bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dielectrophoretic Separation of Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Yang Fang , Yang Xiaoming , Jiang Hong , Butler William M. , Wang Guiren
Published: August 2012

Separation of cancer cells from other biological materials is significant for circulating tumor cell detection in cancer diagnosis and treatment. However, separation of one type of cancer cell from other types of cancer cells can be difficult, since they share similar morphology and biomarkers. In the present work, we have successfully manipulated and isolated LNCaP prostate cancer cells from HCT116 colorectal cancer cells, by dielectrophoresis (DEP) in a microfluidic platform in a continuous operation. In this cell sorter, the prostate cancer cells were treated as target cells and were deflected to a side channel from a main channel as they experienced a negative DEP force, when an AC electric field at the cross-over frequency of the HCT116 cells was supplied. This motion consequently led to the separation of the prostate cancer cells from the colorectal cancer cells. In this manuscript, we report the flow conditions, DEP spectra of the cancer cells and the isolation of LNCaP cells from HCT116 cells. The separation and enrichment factor have been investigated as well.
Stereotactic Radiotherapy for Malignancies Involving the Trigeminal and Facial Nerves
Authors: Cuneo K. C. , Zagar T. M. , Brizel D. M. , Yoo D. S. , Hoang J. K. , Chang Z. , Wang Z. , Yin F. F. , Das S. K. , Green S. , Ready N. , Bhatti M. T. , Kaylie D. M. , Becker A. , Sampson J. H. , Kirkpatrick J. P.
Published: August 2012

Involvement of a cranial nerve caries a poor prognosis for many malignancies. Recurrent or residual disease in the trigeminal or facial nerve after primary therapy poses a challenge due to the location of the nerve in the skull base, the proximity to the brain, brainstem, cavernous sinus, and optic apparatus and the resulting complex geometry. Surgical resection caries a high risk of morbidity and is often not an option for these patients. Stereotactic radiosurgery and radiotherapy are potential treatment options for patients with cancer involving the trigeminal or facial nerve. These techniques can deliver high doses of radiation to complex volumes while sparing adjacent critical structures. In the current study, seven cases of cancer involving the trigeminal or facial nerve are presented. These patients had unresectable recurrent or residual disease after definitive local therapy. Each patient was treated with stereotactic radiation therapy using a linear accelerator based system. A multidisciplinary approach including neuroradiology and surgical oncology was used to delineate target volumes. Treatment was well tolerated with no acute grade 3 or higher toxicity. One patient who was reirradiated experienced cerebral radionecrosis with mild symptoms. Four of the seven patients treated had no evidence of disease after a median follow up of 12 months (range 2–24 months). A dosimetric analysis was performed to compare intensity modulated fractionated stereotactic radiation therapy (IM-FSRT) to a 3D conformal technique. The dose to 90% (D90) of the brainstem was lower with the IM-FSRT plan by a mean of 13.5 Gy. The D95 to the ipsilateral optic nerve was also reduced with IM-FSRT by 12.2 Gy and the D95 for the optic chiasm was lower with FSRT by 16.3 Gy. Treatment of malignancies involving a cranial nerve requires a multidisciplinary approach. Use of an IM-FSRT technique with a micro-multileaf collimator resulted in a lower dose to the brainstem, optic nerves and chiasm for each case examined.
Comparison between Prone and Supine Patient Setup for Spine Stereotactic Body Radiosurgery
Authors: Descovich Martina , Ma Lijun , Chuang Cynthia F. , Larson David A. , Barani Igor J.
Published: August 2012

This paper investigates the dosimetric characteristics of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) treatment plans of spine patients in the prone position compared to the supine position. A feasibility study for treating spine patients in the prone position using a fiducial-less tracking method is presented. One patient with a multilevel spinal metastasis was simulated for SBRT treatment in both the supine and prone position. CT scans of the patient were acquired, and treatment plans were created using the CyberKnife® planning platform. The potential advantage of the prone setup as a function of lesion location and number of vertebral bodies involved was studied for targets extending over 1, 2 and 3 consecutive vertebral bodies in the thoracic and lumbar spine. The same process was repeated on an anthropomorphic phantom. A dose of 30 Gy in 5 fractions was prescribed to 95% of the tumor volume and the dose to the cord was limited to 25 Gy. To investigate the feasibility of a fiducial-less tracking method in the prone setup, the patient was positioned prone on the treatment table and the spine motion was monitored as a function of time. Patient movement with the respiratory cycle was reduced by means of a belly-board. Plans in the prone and supine position achieved similar tumor coverage and sparing of the critical structures immediately adjacent to the spine (such as cord and esophagus). However, the prone plans systematically resulted in a lower dose to the normal structures located in the anterior part of the body (such as heart for thoracic cases; stomach, lower gastrointestinal tract and liver for lumbar cases). In addition, prone plans resulted in a lower number of monitor units compared to supine plans.
Reproducibility and Comparison of DCE-MRI and DCE-CT Perfusion Parameters in a Rat Tumor Model
Authors: Ng Chaan S. , Waterton John C. , Kundra Vikas , Brammer David , Ravoori Murali , Han Lin , Wei Wei , Klumpp Sherry , Johnson Valen E. , Jackson Edward F.
Published: August 2012

Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) and computed tomography (DCE-CT) provide independent measures of biomarkers related to tumor perfusion. We compared the reproducibilities and absolute values of DCE-MRI and DCE-CT biomarkers in the same tumors in an animal model, to investigate the physiologic validity of both approaches. DCE-MRI and DCE-CT were each performed sequentially on three consecutive days in each of twelve rats bearing C6 glioma xenografts. DCE-MRI yielded endothelial transfer constant ( Ktrans), extracellular, extravascular space volume fraction ( ve), and contrast agent reflux rate constant ( kep); and DCE-CT, blood flow (BF), blood volume (BV), mean transit time (MTT), and permeability-surface area product (PS) using Tofts and deconvolution physiological models, with 6.6 and 0.4 seconds temporal resolutions, respectively. Variability in DCE-CT and DCE-MRI were evaluated by variance components analysis. Intra-rat coefficients of variation for DCE-CT parameters BF, BV, MTT and PS were 25%, 22%, 18% and 23%; and for DCE-MRI parameters Ktrans, kep and ve were 23%, 16% and 20%, respectively. Mean (±SD) BF, BV, MTT and PS were: 44.6 (±13.7) ml min−1 100 g−1, 5.7 (±1.5) ml 100 g−1, 10.8 (±2.3) seconds, and 14.6 (±4.7) ml min−1 100 g−1, respectively. Mean (±SD) Ktrans, kep and ve were: 0.21 (±0.05) min−1, 0.68 (±0.14) min−1, and 0.29 (±0.06), respectively. Permeability estimates from DCE-MRI ( Ktrans) were 44% higher than from DCE-CT (PS), despite application of appropriate corrections. DCE-MRI and DCE-CT biomarkers of tumor perfusion have similar reproducibilities suggesting that they may have comparable utility, but their derived parameter values are not equivalent.
High Fat Mixed Lipid Diet Modifies Protective Effects of Exercise on 1,2 Dimethylhydrazine Induced Colon Cancer in Rats
Authors: Perše M. , Injac R. , Štrukelj B. , Cerar A.
Published: August 2012

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of long-term swimming exercise in conjunction with a high fat mixed lipid (HFML) diet on colon cancer (CC) development and lipid peroxidation in the large bowel. We used forty male Wistar rats, which were randomly divided into one control group and four cancer groups: sedentary and swimming groups fed a standard diet (LFCO) and sedentary and swimming groups fed an HFML diet. Corticosterone was determined during the experiment. After 6 months of swimming, the rats were sacrificed and blood, heart, liver, muscle and large bowel were taken for determining the activity of serum enzymes, antioxidant capacity and CC development. The results demonstrate that exercise has a protective role in CC development. Attenuated development of CC and increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the large bowel of exercised rats show that one of the protective effects of exercise on developing CC is induction of oxidative stress. However, in terms of the combined effects of dietary fat and exercise, our results indicate that the protective role of exercise on CC development is significantly depressed by an HFML diet. An HFML diet significantly reduced the protective influence of exercise on colon carcinogenesis in rats and affected the degree of peroxidation in the large bowel during exercise, as well as concentrations of serum enzymes (LDH, α-HBDH, CK, ALT and AST). Our results indicate that an HFML diet, which reflects the composition of a Western style diet, is a significant modifier of the protective effects of exercise on CC development in rats.
Everyday Activism
Authors: Mansbridge Jane
Published: August 2012

Everyday activism is talk and action in everyday life that is not consciously coordinated with the actions of others but is (1) to some degree caused (inspired, encouraged) by a social movement and (2) consciously intended to change others' ideas or behavior in directions advocated by the movement.
Chinese Communist Revolution
Authors: Xu Jin , Dingxin Zhao
Published: August 2012

The communist revolution of China was led by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which was founded in 1921 in the wake of the May Fourth movement. The CCP began as a very small Marxist‐inspired left‐wing intellectual club, with little political influence prior to its alliance with the Chinese Nationalist Party (GMD) in 1924. The GMD were motivated to ally with the CCP in order to obtain support from the Soviet Union in their fight with the northern warlords. With the help of the CCP, the GMD was remodeled from a loose organization into a Leninist party, and the GMD also received financial and other support from the Soviet Union. Meanwhile, the CCP also developed quickly by infiltrating the GMD‐controlled army and by expanding its organizations in the urban and rural areas of southern China. While the alliance between the GMD and CCP brought great success for both parties, tensions also grew as the parties pursued different agendas. After the initial military success against the warlords during the Northern Expedition, a growing number of the GMD's leaders and generals became very unhappy about the CCP's infiltration into the GMD‐controlled army as well as about the CCP's radical property redistribution policy, which was implemented in the territories recently occupied by the GMD's Northern Expedition army. As a result they no longer wanted to share the power with the CCP. In early 1927, shortly after Northern Expedition troops occupied Shanghai, the GMD started to purge the CCP‐controlled organizations in the city and labeled the CCP an illegal organization. The purge soon spread, with hundreds of thousands of CCP members and their sympathizers arrested and killed. In response, the CCP staged several military uprisings in late 1927 in places where they had strong influence. While all these uprisings were easily suppressed by the GMD army, the surviving members of the CCP were able to retreat to mountain areas and conduct guerrilla warfare.
I
slamic Movements
Authors: Bayat Asef
Published: August 2012

Broadly “Islamic movements” refer to the diverse religious trends in the Muslim world that want to reorganize society with reference to Islam. The complex and multifaceted nature of the phenomenon has stirred multiple designations, including “Islamic radicalism,” “fundamentalism,” “revivalism” or “resurgence,” “Islamic activism,” and “political Islam,” each stressing particular aspects of these movements. Thus, “fundamentalism” highlights the scripturist essentialism, pointing to the traditionalism of the movements, or a belief in the exclusive possession of a unique truth. “Revivalism” and “resurgence” underline the religious at the expense of the political content of these movements, and “Islamic activism” is intended to account for the inclusion of various types of activities—political, social, and cultural—that emerge under the rubric of Islamic movement.
Student Movements
Authors: Rootes Christopher
Published: August 2012

Movements for social and political change are typically “youth movements” insofar as it is usually young people who are first to demand changes in or of regimes that appear unable to satisfy popular aspirations to basic human rights, personal freedom, economic well‐being, and political democracy. To some extent this reflects intergenerational inequities leading to a “conflict of generations” (Feuer 1969) as the young are especially likely to suffer high rates of unemployment and to harbour aspirations stimulated by contact with or awareness of conditions in states that are socially and politically liberal as well as more affluent. But it also reflects the fact that young people are relatively less likely than their elders to be constrained, by obligations of work and family, to conformity with the dominant regime.
Phonon Scattering and Thermal Conductivity in p‐Type Nanostructured PbTe‐BaTe Bulk Thermoelectric Materials
Authors: Lo Shih‐Han , He Jiaqing , Biswas Kanishka , Kanatzidis Mercouri G. , Dravid Vinayak P.
Published: August 2012

Transmission electron microscopy studies show that a PbTe‐BaTe bulk thermoelectric system represents the coexistence of solid solution and nanoscale BaTe precipitates. The observed significant reduction in the thermal conductivity is attributed to the enhanced phonon scattering by the combination of substitutional point defects in the solid solution and the presence of high spatial density of nanoscale precipitates. In order to differentiate the role of nanoscale precipitates and point defects in reducing lattice thermal conductivity, a modified Callaway model is proposed, which highlights the contribution of point defect scattering due to solid solution in addition to that of other relevant microstructural constituents. Calculations indicate that in addition to a 60% reduction in lattice thermal conductivity by nanostructures, point defects are responsible for about 20% more reduction and the remaining reduction is contributed by the collective of dislocation and strain scattering. These results underscore the need for tailoring integrated length‐scales for enhanced heat‐carrying phonon scattering in high performance thermoelectrics.
Direct Sun‐Driven Artificial Heliotropism for Solar Energy Harvesting Based on a Photo‐Thermomechanical Liquid‐Crystal Elastomer Nanocomposite
Authors: Li Chensha , Liu Ye , Huang Xuezhen , Jiang Hongrui
Published: August 2012

Inspired by heliotropism in nature, artificial heliotropic devices that can follow the sun for increased light interception are realized. The mechanism of the artificial heliotropism is realized via direct actuation by the sunlight, eliminating the need for additional mechatronic components and resultant energy consumption. For this purpose, a novel reversible photo‐thermomechanical liquid crystalline elastomer (LCE) nanocomposite is developed that can be directly driven by natural sunlight and possesses strong actuation capability. Using the LCE nanocomposite actuators, the artificial heliotropic devices show full‐range heliotropism in both laboratory and in‐field tests. As a result, significant increase in the photocurrent output from the solar cells in the artificial heliotropic devices is observed.
Erythrocyte‐Inspired Delivery Systems
Authors: Hu Che‐Ming J. , Fang Ronnie H. , Zhang Liangfang
Published: August 2012

Herein recent progress in developing red blood cell (RBC)‐inspired delivery systems is reviewed, with an emphasis on how our growing understanding of fundamental biological properties of natural RBCs has been applied in the design and engineering of these delivery systems. Specifically, progress achieved in developing carrier RBCs, a class of delivery vehicles engineered by directly loading natural RBCs with therapeutic agents, will be reviewed. Then alternative approaches to engineering synthetic vehicles through mimicking the mechanobiological and chemico‐biological properties of natural RBCs will be considered. The synthesis and application of RBC membrane‐derived vesicles, of which the natural RBC membranes are collected and directly utilized to prepare drug carriers, will then be discussed. Finally, a recent approach in engineering RBC membrane‐camouflaged nanoparticle systems that combine advantages of natural RBCs and synthetic biomaterials will be highlighted. These developments indicate that RBC‐inspired delivery systems will result in next‐generation nanomedicine with extensive medical applications.
A Plethora of Plasmonics from the Laboratory for Nanophotonics at Rice University
Authors: Halas Naomi J. , Lal Surbhi , Link Stephan , Chang Wei‐Shun , Natelson Douglas , Hafner Jason H. , Nordlander Peter
Published: August 2012

The study of the surface plasmons of noble metals has emerged as one of the most rapidly growing and dynamic topics in nanoscience. Key advances in the synthesis of noble metal nanoparticles and nanostructures have resulted in a broad variety of structures whose geometries can be controlled systematically at the nanoscale. Arising from these efforts is a new level of insight and understanding regarding the fundamental properties of localized plasmons supported by these structures, and, in particular, the properties of interacting plasmon systems. This additional insight has led to the design of plasmonic systems that support coherent phenomena, such as Fano resonances. A broad range of applications are emerging for these structures: single‐ nanoparticle and nanogap chemical sensors, low‐loss plasmon waveguides, and active plasmonic devices and detectors. Applications in biomedicine that exploit the strong photothermal response of nanoparticle plasmons have developed and advanced into clinical trials. The Laboratory for Nanophotonics at Rice has been home to many of these advances. Here, we showcase a variety of functional plasmonic materials and nanodevices emerging from our individual and collaborative efforts.
Migration and hypertension in Dakar, Senegal
Authors: Duboz Priscilla , Macia Enguerran , Chapuis‐Lucciani Nicole , Boëtsch Gilles , Gueye Lamine
Published: August 2012

This article examines social and environmental influences on the development of hypertension in a sample of 568 adults (290 men; 278 women) aged 20 years and older from Dakar, Senegal. We test the hypothesis that more recent immigrants to the city of Dakar will have lower blood pressure and lower rates of hypertension than those who have lived there longer. Cross‐sectional sociodemographic, anthropometric and blood pressure data were collected during 2009. The overall prevalence of hypertension was 27.1% (95% CI: 25.2–29.0). Hypertension rates were not significantly associated with place of birth; however, length of residence in Dakar was a significant predictor, with those living in the city for less than 10 years having reduced risks of developing hypertension (OR = 0.25; P = 0.003). Other important correlates of blood pressure and hypertension risk in this sample were age and body mass index. These findings suggest that length of exposure to the urban environment—and associated changes in lifestyle—are linked to hypertension. Public health officials should thus pay particular attention to this phenomenon, and future anthropological research should include measures of both environmental and biological characteristics to study hypertension in Senegal. Am J Phys Anthropol 149:250–258, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tragverhalten von Dübeln in Stahlfaserbeton
Authors: Kurz Carolin , Thiele Catherina , Schnell Jürgen , Reuter Martin , Vitt Gerhard
Published: August 2012

In den europäischen Zulassungen liegen keine Angaben darüber vor, ob sich für Befestigungsmittel das Tragverhalten durch Stahlfasern im Beton verändert. Bei ausreichend hohem Stahlfasergehalt und idealer Faserausrichtung könnten die Stahlfasern im Beton das Tragverhalten von Befestigungsmitteln verbessern. Es könnten höhere Bruchlasten und ein duktileres Tragverhalten erzielt werden. Gleichzeitig besteht die Möglichkeit, dass die im Beton enthaltenen Stahlfasern die Montage der Dübel erschweren oder das Tragverhalten aufgrund von ungleichmäßiger Verteilung negativ beeinflussen könnten.

Daher wurde speziell das Tragverhalten von Befestigungsmitteln in Industriefußböden untersucht, welche zu den wichtigsten Anwendungsgebieten des Stahlfaserbetons zählen. Dazu wurden zentrische Zugversuche im ungerissenen Beton mit verschiedenen Dübeln, darunter Metallspreizdübel, Schraubanker und Verbunddübel, in Betonen mit unterschiedlichen Mischungsentwürfen und unterschiedlichen Stahlfasergehalten durchgeführt.

Behaviour of anchor systems in steel fibre reinforced concrete

The behaviour of anchors in steel fibre reinforced concrete is still rather unknown and not regulated in the European Technical Approvals. At an adequate content of steel fibres around the dowels, oriented in an optimal direction, the steel fibres could improve the load bearing capacity as well as the ductility of anchors in concrete. However, there might also be an unfavourable effect on the installation process or even on the load carrying capacity due to disadvantageous fibre orientation.

Especially the behaviour of anchors in industrial floors, one of the major application ranges of steel fibre reinforced concrete, should thus be analysed. Therefore tension tests in non‐cracked concrete were carried out using different kinds of anchor systems containing a screw anchor, bonded anchors and a torque controlled expansion anchor and different kinds of concrete. The content of steel fibres in the concrete member was also varied.
Fettsäuren als Kohlenstoff‐Notration bei Pflanzen
Authors: Feil Sylvia
Published: August 2012

Keimende Pflanzen nutzen gespeicherte Fette als Energie‐ und Kohlenstoffquelle. Pflanzenphysiologen aus Köln fragten sich, ob auch adulte Pflanzen in langen Dunkelphasen Fette als Kohlenstoffreserve nutzen. Auf das Ja folgt nun die Frage nach dem Transport innerhalb der Zelle.
Resource allocation in orthogonal frequency division multiple access‐based cognitive radio systems with minimum rate constraints
Authors: Li Li , Xu Changqing , Fan Pingzhi , He Jian
Published: August 2012

In this paper, resource allocation problem in orthogonal frequency division multiple access‐based cognitive radio (CR) systems to maintain minimum transmission rate constraints of CR users (CRUs) with the specified interference thresholds is investigated. Firstly, a single primary user (PU) CR system is considered, and a suboptimal resource allocation algorithm to maximize the sum transmission rate of all CRUs is proposed. Secondly, the single‐PU scenario is extended to multiple‐PU case, and an asymptotically optimal resource allocation algorithm is proposed using dual methods subject to constraints on both interference thresholds of PUs and total transmit power of all CRUs. Analysis and numerical results show that, in contrast to classical resource allocation algorithms, the proposed algorithm can achieve higher transmission rate and guarantee each CRU's minimum transmission rate in both scenarios. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cryptate Complexes with the Potential for CO2 Activation: Quantum Chemical Predictions and Synthetic Efforts
Authors: Fuchs Alexander , Kaifer Elisabeth , Wadepohl Hubert , Himmel Hans‐Jörg
Published: August 2012

In this work we discuss the possibility of CO2 activation by novel magnesium and zinc cryptate complexes. The choice of the complexes is partially based on the results of studies on CO2 fixation by amidometal complexes and partially inspired by the mode of action of the RuBisCO enzyme. Quantum chemical calculations underline the potential of this new approach, and argue for reversible CO2 activation and bonding to the cryptand complexes. We then report on the first steps towards an experimental realization and its limitations. A new cryptand molecule (15‐oxa‐1,4,7,10‐tetraazabicyclo[5.5.5]heptadecane) was synthesized featuring two secondary amino functions. It was shown to give stable complexes with lithium and zinc ions, in which the metal ions are captured inside the cryptand void. Unfortunately, the last step in the preparation of the targeted complex for CO2 fixation, namely deprotonation of both secondary amino groups, was not achieved.
Studies Toward the Synthesis of Phenylacetylene Macrocycle Based Rotaxane Precursors as Building Blocks for Organic Nanotubes
Authors: Cantin Katy , Lafleur‐Lambert Antoine , Dufour Philippe , Morin Jean‐François
Published: August 2012

Synthetic efforts toward the preparation of rotaxane precursors based on phenylacetylene macrocycles (PAM) are described. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal structural parameters to prepare high‐molecular‐weight rotaxane precursors through a strategy involving two Sonogashira couplings to attach bulky blockers on the PAM core. PAMs with different sizes and functions were prepared and coupled to different blockers to assess whether or not the resulting structure adopts a rotaxane‐like conformation in which the rigid rod forms after the Sonogashira coupling threads through the PAM.
Halide Effects on Cyclopropenium Cation Promoted Glycosylation with Deoxy Sugars: Highly α‐Selective Glycosylations Using a 3,3‐Dibromo‐1,2‐diphenylcyclopropene Promoter
Authors: Nogueira Jason M. , Issa John Paul , Chu An‐Hsiang Adam , Sisel Jordan A. , Schum Ryan S. , Bennett Clay S.
Published: August 2012

A mixture of 3,3‐dibromocyclopropene and TBAI promotes highly α‐selective glycosylation reactions (up to >20:1) by using deoxy sugar hemiacetal donors. The reaction provides a convenient method for generating highly reactive glycosyl donors in situ from shelf‐stable starting materials. Both armed and disarmed sugars undergo the reaction, and selectivity is independent of the configuration of the donor sugar.
The influence of copper on alkaline protease stability toward autolysis and thermal inactivation
Authors: Öztürk Nurçin Çelik , Kazan Dilek , Denizci Aziz Akın , Erarslan Altan
Published: August 2012

Alkaline proteases are one of the most important group of enzymes that are indispensable in a number of different industrial sectors. In this work, the effect of copper ions (Cu2+) was investigated for improving the thermostability and hydrolytic performance of Bacillus clausii GMBE 42 alkaline protease at different temperatures (45–65°C). Maximal residual activity was observed in the presence of 5 mM CuCl2. The enzyme was thermoinactivated according to first‐order kinetics. A stabilization effect caused by copper ions was the result of a decrease in both autolysis and thermoinactivation rates. Thermodynamic analysis of the thermoinactivation process showed that Ea,i, ΔGi, and ΔHi values of the enzyme were higher in the presence of copper ions, but there was no measurable change in ΔSi values. These results show the thermostabilizing potential of copper ions on the enzyme. Lower Km values and higher kcat and kcat/Km values were obtained in the presence of copper ions, which is an indication of the nonessential activation of the enzyme by copper ions. Thermodynamic analysis of casein hydrolysis showed that in presence of copper ions Ea, ΔG≠, ΔH≠, , and values of enzyme were lower, but there was no change in ΔS≠ values. This is so far the first study that investigates the effect of cations on the basic catalytic and thermodynamic properties of an alkaline serine protease, which may be used to remove protein wastes from various industries such as food and leather processing.
The 2010 rockfall event in Stein an der Traun – causes and triggers / Das Felssturzereignis in Stein an der Traun 2010 – Ursachen und Auslöser
Authors: Thuro Kurosch , Bundschuh Moritz
Published: August 2012

On January 25th 2010 at about 8 p.m. a block of 432 m3 volume and 1, 026 t weight was released from a conglomerate face, apparently without warning, destroying a family home in the village of Stein on the river Traun. Only two of the four inhabitants could be saved out of the debris. After this event, the question arose whether the rockfall could have been foreseen or if such spontaneous incidents are abrupt and unpredictable. This paper presents the studies conducted to reconstruct the processes leading to the event. The investigations included field mapping, geodetic survey, laser scanning and stereographic photogrammetry of the rupture face, mineralogical analysis of sinter crust thin sections, inventory of the block dimensions and reconstruction of the collapse kinematics, analysis of the weather data prior to the event and a 2D finite element calculation (Phase2) using the geometry of the overhanging conglomerate strata.

Am 25. Januar 2010 löste sich aus einer Nagelfluh‐Felswand in der Ortschaft Stein an der Traun scheinbar ohne Vorwarnung um etwa 20 Uhr ein 432 m3 großer und 1.026 t schwerer Felsblock und zerstörte dabei ein Wohnhaus. Lediglich zwei der vier Bewohner konnten aus den Felssturzmassen gerettet werden. Nach diesem Ereignis stellte sich die Frage, ob der Felssturz hätte vorhergesehen werden können oder ob Felssturzereignisse dieser Art unvermittelt auftreten und unvorhersehbar sind. In diesem Beitrag werden die durchgeführten Untersuchungen vorgestellt, mit welchen die Prozesse geklärt wurden, die zu diesem Felssturz geführt haben. Diese Untersuchungen umfassten eine ingenieurgeologische Kartierung, eine umfangreiche geodätische Vermessung, ein Laserscanning und die stereographisch‐photogrammetrische Aufnahme der Abrisswand, mineralogische Untersuchungen an Dünnschliffen von Sinterkrusten, die Ermittlung von Masse und Kubatur der Sturzblöcke, die Rekonstruktion des Sturzmechanismus, die Analyse der Wetterdaten im Vorfeld des Sturzereignisses sowie eine 2D Finite Elemente Modellierung (mit Phase2) bei der die Geometrie der überhängenden Konglomeratwand berücksichtigt wurde.
Evacuation or protection? Risk analysis as a tool for decision making in the case of a residential building endangered by rockfall / Aussiedlung oder Schutz? Die Risikoanalyse als Entscheidungsgrundlage im Fall eines durch Steinschlag bedrohten Wohnhauses
Authors: Sausgruber Johann Thomas , Mölk Michael , Schreiner Ivo
Published: August 2012

In April 2011, a 2 m3 block fell out of a steep rock face in Wipptal, Tyrol, Austria and fell onto a detached house. No one was injured as the house was empty at the time. In a similar event in the 1980s, the garage of a neighbouring house was hit. An initial report found a high danger potential to the house. The house was then evacuated and the inhabitants considered moving out. Regarding the feasibility and possibility of financing protection measures, and as an aid to deciding whether to move out, there is a need for a decision‐making basis for the victims and the authorities, and this should be as objective as possible. For this purpose, a risk analysis was carried out including the consideration of engineering‐geological, geotechnical and forestry methods.

The result of the risk analysis stated a collective personal risk expressed as annual risk of death of 7.2·10–4 without protection measures and 4.8·10–6 with protection measures. For the 0.5 km long access road to the house, there was a collective personal risk of 2.3·10–8 without protection measures. The cost of the protection measures was estimated at approx. 130,000 €, and for moving out of the house 450,000 €.

Im April des Jahres 2011 löste sich im Wipptal, Tirol, Österreich ein 2 m3 großer Block aus einem felsigen Steilhang und traf auf ein Einfamilienhaus. Verletzt wurde niemand, da zum Zeitpunkt des Ereignisses keine Personen anwesend waren. Bei einem ähnlich großen Ereignis in den 1980er‐Jahren war die Garage eines Nebengebäudes betroffen. In einem ersten Gutachten wurde für das Wohnhaus ein hohes Gefährdungspotenzial festgestellt. Das Haus wurde daraufhin evakuiert und eine Aussiedelung in Erwägung gezogen. Im Hinblick auf die Machbarkeit und Finanzierbarkeit von Schutzmaßnahmen sowie letztendlich zur Entscheidungsfindung der in Aussicht gestellten Aussiedelung bedurfte es einer möglichst objektiven Entscheidungsgrundlage für Betroffene und die öffentliche Hand. Zu diesem Zweck wurde eine Risikoanalyse, bei der ingenieurgeologische, geotechnische und forstliche Methoden zur Anwendung kamen, durchgeführt.

Als Ergebnis der Risikoanalyse ergab sich ein kollektives Personenrisiko ausgedrückt als jährliches Todesfallrisiko von 7,2·10–4 ohne Schutzmaßnahmen und 4,8·10–6 mit Schutzmaßnahmen. Für die 0,5 km lange Zufahrtsstraße zum Haus ergab sich ein kollektives Personenrisiko von 2,3·10–8 ohne Schutzmaßnahmen. Als Kosten für die Schutzmaßnahmen wurden ca. 130.000 €, für die Aussiedlung ca. 450.000 € ermittelt.
Evidence and decision making: tobacco control policy and legislation in Vietnam
Authors: Higashi Hideki , Khuong Tuan A. , Ngo Anh D. , Hill Peter S.
Published: August 2012

The Ministry of Health (MOH) in Vietnam is currently drafting the Tobacco Harm Prevention Law. The government requested the MOH to provide evidence on the strategies proposed in the draft law as part of its submission to the National Assembly. This study examines the availability and strength of evidence and its relationship to policy stakeholders' positions towards policy instruments proposed in the law.

Several qualitative methods were employed including documentary analysis, key informant interviews, focus group discussion and a key stakeholders' survey.

Contradictory findings were identified over the role of evidence. While there is high demand for local evidence, the availability and strength of evidence are not always aligned with stakeholders' positions with respect to different strategies. Stakeholders' positions are shaped by competing interests on the basis of their perceptions of the socioeconomic implications and health consequences of tobacco control. Claims of limited availability of evidence are often used to justify the maintenance of the status quo, a position that is seen to protect the state‐owned tobacco industry and state revenue. Local evidence of the impact of tobacco on population health is argued to be ‘one‐sided’ and evidence of selected interventions discounted.

Compelling and comprehensive local evidence, including those addressing economic concerns, is acutely needed in order to proceed with the current legislation process. For evidence to play a critical role, it needs to engage those ministries responsible for the tobacco industry itself and the economic development. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of cannabis enhances attentional inhibition
Authors: Vivas Ana B. , Estevez Angeles F. , Moreno Margarita , Panagis George , Flores Pilar
Published: August 2012

Objective

Orienting attention to an irrelevant location hampers the response to subsequent targets presented at that location in relation to novel, not previously attended, locations. This inhibitory effect has been named inhibition of return. We conducted an experiment to study the temporal course of inhibition of return in users of cannabis.

Method

Twenty‐five cannabis users who self‐reported a regular frequency of cannabis use in joints per month, and 26 drug‐free controls participated in the study. We employed a typical inhibition of return task with a single cue and manipulated the time interval between the onset of the cue and the target (150, 350, 550, 1500, and 2550 ms). Participants were asked to detect the onset of the target regardless of its location.

Results

The group of cannabis users showed a significantly greater overall inhibition relative to the group of nonusers. Furthermore, inhibition of return appeared earlier (at the 350 ms cue–target interval) in the user group.

Conclusions

This is the first study to show that attentional inhibition is enhanced in cannabis users. More research is needed to determine whether greater inhibition represents an advantage or disadvantage for visual search performance of cannabis users. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Familial aggregation of malignant mesothelioma in former workers and residents of Wittenoom, Western Australia
Authors: de Klerk Nicholas , Alfonso Helman , Olsen Nola , Reid Alison , Sleith Jan , Palmer Lyle , Berry Geoffrey , Musk AW (Bill)
Published: August 2012

Clustering of cases of malignant mesothelioma within families has often been observed, but disentangling genetic and exposure effects has not been done. Former workers and residents exposed to crocidolite at Wittenoom, Western Australia, where many families shared exposure to asbestos, have had high rates of mesothelioma. Our study aimed to estimate the additional risk of mesothelioma in relatives, after allowance for common exposure to crocidolite. More than 11,000 former asbestos workers and residents from Wittenoom have been followed up in cancer and death registries. Levels of exposure for all members of the Wittenoom cohorts have been estimated previously. Relationships between family members of all mesothelioma cases were established from questionnaires, birth and death certificates. Expected numbers of cases of mesothelioma were estimated by fitting a Weibull survival model to all data, based on time from first asbestos exposure, duration and intensity of exposure and age. For each family group, the earliest case was considered the index case. Predicted risk was estimated for each subject from the time of diagnosis of the index case. Familial risk ratios were estimated by dividing observed cases by the sum of risks of all same degree relatives of index cases. There were 369 family groups with at least one case of mesothelioma and a further 25 cases of mesothelioma among relatives in the same families, with 12.9 expected. The risk ratio for blood relatives was 1.9 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.3–2.9, p = 0.002). These findings suggest an important, but not large, genetic component in mesothelioma, similar to many other cancers.
Ultrasound‐guided injection of botulinum toxin in a patient with omohyoid muscle syndrome: A case report
Authors: Su Po‐Hsien , Wang Tyng‐Guey , Wang Yi‐Chian
Published: August 2012

Omohyoid muscle syndrome has a characteristic feature of a protruding lateral neck mass during swallowing. We present a case of omohyoid muscle syndrome diagnosed based on the clinical presentation and a dynamic imaging study. Botulinum toxin was injected into the inferior belly of one omohyoid muscle, and the neck mass resolved. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 41:373–376, 2013
Determining gene moderation of environmental risk factors for a mental disorder: a “perfect storm” of methodological problems
Authors: Kraemer Helena Chmura
Published: August 2012

For most of the twentieth century, the focus was on “nature” versus “nurture”, i.e. genetic versus environmental effects on disorders. Now it is increasingly recognized that a disorder may reflect genes and environments “working together”. A gene may moderate an environmental risk factor, it may be mediated by an environmental risk factor. The environmental risk factor may be proxy to the gene, and the two may be independent risk factors. Which of these situations pertain influences both subsequent research and clinical and policy decision‐making. However, recent meta‐analyses attempting to confirm the Caspi et al. (Science, 301, 386–389, 2003) hypothesis indicate that the methodological issues relating to establishing specifically a moderating effect of a gene on an environmental factor are not well understood. The discussion here concerns the definition of “moderator”, how it is distinct from other ways in which gene and environment can “work together”, the methods needed to establish such a moderator, and the public health significance of such efforts. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A single ascending‐dose study of muscle regulator ace‐031 in healthy volunteers
Authors: Attie Kenneth M. , Borgstein Niels G. , Yang Yijun , Condon Carolyn H. , Wilson Dawn M. , Pearsall Amelia E. , Kumar Ravi , Willins Debbie A. , Seehra Jas S. , Sherman Matthew L.
Published: August 2012

Introduction

ACE‐031 is a soluble form of activin receptor type IIB (ActRIIB). ACE‐031 promotes muscle growth by binding to myostatin and other negative regulators of muscle mass.

Methods

This double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study evaluated the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of ACE‐031 in 48 healthy, postmenopausal women randomized to receive 1 dose of ACE‐031 (0.02–3 mg/kg SC) or placebo (3:1).

Results

ACE‐031 was generally well‐tolerated. Adverse events included injection site erythema. Mean ACE‐031 AUC0–∞ and Cmax increased linearly with dose; mean T½ was 10–15 days. Statistically significant increases in mean total body lean mass (3.3%; P = 0.03, by DXA) and thigh muscle volume (5.1%; P = 0.03, by MRI) were observed at day 29 in the 3 mg/kg group. Statistically significant changes in serum biomarkers suggest ACE‐031 also improved bone and fat metabolism.

Conclusions

Single‐dose ACE‐031 treatment was generally well‐tolerated and resulted in increases in muscle mass in healthy postmenopausal women. Muscle Nerve [B]47[/B]: 416–423, 2013
Charcot‐marie‐tooth disease type 4C in Japan: Report of a case
Authors: Iguchi Masahiro , Hashiguchi Akihiro , Ito Eiichi , Toda Kunio , Urano Mari , Shimizu Yuko , Takeuchi Chisen , Saito Kayoko , Takashima Hiroshi , Uchiyama Shinichiro
Published: August 2012

Introduction:

The distribution of documented cases of Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease type 4C (CMT4C) is mainly limited to the Mediterranean region. We report the first documented case of CMT4C in East Asia. Furthermore, we estimate the proportion of CMT4C in Japan and compare the same with that in European countries.

Case report:

A 72‐year‐old Japanese woman presented with early‐onset motor and sensory neuropathy associated with scoliosis, deformities of the hands and feet, and carpal tunnel syndrome. A genetic screen detected a homozygous p.R529Q mutation in SH3TC2, the causative gene of CMT4C. The SH3TC2 mutation identified here is unique among 426 unrelated Japanese CMT patients, excluding those with CMT1A.

Conclusions:

Although CMT4C also occurs in Japan, it is less common than in European countries. Muscle Nerve, 2013
Novel mutations in the anoctamin 5 gene (ANO5) associated with limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy 2L
Authors: Little Ann A. , Mckeever Paul E. , Gruis Kirsten L.
Published: August 2012

Introduction:

We present a Jordanian man with the typical LGMD 2L phenotype of early, asymmetric quadriceps weakness and subsequent biceps brachii weakness.

Methods:

Case report.

Results:

Muscle biopsies document a progressive dystrophic pattern unrelated to known sarcolemmal defects associated with muscular dystrophy. Genetic testing revealed novel, heterozygote Anoctamin 5 gene mutations.

Conclusions:

This case report expands the known mutations resulting in LGMD 2L and supports the assertion that Anoctamin 5 mutations are more prevalent than previously recognized. Muscle Nerve, 2013
Data assimilation using the particle filter for identifying the elasto‐plastic material properties of geomaterials
Authors: Murakami Akira , Shuku Takayuki , Nishimura Shin‐ichi , Fujisawa Kazunori , Nakamura Kazuyuki
Published: August 2012

A computational method, incorporating the finite element model (FEM) into data assimilation using the particle filter, is presented for identifying elasto‐plastic material properties based on sequential measurements under the known changing traction boundary conditions to overcome some difficulties in identifying the parameters for elasto‐plastic problems from which the existing inverse analysis strategies have suffered. A soil–water coupled problem, which uses the elasto‐plastic constitutive model, is dealt with as the geotechnical application. Measured data on the settlement and the pore pressure are obtained from a synthetic FEM computation as the forward problem under the known parameters to be identified for both the element tests and the ground behavior during the embankment construction sequence. Parameter identification for elasto‐plastic problems, such as soil behavior, should be made by considering the measurements of deformation and/or pore pressure step by step from the initial stage of construction and throughout the deformation history under the changing traction boundary conditions because of the embankment or the excavation because the ground behavior is highly dependent on the loading history. Thus, it appears that sequential data assimilation techniques, such as the particle filter, are the preferable tools that can provide estimates of the state variables, that is, deformation, pore pressure, and unknown parameters, for the constitutive model in geotechnical practice. The present paper discusses the priority of the particle filter in its application to initial/boundary value problems for elasto‐plastic materials and demonstrates a couple of numerical examples. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel analytical model for determining the maximum power point of thin film photovoltaic module
Authors: Jiang Joe‐Air , Liang Yu‐Ting , Wang Jen‐Cheng , Su Yu‐Li , Kuo Kun‐Chang , Shieh Jyh‐Cherng
Published: August 2012

Achieving the maximum power output from photovoltaic (PV) modules is indispensable for the operation of grid‐connected PV power systems under varied atmospheric conditions. In recent years, the study of PV energy for different applications has attracted more and more attention because solar energy is clean and renewable. We propose an efficient direct‐prediction method to enhance the utilization efficiency of thin film PV modules by tackling the problem of tracking time and overcoming the difficulty of calculation. The proposed method is based on the p–n junction recombination mechanism and can be applied to all kinds of PV modules. Its performance is not influenced by weather conditions such as illumination or temperature. The experimental results show that the proposed method provides high‐accuracy estimation of the maximum power point (MPP) for thin film PV modules with an average error of 1.68% and 1.65% under various irradiation intensities and temperatures, respectively. The experimental results confirm that the proposed method can simply and accurately estimate the MPP for thin film PV modules under various irradiation intensities and temperatures. In future, the proposed method will be used to shed light on the optimization of the MPP tracking control model in PV systems. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bootstrap‐based inference on the difference in the means of two correlated functional processes
Authors: Crainiceanu Ciprian M. , Staicu Ana‐Maria , Ray Shubankar , Punjabi Naresh
Published: August 2012

We propose nonparametric inference methods on the mean difference between two correlated functional processes. We compare methods that (1) incorporate different levels of smoothing of the mean and covariance; (2) preserve the sampling design; and (3) use parametric and nonparametric estimation of the mean functions. We apply our method to estimating the mean difference between average normalized δ power of sleep electroencephalograms for 51 subjects with severe sleep apnea and 51 matched controls in the first 4 ;h after sleep onset. We obtain data from the Sleep Heart Health Study, the largest community cohort study of sleep. Although methods are applied to a single case study, they can be applied to a large number of studies that have correlated functional data. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.