bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medicolegal and Ethical Issues in the Practice of Toxicology: A British Perspective
Authors: D'Auria Denis A.
Published: December 2009

Law impacts every aspect of our society. This chapter will examine key areas of interaction between toxicology and the law. These range from the regulation of chemicals through expert evidence, to the communication of toxicological science to the public. Within the context of human experience, toxicologists can contribute to many types of disputes and be drawn into a wide range of circumstances. An underlying understanding of the issues and the objectives that the law seeks to achieve can prevent the toxicologist from falling into a trap and to avoid that most damaging of experience, judicial criticism. The writer's experience has been predominantly in the United Kingdom and in common law systems generally. This chapter will begin with an overview of the legal system. It will then examine a number of areas of concern, such as expert evidence and whistle‐blowing, where the law provides something of a safety net for ethical standards. Finally, it looks at a number of emerging areas of interest where toxicologists are increasingly involved.
Syngas chemical looping gasification process: Bench‐scale studies and reactor simulations
Authors: Li Fanxing , Zeng Liang , Velazquez‐Vargas Luis G. , Yoscovits Zachary , Fan Liang‐Shih
Published: December 2009

The syngas chemical looping process co‐produces hydrogen and electricity from syngas through the cyclic reduction and regeneration of an iron oxide based oxygen carrier. In this article, the reducer, which reduces the oxygen carrier with syngas, is investigated through thermodynamic analysis, experiments, and ASPEN Plus® simulation. The thermodynamic analysis indicates that the countercurrent moving‐bed reducer offers better gas and solids conversions when compared to the fluidized‐bed reducer. The reducer is continuously operated for 15 h in a bench scale moving‐bed reactor. A syngas conversion in excess of 99.5% and an oxygen carrier conversion of nearly 50% are obtained. An ASPEN Plus® model is developed which simulates the reducer performance. The results of simulation are consistent with those obtained from both the thermodynamic analysis and experiments. Both the experiments and simulation indicate that the proposed SCL reducer concept is feasible. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010
Two patients with EP300 mutations and facial dysmorphism different from the classic Rubinstein–Taybi syndrome
Authors: Bartsch Oliver , Labonté Janette , Albrecht Beate , Wieczorek Dagmar , Lechno Stanislav , Zechner Ulrich , Haaf Thomas
Published: December 2009

Rubinstein–Taybi syndrome (RTS) is characterized by mental retardation, broad thumbs and great toes and a recognizable craniofacial phenotype. Causative mutations have been described in the CREBBP and EP300 genes. Here we present a 19‐year‐old woman and an unrelated 3‐year‐old boy, both with broad thumbs and halluces, but with facial aspects distinct from those of typical RTS. The woman had a marked learning disability, but no mental retardation. We identified a de novo c.7100delC mutation in EP300 (which predicts p.P2366RfsX35) in the woman and an apparently de novo c.638delG mutation in the boy, which predicts p.G213EfsX6. Mutations in EP300 are a known but rare cause of RTS. Only five other patients have been reported. We propose that individuals with EP300 mutations may exhibit a slightly different phenotype compared to individuals with CREBBP mutations, with milder cognitive impairment, more pronounced microcephaly, absent or mild downslanting of palpebral fissures, distinct arched eyebrows, and greater degree of retrognathia. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Direkt‐ und Flankendämmung von Wänden aus Gips‐Wandbauplatten
Authors: Ruff Andreas , Fischer Heinz‐Martin
Published: December 2009

Wände aus Gips‐Wandbauplatten werden vor allem im Wohnungsbau als leichte massive Innenwände verwendet. Mit Hilfe von Randstreifen aus Polyethylen‐Schwerschaum, Kork oder Bitumen werden sie von den angrenzenden massiven Bauteilen entkoppelt. Im Beitrag wird gezeigt, dass die Entkopplung die Direktschalldämmung beeinflusst und (abhängig von der Art der Randstreifen) höhere Schalldämm‐Maße als bei starrem Einbau erreicht werden können. Vor allem die Stoßstellendämmung kann gegenüber dem starren Einbau signifikant erhöht werden. Insgesamt werden damit Flankendämm‐Maße erreicht, die so hoch sind, dass die flankierende Übertragung über die leichten Gips‐Massiv‐Wände bei der resultierenden Schallübertragung nicht mehr maßgeblich in Erscheinung tritt. Aus messtechnischen Untersuchungen in Prüfständen und Gebäuden werden für unterschiedliche Ausführungen Werte für die Direkt‐ und die Stoßstellendämm‐Maße abgeleitet, die in den Bauteilkatalog der zukünftigen DIN 4109 Eingang finden können. Anhand dieser Daten führt eine schalltechnische Prognose auf der Basis des vereinfachten Berechnungs‐ verfahrens der DIN EN 12354‐1 zu guten Ergebnissen.

Direct and flanking sound insulation of walls made of gypsum blocks. Walls made of gypsum blocks are often used as partitions in residential buildings.

They are decoupled from adjacent solid components by using elastic interlayer made of polyethylene closed cell foam, cork or bitumen. The article shows that decoupling influences the direct sound insulation and (depending on the type of the elastic interlayer) can achieve higher sound reduction indices than rigid installations. Compared to rigid installations, it can significantly improve the vibration reduction index of joints particularly. Overall, the flanking sound reduction indices which can be achieved in this way are so high that the flanking transmission via the thin solid plaster walls is no longer significant. Values for different configurations for direct and vibration reduction indices which are derived from test stand measurements and those from buildings can be included in the component catalogue of the future DIN 4109. Based on these data, an acoustic prognosis following the simplified calculation model of DIN EN 12354‐1 produces good results.
ESBES and EBSA News
Authors: Jungbauer Alois
Published: December 2009

A tribute to Gerhard Kreysa

ESBES biochemical engineering news

Biosafety: Call for participants CEN workshop

Meeting highlight: BIOTECHNICA
Biotech round the world: Iceland
Authors: Hill Stephanie
Published: December 2009

Facts and figures

deCode genetics – An expert of the human genome

Two important research supporters

Biotech Companies
Quantification of non‐specific binding of magnetic micro‐ and nanoparticles using cell tracking velocimetry: Implication for magnetic cell separation and detection
Authors: Chalmers J.J. , Xiong Y. , Jin X. , Shao M. , Tong X. , Farag S. , Zborowski M.
Published: December 2009

The maturation of magnetic cell separation technology places increasing demands on magnetic cell separation performance. While a number of factors can cause sub‐optimal performance, one of the major challenges can be non‐specific binding of magnetic nano‐ or microparticles to non‐targeted cells. Depending on the type of separation, this non‐specific binding can have a negative effect on the final purity, the recovery of the targeted cells, or both. In this work, we quantitatively demonstrate that non‐specific binding of magnetic nanoparticles can impart a magnetization to cells such that these cells can be retained in a separation column and thus negatively impact the purity of the final product and the recovery of the desired cells. Through experimental data and theoretical arguments, we demonstrate that the number of MACS magnetic particles needed to impart a magnetization that is sufficient to cause non‐targeted cells to be retained in the column to be on the order of 500–1,000 nanoparticles. This number of non‐specifically bound particles was demonstrated experimentally with an instrument, cell tracking velocimeter, CTV, and it is demonstrated that the sensitivity of the CTV instrument for Fe atoms contained in magnetic nanoparticles on the order of 1 × 10−15 g/mL of Fe. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2010;105: 1078–1093. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Industrial bioprocesses: Beyond routine applications of established methodologies
Authors: Junker Beth
Published: December 2009

The subject matter of manuscripts by industrial authors has primarily focused on elements with perceived commercial or regulatory significance. Once published, this information interacted and ultimately influenced manuscripts from authors of other affiliations, creating the rapid advancements that culminated in the current multi‐billion dollar worldwide biotechnology industry. This paper discusses trends in “solely industrial” articles published in the specific journal of Biotechnology and Bioengineering over the past five decades of this journal's lifetime. “Solely industrial” articles were defined as papers in which all the authors were affiliated with industry. Data were gathered concerning “solely industrial” article distribution and frequency, authoring companies, subject classification, and category distribution. Selected articles and their impact were related to current and past technology milestones as well as associated challenges. Suggestions for areas of greater emphasis to influence the number and subject matter of “solely industrial” articles for the journal's sixth decade were offered for consideration. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2010;105: 1011–1020. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A theoretical and practical test of geographical profiling with serial vehicle theft in a U.K. context
Authors: Tonkin Matthew , Woodhams Jessica , Bond John W. , Loe Trudy
Published: December 2009

Geographical profiling is an investigative methodology sometimes employed by the police to predict the residence of an unknown offender from the locations of his/her crimes. The validity of geographical profiling, however, has not been fully explored for certain crime types. This study, therefore, presents a preliminary test of the potential for geographical profiling with a sample of 145 serial vehicle thieves from the U.K. The behavioural assumptions underlying geographical profiling (distance decay and domocentricity) are tested and a simple practical test of profiling using the spatial mean is presented. There is evidence for distance decay but not domocentricity among the spatial behaviour of car thieves from the U.K. A degree of success was achieved when applying the spatial mean on a case‐by‐case basis. The level of success varied, however, and neither series length in days nor number of crimes could account for the variation. The findings question previously held assumptions regarding geographical profiling and have potential theoretical and practical implications for the study and investigation of vehicle theft in the U.K. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Single‐Photon Emission Computed Tomography Myocardial Perfusion Imaging in the Diagnosis of Left Main Disease
Authors: Afonso Luis , Mahajan Nitin
Published: December 2009

Background

Left main disease (LMD), defined as ≥ 50% lesion stenosis, occurs in 3% to 5% of patients undergoing catheterization. Limited data on the value of single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging for diagnosis of LMD exists.

Hypothesis

This study sought to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of SPECT imaging in the diagnosis of LMD.

Methods

A total of 74 consecutive patients with LMD, identified from our catheterization lab database (January 2003–December 2007) with gated exercise (15 patients) or adenosine (59 patients), thallium 201, or Tc‐99m SPECT imaging within 6 months of index angiography were included. Group 1 (Gp 1) included 33 patients with isolated LMD. Group 2 (Gp 2) consisted of 41 patients with LMD and 1‐vessel disease (6); LMD and 2‐vessel disease (24); and LMD and 3‐vessel disease (11).

Results

Reversible perfusion defects (PD) were absent in 6 (18%) of Gp 1 and 8 (20%) of Gp 2 patients. Among Gp 1 patients, PD in 1‐vessel, 2‐vessel, 3‐vessel distribution were seen in 20 (61%), 5 (15%), and 2 (6%) patients respectively. In comparison, PD in 1‐vessel, 2‐vessel, 3‐vessel distribution were observed in 20 (49%), 12 (29%), and 1 (2%) of Gp 2 patients respectively. Left main (LM) pattern was noted in 6 patients (Gp 1: 2, Gp 2: 4). Transient ischemic dilatation (TID) was encountered in 34 patients (Gp 1: 17, Gp 2: 17) and in 4 patients with normal perfusion scans.

Conclusions

These data represent the largest analysis of patients with “isolated” LMD. Approximately 19% of patients with LMD have no reversible PD on SPECT. While LM pattern is rare, 1‐vessel distribution PD and TID represent the most frequent SPECT abnormalities. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Percutaneous Coronary Interventions in Nonagenarians: In‐Hospital Mortality and Outcome at One Year Follow‐up
Authors: Parikh Rupen , Chennareddy Srinivas , DeBari Vincent , Hamdan Aiman , Konlian Donna , Shamoon Fayez , Bikkina Mahesh
Published: December 2009

Background

Limited information is available regarding outcome of very elderly patients referred for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Purpose

This study aimed to assess acute and intermediate term clinical outcomes among nonagenarians.

Methods

The study included 32 consecutive nonagenarian patients undergoing PCI between January 2001 to August 2006. There were 6 (19%) patients admitted with acute ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), 10 (31%) patients with non‐STEMI, and 16 (50%) patients with unstable angina pectoris. Receiver‐operator characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was done to define the relationship between heart rate, blood pressure, left ventricle ejection fraction, serum creatinine level, and mortality.

Results

Results: Immediate procedure success was achieved in 28 (88%) patients. Cumulative mortality at hospital discharge was 3(9%), at 6 months it was 6 (19%) and remained 6(19%) at 1 year follow‐up.

Conclusion

Hypotension and low ejection fraction correlated with in‐hospital mortality and worst clinical outcome. Procedural success does not appear to decline in nonagenarians. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Massive Pulmonary Embolism and Paradoxical Migration during Surgical Embolectomy: Role of Transesophageal Echocardiogram
Authors: Chughtai Haroon , Basora Jose , Khan Kamrul , Matta Jyoti
Published: December 2009

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) in the setting of venous thromboembolism is associated with paradoxical embolization. We describe a patient who presented with pulmonary embolism, underwent pulmonary embolectomy, and postoperatively developed paradoxical embolization to the lower extremity.

A 27‐year‐old African American male presented to the hospital with shortness of breath and midsternal chest pain along with neck vein distention. A CT scan with contrast showed the presence of a saddle embolus in both pulmonary arteries. The next day, the patient developed right ventricular failure and hypotension. The patient was taken to the operating room for a pulmonary embolectomy. Postoperatively, the patient developed acute left lower extremity ischemia. The origin of the embolus was suspected to be cardiac. A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) revealed thrombus on the mitral valve and a PFO with right to left shunt. At this point vascular surgery for revascularization of the left lower extremity was performed. Two days later, the patient was taken for a repeat cardiac surgery and the left‐sided thrombus was removed along with a closure of the PFO.

This case signifies the importance of complete TEE and a search for PFO in patients with massive pulmonary embolism especially prior to surgical embolectomy because hemodynamic disturbances of pulmonary embolism and surgical embolectomy may cause migration of the thrombus from the right side to the left side of the heart. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Myocardial Stunning Following Combined Modality Combretastatin‐Based Chemotherapy: Two Case Reports and Review of the Literature
Authors: Bhakta Shyam , Flick Susan M. , Cooney Matthey M. , Greskovich John F. , Gilkeson Robert C. , Remick Scot C. , Ortiz Jose
Published: December 2009

Myocardial stunning, known as stress cardiomyopathy, broken‐heart syndrome, transient left ventricular apical ballooning, and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, has been reported after many extracardiac stressors, but not following chemotherapy. We report 2 cases with characteristic electrocardiographic and echocardiographic features following combined modality therapy with combretastatin, a vascular‐disrupting agent being studied for treatment of anaplastic thyroid cancer. In 1 patient, an ECG performed per protocol 18 hours after drug initiation showed deep, symmetric T‐wave inversions in limb leads I and aVL and precordial leads V2 through V6. Echocardiography showed mildly reduced overall left ventricular systolic function with akinesis of the entire apex. The patient had mild elevations of troponin I. Coronary angiography revealed no epicardial coronary artery disease. The electrocardiographic and echocardiographic abnormalities resolved after several weeks. The patient remains stable from a cardiovascular standpoint and has not had a recurrence during follow‐up. An electrocardiogram performed per protocol in a second patient showed deep, symmetric T‐wave inversions throughout the precordial leads and a prolonged QT interval. Echocardiography showed mildly reduced left ventricular function with hypokinesis of the apical‐septal wall. Acute coronary syndrome was ruled out, and both the electrocardiographic and echocardiographic changes resolved at follow‐up. Although the patient remained pain‐free without recurrence of anginal symptoms during long‐term follow‐up, the patient developed progressive malignancy and died. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Racial disparities in the use of radiotherapy after breast‐conserving surgery: A national Medicare study
Authors: Smith Grace L. , Shih Ya‐Chen T. , Xu Ying , Giordano Sharon H. , Smith Benjamin D. , Perkins George H. , Tereffe Welela , Woodward Wendy A. , Buchholz Thomas A.
Published: December 2009

BACKGROUND:

In prior studies, the use of standard breast cancer treatments has varied by race, but previous analyses were not nationally representative. Therefore, in a comprehensive, national cohort of Medicare patients, racial disparities in the use of radiotherapy (RT) after breast‐conserving surgery (BCS) for invasive breast cancer were quantified.

METHODS:

A national Medicare database was used to identify all beneficiaries (age >65 years) treated with BCS for incident invasive breast cancer in 2003. Claims codes identified RT use, and Medicare demographic data indicated race. Logistic regression modeled RT use in white, black, and other‐race patients, adjusted for demographic, clinical, and socioeconomic covariates.

RESULTS:

Of 34,080 women, 91% were white, 6% were black, and 3% were another race. The mean age of the patients was 76 ± 7 years. Approximately 74% of whites, 65% of blacks, and 66% of other‐race patients received RT (P < .001). After covariate adjustment, whites were found to be significantly more likely to receive RT than blacks (odds ratio, 1.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.34‐1.63 [P < .001]). Disparities between white and black patients varied by geographic region, with blacks in areas of the northeastern and southern United States demonstrating the lowest rates of RT use (57% in these regions). In patients age <70 years, racial disparities persisted. Specifically, 83% of whites, 73% of blacks, and 78% of other races in this younger group received RT (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

In this comprehensive national sample of older breast cancer patients, substantial racial disparities were identified in RT use after BCS across much of the United States. Efforts to improve breast cancer care require overcoming these disparities, which exist on a national scale. Cancer 2010. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
AODV‐RIP: improved security in mobilead hocnetworks through route investigation procedure
Authors: Kang Byung‐Seok , Kim Han‐Shik , Ko In‐Young
Published: December 2009

Most routing protocols in mobilead hocnetworks (MANETs) place an emphasis on finding paths in dynamic networks without considering security. As a result, there are a number of attacks that can be used to manipulate the routing in MANET. A malicious node that sends a modified control message to an intermediate node can disturb the network using a control message. To solve this problem, we introduce AODV protocol with route investigation procedure (AODV‐RIP). It uses two additional control messages to defeat security attacks that can occur in AODV routing protocol. When an intermediate node that is on the path between the source node and the destination node receives a control message, it sends a Rroute Investigation Request (IREQ) message to the destination node in order to check the reliability of the control message. According to the existence of Route Investigation Reply (IREP), the intermediate node decides whether it transmits the control message to the source node or not. Consequently, the intermediate node that receives the control message confirms that it is using two additive control messages: IREQ and IREP. Through this investigation procedure, the source node can obtain a reliable path for transmitting data packets to an intentional destination node. The simulation results show an improvement in the packet delivery ratio and end‐to‐end delay at the expense of a moderate increase of the control message overhead compared with the current routing protocols. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kinetics of the UV‐induced DNA damage response in relation to cell cycle phase. Correlation with DNA replication
Authors: Zhao Hong , Traganos Frank , Darzynkiewicz Zbigniew
Published: December 2009

It has been reported that exposure to UV light triggers DNA damage response (DDR) seen as induction of γH2AX not only in S‐ but also in G1‐phase cells. In the present study, in addition to γH2AX, we assessed other markers of DDR, namely phosphorylation of ATM on Ser1981, of ATM/ATR substrate on Ser/Thr at SQ/TQ cluster domains and of the tumor suppressor p53 on Ser15, in human pulmonary carcinoma A549 cells irradiated with 50 J/m2 of UV‐B. Phosphorylation of these proteins detected with phospho‐specific Abs and measured by laser scanning cytometry in relation the cell cycle phase was found to be selective to S‐phase cells. The kinetics of phosphorylation of ATM was strikingly similar to that of ATM/ATR substrate, peaking at 30 min after UV irradiation and followed by rapid dephosphorylation. The peak of H2AX phosphorylation was seen at 2 h and the peak of p53 phosphorylation at 4 h after exposure to UV light. Local high spatial density of these phospho‐proteins reported by intensity of maximal pixel of immunofluorescence in the DDR nuclear foci was distinctly more pronounced in the early compared to late portion of S‐phase. Exposure of cells to UV following 1 h pulse‐labeling of their DNA with 5‐ethynyl‐2′deoxyuridine (EdU) made it possible to correlate the extent of DNA replication during the pulse with the extent of the UV‐induced H2AX phosphorylation within the same cells. This correlation was very strong (R2 = 0.98) and the cells that did not incorporate EdU showed no evidence of H2AX phosphorylation. The data are consistent with the mechanism in which stalling of DNA replication forks upon collision with the primary UV‐induced DNA lesions and likely formation of double‐strand DNA breaks triggers DDR. The prior reports (including our own) on induction of γH2AX in G1 cells by UV may have erroneously identified cells initiating DNA replication following UV exposure as G1 cells due to the fact that their DNA content did not significantly differ from that of G1 cells that had not initiated DNA replication. © 2009 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Intraoperative cytology—Role in bone lesions
Authors: Rahman Khaliqur , Asif Siddiqui Farhan , Zaheer Sufian , Sherwani M. K. A. , Shahid Mohammad , Sherwani Rana K.
Published: December 2009

In spite of becoming an integral part of surgical pathology, very few reports are available regarding the utility of intraoperative cytology (IOC) exclusively for bone lesions. This study was undertaken in a view to fill this lacuna.

Sixty bone lesions were evaluated intraoperatively with the help of cytology smears prepared by touch, scrape, or crush technique. The diagnosis made on cytological preparation was compared with histopathological diagnosis taking the latter as gold standard. Different parameters like reasons for Intraoperative consultation, best technique for preparation of smear, average time taken to render a diagnosis, and finally the accuracy of IOC was evaluated.

Common reasons for the intraoperative consultation were to make or confirm a diagnosis for proper surgical intervention and to evaluate the surgical resection margin. Scrape was found to be the best method for cytological smear preparation. Average time taken to render a diagnosis was 20 minutes. Sensitivity, specificity, and overall diagnostic accuracy was 96.7, 96.6, and 96.6%, respectively.

Cytology can play a valuable role in the intraoperative diagnosis of bone lesions. The method is simple, cheap, quick, and has no complication. It should be undertaken routinely, as a rapid intraoperative diagnosis will expedite timely and proper management of the patients, along with early post operative treatment and thus avoid the aggravating delays. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010;38:639–644. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessing for primary oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma from fine needle aspiration of cervical lymph node metastases
Authors: Jannapureddy Suneal , Cohen Cynthia , Lau Stephen , Beitler Jonathan J. , Siddiqui Momin T.
Published: December 2009

In fine needle aspirates of cervical lymph nodes with metastatic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the site of origin may not be clinically evident. The distinction between oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal primary SCC has important management consequences. In the current study, we evaluated metastatic SCC for HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33, 51 (by in situ hybridization[ISH]), p16 and ProExC (surrogate HPV markers), and Epstein Barr Virus reported in nasopharyngeal SCC. Forty patients diagnosed between 2004 and 2008, with adequate cell block material were identified. ISH for high risk HPV and EBV (EBER), and immunohistochemistry for p16 and ProExC were performed. Primary site was designated in 31 cases with 26 head and neck including 11 oropharyngeal and 2 nasopharyngeal, and 5 other sites. High risk HPV was detected in 9 cases (22.5%), p16 in 16 (40%), ProExC in 35 (87.5%), and EBER in 2 (5%). All cases with high risk HPV ISH also showed overexpression of p16. The sensitivity for HPV infection by both surrogate markers was 100%; specificity for p16 and ProExC was 78.7 and 16.1%, respectively. Seven (63.6%) oropharyngeal SCC were positive for HPV ISH and negative for EBV; one nasopharyngeal SCC (50%) was EBER positive and HPV negative. HPV and EBER detection can serve as indicators for oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal primary SCC, respectively, however our data show that only a subset (63.6%) of oropharyngeal SCC are high risk HPV‐related. Additionally, despite their high sensitivity for HPV infection, surrogate markers, especially ProExC, lack specificity. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010;38:795‐800. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Woody plants modulate the temporal dynamics of soil moisture in a semi‐arid mesquite savanna
Authors: Potts Daniel L. , Scott Russell L. , Bayram Saziye , Carbonara Joaquin
Published: December 2009

Climate variability and human activities interact to increase the abundance of woody plants in arid and semi‐arid ecosystems worldwide. How woody plants interact with rainfall to influence patterns of soil moisture through time, at different depths in the soil profile and between neighboring landscape patches is poorly known. In a semi‐arid mesquite savanna, we deployed a paired array of sensors beneath a mesquite canopy and in an adjacent open area to measure volumetric soil water content (θ) every 30 min at several depths between 2004 and 2007. In addition, to quantify temporally dynamic variation in soil moisture between the two microsites and across soil depths we analysed θ time‐series using fast Fourier transforms (FFT). FFT analyses were consistent with the prediction that by reducing evaporative losses through shade and reducing rainfall inputs through canopy interception of small rainfall events, the mesquite canopy was associated with a decline in high‐frequency (hour‐to‐hour and day‐to‐day) variation in shallow θ. Finally, we found that, in both microsites, high‐frequency θ variation declined with increasing soil depth as the influence of evaporative losses and inputs associated with smaller rainfall events declined. In this case, we argue that the buffering of shallow soil moisture against high‐frequency variations can enhance nutrient cycling and alter the carbon cycle in dryland ecosystems. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Highly Sensitive and Selective Determination of Dopamine in the Presence of Ascorbic Acid Using Pt@Au/MWNTs Modified Electrode
Authors: Bai Yan‐Cui , Zhang Wei‐De
Published: December 2009

Nanoparticles containing platinum and gold supported on MWNTs (Pt@Au/MWNTs) were successfully prepared by successive reduction. A novel sensor was fabricated with Pt@Au/MWNTs nanocomposite modified glassy carbon electrode coating with nafion. Compared with the previous reports, the electrode exhibited greatly improved performance towards the oxidation and determination of dopamine in the presence of ascorbic acid. A higher sensitivity of 1.16 mA cm−2 mM−1 with a wider linear concentration range of dopamine up to 120 μM and a low detection limit of 8.0×10−8 M were obtained in neutral solution. Moreover, the modified electrode presented high stability and reproducibility. The interference of ascorbic acid can be eliminated effectively. The present work provides a simple and practical approach to selective detection of dopamine in the presence of ascorbic acid.
Understanding the Physicoelectrochemical Properties of Carbon Nanotubes: Current State of the Art
Authors: Ji Xiaobo , Kadara Rashid O. , Krussma Jaanus , Chen Qiyuan , Banks Craig E.
Published: December 2009

Carbon nanotubes receive considerable attention in the area of electrochemistry not only due to their reported structural, mechanical or electronic properties but because they represent the world's smallest electrodes allowing electrochemistry to be performed where other electrode materials cannot penetrate. In this review, we overview recent developments in this area summarizing the fundamental advances in understanding the various factors and parameters that can significantly affect the electrochemical reactivity of carbon nanotubes, which is essential for their continual use and successful implementation in a plethora of areas and applications.
Gelsolin is required for macrophage recruitment during remyelination of the peripheral nervous system
Authors: Gonçalves Ana Filipa , Dias Nuno G. , Moransard Martijn , Correia Ricardo , Pereira Jorge A. , Witke Walter , Suter Ueli , Relvas João B.
Published: December 2009

Reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton is necessary for Schwann cell proliferation, migration and for the morphological changes associated with sorting, ensheathing and myelination of axons. Such reorganization requires regulated severing and depolymerization of actin filaments. Gelsolin is an actin filament severing protein expressed in many cell types including Schwann cells. Using Gelsolin knockout mice, we investigated the role of this protein in the myelination and remyelination of the peripheral nervous system. Our results show that although gelsolin is not necessary for developmental myelination, it is required for timely remyelination of the sciatic nerve following crush injury. Gelsolin is necessary for macrophage motility in culture, and its absence is likely to impair the recruitment of macrophages to the injury site. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Finances and college athletics
Authors: Hodge Frank , Tanlu Lloyd
Published: December 2009

This chapter reviews the main sources of financial data on intercollegiate athletics and the budgeting processes used in athletics.
The collection and use of academic outcomes data by the NCAA
Authors: Petr Todd A. , Paskus Thomas S.
Published: December 2009

This chapter describes how the NCAA uses academic data on high school and college student athletes and the national policies that have been framed by these data.
Quantifying aquifer water balance and salinity dynamics to minimise environmental impacts of a land‐based effluent treatment system in China
Authors: Khan S. , Ahmad A. , Zhaoqing L. , Rana T. , Mu J. , Blackwell J. , Jayawardane N.
Published: December 2009

This paper presents a groundwater modelling framework to assess the hydraulic loading and salinity impacts on the underlying groundwater system of a large‐scale land‐based effluent treatment system for treating urban sewage of Yanggao County in the north of Shanxi Province, China. This land‐based treatment system is called “Filtration and Irrigated cropping for Land Treatment and Effluent Reuse” abbreviated as FILTER. The FILTER operations include intensive irrigation of crops with urban effluent, filtration through the soil matrix, and pumping and reuse of improved quality drainage water. Three sizes of FILTER were simulated using groundwater modelling techniques to (i) upscale the operations and benefits of an experimental FILTER site to a larger FILTER system to handle the larger volume of effluent and to (ii) assess the potential effects on the regional groundwater. The boundary flux analysis carried out to quantify the net impact of FILTER on the surrounding areas indicated that a well‐designed and managed vertical drainage system can be used in a catchment‐scale FILTER system for productive and environmentally friendly management of domestic wastewater in peri‐urban areas. Results of this innovative and cost‐effective technology from the field trials in Australia and China are promising for wider applications. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Designing and evaluating control systems of the Dez main canal
Authors: Isapoor S. , Montazar A. , Van Overloop P. J. , Van De Giesen N.
Published: December 2009

In the present study, a distant downstream proportional integral (PI) feedback control with decouplers and a local upstream PI feedback control were applied to the West main canal of the Dez irrigation system in Iran. The model of the proposed canal was formulated in the SOBEK simulation package. The control system was programmed in MATLAB. To evaluate the control system potential, simulations were done for two months of the real offtake schedule. The performance criteria of the maximum absolute error (MAE), the integral of absolute magnitude of error (IAE), and the steady state error (StE) were determined for each pool of the canal. The results indicated that the applied controllers have considerable potential to closely match the discharge at the downstream check structures with those ordered by water users while maintaining the water level throughout the length of the canal. The performance indicator values showed that the distant downstream feedback (FB) control as a centralized control with decouplers is a satisfactory controller for the Dez main canal. Hence, operational water management in the canal may be improved if a centralized controller is used rather than individual local controllers. It is strongly recommended to implement the distant downstream FB control with decouplers as a control system in the proposed canal. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How does heterogeneity shape the socioeconomic gradient in health satisfaction?
Authors: Jones Andrew M. , Schurer Stefanie
Published: December 2009

Individual heterogeneity plays a key role in explaining variation in self‐reported health and its socioeconomic gradient. It is hypothesised that the influence of this heterogeneity varies over levels of health and increases over the life cycle. These hypotheses are tested by applying a threshold‐specific alternative to the conditional fixed‐effects logit and longitudinal data from Germany. Our results suggest that income influences health at the lower end, but not at the higher end of the health distribution, once unobservable factors are controlled for. The underlying assumptions of the statistical model matter for this conclusion, in particular for the older age groups. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Macrophage and osteoblast responses to biphasic calcium phosphate microparticles
Authors: Fellah Borhane Hakim , Delorme Bruno , Sohier Jérôme , Magne David , Hardouin Pierre , Layrolle Pierre
Published: December 2009

The aim of this work was to investigate in vitro the biological events leading to ectopic bone formation in contact with microporous biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) ceramics. After implantation, microparticles may arise from their degradation and induce an inflammatory response involving macrophages. The secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines may affect the differentiation of osteoblasts. Mouse macrophage‐like (J774) and osteoblast‐like (MC3T3‐E1) cells were cultured in the presence of BCP microparticles of different sizes (<20, 40–80, or 80–200 μm). The smallest microparticles decreased the viability of both cell types as measured with LDH and methyl tetrazolium salt assays, and enhanced the secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐6 and TNF‐α) by macrophages after 24 h, as revealed by ELISA. Osteoblastic cells were then cultured for 96 h in the presence of these pro‐inflammatory cytokines and their differentiation studied by RT‐PCR. MC3T3‐E1 cells cultured with TNF‐α showed a decrease in osterix, PTH receptor (PTHR1), and osteocalcin gene expression. On the contrary, IL‐6 enhanced the expression of osterix, Runx2, alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin compared with plastic. In conclusion, this study shows that the inflammatory response initiated by BCP microparticles may have both detrimental and beneficial effects on osteogenesis. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 2010
Strontium ranelate treatment enhances hydroxyapatite‐coated titanium screws fixation in osteoporotic rats
Authors: Li Yunfeng , Feng Ge , Gao Yuan , Luo En , Liu Xiaoguang , Hu Jing
Published: December 2009

Increased bone turnover with excessive bone resorption and decreased bone formation is known to impair implant fixation. Strontium ranelate is well known as an effective antiosteoporotic agent by its dual effect of antiresorbing and bone‐forming activity. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of systemic strontium ranelate (SR) treatment on fixation of hydroxyapatite (HA)‐coated titanium screws in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Twelve weeks after being OVX (n = 30) or sham (n = 10) operated, 40 female Sprague–Dawley rats received unilateral implants in the proximal tibiae. The OVX rats were randomly divided into the following groups: OVX, OVX + SRL (“L” refers to low SR dose of 500 mg/kg/day), OVX + SRH (“H” refers to high SR dose of 1000 mg/kg/day).Twelve weeks after treatment, bone blocks with implants were evaluated with micro‐CT and biomechanical push‐out tests. Compared to OVX animals, SR treatment increased the bone volume ratio by 51.5% and 1.1‐fold, the percentage osteointegration by 1.0‐fold and 1.9‐fold in micro‐CT evaluation, and the maximal force by 1.9‐fold and 3.3‐fold in biomechanical push‐out test, for the low and high dose of SR, respectively. Significant correlation between micro‐CT and biomechanical properties demonstrated that trabecular parameters played an important role in predicting the biomechanical properties of implant fixation. Our findings suggest that SR treatment can dose‐dependently improve HA‐coated screw fixation in OVX rats and facilitate the stability of the implant in the osteoporotic bone. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:578–582, 2010
Steering nitrogen fertilisation by means of portable chlorophyll meter reduces nitrogen input and improves quality of fertigated cantaloupe (Cucumis melo L. var. cantalupensis Naud.)
Authors: Gianquinto Giorgio , Fecondini Marco , Mezzetti Mirco , Orsini Francesco
Published: December 2009

BACKGROUND: Farming is considered one of the main causes of land degradation and underground water pollution. The increased availability of agricultural inputs has led to a dramatic rise in yields, which has resulted in soil fertility spoilage and overuse of fertilisers. Therefore horticultural practice improvement must consider appropriate nitrogen (N) management. This paper reports results on the application of an optical diagnostic system (N‐tester) to guide N fertilisation in muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) over a 3 year trial. Results on fresh and postharvest quality are also presented.

RESULTS: Fertilisation events mirrored increases in N‐tester values during the season, and a significant linear relationship (R2 = 0.628) was observed between N‐tester readings and leaf chlorophyll content. The N‐tester‐guided fertilisation treatments were characterised by yields comparable to the control, but with significantly lower applications of N (down to 17–66% of the N distributed in the control). Moreover, the N‐tester treatments yielded fruits with higher sugar content. This was also true after storage, when N‐tester fruits also showed reduced weight loss associated with lower transpiration and ethylene emission rates.

CONCLUSION: Through the use of ‘spy plots’ kept at optimal nutritional status and the adoption of a threshold for N application throughout the growing cycle of muskmelon, the N supply was significantly reduced. Therefore a correct application of N‐tester allowed the plant N requirement to be reduced and the fruit sugar content and storability to be increased without adversely affecting the yield. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Discussion of laser‐assisted liposuction
Authors: Zelickson Brian D. , Dressel Thomas D.
Published: December 2009

There has been a significant advancement in the use of lasers for body contouring over the past several years. This article will review the recent past and discuss the future of this trend.

Introduction

There is much confusion over the definition of procedures using lasers for lipolysis and liposuction. This review article discusses the definitions of suction‐assisted liposuction, laser lipolysis, and laser‐assisted liposuction in detail. The development of these procedures is then discussed and pertinent articles are reviewed.

Materials and Methods

Pubmed and FDA.gov web sites were searched for published articles and FDA approved devices employing lasers for targeting fat for body contouring. This information along with the authors' personal experience was used to review and discuss this topic.

Discussion

There is a specific difference between suction‐assisted liposuction, laser‐assisted liposuction, and laser lipolysis. This review article clarifies these definitions and highlights the recent articles employing lasers for minimally invasive fat reduction. Lasers Surg. Med. 41:709–713, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A comparison of three separate clinical studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of laser‐assisted lipolysis using 1,064, 1,320 nm, and a combined 1,064/1,320 nm multiplex device
Authors: Woodhall Katrina E. , Saluja Raminder , Khoury Jane , Goldman Mitchel P.
Published: December 2009

Background

Laser‐assisted lipolysis has been suggested to augment traditional liposculpture by improving skin laxity and providing hemostasis. Previous studies have reported improved hemostasis and smoother post‐operative appearance with the 1,064 Nd:YAG laser‐assisted lipolysis system.

Methods

Three separate pilot studies were performed. In the first study, both arms were treated with tumescent liposculpture. One arm was randomized to treatment with a subcutaneous 1,064 nm Nd:YAG laser. The second study treated multiple sites with half of the area randomized to receive the 1,064 nm versus the 1,320 nm system followed by aspiration at equal power. The third study treated patients using a combined 1,064/1,320 nm multiplex laser system at multiple sites. The endpoint of laser treatment was determined by an external skin surface temperature of 40°C. In all three studies, photographs were compared at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months post‐operatively.

Results

In the first study, no significant improvement over tumescent liposculpture alone was noted using the 10 W, 1,064 nm laser. The second study showed no difference using the 10 W, 1,320 nm versus the 10 W, 1,064 nm laser‐assisted lipolysis system. Finally, the multiplex 1,064/1,320 nm system appeared to show improvement in skin laxity and fat reduction. Complications included intra‐operative thermal burns in 2 of 20 patients using the multiplex system. No complications were noted using the 1,064 or 1,320 nm 10 W systems.

Conclusions

Laser‐assisted lipolysis provides an innovative way to address the problem of skin laxity and fat reduction. Clinical results increased dramatically with the combined 1,064/1,320 nm multiplex system. However, caution should be used when exceeding external skin temperatures of 40°C to avoid unwanted thermal burns. Future studies comparing the end temperature and wavelengths independently may help to conclusively delineate the optimal system. Lasers Surg. Med. 41:774–778, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Three‐dimensional surface imaging for clinical trials: Improved precision and reproducibility in circumference measurements of thighs and abdomens
Authors: Weiss Elliot T. , Barzilai Ori , Brightman Lori , Chapas Anne , Hale Elizabeth , Karen Julie , Bernstein Leonard , Geronemus Roy G.
Published: December 2009

Background and Objectives

Numerous body contouring and laser‐assisted liposuction devices have recently obtained or are seeking FDA clearance, and assessment of efficacy of these devices is largely based upon qualitative comparisons of before and after photographs and measurable changes in patient circumference. The current standard for measuring body circumference in clinical trials involves the use of a standard measuring tape. These manual measurements introduce human error and may incorrectly support or refute a device or procedure's efficacy. A promising alternative to manual measurements is three‐dimensional (3D) photography. This technology allows circumference measurements to be performed on 3D digital models. Our objective is to compare the precision and reproducibility of manual versus 3D photographic measurement of body circumference.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Thirty subjects completed this IRB approved study. Each subject's thighs and abdomen were measured twice by each of two blinded investigators and twice by the 3D system.

Results

For right and left thigh circumference, the variance of the replication errors [measurement 1−measurement 2] for the human investigators was 20.5% larger than the variance for the 3D photography system. For abdominal circumference, the variance for the human investigators was 231.3% larger than the variance for the 3D system.

Conclusions

3D photography is a valuable tool that enables investigators to reliably detect minute changes in body shape; consequently, 3D photography reduces the number of subjects needed to sufficiently power a clinical study. For studies involving abdominal circumference, utilizing 3D photography reduces the number of subjects needed by 1/2 to 2/3. Lasers Surg. Med. 41:767–773, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.