bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecosystem Boundaries
Authors: Banks‐Leite Cristina , Ewers Robert M
Published: September 2009

Ecosystem boundaries are zones of transitions between two adjacent habitats. They occur naturally in all biomes but the extent of boundaries has been greatly increased by anthropogenic habitat modification. Transition zones are characterized by a profound change in the composition of plant and animal communities and that transition may be abrupt, gradual or even occur via a series of intermediate habitat types. Naturally occurring ecosystem boundaries sometimes form a unique habitat to which species are specifically adapted, whereas anthropogenically created ecosystem boundaries typically contain a mixture of species from the two adjacent ecosystems and often exert a negative influence on natural habitats. Adjacent ecosystems are connected via flows of energy, material and organisms across ecosystem boundaries, and these flows can exert strong influences on the fertility and productivity of ecosystems. The magnitude of cross‐system fluxes is mediated by a wide range of variables.

Key concepts:

Ecosystem boundaries are the locations exhibiting gradients of change in environmental conditions and a related shift in the composition of plant and/or animal communities.

Naturally occurring ecosystem boundaries can represent unique habitats to which many species are specifically adapted.

Anthropogenically created ecosystem boundaries often support high species diversity, but the combination of species present at edges is very different to the one found deep inside the adjacent ecosystems.

Neighbouring ecosystems experience flows of organisms, materials and energy across the shared boundary.
Cerebral Cortex Evolution and the

ASPM

Gene
Authors: Ali Farhan
Published: September 2009

The cerebral cortex has diversified in many organisms despite having a similar basic plan. Neural cell division at one level and scaling laws at another level can explain interspecies differences in cerebral cortex sizes. Cerebral cortex components are also shaped by adaptive evolution, particularly by ecological and social factors. The genetic basis for brain development has only recently been probed. Guided initially by clinical studies of patients with reduced brain sizes (microcephaly), the gene

ASPM

has been identified as an important candidate involved in cerebral cortex development. Multiple lines of evidence from evolutionary genetics and functional studies have now implicated the gene in cerebral cortex size evolution across diverse organisms. Given the complexities associated with such a large organ, other genes and their expression patterns as well as noncoding DNA may also play a role in cerebral cortex evolution.

Key concepts:

Higher organisms such as mammals and birds show diversity in cerebral cortex size and organization.

This diversity is explained partly by neural cell division and scaling laws that constrain the expansion of the cerebral cortex as a function of body size and development.

Differences in cerebral cortex organization are also explained by adaptive evolution of animals in their unique niches.

Mutations in the gene
ASPM
cause primary microcephaly or reduced brain size in humans.

The gene
ASPM
controls cortical neurogenesis through cell cycle functions in the brain.

There is evidence of accelerated evolution of
ASPM
in humans and other nonhuman primates with enlarged cerebral cortex sizes.

In addition to
ASPM
, other genes particularly those underlying cellular energetics and regulation of gene expression may be involved in cerebral cortex evolution.

The numerous single‐gene, genomic scan and expression studies have its limitations in explaining cerebral cortex evolution.
Regulatory Genes in Ancestral Chordates
Authors: Sasakura Yasunori
Published: September 2009

The phylum ‘Chordate’ includes amphioxus, tunicate and vertebrate. The three groups evolved from a common ancestor. The evolution of chordates is a fascinating subject for biologists, who have long pondered which changes in the genome and genes were critical to the evolution, with no real resolution to this issue. Recent genome projects in the chordates have revealed a repertoire of so‐called regulatory genes, and comparison of these essential genes for development has provided insights into chordate evolution. The ancestral chordate is estimated to have had approximately 80% of the genes in the extant chordate genomes. Some regulatory genes are specific to specific lineages, which may have led to the separation of amphioxus, tunicates and vertebrates.

Key concepts

Small subsets of genes encoding transcription factors and signal transductions play roles as conductors during development. These genes are called regulatory genes. Genetic changes in regulatory genes served as major driving forces for the evolution of chordates. The regulatory genes present in the ancestral chordate can be deduced by comparing the extant chordate genomes. This information is crucial to understand the evolution of chordates.
Evolution of the Chorionic Gonadotropin β Genes in Primates
Authors: Hallast Pille , Laan Maris
Published: September 2009

Several genes associated with reproduction have been duplicated during primate evolution and evolved under positive selection. Chorionic gonadotropin hormone (HCG) produced by trophoblast cells has emerged in primates and assists maternal physiology to establish pregnancy.

CGB

gene, coding for the HCG β subunit has evolved through a duplication of the ancestral
lutenizing hormone
β (

LHB

) gene 55–35 million years ago. Only a few sequence changes in the duplicate locus were required to result in a novel

CGB

gene with different tissue‐specificity and function. Evolution of the

LHB

/

CGB

genomic region has been accompanied by active genome dynamics either as series of additional duplications in Old World monkeys and apes, or as functional modifications of genes in New World monkeys. Duplicated, highly homologous genes with diverged functions are maintained through a balance between selective pressures targeted to their specific functions and evolution

in consort

facilitated by interlocus gene conversion.

Key Concepts

Several genes associated with female and male reproduction have been shown to be duplicated during primate evolution and evolve under positive selection.

Chorionic gonadotropin hormone (HCG) produced by the trophoblast cells has emerged in primates and acts as a key hormone to assist maternal physiology to establish pregnancy.

Primate‐specific

CGB

gene, coding for the β subunit of HCG has emerged through a duplication of the ancestral lutenizing hormone β (

LHB

) gene approximately 55–35 million years ago.

Only a few sequence changes in the duplicate locus were required to result in a novel

CGB

gene with different tissue‐specificity, expression pattern and function.

Evolution of the

LHB

/

CGB

genomic region in primates has been accompanied by active genome dynamics either as a series of additional duplications in the lineage to OWM and apes, or as functional modifications of the gene loci in NWM.

Comparison of the human and chimpanzee

LHB/CGB

gene clusters identified large species‐specific parallel rearrangement events, resulting in lineage‐specific number of

CGB

gene copies (five versus six genes in chimpanzee compared to human).

Duplicated genes tend to evolve

in consort

facilitated by active interlocus gene conversion increasing and preserving sequence similarity among the gene copies.

Intraspecies gene conversion events have led to a higher human–chimpanzee divergence between duplicated

LHB/CGB

genes compared to the available data for unique genomic regions.

Duplicated, highly homologous genes with diverged functions are maintained through balancing interlocus gene conversion activity with selective pressure targeting their specific functions.
Evolution of the
AZFc
Region in Primates
Authors: Yu Yueh‐Hsiang , Yen Pauline H
Published: September 2009

The
Azoospermia Factor c
(
AZFc
) region on the human Y chromosome is one of the most polymorphic regions in the human genome. It encodes several gene families with germ‐cell specific expression and is frequently deleted in infertile men with very low sperm counts or no sperm.
AZFc
consists mainly of very long repeats (amplicons) that have different evolutionary histories. Some of the ampliconic sequences are remnants of the ancient Y chromosome and share homology with the X chromosome. Other sequences arrived on the Y chromosome through segmental duplication and transposition of autosomal sequences or through messenger
ribonucleic acid
(mRNA) retroposition. Subsequent rearrangements such as duplication, inversion and intragenic amplification result in the various structures found on the Y chromosomes of today's primates.

Key Concepts

The
AZFc
region on the human Y chromosome contains several testis‐specific gene families and is essential for normal spermatogenesis.

The
AZFc
region consists mainly of large amplicons and is prone to rearrangement such as deletion, duplication and inversion.

Some ampliconic sequences are remnants of the ancestral Y chromosome and retain sequence similarity with the X chromosome.

Other
AZFc
sequences arrived on the Y chromosome at various time during primate evolution through duplication and transposition of autosomal sequences.

The
CDY
gene within the yellow amplicon arose from retroposition of an ancient autosomal
CDYL
gene and contains no introns.
Modal–Vibration‐Based Damage Identification
Authors: Worden Keith , Friswell Michael I.
Published: September 2009

A substantial body of structural health monitoring (SHM) research has been carried out in the context of structural dynamics. In this context, it is natural to make use of features for damage identification, which arise in the normal course of structural dynamic testing. The accepted standard for a dynamic test is amodal analysis, which derives a description of the dynamics in terms of natural frequencies, damping ratios, and modeshapes. This article discusses how such features can be used to extract a damage diagnosis. From a modal test, it is possible to extract the physical matrices that enter the structural equations of motion: mass, damping, and stiffness matrices. This article also describes damage identification strategies based on these matrices.
Probabilistic Approaches to Sensor Layout Design, Data Processing, and Damage Detection
Authors: Mahadevan Sankaran , Jiang Xiaomo , Guratzsch Robert F.
Published: September 2009

This article presents probabilistic methodologies toward the design of a reliable structural health monitoring system, by addressing several types of uncertainties in sensor performance and data, including sensor layout effects and sensor data noise, incompleteness, and variability. The sensor layout is designed to maximize the reliability of damage detection by combining probabilistic finite element analysis, damage detection algorithms, and reliability‐based optimization techniques. A Bayesian discrete wavelet packet transform‐based denoising approach is presented to perform data cleansing prior to damage detection. A nonparametric system identification method is applied when using incomplete sensor data. A Bayesian method is presented to incorporate possible uncertainties in both sensor data and model prediction and to provide a quantitative measure of confidence in structural condition assessment. These methodologies are illustrated for application to an aerospace structure thermal protection system panel and to a five‐story building frame structure, representing two different disciplines.
Energy Harvesting and Wireless Energy Transmission forSHMSensor Nodes
Authors: Farinholt Kevin M. , Park Gyuhae , Farrar Charles R.
Published: September 2009

The concept of wireless sensor nodes and sensor networks has been widely investigated within the field of structural health monitoring (SHM). However, the ability to power sensors, onboard processing, and telemetry components is a significant challenge in many SHM applications. Several energy harvesting techniques, based on piezoelectric and thermoelectric materials, have been proposed and studied to solve such problems. This article summarizes recent advances and research issues in energy harvesting relevant to SHM applications. We also present a feasibility study for using radio frequency (RF) signals to wirelessly deliver energy to power sensing systems. The goal of this study is to provide a method for supplying power to a sensor node periodically so that the SHM system does not rely on an onboard power source.
Commercial Fixed‐Wing Aircraft
Authors: Gordon Grant A. , Boller Christian
Published: September 2009

The development history and future opportunities for structural health monitoring in fixed‐wing commercial aircraft are described. Starting from an analysis of critical past avionic events, the role of SHM in improving vehicle safety and operational efficiency is examined. Current ideas, requirements, and approaches are explored from the perspective of major large airframe manufacturers and aircraft subsystem manufacturers.
Integrated Sensor Durability and Reliability
Authors: Blackshire James L. , Jata Kumar V.
Published: September 2009

Significant progress has been made recently in the development of numerous integrated sensing approaches in support of structural health monitoring. To a large degree, however, many of these sensing approaches and methodologies are unproven in fielded, operational environments where the long‐term reliability of the sensors and associated hardware needs to be insured. In this article, some of the physical principles of integrated sensor durability and reliability are covered. In particular, the primary factors that can influence the performance and reliable output of an integrated sensing system are described. The aging, damage, and degradation of a sensing system are also covered. Several specific examples are given, including surface‐bonded piezoelectric sensor disks, direct‐write thermocouples, comparative vacuum sensors, and layered piezoelectric actuator/sensor networks. Lessons learned and opportunities for sensor durability/reliability improvement are also briefly covered.
Structural Health Monitoring—An Introduction and Definitions
Authors: Boller Christian
Published: September 2009

Structural health monitoring (SHM) is the lateral integration of a variety of different disciplines in engineering science. Starting from an engineering structural design point of view, it encompasses loads and damage monitoring including the various disciplines being related to this. Once SHM being defined as a system is realized, it needs to be implemented in a structure such that it generates the appropriate benefit in terms of life cycle cost. This article addresses what can be considered as SHM in that regard and how the benefit can be determined using mainly examples taken from aviation.
Vitamin A deficiency in an infant with PAGOD syndrome
Authors: Gavrilova Ralitza , Babovic Nikola , Lteif Aida , Eidem Benjamin , Kirmani Salman , Olson Timothy , Babovic‐Vuksanovic Dusica
Published: September 2009

PAGOD syndrome is a rare condition characterized by multiple congenital anomalies including pulmonary artery and lung hypoplasia, agonadism, diaphragmatic abnormalities, cardiac defects, omphalocele, and various genital anomalies. The etiology of this condition is unknown but the spectrum of birth defects is similar to the developmental anomalies observed in vitamin A deficiency animal models. We describe an infant with PAGOD syndrome phenotype. The patient had a normal male karyotype and no copy number changes were seen on chromosome genomic hybridization (CGH) microarray. Endocrine evaluation was consistent with primary hypogonadism. The testes and Müllerian structures were absent by imaging studies, raising the possibility of arrest of early gonadogenesis. The plasma free vitamin A was low, consistent with moderate to severe vitamin A deficiency; the maternal plasma vitamin A level was normal. During pregnancy maternal vitamin A is taken up by retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) which is expressed in the embryonic visceral endoderm from pregastrulational stages. This transport is mediated via the specific membrane receptor for RBP, stimulated by retinoic acid 6 (STRA6). STRA6 is widely expressed in human organ systems including the placenta during embryonic development. Mutations in the STRA6 gene result in Matthew–Wood syndrome, which demonstrates significant phenotypic overlap with PAGOD syndrome. Sequencing of STRA6 coding regions in our patient, revealed no mutations. We present a case of PAGOD syndrome with a review of the literature, posing the hypothesis that a vitamin A metabolic defect, other than transport mediated by STRA6 receptor, might have an etiological role in the development of this multiple congenital anomalies syndrome. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
On the Helical Motif of the Complexes Created by Association of Helix‐Forming Schizophyllan (SPG) and Helix‐Forming Polythiophene Derivatives
Authors: Haraguchi Shuichi , Tsuchiya Youichi , Shiraki Tomohiro , Sugikawa Kouta , Sada Kazuki , Shinkai Seiji
Published: September 2009

π‐Conjugated polymers can finely tune their electrical and optical properties in response to their conformational changes. We believe that a deeper understanding of their higher‐order structures will stimulate further development of their applications. We had revealed that one helix‐forming natural polysaccharide (SPG) and one polythiophene derivative (PT‐1) formed a stable one‐dimensional complex and in the polythiophene main chain a helical conformation was induced through the dynamic conformational changes. The objective of our present research is to obtain a better mechanistic understanding on the interaction between SPG and polythiophenes. Here we have used particular left‐ and right‐handed helix‐forming polythiophene derivatives (D‐ and L‐POWTs, respectively) and studied their influence on the helical motif of the complexes. We observed that SPG interacts with both D‐ and L‐POWTs through their dynamic conformational changes and both D‐ and L‐POWTs form the right‐handed co‐helical complexes with SPG according to the inherent helical motif of SPG. In addition, it was confirmed that 1) the complexes do not coagulate in aqueous solution, and 2) the exchange in the helical motif can occur only when the polymers experience the denature–renature process. We believe, therefore, that the mechanism of the helical induction of the SPG/POWT complexes is very unique, being different from conventional equilibrium reactions.
Laplacian eigenfunctions in NMR. II. Theoretical advances
Authors: Grebenkov Denis S.
Published: September 2009

In this article, theoretical advances in the study of restricted diffusion in NMR that have been achieved by using Laplacian eigenfunctions are described. The macroscopic signal is represented as the characteristic function of a random phase shift that a nucleus acquires during its motion in an inhomogeneous magnetic field. The moments of this random variable are written in a matrix form that is based on Laplacian eigenfunctions. This article focuses on the zeroth, first, and second moments which provide the major contribution to the macroscopic signal. The asymptotic behavior of the macroscopic signal in both short‐time and long‐time regimes is considered when the diffusion length is either much smaller or much larger than the size of a diffusion‐confining domain, respectively. Apparent diffusion coefficient, localization regime, inverse spectral problem, and many other issues are discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part A 34A: 264–296, 2009.
Collagen XIX is expressed by interneurons and contributes to the formation of hippocampal synapses
Authors: Su Jianmin , Gorse Karen , Ramirez Francesco , Fox Michael A.
Published: September 2009

Extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules contribute to the formation and maintenance of synapses in the mammalian nervous system. We previously discovered a family of nonfibrillar collagens that organize synaptic differentiation at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Although many NMJ‐organizing cues contribute to central nervous system (CNS) synaptogenesis, whether similar roles for collagens exist at central synapses remained unclear. In the present study we discovered that col19a1, the gene encoding nonfibrillar collagen XIX, is expressed by subsets of hippocampal neurons. Colocalization with the interneuron‐specific enzyme glutamate decarboxylase 67 (Gad67), but not other cell‐type‐specific markers, suggests that hippocampal expression of col19a1 is restricted to interneurons. However, not all hippocampal interneurons express col19a1 mRNA; subsets of neuropeptide Y (NPY)‐, somatostatin (Som)‐, and calbindin (Calb)‐immunoreactive interneurons express col19a1, but those containing parvalbumin (Parv) or calretinin (Calr) do not. To assess whether collagen XIX is required for the normal formation of hippocampal synapses, we examined synaptic morphology and composition in targeted mouse mutants lacking collagen XIX. We show here that subsets of synaptotagmin 2 (Syt2)‐containing hippocampal nerve terminals appear malformed in the absence of collagen XIX. The presence of Syt2 in inhibitory hippocampal synapses, the altered distribution of Gad67 in collagen XIX‐deficient subiculum, and abnormal levels of gephyrin in collagen XIX‐deficient hippocampal extracts all suggest inhibitory synapses are affected by the loss of collagen XIX. Together, these data not only reveal that collagen XIX is expressed by central neurons, but show for the first time that a nonfibrillar collagen is necessary for the formation of hippocampal synapses. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:229–253, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Photoacetylation of Diamondoids: Selectivities and Mechanism
Authors: Fokin Andrey A. , Gunchenko Pavel A. , Novikovsky Anatoliy A. , Shubina Tatyana E. , Chernyaev Boris V. , Dahl Jeremy E. P. , Carlson Robert M. K. , Yurchenko Alexander G. , Schreiner Peter R.
Published: September 2009

The photoacetylation of diamondoids (nanodiamonds), in particular [1212]pentamantane, [1(2,3)4]pentamantane, and [123]tetramantane, with diacetyl almost exclusively gives apical acetyl derivatives. The mechanism of the photoacetylation was studied on the basis of a comparative analysis of the experimental deuterium kinetic isotope effects as well as the observed C–H bond substitution selectivities, which were also computed at the B3LYP, B3PW91, and MP2 levels of theory including polarized continuum modeling of solvent effects. The high apical C–H bond selectivities in the photoacetylation of diamondoids are determined by the higher polarizabilities of the cages along the apical direction in the transition structures for hydrogen abstraction with the triplet diacetyl diradical. Steric effects play only a minor role, and in combination with solvation, outweigh charge‐transfer effects that usually favor medial substitution with electrophiles and electrophilic radicals.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
A case series investigating acceptance and commitment therapy as a treatment for previously treated, unremitted patients with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Berman M. I. , Boutelle K. N. , Crow S. J.
Published: September 2009

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for treatment of anorexia nervosa (AN) using a case series methodology among participants with a history of prior treatment for AN. Three participants enrolled; all completed the study. All participants had a history of 1–20 years of intensive eating disorder treatment prior to enrollment. Participants were seen for 17–19 twice‐weekly sessions of manualized ACT. Symptoms were assessed at baseline, post‐treatment and 1‐year follow‐up. All participants experienced clinically significant improvement on at least some measures; no participants worsened or lost weight even at 1‐year follow‐up. Simulation modelling analysis (SMA) revealed for some participants an increase in weight gain and a decrease in eating disorder symptoms during the treatment phase as compared to a baseline assessment phase. These data, although preliminary, suggest that ACT could be a promising treatment for subthreshold or clinical cases of AN, even with chronic participants or those with medical complications. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Claspin inhibition leads to fragile site expression
Authors: Focarelli Maria Luisa , Soza Samuela , Mannini Linda , Paulis Marianna , Montecucco Alessandra , Musio Antonio
Published: September 2009

Fragile sites are hot spots for sister chromatid exchanges, translocations, deletions, complex rearrangements, and gene amplification. It has been hypothesized that rearrangements at fragile sites derive from unreplicated regions resulting from stalled forks that escape the ATR replication checkpoint. In the present study, we investigated the role of the Claspin (CLSPN) gene, which codes for an adaptor protein in the ATR pathway, during DNA replication stress in human cells. We show that the inhibition of the CLSPN gene leads to both genome instability and fragile site expression. Following aphidicolin treatment, we found a transient increase of Claspin synthesis due to its requirement to checkpoint activation. However, Claspin synthesis decreased after a prolonged aphidicolin treatment. We propose that CLSPN modulation, following an extreme replication block, allows rare cells to escape checkpoint mechanisms and enter mitosis with a defect in genome assembly. Our observations provide the basis for a better understanding of cell cycle checkpoints deregulation in cancer. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Primary salivary gland type carcinoma of the nasopharynx: Therapeutic outcomes and prognostic factors
Authors: Liu Tian‐Run , Chen Fu‐Jin , Qian Chao‐Nan , Guo Xiang , Zeng Mu‐Sheng , Guo Zhu‐Ming , He Jie‐Hua , Cao Jing‐Yan , Yang An‐Kui , Zhang Guan‐Ping
Published: September 2009

Background.

Primary salivary gland type nasopharyngeal carcinoma (SNPC) is a rare malignancy with diverse clinical behavior and different prognoses. Previous studies have reported on limited patient populations, and few long‐term studies have outlined outcomes and prognostic factors. Furthermore, controversy exists as to the treatment policy of SNPC. The aim of this study was to define management approaches, therapeutic outcomes, and prognostic factors of SNPC.

Methods.

The medical records of 67 patients with SNPC at 1 institution between 1977 and 2005 were reviewed. Patient records were analyzed for management approaches, outcomes, and prognostic factors.

Results.

SNPC is a rare malignancy accounting for only 0.29% of nasopharyngeal malignancies, and the lymphatic metastases and distant metastases rates were 28.4% and 23.9%, respectively. The 5‐year disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 41.1% and 57.1%, respectively; no significant differences were found in DFS or OS between different histological subtypes. A significant difference was found in OS between surgical treatment and nonsurgical treatment in T1–T2 patients with well‐differentiated tumors. Multivariate analyses indicated that lymph node metastases, stage, and distant metastases were independent factors for DFS, whereas cranial nerve invasion, tumor residue, and distant metastases were independent factors affecting OS.

Conclusions.

SNPC is a malignancy with generally favorable prognosis. In T1–T2 patients with well‐differentiated tumors, SNPC should be treated by combined surgical operation and radiotherapy. Cranial nerve invasion, tumor residue, and distant metastases were independent factors affecting OS. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010
Opioid use affects antioxidant activity and purine metabolism: preliminary results
Authors: Mannelli Paolo , Patkar Ashwin , Rozen Steve , Matson Wayne , Krishnan Ranga , Kaddurah‐Daouk Rima
Published: September 2009

Objective

More must be learned about metabolic and biochemical alterations that contribute to the development and expression of drug dependence. Experimental opioid administration influences mechanisms and indices of oxidative stress, such as antioxidant compounds and purine metabolism. We examined perturbations of neurotransmitter‐related pathways in opioid dependence (OD).

Methods

In this preliminary study, we used a targeted metabolomics platform to explore whether biochemical changes were associated with OD by comparing OD individuals (n = 14) and non‐drug users (n = 10).

Results

OD patients undergoing short‐term methadone detoxification showed altered oxidation–reduction activity, as confirmed by higher plasma levels of α‐ and γ‐ tocopherol and increased GSH/GSSG ratio. OD individuals had also altered purine metabolism, showing increased concentration of guanine and xanthosine, with decreased guanosine, hypoxanthine and hypoxanthine/xanthine and xanthine/xanthosine ratios. Other drug use in addition to opioids was associated with partly different biochemical changes.

Conclusions

This is a preliminary investigation using metabolomics and showing multiple peripheral alterations of metabolic pathways in OD. Further studies should explore the metabolic profile of conditions of opioid abuse, withdrawal and long‐term abstinence in relation to agonist and antagonist treatment and investigate biochemical signatures of opioid substances and medications. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Heterogeneous aquitard properties in sedimentary successions in the Apennine chain: case studies in southern Italy
Authors: Petrella Emma , Celico Fulvio
Published: September 2009

The aim of this study was to analyse the hydrogeologic role of siliciclastic deposits and marly‐clayey‐calcareous successions within the carbonate Apennine chain (southern Italy). The study was carried out along the northern part of the Matese carbonate massif through (1) the hydraulic characterization of siliciclastic rocks in a test site, by means of Lugeon tests, and (2) the identification of the groundwater flow system discharging at an important spring located within a marly‐clayey‐calcareous succession in a second test site, by means of isotopic investigations.

The results showed that the investigated siliciclastic deposits and marly‐clayey‐calcareous successions may allow significant groundwater discharge from carbonate aquifers. Thus, they do not everywhere behave as aquitard, contrary to the previous model. Instead, groundwater flows through the upper part of these successions, where stress release fracturing enhanced rock permeability in the near‐surface bedrock. Thus, these successions may locally be a new groundwater source within the southern Apennine chain. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Water and salt balance of a saline water disposal basin during an experimental flooding and drying cycle (Loveday Disposal Basin, Australia)
Authors: Lamontagne Sébastien , Hicks Warren S. , Souter Nicholas J. , Walter Mark J. , Wen Li
Published: September 2009

Saline irrigation drainage water along the semi‐arid lower River Murray is often disposed of into evaporation basins to prevent contamination of downstream water supplies. These evaporation basins are often former ephemeral floodplain wetlands that have now become extremely ecologically degraded due to high soil and water salinity. An experimental flooding with freshwater was conducted at Loveday Disposal Basin in 2006 to evaluate the environmental benefits of periodic flooding with freshwater. The water and salt balances of the permanent North Basin and ephemeral South Basin during the experiment were evaluated using a combination of hydrometric techniques and trends for salinity and the stable isotopes of water. Filling of the basins (with freshwater from the River Murray) decreased salinity (as total dissolved solids) from approximately 60 to 9 g l−1. Once flooding was completed, water level in both basins receded rapidly and then within 5 months they had re‐salinised to pre‐treatment levels. The main re‐salinisation mechanism was greater evaporative loss induced by the large increase in wetted surface area after flooding, especially in the shallower South Basin. Dissolution of evaporites was not a source of salt to the basins because halite remained undersaturated at all times, but minor quantities of Ca2+ and SO42− were gained from gypsum and carbonate dissolution. The salt mass stored in South Basin surface water increased during flooding and early after flooding, suggesting a significant salt input from the flooded soils. Because of large salt stores in surrounding soils and groundwater, ongoing saline groundwater discharge, and large evaporative losses, periodic flooding alone brings limited environmental benefits (that is, conditions favourable to freshwater organisms) to floodplain disposal basins. However, flooding deeper disposal basins during winter will minimise evaporative losses and increase the length of the freshening period. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analytical model of salinity risk from groundwater discharge in semi‐arid, lowland floodplains
Authors: Holland Kate L. , Jolly Ian D. , Overton Ian C. , Walker Glen R.
Published: September 2009

River regulation and irrigated agricultural developments have increased saline groundwater discharge to semi‐arid floodplain environments, resulting in soil salinization and vegetation dieback. There is a need for rapid assessment tools to identify areas of floodplain vegetation at risk from salinization. This article describes the development and testing of a simple, one‐dimensional analytical model that distributes floodplain groundwater discharge as seepage at the break of slope, evapotranspiration across the floodplain and as groundwater flow into and out of the river. The analytical model provided comparable estimates of groundwater discharge to MODFLOW (R2 = 0·998) over a broad range of floodplain scenarios. Using regional scale geographic information system (GIS) data along an 85‐km long reach of the lower River Murray in South Australia, the model predicted the location of most (66%) of the unhealthy trees affected by seepage and soil salinization near the edge of the river valley and more than 75% of the unhealthy trees across the broader floodplain. The model predicted 98% of the observed variance in measured kilometre‐by‐kilometre river salt loads, identifying ‘hotspots’ of salt input to the river. It can therefore be used as a rapid assessment tool to assess the potential salinity risk to the floodplain vegetation and river from irrigation developments and river management. This approach can be applied more broadly, although the impact of wetlands and oxbows, which may act to intercept groundwater within the floodplain, is not taken into account. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effectiveness of artificial watering of a semi‐arid saline wetland for managing riparian vegetation health
Authors: Holland Kate L. , Charles Alison H. , Jolly Ian D. , Overton Ian C. , Gehrig Susan , Simmons Craig T.
Published: September 2009

Eucalyptus camaldulensis Denh. (River Red Gum) and E. largiflorens F.Muell. (Black Box), the dominant riparian tree species that fringe the wetlands of the lower River Murray in south‐eastern Australia, are in severe decline. Artificial watering has been used as an emergency management measure in an effort to save these significant ecological assets. This study quantified the extent of lateral recharge and the tree response to artificial watering in a semi‐arid saline floodplain wetland. The extent of the vegetation response was linked to the extent of groundwater freshening from bank recharge, which was controlled by floodplain hydraulic conductivity. A two‐ to five‐fold increase in plant water potential and a three‐ to six‐fold increase in tree water use were observed in the 3 to 4 months after watering. Artificial watering is an effective floodplain management tool to preserve significant ecological assets during periods of low flow. It can be used to manage one‐third of E. camaldulensis communities on the Chowilla floodplain that grow within the estimated extent of bank recharge from wetland watering. However, water balance calculations indicate that the water stored as bank recharge would be discharged as evapotranspiration within three years, which means that regular artificial watering is required during periods of low flow to maintain high‐value floodplain sites. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Social relations and PTSD symptoms: A prospective study on earthquake‐impacted adolescents in Taiwan
Authors: Wu Chih‐Hsun , Chen Sue‐Huei , Weng Li‐Jen , Wu Yin‐Chang
Published: September 2009

This prospective longitudinal study examined two competing models, a traditional social support model and a supportive and detrimental social relations model, to clarify the association of PTSD symptoms with supportive and detrimental social relations. Seven‐hundred five adolescents living near the epicenter of the Taiwan Chi‐Chi Earthquake participated in the study. The models were evaluated and cross‐validated using structural equation modeling. The supportive and detrimental social relations model appeared to be a better fit. After further evaluation of three nested versions of the supportive and detrimental social relations model, detrimental social relations was found to partially mediate the relationship between PTSD symptoms 1 and 2 years following the earthquake. The findings suggest that helping adolescents deal with detrimental social relations can contribute to postdisaster adjustment.
Exfoliated/Intercalated Rubber/Organo‐Montmorillonite Nanocomposites: Preparation and Characterization
Authors: Di Gianni Anna , Colucci Giovanna , Priola Aldo , Conzatti Lucia , Alessi Matteo , Stagnaro Paola
Published: September 2009

The preparation of new rubber based nanocomposites by using properly modified organophilic clays is described. A commercial organophilic montmorillonite containing a hydroxylated ammonium ion is reacted with LPBs. The reaction causes a decrease of the polarity of the clay and a great increase of the interlayer distance. The modified organoclays are successfully dispersed into rubber matrices (SBR or BR) by melt blending in an internal batch mixer. SAXS analyses and TEM micrographs revealed the formation of highly exfoliated nanocomposites containing intercalated stacks made of few lamellae.

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Optimum Reaction Conditions for the Synthesis of Macromonomers Via the High‐Temperature Polymerization of Acrylates
Authors: Junkers Tanja , Barner‐Kowollik Christopher
Published: September 2009

Macromonomers are valuable synthetic building blocks: They can be copolymerized with low molecular weight monomers to generate brush‐like structures or serve as conjugation substrates in pericylic, metathesis, and thiolene reactions. Based on earlier reports on the facile high temperature formation of macromonomers from acrylates, a complex kinetic model is developed which accounts for the key reactions constituting the macromonomer formation process. On the basis of the kinetic model, the important rate coefficients governing acrylate polymerization (e.g., β‐scission and termination rate coefficients of midchain radicals, backbiting and intramolecular chain transfer rate coefficients) as well as the reaction conditions (e.g., initial monomer concentration, reaction temperature, radical flux) are systematically varied and their influence on the synthetic success is critically evaluated. The systematic coefficient variation reveals that there exist optimum reaction conditions under which the high temperature macromonomers formation may be conducted with maximum success. The present study provides a concise summary of these conditions.

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Postoperative outcomes and reliability of “sensation‐sparing” sural nerve biopsy
Authors: Campbell Chris A. , Turza Kristin C. , Morgan Raymond F.
Published: September 2009

Sural nerve biopsy is a valuable tool for the diagnosis of neuropathic disorders. However, concerns of persisting pain and numbness resulting from traditional whole sural nerve biopsy have led to interfascicular dissection techniques with inconsistent benefits over whole nerve biopsy. In this study we describe a novel technique of atraumatic anterior fascicular sural nerve biopsy designed to preserve calcaneal sensation while maintaining diagnostic benefit, without requiring significant interfascicular dissection. A 10‐year chart review was conducted to identify patients who underwent anterior fascicular sural nerve biopsy. Pathology reports were reviewed to confirm specimen adequacy, and clinical notes were reviewed to determine if a diagnosis was rendered. Retrospective questionnaires were conducted to evaluate perioperative and long‐term sequelae and patient satisfaction. The proportion of patients with symptoms involving the heel versus the dorsolateral foot was evaluated with Fisher's exact test. Specimens from all 53 patients were acceptable and permitted a diagnosis. Twenty‐two patients completed the retrospective survey with an average follow‐up of 5 years (1.2–11.4 years). Eight patients (34%) experienced numbness of the dorsolateral foot, and 1 patient (4.5%) reported numbness of the lateral heel that lasted >6 months (P = 0.001). Persistent dorsolateral foot pain and cold sensitivity were reported by 5 patients (22.7%), but no patients reported lateral heel symptoms (P = 0.04). Symptoms were noted by patients most commonly while standing or walking, but they did not result in functional impairment in any case. Atraumatic anterior fascicular sural nerve biopsy predictably preserved essential lateral heel sensation in patients with neuropathic disorders while providing diagnostic utility. Muscle Nerve 40: 603–609, 2009
Prediction of antibody response using recombinant human protein fragments as antigen
Authors: Rockberg Johan , Uhlén Mathias
Published: September 2009

A great need exists for prediction of antibody response for the generation of antibodies toward protein targets. Earlier studies have suggested that prediction methods based on hydrophilicity propensity scale, in which the degree of exposure of the amino acid in an aqueous solvent is calculated, has limited value. Here, we show a comparative analysis based on 12,634 affinity‐purified antibodies generated in a standardized manner against human recombinant protein fragments. The antibody response (yield) was measured and compared to theoretical predictions based on a large number (544) of published propensity scales. The results show that some of the scales have predictive power, although the overall Pearson correlation coefficient is relatively low (0.2) even for the best performing amino acid indices. Based on the current data set, a new propensity scale was calculated with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.25. The values correlated in some extent to earlier scales, including large penalty for hydrophobic and cysteine residues and high positive contribution from acidic residues, but with relatively low positive contribution from basic residues. The fraction of immunogens generating low antibody responses was reduced from 30% to around 10% if immunogens with a high propensity score (>0.48) were selected as compared to immunogens with lower scores (<0.29). The study demonstrates that a propensity scale might be useful for prediction of antibody response generated by immunization of recombinant protein fragments. The data set presented here can be used for further studies to design new prediction tools for the generation of antibodies to specific protein targets.
From pathogenesis to prevention of castration resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Bonkhoff Helmut , Berges Richard
Published: September 2009

BACKGROUND

Significant progress in understanding the molecular basis of castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPCa) has been achieved in recent years. Despite this progress, CRPCa still remains a lethal disease. Early detection and prevention of CRPCa may provide a new strategy to improve survival of patients diagnosed with PCa at risk to fail standard androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).

METHODS

Herein, we review pathogenetic mechanisms implicated in PCa progression toward castration resistant disease that are detectable in hormone naive PCa to define relevant therapeutic targets for prevention.

RESULTS

Upregulation of androgen receptor (AR) expression has been recognized a major determinant for the development of CRPCa. This hypersensitive pathway is further boosted by the increase of intratumoral androgen synthesis. AR mutants bind promiscuous steroids, and may convert AR antagonists to agonists. Various non‐hormonal growth factor receptors transactivate the AR, even in absence of androgens (outlaw pathway). Finally, PCa cells can bypass the AR through various mechanisms, including BCL‐2, COX‐2, neuroendocrine differentiation. Most of these pathogenetic factors involved in the development of CRPCa are detectable in hormone naive PCa tissue even at the time of initial diagnosis, and could be targeted by drugs currently available.

CONCLUSIONS

CRPCa is the end‐stage of a multifactorial and heterogeneous disease process. Pathogenetic factors responsible for the development of the CRPCa phenotype are detectable in the patient's PCa tissue long before the clinical onset of the disease. This approach provides opportunity for early detection and prevention by targeting pathways relevant for the individual disease process. Prostate 70: 100–112, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development of a biologically inspired locomotion system for a capsule endoscope
Authors: Hosokawa Daisuke , Ishikawa Takuji , Morikawa Hirohisa , Imai Yohsuke , Yamaguchi Takami
Published: September 2009

Background

A capsule endoscope has a limited ability to obtain images of the digestive organs because its movement depends on peristaltic motion. To overcome this problem, capsule endoscopes require a propulsion system.

Methods

This paper proposes a propulsion system for a capsule endoscope that mimics the locomotive mechanism of snails and earthworms. The prototype crawler can elongate and contract itself longitudinally and adhere to a wall via suction cups.

Results

We investigated the effect of the inclination angle of the propulsion plane, the mucus viscosity between the propulsion plane and the crawler, and the stiffness of the propulsion plane on the locomotion of the prototype crawler. We found that the crawler could move on a rubber sheet and on inclined planes covered with mucus. We discussed advantages and limitations of the prototype crawler compared to the different locomotive systems developed in former studies.

Conclusions

We believe that the prototype crawler provides a better understanding of the propulsion mechanism for use in the gastrointestinal tract. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of properties of titanium aluminium nitride film produced by using two different types of Ti–Al target
Authors: Larpkiattaworn Siriporn , Ikeuchi Jun , Eamchotchawalit Chutima
Published: September 2009

This work aims to study the influence of two different types of Ti–Al target (sintered and melted) which have same nominal composition (50 at% Ti, 50 at% Al) on the properties of thin films coated by using arc ion plating (AIP) method. The hardness of the melted target was of higher value than that of the sintered target. The property of the film is related to the microstructure and phase analysis of both types of target that have quite different phases. Ti and Al metals were found as major phases and TiAl2 as minor phase in the sintered target but only TiAl compound was found in the melted target. After film coating at the same operation parameters, it was found that although the phase structures of the sintered and melted targets were quite different, the coated thin films using these targets showed the same phase structure of Ti0.5 Al0.5 N. However, the microstructure of films coated by using the sintered target showed higher density of droplets and pores than those of film produced by using the melted target. As a result, the hardness and adhesion strength of thin film produced by using the melted target were slightly higher than those values of film produced by using the sintered target. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.