bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of parametric uncertainties on the present-day climate and on the anthropogenic aerosol effect
Authors: Lohmann U. , Ferrachat S.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. Clouds constitute a large uncertainty in global climate modeling and climate change projections as many clouds are smaller than the size of a model grid box. Some processes, such as the rates of rain and snow formation that have a large impact on climate, cannot be observed. The uncertain parameters in the representation of these processes are therefore adjusted in order to achieve radiation balance. Here we systematically investigate the impact of key tunable parameters within the convective and stratiform cloud schemes and of the ice cloud optical properties on the present-day climate in terms of clouds, radiation and precipitation. The total anthropogenic aerosol effect between pre-industrial and present-day times amounts to −1.00 W m−2 obtained as an average over all simulations as compared to −1.02 W m−2 from those simulations where the global annual mean top-of-the atmosphere radiation balance is within ±1 W m−2. Thus tuning of the present-day climate does not seem to have an influence on the total anthropogenic aerosol effect. The parametric uncertainty regarding the above mentioned cloud parameters has an uncertainty range of 25% between the minimum and maximum value when taking all simulations into account. It is reduced to 11% when only the simulations with a balanced top-of-the atmosphere radiation are considered.
Seasonal and inter-annual variability of energy exchange above a boreal Scots pine forest
Authors: Launiainen S.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. Twelve-years of eddy-covariance measurements conducted above a boreal Scots pine forest in Hyytiälä, Southern Finland, were analyzed to assess the seasonal and inter-annual variability of surface conductance (gs) and energy partitioning. The gs had distinct annual course, driven by the seasonal cycle of the Scots pine. Low gs (2–3 mm s−1 in April) cause the sensible heat flux to peak in May–June while evapotranspiration takes over later in July–August when gs is typically 5–7 mm s−1. Hence, during normal years Bowen ratio decreases from 4–6 in April to 0.7–0.9 in August. Sensitivity of gs to ambient vapor pressure deficit (D) was relatively constant but the reference value at D = 1 kPa varied seasonally and between years. Only two drought episodes when volumetric soil moisture content in upper mineral soil decreased below 0.15 m3 m−3 occurred during the period. Below this threshold value, transpiration was strongly reduced, which promoted sensible heat exchange increasing Bowen ratio to 3–4. Annual evapotranspiration varied between 218 and 361 mm and accounted between 50% and 90% of equilibrium evaporation. The forest floor contributed between 16 and 25% of the total evapotranspiration on annual scale. The fraction stayed similar over the observed range of environmental conditions including drought periods. The inter-annual variability of evapotranspiration could not be linked to any mean climate variable while the summertime sensible heat flux and net radiation were well explained by global radiation. The energy balance closure varied annually between 0.66 and 0.95 and had a distinct seasonal cycle with worse closure in spring when a large proportion of available energy is partitioned into sensible heat.
Streamflow trends in Europe: evidence from a dataset of near-natural catchments
Authors: Stahl K. , Hisdal H. , Hannaford J. , Tallaksen L. M. , van Lanen H. A. J. , Sauquet E. , Demuth S. , Fendekova M. , Jódar J.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. Streamflow observations from near-natural catchments are of paramount importance for detection and attribution studies, evaluation of large-scale model simulations, and assessment of water management, adaptation and policy options. This study investigates streamflow trends in a newly-assembled, consolidated dataset of near-natural streamflow records from 441 small catchments in 15 countries across Europe. The period 1962–2004 provided the best spatial coverage, but analyses were also carried out for longer time periods (with fewer stations), starting in 1932, 1942 and 1952. Trends were calculated by the slopes of the Kendall-Theil robust line for standardized annual and monthly streamflow, as well as for summer low flow magnitude and timing. A regionally coherent picture of annual streamflow trends emerged, with negative trends in southern and eastern regions, and generally positive trends elsewhere. Trends in monthly streamflow for 1962–2004 elucidated potential causes for these changes, as well as for changes in hydrological regimes across Europe. Positive trends were found in the winter months in most catchments. A marked shift towards negative trends was observed in April, gradually spreading across Europe to reach a maximum extent in August. Low flows have decreased in most regions where the lowest mean monthly flow occurs in summer, but vary for catchments which have flow minima in winter and secondary low flows in summer. The study largely confirms findings from national and regional scale trend analyses, but clearly adds to these by confirming that these tendencies are part of coherent patterns of change, which cover a much larger region. The broad, continental-scale patterns of change are mostly congruent with the hydrological responses expected from future climatic changes, as projected by climate models. The patterns observed could hence provide a valuable benchmark for a number of different studies and model simulations.
Ensemble modelling of nitrogen fluxes: data fusion for a Swedish meso-scale catchment
Authors: Exbrayat J.-F. , Viney N. R. , Seibert J. , Wrede S. , Frede H.-G. , Breuer L.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. Model predictions of biogeochemical fluxes at the landscape scale are highly uncertain, both with respect to stochastic (parameter) and structural uncertainty. In this study 5 different models (LASCAM, LASCAM-S, a self-developed tool, SWAT and HBV-N-D) designed to simulate hydrological fluxes as well as mobilisation and transport of one or several nitrogen species were applied to the mesoscale River Fyris catchment in mid-eastern Sweden. Hydrological calibration against 5 years of recorded daily discharge at two stations gave highly variable results with Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) ranging between 0.48 and 0.83. Using the calibrated hydrological parameter sets, the parameter uncertainty linked to the nitrogen parameters was explored in order to cover the range of possible predictions of exported loads for 3 nitrogen species: nitrate (NO3), ammonium (NH4) and total nitrogen (Tot-N). For each model and each nitrogen species, predictions were ranked in two different ways according to the performance indicated by two different goodness-of-fit measures: the coefficient of determination R2 and the root mean square error RMSE. A total of 2160 deterministic Single Model Ensembles (SME) was generated using an increasing number of members (from the 2 best to the 10 best single predictions). Finally the best SME for each model, nitrogen species and discharge station were selected and merged into 330 different Multi-Model Ensembles (MME). The evolution of changes in R2 and RMSE was used as a performance descriptor of the ensemble procedure. In each studied case, numerous ensemble merging schemes were identified which outperformed any of their members. Improvement rates were generally higher when worse members were introduced. The highest improvements were achieved for the nitrogen SMEs compiled with multiple linear regression models with R2 selected members, which resulted in the RMSE decreasing by up to 90%.
Climate of the Greenland ice sheet using a high-resolution climate model – Part 1: Evaluation
Authors: Ettema J. , van den Broeke M. R. , van Meijgaard E. , van de Berg W. J. , Box J. E. , Steffen K.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. A simulation of 51 years (1957–2008) has been performed over Greenland using the regional atmospheric climate model (RACMO2/GR) at a horizontal grid spacing of 11 km and forced by ECMWF re-analysis products. To better represent processes affecting ice sheet surface mass balance, such as meltwater refreezing and penetration, an additional snow/ice surface module has been developed and implemented into the surface part of the climate model. The temporal evolution and climatology of the model is evaluated with in situ coastal and ice sheet atmospheric measurements of near-surface variables and surface energy balance components. The bias for the near-surface air temperature (−0.8 °C), specific humidity (0.1 g kg−1), wind speed (0.3 m s−1) as well as for radiative (2.5 W m−2 for net radiation) and turbulent heat fluxes shows that the model is in good accordance with available observations on and around the ice sheet. The modelled surface energy budget underestimates the downward longwave radiation and overestimates the sensible heat flux. Due to their compensating effect, the averaged 2 m temperature bias is small and the katabatic wind circulation well captured by the model.
Genetic markers as one of tools for production of tenderness meat in cattle
Authors: Gábor Michal , Trakovická Anna , Miluchová Martina , Moravčí­ková Nina
Published: December 2010

Meat tenderness is one of the major characteristic quality of beef not only for consumers but for breeders of beef cattle too. Selection of cattle focussed on an increment of meat tenderness is complicated because this trait has large variability not only between different breeds but between individuals of equal breed too. Similarly a measurement of meat tenderness is expensive because it make after slaughter of animal and ageing of meat post mortem. Therefore it was developed a several methods, by the help of which is possible increase tenderness of meat. However still exist variance in values of meat tenderness which are caused by distinctness genetic base of animal. By using molecular genetic methods was described the most significant candidate genes (CAPN1, CAST) coding formation of the calpains-calpastatin proteolytic system, which exercise an influence on tenderness. The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in these genes were using to design commercially genetic marker panels GeneSTAR Tenderness and Igenity Tender-GENE. By help this commercially test is possible to make genotyping and selection of animals for production of tenderness beef meat in meat industry.
Antioxidant effects of herbal extracts and their food application
Authors: Ivanišová Eva , Fikselová Martina , Vietoris Vladimí­r , Mellen Martin
Published: December 2010

Herbal extracts are considered as a good sources of antioxidant compounds. This work describes antioxidant effect of 15 kinds of herbs. Three different antioxidant assays were used, Trolox equivalent antiradical activity (TEAC), test based on deoxyribose oxidation and DPPH method. The TEAC values ranged from 0.38mM to 0.77 mM. Deoxyribose assay showed antioxidant activity of selected extracts expressed as the inhibition of formation of oxidative products of deoxyribose from 2.68 to 50.05 %.  The DPPH method values ranged from 6.47 to 73.80 %.
Extracts of Prunus spinosa L., Euphrasia rostkoviana Hayne were the best antioxidants confirmed by all methods. Scrophularia nodosa L. extract showed the weak antioxidant effect  determined by all selected methods. Phenolic content was in relation to the antioxidant effect of herbs, very high significancy between DPPH and polyphenols content was found. To improve selected properties of apple juice (taste, smell, functional properties) by addition of medicinal herbs was achieved in this work. Antioxidant effect  of  apple juice variants with herbs additions determined by DPPH method was high and ranged from 73 to 78.49 %. Herbal extracts can be utilised in selected combinations to improve sensory and functional properties of some kinds of beverages.
Contamination of raisin by filamentous fungi – potential producers of ochratoxin A
Authors: Hakobyan Lusine , Grigoryan Karine , Kirakosyan Ara
Published: December 2010

The forty-one samples of Armenian made and eleven samples of imported raisins collected in several markets in Yerevan were studied. The sample collections were carried out during of years 2004 to 2008. Thirty two species of filamentous fungi from Aspergillus, Penicillium, Alternaria Trichoderma and Syncephalastrum genera were isolated and identified. Among species isolated from studied samples species belonging to Aspergillus genera have a very high frequency of occurrence, 65.2% of all investigated filamentous fungi. Species from Nigri section show the highest occurrence: 66.7% of all isolated fungi belonging to Aspergillus genera. Species A. carbonarius and A. niger were dominated among isolated fungi from section Nigri. Both Armenian and imported samples of raisin had a high contamination level by these fungi which are potential producers of ochratoxin A. In Armenian samples were detected two more ochratoxigenic species belonging to Aspergillus section Nigri: A. sclerotioniger and A. lacticoffeatus. But their frequency of occurred was low. Thirty seven strains of A. flavus were isolated, 92% of them were isolated from Armenian samples. Influence of рН and aw on contamination level of raisin by fungi was studied.  It was revealed that highest contamination level by filamentous fungi occurred in raisins with relatively high aw value. Contamination level of raisin doesn't depend on pH.
Bruxism Control in a Child with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Oliveira Cristiana Aroeira G. R. , de Paula Viviane Andrade Cancio , Portela Maristela Barbosa , Primo Laura Salignac Guimarães , Castro Gloria Fernanda
Published: December 2010

Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the most severe childhood disabilities due to a lesion in the developing brain. Oral conditions often observed in this pathogenic are a tendency for the delayed eruption of permanent molars, higher percentages of malocclusion and parafunctional habits, including bruxism. The significance of oral conditions observed in CP patients demonstrates the need for intensive home and professional care for these individuals. This paper presents a 7-year-old boy, with cerebral palsy, severe mental retardation, who had high abrasion wear of the primary teeth related to bruxism. Dental care was carried out under oxide-induced sedation, and management of the bruxism was achieved after the use of a resin acrylic protective appliance fixed on both sides of the mandibula. The treatment performed offered efficiency advantages, was clinically viable, and should be a valuable option to practitioners considering appliance therapy to control parafunctional behavior.
In Utero Diagnosis of Agenesis of the Ductus Arteriosus in a Twin Pregnancy: An Unusual Case Presentation
Authors: Gaither Kecia , Ardite Andrea , Dhuper Sarita
Published: December 2010

Agenesis of the ductus arteriosus is a rare congenital cardiac anomaly which should be considered within the differntial prenatal diagnosis of hydrops fetalis.
Highly Conductive Redox Protein–Carbon Nanotube Complex for Biosensing Applications
Authors: Baldacchini Chiara , Herrero Chamorro Maria Antonia , Prato Maurizio , Cannistraro Salvatore
Published: November 2010

The integration of redox proteins with nanomaterials has attracted much interest in the past years, and metallic single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have been introduced as efficient electrical wires to connect biomolecules to metal electrodes in advanced nano‐biodevices. Besides preserving biofunctionality, the protein–nanotube connection should ensure appropriate molecular orientation, flexibility, and efficient, reproducible electrical conduction. In this respect, yeast cytochrome c redox proteins are connected to gold electrodes through lying‐down functionalized metallic SWNTs. Immobilization of cytochromes to nanotubes is obtained via covalent bonding between the exposed protein thiols and maleimide‐terminated functional chains attached to the carbon nanotubes. A single‐molecule study performed by combining scanning probe nanoscopies ascertains that the protein topological properties are preserved upon binding and provides unprecedented current images of single proteins bound to carbon nanotubes that allow a detailed I–V characterization. Collectively, the results point out that the use as linkers of suitably functionalized metallic SWNTs results in an electrical communication between redox proteins and gold electrodes more efficient and reproducible than for proteins directly connected with metal surfaces.
Development of a Mild Procedure for the Addition of Bisulfite to Electrophilic Olefins
Authors: Fini Francesco , Nagabelli Murali , Adamo Mauro F. A.
Published: December 2010

The sulfonylation of activated alkenes is an important yet unexplored reaction due to the harshness of conditions required. We have identified a procedure which allowed the reaction of alkenes with equimolar amounts of bisulfite at room temperature.
Season of birth and subsequent body size: The potential role of prenatal vitamin D
Authors: Krenz‐Niedbała Marta , Puch Elżbieta A. , Kościński Krzysztof
Published: November 2010

Objectives: The relationship between season of birth and various physical and psychological outcomes was reported in many studies, although the underlying mechanism still remains unrecognized. The aim of this study was to explore the season‐of‐birth effect on body size in the sample of 1,148 eight‐year‐old Polish urban children and propose the mechanism responsible for this effect. Methods: The children were examined three times at their birthdays and at two cross‐sectional surveys. Effects of the season of birth were checked by fitting the cosine function to empirical values and by comparison between two groups born in different periods of the year. Results: Data gathered at three examinations led to the same results: season‐of‐birth effect occurred only in boys and only in those relatively shortly breastfed and/or descended from the families of low‐socioeconomic status. Specifically, the individuals born in October–April were taller (by 2–3 cm), heavier (by 2–3 kg), and fatter than those born in May–September. Conclusions: The following explanatory mechanism has been formulated: insolation in Poland is minimal in November–February (winter period), and so ultraviolet absorption and vitamin D production is then the lowest. Vitamin D regulates embryo's cellular differentiation, and its deficiency triggers permanent developmental changes. Therefore, individuals conceived in autumn (i) are at the greatest risk of early vitamin D deficiency, (ii) are born in summer, and (iii) are relatively small in their further lives. The contribution of low‐socioeconomic status, short breastfeeding, and being a male to the occurrence of the season‐of‐birth effect is also discussed. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Habitat selection of black‐and‐white snub‐nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus bieti) in Tibet: implications for species conservation
Authors: Xiang Zuo‐Fu , Huo Sheng , Xiao Wen
Published: November 2010

As anthropogenic habitat changes are often considered a threat to natural ecosystems and wildlife, a sound understanding of the effects of habitat alteration on endangered species is crucial when designing management strategies or performing conservation activities. Black‐and‐white snub‐nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus bieti) are categorized as endangered on the IUCN Red List and are endemic to the trans‐Himalayas in China. At present, there are only 15 groups and 2,500 individuals remaining in the wild, and they are facing intense habitat degradation with selective logging for house building and firewood. Habitat deterioration through wood extraction is occurring at Xiaochangdu, Tibet, where one stable group of R. bieti lives in a marginal habitat in the northernmost part of the species' distribution. To understand the species' response to selective logging in an extremely marginal habitat, data on habitat preference and diet composition of a group of R. bieti were collected at Xiaochangdu from 2003 to 2005. The monkeys used different habitats nonrandomly during the year. The selection index for secondary conifer forest (SC), where selective logging has occurred, was the highest of all habitat types (>1), suggesting that the groups strongly preferred SC. The monkeys fed more on buds/leaves, more on flowers/fruit/seeds, and less on lichen in SC than in primary conifer forest (PC). Dietary diversity was significantly higher in SC than in PC. These results indicate that over the short term, low‐intensity disturbances may result in increased foliage diversity that enable groups of R. bieti to survive in this marginal habitat. Am. J. Primatol. 73:347–355, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mitochondrial DNA analysis of an immigrant basque population: Loss of diversity due to founder effects
Authors: Davis Michael C. , Novak Stephen J. , Hampikian Greg
Published: December 2010

The Basques have a well‐documented history of migration and settlement in the Americas, and they often retain cultural identity across generations. Numerous genetic studies have been carried out on European Basques; thus, immigrant Basques are an ideal population for investigating the genetic consequences of a recent human migration event. We have sampled 53 unrelated individuals with Basque ancestry in Boise, Idaho and determined the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence variation of the first and second hypervariable regions. Thirty‐six mtDNA haplotypes were detected in our sample. We found evidence of genetic changes consistent with founder effects, which is compatible with the known history of migration. Compared with the European Basque population, the immigrant Basques are significantly different in terms of haplogroup frequency distribution and diversity. They have a lower measure of weighted intralineage mean pairwise diversity (WIMP) and greater genetic distance from other European populations. These data indicate that this immigrant Basque population has experienced a reduction in genetic diversity compared with the putative source population. However, this loss of diversity is not detectable using indices of demographic history such as Tajima's D and Fu's F. This study represents the first description of mtDNA diversity in an immigrant Basque population, and our findings indicate that founder effects accompanying this relatively recent migration event have shaped the genetic diversity of this population. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Race, health, and disease in 19th‐century‐born males
Authors: de la Cova Carlina
Published: December 2010

This study analyzed skeletal health disparities among African American and Euro‐American males of low socioeconomic status born between 1825 and 1877. A total of 651 skeletons from the Cobb, Hamann‐Todd, and Terry anatomical collections were macroscopically examined for skeletal pathologies related to dietary deficiencies and disease. Individuals were separated into age, ancestry, birth (Antebellum, Civil War, Pre‐Reconstruction, and Reconstruction), combined ancestry/birth, enslaved versus liberated, and collection cohorts. These groups were statistically evaluated using ANOVA and χ2 analyses to determine if age, ethnic, and temporal differences existed. Results indicated that African Americans, especially those born during Reconstruction, had significantly higher frequencies of tuberculosis (P = 0.004) and treponematosis (P = 0.006) than Euro‐Americans. Historical sources are important in contextualizing why these different ethnic and temporal patterns were present, pointing to environmental conditions related to enslavement, postliberation migration to the industrialized North, crowded urban living conditions, and poor sanitation. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Alternative processing of γ‐secretase substrates in common forms of mild cognitive impairment and alzheimer's disease: Evidence for γ‐secretase dysfunction
Authors: Hata Saori , Fujishige Sayaka , Araki Yoichi , Taniguchi Miyako , Urakami Katsuya , Peskind Elaine , Akatsu Hiroyasu , Araseki Masahiko , Yamamoto Kazuo , Martins Ralph N. , Maeda Masahiro , Nishimura Masaki , Levey Allan , Chung Kathryn A. , Montine Thomas , Leverenz James , Fagan Anne , Goate Alison , Bateman Randall , Holtzman David M. , Yamamoto Tohru , Nakaya Tadashi , Gandy Sam , Suzuki Toshiharu
Published: December 2010

Objective:

The most common pathogenesis for familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD) involves misprocessing (or alternative processing) of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) by γ‐secretase due to mutations of the presenilin 1 (PS1) gene. This misprocessing/alternative processing leads to an increase in the ratio of the level of a minor γ‐secretase reaction product (Aβ42) to that of the major reaction product (Aβ40). Although no PS1 mutations are present, altered Aβ42/40 ratios are also observed in sporadic Alzheimer's disease (SAD), and these altered ratios apparently reflect deposition of Aβ42 as amyloid.

Methods:

Using immunoprecipitation‐mass spectrometry with quantitative accuracy, we analyzed in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of various clinical populations the peptide products generated by processing of not only APP but also an unrelated protein, alcadein (Alc). Alc undergoes metabolism by the identical APP α‐secretases and γ‐secretases, yielding a fragment that we have named p3‐Alcα because of the parallel genesis of p3‐Alcα peptides and the p3 fragment of APP. As with Aβ, both major and minor p3‐Alcαs are generated. We studied the alternative processing of p3‐Alcα in various clinical populations.

Results:

We previously reported that changes in the Aβ42/40 ratio showed covariance in a linear relationship with the levels of p3‐Alcα [minor/major] ratio in media conditioned by cells expressing FAD‐linked PS1 mutants. Here we studied the speciation of p3‐Alcα in the CSF from 3 groups of human subjects (n = 158): elderly nondemented control subjects; mild cognitive impairment (MCI) subjects with a clinical dementia rating (CDR) of 0.5; SAD subjects with CDR of 1.0; and other neurological disease (OND) control subjects. The CSF minor p3‐Alcα variant, p3‐Alcα38, was elevated (p < 0.05) in MCI subjects or SAD subjects, depending upon whether the data were pooled and analyzed as a single cohort or analyzed individually as 3 separate cohorts.

Interpretation:

These results suggest that some SAD may involve alternative processing of multiple γ‐secretase substrates, raising the possibility that the molecular pathogenesis of SAD might involve γ‐secretase dysfunction. Ann Neurol 2011;69:1026–1031
Relationship between the crystallization behavior and the warpage of film‐insert‐molded parts
Authors: Kim Jin Young , Kim Seong Yun , Song Young Seok , Youn Jae Ryoun
Published: November 2010

The dimensional variation of an injection‐molded, semicrystalline polymer part is larger than the variation of an amorphous polymer part because the shrinkage of a crystalline polymer is generally greater than the shrinkage of an amorphous one. We investigated the warpage of film‐insert‐molded (FIM) specimens to determine the effect of the crystallization behavior on the deformation of FIM parts. More perfect crystalline structures and higher crystallinity developed in the core region of the FIM specimens versus other regions. Relatively imperfect crystalline structures and low crystallinity developed in the adjacent regions of the inserted films, whereas a thin, amorphous skin layer developed in the adjacent regions of the metallic mold wall. The crystallizable substrate in the FIM specimens caused very large warpage because nonuniform shrinkage occurred in the thickness direction of the specimens. Therefore, the warpage of an experimentally prepared FIM poly(butylene terephthalate) specimen was greater than that predicted numerically because of its complex crystallization behavior. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Stripe coating with a coffee‐ring effect for color filter solutions
Authors: Lin Yu‐Chih , Lin Yu‐Yan , Wong David S. H. , Liu Ta‐Jo , Wen Shu‐Heng , Huang Kuo‐Tung
Published: November 2010

The coffee‐ring effect of a coated narrow stripe approximately 350 μm wide was examined. The coating solution was based on a new formulation with a specific application for the production of color filters used in liquid‐crystal display panels. The basic components of this formulation were color pigments, solvents, and a novel alkali solution resin. The resin was a copolymer consisting of methacrylic acid, hydroxyl ethyl methacrylate, and methyl methacrylate. Three solvents with different boiling points were used: propylene glycol methyl ether acetate, methyl ethyl ketone, and tetrahydrofuran. The formation of a coffee ring on the coated stripe was mainly dependent on the solvent evaporation rate and the acid value of the copolymer. The acid value determined the strength of the hydrogen bonding of the copolymer. Fourier transform infrared analysis revealed that the intramolecular hydrogen bonding of the carbonyl groups of hydroxyl ethyl methacrylate was one of the critical factors affecting the formation of a coffee ring. The other factor was the rate of solvent evaporation. A proper adjustment of the acid value combined with a highly volatile solvent could effectively eliminate the formation of a coffee ring. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Synthesis of well‐defined star‐shaped organosiloxane‐functionalized polymethylmethacrylate promoted by epoxide‐derived titanocene alkoxides via radical polymerization
Authors: Ma Lifu , Liu Weijiao , Sheng Yaping , Huang Qigu , Yang Wantai
Published: December 2010

The star‐shaped polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) was synthesized via radical polymerization promoted by metallocene complexes in the presence of initiator of tetra(2,3‐epoxy propoxy)silane (Is) and reducing agent Zn. The effect of temperature, time, molar ratio of monomer to initiator, and the structure of metallocene complexes on the polymerization performance was investigated. The structure and properties of the obtained polymer were characterized by gel permeation chromatography, multiangle laser light scattering, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and WAXD. The results indicated that the obtained polymer was atacticspecific and featured narrow molecular weight distribution (1.30–1.57). Star‐shaped organosiloxane‐functionalized PMMA was produced. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Fabrication of aligned electrospun nanofibers by inclined gap method
Authors: Park Suk Hee , Yang Dong‐Yol
Published: December 2010

A high‐performance of uniaxial alignment of electrospun nanofibers was realized by introducing an inclined gap into dual collectors that consisted of two conductive strips. Because the two strips that were configured horizontally and vertically had a height difference from the inclined gap, the electrospun nanofibers were sequentially suspended across the edges of strips in a well‐aligned and regularly distributed form. Some parameters, such as concentration of solution, applied voltage, and spinning distance were considered for the successful suspension and formation of the aligned electrospun fibers. The method could improve the properties of nanofiber alignment and allow for easy transfer onto other solid substrates or devices. The alignment technique used polycaprolactone, which resulted in continuous and well‐aligned nanofibers with diameters ranging from 500 to 700 nm. Furthermore, it is suggested that repetitive transfer be used to achieve a higher density of aligned nanofiber arrays. This would enlarge the applicability of nanofibers, especially for the tissue engineering field. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Kinetics of radical polymerization of glycidyl methacrylate initiated by multi‐site phase transfer catalyst–potassium peroxydisulfate in two‐phase system
Authors: Vajjiravel Murugesan , Umapathy M. J.
Published: December 2010

The kinetics of radical polymerization of glycidyl methacrylate, initiated by the free radicals formed in situ in the multi‐site phase transfer catalyst (PTC), 1,1,2,2‐tetramethyl‐1‐benzyl‐2‐n‐propylethylene‐1,2‐diammonium bromide chloride–potassium peroxydisulfate system was studied in an aqueous–organic two‐phase media at 60°C ± 1°C under inert and unstirred condition. The rate of polymerization (Rp) was determined at various concentrations of the monomer, initiator, catalyst, and volume fraction of aqueous phase. The effect of acid, ionic strength, and water‐immiscible organic solvents on the Rp was examined. The temperature dependence of the rate was studied, and activation parameters were calculated. Rp increased with an increase in the concentrations of monomer, initiator, multi‐site PTC, and increase in the polarity of solvent and temperature. The order with respect to monomer, initiator, and multi‐site PTC was found to be 0.50. A feasible free‐radical mechanism consistent with the experimental data has been proposed, and its significance was discussed. The synthesized polymer was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectral analysis. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Cloning and expression analysis of a G‐protein subunit— in the rice water weevillissorhoptrus oryzophilusKuschel
Authors: Kang Gui‐Juan , Gong Zhong‐Jun , Cheng Jia‐An , Mao Cun‐Gui , Zhu Zeng‐Rong
Published: December 2010

The open reading frame (ORF) encoding a novel G proteinαsubunit, Lo Gαo, was cloned from the parthenogenetic rice water weevil,Lissorhoptrus oryzophilusKuschel (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). The Lo GαoORF encodes a protein of 354 amino acid residues. The deduced protein sequence shares high homology with Gαofrom other species. The expression patterns of Lo Gαoin various adult tissues were indicated by real‐time quantitative PCR and Western blot. The results showed that Lo GαomRNA was expressed at similar levels in tissues except relative high levels in the antennae of adult, and Lo Gαoprotein of an apparent molecular mass of about 40 kDa was expressed in various tissues of the adult. Immunocytochemical localization showed that Lo Gαowas mainly expressed in the dendrites of the trichoid sensilla in the antenna of the weevil. The tissue and cellular localization of Lo Gαosuggests that Lo Gαomay take a part in signal transduction of olfactory/gustatory. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Further Considerations on the Theory of Aging (Ostwald Ripening)
Authors: Kahlweit M.
Published: December 2010

The present theory of Ostwald ripening predicts that the aging rate of a precipitate as well as the shape of its size distribution asymptotically approach a stationary state. These predictions have to be corrected insofar as it is not an asymptotical approach, but instead a quasistationary behavior during a limited time interval of the precipitation. This range of validity depends strongly on the kinetics of the precipitation, i.e. on the initial size distribution and the growth mechanism.
Foundations of Vascular Rhythm
Authors: Siegel G. , Ebeling B. J. , Hofer H. W.
Published: December 2010

The rhythmogenic properties of vascular smooth muscle are closely coupled to a functioning circulation. The electrical and mechanical oscillations in cells of spontaneously rhythmic organs of the cardiovascular system could originate in the allosteric qualities of the enzyme phosphofructokinase.
Interdiffusion of aqueous silver nitrate and potassium chromate and the periodic precipitation of silver chromate Liesegang bands
Authors: Curtis Nicolette , Leaist Derek G.
Published: November 2010

Periodic bands of crystals (Liesegang rings) are formed when a pair of soluble salts interdiffuses and reacts to form an insoluble salt. A classic example is the banded precipitation of silver chromate produced by the interdiffusion of aqueous silver nitrate and potassium chromate: 2AgNO3(aq)+K2CrO4(aq) = Ag2CrO4(s)+2KNO3(aq). This process is studied by using Taylor dispersion to measure interdiffusion coefficients, including cross‐coefficients, for aqueous AgNO3+KNO3 and K2CrO4+KNO3 solutions found on opposite sides of AgNO3/K2CrO4 diffusion boundaries. Silver chromate readily supersaturates to 5 times its solubility. This information together with the measured diffusion coefficients and previously reported rates of precipitation are used to develop a diffusion‐precipitation model for the formation of silver chromate Liesegang rings. Numerical integration of the equations employing a Gaussian distribution of critical supersaturation values shows that a sharp supersaturation limit is not essential for periodic precipitation, and secondary band structure is predicted.
Association of retinoic acid receptor genes with meningomyelocele
Authors: Tran Phong X. , Au Kit Sing , Morrison Alanna C. , Fletcher Jack M. , Ostermaier Kathryn K. , Tyerman Gayle H. , Northrup Hope
Published: December 2010

BACKGROUND

Neural tube defects (NTDs) occur in as many as 0.5–2 per 1000 live births in the United States. One of the most common and severe neural tube defects is meningomyelocele (MM) resulting from failed closure of the caudal end of the neural tube. MM has been induced by retinoic acid teratogenicity in rodent models. We hypothesized that genetic variants influencing retinoic acid (RA) induction via retinoic acid receptors (RARs) may be associated with risk for MM.

METHODS

We analyzed 47 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that span across the three retinoic acid receptor genes using the SNPlex genotyping platform. Our cohort consisted of 610 MM families.

RESULTS

One variant in the RARA gene (rs12051734), three variants in the RARB gene (rs6799734, rs12630816, rs17016462), and a single variant in the RARG gene (rs3741434) were found to be statistically significant at p < 0.05.

CONCLUSION

RAR genes were associated with risk for MM. For all associated SNPs, the rare allele conferred a protective effect for MM susceptibility. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Statistical perturbations in personal exposure meters caused by the human body in dynamic outdoor environments
Authors: Rodríguez Begoña , Blas Juan , Lorenzo Rubén M. , Fernández Patricia , Abril Evaristo J.
Published: November 2010

Personal exposure meters (PEM) are routinely used for the exposure assessment to radio frequency electric or magnetic fields. However, their readings are subject to errors associated with perturbations of the fields caused by the presence of the human body. This paper presents a novel analysis method for the characterization of this effect. Using ray‐tracing techniques, PEM measurements have been emulated, with and without an approximation of this shadowing effect. In particular, the Global System for Mobile Communication mobile phone frequency band was chosen for its ubiquity and, specifically, we considered the case where the subject is walking outdoors in a relatively open area. These simulations have been contrasted with real PEM measurements in a 35‐min walk. Results show a good agreement in terms of root mean square error and E‐field cumulative distribution function (CDF), with a significant improvement when the shadowing effect is taken into account. In particular, the Kolmogorov–Smirnov (KS) test provides a P‐value of 0.05 when considering the shadowing effect, versus a P‐value of 10−14 when this effect is ignored. In addition, although the E‐field levels in the absence of a human body have been found to follow a Nakagami distribution, a lognormal distribution fits the statistics of the PEM values better than the Nakagami distribution. As a conclusion, although the mean could be adjusted by using correction factors, there are also other changes in the CDF that require particular attention due to the shadowing effect because they might lead to a systematic error. Bioelectromagnetics 32:209–217, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Germline stem cell maintenance as a proximate mechanism of life‐history trade‐offs?
Authors: Kaczmarczyk Angela N. , Kopp Artyom
Published: November 2010

We suggest that the commonly observed trade‐offs between early‐ and late‐life reproduction may be mediated by genetic variation in germline stem cell maintenance. Stem cell biology provides a natural framework and experimental methods for understanding the mechanistic basis of life‐history evolution. At the same time, natural variation in life‐history strategies can serve as a powerful tool for identifying the genes and molecular pathways involved in the maintenance of stem cells in aging adults. We illustrate the connections between life‐history and stem cells with examples drawn primarily from Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans, and suggest a number of testable hypotheses and avenues for future investigation that can be addressed with existing models and tools.
Improving N‐glycosylation efficiency in Escherichia coli using shotgun proteomics, metabolic network analysis, and selective reaction monitoring
Authors: Pandhal Jagroop , Ow Saw Yen , Noirel Josselin , Wright Phillip C.
Published: December 2010

Recently, the prospect of using Escherichia coli as a host for human glycoprotein production has increased due to detailed characterization of the prokaryotic N‐glycosylation process and the ability to transfer the system into this bacterium. Although functionality of the native Campylobacter jejuni N‐glycosylation system in E. coli has been demonstrated, the efficiency of the process using the well‐characterized C. jejuni glycoprotein AcrA, was found to be low at 13.4 ± 0.9% of total extracted protein. A combined approach using isobaric labeling of peptides and probability‐based network analysis of metabolic changes was applied to forward engineer E. coli to improve glycosylation efficiency of AcrA. Enhancing flux through the glyoxylate cycle was identified as a potential metabolic manipulation to improve modification efficiency and was achieved by increasing the expression of isocitrate lyase. While the overall recombinant protein titre did not change significantly, the amount of glycosylated protein increased by approximately 300%. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011; 108:902–912. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Processing/structure/property relationship of multi‐scaled PCL and PCL–HA composite scaffolds prepared via gas foaming and NaCl reverse templating
Authors: Salerno A. , Zeppetelli S. , Di Maio E. , Iannace S. , Netti P.A.
Published: December 2010

In this study, we investigated the processing/structure/property relationship of multi‐scaled porous biodegradable scaffolds prepared by combining the gas foaming and NaCl reverse templating techniques. Poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL), hydroxyapatite (HA) nano‐particles and NaCl micro‐particles were melt‐mixed by selecting different compositions and subsequently gas foamed by a pressure‐quench method. The NaCl micro‐particles were finally removed from the foamed systems in order to allow for the achievement of the multi‐scaled scaffold pore structure. The control of the micro‐structural properties of the scaffolds was obtained by the optimal combination of the NaCl templating concentration and the composition of the CO2–N2 mixture as the blowing agent. In particular, these parameters were accurately selected to allow for the fabrication of PCL and PCL–HA composite scaffolds with multi‐scaled open pore structures. Finally, the biocompatibility of the scaffolds has been assessed by cultivating pre‐osteoblast MG63 cells in vitro, thus demonstrating their potential applications for bone regeneration. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011; 108:963–976. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Real time monitoring of multiple parameters in mammalian cell culture bioreactors using an in‐line Raman spectroscopy probe
Authors: Abu‐Absi Nicholas R. , Kenty Brian M. , Cuellar Maryann Ehly , Borys Michael C. , Sakhamuri Sivakesava , Strachan David J. , Hausladen Michael C. , Li Zheng Jian
Published: December 2010

The FDA's process analytical technology initiative encourages drug manufacturers to apply innovative ideas to better understand their processes. There are many challenges to applying these techniques to monitor mammalian cell culture bioreactors for biologics manufacturing. These include the ability to monitor multiple components in complex medium formulations non‐invasively and in‐line. We report results that demonstrate, for the first time, the technical feasibility of the in‐line application of Raman spectroscopy for monitoring a mammalian cell culture bioreactor. A Raman probe was used for the simultaneous prediction of culture parameters including glutamine, glutamate, glucose, lactate, ammonium, viable cell density, and total cell density. Bioeng. 2011; 108:1215–1221. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Systematic review of the effect of external beam radiation therapy to the breast on axillary recurrence after negative sentinel lymph node biopsy
Authors: van Wely B J , Teerenstra S , Schinagl D A X , Aufenacker T J , de Wilt J H W , Strobbe L J A
Published: November 2010

Background

Axillary recurrence after negative sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in patients with invasive breast carcinoma remains a concern. Previous investigations to identify prognostic factors for axillary recurrence identified that a disproportionate number of patients with an axillary recurrence after negative SLNB were not treated with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) of the breast as part of initial treatment. This finding prompted a systematic review to test the hypothesis that EBRT to the breast reduces the risk of axillary recurrence after negative SLNB.

Methods

A literature search was performed in PubMed, the Cochrane Library and the Spanish-language database LILACS to identify articles publishing data regarding follow-up of sentinel lymph node (SLN)-negative patients. Reports and articles lacking information on the initial treatment were excluded.

Results

Forty-five articles were accepted for review. A total of 23 357 SLN-negative patients were identified with median follow-up ranging from 15 to 102 months. Some 18 878 patients were treated with EBRT to the breast as part of their initial treatment. One hundred and twenty-seven patients with an axillary recurrence were identified, of whom 73 had EBRT as part of their initial treatment. Meta-analysis showed that EBRT was associated with a lower rate of axillary recurrence (P < 0·001), but this finding was subject to heterogeneity.

Conclusion

This review and meta-analysis showed that EBRT is associated with a significantly lower axillary recurrence rate after negative SLNB.
A lesson plan for the enhancement of training and research in academia by the adaptation and adoption of good laboratory practice guidelines
Authors: Sitaraman Ramakrishnan
Published: November 2010

The implementation of good laboratory practices (GLPs) is recognized by the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries as being critical for ensuring the international acceptability of products. However, as universities and colleges (and research organizations) do not necessarily work under similar constraints, actual laboratory practices vary widely, and students (or employees) are not required to have any exposure to GLP standards and stipulations. This essay makes a case for formally introducing principal investigators, students, and other laboratory personnel to the GLP regime. Many of these practices, while not absolutely required in academic laboratories, could nevertheless facilitate smooth and efficient running of the laboratory and also equip students with the knowledge and experience necessary for a facile transition to an industrial setting. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education Vol. 38, No. 6, pp. 365‐369, 2010