bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of muscle training on resting blood flow and forearm vessel diameter in patients with chronic renal failure
Authors: Kumar S , Seward J , Wilcox A , Torella F
Published: March 2010

Background

Blood flow and vessel diameter are predictors of the success of vascular access procedures. This study investigated whether a simple exercise programme could influence these variables.

Methods

Twenty-three patients with chronic kidney disease were prescribed a simple exercise programme for one arm only; the investigators were blinded to the patients' choice. All underwent arterial and venous duplex imaging, handgrip strength and blood pressure measurements before and 1 month after the exercise programme.

Results

Twelve patients exercised their dominant and 11 their non-dominant arm. In the trained arm, the exercise programme resulted in a significant increase in handgrip strength, by a median (interquartile range) of 4 (0–8) kg (P < 0·001), and in the diameter of the brachial artery (0·2 (0·1–0·3) mm; P < 0·001), radial artery (0·3 (0·2–0·4) mm; P < 0·001), and cephalic vein (0·6 (0·4–1·2) mm in the forearm and 1·1 (0·4–1·2) mm above the elbow; P < 0·001). There was an increase in brachial artery mean velocity (3 (1–7) cm/s; P = 0·009) and peak systolic velocity (8 (1–15) cm/s; P = 0·020), despite a marginally lower systolic blood pressure (−8 (−16 to 0) mmHg; P = 0·007). There was no change in any of these parameters in the non-exercised arm.

Conclusion

In patients with chronic kidney disease, forearm exercise increased blood flow and vessel diameters. This may be beneficial before vascular access formation.
The vastus lateralis muscle: An anatomical investigation
Authors: Becker I. , Baxter G.D. , Woodley S.J.
Published: March 2010

Anterior knee pain or patellofemoral pain syndrome is commonly encountered by clinicians, but the pathogenesis of this condition is not well understood. While much research has centred around the relationship between vastus medialis and anterior knee pain, little is known about the most lateral of the quadriceps muscle group, vastus lateralis (VL). Knowledge of the anatomical organization of VL is not only necessary to understand its precise function, but to also assist in the development of clinical and biomechanical models of knee dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to investigate the detailed morphology of VL, specifically to provide data relating to architecture, attachment sites, innervation, and the presence of anatomical partitioning within the muscle. The VL muscle was examined in 10 cadaveric lower limbs using macrodissection techniques. On the basis of architecture and innervation, this muscle comprised four partitions with each receiving its own unique nerve branch. The mean fascicular length of VL was 7 cm and the mean fascicular and muscle physiological cross‐sectional areas were 1.2 cm2 and 21.6 cm2, respectively. In addition to inserting proximally at the base of the greater trochanter and distally into the superolateral border and base of the patella, three additional attachment sites were identified: the lateral intermuscular septum, iliotibial band, and the rectus tendon. The results of this study suggest that the gross morphology of VL is more complex than previously described, and the information provided regarding architecture will contribute to knowledge regarding the function of VL as well as its role in knee joint dysfunction. Clin. Anat. 23:575–585, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nonlinear lumped parameter transient model of single‐row finned‐tube liquid‐to‐gas cross‐flow heat exchanger
Authors: Mawasha P. R. , Sharra B. , Reliford R. J.
Published: March 2010

A nonlinear lumped parameter transient model of single‐row finned‐tube liquid‐to‐gas cross‐flow heat exchanger is examined numerically. The dimensionless liquid, metal, and gas outlet temperatures are examined for different dimensionless conductance and capacitance ratios. This article also describes a useful tool that can be used to enhance students' capability to analyze thermodynamic systems with heat exchangers. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 18: 582–588, 2010; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com; DOI 10.1002/cae20254
Luminescence Tuning of Upconversion Nanocrystals
Authors: Wang Guofeng , Peng Qing , Li Yadong
Published: March 2010

Upconversion luminescence tuning of β‐NaYF4nanorods under 980 nm excitation has successfully been achieved by tridoping with Ln3+ions with different electronic structures. The effects of Ce3+ions on NaYF4:Yb3+/Ho3+as well as Gd3+ions on NaYF4:Yb3+/Tm3+(Er3+) have been studied in detail. By tridoping with Ce3+ions, not only were unusual5G5→5I7and5F2/3K8→5I8transitions from Ho3+ions and 5d→4f transitions from Ce3+ions observed in NaYF4:Yb3+/Ho3+nanorods, but also an increase in the intensity of5F5→5I8relative to5S2/5F4→5I8with increasing Ce3+concentration, which can be attributed to efficient energy transfers of5I6(Ho)+2F5/2(Ce)→5I7(Ho)+2F7/2(Ce) and5S2/5F4(Ho)+2F5/2(Ce)→5F5(Ho)+2F7/2(Ce). Interestingly, with increasing pump power density, the luminescence of NaYF4:Yb3+/Ho3+nanorods is always dominated by the5S2/5F4→5I8transition, whereas the luminescence of Ce3+‐tridoped NaYF4:Yb3+/Ho3+nanorods is dominated by the5S2/5F4→5I8and5G5→5I7transitions in turn. These observations are discussed on the basis of a rate equation model. Furthermore, Gd3+‐tridoped NaYF4:Yb3+/Tm3+(Er3+) nanorods can emit multicolor upconversion emissions spanning from the UV to the near‐infrared under 980 nm excitation.6P5/2→8S7/2(≈306 nm) and6P7/2→8S7/2(≈311 nm) transitions from Gd3+ions were observed. In addition to the aforementioned luminescence properties, these Gd3+‐tridoped nanorods also exhibit paramagnetic behavior at room temperature and superparamagnetic behavior at 2 or 5 K.
Nano‐ and Microstructure Fabrication by Using a Three‐Component System
Authors: Jang Donghak , Lee Ho Yong , Park Miae , Nam Seong Ryong , Hong Jong‐In
Published: March 2010

Two‐component amphiphiles based on hydrogen‐bonded complexes between terephthaloylbisalanine (H2TBA) and dodecylamine (DA) are able to self‐assemble into nano‐ and microsized superstructures in an aqueous solvent. It is possible to modulate the morphology of these self‐assembled superstructures by modifying the composition of the complexes, which can be achieved by changing the molar ratio of the two components or by changing the chirality of H2TBA. For example, right‐handed microhelical ribbon structures were formed with L‐TBA1.0DA2.0, whereas in the case of rac‐TBA1.0DA2.0, flat ribbonlike structures were observed. Although L‐TBA1.0DA1.0 exhibited entangled fibrous structures, rac‐TBA1.0DA1.0 exhibited wire structures. Different ratios of H2TBA and DA were self‐assembled into fiber‐, wire‐, and tubulelike superstructures, as well as monoclinic, columnar, and lamellar aggregation patterns. The self‐assembled superstructures of TBAxDAy were significantly changed by adding metal ions. Transition metal (CdII, CoII, and ZnII) complexes with L‐TBAxDAy self‐assembled into rod‐, tubule‐, wire‐, and platelike superstructures. Metal‐ion complexes with rac‐TBAxDAy exhibited different superstructures. Our work suggests that it is possible to fabricate a wide variety of nano‐ and microsized superstructures by using two‐ and three‐component amphiphiles.
Base Treated Cogon Grass (Imperata cylindrica) as an Adsorbent for the Removal of Ni(II): Kinetic, Isothermal and Fixed‐bed Column Studies
Authors: Hanafiah Megat Ahmad Kamal Megat , Zakaria Haslizaidi , Ngah Wan Saime Wan
Published: March 2010

The adsorption of Ni(II) from aqueous solutions using base treated cogon grass or Imperata cylindrica (NHIC) was performed under batch and column modes. Batch experiments were conducted to determine the factors affecting adsorption such as pH, adsorbent dosage, initial nickel concentration, contact time and temperature. The fixed‐bed column experiment was performed to determine the practical applicability of NHIC and to obtain the breakthrough curve. Adsorption was fast as equilibrium was achieved within 60 min, and was best described by the pseudo second order model. According to the Langmuir model, a maximum adsorption capacity of 6.96 mg/g was observed at pH 5 and at a temperature of 313 K. Thermodynamic parameters such as ΔG0, ΔH0 and ΔS0 were calculated, and indicated that adsorption was a spontaneous and endothermic process. The mechanistic pathway of Ni(II) uptake was examined by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) spectroscopy. The Thomas and Yoon‐Nelson models were used to analyze the fixed‐bed column data.
Prediction of Density Flow Plunging Depth in Dam Reservoirs: An Artificial Neural Network Approach
Authors: Ünes Fatih
Published: March 2010

Experimental findings and observations indicate that plunging flow is related to the formation of bed load deposition in dam reservoirs. The sediment delta begins to form in the plunging region where the inflow river water meets the ambient reservoir water. Correct estimation of dam reservoir flow, plunging point, and plunging depth is crucial for dam reservoir sedimentation and water quality issues. In this study, artificial neural network (ANN), multi‐linear regression (MLR), and two‐dimensional hydrodynamic model approaches are used for modeling the plunging point and depth. A multi layer perceptron (MLP) is used as the ANN structure. A two‐dimensional model is adapted to simulate density plunging flow through a reservoir with a sloping bottom. In the model, nonlinear and unsteady continuity, momentum, energy, and k–ε turbulence equations are formulated in the Cartesian coordinates. Density flow parameters such as velocity, plunging points, and plunging depths are determined from the simulation and model results, and these are compared with previous experimental and model works. The results show that the ANN model forecasts are much closer to the experimental data than the MLR and mathematical model forecasts.
Capability of Pentavalent Arsenic Bioaccumulation and Biovolatilization of Three Fungal Strains under Laboratory Conditions
Authors: Zeng Xibai , Su Shiming , Jiang Xiliang , Li Lianfang , Bai Lingyu , Zhang Yanrong
Published: March 2010

In order to control and remediate arsenic (As) contaminated soil, sediment or water, fungi are used to investigate their potential accumulation and volatilization of As. In this study, after cultivation for 2 days, the dry weights of mycelia for Trichoderma asperellum, Fusarium oxysporum and Penicillium janthinellum all show an increased trend when the As(V) concentration ranges from 0–50, 0–50, 0–80 mg/L, respectively. When the culture system is loaded with 2500 μg As(V), which represents 50 mg/L As, and cultivated for 5 days, P. janthinellum presents the highest efficiency of 87.0 μg/g for As bioaccumulation, and the order of the efficiency for As bioaccumulation is P. janthinellum > T. asperellum > F. oxysporum. However, the order of the amount of volatilized As is F. oxysporum > P. janthinellum > T. asperellum, and the highest amount of volatilized As is observed for F. oxysporum at 181.0 μg. Thus, the ability of As bioaccumulation and biovolatilization for T. asperellum and P. janthinellum is reported for the first time in this study.
Increased risk of high‐grade prostate cancer among infertile men
Authors: Walsh Thomas J. , Schembri Michael , Turek Paul J. , Chan June M. , Carroll Peter R. , Smith James F. , Eisenberg Michael L. , Van Den Eeden Stephen K. , Croughan Mary S.
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND:

It has been reported that fatherhood status may be a risk factor for prostate cancer. In the current study, the authors examined the subsequent occurrence of prostate cancer in a cohort of men evaluated for infertility to determine whether male infertility is a risk factor for prostate cancer.

METHODS:

A total of 22,562 men who were evaluated for infertility from 1967 to 1998 were indentified from 15 California infertility centers and linked to the California Cancer Registry. The incidence of prostate cancer was compared with the incidence in an age‐matched and geography‐matched sample of men from the general population. The risk of prostate cancer in men with and those without male factor infertility was modeled using a Cox proportional hazards regression model.

RESULTS:

A total of 168 cases of prostate cancer that developed after infertility were identified. Men evaluated for infertility but not necessarily with male factors were not found to have an increased risk of cancer compared with the general population (standardized incidence ratio [SIR], 0.9; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.8‐1.1). This risk was found to be highest for men with male factor infertility who developed high–grade prostate cancer (SIR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.2‐3.0). On multivariate analyses, men with male factor infertility were found to be 2.6 times more likely to be diagnosed with high–grade prostate cancer (hazard ratio, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.4‐4.8).

CONCLUSIONS:

Men with male factor infertility were found to have an increased risk of subsequently developing high–grade prostate cancer. Male infertility may be an early and identifiable risk factor for the development of clinically significant prostate cancer. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Inter‐rater reliability of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV Axis I Disorders (SCID I) and Axis II Disorders (SCID II)
Authors: Lobbestael Jill , Leurgans Maartje , Arntz Arnoud
Published: March 2010

This study simultaneously assessed the inter‐rater reliability of the Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Axis I (SCID I) and Axis II disorders (SCID II) in a mixed sample of n = 151 inpatients and outpatients, and non‐patient controls. Audiotaped interviews were assessed by independent second raters blind for the first raters' scores and diagnoses. Categorical inter‐rater reliability was assessed for 12 Axis I disorders of SCID I, while both categorical and dimensional inter‐rater reliability was tested for all Axis II disorders. Results revealed moderate to excellent inter‐rater agreement of the Axis I disorders, while most categorically and dimensionally measured personality disorders showed excellent inter‐rater agreement. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message:

• Elaborate training in administration of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM disorders (SCID) is a crucial ingredient for valid use of the SCID.

• The more dimensionally the SCID II pathology is indexed, the higher inter‐rater reliability.

• Structural assessment of Axis I and Axis II pathology by means of SCID I and II is an essential ingredient for valid and reliable pathology assessment in clinical practice and in research.
Corporate social responsibility: discourse, narratives and communication
Authors: Dobers Peter , Springett Delyse
Published: March 2010

The problematic and contestable nature of discourses on corporate social responsibility (CSR) has driven the commissioning of this special issue on discourses, narratives, and communication about CSR. While CSR may be seen as sharing normative goals with the concept of sustainable development, there are fundamental questions to be asked about the nature and purpose of CSR, how it has been constructed and framed, and whether it promotes the normative goals of sustainable development in order to effect change to the business‐as‐usual model. The teasing out of the different discourses of CSR has become an important theme in academic research in recent years. In this issue, that discourse is developed. The authors discover gaps between CSR as understood by civil society groups and radical non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) and the CSR norms promoted at corporate level. The latter fail to impact on business‐as‐usual, even though the same language may be used. The link between Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) reporting and market‐value is explored; and CSR principles and actions promoted by business are critiqued from the perspective of the norms of sustainable development, one conclusion being that the parameters of sustainable development as a concept need to be extended to include the dimension of culture. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Z Copy‐Controlled Gain‐Current Differencing Buffered Amplifier and its applications
Authors: Biolek Dalibor , Bajer Josef , Biolková Viera , Kolka Zdeněk , Kubíček Michal
Published: March 2010

The Z Copy‐Controlled Gain‐Current Differencing Buffered Amplifier (ZC‐CG‐CDBA) is introduced in the paper. In addition to the well‐known CDBA, the input Current Differencing Unit (CDU) is modified and completed by special circuits. Analogously to the conventional CDBA, thezterminal is internally connected to the input of voltage buffer. The current gain from the difference inputp, nto the outputzcan be controlled electronically or by an external device. In addition, an independent high‐impedance outputzcis available, providing difference currentIp−In. In the paper, the extension of application range of the ZC‐CG‐CDBA compared with the conventional CDBA is referred to. The novel circuit element is assembled from commercial integrated circuits and its principle is verified experimentally on a universal second‐order filter. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Switching and linear power stages evaluation for PEM fuel cell emulation
Authors: Ramos Paja Carlos Andrés , Romero Nevado Alfonso , Giral Castillón Robert , Martinez‐Salamero Luis , Sanchez Saenz Carlos Ignacio
Published: March 2010

A fuel cell‐based power systems emulator designed to test devices and loads intended to interact with real prototypes is presented. The emulator uses a digital processing device and electrical power systems, evaluating the impact of using either switching or linear power stages in the emulator capabilities. A real fuel cell prototype is emulated using a parameterized physical fuel cell model, which is computed online by a digital device. Also, several power stages not previously used specifically for this application, with different efficiencies and performances, were developed and analysed. One of the power stages was based on a two‐inductor step‐down DC/DC converter for a switching power stage instead of the classical buck structure that is more prone to duty cycle saturation in transients at low output voltages. The other ones used high‐power operational amplifiers for a linear power stage and linear regulators for a scalable linear power stage. Finally, the emulation system and the power stages were evaluated and validated using experimental data of a real fuel cell prototype. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Epitaxial Lateral Overgrowth of GaN on Si (111) Substrates Using High‐Dose, N+ Ion Implantation
Authors: Kim Bumjoon , Lee Kwangtaek , Jang Samseok , Jhin Junggeun , Lee Seungjae , Baek Jonghyeob , Yu Youngmoon , Lee Jaesang , Byun Dongjin
Published: March 2010

An epitaxial, laterally‐overgrown (ELOG) GaN layer is deposited on a Si(111) substrate using high‐dose, N+ ion implantation. ELOG GaN is deposited on a Si(111) wafer with implantation stripes by metal‐organic (MO) CVD. The GaN layer on the N+ ion‐implanted region is polycrystalline and acts as a mask for the ELOG process. This is attributed to the growth rate of the polycrystalline GaN being much slower than that of epitaxial GaN. After 120 min, complete coalescence is achieved with a flat surface. Scanning cathodoluminescence (CL) microscopy and high resolution X‐ray diffraction (HRXRD) confirm the high optical and crystalline quality of the ELOG GaN layer.
The Synthesis of Highly Loaded Cu/Al2O3 and Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 Catalysts by the Two‐Step CVD of CuIIdiethylamino‐2‐propoxide in a Fluidized‐Bed Reactor
Authors: Becker Michael , d'Alnoncourt Raoul Naumann , Kähler Kevin , Sekulic Jelena , Fischer Roland A. , Muhler Martin
Published: March 2010

Highly loaded copper catalysts supported on alumina are synthesized applying the cyclic two‐step CVD of the precursor copper(II)diethylamino‐2‐propoxide in a fluidized‐bed reactor. Copper/zinc oxide/alumina composites are synthesized by either the CVD of the precursor bis[bis(trimethylsilyl)amido]zinc on Cu/Al2O3, or the CVD of the Cu precursor on Zn‐pretreated alumina, impregnating with diethyl zinc in addition. The composites are extensively characterized by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), elemental analysis (EA), mass spectrometry (MS), N2 physisorption, N2O reactive frontal chromatography (RFC), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The Cu and ZnO nanoparticles originating from the efficient two‐step procedure, consisting of adsorption and subsequent decomposition of the adsorbed species in two separated steps, are highly dispersed, X‐ray amorphous, and, in the case of the Cu‐containing catalysts, have high specific Cu surface areas. The catalytic activities are determined both in methanol synthesis, to judge the contact between the deposited Cu and ZnO nanoparticles, and in the steam reforming of methanol (SRM) to probe the stability of the Cu particles. The turn‐over frequencies (TOF) in methanol synthesis of these Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalysts are higher than that of a commercial ternary catalyst. The varied sequence of the CVD of Cu and ZnO on alumina leads to catalysts with similar activities in the case of similar specific Cu areas.
Generation of gold nanostructures at the surface of platinum electrode by electrodeposition for ECL detection for CE
Authors: Cao Guangming , Liu Qian , Huang Yan , Li Wang , Yao Shouzhuo
Published: March 2010

In this paper, we report a sensitive method for ECL detection for CE based on generation of gold nanostructures at the surface of Pt electrode by electrodeposition. Difenidol hydrochloride was used as a model analyte. With the increase of electrodeposition amount, the morphology of gold nanostructures changed from discrete nanoflowers to dense nanoparticle array. Interestingly, the variation of deposition amount also greatly affected the ECL intensity of difenidol. The ECL intensity increased remarkably with deposition amount and reached the maximum value at the deposition amount of 7.0×10−8C; further increasing the deposition amount, however, caused the ECL intensity to decrease. Other conditions, including applied potential, injection time and voltage, buffer pH, were also optimized in detail. Under the optimized conditions, the linear response range of difenidol is from 1.0×10−8 to 5.0×10−5 M, and the detection limit was 4.0×10−9 M (S/N=3). The RSDs of ECL intensity and migration time were 2.0 and 1.6%, respectively (n=5, at 7.5 μM difenidol). Compared with using bare electrode, the detection sensitivity was significantly improved by ca. two orders of magnitude. Notably, the nanogold was prepared at the surface of electrode and no nanogold was added to the electrophoretic buffer or detection cell, thus causing no interference to the separation. Finally, the proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of difenidol in tablets and urine samples. With high sensitivity and good reproducibility, this method provides a promising platform for the determination of pharmaceuticals that have a tertiary amine group such as difenidol.
Novel tuneable optical elements based on nanoparticle suspensions in microfluidics
Authors: Kayani Aminuddin A. , Zhang Chen , Khoshmanesh Khashayar , Campbell Jos L. , Mitchell Arnan , Kalantar‐zadeh Kourosh
Published: March 2010

This work demonstrates the application of dielectrophoretic (DEP) control of silica nanoparticles to form tuneable optical elements within a microfluidic system. The implementation consisted of a microfluidic channel with an array of curved microelectrodes along its base. Various DEP conditions were investigated at alternating current voltage amplitudes, flow rates and frequencies from 5 to 15 V, 2 to 10 μL/min and 0 to 20 MHz, respectively. The fluid channel was filled with deionized water suspending silica particles with diameters of 230 and 450 nm. Experiments were conducted to demonstrate DEP concentration and deflection of the particles and the impact of these particles distributions on the optical transmission through the fluid channel. Both confinement and scattering of the light were observed depending on the particle dimensions and the parameters of the DEP excitation. The results of this investigation illustrate the feasibility of DEP control in an optofluidic system and represent a significant step toward the dynamic formation of electrically controlled liquid optical waveguides.
Predicting torsion‐induced lateral displacements for pushover analysis: Influence of torsional system characteristics
Authors: De Stefano Mario , Pintucchi Barbara
Published: March 2010

The increasing popularity of simplified nonlinear methods in seismic design has recently led to many proposals for procedures aimed at extending pushover analysis to plan asymmetric structures. In terms of practical applications, one particularly promising approach is based on combining pushover analysis of a 3D structural model with the results of linear (modal) dynamic analysis. The effectiveness of such procedure, however, is contingent on one fundamental requirement: the elastic prediction of the envelope of lateral displacements must be conservative with respect to the actual inelastic one.

This paper aims at verifying the above assumption through an extensive parametric analysis conducted with simplified single‐storey models. The main structural parameters influencing torsional response in the elastic and inelastic range of behaviour are varied, while devoting special attention to the system stiffness eccentricity and radius. The analysis clarifies the main features of inelastic torsional response of different types of building structures; in this manner, it is found that the above‐mentioned method is generally suitable for structures characterized by moderate to large torsional stiffness, whereas it cannot be recommended for extremely torsionally stiff structures, as their inelastic torsional response almost always exceeds the elastic one. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seismic steel jacketing of rectangular RC bridge columns for the mitigation of lap‐splice failures
Authors: Lin Min‐Lang , Chen Pei‐Ching , Tsai Keh‐Chyuan , Yu Yi‐Jer , Liu Jun‐Gu
Published: March 2010

This paper investigated the use of external steel jacketing for seismic retrofit of non‐ductile reinforced concrete (RC) bridge columns to prevent lap‐splice failure. Three 1/2.5‐scale specimens were tested under cyclic loads. The effectiveness of two types of steel jackets for improving the ductility and strength of specimens using inadequate transverse reinforcing and lap‐splice details were examined. An octagonal steel jacketing scheme for the seismic retrofitting of rectangular RC bridge columns was proposed. In addition, the methods for seismic retrofitting rectangular columns using elliptical steel jacketing were also critically tested. The test results indicated that the octagonal steel jackets can effectively provide confinement thereby mitigating failures as a result of inadequate transverse reinforcing and inadequate lap‐splices. Tests also confirmed that the ductility performance and the energy dissipation capacity of the specimens can be significantly improved by the octagonal steel jacket. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conditional relative survival in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Permanent excess mortality risk for long‐term survivors
Authors: van der Schroeff Marc P. , van de Schans Saskia A. M. , Piccirillo Jay F. , Langeveld Ton P. M. , Baatenburg de Jong Robert J. , Janssen‐Heijnen Maryska L. G.
Published: March 2010

Background.

Dynamic predictions on head and neck cancer survival could offer, besides improved patient counseling, insight into long‐term effects of tumor‐ and patient‐based characteristics on survival. Theoretically, there could be a certain time period after diagnosis after which the patient returns to a population risk on survival.

Methods.

In all, 7255 patients with a primary head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) aged 25 to 90 years, diagnosed between January 1980 and January 2004 in The Netherlands, were included. Conditional 5‐year relative survival for every additional year survived was computed.

Results.

The overall conditional relative prognosis reached a plateau after approximately 4 years; a permanent 20% to 25% excess mortality for long‐term HNSCC survivors remained.

Conclusions.

Conditional 5‐year relative survival for patients with HNSCC remains poorer compared to age‐ and sex‐matched counterparts in the general population, even when alive at 15 years after diagnosis. We assume that this is caused by an excess comorbidity in these patients, mainly due to smoking and alcohol abuse. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010
Prognostic significance of differentially expressed miRNAs in esophageal cancer
Authors: Hu Yuxin , Correa Arlene M. , Hoque Ashraful , Guan Baoxiang , Ye Fei , Huang Jie , Swisher Stephen G. , Wu Tsung Teh , Ajani Jaffer A. , Xu Xiao‐Chun
Published: March 2010

Altered microRNA (miRNA) expression has been found to promote carcinogenesis, but little is known about the role of miRNAs in esophageal cancer. In this study, we selected 10 miRNAs and analyzed their expression in 10 esophageal cancer cell lines and 158 tissue specimens using Northern blotting and in situ hybridization, respectively. We found that Let‐7g, miR‐21 and miR‐195p were expressed in all 10 cell lines, miR‐9 and miR‐20a were not expressed in any of the cell lines, and miR‐16‐2, miR‐30e, miR‐34a, miR‐126 and miR‐200a were expressed in some of the cell lines but not others. In addition, transient transfection of miR‐34a inhibited c‐Met and cyclin D1 expression and esophageal cancer cell proliferation, whereas miR‐16‐2 suppressed RAR‐β2 expression and increased tumor cell proliferation. Furthermore, we found that miR‐126 expression was associated with tumor cell dedifferentiation and lymph node metastasis, miR‐16‐2 was associated with lymph node metastasis, and miR‐195p was associated with higher pathologic disease stages in patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma. Kaplan‐Meier analysis showed that miR‐16‐2 expression and miR‐30e expression were associated with shorter overall and disease‐free survival in all esophageal cancer patients. In addition, miR‐16‐2, miR‐30e and miR‐200a expression were associated with shorter overall and disease‐free survival in patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma; however, miR‐16‐2, miR‐30e and miR‐200a expression were not associated with overall or disease‐free survival in squamous cell carcinoma patients. Our data indicate that further evaluation of miR‐30e and miR‐16‐2 as prognostic biomarkers is warranted in patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma. In addition, the role of miR‐34a in esophageal cancer also warrants further study.
Loss of MKK4 expression in ovarian cancer: A potential role for the epithelial to mesenchymal transition
Authors: Yeasmin Shamima , Nakayama Kentaro , Rahman Mohammed Tanjimur , Rahman Munmun , Ishikawa Masako , Katagiri Atsuko , Iida Kouji , Nakayama Naomi , Miyazaki Kohji
Published: March 2010

In the current study, we investigated the mechanism relating downregulation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase 4 (MKK4) expression to development of ovarian cancer. Over‐expression of the MKK4 gene in TOV‐21 G cells, a line with homozygous deletion of MKK4, resulted in morphologic changes in which cells growing in a scattered, fibroblast‐like pattern formed tightly packed colonies. Based on a wound healing assay and a Matrigel invasion assay, we determined that both motility and invasiveness of MKK4‐transfected TOV‐21G cells were significantly reduced compared to control vector‐transfected cells. To confirm that MKK4 expression related to tumor invasion resulted from an epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐like morphological change, we used 2 independent but complementary approaches. MKK4 gene knockdown in MDAH 2774 cells over‐expressing MKK4 increased invasion activity. Additionally, engineered expression of MKK4 in SKOV3 cells, a line with low endogenous MKK4 expression, produced a phenotype similar to that of TOVG‐21G. Interestingly, we found that MKK4 upregulation caused downregulation of phosphorylated NF‐κB and Twist, as well as upregulation of E‐cadherin, in TOVG‐21G and SKOV3 cells. Reciprocal results were obtained in MDAH 2774 cells with MKK4 knockdown. Our results suggest that MKK4 downregulation causes increased phosphorylation NF‐κB. This promotes Twist over‐expression, resulting in E‐cadherin downregulation that induces EMT in ovarian cancer.
Adiposity, adult weight gain and mammographic breast density in US Chinese women
Authors: Tseng Marilyn , Byrne Celia
Published: March 2010

The association of adiposity with dense tissue area in the breast is unclear, but suggests a mechanism by which adiposity might increase breast cancer risk. We examined associations of body mass index (BMI), usual BMI from age 20 to 29, waist circumference and adult weight gain with breast density in a sample of premenopausal United States Chinese immigrant women. Analyses included 415 participants in a longitudinal breast density study in Philadelphia. In addition to detailed questionnaire information, data collection included measures of anthropometry, and assessment of mammographic breast density using a computer‐assisted method. We used multivariate linear regression to quantify cross‐sectional associations with dense and nondense tissue area and percent breast density assessed at baseline. In adjusted models, BMI and waist circumference were significantly positively associated with nondense tissue area and inversely associated with percent density. BMI was also significantly positively associated with dense tissue area. Adult weight gain was associated with dense tissue area after adjusting for weight from age 20 to 29. In stratified analyses, BMI and adult weight gain were significantly associated with dense tissue area among women with BMI < 23 kg/m2, and BMI was associated with nondense tissue area among women with BMI ≥ 23 kg/m2. In this sample, adiposity and weight gain were associated with dense breast tissue area, although associations differed by level of adiposity. Given the potential implications of these findings for breast cancer prevention in premenopausal women, comparable studies in other population groups and with longitudinal data are needed. Reasons for the noted differences in associations by level of adiposity also warrant further investigation.
Methods for stabilizing and activating enzymes in ionic liquids—a review
Authors: Zhao Hua
Published: March 2010

Ionic liquids (ILs) have evolved as a new type of non‐aqueous solvents for biocatalysis, mainly due to their unique and tunable physical properties. A number of recent review papers have described a variety of enzymatic reactions conducted in IL solutions; on the other hand, it is important to systematically analyze methods that have been developed for stabilizing and activating enzymes in ILs. This review discusses the biocatalysis in ILs from two unique aspects (1) factors that impact the enzyme's activity and stability, (2) methods that have been adopted or developed to activate and/or stabilize enzymes in ionic media. Factors that may influence the catalytic performance of enzymes include IL polarity, hydrogen‐bond basicity/anion nucleophilicity, IL network, ion kosmotropicity, viscosity, hydrophobicity, the enzyme dissolution, and surfactant effect. To improve the enzyme's activity and stability in ILs, major methods being explored include the enzyme immobilization (on solid support, sol–gel, or CLEA), physical or covalent attachment to PEG, rinsing withn‐propanol methods (PREP and EPRP), water‐in‐IL microemulsions, IL coating, and the design of enzyme‐compatible ionic solvents. It is exciting to notice that new ILs are being synthesized to be more compatible with enzymes. To utilize the full potential of ILs, it is necessary to further improve these methods for better enzyme compatibility. This is what has been accomplished in the field of biocatalysis in conventional organic solvents. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
GABA and glutamate immunoreactivity in tentacles of the sea anemone Phymactis papillosa (LESSON 1830)
Authors: Delgado Luz M. , Couve Eduardo , Schmachtenberg Oliver
Published: March 2010

Sea anemones have a structurally simple nervous system that controls behaviors like feeding, locomotion, aggression, and defense. Specific chemical and tactile stimuli are transduced by ectodermal sensory cells and transmitted via a neural network to cnidocytes and epithelio‐muscular cells, but the nature of the neurotransmitters operating in these processes is still under discussion. Previous studies demonstrated an important role of peptidergic transmission in cnidarians, but during the last decade the contribution of conventional neurotransmitters became increasingly evident. Here, we used immunohistochemistry on light and electron microscopical preparations to investigate the localization of glutamate and GABA in tentacle cross‐sections of the sea anemone Phymactis papillosa. Our results demonstrate strong glutamate immunoreactivity in the nerve plexus, while GABA labeling was most prominent in the underlying epithelio‐muscular layer. Immunoreactivity for both molecules was also found in glandular epithelial cells, and putative sensory cells were GABA positive. Under electron microscopy, both glutamate and GABA immunogold labeling was found in putative neural processes within the neural plexus. These data support a function of glutamate and GABA as signaling molecules in the nervous system of sea anemones. J. Morphol., 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Heparanase in primary human osteoblasts
Authors: Smith Paul N. , Freeman Craig , Yu Di , Chen Mingming , Gatenby Paul A. , Parish Christopher R. , Li Rachel W.
Published: March 2010

Heparanase (HPSE) is known to be involved in fracture repair in mice, but its presence and function in human bone formation remains unclear. Our aim was to determine the expression of HPSE in human bone forming osteoblasts and to better understand its role in osteogenesis. HPSE protein expression and enzymatic activity were demonstrated in osteoblasts isolated from trabecular bone specimens of patients with osteoporosis (OP) and from healthy subjects, although the levels differed markedly. Thus, low levels of HPSE expression were observed in osteoporotic osteoblasts, including in the nucleus compared to those from healthy subjects. Notably, HPSE gene expression was associated with alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, the bone turnover marker. Gene profile studies demonstrated that osteogenic genes were downregulated in osteoporotic osteoblasts. We further exposed osteoblasts to exogenous HPSE and found that the level of histone H3 phosphorylation was increased. We provide evidence, for the first time, demonstrating that HPSE expresses and functions in human osteoblasts. Our data suggest that previously undescribed function of HPSE‐mediated osteoblastogenesis through regulation of osteogenic gene expression and histone H3 modification. HPSE upregulation may be a novel therapeutic approach in the prevention and treatment of OP. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:1315–1322, 2010
Reconstruction of a Lateglacial (Younger Dryas) mountain ice field in Sutherland, northwestern Scotland, and its palaeoclimatic implications
Authors: Lukas Sven , Bradwell Tom
Published: March 2010

Quaternary geomorphological and geological mapping of a large area (∼1800 km2) in the northwestern Scottish Highlands has led to the reconstruction of a coherent mountain ice field approximately 45 km long and 30 km wide at its maximum extent. This West Sutherland ice field covered an area of ∼350 km2 and had a mean equilibrium‐line altitude of 334 m, assuming that the outlet glaciers all reached their maxima simultaneously. Numerical dating strongly suggests a Younger Dryas (12.9–11.7 ka) age of the mapped limits of this mountain ice field. This study also shows that the area of northwestern Scotland covered by Younger Dryas glaciers was five times larger than previously thought. Palaeo‐temperature estimates, obtained from chironomid and beetle assemblages elsewhere, have been used to reconstruct palaeo‐precipitation during the Younger Dryas for west Sutherland. Using a previously published global empirical dataset, annual precipitation of 2344 ± 248 mm a−1 at sea level is inferred from our new palaeo‐glacier reconstruction, suggesting slightly wetter conditions compared to the present day. These figures are in good agreement with those reconstructed for other parts of the Scottish Highlands and Islands, and this may indicate a marked W–E palaeo‐precipitation gradient during the Younger Dryas. This paper goes on to discuss the wider validity of palaeo‐climatic reconstructions from inferred palaeo‐glacier geometries and presents a number of possible Scottish Lateglacial climate scenarios which warrant further testing. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of phosphate treatments on microbiological, physicochemical changes of spent hen muscle marinated with Tom Yum paste during chilled storage
Authors: Wongwiwat Pirinya , Wattanachant Saowakon , Siripongvutikorn Sunisa
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND: This research aimed to study the effect of phosphate on quality of ready‐to‐cook spent hen muscle marinated with Tom Yum paste, a famous Thai food made from chilli, lime leaves and garcinia (pH 2.5–2.9). The effects of phosphate treatments (phosphate types, soaking time, and phosphate concentration) on physical characteristics of spent hen muscle in high acid condition were investigated. Quality changes of muscles pretreated with or without phosphate and marinated with Tom Yum paste were determined during storage at 4 °C for 30 days.

RESULTS: The acidified muscle pretreated with 40 g L−1 sodium tripolyphosphate for 10 h had the highest marinade absorption, and the lowest cooking loss and shear force among all treatment samples. Microstructures of acidified muscle pretreated with and without sodium tripolyphosphate showed significant swelling with larger fibre diameter. Phosphate pretreatment had no influence on cooking loss, shear force and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance values of Tom Yum marinated muscle during storage. Tom Yum marination with phosphate pretreatment caused a higher increase in psychrophilic bacteria compared to that of marinating without phosphate.

CONCLUSION: Phosphate pretreatment could not improve the physical quality of Tom‐Yum marinated spent hen muscle and affected the antimicrobial property of Tom‐Yum marinade, resulting in a reduction of shelf‐life of the marinated muscle from 30 days to 20 days. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Use of different buffers for detection and separation in determination of physio‐active components in oolong tea infusion by CZE with amperometric detection
Authors: Yang Zhiyong , Li Zicheng , Zhu Jinkun , Wang Qingjiang , He Pingang , Fang Yuzhi
Published: March 2010

With a view of simultaneous determination of physio‐active ingredients in oolong tea infusion: sugars, amino acids, epigallocatechin gallate and ascorbic acid, a novel CZE with amperometric detection method was studied. Operated in a wall‐jet configuration, 100 mmol/L NaOH was used in detecting cell to lead the electrocatalysis oxidation behaviors of the analytes on a 300 μm diameter copper‐disc electrode (working electrode), while in separating capillary, a mild alkaline running buffer consisting in a mixture of 30 mmol/L borate and 40 mmol/L phosphates charged and carried analytes to detecting end. The methodology research was performed for system stability and suitability. Under the optimal CE conditions, analytes could be separated within moderate time period. Good linearity between peak area and concentration existed over three orders of magnitude; lower RSD and LOD were achieved. The oolong tea infusion was assayed and result was satisfactory.
A discussion on the process of defining 2‐D separation selectivity
Authors: Stevenson Paul G. , Mnatsakanyan Mariam , Francis Andrew R. , Shalliker R. Andrew
Published: March 2010

In this manuscript, we investigate the importance that must be placed on the selection of standard compounds when undertaking studies to optimize the performance of 2‐D‐HPLC separations. A geometric approach to factor analysis and a measure of peak density across the separation space were applied to assess localized measures of component distributions within the 2‐D separation plane. The results of this analysis of data showed that the measure of separation quality varied markedly, depending on the elution zone for which the test was undertaken. The study concluded that if standards cannot be obtained that adequately describe the entire sample matrix, the sample itself should be used, and also, the separation should be optimized for regions of interest, not necessarily the separation as a whole.
Application of turbulent flow chromatography to the metabonomic analysis of human plasma: Comparison with protein precipitation
Authors: Michopoulos Filippos , Edge Antony M. , Theodoridis Georgios , Wilson Ian D.
Published: March 2010

The use of turbulent flow chromatography (TFC) as a method for the rapid metabonomic LC‐MS analysis of plasma as an alternative to solvent‐based protein precipitation has been investigated. This comparison has shown that TFC can be effectively used in this application with the benefit that off‐line sample handling is significantly reduced. However, analysis of the data obtained via TFC for human plasma reveals substantial differences in the overall metabolite profiles compared with methanol‐precipitated HPLC‐MS. This seems in part at least to be related to greatly reduced amounts of phospholipids (ca. 10 fold reduction) for the turbulent flow methodology compared with protein‐precipitated samples. The significance of these differences with respect to metabolite profiles as a result of the sample preparation method used are discussed.
Urinary metabonomic study of lung cancer by a fully automatic hyphenated hydrophilic interaction/RPLC‐MS system
Authors: Yang Qin , Shi Xianzhe , Wang Yuan , Wang Wenzhao , He Hongbin , Lu Xin , Xu Guowang
Published: March 2010

Lung cancer is one of the most common and lethal cancers in the world. In this study, a home‐devised hydrophilic interaction chromatography/RPLC‐MS (HILIC/RPLC‐MS) system was developed to study the urinary metabonomics of lung cancer patients. This system combined the orthogonal selectivity of HILIC and RPLC and could chromatographically reveal more comprehensive information of the urinary metabolites. Within a total analysis time of 50 min, we detected 577 polar metabolite ions on the first HILIC column and 261 apolar ones on the second RPLC column. In addition, an orthogonal signal correction partial least‐squares discriminant analysis model was constructed to characterize differences between health and lung cancer cases. Eleven potential biomarkers, ten from HILIC column and one from the second RP column, were identified and all of these biomarkers were found upregulated in lung cancer patients. Overall, the results indicated that the developed HILIC/RPLC‐MS system is a promising tool for metabonomic studies in revealing more information of highly complex samples.