bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical and Economic Performance Measures in Petroleum Lease Sales & Development: A Case Study of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico Region, 1983-1999
Authors: Iledare Omowumi , Kaiser Mark
Published: February 2008

This paper characterizes and analyzes petroleum lease sales and development in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico OCS using estimated physical and economic measures of performance in offshore petroleum lease development. The physical performance measures we estimated include lease prospectivity index, lease expeditious index and lease development productivity. In addition, we estimated two economic performance measures, which are profitability index and internal rate of return.

Empirical analysis of lease specific data suggests the Gulf OCS is just as attractive to the big four oil and gas integrated firms as it was two decades ago. However, there is evidence of influx of new active players in petroleum lease development in the region than two decades ago. There is also strong evidence from lease prospectivity results, which suggests that the risk of lease development failure rises with firm size and water depth leases.

Regarding lease development productivity, we find that a declining pattern in productivity with firm size from big to small and a declining productivity trend over time are unmistakable. Further, there is evidence of rising lease development productivity with water depth. For all categories of leases, the productivity rate in the early 1980s was significantly higher than productivity rate in the early 1990s, notwithstanding the fact that more leases were issued and drilled in the 1980s than in the early 1990s.

In general, our estimated measures of aggregate economic performance, the profitability index and internal rates of return are relatively low in comparison to returns in the manufacturing sector during the period. The reported low profitability measures, notwithstanding, we find that aggregate annual average rate of return on all leases issued from 1983-1994 increases with water depth and across time. The same pattern, however, is not evident in the late 1990s, probably because of data limitations. Also, the aggregate average rate of return increases with firm size leases in the 1980s, but no definitive trend is apparent across firm size in the 1990s.
The Anaerobic Biodegradability of Municipal Sludge and Fat, Oil, and Grease at Mesophilic Conditions
Authors: Kabouris John C. , Tezel Ulas , Pavlostathis Spyros G. , Engelmann Michael , Todd Allen C. , Gillette Robert A.
Published: February 2008

The anaerobic biodegradability of municipal primary and secondary sludge with increasing levels of partially dewatered fat, oil, and grease (FOG) was assessed using a mixed methanogenic culture at 35 °C. Under batch conditions with an acclimated and enriched microbial population, the sludge loading was 3 kg volatile solids/m3 and the highest FOG loading tested was 1.5 kg volatile solids/m3, resulting in a methane yield of 245 mL methane/g sludge volatile solids added at 35 °C and 1010 mL methane/g FOG volatile solids added at 35 °C. Under semicontinuous feeding conditions, the sludge and sludge plus FOG loading tested were 3 and 3.75 kg volatile solids/m3‐d, respectively. Within 23 days of operation, the volatile fatty acid concentrations were reduced below 200 mg chemical oxygen demand/L (187 mg/L as acetic acid). Enhancement of sludge digestion was observed in those reactors where codigestion of sludge and FOG took place, which was attributed to a higher level of microbial activity maintained in these reactors as a result of FOG degradation. The results of this study demonstrate that beneficial use of FOG through codigestion with municipal sludge is feasible.
Phosphorus Removal from Municipal Wastewater by Hydrous Ferric Oxide Reactive Filtration and Coupled Chemically Enhanced Secondary Treatment: Part II—Mechanism
Authors: Newcombe R. L. , Strawn D. G. , Grant T. M. , Childers S. E. , Möller G.
Published: February 2008

The removal mechanism of a hydrous ferric oxide (HFO) reactive filtration (RF) process with coupled chemically enhanced secondary treatment (RECYCLE) for phosphorus removal from municipal wastewater (HFO‐RF‐RECYCLE) was examined. A 0.95‐ML/d (0.25‐mgd) demonstration of HFO‐RF‐RECYCLE was performed at a municipal wastewater treatment plant equipped with oxidation ditches and secondary clarifiers. Influent to the plant averaged 6.0 mg/L phosphorus, with a 3‐month tertiary effluent average of 0.011 mg/L phosphorus. In addition to aqueous geochemical modeling, experiments with surface charge, scanning electron microscopy, adsorptive capacity, thermal desorption, and most probable number of iron(III)‐reducing bacteria were performed on samples from the system, to determine the major phosphorus‐removal pathways. Results suggest that, in addition to filtration of particulate phosphorus, the low tertiary effluent total phosphorus result was achieved by adsorption.
Phosphorus Removal from Municipal Wastewater by Hydrous Ferric Oxide Reactive Filtration and Coupled Chemically Enhanced Secondary Treatment: Part I—Performance
Authors: Newcombe R. L. , Rule R. A. , Hart B. K. , Möller G.
Published: February 2008

This work examines the performance of a hydrous ferric oxide (HFO) reactive filtration (RF) process with coupled chemically enhanced secondary treatment (RECYCLE) for phosphorus removal from municipal wastewater (HFO‐RF‐RECYCLE). A 3‐month, 0.95‐ML/d (0.25‐mgd) demonstration of HFO‐RF‐RECYCLE was performed at a municipal wastewater treatment plant equipped with oxidation ditches and secondary clarifiers. Influent to the plant averaged 6.0 mg/L phosphorus, with a tertiary effluent average of 0.011 mg/L phosphorus. Iron doses to the plant were low, at 5 mg/L. Inline recycling of HFO solution rejects to the plant influent resulted in a maximum 90.3%, dose‐dependent reduction of phosphorus in the secondary effluent at 4.5 ML/d (1.2 mgd). Other results included reduction of total suspended solids and turbidity. A mass balance analysis was performed. We conclude that HFO‐RF‐RECYCLE may allow very low levels of phosphorus discharge from municipal wastewater treatment plants with a ferric‐iron‐based tertiary filtration process and residual recycling.
Municipal Anaerobic Digesters for Codigestion, Energy Recovery, and Greenhouse Gas Reductions
Authors: Zitomer Daniel H. , Adhikari Prasoon , Heisel Craig , Dineen Dennis
Published: February 2008

Codigestion of five wastes and municipal wastewater sludge was evaluated using full‐scale testing. Synergistic, antagonistic, and neutral outcomes were observed depending on codigestate identity and concentration, highlighting the value of careful blending. Yeast waste resulted in notable synergism, increasing biogas production by over 50%, whereas aircraft deicing waste resulted in antagonism at high loadings and neutral outcomes at lower loadings. Restaurant waste codigestion resulted in neutral outcomes. The synergisim with yeast codigestates may have resulted from trace nutrients (i.e., iron, nickel, and cobalt) in the wastes that increased microbiological activity. Antagonist outcomes with deicing waste may have been the result of organic overload or inhibitory deicer constituents. Codigestion of wastes at the feed rates investigated was estimated to produce 0.50 ML/d of methane having an energy equivalent of 17 500 MJ/d. This was estimated to reduce net carbon dioxide emissions by 560 tonnes/y.
Modification of a Full‐Scale Sequencing Batch Reactor Operational Mode for Biological Nutrient Removal
Authors: Ersu Cagatayhan , Arslankaya Ertan , Ong Say Kee , Fox David , Aldrich Lance , Copeman James
Published: February 2008

Two biological nutrient removal modes, consisting of anaerobic, anoxic, and oxic sequences, were tested in a full‐scale sequencing batch reactor. The modes, identified as BNR‐S1 and BNR‐S2, had average total nitrogen removals of 84 and 89%, respectively, for the months of August to October. Over the same period, total phosphorus removals for BNR‐S1 and BNR‐S2 were 88 and 87%, respectively. In contrast, total nitrogen and total phosphorus removals for the regular aerobic mode were 54.7 and 44.7%, respectively. When the wastewater temperature changed from approximately 20 to 15°C in the winter months, total nitrogen and total phosphorus removals for BNR‐S2 were reduced to 81 and 70%, respectively. Total nitrogen effluent concentrations were between 2.5 and 4 mg‐N/L (at approximately 20°C), while the effluent total phosphorus concentrations were between 1 and 2 mg/L. The BNR‐S2 mode was found to require less energy per kilogram of soluble chemical oxygen demand removed than the regular and BNR‐S1 modes.
Biodegradation of Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate by a Wastewater Microbial Consortium
Authors: Sharvelle Sybil , Skvarenina Elizabeth , Banks M. Katherine
Published: February 2008

Biodegradation of an amphoteric surfactant commonly used in personal care products, disodium cocoamphodiacetate (DSCADA), was evaluated. Results from respirometry experiments indicated that high levels of DSCADA (>216 mg/L) may be toxic to bacteria in wastewater treatment processes. Limited biodegradation, with 50% dissolved organic carbon (DOC) removal and 80% chemical oxygen demand removal was observed in batch assays, while complete removal of the parent compound, DSCADA, was noted. Oxygen biosensors were used to evaluate biodegradability of the metabolites present in the batch samples. Additional aerobic microbial activity was not detected in these samples, even with a residual DOC of approximately 45 mg/L. Results from this research indicate that biodegradability of DSCADA is limited and recalcitrant metabolites may be formed. Because DSCADA is a commonly used surfactant and is present in domestic and industrial wastewater, the associated risk posed by residual compounds should be carefully evaluated.
Temporal and Spatial Characteristics of Gait During Performance of the Dynamic Gait Index in People With and People Without Balance or Vestibular Disorders
Authors: Marchetti Gregory F , Whitney Susan L , Blatt Philip J , Morris Laura O , Vance Joan M
Published: February 2008

Background and Purpose

Understanding underlying gait characteristics during performance of the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) could potentially guide interventions. The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics and reliability of gait performance during the level walking items of the DGI in people with balance or vestibular dysfunction. The study was a cross-sectional investigation with 2-group comparisons.

Subjects and Methods

Forty-seven subjects (mean age=59.2 years, SD=8.5, range=24–90) participated in the study; 26 were control subjects, and 21 were subjects with balance or vestibular dysfunction. Three trials of each level gait item were administered to subjects as they ambulated on an instrumented walkway. Test-retest reliability was determined by use of an intraclass correlation coefficient (3,1) 2-way random-effects model for gait parameters associated with continuous walking and the item requiring turning and stopping quickly. Mean gait parameter differences between control subjects and subjects with balance or vestibular disorders were compared by use of a multivariate analysis of variance for each gait task.

Results

The reliability of most gait parameters during DGI performance were fair to excellent between trials. Subjects with balance or vestibular disorders demonstrated differences in gait characteristics compared with control subjects. The heterogeneity of the group of subjects with balance or vestibular disorders does not permit inferences to be drawn regarding the relationship between gait and any specific balance or vestibular diagnosis. The results are most pertinent to people with chronic balance or vestibular disorders.

Discussion and Conclusion

Gait parameters underlying dynamic walking appeared to be relatively reliable across multiple trials and distinguished subjects with balance or vestibular disorders. Evaluating a person's performance on items of the DGI may be useful in identifying gait deviations and in evaluating gait improvements as a result of interventions.
An epidemiological study of myopathies in Warmblood horses
Authors: HUNT L. M. , VALBERG S. J. , STEFFENHAGEN K. , McCUE M. E.
Published: February 2008

Reasons for performing study: There are few detailed reports describing muscular disorders in Warmblood horses.

Objectives: To determine the types of muscular disorders that occur in Warmblood horses, along with presenting clinical signs, associated risk factors and response to diet and exercise recommendations, and to compare these characteristics between horses diagnosed with polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM), those diagnosed with a neuromuscular disorder other than PSSM (non‐PSSM) and control horses.

Methods: Subject details, muscle biopsy diagnosis and clinical history were compiled for Warmblood horses identified from records of biopsy submissions to the University of Minnesota Neuromuscular Diagnostic Laboratory. A standardised questionnaire was answered by owners at least 6 months after receiving the muscle biopsy report for an affected and a control horse.

Results: Polysaccharide storage myopathy (72/132 horses) was the most common myopathy identified followed by recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis (RER) (7/132), neurogenic or myogenic atrophy (7/132), and nonspecific myopathic changes (14/132). Thirty‐two biopsies were normal. Gait abnormality, ‘tying‐up’, Shivers, muscle fasciculations and atrophy were common presenting clinical signs. Forty‐five owners completed questionnaires. There were no differences in sex, age, breed, history or management between control, PSSM and non‐PSSM horses. Owners that provided the recommended low starch fat supplemented diet and regular daily exercise reported improvement in clinical signs in 68% (19/28) of horses with a biopsy submission and 71% of horses diagnosed with PSSM (15/21).

Conclusions: Muscle biopsy evaluation was a valuable tool to identify a variety of myopathies in Warmblood breeds including PSSM and RER. These myopathies often presented as gait abnormalities or overt exertional rhabdomyolysis and both a low starch fat supplemented diet and regular exercise appeared to be important in their successful management.

Potential relevance: Warmbloods are affected by a variety of muscle disorders, which, following muscle biopsy diagnosis can be improved through changes in diet and exercise regimes.
The effect of induced hindlimb lameness on thoracolumbar kinematics during treadmill locomotion
Authors: ALVAREZ C. B. GOMEZ , BOBBERT M. F. , LAMERS L. , JOHNSTON C. , BACK W. , van WEEREN P. R.
Published: February 2008

Reasons for performing study: There are no detailed studies describing a relationship between hindlimb lameness and altered motion of the back.

Objectives: To quantify the effect of induced subtle hindlimb lameness on thoracolumbar kinematics in the horse.

Methods: Kinematics of 6 riding horses were measured during walk and trot on a treadmill before and during application of pressure on the sole of the left hindlimb using a well‐established sole pressure model. Reflective markers were located at anatomical landmarks on the limbs, back, head and neck for kinematic recordings. Ground reaction forces (GRF) in individual limbs were calculated from kinematics to detect changes in loading of the limbs.

Results: When pressure on the sole of the hindlimb was present, horses were judged as lame (grade 2on the AAEP scale 1–5) by an experienced clinician. No significant unloading of this limb was found in the group of horses (unloading was observed in 4 animals, but was not detectable in the other 2), but statistically significant effects on back kinematics were detected. The overall flexion‐extension (FE) range of motion (ROM) of the vertebral column was increased at walk, especially in the thoracic segments. Axial rotation (AR) ROM of the pelvis was also increased. At trot, the FE ROM was decreased only in the segment L3‐L5‐S3. During the stance phase of the lame limb, the segment T6‐T10‐T13 was more flexed and the neck was lowered at both gaits; the thoracolumbar segments were more extended at walk and trot. There were no significant changes in the stride length or protraction‐retraction angles in any of the limbs.

Conclusions: Subtle hindlimb lameness provoked slight but detectable changes in thoracolumbar kinematics. The subtle lameness induced in this study resulted in hyperextension and increased ROM of the thoracolumbar back, but also in decreased ROM of the lumbosacral segment and rotational motion changes of the pelvis.

Potential relevance: Even subtle lameness can result in changes in back kinematics, which emphasises the intricate link between limb function and thoracolumbar motion. It may be surmised that, when chronically present, subtle lameness induces back dysfunction.
Effect of chiropractic manipulations on the kinematics of back and limbs in horses with clinically diagnosed back problems
Authors: ALVAREZ C. B. GOMEZ , L'AMI J. J. , MOFFATT D. , BACK W. , van WEEREN P. R.
Published: February 2008

Reasons for performing study: Although there is anecdotal evidence of clinical effectiveness of chiropractic in treatment of equine back pain, little scientific work has been reported on the subject.

Objectives: To quantify the effect of chiropractic manipulations on back and limb kinematics in horse locomotion.

Methods: Kinematics of 10 Warmblood horses were measured over ground at walk and trot at their own preferred speed, before and one hour and 3 weeks after chiropractic treatment that consisted of manipulations of the back, neck and pelvic area. Speed was the same during all measurements for each horse.

Results: Chiropractic manipulations resulted in increased flexion‐extension range of motion (ROM) (P<0.05) at trot in the vertebral angular segments: T10‐T13‐T17 (0.3°) and T13‐T17‐L1 (0.8°) one hour after treatment, but decreased ROM after 3 weeks. The angular motion patterns (AMPs) of the same segments showed increased flexion at both gaits one hour after treatment (both angles 0.2° at walk and 0.3° at trot, P<0.05) and 3 weeks after treatment (1.0° and 2.4° at walk and 1.9° and 2.9° at trot, P<0.05). The lumbar (L3 and L5) area showed increased flexion after one hour (both angles 0.3° at walk and 0.4° at trot P<0.05), but increased extension after 3 weeks (1.4° and 1.2°, at trot only, P<0.05). There were no detectable changes in lateral bending AMPs. The inclination of the pelvis was reduced at trot one hour (1.6°) and 3 weeks (3°) after treatment (P<0.05). The mean axial rotation of the pelvis was more symmetrical 3 weeks after the treatment at both gaits (P<0.05). There were no changes in limb angles at walk and almost no changes at trot.

Conclusions: The main overall effect of the chiropractic manipulations was a less extended thoracic back, a reduced inclination of the pelvis and improvement of the symmetry of the pelvic motion pattern.

Potential relevance: Chiropractic manipulations elicit slight but significant changes in thoracolumbar and pelvic kinematics. Some of the changes are likely to be beneficial, but clinical trials with increased numbers of horses and longer follow‐up are needed.
Early exercise advances the maturation of glycosaminoglycans and collagen in the extracellular matrix of articular cartilage in the horse
Authors: van WEEREN P. R. , FIRTH E. C. , BROMMER H. , HYTTINEN M. M. , HELMINEN H. J. , ROGERS C. W. , DeGROOT J. , BRAMA P. A. J.
Published: February 2008

Reasons for performing study: Training at a very young age may influence the characteristics of the collagen network of articular cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) in horses.

Objectives: To investigate whether increasing workload of foals results in significant changes in the biochemical composition of articular cartilage ECM.

Methods: Thoroughbred foals (n = 33) were divided into 2 different exercise groups from age 10 days‐18 months. One group (PASTEX; n = 15) was reared at pasture; the other (CONDEX; n = 18) underwent a specific additional training programme that increased workload by 30%. At mean age 18 months, 6 animals from each group were subjected to euthanasia. The proximal articular surface of the proximal phalanx of the right hindlimb was examined for the presence of damage using the cartilage degeneration index (CDI). Samples were taken from 2 sites with known different loading patterns. Slices were analysed for DNA, glycosaminoglycans (GAG), collagen and post translational modifications of collagen (formation of hydroxylysylpyridinoline [HP] and pentosidine crosslinks, and hydroxylysine [Hyl]), and exercise groups and different sites compared.

Results: There were no differences in CDI betweenPASTEXandCONDEXanimals, indicating the absence of extra joint damage due to the exercise regimen. There were site‐related differences for most biochemical variables, corroborating earlier reports. All biochemical variables showed differences betweenPASTEXandCONDEXgroups at one of the sites, and some at both. GAG and collagen levels were lower in theCONDEXgroup whereas Hyl, HP crosslinks and pentosidine crosslinks were higher.

Conclusions and potential relevance: A measurable effect of the conditioning exercise was demonstrated. The margin between too much and too little work when training foals may be narrower than intuitively presumed.
Prevalence of latent, neuropathogenic equine herpesvirus‐1 in the Thoroughbred broodmare population of central Kentucky
Authors: ALLEN G. P. , BOLIN D. C. , BRYANT U. , CARTER C. N. , GILES R. C. , HARRISON L. R. , HONG C. B. , JACKSON C. B. , POONACHA K. , WHARTON R. , WILLIAMS N. M.
Published: February 2008

Reasons for performing study: An emerging problem of equine herpesvirus‐1 (EHV‐1) infection in horses in the USA is a high‐mortality myeloencephalopathy that commonly occurs where large numbers of horses are stabled. EHV‐1 isolates recovered from recent neurological outbreaks represent a mutant virus strain that possesses enhanced neuropathogenicity. A central question of EHV‐1 myeloencephalopathy is the latency carriage rate for these mutants of EHV‐1 in USA horse populations.

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of neuropathogenic strains of EHV‐1 as latent infections in the Thoroughbred broodmare population of central Kentucky.

Methods: Submandibular lymph nodes (SMLN) were collected during post mortem examination of 132 Thoroughbred broodmares. Total DNA purified from SMLN tissue was tested for the presence of latent EHV‐1 DNA by an ultrasensitive magnetic bead‐based, sequence‐capture, nested PCR method. Differentiation of active from latent infections by EHV‐1 was achieved by detection of transcripts of EHV‐1 glycoprotein B by reverse transcription PCR.

Results: Latent EHV‐1 DNA was detected in the SMLN tissues of 71 (54%) of the 132 mares submitted for necropsy. Thirteen (18%) of the 71 latently infected horses harboured the neuropathogenic biovar of EHV‐1. Of the 13 horses latently infected with an ORF30 mutant strain of EHV‐1, 11 also carried a latent, wild‐type strain of the virus in their SMLN tissues.

Conclusions: Neuropathogenic strains of EHV‐1 have established a significant presence in the Thoroughbred broodmare population of central Kentucky as latently infected carrier horses. The data also indicate that a highly sensitive DNA detection method is required to identify many instances of EHV‐1 latency.

Potential relevance: The presence of a relatively large biological reservoir of latent, neuropathogenic EHV‐1 has the potential for posing emerging equine health and economic threats to the future prosperity of the USA horse industry.
Evaluation of a new strategy to modulate skeletal development in Thoroughbred performance horses by imposing track‐based exercise during growth
Authors: ROGERS C. W. , FIRTH E. C. , McILWRAITH C. W. , BARNEVELD A. , GOODSHIP A. E. , KAWCAK C. E. , SMITH R. K. W. , van WEEREN P. R.
Published: February 2008

Reasons for performing study: No data exist on the intensity of exercise required or on possible harmful effects of increasing exercise in foals over the natural level when free at pasture.

Objectives: To investigate whether an increase in workload over free pasture exercise in the period from directly after birth to the start of training is tolerated by Thoroughbred (TB) foals without increasing injury rate or producing other undesired side effects.

Methods: Thirty‐three TB foals were allocated to one of 2 exercise groups directly after birth. One group (PASTEX) was raised on pasture and the other (CONDEX) kept under identical circumstances, but was additionally subjected to an exercise protocol of gradually increasing intensity. Foals were monitored periodically and scored for the presence of clinical signs related to the musculoskeletal system (joint effusion, pain at flexion, occurrence of physeal swelling), and radiographs taken at the end of the conditioning phase. Also, behavioural studies were performed to detect any changes in behaviour related to the exercise programme. Cortisol levels were measured in both groups, to assess the level of stress.

Results: Workload in the CONDEX group was significantly higher than in the PASTEX group (approximately 30%). Conditioning increased the likelihood for joint effusion in the antebrachiocarpal joint, but reduced tarsocrural effusion and physeal swelling at the lateral distal radius, the third metacarpal bone (medial aspect) and lateral and medial aspects of the third metatarsal bone.

Conclusions: The 30% increase in workload did not affect the animals' welfare, effects of conditioning exercise on clinical musculoskeletal health were few and there were no adverse effects.

Potential relevance: This study supports the feasibility of imposing early conditioning exercise in horses and is a benchmark for its effects on the development of equine musculoskeletal tissues.
The composition of the inflammatory infiltrate in three cases of polyneuritis equi
Authors: van GALEN G. , CASSART D. , SANDERSEN C. , DELGUSTE C. , NOLLET H. , AMORY H. , DUCATELLE R.
Published: February 2008

Polyneuritis equi (PNE) is a rare neurological disease in the horse. Because of the suspicion in PNE of a T‐lymphocyte mediated immune response against the myelin, the objective of this study was to determine the composition of the inflammatory infiltrate in the involved nerves of 3 horses with PNE, studied retrospectively.

T‐lymphocytes were demonstrated in the lesions, which suggests a T‐lymphocyte mediated immune response against myelin. In addition, the presence of B‐lymphocytes indicated a local production of antibodies. More research, involving a prospective study, is needed to determine whether the T‐lymphocytes are cytotoxic or T‐helper lymphocytes.
Analysis of Histone Modifications by Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Villar‐Garea Ana , Israel Lars , Imhof Axel
Published: February 2008

Histone N‐termini undergo diverse post‐translational modifications that significantly extend the information potential of the genetic code. Moreover, they appear to mark specific chromatin regions, modulating epigenetic control, lineage commitment, and overall function of chromosomes. It is widely accepted that histone modifications affect chromatin function, but the exact mechanisms of how modifications on histone tails and specific combinations of modifications are generated, and how they cross‐talk with one another, is still enigmatic. Mass spectrometry is ideal for the analysis of histone modifications and is becoming the gold standard for histone post‐translational modification analysis since it allows the quantification of modifications and combinations. This unit describes how high‐resolution mass spectrometry can be used to study histone post‐translational modifications. Curr. Protoc. Protein Sci. 51:14.10.1‐14.10.14. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Die Parkhauslasten in DIN 1055‐3
Authors: Fingerloos Frank , Timm Günter
Published: February 2008

Die folgenden Erläuterungen sollen die Hintergründe der Festlegungen in DIN 1055‐3 “Einwirkungen auf Tragwerke – Eigen‐ und Nutzlasten” zu den Parkhauslasten der Kategorie F zusammenfassen. Auf der Basis von Vergleichsrechnungen werden Empfehlungen zur Zuordnung von Deckenspannweiten zu Lasteinzugsflächen gegeben. Auf Basis dieser Informationen kann der Tragwerksplaner die Anwendung der Lastkategorie F und der zugeordneten Nutzlasten qualifiziert vornehmen.
Diskussionsforum: Die nichtlineare Berechnung von schlanken Stahlbetonstützen nach EN 1992‐1‐1 Punkt 5.8.6 (3) und die diesbezüglichen nationalen Österreichischen Erläuterungen
Authors: Krachsberger Herbert
Published: February 2008

Die nichtlineare Berechnung von sehr schlanken Stützen mit überwiegend Normalkraftbeanspruchung (z. B. sehr schlanke Innenstützen in einem durch Wandscheiben horizontal ausgesteiften Stahlbeton‐Skelettbau) wird in der EN 1992‐1‐1 unter Punkt 5.8.6 behandelt.

Es werden in diesem Beitrag Beispielstützen berechnet und die Teilsicherheiten gegen die rechnerischen Versagenswiderstände bei Stabilitätsversagen (Knickversagen) ermittelt.

Diese Teilsicherheiten sind aus Sicht des Autors unzureichend klein. Es wird ein Vorschlag gemacht, wie die Sicherheit angehoben werden könnte.
Chemosystematic Value of Chemical Constituents from Scabiosa hymettia (Dipsacaceae)
Authors: Christopoulou Clio , Graikou Konstantia , Chinou Ioanna
Published: February 2008

The first phytochemical investigation of Scabiosa hymettia led to the isolation and characterization of nine known compounds, 2–10, and of the new kaempferol derivative 1. In total, two flavonoids, three coumarins, three iridoids, and two phenolic constituents were obtained. The chemosystematic value of these compounds, as well as the metabolic relationship between swertiamarin (6) and the other isolated coumarins, are discussed. Both the extracts as well as all isolated constituents of S. hymettia were evaluated for their antimicrobial activities against six Gram‐positive or Gram‐negative bacteria, and against three human pathogenic fungi. The new compound 1 was found to exhibit the highest activity against all organisms tested.
Constituents of Asarum sieboldii with Inhibitory Activity on Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐Induced NO Production in BV‐2 Microglial Cells
Authors: Han Ah‐Reum , Kim Hye Jeoung , Shin Minkyu , Hong Moochang , Kim Yang Seok , Bae Hyunsu
Published: February 2008

Bioassay‐guided fractionation of the root extract of Asarum sieboldii led to the isolation of the four active compounds (−)‐sesamin (1), (2E,4E,8Z,10E)‐N‐(2‐methylpropyl)dodeca‐2,4,8,10‐tetraenamide (2), kakuol (3), and ‘3,4,5‐trimethoxytoluene’ (=1,2,3‐trimethoxy‐5‐methylbenzene; 4), in terms of inhibition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced nitric oxide (NO) production. Compounds 1–4 showed potent inhibition of NO production, with IC50 values in the low nanomolar‐to‐micromolar range. Also isolated were the known compounds methylkakuol (5), ‘3,5‐dimethoxytoluene’, safrole, asaricin, methyleugenol, and (−)‐asarinin, which were found to be inactive in the above assay. Among the ten known isolates, compounds 1, 2, and 5 were found for the first time in this plant.
Efficacy of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in patients with advanced prostate cancer
Authors: Ross Robert W. , Xie Wanling , Regan Meredith M. , Pomerantz Mark , Nakabayashi Mari , Daskivich Timothy J. , Sartor Oliver , Taplin Mary‐Ellen , Kantoff Philip W. , Oh William K.
Published: February 2008

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to compare predictive factors for the efficacy of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in men with hormone‐sensitive prostate cancer (HSPC) either with (M+) or without (M−) metastases.

METHODS

A cohort of prostate cancer patients was identified from a medical oncology practice treated with ADT for presumed nonlocalized prostate cancer, evaluated the efficacy of ADT using prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) time to progression (TTP) and compared factors associated with TTP in M− and M+ patients.

RESULTS

In this 553 patient cohort 51% were M− and 49% M+. The median TTP on ADT for the M− group was 33.2 months, versus 15.9 months in the M+ group (P < .0001). In multivariate analyses, lower biopsy Gleason score (GS), the absence of metastases, and lower serum PSA at ADT initiation all were associated with the efficacy of ADT. The association between GS and TTP was confined to M+ patients, whereas the association between PSA at ADT initiation and TTP was confined to M− patients. Use of ADT as part of local treatment was associated with a shortened TTP in both groups (hazard ratio [HR], 1.45, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10–1.91).

CONCLUSIONS

In this large, retrospective study of HSPC patients in a medical oncology practice treated with ADT for nonlocalized prostate cancer, we found factors predicting efficacy of this treatment differed based on whether metastases were present at ADT initiation. The use of ADT as a part of local therapy was associated with a significantly decreased TTP, regardless of metastatic disease status. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Photobleaching‐based flow measurement in a commercial capillary electrophoresis chip instrument
Authors: Wang Guiren R. , Sas Ian , Jiang Hong , Janzen William P. , Hodge C. Nicholas
Published: February 2008

For microfluidic analytical instruments, a facile, fast, and accurate instrument test is highly demanded. The test includes the quantitative verification of the relationship between pressure drop and flow velocity for the hydrodynamic pump, between the electric voltage and electroosmotic flow (EOF) for the high‐voltage supply, and the chip quality. The key point for the test is the measurement of the flow velocity. However, most currently available velocimetries cannot be directly used without any instrumental modification or adding extra instruments. We applied a recently developed Laser Induced Fluorescence Photobleaching Anemometer (LIFPA) for the instrument test through measuring fluid flow velocity in a microfluidic instrument with optical measurement without any modification and extra instrument. We have successfully used the method to test Caliper HTS 250 System from Caliper Life Sciences (Hopkinton, MA) with its own light source and detector. The experimental result demonstrates that this single‐point method of measuring flow velocity can be easily used for accurate test of a microfluidic instrument in less than 10 min at extremely low cost without any modification and extra instrument.
Two New Steroidal Alkaloids from Veratrum nigrum L.
Authors: Wang Bin , Zhang Wei‐Dong , Shen Yun‐Heng , Tang Jian , Zhang Chuan , Liu Run‐hui , Lin Min , Li Hui‐Liang
Published: February 2008

Phytochemical studies on Veratrum nigrum L., collected in Shanxi, P. R. China, resulted in the isolation of two new steroidal alkaloids, 23‐methoxycyclopamine (1) and 15‐O‐(2‐methylbutanoyl)‐3‐O‐veratroylprotoverine (2). The structures of the two new compounds were established by means of extensive NMR spectroscopic studies.
Enantioselective Synthesis of β‐Blockers via Hydrolytic Kinetic Resolution of Terminal Oxiranes by Using Bimetallic Chiral {{2,2′‐[Cyclohexane‐1,2‐diylbis(nitrilomethylidyne)]bis[phenolato]}(2−)}cobalt ([Co(salen)])‐Type Complexes
Authors: Kawthekar Rahul B. , Kim Geon‐Joong
Published: February 2008

The synthesis of chirally pure β‐blockers was successfully achieved via hydrolytic kinetic resolution of butyl (±)‐4‐(oxiran‐2‐ylmethoxy)benzeneacetate ((±)‐1) and (±)‐4‐(oxiran‐2‐ylmethoxy)benzeneacetonitrile ((±)‐2) in the presence of bimetallic chiral [Co(salen)]‐type complexes. The newly synthesized bimetallic chiral [Co(salen)]‐type complexes exhibited excellent enantioselectivities of up to >98% ee in good yields (Tables 1–3).
Two Novel abeo‐Dammaranes with a Six‐Membered Acetal Moiety from Aglaia perviridisHiern
Authors: Yang Shu‐Min , Tan Chang‐Heng , Luo Hong‐Feng , Wang Dong‐Xiao , Zhu Da‐Yuan
Published: February 2008

Two novel triterpenoids, named (20S,24S)‐20,24‐epoxy‐24‐methoxy‐23(24→25)abeo‐dammaran‐3‐one (=(20S,25S)‐20,25‐epoxy‐25‐methoxy‐24,24‐dimethyl‐26,27‐dinordammaran‐3‐one; 1), (3α,20S,24S)‐ 20,24‐epoxy‐24‐methoxy‐23(24→25)abeo‐dammaran‐3‐ol‐acetate (=(3α,20S,25S)‐20,25‐epoxy‐25‐methoxy‐24,24‐dimethyl‐26,27‐dinordammaran‐3‐ol acetate; 2), together with six known dammaranes, were isolated from the EtOH extract of the twigs of Aglaia perviridis by chromatographic methods. The structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated on the basis of spectral data.
Human papillomavirus and mutated H‐ras oncogene in cervical carcinomas and pathological negative pelvic lymph nodes: A retrospective follow‐up
Authors: Landro María Eulalia , Dalbert Delia , Picconi María Alejandra , Cúneo Nicasio , González Joaquín , Vornetti Silvia , Bazán Graciela , Mural Juan , Basiletti Jorge , Teyssié Angélica Rita , Alonio Lidia Virginia
Published: February 2008

The metastasis status of pelvic lymph nodes (PLNs) seems to be a predictive factor of survival. It was suggested that the presence of HPV DNA and other biological markers in PLN may indicate a sub clinical early metastasis. The aim was to describe the prevalence and distribution patterns of HPV DNA and H‐ras mutations in intra operatively obtained cervical tumors and PLN. Thirty‐seven cervical tumors and 61 lymph node biopsies from 37 patients with cervical cancer were selected. HPV typing and location were performed by PCR/dot blot and in situ hybridization (ISH) respectively. PCR/RFLP was used to scan for mutations in H‐ras. Hundred percent of the cervical cancers and 85% of the PLN were HPV positive; co‐infection with more than one type was 27%. HPV 16 was detected alone or co‐infecting with other types in 84% of tumors and 46% of PLN; the second most frequent viral type was HPV 18 (tumor: 27%; PLN: 20%). In PLN, HPV was located in nuclei or/and cytoplasm of lymphocytes, macrophages, endothelial, and /or stromal cells. H‐ras mutations were identified in 5/24 (21%) of patients with cervical tumors showing poor or moderated differentiation. HPV DNA in histological tumor‐free PLN not necessary indicate metastasis, but it may be associated to an active immune reaction. Mutated H‐ras is probably involved in cervical carcinogenesis and its detection in tumor and metastasis free PLN may be related to early metastasis or recurrence in at least a subset of poorly differentiated cervical tumors. J. Med. Virol. 80:694–701, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic characterization of RS‐12 (S‐12), an Iranian isolate of mumps virus, by sequence analysis and comparative genomics of F, SH, and HN genes
Authors: Alirezaie Behnam , Aghaiypour Khosrow , Shafyi Abbas
Published: February 2008

RS‐12 mumps virus strain was isolated in 1986, in monkey kidney cells, from the throat‐washing of an Iranian patient and developed to RS‐12 vaccine by serial passage of the pathogen in MRC‐5 cells. During the present study, an early passage RS‐12 containing its virulent pathogenic phenotype, was characterized genetically. Its F, SH and HN genes were isolated by RT‐PCR amplification and sequenced. It is quite evident that RS‐12 belongs to genotype H, closely related to European strains but distinguishable from Asian strains. The deduced amino acid sequences of HN and F proteins that comprise immunogenic epitopes, were compared to other vaccine and wild strains. The multiple sequence alignment revealed that the RS‐12 has isoleucine and aspartic acid at positions 269 and 523 of its F and HN proteins, respectively, which could differentiate RS‐12 from other available sequences. This isolate has trivial variations in the major antigenic sites of HN protein. The frequency and pattern of F and HN glycosylation sites seems to be similar to most other strains. It seems that the mumps regional outbreak during 1986 in Iran was caused by genotype H and this strain has been spreading in countries surrounding the Caspian sea for over 17 years. These data support the previous results that RS‐12 could be an efficient vaccine, especially in the Middle East. This is the first genotype report from Iranian isolates and provides strong data on the molecular epidemiology of mumps in Iran, the Middle East, Central Asia, Russia and other countries of this region. J. Med. Virol. 80:702–710, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High prevalence of genotype 4 among hepatitis C virus‐infected intravenous drug users in North‐Eastern Poland
Authors: Chlabicz S. , Flisiak R. , Kowalczuk O. , Wiercińska‐Drapalo A. , Pytel‐Krolczuk B. , Prokopowicz D. , Chyczewski L.
Published: February 2008

The aim of this study was to describe the distribution of hepatitis C genotypes among intravenous drug users in north‐eastern Poland. The study group included intravenous drug users recruited at a drug treatment center and a clinic for HIV‐infected patients. HCV infection was confirmed by qualitative nested RT‐PCR to test for the presence of HCV RNA. Genotypes were determined by 5′UTR sequencing and comparing the results with known genotype sequences. Among 111 HCV‐infected and HCV–RNA‐positive intravenous drug users, the most prevalent genotypes were 1 (38.7%), 3 (37.8%), and 4 (23.4%). Most infections with genotype 4 (88.5%) were found among HCV–HIV‐coinfected drug users. The study demonstrated a high prevalence of genotype 4 (23.4%) among HCV‐infected Polish drug users. J. Med. Virol. 80:615–618, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Is serum uric acid a predictive factor of response to IFN‐treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection?
Authors: Pellicano Rinaldo , Puglisi Giovanni , Ciancio Alessia , Balzola Federico , Saracco Giorgio , Ciccone Giovannino , Baldi Ileana , Abate Maria Lorena , Smedile Antonina , Rizzetto Mario
Published: February 2008

Several factors, including metabolic profile, are predictive of response to standard antiviral therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C. In a retrospective study, it was investigated whether uric acid, involved in metabolic syndrome, could be included. A total of 153 patients (56.2% males; mean age 45.7 ± 11.3 years) treated with pegylated‐interferon and ribavirin were included. Eighty‐five were infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 or 4 and 68 with genotype 2 or 3. Viral load was >1,000,000 IU/ml in 101, ≤1,000,000 IU/ml in 35 and unknown in 17 patients. Ishak fibrosis score was ≤4 in 81, >4 in 15 and unknown in 57 patients. Mean serum uric acid was 5.05 ± 1.3 mg/dl. Sustained virological response (negative serum HCV‐RNA 6 months after treatment cessation) was achieved in 102 patients (67%). In the final logistic model, serum uric acid level ≥5.8 mg/dl (OR = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.30–0.62), viral load (OR = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.09–0.92) and HCV genotype (OR = 0.23; 95% CI: 0.09–0.60) were identified as the most important factors independently influencing clinical outcome. The prognostic role of serum uric acid was confirmed on the sub‐sample reporting Ishak fibrosis score (OR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.28–0.85). Serum uric acid level ≥5.8 mg/dl is predictive of poor response to HCV treatment. Prospective studies are needed to clarify the issue. J. Med. Virol. 80:628–631, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Study of the volatile profile characteristics of longan during storage by a combination sampling method coupled with GC/MS
Authors: Zhang Zhuomin , Zeng Dandan , Li Gongke
Published: February 2008

BACKGROUND: Longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) is a kind of subtropical fruit, but it has a very short shelf life under normal ambient conditions. In this work, a combination sampling method, including headspace solid phase micro‐extraction (HSSPME), simultaneous distillation extraction (SDE) and steam distillation (SD), was used to study the volatile profile characteristics of longan at the fresh and deteriorated storage phases followed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) detection. The study would provide a method for investigating the volatile profile characteristics of longan during storage and some helpful clues for quality discrimination.

RESULTS: In total, 28 and 22 volatile compounds of fresh and deteriorated longan were identified. Alkenes and esters were the main volatile components of longan. β‐ocimene accumulated, whereas allo‐ocimene and 3,4‐dimethyl‐2,4,6‐octatriene decreased during storage. Different volatile profile characteristics at the fresh and deteriorated storage phases obtained by HSSPME were specified by principal component analysis (PCA). Typical volatile compounds were distilled by a common model strategy.

CONCLUSION: The volatile profiles of longan during storage were studied using a combination of sampling methods followed by GC‐MS detection. Five typical volatiles contributing significantly to the difference in volatile profile characteristics of longan at the fresh and deteriorated storage phases were distilled using a common model strategy. These compounds are potential bio‐markers for longan degradation. Tentative results suggest that combining HSSPME with conventional volatile isolation methods would provided more representative data on changes in the volatile compounds of longan during storage and some helpful clues for quality discrimination. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Electrokinetic separation of peptides and proteins using a polyvinylamine‐coated capillary with UV and ESI‐MS detection
Authors: Wu Yue , Xie Jun , Wang Fang , Chen Zilin
Published: February 2008

In order to accomplish the analysis of peptides and proteins by capillary electrophoresis, Lupamin, a high‐molecular‐weight linear polyvinylamine (PVAm) polymer, was introduced to modify the inner wall of fused‐silica capillaries by physical absorption. Thanks to the high density of positively charged amino groups in Lupamin under acidic conditions, not only is a strong reversed electroosmotic flow generated in the coated capillary but the adsorption of analytes on the inner wall of the capillary is also efficiently eliminated. It has been demonstrated that the Lupamin‐coated capillary can be used to advantage for the rapid analysis of amino acids, peptides, and proteins with good resolution and peak shape by capillary electrophoresis. In order to evaluate the basic feature of a Lupamin‐coated capillary, electroosmotic flows generated by a Lupamin coating layer under different conditions including pH, coating time, concentration, and the composition of electrolytes on Lupamin‐coated and uncoated capillaries were investigated. Furthermore, electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) detection was carried out for the analysis of amino acids and peptides.
Estimating failure time distribution and its parameters based on intermediate data from a Wiener degradation model
Authors: Tang Jen , Su Tsui‐Shu
Published: February 2008

Instead of measuring a Wiener degradation or performance process at predetermined time points to track degradation or performance of a product for estimating its lifetime, we propose to obtain the first‐passage times of the process over certain nonfailure thresholds. Based on only these intermediate data, we obtain the uniformly minimum variance unbiased estimator and uniformly most accurate confidence interval for the mean lifetime. For estimating the lifetime distribution function, we propose a modified maximum likelihood estimator and a new estimator and prove that, by increasing the sample size of the intermediate data, these estimators and the above‐mentioned estimator of the mean lifetime can achieve the same levels of accuracy as the estimators assuming one has failure times. Thus, our method of using only intermediate data is useful for highly reliable products when their failure times are difficult to obtain. Furthermore, we show that the proposed new estimator of the lifetime distribution function is more accurate than the standard and modified maximum likelihood estimators. We also obtain approximate confidence intervals for the lifetime distribution function and its percentiles. Finally, we use light‐emitting diodes as an example to illustrate our method and demonstrate how to validate the Wiener assumption during the testing. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2008