bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MODEVO: exploring modularity and evolution of protein interaction networks
Authors: Woźniak Michał , Tiuryn Jerzy , Dutkowski Janusz
Published: May 2010

Summary: Interrogating protein complexes and pathways in an evolutionary context provides insights into the formation of the basic functional components of the cell. We developed two independent Cytoscape plugins that can be cooperatively used to map evolving protein interaction networks at the module level. The APCluster plugin implements a recent affinity propagation (AP) algorithm for graph clustering and can be applied to decompose networks into coherent modules. The NetworkEvolution plugin provides the capability to visualize selected modules in consecutive evolutionary stages.

Availability: The plugins, input data and usage scenarios are freely available from the project web site: http://bioputer.mimuw.edu.pl/modevo. The plugins are also available from the Cytoscape plugin repository.

Contact:  janusz@ucsd.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
A global role for KLF1 in erythropoiesis revealed by ChIP-seq in primary erythroid cells
Authors: Tallack Michael R. , Whitington Tom , Shan Yuen Wai , Wainwright Elanor N. , Keys Janelle R. , Gardiner Brooke B. , Nourbakhsh Ehsan , Cloonan Nicole , Grimmond Sean M. , Bailey Timothy L. , Perkins Andrew C.
Published: May 2010

KLF1 regulates a diverse suite of genes to direct erythroid cell differentiation from bipotent progenitors. To determine the local cis-regulatory contexts and transcription factor networks in which KLF1 operates, we performed KLF1 ChIP-seq in the mouse. We found at least 945 sites in the genome of E14.5 fetal liver erythroid cells which are occupied by endogenous KLF1. Many of these recovered sites reside in erythroid gene promoters such as Hbb-b1, but the majority are distant to any known gene. Our data suggests KLF1 directly regulates most aspects of terminal erythroid differentiation including production of alpha- and beta-globin protein chains, heme biosynthesis, coordination of proliferation and anti-apoptotic pathways, and construction of the red cell membrane and cytoskeleton by functioning primarily as a transcriptional activator. Additionally, we suggest new mechanisms for KLF1 cooperation with other transcription factors, in particular the erythroid transcription factor GATA1, to maintain homeostasis in the erythroid compartment.
Magnon Excitation Spectrum in Ferromagnetic Quasicubic Manganites
Authors: Schlottmann P.
Published: May 2010

The magnon excitation spectrum of ferromagnetic quasicubic manganites is studied by using the linearized spin-wave approximation for the double-exchange and the superexchange interactions. Two situations are distinguished: 1) a rigid coupling of the t2gand egspins via a large Hund's rule coupling and 2) a softened coupling between these spins (e.g., due to coupling of the egelectrons to Jahn-Teller modes). Case 2) leads to a softening of the magnon dispersion (compared to the Heisenberg model) close to the zone boundary.
Testing the ability of surface arrays to monitor microseismic activity
Authors: Chambers Kit , Kendall J.‐Michael , Brandsberg‐Dahl Sverre , Rueda Jose
Published: May 2010

Recently there has been much interest in the use of data from surface arrays in conjunction with migration‐based processing methods for passive seismic monitoring. In this study we use an example of this kind of data recorded whilst 18 perforation shots, with a variety of positions and propellant amounts, were detonated in the subsurface. As the perforation shots provide signals with known source positions and origin times, the analysis of these data is an invaluable opportunity to test the accuracy and ability of surface arrays to detect and locate seismic sources in the subsurface. In all but one case the signals from the perforation shots are not visible in the raw or preprocessed data. However, clear source images are produced for 12 of the perforation shots showing that arrays of surface sensors are capable of imaging microseismic events, even when the signals are not visible in individual traces. We find that point source locations are within typically 45 m (laterally) of the true shot location, however the depths are less well constrained (∼150 m). We test the sensitivity of our imaging method to the signal‐to‐noise ratio in the data using signals embedded in realistic noise. We find that the position of the imaged shot location is quite insensitive to the level of added noise, the primary effect of increased noise being to defocus the source image. Given the migration approach, the array geometry and the nature of coherent noise during the experiment, signals embedded in noise with ratios ≥0.1 can be used to successfully image events. Furthermore, comparison of results from data and synthetic signals embedded in noise shows that, in this case, prestack corrections of traveltimes to account for near‐surface structure will not enhance event detectability. Although, the perforation shots have a largely isotropic radiation pattern the results presented here show the potential for the use of surface sensors in microseismic monitoring as a viable alternative to classical downhole methods.
Transurethral resection (TUR) in saline plasma vaporization of the prostate vs standard TUR of the prostate: ‘the better choice’ in benign prostatic hyperplasia?
Authors: Geavlete Bogdan , Multescu Razvan , Dragutescu Mihai , Jecu Marian , Georgescu Dragos , Geavlete Petrisor
Published: May 2010

Study Type – Therapy (RCT) Level of Evidence 1b

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficiency, safety and short‐term outcome of transurethral resection in saline plasma vaporization of the prostate (TURis‐PVP), and to compare it to the standard TUR of the prostate (TURP).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 155 patients with benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), with a maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) of <10 mL/s, an International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) of >19 and prostate volume of 30–80 mL were enrolled in this prospective, randomized trial. All patients were evaluated preoperatively and at 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery by IPSS, health‐related quality of life (HRQL) score, Qmax and postvoid residual urine volume (PVR).

RESULTS

Patients from both series had similar preoperative characteristics. TURis‐PVP and TURP were successfully performed in all cases (75 and 80, respectively). The operative duration, catheterization period and hospital stay were significantly shorter for TURis‐PVP patients at 35.1 vs 50.4 min, 23.8 vs 71.2 and 47.6 vs 93.1 h, respectively (all P < 0.05). At the 1, 3 and 6 months follow‐ups, improvements in the variables measured were better in the TURis‐PVP group: the IPSS was 4.4 vs 8.3 and the Qmax was 22.7 vs 20.5 mL/s at 1 month; the IPSS was 4.8 vs 8.6 and the Qmax was 22.3 vs 20.0 mL/s at 3 months; and the IPSS was 5 vs 9.1 and the Qmax was 21.8 vs 19.3 mL/s at 6 months (All P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

TURis‐PVP represents a valuable endoscopic treatment alternative for patients with BPE, with superior efficacy, short‐term results and complication rates compared with monopolar TURP.
Multimarket Competition, Mobility Barriers, and Firm Performance
Authors: Guedri Zied , McGuire Jean
Published: May 2010

abstract

This study develops and tests a theoretical framework which suggests interactive dynamics, with strong performance implications, between the height of mobility barriers surrounding strategic groups and the extent of within‐group multimarket competition. Empirical analysis drawn from a longitudinal sample of pharmaceutical firms indicates that within‐group multimarket competition has strong positive effect on firm performance for strategic groups surrounded by high mobility barriers. As we move lower on the mobility barriers hierarchy, this effect decreases, becoming non‐significant for groups surrounded by moderate mobility barriers and negative for groups surrounded by low mobility barriers. These findings highlight the conditions under which mobility barriers and multimarket competition have significant performance implications. In addition, our results suggest that mobility barriers and multimarket competition are not substitutive but complementary devices promoting mutual coordination within strategic groups. Finally, our findings point to the need to consider multimarket contacts as an aggregate property of strategic groups.
To Win, or Not to Lose, At Any Cost: The Impact of Achievement Goals on Cheating
Authors: Van Yperen Nico W. , Hamstra Melvyn R.W. , van der Klauw Marloes
Published: May 2010

We examined the relations between achievement goals and cheating in two studies. The findings from Study 1 show that the extent to which people intend to behave unethically in the areas of work, sport and education is a function of their dominant achievement goals in these particular settings. An even more important addition to the extant literature may be the finding from Study 2 that imposing achievement goals on individuals affects actual cheating behaviour during task performance. Consistent across both studies, performance‐based goals (i.e. goals grounded in an interpersonal standard) were more strongly associated with cheating than mastery‐based goals (i.e. goals grounded in an intrapersonal standard). We conclude that recognizing and understanding the effects of achievement goals on cheating behaviour may enable business leaders, organizations and their employees to create ethical organizations.
Ongoing coevolution in mycorrhizal interactions
Authors: Hoeksema Jason D.
Published: May 2010

Coevolution can be a potent force in maintaining and generating biological diversity. Although coevolution is likely to have played a key role in the early development of mycorrhizal interactions, it is unclear how important coevolutionary processes are for ongoing trait evolution in those interactions. Empirical studies have shown that candidate coevolving traits, such as mycorrhizal colonization intensity, exhibit substantial heritable genetic variation within plant and fungal species and are influenced by plant genotype × fungal genotype interactions, suggesting the potential for ongoing coevolutionary selection. Selective source analysis (SSA) could be employed to build on these results, testing explicitly for ongoing coevolutionary selection and analyzing the influence of community context on local coevolutionary selection. Recent empirical studies suggest the potential for coevolution to drive adaptive differentiation among populations of plants and fungi, but further studies, especially using SSA in the context of field reciprocal transplant experiments, are needed to determine the importance of coevolutionary selection compared with nonreciprocal selection on species traits.

Contents

Summary
286

I.
Introduction
287

II.
Background: local coevolutionary selection and the hierarchy of candidate coevolving traits inmycorrhizal interactions
287

III.
Question 1: is coevolutionary selection ongoing between plants and mycorrhizal fungi, and, if so, what form(s) does it take?
290

IV.
Question 2: how does community context affect local coevolutionary selection in the mycorrhizal interaction?
291

V.
Question 3: what are the relative roles of the three elements of the geographic mosaic theory of coevolution (selection mosaics, hotspots and coldspots, and trait remixing) and nonreciprocal selection from biotic and abiotic factors in driving trait diversification of plants and mycorrhizal fungi?
294

VI.
Conclusions
297

Acknowledgements
297

References
298
Low–moderate prenatal alcohol exposure and risk to child behavioural development: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Robinson M , Oddy WH , McLean NJ , Jacoby P , Pennell CE , de Klerk NH , Zubrick SR , Stanley FJ , Newnham JP
Published: May 2010

Please cite this paper as: Robinson M, Oddy W, McLean N, Jacoby P, Pennell CE, de Klerk N, Zubrick S, Stanley F, Newnham J. Low–moderate prenatal alcohol exposure and risk to child behavioural development: a prospective cohort study. BJOG 2010;117:1139–1152.

Objective  To examine the association of fetal alcohol exposure during pregnancy with child and adolescent behavioural development.

Design  The Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study recruited 2900 pregnancies (1989–91) and the 14‐year follow up was conducted between 2003 and 2006.

Setting  Tertiary obstetric hospital in Perth, Western Australia.

Population  The women in the study provided data at 18 and 34 weeks of gestation on weekly alcohol intake: no drinking, occasional drinking (up to one standard drink per week), light drinking (2–6 standard drinks per week), moderate drinking (7–10 standard drinks per week), and heavy drinking (11 or more standard drinks per week).

Methods  Longitudinal regression models were used to analyse the effect of prenatal alcohol exposure on Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) scores over 14 years, assessed by continuous z‐scores and clinical cutoff points, after adjusting for confounders.

Main outcome measure  Their children were followed up at ages 2, 5, 8, 10 and 14 years. The CBCL was used to measure child behaviour.

Results  Light drinking and moderate drinking in the first 3 months of pregnancy were associated with child CBCL z‐scores indicative of positive behaviour over 14 years after adjusting for maternal and sociodemographic characteristics. These changes in z‐score indicated a clinically meaningful reduction in total, internalising and externalising behavioural problems across the 14 years of follow up.

Conclusions  Our findings do not implicate light–moderate consumption of alcohol in pregnancy as a risk factor in the epidemiology of child behavioural problems.
Use of Outpatient Care in Veterans Health Administration and Medicare among Veterans Receiving Primary Care in Community‐Based and Hospital Outpatient Clinics
Authors: Liu Chuan‐Fen , Chapko Michael , Bryson Chris L. , Burgess James F. , Fortney John C. , Perkins Mark , Sharp Nancy D. , Maciejewski Matthew L.
Published: May 2010

Objective. To examine differences in use of Veterans Health Administration (VA) and Medicare outpatient services by VA primary care patients.

Data Sources/Study Setting. VA administrative and Medicare claims data from 2001 to 2004.

Study Design. Retrospective cohort study of outpatient service use by 8,964 community‐based and 6,556 hospital‐based VA primary care patients.

Principal Findings. A significant proportion of VA patients used Medicare‐reimbursed primary care (>30 percent) and specialty care (>60 percent), but not mental health care (3–4 percent). Community‐based patients had 17 percent fewer VA primary care visits (p<.001), 9 percent more Medicare‐reimbursed visits (p<.001), and 6 percent fewer total visits (p<.05) than hospital‐based patients. Community‐based patients had 22 percent fewer VA specialty care visits (p<.0001) and 21 percent more Medicare‐reimbursed specialty care visits (p<.0001) than hospital‐based patients, but no difference in total visits (p=.80).

Conclusions. Medicare‐eligible VA primary care patients followed over 4 consecutive years used significant primary care and specialty care outside of VA. Community‐based patients offset decreased VA use with increased service use paid by Medicare, suggesting that increasing access to VA primary care via community clinics may fragment veteran care in unintended ways. Coordination of care between VA and non‐VA providers and health care systems is essential to improve the quality and continuity of care.
Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of circulating blood dendritic cell precursors and T cells predicts response to extracorporeal photopheresis in patients with chronic graft‐versus‐host disease
Authors: Akhtari Mojtaba , Giver Cynthia R. , Ali Zahir , Flowers Christopher R. , Gleason Charise L. , Hillyer Christopher D. , Kaufman Jonathan , Khoury H. Jean , Langston Amelia A. , Lechowicz Mary Jo , Lonial Sagar , Renfroe Heather M. , Roback John D. , Tighiouart Mourad , Vaughn Louette , Waller Edmund K.
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND: One proposed mechanism of extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) in reducing chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (cGVHD) is alteration in numbers of circulating dendritic cells (DCs). This hypothesis was tested by correlating numbers of DC precursors and T cells in the blood before and during ECP therapy with response of cGVHD.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Twenty‐five patients with cGVHD were treated with ECP. Data were collected with emphasis on blood cellular markers, clinical response to ECP, and overall survival.

RESULTS: Fourteen patients (56%) responded and had better 2‐year survival than nonresponders (88% vs. 18%, p = 0.003). Responders had higher baseline circulating myeloid DC (mDC) and plasmacytoid DC precursors and CD4+ and CD8+ T cells compared with nonresponders. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses showed that the best baseline cutoff values to predict response to ECP were mDC counts of 3.7 cells/µL (79% sensitivity, 82% specificity) and CD4+ T‐cell counts of 104 cells/µL (71% sensitivity, 82% specificity). CD4+ T cells declined in responders over time, but not in nonresponders, and no significant changes were seen in CD8 T‐cell or DC numbers over a 12‐month period in responder or nonresponder groups.

CONCLUSIONS: Higher baseline numbers of circulating DCs and T cells may predict clinical response to ECP in patients with cGVHD.
Explicit computations of Serre’s obstruction for genus-3 curves and application to optimal curves
Authors: Ritzenthaler Christophe
Published: May 2010

Let k be a field of characteristic other than 2. There can be an obstruction to a principally polarized abelian threefold (A,a) over k, which is a Jacobian over $\bar {k}$, being a Jacobian over k; this can be computed in terms of the rationality of the square root of the value of a certain Siegel modular form. We show how to do this explicitly for principally polarized abelian threefolds which are the third power of an elliptic curve with complex multiplication. We use our numerical results to prove or refute the existence of some optimal curves of genus 3.
High Strength, Ductile Braze Repairs for Stationary Gas Turbine Components—Part I
Authors: Miglietti Warren , Du Toit Madeleine
Published: May 2010

Both aviation and land based turbine components such as vanes/nozzles, combustion chambers, liners, and transition pieces often degrade and crack in service. Rather than replacing with new components, innovative repairs can help reduce overhaul and maintenance costs. These components are cast from either Co-based solid solution superalloys such as FSX-414 or Ni-based gamma prime precipitation strengthened superalloys such as IN738. The nominal compositions of FSX-414 and IN738 are Co–29.5Cr–10.5Ni–7W–2Fe [max]–0.25C–0.012B and Ni–0.001B–0.17C–8.5Co–16Cr–1.7Mo–3.4Al–2.6W–1.7Ta–2Nb–3.4Ti–0.1Zr, respectively. Diffusion brazing has been used for over 4 decades to repair cracks and degradation on these types of components. Typically, braze materials utilized for component repairs are Ni- and Co-based braze fillers containing B and/or Si as melting point depressants. Especially when repairing wide cracks typically found on industrial gas turbine components, these melting point depressants can form brittle intermetallic boride and silicide phases that affect mechanical properties such as low cycle and thermal fatigue. The objective of this work is to investigate and evaluate the use of hypereutectic Ni–Cr–Hf and Ni–Cr–Zr braze filler metals, where the melting point depressant is no longer B, but Hf and/or Zr. Typically, with joint gaps or crack widths less than 0.15 mm, the braze filler metal alone can be utilized. For cracks greater than 0.15 mm, a superalloy powder is mixed with the braze filler metal to enable wide cracks to be successfully brazed repaired. As a means of qualifying the diffusion braze repair, both metallurgical and mechanical property evaluations were carried out. The metallurgical evaluation consisted of optical and scanning electron microscopies, and microprobe analysis. The diffusion brazed area consisted of a fine-grained equiaxed structure with carbide phases, gamma (γ) dendrites, flower shaped/rosette gamma-gamma prime (γ-γ′) eutectic phases, and Ni7Hf2, Ni5HF, or Ni5Zr intermetallic phases dispersed both intergranularly and intragranularly. Hardness tests showed that the Ni–Hf and Ni–Zr intermetallic phase only has a hardness range of 250–400 HV, whereas, the typical Cr-boride phases have hardness ranges from 800 HV to 1000 HV. Therefore the hardness values of the Ni–Hf and Ni–Zr intermetallic phases are 2.5–3.2 times softer than the Cr-boride intermetallic phases. As a result the low cycle fatigue (LCF) properties of the wide gap Ni–Cr–Hf and Ni–Cr–Zr brazed joints are superior to those of the Ni–Cr–B braze filler metals. The mechanical property evaluations were tensile tests at both room temperature and elevated temperature, stress rupture test from 760°C to 1093°C, and finally LCF tests, the latter being one of the most important and severe tests to conduct since the cracks being repaired are thermal fatigue driven. At the optimum braze thermal cycle, the mechanical test results achieved were a minimum of 80% and sometimes equivalent to that of the base metal properties.
Characterization of Partially Premixed Combustion With Ethanol: EGR Sweeps, Low and Maximum Loads
Authors: Manente Vittorio , Johansson Bengt , Tunestal Pert
Published: May 2010

Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) sweeps were performed on ethanol partially premixed combustion (PPC) to show different emission and efficiency trends as compared with diesel PPC. The sweeps showed that when the EGR rate is increased, the efficiency does not diminish, HC trace is flat, and CO is low even with 45% of EGR. NOx exponentially decreases by increasing EGR while soot levels are nearly zero throughout the sweep. The EGR sweeps underlined that at high EGR levels, the pressure rise rate is a concern. To overcome this problem and keep high efficiency and low emissions, a sweep in the timing of the pilot injection and pilot-main ratio was done at ∼16.5 bars gross IMEP. It was found that with a pilot-main ratio of 50:50, and by placing the pilot at −60 with 42% of EGR, NOx and soot are below EURO VI levels; the indicated efficiency is 47% and the maximum pressure rise rate is below 10 bar/CAD. Low load conditions were examined as well. It was found that by placing the start of injection at −35 top dead center, the efficiency is maximized, on the other hand, when the injection is at −25, the emissions are minimized, and the efficiency is only 1.64% lower than its optimum value. The idle test also showed that a certain amount of EGR is needed in order to minimize the pressure rise rate.
A Statistical Approach to Spark Advance Mapping
Authors: Corti Enrico , Forte Claudio
Published: May 2010

Engine performance and efficiency are largely influenced by combustion phasing. Operating conditions and control settings influence the combustion development over the crankshaft angle; the most effective control parameter used by electronic control units to optimize the combustion process for spark ignition engines is spark advance (SA). SA mapping is a time-consuming process, usually carried out with the engine running in steady state on the test bench, changing SA values while monitoring brake mean effective pressure, indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP), and brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC). Mean values of IMEP and BSFC for a test carried out with a given SA setting are considered as the parameters to optimize. However, the effect of SA on IMEP and BSFC is not deterministic, due to the cycle-to-cycle variation; the analysis of mean values requires many engine cycles to be significant of the performance obtained with the given control setting. Finally, other elements such as engine or components aging, and disturbances like air-to-fuel ratio or air, water, and oil temperature variations could affect the tests results; this facet can be very significant for racing engine testing. This paper presents a novel approach to SA mapping with the objective of improving the performance analysis robustness while reducing the test time. The methodology is based on the observation that, for a given running condition, IMEP can be considered a function of the combustion phasing, represented by the 50% mass fraction burned (MFB50) parameter. Due to cycle-to-cycle variation, many different MFB50 and IMEP values are obtained during a steady state test carried out with constant SA. While MFB50 and IMEP absolute values are influenced by disturbance factors, the relationship between them holds, and it can be synthesized by means of the angular coefficient of the tangent line to the MFB50-IMEP distribution. The angular coefficient variations as a function of SA can be used to feed a SA controller, able to maintain the optimal combustion phasing. Similarly, knock detection is approached by evaluating two indexes; the distribution of a typical knock-sensitive parameter (maximum amplitude of pressure oscillations) is related to that of CHRNET (net cumulative heat release), determining a robust knock index. A knock limiter controller can then be added in order to restrict the SA range to safe values. The methodology can be implemented in real time combustion controllers; the algorithms have been applied offline to sampled data, showing the feasibility of fast and robust automatic mapping procedures.
Air Separation Membranes: An Alternative to EGR in Large Bore Natural Gas Engines
Authors: Biruduganti Munidhar , Gupta Sreenath , Bihari Bipin , McConnell Steve , Sekar Raj
Published: May 2010

Air separation membranes (ASMs) could potentially replace exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) technology in engines due to the proven benefits in NOx reduction but without the drawbacks of EGR. Previous investigations of nitrogen-enriched air (NEA) combustion using nitrogen bottles showed up to 70% NOx reduction with modest 2% nitrogen enrichment. The investigation in this paper was performed with an ASM capable of delivering at least 3.5% NEA to a single-cylinder spark-ignited natural gas engine. Low temperature combustion is one of the pathways to meet the mandatory ultra low NOx emissions levels set by regulatory agencies. In this study, a comparative assessment is made between natural gas combustion in standard air and 2% NEA. Enrichment beyond this level degraded engine performance in terms of power density, brake thermal efficiency (BTE), and unburned hydrocarbon emissions for a given equivalence ratio. The ignition timing was optimized to yield maximum brake torque for standard air and NEA. Subsequently, conventional spark ignition was replaced by laser ignition (LI) to extend lean ignition limit. Both ignition systems were studied under a wide operating range from ψ:1.0 to the lean misfire limit. It was observed that with 2% NEA, for a similar fuel quantity, the equivalence ratio (Ψ) increases by 0.1 relative to standard air conditions. Analysis showed that lean burn operation along with NEA and alternative ignition source, such as LI, could pave the pathway for realizing lower NOx emissions with a slight penalty in BTE.
Noise in combined optical microscopy and dynamic force spectroscopy: Toward in vivo hydration measurements
Authors: LeDue J. M. , Lopez-Ayon M. , Miyahara Y. , Burke S. A. , Grütter P.
Published: May 2010

Noncontact atomic force microscopy (AFM) using frequency modulation (FM) detection allows atomic resolution to be obtained in vacuum on a variety of insulating surfaces and molecular deposits. This technique has recently been extended to liquid environments, and, in addition to atomic scale contrast, FM-AFM in liquid allows measurement of ordered liquid layers above surfaces. The role of water and ions in biological processes is of great interest and in order to localize fluorescently tagged structures, such as proteins, optical microscopy combined with AFM provides an invaluable tool. Thus, to take advantage of the wealth of optical identification techniques available in biology, the AFM must be coupled to an optical microscope. Such systems are commercially available, but mechanical noise due to vibrations is a major concern compared with the compact, specialized instruments used to measure hydration structure to date. In this article the authors demonstrate, through both modeling and measurement, that hydration structure can be measured on such a commercial “bio-AFM,” despite the additional noise sources present in these instruments and that with the addition of a bandpass filter and amplifier it can be done “out-of-the-box” using only commercial electronics and tips. Thus, hydration structure measurements are accessible to virtually any laboratory with such a system.
Visualizing contact line phenomena on microstructured superhydrophobic surfaces
Authors: Cannon A. H. , King W. P.
Published: May 2010

The authors introduce a direct method for determining droplet solid-liquid-vapor interfacial geometry on microstructured surfaces. A heated liquid metal droplet of size 18 μl is deposited onto a microstructured surface and then freezes, preserving the microstructure impressions onto the metal surface. Postsolidification microscopy can measure contact line geometry and identify wetting state. This approach can be used to visualize contact line on curved and opaque microstructured surfaces.
Local surface photovoltage spectroscopy of Cu-phthalocyanine clusters on different substrates
Authors: Sadewasser S. , Lux-Steiner M. Ch.
Published: May 2010

Cu-phthalocyanine (CuPc) serves as a very efficient absorber molecule in organic solar cell devices. The authors have applied spatially resolved surface photovoltage spectroscopy in a Kelvin probe force microscope to investigate the absorption and exciton separation of CuPc molecules on Si(100) and ITO substrates. A positive surface photovoltage was observed for illumination energies above ∼1.5 eV, indicating absorption of the light in the CuPc molecules and subsequent separation of holes into the substrate.
Chinese ‘low-tar’ cigarettes do not deliver lower levels of nicotine and carcinogens
Authors: Gan Quan , Lu Wei , Xu Jiying , Li Xinjian , Goniewicz Maciej , Benowitz Neal L , Glantz Stanton A
Published: May 2010

Background

Low-tar cigarette smoking is gaining popularity in China. The China National Tobacco Corporation (CNTC) promotes low-tar cigarettes as safer than regular cigarettes.

Methods

A total of 543 male smokers smoking cigarettes with different tar yields (15 mg, regular cigarettes, 10–13 mg low-tar cigarettes and <10 mg low-tar cigarettes) were recruited in Shanghai, China, who then completed a questionnaire on smoking behaviour and provided a urine sample for analysis of the nicotine metabolites cotinine and trans-3′-hydroxycotinine. A total of 177 urine samples were selected at random for the analysis of the carcinogens polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolites (PAHs) (1-hydroxypyrene, naphthols, hydroxyfluorenes and hydroxyphenanthrenes) and the tobacco specific nitrosamine 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-butanone (NNK) metabolites, 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-butanol (NNAL) and NNAL-glucuronide. Values were normalised by creatinine to correct for possible distortions introduced by dilution or concentration of the urine.

Results

Smokers of low-tar cigarettes smoked fewer cigarettes per day (p=0.001) compared to smokers of regular cigarettes. Despite this lower reported consumption, levels of cotinine, trans-3′-hydroxycotinine and PAHs in urine of people smoking low-tar cigarettes were not correlated with nominal tar delivery of the cigarettes they smoked. Urine concentrations of NNAL were higher in smokers of lower tar than higher tar cigarettes.

Conclusions

Chinese low-tar cigarettes do not deliver lower doses of nicotine and carcinogens than regular cigarettes, therefore it is unlikely that there would be any reduction in harm. CNTC's promotion of low-tar cigarettes as ‘less harmful’ is a violation of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which China ratified in 2005.
Hair nicotine levels in non-smoking pregnant women whose spouses smoke outside of the home
Authors: Yoo Sang-Ho , Paek Yu-Jin , Kim Seong-Soo , Lee Do-Hoon , Seo Dong-Ki , Seong Moon-Woo , Chang Hye-Mi , Choi Seok-Tae , Im Hyoung-June
Published: May 2010

Objective

To determine whether spouses who only smoke cigarettes outside the home can reduce the secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure of non-smoking pregnant women to the levels of those with non-smoking spouses.

Methods

In this cross-sectional survey performed between 1 October 2006 and 31 July 2007, 896 non-smoking pregnant women in their 35th gestational week were included. Hair nicotine levels and the smoking behaviour of their spouses at home were assessed.

Results

The geometric means of the hair nicotine levels of the participants with non-smoking spouses (group A), the participants with spouses who only smoked outside the home (group B), and the participants with spouses who smoked inside the home (group C) were 0.33 ng/mg (95% CI 0.30 to 0.35), 0.51 ng/mg (95% CI, 0.45 to 0.57) and 0.58 ng/mg (95% CI, 0.51 to 0.65), respectively. The mean log hair nicotine level of group A was significantly different from the other groups (p<0.001, Scheffe's post hoc test). Multiple linear regression analysis of the log-transformed hair nicotine levels of the participants after adjusting for confounding showed that the mean differences (SE of the mean difference) of groups B and C compared to the reference group A were 0.43 (0.07; p<0.001) and 0.44 (0.10; p<0.001), respectively.

Conclusions

Spouses who only smoked outside the home did not reduce the level of SHS exposure of pregnant women to the level of pregnant women with non-smoking spouses. A strategy based on the separation of pregnant women and the smoking activity of their spouses might be inadequate to protect pregnant women from SHS at home.
Relationship between installation torque and uplift capacity of deep helical piles in sand
Authors: Tsuha Cristina de Hollanda Cavalcanti , Aoki Nelson
Published: May 2010

The empirical torque correlation factor (KT), which relates the uplift capacity to the installation torque of helical piles, is routinely used as an on-site instrument for quality control with this type of foundation. This paper presents a theoretical relationship between uplift capacity and installation torque of deep helical piles in sand. An experimental program, including centrifuge and direct shear interface tests, was carried out to validate this expression. The experimental results were compared with the values predicted by the suggested approach and showed good agreement. As the developed model depends on the residual interface friction angle (δr) between the helix surface and the surrounding sand, results of δr, extracted from different sand samples, are presented for use in this suggested relationship on site. Also, the values of KT found in this work were compared with those of field and laboratory tests on helical piles in sand reported in the literature. From this analysis, it was found that the measured values of KT decrease with an increase in pile dimensions and, in most of cases, with an increase in sand friction angle. These results were explained by the presented model.
Behaviour of recompacted residual soils in a constant shear stress path
Authors: Junaideen S. M. , Tham L. G. , Law K. T. , Dai F. C. , Lee C. F.
Published: May 2010

The significance of studying soil behaviour in a constant shear stress path to understand rain-induced slope failures and debris flows has long been recognized. Studies with constant shear tests have, however, been limited, and some past results from undisturbed soils appear to show stress path–dependent volume change behaviour. The present study systematically investigates the behaviour of recompacted residual soils in a constant shear stress path using a comprehensive experimental program. It is shown that the results of this test program and previously published data can be interpreted using the concepts of critical-state soil mechanics.
Volume change behaviour of a compacted scaly clay during cyclic suction changes
Authors: Airò Farulla Camillo , Ferrari Alessio , Romero Enrique
Published: May 2010

The research presented in this paper focuses on the investigation and modelling of the volume change response of compacted tectonised clay samples subjected to several wetting and drying cycles in controlled-suction oedometers. Oedometer tests were carried out under different values of constant vertical net stress, and wetting and drying cycles were performed varying applied matric suction between 10 and 800 kPa. The investigation was complemented with a study of the material microstructure to support the interpretation of the overall mechanical response. At a microscopic level, the material is characterized by different types of particle assemblages, scales, and clay aggregates. One of these assemblages was also subjected to a relative humidity cycle in an environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) to investigate the reversibility of the mechanical response. Based on the experimental results, the clay volume change behaviour is discussed and interpreted within the context of a double structure elastoplastic model. The procedure used to derive elastic and plastic constitutive parameters is presented. Comparison of test results with model predictions shows a satisfactory agreement between measured and calculated strain evolution.
Enhancing effects of flavored nutritive stimuli on cortical swallowing network activity
Authors: Babaei Arash , Kern Mark , Antonik Stephen , Mepani Rachel , Ward B. Douglas , Li Shi-Jiang , Hyde James , Shaker Reza
Published: May 2010

A better understanding of the central control of the physiology of deglutition is necessary for devising interventions aimed at correcting pathophysiological conditions of swallowing. Positive modulation of the cortical swallowing network can have clinical ramifications in dysphagia due to central nervous system deficits. Our aim was to determine the effect of nutritive sensory input on the cortical swallowing network. In 14 healthy right-handed volunteers, we utilized a paradigm-driven protocol to quantify the number of activated voxels and their signal intensity within the left hemispheric cortical swallowing network by high-resolution functional MRI (fMRI) during five different swallowing conditions. Swallowing conditions included a dry swallow (saliva) and natural water-, lemon-, popcorn-, and chocolate-flavored liquid swallows. Each flavored liquid was presented simultaneously by its image, scent, and taste in random order and tested over three runs. fMRIs were analyzed in a blinded fashion. Average fMRI blood oxygenation level-dependent signal intensity and number of activated voxels during swallowing concurrent with nutritive gustatory, olfactory, and visual stimulations were significantly increased compared with dry/natural water swallows throughout the cortical swallowing network ( P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively). Subregion analysis showed the increased activity for flavored liquids in prefrontal, cingulate gyrus, and sensory/motor cortex, but not in precuneus and insula. Concurrent gustatory, olfactory, and visual nutritive stimulation enhances the activity of the cortical swallowing network. This finding may have clinical implications in management of swallowing disorders due to cortical lesions.
Rimonabant-mediated changes in intestinal lipid metabolism and improved renal vascular dysfunction in the JCR:LA-cprat model of prediabetic metabolic syndrome
Authors: Russell James C. , Kelly Sandra E. , Diane Abdoulaye , Wang Ye , Mangat Rabban , Novak Susan , Vine Donna F. , Proctor Spencer D.
Published: May 2010

Rimonabant (SR141716) is a specific antagonist of the cannabinoid-1 receptor. Activation of the receptor initiates multiple effects on central nervous system function, metabolism, and body weight. The hypothesis that rimonabant has protective effects against vascular disease associated with the metabolic syndrome was tested using JCR:LA- cp rats. JCR:LA- cp rats are obese if they are cp/cp, insulin resistant, and exhibit associated micro- and macrovascular disease with end-stage myocardial and renal disease. Treatment of obese rats with rimonabant (10 mg·kg−1·day−1, 12–24 wk of age) caused transient reduction in food intake for 2 wk, without reduction in body weight. However, by 4 wk, there was a modest, sustained reduction in weight gain. Glycemic control improved marginally compared with controls, but at the expense of increased insulin concentration. In contrast, rimonabant normalized fasting plasma triglyceride and reduced plasma plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and acute phase protein haptoglobin in cp/cp rats. Furthermore, these changes were accompanied by reduced postprandial intestinal lymphatic secretion of apolipoprotein B48, cholesterol, and haptoglobin. While macrovascular dysfunction and ischemic myocardial lesion frequency were unaffected by rimonabant treatment, both microalbuminuria and glomerular sclerosis were substantially reduced. In summary, rimonabant has a modest effect on body weight in freely eating obese rats and markedly reduces plasma triglyceride levels and microvascular disease, in part due to changes in intestinal metabolism, including lymphatic secretion of apolipoprotein B48 and haptoglobin. We conclude that rimonabant improves renal disease and intestinal lipid oversecretion associated with an animal model of the metabolic syndrome that appears to be independent of hyperinsulinemia or macrovascular dysfunction.
Exacerbation of indomethacin-induced small intestinal injuries inReg I-knockout mice
Authors: Imaoka Hiroshi , Ishihara Shunji , Kazumori Hideaki , Kadowaki Yasunori , Aziz Md. Monowar , Rahman Farzana Binte , Ose Takayuki , Fukuhara Hiroyuki , Takasawa Shin , Kinoshita Yoshikazu
Published: May 2010

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced small intestinal injuries are serious clinical events and a successful therapeutic strategy is difficult. Regenerating gene (Reg) I protein functions as a regulator of cell proliferation and maintains intercellular integrity in the small intestine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of Reg I in NSAID-induced small intestinal injuries. First, to examine the effect of Reg I deficiency on such injuries, indomethacin, a widely used NSAID, was injected subcutaneously into 10-wk-old male Reg I-knockout ( Reg I−/−) and wild-type ( Reg I+/+) mice twice with an interval of 24 h, after which the mice were euthanized. Small intestinal injuries were assessed by gross findings, histopathology, and contents of IL-1β and MPO in the experimental tissues. Next, we investigated the therapeutic potential of Reg I in indomethacin-induced small intestinal injuries. Recombinant Reg I protein (rReg I) was administered to 10-wk-old male ICR mice, then indomethacin was administered 6 h using the same protocol as noted above, after which small intestinal injuries were assessed after euthanasia. Our results showed that Reg I−/−mice had a greater number of severe small intestinal lesions after indomethacin administration. Histological examinations of the small intestines from those mice revealed deep ulcers with prominent inflammatory cell infiltration, whereas the mucosal content of proinflammatory agents was also significantly increased. In addition, rReg I administration inhibited indomethacin-induced small intestinal injuries in ICR mice. In conclusion, Reg I may be useful as a therapeutic agent in NSAID-induced small intestinal injuries.
A cardioprotective agent of a novel calpain inhibitor, SNJ-1945, exerts β1 actions on left ventricular mechanical work and energetics
Authors: Yoshikawa Yoshiro , Zhang Guo-Xing , Obata Koji , Matsuyoshi Hiroko , Asada Keiji , Taniguchi Shigeki , Takaki Miyako
Published: May 2010

We have previously shown that a newly developed calpain inhibitor, SNJ-1945 (SNJ), with good aqueous solubility prevents the heart from KCl arrest-reperfusion injury associated with the impairment of total Ca2+ handling by inhibiting the proteolysis of α-fodrin as a cardioplegia. The aim of the present study was to investigate certain actions of this calpain inhibitor, SNJ, on left ventricular (LV) mechanical work and energetics in cross-circulated excised rat hearts undergoing blood perfusion with 40 μM SNJ. Mean end-systolic pressure at midrange LV volume and systolic pressure-volume area (PVA) at mLVV (a total mechanical energy/beat) were significantly increased by SNJ perfusion ( P < 0.01). Mean myocardial oxygen consumption per beat (V̇o2) intercepts (V̇o2 for the total Ca2+ handling in excitation-contraction coupling and basal metabolism) of V̇o2-PVA linear relations were significantly increased ( P < 0.01) with unchanged mean slopes of V̇o2-PVA linear relations. Pretreatment with the selective β1-blocker landiolol (10 μM) blocked these effects of SNJ perfusion. There were no significant differences in mean basal metabolic oxygen consumption among normal, 40 μM SNJ, and 10 μM landiolol + 40 μM SNJ groups. Our results indicate that water-soluble SNJ exerted positive actions on mechanical work and energetics mediated via β1-adrenergic receptors associated with the enhancement of total Ca2+ handling in excitation-contraction coupling and with unchanged contractile efficiency. In clinical settings, this pharmacological action of SNJ is beneficial as an additive agent for cardioplegia.
Monte Carlo simulations for the evaluation of various influence factors on projections in computed tomography
Authors: Chyba B. , Mantler M. , Reiter M.
Published: May 2010

This paper presents Monte Carlo simulations considering all stages of the creation process of two-dimensional projections in a computed tomography (CT) device: excitation of angle dependent X-ray spectra within the X-ray tube using results from a previous study [Chyba et al. (2008). Powder Diffr. 23, 150–153]; interaction of these X-rays and secondary photoelectrons with a simple inhomogeneous sample; and interaction of X-rays and photoelectrons with the components (thin layers) of a matrix scintillation detector. The simulations were carried out by using custom software running on up to 50 nodes of a computer cluster. Comparative calculations were also made by using the software package MCNP [Booth et al. (2003). MCNP—A general Monte Carlo N-particle transport code, Report LAUR 03-1987, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM]. Tube spectra were calculated with algorithms proposed by Ebel [(2006). Adv. X-Ray Anal. 49, 267–273]. Measurements for the chosen setup made with an available CT device were in relatively good agreement with calculated results. It was shown that good knowledge of the tube spectra is of importance, but most differences between resulting projections and measurements are caused by uncertainties concerning detector response due to light yield of the scintillator and to internal scattering effects within the thin detector layers which lead to spreading of a detected point signal within the detector matrix into neighboring matrix elements.
Latest developments in microtomography and nanotomography at PETRA III
Authors: Haibel A. , Beckmann F. , Dose T. , Herzen J. , Ogurreck M. , Müller M. , Schreyer A.
Published: May 2010

Due to the extraordinary beam characteristics of the new PETRA III synchrotron, i.e., the high brilliance, the extremely low emittance of 1 nm rad, and the high fraction of coherent photons even in the hard X-ray range, the imaging beamline (IBL) at PETRA III will provide state of the art imaging and tomography capabilities with resolution well into the nanometer range. Novel applications of tomographic techniques allow for high speed in situ measurements as well as highest spatial and density resolutions. Additionally, the highly coherent beam enables the application of phase contrast methods in an exceptional way. Since the focus is on the energy range between 5 and 50 keV, the IBL will among others be ideally suited for microtomography and nanotomography on small engineering materials science samples as well as for studying soft matter, bones, medical implants, and biomatter.