bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A synergy between action‐research and a mixed methods design for improving services and treatment for family members of heavy alcohol and drug users
Authors: Arcidiacono Caterina , Velleman Richard , Procentese Fortuna
Published: July 2009

Our project first explored the patterns of disempowerment within 113 Italian families facing the problem of a heavy alcohol or drug user in the family. It then provided therapeutic interventions for the members of a further fifty‐two families, and thirdly, as a part of the diffusion of the results, it provided brief training for 1,011 professionals supplying services for those suffering from alcohol and drug addiction. Research undertaken in the UK, Mexico and Australia (Copello, Templeton, & Velleman, 2006; Orford et al., 2005a; Orford, Templeton, Velleman, & Copello, 2005b; Velleman & Templeton, 2003) on the impact of substance misuse on families, and on the development of effective interventions to assist those families, supplied the models for this participatory research in Italy.

This article discusses the mobilization of health professionals in developing a participatory project within a cross‐cultural framework, focusing on research that involved more than 70 researchers and other professionals all over Italy. Research team discussions, peer validation of gathered data and reflexivity all had a significant role. The paper illustrates various issues, which are often not explicitly mentioned in research reports, related to recruitment, cooperation between researchers, interactions between researchers and participants, information about decision‐making and the actual modalities of execution of the project. Moreover, the careful descriptions of qualitative research principles within the action research approach and a mixed methods design should enhance the research competencies of psychologists and social scientists involved in the community. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modern Thermoelectrochemistry
Authors: Gründler Peter , Kirbs Andreas , Dunsch Lothar
Published: July 2009

Thermoelectrochemistry as a branch of electrochemistry like photoelectrochemistry is reviewed in an integral treatment of the subject. Especially modern thermoelectrochemistry is focused on new techniques to vary the temperature as an independent variable. This review based on a definition of modern thermoelectrochemistry includes all the classical work which contributes to the formation of modern thermoelectrochemistry, among them high‐temperature electrochemistry, subcritical‐ and supercritical electrochemistry and in‐situ electrochemical calorimetry. The main focus is on modern techniques like fast electrode heating by lasers or by alternating current as well as on heating of solution spots by microwaves and related methods. Here the state of the art in modern thermoelectrochemistry is critically reviewed for the first time.
Effectiveness of an emotion regulation group training for adolescents—a randomized controlled pilot study
Authors: Schuppert H. Marieke , Giesen‐Bloo Josephine , van Gemert Tonny G. , Wiersema Herman M. , Minderaa Ruud B. , Emmelkamp Paul M. G. , Nauta Maaike H.
Published: July 2009

Emotion Regulation Training (ERT) was developed for adolescents with symptoms of borderline personality disorder (BPD) and emotion dysregulation. ERT is an adaptation of the Systems Training for Emotional Predictability and Problem Solving (STEPPS) programme. This paper describes the background of the programme, and gives an outline of the treatment programme. The effectiveness of ERT was examined in a randomized controlled pilot study with 43 youth (aged 14–19 years) in five mental health centres in the Netherlands. Subjects were assessed before and after random assignment to ERT plus treatment as usual (TAU) (n = 23) or to TAU alone (n = 20). Outcome measures included assessment of BPD symptoms, locus of control, and internalizing and externalizing behaviour. Both groups showed equal reductions in BPD symptoms over time. The group receiving ERT plus TAU (and not the TAU‐only group) had a significant increase in internal locus of control: ERT participants reported more sense of control over their own mood swings, and attributed changes in mood swings not only to external factors. The study was complicated by a high attrition. The implications of the findings are discussed, including the difficulties inherent in treating and researching an adolescent population, and the need for researchers to develop age‐appropriate assessments. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message:

• There is a clear need for the recognition of BPD symptoms in adolescents.

• Early interventions could alleviate the symptoms of BPD, and prevent the development of full‐blown BPD and poor psychosocial outcome.

• ERT is a 17‐session adjunctive group programme for adolescents with BPD symptoms that improves internal locus of control.

• ERT shows equal results on BPD symptoms as treatment as usual.

• The attrition rate in this study was high; this finding is similar to other studies with BPD patients.
40 Jahre Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik – Das DIBt‐Jubiläumsjahr 2008 im Rückblick
Authors: Schmidt‐Staudinger Renate
Published: July 2009

2008 jährte sich zum 40sten Mal die Gründung des Deutschen Instituts für Bautechnik (DIBt). Am 1. Juli 1968 haben die Länder und der Bund mit Abkommen das Institut für Bautechnik (IfBt) in Berlin gegründet. Ziel war es, “die technische Verwaltungsarbeit der Länder auf dem Gebiet der Bauaufsicht zu rationalisieren.” Das Ereignis wurde mit zahlreichen Aktionen und Informationsveranstaltungen begangen. Hiervon wird im Folgenden kurz berichtet.
Glutamate drives the touch response through a rostral loop in the spinal cord of zebrafish embryos
Authors: Pietri Thomas , Manalo Elise , Ryan Joel , Saint‐Amant Louis , Washbourne Philip
Published: July 2009

Characterizing connectivity in the spinal cord of zebrafish embryos is not only prerequisite to understanding the development of locomotion, but is also necessary for maximizing the potential of genetic studies of circuit formation in this model system. During their first day of development, zebrafish embryos show two simple motor behaviors. First, they coil their trunks spontaneously, and a few hours later they start responding to touch with contralateral coils. These behaviors are contemporaneous until spontaneous coils become infrequent by 30 h. Glutamatergic neurons are distributed throughout the embryonic spinal cord, but their contribution to these early motor behaviors in immature zebrafish is still unclear. We demonstrate that the kinetics of spontaneous coiling and touch‐evoked responses show distinct developmental time courses and that the touch response is dependent on AMPA‐type glutamate receptor activation. Transection experiments suggest that the circuits required for touch‐evoked responses are confined to the spinal cord and that only the most rostral part of the spinal cord is sufficient for triggering the full response. This rostral sensory connection is presumably established via CoPA interneurons, as they project to the rostral spinal cord. Electrophysiological analysis demonstrates that these neurons receive short latency AMPA‐type glutamatergic inputs in response to ipsilateral tactile stimuli. We conclude that touch responses in early embryonic zebrafish arise only after glutamatergic synapses connect sensory neurons and interneurons to the contralateral motor network via a rostral loop. This helps define an elementary circuit that is modified by the addition of sensory inputs, resulting in behavioral transformation. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 2009
Spontaneous Reduction of High‐Spin FeIII Complexes Supported by Benzoic Hydrazide Derivative Ligands
Authors: Bouslimani Nouri , Clément Nicolas , Toussaint Clément , Hameury Sophie , Turek Philippe , Choua Sylvie , Dagorne Samuel , Martel David , Welter Richard
Published: July 2009

We report herein experimental evidence for the spontaneous reduction of new high‐spin iron(III) FeIII(L(n))2Cl, L complexes to new high‐spin iron(II) FeII(HL(n))2Cl2 mononuclear complexes. These processes were checked by EPR, cyclovoltammetric, and pseudo‐steady voltammetric studies. Crystal structures of three new complexes (one FeIII and two FeII) were obtained from RX single‐crystal diffraction.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
From Siderophores and Self‐Assembly to Luminescent Sensors: The Binding of Molybdenum by Catecholamides
Authors: Duhme‐Klair Anne‐K.
Published: July 2009

Molybdate reacts readily and instantly with 2,3‐dihydroxybenzamide‐containing ligands (catecholamides) to give stable cis‐dioxido‐MoVI complexes. This reaction is of biological relevance, because it results in the competition of molybdate with FeIII for siderophores of the catecholamide type. These siderophores are secreted by bacteria to acquire essential FeIII and help the cells to cope with variations in metal ion concentrations in their environment. This microreview summarises the insights obtained in this area and analyses the structures of the MoVI complexes formed. In addition, the scope of the structure‐defining potential of the cis‐dioxido‐MoVI unit in the self‐assembly of supramolecular structures is illustrated. The final part of the review describes how catecholamide units can be used in the development of luminescent chemosensors for molybdate.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Unusual Behavior of the Anionic Species from (E)‐1‐Chloro‐3,3,3‐trifluoropropene (HCFC‐1233t)
Authors: Miyagawa Akiko , Naka Motoki , Yamazaki Takashi , Kawasaki‐Takasuka Tomoko
Published: July 2009

(E)‐1‐Chloro‐3,3,3‐trifluoropropene was smoothly deprotonated by MeLi at the position β to the CF3 group, and exclusive formation of propargylic alcohols was observed by addition of appropriate carbonyl compounds as long as up to 1.6 equiv. of MeLi was used, whereas more than 1.7 equiv. of this base led to selective construction of allylic alcohols. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
DNA adduct kinetics in reproductive tissues of DNA repair proficient and deficient male mice after oral exposure to benzo(a)pyrene
Authors: Verhofstad Nicole , van Oostrom Conny Th. M. , van Benthem Jan , van Schooten Frederik J. , van Steeg Harry , Godschalk Roger W. L.
Published: July 2009

Benzo(a)pyrene (B[a]P) can induce somatic mutations, whereas its potential to induce germ cell mutations is unclear. There is circumstantial evidence that paternal exposure to B[a]P can result in germ cell mutations. Since DNA adducts are thought to be a prerequisite for B[a]P induced mutations, we studied DNA adduct kinetics by 32P‐postlabeling in sperm, testes and lung tissues of male mice after a single exposure to B[a]P (13 mg/kg bw, by gavage). To investigate DNA adduct formation at different stages of spermatogenesis, mice were sacrificed at Day 1, 4, 7, 10, 14, 21, 32, and 42 after exposure. In addition, DNA repair deficient (Xpc−/−) mice were used to study the contribution of nucleotide excision repair in DNA damage removal. DNA adducts were detectable with highest levels in lung followed by sperm and testis. Maximum adduct levels in the lung and testis were observed at Day 1 after exposure, while adduct levels in sperm reached maximum levels at ∼1 week after exposure. Lung tissue and testis of Xpc−/− mice contained significantly higher DNA adduct levels compared to wild type (Wt) mice over the entire 42 day observation period (P < 0.05). Differences in adduct half‐life between Xpc−/− and Wt mice were only observed in testis. In sperm, DNA adduct levels were significantly higher in Xpc−/− mice than in Wt mice only at Day 42 after exposure (P = 0.01). These results indicate that spermatogonia and testes are susceptible for the induction of DNA damage and rely on nucleotide excision repair for maintaining their genetic integrity. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Providing care for an elderly parent: interactions among siblings?
Authors: Fontaine Roméo , Gramain Agnès , Wittwer Jérôme
Published: July 2009

This article is focused on children providing and financing long‐term care for their elderly parent. The aim of this work is to highlight the interactions that may take place among siblings when deciding whether or not to become a caregiver. We look at families with two children using data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe; our sample contains 314 dependent elderly and their 628 adult children. In order to identify the interactions between siblings, we have specified a two‐person discrete game model. To estimate this model, without invoking the ‘coherency’ condition, we have added an endogenous selection rule to solve the incompleteness problem arising from multiplicity or absence of equilibrium. Our empirical results suggest that the three classical effects identified by Manski could potentially explain the observed correlation between the siblings' caregiving behaviour. Correlated effects alone appear to be weak. Contextual interactions and endogenous interactions reveal cross‐effects. The asymmetric character of the endogenous interactions is our most striking result. The younger child's involvement appears to increase the net benefit of caregiving for the elder one, whereas the elder child's involvement decreases the net benefit of caregiving for the younger child. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Data collection methodology for dynamic temperature model testing and corroboration
Authors: Neilson B. T. , Stevens D. K. , Chapra S. C. , Bandaragoda C.
Published: July 2009

This article describes a data collection approach for determining the significance of individual heat fluxes within streams with an emphasis on testing (i.e. identification of possible missing heat fluxes), development, calibration and corroboration of a dynamic temperature model. The basis for developing this approach was a preliminary temperature modelling effort on the Virgin River in southwestern Utah during a low‐flow period that suggested important components of the energy balance might be missing in the original standard surface‐flux temperature model. Possible missing heat fluxes were identified as bed conduction, hyporheic exchange, dead zone warming and exchange and poor representation of the amount of solar radiation entering the water column. To identify and estimate the relative importance of the missing components, a comprehensive data collection effort was developed and implemented. In particular, a method for measuring shortwave radiation behaviour in the water column and an in situ method for separating out bed conduction and hyporheic influences were established. The resulting data and subsequent modelling effort indicate that hyporheic and dead zone heat fluxes are important, whereas solar radiation reflection at the water surface was found to be insignificant. Although bed conduction can be significant in certain rivers, it was found to have little effect on the overall heat budget for this section of the Virgin River. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CDK4 IVS4‐nt40G→A and T2D‐associated obesity in Italians
Authors: Meenakshisundaram Ramachandran , Gragnoli Claudia
Published: July 2009

Cell cycle regulators play crucial roles in the preadipocyte proliferation and adipocyte differentiation. Cyclin‐dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) mediates with D‐type cyclins entry of cells into cell cycle in response to external stimuli. CDK4 plays a role in body weight, adipogenesis, and beta cell proliferation. CDK4 null mice develop type 2 diabetes (T2D). Furthermore, CDK4 variants are associated with obesity‐associated tumors/cancer. We aimed at identifying a role of CDK4 IVS4‐nt40G → A variant in T2D‐associated obesity (body mass index, BMI ≥ 30) by association tests in an Italian T2D subjects dataset. We recruited from Italy 128 unrelated T2D subjects with BMI <30 kg/m2 and 54 unrelated T2D subjects with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2. We performed statistical power calculations in our dataset. DNA samples were directly sequenced with specific primers for CDK4 IVS4‐nt40G → A variant. We identified a significant association of the G allele with T2D‐associated obesity and of the A allele with T2D‐associated BMI < 30. In our study, we found that the CDK4 IVS4‐nt40GG genotype is a risk variant for T2D‐associated obesity and that the AA genotype is associated with BMI < 30 in T2D. Hence, CDK4 IVS4‐nt40A allele is protective and G allele confers risk for obesity in T2D patients. This study should prompt further work aiming at establishing CDK4 role in contributing to human obesity and T2D‐associated obesity. J. Cell. Physiol. 221: 273–275, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detailed Kinetics of 1‐Hexene Oligomerization Reaction with (n‐Bu‐Cp)2ZrCl2–MAO Catalyst
Authors: Kissin Yury V.
Published: July 2009

The paper describes a kinetic study of 1‐hexene oligomerization reaction with the (n‐Bu‐Cp)2ZrCl2–MAO catalyst system at 70 °C. GC analysis of the monomer/oligomer mixtures at different reaction times in the course of a 5‐h reaction, provided information on the formation rates of individual oligomer molecules, from the 1‐hexene dimer, C12H24, to the tetradecamer, C84H168. Kinetic modeling of the oligomerization kinetics strongly supports the principal premise of polymerization kinetics, that the value of the propagation rate constant of the chain growth reaction does not depend on the number of monomer units in the growing polymer chain. The only exception from this rule is the insertion of a 1‐hexene molecule into the Zr+C bond in the active center bearing a single monomer unit, (n‐Bu‐Cp)2Zr+CH2CH2C4H9. The rate constant of this reaction in one order of magnitude is higher than the rate constant of 1‐hexene insertion into active centers which are β‐branched with respect to the Zr atom, (n‐Bu‐Cp)2Zr+[CH2CH(C4H9)]nCH2CH2C4H9.

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Nanoscale Networks in Poly[isoprene‐block‐styrene‐block‐(methyl methacrylate)] Triblock Copolymers
Authors: Tureau Maëva S. , Epps Thomas H.
Published: July 2009

ABC triblock copolymers are capable of self‐assembling into triply‐periodic network structures with a high degree of internal interfacial area and tailored chemical and mechanical properties, making them perfect candidates for nanoscale devices. Our present work focuses on the bulk morphological behavior of the poly[isoprene‐block‐styrene‐block‐(methyl methacrylate)] (ISM) system near the styrene‐rich network phase window. Lamellar (LAM3), alternating gyroid (Q214), and disordered melt (DIS) morphologies were found. Our experimental phase behavior is compared to the self‐consistent‐field theory diagram of a nonfrustrated ABC model system by Tyler et al. The behavior of our ISM system differs slightly from the model ABC system due to small discrepancies in conformational asymmetries and interaction parameters between the respective systems, which highlights the sensitivity of self‐assembly in triblock copolymers.

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Analysis of ante mortem trauma in three modern skeletal populations
Authors: Steyn M. , İŞcan M. Y. , De Kock M. , Kranioti E. F. , Michalodimitrakis M. , L'Abbé E. N.
Published: July 2009

When archaeological skeletons are assessed, the prevalence (and patterns of bone involvement) of trauma is important. The number and pattern of fractures can be used to gain insight into the occurrence of interpersonal violence, workload and living conditions. However, the question remains as to how these results should be interpreted—such as what constitutes high or low levels of trauma? The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of trauma in a population of modern Greeks living in Crete, as well as South African (SA) whites and blacks in the Pretoria Bone and Raymond Dart collections. The sample comprised mostly of older individuals (n = 90–100 within a sex‐population group). Each skeleton was studied for healed trauma. For the vertebrae, only spondylolysis was assessed. In the Greek sample, it was found that 42% of the males and 46% of females had at least one fracture, with corresponding figures of 63 and 44% for SA whites and 83 and 69% for SA blacks. Radius, rib and femur fractures were most common in Greeks, with skull, radius and ribs most common in SA whites and skull, ulna and ribs in SA blacks. These prevalences of trauma are high, but the composition of the samples (mostly of lower socio‐economic origin) should be kept in mind. It may also be questioned whether these individuals reflect the society as a whole. It seems that the fractures in Greeks are mostly related to old age due to falls and accidents (radius and hip fractures), while the SA black sample reflects high prevalences of interpersonal violence (such as cranial vault and ulna fractures). The SA white sample follows a comparatively moderate pattern of trauma. These comparative figures may be useful when assessing trauma in other skeletal populations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rumination: Relationship to depression and personality in a clinical sample
Authors: Carter Janet D. , Frampton Christopher M. A. , Mulder Roger T. , Luty Suzanne E. , McKenzie Janice M. , Joyce Peter R.
Published: July 2009

Numerous studies indicate rumination has a deleterious impact on the course of depressive symptoms. Very little is known about the factors that account for individual differences in the tendency to ruminate, particularly in clinical samples. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between demographic factors, clinical characteristics of depression, personality and rumination in a clinical sample. Rumination was assessed with the Response Styles Questionnaire in 168 outpatients with a current diagnosis of major depression. Depression characteristics and personality were assessed with both structured clinical interviews and self‐report measures. The results indicate that depression severity and personality predict rumination. Specifically, high initial depression severity, cluster B personality disorder symptoms and low self‐directedness were significant predictors of rumination. There were no age or gender differences in the tendency to ruminate. Personality functioning appears to be an important dimension that may account for individual differences in the tendency to ruminate in depressed outpatients. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
UV‐induced transformations of matrix‐isolated 1,3,4‐thiadiazole‐2‐thiones
Authors: Rostkowska Hanna , Lapinski Leszek , Nowak Maciej J.
Published: July 2009

Monomers of 5‐mercapto‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole‐2‐thione (bismuthiol) were studied using an experimental matrix‐isolation technique as well as by carrying out theoretical quantum chemical calculations. The calculations, performed using the quadratic configuration interaction method with single and double excitations (QCISD)/6‐31++G(d,p)//DFT(B3LYP)/6‐311++G(2d,p), predict that the thione–thiol tautomer of bismuthiol should be significantly (by more than 19 kJ mol−1) more stable than other tautomeric forms. Accordingly, only the signatures of the thione–thiol tautomer were observed in the FT‐IR spectrum of bismuthiol, recorded directly after deposition of an Ar matrix. UV (λ > 320 nm) irradiation induced the conversion of the thione–thiol tautomer into the dithiol form. Analogous investigations were carried out for two related compounds: 5‐methyl‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole‐2‐thione and 5‐methylthio‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole‐2‐thione. For these two species, only the thione tautomeric forms were observed after deposition of Ar matrices. These tautomers were predicted (by QCISD calculations) to be more stable (by at least 19 kJ mol−1) than other tautomeric forms. Upon UV irradiation, the most stable thione forms of these compounds were transformed into the corresponding thiol tautomers. Direct observation of the thione → thiol phototautomeric processes provides a clear proof that intramolecular proton transfer reaction can occur in molecules, such as bismuthiol, in spite of the increased NH···S distance, in comparison to other phototautomerizing species studied so far. All the isomers of the studied compounds (substrates and products of the photoreactions) were identified by comparison of their IR spectra with the spectra calculated at the DFT(B3LYP)/6‐311++G(2d,p) level of theory for possible isomeric structures. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dieletric and magnetic properties of ZnTi substituted M‐type barium hexaferrite
Authors: Dube Charu Lata , Kashyap Subhash C. , Pandya D. K. , Dube D. C.
Published: July 2009

The ZnTi substituted barium hexaferrite polycrystalline samples have been synthesized by solid‐state reaction method. The complex permittivity and permeability measurements are carried out on the BaFe12–2xZnxTixO19 (0.2 ≤ x ≤ 0.6) samples in the microwave frequency range of 8–13 GHz by cavity perturbation technique. The observed abnormal dielectric behavior, i.e., an increasing tendency of dielectric constant with frequency has been attributed to the mixed conduction. The effect of ZnTi substitution on the permittivity and dielectric loss has been investigated in the frequency range of 1 kHz–1 MHz as well. The increase in concentration of ZnTi dopants monotonically increases both the permittivity and the permeability in the investigated frequency ranges, which can be attributed to increased polarizability and unpinning of the domain walls, respectively.
Optical properties of correlated materials – Or why intelligent windows may look dirty
Authors: Tomczak Jan M. , Biermann Silke
Published: July 2009

Materials with strong electronic Coulomb correlations play an increasing role in modern materials applications. “Thermochromic” systems, which exhibit thermally induced changes in their optical response, provide a particularly interesting case. The optical switching associated with the metal–insulator transition of vanadium dioxide (VO2), for example, has been proposed for use in numerous applications, ranging from anti‐laser shields to “intelligent” windows, which selectively filter radiative heat in hot weather conditions. Are present‐day electronic structure techniques able to describe, or – eventually even predict – such a kind of behavior? How far are we from materials design using correlated oxides? These are the central questions we try to address in this article. We review recent attempts of calculating optical properties of correlated materials within dynamical mean field theory, and summarize results for VO2 obtained within a novel scheme aiming at particularly simple and efficient calculations of optical transition matrix elements within localized basis sets. Finally, by optimizing the geometry of “intelligent windows,” we argue that this kind of technique can, in principle, be used to provide guidance for experiments, thus giving a rather optimistic answer to the above questions.
Ludwig von Bertalanffy's early system approach
Authors: Drack Manfred
Published: July 2009

Most of what Bertalanffy published in the field of ‘organismic’ biology was written in German and is thus not widely known. In order to understand the development and meaning of his ‘general system theory’, those early works are essential. In this paper, I therefore focus on key aspects of his ‘system theory of life’, both on the level of scientific concepts and philosophical considerations. As a trained philosopher, Bertalanffy was clearly aware that the notion of systems has a long history. As for the influences from science, the focus here will be on Paul Weiss. Those two roots will be used to clarify Bertalanffy's unique contributions towards a system approach in biology and beyond. The aim was to free the term system from vague or even obscure metaphysical connotations and arrive at a framework that is useful for science. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Complexity, climate change and soil carbon: A systems approach to microbial temperature response
Authors: Wixon Devin L. , Balser Teri C.
Published: July 2009

A proliferation of data gathered to predict a critically important, urgent and social‐policy related question often leads to debate and divergent model results. This classic feature of complex systems is currently being evidenced in assessing a potentially serious feedback response of soil respiration with increased temperatures due to global climate change. Here we apply soft systems modelling (SSM) for a detailed analysis of the “soft” aspects of the topic. Supported by a literature review, we conclude that that varied perspectives on the system's dynamics and its web of controlling factors have led to seemingly conflicting results. We present a simplified hierarchy organizing the comprehensive universe of interacting controls across scales. This model is implemented as a relational database, including relationships between factors such as nesting and feedbacks. We conclude that although this model is currently limited to pairwise interactions, it provides a useful tool to assess potential interactions and factors of interest. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Virtual reality ultrasound imaging of the normal and abnormal fetal central nervous system
Authors: Tutschek B. , Pilu G.
Published: July 2009

Objectives

In fetal ultrasound imaging, teaching and experience are of paramount importance to improve prenatal detection rates of fetal abnormalities. Yet both aspects depend on exposure to normal and, in particular, abnormal ‘specimens’. We aimed to generate a number of simple virtual reality (VR) objects of the fetal central nervous system for use as educational tools.

Methods

We applied a recently proposed algorithm for the generation of fetal VR object movies to the normal and abnormal fetal brain and spine. Interactive VR object movies were generated from ultrasound volume data from normal fetuses and fetuses with typical brain or spine anomalies. Pathognomonic still images from all object movies were selected and annotated to enable recognition of these features in the object movies.

Results

Forty‐six virtual reality object movies from 22 fetuses (two with normal and 20 with abnormal brains) were generated in an interactive display format (QuickTime) and key images were annotated. The resulting .mov files are available for download from the website of this journal.

Conclusions

VR object movies can be generated from educational ultrasound volume datasets, and may prove useful for teaching and learning normal and abnormal fetal anatomy. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In Situ Loading of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Within Porous Silica Nanoparticles for a Prolonged Release
Authors: Zhang Jin , Postovit Lynne-Marie , Wang Dashan , Gardiner Richard B , Harris Richard , Abdul MuminMd , Thomas AnuAlice
Published: July 2009

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), a protein, plays a key role in wound healing and blood vessel regeneration. However, bFGF is easily degraded in biologic systems. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) with well-tailored porous structure have been used for hosting guest molecules for drug delivery. Here, we report an in situ route to load bFGF in MSNs for a prolonged release. The average diameter (d) of bFGF-loaded MSNs is 57 ± 8 nm produced by a water-in-oil microemulsion method. The in vitro releasing profile of bFGF from MSNs in phosphate buffer saline has been monitored for 20 days through a colorimetric enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The loading efficiency of bFGF in MSNs is estimated at 72.5 ± 3%. In addition, the cytotoxicity test indicates that the MSNs are not toxic, even at a concentration of 50 μg/mL. It is expected that the in situ loading method makes the MSNs a new delivery system to deliver protein drugs, e.g. growth factors, to help blood vessel regeneration and potentiate greater angiogenesis.
Study on Resistance Switching Properties of Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3Thin Films Using Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Zhang Ting , Zhang Xinan , Ding Linghong , Zhang Weifeng
Published: July 2009

The Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3(NBT) thin films sandwiched between Au electrodes and fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) conducting glass were deposited using a sol–gel method. Based on electrochemical workstation measurements, reproducible resistance switching characteristics and negative differential resistances were obtained at room temperature. A local impedance spectroscopy measurement of Au/NBT was performed to reveal the interface-related electrical characteristics. The DC-bias-dependent impedance spectra suggested the occurrence of charge and mass transfer at the interface of the Au/NBT/FTO device. It was proposed that the first and the second ionization of oxygen vacancies are responsible for the conduction in the low- and high-resistance states, respectively. The experimental results showed high potential for nonvolatile memory applications in NBT thin films.
Redox regulation of chloroplastic glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase: A new role for f‐type thioredoxin
Authors: Née Guillaume , Zaffagnini Mirko , Trost Paolo , Issakidis-Bourguet Emmanuelle
Published: July 2009

Glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) is the key enzyme of the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway supplying reducing power (as NADPH) in non‐photosynthesizing cells. We have examined in detail the redox regulation of the plastidial isoform predominantly present in Arabidopsis green tissues (AtG6PDH1) and found that its oxidative activation is strictly dependent on plastidial thioredoxins (Trxs) that show differential efficiencies. Light/dark modulation of AtG6PDH1 was reproduced in vitro in a reconstituted ferredoxin/Trx system using f‐type Trx allowing to propose a new function for this Trx isoform co‐ordinating both reductive (Calvin cycle) and oxidative pentose phosphate pathways.
Coordinated control of a designed trans‐acting ligase ribozyme by a loop–receptor interaction
Authors: Matsumura Shigeyoshi , Ohmori Rei , Saito Hirohide , Ikawa Yoshiya , Inoue Tan
Published: July 2009

We previously developed a synthetic cis‐acting RNA ligase ribozyme with 3′–5′ joining activity termed “DSL” (designed and selected ligase). DSL was easily transformed into a trans‐acting form because of its highly modular architecture. In this study, we investigated the modular properties and turnover capabilities of a trans‐acting DSL, tDSL‐1/GUAA. tDSL‐1/GUAA exhibited remarkably high activity compared with the parental cis‐acting DSL, and it attained a high turnover number. Taken together, the results indicate that a loop–receptor interaction plays a significant role in determining the activity of the trans‐acting ribozyme and in its ability to perform multiple turnovers of the reaction.
CRP regulates the expression and activity of tissue factor as well as tissue factor pathway inhibitor via NF‐κB and ERK 1/2 MAPK pathway
Authors: Chen YangXin , Wang JingFeng , Yao YouJie , Yuan WoLiang , Kong MinYi , Lin YongQing , Geng DengFeng , Nie RuQiong
Published: July 2009

It was found that C‐reactive protein (CRP) could significantly increase the expression and activity of tissue factor (TF), but decrease that of tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in dose‐ and time‐dependent manners, which could be antagonized by PDTC and U0126. CRP could also increase protein expression of phosphorylated nuclear factor‐kappaB (NF‐κB), IκB‐α and ERK1/2 in dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. In addition, neutralizing antibody to CD32 (FcgammaR II) could significantly attenuate the expression and activity of TF and TFPI induced by CRP. These results suggest that CRP may promote coagulation by enhancing the expression and activity of TF and reducing that of TFPI by activating NF‐κB and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase via FcgammaR II.
Coordinated observations of nighttime medium‐scale traveling ionospheric disturbances in 630‐nm airglow and HF radar echoes at midlatitudes
Authors: Suzuki S. , Hosokawa K. , Otsuka Y. , Shiokawa K. , Ogawa T. , Nishitani N. , Shibata T. F. , Koustov A. V. , Shevtsov B. M.
Published: July 2009

We investigate nighttime medium‐scale traveling ionospheric disturbances (MSTIDs) using the SuperDARN HF radar at Hokkaido, Japan (43.5°N, 143.6°E), and an OI 630‐nm airglow imager located at Paratunka, Russia (53.0°N, 158.2°E), within the radar field of view. The imager identified southwestward propagating MSTIDs with a horizontal wavelength of ∼300 km on 8 December 2007. Throughout this event, the radar continuously detected ionospheric echoes originating from decameter‐scale field‐aligned irregularities (FAIs) at the F region heights. The Doppler velocities of these echoes showed systematic polarity changes which were consistent with airglow intensity variations. These polarity changes would be attributed to E × B plasma drifts caused by the polarization electric field embedded in the MSTIDs. The FAI echo powers also varied in agreement with the airglow intensity variations: strong (weak) echoes coincided with the airglow depletion (enhancement) region. Considering the MSTID polarization electric field, it is suggested that the observed FAIs were generated by the gradient drift instability on the bottomside of the F region.
Critical Steps for the Continuing Advancement of Hydrogeophysics
Authors: Ferré Ty , Bentley Laurence , Binley Andrew , Linde Niklas , Kemna Andreas , Singha Kamini , Holliger Klaus , Huisman Johan A. , Minsley Burke
Published: July 2009

Special hydrogeophysics issues published by hydrology and geophysics journals, special sessions and workshops at conferences, and an increasing number of short courses demonstrate the growing interest in the use of geophysics for hydrologic investigations. The formation of the hydrogeophysics technical subcommittee of AGU's Hydrology section adds further evidence of the recognized significance of this growing interdisciplinary field. Given the clear value of nondestructive and nonintrusive imaging for subsurface investigations, we believe the advances in the adoption of existing geophysical methods, the development of novel methods, and the merging of geophysical and other data made in hydrogeophysics could be applied to a wide range of geological, environmental, and engineering applications.
Fein Receives Edward A. Flinn III Award
Authors: Anthes Richard A. , Fein Jay S.
Published: July 2009

Jay S. Fein received the Edward A. Flinn III Award at the Joint Assembly, held 26 May 2009 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The award honors “individuals who personify the Union's motto ‘unselfish cooperation in research’ through their facilitating, coordinating, and implementing activities.”
Cdc5L interacts with ATR and is required for the S‐phase cell‐cycle checkpoint
Authors: Zhang Nianxiang , Kaur Ramandeep , Akhter Shamima , Legerski Randy J
Published: July 2009

Cell division cycle 5‐like protein (Cdc5L) is a core component of the putative E3 ubiquitin ligase complex containing Prp19/Pso4, Plrg1 and Spf27. This complex has been shown to have a role in pre‐messenger RNA splicing from yeast to humans; however, more recent studies have described a function for this complex in the cellular response to DNA damage. Here, we show that Cdc5L interacts physically with the cell‐cycle checkpoint kinase ataxia‐telangiectasia and Rad3‐related (ATR). Depletion of Cdc5L by RNA‐mediated interference methods results in a defective S‐phase cell‐cycle checkpoint and cellular sensitivity in response to replication‐fork blocking agents. Furthermore, we show that Cdc5L is required for the activation of downstream effectors or mediators of ATR checkpoint function such as checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1), cell cycle checkpoint protein Rad 17 (Rad17) and Fanconi anaemia complementation group D2 protein (FancD2). In addition, we have mapped the ATR‐binding region in Cdc5L and show that a deletion mutant that is unable to interact with ATR is defective in the rescue of the checkpoint deficiency in Cdc5L‐depleted cells. These findings show a new function for Cdc5L in the regulation of the ATR‐mediated cell‐cycle checkpoint in response to genotoxic agents.
Development of Neural Electromagnetic Ontologies (NEMO): Ontology-based Tools for Representation and Integration of Event-related Brain Potentials
Authors: Frishkoff Gwen , LePendu Paea , Frank Robert , Liu Haishan , Dou Dejing
Published: July 2009

We describe a first-generation ontology forrepresentation and integration of event-related brain potentials (ERPs). The ontology is designed following OBO “best practices” and is augmented with tools to perform ontology-based labeling and annotation of ERP data, and a database that enables semantically based reasoning over these data. Because certain high-level concepts in the ERP domain are illdefined, we have developed methods to support coordinated updates to each of these three components. This approach consists of “top-down” (knowledge-driven) design and implementation, followed by “bottom-up” (data-driven) validation and refinement. Our goal is to build an ERP ontology that is logically valid, empirically sound, robust in application, and transparent to users. This ontology will be used to support sharing and meta-analysis of EEG and MEG data collected within our Neural Electromagnetic Ontologies (NEMO) project.
Fibulin-4 regulates expression of the tropoelastin gene and consequent elastic-fibre formation by human fibroblasts
Authors: Chen Qiuyun , Zhang Teng , Roshetsky Joseph F. , Ouyang Zhufeng , Essers Jeroen , Fan Chun , Wang Qing , Hinek Aleksander , Plow Edward F. , Dıcorleto Paul E.
Published: July 2009

Elastic fibres are essential for normal physiology in numerous tissues, including arteries, lungs and skin. Fibulin-4 is an elastic-fibre-associated glycoprotein that is indispensable for elastic-fibre formation in mice. However, the mechanism by which fibulin-4 executes this function remains to be determined. Here, we established an in vitro functional assay system in which fibulin-4 was knocked down in human foreskin fibroblasts using siRNA (small interfering RNA) technology. With two different siRNAs, substantial knockdown of fibulin-4 was achieved, and this suppression was associated with impaired elastic-fibre formation by the fibroblasts. Real-time reverse transcription–PCR analysis showed that knockdown of fibulin-4 expression was accompanied by reduced expression of tropoelastin mRNA. Further analysis showed that this decrease was caused by transcriptional down-regulation of tropoelastin. This effect was selective, since the mRNA level of other elastic-fibre-associated proteins, including fibrillin-1, lysyl oxidase and lysyl oxidase-like-1, was not affected. Moreover, addition of conditioned medium from cultures of CHO (Chinese-hamster ovary) cells overexpressing fibulin-4 stimulated tropoelastin expression and elastic-fibre formation in cultures of Williams–Beuren-syndrome fibroblasts. Knocking down or knocking out fibulin-4 in mice led to a decrease in tropoelastin expression in the aorta. These results indicate that fibulin-4, considered as a structural protein, may also participate in regulating elastic-fibre formation in human cells through an unanticipated mechanism, namely the regulation of tropoelastin expression.
Enhancement in optical absorption of silicon fibrous nanostructure produced using femtosecond laser ablation
Authors: Mahmood Abdul Salam , Sivakumar M. , Venkatakrishnan Krishnan , Tan Bo
Published: July 2009

Fibrous nanostructures are proposed for the application of solar cell. Irradiation of silicon surface with a few hundred femtosecond laser pulses of fluence 13 kJ/m2 at 13 MHz pulse frequency in air atmosphere results in the formation of fibrous nanostructure layer on the treated surface that leads to a significant decrease in the reflection of visible radiation. For the visible wavelength, the decreased reflection is a result of the nature of the nanostructure. The Raman peak shift in the irradiated surface confirms that the surface is changed to amorphous silicon due to fibrous nanostructure formation.
Quasienergy formulation of damped response theory
Authors: Kristensen Kasper , Kauczor Joanna , Kjærgaard Thomas , Jørgensen Poul
Published: July 2009

We present a quasienergy-based formulation of damped response theory where a common effective lifetime parameter has been introduced for all excited states in terms of complex excitation energies. The introduction of finite excited state lifetimes leads to a set of (complex) damped response equations, which have the same form to all orders in the perturbation. An algorithm is presented for solving the damped response equations in Hartree–Fock theory and Kohn–Sham density functional theory. The use of the quasienergy formulation allows us to obtain directly the computationally simplest expressions for damped response functions by applying a set of response parameter elimination rules, which minimize the total number of damped response equations to be solved. In standard response theory broadened absorption spectra are obtained by ad hoc superimposing lineshape functions onto the absorption stick spectra, whereas an empirical lineshape function common to all excitations is an integrated part of damped response theory. By superimposing the lineshape functions inherent in damped response theory onto the stick spectra of standard response theory, we show that the absorption spectra obtained in standard and damped response theory calculations are identical. We demonstrate that damped response theory may be applied to obtain absorption spectra in all frequency ranges, also those that are not readily addressed using standard response theory. This makes damped response theory an effective tool, e.g., for determining absorption spectra for large molecules, where the density of the excited states may be very high, and where standard response theory therefore is not applicable in practice. A thorough comparison is given between our formulation of damped response theory and the formulation by Norman et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 123, 194103 (2005)].
Accurate ab initio based DMBE potential energy surface for the ground electronic state of N2H2
Authors: Poveda L. A. , Biczysko M. , Varandas A. J. C.
Published: July 2009

A global single-sheeted double many-body expansion potential energy surface is reported for the ground electronic state of N2H2. Starting from an approximate cluster expansion of the molecular potential that utilizes previously reported functions of the same family for the triatomic fragments, four-body energy terms have been calibrated from extensive accurate ab initio data so as to reproduce the main features of the title system. The switching function formalism previously suggested for three-body systems [A. J. C. Varandas and L. Poveda, Theor. Chem. Acc. 116, 404 (2006)] has been generalized to approximate the true multisheeted nature of N2H2 potential energy surface, thus allowing the correct behavior at the N(D2)+NH2(A2″) and N(S4)+NH2(A4″) dissociation limits. The resulting fully six-dimensional potential energy function reproduces the correct symmetry under permutation of identical atoms and predicts the main stationary points of the molecule in the valence and long-range regions in good agreement with available experimental and theoretical data on the diazene molecule.
Causal association of electromagnetic signals using the Cayley–Menger determinant
Authors: Drake Samuel Picton , Anderson Brian D. O. , Yu Changbin
Published: July 2009

In complex electromagnetic environments it can often be difficult to determine whether signals received by an antenna array emanated from the same source. The failure to appropriately assign signal reception events to the correct emission event makes accurate localization of the signal source impossible. In this paper we show that as the received signal events must lie on the light-cone of the emission event the Cayley–Menger determinate calculated from using the light-cone geodesic distances between received signals must be zero. This result enables us to construct an algorithm for sorting received signals into groups corresponding to the same far-field emission.