bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences in the optical and biological reactivity of the humic and nonhumic dissolved organic carbon component in two contrasting coastal marine environments
Authors: Obernosterer Ingrid , Herndl Gerhard J.
Published: June 2010

The effect of surface solar radiation on the optical properties and the biological availability of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and its humic and nonhumic component was investigated in the northern Adriatic Sea (44°52'N 13°52'E) and the coastal North Sea (53°00'N 4°45'E). In the northern Adriatic Sea, humic substances of primarily autochthonous origin contributed, on average, 15% to the bulk DOC, whereas in the coastal North Sea the mean contribution of the mainly terrestrially derived humic substances to the bulk DOC was about 43%. DOC‐normalized absorbance and fluorescence were both ∼1.5‐fold higher, and the absorbance ratio 250:365 nm was twofold higher for the humic DOC of the northern Adriatic Sea as compared to the coastal North Sea. Bioassay experiments with indigenous bacterioplankton indicated a ∼5 times higher DOC‐normalized bacterial growth on the humic and nonhumic DOC from the northern Adriatic Sea as compared to the corresponding fractions from the coastal North Sea. Exposure of the different DOC fractions to surface solar radiation for 5–8 h and subsequent inoculation with a natural bacterial community resulted in stimulated bacterial growth on the preexposed humic and nonhumic DOC by 35 and 45%, respectively, as compared to the corresponding dark controls for the northern Adriatic Sea, whereas in the coastal North Sea stimulated bacterial growth (by 50%) was found only for the humic DOC. The increase in the DOC bioavailability upon irradiation was linearly related to a decrease in the absorbance and an increase in the absorbance ratio 250:365 nm. Both DOC‐normalized photochemical and bacterial oxygen demand of surface water were, on average, about tenfold higher in the northern Adriatic Sea as compared to the coastal North Sea.
Effects of UVB radiation on a marine microphytobenthic community growing on a sand‐substratum under different nutrient conditions
Authors: Wulff Angela , Wängberg Sten‐Å ke , Sundbäck Kristina , Nilsson Claes , Underwood Graham J. C.
Published: June 2010

The effect of ultraviolet‐B radiation (UVBR) on a microphytobenthic community, dominated by diatoms, was studied under different nutrient conditions in a 9 day outdoor experiment on the Swedish west coast. The microalgal assemblage was isolated from the sediment and resettled onto acid‐cleaned sand placed in petridishes. The experimental treatments were: “ambient” or “enhanced” UVBR with no nutrient addition, “ambient” or “enhanced” UVBR with nutrient addition (N, P, Si). Enhanced UVBR (+15%) was provided by a computer‐controlled system. Primary productivity, carbon allocation, chlorophyll a (Chl a) concentrations, composition of algae and pigments and intra‐ and extracellular carbohydrate fractions were measured. Most UVBR effects were seen in treatments without nutrient addition. Exposure to enhanced UVBR resulted in statistically significant decreases in primary productivity, Chl a and in the biomass of Haslea ostrearia and Nitzschia spp. The relative amount of carbon allocated to proteins increased when exposed to enhanced UVBR. The effect of enhanced UVBR on microalgae subjected to nutrient addition was less pronounced, and observed for Chl a, algal intracellular storage of carbohydrates (glucans) and concentration of extracellular “colloidal” carbohydrates. Enhanced UVBR + nutrients resulted in a significantly greater ratio between glucan and total carbohydrates and a decreased concentration of colloidal carbohydrates compared to the ambient UVBR + nutrients treatment. These results indicate that availability of inorganic nutrients acts to mitigate the negative effects of UVBR on microphytobenthic communities and that UVBR acts as a selective force during early growth and succession.
Three‐dimensional spatial coordinates of individual plankton determined using underwater hologrammetry
Authors: Rogerson A. , Watson J. , Fang Xiao , Krantz E. P.
Published: June 2010

We report the use of a nondestructive metrological technique, hologrammetry, that affords greater scope and higher accuracy for the enumeration, sizing, and spatial distribution of particles. Results are presented on imaging of three living planktonic protists suspended in water using in‐line pulsed‐laser holography. We demonstrate that a volume of 2,400 ml of water, at 750 mm depth, can be analysed with a resolution everywhere better than 20 μm. High quality images and accurate spatial coordinates of living plankton in subvolumes have been obtained.
Dispelling the myths: Is the existence of L1 and L2 ligands necessary to explain metal ion speciation in natural waters?
Authors: Town Raewyn M. , Filella Montserrat
Published: June 2010

A critical analysis and interpretation of the data published for complexation (conditional stability constants and complexation capacities) of trace metals (copper, Cu(II); zinc, Zn(II); lead, Pb(II); and cadmium, Cd(II)) in whole seawater and freshwater samples over the past 34 yr is presented. We propose that it is not necessary to invoke the presence of any particular classes of ligands (e.g., the so‐called L1 and L2 ligands) to explain the degree of metal complexation observed. Consideration of the presence of a range of many different types of ligands could explain the observed linear relationship between the stability of complexes (log ) and the effective metal ion loading (complexation capacity, ), without the need to assume the presence of any stable specific complexants. Apparently stronger binding sites are utilized at lower metal ion loadings; progressively weaker sites contribute to complexation at higher metal ion concentrations. Taking into account the detection window of the technique employed greatly improves the internal consistency of the overall data. When comparable windows are used, no significant difference is observed between the log relationship for Cu(II) and that for Zn(II), Pb(II), or Cd(II). In natural waters, the complexing material present will be a combination of that derived from terrestrial sources and that formed in situ in the water column. An important observation arising from our analysis is that the binding curves for natural ligands in whole natural‐water samples lie between the binding curves for compounds representative of each these sources, viz. isolated aquatic fulvic acids and biota.
On the dispersal of riverine colored dissolved organic matter over the West Florida Shelf
Authors: Del Castillo Carlos E. , Gilbes Fernando , Coble Paula G. , Müller‐Karger Frank E.
Published: June 2010

We investigated the optical properties of surface water in areas of the West Florida Shelf influenced by riverine discharge and by the occurrence of a phytoplankton plume. Results of absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy analyses and determination of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration showed that the injection of riverine colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) strongly affected the optical properties and DOC concentrations over the shelf. Riverborne nutrients contributed to an increase in primary productivity. However, during the study period, the increase in primary productivity did not result in the production of significant amounts of CDOM.

Fluorescence spectroscopy results showed that optical properties of riverine CDOM were lost close to the mouth of the rivers. A simple mathematical model describing mixing between riverine and marine end‐members demonstrated that most of the observed changes in optical properties of CDOM along salinity gradients can be explained by mixing. Laboratory mixing experiments between riverine water and seawater indicated that flocculation of organic matter during estuarine mixing did not affect the optical properties of CDOM. Remote‐sensing studies of the Gulf of Mexico using historical data from the Coastal Zone Color Scanner show a recurrent, seasonal chlorophyll bloom over the West Florida
The influence of diatom abundance on the egg production rate of Calanus helgolandicus in the English Channel
Authors: Irigoien X. , Harris R. P. , Head R. N. , Harbour D.
Published: June 2010

Weekly measurements of Calanus helgolandicus egg production rates and phytoplankton species identification and abundance have been carried out at a station in the English Channel for a period of 7 yr. These data have been analyzed to investigate the effects of the microplankton composition on egg production rates with special emphasis on groups where nutritional value is controversial, such as diatoms and the Prymnesiophyte, Phaeocystis pouchetii. Diatoms did not show any negative effect on the egg production rate. Phaeocystis pouchetii also showed no negative effects, whereas in contrast, a dinoflagellate, Gyrodinium aureolum, clearly showed a negative effect. We conclude that diatoms do not have a negative effect on egg production rates at the concentrations found in the field and for these natural species assemblages, and that when such an effect exists, as is the case with G. aureolum, the effect can be clearly identified.
Community and environmental influences on reef coral calcification
Authors: Adey Walter H. , Small Allegra M.
Published: June 2010

Reef corals calcify faster in the presence of non‐calcareous algae. Ratios of calcification to photosynthesis appear to be affected by the ratio of alkalinity to acidity, which controls how efficiently the protons from calcification convert bicarbonate to carbon dioxide. By forcing calcifiers to calcify faster, algal proliferation on nutrient‐enriched reefs may adversely affect the reef‐builders.
Geographic information system (GIS) analysis of ecosystem invasion: Exotic mussels in Lake Erie
Authors: Haltuch Melissa A. , Berkman Paul Arthur , Garton David W.
Published: June 2010

Geographic information system (GIS) analysis with bathymetric, substrate, and side scan sonar (SSS) data was used to assess both spatial and temporal expansion of exotic dreissenid mussels onto sedimentary habitats in Lake Erie. These data were used for developing multiple regression models with substrate types and SSS data to interpret the expansion of Dreissena assemblages across the central and western basins of Lake Erie from 1994 to 1998. The 1994–1996 GIS model predicted the 1997 SSS measurements of Dreissena coverage correctly in 84% of the cases (n = 50). Similarly, the 1994–1997 GIS model predicted the 1998 SSS measurements of Dreissena coverage correctly in 80% of the cases (n = 20). These models indicated that Dreissena coverage ranged from <1% on muds in 1994 to 67% on sands and gravels in 1997. Based on all of the substrates, the 1994–1997 model indicates that Dreissena beds have been expanding since 1994 at 1,000 ± 6 km2 yr−1 and presently occupy 5,484 ± 32 km2 of the 25,734 km2 sedimentary bottom of Lake Erie. Our observations indicate that expanding Dreissena beds are altering soft‐substrate habitats and influencing the ecosystem dynamics throughout Lake Erie. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that the distribution, abundance, and ecosystem impacts of invasive species in other watersheds can be accurately described and interpreted over diverse spatial and temporal scales using GIS models.
Modeling the effects of ultraviolet radiation on embryos of Calanus finmarchicus and Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) in a mixing environment
Authors: Kuhn Penny S. , Browman Howard I. , Davis Richard F. , Cullen John J. , McArthur Bruce L.
Published: June 2010

It is well established that ultraviolet radiation (UVR, 280–400 nm) harms aquatic organisms. Reductions in productivity have been reported for phytoplankton, ichthyoplankton, and zooplankton in incubations exposed to UVR. It is difficult, however, to estimate the effects of UVR in natural waters. Quantitative assessments of UVR effects on aquatic organisms require high‐resolution measurements of solar irradiance and its attenuation in the water, spectral weighting functions for biological effects, and realistic descriptions of the distributions and vertical movements of particles in the water column. Using experimentally determined biological weighting functions for UV‐induced mortality along with measurement‐based models of solar irradiance and of vertical distributions of embryos as influenced by mixing, we modeled UVR‐induced mortality in the early life stages of two key species in the upper estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence, Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and the planktonic copepod, Calanus finmarchicus. G. morhua embryos are insensitive to UVR, with an average daily survival of ~99% over numerous environmental conditions. C. finmarchicus are considerably more vulnerable, with an average survival of 90% ± 12% (SD). Lowest modeled daily survival was 59% under ambient ozone and 49% under 50% ozone loss. A sensitivity analysis allowed us to examine the relative influences of hydrographic variability, meteorological conditions, and ozone depletion on UVR‐induced mortality in C. finmarchicus embryos. The modeled hydrographic and meteorological conditions are a representative range of natural variability for the St. Lawrence region during the 1997 field season, with the exception of extreme ozone depletion (50%). Effects are expressed as relative change of survival normalized to survival under a reference simulation. Similar to other studies, water column mixing and water clarity have the most significant influence on embryo survivorship, with a 3%–80% increased chance of survival when in static, compared with mixed waters, and a 3%–46% increased chance of survival when in the darkest, compared with the clearest waters. Cloudy skies increase survivorship between 1%–30%, and ozone depletion of 50% can decrease survivorship by 9%. On average, ozone depletion decreases survival by 3% and of the factors considered has the smallest influence on mortality of C. finmarchicus embryos.
Size‐dependent visual predation risk and the timing of vertical migration in zooplankton
Authors: De Robertis Alex , Jaffe Jules S. , Ohman Mark D.
Published: June 2010

Zooplankton commonly exhibit diel vertical migration (DVM), descending from food‐rich surface waters during the day. If DVM is a tradeoff between avoiding size‐selective visually hunting predators and maximizing energy gain, smaller bodied prey should enter surface waters earlier and leave later than larger, more visually conspicuous organisms. Conventional sampling technologies lack the temporal resolution to test this prediction. Here, we report on the first test of this prediction using a new submersible optical‐acoustic imaging system capable of resolving the timing of migration of the euphausiid crustacean Euphausia pacifica Hansen. Smaller bodied animals consistently ascended as much as 30 min earlier and descended up to 45 min later than adults. The timing of vertical migration reflects how the size‐dependent risk of attack by visual predators alters the tradeoff between feeding and predator avoidance, supporting the predator‐avoidance hypothesis for DVM.
The transport and retention of dissolved silicate by rivers in Sweden and Finland
Authors: Conley Daniel J. , Stålnacke Per , Pitkänen Heikki , Wilander Anders
Published: June 2010

Here we report on the role of natural (lakes) and artificial barriers (dams) in regulating dissolved silicate (DSi) concentrations in rivers from Sweden and Finland. Concentrations of DSi and total phosphorus in rivers were strongly affected by the presence of lakes and reservoirs along the aquatic continuum, with riverine DSi concentrations decreasing as the percentage of area occupied by lakes and reservoirs increased. Rivers with <2% lake and reservoir area in their watershed averaged 164 µM, whereas DSi in rivers containing greater than 10% lake and reservoir area averaged 46 µM. The relationship between percentage lake area and DSi concentration was best fit by an exponential function (r2 = 0.79, P < 0.001), because once lake and reservoir area exceeds 10%, minimum DSi concentrations are reached. Because lakes and reservoirs act to reduce watershed DSi concentrations through diatom growth and sedimentation, our results support the hypothesis that further declines in the delivery of DSi to the coastal ocean should be expected as new dams are constructed on rivers. These reductions in DSi transport to the coastal zone with dam construction will have important repercussions on diatom growth and coastal food webs.
Isolation of Nucleoli
Authors: Hacot Sabine , Coute Yohann , Belin Stéphane , Albaret Marie Alexandra , Mertani Hichem C. , Sanchez Jean‐Charles , Rosa‐Calatrava Manuel , Diaz Jean‐Jacques
Published: June 2010

Nucleoli are now recognized as multi‐functional nuclear domains involved in several fundamental cell processes such as ribosome biogenesis, regulation of the assembly of non‐ribosomal ribonucleoprotein complexes, tRNA maturation, sequestration of protein, viral infection, and cellular ageing. Extensive proteomic analyses of these nucleolar domains after their purification have contributed to the description of their multiple biological functions. Because nucleoli are the largest and densest nuclear structures, they are easily amenable to purification from nuclei of cultured animal cells using the protocol described in this unit. Curr. Protoc. Cell Biol. 47:3.36.1‐3.36.10. © 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Silencing of Gene Expression in Cultured Cells Using Small Interfering RNAs
Authors: Sakurai Kumi , Chomchan Pritsana , Rossi John J.
Published: June 2010

The discovery of RNA interference (RNAi) and related small RNA–mediated regulatory pathways has significantly altered the understanding of gene regulation in eukaryotic cells. In the RNAi pathway, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) ∼21 to 23 nucleotides in length serve as the regulatory molecules that guide and induce sequence‐specific gene silencing. The use of siRNA‐mediated silencing as a tool for investigating gene function is well established in cultured mammalian cells. This unit provides basic approaches to explore the field of RNAi, and hopes to address the importance of optimizing transfection conditions after empirical determinations in order to understand various degrees of silencing efficiency. Curr. Protoc. Cell Biol. 47:27.1.1‐27.1.28. © 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Tailored cognitive–behavioral therapy and exercise training for high‐risk patients with fibromyalgia
Authors: van Koulil Saskia , van Lankveld Wim , Kraaimaat Floris W. , van Helmond Toon , Vedder Annemieke , van Hoorn Hanneke , Donders Rogier , de Jong Alphons J. L. , Haverman Joost F. , Korff Kurt‐Jan , van Riel Piet L. C. M. , Cats Hans A. , Evers Andrea W. M.
Published: June 2010

Objective

The treatment of patients with fibromyalgia (FM), a high‐prevalence chronic pain condition with a high impact on both patients and society, poses a great challenge to clinicians due to a lack of effective treatments. In view of the large individual variability in outcome, selecting patients at risk of long‐term dysfunction and offering tailored treatment may be promising for beneficial treatment effects.

Methods

High‐risk patients were selected and classified into 2 groups (pain‐persistence and pain‐avoidance groups) and subsequently randomized in groups to either a treatment condition (TC) or a waiting list control condition (WLC). Treatment consisted of 16 sessions of cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) and exercise training in groups, tailored to the patient's specific cognitive–behavioral pattern, delivered within 10 weeks. Physical and psychological functioning and impact of FM were assessed at baseline, posttreatment, and 6‐month followup. Treatment effects were evaluated using a linear mixed model.

Results

The treatment effects were significant for all primary outcomes, showing significant differences in physical (pain, fatigue, and functional disability) and psychological (negative mood and anxiety) functioning, and impact of FM for the TC in comparison with the WLC. Effect sizes in the TC were overall large, and reliable change indices indicated a clinically relevant improvement among the TC.

Conclusion

The presented results demonstrate for the first time that tailored CBT and exercise training for high‐risk patients with FM is effective in improving short‐ and long‐term physical and psychological functioning, indicating that tailoring treatment is likely to promote beneficial outcomes in FM and reduce the burden for patients and society.
Mycophenolate mofetil: A possible therapeutic agent for children with juvenile dermatomyositis
Authors: Rouster‐Stevens Kelly A. , Morgan Gabrielle A. , Wang Deli , Pachman Lauren M.
Published: June 2010

Objective

To determine if mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) diminishes skin and muscle disease activity in children with juvenile dermatomyositis (DM), thereby permitting a decrease in corticosteroid dose.

Methods

A retrospective data review for 50 children with juvenile DM (mean ± SD age 12.2 ± 5.0 years) who had received MMF for 12 months identified the following characteristics: 38 (76%) were girls, 39 (78%) were white, 10 (20%) were Hispanic, and 1 (2%) was African American. The MMF dose and frequency, type of infection, white blood cell (WBC) count, corticosteroid dose, and the validated disease activity score (DAS) subscores for skin (DAS‐S) and muscle (DAS‐M) were obtained.

Results

Twelve months after the start of MMF, the mean ± SD DAS‐S decreased from 5.24 ± 0.29 to 3.72 ± 0.29 (P = 0.001), and the mean ± SD DAS‐M decreased from 2.44 ± 0.39 to 1.17 ± 0.28 (P = 0.002). The mean ± SD prednisone dosage decreased from 0.39 ± 0.06 to 0.23 ± 0.02 mg/kg/day (P = 0.0001), with resumption of linear growth (P = 0.008). The WBC/lymphocyte count was unchanged over the 12 months on MMF. The infection rate was assessed in a subset of 26 children with juvenile DM who were observed for 12 months before the start of MMF and then compared with the ensuing 12 months of MMF therapy. There was no significant difference between the pretreatment period and the first 6 months of MMF therapy (P = 0.44), but the infection rate decreased in months 7–12 (P = 0.001).

Conclusion

MMF appears to be worthy of consideration as an additional therapeutic modality for treatment of children with juvenile DM. These data suggest that the use of MMF decreases skin and muscle disease activity and is steroid sparing. MMF appears to be well tolerated, but patients should be monitored for infection.
Occupation and multiple myeloma: An occupation and industry analysis
Authors: Gold Laura S. , Milliken Kevin , Stewart Patricia , Purdue Mark , Severson Richard , Seixas Noah , Blair Aaron , Davis Scott , Hartge Patricia , De Roos Anneclaire J.
Published: June 2010

Background

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable plasma cell malignancy with a poorly understood etiology. The purpose of our research was to examine the relationships between lifetime occupations and MM in a relatively large case–control study.

Methods

MM cases (n = 180) were identified through cancer registries in the Seattle‐Puget Sound area and Detroit. Population‐based controls (n = 481) were identified using random digit dialing and Medicare and Medicaid Services files. In‐person interviews were conducted to ascertain occupational histories. Standard occupational classification (SOC) and standard industrial classification (SIC) codes were assigned to each job held by each participant. Unconditional logistic regression was used to generate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations between MM and having ever worked in each occupation/industry and according to duration of employment in an occupation/industry.

Results

The risk of MM was associated with several manufacturing occupations and industries, including machine operators and tenders, not elsewhere classified (SOC 76) (OR = 1.8, CI = 1.0–3.3); textile, apparel, and furnishing machine operators and tenders (SOC 765) (OR = 6.0, CI = 1.7–21); and machinery manufacturing, except electrical (SIC 35) (OR = 3.3, CI = 1.7–6.7). Several service occupations and industries, such as food and beverage preparation (SOC 521) (OR = 2.0, CI = 1.1–3.8), were also associated with MM. One occupation that has been associated with MM in several previous studies, painters, paperhangers, and plasterers (SOC 644) was associated with a non‐significantly elevated risk (OR = 3.6, CI = 0.7–19).

Conclusions

We found associations between the risk of MM and employment in several manufacturing and service‐related occupations and industries. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:768–779, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Pennsylvania certified safety committee program: An evaluation of participation and effects on work injury rates
Authors: Liu Hangsheng , Burns Rachel M. , Schaefer Agnes G. , Ruder Teague , Nelson Christopher , Haviland Amelia M. , Gray Wayne B. , Mendeloff John
Published: June 2010

Background

Since 1994, Pennsylvania, like several other states, has provided a 5% discount on workers' compensation insurance premiums for firms with a certified joint labor management safety committee. This study explored the factors affecting program participation and evaluated the effect of this program on work injuries.

Methods

Using Pennsylvania unemployment insurance data (1996–2006), workers' compensation data (1998–2005), and the safety committee audit data (1999–2007), we conducted propensity score matching and regression analysis on the program's impact on injury rates.

Results

Larger firms, firms with higher injury rates, firms in high risk industries, and firms without labor unions were more likely to join the safety committee program and less likely to drop out of the program. The injury rates of participants did not decline more than the rates for non‐participants; however, rates at participant firms with good compliance dropped more than the rates at participant firms with poor compliance.

Conclusions

Firm size and prior injury rates are key predictors of program participation. Firms that complied with the requirement to train their safety committee members did experience reductions in injuries, but non‐compliance with that and other requirements was so widespread that no overall impact of the program could be detected. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:780–791, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A structural equation model relating work stress, coping resource, and quality of life among chinese medical professionals
Authors: Wu Siying , Li Huangyuan , Zhu Wei , LI Jian , Wang Xiaorong
Published: June 2010

Background

Work stress and coping resource may contribute to the quality of life in medical professionals. This study is to determine the relationships among work stressor, personal strain, coping resource and the quality of life (QOL) and its two dimensions in medical professionals.

Methods

The Chinese version of Short Form‐36 Health Survey was used to measure QOL, the modified edition of the Occupational Stress Inventory was applied to evaluate the work stressor, personal strain and coping resources among 2,721 medical professionals. The structural equation model was established to assess the relationships among these variables.

Results

Work stressor and coping resources had both direct and indirect effects on QOL and its two dimensions, the indirect effects were mediated by personal strain. Personal strain had a negative direct effect on QOL and its two dimensions.

Conclusions

This study confirmed a complex relationship among these variables. Countermeasures targeting work stressor, reducing personal strain and strengthening coping resources are necessary in order to improve the QOL among medical professionals. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:1170–1176, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Case–control study of male germ cell tumors nested in a cohort of car‐manufacturing workers: Findings from the occupational history
Authors: Langner Ingo , Schmeißer Nils , Mester Birte , Behrens Thomas , Gottlieb Andrea , Ahrens Wolfgang
Published: June 2010

Background

To examine whether the previously observed excess risk of male germ cell cancer in a cohort of car‐manufacturing workers can be attributed to occupational activities inside and/or outside the car industry.

Methods

A nested case–control study among workers in six plants included 205 cases of germ cell cancer and 1,105 controls, individually matched by year of birth (±2 years). Job periods of the individual occupational histories were coded based on the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) and the industrial classification of economic activities (NACE). Odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95%‐confidence intervals (CI) for ever‐never and cumulative employment were calculated by conditional multivariate logistic regression adjusted for cryptorchidism.

Results

Significantly increased risks were observed for machinery fitters and assemblers (A) (OR = 1.8, 95% CI 1.25–2.53) and “workers not elsewhere classified” (OR = 2.10, 95% CI 1.27–3.54), but no trend was observed for employment duration in either occupational group. Stratification of job group A by metal‐cutting and non‐cutting jobs yielded ORs of 1.87 (95% CI 1.31–2.67) and of 1.24 (95% CI 0.68–2.28), respectively. Among “plumbers, welders, sheet & structural metal workers” (adjusted OR 1.4, 95% CI 0.99–1.95) only “structural metal preparers and erectors” showed a substantially increased risk (OR = 2.30; 95% CI 1.27–4.27).

Conclusions

Our results do not fully explain the increased incidence of germ cell cancer in the cohort, but support previous findings showing increased risks among metal workers. These risks were most strongly pronounced in metal‐cutting activities. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:1006–1018, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A preliminary 3D computed tomography study of the human maxillary sinus and nasal cavity
Authors: Butaric Lauren N. , McCarthy Robert C. , Broadfield Douglas C.
Published: June 2010

Despite centuries of investigation, the function of the maxillary sinus (MS) and underlying patterns governing its form remain elusive. In this study, we articulate a methodology for collecting volumetric data for the MS and nasal cavity (NC) from computed tomography (CT) scans and report details for a small sample of 39 dried human crania of known ecogeographic provenience useful for assessing variation in MS size and shape. We use scaling analyses to preliminarily test the hypothesis that volumes of the nasal cavity (NCV) and maxillary sinus (MSV) are inversely correlated such that the NC covaries with size of the face, whereas the MS “fills in” the leftover space [proposed by Shea: Am J Phys Anthropol 47 (1977):289–300]. Against expectation, MSV is not significantly correlated with NCV or any cranial size variable. NCV, on the other hand, scales isometrically with facial size. The results of this pilot study suggest that NCV covaries with facial size, but that the MS does not simply fill in the leftover space in the face. The role, if any, of the MSs in midfacial function and architecture remains unclear. Larger sample sizes, additional environmental variables, and assessment of MS and NC shape are necessary to resolve this issue. Am J Phys Anthropol 143:426‐436, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Investigation of diachronic dietary patterns on the islands of Ibiza and formentera, Spain: Evidence from carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratio analysis
Authors: Fuller Benjamin T. , Márquez‐Grant Nicholas , Richards Michael P.
Published: June 2010

To examine how dietary patterns may have changed in the western Mediterranean through time, stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios were measured on extracted bone collagen from fauna (n = 75) and humans (n = 135) spanning four distinct chronological periods: Chalcolithic (c.2100–1600 BC), Punic (6th–2nd/1st century BC), Late Antiquity‐Early Byzantine (4th–7th century AD), and Islamic (c.10th–13th century AD) on the islands of Ibiza and Formentera, Spain. The Chalcolithic, Punic, and Late Antiquity‐Byzantine societies all showed evidence of a predominately C3 terrestrial‐based diet with a possible input of a small amount of marine and/or C4 dietary resources. In contrast, the Islamic population on Ibiza had a subsistence strategy that was reliant on a significant amount of C4 plants and/or animals fed a C4 diet, likely millet. These results indicate a fairly constant C3 terrestrial‐based diet on the islands of Ibiza and Formentera through time, with a shift to C4 dietary resources during the Islamic Period. Further research is needed from other Islamic populations in and around the Mediterranean to better understand this unique dietary adaptation. Am J Phys Anthropol 143:512–522, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Attenuation of osteoarthritis progression by reduction of discoidin domain receptor 2 in mice
Authors: Xu Lin , Servais Jacqueline , Polur Ilona , Kim Doil , Lee Peter L. , Chung Kimberly , Li Yefu
Published: June 2010

Objective

To investigate whether the reduction of discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR‐2), a cell membrane tyrosine kinase receptor for native type II collagen, attenuates the progression of articular cartilage degeneration in mouse models of osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

Double‐heterozygous (type XI collagen–deficient [Col11a1+/−] and Ddr2‐deficient [Ddr2+/−]) mutant mice were generated. Knee joints of Ddr2+/− mice were subjected to microsurgical destabilization of the medial meniscus. Conditions of the articular cartilage from the knee joints of the double‐heterozygous mutant and surgically treated mice were examined by histology, evaluated using a modified Mankin scoring system, and characterized by immunohistochemistry.

Results

The rate of progressive degeneration in knee joints was dramatically reduced in the double‐heterozygous mutant mice compared with that in the type XI collagen–deficient mice. The progression in the double‐heterozygous mutant mice was delayed by ∼6 months. Following surgical destabilization of the medial meniscus, the progressive degeneration toward OA was dramatically delayed in the Ddr2+/− mice compared with that in their wild‐type littermates. The articular cartilage damage present in the knee joints of the mice was directly correlated with the expression profiles of DDR‐2 and matrix metalloproteinase 13.

Conclusion

Reduction of DDR‐2 expression attenuates the articular cartilage degeneration of knee joints induced either by type XI collagen deficiency or by surgical destabilization of the medial meniscus.
Accuracy and completeness of publication and citation records in the Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar: A case study for the computation of h indices in Psychology
Authors: García‐Pérez Miguel A.
Published: June 2010

Hirsch's h index is becoming the standard measure of an individual's research accomplishments. The aggregation of individuals' measures is also the basis for global measures at institutional or national levels. To investigate whether the h index can be reliably computed through alternative sources of citation records, the Web of Science (WoS), PsycINFO and Google Scholar (GS) were used to collect citation records for known publications of four Spanish psychologists. Compared with WoS, PsycINFO included a larger percentage of publication records, whereas GS outperformed WoS and PsycINFO in this respect. Compared with WoS, PsycINFO retrieved a larger number of citations in unique areas of psychology, but it retrieved a smaller number of citations in areas that are close to statistics or the neurosciences, whereas GS retrieved the largest numbers of citations in all cases. Incorrect citations were scarce in Wos (0.3%), more prevalent in PsycINFO (1.1%), and overwhelming in GS (16.5%). All platforms retrieved unique citations, the largest set coming from GS. WoS and PsycINFO cover distinct areas of psychology unevenly, thus applying different penalties on the h index of researches working in different fields. Obtaining fair and accurate h indices required the union of citations retrieved by all three platforms.
Comparison of pre‐ and post‐processors for ensemble streamflow prediction
Authors: Kang Tae‐Ho , Kim Young‐Oh , Hong Il‐Pyo
Published: June 2010

This study conducted a broad review of the pre‐ and post‐processor methods for ensemble streamflow prediction using a Korean case study. Categorical forecasts offered by the Korea Meteorogical Administration and deterministic forecasts of a regional climate model called Seoul National University Regional Climate Model(SNURCM) were selected as climate forecast information for the pre‐processors and incorporated into Ensemble Streamflow Prediction(ESP) runs with the TANK hydrologic model. The post‐processors were then used to minimize a possible error propagated through the streamflow generation. The application results show that use of the post‐processor more effectively reduced the uncertainty of the no‐processor ESP than use of the pre‐processor, especially in dry season. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Binding of licarbazepine enantiomers to mouse and human plasma proteins
Authors: Fortuna Ana , Alves Gilberto , Falcão Amílcar , Soares‐da‐Silva Patrício
Published: June 2010

Racemic licarbazepine (Lic) is the active metabolite of oxcarbazepine (OXC) and eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL), appearing in human plasma as S‐licarbazepine (S‐Lic) and R‐licarbazepine (R‐Lic). However, human metabolism of OXC and ESL to Lic differs in the S‐Lic/R‐Lic enantiomeric ratio observed in plasma. S‐Lic appears in higher proportion after ESL administration than after OXC (95% versus 80%). Enantioselective pharmacokinetics of Lic enantiomers have been found in mice after their separate administration and in humans following OXC treatment. Since protein binding of drugs may be enantioselective and a determining factor of pharmacokinetics, the binding of S‐Lic and R‐Lic to mouse and human total plasma proteins and, specifically, to human serum albumin (HSA) and α1‐acid glycoprotein (AGP) were herein investigated for the first time. Free and bound fractions of S‐Lic and R‐Lic were separated by ultrafiltration after previous in vitro incubation of spiked plasma samples and protein solutions with each enantiomer at 10, 25 and 50 µg/ml. The results revealed that the extent of binding of Lic enantiomers to total plasma proteins was 30% and independent of the drug concentration and species considered. The data also suggest that the binding of Lic enantiomers to HSA is greater than that to AGP. Moreover, absence of enantioselectivity in the binding of Lic enantiomers to mouse and human plasma proteins and to HSA and AGP is evident. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the enantioselectivity observed in vivo in the biodisposition of S‐Lic and R‐Lic is not dependent on their affinity to plasma proteins. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Goldenhar syndrome associated with prenatal maternal Fluoxetine ingestion: Cause or coincidence?
Authors: Farra Chantal , Yunis Khalid , Mikati Mohammad , Yazbeck Nadine , Majdalani Marianne , Awwad Johnny
Published: June 2010

Goldenhar syndrome, also known as oculo‐auriculo‐vertebral spectrum, is a complex, heterogeneous condition characterized by abnormal prenatal development of facial structures. We present the occurrence of Goldenhar syndrome in an infant born to a woman with a history of prenatal Fluoxetine ingestion throughout her pregnancy. Because this is the first reported case associating maternal Fluoxetine intake with fetal craniofacial malformations, a potential mechanism of injury is discussed. The propositus, a male born from nonconsanguinous parents, had facial asymmetry with right microtia and mandibular hypoplasia; he also had bilateral hypoplastic macula, scoliotic deformity of the thoracic spine, and ventricular septal defect. The mother was under treatment with Fluoxetine 20 mg/day prior to conception and maintained the same dosage throughout her pregnancy. The drug is a selective serotonin re‐uptake inhibitor, the most widely prescribed for the treatment of depression. The occurrence of developmental aberrations may be caused by a profound serotonin receptor suppressive state in utero leading to aberrant clinical manifestations of the first and second branchial arches. Despite the very many limitations of case reporting of teratogenic events, it remains an important source of information on which more advanced research is based. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Der Eurocode 2 für Deutschland – Erläuterungen und Hintergründe
Authors: Fingerloos Frank
Published: June 2010

Der neue Eurocode 2: “Bemessung und Konstruktion von Stahlbeton‐ und Spannbetontragwerken – Teil 1‐1: Allgemeine Bemessungsregeln und Regeln für den Hochbau” (EC2‐1‐1) mit seinem Nationalen Anhang ist nach einer ausführlichen Erprobungsphase bereit zur bauaufsichtlichen Einführung in Deutschland. In mehreren Beiträgen sollen Erläuterungen und Hintergründe zu einigen Regelungen im Eurocode 2 und zu den Entscheidungen für Regeln im Nationalen Anhang vorgestellt werden, die entweder zu Änderungen gegenüber DIN 1045‐1 oder zu Abweichungen vom Eurocode 2 führten. Der Teil 1 gibt zunächst eine Übersicht über die maßgeblichen europäischen Normen und führt in den Nationalen Anhang ein.

The Eurocode 2 for Germany – Explanations and Backgrounds. Part 1: Introduction in the National Annex

The new Eurocode 2 “Design of concrete structures – Part 1‐1: General rules and rules for buildings” (EC2‐1‐1) and its National Annex has undergone a phase of detailed testing and is now ready for the implementation in Germany. In some articles should be given explanations and backgrounds of some rules in Eurocode 2 and of decisions for rules in the National Annex, which have been taken either to changes compared with DIN 1045‐1 or to differences to Eurocode 2. Article 1 gives an overview about the important European standards and introduces in the National Annex.
Modeling continuous auxiliary covariate data in generalized linear mixed models using the kernel smoother
Authors: Chen Jianwei , Lin Chii‐Dean
Published: June 2010

Auxiliary covariate data are often collected in biomedical studies when the primary exposure variable is only assessed on a subset of the study subjects. In this study, we investigate a semiparametric‐estimated likelihood estimation for the generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) in the presence of a continuous auxiliary variable. We use a kernel smoother to handle continuous auxiliary data. The method can be used to deal with missing or mismeasured covariate data problems in a variety of applications when an auxiliary variable is available and cluster sizes are not too small. Simulation study results show that the proposed method performs better than that which ignores the random effects in GLMM and that which only uses data in the validation data set. We illustrate the proposed method with a real data set from a recent environmental epidemiology study on the maternal serum 1,1‐dichloro‐2,2‐bis(p‐chlorophenyl) ethylene level in relationship to preterm births.
Generation of high rapamycin producing strain via rational metabolic pathway‐based mutagenesis and further titer improvement with fed‐batch bioprocess optimization
Authors: Zhu Xiangcheng , Zhang Wei , Chen Xiyang , Wu Hu , Duan Yanwen , Xu Zhinan
Published: June 2010

Rapamycin is a triene macrolide antibiotic produced by Streptomyces hygroscopicus. Besides its wide application as an effective immunosuppressive agent, other important bioactivities have made rapamycin a potential drug lead for novel pharmaceutical development. However, the low titer of rapamycin in the original producer strain limits further industrialization efforts and restricts its use for other applications. Predicated on knowledge of the metabolic pathways related to rapamycin biosynthesis in S. hygroscopicus, we have rationally designed approaches to generate a rapamycin high producer strain of S. hygroscopicus HD‐04‐S. These have included alleviation of glucose repression, improved tolerance towards lysine and shikimic acid, and auxotrophy of tryptophan and phenylalanine through the application of stepwise UV mutagenesis. The resultant strain produced rapamycin at 450 mg/L in the shake flask scale. These fermentations were further scaled up in 120 and 20,000 L fermentors, respectively, at the pilot plant. Selected fermentation factors including agitation speed, pH, and on‐line supplementation were systematically evaluated. A fed‐batch strategy was established to maximize rapamycin production. With these efforts, an optimized fermentation process in the larger scale fermentor was developed. The final titer of rapamycin was 812 mg/L in the 120 L fermentor and 783 mg/L in the 20,000 L fermentor. This work highlights a high rapamycin producing strain derived by mutagenesis and subsequent screening, fermentation optimization of which has now made it feasible to produce rapamycin on an industrial scale by fermentation. The strategies developed here should also be applicable to titer improvement of other important microbial natural products on an industrial scale. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2010;107: 506–515. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Trichloroethene and cis‐1,2‐dichloroethene concentration‐dependent toxicity model simulates anaerobic dechlorination at high concentrations. II: Continuous flow and attached growth reactors
Authors: Sabalowsky Andrew R. , Semprini Lewis
Published: June 2010

A model that was used to describe toxicity from high concentrations of chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHs) on reductively dechlorinating cultures in batch reactors (Sabalowsky and Semprini (in press)) was extended here to simulate observations in continuous flow suspended and attached growth reactors. The reductively dechlorinating anaerobic Evanite subculture (EV‐cDCE) was fed trichloroethene (TCE) and excess electron donor to accumulate cis‐1,2‐dichloroethene (cDCE) in a continuous flow stirred tank reactor (CFSTR); and an attached growth recirculating packed column (RPC). A concentration‐dependent toxicity model used to simulate the results of batch reactors in part I (Sabalowsky and Semprini (in press) Biotechnol Bioeng) also simulated well the observations for the CFSTR and RPC growth modes. The toxicity model incorporates cDCE and TCE toxicity coefficients that directly increase the cell decay coefficient in proportion with cDCE and TCE concentrations. Simulated estimates of the cDCE and TCE toxicity coefficients indicate reductively dechlorinating cells are most sensitive to high concentrations of cDCE and TCE in batch‐fed growth, followed by CFSTR, with attached growth being least sensitive. The greater toxicity of TCE than cDCE, and ratio of the modeled toxicity coefficients, agrees with previously proposed models relating toxicity to partitioning in the cell wall (KM/B), proportional to octanol‐water partitioning (KOW) coefficients. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2010;107: 540–549. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.