bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Model‐based linkage analysis with imprinting for quantitative traits: ignoring imprinting effects can severely jeopardize detection of linkage
Authors: Sung Yun Ju , Rao D.C.
Published: March 2008

Genes with imprinting (parent‐of‐origin) effects express differently when inheriting from the mother or from the father. Some genes for development and behavior in mammals are known to be imprinted. We developed parametric linkage analysis that accounts for imprinting effects for continuous traits, implementing it in MORGAN. To study misspecification of imprinting on linkage analysis, we simulated eight markers over a 35 cM region with phenotypes where imprinting contributes 0, 25, 50, and 75% of the variance of a quantitative trait locus (QTL) effect and analyzed them under all four models. Multipoint lod scores were computed and maximized over the same 35 cM region. Our most important finding is the dramatic lod score improvement under the correct imprinting model over the no‐imprinting model. For data with minor QTL allele frequency 0.05, the correct model provided the highest lod scores with maximum expected lod scores over 4 in all settings. Ignoring imprinting provided the lowest lod scores with maximum expected lod scores between −9.9 and 2.4. In the extreme scenario, cases with max lod ≥3 from the correct imprinting model and max lod ≤−2 from the no‐imprinting model occurred in 86% of replications. Models with misspecified imprinting produced lod scores intermediate between those with correct imprinting and with no imprinting. The effects of model misspecification were less pronounced for singlepoint analysis. Our multipoint results illustrate that ignoring true imprinting severely impairs detection of linkage and erroneously excludes genomic regions (with max lod <−2), whereas accounting for it can substantially improve linkage detection. Genet. Epidemiol. 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
LINE‐1 hypomethylation is inversely associated with microsatellite instability and CpG island methylator phenotype in colorectal cancer
Authors: Ogino Shuji , Kawasaki Takako , Nosho Katsuhiko , Ohnishi Mutsuko , Suemoto Yuko , Kirkner Gregory J. , Fuchs Charles S.
Published: March 2008

The CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) with widespread promoter CpG island methylation is a phenotype in colorectal cancer, associated with microsatellite instability (MSI) and BRAF mutation. Genome‐wide hypomethylation may also play an important role in genomic instability. However, the relation between global DNA methylation level and methylation in individual CpG islands remains uncertain. Utilizing 869 population‐based colorectal cancers, we measured long interspersed nucleotide element‐1 (LINE‐1) methylation level by Pyrosequencing, which correlates with global DNA methylation level. We quantified DNA methylation in 8 CIMP‐specific promoters (CACNA1G, CDKN2A (p16), CRABP1, IGF2, MLH1, NEUROG1, RUNX3 and SOCS1) by real‐time PCR (MethyLight technology). LINE‐1 methylation levels in tumors were approximately normally distributed (mean, 61.4%; median, 62.3%; standard deviation, 9.6%). Among the 869 tumors, 128 (15%) were classified as CIMP‐high (≥6/8 methylated promoters). The mean LINE‐1 methylation level was higher in CIMP‐high tumors (65.1%, p < 0.0001) than non‐CIMP‐high tumors (60.7%), and higher in MSI‐high tumors (64.7%, p < 0.0001) than non‐MSI‐high tumors (60.7%). When tumors were stratified by MSI/CIMP status, compared to non‐MSI‐high non‐CIMP‐high tumors (mean LINE‐1 methylation level, 60.4%), the mean LINE‐1 methylation level was higher in MSI‐high CIMP‐high (64.8%, p < 0.0001), MSI‐high non‐CIMP‐high (64.6%, p = 0.03) and non‐MSI‐high CIMP‐high tumors (66.1%, p = 0.0003). In addition, 18q loss of heterozygosity in non‐MSI‐high tumors was correlated with LINE‐1 hypomethylation (p = 0.004). In conclusion, both CIMP‐high and MSI‐high are inversely associated with LINE‐1 hypomethylation, suggesting that CIMP/MSI and genomic hypomethylation may represent different pathways to colorectal cancer. Our data also support a possible link between global hypomethylation and chromosomal instability. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Consistency in infant sleeping arrangements and mother–infant interaction
Authors: Taylor Nicole , Donovan Wilberta , Leavitt Lewis
Published: March 2008

This study examined the association between infant sleeping arrangements (i.e., habitual co‐sleeping, inconsistent co‐sleeping, and non‐co‐sleeping) and quality of mother–infant interaction during play in a sample of mothers, each with a typically developing infant (N=70). Mother–infant dyads who experienced consistency in infant sleeping arrangements in a typical week at 6 months (i.e., habitual co‐sleeping or non‐co‐sleeping) were characterized by more positive maternal and infant behavior and dyadic quality of interaction at 9 months compared with dyads who experienced inconsistency in sleeping arrangements. Additionally, a greater amount of co‐sleeping per week was associated with an increased duration of breastfeeding, mothers working fewer hours, less infant temperamental intensity, and less maternal depression. This study underscores the advantages of empirically based studies that consider consistency in infant sleep experience as a factor that is associated with more positive mother–child interaction.
Theoretical investigation of anthracene‐9,10‐endoperoxide vertical singlet and triplet excitation spectra
Authors: Corral Inés , González Leticia
Published: March 2008

The electronic absorption spectrum of anthracene‐9,10‐endoperoxide (APO) has been investigated by means of multiconfigurational multi‐state second order perturbation theory on complete active space self‐consistent field wavefunctions (MS‐CASPT2/CASSCF) and two single reference methods: time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) and coupled cluster of second order (CC2). After testing several active spaces and basis sets, a CAS (14,12) active space together with an ANO‐S basis set was found an appropriate choice to describe the vertical singlet and triplet electronic states of APO. Unfortunately, TD‐DFT and CC2 methods cannot reproduce the MS‐CASPT2 and experimental spectrum. Our MS‐CASPT2//CASSCF(14,12)/ANO‐S calculations predict a predominant π*OOσ*OO character for the lowest singlet excited state S1 at 3.85 eV. Accordingly, the lowest singlet state of APO should be responsible for homolysis of the endoperoxide group. The next two absorbing excited states, experimentally proposed to be responsible for singlet oxygen production and therefore connected to the biological interest of APO, have been computed vertically at 4.34 and 4.59 eV and assigned to πCCπ*CC and π*OOπ*CC transitions, respectively. The vertical triplet electronic spectrum follows the singlet vertical spectrum ordering. The high density of triplet and singlet excited states of different nature within few eV points to the possibility of intersystem crossings between potential energy surfaces of different multiplicity. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 2008
Simulations of proteins with inhomogeneous degrees of freedom: The effect of thermostats
Authors: Mor Amit , Ziv Guy , Levy Yaakov
Published: March 2008

Proteins with a long flexible polymeric tail attached at their N‐ or C‐terminus are studied using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of a coarse‐grained model for protein folding where the temperature is regulated by either the Berendsen or the Langevin thermostat. These thermostats show different abilities to regulate the temperature of these systems that include flexible and more rigid regions. In the simulations with the Berendsen thermostat, the flexible tail is significantly hotter than the protein, both in its folded and unfolded states. Upon weakening the strength of the Berendsen thermostat, the temperature gradient between the fast and the slow degrees of freedom is significantly decreased, yet linkage between the temperatures of the flexible tail and the protein remains. The Langevin thermostat is proven to regulate the temperature of these inhomogenous systems reliably, without discriminating between the slow and fast degrees of freedom. The Langevin thermostat is less sensitive than is the Berendsen thermostat to the strength of the coupling between the protein system and the thermal bath. Our study calls for special care in choosing the thermostat for MD simulations of systems with inhomogenous degrees of freedom. Using the Berendsen thermostat with strong coupling would result in mistaken thermodynamic descriptions of such systems. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 2008
Theoretical studies on pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate‐dependent transamination of α‐amino acids
Authors: Liao Rong‐Zhen , Ding Wan‐Jian , Yu Jian‐Guo , Fang Wei‐Hai , Liu Ruo‐Zhuang
Published: March 2008

Density functional methods have been applied to investigate the irreversible transamination between glyoxylic acid and pyridoxamine analog and the catalytic mechanism for the critical [1,3] proton transfer step in aspartate aminotransferase (AATase). The results indicate that the catalytic effect of pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate (PLP) may be attributed to its ability to stabilize related transition states through structural resonance. Additionally, the PLP hydroxyl group and the carboxylic group of the amino acid can shuttle proton, thereby lowering the barrier. The rate‐limiting step is the tautomeric conversion of the aldimine to ketimine by [1,3] proton transfer, with a barrier of 36.3 kcal/mol in water solvent. A quantum chemical model consisting 142 atoms was constructed based on the crystal structure of the native AATase complex with the product L‐glutamate. The electron‐withdrawing stabilization by various residues, involving Arg386, Tyr225, Asp222, Asn194, and peptide backbone, enhances the carbon acidity of 4′‐C of PLP and Cα of amino acid. The calculations support the proposed proton transfer mechanism in which Lys258 acts as a base to shuttle a proton from the 4′‐C of PLP to Cα of amino acid. The first step (proton transfer from 4′‐C to lysine) is shown to be the rate‐limiting step. Furthermore, we provided an explanation for the reversibility and specificity of the transamination in AATase. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 2008
Development of glycyl radical parameters for the OPLS‐AA/L force field
Authors: Komáromi István , Owen Michael C. , Murphy Richard F. , Lovas Sándor
Published: March 2008

On the basis of quantum chemical calculations Cα‐glycyl radical parameters have been developed for the OPLS‐AA/L force field. The molecular mechanics hypersurface was fitted to the calculated quantum chemical surface by minimizing their molecular mechanics parameter dependent sum‐of‐squares deviations. To do this, a computer program in which the molecular mechanics energy derivatives with respect to the parameters were calculated analytically was developed, implementing the general method of Lifson and Warshel (J Chem Phys 1968, 49, 5116) for force field parameter optimization. This program, in principle, can determine the optimal parameter set in one calculation if enough representative value points on the quantum chemical potential energy surface are available and there is no linear dependency between the parameters. Some of the parameters in quantum calculations, including several new torsion types around a bond as well as angle parameters at a new central atom type, are not completely separable. Consequently, some restrictions and/or presumptions were necessary during parameter optimization. The relative OPLS‐AA energies reproduced those calculated quantum chemically almost perfectly. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 2008
Ab initio protein structure prediction with force field parameters derived from water‐phase quantum chemical calculation
Authors: Katagiri Daisuke , Fuji Hideyoshi , Neya Saburo , Hoshino Tyuji
Published: March 2008

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are extensively used in the study of the structures and functions of proteins. Ab initio protein structure prediction is one of the most important subjects in computational biology, and many trials have been performed using MD simulation so far. Since the results of MD simulations largely depend on the force field, reliable force field parameters are indispensable for the success of MD simulation. In this work, we have modified atom charges in a standard force field on the basis of water‐phase quantum chemical calculations. The modified force field turned out appropriate for ab initio protein structure prediction by the MD simulation with the generalized Born method. Detailed analysis was performed in terms of the conformational stability of amino acid residues, the stability of secondary structure of proteins, and the accuracy for prediction of protein tertiary structure, comparing the modified force field with a standard one. The energy balance between α‐helix and β‐sheet structures was significantly improved by the modification of charge parameters. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 2008
Identification of DPPA4 and other genes as putative Sox2:Oct‐3/4 target genes using a combination of in silico analysis and transcription‐based assays
Authors: Chakravarthy Harini , Boer Brian , Desler Michelle , Mallanna Sunil Kumar , McKeithan Timothy W. , Rizzino Angie
Published: March 2008

Sox2 and Oct‐3/4 function as master regulators during mammalian embryogenesis, where they are believed to regulate a critical gene regulatory network by cooperatively binding to DNA regulatory regions composed of adjacent HMG and POU motifs (HMG/POU cassettes). Previous studies have identified seven genes that contain highly active HMG/POU cassettes (referred to as Sox2:Oct‐3/4 target genes). Importantly, nearly all known Sox2:Oct‐3/4 target genes appear to be essential for embryogenesis. Recent genome‐wide ChIP‐chip studies identified over 300 genes that are co‐occupied by Sox2 and Oct‐3/4, which suggests that most Sox2:Oct‐3/4 target genes remain to be identified. The work described here used a 3‐step strategy for identifying additional Sox2:Oct‐3/4 target genes. First, we employed in silico analysis to search for putative HMG/POU cassettes in 50 genes reported to be co‐occupied by Sox2 and Oct‐3/4 in embryonic stem cells. We identified 39 genes that contain putative HMG/POU cassettes. Next, we tested the activity of seven of the putative HMG/POU cassettes in a transcription‐based assay and determined that nearly all are functional. Finally, as a proof‐of‐principle, we tested one of the seven cassettes (DPPA4) in the context of its endogenous promoter using a promoter/reporter gene construct. DPPA4 was tested in part because it was shown recently to play an important role in ES cell self‐renewal. We determined that the 5′ flanking region of the DPPA4 gene contains a functional HMG/POU cassette and behaves as a Sox2:Oct‐3/4 target gene. Finally, we used a transcription‐based assay to help develop a refined consensus sequence for HMG/POU cassettes. J. Cell. Physiol. 216: 651–662, 2008, © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Treponema denticola lipooligosaccharide activates gingival fibroblasts and upregulates inflammatory mediator production
Authors: Tanabe Shin‐ichi , Bodet Charles , Grenier Daniel
Published: March 2008

In response to bacterial challenges, fibroblasts, a major constituent of gingival connective tissue, can produce immunoregulatory cytokines and proteolytic enzymes that may contribute to tissue destruction and the progression of periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease affecting tooth‐supporting tissues, including alveolar bone. The spirochete Treponema denticola is a major etiological agent of periodontitis and can invade oral tissues. The aim of the present study was to investigate the inflammatory response of gingival fibroblasts to T. denticola lipooligosaccharide (LOS). T. denticola LOS induced significant production of various inflammatory mediators by fibroblasts, including interleukin‐6, interleukin‐8, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, nitric oxide, and prostaglandin E2. In addition, the secretion of matrix metalloproteinase 3, an enzyme active on basement membrane components, was also significantly increased. The response of fibroblasts was dose‐dependent and much stronger following a 24 h stimulation period. The expression and/or phosphorylation state of several signaling proteins, including Fos, MKK1, MKK2, MKK3/6, NF‐κB p50, and NF‐κB p65, was enhanced following stimulation of fibroblasts with T. denticola LOS. In summary, T. denticola LOS induced an inflammatory response in gingival fibroblasts and may thus contribute to the immunopathogenesis of periodontitis and the progression of the disease. J. Cell. Physiol. 216: 727–731, 2008, © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Metastases to intramammary lymph nodes in patients with breast cancer: Sonographic findings
Authors: Edeiken‐Monroe Beth S. , Monroe Douglas P. , Monroe Brett J. , Arnljot Kristine , Giaccomazza Maria , Sneige Nour , Fornage Bruno D.
Published: March 2008

Purpose.

To describe the sonographic characteristics of intramammary lymph node metastasis (ILNM) in patients with breast cancer and to assess the value of sonography and sonographically guided fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in their diagnosis.

Methods.

We retrospectively reviewed the charts and films of 19 women with biopsy‐documented ILNM who were seen in our breast diagnostic center between December 1999 and July 2003. The sonographic appearance of the nodes was analyzed and correlated with clinical and mammographic findings and with biopsy results.

Results.

The ILNMs were clinically and mammographically occult in 7 (37%) of the 19 women. The diameter of the ILNMs was less than 1 cm in 15 (79%) cases. The volume of the central echogenic hilum was less than 50% of the total volume of the node in each of the patients. There was marked decrease in cortical echogenicity of the ILN in all cases. Metastatic involvement was established via sonographically guided FNAB in each of the 19 suspicious intramammary lymph nodes.

Conclusion.

Sonography and sonographically guided FNAB are valuable methods of assessment for ILNM in patients with known or suspected breast cancer. The most consistent sonographic features associated with ILNM were reduction in the volume of the central echogenic hilum and marked hypoechogenicity of the node's cortex. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2008.
Cyclic stretch‐induced nuclear localization of transcription factors results in increased nuclear targeting of plasmids in alveolar epithelial cells
Authors: Lam Anna P. , Dean David A.
Published: March 2008

Background

We have shown previously that cyclic stretch corresponding to that experienced by the pulmonary epithelium during normal breathing enhances nonviral gene transfer and expression in alveolar epithelial cells by increasing plasmid intracellular trafficking. Although reorganization of the microtubule and actin cytoskeletons by cyclic stretch is necessary for increased plasmid trafficking, the role of nuclear entry in this enhanced trafficking has not been elucidated.

Methods

Alveolar epithelial cells were subjected to biaxial cyclic stretch (10% change in surface area at 0.5 Hz) and assayed for RNA expression, nuclear localization and activation of key transcription factors. Stretched epithelial cells were transfected with plasmids via electroporation and exposed to inhibitors of transcription factor activation.

Results

When assayed by in situ hybridization, more plasmids were localized to the nuclei of cells that were stretched following electroporation compared to unstretched cells. Cyclic stretch also increases the nuclear localization of multiple transcription factors thought to be involved in plasmid nuclear entry, including AP1, AP2, NF‐κB and NF1. Specific inhibition of the nuclear import of AP1 and/or NF‐κB abolishes the enhanced plasmid nuclear localization seen with stretch.

Conclusions

Nuclear entry of plasmids is thought to be mediated by the binding of proteins that chaperone the DNA through the nuclear pore. Stretch‐enhanced nuclear localization of transcription factors increases nuclear targeting of plasmids, whereas inhibition of the nuclear import of specific transcription factors abrogated stretch‐enhanced plasmid nuclear localization. Taken together, these results suggest that cyclic stretch increases gene trafficking in the cytoplasm and at the nuclear envelope. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of extra virgin olive oil substitution for fat on quality of pork patty
Authors: Hur Sun Jin , Jin Sang Keun , Kim Il Suk
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND:

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is well known for its beneficial effects on human health. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of EVOO substitution for backfat on qualities of pork patty to avoid high consumption of animal‐originated fat, because it is closely related to development of cardiovascular disease and obesity.

RESULT:

Water‐holding capacity was higher in control (lean pork + 10% backfat) and T3 (lean pork + 5% backfat + 5% EVOO + 0.5% isolated soy protein + 0.5% carrageenan + 0.5% maltodextrin) than T1 (lean pork + 5% backfat + 5% EVOO + 0.5% isolated soy protein) and T2 (lean pork + 5% backfat + 5% EVOO + 0.5% isolated soy protein + 0.5% carrageenan). Hardness was higher in EVOO substitution for backfat patty samples than control. In sensory evaluation, the control was significantly higher in overall acceptability compared with EVOO substitution for backfat pork patty samples.

CONCLUSION:

The physical properties of pork patty made by EVOO substitution for backfat were stable as a commercial pork patty (control). However, sensory evaluation scores were higher in control compared to EVOO‐substituted pork patty samples. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Cross‐metathesis with fatty acid derivatives: Scope, challenges and perspectives
Authors: Meier Michael A. R.
Published: March 2008

Plant oils are an important renewable resource for the chemical industry and will help to reduce CO2 emissions and contribute to a sustainable development of our future. Chemically efficient as well as cost‐effective reactions and processes are now being developed to achieve this goal, metathesis being one of them. This feature briefly describes the possibilities of cross‐metathesis reactions with oleochemicals, discussing general aspects of cross‐metathesis reactions, evaluating current pros and cons, and highlighting recent developments.
High‐speed analysis of the major components of fatty acid methyl esters by capillary gas chromatography
Authors: Shibahara Akira , Yamamoto Kouhei , Kinoshita Akemi
Published: March 2008

We tested different column temperatures and carrier gas linear velocities in a capillary GC system with a high‐resolution column, DB‐23, to determine the shortest run time for analyzing the major components of a fatty acid methyl ester sample from any lipid source. Depending on the sample, the run time is 2 min or less. Commercially‐available high‐resolution columns can be used without modification.
High‐brightness long‐wavelength semiconductor disk lasers
Authors: Schulz N. , Hopkins J.‐M. , Rattunde M. , Burns D. , Wagner J.
Published: March 2008

A review on the recent developments in the field of long‐wavelength (λ >1.2μm) high‐brightness optically‐pumped semiconductor disk lasers (OPSDLs) is presented. As thermal effects have such a crucial impact on the laser performance particular emphasis is given to modelling the thermal behaviour and optimisation of the heat‐sinking. Selected OPSDL devices, realized in different III‐V and IV‐VI semiconductor material systems, with corresponding emission wavelengths between 1.2 μm and 5.3 μm are presented. Specific applications in this broad spectral range are addressed and methods to obtain high output power are discussed in terms of the underlying material properties and device operating principles.
Effect of Er:YAG, CO2 and diode laser irradiation on surface properties of zirconia endosseous dental implants
Authors: Stübinger Stefan , Homann Frank , Etter Christof , Miskiewicz Miroslaw , Wieland Marco , Sader Robert
Published: March 2008

Background and Objectives

Zirconia implants (ZI) are becoming more popular in implant dentistry, as a result of their favorable esthetic outcome. However, little is known about the impact laser application has on this material in the course of peri‐implantitis treatment. The objective of this investigation was to analyze the influence of Er:YAG, CO2 and diode laser irradiation on polished ZI.

Material and Methods

Yttria‐stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y‐TZP) ceramic disks were irradiated at different power settings with either an Er:YAG, CO2 or diode laser. The surface of the disks was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal 3D white light microscopy (CWLM). In addition energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis was performed on all disks. Six specimens were used for each parameter set of each laser.

Results

SEM analysis demonstrated that, regardless of the power settings, neither the diode laser nor the Er:YAG laser caused any visible surface alterations to ZI. The results of the CWLM were in agreement with the SEM pictures. However, Er:YAG irradiation did penetrate through the disks. At various power settings, the CO2 treatment was characterized by material cracking and melting. The increased roughness values (from CWLM) of the ZI underlined the SEM observations.

Conclusion

In contrast to diode and Er:YAG laser irradiation, the CO2 laser revealed distinct surface alterations to zirconia at various laser parameters. However, the Er:YAG laser cannot be recommended for the treatment of ailing implants, as the laser beam penetrates the material. In this respect, currently, diode lasers seem to be the only laser systems offering surface preservation and safety in the treatment of peri‐implantits with ZI. Laser Surg. Med. 40:223–228, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pneumatic skin flattening reduces pain during laser hair reduction
Authors: Bernstein Eric F.
Published: March 2008

Introduction

Laser hair reduction targets melanin pigment within hair shafts, causing heating and an inflammatory response that sends hair into a prolonged telogen phase. Pain may be a limiting factor for patients seeking laser hair reduction.

Methods

We investigate the affect of pneumatic skin flattening (PSF) as compared to conventional treatment using the dynamic cooling device (DCD) on pain during laser hair reduction treatment and evaluated immediately following treatment, as well as the studying its impact on post‐treatment effects of laser hair reduction using an alexandrite and Nd:YAG laser to treat the hair in the axillae of 40 volunteer subjects. Thirty‐four subjects were treated with a 755 nm, 3 millisecond pulse‐duration alexandrite laser using fluences ranging from 16 to 20 J/cm2 and an 18 mm circular spot; while six were treated with the 1,064 nm laser with the same parameters but fluences ranging from 22 to 26 J/cm2. One axilla of each subject was treated with the PSF device while the other was treated in the conventional manner using the DCD.

Results

PSF reduced the pain of hair removal treatment in 95% of subjects, as compared to conventional laser treatment using the DCD. The mean pain score for the axilla receiving laser treatment using PSF was 2.8±2.1 (mean±SD) of a possible 10.0. In contrast, the average pain score for the side treated with the DCD was 5.4±2.1 (P<0.0001). Blinded evaluation of post‐treatment photographs demonstrated a reduction in erythema on the PSF‐treated side immediately post‐treatment, and no difference in hair reduction 1 month following treatment.

Conclusions

Pneumatic skin flattening diminishes the pain associated with laser hair reduction. Laser Surg. Med. 40:183–187, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of Cl(Ca) channel distributions in olfactory cilia
Authors: Badamdorj Dorjsuren , Edwards David A. , French Donald A. , Kleene Steven J.
Published: March 2008

Identification of detailed features of neuronal systems is an important challenge in the biosciences today. Transduction of an odor into an electrical signal occurs in the membranes of the cilia. The Cl(Ca) channels that reside in the ciliary membrane are activated by calcium, allow a depolarizing efflux of Cl− and are thought to amplify the electrical signal to the brain.

In this paper, a mathematical model consisting of partial differential equations is developed to study two different experiments; one involving the interaction of the cyclic‐nucleotide‐gated (CNG) and Cl(Ca) channels and the other, the diffusion of Ca2+ into cilia. This work builds on an earlier study (Mathematical modeling of the Cl(Ca) ion channels in frog olfactory cilia. Ph.D. Thesis, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 2006; Math. Comput. Modelling 2006; 43:945–956; Biophys. J. 2006; 91:179–188), which suggested that the CNG channels are clustered at about 0.28 of the length of a cilium from its open end. Closed‐form solutions are derived after certain reductions in the model are made. These special solutions provide estimates of the channel distributions. Scientific computation is also used. This preliminary study suggests that the Cl(Ca) ion channels are also clustered at about one‐third of the length of a cilium from its open end. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analytical and numerical methods in shape optimization
Authors: Harbrecht Helmut
Published: March 2008

This paper is intended to overview on analytical and numerical methods in shape optimization. We compute and analyse the shape Hessian in order to distinguish well‐posed and ill‐posed shape optimization problems. We introduce different discretization techniques of the shape and present existence and convergence results of approximate solutions in case of well posedness. Finally, we survey on the efficient numerical solution of the state equation, including finite and boundary element methods as well as fictitious domain methods. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the application and extension of system signatures in engineering reliability
Authors: Navarro Jorge , Samaniego Francisco J. , Balakrishnan N. , Bhattacharya Debasis
Published: March 2008

Following a review of the basic ideas in structural reliability, including signature‐based representation and preservation theorems for systems whose components have independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) lifetimes, extensions that apply to the comparison of coherent systems of different sizes, and stochastic mixtures of them, are obtained. It is then shown that these results may be extended to vectors of exchangeable random lifetimes. In particular, for arbitrary systems of sizes m < n with exchangeable component lifetimes, it is shown that the distribution of an m‐component system's lifetime can be written as a mixture of the distributions of k‐out‐of‐n systems. When the system has n components, the vector of coefficients in this mixture representation is precisely the signature of the system defined in Samaniego, IEEE Trans Reliabil R–34 (1985) 69–72. These mixture representations are then used to obtain new stochastic ordering properties for coherent or mixed systems of different sizes. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2008
Scheduling parallel machines with inclusive processing set restrictions
Authors: Ou Jinwen , Leung Joseph Y.‐T. , Li Chung‐Lun
Published: March 2008

We consider the problem of assigning a set of jobs to different parallel machines of the same processing speed, where each job is compatible to only a subset of those machines. The machines can be linearly ordered such that a higher‐indexed machine can process all those jobs that a lower‐indexed machine can process. The objective is to minimize the makespan of the schedule. This problem is motivated by industrial applications such as cargo handling by cranes with nonidentical weight capacities, computer processor scheduling with memory constraints, and grades of service provision by parallel servers. We develop an efficient algorithm for this problem with a worst‐case performance ratio of
${4}\over{3}$
+ ε, where ε is a positive constant which may be set arbitrarily close to zero. We also present a polynomial time approximation scheme for this problem, which answers an open question in the literature. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2008
On the construction of anisotropic polyconvex energy densities
Authors: Ebbing Vera , Schröder J. , Neff Patrizio
Published: March 2008

In this contribution we propose a general framework for the construction of polyconvex energies for arbitrary anisotropy classes. The main idea is the introduction of an anisotropic metric reflecting the material symmetry of the underlying crystal. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
On an effective model for ferronematic liquid crystals
Authors: Calderer M. Carme , DeSimone Antonio , Golovaty Dmitry , Panchenko Alexander
Published: March 2008

The tools of homogenization theory are used to develop an effective model for ferronematics–colloidal suspensions of small ferromagnetic particles in a nematic liquid crystalline medium. The results are presented for dilute suspensions of identical prolate spheroidal particles. For needle‐like particles of large eccentricity, the model reduces to a known expression [5]. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Preconditioners for hydropower plant flow simulations
Authors: Mangiavacchi N. , Carvalho L. M. , Soares C. B. P. , Costa V. , Fortes W.
Published: March 2008

We describe the main features of a numerical simulator currently under development for studying water physico‐chemical properties during the flooding of hydroelectric plants reservoirs. The work is sponsored by the Brazilian Electric Energy National Agency (ANEEL) and conducted in a joint work of Brazilian universities researchers, with Furnas Centrais Elétricas S. A., the leading Brazilian power utility company. An overview of the simulator requirements is given. The software modules and engineering solutions are briefly discussed, including the finite element based transport module. Some results are presented and discussed. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Shape and topology optimization of contact problems by level set methods
Authors: Myśliński Andrzej
Published: March 2008

This paper deals with the numerical solution of a topology and shape optimization problems of an elastic body in unilateral contact with a rigid foundation. The contact problem with the prescribed friction is considered. The structural optimization problem consists in finding such shape of the boundary of the domain occupied by the body that the normal contact stress along the contact boundary of the body is minimized. In the paper shape as well as topological derivatives formulae of the cost functional are provided using material derivative and asymptotic expansion methods, respectively. These derivatives are employed to formulate necessary optimality condition for simultaneous shape and topology optimization. Level set based numerical algorithm for the solution of the shape optimization problem is proposed. Level set method is used to describe the position of the boundary of the body and its evolution on a fixed mesh. This evolution is governed by Hamilton – Jacobi equation. The speed vector field driving the propagation of the boundary of the body is given by the shape derivative of a cost functional with respect to the free boundary. Numerical examples are provided. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Coaxial electrospinning of PC(shell)/PU(core) composite nanofibers for textile application
Authors: Han Xiao‐Jian , Huang Zheng‐Ming , He Chuang‐Long , Liu Ling , Wu Qing‐Sheng
Published: March 2008

To develop a novel functional composite material for textile application, a coaxial electrospinning technique was investigated to electrospin two different polymer solutions into core‐shell structured nanofibers in which polyurethane and polycarbonate were used as core and shell materials, respectively. The resultant nanofibers were subsequently characterized by means of scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and tensile mechanical test. Furthermore, water vapour transmission rate and pliability of the resulting nonwoven mats were also measured. The preliminary results indicated that it is feasible to attach composite nanofibers, with possible fictionalization on the shell material, onto a substrate fabric. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Prediction of elastic properties for curved fiber polymer composites
Authors: Bapanapalli Satish , Nguyen Ba Nghiep
Published: March 2008

The objective of this article is to study the effect of fiber curvature on the elastic properties of a long‐fiber composite. The study was carried out using a unit cell homogenization approach and micromechanical modeling. In the first approach, a unit cell with a fiber bundle was defined and used in the analysis. Appropriate boundary conditions were prescribed to extract the elastic stiffness components. The second approach made use of the Eshelby‐Mori‐Tanaka model to compute the stiffness of the aligned fiber composite. Fiber curvature was then accounted for through the variation of fiber orientation within a prescribed range that corresponds to a given degree of fiber curvature. It was found that curved fibers significantly affect the composite properties since they lead to a significant stiffness reduction in the longitudinal direction while relatively small increase in stiffness is achieved in the transverse direction in the plane containing the fiber tow. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. Published 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Steady plastic flow of a polymer during equal channel angular extrusion process: Experiments and numerical modeling
Authors: Zaïri F. , Aour B. , Gloaguen J.M. , Naït‐Abdelaziz M. , Lefebvre J.M.
Published: March 2008

Equal channel angular extrusion (ECAE) is a powerful tool to modify microstructure via high plastic deformation without altering sample geometry. This article investigates the behavior of a polypropylene processed by ECAE. A finite element analysis in which the material constitutive law is coupled with damage by means of Gurson‐Tvergaard damage potential allowed to model experimental tests achieved on this material. Such a modeling allows the prediction of the extrusion load, strain and stress fields, and void volume fraction distribution. The need for the use of a back‐pressure is highlighted. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Novel amphiphilic poly(ester‐urethane)s based on poly[(R)‐3‐hydroxyalkanoate]: synthesis, biocompatibility and aggregation in aqueous solution
Authors: Li Zibiao , Cheng Shaoting , Li Song , Liu Qiaoyan , Xu Kaitian , Chen Guo‐Qiang
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND: The aim of this work was to develop polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) for blood contact applications, and to study their self‐assembly behavior in aqueous solution when the PHAs are incorporated with hydrophilic segments. To do this, poly(ester‐urethane) (PU) multiblock copolymers were prepared from hydroxyl‐terminated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and hydroxylated poly[(R)‐3‐hydroxyalkanoate] (PHA‐diol) using 1,6‐hexamethylene diisocyanate as a coupling reagent. The PEG segment functions as a soft, hydrophilic and crystalline portion and the poly[(R)‐3‐hydroxybutyrate] segment behaves as a hard, hydrophobic and crystalline portion. In another series of PU multiblock copolymers, crystalline PEG and completely amorphous poly[((R)‐3‐hydroxybutyrate)‐co‐(4‐hydroxybutyrate)] behaved as hydrophobic and hydrophilic segments, respectively.

RESULTS: The formation of a PU series of block copolymers was confirmed by NMR, gel permeation chromatography and infrared analyses. The thermal properties showed enhanced thermal stability with semi‐crystalline morphology via incorporation of PEG. Interestingly, the changes of the hydrophilic/hydrophobic ratio led to different formations in oil‐in‐water emulsion and surface patterning behavior when cast into films. Blood compatibility was also increased with increasing PEG content compared with PHA‐only polymers.

CONCLUSION: For the first time, PHA‐based PU block copolymers have been investigated in terms of their blood compatibility and aggregation behavior in aqueous solution. Novel amphiphilic materials with good biocompatibility for possible blood contact applications with hydrogel properties were obtained. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
The drug transporter MgMfs1 can modulate sensitivity of field strains of the fungal wheat pathogen Mycosphaerella graminicola to the strobilurin fungicide trifloxystrobin
Authors: Roohparvar Ramin , Mehrabi Rahim , Van Nistelrooy Johannes GM , Zwiers Lute‐Harm , De Waard Maarten A
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND: The major facilitator superfamily (MFS) drug transporter MgMfs1 of the wheat pathogen Mycosphaerella graminicola (Fuckel) J Schroeter is a potent multidrug transporter with high capacity to transport strobilurin fungicides in vitro. The data presented in this paper indicate that, in addition to the predominant cause of strobilurin resistance, cytochrome b G143A subsititution, MgMfs1 can play a role in sensitivity of field strains of this pathogen to trifloxystrobin.

RESULTS: In a major part of field strains of M. graminicola (collected in the Netherlands in 2004) containing the cytochrome b G143A substitution, the basal level of expression of MgMfs1 was elevated as compared with sensitive strains lacking the G143A substitution. Induction of MgMfs1 expression in wild‐type isolates upon treatment with trifloxystrobin at sublethal concentrations proceeded rapidly. Furthermore, in disease control experiments on wheat seedlings, disruption mutants of MgMfs1 displayed an increased sensitivity to trifloxystrobin.

CONCLUSION: It is concluded that the drug transporter MgMfs1 is a determinant of strobilurin sensitivity of field strains of M. graminicola. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
The global distribution of infant mortality: a subnational spatial view
Authors: Storeygard Adam , Balk Deborah , Levy Marc , Deane Glenn
Published: March 2008

We describe the compilation of a spatially explicit data‐set detailing infant mortality rates in over 10,000 national and subnational units worldwide, benchmarked to the year 2000. Although their resolution is highly variable, subnational data are available for countries representing over 90% of the non‐OECD population. Concentration of global infant deaths is higher than implied by national data alone. Assigning both national and subnational data to map grid cells so that they may be easily integrated with other geographical data, we generate infant mortality rates for environmental regions, including biomes and coastal zones, by continent. Rates for these regions also show striking refinements from the use of the higher resolution data. Possibilities and limitations for related work are discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stimulation of aerobic degradation of chlorinated ethenes in soil by microbial inoculation
Authors: Balba Talaat , Dore Sophia , Pope Donald , Smith Jennifer , Weston Alan
Published: March 2008

Degradation of chlorinated ethenes under aerobic conditions has been reported using a cometabolic pathway. A site in Illinois had shallow contamination and sandy soils, which in combination created aerobic conditions. The aerobic conditions prevented the degradation of chlorinated ethenes by reductive dechlorination. Biodegradation of chloroethenes under aerobic conditions does not occur naturally at all sites; however, it can be enhanced if microorganisms capable of cometabolic degradation are introduced into the soil. In this study, trichloroethene (TCE) removal in the soil was enhanced by the injection of a commercially available microbial inoculum (CL‐OUT® inoculum, CL‐Solutions, Cincinnati, OH) and nutrients and was compared to chlorinated ethene removal in soil that had received nutrients only and soil that had received activated sludge and nutrients. Trichloroethene removal was measured after one week, seven weeks, and eleven weeks.

After one week, no significant TCE removal had occurred in any of the test microcosms. After seven weeks, a slight decrease in TCE levels accompanied by an increase in cis‐1,2‐dichloroethene (cis‐1,2‐DCE) was seen in the microcosms that had received CL‐OUT®. After 11 weeks, a marked decrease in TCE levels was observed in the microcosms that had received CL‐OUT®. No significant TCE decrease was observed in any of the other microcosms. These data suggest that organisms capable of aerobic TCE degradation were not present at the site; however, the addition of an inoculum containing such organisms enabled aerobic degradation to occur. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Geochemical evaluation of metals in groundwater at long‐term monitoring sites and active remediation sites
Authors: Thorbjornsen Karen , Myers Jonathan
Published: March 2008

At many sites, long‐term monitoring (LTM) programs include metals as chemicals of concern, although they may not be site‐related contaminants and their detected concentrations may be natural. At other sites, active remediation of organic contaminants in groundwater results in changes to local geochemical conditions that affect metal concentrations. Metals should be carefully considered at both types of sites, even if they are not primary contaminants of concern. Geochemical evaluation can be performed at LTM sites to determine if the monitored metals reflect naturally high background and, hence, can be removed from the analytical program. Geochemical evaluation can also be performed pre‐ and post‐treatment at active remediation sites to document the effects of organics remediation on metals and identify the processes controlling metal concentrations. Examples from both types of sites are presented in this article. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Designing and conducting grief workshops for college students
Authors: Vickio Craig J.
Published: March 2008

This chapter offers practical guidelines for conducting grief workshops on college campuses.
Training faculty members and resident assistants to respond to bereaved students
Authors: Servaty‐Seib Heather L. , Taub Deborah J.
Published: March 2008

The authors provide guidance for conducting workshops on bereavement for faculty members and resident assistants who, because of their regular interactions with students, are well positioned to respond to students in difficulty.
Student death protocols: A practitioner's perspective
Authors: Callahan Cheryl (Cherry) M. , Fox Erin K.
Published: March 2008

When a student dies, administrators are confronted with a number of tasks and issues. This chapter provides practical guidance for responding to student death.
Indeterminacy of a dry friction problem with viscous damping involving stiction
Authors: Bastien J. , Schatzman M.
Published: March 2008

We study a usual friction law for one degree of freedom solid where the dynamical friction coefficient is smaller than the static friction coefficient. We show that this law can be dangerous, because it can lose all predictive power. We first study a passage to the limit to prove that the limit is strongly depending on the data. We secondly study the obtained limit law, which is written with a non maximal monotone multivalued graph; this property implies that the differential inclusion possesses a set of solutions, whose diameter is too big to know the solution with precision. Moreover, the associated numerical scheme does not have a unique solution.