bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A multi‐objective optimization using distribution characteristics of reference data for reverse engineering
Authors: Hwang In‐Jin , Park Gyung‐Jin
Published: September 2010

As different industries produce similar products, engineers tend to analyze the products of competitors and adopt the excellent merits in their current products. This process is called reverse engineering. There can be multiple target characteristics in reverse engineering. In many cases, the improved design from reverse engineering usually keeps the data distribution characteristics of the competitors unless the developed product is a fully new creative design. The distribution should be considered in reverse engineering. Therefore, the reverse engineering process can be modeled as multi‐objective optimization considering data distribution. Recently, Taguchi developed the Mahalanobis Taguchi system (MTS) technique to minimize the Mahalanobis distance (MD), which is defined by a multi‐objective function with data distribution. However, the MTS technique has the limit that the new design is not better than the mean values of the competitors. In this research, a function named as the skewed Mahalanobis distance (SMD) is proposed to overcome the drawbacks of the MTS technique. SMD is a new distance scale defined by multiplying the skewed value of a design point to MD. SMD is used instead of MD and the method is named the SMD method. The SMD method can always give a unique Pareto optimum solution. To verify the efficiency of the SMD method, a non‐convex mathematical example, a cantilever beam, and a practical automobile suspension system are optimized. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Strong coupling schemes for interaction of thin‐walled structures and incompressible flows
Authors: von Scheven M. , Ramm E.
Published: September 2010

The contribution addresses the specific physical sensitivity inherent in the interaction of slender structures like membranes or shells and instationary incompressible flows and its consequences for numerical solution schemes. Different partitioned strong coupling approaches are presented and compared with respect to their efficiency. In addition to the classical block Gauss–Seidel iteration and a Newton–Krylov approach, a two‐level coupling scheme is introduced. It is based on a coarse grid predictor followed by the usual iterative fine‐scale solution. The performance of the three coupling schemes is investigated applying a two‐dimensional model problem of a membrane roof. Three‐dimensional numerical examples demonstrate the mechanical and numerical sensitivity for these especially delicate fluid–structure interaction problems. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A study on the prediction of the mechanical properties of nanoparticulate composites using the homogenization method with the effective interface concept
Authors: Cho Maenghyo , Yang Seunghwa , Chang Seongmin , Yu Suyoung
Published: September 2010

A sequential multi‐scale homogenization method combined with molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is developed for the mechanical characterization of nanoparticulate composites. In order to characterize the particle‐size effect of nanocomposites, the effective interface, which has been adopted in continuum micromechanics approaches, is considered as the characteristic phase. Owing to the existence of the interface and the size‐dependent elastic modulus that is observed from MD simulations, an analysis of the mechanical properties of nanocomposites with continuum micromechanics requires careful consideration of the particle‐concentration effect. Therefore, this study focuses on hierarchical information transfer from the molecular model to the continuum model through the homogenization method in lieu of an analytical micromechanics bridging method. Using the present multi‐scale homogenization method, the elastic properties of the effective interface are numerically evaluated and compared with the analytically obtained micromechanics solutions. In addition, the overall elastic modulus of nanocomposites is obtained from the present model and compared with the results of MD simulation, the micromechanics bridging model, and finite‐element analysis (FEA). Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A weighted least squares particle‐in‐cell method for solid mechanics
Authors: Wallstedt P. C. , Guilkey J. E.
Published: September 2010

A novel meshfree method is proposed that incorporates features of the material point (MPM) and generalized interpolation material point (GIMP) methods and can be used within an existing MPM/GIMP implementation. Weighted least squares kernel functions are centered at stationary grid nodes and used to approximate field values and gradients. Integration is performed over cells of the background grid and material boundaries are approximated with an implicit surface. The proposed method avoids nearest‐neighbor searches while significantly improving accuracy over MPM and GIMP. Implementation is discussed in detail and several example problems are solved, including one manufactured solution which allows measurement of dynamic, non‐linear, large deformation performance. Advantages and disadvantages of the method are discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal investment and proportional reinsurance with constrained control variables
Authors: Liang Zhibin , Bai Lihua , Guo Junyi
Published: September 2010

In this paper, under the criterion of maximizing the expected exponential utility from terminal wealth, we study the optimal investment and proportional reinsurance strategy for an insurance company. The closed‐form expressions for the optimal strategy and value function are derived not only for the compound Poisson risk model but also for the Brownian motion model. We can see that, with normal constraints on the control variables, the value function is still a classical solution to the corresponding Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cell death in the neighbourhood: direct microenvironmental effects of apoptosis in normal and neoplastic tissues
Authors: Gregory Christopher D , Pound John D
Published: September 2010

Here we consider the impact of the physiological cell‐death programme on normal tissue homeostasis and on disease pathogenesis, with particular reference to evolution and progression of neoplasia. We seek to describe the direct contributions played by apoptosis in creating the microenvironments of normal and malignant tissues and to discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying the elements of the ‘3Rs’ that define the meaning of apoptosis: recognition, response, and removal. Apoptotic cells elicit responses in other cell types—both phagocytic and non‐phagocytic—through short‐ and long‐range signalling modes that range from direct contact to intercellular communication via membrane‐bound microparticles. Such cellular responses include migration, proliferation, and differentiation, as well as production of immunomodulatory and anti‐inflammatory mediators together with, in the case of phagocytes, engulfment, and breakdown of apoptotic cells. In normal tissues, the removal of apoptotic cells is rapid and typically non‐phlogistic. We discuss the importance of this clearance process in tissue homeostasis and the consequences of its failure in disease pathogenesis. Using the typical cell culture environment in vitro as an illustrative example in which apoptosis occurs commonly in the absence of the removal mechanisms, we also discuss the inhibitory effects of persistent apoptotic cells on their otherwise viable neighbours. Since apoptosis is a common and sustained event in high‐grade malignancies, we hypothesize on its purposeful role in conditioning the tumour microenvironment. We propose that apoptosis subserves several pro‐tumour functions—trophic, anti‐inflammatory, and immunomodulatory—and we identify strategies targeting host responses to apoptotic cells as promising modes of future therapies that could be applied to multiple cancer types in which tumour‐cell apoptosis is active. Copyright © 2010 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Current awareness in prenatal diagnosis
Authors:   John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Published: September 2010

In order to keep subscribers up‐to‐date with the latest developments in their field, John Wiley & Sons are providing a current awareness service in each issue of the journal. The bibliography contains newly published material in the field of prenatal diagnosis. Each bibliography is divided into 22 sections: 1 Reviews; 2 General Interest; 3 Normal Fetal Development; 4 Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis; 5 First Trimester Diagnosis; 6 Second Trimester Diagnosis; 7 Fetal Imaging: General; Ultrasound; MRI; Doppler; 8 Maternal Serum Screening for Aneuploidy; 9 Screening for Carriers of Genetic Abnormality; 10 Molecular Cytogenetics: Metaphase Cytogenetics/FISH; Array CGH; 11 Fetal Cells in Maternal Circulation; 12 Fetal DNA/RNA in Maternal Body Fluids; 13 Fetal Therapy; 14 Psychosocial and Ethical Aspects; 15 Epidemiology and Environmental Factors; 16 Developmental and Placental Pathology; 17 Genetic Counseling. Within each section, articles are listed in alphabetical order with respect to author. If, in the preceding period, no publications are located relevant to any one of these headings, that section will be omitted
Glycemic and weight changes after persistent use of incident oral diabetes therapy: a veterans administration retrospective cohort study
Authors: Huizinga Mary Margaret , Roumie Christianne L. , Greevy Robert A. , Liu Xulei , Murff Harvey J. , Hung Adriana M. , Grijalva Carlos G. , Griffin Marie R.
Published: September 2010

Purpose

Systematic reviews have reported that sulfonylureas and metformin were as effective in reducing hemoglobin A1c (A1C) as other oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs) in clinical trial populations. Data on comparative effectiveness of OADs in other populations is limited. The objective was to compare the effectiveness of incident OAD regimens in reducing A1C and to compare the effect of OADs on body mass index (BMI).

Methods

Retrospective cohort study using data from the Veterans Affairs Mid‐South network (2001–2007). Of 18 205 veterans who filled 19 511 incident OAD prescriptions, 2096 had complete covariates, persisted on their incident treatment for 12 months, and had baseline and 12‐month A1C values. For the BMI analysis, 2484 patients had complete information. Incident OAD regimens included metformin and sulfonylureas. Primary outcomes were 12‐month A1C and BMI, which were compared controlling for demographic characteristics, baseline A1C and BMI, psychiatric diagnoses, and healthcare utilization.

Results

Median [interquartile range (IQR)] A1C decreased from 7.1% [6.5, 7.8] at baseline to 6.5% [6.0, 7.0] at 12 months. Twelve month‐A1C in sulfonylurea users was similar to metformin users. The median [IQR] BMI decreased from 31.1 [27.8, 34.9] to 30.7 [27.5, 34.5] kg/m2. Sulfonylureas were associated with a significantly higher 12‐month BMI than metformin (12‐month adjusted mean difference: 1.05 kg/m2, 95%CI: 0.90–1.20, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

These analyses support the use of metformin as first choice of OAD because of similar glycemic control but improved BMI when compared to sulfonylureas. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bilingual school psychologists' assessment practices with English language learners
Authors: O'bryon Elisabeth C. , Rogers Margaret R.
Published: September 2010

This study explored bilingual school psychologists' assessment practices with students identified as English language learners (ELL). One thousand bilingual National Association of School Psychologist members were recruited nationwide, and 276 participated. Among those conducting language proficiency assessments of ELLs, many (58%) use comprehensive methods across four domains of language use. Participants generally use multifaceted assessment approaches and most (84.1%) assess acculturation as part of the assessment battery. Although few use interpreters, those who did reported a mix of best practices and discouraged practices in their use. Multiple regression results showed that engaging in continuing education activities about assessing ELLs predicted “best practices” when assessing language proficiency, selecting and using measures with ELLs with whom they share a second language, and using interpreters. A relationship was also found between engaging in applied preservice training with bilingual supervision and best practice behaviors assessing student acculturation. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Examining the changing landscape of school psychology practice: A survey of school‐based practitioners regarding Response to Intervention
Authors: Sullivan Amanda L. , Long Lori
Published: September 2010

As Response to Intervention (RtI) approaches become more common in educational systems throughout the country, it is increasingly important to identify how practitioners perceive these changes and how they obtain the skills necessary to face emergent roles and responsibilities. In this exploratory study, a national sample of 557 school psychologists were surveyed regarding their training, involvement, and perceptions of RtI. The results indicate that practitioners engage in multiple training experiences via a variety of modalities. Nearly half of respondents reported employment at sites implementing RtI. Practitioners at RtI‐implementing sites reported a greater proportion of their time spent in academic intervention and conducted fewer psychoeducational assessments relative to their peers at non‐RtI‐implementing sites. Although many reported that RtI had positive effects on academic performance, a sizeable proportion of practitioners observed no effect on school culture and climate. Implications for school psychology training and practice are discussed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluating the quality of psychosocial care in outpatient medical oncology settings using performance indicators
Authors: Jacobsen Paul B. , Shibata David , Siegel Erin M. , Lee Ji‐Hyun , Fulp William J. , Alemany Carlos , Abesada‐Terk Guillermo , Brown Richard , Cartwright Thomas , Faig Douglas , Kim George , Levine Richard , Markham Merry‐Jennifer , Schreiber Fred , Sharp Philip , Malafa Mokenge
Published: September 2010

Objective: An American Psychosocial Oncology Society workgroup has developed indicators of the quality of psychosocial care that can be measured through review of medical records. The present report describes the first large‐scale use of these indicators to evaluate psychosocial care in outpatient medical oncology settings.

Methods: Medical records of 1660 colorectal, breast and non‐small cell cancer patients first seen by a medical oncologist in 2006 at 11 practice sites in Florida were reviewed for performance on indicators of the quality of psychosocial care.

Results: Assessment of emotional well‐being was significantly less likely to be documented than assessment of pain (52 vs 87%, p<0.001). A problem with emotional well‐being was documented in 13% of records and evidence of action taken was documented in 58% of these records. Ten of eleven practice sites performed below an 85% threshold on each indicator of psychosocial care. Variability in assessment of emotional‐well being was associated (p<0.02) with practice site and patient gender and age while variability in assessment of pain was associated (p<0.001) with practice site and cancer type.

Conclusions: Findings illustrate how use of the psychosocial care indicators permits identification of specific practice sites and processes of care that should be targeted for quality improvement efforts. Additionally, findings demonstrate the extent to which routine assessment of emotional well‐being lags behind routine assessment of pain in cancer patients. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inherited genetic markers discovered to date are able to identify a significant number of men at considerably elevated risk for prostate cancer
Authors: Sun Jielin , Kader A. Karim , Hsu Fang‐Chi , Kim Seong‐Tae , Zhu Yi , Turner Aubrey R. , Jin Tao , Zhang Zheng , Adolfsson Jan , Wiklund Fredrik , Zheng S. Lilly , Isaacs William B. , Grönberg Henrik , Xu Jianfeng
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer (PCa) risk‐associated single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are continuously being discovered. Their ability to identify men at high risk and the impact of increasing numbers of SNPs on predictive performance are not well understood.

METHODS

Absolute risk for PCa was estimated in a population‐based case–control study in Sweden (2,899 cases and 1,722 controls) using family history and three sets of sequentially discovered PCa risk‐associated SNPs. Their performance in predicting PCa was assessed by positive predictive values (PPV) and sensitivity.

RESULTS

SNPs and family history were able to differentiate individual risk for PCa and identify men at higher risk; ∼18% and ∼8% of men in the study had 20‐year (55–74 years) absolute risks that were twofold (0.24) or threefold (0.36) greater than the population median risk (0.12), respectively. When predictive performances were compared at absolute risk cutoffs of 0.12, 0.24, or 0.36, PPV increased considerably (∼20%, ∼30%, and ∼37%, respectively) while sensitivity decreased considerably (∼55%, ∼20%, and ∼10%, respectively). In contrast, when increasing numbers of SNPs (5, 11, and 28 SNPs) were used in risk prediction, PPV approached a constant value while sensitivity increased steadily.

CONCLUSIONS

SNPs discovered to date are suitable for risk prediction while additional SNPs discovered in the future may identify more subjects at higher risk. Men identified as high risk by SNP‐based testing may be targeted for PCa screening or chemoprevention. The clinical impact on improving the effectiveness of these interventions can be and should be assessed. Prostate 77:421–430, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Androgen receptors are differentially expressed in Gleason patterns of prostate cancer and down‐regulated in matched lymph node metastases
Authors: Fleischmann Achim , Rocha Carla , Schobinger Sylviane , Seiler Roland , Wiese Birgitt , Thalmann George N.
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND

Androgen receptor (AR) expression profile in the different Gleason patterns (GP) of primary prostate cancers and nodal metastases is unknown. More information about AR distribution is needed to optimize evaluation methods and to better understand the role of AR in development and progression of prostate cancer.

METHODS

A tissue microarray was constructed from 119 hormone‐naïve nodal positive, surgically treated prostate cancers containing tissues from all GP present in every primary tumor and the matched metastases. ARs were evaluated immunohistochemically and an expression score (intensity × percentage of positive cells) was assigned for each tissue spot.

RESULTS

ARs were up‐regulated in primary tumors compared to normal glands and significantly different expressed in the GP (mean AR scores: GP 3 = 128.7, GP 4 = 159.1, GP 5 = 123.5; P = 0.016). A similar expression profile was observed in metastases, however, on significantly (P < 0.001) lower level (mean AR scores: GP 3 = 70.5, GP 4 = 90.4, GP 5 = 71.7; P = 0.114). High AR expression in metastases was associated with larger total size of metastases (P = 0.008). All other correlations of AR expression in primary tumors and metastases with quantitative (age, prostate cancer volume, number of metastases) or categorical (tumor stage, Gleason score of the primary tumor and metastases) tumor characteristics or with survival were insignificant.

CONCLUSION

ARs are differentially expressed in GP what should be considered in prognostic models which include AR. In nodal metastases, ARs are significantly down‐regulated suggesting decreased dependence on androgens already under hormone‐naïve conditions. AR expression level is not prognostic in nodal positive disease. Prostate 77:453–460, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
TMPRSS2–ERG gene fusion prevalence and class are significantly different in prostate cancer of caucasian, african‐american and japanese patients
Authors: Magi‐Galluzzi Cristina , Tsusuki Toyonori , Elson Paul , Simmerman Kelly , LaFargue Chris , Esgueva Raquel , Klein Eric , Rubin Mark A. , Zhou Ming
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer (PCa) exhibits significant differences in prevalence and mortality among different ethnic groups. The underlying genetics is not well understood. TMPRSS2–ERG fusion is a common recurrent chromosomal aberration in PCa and is however not studied among different ethnic groups. We examined the prevalence and class of TMPRSS2–ERG gene fusion in PCa from Caucasian, African‐American, and Japanese patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A tissue microarray of PCa from 42 Caucasians, 64 African‐Americans, and 44 Japanese patients who underwent radical prostatectomies (RP) was studied for TMPRSS2–ERG fusion using a multicolor interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization assay for ERG gene break‐apart.

RESULTS

TMPRSS2–ERG gene fusion was present in 50% (21/42) of Caucasians, 31.3% (20/64) of African‐Americans, and 15.9% (7/44) of Japanese (P = 0.003). The gene fusion through translocation, deletion, or both occurred in 61.9% (13/21), 38.1% (8/21), and 0% (0/21) in Caucasians, 20% (4/20), 60% (12/20), and 20% (4/20) in African‐Americans, and 71.4% (5/7), 28.6% (2/7), and 0% (0/7) in Japanese patients (P = 0.02). A multivariate analysis demonstrated that TMPRSS2–ERG gene fusion correlated with the ethnicity (P = 0.03), marginally correlated with the pathologic stage (P = 0.06), but not other clinicopathologic parameters, including age, preoperative PSA levels, and Gleason score.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence and class of TMPRSS2–ERG are significantly different in PCa of Caucasian, African‐American, and Japanese patients. Future studies of the molecular pathways implicated in TMPRSS2–ERG gene fusion may shed light on the disparity in prevalence and mortality of PCa among different ethnic groups and help design better prevention and treatment strategies. Prostate 77:489–497, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nucleation theory models for describing kinetics of cluster growth in C60/NMP solutions
Authors: Tropin T. V. , Avdeev M. V. , Kyzyma O. A. , Aksenov V. L.
Published: September 2010

Slow growth of C60 fullerene clusters (size up to 500 nm after about one month) in polar N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP) solutions is considered from the viewpoint of the nucleation theory. It is shown that the limited growth model used previously for qualitative description of C60 clusters in solutions with low polarity is inapplicable in this case. Two simple modifications of the general approach are proposed taking into account possible limitations of cluster growth in the given class of solutions. The time evolution of the main parameters of cluster state (mean cluster size and free monomer concentration) is compared with respect to the better consistency with available experimental data for C60/NMP.
Dispersion of carbon nanotubes using an azobenzene derivative
Authors: Bluemmel Pascal , Setaro Antonio , Popeney Chris S. , Haag Rainer , Reich Stephanie
Published: September 2010

Aqueous dispersions of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were obtained by noncovalent adsorption of an azobenzene derivative carrying polyglycerol dendric structures. UV/Vis absorption spectra and photoluminescence maps were recorded to confirm successful nanotube debundling and suspension. Comparison to dispersion of nanotubes using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) revealed shifts of the nanotube E22 excitation peaks from 28 to 67 meV as well as shifts from 21 to 37 meV of the E11 emission peaks.
A large‐eddy model for cirrus clouds with explicit aerosol and ice microphysics and Lagrangian ice particle tracking
Authors: Sölch Ingo , Kärcher Bernd
Published: September 2010

We introduce a novel large‐eddy model for cirrus clouds with explicit aerosol and ice microphysics, and validate its central components. A combined Eulerian/Lagrangian approach is used to simulate the formation and evolution of cirrus. While gas and size‐resolved aerosol phases are treated over a fixed Eulerian grid similar to the dynamical and thermodynamical variables, the ice phase is treated by tracking a large number of simulation ice particles. The macroscopic properties of the ice phase are deduced from statistically analysing large samples of simulation ice particle properties. The new model system covers non‐equilibrium growth of liquid supercooled aerosol particles, their homogeneous freezing, heterogeneous ice nucleation in the deposition or immersion mode, growth of ice crystals by deposition of water vapour, sublimation of ice crystals and their gravitational sedimentation, aggregation between ice crystals due to differential sedimentation, the effect of turbulent dispersion on ice particle trajectories, diabatic latent and radiative heating or cooling, and radiative heating or cooling of ice crystals. This suite of explicitly resolved physical processes enables the detailed simulation and analysis of the dynamical–microphysical–radiative feedbacks characteristic of cirrus.

We draw special attention to the ice aggregation process which redistributes large ice crystals vertically and changes the ice particle size distributions accordingly. We find that aggregation of ice crystals is the key process to generate precipitation‐sized ice crystals in stratiform cirrus. A process‐oriented algorithm is developed for ice aggregation based on the trajectories and sedimentation velocities of simulation ice particles for use in the dynamically and microphysically complex, multi‐dimensional large‐eddy approach. By virtue of an idealized model set‐up, designed to isolate the effect of aggregation on the cirrus development, we show that aggregation and its effect on the ice crystal size distribution in the model is consistent with a theoretical scaling relation, which was found to be in good agreement within situmeasurements. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Ecological strategies successfully predict the effects of river floodplain rehabilitation on breeding birds
Authors: van Turnhout C. A. M. , Leuven R. S. E. W. , Hendriks A. J. , Kurstjens G. , van Strien A. , Foppen R. P. B. , Siepel H.
Published: September 2010

To improve the ecological functioning of riverine ecosystems, large‐scale floodplain rehabilitation has been carried out in the Rhine–Meuse Delta since the 1990s. This paper evaluates changes in abundance of 93 breeding bird species over a period of 10 years in response to rehabilitation, by comparing population changes in 75 rehabilitated sites with 124 non‐rehabilitated reference sites. Such quantitative, multi‐species, large‐scale and long‐term evaluations of floodplain rehabilitation on biodiversity are still scarce, particularly studies that focus on the terrestrial component. We try to understand the effects by relating population trends to ecological and life‐history traits and strategies of breeding birds. More specifically, we try to answer the question whether rehabilitation of vegetation succession or hydro‐geomorphological river processes is the key driver behind recent population changes in rehabilitated sites. Populations of 35 species have significantly performed better in rehabilitated sites compared to non‐rehabilitated floodplains, whereas only 8 have responded negatively to rehabilitation. Differences in effects between species are best explained by the trait selection of nest location. Reproductive investment and migratory behaviour were less strong predictors. Based on these three traits we defined eight life‐history strategies that successfully captured a substantial amount of variation in rehabilitation effects. We conclude that spontaneous vegetation succession and initial excavations are currently more important drivers of population changes than rehabilitation of hydrodynamics. The latter are strongly constrained by river regulation. If rehabilitation of hydro‐geomorphological processes remains incomplete in future, artificial cyclic floodplain rejuvenation will be necessary for sustainable conservation of characteristic river birds. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrochemical properties of the anodic films formed on titanium and its Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy in HBr solution
Authors: Ghoneim A. A. , El‐Taib Heakal F. , Mogoda A. S. , Awad Kh. A.
Published: September 2010

The electrochemical properties of anodic oxide films formed on titanium were compared with those on its Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy. Under potentiostatic anodization in HBr solution over the range 0.20–1.2 V, the current density recorded in the case of Ti was always lower than that for its alloy. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results indicate that anodization stimulates higher oxide formation efficiencies, with Ti exhibiting stronger propensity to form thicker passivating oxide layers. The thickness of galvanostatically formed oxide films on Ti up to a definite voltage decreases linearly with prolonged immersion in HBr solution of various concentrations. The dissolution rates (k1 and k2) for the two oxide layers comprising the anodic films on Ti were found to increase with the concentration of the test HBr solution, where the value of k1 (of the outer layer) is always much higher than that of k2 (of the inner layer). Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrosprayed Synthesis of Red‐Blood‐Cell‐Like Particles with Dual Modality for Magnetic Resonance and Fluorescence Imaging
Authors: Hayashi Koichiro , Ono Kenji , Suzuki Hiromi , Sawada Makoto , Moriya Makoto , Sakamoto Wataru , Yogo Toshinobu
Published: September 2010

Red blood cells (RBCs) are able to avoid filtration in the spleen to prolong their half‐time in the body because of their flexibility and unique shape, or a concave disk with diameter of some 10 μm. In addition, they can flow through capillary blood vessels, which are smaller than the diameter of RBCs, by morphing into a parachute‐like shape. In this study, flexible RBC‐like polymer particles are synthesized by electrospraying based on electrospinning. Furthermore, magnetite nanoparticles and fluorescent dye are encapsulated in the particles via in situ hydrolysis of an iron–organic compound in the presence of celluloses. The superparamagnetic behavior of the particles is confirmed by low‐temperature magnetic measurements. The particles exhibited not only a dark contrast in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), but also effective fluorescence. The RBC‐like particles with flexibility are demonstrated to have a dual‐modality for MRI and fluorescence imaging.
Rheological behaviors of hydroxypropylated sweet potato starches influenced by guar, locust bean, and xanthan gums
Authors: Kim Do‐Dan , Yoo Byoungseung
Published: September 2010

This study examined the steady flow and dynamic rheological behaviors of hydroxypropylated sweet potato starch (HPSPS) pastes mixed with guar gum (GG), locust bean gum (LBG), and xanthan gum (XG) at different concentrations (0, 0.3, and 0.6%). The HPSPS–gum mixtures had higher shear‐thinning fluid characteristics than the control (0% gum) at 25°C. The addition of the gums resulted in an increase in the consistency index (K) and apparent viscosity (ηa,100). The dynamic moduli (G′, G″) and complex viscosity (η*) values of the HPSPS–gum mixtures were higher than those of the control, and they increased with an increase in gum concentration. In particular, the presence of XG at 0.6% in the HPSPS–gum mixture systems gave rise to the greatest viscoelastic properties among the gums examined at different concentrations. The tan δ (ratio of G″/G′) values (0.35–0.57) of the HPSPS–GG and HPSPS–XG mixtures were much lower than those of the control (0.82) and HPSPS–LBG (0.88–1.06), indicating that the elastic properties in the HPSPS–gum mixture systems were strongly affected by the additions of GG and XG. These steady flow and dynamic rheological parameters indicated there were synergistic interactions between the HPSPS and gums. The synergistic effects of the gums and modified starch were hypothesized by considering the molecular incompatibility and molecular interactions between the gums and HPSPS.
Intensive Versus Conventional Insulin Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes Patients Undergoing D2 Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Cao Shou‐Gen , Ren Jian‐An , Shen Bo , Chen Dong , Zhou Yan‐Bing , Li Jie‐Shou
Published: September 2010

Background

This study was to compare the effect of intensive insulin therapy (IIT) to conventional insulin therapy (CIT) on postoperative outcomes among type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients who underwent D2 gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Methods

We randomly assigned gastric cancer patients with type 2 DM who underwent radical gastrectomy to receive IIT (maintenance of blood glucose at a level between 4.4 and 6.1 mmol/l) with insulin infusion or CIT (maintenance of blood glucose at a level between 10 and 11.1 mmol/l) during the postoperative period.

Results

Of the 179 eligible patients, 92 patients were assigned to receive IIT and 87 patients to receive CIT. Mean blood glucose concentrations were lower in the intensive group (IG) than in the conventional group (CG) (5.5 ± 0.8 vs. 9.9 ± 1.0 mmol/l, P < 0.001). Hypoglycemia occurred in 6 patients (6.5%) in the IG (P = 0.029) versus in 1 patient (1.1%) in the CG. Hospital mortality did not differ significantly between two groups (4.3% vs. 5.7%, P = 0.742). However, IIT significantly reduced morbidity (from 18.4 to 7.6%, P = 0.031). Also, IIT shortened the days to suture removal, postoperative hospital stay, and postoperative duration of antibiotic use. The HOMA‐IR score was lower at all time points in IG. Moreover, IIT increased the postoperative HLA‐DR expression on monocytes on postoperative days 3 and 5.

Conclusions

IIT significantly reduced short‐term morbidity but not mortality among type 2 DM patients who underwent D2 gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Furthermore, a possible mechanism of suppression of the insulin resistance and improvement of HLA‐DR expression may partially explain the benefits of IIT.
Synthesis and Self‐Aggregation of a Hydroxyl‐Functionalized Imidazolium‐Based Ionic Liquid Surfactant in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Liu Xue‐feng , Dong Li‐li , Fang Yun
Published: September 2010

This paper deals with the synthesis and self‐aggregation of a hydroxyl‐functionalized imidazolium‐based ionic liquid (IL) surfactant, namely 1‐hydroxyethyl‐3‐dodecylimidazolium chloride ([C2OHC12im]Cl). The molecular structure was confirmed by means of electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI–MS), 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and elemental analysis. Many important physicochemical parameters, such as the critical micelle concentration (CMC), the surface tension at CMC (γCMC), the adsorption efficiency (pC20), the surface pressure at CMC (ΠCMC), the maximum surface excess (Γm), the minimum molecular cross‐sectional area (Amin), the value of CMC/C20, the average number of aggregation (Nm) and the micellar microenvironment polarity were determined by surface tension‐concentration curves, fluorescence spectra, and electrical conductivity. The phenomena of the second CMC, the concentration dependence of Nm, and the critical average aggregation number (Nm,c) of imidazolium‐based IL surfactants are reported for the first time in this paper.
GC/EI‐MS Determination of the Diastereomer Distribution of Phytanic Acid in Food Samples
Authors: Schröder Markus , Vetter Walter
Published: September 2010

Phytanic acid (3,7,11,15‐tetramethylhexadecanoic acid) is a branched‐chain fatty acid, produced by bacteria by means of oxidation and biohydrogenation of the chlorophyll side chain phytol (3,7R,11R,15‐tetramethylhexadec‐2‐en‐1‐ol). The later reaction generates to a new stereogenic center on C‐3 which can be both 3R‐ or 3S‐configured. Thus, two diastereomers (3S,7R,11R,15‐ and 3R,7R,11R,15‐phytanic acid) are naturally produced. In this study we examined the diastereomer composition of phytanic acid in terrestrial and marine food samples. Phytanic acid was transferred into its methyl ester which was analyzed by GC/MS in the selected ion monitoring mode. The first eluted diastereomer in the samples was tentatively identified as 3S,7R,11R,15‐phytanic acid. The marine samples were clearly dominated by 3S,7R,11R,15‐phytanic acid whose abundance was higher in marine mammals than in fish. Milk from one organic cow collected over a period of 30 days showed lower proportions of 3S,7R,11R,15‐phytanic acid than milk from one cow raised with conventional feed. The difference between organic and conventional dairy products (cheese and butter) was not as pronounced as in milk. Milk samples from other mammals (goat, sheep, mare, camel, moose, and human) also showed an excess of 3S,7R,11R,15‐phytanic acid except for camel and moose milk.
Ein integratives Planungsinstrument für das Hochwasserrisikomanagement
Authors: Evers Mariele , Krause Kai-Uwe
Published: September 2010

Aspects of water and flood management are often too little or too late included into the spatial planning process. At the same time aspects of geodata infrastructure and flood related data and information has to be considered as a crucial interface in a concept for integrated planning. Against this background a planning instrument on the scale of a river basin was developed—the catchment related development plan (gGEP). The concept includes also the interfacial requirements to technical and computer based tools like Planning or Decision Support Systems. The overarching aim of this planning instrument is to integrate flood relevant issues in order to minimize the flood risk or not to increase it further respectively. The catchment related development plan can be considered as an important pre-stage for setting up flood risk management plans according to Art. 7 of the EU Flood Risk Management Directive. The very urban area of the City of Hamburg and rural parts of Lower Saxony in Germany serve as case study areas for the concept.
Die regionalplanerische Steuerung des Abbaus nichtenergetischer Bodenschätze
Authors: Seht Hauke von
Published: September 2010

Controlling the extraction of non-energetic mineral resources is not only a highly complex and spatially important task in planning. It is also a politically and legally increasingly challenged task. This article calls for regional planning authorities to take on this challenge and to set up concentration zones for surface mining. Furthermore, it is examined, which special circumstances and grave difficulties this planning task involves and how these difficulties can be overcome.
Solution structure of the carboxy‐terminal Tudor domain from human Coilin
Authors: Shanbhag Riya , Kurabi Arwa , Kwan Jamie J. , Donaldson Logan W.
Published: September 2010

The Cajal body is a dynamic eukaryotic nuclear organelle that is known primarily as an organizational center for the assembly of snRNAs involved in transcript splicing. One of the most critical components of the Cajal body is the scaffolding protein, Coilin. Here, we demonstrate by NMR methods that the carboxy‐terminal region contains a Tudor domain. The Tudor domain is atypical due to the presence of several unstructured loops, one greater than thirty amino acids in length. Tudor domains have been noted previously to bind DNA, RNA and modified amino acids. The absence of these sequence and structural signatures in the Coilin Tudor domain supporting these established functions suggests an alternative role.
Adiponectin receptor binding proteins – recent advances in elucidating adiponectin signalling pathways
Authors: Buechler Christa , Wanninger Josef , Neumeier Markus
Published: September 2010

Adiponectin whose systemic levels are reduced in obesity‐related diseases ameliorates insulin sensitivity and regulates biological processes like apoptosis, proliferation, migration and inflammation. Adiponectin binds to adiponectin receptors, AdipoR1 and AdipoR2, which are ubiquitously expressed. Clathrin‐dependent endocytosis of AdipoR1 and adiponectin has been demonstrated to modulate adiponectin bioactivity. Recently, APPL1 has been identified as an AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 binding protein. Furthermore, activated protein kinase C1, endoplasmic reticulum protein 46 and protein kinase CK2β subunit form a complex with AdipoR1. This review summarizes recent studies exploiting heterologous expression of adiponectin receptors in yeast, and the type and function of the recently described adiponectin receptor associated proteins.
Socially isolated rats exhibit changes in dopamine homeostasis pertinent to schizophrenia
Authors: Fabricius Katrine , Steiniger‐Brach Björn , Helboe Lone , Fink‐Jensen Anders , Wörtwein Gitta
Published: September 2010

Post‐weaning social isolation of rats produces an array of behavioral and neurochemical changes indicative of altered dopamine function. It has therefore been suggested that post‐weaning social isolation mimics some aspects of schizophrenia. Here we replicate and extent these findings to include an investigation of prefrontal cortical dopamine dynamics using in vivo microdialysis.

Social isolation for 12 weeks after weaning caused increased locomotor activity in response to novelty and amphetamine challenge. In vivo microdialysis experiments revealed that while social isolation did not change basal dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens, it did cause a significant reduction of basal dopamine release in the prefrontal cortex. In addition, social isolation lead to a significantly larger dopamine response to an amphetamine challenge, in both the nucleus accumbens and the prefrontal cortex compared to group housed controls. Taken together, these results indicate that post‐weaning social isolation alters dopaminergic function with changes resembling subcortical hyperdopaminergia and prefrontal hypodopaminergia similar to what has been observed in schizophrenic patients.
A CONDITION IN FINITE SOLVABLE GROUPS RELATED TO CYCLIC SUBGROUPS
Authors: IMPERATORE D. , LEWIS MARK L.
Published: September 2010

In this paper, we classify the finite groups belonging to the class of cyclic-transitive groups. A group G is said to be cyclic-transitive if the following condition holds: if x, y, z are nonidentity elements of G such that 〈x,y〉 and 〈y,z〉 are both cyclic, then 〈x,z〉 is also cyclic.
Effect of milk protein addition to a carbohydrate–electrolyte rehydration solution ingested after exercise in the heat
Authors: James Lewis J. , Clayton David , Evans Gethin H.
Published: September 2010

The present study examined the effects of milk protein on rehydration after exercise in the heat, via the comparison of energy- and electrolyte content-matched carbohydrate and carbohydrate–milk protein solutions. Eight male subjects lost 1·9 (sd 0·2) % of their body mass by intermittent exercise in the heat and rehydrated with 150 % of their body mass loss with either a 65 g/l carbohydrate solution (trial C) or a 40 g/l carbohydrate, 25 g/l milk protein solution (trial CP). Urine samples were collected before and after exercise and for 4 h after rehydration. Total cumulative urine output after rehydration was greater for trial C (1212 (sd 310) ml) than for trial CP (931 (sd 254) ml) (P < 0·05), and total fluid retention over the study was greater after ingestion of drink CP (55 (sd 12) %) than that after ingestion of drink C (43 (sd 15) %) (P < 0·05). At the end of the study period, whole body net fluid balance (P < 0·05) was less negative for trial CP ( − 0·26 (sd 0·27) litres) than for trial C ( − 0·52 (sd 0·30) litres), and although net negative for both the trials, it was only significantly negative after ingestion of drink C (P < 0·05). The results of the present study suggest that when matched for energy density and fat content, as well as for Na and K concentration, and when ingested after exercise-induced dehydration, a carbohydrate–milk protein solution is better retained than a carbohydrate solution. These results suggest that gram-for-gram, milk protein is more effective at augmenting fluid retention than carbohydrate.
Diet and risk of endometriosis in a population-based case–control study
Authors: Trabert Britton , Peters Ulrike , De Roos Anneclaire J. , Scholes Delia , Holt Victoria L.
Published: September 2010

Diet plausibly has a role in the aetiology of endometriosis through effects on steroid hormone levels; however, few published studies have examined the diet and endometriosis risk. We evaluated dietary risk factors for endometriosis in a population-based case–control study. Cases were 284 Group Health (GH) enrollees aged 18–49 years with newly diagnosed, surgically confirmed endometriosis between 1996 and 2001. Controls were 660 randomly selected age-matched female GH enrollees without a history of endometriosis. Nutrients and selected food groups were assessed using the Women's Health Initiative FFQ. OR of endometriosis risk associated with dietary exposures were estimated using unconditional logistic regression and adjusted for identified covariates. Increased total fat consumption was associated with decreased endometriosis risk (fourth quartilev.lowest: OR 0·5, 95 % CI 0·2, 1·0,P-trend = 0·12). Increased β-carotene consumption and servings/d of fruit were associated with increased risk (β-carotene third quartilev.lowest: OR 1·7, 95 % CI 1·1, 2·6; fourth quartilev.lowest: OR 1·6, 95 % CI 1·0, 2·5,P-trend 0·16; fruit >2 servings/dv.< 1: OR 1·5, 95 % CI 1·0, 2·3,P-trend = 0·04). We also found a suggestion of decreased endometriosis risk associated with the consumption of dairy products (2 servings/dv.≤ 1: OR 0·6, >2 servings/dv.≤ 1: OR 0·7), but this association was not statistically significant for the highest tertile. The present study suggests that specific dietary components may be associated with endometriosis risk.
Weight status and iron deficiency among urban Malian women of reproductive age
Authors: Fanou-Fogny Nadia , J. Saronga Naomi , Koreissi Yara , A. M. Dossa Romain , Melse-Boonstra Alida , D. Brouwer Inge
Published: September 2010

The present study investigated the association between weight status and Fe deficiency (ID) among urban Malian women of reproductive age. Height, weight, serum ferritin (SF), soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations were measured in sixty apparently healthy women aged 15–49 years old in Bamako, Mali. Prevalences of overweight and obese were 19 and 9 %, respectively. SF was non-significantly different between overweight (84 μg/l) and normal-weight women (52 μg/l). The prevalence of ID (SF < 12 μg/l) was 9 % in the overweight group and no true ID (sTfR>8·3 mg/l) cases were recorded in the overweight and obese groups. The prevalence OR of ID (SF < 12 μg/l) in the overweight group was NS (OR = 0·3; P = 0·363). Conversely, the chronic energy deficiency group was at a significantly higher risk of ID than the normal-weight group, adjusting or not for CRP (OR = 7·7; 95 % CI 1·49, 39·96; P = 0·015). The lack of association between overweight and ID in the present study could be due to the fact that the excess of body fat of the women might not be critical to induce chronic inflammation related to reduced Fe absorption. Future research based on a larger convenience sample should be designed to further investigate associations between overweight, obesity and ID in developing countries.