bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation analysis of the side-chains conformational distribution in bound and unbound proteins
Authors: Kirys Tatsiana , Ruvinsky Anatoly M , Tuzikov Alexander V , Vakser Ilya A
Published: September 2012

Background

Protein interactions play a key role in life processes. Characterization of conformational properties of protein-protein interactions is important for understanding the mechanisms of protein association. The rapidly increasing amount of experimentally determined structures of proteins and protein-protein complexes provides foundation for research on protein interactions and complex formation. The knowledge of the conformations of the surface side chains is essential for modeling of protein complexes. The purpose of this study was to analyze and compare dihedral angle distribution functions of the side chains at the interface and non-interface areas in bound and unbound proteins.

Results

To calculate the dihedral angle distribution functions, the configuration space was divided into grid cells. Statistical analysis showed that the similarity between bound and unbound interface and non-interface surface depends on the amino acid type and the grid resolution. The correlation coefficients between the distribution functions increased with the grid spacing increase for all amino acid types. The Manhattan distance showing the degree of dissimilarity between the distribution functions decreased accordingly. Short residues with one or two dihedral angles had higher correlations and smaller Manhattan distances than the longer residues. Met and Arg had the slowest growth of the correlation coefficient with the grid spacing increase. The correlations between the interface and non-interface distribution functions had a similar dependence on the grid resolution in both bound and unbound states. The interface and non-interface differences between bound and unbound distribution functions, caused by biological protein-protein interactions or crystal contacts, disappeared at the 70° grid spacing for interfaces and 30° for non-interface surface, which agrees with an average span of the side-chain rotamers.

Conclusions

The two-fold difference in the critical grid spacing indicates larger conformational changes upon binding at the interface than at the rest of the surface. At the same time, transitions between rotamers induced by interactions across the interface or the crystal packing are rare, with most side chains having local readjustments that do not change the rotameric state. The analysis is important for better understanding of protein interactions and development of flexible docking approaches.
A dictionary based informational genome analysis
Authors: Castellini Alberto , Franco Giuditta , Manca Vincenzo
Published: September 2012

Background

In the post-genomic era several methods of computational genomics are emerging to understand how the whole information is structured within genomes. Literature of last five years accounts for several alignment-free methods, arisen as alternative metrics for dissimilarity of biological sequences. Among the others, recent approaches are based on empirical frequencies of DNA k-mers in whole genomes.

Results

Any set of words (factors) occurring in a genome provides a genomic dictionary. About sixty genomes were analyzed by means of informational indexes based on genomic dictionaries, where a systemic view replaces a local sequence analysis. A software prototype applying a methodology here outlined carried out some computations on genomic data. We computed informational indexes, built the genomic dictionaries with different sizes, along with frequency distributions. The software performed three main tasks: computation of informational indexes, storage of these in a database, index analysis and visualization. The validation was done by investigating genomes of various organisms. A systematic analysis of genomic repeats of several lengths, which is of vivid interest in biology (for example to compute excessively represented functional sequences, such as promoters), was discussed, and suggested a method to define synthetic genetic networks.

Conclusions

We introduced a methodology based on dictionaries, and an efficient motif-finding software application for comparative genomics. This approach could be extended along many investigation lines, namely exported in other contexts of computational genomics, as a basis for discrimination of genomic pathologies.
Has increased clinical experience with methotrexate reduced the direct costs of medical management of ectopic pregnancy compared to surgery?
Authors: Westaby Daniel T , Wu Olivia , Duncan W Colin , Critchley Hilary OD , Tong Stephen , Horne Andrew W
Published: September 2012

Background

There is a debate about the cost-efficiency of methotrexate for the management of ectopic pregnancy (EP), especially for patients presenting with serum human chorionic gonadotrophin levels of >1500 IU/L. We hypothesised that further experience with methotrexate, and increased use of guideline-based protocols, has reduced the direct costs of management with methotrexate.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cost analysis on women treated for EP in a large UK teaching hospital to (1) investigate whether the cost of medical management is less expensive than surgical management for those patients eligible for both treatments and (2) to compare the cost of medical management for women with hCG concentrations 1500–3000 IU/L against those with similar hCG concentrations that elected for surgery. Three distinct treatment groups were identified: (1) those who had initial medical management with methotrexate, (2) those who were eligible for initial medical management but chose surgery (‘elected’ surgery) and (3) those who initially ‘required’ surgery and did not meet the eligibility criteria for methotrexate. We calculated the costs from the point of view of the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK. We summarised the cost per study group using the mean, standard deviation, median and range and, to account for the skewed nature of the data, we calculated 95% confidence intervals for differential costs using the nonparametric bootstrap method.

Results

Methotrexate was £1179 (CI 819–1550) per patient cheaper than surgery but there were no significant savings with methotrexate in women with hCG >1500 IU/L due to treatment failures.

Conclusions

Our data support an ongoing unmet economic need for better medical treatments for EP with hCG >1500 IU/L.
A cross-sectional analysis of how young adults perceive tobacco brands: implications for FCTC signatories
Authors: Gendall Philip , Hoek Janet , Edwards Richard , McCool Judith
Published: September 2012

Background

The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control calls for the elimination of tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship. To test whether tobacco packaging functions as advertising by communicating attractive and distinctive brand attributes, we explored how young adult smokers and non-smokers interpreted familiar and unfamiliar tobacco brands.

Methods

We conducted an on-line survey of 1035 young adult smokers and non-smokers aged 18–30. Participants evaluated eight tobacco brands using ten attributes based on brand personality scales. We used factor analysis and ANOVA to examine patterns in brand-attribute associations.

Results

Young adults distinguished between brands on the basis of their packaging alone, associated each brand with specific attributes, and were equally able to interpret familiar and unfamiliar brands. Contrary to our expectations, non-smokers made more favourable brand-attribute associations than smokers, but both groups described Basic, a near generic brand, as ‘plain’ or ‘budget’. There were no significant gender or ethnicity differences.

Conclusions

Tobacco packaging uses logos, colours and imagery to create desirable connotations that promote and reinforce smoking. By functioning in the same way as advertising, on-pack branding breaches Article 13 of the FCTC and refutes tobacco companies’ claims that pack livery serves only as an indentifying device that simplifies smokers’ decision-making. Given this evidence, signatories should see plain packaging policies as a priority consistent with their FCTC obligations to eliminate all tobacco advertising and promotion.
Management of imported malaria in Europe
Authors: Askling Helena H , Bruneel Fabrice , Burchard Gerd , Castelli Francesco , Chiodini Peter L , Grobusch Martin P , Lopez-Vélez Rogelio , Paul Margaret , Petersen Eskild , Popescu Corneliu , Ramharter Michael , Schlagenhauf Patricia
Published: September 2012

In this position paper, the European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Study Group on Clinical Parasitology, summarizes main issues regarding the management of imported malaria cases. Malaria is a rare diagnosis in Europe, but it is a medical emergency. A travel history is the key to suspecting malaria and is mandatory in patients with fever. There are no specific clinical signs or symptoms of malaria although fever is seen in almost all non-immune patients. Migrants from malaria endemic areas may have few symptoms.

Malaria diagnostics should be performed immediately on suspicion of malaria and the gold- standard is microscopy of Giemsa-stained thick and thin blood films. A Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) may be used as an initial screening tool, but does not replace urgent microscopy which should be done in parallel. Delays in microscopy, however, should not lead to delayed initiation of appropriate treatment. Patients diagnosed with malaria should usually be hospitalized. If outpatient management is preferred, as is the practice in some European centres, patients must usually be followed closely (at least daily) until clinical and parasitological cure. Treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria is either with oral artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) or with the combination atovaquone/proguanil. Two forms of ACT are available in Europe: artemether/lumefantrine and dihydroartemisinin/piperaquine. ACT is also effective against Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium knowlesi, but these species can be treated with chloroquine. Treatment of persistent liver forms in P. vivax and P. ovale with primaquine is indicated after excluding glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. There are modified schedules and drug options for the treatment of malaria in special patient groups, such as children and pregnant women. The potential for drug interactions and the role of food in the absorption of anti-malarials are important considerations in the choice of treatment.

Complicated malaria is treated with intravenous artesunate resulting in a much more rapid decrease in parasite density compared to quinine. Patients treated with intravenous artesunate should be closely monitored for haemolysis for four weeks after treatment. There is a concern in some countries about the lack of artesunate produced according to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).
(Zn,H)-codoped copper oxide nanoparticles via pulsed laser ablation on Cu-Zn alloy in water
Authors: Lin Bo-Cheng , Chen Shuei-Yuan , Shen Pouyan
Published: September 2012

Nanosized (5 to 10 nm) amorphous and crystalline nanocondensates, i.e., metallic α-phase of Zn-Cu alloy in face-centered cubic structure and (Zn,H)-codoped cuprite (Cu2O) with high-pressure-favored close-packed sublattice, were formed by pulsed laser ablation on bulk Cu65Zn35in water and characterized by X-ray/electron diffractions and optical spectroscopy. The as-fabricated hybrid nanocondensates are darkish and showed photoluminescence in the whole visible region. Further dwelling of such nanocondensates in water caused progressive formation of a rice-like assembly of (Zn,H)-codoped tenorite (CuO) nanoparticles with (001), (100), and {111} preferred orientations, (111) tilt boundary, yellowish color, and minimum bandgap narrowing down toca.2.7 eV for potential photocatalytic applications.
Bovine herpes virus type 1 induces apoptosis through Fas-dependent and mitochondria-controlled manner in Madin-Darby bovine kidney cells
Authors: Xu Xingang , Zhang Kuan , Huang Yong , Ding Li , Chen Guangda , Zhang Honglei , Tong Dewen
Published: September 2012

Background

Bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1) is an important pathogen in cattle that is responsible for substantial economic losses. Previous studies suggest that BHV-1 may induce apoptosis in Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cells via a mechanism only involving caspases and p53. However, the mechanism for BHV-1-induced MDBK cell apoptosis still requires more research.

Methods

MDBK was used as a model to study the precise signaling pathways of apoptosis induced by BHV-1 infection.

Results

BHV-1 infection activated a Fas/FasL-mediated apoptotic pathway, resulting in activation of caspase-8 and cleavage of Bid. In addition, BHV-1 infection down-regulated Bcl-2 and up-regulated Bax expression, thereby initiating the release of cytochrome c followed by caspase-9 activation. The combined activation of the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways resulted in activation of downstream effecter caspase-3 and poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP), leading to apoptosis. Furthermore, blocking apoptosis using caspase inhibitors improved BHV-1-infected MDBK cell viability to different extent. BHV-1 infection did not induce significant DNA fragmentation in MDBK cells pretreated with ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) or cells infected with UV-inactivated BHV-1. Blocking caspases activation increased BHV-1 replication.

Conclusions

BHV-1 induces apoptosis in MDBK cells through extrinsic and intrinsic pathways and there might be cross-talk between the two pathways. In addition, BHV-1 replication may be necessary for the induction of apoptosis in BHV-1-infected cells, and prolonged cell viability benefits BHV-1 replication.
Sf-PHB2, A new transcription factor, Drives WSSV Ie1Gene Expression via a 12-bp DNA Element
Authors: Ma Guoda , Yu Li , Wang Qian , Liu Wei , Cui Yudong , Kwang Jimmy
Published: September 2012

Background

The WSSV immediate early gene ie1 is highly expressed throughout viral infection cycle and may play a central role in initiating viral replication during infection.

Results

Here, a detailed characterization of the ie1 promoter was performed using deletion and mutation analyses to elucidate the role of the individual promoter motifs. Three results were obtained: 1) the ie1 promoter is a classical eukaryotic promoter that contains the initiator element (Inr) and TATA box responsible for the basal promoter activity; 2) mutation or truncation of a predicted Sp1 site decreased the level of promoter activity by about 3-fold, indicating that the Sp1 site is an important cis-element of the promoter; and 3) truncation of a 12-bp sequence that resides at -78/-67 of the ie1 promoter decreased the level of promoter activity by about 14-fold, indicating that the 12-bp motif is a critical upstream element of the ie1 promoter for binding of a strong transcription factor to drive the ie1 gene expression in the cells. Further, the 12-bp DNA binding protein was purified from the nuclear proteins of Sf9 cells using DNA affinity chromatography, and was identified as a homologue of the prohibitin2 protein (named as Sf-PHB2) using mass spectrometry. Furthermore, the DNA binding activity of Sf-PHB2 was verified using a super shift analysis.

Conclusion

These results support that the Sf-PHB2 is a novel transcription factor that drives WSSV ie1 gene expression by binding to the 12-bp DNA element.
Effect of electroacupuncture on opioid consumption in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain: protocol of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Xue Charlie CL , Helme Robert D , Gibson Stephen , Hogg Malcolm , Arnold Carolyn , Somogyi Andrew A , Da Costa Cliff , Wang Yanyi , Lu Shao-chen , Zheng Zhen
Published: September 2012

Background

Chronic musculoskeletal pain is common and has been increasingly managed by opioid medications, of which the long-term efficacy is unknown. Furthermore, there is evidence that long-term use of opioids is associated with reduced pain control, declining physical function and quality of life, and could hinder the goals of integrated pain management. Electroacupuncture (EA) has been shown to be effective in reducing postoperative opioid consumption. Limited evidence suggests that acupuncture could assist patients with chronic pain to reduce their requirements for opioids.

The proposed research aims to assess if EA is an effective adjunct therapy to standard pain and medication management in reducing opioids use by patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Methods

In this multicentre, randomised, sham-acupuncture controlled, three-arm clinical trial, 316 patients regularly taking opioids for pain control and meeting the defined selection criteria will be recruited from pain management centres and clinics of primary care providers in Victoria, Australia. After a four-week run-in period, the participants are randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups to receive EA, sham EA or no-EA with a ratio of 2:1:1. All participants receive routine pain medication management delivered and supervised by the trial medical doctors. Twelve sessions of semi-structured EA or sham EA treatment are delivered over 10 weeks. Upon completion of the acupuncture treatment period, there is a 12-week follow-up. In total, participants are involved in the trial for 26 weeks. Outcome measures of opioid and non-opioid medication consumption, pain scores and opioid-related adverse events are documented throughout the study. Quality of life, depression, function, and attitude to pain medications are also assessed.

Discussion

This randomised controlled trial will determine whether EA is of significant clinical value in assisting the management of debilitating chronic pain by reducing opioids consumption and their associated adverse events, as well as improving the quality of life for those with chronic pain. Such an outcome will provide the rationale for including EA into multidisciplinary programmes for effective management of chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ACTRN12609000676213)

http://www.anzctr.org.au/trial_view.aspx?ID=308008
Conflict of Interest Disclosure in Off-Label Oncology Clinical Trials
Authors: Irwin Blair , Hirsch Bradford R. , Samsa Gregory P. , Abernethy Amy P.
Published: September 2012

The rate of disclosure of potential sources of bias in conflict of interest and funding statements in studies of off-label indications for anticancer targeted therapies was low and did not increase substantially over time.
Practical Guidance: The Use of Social Media In Oncology Practice
Authors: Dizon Don S. , Graham David , Thompson Michael A. , Johnson Lisa J. , Johnston Claire , Fisch Michael J. , Miller Robert
Published: September 2012

Social media provide another avenue for community development that patients, particularly those with cancer, are often seeking.
Adam Smith‘s “Science of Human Nature”
Authors: Berry Christopher J.
Published: September 2012

We do not find in Smith any programmatic statement about the nature of human nature only, rather, a profuse scattering of remarks. We can, however, be confident that he shared the aspirations of the “Enlightenment project,” within which, indeed, self-awareness of a “conception of man” was focal. There was a convergence on the idea that human nature is constant and uniform in its operating principles. By virtue of this constancy human nature was predictable so that once it was scientifically understood then, as Hume argued, a new foundation was possible for, inter alia, morals, criticism, politics, and natural religion. While Smith is more circumspect, he shares Hume‘s ambitions for the “science of man,” which Smith calls the “science of human nature” and which he believes was, even in the seventeenth century, in its “infancy.” This essay aims to explicate what Smith implies about this “science.”
The Intellectual Legacy of Jules Dupuit: A Review Essay
Authors: Ekelund Robert B. , Hébert Robert F.
Published: September 2012

The achievements of Jules Dupuit (1804–1866), French engineer and economist, policymaker and molder of the canon of neoclassical microeconomic theory, are displayed in their entirety through Yves Breton and Gérard Klotz‘s compilation of his collected works, Oeuvres économiques complètes (Éditions Economica, 2009). This magisterial two-volume set makes available for the first time in a convenient format all of Dupuit‘s major and subsidiary writings, as well as archival material found only in Paris. It is destined to become the locus classicus of Dupuit‘s thought for present and future generations of historians of economic thought.
HbG200-mediated preinduction of heme oxygenase-1 improves bile flow and ameliorates pericentral downregulation of Bsep and Mrp2 following experimental liver ischemia and reperfusion
Authors: Donner Markus G. , Topp Stefan A. , Cebula Patricia , Krienen Anna , Gehrmann Thor , Sommerfeld Annika , Reinehr Roland , Macher Arne , Herebian Diran , Mayatepek Ertan , Pannen Benedikt H. , Knoefel Wolfram T. , Häussinger Dieter
Published: September 2012

We studied the downregulation of hepatobiliary transport systems and the effect of pharmacological heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) preinduction by Hemoglobin-Glutamer 200 (HbG200) in cold ischemia-reperfused rat liver (I/R). Cold I/R reduced bile flow in the reperfusion period from 3.10±0.10 ml/3 h to 0.54±0.20 ml/3 h (p<0.05) and biliary taurocholate excretion from 45.9±13.81 μmol/3 h to 1.87±0.46 μmol/3 h (p<0.05). Mrp2, Bsep and Ntcp peak immunofluorescence in pericentral hepatocytes decreased to 79.0±2.6% (p<0.001), 80.6±8.4% (p<0.05) and 65.8±5.0% (p<0.01), respectively. Pre-induction of HO-1 by HbG200 was largely confined to pericentral hepatocytes. HO-1 induction attenuated the decreased bile flow (0.91±0.16 ml/3 h, p<0.05) and canalicular taurocholate secretion (4.33±1.71 μmol/3 h, p<0.05). Bsep and Mrp2 peak immunofluorescence in pericentral hepatocytes was largely restored. Activation of JNK and Fyn by cold I/R was significantly attenuated by HO-1. Inhibiting HO activity by tin protoporphyrin IX after HbG200 administration reversed the effect on bile flow and canalicular transporter expression. In conclusion, pericentral downregulation of Bsep and Mrp2 following cold I/R is ameliorated by inducing HO-1 and was associated with diminished hepatocellular JNK and Fyn signaling. HO-1 may serve as a therapeutic target to attenuate hepatocellular cholestasis following I/R injury.
Mast cells limit extracellular levels of IL-13 via a serglycin proteoglycan-serine protease axis
Authors: Waern Ida , Karlsson Iulia , Thorpe Michael , Schlenner Susan M. , Feyerabend Thorsten B. , Rodewald Hans-Reimer , Åbrink Magnus , Hellman Lars , Pejler Gunnar , Wernersson Sara
Published: September 2012

Mast cell (MC) granules contain large amounts of proteases of the chymase, tryptase and carboxypeptidase A (MC-CPA) type that are stored in complex with serglycin, a proteoglycan with heparin side chains. Hence, serglycin-protease complexes are released upon MC degranulation and may influence local inflammation. Here we explored the possibility that a serglycin-protease axis may regulate levels of IL-13, a cytokine involved in allergic asthma. Indeed, we found that wild-type MCs efficiently degraded exogenous or endogenously produced IL-13 upon degranulation, whereas serglycin–/– MCs completely lacked this ability. Moreover, MC-mediated IL-13 degradation was blocked both by a serine protease inhibitor and by a heparin antagonist, which suggests that IL-13 degradation is catalyzed by serglycin-dependent serine proteases and that optimal IL-13 degradation is dependent on both the serglycin and the protease component of the serglycin-protease complex. Moreover, IL-13 degradation was abrogated in MC-CPA–/– MC cultures, but was normal in cultures of MCs with an inactivating mutation of MC-CPA, which suggests that the IL-13-degrading serine proteases rely on MC-CPA protein. Together, our data implicate a serglycin-serine protease axis in the regulation of extracellular levels of IL-13. Reduction of IL-13 levels through this mechanism possibly can provide a protective function in the context of allergic inflammation.
Mitofilin complexes: conserved organizers of mitochondrial membrane architecture
Authors: Zerbes Ralf M. , van der Klei Ida J. , Veenhuis Marten , Pfanner Nikolaus , van der Laan Martin , Bohnert Maria
Published: September 2012

Mitofilin proteins are crucial organizers of mitochondrial architecture. They are located in the inner mitochondrial membrane and interact with several protein complexes of the outer membrane, thereby generating contact sites between the two membrane systems of mitochondria. Within the inner membrane, mitofilins are part of hetero-oligomeric protein complexes that have been termed the mitochondrial inner membrane organizing system (MINOS). MINOS integrity is required for the maintenance of the characteristic morphology of the inner mitochondrial membrane, with an inner boundary region closely apposed to the outer membrane and cristae membranes, which form large tubular invaginations that protrude into the mitochondrial matrix and harbor the enzyme complexes of the oxidative phosphorylation machinery. MINOS deficiency comes along with a loss of crista junction structures and the detachment of cristae from the inner boundary membrane. MINOS has been conserved in evolution from unicellular eukaryotes to humans, where alterations of MINOS subunits are associated with multiple pathological conditions.
Bullying is everywhere: an expanding scope of public health concerns
Authors: Srabstein Jorge , Merrick Joav
Published: September 2012

No abstract available
Fatores associados à qualidade de vida em idosos com osteoartrite de joelho
Authors: Alexandre Tiago da Silva , Cordeiro Renata Cereda , Ramos Luiz Roberto
Published: September 2012

O estudo visou investigar se a qualidade de vida (QV) de idosos com osteoartrite (OA) de joelho pode ser influenciada por fatores sociodemográficos e/ou por parâmetros clínicos e funcionais gerados pela doença. A uma amostra de 40 idosos atendidos em ambulatório de reabilitação gerontológica na cidade de São Paulo foi aplicado o questionário de QV 36-Item Short-Form Survey (SF-36). A funcionalidade, a rigidez articular e a dor foram medidas pelo Womac - Western Ontario and MacMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index; os dados sociodemográficos, as variáveis clínicas e o uso de recursos físicos e medicamentosos para controle da dor foram obtidos por questionário complementar. A análise de regressão linear mostrou relação independente entre o domínio funcionalidade do Womac e seis domínios do SF-36 (p<0,05). São determinantes de pior QV na amostra estudada a dificuldade na realização de atividades funcionais, usar dispositivo de auxílio à marcha, apresentar comprometimento articular bilateral, o recurso a diversos meios para alívio da dor, bem como a baixa escolaridade e o fato de morar com outro de sua geração (r=0,3; p<0,05). As atividades funcionais mais comprometidas foram as que envolvem a flexo-extensão de joelho e descarga de peso na articulação afetada. Fatores tanto sociodemográficos como clínicos e funcionais gerados pela OA influenciaram negativamente a QV de idosos com OA de joelho.
Efeito da realização simultânea de tarefas cognitivas e motoras no desempenho funcional de idosos da comunidade
Authors: Barbosa Juliana Magalhães Machado , Prates Brenda de Sá Senna , Gonçalves Camila Ferreira , Aquino Alexandre Roberto , Parentoni Adriana Netto
Published: September 2012

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito de seis diferentes tarefas duplas no desempenho funcional de idosos da comunidade. Em 35 idosos com idade média de 69,6±7,1 anos foi aplicado o teste de levantar e caminhar cronometrado (TLCC, Timed up and go ou TUG) simples (TLCCS) e associado a duas tarefas motoras - carregar um copo com água (TLCCM1) e transferir moedas de um bolso para o outro (TLCCM2) - e duas cognitivas, repetir uma frase (TLCCC1) e falar os dias da semana em ordem inversa (TLCCC2), sendo aferidos os acertos e erros nessas tarefas. Houve piora significativa da média do tempo em segundos no TLCC nas tarefas duplas, independente da tarefa, e correlação significativa, de moderada (r=0,676) a quase perfeita (r=0,953), entre os tempos de cada tipo de TLCC. O número de moedas transferidas no TLCCM2 e o número de dias na semana dito em ordem inversa no TLCCC2 apresentaram correlação com o tempo gasto para realizar todas as outras tarefas. Essas duas tarefas foram as que mais afetaram o tempo do TLCC (p<0,001). Os idosos estudados apresentaram pois pior desempenho no TLCC associado à realização de tarefas duplas. As tarefas com pior desempenho funcional verificados foram os de passar moedas de um bolso para outro e falar os dias da semana em ordem inversa. A complexidade da tarefa foi mais importante que sua natureza motora ou cognitiva.
Evaluation of Variation in Nitrate Concentration Levels in the Raccoon River Watershed in Iowa
Authors: Jayasinghe Sampath , Miller David , Hatfield Jerry L.
Published: September 2012

The Raccoon River Watershed in Iowa has received considerable attention in the recent past due to frequent detections of nitrate concentrations above the federal drinking water standard. This paper econometrically investigates the determinants of variation of nitrate concentrations in the Raccoon River. The analysis relies on a generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedastic process to model the serial dependence of volatility of the monthly nitrate concentrations in the Raccoon River. Monthly nitrate concentration data from Des Moines Water Works at Van Meter from 1992 to 2008 are used in the study. We found no statistically significant increasing trend in nitrate concentrations over the study period. There are substantial intra‐annual variations in nitrate concentrations, and we noted a very strong seasonal pattern. Variations in rainfall and temperature contribute more to the monthly variation in nitrate concentration than do the changes in nitrogen application rates.
Inherent Errors in Pollutant Build‐Up Estimation in Considering Urban Land Use as a Lumped Parameter
Authors: Liu An , Goonetilleke Ashantha , Egodawatta Prasanna
Published: September 2012

Stormwater quality modeling results are subject to uncertainty. The variability of input parameters is an important source of overall model error. An in‐depth understanding of the variability associated with input parameters can provide knowledge on the uncertainty associated with these parameters and can assist in uncertainty analysis of stormwater quality models and decision making based on modeling outcomes. This paper discusses the outcomes of a research study undertaken to analyze the variability related to pollutant build‐up parameters in stormwater quality modeling. The study was based on the analysis of pollutant build‐up samples collected from 12 road surfaces in residential, commercial, and industrial land uses. It was found that build‐up characteristics vary appreciably even within the same land use. Therefore, using land use as a lumped parameter would contribute significant uncertainties in stormwater quality modeling. Additionally, it was found that the variability in pollutant build‐up can be significant depending on the pollutant type. This underlines the importance of taking into account specific land use characteristics and targeted pollutant species when undertaking uncertainty analysis of stormwater quality models or in interpreting the modeling outcomes.
Evaluation of Chloropyromorphite Stability in the Rhizosphere of Brassica juncea and Medicago sativa in a Sand Culture
Authors: Abbaspour Ali , Arocena Joselito M.
Published: September 2012

Chloropyromorphite (Pb5(PO4)3Cl), CP, is the most stable lead (Pb) mineral under normal environmental conditions and precipitates in Pb‐contaminated soils by addition of phosphorous (P). A sand culture experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of Brassica juncea and Medicago sativa roots to dissolve CP in the presence and in the absence of P source. The results showed that the rhizosphere of the plants had lower soluble P and Pb compared with the bulk, which can be attributed to a higher pH in the rhizosphere. Mineralogical transformations of CP in the root surface of the plants including lanarkite (PbSO4.PbO) has been confirmed by X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy techniques. Decrease in soluble P in the rhizosphere as a consequence of P uptake by the plant roots may be a reason for CP dissolution. This study indicates that the dissolution of CP can be promoted by rhizosphere processes.
Measurement Tool for Dynamics of Soil Cracks
Authors: Stewart Ryan D. , Abou Najm Majdi R. , Rupp David E. , Selker John S.
Published: September 2012

Shrinkage cracks in soil function as a dominant control on the partitioning and distribution of moisture fluxes in the vadose zone. Their dynamics influence the moisture balance and control water availability for runoff, deep infiltration, and near‐surface storage. We present a new low‐cost field instrument to monitor the temporal change in crack volume as affected by shrinkage and swelling cycles. The proposed crack‐o‐meter is composed of a sealed impermeable bag connected by a hose to a standpipe. An automated level logger records changes in the water level in the standpipe, which correspond to volumetric changes of the crack. The results from two laboratory experiments showed that the volume change observed by the crack‐o‐meter instrument scales linearly with the actual volume change, with an average error of 3%. The instrument was then used in a field experiment in Chile, where it measured the closing of cracks due to soil swelling.
Transport by Oscillatory Flow in Soils with Rate‐Limited Mass Transfer: 2. Field Experiment
Authors: Neeper Donald A. , Stauffer Philip H.
Published: September 2012

This study provides experimental evidence for the analytic model of oscillatory transport in soils, in which a vapor or solute in an oscillating mobile gas or liquid undergoes rate‐limited equilibration with an immobile phase. During a field test of passive soil vapor extraction, the concentrations of volatile organic compounds in the produced gas were monitored at 90‐min intervals. The data were compared with the results of numerical simulations based on the mobile–immobile model of oscillatory transport. A dual‐porosity simulation matched the data when the simulated time for equilibration between the mobile vapor and the immobile phases was one‐third day and the flow was restricted to only 5% of the air‐filled porosity. A purely diffusion calculation without flow, utilizing the exchange diffusivity derived from the mobile–immobile model, predicted total production of extracted vapor during a 1‐yr interval in agreement with the simulation. This illustrates the utility of the exchange diffusivity as an evaluation tool for passive soil vapor extraction.
Application of a Coupled Overland Flow–Vadose Zone Model to Rapid Infiltration Basin Systems
Authors: Akhavan Maryam , Imhoff Paul T. , Finsterle Stefan , Andres A. Scott
Published: September 2012

Rapid infiltration basin systems (RIBS) are used for the application of treated wastewater to soil for wastewater disposal. To ensure sufficient additional wastewater treatment, U.S. regulations require a minimum separation distance between the infiltration basin and groundwater. Analytical and numerical models that predict groundwater mounding beneath basins have assumed a uniform specified flux boundary condition across the basin. In many systems, however, the basins are only partially flooded, with overland flow and soil infiltration controlling the extent of basin inundation. The iTOUGH2 computer code was modified to describe the coupled surface–subsurface flow in RIBS. After testing the model with published laboratory and field data, simulations were used to estimate groundwater mounding beneath RIBS for four hydraulic loading rates and two flooding periods in two representative soils. Because of interest in nitrate (NO3−) removal beneath RIBS, a simplified approach using a domain‐average denitrification reduction factor, Fs, was used to assess the impact of pore water saturation on denitrification. Simulations using the conventional specified flux boundary condition underpredicted groundwater mounding by as much as a factor of 25 in loamy sand and a factor of 6 in sand. The impact of the basin boundary condition on Fs was less significant, with Fs reduced by up to 50% if the specified flux boundary condition was used. Thus, ignoring overland flow underpredicts denitrification and groundwater mounding for the cases studied here. For a fixed amount of wastewater discharged during a weekly flooding–drying cycle, simulations indicate that longer flooding periods result in less groundwater mounding but a reduction in denitrification.
In Situ Chromium(VI) Reduction Using Iron(II) Solutions: Modeling Dynamic Geochemical Gradients
Authors: Chang Hyun-shik , Singer Julian H. , Seaman John C.
Published: September 2012

Previous experiments were conducted using Atlantic Coastal Plain soils and subsurface sediments to evaluate the effectiveness of Fe(II) solutions (FeCl2 or FeSO4) as an in situ means of remediating Cr(VI) contamination. Although Fe(II) was effective in reducing Cr(VI), the subsequent precipitation of Cr(III) was inhibited by the decrease in pH accompanying hydrolysis of Fe(III) and Cr(III). Including acetate buffer (pH 5.6) enhanced Cr(III) precipitation in batch equilibrium experiments, but added SO42− and acetate enhanced Cr(VI) mobility. Reactive transport modeling based on available data and constants derived from the literature was used to describe the dynamic geochemical gradients associated with advective–dispersive conditions encountered during the application of such a remediation strategy. Two mechanisms of Cr partitioning were simulated: (i) Cr(VI) (CrO42−) sorption to and competition with SO42− for weak binding sites associated with Fe oxides using the diffuse double layer model based on surface protonation and complexation constants derived from the literature, with reactive site densities derived from batch data; and (ii) Cr(III) precipitation in the form of a mixed Cr(III)–Fe(III) hydroxide. Adjusting for only two optimized parameters, apparent site density and solubility, the transport model predictions were qualitatively consistent with observed Cr(VI) behavior during both the contamination and remediation phases, including the enhanced migration of Cr(VI) induced by SO42− competition and the continued migration of Cr(III) associated with acidification induced by oxidation of nonbuffered Fe(II) treatments. Discrepancies between experimental results and model simulations can be attributed to the kinetics of both sorption and redox processes.
Reactive Transport Modeling
Authors: Seaman J.C. , Chang H. , Goldberg S. , Šimůnek J.
Published: September 2012

This special section in the Vadose Zone Journal focusing on reactive transport modeling was developed from a special symposium jointly sponsored by the Soil Physics and Soil Chemistry Divisions of the Soil Science Society of America at the 2010 annual meetings held in Long Beach, CA. It contains eight contributions reflecting a diverse range of reactive transport modeling applications that address the fate and transport of both reactive solutes and colloidal material (i.e., viruses). Further, the eight studies range in scale from laboratory batch and column experiments to the regional scale. Three of the submissions reflect efforts to model experimental data that were already reported in the literature, providing additional insight concerning underlying physical and chemical processes. In addition to the obvious predictive applications, the eight contributions to this special section illustrate the additional advantages to including reactive transport modeling as an active component within a diverse research agenda. In addition to scenario testing, reactive transport modeling provides a framework for synthesizing diverse experimental data, evaluating the relative importance of various competing and interrelated biogeochemical processes, and identifying important data gaps and research priorities under more natural conditions at multiple temporal and spatial scales.
Structure of composites consolidated from ball milled 7475 aluminum alloy and ZrO2 powders
Authors: Dutkiewicz Jan , Lityńska-Dobrzyńska Lidia , Matsuda Kenji
Published: September 2012

Nanocomposites were prepared from 7475 alloy powder ball milled for 40 h with additions of 2 % Zr and 10 or 20 wt.% of ZrO2, Y2O3 stabilized powders. Two types of ZrO2 powder additions of size near 30 nm and 0.3–0.5 μm were used. Transmission electron microscopy studies confirmed the refinement of the aluminum solid solution grain size after milling, down to about 40 nm. The milled powders were consolidated using uniaxial hot pressing in vacuum at 380 °C and at a pressure of 600 MPa. The hardness of consolidated samples was higher for the 20 % ZrO2 nanocrystalline ceramic powder addition than for 20 % ZrO2 coarser powder, at 320 and 280 HV, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy studies allowed the determination of the grain size of aluminum solid solution to be near 100 nm after hot pressing and homogeneous distribution of ZrO2 particles. The fractions of monoclinic ZrO2 were similar in the milled powder and in the hot pressed samples. ZrO2 nanoparticles did not retard the grain growth, contrary to 2 % of Zr which prevented grain growth during hot pressing. The compression tests showed 1 000 MPa of ultimate compression strength of samples with ZrO2 nanoparticles, slightly higher than those with ZrO2 larger particle additions.
Overview of Current Additive Manufacturing Technologies and Selected Applications
Authors: Horn Timothy J. , Harrysson Ola L. A.
Published: September 2012

Three-dimensional printing or rapid prototyping are processes by which components are fabricated directly from computer models by selectively curing, depositing or consolidating materials in successive layers. These technologies have traditionally been limited to the fabrication of models suitable for product visualization but, over the past decade, have quickly developed into a new paradigm called additive manufacturing. We are now beginning to see additive manufacturing used for the fabrication of a range of functional end use components. In this review, we briefly discuss the evolution of additive manufacturing from its roots in accelerating product development to its proliferation into a variety of fields. Here, we focus on some of the key technologies that are advancing additive manufacturing and present some state of the art applications.
Robin James Rowbury: 30th April 1937 – 11th July 2012
Authors: El-Sharoud Walid M.
Published: September 2012

Robin Rowbury, Life Sciences Editor of Science Progress since 1995, died in July 2012 following a long battle with cancer. Despite his illness he continued working right up until May this year both writing and promoting the journal wherever he could. In this issue, we are proud to feature his final article in which he describes the multi-talented character who was Robert Hooke. However, first we are publishing some tributes to Robin whom we remember in the office as a gentle man with a very dry sense of humour, as well as a hard-working author and editor. We shall all certainly miss him.

Professor David Phillips CBE, FRSC who worked as Physical Sciences Editor alongside Robin describes him as a real gentleman and an excellent academic.

Dr David Smith, his lifelong colleague from University College London remembers Robin as a supportive friend and colleague, a great teacher, and a gifted research scientist. He influenced many lives, and numerous students owe their successful careers to his guidance.

These sentiment are reflected in three more tributes from former colleagues.
Cancer‐related risk factors and preventive measures in US Hispanics/Latinos
Authors: Cokkinides Vilma E. , Bandi Priti , Siegel Rebecca L. , Jemal Ahmedin
Published: September 2012

In this article, we provide prevalence data on major cancer‐related risk factors, early detection testing, and vaccination among Hispanics using nationally representative surveys. Compared with non‐Hispanic whites, Hispanic adults are less likely to be current smokers (13% vs 22%) or frequent alcohol drinkers, but they are more likely to be obese (32% vs 26%) and to have lower levels of mammography use within the past year (46% vs 51%), colorectal screening as per recommended intervals (47% vs 61%), and Papanicolaou (Pap) test use within the past 3 years (74% vs 79%). Within the Hispanic population, the prevalence of these risk factors and early detection methods substantially vary by country of origin. For example, Cuban men (20.7%) and Puerto Rican men (19%) had the highest levels of current smoking than any other Hispanic subgroups, while Mexican women had the lowest levels of mammogram use (44%) and Pap test use (71%). Hispanic migrants have a higher prevalence of hepatitis B virus and Helicobacter pylori, which cause liver and stomach cancer, respectively. Among Hispanic adolescents, tobacco use (eg, 20.8% use of any tobacco products), alcohol use (42.9%), and obesity (23.2%) remain highly prevalent risk factors. Although 56% of Hispanic adolescents initiate human papillomavirus vaccination, only 56% of them completed the 3‐dose series. Differences in risk factors and early detection testing among Hispanic groups should be considered in clinical settings and for cancer control planning. CA Cancer J Clin 2012;. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
THE MODEL OF MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS EFFECTIVENESS: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM SLOVENIAN BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS PRACTICE
Authors: Jerman Damjana , Završnik Bruno
Published: September 2012

The paper's purpose is to add to the body of knowledge on marketing communication effectiveness by developing and testing the model of marketing communication effectiveness in the business-to-business markets. Based on past research from the marketing communications and business-to-business marketing literature, the model is tested to examine the impact of antecedent variables on marketing communications effectiveness and organizational performance. Our analysis indicates that a central concept of marketing communication effectiveness is influenced by different variables. We also confirmed a positive impact of marketing communication effectiveness on organizational performance in case of Slovenian companies.
A Unified Approach towards Multimedia Watermarking
Authors: Al-Haj Ali , Mohammad Ahmad , Abou El-Seoud Samir , Manasrah Tuqa , Rajab Lama , Al-Khatib Tahani
Published: September 2012

The tremendous advancement of digital technology has increased the ease with which digital multimedia signals (image, video, audio) are stored, transmitted, and reproduced. Consequently, the content providers and owners are faced with problems of protection against copyright violation and other forms of abuse to their digital property. Digital watermarking has been proposed in the last decade as a solution to prevent illegal and malicious copying and distribution of digital media by embedding an unnoticeable information into the media content. This chapter describes three imperceptible and robust watermarking algorithms for different types of multimedia objects (image, video, audio). The three algorithms are based on cascading two powerful mathematical transforms; the Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT), and the Singular Value Decomposition (SVD). The two transforms are different, and thus provide complementary levels of robustness against the same attack. In the proposed dual-transform algorithms, the watermark bits are not embedded directly on the wavelet coefficients, but rather on the elements of singular values of the DWT sub-bands of the multimedia object. Effectiveness of the proposed algorithms is demonstrated through extensive experimentation.