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Presented Study (presented + study)
Selected AbstractsSequestration and turnover of plant- and microbially derived sugars in a temperate grassland soil during 7 years exposed to elevated atmospheric pCO2GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY, Issue 2 2007MICHAEL BOCK Abstract Temperate grasslands contribute about 20% to the global terrestrial carbon (C) budget with sugars contributing 10,50% to this soil C pool. Whether the observed increase of the atmospheric CO2 concentration (pCO2) leads to additional C sequestration into these ecosystems or enhanced mineralization of soil organic matter (SOM) is still unclear. Therefore, the aim of the presented study was to investigate the impact of elevated atmospheric pCO2 on C sequestration and turnover of plant- (arabinose and xylose) and microbially derived (fucose, rhamnose, galactose, mannose) sugars in soil, representing a labile SOM pool. The study was carried out at the Swiss Free Air Carbon Dioxide Enrichment (FACE) experiment near Zurich. For 7 years, Lolium perenne swards were exposed to ambient and elevated pCO2 (36 and 60 Pa, respectively). The additional CO2 in the FACE plots was depleted in 13C compared with ambient plots, so that ,new' (<7 years) C inputs could be determined by means of compound-specific stable isotope analysis (13C : 12C). Samples were fractionated into clay, silt, fine sand and coarse sand, which yielded relatively stable and labile SOM pools with different turnover rates. Total sugar sequestration into bulk soil after 7 years of exposure to elevated pCO2 was about 28% compared with the control plots. In both ambient and elevated plots, total sugar concentrations in particle size fractions increased in the order sand Methodological approaches in the assessment of interferon-alfa-induced depression in patients with chronic hepatitis C , a critical reviewINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF METHODS IN PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH, Issue 4 2007Arne Schäfer Abstract In recent years, research on interferon (IFN)-induced depressive symptoms in antivirally treated patients suffering from chronic hepatitis C (CHC) has considerably intensified. Profound scientific knowledge of this complication is of great relevance with regard to adherence, compliance, and premature therapy discontinuation. Presently, there is considerable variability of both, the frequency and extent of IFN-induced depression reported in different cohorts of patients. The aim of the presented study was to systematically review recent literature of research within this field; and particularly (1) to identify to what extent methodological bias contributed to inconsistent results in different studies, (2) to critically appraise methods and results of studies published so far, and (3) to suggest directions for future work, especially with respect to alternative and improved methodological approaches. The results of this critical review suggest that the variability of findings seem to be largely due to different study populations, treatment regimens, methodological approaches, and sometimes arbitrary or at least poorly defined choice of screening instruments for depression, particularly criteria for clinically relevant depression (cut-off criteria). Study designs and methodological approaches to investigate IFN-alfa-induced depression in patients with CHC have been incoherent. Future research in this field needs agreement on the use of standardized assessment of IFN-induced depression in CHC. Furthermore, objective criteria and guidelines for the treatment of IFN-induced depression in these patients are needed in clinical practice. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Design and comparison of turbo codes under frame-length and code-rate constraintsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS AND NETWORKING, Issue 3 2006Franco Chiaraluce Abstract When the performances of error-correcting codes for space communications are investigated, with the aim to translate them into practical recommendations, comparison among different schemes is usually a very difficult task. As a matter of fact, these comparisons rarely yield general conclusions. On the other hand, most practical space applications impose strong constraints on the code parameters, which have important effects on code selection. In this paper, we show a methodology and several examples of design and comparison, derived under fixed constraints imposed by the system application on the frame-length and the code-rate. CCSDS Earth observation missions requiring both large coding gains and high spectral efficiency are considered as a case study. Though referred to this specific space mission framework, the presented study is quite general and applies to many other digital communication systems; e.g. for wireless or wired applications where similar constraints exist but are often not taken in due consideration by the designer of the error-correcting schemes. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Studies on the metabolism of the ,9-tetrahydrocannabinol precursor ,9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid A (,9-THCA-A) in rat using LC-MS/MS, LC-QTOF MS and GC-MS techniquesJOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY (INCORP BIOLOGICAL MASS SPECTROMETRY), Issue 10 2009Julia Jung Abstract In Cannabis sativa, ,9-Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid-A (,9-THCA-A) is the non-psychoactive precursor of ,9-tetrahydrocannabinol (,9-THC). In fresh plant material, about 90% of the total ,9-THC is available as ,9-THCA-A. When heated (smoked or baked), ,9-THCA-A is only partially converted to ,9-THC and therefore, ,9-THCA-A can be detected in serum and urine of cannabis consumers. The aim of the presented study was to identify the metabolites of ,9-THCA-A and to examine particularly whether oral intake of ,9-THCA-A leads to in vivo formation of ,9-THC in a rat model. After oral application of pure ,9-THCA-A to rats (15 mg/kg body mass), urine samples were collected and metabolites were isolated and identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and high resolution LC-MS using time of flight-mass spectrometry (TOF-MS) for accurate mass measurement. For detection of ,9-THC and its metabolites, urine extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The identified metabolites show that ,9-THCA-A undergoes a hydroxylation in position 11 to 11-hydroxy-,9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid-A (11-OH-,9-THCA-A), which is further oxidized via the intermediate aldehyde 11-oxo-,9-THCA-A to 11-nor-9-carboxy-,9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid-A (,9-THCA-A-COOH). Glucuronides of the parent compound and both main metabolites were identified in the rat urine as well. Furthermore, ,9-THCA-A undergoes hydroxylation in position 8 to 8-alpha- and 8-beta-hydroxy-,9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid-A, respectively, (8,-Hydroxy-,9-THCA-A and 8,-Hydroxy-,9-THCA-A, respectively) followed by dehydration. Both monohydroxylated metabolites were further oxidized to their bishydroxylated forms. Several glucuronidation conjugates of these metabolites were identified. In vivo conversion of ,9-THCA-A to ,9-THC was not observed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Detection and validated quantification of nine herbal phenalkylamines and methcathinone in human blood plasma by LC-MS/MS with electrospray ionizationJOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY (INCORP BIOLOGICAL MASS SPECTROMETRY), Issue 2 2007Jochen Beyer Abstract The herbal stimulants Ephedra species, Catha edulis (khat), and Lophophora williamsii (peyote) have been abused for a long time. In recent years, the herbal drug market has grown owing to publicity on the Internet. Some ingredients of these plants are also ingredients of cold remedies. The aim of the presented study is to develop a multianalyte procedure for detection and validated quantification of the phenalkylamines ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, norephedrine, norpseudoephedrine, methylephedrine, methylpseudoephedrine, cathinone, mescaline, synephrine (oxedrine), and methcathinone in plasma. After mixed-mode solid-phase extraction of 1 ml of plasma, the analytes were separated using a strong cation exchange separation column and gradient elution. They were detected using a Q-Trap LC-ESI-MS/MS system (MRM mode). Calibration curves were used for quantification using norephedrine- d3, ephedrine- d3, and mescaline- d9 as internal standards. The method was validated according to international guidelines. The assay was selective for the tested compounds. It was linear from 10 to 1000 ng/ml for all analytes. The recoveries were generally higher than 70%. Accuracy ranged from , 0.8 to 20.0%, repeatability from 2.5 to 12.3%, and intermediate precision from 4.6 to 20.0%. The lower limit of quantification was 10 ng/ml for all analytes. No instability was observed after repeated freezing and thawing or in processed samples. The applicability of the assay was tested by analysis of authentic plasma samples after ingestion of different cold medications containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, and after ingestion of an aqueous extract of Herba Ephedra. After ingestion of the cold medications, only the corresponding single alkaloids were detected in human plasma, whereas after ingestion of the herb extract, all six ephedrines contained in the plant were detected. The presented LC-MS/MS assay was found applicable for sensitive detection and accurate and precise quantification of all studied analytes in plasma. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Consequences Arising From Elevated Surface Temperatures on Human BloodARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 9 2010Kathrin F. Hamilton Abstract Heat in blood pumps is generated by losses of the electrical motor and bearings. In the presented study the influence of tempered surfaces on bulk blood and adhesions on these surfaces was examined. Titanium alloy housing dummies were immersed in 25 mL heparinized human blood. The dummies were constantly tempered at specific temperatures (37,45°C) over 15 min. Blood samples were withdrawn for blood parameter analysis and the determination of the plasmatic coagulation cascade. The quantities of adhesion on surfaces were determined by drained weight. Blood parameters do not alter significantly up to surface temperatures of 45°C. In comparison to the control specimen, a drop in the platelet count can be observed, but is not significantly temperature dependent. The mean mass of adhesions at 41°C increased up to 66% compared to 37°C. Thus, heat generated in electrical motors and contact bearings may influence the amount of adhesions on surfaces. [source] Effect of Tiagabine and Topiramate on Porphyrin Metabolism in an in vivo Model of PorphyriaBASIC AND CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY & TOXICOLOGY, Issue 1 2001Jan Krijt Information on the porphyrogenic activity of new antiepileptic drugs is still limited. In the presented study, the effects of tiagabine and topiramate on porphyrin metabolism were evaluated in an in vivo model of porphyria. Administration of the protoporphyrinogen oxidase inhibitor oxadiazon (12.5 mg/kg/day) for four days to male Wistar rats caused a partial block of porphyrin biosynthesis, thus mimicking the condition of quiescent variegate porphyria. Administration of phenobarbital (75 mg/kg/day) to oxadiazon-pretreated rats increased liver porphyrin content, liver porphobilinogen content (means 480 nmol/g, control less than 20 nmol/g) and urinary excretion of porphobilinogen (means 1000 ,mol/l, control less than 20 ,mol/l). Tiagabine (75 mg/kg/day) and topiramate (75 mg/kg/day) increased liver porphobilinogen content (means 33 and 53 nmol/g respectively) and urinary porphobilinogen concentration (240 and 490 ,mol/l respectively). Similar results were obtained in oxadiazon-treated BALB/c mice. In untreated rats, tiagabine and topiramate caused a moderate increase of hepatic pentoxyresorufin-O-dealkylase activity (approximately 100 and 200 pmol/min./mg respectively, controls 15 pmol/min./mg). These data demonstrate that administration of tiagabine or topiramate to oxadiazon-treated animals can provoke a condition resembling an acute porphyric attack and suggest that administration of these drugs to patients with suspected porphyria should be avoided. However, 5-day administration of both tiagabine and topiramate (75 mg/kg) is considerably less porphyrogenic than phenobarbital administered at the same dose. [source] Experimentelle Bestimmung der hygrischen Sorptionsisotherme und des Feuchtetransportes unter instationären BedingungenBAUPHYSIK, Issue 2 2006Assistent und Laborleiter Rudolf Plagge Dr.-Ing. Mit der vorgestellten Augenblicksprofil-Methode (APM) werden sowohl die relative Luftfeuchte und die Temperatur, als auch der volumetrische Wassergehalt in bestimmten Positionen in einem porösen Material bestimmt. Die Messungen werden kontinuierlich unter instationären Bedingungen durchgeführt. Damit erlaubt die APM eine dynamische und gleichzeitige Messung der hygroskopischen Sorptionsisotherme und der hygrischen Feuchteleitfähigkeit für einzelne Kompartimente innerhalb der Materialprobe. Die Feuchteleitfähigkeit wird aus den sich zeitlich ändernden Potentialgradienten und den dazugehörigen Feuchteverteilungen für die jeweiligen Kompartimente berechnet. Die Anwendung nicht konstanter Randbedingungen in der APM erlaubt die Untersuchung des hygrodynamischen Verhaltes von porösen Materialien. In der vorliegenden Studie werden die zeit- und prozeßabhängige Feuchtespeicherung und der Feuchtetransport bestimmt. Die vorgestellten Adsorptions- und Desorptionsexperimente wurden an dem kapillar- aktiven Wärmedämmstoff Calciumsilikat durchgeführt. Die Ergebnisse geben das Hystereseverhalten und den Einfluß der Dynamik der Prozesse wider. In Positionen mit schnellen Feuchteänderungen wird die Feuchtespeicherfunktion im Vergleich mit Regionen langsamer Feuchteänderung nach oben verschoben. Die Feuchteleitfähigkeit als Funktion der relativen Luftfeuchte zeigt eine bedeutende Hysterese. Hingegen ist die Feuchteleitfähigkeit in Relation zum Wassergehalt nicht hysteretisch. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) Experimental determination of the hygroscopie sorption isotherm and the moisture conductvity under transient conditions. By means of the proposed Instantaneous Profile Method (IPM) the relative humidity or the capillary pressure as well as the volumetric water content at specific locations inside a porous medium can be determined. The measurements are carried out under transient conditions and continuously in time. Thus, the IPM allows dynamic measurements of the hygroscopic sorption isotherm and the hygroscopic moisture conductivity. In addition, the moisture conductivity can be obtained via calculation of the moisture flow distribution from the temporal change of moisture contents in the compartments of the sample. The application of non-constant boundary conditions in the IPM allows investigation of the hygrodynamic behaviour of porous materials. In the presented study, the time and process dependent moisture retention characteristic and moisture conductivity are determined. The adsorption and successive desorption experiments presented here have been performed on the capillary active insulation material Calcium Silicate. The results show a hysteretic behaviour with a pregnant influence of the process dynamics. At locations with a rapid moisture increase, the moisture retention characteristic is shifted up in comparison to regions with slow moisture change. The moisture conductivity as function of relative humidity shows a remarkable hysteresis. However, the moisture conductivity in relation to the water content turned out to be non-hysteretic. [source] Lysozyme-lysozyme self-interactions as assessed by the osmotic second virial coefficient: Impact for physical protein stabilizationBIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL, Issue 9 2009Virginie Le Brun Abstract The purpose of the presented study is to understand the physicochemical properties of proteins in aqueous solutions in order to identify solution conditions with reduced attractive protein-protein interactions, to avoid the formation of protein aggregates and to increase protein solubility. This is assessed by measuring the osmotic second virial coefficient (B22), a parameter of solution non-ideality, which is obtained using self-interaction chromatography. The model protein is lysozyme. The influence of various solution conditions on B22 was investigated: protonation degree, ionic strength, pharmaceutical relevant excipients and combinations thereof. Under acidic solution conditions B22 is positive, favoring protein repulsion. A similar trend is observed for the variation of the NaCl concentration, showing that with increasing the ionic strength protein attraction is more likely. B22 decreases and becomes negative. Thus, solution conditions are obtained favoring attractive protein-protein interactions. The B22 parameter also reflects, in general, the influence of the salts of the Hofmeister series with regard to their salting-in/salting-out effect. It is also shown that B22 correlates with protein solubility as well as physical protein stability. [source]
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