bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kinetics and Mechanisms of Potassium Release from Sandy Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Soils
Authors: Sadusky M. C. , Sparks D. L. , Noll M. R. , Hendricks G. J.
Published: July 2010

Kinetics of K release were investigated on a Kenansville loamy sand (loamy, siliceous, thermic Arenic Hapludults), a Rumford loamy sand (coarse‐loamy, siliceous, thermic Typic Hapludults), and a Sassafras fine sandy loam (fine‐loamy, mixed, mesic Typic Hapludults) from the Delaware Coastal Plain. Previous field experiments had shown that corn (Zea mays L.) grown on these soils did not respond to K applications. The soils contained high levels of total K ranging from 22.5 to 46.5 cmol kg−1. Most of the total K was in the mineral form, particularly feldspars, and was contained in the sand fractions of the soils. Kinetics of K release from the whole soils and from the coarse, medium, and fine sand fractions were studied using a H‐saturated resin and 0.01 M oxalic acid. Potassium release from the whole soils, using the resin, ranged from 0.172 to 0.251 cmol kg−1 over a 30‐d period, and significantly more K was released with the resin than with oxalic acid. The K release that occurred from the sand fractions was attributed to the highly weathered nature of the K‐feldspars in these soils as observed by electron microbeam analyses. The mechanism of K release from the soil feldspars appears to be a surface‐controlled reaction.
Genesis of Adjacent Morphologically Distinct Soils in Northwest Florida
Authors: Washer N. E. , Collins M. E.
Published: July 2010

In northwest Florida plinthitic soils commonly form adjacent to well‐drained, nonplinthitic soils on the same landform. Differences in these soils are related primarily to natural drainage. The hypothesis that a lithological discontinuity occurred below the plinthic horizon in the plinthitic soils was proposed and tested: strata below the discontinuity impeded drainage through the soils, causing plinthite to form. Properties of three plinthitic soils and one nonplinthitic soil from the East Pittman Creek watershed were compared to test this hypothesis. Pedologically significant differences in morphology (e.g. consistence, color, and texture), clay‐free silt content, and fine sand content as a percentage of total sand content were observed between plinthic and 2C horizons and between the plinthitic and nonplinthitic soils. Three distinct strata were identified using the principle of random association. Anomalously high clay, iron, and phosphorus contents in the horizons above the 2C horizons and the laminar ironstone at the boundary between the Btv and 2C horizons indicated that the lower stratum impeded water movement. In conclusion, a pedologically significant lithological discontinuity does exist in the soils in East Pittman Creek watershed.
Design of Triple‐Wire Time Domain Reflectometry Probes in Practice and Theory
Authors: Heimovaara T. J.
Published: July 2010

Time domain reflectometry (TDR) is accepted as a valuable tool for measuring soil water content and bulk soil electrical conductivity. The accuracy of TDR measurements depends on the quality and type of probes, as well as on the length of cable used. The objective of this study was to test the effects of different triple‐wire TDR probe dimensions and cable lengths on the measurements. Additional measurements were done in order to test the performance of small triple‐wire probes in soils with a wide range of water contents. Measurements in air and in water showed that the position of the first reflection from the connection between cable and probe is influenced by the dielectric medium. This problem was solved by using the zero of the cable tester as a time reference, and calibrating the TDR probes before measurements. The major effect of increasing cable lengths is that the rise time of the TDR voltage pulse increases, spreading each reflection across a larger time interval, which influences the accuracy of the wave form analysis and causes a possible underestimation of the apparent dielectric permittivity in dry soils. As a result, it is not possible to use short probes with long cable lengths. Smaller spacing of the wires results in steeper reflections from the end of the probe. Small triple‐wire probes are convenient in laboratory applications. Large triple‐wire probes are convenient for automated field applications in which long lengths of cable are required.
Diffusion Chamber for Nitrogen‐15 Determination of Coupled Nitrification‐Denitrification around Soil‐Manure Interfaces
Authors: Nielsen Tommy Harder , Revsbech Niels Peter
Published: July 2010

Denitrifying activity in soil is often associated with anoxic microsites rich in organic material, but previously described procedures for determining denitrification rates are not satisfactory when high rates of both nitrification and denitrification are associated with such hot spots. Coupled nitrification‐denitrification associated with hot spots of cattle manure was analyzed by use of a recently developed isotope pairing method in combination with a newly designed diffusion chamber. The diffusion chamber contained three separate phases: an anaerobic manure layer on top, an aerobic soil layer below that placed on top of a highly permeable aluminum oxide filter, and below the filter sterile water containing 15NO−3. The soil could be kept at a water potential below field capacity by suction of a hanging water column connected to the water phase. The isotopically labeled NO−3 entered the soil through the filter and diffused through the soil to the manure where it was denitrified. While diffusing through the soil, 15NO−3 was mixed with 14NO−3 formed by nitrification. The isotopic composition of the N2 formed by denitrification of the mixed NO−3 could then be used to determine the rate of denitrification based on 15NO−3 from the water as well as the rate of coupled nitrification‐denitrification within the soil. The rate of coupled nitrification‐denitrification increased exponentially during the first days after application of manure, indicating exponential growth of the nitrifiers with a doubling time of 1.7 d. The rate reached a maximum of 116 nmol N2 cm−2 h−1 after 10 d and subsequently decreased to 20 nmol N2 cm−2 h−1 after 3 wk. After 3 wk, about 40% of the NH+4 initially present had been removed through coupled nitrification‐denitrification.
Transport of Dissolved Organic Matter through a Sandy Forest Soil
Authors: Dosskey M. G. , Bertsch P. M.
Published: July 2010

We assessed the transport of dissolved organic matter (DOM) through a sandy, Ultisol forest soil on the southeastern U.S. Coastal Plain, and contrasted the results with similar studies from other forest regions, to test the hypothesis that DOM transport is greater through sandy Ultisols than finer textured Ultisols and Spodosols. Within a small headwater catchment, concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), a measure of DOM, were measured in soil solution at three depths (10, 30, and 90 cm) in sand A and E horizons of soil profiles, and in sand along the valley bottom at 198‐ to 264‐cm depth in shallow groundwater. Water samples were collected after every rainfall event for 21 mo using zero‐tension lysimeters, suction samplers, and piezometers. Mean concentration of DOC in soil water decreased from 25.5 mg C L‐1 at 10‐cm depth to 13.7 mg C L‐1 at 30 cm, and to 1.8 mg C L‐1 at 76 to 99 cm, before contacting clayenriched horizons. All valley bottom stations consistently averaged between 0.3 and 2.1 mg C L‐1. We did not find significant seasonal patterns, nor a correlation between DOC concentration and magnitude of rainfall events. We estimate that the flux of DOC decreased more sharply with soil depth than concentration due to attenuation of water transport through the soil profile. Compared with literature data from other forest regions, our results do not support the hypothesis that there is greater DOM transport through sandy upland soils on the Coastal Plain. Our results suggest that this is due to strong DOM retention within deep sand E horizons of these soils. Thus, strong DOM retention in forest soils appears to occur across a broader range of soil types than those exhibiting podzolization or having high clay content.
A Time Domain Reflectometry Method to Measure Immobile Water Content and Mass Exchange Coefficient
Authors: Lee Jaehoon , Horton Robert , Jaynes Dan B.
Published: July 2010

Physical nonequilibrium of water and solute transport in soil has been reported. One of the most common mechanistic models used to describe physical nonequilibrium transport phenomena is the mobile–immobile model (MIM). Two significant parameters in the MIM are immobile water content (θim) and mass exchange coefficient (α). Previously, a method for determining θim and α using sequential tracers (ST) has been used to characterize solute transport. In this work, we present and evaluate a method to estimate θim and α using time domain reflectometry (TDR). The TDR method was tested in laboratory experiments using three 20 cm long by 12 cm diameter undisturbed saturated soil columns. The method used TDR with an application of CaCl2 to obtain resident concentrations as a function of time. The data obtained from TDR were analyzed using a log‐linear equation developed based on the ST method to estimate θim and α. The θim and α estimates from the TDR method were compared with the estimates from the ST method and from effluent data. A conventional inverse curve fitting method (CXTFIT) was used to estimate parameters from effluent data. The means of θim/θ from the TDR method, ST method, and effluent data were 0.31, 0.30, and 0.26, respectively. The means of α from the TDR method, ST method, and effluent data were 0.03, 0.03, and 0.04 h−1, respectively. The values of θim/θ and α from the TDR method were very similar to the estimates from the ST method. In all three columns, the θim estimates from the TDR method were within the 95% confidence intervals (CI) of the estimates from the effluent data. In two of three columns, the α estimates from the TDR method were within the 95% CI of the estimates from the effluent data. The TDR method is relatively simple, rapid, and had advantages over the ST method and conventional methods for measuring solute transport properties.
Dissolution Kinetics of Nickel Surface Precipitates on Clay Mineral and Oxide Surfaces
Authors: Scheckel Kirk G. , Sparks Donald L.
Published: July 2010

The formation of Ni surface precipitates on natural soil materials may occur during sorption under ambient environmental conditions. In this study, we examined proton‐ and ligand‐promoted dissolution of Ni surface precipitates on pyrophyllite, talc, gibbsite, amorphous silica, and a mixture of gibbsite and amorphous silica aged from 1 h to 2 yr, by employing an array of dissolution agents (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid [EDTA], oxalate, acetylacetone, and HNO3). Ligand‐promoted dissolution was more effective in removing Ni than the protolysis by HNO3 In all cases, as residence time increased from 1 h to 2 yr, the amount of Ni released from the precipitates decreased from 98 to 0%, indicating an increase in stability with aging time regardless of sorbent and dissolution agent. For example, as residence time increased from 1 h to 2 yr, Ni release from pyrophyllite, as a percentage of total Ni sorption, decreased from 96 to 30% and 23 to 0%, respectively, when EDTA (pH 4.0) and HNO3 (pH 6.0) were employed as dissolution agents for 14 d. Dissolution via oxalate of 1‐yr‐aged Ni–Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) on pyrophyllite saw 19% Ni removal, in comparison with 52% Ni release from α‐Ni(OH)2 precipitates on talc, suggesting that α‐Ni(OH)2 is less stable than Ni–Al LDH. The increase in stability of the Ni surface precipitates in this study with residence time was attributed to three aging mechanisms: (i) Al‐for‐Ni substitution in the octahedral sheets of the brucite‐like hydroxide layers, (ii) Si‐for‐NO3 exchange in the interlayers of the precipitates, and (iii) Ostwald ripening of the precipitate phases. It appeared that the second factor, Si‐for‐NO3 exchange in the interlayers, was a major mechanism for the increase in stability of the precipitates.
Different cost-benefit analyses in The Netherlands for the European Water Framework Directive
Authors: van der Veeren R.
Published: July 2010

Since 2005, several cost benefit analyses have been performed for the European Water Framework Directive (WFD) in The Netherlands. These analyses had in common that they were meant to support the decision-making process by informing policy makers and making the trade-offs as transparent as possible. The analyses also anticipate questions from the Dutch Parliament. Nevertheless, each time the analyses were slightly different, depending on the situation and (political) questions that had to be answered. This article presents the background and the highlights of the various analyses, describes their differences and similarities and tries to find a common thread in the results. Even though the results are barely comparable for a number of reasons, they seem to indicate that such a line exists and that economic analyses have played a role in the decision-making process by making tradeoffs more explicit. This has offered the opportunity for an iterative dialogue with the Dutch Parliament, which contributed to a decision-making process which resulted in a socially accepted programme of measures that is economically sound and transparent.
Association Between Systemic Inflammation and Incident Diabetes in HIV-Infected Patients After Initiation of Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Brown Todd T. , Tassiopoulos Katherine , Bosch Ronald J. , Shikuma Cecilia , McComsey Grace A.
Published: July 2010

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether systemic inflammation after initiation of HIV-antiretroviral therapy (ART) is associated with the development of diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted a nested case-control study, comparing 55 previously ART-naive individuals who developed diabetes 48 weeks after ART initiation (case subjects) with 55 individuals who did not develop diabetes during a comparable follow-up (control subjects), matched on baseline BMI and race/ethnicity. Stored plasma samples at treatment initiation (week 0) and 1 year later (week 48) were assayed for levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and the soluble receptors of tumor necrosis factor-α (sTNFR1 and sTNFR2).

RESULTS

Case subjects were older than control subjects (median age 41 vs. 37 years, P = 0.001), but the groups were otherwise comparable. Median levels for all markers, except hs-CRP, decreased from week 0 to week 48. Subjects with higher levels of hs-CRP, sTNFR1, and sTNFR2 at 48 weeks had an increased odds of subsequent diabetes, after adjustment for baseline marker level, age, BMI at week 48, CD4 count at week 48 (< vs. >200 cells/mm3), and indinavir use (all Ptrend ≤ 0.05). After further adjustment for week 48 glucose, effects were attenuated and only sTNFR1 remained significant (odds ratio, highest quartile vs. lowest 23.2 [95% CI 1.28–423], P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Inflammatory markers 48 weeks after ART initiation were associated with increased risk of diabetes. These findings suggest that systemic inflammation may contribute to diabetes pathogenesis among HIV-infected patients.
Effect of a 12-Month Intensive Lifestyle Intervention on Hepatic Steatosis in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Lazo Mariana , Solga Steven F. , Horska Alena , Bonekamp Susanne , Diehl Anna Mae , Brancati Frederick L. , Wagenknecht Lynne E. , Pi-Sunyer F. Xavier , Kahn Steven E. , Clark Jeanne M. ,   for the Fatty Liver Subgroup of the Look AHEAD Research Group
Published: July 2010

OBJECTIVE

Weight loss through lifestyle changes is recommended for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, its efficacy in patients with type 2 diabetes is unproven.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Look AHEAD (Action for Health in Diabetes) is a 16-center clinical trial with 5,145 overweight or obese adults with type 2 diabetes, who were randomly assigned to an intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) to induce a minimum weight loss of 7% or a control group who received diabetes support and education (DSE). In the Fatty Liver Ancillary Study, 96 participants completed proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy to quantify hepatic steatosis and tests to exclude other causes of liver disease at baseline and 12 months. We defined steatosis >5.5% as NAFLD.

RESULTS

Participants were 49% women and 68% white. The mean age was 61 years, mean BMI was 35 kg/m2, mean steatosis was 8.0%, and mean aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were 20.5 and 24.2 units/l, respectively. After 12 months, participants assigned to ILI (n = 46) lost more weight (−8.5 vs. −0.05%; P < 0.01) than those assigned to DSE and had a greater decline in steatosis (−50.8 vs. −22.8%; P = 0.04) and in A1C (−0.7 vs. −0.2%; P = 0.04). There were no significant 12-month changes in AST or ALT levels. At 12 months, 26% of DSE participants and 3% (1 of 31) of ILI participants without NAFLD at baseline developed NAFLD (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

A 12-month intensive lifestyle intervention in patients with type 2 diabetes reduces steatosis and incident NAFLD.
Zoological collections in the early British Museum: the Zoological Society's Museum
Authors: WHEELER ALWYNE
Published: July 2010

The most important zoological collection in London outside of the British Museum was that established by the Zoological Society of London. It was to have only a fleeting existence of 30 years from its foundation in 1825. Yet in that short space of time, its collections of vertebrate specimens came to rival those of the British Museum both in volume and in taxonomic value, and attracted visiting workers from Europe to study its specimens. To some extent its extraordinary success was due to the high calibre of its contributors during the expansionist and exploratory period of the British Empire, but the quality of its curatorial staff played an important role in its success. Well within the three decades of its lifespan inadequate funding leading to difficulties with accommodation and insufficient spending on the care of the specimens caused the collection to deteriorate. Within the administrative priorities of the Society the Museum took second place to the Menagerie and by 1854 the dispersal of the collection had commenced. Some of the material came to the British Museum but not all the important specimens. Many specimens including type material and historically important collections were dispersed to relatively obscure local collections in which their importance has been lost sight of, if it was ever recognized.

This paper outlines the history of the Zoological Society's Museum, discusses the importance of its holdings and assesses the contribution that it made to the collections of the British Museum.
Simon Rood Pittard (1821–1861) Curator of the Australian Museum
Authors: LEEUWEN MICHAEL VAN
Published: July 2010

Previous historians of the Australian Museum (Strahan, 1979; Whitley, 1959) have tended to regard Simon Rood Pittard's short term as Curator of the Australian Museum almost purely as a precursor to that of the most important Australian-based Curator of the nineteenth century, Gerard Krefft (1830– 1881). Without the disruption caused by Pittard's untimely death, Krefft would never have become Curator (with the responsibilities of Director), with such important consequences for the Museum.

However, Pittard's work does bear scrutiny as part of the mid-century development of the Museum along more professional lines. In the short period that Pittard was active at the Museum he fulfilled many of the requirements placed upon him by the Trustees, including the propagation of the study of natural history via a series of very successful lectures; advising of the Museum's existence and activities with a series of exchange letters around the globe; and the design of a new wing of the Museum. Pittard's role in the beginnings of the evolutionary debate in the Colony is also of great interest. It will also be shown how Pittard's death led directly to the elevation of Gerard Krefft to the curatorship of the Museum.
Is the bird a Dodo? The wildlife of a mid-seventeenth century drawing of Dutch Mauritius.
Authors: CHEKE ANTHONY
Published: July 2010

A claim is investigated that an early Dutch drawing of settlers in a Mauritian forest was done in 1677 by Governor Lamotius and portrayed a Dodo in its natural habitat. The sketch is from 1670, by or for Governor Wreeden, and the bird portrayed is the extinct endemic sheldgoose.
The Institute of Medicine’s
Redesigning Continuing Education in the Health Professions
Authors: DeSilets Lynore D.
Published: July 2010

Redesigning Continuing Education in the Health Professions
was published in the spring by the Institute of Medicine. The authors, an ad hoc committee, identified current issues in continuing education for health professionals. This column briefly summarizes major topics addressed in the report.
A generous ontology: Identity as a process of intersubjective discovery – An African theological contribution
Authors: Forster Dion A.
Published: July 2010

The answer to the question ‘who am I?’ is of fundamental importance to being human. Answers to this question have traditionally been sought from various disciplines and sources, which include empirical sources, such as biology and sociology, and phenomenological sources, such as psychology and religion. Although the approaches are varied, they have the notion of foundational truth, whether from an objective or subjective perspective, in common. The question of human identity that is the subject of this paper is germinated from the title of a book by WITS academic, Ivor Chipkin, entitled, Do South Africans exist? Nationalism, democracy and the identity of ‘the people’ (2007). This paper does not discuss Chipkin’s thoughts on nationalism and democracy; however, it considered the matter of human identity that is raised by his question. The approach taken by this paper on the notion of identity was significantly influenced by Brian McLaren’s postmodernist approach to Christian doctrine as outlined in his book A generous orthodoxy (2004) – a term coined by Yale Theologian, Hans Frei. The inadequacies of traditional approaches to human identity and consciousness that are based upon ‘foundational knowledge’ were thus considered. Both subjective and objective approaches to identity were touched upon, showing the weaknesses of these approaches in dealing with the complex nature of true human identity. The paper then presented an integrative framework for individual consciousness that is not static or ultimately quantifiable, but rather formulated in the process of mutual discovery that arises from a shared journey. The approach presented here drew strongly upon the groundbreaking work of Ken Wilber and Eugene de Quincey and related their ontological systems to the intersubjective approach to identity that can be found in the African philosophy and theology of ‘ubuntu’. This paper focused on how the ethics and theology of this indigenous knowledge system can contribute toward overcoming the impasse of validating individual identity in contemporary academic debates on human consciousness.
Evaluation of the radiation dose in micro‐CT with optimization of the scan protocol
Authors: Willekens Inneke , Buls Nico , Lahoutte Tony , Baeyens Luc , Vanhove Christian , Caveliers Vicky , Deklerck Rudi , Bossuyt Axel , de Mey Johan
Published: July 2010

Introduction

Micro‐CT provides non‐invasive anatomic evaluation of small animals. Serial micro‐CT measurements are, however, hampered by the severity of ionizing radiation doses cumulating over the total period of follow‐up. The dose levels may be sufficient to influence experimental outcomes such as animal survival or tumor growth.

Aim

This study was designed to evaluate the radiation dose of micro‐CT and to optimize the scanning protocol for longitudinal micro‐CT scans.

Methods and Materials

Normal C57Bl/6 mice were euthanized. Radiation exposure was measured using individually calibrated lithium fluoride thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs). Thirteen TLDs were placed in the mice at the thyroid, lungs, liver, stomach, colon, bladder and near the spleen. Micro‐CT (SkyScan 1178) was performed using two digital X‐ray cameras which scanned over 180° at a resolution of 83 µm, a rotation step of 1.08°, 50 kV, 615 µA and 121 s image acquisition time. The TLDs were removed after each scan. CTDI100 was measured with a 100 mm ionization chamber, centrally positioned in a 2.7 cm diameter water phantom, and rotation steps were increased to reduce both scan time and radiation dose.

Results

Internal TLD analysis demonstrated median organ dose of 5.5 ± 0.6 mGy per mA s, confirmed by CTDI100 with result of 6.6 mGy per mA s. A rotation step of 2.16 resulted in qualitatively accurate images. At a resolution of 83 µm the scan time is reduced to 63 s with an estimated dose of 2.9 mGy per mA s. At 166 µm resolution, the scan time is limited to 27 s, with a concordant dose of 1.2 mGy per mA s.

Conclusions

The radiation dose of a standard micro‐CT scan is relatively high and could influence the experimental outcome. We believe that the presented adaptation of the scan protocol allows for accurate imaging without the risk of interfering with the experimental outcome of the study. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Visual spatial attention and speech segmentation are both impaired in preschoolers at familial risk for developmental dyslexia
Authors: Facoetti Andrea , Corradi Nicola , Ruffino Milena , Gori Simone , Zorzi Marco
Published: July 2010

Phonological skills are foundational of reading acquisition and impaired phonological processing is widely assumed to characterize dyslexic individuals. However, reading by phonological decoding also requires rapid selection of sublexical orthographic units through serial attentional orienting, and recent studies have shown that visual spatial attention is impaired in dyslexic children. Our study investigated these different neurocognitive dysfunctions, before reading acquisition, in a sample of preschoolers including children with (N=20) and without (N=67) familial risk for developmental dyslexia. Children were tested on phonological skills, rapid automatized naming, and visual spatial attention. At‐risk children presented deficits in both visual spatial attention and syllabic segmentation at the group level. Moreover, the combination of visual spatial attention and syllabic segmentation scores was more reliable than either single measure for the identification of at‐risk children. These findings suggest that both visuo‐attentional and perisylvian‐auditory dysfunctions might adversely affect reading acquisition, and may offer a new approach for early identification and remediation of developmental dyslexia. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
What does uncertainty mean to women with anorexia nervosa? An interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: Sternheim Lot , Konstantellou Anna , Startup Helen , Schmidt Ulrike
Published: July 2010

Objective

The objective of this study was to explore the construct of intolerance of uncertainty in patients with anorexia nervosa through focus groups.

Method

Nine women with anorexia nervosa participated in three focus groups in an in‐patient, rehabilitation and day care setting. Focus groups probed participants' experiences of uncertainty and the meaning to them of uncertainty on a physical, behavioural, cognitive and emotional level.

Results

Data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Patients experienced uncertainty as stressful and wanted to avoid this at all costs. Prominent sources of uncertainty were fear of negative evaluation by others and feelings of being imperfect. Uncertain situations led participants to feel anxious and ‘out of control’, resulting in a strong desire for control which manifested in extreme organising and planning.

Discussion

Results suggest that treatment strategies aimed at increasing tolerance of uncertainty in people with anorexia nervosa could be beneficial. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Self‐sampling versus reminder letter: Effects on cervical cancer screening attendance and coverage in Finland
Authors: Virtanen Anni , Anttila Ahti , Luostarinen Tapio , Nieminen Pekka
Published: July 2010

Optimizing attendance and coverage of organized screening is needed to reduce cervical cancer incidence to previous lower levels. In our study, all nonparticipants in organized cervical cancer screening in 2008 in Espoo, Finland were randomized to receive a self‐sampling kit (1,130 women) or a reminder letter (3,030 women). Effects on screening coverage were assessed according to the self‐reported previous Pap smear history of the participants. Participation rate in the self‐sampling arm, 29.8%, was significantly higher than in the reminder letter arm, 26.2% (adjusted relative risk for participation 1.13). Total participation in Espoo in 2008 rose significantly after the two interventions from 64.0 to 75.4%. In both arms, ∼ 20% of the participants after second intervention could be considered under screened (previous Pap smear ≥5 years ago) and thus increased screening coverage. Respectively, for 70–75%, the second intervention only provided overscreening. Participation was lowest among young age groups and immigrants, after primary invitation and after interventions. Our study shows that a second intervention for nonattendees after the first invitation is needed to optimize the attendance rates. Self‐sampling might be slightly more successful in this, but the effects on screening coverage were similar in both groups.
Determination of galanthamine in Bulbus Lycoridis Radiatae by coupling capillary electrophoresis with end‐column electrochemiluminescence detection
Authors: Deng Biyang , Xie Fang , Li Linqiu , Shi Aihong , Liu Yang , Yin Huihui
Published: July 2010

A novel method for the determination of galanthamine (GAL) in Bulbus Lycoridis Radiatae has been developed based on coupling CE with an end‐column tris(2,2′‐bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) electrochemiluminescence (ECL). Parameters affecting CE separation and ECL detection were investigated and optimized. Baseline separation of GAL from other components in the Bulbus Lycoridis Radiatae sample was achieved with an 18 mmol/L phosphate running buffer at pH 9.0. Under the optimized conditions: 12 kV CE‐separation voltage, ECL detection potential at 1.25 V with 5 mmol/L ${\rm{Ru(bpy)}}_3^{2 + }$ and 50 mmol/L phosphate buffer at pH 7.5 in the detection reservoir, the linear range of GAL concentration was from 0.8 ng/mL to 2 μg/mL, whereas the detection limit was 0.25 ng/mL (S/N=3). The proposed method was successfully demonstrated for the determination of GAL in Bulbus Lycoridis Radiatae.
Naringenin up‐regulates the expression of death receptor 5 and enhances TRAIL‐induced apoptosis in human lung cancer A549 cells
Authors: Jin Cheng‐Yun , Park Cheol , Hwang Hye Jin , Kim Gi‐Young , Choi Byung Tae , Kim Wun‐Jae , Choi Yung Hyun
Published: July 2010

Scope: While TRAIL is relatively non‐toxic to normal cells, it can selectively induce apoptosis in many types of transformed cells. Nevertheless, some non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells are particularly resistant to the effects of TRAIL. Here, we report that in combination with naringenin exposure to TRAIL induced apoptosis in TRAIL‐resistant NSCLC A549 cells with no detectable inhibitory effects on cell proliferation of normal lung fibroblast cells.

Methods and results: Cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assay. Apoptosis was detected using DAPI staining, and flow cytometry. The protein levels were determined by Western blot analysis. Caspase activity was measured using a colorimetric assay. For knockdown of Bid and DR5 expression, Bid and DR5 siRNAs were transfected into cells via lipofection. We could show that following exposure to naringenin, DR5 proteins were up‐regulated and knockdown of DR5 expression by siRNA attenuated naringenin plus TRAIL‐induced apoptosis. Naringenin and TRAIL effectively induced Bid cleavage and siRNA‐mediated silencing of Bid reduced the sensitizing effect of naringenin. Furthermore, co‐treatment with naringenin and TRAIL resulted in reduction of the clonogenic capacity of A549 cells, and surviving clones could be re‐sensitized for repeated TRAIL treatment.

Conclusion: Our results indicate that treatment with a combination of TRAIL and naringenin may be a safe strategy for treatment of resistant NSCLC.
Temporal scaling properties and spatial synchronization of spontaneous blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD) signal fluctuations in rat sensorimotor network at different levels of isoflurane anesthesia
Authors: Wang Kun , van Meer Maurits P.A. , van der Marel Kajo , van der Toorn Annette , Xu Lijuan , Liu Yingjun , Viergever Max A. , Jiang Tianzi , Dijkhuizen Rick M.
Published: July 2010

Spontaneous fluctuations in the blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD) MRI signal during the resting state are increasingly being studied in healthy and diseased brain in humans and animal models. Yet, the relationship between functional brain status and the characteristics of spontaneous BOLD fluctuations remains poorly understood. In order to obtain more insights into this relationship and, in particular, the effects of anesthesia thereupon, we investigated the spatial and temporal correlations of spontaneous BOLD fluctuations in somatosensory and motor regions of rat brain at different inhalation levels of the frequently applied anesthetic isoflurane. We found that the temporal scaling, characterized by the Hurst exponent (H), showed persistent behavior (H > 0.5) at 0.5–1.0% isoflurane. Furthermore, low‐pass‐filtered spontaneous BOLD oscillations were correlated significantly in bilateral somatosensory and bilateral motor cortices, reflective of interhemispheric functional connectivity. Under 2.9% isoflurane anesthesia, the temporal scaling characteristics approached those of Gaussian white noise (H = 0.5), the relative amplitude of BOLD low‐frequency fluctuations declined, and cross‐correlations of these oscillations between functionally connected regions decreased significantly. Loss of interhemispheric functional connectivity at 2.9% isoflurane anesthesia was stronger between bilateral motor regions than between bilateral somatosensory regions, which points to distinct effects of anesthesia on differentially organized neuronal networks. Although we cannot completely rule out a possible contribution from hemodynamic signals with a non‐neuronal origin, our results emphasize that spatiotemporal characteristics of spontaneous BOLD fluctuations are related to the brain's specific functional status and network organization, and demonstrate that these are largely preserved under light to mild anesthesia with isoflurane. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Retention time prediction using the model of liquid chromatography of biomacromolecules at critical conditions in LC‐MS phosphopeptide analysis
Authors: Perlova Tatiana Yu , Goloborodko Anton A. , Margolin Yelena , Pridatchenko Marina L. , Tarasova Irina A. , Gorshkov Alexander V. , Moskovets Eugene , Ivanov Alexander R. , Gorshkov Mikhail V.
Published: July 2010

LC combined with MS/MS analysis of complex mixtures of protein digests is a reliable and sensitive method for characterization of protein phosphorylation. Peptide retention times (RTs) measured during an LC‐MS/MS run depend on both the peptide sequence and the location of modified amino acids. These RTs can be predicted using the LC of biomacromolecules at critical conditions model (BioLCCC). Comparing the observed RTs to those obtained from the BioLCCC model can provide additional validation of MS/MS‐based peptide identifications to reduce the false discovery rate and to improve the reliability of phosphoproteome profiling. In this study, energies of interaction between phosphorylated residues and the surface of RP separation media for both “classic” alkyl C18 and polar‐embedded C18 stationary phases were experimentally determined and included in the BioLCCC model extended for phosphopeptide analysis. The RTs for phosphorylated peptides and their nonphosphorylated analogs were predicted using the extended BioLCCC model and compared with their experimental RTs. The extended model was evaluated using literary data and a complex phosphoproteome data set distributed through the Association of Biomolecular Resource Facilities Proteome Informatics Research Group 2010 study. The reported results demonstrate the capability of the extended BioLCCC model to predict RTs which may lead to improved sensitivity and reliability of LC‐MS/MS‐based phosphoproteome profiling.
Prävalenz von traumatischen Stresserfahrungen und seelischen Erkrankungen bei in Deutschland lebenden Kindern von Asylbewerbern
Authors: Ruf Martina , Schauer Maggie , Elbert Thomas
Published: July 2010

Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: Während Untersuchungen in Krisenregionen gezeigt haben, dass Flüchtlingskinder häufig unter psychischen Erkrankungen leiden und behandlungsbedürftig sind, liegen bis zum jetzigen Zeitpunkt noch kaum Kenntnisse über die Situation in Deutschland bei Kindern von Asylbewerbern vor. Fragestellung: Wie hoch ist die Prävalenz von psychischen Erkrankungen und damit der Behandlungsbedarf bei Flüchtlingskindern in Deutschland? Methode: 104 Kinder von Asylbewerbern wurden in staatlichen Gemeinschaftsunterkünften im Rahmen von standardisierten psychodiagnostischen Interviews im Hinblick auf psychische Erkrankungen untersucht. Ergebnisse: 19% der Kinder litten unter einer Posttraumatischen Belastungsstörung, weitere Störungen traten eher selten auf. In psychotherapeutischer Behandlung befanden sich nur 4,8% der Kinder. Schlussfolgerungen: Flüchtlingskinder besitzen ein hohes Risiko für chronische Traumafolgeerkrankungen, wodurch eine normale und gesunde Entwicklung in sozialen, schulischen und beruflichen Bereichen behindert wird. Entsprechende psychotherapeutische Hilfe sollte daher weiter entwickelt und breiter angeboten werden.
Energetics of Inhibition: Insights with a Computational Model of the Human GABAergic Neuron–Astrocyte Cellular Complex
Authors: Occhipinti Rossana , Somersalo Erkki , Calvetti Daniela
Published: July 2010

We investigate metabolic interactions between astrocytes and GABAergic neurons at steady states corresponding to different activity levels using a six-compartment model and a new methodology based on Bayesian statistics. Many questions about the energetics of inhibition are still waiting for definite answers, including the role of glutamine and lactate effluxed by astrocytes as precursors for γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and whether metabolic coupling applies to the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. Our identification and quantification of metabolic pathways describing the interaction between GABAergic neurons and astrocytes in connection with the release of GABA makes a contribution to this important problem. Lactate released by astrocytes and its neuronal uptake is found to be coupled with neuronal activity, unlike glucose consumption, suggesting that in astrocytes, the metabolism of GABA does not require increased glycolytic activity. Negligible glutamine trafficking between the two cell types at steady state questions glutamine as a precursor of GABA, not excluding glutamine cycling as a transient dynamic phenomenon, or a prominent role of GABA reuptake. Redox balance is proposed as an explanation for elevated oxidative phosphorylation and adenosine triphosphate hydrolysis in astrocytes, decoupled from energy requirements.
Knockout of GAD65 has Major Impact on Synaptic GABA Synthesized from Astrocyte-Derived Glutamine
Authors: Walls Anne B , Eyjolfsson Elvar M , Smeland Olav B , Nilsen Linn Hege , Schousboe Inger , Schousboe Arne , Sonnewald Ursula , Waagepetersen Helle S
Published: July 2010

γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) synthesis from glutamate is catalyzed by glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) of which two isoforms, GAD65 and GAD67, have been identified. The GAD65 has repeatedly been shown to be important during intensified synaptic activity. To specifically elucidate the significance of GAD65 for maintenance of the highly compartmentalized intracellular and intercellular GABA homeostasis, GAD65 knockout and corresponding wild-type mice were injected with [1-13C]glucose and the astrocyte-specific substrate [1,2-13C]acetate. Synthesis of GABA from glutamine in the GABAergic synapses was further investigated in GAD65 knockout and wild-type mice using [1,2-13C]acetate and in some cases c-vinylGABA (GVG, Vigabatrin), an inhibitor of GABA degradation. A detailed metabolic mapping was obtained by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic analysis of tissue extracts of cerebral cortex and hippocampus. The GABA content in both brain regions was reduced by ~20%. Moreover, it was revealed that GAD65 is crucial for maintenance of biosynthesis of synaptic GABA particularly by direct synthesis from astrocytic glutamine via glutamate. The GAD67 was found to be important for synthesis of GABA from glutamine both via direct synthesis and via a pathway involving mitochondrial metabolism. Furthermore, a severe neuronal hypometabolism, involving glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle activity, was observed in cerebral cortex of GAD65 knockout mice.
Large Seebeck coefficients and thermoelectric power factor of La-doped SrTiO3 thin films
Authors: Jalan Bharat , Stemmer Susanne
Published: July 2010

Seebeck coefficients and conductivity of La-doped SrTiO3 thin films grown by molecular beam epitaxy were measured as a function of carrier concentration. At low carrier concentrations, thin films show very high Seebeck coefficients (up to 980 μV K−1). The maximum thermoelectric power factor was 39 μWcm−1 K−2 at a carrier concentration of 7×1020 cm−3. La-delta-doped superlattices were also characterized and exhibited Seebeck coefficients of ∼500 μV K−1. The results are discussed in the context of reports of enhanced Seebeck coefficients in delta-doped SrTiO3 superlattices.
Management of genital burns: A review
Authors: Michielsen Dirk PJ , Lafaire Cynthia
Published: July 2010

We review the etiology and the management strategy of genital burns. The incidence of genital burns ranges from 2.8 to 13%. Most are part of larger injuries. Scald burns are typical for children, whereas flame and chemical burns happen more often in adults. For first and second‐degree genital burns, a conservative approach with physiological dressings and topical antimicrobials is advised. Only third degree burns need to be treated with removal of necrotic tissue and grafting. Indwelling catheters or suprapubic drainage systems must be avoided whenever possible.
Homogeneous Profit Tax Effects for Heterogeneous Firms?
Authors: Egger Peter , Loretz Simon
Published: July 2010

In most countries, profit taxation is probably much more relevant nowadays than trade liberalisation when it comes to firm‐level decisions about investment. Empirically, firms are quite heterogeneous with regard to fixed costs: the composition of assets (tangible versus intangible; machinery versus buildings; etc.) and the financing of investments. Then, even uniform changes in profit tax instruments cause heterogeneous responses of firm‐level effective tax rates and, hence, after‐tax profits. We argue that, with similar profit margins, firms would then require pre‐tax profits to differ as well. Governments change statutory profit tax rates and, by virtue of firms’ heterogeneity, they cause stark selection effects which are mainly related to heterogeneous fixed rather than variable costs. We compute costs of capital for a large sample of firms to illustrate how homogeneous changes in tax instruments hit firms differently. Using Bureau van Dijk’s ORBIS database, we illustrate that the effects of changes in statutory instruments have relatively large systematic variance components across industries within countries and also relatively large ones of firms within industries and countries.
The Effect of Medication Use on Urinary Incontinence in Community‐Dwelling Elderly Women
Authors: Ruby Christine M. , Hanlon Joseph T. , Boudreau Robert M. , Newman Anne B. , Simonsick Eleanor M. , Shorr Ronald I. , Bauer Douglas C. , Resnick Neil M. ,   for the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study
Published: July 2010

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether use of certain medications with potential urological effects is associated with development of incident urinary incontinence in community‐resident older women.

DESIGN: Longitudinal cohort study.

SETTING: Pittsburgh, PA, and Memphis, TN.

PARTICIPANTS: Nine hundred fifty‐nine healthy black and white women aged 65 and older enrolled in the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study without baseline (Year 1) self‐reported urinary incontinence.

MEASUREMENTS: Use of alpha blockers, anticholinergics, central nervous system medications (opioids, benzodiazepines, antidepressants, antipsychotics), diuretics (thiazide, loop, potassium sparing), and estrogen (all dosage forms) was determined during Year 3 interviews. Self‐reported incident (≥weekly) incontinence in during the previous 12 months was assessed at Year 4 interviews.

RESULTS: Overall, 20.5% of these women reported incident incontinence at Year 4 (3 years from baseline). The most common medication used with potential urological activity was a thiazide diuretic (24.3%), followed by estrogen (22.2%); alpha blockers were the least commonly used (2.3%). Multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed that current users of alpha blockers (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=4.98, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.96–12.64) and estrogen (AOR=1.60, 95% CI=1.08–2.36) had a greater risk of urinary incontinence than nonusers. There was no greater risk (P>.05) of urinary incontinence with the current use of anticholinergics, central nervous system medications, or diuretics. No statistically significant race‐by–medication use interactions were found (all P>.05).

CONCLUSION: These results corroborate earlier reports that, in elderly women, use of alpha blockers or estrogens is associated with risk of self‐reported incident urinary incontinence.
Radioimmunoassay for Doxepin and Desmethyldoxepin
Authors: Virtanen K. , Salonen J. S. , Scheinin M. , Iisalo E. , Mattila V.
Published: July 2010

Abstract: A simple and sensitive radioimmunoassay (RIA) for the determination of doxepin and desmethyldoxepin in plasma or serum has been developed using a previously reported antiserum to the tricyclic anti‐depressants. Before assay, doxepin is separated from desmethyldoxepin with selective extraction at different pH values enabling each to be measured specifically. 3H‐imipramine is used as tracer. By using the extraction procedure doxepin and desmethyldoxepin concentrations can be measured down to 9 nmol/l from a 0.1 ml sample. If necessary, sensitivity can be doubled by taking a 0.2 ml sample to the extraction. Recoveries of doxepin and desmethyldoxepin were quantitative when the drugs were added at different concentrations to normal, pooled human plasma and the inter‐ and intra‐assay coefficients of variation did not exceed 9%. The concentrations obtained from patient samples by the present RIA correlated well with those by high‐pressure liquid chromatography. The RIA was also shown to be useful in pharmacokinetic single dose studies with doxepin.