bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A study on sequence variations in pre‐S/surface, X and enhancer II/core promoter/precore regions of occult hepatitis B virus in non‐B, non‐C hepatocellular carcinoma patients in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Chien‐Hung , Changchien Chi‐Sin , Lee Chuan‐Mo , Tung Wei‐Chih , Hung Chao‐Hung , Hu Tsung‐Hui , Wang Jing‐Houng , Wang Jyh‐Chwan , Lu Sheng‐Nan
Published: March 2009

This study was to investigate the clinical significance and virologic factors of occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients without hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) or anti‐hepatitis C virus (non‐B, non‐C) in Taiwan. Serum HBV DNA (occult HBV) was detected in 90 of 222 non‐B, non‐C HCC patients and 24 of 300 non‐B, non‐C controls without HCC. Of 90 occult HBV‐infected HCC patients, the sequences of HBV pre‐S/surface, X and enhancer II/core promoter/precore genes were analyzed from 40 patients. Direct sequencing of such genes was also performed in 24 non‐B, non‐C controls without HCC and 40 HBsAg‐positive HCC controls. Compared with non‐B, non‐C controls without HCC, non‐B, non‐C subjects with HCC had significantly higher prevalence of occult HBV (p < 0.0001). Moreover, M1I and Q2K in pre‐S2 gene and G1721A were more common in occult HBV‐infected patients with HCC than in those without HCC. Compared with the HBsAg‐positive HCC controls, occult HBV‐infected HCC patients had higher frequencies of M1I and Q2K in pre‐S2 gene, G185R and S210N in surface gene, A36T and A44L in X gene, and G1721A in enhancer II gene, and had lower rates of pre‐S deletions and A1762T/G1764A, A1846T, G1896A and G1899A in core promoter/precore genes. Multivariate analysis showed Q2K in pre‐S2 gene, G1721A and A1846T were independent factors for occult HBV‐infected HCC. Our study suggested that the virological factors of HBV related to HCC were different between occult HBV‐infected and HBsAg‐positive patients. The G1721A, M1I and Q2K in pre‐S2 gene may be useful viral markers for HCC in occult HBV carriers. © 2009 UICC
Influence of lead acetate on glutathione and its related enzymes in different regions of rat brain
Authors: Bokara Kiran Kumar , Blaylock Iesha , Denise Stacy Brown , Bettaiya Rajanna , Rajanna Sharada , Yallapragada Prabhakara Rao
Published: March 2009

This study is intended to determine the effect of lead acetate on glutathione and its associated enzymes of rat brain. Wistar male rats were treated with lead acetate (500 ppm) through drinking water for a period of 8 weeks and parallel controls were maintained. They were sacrificed at the first, fourth and eighth week to isolate whole brains, which were separated into cerebellum, hippocampus, frontal cortex and brain stem. The data indicate enhanced (P < 0.05) glutathione peroxidase (G‐Px) activity at most of the intervals for cerebellum, frontal cortex and brain stem, suggesting conversion of GSH to GSSG, while the hippocampus showed decreased levels. In contrast, glutathione reductase (GR) decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in cerebellum, frontal cortex and brain stem at all intervals except the fourth week in frontal cortex and brain stem. Hippocampus exhibited a gradual and significant (P < 0.05) increase in GR activity. Glutathione‐S‐transferase (GSTase) activity increased with exposure time in all four brain tissues, showing protection against lead acetate toxicity. The GSH and GSSG levels correlated well with the activities of GPx, GR and GSTase in all four regions of the brain. Overall the results indicate that lead acetate affects glutathione‐related enzymes differentially and these changes can be attributed to differences in tissue susceptibility. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Force field for copper clusters and nanoparticles
Authors: Zhou Chenggang , Wu Jinping , Chen Liang , Wang Yang , Cheng Hansong , Forrey Robert C.
Published: March 2009

An atomic force field for simulating copper clusters and nanoparticles is developed. More than 2000 cluster configurations of varying size and shape are used to constrain the parametrization of the copper force field. Binding energies for these training clusters were computed using density functional theory. Extensive testing shows that the copper force field is fast and reliable for near‐equilibrium structures of clusters, ranging from only a few atoms to large nanoparticles that approach bulk structure. Nonequilibrium dissociation and compression structures that are included in the training set are also well described by the force field. Implications for molecular dynamics simulations and extensions to other metallic and covalent systems are discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2009
Prenatal diagnosis of lissencephaly: A case report
Authors: Aslan Halil , Gungorduk Kemal , Yıldırım Doğukan , Aslan Oğuz , Yıldırım Gokhan , Ceylan Yavuz
Published: March 2009

We describe the abnormal sonographic findings in the brain of a 26‐week fetus, which increased the suspicion of isolated lissencephaly. Follow‐up ultrasound examination and MRI depicted diffuse cortical agyria, microcephaly, hypotelorism, and proptosis. Cordocentesis showed a normal 46,XY karyotype, and no short arm deletion of chromosome 17 was detectable. Postmortem examination confirmed complete agyria of the whole fetal brain. Early detection of fetal microcephaly and other cranial abnormalities can be a sign of isolated lissencephaly and need to be evaluated carefully with ultrasound and MRI for detection of abnormal cortical development of the fetal brain. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2009
Peculiar subcellular localization of Fas antigen in human and mouse spermatozoa
Authors: Starace Donatella , Muciaccia Barbara , Morgante Emanuela , Russo Matteo A. , Pensini Simona , D'agostino Angela , De Cesaris Paola , Filippini Antonio , Ziparo Elio , Riccioli Anna
Published: March 2009

The highly polarized structure and function of mammalian spermatozoa dictate that these cells compartmentalize specific metabolic and signaling pathways to regions where they are needed. Fas was initially identified as membrane receptor for pro‐apoptotic signals, has been recently recognized as a molecule with pleiotropic functions. In this article, we provide evidence of a peculiar Fas localization: it is closely associated to the perinucleus, mainly at the level of the inner acrosomal membrane, as well as in the inner compartment of mitochondria. Immunoelectron microscopy and Western blot analysis indicated that intracellular Fas was associated with mitochondria in mouse epididymal spermatozoa. Accordingly, also in human ejaculated sperm, immunofluorescence analysis showed Fas localized in the middle piece of sperm flagellum where mitochondria are grouped. The potential functional implications of these findings are discussed. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Correlation of Sequence Block Lengths and Degree of Randomness with Melt Rheological Properties in PET/PEN Blends
Authors: Khonakdar Hossein Ali , Golriz Mahdi , Jafari Seyed‐Hassan , Wagenknecht Udo
Published: March 2009

PET/PEN blends were prepared over the full composition range via a melt mixing process under various processing conditions. This resulted in transesterification reactions and formation of copolymer structures with various average sequence block lengths $(\bar L_{nPET} ,\;\bar L_{nPEN} )$ and degree of randomness (RD) determined by 1H NMR. It was seen that with an increase in time and temperature of mixing copolymer content (TEN%) and RD increased, whereas the $\bar L_{nPET}$, $\bar L_{nPEN}$ values were decreased. The differences in the extent of transreactions arising from different processing histories showed their systematic influence on rheological characteristics. Moreover due to progress of transreactions during the rheological measurements, convergence was seen in all the rheological characteristics at terminal zones in the high frequency regions. Similar convergence in the copolymer structural parameters was also obtained by NMR analysis. An increase in TEN% led to a systematic increase in viscosity of the blends. A decrease in the $\bar L_{nPET}$, $\bar L_{nPEN}$ values results in an increase in elasticity and relaxation time due to improvement of blend interface with increase in extent of copolymer formation.

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Catalytic Chain Transfer (co‐)Polymerization: Unprecedented Polyisoprene CCG and a New Concept to Tune the Composition of a Statistical Copolymer
Authors: Valente Andreia , Zinck Philippe , Mortreux André , Visseaux Marc
Published: March 2009

Borohydrido‐halflanthanidocene/dialkylmagnesium combinations are found to be powerful catalytic systems for the chain transfer polymerization of isoprene and its copolymerization with styrene. A behavior close to a lanthanide catalyzed polyisoprene chain growth on magnesium is reported. Transmetalation is further shown to occur in the course of the statistical copolymerization of isoprene and styrene. For the same monomer feed, the amount of styrene inserted in the copolymer can be increased by a factor 3 using 10 equiv. dialkylmagnesium versus 1 in the range of our experimental conditions. Chain transfer in the course of a metal catalyzed statistical copolymerization may thus be viewed as a new and original way for the control of the composition of a copolymer.

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A Tcf4‐GFP reporter mouse model for monitoring effects of Apc mutations during intestinal tumorigenesis
Authors: Boman Bruce , Kopelovich Levy , Siracusa Linda D. , Zhang Tao , Henderson Kim , Cofer Zenobia , Buchberg Arthur M. , Fields Jeremy Z. , Otevrel Tomas
Published: March 2009

Apc mutations cause intestinal tumorigenesis through Tcf4 activation. However, direct techniques for studying Tcf4 activation in vivo are limited. Here, we describe the development of a Tcf4‐GFP reporter mouse model for directly studying Tcf4 activation. We first developed a GFP reporter construct (Tcf4‐GFP) and transfected it into SW480 cells that have constitutively activated Tcf4. Reporter activity increased 47‐fold. Next, we created transgenic (Tg) mice by transducing the construct into C57BL/6J mice. Fluorescence microscopy did not detect GFP in intestinal sections, but flow cytometry showed 5% of crypt cells to be GFP+. We then established cross‐bred mice (Tg × ApcMin/+), which have a germline Apc mutation and sustained Tcf4 activation. Here, fluorescence microscopy showed GFP+ cells at or near the base of normal‐appearing crypts. In adenomas, in which Apc is inactivated, GFP+ signal was even greater. Immunostaining for the Tcf4 target genes survivin (BIRC5) and cyclin D1 (CCND1) showed that their expression also paralleled GFP positivity. We conclude that GFP directly reports Tcf4 activation in vivo and tracks the predicted increases in Tcf4 activation that result from Apc inactivation, and that Apc mutation contributes to survivin and cyclin D1 overexpression through Tcf4 activation. Our Tcf4 mouse should be useful in studying the effects of chemopreventive agents on Wnt signaling and changes in proliferative crypt cell populations—including stem cells—during intestinal tumorigenesis. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Overexpression of degenerative spermatocyte homolog 1 up‐regulates the expression of cyclin D1 and enhances metastatic efficiency in esophageal carcinoma Eca109 cells
Authors: Zhou Wu , Ye Xiao‐Lei , Sun Zhi‐Jian , Ji Xiao‐Dan , Chen Hai‐Xiang , Xie Dong
Published: March 2009

Cyclin D1 plays a pivotal role in cell‐cycle transition through G1 phase. In this article, we found that Degenerative Spermatocyte Homolog 1 (DEGS1) up‐regulated the expression of cyclin D1 and the activation of transcription factor NF‐κB was essential for DEGS1‐induced cyclin D1 production. Forced expression of DEGS1 in Esophageal carcinoma cell line Eca109 cells increased their ability of cell migration and significantly induced tumor metastasis in nude mice, whereas RNA interference‐mediated knockdown of DEGS1 cells significantly inhibited cell migration in vitro, as well as tumor metastasis in vivo. Our results demonstrated that expression of DEGS1 up‐regulated the expression of cyclin D1 and enhanced the efficiency of tumor metastasis. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nm23‐H1 promotes adhesion of CAL 27 cells in vitro
Authors: Bago Ružica , Pavelić Jasminka , Vlahoviček Gordana Maravić , Bosnar Maja Herak
Published: March 2009

nm23‐H1 was found to diminish metastatic potential of carcinoma cell lines and therefore was placed in the group of metastatic suppressor genes. Its protein product has a function of a nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK) as well as protein kinase and nuclease. Though it was found that Nm23‐H1 is involved in many cellular processes, it is still not known how it promotes metastatic suppressor activity. Since the process of metastasis is dependent on adhesion properties of cells, the goal of our work was to describe the adhesion properties of CAL 27 cells (oral squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue) overexpressing FLAG/nm23‐H1. In our experiments, cells overexpressing nm23‐H1 show reduced migratory and invasive potential. Additionally, cells overexpressing nm23‐H1 adhere stronger on substrates (collagen IV and fibronectin) and show more spread morphology than the control cells. Results obtained by EGF induction of migration revealed that the adhesion strength predetermined cell response to chemoattractant and that Nm23‐H1, in this cell type, does not interfere with, EGF induced, Ras signaling pathway. These data contribute to the overall knowledge about nm23‐H1 and its role in cell adhesion, migration, and invasion, especially in oral squamous cell carcinoma. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The determinants of industry concentration: two new empirical regularities
Authors: Lien Lasse B. , Foss Nicolai J.
Published: March 2009

This paper reports two new empirical regularities concerning industry concentration. First, concentration levels closely correlate in related industries. Second, the correlation is moderated by the degree of relatedness between the industries. These regularities are derived from the Trinet database, using a survivor‐based measure of relatedness. We argue that these previously overlooked relations may be explained in terms of (1) ‘spillover effects’ between industries and (2) life cycle factors. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of and improvements to the Met Office tropical cyclone initialisation scheme
Authors: Heming J. T.
Published: March 2009

In 1994 a new method for the initialisation of tropical cyclones (TCs) was implemented in the Met Office Unified Model (MetUM). In trials this resulted in a 34% drop in track forecast errors. TC track forecast errors in the MetUM have continued to show a modest downward trend since then. However, the considerable increase in satellite data available to numerical models and improvements in data assimilation techniques are likely to have reduced the model's dependency on the initialisation technique to produce a good analysis and forecast of TCs.

The global configuration of the MetUM was rerun for a period of a month during August and September 2006 with TC initialisation switched off. The results show that the initialisation technique still produces a mean decrease in track forecast error of 12.2%. In addition, the detection rate of TCs 96 h into the forecast dropped from 97 to 75% and the mean forecast intensity of TCs dropped by 20.6% when the initialisation technique was not used.

A subsequent trial was undertaken of a change to the technique to reduce the areal coverage of the ‘bogus’ data produced for all but the largest TCs. This change was proposed in order to address a perceived weakness in the original formulation of the initialisation technique. The revised formulation produced a further reduction in track forecast errors of 4.7% for the August–September 2006 trial period. As a consequence of these good results, the revised formulation became operational in the MetUM in November 2007. © Crown Copyright 2009. Reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Tensor‐based Gauss–Jacobi numerical integration for high‐order mass and stiffness matrices
Authors: Bittencourt M. L. , Vazquez T. G.
Published: March 2009

In this work, we choose the points and weights of the Gauss–Jacobi, Gauss–Radau–Jacobi and Gauss–Lobatto–Jacobi quadrature rules that optimize the number of operations for the mass and stiffness matrices of the high‐order finite element method. The procedure is particularly applied to the mass and stiffness matrices using the tensor‐based nodal and modal shape functions given in (Int. J. Numer. Meth. Engng 2007; 71(5):529–563). For square and hexahedron elements, we show that it is possible to use tensor product of the 1D mass and stiffness matrices for the Poisson and elasticity problem. For the triangular and tetrahedron elements, an analogous analysis given in (Int. J. Numer. Meth. Engng 2005; 63(2):1530–1558) was considered for the selection of the optimal points and weights for the stiffness matrix coefficients for triangles and mass and stiffness matrices for tetrahedra. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Time trends and characteristics of childhood cancer among children age 0–14 in Shanghai
Authors: Bao Ping‐Ping , Zheng Ying , Wang Chun‐Fang , Gu Kai , Jin Fan , Lu Wei
Published: March 2009

Background

The aim of this article is to analyze the time trends during 1973–2005 in urban Shanghai and to describe the current characteristics of childhood cancer in Shanghai.

Procedure

All data were from the Shanghai Cancer Registry. Time trends of period 1973–2005 in urban Shanghai of males and females were assessed by annual percentage change of incidence. The current characteristics of Shanghai childhood cancer average annual incidence were analyzed regarding sex, age, and cancer types. All cancers were allocated into 12 major groupings of ICCC.

Results

Over the 33‐year period, the overall age‐standardized incidence rate for all cancers combined has no substantial change or trend in urban Shanghai aged 0–14. A total of 609 cases of childhood cancer were diagnosed in Shanghai from 2002 to 2005. The ASR of 2002–2005 is 129.0 per million for all cancers combined, and it was almost similar in males (128.5 per million) and in females (129.6 per million). Incidence rates are highest in the first 5 years of life with 173.3 per million. Leukaemia was the most common cancer (34.5%). Brain and spinal tumour was the second most common cancer (20.2%), followed by lymphomas (8.4%). The relative frequencies of Wilms tumour (2.0%) and Ewing sarcoma (0.5%) were lower than those reported from western countries.

Conclusion

During 1973–2005, the trend of childhood cancer incidence in urban Shanghai has shown no significant change. Incidence of childhood cancers in Shanghai was in the medium level compared to other parts of the world and the relative frequencies of various cancers were comparable. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:13–16. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Long‐term survival after autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation in two patients with malignant rhabdoid tumor of the kidney
Authors: Koga Yuhki , Matsuzaki Akinobu , Suminoe Aiko , Hatano Miho , Saito Yusuke , Kinoshita Yoshiaki , Tajiri Tatsuro , Taguchi Tomoaki , Kohashi Kenichi , Oda Yoshinao , Tsuneyoshi Masazumi , Hara Toshiro
Published: March 2009

A 5‐month‐old male with stage II malignant rhabdoid tumor of the kidney (MRTK) and a 24‐month‐old male with stage III MRTK were treated with surgical resection of tumors and chemotherapy of alternating ICE (ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide) and VDC (vincristine, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide), followed by high‐dose chemotherapy using etoposide, carboplatin, and melphalan with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT). Two patients have been alive without any evidence of disease for 30 and 37 months after diagnosis, respectively, and require no medication. Consolidation with SCT should be further studies for selected patients with high‐risk MRTK. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:888–890. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
GATA1 mutations in patients with down syndrome and acute megakaryoblastic leukaemia do not always confer a good prognosis
Authors: Ariffin Hany , Garcia Jaime Castillo , Daud Siti Sarah , Ibrahim Kamariah , Aizah Nik , Ong Gek‐Bee , Chong Lee‐Ai , Mohamad Zulqarnain
Published: March 2009

Children with Down syndrome and acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (DS‐AMKL) have been shown to have increased sensitivity to cytarabine based chemotherapy. The excellent prognosis in patients with DS‐AMKL may be due to mutations in the GATA1 gene leading to reduced expression of the enzyme cytidine deaminase. This leads to a decreased ability to convert cytarabine into its inactive metabolite, resulting in high intracellular concentration of this cytotoxic agent. We report two cases of DS‐AMKL with GATA1 mutations who had poor outcome. These patients had high expression levels of cytidine deaminase mRNA transcripts. We speculate that other factors can affect overall outcome in patients with DS‐AMKL irrespective of the presence of GATA1 mutations. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:108–111. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interferon‐beta, MCNU, and conventional radiotherapy for pediatric patients with brainstem glioma
Authors: Ohno Masasuke , Natsume Atsushi , Fujii Masazumi , Ito Motokazu , Wakabayashi Toshihiko
Published: March 2009

Background

Most children with brainstem glioma die within 2 years of diagnosis, and the median survival time for patients with this condition is less than 1 year. The role of chemotherapy in the treatment of children with brainstem glioma is not well defined. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of treatment with interferon‐β (IFN‐β), ranimustine (MCNU), and radiotherapy (IMR therapy) administered to brainstem glioma patients treated at our institution. We also determined patient response to IMR therapy by evaluating O6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation in serum DNA.

Procedures

We retrospectively reviewed 15 patients who were newly diagnosed to have brainstem tumors and were administered IFN‐β (1–2 MIU/day, days 1–7; 0.5–1 MIU/day, days 8–14) and MCNU (80 mg/m2 on day 2) concurrently with conventional radiotherapy. Responses were assessed by MRI scan, and data on clinical course and toxicity were obtained from the medical records. The MGMT promoter methylation in serum DNA of five patients was assayed by methylation‐specific PCR.

Results

Of the 15 patients, partial response, stable disease, and progressive disease were noted in 5 patients each. The median overall survival time and the median progression‐free survival time were 14.7 and 4.6 months, respectively. The protocol was not terminated in any of the patients because of hematological toxicity, nephrotoxicity, or neurotoxicity. The MGMT promoter methylation status in the serum appeared to correlate with a positive response to IMR therapy.

Conclusions

The IMR combination therapy is well tolerated and may be a promising treatment for brainstem glioma. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:37–41. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A new variable sampling control scheme at fixed times for monitoring the process dispersion
Authors: Shi Lihui , Zou Changliang , Wang Zhaojun , Kapur Kailash C.
Published: March 2009

The variable sampling rate (VSR) schemes for detecting the shift in process mean have been extensively analyzed; however, adding the VSR feature to the control charts for monitoring process dispersion has not been thoroughly investigated. In this research, a novel VSR control scheme, sequential exponentially weighted moving average inverse normal transformation (EWMA INT) at fixed times chart (called (SEIFT) chart), which integrates the sequential EWMA scheme at fix times with the INT statistic, is proposed to detect both the increase and decrease in process dispersion. Moreover, the sample size at each sampling time is also allowed to vary. The Markov chain method is used to evaluate the performance of this new control chart. Numerical analysis reveals that this SEIFT chart gives significant improvement on detection ability than the fixed sampling rate schemes. Compared with other control schemes, the good properties of the INT statistic makes this SEIFT chart easy to design and convenient to implement. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopic chemical state quantification of mixed nickel metal, oxide and hydroxide systems
Authors: Biesinger Mark C. , Payne Brad P. , Lau Leo W. M. , Gerson Andrea , Smart Roger St. C.
Published: March 2009

Quantitative chemical state X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis of mixed nickel metal, oxide, hydroxide and oxyhydroxide systems is challenging due to the complexity of the Ni 2p peak shapes resulting from multiplet splitting, shake‐up and plasmon loss structures. Quantification of mixed nickel chemical states and the qualitative determination of low concentrations of Ni(III) species are demonstrated via an approach based on standard spectra from quality reference samples (Ni, NiO, Ni(OH)2, NiOOH), subtraction of these spectra, and data analysis that integrates information from the Ni 2p spectrum and the O 1s spectra. Quantification of a commercial nickel powder and a thin nickel oxide film grown at 1‐Torr O2 and 300 °C for 20 min is demonstrated. The effect of uncertain relative sensitivity factors (e.g. Ni 2.67 ± 0.54) is discussed, as is the depth of measurement for thin film analysis based on calculated inelastic mean free paths. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface morphology of spin‐coated molecularly imprinted polymer films
Authors: Campbell Sara E. , Collins Mary , Xie Lei , BelBruno Joseph J.
Published: March 2009

The surface morphology of thin molecularly imprinted polymer films has been studied using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The films were produced by spin coating onto glass substrates and examined as a function of host polymer, imprinting template, casting solvent, spin‐coater rotation speed and post‐production treatment. It was observed that the gross features of such films are template controlled. The fine structure is determined by parameters such as solvent, spin speed or subsequent treatment. The relationship between these observations, polymer–template interactions and the mechanism of film formation in spin coating is discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design of an Assembly of Poly(benzimidazole), Carbon Nanotubes, and Pt Nanoparticles for a Fuel‐Cell Electrocatalyst with an Ideal Interfacial Nanostructure
Authors: Okamoto Minoru , Fujigaya Tsuyohiko , Nakashima Naotoshi
Published: March 2009

A newly designed and fabricated novel nanocomposite composed of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs), poly(benzimidazole) (PBI), and Pt nanoparticles. This composite is fabricated by the preparation of PBI‐wrapped MWNTs (MWNT/PBI), followed by Pt loading onto the MWNT/PBI. As a result of the PBI wrapping, the loading efficiency of the Pt nanoparticles onto the MWNTs is dramatically improved up to 58.8% compared to that of the pristine MWNTs (41.0%). The process also allows homogeneous Pt immobilization onto the surface of MWNTs without any strong oxidation process for the MWNTs that is typically used for metal supporting on carbon nanotubes. Far‐IR spectroscopy of the composite shows a peak from the PtN bonding, indicating that these improvements are derived from the coordination of the Pt ion with the PBI molecules. Cyclic voltammogram measurements reveal that the Pt nanoparticles deposited on the MWNT/PBI shows higher utilization efficiency (74%) for electrocatalysts compared to that on the pristine MWNT (39%).
Beitrag zur Ermüdungsfestigkeit von Schienenschweißnähten bei Kranbahnen
Authors: Kuhlmann Ulrike , Euler Mathias
Published: March 2009

Bei der heute üblichen Ausführung von Kranbahnen für leichten bis mittelschweren Kranbetrieb als Walzträger stellt die aufgeschweißte Kranschiene ein wichtiges ermüdungskritisches Kerbdetail der Radlasteinleitung dar. Es werden die charakteristischen Ermüdungsfestigkeiten für diese Art der Radlasteinleitung und die Definition der Schädigungssumme bei zusammengesetzter Beanspruchung aus Sicht der nationalen und europäischen Kranbahnnormen miteinander verglichen und kritisch diskutiert. Es wird ferner ein Überblick über die wenigen, verfügbaren Versuchsergebnisse an Großbauteilen zum Ermüdungsverhalten der Radlasteinleitung gegeben und über eigene Trägerversuche berichtet.
Die Rolle des Prüfingenieurs im System der vorbeugenden Gefahrenabwehr
Authors: Dressel Bernd
Published: March 2009

Das Prinzip der vorbeugenden Gefahrenabwehr zieht sich wie ein roter Faden durch die historische Entwicklung des Bauordnungsrechts. In der gegenwärtigen Musterbauordnung ist gefordert, dass die öffentliche Sicherheit und Ordnung, insbesondere Leben, Gesundheit und die natürlichen Lebensgrundlagen durch bauliche Anlagen, nicht gefährdet werden. Die Kontrolle darüber ist Aufgabe des Staates und obliegt den Bauaufsichtsbehörden.

Zu ihrer Entlastung beauftragen die Bauaufsichtsbehörden staatlich anerkannte Prüfingenieure mit der Wahrnehmung der bauaufsichtlichen Prüfung der Standsicherheit und des Brandschutzes. Entscheidend dabei ist, dass die Prüfingenieure unabhängig sind von den wirtschaftlichen Interessen des Bauherrn. Bisher war diese Unabhängigkeit dadurch gesichert, dass die Prüfingenieure hoheitlich tätig waren und ihre Aufträge unmittelbar von den Bauaufsichtsbehörden erhielten.

Im Zuge sogenannter Deregulierungsmaßnahmen haben einige Bundesländer in den letzten Jahren ihre Bauordnungen verändert mit der fatalen Folge, dass Sicherheitsdefizite entstanden sind. Die Unabhängigkeit der Prüfingenieure und damit die Qualität der vorbeugenden Gefahrenabwehr wurde durch das Gestatten privater Beauftragungen entscheidend verringert. Darüber hinaus wurden verschiedene Bauvorhaben mit vermeintlich geringeren Sicherheitsanforderungen von der Prüfpflicht freigestellt.

Diese Veränderungen widersprechen dem Sicherheitskonzept der DIN 1055‐100, das mit der Europäischen Normung abgestimmt ist. Das dort geforderte Sicherheitsniveau setzt expressis verbis die unabhängige Prüfung der Tragwerksplanung voraus.

Weitere Risiken für die Unabhängigkeit und Qualität der bautechnischen Prüfung durch die Prüfingenieure drohen bei einer unkritischen Anwendung der Europäischen Dienstleistungsrichtlinie.

In Übereinstimmung mit den Erfahrungen der Prüfingenieure zeigen aktuelle Risikoanalysen, dass es für ein modernes System der vorbeugenden Gefahrenabwehr unerlässlich ist, Umfang und Intensität der bauaufsichtlichen Kontrollmaßnahmen dem Gefährdungspotential des jeweiligen Bauvorhabens anzupassen. Nach dem Vorschlag der Bundesvereinigung der Prüfingenieure auf dem IABSE‐Symposium 2007 sollten die Kontrollmaßnahmen künftig auf der Grundlage des Eurocodes EN 1990 entsprechend dem Sicherheitsrisiko nach drei Gefährdungsklassen abgestuft werden.
A 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR Study of an Anionic Surfactant/Neutral Polymer Complex
Authors: Landry Josette M. , Marangoni D. Gerrard , Arden Deborah A. , MacLennan Ian J. , Kwak Jan C. T.
Published: March 2009

NMR chemical shifts and linewidth measurements were examined for mixtures of sodium 10‐phenyldecanoate (Na ω‐PhDec) in deuterated aqueous solutions in the presence of varying compositions of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) polymers of 2000 and 4000 molecular weight. In addition, variable temperature NMR spectra and NMR spin lattice relaxation times (T1) were obtained for the PEO‐4000/Na ω‐PhDec system as a function of varying polymer concentrations. As expected, the polymer/surfactant systems exhibit the behaviour typical of that of an anionic surfactant/neutral polymer system with well defined critical aggregation concentrations (CMC) corresponding to the formation of polymer/surfactant complexes below the CMC of the free surfactant. The 1H‐NMR linewidths acquired for the Na ω‐PhDec/PEO‐4000 system before and after the CMC region of the surfactant indicate that the maximum in the linewidth of the PEO proton peak is reached at approximately twice the CMC of the free surfactant. 2D‐NMR NOESY measurements on this system exhibit cross peaks between the PEO protons and the protons on the surfactant backbone, consistent with the location of the phenyl group in the micellar interior. All these NMR experiments are interpreted in terms of the structure of the polymer/surfactant complexes as a function of the system composition.
Nitrous oxide and the inhibitory synaptic transmission in rat dorsal horn neurons
Authors: Georgiev Stefan K. , Baba Hiroshi , Kohno Tatsuro
Published: March 2009

The analgesic effect of nitrous oxide (N2O) is thought to depend on noradrenaline release in the spinal cord following activation of descending inhibitory neurons. In addition to this indirect facilitation of inhibition in the spinal cord, we previously showed direct inhibition of glutamate receptors in dorsal horn neurons by N2O. Since general anesthetics could possibly affect excitatory and/or inhibitory components of synaptic transmission, we sought to evaluate the direct effect of N2O on inhibitory transmission in spinal cord neurons.

Using whole‐cell patch‐clamp recording from rat transversal spinal cord slices, we investigated the actions of 50% N2O and 0.5% isoflurane (both 0.3 rat MAC; minimum alveolar concentration) on exogenously applied γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)‐ and glycine‐induced currents in rat dorsal horn lamina II neurons. The amplitudes and integrated areas of GABA‐ and glycine‐induced currents were not significantly affected by N2O, but were increased in the presence of isoflurane. N2O did not affect the amplitude, frequency or decay time probability distribution of either GABA or glycine receptor‐mediated miniature postsynaptic currents. We further sought to determine the effect of N2O on focal stimulation‐evoked synaptic currents mediated by GABA and glycine receptors, and found no effect in the majority of neurons.

These and other findings suggest that N2O has a discrete action in the spinal cord, distinct from the effects of the volatile anesthetics, consisting of inhibition of excitation in SG neurons through an action on ionotropic glutamatergic receptors and potentiation of inhibition through the descending noradrenergic system.
Does Spontaneous Genital Tract Trauma Impact Postpartum Sexual Function?
Authors: Rogers Rebecca G. , Borders Noelle , Leeman Lawrence M. , Albers Leah L.
Published: March 2009

Changes in sexual function are common in postpartum women. In this comparative, descriptive study, a prospective cohort of midwifery patients consented to documentation of genital trauma at birth and assessment of sexual function at 3 months postpartum. The impact of spontaneous genital trauma on postpartum sexual function was the focus of the study. Trauma was categorized into minor trauma (no trauma or first‐degree perineal or other trauma that was not sutured) or major trauma (second‐, third‐, or fourth‐degree lacerations or any trauma that required suturing). Women who underwent episiotomy or operative delivery were excluded. Fifty‐eight percent (326/565) of enrolled women gave sexual function data; of those, 276 (85%) reported sexual activity since delivery. Seventy percent (193) of women sustained minor trauma and 30% (83) sustained major trauma. Sexually active women completed the Intimate Relationship Scale (IRS), a 12‐item questionnaire validated as a measure of postpartum sexual function. Both trauma groups were equally likely to be sexually active. Total IRS scores did not differ between trauma groups nor did complaints of dyspareunia. However, for two items, significant differences were demonstrated: women with major trauma reported less desire to be held, touched, and stroked by their partner than women with minor trauma, and women who required perineal suturing reported lower IRS scores than women who did not require suturing.
Implanon: A Review of the Literature With Recommendations for Clinical Management
Authors: Adams Kate , Beal Margaret W.
Published: March 2009

Implanon is a new implantable, progestin‐only contraceptive which was approved in the United States in July 2006. Implanon is comprised of a single ethylene vinylacetate copolymer rod that is 4 cm long and 2 mm in diameter. It is inserted subdermally in the groove between the biceps and triceps of the nondominant arm. A literature review was conducted and side effects are discussed. Implanon offers promise as a high‐efficacy, long‐term contraceptive and can enhance the contraceptive options offered by the women's health care providers. Clinical trial data indicate that the device is both safe and effective.
What is civil society and who represents civil society in the EU?—Results of an online survey among civil society experts
Authors: Kohler-Koch Beate , Quittkat Christine
Published: March 2009

The paper presents results of an online survey among academics on the existing conceptions of civil society as related to the EU. The study reveals that there exist two independent conceptions of civil society, one of which sees civil society as composed of civil society organisations articulating and representing the interests of a constituency, the other locates civil society in the sphere of social interaction. These different conceptions as well as preferences for specific definitions of civil society impact on the classification of general interest groups, trade unions, professional organisations and business interest associations as CSO. As it is only the first, encompassing conception of civil society which is easily incorporated in a governance approach and well in line with the principles of representative democracy conception of civil society as promulgated by the European Commission while scholars lining up with the social sphere approach have difficulties to see EU associations as part of Europe's civil society, the conclusion is that the distinction between the two conceptions of civil society should be brought out more clearly.
Contestable constitutions: Ambiguity, conflict, and change in East Central European dual executive systems
Authors: de Raadt Jasper
Published: March 2009

This article investigates how ambiguous constitutional design affected president–cabinet relations and constitutional change in post-communist Poland and Hungary. Constitutional provisions related to the prerogatives of presidents and governments were frequently subject to political conflict during the 1990s. The power struggle in the two cases developed and consolidated along two distinct pathways. In Poland, failed attempts to modify the constitution initially stirred up and extended intra-executive conflicts. With the adoption of a new constitution in 1997 the struggle over power between president and council of ministers was finally settled. In Hungary constitutional court rulings were instrumental in the settlement of president–cabinet conflicts.
Did you call in Mexican? The racial politics of Jay Leno immigrant jokes
Authors: SANTA ANA OTTO
Published: March 2009

This article analyzes a set of anti-immigrant jokes with which Jay Leno entertained his national television audience in 2006, when the U.S. public was focused on unprecedented demonstrations urging justice for immigrants. Leno adroitly mocks immigrants and their cause to give his audience emotional release by distancing them from immigrants. It is argued that political comedy can be an insidious discursive practice that reduces its audience’s critical judgment as it signifies social boundaries. It should be carefully scrutinized because, with a few laughs, Leno can steer sentiment about public policy and instantiate divisiveness for an audience of 6 million who, in the words of Leno’s official website, “are drifting off to dreamland.” (Humor, political comedy, late-night television, immigrant rights marches)*
“Normal” in Catalonia: Standard language, enregisterment and the imagination of a national public
Authors: FREKKO SUSAN E.
Published: March 2009

Scholars have long noted that the imagination of a national public hinges on ideologies of standard language. This study uses ethnographic and media data from Catalonia to reflect on this relationship, focusing on language professionals, the stewards of Catalan’s standard register. The ideological portrait of Catalonia that emerges is one of a national public that is precarious because a standard register of the Catalan language is taken to be the whole language. It is argued that the imagined failings of a Catalan national public suggest conditions for the successful imagining of a national public more generally. In particular, the projection of a taken-for-granted national public appears to depend on a language imagined as standard and homogeneous when contrasted with other national languages but as internally variable when examined within the national context. At one taxonomic level, registers are erased in order for one register imagined as standard and homogeneous to count as the named language in contrast with other named national languages. At a lower recursive level, these registers must be imagined to exist in order for the language and its corresponding national public to be able to account for “everyone” in the projected national public. When these conditions are not met, as in the case of Catalonia, the national public is imagined as fragile. (Language ideology, standardization, publics, enregisterment)*
ASYMPTOTIC THEORY FOR LOCAL TIME DENSITY ESTIMATION AND NONPARAMETRIC COINTEGRATING REGRESSION
Authors: Wang Qiying , Phillips Peter C.B.
Published: March 2009

Asymptotic theory is developed for local time density estimation for a general class of functionals of integrated and fractionally integrated time series. The main result provides a convenient basis for developing a limit theory for nonparametric cointegrating regression and nonstationary autoregression. The treatment directly involves local time estimation and the density function of the processes under consideration, providing an alternative approach to the Markov chain and Fourier integral methods that have been used in other recent work on these problems.
Prevalence of community-associated methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureuscolonization outside the healthcare environment
Authors: MALIK S. , VRANKEN P. , SILIO M. , RATARD R. , VAN DYKE R.
Published: March 2009

Community-associated methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(CA-MRSA) infections are increasingly recognized in persons without established risk factors. Population-based prevalence studies of CA-MRSA colonization in persons without risk factors are relatively limited. Subjects aged 2–65 years were enrolled from a student recreation centre, public office building, and out-patient clinics. Persons or close contacts with a history of hospitalization, nursing-home residence, surgery, emergency-department visit, or healthcare employment during the previous year and persons with chronic debilitating illness, indwelling catheter, or surgical device were excluded. Swabs of anterior nares were obtained. Demographic and clinical information was collected. During January–June 2005, three (1·2%) of 259 subjects were colonized with MRSA. All three subjects were adults enrolled at the recreation centre. Healthy persons living in households without recent exposure to healthcare environments were at low risk for MRSA colonization. Studies from other geographic locations are needed to elucidate differences in prevalence of CA-MRSA.
Salivary cortisol in maltreated children: Evidence of relations between neuroendocrine activity and social competence
Authors: Hart Jordan , Gunnar Megan , Cicchetti Dante
Published: March 2009

Salivary cortisol concentrations (10:30–11:30 a.m.) and social behavior (observations and teacher reports) were examined in 33 maltreated (26 boys) and 16 comparison (8 boys) children. The maltreated children were studied for 31 days while they attended a therapeutic preschool for abused and neglected children. Children in the comparison sample were studied while attending a preschool serving economically disadvantaged families. Each child's cortisol values over days were used to compute measures of basal activity (median cortisol) and reactivity (ratio of quartile ranges). Median cortisol was not significantly correlated with social behavior measures. Cortisol reactivity was positively correlated with social competence and negatively correlated with shy/internalizing behavior. Maltreated children exhibited less cortisol reactivity then did comparison children. Maltreated children also scored lower in social competence and higher in shy/internalizing and acting out/externalizing behaviors. In additional analyses, maltreated children failed to show elevations in cortisol on days of high versus low social conflict in the classroom. Social competence was also found to correlate positively with cortisol levels on high-conflict days. In all, the results suggest a reduction in cortisol reactivity in maltreated children related to the impairment in social competence frequently noted among these children.
Emotion regulation and depressive symptoms during adolescence: A functionalist perspective
Authors: Kobak Roger , Ferenz-Gillies Rayanne
Published: March 2009

This paper uses a functionalist view of emotion to consider family factors that create risk for depressive symptoms in adolescents. Two adolescent siblings and their mothers were assessed for emotion regulation during autonomy-related communication tasks, whereas their mother's attachment- and intimacy-related functioning was assessed through interview and self-report. The results indicate that older teens' failure to establish autonomous stances during communication and their mothers' dissatisfaction with intimate relationships increase risk for teenagers reporting depressive symptoms. Further, mothers' preoccupation attachment-related issues was found to be associated with less autonomous communication from older teenagers. Implications of these findings and future directions for investigating the family factors associated with adolescent depression are discussed.
Self-cognitions and expressed negative emotions during midadolescence: Contributions to young adult psychological adustment
Authors: Gralinski J. Heidi , Safyer Andrew W. , Hauser Stuart T. , Allen Joseph P.
Published: March 2009

This study explored developmentally salient cognitive and emotional facets of personality during adolescence and their contribution to psychological functioning in young adulthood. Specifically, we examined the of relations among two kinds of actual-ideal self-discrepancies, expressed negative emotions, and self-dissatisfaction during midadolescence and assessed their longitudinal contribution to young adult symptoms of hostility and depression, as well as self-worth. We drew upon a dataset that included both a group of youngsters who had been psychiatrically hospitalized at age 14 and a normative comparison group of high school students studied over an 11-year period. Findings demonstrated that the magnitude of particular actual-ideal discrepancies, expressed negative emotions, and self-dissatisfaction differed between the groups. Contrary to expectation, actual-ideal self-discrepancies were not related to expressed negative emotions during midadolescence. For the psychiatric group, however, both self-discrepancies and expressed negative emotions made unique contributions to individuals' general sense of self-dissatisfaction. Moreover, particular types of actual-ideal self-discrepancies, specific expressed emotions, and self-dissatisfaction differentially predicted symptoms of hostility and depression, as well as diminished self-worth in young adulthood, albeit differently for the two groups. The importance of cognitions and emotions in the course diverse developmental pathways and future directions of the study are discussed.