bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence of Limited Contributions for Intratumoral Steroidogenesis in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Hofland Johannes , van Weerden Wytske M. , Dits Natasja F.J. , Steenbergen Jacobie , van Leenders Geert J.L.H. , Jenster Guido , Schröder Fritz H. , de Jong Frank H.
Published: January 2010

Androgen-deprivation therapy for prostate cancer (PC) eventually leads to castration-resistant PC (CRPC). Intratumoral androgen production might contribute to tumor progression despite suppressed serum androgen concentrations. In the present study, we investigated whether PC or CRPC tissue may be capable of intratumoral androgen synthesis. Steroidogenic enzyme mRNAs were quantified in hormonally manipulated human PC cell lines and xenografts as well as in human samples of normal prostate, locally confined and advanced PC, local nonmetastatic CRPC, and lymph node metastases. Overall, the majority of samples showed low or absent mRNA expression of steroidogenic enzymes required for de novo steroid synthesis. Simultaneous but low expression of the enzymes CYP17A1 and HSD3B1, essential for the synthesis of androgens from pregnenolone, could be detected in 19 of 88 patient samples. Of 19 CRPC tissues examined, only 5 samples expressed both enzymes. Enzymes that convert androstenedione to testosterone (AKR1C3) and testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT; SRD5A1) were abundantly expressed. AKR1C3 expression was negatively regulated by androgens in the experimental models and was increased in CRPC samples. Expression of SRD5A1 was upregulated in locally advanced cancer, CRPC, and lymph node metastases. We concluded that intratumoral steroid biosynthesis contributes less than circulating adrenal androgens, implying that blocking androgen production and its intraprostatic conversion into DHT, such as via CYP17A1 inhibition, may represent favorable therapeutic options in patients with CRPC. Cancer Res; 70(3); 1256–64
Rethinking the Warburg Effect with Myc Micromanaging Glutamine Metabolism
Authors: Dang Chi V.
Published: January 2010

The MYC oncogene, which is frequently deregulated in human cancers, encodes a master transcription factor c-Myc (herein termed Myc) that integrates cell proliferation with metabolism through its regulation of thousands of genes including microRNAs (miRNA). In addition to its known function in regulating the cell cycle and glucose metabolism, recent studies document a role for Myc in stimulating glutamine catabolism, in part through the repression of miRNAs miR-23a and miR-23b. These observations suggest an additional level of complexity in tumor metabolism, which includes the commensal metabolic relationship between hypoxic and nonhypoxic regions of tumors as well as the surrounding stroma. Thus, a reevaluation of cancer metabolism considering glutamine catabolism with a better understanding of the tumor histological complexity is needed before cancer metabolism can be effectively targeted in therapy. Cancer Res; 70(3); 859–62
Phase II Trial of Tremelimumab (CP-675,206) in Patients with Advanced Refractory or Relapsed Melanoma
Authors: Kirkwood John M. , Lorigan Paul , Hersey Peter , Hauschild Axel , Robert Caroline , McDermott David , Marshall Margaret A. , Gomez-Navarro Jesus , Liang Jane Q. , Bulanhagui Cecile A.
Published: January 2010

Purpose: This phase II study assessed the antitumor activity of tremelimumab, a fully human, anti–CTL-associated antigen 4 monoclonal antibody, in patients with melanoma.

Experimental Design: Patients with refractory/relapsed melanoma received 15 mg/kg tremelimumab every 90 days. After 4 doses, patients with tumor response or stable disease were eligible to receive ≤4 additional doses. Primary endpoint was best overall tumor response assessed by an independent endpoint review committee, and secondary endpoints included duration of response, overall survival, progression-free survival, and safety.

Results: Of 251 patients enrolled, 246 (241 response-evaluable) received tremelimumab. Objective response rate was 6.6% (16 partial responses); duration of response was 8.9 to 29.8 months. Eight (50%) objective responses occurred in patients with stage IV M1c disease, and 11 (69%) were ongoing at last tumor assessment. Eight (3.3%) patients achieved responses in target lesions (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors) despite progressive disease within the first cycle. All 8 survived for >20 months; 5 (63%) remained alive. Clinical benefit rate (overall response + stable disease) was 21% (16 partial responses and 35 stable disease), and median overall survival was 10.0 months. Progression-free survival at 6 months was 15%, and survival was 40.3% at 12 months and 22% at 24 months. Common treatment-related adverse events were generally mild to moderate, and grade 3/4 adverse events included diarrhea (n = 28, 11%), fatigue (n = 6, 2%), and colitis (n = 9, 4%). There were 2 (0.8%) treatment-related deaths.

Conclusions: Tremelimumab showed an objective response rate of 6.6%, with all responses being durable ≥170 days since enrollment, suggesting a potential role for tremelimumab in melanoma. Clin Cancer Res; 16(3); 1042–8
Innovative Agents for Actinic Keratosis and Nanocarriers Enhancing Skin Penetration
Authors: Schäfer-Korting M. , Höltje M. , Korting H.C. , Höltje H.-D.
Published: January 2010

Actinic keratosis and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma are of increasing importance with aging and increased ultraviolet light exposure in Western societies. Efficient and well-tolerated therapy is still a matter of concern. As with tumours of other organs, new target sites and innovative drugs selectively addressing them are widely looked for. Due to the relevance for DNA synthesis and thus cell proliferation, human DNA polymerase α should be such a target, the more so as the three-dimensional structure of the active site has been proposed based on the application of molecular modelling methods and molecular dynamics simulations. The modelled structure of the active site was used for docking nucleotide analogues in order to design selective inhibitors. Consequently, well-fitting thymidine and guanosine analogues were synthesized and tested in vitro for their influence on normal and transformed human keratinocytes. In fact, the combination of modelling studies and in vitro tests allowed us to design antiproliferative and cytotoxic agents which are new drug candidates for the therapy of skin tumours, given the agents are no relevant substrates of nucleotide transporters (MRP-4, MRP-5) expressed by skin cancer cells. Essential kinases for nucleoside activation were detected, too, corresponding with the observed effects of nucleoside analogues. Due to the rather high molecular weight and poor solubility, however, skin penetration should be poor and thus topical therapy may require carriers to improve the uptake. This becomes feasible by lipidic and non-lipidic nanoparticles which can enhance the uptake of lipophilic agents up to 13-fold.
Advances in Thoracoscopy: 100 Years since Jacobaeus
Authors: Lee Pyng , Mathur Praveen N. , Colt Henri G.
Published: January 2010

Thoracoscopy provides the physician a window into the pleural space, and enables the biopsy of the parietal pleura under direct visual guidance, chest tube placement and pleurodesis for recurrent pleural effusions or pneumothoraces in selected patients. In this review, we discuss the advances that have been achieved in thoracoscopy since its inception more than a century ago.
Homocysteine and Cognitive Function in Geriatric Depression
Authors: Alexopoulos P. , Topalidis S. , Irmisch G. , Prehn K. , Jung S.U. , Poppe K. , Sebb H. , Perneczky R. , Kurz A. , Bleich S. , Herpertz S.C.
Published: January 2010

Background/Objectives: Cognitive dysfunction is a common aspect of the spectrum of symptoms of geriatric depression. High homocysteine levels have been linked to cognitive decline in neuropsychiatric disorders. The present study investigated possible associations between cognitive impairment observed in geriatric depression and homocysteine levels. Methods: The performance of 25 mentally healthy individuals and 40 patients with geriatric depression in terms of language processing, processing speed, concentration and attention was assessed with the Stroop Test and the d2 Test of Attention. Serum homocysteine was determined with an enzyme immunoassay. Results: The performance of depressed patients was significantly worse in language processing (p = 0.001) and processing speed (p < 0.0001). Depressed patients with high levels of homocysteine performed better than patients with homocysteine concentrations ≤11.7 µmol/l in both cognitive domains (p = 0.006 and 0.009, respectively). Moreover, homocysteine level was positively associated with language processing (p = 0.002) and processing speed (p = 0.002). Conclusions: These findings indicate that under the special circumstances of geriatric depression (perturbation of glutamatergic transmission and glutamate metabolism), homocysteine is positively associated with the performance in language processing and processing speed.
Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for the Treatment of Chronic Stress in Patients with Lupus Erythematosus: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Navarrete-Navarrete N. , Peralta-Ramírez M.I. , Sabio-Sánchez J.M. , Coín M.A. , Robles-Ortega H. , Hidalgo-Tenorio C. , Ortego-Centeno N. , Callejas-Rubio J.L. , Jiménez-Alonso J.
Published: January 2010

Background: Chronic stress worsens the quality of life (QOL) of lupus patients by affecting their physical and psychological status. The effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioural intervention in a group of patients with lupus and high levels of daily stress was investigated. Methods: Forty-five patients with lupus and high levels of daily stress were randomly assigned to a control group (CG) or a therapy group (TG); they received cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which consisted of ten consecutive weekly sessions. The following variables were evaluated at baseline and at 3, 9 and 15 months: (1) stress, anxiety, depression, (2) Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index, somatic symptoms, number of flares, (3) anti-nDNA antibodies, complement fractions C3 and C4 and (4) QOL. A multivariate analysis of repeated measures and various analyses of variance were carried out. Results: We found a significant reduction in the level of depression, anxiety and daily stress in the TG compared to the CG and a significant improvement in QOL and somatic symptoms in the TG throughout the entire follow-up period. We did not find any significant changes in the immunological parameters. Conclusions: CBT is effective in dealing with patients suffering from lupus and high levels of daily stress as it significantly reduces the incidence of psychological disorders associated with lupus and improves and maintains patients’ QOL, despite there being no significant reduction in the disease activity index.
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness in Parkinson’s Disease: Characteristics and Determinants
Authors: Poryazova R. , Benninger D. , Waldvogel D. , Bassetti C.L.
Published: January 2010

Background/Aims: Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is frequent in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Occasionally, EDS in PD exhibits narcolepsy-like features. We aimed to assess characteristics and determinants of EDS in consecutive patients with PD. Methods: Thirty consecutive patients with PD underwent a detailed clinical examination. EDS was assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT). Sleep was assessed using video-polysomnography. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) hypocretin-1 levels were obtained in 3 patients. Results: ESS was >10 in 17 patients (57%). Mean sleep latency (MSL) on MSLT was <5 min in 11 patients (37%). There was a significant negative correlation between ESS and MSL. None of the 11 patients with MSL <5 min showed a sleep onset REM (SOREM) episode. Patients with EDS had higher dopamine agonists/levodopa equivalent doses, higher apnea/hypopnea index and exhibited wearing-off symptoms more often. Hypocretin-1 was normal in 3 patients tested. Conclusion: EDS, which can sometimes be severe, is common in PD patients even in the absence of SOREM and detectable CSF-hypocretin deficiency. In PD, EDS is a multifaceted phenomenon, the determinants of which include severity of PD, wearing-off symptoms, dosage of antiparkinsonian drugs and sleep-disordered breathing.
Effects of Soluble Amyloid βProtein (Aβ25–35) on Delayed Rectifier Potassium Current in CA3 Neurons of Rat Hippocampal Slices
Authors: Fang Dan , Liu Zhen-Zhai , Yang Zhuo
Published: January 2010

The aim of this study was toinvestigate the effects of soluble amyloid βprotein (Aβ), with the amino acid sequence 25–35 (Aβ25–35), on delayed rectifier potassium current (Ik) in CA3 neurons of rat hippocampal slices using blind whole-cell patch-clamp recording techniques. We also studied the neurotoxic mechanism of soluble Aβ25–35 in Alzheimer’s disease. Results showed thatsoluble Aβ25–35 significantly suppressed Ik in CA3 neurons of rat hippocampal slices in time-dependent and voltage-dependent manners. Soluble Aβ25–35 significantly shifted the steady-state activation curve of Ik to more negative potentials. Before and after application of Aβ25–35, the half-activation potentials of Ik were 5.88 ± 0.67 and –2.81 ± 0.76 mV, respectively (n = 8; p < 0.05), but the slope factor was not significantly changed. The results suggest that the inhibitory effect of soluble Aβ25–35 on Ik may be one of the mechanisms of neurotoxicity, which may play an important role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease.
Polyurethane Rigid Foams Reinforced by Doubly Modified Nanosilica
Authors: Nikje Mir Mohammad Alavi , Tehrani Zahra Mazaheri
Published: January 2010

Nanosilica was modified by γ-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane and further modification was accomplished by diethanol amine. The modified nanosilica was used in polyurethane rigid foam formulations. Formulated polyurethane rigid foams were characterized by Fourier transform infrared Spectroscopy and thermal analysis methods. Tensile test, dynamic mechanical analysis, thermomechanical analysis, and scanning electron microscopy were performed for the evaluation of mechanical, thermomechanical, and morphological properties. The modified nanosilica enhanced thermal stability and static mechanical properties, and reactive functional groups on the nanosilica surface affected reactant ratios by causing decrements in hard segments, which were accomplished by reduced storage modulus (E’).
Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in the UK
Authors: Dustin Moira
Published: January 2010

Debates about female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) have polarized opinion between those who see it as an abuse of women’s health and human rights, to be ‘eradicated’, and those who may or may not oppose the practice, but see a double standard on the part of western campaigners who fail to challenge other unnecessary surgical interventions — such as male circumcision or cosmetic surgery — in their own communities and cultures. This article interrogates these debates about FGM/C in the context of measures to reduce it in the UK over recent decades. It does not suggest that FGM/C is a legitimate practice, seeing it, rather, as an abuse of women’s and children’s rights that should be combated using a combination of measures. However, it argues that reduction strategies are undermined by inconsistencies in the law and the failure to back up the law with research and education.
Patients with multiple sclerosis in a war zone: coping strategies associated with reduced risk for relapse
Authors: Somer Eli , Golan Daniel , Dishon Sara , Cuzin-Disegni Limor , Lavi Idit , Miller Ariel
Published: January 2010

The objective of this article is to examine the role of coping strategies in multiple sclerosis outcomes among civilians under a military attack during the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel. Participants were 156 patients with relapsing—remitting multiple sclerosis. We analysed the relationships between coping and emotional distress and between coping and multiple sclerosis exacerbation. We also assessed a model of the relationship between perceived stress, event-related stress, and coping with increased risk of multiple sclerosis exacerbations using multivariate logistic regression. Ways of coping and subjective stress were evaluated by means of structured interviews using questionnaires previously validated. The more distressed our respondents were during the war, the more likely they were to employ a variety of ways of coping. Correlation coefficients between coping scores and perceived war stress ranged from 0.2 to 0.44 ( p < 0.001—0.01). Correlation coefficients between the various coping scores and broader indices of distress ranged from 0.28 to 0.5 ( p < 0.001). Of the remitting patients during and following the war, 47.1% reported the use of ‘direct coping and planning’, compared to 16.7% of patients who relapsed during the same period ( p = 0.014). ‘Direct coping and planning’ was negatively related to exacerbation of multiple sclerosis symptoms (OR = 0.1, 95% CI = 0.02—0.5). The Nagelkerke R2 was 0.26. Our findings point to an association between ‘direct coping and planning’ and reduced multiple sclerosis relapse rate during wartime. Further research should explore whether the employment of specific ways of coping can reduce the risk for relapse among patients with multiple sclerosis during periods of distress.
Why blog? (then and now): exploring the motivations for blogging by popular American political bloggers
Authors: Ekdale Brian , Namkoong Kang , Fung Timothy K.F. , Perlmutter David D.
Published: January 2010

Despite the impact that influential American political bloggers have had on public policies and the mainstream media agenda in recent years, very little research is currently available on the most widely read political bloggers.Through a survey of 66 top American political bloggers, the present study examines this elite group by analyzing their initial and current motivations for blogging as well as their online and offline behaviors. The findings demonstrate that nearly all motivations for blogging have increased over time, with the most substantial increases occurring in extrinsic motivations. The results also reveal a significant association between extrinsic motivations and blogger online and offline political participation. This study demonstrates that future research on political blogs needs to look beyond blog readers and blog content and investigate the influential political bloggers themselves.
Approaching development
Authors: Lund Christian
Published: January 2010

Development studies navigate between policy and social science; between directed progress and change. However, the relative propinquity of social science and policy languages sometimes masks the difference between the two. This article discusses the relationship between development as social change and as a craft and argues for the necessity of recognizing their difference. Moreover, as a social science, development studies also navigate between theoretical generalization and descriptive particularism. By making a distinction between explanatory and heuristic frameworks, development studies can be normalized as a science and thus able to study a contextual moving target while drawing on a general or ‘grand theory’.
Transition or development?
Authors: Glinavos Ioannis
Published: January 2010

This article enquires into the implications the modern literature on economic development emanating from international institutions has for law reform and the role of the state in the economy. The main question asked is whether regulation has a uniform role in all reform contexts or whether there is a difference between the roles for law in the transition to a market economy as opposed to the promotion of general development. While transition, it is suggested, requires a more limited role for law, development necessitates a more thorough involvement of the state in the reform process. Nevertheless, there is evidence to suggest that a minimal role for regulation focused on market promotion required by ‘transition type’ reforms is adopted across the board and still applied to different development scenarios. This is a worrying finding because it contradicts the emerging consensus that the promotion of development – which encompasses political, social, and economic aspects – necessitates a wider role for law.
Do shocks have a persistent impact on consumption?
Authors: Davies Simon
Published: January 2010

This article uses rural Malawian data to study the long-run impact of two household shocks (sickness and death) and two community shocks (floods and drought) on household per capita consumption. Little work has been done in this area, but understanding these shocks and the extent to which households can insulate themselves against these shocks is important in understanding how households in developing countries remain in a poverty trap. Results indicate that drought and sickness have negative short-term effects on consumption level, but do not have significant long-run effects. This suggests that rural Malawian households are able to shield themselves from the persistent negative impacts of these shocks on consumption levels but are unable to self-insure against the short-run impact.
The Continuing Evolution of the U.S. Lodging Industry
Authors: Lomanno Mark V.
Published: January 2010

Although the U.S. lodging industry as a whole has grown substantially in the past twenty years, a notable shift has occurred in the distribution of rooms. Long-standing chains have been eclipsed by newer brands, and most of the growing brands operate midscale limited-service hotels or upscale and above. Midscale hotels with food and beverage and economy chains, as well as independents, have seen reductions in market share and absolute room sales, even though these groups all have more rooms to sell. The lesson is clear: hotel brands must constantly reinvent themselves and work to appeal to new demographic groups.
Laser fine cladding on miniature thin wall parts
Authors: Shi Y , Zhang H , Liu S Y
Published: January 2010

The surface hardening of miniature thin wall parts (MTP) are difficult owing to the special structure of MTP. A red copper heat carrier, which is designed as detachable structure, has been put forward for the laser cladding of MTP. An annular overlapping scanning method has been proposed. The microstructures are characterised by SEM, TEM and XRD. The hardness and the wear resisting property of cladding layer also have been tested. The results show that the laser cladding on the MTP obtains a complete success using the heat carrier and scanning method proposed in this paper. The laser cladding layer is comprised of a hypoeutectic structure, which contains primary dendrites and interdendritic eutectics. The primary phases are γ-Co, CoC x, Cr23C6, W5Si3 and [Fe, Ni]. The average hardness of coating layers is 814 HV0·1. Compared with the whole quenching specimens of Gr15 steel, the wear resisting property of the laser cladding specimen increases by five times.
Genetic relationships among seven sections of genus Arachisstudied by using SSR markers
Authors: Koppolu Ravi , Upadhyaya Hari D , Dwivedi Sangam L , Hoisington David A , Varshney Rajeev K
Published: January 2010

Background

The genusArachis, originated in South America, is divided into nine taxonomical sections comprising of 80 species. Most of theArachisspecies are diploids (2n= 2x= 20) and the tetraploid species (2n= 2x= 40) are found in sectionsArachis,ExtranervosaeandRhizomatosae. Diploid species have great potential to be used as resistance sources for agronomic traits like pests and diseases, drought related traits and different life cycle spans. Understanding of genetic relationships among wild species and between wild and cultivated species will be useful for enhanced utilization of wild species in improving cultivated germplasm. The present study was undertaken to evaluate genetic relationships among species (96 accessions) belonging to seven sections ofArachisby using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers developed fromArachis hypogaeagenomic library and gene sequences from related genera ofArachis.

Results

The average transferability rate of 101 SSR markers tested to sectionArachisand six other sections was 81% and 59% respectively. Five markers (IPAHM 164, IPAHM 165, IPAHM 407a, IPAHM 409, and IPAHM 659) showed 100% transferability. Cluster analysis of allelic data from a subset of 32 SSR markers on 85 wild and 11 cultivated accessions grouped accessions according to their genome composition, sections and species to which they belong. A total of 109 species specific alleles were detected in different wild species,Arachis pusillaexhibited largest number of species specific alleles (15). Based on genetic distance analysis, the A-genome accession ICG 8200 (A. duranensis) and the B-genome accession ICG 8206 (A. ipaënsis) were found most closely related toA. hypogaea.

Conclusion

A set of cross species and cross section transferable SSR markers has been identified that will be useful for genetic studies of wild species ofArachis, including comparative genome mapping, germplasm analysis, population genetic structure and phylogenetic inferences among species. The present study provides strong support based on both genomic and genic markers, probably for the first time, on relationships ofA. monticolaandA. hypogaeaas well as on the most probable donor of A and B-genomes of cultivated groundnut.
Moderate doses of conjugated linoleic acid reduce fat gain, maintain insulin sensitivity without impairing inflammatory adipose tissue status in mice fed a high-fat diet
Authors: Parra Pilar , Palou Andreu , Serra Francisca
Published: January 2010

Background

The enrichment of diet with nutrients with potential benefits on body composition is a strategy to combat obesity. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) due its beneficial effects on body composition and inflammatory processes becomes an interesting candidate, since the promotion and impairment of obesity is closely linked to a low-grade inflammation state of adipose tissue. Previously we reported the favourable effects of moderate doses of CLA mixture on body composition and inflammatory status of adipose tissue in mice fed a standard-fat diet. In the present study we assessed the potential beneficial effects of CLA mixture (cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12, 50:50) in mice fed a high-fat diet.

Methods

Two doses were assayed: 0.15 g (CLA1) and 0.5 g CLA/kg body weight (CLA2) for the first 30 days of the study and then animals received a double amount for another 35 days.

Results

The lowest dose (CLA1) had minor effects on body composition, plasma parameters and gene expression. However, a clear reduction in fat accumulation was achieved by CLA2, accompanied by a reduction in leptin, adiponectin and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) plasma concentrations. Insulin sensitivity was maintained despite a slight increase in fasting glucose and insulin plasma concentrations. The study of gene expression both in adipocytes and in the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) suggested that CLA may reduce either the infiltration of macrophages in adipose tissue or the induction of expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the use of moderate doses of an equimolar mix of the two main CLA isomers reduces body fat content, improves plasma lipid profile, maintains insulin sensitivity (despite a moderate degree of hyperinsulinaemia) without the promotion of inflammatory markers in adipose tissue of mice fed a high-fat diet.
A Coumarin-appended Pseudo-crown for the Selective Recognition of Fe3+
Authors: Goswami Shyamaprosad , Chakrabarty Rinku
Published: January 2010

A coumarin-appended pseudo-crown (receptor 1) demonstrates remarkable selectivity for Fe3+ in an acetonitrile–water (9:1 v/v) medium (which can be determined by UV–vis and fluorescence methods) over others studied e.g., Li+, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Ba2+, Pb2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, Hg2+, and Mn2+ which are used as their perchlorate salts.
Monitoring of Surface Treatment Effects on Sputter-coated Organic Film under Atomic Oxygen and Ultraviolet Irradiation
Authors: Matsumoto Hiroyuki , Matsuoka Mikihiko , Iwasaki Tatsuyuki , Kinoshita Shinobu , Noda Kazutoshi , Iwamori Satoru
Published: January 2010

We have been investigating the monitoring of surface treatment under ultraviolet lamp processing utilizing a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) with organic thin film. In this study, the behavior of surface modification on sputter-coated organic thin film was successfully measured by QCM. The film erosion mechanism is discussed here based on the results of surface analyses by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM).
Synthesis and Photoluminescence Properties of CaAlSiN3:Eu2+ Nanocrystals
Authors: Lei Bingfu , Machida Ken-ichi , Horikawa Takashi , Hanzawa Hiromasa
Published: January 2010

Nanosized CaAlSiN3:Eu2+ red phosphor was synthesized by solid-state reaction using CaH2 as calcium source. The obtained phosphor was well crystallized and the particle size was about 200–400 nm. It showed a broad excitation band originating from the 4f7 → 4f65d transition of Eu2+ ion extending to 600 nm and centering at 450 nm, and a strong emission band peaking at 660 nm. This phosphor showed low thermal quenching due to the rigid crystal structure of the host.
Layer by Layer Construction of Metal–Organic Molecule Bilayer on a Au(111) Surface
Authors: Qu Deyu , Ito Mikio , Noguchi Hidenori , Uosaki Kohei
Published: January 2010

A thiolate self-assembled monolayer (SAM) was formed on a metallized dithiol SAM, resulting in a new kind of metal–organic molecule bilayer. 1,6-Hexanedithiol (HDT) was adsorbed on a Au(111) surface followed by adsorption and electrochemical reduction of AuCl4− on the HDT SAM, and then by adsorption of 1-decanethiol. The formation of the bilayer was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, sum frequency generation, and electrochemical measurements.
A Probe Containing Two Base-discriminating Fluorescent (BDF) Nucleosides for SNP Typing
Authors: Yoshida Yasuko , Niwa Kousuke , Yamada Kazunari , Tokeshi Manabu , Baba Yoshinobu , Saito Yoshio , Okamoto Akimitsu , Saito Isao
Published: January 2010

We have developed a new probe containing two base-discriminating fluorescent (BDF) nucleosides for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) typing. It is possible to determine the SNP type using just one probe. We confirmed suitability of the probe from hybridization assay results obtained for the ALDH2 gene.
Fabrication of Polypyrrole/Ag Composite Nanotubes via In Situ Reduction of AgNO3 on Polypyrrole Nanotubes
Authors: Yang Xiaoming , Li Liang , Yan Feng
Published: January 2010

Nanostructured conducting polymer/metal composites have attracted much attention due to their unique properties. Polypyrrole (PPy) nanotubes were first synthesized via a self-degraded template and then used as supports for in situ reduction of Ag+ ions. Ag nanoparticles could be uniformly assembled onto the PPy nanotube surface to get PPy/Ag composite nanotubes. The formation mechanism, morphology and structure of the nanocomposites were studied by transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray diffraction. The one-dimensional hollow nanocomposites showed improved properties.
A Novel Organic–Inorganic Complex Based on Monosodium-substituted Keggin Phosphotungstate and Copper(II)–Ethylenediamine Groups
Authors: Ma Pengtao , Li Suzhi , Zhao Junwei , Wang Jingping , Li Yan , Niu Jingyang
Published: January 2010

A novel organic–inorganic complex [Cu(en)2]3[α-PW11NaO39]·2H2O (1) was synthesized hydrothermally and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, UV, XPS, and X-ray single-crystal diffraction, constructed by monosodium-substituted Keggin phosphotungstates and copper(II)–ethylenediamine groups and formed a 65·8 CdSO4-like 3D framework.
AlCl3-mediated Defluorinative Diarylhydroxylation Transformation of CF3: Chemoselective Arylation of CF3 and Chlorocarbonyl Groups Attached to Aromatic Rings
Authors: Okamoto Akiko , Kumeda Kazuhiro , Yonezawa Noriyuki
Published: January 2010

The CF3 group in 4-trifluoromethylbenzoyl chloride is efficiently diarylated and converted into a diarylhydroxymethyl group by treatment with AlCl3 in the presence of an excess amount of halobenzene (C6H5X; X = F, Cl, and Br). The diarylation is followed by arylation of the chlorocarbonyl group to afford triarylated products, diarylhydroxymethylated benzophenones. The employment of TfOH in place of AlCl3 promotes the exclusive arylation of the chlorocarbonyl group leaving the CF3 group unchanged to afford selectively 4-trifluoromethylbenzophenones, which then undergo diarylhydroxymethylation with the aid of AlCl3.
Assessing the Application of Tissue Microarray Technology to Kidney Research
Authors: Zhang Ming-Zhi , Su Yinghao , Yao Bing , Zheng Wei , deCaestecker Mark , Harris Raymond C.
Published: January 2010

Tissue microarray (TMA) is a new high-throughput method that enables simultaneous analysis of the profiles of protein expression in multiple tissue samples. TMA technology has not previously been adapted for physiological and pathophysiological studies of rodent kidneys. We have evaluated the validity and reliability of using TMA to assess protein expression in mouse and rat kidneys. A representative TMA block that we have produced included: (1) mouse and rat kidney cortex, outer medulla, and inner medulla fixed with different fixatives; (2) rat kidneys at different stages of development fixed with different fixatives; (3) mouse and rat kidneys with different physiological or pathophysiological treatments; and (4) built-in controls. As examples of the utility, immunostaining for cyclooxygenase-2, renin, Tamm Horsfall protein, aquaporin-2, connective tissue growth factor, and synaptopodin was carried out with kidney TMA slides. Quantitative analysis of cyclooxygense-2 expression in kidneys confirms that individual cores provide meaningful representations comparable to whole-kidney sections. These studies show that kidney TMA technique is a promising and useful tool for investigating the expression profiles of proteins of interest in rodent kidneys under different physiological and pathophysiological conditions.
Heterogenous Population Coding of a Short-Term Memory and Decision Task
Authors: Jun Joseph K. , Miller Paul , Hernández Adrián , Zainos Antonio , Lemus Luis , Brody Carlos D. , Romo Ranulfo
Published: January 2010

We examined neural spike recordings from prefrontal cortex (PFC) while monkeys performed a delayed somatosensory discrimination task. In general, PFC neurons displayed great heterogeneity in response to the task. That is, although individual cells spiked reliably in response to task variables from trial-to-trial, each cell had idiosyncratic combinations of response properties. Despite the great variety in response types, some general patterns held. We used linear regression analysis on the spike data to both display the full heterogeneity of the data and classify cells into categories. We compared different categories of cells and found little difference in their ability to carry information about task variables or their correlation to behavior. This suggests a distributed neural code for the task rather than a highly modularized one. Along this line, we compared the predictions of two theoretical models to the data. We found that cell types predicted by both models were not represented significantly in the population. Our study points to a different class of models that should embrace the inherent heterogeneity of the data, but should also account for the nonrandom features of the population.
Murine Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Pyramidal Neurons Integrate into the Cerebral Cortex and Appropriately Project Axons to Subcortical Targets
Authors: Ideguchi Makoto , Palmer Theo D. , Recht Lawrence D. , Weimann James M.
Published: January 2010

Although embryonic stem (ES) cells have been induced to differentiate into diverse neuronal cell types, the production of cortical projection neurons with the correct morphology and axonal connectivity has not been demonstrated. Here, we show thatin vitropatterning is critical for generating neural precursor cells (ES-NPCs) competent to form cortical pyramidal neurons. During the first week of neural induction, these ES-NPCs begin to express genes that are specific for forebrain progenitors; an additional week of differentiation produces mature neurons with many features of cortical pyramidal neurons. After transplantation into the murine cerebral cortex, these specified ES-NPCs manifest the correct dendritic and axonal connectivity for their areal location. ES-NPCs transplanted into the deep layers of the motor cortex differentiate into layer 5 pyramidal neurons and extend axons to distant subcortical targets such as the pons and as far caudal as the pyramidal decussation and descending spinal tract and, importantly, do not extend axons to inappropriate targets such as the superior colliculus (SC). ES-NPCs transplanted into the visual cortex extend axons to the dorsal aspect of the SC and pons but avoid ventral SC and the pyramidal tract, whereas cells transplanted deep into the somatosensory cortex project axons to the ventral SC, avoiding the dorsal SC. Thus, these data establish that ES-derived cortical projection neurons can integrate into anatomically relevant circuits.
Restricting Dopaminergic Signaling to Either Dorsolateral or Medial Striatum Facilitates Cognition
Authors: Darvas Martin , Palmiter Richard D.
Published: January 2010

Dopaminergic projections to the ventral and dorsomedial striatum are important for reward, motivation, and goal-directed learning, whereas projections to the dorsolateral striatum are implicated in motor control, habitual enactment of motor skills, visuospatial learning, and memory. These conclusions are derived from studies of rodents with lesions or pharmacological blockade of dopamine signaling to specific brain regions. In contrast, we investigated the behavioral abilities of dopamine-deficient mice in which dopamine signaling was restored to only the medial striatum by viral rescue. These mice displayed intact spatial memory, visuospatial and discriminatory learning. However, acquisition of operant behavior was delayed, and their motivation to obtain food rewards was blunted. We compare these behavioral results with our published results obtained from mice with dopamine signaling restored only to the dorsolateral striatum. We observe that most behaviors are restored with dopamine signaling restored to either brain region and conclude that the action of dopamine in either one of these nonoverlapping striatal areas can support cognitive processes independently of dopamine signaling in the other area.
Establishing mutual understanding in interaction: An analysis of conversational repair in psychiatric consultations
Authors: Themistocleous Myrofora , McCabe Rose , Rees N. , Hassan I. , Healey P.G.T. , Priebe S.
Published: January 2010

The therapeutic relationship is the greatest predictor of treatment outcome, yet its relationship to communication is largely unevaluated. This study explored how psychiatrists and people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia establish mutual understanding in naturalistic communication, and associations with the therapeutic relationship, patient satisfaction and symptoms. In conversation analysis, the concept of repair focuses on how participants in interaction create mutual understanding and address misunderstanding. A standardized protocol measuring the frequency of repair was applied to 15 outpatient consultations. Correlations between repair and the therapeutic relationship, patients’ experience of the consultation and symptoms were explored. Patients made most effort to make their contribution understandable, whereas psychiatrists made most effort to repair misunderstandings. The more positively psychiatrists rated the relationship, the more effort they made to understand patients. Although psychiatrists’ efforts were not associated with patients’ overall view of the relationship, patients felt better emotionally, despite, feeling less understood. Psychiatrists used fewer repairs when patients were more symptomatic. Both parties prioritized understanding similar topics but psychiatrists focused more on medication and patients on voices. Quantifying repair offers a new way of analyzing how mutual understanding is established in interaction, and links communication processes with treatment outcomes.
Frictional Pressure Loss Estimation of Water-Based Drilling Fluids at Horizontal and Inclined Drilling with Pipe Rotation and Presence of Cuttings
Authors: Ozbayoglu Evren M. , Sorgun Mehmet
Published: January 2010

Efficient removal of cuttings from the wellbore is one of the major considerations during a successful drilling operation. Fluid velocity is known to be the most dominating drilling parameter on hole cleaning. If the fluid velocity is lower than a critical value, a stationary bed develops, which leads to problems like pipe stuck, high torque-drag, increase in bottomhole pressure, increase in hydraulic horsepower requirements, etc. During a drilling operation, besides the fluid flow and presence of cuttings, there is pipe rotation. Determining the pressure losses in such a complex system is very difficult. This study aims to estimate the frictional pressure losses in horizontal and highly inclined wells considering pipe rotation and presence of cuttings. Extensive cuttings transport experiments have been conducted on METU Cuttings Transport Flow Loop using pure water as well as numerous water- based muds consist of different concentrations of xanthan biopolimer, starch, KCl and soda ash, weighted with barite for various inclinations, flow rates, rate of penetrations and pipe rotation speeds. Pressure drop within the test section, and stationary and/or moving bed thickness are recorded besides the other test conditions. Observations showed that, pipe rotation has a significant influence on decreasing critical velocity required to prevent stationary bed development, especially if the pipe is making an orbital motion. However, after a certain pipe rotation speed, no additional contribution of pipe rotation is observed on critical velocity. Moreover, a reduction in the pressure drop is also observed due to the bed erosion while rotating the pipe, when compared with no pipe rotation case under the similar drilling conditions. Empirical correlations are developed based on the experimental data for estimating pressure drop. It is observed that the results obtained from the correlations are reasonably accurate, within an error range of 10% for estimating pressure drop, when compared with the experimental observations.
Collaborative Well Planning and Optimization of Well Placement: A Case Study From Mangala Field Development, Rajasthan India
Authors: Rosland Habil Akram , Peytchev Peter , Sarkar Shibatosh , Mukherjee Supriya , Govind Balu , Malik Sumit D.
Published: January 2010

This paper discusses the approach of Cairn Energy India Ltd. (CEIL) in the use of a state of the art technology that integrates all relevant data scenarios for designing and planning development wells in the Mangala field of Western Rajasthan, India.

To improve the quality of the well planning process, CEIL has realized the importance of a collaborative well planning environment, which was implemented by means of its world-class 3D visualization center that enables multidisciplinary well planning workflows to take place in the subsurface environment. The environment includes physical infrastructure, new technology, and data. A fully functioning collaborative well planning environment enables the drilling team to plan wells using engineering tools, including drilling target definition and refinement, well pad positioning, and wellbore position uncertainty, based on company anti-collision policies, with geosciences team capacity to validate those designs against their subsurface data.

The Mangala field development process has established the success of CEIL with rapid, multisolution iterations well planning to the entire asset team and improved wellbore positioning based on potential engineering constraints. This process takes the optimum reservoir drainage into account with possible geological hazards and reduces the operational cost by complementing technical expertise across the broad disciplines. The workflow aids wellbore and drilling optimization and improves decision making and collaboration throughout the field development sequence.

The paper explains the detailed aspects of collaborative well planning and optimization of well placement methodology used for Mangala field, which includes 11 horizontal wells that were largely designed as shallow extended reach drilling (ERD) wells. It demonstrates how this method significantly improved the mutual workflow between departments and increased efficiency. This paper also describes the interactive design that dramatically decreased the cycle time in planning more than 160 wells in the field, which contributed to effective development plans and well placement based on geological, drilling, and completion requirements.
Hydrate Formation and its Influence on Natural Gas Pipeline Internal Corrosion Rate
Authors: Obanijesu Emmanuel O. , Pareek Vishnu , Tade Moses O.
Published: January 2010

Hydrate formation along the natural gas pipeline has been identified as a serious threat to the survival of oil and gas industry. The formation if not quickly removed may plug the flowline to collapse the system. This problem costs the industry billions of dollars in revenue loss annually. While all the available literatures on hydrate formation process have focused on its ability to plug the flow line, there has been little or no recognition of its ability to initiate internal corrosion of the pipeline which is a bigger problem to the industry, hence, the importance of this study. This work focuses on this new area for research interest aimed at revolutionalizing the field of corrosion science and technology.

In this study, the composition of the lattice which includes methane (CH4), carbondioxide (CO2) or hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and water molecules (H2O) amongst others is considered. These gases have the ability to easily undergo chemical and/or electrochemical reactions with the pipeline's internal surface while the lattice is in place. The reaction(s) will easily initiating corrosion of the pipe. The study further identifies the fact that even after the successful removal of the hydrate, the initiated corrosion process may continue with the continuous flow of the fluid within the pipeline thereby leading to gradual degradation of the material and deterioration of the pipe's integrity. Over time, the pipeline will begin to leak and/or may undergo full bore rupture (FBR). This, apart from the economic consequences will also generate environmental and political consequences and may lead to complete replacement of the pipe-length.

Various management schemes including the necessity for the industry to heavily invest in research and development are recommended.
New Silicon Copolymers for Efficient Demulsification
Authors: Phukan Monjit , Koczo Kalman , Falk Benjamin , Palumbo Antonio
Published: January 2010

Organomodified silicones, which are used as effective demulsifying agents, are generally based on a polysiloxane backbone with polyether or other organic substitutions attached to it. A new silicone-based demulsifier was synthesized that contains polyether in the backbone and silicon-containing substituents. Interfacial tension (IFT) measurements with a model oil system showed that the new material has better interfacial activity (~5mN/m) than the traditional structures (10-14mN/m). This low interfacial tension can be one of the important parameters for coalescence of water drops in water-in-crude oil emulsions. Bottle tests with crude oil emulsions confirmed that the new demulsifier also can provide better demulsification performance with faster water drop and lower bottom solids and residual water in the dehydrated crude after demulsification.