bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Density forecasts of crude‐oil prices using option‐implied and ARCH‐type models
Authors: Høg Esben , Tsiaras Leonidas
Published: October 2010

The predictive accuracy of competing crude‐oil price forecast densities is investigated for the 1994–2006 period. Moving beyond standard ARCH type models that rely exclusively on past returns, we examine the benefits of utilizing the forward‐looking information that is embedded in the prices of derivative contracts. Risk‐neutral densities, obtained from panels of crude‐oil option prices, are adjusted to reflect real‐world risks using either a parametric or a non‐parametric calibration approach. The relative performance of the models is evaluated for the entire support of the density, as well as for regions and intervals that are of special interest for the economic agent. We find that non‐parametric adjustments of risk‐neutral density forecasts perform significantly better than their parametric counterparts. Goodness‐of‐fit tests and out‐of‐sample likelihood comparisons favor forecast densities obtained by option prices and non‐parametric calibration methods over those constructed using historical returns and simulated ARCH processes. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 31:727–754, 2011
Evidence‐based health impact assessment (EBHIA): a situation report
Authors: Chilaka M. A.
Published: October 2010

This research was carried out to ascertain the different types and sources of evidence commonly applied to the Health Impact Assessment (HIA) process in the United Kingdom; and to also examine the factors that influence the derivation and usage of the different types of evidence. A questionnaire survey of 52 HIA practitioners who had conducted a total of 103 HIAs over a 3‐year period was carried out, followed by semi‐structured interviews of 11 practitioners to gain deeper insights into the questionnaire findings. Ten different sources of evidence were seen to have been applied to the HIA process. Literature review was discovered to be the most commonly utilized source of evidence, having been used by 37 out of 52 practitioners (71.2%) and in 83.5% of the 103 HIAs. Engagement with local residents was second in terms of usage by practitioners (69.2%) and expert opinion was third, having been used by 67.3% of respondents. Other sources of evidence included completed HIA reports, survey, modelling and Delphi exercises. The findings point to efforts to ensure that predictions are grounded on robust sources of evidence, although several issues need to be addressed in the pursuit of evidence‐based HIA (EBHIA). Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparison of gauge and radar precipitation data for simulating an extreme hydrological event in the Severn Uplands, UK
Authors: Biggs Eloise M. , Atkinson Peter M.
Published: October 2010

This paper provides a comparison of gauge and radar precipitation data sources during an extreme hydrological event. November–December 2006 was selected as a time period of intense rainfall and large river flows for the Severn Uplands, an upland catchment in the United Kingdom. A comparison between gauge and radar precipitation time‐series records for the event indicated discrepancies between data sources, particularly in areas of higher elevation. The HEC‐HMS rainfall‐runoff model was selected to assess the accuracy of the precipitation to simulate river flows for the extreme event. Gauge, radar and gauge‐corrected radar rainfall were used as model inputs. Universal cokriging was used to geostatistically interpolate gauge data with radar and elevation data as covariates. This interpolated layer was used to calculate the mean‐field bias and correct the radar composites. Results indicated that gauge‐ and gauge‐corrected radar‐driven models replicated flows adequately for the extreme event. Gauge‐corrected flow predictions produced an increase in flow prediction accuracy when compared with the raw radar, yet predictions were comparative in accuracy to those using the interpolated gauge network. Subsequent investigations suggested this was due to an adequate spatial and temporal resolution of the precipitation gauge network within the Severn Uplands. Results suggested that the six rain gauges could adequately represent precipitation variability of the Severn Uplands to predict flows at an approximately equal accuracy to that obtained by radar. Temporally, radar produced an increase in flow prediction accuracy in mountainous reaches once the gauge time step was in excessive of an hourly interval. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flow dynamics of groundwater and soil water in the former heap Gessenhalde at the uranium mining area of Ronneburg: a stable isotope approach
Authors: Lonschinski Martin , Knöller Kay , Merten Dirk , Büchel Georg
Published: October 2010

Stable isotopes, 2Hwater, 18Owater as well as 18Osulphate and 34Ssulphate, were used to study the flow system of shallow groundwater and soil water at the base area of a former leaching heap at the uranium mining area of Ronneburg, Germany. The flow paths and water‐retention times were estimated by comparison of δ2H and δ18O values in groundwater and soil water to the δ2H and δ18O signature of precipitation, giving distinctive inputs of summer or winter precipitation. The points of measuring the groundwater were divided into three categories with different flow conditions: rapid flow, stagnant conditions and a transition zone by hierarchical cluster analysis of δ2H and δ18O values of groundwater. The transit time of groundwater in the rapid flow area is less than 6 months, whereas water in the stagnant zone is stored for at least 1 year. In soil water, a clear response to different input signals is detectable only in the 30‐cm horizon (retention time is about 6 months), whereas at deeper levels a mixing with older water is taking place. The isotopic composition of the dissolved sulphate was used to identify oxidation of sulphides as the source of sulphate. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Runoff‐generating processes in hydromorphic soils on a plot scale: free gravity‐driven versus pressure‐controlled flow
Authors: Lange Benjamin , Germann Peter F. , Lüscher Peter
Published: October 2010

Draining soil water is an important runoff generator. This study aims to describe runoff‐generating processes on a plot scale (1 m2) in hydromorphic soils with different initial soil water contents. We irrigated 16 hydromorphic soils in the northern Pre‐Alps in Switzerland and recorded the variations in water content with time domain reflectometry (TDR) at five different depths per plot. Sprinkling was repeated three times at approximately 23‐h intervals and lasted for 1 h with a volume flux density of 70 mm h−1. The comparison between the measured water content of the drainages with two physically based models revealed which of the flow processes dominated during water recessions. We distinguished between vertical drainage, lateral outflow and infiltration without drainage. Approximately 45% of all recorded time series of soil water content did not drain within approximately 20 h after the end of irrigation, about 25% drained laterally and 10% of the outflow was vertical. The drainage of the remaining 20% was the result of both lateral and vertical water flow (≈12%), or was not interpretable with the approaches applied (≈8%). Vertical flow was only observed in layers without any or with just a few hydromorphic features. Lateral draining horizons had approximately half the storage capacity and amplitude of water recession of those with vertical flow. Vertical flow was only observed in the upper soil horizons. Thus, vertical flow transmitted water to layers with lateral outflow and did not delay runoff by deep percolation. Increasing initial soil moisture increased the percentage of water content recordings according to a lateral outflow slightly, while vertical flow was less frequent. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A statistical methodology for assessing the long‐term effects of antecedent drought conditions on stream runoff: applications to the Piedmont Province, southeastern United States
Authors: Rose Seth
Published: October 2010

A method was developed to investigate the long‐term (months‐to‐years) effects (both magnitude and duration) of antecedent rainfall upon subsequent runoff coefficients (RCs) or runoff/rainfall ratios. The method was applied to a four‐state region (Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia) within the southeastern Piedmont Province of the United States and incorporated a 59‐year data set of 19 United States Geological Survey stream gages and 57 National Climatic Data Center rain gages. The method was designed to facilitate statistical comparisons [Mann–Whitney rank sum tests] between various groups of normalized runoff coefficients (NRCs) representing 6–36 month periods which differed in terms of antecedent rainfall conditions. The results of this study show that under all subsequent rainfall conditions, with the exception of excess rainfall, a 1‐year period of antecedent drought lowered NRCs for at least 1 year following the drought. The principal finding of this study is that a year‐long drought period within the southeastern Piedmont Province lowers NRCs by ∼25% during the following year when rainfall returns to normal. In most cases, RCs are significantly lower during the second year following a drought than they would be when anteceded by normal rainfall; however, the effects of drought wane during this period. This is a statistical and regional method that can be modified to other study areas; however, it cannot be used to predict storm‐event rainfall–runoff relationships for any specific basin. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A numerical study of the rainstorm characteristics of the June 2005 flash flood with WRF/GSI data assimilation system over south‐east China
Authors: Wan Qilin , Xu Jianjun
Published: October 2010

The evolution and structure of rainstorms associated with a flash‐flood event are simulated by the Advanced Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF‐ARW) model of the National Center for Atmospheric Research and the Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation (GSI) data assimilation (DA) system of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the United States. The event is based on a flash flood that occurred in the central Guangdong Province of south‐east China during 20–21 June 2005. Compared to an hourly mixed rain‐gauge and satellite‐retrieved precipitation data, the model shows the capability to reproduce the intensity and location of rainfall; however, the simulation depends on three conditions to a large extent: model resolution, physical processes schemes and initial condition. In this case, the Eta Ferrier microphysics scheme and the initialization with satellite radiance DA with a fine 4‐km grid spacing nested grid and coarse 12‐km grid spacing outer grid are the best options. The model‐predicted rain rates, however, are slightly overestimated, and the activities of the storms do not precisely correspond with those observed, although peak values are obtained. Abundant moisture brought by the south‐westerly winds with a mesoscale low‐level jet from the South China Sea or Bay of Bengal and trapped within the XingfengJiang region encompassed by northern Jiulian, southern Lianhua and eastern small mountains are apparently the primary elements responsible for the flood event. All simulated rainstorms were initiated over the southern slopes of the Jiulian Mountain and moved south or north‐eastward within the Xingfengjiang region. Meanwhile, the Skew‐T/Log‐P diagrams show that there is a fairly high convective available potential energy (CAPE) over the active areas of the rainstorms. The higher CAPE provides a beneficial thermodynamic condition for the development of rainstorms, but the higher convective inhibition near the northern, eastern and southern mountains prohibits the storms from moving out of the region and causes heavy rainfall that is trapped within the area. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modelling plant canopy effects on annual variability of evapotranspiration and heat fluxes for a semi‐arid grassland on the southern periphery of the Eurasian cryosphere in Mongolia
Authors: Zhang Yinsheng , Ohata T. , Zhou J. , Davaa G.
Published: October 2010

The ability to predict vegetation cover effects on thermal/water regimes can enhance our understanding of canopy controls on evapotranspiration. The Simultaneous Heat and Water (SHAW) model is a detailed process model of heat and water movement in a snow–residue–soil system. This paper describes provisions added to the SHAW model for vegetation cover and simulation of heat and water transfer through the soil–plant–air continuum. The model was applied to four full years (May 2003–April 2007) of data collected on sparse grassland at Nalaikh in north‐eastern Mongolia. Simulated soil temperature and radiation components agreed reasonably well with measured values. The absolute differences between simulated and measured soil temperatures were larger at both the surface layer and deeper layer, but relatively smaller in the layer from 0·8 to 2·4 m. Radiation components were mimicked by the SHAW model with model efficiency (ME) reaching 0·93–0·72. Latent and sensible heat fluxes were simulated well with MEs of 0·93 and 0·87, respectively. The vegetation control on evapotranspiration was investigated by sensitivity experiments of model performance with changing leaf area index (LAI) values but constant of other variables. The results suggest that annual evapotranspiration ranged from 16 to − 22% in response to extremes of doubled and zero LAI. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of intracellular signalling by insulin and the hypermitogenic AspB10 analogue in MCF‐7 breast adenocarcinoma cells
Authors: Oleksiewicz Martin B. , Bonnesen Christine , Hegelund Anne Charlotte , Lundby Anders , Holm Gitte‐Mai Nelander , Jensen Marianne B. , Krabbe Jonas S.
Published: October 2010

We compared mitogenicity and intracellular signalling by human insulin and the AspB10 (X‐10) human insulin analogue in MCF‐7 human mammary adenocarcinoma cells. By flow analysis of phosphorylated histone H3 or cell cycle distributions, insulin and X‐10 were mitogenic at physiologically relevant concentrations (2 nm to 74 pm range), with X‐10 being approximately 3‐fold more mitogenic than insulin. By western blotting with phospho‐specific antibodies, insulin induced phosphorylation of IRS‐1, Akt, p70S6K, S6 ribosomal protein, 4E‐BP1, FoxO3a, FoxO1, p44/42 MAPK and the EGFR. Blocking with wortmannin, rapamycin and U0126 showed that these signalling events conformed to the canonical PI3K pathway. IRS‐1 (Ser302) phosphorylation was abolished by wortmannin and rapamycin, suggesting a feedback from the PI3K pathway on insulin signalling. Compared with equimolar insulin, X‐10 caused up to 2‐fold higher phosphorylation of all proteins examined in this study. The phosphorylation sites that responded most strongly to insulin were not generally the same as those responding most strongly to X‐10. In the PI3K pathway, the most X‐10‐sensitive protein localized to the translation‐regulating arm (p70S6K), with FoxO3a and FoxO1 transcription factors showing a more comparable response to insulin and X‐10. Using flow analysis, we confirmed the correlation between insulin‐triggered translational activation in G0/G1 (S6 phosphorylation) and S‐phase entry by MCF‐7 cells. In summary, our findings implicate asymmetrical PI3K pathway activation and specifically stimulation of protein translation in the hypermitogenic effect of insulin analogues such as X‐10. It remains to be shown whether these findings are relevant to other human mammary cancer cell types. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transplantation of neuronal cells induced from human mesenchymal stem cells improves neurological functions after stroke without cell fusion
Authors: Xu Haiyan , Miki Kazunori , Ishibashi Satoru , Inoue Jun , Sun Liyuan , Endo Shu , Sekiya Ichiro , Muneta Takeshi , Inazawa Joji , Dezawa Mari , Mizusawa Hidehiro
Published: October 2010

The options for treating stroke are limited, but stem cells hold promise as a therapy because of their multipotency. Neuronal cells derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) were reported to have more therapeutic effect than MSCs. For elucidating the therapeutic mechanism of neuronal cells, here we generated a model of focal cerebral infarction by performing left common carotid artery occlusion in adult gerbils. We transfected human trabecular bone‐derived MSCs (hMSCs) with the Notch intracellular domain to induce their differentiation into neuronal cells (hN‐MSCs). These cells were stereotaxically transplanted into the local ischemic hemisphere 4 days after the occlusion. Behavioral analyses were conducted 28 days after transplantation, and then fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and a histological evaluation were performed. Histologically, transplanted cells were distributed around the periinfarct region, and approximately 8.5% and 4.2% of hN‐MSCs and hMSCs survived, respectively; 53.2% ± 9.6% of hN‐MSCs were microtubule‐associated protein 2+ (MAP‐2+) and extended neurites, whereas only 0.9% ± 0.3% of hMSCs were MAP‐2+. In FISH, human nucleus‐specific signals were detected in both hN‐MSCs and hMSCs grafted brains, but no transplanted cell had a merged gerbil‐specific nuclear signals. hN‐MSC‐transplanted animals showed significantly better recovery than animals given control vehicle in the T‐maze, bilateral asymmetry, and open field tests. These findings suggested that hN‐MSCs have greater therapeutic potential than hMSCs for stroke and that cell fusion does not primarily contribute to the therapeutic mechanism of MSC transplantation. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hypoxic preconditioning failure in aging hippocampal neurons: Impaired gene expression and rescue with intracellular calcium chelation
Authors: Bickler Philip E. , Fahlman Christian S. , Gray Jonathan J.
Published: October 2010

Hypoxic preconditioning in the brain (HPC), a phenomenon whereby noninjurious hypoxia induces resistance to cell death following ischemia, requires the expression of specific genes. Declines in signal transduction pathway activity with aging may decrease the genomic response to HPC and limit its neuroprotective efficacy. To test this, we determined how signal transduction gene expression, intracellular Ca2+ levels, and phosphorylation of the survival‐associated kinase Akt differ in hippocampal slice cultures (HSCs) made from postnatal day 7–10 (P7–10) and 2‐year‐old rats following HPC. HPC neuroprotection decreased with increasing source animal age, and HPC could not be demonstrated in HCSs made from animals >6 months of age, despite adjusting the duration of hypoxic exposure. Preconditioning protection required the survival kinase Akt in P10 hippocampal slices cultures. In P9 cultures, HPC increased Akt phosphorylation and the expression of prosurvival genes, including Bcl‐2, heat shock proteins, protein kinases, c‐jun, and NfκB. Lack of increased Akt phosphorylation and a greatly diminished signaling pathway gene response were found in HSCs from aging animals. Moderate and transient increases in [Ca2+]i during HPC occurred in P7–10 HSCs, but [Ca2+]i was persistently increased at 1 and 24 hr after preconditioning in HSCs from 2‐year‐old rats. The intracellular Ca2+ chelator BAPTA‐AM facilitated HPC neuroprotection in 2‐year‐old HSCs and restored the pattern of post‐HPC gene expression seen in immature animals. We conclude that age‐related loss of preconditioning may be due to altered intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis (excess and sustained increase in [Ca2+]i) and is a lesion that prevents critical elements of neuroprotective signal transduction. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regulation of inhibitory neurotransmission by the scaffolding protein ankyrin repeat‐rich membrane spanning/kinase D‐interacting substrate of 220 kDa
Authors: Sutachan Jhon‐Jairo , Chao Moses V. , Ninan Ipe
Published: October 2010

Scaffolding proteins play a critical role in the proper development and function of neural circuits. In contrast to the case for excitatory circuits, in which the role of several scaffolding proteins has been characterized, less is known about the scaffolding proteins that regulate inhibitory neurotransmission. The ankyrin repeat‐rich membrane spanning (ARMS)/kinase D‐interacting substrate of 220 kDa (Kidins220) scaffolding protein is expressed during the establishment of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission and is highly regulated by activity. To evaluate whether ARMS/Kidins220 expression affects GABAergic neurotransmission, we modified the ARMS/Kidins220 levels during the period of its maximum expression in culture (DIV 1–10). Whereas a decrease in ARMS/Kidins220 levels suppressed GABAergic neurotransmission, overexpression of ARMS/Kidins220 produced an increase in GABAergic neurotransmission in hippocampal neurons. In addition, we found that ARMS/Kidins220 regulates GABAergic neurotransmission by a presynaptic mechanism. Our results suggest that the ARMS/Kidins220 scaffold protein plays a critical role in the regulation of inhibitory transmission in hippocampal neurons. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Amyloid β accelerates phosphorylation of tau and neurofibrillary tangle formation in an amyloid precursor protein and tau double‐transgenic mouse model
Authors: Seino Yusuke , Kawarabayashi Takeshi , Wakasaya Yasuhito , Watanabe Mitsunori , Takamura Ayumi , Yamamoto‐Watanabe Yukiko , Kurata Tomoko , Abe Koji , Ikeda Masaki , Westaway David , Murakami Tetsuro , Hyslop Peter St. George , Matsubara Etsuro , Shoji Mikio
Published: October 2010

In Alzheimer's disease, Aβ deposits are considered the initial cardinal events that induce tauopathy secondarily. However, the relationship between Aβ amyloidosis and tauopathy has not been determined in detail. We produced double transgenic mice, 2×TgTau+/–APP+/–, by mating Tg2576 mice that exhibit Aβ amyloidosis and TgTauP301L mice that show tauopathy, and statistically analyzed the effect of Aβ accumulation on tauopathy. There was no significant difference in theprogression of Aβ accumulation among 2×TgTau+/–APP+/– and 1×TgTau−/–APP+/–, and tau accumulation among 2×TgTau+/−APP+/− and 1×Tg Tau+/–APP−/–. The appearance rates of phosphorylated tau developing in neurons and processes were significantly accelerated in 2×TgTau+/–APP+/– mice compared with those in 1×TgTau+/–APP−/– mice at 23 months of age. Accumulation of phosphorylated and confomationally altered tau and GSK3β in neuronal processes was accelerated in the white matter in 2×TgTau+/–APP+/–. The level of phosphorylated tau in the sarkosyl‐insoluble fraction was increased in 2×TgTau+/–APP+/– brains compared with that in 1×TgTau+/–APP−/– brains. Thus, Aβ amyloid partially enhances tauopathy through accumulation of insoluble, phosphorylated, and conformationally changed tau in neuronal cytoplasm and processes in the late stage. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regulation of the galanin system by repeated electroconvulsive seizures in mice
Authors: Christiansen S.H. , Woldbye D.P.D.
Published: October 2010

Even though induction of seizures by electroconvulsive stimulation (ECS) is a treatment widely used for major depression in humans, the working mechanism of ECS remains uncertain. The antiepileptic effect of ECS has been suggested to be involved in mediating the therapeutic effect of ECS. The neuropeptide galanin exerts antiepileptic and antidepressant‐like effects and has also been implicated in the pathophysiology of depression. To explore a potential role of galanin in working mechanisms of ECS, the present study examined effects of repeated ECS on the galanin system using QRT‐PCR, in situ hybridization, and [125I]galanin receptor binding. ECS was administered to adult mice daily for 14 days, and this paradigm was confirmed to exert antidepressant‐like effect in the tail suspension test. Prominent increases in galanin gene expression were found in several brain regions involved in regulation of epileptic activity and depression, including the piriform cortex, hippocampal dentate gyrus, and amygdala. Likewise, GalR2 gene expression was up‐regulated in both the central and the medial amygdala, whereas GalR1 gene expression showed a modest down‐regulation in the medial amygdala. [125I]galanin receptor binding in the piriform cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala was found to be significantly down‐regulated. These data show that the galanin system is regulated by repeated ECS in a number of brain regions implicated in seizure regulation and depression. These changes may play a role in the therapeutic effect of ECS. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Green tea polyphenols potentiate the action of nerve growth factor to induce neuritogenesis: Possible role of reactive oxygen species
Authors: Gundimeda Usha , McNeill Thomas H. , Schiffman Jason E. , Hinton David R. , Gopalakrishna Rayudu
Published: October 2010

Exogenously administered nerve growth factor (NGF) repairs injured axons, but it does not cross the blood–brain barrier. Thus, agents that could potentiate the neuritogenic ability of endogenous NGF would be of great utility in treating neurological injuries. Using the PC12 cell model, we show here that unfractionated green tea polyphenols (GTPP) at low concentrations (0.1 μg/ml) potentiate the ability of low concentrations of NGF (2 ng/ml) to induce neuritogenesis at a level comparable to that induced by optimally high concentrations of NGF (50 ng/ml) alone. In our experiments, GTPP by itself did not induce neuritogenesis or increase immunofluorescent staining for β‐tubulin III; however, it increased expression of mRNA and proteins for the neuronal markers neurofilament‐L and GAP‐43. Among the polyphenols present in GTPP, epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) alone appreciably potentiated NGF‐induced neurite outgrowth. Although other polyphenols present in GTPP, particularly epigallocatechin and epicatechin, lack this activity, they synergistically promoted this action of EGCG. GTPP also induced an activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERKs). PD98059, an inhibitor of the ERK pathway, blocked the expression of GAP‐43. K252a, an inhibitor of TrkA‐associated tyrosine kinase, partially blocked the expression of these genes and ERK activation. Antioxidants, catalase (cell‐permeable form), and N‐acetylcysteine (both L and D‐forms) inhibited these events and abolished the GTPP potentiation of NGF‐induced neuritogenesis. Taken together, these results show for the first time that GTPP potentiates NGF‐induced neuritogenesis, likely through the involvement of sublethal levels of reactive oxygen species, and suggest that unfractionated GTPP is more effective in this respect than its fractionated polyphenols. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Observation of carbon‐facilitated phase transformation of titanium dioxide forming mixed‐phase titania by confocal Raman microscopy
Authors: Chatterjee A. , Wu S.‐B. , Chou P.‐W. , Wong M. S. , Cheng C.‐L.
Published: October 2010

Confocal Raman microscopy, a relatively new and advanced technique, is found to be suitable for imaging the chemical morphology below the submicrometer scale. It has been employed to probe the phase transformation of carbon‐containing titania (TiO2) nanopowder and titania thin film subjected to laser annealing. The observation of phase transformation from the anatase phase to the rutile phase at high laser power annealing is attributed to carbon inclusion inside or on the surface of titania. Upon annealing, carbon could react with the oxygen of titania and create oxygen vacancies favoring the transformation from the anatase to the rutile phase. This study provides evidence for the carbon‐assisted phase transformation for creating carbon‐containing mixed‐phase titanium dioxide by laser annealing. We explicitly focus on the presence of carbon in the phase transformation of TiO2 using confocal Raman microscopy. In all of the investigated samples, mixed anatase/rutile phases with carbon specifically was found at the rutile site. X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) studies have been performed in addition to Raman mapping to verify the mixed‐phase titania formation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Micro‐Raman spectroscopic study of cord‐marked pottery decorated with red coatings from Taiwan, ca 2600–1700 B.C.
Authors: Liou Ying San , Chang Liu Yi , Huang Hsing Yi
Published: October 2010

Micro‐Raman spectroscopy is applied for the first time to identify mineralogical characteristics of ceramic bodies and red coatings on decorative cord‐marked pottery (ca 2600–1700 B.C.) from an archeological site in northern Taiwan. X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometry were used as complementary techniques. The combined results of mineralogical and elemental composition suggest that the pottery items were produced from illitic clays and fired to a temperature less than 800 °C under oxidizing conditions. The slight discrepancy in composition between the red coatings and ceramic bodies possibly indicates a somewhat different source of raw materials and/or clay refining processes used by ancient potters. Additionally, feldspar, hornblende, and pyroxenes detected in the samples are closely related to the main compositions of nearby volcanic rocks, implying that the raw materials could have come from a local source. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and Fluorescence Characteristics of Amido‐Functionalized Dual‐Fluorescent Microspheres with Core/Shell Structure
Authors: Pan Xinghua , Ju Jianhui , Zhan Yonghua , Wu Daocheng
Published: October 2010

A novel two‐step modified seeded polymerization method for the preparation of AFDFMs with a core/shell structure is developed. Their morphology is characterized by means of TEM and SEM, further characteristics are studied using FT‐IR, fluorescence microscopy, laser confocal fluorescence microscopy, and fluorescence spectroscopy. TEM and SEM images provide clear proof of a core/shell structure. Fluorescence spectroscopy shows that AFDFMs exhibit tunable fluorescence characteristics with one or two emission wavelengths (515 and 575 nm) depending on the excitation wavelengths. Amido and carboxy groups on the AFDFM shell layer allow the formation of linkages with biomolecules for biological imaging or molecule detection, opening opportunities for biomedical applications.

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Predicting Putative Inhibitors of 17β‐HSD1
Authors: Heinzerling Lennart , Hartmann Rolf W. , Frotscher Martin , Neumann Dirk
Published: October 2010

Reducing the concentration of estradiol by inhibiting its enzymatic synthesis has been proposed as a new therapeutic approach to treat estrogen‐dependent diseases. A promising potential target is 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 which catalyzes the biosynthesis of estradiol on‐site. However, the rational computer‐aided design of novel inhibitors is still very difficult due to the scarcity of public data. Moreover, the chemical space covered in experiments has been quite limited as the design of new inhibitors was primarily guided by the intuition of experts in the field. Here, we present two different ligand‐based approaches to predict putative ligands of 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1. According to our knowledge the data set employed in our study is the largest compilation used so far allowing for thoroughly assessing the reliability of our predictive models. By combining several local models, we were able to predict putative inhibitors with an excellent expected prediction error of only 15 %. Our positive results can be considered as an encouragement for future scientific work in this field. Furthermore, the methods employed here can be easily adopted for predicting potential ligands of other enzymes.
Missing Value Estimation for Compound‐Target Activity Data
Authors: Tanrikulu Yusuf , Kondru Rama , Schneider Gisbert , So W. Venus , Bitter Hans‐Marcus
Published: October 2010

Relationships between drug targets and associated diseases have traditionally been investigated by means of sequence similarity, comparative protein modeling, and pathway analysis. Recently, a complementary paradigm has emerged to link targets and drugs via biological responses within activity data and visualize findings in networks. It has been indicated that one of the obstacles towards the identification of novel interactions is the sparsity of available data. In this article, we provide a survey of estimation methods that address the challenge of data sparsity. Each method is described in terms of its advantages and limitations, and an exemplary application on compound‐target activity data is demonstrated. With such imputation methods in‐hand, the opportunity to combine efforts in molecular informatics can be realized, yielding novel insights into ligand‐target space.
Multi‐pH QSAR: A Method to Differentiate the Activity of Neutral and Ionized Species and Obtain True Correlations when Both Species are Involved
Authors: Scherrer Robert A. , Leo Albert J.
Published: October 2010

Classical Hansch analysis for most series of ionizable compounds cannot identify the active species as being neutral or ionized. The log PN and log PI of these series are too highly correlated. We have found a simple solution to this problem by just combining data obtained at more than one pH (multi‐pH QSAR). A bonus is that the statistical power of a series is increased one fold for each pH level added. Datasets of simple homologous series serve as proofs of concept. Two of these reveal hidden correlations involving both the neutral and ionized species. These “true” correlations would be impossible to find at a single pH. An example is the inhibition of monoamine oxidase by a series of primary n‐alkylamines. Multi‐pH QSAR indicates that the protonated amine enhances inhibition and the neutral species diminishes it. This paper illustrates the first substantial use in QSAR of the species‐specific terms, log DN (neutral) and log DI (ionized). Multi‐pH QSAR can give direction to lead development and facilitate the In‐Silico modeling of ADMET processes by associating rate‐limiting steps with the correct ionization state.
Amino‐functionalization of graphene sheets and the fabrication of their nanocomposites
Authors: Hu Yizhe , Shen Jianfeng , Li Na , Shi Min , Ma Hongwei , Yan Bo , Wang Wenbin , Huang Weishi , Ye Mingxin
Published: October 2010

Expandable graphite oxide (EGO) was functionalized with different amine groups after sequential steps as thermal expansion, oxidation, acylation, and amidation. Three types of amino‐functionalized graphenes (a‐Gphs) were prepared by exfoliating amino functionalized EGOs(a‐EGO) through controlled ultrasonication. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, elementary analysis, X‐ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis separately confirmed the chemical structure of a‐EGO. The effect of ultrasonic power on the particle sizes of exfoliated a‐EGOs was estimated by dynamic light scattering. Single layered graphene (0.43 nm) was achieved after ultrasonicating at 500 W for 20 min, which was affirmed by the results of atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Ultra violet–visible spectroscopy also indicates the good dispersion properties of a‐Gphs in these solvents. The thermal properties of composites are obviously increased by adding a‐Gphs and a‐EGOs as nanofillers. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Thermal diffusivity of nanocarbon composites
Authors: Lazarenko Aleksandra , Vovchenko Lyudmila , Matzui Lyudmila , Kozachenko Victor , Prylutskyy Yuriy , Scharff Peter , Ritter Uwe
Published: October 2010

This study was performed to measure the thermal diffusivity of different types of nanocarbon composites. Thermoexfoliated graphite (TEG), ultrasonically dispersed TEG, and multiwalled carbon nanotubes were used as fillers in epoxy polymer matrixes. The nanocarbon filler content was 1–10 wt%. The temperature dependence of the thermal conductivity and the heat capacity were extensively characterized in the temperature range between 150 and 425 K. For this purpose, the thermal diffusivity of the composites was investigated by two experimental methods: dynamic λ‐calorimeter and photoacoustic. The comparative analysis of thermal diffusivity of compacted TEG samples with different densities and of nanocarbon‐epoxy with different filler content was carried out. It was found that for the composites with a low distribution of the nanocarbon filler, the thermal diffusivity increases and that the value is determined by the structural and morphological properties of the filler. The orientation function for the TEG‐epoxy composites and the compact TEG samples differs due to the epoxy matrix that reduced anisotropy of the composite. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
PET‐ionomers and PETi/MMT nanocomposites: A comparison of the effect of ionic groups on their crystallinities and physical properties
Authors: Hwang Sung Yeon , Im Seung Soon
Published: October 2010

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and PET/modified montmorillonite (A10‐MMT) nanocomposites containing up to 3 mol% of dimethyl 5‐sulfoisophthalte sodium salt (DMSi) were prepared by in situ polymerization (PETi and PETNi, respectively). In results from transmission electron microscopy (TEM, ∼ 10 nm), clusters were observed with sizes of 30 nm at an ionic content of 3 mol%. Clusters were not observed in the PETNi samples due to the favorable interaction between the positively charged edges of the clay platelets and the negatively charged ionic groups. On the other hand, the degree of exfoliation was considerably improved by the small ionic content. Remarkable increases in the storage moduli of PETi and PETNi were also observed with increasing DMSi content in the glassy region. However, the storage modulus of PETi decreased rapidly in the rubbery region above the transition temperature as temperature increased. The dynamic viscosity of PETNi decreased with DMSi content, indicating that ion‐pair sites located at the clay edges acted as selective plasticizers in the PET ionic region. Moreover, the introduction of a small ionic content into the PET matrix led to a decrease in crystallinity and slower crystallization rates than in the pure PET. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Confined placental mosaicism and pregnancy outcome: a distinction needs to be made between types 2 and 3
Authors: Toutain Jérôme , Labeau‐Gaüzere Cécile , Barnetche Thomas , Horovitz Jacques , Saura Robert
Published: October 2010

Objective

To study the influence of types 2 and 3 confined placental mosaicism (CPM) on pregnancy outcome.

Method

From 13 809 chorionic villus samplings (CVSs), karyotype after long‐term cultured villi (LTC‐villi) was systematically performed. Next, in case of suspicion of CPM, karyotype after short‐term cultured villi (STC‐villi) was established to define type 2 CPM (chromosomal abnormality limited to the mesenchymal core) or type 3 CPM (chromosomal abnormality found both in the cytotrophoblast and the mesenchymal core). Confirmatory amniocentesis was performed to exclude fetal mosaicism. Uniparental disomy (UPD) testing was carried out when the abnormal cell line involved chromosomes 5, 6, 7, 15 or 16.

Results

Fifty‐seven CPM cases were observed (57/13 809 = 0.41%) and of these, 37 were type 2 and 20 were type 3 CPM. Incidence of preterm infants, neonatal hypotrophy and adverse pregnancy outcome were comparable between patients in whom type 2 CPM was demonstrated and the control population. In contrast, for the type 3 CPM the incidence of these factors was higher than for the control population.

Conclusion

When a CPM is suspected, it appears essential to determine type, since type 2 has no effect on fetal development and type 3 is associated with preterm infants, low birth weight and adverse pregnancy outcome. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Subtelomeric MLPA: is it really useful in prenatal diagnosis?
Authors: Mademont‐Soler Irene , Morales Carme , Bruguera Jordi , Madrigal Irene , Clusellas Núria , Margarit Ester , Sánchez Aurora , Soler Anna
Published: October 2010

Objective

To evaluate the usefulness of subtelomeric multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) in both the detection of subtelomeric rearrangements in fetuses with ultrasound abnormalities and normal karyotype, and the characterization of cytogenetically detectable rearrangements.

Method

We studied by subtelomeric MLPA 229 pregnancies with ultrasound findings and normal karyotype (Group 1) and five pregnancies with a cytogenetically visible but not microscopically characterizable rearrangement (Group 2). The detected imbalances were confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and parents were also studied.

Results

In Group 1, two clinically relevant subtelomeric imbalances (14qter deletion and 20pter deletion) and one subtelomeric imbalance of uncertain significance (X/Ypter duplication) were diagnosed, showing a detection rate of cryptic subtelomeric imbalances in these pregnancies of 1.3%. However, only 14qter deletion seems to be clearly associated with the observed prenatal findings. In Group 2, MLPA contributed to the precise description of the chromosome abnormalities.

Conclusion

The low detection rate of subtelomeric imbalances and the poor genotype–phenotype correlations in pregnancies with ultrasound abnormalities and normal karyotype suggest that subtelomeric MLPA is not a crucial tool in the prenatal diagnosis of these cases. However, our work provides evidence that MLPA is very useful for the characterization of unbalanced karyotypes. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conjugated rod–coil block copolymers and optoelectronic applications
Authors: de Cuendias Anne , Hiorns Roger C , Cloutet Eric , Vignau Laurence , Cramail Henri
Published: October 2010

This review gives a simple introduction to the electronic, optical and structural behaviour of rod–coil block copolymers in which the rod block is conjugated. The current understanding of the optical properties of conjugated polymers is discussed, as is the self‐assembly characteristics of rod–coil block copolymers, along with their behaviour with respect to organic light‐emitting diode and photovoltaic devices. Poly(p‐phenylene), poly(p‐phenylenevinylene) and polythiophenes are then used to give concrete examples and a short history of the developments of this astounding field. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Secretion of human superoxide dismutase in Escherichia coli using the condensed single‐protein‐production system
Authors: Mao Lili , Stathopulos Peter B. , Ikura Mitsuhiko , Inouye Masayori
Published: October 2010

A secretion vector, pColdV for the Single‐Protein‐Production (SPP) system was constructed using the E. coli OmpA signal peptide. Using this vector, human superoxide dismutase (hSOD) was co‐expressed with MazF, an ACA‐specific mRNA interferase, allowing E. coli cells to produce only hSOD, which was secreted into the periplasmic space with a yield of ∼ 20% of total cellular proteins. The signal peptide was properly cleaved. Using cells overproducing DsbA protein, two SS bridges were also properly formed to yield enzymatically active SOD. A well resolved heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC) spectrum of hSOD isotope‐labeled in the condensed SPP (cSPP) system was obtained by simply isolating the periplasmic fraction. These results indicate that human secretory proteins can be expressed well in the cSPP system using pColdV.
PCRless library mutagenesis via oligonucleotide recombination in yeast
Authors: Pirakitikulr Nathan , Ostrov Nili , Peralta‐Yahya Pamela , Cornish Virginia W.
Published: October 2010

The directed evolution of biomolecules with new functions is largely performed in vitro, with PCR mutagenesis followed by high‐throughput assays for desired activities. As synthetic biology creates impetus for generating biomolecules that function in living cells, new technologies are needed for performing mutagenesis and selection for directed evolution in vivo. Homologous recombination, routinely exploited for targeted gene alteration, is an attractive tool for in vivo library mutagenesis, yet surprisingly is not routinely used for this purpose. Here, we report the design and characterization of a yeast‐based system for library mutagenesis of protein loops via oligonucleotide recombination. In this system, a linear vector is co‐transformed with single‐stranded mutagenic oligonucleotides. Using repair of nonsense codons engineered in three different active‐site loops in the selectable marker TRP1 as a model system, we first optimized the recombination efficiency. Single‐loop recombination was highly efficient, averaging 5%, or 4.0 × 105 recombinants. Multiple loops could be simultaneously mutagenized, although the efficiencies dropped to 0.2%, or 6.0 × 103 recombinants, for two loops and 0.01% efficiency, or 1.5 × 102 recombinants, for three loops. Finally, the utility of this system for directed evolution was tested explicitly by selecting functional variants from a mock library of 1:106 wild‐type:nonsense codons. Sequencing showed that oligonucleotide recombination readily covered this large library, mutating not only the target codon but also encoded silent mutations on either side of the library cassette. Together these results establish oligonucleotide recombination as a simple and powerful library mutagenesis technique and advance efforts to engineer the cell for fully in vivo directed evolution.
Reference values of mechanical and thermal pain tests in a pain‐free population
Authors: Neziril Alban Y. , Scaramozzinol Pasquale , Andersenl Ole K. , Dickensonl Anthony H. , Arendt‐Nielsenl Lars , Curatolol Michele
Published: October 2010

Quantitative sensory tests are widely used in human research to evaluate the effect of analgesics and explore altered pain mechanisms, such as central sensitization. In order to apply these tests in clinical practice, knowledge of reference values is essential. The aim of this study was to determine the reference values of pain thresholds for mechanical and thermal stimuli, as well as withdrawal time for the cold pressor test in 300 pain‐free subjects. Pain detection and pain tolerance thresholds to pressure, heat and cold were determined at three body sites: (1) lower back, (2) suprascapular region and (3) second toe (for pressure) or the lateral aspect of the leg (for heat and cold). The influences of gender, age, height, weight, body‐mass index (BMI), body side of testing, depression, anxiety, catastrophizing and parameters of Short‐Form 36 (SF‐36) were analyzed by multiple regressions. Quantile regressions were performed to define the 5th, 10th and 25th percentiles as reference values for pain hypersensitivity and the 75th, 90th and 95th percentiles as reference values for pain hyposensitivity. Gender, age and/or the interaction of age with gender were the only variables that consistently affected the pain measures. Women were more pain sensitive than men. However, the influence of gender decreased with increasing age. In conclusion, normative values of parameters related to pressure, heat and cold pain stimuli were determined. Reference values have to be stratified by body region, gender and age. The determination of these reference values will now allow the clinical application of the tests for detecting abnormal pain reactions in individual patients.
Der Kinder- und Jugendgesundheitssurvey (KiGGS): Datengrundlage für eine evidenzbasierte Prävention
Authors: Schlaud Martin
Published: October 2010

Die Planung und Durchführung von Maßnahmen der Gesundheitsförderung und Prävention sollte gestützt sein auf valide und aktuelle bevölkerungsbezogene Daten. Der Kinder- und Jugendgesundheitssurvey (KiGGS) wurde nicht nur im Hinblick auf Indikatoren und Determinanten des Gesundheitszustands der 0- bis 17-Jährigen in Deutschland ausgewertet, sondern es wurden aus diesen Erkenntnissen auch konkrete Empfehlungen für ein prioritäres gesundheitspolitisches Handeln abgeleitet und publiziert. Somit liefern die KiGGS-Daten einen Beitrag zur „evidenzbasierte Prävention“.