bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating the deep seepage component of the hillslope and catchment water balance within a measurement uncertainty framework
Authors: Graham Chris B. , van Verseveld Willem , Barnard Holly R. , McDonnell Jeffrey J.
Published: July 2010

Deep seepage is a term in the hillslope and catchment water balance that is rarely measured and usually relegated to a residual in the water balance equation. While recent studies have begun to quantify this important component, we still lack understanding of how deep seepage varies from hillslope to catchment scales and how much uncertainty surrounds its quantification within the overall water balance. Here, we report on a hillslope water balance study from the H. J. Andrews Experimental Forest in Oregon aimed at quantifying the deep seepage component where we irrigated a 172‐m2 section of hillslope for 24·4 days at 3·6 ± 3 mm/h. The objective of this experiment was to close the water balance, identifying the relative partitioning of, and uncertainties around deep seepage and the other measured water balance components of evaporation, transpiration, lateral subsurface flow, bedrock return flow and fluxes into and out of soil profile storage. We then used this information to determine how the quantification of individual water balance components improves our understanding of key hillslope processes and how uncertainties in individual measurements propagate through the functional uses of the measurements into water balance components (i.e. meteorological measurements propagated through potential evapotranspiration estimates). Our results show that hillslope scale deep seepage composed of 27 ± 17% of applied water. During and immediately after the irrigation experiment, a significant amount of the irrigation water could not be accounted for. This amount decreased as the measurement time increased, declining from 28 ± 16% at the end of the irrigation to 20 ± 21% after 10 days drainage. This water is attributed to deep seepage at the catchment scale. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long‐term hydrologic simulation using SCS‐CN‐based improved soil moisture accounting procedure
Authors: Durbude Dilip G. , Jain Manoj K. , Mishra Surendra K.
Published: July 2010

The Soil Conservation Service Curve Number (SCS‐CN) method is widely used in determination of direct surface run‐off in long‐term (continuous) hydrologic simulation models. Of late, Michel et al. (2005) reviewed the soil moisture accounting (SMA) procedure that lies behind the original SCS‐CN method and pointed out severe structural inconsistencies in the treatment of antecedent condition and, in turn, proposed a sounder methodology. However, this method still needs refinement in the definition of initial moisture level (V0) to make it usable in field. Thus, in the present study, the Michel et al. (2005) model is modified to avoid the unrealistic sudden jump in V0 by incorporating conceptual SMA procedure and variation of daily CN based on antecedent moisture amount instead of antecedent moisture condition. When applied to 17 watersheds from different agro‐climatic regions of India, the proposed model simulates daily stream flows better than those due to Michel et al. model. The proposed model performed better in high run‐off producing (wet) watersheds than in low run‐off producing (dry) watersheds, and the base flow was more and less significant in high and low run‐off producing watersheds, respectively, whereas the evapotranspiration showed a reverse trend. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correlation between thermal conductivity and bond length alternation in carbon nanotubes: A combined reverse nonequilibrium molecular dynamics—Crystal orbital analysis
Authors: Alaghemandi Mohammad , Schulte Joachim , Leroy Frédéric , Müller‐plathe Florian , Böhm Michael C.
Published: July 2010

The thermal conductivity (λ) of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with chirality indices (5,0), (10,0), (5,5), and (10,10) has been studied by reverse nonequilibrium molecular dynamics (RNEMD) simulations as a function of different bond length alternation patterns (Δri). The Δri dependence of the bond force constant (krx) in the molecular dynamics force field has been modeled with the help of an electronic band structure approach. These calculations show that the Δri dependence of krx in tubes with not too small a diameter can be mapped by a simple linear bond length–bond order correlation. A bond length alternation with an overall reduction in the length of the nanotube causes an enhancement of λ, whereas an alternation scheme leading to an elongation of the tube is coupled to a decrease of the thermal conductivity. This effect is more pronounced in carbon nanotubes with larger diameters. The formation of a polyene‐like structure in the direction of the longitudinal axis has a negligible influence on λ. A comparative analysis of the RNEMD and crystal orbital results indicates that Δri‐dependent modifications of λ and the electrical conductivity are uncorrelated. This behavior is in‐line with a heat transfer that is not carried by electrons. Modifications of λ as a function of the bond alternation in the (10,10) nanotube are explained with the help of power spectra, which provide access to the density of vibrational states. We have suggested longitudinal low‐energy modes in the spectra that might be responsible for the Δri dependence of λ. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2010
New procedure to evaluate aromaticity at the density functional theory, Hartree–Fock, and post‐self‐consistent field levels
Authors: Bao Peng , Yu Zhong‐Heng
Published: July 2010

The spatial exchange interaction, arising from the exchange‐type two‐electron integrals (
$ i_pj_q|i_p^\prime j_q^\prime $) between two different groups P and Q, is another driving force for the delocalization of π‐electrons besides orbital charge‐transfer and exchange interactions. We have developed a new combination program for restricted geometry optimization, in which all of the orbital and spatial interactions among isolated groups were excluded from the localized geometry of a conjugated molecule. This was achieved by deleting particular Fock elements and the 15 types of exchange‐type two‐electron integrals, ensuring that the corresponding π‐electrons are completely localized within their respective groups and the π‐orbitals are fully localized. The extra stabilization energy (ESE) of benzene is −36.3 kcal/mol (B3LYP/6‐31G*), and the level of density functional theory, Hartree–Fock, and post‐self‐consistent field (Møller–Plesset 2, configuration interaction singles and doubles, and singles and doubles coupled‐cluster) and the basis sets have slight effect on the ESE. Based on the comparisons between our procedure, Morokuma's energy decomposition analysis and the block‐localized wave function method, it was confirmed that our program calculates reliable results. The nonaromaticity of acyclic polyenes and antiaromaticity of cyclobutadiene and planar cyclooctatetraene were also estimated. Comparison of the CC single bond lengths in the ground state with its π‐localized geometries showed that shortening of the single bonds in acyclic polyenes and butadiyne should be attributed to different hybridization, demonstrating that the effect of π‐delocalization on single bonds is so small as to be negligible. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011
A fast and accurate algorithm for QTAIM integration in solids
Authors: Otero‐de‐la‐Roza A. , Luaña Víctor
Published: July 2010

A new algorithm is presented for the calculation of atomic properties, in the sense of the quantum theory of atoms in molecules. This new method, namedQTREE, applies to solid‐state densities and allows the computation of the atomic properties of all the atoms in the crystal in seconds to minutes. The basis of the method is the recursive subdivision of a symmetry‐reduced wedge of the Wigner‐Seitz cell, which in turn is expressed as a union of tetrahedra, plus the use of β‐spheres to improve the performance. A considerable speedup is thus achieved compared with traditional quadrature‐based schemes, justified by the poor performance of the latter because of the particular features of atomic basins in solids. QTREEcan use both analytical or interpolated densities, calculates all the atomic properties available, and converges to the correct values in the limit of infinite precision. Several gradient path tracing and integration techniques are tested. Basin volumes and charges for a selected set of 11 crystals are determined as a test of the new method. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011
Breathhold time‐resolved three‐directional MR velocity mapping of aortic flow in patients after aortic valve‐sparing surgery
Authors: Liu Xin , Weale Peter , Reiter Gert , Kino Aya , Dill Karin , Gleason Thomas , Carroll Tim , Carr James
Published: July 2010

Purpose

To evaluate the utility of breathhold time‐resolved three‐directional MR velocity mapping for quantifying the restoration of normal flow patterns in patients after aortic valve‐sparing surgery.

Materials and Methods

Breathhold time‐resolved three‐directional MR velocity mapping was performed on 13 patients with aortic valve‐sparing surgery. Ten healthy volunteers and 12 patients with ascending aortic aneurysm underwent the same MR examination for comparison. Aortic laminar flow, turbulent flow, and the presence of vortical flow in the sinuses of Valsalva were semiquantitatively assessed and statistically compared between the three groups of subjects.

Results

The average score of laminar flow in the ascending aorta for patients with surgery was not significantly different from that of volunteers (P = 0.210), but was significantly greater than that of patients with aneurysm (P < 0.01). The average score of turbulent flow in patients with surgery was significantly smaller than that of patients with aneurysm (P < 0.01). The presence of systolic vortical flow in the sinuses of Valsalva for patients with surgery was not significantly different from that of healthy volunteers (P = 0.405) and patients with aneurysm (P = 0.238).

Conclusion

Breathhold time‐resolved three‐directional MR velocity mapping allows for quantifying flow patterns in the aortic root and ascending aorta. Normal laminar flow in the ascending aorta and vortical flow in the sinuses of Valsalva can be restored in patients after aortic valve‐sparing surgery. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;29:569–575. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Researcher's Notebook: Mission and scope
Authors: Wright Thomas A. , Bonett Douglas G.
Published: July 2010

Order and simplification are the first steps toward the mastery of a subject—the actual enemy is the unknown.

Thomas Mann, The Magic Mountain (1924), Ch. 5.

There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics.

Benjamin Disraeli, Earl of Beaconsfield
Modeling the electrophoresis and transport of peptides: The effective sphere model and complex formation
Authors: Allison Stuart A. , Pei Hongxia , Allen Michelle , Brown Jocelyn , Kim Chang‐Il , Zhen Yang
Published: July 2010

Modeling the electrophoretic mobility of peptides is examined in this study using a “coarse grained” bead model, or B model for short 8 and also a simpler “effective sphere” (ES) model. A comparison between the B and ES models is carried out for peptide models covering a broad range of ionic strength, peptide charge, and peptide length. At ionic strengths lower than approximately 0.013 M, the B and ES models agree to within a few percent. The ES model is much simpler than the B model and is of particular value in certain applications such as complex formation between peptide and other species in the BGE. The mobility behavior of oligoglycine in a borate buffer at high pH can be accounted for when complex formation is included in modeling.
Water Vapor Permeability of Poly(L‐lactide)/Poly(D‐lactide) Stereocomplexes
Authors: Tsuji Hideto , Tsuruno Tomonori
Published: July 2010

PLLA/PDLA blend films with only stereocomplex crystallites as a crystalline species together with pure PLLA and PDLA films with only homo‐crystallites as a crystalline species were prepared, and the effects of enantiomeric polymer blending, crystalline species, and crystallinity on the water vapor permeability were investigated. The WVT coefficient P of PLLA/PDLA blend films was 14–23% lower than that of pure PLLA and PDLA films in the crystallinity Xc range of 0–30%. Amorphous PLLA/PDLA blend films have a much lower P than pure PLLA and PDLA films. The dependence of P on Xc for blend films was stronger for Xc = 0–30% than for Xc = 30–100%. This dependence is discussed using the Nielsen model and the concept of “restricted” (or “restrained”) and “free” amorphous regions.

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Electrospun Hybrid Soy Protein/PVA Fibers
Authors: Cho Daehwan , Nnadi Olivia , Netravali Anil , Joo Yong Lak
Published: July 2010

Rheological behavior and spinnability of biodegradable materials based on SPI and PVA were studied for the production of electrospun fibers. pH level, processing temperature, and heating time were adjusted to investigate the effects of denaturing of soy protein on the rheology of SPI/PVA solutions. The results show that zero shear viscosity and degree of shear thinning of the SPI solution can be controlled by adjusting pH level and thermal treatment. The continuous production of uniform SPI/PVA fibers was achieved by electrospinning. The presence and amount of soy protein in the electrospun fibers was determined by EMPA and elemental analysis, confirming that the SPI was well incorporated into the PVA and remained in the electrospun fibers.

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Tongue force analysis assesses motor phenotype in premanifest and symptomatic Huntington's disease
Authors: Reilmann Ralf , Bohlen Stefan , Klopstock Thomas , Bender Andreas , Weindl Adolf , Saemann Philipp , Auer Dorothee P. , Ringelstein E. Bernd , Lange Herwig W.
Published: July 2010

Motor symptoms in Huntington's Disease (HD) are commonly assessed by the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale‐Total Motor Score (UHDRS‐TMS). However, the UHDRS‐TMS is limited by interrater variability, its categorical nature, and insensitivity in premanifest subjects. More objective and quantitative measures of motor phenotype may complement the use of the UHDRS‐TMS as outcome measure and increase the power and sensitivity of clinical trials. Deficits in tongue protrusion are well acknowledged in HD and constitute a subitem of the UHDRS‐TMS. We, therefore, investigated whether objective and quantitative assessment of tongue protrusion forces (TPF) provides measures that (1) correlate to the severity of motor phenotype detected in the UHDRS‐TMS in symptomatic HD, (2) detect a motor phenotype in premanifest HD gene‐carriers, and (3) exhibit a correlation to the genotype as assessed by a disease burden score (based on CAG‐repeat length and age). Using a precalibrated force transducer, the ability of premanifest gene carriers (n = 15) and subjects with symptomatic HD (n = 20) to generate and maintain isometric TPF at three target force levels (0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 N) was assessed and compared with age‐matched controls (n = 20) in a cross‐sectional study. Measures of variability of TPF and tongue contact time distinguished controls, premanifest, and symptomatic HD groups and correlated to the UHDRS‐TMS and disease burden score, suggesting a strong genotype‐phenotype correlation. Group distinction was most reliable at the lowest target force level. We conclude that assessment of TPF may be a useful objective and quantitative marker of motor dysfunction in premanifest and symptomatic HD. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Abnormal cardiac [123I]‐meta‐iodobenzylguanidine uptake in multiple system atrophy
Authors: Nagayama Hiroshi , Ueda Masayuki , Yamazaki Mineo , Nishiyama Yasuhiro , Hamamoto Makoto , Katayama Yasuo
Published: July 2010

[123I]‐Meta‐iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) myocardial scintigraphy is useful for distinguishing multiple system atrophy (MSA) from Parkinson disease. In this study, longitudinal observation using MIBG myocardial scintigraphy was carried out in patients with MSA to evaluate the association of myocardial MIBG uptake with clinical features. A total of 96 MIBG examinations were performed in 52 patients with MSA. The heart/mediastinum (H/M) ratio of MIBG uptake at 240 minutes after injection was below the lower limit in 16 patients with MSA (31.3%). Overall, the H/M ratio correlated with neither disease duration nor severity. In the follow‐up observations, the H/M ratio did not show any specific trends, in contrast with the continuous decrease observed in patients with Parkinson's disease. This data clearly showed that cardiac MIBG uptake cannot necessarily be preserved in patients with MSA and that approximately 30% of patients with MSA showed decreased MIBG uptake without any correlation to disease duration or severity. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Evaluation of the DSM‐IV and ICD‐10 criteria for depressive disorders in a community population in Japan using item response theory
Authors: Saito Mari , Iwata Noboru , Kawakami Norito , Matsuyama Yutaka , Ono Yutaka , Nakane Yoshibumi , Nakamura Yoshikazu , Tachimori Hisateru , Uda Hidenori , Nakane Hideyuki , Watanabe Makoto , Naganuma Yoichi , Furukawa Toshiaki A. , Hata Yukihiro , Kobayashi Masayo , Miyake Yuko , Takeshima Tadashi , Kikkawa Takehiko
Published: July 2010

The DSM‐IV and ICD‐10 are both operational diagnostic systems that classify known psychological disorders according to the number of criteria symptoms. Certain discrepancies between the criteria exist and may lead to some inconsistencies in psychiatric research. The purpose of this study was to investigate these differences in the assessment of depression with item response theory (IRT) analyses. The World Mental Health‐Japan (WMHJ) Survey is an epidemiological survey of the general population in Japan. We analyzed data from the WMHJ completed by 353 respondents who had either depressive mood or diminished interest. A two‐parameter logistic model was used to evaluate the characteristics of the symptoms of the DSM‐IV and ICD‐10. IRT analyses revealed that the symptoms about psychomotor activity, worthlessness and self‐reproach were more informative and suggestive of greater severity, while the symptoms about dietary habits were less informative. IRT analyses also revealed that the ICD‐10 seems more sensitive to the mild range of the depression spectrum compared to the DSM‐IV. Although there were some variations in severity among respondents, most of the respondents diagnosed with a severe or moderate depressive episode according to the ICD‐10 were also diagnosed with a major depressive episode according to the DSM‐IV.
An exploration of the prevalence of hypermobility and joint hypermobility syndrome in Omani women attending a hospital physiotherapy service
Authors: Clark Carol J. , Simmonds Jane V.
Published: July 2010

Background and Objectives. Joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS) is an inherited disorder of connective tissue. It presents as a condition in which there are neuromusculoskeletal signs and symptoms, including pain, without the inflammatory component of a joint disease such as rheumatoid arthritis. Re‐attendance in rheumatology clinics, re‐injury and prolonged rehabilitation are also features of JHS. The primary aims of this study were to establish the prevalence of hypermobility and JHS in those attending physiotherapy clinics with neuromusculoskeletal disorders in Oman.

Methods. A cross‐sectional case control study design was used. The participant population included Omani women, aged 18–50 years, attending physiotherapy services for musculoskeletal complaints. The comparison population comprised women of a similar age and ethnic origin who were staff at the hospital. The primary outcome measures were the Beighton Score and the Brighton Criteria.

Results. A total of 184 subjects were recruited into the study. These consisted of 94 in the participant group and 90 in the comparison group. Hypermobility was recorded in 51% of the participant group and 30% of the comparison group. The number of participants with JHS was 55%, while 21% of the comparison group exhibited features of the JHS phenotype without pain. A significant number of participants with JHS were re‐attending for treatment compared with those without JHS.

Conclusions. This study confirms a high prevalence of JHS among subjects with musculoskeletal signs and symptoms and that re‐attendance for physiotherapy treatment is more frequent in subjects with JHS than in those without. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theoretische Chemie 2006
Authors: Dreuw Andreas
Published: July 2010

Mit Sorgfalt angewendet, ist die zeitabhängige Dichtefunktionaltheorie ein Verfahren zur Berechnung elektronisch angeregter Zustände, das bei der Interpretation experimenteller Spektren helfen kann. Die Laserkontrolle von chemischen Reaktionen befasst sich immer mehr mit Beispielen aus Biologie und Nanotechnologie. Quantenmechanische und empirische Kraftfeldmethoden sind Werkzeuge zur Aufklärung von Struktur und Dynamik von Biomolekülen.
Anorganische Chemie 2006
Authors: von Hänisch Carsten , Scheschkewitz David
Published: July 2010

Hauptgruppenelementverbindungen überraschen weiter durch Vielfalt in den Strukturen und Bindungstypen; Moleküle mit Anwendungspotential rücken in den Blickpunkt. Metalle stabilisieren reaktive und aktivieren reaktionsträge Moleküle; Metall‐ komplexe geben Impulse in der Katalyse, der Sensorik und den Materialwissenschaften. Die bioanorganische Chemie nimmt feinste Details biologischer Systeme ins Visier.
So will die EU Forschung fördern
Authors: Begitt Kurt
Published: July 2010

Hochrangige Vertreter aus Wissenschaft, Politik und Wirtschaft präsentierten Mitte Januar vor 1300 Gästen in Bonn das 7. EU‐Programm in der Forschungsförderung.
Clinical changes during an intervention based on constraint‐induced movement therapy principles on use of the affected arm of a child with obstetric brachial plexus injury: a case report
Authors: Vaz Daniela Virgínia , Mancini Marisa Cotta , do Amaral Maíra Ferreira , de Brito Brandão Marina , de França Drummond Adriana , da Fonseca Sérgio Teixeira
Published: July 2010

The objective of this study was to test the feasibility of a treatment programme based on the elements of constraint‐induced movement therapy (CIMT) to encourage use of the affected arm of a child with obstetric brachial plexus injury (OBP), as well as to document clinical changes observed with this intervention. A 2‐year‐old female child with Erb's palsy had 14 weeks of daily home‐based treatment with 30‐minute sessions planned according to the principles of CIMT. The child was assessed every 2 weeks with the Toddler Arm Use Test. Test scores throughout the intervention period demonstrated improvements in quality of movement, amount of use and willingness to use the affected extremity. The child's mother reported improved ability to perform bimanual activities at home. The results suggest that treatment based on CIMT principles has potential to promote functional gains for children with OBP. Experimental studies should test the effects of this kind of intervention for children with OBP. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High agreement between parental reported inhaled corticosteroid use and pharmacy prescription data
Authors: Koster Ellen S. , Wijga Alet H. , Raaijmakers Jan A.M. , Koppelman Gerard H. , Postma Dirkje S. , Kerkhof Marjan , Hoekstra Maarten O. , de Jongste Johan C. , Smit Henriëtte A. , Brunekreef Bert , Maitland‐van der Zee Anke‐Hilse
Published: July 2010

Purpose

This study was conducted to assess the validity of parental reported use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in children.

Methods

ICS users were identified within the Prevention and Incidence of Asthma and Mite Allergy (PIAMA) birth cohort study and the PIAMA pharmacy sub‐cohort which is nested within the PIAMA study. Complete medication histories were available for the first 8 years of life for children within the PIAMA pharmacy sub‐cohort. Parental reported ICS use was measured by using data from questionnaires. ICS use in the pharmacy records was determined by using the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) codes. The proportion of overall agreement and kappa statistics with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated to quantify agreement between self‐reported medication use and pharmacy prescription data.

Results

At all ages overall agreement was very high (>97%) and Cohen's kappa's ranged from 0.80 to 0.88 which also reflects excellent agreement between parental reported use of ICS and pharmacy prescription data.

Conclusions

Our finding suggests that parental report of medication use is a reliable source of data to asses ICS use in children. The questionnaire‐based medication data collected within the PIAMA study can be used to study asthma medication use in a large group of children. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solar based large scale power plants: what is the best option?
Authors: Bensebaa Farid
Published: July 2010

There are very few published data comparing performance and cost of thermal and photovoltaic (PV) based solar power generations. With recent intense technology and business developments there is a need to establish a comparison between these two solar energy options. We have developed a simple model to compare electricity cost using these two options without any additional fuel source of hybridization. Capital along with operation and maintenance (O&M) costs and other parameters from existing large scale solar farms are used to reflect actual project costs. To compete with traditional sources of power generation, solar technologies need to provide dispatchable electric power to respond to demand during peak hours. Different solutions for energy storage are available. In spite of their high capital cost, adding energy storage is considered a better long term solution than hybrid solar systems for large scale power plants. For this reason, a comparison between the two solar options is also provided that include energy storage. Although electricity storage is more expensive than thermal storage, PV power remains a competitive option. Expenses related to O&M in solar thermal plant are about ten times higher than PV, an important factor resulting in higher energy cost. Based on data from proven commercial technologies, this study showed that PV holds a slight advantage even when energy storage is included. Copyright © 2010 Crown in the right of Canada. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Profiling the surfacome of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Dreisbach Annette , Hempel Kristina , Buist Girbe , Hecker Michael , Becher Dörte , van Dijl Jan Maarten
Published: July 2010

Staphylococcus aureus is a widespread opportunistic pathogen that can cause a wide variety of life‐threatening diseases. Especially for the colonization of human tissues and the development of invasiveness, surface‐exposed proteins are of major importance. In the present studies, we optimized a proteolytic shaving approach to identify those surface‐exposed protein domains – the surfacome – of S. aureus that are accessible to extracellular bio‐macromolecules, for example in the host milieu. Subsequently, this approach was applied to define the surfacomes of four strains with different genetic backgrounds. This resulted in the identification of 96 different proteins. Surprisingly, the overlap between the surfacomes of the four different strains was below 10% and each strain displayed its own characteristic set of surface‐exposed proteins. The data were also evaluated at the peptide level and here we observed a similar phenomenon. From 190 unique peptides only five were commonly found in the four strains. Besides well known cell wall proteins, we also identified some essential proteins, several yet uncharacterized exported proteins and predicted intracellular proteins. These results show for the first time that the cell surface of different S. aureus strains is not only highly variable, but also that the displayed proteins are very heterogeneous.
Androgen receptor signaling induced by supraphysiological doses of dihydrotestosterone in human peripheral blood lymphocytes
Authors: Imperlini Esther , Mancini Annamaria , Spaziani Sara , Martone Domenico , Alfieri Andreina , Gemei Marica , Vecchio Luigi Del , Buono Pasqualina , Orrù Stefania
Published: July 2010

Anabolic androgenic steroids, a class of steroid hormones related to testosterone, are natural ligands of androgen receptor (AR), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily of ligand‐activated transcription factors. AR binds specific DNA elements, known as androgen–response elements. Testosterone, the main male sexual hormone, binds AR directly and indirectly, through conversion into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), its more active metabolite. Anabolic androgenic steroids are frequently detected in the urine of doped athletes; their consumption is also growing among sport amateurs and adolescents. The effects of androgens can differ depending on the target cells and/or tissues. To gain insight into transcription activation mechanisms of AR, we investigated AR protein signaling in human peripheral blood lymphocytes treated with supraphysiological doses of DHT. We performed a comparative proteomic analysis and we identified about 30 differentially expressed proteins. At least five species contained a consensus androgen–response elements sequence in the promoter region of related coding genes. The analysis also revealed that high doses of DHT activate the drug detoxification process, could stimulate an increase in cell motility and exert a prosurvival effect rather than an apoptotic one.
mTRAQ‐based quantification of potential endometrial carcinoma biomarkers from archived formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissues
Authors: DeSouza Leroi V. , Krakovska Olga , Darfler Marlene M. , Krizman David B. , Romaschin Alexander D. , Colgan Terence J. , Siu K. W. Michael
Published: July 2010

Formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissues are the primary and preferred medium for archiving patients' samples. Here we demonstrate relative quantifications of protein biomarkers in extracts of laser microdissected epithelial cells from FFPE endometrial carcinoma tissues versus those from normal proliferative endometria by means of targeted proteomic analyses using LC–multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) MS with MRM Tags for Relative and Absolute Quantitation (mTRAQ) labeling. Comparable results of differential expressions for pyruvate kinase isoform M2 (PK‐M2) and polymeric Ig receptor were observed between analyses on laser microdissected epithelial cells from FFPE tissues and corresponding homogenates from frozen tissues of the same individuals that had previously been analyzed and reported. We also identified PK‐M2 in the normal proliferative phase of the endometrium. Other biomarkers in addition to PK‐M2 and polymeric Ig receptor were also observed but not consistently and/or were at levels below the threshold for quantification.
The Gel Electrophoresis Markup Language (GelML) from the Proteomics Standards Initiative
Authors: Gibson Frank , Hoogland Christine , Martinez‐Bartolomé Salvador , Medina‐Aunon J. Alberto , Albar Juan Pablo , Babnigg Gyorgy , Wipat Anil , Hermjakob Henning , Almeida Jonas S. , Stanislaus Romesh , Paton Norman W. , Jones Andrew R.
Published: July 2010

The Human Proteome Organisation's Proteomics Standards Initiative has developed the GelML (gel electrophoresis markup language) data exchange format for representing gel electrophoresis experiments performed in proteomics investigations. The format closely follows the reporting guidelines for gel electrophoresis, which are part of the Minimum Information About a Proteomics Experiment (MIAPE) set of modules. GelML supports the capture of metadata (such as experimental protocols) and data (such as gel images) resulting from gel electrophoresis so that laboratories can be compliant with the MIAPE Gel Electrophoresis guidelines, while allowing such data sets to be exchanged or downloaded from public repositories. The format is sufficiently flexible to capture data from a broad range of experimental processes, and complements other PSI formats for MS data and the results of protein and peptide identifications to capture entire gel‐based proteome workflows. GelML has resulted from the open standardisation process of PSI consisting of both public consultation and anonymous review of the specifications.
Discussion point: are web‐based eCRFs a compliance problem for industry?
Authors: Wilsher Colin
Published: July 2010

Pharmaceutical companies often rely upon web‐based electronic Case Report Forms (eCRFs) for clinical investigators to enter trial data at their site. Using web‐based technology means that the investigator directly enters data onto the sponsor company's server via the Internet. Does this cause a problem with complying with international standards regarding data integrity? Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Body mass and growth of overwintering brown trout in relation to stream habitat complexity
Authors: Koljonen Saija , Huusko Ari , Mäki‐Petäys Aki , Mykrä Heikki , Muotka Timo
Published: July 2010

In winter, juvenile salmonids hide within the substrate during the day and emerge to feed on drifting invertebrates at night. In channelized streams, where the streambed heterogeneity has been artificially reduced, suitable microhabitats (low‐flow refugia) may be in short supply. Therefore, restoration of stream habitat by enhancement structures might improve the overwintering conditions of juvenile salmonids. We used a set of artificial streams to test whether individually‐marked juvenile brown trout of two age‐classes (age‐0 and age‐1 trout) loose mass during the winter differently in channelized and semi‐natural streams. Fish of both age‐classes lost mass early in the winter (November to January), but age‐0 fish in the channelized streams lost more of their initial mass than did the restored‐stream fish (ca. 10% vs. 2.5% on average, respectively). They then exhibited zero‐growth in both treatments in late winter (January to April), and by early spring (May), the channelized‐stream fish had completely caught up for their greater initial mass loss. In control tanks where the fish were fed continuously, age‐0 trout exhibited zero‐growth from November to January, then gaining mass constantly through the rest of the experiment. Significant time*treatment interaction was also detected for age‐1 trout, but all differences were caused by the faster growth of fish in the control tanks, whereas the two channel treatments did not differ significantly. The shortage of suitable sheltering sites in the channelized streams apparently intensified competition and caused greater initial mass loss in age‐0 trout. Furthermore, growth compensation exhibited by juvenile trout may have negative impacts on the long‐term fitness of individuals. Therefore, by increasing the amount of sheltering sites, in‐stream restoration may have potential to enhance the overwintering success of juvenile salmonids. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrologic thresholds for riparian forest conservation in a regulated large Mediterranean river
Authors: González E. , González‐Sanchis M. , Comín F. A. , Muller E.
Published: July 2010

Most riparian trees are phreatophytic, water table‐dependent plants which broadly differ in their tolerance to drought and permanent flooding. In semi‐arid settings, as water is limiting, inundations may be regarded as inputs rather than stresses for the survival of phreatophytes. In this study, the mortality rates and abundances of Populus alba, P. nigra, Salix alba and local Tamarix spp. were examined in 43 plots with different hydrologic conditions distributed across the floodplain of a large semi‐arid and Mediterranean river, the Ebro River (Spain). The objectives were to determine hydrologic thresholds for the maintenance of declining populations of those species, while providing novel information on their phreatophytic nature, and to examine shifts in the species composition along hydrologic gradients. All species exhibited significant relationships between mortality rates and hydrologic variables (deepest water table—WT, flood duration—FD and flood frequency—FF). S. alba was found to be the species with lowest tolerance to drier conditions (hydrologic thresholds for maintaining a mortality rate <50%: WT > −1.22 m; FD: out of observation range; FF > 5.4 events y−1), followed by P. nigra (WT > −2.18 m; FD > 11.1%; FF > 3.8 events y−1), Tamarix spp. (WT > −2.96 m; FD > 3.7%; FF > 2.5 events y−1) and P. alba (WT > −3.45 m; FD > 1.7%; FF > 2.0 events y−1). Only a significant reduction in S. alba relative abundance was observed as conditions got drier. The results provided quantitative information useful to guide management plans for the protection of Mediterranean phreatophytic tree species from further degradation and suggested that eventual natural or regulation‐induced droughts and groundwater declines would accelerate the loss of all phreatophytic species, especially S. alba. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How to link call rate and p‐values for Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium as measures of genome‐wide SNP data quality
Authors: Finner Helmut , Strassburger Klaus , Heid Iris M. , Herder Christian , Rathmann Wolfgang , Giani Guido , Dickhaus Thorsten , Lichtner Peter , Meitinger Thomas , Wichmann H.‐Erich , Illig Thomas , Gieger Christian
Published: July 2010

We study the link between two quality measures of SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) data in genome‐wide association (GWA) studies, that is, per SNP call rates (CR) and p‐values for testing Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). The aim is to improve these measures by applying methods based on realized randomized p‐values, the false discovery rate and estimates for the proportion of false hypotheses. While exact non‐randomized conditional p‐values for testing HWE cannot be recommended for estimating the proportion of false hypotheses, their realized randomized counterparts should be used. P‐values corresponding to the asymptotic unconditional chi‐square test lead to reasonable estimates only if SNPs with low minor allele frequency are excluded. We provide an algorithm to compute the probability that SNPs violate HWE given the observed CR, which yields an improved measure of data quality. The proposed methods are applied to SNP data from the KORA (Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg, Southern Germany) 500 K project, a GWA study in a population‐based sample genotyped by Affymetrix GeneChip 500 K arrays using the calling algorithm BRLMM 1.4.0. We show that all SNPs with CR = 100 per cent are nearly in perfect HWE which militates in favor of the population to meet the conditions required for HWE at least for these SNPs. Moreover, we show that the proportion of SNPs not being in HWE increases with decreasing CR. We conclude that using a single threshold for judging HWE p‐values without taking the CR into account is problematic. Instead we recommend a stratified analysis with respect to CR. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Beta‐mapping and beta‐regression for changes of ordinal‐rating measurements on Likert scales: A comparison of the change scores among multiple treatment groups
Authors: Zou Kelly H. , Carlsson Martin O. , Quinn Sheila A.
Published: July 2010

Patient reported outcome and observer evaluative studies in clinical trials andpost‐hocanalyses often use instruments that measure responses on ordinal‐rating or Likert scales. We propose a flexible distributional approach by modeling the change scores from the baseline to the end of the study using independent beta distributions. The two shape parameters of the fitted beta distributions are estimated by matching‐moments. Covariates and the interaction terms are included in multivariate beta‐regression analyses under generalized linear mixed models. These methods are illustrated on the treatment satisfaction data in an overactive bladder drug study with four treatment arms. Monte‐Carlo simulations were conducted to compare the Type 1 errors and statistical powers using a beta likelihood ratio test of the proposed method against its fully nonparametric or parametric alternatives. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of alkali and silane treatment on the mechanical properties of jute‐fiber‐reinforced recycled polypropylene composites
Authors: Wang Xinxin , Cui Yihua , Xu Qi , Xie Bo , Li Wei
Published: July 2010

Jute‐fibers‐reinforced thermoplastic composites are widely used in the automobile, packaging, and electronic industries because of their various advantages such as low cost, ease of recycling, and biodegradability. However, the applications of these kinds of composites are limited because of their unsatisfactory mechanical properties, which are caused by the poor interfacial compatibility between jute fibers and the thermoplastic matrix. In this work, four methods, including (i) alkali treatment, (ii) alkali and silane treatment, (iii) alkali and (maleic anhydride)‐polypropylene (MAPP) treatment, and (iv) alkali, silane, and MAPP treatment (ASMT) were used to treat jute fibers and improve the interfacial adhesion of jute‐fiber‐reinforced recycled polypropylene composites (JRPCS). The mechanical properties and impact fracture surfaces of the composites were observed, and their fracture mechanism was analyzed. The results showed that ASMT composites possessed the optimum comprehensive mechanical properties. When the weight fraction of jute fibers was 15%, the tensile strength and impact toughness were increased by 46 and 36%, respectively, compared to those of untreated composites. The strongest interfacial adhesion between jute fibers and recycled polypropylene was obtained for ASMT composites. The fracture styles of this kind of composite included fiber breakage, fiber pull‐out, and interfacial debonding. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Correlation of morphology, rheology, and performance improvement in gasoline tubes based on PA‐6 nanocomposites
Authors: Moghri Mehdi , Garmabi Hamid , Molajavadi Vadoud
Published: July 2010

PA‐6/organo‐modified layered silicate nanocompounds were prepared by the melt mixing of PA‐6 with different nanoclay loadings in a corotating twin‐screw extruder. Gasoline tubes based on these nanocompounds were produced at different silicate loadings. Thermal, mechanical, rheological, and barrier properties of the different samples were investigated and correlated to their morphology. Transmission electron microscopy, wide angle X‐ray scattering, and linear melt state viscoelastic measurements were used to characterize the different aspects of nanoclay dispersion in the nanocomposite samples. While tensile modulus, softening point, heat distortion temperature, and gasoline barrier properties of the prepared tubes were improved considerably by increasing the clay content, performance improvement with respect to clay content (after a certain value) decreased with increasing clay loading. It could be attributed to the re‐agglomeration of tactoids at higher concentrations. These findings were correlated with the rheological and morphological observations. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Child categorization
Authors: Gelman Susan A. , Meyer Meredith
Published: July 2010

Categorization is a process that spans all of development, beginning in earliest infancy yet changing as children's knowledge and cognitive skills develop. In this review article, we address three core issues regarding childhood categorization. First, we discuss the extent to which early categories are rooted in perceptual similarity versus knowledge‐enriched theories. We argue for a composite perspective in which categories are steeped in commonsense theories from a young age but also are informed by low‐level similarity and associative learning cues. Second, we examine the role of language in early categorization. We review evidence to suggest that language is a powerful means of expressing, communicating, shaping, and supporting category knowledge. Finally, we consider categories in context. We discuss sources of variability and flexibility in children's categories, as well as the ways in which children's categories are used within larger knowledge systems (e.g., to form analogies, make inferences, or construct theories). Categorization is a process that is intrinsically tied to nearly all aspects of cognition, and its study provides insight into cognitive development, broadly construed.WIREs Cogn Sci2011 2 95–105 DOI: 10.1002/wcs.96

This article is categorized under:

Linguistics > Language Acquisition

Psychology > Development and Aging

Psychology > Language
Short‐term variations in wind power: Some quantile‐type models for probabilistic forecasting
Authors: Pritchard Geoffrey
Published: July 2010

We discuss some ways of formulating quantile‐type models for forecasting variations in wind power in the short term (within a few hours). Such models predict quantiles of the conditional distribution of the wind power available at some future time using information presently available. A natural reference for models of this kind is a ‘probabilistic‐persistence’ quantile forecast whose only input is the present wind power. Using data from some New Zealand wind farms, we find that more complex quantile models can readily improve on probabilistic persistence in resolution but not in sharpness. The most valuable model inputs, apart from the present power, are found to be real‐time air pressure measurements and a power total‐variation indicator. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk Factors for Litigation Following Major Transectional Bile Duct Injury Sustained at Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Authors: Perera M. T. P. R. , Silva M. A. , Shah A. J. , Hardstaff R. , Bramhall S. R. , Issac J. , Buckels J. A. C. , Mirza D. F.
Published: July 2010

Background

Bile duct injuries after laparoscopic cholecystectomy often cause long‐term morbidity, with a number of patients resorting to litigation. The present study aimed to analyze risk factors for litigation and to quantify the subsequent medicolegal burden.

Methods

A total of 67/106 patients (26 male) with major laparoscopic cholecystectomy bile duct injuries (LCBDI) and a minimum 2‐year follow‐up, replied to a questionnaire covering patient perception toward the complication, physical/psychological recovery, and subsequent litigation. These data were collated with prospectively collected data related to the LCBDI and subsequent management, and a multivariate regression model was designed to identify potential risk factors associated with litigation.

Results

Most patients felt they had been inadequately informed prior to surgery [47/67 (70%)] and after the LCBDI [50/67 (75%)], and a majority remained psychologically traumatized at the time of evaluation [50/67 (75%)]. Of these, 22 patients had started litigation by means of a “letter of demand” (LOD; n = 10) or prosecution (n = 12). Nineteen (19/22%) cases have been closed in favor of the plaintiff. There was no difference between the awards for LOD versus prosecution cases, and average compensation was £40,800 versus £89,875, respectively (p = n.s). On multivariate analysis, age < 52 years (p = 0.03), associated vascular injury (p = 0.014), immediate nonspecialist repair (p = 0.009), and perceived incomplete recovery following LCBDI (p = 0.017) were identified as independent predictors for possible litigation.

Conclusions

On the basis of the present study, nearly one third of patients with major transectional LCBDI are likely to resort to litigation. Younger patients and those in whom repair is attempted prior to specialist referral are likely to initiate litigation.