bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The application of the glycemic index and glycemic load in weight loss: A review of the clinical evidence
Authors: Esfahani Amin , Wong Julia M.W. , Mirrahimi Arash , Villa Chris R. , Kendall Cyril W.C.
Published: January 2011

Obesity is rapidly becoming a global epidemic. As it is a significant risk factor for several chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, it is imperative to study dietary and lifestyle approaches that help reduce its prevalence. Recently, due to its possible link to appetite control and metabolism, several clinical studies have assessed the effect of low glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) diets on weight loss. To determine the application of GI/GL in the prevention and treatment of obesity, we searched several databases and identified 23 clinical trials that examined low GI/GL diets and weight loss as the primary outcome measure. In general, these studies showed much inconsistency in their findings. While a few studies found significantly greater weight loss on the low GI/GL diets, most of the other studies showed a non‐significant trend that favored low GI/GL diets; suggesting that factors other than GI/GL may play a role. It would be helpful if a pooled analysis were undertaken to clarify the current findings and outline the limitations of these studies. There is also a need for more long‐term randomized, controlled trials that not only focus on weight loss but also on weight maintenance and body composition. © 2011 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 63(1): 7–13, 2011
Optimising reproducibility in low quality signals without smoothing; an alternative paradigm for signal processing
Authors: Beattie J. Renwick
Published: January 2011

Raman spectroscopy has been revolutionised in recent decades by major technological advances such as lasers, charge‐coupled detectors (CCD) and notch/edge filters. In contrast the development of signal processing algorithms has progressed at a slower pace. Spectroscopic applications increasingly focus on ‘real‐world’ applications that are not under highly controlled conditions and with more stringent limitations placed on acquisition conditions (e.g. low power for in vivo and explosives analysis). Often it is necessary to work with signals of a quality traditionally considered poor. In this study an alternative paradigm for signal processing poor quality signals is presented and rigorously assessed. Instead of estimating the background on the individual signals it is estimated on the results of a multivariate analysis. Under this paradigm prediction reproducibility is unaffected by the signal processing, unlike the traditional paradigm of correcting individual signals which induces errors that propagate through to the prediction. The paradigms were tested on a ‘real‐world’ dataset to predict the concentration of a pathologically relevant protein modification, carboxymethyl lysine (CML). Use of the new paradigm allowed signals with a signal to noise ratio (SNR) of 2.4 to give a prediction with variance just 8.7% of the mean, with the traditional paradigm giving a variance of over 140% of the mean. Significant improvement in reproducibility could even be observed with signals as good as SNR 85. The ability to obtain reproducible predictions from low quality signals allows shorter acquisition (e.g. mapping or on‐line analysis), use of low powers (in vivo diagnostics, hazardous materials analysis (HAZMAT)) or use of cheaper equipment. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Charge transfer interaction and nonlinear optical properties of barium chloride and thiourea complexes: a vibrational spectroscopic study
Authors: Kumari M. Meena , Indu Ramachandra Miss Pillai , Ravikumar C. , Joe I. Hubert , Němec I.
Published: January 2011

The nonlinear optical (NLO) semiorganic crystals barium thiourea chloride (BTC), bis(thiourea)barium chloride (BTBC) and barium(tetrakisthiourea) chloride (BTTC) were grown by the slow evaporation technique. FT‐Raman and IR spectra of the crystallized NLO materials were recorded and analyzed. The equilibrium geometry, bonding features and harmonic vibrational wavenumbers were investigated with the help of B3LYP density functional theory (DFT) method. From the optimized geometry, the decrease in CN bond length indicates the charge delocalization over the region of the molecules. Lengthening of CS bond and the deviation of CS···Cl angles clearly show the coplanarity of the amide planes of the complexes. The lowering of highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy gap appears to be the cause for its enhanced charge transfer interactions. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Raman spectroscopic study of the ‘cave’ mineral ardealite Ca2(HPO4)(SO4)·4H2O
Authors: Frost Ray L. , Palmer Sara J. , Henry Dermot A. , Pogson Ross
Published: January 2011

The mineral ardealite Ca2(HPO4)(SO4)·4H2O is a ‘cave’ mineral and is formed through the reaction of calcite with bat guano. The mineral shows disorder and the composition varies depending on the origin of the mineral. Raman spectroscopy complimented with infrared spectroscopy has been used to characterise the mineral ardealite. The Raman spectrum is very different from that of gypsum. Bands are assigned to SO42− and HPO42− stretching and bending modes. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Portopulmonary hypertension as an indication for combined heart, lung, and liver or lung and liver transplantation: Literature review and case presentation
Authors: Scouras Nicole E. , Matsusaki Takashi , Boucek Charles D. , Wells Cynthia , Cooper Erik A. , Planinsic Raymond M. , Sullivan Erin A. , Bermudez Christian A. , Toyoda Yoshiya , Sakai Tetsuro
Published: January 2011

End-stage liver disease with severe portopulmonary hypertension (PPHTN), which is refractory to vasodilator therapies, is a contraindication for isolated liver transplantation (LT) because of the high mortality rate. Combined heart, lung, and liver transplantation (CHLLT) and combined lung and liver transplantation (CLLT) can be lifesaving options for these patients; however, these procedures have rarely been performed. A 52-year-old man had end-stage liver disease due to hepatitis C and PPHTN; the latter showed a suboptimal response to pulmonary vasodilator therapy with continuous intravenous treprostinil sodium and oral sildenafil citrate and was considered a contraindication to isolated LT. His preoperative left ventricular function was normal, and he had mild to moderate right ventricular dysfunction. He underwent CLLT, which consisted of sequential double-lung transplantation under cardiopulmonary bypass followed by standard LT under venovenous bypass. Re-exploration of the chest cavity was necessary because of bleeding, and respiratory failure developed; however, the patient recovered, was discharged home on day 26, and remained well 1 year after CLLT with the standard immunosuppressants (similar to those used for heart and lung transplantation). For PPHTN, combined thoracic organ and liver transplantation has been reported in only 10 patients. Six of these patients, including our case, underwent CLLT, whereas 4 patients underwent CHLLT. Notably, 2 of the 6 CLLT patients expired within 24 hours of transplantation because of acute right heart failure. CHLLT should be considered for patients with refractory PPHTN. The assessment of preoperative cardiac function is a vital part of the decision to include heart transplantation in CLLT. Liver Transpl 17:137–143, 2011. © 2011 AASLD
Initial Particle Morphology Development in Ziegler‐Natta Propylene Polymerization Tracked with Stopped‐Flow Technique
Authors: Taniike Toshiaki , Thang Vu Quoc , Binh Nguyen Tien , Hiraoka Yuichi , Uozumi Toshiya , Terano Minoru
Published: January 2011

In this study, the particle morphology development at the very initial stage of propylene polymerization using a spherical Mg(OEt)2‐based ZN catalyst was precisely tracked by applying stopped‐flow and short‐time slurry polymerizations. Electron microscope observation and mercury porosimetry derived a comprehensive view of the initial particle morphology development. The polymer first filled macropores, which were mainly located in the middle layer of the catalyst particles, then caused the fragmentation of the middle layer, and finally triggered the fragmentation of the particle core in a stepwise manner. Thus, key effects of the layered catalyst architecture and spatial distribution of macropores were discovered on the initial morphology control of catalytic olefin polymerization.

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Influence of the Recycling Process on the Fire‐Retardant Properties of PP/EPR Blends
Authors: Casetta Mathilde , Delaval Damien , Traisnel Michel , Bourbigot Serge
Published: January 2011

The fire‐retardant properties of a recycled poly(propylene)‐based material were investigated and compared to the non‐recycled formulation. An intrinsic intumescent system and zinc borate were used to flame‐retard these polymers. By mass loss calorimetry, the best results were obtained with 20 wt.‐% of additives. Synergisms between AP765 and ZB were observed in the non‐recycled blends but not in the recycled ones. Solid‐state NMR showed that chemical reactions during the decomposition process were leading to the formation of borophosphates, reinforcing the efficiency of the intumescent char. From a ‘physical’ point of view, it was shown that the fire retardant properties of the materials are related to the formation speed of the intumescent structure and not on the char thickness.

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On singular elliptic equations involving a concave term and critical Caffarelli‐Kohn‐Nirenberg exponent
Authors: Bouchekif Mohammed , Matallah Atika
Published: January 2011

In this paper, we establish the existence of multiple positive solutions for singular elliptic equations involving a concave term and critical Caffarelli‐Kohn‐Nirenberg exponent. © 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim
Tunable Metal‐Enhanced Fluorescence by Stimuli‐Responsive Polyelectrolyte Interlayer Films
Authors: Ma Ning , Tang Fu , Wang Xiaoyu , He Fang , Li Lidong
Published: January 2011

In this paper, we report on the tunable metal‐enhanced fluorescence (MEF) of Ag nanostructures. Because of the good MEF properties of the highly dendritic Ag nanostructures, we obtained an increase of up to 25 times for the weak fluorescence of porphyrin molecules (Por4–). More importantly, by the introduction of a stimulus‐responsive PAA/PDDA multilayer film as an interlayer, the distance between the fluorophores and the Ag nanostructures could be tuned by immersing the substrates into solutions of different ionic strength or pH. The MEF behavior of the composite films could thus be tuned in a controlled manner, because of the distance dependent nature of the MEF effects.

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Conformation of the tridimensional structure of 1,2,3,4,6‐pentagalloyl‐β‐D‐glucopyranose (PGG) by 1H NMR, NOESY and theoretical study and membrane interaction in a simulated phospholipid bilayer: a first insight
Authors: Beretta Giangiacomo , Artali Roberto , Caneva Enrico , Maffei Facino Roberto
Published: January 2011

1,2,3,4,6‐Penta‐O‐galloyl‐β‐D‐glucopyranose (PGG) is a polyphenolic compound found in substantial amounts in a number of medicinal herbs. We report (i) its conformational analysis by solution NMR and molecular dynamics calculation and (ii) theoretical study of its interaction with a model membrane bilayer. The galloyl groups B and E appear to play important roles in the interaction with the phospholipid bilayer. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NMR analysis of conformationally dependent nJC, H and nJC, C in the trisaccharide α‐L‐Rhap‐(1 → 2)[α‐L‐Rhap‐(1 → 3)]‐α‐L‐Rhap‐OMe and a site‐specifically labeled isotopologue thereof
Authors: Jonsson K. Hanna M. , Pendrill Robert , Widmalm Göran
Published: January 2011

An array of NMR spectroscopy experiments have been carried out to obtain conformationally dependent 1H,13C‐ and 13C,13C‐spin–spin coupling constants in the trisaccharide α‐L‐Rhap‐(1 → 2)[α‐L‐Rhap‐(1 → 3)]‐α‐L‐Rhap‐OMe. The trisaccharide was synthesized with 13C site‐specific labeling at C2′ and C2″, i.e. in the rhamnosyl groups in order to alleviate 1H spectral overlap. This facilitated the measurement of a key trans‐glycosidic proton–proton cross‐relaxation rate using 1D 1H,1H‐T‐ROESY experiments as well as a 3JC, H coupling employing 1D 1H,13C‐long‐range experiments, devoid of potential interference from additional J coupling. By means of both the natural abundance compound and the 13C‐labeled sample 2D 1H,13C‐J‐HMBC and 1H,13C‐HSQC‐HECADE NMR experiments, total line‐shape analysis of 1H NMR spectra and 1D 13C NMR experiments were employed to extract 3JC, H, 2JC, H, 3JC, C, and 1JC, C coupling constants. The 13C site‐specific labeling facilitates straightforward determination of nJC, C as the splitting of the 13C natural abundance resonances. This study resulted in eight conformationally dependent coupling constants for the trisaccharide and illustrates the use of 13C site‐specific labeling as a valuable approach that extends the 1D and 2D NMR methods in current use to attain both hetero‐ and homonuclear spin–spin coupling constants that subsequently can be utilized for conformational analysis. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantifying cortical bone water in vivo by three‐dimensional ultra‐short echo‐time MRI
Authors: Rad Hamidreza Saligheh , Lam Shing Chun Benny , Magland Jeremy F. , Ong Henry , Li Cheng , Song Hee Kwon , Love James , Wehrli Felix W.
Published: January 2011

Bone contains a significant fraction of water that is not detectable with ordinary Cartesian imaging sequences. The advent of ultra‐short echo‐time (UTE) methods has allowed the recovery of this submillisecond T2* water. In this work, we have developed a new three‐dimensional hybrid‐radial ultra‐short echo‐time (3D HRUTE) imaging technique based on slab selection by means of half‐sinc pulses, variable‐TE slice encoding and algorithms for quantification. The protocol consists of collecting two datasets differing in TR, from which T1 is extracted, which is needed for quantification. Unlike T2*, which has been found to vary within a narrow range and does not require individual correction, T1 is critically subject dependent (range, 100–350 ms). No soft‐tissue suppression was used to preserve the signal‐to‐noise ratio of the short‐T2 bone water protons or to minimize the loss of relatively mobile water in large pores. Critical for quantification is correction for spatial variations in reception field and selection of the endosteal boundary for inclusion of pixels in the bone water calculation, because of the ruffled boundary stemming from trabecularization of the endosteal surface. The reproducibility, evaluated in 10 subjects covering the age range 30–80 years, yielded an average coefficient of variation of 4.2% and an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.95, suggesting that a treatment effect on the order of 5% could be detected in as few as 10 subjects. Lastly, experiments in specimens by means of graded deuterium exchange showed that approximately 90% of the detected signal arises from water protons, whose relaxation rates (1/T1 and 1/T2*) scale linearly with the isotopic volume fraction of light water after stepwise exchange with heavy water. The data thus show conclusively that the method quantifies water even though, in vivo, no distinction can be made between various fractions, such as collagen‐bound vs pore‐resident water. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vivo1H MRS in the assessment of the therapeutic response of breast cancer patients
Authors: Sharma Uma , Baek Hyeon Man , Su Min Ying , Jagannathan Naranamangalam R.
Published: January 2011

MRI and in vivo MRS have rapidly evolved as sensitive tools for diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring in cancer research. In vivo MRS provides information on tumor metabolism, which is clinically valuable in the diagnosis and assessment of tumor response to therapy for the management of women with breast diseases. Several centers complement breast MRI studies with 1H MRS to improve the specificity of diagnosis. Malignant breast tissues show elevated water‐to‐fat ratio and choline‐containing compounds (total choline, tCho), and any effect of therapy on tissue viability or metabolism will be manifested as changes in these levels. Sequential 1H MRS studies have shown significantly reduced tCho levels during the course of therapy in patients who were responders. However, there are challenges in using in vivo MRS because of the relatively low sensitivity in detecting the tCho resonance with decreased lesion size or significant reduction in the tumor volume during therapy. MRS is also technically challenging because of the low signal‐to‐noise ratio and heterogeneous distribution of fat and glandular tissues in the breast. MRS is best utilized for the diagnosis of focal masses, most commonly seen in patients with ductal‐type neoplasms; however, it has limitations in detecting nonfocal masses, such as the linear pattern of tumors seen in invasive lobular carcinoma. Further work is required to assess the clinical utility of quantitative MRS, with the goal of automation, which will reduce the subjectivity currently inherent in both qualitative and semi‐quantitative MRS. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Age‐dependent brain temperature decline assessed by diffusion‐weighted imaging thermometry
Authors: Sakai Koji , Yamada Kei , Mori Susumu , Sugimoto Naozo , Nishimura Tsunehiko
Published: January 2011

Brain metabolism declines with age, but cerebral blood flow (CBF) is less age dependent. We therefore hypothesized that the brain temperature would decline with age, and measured the temperatures of the lateral ventricles in healthy volunteers. Diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) data from 45 healthy volunteers [mean (± standard deviation) age, 30.6 ± 8.66 years; range, 19–56 years] were used for this study. The temperature of water molecules is directly related to the diffusion coefficient, so that the temperature of cerebrospinal fluid can be measured using DWI. Temperature was calculated using the equation, T ( °C) = 2256.74/ln(4.39221/D) – 273.15, where D is the diffusion coefficient. The lateral ventricles were manually extracted by an experienced neuroradiologist on b0 images. The mean ventricular temperature was determined from the distribution function of the temperature of all selected voxels. The mean lateral ventricular temperature in healthy volunteers showed a linear decrease with age (correlation coefficient R2 = 0.8879; p < 0.01), presumably caused by an asynchronous decline in brain metabolism and CBF. DWI‐based thermometry demonstrates that ventricular temperature declines with the normal aging process. Further study is warranted to define the relationships between temperature, metabolism and circulation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of hyperpolarized 3He MRI with Xe‐enhanced computed tomography imaging for ventilation mapping of rat lung
Authors: Santyr Giles E. , Couch Marcus J. , Lam Wilfred W. , Ouriadov Alexei , Drangova Maria , McCormack David G. , Holdsworth David W.
Published: January 2011

Lung ventilation was mapped in five healthy Brown Norway rats (210–377 g) using both hyperpolarized 3He MRI and Xe‐enhanced computed tomography (Xe‐CT) under similar ventilator conditions. Whole‐lung measurements of ventilation r obtained with 3He MRI were not significantly different from those obtained from Xe‐CT (p = 0.1875 by Wilcoxon matched pairs test). The ventilation parameter r is defined as the fraction of refreshed gas per unit volume per breath. Regional ventilation was also measured in four regions of the lung using both methods. A two‐tailed paired t‐test was performed for each region, yielding p > 0.05 for all but the upper portion of the right lung. The distribution of regional ventilation was evaluated by calculating ventilation gradients in the superior/inferior (S/I) direction. The average S/I gradient obtained using the 3He MRI method was found to be 0.17 ± 0.04 cm−1, whereas the average S/I gradient obtained using the Xe‐CT method was found to be 0.016 ± 0.005 cm−1. In general, S/I ventilation gradients obtained from both methods were significantly different from each other (p = 0.0019 by two‐tailed paired t‐test). These regional differences in ventilation measurements may be caused by the manner in which the gas contrast agents distribute physiologically and/or by the imaging modality. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bone‐guided regeneration: from inert biomaterials to bioactive polymer (nano)composites
Authors: Barone D. T.‐J. , Raquez J.‐M. , Dubois Ph.
Published: January 2011

Natural bone is a unique nanostructured material made of collagen fibre matrix and hydroxyapatite (HA) nanocrystals, providing mechanical support and protection from the vertebrate skeleton. However, in severe cases like bone‐deficiencies, bone needs to be “externally” repaired. Initially, different biological solutions were developed in bone‐guided regeneration. However, due to the limitations with the existing biological grafts, a lot of researches have been devoted toward biomaterials including metals, ceramics, and polymers. On the basis of the interface reactions between the implant and the surrounding tissues, these biomaterials may be classified as “nearly inert” or bioactive. Interestingly, the bioactive materials exhibit a specific biological response, leading to the formation of a natural bonding junction between the bone and the implant during bone regeneration. Recently, a special attention has been paid to a new generation of bioactive materials, i.e. (nano)structured biomaterials composed of a bioresorbable polymer matrix reinforced with bioactive inorganic compounds. While (bio)ceramic component provides the bioactivity, these materials can be readily engineered in such a way that their resorption rate in the body match the formation rate of the new tissue. This review hence reports the different biological and non‐biological solutions developed in bone‐guided regeneration, with a special emphasis on polymer‐based materials, and our recent results obtained in osseointegration The bone physiology, and its natural regeneration are also described. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characteristics and outcome of radiation and chemotherapy‐related mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the salivary glands
Authors: Verma Jonathan , Teh Bin S. , Paulino Arnold C.
Published: January 2011

Background

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) of the salivary glands has been reported to occur in patients previously treated with chemotherapy and/or radiation. The purpose of our study is to review the patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics of patients who develop a treatment‐related MEC.

Procedure

A PubMed search of English language articles was performed using the keywords and MeSH terms: mucoepidermoid, salivary gland, radiation‐induced, second malignancy, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.

Results

The search yielded 23 articles describing 58 patients who received chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy (RT) and subsequently developed MEC. The most common initial diagnoses were acute lymphoblastic leukemia (n = 18), acne (n = 9), and Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 6). Patients were divided into three groups according to chemotherapy and RT treatment: chemotherapy alone (n = 14), RT alone (n = 14), or chemotherapy and RT (n = 30). The parotid gland was the most common site for secondary MEC. Latent time (LT) to development of MEC from initial tumor treatment was significantly shorter in the patients treated with chemotherapy ± RT versus RT alone (7.9 years vs. 27.2 years, P < 0.01). The most common treatment for MEC was surgery alone followed by surgery and postoperative RT. The 2‐ and 5‐year overall survival rates were 98% and 93.4% while the 2‐ and 5‐year locoregional control rates were 97.7% and 92.5%, respectively. There was no difference in survival or locoregional control between groups exposed to RT alone, chemotherapy alone, or chemotherapy with RT for the initial tumor.

Conclusion

Radiation and chemotherapy‐related MEC has an excellent prognosis. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 57: 1137–1141. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Echocardiographic surveillance for asymptomatic late‐onset anthracycline cardiomyopathy in childhood cancer survivors
Authors: Abosoudah Ibraheem , Greenberg Mark L. , Ness Kirsten K. , Benson Lee , Nathan Paul C.
Published: January 2011

Background

The optimal frequency of echocardiographic surveillance in asymptomatic childhood cancer survivors exposed to anthracyclines has not been established. We evaluated the effectiveness of performing surveillance echocardiograms according to the Children's Oncology Group's (COG) Long‐Term Follow‐Up Guidelines for Survivors of Childhood, Adolescent, and Young Adult Cancers in survivors ≥1 year from concluding therapy.

Methods

We reviewed all children treated at our institution with anthracycline chemotherapy from 1995 to 2003. We assessed the frequency of abnormal echocardiograms according to risk groups defined in the COG guidelines, and evaluated the risk factors for an abnormal echocardiogram using Cox proportional hazards modeling.

Results

At least one echocardiogram was completed by 469/603 (77.8%) eligible survivors. Mean diagnosis age was 7.7 (SD = 4.6) years. Mean cumulative doxorubicin‐equivalent dose was 205 mg/m2 (SD = 115). Survivors completed 1,013 echocardiograms (median = 2, range = 1–10) beyond 1 year after concluding therapy. Seventy‐nine (16.8%) survivors had an abnormal echocardiogram at a median of 2.9 years (range 0.01–9.8) from 1 year after concluding therapy. Anthracycline dose >300 mg/m2 (hazard ratio [HR] 3.00; 95% CI 1.51–5.98), age 1–4 years at treatment (HR 1.89; 95% CI 1.08–3.31) and radiation to a field involving the heart (HR 1.73; 95% CI 1.08–2.76) predicted an increased risk of an abnormal echocardiogram; however, even survivors in the lower COG risk groups demonstrated abnormalities.

Conclusion

Periodic echocardiographic surveillance in childhood cancer survivors can yield abnormalities that require further evaluation. Abnormalities may become evident as early as 1 year after the conclusion of therapy and can impact even those survivors considered to be at low risk. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 57: 467–472. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Internal structure of the Green Lake 5 rock glacier, Colorado Front Range, USA
Authors: Leopold M. , Williams M.W. , Caine N. , Völkel J. , Dethier D.
Published: January 2011

Information about the internal structure of rock glaciers is needed to understand their reaction to ongoing climate warming. Three different geophysical techniques—shallow seismic refraction, ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) and electrical resistivity tomography—were used to develop a detailed subsurface model of the Green Lake 5 rock glacier in the Colorado Front Range, USA. Below a thin zone of fine sediments and soils (0.7 – 1‐m thickness; 0 – 20 kΩm and 320 – 370 m s−1), a 1 – 3‐m thick zone with low p‐wave velocities (790 – 820 m s−1) and high electrical resistivity (20 – 100 kΩm) is interpreted as the ice‐free, blocky active layer with large void spaces. The data corroborate strong reflections of the GPR signals which travel at this depth at 0.11 m ns−1. A third layer that extends from depths of 1 – 3 m to about 5 m is characterised by lower electric resistivities (5 – 20 kΩm) and has lower electromagnetic wave velocities (0.65 m ns−1), representing unfrozen, finer and wetter sediments. At around 5‐m depth, the measured physical parameters change drastically (vp = 3200 – 3300 m s−1, 50 – 150 kΩm, vGPR = 0.15 m ns−1), showing an ice‐rich permafrost zone above the bedrock. This model of the internal structure was used to evaluate an existing hydrological flowpath model based on the hydrochemical properties of water outflow from the rock glacier. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protein structure prediction using a docking‐based hierarchical folding scheme
Authors: Kifer Ilona , Nussinov Ruth , Wolfson Haim J.
Published: January 2011

The pathways by which proteins fold into their specific native structure are still an unsolved mystery. Currently, many methods for protein structure prediction are available, and most of them tackle the problem by relying on the vast amounts of data collected from known protein structures. These methods are often not concerned with the route the protein follows to reach its final fold. This work is based on the premise that proteins fold in a hierarchical manner. We present FOBIA, an automated method for predicting a protein structure. FOBIA consists of two main stages: the first finds matches between parts of the target sequence and independently folding structural units using profile–profile comparison. The second assembles these units into a 3D structure by searching and ranking their possible orientations toward each other using a docking‐based approach. We have previously reported an application of an initial version of this strategy to homology based targets. Since then we have considerably enhanced our method's abilities to allow it to address the more difficult template‐based target category. This allows us to now apply FOBIA to the template‐based targets of CASP8 and to show that it is both very efficient and promising. Our method can provide an alternative for template‐based structure prediction, and in particular, the docking‐basedranking technique presented here can be incorporated into any profile–profile comparison based method. Proteins 2011; © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spectrally and time‐resolved cathodoluminescence microscopy of semipolar InGaN SQW on (11$\overline {2} $2) and (10$\overline {1} $1) pyramid facets
Authors: Metzner Sebastian , Bertram Frank , Karbaum Christopher , Hempel Thomas , Wunderer Thomas , Schwaiger Stephan , Lipski Frank , Scholz Ferdinand , Wächter Clemens , Jetter Michael , Michler Peter , Christen Jürgen
Published: January 2011

Semipolar InGaN/GaN single quantum wells (SQWs) grown on {11$\overline {2} $2} planes of an inverted pyramid surface and {10$\overline {1} $1} facets of single self assembled pyramids have been studied by spatially, spectrally, and time‐resolved cathodoluminescence (CL) microscopy. Mappings of local spectra and local transients provide the distribution of spectral and time‐resolved luminescence properties by peak wavelength images, time delayed CL images (TDCLIs), and initial lifetime maps. The SQW on inverse pyramids exhibit strong local differences in recombination kinetics – two orders of magnitude change in initial lifetime – correlated with a giant shift in emission energy of ∼1 eV along a facet. For single pyramids a migration process of indium adatoms from the upper facet to the edges leads to an emission of longer wavelengths at the edges and shorter wavelengths at the upper facet with respect to the base.
Assessment of the Met Office dust forecast model using observations from the GERBILS campaign
Authors: Johnson B. T. , Brooks M. E. , Walters D. , Woodward S. , Christopher S. , Schepanski K.
Published: January 2011

This paper uses aircraft, ground‐based and satellite observations to assess the performance of Met Office dust forecasts during the Geostationary Earth Radiation Budget Intercomparison of Long‐wave and Short‐wave radiation (GERBILS) campaign. The dust forecasts were produced from a 20 km resolution limited‐area numerical weather prediction configuration of the Met Office Unified Model, based over North Africa. Dust uplift was modelled using two modified versions of the Woodward (2001) dust parametrization scheme. The model produced widespread dust over the Sahara desert in response to synoptically driven strong wind events. The modelled aerosol size distribution and short‐wave optical properties compared well with aircraft in situ measurements and retrievals from the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET). Better size distributions and extinction coefficients were achieved by fixing the emitted dust size distribution rather than attempting to predict this dynamically. The two versions performed similarly compared to observations of other variables. The interaction of dust with short‐wave and long‐wave radiation compared well with aircraft observations when scaled to allow for local differences in Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD). AODs were on average 50–100% too high over south‐western parts of the Sahara but 20–50% too low over the Sahel when compared to AERONET sites, aircraft profile estimates and satellite retrieval products. This implicated excessive dust emission over central parts of the Sahara and insufficient dust emissions from the Bodélé depression and semi‐arid regions on the southern border of the Sahara. These biases were linked to potential errors in wind speed, soil texture, soil moisture and vegetation, and possible limitations in the dust parametrization, such as the lack of an observationally constrained or geomorphologically based preferential source term. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society and Crown copyright, the Met Office
Numerical Analysis and Experimental Study of Buckling Behavior of Steel Cylindrical Panels
Authors: Shariati M. , Sedighi M. , Saemi J. , Poorfar A. K.
Published: January 2011

The effects of the length, sector angle and different boundary conditions on the buckling load and post buckling behavior of cylindrical panels have been investigated using experimental and numerical methods. The experimental tests have been performed using a servo hydraulic machine and for numerical analysis, Abaqus finite element package has been used. The numerical results are in good agreement with the experimental tests.
Development of Fine‐Grained High‐Carbon Steel in High Reduction Low Temperature Rolling
Authors: Morimoto T. , Mukaihara T. , Kusumoto Y. , Oda M. , Takeshima K. , Yatoh H.
Published: January 2011

After blanking and bending to form parts with the desired shape, high‐carbon steels are quenched and tempered to produce various machine parts. Thus, the spheroidization, formability and hardenability are very important properties for high‐carbon steels. Thermo‐Mechanical control Process of rolling has been widely used in the steel industry. However, it is difficult to apply this process to high‐carbon steels because of the heavy rolling load. Thus, fine‐grained high‐carbon hot strips were developed through high‐reduction and low‐temperature rolling by using single roll rolling mills with different diameters and laminar flow cooling devices in the finishing train, the grain size of these steels was about 3 microns. Also developed annealed strips with fine homogeneously dispersed spheroidal cementite had many excellent characteristics. For example, burring formability investigated by the hole‐expanding and surface hardness evaluated by laser hardening of the developed high‐carbon annealed steels, were excellent.
A new method for analysis of non‐pregnant uterine peristalsis using transvaginal ultrasound
Authors: Meirzon D. , Jaffa A. J. , Gordon Z. , Elad D.
Published: January 2011

Objectives

To develop an objective method for analysis of uterine peristalsis using transvaginal sonography (TVS).

Methods

We performed computerized analysis of 2–5‐min video recordings of TVS imaging of a midsagittal cross‐section of the uterus during the proliferative and early secretory phases of 18 healthy volunteers aged 28–41 years. The contours of the fluid–endometrial interface (FEI) and the endometrium–myometrium interface (EMI) were detected in each frame, and the data from all frames were used to explore the dynamic motility characteristics of these interfaces at fixed distances from the fundus.

Results

The mean ± SD dominant frequency of peristalsis of the EMI along the midsagittal cross‐section was 0.049 ± 0.01 Hz and that of the cavity center was 0.043 ± 0.02 Hz. The maximal amplitudes of the EMI were about 1 ± 0.25 mm, located between 7 and 17 mm from the fundus. The amplitudes of the FEI were in the range 0.05–0.2 mm. The amplitude of the cavity centerline movement was 0.94 ± 0.34 mm, located at the extremes of the unperturbed curve.

Conclusions

This study provides a simple tool for analysis of uterine peristalsis characteristics using ultrasound data. This is possible at the EMI even when the FEI is invisible or incomplete, such as during the luteal phase, when an intrauterine contraceptive device is in place, and during diagnostic or medical intervention. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Organellar RNA editing
Authors: Chateigner‐Boutin Anne‐Laure , Small Ian
Published: January 2011

RNA editing is a term used for a number of mechanistically different processes that alter the nucleotide sequence of RNA molecules to differ from the gene sequence. RNA editing occurs in a wide variety of organisms and is particularly frequent in organelle transcripts of eukaryotes. The discontiguous phylogenetic distribution of mRNA editing, the mechanistic differences observed in different organisms, and the nonhomologous editing machinery described in different taxonomic groups all suggest that RNA editing has appeared independently several times. This raises questions about the selection pressures acting to maintain editing that are yet to be completely resolved. Editing tends to be frequent in organisms with atypical organelle genomes and acts to correct the effect of DNA mutations that would otherwise compromise the synthesis of functional proteins. Additional functions of editing in generating protein diversity or regulating gene expression have been proposed but so far lack widespread experimental evidence, at least in organelles. WIREs RNA 2011 2 493–506 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.72

This article is categorized under:

RNA Processing > RNA Editing and Modification
Darstellung, Struktur und magnetisches Verhalten von Alkali‐metallmanganchalkogeniden A6MnX4 mit A Na oder K und X S, Se oder Te
Authors: Bronger W. , Balk‐Hardtdegen H.
Published: January 2011

Inhaltsübersicht. Die Verbindungen Na6MnS4, Na6MnSe4, Na6MnTe4, K6MnS4, K6MnSe4 und K6MnTe4 wurden durch Umsetzungen von Alkalimetallcarbonaten mit Chalkogen und Mangan bzw. Mangancarbonat in einem mit Chalkogen beladenen Wasserstoffstrom erhalten.

Röntgenstrukturuntersuchungen an Einkristallen ergaben, daß alle sechs Verbindungen isotyp kristallisieren (Na6ZnO4‐Typ, Raumgruppe P63mc). Als charakteristische Baugruppen treten “isolierte” tetraedrische [MnX4]‐Einheiten auf.

Die Temperaturabhängigkeiten der magnetischen Suszeptibilitäten führen zu einem Curie‐WeissVerhalten. Erst bei tiefen Temperaturen treten offensichtlich antiferromagnetische Kopplungen auf. Dabei sind die Wechselwirkungen in den Tellurverbindungen stärker als in den Schwefelverbindungen und in den Kaliumverbindungen stärker als in den Natriumverbindungen ausgeprägt.

Synthesis, Structure, and Magnetic Properties of Alkali Metal Manganese Chalcogenides A6MnX4 with A Na or K and X S, Se or Te

The compounds Na6MnS4, Na6MnSe4, Na6MnTe4, K6MnS4, K6MnSe4 and K6MnTe4 were synthesized by the reaction of alkali metal carbonates with chalcogen and Mn or MnCO3 in a stream of hydrogen charged with chalcogen.

Structural investigations on single crystals show that all six compounds crystallize in isotypic atomic arrangements (Na6ZnO4‐type, space group P63mc), which are characterized by isolated [MnX4] tetrahedra.

The magnetic susceptibilities show Curie‐Weiss behaviour. At low temperatures there are obviously antiferromagnetic interactions increasing from the sulfides to the tellurides and from the sodium compounds to the potassium compounds.
Synthese und Kristallstrukturen von IMalnBr4 und NaInI4
Authors: Staffel Thomas , Meyer Gerd
Published: January 2011

Inhaltsübersicht. Einkristalle von NaInBr4 und NaInI4 erhält man aus Gemengen der binären Komponenten durch langsames Abkühlen der Schmelze. NaInBr4 gehört zum NaAlCl4‐Typ: Orthorhombisch, P212121, Z = 4; a = 1108,1(1); b = 1050,7(1); c = 676,1(1) pm. NaInI4 ist isotyp mit LiAlCl4: Monoklin, P21/c, Z = 4; a = 852,1(2); b = 766,1(2); c = 1558,3(3) pm; β = 92,65(2)°. In beiden Strukturen treten annähernd tetraedrische Baugruppen [InX4]– (X = Br, I) auf. Die Koordinationszahl von Na+ ist C.N. = 6 (NaInI4; leicht verzerrt oktaedrisch) bzw. C.N. = 6+1+1 (NaInBr4; verzerrtes, doppelt bekapptes Prisma).

Synthesis and Crystal Structures of NaInBr4 and NaInI4

Single crystals of NaInBr4 and NaInI4 are obtained from mixtures of the binary components by slow cooling of the melts. NaInBr4 belongs to the NaAlCl4 type of structure: Ortho‐rhombic, P212121, Z = 4, a = 1108.1(1), b = 1050.7(1), c = 676.1(1) pm. NaInI4 is isotypic with LiAlCl4: Monoclmic, P21/c, Z = 4, a = 852.1(2), b = 766.1(2), c = 1558.3(3) pm, β = 92.65(2)°. Almost tetrahedral polyhedra [InX4]– (X = Br, I) are characteristic for both structures. The coordination number of Na+ is C.N. = 6 (NaInI4; slightly distorted octahedron) and C.N. = 6+1+1 (NaInBr4; distorted bicapped trigonal prism), respectively.
Bis[bis(trimethylsilyl)amino]sulfan 1. Darstellung und Charakterisierung
Authors: Schubert G. , Gattow G.
Published: January 2011

Inhaltsübersicht. Die Titelverbindung[(CH3)3Si]2N–S–N[Si(CH3)3]2 wurde durch Reaktion von Lithium‐bis(trimethylsilyl)arnid mit Schwefeldichlorid hergestellt.

Elektronenabsorptions‐, Infrarot‐, Kernresonanz‐ (1H, 13C, 29Si, 15N) und Massenspektren werden mitgeteilt. Die Reaktivität der Verbindung wurde untersucht.

Bis[bis (trimethylsilyl) amino] sulfane. 1. Synthesis and Characterization

Abstract, The title compound [(CH3)3Si]2N–S–N[Si(CH3)3]2 has been prepared by reaction of lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide with sulfur dichloride.

Electron absorption, infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance (1H, 13C, 29Si, 16N), and mass spectra are given. The reactivity of the compound has been studied.

Im Zusammenhang mit unseren Untersuchungen [1–3] über S‐Bis(trimethyl‐eilyl)aminoester von Dithiocarbamidsäuren RR′N–CS–S–N[Si(CH3)3]2 haben wir uns mit dem Bis[bis(trimethylsilyl)amino]sulfan [(CH3)3Si]2N‐S‐N[Si(CH3)3]2 befaßt.

Diese Verbindung wurde erstmals 1962 von Wannagat u. Kückertz [4] hergestellt und kurz beschrieben. Wolmershäuser u. Mitarb. [5] teilten einige wenige spektroskopische Daten mit; vgl. auch [6, 7].
BaIr0,67Be0,33O3: Eine stabilisierte kubische Form von BaIrO3
Authors: Lang CH. , MÜller‐Buschbaum H K.
Published: January 2011

Inhaltsübersicht. Es ist gelungen, ein durch BeO stabilisiertes Bariumoxoiridat der Zusammensetzung BaIr0,67Be0,33O3 in der Kristallform eines kubischen Perowskits mit kleiner Elementarzelle erstmals darzustellen. Raumgruppe O1h–Pm3m, a = 4,1009 Å, Z = 1. Ir5+ und Be2 + besetzen die Oktaederposition des Perowskits statistisch.

BaIr0,67Be0,33O3: A Stabilized Cubic Form of BaIrO3

For the first time it was possible to prepare a new barium‐oxoiridate of the formula BaIr0,67Be0,33O3, stabilized by BeO. It crystallizes in a small cubic unit cell of the perovskite type. Space group O1h–Pm3m; a = 4.1009 Å; Z = 1. Ir5+ and Be2+ occupy the octahedra positions of the perovskite structure statistically.
Neue Oxometallate vom BaCuSm2O6‐Typ: BaCoHo2O5, BaCoYb2O5 und vom BaNiLn2O5‐Typ: BaCoEr2O5
Authors: Mevs H. , MÜller‐Buschbaum H K.
Published: January 2011

Inhaltsübersicht. (I) BaCoHo2O5, (II) BaCoYb2O5 und (III) BaCoEr2O5 wurden neu dargestellt und an Einkristallen mit Röntgenbeugungsmethoden die Kristallstruktur bestimmt. (I) und (II) gehören zum BaCuSm2O5‐Typ mit (I): A = 12,267; b = 5,714; c = 7,064 Å; Z = 4; (II): A = 12,138; b = 5,662; c = 7,004 Å; Z = 4. Beide kristallisieren in der Raumgruppe D162h–Pnma. (III) kristallisiert im BaNiLn2O5‐Typ, Raumgruppe D252h–Immm mit a = 3,734; b = 5,770; c = 11,421 Å; Z = 2. Die Koordination um Co2+ wechselt von (I, II) nach (III) von tetragonal pyramidal nach oktaedrisch.

New Oxides of the BaCuSm2O5‐Type: BaCoHo2O5, BaCoYb2O5, and of the BaNiLn2O5 Type: BaCoEr2O5

(I) BaCoHo2O5, (II) BaCoYb2O5, and (III) BaCoEr2O5 are new compounds prepared by high temperature reactions. X‐ray single crystal work show: (I) and (II) belong to the BaCuSm2O5‐type (space group D162h‐Pnma, Z = 4). (I): A = 12.267; b = 5.714; c = 7.064 Å; (II): A = 12.138; b = 5.662; c = 7,004 Å. (III) crystallizes with BaNiLn2O5‐structure, space group D252h‐Immm; Z = 2; a = 3.734; b = 5.770; c = 11.421 Å; within (I) and (II) Co2+ has a tetragonal pyramidal coordination by oxygen. The coordination changes in (III) to a compressed octehedral O2– surrounding.
New Compounds in the IMb2O6(Ta2O5)‐V2O6 Systems
Authors: Yamaguchi Osamu , Mukaida Yasumichi , Shigeta Hiroyasu
Published: January 2011

In the Nb2O5–V2O5 and Ta2O5–V2O5 systems, new compounds, 9Nb2O5 · 2V2O5 and 9Ta2O5 · 2V2O5, are formed at low temperatures from amorphous materials prepared by the simultaneous hydrolysis of either niobium isopropoxide or tantalum isopropoxide and vanadyl ethoxide. They are isomorphous and have an orthorhombic unit cell, with a = 0.7939 nm, b = 1.731 nm, and c = 1.761 nm for the former compound and a = 0.7859 nm, b = 1.733 nm, and c = 1.766 nm for the latter compound. Both compounds decompose into 9Nb2O5 · V2O5 (9Ta2O5 · V2O5) and V2O5 at elevated temperatures.

Neue Verbindungen in Nb2O5 (Ta2O5) –V2O5‐Systemen

Inhaltsübersicht. In den Nb2O5–V2O5‐ und Ta2O5–V2O5‐Systemen werden die neuen Verbindungen 9Nb2O5 · 2V2O5 und 9Ta2O5 · 2V2O5 bei niedrigen Temperaturen aus amorphen, durch simultane Hydrolyse von Niobisopropoxid bzw. Tantalisopropoxid und Vanadylethoxid erhaltenen Substanzen gebildet. Sie sind isomorph und haben eine orthorhombische Einheitszelle mit a = 0,7939, b = 1,731, c = 1,761 nm für erstere und a = 0,7859, b = 1,733, c = 1,766 nm für letztere Verbindung. Beide Verbindungen zerfallen bei erhöhter Temperatur in 9Nb2O5 · V2O5 bzw. 9Ta2O5. V2O5 und V2O5.
Effects of Glutamine on Gastrointestinal Motor Activity in Patients following Gastric Surgery
Authors: Mochiki Erito , Ohno Tetsuro , Yanai Mitsuhiro , Toyomasu Yoshitaka , Andoh Hiroyuki , Kuwano Hiroyuki
Published: January 2011

Background

Postoperative ileus (POI) is one of the most common complications of gastrointestinal surgery. The present study was performed to evaluate the effects of glutamine administration on POI after gastric surgery in humans.

Subjects and methods

The subjects were 31 patients who underwent partial distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer and who were randomly assigned to one of two groups based on postoperative treatment: the glutamine group (3 g/day) and the control group. Manometric recording was done 12 days after surgery, and plasma glutamine concentrations were measured preoperatively and on postoperative day 12.

Results

Motor activities of the duodenum in the glutamine group were significantly greater than those of the control group in the interdigestive state. The incidence of phase III motor activity (interdigestive migrating motor contractions) in the glutamine group was significantly higher than that in the control group (60 versus 19%). The glutamine group showed a significantly smaller decrease of plasma glutamine levels compared with the control group.

Conclusions

Glutamine could act as a motility‐recovery agent after gastrectomy in humans.
Invariant Ordering of Item-Total Regressions
Authors: Tijmstra Jesper , Hessen David J. , van der Heijden Peter G. M. , Sijtsma Klaas
Published: January 2011

A new observable consequence of the property of invariant item ordering is presented, which holds under Mokken’s double monotonicity model for dichotomous data. The observable consequence is an invariant ordering of the item-total regressions. Kendall’s measure of concordance W and a weighted version of this measure are proposed as measures for this property. Karabatsos and Sheu proposed a Bayesian procedure (Appl. Psychol. Meas. 28:110–125, 2004), which can be used to determine whether the property of an invariant ordering of the item-total regressions should be rejected for a set of items. An example is presented to illustrate the application of the procedures to empirical data.