bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Type 1 insulin‐like growth factor receptor signaling is essential for the development of the hippocampal formation and dentate gyrus
Authors: Liu Wen , Ye Ping , O'Kusky John R. , D'Ercole A. Joseph
Published: May 2009

Type 1 insulin‐like growth factor receptor (IGF1R) signaling in neuronal development was studied in mutant mice with blunted igf1r gene expression in nestin‐expressing neuronal precursors. At birth [postnatal (P) day 0] brain weights were reduced to 37% and 56% of controls in mice homozygous (nes‐igf1r−/−) and heterozygous (nes‐igf1r−/Wt) for the null mutation, respectively, and this brain growth retardation persisted postnatally. Stereological analysis demonstrated that the volumes of the hippocampal formation, CA fields 1–3, dentate gyrus (DG), and DG granule cell layer (GCL) were decreased by 44–54% at P0 and further by 65–69% at P90 in nes‐igf1r−/Wt mice. In nes‐igf1r−/− mice, volumes were 29–31% of controls at P0 and, in the two mice that survived to P90, 6–19% of controls, although the hilus could not be identified. Neuron density did not differ among the mice at any age studied; therefore, decreased volumes were due to reduced cell number. In postnatal nes‐igf1r−/Wt mice, the percentage of apoptotic cells, as judged by activated caspase‐3 immunostaining, was increased by 3.5–5.3‐fold. The total number of proliferating DG progenitors (labeled by BrdU incorporation and Ki67 staining) was reduced by ∼50%, but the percentage of these cells was similar to the percentages in littermate controls. These findings suggest that 1) the postnatal reduction in DG size is due predominantly to cell death, pointing to the importance of the IGF1R in regulating postnatal apoptosis, 2) surviving DG progenitors remain capable of proliferation despite reduced IGF1R expression, and 3) IGF1R signaling is necessary for normal embryonic brain development. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of regression techniques for mapping fog frequency: application to the Aragón region (northeast Spain)
Authors: Vicente‐Serrano S. M. , López‐Moreno J. I. , Vega‐Rodríguez M. I. , Beguería S. , Cuadrat José M.
Published: May 2009

We compare different spatial interpolation techniques in mapping the monthly frequency of fogs in the Aragón region (northeast Spain). The local and spatially complex nature of the fogs makes them more difficult to map than other climatic variables such as precipitation and temperature. We found clear seasonal differences in the quality of the obtained maps. The localized nature of spring and summer fogs, mainly restricted to valley bottoms in mountainous areas, gives rise to several limitations. The modelling of fog frequency is more complex than that of other climate variables; to improve the model predictions, it is necessary to consider topographic variables that simulate the terrain structure. Moreover, the highly complex nature of the relationship between fog frequency and terrain means that simple linear models perform poorly in accounting for the role of geographic and topographic variables in determining the spatial distribution of fog frequency. The inclusion of non‐linear relationships between fog frequency and terrain variables in the models following a general additive model (GAM) procedure leads to an improvement in model performance because the flexibility of GAMs enables the inclusion of non‐linear relationships and the generation of response‐curve shapes that detail the exact relationship between the dependent variable and predictors throughout the entire range of the variable. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
The North American summer Arctic front during 1948–2007
Authors: Ladd Matthew J. , Gajewski Konrad
Published: May 2009

Boundaries between air masses, frontal zones, are associated with vegetation boundaries. Using gridded climate reanalysis data, we analyse the air masses and frontal zones of North America in relation to the atmospheric circulation and vegetation productivity. The position of the July Arctic front varies significantly through the period 1948–2007, with a mean position similar to that found by Bryson (1966). The variability of the frontal position can be associated with changes in the general circulation; when the Arctic Oscillation (AO) and Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) are positive (negative), the position of the July Arctic front is further north (south). There is also more spatial variability in the July Arctic frontal position in eastern versus western North America. The location of the frontal zone affects the vegetation through impacts on vegetative production; when the July Arctic front is north (south) of the mean position, the boreal forest and tundra vegetation is more (less) productive. Contrary to other studies that have identified changes in air mass frequency distributions and properties in several regions in response to global warming, we could not find clear evidence of significant changes in the position of the Arctic front in recent years. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Comparison of bone loss induced by ovariectomy and neurectomy in rats analyzed by in vivo micro‐CT
Authors: Brouwers Julienne E.M. , Lambers Floor M. , van Rietbergen Bert , Ito Keita , Huiskes Rik
Published: May 2009

We hypothesized that osteoporosis due to estrogen deficiency progresses faster than due to disuse and that at the same amount of bone loss, disuse leads to less favorable bone structure and mechanical properties than estrogen deficiency. Adult rats were either ovariectomized (OVX) (n = 9) or neurectomized (NX) (n = 8). At week 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, in vivo micro‐CT scans were made of the proximal tibia. Segmented CT‐scans at weeks 0 and 4 were used to build a 3D voxel‐based micro finite element model (FEM). Displacement in the longitudinal direction was prescribed at the proximal end leading to a compression step of 1%. The severe reduction in metaphyseal bone volume fraction was not significantly different between OVX and NX. Epiphyseal bone loss was less severe in both groups, and BV/TV was significantly lower after NX. Trabecular separation and degree of anisotropy in the metaphysis and connectivity and trabecular number in the epiphysis were significantly more deteriorated after NX. FEM‐derived stiffness decreased in both groups, but more after NX. Osteoporosis due to estrogen‐deficiency progressed overall at a rate similar to osteoporosis due to disuse. At the same amount of induced bone loss, disuse led to more deteriorated bone structure and mechanical properties than estrogen deficiency. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:1521–1527, 2009
Crystalline Structure and Ferroelectric Response of Poly(vinylidene fluoride)/Organically Modified Silicate Thin Films Prepared by Heat Controlled Spin Coating
Authors: Ramasundaram Subramaniyan , Yoon Sun , Kim Kap Jin , Lee Jong Soon , Park Cheolmin
Published: May 2009

Ultra‐thin films of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and its organically modified silicate (OMS) nanocomposites were prepared by heat‐controlled spin coating and characterized using FTIR‐GIRAS, AFM, DC‐EFM, and P–E measurements. Incorporation of OMS, Lucentite STN into the PVDF matrix favored the preferential formation of β‐phase in nanoscale thin films, irrespective of preparation temperature. The PVDF–OMS nanocomposite films have a little higher degree of orientation of molecular chains along the ITO substrate surface than that of the neat PVDF film. This gave the PVDF–OMS nanocomposite higher remanent polarization and better contrast in a DC‐EFM phase image. Unlike the thick PVDF–OMS nanocomposites films showing only α‐crystalline phase after quenching and slow cooling from the melt, the nanoscale thin PVDF–OMS films showed a mixture of β‐ and γ‐crystalline phases without any trace of α‐crystalline phase.

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Synthesis of Conducting Polymer Spiral Nanostructures Using a Surfactant Crystallite Template
Authors: Wang Yong , Chen Wei , Zhou Dongshan , Xue Gi
Published: May 2009

The present work describes, for the first time, the synthesis of spiral nanostructures of conducting polymers by chemical oxidant polymerization using a hydrated surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulfonate (SDSn)) crystallite template. A spiral dislocation structure on the surface of a hydrated SDSn crystallite has been observed and is responsible for the growth of the spiral nanoarchitecture of conducting polymers (polypyrrole, polyaniline). Ammonium peroxydisulfate (APS) has a strong tendency to induce the formation of a spiral dislocation structure of hydrated SDSn crystallites. The mechanism of adsorption of pyrrole or aniline oligomers on the steps of dislocation is proposed for the growth of conducting polymer spirals.

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Proteomics of the photoneuroendocrine circadian system of the brain
Authors: Møller Morten , Lund‐Andersen Casper , Rovsing Louise , Sparre Thomas , Bache Nicolai , Roepstorff Peter , Vorum Henrik
Published: May 2009

The photoneuroendocrine circadian system of the brain consists of (a) specialized photoreceptors in the retina, (b) a circadian generator located in the forebrain that contains “clock genes,” (c) specialized nuclei in the forebrain involved in neuroendocrine secretion, and (d) the pineal gland. The circadian generator is a nucleus, called the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). The neurons of this nucleus contain “clock genes,” the transcription of which exhibits a circadian rhythm. Most circadian rhythms are generated by the neurons of this nucleus and, via neuronal and humoral connections, the SCN controls circadian activity of the brain and peripheral tissues. The endogenous oscillator of the SCN is each day entrained to the length of the daily photoperiod by light that reach the retina, and specialized photoreceptors transmit impulses to the SCN via the optic nerves. Mass screening for day/night variations in gene expression in the circadian system as well as in the whole brain and peripheral tissues have, during the last decade, been performed. However, studies of circadian changes in the proteome have been less investigated. In this survey, the anatomy and function of the circadian‐generating system in mammals is described, and recent proteomic studies that investigate day/night changes in the retina, SCN, and pineal gland are reviewed. Further circadian changes controlled by the SCN in gene and protein expression in the liver are discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 29:313–325, 2010
Intrajejunal levodopa infusion in Parkinson's disease: A pilot multicenter study of effects on nonmotor symptoms and quality of life
Authors: Honig Holger , Antonini Angelo , Martinez‐Martin Pablo , Forgacs Ian , Faye Guy C. , Fox Thomas , Fox Karen , Mancini Francesca , Canesi Margherita , Odin Per , Chaudhuri K. Ray
Published: May 2009

Switching from oral medications to continuous infusion of levodopa/carbidopa gel reduces motor complications in advanced Parkinson's disease (PD), but effects on nonmotor symptoms (NMSs) are unknown. In this prospective open‐label observational study, we report the effects of intrajejunal levodopa/carbidopa gel infusion on NMS in PD based on standard assessments utilizing the nonmotor symptoms scale (NMSS) along with the unified Parkinson's disease rating scale (UPDRS 3 motor and 4 complications) and quality of life (QoL) using the Parkinson's disease questionnaire (PDQ‐8). Twenty‐two advanced PD patients (mean age 58.6 years, duration of disease 15.3 years) were followed for 6 months. A statistically significant beneficial effect was shown in six of the nine domains of the NMSS: cardiovascular, sleep/fatigue, attention/memory, gastrointestinal, urinary, and miscellaneous (including pain and dribbling) and for the total score of this scale (NMSST) paralleling improvement of motor symptoms (UPDRS 3 motor and 4 complications in “best on” state) and dyskinesias/motor fluctuations. In addition, significant improvements were found using the Parkinson's disease sleep scale (PDSS) and the PDQ‐8 (QoL). The improvement in PDQ‐8 scores correlated highly significantly with the changes in NMSST, whereas a moderately strong correlation was observed with UPDRS changes. This is the first demonstration that a levodopa‐based continuous dopaminergic stimulation is beneficial for NMS and health‐related quality of life in PD in addition to the reduction of motor fluctuations and dyskinesias. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Gene expression, cell cycle arrest and MAPK signalling regulation in Caco‐2 cells exposed to ellagic acid and its metabolites, urolithins
Authors: González‐Sarrías Antonio , Espín Juan‐Carlos , Tomás‐Barberán Francisco A. , García‐Conesa María‐Teresa
Published: May 2009

Novel gene expression profiles and cellular functions modulated in Caco‐2 cells in response to the dietary polyphenol, ellagic acid (EA), and its colonic metabolites, urolithin‐A (3,8‐dihydroxy‐6H‐dibenzo[b,d] pyran‐6‐one) and urolithin‐B (3‐hydroxy‐6H‐dibenzo[b,d] pyran‐6‐one) have been identified. Exposure of cells to EA and urolithins arrested cell growth at the S‐ and G2/M‐phases. Transcriptional profiling using microarray and functional analysis revealed changes in the expression levels of MAPK signalling genes such as, growth factor receptors (FGFR2,EGFR), oncogenes (K‐Ras,c‐Myc), and tumour suppressors (DUSP6,Fos) and of genes involved in cell cycle (CCNB1,CCNB1IP1). Results suggest that EA and urolithin‐A and ‐B, at concentrations achievable in the lumen from the diet, might contribute to colon cancer prevention by modulating the expression of multiple genes in epithelial cells lining the colon. Some of these genes are involved in key cellular processes associated with cancer development and are currently being investigated as potential chemopreventive targets.
Inhibition of mutagenic PhIP formation by epigallocatechin gallate via scavenging of phenylacetaldehyde
Authors: Cheng Ka‐Wing , Wong Chi Chun , Chao Jianfei , Lo Clive , Chen Feng , Chu Ivan K. , Che Chi‐Ming , Ho Chi‐Tang , Wang Mingfu
Published: May 2009

Chemical model investigation showed that both epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and its peracetate, which has all the hydroxyl groups acetylated, effectively reduced the formation of 2‐amino‐1‐methyl‐6‐phenylimidazo[4,5‐b]pyridine (PhIP), the most abundant mutagenic heterocyclic amine found in foods. Mechanistic study was subsequently carried out to characterize the probable inhibitory mechanism involved. GC‐MS analysis showed that EGCG in only one‐fourth molar quantity of phenylalanine reduced formation of phenylacetaldehyde, a key PhIP intermediate by nearly 90%. Its peracetate also showed similar inhibitory activity. This further supported the existence of an antioxidant‐independent mechanism contributing to the inhibition of PhIP formation by EGCG. Subsequent LC‐MS analyses of samples from a wide range of model systems consisting of PhIP precursors showed the generation of characteristic analytes with molecular weight corresponding to the sum of EGCG and phenylalanine fragment(s) only in models where phenylalanine and EGCG were simultaneously present. An isotope‐labeling study revealed that these analytes all contained fragment(s) of phenylalanine origin. Direct reaction employing phenylacetaldehyde and EGCG further confirmed the capability of EGCG to form adducts with phenylacetaldehyde, thus reducing its availability for PhIP formation. Finally, an investigation of the time course of the generation of postulated adduction products supported EGCG as an effective inhibitor of PhIP formation in prolonged heating processes.
Comparative analysis of 13C shielding constants stereospecificity in the silicon and germanium derivatives of acetylenic aldehyde and ketone oximes based on the 13C NMR spectroscopy and GIAO calculations
Authors: Afonin Andrei V. , Pavlov Dmitry V. , Mareev Alexander V. , Simonenko Dmitry E. , Ushakov Igor A.
Published: May 2009

In the acetylenic aldehyde oximes with substituents containing silicon and germanium, the 13C NMR signal of the C‐2 carbon of triple bond is shifted by 3.5 ppm to lower frequency and that of the C‐3 carbon is moved by 7 ppm to higher frequency on going from E to Z isomer. A greater low‐frequency effect of 5.5 ppm on the C‐2 carbon signal and a greater high‐frequency effect of 11 ppm on the C‐3 carbon signal are observed in the analogous acetylenic ketone oximes. The carbon chemical shift of the CN bond is larger by 4 ppm in E isomer relative to Z isomer for the aldehyde and ketone oximes. The 29Si chemical shifts in the silicon containing acetylenic aldehyde and ketone oximes are almost the same for the diverse isomers. The trends in changes of the measured chemical shifts are well reproduced by the gauge‐including atomic orbital (GIAO) calculations of the 13C and 29Si shielding constants. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Macromol. React. Eng. 4/2009
Authors: Al‐Harthi Mamdouh , Khan Masihullah J. , Abbasi Sarfraz H. , Soares João B. P.
Published: May 2009

Cover: The figure illustrates a modeling approach to atom transfer radical copolymerization in a semibatch reactor using dynamic Monte Carlo simulations, and reveals a glimpse of the vast results presented in our article. Dynamic Monte Carlo simulation presents a myriad of results with accuracy, lesser computation time and with ease in programming. Further details can be found in the article by M. Al‐Harthi,* J. Masihullah, S. H. Abbasi, J. B. P. Soares on page 148.
Algorithm for the introduction of rapid‐acting insulin analogues in patients with type 2 diabetes on basal insulin therapy
Authors: Owens DR , Schalkwyk C van , Smith P , Beer S , Goenka N , Bain SC , Bootle S , Robertson D , Robinson A , Shaw JAM
Published: May 2009

More than 4% of men and 3% of women in the UK are known to have type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, an ageing population and increasing prevalence of obesity, both associated with the onset of diabetes, mean that the number of people with the condition is expected to rise dramatically. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to the development of complications such as retinopathy, neuropathy and myocardial infarction, the treatment of which places an ever increasing burden on health care services. The incidence of such complications can be reduced by adequate glycaemic control, and this can be achieved using an evolving therapeutic strategy which comprises a variety of treatment options involving oral hypoglycaemic agents and insulin preparations, tailored to meet the progressive nature of the condition. Diet and lifestyle modifications have limited long‐term success in maintaining glycaemic control, and it is recommended that metformin, an oral hypoglycaemic agent, is introduced from diagnosis. Meal‐related blood glucose peaks pose a particular challenge to achieving overall glycaemic control, and the introduction of prandial insulin using short‐acting insulin analogues is effective in quickly lowering postprandial blood glucose.

This article presents an algorithm that has been developed to provide guidance to health care professionals on the use of prandial insulin to control excessive post‐meal glycaemic excursions in persons with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled (HbA1c >7%) on basal insulin, with or without oral hypoglycaemic agents. Copyright ©2009 John Wiley & Sons.
Spectroscopic study of the low‐dimensional (C3H7NH3)2CdCl4 crystal irradiated with X‐rays
Authors: Kapustianyk Volodymyr , Panasyuk Myron , Partyka Maryan , Rudyk Viktor , Tsybulskyy Volodymyr
Published: May 2009

The optical absorption spectra of the two‐dimensional crystals of n ‐(C3H7NH3)2CdCl4 induced by X‐ray irradiation at 20 K were studied and compared with those for the as‐received sample. It has been found that X‐irradiation causes effects similar to those observed in the related crystals of (Cn H2n +1NH3)2CdCl4 (n = 1, 2). New optical absorption bands (IR bands) were found in the region 10–17 kcm–1, besides the absorption band of the Cl2– molecular center characteristic of this compound. The absorption intensities of these bands decrease at temperatures higher than 40 K accompanying the decrease of the Cl2– concentration in n‐ (C3H7NH3)2CdCl4 crystals. These IR bands are assigned to the electron‐trapped center where an electron is trapped by an alkylammonium head in the neighborhood of a Cl– vacancy. Such a model was found to be in good agreement with the results of the X‐ray luminescence and thermoluminescence study. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Threading dislocations annihilation in regrown GaN film on nanoporous GaN template
Authors: Soh C. B. , Hartono H. , Chow S. Y. , Chua S. J. , Tripathy S.
Published: May 2009

Regrowth of GaN buffer layer on nanoporous GaN at different chamber temperature of 750 °C, 850 °C and 1000 °C are used to study the mechanism behind threading dislocations reduction in the GaN film subsequently overgrown. The growth of a 100 nm GaN buffer layer at 850 °C causes dislocations to bend into the underlying GaN and annihilated at the interface of GaN buffer/nanoporous GaN. Thermal treatment of nanoporous GaN in MOCVD growth chamber at 850 °C in NH3 and N2 ambient leads to the pinning of the threading dislocations at its surface edge steps by impurity –vacancy complexes of SiNx. The SiNx are formed by the impinging adatoms of NH3 which interact with Si dangling bonds at the subgrain boundaries of the nanoporous Si‐doped GaN. When the nanoporous GaN sample undergoes rapid thermal annealing in N2 ambient, no effective filling of these voids are observed and dislocations density is not substantial reduced. Regrowth of GaN at 850 °C re‐structured the nanoporous GaN, forming a SiNx complex at the voids or pores which pinned dislocation propagation. This explained the mechanism behind dislocation annihilation in regrown GaN on nanoporous GaN template with the use of additional interfacial GaN buffer layer. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Growth of M ‐plane (10‐10) InN on LiAlO2 (100) substrate
Authors: Takagi Yusuke , Muto Daisuke , Yamaguchi Tomohiro , Araki Tsutomu , Nanishi Yasushi
Published: May 2009

In this study, we report the growth and characterization of M ‐plane InN films on LiAlO2 (100) substrates by radio‐frequency plasma assisted molecular beam epitaxy (RF‐MBE). InN films were grown at various temperatures and under various V/III ratios on the substrates. Pure M ‐plane InN films were successfully grown at a high temperature of 450 °C and under a slightly In‐rich condition, while the incorporation of C ‐plane phase was observed in M ‐plane InN films grown at low temperatures of less than 400 °C or under a N‐rich condition. These indicate that controls of growth temperature and V/III ratio are important for the growth of pure M ‐plane InN films. The in‐plane epitaxial relationships of M ‐plane InN on LiAlO2 (100) were [0001]InN // [010]LiAlO2 and [1‐210]InN // [001]LiAlO2. A surface electron accumulation layer on the obtained M ‐plane InN film is also discussed. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A method for assessing and maintaining the reproducibility of mass spectrometric analyses of complex samples
Authors: Lecchi Paolo , Zhao Jinghua , Wiggins Wesley S. , Chen Tzong‐Hao , Bertenshaw Greg P. , Yip Ping F. , Mansfield Brian C. , Peltier John M.
Published: May 2009

Direct injection mass spectrometric analysis of biological samples is potentially an attractive approach to the discovery of diagnostic patterns for specific pathophysiological conditions because of its speed and simplicity. Despite the possible benefits offered by such a method, its extensive application has been limited so far by several factors, including the inadequate reproducibility of the analytical results. We describe a method for monitoring and optimizing the performance of mass spectrometers used for biomarker discovery studies, based on the analysis of patterns of standardized spectral features. The method was successfully applied to maintaining spectral reproducibility during a multi‐day analysis of hundreds of serum samples despite an ion source failure, which necessitated minor maintenance. The monitoring method allowed the early detection of that failure and the restoration of the spectral profiles after the system was restarted. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deployment algorithms for a power‐constrained mobile sensor network
Authors: Kwok Andrew , Martínez Sonia
Published: May 2009

This paper presents distributed coverage algorithms for mobile sensor networks in which agents have limited power to move. Rather than making use of a constrained optimization technique, our approach accounts for power constraints by assigning non‐homogeneously time‐varying regions to each robot. This leads to novel partitions of the environment into limited‐range, generalized Voronoi regions. The motion control algorithms are then designed to ascend the gradient of several types of locational optimization functions. In particular, the objective functions reflect the global energy available to the group and different coverage criteria. As we discuss in the paper, this has an effect on limiting each agent's velocity to save energy and balance its expenditure across the network. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanofountain‐Probe‐Based High‐Resolution Patterning and Single‐Cell Injection of Functionalized Nanodiamonds
Authors: Loh Owen , Lam Robert , Chen Mark , Moldovan Nicolaie , Huang Houjin , Ho Dean , Espinosa Horacio D.
Published: May 2009

Nanodiamonds are rapidly emerging as promising carriers for next‐generation therapeutics and drug delivery. However, developing future nanoscale devices and arrays that harness these nanoparticles will require unrealized spatial control. Furthermore, single‐cell in vitro transfection methods lack an instrument that simultaneously offers the advantages of having nanoscale dimensions and control and continuous delivery via microfluidic components. To address this, two modes of controlled delivery of functionalized diamond nanoparticles are demonstrated using a broadly applicable nanofountain probe, a tool for direct‐write nanopatterning with sub‐100‐nm resolution and direct in vitro single‐cell injection. This study demonstrates the versatility of the nanofountain probe as a tool for high‐fidelity delivery of functionalized nanodiamonds and other agents in nanomanufacturing and single‐cell biological studies. These initial demonstrations of controlled delivery open the door to future studies examining the nanofountain probe's potential in delivering specific doses of DNA, viruses, and other therapeutically relevant biomolecules.
[3H]4‐(Dimethylamino)‐N‐[4‐(4‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)piperazin‐ 1‐yl)butyl]benzamide, a selective radioligand for dopamine D3receptors. I. In vitro characterization
Authors: Xu Jinbin , Chu Wenhua , Tu Zhude , Jones Lynne A. , Luedtke Robert R. , Perlmutter Joel S. , Mintun Mark A. , Mach Robert H.
Published: May 2009

4‐(Dimethylamino)‐N‐(4‐(4‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)piperazin‐1‐yl)butyl)benzamide (WC‐10), aN‐phenyl piperazine analog, has been shown to have high affinity and selectivity for dopamine D3receptors versus dopamine D2receptors (Chu et al. [2005] Bioorg Med Chem 13:77–87). In this study,WC‐10was radiolabeled with tritium (specific activity = 80 Ci/mmol) and [3H]WC‐10binding to genetically cloned dopamine D2Land D3receptors was evaluated in vitro. [3H]WC‐10binds with a 66‐fold higher affinity to human HEK D3than HEK D2Lreceptors, with a dissociation constant (Kd) of 1.2 nM at HEK D3receptors. However, [3H]WC‐10binds to rat Sf9 rD3receptors with aKdof 3.9 nM, a value that is 3‐fold lower than binding to human HEK D3receptors and 40‐fold value higher than binding to rat Sf9 rD2Lreceptors. TheKdvalues obtained from saturation binding experiments were consistent with the results determined from kinetic (konandkoff) studies. The pharmacologic profiles of a series of dopaminergic drugs for inhibiting the binding of [3H]WC‐10to D3receptors was in agreement with previously reported data. In vitro autoradiography studies of rat and monkey brains show that [3H]WC‐10labeled D3sites in the striatal region. Synapse 63:717–728, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of dominant ground frequency and soil on multiple tuned mass dampers
Authors: Li Chunxiang , Han Bingkang
Published: May 2009

Using the proposed model of earthquake ground motions, the parametric study is performed to examine the effects of the DGF and SC on the performance of the MTMD with identical stiffness and damping coefficient but unequal mass. Examination on the optimum parameters of the MTMD is conducted through minimization of the minimum values of the maximum displacement dynamic magnification factors of the structure with the MTMD. The optimum parameters of the MTMD include the optimum frequency spacing measuring the robustness, average damping ratio and tuning frequency ratio. Minimizing the minimum values of the maximum displacement dynamic magnification factors, non‐dimensionalized by the maximum displacement dynamic magnification factors of the structure without the MTMD, is used to measure the effectiveness of the MTMD. Likewise, an evaluation is made on the stroke displacement of the MTMD through assessing the maximum displacement dynamic magnification factors of each TMD in the MTMD. The results indicate that DGF and SC, in particular, the former, have significant effects on the optimum parameters, effectiveness and stroke displacement of the MTMD. Nonetheless, the MTMD may be used to reduce the seismic response of the structure with controlled natural frequency less than DGF. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of peak structural responses based on consistent elastic and inelastic design spectra
Authors: Swensen Scott , Wong Kevin
Published: May 2009

Many structures built in seismically active regions are expected to behave nonlinearly during an earthquake event. Because of the complex and cumbersome nature of nonlinear time history structural analysis, more recent research has been focused on a way of producing inelastic response spectra that will accurately estimate the peak structural responses. In this paper, peak acceleration and displacement values for three different two‐dimensional steel frames were determined using linear and nonlinear time history analysis, and the results were then compared with peak responses found using elastic and inelastic response spectrum analysis. In order to compare the accuracy of these methods, 12 ground motions were adjusted using spectral matching to produce 12 different ground motion histories with nearly identical 5% damped elastic design spectra for the University of Utah location in Salt Lake City, as specified by the United States Geological Survey. It was determined that linear response spectrum analysis proves to be a fairly accurate estimate of time history peak responses. While inelastic response spectrum analysis was found to provide a somewhat less accurate estimation of time history peak responses, the method still shows promise as a simpler and less computationally intensive alternative to time history analysis. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of extraction temperature and refining on the Halphen‐test response of cottonseed oil
Authors: Bailey August V. , Magne Frank C. , Pittman Robert A. , Skau Evald L.
Published: May 2009

Cottonseed oil of higher Halpen‐acid‐moiety concentration can be obtained by hot hexane extraction of cotton‐seed meats from which the oil has already been partially extracted at room temperature. The intensity of the Halphen‐test color solution is affected by many nitrogen‐containing substances including soybean phosphatides.
Neocolonialism: The Kenya Case
Authors: Murapa Rukudzo
Published: May 2009

The object of neo-colonialism is to change the alignment of independence forces in favour of imperialism, to place power in the hands of those who will forsake the national interest to advance themselves.

Oginga Odinga, Not Yet Uhuru, p. 250
Molecular Mechanisms of Obesity and Diabetes: At the Intersection of Weight Regulation, Inflammation, and Glucose Homeostasis
Authors: O’Rourke Robert W.
Published: May 2009

Obesity is a major health crisis, and diabetes is one of its most serious sequelae. Obesity is associated with a state of chronic systemic inflammation that is a primary etiologic factor in the development of insulin resistance and diabetes. This inflammatory state is based in adipose tissue and mediated in large part by tissue macrophages and their cytokine and adipokine products. Recent research has identified specific molecular mediators of the link between inflammation and insulin resistance in obesity. Study of these mediators and the specific mechanisms underlying inflammation and insulin resistance in obesity holds the promise for novel pharmacotherapy for obesity‐related metabolic disease.
Allee threshold and extinction threshold for spatially explicit metapopulation dynamics with Allee effects
Authors: Sato Kazunori
Published: May 2009

In this paper, we investigate a spatially explicit metapopulation model with Allee effects. We refer to the patch occupancy model introduced by Levins (Bull Entomol Soc Am 15:237–240, 1969) as a spatially implicit metapopulation model, i.e., each local patch is either occupied or vacant and a vacant patch can be recolonized by a randomly chosen occupied patch from anywhere in the metapopulation. When we transform the model into a spatially explicit one by using a lattice model, the obtained model becomes theoretically equivalent to a “lattice logistic model” or a “basic contact process”. One of the most popular or standard metapopulation models with Allee effects, developed by Amarasekare (Am Nat 152:298–302, 1998), supposes that those effects are introduced formally by means of a logistic equation. However, it is easier to understand the ecological meaning of associating Allee effects with this model if we suppose that only the logistic colonization term directly suffers from Allee effects. The resulting model is also well defined, and therefore we can naturally examine it by Monte Carlo simulation and by doublet and triplet decoupling approximation. We then obtain the following specific features of one‐dimensional lattice space: (1) the metapopulation as a whole does not have an Allee threshold for initial population size even when each local population follows the Allee effects; and (2) a metapopulation goes extinct when the extinction rate of a local population is lower than that in the spatially implicit model. The real ecological metapopulation lies between two extremes: completely mixing interactions between patches on the one hand and, on the other, nearest neighboring interactions with only two nearest neighbors. Thus, it is important to identify the metapopulation structure when we consider the problems of invasion species such as establishment or the speed of expansion.
Synthesis and Characterization of Lauryl Trimethyl Ammonium Surfactants with New Counteranion Types
Authors: Xu Bao‐cai , Han Fu , Shui Jin‐huan , Zhou Ya‐wen
Published: May 2009

A new family of lauryl trimethyl ammonium surfactants of the general formula CH3(CH2)11 N+(CH3)3X− (X = CH3OCOO, HCOO, CH3COO, CH3CHOHCOO) were prepared and characterized both structurally and as aqueous surfactants. Lauryl trimethyl ammonium mono‐methyl carbonate was synthesized by using dimethyl carbonate (DMC) as the alkylating agent and lauryl dimethyl amine as the starting material. The latter compound was reacted with formic acid, acetic acid, and lactic acid, respectively, to give the corresponding quaternary ammonium salts with other counteranions. They were structurally characterized by IR, 1H NMR, MS. Members of this family reduced the surface tension of water to 32–38 mN/m at concentration levels of 10−2 mol/L.
Characterization of fish oil‐in‐water emulsions using light‐scattering, nuclear magnetic resonance, and gas chromatography‐headspace analyses
Authors: Shen Zhiping , Udabage Punsandani , Burgar Iko , Augustin Mary Ann
Published: May 2009

The effect of the molecular environment on the physical and oxidative properties of homogenized or microfluidized fish oil‐in‐water emulsions (5% w/w tuna oil in pH 7 phosphate buffer) stabilized by whey protein isolate (WPI, 1 or 5% w/w) or lecithin (2.5% w/w) was examined. Laser light‐scattering measurements showed that WPI‐stabilized emulsions had smaller particle sizes than lecithin‐stabilized emulsions, and that higher pressures reduced the particle size. WPI afforded more protection against oil oxidation than did lecithin, as evidenced by the lower headspace propanal of emulsions as measured by GC‐headspace analysis, despite the larger interface in WPI‐stabilized emulsions. Reducing the concentration of WPI in emulsions from 5 to 1% decreased the oxidative stability of WPI‐stabilized emulsions. The 1H NMR transverse relaxation times (T2) of FA chains in emulsion droplets stabilized by the same surfactants made by homogenization or microfluidization were different and not always related to particle size. The higher mobility (i.e., longer T2) of the unsaturated parts of the FA chains within an oil droplet, compared with the saturated parts, suggests that the unsaturated components tended to stay in the core of the oil droplets. This experimental result supports the hypothesis reported in other literature that the more unsaturated FA are buried in the oil core of oil‐in‐water emulsions. The lack of a universal correlation between particle size and oxidation suggests that the mobility of particles in an emulsion has an influence on the rate of oxidation.
Deacidification of soybean oil using supercritical fluid and membrane technology
Authors: Artz W. E. , Kinyanjui T. , Cheryan M.
Published: May 2009

Membrane processing has been used for oil purification, but low flux and membrane instability are major impediments. A technique that combines membrane processing and supercritical CO2 was investigated. A specialized, high‐pressure, dead‐end membrane cell was designed, fabricated, and connected to two ISCO (Lincoln, NE) supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) systems. The cell has a base with a grooved bottom for permeate removal, plus a porous metal disc for membrane support; a cell body with threaded connections; and a cap with an inlet assembly. One SFE pump provided the appropriate pressure on the feed stream, the second maintained pressure on the permeate at a slightly lower pressure. The sample consisted of 50% TAG and 50% FFA. For example, for separations at 45°C and a transmembrane pressure of 7‐atm, the β (selectivity factor) values (TAG, FFA) for the SE and BW membranes were 0.56, 3.63 and 0.60, 2.63, respectively, whereas the β values (TAG, FFA) for the DK and NF90 membranes were 0.58, 1.37 and 0.70, 1.28, respectively.
Optimization of enzymatic assay for the measurement of lipoxygenase activity in organic solvent media
Authors: Vega Mireille , Karboune Salwa , Husson Florence , Kermasha Selim
Published: May 2009

Lipoxygenases (LOX; EC 1.13.11.12) are an important class of non‐heme iron enzymes that catalyze the di‐oxidation of PUFA to hydroperoxy FA, which can be measured by the xylenol orange method (FOX). To determine the enzymatic production of these FA in organic solvent media, the FOX assay was optimized using the standard cumene hydroperoxide. An increase in the proportion of methanol from 0 to 75% in the FOX reagent resulted in a 93% increase in the molar absorption coefficients at 560 nm. In addition, the presence of linoleic acid in the cumene hydroperoxide sample enhanced the formation of the FOX complex, resulting in a 50% increase in the sensitivity of the method. Moreover, when perchloric acid was used, the source of ferrous ions and presence of denatured LOX had little effect on the sensitivity of the FOX assay whereas sensitivity decreased by 40–46% with sulfuric acid. The overall results demonstrated that the modified FOX assay may be used for the precise and accurate measurement of hydroperoxy FA obtained by LOX activity in organic solvent media.
The effects of travel information presentation through nomadic systems on driver behaviour
Authors: Brookhuis K. A. , Dicke M.
Published: May 2009

Introduction

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of providing travel information to drivers about a traffic jam ahead and a potential detour or short-cut. Two groups of participants, native and non-native Dutch speakers were requested to drive in a driving simulator under both calm and dense traffic conditions.

Method

Travel-information was presented by means of three nomadic systems; in visual mode on a PDA and on a mobile phone via SMS, and through a mobile phone in auditory mode via the (simulator mock-up) vehicle’s audio system.

Results

The results showed that with regard to usability the SMS message was evaluated worse than the other two systems, while with respect to cognitive processing, SMS caused more subjective (i.e. experienced) workload than the other two systems. Native participants believed any information-providing system to be less useful than non-native participants did. All participants remembered more of the information when traffic was dense whereas natives remembered more than non-natives. With regard to performance and safety, driving performance was better when traffic was calm, as compared to dense traffic; however, compensation was shown by lowering driving speed in the latter condition. After participants were provided with travel information, their driving performance with respect to the consequences of distraction differed between systems.

Conclusion

The auditory information provision system allowed the best driving performance; the other two systems required the participants to look away from the road (too) long compromising safety, while reading an SMS took longer than scanning a PDA.
The vehicle approach for freight road transport energy and environmental analysis in Spain
Authors: Pérez-Martínez P. J.
Published: May 2009

Purpose and methodology

This paper summarizes the results of a permanent road freight sample survey carried out in 1997-2003 on heavy duty vehicles in Spain. In particular, this work reviews some of the key indicators that are measuring the efficiency and the operational performance of the freight road transport. The indicators of transport are coming directly and indirectly from the survey. The survey is based on a stratified random sampling, and represents an audit of the performance of 41,600 vehicles in a yearly basis.

Main results

Although the study shows wide variation in absolute values between 1997 and 2003, energy and environment efficiencies improve by 0.2%.

Conclusions

Nevertheless, assumptions and analyses of freight road transport in Spain find significant new points of view to the problems in order to assess vehicle utilization, fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions.
CONSANGUINEOUS MARRIAGES IN MOROCCO AND THE CONSEQUENCE FOR THE INCIDENCE OF AUTOSOMAL RECESSIVE DISORDERS
Authors: JAOUAD I. CHERKAOUI , ELALAOUI S. CHAFAÏ , SBITI A. , ELKERH F. , BELMAHI L. , SEFIANI A.
Published: May 2009

Consanguineous marriage is traditionally common throughout Arab countries. This leads to an increased birth prevalence of infants with recessive disorders, congenital malformations, morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of consanguineous marriage in families with autosomal recessive diseases, and to compare it with the average rate of consanguinity in the Moroccan population. The study was conducted in the Department of Medical Genetics in Rabat on 176 families with autosomal recessive diseases diagnosed and confirmed by clinical, radiological, enzymatic or molecular investigations. The rate of consanguinity was also studied in 852 families who had infants with trisomy 21 confirmed by karyotyping. These families were chosen because: (i) there is no association between trisomy 21 and consanguinity, (ii) these cases are referred from different regions of Morocco and (iii) they concern all social statuses. Among 176 families with autosomal recessive disorders, consanguineous marriages comprised 59.09% of all marriages. The prevalence of consanguinity in Morocco was found to be 15.25% with a mean inbreeding coefficient of 0.0065. The differences in the rates of consanguineous marriages were highly significant when comparing the general population and couples with offspring affected by autosomal recessive conditions. These results place Morocco among the countries in the world with high rates of consanguinity. Autosomal recessive disorders are strongly associated with consanguinity. This study better defines the health risks associated with consanguinity for the development of genetic educational guidelines targeted at the public and the health sector.
Mean induction and diffusion: the influence of spatial coherence
Authors: COURVOISIER ALICE , HUGHES DAVID W. , TOBIAS STEVEN M.
Published: May 2009

Within the same framework we calculate the mean induction of a magnetic field and the mean diffusivity of a passive scalar, for two families of flows in which the degree of spatial decorrelation can be systematically adjusted. We investigate the dependence of these quantities both on the spatial decoherence and on the molecular diffusivity. We demonstrate that for flows with similar global properties, the mean induction is dramatically reduced as the flows become less spatially correlated; the mean diffusivity, on the other hand, shows no significant or systematic variation.
Capillary damping of inviscid surface waves in a circular cylinder
Authors: KIDAMBI R.
Published: May 2009

We consider the effect of a wetting condition at the moving contact line on the frequency and damping of surface waves on an inviscid liquid in a circular cylinder. The velocity potential φ and the free surface elevation η are sought as complex eigenfunction expansions. The φ eigenvalues are the classical ones whereas the η eigenvalues are unknown and have to be computed so as to satisfy the wetting condition on the contact line and the other free surface conditions – these turn out to be complex in general. A projection of the latter conditions on to an appropriate basis leads to an eigenvalue problem, for the complex frequency Ω, which has to be solved iteratively with the wetting condition. The variation of Ω with liquid depthh, Bond numberBo, capillary coefficient λ and static contact angle θc0is explored for the (1, 0),(2, 0),(0, 1),(3, 0) and (4, 0) modes. The damping vanishes for λ = 0 (pinned-end edge condition) and λ = ∞ (free-end edge condition) with a maximum in the interior while the frequency decreases with increasing λ, approaching limiting values at the endpoints. A comparison with the analytic results of Miles (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 222, 1991, p. 197) for the no-meniscus case and the experimental results of Cocciaro, Faetti, & Festa (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 246, 1993, p. 43), where a meniscus is present, is good. The study provides a simple procedure for calculating the inviscid capillary damping associated with the moving contact line in a circular cylinder of finite depth with meniscus effects also being considered.
Induced-charge electrokinetic flows about polarizable nano-particles: the thick-Debye-layer limit
Authors: HAMED MOHAMMAD ABU , YARIV EHUD
Published: May 2009

Using the standard weak-field approximation, we analyse the steady-state electrokinetic flow about an uncharged ideally polarizable spherical particle for the case of a Debye thickness which is large compared with the particle size. The dimensionless problem is governed by two parameters: β, the applied field magnitude (normalized with the thermal scale), and λ, the Debye thickness (normalized with particle size). The double limit β ≪ 1 and λ ≫ 1 is singular, and the resolution of the flow field requires the use of inner–outer asymptotic expansions in the spirit of Proudman & Pearson (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 2, 1957, p. 237). Two asymptotic limits are identified: the ‘moderately thick’ limit βλ ≪ 1, in which the outer domain is characterized by the Debye thickness, and the ‘super-thick’ limit βλ ≫ 1, in which the outer domain represents the emergence of electro-migration in the leading-order ionic-transport process. The singularity is stronger in the comparable two-dimensional flow about a circular cylinder, where a switchback mechanism in the moderately thick limit modifies the familiar O(β2) leading-order flow to O(β2 ln λ).