bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Application of Selected Wave Group Spectra for the Experimental Investigation of Low Frequency Motions of a Moored Structure
Authors: Hennig Janou , Fernandes Antonio Carlos , Cozijn Hans , Domingues Marcio Maia
Published: February 2010

A moored structure shows both wave and low frequency motions in waves. Wave frequency motions are related to the wave elevation and wave power spectrum of the sea state while low frequency motions are driven by wave groups and the corresponding wave group spectrum. Wave power spectra can be calibrated for model tests. The corresponding wave group spectrum follows from the wave power spectrum together with the applied wave seed or phasing of the wave train. Thus, in common practice (both in simulations and model tests), the wave group spectrum follows from the arbitrary choice of a random seed. This can lead to an under- or overestimation of the resulting low frequency motions of the moored object as compared to the theoretical group spectrum. As an alternative approach, the seeds which give the highest and lowest wave group spectra can be applied in the tests. In this paper, first results of model tests with a moored tanker based on an intentional choice of wave group spectra are presented.
Crack Growth in Pipes Under Service Contortions
Authors: O¨rjasaeter Oddvin , Verley Richard , Kvaale Per Egil , Eggen Tor Gunnar
Published: February 2010

At the A˚sgard field a leak on a 10″, 13Cr production pipeline was discovered in December 2000 during pressure testing. The cause was a crack at an anode pad fillet weld (pads are connectors for the cathodic protection system). Later, a similar leak occurred on another A˚sgard flowline. During pigging inspection (AUT) several smaller crack indications were found at similar locations. Propagation of such cracks will depend on loading and environmental conditions. To investigate this further, a test programme was carried out using 13Cr pipe materials. Both small scale tests and full scale pipes were used. Specimens were prepared with small initial fatigue cracks at the pad weld. The propagation of the cracks was then recorded under various environmental and loading conditions. The loading was selected to cover a crack growth rate range of ∼10−6 to 10−3 mm/cycle for various crack depths and for two loading frequencies. Tests were conducted under cathodic protection (hydrogen in the material measured) and for temperatures up to 140°C and pressures up to 30bar. The crack growth was recorded by the potential drop method (ACPD). For the full scale pipe tests, specially developed equipment was used for simultaneous measuring at up to 24 individual locations. The results showed that low loading frequency (0.1 Hz) enhances the growth rates; elevated temperature gave equal or lower propagation rates than at 25°C and a pressure of 30bar did not influence the results. A few cracks were also initiated during the corrosion fatigue tests and exhibited high growth rates; possibly due to the so-called “small crack” effect and possibly in synergy with the influence of hydrogen.
Preliminary Investigation of Power Output of Two Typical Two-Turbine Tidal Current Systems
Authors: Li Ye , Calisal Sander M.
Published: February 2010

The hydrodynamic interaction between a stand-alone tidal current turbine and the incoming flow through it affects the power output of the turbine. Similarly, the hydrodynamic interaction between two tidal current turbines is expected to affect the power output of the two turbines. In this situation, we called the two turbines a two-turbine system. Turbine designers, especially those former naval architects, who worked on a two-propeller system before, strongly hold that the two-turbine system is one of the more cost-efficient formats of extracting energy from tidal current. Consequently, the relationship between hydrodynamic interaction and the power output of the two-turbine system is receiving broad attention, although it has not been systematically studied. In this paper, the parameters of the design of a two-turbine system are identified and nondimensionalized and two typical system layouts are given: canard layout and tandem layout two-turbine systems. By using the recently developed numerical method for simulating unsteady flow and tidal current turbine, i.e., DVM-UBC, a new numerical model for predicting the power output of a two-turbine system is developed. The power outputs of two-turbine systems of these two typical layouts are analyzed. It is noted that the total power output of a two turbine system with optimal configuration can be 25% higher than that of two stand-alone turbines. Also, we find that the power output of a canard layout two-turbine system is higher than that of a tandem layout two-turbine system.
Low Steeping Waves Simulation in a Vertical Excited Container Using σ Transformation
Authors: Eswaran M. , Saha U. K.
Published: February 2010

A fluid partially occupying a moving tank undergoes wave motions (sloshing). These motions generate severe hydrodynamic loads that can be dangerous for structural integrity and stability of rockets, satellites, LNG ships, trucks and even stationary petroleum containers. Free surface motions of the liquid in partially filled tanks under gravity are of practical significance particularly in marine and road transportation applications. For this reason, liquid sloshing has always been a research subject attracting great concern during the last several decades. In this paper, a fully non-linear finite difference model has been developed based on the inviscid flow equations, and a simple mapping function was used to remove the time-dependence of the free surface in the fluid domain. The time-varying fluid surface can be mapped onto a rectangular domain by the σ-transformation. This method is a simple way to simulate non-breaking waves quickly and accurately especially that has a low steepness. The fluid motion is solved in a unit square mesh in the transformed flow domain (i.e., computational domain). The fourth order central difference scheme and the Gauss–Seidel point successive over-relaxation iterative procedure are used to capture the free surface wave profiles and the free surface elevation plots of the fluid domain. Difference between the peaks and troughs of waves are discussed for the case of vertical excitation of first three natural frequency of the tank. Phase-plane diagrams are drawn to show the non-linearity of the motion of time dependent free surface. The results agree well with the previously published results.
MABEL: Recovery Operation of the First Long-Term Heavy Benthic Laboratory in the Deep Sea of Antarctica
Authors: Gerber Hans W. , Clauss Gu¨nther F.
Published: February 2010

This paper deals with the recovery operation of the bottom station MABEL (Multidisciplinary Antarctic Benthic Laboratory) with a mass of 1,7 tons in air that has been deployed in December 2005 from the German research vessel Polarstern, by means of a release transponder at a water depth of 1850 m, close to the shelf ice edge near the German polar research station Neumayer. The project is run under the umbrella of the Italian Antarctic programme by the project leader INGV (Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica i Vulcanlogia) /1/. During the cruise ANT XXV-2 of the Polarstern (organized by the German AWI - Alfred-Wegner-Institut) the German partners TFH Berlin and TU Berlin have been participating with their module MODUS (Mobile Docker for Underwater Sciences) to recover the station from the deep sea. The special circumstances in the Antarctic sea — the ice coverage of the deployment area and the tight time schedule for the operation — make such an operation quite delicate. This paper describes the special technology used both for the station and the recovery module. The operation itself will be discussed, showing the data of operation using a combined tracking of GPS-data and the underwater positioning system Posidonia of the Polarstern. The special circumstance of the operation was the inadequate data of the position achieved during the deployment, so that a safe search strategy had to be found. The mission ended successfully on December 16th, 2008 with the recovery of the MABEL station. Simulations for the system behaviour will be shown.
Peptide Fragments of a β-Defensin Derivative with Potent Bactericidal Activity
Authors: Reynolds Natalie L. , De Cecco Martin , Taylor Karen , Stanton Chloe , Kilanowski Fiona , Kalapothakis Jason , Seo Emily , Uhrin Dusan , Campopiano Dominic , Govan John , Macmillan Derek , Barran Perdita , Dorin Julia R.
Published: February 2010

β-Defensins are known to be both antimicrobial and able to chemoattract various immune cells. Although the sequences of paralogous genes are not highly conserved, the core defensin structure is retained. Defb14-1C
V
has bactericidal activity similar to that of its parent peptide (murine β-defensin Defb14) despite all but one of the canonical six cysteines being replaced with alanines. The 23-amino-acid N-terminal half of Defb14-1C
V
is a potent antimicrobial while the C-terminal half is not. Here, we use a library of peptide derivatives to demonstrate that the antimicrobial activity can be localized to a particular region. Overlapping fragments of the N-terminal region were tested for their ability to kill Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. We demonstrate that the most N-terminal fragments (amino acids 1 to 10 and 6 to 17) are potent antimicrobials against Gram-negative bacteria whereas fragments based on sequence more C terminal than amino acid 13 have very poor activity against both Gram-positive and -negative types. We further test a series of N-terminal deletion peptides in both their monomeric and dimeric forms. We find that bactericidal activity is lost against both Gram types as the deletion region increases, with the point at which this occurs varying between bacterial strains. The dimeric form of the peptides is more resistant to the peptide deletions, but this is not due just to increased charge. Our results indicate that the primary sequence, together with structure, is essential in the bactericidal action of this β-defensin derivative peptide and importantly identifies a short fragment from the peptide that is a potent bactericide.
The use of ectomycorrhizal conifer seedlings in the revegetation of a high-elevation mine site
Authors: Grossnickle Steven C. , Reid C. P. P.
Published: February 2010

Three conifer species, Pinnscontorta Dougl., Pinusflexilis James, and Piceaengelmannii Parry, were inoculated with the ectomycorrhizal fungi Pisolithustinctorius (Pers.) Coker & Couch, Suillusgranulatus (L. ex Fr.) Kuntze, and Cenococcumgeophilum Fr. These, plus noninoculated control seedlings, were grown in a greenhouse for 8 months to assess mycorrhizal formation and seedling response. For all conifer species, top height, diameter, and seedling total dry weight were greater in the S. granulatus and control ("wild" fungus) treatments as compared with P. tinctorius and C. geophilum.In the 2nd year of the study, greenhouse container-grown conifers with ectomycorrhizae formed by the above three fungi and an unknown fungus were planted under four fertilizer treatments on a high-elevation (3200 m) molybdenum tailing pond covered with deep mine waste rock.After 4 years in the field, height growth of the seedlings (all tree species combined) inoculated with S. granulatus were greater than seedlings inoculated with P. tinctorius, C. geophilum, or control ("wild" fungus). Through four growing seasons, a sewage sludge and wood-chip treatment resulted in greater height growth than the three treatments of combined inorganic N and P, P alone, and no fertilization. The combined survival for all species and all treatments was 58% after four growing seasons.
Time of jack pine seed maturity in Lake States provenances
Authors: Cecich Robert A. , Rudolph Thomas D.
Published: February 2010

Cones were collected weekly from August 6 to October 2, 1979, from 10 Lake States provenances of jack pine (Pinusbanksiana Lamb.). We evaluated cone and seed characteristics (cone color, volume, fresh and dry weight, specific gravity, scale color, seed color, and embryo length) that can be used for field and laboratory determinations of seed ripeness, so that cones can be harvested before squirrels begin cutting them. Seeds were partially retained in cones picked in August and extracted by shaking. Final embryo length was attained 2 weeks before germination reached a maximum on September 10. The adaxial surface of the cone scales turned reddish brown and the seeds turned black 1 week before maximum germination was reached. Seed maturity coincided with the beginning of cone cutting by the squirrels.
PHANTOM MIMICRY ON THE NORMAL BRANCH OF A DGP-INSPIRED BRANEWORLD SCENARIO WITH CURVATURE EFFECT
Authors: NOZARI KOUROSH , ALIPOUR NAJMEH
Published: February 2010

It has been shown recently that phantom-like effect can be realized on the normal branch of the DGP setup without introduction of any phantom matter in the bulk or on the brane and therefore without violation of the null energy condition. Inclusion of the Gauss–Bonnet term in the bulk action modifies this picture via curvature effects. Based on the Lue–Starkman conjecture on the dynamical screening of the brane cosmological constant in the DGP scenario, we extend this proposal to a general DGP-inspired f(R, ϕ) model that stringy effects in the ultraviolet sector of the theory are taken into account by inclusion of the Gauss–Bonnet term in the bulk action. We study cosmological dynamics of this setup, especially its phantom-like behavior and possible crossing of the phantom divide line. In this setup, scalar field and curvature quintessence are treated in a unified framework.
Ethnic Differences in Physiological Cardiac Adaptation to Intense Physical Exercise in Highly Trained Female Athletes
Authors: Rawlins J. , Carre F. , Kervio G. , Papadakis M. , Chandra N. , Edwards C. , Whyte G.P. , Sharma S.
Published: February 2010

Background—

Ethnicity is an important determinant of cardiovascular adaptation in athletes. Studies in black male athletes reveal a higher prevalence of electric repolarization and left ventricular hypertrophy than observed in white males; these frequently overlap with those observed in cardiomyopathy and have important implications in the preparticipation cardiac screening era. There are no reports on cardiac adaptation in highly trained black females, who comprise an increasing population of elite competitors.

Methods and Results—

Between 2004 and 2009, 240 nationally ranked black female athletes (mean age 21±4.6 years old) underwent 12-lead ECG and 2-dimensional echocardiography. The results were compared with 200 white female athletes of similar age and size participating in similar sports. Black athletes demonstrated greater left ventricular wall thickness (9.2±1.2 versus 8.6±1.2 mm,
P
<0.001) and left ventricular mass (187.2±42 versus 172.3±42 g,
P
=0.008) than white athletes. Eight black athletes (3%) exhibited a left ventricular wall thickness >11 mm (12 to 13 mm) compared with none of the white athletes. All athletes revealed normal indices of systolic and diastolic function. Black athletes exhibited a higher prevalence of T-wave inversions (14% versus 2%,
P
<0.001) and ST-segment elevation (11% versus 1%,
P
<0.001) than white athletes. Deep T-wave inversions (−0.2 mV) were observed only in black athletes and were confined to the anterior leads (V
1
through V
3
).

Conclusions—

Systematic physical exercise in black female athletes is associated with greater left ventricular hypertrophy and higher prevalence of repolarization changes than in white female athletes of similar age and size participating in identical sporting disciplines. However, a maximal left ventricular wall thickness >13 mm or deep T-wave inversions in the inferior and lateral leads are rare and warrant further investigation.
Comparison between surrogate indices of insulin sensitivity and resistance, and the hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic glucose clamp in urban South African blacks with and without coronary artery disease
Authors: Ntyintyane Lucas , Panz Vanessa , Raal Frederick , Gill Geoffrey
Published: February 2010

Coronary artery disease (CAD) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are increasing in urban black South Africans during their transition from a rural to a western lifestyle. Insulin resistance is associated with CAD and DM. Fasting-based indices [homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA IR), log HOMA IR, and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI)] were calculated and their correlations with the glucose disposal rate (M) obtained from the hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic glucose clamp were compared in 40 patients with CAD and 20 patients without CAD. Normal glucose tolerance (NGT), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and DM were categorised using the oral glucose tolerance test. M and QUICKI were lower in patients with CAD (p<0.0001 and p<0.02); HOMA IR and log HOMA IR were higher (p<0.02). M and QUICKI decreased and HOMA IR and log HOMA IR increased progressively across the NGT, IGT and DM categories in patients with and without CAD. Glucose concentrations increased across the glucose tolerance categories in patients with CAD (p<0.001) and without CAD (p<0.01). Linear regression analysis revealed significant correlations between M and log HOMA IR (r =−0.3412; p<0.02) and QUICKI (r =0.4078; p <0.003), and between waist circumference (WC) and log HOMA IR (r=0.4637) and QUICKI (r=-0.4680) both p<0.001. We concluded that patients with CAD were more insulin resistant than patients without CAD. As glucose tolerance declined, insulin resistance worsened. Log HOMA IR and QUICKI were comparable to the hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic glucose clamp and these surrogate indices provided a valid method to estimate insulin sensitivity/resistance in our patients.
Pyrazole compound BPR1P0034 with potent and selective anti-influenza virus activity
Authors: Shih Shin-Ru , Chu Tzu-Yun , Reddy Gadarla Randheer , Tseng Sung-Nain , Chen Hsiun-Ling , Tang Wen-Fang , Wu Ming-sian , Yeh Jiann-Yih , Chao Yu-Sheng , Hsu John TA , Hsieh Hsing-Pang , Horng Jim-Tong
Published: February 2010

Background

Influenza viruses are a major cause of morbidity and mortality around the world. More recently, a swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus that is spreading via human-to-human transmission has become a serious public concern. Although vaccination is the primary strategy for preventing infections, influenza antiviral drugs play an important role in a comprehensive approach to controlling illness and transmission. In addition, a search for influenza-inhibiting drugs is particularly important in the face of high rate of emergence of influenza strains resistant to several existing influenza antivirals.

Methods

We searched for novel anti-influenza inhibitors using a cell-based neutralization (inhibition of virus-induced cytopathic effect) assay. After screening 20,800 randomly selected compounds from a library from ChemDiv, Inc., we found that BPR1P0034 has sub-micromolar antiviral activity. The compound was resynthesized in five steps by conventional chemical techniques. Lead optimization and a structure-activity analysis were used to improve potency. Time-of-addition assay was performed to target an event in the virus life cycle.

Results

The 50% effective inhibitory concentration (IC50) of BPR1P0034 was 0.42 ± 0.11 μM, when measured with a plaque reduction assay. Viral protein and RNA synthesis of A/WSN/33 (H1N1) was inhibited by BPR1P0034 and the virus-induced cytopathic effects were thus significantly reduced. BPR1P0034 exhibited broad inhibition spectrum for influenza viruses but showed no antiviral effect for enteroviruses and echovirus 9. In a time-of-addition assay, in which the compound was added at different stages along the viral replication cycle (such as at adsorption or after adsorption), its antiviral activity was more efficient in cells treated with the test compound between 0 and 2 h, right after viral infection, implying that an early step of viral replication might be the target of the compound. These results suggest that BPR1P0034 targets the virus during viral uncoating or viral RNA importation into the nucleus.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, BPR1P0034 is the first pyrazole-based anti-influenza compound ever identified and characterized from high throughput screening to show potent (sub-μM) antiviral activity. We conclude that BPR1P0034 has potential antiviral activity, which offers an opportunity for the development of a new anti-influenza virus agent.
Antineoplastic effects of an Aurora B kinase inhibitor in breast cancer
Authors: Gully Christopher P , Zhang Fanmao , Chen Jian , Yeung James A , Velazquez-Torres Guermarie , Wang Edward , Yeung Sai-Ching Jim , Lee Mong-Hong
Published: February 2010

Background

Aurora B kinase is an important mitotic kinase involved in chromosome segregation and cytokinesis. It is overexpressed in many cancers and thus may be an important molecular target for chemotherapy. AZD1152 is the prodrug for AZD1152-HQPA, which is a selective inhibitor of Aurora B kinase activity. Preclinical antineoplastic activity of AZD1152 against acute myelogenous leukemia, multiple myeloma and colorectal cancer has been reported. However, this compound has not been evaluated in breast cancer, the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women.

Results

The antineoplastic activity of AZD1152-HQPA in six human breast cancer cell lines, three of which overexpress HER2, is demonstrated. AZD1152-HQPA specifically inhibited Aurora B kinase activity in breast cancer cells, thereby causing mitotic catastrophe, polyploidy and apoptosis, which in turn led to apoptotic death. AZD1152 administration efficiently suppressed the tumor growth in a breast cancer cell xenograft model. In addition, AZD1152 also inhibited pulmonary metastatic nodule formation in a metastatic breast cancer model. Notably, it was also found that the protein level of Aurora B kinase declined after inhibition of Aurora B kinase activity by AZD1152-HQPA in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Investigation of the underlying mechanism suggested that AZD1152-HQPA accelerated protein turnover of Aurora B via enhancing its ubiquitination.

Conclusions

It was shown that AZD1152 is an effective antineoplastic agent for breast cancer, and our results define a novel mechanism for posttranscriptional regulation of Aurora B after AZD1152 treatment and provide insight into dosing regimen design for this kinase inhibitor in metastatic breast cancer treatment.
Alterations in the complement cascade in post-traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Hovhannisyan Lilit P , Mkrtchyan Gohar M , Sukiasian Samvel H , Boyajyan Anna S
Published: February 2010

Background

In the present study we assessed the functional state of the major mediator of the immune response, the complement system, in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Methods

Thirty one PTSD patients within 13 years from traumatic event and the same number of sex- and age-matched healthy volunteers were involved in this study. In the blood serum of the study subjects hemolytic activities of the classical and alternative complement pathways, as well as the activities of the individual complement components have been measured. Correlation analysis between all measured parameters was also performed.

Results

According to the results obtained PTSD is characterized by hyperactivation of the complement classical pathway, hypoactivation of the complement alternative pathway and overactivation of the terminal pathway.

Conclusions

The results obtained provide further evidence on the involvement of the inflammatory component in pathogenesis of PTSD.
IGF signaling between blastema and wound epidermis is required for fin regeneration
Authors: Chablais Fabian , Jaźwińska Anna
Published: February 2010

In mammals, the loss of a limb is irreversible. By contrast, urodele amphibians and teleost fish are capable of nearly perfect regeneration of lost appendages. This ability depends on direct interaction between the wound epithelium and mesenchymal progenitor cells of the blastema. It has been known for decades that contact between the wound epithelium and the underlying blastema is essential for successful regeneration. However, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we show that upon amputation the blastema induces expression of the ligand Igf2b, which then activates IGF signaling specifically in cells of the adjacent apical epithelium. Inhibition of IGF signaling by either morpholino antisense technology, or by specific chemical inhibitors of Igf1 receptor function NVP-AEW541 and NVP-ADW742, impairs fin regeneration. At the cellular level, this block in regeneration is reflected by a lack of the distinctive basal epithelium, increased apoptosis in the wound epidermis and reduced proliferation of blastema cells. Furthermore, induction of the blastemal and wound epidermal markers cannot be supported in the absence of IGF signaling. These data provide evidence that Igf2b expressed in the blastema promotes the properties of the adjacent wound epidermis, which subsequently are necessary for blastema function. Thus, IGF signaling upregulated upon fin amputation represents a signal from the blastema to the wound epithelium, a crucial step in appendage regeneration.
Konsensusprotokoll zur Standardisierung von Entnahme und Biobanking des Liquor cerebrospinalis1 / A consensus protocol for the standardisation of cerebrospinal fluid collection and biobanking
Authors: Teunissen Charlotte E. , Petzold Axel , Bennett Jeffrey L. , Berven Frode S. , Brundin Lou , Comabella Manuel , Franciotta Diego , Federiksen Jette L. , Fleming John O. , Furlan Roberto , Hintzen Rogier Q. , Hughes Steve G. , Johnson Michael H. , Krasulova Eva , Kuhle Jens , Magnone Maria-Chiara , Rajda Cecilia , Rejdak Konrad , Schmidt Holly K. , Pesch Vincent van , Waubant Emmanuelle , Wolf Christian , Giovannoni Gavin , Deisenhammer Florian , Hegen Harald , Hemmer Bernhard , Tumani Hayrettin T.
Published: February 2010

Die Erforschung von Biomarkern in Körperflüssigkeiten bei neurodegenerativen und neuroinflammatorischen Erkrankungen blickt auf eine langjährige Geschichte zurück. Dennoch werden nur wenige Liquor cerebrospinalis (Liquor)-Biomarker in der klinischen Praxis verwendet. Einer der problematischen Faktoren in der Liquorbiomarker-Forschung ist die eingeschränkte Aussagekraft von Studien aufgrund einer nicht ausreichend großer Anzahl von Proben, die in Studien von einzelnen Zentren akquiriert werden können. Deshalb ist die Kooperation zwischen mehreren Zentren erforderlich, um große Biobanken von definierten Proben zu etablieren. Standardisierte Protokolle für Biobanking sind unumgänglich, um die durch die größere Anzahl von Liquorproben gewonnene statistische Aussagekraft sicherzustellen und nicht durch mangelhafte Präanalytik einzuschränken. Hier wird ein Konsensusbericht über Leitlinien zu Liquorentnahme und Biobanking durch das BioMS-eu Netzwerk für Liquorbiomarker-Forschung in Multipler Sklerose präsentiert. Schwerpunkte des Berichts sind Liquorentnahme, präanalytische Faktoren und klinische sowie sonstige Informationen. Biobanking-Protokolle sind für Liquor-Biobanken im Rahmen der Erforschung jeder neurologischen Krankheit anwendbar.
Ungebundenes (freies) Bilirubin: eine bessere Grundlage für die Bewertung des Icterus neonatorum1 / Unbound (free) bilirubin: improving the paradigm for evaluating neonatal jaundice
Authors: Ahlfors Charles E. , Wennberg Richard P. , Ostrow J. Donald , Tiribelli Claudio
Published: February 2010

Hintergrund: Die Konzentration des Gesamtbilirubins (BT) in Serum oder Plasma war lange Zeit die klinische Standard-Laboratoriumsuntersuchung für die Bewertung eines Neugeborenenikterus, obwohl Studien zeigten, dass keine enge Korrelation zwischen BT und dem Auftreten einer akuten Bilirubin-Enzephalopathie (ABE) oder ihrer Folgezustände [Tod, klassischer Kernikterus oder Bilirubin-induzierte neurologische Dysfunktion (BIND)] besteht. Die schlechte Korrelation zwischen BT und ABE wird üblicherweise auf Störeinflüsse durch Komorbidität (z.B. Hämolysezustände, Frühgeburtlichkeit, Asphyxie oder Infektion) zurückgeführt. Es mehren sich jedoch die Hinweise darauf, dass BT per se kein guter Indikator ist, weil die Bilirubinkonzentration im Zentralnervensystem – und somit das Auftreten der ABE und ihrer Folgezustände – weniger von der Gesamtbilirubinkonzentration in Serum oder Plasma als von der Konzentration des ungebundenen oder freien (d.h. im Plasma nicht an Proteine gebundenen) Bilirubins (Bf) abhängt.

Inhalt: In dieser Übersichtsarbeit werden (a) die komplexen Beziehungen zwischen den in Serum oder Plasma bestimmten Bilirubinkonzentrationen und der ABE, (b) die geschichtlichen Grundlagen der limitierten Verwendung von Bf in der Klinik, (c) die Peroxidase-Methode zur Bestimmung von Bf sowie technische und andere Aspekte, die für die Anpassung der Methode an die klinische Routine erforderlich sind, (d) die klinischen Erfahrungen mit der Anwendung von Bf beim Management des Icterus neonatorum und (e) die Bedeutung der Bf-Bestimmung für wissenschaftliche Fragestellungen zur Pathobiochemie des Bilirubins dargestellt.

Zusammenfassung: Immer mehr Daten aus klinischen Studien, klinischer Erfahrung und Grundlagenforschung zur Neurotoxizität von Bilirubin sprechen dafür, dass der Parameter Bf zügig in die Routinediagnostik bei ikterischen Neugeborenen aufgenommen werden sollte.
Fission Yeast Hsk1 (Cdc7) Kinase Is Required After Replication Initiation for Induced Mutagenesis and Proper Response to DNA Alkylation Damage
Authors: Dolan William P , Le Anh-Huy , Schmidt Henning , Yuan Ji-Ping , Green Marc , Forsburg Susan L
Published: February 2010

Genome stability in fission yeast requires the conserved S-phase kinase Hsk1 (Cdc7) and its partner Dfp1 (Dbf4). In addition to their established function in the initiation of DNA replication, we show that these proteins are important in maintaining genome integrity later in S phase and G2. hsk1 cells suffer increased rates of mitotic recombination and require recombination proteins for survival. Both hsk1 and dfp1 mutants are acutely sensitive to alkylation damage yet defective in induced mutagenesis. Hsk1 and Dfp1 are associated with the chromatin even after S phase, and normal response to MMS damage correlates with the maintenance of intact Dfp1 on chromatin. A screen for MMS-sensitive mutants identified a novel truncation allele, rad35 (dfp1-(1–519)), as well as alleles of other damage-associated genes. Although Hsk1–Dfp1 functions with the Swi1–Swi3 fork protection complex, it also acts independently of the FPC to promote DNA repair. We conclude that Hsk1–Dfp1 kinase functions post-initiation to maintain replication fork stability, an activity potentially mediated by the C terminus of Dfp1.
Serotype 19A Is the Most Common Serotype Causing Invasive Pneumococcal Infections in Children
Authors: Kaplan Sheldon L. , Barson William J. , Lin Philana L. , Stovall Stephanie H. , Bradley John S. , Tan Tina Q. , Hoffman Jill A. , Givner Laurence B. , Mason Edward O.
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study was to monitor the clinical and microbiologic features of invasive infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae among children before and after the introduction of the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7).

DESIGN:

We conducted a 15-year prospective surveillance study of all invasive pneumococcal infections in children. The sample included infants and children at 8 children's hospitals in the United States with culture-proven invasive S pneumoniae infections.

RESULTS:

Since the implementation of routine PCV7 immunization in 2000, invasive infections have decreased yearly from 2001 through 2004, to a nadir of 151 infections; the rate then increased from 2005 through 2008. Compared with the pre-PCV7 era, a greater proportion of children with invasive pneumococcal infection had an underlying condition in the post-PCV7 period. Compared with the total number of annual admissions, the number of 19A isolates increased significantly from 2001 to 2008 (P < .00001). In 2007 and 2008, only 16 isolates (4%) were vaccine serotypes; 19A accounted for 46% (168 of 369) of the non-PCV7 serotypes. Thirty percent of the 19A isolates were multidrug resistant. Serotypes 1, 3, and 7F accounted for 22% of the non-PCV7 serotypes. Among children with invasive pneumococcal infections, the likelihood of a 19A serotype increased with the number of preceding PCV7 doses.

CONCLUSIONS:

Since 2005, the number of invasive pneumococcal infections in children has increased at 8 children's hospitals, primarily as a result of serotype 19A isolates, one third of which were resistant to multiple antibiotics in 2007 and 2008. Continued surveillance is necessary to detect emerging serotypes after the planned introduction of 13-valent or other pneumococcal vaccines.
Prevalências de ideação, plano e tentativa de suicídio: um inquérito de base populacional em Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil
Authors: Botega Neury José , Marín-León Letícia , Oliveira Helenice Bosco de , Barros Marilisa Berti de Azevedo , Silva Viviane Franco da , Dalgalarrondo Paulo
Published: February 2010

O objetivo foi estimar as prevalências ao longo da vida de ideação, planos e tentativas de suicídio na população. Quinhentos e quinze indivíduos residentes em Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil, foram selecionados utilizando-se amostragem estratificada por conglomerados e avaliados por entrevista do Estudo Multicêntrico de Intervenção no Comportamento Suicida. Calculamos prevalências ponderadas, com os respectivos intervalos de 95% de confiança (IC95%). As prevalências foram de 17,1% (IC95%: 12,9;21,2) para ideação, 4,8% (IC95%: 2,8;6,8) para planos e 2,8% (IC95%: 0,09;4,6) para tentativas de suicídio. O comportamento suicida foi mais freqüente em mulheres e em adultos jovens. A existência de um plano de como tirar a própria vida, em termos de freqüência, situa-se próximo da tentativa (relação de 5:3). De cada três tentativas de suicídio, apenas uma chegou a ser atendida em um serviço médico. As prevalências se assemelham à maioria dos estudos de outros países. É essencial coletar diretamente na comunidade informações sobre o comportamento suicida, abarcando-o em sua abrangência.
Prevalência e fatores associados ao sobrepeso e à obesidade em adolescentes, estudantes de escolas de Ensino Médio de Pernambuco, Brasil
Authors: Tassitano Rafael Miranda , Barros Mauro Virgilio Gomes de , Tenório Maria Cecilia Marinho , Bezerra Jorge , Hallal Pedro C.
Published: February 2010

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a associação entre fatores demográficos, sócio-econômicos, escolares e comportamentais e a prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade em adolescentes. A amostra foi constituída por 4.210 estudantes (14-19 anos) da rede pública estadual em Pernambuco, Brasil, selecionados mediante amostragem por conglomerados em dois estágios. Além das medidas antropométricas, dados pessoais e comportamentais foram coletadas usando o Global School-Based Health Survey. Pontos de corte utilizados para classificação dos casos de sobrepeso e obesidade foram os propostos pelo International Obesity Task Force. A prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade foi 11,5% (IC95%: 10,7-12,8) e 2,4% (IC95%: 1,9-2,9), respectivamente. Verificou-se maior risco de sobrepeso e obesidade entre rapazes que residiam em áreas urbanas e que não participavam das aulas de educação física. Entre as moças, assistir à televisão três horas ou mais foi fator associado à ocorrência de obesidade. Redução do tempo de televisão e participação nas aulas de educação física podem ser ações efetivas no enfrentamento da epidemia da obesidade.
Quantitative evaluation of image sticking on displays with different gradual luminous variation
Authors: Shin Dong‐Yong , Woo Jong‐Kwan , Hong Yongtaek , Kim Suhwan , Kim Keum‐Nam , Kim Byung‐Hee
Published: February 2010

Abstract— To comparatively evaluate various driving methods of an electronic display in respect to image sticking, a consistent and reliable quantification method is required. For proper evaluation, the entire area of a display is often monitored by using a chessboard pattern, and long‐range gradual luminous variation in the background is eliminated. Estimation in terms of a single number is also preferred for simple comparison of image sticking. However, the prior method that uses the initial luminance for normalization and estimates the range‐to‐maximum ratio is not well‐suited for the driving methods that relieve image sticking by restoring luminance uniformity. We have developed a method of extracting reference values for normalization and introduced the relative standard deviation (RSD) into our estimation. The resulting method is insensitive to the temporal change in the long‐range gradual luminous variation and sufficiently indicative to allow driving methods to be compared effectively. The reference extraction method and the indicative capability of the RSD have been assessed by experiments using a real active‐matrix organic light‐emitting‐diode (AMOLED) display cell.
Narrowing the agronomic yield gap with improved nitrogen use efficiency: a modeling approach
Authors: Ahrens T. D. , Lobell D. B. , Ortiz-Monasterio J. I. , Li Y. , Matson P. A.
Published: February 2010

Improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in the major cereals is critical for more sustainable nitrogen use in high‐input agriculture, but our understanding of the potential for NUE improvement is limited by a paucity of reliable on‐farm measurements. Limited on‐farm data suggest that agronomic NUE (AEN) is lower and more variable than data from trials conducted at research stations, on which much of our understanding of AEN has been built. The purpose of this study was to determine the magnitude and causes of variability in AEN across an agricultural region, which we refer to as the achievement distribution of AEN. The distribution of simulated AEN in 80 farmers' fields in an irrigated wheat system in the Yaqui Valley, Mexico, was compared with trials at a local research center (International Wheat and Maize Improvement Center; CIMMYT). An agroecosystem simulation model WNMM was used to understand factors controlling yield, AEN, gaseous N emissions, and nitrate leaching in the region. Simulated AEN in the Yaqui Valley was highly variable, and mean on‐farm AEN was 44% lower than trials with similar fertilization rates at CIMMYT. Variability in residual N supply was the most important factor determining simulated AEN. Better split applications of N fertilizer led to almost a doubling of AEN, increased profit, and reduced N pollution, and even larger improvements were possible with technologies that allow for direct measurement of soil N supply and plant N demand, such as site‐specific nitrogen management.
Integrating environmental and genetic effects to predict responses of tree populations to climate
Authors: Wang Tongli , O'Neill Gregory A. , Aitken Sally N.
Published: February 2010

Climate is a major environmental factor affecting the phenotype of trees and is also a critical agent of natural selection that has molded among‐population genetic variation. Population response functions describe the environmental effect of planting site climates on the performance of a single population, whereas transfer functions describe among‐population genetic variation molded by natural selection for climate. Although these approaches are widely used to predict the responses of trees to climate change, both have limitations. We present a novel approach that integrates both genetic and environmental effects into a single “universal response function” (URF) to better predict the influence of climate on phenotypes. Using a large lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud.) field transplant experiment composed of 140 populations planted on 62 sites to demonstrate the methodology, we show that the URF makes full use of data from provenance trials to: (1) improve predictions of climate change impacts on phenotypes; (2) reduce the size and cost of future provenance trials without compromising predictive power; (3) more fully exploit existing, less comprehensive provenance tests; (4) quantify and compare environmental and genetic effects of climate on population performance; and (5) predict the performance of any population growing in any climate. Finally, we discuss how the last attribute allows the URF to be used as a mechanistic model to predict population and species ranges for the future and to guide assisted migration of seed for reforestation, restoration, or afforestation and genetic conservation in a changing climate.
Organic Pollution and Genotoxicity of Sediments of the Palun Marshes (Berre Lagoon, France)
Authors: Di Giorgio Carole , Liu Wei , Sarrazin Luc , Wafo Emmanuel , Moreau Xavier , De Jong Laetitia , Thiery Alain , De Méo Michel
Published: February 2010

The impact of industrial, rural, and urban activities on two runnels (B1, B2, and B3 from Beausset runnel and V1 and V2 from Vallat du Ceinturon runnel) located in the Palun marshes (Berre lagoon, France) was evaluated by analyzing 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 1‐nitropyrene (1‐NP), 1‐aminopyrene (1‐AP), and six pesticides in sediment samples. The mutagenicity was assessed with the Salmonella mutagenicity test using tester strains TA98+S9 Mix and YG1041 ± S9 Mix. The clastogenicity was evaluated with the micronucleus assay on Chinese Ovarian cells ± S9 Mix. A gradient of PAHs concentrations was observed from B1 (3359 μg kg−1 dry weight [dw]), close to industrial zones, to V2 (497 μg kg−1 dw), away from the source of pollution. Similar gradient was noted for 1‐AP (from B1: 11.8 μg kg−1 dw to V2: 0.6 μg kg−1 dw). However, this trend was not observed in 1‐NP concentrations (concentrations ranged from 1.2 μg kg−1 dw [V1] to 0.4 μg kg−1 dw [B1]). Pesticides were detected in all samples. Diazinon and dieldrin were found in high concentrations in B1 extracts (74.5 and 39.9 μg.kg−1 dw, respectively). All the sediments except V2 were mutagenic with strain TA98+S9 Mix. The mutagenicity was linked to the presence of PAHs (V1), nitroarenes (B1 and B3) and aromatic amines (B2). All sediments were clastogenic with and without S9 Mix except V1 extract, which was negative without S9 Mix. Overall, the two runnels in the Palun marshes were found to be polluted by many organic compounds that originate from direct human activities and pose a significant genotoxic risk.
Effects of Polymer‐coated Urea on Nitrate Leaching and Nitrogen Uptake by Potato
Authors: Wilson Melissa L. , Rosen Carl J. , Moncrief John F.
Published: February 2010

Increasing groundwater nitrate concentrations in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production regions have prompted the need to identify alternative nitrogen management practices. A new type of polymer‐coated urea (PCU) called Environmentally Smart Nitrogen (Agrium, Inc., Calgary, AB) is significantly lower in cost than comparable PCUs, but its potential to reduce nitrate leaching and improve fertilizer recovery has not been extensively studied in potato. In 2006 and 2007, four rates of PCU applied at emergence were compared with equivalent rates of soluble N split‐applied at emergence and post‐hilling. Additional treatments included a 0 N control, two PCU timing treatments (applied at preplant or planting), and a soluble N fertigation simulation. Nitrate leaching, fertilizer N recovery, N use efficiency (NUE), and residual soil inorganic N were measured. Both 2006 and 2007 were low leaching years. Nitrate leaching with PCU (21.3 kg NO3–N ha−1 averaged over N rates) was significantly lower than with split‐applied soluble N (26.9 kg NO3–N ha−1). The soluble N fertigation treatment resulted in similar leaching as PCU at equivalent N rates. Apparent fertilizer N recovery with PCU (65% averaged over four rates) tended to be higher than split‐applied soluble N (55%) at equivalent rates (p = 0.059). Residual soil N and NUE were not significantly affected by N source. Under the conditions of this study, PCU significantly reduced leaching and tended to improved N recovery over soluble N applied in two applications and resulted in similar N recovery and nitrate leaching as soluble N applied in six applications.
Source Water Effects on Runoff Amount and Phosphorus Concentration under Simulated Rainfall
Authors: Bohl Bormann Nancy L. , Baxter Christopher A. , Andraski Todd W. , Good Laura W. , Bundy Larry G.
Published: February 2010

Frequently, well water is used instead of rainwater to perform rainfall simulations to study P and soil loss in cropping systems. This study was conducted to determine whether the source water used in simulated rainfall studies affects runoff amount and P and sediment concentrations. Rainfall simulation and natural runoff studies were conducted in a corn (Zea mays L.) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) field on a Tama silt loam (fine‐silty, mixed, superactive, mesic Typic Argiudoll) in spring and fall 2004. No significant differences in runoff composition were found between the well and deionized (DI) source waters in the spring rainfall simulation study in corn. The fall rain simulation in alfalfa showed significantly higher runoff volumes and dissolved reactive P (DRP) concentrations with DI water than with well water. Soil water‐extractable P (WEP) measurements showed that rain and DI water extracted similar amounts of P, while well water extracted less P. Using the same source waters in WEP procedures and in rainfall simulations yielded good relationships (r2 = 0.73) between simulated rain runoff DRP and soil WEP concentrations. Natural runoff DRP concentrations measured in the same field treatments as those used in the simulated rainfall studies were much greater than those found in simulated rainfall runoff, but the relative field treatment effects on runoff P concentrations were the same. These results emphasize that simulated rainfall data can provide a relative comparison of treatment effects on runoff composition, but results from simulated rainfall experiments are not likely to duplicate natural runoff composition, regardless of the source water used.
Synthesis, Cytotoxic and Antimalarial Activities of Benzoyl Thiosemicarbazone Analogs of Isoquinoline and Related Compounds
Authors: Pingaew Ratchanok , Prachayasittikul Supaluk , Ruchirawat Somsak
Published: February 2010

Thiosemicarbazone analogs of papaveraldine and related compounds 1–6 were synthesized and evaluated for cytotoxic and antimalarial activities. The cytotoxic activity was tested against HuCCA-1, HepG2, A549 and MOLT-3 human cancer cell lines. Thiosemicarbazones 1–5 displayed cytotoxicity toward all the tested cell lines, while compounds 2–5 selectively showed potent activity against the MOLT-3 cell lines. Significantly, N(4)-phenyl-2-benzoylpyridine thiosemicarbazone 4 exhibited the most potent activity against HuCCA-1, HepG2, A549 and MOLT-3 cell lines with IC50 values of 0.03, 4.75, 0.04 and 0.004 µg/mL, respectively. In addition, 2-benzoylpyridine thio-semicarbazones 3 and 4 showed antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum with IC50 of 10-7 to < 10-6 M. The study demonstrates the quite promising activity of analog 4 as a lead molecule for further development.