bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantifying Climate Change in the Tropical Midtroposphere over East Africa from Glacier Shrinkage on Kilimanjaro
Authors: Mölg Thomas , Cullen Nicolas J. , Hardy Douglas R. , Winkler Michael , Kaser Georg
Published: July 2009

Slope glaciers on Kilimanjaro (ca. 5000–6000 m MSL) reached their most recent maximum extent in the late nineteenth century (L19) and have receded since then. This study quantifies the climate signal behind the recession of Kersten Glacier, which generates information on climate change in the tropical midtroposphere between L19 and present. Multiyear meteorological measurements at 5873 m MSL serve to force and verify a spatially distributed model of the glacier’s mass balance (the most direct link between glacier behavior and atmospheric forcing). At present the glacier is losing mass (522 ± 105 kg m−2 yr−1), terminates at 5100 m, and the interannual variability of mass and energy budgets largely reflects variability in atmospheric moisture. Backward modeling of the L19 steady-state glacier extent (down to 4500 m) reveals higher precipitation (+160 to +240 mm yr−1), higher air humidity, and increased fractional cloud cover in L19 but no significant changes in local air temperature, air pressure, and wind speed. The atmosphere in the simulated L19 climate transfers more energy to the glacier surface through atmospheric longwave radiation and turbulent heat—but this is almost entirely balanced by the decrease in absorbed solar radiation (due to both increased cloudiness and higher surface albedo). Thus, the energy-driven mass loss per unit area (sublimation plus meltwater runoff) was not appreciably different from today. Higher L19 precipitation rates therefore dominated the mass budget and produced a larger glacier extent in the past.
Accelerated Oxygen Evolution and Suppressed MnOOH Deposition on Amorphous IrO2–Ta2O5 Coatings
Authors: Morimitsu Masatsugu , Oshiumi Naoyuki
Published: July 2009

This paper reports novel catalytic properties of amorphous IrO2–Ta2O5 coatings prepared by thermal decomposition for industrial electrolysis applications, especially zinc electrowinning. The coating formed on a titanium substrate can accelerate oxygen evolution in H2SO4 solutions and suppress the anodic deposition of MnOOH. The results are valuable to reduce the anode potential and prevent the deactivation of the anode surface by MnOOH deposition in zinc electrowinning.
A Quiet Catharsis of Comprehension: A Poetic for Paul
Authors: Plummer Ken
Published: July 2009

Paul Rock is a leading UK interactionist, author of The Making of Symbolic Interactionism and a number of ethnographies on the UK criminal justice system. He was professor of sociology at the London School of Economics until his retirement in July 2008. At his retirement, Ken Plummer presented the following poem to him. The words are largely those of Paul himself, along with a few of his older intellectual companions (meaning mainly Dewey, James, and Mead). Thus this poetic is Paul's words reconstructed and reflected back to him.
Sexual function and vaginal surgery
Authors: Neill Caithlin , Abdel‐Fattah Mohamed , Ramsay Ian N
Published: July 2009

Female sexual function is increasingly used as an outcome measure of the success of vaginal surgery.

Most women without coital incontinence will have no change in sexual function following anti‐incontinence surgery, although overall there may be a slight improvement.

If coital incontinence is cured by surgery, the woman is very likely to report an improvement in sexual function.

The majority of studies of pelvic organ prolapse repair show no change in subsequent sexual function.

Worsening of sexual function is most likely to follow posterior repair.

Learning objectives:

To understand how female sexual function can be assessed.

To understand how surgery for incontinence and/or prolapse is likely to affect sexual function.

To be willing and better able to discuss sexual function with women before surgery.

Ethical issue:

As surgery can adversely affect sexual function, is it unethical to fail to discuss this sensitive area preoperatively?

Please cite this article as: Neill C, Abdel‐Fattah M, Ramsay IN. Sexual function and vaginal surgery. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2009;11:193–198.
The role of pelvic and para‐aortic lymph node dissection in the surgical treatment of endometrial cancer: a view from the USA
Authors: Mariani Andrea , Dowdy Sean C , Podratz Karl C
Published: July 2009

Intraoperative tumour diameter measurement in endometrial cancer is useful for identifying women at extremely low risk of lymph node invasion.

Surgical staging in endometrial cancer is instrumental for defining the need for and extent of postoperative therapy, thus avoiding over‐ and undertreatment.

Adequate surgical staging in endometrial cancer includes bilateral pelvic and para‐aortic lymphadenectomy extending to renal vessels.

Learning objectives:

To define diagnostic and possible therapeutic roles of systematic surgical staging in endometrial cancer.

To define anatomical borders of adequate surgical staging in endometrial cancer.

Ethical issues:

How can over‐ and undertreatment of endometrial cancer be avoided?

Please cite this article as: Mariani A, Dowdy S, Podratz K. The role of pelvic and para‐aortic lymph node dissection in the surgical treatment of endometrial cancer: a view from the USA. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2009;11:199–204.
Ecological Differentiation among Genotypes of Dandelions (Taraxacum officinale)
Authors: Vellend Mark , Drummond Emily B. M. , Muir Jennifer L.
Published: July 2009

We tested for ecological differences among apomictic dandelion genotypes in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, in order to establish a basis for predicting potential ecological consequences of genetic variation in invading populations. A greenhouse experiment on 30 potential clonal families revealed significant among-family variation for leaf morphological traits, and molecular analyses confirmed the presence of multiple genotypes. In a field common-garden experiment on six confirmed genotypes, plant size and seed production both varied over an order of magnitude among genotypes, suggesting great potential for selection among genotypes during invasion. Genotypes also varied significantly in the timing of reproduction, which may indicate differences in the timing of resource use that could promote population performance of genotype mixtures. There was no evidence of a trade-off between adult plant fitness and seed dispersal or regeneration traits. Genetic variation in dandelion populations appears to have great potential for influencing their invasive success.
Preliminary survey on the current distribution of primates in Belize
Authors: Waters Siân S. , Ulloa Oscar
Published: July 2009

No abstract
Sympatric occurrence of Alouatta caraya and Alouatta sara at the río Yacuma in the Beni department, northern Bolivia
Authors: Büntge Anna B. S. , Pyritz Lennart W.
Published: July 2009

No abstract
New occurrence records of Maués marmoset, Mico mauesi (Primates, Callitrichidae)
Authors: Noronha Maurício Almeida , Silva Jr José Sousa , Spironello Wilson Roberto , Ferreira Dayse Campista
Published: July 2009

No abstract
New occurrence records for Mico melanurus (Primates, Callitrichidae)
Authors: Noronha Maurício Almeida , Spironello Wilson Roberto , Ferreira Dayse Campista
Published: July 2009

No abstract
An Early-Time Model for Drawdown Testing of a Hydrate-Capped Gas Reservoir
Authors: Gerami Shahab , Pooladi-Darvish Mehran
Published: July 2009

Development of natural gas hydrates as an energy resource has gained significant interest during the past decade. Hydrate reservoirs may be found in different geologic settings including deep ocean sediments and arctic areas. Some reservoirs include a free-gas zone beneath the hydrate and such a situation is referred to as a hydrate-capped gas reservoir. Gas production from such a reservoir could result in pressure reduction in the hydrate cap and endothermic decomposition of hydrates.

Well testing in conventional reservoirs is used for estimation of reservoir and near-wellbore properties. Drawdown testing in a hydrate-capped gas reservoir needs to account for the effect of gas from decomposing hydrates. This paper presents a 2D (r,z) mathematical model for a constant-rate drawdown test performed in a well completed in the free-gas zone of a hydrate-capped gas reservoir during the earlytime production. Using energy and material balance equations, the effect of endothermic hydrate decomposition appears as an increased compressibility in the resulting governing equation. The solution for the dimensionless wellbore pressure is derived using Laplace and finite Fourier cosine transforms. The solution to the analytical model was compared with a numerical hydrate reservoir simulator across some range of hydrate reservoir parameters.

The use of this solution for determination of reservoir properties is demonstrated using a synthetic example. Furthermore, the solution may be used to quantify the contribution of hydrate decomposition on production performance.
Benzalkonium Chloride Sterilization of Nonwoven Fibrous Scaffolds for
Astrocyte Culture
Authors: Ng Robin , Gurm Jesse Singh , Yang Shang-Tian
Published: July 2009

Tissue engineering is an emerging field in biomedicine, holding enormous promise for regenerative medicine.
Scaffolds, within which cells proliferate, are a controlling factor in tissue engineering applications. Upon fabrication, tissue
scaffolds must undergo appropriate sterilization to eliminate contaminants. Current sterilization methods are either
costly, time consuming, or ineffective. In this study, a quaternary salt, benzalkonium chloride (BAC), was used as a
chemical agent for sterilization of nonwoven polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers and polylactic acid nanofibers.
Treating the PET scaffolds with 0.1% (w/v) BAC for only 2 minutes was effective to eliminate bacterial contaminants in
the fibrous matrices. In addition, astrocyte cells were successfully cultured in the PET scaffolds following BAC sterilization,
demonstrating the suitability of BAC as a sterilization agent. This chemical sterilization method is also mild and
nonabrasive to nanostructured materials such as electrospun polylactic acid nanofibers.
Age, Sex and Relocation Distance as Predictors of Return for Relocated Nuisance Black BearsUrsus americanusin Ontario, Canada
Authors: Landriault Lynn J. , Brown Glen S. , Hamr Josef , Mallory Frank F.
Published: July 2009

Relocation has been used as a management tool for nuisance black bearsUrsus americanusfor decades. Using tag recovery data from relocated nuisance bears in Ontario, Canada, we developed predictive models to assist managers in determining the efficacy of black bear relocation based on the sex and age of the animal, and a range of relocation distances. We considered relocation success in terms of nuisance recurrence rates and whether bears returned to within 20 km of the capture site. A minimum of 30% of relocated bears were subsequently involved in another nuisance event and adult females were the segment of the population most likely to re‐offend (48%). Adult bears consistently exhibited higher return rates than juveniles (73 vs 29%), hence we modeled these two groups separately. Based on logistic regression models, the probability of return for animals 1–3 years of age increased with age, females were more likely to return than males, and return rates decreased with increasing relocation distance. For bears ≥4 years of age, these variables were poor predictors of return; the model had difficulty identifying bears that did not return. We used receiver‐operating characteristic curves to estimate relocation distance thresholds for juvenile bears. The results suggest that 2‐ and 3‐year‐old male bears will not return to within 20 km of the capture area if relocated a minimum of 30 km and 64 km, respectively. Although relocation appears to be an effective strategy for the management of juvenile male bears, success rates were low for adults. Our findings can aid resource managers in making more informed decisions as to the potential effectiveness of relocation as a management tool.
Health Care Decision‐Making ‐ A Focus Group Study Involving Health Professionals and the General Public
Authors: Shrimpton Bradley , McKie John , Hurworth Rosalind , Bell Catherine , Richardson Jeff
Published: July 2009

Faced with an ageing population and newspaper warnings that escalating costs are leading to a health crisis, debate has intensified in Australia and elsewhere on the allocation of limited health resources. But whose values should inform decision‐making in the health area, and should the influence of different groups vary with the level of decision‐making? These questions were put to 54 members of the public and health professionals in eight focus groups. Unlike previous studies, participants were not asked if particular groups should be involved in decisions but rather through deliberation and discussion nominated their own potential decision‐makers. This delivered a clear message that participants saw a legitimate role for a broad range of stakeholders in priority‐setting decisions. The results suggest that qualitative methods of investigation have the potential to improve the legitimacy and accountability of policy decisions by contributing to a better understanding of the values of the public and health professionals.
Swine Flu
Authors: Islam Quazi Tarikul
Published: July 2009

doi: 10.3329/jom.v10i2.2810J MEDICINE 2009; 10 : 38-39
Maternal Iodine Status and Thyroid Function during Pregnancy
Authors: Mehdi Tahrim , Hoque Md Mozammel , Nasreen Zinnat Ara , Shirin Farzana , Khan Md Maqsudul Hakim
Published: July 2009

Background: Pregnant ladies are most likely to develop relative iodine deficiency during pregnancy to affect thyroid function in our population unless specific dietary care or therapeutic iodine supplementation is taken into account which is yet to be materialized. Methods: In this cohort study sixty uncomplicated normal pregnant women were enrolled in 1st trimester and followed up till delivery. In every trimester maternal iodine status & thyroid status were determined by urinary iodine & serum thyroid hormone concentration respectively. Results: Women progressively become more iodine deficient & tends to be hypothyroid as pregnancy advances. At 3rd trimester of pregnancy maternal Urinary Iodine found to be negatively correlated with their serum TSH. Conclusion: During pregnancy women develop iodine deficiency which adversely affects the thyroid function. So adequate iodine monitoring and iodine nutrition during pregnancy is necessary. Keywords: Urinary iodine level, TSH, FT3, FT4. doi: 10.3329/jom.v10i2.2815 J MEDICINE 2009; 10 : 56-59
Analysis of Breast Pain: A study of 110 Cases
Authors: Chowdhury Riaz Ahmed , Hasan Syed Khalid , Masud Jafar Md
Published: July 2009

A prospective type of analytical study was carried out on 106 patients with breast pain to analyze the causes of breast pain. This study was conducted from August, 2002 to January 2004 at breast clinic of Bangladesh Medical College Hospital (BMCH) and at Department of Surgery of BMCH. Sampling was done purposively and a structured questionnaire was used for data collection by interviewing followed by examining the patient in the first phase. In the second phase, Mammography and FNAC (Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology) was done. Majority of the patients (35.8%) were in the age group of 21- 30 years and the mean age was 27.61± SD10.5 years. About 48.1% breast pains were due to ANDI (Aberration of Normal Development and Involution) and among the other causes nonspecific pain 15.1%, breast abscess 14.2% and carcinoma of breast were only 1.9%. The performance status of all the patients were in between 0- 1. Mammography was done in 54 patients and of them 44 was found positive for fibrocystic disease (41 cases) and fibroadenoma (3 cases). FNAC was done in 50 patients and 36 were found positive with fibroadenoma (22 cases), fibrocystic change (8 cases), chronic breast abscess (2 cases), mitotic lesion (2 cases), and neurofibroma (2 cases). So painful breast diseases are helpful in seeking further medical care for appropriate intervention Keyword: Breast pain, Mastalgia, ANDI.   doi: 10.3329/jom.v10i2.2818 J MEDICINE 2009; 10 : 77-81
Global Eradication of Yaws: Neglected Disease with Research Priority
Authors: Amin Md Robed , Basher Ariful , Zaman Md Ferdous , Faiz MA
Published: July 2009

Yaws is a disfiguring, debilitating non-venereal treponemal infection caused by Treponema pallidum subspecies pertenue. It is a contagious disease transmitted by direct (person-to-person) contact with the infectious yaws lesion. Early lesions of this disease manifest in the form of skin lesions, which on healing show little scarring. The disease can be progressive wherein bone and cartilage are affected leading to disability. The disease can be cured and prevented by a single injection of long acting (benzathine benzyl) penicillin. Between 1952 and 1964, a worldwide campaign led by WHO and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to control and eventually eradicate yaws and other endemic treponematoses were undertaken.By the end of the 1970s, reemergence of yaws occured in many countries and it prompted a World Health Assembly Resolution requesting the implementation of integrated treponematoses control programmes. While the programme initially showed tremendous result but yaws control efforts paved the way for the development of the primary healthcare system in affected areas. The disease is amenable to eradication epidemiologically, technologically, historically and from political point of view if appropriate research based programme in national and international arena is set. Key words: Eradication, Yaws, Neglected,disease,Research   doi: 10.3329/jom.v10i2.2825   J MEDICINE 2009; 10 : 109-114
Recent Synthetic Studies Leading to Structural Revisions of Marine Natural Products
Authors: Usami Yoshihide
Published: July 2009

Because of the highly unique structures of marine natural products, there are many examples of structures that were originally proposed based on spectral analyses but later proven incorrect. In many cases, the total syntheses of the originally proposed structures of marine natural products has confirmed their incorrectness and the subsequent total syntheses of the newly proposed structures proved the revised structures. This review will show such cases appearing after 2005 and demonstrate how the true structures were elucidated.
One‐Pot Synthesis of Functional Helicoidal Hybrid Organic–Inorganic Nanofibers with Periodically Organized Mesoporosity
Authors: Rambaud Frédéric , Vallé Karine , Thibaud Simon , Julián‐López Beatriz , Sanchez Clément
Published: July 2009

The one‐pot synthesis and properties of multifunctional hybrid mesoporous organosilica fibers with helical shapes are described. These hybrid mesoporous fibers are prepared without chiral elements and functionalized with a large variety of organic R functions (R = alkylthiols, phenylsulfonates, alkylphosphonates, dansyl, aminopropyl, fluoroalkyl, etc.). The resulting nanomaterials are thoroughly characterized by a variety of techniques. The use of a synergetic combination of achiral molecules as co‐directing structuring agents, a surfactant, and an organofunctional silica precursor R‐Si(OR)3 allows, via carefully tuning of the main synthesis parameters and processing conditions, to control the shape, which is the anisotropic factor, of the hybrid nanofibers. The functionalization of the hybrid materials with fluorescent molecules (dansyl) and gold nanoparticles opens possibilities for sensor and catalytic applications, respectively. Moreover, these hybrid nanofibers can be easily transferred in organic solvents or in a “green” solvent such as water to make stable colloidal dispersions. This tunable functionality of nanofibers also allows their transferability into a variety of polymeric hosts (PVDF, PVBu, and PVP) allowing the formation of functional homogeneous nanocomposite hybrid membranes.
A property‐based optimization of direct recycle networks and wastewater treatment processes
Authors: Ponce‐Ortega José María , Hortua Ana Carolina , El‐Halwagi Mahmoud , Jiménez‐Gutiérrez Arturo
Published: July 2009

This article presents a mathematical programming approach to optimize direct recycle‐reuse networks together with wastewater treatment processes in order to satisfy a given set of environmental regulations. A disjunctive programming formulation is developed to optimize the recycle/reuse of process streams to units and the performance of wastewater treatment units. In addition to composition‐based constraints, the formulation also incorporates in‐plant property constraints as well as properties impacting the environment toxicity, ThOD, pH, color, and odor. The MINLP model is used to minimize the total annual cost of the system, which includes the cost for the fresh sources, the piping cost for the process integration and the waste stream treatment cost. An example problem is used to show the application of the proposed model. The results show that the simultaneous optimization of a recycle network and waste treatment process yields significant savings with respect to a commonly‐used sequential optimization strategy. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
Optimum design of cyclone separator
Authors: Swamee Prabhata K. , Aggarwal Nitin , Bhobhiya Kuldeep
Published: July 2009

Cyclone separators are one of the most widely used gas‐solid separators. Although the optimal design of cyclone separators has been suggested earlier, the earlier works do not include all the critical parameters responsible for minimizing the pressure drop which is quite decisive to obtain a correct optimal design. In this article, the optimal design of the cyclone separator has been formulated as a geometric programming with a single degree of difficulty. The solution of the problem yields the optimum values of the number of cyclones to be used in parallel, and the inside diameter of cyclone shell and exit pipe, when a specified flow rate of gas is to be separated from solid particles, when the cut diameter is already specified. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
Effects of chemical structure on the properties of carboxylate‐type copolymer dispersant for coal‐water slurry
Authors: Xu Renfu , Zhuang Wei , He Qihui , Cai Jun , Hu Baixing , Shen Jian
Published: July 2009

In this study, a series of carboxylate‐type copolymer dispersants were prepared. The effects of chemical structures of the copolymer dispersants, including the molecular weight, kind, quantity and ratio of hydrophilic/hydrophobic groups, and side chain length, on the solid loading, apparent viscosity, zeta potential, rheological behavior, and stability of coal‐water slurry (CWS) prepared from Dongtan, Yima, and Datong coals were systematically investigated. The dispersion performance of the copolymer can be improved by adjusting its chemical structures, and the dispersion mechanism was discussed. In addition, a high solid loading CWS with excellent stability toward settling can be achieved by means of the copolymer dispersant and carboxymethyl cellulose sodium salt (CMC‐Na). Experiments have proved that the copolymer has the potential to be developed as a new high‐effective dispersant for CWS. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
A new method of potassium chromate production from chromite and KOH‐KNO3‐H2O binary submolten salt system
Authors: Sun Zhi , Zhang Yi , Zheng Shi‐Li , Zhang Yang
Published: July 2009

A new method of chromate production by applying a new reaction system of KOH‐KNO3‐H2O (binary submolten salt system) is proposed and proved feasible. Under conditions of temperature 350°C, KOH‐to‐chromite ore ratio 2:1, stirring speed 700 rpm, KNO3‐to‐chromite ore ratio 0.8:1, oxygen partial pressure 50%, and gas flow 1 L/min, chromium conversion ratio obtained is >98% with reaction time around 300 min. The decomposition of chromite ore in the system is a typical process of solid– liquid–gas reaction, which is coordinately controlled by mass diffusion in product layer and interface reaction. Apparent activation energy of decomposition in the temperature range from 280 to 370°C is 55.63 kJ/mol. During reaction, oxygen dissolves into KOH‐KNO3‐H2O melt system first and some cluster, e.g. O, is formed and the mass diffusion coefficient of the cluster was calculated. The system can be considered as both a media of oxygen transportation and reactant donator. Potassium nitrate plays a role of catalyst in the oxidation decomposition reaction of chromite ore and potassium hydroxide. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
Multiple sclerosis: Distribution of inflammatory cells in newly forming lesions
Authors: Henderson Andrew P. D. , Barnett Michael H. , Parratt John D. E. , Prineas John W.
Published: July 2009

Objective

CD4 T‐cell–dependent macrophage activation directed against a myelin or oligodendrocyte antigen is generally thought to be the mechanism causing myelin destruction in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, areas within expanding MS lesions may exhibit prominent oligodendrocyte loss and apoptosis in the absence of infiltrating lymphocytes. The present study was designed to further investigate the inflammatory profile of different regions within rapidly expanding MS lesions.

Methods

Twenty‐six active lesions from 11 patients with early MS were serially sectioned and immunostained for T and B cells, plasma cells, ramified microglia, macrophages, monocytes, and CD209‐positive dendritic cells. Cell counts were compared in prephagocytic, phagocytic, and immediately postphagocytic areas.

Results

Parenchymal T and B cells were largely absent in areas of initial oligodendrocyte loss and in areas of degenerate and dead myelin infiltrated by myelin phagocytes. In contrast, trailing areas of complete demyelination packed with lipid macrophages, and, in some lesions, regenerating oligodendrocytes, showed large numbers of T cells, B cells, and immunoglobulin G (IgG)‐positive plasma cells. Lesions in 2 exceptionally early cases contained relatively few T and B cells, and no IgG‐positive plasma cells.

Interpretation

Early loss of oligodendrocytes is a prominent feature in tissue bordering rapidly expanding MS lesions. Macrophage activity is largely an innate scavenging response to the presence of degenerate and dead myelin. Adaptive immune activity involving T and B cells is conspicuous chiefly in recently demyelinated tissue, which may show signs of oligodendrocyte regeneration. The findings suggest that plaque formation has some basis other than destructive cell‐mediated immunity directed against a myelin or oligodendrocyte antigen. Ann Neurol 2009;66:739–753
Chemical and Physical Solutions for Hydrogen Storage
Authors: Eberle Ulrich , Felderhoff Michael , Schüth Ferdi
Published: July 2009

Hydrogen is a promising energy carrier in future energy systems. However, storage of hydrogen is a substantial challenge, especially for applications in vehicles with fuel cells that use proton‐exchange membranes (PEMs). Different methods for hydrogen storage are discussed, including high‐pressure and cryogenic‐liquid storage, adsorptive storage on high‐surface‐area adsorbents, chemical storage in metal hydrides and complex hydrides, and storage in boranes. For the latter chemical solutions, reversible options and hydrolytic release of hydrogen with off‐board regeneration are both possible. Reforming of liquid hydrogen‐containing compounds is also a possible means of hydrogen generation. The advantages and disadvantages of the different systems are compared.
PageRank for ranking authors in co‐citation networks
Authors: Ding Ying , Yan Erjia , Frazho Arthur , Caverlee James
Published: July 2009

This paper studies how varied damping factors in the PageRank algorithm influence the ranking of authors and proposes weighted PageRank algorithms. We selected the 108 most highly cited authors in the information retrieval (IR) area from the 1970s to 2008 to form the author co‐citation network. We calculated the ranks of these 108 authors based on PageRank with the damping factor ranging from 0.05 to 0.95. In order to test the relationship between different measures, we compared PageRank and weighted PageRank results with the citation ranking, h‐index, and centrality measures. We found that in our author co‐citation network, citation rank is highly correlated with PageRank with different damping factors and also with different weighted PageRank algorithms; citation rank and PageRank are not significantly correlated with centrality measures; and h‐index rank does not significantly correlate with centrality measures but does significantly correlate with other measures. The key factors that have impact on the PageRank of authors in the author co‐citation network are being co‐cited with important authors.
Conjugated Polyelectrolytes as New Platforms for Drug Screening
Authors: An Lingling , Wang Shu
Published: July 2009

In recent years, conjugated polyelectrolytes (CPEs) have attracted increasing attention for their applications in highly sensitive biosensors by taking advantage of their unique optical amplification properties. In comparison to previous applications tailored for highly sensitive biomacromolecule detection, this Focus Review highlights recent research efforts in the development of water‐soluble CPEs as a new class of optical platforms for the screening of potential drugs. Three types of biological targets for the search of small‐molecule active drugs are described: nucleic acids, enzymes, and RNA–protein complexes. Future research directions for drug screening based on CPEs are also presented.
Genes related to sex steroids, neural growth, and social–emotional behavior are associated with autistic traits, empathy, and Asperger syndrome
Authors: Chakrabarti B. , Dudbridge F. , Kent L. , Wheelwright S. , Hill‐Cawthorne G. , Allison C. , Banerjee‐Basu S. , Baron‐Cohen S.
Published: July 2009

Genetic studies of autism spectrum conditions (ASC) have mostly focused on the “low functioning” severe clinical subgroup, treating it as a rare disorder. However, ASC is now thought to be relatively common (∼1%), and representing one end of a quasi‐normal distribution of autistic traits in the general population. Here we report a study of common genetic variation in candidate genes associated with autistic traits and Asperger syndrome (AS). We tested single nucleotide polymorphisms in 68 candidate genes in three functional groups (sex steroid synthesis/transport, neural connectivity, and social–emotional responsivity) in two experiments. These were (a) an association study of relevant behavioral traits (the Empathy Quotient (EQ), the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ)) in a population sample (n=349); and (b) a case–control association study on a sample of people with AS, a “high‐functioning” subgroup of ASC (n=174). 27 genes showed a nominally significant association with autistic traits and/or ASC diagnosis. Of these, 19 genes showed nominally significant association with AQ/EQ. In the sex steroid group, this included ESR2 and CYP11B1. In the neural connectivity group, this included HOXA1, NTRK1, and NLGN4X. In the socio‐responsivity behavior group, this included MAOB, AVPR1B, and WFS1. Fourteen genes showed nominally significant association with AS. In the sex steroid group, this included CYP17A1 and CYP19A1. In the socio‐emotional behavior group, this included OXT. Six genes were nominally associated in both experiments, providing a partial replication. Eleven genes survived family wise error rate (FWER) correction using permutations across both experiments, which is greater than would be expected by chance. CYP11B1 and NTRK1 emerged as significantly associated genes in both experiments, after FWER correction (P<0.05). This is the first candidate‐gene association study of AS and of autistic traits. The most promising candidate genes require independent replication and fine mapping.
DIN 1052:2008‐12 Neue Grundlagen für Entwurf, Berechnung und Bemessung von Holzbauwerken – Teil 5 (1): Aussteifungen von Holztragwerken
Authors: Lißner Karin , Rug Wolfgang , Steinmetz Dieter
Published: July 2009

Es werden die Grundlagen zur Aussteifung von Holztragwerken dargelegt und an Beispielen erläutert.

DIN 1052:2008‐12 – New basics for design, calculation and dimensioning of timber structures, Part 5: Construction of bracing in wooden structures.

Basics of bracing in wooden structures are given and amplified by several examples.
Untersuchungen zum Auslaugverhalten beregneter Bauteile
Authors: Vollpracht Anya , Brameshuber Wolfgang
Published: July 2009

In diesem Beitrag werden Ergebnisse zur Auslaugung von Spurenelementen aus mineralischen Baustoffen bei Beregnung dargestellt. Die Auslaugung im Beregnungsversuch wird mit der Auslaugung bei durchgehender Wasserbeaufschlagung verglichen, um festzustellen, welche Relevanz das Beregnungsszenario für die Bewertung der Umweltverträglichkeit von mineralischen Baustoffen hat.

Investigations on the leaching behaviour of construction elements exposed to artificial rain.

In this paper, results regarding the leaching of trace elements out of mineral building materials under irrigation are presented. The leaching in the irrigation test is compared to the leaching under constant water exposure to determine the relevance of the irrigation scenario for the assessment of the environmental compatibility of mineral building materials.
The association between socioeconomic status and exposure to mobile telecommunication networks in children and adolescents
Authors: Thomas Silke , Heinrich Sabine , Kühnlein Anja , Radon Katja
Published: July 2009

A potential association between socioeconomic status (SES) and self‐reported use of mobile phones has been investigated in a few studies. If measured exposure to mobile phone networks differs by SES in children, it has not yet been studied. Interview data of 1,481 children and 1,505 adolescents on participants' mobile phone use, socio‐demographic characteristics and potential confounders were taken from the German MobilEe‐study. Sociodemographic data was used to stratify participants into three “status groups” (low, middle, high). Using a personal dosimeter, we obtained an exposure profile over 24 h for each of the participants. Exposure levels during waking hours were expressed as mean percentage of the reference level. Children with a low SES were more likely to own a mobile phone (OR 2.1; 95% CI: 1.1–3.9) and also reported to use their mobile phone longer per day (OR 2.4; 95% CI: 1.1–5.4) than children with a high SES. For adolescents, self‐reported duration of mobile phone use per day was also higher with a low SES (OR: 3.4; 95% CI: 1.4–8.4) compared with a high SES. No association between SES and measured exposure to mobile telecommunication networks was seen for children or adolescents. Mobile phone use may differ between status groups with higher use among disadvantaged groups. However, this does not result in higher overall exposure to mobile telecommunication networks. Whether short duration of own mobile phone use or the small numbers of participants with a low SES are causal, have to be investigated in further studies. Bioelectromagnetics 31:20–27, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effect of the side chain length of Asp and Glu on coordination structure of Cu2+ in a de novo designed protein
Authors: Shiga Daigo , Nakane Daisuke , Inomata Tomohiko , Masuda Hideki , Oda Masayuki , Noda Masanori , Uchiyama Susumu , Fukui Kiichi , Takano Yu , Nakamura Haruki , Mizuno Toshihisa , Tanaka Toshiki
Published: July 2009

Metal ions in proteins are important not only for the formation of the proper structures but also for various biological activities. For biological functions such as hydrolysis and oxidation, metal ions often adopt unusual coordination structures. We constructed a stable scaffold for metal binding to create distorted metal coordination structures. A stable four stranded α‐helical coiled‐coil structure was used as the scaffold, and the metal binding site was in the cavity created at the center of the structure. Two His residues and one Asp or Glu residue were used to coordinate the metal ions, AM2D and AM2E, respectively. Cu2+ bound to AM2D with an equatorial planar coordination structure with two His, one Asp, and H2O as detected by electron spin resonance and UV spectral analyzes. On the other hand, Cu2+ had a slightly distorted square planar structure when it bound two His and Glu in AM2E, due to the longer side‐chain of the Glu residue as compared to the Asp residue. Computational analysis also supported the distorted coordination structure of Cu2+ in AM2E. This construct should be useful to create various coordinations of metal ions for catalytic functions. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 91: 907–916, 2009.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Mechanism of pH‐sensitive polymer‐assisted protein refolding and its application in TGF‐β1 and KGF‐2
Authors: Huang Zhifeng , Ni Chunyan , Zhou Xiangtian , Liu Yanlong , Tan Yi , Xiao Jian , Feng Wenke , Li Xiaokun , Yang Shulin
Published: July 2009

Refolding of proteins at high concentrations often results in non‐productive aggregation. This study, through a unique combination of spectroscopic and chromatographic analyzes, provides biomolecular evidence to demonstrate the ability of Eudragit S‐100, a pH‐responsive polymer, to enhance refolding of denatured‐reduced lysozyme at high concentrations. The addition of Eudragit in the refolding buffer significantly increases lysozyme refolding yield to 75%, when dilution refolding was conducted at 1 mg/mL lysozyme. This study shows evidence of an electrostatic interaction between oppositely charged lysozyme and the Eudragit polymer during refolding. This ionic complexing of Eudragit and lysozyme appears to shield exposed hydrophobic residues of the lysozyme refolding intermediates, thus minimizing hydrophobic‐driven aggregation of the molecules. Importantly, results from this study show that the Eudragit‐lysozyme bioconjugation does not compromise refolded protein structure, and that the polymer can be readily dissociated from the protein by ion exchange chromatography. The strategy was also applied to refolding of TGF‐β1 and KGF‐2. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog. 2009
Virtual angioscopy assessment for acute type B aortic dissection endovascular repair
Authors: Izquierdo, Luis , Leiva, Luis
Published: July 2009

Introduction: Virtual angioscopy 3D reconstruction (VA) based on Multidetector computed tomography (m‐CT) can be an important tool in endovascular aortic repair assessment. Here, we present a case of an acute type B aortic dissection, evaluated with preoperative virtual angioscopy 3D reconstruction (VA). Case Report: A 60 years‐old‐man presented with type B acute aortic dissection. Due to renal malperfusion and uncontrolled hypertension TEVAR and renal stenting was performed based on m‐CT and VA images. Discussion: Aortic dissection endovascular repair requires an accurate evaluation based on M‐CT or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). VA is a CT‐based 3D reconstruction that provides a sort of information comparable to intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) that can be very helpful when it is not available and has many other potential applications in vascular surgery. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Outcome in high risk patients with unprotected left main coronary artery stenosis treated with percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Jensen Lisette Okkels , Kaltoft Anne , Thayssen Per , Tilsted Hans Henrik , Christiansen Evald Hoej , Mikkelsen Kirsten Vilain , Maeng Michael , Hansen Knud Noerregaard , Villadsen Anton Boel , Madsen Morten , Lassen Jens Flensted , Pedersen Knud Erik , Thuesen Leif
Published: July 2009

Objective: We examined mortality, risk of myocardial infarction (MI), and target lesion revascularization (TLR) in high‐risk patients with unprotected left main (LM) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in Western Denmark. Background: PCI of left main coronary artery lesions may be an alternative to coronary artery bypass grafting in high‐risk surgical patients. Methods: From January 2005 to May 2007, all patients who had unprotected LM PCI with stent implantation were identified in the Western Denmark Heart Registry. The indications for PCI were: (1) ST segment elevation MI (STEMI), (2) non‐STEMI (NSTEMI) or unstable angina, and (3) stable angina. All patients were followed up for 18 months. Results: A total of 344 patients were treated with LM PCI (STEMI: 71, NSTEMI/unstable angina: 157, and stable angina: 116). In STEMI patients, the median logistic EuroSCORE was 22.5 (interquartile range 12.5–39.5), in non‐STEMI (NSTEMI)/unstable angina patients 13.8 (4.8–23.9), and in stable angina patients 4.8 (2.2–10.4). Mortality after 18 months 38.0, 18.5, and 11.2% (P < 0.001) in patients with STEMI, NSTEMI/unstable angina, and stable angina, respectively. MI after 18 months was 9.9, 6.4, and 6.0% (P = ns), respectively. Four subacute and one late definite stent thrombosis were seen. TLR occurred in 5.6, 4.5, and 6.9% (P = ns) of patients, respectively. Conclusion: After PCI, patients with STEMI and LM culprit lesion have a high‐mortality risk, whereas long‐term outcome for patients with NSTEMI and stable angina pectoris is comparable with other high surgical risk patients with unprotected left main lesion. Further, TLR rates and risk of stent thrombosis were low. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of obstructive sleep apnea and treatment with continuous positive airway pressure on fractional flow reserve measurements for coronary lesion assessment
Authors: Mak Gary S. , Kern Morton J. , Patel Pranav M.
Published: July 2009

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and sleep‐disordered breathing have been implicated in the progression of cardiovascular disease and with increased risk of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and stroke. Fractional flow reserve (FFR) is used to evaluate the physiological significance of coronary artery stenosis, and this technique is largely thought to be independent of systemic hemodynamic changes. Herein, we describe a case of OSA and sleep‐disordered breathing cyclically altering FFR measurements from normal to abnormal in a patient with coronary artery disease. More specifically, we show that the abnormal FFR across a coronary lesion in a patient with sleep disordered apnea improves (to a normal threshold) with the initiation of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). This finding may have implications for the mechanisms of cardiac dysfunction in patients with OSA. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The search for meaning—Symptoms and transvaginal sonography screening for ovarian cancer
Authors: Cass Ilana
Published: July 2009

The use of a symptoms index to screen for ovarian cancer did not significantly improve the earlier detection of ovarian cancer compared with transvaginal ultrasound in the study cohort described by Pavlik and colleagues. Despite limitations in the design of this study, further research to define an optimal symptoms index which can be incorporated into ovarian cancer screening programs is warranted.
Racial differences in colorectal cancer survival in the Detroit Metropolitan area
Authors: Yan Ben , Noone Anne‐Michelle , Yee Cecilia , Banerjee Mousumi , Schwartz Kendra , Simon Michael S.
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUND:

Colorectal carcinoma is the second most common cause of cancer death with African Americans having lower survival compared with White Americans. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of demographics, clinical factors, and socioeconomic status (SES) on racial disparities in colorectal cancer survival in the Detroit Metropolitan Area.

METHODS:

The study population included 9078 individuals with primary invasive colorectal cancer identified between 1988 and 1992 through the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program. Demographics, clinical information, and survival were obtained through SEER. SES was categorized using occupation, educational level, and poverty status at the census tract level. Kaplan‐Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazards regression were used to compare overall survival by race.

RESULTS:

African Americans were more likely to be diagnosed with stage IV disease (P < .001), and to reside within poor census tracts (P < .001) compared with White Americans. Unadjusted analysis showed that African Americans had a significantly higher risk of death compared with their White American counterparts (hazards ratio [HR], 1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07‐1.20). After adjusting for age, marital status, sex, SES group, TNM stage, and treatment, race was no longer significantly associated with overall survival (HR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.92‐1.09). Similar results were seen with colorectal cancer‐specific survival.

CONCLUSIONS:

Racial disparities in colorectal cancer survival dissipate after adjusting for other demographic and clinical factors. These results can potentially affect medical guidelines regarding screening and treatment, and possibly influence public health policies that can have a positive impact on equalizing racial differences in access to care. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Alcohol consumption, finasteride, and prostate cancer risk
Authors: Gong Zhihong , Kristal Alan R. , Schenk Jeannette M. , Tangen Catherine M. , Goodman Phyllis J. , Thompson Ian M.
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUND:

Current research is inconclusive regarding the relation between alcohol consumption and prostate cancer risk. In this study, the authors examined the associations of total alcohol, type of alcoholic beverage, and drinking pattern with the risk of total, low‐grade, and high‐grade prostate cancer.

METHODS:

Data for this study came from the 2129 participants in the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT) who had cancer detected during the 7‐year trial and 8791 men who were determined by biopsy to be free of cancer at the trial end. Poisson regression was used to calculate relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for associations of alcohol intake with prostate cancer risk.

RESULTS:

Associations of drinking with high‐grade disease did not differ by treatment arm. In combined arms, heavy alcohol consumption (≥50 g of alcohol daily) and regular heavy drinking (≥4 drinks daily on ≥5 days per week) were associated with increased risks of high‐grade prostate cancer (RR, 2.01 [95% CI, 1.33‐3.05] and 2.17 [95% CI, 1.42‐3.30], respectively); less heavy drinking was not associated with risk. Associations of drinking with low‐grade cancer differed by treatment arm. In the placebo arm, there was no association of drinking with risk of low‐grade cancer. In the finasteride arm, drinking ≥50 g of alcohol daily was associated with an increased risk of low‐grade disease (RR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.39‐2.56); this finding was because of a 43% reduction in the risk of low‐grade cancer attributable to finasteride treatment in men who drank <50g of alcohol daily and the lack of an effect of finasteride in men who drank ≥50 g of alcohol daily (Pinteraction= .03).

CONCLUSIONS:

Heavy, daily drinking increased the risk of high‐grade prostate cancer. Heavy drinking made finasteride ineffective for reducing prostate cancer risk. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.