bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic value of pretreatment dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging in breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy: Overall survival predicted from combined time course and volume analysis
Authors: Heldahl Mariann G. , Bathen Tone F. , Rydland Jana , Kvistad Kjell A. , Lundgren Steinar , Gribbestad Ingrid S. , Goa Pål E.
Published: June 2010

Background: The prognostic value of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) in breast cancer has been explored, and the results are promising.

Purpose: To investigate the possible correlation between pretreatment DCE-MRI and overall survival 5 years after diagnosis in breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) using combined time course analysis and volume measurement from DCE-MRI data acquired with 1 min temporal resolution.

Material and Methods: Pretreatment DCE-MR images of 32 female patients were examined. The total enhancing volume was calculated by including the voxels with >60% signal enhancing 1 min postcontrast. The signal intensity time course data were automatically classified on a voxel-by-voxel basis according to the enhancing characteristics: persistent (type I), plateau (type II) or washout (type III), and the resulting volumes of each enhancement type were calculated.

Results: A significant correlation between total enhancing volume and 5-year survival was found, P=0.05 (log-rank). The survival was 51 ±15 months (mean ±95% confidence intervals (CI)) and 73±12 months in patients with a total enhancing volume >41 cm3 and ≤41 cm3, respectively. A two-dimensional discriminator, taking both total enhancing volume and type III enhancing volume into account, improved the prediction of survival, resulting in a P value (log-rank) between survivors and non-survivors of <0.001. The survival was 44±16 months (mean ±95% CI) and 74±11 months in patients with a total enhancing volume >58 cm3 and/or a type III volume >8 cm3, and ≤58 cm3 and ≤8 cm3, respectively.

Conclusion: Pretreatment DCE-MRI might help in predicting prognosis in breast cancer patients receiving NAC.
Peanut Yield Response to Conservation Tillage, Winter Cover Crop, Peanut Cultivar, and Fungicide Applications1
Authors: Sorensen Ronald B. , Brenneman Timothy B. , Lamb Marshall C.
Published: June 2010

Strip tillage with various crop covers in peanut (Arachis hypogaea, L.) production has not shown a clear yield advantage over conventional tillage, but has been found to reduce yield losses from some diseases. This study was conducted to determine pod yield and disease incidence between two tillage practices, five winter cover crops, three peanut cultivars, and three fungicide programs. Conventional and strip tillage treatments were implemented on a Greenville sandy loam (fine, kaolinitic, thermic Rhodic Kandiudults) near Shellman, GA. Five winter cereal grain cover crops (strip tillage) and a no-cover crop treatment were sprayed at recommended (1R), half recommended (0.5R) or untreated (0R) fungicide programs. Within peanut cultivars, leaf spot (Cercospora arachidicola Hori) intensity decreased as the number of fungicide applications increased; however, stem rot (Sclerotium rolfsii) incidence was the same for the 1R and 0.5R fungicide programs but increased 0R program. Conventional tilled peanuts developed more leaf spot compared with strip tillage. There was no difference in leaf spot ratings among winter crop covers. There was no difference in stem rot incidence with tillage or winter cover crop. There was no yield difference with peanut cultivar. Pod yield was the same for the 1R and 0.5R fungicide program (3867 kg/ha) but decreased at the 0R fungicide program (2740 kg/ha). Pod yield was greater with conventional tillage and strip tillage with black oats (Avena sativa L.) (3706 kg/ha) compared with strip tillage of other winter crop cover treatments (3358 kg/ha). Conventional tillage had more leaf spot, equal incidence of stem rot, and higher yield compared with strip tillage. The 0.5R fungicide program had the same yield compared with the 1R fungicide program implying a possible 50% savings on fungicide applications on well rotated fields with lower disease risk.
Peanut Response to Carfentrazone-ethyl and Pyraflufen-ethyl Applied Postemergence1
Authors: Dotray P. A. , Baughman T. A. , Grichar W. J.
Published: June 2010

Field experiments were conducted at six locations in Texas in 2004 and 2005 to evaluate peanut tolerance to carfentrazone-ethyl and pyraflufen-ethyl. Carfentrazone-ethyl at 27 and 36 g ai/ha or pyraflufen-ethyl at 2.6 and 3.5 g ai/ha were applied early postemergence (EP) 28 to 51 days after planting (DAP) or late postemergence (LP) 93 to 121 DAP in weed-free plots. In the Texas High Plains, carfentrazone-ethyl and pyraflufen-ethyl applied EP resulted in 62 and 48% visual injury, respectively, when rated 14 days after treatment (DAT). With the exception of the low rate of carfentrazone-ethyl at one location, this injury was greater than the injury caused by paraquat at 210 g ai/ha plus bentazon at 280 g ai/ha. All injury declined over time, but was still apparent at harvest (up to 3%). Peanut injury from applications made late postemergence did not exceed 16%. In the Rolling Plains, peanut injury did not exceed 12% at Lockett and 25% at Rochester regardless of herbicide, rate, or timing. In south Texas, peanut injury ranged from 14 to 19% and 6 to 8% following EP and LP applications, respectively. At this location, carfentrazone-ethyl and pyraflufen-ethyl at the low rate caused less injury than paraquat plus bentazon when applied EP. Peanut yield was reduced by herbicide treatment at two of six locations. Greatest yield losses were observed at Lamesa in 2004, where all carfentrazone-ethyl treatments, except the lowest rate applied LP, and all pyraflufen-ethyl treatments caused a yield reduction when compared to the non-treated control. No reduction in grade from the non-treated control was observed at the five locations where grade analysis was performed.
Effect of Imazapic and 2,4-DB on Peanut Yield, Grade, and Seed Germination
Authors: Faircloth W. H. , Prostko E. P.
Published: June 2010

Recurrent problems with peanut seed germination and stand establishment have raised concerns about the potential effects of herbicides on peanut seed quality. Field trials were conducted in south Georgia in 2005 and 2006 to evaluate the effects of imazapic and 2,4-DB on peanut yield, grade, incidence of tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), and seed germination. Imazapic at 71 g ai ha−1, applied at 30 and 40 days after planting (DAP), and 2,4-DB at 270 g ai ha−1, applied at 75 or 90 DAP, had no effect on peanut yield, grade, incidence of TSWV, and seed germination when averaged over two locations (Dawson and Tifton) and three cultivars (Georgia Green, Georgia-01R, and C-99R). Normal cultivar yield variations were observed; however, Georgia-01R had reduced standard (25 C) and cold (15 C) germination when compared to the other cultivars.
Natural Products from the Hallucinogenic Sage
Authors: Hanson James R.
Published: June 2010

The isolation, structures and biological activity of the neoclerodane and other natural products obtained from the Mexican hallucinogenic sage, Salvia divinorum are reviewed.
Development and Regeneration of Projection Neuron Subtypes of the Cerebral Cortex
Authors: Tomassy Giulio Srubek , Lodato Simona , Trayes-Gibson Zachary , Arlotta Paola
Published: June 2010

The idea of repairing damaged neuronal circuitry in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS) has challenged neuroscientists for centuries. This is mainly due to the notorious inability of neurons to regenerate and the unparalleled cellular diversity of the nervous system. In the mammalian cerebral cortex, one of the most complex areas of the CNS, multipotent neural stem and progenitor cells undergo progressive specification during development to generate the staggering variety of projection neuron subtypes that are found in the adult. How is this process orchestrated in the embryo? And, can developmental signals be used to regenerate projection neuron subtypes in the adult or in the dish? Here, we first provide an overview of the diversity and fate potential of neural progenitors of the cerebral cortex during development. Further, we discuss the plasticity of neural progenitors and the roles of intrinsic and extrinsic signals over progenitor fate. Finally, we discuss the relevance of developmental signals for efforts to direct the differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into specific types of cortical projection neurons for therapeutic benefit.
Biology and applications of Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Chagasteeles Pedro Cesar , Nardi Nance Beyer , Camassola Melissa
Published: June 2010

Undifferentiated adult stem cells are responsible for cell replacement in adult organisms. Initially isolated from the bone marrow, they are now known to be distributed throughout the organism as a whole, with a perivascular location. They are defined by properties which include proliferation as adherent cells, a defined immunophenotype, and the capacity to differentiate in vitro into osteoblasts, adipocytes and chondroblasts. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are considered as one of the most promising cell types for therapeutic applications. Mechanisms responsible for this therapeutic role are not well understood, and may involve differentiation or, as most evidences point out, paracrine activity. The ability to modulate the immune system opens a wide range of applications, mainly for autoimmune diseases and graft-versus-host disease. Preclinical and clinical studies show promising results, but controversial results are still reported, indicating the need for further basic and preclinical investigation on their therapeutic potential. This review will focus on recent advances in understanding MSC biology and applications in cell therapy.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells as a Platform for Gene Therapy Protocols
Authors: Dalberto Tiago Pires , Nardi Nance Beyer , Camassola Melissa
Published: June 2010

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are considered as the adult stem cells with the greatest therapeutic potential, due to characteristics such as plasticity, intrinsic tropism towards lesions, paracrine activity, and immunosuppressive activity. This potential may be optimised by transforming them with genes which will improve their therapeutic ability or are therapeutic by themselves. This review presents a summary of the main types of viral or plasmid vectors used to transform therapeutic MSCs and their use in different pathologies. Although this strategy holds great promise, results are still heterogeneous, showing that more studies are needed to optimise gene transfer methods and models.
An Infectious Topic in Reticulate Evolution: Introgression and Hybridization in Animal Parasites
Authors: Detwiler Jillian T. , Criscione Charles D.
Published: June 2010

Little attention has been given to the role that introgression and hybridization have played in the evolution of parasites. Most studies are host-centric and ask if the hybrid of a free-living species is more or less susceptible to parasite infection. Here we focus on what is known about how introgression and hybridization have influenced the evolution of protozoan and helminth parasites of animals. There are reports of genome or gene introgression from distantly related taxa into apicomplexans and filarial nematodes. Most common are genetic based reports of potential hybridization among congeneric taxa, but in several cases, more work is needed to definitively conclude current hybridization. In the medically important Trypanosoma it is clear that some clonal lineages are the product of past hybridization events. Similarly, strong evidence exists for current hybridization in human helminths such as Schistosoma and Ascaris. There remain topics that warrant further examination such as the potential hybrid origin of polyploid platyhelminths. Furthermore, little work has investigated the phenotype or fitness, and even less the epidemiological significance of hybrid parasites.
Conazoles
Authors: Heeres Jan , Meerpoel Lieven , Lewi Paul
Published: June 2010

This review provides a historical overview of the analog based drug discovery of miconazole and its congeners, and is focused on marketed azole antifungals bearing the generic suffix “conazole”. The antifungal activity of miconazole, one of the first broad-spectrum antimycotic agents has been mainly restricted to topical applications. The attractive in vitro antifungal spectrum was a starting point to design more potent and especially orally active antifungal agents such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, fluconazole and voriconazole. The chemistry, in vitro and in vivo antifungal activity, pharmacology, and clinical applications of these marketed conazoles has been described.
Using Automated Point Dendrometers to Analyze Tropical Treeline Stem Growth at Nevado de Colima, Mexico
Authors: Biondi Franco , Hartsough Peter
Published: June 2010

The relationship between wood growth and environmental variability at the tropical treeline of North America was investigated using automated, solar-powered sensors (a meteorological station and two dendrometer clusters) installed on Nevado de Colima, Mexico (19° 35’ N, 103° 37’ W, 3,760 m a.s.l.). Pure stands of Pinus hartwegii Lindl. (Mexican mountain pine) were targeted because of their suitability for tree-ring analysis in low-latitude, high-elevation, North American Monsoon environments. Stem size and hydroclimatic variables recorded at half-hour intervals were summarized on a daily timescale. Power outages, insect outbreaks, and sensor failures limited the analysis to non-consecutive months during 2001–2003 at one dendrometer site, and during 2002–2005 at the other. Combined data from the two sites showed that maximum radial growth rates occur in late spring (May), as soil temperature increases, and incoming short-wave radiation reaches its highest values. Early season (April–May) radial increment correlated directly with temperature, especially of the soil, and with solar radiation. Stem expansion at the start of the summer monsoon (June–July) was mostly influenced by moisture, and revealed a drought signal, while late season relationships were more varied.
Microfabricated Thin Film Impedance Sensor & AC Impedance Measurements
Authors: Yu Jinsong , Liu Chung-Chiun
Published: June 2010

Thin film microfabrication technique was employed to fabricate a platinum based parallel-electrode structured impedance sensor. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and equivalent circuit analysis of the small amplitude (±5 mV) AC impedance measurements (frequency range: 1 MHz to 0.1 Hz) at ambient temperature were carried out. Testing media include 0.001 M, 0.01 M, 0.1 M NaCl and KCl solutions, and alumina (~3 μm) and sand (~300 μm) particulate layers saturated with NaCl solutions with the thicknesses ranging from 0.6 mm to 8 mm in a testing cell, and the results were used to assess the effect of the thickness of the particulate layer on the conductivity of the testing solution. The calculated resistances were approximately around 20 MΩ, 4 MΩ, and 0.5 MΩ for 0.001 M, 0.01 M, and 0.1 M NaCl solutions, respectively. The presence of the sand particulates increased the impedance dramatically (6 times and 3 times for 0.001 M and 0.1 M NaCl solutions, respectively). A cell constant methodology was also developed to assess the measurement of the bulk conductivity of the electrolyte solution. The cell constant ranged from 1.2 to 0.8 and it decreased with the increase of the solution thickness.
GPS-Free Localization Algorithm for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Wang Lei , Xu Qingzheng
Published: June 2010

Localization is one of the most fundamental problems in wireless sensor networks, since the locations of the sensor nodes are critical to both network operations and most application level tasks. A GPS-free localization scheme for wireless sensor networks is presented in this paper. First, we develop a standardized clustering-based approach for the local coordinate system formation wherein a multiplication factor is introduced to regulate the number of master and slave nodes and the degree of connectivity among master nodes. Second, using homogeneous coordinates, we derive a transformation matrix between two Cartesian coordinate systems to efficiently merge them into a global coordinate system and effectively overcome the flip ambiguity problem. The algorithm operates asynchronously without a centralized controller; and does not require that the location of the sensors be known a priori. A set of parameter-setting guidelines for the proposed algorithm is derived based on a probability model and the energy requirements are also investigated. A simulation analysis on a specific numerical example is conducted to validate the mathematical analytical results. We also compare the performance of the proposed algorithm under a variety multiplication factor, node density and node communication radius scenario. Experiments show that our algorithm outperforms existing mechanisms in terms of accuracy and convergence time.
Molecular Mechanism of Ochratoxin A Transport in the Kidney
Authors: Anzai Naohiko , Jutabha Promsuk , Endou Hitoshi
Published: June 2010

The mycotoxin, ochratoxin A (OTA), is thought to be responsible for Balkan endemic nephropathy. OTA accumulates in several tissues, especially in the kidneys and liver. The excretion of OTA into urine is thought to be mainly by tubular secretion, presumably via the organic anion transport system. Recently, several families of multispecific organic anion transporters have been identified: organic anion transporters (OATs), organic anion-transporting polypeptides (OATPs), oligopeptide transporters (PEPTs), and ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, such as MRP2 and BCRP. These renal transporters mediate the transmembrane transport of OTA and play a pivotal role in the development of OTA-induced nephrotoxicity.
Natural hybridization in tropical spikerushes ofEleocharissubgenusLimnochloa(Cyperaceae): Evidence from morphology and DNA markers
Authors: Košnar Jan , Košnar Jiří , Herbstová Miroslava , Macek Petr , Rejmánková Eliška , Štech Milan
Published: June 2010

•Premise of the study:Natural hybridization represents an important force driving plant evolution and affecting community structure and functioning. Hybridization may be overlooked, however, among morphologically highly uniform congeners. An excellent example of such a group isEleocharissubgenusLimnochloa, which has no reliably proven hybrids. Does this reflect biological barriers to interspecific crosses or difficulties in detecting the hybrids? We tested the hypothesis that hybridization occurs among sympatricEleocharis cellulosa,E. interstincta, andE. mutatain northern Belize, Central America.

•Methods:Morphometric study (407 plants) was followed by examination of inter‐simple sequence repeat (ISSR) polymorphisms (44 plants) and ITS sequence variation (33 plants).

•Key results:Two putatively hybrid morphotypes were discerned—E. cellulosa‐resembling andE. interstincta‐resembling. DNA markers ofE. cellulosaandE. interstinctadisplayed additive constitution in plants from oneE. cellulosa‐resembling population only. The other putatively hybrid populations contained ISSR and ITS markers of the species they resembled morphologically, several unique ISSR markers, and ITS sequences of an undescribed South AmericanLimnochloaentity. DNA markers ofE. mutatawere absent in the putative hybrids.

•Conclusions:Simultaneous use of various types of molecular markers can overcome many pitfalls of investigations concerning hybridization among closely related and morphologically similar species. Northern Belize represents a hybrid zone ofE. cellulosaandE. interstincta. A third participant in the hybridization events occurring in this zone is an unknownLimnochloalineage but is notE. mutata. Interspecific hybridization may play a significant role in the diversification ofEleocharis.
A novel and efficient method to prepare 2-aryltetrahydrofuran-2-ylphosphonic acids
Authors: Komissarov Vsevolod V , Kritzyn Anatoly M , Vepsäläinen Jouko J
Published: June 2010

A novel one-pot method was developed for the synthesis of the title compounds starting from 4-chloro-1-aryl-1-butanones 1, phosphorus trichloride and acetic acid. The end products 2 were obtained in 20–94% yield. The cyclization step under acidic conditions probably occurs as a result of anchimeric assistance of the phosphonic acid group.
Teaching and Learning “On the Run”: Ready-to-Use Toolkits in Busy Clinical Settings
Authors: Cleary Michelle , Walter Garry
Published: June 2010

Clinicians should strongly consider using toolkits in their workplaces with students on clinical placement. These toolkits could include brief quizzes, crossword puzzles, vignettes, role-playing, storytelling, or reflective activities to engage students in context-specific, collaborative learning.

J Contin Educ Nurs
2010;41(6):244–245.
Visual Ontology Modeling and the Semantic Web
Authors: Paquette Gilbert
Published: June 2010

The exponential growth of information available on the Internet makes it increasingly necessary to introduce intelligent agents to facilitate the processing of information and knowledge. A few years ago, one of the founders of the Web and current director of the W3 Consortium, Tim Berners-Lee, along with his colleagues (Berners- Lee, Hendler, and Lassila, 2001), proposed to provide the Internet with information whose meaning, beyond its syntax, could be interpreted by a program that would search information in ways that are far more intelligent than now. This new generation of the Internet has been termed “the Semantic Web”.
Referencing Resources through Ontology Evolution
Authors: Rogozan Déliar , Paquette Gilbert
Published: June 2010

Evolution is a fundamental requirement for useful ontologies. Knowledge evolves continuously in all fields of knowledge due to the progress in research and applications. Because they are theories of knowledge in a precise domain, Ontologies need to evolve because the domain has changed, the viewpoint of the domain has changed or because problems in the original domain conceptualization have to be resolved or have been resolved (Noy & Klein, 2003). Moreover, in open and dynamic environments such as the Semantic Web, the ontologies need to evolve because domain knowledge evolves continually (Heflin & Hendler, 2000) or because ontology-oriented software-agents must respond to changes in users’ needs (Stojanovic, Maedche, Stojanovic, & Studer, 2003).
Uncertainties in wind speed dependent CO2 transfer velocities due to airflow distortion at anemometer sites on ships
Authors: Griessbaum F. , Moat B. I. , Narita Y. , Yelland M. J. , Klemm O. , Uematsu M.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. Data from platforms, research vessels and merchant ships are used to estimate ocean CO2 uptake via parameterisations of the gas transfer velocity (k) and measurements of the difference between the partial pressures of CO2 in the ocean (pCO2 sw) and atmosphere (pCO2 atm) and of wind speed. Gas transfer velocities estimated using wind speed dependent parameterisations may be in error due to air flow distortion by the ship's hull and superstructure introducing biases into the measured wind speed. The effect of airflow distortion on estimates of the transfer velocity was examined by modelling the airflow around the three-dimensional geometries of the research vessels Hakuho Maru and Mirai, using the Large Eddy Simulation code GERRIS. For airflows within ±45° of the bow the maximum bias was +16%. For wind speed of 10 m s−1 to 15 m s−1, a +16% bias in wind speed would cause an overestimate in the calculated value of k of 30% to 50%, depending on which k parameterisation is used. This is due to the propagation of errors when using quadratic or cubic parameterisations. Recommendations for suitable anemometer locations on research vessels are given. The errors in transfer velocity may be much larger for typical merchant ships, as the anemometers are generally not as well-exposed as those on research vessels. Flow distortion may also introduce biases in the wind speed dependent k parameterisations themselves, since these are obtained by relating measurements of the CO2 flux to measurements of the wind speed and the CO2 concentration difference. To investigate this, flow distortion effects were estimated for three different platforms from which wind speed dependent parameterisations are published. The estimates ranged from −4% to +14% and showed that flow distortion may have a significant impact on wind speed dependent parameterisations. However, the wind biases are not large enough to explain the differences at high wind speeds in parameterisations which are based on eddy covariance and deliberate tracer methods.
Post-coring entrapment of modern air in some shallow ice cores collected near the firn-ice transition: evidence from CFC-12 measurements in Antarctic firn air and ice cores
Authors: Aydin M. , Montzka S. A. , Battle M. O. , Williams M. B. , De Bruyn W. J. , Butler J. H. , Verhulst K. R. , Tatum C. , Gun B. K. , Plotkin D. A. , Hall B. D. , Saltzman E. S.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. In this study, we report measurements of CFC-12 (CCl2F2) in firn air and in air extracted from shallow ice cores from three Antarctic sites. The firn air data are consistent with the known atmospheric history of CFC-12. In contrast, some of the ice core samples collected near the firn-ice transition exhibit anomalously high CFC-12 levels. Together, the ice core and firn air data provide evidence for the presence of modern air entrapped in the shallow ice core samples that likely contained open pores at the time of collection. We propose that this is due to closure of the open pores after drilling, entrapping modern air and resulting in elevated CFC-12 mixing ratios. Our results reveal that open porosity can exist below the maximum depth at which firn air samples can be collected, particularly at sites with lower accumulation rates. CFC-12 measurements demonstrate that post-drilling closure of open pores can lead to a change in the composition of bubble air in shallow ice cores through purely physical processes. The results have implications for investigations involving trace gas composition of bubbles in shallow ice cores collected near the firn-ice transition.
Aqueous chemistry and its role in secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation
Authors: Lim Y. B. , Tan Y. , Perri M. J. , Seitzinger S. P. , Turpin B. J.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. There is a growing understanding that secondary organic aerosol (SOA) can form through reactions in atmospheric waters (i.e., clouds, fogs, and aerosol water). In clouds and wet aerosols, water-soluble organic products of gas-phase photochemistry dissolve into the aqueous phase where they can react further (e.g. with OH radicals) to form low volatility products that are largely retained in the particle phase. Organic acids, oligomers and other products form via radical- and non-radical reactions, including hemiacetal formation during droplet evaporation, acid/base catalyzation, and reaction of organics with other constituents (e.g. NH4+). This paper uses kinetic modeling, experiments conducted with aqueous carbonyl solutions in the presence and absence of OH radicals, electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry, and the literature to describe aqueous chemistry at cloud- and aerosol-relevant concentrations and during droplet evaporation. At least for aqueous reactions of glyoxal with OH radicals, chemical modeling can reproduce experiments conducted at cloud-relevant concentrations without including radical–radical reactions, whereas radical–radical reactions become dramatically more important at higher concentrations. We demonstrate that reactions with OH radicals tend to be faster and form more SOA than "non-radical" reactions (e.g., acid catalyzation).
Mass tracking for chemical analysis: the causes of ozone formation in southern Ontario during BAQS-Met 2007
Authors: Makar P. A. , Zhang J. , Gong W. , Stroud C. , Sills D. , Hayden K. L. , Brook J. , Levy I. , Mihele C. , Moran M. D. , Tarasick D. W. , He H.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. A three-level nested regional air pollution model has been used to study the processes leading to high ozone concentrations in the southern Great Lakes region of North America. The highest resolution simulations show that complex interactions between the lake breeze circulation and the synoptic flow lead to significant enhancements in the photochemical production and transport of ozone at the local scale. Significant improvements in model correlation with ozone observations are achieved in going to the highest spatial resolution. Mass tracking of individual model processes show that Lakes Erie and St. Clair frequently act as photochemical production regions, with average mid-day production rates of 6 to 8 ppbv per hour. Enhanced ozone levels are evident over these two lakes in 23-day-average surface ozone fields. Analysis of other model fields and aircraft measurements suggests that vertical recirculation enhances ozone levels over Lake St. Clair while strong subsidence enhances ozone over Lake Erie. The mass tracking of model transport shows that lake-breeze surface convergence zones combined with the synoptic flow can carry ozone and its precursors hundreds of kilometers from these source areas, in narrow, elongated features. Comparison with surface mesonet ozone observations confirm the presence, magnitude, and timing of these features, which create local ozone enhancements on the order of 20 ppbv above the regional ozone levels. High-resolution modelling is recommended in order to predict these local-scale features in operational air-quality forecasts.
A map of radon flux at the Australian land surface
Authors: Griffiths A. D. , Zahorowski W. , Element A. , Werczynski S.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. A time-dependent map of radon-222 flux density at the Australian land surface has been constructed with a spatial resolution of 0.05° and temporal resolution of one month. Radon flux density was calculated from a simple model utilising data from national gamma-ray aerial surveys, modelled soil moisture, and maps of soil properties. The model was calibrated against a large data set of accumulation-chamber measurements, thereby constraining it with experimental data. A notable application of the map is in atmospheric mixing and transport studies which use radon as a tracer, where it is a clear improvement on the common assumption of uniform radon flux density.
Night-time chemistry above London: measurements of NO3 and N2O5 from the BT Tower during REPARTEE-II
Authors: Benton A. K. , Langridge J. M. , Ball S. M. , Bloss W. J. , Dall'Osto M. , Nemitz E. , Harrison R. M. , Jones R. L.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. Broadband cavity enhanced absorption spectroscopy (BBCEAS) has been used to measure the sum of concentrations of NO3 and N2O5 from the BT (telecommunications) Tower 160 m above street level in central London during the REPARTEE II campaign in October and November 2007. Substantial variability was observed in these night-time nitrogen compounds: peak NO3+N2O5 mixing ratios reached 800 pptv, whereas the mean night-time NO3+N2O5 was approximately 30 pptv. Additionally, [NO3+N2O5] showed negative correlations with [NO] and [NO2] and a positive correlation with [O3]. Co-measurements of temperature and NO2 from the BT Tower were used to calculate the equilibrium partitioning between NO3 and N2O5 which was always found to strongly favour N2O5 (NO3/N2O5=0.01 to 0.04). Two methods are used to calculate the lifetimes for NO3 and N2O5, the results being compared and discussed in terms of the implications for the night-time oxidation of nitrogen oxides and the night-time sinks for NOy.
IASI carbon monoxide validation over the Arctic during POLARCAT spring and summer campaigns
Authors: Pommier M. , Law K. S. , Clerbaux C. , Turquety S. , Hurtmans D. , Hadji-Lazaro J. , Coheur P.-F. , Schlager H. , Ancellet G. , Paris J.-D. , Nédélec P. , Diskin G. S. , Podolske J. R. , Holloway J. S. , Bernath P.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. In this paper, we provide a detailed comparison between carbon monoxide (CO) data measured by the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI)/METOP and aircraft measurements over the Arctic. The CO measurements were obtained during North American campaigns (NASA ARCTAS and NOAA ARCPAC) and European campaigns (POLARCAT-France, POLARCAT-GRACE and YAK-AEROSIB) as part of the International Polar Year (IPY) in spring and summer 2008. During the campaigns different air masses were sampled including clean air, polluted plumes originating from anthropogenic sources in Europe, Asia and North America, and forest fire plumes originating from Siberia and Canada. CO-rich plumes following different transport pathways were captured well by the IASI instrument, illustrated for example by a transport event over the North Pole from Asia on 9 July 2008. The comparison between the IASI CO profiles and aircraft data was achieved by first completing the latter for higher altitudes using a latitudinally dependent climatology of ACE-FTS satellite CO profiles (2004–2009) and by subsequently smoothing the resulting full profiles by the IASI averaging kernels. Proceeding this way, the IASI profiles were shown to be in good agreement with smoothed in situ profiles (with a difference of about 10 ppbv) in spring. In summer, the IASI profiles were higher than the smoothed in situ profiles below 8 km, for all polluted cases. Correlations between IASI and combination ACE-FTS/aircraft derived total columns varied from 0.15 to 0.74 in spring and 0.26 to 0.84 in summer, with better results over the sea in spring (0.73) and over the land in summer (0.69).
Millennial and sub-millennial scale climatic variations recorded in polar ice cores over the last glacial period
Authors: Capron E. , Landais A. , Chappellaz J. , Schilt A. , Buiron D. , Dahl-Jensen D. , Johnsen S. J. , Jouzel J. , Lemieux-Dudon B. , Loulergue L. , Leuenberger M. , Masson-Delmotte V. , Meyer H. , Oerter H. , Stenni B.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. Since its discovery in Greenland ice cores, the millennial scale climatic variability of the last glacial period has been increasingly documented at all latitudes with studies focusing mainly on Marine Isotopic Stage 3 (MIS 3; 28–60 thousand of years before present, hereafter ka) and characterized by short Dansgaard-Oeschger (DO) events. Recent and new results obtained on the EPICA and NorthGRIP ice cores now precisely describe the rapid variations of Antarctic and Greenland temperature during MIS 5 (73.5–123 ka), a time period corresponding to relatively high sea level. The results display a succession of abrupt events associated with long Greenland InterStadial phases (GIS) enabling us to highlight a sub-millennial scale climatic variability depicted by (i) short-lived and abrupt warming events preceding some GIS (precursor-type events) and (ii) abrupt warming events at the end of some GIS (rebound-type events). The occurrence of these sub-millennial scale events is suggested to be driven by the insolation at high northern latitudes together with the internal forcing of ice sheets. Thanks to a recent NorthGRIP-EPICA Dronning Maud Land (EDML) common timescale over MIS 5, the bipolar sequence of climatic events can be established at millennial to sub-millennial timescale. This shows that for extraordinary long stadial durations the accompanying Antarctic warming amplitude cannot be described by a simple linear relationship between the two as expected from the bipolar seesaw concept. We also show that when ice sheets are extensive, Antarctica does not necessarily warm during the whole GS as the thermal bipolar seesaw model would predict, questioning the Greenland ice core temperature records as a proxy for AMOC changes throughout the glacial period.
Darbepoetin alfa 300 or 500 μg once every 3 weeks with or without intravenous Iron in patients with chemotherapy‐induced anemia
Authors: Auerbach Michael , Silberstein Peter T. , Webb R. Timothy , Averyanova Svetlana , Ciuleanu Tudor‐Eliade , Shao James , Bridges Kenneth
Published: June 2010

This study evaluated efficacy and safety of darbepoetin alfa administered every 3 weeks (Q3W) at fixed doses of 300 or 500 μg with or without intravenous (IV) iron in treating anemia in patients receiving multicycle chemotherapy. This Phase 2, double‐blind, 2 × 2 factorial study randomized patients to one of four treatment arms; darbepoetin alfa 300 μg (n = 62), darbepoetin alfa 300 μg plus IV iron (n = 60), darbepoetin alfa 500 μg (n = 60), or darbepoetin alfa 500 μg plus IV iron (n = 60). Patients had nonmyeloid malignancies, hemoglobin levels ≤10 g dL−1, and no iron deficiency. Primary endpoint was achievement of target hemoglobin (≥11 g dL−1). Secondary endpoints included incidence of transfusions and change in Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Fatigue (FACT‐F) score from baseline to end of study. Safety was evaluated by incidence of adverse events. No evidence of a statistically significant interaction between darbepoetin alfa dose received and IV iron usage was observed, therefore, results are provided separately comparing darbepoetin alfa doses and comparing IV iron usage groups. Similar proportions of patients receiving darbepoetin alfa 300 or 500 μg achieved target hemoglobin (75 and 78%, respectively); Kaplan–Meier median time to target hemoglobin was 10 and 8 weeks, respectively. More patients receiving IV iron (82%) than not receiving IV iron (72%) achieved hemoglobin target. Adverse events profiles were similar for darbepoetin alfa treatment groups. Transient anaphylactoid reactions were reported in two patients receiving IV iron. Darbepoetin alfa at 300 μg Q3W and 500 μg Q3W showed similar benefit, while added IV iron improved treatment response in these patients. Am. J. Hematol., 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Liposomes in chromatography
Authors: Cserháti T. , Szögyi M.
Published: June 2010

The newest achievements in the application of liposomes in different chromatographic technologies such as high‐performance liquid chromatography and electrically driven separation methods was compiled and critically evaluated. The employment of chromatographic methodologies for the determination of molecular parameters of biological importance is also discussed in detail. The future trends of the use of liposomes is also shortly discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of volatile organic compounds in human breath for Helicobacter pylori detection by SPME‐GC/MS
Authors: Ulanowska Agnieszka , Kowalkowski Tomasz , Hrynkiewicz Katarzyna , Jackowski Marek , Buszewski Bogusław
Published: June 2010

Helicobacter pylori living in the human stomach release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be detected in expired air. The aim of the study was the application of breath analysis for bacteria detection. It was accomplished by determination of VOCs characteristic for patients with H. pylori and the analysis of gases released by bacteria in suspension. Solid‐phase microextraction was applied as a selective technique for preconcentration and isolation of analytes. Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry was used for the separation and identification of volatile analytes in breath samples and bacterial headspace. For data calculation and processing, discriminant and factor analyses were used. Endogenous substances such as isobutane, 2‐butanone and ethyl acetate were detected in the breath of persons with H. pylori in the stomach and in the gaseous mixture released by the bacteria strain but they were not identified in the breath of healthy volunteers. The canonical analysis of discrimination functions showed a strong difference between the three examined groups. Knowledge of substances emitted by H. pylori with the application of an optimized breath analysis method might become a very useful tool for noninvasive detection of this bacterium. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development and validation of a HPLC‐MS/MS method for the determination of venlafaxine enantiomers and application to a pharmacokinetic study in healthy Chinese volunteers
Authors: Liu Wen , Dai Ying‐Chun , Deng Nang , Liu Xiang‐Rong , Yi Luo
Published: June 2010

An HPLC‐MS/MS method has been developed and validated for the determination of venlafaxine enantiomers in human plasma and applied to a pharmacokinetic study in healthy Chinese volunteers. The method was carried out on a vancomycin chiral column (5 µm, 250 × 4.6 mm) maintained at 25°C. The mobile phase was methanol–water containing 30 mmol/L ammonium acetate, pH 3.3 adjusted with aqueous ammonia (8:92, v/v) at the flow rate 1.0 mL/min. A tandem mass spectrometer with an electrospray interface was operated in the multiple reaction monitoring mode to detect the selected ions pair at m/z 278.0 → 120.8 for venlafaxine enantiomers and m/z 294.8 → 266.7 for estazolanm (internal standard). The method was linear in the concentration range of 0.28–423.0 ng/mL. The lower limit of quantification was 0.28 ng/mL. The intra‐and inter‐day relative standard deviations were less than 9.7%. The method was successfully applied for the evaluation of pharmacokinetic profiles of venlafaxine enantiomers in 18 healthy volnteers. Validation parameters such as the specificity, linearity, precision, accuracy and stability were evaluated, giving results within the acceptable range. Pharmacokinetic parameters of the venlafaxine enantiomers were measured in the 18 healthy Chinese volunteers who received a single regimen with venlafaxine hydrochloride capsules. The results show that AUC(0–∞), Cmax and t1/2 between S‐venlafaxine and R‐venlafaxine are significantly different (p < 0.05). Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐performance affinity purification for identification of 15‐deoxy‐Δ12,14‐PGJ2interacting factors using magnetic nanobeads
Authors: Maekawa Naoya , Hiramoto Masaki , Sakamoto Satoshi , Azuma Motoki , Ito Takumi , Ikeda Marie , Naitou Michitaka , Acharya Hukum P. , Kobayashi Yuichi , Suematsu Makoto , Handa Hiroshi , Imai Takeshi
Published: June 2010

Prostaglandin J2(PGJ2) family have been reported to show various kinds of biological activities. Considerable progress has been made toward understanding the mechanism of adipogenesis, however, the mechanisms of other actions of PGJ2family remain controversial. The 15‐deoxy‐Δ12,14‐PGJ2(15d‐PGJ2) is one of the members of PGJ2family, and is known as a ligand for peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptorγ(PPARγ), which promotes the expression of the crucial genes for adipogenesis. In this study, we found that 15d‐PGJ2did not stimulate PPARγ‐mediated gene expression in HEK293 cells whereas 15d‐PGJ2transactivated PPARγ‐dependent transcription in other cell lines. Moreover, we confirmed that 15d‐PGJ2suppressed the growth of HEK293 cells. These observations suggest that 15d‐PGJ2shows another biological activity e.g. growth inhibition in HEK293 cells via unknown receptor for 15d‐PGJ2.

The aim of this study is to develop and validate effective purification system for PGJ2interacting factors (PGJIFs). We have recently developed high performance magnetic nanobeads. In this study, we have newly developed 15d‐PGJ2‐immobilized beads by conjugating 15d‐PGJ2to the surface of these nanobeads. Firstly, we showed that PPARγspecifically bound to 15d‐PGJ2‐immobilized beads. Secondly, we newly identified voltage dependent anionic channel 1 (VDAC1) as new PGJIF from crude extracts of HEK293 cells using this affinity purification system. These data presented here demonstrate that 15d‐PGJ2‐immobilized beads are effective tool for purification of PGJIFs directly from crude cell extracts. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Divergent beam hard X‐ray diffraction used for the simultaneous imaging of radiographic and crystallographic information
Authors: Bauch J. , Böhling M. , Ullrich H.‐J. , Wünsche D.
Published: June 2010

A transmission method and experimental set‐up were developed for the nondestructive characterisation of the quality of bulk single crystals/ large coarsely crystalline polycrystals or components. The method works by combination of X‐ray projection microscopy (X‐ray shadow microscopy) with bremsstrahlung interferences from divergent beam hard X‐rays, in order to form simultaneously enlarged radiographic images and crystallographic information in one measurement. The method and equipment are patent registered. In the paper some of the first results are presented. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Beaver dams, hydrological thresholds, and controlled floods as a management tool in a desert riverine ecosystem, Bill Williams River, Arizona
Authors: Andersen Douglas C. , Shafroth Patrick B.
Published: June 2010

Beaver convert lotic stream habitat to lentic through dam construction, and the process is reversed when a flood or other event causes dam failure. We investigated both processes on a regulated Sonoran Desert stream, using the criterion that average current velocity is < 0·2 m s−1 in a lentic reach. We estimated temporal change in the lotic:lentic stream length ratio by relating beaver pond length (determined by the upstream lentic–lotic boundary position) to dam size, and coupling that to the dam‐size frequency distribution and repeated censuses of dams along the 58‐km river. The ratio fell from 19:1 when no beaver dams were present to < 3:1 after 7 years of flows favourable for beaver. We investigated the dam failure–flood intensity relationship in three independent trials (experimental floods) featuring peak discharge ranging from 37 to 65 m3 s−1. Major damage (breach ≥ 3‐m wide) occurred at ≥ 20% of monitored dams (n = 7–86) and a similar or higher proportion was moderately damaged. We detected neither a relationship between dam size and damage level nor a flood discharge threshold for initiating major damage. Dam constituent materials appeared to control the probability of major damage at low (attenuated) flood magnitude. We conclude that environmental flows prescribed to sustain desert riparian forest will also reduce beaver‐created lentic habitat in a non‐linear manner determined by both beaver dam and flood attributes. Consideration of both desirable and undesirable consequences of ecological engineering by beaver is important when optimizing environmental flows to meet ecological and socioeconomic goals. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.