bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of element concentrations in fir and rhododendron leaves and twigs along an altitudinal gradient
Authors: Sun Shou-Qin , Wu Yan-Hong , Zhou Jun , Yu Dong , Luo Ji , Bing Hai-Jian
Published: September 2011

Concentrations of 23 elements (Ca, K, Mg, P, Al, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Zn, Ag, Ba, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Pb, Sb, Th, Tl, and V) in leaf and twig samples of a fir (Abies fabri) and a rhododendron (Rhododendron williamsianum) collected along an altitudinal gradient on Mount Gongga, China, are reported in the present study. Most of the macronutrients (K and P), micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Cu, Na, Ni, Mo, and Al), and trace elements (Pb, Tl, Ag, Cd, Ba, Co, V, Be, and Cr) are significantly enriched in fir when compared to rhododendron; however, Ca, Mg, Mn, Ba, and Cd are more enriched in rhododendron than in fir. Most of the elements in both plants are more significantly enriched in twigs than in leaves. The relationship between element concentration in plants and altitudinal gradient is nonlinear. Altitudes of 3,200 and 3,400 m are turning points for fir and rhododendron growth, respectively. Concentrations of all trace elements in the two plants along the altitudinal gradient are well below the toxic level in plants. No known industrial sources of the elements investigated exist in the Mount Gongga area, China. Element concentrations in the present study are higher than those found in mosses collected from the same area, indicating that the area is not contaminated. The element concentrations that we observed in plant samples were due to soil uptake. The pronounced differences between the two species are due to the different uptake characteristics of fir and rhododendron. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011;30:2608–2619. © 2011 SETAC
Legacy and contemporary persistent organic pollutants in North Pacific albatross
Authors: Harwani Suhash , Henry Robert W , Rhee Alexandra , Kappes Michelle A , Croll Donald A , Petreas Myrto , Park June-Soo
Published: September 2011

Here we report the first measurements of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE 47, 99, and 153) alongside 11 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and 28 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the plasma of albatross from breeding colonies distributed across a large spatial east-west gradient in the North Pacific Ocean. North Pacific albatross are wide-ranging, top-level consumers that forage in pelagic regions of the North Pacific Ocean, making them an ideal sentinel species for detection and distribution of marine contaminants. Our work on contaminant burdens in albatross tissue provides information on transport of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) to the remote North Pacific and serves as a proxy for regional environmental quality. We sampled black-footed (Phoebastria nigripes; n = 20) and Laysan albatross (P. immutabilis; n = 19) nesting on Tern Island, Hawaii, USA, and Laysan albatross (n = 16) nesting on Guadalupe Island, Mexico. Our results indicate that North Pacific albatross are highly exposed to both PCBs and OCPs, with levels ranging from 8.8 to 86.9 ng/ml wet weight and 7.4 to 162.3 ng/ml wet weight, respectively. A strong significant gradient exists between Laysan albatross breeding in the Eastern Pacific, having approximately 1.5-fold and 2.5-fold higher levels for PCBs and OCPs, respectively, compared to those from the Central Pacific. Interspecies levels of contaminants within the same breeding site also showed high variation, with Tern black-footed albatross having approximately threefold higher levels of both PCBs and OCPs than Tern Laysan albatross. Surprisingly, while PBDEs are known to travel long distances and bioaccumulate in wildlife of high trophic status, we detected these three PBDE congeners only at trace levels ranging from not detectable (ND) to 0.74 ng/ml wet weight in these albatross. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011;30:2562–2569. © 2011 SETAC
Lattice Boltzmann simulation of flow past a circular cylinder near a moving wall
Authors: Zhen Haicheng , Wu Fangfang
Published: August 2011

The two‐dimensional flows past a circular cylinder near a moving wall are simulated by lattice Boltzmann method. The wall moves at the inlet velocity and the Reynolds number ranges from 300 to 500. The influence of the moving wall on the flow patterns is demonstrated and the corresponding mechanism is illustrated by using instability theory. The correlations among flow features based on gap ratio are interpreted. Force coefficients, velocity profile and vortex structure are analyzed to determine the critical gap ratio. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The seminoma cell line TCam‐2 is sensitive to HDAC inhibitor depsipeptide but tolerates various other chemotherapeutic drugs and loss of NANOG expression
Authors: Nettersheim Daniel , Gillis Ad , Biermann Katharina , Looijenga Leendert H.J. , Schorle Hubert
Published: September 2011

Seminomas and embryonal carcinomas (EC) are both type II germ cell tumor (GCT) entities and develop from the same precursor lesion (carcinoma‐in situ, CIS). However, they show significant differences in growth behavior, differentiation potential, and gene expression. Although ECs are prone to differentiate into all three germ layers and give rise to the non‐seminomatous GCT entities teratoma, choriocarcinoma, and yolk‐sac tumor, differentiation of seminomas to these entities is only rarely observed. This might reflect the ability of seminomas to actively inhibit differentiation processes evoked by environmental cues. Also, it is not known why CIS gives rise to seminoma in some patients and to non‐seminoma in the others. Here, we treated the seminoma‐like cell line TCam‐2 with the HDAC‐inhibitor Depsipeptide, the global demethylating agent 5‐aza‐2′‐deocycytidine, all‐trans retinoic acid and the monaminooxidase inhibitor Tranylcipromine and also used knock down approaches to reduce expression of the pluripotency marker NANOG and/or the inhibitor of primordial germ cell differentiation TFAP2C. We found that TCam‐2 cells induce apoptosis when treated with Depsipeptide (>10 nM) but are resistant to treatments with 5‐aza‐2′‐deocycytidine, all‐trans retinoic acid and Tranylcipromine, highlighting Depsi as a treatment option for seminomas. We show that TCam‐2 cells up‐regulate endoderm‐ and throphectoderm‐associated genes after down‐regulation of NANOG expression; however, morphologically no indications of differentiation could be found. Instead, we observed up‐regulation of OCT3/4 and SOX17 in TCam‐2‐NANOG knockdown and speculate that this compensates for the loss of the NANOG protein. Hence, NANOG is not a primary target gene responsible for the inhibition of differentiation in seminomas. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sensitivity of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model to downscaling ratios and storm types in rainfall simulation
Authors: Liu Jia , Bray Michaela , Han Dawei
Published: September 2011

Accurate information of rainfall is needed for sustainable water management and more reliable flood forecasting. The advances in mesoscale numerical weather modelling and modern computing technologies make it possible to provide rainfall simulations and forecasts at increasingly higher resolutions in space and time. However, being one of the most difficult variables to be modelled, the quality of the rainfall products from the numerical weather model remains unsatisfactory for hydrological applications. In this study, the sensitivity of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model is investigated using different domain settings and various storm types to improve the model performance of rainfall simulation. Eight 24‐h storm events are selected from the Brue catchment, southwest England, with different spatial and temporal distributions of the rainfall intensity. Five domain configuration scenarios designed with gradually changing downscaling ratios are used to run the WRF model with the ECMWF 40‐year reanalysis data for the periods of the eight events. A two‐dimensional verification scheme is proposed to evaluate the amounts and distributions of simulated rainfall in both spatial and temporal dimensions. The verification scheme consists of both categorical and continuous indices for a first‐level assessment and a more quantitative evaluation of the simulated rainfall. The results reveal a general improvement of the model performance as we downscale from the outermost to the innermost domain. Moderate downscaling ratios of 1:7, 1:5 and 1:3 are found to perform better with the WRF model in giving more reasonable results than smaller ratios. For the sensitivity study on different storm types, the model shows the best performance in reproducing the storm events with spatial and temporal evenness of the observed rainfall, whereas the type of events with highly concentrated rainfall in space and time are found to be the trickiest case for WRF to handle. Finally, the efficiencies of several variability indices are verified in categorising the storm events on the basis of the two‐dimensional rainfall evenness, which could provide a more quantitative way for the event classification that facilitates further studies. It is important that similar studies with various storm events are carried out in other catchments with different geographic and climatic conditions, so that more general error patterns can be found and further improvements can be made to the rainfall products from mesoscale numerical weather models. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relevant effects of vegetal cover and litter on the soil hydrological response of two contrasting Mediterranean hillslopes at the end of the dry season (south of Spain)
Authors: Gabarrón‐Galeote Miguel A. , Martínez‐Murillo Juan F. , Ruiz‐Sinoga José Damián
Published: September 2011

In Mediterranean regions, hillslopes are generally considered to be a mosaic of sink and source areas that control runoff generation and water erosion processes. These hillslopes used to be characterized by a complex hydrological and erosive response combining Hortonian and saturation excess overland flows. The hydrological response of soils is highly dependent on the soil surface components (e.g. vegetation patches, bare soil, rock fragment cover, crusts), which each one of them is dominated by a certain hydrological process. One of these soil surface components, not widely considered in studies of soil hydrology under Mediterranean conditions, is the accumulation of litter beneath shrubs enhancing water repellency in soils. This study investigates the influence of soil surface components, especially the litter accumulated beneath Cistus spp., in the hydrological and erosive responses of soils on two Mediterranean hillslopes having different exposures. The study was performed by means of rainfall simulation experiments and the Water Drop Penetration Time for measuring water repellency of soils, both techniques being carried out at the end of summer (September 2010) with very dry soils. The results indicate that (i) soil surface components from the north facing hillslope are characterized by a more uniform hydrological and erosive response than those from the south‐facing ones; (ii) the water repellency is more influential on the hydrological response of the north‐facing hillslope due to a greater accumulation of organic rest on the soils as the vegetation cover is also higher; (iii) the south‐facing hillslope seemed to follow the fertility island theory with very degraded bare soil areas, which are the most generated areas of runoff and mobilized sediments; (iv) the experimental area can be considered as a threshold area between the semiarid and subhumid Mediterranean environments, with the south‐facing hillslope being comparable with the former and the north facing one with the latter. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changes in streamflow regime following vegetation changes from paired catchments
Authors: Zhao Fangfang , Xu Zongxue , Zhang Lu
Published: September 2011

Vegetation changes can significantly affect catchment water balance. It is important to evaluate the effects of vegetation cover change on streamflow as changes in streamflow relate to water security. This study focuses on the use of statistical methods to determine responses in streamflow at seven paired catchments in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa to vegetation change. The non‐parametric Mann–Kendall test and Pettitt's test were used to identify trends and change points in the annual streamflow records. Statistically significant trends in annual streamflow were detected for most of the treated catchments. It took between 3 and 10 years for a change in vegetation cover to result in significant change in annual streamflow. Presence of the change points in streamflow was associated with changes in the mean, variance, and distribution of annual streamflow. The streamflow in the deforestation catchments increased after the change points, whereas reduction in streamflow was observed in the afforestation catchments. The streamflow response is mainly affected by the climate and underlying vegetation change. Daily flow duration curves (FDCs) for the whole period and pre‐change and post‐change point periods also were analysed to investigate the changes in flow regime. Three types of vegetation change effects on the flow regime have been identified. The relative reductions in most percentile flows are constant in the afforestation catchments. The comparison of trend, change point, and FDC in the annual streamflow from the paired experiments reflects the important role of the vegetation change. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of support vector machine and relevance vector machine to determine evaporative losses in reservoirs
Authors: Samui Pijush , Dixon Barnali
Published: September 2011

This article employs Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Relevance Vector Machine (RVM) for prediction of Evaporation Losses (E) in reservoirs. SVM that is firmly based on the theory of statistical learning theory, uses regression technique by introducing ε‐insensitive loss function has been adopted. RVM is based on a Bayesian formulation of a linear model with an appropriate prior that results in a sparse representation. The input of SVM and RVM models are mean air temperature (T) ( °C), average wind speed (WS) (m/sec), sunshine hours (SH)(hrs/day), and mean relative humidity (RH) (%). Equations have been also developed for prediction of E. The developed RVM model gives variance of the predicted E. A comparative study has also been presented between SVM, RVM and ANN models. The results indicate that the developed SVM and RVM can be used as a practical tool for prediction of E. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hemocompatibility and biofunctionality of two poly(2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate‐co‐poly(ethyleneglycol) copolymers
Authors: Riquelme Bibiana D. , Dumas Dominique , Fontana Alicia , Delannoy Marcela , Valverde Juana R. , Sondag Danielle , Grandfils Christian
Published: September 2011

To mask the antigenic sites of cells for cell therapies, especially for blood transfusion, we investigated the hemocompatibility of two poly(2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate‐co‐poly(ethyleneglycol) compared with that of the homopolymer without PEG. Our strategy relies on the potential ability of these copolymers to self‐assemble at the erythrocyte surface. The cationic sequence of the copolymer should be able to interact with the glycocalyx by ionic interaction. The other sequence, based on a polyethyleneglycol moiety, should prevent both nonspecific interactions and specific recognition of the biological surface. The hemocompatibility of these copolymers was assessed by analyzing alterations in human erythrocyte membrane viscoelasticity, morphology, granularity, and aggregation. Their properties to mask ABO system and three erythrocyte glycophorin sites were investigated. No alterations in the erythrocyte morphology were observed by confocal microscopy. On the other hand, a partial masking of different specific glycophorin sites leads to future optimization of the macromolecular structures of these functionalized copolymers. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2011.
A novel polymer gel for the delivery of local therapies to intracranial tumors: In vivo safety evaluation
Authors: Gerber David E. , Gallia Gary L. , Tyler Betty M. , Eberhart Charles G. , Royer Gar , Grossman Stuart A.
Published: September 2011

The treatment of intracranial malignancies is limited by the ability of systemically administered therapies to cross the blood–brain barrier. Royer resorbable matrix, or R‐Gel, is a dextran polymer administered in liquid form via needle injection. Within minutes of preparation, the polymer forms a gel and subsequently solidifies, thereby conforming to the dimensions of the injection cavity. R‐Gel can accommodate a wide variety of therapeutic agents that may provide new options for local treatment delivery. This preclinical study evaluates the neurotoxicity of R‐Gel implanted in the rat brain. Fifteen rats underwent intracranial administration of R‐Gel (N = 9) or saline (N = 6) were monitored for systemic and neurotoxicity, and sacrificed at pre‐determined time points. Animals that received the R‐Gel injection demonstrated no behavioral changes or weight loss. Histopathologic analysis revealed an inflammatory response in both groups on day 3 and day 7 after implantation, which resolved by day 42. These results suggest that intracranial R‐Gel is well tolerated. Therapeutic studies of chemotherapy‐complexed R‐Gel are underway. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2011.
An efficient parallel algorithm for the calculation of unrestricted canonical MP2 energies
Authors: Baker Jon , Wolinski Krzysztof
Published: September 2011

We present details of our efficient implementation of full accuracy unrestricted open‐shell second‐order canonical Møller–Plesset (MP2) energies, both serial and parallel. The algorithm is based on our previous restricted closed‐shell MP2 code using the Saebo–Almlöf direct integral transformation. Depending on system details, UMP2 energies take from less than 1.5 to about 3.0 times as long as a closed‐shell RMP2 energy on a similar system using the same algorithm. Several examples are given including timings for some large stable radicals with 90+ atoms and over 3600 basis functions. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011
Cysteine‐rich protein 1 is regulated by transforming growth factor‐β1 and expressed in lung fibrosis
Authors: Järvinen Päivi M. , Myllärniemi Marjukka , Liu Hester , Moore Henna M. , Leppäranta Outi , Salmenkivi Kaisa , Koli Katri , Latonen Leena , Band Arja M. , Laiho Marikki
Published: September 2011

Transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) is a diverse cytokine regulating growth, apoptosis, differentiation, adhesion, invasion, and extracellular matrix production. Dysregulation of TGF‐β is associated with fibrotic disorders and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition, and has been linked with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Cysteine‐rich protein 1 (CRP1) is a small LIM‐domain containing protein involved in smooth muscle differentiation. Here, we show that TGF‐β1 increases the expression of CRP1 protein and that CRP1 levels increase in a biphasic fashion. A rapid transient (15–45 min) increase in CRP1 is followed by a subsequent, sustained increase in CRP1 a few hours afterwards that lasts several days. We find that TGF‐β1 regulates the expression of CRP1 through Smad and non‐conventional p38 MAPK signaling pathways in a transcription‐independent manner and that the induction occurs concomitant with an increase in myofibroblast differentiation. Using CRP1 silencing by shRNA, we identify CRP1 as a novel factor mediating cell contractility. Furthermore, we localize CRP1 to fibroblastic foci in IPF lungs and find that CRP1 is significantly more expressed in IPF as compared to control lung tissue. The results show that CRP1 is a novel TGF‐β1 regulated protein that is expressed in fibrotic lesions and may be relevant in the IPF disease. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 2605–2612, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Design and synthesis of novel cytotoxic agents based on combined framework of quinoline and nimesulide
Authors: Reddy Lingam Venkata , Kethavath Mohan , Nakka Mamatha , Beevi Syed Sultan , Mangamoori Lakshmi Narasu , Mukkanti Khagga , Pal Sarbani
Published: September 2011

Functionalization of quinoline aldehydes, derived from nimesulide framework was carried out using Morita–Baylis–Hillman (MBH) chemistry. A number of novel quinoline‐based diverse MBH adducts was prepared via the reaction of derivatives of 2‐chloroquinoline‐3‐carbaldehyde and various activated alkenes in good yields. Many of these compounds were found to be potent when tested against human prostate cancer (Pc‐3) cell line in vitro. Among all the compounds tested N‐(2‐chloro‐3‐(2‐cyano‐1‐hydroxyallyl)‐7‐phenoxyquinolin‐6‐yl)formamide (IC50 = 1.2 μg mL−1) was identified as the most potent compound in this series. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2012).
Cartilage fragments from osteoarthritic knee promote chondrogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells without exogenous growth factor induction
Authors: Chen Chia‐Chun , Liao Cheng‐Hao , Wang Yao‐Horng , Hsu Yuan‐Ming , Huang Shih‐Horng , Chang Chih‐Hung , Fang Hsu‐Wei
Published: September 2011

Extracellular matrix (ECM) is thought to participate significantly in guiding the differentiation process of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In this study, we hypothesized that cartilage fragments from osteoarthritic knee could promote chondrogenesis of MSCs. Nonworn parts of cartilage tissues were obtained during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery. Cartilage fragments and MSCs were wrapped into fibrin glue; and the constructs were implanted subcutaneously into nude mice. Histological analysis showed neocartilage‐like structure with positive Alcian blue staining in the cartilage fragment–fibrin–MSC constructs. However, constructs with only MSCs in fibrin showed condensed appearance like MSCs in the pellet culture. Gene expression of type II collagen in the constructs with 60 mg cartilage fragments were significantly elevated after 4 weeks of implantation. Conversely, the constructs without cartilage fragments failed to express type II collagen, which indicated MSCs did not differentiate into a chondrogenic lineage. In conclusion, we demonstrated the effect of cartilage fragments from osteoarthritic knee in promoting chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs. This may be a favorable strategy for MSC chondrogenesis without exogenous growth factor induction. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:393–400, 2012
Predictors of suicidal ideation in veterans with PTSD related to military sexual trauma
Authors: Surís Alina , Link‐Malcolm Jessica , North Carol S.
Published: September 2011

Predictors of suicidal ideation (SI) were examined in a sample of veterans (N = 128) diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to military sexual trauma. Suicidal ideation was predicted by both depressive symptom severity and posttraumatic symptom severity in separate correlation analyses. When controlling for the effects of depressive and posttraumatic symptom severity on one another in the prediction of SI in a single multiple regression model, however, only depressive symptoms independently predicted SI. These analyses suggest that the contribution of PTSD symptom severity to the prediction of SI is reduced by adding depressive symptoms. Hyperarousal symptom severity, however, was found in a separate multiple regression model to contribute independently to the prediction of SI controlling for depressive symptom severity.
Silibinin modulates TNF‐α and IFN‐γ mediated signaling to regulate COX2 and iNOS expression in tumorigenic mouse lung epithelial LM2 cells
Authors: Tyagi Alpna , Agarwal Chapla , Dwyer‐Nield Lori D. , Singh Rana P. , Malkinson Alvin M. , Agarwal Rajesh
Published: September 2011

Silibinin inhibits mouse lung tumorigenesis in part by targeting tumor microenvironment. Tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) and interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) can be pro‐ or anti‐tumorigenic, but in lung cancer cell lines they induce pro‐inflammatory enzymes cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Accordingly, here we examined mechanism of silibinin action on TNF‐α + IFN‐γ (hereafter referred as cytokine mixture) elicited signaling in tumor‐derived mouse lung epithelial LM2 cells. Both signal transducers and activators of the transcription (STAT)3 (tyr705 and ser727) and STAT1 (tyr701) were activated within 15 min of cytokine mixture exposure, while STAT1 (ser727) activated after 3 h. Cytokine mixture also activated Erk1/2 and caused an increase in both COX2 and iNOS levels. Pretreatment of cells with a MEK, NF‐κB, and/or epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor inhibited cytokine mixture‐induced activation of Erk1/2, NF‐κB, or EGFR, respectively, and strongly decreased phosphorylation of STAT3 and STAT1 and expression of COX2 and iNOS. Also, janus family kinases (JAK)1 and JAK2 inhibitors specifically decreased cytokine‐induced iNOS expression, suggesting possible roles of JAK1, JAK2, Erk1/2, NF‐κB, and EGFR in cytokine mixture‐caused induction of COX2 and iNOS expression via STAT3/STAT1 activation in LM2 cells. Importantly, silibinin pretreatment inhibited cytokine mixture‐induced phosphorylation of STAT3, STAT1, and Erk1/2, NF‐κB‐DNA binding, and expression of COX2, iNOS, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)2, and MMP9, which was mediated through impairment of STAT3 and STAT1 nuclear localization. Silibinin also inhibited cytokine mixture‐induced migration of LM2 cells. Together, we showed that STAT3 and STAT1 could be valuable chemopreventive and therapeutic targets within the lung tumor microenvironment in addition to being targets within tumor itself, and that silibinin inhibits their activation as a plausible mechanism of its efficacy against lung cancer. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gender differences in contractile and passive properties of mdx extensor digitorum longus muscle
Authors: Hakim Chady H. , Duan Dongsheng
Published: September 2011

Introduction: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe, muscle‐wasting disease caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. The mdx mouse is the first and perhaps the most commonly used animal model for study of DMD. Both male and female mdx mice are used. However, it is not completely clear whether gender influences contraction and the passive mechanical properties of mdx skeletal muscle. Methods: We compared isometric tetanic forces and passive forces of the extensor digitorum longus muscle between male and female mdx mice. Results: At age 6 months, female mdx mice showed better‐preserved specific tetanic force. Interestingly, at 20 months of age, female mdx muscle appeared stiffer. Conclusions: Our results suggest that gender may profoundly influence physiological measurement outcomes in mdx mice. Gender should be considered when using the mdx model. Muscle Nerve, 2012
13C MRS studies of neuroenergetics and neurotransmitter cycling in humans
Authors: Rothman Douglas L. , De Feyter Henk M. , de Graaf Robin A. , Mason Graeme F. , Behar Kevin L.
Published: September 2011

In the last 25 years, 13 C MRS has been established as the only noninvasive method for the measurement of glutamate neurotransmission and cell‐specific neuroenergetics. Although technically and experimentally challenging, 13 C MRS has already provided important new information on the relationship between neuroenergetics and neuronal function, the energy cost of brain function, the high neuronal activity in the resting brain state and how neuroenergetics and neurotransmitter cycling are altered in neurological and psychiatric disease. In this article, the current state of 13 C MRS as it is applied to the study of neuroenergetics and neurotransmitter cycling in humans is reviewed. The focus is predominantly on recent findings in humans regarding metabolic pathways, applications to clinical research and the technical status of the method. Results from in vivo 13 C MRS studies in animals are discussed from the standpoint of the validation of MRS measurements of neuroenergetics and neurotransmitter cycling, and where they have helped to identify key questions to address in human research. Controversies concerning the relationship between neuroenergetics and neurotransmitter cycling and factors having an impact on the accurate determination of fluxes through mathematical modeling are addressed. We further touch upon different 13C‐labeled substrates used to study brain metabolism, before reviewing a number of human brain diseases investigated using 13 C MRS. Future technological developments are discussed that will help to overcome the limitations of 13 C MRS, with special attention given to recent developments in hyperpolarized 13 C MRS. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigating Variation in the Prevalence of Weathering in Faunal Assemblages in the UK: A Multivariate Statistical Approach
Authors: Madgwick R. , Mulville J.
Published: September 2011

This article presents an exploratory multivariate statistical approach to gaining a more comprehensive understanding of variation in sub‐aerial bone weathering in a British context. Weathering is one of the most common taphonomic modifications and provides a crucial line of evidence for reconstructing the taphonomic trajectories of faunal assemblages and archaeological deposits. It provides clear evidence for prolonged subaerial exposure, either prior to deposition in a context or as a result of later disturbance. In combination with other taphonomic indices such as gnawing, trampling, abrasion and fracture patterns, weathering can be used to reconstruct depositional histories and to investigate the structured treatment of different body parts or taxa. As a broad range of factors affect the prevalence and severity of weathering, weathering patterns can rarely be interpreted at face value indeed many variables such as predepositional microenvironment cannot be traced archaeologically. Other contributory factors pertaining to the structural properties of elements and taxa can be discerned and must be taken into account in interpreting weathering signatures although disagreement exists regarding which variables are most important in mediating weathering. In addition, for zooarchaeologists to interpret modification patterns, it is necessary for elements and taxa that are most likely to be affected by weathering to be defined. Deposits that are dominated by susceptible classes of remains are likely to exhibit greater modification than deposits that are not, even if depositional histories were similar. Through a combination of classification tree and ordinal regression analysis, this article identifies which archaeologically recoverable variables explain the greatest variance in weathering and which anatomical elements and taxa are most likely to be affected in archaeological deposits in the UK. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of changing financial work incentives on the earnings of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries
Authors: Weathers Robert R. , Hemmeter Jeffrey
Published: September 2011

SSDI beneficiaries lose their entire cash benefit if they perform work that is substantial gainful activity (SGA) after using Social Security work incentive programs. The complete loss of benefits might be a work disincentive for beneficiaries. We report results from a pilot project that replaces the complete loss of benefits with a gradual reduction in benefits of $1 for every $2 earned above an earnings disregard level. Beneficiaries who volunteered to participate in the project were randomly assigned to a group receiving the new program or to a control group. The policy led to a 25 percent increase in the percentage of beneficiaries with earnings above the annualized SGA amount, or $11,760 in 2009 dollars. It did not result in a reduction in benefit payments. © 2011 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
Bothrops jararaca venom proteome rearrangement upon neonate to adult transition
Authors: Zelanis André , Tashima Alexandre K. , Pinto Antônio F. M. , Paes Leme Adriana F. , Stuginski Daniel R. , Furtado Maria F. , Sherman Nicholas E. , Ho Paulo L. , Fox Jay W. , Serrano Solange M. T.
Published: September 2011

The pharmacological activities displayed by Bothrops jararaca venom undergo a significant ontogenetic shift. Similarly, the diet of this species changes from ectothermic prey in early life to endothermic prey in adulthood. In this study we used large and representative newborn and adult venom samples consisting of pools from 694 and 110 specimens, respectively, and demonstrate a significant ontogenetic shift in the venom proteome complexity of B. jararaca. 2‐DE coupled to MS protein identification showed a clear rearrangement of the toxin arsenal both in terms of the total proteome, as of the glycoproteome. N‐glycosylation seems to play a key role in venom protein variability between newborn and adult specimens. Upon the snake development, the subproteome of metalloproteinases undergoes a shift from a P‐III‐rich to a P‐I‐rich profile while the serine proteinase profile does not vary significantly. We also used isobaric tag labeling (iTRAQ) of venom tryptic peptides for the first time to examine the quantitative changes in the venom toxins of B. jararaca upon neonate to adult transition. The iTRAQ analysis showed changes in various toxin classes, especially the proteinases. Our study expands the in‐depth understanding of venom complexity variation particularly with regard to toxin families that have been associated with envenomation pathogenesis.
Heteroatom functionalization of phenalenyl: synthesis, structures, and properties of hexa‐substituted phenalenyliums
Authors: Ueda Akira , Yoshida Kenta , Suzuki Shuichi , Fukui Kozo , Nakasuji Kazuhiro , Morita Yasushi
Published: August 2011

Two kinds of heteroatom‐functionalized phenalenyl derivatives, 1,4,7‐trimethoxy‐3,6,9‐tris(n‐propylamino)phenalenylium 1+ and 3,4,6,7‐tetramethoxy‐1,9‐dithiophenalenylium 2+, have been synthesized and isolated as air‐stable tetraphenylborate (BPh4−) salts. The structural and electronic features of these phenalenyliums, which are rare examples of the phenalenyl derivatives where all of the six α‐carbons are substituted by heteroatom functional groups, were experimentally investigated by using X‐ray crystal structure analysis, cyclic voltammetry, and ultraviolet‐visible and fluorescence measurements with the help of density functional theory calculations. On the basis of these results, we evaluated the heteroatom effects in the phenalenylium systems by detailed comparison of the structure and physical properties of 1+ and 2+ with those of 2,5,8‐tri‐tert‐butyl phenalenylium 3+ without heteroatoms. These molecular‐level investigations demonstrated that the electrochemical and optical properties and solid‐state packing structures of the phenalenylium systems can be easily tuned by the heteroatom substituents. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural mechanisms of constitutive activation in the C5a receptors with mutations in the extracellular loops: Molecular modeling study
Authors: Nikiforovich Gregory V. , Baranski Thomas J.
Published: September 2011

Previously we demonstrated by random saturation mutagenesis a set of mutations in the extracellular (EC) loops that constitutively activate the C5a receptor (C5aR) (Klco et al., Nat Struct Mol Biol 2005;12:320–326; Klco et al., J Biol Chem 2006;281:12010–12019). In this study, molecular modeling revealed possible conformations for the extracellular loops of the C5a receptors with mutations in the EC2 loop or in the EC3 loop. Comparison of low‐energy conformations of the EC loops defined two distinct clusters of conformations typical either for strongly constitutively active mutants of C5aR (the CAM cluster) or for nonconstitutively active mutants (the non‐CAM cluster). In the CAM cluster, the EC3 loop was turned towards the transmembrane (TM) helical bundle and more closely interacted with EC2 than in the non‐CAM cluster. This suggested a structural mechanism of constitutive activity where EC3 contacts EC2 leading to EC2 interactions with helix TM3, thus triggering movement of TM7 towards TM2 and TM3. The movement initiates rearrangement of the system of hydrogen bonds between TM2, TM3 and TM7 including formation of the hydrogen bond between the side chains of D822.50 in TM2 and N2967.49 in TM7, which is crucial for formation of the activated states of the C5a receptors (Nikiforovich et al., Proteins: Struct Funct Gene 2011;79:787–802). Since the relative large length of EC3 in C5aR (13 residues) is comparable with those in many other members of rhodopsin family of GPCRs (13–19 residues), our findings might reflect general mechanisms of receptor constitutive activation. The very recent X‐ray structure of the agonist‐induced constitutively active mutant of rhodopsin (Standfuss et al., Nature 2011;471:656–660) is discussed in view of our modeling results. Proteins 2012; © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Explosion of fixed roof atmospheric storage tanks, part 1: Background and review of case histories
Authors: Taveau Jérôme
Published: September 2011

Many flammable products are stored in large tanks at atmospheric pressure. Ignition of a hydrocarbon–air mixture in such tanks can lead to an explosion and cause lethal casualties or damage the surrounding facilities and buildings. To apprehend this, safety distances for humans, structures and equipments need to be defined. Several simple methodologies have been set up to estimate safety distances in case of an atmospheric storage tank explosion.

This first article gives an overview of accident frequencies of atmospheric storage tanks and past accidents described in the open literature, to show the possible accidental sequences, underline the most frequent causes involved in explosions of atmospheric storage tank, and highlight the potential consequences of such accidents. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2011
More than Counter‐urbanisation: Migration to Popular and Less‐popular Rural Areas in the Netherlands
Authors: Bijker Rixt Anke , Haartsen Tialda
Published: September 2011

Migration into rural areas in Western countries is often explained by the pull of the rural idyll for urban, middle‐class migrants. Although previous research has shown that this counter‐urbanisation model is insufficient to explain rural immigration in sparsely populated countries, this paper shows that also within core regions, more diverse conceptualisations of migration into rural areas are required. This is achieved by distinguishing popular, average, and less‐popular rural living areas in the northern Netherlands, on the basis of average house prices, and by analysing the migration flows to these areas. Data from Housing Research of the Netherlands demonstrate that popular rural areas attract more highly educated people and people moving from urban areas compared with less‐popular and average rural areas. For movers to less‐popular areas, being near to family and friends is more important. The characteristics of the movers to popular rural areas fit very well with the counter‐urbanisation story. Less‐popular rural areas in the Netherlands share personal reasons as an important motivation for in‐migration with more remote rural areas in Europe. This indicates that conceptualisations of periphery and remoteness have to be considered within the local, regional, and national context. Research into rural population change in both core regions and sparsely populated countries should consider these different contexts to be able to acknowledge the variety in the way amenities and peripherality are perceived by different groups of people. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A New Chart for Monitoring Service Process Mean
Authors: Yang Su‐Fen , Cheng Tsung‐Chi , Hung Ying‐Chao , W. Cheng Smiley
Published: September 2011

Control charts are demonstrated effective in monitoring not only manufacturing processes but also service processes. In service processes, many data came from a process with nonnormal distribution or unknown distribution. Hence, the commonly used Shewhart variable control charts are not suitable because they could not be properly constructed. In this article, we proposed a new mean chart on the basis of a simple statistic to monitor the shifts of the process mean. We explored the sampling properties of the new monitoring statistic and calculated the average run lengths of the proposed chart. Furthermore, an arcsine transformed exponentially weighted moving average chart was proposed because the average run lengths of this modified chart are more intuitive and reasonable than those of the mean chart. We would recommend the arcsine transformed exponentially weighted moving average chart if we were concerned with the proper values of the average run length. A numerical example of service times with skewed distribution from a service system of a bank branch in Taiwan is used to illustrate the proposed charts. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermal properties of new varieties of yam starches
Authors: N'da Kouamé Valentine , Handschin Stephan , Derungs Matthias , Amani Georges N'guessan , Conde‐Petit Béatrice
Published: September 2011

Starches isolated from yam varieties of Dioscorea alata and Dioscorea cayenensis‐rotundata species were prepared at different time–temperature conditions and characterised by DSC, amperometric iodine titration, light microscopy and rheology and compared to native and chemical modified tapioca starches. The observation by light microscopy showed different morphologies of the granules when heated above 100°C and the tendency for disintegration decreased in the order native tapioca starch > yam starch > modified tapioca starch. Differences between yam and tapioca starches were also revealed by DSC. Yam starch enthalpy is higher than tapioca starch, but the peak temperature is low. However, the significant differences between yam and the other tested starches were found in terms of their rheological behaviour. The viscosity of yam starch was very stable at high temperatures on the viscograph. With this property, yam starch can be used as thickening and gelling agent in food.
Saturation performance analysis of directional CSMA/CA in mmWave WPANs
Authors: Kim Meejoung , Kim Yongsun , Lee Wooyong
Published: September 2011

The millimeter‐wave (mmWave) band offers the potential for multi‐gigabit indoor wireless personal area networks (WPANs). However, there are problems such as the short wavelength and high propagation losses. In order to compensate for these, it is highly recommended to use directional antennas at the physical layer. In this paper, directional carrier sense multiple access/collision avoidance (CSMA/CA) is analyzed in IEEE 802.15.3c, a standard for mmWave WPANs, under a saturated environment. A Markov chain model is presented and analyzed for the no‐acknowledgment (No‐ACK) mode. For the analysis, the device interaction is considered using directional antennas over a shared channel. A Markov chain model is presented in which the features of IEEE 802.15.3c such as backoff counter freezing and the effects of using directional antennas are incorporated. The maximal number of frames that can be transmitted concurrently and successfully is derived by an algorithm, and the system throughput and the average transmission delay are obtained in the closed forms. Numerical results show that the effects of using directional antennas in CSMA/CA and the overall analysis are verified by the simulation. The obtained results illustrate the physical layer impact on the CSMA/CA medium access control protocol, and these insights can be helpful in developing a medium access control protocol for enhancing the performance of mmWave WPANs. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Beyond the rhetoric of zero tolerance: Long‐term solutions for at‐risk youth
Authors: Noam Gil G. , Warner Laura A. , Van Dyken Leigh
Published: September 2011

Prevention of violence in schools must be accompanied by intervention across multiple contexts and the use of consistent but fair consequences that are implemented with children's positive development in mind.
Strukturen der Dimethylerdmetallphenylchalkogenolate [(Me2MEPh)n] mit M = Ga, In, Tl und E = S, Se, Te
Authors: Kluge Oliver , Gerber Stefan , Krautscheid Harald
Published: September 2011

The reaction of main group III trimethyls, Me3M, with phenylchalcogenols HEPh leads to dimethyl earthmetal phenylchalcogenolates [(Me2MEPh)n] with M = Ga and E = S (1), Se (2), Te (3), M = In and E = S (4), Se (5), Te (6) and M = Tl and E = S (7), Se (8), Te (9). Alternatively, reaction between Me3M and Me3SiEPh with elimination of SiMe4 is possible for E = Se, Te if a polar solvent is applied, in order to stabilize the initial adduct [Me3M–E(Ph)SiMe3]. Additionally, for M = Tl and E = S the dimeric adduct [{Me2TlSPh(TlMe3)}2] (10) was isolated and structurally characterized. Single crystals and microcrystalline samples of compounds 1 to 9 were examined by X‐ray crystallography and polymeric as well as dimeric structures were found. Depending on the size of main group III and VI atoms, sterically shielded polymeric chains or layer‐like structures are obtained. The smaller metal atoms M = Ga, In are fourfold coordinated and these compounds exhibit polymorphism. This observation is consistent with quantum chemical calculations that show the syn‐ and anti‐orientation of phenyl groups in a dimer to be energetically nearly equivalent. For M = Tl the coordination number is increased to 5 or 6 by additional coordination of chalcogen atoms with relatively long Tl–E bonds. Variable temperature NMR spectroscopy and molecular weight measurements indicate fast exchange and the presence of several different molecular structures in solution.
Folate malabsorption is associated with down-regulation of folate transporter expression and function at colon basolateral membrane in rats
Authors: Wani Nissar Ahmad , Hamid Abid , Khanduja Krishan Lal , Kaur Jyotdeep
Published: August 2011

Folates, an essential component (important B vitamin) in the human diet, are involved in many metabolic pathways, mainly in carbon transfer reactions such as purine and pyrimidine biosynthesis and amino acid interconversions. Deficiency of this micronutrient leads to the disruption of folate-dependent metabolic pathways that lead to the development of clinical abnormalities ranging from anaemia to growth retardation. Folate deficiency due to alcohol ingestion is quite common, primarily due to malabsorption. The present study dealt with the mechanistic insights of folate malabsorption in colonic basolateral membrane (BLM). Wistar rats (n12) were fed 1 g/kg body weight per d ethanol (20 %) solution orally for 3 months and folate transport was studied in the isolated colonic BLM. The folate exit across colon BLM shows characteristics of carrier-mediated process with the major involvement of reduced folate carrier (RFC). The chronic ethanol ingestion decreased the uptake by decreasing the affinity by 46 % (P < 0·01) and the number of transport molecules by 43 % (P < 0·001) at the colon BLM. The decreased uptake was associated with down-regulation of proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT) and RFC expression at mRNA and protein levels. The extent of decrease was 44 % (P < 0·01) and 24 % (P < 0·05) for PCFT and 23 % (P < 0·01) and 57 % (P < 0·01) for RFC at mRNA and protein levels, respectively. Moreover, folate transporters were associated with lipid rafts (LR) of colon BLM, and chronic alcoholism decreased the association of these transporters with LR.