bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rhizofiltration of a Heavy Metal (Lead) Containing Wastewater Using the Wetland Plant Carex pendula
Authors: Yadav Brijesh K. , Siebel Maarten A. , van Bruggen Johan J. A.
Published: May 2011

Rhizofiltration is a subset technique of phytoremediation which refers to the approach of using plant biomass for removing contaminants, primarily toxic metals, from polluted water. The effective implementation of this in situ remediation technology requires experimental as well as conceptual insight of plant–water interactions that control the extraction of targeted metal from polluted water resources. Therefore, pot and simulation experiments are used in this study to investigate the rhizofiltration of a lead containing wastewater using plants of Carex pendula, a common wetland plant found in Europe. The metal contaminant extraction along with plant growth and water uptake rates from a wastewater having varying Pb concentration is studied experimentally for 2 wk. The temporal distribution of the metal concentration in the wastewater and the accumulated metal in different compartments of C. pendula at the end are analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometry. Parameters of the metal uptake kinetics are deduced experimentally for predicting the metal removal by root biomass. Further, mass balance equations coupled with the characterized metal uptake kinetics are used for simulating the metal partitioning from the wastewater to its accumulation in the plant biomass. The simulated metal content in wastewater and plant biomass is compared with the observed data showing a good agreement with the later. Results show that C. pendula accumulates considerable amounts of lead, particularly in root biomass, and can be considered for the cleanup of lead contaminated wastewaters in combination with proper biomass disposal alternatives. Also, the findings can be used for performing further non‐hydroponics experiment to mimic the real wetland conditions more closely.
Chemistry and Biological Activity of Platinum Amidine Complexes
Authors: Michelin Rino A. , Sgarbossa Paolo , Mazzega Sbovata Silvia , Gandin Valentina , Marzano Cristina , Bertani Roberta
Published: May 2011

Platinum amidine complexes represent a new class of potential antitumor drugs that contain the imino moiety HNC(sp2) bonded to the platinum center. They can be related to the iminoether derivatives, which were recently shown to be the first PtII compounds with a trans configuration endowed with anticancer activity. The chemical and biological properties of platinum amidine complexes, and more generally of platinum imino derivatives, can be rationally modified through suitable synthetic procedures with the aim of improving their cytotoxicity and antitumor activity. The addition of protic nucleophiles to nitriles coordinated to platinum in various oxidation states can offer a wide variety of complexes with chemical, structural, and physical properties specifically tuned for a more efficacious biological response.
Numerical Measure of a Complex Matrix
Authors: Gallay Thierry , Serre Denis
Published: May 2011

We introduce a natural probability measure over the numerical range of a complex matrix A ∈ Mn(
\input amssym $\Bbb C$). This numerical measure μA can be defined as the law of the random variable 〈AX, X〉 ∈ \input amssym $\Bbb C$
when the vector X ∈ \input amssym $\Bbb C$n is uniformly distributed on the unit sphere. If the matrix A is normal, we show that μA has a piecewise polynomial density fA, which can be identified with a multivariate B‐spline. In the general (nonnormal) case, we relate the Radon transform of μA to the spectrum of a family of Hermitian matrices, and we deduce an explicit representation formula for the numerical density that is appropriate for theoretical and computational purposes. As an application, we show that the density fA is polynomial in some regions of the complex plane that can be characterized geometrically, and we recover some known results about lacunae of symmetric hyperbolic systems in 2 + 1 dimensions. Finally, we prove under general assumptions that the numerical measure of a matrix A ∈ Mn (\input amssym $\Bbb C$) concentrates to a Dirac mass as the size n goes to infinity. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A new frequency‐uniform coercive boundary integral equation for acoustic scattering
Authors: Spence Euan A. , Chandler‐Wilde Simon N. , Graham Ivan G. , Smyshlyaev Valery P.
Published: May 2011

A new boundary integral operator is introduced for the solution of the soundsoft acoustic scattering problem, i.e., for the exterior problem for the Helmholtz equation with Dirichlet boundary conditions. We prove that this integral operator is coercive in L2(Γ) (where Γ is the surface of the scatterer) for all Lipschitz star‐shaped domains. Moreover, the coercivity is uniform in the wavenumber k = ω/c, where ω is the frequency and c is the speed of sound. The new boundary integral operator, which we call the “star‐combined” potential operator, is a slight modification of the standard combined potential operator, and is shown to be as easy to implement as the standard one. Additionally, to the authors' knowledge, it is the only second‐kind integral operator for which convergence of the Galerkin method in L2(Γ) is proved without smoothness assumptions on Γ except that it is Lipschitz. The coercivity of the star‐combined operator implies frequency‐explicit error bounds for the Galerkin method for any approximation space. In particular, these error estimates apply to several hybrid asymptoticnumerical methods developed recently that provide robust approximations in the high‐frequency case. The proof of coercivity of the star‐combined operator critically relies on an identity first introduced by Morawetz and Ludwig in 1968, supplemented further by more recent harmonic analysis techniques for Lipschitz domains. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Computational Chemistry Workbook. by Thomas Heine, Jan‐Ole Joswig, Achim Gelessus.
Authors: Ludwig Ralf
Published: May 2011

Wiley VCH, Weinheim 2009. 234 pages, softcover, € 41.90—ISBN 978‐3‐527‐32442‐2
Alternating Current Measurements in Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy, Part 2: Detection of Adsorbates
Authors: Trinh Dao , Keddam Michel , Novoa Xosé Ramón , Vivier Vincent
Published: May 2011

A scanning electrochemical microscope (SECM) in ac mode is used for the characterisation of the adsorption process during the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in sulfuric acid solution. It is shown that this technique allows quantitative analysis of the adsorption process, and measurements of the differential capacitance with the frequency as parameter are obtained. The time constant for relaxation of adsorbed hydrogen (Hads) is approximately 2 Hz, and analysis of the Nyquist plot allows direct evaluation of the charge involved. In addition, the direct comparison of the usual electrochemical impedance data and ac‐SECM results obtained simultaneously permits characterisation of processes occurring at the surface and in solution.
Hopping Transport and Stochastic Dynamics of Electrons in Plasma Layers
Authors: Chetverikov A. P. , Ebeling W. , Röpke G. , Velarde M.G.
Published: May 2011

We investigate the stochastic dynamics and the hopping transfer of electrons embedded into two‐dimensional atomic layers. First we formulate the quantum statistics of general atom ‐ electron systems based on the tight‐binding approximation and express ‐ following linear response transport theory ‐ the quantum‐mechanical time correlation functions and the conductivity by means of equilibrium time correlation functions. Within the relaxation time approach an expression for the effective collision frequency is derived in Born approximation, which takes into account quantum effects and dynamic effects of the atom motion through the dynamic structure factor of the lattice and the quantum dynamics of the electrons. In the last part we derive Pauli equations for the stochastic electron dynamics including nonlinear excitations of the atomic subsystem. We carry out Monte Carlo simulations and show that mean square displacements of electrons and transport properties are in a moderate to high temperature regime strongly influenced by by soliton‐type excitations and demonstrate the existence of percolation effects (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optimization of a Dielectric Barrier Discharge for Pulsed UV Emission of XeCl at 308 nm
Authors: Pipa A. V. , Bussiahn R.
Published: May 2011

A pulsed dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) has been investigated in a wide range of experimental conditions with the purpose of optimization for XeCl excimer radiation. For that the following operation parameters had been considered: four different lamps of coaxial geometry with gas gaps in the range of 1.3 ‐ 6.5 mm; gas mixtures of xenon and chlorine containing admixtures of 1%, 2% and 4% Cl2 at total filling pressures between 5 mbar and 600 mbar; voltage rise times of 20 ‐ 50 ns and voltage amplitudes of up to 12 kV. A maximum radiation pulse energy of 1.8 µ J has been detected at 310 ± 10 nm with an estimated radiation decay by three orders of magnitude within about 5 µ s. It was shown that the minimization of the voltage rise time is essential for enhancing the radiation pulse energy. Furthermore a correlation between the discharge geometry and the optimum pressure for maximum radiation output was observed. The decay characteristics of the excimer emission provides evidence of the harpoon reaction being the main channel of XeCl formation under our operation conditions (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Fine needle aspiration cytology in sclerosing stromal tumor of the ovary: A series of three cases
Authors: Banik Tarak , Gupta Nalini , Dey Pranab , Rajwanshi Arvind , Dhaliwal Lakhbir Kaur
Published: May 2011

Sclerosing stromal tumor (SST) of the ovary is a distinct subtype of sex cord‐stromal tumor, which is derived from the ovarian stroma and, in turn, from the sex cords of the embryonic gonads. It is a benign tumor, predominantly, unilateral in nature and mostly involves the right side of the ovary. Histopathological features are characteristic and are well described in the literature; however to the best of our knowledge fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) has not been described previously. We present FNAC findings in a series of three cases of SST and discuss the cytomorphological features. We have described Call‐Exner like bodies in one of our cases and hence, suggest that these may not be an exclusive feature of granulosa cell tumor. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2011; © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Crush intraoperatory analysis in craniopharyngioma
Authors: Tena‐Suck Martha , Salinas‐Lara Citlaltepetl , Vega‐Orozco Rosalba , Rembao‐Bojorquez Daniel , Gelista Noemi
Published: May 2011

Intraoperative smear cytology provides a rapid and reliable intraoperative diagnosis and guidance to the neurosurgeon during surgical resection and lesion targeting. It also helps the surgeon to monitor and modify the approach at surgery. The aim of this article was a clinicopathological and cytomorphological intraoperative crush smear correlation in craniopharyngioma. Thirty craniopharyngiomas were included in this study. Twenty‐seven cases were adaCP and only three cases were papCP. This series included 16 (53%) males and 14 (47%) females adult patients, aged from 15 to 86 years (median, 49 year). Two cases were frank errors, 12 cases showed partial correlation, 5 cases showed incomplete typing of the cell type, and 7 cases discrepancy in type of tumors. The percent error was 14%. Correlations with clinical details and radiological findings were helpful in improving the accuracy rate. Smear technique is a fairly accurate, relatively safe, rapid, simple, easily reproducible, and cost‐effective tool to diagnose brain tumors. Smear cytology is of great value in intraoperative consultation of central nervous system pathology. The cytological aspects and smear patterns disclose important complementary diagnostic information for the histopathological examination. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Elastofibroma: Cytomorphologic, histologic, and radiologic findings in five cases
Authors: Vincent Jeremy , Maleki Zahra
Published: May 2011

Elastofibroma is a rare benign, solid, ill‐defined and slow‐growing soft tissue lesion that typically arises between the tip of scapula and chest wall of elderly. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is a commonly used technique to definitively diagnose the condition. However, the collagenous nature of the mass often results in a paucicellular FNA smear, resulting in a false‐negative report. Herein, we report cytomorphologic, histological, and radiologic findings in five cases. Five cases of elastofibroma were retrospectively retrieved from the cytopathology archives of a teaching hospital. The cytological material was obtained by CT‐guided (n = 2) and ultrasound‐guided (n = 3) FNA. Smears were stained with Diff‐Quik and Papanicolaou stains. Elastic stain and mucicarmine were reviewed in one case. Radiologic images and medical records and histology of all cases were reviewed. There were four patients (two men and two women). Their ages ranged from 64 to 84 (mean = 71.25 years). All tumors were subscapular (n = 2 right side, n = 1 left side, and one bilateral). Tumor sizes ranged from 3.3 to 7.5 cm in greatest dimension. Aspirated material was hypocellular in all cases, consisting of scattered uniform spindle cells, mature adipocytes, and collagen. Petaloid globules and serrated and braid‐like linear elastic fibers were haphazardly scattered. The characteristic petaloid globules typical of elastofibroma in aspirated material can be inadvertently mistaken or overlooked sincethe samples are hypocellular. Awareness of cytomorphologic features of elastofibroma and the typical clinical setting will permit an accurate diagnosis and eliminate the need for preoperative biopsy. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diagnosis and subclassification of lymphomas and non‐neoplastic lesions involving mediastinal lymph nodes using endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration
Authors: Ko Hyang Mi , da Cunha Santos Gilda , Darling Gail , Pierre Andrew , Yasufuku Kazuhiro , Boerner Scott L. , Geddie William R.
Published: May 2011

Introduction: The value of endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA) has been established for staging mediastinal lymph nodes in lung carcinoma patients with radiologically enlarged lymph nodes, but its utility for evaluation of primary lymph node disorders is not well defined. The objective of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of EBUS‐TBNA with on‐site assessment and triage of sample for multiple ancillary techniques, for the diagnosis and subclassification of lymphomas and non‐neoplastic lesions involving mediastinal lymph nodes. Methods: One hundred and twenty consecutive patients who underwent EBUS‐TBNA between January 2008 and August 2009 were reviewed. The final cytological diagnosis was based on air‐dried Romanowsky and alcohol‐fixed Papanicolaou stained direct smears, immunohistochemistry, immunophenotyping, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Results: A total of 38 cases were included in this study consisting of eight reactive lymphoid hyperplasia, 20 granulomatous lymphadenitis (17 non‐necrotizing and 3 necrotizing granulomatous inflammations), 3 Hodgkin lymphomas and 7 non‐Hodgkin lymphomas (1 small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), 1 SLL with scattered Reed‐Sternberg cells, 1 marginal zone lymphoma, and 4 large B cell lymphomas). Cultures performed in 13 cases were negative for AFB and fungi. Immunophenotyping and immunohistochemistry for MIB1 in six cases, and FISH in five cases provided necessary information for subclassification. Conclusions: EBUS‐TBNA is a minimally invasive procedure which provides sufficient sample for definitive primary diagnosis and classification of malignant lymphoma and granulomatous inflammation in patients with mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Rapid on‐site specimen assessment is invaluable for appropriate assignment of sample to ancillary studies. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2013;41:1023–1030. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Extrinsic factors as multifunctional regulators of retinal ganglion cell morphogenesis
Authors: Atkinson‐Leadbeater Karen , McFarlane Sarah
Published: May 2011

Neurons acquire a unique cell‐type dependent morphology during development that is critical for their function in a neural circuit. The process involves a neuron sending out an axon that grows in a directed fashion to its target, and the elaboration of multiple, branched dendrites. The ultimate morphology of the neuron is sculpted by factors in the environment that act directly or indirectly to influence the behavior of the growing axon and dendrites. The output neuron of the retina, the retinal ganglion cell (RGC), has served as a useful model for the identification of molecular signals that control neuronal morphogenesis, because the entire development of the neuron, from the initiation of neurites to the establishment of synapses, is accessible for experimental manipulation and visualization. In this review we discuss data which argue that the visual system uses a limited number of signals to control RGC morphogenesis, with single molecules being reused multiple times to control distinct events in axon and dendrite outgrowth. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 71: 1170–1185, 2011
Candidate molecular mechanisms for establishing cell identity in the developing retina
Authors: Garrett Andrew M. , Burgess Robert W.
Published: May 2011

In the developing nervous system, individual neurons must occupy appropriate positions within circuits. This requires that these neurons recognize and form connections with specific pre‐ and postsynaptic partners. Cellular recognition is also required for the spacing of cell bodies and the arborization of dendrites, factors that determine the inputs onto a given neuron. These issues are particularly evident in the retina, where different types of neurons are evenly spaced relative to other cells of the same type. This establishes a reiterated columnar circuitry resembling the insect retina. Establishing these mosaic patterns requires that cells of a given type (homotypic cells) be able to sense their neighbors. Therefore, both synaptic specificity and mosaic spacing require cellular identifiers. In synaptic specificity, recognition often occurs between different types of cells in a pre‐ and postsynaptic pairing. In mosaic spacing, recognition is often occurring between different cells of the same type, orhomotypic self‐recognition. Dendritic arborization can require recognition of different neurites of the same cell, or isoneuronal self‐recognition. The retina is an extremely amenable system for studying the molecular identifiers that drive these various forms of recognition. The different neuronal types in the retina are well defined, and the genetic tools for marking cell types are increasingly available. In this review we will summarize retinal anatomy and describe cell types in the retina and how they are defined. We will then describe the requirements of a recognition code and discuss newly emerging candidate molecular mechanisms for recognition that may meet these requirements. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 71: 1258–1272, 2011
Electrochemical analysis of Clostridium propionicum and its acrylic acid production in microbial fuel cells
Authors: Zhu Linqi , Chen Hao , Huang Lei , Cai Jin , Xu Zhinan
Published: May 2011

Currently, acrylic acid is produced at a low yield by the resting cells of Clostridium propionicum with the supplement of extra electron acceptors. As an alternative way, acrylic acid production coupled with electricity generation was achieved by C. propionicum‐based microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Electricity was generated in the salt‐bridge MFCs with cysteine and resazurin in the anode chamber as mediators, and K3Fe(CN)6 as the cathode electron acceptor. Power generation was 21.78 mW/m2 with an internal resistance of 9809 Ω. Cyclic voltammograms indicated the main mechanism of power production was the electron transfer facilitated by mediators in the system. In the salt‐bridge MFC system, 0.694 mM acrylic acid was produced together with electricity generation.
The ambiguities and tensions in creating and capturing value: Views from HRM consultants in a leading consultancy firm
Authors: Donnelly Rory
Published: May 2011

Creating and capturing value in knowledge‐intensive organizations is often marked by a high degree of ambiguity. The resource‐ and knowledge‐based views of the firm assume that this ambiguity enhances an organization's competitive advantage, but do not acknowledge or address the problems and tensions it creates for employees. This study contributes to developing these views by providing new insights based on analyzing how HRM consultants perceive their contribution and standing in the context of this ambiguity. These findings shed light on the importance of addressing consultants' perceptions of this ambiguity in seeking to manage and motivate them to maximize the creation and appropriation of value for consultancy practices. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reclassification of SRU equipment to ASME Section VIII Division 1
Authors: Al‐Otaibi Dhawi A. , Al‐Anizi Salamah S.
Published: May 2011

This paper investigates the possibility of reclassifying Sulfur Recovery Unit (SRU) reaction furnace equipment to design rules that meet ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) Section VIII Division 1, which is the standard for pressure vessel design. Currently most SRU equipment is designed and constructed following the design rules of ASME (BPVC) I, as they were considered steam generators or boilers. Plant inspection experiences difficulties testing and inspecting the components of a reaction furnace because of the mixture of ASME (BPVC) design rules with different inspection intervals. These difficulties include limited accessibility for inspecting the shell side of a Waste Heat Boiler (WHB), with an inspection interval of 24 months, without removing the tubes that are designed to the ASME (BPVC) VIII rules, with an inspection interval of 36 months. The objective of code reclassification is to extend the Testing & Inspection (T&I) period of WHB and steam drum in the SRU to 36 months as allowed by standards for equipment constructed under the rules of ASME (BPVC) Section VIII Division 1 and the National Board Inspection Code (NBIC). The results of the evaluation and analyses revealed acceptable component configurations (thickness, stress levels, etc.) in accordance with the design rules of ASME (BPVC) Section VIII Division 1. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/htj). DOI 10.1002/htj.20352
Determination of temperature distribution for annular fins with temperature‐dependent thermal conductivity
Authors: Roozbehani B. , Montazeri G.H.
Published: May 2011

In this paper, homotopy analysis method (HAM) has been used to evaluate the temperature distribution of annular fin with temperature‐dependent thermal conductivity and to determine the temperature distribution within the fin. This method is useful and practical for solving the nonlinear heat transfer equation, which is associated with variable thermal conductivity condition. HAM provides an approximate analytical solution in the form of an infinite power series. The annular fin heat transfer rate with temperature‐dependent thermal conductivity has been obtained as a function of thermo‐geometric fin parameter and the thermal conductivity parameter describing the variation of the thermal conductivity. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/htj). DOI 10.1002/htj.20353
Heat transfer enhancement for combined convection flow of nanofluids in a vertical rectangular duct considering radiation effects
Authors: Mohammed H.A. , Om Nur Irmawati , Shuaib N.H. , Saidur R.
Published: May 2011

In this paper, combined convective heat transfer and nanofluids flow characteristics in a vertical rectangular duct are numerically investigated. This investigation covers Rayleigh numbers in the range of 2 × 106 ≤ Ra ≤ 2 × 107 and Reynolds numbers in the range of 200 ≤ Re ≤ 1000. Pure water and five different types of nanofluids such as Ag, Au, CuO, diamond, and SiO2 with a volume fraction range of 0.5% ≤ φ ≤ 3% are used. The three‐dimensional steady, laminar flow, and heat transfer governing equations are solved using finite volume method (FVM). The effects of Rayleigh number, Reynolds number, nanofluids type, nanoparticle volume fraction of nano‐ fluids, and effect of radiation on the thermal and flow fields are examined. It is found that the heat transfer is enhanced using nanofluids by 47% when compared with water. The Nusselt number increases as the Reynolds number and Rayleigh number increase and aspect ratio decreases. A SiO2 nanofluid has the highest Nusselt number and highest wall shear stress while the Au nanofluid has the lowest Nusselt number and lowest wall shear stress. The results also revealed that the wall shear stress increases as Reynolds number increases, aspect ratio decreases, and nanoparticle volume fraction increases. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/htj). DOI 10.1002/htj.20354
A temperature‐precipitation‐based model of thirty‐year mean snowpack accumulation and melt in Oregon, USA
Authors: Leibowitz Scott G. , Wigington Jr., Parker J. , Comeleo Randy L. , Ebersole Joseph L.
Published: May 2011

High‐resolution, spatially extensive climate grids can be useful in regional hydrologic applications. However, in regions where precipitation is dominated by snow, snowmelt models are often used to account for timing and magnitude of water delivery. We developed an empirical, nonlinear model to estimate 30‐year means of monthly snowpack and snowmelt throughout Oregon. Precipitation and temperature for the period 1971–2000, derived from 400‐m resolution PRISM data, and potential evapotranspiration (estimated from temperature and day length) drive the model. The model was calibrated using mean monthly data from 45 SNOTEL sites and accurately estimated snowpack at 25 validation sites: R2 = 0·76, Nash‐Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) = 0·80. Calibrating it with data from all 70 SNOTEL sites gave somewhat better results (R2 = 0·84, NSE = 0·85). We separately applied the model to SNOTEL stations located < 200 and ≥ 200 km from the Oregon coast, since they have different climatic conditions. The model performed equally well for both areas. We used the model to modify moisture surplus (precipitation minus potential evapotranspiration) to account for snowpack accumulation and snowmelt. The resulting values accurately reflect the shape and magnitude of runoff at a snow‐dominated basin, with low winter values and a June peak. Our findings suggest that the model is robust with respect to different climatic conditions, and that it can be used to estimate potential runoff in snow‐dominated basins. The model may allow high‐resolution, regional hydrologic comparisons to be made across basins that are differentially affected by snowpack, and may prove useful for investigating regional hydrologic response to climate change. Published in 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing the effect of climate change on mean annual runoff in the Songhua River basin, China
Authors: Meng Dejuan , Mo Xingguo
Published: May 2011

Influences of climatic change on the components of global hydrological cycle, including runoff and evapotranspiration are significant in the mid‐ and high‐latitude basins. In this paper, the effect of climatic change on annual runoff is evaluated in a large basin—Songhua River basin which is located in the northeast of China. A method based on Budyko‐type equation is applied to separate the contributions of climatic factors to changes in annual runoff from 1960 to 2008, which are computed by multiplying their partial derivatives by the slopes of trends in climate factors. Furthermore, annual runoff changes are predicted under IPCC SRES A2 and B2 scenarios with projections from five GCMs. The results showed that contribution of annual precipitation to annual runoff change was more significant than that of annual potential evapotranspiration in the Songhua River basin; and the factors contributing to annual potential evapotranspiration change were ranked as temperature, wind speed, vapour pressure, and sunshine duration. In the 2020s, 2050s, and 2080s, changes in annual runoff estimated with the GCM projections exhibited noticeable difference and ranged from − 8·4 to − 16·8 mm a−1 (−5·77 to − 11·53% of mean annual runoff). Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved sensitivity of vaginal self‐collection and high‐risk human papillomavirus testing
Authors: Belinson Jerome L. , Du Hui , Yang Bin , Wu Ruifang , Belinson Suzanne E. , Qu Xinfeng , Pretorius Robert G. , Yi Xin , Castle Philip E.
Published: May 2011

Self‐collected vaginal specimens tested for high‐risk human papillomavirus (HR‐HPV) have been shown to be less sensitive for the detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or cancer (≥CIN 3) than physician‐collected endocervical specimens. To increase the sensitivity of self‐collected specimens, we studied a self‐sampling device designed to obtain a larger specimen from the upper vagina (POI/NIH self‐sampler) and a more sensitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based HR‐HPV assay. Women (10,000) were screened with cervical cytology and HR‐HPV testing of vaginal self‐collected and endocervical physician‐collected specimens. Women were randomly assigned to use either a novel self‐collection device (POI/NIH self‐sampler) or conical‐shaped brush (Qiagen). The self‐collected and clinician‐collected specimens were assayed by Cervista (Hologic) and the research only PCR‐based matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF). Women with any abnormal screening test underwent colposcopy and biopsy. Women (8,556), mean age of 38.9, had complete data; 1.6% had ≥ CIN 3. For either HR‐HPV assay, the sensitivity was similar for the two self‐collection devices. Tested with Cervista, the sensitivity for ≥CIN 3 of self‐collected specimens was 70.9% and for endocervical specimens was 95.0% (p = 0.0001). Tested with MALDI‐TOF, the sensitivity for ≥CIN 3 of self‐collected specimens was 94.3% and for endocervical specimens was also 94.3% (p = 1.0). A self‐collected sample using a PCR‐based assay with the capability of very high throughput has similar sensitivity as a direct endocervical specimen obtained by a physician. Large population‐based screening “events” in low‐resource settings could be achieved by promoting self‐collection and centralized high‐throughput, low‐cost testing by PCR‐based MALDI‐TOF.
Antibodies reactive to Plasmodium falciparum serine repeat antigen in children with Burkitt lymphoma from Ghana
Authors: Guech‐Ongey Mercy , Yagi Masanori , Palacpac Nirianne Marie Q. , Emmanuel Benjamin , Talisuna Ambrose O. , Bhatia Kishor , Stefan D. Cristina , Biggar Robert J. , Nkrumah Francis , Neequaye Janet , Tougan Takahiro , Horii Toshihiro , Mbulaiteye Sam M.
Published: May 2011

The role of protective immunity to Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) malaria in Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is unknown. We investigated the association between BL and antibodies reactive to SE36 antigen, a recombinant protein based on P. falciparum serine repeat antigen 5 gene, targeted by protective malaria immune responses. Cases were children (0–14 years) enrolled at the Korle‐Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana, during 1965–1994 with BL confirmed by histology or cytology (92% of cases). Controls were apparently healthy children enrolled contemporaneous to the cases from the nearest neighbor house to the case house and were age,‐ sex‐frequency‐matched to the cases. Anti‐SE36 IgG antibodies were measured using enzyme‐linked absorbent immunoassays (ELISAs). SE36 titers were estimated by extrapolating ELISA optical density readings to a standard fitting curve. Anti‐SE36 titers were log‐transformed for analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) and two‐sided 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were estimated using unconditional logistic regression. The mean log endpoint dilution titers were 0.63 logs lower in cases than in controls (8.26 [SD 1.68] vs. 8.89 [SD 1.75], Student's t‐test, p = 0.019). Lower titers were observed in cases than controls aged 0–4 years (p = 0.05) and in those aged 5–14 years (p = 0.06). Low and medium tertiles of anti‐SE36 IgG antibodies were associated with increased OR for BL ([OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.21–2.31] and [OR 1.33, 95% CI 0.96–1.86], respectively, ptrend = 0.002) in analyses adjusting for age, sex, calendar period and test plate. Our findings suggest that compared to similarly aged children enrolled from the same community, children with BL in Ghana have lower antibodies to SE36 antigen.
Breast cancer prognosis is inherited independently of patient, tumor and treatment characteristics
Authors: Verkooijen Helena M. , Hartman Mikael , Usel Massimo , Benhamou Simone , Neyroud‐Caspar Isabelle , Czene Kamila , Vlastos Georges , Chappuis Pierre O. , Bouchardy Christine , Rapiti Elisabetta
Published: May 2011

Population‐based studies have shown a concordance of breast cancer survival among first‐degree relatives (FDRs), suggesting a heritable component. Reasons for such heritability remain to be elucidated. We aimed to determine whether association of breast cancer survival among FDRs is linked to shared patient and tumor characteristics or type of treatment. At the population‐based Geneva Breast Cancer Registry, we identified 162 FDR pairs diagnosed with breast cancer. We categorized FDRs into poor, medium and good familial survival risk groups according to breast cancer–specific survival of their proband (mother or sister). We compared patient, tumor and treatment characteristics between categories and calculated standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and adjusted disease‐specific mortality for each group. Breast cancer patients in the poor familial survival risk group were more likely to be diagnosed at later stages than those in the good familial survival risk group. Similarly, they had higher SMRs than those in the medium and good survival risk groups (18.7, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.4–33.5 vs. 16.5, 95% CI: 7.5–31.3 and 9.4, 95% CI: 3.4–20.4, respectively). After adjustment for patient and tumor characteristics and type of treatment, women in the poor familial survival risk group were almost five times more likely to die of breast cancer than those in the good familial survival risk group (adjusted hazard ratio 4.8, 95% CI: 1.4–16.4). Our study shows that breast cancer prognosis clusters within families and suggests that the hereditary component is independent of patient and tumor characteristics and type of treatment.
The neurotensin receptor‐1 promotes tumor development in a sporadic but not an inflammation‐associated mouse model of colon cancer
Authors: Bugni James M. , Rabadi Leina Al‐ , Jubbal Kevin , Karagiannides Iordanis , Lawson Gregory , Pothoulakis Charalabos
Published: May 2011

Neurotensin receptor‐1 (NTR‐1) is overexpressed in colon cancers and colon cancer cell lines. Signaling through this receptor stimulates proliferation of colonocyte‐derived cell lines and promotes inflammation and mucosal healing in animal models of colitis. Given the causal role of this signaling pathway in mediating colitis and the importance of inflammation in cancer development, we tested the effects of NTR‐1 in mouse models of inflammation‐associated and sporadic colon cancer using NTR‐1‐deficient (Ntsr1−/−) and wild‐type (Ntsr1+/+) mice. In mice treated with azoxymethane (AOM) to model sporadic cancer, NTR‐1 had a significant effect on tumor development with Ntsr1+/+ mice developing over twofold more tumors than Ntsr1−/− mice (p = 0.04). There was no effect of NTR‐1 on the number of aberrant crypt foci or tumor size, suggesting that NT/NTR‐1 signaling promotes the conversion of precancerous cells to adenomas. Interestingly, NTR‐1 status did not affect tumor development in an inflammation‐associated cancer model where mice were treated with AOM followed by two cycles of 5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). In addition, colonic molecular and histopathologic analyses were performed shortly after a single cycle of DSS. NTR‐1 status did not affect colonic myeloperoxidase activity or histopathologic scores for damage and inflammation. However, Ntsr1−/− mice were more resistant to DSS‐induced mortality (p = 0.01) and had over twofold higher colonic expression levels of Il6 and Cxcl2 (p < 0.04), cytokines known to promote tumor development. These results represent the first direct demonstration that targeted disruption of the Ntsr1 gene reduces susceptibility to colon tumorigenesis.
T cells raised against allogeneic HLA‐A2/CD20 kill primary follicular lymphoma and acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells
Authors: Abrahamsen Ingerid Weum , Kjellevoll Synneva , Greve‐Isdahl Margrethe , Mensali Nadia , Wälchli Sébastien , Kumari Shraddha , Loland Beate Fossum , Egeland Torstein , Kolstad Arne , Olweus Johanna
Published: May 2011

T cells mediating a graft‐versus‐leukemia/lymphoma effects without causing graft‐versus‐host disease would greatly improve the safety and applicability of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. We recently demonstrated that highly peptide‐ and HLA‐specific T cells can readily be generated against allogeneic HLA‐A*02:01 in complex with a peptide from the B cell‐restricted protein CD20. Here, we show that such CD20‐specific T cells can easily be induced from naïve precursors in cord blood, demonstrating that they do not represent cross‐reactive memory cells. The cells displayed high avidity and mediated potent cytotoxic effects on cells from patients with the CD20pos B cell malignancies follicular lymphoma (FL) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, the cytotoxicity was consistently lower for cells from two of the ALL patients. The ALL cells that were less efficiently killed did not display lower surface expression of CD20 or HLA‐A*02:01, or mutations in the CD20 sequence. Peptide pulsing fully restored the levels of cytotoxicity, indicating that they are indeed susceptible to T cell‐mediated killing. Adoptive transfer of CD20‐specific T cells to an HLA‐A*02:01pos patient requires an HLA‐A*02:01neg, but otherwise HLA identical, donor. A search clarified that donors meeting these criteria can be readily identified even for patients with rare haplotypes. The results bear further promise for the clinical utility of CD20‐specific T cells in B cell malignancies.
The age‐specific prevalence of human papillomavirus and risk of cytologic abnormalities in rural Nigeria: Implications for screen‐and‐treat strategies
Authors: Gage Julia C. , Ajenifuja Kayode O. , Wentzensen Nicolas A. , Adepiti Akinfolarin C. , Eklund Claire , Reilly Mary , Hutchinson Martha , Wacholder Sholom , Harford Joe , Soliman Amr S. , Burk Robert D. , Schiffman Mark
Published: May 2011

Cervical screening for carcinogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is being considered for low‐income countries. Effectiveness requires targeted screening in older women in whom prevalent infections are more likely to be persistent and predictive of precancer. Some studies in West Africa have found unusually high HPV prevalences across all adult ages, which may reduce the positive predictive value (PPV) of HPV‐based screening, if positivity in older women does not sufficiently predict elevated risk. We conducted a population‐based study in rural Nigeria to identify HPV prevalence and associated cervical abnormalities. Using stratified random sampling, we enrolled women age 15+. Nonvirgins had a cervical exam including liquid‐based cytology and PCR HPV DNA testing from residual cytology specimens. Two‐thirds of invited women participated, and 14.7% had detectable carcinogenic HPV, a proportion that did not decline with age (p‐trend = 0.36) and showed slight peaks in the 15–29 and 60–69 age groups. Among women of the age typically considered for screen‐and‐treat programs (30–49 years), 12.8% were HPV positive, and the PPV for high‐grade or worse cytology was 16.4%. Comparatively, women age < 30 were more likely to be HPV positive (18.9%, p = 0.03) with a lower PPV (4.2% p = 0.05). Among women age 50+ (typically excluded from screening in resource‐poor settings because inexpensive treatment is not available), HPV positivity was 14.2% with a PPV of 13.9%. In Irun and similar settings where HPV does not decline with age, HPV‐based screen‐and‐treat programs might be feasible for mid‐adult women because prevalence is sufficiently low and positivity predicts elevated risk of more easily treated precancer.
The interplay between lipid profiles, glucose, BMI and risk of kidney cancer in the Swedish AMORIS study
Authors: Van Hemelrijck Mieke , Garmo Hans , Hammar Niklas , Jungner Ingmar , Walldius Göran , Lambe Mats , Holmberg Lars
Published: May 2011

With exception of cholesterol and total fat intake, associations between lipid biomarkers and kidney cancer have not often been researched. We aimed to assess possible links between lipid profiles and kidney cancer risk in a large prospective cohort study, while also taking into account glucose levels and BMI. A cohort based on 542,924 persons with baseline information on glucose, triglycerides (TGs), total cholesterol (TC) and creatinine was selected from the Swedish Apolipoprotein Mortality Risk study. A subgroup of 85,621 also had baseline measurements of HDL, LDL, apolipoprotein A‐I and apoB. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were used to analyze associations between quartiles and dichotomized values of these lipid components and kidney cancer risk. During a mean follow‐up of 13 years, 958 persons developed kidney cancer. TGs were the only lipid component for which a statistically significant association was found with kidney cancer risk when using both quartiles and a clinical cutoff (hazard ratio: 1.25 (95% CI: 0.99–1.60), 1.29 (1.01–1.66) and 1.66 (1.30–2.13) for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th quartile, compared to the 1st, with p‐value for trend: <0.001). The association remained after exclusion of the 95% percentile of TG. Quartiles of glucose were also positively associated with kidney cancer risk, whereas quartiles of TC were negatively associated with kidney cancer risk. This detailed analysis of lipid components only showed a consistent relation between TG levels and kidney cancer risk. Further mechanistic studies are required to assess links between lipid abnormalities and kidney cancer.
Integrin targeted oncolytic adenoviruses Ad5‐D24‐RGD and Ad5‐RGD‐D24‐GMCSF for treatment of patients with advanced chemotherapy refractory solid tumors
Authors: Pesonen Sari , Diaconu Iulia , Cerullo Vincenzo , Escutenaire Sophie , Raki Mari , Kangasniemi Lotta , Nokisalmi Petri , Dotti Gianpietro , Guse Kilian , Laasonen Leena , Partanen Kaarina , Karli Eerika , Haavisto Elina , Oksanen Minna , Karioja‐Kallio Aila , Hannuksela Päivi , Holm Sirkka‐Liisa , Kauppinen Satu , Joensuu Timo , Kanerva Anna , Hemminki Akseli
Published: May 2011

The safety of oncolytic viruses for treatment of cancer has been shown in clinical trials while antitumor efficacy has often remained modest. As expression of the coxsackie‐adenovirus receptor may be variable in advanced tumors, we developed Ad5‐D24‐RGD, a p16/Rb pathway selective oncolytic adenovirus featuring RGD‐4C modification of the fiber. This allows viral entry through alpha‐v‐beta integrins frequently highly expressed in advanced tumors. Advanced tumors are often immunosuppressive which results in lack of tumor eradication despite abnormal epitopes being present. Granulocyte‐macrophage colony stimulating factor (GMCSF) is a potent activator of immune system with established antitumor properties. To stimulate antitumor immunity and break tumor associated immunotolerance, we constructed Ad5‐RGD‐D24‐GMCSF, featuring GMCSF controlled by the adenoviral E3 promoter. Preliminary safety of Ad5‐D24‐RGD and Ad5‐RGD‐D24‐GMCSF for treatment of human cancer was established. Treatments with Ad5‐D24‐RGD (N = 9) and Ad5‐RGD‐D24‐GMCSF (N = 7) were well tolerated. Typical side effects were grade 1‐2 fatigue, fever and injection site pain. 77% (10/13) of evaluable patients showed virus in circulation for at least 2 weeks. In 3 out of 6 evaluable patients, disease previously progressing stabilized after a single treatment with Ad5‐RGD‐D24‐GMCSF. In addition, 2/3 patients had stabilization or reduction in tumor marker levels. All patients treated with Ad5‐D24‐RGD showed disease progression in radiological analysis, although 3/6 had temporary reduction or stabilization of marker levels. Induction of tumor and adenovirus specific immunity was demonstrated with ELISPOT in Ad5‐RGD‐D24‐GMCSF treated patients. RGD modified oncolytic adenoviruses with or without GMCSF seem safe for further clinical development.
Role of exosomes released by chronic myelogenous leukemia cells in angiogenesis
Authors: Taverna Simona , Flugy Anna , Saieva Laura , Kohn Elise C , Santoro Alessandra , Meraviglia Serena , De Leo Giacomo , Alessandro Riccardo
Published: May 2011

Our study is designed to assess if exosomes released from chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) cells may modulate angiogenesis. We have isolated and characterized the exosomes generated from LAMA84 CML cells and demonstrated that addition of exosomes to human vascular endothelial cells (HUVEC) induces an increase of both ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 cell adhesion molecules and interleukin‐8 expression. The stimulation of cell‐cell adhesion molecules was paralleled by a dose‐dependent increase of adhesion of CML cells to a HUVEC monolayer. We further showed that the treatment with exosomes from CML cells caused an increase in endothelial cell motility accompanied by a loss of VE‐cadherin and β‐catenin from the endothelial cell surface. Functional characterization of exosomes isolated from CML patients confirmed the data obtained with exosomes derived from CML cell line. CML exosomes caused reorganization into tubes of HUVEC cells cultured on Matrigel. When added to Matrigel plugs in vivo, exosomes induced ingrowth of murine endothelial cells and vascularization of the Matrigel plugs. Our results suggest for the first time that exosomes released from CML cells directly affect endothelial cells modulating the process of neovascularization.
On the Chiral Homogeneity of Nature: From Atoms to Small Molecules
Authors: Viedma Cristóbal , Cintas Pedro
Published: May 2011

The genesis of enantiopurity in nature, as exemplified by terrestrial amino acids and sugars, has fascinated scientists for more than 150 years. This is a field where we know what we do not know. Starting from theoretical treatments postulated more than 50 years ago, numerous hypotheses, theories, and experiments have been formulated to claim niches of logic and truth. Such arguments vary from purely speculative, often bizarre, to sound enough in terms of reproducibility and feasible generation of mirror symmetry breaking. Although we cannot exclude a biotic origin (i.e,. homochirality was an a posteriori event where one enantiomer tripped and the other survived and evolved, in close resemblance to a Darwinian‐like process), most data and models available are consistent with an abiotic origin that amplified small and stochastic imbalances to produce enantiopure homogeneity prior to life. This analysis revisits recent theoretical background and experiments, which appear to be prebiotically credible, and focuses on primordial molecules such as amino acids. This by no means implies a recreation of the origin of life on Earth, as this task will likely be a surmise forever. These strategies reveal a high degree of robustness and prove how home‐made enantiopurity can be accomplished. Such routes should, in addition, be of enormous practical interest for the production of chiral materials and drugs.