bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Enigmatic Roles of Caspases in Tumor Development
Authors: Jäger Richard , Zwacka Ralf M.
Published: November 2010

One function ascribed to apoptosis is the suicidal destruction of potentially harmful cells, such as cancerous cells. Hence, their growth depends on evasion of apoptosis, which is considered as one of the hallmarks of cancer. Apoptosis is ultimately carried out by the sequential activation of initiator and executioner caspases, which constitute a family of intracellular proteases involved in dismantling the cell in an ordered fashion. In cancer, therefore, one would anticipate caspases to be frequently rendered inactive, either by gene silencing or by somatic mutations. From clinical data, however, there is little evidence that caspase genes are impaired in cancer. Executioner caspases have only rarely been found mutated or silenced, and also initiator caspases are only affected in particular types of cancer. There is experimental evidence from transgenic mice that certain initiator caspases, such as caspase-8 and -2, might act as tumor suppressors. Loss of the initiator caspase of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway, caspase-9, however, did not promote cellular transformation. These data seem to question a general tumor-suppressive role of caspases. We discuss several possible ways how tumor cells might evade the need for alterations of caspase genes. First, alternative splicing in tumor cells might generate caspase variants that counteract apoptosis. Second, in tumor cells caspases might be kept in check by cellular caspase inhibitors such as c-FLIP or XIAP. Third, pathways upstream of caspase activation might be disrupted in tumor cells. Finally, caspase-independent cell death mechanisms might abrogate the selection pressure for caspase inactivation during tumor development. These scenarios, however, are hardly compatible with the considerable frequency of spontaneous apoptosis occurring in several cancer types. Therefore, alternative concepts might come into play, such as compensatory proliferation. Herein, apoptosis and/or non-apoptotic functions of caspases may even promote tumor development. Moreover, experimental evidence suggests that caspases might play non-apoptotic roles in processes that are crucial for tumorigenesis, such as cell proliferation, migration, or invasion. We thus propose a model wherein caspases are preserved in tumor cells due to their functional contributions to development and progression of tumors.
Selection and Outcome of Portal Vein Resection in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Nakao Akimasa
Published: November 2010

Pancreatic cancer has the worst prognosis of all gastrointestinal neoplasms. Five-year survival of pancreatic cancer after pancreatectomy is very low, and surgical resection is the only option to cure this dismal disease. The standard surgical procedure is pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) for pancreatic head cancer. The morbidity and especially the mortality of PD have been greatly reduced. Portal vein resection in pancreatic cancer surgery is one attempt to increase resectability and radicality, and the procedure has become safe to perform. Clinicohistopathological studies have shown that the most important indication for portal vein resection in patients with pancreatic cancer is the ability to obtain cancer-free surgical margins. Otherwise, portal vein resection is contraindicated.
Anti-Photoaging Effects of Soy Isoflavone Extract (Aglycone and Acetylglucoside Form) from Soybean Cake
Authors: Huang Chieh-Chen , Hsu Bo-Yang , Wu Nan-Lin , Tsui Wen-Huei , Lin Tzu-Ju , Su Ching-Chieh , Hung Chi-Feng
Published: November 2010

Soy isoflavones, found in soybean and soybean products, have been reported to possess many physiological activities such as antioxidant activity, inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, reduction of cardiovascular risk, prevention of osteoporosis and alleviation of postmenopausal syndrome. In our previous study, soy isoflavone extract ISO-1 (containing 12 soy isoflavones) from soybean cake was demonstrated to prevent skin damage caused by UVB exposure. In this study, soy isoflavone extract from soybean cake was further purified and evaluated for the protective effects on UVB-induced damage. The results revealed that Fraction 3, which contains the aglycone group (daidzein, genistein and glycitein) and acetylglucoside group (acetyldaidzin, acetylgenistin and acetylglycitin) of soy isoflavones, could inhibit UVB-induced death of human keratinocytes and reduce the level of desquamation, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), erythema and epidermal thickness in mouse skin. Furthermore, topical application of Fraction 3 increased the activity of catalase and suppressed cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression in mice exposed to UVB. In addition, in comparison with ISO-1 and genistein, the Fraction 3 possessed much greater protective effects on both UVB-induced oxidative stress and keratinocyte death than other fractions. Therefore, the soy isoflavone extract Fraction 3 from soybean cake is a desirable anti-photoaging agent for skin care.
(E)-1-(2-Hydroxy-4,6-dimethoxyphenyl)-3-[4-methoxy-3-(3-methylbut-2-en-1-yl)phenyl]prop-2-en-1-one
Authors: Adib Adiana Mohamed
Published: November 2010

A novel prenylated chalcone, (E)-1-(2-hydroxy-4,6-dimethoxyphenyl)-3-[4-methoxy-3-(3-methylbut-2-en-1-yl)phenyl]prop-2-en-1-one was synthesized and the structure of the title compound was established by 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), mass spectrometry (MS) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy.
Cytotoxic Terpene Quinones from Marine Sponges
Authors: Gordaliza Marina
Published: November 2010

The 1,4-benzoquinone moiety is a common structural feature in a large number of compounds that have received considerable attention owing to their broad spectrum of biological activities. The cytotoxic and antiproliferative properties of many natural sesquiterpene quinones and hydroquinones from sponges of the order Dictyoceratida, such as avarol, avarone, illimaquinone, nakijiquinone and bolinaquinone, offer promising opportunities for the development of new antitumor agents. The present review summarizes the structure and cytotoxicity of natural terpenequinones/hydroquinones and their bioactive analogues and derivatives.
Antiproliferative Activity, Antioxidant Capacity and Tannin Content in Plants of Semi-Arid Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Gomes de Melo Joabe , De Sousa Araújo Thiago Antônio , Thijan Nobre de Almeida e Castro Valérium , Lyra de Vasconcelos Cabral Daniela , Do Desterro Rodrigues Maria , Carneiro do Nascimento Silene , Cavalcanti de Amorim Elba Lúcia , De Albuquerque Ulysses Paulino
Published: November 2010

The objective of this study was to evaluate antiproliferative activity, antioxidant capacity and tannin content in plants from semi-arid northeastern Brazil (Caatinga). For this study, we selected 14 species and we assayed the methanol extracts for antiproliferative activity against the HEp-2 (laryngeal cancer) and NCI-H292 (lung cancer) cell lines using the (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazole) (MTT) method. In addition, the antioxidant activity was evaluated with the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) assay, and the tannin content was determined by the radial diffusion method. Plants with better antioxidant activity (expressed in a dose able to decrease the initial DPPH concentration by 50%, or IC50) and with higher levels of tannins were: Poincianella pyramidalis (42.95 ± 1.77 µg/mL IC50 and 8.17 ± 0.64 tannin content), Jatropha mollissima (54.09 ± 4.36µg/mL IC50 and 2.35 ± 0.08 tannin content) and Anadenanthera colubrina (73.24 ± 1.47 µg/mL IC50 and 4.41 ± 0.47 tannin content). Plants with enhanced antiproliferative activity (% living cells) were Annona muricata (24.94 ± 0.74 in NCI-H292), Lantana camara (25.8 ± 0.19 in NCI-H292), Handroanthus impetiginosus (41.8 ± 0.47 in NCI-H292) and Mentzelia aspera (45.61 ± 1.94 in HEp-2). For species with better antioxidant and antiproliferative activities, we suggest future in vitro and in vivo comparative studies with other pharmacological models, and to start a process of purification and identification of the possible molecule(s) responsible for the observed pharmacological activity. We believe that the flora of Brazilian semi-arid areas can be a valuable source of plants rich in tannins, cytotoxic compounds and antioxidant agents.
Obesity Drug Update: The Lost Decade?
Authors: Yao Fayi , MacKenzie Robert George
Published: November 2010

The growing worldwide obesity epidemic and obesity-related disorders present a huge unmet medical need for safe and effective anti-obesity medications. The discovery of leptin in 1994 was rapidly succeeded by a wave of related discoveries leading to the elaboration of a hypothalamic melanocortinergic neuronal circuit regulated by leptin and other central and peripheral signaling molecules to control energy homeostasis. The identification of specific neuronal subtypes along with their unique connections and expression products generated a rich target menu for anti-obesity drug discovery programs. Over the course of the last decade, several new chemical entities aimed at these targets have reached various stages or successfully completed the drug discovery/regulatory process only to be dropped or taken off the market. There are now in fact fewer options for anti-obesity drug therapies in late 2010 than were available in 2000. The challenge to discover safe and effective anti-obesity drugs is alive and well.
A Comparative Study of Wireless Sensor Networks and Their Routing Protocols
Authors: Bhattacharyya Debnath , Kim Tai-hoon , Pal Subhajit
Published: November 2010

Recent developments in the area of micro-sensor devices have accelerated advances in the sensor networks field leading to many new protocols specifically designed for wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Wireless sensor networks with hundreds to thousands of sensor nodes can gather information from an unattended location and transmit the gathered data to a particular user, depending on the application. These sensor nodes have some constraints due to their limited energy, storage capacity and computing power. Data are routed from one node to other using different routing protocols. There are a number of routing protocols for wireless sensor networks. In this review article, we discuss the architecture of wireless sensor networks. Further, we categorize the routing protocols according to some key factors and summarize their mode of operation. Finally, we provide a comparative study on these various protocols.
Model-Free Adaptive Sensing and Control for a Piezoelectrically Actuated System
Authors: Chen Hung-Yi , Liang Jin-Wei
Published: November 2010

Since the piezoelectrically actuated system has nonlinear and time-varying behavior, it is difficult to establish an accurate dynamic model for a model-based sensing and control design. Here, a model-free adaptive sliding controller is proposed to improve the small travel and hysteresis defects of piezoelectrically actuated systems. This sensing and control strategy employs the functional approximation technique (FAT) to establish the unknown function for eliminating the model-based requirement of the sliding-mode control. The piezoelectrically actuated system’s nonlinear functions can be approximated by using the combination of a finite number of weighted Fourier series basis functions. The unknown weighted vector can be estimated by an updating rule. The important advantage of this approach is to achieve the sliding-mode controller design without the system dynamic model requirement. The update laws for the coefficients of the Fourier series functions are derived from a Lyapunov function to guarantee the control system stability. This proposed controller is implemented on a piezoelectrically actuated X-Y table. The dynamic experimental result of this proposed FAT controller is compared with that of a traditional model-based sliding-mode controller to show the performance improvement for the motion tracking performance.
Is Eco-Efficiency a Sufficient Strategy for Achieving a Sustainable Development? The Norwegian Case
Authors: Aall Carlo , Husabø Idun A.
Published: November 2010

A split review of the environmental impact of Norwegian consumption and production over the last decade illustrates that rising consumption is eliminating the bonus of eco-efficiency in production. Two key drivers behind this situation are the large increase in person and goods transportation and an increase in wealth that has allowed Norwegians to spend more on purchasing products and services. To achieve a sustainable development in rich countries, two major adjustments to the prevailing environmental policy are suggested: (1) The environmental impact of consumption should also be monitored as part of the official sustainability indicator monitoring system, e.g., by calculating the ecological footprint. (2) A specific consumption focus in environmental policy should be developed, beginning with the consumption categories with the largest footprint (volume) and the most negative development (change).
Analysis of a 44-year hindcast for the Mediterranean Sea: comparison with altimetry and in situ observations
Authors: Vidal-Vijande Enrique , Pascual Ananda , Barnier Bernard , Molines Jean-Marc , Tintoré Joaquín
Published: November 2010

We study the interannual and seasonal variability in the Mediterranean Sea over the period 1958-2004 by comparing a numerical simulation (the 1/4º ORCA-R025 G70 model run, ‘ORCA’ hereafter) with altimetry and the MEDAR temperature and salinity database. The model is forced by the ERA40 atmospheric forcing and has a salinity restoring term applied at surface. Comparing temperature between ORCA and MEDAR shows good interannual variability agreement (correlations of ~0.8 in the western Mediterranean and ~0.5 in the eastern Mediterranean) at surface layers (0-150 m), but slightly higher mean values in the model (0.08-0.16°C). The salinity analysis shows that the surface salinity restoring term has obliterated most of the interannual variability. Mean surface salinities are slightly lower in the model (~0.3), replicated in deeper layers to a lesser degree, and could mean that the restoring term applies insufficient evaporation to compensate for a weak atmospheric forcing (ERA40) water loss flux. The sea level analysis comparing sea surface height (SSH) and steric height from ORCA and sea level anomalies from altimetry (1993-2004) shows good correlations (~0.8) in the interannual variability and annual cycle. However, the model’s SSH overestimates (~15 mm/yr) observed positive altimetric trends (~3-4 mm/yr). In an attempt to identify the source of this overestimation, a water budget calculation was performed between the horizontal and vertical water fluxes in the Mediterranean Sea. Horizontal transport through the main straits shows appropriate values when compared to observations. Thus, the cause of the exaggerated SSH trend is probably a water flux imbalance. By improving surface salinity restoring and atmospheric forcing, the ORCA simulations can provide very promising tools for studies of interannual variability in the Mediterranean Sea.
Creative Learning with Serious Games
Authors: Protopsaltis Aristides , Pannese Lucia , Hetzner Sonja , Pappa Dimitra , De Freitas Sara
Published: November 2010

This paper, summarises the Creative Learning

with Serious Games workshop that took place in the Fun

and Games 2010 conference. The workshop discussed innovative

methodological approaches to Serious Games for

creative learning. A special emphasis was given to state-ofthe-

art research work and cross-discipline approaches (e.g.

the mix of Storytelling and Serious Games). In addition,

different case studies coming from very different European

(research) projects were presented and discussed with the

participants. Five papers were selected via a peer reviewed

process to be presented at the workshop. The authors presented

their work and demonstrated their applications during

the second part of the workshop.
The Character of Successful Trainings with Serious Games
Authors: Becker Till
Published: November 2010

This paper gives a basic guideline for the development of trainings using serious games. It describes a framework for the training with serious games. It shows how to define a training goal and describes the process of learning to reach this goal. It points out a methodology how to design successful trainings with serious games.
Designing Effective Serious Games: Opportunities and Challenges for Research
Authors: Bellotti Francesco , Berta Riccardo , De Gloria Alessandro
Published: November 2010

Serious Games represent an acknowledged potential for instruction, because they are able to strongly motivate learners. They can also provide immersive environments where advanced users can practice knowledge and skills, also exploiting multimodal interaction. They can combine the effectiveness of computer processing and data storage, with high levels of attractiveness. Our work has investigated the state of the art research on SGs, starting from the cognitive aspects, that are necessary in order to root technological development and applications in sound theoretical foundations. The paper discusses some key aspects about SG design and exploitation: choice of components-off-the-shelf or from-scratch design, tools and methodologies for development or adaptation, intelligent tutoring, virtual coaches and affective learning, living worlds, game mechanics, Human-Computer Interaction.

While several SGs have been developed, still the literature stresses a lack of significant, extensive user tests. Further research is necessary to investigate in greater detail the real effectiveness of the various types of SGs. The paper proposes several research questions - that range from requirements elicitation to design and from deployment to use and evaluation - to be answered in order to avoid technology pushing and drive technological research according to the requirements of the end-users and stakeholders.

We believe that deepening the analysis about these issues is key to strengthen the foundations of SG research, for which we identify four major directions: definition of metrics and learning progress evaluation tools; methodologies and tools for designing games from various topics and for various users; computing and communication architectures; technologies that can enhance the overall system performance.
The Challenges in Developing E-Content
Authors: Juhary Jowati
Published: November 2010

Malaysia is considered an active key player in information communication technologies (ICTs) especially in education. In fact, in the National Higher Education Strategic Plan, one of the Critical Agenda Projects (CAPs) of the Minister of Higher Education is e-learning. It goes without saying that all higher learning providers in Malaysia must be prepared to provide state-of-the-art facilities for the students. One critical aspect of e-learning is the quality and quantity of the content, or what will be referred by many scholars as e-content. This paper attempts to identify the challenges of content development for e-learning practice at the National Defence University of Malaysia (NDUM). It is crucial to investigate this issue since the university just purchased its Learning Management System (LMS). It is expected that resistance will be present as the academics at the defence university is a mixture of junior and senior lecturers, as well as civilian and military lecturers; and some of these academics have been teaching without the assistance of e-learning. In so doing, the methodology of this paper will mainly be content analysis of various reports, governmental documents, as well as semi-structured interviews with lecturers at the NDUM. As this paper acts as a preliminary investigation into the issue of e-content at the university, only seven lecturers were interviewed. Initial findings suggest that there are basically five challenges of developing e-content at the NDUM. These include the lack of ICT and e-learning policy that can provide guidelines to academics; the uncertainty of ownership for e-learning initiatives; the lack of understanding of the roles of e-learning; the lack of awareness on e-learning; and the difficulties to develop military based content due to confidentiality issues. Two possible solutions for these challenges are also examined which take into consideration the urgent need to set up an e-Learning Unit and to provide series of workshops and seminars of teaching with technology, or relevant courses. It is found that in the effort to give students the exposure to and experience of e-learning, the first step in the implementation phase, which is to develop e-content, has alerted the university of the various fundamental challenges that need to be addressed accordingly.
The interaction of inflammatory cells in granuloma faciale
Authors: Nakahara Takeshi , Moroi Yoichi , Tashiro Akari , Kiryu Hiromaro , Furue Masutaka
Published: November 2010

Granuloma faciale (GF) is a rare chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by single or multiple reddish-brown cutaneous plaques or nodules. Although this condition is benign, its clinical course is extremely chronic with poor response to therapy. The typical histopathological features of GF include vasculitis with mixed cellular infiltration; however, its etiopathogenesis remains unknown. Here, we describe the case of a 76-year-old man with GF resistant to topical steroids. Biopsy of the lesion revealed i) dense mixed inflammatory cellular infiltrates of lymphocytes, histiocytes, neutrophils, and eosino­phils, ii) mild perivascular nuclear dust and swollen endothelium of blood vessels, and iii) a narrow Grenz zone beneath the epidermis. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated mixed cellular infiltrates intermixed with CD1a+ dendritic cells, CD68+ histiocytes, and CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.
Further potential savings attributable to maximum generic substitution of antidepressants in South Africa: A retrospective analysis of medical claims
Authors: Van der Westhuizen Elmarie , Burger Johanita R. , Lubbe Martie S. , Serfontein Jan H.P.
Published: November 2010

The main objective of the study was to calculate potential cost savings that could have been generated by maximum generic substitution of antidepressants within the private health care sector of South Africa from 2004 to 2006. Data on computerised medicine claims of patients receiving one or more antidepressants during three consecutive years (i.e. 2004, 2005 and 2006) were elicited from a South African pharmaceutical benefit management company. The total study population consisted of 292 071 items (N = 5 982 869) on 273 673 prescriptions (N = 5 213 765) at a total cost of R56 183 697.91(N = R1 346 210 929.00). A quantitative, retrospective drug utilisation review was conducted, and data were analysed using the Statistical Analysis System® programme. Potential cost savings were computed for criteria-eligible substances in the study population. Generic medicine constituted 58.7% (N = 292 071) of all antidepressants claimed, at a total cost of 28.2% (N = R1 346 210 929.00)of all incurred costs. With total substitution of the average price of all criteria-eligible innovators, a potential saving of 9.3% (N = R56 183 697.91) of the actual antidepressant cost over the study period was calculated. In developing countries with limited health care resources, generic medicines can be cost-saving treatment alternatives.OpsommingDie hoofmikpunt van hierdie studie was om die potensiële kostebesparing te bereken wat deur maksimale generiese vervanging van antidepressante in die Suid-Afrikaanse private gesondheidsorgsektor tussen 2004 en 2006 teweeggebring sou kon word. Data oor gerekenariseerde eise vir medisyne van pasiënte wat een of meer antidepressante gedurende die studietydperk ontvang het (d.i. 2004, 2005 en 2006) is van ŉ Suid-Afrikaanse maatskappy wat farmaseutiese voordele bestuur, verkry. Die totale studiepopulasie het bestaan uit 292 071 items (N = 5 982 869)van 273 673 voorskrifte (N = 5 213 765) teen ŉ totale koste van R56 183 697.91 (N = R1 346 210 929.00).’n Kwantitatiewe, retrospektiewe medisyneverbruiksontleding is gedoen en data is geanaliseer deur van die Statistical Analysis System®-pakket gebruik te maak. Potensiële kostebesparings is vir middels in die studiepopulasie wat aan die kriteria voldoen het, bereken. Generiese produkte het 58.7% (N = 292 071) van alle produkte wat voorgeskryf is, uitgemaak, teen ŉ totale koste van 28.2% (N= R1 346 210 929.00). Indien die gemiddelde prys van alle middels wat aan die kriteria vir vervanging voldoen het, met die prys vir generiese middels vervang word, is ŉ potensiële besparing van 9.3%(N = R56 183 697.91) van die werklike koste vir antidepressante gedurende die studietydperk moontlik. Generiese middels kan in ontwikkelende lande met beperkte gesondheidsorg-hulpbronne kostebesparende alternatiewe wees.
Groundwater surveys in Developing Regions
Authors: Lewis Jeff , Liljedahl Birgitta
Published: November 2010

This paper discusses the interpretation of surface features that can assist in the evaluation of groundwater resources in semi-arid and arid developing regions. The lack of infrastructure in these areas places serious constraints on borehole drilling, which in turn limits the data which can be obtained directly from the subsurface. Under these conditions, surface indicators may be used to infer useful information about the subsurface, which includes shallow aquifers. This article summarizes those surface indicators which provide useful data in arid and semi-arid regions and provides a review of the literature to assist in their interpretation. Patterns of surface indicators covering a large area may be more effective and less costly for interpreting basic regional hydrogeological conditions than detailed data obtained from a limited number of boreholes. The hydrogeological information which can be obtained by using the methods discussed in this article include the regional flow patterns, an estimate of the depth to groundwater, aquifer geology and estimates of the regional recharge and discharge zones. This data may in turn provide support for subsequent well drilling campaigns, limited environmental assessments, and potable water assessments for humanitarian base camps in developing regions.
Performances of Different Global Positioning System Devices for Time-Location Tracking in Air Pollution Epidemiological Studies
Authors: Wu Jun , Jiang Chengsheng , Liu Zhen , Houston Douglas , Jaimes Guillermo , McConnell Rob
Published: November 2010

Background

People's time-location patterns are important in air pollution exposure assessment because pollution levels may vary considerably by location. A growing number of studies are using global positioning systems (GPS) to track people's time-location patterns. Many portable GPS units that archive location are commercially available at a cost that makes their use feasible for epidemiological studies.

Methods

We evaluated the performance of five portable GPS data loggers and two GPS cell phones by examining positional accuracy in typical locations (indoor, outdoor, in-vehicle) and factors that influence satellite reception (building material, building type), acquisition time (cold and warm start), battery life, and adequacy of memory for data storage. We examined stationary locations (eg, indoor, outdoor) and mobile environments (eg, walking, traveling by vehicle or bus) and compared GPS locations to highly-resolved US Geological Survey (USGS) and Digital Orthophoto Quarter Quadrangle (DOQQ) maps.

Results

The battery life of our tested instruments ranged from <9 hours to 48 hours. The acquisition of location time after startup ranged from a few seconds to >20 minutes and varied significantly by building structure type and by cold or warm start. No GPS device was found to have consistently superior performance with regard to spatial accuracy and signal loss. At fixed outdoor locations, 65%-95% of GPS points fell within 20-m of the corresponding DOQQ locations for all the devices. At fixed indoor locations, 50%-80% of GPS points fell within 20-m of the corresponding DOQQ locations for all the devices except one. Most of the GPS devices performed well during commuting on a freeway, with >80% of points within 10-m of the DOQQ route, but the performance was significantly impacted by surrounding structures on surface streets in highly urbanized areas.

Conclusions

All the tested GPS devices had limitations, but we identified several devices which showed promising performance for tracking subjects’ time location patterns in epidemiological studies.
Gabapentin Enacarbil: Pharmacotherapy of Restless Legs Syndrome
Authors: Jones Ruth , Rickards Hugh , Cavanna Andrea Eugenio
Published: November 2010

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a prevalent sleep-associated movement disorder greatly affecting patients’ quality of life (QoL). Several drugs can be used to control this condition although the first-line dopamine agents often cause adverse effects. Non-dopaminergic drugs such as oral gabapentin (GBP) have been more recently advocated. Despite ameliorating RLS symptoms, GBP's pharmacokinetic limitations restrict its overall effectiveness. A novel specifically designed prodrug, gabapentin enacarbil (GE), has demonstrated successful RLS alleviation with a superior pharmacokinetic profile. This review aims to examine the efficacy and tolerability of both GBP and GE as pharmacotherapy for RLS. Despite some heterogeneity and limitations across research methodologies, GE appears to be a potential RLS therapy superior to GBP and other dopaminergic agents.
On Lorentz nuclear homogeneous polynomials between Banach spaces
Authors: Vieira Fávaro Vinícius , Matos Mário  Carvalho , Pellegrino Daniel
Published: November 2010

In this paper we introduce the classes of Lorentz nuclear homogeneous polynomials and characterize their duals. These type of results are related to the study of convolution equations and Malgrange-type theorems on infinite-dimensional Banach spaces.
An extension of Minkowski’s theorem to simply connected 2-step nilpotent groups
Authors: Moskowitz Martin
Published: November 2010

This note extends the classical theorem of Minkowski on lattice points and convex bodies in

ℝ^n

to 2-step simply connected nilpotent Lie groups with a

ℚ

-structure. This includes all groups of Heisenberg type. More generally (and more naturally), it works for any simply connected nilpotent Lie group with a

ℚ

-structure whose Lie algebra admits a
grading
of length 2. Here a new invariant associated with the grading occurs which we call the
degree
. It explains why some directions are more equal than others.
Registers for networked medical research in Germany
Authors: Altmann U. , Antony G. , Drepper J. , Sax U. , Schütt A. , Stausberg J.
Published: November 2010

Background: Several disease specific registers are operated by members of the ‘TMF – Technology, Methods, and Infrastructure for Networked Medical Research’, an umbrella organization of research networks in Germany.

Objective: To describe the coverage and the current state as well as financial and organizational issues of registers operated by member networks of the TMF, to identify their requirements and needs, and to recommend best practice models.

Methods: A survey with a self-completion questionnaire including all 55 TMF member networks was carried out in winter 2007/2008. Interviews focusing on technological issues were conducted and analyzed in summer 2009 with a convenience sample of 10 registers.

Results: From 55 TMF member networks, 11 provided information about 14 registers. Six registers address diseases of the circulatory system with more than 150,000 registered patients. The interviews revealed a typical setting of “research registers”. Research registers are an important mean to generate hypotheses for clinical research, to identify eligible patients, and to share data with clinical trials. Concerning technical solutions, we found a remarkable heterogeneity. The analysis of the most efficient registers revealed a structure with five levels as best practice model of register management: executive, operations, IT-management, software, hardware.

Conclusion: In the last ten years, the TMF member networks established disease specific registers in Germany mainly to support clinical research. The heterogeneity of organizational and technical solutions as well as deficits in register planning motivated the development of respective recommendations. The TMF will continue to assist the registers in quality improvement.
IT Infrastructure Components for Biobanking
Authors: Beck A. , Ganslandt T. , Hummel M. , Kiehntopf M. , Sax U. , Ückert F. , Semler S. , Prokosch H.U.
Published: November 2010

Objective: Within translational research projects in the recent years large biobanks have been established, mostly supported by homegrown, proprietary software solutions. No general requirements for biobanking IT infrastructures have been published yet. This paper presents an exemplary biobanking IT architecture, a requirements specification for a biorepository management tool and exemplary illustrations of three major types of requirements.

Methods: We have pursued a comprehensive literature review for biobanking IT solutions and established an interdisciplinary expert panel for creating the requirements specification. The exemplary illustrations were derived from a requirements analysis within two university hospitals.

Results: The requirements specification comprises a catalog with more than 130 detailed requirements grouped into 3 major categories and 20 subcategories. Special attention is given to multitenancy capabilities in order to support the project-specific definition of varying research and bio-banking contexts, the definition of workflows to track sample processing, sample transportation and sample storage and the automated integration of preanalytic handling and storage robots.

Conclusion: IT support for biobanking projects can be based on a federated architectural framework comprising primary data sources for clinical annotations, a pseudonymization service, a clinical data warehouse with a flexible and user-friendly query interface and a biorepository management system. Flexibility and scalability of all such components are vital since large medical facilities such as university hospitals will have to support biobanking for varying monocentric and multicentric research scenarios and multiple medical clients.
Aerosol-cloud interaction determined by both in situ and satellite data over a northern high-latitude site
Authors: Lihavainen H. , Kerminen V.-M. , Remer L. A.
Published: November 2010

Abstract. The first aerosol indirect effect over a clean, northern high-latitude site was investigated by determining the aerosol cloud interaction (ACI) using three different approaches; ground-based in situ measurements, combined ground-based in situ measurements and satellite retrievals and using only satellite retrievals. The obtained values of ACI were highest for in situ ground-based data, clearly lower for combined ground-based and satellite data, and lowest for data relying solely on satellite retrievals. One of the key findings of this study was the high sensitivity of ACI to the definition of the aerosol burden. We showed that at least a part of the variability in ACI can be explained by how different investigators have related different cloud properties to "aerosol burden".
First results from the GPS atmosphere sounding experiment TOR aboard the TerraSAR-X satellite
Authors: Beyerle G. , Grunwaldt L. , Heise S. , Köhler W. , König R. , Michalak G. , Rothacher M. , Schmidt T. , Wickert J. , Tapley B. D. , Giesinger B.
Published: November 2010

Abstract. GPS radio occultation events observed between 24 July and 17 November 2008 by the IGOR occultation receiver aboard the TerraSAR-X satellite are processed and analyzed. The comparison of 16 262 refractivity profiles with collocated ECMWF data yield a mean bias of −0.60% to +0.02% at altitudes between 5 and 30 km. Standard deviations decrease from about 0.8% to 1.8% at 5 km to about 0.5% to 0.8% at about 10 km altitude. At low latitudes mean biases and standard deviations are larger, in particular in the lower troposphere. The results are consistent with 15 159 refractivity observations collected during the same time period by the BlackJack receiver aboard GRACE-A and processed by GFZ's operational processing system. The main difference between the two occultation instruments is the implementation of open-loop signal tracking in the IGOR (TerraSAR-X) receiver which improves the tropospheric penetration depth in terms of ray height by about 2 km compared to the conventional closed-loop data acquired by BlackJack (GRACE-A).
The effect of sea ice loss on sea salt aerosol concentrations and the radiative balance in the Arctic
Authors: Struthers H. , Ekman A. M. L. , Glantz P. , Iversen T. , Kirkevåg A. , Mårtensson E. M. , Seland Ø. , Nilsson E. D.
Published: November 2010

Abstract. Understanding Arctic climate change requires knowledge of both the external and the local drivers of Arctic climate as well as local feedbacks within the system. An Arctic feedback mechanism relating changes in sea ice extent to an alteration of the emission of sea salt aerosol and the consequent change in radiative balance is examined. A set of idealized climate model simulations were performed to quantify the radiative effects of changes in sea salt aerosol emissions induced by prescribed changes in sea ice extent. The model was forced using sea ice concentrations consistent with present day conditions and projections of sea ice extent for 2100. Sea salt aerosol emissions increase in response to a decrease in sea ice, the model results showing an annual average increase in number emission over the polar cap (70–90° N) of 86×106 m−2 s−1 (mass emission increase of 23 μg m−2 s−1). This in turn leads to an increase in the natural aerosol optical depth of approximately 23%. In response to changes in aerosol optical depth, the natural component of the aerosol direct forcing over the Arctic polar cap is estimated to be between −0.2 and −0.4 W m−2 for the summer months, which results in a negative feedback on the system. The model predicts that the change in first indirect aerosol effect (cloud albedo effect) is approximately a factor of ten greater than the change in direct aerosol forcing although this result is highly uncertain due to the crude representation of Arctic clouds and aerosol-cloud interactions in the model. This study shows that both the natural aerosol direct and first indirect effects are strongly dependent on the surface albedo, highlighting the strong coupling between sea ice, aerosols, Arctic clouds and their radiative effects.
SCIAMACHY stratospheric aerosol extinction profile retrieval
Authors: Taha G. , Rault D. F. , Loughman R. P. , Bourassa A. E. , von Savigny C.
Published: November 2010

Abstract. The Ozone Mapper and Profiler Suite Limp Profiler (OMPS/LP) algorithm is used to retrieve ozone and aerosol profiles using a series of 120 SCIAMACHY limb measurements collocated with SAGE II solar occultation events. The primary goal of the study is to ascertain the capability of the OMPS/LP retrieval algorithm to accurately retrieve the vertical distribution of stratospheric aerosol extinction coefficient so as to better account for aerosol effects in the ozone profiling retrieval process. Using simulated radiances, we show that the aerosol extinction coefficient can be retrieved from limb scatter measurements within 5% and a standard deviation better than 15%, which is more than sufficient to improve the OMPS/LP ozone products to be used as Environmental Data Records. We also illustrate the ability of SCIAMACHY limb measurements to retrieve stratospheric aerosol profiles with accuracy comparable to other instruments. The retrieved aerosol profiles agree with collocated SAGE II measurements on average to within 25%, with a standard deviation of 35%.
The role of endophytic methane oxidizing bacteria in submerged Sphagnum in determining methane emissions of Northeastern Siberian tundra
Authors: Parmentier F. J. W. , van Huissteden J. , Kip N. , Op den Camp H. J. M. , Jetten M. S. M. , Maximov T. C. , Dolman A. J.
Published: November 2010

Abstract. The behavior of tundra ecosystems is critical in the global carbon cycle due to their wet soils and large stores of carbon. Recently, cooperation was observed between methanotrophic bacteria and submerged Sphagnum, which reduces methane emissions in this type of vegetation and supplies CO2 for photosynthesis to the plant. Although proven in the lab, the differences that exist in methane emissions from inundated vegetation types with or without Sphagnum have not been linked to these bacteria before. To further investigate the importance of these bacteria, chamber flux measurements, microbial analysis and flux modeling were used to show that methane emissions in a submerged Sphagnum/sedge vegetation type were 50% lower compared to an inundated sedge vegetation without Sphagnum. From examining the results of the measurements, incubation experiments and flux modeling, it was found that it is likely that this difference is due to, for a large part, oxidation of methane below the water table by these endophytic bacteria. This result is important when upscaled spatially since oxidation by these bacteria plays a large role in 15% of the net methane emissions, while at the same time they promote photosynthesis of Sphagnum, and thus carbon storage. Future changes in the spread of submerged Sphagnum, in combination with the response of these bacteria to a warmer climate, could be an important factor in predicting future greenhouse gas exchange from tundra.
Northern Hemisphere spring snow cover variability and change over 1922–2010 including an assessment of uncertainty
Authors: Brown R. D. , Robinson D. A.
Published: November 2010

Abstract. An update is provided of Northern Hemisphere (NH) spring (March, April) snow cover extent (SCE) over the 1922–2010 period incorporating the new climate data record (CDR) version of the NOAA weekly SCE dataset, with annual 95% confidence intervals estimates from regression analysis and intercomparison of multiple datasets. The uncertainty analysis indicated a 95% confidence interval in NH spring SCE of ±5–10% over the pre-satellite period and ±3–5% over the satellite era. The multi-dataset analysis showed there are larger uncertainties monitoring spring SCE over Eurasia (EUR) than North America (NA) due to the more complex regional character of the snow cover variability with the largest dataset uncertainty located over eastern Eurasia in a large region extending from the Tibetan Plateau across northern China. Trend analysis of the updated SCE series provided evidence that NH spring snow cover extent has undergone significant reductions over the past ~90 years and that the rate of decrease has accelerated over the past 40 years. The rate of decrease in March and April NH SCE over the 1970–2010 period is ~7–8 million km2 per 100 years which corresponds to an 8–11% decrease in NH March and April SCE respectively from pre-1970 values. In March, most of the change is being driven by Eurasia (NA trends are not significant) but both continents exhibit significant SCE reductions in April. The observed trends in SCE are consistent with recent warming trends over northern mid-latitude land areas with NH SCE exhibiting significant negative correlations to air temperature anomalies in March and April. The NH spring SCE-temperature sensitivity has remained relatively stable over the period of record although there is some evidence of contrasting changes in temperature sensitivity over both continents in April. There is evidence that changes in atmospheric circulation around 1980 involving the North Atlantic Oscillation and Scandinavian Pattern have contributed to reductions in March SCE over Eurasia.
Media violence, physical aggression, and relational aggression in school age children: a short‐term longitudinal study
Authors: Gentile Douglas A. , Coyne Sarah , Walsh David A.
Published: November 2010

Many studies have shown that media violence has an effect on children's subsequent aggression. This study expands upon previous research in three directions: (1) by examining several subtypes of aggression (verbal, relational, and physical), (2) by measuring media violence exposure (MVE) across three types of media, and (3) by measuring MVE and aggressive/prosocial behaviors at two points in time during the school year. In this study, 430 3rd−5th grade children, their peers, and their teachers were surveyed. Children's consumption of media violence early in the school year predicted higher verbally aggressive behavior, higher relationally aggressive behavior, higher physically aggressive behavior, and less prosocial behavior later in the school year. Additionally, these effects were mediated by hostile attribution bias. The findings are interpreted within the theoretical framework of the General Aggression Model. Aggr. Behav. 37:193–206, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
3D‐TEM Characterization of the Porosity in Nanoscaled Materials: Application to Catalysis
Authors: Florea Ileana , Roiban Lucian , Hirlimann Charles , Tihay Fanny , Pham‐Huu Cuong , Werckmann Jacques , Pham Charlotte , Nguyen Patrick , Drillon Marc , Ersen Ovidiu
Published: November 2010

We present here a series of experiments performed by electron tomography with the main goal to investigate the 3D porous characteristics that can be encountered in the course of preparing micro‐ and mesoporous materials. The examples are chosen in order to illustrate the ability of this technique to furnish direct information of various natures: morphological, concerning the accessibility to a internal surface of a porous sample, as well as on the shape and 3D ordering of the cavities in a porous network. All these parameters are of prime importance in the catalysis field, since they govern the catalytic performances of the sample. The results underline the uniqueness and the benefits of this technique to provide relevant information on different types of porosities on a nanometer scale
Niobium Wires as Space Holder and Sintering Aid for Porous NiTi
Authors: Bansiddhi Ampika , Dunand David C.
Published: November 2010

When NiTi powder compacts containing Nb wires are heated above 1 170 °C, each Nb wire reacts with adjacent NiTi powders to form a eutectic liquid which wicks into the space between the remaining NiTi powders. This creates a macropore at the location of the Nb wire while eliminating the microporosity between NiTi powders which is filled with a NiTi/Nb eutectic phase after solidification. This novel method produces – in a single step and without applied pressure – a dense NiTi matrix with elongated pores suitable for shape memory or superelastic applications such as bone implants, dampeners and actuators.
Fabrication of Functionally Graded Carbon Nanotube‐Reinforced Aluminum Matrix Composite
Authors: Kwon Hansang , Bradbury Christopher R. , Leparoux Marc
Published: November 2010

Functionally graded carbon nanotube (CNT)‐reinforced aluminum (Al) matrix composites have been successfully fabricated by a powder metallurgy route. The gradient layers containing different amounts of CNT additions showed different microstructures and hardness. Each layer demonstrated good adhesion, with no serious pores or microcracks. We controlled the characteristics of the bulk composite by the efficient design of each CNT gradient layer. The functionally graded material concept offers a feasible approach to fabricating Al‐CNT nanocomposites.