bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards improved criteria for the antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Piette J-C
Published: March 2009

A workshop to be held in Sapporo will attempt to upgrade criteria for the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). These criteria should probably be based on a scoring system using both clinical and biological items. Clinical criteria could be categorized between ‘major’, that is thrombosis or obstetrical criteria, and ‘minor’, to be selected among livedo, heart valve lesions, chorea, adrenal hemorrhage, thrombocytopenia, and others. A similar approach could be proposed for biological criteria, with persistent strong LA, high IgG aCL or antibodies to β2GPI as major criteria—if the workshop accepts antibodies directed to co-factors as APS criteria. Minor criteria could include IgM aCL, low/medium IgG aCL, and VDRL. Whether anti-prothrombin, anti-oxidised LDL, and M5 anti-mitochondrial antibodies should be added to the minor criteria, is open to discussion. In our mind, other parameters should be taken into account such as: young age —a method to avoid the questionable exclusion of arteriosclerosis in cases of arterial thrombosis — and the presence of personal and/or first-degree familial features of auto-immunity. Lastly, a differential diagnosis section is probably needed.
A chemically defined, toleragen-based approach for targeting anti-β2-glycoprotein I antibodies
Authors: Iverson GM , Jones DS , Marquis D , Linnik MD , Victoria EJ
Published: March 2009

Antiphospholipid syndrome is characterized by a prothrombotic state and the presence of β2-glycoprotein I (β2-GPI)-dependent antiphospholipid antibodies. The feasibility of a B cell tolerance-based approach for specific reduction of anti-β2-GPI antibodies was investigated. Anti-β2GPI antibodies isolated from a patient with antiphospholipid syndrome were used to screen peptide libraries expressed in phage, resulting in the identification of a phage that specifically bound anti-β2-GPl antibodies. The phage-displayed peptide was identified and chemically optimized to generate a synthetic 14-mer peptide with an internal thioether linkage (LJP 685) that retained the binding profile of the original phage. LJP 685 was conjugated to a defined, non-immunogenic organic platform to generate a tetravalent presentation of LJP 685 for use as a toleragen. Tetravalent LJP 685 induced a dose-dependent reduction in antibody levels in mice previously immunized and boosted with LJP 685 coupled to the carrier keyhole limpet hemocyanin. These experiments support the technical feasibility of a tolerance-based approach for reducing anti-β2GPI antibodies in vivo.
The interdisciplinary approach to the treatment of multiple sclerosis patients in Italy: an aspiration or a reality?
Authors: Uccelli M Messmer , Battaglia MA , Zagami P. , Solaro C.
Published: March 2009

The aim of the study was to assess whether the components necessary for an interdisciplinary approach to the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients exist in Italian MS clinics and to identify factors that make the difference between reality and aspiration for this type of approach. One hundred two out of 147 neurology departments with MS clinics throughout Italy compiled a questionnaire about characteristics and organizational structure of the clinic, type and number of professionals and resource needs. Eight hundred twenty-three healthcare professionals are currently working in MS clinics: 50% (412) neurologists, 28.7% (236) nurses, 15.1 % (124) physical therapists, 3.4% (28) psychologists and 2.8% (23) social workers. Neurologists are evenly distributed between northern and southern parts of the country even though there are nearly double the number of patients followed in northern clinics compared to those in the south. Physicians reported themselves as most in need of continuing education, twice that which the same physicians reported for any other professional. The study has identified issues that contribute to the difficulty in developing and applying an interdisciplinary approach to providing care and services to Italian MS patients. Several factors have been delineated that require significant reshaping in order for this approach to begin to develop. Multiple Sclerosis (2002) 8, 36-39
The role of MRI as a surrogate outcome measure in multiple sclerosis
Authors: McFarland HF , Barkhof F. , Antel J. , Miller DH
Published: March 2009

The need for more specific and more sensitive outcome measures for use in testing new therapies in multiple sclerosis (MS) is generally accepted. This need has been accentuated by the realization that the ability to conduct large placebo-controlled trials will be limited in the future. From the first use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to study MS, the ability of this imaging technique to identify areas of the central nervous system damage by the disease process in MS has been impressive. Thus, the possibility that MRI could serve as a surrogate outcome measure in clinical trials in MS has been attractive. The use of MRI as a surrogate outcome measure has been examined by an international group of investigators with expertise in clinical aspects of MS, the use of MRI in MS, and in experimental therapeutics. The group agreed that MRI does not represent a validated surrogate in any clinical form of MS. It was also agreed, however, that MRI does provide a reflection of the underlying pathology in the disease, but no single MRI measurement in isolation was seen as sufficient to monitor disease. The use for multiple imaging techniques, especially new, emerging techniques that may better reflect the underlying pathology, was seen as particularly important in monitoring studies of patients with either secondary or primary progressive MS. The choice of MRI techniques used to monitor new therapies needs to be consistent with the proposed mechanisms of the new therapy and phase of the disease. It was also noted, however, that additional validation is required for nonconventional imaging techniques. Finally, the participants noted that clinical trials using MRI as a primary outcome measure may fail to fully identify the effects of the therapy on clinical measures and that the risk and cost-benefit ratio of the treatment might be unresolved. Thus, before MRI is used as a primary outcome measure, new approaches to trial design must be given careful consideration. Multiple Sclerosis (2002)8, 40-51
Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and cardiovascular disease: insights from prospective clinical trials
Authors: Böger Rainer H
Published: March 2009

Evidence has accumulated that asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous competitive inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) synthase. ADMA inhibits vascular NO production at concentrations found in pathophysiological conditions; it also causes local vasoconstriction when infused intra-arterially. ADMA is increased in the plasma of humans with hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis, hypertension, chronic renal failure, chronic heart failure, and other clinical conditions. Increased ADMA levels are associated with reduced NO synthesis as assessed by impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation or reduced NO metabolite levels. In several prospective and cross-sectional studies, ADMA has evolved as a marker of cardio vascular risk. Moreover, prospective clinical studies have suggested that it may play a role as a novel cardiovascular risk factor. Zoccali and coworkers were the first to show that elevated ADMA is associated with a three-fold increased risk of future severe cardiovascular events and mortality in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Valkonen and coworkers demonstrated in a nested case-control study that elevated ADMA was associated with a four-fold increased risk for acute coronary events in clinically healthy, nonsmoking men. In patients with stable angina pectoris, pre- interventional ADMA indicates the risk of developing restenosis or severe clinical events after coronary intervention. Furthermore, in humans with no underlying cardiovascular disease who are undergoing intensive care unit treatment, ADMA is a marker of the mortality risk. A number of additional prospective clinical trials are currently under way in diverse patient populations, among them individuals with congestive heart failure, cardiac transplantation patients, and patients with pulmonary hypertension.

In summary, an increasing number of prospective clinical trials have shown that the association between elevated ADMA levels and major cardiovascular events and total mortality is robust and extends to diverse patient populations. However, we need to define more clearly in the future who will profit from ADMA determination, in order to use this novel risk marker as a more specific diagnostic tool.
Arginine metabolism in vascular biology and disease
Authors: Morris Sidney M
Published: March 2009

Arginine metabolism plays a major role in cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology, largely via nitric oxide (NO)-dependent processes. It is becoming increasingly apparent, however, that arginine metabolic enzymes other than the NO synthases can also play important roles via both NO-dependent and -independent processes. There are three sources of arginine in vivo and at least five mammalian enzymes or enzyme families that utilize arginine as substrate. Changes in arginine availability or in production of the different end products of the various arginine metabolic pathways can have distinct and profound physiologic consequences. However, our knowledge regarding the complex interplay between these pathways at the level of the whole body, specific tissues, and even individual cells, is incomplete. This review will highlight recent findings in this area that may suggest additional avenues of investigation that will allow a fuller understanding of cardio vascular physiology in health and disease.
ADMA and oxidative stress may relate to the progression of renal disease: rationale and design of the VIVALDI study
Authors: Böger Rainer H , Schwedhelm Edzard , Maas Renke , Quispe-Bravo Sabine , Skamira Cord
Published: March 2009

The renin angiotensin system has been shown to be involved in the patho genesis of vascular and renal sequelae of diabetes mellitus. In type 2 diabetes mel litus, angiotensin receptor blockers have been shown to exert clinical benefit by reducing the progression of diabetic nephropathy. They also improve endothelium- mediated vascular function. The latter effect is partly due to the reduction of angiotensin II-associated oxidative stress. Moreover, small clinical studies have shown that treatment with angiotensin receptor blockers also reduces the circulating levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) synthase.

In the VIVALDI trial, the ability of the angiotensin receptor blocker telmisartan to reduce the progression of diabetic nephropathy (associated with proteinuria) in com parison with valsartan in more than 800 patients with type 2 diabetes during 1 year of treatment is being studied. In order to gain more detailed insight into the poten tial pathomechanisms associated with this effect, further end-points have been defined. Among these are the circulating levels of ADMA and the urinary excretion rate of 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF 2α). The former is an endogenous inhibitor of NO-mediated vascular function(s) and a prospectively determined marker of major cardiovascular events and mortality; the latter is a lipid peroxidation product resulting from the nonenzymatic peroxidation of arachidonic acid, which exerts detrimental vascular effects similar to those of thromboxane A2. Urinary 8-iso-PGF 2α has been shown in clinical studies to be an independent marker of cardiovascular disease.

Highlighting the effects of telmisartan on ADMA and 8-iso-PGF levels in such a large cohort of diabetic patients will enhance our understanding of the roles of dys functional NO metabolism and redox mechanisms in the pathogenesis of end-organ damage and its prevention by pharmacotherapy with angiotensin receptor blockers.
Test-Retest Reproducibility and Smallest Real Difference of 5 Hand Function Tests in Patients With Stroke
Authors: Chen Hui-Mei , Chen Christine C. , Hsueh I-Ping , Huang Sheau-Ling , Hsieh Ching-Lin
Published: March 2009

Objective. To investigate the test-retest reproducibility and smallest real difference (SRD) of 3 hand strength tests (grip, palmar pinch, and lateral pinch) and 2 dexterity tests (the Box and Block test [BBT] and the Nine Hole Peg test [NHPT]) in patients with stroke. Methods. The 5 tests were administered on 62 stroke patients in 2 sessions, 3 to 7 days apart. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to determine the level of reproducibility between measurements on 2 sessions. The SRD was used to determine the extent of measurement error because of chance variation in individual patients. SRD percentage (SRD relative to mean score) was used to compare test-retest reliability across tests. We analyzed the group as a whole, then in 2 subgroups (hand spasticity vs none). Results. The test-retest reproducibility of all 5 tests was high for all the patients, with ICCs ranging from 0.85 to 0.98. The SRDs for the more/less affected hand were: 2.9/4.7 kg for the grip test; 1.2/1.3 kg for the palmar pinch test; 1.4/1.0 kg for the lateral pinch test; 5.5/7.8 blocks/minute for the BBT; and 32.8/6.2 seconds for the NHPT. Unacceptably high SRD percentages (>30%) were found for the affected hand using the NHPT (54%), palmar pinch (35%), and lateral pinch (34%). When comparing these indices for participants with spasticity versus none for all 5 tests, the ICCs were lower and the SRD and SRD percentage were higher for the spasticity group. Conclusions. All 5 tests demonstrated satisfactory test-retest reproducibility for a diverse group of patients with stroke. However, all tests showed higher levels of measurement error when performed with the more affected hand and in patients with hypertonicity of that hand. Thus, baseline and postrehabilitation change scores using these common tests of strength and dexterity must be interpreted with some caution, especially in poorly controlled clinical trials. Repeated measures ought to be incorporated to examine reliability within a trial that includes participants with a hypertonic hand.
The characterization of DNA methylation-mediated regulation of bovine placental lactogen and bovine prolactin-related protein-1 genes
Authors: Nakaya Yuki , Kizaki Keiichiro , Takahashi Toru , Patel Osman V , Hashizume Kazuiyoshi
Published: March 2009

Background

Bovine trophoblast binucleate cells (BNC) express a plethora of molecules including bovine placental lactogen (bPL, gene name is bCSH1) and bovine prolactin-related protein-1 (bPRP1). BCSH1 and bPRP1 are members of the growth hormone (GH)/prolactin (PRL) gene family, which are expressed simultaneously in BNC and are central to placentation and the progression of pregnancy in cattle. However, there is a paucity of information on the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of both the bCSH1 and bPRP1 genes. Recent studies, however, have demonstrated that the expression of a number of genes is controlled by the methylation status of their promoter region. In the present study, we examined the cell-type-specific epigenetic alterations of the 5'-flanking region of the bCSH1 and bPRP1 genes to gain an insight into their regulatory mechanisms.

Results

Analysis of 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine treatment demonstrated that bCSH1 expression is moderately induced in fibroblast cultures but enhanced in BT-1 cells. Sodium bisulfite based sequencing revealed that bCSH1 is hypomethylated in the cotyledonary tissue but not in the fetal skin, and this pattern was not altered with the progression of pregnancy. On the other hand, the methylation status of bPRP1 was similar between the cotyledon and fetal skin. The bPRP1 gene was exclusively hypermethylated in a bovine trophoblast cell-derived BT-1 cell-line. While the activity of bCSH1 was similar in both BT-1 and bovine fibroblast cells, that of bPRP1 was specific to BT-1. Treatment with a demethylating agent and luciferase assays provided in vitro evidence of the positive regulation of bCSH1 but not bPRP1.

Conclusion

This is the first report to identify the differential regulatory mechanisms of the bCSH1 and bPRP1 genes and indicates that bCSH1 might potentially be the only transcript that is subject to DNA methyltransferase regulation. The data indicates the possibility of novel kinetics of induction of the synchronously expressed BNC-specific bCSH1 and bPRP1 transcripts, which may aid the understanding of the intricate regulation and specific role(s) of these important molecules in bovine placentogenesis and the progression of pregnancy.
Inflammation enhances myeloid-derived suppressor cell cross-talk by signaling through Toll-like receptor 4
Authors: Bunt Stephanie K , Clements Virginia K , Hanson Erica M , Sinha Pratima , Ostrand-Rosenberg Suzanne
Published: March 2009

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are potent inhibitors of anti-tumor immunity that facilitate tumor progression by blocking the activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and by promoting a type 2 immune response through their production of IL-10 and down-regulation of macrophage production of IL-12. MDSC accumulate in many cancer patients and are a significant impediment to active cancer immunotherapies. Chronic inflammation has been shown recently to enhance the accumulation of MDSC and to increase their suppression of T cells. These findings led us to hypothesize that inflammation contributes to tumor progression through the induction of MDSC, which create a favorable environment for tumor growth. As chronic inflammation also drives type 2 immune responses, which favor tumor growth, we asked if inflammation mediates this effect through MDSC. We find that IL-1β-induced inflammation increased IL-10 production by MDSC and induces MDSC, which are more effective at down-regulating macrophage production of IL-12 as compared with MDSC isolated from less-inflammatory tumor microenvironments, thereby skewing tumor immunity toward a type 2 response. Inflammation heightens MDSC phenotype by signaling through the TLR4 pathway and involves up-regulation of CD14. Although this pathway is well-recognized in other myeloid cells, it has not been implicated previously in MDSC function. These studies demonstrate that MDSC are an intermediary through which inflammation promotes type 2 immune responses, and they identify the TLR4 pathway in MDSC as a potential target for down-regulating immune suppression and promoting anti-tumor immunity.
Caudal-like PAL-1 directly activates the bodywall muscle module regulator hlh-1 in C. elegans to initiate the embryonic muscle gene regulatory network
Authors: Lei Haiyan , Liu Jun , Fukushige Tetsunari , Fire Andrew , Krause Michael
Published: March 2009

Previous work in C. elegans has shown that posterior embryonic bodywall muscle lineages are regulated through a genetically defined transcriptional cascade that includes PAL-1/Caudal-mediated activation of muscle-specific transcription factors, including HLH-1/MRF and UNC-120/SRF,which together orchestrate specification and differentiation. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) in embryos, we now demonstrate direct binding of PAL-1 in vivo to an hlh-1 enhancer element. Through mutational analysis of the evolutionarily conserved sequences within this enhancer, we identify two cis-acting elements and their associated transacting factors(PAL-1 and HLH-1) that are crucial for the temporal-spatial expression of hlh-1 and proper myogenesis. Our data demonstrate that hlh-1is indeed a direct target of PAL-1 in the posterior embryonic C. elegans muscle lineages, defining a novel in vivo binding site for this crucial developmental regulator. We find that the same enhancer element is also a target of HLH-1 positive auto regulation, underlying (at least in part)the sustained high levels of CeMyoD in bodywall muscle throughout development. Together, these results provide a molecular framework for the gene regulatory network activating the muscle module during embryogenesis.
The differential calculus of screws: Theory, geometrical interpretation, and applications
Authors: Cervantes-Sánchez J J , Rico-Martínez J M , González-Montiel G , González-Galván E J
Published: March 2009

This article presents a novel and original formula for the higher-order time derivatives, and also for the partial derivatives of screws, which are successively computed in terms of Lie products, thus leading to the automation of the differentiation process. Through the process and, due to the pure geometric nature of the derivation approach, an enlightening physical interpretation of several screw derivatives is accomplished. Important applications for the proposed formula include higher-order kinematic analysis of open and closed kinematic chains and also the kinematic synthesis of serial and parallel manipulators. More specifically, the existence of a natural relationship is shown between the differential calculus of screws and the Lie subalgebras associated with the expected finite displacements of the end effector of an open kinematic chain. In this regard, a simple and comprehensible methodology is obtained, which considerably reduces the abstraction level frequently required when one resorts to more abstract concepts, such as Lie groups or Lie subalgebras; thus keeping the required mathematical background to the extent that is strictly necessary for kinematic purposes. Furthermore, by following the approach proposed in this article, the elements of Lie subalgebra arise in a natural way — due to the corresponding changes in screws through time — and they also have the typical shape of the so-called ordered Lie products that characterize those screws that are compatible with the feasible joint displacements of an arbitrary serial manipulator. Finally, several application examples — involving typical, serial manipulators — are presented in order to prove the feasibility and validity of the proposed method.
Visualization of bearing noise using adaptive high-resolution near-field beamforming
Authors: Cho Yong Thung , Roan M J
Published: March 2009

Beamforming (BF) is an array processing technique that has been extensively applied in angular source localization applications such as sonar and radar, mostly from measurement in the far field. However, near-field source resolution performance of BF procedures can be significantly improved by using channel weights that are inversely proportional to the distance from the hypothesized source location to the measurement locations. Visualization of noise radiated from bearings is challenging since the measurement is usually corrupted by scattering and reflection from bearing housings that are located very close to sources even though the measurement may be taken in an anechoic environment. In this article, adaptive weightings are used in near-field BF procedure, and shown to give very good visualization of sound radiation of rolling bearings that are a complex sound source in a highly scattered and noisy environment. It is shown that for a machine made of several components, this adaptive near-field BF technique provides good imaging performance and allows identification of the primary sources of sound radiation at a broad range of frequencies.
Decision Making with Prostate Cancer: A Multiple-Objective Model with Uncertainty
Authors: Simon Jay
Published: March 2009

A patient who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer must make a difficult treatment decision. The available alternatives have varying cure rates and probabilities of side effects over a period of many years. This paper describes a well-informed, objective, and personalized model for comparing treatments to help a patient make the best treatment decision.
O-glycosylation pattern of CD24 from mouse brain
Authors: Bleckmann Christina , Geyer Hildegard , Lieberoth Annika , Splittstoesser Frauke , Liu Yan , Feizi Ten , Schachner Melitta , Kleene Ralf , Reinhold Vernon , Geyer Rudolf
Published: March 2009

The cell adhesion molecule CD24 is a highly glycosylated glycoprotein that plays important roles in the central nervous system, the immune system and in tumor biology. Since CD24 comprises only a short protein core of approximately 30 amino acids and low conservation among species, it has been proposed that the functions of CD24 are mediated by its glycosylation pattern. Our present study provides evidence that interaction of CD24 with the cell adhesion molecule L1 is mediated by O-linked glycans carrying α2,3-linked sialic acid. Furthermore, de-N-glycosylated CD24 was shown to promote or inhibit neurite outgrowth of cerebellar neurons or dorsal root ganglion neurons, respectively, to the same extent as untreated CD24. Therefore, this study is focused on the structural elucidation of the chemically released, permethylated CD24 O-glycans by electrospray ionization ion trap mass spectrometry. Our analyses revealed the occurrence of a diverse mixture of mucin-type and O-mannosyl glycans carrying, in part, functionally relevant epitopes, such as 3-linked sialic acid, disialyl motifs, LeX, sialyl-LeX or HNK-1 units. Hence, our data provide the basis for further studies on the contribution of carbohydrate determinants to CD24-mediated biological activities.
Fire Standards in the International Marketplace
Authors: Grand AF
Published: March 2009

Description

Leading researchers in the field from France, England, and the United States offer a unique view of fire standards from an international perspective.

Topics include:

the Cone Calorimeter -- its development,standardization and future

ASTM and International Fire Standards -- comparison and review

Worldwide Developments in Fire Safety Engineering

Fire Resistance Testing Controversies.
Computerization and Networking of Materials Databases: Fourth Volume
Authors: Sturrock CP , Begley EF
Published: March 2009

Description

Compiles information from the world's leading experts on how best to meet the needs of designers, consumers and marketers of materials data.

18 comprehensive, peer-reviewed papers from an international body of materials data professionals are divided into the following key areas:

Concurrent Engineering, Organization and Process of Materials Data -- Topics include the benefits of fitting materials property data to models; integrating test methodology, material database and material deselection strategies; and successful examples of integrating materials data into the design process.

Database and Expert System Applications: Specific Materials -- The unique properties of different alloys and a database of same are explored; as well as composite material property modeling for analysis and design; and new expert system development efforts.

Strategic Use of Existing Materials Data -- Subjects include successful materials data packaging and delivery systems; multiple uses of and object-oriented database system; and materials database use in computerized life assessment.

Materials Data Applications of Emerging Information Technologies -- The technology of artificial neural networks; actual case studies of seven methods of material data analysis and property prediction; and six major information technologies are examined.
Critical Issues in Ecological Risk Assessment
Authors: Barteil SM , Biddinger GR
Published: March 2009

Evaluation of current capabilities in assessing ecological risks suggests several avenues for advancing this dynamic and evolving discipline. Risk assessors should make every effort to incorporate state-of-the-art ecological understanding in identifying endpoints for assessments and in developing assessment tools. Efforts must increase in constructing, maintaining, and providing efficient access to electronic data bases for ecological and toxicological parameter values. Dose-response data for wildlife are often lacking, especially for chemicals other than pesticides. Innovative exposure-response assays directed at obtaining process-level data for extrapolations to field conditions are urgently needed. Critical assessment of current capabilities in ecological and environmental modeling can be used to effectively design the next generation of models for ecological risk analysis. A sequence of upwardly scaled models with additional emphasis on developing watershed or basin level risk estimation capabilities would advance the discipline. Linking geographic information systems with dynamic risk models will permit more effective site-specific assessment. Risk assessment should be developed in the context of formal decision theory. Most important, the difficult societal questions concerning population, resource demands, environmental quality, and sustainability must be addressed if ecological risk assessments are to have significant meaning.
Guidance for Performing Ecological Risk Assessments at Hazardous Waste Sites
Authors: DeSesso JM
Published: March 2009

Potential risks to the environment have become considerably more prominent in the investigation of hazardous waste sites. The paradigm for conducting risk assessment, as articulated by the National Research Council, is geared primarily towards the assessment of potentially adverse health in humans. Subsequent detailed guidance published by the Environmental Protection Agency has also focused on the protection of the human health. In spite of the scientific complexity, potentially high costs of conducting ecological risk assessments, and lack of regulatory guidance, a relatively straightforward method for assessing ecological risks at hazardous waste sites has been developed. The method comprises a series of phases including a preliminary phase to gather information and formulate problems and three active phases. The active phases include (1) risk screening to estimate risk to keystone ecological receptors through an ecological toxicity quotient method; (2) initial investigations that may include field or laboratory work to assess the health of the community of exposed receptors through activities that may entail collection and analysis of tissue samples, bioassays, bioavailability studies or, if needed, a biodiversity study; and (3) detailed investigations that determine the potential adverse effects of contamination over several life cycles of the species of concern through population studies or studies of the life history-habitat requirements of given species. The method is designed to encourage evaluation of the results at the end of each phase so that remedial decisions can be made as expeditiously as possible. The entire three phases need not be completed in many cases.
Conservative Uncertainty Propagation in Environmental Risk Assessments
Authors: Ferson S , Long TF
Published: March 2009

Toxicological risk analysis is at a crossroads. The traditional approach using worst case analysis is widely regarded as fundamentally flawed since it yields conclusions that are often strongly biased and presumed hyperconservative. Probabilistic analysis using Monte Carlo simulation can yield overly optimistic conclusions when used without information about the correlation structure among variables. What is needed is a conservative methodology that makes no assumptions unwarranted by empirical evidence. To be conservative means both that the estimated risk is not systematically lower than the actual impact, but also that the uncertainty around the estimate is not narrower than justified by the available data. An appropriate methodology is dependency bounds analysis which computes bounds on the distributions for arithmetic operations on random variables when only their marginal distributions are known. Used in a risk analysis, it yields conservative results because it does not depend on knowledge about the correlation structure among all of the variables used in the analysis.
Volume Fraction Analyses for Selected Mechanisms of Toxic Action
Authors: Schultz TW , Jaworska JS , Hunter RS
Published: March 2009

Recently, it was demonstrated, using nonpolar and polar narcotics, that volume fraction analyses can be used as a tool for distinguishing different mechanisms of action. The present study expanded upon this thesis by evaluating chemicals thought to act through the weak acid respiratory uncoupler and primary amine narcosis mechanisms. Toxicity data used in these evaluations were the 96-hour flow through SO percent mortality for the fathead minnow Pimephales promelas and the 48-hour static 50 percent inhibitory growth concentration data for axenic cultures of the ciliate Tetrahymena pyriformis. The target/water partition coefficients (Ktw) were analyzed and assumed to be a power function of Kow (Ktw = Kow(1-a)) where “a” describes hydrophobicity of the target site and assumed to be constant for a given mechanism of action. The “a” values and the mean volume fraction (MVF) for fish and ciliates, were determined for each mechanism of action. The results suggests volume fraction analyses can be used to distinguish different mechanisms of action by meeting one of the following criteria: 1) if “a” values are different, MVF values do not matter; 2) if “a” values are the same, MVF values must be different.
In-Situ Bioassays Using Transplanted Mussels: II. Assessing Contaminated Sediment at a Superfund Site in Puget Sound
Authors: Salazar MH , Duncan PB , Salazar SM , Rose KA
Published: March 2009

In a pilot study for the U.S. EPA, bioaccumulation and growth in mussels (Mytilus trossulus) were used to assess the bioavailability of contaminants and potentially adverse bioeffects in water overlying contaminated sediments. Caged juvenile and adult mussels were transplanted to 12 locations around a Super fund Site (Harbor Island), and a reference site (Carr Inlet) in Puget Sound, Washington. The exposure period was 82 days and animals were held 1 meter from the bottom. Accumulation of contaminants in adult mussel tissues was used to help identify the extent and magnitude of contamination in the overlying water. Reduced growth in juvenile mussels was used as an indicator of adverse bioeffects. Sites were ranked for these potentially adverse biological impacts. Juvenile mussel growth rates combined with toxicity-normalized sediment chemistry and toxicity-normalized tissue chemistry, provided a first-order approximation of potential biological effects associated with chemicals of concern in sediment and mussel tissues. Mussels from Harbor Island accumulated higher concentrations of contaminants and had significantly lower growth rates than the reference site mussels. Some differences were detected among the Harbor Island sites. Mussels from one site were much more contaminated than the others and, based on extremely low growth rates, exhibited the greatest potential for adverse biological effects. TBT and copper were the contaminants of greatest concern in both tissues and sediments; lead and zinc were an additional concern in sediments. A statistically significant inverse relationship was found between growth rate, toxicity-normalized tissue accumulation, and toxicity-normalized sediment contamination. Based on our results, we recommend the following integrated approach for evaluating contaminated sediments: (1) conduct in-situ bioassays, (2) estimate bioaccumulation in addition to bioeffects, and (3) evaluate water overlying the sediments.
Development of a General Qsar for Predicting Octanol-Water Partition Coefficients and Its Application to Surfactants
Authors: Moschner KF , Cece A
Published: March 2009

Octanol-water partition coefficients (log P) are key parameters for estimating toxicological and pharmacological properties of organic compounds. The significance of log P and the difficulty in experimentally measuring log P has led to the development of several Log P estimation techniques. Methods based on group contributions, such as CLOGP and CHEMICALC2, are widely used. While very fast, their reliability is highly dependent on the availability of experimental log P values for representative compounds. Quantitative structureactivity relationships (QSARs) have also been used to estimate log P and address the limitations of other methods. While QSARs also depend on a set of compounds with reliable log P values, use of general structural descriptors rather than specific fragments promises to provide more broadly applicable predictive models. A number of QSARs have been reported for predicting log P values, however these are limited to specific compound classes. This paper presents an approach to develop a broadly applicable QSAR for log P based on general molecular structural parameters. Examples are given for a variety of compound classes including those containing mixed functional groups. Emphasis is placed on compounds relevant to the household and personal products industries. Limitations and pitfalls in developing reliable predictive correlations are identified and strategies for extending the model are discussed.
New Equipment for Evaluation of Distribution and Sedimentation of Pesticide Formulations in Spray Tank Application
Authors: Ettmueller J , Frank R , Groener H , Raedle M
Published: March 2009

Most agricultural products are designed to be applied as uniform dispersions in aqueous spray solutions. The quality of this dispersed system is highly important for successful biological control.

For the evaluation of the dispersion stage, a new test-system was developed. It is based on a fiber optic photometric sensor system. It allows one to characterise and describe the dynamics of a dispersion of a product in a spray tank, settling over time, redispersion properties, and thus the differentiation of products. Examples for performance and evaluation of typical agrochemical products are presented.
A Review of Pesticide Formulations for Chemigation
Authors: Young JR , Dowler CC , Chandler LD , Chalfant RB , Sumner HR , Johnson AW
Published: March 2009

Pesticides applied in irrigation water (chemigation) may require modified formulations for effective and safe application. Currently available insecticide formulations produce variable insect control when applied through chemigation systems. Pest control is greatly influenced by the chemical properties, e.g. solubility in water and organic solvent. When emulsified formulations or technical pesticide are added to a nonemulsified oil, significantly better control of foliar-feeding insects is obtained compared to emulsified formulations applied with conventional-ground applications. Chemigation of technical-oil formulations of insecticides may allow for reduced active ingredient for effective insect control.

Currently available herbicide formulations produce varied weed control when applied through chemigation, depending on application to soil or foliage, the volume of irrigation water, and the chemical properties of the compound. Water-soluble herbicides applied postemergence produce the most varied results, while water-insoluble and emulsified concentrates produce the most consistent weed control. Herbicides applied preemergence through chemigation are equal to, or more effective than, conventional applications. Addition of a petroleum or vegetable oil carrier to a formulated or technical herbicide generally improves its performance when applied through chemigation. An increase in the volume of irrigation water used to apply the chemical also decreases the weed control.

Nematicides, applied through chemigation, give excellent nematode control whenever soil moisture and water rates are controlled to prevent leaching below the bioactive zone. The addition of a nematicide to a nonemulsified oil generally improves nematode control and helps modify the effect of excess moisture.

Fungicides, as currently formulated, give good disease control when applied through chemigation with minimal volume of water. The addition of a nonemulsified oil improves the performance to both flowable and oil-soluble fungicides.
Air Velocity Measurement System for In-field Characterization of Air-Assisted Agricultural Spray Equipment
Authors: Hetherington MH , Van Ee GR , Ledebuhr RR
Published: March 2009

Measurement of unsteady and turbulent air flows from air-assisted agricultural spray equipment is discussed. Air velocity measurement equipment capable of exposure to dust, liquids and flying debris, is described. Pitot tubes connected to piezoelectric pressure transducers can successfully record turbulent air flows at frequencies lower than 200 Hz. This information can be used to map air flow patterns from moving sprayers in actual field conditions. Results of measuring a conventional and a tower sprayer are presented.
Recycling Plastic Pesticide Containers
Authors: Johnson HJ
Published: March 2009

The Agricultural Container Research Council was formed by the basic producers of agricultural crop protection products. This was a proactive move to assist state agencies in the collection and disposition of empty plastic containers. Certified contractors have been assigned to each state for the purpose of picking up containers collected under state sanctioned programs. The Agricultural Container Research Council conducts research to develop end use options for plastic resin generated under the program.
Description and Validation of a Test System to Investigate the Evaporation of Spray Droplets
Authors: Riley CM , Sears II , Picot JJC , Chapman TJ
Published: March 2009

This paper describes a laboratory test system in which droplet evaporation data are generated from experiments conducted entirely within a controlled environment chamber. Validation of the test system using deionized water is described. Observed results of evaporation as a function of time are compared to the theoretical predictions of the Goering model for a range of temperature, relative humidity and wind speed conditions.
Evaluation of Superabsorbent Polymer-Pesticide Formulations for Prolonged Insect Control
Authors: Levy R , Nichols MA , Miller TW
Published: March 2009

The efficacy of disquet and gel superabsorbent polymer-based bait formulations of the organophosphate chlorpyrifos or the insect growth regulator pyriproxyfen or both was evaluated against German cockroaches (Blattella germanica) in a series of laboratory trials. Results of bioassays against German cockroaches with single- and joint-action bait compositions of chlorpyrifos or pyriproxyfen or both indicated that agglomerated disquet or hydrogel insecticide-bait formulations could provide long-term control of nymphs or adults. The data suggested that joint-action disquets could provide simultaneous control of mixed populations of nymphs and adults. The concentration of bait/inert ingredients in a disquet or gel formulation was observed to affect insecticide delivery profiles.
Two-Stage Bioremediation of TNT Contaminated Soils
Authors: Funk SB , Crawford DL , Roberts DJ , Crawford RL
Published: March 2009

Bioremediation appears to be a feasible approach for cleaning soils contaminated with 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and related explosives. Development of an effective, inexpensive biological remediation method for cleaning these soils would result in major economic savings to owners of munitions-contaminated sites. Here we report on the development of an anaerobic microbial bioremediation process. Munitions-contaminated soil was obtained from a munitions depot site near Umatilla, Oregon. A method was developed in which the contaminated soil was mixed with phosphate buffer in the presence of a starch-rich carbon source. A strictly anaerobic bacterial consortium became established and degraded the munitions compounds. Temperature and pH strongly affect the rate of solubilization of TNT from the contaminated soil, as well as the biological activity within the soil slurries.
The Effect of Grain Boundary Carbon on the Hydrogen-Assisted Intergranular Failure of Nickel-Copper Alloy K-500 Fastener Material
Authors: Natishan ME , Porr WC
Published: March 2009

A recent failure analysis of nickel-copper K-500 fasteners that failed in air associated the rate-dependent, intergranular fracture mode with the presence of grain boundary carbon films and precipitates. The exact mechanism of rate-dependent fracture in that instance was unknown. However, mechanisms such as hydrogen-assisted cracking and creep are known to be consistent with the circumstances of that failure. To determine whether hydrogen-assisted cracking could be affected by grain boundary carbon amount and morphology, the present study examines the influence of intergranular carbon precipitates and various levels of hydrogen on the fracture behavior of nickel-copper Alloy K-500. Dichotomous results indicate that hydrogen-assisted intergranular fracture associated with carbon precipitates may occur in this alloy at lower bulk hydrogen levels than previously reported, yet carbon precipitates may inhibit susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement under cathodic charging conditions. The latter result is discussed with respect to a possible competitive interaction between hydrogen-assisted and carbon-precipitate-induced intergranular fracture modes.
Preparation of Multilingual Vocabularies
Authors: Hutcheson HM
Published: March 2009

Because of the globalization of markets, the rapid growth of communications, the multicultural fabric of Canada and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the Terminology and Documentation Directorate (TDD) of the Canadian Translation Bureau is broadening the focus of its work to encompass languages other than English and French in a multilingual, rather than bilingual context.

This paper compares the work methods and end products of several organizations that publish multilingual vocabularies.

Although basic terminology procedures apply to the preparation of multilingual vocabularies, research in additional languages compounds the problems encountered in comparative terminology work. These difficulties involve locating appropriate documentation in each of the languages, identifying a focal language for the drafting of definitions and observations, dealing with inexact equivalents and translation problems, analyzing concepts for which there are no equivalents, distinguishing geographic differences, establishing a network of cross-references for related terms, and indexing the target languages.

The TDD utilizes its publications to recommend correct usage as a means of fulfilling its mandate to standardize English and French terminology used in all Canadian federal institutions, and to promote Canada's two official languages. With its new multilingual approach, the directorate will go one step further, and use English and French as a link to communication in a third language. This, in turn, advances the process of terminology standardization and improves communication efforts on an international level.
Marine Environmental Effects on Polymer Matrix Composites
Authors: Pomiès F , Carlsson LA , Gillespie JW
Published: March 2009

Degradation of polymeric matrix composite materials in marine environments has been experimentally investigated. Carbon/epoxy, carbon/bismaleimeide-epoxy, glass/epoxy and glass/PPS, and neat PPS were examined. The environments considered were distilled water and natural seawater at room temperature and 35°C. Water absorption was monitored during seven months of immersion. Several specimen geometries were investigated which allowed determination of longitudinal and transverse diffusivities. Degradation of mechanical performance due to water absorption was examined through transverse tension testing of dry and wet composites. The transverse modulus of the thermoset composites remained virtually unaffected by water absorption, while the modulus of glass/PPS dropped substantially, apparently due to extensive fiber/matrix debonding induced by water absorption. Transverse tensile strength was drastically reduced after water absorption for all composites. The composites degraded similarly in distilled water and seawater. Inspection of the fracture surfaces of dry and wet composites in a scanning electron microscope indicated that fiber/matrix adhesion was adequate in the dry composites, while in the wet composites numerous bare debonded fibers were observed, which substantiates that the reduction in transverse strength is largely due to fiber/matrix interfacial degradation.