bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cirurgia de redução do volume pulmonar em modelo experimental de enfisema em ratos
Authors: Fusco Laerte Brasiliense , Fonseca Marcelo Heleno , Pêgo-Fernandes Paulo Manuel , Pazetti Rogério , Capelozzi Vera , Jatene Fabio Biscegli , Oliveira Sergio Almeida
Published: April 2005

INTRODUÇÃO: A cirurgia redutora do volume pulmonar pode ser uma opção para portadores de enfisema com grave limitação ventilatória. OBJETIVO: Avaliar funcional e morfologicamente pulmões enfisematosos antes e depois da cirurgia de redução de volume pulmonar, através de modelo experimental em ratos. MÉTODO: Dois grupos experimentais de ratos Wistar foram estabelecidos (papaína sem cirurgia e papaína com cirurgia), e três grupos controle (solução fisiológica sem cirurgia, solução fisiológica com cirurgia e papaína sem ventilação mecânica). Após cerca de 40 dias da instilação intratraqueal da solução de papaína ou fisiológica, os animais dos grupos papaína com cirurgia e solução fisiológica com cirurgia foram submetidos a bilobectomia média e retrocava através de toracotomia direita. Após uma semana, foram submetidos a mecânica ventilatória, com medidas de elastância e resistência das vias aéreas. O tecido pulmonar de todos os animais foi analisado quanto ao diâmetro alveolar médio e quantidade de fibras elásticas. RESULTADOS: A análise morfométrica revelou médias superiores de diâmetro alveolar médio nos pulmões dos grupos submetidos à papaína em comparação com a solução fisiológica. A quantificação de fibras elásticas de septos alveolares dos animais tratados com papaína foi menor que daqueles com solução fisiológica. A elastância dos animais submetidos à bilobectomia e papaína foi maior que a dos submetidos à papaína sem cirurgia e estatisticamente igual aos submetidos à solução fisiológica com e sem cirurgia. CONCLUSÃO: A capacidade de recolhimento elástico do sistema respiratório dos animais com enfisema pulmonar submetidos à redução de volume pulmonar através da bilobectomia retornou a valores equivalentes aos dos grupos controle.
Paraganglioma de mediastino com metástases pulmonares
Authors: Ximenes Netto Manoel , Paniágua Pedro R. , Piauilino Marcos A. , Oliveira Humberto Alves de , Ishii Luci
Published: April 2005

Descrevemos uma paciente de 27 anos que se apresentou com paraganglioma de mediastino anterior e médio e nódulos pulmonares bilaterais. O tratamento consistiu na ressecção das lesões pulmonares através de toracotomia anterior bilateral transesternal e retirada do paraganglioma com auxílio de circulação extracorpórea. Como tratamento neoadjuvante foram usadas radioterapia e quimioterapia. A evolução pós-operatória foi satisfatória, e catorze meses depois a paciente encontrava-se assintomática.
Pseudotumor inflamatório do pulmão
Authors: Montessi Jorge , Vieira João Paulo , Mira Rafael Rabello Lista , Rabêlo Felipe Torres
Published: April 2005

O pseudotumor inflamatório de pulmão é uma afecção rara, e representa um dilema pela semelhança com processo maligno nos aspectos radiológicos, macroscópicos e patológicos. Relata-se o caso de um paciente com queixas respiratórias, que após propedêutica adequada foi submetido à toracotomia exploradora, com diagnóstico de pseudotumor confirmado pela imunohistoquímica. São discutidos dados referentes à história clínica, aspectos radiológicos, histopatológicos e cirúrgicos, além de formas de tratamento da condição.
Adjuvant Therapy in Stage II Colon Cancer: Current Approaches
Authors: Baddi Lisa , Benson Al
Published: April 2005

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Discuss the data concerning adjuvant chemotherapy for stage II colon cancer patients.Discuss the current recommendations of the ASCO regarding adjuvant therapy for stage II colon cancer patients.Describe points of discussion for the patient and physician when considering adjuvant chemotherapy for stage II colon cancer.

Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 hour of AMA PRA category 1 credit at CME.TheOncologist.com
The Molecular Perspective: Double-Stranded DNA Breaks
Authors: Goodsell David S.
Published: April 2005

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Discuss double-stranded DNA breaks and their role in cancer.

Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 hour of AMA PRA category 1 credit at CME.TheOncologist.com
Oxidative stress and endocrine endpoints in white sucker (Catostomus commersoni) from a river impacted by agricultural chemicals
Authors: Dorval Jocelyn , Leblond Vincent , Deblois Christian , Hontela Alice
Published: April 2005

The effects of agricultural chemicals on cortisol secretion, antioxidants, and lipid peroxidation were investigated in hepatic and adrenal tissue of white sucker (Catostomus commersoni) from a river (Yamaska) that drains an agricultural region in Québec (Canada). Plasma cholinesterase (ChE) activity, used as a biomarker of exposure to pesticides, was elevated in fish from the reference site compared to fish from the contaminated sites. Plasma concentrations of cortisol and thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) were higher in fish from the reference site compared to contaminated sites; reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were higher and lipid peroxidation (LPO) was lower. Levels of antioxidants (CAT, Gpx, and GSH) were higher (10–90%) and LPO levels were lower (50%) in the liver than in the adrenal tissue. The present in situ study provided evidence that antioxidants, lipid peroxidation, and plasma hormones were altered in fish sampled in areas impacted by agricultural chemicals. Endocrine-disrupting effects were associated with oxidative stress. The results suggest that antioxidants and lipid peroxidation could be used as markers of contaminant exposure in fish.
Growth inhibition as indicator of stress because of atrazine following multiple toxicant exposure of the freshwater macrophyte, Juncus effusus L
Authors: Lytle Thomas F. , Lytle Julia S.
Published: April 2005

Atrazine is a herbicide used most frequently in North America, but it usually is encountered in mixtures of agrochemicals. Few atrazine exposure studies have been conducted using mixed pesticides; therefore, little data are available to suggest reliable means of discerning effects attributable to atrazine. The common freshwater macrophyte, Juncus effusus L., was exposed in 66 mesocosms to atrazine at two nominal concentrations (96 and 192 μg/L) with varying concentrations of chlorpyrifos, monosodium methanearsonate, and monomethylmercury. Exposure levels represented typical levels that might follow runoff or direct-spray application in enclosed waterbodies. Using shoot density and number of shoots shorter than 25 cm per unit area as response measurements, the growth effects of atrazine, even in varying pesticide mixes, could be detected as early as 16 d after initial exposure. Further growth effects specifically caused by atrazine also could be detected following a second exposure to the same toxicant mixture. Mesocosm tests offer greater control of natural variability than would be found in the natural environment and offer more realistic conditions than traditional laboratory/greenhouse studies. Therefore, in field testing, growth measurements should be accompanied by other confirmatory tests, such as pesticide concentrations in tissue and, possibly, chlorophyll concentrations, for measuring specific toxic effects of atrazine and other pesticides.
Factors influencing persistent organic pollutant concentrations in the Atlantic white-sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus acutus)
Authors: Tuerk Karen J.S. , Kucklick John R. , McFee Wayne E. , Pugh Rebecca S. , Becker Paul R.
Published: April 2005

Assessing the trends of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in cetaceans is difficult because of age and gender influences on accumulation. Persistent organic pollutants bioaccumulate and are poorly metabolized; hence, concentrations may increase with age in males while females reduce their POP burden through parturition and lactation. Age and gender effects on contaminant concentrations are species specific because of life history and reproductive strategies. These influences must be understood in order to elucidate and assess lifetime POP exposure. The objectives of this study were to determine baseline POP concentrations in blubber samples from the Atlantic white-sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus acutus) and to investigate life history and other influences, such as metabolism, on these concentrations. Forty-seven L. acutus blubber samples collected from mass stranding events in Massachusetts, USA (1993–2000), and archived in the National Marine Mammal Tissue Bank at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (Gaithersburg, MD, USA) were analyzed for 55 polychlorinated biphenyl congeners (PCB; 55 congeners), five polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners, and organochlorine pesticides (toxaphene, DDT and metabolites, mirex, dieldrin, chlordanes, hexachlorocyclohexanes, hexachlorobenzene, and endosulfans) by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Ages for 19 animals were determined from growth layer groups on decalcified, stained thin tooth sections. Total PCBs (ΣPCB; sum of 55 congeners) were the contaminants present in the highest concentrations in all age classes (0.5–63 μg/g wet mass) followed by sum of DDTs (0.50–43 μg/g wet mass), toxaphene (0.055–31 μg/g wet mass), chlordanes (0.30–24 μg/g wet mass), and PBDEs (0.12–4.0 μg/g wet mass). Body length had a greater statistical influence than age on contaminant burdens in L. acutus. Contaminant burdens decreased with length in both male and female L. acutus, suggesting metabolic elimination and/or growth dilution in males and off-loading via lactation in females.
Hepatic retinoids of bullfrogs in relation to agricultural pesticides
Authors: Boily Monique H. , Bérubé Virginie E. , Spear Philip A. , Deblois Christian , Dassylva Nathalie
Published: April 2005

Agricultural pesticides often have been cited as a factor affecting indigenous amphibian populations, but possible effects of pesticides and other factors associated with agricultural practices are understood poorly. Adult bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana) were collected within the Yamaska River basin (Quebec, Canada) in subwatersheds representing low, medium, and high agricultural activities and 53 pesticides were analyzed in surface water. More pesticides were detected in subwatersheds associated with high agricultural activities like Rivière Noire and Rivière à la Barbue and pesticide concentrations were higher compared to the other study sites. Female and male body weights differed between sites. In the case of males, body weight was significantly less at Rivière à la Barbue. Liver retinol stores were decreased significantly in male bullfrogs from Rivière Noire, although total retinyl esters concentrations varied between sites having the highest concentration at Yamaska-Nord where the agricultural activity was considered low. The ratio of hepatic retinyl palmitate to retinol tended to be higher for male bullfrogs from Rivière Noire and Rivière à la Barbue. These results suggest that factors associated with intensive agricultural practices may affect the body weight and retinoid stores in male bullfrogs living in these agroecosystems.
Effects of hardness, chloride, and acclimation on the acute toxicity of sulfate to freshwater invertebrates
Authors: Soucek David John , Kennedy Alan James
Published: April 2005

The acute toxicity of sulfate to Ceriodaphnia dubia, Chironomus tentans, Hyalella azteca, and Sphaerium simile was assessed to support potential updates of Illinois (USA) sulfate criteria for the protection of aquatic life. The mean lethal concentrations to 50% of a sample population (LC50s), expressed as mg SO42−/L, in moderately hard reconstituted water (MHRW) were as follows: 512 mg/L for H. azteca, 2,050 mg/L for C. dubia, 2,078 mg/L for S. simile, and 14,134 mg/L for C. tentans. At constant sulfate (∼2,800 mg/L) and hardness (106 mg/L), survival of H. azteca was positively correlated with chloride concentration. Hardness also was found to ameliorate sodium sulfate toxicity to C. dubia and H. azteca, with LC50s for C. dubia increasing from 2,050 mg SO42−/L at hardness = 90 mg/L to 3,516 mg SO42−/L at hardness = 484 mg/L. Using a reformulated MHRW with a similar hardness but higher chloride concentration and different calcium to magnesium ratio than that in standard MHRW, the mean LC50 for H. azteca increased to 2,855 mg/L, and the LC50 for C. dubia increased to 2,526 mg/L. Acclimation of C. dubia to 500 and 1,000 mg SO42−/L for several generations nominally increased mean LC50 values compared with those cultured in standard MHRW.
Effects of fomesafen, alone and in combination with an adjuvant, on plankton communities in freshwater outdoor pond mesocosms
Authors: Caquet Thierry , Deydier-Stephan Laurence , Lacroix Gérard , Rouzic Bertrand Le , Lescher-Moutoué Françoise
Published: April 2005

Ecotoxicological effects of the diphenyl ether herbicide fomesafen, applied alone or in combination with the adjuvant Agral 90® (mixture of polyethoxylated derivatives of nonylphenol), were assessed on planktonic communities in 18-m3 outdoor mesocosms during a nine-month study. Four mesocosms were treated with fomesafen only (nominal concentration: 40 μg/L), four were treated with the mixture fomesafen-Agral 90 (nominal concentration: 40 μg/L and 90 μg/L, respectively), and four were kept as the controls. Five treatments were performed every three weeks from April 18, 2000. Mean (± standard error [SE]) values of fomesafen concentration in water of 62.5 (±5.3) and 19.4 (±7.6) μg/L were measured at the end of the treatment period in fomesafen- and mixture-treated mesocosms, respectively. Fomesafen, either alone or in mixture with Agral 90, had a significant positive effect on the abundance and biovolume of Cyanobacteria, Cryptophyceae, Dinophyceae, and Bacillariophyceae. Chlorophyceae were inhibited by the herbicide and laboratory toxicity tests confirmed that green algae were more sensitive toward fomesafen than other algal classes. A positive effect of treatments on phytoplankton taxonomic diversity also was observed, indicating that, like natural disturbances of intermediate strength, xenobiotics sometimes may enhance the diversity of algal communities. Fomesafen alone did not have any clear effect on zooplankton. Abundance of calanoid copepods was reduced significantly in the mixture-treated ponds, suggesting either a direct effect of the adjuvant and/or an enhancement of herbicide toxicity by Agral 90. The abundance of other zooplanktonic herbivorous groups increased due to a reduced competition for food for herbivorous species and a higher availability of preys for predators. No algal bloom was observed in the treated ponds, presumably because of grazing pressure and the low availability of nutrients.
Bioavailability models for predicting acute and chronic toxicity of zinc to algae, daphnids, and fish in natural surface waters
Authors: De Schamphelaere Karel A. C. , Lofts Stephen , Janssen Colin R.
Published: April 2005

Bioavailability models predicting acute and/or chronic zinc toxicity to a green alga (Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata), a crustacean (Daphnia magna), and a fish (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were evaluated in a series of experiments with spiked natural surface waters. The eight selected freshwater samples had varying levels of bioavailability modifying parameters: pH (5.7–8.4), dissolved organic carbon (DOC, 2.48–22.9 mg/L), Ca (1.5–80 mg/L), Mg (0.79–18 mg/L), and Na (3.8–120 mg/L). In those waters, chronic zinc toxicity (expressed as 10% effective concentrations [EC10]) varied up to 20-fold for the alga (72-h EC10 from 27.3 to 563 μg Zn/L), and approximately sixfold for the crustacean (21-d EC10 from 59.2 to 387 μg Zn/L), and fivefold for the fish (30-d LC10, lethal concentration for 10% of the organisms, from 185 to 902 μg Zn/L). For P. subcapitata a refined bioavailability model was developed by linking an empirical equation, which predicts toxicity expressed as free Zn2+ activity as a function of pH, to the geochemical speciation model WHAM/Model V. This model and previously developed acute and/or chronic biotic ligand models for D. magna and O. mykiss generally predicted most effect concentrations by an error of less than a factor of two. In waters with pH > 8, however, chronic toxicity to D. magna was underestimated by a factor 3 to 4. Based on the results of this validation exercise and earlier research, we determined applicability ranges for pH (6–8) and Ca (5–160 mg/L) in which all three developed models are valid. Within these ranges, all three models may be considered useful tools for taking into account bioavailability in regulatory assessments of zinc.
Widespread detection of N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide in U.S. Streams: Comparison with concentrations of pesticides, personal care products, and other organic wastewater compounds
Authors: Sandstrom Mark W. , Kolpin Dana W. , Thurman E. Michael , Zaugg Steven D.
Published: April 2005

One of the most frequently detected organic chemicals in a nationwide study concerning the effects of wastewater on stream water quality conducted in the year 2000 was the widely used insect repellant N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET). It was detected at levels of 0.02 μg/L or greater in 73% of the stream sites sampled, with the selection of sampling sites being biased toward streams thought to be subject to wastewater contamination (i.e., downstream from intense urbanization and livestock production). Although DEET frequently was detected at all sites, the median concentration was low (0.05 μg/L). The highest concentrations of DEET were found in streams from the urban areas (maximum concentration, 1.1 μg/L). The results of the present study suggest that the movement of DEET to streams through wastewater-treatment systems is an important mechanism that might lead to the exposure of aquatic organisms to this chemical.
Fish full life-cycle testing for 17β-estradiol on medaka (Oryzias latipes)
Authors: Seki Masanori , Yokota Hirofumi , Maeda Masanobu , Kobayashi Kunio
Published: April 2005

We studied the chronic effects of 17β-estradiol (E2) on the reproductive status of medaka (Oryzias latipes) over two generations under continuous exposure to assess its hazard on this species. The exposure of parental (F0) medaka to E2 was begun on embryos within 12 h postfertilization and continued for up to 101 d; the assessment endpoints included embryological development, hatching, posthatch survival, growth, sexual differentiation, reproduction, and hepatic vitellogenin (VTG) levels under flow-through exposure to E2 at each mean measured concentration of 0.939, 2.86, 8.66, 27.9, and 92.4 ng/L. Eggs (F1) spawned from the F0 fish at 98, 99, and 100 d posthatch were also examined for hatchability, survival after hatching, growth, sexual differentiation, and hepatic VTG level until 59 d posthatch. In the F0 medaka, no concentration-related effect of E2 was observed on hatching, posthatch mortality, and growth. However, we observed abnormal sex differentiation, induction of VTG, and reproductive impairment in a dose-dependent manner. The lowest-observed-effect concentration and no-observed-effect concentration of E2 for these effects were 8.66 and 2.86 ng/L, respectively. In the F1 medaka treated with E2 at ≤8.66 ng/L, however, dose-dependent effects were not observed in any parameter. The results indicate that E2 can have significant effects on reproductive potential of medaka at concentrations as low as 8.66 ng/L, suggesting that the ecological risk of E2 is higher than that of weak estrogens, such as nonylphenol and octylphenol.
Short-term exposures of fish to perfluorooctane sulfonate: Acute effects on fatty acyl-CoA oxidase activity, oxidative stress, and circulating sex steroids
Authors: Oakes Ken D. , Sibley Paul K. , Martin Jon W. , Maclean Dan D. , Solomon Keith R. , Mabury Scott A. , Van Der Kraak Glen J.
Published: April 2005

This study investigated the effects of exposure to waterborne perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) on oxidative stress and reproductive endpoints in fish. Exposures utilized species commonly used in toxicological testing, including the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), as well as relatively insensitive taxa such as creek chub (Semotilus atromaculatus), spottail shiner (Notropis hudsonius), and white sucker (Catostomus commersoni). In all fish species, short-term (14–28 d) exposure to PFOS produced only modest mortality at concentrations consistent with environmental spill scenarios. However, PFOS consistently increased hepatic fatty acyl-CoA oxidase activity and increased oxidative damage, as quantified using the 2-thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances assay. Plasma testosterone, 11-ketotestosterone, and 17β-estradiol titers were often elevated with PFOS exposure. Vitellogenin, the egg yolk precursor protein, was occasionally altered in the plasma with PFOS exposure, but responses varied with maturity. Oviposition frequency and egg deposition in fathead minnow were not significantly impaired with PFOS exposure, despite a trend toward progressive impairment with increasing exposure concentrations. Although short-term PFOS exposure produced significant impacts on biochemical and reproductive endpoints in fish at concentrations consistent with environmental spills, the impact of long-term exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of PFOS is unclear.
Aquatic herbicide exposure increases salamander desiccation risk eight months later in a terrestrial environment
Authors: Rohr Jason R. , Palmer Brent D.
Published: April 2005

Contaminants and climate change may be factors in amphibian declines. However, few studies have explored their joint impacts on postmetamorphic amphibians, a life stage of great importance to amphibian population dynamics. Here, we examine the effects of premetamorphic exposure (mean exposure of 64 d) to ecologically relevant concentrations of the globally common herbicide atrazine (0, 4, 40, 400 μg/L) on the behavior and water retention of lone and grouped postmetamorphic, streamside salamanders, Ambystoma barbouri. Salamanders exposed to ≥40 μg/L of atrazine exhibited greater activity, fewer water-conserving behaviors, and accelerated water loss four and eight months after exposure compared to controls. No recovery from atrazine exposure was detected and its effects were independent of the presence of conspecifics. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that adverse climatic conditions and contaminants can interact to harm post-metamorphic amphibians; however, they suggest that these two stressors need not be experienced simultaneously to do so. These results emphasize the importance of considering both latent and cumulative effects of temporally linked stressors in ecotoxicology.
Solid-phase microextraction for predicting the bioavailability of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene and its primary transformation products in sediment and water
Authors: Conder Jason M. , La Point Thomas W.
Published: April 2005

Disposable solid-phase microextraction fibers (SPMEs) were used to measure the availability of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and its two primary transformation products, 2-amino-4,6-dinitrotoluene (2ADNT) and 4-amino-2,6-dinitrotoluene (4ADNT). The SPMEs (85-μm polyacrylate) and sediment-dwelling oligochaetes (Tubifex tubifex) were exposed to TNT-spiked sediment, to TNT-spiked sediment amended with activated carbon, and to TNT-, 2ADNT-, and 4ADNT-spiked water. Sediment concentration was a poor predictor of bioavailability in unamended and carbon-amended sediments (r2 = 0.14–0.73) The activated carbon amendment reduced the bioavailability of compounds in carbon-amended sediment, causing the relationships between Tubifex concentrations and sediment concentrations to differ significantly between unamended and carbon-amended sediment for all compounds. In contrast, SPME TNT concentrations predicted Tubifex TNT concentrations (r2 = 0.54–0.79), and regression models did not differ significantly among the three TNT-spiked matrices. The SPME 2ADNT and 4ADNT concentrations also were predictive of Tubifex 2ADNT and 4ADNT concentrations (r2 = 0.44–0.90). Relationships between Tubifex concentrations and SPME concentrations were the same between unamended and carbon-amended TNT-spiked sediments for 2ADNT and 4ADNT; however, the relationship in sediment (pooled data) differed from the relationship found in 2ADNT- and 4-ADNT-spiked water. The SPMEs provided carbon amendment-independent measures of ADNT availability in sediment and matrix-independent measures of TNT availability among the three matrices. The SPMEs show promise for predicting bioavailable organic compounds in sediment and water.
Glycolysis of polyethylene terephthalate waste fibers
Authors: Shukla S. R. , Harad Ajay M.
Published: April 2005

Glycolysis of polyethylene terephthalate waste fibers was carried out using excess ethylene glycol in the presence of different simple chemicals, namely, glacial acetic acid, lithium hydroxide, sodium sulfate, and potassium sulfate. Good yields (> 60%) of the monomer bis(2‐hydroxyethylene terephthalate) were obtained using these chemicals as depolymerization catalysts. The purified monomer was characterized by elemental analysis, melting point, IR spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance. The qualitative and quantitative yields of the monomer obtained using these catalysts are most comparable with the conventionally used heavy metal catalysts such as zinc acetate and lead acetate. The chemicals used, being cheap and comparatively less harmful to the environment, offer further advantages in chemical recycling of polyester waste fibers. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 97: 513–517, 2005
Simultaneous COD, nitrogen, and phosphate removal by aerobic granular sludge
Authors: de Kreuk M.K. , Heijnen J.J. , van Loosdrecht M.C.M.
Published: April 2005

Aerobic granular sludge technology offers a possibility to design compact wastewater treatment plants based on simultaneous chemical oxygen demand (COD), nitrogen and phosphate removal in one sequencing batch reactor. In earlier studies, it was shown that aerobic granules, cultivated with an aerobic pulse‐feeding pattern, were not stable at low dissolved oxygen concentrations. Selection for slow‐growing organisms such as phosphate‐accumulating organisms (PAO) was shown to be a measure for improved granule stability, particularly at low oxygen concentrations. Moreover, this allows long feeding periods needed for economically feasible full‐scale applications. Simultaneous nutrient removal was possible, because of heterotrophic growth inside the granules (denitrifying PAO). At low oxygen saturation (20%) high removal efficiencies were obtained; 100% COD removal, 94% phosphate (P‐) removal and 94% total nitrogen (N‐) removal (with 100% ammonium removal). Experimental results strongly suggest that P‐removal occurs partly by (biologically induced) precipitation. Monitoring the laboratory scale reactors for a long period showed that N‐removal efficiency highly depends on the diameter of the granules. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Improved yield of recombinant merozoite Surface protein 3 (MSP3) fromPichia pastorisusing chemically defined media
Authors: Wang Jin , Nguyen Vu , Glen Jacqueline , Henderson Brian , Saul Allan , Miller Louis H.
Published: April 2005

Plasmodium falciparummerozoite surface protein 3 (MSP3) is a leading blood‐stage malaria vaccine candidate. Vaccination withPichia pastorisderived recombinant MSP3 protectedAotus nacymaimonkeys from the parasite's lethal challenge and the post‐challenge antibody titer against MSP3 correlated with protection. In our preliminary attempts to produce this vaccine in fermentors, little or no expression of MSP3 was observed in chemically defined media, although the sameP. pastorisstrain produced MSP3 in complex media. Our goal is to develop a Phase I/II clinical manufacturing process in completely chemically defined media because of the concern of potential prion contamination in complex media containing animal derived products. Here, we report our investigations into various factors to improve the yield of MSP3 in defined media. We found that an induction pH (pHi) 6.8 yielded MSP3 at 434 mg/L whereas there was no product at pHi≤ 5, though cell growth was the same in all pHilevels examined. High levels of NHconsumed at pHi6.8 were directly correlated to the enhanced MSP3 production. Furthermore, an additional 3.5‐fold increase in the yield of MSP3 was obtained by addition of casamino acids at pHi6.8. No direct correlation was observed between protease activity in the culture supernatants and lack of MSP3 expression. Neither highP. pastorisbiomass generated at a high specific growth rate (0.04/h) nor low induction temperatures during induction improved yield. Nitrogen source was the most important factor affecting expression of MSP3 in defined media. Published 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Phase I and initial phase II results from a trial investigating weekly docetaxel and carboplatin given neoadjuvantly and then concurrently with concomitant boost radiotherapy for locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
Authors: Schwartz David L. , Montgomery R. Bruce , Yueh Bevan , Donahue Michael , Anzai Yoshimi , Canby Raylene , Buelna Raelene , Anderson Leslie , Boyd Charles , Hutson Janice , Keegan Kathryn
Published: April 2005

BACKGROUND

The current Phase I/II study assessed induction docetaxel/carboplatin given weekly for 4 weeks, followed by weekly docetaxel/carboplatin and concomitant boost radiotherapy (CB‐XRT) for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

METHODS

Twenty patients with Stage III or IV (M0) disease of the oropharynx, supraglottic larynx, or hypopharynx were enrolled. Patients initially received docetaxel 20 mg/m2 and carboplatin area under the curve (AUC) 2 weekly × 4. Patients with stable (SD) or responding disease subsequently received dose‐escalated docetaxel (10–20 mg/m2 in sequential patient cohorts) and carboplatin AUC 1 weekly × 5 with CB‐XRT (1.8 gray [Gy] every day × 15 days, followed by 1.8/1.5 Gy twice per day × 13 days).

RESULTS

All patients were evaluable, and 15 patients (5 patients with Stage III disease, 10 patients with Stage IV disease) completed all planned therapy. The target docetaxel dose level of 20 mg/m2 weekly with radiotherapy was achieved with no dose‐limiting toxicities. The most frequent maximum toxicities during chemoradiotherapy were Grade 3 mucositis, dysphagia, and/or pain. Primary site responses after induction included 4 patients with partial responses, 11 patients with SD, and 5 patients with disease progression. Fifteen patients (75%) continued to receive chemoradiotherapy, with 14 patients attaining a complete response (CR). Overall, a clinicopathologic neck CR after chemoradiotherapy was achieved in 9 of 10 patients. One patient had persistent primary disease and underwent salvage surgery, whereas another died of unrelated causes before neck assessment. Thirteen patients remain free of any disease event, with a median follow‐up of 15 months (range, 3–29 months).

CONCLUSIONS

This regimen was feasible, safe, and particularly well tolerated. Early Phase II outcomes revealed promising activity in patients completing all treatment. Initial induction response results suggested that further investigation of this regimen with more aggressive induction therapy is warranted. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Tumor‐specific changes in mtDNA content in human cancer
Authors: Mambo Elizabeth , Chatterjee Aditi , Xing Mingzhao , Tallini Giovanni , Haugen Bryan R. , Yeung Sai‐Ching J. , Sukumar Saraswati , Sidransky David
Published: April 2005

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alterations are associated with various cancer types, suggesting that the mitochondrial genome may be a critical contributing factor in carcinogenesis. mtDNA alterations have been suggested as a potentially sensitive and specific biomarker for several cancer types. We examined mtDNA content in 25 pairs of normal and tumor breast tissue samples, 37 papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), 21 benign thyroid neoplasms and in 20 paired normal and PTC samples. Our results showed that mtDNA content was reduced in 80% of the breast tumors relative to their corresponding normal. mtDNA was increased in papillary thyroid carcinomas, however, when compared to the corresponding normal DNA taken from the same individual. Also, mtDNA content was increased in none‐paired PTC samples compared to the normal controls. Our findings indicate that changes in mtDNA content during carcinogenesis may be regulated in a tumor specific manner. Additionally, changes in mtDNA levels did not correlate with tumor grade and metastasis, suggesting that these alterations may occur in the early stages of tumorigenesis. Our findings suggest that mtDNA content can be used as a molecular diagnostic tool to help identify genetic abnormalities in human tumors. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Laminin 5 expression protects against anoikis at aerogenous spread and lepidic growth of human lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Kodama Keiji , Ishii Gen'ichiro , Miyamoto Shin'ichi , Goya Masato , Zhang Shi‐chuan , Sangai Takafumi , Yoshikawa Takeshi , Hasebe Takahiro , Hitomi Yoshiaki , Izumi Keisuke , Ochiai Atsushi
Published: April 2005

Adenocarcinoma of the lung is characterized by frequent aerogenous spread (AE) and advancement along the alveolar wall (BAC growth). To elucidate the mechanism of AE metastasis and BAC growth in human lung adenocarcinoma, we established an in vivo orthotopic animal model and an in vitro culture. Investigation of expression levels of integrins, laminins and Type IV collagens, which are the major regulating molecules for cell attachment and anoikis was carried out and a clear correlation between the expression level of laminin 5 (LN5) and the BAC growth was observed using an orthotopic animal model. Introduction of LN5 cDNA to A549 cells increased anoikis resistance in an expression dependent manner. Cells with LN5 overexpression resisted with anoikis after treatment with PI3K‐Akt and ERK inhibitors. The amount of phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase (FAK) was also higher in LN5 overexpressing cells. Major tyrosine residues of the EGF receptor at 1068, 1086 and 1173, except at 1148, remained phosphorylated only in the LN5 overexpressing cells even without EGF stimulation, that indicates the ligand independent activation of EGF receptor. BAC growth ratio and AE was confirmed to be significantly correlated with LN5 expression in surgically resected human lung adenocarcinomas by immunohistochemistry. Our results indicate that the activation of the EGF receptor by overexpressing LN5‐integrin‐FAK signaling pathway may play a crucial role in BAC growth and AE metastasis in human lung adenocarcinoma. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Positivity and stability of delay equations with nonautonomous past
Authors: Nickel Gregor , Rhandi Abdelaziz
Published: April 2005

In our paper we discuss the asymptotic behaviour of a linear delay equation with nonautonomous past. Using positivity and compactness assumptions we obtain a quite complete characterization of the asymptotic behaviour. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Design of stochastic hitless‐prediction router by using the first exceed level theory
Authors: Kim Song‐Kyoo
Published: April 2005

This paper deals with an enhanced hitless‐prediction router system that has the hitless‐restart capability with forecasting. Hitless‐restart means that the router can stay on the forwarding path and the network topology remains stable. But the major difficulty of the current hitless‐restart is that the router is always active to take the action, such as non‐stop forwarding (upgrade, maintenance and capacity expansion may be included as third party activities). Stochastic hitless‐prediction model gives the decision making factors that manage a router system more efficiently. An analogue of the first exceed level theory is applied for the restriction of the number of buffer size that is the router capacity. Analytically, tractable results are obtained by using a first exceed level process that enables us to determine the decision making factors such as recycle periods of the hitless‐prediction point to prevent a router shutdown. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Amiel‐Tison neurological assessment at term: Conceptual and methodological continuity in the course of follow‐up
Authors: Gosselin Julie , Gahagan Sheila , Amiel‐Tison Claudine
Published: April 2005

The Amiel‐Tison Neurological Assessment at Term (ATNAT) is part of a set of three different instruments based on a neuro‐maturative framework. By sharing a same methodology and a similar scoring system, the use of these three assessments prevents any rupture in the course of high risk children follow‐up from 32 weeks post‐conception to 6 years of age. The ATNAT which takes 5 minutes to administer may be used in clinical setting as well as in research. Clustering of severe to mild neuro‐cranial signs in the neonatal period permits identification of children who could benefit from early intervention. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MRDD Research Reviews 2005;11:34–51.
Structure of the ATPase subunit CysA of the putative sulfate ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporter from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius
Authors: Scheffel Frank , Demmer Ulrike , Warkentin Eberhard , Hülsmann Anja , Schneider Erwin , Ermler Ulrich
Published: April 2005

CysA, the ATPase subunit of a putative sulfate ATP‐binding cassette transport system of the gram‐positive thermoacidophilic bacterium Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius, was structurally characterized at a resolution of 2.0 Å in the absence of nucleotides. In line with previous findings on ABC‐ATPases the structures of the two monomers (called CysA‐1 and CysA‐2) in the asymmetric unit differ substantially in the arrangement of their individual (sub)domains. CysA‐2 was found as a physiological dimer composed of two crystallographically related monomers that are arranged in an open state. Interestingly, while the regulatory domain of CysA‐2 packs against its opposing domain that of CysA‐1 undergoes a conformational change and, in the dimer, would interfere with the opposing monomer thereby preventing solute translocation. Whether this conformational state is used for regulatory purposes will be discussed.
Conservation management of small core areas: key to survival of a Critically Endangered population of Irrawaddy river dolphins Orcaella brevirostris in Indonesia
Authors: Kreb Daniëlle , Budiono
Published: April 2005

Indonesia's only freshwater dolphin is the facultative Irrawaddy river dolphin Orcaella brevirostris in the Mahakam River in East Kalimantan, Borneo. To clarify the status of this Critically Endangered subpopulation we carried out a series of surveys from early 1999 until mid 2002 on abundance, habitat use, population dynamics and threats. Our estimates of total population size were 33–55 dolphins (95% confidence limits 31–76) based on direct counts, strip-transect analysis, and Petersen and Jolly-Seber mark-recapture analyses of photo-identified individuals. Mean minimum annual birth and mortality rates were similar, i.e. 13.6 and 11.4%, and no changes in abundance >8% were detected over 2.5 years. Dolphins died mainly from entanglement in gill-nets (73% of deaths). The dolphins' main habitat includes confluence areas between the main river and tributaries or lakes. Dolphins make intensive daily use of these confluences, moving up and downstream over an average length of 10 km of river and within a 1.1 km2 area. These areas are also important fishing grounds and subject to intensive motorized boat traffic. Sixty-four percent of deaths (1995–2001) with known location (n = 36) occurred in these areas. Interviews with local residents revealed a generally positive attitude towards the establishment of protected areas for this subpopulation. Because of the dolphins' dependence on areas that are also used intensively by people, primary conservation strategies should be to increase local awareness and introduce alternative fishing techniques.
Dipole Moments, Nuclear Quadrupole Coupling, and the Bonding Orbitals in Group V—Trihalides
Authors: Kisliuk Paul
Published: April 2005

By means of microwave spectral measurements the following molecular parameters have been determined: 1. The dipole moment of NF3 is 0.235±0.007 Debye. 2. The nuclear quadrupole coupling of arsenic in AsCl3 is —173±20 Mc. 3. The internuclear distance Sb–Cl and the bond angle Cl–Sb–Cl are 2.325±0.005A and 99.5±1.5°, respectively, in SbCl3.

The measured molecular parameters of the group V-trihalides are assembled and interpreted in terms of s—p hybridization, partial ionic, and partial multiple bond character. In particular, certain regularities in the dipole moments are pointed out which indicate that apparent anomalies in the dipole moments of these molecules can be understood in terms of s—p hybridization.

From the evidence of nuclear hyperfine structure, it appears that NF3 and AsH3, as was previously suggested for NH3, have an s—p hybridization which is not simply related to the bond angles. The quadrupole coupling per p-electron of N14, previously reported to have been established by the measurements on NF3, has been again thrown open to question.
Infrared Spectra of CH3COONa and CD3COONa and Assignments of Vibrational Frequencies
Authors: Jones Llewellyn H. , McLaren Eugene
Published: April 2005

The absorption spectra of solid CH3COONa and CD3COONa have been observed from 350—5000 cm-1. All of the fundamental frequencies of the acetate ion have been observed and assigned with the exception of that of the torsional oscillation. The assignments for CH3NO2 and CD3NO22,3 were used as an aid in assigning the CH3CO2- and CD3CO2- frequencies. An approximate force constant, 9.3×105 dynes/cm, is given for the C–O bond of CH3CO2- in solid sodium acetate. The spectra of the partially deuterated species were observed and assignments were made with the aid of the Decius-Wilson sum rule and the Teller-Redlich product rule.
Charge-Transfer-No-Bond Adsorption
Authors: Matsen F. A. , Makrides A. C. , Hackerman N.
Published: April 2005

The theory of charge-transfer complex is applied to adsorption on metals and semiconductors. The heat of adsorption at zero coverage is given in terms of the ionization energy of the adsorbate, the electronic work function of the adsorbent, an image energy, and an interaction energy. For metals a linear relationship between heat (at zero coverage) and extent of adsorption is deduced from two of the simpler forms of theoretical isotherms. The functional dependence of the extent of adsorption on the ionization energy of the adsorbate is thus obtained.

The treatment for semiconductors is modified to take into account the space charge generated in the semiconductor on adsorption.

This treatment is shown to be consistent with reported experimental data for adsorption on iron powder of long chain nitriles, esters, alcohols, amines, and thiols.
Theory of the Differential Capacitance of the Double Layer in Unadsorbed Electrolytes
Authors: Macdonald James Ross
Published: April 2005

A partly phenomenological, one-dimensional theory is presented of the double layer formed at an ideal polarized electrode in uni-univalent aqueous electrolytes showing no specific adsorption. The system analyzed consists of the metallic electrode with its surface charge density, a charge-free layer next to the electrode, and a diffuse layer containing positive and negative charges in unequal concentration extending into the body of the electrolyte. The theory includes the effect of dielectric saturation in both layers due to the field produced by an applied negative bias potential, and compression of the charge-free layer by this field is also taken into account.

The theory is compared with experimental data of D. C. Grahame on 0.916 N to 0.001 N NaF, which shows little or no adsorption on negative polarization. Good agreement is found both for the dependence of the differential capacitance of the entire system on negative polarizing potential (measured from the electrocapillary maximum) and on concentration. Such agreement allows several constants of the charge-free layer to be obtained relatively accurately. In particular, values for its initial thickness, modulus of linear compressibility, initial dielectric constant, and dielectric saturation constant are obtained. Comparison of these results with corresponding results for bulk water affords strong evidence that the charge-free layer consists of a single molecule of water and thus that cations nearest the polarized electrode are hydrated.
Diameter Effect in Condensed Explosives. The Relation between Velocity and Radius of Curvature of the Detonation Wave
Authors: Wood William W. , Kirkwood John G.
Published: April 2005

The limiting slope of the detonation velocity-wave front curvature locus for small velocity deficits is obtained under an assumption concerning the ``reaction zone length'' as related to the charge diameter and the radius of curvature of the wave front. The model is an extension to two dimensions of von Neumann's classical theory of the plane wave detonation.
Vibrational Spectra of Molecules and Complex Ions in Crystals VII. The Raman Spectrum of Crystalline Ammonia and 3-Deutero-Ammonia
Authors: Reding F. P. , Hornig D. F.
Published: April 2005

The Raman spectra of crystalline NH3 and ND3 were measured at —82°C, using Hg 2536.5A exciting radiation. The fundamentals v1, v2, and v3 were observed, but v4 was not. v2 was split into two components by intermolecular coupling. Lattice frequencies of both translational and rotational origin were observed, and there was evidence of very little coupling between them.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectra and Structure of Borohydride Ion and Diborane
Authors: Ogg Richard A.
Published: April 2005

High resolution proton magnetic resonance spectra are presented for aqueous NaBH4 and liquid B2H6 at 30 and 40 megacycles. B11 magnetic resonance spectra at 6 megacycles are presented for these same substances. The details of the spectra constitute powerful confirmation of a tetrahedral model for BH4— and a bridge proton model for B2H6. The bridge protons in the latter display resonance at higher applied magnetic field than do the terminal protons, suggesting a more hydride-ion like character for the former. Quantitative spin-spin multiplet separations and chemical shifts are recorded.
Shock-Tube Measurements of Vibrational Relaxation
Authors: Smiley Edward F. , Winkler Ernst H.
Published: April 2005

Vibrational relaxation times at temperatures between 400°K and 1500°K have been measured in chlorine and carbon dioxide with a shock tube. The approach toward equilibrium vibrational excitation behind the shock wave is obtained from the density profile of the transition region using an optical interferometer. The measurements were made with a relatively narrow shock tube in order to avoid errors caused by optical distortions. The accuracies of the measured relaxation times are estimated to be from 20 percent to 50 percent.
The Heat of Sublimation of Graphite and the Composition of Carbon Vapor
Authors: Glockler George
Published: April 2005

The total vapor pressure of graphite is calculated as a function of temperature to the harmonic oscillator-rigid rotator approximation. It is assumed that three species (C1, C2, and C3) are present in the gas. The C1 atoms are most prominent in the mixture. C3 molecules are relatively more abundant than C2 diatoms. The heats of sublimation of the various carbon species are discussed.