bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A revised land hydrology in the ECMWF model: a step towards daily water flux prediction in a fully‐closed water cycle
Authors: Balsamo G. , Pappenberger F. , Dutra E. , Viterbo P. , van den Hurk B.
Published: July 2010

The ECMWF land surface hydrology has been revised in the last 3 years in its soil and snow hydrological components, leading to improvements in weather and seasonal predictions. It has been shown that efforts devoted to the improvement of land surface processes can lead to a more accurate representation of the global water cycle on monthly timescales. In this paper, we analyse the impact of land hydrology revisions at daily timescales on both atmospheric near‐surface quantities and river discharges by coupling the ECMWF land surface model (HTESSEL) to a river routing scheme total runoff integration pathways (TRIP2). This application defines a hydro‐meteorological verification for land surface models and it shows the usefulness of river discharge observations for quantitative evaluation of the global water cycle at daily timescales. The relative contributions of the soil and snow hydrology revisions on atmospheric state, in particular for temperature, and the predicted river discharge are evaluated showing a significant incremental performance with the land surface updates. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using satellite altimetry data to augment flow estimation techniques on the Mekong River
Authors: Birkinshaw S. J. , O'Donnell G. M. , Moore P. , Kilsby C. G. , Fowler H. J. , Berry P. A. M.
Published: July 2010

Satellite altimetry is routinely used to provide levels for oceans or large inland water bodies from space. By utilizing retracking schemes specially designed for inland waters, meaningful river stages can also be recovered when standard techniques fail. Utilizing retracked waveforms from ERS‐2 and ENVISAT along the Mekong, comparisons against observed stage measurements show that the altimetric measurements have a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0·44–0·65 m for ENVISAT and 0·46–0·76 m for ERS‐2. For many applications, however, stage is insufficient because discharge is the primary requirement. Investigations were therefore undertaken to estimate discharges at a downstream site (Nakhon Phanom (NP)) assuming that in situ data are available at a site 400 km upstream (Vientiane). Two hypothetical, but realistic scenarios were considered. Firstly, that NP was the site of a de‐commissioned gauge and secondly, that the site has never been gauged. Using both scenarios, predictions were made for the daily discharge using methods with and without altimetric stage data. In the first scenario using a linear regression approach the altimetry data improved the Nash‐Sutcliffe r2 value from 0·884 to 0·935. The second scenario used known river cross‐sections while lateral inflows were inferred from a hydrological model: this scenario gave an increase in the r2 value from 0·823 to 0·893. The use of altimetric stage data is shown to improve estimated discharges and further applications are discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modelling discharge from a coastal watershed in southeast Sweden using an integrated framework
Authors: Salazar Osvaldo , Joel Abraham , Wesström Ingrid , Linnér Harry , Skaggs R. Wayne
Published: July 2010

The field hydrology model DRAINMOD integrated with Arc Hydro in geographical information system (GIS) framework (Arc Hydro–DRAINMOD) was used to simulate the hydrological response of a coastal watershed in southeast Sweden. Arc Hydro–DRAINMOD uses a distributed approach to route water from each field edge to the watershed outlet. In the framework the Arc Hydro data model was used to describe the stream network in the watershed and to connect the individual simulated DRAINMOD‐field outflow time series from each plot using Arc Hydro schema‐links features, which were summed at Arc Hydro schema‐nodes features along the stream network to generate the stream network flow. Hydrology data collected during six periods between 2003 and 2008 were used to test Arc Hydro–DRAINMOD and its performance was evaluated by considering uncertainties in model inputs using generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation (GLUE). The GLUE estimates obtained (uncertainty bands 5% and 95%) agreed satisfactorily with measured monthly discharges. The percentage of time in which the observed discharges were bracketed by the uncertainty bands was 88% in calibration periods and 75% in validation periods. Although monthly time step simulations showed good agreement with observed discharges during the two main discharge events in spring, the contradictory daily time step results indicate that the watershed response simulations on a daily basis need to be improved. The uncertainty analysis showed that in periods of higher discharge, such as spring periods, the uncertainty in prediction was higher. It is important to note that these uncertainty estimations using the GLUE procedure include the uncertainties in measured discharge values, model inputs, boundary conditions and model structures. It was estimated that stream baseflow represented 42% of the total watershed discharge, but further research is needed to confirm this. These results show that the new Arc Hydro–DRAINMOD framework is applicable for predicting discharge from artificially drained watersheds in southeast Sweden. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neighbor of punc E11, a novel oncofetal marker for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Marquardt Jens Uwe , Quasdorff Maria , Varnholt Heike , Curth Harald‐Morten , Mesghenna Senait , Protzer Ulrike , Goeser Tobias , Nierhoff Dirk
Published: July 2010

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the 5th common malignancy worldwide, but established markers fail to detect up to one third of HCC. We have recently identified Neighbor of Punc E11 (Nope) as a surface marker for murine fetal liver stem cells. Similar to commonly used HCC markers such as α‐Fetoprotein (Afp) and Glypican‐3 (Gpc‐3), we here establish Nope as an oncofetal marker of murine and human HCC and investigate its specific expression in hepatoma cell lines and primary HCC. Murine and human hepatoma cell lines and Cre‐inducible SV40 T‐antigen transgenic mice (Alb‐SV40TAgind) were analyzed for Nope expression in comparison to common HCC markers by quantitative RT‐PCR, Western blot analyses and immunohistochemistry. Nope expression in primary human HCC was investigated using Oncomine Microarray database. Nope expression was elevated in 8 of 10 investigated murine and human hepatoma cell lines and in all tumors of our oncogenic mouse model but remained undetectable in normal liver and at preneoplastic stages of murine hepatocarcinogenesis. Furthermore, a significant induction of Nope was detected in primary human cancers compared to corresponding normal or cirrhotic tissue. Nope expression in tumor specimens and murine cell lines correlated closely with expression levels of Gpc‐3, whereas expression levels of Afp showed high variations. In conclusion, we identified Nope as a novel oncofetal surface marker for murine and human HCC. Nope is specifically expressed by epithelial tumor cells but not in preneoplastic stages and is a promising marker for clinical application because of its high detection rate in Afp‐positive and Afp‐negative tumors.
Cigarette smoke induces promoter methylation of single‐stranded DNA‐binding protein 2 in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Huang Yiping , Chang Xiaofei , Lee Juna , Cho Yong Gu , Zhong Xiaoli , Park Il‐Seok , Liu Jun‐Wei , Califano Joseph A. , Ratovitski Edward A. , Sidransky David , Kim Myoung Sook
Published: July 2010

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the sixth most frequent cause of cancer death in the world, and cigarette smoke is a key factor in esophageal carcinogenesis. To identify molecular changes during cigarette smoke‐induced ESCC, we examined the methylation status of 13 gene promoters in the human immortalized, nontumorigenic esophageal epithelial cell line (Het‐1A) that were exposed to mainstream (MSE) or sidestream cigarette smoke extract (SSE) for 6 months in culture. The promoter of sequence‐specific single‐stranded DNA‐binding protein 2 (SSBP2) was methylated in the Het‐1A cells exposed to MSE (MSE‐Het‐1A). Promoter methylation (86%, 56/70) and downregulation of SSBP2 expression were frequently detected in tumor tissues from ESCC patients. In addition, reintroduction of SSBP2 in an ESCC cell line (TE1) that does not express SSBP2 and in the MSE‐Het‐1A cells inhibited expression of LRP6 and Dvl3, which are mediators of the Wnt signaling pathway. SSBP2 expression markedly decreased the colony‐forming ability of ESCC cell lines and significantly inhibited cell growth of the MSE‐Het‐1A cells. Our results indicate that cigarette smoking is a cause of SSBP2 promoter methylation and that SSBP2 harbors a tumor suppressive role in ESCC through inhibition of the Wnt signaling pathway.
Detection of melanoma‐derived cancer‐testis antigen CT16 in patient sera by a novel immunoassay
Authors: Rappu Pekka , Nylund Camilla , Ristiniemi Noora , Kulpakko Janne , Vihinen Pia , Hernberg Micaela , Mirtti Tuomas , Alanen Kalle , Kallajoki Markku , Vuoristo Meri‐Sisko , Pyrhönen Seppo , Heino Jyrki
Published: July 2010

Cancer‐testis antigens (CTAs) are expressed mainly in various cancer tissues and in testis or placenta. Because of their restricted expression pattern, the CTAs can be potentially used for vaccine development and diagnostic applications. CTA CT16 has been found to be expressed in lung and renal cancers as well as in melanomas. Detection of CT16 protein directly from patient serum could facilitate monitoring of tumor growth and response to therapy in CT16‐positive patients. A highly sensitive time‐resolved fluorescence‐based immunoassay measuring CTA CT16 in serum was developed. Generally, CTAs have not been measured directly from body fluids. CT16 level was detectable in 14 of 23 (61%) patients with metastatic melanoma, whereas none of the nine healthy volunteers collected by us had measurable CT16 level. For an unknown reason, 1 of 20 commercial control serum samples gave a positive result. The Wilcoxon‐Mann‐Whitney exact test showed statistically significant difference when patients with metastatic melanoma were compared to our control group (p = 0.006) or to the commercial set (p < 0.001). Four melanoma patients had exceptionally high serum CT16 level. CT16 did not correlate either with S100B, a recognized marker of progressing melanoma, or with unspecific serum marker lactate dehydrogenase. Elevation of CT16 titers preceded or followed the clinical diagnosis of disease progression in four patients with metastatic melanoma. As a conclusion, our results show that CT16 protein can be measured directly from patient serum, and the developed assay has a potential for clinical use.
Flood management and risk assessment in flood‐prone areas: Measures and solutions
Authors: De Wrachien Daniele , Mambretti Stefano , Schultz Bart
Published: July 2010

Water‐related disasters have increased considerably worldwide in recent years. While certain trends are global (like climate change), some actions to cope with these problems have to be taken locally. In any case, the land characteristics need to be known and analysed in order to cope with the hazards and avoid their transformation into damage or disasters when exceptional events occur.

This paper firstly presents preliminary definitions about the concepts of hazard, vulnerability, risk and damage/disaster, because there is a certain lack of uniformity in the use of terms, which sometimes causes confusion; thus definitions are offered, with special attention paid to flood problems. Then, risk analysis procedures are described, which consist of systematic actions in a cycle of preparedness, response and recovery, and would have to form part of integrated flood risk management. Moreover, flooding problem characteristics and the policy and related measures adopted by different European countries to protect themselves against floods, are considered and the lessons learnt from flood defence analysed, with the aim of featuring a new integrated flood management and mitigation approach that allocates more room for rivers and keeps a balance between present and foreseeable future spatial requirements of both water and people. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Arzoxifene for prevention of fractures and invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women
Authors: Cummings Steven R , McClung Michael , Reginster Jean-Yves , Cox David , Mitlak Bruce , Stock John , Amewou-Atisso Messan , Powles Trevor , Miller Paul , Zanchetta José , Christiansen Claus
Published: July 2010

Arzoxifene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that has been shown to be more potent in preclinical testing than currently available agents. Its effects on clinical outcomes are not known. In a randomized, blinded trial, women aged 60 to 85 years with osteoporosis, defined as a femoral neck or lumbar spine bone mineral density T-score of −2.5 or less or a vertebral fracture, and women with low bone mass, defined as a bone density T-score of −1.0 or less and above −2.5, were assigned to arzoxifene 20 mg or placebo daily. The primary endpoints were new vertebral fracture in those with osteoporosis and invasive breast cancer in the overall population. After 3 years, the cumulative incidence of vertebral fractures in patients with osteoporosis was 2.3% lower in the arzoxifene group than in the placebo group, a 41% relative risk reduction [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.45–0.77, p < .001]. In the overall population, the cumulative incidence of invasive breast cancer over 4 years was reduced by 1.3%, with a 56% relative reduction in risk (hazard ratio = 0.44, 95% CI 0.26–0.76, p < .001); there was no significant decrease in nonvertebral fracture risk. Arzoxifene increased the cumulative incidence of venous thromboembolic events by 0.7%, with a 2.3-fold relative increase (95% CI 1.5–3.7). Like other SERMs, arzoxifene decreased vertebral fractures and invasive breast cancer while the risk of venous thromboembolic events increased. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Application of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells in periodontal tissue regeneration
Authors: Duan Xuejing , Tu Qisheng , Zhang Jin , Ye Jinhai , Sommer Cesar , Mostoslavsky Gustavo , Kaplan David , Yang Pishan , Chen Jake
Published: July 2010

Tissue engineering provides a new paradigm for periodontal tissue regeneration in which proper stem cells and effective cellular factors are very important. The objective of this study was, for the first time, to investigate the capabilities and advantages of periodontal tissue regeneration using induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells and enamel matrix derivatives (EMD). In this study the effect of EMD gel on iPS cells in vitro was first determined, and then tissue engineering technique was performed to repair periodontal defects in three groups: silk scaffold only; silk scaffold + EMD; and silk scaffold + EMD + iPS cells. EMD greatly enhanced the mRNA expression of Runx2 but inhibited the mRNA expression of OC and mineralization nodule formation in vitro. Transplantation of iPS cells showed higher expression levels of OC, Osx, and Runx2 genes, both 12 and 24 days postsurgery. At 24 days postsurgery in the iPS cell group, histological analysis showed much more new alveolar bone and cementum formation with regenerated periodontal ligament between them. The results showed the commitment role that EMD contributes in mesenchymal progenitors to early cells in the osteogenic lineage. iPS cells combined with EMD provide a valuable tool for periodontal tissue engineering, by promoting the formation of new cementum, alveolar bone, and normal periodontal ligament. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 150–157, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nongenomic signaling pathways triggered by thyroid hormones and their metabolite 3‐iodothyronamine on the cardiovascular system
Authors: Axelband F. , Dias J. , Ferrão F.M. , Einicker‐Lamas M.
Published: July 2010

Thyroid hormones play a wide range of important physiological activities in almost all organism. As changes in these hormones levels—observed in hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism—promote serious derangements of the cardiovascular system, it is important to know their mechanisms of action. Although the classic genomic actions which are dependent on interaction with nuclear receptors to modulate cardiac myocytes genes expression, there is growing evidence about T3 and T4‐triggered nongenomic pathways, resulted from their binding to plasma membrane, cytoplasm, or mitocondrial receptors that leads to a rapidly regulation of cardiac functions. Interestingly both actions converge to amplify thyroid hormone effects on cardiovascular system. T3 and T4 nongenomic actions modify inotropic and chronotropic effects, cardiac action potential duration, cardiac growth, and myocyte shape by protein translation through protein kinases‐dependent signaling cascades, which include PKA, PKC, PI3K, and MAPK, and changes on ion channels and pumps activity. In respect to the decreased systemic vascular resistance seen in hyperthyroidism, T3 appears to activate NOS or ATP‐sensitive K+ channels. In addition, a novel biologically active T4‐derived metabolite has been described, 3‐iodothyronamine, T1AM, which also acts through membrane receptors to mediate nongenomic cardiac effects. This metabolite influences the physiological manifestations of thyroid hormone actions by inducing opposite effects from those stimulated by T3 and T4, such as negative inotropic and chronotropic effects. Therefore, beyond genomic and nongenomic effects of thyroid hormones, it is crucial for there to be an equilibrium between T3 or T4 and T1AM levels for maintaining cardiac homeostasis. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 21–28, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lapatinib, a dual HER1/HER2 tyrosine kinase inhibitor, augments basal cleavage of HER2 extracellular domain (ECD) to inhibit HER2‐driven cancer cell growth
Authors: Vazquez‐Martin Alejandro , Oliveras‐Ferraros Cristina , Cufí Silvia , Del Barco Sonia , Martin‐Castillo Begoña , Menendez Javier A.
Published: July 2010

The ultimate biological and clinical meaning of shed HER2 extracellular domain (ECD) has remained largely unclear until recently. Oversecretion of soluble HER2 ECD has been shown to inhibit growth of HER2‐overexpressing cancer cells by promoting HER2 ECD dimerization with HER transmembrane receptors thus impairing their cross‐tyrosine phosphorylation and decreasing their activation status. HER2‐targeted drugs capable to enhance the occurrence of basal HER2 ECD shedding but simultaneously preventing formation of truncated cell membrane‐bound HER2 intracellular fragment, which exhibits an undesirable constitutive kinase activity, might be extremely efficient at managing HER2‐positive cancer disease. The dual HER1/HER2 Tyrosine Kinase inhibitor lapatinib, which works intracellularly and directly targets the TK domain of HER2, drastically augments basal shedding of HER2 ECD to inhibit HER2‐driven cancer cell growth. Lapatinib treatment significantly augments the concentration of the inactive (unphosphorylated) form of HER2 protein at the tumor cell membrane and promotes an exacerbated HER2 ECD shedding to the extracellular milieu of HER2‐overexpressing cancer cells. Exacerbated sensitivity of trastuzumab‐resistant cancer cells, which contain nearly undetectable levels of soluble HER2 ECD when compared with trastuzumab‐sensitive parental cells to lapatinib‐induced cell growth inhibition, takes place when lapatinib treatment fully restores high levels of basal HER2 ECD shedding. The dramatic augmentation of HER2 ECD shedding that occurs upon treatment of with lapatinib is fully suppressed in lapatinib‐refractory HER2‐positive cells. These findings, altogether, may provide crucial insights concerning clinical studies aimed to accurately describe HER2 ECD as a potential predictor of response or resistance to the HER2‐targeted drugs trastuzumab and lapatinib. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 52–57, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Phosphorylation of Ser 21 in Fyn regulates its kinase activity, focal adhesion targeting, and is required for cell migration
Authors: Yeo Myeong Gu , Oh Hye Jin , Cho Hong‐Suk , Chun Jang Soo , Marcantonio Eugene E. , Song Woo Keun
Published: July 2010

The tyrosine kinase Fyn is a member of the Src family kinases which are important in many integrin‐mediated cellular processes including cell adhesion and migration. Fyn has multiple phosphorylation sites which can affect its kinase activity. Among these phosphorylation sites, the serine 21 (S21) residue of Fyn is a protein kinase A (PKA) recognition site within an RxxS motif of the amino terminal SH4 domain of Fyn. In addition, S21 is critical for Fyn kinase‐linked cellular signaling. Mutation of S21A blocks PKA phosphorylation of Fyn and alters its tyrosine kinase activity. Expression of Fyn S21A in cells lacking Src family kinases (SYF cell) led to decreased tyrosine phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase resulting in reduced focal adhesion targeting, which slowed lamellipodia dynamics and thus cell migration. These changes in cell motility were reflected by the fact that cells expressing Fyn S21A were severely deficient in their ability to assemble and disassemble focal adhesions. Taken together, our findings indicate that phosphorylation of S21 within the pPKA recognition site (RxxS motif) of Fyn regulates its tyrosine kinase activity and controls focal adhesion targeting, and that this residue of Fyn is critical for transduction of signals arising from cell‐extracellular matrix interactions. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 236–247, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Species‐specific differences in nitrogen uptake and utilization by six European tree species
Authors: Schulz Horst , Härtling Sigrid , Stange Claus F.
Published: July 2010

Species‐specific uptake and allocation mechanisms for N are scarce, in particular when trees are cultivated in potted soil under more natural conditions than in hydroponic culture. The objective of this study was to compare specific N‐uptake rates for economically and ecologically important tree species in Central European forests: pine (Pinus sylvestris), spruce (Picea abies), oak (Quercus petraea), beech (Fagus sylvatica), lime (Tilia cordata), and ash (Fraxinus excelsior) when they grow in mineral soil from an old fallow site with a pH of 6. We used an 15N‐labeling method to measure tree seedling 15N uptake in potted soils (Humic Cambisol) when both N forms NH$ _4^+ $ and NO$ _3^- $ were simultaneously present in the soil solution for interspecies comparison and assessment of relationships between specific 15N‐uptake rates and amino acid–accumulation rates or relative growth rates (RGR). The results demonstrate that tree species varied significantly in their capacity to take up NH$ _4^+ $ or NO$ _3^- $ into roots, stems, or leaves, but indicate only marginal differences in their preference for NH$ _4^+ $ or NO$ _3^- $ when they grow in mineral soil. The ranking of specific 15N‐uptake rates for NH$ _4^+ $ and NO$ _3^- $ was oak < beech < spruce < pine < lime < ash. Fine roots of all species had the highest specific 15N‐uptake rates for both N forms, followed by total roots, leaves/needles, and stems. As regards tree seedling species, we found negative relationships between glutamine (Gln)‐accumulation rates in leaves/needles and total 15N‐uptake rates in fine roots. Noteworthy was the fact that, at high Gln‐accumulation rates, the N‐uptake system in fine roots of ash was probably lower under feedback inhibition by the amino acid.
Simultaneous determination of melamine and related compounds by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography–electrospray mass spectrometry
Authors: Xia Jingen , Zhou Naiyuan , Zhou Cong , Chen Bo , Wu Yongning , Yao Shouzhuo
Published: July 2010

A hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography coupled to ESI‐MS (HILIC/ESI‐MS) method for the simultaneous determination of melamine and related compounds, i.e. ammeline, ammelide and cyanuric acid in foods was developed and validated. The separation was accomplished on a Venusil HILIC column with a mobile phase of acetonitrile + 10 mM ammonium formate buffer solution at pH 3.5 (88:12, v/v) under isocratic elution mode. For the detection of the targets, the ESI probe worked in the positive and negative switching mode. For each compound, three ions were selected as qualitative ions to obtain high specificity, and the most abundant ion of each compound was selected for quantification to obtain high sensitivity. The target compounds were quantified using SIM with 15N3‐melamine and 13C3‐cyanuric acid being used as an internal standards in the positive and negative modes, respectively. Compared with RP separation mode, HILIC has merits such as high separation and anti‐interference efficiency. The method validation including linearity, LOD, LOQ, precision and recovery proved that the method has merits such high sensitivity, specificity and simplicity versus the other methods reported in the literature.
Evaluation of an on‐capillary copper complexation methodology for the investigation ofin vitrometabolism of dynorphin A 1–17
Authors: Kuhnline Courtney D. , Lunte Susan M.
Published: July 2010

Dynorphin A 1–17 is an endogenous neuropeptide implicated in a variety of neurological disorders including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases and neuropathic pain. Metabolites of this peptide can exhibit their own unique effectsin vivo, and it is possible that one of these metabolites is responsible for the neurotoxicity. In this article, the use of CE for the separation of dynorphin A 1–17 from four of its metabolites is described. Buffer additives were investigated to eliminate peptide adsorption to the capillary wall and to improve resolution between closely related metabolites. On‐capillary copper complexation was employed and was shown to improve separation efficiency as compared with the separation of native peptides. The method was then applied toin vitrodynorphin metabolism in human plasma as well as rat brain and rat spinal cord slices.
Hepatocellular carcinoma: Ablate and wait versus rapid transplantation
Authors: Roberts John P. , Venook Alan , Kerlan Robert , Yao Francis
Published: July 2010

This opinion piece explores an “ablate and wait” strategy for improving the 5-year recurrence-free outcome of liver transplantation in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. The Milan criteria delimit by tumor size and number a population of patients who have good survival after liver transplantation. The University of California San Francisco downstaging experience has shown that patients with a tumor burden outside the Milan criteria who undergo tumor ablation and a period of waiting have outcomes that rival those of patients who undergo transplantation within the Milan criteria because the tumor biology is allowed to become apparent by radiological studies during the waiting period. This experience has led to 2 conclusions: first, expansion beyond the Milan criteria should not occur without therapy directed to the tumor followed by a period of waiting to decrease the risk of recurrence, and second, for tumors within the Milan criteria, the same strategy should be considered. Liver Transpl, 2010. © 2010 AASLD.
Determinants of paraoxonase activity in healthy adults
Authors: Boesch‐Saadatmandi Christine , Rimbach Gerald , Schrader Charlotte , Kofler Bettina M. , Armah Christopher K. , Minihane Anne M.
Published: July 2010

Scope: Paraoxonase‐1 (PON‐1), associated with HDL, is regarded as anti‐atherogenic, attributed to its ability to hydrolyze oxidized lipids. Here, the impact of PON and apolipoprotein E genotypes, age, alcohol and HDL‐cholesterol (HDL‐C) on PON activity is examined. Methods and results: In total, 104 healthy UK adults participated in the study, with basal (PONA) and stimulated (PONB) PON‐1 activities and arylesterase activity determined in these individuals. In univariate and correlation analysis age, HDL‐C, alcohol intake and both PON genotypes were significantly associated with PONA and PONB activities (p<0.05). However, in the standard linear regression model, which explained 69% of the variability in both PONA (p<0.001) and PONB activities (p<0.001) only PON Q192R genotype emerged as a significant independent determinant, with four to fivefold higher levels in the RR versus wild‐type QQ genotype groups. For PON arylesterase, HDL‐C (p=0.030), apolipoprotein E (p=0.023) and PON Q192R (p=0.002) and PON L55M (p=0.002) genotypes collectively explained 14% of the total variability in the regression model. Conclusion: Our results indicate that PON genotypes are stronger determinants of PON activity relative to the other potential modulators assessed. The relative impact of dietary components on PON activities remains to be established.
Low‐volume resistance exercise attenuates the decline in strength and muscle mass associated with immobilization
Authors: Oates Bryan R. , Glover Elisa I. , West Daniel W. , Fry Jessica L. , Tarnopolsky Mark A. , Phillips Stuart M.
Published: July 2010

We determined the effectiveness of low‐volume resistance exercise (EX) for the attenuation of loss of muscle mass and strength during leg immobilization. Men (N = 5) and women (N = 12, age 24 ± 5 years, body mass index 25.4 ± 3.6 kg/m2) were divided into two groups: exercise (EX; n = 12) and control (CON; n = 5). Subjects wore a knee brace on one leg that prevented weight bearing for 14 days. Resistance exercise (EX; 80% of maximal) was performed by the immobilized limb every other day. Immobilization induced a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in muscle fiber and thigh cross‐sectional area (CSA), isometric knee extensor, and plantarflexor strength in the CON (P < 0.01) but not in the EX group. There were significant losses in triceps surae CSA in the CON and EX groups (P < 0.05), but the losses were greater in CON subjects (P < 0.01). A minimal volume (140 contractions in 14 days) of resistive exercise is an effective countermeasure against immobilization‐induced atrophy of the quadriceps femoris but is only partially effective for the triceps surae. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Clinicians' views on the feasibility of surgical randomized trials in urogynecology: Results of a questionnaire survey
Authors: Bakali Evangelia , Pitchforth Emma , Tincello Douglas G. , Kenyon Sara , Slack Mark , Toozs‐Hobson Philip , Mayne Christopher , Jones David R. , Taylor David
Published: July 2010

Aims

To survey the views of clinicians (urologists and gynecologists) about a proposed randomized surgical trial comparing two approaches for the treatment of women with urinary incontinence and vaginal prolapse.

Methods

A questionnaire survey nested within a pilot randomized controlled trial of colposuspension versus anterior repair plus TVT (CARPET1) for women with incontinence and anterior vaginal prolapse. Members of the UK Continence Society, British Society of Urogynaecology, and International Continence Society were sent a single electronic mailing of semi‐structured questionnaires containing closed and open questions and free text response boxes. Free text responses were analyzed using a thematic qualitative analysis.

Results

One hundred fifty‐seven questionnaires were returned, from a potential total of 400 from UK and 1,700 international respondents. Fifty‐eight percent thought the trial ethical, 44% desirable, and 47% feasible. Thirty‐three percent would recruit to the full study, and 22% would enroll themselves or their partner. Analysis of free text responses identified three themes impacting participation: issues of patient choice and consent; clinicians' views of perceived benefit and complications of the two arms; and issues about the chosen trial design.

Conclusions

This study highlights the difference between collective and individual equipoise and their impact upon surgical trials. Clinicians held strong views preventing them from regarding the study favorably. Difficulty with relinquishing control over choice of procedure appeared central. These findings support the growing evidence in favor of detailed qualitative pilot work for surgical trials. The role of expertise‐based randomization deserves further consideration. Neurourol. Urodyn. 30:69–74, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mechanisms involved in the nitric oxide independent inhibitory neurotransmission to the pig urinary bladder neck
Authors: Martínez‐Saénz Ana , Barahona María Victoria , Orensanz Luis M. , Recio Paz , Bustamante Salvador , Benedito Sara , Carballido Joaquín , García‐Sacristán Albino , Prieto Dolores , Hernández Medardo
Published: July 2010

Aims

The current study investigates the mechanisms involved in nitric oxide (NO)‐independent, nonadrenergic, noncholinergic (NANC) inhibitory neurotransmission to the pig urinary bladder neck.

Methods

Urothelium‐denuded strips were mounted in organ baths containing physiological saline solution (PSS) at 37°C for isometric force recordings. The relaxations to electrical field stimulation (EFS) were carried out on strips treated with guanethidine, atropine and NG‐nitro‐L‐arginine, to block noradrenergic neurotransmission, muscarinic receptors and NO synthase, respectively, and precontracted with phenylephrine.

Results

EFS (1–16 Hz) produced frequency‐dependent relaxations which were abolished by the blockade of neuronal voltage‐activated Na+ channels. Nonselective and selective inhibition of COX and COX‐1, respectively, and blockade of Na+–K+ ATPase reduced the EFS‐induced relaxations. However, blockade of COX‐2, soluble guanylyl cyclase, large‐, intermediate‐ and small‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ channels, ATP‐dependent K+ channels, voltage‐gated K+ channels, cAMPc‐dependent protein kinase (PKA) and cGMP‐dependent protein kinase (PKG) failed to modify the nerve‐mediated relaxations.

Conclusions

The NO‐independent inhibitory neurotransmission to the pig urinary bladder neck is mediated, in part, through prostanoids release from a COX‐1 pathway, and through activation of the Na+–K+ ATPase. PKA and PKG pathways and postjunctional K+ channels do not appear to be involved in the NO‐independent nerve‐mediated relaxations. Neurourol. Urodyn. 30:151–157, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Accuracy of post‐void residual urine volume measurement using a portable ultrasound bladder scanner with real‐time pre‐scan imaging
Authors: Park Yong Hyun , Ku Ja Hyeon , Oh Seung‐June
Published: July 2010

Aims

To evaluate whether the bladder scanner with real‐time pre‐scan imaging (RPI) is superior to the conventional bladder scanner in measuring post‐void residual urine (PVR) volume.

Methods

Sixty‐seven patients with voiding dysfunction were subjected to PVR volume measurements. The PVR volume was measured three times by two experienced examiners using bladder scanners with (BioCon‐500, Mcube Technology, Seoul, Korea) or without (BVI‐3000 BladderScan, Verathon, WA) RPI. Immediately after the procedure, urethral catheterization was performed to obtain true volume. The accuracy and variability of measurements were compared between the two devices and correlation coefficients were obtained.

Results

The Pearson correlation coefficients between the PVR volume measured by each device and the true volume were 0.932 for the bladder scanner without RPI and 0.950 for the bladder scanner with RPI. The bladder scanner without RPI tended to overestimate the true volume in moderate volume ranges (>100 ml) by a mean percentage of differences of volume (PDV) of 16.3%, while the bladder scanner with RPI underestimated the true volume in the whole volume range by a mean PDV of −14.1% (P < 0.001). Repeated measures ANOVA showed no significant interobserver variability (P = 0.977 for the bladder scanner without RPI and P = 0.853 for the bladder scanner with RPI) or intraobserver variability (P = 0.660 for the bladder scanner without RPI and P = 0.271 for the bladder scanner with RPI).

Conclusions

Our results showed that exact pointing to the bladder prior to actual measurement of bladder volume with RPI seems to reduce the variability of the measured values. Neurourol. Urodynam. 30:335–338, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optimization of compression molding of stand‐alone microlenses: Simulation and experimental results
Authors: Mirkhalaf M. , Tor S.B. , Murukeshan V.M. , Loh N.H. , Lye S.W.
Published: July 2010

Hot compression molding is a promising method to fabricate polymer stand‐alone microlenses. A reliable theoretical as well as statistical analysis is required for the optimization of the process to minimize the residual stresses and to predict the amount of springback to achieve a better replication of the mold profile. This article in this context focuses on the finite element simulation (FES), optimization as well as experimental validation of hot compression molding of polymer stand‐alone microlenses. Three steps such as molding, cooling, and demolding, under different molding parameters, were analyzed using ABAQUS/standard solver and the results were compared with experimental results. Compression test and compression relaxation test have been conducted at different temperatures and strain rates to characterize the rheological behavior of material. Two material models, linear viscoelastic and hyperelastic–viscoelastic models, were developed and used for compression test simulations. Hyperelastic–viscoelastic model is found to predict the material behavior in low strain rates better and, thus, is used for the simulation of actual lens compression molding. Good agreement is found between the FES‐predicted curve and the lens profile molded at different molding temperatures. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Numerical simulation of the self‐assembly of a polymer–polymer–solvent ternary system on a heterogeneously functionalized substrate
Authors: Shang Yingrui , Kazmer David , Wei Ming , Barry Carol , Mead Joey
Published: July 2010

The spinodal decomposition of a polymer–polymer–solvent ternary blend spin coated on heterogeneously functionalized substrate is studied in a three‐dimensional numerical model. The Cahn‐Hilliard equation was used to describe the free energy profile of the domain. The mechanism of the morphology evolution was studied quantitatively. The well‐established linear relationship of the characteristic length, R(t), with t1/3 can be observed in the simulation results. The functionalized substrate greatly affected the morphology evolution of blends with different solvent concentrations. The results indicated that a critical time can be observed, at which the evolution rate changes abruptly, also after which the compatibility of the surface morphology to the functionalized substrate pattern increases at a much lower pace in the diluted solution. In the condensed solution, the compatibility actually decreases beyond the critical time. The influence of solvent evaporation is investigated and a sharper interface was observed in the case with solvent evaporation and film thickness reduction. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Linear and nonlinear melt rheology and extrudate swell of acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene and organoclay‐filled acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene nanocomposite
Authors: Saadat Amir , Nazockdast Hossein , Sepehr Fatemeh , Mehranpour Milad
Published: July 2010

Melt viscoelastic behavior and the die swell of Acrylonitrile‐Butadiene‐Styrene (ABS) and ABS/clay nanocomposites varying in organoclay loading were studied. A pronounced low‐frequency nonterminal behavior exhibited in linear viscoelastic experiments along with an apparent yield stress in transient startup flow tests suggested the existence of a network type, because of interconnection of rubber particles in ABS matrix. From the results of linear and nonlinear viscoelastic measurements, it was found that the incorporation of organoclay can lead to the formation of an additional network formed between organoclay tactoids that caused reduced temperature dependency of linear viscoelastic properties of the nanocomposite samples compared with ABS matrix. The swelling behavior of samples was interpreted using the results of stress relaxation experiments after cessation of steady shear flow. The great reduction in the die swell of nanocomposite samples could be explained in terms of great surface area and anisometric nature of organoclay tactoids and/or platelets, which promote energy consumption and less energy to be stored in chains. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Microwave absorption of poly‐N‐vinylcarbazole–polyaniline composites
Authors: Basavaraja C. , Jo Eun Ae , Kim Bong Seong , Kim Dae Gun , Huh Do Sung
Published: July 2010

Poly‐N‐vinylcarbazole–polyaniline (PANI) composites were synthesized using different loading concentration of aniline (0.025–0.1 M) for their microwave absorption characteristics. The obtained composites were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis technique, and atomic force microscope for their chemical structure, thermal stability, and the surface modifications, respectively. The conductivity increased much with the increase of aniline concentration in the composites. The composite sheets exhibited a strong microwave absorption in the microwave range of 1–10 GHz and achieved a maximum absorption value of 33 dB. The position of absorbing peak shows a mixed trend moving from lower to higher and again to lower with an increasing the concentration of aniline in the poly‐N‐vinylcarbazole–PANI. The new polymer composite exhibited an appreciable electromagnetic interference shielding efficiency compared with the previously reported PANI composites. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Power output fluctuations in large scale pv plants: One year observations with one second resolution and a derived analytic model
Authors: Marcos Javier , Marroyo Luis , Lorenzo Eduardo , Alvira David , Izco Eloisa
Published: July 2010

The variable nature of the irradiance can produce significant fluctuations in the power generated by large grid‐connected photovoltaic (PV) plants. Experimental 1 s data were collected throughout a year from six PV plants, 18 MWp in total. Then, the dependence of short (below 10 min) power fluctuation on PV plant size has been investigated. The analysis focuses on the study of fluctuation frequency as well as the maximum fluctuation value registered. An analytic model able to describe the frequency of a given fluctuation for a certain day is proposed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative study of ZnO thin films prepared by plasma deposition and electron beam evaporation for use in photovoltaic devices
Authors: Falcão V. D. , Miranda D. O. , Sabino M. E. L. , Moura T. D. O. , Diniz A. S. A. C , Cruz L. R. , Branco J. R. T.
Published: July 2010

Undoped zinc oxide thin films were grown at room temperature using two techniques: plasma deposition (PD) and electron beam evaporation in an argon atmosphere. PD offers some advantages, such as low ion damage and low deposition temperature. The optical transmittance of the films deposited by both methods was higher than 80% in the near UV–VIS range; the energy band gap and index of refraction agree with values reported in the literature. The resistivity of films grown by PD was 3.1 × 10−2 Ω cm, lower than the value of 1.2 × 10−1 Ω cm found for plasma assisted e‐beam evaporated films. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
GIAO‐HDFT scaling factor for 13C NMR chemical shifts calculation
Authors: Costa Fabio Luiz Paranhos , de Albuquerque Ana Carolina Ferreira , dos Santos Fernando Martins , de Amorim Mauro Barbosa
Published: July 2010

In this paper, we present a GIAO‐HDFT scaling factor study, in which we intent to investigate the ability of GIAO‐HDFT/cc‐pVDZ to achieve a high cost‐effectiveness ratio. A set of 22 small molecules providing 27 different 13C chemical shifts determined in the gas phase was used. Geometry optimizations were performed for a single molecule in a gas phase using B3LYP/cc‐pVDZ, B3LYP/aug‐cc‐pVDZ, B3PW91/cc‐pVDZ and B3PW91/aug‐cc‐pVDZ level of theory. NMR chemical shifts were computed at the B3LYP and B3PW91 with cc‐pVnZ (n = 2–3) and augment aug‐cc‐pVnZ (n = 2–3) levels using the GIAO method and are given relative to that of TMS calculated at the same level of theory. Despite the calculation approximations the chemical shifts calculated at the B3PW91/cc‐pVDZ//B3PW91/cc‐pVDZ using a simple relationship (δscalc = 1.02 δcalc − 0.92, where δcalc and δscalc are the calculated and the linearly scaled values of the 13C chemical shifts, respectively) were able to yield MAD and RMS errors as small as those obtained with other GIAO‐HDFT (B3LYP, B3PW91 and OPBE) with bigger basis sets, such as 6‐311 + G(2d,p) and cc‐pVTZ. The used approach also proved successful in distinguishing regioisomers, but, unfortunately, it lacks the ability to distinguish between diastereoisomers, a task otherwise proved to be very difficult to accomplish. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surfactant protein C gene (SFTPC) mutation‐associated lung disease: High‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings and its relation to histological analysis
Authors: Mechri M. , Epaud R. , Emond S. , Coulomb A. , Jaubert F. , Tarrant A. , Feldmann D. , Flamein F. , Clement A. , de Blic J. , Taam R. Abou , Brunelle F. , le Pointe H. Ducou
Published: July 2010

Aim of the Study

Determine high‐resolution tomography (HRCT) scan characteristics in children with SFTPC mutation and correlate them to histological findings.

Patients and Methods

This retrospective multicenter study included 15 children (7 females and 8 males) with SFTPC mutations. HRCT scans have been performed in all the children and lung biopsies in 8 children.

Results

From all signs assessed on initial HRCT scans, ground‐glass opacities (n = 14, 93%) and lung cysts (n = 6, 40%) were predominant. Interlobular septal thickening (n = 1, 7%), air space consolidation (n = 1, 7%), paraseptal emphysema (n = 2, 13%), and pulmonary nodules (n = 1, 7%) were also found. Histological analysis revealed accumulation of macrophages in the alveolar lumen, type II pneumocyte hyperplasia, and alveolar septal thickening. Dilatation of the respiratory bronchiole and alveolar duct associated with muscular hyperplasia were also described. Interestingly, lung cysts on HRCT scans were associated with dilatation of terminal bronchioli and alveolar duct in lung biopsies.

Conclusion

In children with SFTPC mutations, HRCT scan finding was highly correlated to the histological findings and, as such, represent a useful tool to identify patients that may require SFTPC gene sequencing. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010; 45:1021–1029. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Aerosolized amphotericin for the treatment of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: Hayes Don , Murphy Brian S. , Lynch James E. , Feola David J.
Published: July 2010

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a complex hypersensitivity reaction to Aspergillus fumigatus that occur frequently in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Recurrent episodes of bronchial obstruction, inflammation, and mucoid impaction occur in ABPA and results in bronchiectasis, fibrosis, and respiratory failure. The treatment of ABPA includes corticosteroids to reduce the acute inflammation and intraconazole to reduce the fungal colonization load in order to reduce lung injury. This case discusses the successful use of aerosolized amphotericin B for the treatment of ABPA in a 14‐year‐old patient with CF listed for lung transplant. The patient required fewer hospitalizations, and both oral corticosteroids and anti‐fungal therapy were eventually stopped. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010;45:1145–1148. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.