bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced reactivity of hydroxylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons to birnessite in soil: Reaction kinetics and nonextractable residue formation
Authors: Jung Jae-Woong , Lee Seunghwan , Ryu Hyerim , Nam Kyoungphile , Kang Ki-Hoon
Published: April 2008

Phenanthrene and pyrene were not transformed by birnessite (δ-MnO2) in the presence of phenol. The phenoxy radicals generated from phenol by birnessite did not act as a mediator for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon radical reaction under the studied conditions. In contrast, 9-hydroxyphenanthrene and 1-hydroxypyrene were remarkably sensitive to birnessite. The disappearance patterns of the test compounds both in the aqueous phase and soil followed first-order kinetics, with a linear relationship found between the rate constants and the surface area of birnessite. Moreover, the data indicated that the reaction was faster in the presence of soil than in the aqueous phase probably because of the presence of hydroxyl groups in soil organic matter. Sequential solvent extraction was not successful in the recovery of 9-hydroxyphenanthrene from the birnessite-treated soil samples, and capillary electrophoresis data suggest the formation of nonextractable residues of the compound in soil. In addition, the acute toxicity determined by Microtox® declined approximately 8.3 times in the soil samples treated with birnessite compared to untreated samples, demonstrating that the toxic compound was no longer present as its parent form.
A fugacity approach for assessing the bioaccumulation of hydrophobic organic compounds from estuarine sediment
Authors: Golding Christopher J , Gobas Frank A.P.C , Birch Gavin F
Published: April 2008

The bioavailability of four sediment-spiked hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs; chrysene, benzo[a]pyrene, chlordane, and Aroclor 1254) was investigated by comparing bioaccumulation by the amphipod Corophium colo with uptake into a thin film of ethylene/vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer. The EVA thin film is a solid-phase extraction medium previously identified as effective at measuring the bioavailable contaminant fraction in sediment. The present study presents the results of 11 separate treatments in which chemical uptake into EVA closely matched uptake into lipid over 10 d. For all compounds, the concentration in EVA was a good approximation for the concentration in lipid, suggesting that this medium would be an appropriate biomimetic medium for assessing the bioaccumulation of HOCs during risk assessment of contaminated sediment. For chrysene and benzo[a]pyrene, limitations on bioaccumulation and toxicity because of low aqueous solubility were observed. The fugacity of the compounds in lipid (flip) and in the EVA thin film (fEVA) also was determined. The ratio of flip to fEVA was greater than one for all chemicals, indicating that all chemicals biomagnified over the duration of the exposure and demonstrating the potential for EVA thin-film extraction to assess trophic transfer of HOCs.
Growth-inhibiting effects of 12 antibacterial agents and their mixtures on the freshwater microalga Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata
Authors: Yang Li-Hua , Ying Guang-Guo , Su Hao-Chang , Stauber Jennifer L , Adams Merrin S , Binet Monique T
Published: April 2008

The growth-inhibiting and binary joint effects of 12 antibacterial agents on the freshwater green alga Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata (Korschikov) Hindák were investigated over 72-h exposures. The toxicity values (the median inhibitory concentration value, in micromoles) in decreasing order of sensitivity were triclosan (0.0018) > triclocarban (0.054) > roxithromycin (0.056) > clarithromycin (0.062) > tylosin (0.20) > tetracycline (2.25) > chlortetracycline (3.49) > norfloxacin (5.64) > sulfamethoxazole (7.50) > ciprofloxacin (20.22) > sulfamethazine (31.26) > trimethoprim (137.78). Several of these antibacterial compounds would be toxic at the micrograms per liter concentrations reported in surface waters and sewage effluents. Simple additive effects were observed in binary mixtures of sulfonamides, and most tylosin, triclosan, or triclocarban combinations. Potentially synergistic effects were observed in binary mixtures of the same class, such as macrolides, tetracyclines, and fluoroquinolones, as well as in some combined drugs, such as trimethoprim and sulfonamides or tylosin and tetracyclines. Potentially antagonistic effects were only observed between tylosin and triclocarban, triclosan and norfloxacin, and triclocarban and norfloxacin. Although present at low concentrations in the aquatic environment, mixtures of these antibacterial agents can potentially affect algal growth in freshwater systems due to their combined action.
Protective role of vitamin E on the microcystin-induced oxidative stress in tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Prieto Ana I , Jos Ángeles , Pichardo Silvia , Moreno Isabel , Cameán Ana M
Published: April 2008

Microcystins (MCs) are potent hepatotoxins produced by cyanobacteria in water systems that induce oxidative stress in fish. The present study investigated the effect of vitamin E pretreatment on MC-induced oxidative damage in the liver, kidneys, and gills of tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus). Groups of fish were fed vitamin E supplements (200 or 700 mg per kilogram of diet) for 7 d or received only commercial fish food and then were exposed to a single oral dose of cyanobacterial cells (120 μg of MC-LR [2:Leu, 4:Arg] per fish), and were sacrificed in 24 h. The potential benefits of vitamin E were evaluated based on lipid peroxidation (LPO), protein oxidation, catalase (CAT, Enzyme Commission [EC] 1.11.1.6), superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1), glutathione peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.9), glutathione reductase (EC 1.8.1.7), and the ratio of reduced glutathione to oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG). Microcystins induced a 1.6-fold increase in LPO values in liver, whereas vitamin E-pretreated fish showed no alteration on this biomarker. Enzyme activities levels were also ameliorated by the chemoprotectant, whereas protein oxidation and GSH/GSSG did not show any significant change. The higher vitamin E dose used proved to have the greater protective effects, particularly on the biomarkers LPO and CAT. The results show that vitamin E could have a potential use as a preventive or therapeutic measure in MC-exposed fish.
Occurrence of endocrine-disrupting pesticide residues in wetland sediments from beijing, china
Authors: Xue Nandong , Li Fasheng , Hou Hong , Li Binwen
Published: April 2008

Wetlands are important habitats and spawning grounds to a diverse wildlife population and are particularly vulnerable to adverse effects of endocrine disruptors. Many pesticides possess hormonal activity and have thus been classified as endocrine disruptors. A new analytical method based on ultrasonic-assisted extraction, solid-phase extraction, and gas chromatography technologies was developed for analysis of selected potential endocrine-disrupting pesticide residues in wetland sediment samples from northern Beijing, China. The newly developed method was a less time-consuming and less solvent-consuming way of analyzing residues without an air-drying process prior to extraction. The selected pesticides included the compounds hexachlorocyclohexane, cyclodiene, DDTs, chlordane, hexachlorobenzene, heptachlor, endrin aldehyde, heptachlor epoxide, dicofol, acetochlor, alachlor, metolachlor, chlorpyrifos, nitrofen, trifluralin, cypermethrin, fenvalerate, and deltamethrin. Characterization and identification of the selected endocrine-disrupting pesticide residues in sediments may help to assess current pollution status of endocrine-disrupting pesticides in the area. Total concentrations of pesticides ranged from 15.4 to 38.1 ng/g (dry weight) with a mean concentration of 23.7 ng/g (dry weight) for sediment samples. Although levels of all detected pesticides were below the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, USA, sediment quality criteria, considering the potential health effects of endocrine disruptors even in a trace level, the use of the pesticides in the agricultural system should be minimized and regular monitoring is needed in the area.
Chemical availability and sediment toxicity of pyrethroid insecticides toHyalella azteca: Application to field sediment with unexpectedly low toxicity
Authors: You Jing , Pehkonen Sari , Weston Donald P , Lydy Michael J
Published: April 2008

Tenax® extraction is a simple, inexpensive approach to estimate the bioavailability of hydrophobic organic contaminants from sediment. In the present study, a single-point Tenax extraction was evaluated regarding its correlation with the acute toxicity to Hyalella azteca using field-collected sediments in California, USA. Pyrethroids were believed to be the primary contributor to the observed toxicity, and a significant correlation existed between the expected toxicity (given pyrethroid concentrations) and the mortality at most sampling sites. A small subset of sites, however, showed unexpectedly low toxicity to H. azteca despite high concentrations of pyrethroids. These samples were evaluated by Tenax extraction with the expectation that this procedure, which qualifies bioavailable instead of total pyrethroid concentration in sediment, would better explain the anomalously low toxicity. The term bioavailable toxic unit was proposed to link sediment toxicity with chemical availability, and the toxicity in the 17 selected sediments was better explained using Tenax extraction. The r2 value of the regression between sediment toxicity and toxic unit for the 17 sediments increased from 0.24 to 0.60 when the Tenax-extractable concentration was used in place of the total concentration. Results also showed that adsorption to sand particles might play a controlling role in pyrethroid bioavailability and, in turn, sediment toxicity to benthic invertebrates.
A cost optimization study of flux and fouling rate for UF in the water industry
Authors: Pearce G. K.
Published: April 2008

Designing a commercial UF/MF system is an exercise in compromise. Selecting a high flux reduces capex by minimizing the membrane area required, but increases operating costs due to the increased chemical cleaning frequency, higher waste disposal volumes, and higher operating pressure. Most commercial systems are designed to run at fluxes significantly above the critical flux, so a degree of fouling and a reliance on chemical cleaning is inherent to the design.

This paper examines the relationship between flux and membrane fouling rate through a review of experimental field data. The analysis shows that fouling rate increases exponentially with flux, with a function dependent upon the characteristics of the feed. The paper then presents the results of a cost optimization study in which Total Water Cost (TWC) is evaluated as a function of feed source and plant size for different CIP cleaning frequencies.

The minimum TWC occurs in all cases for CIP frequencies of between 1/week and 1/month. Smaller plants with low fouling feeds have an optimum near 1 CIP/week using a relatively high flux design. In contrast, feeds with higher fouling propensity, and medium or large plant sizes have a TWC optimum close to 1 CIP/month, and should use a lower design flux. It is suggested that the flux corresponding to the TWC optimum should be designated the sustainable flux.
Education for Demilitarizing Youth in Post-Conflict Afghanistan
Authors: Matsumoto Yukitoshi
Published: April 2008

This article examines both the largely negative role that education has played historically in contributing to conflict in Afghanistan and the ways that education has been purposefully employed as a post-conflict strategy aimed at building peace and social cohesion. The growing attention among academics and policy makers to the role of youth in post-conflict contexts, and the urgent need to reintegrate ex-combatants has led to the implementation of educational programming directed at Afghan youth as a central part of the country's Demobilization, Demilitarization, Reintegration (DDR) effort. Drawing on the author's field research and experience working on literacy programming for youth and adults in Afghanistan, this article investigates how the unfulfilled aspirations and needs of a ‘lost generation’ of young Afghans have been addressed within DDR processes. It argues that the adoption of a more dialectic approach to the educational programming provided through DDR – one that engages with and offers alternatives to education's previously negative manifestations – may offer more potential than current programming.
The Aftermath of Information Technology Outsourcing: An Empirical Study of Firm Performance Following Outsourcing Decisions
Authors: Wang Li , Gwebu Kholekile L. , Wang Jing , Zhu David X.
Published: April 2008

Increasingly, organizations are jumping onto the information technology (IT) outsourcing bandwagon in an effort to create value. However, evidence indicating the positive economic consequences of such initiatives has been limited. This study attempts to fill this void by synthesizing the process-oriented research in IT business value literature and the resource-based theory to develop an integrative research framework for assessing the value proposition of IT outsourcing. With a process-oriented lens, the framework suggests that the effects of IT outsourcing are best documented at the process level and hence, it is imperative that one takes into consideration the impact of IT outsourcing on performance at both the process level as well as the firm level. Grounded in the resource-based view, the framework also accounts for the complementary role of firms' core IT capability as a critical condition for the value creation of IT outsourcing. Consistent with the process-oriented prediction, the findings suggest that the positive effects of IT outsourcing appear mostly at the process level, but not at the firm level. Moreover, it is found that the level of business value created by IT outsourcing is contingent on firms' core IT capability. Firms with superior core IT capability are found to enjoy an advantage in leveraging their outsourcing initiatives to enhance firm value.
Auditing System Development: Constructing the Meaning of “Systematic and Rational” in the Context of Legacy Code Migration for Vendor Incentives
Authors: Borthick A. Faye , Bowen Paul L.
Published: April 2008

This simulation affords an opportunity for learning to audit system development for an accounting application. The simulation responds to the growing emphasis on controlling system development for complying with the internal control assurance requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (U.S. House of Representatives). Because of the lack of detailed accounting standards for vendor incentives, learners have to construct a working definition of “systematic and rational” allocation of incentives in order to develop audit objectives and procedures. In the simulation, learners (1) develop objectives for auditing the specific project of migration of legacy code for vendor incentives and the system development for a group of projects, (2) design audit procedures to achieve the audit objectives, (3) execute the audit procedures by querying the databases, and (4) communicate objectives, procedures, and results in a report. The simulation is staged with conversations among audit staff members and the company's system development manager, databases containing application test data and program library transactions, and readiness questions. Although the databases are supplied in the form of Microsoft Access® files, the simulation can be worked with any database query tool. The simulation helps learners develop their capabilities for designing audit objectives and procedures for testing system development and for querying databases.
Using a Movie to Study the COSO Internal Control Framework: An Instructional Case
Authors: Savage Arline , Norman Carolyn Strand , Lancaster Kathryn A. S.
Published: April 2008

Following enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) of 2002 (U.S. House of Representatives 2002), public accounting firms and publicly traded companies are much more focused on internal controls. Accordingly, many accounting graduates will be asked to evaluate, document, and perhaps test the adequacy of an organization's internal control structure. The Committee of Sponsoring Organizations' (COSO 1992) Internal Control—Integrated Framework is the most widely used tool for this purpose. This instructional case, based on the movie, Rogue Trader, gives students the opportunity to see the consequences of lax corporate governance and weak internal controls at the Barings Bank. Students view the movie and then use the COSO framework to critically analyze the collapse of a well-established financial institution.
Increasing the Longevity of Restorations by Minimal Intervention: A Two-year Clinical Trial
Authors: Moncada G. , Fernández E. , Martín J. , Arancibia C. , Mjör I. , Gordan V. V.
Published: April 2008

Clinical Relevance

Treating defective restorations with sealants, repair or refurbishing is an effective way to preserve and treat existing restorations.
Describing Adequacy of Cure with Maximum Hardness Ratios and Non-linear Regression
Authors: Bouschlicher M. , Berning K. , Qian F.
Published: April 2008

Clinical Relevance

Redefined hardness ratios, based on extended cure intervals and maximum hardness when used in conjunction with non-linear regression, provide a readily available and accurate characterization of the curing performance of LCU-composite combinations, which is superior to the use of traditional per-specimen hardness ratios. It is recommended that the light curing guidelines provided to clinicians should be based on this more accurate description of curing behavior.
Channel One: When Private Interests and the Public Interest Collide
Authors: Blokhuis Jason C.
Published: April 2008

If the notion of public and private spheres seems somehow quaint or old-fashioned, the distinction between public and private corporations will be that much more obscure. Yet Channel One broadcasts in a public school classroom are indisputably the result of a contract between a private corporation (Alloy Media + Marketing) and a public corporation (a local school board). Public school administrators operate within a social and institutional context in which there often appears to be no line between private interests and public interests. The author argues that there is such a line and that public school administrators unwittingly cross it when they make Channel One–type deals. This article examines how the regulatory history of private corporations has shaped the social and institutional context in which public school administrators operate.
Methine Dyes and Pigments
Authors: Berneth Horst
Published: April 2008

The article contains sections titled:1.Introduction2.History3.Preparation4.Properties5.Uses6.Economic Aspects7.Cationic Methine Dyes7.1.Streptocyanine Dyes7.1.1.Trimethinestreptocyanine Dyes7.1.2.Pentamethinestreptocyanine Dyes and Higher Vinylogs7.1.3.Triazolium Dyes7.1.4.Aminoarylenamine Dyes7.2.Hemicyanine Dyes7.2.1.Cyclomethine Dyes7.2.2.Dimethinehemicyanine Dyes7.2.3.Higher Vinylogs of Hemicyanine Dyes7.3.Phenylogous Hemicyanine Dyes7.3.1.Zeromethine (Apocyanine) Dyes7.3.2.Phenylogous Dimethinehemicyanine Dyes7.3.3.Higher Vinylogs of Phenylogous Hemicyanine Dyes7.3.4.Phenylogous Hemicyanine Dyes with Rings in the Methine Chain7.4.Cyanine Dyes7.4.1.Zeromethinecyanine Dyes7.4.2.Monomethinecyanine Dyes7.4.3.Dimethinecyanine Dyes7.4.4.Trimethinecyanine Dyes7.4.5.Pentamethinecyanine Dyes7.4.6.Higher Vinylogs of Cyanine Dyes7.4.7.Cyanine Dyes with Rings in the Methine Chain7.4.8.Cyanine Dyes with Several Methine Chains8.Anionic Methine Dyes (Oxonols)8.1.Monomethineoxonol Dyes8.2.Trimethineoxonol Dyes and Higher Vinylogs9.Methine Dyes with Betaine Structure10.Neutral Methine Dyes10.1.Enamineneutrocyanines10.2.Aminoarylneutrocyanines10.2.1.Aminoarylneutrocyanines with Open‐Chain Terminal Groups10.2.2.Aminoarylneutrocyanines with Cyclic Terminal Groups10.3.Merocyanine Dyes10.3.1.Merocyanine Dyes with Open‐Chain Terminal Groups10.3.2.Merocyanine Dyes with Cyclic Terminal Groups
Male reproductive skew, paternal relatedness, and female social relationships
Authors: Schülke Oliver , Ostner Julia
Published: April 2008

Female social relationships among primates are thought to be shaped by socio‐ecological factors and phylogenetic constraints. We suggest that patterns of paternal relatedness among females influence measures of social tolerance that have been used to classify species into different social relationship categories. As kin support and kin preference have only been measured for matrilineal kin and related individuals exchange less aggression and have a higher conciliatory tendency, the observed low nepotism levels and high tolerance levels may be an artifact of hidden paternal relatedness among the nonkin category. Using comparative data on macaques, we investigate this hypothesis using male reproductive skew as a proxy for paternal relatedness. Within the limitations of the study we show that populations classified as being less nepotistic, and more tolerant exhibit higher levels of reproductive skew. This first result and the reasoning behind may motivate future students of social relationships to take paternal relatedness into consideration. Potential implications of this finding if repeated with larger samples include that variation in aspects of macaque social relationships may be explained without considering phylogeny or the strength of between‐group contest competition for food. Am. J. Primatol. 70:695–698, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of the fiber orientation on the sorption kinetics of seawater in an epoxy/glass composite: A free‐volume microprobe study
Authors: Radha J. C. , Ranganathaiah C.
Published: April 2008

The conventional gravimetric method and positron lifetime spectroscopy have been used to investigate the effect of glass fiber orientation on the diffusion behavior of seawater in epoxy‐based composite samples with glass fiber orientations of 0 and 45°. The equilibrium mass uptake of seawater in 45 and 0° orientation composites has been found to be 2.77 and 1.57%, respectively. The diffusion process is non‐Fickian in a 45° fiber oriented composite, whereas it is Fickian in a 0° oriented composite. Free‐volume data for 45° fiber oriented composites indicates swelling upon the sorption of seawater leading to structural relaxation, and hence the diffusion becomes non‐Fickian. On the other hand, a 0° fiber orientation sample exhibits no swelling, and this suggests that water diffusion to the fiber–resin interface through the resin matrix is impeded by the large number of bonds. A polymer–fiber interaction parameter determined from these results also further supports the idea that interface interaction in a 45° fiber oriented composite is less than that in a 0° fiber oriented composite. Positron and gravimetric results support this argument. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Nonisothermal melt‐crystallization kinetics of isotactic polypropylene synthesized with a metallocene catalyst and compounded with different quantities of an α nucleator
Authors: Dobreva T. , López‐Majada J. M. , Pereña J. M. , Pérez E. , Benavente R.
Published: April 2008

The nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of a metallocene‐made isotactic polypropylene (m‐iPP) and its compounds with 0.1 wt % and 0.3 wt % of a sorbitol derivative [1,3:2,4‐bis(3,4‐dimethylbenzylidene)sorbitol (DMDBS); an α nucleator] were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry at different cooling rates from the melt. The nucleation efficiency was proved by a significant increase in the crystallization temperatures (accompanied by a slight augmentation of the degree of crystallinity and a decrease in the crystal sizes). This increase in the crystallization temperatures led to higher amounts of fractional content in the γ polymorph, even though DMDBS was supposed to be a nucleator for the α form. The Avrami and Ozawa methods effectively described only the early stage of crystallization, whereas a combined Avrami–Ozawa method was valid for the whole crystallization process. The values of the exponent for this method decreased for nucleated samples in the later stage of crystallization, especially in the case of m‐iPP with 0.3 wt % DMDBS added (m‐iPP03). The activation energy of the process and the surface free energy were also estimated. The production of considerable proportions of the γ polymorph in m‐iPP03 corresponded to higher values of the activation energy and lower values of the surface free energy. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Large amplitude oscillatory shear experiments to investigate the nonlinear viscoelastic properties of highly loaded carbon black rubber compounds without curatives
Authors: Leblanc Jean L.
Published: April 2008

The nonlinear viscoelastic properties of two series of highly loaded carbon black natural rubber composites with filler volume fraction in the 0.148–0.309 range were investigated at 100°C through strain sweep tests at 0.5 and 1.0 Hz frequency, up to strain amplitude of around 1000%, using a commercial torsional dynamic rheometer adapted to perform so‐called Fourier Transform rheometry experiments. A series of high cis‐1,4 polybutadiene (BR)/carbon compounds with filler fractions in the 0–0.213 range was also tested for comparison. Except BR compounds with carbon black fractions below the so‐called percolation level (0.12–0.13), nonlinear viscoelastic responses were systematically observed within the experimental strain window (6–1000%). Fourier Transform treatment of recorded torque and strain signals allowed to express the material response in terms of harmonics, with the main one (i.e., at to the test frequency) corresponding to the complex modulus. The usual drop of complex modulus with increasing strain was observed and adequately analyzed with a model previously reported. The expected effect of carbon black content was observed. Highly loaded samples were found to exhibit a variation of relative torque harmonics with strain amplitude markedly different from unfilled rubbers, which lead to the development of a model, inspired by the Weibull analysis. This model explicitly considers that filler particles, dispersed in the rubber matrix, self‐organize in a structure that adds a nonlinear response to the growing nonlinearity exhibited by the polymer matrix as applied strain increases. Above a critical strain, easily determined by mathematically handling model parameters, the filler structure dislocates and the high strain nonlinear response of the matrix is asymptotically recovered. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
EFAS forecasts for the March–April 2006 flood in the Czech part of the Elbe River Basin—a case study
Authors: Younis Jalal , Ramos Maria‐Helena , Thielen Jutta
Published: April 2008

In spring 2006, the Elbe River Basin was hit by severe snowmelt‐driven floods. This article investigates the performance of the European Flood Alert System (EFAS) forecasts for this event in the Czech part of the Elbe River Basin. EFAS runs preoperationally at the European Commission DG Joint Research Centre where it is developed and tested in close collaboration with the National Hydrological Services. The analysis shows that EFAS forecasts were able to detect a signal of probability of flooding up to 8–10 days in advance. The added value of ensemble forecasts to early flood warning is illustrated. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
New Hepatoprotective Coumarinolignoids from Mallotus apelta
Authors: Xu Jian‐Fu , Feng Zi‐Ming , Liu Jian , Zhang Pei‐Cheng
Published: April 2008

Three new coumarinolignoids, malloapelins A–C (1–3, resp.), together with three known coumarinolignoids, cleomiscosin A (4), cleomiscosin B (5), and 5′‐demethylaquillochin (6), were isolated from the roots of Mallotus apelta Muell.‐Arg. Compounds 1–6 are three pairs of regioisomeric coumarinolignoids. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral evidence. Compounds 3 showed promising hepatoprotective activity against D‐galactosamine‐induced toxicity in WB‐F344 rat hepatic epithelial stem‐like cells.
Determination of Trace Alkaline Phosphatase by Solid‐Substrate Room‐Temperature Phosphorimetry Based on Triticum vulgare Lectin Labeled with Fullerenol
Authors: Liu Jia‐Ming , Gao Fei , Huang Hong‐Hua , Zeng Li‐Qing , Huang Xiao‐Mei , Zhu Guo‐Hui , Li Zhi‐Ming
Published: April 2008

Fullerenol (F) shows a strong and stable room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP) signal on the surface of nitrocellulose membrane (NCM) at λ$\rm{ _{{\rm{ex}}}^{\max } }$/λ$\rm{ _{{\rm{em}}}^{\max } }$=542.0/709.4 nm. When modified by dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid sodium salt (DBS), fullerenol emits a stronger signal. It was also found that quantitative specific affinity‐adsorption reaction can be carried out between Triticum vulgare lectin (WGA) labeled with DBS‐F and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) on the surface of NCM, and the product obtained (WGA‐ALP‐WGA‐F‐DBS) emits a strong and stable RTP signal. Furthermore, the content of ALP was proportional to the ΔIp value. Based on the facts above, a new method for the determination of trace amounts of ALP by affinity‐adsorption solid‐substrate room‐temperature phosphorimetry (AA‐SS‐RTP) was established, using fullerenol modified with DBS to label WGA. The detection limit was 0.011 fg spot−1 (corresponding concentration: 2.8×10−14 g ml−1, namely 2.8×10−16 mol l−1). This method with high sensitivity, accuracy, and precision has been successfully applied to the determination of the content of ALP in human serum survey and forecast human disease, and the results are tallied with those using alkaline phosphatase kits. The mechanism for the determination of ALP using AA‐SS‐RTP was also discussed.
Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Allylic Alcohols: Boronic Acid as a Hydroxide Source
Authors: Bouziane Asmae , Hélou Marion , Carboni Bertrand , Carreaux François , Demerseman Bernard , Bruneau Christian , Renaud Jean‐Luc
Published: April 2008

Secondary allylic alcohols were synthesized from linear allylic halides or carbonates using a catalytic amount of a ruthenium complex in the presence of boronic acid. The effects of solvent, base, ruthenium precursor, and boronic acid were fully explored, and the scope of the reaction was extended to various substrates. We also describe a preliminary investigation towards an enantioselective process.
ChemInform Abstract: On the Chemical Constituents of Dipsacus asper
Authors: Tian Xiao‐Yan , Wang Ying‐Hong , Liu Hong‐Yue , Yu Shi‐Shan , Fang Wei‐Shuo
Published: April 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: The Chemistry of Fluorescent Bodipy Diyes: Versatility Unsurpassed
Authors: Ulrich Gilles , Ziessel Raymond , Harriman Anthony
Published: April 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
Bis(tert‐butylimido)‐bis(dialkylamido) Complexes of Molybdenum as Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) Precursors for Molybdenum Nitride: the Effect of the Alkyl Group
Authors: Miikkulainen Ville , Suvanto Mika , Pakkanen Tapani A.
Published: April 2008

Bis(tert‐butylimido)‐bis(diethylamido)molybdenum [(tBuN)2Mo(NEt2)2] and bis(tert‐butylimido)‐bis(di‐isopropylamido)molybdenum [(tBuN)2Mo(NiPr2)2], possible precursors for atomic layer deposition (ALD) of molybdenum nitride, are synthesized and characterized. Calorimetric studies are carried out to examine the thermal stability of the new precursor candidates. For the diethylamido complex, sufficient thermal stability is found, ALD tests are performed, and satisfactory parameters for controlled growth are identified. Films grown from bis(tert‐butylimido)‐bis(diethylamido)molybdenum and ammonia are amorphous, smooth, and conformal. The di‐isopropylamido complex shows thermal instability and a very low synthetic yield, hence it is not tested in ALD. Possible decomposition reactions of the precursors are studied by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The computational results support the low thermal stability of di‐isopropylamido complex found through calorimetric studies.
Direct costs associated with mild cognitive impairment in primary care
Authors: Luppa Melanie , Heinrich Sven , Matschinger Herbert , Hensel Anke , Luck Tobias , Riedel‐Heller Steffi G. , König Hans‐Helmut
Published: April 2008

Background/aims

Little is known about the direct costs of individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). This study investigates the direct costs associated with MCI according to recent diagnostic criteria from a societal perspective.

Methods

Four hundred and fifty‐two primary care patients aged 75+ from Leipzig, Germany, were investigated in face‐to‐face interviews regarding MCI according to the current diagnostic criteria of the International Working Group on MCI, resource utilisation and costs (questionnaire of service utilisation and costs), as well as chronic medical illness (Chronic Disease Score). Resource utilisation was monetarily valued using 2004/2005 prices.

Results

Mean annual direct costs were €4,443 for patients with MCI (n = 39) and €3,814 for patients without MCI (n = 413) (p = 0.34). Looking at the cost components, patients with and without MCI only significantly differed regarding pharmaceutical costs (€ 1,210 vs € 1,062; p < 0.05) not caused by antidementive drugs.

Conclusion

Direct costs of individuals having MCI are not significantly increased in comparison to direct costs of individuals without cognitive deficits. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clustering and switching in semantic fluency: predictors of the development of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Fagundo Ana B. , López Samuel , Romero Montse , Guarch Joana , Marcos Teodor , Salamero Manel
Published: April 2008

Objective

The aims of the study are twofold: (1) to compare semantic fluency, clustering and switching performance among subjects with memory complaints, patients with Alzheimer Disease (AD), and healthy controls; and (2) to examine the clinical utility of the clustering/switching scoring system in the prediction of incident AD in subjects with memory complaints.

Methods

A semantic fluency task was used to compare thirty eight subjects with memory complaints, forty two AD patients and twenty five healthy controls on the total number of words generated, clustering and switching performance. Subjects with memory complaints were followed‐up for a maximum period of two years and re‐evaluated. They remained in the memory complaints group (twenty eight subjects) or were defined as probable AD (ten subjects).

Results

AD patients generated fewer correct words (p < 0.001) and showed a reduction in clustering (p = 0.008) and switching (p < 0.001). Subjects with memory complaints showed a significant reduction in correct words (p < 0.001) and clustering performance (p = 0.008) compare to controls. In the first evaluation, the subgroup of patients who converted to AD at follow up produced less correct words (p < 0.01) and smaller clusters (p = 0.007) than the subgroup who did not become demented. There were no differences in switching between these two subgroups. AD development was better predicted by cluster size than by the total number of words generated or by switching.

Conclusions

Subjects with memory complaints and AD patients have an alteration in both qualitative and quantitative aspects of semantic fluency. A clustering analysis could enhance the reliability of early AD diagnosis. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Triterpenoids from the Edible Leaves of Photinia serrulata
Authors: Song Ya‐Ling , Wang Yue‐Hu , Lu Qing , Qiao Hui‐Jun , Cheng Yong‐Xian
Published: April 2008

Five new triterpenoids, serrulatins A–E (1–5), including two new artifacts, together with ten known serrulatins, were isolated from the edible leaves of Photinia serrulata after extraction and purification. Their structures were identified on the basis of spectroscopic methods including 2D NMR experiments. Compounds 1 and 3 are unusual ursolic triterpenoids characterized by the occurrence of a C(13)C(18) bond.
Preparation of Two Diastereoisomeric Decalin Synthons and (−)‐Ambrox
Authors: Xie Yi‐Peng , Li Bo‐Gang , Luo Ying‐Gang , Chen Xiao‐Zhen , Zhang Guo‐Lin
Published: April 2008

Two diastereoisomeric decalins, (2S,4aS,5S,6R)‐ and (2S,4aS,5R,6R)‐5‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐1,1,4a,6‐tetramethyldecalin‐2,6‐diol (5 and 6) were prepared from the degradation products of oleanolic acid. Starting from 6, (−)‐ambrox (4) was synthesized.
Clinical perspectives of high‐resolution mass spectrometry–based proteomics in neuroscience—Exemplified in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis biomarker discovery research
Authors: Ekegren Titti , Hanrieder Jörg , Bergquist Jonas
Published: April 2008

Biomarker discovery is a central application in today's proteomic research. There is an urgent need for valid biomarkers to improve diagnostic tools and treatment in many disorders, such as the rapidly progressing neurodegenerative disorder amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) that has a fatal outcome in about 3 years and yet no curative treatment. Screening for clinically relevant biomarkers puts high demands on high‐throughput, rapid and precise proteomic techniques. There is a large variety in the methods of choice involving mainly gel‐based approaches as well as chromatographic techniques for multi‐dimensional protein and peptide separations followed by mass spectrometry (MS) analysis. This special feature article will discuss some important aspects of MS‐based clinical proteomics and biomarker discovery in the field of neurodegenerative diseases and ALS research respectively, with the aim to provide a prospective view on current and future research aspects in the field. Furthermore, examples for application of high‐resolution MS‐based proteomic strategies for ALS biomarker discovery will be demonstrated with two studies previously reported by our group. These studies include among others, utilization of capillary liquid chromatography‐Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (LC‐FTICR‐MS) for advanced protein pattern classification in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples of ALS patients as well as highly sensitive protein identification in minimal amounts of postmortem spinal cord tissue and laser micro‐dissected motor neurons using FT‐ICR‐MS in conjunction with nanoflow LC coupled to matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MALDI‐TOF‐TOF‐MS). Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microbiological hazards involved in fresh‐cut lettuce processing
Authors: da Cruz Adriano G , Cenci Sergio A , Maia Maria Cristina A
Published: April 2008

BACKGROUND: The increasing consumption of produce all over the world has resulted in increasing concern by the regulatory agencies with respect to the level of safety performed by the processors. The objective of the present study was to investigate the hazards involved in the various steps of fresh‐cut lettuce processing (reception/selection of raw material, washing, rinsing, sanitisation and final product) by means of microbiological analyses of microbial groups used as indicators of hygienic conditions and of pathogens.

RESULTS: High microbial loads of mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria and Pseudomonas spp. were found in the ram reception (∼6 log colony‐forming units (CFU) g−1), which were reduced by a single logarithmic cycle for the last two microbial groups after the sanitisation step (P < 0.05), the latter being ineffective against the first microbial group (P > 0.05). Lower counts of yeasts and moulds, total coliforms (35 °C) and faecal coliforms (44 °C) were observed in the initial step (3.49–4.53 log CFU g−1, 0.65–1.55 log most probable number (MPN) g−1 and 0.50–0.90 log MPN g−1 respectively), these values increasing significantly after the sanitisation step for yeasts and moulds (∼5 log CFU g−1) but remaining unaltered for coliforms (P > 0.05). Salmonella spp. were not found in any of the experiments carried out, while the presence of Escherichia coli was observed in the final product.

CONCLUSIONS: Practices compromising the hygienic quality of the final product during commercial storage were observed and corrective measures suggested. To the best of the authors' knowledge, these are the first data on microbiological safety in Brazilian fresh‐cut processing plants. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Mass spectrometric analysis of illicit drugs in wastewater and surface water
Authors: Castiglioni Sara , Zuccato Ettore , Chiabrando Chiara , Fanelli Roberto , Bagnati Renzo
Published: April 2008

Residues of illicit drugs have been recently found in urban wastewater and surface water. Their levels reflect the amount of drugs collectively excreted by consumers and can therefore be used to estimate drug abuse. An overview of the most widely used illicit drugs and of the analytical methods used for their detection in wastewater and surface water is presented here. Solid‐phase extraction and high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry are the techniques that have been used for these investigations. Instrumental conditions and fragmentation patterns of illicit drugs and their metabolites are described. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 27: 378–394, 2008
Towards a stronger European market in applied meteorology
Authors: Pettifer R. E. W.
Published: April 2008

Assessments of the potential size, actual size and growth rate of the European market in value‐added meteorological products and services are brought up to date and set in their historical context. The results show that the European market is orders of magnitude below its overall potential size and has grown very slowly over the past decade. These findings raise interesting and important questions about the structure of the market. In particular, the role of the National Meteorological Services acting simultaneously as quasi monopoly data suppliers to the private sector and as product producers in competition with that sector introduces serious distortions to the market, which restrict market growth for all the players. The underlying reasons for this are analysed and it is concluded that the most significant contribution to the realization of a strong and growing market would be the treatment of the upstream meteorological data as Public Service Information (PSI), a genuine public good available to all downstream players at the marginal cost of handling and dissemination. The distortions arising from the WMO Cg XII Resolution 40 and ECOMET and serious flaws in the provisions of the EC Directive 2003/98EC are considered and it is shown that the current net loss to national exchequers in terms of taxation, which could be returned from the sector, is around 100 million Euros per annum to which can be added the social costs associated with the failure to grow the employment in the sector to its full potential. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Decay in time for a one‐dimensional two‐component plasma
Authors: Glassey Robert , Pankavich Stephen , Schaeffer Jack
Published: April 2008

The motion of a collisionless plasma is described by the Vlasov–Poisson (VP) system, or in the presence of large velocities, the relativistic VP system. Both systems are considered in one space and one momentum dimension, with two species of oppositely charged particles. A new identity is derived for both systems and is used to study the behavior of solutions for large times. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Possible involvement of the M2 anti‐inflammatory macrophage phenotype in growth of human gliomas
Authors: Komohara Y , Ohnishi K , Kuratsu J , Takeya M
Published: April 2008

Within tumours, many non‐neoplastic cells such as fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and macrophages assist tumour growth by producing various growth factors and pro‐angiogenic cytokines. Various tumour‐derived molecules drive tumour‐associated macrophages towards an anti‐inflammatory phenotype (M2) and thus promoting tumour growth. Here we investigated microglia/macrophage differentiation in glioma tissues by means of immunostaining of paraffin‐embedded glioma samples. The number of microglia/macrophages with positive staining for CD163 and CD204, which are believed to be markers for M2 macrophages, was correlated with the histological grade of the gliomas. The ratio of M2 macrophages in the tumour‐associated microglia/macrophages was also associated with the histological grade. Culture supernatant from the glioma cell line can stimulate macrophages to develop into the M2 phenotype in vitro. Macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (M‐CSF), which strongly induces M2 polarization of macrophages, was significantly correlated with histological malignancy and with the proportion of M2 microglia/macrophages in vivo. In addition, the proportion of M2 microglia/macrophages and M‐CSF expression in tumour cells correlated well with proliferation of glioblastoma cells. These results suggest that tumour‐derived M‐CSF induces a shift of microglia/macrophages towards the M2 phenotype, which influences tumour growth. Evaluation of the proportion of M2 microglia/macrophages and M‐CSF expression in tumour tissue would be useful for assessment of microglia/macrophage proliferative activity and the prognosis of patients with gliomas. Copyright © 2008 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fournier's gangrene and scrotal ulcerations during all‐trans‐retinoic acid therapy for acute promyelocytic leukemia
Authors: Naithani Rahul , Kumar Rajat , Mahapatra M.
Published: April 2008

Scrotal ulcers are a rare manifestation in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia. Fournier's gangrene (FG) is even rarer. We describe three adolescents and young adults who developed scrotal ulcerations during induction with all‐trans‐retinoic acid. One patient developed FG. These lesions are predominantly seen in Asian population. A good outcome with supportive management occurred in all the cases. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:303–304. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Biloma and pneumobilia in sickle cell disease
Authors: Lebensburger Jeffrey , Esbenshade Adam , Blakely Martin , Hankins Jane , Wang Winfred
Published: April 2008

Spontaneous biloma and pneumobilia developed in a patient with sickle cell disease (SCD) who presented with acute abdominal pain, jaundice, and fever. Bilomas are fluid‐filled cysts that develop from a bile leak and are located outside of the biliary system. Pneumobilia is characterized by gas within the biliary system due to an abnormal connection between the biliary tree and adjacent organs, particularly the gastrointestinal tract. Although hepatobiliary complications are common in SCD, we report on biloma and pneumobilia in a young patient with this condition. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:288–290. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.