bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ground vibrations due to seismic detonation of a buried source
Authors: Awojobi A. O. , Sobayo O. A.
Published: March 2007

The problem of vibrations at the free surface of an elastic half‐space due to detonation of a buried source is studied here from the viewpoint of the geophysical seismic technique employed in oil exploration. The fundamental assumption of the theory, therefore, is that the pressure at the source is impulsive and a Dirac delta function of time. The depth of the source below the surface of the medium is considered in the present theory as an additional parameter which has hitherto made the buried source problem formidable and, therefore, has limited almost all previous works to the relatively easy problem of surface blasting.

An exact formulation is presented by dividing the half‐space into a stratum above the level of the buried source and a half‐space below it. For boundary conditions at the interface, it is assumed that the vertical displacement and shear stress at the level of the source are continuous while the direct stress is discontinuous. A numerical evaluation of the contour integration in the analysis is presented for the components of vibrations at any point of the free surface for a Poissonian medium. Finally, the analysis provides a theoretical justification for the interesting results obtained from field experiments recorded in an earlier work.
Shear wave velocities from down‐hole measurements
Authors: Beeston H. E. , McEvilly T. V.
Published: March 2007

Shear wave velocities of soils, which provide shear moduli for earthquake response calculations, can be measured clearly and accurately using the down‐hole method. Such a method has been used at a number of sites in California with good results to depths of 200 ft. Seismic waves from hammer blows, delivered to the ends of a heavy plank loaded by the front wheels of a vehicle, are received by a three‐component geophone in a carefully prepared vertical hole and recorded at 1 mm/ms with a six‐channel seismograph. A series of records are obtained at various measured depths in the hole, allowing calculation of interval velocities. Shear waves are easily identified by a clear 180 degrees phase difference between waves generated by blows on the opposite ends of the plank. Compressional waves are routinely logged by a vertical hammer blow at each recording depth. Shear velocities are reproducible to about 5 per cent in surveys of neighbouring holes. The reading uncertainty of ± 1 msec for the S arrival gives a resolution sufficient to detect a buried layer 5–10 ft thick with a velocity contrast of only 20 per cent.
Dynamic response of non‐linear building‐foundation systems
Authors: Bielak Jacobo
Published: March 2007

An analysis is made of the steady‐state response of a bilinear hysteretic structure supported on the surface of a viscoelastic half‐space. The method of equivalent linearization is used to solve the equations of motion, and simplified approximate formulas are obtained for the fundamental resonant frequency of the system and for an effective critical damping ratio. Numerical results indicate that for non‐linear hysteretic structures compliance of the soil foundation may lead to larger displacements than would occur if the base were rigid. This behaviour differs from that generally observed for linear systems, for which the effect of soil‐structure interaction is to reduce the rigid‐base response.
A substructure method for earthquake analysis of structures including structure‐soil interaction
Authors: Gutierrez Jorge A. , Chopra Anil K.
Published: March 2007

A general substructure method for analysis of response of structures to earthquake ground motion, including the effects of structure‐soil interaction, is presented. The method is applicable to complex structures idealized as finite element systems and the soil region treated as either a continuum, for example as a viscoelastic halfspace, or idealized as a finite element system. The halfspace idealization permits reliable analysis for sites where essentially similar soils extend to large depths and there is no rigid boundary such as soil‐rock interface. For sites where layers of soft soil are underlain by rock at shallow depth, finite element idealization of the soil region is appropriate; in this case, the direct and substructure methods would lead to equivalent results but the latter provides the better alternative. Treating the free field motion directly as the earthquake input in the substructure method eliminates the deconvolution calculations and the related assumption—regarding type and direction of earthquake waves—required in the direct method.

Spatial variations in the input motion along the structure‐soil interface of embedded structures or along the base of long surface supported structures are included in the formulation.

The substructure method is computationally efficient because the two substructures—the structure and the soil region—are analysed separately; and, more important, it permits taking advantage of the important feature that response to earthquake ground motion is essentially contained in the lower few natural modes of vibration of the structure on fixed base.
Collocation, dissipation and [overshoot] for time integration schemes in structural dynamics
Authors: Hilber Hans M. , Hughes Thomas J. R.
Published: March 2007

The concept of collocation, originally used by Wilson in the development of dissipative algorithms for structural dynamics, is systematically generalized and analysed. Optimal schemes within this class are developed and compared with a recently proposed family of dissipative algorithms, called a methods. The α methods are found to be superior on the basis of standard measures of dissipation and dispersion.

It is pointed out that the tendency to overshoot is an important and independent factor which should be considered in an evaluation of an implicit scheme. The basis for studying overshoot is discussed and the optimal collocation and α methods are compared. It is found that pathological overshooting is an inherent property of collocation schemes, whereas the overshooting characteristics of the α methods are good.
Dynamic response of skew bridge decks
Authors: Srinivasan R. S. , Munaswamy K.
Published: March 2007

In this paper the dynamic response of a skew bridge deck has been investigated, treating it as an orthotropic plate and using the finite strip method. Employing the normal mode method, the response of the deck due to a moving force has been calculated. Williams' method has been used to accelerate the convergence of the solution. Numerical work has been done for different skew angles and speed ranges. In this study, the history curves and the maximum amplification spectra for deflection and bending moment are presented.
A six‐month double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study of a transdermal patch in Alzheimer's disease–– rivastigmine patch versus capsule
Authors: Winblad Bengt , Cummings Jeffrey , Andreasen Niels , Grossberg George , Onofrj Marco , Sadowsky Carl , Zechner Stefanie , Nagel Jennifer , Lane Roger
Published: March 2007

Objectives

To compare the efficacy, safety and tolerability of a novel rivastigmine transdermal patch with conventional rivastigmine capsules and placebo in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

In this 24‐week, multicenter, double‐blind, double‐dummy, placebo‐ and active‐controlled trial, patients with probable AD were randomized to one of four treatment groups: 12 mg/day rivastigmine capsules; 10 cm2 (9.5 mg/24 h) rivastigmine patch; 20 cm2 (17.4 mg/24 h) rivastigmine patch; or placebo. Primary efficacy measures were the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale—Cognitive subscale (ADAS‐Cog) and Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study––Clinical Global Impression of Change (ADCS‐CGIC).

Results

One thousand one hundred and ninety five AD patients from 21 countries participated in the study. Treatment differences (vs placebo) on the ADAS‐Cog at Week 24 in 10 cm2 patch, 20 cm2 patch and capsule groups were 1.6 (p = 0.005), 2.6 (p < 0.001) and 1.6 (p = 0.003). Treatment differences on the ADCS‐CGIC were 0.3 (p = 0.01), 0.2 (p = 0.054) and 0.3 (p = 0.009). Comparison between the 10 cm2 patch and the capsule revealed non‐inferiority. Rates of nausea in the 10 cm2 patch and capsule groups were 7.2% and 23.1%, respectively; rates of vomiting were 6.2% and 17.0%, respectively. Moderate or severe skin irritation occurred in ≤10% patients across the four patch sizes (5, 10, 15 and 20 cm2).

Conclusions

The target dose of 10 cm2 rivastigmine patch provides efficacy similar to the highest doses of capsules with a superior tolerability profile. The transdermal patch with rivastigmine may offer convenience important to many caregivers and patients. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biomimetic Model of Coenzyme B12: Aquabis(ethane‐1,2‐diamine‐κN,κN′)ethylcobalt(III) – Its Kinetic and Binding Studies with Imidazoles and Amino Acids and Interactions with CT DNA
Authors: Pallavi Ponuganti , Nagababu Penumaka , Satyanarayana Sirasani
Published: March 2007

Pseudo‐first‐order reaction kinetics and binding studies of trans‐[Co(en)2(Et)H2O] complex with 1H‐imidazole, substituted 1H‐imidazoles, histidine, histamine, glycine and glycine ethyl ester were investigated by means of spectrophotometric techniques. Equilibrium constants were determined as a function of pH at 25°. Binding and kinetic studies were correlated to basicity and steric hindrance. From the equilibrium data, it was found that the entering nucleophile is participating in the transition state, an Id mechanism is proposed. The effect of the incoming ligands on the complex was studied by molecular mechanics. The interaction of trans‐[Co(en)2(Et)H2O] with CT DNA was studied spectrophotometrically.
Hormone replacement therapy and breast cancer in former users of oral contraceptives—The Norwegian Women and Cancer study
Authors: Lund Eiliv , Bakken Kjersti , Dumeaux Vanessa , Andersen Vegard , Kumle Merethe
Published: March 2007

Combined estrogen–progestin menopausal therapy (HRT) and combined estrogen–progestin contraceptives (OC) both increase breast cancer risk during current use and a few years after. We investigated risk of breast cancer in women who were users of HRT dependant on former history of OC use in a large, national population‐based cohort study, the Norwegian Women and Cancer study (NOWAC). Exposure information was collected through postal questionnaires. Based on follow‐up of 30,118 postmenopausal women by linkage to national registers of cancer, deaths, and emigration we revealed 540 incident breast cancer cases between 1996 and 2004. Compared to never users of either drugs current use of HRT gave a significant (p = 0.002) higher risk of breast cancer in former OC users, RR = 2.45 (95% CI 1.92–3.12), than among never users of OCs, RR = 1.67 (1.32–2.12). Relative risk of current use of HRT was similar for estrogen only and combinations with progestin added in ever users of OCs. The increased risk of breast cancer in current HRT users with a history of former OC use could have potential great impact on postmenopausal breast cancer risk as the proportion of postmenopausal women with former OC use will continue to increase. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Formation of interconnected macropores in apatitic calcium phosphate bone cement with the use of an effervescent additive
Authors: Hesaraki S. , Moztarzadeh F. , Sharifi D.
Published: March 2007

Calcium phosphate cements (CPCs) can be considered as good candidate for bone tissue engineering because they can be resorbed and take part in the bone remodeling process. Several efforts have been made into improve the resorption rate of the calcium phosphate cement by introducing macropores to the cement matrix. In this investigation a simple and effective method has been presented based on the addition of various amounts of an effervescent agent to the calcium phosphate cement components. The effervescent agent was a mixture of sodium hydrogen carbonate, NaHCO3 (that was added to the powder phase), and citric acid monohydrate, C6H8O7·H2O (that was dissolved in the liquid phase). The obtained macroporous samples were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy techniques at 4 h after setting and 3 days after soaking in a special simulated body fluid solution named Hank's balanced salt solution. Mercury intrusion porosimetry was also employed for characterizing the pore volume and pore size distribution in the cement structure. Results showed that the rate of conversion of staring reactant to the apatite phase and the apatite chemistry were significantly changed by using the additive in the cement components. Also both the pore volume and pore size were changed by varying both the amount of effervescent additive and the powder to liquid ratio. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 2007
Platelet responses to silicon‐alloyed pyrolytic carbons
Authors: Goodman Steven L. , Scranton Victoria L. , Brendzel Avrom M.
Published: March 2007

Pyrolytic carbon (PYC) containing ∼7 wt % silicon is used in most clinical mechanical heart valves where it has demonstrated a high level of blood compatibility. The Si, present as SiC, is included since it is believed to enhance durability. However, it has been suggested that SiC reduces PYC blood compatibility. In the present study, PYC valve leaflets were prepared with low, conventional, and high levels of Si. The in vitro responses of human platelets to these materials were then quantified. Platelet responses were consistent with previous reports: Adherent platelets were extremely well spread, closely followed submicron contours, and formed very few aggregates or microthrombi‐like structures. No significant differences with respect to the Si concentrations were observed for platelets adherent per unit area and the numbers of thrombi‐like structures. Some differences were observed with platelet morphologies and the material surface covered with platelets, although these did not vary consistently with respect to Si concentration. These results indicate that lowering (or raising) the Si alloy concentration in PYC over a reasonable range (0.54–13.5 wt % as examined here) is unlikely to improve or otherwise alter the in vivo blood compatibility of this important clinical material. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 2007
Why do we need lean accounting and how does it work?
Authors: Maskell Brian H. , Kennedy Frances A.
Published: March 2007

American manufacturers are increasingly looking to lean thinking to improve productivity, reduce costs, enhance flexibility, create better value for their customers, and raise profits, cash flow, and stock price. Since those companies choosing lean principles as their basic business model will want to do everything they can to succeed, this article offers six reasons why accounting methods need to change before companies can fully realize the benefits of their lean transformation. It also describes several primary lean accounting methods and tools that support three key aspects of a lean organization—visual management, value stream management, and continuous improvement. These methods have been successfully implemented in a wide range of companies at various stages on the journey to lean transformation. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In‐vivo observation of cells with a combined high‐resolution multiphoton–acoustic scanning microscope
Authors: Schenkl Selma , Weiss Eike C. , Stracke Frank , Sauer Daniel , Stark Martin , Riemann Iris , Lemor Robert M. , König Karsten
Published: March 2007

We present a combined multiphoton–acoustic microscope giving collocated access to the local morphological as well as mechanical properties of living cells. Both methods relay on intrinsic contrast mechanisms and dispense with the need of staining. In the acoustic part of the microscope, a gigahertz ultrasound wave is generated by an acoustic lens and the reflected sound energy is detected by the identical lens in a confocal setup. The achieved lateral resolution is in the range of 1 μm. Contrast in the images arises mainly from the local absorption of sound in the cells related to viscose damping. Additionally, acoustic microscopy can access the sound speed as well as the acoustic impedance of the cell membrane and the cell shape, as it is an intrinsic volume scanning technique. The multiphoton image formation bases on the detection of autofluorescence due to endogenous fluorophores. The nonlinearity of two‐photon absorption provides submicron lateral and axial resolution without the need of confocal optical detection. In addition, in the near‐IR cell damages are drastically reduced in comparison with direct excitation in the visible or UV. The presented setup was aligned with a dedicated procedure to ensure identical image areas. Combined multiphoton/acoustic images of living myoblast cells are discussed focusing on the reliability of the method. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Precipitation in Nepal between 1987 and 1996
Authors: Ichiyanagi Kimpei , Yamanaka Manabu D. , Muraji Yoshitaka , Vaidya Bijaya Kumar
Published: March 2007

Rain gauge station data from 1987 to 1996 were used to investigate spatial and temporal variability in monthly precipitation and annual and seasonal precipitation patterns over Nepal. Maximum annual precipitation increased with altitude for elevations below 2000 m but decreased for elevations of 2000–3500 m. The data revealed a negative relationship between annual precipitation and elevation only in western Nepal. Annual precipitation averaged on a 0.25° grid exceeded 3000 mm/yr in central Nepal but was less than 1000 mm/yr over Nepal's northwestern mountains. Only winter precipitation over western Nepal was heavier than precipitation over central and eastern Nepal. A time series of standardized precipitation anomalies averaged over Nepal revealed no significant long‐term trends. Further, almost no stations exhibited significant long‐term trends by Kendall's rank correlation analysis. A correlation analysis between summer monsoon precipitation and the All Indian Rainfall (AIR) index revealed positive and negative correlations in western and eastern Nepal, respectively. This analysis also revealed a positive correlation, but no negative correlation, between summer monsoon precipitation and the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) in western and eastern Nepal. Composite differences in temperature, 850‐hPa winds, outgoing longwave radiation (OLR), and precipitation rates between low and high AIR phases revealed that moist air from the Arabian Sea supported precipitation over western Nepal, whereas cold dry air from the Tibetan Plateau suppressed precipitation over eastern Nepal. However, composite differences in precipitation between low and high SOI phases revealed no anomalies for Nepal. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Trigger arrhythmia to confirm the position of totally implantable access ports (TIAP)
Authors: Hsieh Huan‐Fa , Yu Jyh‐Cherng , Chuang Chu‐Hsin , Wu Hurng‐Sheng , Tsai Yu‐Chen , Lin Chien‐Hua
Published: March 2007

Background

Totally implantable access ports (TIAP) with cutdown method has few complications, but needs assessment of fluoroscopic system.

Methods

We present a method to confirm the position of TIAP catheter without fluoroscopic assessment. We use the cutdown method and trigger arrhythmia while introducing the TIAP catheter.

Results

This method was applied in 54 patients and no complications were found.

Conclusions

Checking the position by triggering arrhythmia while performing TIAP with cephalic vein cutdown in case of C‐arm was not available is simple and safe. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;96:436–437. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Estimation of Miscibility and Interaction for Cellulose Acetate and Butyrate Blends with N‐Vinylpyrrolidone Copolymers
Authors: Ohno Takahiro , Nishio Yoshiyuki
Published: March 2007

The miscibility of CA/P(VP‐co‐MMA) blends was examined as a function of DS of CA and the VP fraction in the copolymer composition, in an extension of the previous studies on cellulose ester blends using P(VP‐co‐VAc) as a counter component. It was observed by DSC thermal analysis that when CA of DS ≤ 2.5 and P(VP‐co‐MMA) of VP > 30 mol‐% were two blending components, most of the binary polymer systems were miscible, whereas the other combinations of DS and VP values led to an immiscible series of blends, a possible exception being the miscible pair of DS = 2.70 and VP = 100 mol‐%. Results of FT‐IR and solid‐state 13C CP/MAS NMR spectra measurements suggested the miscibility to be driven by the hydrogen‐bonding interaction between the residual hydroxyls of CA and the carbonyls of VP units in P(VP‐co‐MMA), as in the case of CA/P(VP‐co‐VAc) blends where the range of miscible pairing of acetyl DS and VP fraction was rather wide. From evaluations of proton spin‐lattice relaxation times in the NMR study, it was confirmed that the homogeneity of the miscible blends of CA/P(VP‐co‐MMA) was substantially on a scale within a few nanometers. To interpret the difference in the DS‐ and copolymer composition‐dependence of the miscibility behavior between three blend systems, CA/P(VP‐co‐MMA), CA/P(VP‐co‐VAc), and CB/P(VP‐co‐VAc), Krigbaum‐Wall intermolecular interaction parameters were estimated by solution viscometry for different polymer pairs pertinent to those blends. In particular, discussion took into consideration the effectiveness of an intramolecular repulsive action between the two units (VP and VAc, or VP and MMA) constituting the vinyl copolymers.

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African Americans and diabetes: Spiritual role of the health care provider in self‐management
Authors: Polzer Rebecca L.
Published: March 2007

How African Americans with type 2 diabetes perceive the spiritual role of health care providers (HCPs) and the effects of that role on self‐management was explored using a qualitative descriptive analysis. The sample consisted of 29 African American men and women ages 40–75 with type 2 diabetes and 5 ministers of African American churches. A spiritual relationship with their health provider was important in helping participants manage their diabetes. Three typologies from a parent study were expanded with a focus in this extended study on the meaning ascribed to spiritual relationships with providers and the impact of these relationships on self‐management. Care perceived as spiritual may be an important component of providing culturally sensitive health care to African Americans and may facilitate their self‐management. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 30: 164–174, 2007
Coping and psychosocial adaptation to Type 2 diabetes in older Blacks born in the Southern US and the Caribbean
Authors: Degazon Cynthia E. , Parker Veronica G.
Published: March 2007

Older Black men and women (n = 212) with Type 2 diabetes completed questionnaires. Spearman's rho correlation indicated that confrontive coping strategies supported effective psychosocial adaptation for persons originally from Haiti and Jamaica, while emotive coping strategies were related to ineffective psychosocial adaptation for persons originally from Barbados and to increased psychological distress for all participants. Women used more palliative coping; no gender differences were observed for psychosocial adaptation. Health care orientation, extended family relationships, and psychological distress domains distinguished Blacks born in Haiti from Blacks born in Barbados and Jamaica, the Southern US and Jamaica, and the Southern US, Barbados, and Jamaica. Findings from this study may aid in the development of interventions focused on improving diabetes self‐management for older Blacks. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 30: 151–163, 2007
Federal definitions of rurality and the impact on Nursing Research
Authors: Prouty Vanderboom Catherine , Madigan Elizabeth A.
Published: March 2007

In rural health research, the measurement of rural residence is commonly dichotomized as urban or rural, even though researchers encourage the use of more descriptive categories to capture rural diversity. Federal categorization schemes for operationalizing rural locations include United States Census Bureau definitions, Office of Management and Budget (OMB) classifications, and categorizations developed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)—Rural‐Urban Continuum Codes (RUCC), Urban Influence Codes (UIC), and Rural‐Urban Commuting Areas. When categorizing states by rurality, the choice of the measure used influences which states are identified as most rural. We demonstrate this premise in a study of rural home healthcare. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 30: 175–184, 2007
Are counsellors' attitudes influencing pregnant women's attitudes and decisions on prenatal screening?
Authors: van den Berg Matthijs , Timmermans Danielle R. M. , Kleinveld Johanna H. , van Eijk Jacques Th. M. , Knol Dirk L. , van der Wal Gerrit , van Vugt John M. G.
Published: March 2007

Objectives

It is generally recognised that choices concerning treatment or screening should be people's own, autonomous decisions. However, in the context of genetic counselling, many studies found that counsellors deviate from nondirectiveness, or that subjective norm influences behaviour. The present study aimed to investigate whether prenatal counsellors (midwives, gynaecologists) influence pregnant women's decisions and their attitudes regarding prenatal screening. It was hypothesised that uptake rates and attitudes would be associated with the counsellor's attitude toward prenatal screening.

Methods

Pregnant women attending their midwifery or gynaecology practice were asked to fill out postal questionnaires before and after they were offered prenatal screening for Down syndrome. Their prenatal counsellors also filled in a questionnaire. These questionnaires assessed attitudes toward prenatal screening and background variables. The study sample consisted of 945 pregnant women, being guided by 97 prenatal counsellors.

Results

Multilevel regression analyses revealed that neither uptake rates, nor attitude toward prenatal screening were significantly predicted by counsellors' attitudes toward prenatal screening.

Conclusion

It is suggested that the advice these pregnant women were reported to have received, should rather be interpreted as an indication of shared decision‐making and social support than of social pressure and undesired influence. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solution structures, dynamics, and lipid‐binding of the sterile α‐motif domain of the deleted in liver cancer 2
Authors: Li Hongyan , Fung King‐Leung , Jin Dong‐Yan , Chung Stephen SM , Ching Yick‐Pang , Ng Irene Oi‐lin , Sze Kong‐Hung , Ko Ben C.B. , Sun Hongzhe
Published: March 2007

The deleted in liver cancer 2 (DLC2) is a tumor suppressor gene, frequently found to be underexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma. DLC2 is a multidomain protein containing a sterile α‐motif (SAM) domain, a GTPase‐activating protein (GAP) domain, and a lipid‐binding StAR‐related lipid‐transfer (START) domain. The SAM domain of DLC2, DLC2‐SAM, exhibits a low level of sequence homology (15–30%) with other SAM domains, and appears to be the prototype of a new subfamily of SAM domains found in DLC2‐related proteins. In the present study, we have determined the three‐dimensional solution structure of DLC2‐SAM using NMR methods together with molecular dynamics simulated annealing. In addition, we performed a backbone dynamics study. The DLC2‐SAM packed as a unique four α‐helical bundle stabilized by interhelix hydrophobic interactions. The arrangement of the four helices is distinct from all other known SAM domains. In contrast to some members of the SAM domain family which form either dimers or oligomers, both biochemical analyses and rotational correlation time (τc) measured by backbone 15N relaxation experiments indicated that DLC2‐SAM exists as a monomer in solution. The interaction of DLC2‐SAM domain with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micelles and 1,2‐dimyristoyl‐sn‐glycerol‐3‐phosphatidylglycerol (DMPG) phospholipids was examined by CD and NMR spectroscopic techniques. The DLC2‐SAM exhibits membrane binding properties accompanied by minor loss of the secondary structure of the protein. Deletion studies showed that the self‐association of DLC2 in vivo does not require SAM domain, instead, a protein domain consisting of residues 120–672 mediates the self‐association of DLC2. Proteins 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Atmospheric mass‐transport inconsistencies in the ERA‐40 reanalysis
Authors: Graversen R. G. , Källén E. , Tjernström M. , Körnich H.
Published: March 2007

The ERA‐40 reanalysis from the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) is an atmospheric data‐set based on a comprehensive collection of observations and a state‐of‐the‐art system for assimilating data. High‐quality data, encompassing more than four decades, have successfully been used in a wide range of applications, including climate change studies.

However, even though the ERA‐40 data‐set benefits from improvements in the assimilation procedures since the release of earlier reanalyses, ERA‐40 exhibits unrealistic behaviour as regards some atmospheric quantities, including the water budget and the Brewer–Dobson Circulation. In addition, the results presented here show significant mass‐budget inconsistencies. Over inter‐annual timescales (greater than one year), the vertically‐averaged meridional mass transport is unrealistic and cannot be explained on the basis of naturally occurring physical processes. This mass inconsistency also yields spurious signals in meridional fluxes of other atmospheric quantities, such as energy. The total atmospheric mass content, on the other hand, shows a realistic evolution on daily timescales during the satellite era, from about 1979 onwards. Through this period, the variability of the total mass on intra‐annual timescales (less than one year) and annual timescales is consistent with differences between evaporation and precipitation.

Here it is demonstrated that unrealistic mass fluxes are present in ERA‐40 because of inherent properties of the data assimilation process. In assimilating model forecasts, between analysis time‐steps, systematic and unrealistic changes of the local surface‐pressure field in the assimilating model are encountered. These local mass changes are associated with mass fluxes. During the assimilation procedure, observations reset the surface‐pressure field, whereas the mass fluxes are not adjusted properly. This is because surface‐pressure observations are plentiful and accurate, in contrast to wind observations. Consequently, the analysed mass fluxes show a spurious development, even though the mass field itself is well captured.

A correction method can be applied in order to eliminate the spurious fluxes. For trend calculations it is demonstrated that this method yields more realistic results than those obtained from the original ERA‐40 data. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
New advancements for in situ treatment using electrical resistance heating
Authors: Powell Thomas , Smith Gregory , Sturza Joseph , Lynch Kira , Truex Mike
Published: March 2007

Electrical resistance heating (ERH) is proving to be an effective technology to rapidly heat the subsurface and, in doing so, removing volatile organic compounds. Practitioners of this technology have observed that other processes (biodegradation, abiotic degradation, hydrolysis, and possibly others) occur to break down the chemicals of concern, and remediation is not solely accomplished through vaporization. Few sites treated using ERH have been monitored during and after treatment to identify and evaluate the processes occurring and assess the contribution of these other biological and chemical processes in the remediation effort so that they may be incorporated in the remediation design.

At Fort Lewis, Washington, a landfill has been undergoing ERH treatment in three phases, where chlorinated volatile organic compounds represent the primary chemicals of concern in soil and groundwater. Other chemicals of concern include petroleum products, oils, and lubricants. The Fort Lewis remediation projects provided an opportunity to observe the reactions occurring in the subsurface during ERH and fine‐tune the study with each phase of operation. This study is still under way. However, the data gathered to date, which focuses on biodegradation, provides insights into the processes that have been observed. For the Fort Lewis site, biotic and abiotic degradation processes have been observed throughout the range of operating temperatures. At the lower temperature ranges (up to 70°C), biological processes appear to predominate. Above 70°C, abiotic processes become much more active. The goal of this work is to eventually optimize the use of these intrinsic processes in ERH remediation to reduce energy requirements and costs. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development of guidelines for assessing obesity in captive chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)
Authors: Videan Elaine N. , Fritz Jo , Murphy James
Published: March 2007

Many captive chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) are subjectively considered to be overweight or obese. However, discussions of obesity in chimpanzees are rare in the literature, despite the acknowledged problem. No study to date has systematically examined obesity in captive chimpanzees. This project develops guidelines for defining obesity in captive chimpanzees through the examination of morphometric and physiologic characteristics in 37 adult female and 22 adult male chimpanzees. During each animal's biannual physical exam, morphometric data was collected including seven skinfolds (mm), body mass index (BMI), waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR), and total body weight (kg). The morphometric characteristics were correlated with triglycerides and serum glucose concentration, to test the utility of morphometrics in predicting relative obesity in captive chimpanzees. Abdominal skinfold (triglyceride: F=3.83, P=0.05; glucose: F=3.83, P=0.05) and BMI (triglyceride: F=10.42, p=0.003; glucose: F=6.20, P=0.02) were predictive of increased triglycerides and serum glucose in females; however no morphometric characteristics were predictive of relative obesity in males. Results suggest that no males in this population are overweight or obese. For females, there were additional significant differences in morphometric (skinfolds, BMI, WHR, total body weight) and physiologic measurements (systolic and diastolic blood pressure, red blood cells) between individuals classified overweight and those classified non‐overweight. Skinfold measurements, particularly abdominal, seem to be an accurate measure of obesity and thus potential cardiovascular risk in female chimpanzees, but not males. By establishing a baseline for estimated body fat composition in female captive chimpanzees, institutions can track individuals empirically determined to be obese, as well as obesity‐related health problems. Zoo Biol 0:1–12, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Alkali‐modified soy protein with improved adhesive and hydrophobic properties
Authors: Hettiarachchy N. S. , Kalapathy U. , Myers D. J.
Published: March 2007

Adhesive and hydrophobic properties of alkalimodified soy protein (AMSP) and trypsin‐modified soy protein (TMSP) on wood were investigated. Modifying soy protein (i) under moderate alkaline conditions (pH 10.0 at 50°C) and (ii) with trypsin, enhanced adhesive strengths (730 and 743 N, respectively) compared with unmodified soy protein (340 N). Hydrophobicities of AMSP, TMSP, and unmodified soy protein isolate by sodium dodecyl sulfate binding and 1‐anilino‐8‐naphthalene sulfonate methods were 7.6, 6.4, 5.0 and 39, 27, 13, respectively. Modified soy protein adhesives with higher hydrophobicities (AMSP and TMSP) had enhanced water‐resistance properties.
Fuel properties of tallow and soybean oil esters
Authors: Ali Yusuf , Hanna Milford A. , Cuppett Susan L.
Published: March 2007

Fuel properties of beef tallow, soybean oil, their esters, and blends with No. 2 diesel fuel and ethanol were determined. Fuel properties tested were viscosity, specific gravity, API gravity, distillation ranges, calculated cetane index, energy content, flash point, water content, sulfur content, carbon residue, particulate matter, acid value, copper‐strip corrosion test, ash content, melting point, cloud point, and pour point. Gas‐chromatographic analyses of tallow, soybean oil, and their esters were performed to determine their major constituents. Viscosities of soybean oil and tallow were significantly reduced by esterification. Other fuel properties of the esters and their blends with No. 2 diesel fuel and ethanol were similar to the properties of No. 2 diesel fuel.
Selective hydrolysis of polyunsaturated fatty acid‐containing oil withGeotrichum candidum lipase
Authors: Shimada Yuji , Maruyama Kazuaki , Nakamura Masaki , Nakayama Suguru , Sughihara Akio , Tominaga Yoshio
Published: March 2007

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), can be concentrated in glycerides by hydrolyzing tuna oil withGeotrichum candidum lipase, the main components in the resulting oil being triglycerides. The reaction mechanism of this selective hydrolysis was investigated. Although the lipase acted well on the esters of oleic, linoleic, and α‐linolenic acids, it did not affect the esters of γ‐linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, EPA, and DHA as much. The action of PUFA‐glycerides was mono‐> di‐ > triglycerides. Furthermore, the condensation of PUFA‐partial glycerides and PUFA occurred even in the presence of a large amount of water, and the partial glycerides converted to the triglycerides by transacylation. These results suggested that the PUFA‐rich triglycerides were accumulated in the glyceride fraction by the following mechanism: The PUFA‐partial glycerides generated by the hydrolysis were converted to PUFA‐triglycerides by condensation and transacylation reactions. As the PUFA‐triglycerides formed were the poor substrates of lipase, they were accumulated in the reaction mixture.
Composition of the oil in palm kernel fromElaeis guineensis
Authors: Siew Wai‐Lin , Chong Chiew‐Let , Tan Yew‐Ai
Published: March 2007

The composition of oil from the outer, middle, and inner section of palm kernel had been evaluated by gas‐liquid chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance techniques. The composition was not homogenous throughout the kernel and was found to be more unsaturated in the outer kernel. The inner core of the kernel is less unsaturated, having a higher lauric content. The variation in the iodine value from the outer to inner section of the kernel suggested that composition of palm kernel oil was affected by the kernel size. This was found to be true, as small kernels tend to have oil with higher iodine value than do larger kernels.
Effects of dietary fat and fatty acids on sterol balance in hamsters
Authors: Cohen Bertram I. , Ayyad Nariman , Mikami Takahiro , Mikami Yasuko , Mosbach Erwin H.
Published: March 2007

Sterol balance studies, using both isotopic and chromatographic techniques, were carried out in hamsters fed semipurified diets to detect changes in sterol metabolism during the early period of the lithogenic stimulus. The balance studies examined animals in the first two weeks on the experimental lithogenic diets. The variables were as follows: dose of cholesterol (group 1, 0.05% vs. group 2, 0.2%); dietary fat (fatty acid) (group 2, butterfat vs. group 4, palmitic acid); source of hamster [group 2, Sasco (Omaha, NE) vs. group 3, Charles River (Wilmington, MA)]; average weight of animals (group 4, 60 g vs. group 5, 119 g). Animals in groups 1, 2, 3 and 5 maintained almost constant weight throughout the two‐week balance study. Liver and plasma cholesterol levels increased in groups 2–5 with increasing dose of dietary cholesterol. The highest levels were found in group 4 (liver cholesterol, 32.7 mg/g; plasma cholesterol, 367 mg/dL). Sterol balance measurements showed that bile acid synthesis remained low (range 0.55–1.01 mg/d) for all groups regardless of the intake of dietary cholesterol (range, 3.27–20.90 mg/d). The dietary cholesterol absorbed from the intestine (range, 2.91–18.91 mg/d) was stored in the liver; this storage was reflected in the negative values for cholesterol balance for all groups (range, −0.70 to −14.97 mg/d). These studies did not reveal any correlations between parameters of sterol balance and cholelithiasis.
Measurements of frying fat deterioration: A brief review
Authors: Fritsch C. W.
Published: March 2007

Many factors affect the rate of deterioration of a fat used for deep fat frying. Because of the complexity of the problem, there is no single procedure which will yield reliable results in all situations. Determination of total polar materials in a frying fat provides the most reliable measure of the extent of deterioration in most cases. For monitoring a frying operation in which there is no dilution of the frying fat by the fat in the food being fried, the change in the dielectric constant is the simplest of the methods judged reliable. Free fatty acid determinations by titration and peroxide value are not recommended procedures for measuring frying fat deterioration.
Sepsis: Prognostic Role of Apoptosis Regulators in Gastrointestinal Cells
Authors: Messaris Evangelos , Kekis Panagiotis , Memos Nicolaos , Chatzigianni Emmy , Menenakos Evangelos , Leandros Emanuel , Konstadoulakis Manousos M.
Published: March 2007

Background

Intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis has been reported in sepsis as a mechanism of organ failure. The aim of this study was to clarify the role of apoptosis‐regulating proteins (bcl‐2, bax, cytochrome‐c, and caspase‐8) in septic rats by studying their expression in gastric and intestinal epithelial cells.

Methods

Adult Wistar rats were subjected to the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model of sepsis and randomly divided into two study groups. Sixty‐two animals were sacrificed 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 h post‐procedure, and 50 animals served as the survival study group. Sham‐operated animals (n = 40) were used as controls. Gastric and intestinal tissue was excised, and immunohistochemical detection of bcl‐2, bax, cytochrome‐c, and caspase‐8 protein expression was performed.

Results

In gastric mucosa, sepsis induced upregulation of bax and downregulation of caspase‐8 expression (p = 0.053 and p = 0.05, respectively). Both bax and caspase‐8 were upregulated as early as 6 h post CLP and progressively decreased (p = 0.001, p = 0.004 respectively). In contrast, the expression of the anti‐apoptotic bcl‐2 was upregulated progressively during the sepsis syndrome (p = 0.03). In intestine, sepsis induced a fourfold upregulation of the cytoprotective bcl‐2 (p = 0.0001), accompanied by a remarkable increase in bax (p = 0.002) and caspase‐8 (p = 0.0001) expression and a decrease in cytochrome‐c expression (p = 0.02). The time distribution of the apoptosis regulators followed the same pattern as in gastric tissue, showing an upregulation of the proapoptotic bax and cytochrome c (p = 0.04) during the early phases and a progressively increased expression of bcl‐2 during the late phases (p = 0.0001). Bax expression in gastric epithelium of subjects with septic syndrome was detrimental to survival (p = 0.0001), whereas the expression of the cytoprotective bcl‐2 in intestinal epithelium appeared to favor a good prognosis (p = 0.0001).

Conclusions

Sepsis results in alterations of apoptosis regulators in gastrointestinal cells. Alterations of bax and bcl‐2 expression in gastric and intestinal epithelial cells may predict the outcome in septic rats.
Effect of Low Shear Stress on Permeability and Occludin Expression in Porcine Artery Endothelial Cells
Authors: Conklin Brian S. , Vito Raymond P. , Chen Changyi
Published: March 2007

Introduction

Although both fluid shear stress and mass transport of atherogenic substances into the vascular wall are known to be important factors in atherogenesis, there has been little research on the effect of shear stress on vascular permeability. Therefore, the effects of shear stress on the permeability of arteries and the expression of the endothelial cell tight junction molecule occludin, an important regulator of vascular permeability, were investigated.

Methods

Porcine carotid arteries were perfusion cultured ex vivo with low (1.5 dyne/cm2) or physiologic (15 dyne/cm2) shear stress and 100 mmHg pressure for 24 hours. Subsequently, 20 nm gold particles in solution were infused into the lumen of vessels at 100 mmHg for 30 minutes. Frozen sections were then cut and stained for gold particles. Image analysis was used to determine the density of the particles in the vessel walls. The expression of endothelial cell occludin mRNA and protein were determined using reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and Western blotting, respectively.

Results

Permeability results showed a 2.8‐fold increase in the apparent permeability of vessels cultured with low versus physiologic shear stress. RT‐PCR and Western blotting results showed significant decreases in occludin mRNA and protein expression at 12 and 24 hours in vessels cultured with low versus physiologic shear stress.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that low shear stress increases vascular permeability in porcine carotid arteries, possibly owing to decreased occludin expression. These results may have implications in the preferential formation of atherosclerotic vascular disease adjacent to branches and bifurcations where low mean shear stresses may occur.
Self‐assembly of the isolated KCNQ2 subunit interaction domain
Authors: Wehling Christina , Beimgraben Christian , Gelhaus Christoph , Friedrich Thomas , Saftig Paul , Grötzinger Joachim , Schwake Michael
Published: March 2007

Mutations in the KCNQ2 gene cause myokymia and neonatal epilepsy, indicating that this K+ channel regulates the excitability of lower motoneurons and CNS neurons. Little is known about the parameters that direct the assembly of this multimeric molecule and other KCNQ subunits. Here, we show that the carboxy‐terminal subunit interaction domain of KCNQ2 autonomously folds and assembles into tetramers. This domain contains a bipartite coiled‐coil motif. Whereas structural integrity of the second coiled‐coil motif is crucial for tetramer formation, that of the first motif is less important. These data suggest a crucial role of coiled‐coil motifs in tetrameric KCNQ channel assembly.
The transcription factor ZEB1 (δEF1) represses Plakophilin 3 during human cancer progression
Authors: Aigner Kirsten , Descovich Luise , Mikula Mario , Sultan Aneesa , Dampier Brigitta , Bonné Stefan , van Roy Frans , Mikulits Wolfgang , Schreiber Martin , Brabletz Thomas , Sommergruber Wolfgang , Schweifer Norbert , Wernitznig Andreas , Beug Hartmut , Foisner Roland , Eger Andreas
Published: March 2007

Plakophilin 3 (PKP3) belongs to the p120ctn family of armadillo‐related proteins predominantly functioning in desmosome formation. Here we report that PKP3 is transcriptionally repressed by the E‐cadherin repressor ZEB1 in metastatic cancer cells. ZEB1 physically associates with two conserved E‐box elements in the PKP3 promoter and partially represses the activity of corresponding human and mouse PKP3 promoter fragments in reporter gene assays. In human tumours ZEB1 is upregulated in invasive cancer cells at the tumour–host interface, which is accompanied by downregulation of PKP3 expression levels. Hence, the transcriptional repression of PKP3 by ZEB1 contributes to ZEB1‐mediated disintegration of intercellular adhesion and epithelial to mesenchymal transition.