasigroup is called 2‐idempotent if it satisfies the generalized idempotent law: q(x, x, y) = q(x, y, x) = q(y, x, x)=y. A conjugation of a 3‐quasigroup, considered as an OA(3, 4, n), \documentclass{article}\footskip=0pc\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$({{N}},{\mathcal{B}})$\end{document}, is a permutation of the coordinate positions applied to the 4‐tuples of \documentclass{article}\footskip=0pc\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}${\mathcal{B}}$\end{document}. The subgroup of conjugations under which \documentclass{article}\footskip=0pc\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$({{N}},{\mathcal{B}})$\end{document} is invariant is called the conjugate invariant subgroup of \documentclass{article}\footskip=0pc\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$({{N}},{\mathcal{B}})$\end{document}. In this article, we determined the existence of 2‐idempotent 3‐quasigroups of order n, n≡7 or 11 (mod 12) and n≥11, with conjugate invariant subgroup consisting of a single cycle of length three. This result completely determined the spectrum of 2‐idempotent 3‐quasigroups with conjugate invariant subgroups. As a corollary, we proved that an overlarge set of Mendelsohn triple system of order n exists if and only if n≡0, 1 (mod 3) and n≠6. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Combin Designs 18: 292–304, 2010
Rural telepsychology services for children and adolescents
Authors: Nelson Eve‐Lynn , Bui Thao
Published: March 2010

Because of the overwhelming maldistribution of mental health specialists in metropolitan areas and the many underserved families living in rural settings, rural areas are natural homes for the use of telemedicine or videoconferencing technology for clinical services. The authors describe telepsychology services for rural clients, placing best psychology practices within the context of broader telemental health services. The goal is to approximate evidence‐based child psychotherapy from face‐to‐face practice using the videoconferencing technology. Telepsychology is illustrated with a case report of a rural Hispanic teen and her family presenting through the teen's primary care clinic. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 66:1–12, 2010.
Sorafenib combined vitamin K induces apoptosis in human pancreatic cancer cell lines through RAF/MEK/ERK and c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase pathways
Authors: Wei Gang , Wang Meifang , Carr Brian I.
Published: March 2010

Apoptosis has been shown to be induced by many agents, including the clinically useful Sorafenib and K vitamins (VKs). Since few agents have activity against pancreas cancer cell growth, we evaluated the role of naturally occurring K vitamins and Sorafenib both independently and together on the growth in culture of pancreas adenocarcinoma cell lines, including PL‐5, PANC‐1, and MIA PaCa‐2. We found that when a K vitamin was combined with Sorafenib, the dose of Sorafenib required for growth inhibition was substantially reduced. Furthermore, growth could be inhibited at doses of each VK plus Sorafenib in combination that were ineffective when used alone. This effect was seen using vitamins K1, K2, and K5. The combination of VK1 plus Sorafenib‐induced apoptosis, as determined by both FACS and TUNEL staining. Phospho‐ERK and Bcl‐2 levels were decreased, but not levels of other bcl‐2 family members. Cleavage of caspases 3 and 8, PARP and Bid were all induced by this combination. Vitamin K1 plus Sorafenib combination also resulted in elevated levels of activated c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) and its substrates c‐Jun and FasL. JNK inhibition partly antagonized the induction of apoptosis. Thus, combination VK1 plus Sorafenib strongly induced growth inhibition and apoptosis in pancreas cancer cells, involving both inhibition of the RAF/MEK/ERK pathway as well as activation of the JNK, c‐Jun and FasL apoptotic pathway. Since both agents are available for human use, the combination is attractive for evaluation against pancreas cancer growth in vivo. J. Cell. Physiol. 224:112–119, 2010 © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lipophilic cationic drugs increase the permeability of lysosomal membranes in a cell culture system
Authors: Kornhuber Johannes , Henkel Andreas W. , Groemer Teja W. , Städtler Sven , Welzel Oliver , Tripal Philipp , Rotter Andrea , Bleich Stefan , Trapp Stefan
Published: March 2010

Lysosomes accumulate many drugs several fold higher compared to their extracellular concentration. This mechanism is believed to be responsible for many pharmacological effects. So far, uptake and release kinetics are largely unknown and interactions between concomitantly administered drugs often provoke mutual interference. In this study, we addressed these questions in a cell culture model. The molecular mechanism for lysosomal uptake kinetics was analyzed by live cell fluorescence microscopy in SY5Y cells using four drugs (amantadine, amitriptyline, cinnarizine, flavoxate) with different physicochemical properties. Drugs with higher lipophilicity accumulated more extensively within lysosomes, whereas a higher pKavalue was associated with a more rapid uptake. The drug‐induced displacement of LysoTracker was neither caused by elevation of intra‐lysosomal pH, nor by increased lysosomal volume. We extended our previously developed numerical single cell model by introducing a dynamic feedback mechanism. The empirical data were in good agreement with the results obtained from the numerical model. The experimental data and results from the numerical model lead to the conclusion that intra‐lysosomal accumulation of lipophilic xenobiotics enhances lysosomal membrane permeability. Manipulation of lysosomal membrane permeability might be useful to overcome, for example, multi‐drug resistance by altering subcellular drug distribution. J. Cell. Physiol. 224:152–164, 2010 © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis of hydrogen peroxide in microbial fuel cell
Authors: Fu Lei , You Shi‐Jie , Yang Feng‐lin , Gao Ming‐ming , Fang Xiao‐hong , Zhang Guo‐quan
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND: Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an important chemical product, and this study investigated its synthesis at the cathode of a microbial fuel cell (MFC) system using spectrographically pure graphite (SPG) rods as cathode electrode.

RESULTS: Electrochemical methods showed that oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on SPG mainly followed the two‐electron pathway yielding H2O2, while, the optimal condition for H2O2 production was in 0.1 mol L−1 Na2SO4 electrolyte. When SPG was used as the cathodic electrode in the MFC system, H2O2 concentration reached 78.85 mg L−1 after 12 h operation with an external resistance of 20 Ω (H2O2 production rate was 6.57 mg L−1 h−1). Coulombic efficiency, current efficiency and COD conversion efficiency were 12.26%, 69.47% and 8.51%, respectively. Repeated experiments proved this system had a stable operating performance.

CONCLUSIONS: H2O2 was synthesized at the cathode of an MFC, and this study provides a proof‐of‐concept demonstration to realize the process of synthesizing H2O2 with wastewater. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Degradation of hexahydro‐1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3, 5‐triazine (RDX) by anaerobic mesophilic granular sludge from a UASB reactor
Authors: An Chun‐jiang , He Yan‐ling , Huang Guo‐he , Yang Shu‐cheng
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the performance of anaerobic mesophilic granular sludge for the degradation of hexahydro‐1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐triazine (RDX). Batch tests were conducted to investigate the effects of different supplements on the RDX degradation ability of anaerobic granular sludge, as well as the contributions of both physicochemical and biological processes involved in RDX removal from aqueous solution.

RESULTS: Anaerobic granular sludge exhibited good performance in treating RDX as the sole substrate. Biodegradation was the main mechanism responsible for RDX removal. Ammonium had no significant promoting effect on the degradation process. The presence of glucose was found to enhance the degradation of RDX by anaerobic granular sludge, while the addition of sulfate and nitrate had adverse effects on the reductive transformation of RDX.

CONCLUSIONS: Anaerobic granular sludge is capable of removing RDX from aqueous solution with high efficiency. This study showed good prospects for high‐rate anaerobic processes in the treatment of munition wastewater. The results can be used for the design and optimization of high rate anaerobic systems for the elimination of RDX. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of co‐contaminant phenol on performance of a laboratory‐scale RBC with algal‐bacterial biofilm treating petroleum hydrocarbon‐rich wastewater
Authors: Chavan Anal , Mukherji Suparna
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND: Hydrocarbon degradation by algal‐bacterial systems has advantages over degradation by conventional heterotrophic systems. However, oily wastewaters often contain co‐contaminants that may inhibit the degradation of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), leading to system failure.

RESULTS: This paper reports the effect of phenol on treatment of wastewater containing petroleum hydrocarbons, i.e. diesel oil in a lab‐scale rotating biological contactor with biofilm consisting predominantly of Burkholderia cepacia and a freshwater algal culture. The effect of phenol loading from 0.11–0.69 g phenol m−2 d−1 on diesel degradation was studied with 21 h hydraulic retention time and TPH loading of 27.33 g TPH m−2 d−1. With increase in phenol loading, complete removal of phenol was observed. However, TPH removal decreased from 99% to 94% and significant decrease in TCOD removal was observed possibly due to biomass growth in suspension. Presence of algal culture in the biofilm made it feasible to operate the RBC at a high organic loading. The benefits included better immobilization of the bacterial culture, release of oxygen and generation of alkalinity. Lowering in pH due to accumulation of acidic intermediates formed during oil biodegradation was not observed in this study.

CONCLUSION: This system can be recommended for treatment of industrial wastewaters containing TPH and phenols, with proper handling of biosolids. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of butyric acid stress on anaerobic sludge for hydrogen production from kitchen wastes
Authors: Zhao Mingxing , Yan Qun , Ruan Wenquan , Miao Hengfeng , Ren Hongyan , Xu Yan
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND: Anaerobic digestion is an alternative technology to achieve the dual benefits of hydrogen production and waste stabilization from kitchen wastes. In this work, the butyric acid stress on anaerobic sludge was investigated in order to improve the tolerance of sludge against organic acids, and to enhance hydrogen accumulation.

RESULTS: The tolerance of butyric acid in anaerobic sludge increased with the stress concentration, however, it decreased at concentrations greater than of 4.0 g L−1. The maximum hydrogen yield reached 63.72 mL g−1 VS at 4.0 g L−1 stress, representing an increase of 114% compared with the control group. The concentration of volatile solids (VS) of the sludge and SCOD increased steadily with time up to 20 h. At 4.0 g L−1 butyric acid stress, the maximum activity of β‐glucosidase, BAA‐hydrolysing protease and dehydrogenase enzyme were 14912.1 µmol PNP g−1 TS h−1, 134.14 µmol NH4‐N g−1 TS h−1 and 7316.42 µg TF g−1 TS h−1, which were 2.78, 1.90 and 2.01 times that of the control, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: The feasibility of butyric acid stress on anaerobic sludge to increase hydrogen production from kitchen wastes was demonstrated. Remarkably, 4.0 g L−1 butyric acid stress was found to be favorable for improving the tolerance of butyric acid in sludge as well as hydrogen yield in the experiment. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
The kinematics of locomotion in caecilians: effects of substrate and body shape
Authors: Herrel Anthony , Measey G. John
Published: March 2010

Caecilians are limbless amphibians that have radiated extensively in the tropics, and have evolved distinct cranial and postcranial specializations associated with a burrowing lifestyle. Some species are recognized as being surface active, whereas others are dedicated burrowers. Previous authors have demonstrated that some caecilians use a hydrostatic mechanism to generate burrowing forces which is dependent on the existence of skin–vertebral independence. It has been hypothesized that skin–vertebral independence may be lost in extremely elongated species, thus affecting their ability to burrow. Here, we use X‐ray video to study the kinematics of locomotion in five species of caecilian differing in their degree of body elongation. Animals were filmed moving in or across different substrates imposing different functional demands on the locomotor system. Our data demonstrate that all species have the ability to perform internal concertina locomotion, but indicate differences between species in the kinematics of locomotion with more elongate species showing a smaller degree of skin–vertebral independence. In all species, locomotion was dependent on the substrate and species switched from using lateral undulation on the surface substrates to the use of whole body or internal concertina in wide and narrow tunnels, respectively. When burrowing in soil, all species used a combination of whole‐body and internal concertina locomotion. Additional studies on the ability of different species to generate forces are needed to test whether the reduced skin–vertebral independence in elongate forms has resulted in a decreased ability to generate burrows. J. Exp. Zool. 313A:301–309, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Qualitative screening for volatile organic compounds in human blood using solid‐phase microextraction and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Gottzein Anne Kathrin , Musshoff Frank , Madea Burkhard
Published: March 2010

A fast and simple screening procedure using solid‐phase microextraction and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (SPME‐GC‐MS) in full‐scan mode for the determination of volatile organic compounds (VOC) is presented. The development of a fast and simple screening technique for the simultaneous determination of various volatiles is of great importance, because of their widespread use, frequent occurrence in forensic toxicological questions and the fact that there is often no hint on involved substances at the crime scene. To simulate a screening procedure, eight VOC with different chemical characteristics were chosen (isoflurane, halothane, hexane, chloroform, benzene, isooctane, toluene and xylene). To achieve maximum sensitivity, variables that influence the SPME process, such as type of fiber, extraction and desorption temperature and time, agitation and additives were optimized by preliminary studies and by means of a central composite design. The limits of detection and recoveries ranged from 2.9 µg/l (xylene) to 37.1 µg/l (isoflurane) and 7.9% (chloroform) to 61.5% (benzene), respectively. This procedure can be used to answer various forensic and toxicological questions. The short time taken for the whole analytical procedure may make its eventual adoption for routine analysis attractive. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal development, glomalin‐related soil protein (GRSP) content, and rhizospheric phosphatase activitiy in citrus orchards under different types of soil management
Authors: Wang Peng , Liu Ji‐Hong , Xia Ren‐Xue , Wu Qiang‐Sheng , Wang Ming‐Yuan , Dong Tao
Published: March 2010

The arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) status with respect to colonization of different AM structures in the citrus roots, spore density and hyphal length density, GRSP content, and phosphatase activity in the citrus rhizosphere were investigated in the orchards at Zigui county of the Three Gorges Region, S China. Four soil managements, no‐tillage and natural grass (NN), no‐tillage and sod culture (NS), half‐tillage and film mulching (HT), and clean‐tillage (CT) were employed in those citrus orchards. Our survey showed heavy AM colonization (36%–89%), indicating a high AM dependency of citrus in our experimental orchards. The colonization of different AM structures, spore density, hyphal length density, GRSP content, and phosphatase activity varied greatly between the no‐tillage and tillage citrus orchards. The highest colonization of different AM structures except the ratio of root length with vesicles (RLV), spore density, hyphal length density, GRSP content, and phosphatase activity was observed in the no‐tillage orchards, and the lowest was found in the tillage orchards. A cluster analysis based on the similarity in AM status, GRSP content, and phosphatase activity showed similarities between the NS citrus orchards and the NN citrus orchards. The data presented here demonstrate that tillage reduced the total AM colonization (RLT), spore density, hyphal length density, GRSP content, and phosphatase activity, while those were recovered in the no‐tillage citrus orchards. So, we propose that no‐tillage and planting grass is an effective way for citrus production and improvement of soil quality in orchards of the study area.
Carbon stocks of soil and vegetation on Danubian floodplains
Authors: Cierjacks Arne , Kleinschmit Birgit , Babinsky Maren , Kleinschroth Fritz , Markert Arvid , Menzel Markus , Ziechmann Ulrike , Schiller Theresa , Graf Markus , Lang Friederike
Published: March 2010

Riparian forests are assumed to play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle. However, little data are available on C stocks of floodplains in comparison to other terrestrial ecosystems. In this study, we quantified the C stocks of aboveground biomass and soils of riparian vegetation types at 76 sampling sites in the Donau‐Auen National Park in Austria. Based on our results and a remotely sensed vegetation map, we estimated total C stocks. Carbon stocks in soils (up to 354 t ha–1 within 1 m below surface) were huge compared to other terrestrial ecosystems. As expected, soils of different vegetation types showed different texture with a higher percentage of sandy soils at the softwood sites, while loamy soils prevailed at hardwood sites. Total C stocks of vegetation types were significantly different, but reflect differences in woody plant biomass rather than in soil C stocks. Mature hardwood and cottonwood forests proved to have significantly higher total C stocks (474 and 403 t ha–1, respectively) than young reforestations (217 t ha–1) and meadows (212 t ha–1). The C pools of softwood forests (356 t ha–1) ranged between those of hardwood/cottonwood forests and of reforestations/meadows. Our study proves the relevance of floodplains as possible C sinks, which should be increasingly taken into account for river management. Furthermore, we conclude that plant‐species distribution does not indicate the conditions of sedimentation and soil C sequestration over the time span of interest for the development of soil C stocks.
Phosphate buffer–extractable organic nitrogen as an index of soil‐N availability for sorghum and pearl millet
Authors: Mori Asako , Okada Kensuke
Published: March 2010

The availability of soil nitrogen (N) is usually quantified by the amount of mineralized N as determined after several weeks of soil incubation. Various alternative methods using chemical solvents have been developed to extract the available organic N, which is easily mineralized. We compared one such solution, neutral phosphate buffer (NPB), with conventional incubation and 0.01 M–CaCl2 extraction, as measures of soil N available to two major cereal crops of the semiarid tropics, based on the total N uptake by plants in a pot experiment. Mineralized N had the highest correlation with N uptake by pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L., r = 0.979***) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench, r = 0.978***). NPB‐extractable N was also highly correlated with N uptake (pearl millet, r = 0.876***; sorghum, r = 0.872***). Only one major peak was detected when NPB extracts were analyzed using size‐exclusion high‐performance liquid chromatography, regardless of soil properties. In addition, the organic N extracted with NPB was characterized by determining the content of peptidoglycan, the main component of bacterial cell walls. Although the characteristics of NPB‐extractable organic N are still unclear, it offers a promising quick assay of available N.
Degenerate and two‐color resonant four‐wave mixing of C2− in a molecular beam environment
Authors: Tulej Marek , Knopp Gregor , Gerber Thomas , Radi Peter P.
Published: March 2010

In this paper, we demonstrate that degenerate and two‐color resonant four‐wave mixing spectroscopy is applicable for the sensitive and selective characterization of negative ions in a molecular beam environment. Results are shown for C$_{2}^{-}$, which is produced by discharging a mixture of acetylene and argon prior to supersonic expansion. Substantial signal‐to‐noise ratios of ≈ 150 show that the method is generally applicable for high‐resolution optical double‐resonance spectroscopy of negative ions. A detection sensitivity for C$_{2}^{-}$ of ≈ 107 ions/cm3 is estimated. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the interpretation of the Raman spectra of Maya Blue: a review on the literature data
Authors: Doménech Antonio , Doménech‐Carbó María Teresa , Edwards Howell G. M.
Published: March 2010

The Raman spectroscopy of Maya Blue (MB), a nanostructured organic–inorganic hybrid material, has received considerable attention. A re‐evaluation of the Raman literature data for indigo dye, genuine MB samples and model specimens obtained by the binding of indigo to phyllosilicate clays, such as palygorskite and sepiolite, using chemometric analysis of normalised spectra is reported. Available data present features in support of the following ideas: (1) dehydroindigo accompanies indigo in MB; (2) different topological isomers, i.e. dye molecules attached to different coordinative sites of the palygorskite framework, are involved in MB; and (3) different procedures were probably used for preparing MB in ancient Mesoamerican civilisations. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cooperative optical effects in volumes embedded in layered media
Authors: Nichelatti E. , Marrocco M. , Montereali R. M.
Published: March 2010

A cluster of point sources can generate optical radiation in a manner substantially different from what characterizes the emission of a single point source. Such differences are mainly caused by the cooperation of the sources and are even more remarkable under particular electromagnetic boundary conditions. Furthermore, the geometry of the problem cannot be ignored as it makes an important contribution to the contrast between single source and collective behaviour. This paper tries to explore the subject in view of its applications to coherent scattering that is typical of non‐linear Raman processes. To this end, the classical theories of electromagnetic radiation from a point source (treated as a randomly oriented Hertzian dipole) and of partial coherence are joined into a unified formalism to evaluate light emission from a volume seen as a collection of point sources embedded in a layered medium. In certain reasonable circumstances and beyond the undeniable complexity of the problem, the formalism leads to the relevant advantage of analytical results for the power radiated outside the medium. In other more general cases, fast Fourier transforms can be used in principle. The possibility and convenience of using the theory to model micro‐CARS imaging are illustrated and discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Modigliani–Miller theorem and entrepreneurial firms: an overview
Authors: Villamil Anne P.
Published: March 2010

This volume is a timely kick‐off to the next fifty years of this important research agenda, where entrepreneurial firms will be front and center.
The ‘irrelevance of irrelevance’ in entrepreneurial finance: modeling the cost of capital in start‐ups beyond Modigliani–Miller
Authors: Koch Lambert T. , Kuhn Wolfgang , Gruenhagen Marc , Hisrich Robert D.
Published: March 2010

A formal model of the cost of capital specific to new ventures can be used as a platform for discussion on entrepreneurial finance in the aftermath of the 2008–2009 banking crisis.
Simultaneous financial decision‐making: evidence from UK firms
Authors: Ding Xiaoming , Murinde Victor
Published: March 2010

The capital structure and dividend policy in UK‐listed firms are simultaneously determined and dividend decisions better monitored with a low individual shareholding and a high proportion of institutional ownership.
Strategic thinking in family businesses
Authors: O'Regan Nicholas , Hughes Tim , Collins Lorna , Tucker John
Published: March 2010

Certain strategic issues and challenges relating to financing and capital structure in family businesses are thought of differently from non‐family businesses and lead them to employ specific financial policies.
Discrimination of orange beverage emulsions with different formulations using multivariate analysis
Authors: Mirhosseini Hamed , Tan Chin Ping
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND: The constituents in a food emulsion interact with each other, either physically or chemically, determining the overall physico‐chemical and organoleptic properties of the final product. Thus, the main objective of present study was to investigate the effect of emulsion components on beverage emulsion properties.

RESULTS: In most cases, the second‐order polynomial regression models with no significant (P > 0.05) lack of fit and high adjusted coefficient of determination (adjusted R2, 0.851–0.996) were significantly fitted to explain the beverage emulsion properties as function of main emulsion components. The main effect of gum arabic was found to be significant (P < 0.05) in all response regression models.

CONCLUSION: Orange beverage emulsion containing 222.0 g kg−1 gum arabic, 2.4 g kg−1 xanthan gum and 152.7 g kg−1 orange oil was predicted to provide the desirable emulsion properties. The present study suggests that the concentration of gum arabic should be considered as a primary critical factor for the formulation of orange beverage emulsion. This study also indicated that the interaction effect between xanthan gum and orange oil showed the most significant (P < 0.05) effect among all interaction effects influencing all the physicochemical properties except for density. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Differentiation of bacteria using fatty acid profiles from gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Yanyan , Wu Shengfang , Wang Liping , Li Ye , Shi Feng , Wang Xiaoyuan
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND: Fatty acids are essential components in cell membranes of bacteria, and they determine the different structures of lipids and lipid A. Therefore, fatty acids are good targets for development of rapid and reliable methods for differentiation of bacteria.

RESULTS: Here we report fatty acid distributions in three different bacteria—Escherichia coli, Francisella novicida and Bacillus subtilis—studied by using gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Different fatty acid profiles were observed in the three bacteria. Hydroxyl fatty acids were observed in E. coli and F. novicida, but not in B. subtilis. Carbocyclic fatty acids were observed in E. coli but not in F. novicida or B. subtilis. Methyl‐branched fatty acids were observed in B. subtilis but not in E. coli or F. novicida. Although saturated and unsaturated fatty acids were all observed in the three bacteria, their chain lengths and distribution patterns were different.

CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the fatty acid profile in a given bacterium is highly specific, and gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry is a rapid and sensitive method for the identification or detection of bacteria. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of ethanol treatment on physiological and quality attributes of fresh‐cut eggplant
Authors: Hu Wenzhong , Jiang Aili , Tian Mixia , Liu Chenghui , Wang Yanying
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND: Fresh‐cut eggplants, as other vegetables, have relatively short shelf life because of the large amount of tissue disruption and increased metabolism. There is a very rapid onset of enzymatic browning and tissue softening with consequent decrease in sensorial and nutritional quality. To reduce respiration and maintain the quality, various treatments have been applied to find the optimum conditions that provide more fresh and natural fresh‐cut produce after minimal processing. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of ethanol vapour treatment on physiological and quality attributes of fresh‐cut eggplant during the extension of shelf life.

RESULTS: The fresh‐cut eggplant treated with ethanol vapour showed that respiration rate and occurrence of enzymatic browning were reduced, and higher total phenol content was maintained during 8 days of storage at 10 °C. The polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase in fresh‐cut eggplant were also inhibited significantly by ethanol treatment. The ethanol treatment reduced the weight loss and maintained the integrity of cell membranes, as confirmed by the low value of electrolyte leakage.

CONCLUSION: The ethanol treatment applied for fresh‐cut eggplant was a practical approach to reduce the activity of physiological metabolism and maintain the fresh quality of fresh‐cut eggplant. The experimental results revealed that ethanol treatment was effective for extending the shelf life of fresh‐cut eggplant as a cheap, environmentally acceptable method. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
PHR1 is a vesicle‐bound protein abundantly expressed in mature olfactory neurons
Authors: Tan Bruce , Brown David , Xu Shunbin , Valle David
Published: March 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis.

To characterize the role of Phr1, a gene highly expressed in primary sensory neurons where it encodes an integral membrane protein with an N‐terminal pleckstrin homology domain and a C‐terminal transmembrane domain, in the olfactory system.

Methods.

We studied the immunelocalization of the PHR1 protein in mouse olfactory epithelium both at steady state and during regeneration following methyl bromide (MeBr) exposure using scanning confocal microscopy. Additionally, we examined the electrophysiologic role of Phr1 in olfaction and short‐term olfactory adaptation.

Results.

We found that PHR1 is abundantly and specifically expressed in olfactory neurons. It is widely distributed in punctate, vesiculated organelles throughout the cell bodies, axons, and glomeruli of primary olfactory neurons but is specifically excluded from the olfactory cilia. In the regenerating olfactory epithelium, PHR1 expression appears at 14 days following MeBr ablation coinciding with the onset of olfactory neuron maturity. Despite the abundant and specific expression throughout the olfactory neurons, mice lacking Phr1 did not exhibit differences in the distribution of the components of olfactory signal transduction system, the rate of olfactory regeneration following MeBr exposure, olfactory function, or short‐term adaptation to odors.

Conclusions.

Phr1 is widely and abundantly expressed throughout mature olfactory neurons and other primary sensory neurons, but its absence does not appear to affect olfactory morphology, regeneration, sensory function, or adaptation. The exact function of Phr1 remains to be discovered. Laryngoscope, 2010
Sleep apnea, daytime somnolence, and idiopathic dizziness—A novel association
Authors: Sowerby Leigh J. , Rotenberg Brian , Brine Meggan , George Charles F. P. , Parnes Lorne S.
Published: March 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To determine if an association exists between sleep apnea, daytime somnolence, and chronic idiopathic dizziness.

Study Design:

Case‐control study of new patients presenting to a tertiary neuro‐otologic practice. A total of 46 subjects with idiopathic dizziness (ID), 20 positive controls with dizziness (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo [BPV]), and 69 negative controls with hearing loss (HL) but no dizziness were enrolled.

Methods:

Participants who were patients diagnosed with the above conditions and who met all other inclusion criteria completed a sleep questionnaire and had a complete physical exam and investigations to establish or exclude a neuro‐otologic diagnosis. They were subsequently evaluated for risk of symptomatic sleep disturbance based on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), the Berlin Questionnaire, and the Multivariable Apnea Risk Index (MAP). Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL).

Results:

There was no significant demographic difference among the groups in terms of age, sex, body mass index, neck size, alcohol consumption, or smoking. Using a cutoff of both 10 and 12 on the ESS, the ID were more likely to have significant daytime somnolence than the HL group, with a likelihood ratio (LR) of 7.8 for the ESS 12 score (P = .021) and 7.1 for the ESS 10 score (P = .029). Using the MAP score, a statistically significant difference between the ID group and both the BPV group (LR 3.99, P = .046) and the HL group (LR 5.46, P = .019) was found.

Conclusions:

This study suggests that a previously undescribed link between idiopathic dizziness, daytime somnolence, and sleep apnea might exist. Prospective investigation is warranted to determine whether treatment of any sleep issues resolves symptoms of idiopathic dizziness.
Triamcinolone‐impregnated nasal dressing following endoscopic sinus surgery: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Côté David W. J. , Wright Erin D.
Published: March 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To evaluate the impact of steroid‐impregnated absorbable nasal dressing on wound healing and surgical outcomes after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).

Study Design:

A prospective, randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled trial.

Methods:

Chronic rhinosinusitis patients with polyposis who were to undergo bilateral endoscopic sinus surgery were recruited and randomized to receive triamcinolone‐impregnated bioresorbable dressing (Nasopore; Stryker Canada, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada) in one nasal cavity and saline‐impregnated dressing contralaterally. Postoperative healing assessments of edema, crusting, secretions, and scarring were done at postoperative days 7, 14, 28 and at 3 and 6 months using validated Lund‐Kennedy and Perioperative Sinus Endoscopy (POSE) scores.

Results:

Analysis of 19 enrolled patients having completed observation shows no significant difference between the cavity scores preoperatively using both the POSE and Lund‐Kennedy scores. There was, however, a statistically significant difference at day 7 and 14 in both the Lund‐Kennedy (P = .04 and P = .03, respectively) and POSE scores (P = .03 and P = .001, respectively) for the treatment and control groups, and a significant difference was also detected between the groups at 3‐ and 6‐month observations (Lund‐Kennedy, P = .007 and P = .02, respectively; POSE, P = .049 and P = .01, respectively).

Conclusions:

Data analysis suggests a significant improvement in early postoperative healing in nasal cavities receiving triamcinolone‐impregnated absorbable nasal packing following ESS and is also associated with improved healing up to 6 months postoperatively.
An experimental model to investigate initial tracheal anastomosis strength
Authors: Schilt Peter N. , McRae Bryan R. , Akkus Ozan , Cordes Susan R. , Halum Stacey L.
Published: March 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Early anastomotic dehiscence is a devastating complication of segmental tracheal resection. Although wound healing, patient comorbidities, and anastomotic tension are all influential factors, there is a paucity of information available on initial tracheal stability after various tracheal anastomosis techniques in human tissue.

Study Design:

Prospective cadaver study.

Methods:

We present a novel, inexpensive pulley‐based system to apply symmetric tension on the trachea in a longitudinal direction to the point of anastomotic dehiscence. The validity of this mechanism was confirmed with trials using incrementally increasing quantities of the same suture type. Twenty‐four trials were then performed on 12 cadaver tracheas (six fresh and six preserved) to compare anastomotic strength with two commonly used suture materials (3‐0 polyglactin [Vicryl] vs. 3‐0 polydioxanone [PDS]).

Results:

Validation studies demonstrated that the force increased appropriately with an increasing number of sutures tested. In the tracheal anastomoses, tracheal suture pull‐through was the most common mechanism of dehiscence, regardless of suture type. No significant difference in anastomotic stability was detected between the fresh versus preserved cadaver tracheas. The mean anastomotic strength was slightly greater for Vicryl (179.9 N) when compared to PDS (161.5 N), but the difference did not reach significance (P = .207).

Conclusions:

We introduce an inexpensive tool for measuring initial tracheal anastomosis stability with human cadavers, which demonstrated no difference in the tracheal pull‐through strength of Vicryl and PDS.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of airway fluoroscopy in diagnosing patients with laryngomalacia
Authors: Huntley Colin , Carr Michele M.
Published: March 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To re‐evaluate the usefulness of airway fluoroscopy (AF) in diagnosing laryngomalacia and to determine the effectiveness of AF in diagnosing laryngomalacia depending on the specific lesion.

Study Design:

Retrospective chart review.

Methods:

Patients from 0 to 12 months of age who presented with stridor were evaluated. Those who underwent AF and flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy (FFL) and/or direct laryngoscopy (DL) were included in the study. The diagnosis made through AF, FFL, and/or DL were recorded with those considered definitive made through FFL and/or DL. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of AF compared to FFL and DL were calculated. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of AF with regard to specific sites of laryngeal collapse were calculated.

Results:

AF showed an inconsistent sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value compared to FFL and DL with regard to specific lesions. AF had an overall sensitivity of 35%, specificity of 67%, positive predictive value of 78%, and negative predictive value of 23% when compared to FFL in diagnosing laryngomalacia. When compared to DL, AF had an overall sensitivity of 44%, specificity of 60%, positive predictive value of 67%, and negative predictive value of 38% when diagnosing laryngomalacia.

Conclusions:

AF is a commonly used modality in the diagnostic workup of a patient with stridor. The effectiveness of AF is limited when compared to endoscopy when used for the evaluation of laryngomalacia.