bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using N‐SCAN or TWINSCAN to Predict Gene Structures in Genomic DNA Sequences
Authors: van Baren Marijke J. , Koebbe Brian C. , Brent Michael R.
Published: January 2008

N‐SCAN is a gene‐prediction system that combines the methods of ab initio predictors like GENSCAN with information derived from genome comparison. It is the latest in the TWINSCAN series of programs. This unit describes the use of N‐SCAN to identify gene structures in eukaryotic genomic sequences. Protocols for using N‐SCAN through its Web interface and from the command line in a Linux environment are provided. Detailed discussion about the appropriate parameter settings, input‐sequence processing, and choice of genome for comparison are included. Curr. Protoc. Bioinform. 20:4.8.1‐4.8.16. © 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Stability of self‐tuning control based on Lyapunov function
Authors: Patete A. , Furuta K. , Tomizuka M.
Published: January 2008

The overall stability of a self‐tuning controller for discrete‐time systems is proved by using the Lyapunov function in this paper, for minimum and a class of non‐minimum phase systems. The self‐tuning controller utilizes a recursive estimate algorithm for the controller parameters based on the generalized minimum variance criterion. Previously, the stability had been proved in the case of minimum phase systems. A new type of self‐tuning controller for the discrete‐time system with delay in control input is also studied which is named the generalized minimum variance criterion‐β equivalent control, and its stability is proved. The simulation is done to evaluate the performance of the proposed self‐tuning controller. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Taller women do better in a stressed environment: Height and reproductive success in rural Guatemalan women
Authors: Pollet Thomas V. , Nettle Daniel
Published: January 2008

Previous research on the relationship between height and reproductive success in women has produced mixed results. One possible explanation for these is mediation by ecological factors, such as environmental stress. Here we investigate female height and reproductive success under conditions of environmental stress (poverty) using a large scale dataset from Guatemala (n = 2,571). Controlling for educational attainment, age and ethnicity, we examined relationships between height and childlessness, occurrence of a stillbirth, fertility and child survival. There was no significant relationship between height and never haven given birth. Extremely short women had a significantly raised likelihood of experiencing stillbirth. There were curvilinear relationships between height and age at first birth, fertility, and survival rates for children. Overall, though, the penalties for short stature, particularly in terms of child survival, were far greater than those associated with extreme tallness, and so female height is positively associated with overall fitness in this population. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adiposity and height of adult Hmong refugees: Relationship with war‐related early malnutrition and later migration
Authors: Clarkin Patrick F.
Published: January 2008

This study investigated whether historical proxies for poor nutrition early in life were associated with differences in body composition and height among adult Hmong refugees. Life history and anthropometric data were collected from a sample of 279 Hmong aged 18–51 years who were born in Laos or Thailand and resettled in French Guiana or the United States following the Second Indochina War. Overall, 30.5% were born in a war zone in Laos, while 38.8% were displaced as infants; these individuals were presumed to have experienced malnutrition in the perinatal and infant periods, respectively. Resettlement in urban areas in the US was utilized as a proxy for greater exposure to excessive energy balance, compared with Hmong who resettled in rural areas in French Guiana. In multiple linear regression models, being displaced in infancy was negatively associated with height after controlling for confounders, while being born in a war zone was associated with higher adiposity and centralized body fat distribution. Resettlement in the US was associated with a higher centralization of subcutaneous fat, but not overall adiposity. These findings may be of interest to the study of the developmental origins of obesity, in a population that has undergone early malnutrition followed by migration and rapid nutritional transition. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A facile synthesis and asymmetric catalytic activity of new 3‐substituted chiral BINOL ligands
Authors: Liu Bing , Fang Cao , Dong Zhi‐Bing , Li Jin‐Shan
Published: January 2008

Three new chiral ligands, (S)‐3‐(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl‐1,1′‐binaphthol [(S)‐1], (S)‐3‐(1H‐1,2,3‐benzotriazol‐1‐yl)methyl‐1,1′‐binaphthol [(S)‐2] and (S)‐3‐(2H‐1,2,3‐benzotriazol‐2‐yl)methyl‐1,1′‐binaphthol [(S)‐3], were prepared by a simple method. They showed moderate catalytic properties for the asymmetric addition of diethylzinc to benzaldehyde in the presence of titanium tetraisopropoxide. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of the fatty acid compounds obtained from sunflower oil refining products
Authors: Yazicigil Zafer , Ahmetli Gulnare
Published: January 2008

In our study the effects of various factors in the reaction of chlorination and copolymerization of fatty acid wastes were investigated and optimum conditions were determined. The first purpose of this study is to investigate the electrochemical chlorination reaction of fatty acid wastes in the electrolysis of HCl, then to obtain composite materials by the products of this reaction, and finally to determine physicomechanical properties, heat resistance, and the effect of chloride to the fire strength of these composite materials. At that time the glycide ester of fatty acid (GEF) was synthesized and used as modificator for the determination of thermal and heat properties of composite materials. And the properties of composite materials that are obtained were compared. Styrene‐fatty acid copolymers (SFC) were also synthesized by interacting wasted product with styrene. Molecular weight of copolymer, number of carboxyl groups in its structure, its adhesion capability and thermal properties were investigated. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Confidence and decision type under matched stimulus conditions: overconfidence in perceptual but not conceptual decisions
Authors: Kvidera Sara , Koutstaal Wilma
Published: January 2008

Within the domain of metacognition, there is disagreement whether different processes underlie evaluations of confidence in perceptual versus conceptual decisions. The relationship between confidence and accuracy for perceptual and conceptual decisions was compared using newly created stimuli that could be used to elicit either decision type. Based on theories of Brunswikian and Thurstonian uncertainties, significant underconfidence for perceptual decisions and overconfidence for conceptual decisions were predicted. Three within‐subjects experiments did not support this hypothesis. Participants showed significant overconfidence for perceptual decisions and no overconfidence for conceptual decisions. In addition, significant hard‐easy effects were consistently found for both decision types. Incorporating our findings with past results reveals that both over‐ and underconfidence are attainable on perceptual tasks. This conclusion, in addition to the common presence of hard‐easy effects and significant across‐task correlations in over/underconfidence, suggests that confidence judgments for the two decision types may depend on largely shared processes. Possible contributions to confidence and over/underconfidence are explored, focusing on response time factors and participants' knowledge bases. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of efficacy of chiral adrenergic agonists
Authors: Patil Popat N. , Li Chenglong , Kumari Vandana , Hieble J. Paul
Published: January 2008

The origin of terms, affinity, intrinsic activity (or efficacy) and spare receptors has been reviewed. The Easson–Stedman theory (1933) in relation to the activation of adrenoceptors by agonists proved to be useful in the analysis of affinity and efficacy. Eudismic ratios of agonists provided critical information about the receptor‐mediated activation. The evidence from circular dichroism spectroscopy with a fluorescent‐tagged adrenoceptor agonist indicates a stereoselective interaction with the receptor. Thus, the simplest definition of efficacy may include the rate of change of the specific conformation of the receptor by the agonist, leading to the organized response. The functional groups of the potent enantiomer are postulated to interact in a “preferred” sequence with the receptor. The 7TM GPCR protein crystal structure of bovine rhodopsin was used as a model to construct the agonist interacting amino acid residues for α1A‐ and β1‐adrenoceptors. It was observed that both +NH3group and chiral OH group of (−)‐epinephrine interact with Asp106TM III of α1A‐adrenoceptor. Similar interactions were observed for (+)‐epinephrine but critical differences were observed. Enantiomers of epinephrine and oxymetazoline were also docked in the position at β1‐adrenoceptor to elucidate the conformational changes. Some unique information has emerged about the activation of adrenoceptors by agonists. The differences in the pharmacological efficacy of the enantiomers compare favorably with the dynamics of conformational changes by the agonist at α1A‐ and β1adrenoceptors. Chirality, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Peptide‐Containing Aggregates as Selective Nanocarriers for Therapeutics
Authors: Accardo Antonella , Tesauro Diego , Aloj Luigi , Tarallo Laura , Arra Claudio , Mangiapia Gaetano , Vaccaro Mauro , Pedone Carlo , Paduano Luigi , Morelli Giancarlo
Published: January 2008

New nanocarriers are obtained by assembling two amphiphilic monomers: one containing the bioactive peptide CCK8 spaced, by a polydisperse poly(ethylene glycol), from two hydrophobic tails ((C18)2PEG2000CCK8), and the other containing a chelating agent able to give stable radiolabeled indium‐111 complexes linked to the same hydrophobic moiety ((C18)2DTPAGlu). The size and shape of the supramolecular aggregates were structurally characterized by dynamic light scattering, small‐angle neutron scattering, and cryogenic transmission electronic microscopy. Under the experimental conditions we investigated (pH 7.4 and molar ratio between monomers 30:70), there is the presence of high polydisperse aggregates: rod‐like micelles with a radius of ∼40 Å and length >700 Å, open bilayer fragments with thickness ∼65 Å, and probably vesicles. The presence of the bioactive peptide well exposed on the external surface of the aggregate allows selective targeting of nanocarriers towards the cholecystokinin receptors overexpressed by the cancerous cells. In vitro binding assays and in vivo biodistribution studies by nuclear medicine experiments using indium‐111 are reported. Moreover, preliminary data concerning the drug loading capability of the aggregates and their drug efficiency on the target cells is reported by using the cytotoxic drug doxorubicin. Incubation of receptor‐positive and control cells with peptide‐containing aggregates filled with doxorubicin shows significantly lower cell survival in receptor‐expressing cells relative to the control, for samples incubated in the presence of doxorubicin.
3,3′‐Disubstitued 2,2′‐Bipyridines as Carboxylate Receptors: Conformational Regulation of the Bipyridine Moiety
Authors: Costero Ana M. , Gil Salvador , Parra Margarita , Huguet Nuria , Allouni Zouhir , Lakhmiri Rajae , Atlamsani Ahmed
Published: January 2008

Two bipyridine derivatives were synthesized and characterized, and their ability to act as sensors for carboxylates was evaluated by UV/Vis and fluorescence studies. The influence of the substituents of the thiourea groups on the stoichiometry of the resulting dicarboxylate complexes was established. Conformational changes in the bipyridine moiety under different conditions were evaluated.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Tandem repeat mutation, global DNA methylation, and regulation of DNA methyltransferases in cultured mouse embryonic fibroblast cells chronically exposed to chemicals with different modes of action
Authors: Yauk Carole L. , Polyzos Aris , Rowan‐Carroll Andrea , Kortubash Igor , Williams Andrew , Kovalchuk Olga
Published: January 2008

Mutations at expanded simple tandem repeat (ESTR) DNA sequences provide a useful tool for screening germline mutation. However, the mechanisms resulting in induced mutations are unknown and provide an impediment to the utility of the method. Induced ESTR mutations arise through a nontargeted mechanism resulting in destabilization of the repeat locus. We hypothesized that alterations in DNA methylation, or in DNA methyltransferase expression, may be associated with this indirect mechanism of mutation. DNA mutation frequency was measured in C3H/10T1/2 mouse embryonic fibroblast cells following chronic exposure to six chemicals exhibiting different modes of genotoxic action: N‐nitroso‐N‐ethylurea (ENU); benzo(a)pyrene (BaP); etoposide (ETOP); okadaic acid (OA); cisplatin (CisPt); and 5‐azacytidine (5azadC). Induced mutation ranged from 2‐fold (ENU, BaP, ETOP), to 1.3–1.4 fold (OA, 5azadC), to nonresponsive (CisPt). Global DNA methylation, measured using the cytosine extension assay, revealed hypomethylation following exposure to ENU and 5azadC, hypermethylation following BaP and OA exposure, and no change following treatment with ETOP or CisPt. DNA methyltransferase transcription (Dnmt1, Dnmt3a, Dnmt3b) was significantly affected by all treatments except ETOP, with the vast majority of changes being downregulation. There was no direct correlation between ESTR mutation, global methylation, or DNA methyltransferase transcription. However, 4/5 ESTR mutagens caused changes in global methylation, while the noninducer (CisPt) did not cause changes in methylation. We hypothesize that chemicals that modify chromatin conformation through changes in methylation may compromise the ability of mismatch repair enzymes (or other enzymes) to access and repair secondary structures that may form across ESTR loci resulting in mutation. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2008. Published 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of bacteria‐mineral water produced from bio‐reacted fowl dung on seed germination of wheat (Triticum aestivum) and rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: He Wenyuan , Yang Haizhen , Gu Guowei
Published: January 2008

Positive effects of Bacteria‐mineral water (BMW) produced from bio‐reacted manure on plant growth and crop seed germination has been observed in agriculture practices. The experiment was conducted to examine the effects of BMW produced from bio‐reacted fowl dung on seed germination of rice (Oryza sativa L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum). Seeds were soaked in BMW at concentrations of 100, 10, 1, 0.5, 0.25, 0.125, 0.025, and 0% (control) and then incubated at 25°C ± 1°C in a seed germinator for 7 days. All BMW treatments not only enhanced germination energy and final germination percentage of wheat and rice seeds, but also significantly improved (P < 0.05) seed vigor index (VI). Compared to control, treatment with 0.25% BMW had significant effects (P < 0.05) on final germination percentage and increased significantly seed germination percentage (7.34%) and germination energy (8.67%) of wheat seeds. There were strong correlations between germination energy and final germination percentage (P < 0.05), germination index (P < 0.05), VI (P < 0.05), water absorption rate (P < 0.01), and storage reserve transform rate (P < 0.01). While for rice seeds, 0.25% and 0.125% BMW treatments significantly improved (P < 0.05) final germination percentage by 8% separately, and germination energy enhanced 8.66% and 9.33% respectively. There were strong correlations between germination energy (and final germination percentage) and other parameters except for water adsorption rate and storage reserve loss rate. BMW consistently showed positive effects on crop seed germination. 0.25% BMW treatment may be the best concentration to stimulate wheat (Triticum aestivum) seeds germination, while 0.125–0.25% BMW would be the most suitable concentration range for rice (Oryza sativa L.) seeds. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2008
Fluorescence investigations to classify malignant laryngeal lesions in vivo
Authors: Rydell Roland , Eker Charlotta , Andersson‐Engels Stefan , Krogdahl Annelise , Wahlberg Peter , Svanberg Katarina
Published: January 2008

Background:

The extent of surgical resection for malignant laryngeal lesions influences voice quality. An instrument to estimate histopathologic grading of dysplasia in vivo may spare normal tissue without increasing the risk of local failure.

Methods

Laryngeal lesions (N = 39; 21 after administration of delta‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA)) were investigated with laser‐induced fluorescence, and the results correlated to histopathologic grading in 4 groups: non/mild dysplasia (I), moderate dysplasia (II), severe dysplasia/cancer in situ (III), and carcinoma.

Results

At 337‐nm excitation, there were differences in the fluorescence ratio I(431)/I(390) between groups I/III and carcinoma. Following 405‐nm excitation, I(500 nm) group I differed significantly from group III and cancer. The sensitivity for the fluorescence method was 89%, and the specificity was 100%.

Conclusions

There are differences in the in vivo tissue fluorescence between tissue with different gradings of dysplasia and carcinoma. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2008
Protective effect of S‐allyl cysteine sulphoxide (alliin) on glycoproteins and hematology in isoproterenol induced myocardial infarction in male Wistar rats
Authors: Sangeetha T. , Quine S. Darlin
Published: January 2008

The antihyperlipidemic, antilipoperoxidative and antioxidant effects of S‐allyl cysteine sulphoxide (SACS) in myocardial infarcted rats were reported previously. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the preventive role of SACS on some biochemical parameters, glycoproteins and hematology in experimentally induced myocardial infarction in rats. Myocardial infarction was induced in rats by subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol (ISO) (150 mg kg−1) at an interval of 24 h for 2 days. ISO‐treated rats showed a significant increase in the levels of serum iron, uric acid and blood glucose, Na+ and Ca2+ in the heart and a significant decrease in the levels of plasma iron binding capacity, serum total protein, albumin/globulin ratio, heart K+ and heart glycogen. The levels/concentrations of glycoproteins in serum and the heart were increased in myocardial infarcted rats. Myocardial infarcted rats also showed a significant increase in red blood cells, hemoglobin, packed cell volume, white blood cells, neutrophils, platelet count and fibrinogen level and a significant decrease in erythrocyte sedimentation rate, eosinophils, lymphocytes, bleeding, clotting and prothrombin time. Oral pretreatment with SACS (40 and 80 mg kg−1) daily for a period of 35 days showed a positive effect on all the biochemical parameters studied in ISO‐induced rats. Thus, the study showed the protective effect of SACS on ISO‐induced cardiotoxicity in male Wistar rats. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reactive oxygen species: Current knowledge and applications in cancer research and therapeutic
Authors: Lau Andy T.Y. , Wang Ying , Chiu Jen‐Fu
Published: January 2008

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are natural products inevitably generated along cellular metabolism. Due to their highly reactive nature, which can damage DNA, proteins and lipids, cells utilize antioxidative or defense systems to balance these toxic products to keep the cells in a state of redox homeostasis. However, under the situation of imbalance in redox status, depending on the magnitude of ROS encountered, high levels of ROS can induce apoptosis, whereas chronic low levels of ROS promote vascular diseases such as arteriosclerosis. Although ROS seem to be catastrophic to life, accumulating evidence points to the beneficial roles of ROS by virtue of the ability as chemotherapeutic agents to cure human diseases. Many anti‐cancer drugs have been developed in this way which can generate ROS and cause oxidative stress‐induced apoptosis in cancer cells. The effects of ROS are paradoxical because they can act as both disease culprits and chemotherapeutic agents. In this review, the current knowledge of ROS and the potential applications of ROS in cancer therapeutic will be discussed. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 657–667, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Kirchhoff atomic charges fitted to multipole moments: Implementation for a virtual screening system
Authors: Yakovenko Olexander , Oliferenko Alexander A. , Bdzhola Volodymyr G. , Palyulin Vladimir A. , Zefirov Nikolai S.
Published: January 2008

The Kirchhoff charge model is a viable method of generating inexpensive and electrostatically reasonable atomic charges for molecular mechanical force fields. The charging method uses a computationally fast algorithm based on the principle of electronegativity relaxation. Parameters of the method, orbital electronegativities and hardnesses, are fitted to reproduce reference,ab initiocalculated dipole and quadrupole moments of a representative training set of neutral and charged organic molecules covering most medicinal chemistry relevant bonding situations. Transferability and accuracy of the derived parameters are confirmed on an external test set. Comparisons to other charge models are made. Implementation of the new Kirchhoff charges into a virtual screening engine is elucidated. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2008
Assessment of programs for ligand binding affinity prediction
Authors: Kim Ryangguk , Skolnick Jeffrey
Published: January 2008

The prediction of the binding free energy between a ligand and a protein is an important component in the virtual screening and lead optimization of ligands for drug discovery. To determine the quality of current binding free energy estimation programs, we examined FlexX, X‐Score, AutoDock, and BLEEP for their performance in binding free energy prediction in various situations including cocrystallized complex structures, cross docking of ligands to their non‐cocrystallized receptors, docking of thermally unfolded receptor decoys to their ligands, and complex structures with “randomized” ligand decoys. In no case was there a satisfactory correlation between the experimental and estimated binding free energies over all the datasets tested. Meanwhile, a strong correlation between ligand molecular weight‐binding affinity correlation and experimental predicted binding affinity correlation was found. Sometimes the programs also correctly ranked ligands' binding affinities even though native interactions between the ligands and their receptors were essentially lost because of receptor deformation or ligand randomization, and the programs could not decisively discriminate randomized ligand decoys from their native ligands; this suggested that the tested programs miss important components for the accurate capture of specific ligand binding interactions. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2008
A framework for evaluating effectiveness and inclusiveness of collective action in watershed management
Authors: German Laura , Taye Hailemichael
Published: January 2008

Collective action in agriculture and natural resource management (NRM) is all too often conceptualised in terms of the mere number of participants, with little consideration given to who participates, why and the outcomes of inequitable participation. This paper focuses on approaches under development under the African Highlands Initiative to bring collective action principles to bear on gender‐equitable change processes in NRM. A framework for assisting research and development organisations to evaluate the effectiveness of collective action processes in watershed management is proposed. The authors then use a set of case studies to illustrate the relative strengths and weaknesses of different approaches for enhancing gender‐inclusive and equitable collective action processes for activities common to multiple stages of watershed management: structuring the community interface, eliciting views and governing benefits capture. Use of the framework to analyse these cases demonstrates the utility of breaking collective action down into its component dimensions when assessing the relative strengths and weaknesses of different approaches. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Urban mesh and ad hoc mesh networks
Authors: Plymoth Anders Nilsson , Körner Ulf , Johansson Per
Published: January 2008

Mesh networking is currently gaining much attention, within both academia and industry. Mesh networking allows cheap and fast deployment of wireless services. It is regarded as a very promising solution for urban deployment scenarios as well as for temporary emergency response situations. Another related promising field is that of ad hoc wireless networking, which consists of mobile nodes that dynamically create and maintain a network without the need for any infrastructure. We propose a solution and architecture for urban mesh ad hoc networks, a network that combines mesh networking with ad hoc networks for urban environments. We present four types of ad hoc mesh and ad hoc mesh networks. The most general one consists of mesh nodes, called mesh points (MP), that act as a type of access point for user nodes (UN). The MPs have at least two interfaces: one which is used to communicate with UNs, and one which is used to maintain the mesh access network and transport data. These two interfaces can basically use any type of technology (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g, WiMax, etc.), and for capacity reasons it is generally regarded that the best solution is to let the mesh interface operate on a separate high‐capacity channel or channels. An intricate part of these types of networks are routing and location services. In our solution, UN devices operate in ad hoc mode running an ad hoc routing protocol. This allows UNs that wish to communicate to connect directly in an ad hoc manner, or through an MP. An important question is therefore whether two UNs that wish to communicate should connect through the mesh or connect directly. We show that from a capacity point of view whether a UN should route its packets to the closest available MP, or through a ad hoc network, depends on the environment the network is located, the amount traffic and the type of protocols used. Since MPs need to know where to route packets within the mesh, i.e., locating the MP closest to the destination UN, each UN run a small application that registers the UN to the mesh network. In addition to the above features we have developed a new MAC that quickly queries two candidate nodes, which picks the candidate with the currently best radio conditions. This enable nodes to cope with deep dips in signal strength due to fast fading, a well‐known problem in urban environments. We show that this new protocol achieves significantly lower delays. We also show that in dense urban environments performance and battery lifetime can be improved if ad hoc technologies are used. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two‐stage construction of aircraft thrust models for optimal control computations
Authors: Miller Janusz , Korytowski Adam , Szymkat Maciej
Published: January 2008

A two‐stage method for building analytic models based on experimental data is proposed. It is applied to thrust modeling for the F‐15 aircraft. A minimum‐time problem is solved to show efficacy of the models in indirect optimal control computations. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of allelopathic rice varieties combined with cultural management options on paddy field weeds
Authors: Kong Chui‐Hua , Hu Fei , Wang Peng , Wu Jing‐Lun
Published: January 2008

BACKGROUND: A number of techniques, including cultural management, allelopathy and bioherbicide, have been considered as alternatives for synthetic herbicides, but successful weed control will require the careful integration of these multiple techniques. This study was conducted to assess the use of allelopathic rice varieties in combination with cultural management options on paddy weeds, in order to develop an allelopathy‐based technique to reduce herbicide use in paddies.

RESULTS: The weed‐suppressive effects of the rice varieties tested varied highly with allelopathic trait, planting pattern and cultural management including planting density, flooding depth and duration and supply of nitrogen. Allelopathic rice varieties PI312777 and Huagan‐1 demonstrated much stronger weed suppression than the non‐allelopathic variety Huajianxian under the same planting pattern and cultural management. Their weed‐suppressive effect was increased with cultural management options. In particular, if integrated cultural management options of allelopathic rice varieties included a low‐dose (bensulfuron‐methyl, 25 g AI ha−1, a third of the recommended dose) herbicide application, the emergence and growth of most weeds found in paddy fields was completely controlled. No grain yield reduction for allelopathic varieties occurred under integrated cultural management options, whereas with the non‐allelopathic variety a reduction of up to 45–60% was measurable even with the low‐dose herbicide application.

CONCLUSION: The allelopathic potential of rice varieties will likely have a great impact on paddy weed control if integrated with cultural management options and application of low doses of herbicides. Therefore, it is feasible to reduce herbicide input in paddies if allelopathic rice is grown under integrated cultural management practices. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Relationships between strain, microstructure and oxide growth at the nano‐ and microscale
Authors: Kempf D. , Vignal V. , Martin N. , Virtanen S.
Published: January 2008

In the present article, the relationships between oxidation processes, surface strains and the microstructure of duplex stainless steels were investigated. Specimens were oxidized at 500 °C under secondary vacuum for 1 h to form a thin oxide film (thickness in the range of 20–50 nm). Such specimens were considered as the model system for developing novel methods of analysis in understanding the behavior of passive films. The interfacial strain field after oxidation was measured experimentally at the microscale using the point grid method. On the other hand, the chemical composition of the oxide film was determined at the submicroscopic scale by means of local scanning Auger spectroscopy (with a spot diameter of 50 nm). Local variations of the chemical composition of the oxide film were analyzed according to the specimen microstructure and the strain field. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Joint modeling of sensitivity and specificity
Authors: Puggioni Gavino , Gelfand Alan E. , Elmore Joann G.
Published: January 2008

Sensitivity and specificity are two customary performance measures associated with medical diagnostic tests. Typically, they are modeled independently as a function of risk factors using logistic regression, which provides estimated functions for these probabilities. Change in these probabilities across levels of risk factors is of primary interest and the indirect relationship is often displayed using a receiver operating characteristic curve. We refer to this as analysis of ‘first‐order’ behavior. Here, we consider what we refer to as ‘second‐order’ behavior where we examine the stochastic dependence between the (random) estimates of sensitivity and specificity. To do so, we argue that a model for the four cell probabilities that determine the joint distribution of screening test result and outcome result is needed. Such a modeling induces sensitivity and specificity as functions of these cell probabilities. In turn, this raises the issue of a coherent specification for these cell probabilities, given risk factors, i.e. a specification that ensures that all probabilities calculated under it fall between 0 and 1. This leads to the question of how to provide models that are coherent and mechanistically appropriate as well as computationally feasible to fit, particularly with large data sets. The goal of this article is to illuminate these issues both algebraically and through analysis of a real data set. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mitigation of wind‐induced motion of Milad Tower by tuned mass damper
Authors: Ghorbani‐Tanha A. K. , Noorzad A. , Rahimian M.
Published: January 2008

With a height of 435 m, Milad Tower, situated in north‐west of Tehran, Iran, would be the fourth highest telecommunication tower of the world. This tower has the largest head structure among its counterparts. Preliminary studies demonstrate that the upper part of the tower has excessive wind‐induced acceleration‐related vibrations beyond human comfort limit during wind events. In this paper, the effectiveness of tuned mass damper (TMD) on the suppression of wind‐induced motion of Milad Tower is examined through mathematical analyses. The tower is modelled as a vertical linear cantilever beam, with 57 degrees of freedom. The fluctuating wind speed is assumed to be a stochastic process which is identified by an appropriate power spectral density function. Random vibration analyses were carried out to determine response statistics. The possible application of TMDs in suppressing wind‐induced motions of the tower was investigated, and a TMD was designed to be installed at the sky dome. The results clearly show that the designed TMD has a considerable influence on the suppression of the structural response of the tower below human comfort limits. The authors believe that Milad Tower can be considered as a benchmark control problem for television and telecommunication towers by the structural control community. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correlation between interleukin‐6 promoter and C‐reactive protein (CRP) polymorphisms and CRP levels with the Mainz Severity Score Index for Fabry disease
Authors: Altarescu G. , Chicco G. , Whybra C. , Delgado‐Sanchez S. , Sharon N. , Beck M. , Elstein D.
Published: January 2008

Objectives:

Fabry disease is a multisystem disorder with phenotypic heterogeneity only partially explained by genotype. Elevated interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) plasma levels and C‐reactive protein (CRP) serum levels are associated with increased risk and worse outcome of ischaemic events, a serious prognostic sign in Fabry disease.

Methods:

56 patients (34 hemizygous males, 22 females; 5 children) were studied. A promoter polymorphism −174G > C of the IL‐6 gene associated with serum IL‐6 levels was compared with the Mainz Severity Score Index (MSSI) in patients with Fabry disease. CRP levels and polymorphism 1059 G > C were evaluated as markers of inflammation to ascertain the possibility of an inflammatory mechanism of IL‐6. Nonparametric ANOVA, Fisher's exact, Bonferroni, and Hardy–Weinberg (HW) statistics were used.

Results:

Mean age of adults = 42 (range 26–58) years; 29 patients received enzyme therapy (ERT). Mean total MSSI = 26.7 (range 14.2–39.2) points, i.e. moderate disease, but females were lower (total 23.4 ± 12.6 vs 32.2 ± 13.6). Controls but not patients were in HW equilibrium. Significant correlation existed between all sub‐scores of the MSSI and IL‐6 genotypes in females but only with three MSSI sub‐scores for males. The IL‐6 C/C genotype was significantly correlated with the neurological, general and total MSSI sub‐scores, generally twofold higher. There were no statistically significant correlations with CRP levels/polymorphisms and MSSI sub‐scores nor with IL‐6 polymorphisms. CRP levels decreased after ERT in patients with IL‐6 G/G or G/C genotypes but increased in patients with C/C (p = 0.003).

Conclusions:

The prevalence of the IL‐6 C allele significantly influences MSSI, i.e. clinical severity, especially in females. This is unrelated to IL‐6 as a pro‐inflammatory marker as demonstrated by lack of correlations with CRP levels and genotypes. IL‐6 −174 polymorphic C allele may be a prognostic marker in Fabry disease, especially in females.
Glucagon and insulin responses after ingestion of different amounts of intact and hydrolysed proteins
Authors: Claessens Mandy , Saris Wim H. M. , van Baak Marleen A.
Published: January 2008

Ingestion of dietary protein is known to induce both insulin and glucagon secretion. These responses may be affected by the dose and the form (intact or hydrolysed) in which protein is ingested. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of different amounts of intact protein and protein hydrolysate of a vegetable (soya) and animal (whey) protein on insulin and glucagon responses and to study the effect of increasing protein loads for both intact protein and protein hydrolysate in man. The study employed a repeated-measures design with Latin-square randomisation and single-blind trials. Twelve healthy non-obese males ingested three doses (0·3, 0·4 and 0·6 g/kg body weight) of intact soya protein (SPI) and soya protein hydrolysate (SPH). Another group of twelve healthy male subjects ingested three doses (0·3, 0·4 and 0·6 g/kg body weight) of intact whey protein (WPI) and whey protein hydrolysate (WPH). Blood was sampled before (t = 0) and 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min after protein ingestion for insulin, glucagon and glucose determination. SPI induced a higher total area under the curve for insulin and glucagon than SPH while no difference between WPI and WPH was found. Insulin and glucagon responses increased with increasing protein load for SPI, SPH, WPI and WPH, but the effect was more pronounced for glucagon. A higher dose of protein or its hydrolysate will result in a lower insulin:glucagon ratio, an important parameter for the control of postprandial substrate metabolism. In conclusion, insulin and glucagon responses were protein and hydrolysate specific.
WHO 2006 child growth standards: implications for the prevalence of stunting and underweight-for-age in a birth cohort of Gabonese children in comparison to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2000 growth charts and the National Center for Health Statistics 1978 growth references
Authors: Schwarz Norbert G , Grobusch Martin P , Decker Marie-Luise , Goesch Julia , Poetschke Marc , Oyakhirome Sunny , Kombila Davy , Fortin Julien , Lell Bertrand , Issifou Saadou , Kremsner Peter G , Klipstein-Grobusch Kerstin
Published: January 2008

Objectives

To assess the proportion of children being stunted and underweight-for-age at 3, 9 and 15 months in Lambaréné, Gabon, using the WHO child growth standards released in 2006 as compared with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2000 and the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) 1978 child growth charts/references.

Design and setting

Prospective birth cohort in Lambaréné, Gabon.

Subjects

Two hundred and eighty-nine children from birth to 15 months of age.

Methods

Weight and length were recorded at 3, 9 and 15 months. CorrespondingZscores for stunting and underweight-for-age were calculated for the three different standards/references. Children with a height-for-age or weight-for-age below –2sdof the corresponding reference median (Zscore ≤−2) were classified as stunted or underweight-for-age, respectively.

Results

With the new WHO 2006 standards a higher proportion (4·0 %) of 3-month-old infants were underweight compared with the CDC (1·0 %) or the NCHS (0·7 %) child growth charts/references. In contrast to the NCHS references or the CDC charts, this proportion did not increase from 3 to 9 months or from 9 to 15 months. The proportion of children being stunted was highest (above 20 %) with the WHO 2006 standards at all three ages. Again, in contrast to the old standards, this proportion did not increase from 3 to 9 months or from 9 to 15 months.

Conclusions

The present results show considerably different growth faltering patterns for Gabonese children depending on the growth charts used to assess the prevalence of stunting and underweight. Shifting to the new WHO child growth standards may have important implications for child health programmes.
Approximation of baselines and greenhouse gas reduction scenarios for a small-scale Clean Development Mechanism on agriculture and livestock in ASEAN
Authors: Kaku K. , Ikeguchi A.
Published: January 2008

The baselines for greenhouse gas (GHG) and greenhouse gas reduction scenarios were approximated in Thailand so that a small-scale Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) could be introduced into other Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries. In developing countries, a CDM is defined as the certified emission reduction from a baseline of any project (i.e. by applying new technologies) that could be exchanged for credits, and this credit of certified emission reductions could be acquired by Japan and ASEAN countries. Small-scale CDMs are project activities that reduce anthropogenic emissions and directly emit less than 15 kt of carbon dioxide-equivalents annually. For the success of CDM projects, baseline methodologies are allowed to apply to the United Nations CDM Executive Board. Baseline methodologies use a baseline scenario, which compares the baseline without any project to a case with an emission reduction project. After commencement of a project, reduction of GHG emissions from the baseline by the emission’s reduction project could be exchanged for credit. Therefore, GHG emission from the broiler industry in Thailand was calculated by the Tier 1 method and defaults data in accordance with 2006 IPCC guidelines. The baseline for the waste management system in the broiler industry is defined as drying without energy. Three types of projects on waste management systems the broiler industry were compared: (i) incineration, (ii) drying without energy input and (iii) drying with energy input. Products of these systems are finally used as compost on agricultural fields. The baseline for the manure drying without energy input system was approximated. This baseline was compared with the manure incineration system and the drying with energy input system. GHG emissions produced by adoption of drying broiler manure with energy input could be reduced by ~57% by drying broiler manure without energy input. This reduction in GHG (57%) could be credited to a small-scale CDM when operational. In the future, measurement of GHG on broiler production farms in Thailand should be considered, because estimation with the Tier 1 method, as performed in this study, may not be rigorous enough to be accepted by the CDM Executive Board. After compiling GHG inventories, baseline emissions would be known for the broiler industry in Thailand and other countries in ASEAN. These could then be used to advance CDM.
Targeted technologies for nitrous oxide abatement from animal agriculture
Authors: de Klein C. A. M. , Eckard R. J.
Published: January 2008

Nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions account for ~10% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with most of these emissions (~90%) deriving from agricultural practices. Animal agriculture potentially contributes up to 50% of total agricultural N2O emissions. In intensive animal agriculture, high N2O emission rates generally coincide with anaerobic soil conditions and high soil NO3–, primarily from animal urine patches. This paper provides an overview of animal, feed-based and soil or management abatement technologies for ruminant animal agriculture targeted at reducing the size of the soil NO3– pool or improving soil aeration. Direct measurements of N2O emissions from potential animal and feed-based intervention technologies are scarce. However, studies have shown that they have the potential to reduce urinary N excretion by 3–60% and thus reduce associated N2O emissions. Research on the effect of soil and water management interventions is generally further advanced and N2O reduction potentials of up to 90% have been measured in some instances. Of the currently available technologies, nitrification inhibitors, managing animal diets and fertiliser management show the best potential for reducing emissions in the short-term. However, strategies should always be evaluated in a whole-system context, to ensure that reductions in one part of the system do not stimulate higher emissions elsewhere. Current technologies reviewed here could deliver up to 50% reduction from an animal housing system, but only up to 15% from a grazing-based system. However, given that enteric methane emissions form the majority of emissions from grazing systems, a 15% abatement of N2O is likely to translate to a 2–4% decrease in total GHG emissions at a farm scale. Clearly, further research is needed to develop technologies for improving N cycling and reducing N2O emissions from grazing-based animal production systems.
Measurement of greenhouse gas emissions from Australian feedlot beef production using open-path spectroscopy and atmospheric dispersion modelling
Authors: Loh Zoë , Chen Deli , Bai Mei , Naylor Travis , Griffith David , Hill Julian , Denmead Tom , McGinn Sean , Edis Robert
Published: January 2008

Feedlot production of beef cattle results in concentrated sources of gas emissions to the atmosphere. Reported here are the preliminary results of a micrometeorological study using open-path concentration measurements to determine whole-of-feedlot emissions of methane (CH4) and ammonia (NH3). Tunable near-infrared diode lasers were used to measure line-averaged (150–400 m) open-path concentrations of CH4 and NH3. A backward Lagrangian stochastic model of atmospheric dispersion and the software package WindTrax were used to estimate greenhouse gas fluxes from the measured concentrations. We studied typical Australian beef feedlots in the north (Queensland) and south (Victoria) of the continent. The data from a campaign during summer show a range of CH4 emissions from 146 g/animal.day in Victoria to 166 g/animal.day in Queensland and NH3 emissions from 125 g/animal.day in Victoria to 253 g/animal.day Queensland.
Talin is required for integrin-mediated platelet function in hemostasis and thrombosis
Authors: Petrich Brian G. , Marchese Patrizia , Ruggeri Zaverio M. , Spiess Saskia , Weichert Rachel A.M. , Ye Feng , Tiedt Ralph , Skoda Radek C. , Monkley Susan J. , Critchley David R. , Ginsberg Mark H.
Published: January 2008

Integrins are critical for hemostasis and thrombosis because they mediate both platelet adhesion and aggregation. Talin is an integrin-binding cytoplasmic adaptor that is a central organizer of focal adhesions, and loss of talin phenocopies integrin deletion in Drosophila. Here, we have examined the role of talin in mammalian integrin function in vivo by selectively disrupting the talin1 gene in mouse platelet precursor megakaryocytes. Talin null megakaryocytes produced circulating platelets that exhibited normal morphology yet manifested profoundly impaired hemostatic function. Specifically, platelet-specific deletion of talin1 led to spontaneous hemorrhage and pathological bleeding. Ex vivo and in vitro studies revealed that loss of talin1 resulted in dramatically impaired integrin αIIbβ3-mediated platelet aggregation and β1 integrin–mediated platelet adhesion. Furthermore, loss of talin1 strongly inhibited the activation of platelet β1 and β3 integrins in response to platelet agonists. These data establish that platelet talin plays a crucial role in hemostasis and provide the first proof that talin is required for the activation and function of mammalian α2β1 and αIIbβ3 integrins in vivo.
Medical Students' Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens in the Operating Room: 15 Years Later
Authors: Chen Connie J. , Gallagher Rachel , Gerber Linda M. , Drusin Lewis M. , Roberts Richard B.
Published: January 2008

We compared the rates of exposure to blood in the operating room among third-year medical students during 2005-2006 with the rates reported in a study completed at the same institution during 1990-1991. The number of medical students exposed to blood decreased from 66 (68%) of 97 students during 1990-1991 to 8 (11%) of 75 students during 2005-2006 (P < .001)