bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and tritium to improve conceptual model of groundwater flow in the South Coast Aquifers of Laizhou Bay, China
Authors: Han D. M. , Song X. F. , Currell Matthew J. , Tsujimura Maki 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe southern coastal plain of Laizhou Bay, which is the area most seriously affected by salt water intrusion in north China, is a large alluvial depression, which represents one of the most important hydrogeological units in the coastal region of northern China. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs, including CFC‐11, CFC‐12 and CFC‐113) and tritium were used together for dating groundwater up to 50 years old in the study area. There are two cones of depression, caused by intensive over‐exploitation of fresh groundwater in the south and brine water in the north. The assigned CFC apparent ages for shallow groundwater range from 8 a to >50 a. A binary mixing model based on CFC‐113 and CFC‐12 concentrations in groundwater was used to estimate fractions of young and pre‐modern water in shallow aquifers and to identify groundwater mixing processes during saltwater intrusion. Discordance between concentrations of different CFC compounds indicate that shallow groundwater around the Changyi cone of depression is vulnerable to contamination. Pumping activities, CFC contamination, mixing and/or a large unsaturated zone thickness (e.g. >20 m) may be reasons for some groundwater containing CFCs without tritium. Saline intrusion mainly occurs because of large head gradients between fresh groundwater in the south and saline water bodies in the north, forming a wedge of saline water below/within fresh aquifer layers. Both CFC and tritium dates indicate that the majority of the saline water is from >50 a, with little or no modern seawater component. Based on the distribution of CFC apparent ages, tritium contents plus chemical and physical data, a conceptual model of groundwater flow along the investigated Changyi‐Xiaying transect has been developed to describe the hydrogeological processes. Three regimes are identified from south to north: (i) fresh groundwater zone, with a mixing fraction of 0.80–0.65 ‘young’ water calculated with the CFC binary mixing model (groundwater ages <34 a) and 1.9–7.8TU of tritium; (ii) mixing zone characterized by a mixing fraction of 0.05–0.65 young groundwater (ages of 23–44 a), accompanied by local vertical recharge and upward leakage of older groundwater; and (iii) salt water zone, mostly comprising waters with ages beyond the dating range of both CFCs and tritium. Some shallow groundwater in the north of the Changyi groundwater depression belongs to the >50a water group (iii), indicating slow velocity of groundwater circulation and possible drawing in of saline or deep groundwater that is tracer‐free. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrogeological investigation of karst system properties by common use of diverse methods: a case study of Lička Jesenica springs in Dinaric karst of Croatia
Authors: Terzić Josip , Stroj Andrej , Frangen Tihomir 
Published: January 2012

AbstractLička Jesenica is a sinking river situated in the Dinaric karst environment of the Lika region of Croatia. The two main karst springs, Veliko Vrelo and Malo Vrelo, provide the majority of Lička Jesenica's water. Because of the quality and abundance of the water they contain, these springs are strategically important to the public water supply. Previous knowledge regarding the springs` karst system has been negligible. Therefore, a bulk hydrogeological research program was conducted with the purposes of establishing protection zones and assessing the springs' water‐supply potential. The research work comprised the following methods: hydrogeological mapping, setting up of monitoring stations for evaluating discharge and water quality, time series analyses (hydrograph–chemograph), hydrochemical analyses, and geophysical surveys. The main results and conclusions of the research include the following: (i) confirmation that both springs drain a common aquifer; (ii) determination of the highly vulnerable nature of the karst systems; (iii) identification of the Veliko Vrelo Spring's more direct connection to the aquifer‐drainage system in comparison to the Malo Vrelo; (iv) estimation of the positions and depths of the springs` main feeding conduits; (v) confirmation of the extent of the geologically presumed catchment area; and (vi) finally, establishment of sanitary protection zones. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Childhood leukemia around French nuclear power plants—The geocap study, 2002–2007
Authors: Sermage‐Faure Claire , Laurier Dominique , Goujon‐Bellec Stéphanie , Chartier Michel , Guyot‐Goubin Aurélie , Rudant Jérémie , Hémon Denis , Clavel Jacqueline 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe aim of this work is to study the risk of childhood acute leukemia (AL) around French nuclear power plants (NPPs). The nationwide Geocap case–control study included the 2,753 cases diagnosed in mainland France over 2002–2007 and 30,000 contemporaneous population controls. The last addresses were geocoded and located around the 19 NPPs. The study used distance to NPPs and a dose‐based geographic zoning (DBGZ), based on the estimated dose to bone marrow related to NPP gaseous discharges. An odds ratio (OR) of 1.9 [1.0–3.3], based on 14 cases, was evidenced for children living within 5 km of NPPs compared to those living 20 km or further away, and a very similar association was observed in the concomitant incidence study (standardized incidence ratio (SIR) = 1.9 [1.0–3.2]). These results were similar for all the 5‐year‐age groups. They persisted after stratification for several contextual characteristics of the municipalities of residence. Conversely, using the DBGZ resulted in OR and SIR close to one in all of the dose categories. There was no increase in AL incidence over 1990–2001 and over the entire 1990–2007 period. The results suggest a possible excess risk of AL in the close vicinity of French NPPs in 2002–2007. The absence of any association with the DBGZ may indicate that the association is not explained by NPP gaseous discharges. Overall, the findings call for investigation for potential risk factors related to the vicinity of NPP and collaborative analysis of multisite studies conducted in various countries.
Association of lung adenocarcinoma clinical stage with gene expression pattern in noninvolved lung tissue
Authors: Frullanti Elisa , Colombo Francesca , Falvella Felicia S. , Galvan Antonella , Noci Sara , De Cecco Loris , Incarbone Matteo , Alloisio Marco , Santambrogio Luigi , Nosotti Mario , Tosi Davide , Pastorino Ugo , Dragani Tommaso A. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractAssociations between clinical outcome of cancer patients and the gene expression signature in primary tumors at time of diagnosis have been reported. To test whether gene expression patterns in noninvolved lung tissue might correlate with clinical stage in lung adenocarcinoma (ADCA) patients, we compared the transcriptome of noninvolved lung samples from 60 ADCA smoker patients of clinical stage I versus 60 patients with stage >I. Quantitative PCR of 10 genes with the most significant differential expression confirmed the statistical association with clinical stage in eight genes, six of which were downregulated in high‐stage patients. Five of these six genes were also downregulated in lung ADCA tissue as compared to noninvolved tissue. Studies in vitro indicated that four of the genes (SLC14A1, SMAD6, TMEM100 and TXNIP) inhibited colony formation of lung cancer cell lines transfected to overexpress the genes, suggesting their potential tumor‐suppressor activity. Our findings suggest that individual variations in the transcriptional profile of noninvolved lung tissue may reflect the lung ADCA patient's predisposition to tumor aggressiveness.
Influence of bone affinity on the skeletal distribution of fluorescently labeled bisphosphonates in vivo
Authors: Roelofs Anke J , Stewart Charlotte A , Sun Shuting , Błażewska Katarzyna M , Kashemirov Boris A , McKenna Charles E , Russell R Graham G , Rogers Michael J , Lundy Mark W , Ebetino Frank H , Coxon Fraser P 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Bisphosphonates are widely used antiresorptive drugs that bind to calcium. It has become evident that these drugs have differing affinities for bone mineral; however, it is unclear whether such differences affect their distribution on mineral surfaces. In this study, fluorescent conjugates of risedronate, and its lower-affinity analogues deoxy-risedronate and 3-PEHPC, were used to compare the localization of compounds with differing mineral affinities in vivo. Binding to dentine in vitro confirmed differences in mineral binding between compounds, which was influenced predominantly by the characteristics of the parent compound but also by the choice of fluorescent tag. In growing rats, all compounds preferentially bound to forming endocortical as opposed to resorbing periosteal surfaces in cortical bone, 1 day after administration. At resorbing surfaces, lower-affinity compounds showed preferential binding to resorption lacunae, whereas the highest-affinity compound showed more uniform labeling. At forming surfaces, penetration into the mineralizing osteoid was found to inversely correlate with mineral affinity. These differences in distribution at resorbing and forming surfaces were not observed at quiescent surfaces. Lower-affinity compounds also showed a relatively higher degree of labeling of osteocyte lacunar walls and labeled lacunae deeper within cortical bone, indicating increased penetration of the osteocyte canalicular network. Similar differences in mineralizing surface and osteocyte network penetration between high- and low-affinity compounds were evident 7 days after administration, with fluorescent conjugates at forming surfaces buried under a new layer of bone. Fluorescent compounds were incorporated into these areas of newly formed bone, indicating that “recycling” had occurred, albeit at very low levels. Taken together, these findings indicate that the bone mineral affinity of bisphosphonates is likely to influence their distribution within the skeleton. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Activation of PKR/eIF2α signaling cascade is associated with dihydrotestosterone‐induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human liver cells
Authors: Dai Rongyang , Yan Dongmei , Li Juan , Chen Shaokun , Liu Youping , Chen Run , Duan Chunyan , Wei Mei , Li Hong , He Tao 
Published: January 2012

AbstractAndrogen receptor (AR) signaling plays an important role in the development and progression of several liver diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is the active metabolite of the major circulating androgen, testosterone. In this study, we investigated the effect of DHT on human liver cells. We found that DHT not only induces cell cycle arrest but also initiates apoptosis in androgen‐sensitive liver cells, such as SMMC‐7721 and L02. Importantly, DHT/AR induces the activation of RNA‐dependent protein kinase (PKR)/eukaryotic initiation factor‐2 alpha (eIF2α) cascades in androgen‐sensitive liver cells. PKR/eIF2α activation‐induced growth arrest and DNA damage‐inducible gene 153 (GADD153) and heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27) expression contribute to cell cycle arrest in response to DHT. It is notable that DHT administration results in androgen‐sensitive liver cells apoptosis, at least in part, through PKR/eIF2α/GADD153 cascades. These results suggest that the androgen/AR pathway plays a pivotal role in liver cell growth and apoptosis regulating, whose deregulation might be involved in the pathogenesis of liver diseases. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 1800–1808, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ab initio calculation of structure and transport properties of He…X (X = Zn, Cd, Hg) van der Waals complexes
Authors: Sládek Vladimír , Lukeš Vladimír , Ilčin Michal , Biskupič Stanislav 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe ground state ab initio CCSD(T) potential curves using various basis sets (aug‐cc‐pVXZ‐PP (X = D, T, Q, 5)) is obtained for the dimers of helium with IIb group metals. The effect of the position of the (mid) bond‐functions on the interaction energy is discussed. A Symmetry Adapted Perturbation Theory decomposition of the interaction energy is provided and the trends in the dimer stabilizing and destabilizing contributions are depicted. The spline fitted potential curves are applied together with rigorous statistical formulae in order to obtain the transport coefficients (viscosity coefficients, diffusion coefficients) and the second virial coefficient both for pure constituents and mixtures. The obtained theoretical results are compared with available experimental data. Molecular dynamics is used to obtain reliable values of the diffusion coefficients for all the systems under study. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mechanisms of the cascade synthesis of substituted 4‐amino‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐one from huisgen zwitterion and aldehyde hydrazone: A DFT study
Authors: Zhang Wenjing , Zhu Yanyan , Wei Donghui , Tang Mingsheng 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe detailed reaction mechanisms of the title reaction are shed light on by using the density functional theory (DFT). The calculated results have demonstrated that the whole reaction takes place via four processes (processes (I–IV)), among which, three possible reaction mechanisms are proposed for process (II) (channels 1–3) and two for process (IV) (channels 4–5). According to our calculated results, channel 3 and channel 5 are verified to be most energetically favorable. As interpreted in the text, in process (II), the proton transfer should be performed prior to the nucleophilic attack, and the AA‐Type transfer strategy is more likely to occur. The global reactivity index (GRI) and frontier molecular orbital (FMO) analyses of the aldehyde hydrazone have further supported the AA‐Type mechanism. In process (IV), however, the titled product has been demonstrated to be formed by the synergetic elimination of two protons via a six‐membered ring transition state. Taking an integrated view, the highest energy barrier for the whole reaction along the most favorable pathway is 32.19 kcal/mol, which is consistent with the mild thermal experimental conditions. More interestingly, the qualified mechanisms in this work have given a perfect explanation to the optimal reactants molar ratio of highest yields (R1/R2/R3= 2/1/1) employed in the experiment. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Application of colloidal gas aphrons for pollution remediation
Authors: Hashim Mohd. Ali , Mukhopadhyay Soumyadeep , Gupta Bhaskar Sen , Sahu Jaya Narayan 
Published: January 2012

AbstractColloidal gas aphrons (CGAs), first described by Felix Sebba in his book Foams and Biliquid Foams—Aphrons in 1987, consist of a system of spherical microbubbles with diameters mostly above 25 µm and classified as kugelschaums (ball foam). They possess some colloidal properties and can be pumped at uniform rate through pipes and channels, much like liquids. Also, they have high stability due to very small size and thick surfactant shells. Research work published over the past two decades indicate effective applications of CGAs for clarification of particles and microorganisms, protein separation, gas and nutrient transfer and pollutant separation from water and soil matrices. In this review paper, the techniques for generating CGAs and their application to pollution abatement are discussed. Some mineral separation processes by CGA flotation have also been reviewed because of their relevance to contaminant removal processes. The CGAs were found to function on the principles of bubble entrained floc flotation, electrostatic and ionic interaction, diffusion of entrapped gas and hydrophobicity of the pollutant particles. Two tables have also been provided to present a comparative overview of the generation technologies and the effectiveness of pollution remediation techniques. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Sewage sludge toxicity in edaphic organism: Analysis of midgut responses in the diplopodRhinocricus padbergi
Authors: Bozzatto Vlamir , Fontanetti Carmem Silvia 
Published: January 2012

AbstractDiplopods are agile saprophagous invertebrates with the ability to colonize several soil layers. They feed on waste and decaying organic matter, making the soil in which they are present better aerated and mineral‐enriched. Because of their habits, diplopods have been suggested to be used in studies to analyze possible toxic effects of impacted soils in edafic fauna. In that respect, this study aimed at checking the feasibility of using morphological analysis from millipede's midgut as a biomarker for soils exposed to sewage sludge from sewage treatment plants. Histological and histochemical techniques, applied to the speciesRhinocricus padbergi's midgut, were used. Two sewage sludge samples were used; they were collected in two small towns in the countryside of São Paulo State. Both cities are part of the Piracicaba–Capivari–Jundiaí basin (PCJ‐1 and PCJ‐3). For 7 and 15‐day periods, the animals were exposed to 10% concentrations and crude sludge for the PCJ‐1sample and to 1, 10, and 50% concentrations and sludge for the PCJ‐3 sample. The material exposed to the PCJ‐1 sample showed an increase in the presence of cytoplasmic granules in both concentrations in all periods and a slight increase in the rate of epithelial renewal. The material of PCJ‐3 sample presented the same alterations observed in PCJ‐1 sample in higher frequence and over that high quantity of neutral polysaccharides in the hepatic cells layer. We can conclude that with the increase of sewage sludge concentrations tested, there is an increase in morphophysiologicals alterations frequencies found in the diplopods' midgut. Microsc. Res. Tech. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CCL19 (ELC) improves TH1‐polarized immune responses and protective immunity in a murine Her2/neu DNA vaccination model
Authors: Nguyen‐Hoai Tam , Baldenhofer Gerd , Ahmed Mona Sayed , Pham‐Duc Minh , Gries Margarete , Lipp Martin , Dörken Bernd , Pezzutto Antonio , Westermann Jörg 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackgroundDNA vaccination is an attractive approach for tumor vaccination because plasmid DNA (pDNA) can be used as a ‘general vaccine’ across major histocompatibility complex barriers. Coexpression of immunomodulatory molecules can help to amplify the immunogenicity of DNA vaccines. CCL19 (ELC) is a CC chemokine with immunoregulatory properties, binding to the chemokine receptor CCR7 that is expressed on dendritic cells (DCs) and T cells. In vivo, CCL19 is a key regulator for the interactions between DCs and T cells in regional lymph nodes.MethodspDNA encoding Her2/neu and CCL19 was used as an intramuscular vaccine. Vaccination was performed in BALB/c mice, which were subsequently challenged with syngeneic Her2/neu+ tumor cells. Groups of mice were immunized with pDNA(Her2/neu) plus pDNA(CCL19), pDNA(Her2/neu) plus pDNA(CCL19) plus pDNA(GM‐CSF), pDNA(Her2/neu) plus pDNA(GM‐CSF), pDNA(Her2/neu), pDNA(CCL19), pDNA(GM‐CSF) or mock vector. Tumor protection by the vaccine and immune responses were monitored.ResultsCoadministration of pDNA(Her2/neu) and pDNA(CCL19) led to substantial improvement of tumor protection by the vaccine and induced a TH1‐polarized, Her2/neu‐specific immune response. Forty‐seven days after the tumor challenge, 58% of the mice coinjected with pDNA(Her2/neu) and pDNA(CCL19) remained tumor‐free compared to 22% after vaccination with pDNA(Her2/neu) alone. Additional administration of pDNA(GM‐CSF) led to further improvement of tumor protection and an amplification of Her2/neu‐specific immune responses.ConclusionsCCL19 is able to induce a TH‐1 polarization of the anti‐Her2/neu immune response, which can be further amplified by granulocyte macrophage‐colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF). Clinical use of a pDNA(Her2/neu‐CCL19 ± GM‐CSF) vaccine might be promising in Her2/neu + breast cancer in the clinical situation of minimal residual disease. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of age and gender on cell proliferation and cell surface characterization of synovial fat pad derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Fossett Emma , Khan Wasim S. , Longo Umile Giuseppe , Smitham Peter J. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractCell based therapies are being investigated for biological repair of a variety of disorders. Previous work has shown that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from older patients have reduced proliferation rates. As age is associated with greater musculoskeletal morbidity, e.g., osteoarthritis, an optimal MSC expansion strategy is required for older patients. In this in vitro study we investigate how age and gender affect MSC proliferation rate and cell surface characterization, as well as identify a relationship between seeding density and proliferation that could be applied to therapeutic MSC uses. Synovial fat pad derived MSCs were isolated and expanded from 14 patients undergoing total knee replacements. The cells were seeded at densities between 50 and 10,000 cells/cm2 and cell proliferation studies, flow cytometry, and cell surface staining were performed. Females were found to have consistently higher cell proliferation and cell surface marker expression. The cell surface marker CD105 had a constant expression irrespective of age. A statistically significant inverse relationship was found between seeding densities and cell proliferation rates. This study has shown that patient characteristics do effect cell proliferation rate and cell surface characterization, but as seeding density has a significant relationship with proliferation rate, it can be altered, possibly along with other cell culturing strategies, to compensate for the effects of patient factors on MSCs. We have also shown that gender affects cell proliferation and cell surface characterization, something most previous studies may have failed to identify as they group male and female patients together. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:1013–1018, 2012
Structural and ultrastructural changes of full‐cycle cultured Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) muscle slices during chilled storage
Authors: Roy Bimol Chandra , Ando Masashi , Itoh Tomohiro , Tsukamasa Yasuyuki 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackground: This study examined the structural and ultrastructural changes of dorsal and ventral muscle tissues of full‐cycle cultured Pacific bluefin tuna (PBT), Thunnus orientalis Temminck & Schlegel 1844, cut into slices simulating sashimi and placed in chilled storage for varying periods. Structural and ultrastructural changes were determined in order to understand the physical texture by breaking strength measurement.Results: Progressive deterioration of myofibril structure was observed during chilled storage (4 °C) of PBT muscle slices over 5 days post mortem. Muscle degradation included detachment between myofibres, detachment of the plasmalemma, disruption of mitochondria, loss of Z‐line density and alignment, cementation of myofibrils, loss of the hexagonal arrangement of thick versus thin myofilaments and migration of subsarcolemmal nuclei to intermyofibrillar spaces.Conclusion: Loss of myofibre‐myofibre adhesion, detachment of the plasmalemma and disruption of other components did not lower the breaking strength of PBT muscle. This provides evidence that the muscle breaking strength of PBT is not only associated with the detachment of myofibres or detachment of the plasmalemma. Other factors that produce cement‐like substances, such as cementation of the myofibrillar components and degradation of the sarcoplasmic reticulum, may also increase breaking strength. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry