bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gibraltar Tunnel Project update – the geomechanical challenges
Authors: Lombardi Giovanni , Neuenschwander Matthias , Panciera Andrea
Published: September 2009

The Gibraltar strait connection project is a very complex one, from its history to the various aspects of the present design stage. The preliminary design of the Gibraltar Tunnel was ready in 1996 but its revision became unavoidable because of the new findings about the geological conditions. The design update turned out to be rather more than a simple design review. The geotechnical characteristics had to be reconsidered for the purpose of the geomechanical computations, which focused on the possibility to realise the tunnel in the worst possible conditions: 200 meters of ground overburden and 50 atmospheres of water pressure is a quite different situation from the one the tunnelling industry is usually facing. Through a broad series of analyses (2D and 3D) and parametric studies, it was possible to ascertain that from a geotechnical point of view the tunnel is feasible provided a series of conditions are fulfilled. The feasibility depends on the possible working conditions for slurry shields or EPB. The drainage is an important factor in order to modify the stress field around the tunnel. Apart from in depth knowledge of the hydrogeological and geotechnical characteristics of the breccias in the centre of the Strait, major technological developments over the next years will be necessary for allowing the construction of the Gibraltar Tunnel.

Die Querung der Meerenge von Gibraltar ist von den ursprünglichen Ideen bis zum heutigen Projekt ein äußerst anspruchsvolles Vorhaben. Ein Vorprojekt für einen Tunnel zwischen Spanien und Marokko bestand bereits 1996, musste jedoch aufgrund neuer geologischer Erkenntnisse revidiert werden. Die Revision umfasste jedoch weit mehr als eine einfache Projektnachführung. Für die geomechanischen Analysen waren bislang nicht bekannte geotechnische Eigenschaften des Baugrundes zu berücksichtigen, um die Prüfung der Machbarkeit unter ungünstigen Bedingungen zu gestatten: 200 m Überdeckung bei 50 Atmosphären Wasserdruck sind doch unübliche Bedingungen im Untertagebau. Mittels einer umfassenden Reihe von 2D‐ und 3D‐Analysen konnte der Beweis der Machbarkeit unter bestimmten Voraussetzungen erbracht werden: Diese hängt von den möglichen Arbeitsbedingungen eines Slurry‐ oder EPB‐Schilds ab, wobei die Dränage eine zentrale Rolle für das Spannungsfeld in der Umgebung des Tunnels spielt. Außer verbesserter Kenntnisse der hydrogeologischen und der geotechnischen Eigenschaften insbesondere der Brekzien in Tunnelmitte, werden erhebliche technische Entwicklungen notwendig sein, um den Gibraltartunnel bauen zu können.
The use of open tunnel boring machines in squeezing rock in the Gotthard Base Tunnel
Authors: Gollegger Johannes , Priller Anton , Rausch Meike
Published: September 2009

In the Faido section of the Gotthard Base Tunnel (GBT), two open gripper tunnel boring machines (TBM) with a bored diameter of 9.4 m are each driving about 11 km of single‐track tunnel. No extensive fault zones were expected in the entire section except for the Piora‐Mulde. A special tunnel was driven to investigate the Piora‐Mulde, from which investigation boreholes were drilled down to tunnel level. Because of the finding of sugar‐grain dolomite, the tunnelling work was tendered by drilling and blasting as well as mechanically, but the tenders led to the award being based on TBM tunnelling.

In the course of construction, a stretch some hundreds of metres long unexpectedly had to be bored through squeezing rock, where the temporary support was destroyed and the West TBM and backup almost became jammed. This article describes the experience from the mechanical tunnelling of the Faido section and then gives details about the intended support, the design of the TBM, the difficulties that arose and the experiences gained.

Im Teilabschnitt Faido des Gotthard Basis Tunnels (GBT) fahren zwei offene Gripper Tunnelbohrmaschinen (TBM) mit einem Bohrdurchmesser von 9, 4 m und einem Achsabstand von 40 m eine Strecke von zweimal rund 11 km Einspurtunnel (EST) auf. Im gesamten Teilabschnitt wurden mit Ausnahme der Piora‐Mulde keine mächtigeren Störzonen erwartet. Zur Erkundung der Piora‐Mulde wurde ein eigener Stollen vorgetrieben, von dem aus Erkundungsbohrungen auf Tunnelniveau abgeteuft wurden. Aufgrund des Ausschlusses von zuckerkörnigem Dolomit wurde sowohl Sprengvortrieb als auch maschineller Tunnelvortrieb ausgeschrieben. Die Offerten führten zu einer Beauftragung des TBM‐Vortriebs.

Im Zuge der Ausführung wurde unerwartet ein mehrere hundert Meter langer Bereich mit druckhaftem Gebirge aufgefahren, in dem die Außenschale zerstört wurde und es nahezu zum Verklemmen der TBM West und deren Nachläuferkonstruktion kam. Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden die Erfahrungen des bisherigen maschinellen Vortriebs im Teilabschnitt Faido beschrieben. Im Detail wird auf den vorgesehenen Ausbau, die Auslegung der TBM, die aufgetretenen Schwierigkeiten und auf die daraus gewonnenen Erfahrungen eingegangen.
Material excavated from the A26 tunnel – transport and recycling
Authors: Mittermayr Klaus , Steiner Michael , Ramspacher Werner
Published: September 2009

The A26 Linzer autobahn represents one of the most complex new construction projects of Asfinag BMG, quite part from the traffic and technical challenges – location in the urban area of Linz, almost the entire route runs in tunnels or cut‐and‐cover and two large bridge structures. The tunnelled sections amount to a total length of about 3.2 km, of which about 600 m will be constructed as cut‐and‐cover. About 900,000 m3 of material will be excavated overall, of which 700,000 m3 is rock and 200,000 m3 loose ground. Particularly the transport away and the recycling of the material excavated from the tunnel will be a major challenge in the inner‐city area. The Danube will be used as a waterway for the transport of excavated material from the mined sections in order to avoid truck transport with its resulting environmental impact. The recycling of the excavated material will be done at harbour facilities available in the neighbourhood of the project.

Die A26 Linzer Autobahn stellt neben ihren verkehrlichen und technischen Rahmenbedingungen – Lage im Stadtgebiet von Linz, Streckenführung praktisch zur Gänze als Tunnel‐ bzw. Unterflurtrasse, zwei große Brückenbauwerke – vor allem für die Bauausführung eines der komplexesten Neubauprojekte der Asfinag BMG dar. Die Tunnelbaustrecken umfassen eine Gesamtlänge von rund 3,2 km; davon werden rund 600 m als Unterflurtrasse oder in offener Bauweise ausgeführt. An Ausbruchmassen fallen insgesamt rund 900.000 m3 an, davon rund 700.000 m3 Festgestein und 200.000 m3 Lockermaterial. Speziell der Abtransport und die Weiterbehandlung der Tunnelausbruchmassen stellt im innerstädtischen Bereich eine große Herausforderung dar. So wird die Donau als Schifffahrtsroute für den Abtransport des Ausbruchmaterials der bergmännischen Bauweise genutzt, um LKW‐Fahrten und somit Umweltbelastungen zu vermeiden. Die Weiterverwertung der Ausbruchmassen erfolgt an den dazu zur Verfügung stehenden Hafenanlangen im Umfeld des Projekts.
Ductile support design
Authors: Radončić Nedim , Schubert Wulf , Moritz Bernd
Published: September 2009

Tunnelling in weak ground under high overburden normally results in very high displacements and if a stiff support concept is applied, this requires a very high load‐bearing capacity. This has again and again proved to be both an uneconomical and an unsafe concept, leading to extremely high lining thickness and brittle failure behaviour. In order to avoid such problems, ductile support systems have been developed, which allow controlled deformation of the ground and plastic dissipation of excessive stresses accumulated in the lining. For the efficient design of such systems, the aspects of spatial and time‐dependent development of displacement, time‐dependent properties of shotcrete, and the load‐displacement behaviour of the ductile elements have to be harmonized.

The requirements posed on a ductile support system are presented, together with simple principles for the determination of ground behaviour boundaries when the application of a ductile support becomes imperative. Recent developments of ductile elements for use with shotcrete linings are described, and their general performance and efficiency are reviewed. A method for calculation of shotcrete stresses using absolute displacement monitoring data is presented, allowing the identification of both inefficient (lining stresses too low and strongly variable in the cross‐section) or unsafe (lining stresses almost exceeding the strength) concepts and optimisation during construction.

Bei Tunnelvortrieben in Gebirge geringer Qualität und hoher Überlagerung treten in der Regel große Verformungen auf. Bei steifem Ausbaukonzept ist zum Erzielen eines Gleichgewichts eine sehr hohe Ausbaukapazität erforderlich. Die Erfahrung hat gezeigt, dass steife Ausbauten sehr unwirtschaftlich sind, und dass ein Versagen der Schale oft trotzdem nicht verhindert werden kann, was zu Sicherheitsproblemen führt. Zur Lösung des Problems wurden schon vor geraumer Zeit duktile Ausbausysteme entwickelt, die einen kontrollierten Lastaufbau in der Auskleidung erlauben. Zur Auslegung eines solchen duktilen Ausbaus müssen die räumliche und zeitliche Entwicklung der Verschiebungen sowie die zeitabhängigen Eigenschaften des Spritzbetons und die Charakteristik der duktilen Elemente berücksichtigt werden.

Eine Methode zur Ermittlung der Spannungen im Spritzbeton aus den Verschiebungsmessungen wird vorgestellt. Dies erlaubt eine einfache Abschätzung der Effizienz verschiedener Systeme sowie eine Optimierung der Auslegung duktiler Ausbauelemente.
Solutions for the sustainable reduction of the tipping requirement at the Koralm tunnel
Authors: Harer Gerhard , Pichler Peter
Published: September 2009

The Koralmbahn railway line between Graz and Klagenfurt is an essential part of the Baltic‐Adriatic corridor. The new high‐speed rail link will create new capacities and provide much better conditions for environmentally friendly rail goods traffic. The current journey times for passenger traffic will be considerably reduced. The Koralm tunnel with a length of about 32.9 km is the core piece of the new Koralmbahn. The tunnelling work will produce about 5 m m3 of excavated material in the consolidated state. For this reason, work on a programme for the economic and environmentally friendly processing of the material to be excavated from the tunnel has been undertaken since the earliest design phases, the aim being the highest possible degree of recycling and the lowest possible need for tipping.

Die Koralmbahn zwischen Graz und Klagenfurt stellt ein maßgebliches Teilstück im Rahmen des Baltisch‐Adriatischen Korridors dar. Mit dieser neuen Eisenbahn‐Hochleistungsverbindung werden neue Kapazitäten und deutlich verbesserte Voraussetzungen für den umweltfreundlichen Bahngüterverkehr geschaffen. Im Personenverkehr wird die derzeitige Fahrzeit erheblich reduziert. Der Koralmtunnel stellt mit einer Länge von rund 32,9 km das Kernstück der neuen Koralmbahn dar. Im Zuge des Tunnelbaus fallen im festen Zustand rund 5 Mio. m3 Ausbruchmassen an. Daher wurde bereits seit den frühesten Planungsphasen konsequent an einem Programm für den wirtschaftlichen und umweltfreundlichen Umgang mit diesem Tunnelausbruchmaterial, mit dem Ziel möglichst hoher Wiederverwendung und möglichst geringem Deponierungserfordernis, gearbeitet.
Primary and multisensory cortical activity is correlated with audiovisual percepts
Authors: Benoit Margo McKenna , Raij Tommi , Lin Fa‐Hsuan , Jääskeläinen Iiro P. , Stufflebeam Steven
Published: September 2009

Incongruent auditory and visual stimuli can elicit audiovisual illusions such as the McGurk effect where visual /ka/ and auditory /pa/ fuse into another percept such as/ta/. In the present study, human brain activity was measured with adaptation functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate which brain areas support such audiovisual illusions. Subjects viewed trains of four movies beginning with three congruent /pa/ stimuli to induce adaptation. The fourth stimulus could be (i) another congruent /pa/, (ii) a congruent /ka/, (iii) an incongruent stimulus that evokes the McGurk effect in susceptible individuals (lips /ka/ voice /pa/), or (iv) the converse combination that does not cause the McGurk effect (lips /pa/ voice/ ka/). This paradigm was predicted to show increased release from adaptation (i.e. stronger brain activation) when the fourth movie and the related percept was increasingly different from the three previous movies. A stimulus change in either the auditory or the visual stimulus from /pa/ to /ka/ (iii, iv) produced within‐modality and cross‐modal responses in primary auditory and visual areas. A greater release from adaptation was observed for incongruent non‐McGurk (iv) compared to incongruent McGurk (iii) trials. A network including the primary auditory and visual cortices, nonprimary auditory cortex, and several multisensory areas (superior temporal sulcus, intraparietal sulcus, insula, and pre‐central cortex) showed a correlation between perceiving the McGurk effect and the fMRI signal, suggesting that these areas support the audiovisual illusion. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sensory‐motor brain network connectivity for speech comprehension
Authors: Londei Alessandro , D'Ausilio Alessandro , Basso Demis , Sestieri Carlo , Gratta Cosimo Del , Romani Gian‐Luca , Belardinelli Marta Olivetti
Published: September 2009

The act of listening to speech activates a large network of brain areas. In the present work, a novel data‐driven technique (the combination of independent component analysis and Granger causality) was used to extract brain network dynamics from an fMRI study of passive listening to Words, Pseudo‐Words, and Reverse‐played words. Using this method we show the functional connectivity modulations among classical language regions (Broca's and Wernicke's areas) and inferior parietal, somatosensory, and motor areas and right cerebellum. Word listening elicited a compact pattern of connectivity within a parieto‐somato‐motor network and between the superior temporal and inferior frontal gyri. Pseudo‐Word stimuli induced activities similar to the Word condition, which were characterized by a highly recurrent connectivity pattern, mostly driven by the temporal lobe activity. Also the Reversed‐Word condition revealed an important influence of temporal cortices, but no integrated activity of the parieto‐somato‐motor network. In parallel, the right cerebellum lost its functional connection with motor areas, present in both Word and Pseudo‐Word listening. The inability of the participant to produce the Reversed‐Word stimuli also evidenced two separate networks: the first was driven by frontal areas and the right cerebellum toward somatosensory cortices; the second was triggered by temporal and parietal sites towards motor areas. Summing up, our results suggest that semantic content modulates the general compactness of network dynamics as well as the balance between frontal and temporal language areas in driving those dynamics. The degree of reproducibility of auditory speech material modulates the connectivity pattern within and toward somatosensory and motor areas. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Functional 5‐HT1a receptor polymorphism selectively modulates error‐specific subprocesses of performance monitoring
Authors: Beste Christian , Domschke Katharina , Kolev Vasil , Yordanova Juliana , Baffa Anna , Falkenstein Michael , Konrad Carsten
Published: September 2009

Our study investigates the dependence of response monitoring and error detection on genetic influences modulating the serotonergic system. This was done using the event‐related potentials (ERPs) after error (Ne/ERN) and correct trials (Nc/CRN). To induce a sufficient amount of errors, a standard flanker task was used. The subjects (N = 94) were genotyped for the functional 5‐HT1A C(−1019)G polymorphism. The results show that the 5‐HT1A C(−1019)G polymorphism specifically modulates error detection. Neurophysiological modulations on error detection were paralleled by a similar modulation of response slowing after an error, reflecting the behavioral adaptation. The 5‐HT1A −1019 CC genotype group showed a larger Ne and stronger posterror slowing than the CG and GG genotype groups. More general processes of performance monitoring, as reflected in the Nc/CRN, were not affected. The finding that error‐specific processes, but not general response monitoring processes, are modulated by the 5‐HT1A C(−1019)G polymorphism is underlined by a wavelet analysis. In summary, the results suggest a specific effect of the 5‐HT1A C(−1019)G polymorphism on error monitoring, as reflected in the Ne, and suggest a neurobiological dissociation between processes of error monitoring and general response monitoring at the level of the serotonin 1A receptor system. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Unintentional parathyroidectomy and hypoparathyroidism in secondary central compartment surgery for thyroid cancer
Authors: Ondik Michael P. , McGinn Johnathan , Ruggiero Francis , Goldenberg David
Published: September 2009

Background.

Unintentional parathyroidectomy is a complication of thyroid surgery. To our knowledge, no study has specifically examined the incidence of inadvertent parathyroidectomy exclusively in patients undergoing secondary central compartment surgery for recurrent or persistent thyroid cancer.

Methods.

The records of 40 patients who underwent 42 secondary central compartment surgeries for thyroid cancer were reviewed to determine the incidence of inadvertent parathyroidectomy.

Results.

Parathyroid tissue was present on permanent pathology in 31% of SCCSs. Unintentional parathyroidectomy did not have an effect on hypoparathyroidism. Concomitant lateral neck dissection did not have an effect on the incidence of hypoparathyroidism, but did have a statistically significant effect on inadvertent parathyroidectomy.

Conclusion.

Accidental resection of parathyroid tissue is relatively common in secondary central compartment surgery compared with primary thyroid surgery, but does not appear to correlate with postoperative hypoparathyroidism. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010
Effect of groundwater freshening on riparian vegetation water balance
Authors: Doody Tanya M. , Holland Kate L. , Benyon Richard G. , Jolly Ian D.
Published: September 2009

In the floodplains of the lower River Murray (Australia), riparian open forests and woodlands dominated by River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn.), Black Box (E. largiflorens F. Muell.) and River Cooba (Acacia stenophylla A. Cunn. Ex Benth.) have been severely impacted by salinization and drought. The ‘Bookpurnong Experiment’ was developed to test the hypothesis that watertable lowering combined with groundwater freshening would reduce tree water stress and improve floodplain vegetation health. Tree water use and water stress following groundwater freshening were examined using measurements of sapflow, pre‐dawn leaf water potentials and stable isotope composition of xylem water. Water use and water stress varied markedly across the floodplain. The open mixed forest lining the bank of the River Murray, with access to fresh groundwater, used five times more groundwater over the measurement period and maintained greater canopy vigour than the open mixed woodland at inland sites. The River Cooba trees approximately 80 m from the river responded to watertable lowering of 0·65 m and to groundwater freshening by increasing transpiration. Black Box trees at the same site experienced reduced plant water stress, with no increase in transpiration. However, at a third site, approximately 170 m from the river, where the saline watertable (total dissolved solids = 36 300 mg l−1) was lowered by 1 m, no change in plant water stress or pattern of plant water use was observed. These results indicate that groundwater lowering combined with groundwater freshening can provide an accessible water source for water‐stressed floodplain vegetation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changes in global gene expression during in vitro decidualization of rat endometrial stromal cells
Authors: Vallejo Griselda , Maschi Darío , Mestre‐Citrinovitz Ana C. , Aiba Kazuhiro , Maronna Ricardo , Yohai Victor , Ko Minoru S.H. , Beato Miguel , Saragüeta Patricia
Published: September 2009

During the preimplantation phase of pregnancy the endometrial stroma differentiates into decidua, a process that implies numerous morphological changes and is an example of physiological transdifferentiation. Here we show that UIII rat endometrial stromal cells cultured in the presence of calf serum acquired morphological features of decidual cells and expressed decidual markers. To identify genes involved in decidualization we compared gene expression patterns of control and decidualized UIII cells using cDNA microarray. We found 322 annotated genes exhibiting significant differences in expression (>3‐fold, fold discovery rate (FDR) >0.005), of which 312 have not been previously related to decidualization. Analysis of overrepresented functions revealed that protein synthesis, gene expression, and chromatin architecture and remodeling are the most relevant modified functions during decidualization. Relevant genes are also found in the functional terms differentiation, cell proliferation, signal transduction, and matrix/structural proteins. Several of these new genes involved in decidualization (Csdc2, Trim27, Eef1a1, Bmp1, Wt1, Aes, Gna12, and Men1) are shown to be also regulated in uterine decidua during normal pregnancy. Thus, the UIII cell culture model will allow future mechanistic studies to define the transcriptional network regulating reprogramming of stromal cells into decidual cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 222:127–137, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of estrogen receptor β increases integrin α1 and integrin β1 levels and enhances adhesion of breast cancer cells
Authors: Lindberg Karolina , Ström Anders , Lock John G. , Gustafsson Jan‐Åke , Haldosén Lars‐Arne , Helguero Luisa A.
Published: September 2009

Estrogen effects on mammary gland development and differentiation are mediated by two receptors (ERα and ERβ). Estrogen‐bound ERα induces proliferation of mammary epithelial and cancer cells, while ERβ is important for maintenance of the differentiated epithelium and inhibits proliferation in different cell systems. In addition, the normal breast contains higher ERβ levels compared to the early stage breast cancers, suggesting that loss of ERβ could be important in cancer development. Analysis of ERβ−/− mice has consistently revealed reduced expression of cell adhesion proteins. As such, ERβ is a candidate modulator of epithelial homeostasis and metastasis. Consequently, the aim of this study was to analyze estrogenic effects on adhesion of breast cancer cells expressing ERα and ERβ. As ERβ is widely found in breast cancer but not in cell lines, we used ERα positive T47‐D and MCF‐7 human breast cancer cells to generate cells with inducible ERβ expression. Furthermore, the colon cancer cell lines SW480 and HT‐29 were also used. Integrin α1 mRNA and protein levels increased following ERβ expression. Integrin β1—the unique partner for integrin α1—increased only at the protein level. ERβ expression enhanced the formation of vinculin containing focal complexes and actin filaments, indicating a more adhesive potential. This was confirmed by adhesion assays where ERβ increased adhesion to different extracellular matrix proteins, mostly laminin. In addition, ERβ expression was associated to less cell migration. These results indicate that ERβ affects integrin expression and clustering and consequently modulates adhesion and migration of breast cancer cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 222:156–167, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bradykinin protects against brain microvascular endothelial cell death induced by pathophysiological stimuli
Authors: Bovenzi Veronica , Savard Martin , Morin Josée , Cuerrier Charles M. , Grandbois Michel , Gobeil Fernand
Published: September 2009

The morphological and functional integrity of the microcirculation is compromised in many cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, stroke, and sepsis. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi), which are known to favor bradykinin (BK) bioactivity by reducing its metabolism, may have a positive impact on preventing the microvascular structural rarefaction that occurs in these diseases. Our study was designed to test the hypothesis that BK, via B2 receptors (B2R), protects the viability of the microvascular endothelium exposed to the necrotic and apoptotic cell death inducers H2O2 and LPS independently of hemodynamics. Expression (RT‐PCR and radioligand binding) and functional (calcium mobilization with fura‐2AM, and p42/p44MAPK and Akt phosphorylation assays) experiments revealed the presence of functional B2R in pig cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (pCMVEC). In vitro results showed that the cytocidal effects of H2O2 and LPS on pCMVEC were significantly decreased by a BK pretreatment (MTT and crystal violet tests, annexin‐V staining/FACS analysis), which was countered by the B2R antagonist HOE 140. BK treatment coincided with enhanced expression of the cytoprotective proteins COX‐2, Bcl‐2, and Cu/ZnSOD. Ex vivo assays on rat brain explants showed that BK impeded (by ∼40%) H2O2‐induced microvascular degeneration (lectin‐FITC staining). The present study proposes a novel role for BK in microvascular endothelial protection, which may be pertinent to the complex mechanism of action of ACEi explaining their long‐term beneficial effects in maintaining vascular integrity. J. Cell. Physiol. 222:168–176, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Saturated fatty acid‐induced insulin resistance is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction in skeletal muscle cells
Authors: Hirabara Sandro M. , Curi Rui , Maechler Pierre
Published: September 2009

Increased plasma levels of free fatty acids (FFA) occur in states of insulin resistance such as obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. These high levels of plasma FFA are proposed to play an important role for the development of insulin resistance but the mechanisms involved are still unclear. This study investigated the effects of saturated and unsaturated FFA on insulin sensitivity in parallel with mitochondrial function. C2C12 myotubes were treated for 24 h with 0.1 mM of saturated (palmitic and stearic) and unsaturated (oleic, linoleic, eicosapentaenoic, and docosahexaenoic) FFA. After this period, basal and insulin‐stimulated glucose metabolism and mitochondrial function were evaluated. Saturated palmitic and stearic acids decreased insulin‐induced glycogen synthesis, glucose oxidation, and lactate production. Basal glucose oxidation was also reduced. Palmitic and stearic acids impaired mitochondrial function as demonstrated by decrease of both mitochondrial hyperpolarization and ATP generation. These FFA also decreased Akt activation by insulin. As opposed to saturated FFA, unsaturated FFA did not impair glucose metabolism and mitochondrial function. Primary cultures of rat skeletal muscle cells exhibited similar responses to saturated FFA as compared to C2C12 cells. These results show that in muscle cells saturated FFA‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction associated with impaired insulin‐induced glucose metabolism. J. Cell. Physiol. 222:187–194, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mutations in the external loops of BK virus VP1 and urine viral load in renal transplant recipients
Authors: Tremolada Sara , Delbue Serena , Castagnoli Lorenzo , Allegrini Sara , Miglio Umberto , Boldorini Renzo , Elia Francesca , Gordon Jennifer , Ferrante Pasquale
Published: September 2009

Polyomavirus‐associated nephropathy (PVAN) is a major complication that occurs after renal transplantation and is induced by reactivation of the human polyomavirus BK (BKV). The structure of the viral capsid protein 1 (VP1) is characterized by the presence of external loops, BC, DE, EF, GH, and HI, which are involved in receptor binding. The pathogenesis of PVAN is not well understood, but viral risk factors are thought to play a crucial role in the onset of this pathology. In an attempt to better understand PVAN pathogenesis, the BKV‐VP1 coding region was amplified, cloned, and sequenced from the urine of kidney transplant recipients who did, and did not, develop the pathology. Urine viral loads were determined by using real time quantitative PCR (Q‐PCR). Amino acid substitutions were detected in 6/8 patients, and 6/7 controls. The BC and EF loop regions were most frequently affected by mutations, while no mutations were found within the GH and HI loops of both patients and controls. Some mutations, that were exclusively detected in the urine of PVAN patients, overlapped with previously reported mutations, although a correlation between changes in amino acids and the development of PVAN was not found. Urine viral loads were higher than that of the proposed cut‐off loads for identification of patients that are at a high risk of developing PVAN (107 copies/ml), both in the PVAN and control groups, thus confirming that urine viral load is not a useful predictive marker for the development of PVAN. J. Cell. Physiol. 222:195–199, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Selective control of gene expression by CDK9 in human cells
Authors: Garriga Judit , Xie Hongbo , Obradovic Zoran , Graña Xavier
Published: September 2009

CDK9 associates with T‐type cyclins and positively regulates transcriptional elongation by phosphorylating RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) and negative elongation factors. However, it is unclear whether CDK9 is required for transcription of most genes by RNAPII or alternatively plays a role regulating the expression of restricted subsets of genes. We have investigated the direct effects of inhibiting cellular CDK9 activity in global gene expression in human cells by using a dominant‐negative form of CDK9 (dnCDK9). We have also compared direct inhibition of cellular CDK9 activity to pharmacological inhibition with flavopiridol (FVP), a CDK inhibitor that potently inhibits CDK9 and cellular transcription. Because of its presumed selectivity for CDK9, FVP has been previously used as a tool to infer the role of CDK9 on global gene expression. DNA microarray analyses described here show that inhibition of gene expression by FVP is consistent with global inhibition of transcription. However, specific inhibition of CDK9 activity with dnCDK9 leads to a distinctive pattern of changes in gene expression, with more genes being specifically upregulated (122) than downregulated (84). Indeed, the expression of many short‐lived transcripts downregulated by FVP is not modulated by dnCDK9. Nevertheless, consistently with FVP inhibiting CDK9 activity, a significant number of the genes downregulated/upregulated by dnCDK9 are modulated with a similar trend by FVP. Our data suggests that the potent effects of FVP on transcription are likely to involve inhibition of CTD kinases in addition to CDK9. Our data also suggest complex and gene‐specific modulation of gene expression by CDK9. J. Cell. Physiol. 222:200–208, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Protective effects of vitamins C and E on spermatogenesis of 1.5 Tesla magnetic field exposed rats
Authors: Monfared Ali Shabestani , Jorsaraei Seyed Gholam Ali , Abdi Rooholah
Published: September 2009

Purpose

To investigate protective effects of vitamins E and C against 1.5 Tesla static magnetic fields in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on spermatogenesis parameters was the main goal of the present study.

Materials and Methods

Ninety‐two mature male rats were exposed to 1.5 T MRI static magnetic fields for 30 min with or without vitamins C and E alone or in combination. Animals were sacrificed and the testicular tissues were anatomically sectioned, stained, and the number of germ cells and the diameters of sperm ducts were measured and compared with sham and controls.

Results

Results showed that compared to sham, static magnetic fields may reduce the germ cell count (P = 0.000) and sperm ducts diameters (P = 0.020), and vitamins C and E could modify the reduction in germ cell count (P = 0.019) but they did not show any protective effect on sperm duct diameter reduction (0.647).

Conclusion

The protective effects of vitamins C and E are different, and depend on the type of effects. It seems that the modifying effects of vitamins are to be additive, but vitamin E plays a more important role than vitamin C against the static magnetic field on spermatogenesis parameters in clinical MRI. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Proximal femur bone marrow blood perfusion indices are reduced in hypertensive rats: A dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI study
Authors: Zhang Ya‐Feng , Wang Yi‐Xiang J. , Griffith James F. , Kwong William K.M. , Ma Heather T. , Qin Ling , Kwok Timothy C.Y.
Published: September 2009

Purpose:

To investigate the differences in proximal femoral bone marrow blood perfusion indices between hypertensive and normotensive rats using perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Materials and Methods:

Six‐month‐old male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) were used (12 of each). Dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI of the right hip was performed after bolus injection of Gd‐DOTA administered through a tail vein cannula. In all, 800 images were acquired at 0.6 sec/image. Regions of interest (ROIs) were drawn comprising the medullary component of proximal femoral shaft and femoral head. MRI maximum enhancement (Emax) and enhancement slope (Eslope) were analyzed.

Results:

The Emax and Eslope of proximal femoral shaft and femoral head of SHR were significantly lower than those of WKY (Emax: 107.4 ± 18.2% vs. 130.6 ± 21.5%, P = 0.009, and 76.0 ± 12.5% vs. 97.9 ± 6.9%, P < 0.001, respectively; Eslope: 3.01 ± 0.63%/sec vs. 3.75 ± 0.74%/sec, P = 0.016, and 1.95 ± 0.33%/sec vs. 2.28 ± 0.28%/sec, P = 0.012, respectively). The Emax and Eslope of femoral head were significantly lower than those of proximal femoral shaft in both SHR and WKY (P < 0.001). In both SHR and WKY, proximal femoral shaft and femoral head had a rather different contrast enhancement pattern.

Conclusion:

Proximal femoral shaft and femoral head bone marrow blood perfusion indices were significantly lower in hypertensive rats than in normotensive rats. Femoral head bone marrow was less perfused than proximal femoral shaft in both rats. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
DSM‐VPTSD diagnostic criteria for children and adolescents: A developmental perspective and recommendations
Authors: Pynoos Robert S. , Steinberg Alan M. , Layne Christopher M. , Briggs Ernestine C. , Ostrowski Sarah A. , Fairbank John A.
Published: September 2009

TheDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM‐V)should ensure systematic attention to age‐specific manifestations and selective modifications of the diagnostic criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among children and adolescents. The authors propose developmental refinements to the conceptual framework for PTSD based on an appreciation of the different neurosignatures of danger and safety, and maturational processes that underlie symptom presentation. This includes preliminary evidence for the developmental salience of additional dimensions for PTSD (e.g., recklessness and thrill‐seeking). The authors provide conservative recommendations forDSM‐Vdiagnostic criteria that primarily highlight age‐related developmental manifestations that, if included in the accompanying text, would bring a richer appreciation of developmentally linked symptom presentations.
Reformation of concha bullosa following treatment by crushing surgical technique: Implication for balloon sinuplasty
Authors: Kieff David A. , Busaba Nicolas Y.
Published: September 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

There are various surgical techniques designed to treat conchae bullosae (CB). These include partial or total resection and crushing. Frontal sinus balloon sinuplasty is thought to work by the crushing/remodeling of the agger nasi and frontal recess air cells. The long‐term outcome of sinuplasty in the frontal/ethmoid air cell region is unknown. To date, no study has been done on the reformation of CB after crushing. We report on the long‐term outcome of a series of patients who underwent crushing of their CB and suggest implications for frontal sinus balloon sinuplasty.

Study Design:

Retrospective case series.

Methods:

Retrospective review of 10 patients who re‐presented with CB as a component of their nasal obstructive symptoms despite previously undergoing crushing of their CB. Data analyzed included paranasal sinus computed tomography (CT) scans and operative reports.

Results:

These 10 patients re‐presented with recurrent rhinosinusitis and nasal obstructive symptoms. The patients had previously undergone septoplasty surgery with crushing of the CB and were noted to have reformed the CB on their most recent sinus CT. The previous surgeries were preformed from 2 to 15 years prior to their representation.

Conclusions:

CB can reform following crushing technique. One may extrapolate that agger nasi and frontal recess air cells may reform following balloon sinuplasty leading to recurrent obstruction of the frontal sinus outflow tract. Laryngoscope, 2009
A prospective study of paranasal sinus osteomas in 1,889 cases: Changing patterns of localization
Authors: Erdogan Nezahat , Demir Ugur , Songu Murat , Ozenler Nesibe Kurt , Uluç Engin , Dirim Berna
Published: September 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

We developed the largest paranasal sinus computed tomography (CT) scan study so far by including 1,889 cases to investigate the prevalence, localization, age distribution, and the secondary complications of paranasal sinus osteomas.

Study Design:

Prospective study.

Methods:

A prospective study was performed on 1,889 consecutive adult individuals who underwent paranasal sinus CT examinations with suspected sinus disease.

Results:

The prevalence of paranasal sinus osteomas was determined to be 3%. Osteomas were located most frequently in the ethmoid sinuses. The size of the osteomas varied from approximately from 2 to 30 mm. Of the osteomas found, 37%were accompanied by pathological sinonasal findings.

Conclusions:

The prevalence of sinonasal osteoma in the paranasal sinus region detected by CT scan is supporting the literature, whereas the localization pattern challenges it. Laryngoscope, 2009
Radiotherapy for basal cell carcinoma of the medial canthus region
Authors: Swanson Erika L. , Amdur Robert J. , Mendenhall William M. , Morris Christopher G. , Kirwan Jessica M. , Flowers Franklin
Published: September 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To report outcome for patients treated with radiotherapy (RT) for basal cell carcinoma of the medial canthus.

Study Design:

Retrospective review.

Methods:

Thirty‐three patients treated with RT at the University of Florida between 1965 and 2005 for basal cell carcinoma of the medial canthus were retrospectively reviewed. RT was the primary treatment for gross disease in 70% of patients and for positive margin after resection in 30%. The prescribed dose was 50 to 60 Gy at 2.0 to 2.5 Gy per fraction.

Results:

Surviving patients were followed for a median of 14 years. Tumor recurred at the primary site in 10%. There were no regional recurrences or distant metastases. The local control rate was 100% in patients treated with surgery followed by RT for positive margins. In patients treated with RT alone, the local control rate was 94% with de novo lesions and 67% if the lesion was recurrent after prior surgery. Cause‐specific survival was 95% at 10 years; overall survival was 52% at 10 years. There were no severe complications. Chronic epiphora was present in 21% and chronic dry eye symptoms in 3%.

Conclusions:

With the proper technique, RT produces excellent results in several of these patients. Patients with recurrent tumors and gross disease at the time of RT have a suboptimal cure rate. Our plan is to increase the RT dose to 64.8 Gy at 1.8 Gy per fraction. Laryngoscope, 2009
Endoscopy‐assisted surgery with topical mitomycin for a cholesterol granuloma in the petrous apex
Authors: Haginomori Shin‐Ichi , Mori Atsuko , Kanazawa Atsuko , Takenaka Hiroshi
Published: September 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

We present the case of a 21‐year‐old woman who underwent endoscopy‐assisted surgery with topical mitomycin for a large cholesterol granuloma in the petrous apex that involved the eustachian tube.

Study Design:

Case report.

Methods:

Minimally invasive surgery was performed on the cholesterol granuloma with endoscopic assistance, and topical mitomycin (0.4 mg/mL) was administered to prevent scarring of the newly created drainage/ventilation route. With the endoscopic approach, the drainage/ventilation route was secured not only from the tympanic cavity, but also using a guidewire inserted from the pharyngeal orifice of the eustachian tube.

Results:

The drainage/ventilation route between the nasopharynx and middle ear cavity involving the cholesterol granuloma has been preserved more than for 9 months postoperatively. Her hearing has recovered.

Conclusions:

This less invasive technique is a surgical option for patients with a large cholesterol granuloma in the petrous apex involving the eustachian tube. Laryngoscope, 2009
Electroactive Polymer with Oligoanilines in the Main Chain: Synthesis, Characterization and Dielectric Properties
Authors: Zhang Junfeng , Chao Danming , Cui Lili , Liu Xincai , Zhang Wanjin
Published: September 2009

An electroactive polymer with well‐defined oligoanilines in the main chain has been prepared by oxidative coupling polymerization. The detailed characteristics of the polymer were systematically studied by FT‐IR, 1H NMR, GPC and XRD. Its electrochemical behavior was explored with UV‐Vis spectra and cyclic voltammetry showing that its intrinsic electroactivity was maintained and exhibited three distinct reversible oxidative states. Its electrical conductivity is about 3.91 × 10−4 S · cm−1 in HCl‐doped form at room temperature. Furthermore, the polymer displays a dielectric constant of 48.4 and 13.6 at 10 and 1 MHz, respectively, mainly attributed to the improvement in delocalized charge density and electrical conductivity of the polymer by introduction of the conjugated oligoaniline segments.

magnified image
Sequence Analysis of an Isocyanate Oligomer by MALDI‐TOF Mass Spectrometry Using Collision Induced Dissociation
Authors: Mass Valentina , Schrepp Wolfgang , von Vacano Bernhard , Pasch Harald
Published: September 2009

A TDI–MDI oligomer obtained by hydrolysis of a crosslinked polyurethane (PU) was analysed regarding the oligomer distribution by standard MALDI‐TOF‐MS and the monomer sequence in the different oligomers by collision induced dissociation (CID) experiments. The CID experiments produced product ions that were selective towards the monomer sequences in different oligomer molecules. By selecting suitable oligomer precursor ions with different monomer sequences out of the total oligomer distribution and conducting CID experiments, specific product mass peaks were identified that were characteristic for random and blocky monomer sequences. Therefore, a mass spectrometric method has become available for the important class of PUs that is not only selective towards the number and type of monomer units but also towards their sequence in the oligomer chain.

magnified image
Peroxide‐Grafted PDMS: Hydrosilylation Reaction and Thiol‐Ene Chemistry as an Alternative Pathway
Authors: Lucas Patrice , Fleury Etienne , Estur Jean‐François , Lapinte Vincent , Robin Jean‐Jacques
Published: September 2009

Peroxide‐containing PDMS was synthesized according to a new pathway. Although hydrosilylation is one of the main reactions carried out in silicone chemistry, the catalysts used are very sensitive to the chemical nature of the reactants and remained inefficient to graft allylic peroxide. Radical catalyzed thiol‐ene chemistry was involved for the first time to yield an initiator group containing polymer. The peroxide‐grafted polysiloxane structure and decomposition were characterized using 1H, 13C and 29Si NMR, FT‐IR and Raman spectroscopies, SEC and DSC. These macroinitiators can be used to obtain polysiloxane able to undergo crosslinking.

magnified image
Modification of Oligomeric Cyanate Ester Polymer Properties with Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotube‐Containing Particles
Authors: Dominguez Dawn D. , Laskoski Matthew , Keller Teddy M.
Published: September 2009

The properties of an oligomeric cyanate ester polymer were modified by the addition of 0.01–3 wt.‐% multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWNT) containing particles. The dynamic mechanical behavior and thermal properties of the cyanate ester/MWNT nanocomposites were evaluated. The storage modulus, G′, of the nanocomposite with 1 wt.‐% MWNT particles was nearly 60 and 600% higher than the neat polymer at 100 and 200 °C, respectively. The glass transition temperature of the nanocomposite was also raised by 30 °C and its thermal stability in air and nitrogen was increased by 58 and 25 °C, respectively. The property improvements are attributed to reinforcement of the cyanate ester as a result of good nanotube dispersion and effective polymer‐MWNT interaction.

magnified image
Extraction of Contamination of Automotive Gas Tank Material by Extrusion with Supercritical Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Michaeli Walter , Rothe Bernd , Elas Athanassios
Published: September 2009

During their working life, plastics can be exposed to contaminating media which limit their recyclability. A continuous extraction process with supercritical CO2 has been developed. Contaminated material is extruded through two twin‐screw extruders in a cascade. The first extruder purifies with scCO2 and the second extruder is for degassing and hot‐cut pelletisation. Post‐consumer automotive diesel fuel tank material has been processed. A direct flow and a counter‐flow process with different screw configurations have been developed. Characterisation has been performed by headspace gas chromatography. Results show that contaminants were extracted out of the plastic for both process variants. However, direct flow yielded better extraction efficiency.

magnified image
Bio‐Based Rubbers by Concurrent Cationic and Ring‐Opening Metathesis Polymerization of a Modified Linseed Oil
Authors: Jeong Wonje , Mauldin Timothy C. , Larock Richard C. , Kessler Michael R.
Published: September 2009

Bio‐based rubbers prepared by tandem cationic polymerization and ROMP using a norbornenyl‐modified linseed oil, Dilulin™, and a norbornene diester, NBDC, have been prepared and characterized. Increasing the concentration of the NBDC in the mixture results in a decrease in the glass transition temperature. The new bio‐based rubbers exhibit tensile test behavior ranging from relatively brittle (18% elongation) to moderately flexible (52% elongation) and with decreasing values of tensile stress with increasing NBDC content. Thermogravimetric analysis reveals that the bio‐based rubbers have maximum decomposition temperatures of over 450 °C with their thermal stability decreasing with increasing loadings of NBDC.

magnified image
Fabrication and Characterization of Sb2O3/Carboxymethyl Cellulose Sodium and the Properties of Plasticized Starch Composite Films
Authors: Chang Peter R. , Yu Jiugao , Ma Xiaofei
Published: September 2009

Sb2O3 nanoparticles were prepared using CMC as the stabilizing agent. The nanocomposite was fabricated with Sb2O3/CMC nanoparticles as the filler in a GPS matrix. Characterization of Sb2O3/CMC nanoparticles revealed that Sb2O3 (about 84 wt.‐%) was encapsulated by CMC (about 16 wt.‐%) with the size of about 30–50 nm. Because there was good interaction between the Sb2O3/CMC filler and the GPS matrix, Sb2O3/CMC nanoparticles could be uniformly dispersed in the GPS matrix at a low filler loading level, resulting in obvious improvement in tensile strength and UV absorbance, and in the resistance of water vapor permeability. However, introduction of the nanoparticles into the matrix, decreased the elongation at break and the thermal stability of the nanocomposites.

magnified image