bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glycerol upgrading by ketalization in a zeolite membrane reactor
Authors: Roldán Laura , Mallada Reyes , Fraile José M. , Mayoral José A. , Menéndez Miguel
Published: March 2009

Solketal, a valuable green solvent, has been produced from glycerol and acetone in a catalytic system, using K10 montmorillonite as a heterogeneous catalyst. The use of a zeolite membrane to remove water formed during the reaction gives rise to a significant improvement in the achievable glycerol conversion with a reduction in the excess of acetone needed because of the low equilibrium constant. Several zeolite membranes are compared, showing that the quality of the membrane is a key factor for this improvement, and that water/acetone separation is more difficult to achieve than the commonly used ethanol/water separation test. This method is compatible with a mixture of glycerol and fatty esters, showing the possible future application in an integrated system of biodiesel and solketal production. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reaction of phenol‐ and thiophenol‐terminated compounds with bisoxazolines
Authors: Néry Laurent , Lefebvre Hervé , Fradet Alain
Published: March 2009

Bulk reactions of phenolic compounds (bisphenol‐A and α,ω‐diphenol oligosulfone) or thiols (thiophenol and bis(4‐mercaptophenyl)sulfide) with bisoxazoline coupling agents, namely 2,2'‐(1,3‐phenylene)bis(2‐oxazoline) (mbox), 2,2'‐(1,4‐phenylene)bis(2‐oxazoline) (pbox), and 2,2'‐(2,6‐pyridylene)bis(2‐oxazoline) (pybox), were carried out in the bulk at 140–240°C. The reactions were followed by viscosimetry, size exclusion chromatography, and 1H‐ and 13C‐NMR spectroscopy. The phenol/bisoxazoline bulk reactions at 240°C required the presence of sodium methoxide catalyst. Bisoxazoline pybox gave the best results in this case. Thiol and dithiol/bisoxazoline reactions were faster and did not require any catalyst. High‐molar‐mass polymers were obtained within 5 min at 200°C while using bis(4‐mercaptophenyl)sulfide (BMPS) and any of the bisoxazolines. The NMR spectra of model compounds and polymers were fully assigned, showing that the oxazoline/phenol and oxazoline/thiophenol (tph) polyaddition reactions proceed in the expected way, without any noticeable side reaction. All polymers were amorphous and displayed good thermal stability. Bisoxazolines were also used as coupling agents for the preparation of copolymers of BMPS and α,ω‐dicarboxy polyamide‐12 and for the preparation of polysulfone‐polyamide‐12 block copolymers. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Cure properties of self‐extinguishing epoxy resin systems with microencapsulated latent catalysts for halogen‐free semiconductor packaging materials
Authors: Kim Whan Gun
Published: March 2009

The cure properties of self‐extinguishing epoxy resin systems with different microencapsulated latent catalysts were investigated, which are composed of YX4000H and NC3000H as a biphenyl epoxy resin, MEH‐7800SS as a hardener, and triphenylphosphine (TPP) microencapsulated with various polymers as a latent catalyst. The cure kinetics of these systems were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry using an isothermal approach, and the kinetic parameters of all systems were reported in generalized kinetic equations with diffusion effects. Both the epoxy resin systems with microencapsulated latent catalysts showed lower cure conversion rate and higher critical cure reaction conversion than those with TPP. These different cure conversion rates could be explained by the decrease of crystallinity of the biphenyl epoxy resin and the activation energy of these epoxy resin systems. The cure conversion rates of the epoxy resin systems with the microencapsulated latent catalyst would be dependent on the activation energy of these systems. The storage stability tests for these systems were performed, and a good shelf‐life was observed in both the epoxy resin systems with EPCAT‐PAM, a core–shell‐type latent catalyst. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Functional Morphology of the Nasal Complex in the Harbor Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena L.)
Authors: Huggenberger Stefan , Rauschmann Michael A. , Vogl Thomas J. , Oelschläger Helmut H.A.
Published: March 2009

Toothed whales (Odontoceti, Cetacea) are the only aquatic mammals known to echolocate, and probably all of them are able to produce click sounds and to synthesize their echoes into a three‐dimensional “acoustic image” of their environment. In contrast to other mammals, toothed whales generate their vocalizations (i.e., echolocation clicks) by a pneumatically‐driven process in their nasal complex. This study is dedicated to a better understanding of sound generation and emission in toothed whales based on morphological documentation and bioacoustic interpretation. We present an extensive description of the nasal morphology including the nasal muscles in the harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) using macroscopical dissections, computer‐assisted tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and histological sections. In general, the morphological data presented here substantiate and extend the unified “phonic lips” hypothesis of sound generation in toothed whales suggested by Cranford et al. (J Morphol 1996;228:223–285). There are, however, some morphological peculiarities in the porpoise nasal complex which might help explain the typical polycyclic structure of the clicks emitted. We hypothesize that the tough connective tissue capsule (porpoise capsule) surrounding the sound generating apparatus is a structural prerequisite for the production of these high‐frequency clicks. The topography of the deep rostral nasal air sacs (anterior nasofrontal and premaxillary sacs), narrowing the potential acoustic pathway from the phonic lips to the melon (a large fat body in front of the nasal passage), and the surrounding musculature should be crucial factors in the formation of focused narrow‐banded sound beams in the harbor porpoise. Anat Rec, 292:902–920, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Potential Role of Collagens Expression in Distinguishing Between Premalignant and Malignant Lesions in Stomach
Authors: Zhao Yuan , Zhou Tianhua , Li Aiqing , Yao Haomi , He Fei , Wang Liangjing , Si Jianmin
Published: March 2009

Lack of clinical biomarkers for early gastric cancer without specific early symptoms leads to delayed diagnosis, which contributes to high mortality of gastric cancer. Here, we used oligonucleotide microarray to systematically examine differential gene expression among 33 samples from normal, premalignant, and malignant lesions in stomach. A focal adhesion pathway mainly composed of collagen genes was found to have a significantly different expression profile in gastric cancers compared to premalignant lesions. A subset of collagen genes efficiently separated malignant from premalignant tissues, and two representative genes COL11A1 and COL1A1 were validated in 42 tissue samples with quantitative reverse transcription‐PCR and in situ hybridization. The data above suggest that focal adhesion pathway may have a role in the pathogenesis of gastric cancer, and the expression profile of collagen genes may be a potential biomarker to distinguish malignant from premalignant lesions in stomach. Anat Rec, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of Prolactin on the Population of Epithelial Cells From Ventral Prostate of Intact and Cyproterone Acetate‐Treated Peripubertal Rats: Stereological and Immunohistochemical Study
Authors: Gómez Vicente , Ingelmo Ildefonso , Martín Rocío , Codesal Javier , Rodríguez Rosario , Pozuelo Jose M. , Santamaría Luis
Published: March 2009

The interactions between steroid and nonsteroid hormones in the prostate are of special interest during the growth phase of the gland. The purpose of this work is to study the influence of prolactin (PL), with or without androgenic blockade, on epithelial cells from peripubertal rat ventral prostate. Twenty male peripubertal Sprague‐Dawley rats were grouped as controls, or treated with cyproterone acetate (CA), CA plus PL (CA‐PL), or PL. The total number (N total) of epithelial cells, and their labeling indices to proliferative cell nuclear antigen (LI PCNA), apoptosis (LI apoptosis) and androgen receptors (LI AR) were measured. CA and PL treatment significantly decrease the N total, but the LI PCNA was unchanged. We have observed a greater LI apoptosis in pharmacologically castrated animals without PL than in the rats with androgenic blockade with PL. The LI AR does not change with CA treatment in the ventral region, but the PL significantly increases it. Androgenic blockade and PL decrease the number of epithelial cells from the ventral prostate. These changes are not attributable to the decrease of cell proliferation, rather to the increase of epithelial apoptosis. The increase of cells expressing AR after treatment with PL might be attributed to the decrease of testosterone secretion caused by the hyperprolactinemia. PL does not modulate the size of the ventral prostate in prepubertal rats. Anat Rec, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Leptin and Its Receptor Are Expressed in the Testis and in the Epididymis of Young and Adult Pigs
Authors: Rago Vittoria , Aquila Saveria , Guido Carmela , Carpino Amalia
Published: March 2009

Recent studies indicated that leptin, a 16 kDa hormone, is a regulatory signal in human and rodent male reproduction. This work was designed to investigate the expression of leptin and its receptor in testes and epididymides from immature and mature pigs. Immunolocalization revealed that leptin and its receptor were confined only in the interstitial compartment of immature testes, whereas both proteins were detected in Leydig cells and within seminiferous tubules of mature gonads. The immunostaining of epididymal tissues showed that leptin was absent in the epithelial cells of immature pigs but it was present in all the three regions of mature epididymides, although with a minor signal in the cauda. Conversely, leptin receptor was observed in all the epithelial cells of both immature and mature epididymides. Western blot analysis of tissue extracts detected a 16 kDa band for leptin and five/six isoforms, ranging from 120 to 40 kDa, for leptin receptor. In conclusion, this work has identified, for the first time, leptin and leptin receptor in the testis and in the epididymis of the pig showing a differential cell‐type expression pattern of the two proteins in young and adult animals. Therefore, our findings suggest a possible involvement of leptin in endocrine or autocrine/paracrine control of porcine male reproductive structures. Anat Rec, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A study of the use of multi‐objective evolutionary algorithms to learn Boolean queries: A comparative study
Authors: López‐Herrera A.G. , Herrera‐Viedma E. , Herrera F.
Published: March 2009

In this article, our interest is focused on the automatic learning of Boolean queries in information retrieval systems (IRSs) by means of multi‐objective evolutionary algorithms considering the classic performance criteria, precision and recall. We present a comparative study of four well‐known, general‐purpose, multi‐objective evolutionary algorithms to learn Boolean queries in IRSs. These evolutionary algorithms are the Nondominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA‐II), the first version of the Strength Pareto Evolutionary Algorithm (SPEA), the second version of SPEA (SPEA2), and the Multi‐Objective Genetic Algorithm (MOGA).
The guinea pig as an animal model for developmental and reproductive toxicology studies
Authors: Rocca Meredith S. , Wehner Nancy G.
Published: March 2009

BACKGROUND: Regulatory guidelines for developmental and reproductive toxicology (DART) studies require selection of “relevant” animal models as determined by kinetic, pharmacological, and toxicological data. Traditionally, rats, mice, and rabbits are the preferred animal models for these studies. However, for test articles that are pharmacologically inactive in the traditional animal models, the guinea pig may be a viable option. This choice should not be made lightly, as guinea pigs have many disadvantages compared to the traditional species, including limited historical control data, variability in pregnancy rates, small and variable litter size, long gestation, relative maturity at birth, and difficulty in dosing and breeding. METHODS: This report describes methods for using guinea pigs in DART studies and provides results of positive and negative controls. Standard study designs and animal husbandry methods were modified to allow mating on the postpartum estrus in fertility studies and were used for producing cohorts of pregnant females for developmental studies. RESULTS: A positive control study with the pregnancy‐disrupting agent mifepristone resulted in the anticipated failure of embryo implantation and supported the use of the guinea pig model. Control data for reproductive endpoints collected from 5 studies are presented. CONCLUSION: In cases where the traditional animal models are not relevant, the guinea pig can be used successfully for DART studies. Birth Defects Res (Part B)86: 92‐97, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Current knowledge in the renewal capability of germ cells in the adult ovary
Authors: Oktem Ozgur , Oktay Kutluk
Published: March 2009

It is a central dogma in reproductive biology that oogenesis is completed before or just after birth and that the postnatal ovary is endowed by a fixed and non‐renewing number of oocytes in mammals. However, this widely accepted doctrine was recently challenged by studies showing regeneration of oocytes from putative germ cells in bone marrow and peripheral blood. These results not only triggered an enormous amount of interest among reproductive biologists but also a great deal of debate. In this review we will provide an update on the molecular aspects of the formation of primordial germ cells (PGC), the precursors of adult gametocytes, beginning from their specification to their migration to prospective gonads and formation of the ovary and follicular structures. We will also discuss more recent studies that showed in vivo regeneration of germ cells in the postnatal ovary in situ, along with other pioneering works that demonstrated generation of germ cells in vitro from embryonic and somatic stem cells. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 87:90–95, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
What happens with ageing: decline or remodeling of opsonin‐independent phagocyte oxidative activity?
Authors: Alexandrova Margarita L.
Published: March 2009

Changes that occur with age in the opsonin‐independent oxidative activity of peripheral phagocytes in whole blood were examined by means of luminol chemiluminescence (LCL). The chemiluminescence was registered simultaneously by non‐stimulated and stimulated cells and the age‐related alterations of total and extracellular generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were studied using model systems. It was found that the rate of phagocyte activation by the glass surface of the measuring chambers, assessed by the time of the peak appearance after the start of LCL response, increased. However, the maximum oxidative activity and the integral oxidative capacity of the cells during adhesion, evaluated by the maximum LCL intensity and the area under the LCL curve, respectively, declined. No age‐dependence of formyl‐methionyl‐leucyl‐phenylalanine (fMLP)‐stimulated oxidative cellular activity for total ROS generation was detected. The maximum oxidative activity and the integral oxidative capacity of peripheral phagocytes to generate extracellular superoxide in response to fMLP was decreased. The likely causes for the observed alterations in phagocyte function are discussed and an analysis of the obtained results is given on the background of the contradictory data published on phagocyte oxidative activity age‐related changes. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gross morphology of the vastus lateralis muscle: An anatomical review
Authors: Becker Ines , Woodley Stephanie J. , Baxter G. David
Published: March 2009

To understand the role of the vastus lateralis (VL) muscle in the pathogenesis of common knee disorders such as patellofemoral joint syndrome, knowledge of its anatomical structure is essential. The aim of this study was to review currently available information on the gross morphology of VL. A structured literature review was undertaken and 36 references, comprising 22 scientific papers and 14 anatomical textbooks, were included. Results of this literature review show that most of the included studies exhibited methodological limitations, and focused on different parameters of the VL muscle. Hence, reproducibility of these studies and comparison of results was difficult. This review also demonstrates a dearth of information on the muscle architecture, compartmentalization, nerve supply and fusion of VL, and that there has been no investigation of the muscle as a whole unit. Further research is required of the architecture and innervation of the VL muscle to better understand its function. Clin. Anat. 22:436–450, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Landmark‐based software for anatomical measurements: A precision study
Authors: Forsberg Anders , Kullberg Joel , Agartz Ingrid , Ahlström Håkan , Johansson Lars , Henriksson Karin M.
Published: March 2009

The aim of this study was to develop a software program, called Landmarker, which would aid studies of complex anatomical morphometry by simplifying the manual identification of landmarks in 3D images. We also tested its precision on routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. To understand human biological variation, there is a need to identify morphological characteristics from the exterior and the interior of human anatomy. MRI, as opposed to other radiographic methods (mainly based on X‐ray techniques), supplies good soft tissue contrast, which allows for more complex assessments than what bony landmarks can provide. Because automation of this assessment is highly demanding, one of the primary goals for the new software was to enable more rapid identification of landmark sets in 3D image data. Repeat acquisition of head MRIs having a resolution of 0.94 × 0.94 × 1.20 mm3 were performed on 10 volunteers. Intra‐ and interoperator, as well as interacquisition variations of manual identification of exterior, craniofacial interior, and brain landmarks were studied. The average distances between landmarks were <1.8 mm, <2.3 mm, and <2.0 mm in the intra‐ and interoperator, and interacquisition evaluations, respectively. This study presents new software for time efficient identification of complex craniofacial landmarks in 3D MRI. To the best of our knowledge, no evaluation of software for rapid landmark‐based analysis of complex anatomies from 3D MR data has yet been presented. This software may also be useful for studies in other anatomical regions and for other types of image data. Clin. Anat. 22:456–462, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The long thoracic nerve: Its origin, branches, and relationship to the middle scalene muscle
Authors: Yazar F. , Kilic C. , Acar H.I. , Candir N. , Comert A.
Published: March 2009

Anatomical knowledge regarding the long thoracic nerve (LTN) is important during surgical procedures considering that dysfunction of this nerve results in clinical problems. The purpose of this study was to explore the anatomy of the LTN, its origin, configuration, branching pattern, and relationship to the middle scalene muscle (MSM). The course of the LTN was investigated in 12 embalmed cadavers (21 sides). We defined four different types for this nerve according to the origins of its roots. The most common formation of the LTN was the contribution of three branches that originated from the fifth, sixth, and seventh cervical ventral roots. C5 and C6 components or upper portion of the LTN roots lay primarily between the middle and posterior scalene muscles, sometimes passed through the MSM, and less frequently coursed over the MSM. C7 contributions to the LTN were always located anterior to the MSM. Contributions from C8 were also found over the MSM. The median number of branches arising directly from the cervical roots and branches arising from the main trunk of the nerve were 3 and 7, respectively. Along its course, the median number of branches to the serratus anterior was 10. Clin. Anat. 22:476–480, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ceratocricoid muscle: An embryological and anatomical study
Authors: Maranillo Eva , Vázquez Teresa , Mirapeix Rosa , León Xavier , Mchanwell Stephen , Quer Miquel , Sañudo José Ramón
Published: March 2009

This study aimed to document the prevalence and morphology of the ceratocricoid muscle in a large sample of fetuses and adults and to explain its possible origin in a sample of embryos. Forty‐five embryos, thirty‐four fetuses, and ninety human larynges from adults with no known laryngeal pathology were studied. The muscle was observed in 23% of the fetal sample and in 14% of the adult sample. No significant differences were observed in the laterality in any of the groups. The ceratocricoid muscle is attached between the cricoid lamina and the inferior horn of the thyroid cartilage and also into the capsule of the cricothyroid joint. The muscle is innervated by several branches (between one and three) from the anterior division of the recurrent laryngeal nerve as it courses behind the cricothyroid joint. The ceratocricoid muscle develops from tissue within the mesenchymal bridge which connects the external and internal laryngeal sphincters or rings from embryonic stages 15–20. The close relationship of the ceratocricoid muscle to the recurrent laryngeal nerve could mean that it can exert pressure on this nerve. This may be a possible explanation for the causation of certain idiopathic recurrent laryngeal nerve palsies. Clin. Anat. 22:463–470, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Algorithms for DEDICOM: acceleration, deceleration, or neither?
Authors: Takane Yoshio , Zhang Zhidong
Published: March 2009

Takane's original algorithm for DEDICOM (DEcomposition into DIrectional COMponents) was proposed more than two decades ago. There have been a couple of significant developments since then: Kiers et al.'s modification to ensure monotonic convergence of the algorithm, and Jennrich's recommendation to use the modified algorithm only when Takane's original algorithm violates the monotonicity. In this paper, we argue that neither of these modifications is essential, drawing a close relationship between Takane's algorithm and the simultaneous power method for obtaining dominant eigenvalues and vectors of a symmetric matrix. By ignoring monotonicity, we can develop a much more efficient algorithm by simple modifications of Takane's original algorithm, as demonstrated in this paper. More specifically, we incorporate the minimum polynomial extrapolation (MPE) method to accelerate the convergence of Takane's algorithm, and show that it significantly cuts down the computation time. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enantiodifferentiation of α‐hydroxyalkanephosphonic acids in 31P NMR with application of α‐cyclodextrin as chiral discriminating agent
Authors: Rudzińska Ewa , Dziȩdzioła Gabriela , Berlicki Łukasz , Kafarski Paweł
Published: March 2009

α‐Cyclodextrin was shown to be convenient chemical shift reagent for determination of the enantiomeric composition of α‐hydroxyphosphonic acids by means of 31P NMR. The developed methodology appeared to be reliable, repetitive, easy to perform and simple for interpretation. Enantiomeric discrimination in the 31P NMR spectra for 12 of 13 studied hydroxyphosphonates was achieved, with baseline separation of resonances obtained for eight compounds. In those cases, the chemical nonequivalence values ranged from 0.069 to 0.313 ppm. The studies showed that enantioselectivity is strongly influenced by the solution pD and the optimal condition was found at pD 2 or 10 depending on the guest structure. On the basis of the ROESY spectra the complexation modes of selected hydroxyphosphonates with α‐cyclodextrin was postulated. Chirality 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Study of Metal Distribution in Raw and Screened Swine Manure
Authors: Radis Steinmetz Ricardo Luís , Kunz Airton , Dressler Valderi Luiz , de Moraes Flores Érico Marlon , Figueiredo Martins Ayrton
Published: March 2009

The growth of industrial swine production over the last few years has led to a growth in concern over effluents generated by the activity. Several elements, mainly toxic metals, can be present in swine wastewater and can have a serious environmental impact. It is important, therefore, to know the metal concentration before the discharge of wastewater. In this work the temporal metal distribution in swine manure and its potential reduction using coarse (2 mm) and fine (<0.45 μm) liquid‐solid separation techniques were investigated. In order to do this, different swine manure sample preparation methods for Al, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr and Zn determination by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP OES) were tested. The acid mixtures used to digest the manure sample significantly affected the metal recovery. Good analyte recoveries were observed with nitric acid/hydrogen peroxide mixtures or nitric acid/perchloric acid mixtures. Sulfuric acid/hydrogen peroxide mixtures produced inconsistent results and poor recoveries, mainly for Ba and Pb. It was observed that metal concentrations in swine manure varied greatly with time, up to one order of magnitude, due to changes in swine production such as feed and animal numbers. Metals concentrations observed in the raw wastewater exceeded Brazilian limits for discharge into water bodies and recommendations for agricultural use. Results obtained from the liquid‐solid separation study showed that metals in the raw swine manure were not removed with coarse screening. However, the major fraction of metals were removed by filtration (0.45 μm), with the exception of Na, K and Sr. Thus, the use of liquid‐solid separation techniques that capture the fine solid fractions (and associated metals) from raw manure can have a favorable impact on the environment and contribute to swine production wastewater treatment.
Sediment‐water Fluxes of Nutrients and Dissolved Organic Carbon in Extensive Sea Cucumber Culture Ponds
Authors: Zheng Zhongming , Dong Shuanglin , Tian Xiangli , Wang Fang , Gao Qinfeng , Bai Peifeng
Published: March 2009

Sediment samples were collected from three seawater aquaculture ponds, and soil characteristics, sediment oxygen consumption (SOC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and nutrient fluxes were measured using chamber incubations at laboratory. The three ponds were each representing a specific monoculture or polyculture model of sea cucumber. Total organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen (TN) contents in the dry sediment ranged from 0.14 to 0.26% and 0.022 to 0.037%, respectively. Total phosphorus (TP) contents in the sediment were more spatially and temporally variable. SOC ranged from 15.29 to 45.86 mmol m–2 d–1 and showed significant differences among the three ponds (p < 0.05). TOC, total carbon (TC) contents, and SOC of the sediment in the pond polycultured with jellyfish increased with culture time, indicating that jellyfish farming enhanced the accumulation of organic matter in the sediments to some extent. Sediment showed net nitrate and ammonium uptake in most ponds and months, and significant differences were found among months (p < 0.05). Dissolved inorganic phosphate (DIP) was released from the sediments in all ponds with low flux rates. DOC was released from the sediment in all ponds and ranged from 0.67 to 1.74 g DOC m–2 d–1. The results suggested that non‐artificial‐feeding sea cucumber culture ponds could not only yield valuable seafood products, but also effectively remove nutrients from the aquaculture systems and consequently alleviate nutrient loadings of the nearby coast.
A Global Review of Wind Power Installations and their Development in Turkey
Authors: Bilgili Mehmet
Published: March 2009

The development of wind power installations globally and in Turkey is reviewed here. Firstly, the growth of global installed wind power capacity between 1996 and 2007 is reviewed, and the top countries in terms of total installed wind power capacity by region are identified. Then, wind power installation and its development in Europe are discussed. In addition, the current status and development of Turkey's wind power plants are investigated in detail.
Performance of A Combination Process of UV/H2O2/Micro‐Aeration for Oxidation of Dichloroacetic Acid in Drinking Water
Authors: Chu WenHai , Gao N. Y. , Deng Y.
Published: March 2009

The decomposition of dichloroacetic acid (DCAA) in water using a UV/H2O2/micro‐aeration process was investigated in this paper. DCAA cannot be removed by UV radiation, H2O2 oxidation or micro‐aeration alone, while UV/H2O2/micro‐aeration combination processes have proved effective and can degrade this compound completely. With initial concentrations of about 110 μg/L, more than 95.1% of DCAA can be removed in 180 min under UV intensity of 1048.7 μW/cm2, H2O2 dosage of 30 mg/L and micro‐aeration flow rate of 2 L/min. However, more than 30 μg/L of DCAA was left after 180 min by UV/H2O2 combination process without micro‐aeration with the same UV intensity and H2O2 dosage. The effects of applied UV radiation intensity, H2O2 dose, initial DCAA concentration and pH on the degradation of DCAA have been examined in this study. Degradation mechanisms of DCAA with hydroxyl radical oxidation have been discussed. The removal rate of DCAA was sensitive to operational parameters. There was a linear relationship between rate constant k and UV intensity and initial H2O2 concentration, which indicated that a higher removal capacity can be achieved by improvement of both factors. A newly found nitrogenous disinfection by‐product (N‐DBP)‐DCAcAm, which has the potential to form DCAA, was easier to remove than DCAA by UV/H2O2 and UV/H2O2/micro‐aeration processes. Finally, a preliminary cost comparison revealed that the UV/H2O2/micro‐aeration process was more cost‐effective than the UV/H2O2 process in the removal of DCAA from drinking water.
A Dynamic Model to Simulate Arsenic, Lead, and Mercury Contamination in the Terrestrial Environment During Extreme Floods of Rivers
Authors: Schulz Marcus , Büttner Olaf , Baborowski Martina , Böhme Michael , Matthies Michael , von Tümpling Wolf
Published: March 2009

Beside damages of infrastructure in industrial regions, extreme floods can cause contamination with particle‐bound pollutants, e. g., due to erosion of soils and sediments. In order to predict contamination with inorganic pollutants, the transport and fate of arsenic, lead, and mercury during a fictive flood event of River Vereinigte Mulde in the region of Bitterfeld (Germany) with 200 years recurrence time was modeled. The finite element model system Telemac2D, which is subdivided into a hydrodynamic (Telemac‐2D), a transport (Subief‐2D), and a water quality module (wq2subief) was applied. The transport and water quality model models were calibrated using results of sediment trap exposures in the floodplain of River Vereinigte Mulde. Model results exhibited that the spatial patterns of particle‐associated arsenic and lead concentrations significantly changed. Extended, mostly agriculturally used areas showed arsenic and lead concentrations between 150 and 200 mg kg–1 and 250 and 300 mg kg–1, respectively, while urban areas were to a great extent spared from high contamination with arsenic and lead. Concentrations of particle‐associated mercury showed a pattern distinct from those of arsenic and lead. Outside of small patches with concentrations up to 63 mg kg–1, concentrations of particle‐associated mercury remained close to zero. Differences in the spatial patterns of the three pollutants regarded mainly arise from significantly different initial and boundary conditions. Sensitivity analyses of initial and boundary conditions revealed a high sensitivity of particle‐bound pollutant concentrations, whereas the sensitivities of concentrations of suspended sediments and soluble pollutants were mediocre to negligible.
Platinum/taxane‐based chemotherapy with or without radiation therapy favorably impacts survival outcomes in stage I uterine papillary serous carcinoma
Authors: Fader Amanda Nickles , Drake Richard D. , O'Malley David M. , Gibbons Heidi E. , Huh Warner K. , Havrilesky Laura J. , Gehrig Paola A. , Tuller Erin , Axtell Allison E. , Zanotti Kristine M. ,   for the Uterine Papillary Serous Carcinoma (UPSC) Consortium
Published: March 2009

BACKGROUND:

A study was undertaken to determine recurrence patterns and survival outcomes of stage I uterine papillary serous carcinoma (UPSC) patients.

METHODS:

A retrospective, multi‐institutional study of stage I UPSC patients diagnosed from 1993 to 2006 was performed. Patients underwent comprehensive surgical staging; postoperative treatment included observation (OBS); radiotherapy alone (RT); or platinum/taxane–based chemotherapy (CT) ± RT.

RESULTS:

The authors identified 142 patients with a median follow‐up of 37 months (range, 7‐144 months). Thirty‐three patients were observed, 20 received RT alone, and 89 received CT ± RT. Twenty‐five recurrences (17.6%) were diagnosed, and 60% were extrapelvic. Chemotherapy‐treated patients experienced significantly fewer recurrences than those treated without chemotherapy (P = .013). Specifically, CT ± RT patients had a lower risk of recurrence (11.2%) compared with patients who received RT alone (25%, P = .146) or OBS (30.3%, P = .016). This effect was most pronounced in stage IB/IC (P = .007). CT‐ and CT + RT–treated patients experienced similar recurrence. After multivariate analysis, treatment with chemotherapy was associated with a decreased risk of recurrence (P = .047). The majority of recurrences (88%) were not salvageable. Progression‐free survival (PFS) and cause‐specific survival (CSS) for chemotherapy‐treated patients were more favorable than for those who did not receive chemotherapy (P = .013 and .081). Five‐year PFS and CSS rates were 81.5% and 87.6% in CT ± RT, 64.1% and 59.5% in RT alone, and 64.7% and 70.2% for OBS.

CONCLUSIONS:

Stage I UPSC patients have significant risk for extrapelvic recurrence and poor survival. Recurrence and survival outcomes are improved in well‐staged patients treated with platinum/taxane–based chemotherapy. This multi‐institutional study is the largest to support systemic therapy for early stage UPSC patients. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Lymph node ratio in melanoma
Authors: Spillane Andrew J. , Winstanley Julie , Thompson John F.
Published: March 2009

The N ratio is increasingly promoted as a better indicator of prognosis than the American Joint Committee on Cancer's N stage in a number of diseases including melanoma. The most likely explanation for these findings is variation of surgical quality that is able to be corrected by applying rigorous quality standards to complete lymph node dissections.
Transplantation of subventricular zone neural precursors induces an endogenous precursor cell response in a rat model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Madhavan Lalitha , Daley Brian F. , Paumier Katrina L. , Collier Timothy J.
Published: March 2009

Realistically, future stem cell therapies for neurological conditions including Parkinson's disease (PD) will most probably entail combination treatment strategies, involving both the stimulation of endogenous cells and transplantation. Therefore, this study investigates these two modes of neural precursor cell (NPC) therapy in concert in order to determine their interrelationships in a rat PD model. Human placental alkaline phosphatase (hPAP)‐labeled NPCs were transplanted unilaterally into host rats which were subsequently infused ipsilaterally with 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA). The reaction of host NPCs to the transplantation and 6‐OHDA was tracked by bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling. Two weeks after transplantation, in animals transplanted with NPCs we found evidence of elevated host subventricular zone NPC proliferation, neurogenesis, and migration to the graft site. In these animals, we also observed a significant preservation of striatal tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression and substantia nigra TH cell number. We have seen no evidence that neuroprotection is a product of dopamine neuron replacement by NPC‐derived cells. Rather, the NPCs expressed glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), sonic hedgehog (Shh), and stromal cell‐derived factor 1 alpha (SDF1α), providing a molecular basis for the observed neuroprotection and endogenous NPC response to transplantation. In summary, our data suggests plausible synergy between exogenous and endogenous NPC actions, and that NPC implantation before the 6‐OHDA insult can create a host microenvironment conducive to stimulation of endogenous NPCs and protection of mature nigral neurons. J. Comp. Neurol. 515:102–115, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development of vaccination approaches for the treatment of neurological diseases
Authors: Federoff Howard J.
Published: March 2009

Several progressive neurodegenerative diseases share a common pathology: the accumulation of misfolded proteins within cells or neuropil of the brain. Characteristically, these misfolded proteins form organized β‐sheet‐containing assemblies that have optical and biochemical properties of amyloid. Thus, the brain amyloidoses, Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease, and the prionoses or transmissible spongioform encelphalopathies (TSEs) all manifest putatively pathogenic misfolded proteins, suggesting that these proteins or their precursors may be targets for therapeutics development efforts. Two different biological approaches, both predicated on vaccination, are discussed in this monograph as preclinical approaches for the treatment of AD and a TSE. Herein, I first describe an active vaccination approach that exploits immune shaping to engender a prophylactic TH2 response to Aβ in AD mouse models. Second, I describe a passive vaccination strategy whereby recombinant adeno‐associated virus vectored delivery of anti‐prion single‐chain fragment variable antibodies attenuates disease progression and promotes life extension in a mouse TSE model. J. Comp. Neurol. 515:4–14, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stem cells for ischemic brain injury: A critical review
Authors: Burns Terry C. , Verfaillie Catherine M. , Low Walter C.
Published: March 2009

No effective therapy is currently available to promote recovery following ischemic stroke. Stem cells have been proposed as a potential source of new cells to replace those lost due to central nervous system injury, as well as a source of trophic molecules to minimize damage and promote recovery. We undertook a detailed review of data from recent basic science and preclinical studies to investigate the potential application of endogenous and exogenous stem cell therapies for treatment of cerebral ischemia. To date, spontaneous endogenous neurogenesis has been observed in response to ischemic injury, and can be enhanced via infusion of appropriate cytokines. Exogenous stem cells from multiple sources can generate neural cells that survive and form synaptic connections after transplantation in the stroke‐injured brain. Stem cells from multiple sources cells also exhibit neuroprotective properties that may ameliorate stroke deficits. In many cases, functional benefits observed are likely independent of neural differentiation, although the exact mechanisms remain poorly understood. Future studies of neuroregeneration will require the demonstration of function in endogenously born neurons following focal ischemia. Further, methods are currently lacking to demonstrate definitively the therapeutic effect of newly introduced neural cells. Increased plasticity following stroke may facilitate the functional integration of new neurons, but the loss of appropriate guidance cues and supporting architecture in the infarct cavity will likely impede the restoration of lost circuitry. Thus careful investigation of the mechanisms underlying trophic benefits will be essential. Evidence to date suggests that continued development of stem cell therapies may ultimately lead to viable treatment options for ischemic brain injury. J. Comp. Neurol. 515:125–144, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sensory innervation of the calvarial bones of the mouse
Authors: Kosaras Bela , Jakubowski Moshe , Kainz Vanessa , Burstein Rami
Published: March 2009

Migraine sufferers frequently testify that their headache feels as if the calvarial bones are deformed, crushed, or broken (Jakubowski et al. [2006] Pain 125:286–295). This has lead us to postulate that the calvarial bones are supplied by sensory fibers. We studied sensory innervation of the calvaria in coronal and horizontal sections of whole‐head preparations of postnatal and adult mice, via immunostaining of peripherin (a marker of thinly myelinated and unmyelinated fibers) or calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP; a marker more typical of unmyelinated nerve fibers). In pups, we observed nerve bundles coursing between the galea aponeurotica and the periosteum, between the periosteum and the bone, and between the bone and the meninges; as well as fibers that run inside the diploë in different orientations. Some dural fibers issued collateral branches to the pia at the frontal part of the brain. In the adult calvaria, the highest concentration of peripherin‐ and CGRP‐labeled fibers was found in sutures, where they appeared to emerge from the dura. Labeled fibers were also observed in emissary canals, bone marrow, and periosteum. In contrast to the case in pups, no labeled fibers were found in the diploë of the adult calvaria. Meningeal nerves that infiltrate the periosteum through the calvarial sutures may be positioned to mediate migraine headache triggered by pathophysiology of extracranial tissues, such as muscle tenderness and mild trauma to the skull. In view of the concentration of sensory fibers in the sutures, it may be useful to avoid drilling the sutures in patients undergoing craniotomies for a variety of neurosurgical procedures. J. Comp. Neurol. 515:331–348, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development of auditory thalamocortical connections in the pallid bat, Antrozous pallidus
Authors: Razak Khaleel A. , Zumsteg Terese , Fuzessery Zoltan M.
Published: March 2009

Auditory thalamocortical connections are organized as parallel pathways originating in various nuclei of the medial geniculate body (MGB). The development of these pathways has not been studied. Therefore it remains unclear whether thalamocortical connections segregate before the onset of hearing or whether refinement of exuberant thalamocortical connections occurs following hearing onset. We studied this issue in the pallid bat. In adult pallid bats, parallel thalamocortical pathways represent two different sounds used in two different behaviors. The suprageniculate (SG) nucleus of the dorsal division of the MGB (MGBd) projects to a high‐frequency cortical region selective for the echolocation calls, but not to a low‐frequency cortical region sensitive to noise transients used in the localization of prey. Conversely, the ventral division (MGBv) projects to the low‐frequency, but not the high‐frequency, cortical region. Here we studied the development of these parallel pathways. Based on retrograde tracer injections in electrophysiologically characterized cortical loci, we show that there is an asymmetrical overlap in projection patterns from postnatal (P) day 15–60. The low‐frequency region receives extensive input from both the SG and the MGBv. In contrast, the high‐frequency region receives the great majority of its input from the SG, as in adults, whereas projections from the MGBv appear to make only a minor contribution, if any. By P150, these pathways are segregated and adult‐like. These data suggest that these anatomically segregated pathways arise through postnatal refinement of initially overlapping connections. J. Comp. Neurol. 515:231–242, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Total number and volume of Von Economo neurons in the cerebral cortex of cetaceans
Authors: Butti Camilla , Sherwood Chet C. , Hakeem Atiya Y. , Allman John M. , Hof Patrick R.
Published: March 2009

Von Economo neurons (VENs) are a type of large, layer V spindle‐shaped neurons that were previously described in humans, great apes, elephants, and some large‐brained cetaceans. Here we report the presence of Von Economo neurons in the anterior cingulate (ACC), anterior insular (AI), and frontopolar (FP) cortices of small odontocetes, including the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), the Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus), and the beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas). The total number and volume of VENs and the volume of neighboring layer V pyramidal neurons and layer VI fusiform neurons were obtained by using a design‐based stereologic approach. Two humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) brains were investigated for comparative purposes as representatives of the suborder Mysticeti. Our results show that the distribution of VENs in these cetacean species is comparable to that reported in humans, great apes, and elephants. The number of VENs in these cetaceans is also comparable to data available from great apes, and stereologic estimates indicate that VEN volume follows in these cetacean species a pattern similar to that in hominids, the VENs being larger than neighboring layer V pyramidal cells and conspicuously larger than fusiform neurons of layer VI. The fact that VENs are found in species representative of both cetacean suborders in addition to hominids and elephants suggests that these particular neurons have appeared convergently in phylogenetically unrelated groups of mammals possibly under the influence of comparable selective pressures that influenced specifically the evolution of cortical domains involved in complex cognitive and social/emotional processes. J. Comp. Neurol. 515:243–259, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neural reconnection in the transected spinal cord of the freshwater turtle Trachemys dorbignyi
Authors: Rehermann María Inés , Marichal Nicolás , Russo Raúl E. , Trujillo‐Cenóz Omar
Published: March 2009

This paper provides the first evidence that freshwater turtles are able to reconnect their completely transected spinal cords, leading to some degree of recovery of the motor functions lost after injury. Videographic analysis showed that some turtles (5 of 11) surviving more than 20 days after injury were able to initiate stepping locomotion. However, the stepping movements were slower than those of normal animals, and swimming patterns were not restored. Even though just 45% of the injured turtles recovered their stepping patterns, all showed axonal sprouting beyond the lesion site. Immunocytochemical and electron microscope images revealed the occurrence of regrowing axons crossing the severed region. A major contingent of the axons reconnecting the cord originated from sensory neurons lying in dorsal ganglia adjacent to the lesion site. The axons bridging the damaged region traveled on a cellular scaffold consisting of brain lipid‐binding protein (BLBP)‐ and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)‐positive cells and processes. Serotonergic varicose nerve fibers and endings were found at early stages of the healing process at the epicenter of the lesion. Interestingly, the glial scar commonly found in the damaged central nervous system of mammals was absent. In contrast, GFAP‐ and BLBP‐positive processes were found running parallel to the main axis of the cord accompanying the crossing axons. J. Comp. Neurol. 515:197–214, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.