bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts of formaldehyde photolysis rates on tropospheric chemistry
Authors: Cooke M. C. , Utembe S. R. , Carbajo P. Gorrotxategi , Archibald A. T. , Orr‐Ewing A. J. , Jenkin M. E. , Derwent R. G. , Lary D. J. , Shallcross D. E.
Published: January 2010

A global chemistry transport model is employed to investigate the impact of recent laboratory determinations of photolysis parameters for formaldehyde on concentrations of tropospheric trace gases. Using the new laboratory data, the photolysis of formaldehyde is a more significant removal pathway. HOx levels are increased with the greatest changes towards the top of the troposphere and the poles, making formaldehyde a more significant source of upper tropospheric HOx than previously thought. Global totals of ozone and secondary organic aerosol increase with the rise in ozone being more significant at higher solar zenith angles. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Treatment of oesophageal anastomotic leaks by temporary stenting with self-expanding plastic stents (Br J Surg 2009; 96: 887–891)
Authors: Krishnan A , Robertson A G N , Dunn L J , Robinson S , Hayes N , Griffin S M
Published: January 2010

The Editors welcome topical correspondence from readers relating to articles published in the Journal. Responses should be sent electronically via the BJS website (www.bjs.co.uk). All letters will be reviewed and, if approved, appear on the website. A selection of these will be edited and published in the Journal. Letters must be no more than 250 words in length.
Radial nerve innervation of the first dorsal interosseous muscle: A functional study
Authors: Brokaw J. , Craig S. , Deneal S. , Morris K. , Halle J.
Published: January 2010

A recent cadaver study described that 25% of the superficial radial nerves (SRN) investigated sent a contributing nerve branch into the first dorsal interosseous (1DI) muscle. This high degree of anatomical variation was unexpected, as the 1DI muscle is typically viewed as receiving its innervation from the ulnar nerve. The purpose of this study was to explore this possible SRN innervation of the 1DI muscle using electrophysiological tests on living subjects. Fourteen subjects participated and procedures were completed on their upper extremities bilaterally. Subjects were positioned supine and testing for the presence of a compound motor action potential (CMAP) was completed to determine if the 1DI muscle could be stimulated with activation of the ulnar nerve and the SRN. In all the 28 extremities examined, ulnar nerve stimulation resulted in clear elicitation of a CMAP in the 1DI muscle but stimulation of the SRN did not. The obtained findings do not support an atypical voluntary motor innervation of the 1DI muscle by the SRN with an incidence approaching the 25% reported previously. Clin. Anat. 23:227–233, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rational Design, Synthesis, and Potency of N‐Substituted Indoles, Pyrroles, and Triarylpyrazoles as Potential Fructose 1,6‐Bisphosphatase Inhibitors
Authors: Rudnitskaya Aleksandra , Borkin Dmitry A. , Huynh Ken , Török Béla , Stieglitz Kimberly
Published: January 2010

By using computer modeling and lead structures from our earlier SAR results, a broad variety of pyrrole‐, indole‐, and pyrazole‐based compounds were evaluated as potential fructose 1,6‐bisphosphatase (FBPase) inhibitors. The docking studies yielded promising structures, and several were selected for synthesis and FBPase inhibition assays: 1‐[4‐(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl]‐1H‐indole‐5‐carboxamide, 1‐(α‐naphthalen‐1‐ylsulfonyl)‐7‐nitro‐1H‐indole, 5‐(4‐carboxyphenyl)‐3‐phenyl‐1‐[3‐(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]‐1H‐pyrazole, 1‐(4‐carboxyphenylsulfonyl)‐1H‐pyrrole, and 1‐(4‐carbomethoxyphenylsulfonyl)‐1H‐pyrrole were synthesized and tested for inhibition of FBPase. The IC50 values were determined to be 0.991 and 1.34 μM, and 575, 135, and 32 nM, respectively. The tested compounds were significantly more potent than the natural inhibitor AMP (4.0 μM) by an order of magnitude; indeed, the best inhibitor showed an IC50 value toward FBPase more than two orders of magnitude better than that of AMP. This level of activity is virtually the same as that of the best currently known FBPase inhibitors. This work shows that such indole derivatives are promising candidates for drug development in the treatment of type II diabetes.
Effect of external tissue resistivity on threshold level of myelinated nerve fiber
Authors: Hayami Takehito , Iramina Keiji , Chen Xian
Published: January 2010

The rise of the threshold of electric current stimulation to generate compound action potential of nerve conduction study is considered to have a relationship to malfunctions of the nerve. The effect of the decrease of the resistivity of the external tissue and the thickness of myelin sheaths was investigated by computer simulation. A myelinated human nerve fiber dipped in the homogeneous conductor was stimulated with a monopolar cathode located outside the axon. The rise of the threshold by demyelination was found to be comparable to the effect of the decrease of the resistivity of the external tissue by a few Ωm when the external resistivity is about 10 Ωm. Actually the reduction of the thickness of the myelin sheaths also reduces the resistivity of the external tissue. Therefore, the contribution of both effects in the case of demyelination was estimated. As a result, the contributions of each effect were antagonized. As one of the causes of the rise of the threshold of nerve activation, the decrease of the resistivity of the external tissue is considerable. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 93(2): 50–56, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10065
Fine surface processing of LiNbO3 single crystals by maskless etching using NF3 system gas plasma RIE
Authors: Omata Teruaki , Murakami Noritsugu , Yoshikado Shinzo
Published: January 2010

The possibility of deep etching by plasma reactive ion etching (RIE) without an etching‐mask (maskless) for −Z and +Z parts formed on the same surface of a partially polarization reversed LiNbO3 single crystal polarized in the direction of the c‐axis is investigated. A NF3/H2 gas mixture was used. The etching rates and depths and the profiles of the etched surfaces were evaluated by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and optical microscopy. The etching rate for the −Z surface was larger than that for the +Z surface. Extension of the +Z domain by partial polarization reversal was observed. Applying the high voltage quickly for partial polarization reversal, the area of the +Z domain was extended compared with the result obtained by applying the voltage slowly. An apparent step at the boundary between −Z and +Z parts formed on the same surface was observed. Using a NF3/H2 gas mixture, the segments were removed efficiently. It is concluded that RIE etching using a NF3/H2 gas mixture is suitable for processing of LiNbO3 crystal surfaces without an etching mask, in contrast with a CF4/H2 gas mixture. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 93(2): 39–49, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10168
Techniques of acceleration for association rule induction with pseudo‐artificial life algorithm
Authors: Kanakubo Masaaki , Hagiwara Masafumi
Published: January 2010

Frequent pattern mining is an important problem in data mining. Generally, the number of potential rules grows rapidly as the size of the database increases. It is therefore hard for a user to extract association rules. To avoid such a difficulty, we propose a new method for association rule induction using a pseudo‐artificial life approach. The proposed method is to decide whether there exists an item set which contains N or more items in two transactions. If it exists, a series of item sets that are contained in the part of the transactions will be recorded. The iteration of this step contributes to the extraction of association rules. It is not necessary to calculate a huge number of candidate rules. In an evaluation test, the authors compared the extracted association rules using our method with rules obtained with other algorithms such as the a priori algorithm. In an evaluation using a huge retail market basket data set, our method was found to be approximately 10 to 20 times faster than the a priori algorithm and its variants. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 93(2): 1–11, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10225
Development of insulation technology in compact SF6 gas‐filled bushings: Development of compact 800‐kV SF6 gas‐filled bushings
Authors: Rokunohe Toshiaki , Kato Tatsuro , Hirose Makoto , Ishiguro Tetsu
Published: January 2010

Efforts of designers of gas‐insulated switchgear (GIS) are currently focused on such features as smaller installation area and economical efficiency. Circuit breakers (CB), disconnecting switches (DS), and earthing switches (ES) have been redesigned in more compact configurations. Compactness and light‐weight requirements are applied also to bushings used in GIS. GIS bushings can be divided in three general types: capacitor, gas‐filled, and molded bushings. Requirements of the light weight and the economical efficiency of gas‐filled bushings can be satisfied by improvements in insulation technology. Size reduction can be effectively achieved by moderation of the electric field strength on the outside surface of the hollow insulator in the area of the inner grounded electrode tip. We devised a new inner grounded electrode structure consisting of a cylindrical electrode and a ring electrode supported by column electrodes. This paper describes the effect of reduction of the maximum value of electric field strength on the outside surface of the hollow insulator by a new type of grounded electrode. Then, improvement of insulation performance for electrodes with insulation coating in SF6 gas is described as the composite insulation technology. Finally, the efficiency of these insulation technologies is described by the basic insulation test results of a prototype compact 800‐kV SF6 gas‐filled bushing. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 171(1): 19–27, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience. wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20898
One‐Dimensional Coordination Polymers Containing Polynuclear (Selenolato)copper Complexes Linked by Bipyridine Ligands
Authors: Fu Ming‐Lai , Fenske Dieter , Weinert Bastian , Fuhr Olaf
Published: January 2010

Three one‐dimensional coordination polymers [Cu6(SePh)6(PPh3)3(4,4′‐bpy)] (1) (4,4′‐bpy = 4,4′‐bipyridine), [Cu2(SePh)2(dppm)(4,4′‐bpy)] (2), and [Cu2(SePh)2(dppe)(4,4′‐bpy)] (3), containing polynuclear (selenolato)copper complexes and linear cross‐linking bipyridine ligands, and one isolated dinuclear complex, [Cu2(SeC6H4SMe)2(PPh3)2(4,4′‐bpy)2] (4), have been prepared. The four complexes show optical transitions with HOMO–LUMO gaps of ca. 1.76 eV (1), 1.83 eV (2), 1.76 eV (3), and 2.12 eV (4), respectively.
Pillared Layered Metal Phosphonates Showing Field‐Induced Magnetic Transitions
Authors: Wang Peng‐Fei , Bao Song‐Song , Zhang Si‐Min , Cao Deng‐Ke , Liu Xun‐Gao , Zheng Li‐Min
Published: January 2010

The first examples of metal phosphonates based on 6‐phosphononicotinic acid (pnaH3), namely, M3(pna)2(H2O)2 {1: M = CuII, 2: M = CoII} are reported. Both possess pillared layered structures. Within the inorganic layer, chains made up of dimers of edge‐sharing {M2O6} octahedra and {M1O6} octahedra through O(1W), O–P–O, and O–C–O units are interconnected by {PO3C} tetrahedra. The pyridyl groups of pna3– serve as the pillars. An antiferromagnetic ground state is found for each compound. When the external field reaches critical points at low temperature, compound 1 features a spin flop transition, whereas 2 shows metamagnetic behavior.
Voltammetric Determination of L‐Dopa on Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)‐Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotube Composite Modified Microelectrodes
Authors: Mathiyarasu Jayaraman , Nyholm Leif
Published: January 2010

In the present communication, it is shown that platinum microelectrodes electrochemically coated with a composite of poly(3,4‐)ethylenedioxythiophene and single‐walled carbon nanotubes (PEDOT/SWNT) enable determinations of 3,4‐dihydroxy‐L‐phenylalaines (L‐dopa) in neutral phosphate buffer solutions containing an excess of ascorbic acid. The interpenetrated networked nanostructure of the composite was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy. It is shown that the presence of the composite gives rise to an increase in the electroactive area of an order of magnitude in compared to the area for the bare microelectrodes. The composite film‐coated microelectrode, which yielded reversible cyclic voltammograms for the ferro/ferricyanide redox couple for scan rates between 0.01 and 0.10 V s−1, also gave rise to two well‐resolved oxidation peaks for L‐dopa and ascorbic acid (AA). The latter effect, which was not seen in the absence of the composite, enabled differential pulse voltammetric determinations of L‐dopa in the concentration range between 0.1 to 20 μM with a detection limit of 100 nM.
Blocking Behavior of Covalently Attached Anthraquinone Towards Solution‐Based Redox Probes
Authors: Reilson Risto , Kullapere Marko , Tammeveski Kaido
Published: January 2010

The electrochemical properties of glassy carbon (GC) electrodes modified with 9,10‐anthraquinone (AQ) have been investigated. Electrografting of GC surface was carried out from the solution of the AQ diazonium derivative. The blocking action of GC/AQ electrodes for Fe(CN)$\rm{{_{6}^{3-}}}$ and Ru(NH3)$\rm{{_{6}^{3+}}}$ redox probes was studied using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and the rotating disk electrode (RDE) method. It was established that the extent of blocking was a function of AQ surface concentration. A peculiar behavior was observed at the potentials of AQ reduction.
Analytical Biosensing of Hydrogen Peroxide on Brilliant Cresyl Blue/Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode
Authors: Peng Ya‐Yu , Upadhyay A. K. , Chen Shen‐Ming
Published: January 2010

A cationic quinine‐imide dye brilliant cresyl blue (BCB) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) were co‐immobilized within ormosil on multiwalled carbon nanotubes modified glassy carbon electrode for the fabrication of highly sensitive and selective hydrogen peroxide biosensor. The presence of epoxy group in ormosil as organic moiety improves the mechanical strength and transparency of the film and amino group provides biocompatible microenvironment for the immobilization of enzyme. The presence of MWCNTs improved the conductivity of the nanocomposite film. The surface characterization of MWCNT modified ormosil nanocomposite film was performed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Cyclic voltammetry and amperometry measurements were used to study and optimize the performance of the resulting peroxide biosensor. The apparent Michaelis–Menten constant was determined to be 1.5 mM. The proposed H2O2 biosensor exhibited wide linear range from 3×10−7 to 1×10−4 M, and low detection limit 1×10−7 M (S/N=3) with fast response time <5 s. The probable interferences in bio‐matrix were selected to test the selectivity and no significant response was observed in the biosensor. This biosensor possessed good analytical performance and long term storage stability.
Dynamics of Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Ethylene Glycol, Methanol and Formic Acid at MWCNT Platform Electrochemically Modified with Pt/Ru Nanoparticles
Authors: Maxakato Nobanathi W. , Ozoemena Kenneth I. , Arendse Christopher J.
Published: January 2010

Comparative electrocatalytic behavior of functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (fMWCNTs) electrodecorated with Pt/Ru nanoparticles towards the oxidation of methanol (MeOH), ethylene glycol (EG) and formic acid (FA) has been investigated. The catalytic current density decreased approximately as MeOH≈EG>FA. Result revealed that BPPGE‐fMWCNT‐Pt/Ru tolerates CO poisoning for FA electrooxidation than when used for the oxidation of the EG or MeOH. Electrochemical impedance spectra are dependent on the oxidation potentials, with equivalent circuit models characteristic of adsorption‐controlled charge transfer kinetics. The results provide important insights into the electrochemical response of these small organic molecules useful in fuel cell technology.
Development of a Controlled Release System for Risperidone Using Polypyrrole: Mechanistic Studies
Authors: Svirskis Darren , Wright Bryon E. , Travas‐Sejdic Jadranka , Rodgers Anthony , Garg Sanjay
Published: January 2010

Polypyrrole (PPY) film has been selected as a platform material for drug delivery due to its inherent conductivity, ease of preparation and apparent biocompatibility. PPY films were prepared containing the antipsychotic drug risperidone as a model compound. Drug release profiles could be altered by applying different electrical stimulation to these films. Atomic force microscopy was used to investigate changes in PPY film thickness when different stimuli were applied. The highest levels of drug release were observed when PPY was reduced; this was accompanied by expansion of the film. Technology such as this could be utilized for implantable drug delivery devices, where the dose could be adjusted by external signaling.
A MgO Nanoparticles Composite Matrix‐Based Electrochemical Biosensor for Hydrogen Peroxide with High Sensitivity
Authors: Lu Limin , Zhang Li , Zhang Xiaobing , Wu Zaisheng , Huan Shuangyan , Shen Guoli , Yu Ruqin
Published: January 2010

A novel horseradish peroxidase (HRP) electrochemical biosensor based on a MgO nanoparticles (nano‐MgO)‐chitosan (chit) composite matrix was developed. The morphology of nano‐MgO‐chit nanocomposite was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The interaction between nano‐MgO‐chit nanocomposite matrix and enzyme was characterized with UV‐vis spectra. This proposed composite material combined the advantages of inorganic nanoparticles and organic polymer chit. The HRP immobilized in the nanocomposite matrix displayed excellent electrocatalytic activity to the reduction of H2O2 in the presence of hydroquinone as a mediator. The effects of the experimental variables such as solution pH and the working potential were investigated using steady‐state amperometry. The present biosensor (HRP‐modified electrode) had a fast response towards H2O2 (less than 10 s), and excellent linear relationships were obtained in the concentration range of 0.1–1300 μM, with a detection limit of 0.05 μM (S/N=3). Moreover, the stability and reproducibility of this biosensor were evaluated with satisfactory results.
Polythymine Oligonucleotide‐Modified Gold Electrode for Voltammetric Determination of Mercury(II) in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Wu Jikui , Li Lanying , Shen Bijun , Cheng Guifang , He Pingang , Fang Yuzhi
Published: January 2010

Polythymine oligonucleotide (PTO)‐modified gold electrode (PTO/Au) was developed for selective and sensitive Hg2+ detection in aqueous solutions. This modified electrode was prepared by self‐assembly of thiolated polythymine oligonucleotide (5′‐SH‐T15‐3′) on the gold electrode via AuS bonds, and then the surface was passivated with 1‐mercaptohexanol solution. The proposed electrode utilizes the specific binding interactions between Hg2+ and thymine to selectively capture Hg2+, thereby reducing the interference from coexistent ions. After exchanging the medium, electrochemical reduction at −0.2 V for 60 s, voltammetric determination was performed by differential pulse voltammetry using 10 mM HEPES; pH 7.2, 1 M NaClO4 as supporting electrolyte. This electrode showed increasing voltammetric response in the range of 0.21 nM Hg2+, with a relative standard deviation of 5.32% and a practical detection limit of 60 pM. Compared with the conventional stripping approach, the modified electrode exhibits good sensitivity and selectivity, and is expected to be a new type of green electrode.
On the discretization of gradient and curl in atmospheric models using height‐based terrain‐following coordinates
Authors: Thuburn J.
Published: January 2010

Different discretizations of the gradient and curl operators are considered for a staggered grid in a height‐based terrain‐following coordinate system. A combination of discrete operators is identified that guarantees the mimetic property that the curl of the gradient of any scalar vanishes identically. The result is illustrated with some numerical examples. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hall and ion‐slip effects on three‐dimensional flow of a second grade fluid
Authors: Hayat T. , Nawaz M.
Published: January 2010

This investigation pursues the study of Hall and ion‐slip effects on steady three‐dimensional flow of an incompressible second grade fluid. The partial differential equations are reduced to ordinary differential equations by using similarity variables. The resulting problems are solved by employing homotopy analysis method (HAM). The convergence of derived solutions is ensured. The influence of different physical parameters on the dimensionless velocities is examined by sketching plots. Variation of skin friction coefficients for different involved parameters is seen through tabulated values. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, structure, and fungicidal activity of triorganotin (4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐4‐yl)benzoates
Authors: Li Fang‐Lin , Dai Bin , Song Hai‐Bin , Mi Na , Tang Liang‐Fu
Published: January 2010

A series of triorganotin (4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐4‐yl)benzoates have been synthesized by the reaction of 4‐(4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐4‐yl)benzoic acid and 3‐(4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐4‐yl)benzoic acid with (R3Sn)2O (R = Et, n‐Bu and Ph) or R′3SnOH (R′ = p‐tolyl and cyclohexyl). The molecular structure of tri(p‐tolyl)tin 3‐(4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐4‐yl)benzoate determined by X‐ray crystallography displays that the tin atom adopts a five‐coordinate distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometry with the carboxyl oxygen atom and the nitrogen atom on 1‐position of triazole ring occupying the apical position. Moreover, this complex forms a polymeric chain by the intermolecular Sn–N interactions. All these complexes show good antifungal activities in vitro against Alternaria solani, Cercospora arachidicola, Gibberella zeae, Physalospora piricola, and Botrytis cinerea. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 20:411–417, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20566
Synthesis and characterization of new O,O‐diethyl phosphorothioates derived from substituted tetrazolo[1,5‐a]quinolin‐ 4‐ylmethanol derivatives
Authors: Kategaonkar Amol H. , Pokalwar Rajkumar U. , Sadaphal Sandip A. , Shinde Pravin V. , Shingate Bapurao B. , Shingare Murlidhar S.
Published: January 2010

A simple and convenient method is developed for the synthesis of new O,O‐diethyl O‐(substituted tetrazolo[1,5‐a]quinolin‐4‐yl)methyl phosphorothioates, which has been synthesized for the first time from tetrazolo[1,5‐a] quinolines via tetrazolo[1,5‐a]quinolin‐4‐ylmethanol derivatives. The structures of the all newly synthesized compounds were elucidated by analytical and spectral methods. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 20:436–441, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20570
ERK regulates strain‐induced migration and proliferation from different subcellular locations
Authors: Gayer Christopher P. , Craig David H. , Flanigan Thomas L. , Reed Thomas D. , Cress Dean E. , Basson Marc D.
Published: January 2010

Repetitive deformation like that engendered by peristalsis or villous motility stimulates intestinal epithelial proliferation on collagenous substrates and motility across fibronectin, each requiring ERK. We hypothesized that ERK acts differently at different intracellular sites. We stably transfected Caco‐2 cells with ERK decoy expression vectors that permit ERK activation but interfere with its downstream signaling. Targeting sequences constrained the decoy inside or outside the nucleus. We assayed proliferation by cell counting and migration by circular wound closure with or without 10% repetitive deformation at 10 cycles/min. Confocal microscopy confirmed localization of the fusion proteins. Inhibition of phosphorylation of cytoplasmic RSK or nuclear Elk confirmed functionality. Both the nuclear‐localized and cytosolic‐localized ERK decoys prevented deformation‐induced proliferation on collagen. Deformation‐induced migration on fibronectin was prevented by constraining the decoy in the nucleus but not in the cytosol. Like the nuclear‐localized ERK decoy, a Sef‐overexpressing adenovirus that sequesters ERK in the cytoplasm also blocked the motogenic and mitogenic effects of strain. Inhibiting RSK or reducing Elk ablated both the mitogenic and motogenic effects of strain. RSK isoform reduction revealed isoform specificity. These results suggest that ERK must translocate to the nucleus to stimulate cell motility while ERK must act in both the cytosol and the nucleus to stimulate proliferation in response to strain. Selectively targeting ERK within different subcellular compartments may modulate or replace physical force effects on the intestinal mucosa to maintain the intestinal mucosal barrier in settings when peristalsis or villous motility are altered and fibronectin is deposited into injured tissue. J. Cell. Biochem. 109: 711–725, 2010. Published in 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification and functional relevance of de novo DNA methylation in cancerous B‐cell populations
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Ming , Greiner Timothy C. , Bibikova Marina , Pike Brian L. , Siegmund Kimberly D. , Sinha Uttam K. , Müschen Markus , Jaeger Erich B. , Weisenburger Dennis D. , Chan Wing C. , Shibata Darryl , Fan Jian‐Bing , Hacia Joseph G.
Published: January 2010

Epigenetic remodeling is a hallmark of cancer, with the frequent acquisition of de novo DNA methylation in CpG islands. However, the functional relevance of de novo DNA methylation in cancer is less well defined. To begin to address this issue in B‐cells, we used BeadArray assays to survey the methylation status of over 1,500 cancer‐related CpG loci in two molecular subtypes of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (ABC‐DLBCL and GCB‐DLBCL) and cognate normal B‐cell populations. We identified 81 loci that showed frequent de novo DNA methylation in GCB‐DLBCL and 67 loci that showed frequent de novo DNA methylation in ABC‐DLBCL. These de novo methylated CpG loci included reported targets of polycomb repressive complexes (PRC) in stem cells. All candidate loci in GCB‐DLBCL are proximal to genes that are poorly expressed or silent in purified normal germinal center (GC) B‐cells. This is consistent with the hypothesis that de novo DNA methylation in cancer is more frequently involved in the maintenance rather than the initiation of gene silencing (de novo repression). This suggests that epigenetic switching occurs during tumorigenesis with de novo DNA methylation locking in gene silencing normally mediated by transcriptional repressors. Furthermore, we propose that similar to de novo genetic mutations, the majority of de novo DNA methylation events observed in tumors are passengers not causally involved in tumorigenesis. J. Cell. Biochem. 109: 818–827, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
LPA induces osteoblast differentiation through interplay of two receptors: LPA1 and LPA4
Authors: Liu Yao‐Bin , Kharode Yogendra , Bodine Peter V.N. , Yaworsky Paul J. , Robinson John A. , Billiard Julia
Published: January 2010

The bioactive phospholipid, lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), acting through at least five distinct receptors LPA1–LPA5, plays important roles in numerous biological processes. Here we report that LPA induces osteoblastic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells hMSC‐TERT. We find that hMSC‐TERT mostly express two LPA receptors, LPA1 and LPA4, and undergo osteoblastic differentiation in serum‐containing medium. Inhibition of LPA1 with Ki16425 completely abrogates osteogenesis, indicating that this process is mediated by LPA in the serum through activation of LPA1. In contrast to LPA1, down‐regulation of LPA4 expression with shRNA significantly increases osteogenesis, suggesting that this receptor normally exerts negative effects on differentiation. Mechanistically, we find that in hMSC‐TERT, LPA induces a rise in both cAMP and Ca2+. The rise in Ca2+ is completely abolished by Ki16425, whereas LPA‐mediated cAMP increase is not sensitive to Ki16425. To test if LPA signaling pathways controlling osteogenesis in vitro translate into animal physiology, we evaluated the bones of LPA4‐deficient mice. Consistent with the ability of LPA4 to inhibit osteoblastic differentiation of stem cells, LPA4‐deficient mice have increased trabecular bone volume, number, and thickness. J. Cell. Biochem. 109: 794–800, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Supercritical water for environmental technologies
Authors: Loppinet‐Serani Anne , Aymonier Cyril , Cansell François
Published: January 2010

OVERVIEW: Supercritical water is a great medium in which to perform chemical reactions and to develop processes. Due to its unique thermo‐physico‐chemical properties, supercritical water is able to play the role of solvent of organic compounds and/or to react with them. These specific properties have been used since the 1990s to develop new technologies dedicated to the environment and energy.

IMPACT: Supercritical water based technologies are innovative and efficient processes having a strong impact on society, the environment and the economy, and is termed a sustainable technology.

APPLICATIONS: Three main applications for supercritical water technology are under development: (i) supercritical water oxidation (SCWO); (ii) supercritical water biomass gasification (SCBG); and (iii) hydrolysis of polymers in supercritical water (HPSCW) for composites/plastics recycling. In this paper some fundamentals of supercritical water are first presented to introduce the above three major developments. Then these technologies are reviewed in terms of their present and future industrial development and their impact on the environment and on energy production. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Wastewater COD characterization: analysis of respirometric and physical‐chemical methods for determining biodegradable organic matter fractions
Authors: Gatti Marcela N. , García‐Usach Francisca , Seco Aurora , Ferrer José
Published: January 2010

BACKGROUND: In this work, a comprehensive study of the respirometric and physical–chemical methods has been performed to evaluate the information provided by these two methodologies in order to assess the biodegradable organic matter fractions of wastewater.

RESULTS: First, an analysis was performed of the influence of the initial substrate on biomass ratio (F0/X0) in the assessment of readily biodegradable organic matter, SS, through respirometric experiments. In order to achieve an adequate assessment of the SS component, similar conditions (given by the initial F0/X0 ratio) must be employed in experiments that are carried to determine SS and YH (heterotrophic yield). Second, a comparative analysis of respirometric and physical–chemical methods was carried out. The respirometric analysis yielded a lower value of the SS component than the one using the physical–chemical method. Moreover, the respirometric analysis cannot measure the total content of slowly biodegradable organic matter, XS, since this method is only capable of determining the readily hydrolyzed biodegradable substrate.

CONCLUSIONS: Considering the results, an adequate characterization method of the SS component has been proposed. This method provides readily and slowly hydrolyzable biodegradable organic matter fractions. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparison between laboratory and pilot biotrickling filtration of air emissions from painting and wood finishing
Authors: Sempere Feliu , Martínez‐Soria Vicente , Penya‐roja Josep‐Manuel , Izquierdo Marta , Palau Jordi , Gabaldón Carmen
Published: January 2010

BACKGROUND: Painting and wood finishing is one industrial sector affected by the European Union environmental regulations on volatile organic compound (VOC) air emissions. The painting process typically results in high flow rates with low VOC concentrations, so biotrickling filtration could be an economical alternative for controlling air emissions. This study analyses the operation of a pilot unit installed in a furniture facility, and compares its performance with the removal efficiency obtained in the laboratory using a synthetic feed composed of n‐butyl acetate, toluene and m‐xylene to simulate industrial air emissions.

RESULTS: Laboratory studies showed that fluctuating and oscillating VOC feeding adversely affected the performance of the bioreactor in comparison with stationary feeding. The operation of the pilot plant at 35 s of empty bed residence time (EBRT) remained within the legal limits. The installation of an activated carbon prefilter improved considerably the removal efficiency, with emissions kept below 40 mg C m−3 working at 24 s of EBRT.

CONCLUSION: Biotrickling filtration has been shown as effective for controlling air emissions from a closed booth operated for automatically painting furniture pieces. Laboratory study can provide valuable data for the scale‐up. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Treatment of carbon disulfide and ethanethiol vapors in alkaline biotrickling filters using an alkaliphilic sulfo‐oxidizing bacterial consortium
Authors: Arellano‐García Luis , González‐Sánchez Armando , Baquerizo Guillermo , Hernández‐Jiménez Sergio , Revah Sergio
Published: January 2010

BACKGROUND: An alkaline mineral medium (pH ≈ 10) was used in a previous study to enhance the absorption rate of hydrogen sulfide in a biofiltration process where an alkaliphilic sulfo‐oxidizing bacterial consortium was deployed. In this work the same mineral media and bacterial consortium were used to assess a biotrickling filter performance during the treatment of low gaseous concentrations of carbon disulfide and ethanethiol.

RESULTS: The alkalinity of the mineral medium increased the solubility of carbon disulfide and ethanethiol by around 50% and 80%, respectively. The oxidation activity of the microorganisms resulted in a lower value compared to other reported results. The maximum elimination capacities reached using alkaline biotrickling filtration were between 2.3 and 3.5 g m−3 h−1 with removal efficiencies around 50%. A conceptual model for biotrickling filtration of ethanethiol was developed and validated using experimental data under dynamic conditions.

CONCLUSION: Alkaline conditions enhance the absorption rates of sulfur compounds in a biotrickling filter, but the elimination capacity of the system was limited by the low oxidation activities of the alkaliphilic microorganisms. It is necessary to continue exploring the biodiversity in order to find a microorganism adapted to the consumption of volatile sulfur compounds. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Biofiltration of n‐hexane in the presence of benzene vapors
Authors: Hassan Ashraf Aly , Sorial George A
Published: January 2010

BACKGROUND: Degrading hydrophobic volatile organic compounds in biofilters is very challenging. Previous research in our laboratories examined the degradation of hydrophobic contaminants by several methods including changing the empty bed resident time, utilization of surfactants and change of the microorganism consortium. As n‐hexane is considered relatively soluble in benzene and alongside benzene is more soluble in water, it was anticipated that a mixture of both volatile organic compounds fed to a trickle bed air biofilters (TBABs) would lead to an improved performance of n‐hexane degradation.

RESULTS: The ratio of benzene:n‐hexane studied was 2:1 by volume, corresponding to a concentration ratio of 3:1, respectively. The TBAB was operated at pH 4 to provide favorable conditions for fungi growth. The effects of changing loading rates ranging from 20 to 80 g m−3 h−1 on the biofilter performance, acclimation period, and removal profile along biofilter depth, nitrogen consumption and CO2 production were studied under continuous loading operation conditions and compared to previous data of TBABs degrading single feed of benzene and n‐hexane separately.

CONCLUSIONS: Results have shown that the degradation of n‐hexane is significantly impacted by the presence of benzene; however, the degradation of benzene was not impacted to the same extent as n‐hexane. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Supported photocatalysis as a pre‐treatment prior to biological degradation for the removal of some dyes from aqueous solutions; Acid Red 183, Biebrich Scarlet, Methyl Red Sodium Salt, Orange II
Authors: Chebli D. , Fourcade F. , Brosillon S. , Nacef S. , Amrane A.
Published: January 2010

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of coupling photocatalysis and a biological treatment for the removal of azo dyes from aqueous effluents. Biological processes do not always appear relevant for dyes removal, owing to the low or total absence of biodegradability of this class of pollutants.

RESULTS: During photocatalysis pre‐treatment, a decrease in the chemical oxygen demand (COD) indicated oxidation of the target compound and thus a change in the chemical structure; better biodegradability or less toxicity could then be expected. However, the concomitant decrease in dissolved organic carbon (DOC), characteristic of a high mineralization yield, led to nearly constant COD:DOC ratios, which was unfavorable for an increase in biodegradability. It was confirmed by the low values found for the ratios biological oxygen demand (BOD5) to COD, which remained in the range 0.09–0.19, namely below 0.4 after photocatalytic reaction. Moreover, toxicity increased or remained at a high level after irradiation of the azo dyes for 3 h, and decreased only for Orange II, from toxic (EC50 = 53%) to moderately toxic (EC50 = 76%).

CONCLUSION: An integrated process involving photocataysis and biological treatment to treat azo dyes appeared unsuitable under the conditions tested and may only be considered for Orange II among the four dyes tested. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Steady‐ and transient‐state operation of a two‐stage bioreactor for the treatment of a gaseous mixture of hydrogen sulphide, methanol and α‐pinene
Authors: Rene Eldon R. , Estefania López M. , Veiga María C. , Kennes Christian
Published: January 2010

BACKGROUND: A two‐stage bioreactor, comprising a biotrickling filter (BTF) as the first stage and a biofilter (BF) as the second stage, operated under steady‐ and transient‐state conditions, was tested to remove gas‐phase hydrogen sulphide, methanol and α‐pinene.

RESULTS: Hydrogen sulphide and methanol were removed in the first stage, while α‐pinene, was removed predominantly in the second‐stage fungal BF. The effect of the liquid trickling rate was evaluated in the BTF, while concentration‐dependent synergistic and antagonistic interactions in both reactors were assessed by varying the concentration of one pollutant, and by maintaining 100% removal of other pollutants. Increasing the liquid trickling rate decreased methanol removal significantly, from > 93% to 40%. Increasing the concentration of hydrogen sulphide from low to high loading rates did not affect the removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), however, the reverse occurred. Under all the conditions tested, α‐pinene removal in the second‐stage biofilter still remained higher than 80%.

CONCLUSIONS: The results show the maximum elimination capacities achievable for this complex ternary mixture, under a wide range of operating conditions. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Treatment of dyehouse waste‐water by supercritical water oxidation: a case study
Authors: Söǧüt Onur Ömer , Akgün Mesut
Published: January 2010

BACKGROUND: Supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) of dyehouse waste‐water containing several organic pollutants has been studied. The removal of these organic components with unknown proportions is considered in terms of total organic carbon concentration (TOC), with an initial value of 856.9 mg L−1. Oxidation reactions were performed using diluted hydrogen peroxide. The reaction conditions ranged between temperatures of 400–600 °C and residence times of 8–16 s under 25 MPa of pressure.

RESULTS: TOC removal efficiencies using SCWO and hydrothermal decomposition were between 92.0 and 100% and 6.6 and 93.8%, respectively. An overall reaction rate, which consists of hydrothermal decomposition and the oxidation reaction, was determined for the hydrothermal decomposition of the waste‐water with an activation energy of 104.12 ( ± 2.6) kJ mol−1 and a pre‐exponential factor of 1.59( ± 0.5) × 105 s−1. The oxidation reaction rate orders for the TOC and the oxidant were 1.169 ( ± 0.3) and 0.075 ( ± 0.04) with activation energies of 18.194 ( ± 1.09) kJ mol−1, and pre‐exponential factor of 5.181 ( ± 1.3) L0.244 mmol−0.244 s−1 at the 95% confidence level.

CONCLUSION: Results demonstrate that the SCWO process decreased TOC content by up to 100% in residence times between 8 and 16 s under various reaction conditions. The treatment efficiency increased remarkably with increasing temperature and the presence of excess oxygen in the reaction medium. Color of the waste‐water was removed completely at temperatures of 450 °C and above. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
GABAergic radioligands labelled with tritium
Authors: Filer Crist N.
Published: January 2010

The synthesis and applications of GABAergic radioligands labelled with tritium are reviewed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Last glacial ice‐rafted debris off southwestern Europe: the role of the British–Irish Ice Sheet
Authors: Bigg Grant R. , Levine Richard C. , Clark Chris D. , Greenwood Sarah L. , Haflidason Haflidi , Hughes Anna L. C. , Nygård Atlé , Sejrup Hans Petter
Published: January 2010

Ice‐rafted debris (IRD) seeded into the ocean from Northern Hemisphere ice sheets is found in ocean cores along the southwestern European margin through the last glacial period. It is known that the origin of this IRD, especially off Iberia, can vary between North America and western Europe during short‐lived episodes of greatly enhanced iceberg flux, known as Heinrich events, although in most Heinrich events the IRD has a North American source. During the longer times of much lower IRD fluxes between Heinrich events, use of an intermediate complexity climate model, coupled to an iceberg dynamic and thermodynamic model, shows that background levels of IRD most likely originate from western Europe, particularly the British–Irish Ice Sheet. Combining modelling with palaeoceanographic evidence supports reconstructions of a short‐lived, but substantial, Celtic and Irish Sea Ice Stream around 23 ka. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antiaflatoxigenic and antioxidant activity of an essential oil fromAgeratum conyzoidesL.
Authors: Patil Rajaram P , Nimbalkar Mansingraj S , Jadhav Umesh U , Dawkar Vishal V , Govindwar Sanjay P
Published: January 2010

BACKGROUND:Aflatoxin contamination of various commodities can occur as a result of infection, mainly byAspergillus flavusandAspergillus parasiticus. Every year, almost 25% of the world's food supply is contaminated by mycotoxins. Aflatoxins B1, B2, G1and G2, which occur naturally, are significant contaminants of a wide variety of commodities. A number of biological activities have been associated withAgeratum conyzoides. We have therefore investigated the antiaflatoxigenic, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of essential oils ofA. conyzoides. This could help to turnA. conyzoides, a nuisance weed, into a resource.

RESULTS:The essential oil ofAgeratum conyzoidesL. shows the presence of 12 compounds when analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The growth and aflatoxin production of the toxigenic strainAspergillus parasiticuswas completely inhibited by essential oil. All the studied concentrations of the oil demonstrate a reduction in mycelia growth and decreased production of different aflatoxins in fungi, as revealed by liquid chomatographic–tandem mass spectrometric analysis. Volatiles from macerated green leaf tissue ofA. conyzoideswere also effective againstA. parasiticus. The strongest antibacterial activity was observed against the bacteriaStaphylococcus aureusandBacillus subtilisin a disk diffusion bioassay. Essential oil and methanol extract ofA. conyzoidesL. were assayed for their antioxidant activity. Methanol extract showed the highest antioxidant activity in FRAP and DPPH assay, whereas essential oil showed greater lipid peroxidation inhibition than methanol extract.

CONCLUSION:The plant's ethno‐medicinal importance, antioxidant potential, inhibitory activity against theAspergillusgroup of fungi and production of aflatoxins may add a new dimension to its usefulness in the protection of stored product. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Purification of calmodulin from rice bran and activation of glutamate decarboxylase by Ca2+/calmodulin
Authors: Wang Li , Liu Min , Guo Lv Ying , Zhang Hui
Published: January 2010

BACKGROUND: γ‐Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an important bioactive regulator, and its biosynthesis is primarily through the α‐decarboxylation of glutamate by glutamate decarboxylase (GAD). In plants, it was verified that the production of GABA is regulated, in part, via Ca2+/calmodulin (CaM). Our preliminary studies showed that rice bran GAD is probably also a Ca2+/CaM dependent enzyme; hence, in the current investigation, we purified calmodulin from rice bran, and studied the effect of the Ca2+/calmodulin complex on the activity of rice bran GAD in vitro.

RESULTS: CaM was purified to homogeneity from the rice bran by a combined protocol involving TCA precipitation, heat treatment, and hydrophobic interaction chromatography, with the purification fold and recovery of 851.7 and 55.6%, respectively. This protein had similar amino acid composition as the CaMs from other higher plants. The rice bran GAD was found to be quite sensitive to the Ca2+/CaM complex at pH 7.0, and addition of exogenous EGTA or TFP efficiently inhibited the stimulatory effect of Ca2+/CaM complex. At a separate concentration of Ca2+ and CaM of 200 µmol L−1 and 150 nmol L−1, the rice bran GAD was significantly enhanced 3‐fold. Moreover, upon binding Ca2+, CaM underwent a conformational change that facilitated a more obvious emergency of phenylalanine and tyrosine residues.

CONCLUSION: This investigation provided preliminary information for the development of a GABA‐based, cost‐effective rice bran GAD‐related functional food. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of ethylene and 1‐MCP treatments on strawberry fruit ripening
Authors: Villarreal Natalia M , Bustamante Claudia A , Civello Pedro M , Martínez Gustavo A
Published: January 2010

BACKGROUND: Strawberry is a soft fruit, considered as non‐climacteric, being auxins the main hormones that regulate the ripening process. The role of ethylene in strawberry ripening is currently unclear and several studies have considered a revision of the possible role of this hormone.

RESULTS: Strawberry fruit were harvested at the white stage and treated with ethephon, an ethylene‐releasing reagent, or 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP), a competitive inhibitor of ethylene action. The effects of the treatments on fruit quality parameters and on the activity of enzymes related to anthocyanin synthesis and cell wall degradation were evaluated. Some aspects of ripening were accelerated (anthocyanin accumulation, total sugar content and increment of phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase (PAL; EC 4.3.1.24) and β‐galactosidase (EC 3.2.1.23) activities), while others were repressed (chlorophyll levels and increment of endo‐1,4‐β‐glucanase (EC 3.2.1.4) and β‐xylosidase (EC 3.2.1.37) activities) or unchanged (reducing sugar content, pH, titratable acidity and α‐L‐arabinofuranosidase (EC 3.2.1.55) activity) by ethylene. 1‐MCP treatment caused the opposite effect. However, its effects were more pronounced, particularly in anthocyanin accumulation, phenolics, PAL and polygalacturonase (EC 3.2.1.15 and EC 3.2.1.67) activities.

CONCLUSION: These observations probably indicate that strawberry produces low levels of ethylene that are sufficient to regulate some ripening aspects. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry