bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct chiral analysis of primary amine drugs in human urine by single drop microextraction in‐line coupled to CE
Authors: Choi Kihwan , Kim Jungyeon , Jang Yong Oh , Chung Doo Soo
Published: August 2009

Three‐phase single drop microextraction (SDME) was in‐line coupled to chiral CE of weakly basic amine compounds including amphetamine. SDME was used for the matrix isolation and sample preconcentration in order to directly analyze urine samples with the minimal pretreatment of adding NaOH. A small drop of an acidic aqueous acceptor phase covered with a thin layer of octanol was formed at the tip of a capillary by simple manipulation of the liquid handling functions of a commercial CE instrument. While the saline matrix of the urine sample was blocked by the octanol layer, the basic analytes in a basic aqueous donor phase were concentrated into the acidic acceptor drop through the octanol layer by the driving force of the pH difference between the two aqueous phases. The enantiomers of the enriched amines were resolved by using (+)‐(18‐crown‐6)‐tetracarboxylic acid as a chiral selector for the subsequent CE separation. From 10 min SDME with the agitation of the donor phase by a small stirrer retrofit to the CE instrument, enrichment factors were about a 1000‐fold, yielding the LOD of 0.5 ng/mL for amphetamine. This low LOD value as well as the convenience of in‐line coupled SDME make the proposed scheme well suited for the demanding chiral analysis of amphetamine‐type stimulants.
The human lung cell line A549 does not develop adaptive protection against the DNA‐damaging action of formaldehyde
Authors: Speit Günter , Neuss Simone , Schmid Oliver
Published: August 2009

The alkaline comet assay was used to further characterize the induction of DNA‐protein crosslinks (DPX) by formaldehyde (FA) and their removal in the human lung cell line A549. DPX were indirectly measured as the reduction of gamma ray‐induced DNA migration. Repeated treatments of A549 cells with low FA concentrations (up to 100 μM) did not lead to significant differences in the induction of DPX in comparison with a single treatment. Pretreatment with higher FA‐concentrations (200 μM and above) enhanced the crosslinking effect. There was no indication for an adaptive protection against the induction of DPX by FA. These findings are in agreement with RT‐PCR measurements of the expression of genes that encode the main enzymes involved in FA detoxification. A549 cells exposed to FA (50–300 μM) for 1, 4, or 24 hr did not reveal altered expression of the GSH‐dependent formaldehyde dehydrogenase (FDH, which is identical to alcohol dehydrogenase 3; ADH3), the cytosolic aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1A1) and the mitochondrial ALDH2. Pretreatment of A549 cells with a low FA concentration (50 μM) also did not enhance the removal of DPX induced by higher FA concentrations. Taken together, these results suggest that A549 cells do not develop adaptive protection against the genotoxic action of FA. Neither metabolic inactivation of FA nor the repair of FA‐induced DPX seems to be enhanced in cells pretreated with FA. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Elevated sedimentation in lake records linked to agricultural activities in the Ishikari River floodplain, northern Japan
Authors: Ahn Young Sang , Nakamura Futoshi , Kizuka Toshikazu , Nakamura Yugo
Published: August 2009

The purpose of this study was to examine the historical change in sedimentation rates in lakes that have been impacted by river regulation and agricultural activities in the Ishikari River floodplain. We dated sediment cores using caesium‐137 (137Cs) dating and tephrochronology, and we estimated sediment sources from 137Cs concentrations in the topsoil of representative land covers. We found that, between 1739 and 1963, the distance between the lake and the main river channel and whether or not the lake was connected to the river affected the sedimentation rates. After 1963, agricultural drainage systems were established in the Ishikari River floodplain. The average sedimentation rate before and after the construction of drainage ditches varied between 1–66 and 87–301 mg cm–2 a–1, respectively. The increase in the sedimentation rate after 1963 was caused by the construction of a number of drainage networks, as well as extensive cultivation activity and/or fragmentation of the swamp buffers surrounding the lakes. The 137Cs activities at the surfaces of the lake as well as the catchment‐derived 137Cs contributions and 137Cs inventory in the lake profiles were used to examine the sediment influx from the various drainage areas after the establishment of the drainage system. Our results indicate that the majority of the lake sediments were derived from cultivated areas, and therefore the catchment‐derived 137Cs contribution in the lakes was strongly correlated with the sedimentation rate. The 137Cs inventory across all of the lake profiles was also significantly greater than the atmospheric fallout. We identified a negative correlation between the 137Cs lake profile inventory and the sedimentation rate. This is because the sediment originating from the drainage areas contained low 137Cs concentrations, which diluted the overall concentration of 137Cs in the lake sediment. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of thermo‐solutal stratification on recirculation flow patterns in a backward‐facing step channel flow
Authors: Senthil Kumar D. , Murugesan K. , Gupta Akhilesh
Published: August 2009

This paper presents results on the combined effect of thermo‐solutal buoyancy forces on the recirculatory flow behavior in a horizontal channel with backward‐facing step and the ensuing impact on heat and mass transfer phenomena. The governing equations for double diffusive mixed convection are represented in velocity–vorticity form of momentum equations, velocity Poisson equations, energy and concentration equations. Galerkin's finite‐element method has been employed to solve the governing equations. Recirculatory flow fields with heat and mass transfer are simulated for opposing and aiding thermo‐solutal buoyancy forces by assuming suitable boundary conditions for energy and concentration equations. The effect of Richardson number (0.1⩽Ri⩽10) and buoyancy ratio (−10⩽N⩽10) on the recirculation bubble and Nusselt and Sherwood numbers are studied in detail. For Richardson number greater than unity, distinct variations in the gradients of Nusselt number and Sherwood number with buoyancy ratio are observed for flow regimes with opposing and aiding buoyancy forces. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Visualising Liquid Water in PEM Fuel Cells Using Neutron Imaging
Authors: Mukundan R. , Borup R. L.
Published: August 2009

In this article, we review the neutron imaging techniques that have been used to visualise liquid water in PEM fuel cells. A list of the various facilities engaged in this research is provided and the published literature in this field reviewed. Neutron imaging has been successfully used to visualise water dynamics in the flow channels of operating fuel cells. This technique has also been used to understand water removal mechanisms and the importance of membrane hydration and GDL flooding to optimal fuel cell performance. More recently this technique has been applied to imaging the water in fuel cell cross‐sections in order to quantify the water contents in the different components of an operating fuel cell. Finally, this technique has also been utilised to examine ice formation during sub‐zero operation of single fuel cells. With ongoing improvements in spatial and temporal resolution, neutron imaging can be expected to play a greater role in any fuel cell development related to water transport.
WDX Studies on Ceramic Diffusion Barrier Layers of Metal Supported SOECs
Authors: Wiedenmann D. , Vogt U. F. , Soltmann C. , Patz O. , Schiller G. , Grobéty B.
Published: August 2009

Solid oxide electrolyser cells (SOECs) have great potential for efficient and economical production of hydrogen fuel. Element diffusion between the Ni‐cermet electrode and the metal substrate of metal supported cells (MSC) is a known problem in fuel cell and electrolysis technology. In order to hinder this unintentional mass transport, different ceramic diffusion barrier layers (DBLs) are included in recent cell design concepts. This paper is based on wavelength dispersive X‐ray fluorescence investigations of different SOEC and focuses on Fe, Cr and Ni diffusion between the metal grains of the cathode and the metal substrate. Due to the low detection limits and therefore high analytical sensitivity, wavelength dispersive electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) provides a precise method to determine element distribution, absolute element concentration and changes between the reference material and aged cells on a microstructural level by element mappings and concentration profiles. The results of this work show considerable concentration gradients in the metal grains caused by mass exchange during cell operation. Diffusion can be inhibited significantly by integrating different ceramic DBLs of doped LaCrO3‐type or doped LaMnO3‐type perovskite, either by vacuum plasma spraying (VPS) or physical vapour deposition technique (PVD).
Integration of Oxide Anodes into the Rolls‐Royce IP‐SOFC Concept
Authors: Cassidy M. , Boulfrad S. , Irvine J. , Chung C. , Jorger M. , Munnings C. , Pyke S.
Published: August 2009

The limitations of the current state of the art Ni‐YSZ cermet anodes with respect to Redox stability, coking and sulphur tolerance are well acknowledged. A material which mitigates all or even some of these issues would be of great importence for the continued development of robust SOFC systems. One such promising material system is based around the perovskite (La,Sr)Cr0.5Mn0.5O3 (LSCM). In this paper, some aspects of the work, carried out to integrate LSCM anodes into the IP‐SOFC, are described. The intricacies of the introduction of a new material into an existing stack design concept are considered and how this impacts the performance and requirements of adjacent materials. In the case of the LSCM integration, at least as much work has gone into the development of these layers as into the anode itself. In particular, the design of a current collector to optimise both the conductivity across the layers and the adhesion to the anode has proved to be a challenging task within the normal design constraints of the IP‐SOFC. Initial perfomance of around 75 mW cm–2 in a stack repeat unit test is encouraging and initial analysis has suggested that further development of the current collecting microstructure will confer significant performance improvements.
Experimental and Theoretical Investigation of Degradation Mechanisms by Particle Coarsening in SOFC Electrodes
Authors: Tanasini P. , Cannarozzo M. , Costamagna P. , Faes A. , Van Herle J. , Hessler‐Wyser A. , Comninellis C.
Published: August 2009

Performance degradation data obtained from single solid oxide fuel cells, tested at 850 °C with air and humidified H2 and using Ni‐YSZ anode supported cells, are presented here. Microscopic investigation is carried out on both anode and cathode to quantify variations in the morphology at different operation times. The comparison between the measurements on the cells and the SEM image analysis allows to conclude that there is no relationship between the initial cell activation and microstructural modifications of the electrodes. On the other hand, it was found that cell degradation is strictly related to the coarsening of Ni particles occurring in the anode. A theoretical analysis based on an electrode micromodel has been performed in order to compare the variation in performance, expected from particle size change, with the observed data. The model confirmed the conclusions of the experimental results.
Implications of the fluvial history of the Wacheqsa River for hydrologic engineering and water use at Chavín de Húntar, Peru
Authors: Contreras Daniel A. , Keefer David K.
Published: August 2009

Channeling of water through a variety of architectural features represents a significant engineering investment at the first millennium B.C. ceremonial center of Chavín de Huántar in the Peruvian Central Andes. The site contains extensive evidence of the manipulation of water, apparently for diverse purposes. The present configuration of the two local rivers, however, keeps available water approximately 9m below the highest level of water‐bearing infrastructure in the site. Geomorphic and archaeological investigation of the fluvial history of the Wacheqsa River has revealed evidence that the Chavín‐era configuration of the Wacheqsa River was different. A substantially higher water level, likely the result of a local impoundment of river water caused by a landslide dam, made the provision of water for the hydrologic system within the site a more readily practical possibility. We review what is known of that system and argue that the fluvial history of the Wacheqsa River is critical to understanding this aspect of hydrologic engineering and ritual practice at Chavín. This study demonstrates the relative rapidity and archaeological relevance of landscape change in a dynamic environment. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Speleothem preservation and diagenesis in South African hominin sites implications for paleoenvironments and geochronology
Authors: Hopley Philip J. , Marshall Jim D. , Latham Alf G.
Published: August 2009

Plio‐Pleistocene speleothems from australopithecine‐bearing caves of South Africa have the potential to yield paleoenvironmental and geochronological information using isotope geochemistry. Prior to such studies it is important to assess the preservation of geochemical signals within the calcitic and aragonitic speleothems, given the tendency of aragonitic speleothems to recrystallize to calcite. This study documents the geochemical suitability of speleothems from the principal hominin‐bearing deposits of South Africa. We use petrography, together with stable isotope and trace element analysis, to identify the occurrence of primary aragonite, primary calcite, and secondary calcite. This study highlights the presence of diagenetic alteration at many of the sites, often observed as interbedded primary and secondary fabrics. Trace element and stable isotopic values distinguish primary calcite from secondary calcite and offer insights into geochemical aspects of the past cave environment. δ13C values of the primary and secondary calcites range from +6 to −9‰ and δ18O values range from −4 to −6‰. The data are thus typical of meteoric calcites with highly variable δ13C and relatively invariant δ18O. High carbon isotope values in these deposits are associated with the effects of recrystallization and rapid outgassing of CO2 during precipitation. Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios differ between primary and secondary calcite speleothems, aiding their identification. Carbon and oxygen isotope values in primary calcite reflect the proportion of C3 and C4 vegetation in the local environment and the oxygen isotope composition of rainfall. Primary calcite speleothems preserve the pristine geochemical signals vital for ongoing paleoenvironmental and geochronological research. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The impact of income on the weight of elderly Americans
Authors: Cawley John , Moran John , Simon Kosali
Published: August 2009

This paper estimates the impact of income on the body weight and clinical weight classification of elderly Americans using a natural experiment that led otherwise identical retirees to receive significantly different Social Security payments based on their year of birth. We estimate models of instrumental variables using data from the National Health Interview Surveys and find no significant effect of income on weight. The confidence intervals rule out even moderate effects of income on weight and on the probability of being underweight or obese, especially for men. For example, they indicate that the income elasticity of body mass index is not greater in absolute value than 0.06 for men or 0.14 for women. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ectopic parathyroid adenoma located inside the hypoglossal nerve
Authors: Karvounaris Dimitrios C. , Symeonidis Nikolaos , Triantafyllou Apostolos , Flaris Nicolaos , Sakadamis Athanasios
Published: August 2009

Background

Intraneural parathyroid adenomas are extremely rare, with only 9 cases of intravagal adenomas reported. We report the first case of an ectopic parathyroid adenoma located within the hypoglossal nerve.

Methods and Results

A 62‐year‐old woman presented with a palpable nodule in the right submandibular area, reduced bone mass, and elevated calcium and parathormone levels. Preoperative investigation with neck ultrasound and MRI did not provide a definitive diagnosis, whereas sestamibi scan showed slightly increased radiotracer accumulation in the same area. Intraoperatively, the right hypoglossal nerve was found to course through the lesion and, despite the attempt to salvage it, most of its fibers were transected. Histopathology confirmed the presence of a parathyroid adenoma inside the trunk of a nerve. Postoperatively, calcium and parathormone levels decreased but right hypoglossal nerve paresis was noted.

Conclusion

This unique case emphasizes the variability of parathyroid anatomy and the difficulties faced by the surgeon when treating this disease process. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010
Synthesis, Characterization, and Anti‐amoebic Screening of Core‐Modified 5,20‐Bis{2‐{[(alkyl)(alkyl′)amino]methyl}ferrocen‐1‐yl}‐10,15‐diphenyl‐21,23‐dithiaporphyrin (=1,1″‐(10,15‐Diphenyl‐21,23‐dithiaporphine‐5,20‐diyl)bis[2‐{[(alkyl)(alkyl′)amino]methyl}ferrocene]) Derivatives
Authors: Bhat Abdul R. , Bhat Asif I. , Athar Fareeda , Azam Amir
Published: August 2009

The synthesis of the first bis‐ferrocenyl‐substituted core‐modified porphyrins, 5,20‐bis{2‐{[(alkyl)(alkyl′)amino]methyl}ferrocen‐1‐yl}‐10,15‐diphenyl‐21,23‐dithiaporphyrin derivatives 6a–6j, via a multistep route is reported (Schemes 1, 2, and 4). The synthesis was carried out through acid‐catalyzed (BF3⋅Et2O) condensation of 1,1″‐[thiophene‐2,5‐diylbis(hydroxymethyl)]bis[2‐{[(alkyl)(alkyl′)amino]methyl}ferrocenes] 4a–4j with 2,2′‐[thiophene‐2,5‐diylbis(phenylmethylene)]bis[1H‐pyrrole] (5b) in presence of 2,3‐dichloro‐5,6‐dicyano‐1,4‐benzoquinone (=4,5‐dichloro‐3,6‐dioxocyclohexa‐1,4‐diene‐1,2‐dicarbonitrile; DDQ). Characterization of the compounds was done at each step by means of various spectroscopic techniques. The final compounds were screened for in vitro anti‐amoebic activity against the strain HM1 : IMSS of E. histolytica (Table 2).
Synthesis of New Conjugates of Modified Podophyllotoxin and Stavudine
Authors: Chen Shi‐Wu , Xiang Rong , Tian Xuan
Published: August 2009

To find podophyllotoxin compounds with superior bioactivitiy and less toxicity, a series of novel conjugates of ring‐A‐modified 4‐epipodophyllotoxin and stavudine with amino acids as spacers were synthesized, i.e., the N‐[(2′,3′‐didehydro‐3′‐deoxythymidin‐5′‐O‐yl)carbonyl]‐substituted L‐amino acid rel‐(3aR,4S,9R,9aR)‐1,3,3a,4,9,9a‐hexahydro‐6,7‐dimethoxy‐1‐oxo‐9‐(3,4,5‐trimethoxyphenyl)naphtho[2,3‐c]furan‐4‐yl esters 8a–8f.
Sarcoglycosides A – C, New O‐Glycosylglycerol Derivatives from the South China Sea Soft Coral Sarcophyton infundibuliforme
Authors: Li Liang , Wang Chang‐Yun , Shao Chang‐Lun , Guo Yue‐Wei , Li Guo‐Qiang , Sun Xue‐Ping , Han Lei , Huang Hui , Guan Hua‐Shi
Published: August 2009

Chemical examination of the soft coral Sarcophyton infundibuliforme collected from the South China Sea resulted in the isolation of the three new O‐glycosylglycerol derivatives sarcoglycosides A–C (1–3), together with two known compounds, chimyl alcohol (4) and hexadecanol (5). Their structures were elucidated by combined spectral and chemical methods. All the compounds showed moderate toxicity to brine shrimps Artemia salina.
Three New Diarylheptanoids from Myrica nana
Authors: Wang Jun‐Feng , Zhang Cun‐Li , Lu Qing , Yu Ya‐Fang , Zhong Hui‐Min , Long Chun‐Lin , Cheng Yong‐Xian
Published: August 2009

Three new cyclic diarylheptanoids myricananins F–H (1–3, resp.), along with five known ones, 4–8, were isolated from the roots of Myrica nana. Compound 3 has been obtained by Nagai et al. by reduction of porson with NaBH4. In this work, compound 3 was isolated from natural origin for the first time. The structures of 1–8 were elucidated using spectroscopic methods.
Phenolic Compounds Isolated from the Bark of Abies sachalinensis
Authors: Wada Shun‐ichi , Hitomi Teppei , Tanaka Reiko
Published: August 2009

Eight spiro‐biflavonoids named abiesinols A–H, along with three neolignans, quercetin, and protocatechuic acid were isolated from the MeOH extract of the bark of Abies sachalinensis. The structures of these phenolic compounds were characterized by spectroscopic methods including NMR and MS. The absolute configurations of the abiesinols were determined by Mosher's method, CD, and NOESY data.
A quarter century of declining suspended sediment fluxes in the Mississippi River and the effect of the 1993 flood
Authors: Horowitz Arthur J.
Published: August 2009

Annual fluxes, flow‐weighted concentrations and linear least squares trendline calculations for a number of long‐term Mississippi River Basin (MRB) sampling sites covering 1981 through 2007, whilst somewhat ‘noisy’, display long‐term patterns of decline. Annual flow‐weighted concentration plots display the same long‐term patterns of decline, but are less noisy because they reduce/eliminate variations due to interannual discharge differences. The declines appear greatest in the middle MRB, but also are evident elsewhere. The pattern for the lower Ohio River differs and may reflect ongoing construction at the Olmsted lock and dam that began in 1993 and currently is ongoing. The ‘Great Flood of 1993’ appears to have superimposed a step function (a sharp drop) on the long‐term rate of decline in suspended sediment concentrations (SSC), annual fluxes and flow‐weighted concentrations in the middle MRB at St Louis and Thebes, Missouri and Vicksburg, Mississippi, and in the lower MRB at St Francisville, Louisiana. Evidence for a step function at other sites is less substantial, but may have occurred. The step function appears to have resulted from losses in available (erodible) sediment, rather than to a reduction in discharge; hence, the MRB appears to be supply limited rather than discharge limited. These evaluations support the need for daily discharge and SSC data collections in the MRB to better address questions regarding long‐term trends in sediment‐related issues. This is apparent when the results for the Mississippi River at Thebes and St Louis sites are compared with those from other MRB sites where intensive (daily) data collections are lacking. Published in 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CCK2receptor expression transforms non‐tumorigenic human NCM356 colonic epithelial cells into tumor forming cells
Authors: Chao Celia , Han Xueliang , Ives Kirk , Park Jeseong , Kolokoltsov Andrey A. , Davey Robert A. , Moyer Mary P. , Hellmich Mark R.
Published: August 2009

Expression of gastrin and cholecystokinin 2 (CCK2) receptor splice variants (CCK2R and CCK2i4svR) are upregulated in human colonic adenomas where they are thought to contribute to tumor growth and progression. To determine the effects of ectopic CCK2receptor variant expression on colonic epithelial cell growthin vitroandin vivo, we employed the non‐tumorigenic colonic epithelial cell line, NCM356. Receptor expression was induced using a retroviral expression vector containing cDNAs for either CCK2i4svR or CCK2R. RT‐PCR and intracellular Ca2+([Ca2+]i) imaging of RIE/CCK2R cells treated with conditioned media (CM) from NCM356 revealed that NCM356 cells express gastrin mRNA and secrete endogenous, biologically active peptide. NCM356 cells expressing either CCK2R or CCK2i4svR (71 and 81 fmol/mg, respectively) grew fasterin vitro, and exhibited an increase in basal levels of phosphorylated ERK (pERK), compared with vector. CCK2receptor selective antagonist, YM022, partially inhibited the growth of both receptor‐expressing NCM356 cells, but not the control cells. Inhibitors of mitogen activated protein kinase pathway (MEK/ERK) or protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes partially inhibited the elevated levels of basal pERK andin vitrogrowth of receptor‐expressing cells. Vector‐NCM356 cells did not form tumors in nude mice, whereas, either CCK2receptor‐expressing cells formed large tumors. Autocrine activation CCK2receptor variants are sufficient to increasein vitrogrowth and tumorigenicity of non‐transformed NCM356 colon epithelial cells through a pathway involving PKC and the MEK/ERK axis. These findings support the hypothesis that expression of gastrin and its receptors in human colonic adenomas contributes to tumor growth and progression.
The effects of substrate texture on the mechanics of quadrupedal arboreal locomotion in the gray short‐tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica)
Authors: Lammers Andrew R.
Published: August 2009

Among small mammals, the ability to move on tree trunks, branches, and twigs is nearly ubiquitous. Performance and locomotor mechanics on arboreal substrates may be influenced by variation in the coefficient of friction between the hands/feet of the animal and the surface of the arboreal substrate. To test this, I examined speed, substrate reaction forces, and torque around the long axis of two cylindrical trackways with rough and smooth surfaces in gray short‐tailed opossums (Monodelphis domestica). Speed was determined with videography, and forces and torques were measured by an instrumented section of the trackway. The opossums traveled more slowly on the smooth arboreal trackway. There was also significant interaction between limb (forelimbs, hindlimbs) and substrate texture (rough, smooth) in braking, propulsive, and laterally directed impulses. Running on the smooth trackway had the effect of reducing some between‐limb (forelimb vs. hindlimb) differences. Stability on the rough trackway was probably maintained by relatively high momentum, but on the smooth trackway, the opossums used static methods (many limbs contacting the substrate, greater muscular effort, lower momentum) to remain stable and avoid toppling. Clearly, momentum and dynamics are often important biomechanical considerations for this generalized mammal. Highly arboreal animals can remain dynamically stable on a wider variety of substrate textures. J. Exp. Zool. 311A:813–823, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dimerization of ionized 4‐(methyl mercapto)‐phenol during ESI, APCI and APPI mass spectrometry
Authors: Wu Lianming , Eberlin Marcos N. , Corilo Yuri E. , Liu David Q. , Yin Hao
Published: August 2009

A novel ion/molecule reaction was observed to occur under electrospray ionization (ESI), atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI), and atmospheric pressure photo ionization (APPI) conditions, leading to dimerization of ionized 4‐(methyl mercapto)‐phenol followed by fast H· loss. The reaction is particularly favored during ESI, which suggests that this ion/molecule reaction can occur both in the solution inside the ESI‐charged droplets and in the gas‐phase environment of most other atmospheric pressure ionization techniques. The dimerization reaction is inherent to the electrolytic process during ESI, whereas it is more by ion/molecule chemistry in nature during APCI and APPI. From the tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) data, accurate mass measurements, hydrogen/deuterium (H/D) exchange experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, two methyl sulfonium ions appear to be the most likely products of this electrophilic aromatic substitution reaction. The possible occurrence of this unexpected reaction complicates mass spectral data interpretation and can be misleading in terms of structural assignment as reported herein for 4‐(methyl mercapto)‐phenol. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long‐term immunogenicity of preservative‐free hepatitis B vaccine formulations in adults
Authors: Van Damme Pierre , von Sonnenburg Frank , Hatz Christoph , Hoet Bernard , Lefevre Inge , Leyssen Maarten
Published: August 2009

Vaccination with recombinant hepatitis B vaccines is highly effective in preventing hepatitis B infection. Recently, a preservative‐free (PF) formulation of hepatitis B vaccine [GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Biologicals, Rixensart, Belgium] has been licensed. The immunogenicity of the PF hepatitis B vaccine and antibody persistence 6 years later was assessed in this study. This formulation was compared with the preservative‐ containing (PC) formulation of the vaccine and a low‐preservative (LP) content formulation. Five hundred forty‐one healthy adult subjects were evaluated in the primary study. Over 94% of the subjects in the three study groups had seroprotective anti‐HBs antibody concentrations (≥10 mIU/ml) 1 month after completing primary vaccination. Antibody measurements in 242 healthy adults who returned for the follow‐up study and who had received primary vaccination 6 years earlier showed that over 81% of subjects in the three study groups still had anti‐HBs antibody concentrations ≥10 mIU/ml. No apparent differences in antibody decline or distribution between the study groups were observed. These results indicate that the removal of preservatives from the hepatitis B vaccine does not affect adversely its immunogenicity both in the short and in the longer term. J. Med. Virol. 81:1710–1715, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
X gene mutations in hepatitis B patients with cirrhosis, with and without hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Choi Chang Soo , Cho Eun Young , Park Raekil , Kim Se‐Jin , Cho Ji‐Hyun , Kim Haak Cheoul
Published: August 2009

Specific mutations in the hepatitis B virus (HBV) genome have been reported to be associated with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The goal of this study was to determine whether mutations in the HBV X gene are associated with the development of HCC in hepatitis B patients with cirrhosis. Forty‐two patients infected with HBV genotype C2 with cirrhosis and HCC were compared with 46 patients with cirrhosis but without HCC. X gene mutations were determined by direct sequencing in all patients. The HCC and non‐HCC groups were similar with respect to clinical characteristics, and the presence of T1762/A1764, T1653, and V1753 mutations was not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.068, P = 0.097, P = 0.442, respectively). Only the B1499 mutation was associated significantly with HCC (P = 0.015) (odds ratio: 3.42, 95% CI: 1.24–9.48). In hepatitis Be antigen (HBeAg)‐positive patients, advanced age was associated significantly with HCC (P = 0.038), whereas in HBeAg‐negative patients, the B1499 mutation was associated more significantly with HCC (P = 0.01). Patients in the B1499 mutation group exhibited significantly higher AST and ALT levels compared with patients infected the wild‐type virus. In conclusion, B1499 is a novel mutation associated with HCC in Korean patients with cirrhosis infected with HBV genotype C2. J. Med. Virol. 81:1721–1725, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human papillomavirus DNA detected in peripheral blood samples from healthy Australian male blood donors
Authors: Chen Alice Che‐Ha , Keleher Annie , Kedda Mary‐Anne , Spurdle Amanda B. , McMillan Nigel A.J. , Antonsson Annika
Published: August 2009

Recent studies have shown that human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA can be found in circulating blood, including peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), sera, plasma, and arterial cord blood. In light of these findings, DNA extracted from PBMCs from healthy blood donors were examined in order to determine how common HPV DNA is in blood of healthy individuals. Blood samples were collected from 180 healthy male blood donors (18–76 years old) through the Australian Red Cross Blood Services. Genomic DNA was extracted and specimens were tested for HPV DNA by PCR using a broad range primer pair. Positive samples were HPV‐type determined by cloning and sequencing. HPV DNA was found in 8.3% (15/180) of the blood donors. A wide variety of different HPV types were isolated from the PBMCs; belonging to the cutaneous beta and gamma papillomavirus genera and mucosal alpha papillomaviruses. High‐risk HPV types that are linked to cancer development were detected in 1.7% (3/180) of the PBMCs. Blood was also collected from a healthy HPV‐positive 44‐year‐old male on four different occasions in order to determine which blood cell fractions harbor HPV. PBMCs treated with trypsin were negative for HPV, while non‐trypsinized PBMCs were HPV‐positive. This suggests that the HPV in blood is attached to the outside of blood cells via a protein‐containing moiety. HPV was also isolated in the B cells, dendritic cells, NK cells, and neutrophils. To conclude, HPV present in PBMCs could represent a reservoir of virus and a potential new route of transmission. J. Med. Virol. 81:1792–1796, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Changes in Catchment‐Scale Recession Flow Properties in Response to Permafrost Thawing in the Yukon River Basin
Authors: Lyon Steve W. , Destouni Georgia
Published: August 2009

Permafrost influences the hydrologic response of a catchment. In this study, we test the ability of recession flow analysis to reflect thawing of permafrost at the catchment scale for the well‐studied Yukon river basin (YRB), covering large portions of Alaska, USA and parts of Canada. The changes in the recession flow properties detected in the YRB agree well with observations of permafrost thawing across central Alaska. In addition, there is good agreement between the relative increases in recession flow intercept (a proxy for effective depth to permafrost) and the relative annual increases in groundwater flow (independently assessed as a permafrost thawing effect) in the YRB catchments that have exhibited such groundwater flow increases. This study demonstrates the utility of recession flow analysis to reflect catchment‐scale changes in permafrost across a variety of permafrost conditions. The strength of this method is that it requires only daily observations of streamflow to reflect permafrost thawing on much larger measurement support scales than the local scales of direct permafrost observations. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Evaluating heat‐related mortality in Korea by objective classifications of ‘air masses’
Authors: Kyselý Jan , Huth Radan , Kim Jiyoung
Published: August 2009

Objective classifications of weather types (‘air masses’, AMs) are a frequently used tool for evaluating and predicting increased mortality due to heat stress in summer. The air‐mass‐based approach takes into account the entire weather situation rather than single elements; it identifies ‘oppressive’ AMs associated with elevated mortality in a given location/area, and applies regression models within the oppressive AMs in order to account for and predict excess mortality. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis are used to define the AMs. This study examines the applicability of the method in South Korea. We focus on methodological issues that concern (1) the selection of input meteorological variables, (2) the way the input variables are treated (averaged/pooled station data), (3) the number of principal components retained for the cluster analysis, and (4) the number of clusters (AMs) formed. The oppressive AMs are examined with respect to the mean relative excess mortality above baseline, and the coverage of days with large excess mortality. We find that results strongly depend on the settings of the classification procedure, and general rules concerning the most appropriate methodology for the identification of oppressive AMs are difficult to be formulated. As the coverage of days with large excess mortality by the oppressive AM is the most important criterion for the application into predicting elevated mortality risks, the oppressive AMs that cover a small fraction of such days do not appear to be useful in spite of the large mean excess mortality. For South Korea, the classifications based on only two input variables, air temperature and dew‐point deficit, pooled input data, and two retained principal components are superior for identifying conditions associated with large excess mortality. Both meteorological and non‐meteorological parameters are found to be important predictors in regression models for excess mortality within the oppressive AMs of the selected classifications. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Spatial–temporal dynamics of precipitation extremes in southern Portugal: a geostatistical assessment study
Authors: Durão R. M. , Pereira M. J. , Costa A. C. , Delgado J. , del Barrio G. , Soares A.
Published: August 2009

Most of the recent studies and projections of precipitation patterns, based on records observed in the past and climate change scenarios for the Mediterranean basin, suggest a relatively slow decrease in rainfall amounts over the years but an increase in the frequency of extreme precipitation events. These are key factors in desertification processes and these will cause social and environmental impacts in the short term, mainly because changes in heavy rainfall events may have severe implications and impacts on soil erosion, resulting in increased risk of soil degradation.

The main objective of the present work is to evaluate the spatial–temporal dynamics of extreme precipitation events in southern Portugal, using a direct sequential simulation algorithm (DSS models) in order to assess the relationships between spatial and temporal extreme rainfall patterns. Local probability density functions (pdfs) and spatial uncertainty are evaluated by a set of equiprobable simulated images of the chosen extreme precipitation indices.

The used dataset in this work comprises a set of 105 station records of observed daily precipitation within the period 1961–2000. Two indices of extreme precipitation were selected: one representing the frequency of extremely heavy precipitation events (R30) and another characterizing the occurrence of dry events (RL10), both obtained from observed daily precipitation series.

Results show that the spatial continuity of extreme precipitation events has increased in the last 40 years in southern Portugal. It also demonstrates a decrease in spatial variability, implying that extreme precipitation events tend to be more spatially homogeneous, which may have a severe impact on water resources, agriculture and soil erosion, particularly when associated with desertification risks. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Trend analysis of annual and seasonal rainfall time series in the Mediterranean area
Authors: Longobardi Antonia , Villani Paolo
Published: August 2009

Precipitation trend analysis, on different spatial and temporal scales, has been of great concern during the past century because of the attention given to global climate change by the scientific community. According to some recent studies, the Italian territory has been suffering a precipitation decrease, especially in the last 50 years, and the southern areas seem to be more affected. The aim of the present study is to analyse rainfall time series over a wide time interval and a wide area, detecting potential trends and assessing their significance. For this purpose, 211 gauged stations, mainly located within the Campania region, southern Italy, have been analysed for the period 1918–1999. An accurate database has been set up through a data quality and time series homogeneity process. Statistical analysis of the database highlight that (1) the trend appears predominantly negative, both at the annual and seasonal scale, except for the summer period when it appears to be positive; (2) over the whole reference period, positive and negative trends are significant respectively for 9 and 27% of total stations and (3) over the last 30 years, a negative trend is instead significant for 97% of the total stations. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Management by trust in a democratic enterprise: A law firm shapes organizational behavior to create competitive advantage
Authors: Desai Nishith
Published: August 2009

The founder of Mumbai‐based Nishith Desai Associates (NDA) built his law firm on a few powerful ideas: a trust‐based, nonhierarchical, democratically managed organization that leverages research and knowledge to deliver premium services, high value, and a unique employer proposition that shatters many negative law‐firm stereotypes. The author discusses the rationale behind NDA's business model and its organization and talent framework, and tracks the firm's philosophical genesis, which includes ideas from Mahatma Gandhi on democracy and from Charles Handy on trust in virtual organizations. He examines the implications of Handy's Rules of Trust for HR policies and practices, and then he describes NDA's approaches for creating challenge, growth, and rewards in a nonhierarchical structure; building behavioral competencies; balancing control with freedom; and other management practices that empower employees to act in the best interests of the firm and its clients. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Downsizing: The cure that can kill
Authors: Roth William F.
Published: August 2009

In a tough economy, many U.S. businesses turn to downsizing as a quick cost‐cutting strategy. The author argues that the price isn't worth it, and that operational effectiveness, not efficiency, is the key to survival. The author discusses the systemic effects of downsizing and the impact on longer‐term productivity. He cites alternatives to downsizing taken by Nugget Market, Dorner Mfg. Corp., and Lincoln Electric and then explores the case of an organization that rejected layoffs and instead utilized all its employees' expertise to design and implement improvements that produced increased productivity, revenue growth, and higher profitability. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of the Yiwu Fair on the development of business travel and the local economy
Authors: Bin Huang , Lund Daniel W.
Published: August 2009

The issue of how to manage the operation of the exhibition industry in order to promote local economies has become more significant in recent years, especially in many medium‐ and small‐sized cities. As a branch of municipal industrial systems, the exhibition industry plays an important and active role in the development of local industries and economies. For this reason, several Chinese cities have achieved great successes by choosing to use the exhibition industry as an entry point for city management strategies. Incorporating the exhibition industry with city management goals helps medium‐ and small‐sized cities to actively develop and provide basic infrastructure and conditions for the mutual benefit of the cities, the exhibitions, and their participants. This article provides evidence of how the China Yiwu International Commodities Fair promotes business travel to the city of Yiwu, thereby demonstrating the importance of strong relations between the exhibition industry and local economic development. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Conducting business in Saudi Arabia: A brief for international managers
Authors: Ali Abbas J.
Published: August 2009

Among the countries in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia offers one of the most promising business opportunities in the foreseeable future for multinational corporations. The kingdom has embarked on billions of dollars' worth of investment projects and has developed a world‐class infrastructure. In recent years, Saudi Arabia has presented and cultivated a liberal and business‐friendly investment environment. In the last 20 years, political and economic stability have been achieved through serious and pragmatic measures and reforms that are aimed at strengthening the power of the ruling family while facilitating economic growth and foreign investment and involvement. This article provides useful information on the business, social, and economic environment. It aims to provide international managers with essential and insightful information in order to conduct business in Saudi Arabia with confidence and in the most effective way. The information and insight will enrich and sharpen international managers' skills in competing in the global marketplace. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Last Glacial Maximum pollen record from Bodmin Moor showing a possible cryptic northern refugium in southwest England
Authors: Kelly Ann , Charman Dan J. , Newnham Rewi M.
Published: August 2009

A late Devensian palynological record is presented from Dozmary Pool (Bodmin Moor, southwest England), beyond the southern limit of the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) British Ice Sheet. The pollen assemblages indicate predominantly herbaceous tundra–steppe communities but also include elevated levels (typically 10–20%) of conifer tree pollen (Picea, Pinus, Abies) and lower but persistent percentages of broadleaf tree pollen during the LGM. This record is seemingly at odds with the orthodox view of an entirely treeless tundra–steppe environment for this region and elimination of tree species from the British Isles during glacial maxima. Long‐distance pollen transport seems an unlikely explanation for the tree pollen considering distance to the nearest known refugia, except possibly for Pinus. Reworking of the tree pollen, often invoked in these circumstances, remains a possible alternative, especially given the abundance of these trees in the region during early Devensian interstadials. However, this explanation has been challenged by studies reporting plant macrofossil and faunal evidence for survival of temperate biota during glacial maxima and from climate modelling work that suggests some trees could have survived the glacial extremes in areas well beyond the recorded glacial refugia. Assuming reworking was not a major factor, the Dozmary Pool pollen record is consistent with the ‘cryptic northern refugia hypothesis’ that invokes survival of trees in small, scattered populations under locally favourable conditions during glacial maxima. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Indications and patient selection for cytoreductive surgery and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy
Authors: González‐Moreno Santiago , Ortega‐Pérez Gloria , González‐Bayón Luis
Published: August 2009

Cytoreductive surgery combined with perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy has provided unprecedented results in the management of peritoneal‐based neoplasms. Prognostic factors leading to a survival advantage when this treatment modality is employed have been identified. A steep learning curve has been described as well. Therefore, knowledgeable indication setting and proper selection of patients to whom this combined treatment can be offered is warranted in order to obtain the best results at the lowest possible toxicity. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;100:287–292. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Results of cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal carcinomatosis from colorectal cancer
Authors: Glockzin Gabriel , Ghali Nabil , Lang Sven A. , Schlitt Hans J. , Piso Pompiliu
Published: August 2009

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) provide a promising additional treatment option for selected patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis arising from colorectal cancer. Due to the aggressive surgery the concept is associated with a significant morbidity rate. Thus, the operative risk has to be evaluated against the background of the expected improvement of the oncological outcome. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;100:306–310. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A novel modification of double stapling technique in Billroth I anastomosis
Authors: An Ji Yeong , Yoon Seok Ho , Pak Kyung Ho , Heo Geon‐Ung , Oh Sung Jin , Hyung Woo Jin , Noh Sung Hoon
Published: August 2009

Although the double‐stapling technique has been used as a safe procedure in gastroduodenostomy, creating anastomosis with a circular stapler on the linear stapler line can be vulnerable for anastomotic leakage and ischemia. Therefore, we tried to modify the double‐stapling technique to avoid stapling on the staple line. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;100:518–519. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.