bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indazaboles—synthesis and molecular structure
Authors: Wrackmeyer Bernd , Shahid Khadija , Kempe Rhett , Döring Christian , Milius Wolfgang
Published: February 2010

The reaction of 1‐trimethylsilyl‐indazole with boranes affords indazaboles accompanied by elimination of trimethysilane. Thus, the two isomers of parent indazabole are formed in a 1:1 ratio using borane in THF (BH3/THF), characterized by NMR spectroscopy in solution (1H, 11B and 13C NMR). In contrast, the analogous reaction with 1,2‐bis(tetramethylene)diborane(6) proceeds to give a single isomer of the B‐alkylated indazabole via symmetric ring cleavage of the diborane(6), as shown by NMR in solution and X‐ray structural analysis in the solid state. The molecular structure is fluxional in solution. In the solid state, the central B2N4 ring adopts a distorted boat conformation. Calculated gas phase geometries of the parent indazaboles and of the B‐alkylated indazabole were optimized by DFT methods at the B3LYP/6‐311 + G(d,p) level of theory. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Data analytics and stochastic modeling in a semiconductor fab
Authors: Bagchi Sugato , Baseman Robert J. , Davenport Andrew , Natarajan Ramesh , Slonim Noam , Weiss Sholom
Published: February 2010

The scale, scope and complexity of the manufacturing operations in a semiconductor fab lead to some unique challenges in ensuring product quality and production efficiency. We describe the use of various analytical techniques, based on data mining, process trace data analysis, stochastic simulation and production optimization, to address these manufacturing issues, motivated by the following two objectives. The first objective is to identify the sub‐optimal process conditions or tool settings that potentially affect the process performance and product quality. The second objective is to improve the overall production efficiency through better planning and resource scheduling, in an environment where the product mix and process flow requirements are complex and constantly changing. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Testing for Genetic Association in the Presence of Linkage and Gene–Covariate Interactions
Authors: Callegaro Andrea , Lebrec Jeremie J. P. , Houwing‐Duistermaat Jeanine J.
Published: February 2010

In order to study family‐based association in the presence of linkage, we extend a generalized linear mixed model proposed for genetic linkage analysis (Lebrec and van Houwelingen (2007), Human Heredity 64, 5–15) by adding a genotypic effect to the mean. The corresponding score test is a weighted family‐based association tests statistic, where the weight depends on the linkage effect and on other genetic and shared environmental effects. For testing of genetic association in the presence of gene–covariate interaction, we propose a linear regression method where the family‐specific score statistic is regressed on family‐specific covariates. Both statistics are straightforward to compute. Simulation results show that adjusting the weight for the within‐family variance structure may be a powerful approach in the presence of environmental effects. The test statistic for genetic association in the presence of gene–covariate interaction improved the power for detecting association. For illustration, we analyze the rheumatoid arthritis data from GAW15. Adjusting for smoking and anti‐cyclic citrullinated peptide increased the significance of the association with the DR locus.
High‐Dimensional Cox Models: The Choice of Penalty as Part of the Model Building Process
Authors: Benner Axel , Zucknick Manuela , Hielscher Thomas , Ittrich Carina , Mansmann Ulrich
Published: February 2010

The Cox proportional hazards regression model is the most popular approach to model covariate information for survival times. In this context, the development of high‐dimensional models where the number of covariates is much larger than the number of observations ( $p \,{\gg }\, n$ ) is an ongoing challenge. A practicable approach is to use ridge penalized Cox regression in such situations. Beside focussing on finding the best prediction rule, one is often interested in determining a subset of covariates that are the most important ones for prognosis. This could be a gene set in the biostatistical analysis of microarray data. Covariate selection can then, for example, be done by L1‐penalized Cox regression using the lasso (Tibshirani (1997). Statistics in Medicine 16, 385–395). Several approaches beyond the lasso, that incorporate covariate selection, have been developed in recent years. This includes modifications of the lasso as well as nonconvex variants such as smoothly clipped absolute deviation (SCAD) (Fan and Li (2001). Journal of the American Statistical Association 96, 1348–1360; Fan and Li (2002). The Annals of Statistics 30, 74–99). The purpose of this article is to implement them practically into the model building process when analyzing high‐dimensional data with the Cox proportional hazards model. To evaluate penalized regression models beyond the lasso, we included SCAD variants and the adaptive lasso (Zou (2006). Journal of the American Statistical Association 101, 1418–1429). We compare them with “standard” applications such as ridge regression, the lasso, and the elastic net. Predictive accuracy, features of variable selection, and estimation bias will be studied to assess the practical use of these methods. We observed that the performance of SCAD and adaptive lasso is highly dependent on nontrivial preselection procedures. A practical solution to this problem does not yet exist. Since there is high risk of missing relevant covariates when using SCAD or adaptive lasso applied after an inappropriate initial selection step, we recommend to stay with lasso or the elastic net in actual data applications. But with respect to the promising results for truly sparse models, we see some advantage of SCAD and adaptive lasso, if better preselection procedures would be available. This requires further methodological research.
Online‐Reaktionsverfolgung bei der Polymerisation
Authors: Hergeth W.‐D. , Frauendorfer E.
Published: February 2010

Klassische Messgrößen wie Temperatur oder Druck, die den physikalischen Zustand eines Reaktors beschreiben, werden kombiniert mit instrumentell analytischen Techniken, um den Reaktionsfortschritt zu verfolgen. Am Beispiel industrieller Polymerisationen wird der Einsatz von NIR‐ und Raman‐Spektroskopie, Kalorimetrie und Softsensoren zur Rohstoffeingangskontrolle, Reaktionsverfolgung und Vorhersage von Produkteigenschaften beschrieben.
Grading of nonrhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcoma in children and adolescents
Authors: Khoury Joseph D. , Coffin Cheryl M. , Spunt Sheri L. , Anderson James R. , Meyer William H. , Parham David M.
Published: February 2010

BACKGROUND:

Two systems for grading soft tissue sarcoma are widely used currently: the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the Fédération Nationale des Centers de Lutte Contre le Cancer (FNCLCC) systems. Both were developed using cohorts of predominantly adult patients. The Pediatric Oncology Group (POG) system, based on the NCI system, was adapted for grading pediatric nonrhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcoma (NRSTS). The applicability and prognostic utility of the FNCLCC system in pediatric NRSTS has not been assessed or compared with the POG system.

METHODS:

Tumors from 130 patients with malignant NRSTS enrolled on 3 completed multi‐institutional clinical trials were assessed. Of 130 tumors, 102 (78%) were localized and 28 (22%) metastatic. Of the localized tumors, 55 of 102 (54%) were >5 cm. The estimated 5‐year event‐free survival (EFS) for the entire group was 47%.

RESULTS:

As expected, stage and tumor sizes were predictive of EFS (P < .001). Both systems were predictive of 5‐year EFS (POG, P = .0095 and FNCLCC, P = .0075). Patients whose tumors received discrepant grades (POG‐G3 vs FNCLCC‐G2/G1) (n = 44) had an intermediate outcome between those with concordant (G3 [n = 44] or G1/G2 [n = 42]) grades on both systems (P = .0018). By multivariate analysis, the mitotic index was predictive of EFS, using a cutoff of 10 mitotic figures per 10 high‐power fields (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

In conclusion, both FNCLCC and POG systems provide an adequate prognostic measure of outcome for pediatric NRSTS; albeit, a sizeable subset of cases with apparently intermediate prognosis was graded differently by the 2 systems. The mitotic index appears to be a key parameter in grading pediatric NRSTS. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Radiofrequency ablation as an adjunct to systemic chemotherapy for colorectal pulmonary metastases
Authors: Chua Terence C. , Thornbury Kelly , Saxena Akshat , Liauw Winston , Glenn Derek , Zhao Jing , Morris David L.
Published: February 2010

BACKGROUND:

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an alternative to local treatment for pulmonary metastases in patients who are nonsurgical candidates. Based on previously documented efficacy of this treatment, the authors retrospectively studied the prognostic factors for long‐term survival.

METHODS:

One hundred patients with unresectable colorectal pulmonary metastases underwent percutaneous RFA. Clinical and treatment variables were collected and evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses with overall survival as the primary endpoint.

RESULTS:

At a median follow‐up period of 23 (range, 1 to 96) months from the time of RFA treatment, 49 patients have died. The median overall survival after RFA treatment was 36 months and 5‐year overall survival rates of 30%. Univariate analyses demonstrated that histopathological grade (p < .001), time to RFA treatment (p = .017), response to treatment (p < .001), repeat RFA treatments (p = .001), presence of extrapulmonary metastases (p < .001), presence of mediastinal lymphadenopathy (p = .007), and adjunct systemic chemotherapy (p < .001) were associated with overall survival. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that response to RFA treatment (p < .001), repeat RFA treatment (p = .002), presence of extrapulmonary metastases (p = .008), and use of adjunct systemic chemotherapy (p = .05) were independent predictors for survival.

CONCLUSIONS:

Radiofrequency ablation for colorectal pulmonary metastases represents a step forward towards a nonsurgical option of combining systemic and local treatment for metastatic disease and is a safe treatment with a low risk profile. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Platinum‐Decorated Au Porous Nanotubes as Highly Efficient Catalysts for Formic Acid Electro‐Oxidation
Authors: Gu Xiaohu , Cong Xiao , Ding Yi
Published: February 2010

Au porous nanotubes (PNTs) were synthesized by a templating technique that involves the chemical synthesis of Ag nanowire precursors, electroless surface modification with Au, and selective etching. A subsequent galvanic replacement reaction between [PtCl6]2− and residual Ag generates Pt‐decorated Au porous nanotubes (Pt/Au PNTs), which represents a new type of self‐sustained high surface area electrocatalysts with ultra‐low Pt loading. Structural characterizations with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD) reveal a novel nanoarchitecture with multimodal open porosity and excellent structural continuity and integrity. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) demonstrates that these Pt/Au PNTs possess very high electrocatalytic activity toward formic acid oxidation with enhanced tolerance to CO poisoning.
Crystallization of model fat blends containing symmetric and asymmetric monounsaturated triacylglycerols
Authors: Vereecken Jeroen , Foubert Imogen , Smith Kevin W. , Sassano Gary J. , Dewettinck Koen
Published: February 2010

In this study, the crystallization and melting properties of four different fat blends with the same saturated fat content (30%) but with different ratios of symmetric and asymmetric monounsaturated triacylglycerols were investigated using pNMR, DSC and polarized light microscopy. Blends were either palmitic (P) or stearic (S) based, and were combinations of SatOSat‐rich (Sat = saturated, O = oleic) and SatSatO‐rich vegetable oils with high‐oleic sunflower oil. The DSC results demonstrate that there was almost no difference in crystallization mechanism and crystallization rate between the two P‐based blends. Both blends showed a two‐step crystallization, which can be explained by polymorphism. Stop‐and‐return DSC results suggested an initial crystallization into an unstable polymorph followed by polymorphic transition during the crystallization. For the S‐based blends there was a clear difference between the SOS‐rich and the SSO‐rich blend, with a slower crystallization for the SSO‐rich blend. Possibly, this can be explained by fractional crystallization. The microstructure did not differ greatly between the blends. Directly after crystallization, the crystals of the SSO‐rich blend were slightly larger than the crystals of the SOS‐rich blend.
Fatty acid esters of glycidol in refined fats and oils
Authors: Weißhaar Rüdiger , Perz Roland
Published: February 2010

Discrepancies in the analysis of 3‐chloropropane‐1,2‐diol (3‐MCPD) esters can be explained by the hypothesis that in some refined oils significant amounts of fatty acid esters of glycidol (glycidyl esters) are present in addition to 3‐MCPD esters. Glycidyl esters were separated from triacylglycerols by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and detected by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). Six samples of palm oil and palm oil‐based fats were analyzed by GPC and GC‐MS. In chromatograms of all samples, significant peaks, retention time and mass spectra in conformity with self‐synthesized glycidyl palmitate and glycidyl oleate were detectable. Quantification of individual glycidyl esters was not possible because of a lack of pure standards. Concentration of ester‐bound glycidol in different samples of fats and oils was estimated using an indirect difference method. Glycidyl esters could be detected only in refined, but not in crude or native, fats and oils. The highest concentrations were detected in palm oil and palm oil‐based fats. In a palm oil sample, glycidyl ester concentration varied according to different deodorization parameters, temperature, and time, while 3‐MCPD ester concentration was relatively constant, indicating that mitigation of glycidyl esters possibly may be achieved by optimizing refining parameters.
Optimization of the synthesis of lower glycerides rich in unsaturated fatty acid residues obtained via enzymatic ethanolysis of sesame oil
Authors: Criado Manuel , Otero Cristina
Published: February 2010

The lipases Novozym 435, Lipozyme TL IM and Lipozyme RM IM were employed in the production of lower acylglycerols (LG), i.e. mono‐ (MAG) and diacylglycerols (DAG), rich in unsaturated fatty acids from sesame oil in batch reactors. The effect of the molar ratio of ethanol to fatty acids on the reusability of these immobilized lipases was studied in detail. The effects of pretreatment on lipase activity for ethanolysis were investigated. Glycerol had a strong product inhibition effect on the ethanolysis reaction, and a relatively large excess of ethanol was necessary to remove the glycerol adsorbed on these biocatalysts. The enzymatic activity was drastically reduced by addition of water to the reaction medium. The presence of organic solvents (hexane and acetone) did not favor the production of LG. For the Novozym 435‐catalyzed reaction, optimum conditions were a molar ratio of ethanol to fatty acid residues of 5 : 1, 15 wt‐% lipase and 50 °C. For Lipozyme TL IM, the optimum conditions were a molar ratio of ethanol to fatty acid residues of 5 : 1, 20 wt‐% biocatalyst, and 30 °C. Novozym 435 and Lipozyme TL IM produced LG with molar ratios of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids of 20.4 in 1 h and 25.3 in 5 h, respectively. In the original oil, this ratio was 5. For trials conducted under optimum conditions, the products from the Novozym 435 trials contained 21.8 wt‐% triacylglycerols (TAG), 24 wt‐% DAG and 54.2 wt‐% MAG. The products of the Lipozyme TL IM trials consisted of 12.9 wt‐% DAG and 87.1 wt‐% MAG. No TAG species were detected.
White‐rot fungi combined with lignite granules and lignitic xylite to decolorize textile industry wastewater
Authors: Böhmer Ulrike , Kirsten Claudia , Bley Thomas , Noack Michael
Published: February 2010

The feasibility of using immobilized fungi to decolorize textile industry wastewater containing dyes was examined in experiments with: two species of white‐rot fungi (a Marasmius species from Indonesia, which produces copious biomass, and Trametes hirsuta, which produces high levels of laccase); two types of lignite products as adsorbents and solid substrates (lignitic xylite and lignite granules); and four simulated wastewaters, each containing a different kinds of reactive textile azo dye. The growth, extracellular enzyme production, dye degradation and dye absorption parameters afforded by each permutation of fungus, substrate and dye were then measured. Both fungal species grew poorly on xylite, but much better on lignite granules. Marasmius sp. produced up to 67 U/L laccase on lignite granules, but just 10 U/L on xylite, and no other detectable extracellular enzymes. T. hirsuta produced 1343 U/L laccase and up to 12 U/L unspecific peroxidase when immobilized on lignite granules, and 898 U/L laccase with 14 U/L unspecific peroxidase when immobilized on xylite. The amount of color lost from the dye solutions depended on both the type of dye and the enzyme levels in the fermenter.
Role of soil interstitial water in the accumulation of hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine in the earthworm Eisenia andrei
Authors: Savard Kathleen , Sarrazin Manon , Dodard Sabine G. , Monteil-Rivera Fanny , Kuperman Roman G. , Hawari Jalal , Sunahara Geoffrey I.
Published: February 2010

The uptake of hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) from soil by the earthworm Eisenia andrei was examined by using the equilibrium partitioning (EqP) theory and a three-compartment model including soil (S), interstitial water (IW), and earthworms (E). The RDX concentrations were measured using U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) Method 8330A and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The S-IW studies were conducted using four natural soils with contrasting physicochemical properties that were hypothesized to affect the bioavailability of RDX. Each soil was amended with nominal RDX concentrations ranging from 1 to 10,000 mg/kg. The HPLC analysis showed that the IW extracted from soil was saturated with RDX at 80 mg/kg or greater soil concentrations. The calculated S-IW coefficient (Kp) values for RDX ranged from 0.4 to 1.8 ml/g soil, depending on the soil type, and were influenced by the organic matter content. In the IW-E studies, earthworms were exposed to nonlethal RDX concentrations in aqueous media. The uptake of RDX by the earthworms correlated well (r2 = 0.99) with the dissolved RDX concentrations. For the E-S studies, earthworms were exposed to RDX-amended soils used in the S-IW studies. The bioconcentration factors (BCF; ratios of E-to-IW RDX concentrations) were relatively constant (∼5) up to 80 mg/kg soil RDX concentrations, which encompass the RDX saturation limit in the interstitial water of the tested soils. At this concentration range, the RDX uptake from interstitial water was likely dominated by passive diffusion and could be used as an indicator of bioavailability. Other mechanisms may be involved at greater RDX soil concentrations. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:998–1005. © 2009 SETAC
Partitioning, bioavailability, and toxicity of the pyrethroid insecticide cypermethrin in sediments
Authors: Maund Steve J. , Hamer Mick J. , Lane Mike C. G. , Farrelly Eamonn , Rapley Jean H. , Goggin Una M. , Gentle Wendy E.
Published: February 2010

The partitioning, bioavailability, and toxicity of cypermethrin in water–sediment systems was investigated. Cypermethrin adsorbed extensively and rapidly, with an overall mean organic carbon (OC) adsorption partition coefficient (Koc) of 350,000, and approximately 99% adsorption occurred within 24 h. Bioavailability was measured via body burdens of Daphnia magna and Chironomus tentans. Mean biota–sediment accumulation factors (BSAFs), that is, the concentration in the organism as a proportion of the concentration in the sediment, decreased with increasing OC content. The BSAF values were 0.31, 0.14, and 0.08 for D. magna and 0.63, 0.19, and 0.08 for C. tentans, in 1, 3, and 13% OC sediments, respectively. The 10-d median lethal sediment concentrations (LC50s) of cypermethrin were 3.6, 18, and 32 mg/kg for Hyalella azteca and 13, 67, and 62 mg/kg for C. tentans in 1, 3, and 13% OC sediments, respectively. Predictions of aqueous concentrations at the LC50 in sediments (based on Koc) compared well to each other and to effect concentrations from studies in water alone, suggesting that equilibrium partitioning theory could be used reasonably to predict and normalize the toxicity of cypermethrin across sediments of differing OC content.
Detection of estrogenic potency in wastewater and surface water with three in vitro bioassays
Authors: Murk Albertinka J. , Legler Juliette , van Lipzig Marola M. H. , Meerman John H. N. , Belfroid Angelique C. , Spenkelink Albertus , van der Burg Bart , Rijs Gerard B. J. , Vethaak Dick
Published: February 2010

A study was performed to optimize sample preparation and application of three in vitro assays for measuring estrogenic potency in environmental extracts. The three assays applied were an estrogen receptor (ER)-binding assay and two reporter gene effect assays: a yeast estrogen screen (YES) and the ER-mediated chemically activated luciferase gene expression (ER-CALUX) assay. All assays were able to detect estrogenicity, but the amounts of material needed for the assays differed greatly between the three assays (ER-binding assay ≫ YES > ER-CALUX). In addition, in the ER-binding assay, both agonists and antagonists give an estrogenic response, resulting in higher estradiol equivalency (EEQ) levels than both the ER-CALUX and the YES assay for the same samples. The EEQs found in wastewater treatment plants (WTPs) with the ER-CALUX assay were in the range of 4 to 440 and 0.11 to 59 pmol/L for influent and effluent, respectively. Water extracts from four large rivers had levels ranging from 0.25 to 1.72 pmol/L. Extracts from suspended matter and sludge contained estrogenic potency of 0.26 to 2.49 and 1.6 to 41 pmol EEQ/g dry weight, respectively. In WTPs, the average reduction of estrogenic potency in effluent compared to influent was 90 to 95% in municipal WTPs and about 50% in industrial WTPs. In influent, 30% of the ER-CALUX activity could not be explained by the calculated potencies based on chemical analysis of a number of known (xeno)estrogens; in effluent the unexplained fraction was 80%. These first results of analyzing estrogenic potency in WTP water and surface water in The Netherlands indicate that further studies are warranted to investigate the actual risks for aquatic systems.
Comparison of copper levels in runoff from fresh-market vegetable production using polyethylene mulch or a vegetative mulch
Authors: Rice Pamela J. , McConnell Laura L. , Heighton Lynne P. , Sadeghi Ali M. , Isensee Allan R. , Teasdale John R. , Abdul-Baki Aref A. , Harman-Fetcho Jennifer A. , Hapeman Cathleen J.
Published: February 2010

Runoff from tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) production with polyethylene mulch has been implicated in the failure of commercial shellfish farms in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. Copper, applied in the form of copper hydroxide, is the most widely used fungicide–bactericide for control of tomato diseases and recently has been detected in the Chesapeake Bay (USA) watershed. Elevated levels of copper have been shown to have adverse effects on shellfish, finfish, and other aquatic organisms. This research evaluates the off-site movement of copper with the dissolved phase and the particulate phase of runoff from controlled field plots containing tomato plants grown in either polyethylene mulch or a vegetative mulch, hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth.). Overall, runoff collected from polyethylene mulch plots contained significantly (p ≤ 0.05) greater loads of dissolved- and particulate-phase copper than runoff from hairy vetch mulch plots. However, the loss of copper associated with the particulate phase was significantly greater (p ≤ 0.05) than that associated with the dissolved phase of runoff from both mulch treatments, with the particulate phase accounting for more than 80% of the copper loads. The reported toxicity of copper to aquatic organisms and the greater runoff volume, soil loss, and off-site loading of copper measured in runoff from the polyethylene mulch suggests that this management practice is less sustainable and may have a more harmful impact on aquatic ecosystems.
Occurrence and distribution of nonionic surfactants, their degradation products, and linear alkylbenzene sulfonates in coastal waters and sediments in Spain
Authors: Petrovic Mira , Fernández-Alba Amadeo Rodrigez , Borrull Francisco , Marce Rosa Maria , Mazo Eduardo González , Barceló Damià
Published: February 2010

Spain is one of the European countries that still discharges untreated wastewaters and sewage sludge to the sea. A total of 35 samples of coastal waters and 39 samples of harbor sediments was analyzed. Samples were collected from several hot spots on the Spanish coast, such as the harbors of Tarragona, Almería, and Barcelona, the mouths of the Besos and Llobregat rivers, the Bay of Cadiz, and various yacht harbors at the Mediterranean coast. A generic analytical procedure based on solid-phase extraction-liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (SPE-LC-APCI/ESI-MS) was employed for determining the concentrations of alcohol ethoxylates (AEO), nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEO), coconut diethanol amides (CDEA), nonylphenoxy-monocarboxylates (NPEC), nonylphenol (NP), octylphenol (OP), and linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) in sediment and water samples. The analysis revealed the presence of considerably high concentrations of NPEOs and NP near the points of discharge of industrial and urban wastewaters. Nonylphenol was found in 47% of water samples and in 77% of all sediment samples analyzed. Values for NP ranged from <0.15 to 4.1 μg/L in seawater and from <8 to 1,050 μg/kg in sediments. Levels of AEOs and CDEAs in seawater and marine sediments are reported for the first time. Concentrations of CDEAs in sediment, which were predominated by C11 through C15 homologues, ranged from 30 to 2,700 μg/kg, while in seawater, concentrations found were up to 24 μg/L. The AEOs were found to accumulate in a bottom sediment and they were detected in all analyzed sediment samples in concentrations from 37 to 1,300 μg/kg.
Monoclonal antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to quantify vitellogenin for studies on environmental estrogens in the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Tyler Charles R. , van Aerle Ronny , Nilsen Mona V. , Blackwell Robert , Maddix Susan , Nilsen Bente M. , Berg Karin , Hutchinson Tom H. , Goksøyr Anders
Published: February 2010

Vitellogenin (VTG) induction has proved to be a valuable biomarker for assessing exposure to environmental estrogens in fish. The widespread use of VTG in this regard has lead to the need for standardized assays to quantify VTG, and monoclonal antibodies have the potential to help accomplish this. A VTG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed using a monoclonal antibody prepared against Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) VTG (MAb BN-5) and its ability to quantify VTG in the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) compared with a rainbow trout vitellogenin (rt-VTG) ELISA that employed homologous polyclonal antibodies (PAb). In routine protocols, the working range of the homologous rt-PAb VTG ELISA was between 9 ng/ml and 70 ng/ml (80–20% relative maximum binding [B/Bo]) with a 50% B/Bo of 25 ± 0.9 ng/ml and inter- and intraassay variations at 50% B/Bo of 7% (n = 7) and 8% (n = 15), respectively. The working range of the MAb BN-5 VTG ELISA was between 60 ng/ml and 850 ng/ml (80–20% B/Bo) with a 50% B/Bo of 227 ± 22 ng/ml and inter- and intraassay variations at 50% B/Bo of 5% (n = 10) and 9% (n = 12), respectively. In the routine protocols, detection limits for measurement of plasma VTG in rainbow trout (at 80% B/Bo; and given the requirement to dilute plasma to a minimum of 1:10 for the assays) were 90 ng/ml for the polyclonal rt-VTG assay and approximately 600 ng/ml in the monoclonal antibody assay. In juvenile female rainbow trout exposed to a series of doses of estradiol-17β (E2) and 4-tert nonylphenol (4-NP), there were no differences in the vitellogenic responses measured in the PAb and MAb BN-5 VTG ELISAs. The monoclonal MAb BN-5 VTG ELISA is likely to be of considerable value for studies on environmental estrogens in juvenile female rainbow trout in standardized tests.
Modeling biomagnification and metabolism of contaminants in harp seals of the Barents Sea
Authors: Fraser Alison J. , Burkow Ivan C. , Wolkers Hans , Mackay Don
Published: February 2010

A simple fugacity-based bioaccumulation model is presented for harp seals (Phoca groenlandica), which feed primarily on polar cod (Boreogadus saida) and a pelagic crustacean (Themisto libellula). Using concentration data reported for 15 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners and 27 pesticides in the food and blubber of harp seals from the Barents Sea, the model was used to determine biomagnification factors and metabolic half-lives as well as rates of contaminant uptake and loss processes in seals, including a discussion of uncertainty in biomagnification factors and half-lives. Examination of the model output shows considerable, but highly variable, biomagnification attributable to differences in metabolic rates. It is suggested that two biomagnification factors can be defined and should be used in such assessments, one based on concentration ratios and the other on fugacity ratios or lipid-normalized concentrations. A maximum biomagnification factor specific to the seal is deduced using biomagnification data for the most persistent substances, and from this, metabolic half-lives are estimated for all substances. The approach can be applied to other biomagnification situations, thus quantifying metabolic half-lives as a function of the properties of the bioaccumulating substance and ultimately its molecular structure and the physiological characteristics of the consuming animal.
The importance of the gut and its contents in prey as a source of cadmium to predators
Authors: Walker Lee A. , Bailey Lucinda J. , Shore Richard F.
Published: February 2010

Many mammalian and avian predators consume the whole carcass of their small mammal prey. Thus, the contaminant load of the gut and its contents may be of toxicological significance, but pollutant loads in the gut of prey species are often not measured and their role in food-chain transfer of contaminants is largely unquantified. We investigated the importance of the gut and its contents in prey as a source of cadmium (Cd) to predators by measuring the Cd concentrations in the guts (including contents), in various body tissues, and in the intact bodies of wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus). The mice had been fed for up to 365 d on either control, a medium-Cd (MCd) diet, or a high-Cd (HCd) diet that had nominal Cd concentrations of 0, 8, and 40 g/g wet weight, respectively. In wood mice fed contaminated diets, Cd was progressively bioaccumulated in all the body tissues that were analyzed. The gut (and contents) and the liver and kidneys (the critical organs) contained most of the accumulated Cd and were the only significant contributors to the total body burden (TBB). The contribution of the gut (and contents) to the TBB was greater in mice fed MCd diet than in those given HCd feed but declined with age (equivalent to exposure duration) in both groups as Cd in the critical organs increasingly became the most important source of TBB Cd. However, the gut and its contents contributed between 50 and 100% of the Cd TBB in mice fed for up to six months on MCd diet; this was the diet that most closely mimicked the estimated average Cd intake of wood mice on contaminated sites. The results of this study highlight the importance of including measures of Cd load in the gut when modeling food-chain transfer from small mammals to their predators.
Influence of dietary 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene exposure in the northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus)
Authors: Gogal Robert M. , Johnson Mark S. , Larsen Calvert T. , Prater Mary R. , Duncan Robert B. , Ward Daniel L. , Holladay Steven D.
Published: February 2010

The risk to wildlife from exposure to the explosive, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) has been a concern at numerous military installations where it has been found in the soil. To date, no published data are available describing effects of TNT exposure in an avian species. Subchronic dietary exposure to TNT was therefore evaluated in a species of management concern at military installations, the northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus). Adult male and female quail (n = 5/sex/dose) were given commercial feed containing 3,000, 1,500, 750, and 100 mg/kg TNT for 90 d following the determination of an acute lethal dose and a 14-d range finding study. Dietary TNT intake caused a dose-dependent decrease in total red blood cell counts, packed cell volume, total plasma protein, blood prolymphocytes, and blood lymphocytes. An increased trend in late apoptotic/necrotic blood leukocytic cells was also observed in TNT-exposed birds, as was hemosiderosis in the liver. With the exception of hemosiderosis, these trends were statistically significant yet of questionable biological significance. Since treatment-related responses in this preliminary study were variable, a conservative interpretation is suggested. However, since these treatments had concentrations that were a log-fold or more than doses in similar studies using mammals, these data suggest that northern bobwhite are less sensitive to oral exposures of TNT than mammals.
Transfer of polychlorinated biphenyls and chlorinated pesticides from mother to pup in relation to cytochrome P450 enzyme activities in harp seals (Phoca groenlandica) from the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada
Authors: Wolkers Hans , Burkow Ivan C. , Hammill Mike O. , Lydersen Christian , Witkamp Renger F.
Published: February 2010

Congener-specific tansfer of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and chlorinated pesticides from female to pup was studied in harp seals from eastern Canada. Possible effects on hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP450) due to contaminant mobilization from blubber lipids in females and ingestion of contaminated milk in pups were studied. Contaminant transfer from blubber to milk in females favored the more polar compounds (lower chlorinated PCBs, toxaphenes, hexachlorocyclohexanes, and hexachlorobenzene) relative to more lipophilic compounds (higher chlorinated PCBs, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane [DDT], chlordane). In spite of substantial contaminant mobilization from blubber in females and ingestion of contaminated milk by pups, CYP450 activities were low in all animals. Possibly, increased plasma estradiol concentrations, involved in breeding after lactation, suppressed CYP450 directly. Although the pups were exposed to contaminants in milk, CYP450 activities were low, resulting in low contaminant metabolism. This was confirmed by similar contaminant patterns in milk and pups. A strong positive relation between CYP1A-like activities and body weight in the pups suggested not yet fully developed CYP1A enzymes. A negative association between CYP3A and pesticides in females and pups was hypothesized to be a result of metabolic inactivation of CYP450. The CYP450 enzyme activities were considered unsuitable indicators for contaminant mobilization and transfer in harp seals.
Different expressions of organophosphate-resistant acetylcholinesterases in the bivalve mollusk Scapharca inaequivalvis living in three different habitats
Authors: Talesa Vincenzo , Romani Rita , Antognelli Cinzia , Giovannini Elvio , Rosi Gabriella
Published: February 2010

The benthic mollusk Scapharca inaequivalvis was collected in spring 1999 from three areas of the northern Adriatic Sea. From the mollusk, molecular forms of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), consisting of two prevailing spontaneously soluble (SS) forms present in the blood, were obtained. These forms are a globular tetramer (SSG4), a dimer (SSG2) of catalytic subunits, and a minor amphiphilic globular dimer (low-salt Triton [LST] G2) phosphatidylinositol tailed. All SS and LST forms, partially purified by affinity chromatography, are AChEs with a marked substrate specificity for acetylthiocholine and poor hydrolysis with butyrylthiocholine. They are poorly inhibited by carbamate eserine and show a different pattern of inhibition by organophosphate diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP), with totally resistant SS forms from clams collected from the two stations nearest the Po River. Acetylcholinesterase SS and LST forms are expressed at highest, lowest, and middle levels in clams collected from the northern station, closer to the Po delta, and from the two more southern ones, respectively. The possibility that the expression pattern of AChE forms is due to effects of single or mixed classes of chemical pollutants is discussed.
Effects of eight polycyclic aromatic compounds on the survival and reproduction ofEnchytraeus crypticus(Oligochaeta, Clitellata)
Authors: Sverdrup Line E. , Jensen John , Kelley Axel E. , Krogh Paul H. , Stenersen Jørgen
Published: February 2010

The effects of eight polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) on the survival and reproduction of the enchytraeid worm Enchytraeus crypticus were investigated in an agricultural soil with an organic carbon content of 1.6%. With the exception of acridine, which showed a strong binding to the test soil and a subsequent low toxicity, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and neutral N-, S-, O-monosubstituted analogues showed a similar toxicity to the enchytraeids. Concentrations estimated to give a 10% reduction of reproductive output (EC10 values) were based on measured initial concentrations and were, for acridine, 310 mg/kg; for carbazole, 19 mg/kg; for dibenzofuran, 36 mg/kg; for dibenzothiophene, 40 and 45 mg/kg (two tests); for fluoranthene, 15 mg/kg; forfluorene, 25 mg/kg; for phenanthrene, 40 mg/kg; and for pyrene, 11 mg/kg. Using reported soil–pore-water partitioning coefficients for the substances in question, equilibrium pore-water concentrations could be estimated from the total soil concentrations. Calculated EC10 values, expressed as log10(mmol/L pore water), were negatively related to the lipophilicity (log KOW) of the compounds (r2 = 0.58; p = 0.027, n = 8), thus indicating a rather nonspecific (narcotic) mode of toxic action for these compounds. When compared with literature ecotoxicity data for a springtail (Folsomia fimetaria) tested in the same soil type, enchytraeids generally seem less sensitive.
Bioavailability to juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorynchus mykiss) of retene and other mixed-function oxygenase-active compounds from sediments
Authors: Oikari Aimo , Fragoso Nuno , Leppänen Harri , Chan Teresa , Hodson Peter V.
Published: February 2010

Retene (7-isopropyl-1-methylphenanthrene) is a naturally formed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) that causes teratogenicity in fish larvae and induction of cytochrome P450 (CYP1A) enzymes. Retene occurs at high concentrations (≤3,300 μg/g dry wt) in surface sediments contaminated by resin acids from pulp mill effluents. To assess the environmental risks of retene, it is important to evaluate conditions affecting its bioavailability and accumulation by fish. Fingerling rainbow trout were exposed to retene-spiked or naturally contaminated sediments and sampled after 4 d to determine liver CYP1A activity and concentrations of retene metabolites in bile as indicators of retene accumulation. Industrially contaminated sediments collected near a bleached kraft pulp and paper mill discharging to Lake Saimaa, Finland, significantly induced trout liver CYP1A activity, indicating accumulation of arylhydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-active ligands. Bile of these fish contained retene metabolites, providing direct evidence that retene is bioavailable, presumably via desorption from sediments. Induction of CYP1A in fish exposed to sediments spiked with retene or benzo[k]fluoranthene supported this conclusion. While the extent of CYP1A induction by spiked sediments declined after storage (i.e., aging), a portion of the spiked PAHs remained bioavailable. However, retene was not the sole CYP1A inducer in industrially contaminated sediments, as shown by induction in fish injected with sediment extracts oxidized to remove labile PAHs but not persistent organochlorine compounds such as chlorinated dioxins and furans.
Congener-specific analysis of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans, and coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls in frogs and their habitats, Kitakyushu, Japan
Authors: Kadokami Kiwao , Takeishi Masayoshi , Kuramoto Mitsuru , Ono Yuiti
Published: February 2010

The occurrence and fates of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls (coplanar PCBs) were investigated in two species of frog, mountain brown frog (Rana ornativentris) and Japanese brown frog (Rana japonica), and in soil samples. This study was carried out as part of an investigation aimed at determining the cause of extra forelimbs in the mountain brown frog. Frogs, not including malformed ones, and soil samples were collected at three sites in Kitakyushu, Japan, including the site where the malformed frogs were found and two reference sites. All samples were analyzed for PCDDs/PCDFs and coplanar PCBs. Relatively high concentrations of PCDDs/PCDFs and coplanar PCBs were detected in the soils and frogs collected from all three sites. Comparisons of concentrations in frogs and soils indicated that bioaccumulation of PCDDs/PCDFs was much lower than that of coplanar PCBs and that 2,3,7,8-substituted PCDDs/PCDFs were more highly accumulated than non–2,3,7,8-substituted isomers. From comparison of concentrations between the sexes, it was found that concentrations of dioxins, except for PCDDs, were significantly higher in males than in females. In the present study, relatively high concentrations of dioxins in frogs were found and maternal transfer to the eggs was strongly suspected. However, no difference in dioxin concentrations in frogs between the study site and the reference sites was found, so the cause of the malformations was not dioxins and remains unknown.
Weighing the evidence of ecological risk from chemical contamination in the estuarine environment adjacent to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Kittery, Maine, USA
Authors: Johnston Robert K. , Munns Wayne R. , Tyler Patti Lynne , Marajh-Whittemore Patty , Finkelstein Kenneth , Munney Kenneth , Short Fred T. , Melville Ann , Hahn Simeon P.
Published: February 2010

In characterizing ecological risks, considerable consensus building and professional judgments are required to develop conclusions about risk. This is because how to evaluate all the factors that determine ecological risk is not well defined and is subject to interpretation. Here we report on the application of a procedure to weigh the evidence of ecological risk and develop conclusions about risk that will incorporate the strengths and weaknesses of the assessment. The procedure was applied to characterize ecological risk of chemical contamination in nearshore areas adjacent to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, located at the mouth of the Great Bay Estuary, New Hampshire and Maine, USA. Measures of exposure and effect were used to interpret the magnitude of risk to the assessment endpoints of pelagic species, epibenthic species, the benthic community, eelgrass plants, the salt marsh community, and avian receptors. The evidence of chemical exposure from water, sediment, and tissue and the evidence of biological effects to representative pelagic, epibenthic, benthic, eelgrass, salt marsh, and avian species were weighed to characterize ecological risk. Individual measures were weighted by the quality and reliability of their data and risk was estimated from the preponderance, magnitude, extent, and strength of causal relationships between the data on exposure and effects. Relating evidence of risk to hypothesized pathways of exposure made it possible to estimate the magnitude of risk from sediment and water and express the confidence associated with the findings. Systematically weighing the evidence of risk rendered conclusions about risk in a manner that was clearly defined, objective, consistent, and did not rely solely on professional judgment.
Telemedicine – Its state and perspectives in consideration of the humanontogenetic principle based upon the unity of complexity and space
Authors: Korb Harald , Denz Martin D. , Nerlich Michael , Wessel Karl‐Friedrich
Published: February 2010

The demographic situation, with a clear international trend towards a society largedly populated by the aged and the chronically ill presents a huge challenge to the resources of the global healthcare system. It is evident that existing structures and processes cannot provide an adequate qualitative and quantitative response to the problem – innovative patient care systems are the only way forward in a fast‐changing world. This is especially true when considering how best to deal with chronic ailments such as coronary heart disease, cardiac insufficiency, asthma/COPD and diabetes with its numerous, debilitating manifestations. In this context integrated patient care concepts offer the most promising solution. This is where the strategic significance and practical advantages of telematics as practical application of modern telecommunications and information technology in the field of healthcare lie – whereby “eHealth” encompasses all healthcare services, quality improvements and cost‐optimizations which can be achieved through the implementation of modern means of data acquisition/management/communication. Digitalized data allow for faster, secure and more efficient healthcare knowledge transfer together with networked data access and an altogether better quality in the field of diagnostics, therapy management and post treatment care. Rapid technical progress, with the development of ever‐more efficient logistic frameworks, allows for the creation of an efficient telemedical system for optimized patient service and interdisciplinary patient‐physician‐hospital‐rehabhomecare data flow – a system where all the healthcare players strive for concerted action to the benefit of the patient, bringing about tangible cost reductions at the same time.