bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enantioselectivity in chronic toxicology and accumulation of the synthetic pyrethroid insecticide bifenthrin in Daphnia magna
Authors: Zhao Meirong , Wang Cui , Liu Kevin K. , Sun Liwei , Li Ling , Liu Weiping
Published: February 2009

Introduced in the early 1980s, synthetic pyrethroids (SPs) are widely used in controlling a multitude of agricultural and domestic insect species, but they are highly toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates. To date, however, studies have not adequately associated enantioselectivity in biological behavior with toxicity, especially regarding uptake and chronic toxicity. This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between chronic enantioselective toxicity and enantioselective accumulation of cis-bifenthrin (cis-BF) in Daphnia magna by 14C-labeled assay. The results demonstrated a clear enantioselectivity in chronic toxicity, for which 1R-cis-BF was evidently more toxic to D. magna than 1S-cis-BF. The lowest-observed-effective concentration in terms of survival and fecundity for 1R-cis-BF were almost 40- and 80-fold higher than that of 1S-cis-BF on day 7 and day 14, respectively. Further studies indicated that the accumulation of 1R-cis-BF was approximately 14- to 40-fold more than that of 1S-cis-BF in D. magna. This enantioselective accumulation also was consistent with the enantioselectivity in chronic toxicity of cis-BF. Thus, our results support the notion that enantioselectivity in chronic toxicity may be caused primarily by an enantiomer-specific biological process, such as uptake in aquatic organisms. This suggests that to properly assess the risk associated with use of SPs, the potential for enantioselectivity in their biotransformation and toxicity should be evaluated concurrently.
Using propensity scores to estimate the effects of insecticides on stream invertebrates from observational data
Authors: Yuan Lester L. , Pollard Amina I. , Carlisle Daren M.
Published: February 2009

Analyses of observational data can provide insights into relationships between environmental conditions and biological responses across a broader range of natural conditions than experimental studies, potentially complementing insights gained from experiments. However, observational data must be analyzed carefully to minimize the likelihood that confounding variables bias observed relationships. Propensity scores provide a robust approach for controlling for the effects of measured confounding variables when analyzing observational data. Here, we use propensity scores to estimate changes in mean invertebrate taxon richness in streams that have experienced insecticide concentrations that exceed aquatic life use benchmark concentrations. A simple comparison of richness in sites exposed to elevated insecticides with those that were not exposed suggests that exposed sites had on average 6.8 fewer taxa compared to unexposed sites. The presence of potential confounding variables makes it difficult to assert a causal relationship from this simple comparison. After controlling for confounding factors using propensity scores, the difference in richness between exposed and unexposed sites was reduced to 4.1 taxa, a difference that was still statistically significant. Because the propensity score analysis controlled for the effects of a wide variety of possible confounding variables, we infer that the change in richness observed in the propensity score analysis was likely caused by insecticide exposure.
Effects of a Hepatitis C Virus Educational Intervention or a Motivational Intervention on Alcohol Use, Injection Drug Use, and Sexual Risk Behaviors Among Injection Drug Users
Authors: Zule William A. , Costenbader Elizabeth C. , Coomes Curtis M. , Wechsberg Wendee M.
Published: February 2009

Objectives. We compared the effects of 2 interventions on alcohol use, use of a new syringe at last injection, and condom use at last sexual encounter in a community sample of injection drug users.

Methods. Between 2003 and 2006, 851 out-of-treatment injection drug users were recruited in Raleigh, NC, and Durham, NC, through street outreach and were randomly assigned to either a 6-session educational intervention or a 6-session motivational intervention. Intervention effects were examined at 6 and 12 months after enrollment.

Results. In multiple logistic regression analyses adjusted for baseline alcohol use and HCV status, participants assigned to the motivational intervention were significantly less likely than were participants in the educational intervention to be drinking at the 6-month follow-up (odds ratio = 0.67; 95% confidence interval = 0.46, 0.97). There were no significant between-group differences in use of a new syringe at last injection or condom use at last sexual encounter at either follow-up.

Conclusions. Reducing alcohol use among persons with HCV may slow disease progression and provide important health benefits. Additional strategies are needed for slowing HCV disease progression until more effective HCV treatments are available.
Condom Use and High-Risk Sexual Acts in Adult Films: A Comparison of Heterosexual and Homosexual Films
Authors: Grudzen Corita R. , Elliott Marc N. , Kerndt Peter R. , Schuster Mark A. , Brook Robert H. , Gelberg Lillian
Published: February 2009

Objectives. We compared the prevalence of condom use during a variety of sexual acts portrayed in adult films produced for heterosexual and homosexual audiences to assess compliance with state Occupational Health and Safety Administration regulations.

Methods. We analyzed 50 heterosexual and 50 male homosexual films released between August 1, 2005, and July 31, 2006, randomly selected from the distributor of 85% of the heterosexual adult films released each year in the United States.

Results. Penile–vaginal intercourse was protected with condoms in 3% of heterosexual scenes. Penile–anal intercourse, common in both heterosexual (42%) and homosexual (80%) scenes, was much less likely to be protected with condoms in heterosexual than in homosexual scenes (10% vs 78%; P < .001). No penile–oral acts were protected with condoms in any of the selected films.

Conclusions. Heterosexual films were much less likely than were homosexual films to portray condom use, raising concerns about transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, especially among performers in heterosexual adult films. In addition, the adult film industry, especially the heterosexual industry, is not adhering to state occupational safety regulations.
Black Men Who Have Sex With Men and the Association of Down-Low Identity With HIV Risk Behavior
Authors: Bond Lisa , Wheeler Darrell P. , Millett Gregorio A. , LaPollo Archana Bodas , Carson Lee F. , Liau Adrian
Published: February 2009

Black men “on the down low” have been considered prime agents of HIV transmission in the Black community despite little empirical evidence. We assessed the relationship between down-low identification and sexual risk outcomes among 1151 Black MSM. Down-low Identification was not associated with unprotected anal or vaginal sex with male or female partners. Future HIV prevention programs and research should target sexual risk behaviors of Black men, irrespective of identity, and not focus on the “down low.”
Contribution of Race/Ethnicity and Country of Origin to Variations in Lifetime Reported Asthma: Evidence for a Nativity Advantage
Authors: Subramanian S. V. , Jun Hee-Jin , Kawachi Ichiro , Wright Rosalind J.
Published: February 2009

Objectives. We assessed the relative contribution of Hispanic ethnicity, country of origin, and nativity to lifetime prevalence of asthma among mothers and children enrolled in the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods.

Methods. We used multilevel models to analyze data from wave 3 of the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods study (2000 to 2001). Mothers reported physician-diagnosed asthma for themselves and their children. Maternal race, ethnicity, country of origin, and nativity were the predictors of interest.

Results. We found substantial heterogeneity in lifetime asthma within Hispanic subgroups for mothers and children. Hispanics of non-Mexican origin had greater odds of having asthma than did non-Hispanic Whites; respondents of Mexican origin did not differ from non-Hispanic Whites. Odds of experiencing asthma were more strongly related to nativity than to race, Hispanic ethnicity, or country of origin. Only immigrant Mexicans reported asthma prevalence lower than that of native non-Hispanic Whites.

Conclusions. Nativity is a strong predictor of lifetime asthma prevalence, suggesting the importance of potential interactions between genetic susceptibilities and environmental factors in both the native and the host countries.
HIV Risk Associated With Gay Bathhouses and Sex Clubs: Findings From 2 Seattle Surveys of Factors Related to HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections
Authors: Reidy William J. , Spielberg Freya , Wood Robert , Binson Diane , Woods William J. , Goldbaum Gary M.
Published: February 2009

Objectives. We studied the HIV risk behaviors of patrons of the 3 commercial sex venues for men in Seattle, Washington.

Methods. We conducted cross-sectional, observational surveys in 2004 and 2006 by use of time–venue cluster sampling with probability proportional to size. Surveys were anonymous and self-reported. We analyzed the 2004 data to identify patron characteristics and predictors of risk behaviors and compared the 2 survey populations.

Results. Fourteen percent of respondents reported a previous HIV-positive test, 14% reported unprotected anal intercourse, and 9% reported unprotected anal intercourse with a partner of unknown or discordant HIV status during the current commercial sex venue visit. By logistic regression, recent unprotected anal intercourse outside of a commercial sex venue was independently associated with unprotected anal intercourse. Sex venue site and patron drug use were strongly associated with unprotected anal intercourse at the crude level. The 2004 and 2006 survey populations did not differ significantly in demographics or behaviors.

Conclusions. Patron and venue-specific characteristics factors may each influence the frequency of HIV risk behaviors in commercial sex venues. Future research should evaluate the effect of structural and individual-level interventions on HIV transmission.
Aerobic moving bed bioreactor performance: a comparative study of removal efficiencies of kraft mill effluents from Pinus radiata and Eucalyptus globulus as raw material
Authors: Villamar C. A. , Jarpa M. , Decap J. , Vidal G.
Published: February 2009

A Moving Bed Bioreactor (MBBR) was operated during 333 days. Two different effluents were fed in six different phases. Phases I and II were fed with effluent where Pinus radiata was used as raw material, while phases III to VI were fed with effluent where Eucalyptus globulus was used as raw material. The HRT was reduced from 85 to 4 h, and the BOD5:N:P ratio (100:5:1, 100:3:1 and 100:1:1) was also simultaneously evaluated as an operation strategy. When MBBR was operated with Pinus radiata influent, the performance presents a high BOD5 removal level (above 95%), although COD removal is below 60%. Most of the recalcitrant COD contained in the effluent has a molecular weight higher than 10,000 Da. When MBBR was operated with Eucalyptus globulus influent, the performance is around 97.9-97.6% and 68.6-65.1% for BOD5 and COD, respectively (with HRT up to 17 h). In the Pinus radiata and Eucalyptus globus effluents, the color was mainly found in the molecular weight fraction up to 10,000 Daltons.
Excess nitrogen accumulation in activated sludge in sequencing batch reactor with a single-stage oxic process
Authors: Li Xiao-ming , Wang Dong-bo , Yang Qi , Zheng Wei , Cao Jian-bin , Yue Xiu , Shen Ting-ting , Zeng Guang-ming , Deng Jiu-hua
Published: February 2009

It was occasionally found that a significant nitrogen loss in solution under neutral pH value in a sequencing batch reactor with a single-stage oxic process using synthetic wastewater, and then further studies were to verify the phenomenon of nitrogen loss and to investigate the pathway of nitrogen removal. The result showed that good performance of nitrogen removal was obtained in system. 0–7.28 mg L−1 ammonia, 0.08–0.38 mg L−1 nitrite and 0.94–2.12 mg L−1 nitrate were determined in effluent, respectively, when 29.85–35.65 mg L−1 ammonia was feeding as the sole nitrogen source in influent. Furthermore, a substantial nitrogen loss in solution (95% of nitrogen influent) coupled with a little gaseous nitrogen increase in off-gas (7% of nitrogen influent) was determined during a typical aerobic phase. In addition, about 322 mg nitrogen accumulation (84% of nitrogen influent) was detected in activated sludge. Based on nitrogen mass balance calculation, the unaccounted nitrogen fraction and the ratio of nitrogen accumulation in sludge/nitrogen loss in solution were 14.6 mg (3.7% of nitrogen influent) and 0.89, respectively. The facts indicated that the essential pathway of nitrogen loss in solution in this study was excess nitrogen accumulation in activated sludge.
Using FBRM to investigate the sewage sludge flocculation efficiency of cationic polyelectrolytes
Authors: Thapa K. B. , Qi Y. , Hoadley A. F.
Published: February 2009

Polyelectrolyte flocculation is a commonly used method for sewage sludge conditioning. The rate and extent of water removal from the flocculated sludge depends on the properties of the polyelectrolytes. This study investigates the flocculation performance of four different cationic polyelectrolytes using an in-situ laser probe which uses focused beam reflectance measurements (FBRM). It is used to characterise the floc number and size distribution of the flocculated sludge at various polyelectrolyte doses. Results show that the FBRM technique is very successful in tracking the change in particle population and chord lengths during the sludge flocculation process. The FBRM offers an alternative method for optimising the flocculation system in both selecting the flocculant and determining its optimum dose. Both the reduction in particle count for particles of less than 10 μm and the flocculation efficiency defined from the amount of the original sludge distribution remaining after flocculation correlate well with dewatering performance.
Effect of ultrasonic treatment on swine wastewater solubilization
Authors: Lee Y. H. , Kim S.-M. , Na S. , So K.-H. , Nam J.-J.
Published: February 2009

In order to accelerate hydrolysis known to be the rate-limiting step of the overall digestion process for swine wastewater, an ultrasonic treatment process was tested for the solubilization of the swine wastewater. The effectiveness of ultrasonic solubilization of the swine wastewater under various operational conditions was compared by means of an increment of soluble organics in the treated swine wastewater and the hydrolysis rate constant. Ultrasonic treatment resulted in the high degree of solubilization of particulate organics in the swine wastewater and the degree of solubilization increased with increasing supplied energy. The highest extent of an increment of SCOD concentration and SCOD/TCOD ratio at the end of the operation time of 60 min was 109.7 and 117.5%, respectively, under 120 W power output and 20oC operating temperature conditions. The observed highest hydrolysis rate constant described by pseudo-first order rate constant was 2.94 h−1 under the same conditions. Based on the estimated activation energy from modeling using the Arrhenius equation, ultrasonic solubilization of the swine wastewater under higher supplied energy conditions was more dependent on the operating temperature, which was consistent with the experimentally obtained results. Based on the investigation into the effect of gas type and gas delivery methods for ultrasonic solubilization of the swine wastewater, oxygen gas bubbling through the liquid showed the highest degree of an increment of soluble organics possibly attributed to the influent of oxygen in an increase of radicals during the sonolysis.
The development of an ecological approach to manage the pollution risk from highway runoff
Authors: Crabtree B. , Dempsey P. , Johnson I. , Whitehead M.
Published: February 2009

In the UK, the Highways Agency is responsible for operating, maintaining and improving the strategic road network in England. One focus of the Highways Agency's ongoing research into the nature and impact of highway runoff is aimed at ensuring that the Highways Agency will meet the requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive. A research programme, undertaken in partnership with the Environment Agency, is in progress to develop a better understanding of pollutants in highway runoff and their ecological impact. The paper presents the outcome of a study to: (1) monitor pollutants in highway runoff under different climate and traffic conditions; (2) develop standards to assess potential ecological risks from soluble pollutants in highway runoff; and (3) develop a model to predict pollutant concentrations in highway runoff. The model has been embedded in a design tool incorporating risk assessment procedures and receiving water standards for soluble and insoluble pollutants—the latter has been developed elsewhere in another project within the research programme. The design tool will be used to support improved guidance on where, and to what level, treatment of runoff is required for highway designers to manage the risk of ecological impact from highway runoff.
A parameter identifiability and estimation study in Yesilirmak River
Authors: Berber R. , Yuceer M. , Karadurmus E.
Published: February 2009

Water quality models have relatively large number of parameters, which need to be estimated against observed data through a non-trivial task that is associated with substantial difficulties. This work involves a systematic model calibration and validation study for river water quality. The model considered was composed of dynamic mass balances for eleven pollution constituents, stemming from QUAL2E water quality model by considering a river segment as a series of continuous stirred-tank reactors (CSTRs). Parameter identifiability was analyzed from the perspective of sensitivity measure and collinearity index, which indicated that 8 parameters would fall within the identifiability range. The model parameters were then estimated by an integration based optimization algorithm coupled with sequential quadratic programming. Dynamic field data consisting of major pollutant concentrations were collected from sampling stations along Yesilirmak River around the city of Amasya in Turkey, and compared with model predictions. The calibrated model responses were in good agreement with the observed river water quality data, and this indicated that the suggested procedure provided an effective means for reliable estimation of model parameters and dynamic simulation for river streams.
Impacts of the climate change on runoff and diffuse phosphorus load to Lake Balaton (Hungary)
Authors: Kovács Á. , Clement A.
Published: February 2009

The paper outlines a multi-component assessment of the impacts of the climate change on runoff and total phosphorus loads to the large shallow Lake Balaton in Hungary. Present hydrological cycle of the lake catchment has been examined using the rainfall-runoff model WetSpa. Particular phosphorus concentration in runoff was estimated on the basis of the simulated streamflow using an empirical power equation. Dissolved phosphorus concentrations were determined as a function of landuse and soil type of the corresponding sub-catchment. The model was calibrated and validated against daily observations manually at monitoring sites of sixteen inflowing streams around the lake. Runoff stemming from shoreline urban developments was calculated by the urban runoff simulation model SWMM. Phosphorus concentrations in urban runoff were calculated by an empirical relationship derived from field measurements. The model was henceforward run for climate change scenario analysis. Present weather data were modified by the climate change scenarios imported from the results of the CLIME project. The results indicate that the impact of the climate change on runoff and phosphorus load appears in the change of the distribution within a time period rather than in the total volume. However, due to the high uncertainties in climate models, the presented calculations are possible assumptions rather than established statements.
Using Cultural Competence Constructs to Understand Food Practices and Provide Diabetes Care and Education
Authors: Goody Cynthia M. , Drago Lorena
Published: February 2009

By 2050, > 50% of the U.S. population will consist of people from different cultural backgrounds. The dynamic, growing population shifts in the United States and the changing health status of various cultural, ethnic, and racial groups create exciting challenges for health care professionals. Increasing evidence about culture and health emphasizes the importance of understanding and applying cultural constructs as a part of diabetes care and education. To understand the connections between cultural food practices and diabetes among ethnic and racial groups, cultural competence first must be gained. This article presents a discussion about applying the Campinha-Bacote Model of cultural competency to the task of understanding the relationship between cultural food practices and diabetes.
Carbonic anhydrases in meningiomas: association of endothelial carbonic anhydrase II with aggressive tumor features
Authors: Korhonen Katariina , Parkkila Anna-Kaisa , Helen Pauli , Välimäki Ritva , Pastorekova Silvia , Pastorek Jaromir , Parkkila Seppo , Haapasalo Hannu
Published: February 2009

Object

Carbonic anhydrase (CA) II and IX are enzymes involved in pH homeostasis and have been shown to be upregulated in several types of cancer. In this study, the authors evaluate the expression of CA II and IX in meningiomas and assess their relationship to patient age, tumor type and grade, tumor sex hormone receptor status, tumor cell proliferation, and tumor recurrence.

Methods

This study was conducted in consecutive patients who underwent meningioma surgeries at Tampere University Hospital between 1989 and 1999. The expression of CA II and IX was studied immunohistochemically using a tissue microarray technique and specific antibodies.

Results

Immunohistological staining with CA II and IX was assessed in 443 primary and 67 recurrent tumor specimens. Of these samples, 455 were benign (WHO Grade I), 49 atypical (Grade II), and 6 malignant (Grade III). Endothelial cells in 14.8% of the tumors stained positively for CA II. Tumor cells were positive for CA IX in 11.6% of the cases. Endothelial CA II expression correlated with increasing histological grade (p = 0.002), and tumor proliferation rates were higher in CA II+ versus CA II− cases (p = 0.002). Androgen receptor–negative tumors were found to be CA II+ significantly more often than androgen receptor–positive tumors (p = 0.001). No associations were found with the CA IX enzyme.

Conclusions

Carbonic anhydrase II positivity in the endothelium was associated with cell proliferation and malignancy grade. These results suggest that CA II expression is associated with malignant progression of meningiomas and could thus be a target molecule for anticancer therapy.
Relationship between the ophthalmic artery and the dural ring of the internal carotid artery
Authors: Horiuchi Tetsuyoshi , Tanaka Yuichiro , Kusano Yoshikazu , Yako Takehiro , Sasaki Tetsuo , Hongo Kazuhiro
Published: February 2009

Object

The ophthalmic artery (OphA) usually arises from the intradural internal carotid artery (ICA), and the extradural origin has also been known. However, the interdural origin is extremely rare. The purpose of this paper was to clarify the origin of the OphA in patients with a paraclinoid aneurysm in the ICA based on intraoperative findings.

Methods

The authors retrospectively examined 156 patients who underwent direct surgical treatment for 166 paraclinoid aneurysms during a 17-year period. Based on intraoperative findings, 119 ophthalmic arteries were analyzed with respect to their origins.

Results

The OphA originated from the intradural ICA on 102 sides (85.7%), extradural on 9 (7.6%), and interdural on 8 (6.7%). Although the extradural origin might be recognized preoperatively, it was difficult to distinguish the interdural origin of the OphA from the intradural one.

Conclusions

The incidence of the interdural origin was 6.7% and was not as rare as the authors expected. Neurosurgeons should know the possible existence of the interdural origin of the OphA to section the medial side of the dural ring.
A New O-Terpenoidal Coumarin from Clausena anisum-olens Merr.
Authors: Wang Yun-Song , Xu Hong-Yi , Wang Da-Xiang , Yang Jing-Hua
Published: February 2009

A new O-terpenoidal coumarin 1, named hekumarone, was isolated from the leaves and twigs of Clausena anisum-olens Merr.(Rutaceae) collected in Hekou County in Yunnan Province, P. R. China. Structure elucidation and unambiguous NMR assignments for the title compound was carried out on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR experiments.
Modeling Gross Primary Production of Agro-Forestry Ecosystems by Assimilation of Satellite-Derived Information in a Process-Based Model
Authors: Migliavacca Mirco , Meroni Michele , Busetto Lorenzo , Colombo Roberto , Zenone Terenzio , Matteucci Giorgio , Manca Giovanni , Seufert Guenther
Published: February 2009

In this paper we present results obtained in the framework of a regional-scale analysis of the carbon budget of poplar plantations in Northern Italy. We explored the ability of the process-based model BIOME-BGC to estimate the gross primary production (GPP) using an inverse modeling approach exploiting eddy covariance and satellite data. We firstly present a version of BIOME-BGC coupled with the radiative transfer models PROSPECT and SAILH (named PROSAILH-BGC) with the aims of i) improving the BIOME-BGC description of the radiative transfer regime within the canopy and ii) allowing the assimilation of remotely-sensed vegetation index time series, such as MODIS NDVI, into the model. Secondly, we present a two-step model inversion for optimization of model parameters. In the first step, some key ecophysiological parameters were optimized against data collected by an eddy covariance flux tower. In the second step, important information about phenological dates and about standing biomass were optimized against MODIS NDVI. Results obtained showed that the PROSAILH-BGC allowed simulation of MODIS NDVI with good accuracy and that we described better the canopy radiation regime. The inverse modeling approach was demonstrated to be useful for the optimization of ecophysiological model parameters, phenological dates and parameters related to the standing biomass, allowing good accuracy of daily and annual GPP predictions. In summary, this study showed that assimilation of eddy covariance and remote sensing data in a process model may provide important information for modeling gross primary production at regional scale.
Diversification of inflorescence development in the PCK clade (Poaceae: Panicoideae: Paniceae)
Authors: Reinheimer Renata , Zuloaga Fernando O. , Vegetti Abelardo C. , Pozner Raúl
Published: February 2009

In grasses, inflorescence diversification and its correlation with species evolution are intriguing and not well understood. Part of this problem lies in our lack of comprehension about the inflorescence morphological complexity of grasses. We focused our study on the PCK clade (named for phosphoenol pyruvate carboxykinase), a well‐supported monophyletic group for which the relationships among its taxa are not well resolved. Interestingly, the PCK clade has an extensive diversity of adult inflorescence forms. A comparative developmental approach can help us to understand the basis of such morphological differences as well as provide characters that can be used in phylogenetic studies of the group. Using SEM studies, we demonstrate that inflorescence morphology in this clade is even more complex than what is typically observed in adult forms. We describe a number of new characters, and some classical features previously used for taxonomic purposes are redefined on the basis of development. We also define four morphological groups combining adult inflorescence form and development, and we discuss some of the evolutionary aspects of inflorescence diversification in the PCK clade. Taxonomic delimitation among genera in the PCK clade remains confusing and unclear where molecular and morphological studies support different classifications.
Fundamentals of Metal‐induced Crystallization of Amorphous Semiconductors
Authors: Wang Zumin , Jeurgens Lars P. H. , Wang Jiang Y. , Mittemeijer Eric J.
Published: February 2009

A general, quantitative model has been developed that provides fundamental understanding of the metal‐induced crystallization (MIC) of amorphous semiconductors. Interface thermodynamics has been shown to play a decisive role for the whether or not occurrence of MIC. The model has been employed to predict the MIC temperature for various metal/amorphous‐semiconductor systems. A consequence of the model is the prediction that the thickness of an ultrathin, pure Al film put on the top of an amorphous Si layer can be used as a very accurate tool to tune the crystallization temperature of amorphous Si. These theoretical predictions have been confirmed experimentally. The fundamental understanding reached may lead to pronounced technological progress in the low‐temperature manufacturing of crystalline‐Si‐based devices deposited on cheap and flexible substrates such as glasses, plastics, and possibly even papers.
Molecular cytogenetic investigation of two patients with Y chromosome rearrangements and intellectual disability
Authors: Tyson C. , Dawson A.J. , Bal S. , Tomiuk M. , Anderson T. , Tucker D. , Riordan D. , Chudoba I. , Morash B. , Mhanni A. , Chudley A.E. , McGillivray B. , Parslow M. , Rappold G. , Roeth R. , Fawcett C. , Qiao Y. , Harvard C. , Rajcan‐Separovic E.
Published: February 2009

We describe two males with intellectual disability (ID) and facial dysmorphism, both of whom have non‐mosaic Y chromosome rearrangements resulting in deletions of large portions of the Y chromosome. Patient A, with ID, mild dysmorphism, speech delay, Duane anomaly of the eye, hypermetropia and conductive hearing loss, had two structurally rearranged Y chromosomes resulting in both p and q arm deletions in addition to a Yp duplication. Patient B, also with speech and language delay, developmental delay and short stature, had an interstitial deletion of Yq11.21–11.23. Array‐CGH excluded the presence of additional submicroscopic rearrangements at the 1 Mb resolution level. A review of males with Y chromosome rearrangements and ID was performed. Our study provides a more detailed molecular cytogenetic assessment of Y rearrangements in individuals with ID than has been previously possible, and facilitates assessment and comparison of other individuals with a Y chromosome rearrangement. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reversible Phasenübergänge in Buckybowl‐Monoschichten
Authors: Merz Leo , Parschau Manfred , Zoppi Laura , Baldridge Kim K. , Siegel Jay S. , Ernst Karl‐Heinz
Published: February 2009

Wie Pinguine auf dem Eis rücken Fullerenschalen beim Abkühlen auf einer Kupferoberfläche zusammen und bilden ein um 14 % dichteres zweidimensionales Gitter. Beim Erwärmen breiten sie sich wieder zum ursprünglichen Gitter aus. Die geringere Dichte bei Raumtemperatur wird durch Anregung von frustrierten Inversionsschwingungen erklärt, die eine Entropieerhöhung und einen größeren Platzbedarf bewirken.

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Reversible Phase Transitions in a Buckybowl Monolayer
Authors: Merz Leo , Parschau Manfred , Zoppi Laura , Baldridge Kim K. , Siegel Jay S. , Ernst Karl‐Heinz
Published: February 2009

Like penguins on ice, buckybowl molecules move closer together when cooled on a copper surface (see model of a corannulene molecule adsorbed on Cu(111)). Upon heating, the molecules spread out into the original crystal phase again. The lower density at room temperature can be explained by the increase in entropy owing to the excitation of bowl vibrations at the surface.

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Synthesis of an oxetane‐functionalized hemispiroorthocarbonate used as a low‐shrinkage additive in the cationic ultraviolet curing of oxetane monomers
Authors: Sangermano M. , Giannelli S. , Ortiz R. Acosta , Duarte M. L. Berlanga , Gonzalez A. K. Rueda , Valdez A. E. Garcia
Published: February 2009

The synthesis of an hemispiroorthocarbonate functionalized with an oxetane group is reported. The obtained monomer was used as a slow shrinkable additive in the cationic ultraviolet curing of a commercially available dioxetane resin. We evidenced polymer network flexibilization by increasing the oxetane‐functionalized hemispiroorthocarbonate content in the photocurable formulation. It was demonstrated that spiroorthocarbonate acted as a shrinkage reduction additive and reached expansion on volume after polymerization in the presence of 50 wt % of the functionalized spiroorthocarbonate. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA)/multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanocomposite foams
Authors: Park Keun‐Wan , Kim Gue‐Hyun
Published: February 2009

In this study, multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) nanocomposite bulk foams were prepared for static dissipative applications by using melt compounding method, the most compatible with current industrial applications. Closed‐cell structure was verified with Scanning Electron Microscope. All the mechanical properties investigated improved with increasing content of MWCNT except elongation at break. At 5 phr of MWCNT, significant improvement of mechanical properties and compression set were observed. Also, the surface resistivity begins to decrease at 5 phr of MWCNT. Interestingly, the increase of surface resistivity of nanocomposite foams with 8 and 10 phr MWCNT were observed with increasing thickness of removed surface layers. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Implementation and assessment of computer integrated manufacturing in systems engineering education
Authors: Şişbot Sedat , Tunc Murat , Çamdali Ünal
Published: February 2009

This article is concerned with the presentation of consolidation of Industrial Engineering (IE) and Automation and Control Engineering (ACE) under Systems Engineering frame while demonstrating how Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) systems can be a sufficient for the proper perspective on the topic of concern, Systems Engineering practical example conforming to this integration. Systems Engineering involves with finding integrated solutions to problems that are of large scale and scope, which are in the nature of cross and inter‐disciplinary. The article addresses to certain details, identity, and Systems Engineering program at Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey which consolidates IE, and ACE. CIM system can be considered as a typical Systems Engineering topic of concern since its hierarchical structure and sufficient complexity as well as being tangible and scalable for the purpose of education. CIM philosophy can be viewed as the peak of ongoing effort in the application of automation in the manufacturing and it encapsulates the total manufacturing enterprise through the use of integrated systems and data communications coupled with new managerial philosophies that improve organizational and personnel efficiency. The manufacturing of a simple toy car in the CIM lab is presented as a case study to demonstrate exploiting the concepts and notions given in the IE and ACE. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 18: 117–129, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com); DOI 10.1002/cae.20215
Occurrence of hypokalemia in suspected acute myocardial infarction and its relation to clinical history and clinical course
Authors: Herlitz J. , HJALMARSON Å. , Bengtson A.
Published: February 2009

In 1350 patients with suspected acute myocardial infarction, serum potassium levels during the first 3 days in hospital was correlated to clinical history and clinical course. A higher incidence of hypokalemia was observed in women, in patients with hypertension, and in those on chronic diuretic treatment. Patients with anterior infarction had a higher incidence of hypokalemia than those with inferior infarction, as did patients with large as compared with small infarcts. No clear difference was observed between patients whose infarction was confirmed and those in whom the diagnosis was not confirmed. Independent predictors for hypokalemia were treatment with diuretics before admission to hospital, infarct size, and female sex. Hypokalemia during the first 3 days of hospitalization was associated with the occurrence of severe ventricular arrhythmias during hospitalization, but not with survival during a 5‐year follow‐up.
In Silico Screening for PTPN22 Inhibitors: Active Hits from an Inactive Phosphatase Conformation
Authors: Wu Shuangding , Bottini Massimo , Rickert Robert C. , Mustelin Tomas , Tautz Lutz
Published: February 2009

2‐Benzamidobenzoic acids seem to stabilize PTPN22 phosphatase in its inactive 'open' conformation with the WPD loop locked in a distal position. In silico screening using both 3D structures in open and closed conformations yielded potent inhibitors of this potential drug target for autoimmunity that specifically dock into its open form. Tryptophan fluorescence measurements support the proposed binding mode.

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A gain‐of‐function mutant of the lymphoid phosphatase Lyp (PTPN22) has recently been implicated in type 1 diabetes and other autoimmune diseases, suggesting that small‐molecule inhibitors of Lyp could be useful for the treatment of autoimmunity. Virtual ligand screening (VLS) was applied in the search for hit compounds. Two different docking algorithms, FlexX and ICM, were used to screen a library of 'drug‐like' molecules against two different 3D structures, representing the catalytic site of Lyp in both the inactive 'open' and active 'closed' conformations. The top‐scoring compounds of each VLS run were tested for their inhibitory activity against recombinant Lyp. Interestingly, VLS with both active and inactive conformations yielded very potent hits, with IC50 values in the sub‐ and low‐micromolar range. Moreover, many of these hits showed high docking scores only with one conformation. For instance, this was the case with several 2‐benzamidobenzoic acid derivatives, which specifically docked into the inactive open form. Tryptophan fluorescence measurements further support a binding mode in which these compounds seem to stabilize the phosphatase in its inactive conformation.
Fluorescent Benzofurazan–Cholic Acid Conjugates for in vitro Assessment of Bile Acid Uptake and Its Modulation by Drugs
Authors: Rohacova Jana , Marín M. Luisa , Martinez‐Romero Alicia , Diaz Laura , O'Connor José‐Enrique , Gomez‐Lechon M. Jose , Donato M. Teresa , Castell José V. , Miranda Miguel A.
Published: February 2009

Fluorescent synthetic7‐nitrobenzo‐2‐oxa‐1,3‐diazole (NBD) conjugates of cholic acid were prepared and characterized. Their photophysical properties make them suitable for monitoring uptake in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes using flow cytometry. This technique makes it possible to screen drug candidates for cholestatic (and thus hepatotoxic) liability.

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One of the most common mechanisms of hepatotoxicity is drug‐induced cholestasis. Hence, new approaches for screening the cholestatic potential of drug candidates are desirable. In this context, we describe herein the use of synthetic 4‐nitrobenzo‐2‐oxa‐1,3‐diazole (NBD) fluorescent conjugates of cholic acid (ChA) at positions 3α, 3β, 7α, and 7β for in vitro assessment of bile acid uptake. All the conjugates show a strong absorption band between 400 and 550 nm and have a fluorescence quantum yield of∼0.45, with an emission maximum centered at∼530 nm. After their photophysical characterization, 3α‐, 3β‐, 7α‐, and 7β‐NBD–ChA were used to monitor uptake in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes by means of a previously optimized flow cytometry technique. Transport of the cholic acid derivatives inside the cell was detected and quantified by measuring the increase of NBD green fluorescence within cells over time. The effect of troglitazone, a well‐known inhibitor of bile acid uptake by the sodium taurocholate co‐transporting polypeptide, supports the specificity of fluorescent NBD–ChA transport. According to the final intracellular fluorescence level attained and the uptake rate, 3α‐NBD–ChA was found to be the most efficient derivative. Furthermore, sodium valproate, cyclosporin A, and chlorpromazine decreased the uptake of 3α‐NBD–ChA, in agreement with their relative in vivo potency as cholestatic compounds; in contrast, sodium citrate (the negative control) had no effect. These results support the suitability of the in vitro flow cytometric assay with NBD–ChA to detect compounds that affect bile acid uptake.
Factors affecting the performance of parallel mining of minimal unique itemsets on diverse architectures
Authors: Haglin D. J. , Mayes K. R. , Manning A. M. , Feo J. , Gurd J. R. , Elliot M. , Keane J. A.
Published: February 2009

Three parallel implementations of a divide‐and‐conquer search algorithm (called SUDA2) for finding minimal unique itemsets (MUIs) are compared in this paper. The identification of MUIs is used by national statistics agencies for statistical disclosure assessment. The first parallel implementation adapts SUDA2 to a symmetric multi‐processor cluster using the message passing interface (MPI), which we call an MPI cluster; the second optimizes the code for the Cray MTA2 (a shared‐memory, multi‐threaded architecture) and the third uses a heterogeneous ‘group’ of workstations connected by LAN. Each implementation considers the parallel structure of SUDA2, and how the subsearch computation times and sequence of subsearches affect load balancing. All three approaches scale with the number of processors, enabling SUDA2 to handle larger problems than before. For example, the MPI implementation is able to achieve nearly two orders of magnitude improvement with 132 processors. Performance results are given for a number of data sets. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Middleware extensions that trade consistency for availability
Authors: Asplund Mikael , Nadjm‐Tehrani Simin , Zagar Klemen
Published: February 2009

Replicated distributed object systems are deployed to provide timely and reliable services to actors at distributed locations. This paper treats applications in which data updates are dependent on satisfaction of integrity constraints over multiple objects. Network partitions, caused by occasional link failures, overload or attacks create problems in keeping both consistency and availability in such networks. We propose a means of achieving higher availability by providing partition‐awareness in middleware. The general approach has been illustrated by implementing a number of CORBA extensions that trade consistency for availability during network partitions. This paper contains a thorough experimental evaluation that presents the gains and costs of our approach. The experiments clearly illustrate the benefit of our protocols in terms of significantly higher availability and the number of performed operations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parallel eigenvalue reordering in real Schur forms
Authors: Granat R. , Kågström B. , Kressner D.
Published: February 2009

A parallel algorithm for reordering the eigenvalues in the real Schur form of a matrix is presented and discussed. Our novel approach adopts computational windows and delays multiple outside‐window updates until each window has been completely reordered locally. By using multiple concurrent windows the parallel algorithm has a high level of concurrency, and most work is level 3 BLAS operations. The presented algorithm is also extended to the generalized real Schur form. Experimental results for ScaLAPACK‐style Fortran 77 implementations on a Linux cluster confirm the efficiency and scalability of our algorithms in terms of more than 16 times of parallel speedup using 64 processors for large‐scale problems. Even on a single processor our implementation is demonstrated to perform significantly better compared with the state‐of‐the‐art serial implementation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An evolutionary game algorithm for grid resource allocation under bounded rationality
Authors: Li Zhi‐Jie , Cheng Chun‐Tian
Published: February 2009

Resource allocation cannot reach equilibrium in one‐off game in grid environment because of the bounded rationality of the users. To address this issue, an evolutionary game algorithm for grid resource allocation is proposed in this paper. The evolutionary game theory is introduced to study the selection process of user strategy from the dynamic viewpoint. Firstly, the problem of multiple users competing for a common resource is formulated as a symmetric game. Secondly, replicated dynamic mechanism is used to produce the evolutionary stable point that leads to a satisfied allocation scenario. Finally, the relationships among the evolutionary stable point, valuation functions, and convergence time are discussed in detail. The results of the experiments show that the proposed evolutionary game algorithm is convergent and generates better utility results compared with the classical game algorithm. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design of a virtual environment aided by a model‐based formal approach using DEVS
Authors: Boukerche Azzedine , Al Hamidi Abdulaziz , Zhang Ming
Published: February 2009

Virtual environment (VE) is a modern computer technique that aims to provide an attracting and meaningful human–computer interacting platform, which can essentially help the human users to learn, to play or to be trained in a ‘like‐real’ situation. Recent advances in VE techniques have resulted in their being widely used in many areas, in particular, the E‐learning‐based training applications. Many researchers have developed the techniques for designing and implementing the 3D virtual environment; however, the existing approaches cannot fully catch up the increasing complexity of modern VE applications. In this paper, we designed and implemented a very attracting web‐based 3D virtual environment application that aims to help the training practice of personnel working in the radiology department of a hospital. Furthermore, we presented a model‐based formal approach using discrete event system specification (DEVS) to help us in validating the X3D components' behavior. As a step further, DEVS also helps to optimize our design through simulating the design alternatives. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.