bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inexact Schwarz‐algebraic multigrid preconditioners for crack problems modeled by extended finite element methods
Authors: Berger‐Vergiat Luc , Waisman Haim , Hiriyur Badri , Tuminaro Ray , Keyes David
Published: December 2011

Traditional algebraic multigrid (AMG) preconditioners are not well suited for crack problems modeled by extended finite element methods (XFEM). This is mainly because of the unique XFEM formulations, which embed discontinuous fields in the linear system by addition of special degrees of freedom. These degrees of freedom are not properly handled by the AMG coarsening process and lead to slow convergence. In this paper, we proposed a simple domain decomposition approach that retains the AMG advantages on well‐behaved domains by avoiding the coarsening of enriched degrees of freedom. The idea was to employ a multiplicative Schwarz preconditioner where the physical domain was partitioned into “healthy” (or unfractured) and “cracked” subdomains. First, the “healthy” subdomain containing only standard degrees of freedom, was solved approximately by one AMG V‐cycle, followed by concurrent direct solves of “cracked” subdomains. This strategy alleviated the need to redesign special AMG coarsening strategies that can handle XFEM discretizations. Numerical examples on various crack problems clearly illustrated the superior performance of this approach over a brute force AMG preconditioner applied to the linear system. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Developing probation staff competency for working with high risk of harm offenders with personality disorder: An evaluation of the Pathways Project
Authors: Shaw Jake , Minoudis Phil , Craissati Jackie , Bannerman Ashley
Published: December 2011

Background

A model of psychologically informed offender management for high risk of harm offenders with personality disorder (PD) was piloted, in which NHS psychologists worked alongside London probation staff.

Aim

The aim of the study was to evaluate the initiatives taken to develop probation staff's capability to work effectively with the group of offenders.

Method

Self‐report measures assessing competency for working with PD and team climate were administered to the probation staff (N = 150) at baseline and at 1 year follow‐up. At follow‐up, qualitative data was also collected from a subset of Public Protection Unit staff (N = 17), evaluating their experience of the project.

Results

The probation staff significantly improved across a range of generic and forensic PD‐related competencies. The largest improvements were found in the Public Protection Unit, which received the highest level of support. There was also a significant improvement in one facet of team climate (team vision). The qualitative findings suggested that the primary areas of skills development were in the participants' understanding of PD and their capacity to identify PD and to develop treatment and management pathways.

Conclusions

The results provide evidence for the effectiveness of the project model that supports its implementation on a broader scale. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficient enrichment of phosphopeptides by magnetic TiO2‐coated carbon‐encapsulated iron nanoparticles
Authors: Zeng Yi Y. , Chen Huang‐Juo , Shiau Kai J. , Hung Shain‐Un , Wang Yi‐Sheng , Wu Chih‐Che
Published: December 2011

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has been widely used for phosphopeptide enrichment. Several approaches have been reported to produce magnetic TiO2 affinity probes. In this report, we present a facile approach to immobilize TiO2 onto poly(acrylic acid)‐functionalized magnetic carbon‐encapsulated iron nanoparticles as affinity probes for efficient enrichment of phosphopeptides. By using the new magnetic TiO2 affinity probes, denoted as TiO2‐coated Fe@CNPs, rapid and effective MALDI‐TOF MS profiling of phosphopeptides was demonstrated in different model systems such as tryptic digests of β‐casein, and complex β‐casein/BSA mixture. The TiO2‐coated Fe@CNPs out‐performed the commercial TiO2‐coated magnetic beads for detection of phosphopeptides from tryptic digests of β‐casein/BSA mixture with a molar ratio of 1:100. The new TiO2‐coated magnetic probes were also proven to be applicable for real life samples. The magnetic TiO2‐coated Fe@CNPs were employed to selectively isolate phosphopeptides from tryptic digests of HeLa cell lysates and out‐performed the commercial magnetic TiO2 beads in the number of identified phosphopeptides and phosphorylation sites. In a 200‐μg equivalent of HeLa cell lysates, we identified 1415 unique phosphopeptides and 1093 phosphorylation sites, indicating the good performance of the new approach.
Functional proteomics reveals hepatotoxicity and the molecular mechanisms of different forms of chromium delivered by skin administration
Authors: Pan Tai‐Long , Wang Pei‐Wen , Chen Chih‐Chieh , Fang Jia‐You , Sintupisut Nardnisa
Published: December 2011

Chromium compounds are known to be associated with cytotoxicity and carcinogenicity when applied via the skin. However, there is no perspective research to elucidate the causations between chromium exposure and hepatotoxicity. In the present study, the impact of hexavalent/trivalent chromium on the liver and the underlying pathogenic processes were revealed in the female nude mice model. The liver damage under different treatments was evaluated by histologic examination. Functional proteome tools combined with a network analysis revealed statistically significant candidate protein networks predicted to be changed in the presence of chromium compounds. RNA interference‐mediated silencing and immunohistochemistry were used to confirm whether the candidate protein was capable of resulting in hepatotoxicity elicited by chromium. Potassium chromate as the Cr(VI) compound generated greater oxidative stress, apoptosis and hepatotoxicity compared to chromium nitrate [Cr(III)]‐treated samples. The most meaningful changes were observed amongst proteins involved in carbohydrate metabolism, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, calcium homeostasis and apoptosis. Furthermore, abrogation of transitional ER ATPase (VCP) led to significant inhibition in hepatic cell viability under Cr(VI) administration, and the expression profiles of cytokeratin were closely correlated with apoptotic degrees of liver tissue. Collectively, our findings suggest that Cr(VI) might induce the accumulation of misfolded proteins and adverse effects leading to cell apoptosis and liver injury. These signature networks represent an approach to discover novel relationships in complex data, and functional proteomics of liver may provide solid evidence of chromium‐caused hepatic damage via the skin.
Analysis of the urine proteome via a combination of multi‐dimensional approaches
Authors: Zerefos Panagiotis G. , Aivaliotis Michalis , Baumann Marc , Vlahou Antonia
Published: December 2011

Urine is a biological fluid that is non‐invasively and easily harvested, and exhibits high stability from the proteomics point of view. At the downside, the overall low protein content of urine as well as the presence of low‐ and high‐abundance proteins underscores the need for protein enrichment. As a continuation of previous efforts towards the comprehensive characterization of the urine proteome, the current study targeted the mining of urine proteins through the combined application of different protein separation methodologies, specifically, liquid chromatography and preparative electrophoresis along with 1D gel electrophoresis and protein identification by mass spectrometry. In order to enhance comparison and integration of different experimental data sets, the “standard” urine sample developed within the European Kidney and Urine Proteomics (EuroKUP) COST Action, was employed. As a contribution to the existing knowledge, we focused on maintaining and providing information about experimental mass of the identified proteins as well as information pertaining to their relative abundance – as allowed by technical limitations – thus providing an initial view of different isoforms representation and facilitating their future characterization. The difficulties in comparing proteome mining data sets become once more evident, underscoring the need for adopting standardized ways for data reporting as well as for potential new approaches for data analysis involving a thorough investigation of received information at the peptide level.
The proteomic study on cellular responses of the testes of zebrafish (Danio rerio) exposed to microcystin‐RR
Authors: Zhao Sujuan , Xie Ping , Li Guangyu , Jun Chen , Cai Yan , Xiong Qian , Zhao Yanyan
Published: December 2011

Microcystin‐RR (MC‐RR) is a commonly encountered cyanotoxin and receives increasing attention due to the risk of its bioaccumulation in aquatic animals like fish. This study investigated the protein profiles of zebrafish (Danio rerio) testes after intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) with 0.5 LD50 (2000 μg/kg). MC‐RR caused a noticeable damage to testicular ultrastructure, showing widened intercellular junction, distention of mitochondria. The testes showed a rapid response of its defense systems to the oxidative stress caused by MC‐RR. This is the first to use a proteomic approach to obtain an overview of the effects of MC‐RR on the testes of zebrafish. The proteomic results revealed that toxin exposure remarkably altered the abundance of 24 proteins that were involved in cytoskeleton assembly, oxidative stress, glycolysis metabolism, calcium ion binding and other biological functions. In conclusion, MC‐RR damaged the testes and was toxic to the reproductive system of male zebrafish mainly through causing oxidative stress.
A pilot study of a physical activity intervention targeted towards women at increased risk for breast cancer
Authors: Hartman Sheri J. , Dunsiger Shira I. , Marcus Bess H.
Published: December 2011

Objective

The objective was to pilot test a physical activity intervention targeted towards women with a first‐degree relative with breast cancer.

Methods

Sedentary women (n = 27) with at least one first‐degree relative with breast cancer but no personal breast cancer diagnosis received a print‐based physical activity intervention. The intervention was a 12‐week theory‐based and individually tailored physical activity intervention targeted towards women with a family history of breast cancer. Participants' minutes of physical activity, worry about breast cancer, perceived risk of developing breast cancer, and perceived control over breast cancer risk were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks.

Results

There was a significant increase in minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity from baseline to 12 weeks (t = 4.93, p < 0.001), with a mean increase in physical activity of 130.56 min/week (SD = 137.50). At 12 weeks, 41% met the American College of Sports Medicine criteria of engaging in 150 min or more of moderate intensity activity. Regression models indicate that change in perceived risk of breast cancer was significantly associated with change in physical activity (t = −2.36, p = 0.03, r = 0.34), with decreases in perceived risk associated with increases in physical activity over time.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that a targeted intervention can increase physical activity and decrease perceived risk of breast cancer. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quality of life and mental health in caregivers of outpatients with advanced cancer
Authors: Wadhwa Deepa , Burman Debika , Swami Nadia , Rodin Gary , Lo Christopher , Zimmermann Camilla
Published: December 2011

Objective

This study evaluates the quality of life (QOL) and mental health (MH) of caregivers of patients with advanced cancer who are receiving ambulatory oncology care and associations with patient, caregiver and care‐related characteristics.

Methods

Patients with advanced gastrointestinal, genitourinary, breast, lung or gynaecologic cancer, and their caregivers, were recruited from 24 medical oncology clinics for a cluster‐randomized trial of early palliative care. Caregivers completed the Caregiver QOL—Cancer scale and the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form, version 2, and a questionnaire including care‐related factors such as hours/day providing care and change in work situation. Patients completed a demographic questionnaire and measures of their QOL and symptom severity. Associations of these factors with caregiver QOL and MH were examined using linear regression analyses.

Results

Of the 191 caregivers, 84% were spouses/partners, 90% cohabited with the patient, half were working and 25% had a change in work situation since the patient's diagnosis. On multiple regression analysis, better caregiver QOL was associated with better caregiver MH and patient physical well‐being and with not providing care for other dependents. Worse caregiver MH was associated with female caregiver sex, worse patient emotional well‐being, more hours spent caregiving and change in the caregiver's work situation.

Conclusions

Caregivers of ambulatory patients with advanced cancer may have compromised QOL and MH associated with worse patient physical and emotional well‐being and with simultaneously caring for others and working outside the home. Early palliative care interventions directed at patient symptoms and caregiver support may improve QOL in this population. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ProsCan for Couples: a feasibility study for evaluating peer support within a controlled research design
Authors: Chambers Suzanne K. , Schover Leslie , Halford Kim , Ferguson Megan , Gardiner RA , Occhipinti Stefano , Dunn Jeff
Published: December 2011

Background

The present study assessed the feasibility of delivering peer support for couples coping with prostate cancer within a trial design.

Methods/Design

Ten peer volunteers completed training in research protocols and delivering tele‐based couples support to men with prostate cancer and their partners. Twenty couples received an eight session intervention and were assessed before surgery and 3 and 6 months subsequently for adjustment outcomes. A focus group investigated the peers' experiences.

Results

Peers were motivated by altruism, a belief in research, and reported personal growth. The research protocol at times conflicted with lay models of helping, and the focus on sexuality and couples was challenging. Distress decreased over time but more so for partners; unmet sexuality needs did not improve.

Conclusion

Peer support appears promising as a model to support couples facing prostate cancer. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Automatch: Target‐binding protein design and enzyme design by automatic pinpointing potential active sites in available protein scaffolds
Authors: Zhang Changsheng , Lai Luhua
Published: December 2011

Proteins perform their functions mainly via active sites, whereas other parts of the proteins comprise the scaffolds, which support the active sites. One strategy for protein functional design is transplanting active sites, such as catalytic sites for enzyme or binding hot spots for protein–protein interactions, onto a new scaffold. AutoMatch is a new program designed for efficiently elucidating suitable scaffolds and potential sites on the scaffolds. Backrub motions are used to treat backbone flexibility during the design process. A step‐by‐step checking strategy and cluster‐representation examination strategy were developed to solve the large combinatorial problem for the matching of active‐site conformations. In addition, a grid‐based binding energy scoring method was used to filter the solutions. An enzyme design benchmark and a protein–protein interaction design benchmark were built to test the algorithm. AutoMatch could identify the hot spots in the nonbinding protein and rank them within the top five results for 8 of 10 target‐binding protein design cases. In addition, among the 15 enzymes tested, AutoMatch can identify the catalytic active sites in the apoprotein and rank them within the top five results for 13 cases. AutoMatch was also tested for screening scaffold library in designing binding proteins targeting influenza hemagglutinin, HIV gp120, and epidermal growth factor receptor kinase, respectively. AutoMatch, and the two test sets, ActApo and ActFree, are available for noncommercial applications at http://mdl.ipc.pku.edu.cn/cgi‐bin/down.cgi. Proteins 2012; © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Predictive event modelling in multicenter clinical trials with waiting time to response
Authors: Anisimov Vladimir V.
Published: December 2011

A new analytic statistical technique for predictive event modeling in ongoing multicenter clinical trials with waiting time to response is developed. It allows for the predictive mean and predictive bounds for the number of events to be constructed over time, accounting for the newly recruited patients and patients already at risk in the trial, and for different recruitment scenarios.

For modeling patient recruitment, an advanced Poisson‐gamma model is used, which accounts for the variation in recruitment over time, the variation in recruitment rates between different centers and the opening or closing of some centers in the future. A few models for event appearance allowing for ‘recurrence’, ‘death’ and ‘lost‐to‐follow‐up’ events and using finite Markov chains in continuous time are considered.

To predict the number of future events over time for an ongoing trial at some interim time, the parameters of the recruitment and event models are estimated using current data and then the predictive recruitment rates in each center are adjusted using individual data and Bayesian re‐estimation. For a typical scenario (continue to recruit during some time interval, then stop recruitment and wait until a particular number of events happens), the closed‐form expressions for the predictive mean and predictive bounds of the number of events at any future time point are derived under the assumptions of Markovian behavior of the event progression. The technique is efficiently applied to modeling different scenarios for some ongoing oncology trials. Case studies are considered. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of vertical shear orientation on tropical cyclogenesis
Authors: Rappin Eric D. , Nolan David S.
Published: December 2011

The effect of the relative orientation of the vertical wind shear to the surface wind on tropical cyclogenesis is explored in environments of radiative‐convective equilibrium (RCE) through numerical simulation. This study serves as a companion paper to an earlier study on the thermodynamics of genesis in RCE.

It is found, when the mean surface wind and shear are aligned, a negative surface wind anomaly arises from the superposition of the mean and vortex surface flows left of the shear vector. The resulting weak surface enthalpy fluxes and up‐shear quasi‐balanced subsidence leads to dry air being located cyclonically down‐wind of the down‐shear convective anomaly. Thus convection is inhibited from propagating cyclonically around the core leading to a large down‐shear vortex tilt. Conversely, in a counter‐aligned orientation, the negative surface wind anomaly and driest air is found right of the shear vector. Hence the driest air rotates into the down‐shear flank where it moistened by shear‐organized convection. Furthermore, the boundary layer is relatively moist left of shear due to the positive surface wind anomaly, therefore promoting the cyclonic propagation from down‐shear and constraining the magnitude of the vortex tilt.

Genesis is intimately tied to the magnitude of the tilt and is found to occur once the mid‐level vortex has precessed into the up‐shear flank. For smaller values of maximum tilt, vortex precession is comparatively rapid, aided by “showerhead” moistening provided by the up‐shear advection of frozen condensate aloft. With the up‐shear flank pre‐moistened, rapid precession of the mid‐level vortex, at smaller radii, leads to near saturation on the mesoscale and the onset of rapid intensification. When the magnitude of the tilt is quite large, precession is much slower and the showerhead effect is significantly reduced until just prior to the emergence of the mid‐level vortex in the up‐shear flank. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Hydrostatic Hamiltonian particle‐mesh (HPM) methods for atmospheric modelling
Authors: Shin Seoleun , Reich Sebastian , Frank Jason
Published: December 2011

We develop a hydrostatic Hamiltonian particle‐mesh (HPM) method for efficient long‐term numerical integration of the atmosphere. In the HPM method, the hydrostatic approximation is interpreted as a holonomic constraint for the vertical position of particles. This can be viewed as defining a set of vertically buoyant horizontal meshes, with the altitude of each mesh point determined so as to satisfy the hydrostatic balance condition and with particles modelling horizontal advection between the moving meshes. We implement the method in a vertical‐slice model and evaluate its performance for the simulation of idealized linear and nonlinear orographic flow in both dry and moist environments. The HPM method is able to capture the basic features of the gravity wave to a degree of accuracy comparable with that reported in the literature. The numerical solution in the moist experiment indicates that the influence of moisture on wave characteristics is represented reasonably well and the reduction of momentum flux is in good agreement with theoretical analysis. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Parametric and non‐parametric confidence intervals of the probability of identifying early disease stage given sensitivity to full disease and specificity with three ordinal diagnostic groups
Authors: Dong Tuochuan , Tian Lili , Hutson Alan , Xiong Chengjie
Published: December 2011

In practice, there exist many disease processes with three ordinal disease classes, that is, the non‐diseased stage, the early disease stage, and the fully diseased stage. Because early disease stage is likely the best time window for treatment interventions, it is important to have diagnostic tests that have good diagnostic ability to discriminate the early disease stage from the other two stages. In this paper, we present both parametric and non‐parametric approaches for confidence interval estimation of probability of detecting early disease stage given the true classification rates for non‐diseased group and diseased group, namely, the specificity and the sensitivity to full disease. We analyze a data set on the clinical diagnosis of early‐stage Alzheimer's disease from the neuropsychological database at the Washington University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center using the proposed approaches. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimating net transition probabilities from cross‐sectional data with application to risk factors in chronic disease modeling
Authors: van de Kassteele J. , Hoogenveen R.T. , Engelfriet P.M. , van Baal P.H.M. , Boshuizen H.C.
Published: December 2011

A problem occurring in chronic disease modeling is the estimation of transition probabilities of moving from one state of a categorical risk factor to another. Transitions could be obtained from a cohort study, but often such data may not be available. However, under the assumption that transitions remain stable over time, age specific cross‐sectional prevalence data could be used instead. Problems that then arise are parameter identifiability and the fact that age dependent cross‐sectional data are often noisy or are given in age intervals. In this paper we propose a method to estimate so‐called net annual transition probabilities from cross‐sectional data, including their uncertainties. Net transitions only describe the net inflow or outflow into a certain risk factor state at a certain age. Our approach consists of two steps: first, smooth the data using multinomial P‐splines, second, from these data estimate net transition probabilities. This second step can be formulated as a transportation problem, which is solved using the simplex algorithm from linear programming theory. A sensible specification of the cost matrix is crucial to get meaningful results. Uncertainties are assessed by parametric bootstrapping. We illustrate our method using data on body mass index. We conclude that this method provides a flexible way of estimating net transitions and that the use of net transitions has implications for model dynamics, for example when modeling interventions. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Abcg2 Expression Marks Tissue-Specific Stem Cells in Multiple Organs in a Mouse Progeny Tracking Model
Authors: Fatima Soghra , Zhou Sheng , Sorrentino Brian P.
Published: December 2011

The side population phenotype is associated with the Hoechst dye efflux activity of the Abcg2 transporter and identifies hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in the bone marrow. This association suggests the direct use of Abcg2 expression to identify adult stem cells in various other organs. We have generated a lineage tracing mouse model based on an allele that coexpresses both Abcg2 and a CreERT2 expression cassette. By crossing these mice with lox-STOP-lox reporter lines (LacZ or YFP), cells that express Abcg2 and their progeny were identified following treatment with tamoxifen (Tam). In the liver and kidney, in which mature cells express Abcg2, reporter gene expression verified the expected physiologic expression pattern of the recombinant allele. Long-term marking of HSCs was seen in multiple peripheral blood lineages from adult mice, demonstrating that Abcg2+ bone marrow HSCs contribute to steady-state hematopoiesis. Stem cell tracing patterns were seen in the small intestine and in seminiferous tubules in the testis 20 months after Tam treatment, proving that stem cells from these organs express Abcg2. Interstitial cells from skeletal and cardiac muscle were labeled, and some cells were costained with endothelial markers, raising the possibility that these cells may function in the repair response to muscle injury. Altogether, these studies prove that Abcg2 is a stem cell marker for blood, small intestine, testicular germ cells, and possibly for injured skeletal and/or cardiac muscle and provide a new model for studying stem cell activity that does not require transplant-based assays.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Wind‐induced torsion vibration of the super high‐rise building of Shenzhen Energy Center
Authors: Ruo‐qiang Feng , Jihong Ye , Yan Guirong , Qing‐xiang Li , Bin Yao
Published: December 2011

The synchronous multipoint scanning system technique in wind tunnel tests and random vibration theory method were used to analyze the wind‐induced torsion vibration of some irregularly shaped super high‐rise buildings in downtowns. The torsion vibration modes and the spectra of torsion wind load were studied, and the proportions of mean wind torsion, inertia torsion and the mass eccentricity torsion caused by horizontal inertia forces are discussed. The following conclusions can be drawn. First, the third and fourth modes have torsion vibration shapes, and their frequencies are in the high‐energy area of the spectra of the torsion wind load; the third and fourth modes are included in the resonant component of the spectra of the top torsion angle of the building, and the third mode is dominant. Second, the torsion stiffness is weak in the high stories of the building, so the inertia torsion is dominant, whereas the torsion stiffness is strong in the low stories; the mean wind torsion is dominant. The proportion of the mass eccentricity torsion moment caused by horizontal inertia forces is small. Finally, the wind‐induced torsion moment at a 90° wind angle is the largest, whereas the torsion eccentricity is 46% of the radius of gyration and is much greater than the mass eccentricity; thus, the wind‐induced torsion should be considered. The wind‐induced torsion vibration of the building is sensitive to wind directions. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Virtual Cell: computational tools for modeling in cell biology
Authors: Resasco Diana C. , Gao Fei , Morgan Frank , Novak Igor L. , Schaff James C. , Slepchenko Boris M.
Published: December 2011

The Virtual Cell (VCell) is a general computational framework for modeling physicochemical and electrophysiological processes in living cells. Developed by the National Resource for Cell Analysis and Modeling at the University of Connecticut Health Center, it provides automated tools for simulating a wide range of cellular phenomena in space and time, both deterministically and stochastically. These computational tools allow one to couple electrophysiology and reaction kinetics with transport mechanisms, such as diffusion and directed transport, and map them onto spatial domains of various shapes, including irregular three‐dimensional geometries derived from experimental images. In this article, we review new robust computational tools recently deployed in VCell for treating spatially resolved models. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2012, 4:129–140. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.165

This article is categorized under:

Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Cellular Models

Analytical and Computational Methods > Computational Methods

Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Mechanistic Models
Structural and Solution Studies of two Mercury(II) Complexes with [1,3‐Bis(2‐ethoxy)benzene]triazene
Authors: Rofouei Mohammad Kazem , Attar Gharamaleki Jafar , Fereyduni Ehsan , Aghaei Abolfazl , Bruno Giuseppe , Rudbari Hadi Amiri
Published: December 2011

The reaction of [1,3‐bis(2‐ethoxy)benzene]triazene, [HL], with Hg(SCN)2 and Hg(CH3COO)2, resulted in the formation of the complexes [HgL(SCN)] (1) and [HgL2]·CH3OH (2). They were characterized by means of X‐ray crystallography, CHN analysis, FT‐IR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The structure of compound 1 consists of two independent complexes in which the HgII atoms are stacked along the crystallographic a axis to form infinite chains. Each HgII atom is chelated by one L ligand and one SCN ligand, whereas in compound 2, the HgII atom is surrounded by two L ligands. In addition, 1D chains formed by metal–π interactions are connected to each other by C–H···π stacking interactions in the structure of 1, which results in a 2D architecture. An interesting feature of compound 2 is the presence of C–H···π edge‐to‐face interactions.
Synthesis and Structural Characterization of a Novel Heterodinuclear Vanadium(IV)‐Nickel(II) Complex
Authors: Du Shi‐Zhen , Feng Jun , Cheng Yi‐Feng , An Lan , Lu Xiao‐Ming
Published: December 2011

A novel VIV‐NiII heterodinuclear complex [VO(cat)2][Ni(1, 2‐PDA)2H2O] (1) (cat = catechol; 1, 2‐PDA = 1, 2‐propane diamine) was synthesized at low temperature (10 °C) and characterized by IR spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction. A novel Ni–O=V structure exists in the complex, the vanadyl–catechol moiety and the nickel–diamine moiety are connected by an oxygen bridge; all molecules are further assembled into crystallites by O–H···O hydrogen bonds.
Changing Pattern of Intestinal Obstruction in Northern Jordan
Authors: Omari Abdulkareem H. , Alkhatib Loiy L. , Khammash Muhammad R.
Published: December 2011

Background

Obstructed abdominal wall hernias have been reported to be the leading cause of mechanical intestinal obstruction (MIO) among adults in developing countries. In the developed countries, postoperative adhesions are the commonest cause. With the worldwide improvements in health services and education, especially in developing countries, we aimed to determine the effects of these improvements on the patterns and outcomes of management of MIO in Jordan

Methods

The records of all patients who were treated for MIO between the years 2005 and 2010 were reviewed retrospectively. Causes of MIO, presenting symptoms, the main imaging study performed, and the results of management are described. The pattern was compared with that in a previous 1993 report from Jordan.

Results

A total of 88 patients were treated for MIO. Postoperative adhesions in 52.5%, gastrointestinal tumors in 21.0%, and obstructed abdominal wall hernias in 9.5% were the three major causes of MIO. Three patients developed surgical‐site infections (3.3%), and one developed a minor anastomotic leak that was treated accordingly (1.1%). There were no mortalities. In 1993, obstructed hernias accounted for 30% of the MIOs followed by postoperative adhesions and tumors (27 and 14%, respectively). There was a 7% mortality rate.

Conclusions

Our data confirmed that improved health education programs and services changed the pattern of causes improved the outcomes of management of MIO in Jordan.
Engineered glucose isomerase from Streptomyces sp. SK is resistant to Ca2+ inhibition and Co2+ independent
Authors: Ben Hlima Hajer , Aghajari Nushin , Ben Ali Mamdouh , Haser Richard , Bejar Samir
Published: December 2011

The role of two amino acid residues linked to the two catalytic histidines His54 and His220 in kinetics and physicochemical properties of the Streptomyces sp. SK glucose isomerase (SKGI) was investigated by site-directed mutagenesis and molecular modeling. Two single mutations, F53L and G219D, and a double mutation F53L/G219D was introduced into the xylA SKGI gene. The F53L mutation increases the thermostability and the catalytic efficiency and also slightly shifts the optimum pH from 6.5 to 7, but displays a profile being similar to that of the wild-type enzyme concerning the effect of various metal ions. The G219D mutant is resistant to calcium inhibition retaining about 80% of its residual activity in 10 mM Ca2+ instead of 10% for the wild-type. This variant is activated by Mn2+ ions, but not Co2+, as seen for the wild-type enzyme. It does not require the latter for its thermostability, but has its half-life time displaced from 50 to 20 min at 85°C. The double mutation F53L/G219D restores the thermostability as seen for the wild-type enzyme while maintaining the resistance to the calcium inhibition. Molecular modeling suggests that the increase in thermostability is due to new hydrophobic interactions stabilizing α2 helix and that the resistance to calcium inhibition is a result of narrowing the binding site of catalytic ion.
Recurrent Aspergillus contamination in a biomedical research facility: a case study
Authors: Cornelison Christopher T , Stubblefield Bryan , Gilbert Eric , Crow Sidney A
Published: December 2011

Fungal contamination of biomedical processes and facilities can result in major revenue loss and product delay. A biomedical research facility (BRF) culturing human cell lines experienced recurring fungal contamination of clean room incubators over a 3-year period. In 2010, as part of the plan to mitigate contamination, 20 fungal specimens were isolated by air and swab samples at various locations within the BRF. Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigatus were isolated from several clean-room incubators. A. niger and A. fumigatus were identified using sequence comparison of the 18S rRNA gene. To determine whether the contaminant strains isolated in 2010 were the same as or different from strains isolated between 2007 and 2009, a novel forensic approach to random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) PCR was used. The phylogenetic relationship among isolates showed two main genotypic clusters, and indicated the continual presence of the same A. fumigatus strain in the clean room since 2007. Biofilms can serve as chronic sources of contamination; visual inspection of plugs within the incubators revealed fungal biofilms. Moreover, confocal microscopy imaging of flow cell-grown biofilms demonstrated that the strains isolated from the incubators formed dense biofilms relative to other environmental isolates from the BRF. Lastly, the efficacies of various disinfectants employed at the BRF were examined for their ability to prevent spore germination. Overall, the investigation found that the use of rubber plugs around thermometers in the tissue culture incubators provided a microenvironment where A. fumigatus could survive regular surface disinfection. A general lesson from this case study is that the presence of microenvironments harboring contaminants can undermine decontamination procedures and serve as a source of recurrent contamination.
Decreased serum antioxidant capacity in patients with Wilson disease is associated with neurological symptoms
Authors: Bruha Radan , Vitek Libor , Marecek Zdenek , Pospisilova Lenka , Nevsimalova Sona , Martasek Pavel , Petrtyl Jaromir , Urbanek Petr , Jiraskova Alena , Malikova Ivana , Haluzik Martin , Ferenci Peter
Published: December 2011

Background & Aims

Wilson disease (WD) is an inherited disorder of copper disposition caused by an ATP7B transporter gene mutation, leading to copper accumulation in predisposed tissues. In addition to a genetic predisposition, other factors are likely to contribute to its clinical manifestation. The aim of the study was to assess whether oxidative stress affects the phenotypic manifestation of WD.

Methods

In 56 patients with WD (29 men; 26 with the hepatic form, 22 with the neurologic form, and eight asymptomatic; mean age 38.5 ± 12 years), total serum antioxidant capacity (TAC) and inflammatory parameters (hs‐CRP, IL‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐6, IL‐10, and TNF‐α) were analyzed and related to the clinical manifestation, and mutations of the ATP7B gene. The control group for the TAC and inflammatory parameters consisted of 50 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy individuals.

Results

WD patients had a significantly lower TAC (p < 0.00001), lower IL‐10 levels (p = 0.039), as well as both higher IL‐1β (p = 0.019) and IL‐6 (p = 0.005) levels compared to the control subjects. TNF‐α, hs‐CRP, and IL‐2 did not differ from the controls. Patients with the neurological form of WD had a significantly lower TAC than those with the hepatic form (p < 0.001). In addition, the lower TAC was associated with the severity of the neurological symptoms (p = 0.02). No relationship between the inflammatory parameters and clinical symptoms was found.

Conclusions

Data from our study suggest that the increased oxidative stress contributes significantly to the clinical manifestation of WD; as a lower TAC is associated with the neurological symptoms in WD patients.
Essential Elements of Genetic Cancer Risk Assessment, Counseling, and Testing: Updated Recommendations of the National Society of Genetic Counselors
Authors: Riley Bronson D. , Culver Julie O. , Skrzynia Cécile , Senter Leigha A. , Peters June A. , Costalas Josephine W. , Callif‐Daley Faith , Grumet Sherry C. , Hunt Katherine S. , Nagy Rebecca S. , McKinnon Wendy C. , Petrucelli Nancie M. , Bennett Robin L. , Trepanier Angela M.
Published: December 2011

Updated from their original publication in 2004, these cancer genetic counseling recommendations describe the medical, psychosocial, and ethical ramifications of counseling at‐risk individuals through genetic cancer risk assessment with or without genetic testing. They were developed by members of the Practice Issues Subcommittee of the National Society of Genetic Counselors Familial Cancer Risk Counseling Special Interest Group. The information contained in this document is derived from extensive review of the current literature on cancer genetic risk assessment and counseling as well as the personal expertise of genetic counselors specializing in cancer genetics. The recommendations are intended to provide information about the process of genetic counseling and risk assessment for hereditary cancer disorders rather than specific information about individual syndromes. Essential components include the intake, cancer risk assessment, genetic testing for an inherited cancer syndrome, informed consent, disclosure of genetic test results, and psychosocial assessment. These recommendations should not be construed as dictating an exclusive course of management, nor does use of such recommendations guarantee a particular outcome. These recommendations do not displace a health care provider's professional judgment based on the clinical circumstances of a client.
Off the Map? Locating the Emerging Church: A Comparative Case Study of Congregations in the Pacific Northwest
Authors: Wollschleger Jason
Published: December 2011

This article seeks to clear up the conceptual confusion around the identity and practices of congregations labeled as Emerging. This research is motivated in part by Chaves (J Sci Study Relig 49(1):1–14, 2010 ) recent diagnosis of the social scientific study of religion literature as suffering from a religious congruence fallacy in which behavior is assumed to follow one's religious label; rather than assume similarity as a result of the Emerging label this article seeks to uncover the distinctive practices of congregations labeled as Emerging and to offer a comparative analysis. Additionally, this article fills a gap in the social scientific literature by providing description of the actual practices and worship of Emerging congregations from a multi-site, congregational field research project in the Pacific Northwest. Drawing on participant observation, pastor interviews, focus groups, and paper/web resources this paper clarifies what is meant by the term the emerging church. It is shown that the emerging church in Seattle is comprised of a spectrum of congregations that are adept at attracting young adults. Despite their apparent similarities, the congregations on the ends of this spectrum are shown to belong to distinct subcultures. These are then compared to the existing dominant, Protestant subcultures in the Pacific Northwest.
Glutaraldehyde‐induced colitis: Case reports and literature review
Authors: Shih Hsiang‐Yao , Wu Deng‐Chyang , Huang Wan‐Ting , Chang Yong‐Yu , Yu Fang‐Jung
Published: December 2011

Glutaraldehyde‐induced colitis is an uncommon colitis in clinical practice. Because the involvement of colonic segment is determined by the endoscopic part where glutaraldehyde remains, a recent history of endoscopy and a demarcated involvement of colonic segment are the most characteristic signs of glutaraldehyde‐induced colitis. The typical clinical scenario is acute onset of lower abdominal pain, fever, and bloody stool. Laboratory data usually show leukocytosis and elevated C‐reactive protein. The endoscopic pictures of involved segments are compatible with acute colitis, including hyperemic, edematous, with or without multiple erosions. Acute ischemic colitis and infectious colitis should be differentiated at the outset of the disease. Stool pathogen tests are usually negative. Parenteral empiric antibiotic may be considered if severe transmural edema of the involved segment is observed in computed tomography. Conservative treatment, including bowel rest and parenteral hydration, is able to stabilize the condition in a week. Herein, we present two cases of acute proctocolitis caused by glutaraldehyde after uneventful colonoscopy.
Direct and indirect thermal expansion effects in turbulent premixed flames
Authors: Robin Vincent , Mura Arnaud , Champion Michel
Published: December 2011

The thermal expansion induced by the exothermic chemical reactions taking place in a turbulent reactive flow affects the velocity field so strongly that the large-scale velocity fluctuations as well as the small-scale velocity gradients can be governed by chemistry rather than by turbulence. Moreover, thermal expansion is well known to be responsible for counter-gradient turbulent diffusion and flame-generated turbulence phenomena. In the present study, by making use of an original splitting procedure applied to the velocity field, we establish the occurrence of two distinct thermal expansion effects in the flamelet regime of turbulent premixed combustion. The first is referred to as the direct thermal expansion effect. It is associated with a local flamelet crossing contribution as previously considered in early analyses of turbulent transport in premixed flames. The second, denoted herein as the indirect thermal expansion effect, is an outcome of the turbulent wrinkling processes that increases the flame surface area. Based on a splitting procedure applied to the velocity field, the respective influences of the two effects are identified and analysed. Furthermore, the theoretical analysis shows that the thermal expansion induced through the local flames can be treated separately in the usual continuity and momentum equations. This description of the turbulent reactive velocity field, leads also to relate all of the usual turbulent quantities to the reactive scalar field. Finally, algebraic closures for the turbulent transport terms of mass and momentum are proposed and successfully validated through comparison with direct numerical simulation data.
Effects of flexibility on the aerodynamic performance of flapping wings
Authors: Kang C.-K. , Aono H. , Cesnik C. E. S. , Shyy W.
Published: December 2011

Effects of chordwise, spanwise, and isotropic flexibility on the force generation and propulsive efficiency of flapping wings are elucidated. For a moving body immersed in viscous fluid, different types of forces, as a function of the Reynolds number, reduced frequency (k), and Strouhal number (St), acting on the moving body are identified based on a scaling argument. In particular, at the Reynolds number regime of$O(1{0}^{3} \ensuremath{-} 1{0}^{4} )$and the reduced frequency of$O(1)$, the added mass force, related to the acceleration of the wing, is important. Based on the order of magnitude and energy balance arguments, a relationship between the propulsive force and the maximum relative wing-tip deformation parameter ($\gamma $) is established. The parameter depends on the density ratio,St,k, natural and flapping frequency ratio, and flapping amplitude. The lift generation, and the propulsive efficiency can be deduced by the same scaling procedures. It seems that the maximum propulsive force is obtained when flapping near the resonance, whereas the optimal propulsive efficiency is reached when flapping at about half of the natural frequency; both are supported by the reported studies. The established scaling relationships can offer direct guidance for micro air vehicle design and performance analysis.
Excavations at Verulamium, 1961. Seventh and Final Interim Report
Authors: Frere S. S.
Published: December 2011

Two small-scale excavations were carried out at Verulamium during 1961. In January it became necessary to explore the site about to be occupied by the museum extension, and several trenches were cut on the north-east and south-east sides of the existing museum building. It was not possible in the time and with the resources available to excavate down to natural soil, but only to examine those layers due for removal by the builders. Considerable depths of deposit are known to exist here, possibly filling an early ditch. The site lies in the west corner of Insula XVIII: the earliest structure reached was a timber-framed building, burnt down possibly c. A.D. 155. This was succeeded by an Antonine masonry building with channel hypocausts. Possibly c. A.D. 300 this building was enlarged by encroachment on the street frontages. It clearly extends some way outside the area excavated both towards east and south. The character of the structure is domestic.