bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emerging Role for TNF-α in Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Carneiro Fernando S. , Webb Robert Clinton , Tostes Rita C.
Published: March 2010

Introduction

A role for cytokines in the pathophysiology of erectile dysfunction (ED) has emerged. Cytokines induce genes that synthesize other peptides in the cytokine family and several mediators, such as prostanoids, leukotrienes, nitric oxide, bradykinin, reactive oxygen species, and platelet-activating factor, all of which can affect vascular function. Consistent with the fact that the cavernosal tissue is a complex extension of the vasculature, risk factors that affect the vasculature have been shown to affect cavernosal function as well. Accordingly, the penile tissue has been recognized as an early sentinel for atherosclerosis that underlies coronary artery disease and cardiovascular diseases (CVD).

Aim

To review the literature pertaining to the role of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in ED.

Methods

PubMed search for pertinent publications on the role of cytokines, particularly TNF-α, in CVD and ED.

Main Outcome Measures

Clinical and experimental evidence demonstrates that TNF-α may play a role in ED.

Results

TNF-α has been shown to play an important role in CVD, mainly due to its direct effects on the vasculature. In addition, high levels of TNF-α were demonstrated in patients with ED. In this review, we present a short description of the physiology of erection and the cytokine network. We focus on vascular actions of TNF-α that support a role for this cytokine as a potential candidate in the pathophysiology of ED, particularly in the context of CVD. A brief overview of its discovery, mechanisms of synthesis, receptors, and its main actions on the systemic and penile vasculature is also presented.

Conclusions

Considering that ED results from a systemic arterial defect not only confined to the penile vasculature, implication of TNF-α in the pathophysiology of ED offers a humoral linking between CVD and ED.
The Ability of Men to Assess their Suitability to Take a Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitor: An Assessment of the Comprehension of Patient Information Materials
Authors: Symonds Tara , Dean John , Coyne Karin S. , Margolis Mary Kay , Hackett Geoff , Edwards David , Marfatia Aditya , Schnetzler Gabriel
Published: March 2010

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction is a treatable condition that affects a large proportion of men. Most men do not seek medical help for their ED because of embarrassment or social stigma that may lead some men to self-treat.

Aim

To evaluate men’s ability to self-assess their suitability for 50 mg sildenafil use after reviewing patient information materials.

Main Outcome Measures

Patient rating of patient information materials, self-assessment of suitability for sildenafil use, and clinician assessment of sildenafil suitability.

Methods

Men in the UK were recruited through newspaper, radio, and internet advertisements. Eligible men reviewed the 50 mg sildenafil patient information materials (packaging materials and patient information leaflet) at the in-person visit and then completed a survey to rate the materials and self-assess their suitability for sildenafil use. A clinician, blinded to the participant’s ED status and self-assessed sildenafil suitability, then conducted a one-on-one interview to assess the participant’s ED status and suitability for sildenafil treatment. The primary analysis was the concordance of self-assessed suitability versus clinician-assessed suitability.

Results

The initial study phase included 113 generally healthy men, mean age 40.2 ± 13.1 years. The second phase included 70 men with comorbid prostate or cardiac conditions, mean age 60.7 ± 7.8 years. The 183 men rated the patient information materials as easy to understand; few participants reported problems understanding the materials, and many participants learned new information. The concordance rate between clinician-assessed suitability and self-assessed suitability was 73.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]=66.7–81.2%). When accounting for men who would not take sildenafil even though they were suitable or would seek additional information from a healthcare professional prior to using sildenafil, the concordance rate was 90.1% (95% CI=85.8–94.4%).

Conclusion

The results of this UK study suggest that men are capable of using written sildenafil patient education materials to accurately assess their suitability for treatment with 50 mg sildenafil.
Cervix Stimulation Evokes Predominantly Subthreshold Synaptic Responses in Mouse Thoracolumbar and Lumbosacral Superficial Dorsal Horn Neurons
Authors: Jobling Phillip , Graham Brett A. , Brichta Alan M. , Callister Robert J.
Published: March 2010

Introduction

Sensory input from the female reproductive tract (FRT) plays a pivotal role in coordinating reproductive reflexes. Additionally, a number of disorders, especially chronic pelvic pain, may be due to disturbances in sensory processing of signals from the FRT.

Aims

Our aim was to record synaptic responses in neurons from lumbar and sacral spinal cord segments during mechanical stimulation of the cervix.

Methods

We developed an in vivo preparation of the mouse spinal cord to record synaptic potentials from superficial dorsal horn (SDH) neurons under whole-cell patch clamp recording conditions.

Main Outcome Measures

We analyzed the strength and distribution of excitatory postsynaptic potentials in SDH neurons evoked during mechanical stimulation of the cervix and cutaneous sites.

Results

Resting membrane potential and neuronal input resistance was similar in thoracolumbar (TL, T13-L3) and lumbosacral (LS, L6-S2) segments. We elicited activity in 6/21 TL neurons and 15/39 LS neurons using mechanical stimulation of the cervix with a blunt probe. The majority of these neurons responded to cervix stimulation with bursts of subthreshold excitatory postsynaptic potentials (4/6 and 12/15 TL and LS neurons, respectively). The remainder responded with sufficient magnitude to generate action potentials (2/6 and 3/15 TL and LS neurons). Cutaneous synaptic inputs were also elicited in 11/21 TL neurons following stimulation of the flank/leg, 19/39 LS neurons by stimulation of the tail, and three LS neurons by perineal stimulation. Some neurons received convergent synaptic inputs from the cervix and cutaneous sites (4/6 TL and 4/15 LS).

Conclusion

These data demonstrate that spinal projections of cervix afferents are widely dispersed in the SDH and considerable convergence exists between neurons innervating the cervix and cutaneous structures. Our results indicate that much of the synaptic activity evoked in SDH neurons following cervix stimulation is subthreshold.
Changes in frequency of IDDM‐associated HLA DQB, CTLA4 and INS alleles
Authors: Witas H. W. , Jędrychowska‐Dańska K. , Zawicki P.
Published: March 2010

The incidence of type 1 diabetes is increasing worldwide. In Poland, the number of cases tripled during the last two decades. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the increase may be at least partly explained by a shift in predisposing alleles’ frequencies – resulting from treating the otherwise lethal disease, generally better health care as well as selective pressure imposed by pathogens affecting humankind throughout history. The source of DNA was skeletal remains of 232 individuals excavated in four burial sites, dating back to 11th–14th centuries. With all necessary precautions required in ancient DNA analysis, frequencies of HLA DQB57, CTLA4+49A/G and INS ‐23A/T alleles were assessed and compared with available data, characterising contemporary Polish population. Frequency of HLA DQB57‐Asp protective allele is much higher in present‐day population of Poland (50.6%) than in the group of 155 medieval specimens successfully typed for this polymorphism (28.4%, P < 0.001). Out of 86 medieval individuals typed for CTLA4+49A/G, 29.1% were homozygous for the predisposing G allele, which is significantly more than contemporarily – 7.6% (P < 0.001). No statistically significant difference was found in alleles and genotypes frequencies of INS‐23A/T polymorphic site. Contrary to the initial assumptions, genetic predisposition towards type 1 diabetes, conferred by HLA DQB57, CTLA4+49A/G and INS ‐23A/T alleles is much lower contemporarily than it was approximately 700 years before present. This suggests involvement of other than genetic factors in the fast growing incidence of the disease.
Human leucocyte antigen class II DRB1 and DQB1 associations in human immunodeficiency virus‐infected patients of Mumbai, India
Authors: Shankarkumar U. , Pawar A. , Ghosh K. , Bajpai S. , Pazare A.
Published: March 2010

The pathogenesis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection clearly involves immunoregulatory host factors and products of major histocompatibility complex class II genes, which present antigenic peptides to the T‐cell receptor on CD4+ cells, which in turn increase the production of specific antibodies and cytotoxic T lymphocytes. The main objective of this study was to determine the associations of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) DRB1 and DQB1 alleles and their haplotypes in 210 HIV‐1‐infected patients and compare them with 129 healthy normal individuals with same ethnic background. The HLA DRB1 and DQB1 alleles were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction product and sequence‐specific probes for reverse line hybridization, analysed with the Invitrogen Dynal PMP software. Our results revealed a highly significant increase of HLA DRB1*0902 [odds ratio (OR) = 17.12; P = 0.004], DQB1*030103 (OR = 53.53; P = 4.61E‐07) and DQB1*050201 (OR = 16.26; P = 0.0002) alleles while in contrast highly significant decrease in frequency of HLA DQB1*030101 (OR = 0.36; P = 0.0002), DQB1*050301 (OR = 0.22; P < 0.0001) and DQB1*060101 (OR = 0.43; P < 0.0001) among the HIV‐1‐infected patients when compared with the controls. The haplotype DRB1*0902‐DQB1*030103 (OR = 10.65; P = 0.06) was significantly increased in HIV1 patients, while haplotypes DRB1*150101–DQB1*060101 (OR = 0.386, P < 0.0001), DRB1*030101–DQB1*020101 (OR = 0.197, P = 0.004) and DRB1*070101–DQB1*0202 (OR = 0.167, P = 0.001) were significantly decreased. Our results indicate clearly that there are HLA class II alleles involved in the susceptibility to and protection from HIV‐1 infection in our study group and further they vary in different ethnic groups reported in literature.
Methods for discovery and characterization of cellulolytic enzymes from insects
Authors: Willis Jonathan D. , Oppert Cris , Jurat‐Fuentes Juan L.
Published: March 2010

Abstract  Cellulosic ethanol has been identified as a crucial biofuel resource due to its sustainability and abundance of cellulose feedstocks. However, current methods to obtain glucose from lignocellulosic biomass are ineffective due to recalcitrance of plant biomass. Insects have evolved endogenous and symbiotic enzymes to efficiently use lignocellulosic material as a source of metabolic glucose. Even though traditional biochemical methods have been used to identify and characterize these enzymes, the advancement of genomic and proteomic research tools are expected to allow new insights into insect digestion of cellulose. This information is highly relevant to the design of improved industrial processes of biofuel production and to identify potential new targets for development of insecticides. This review describes the diverse methodologies used to detect, quantify, purify, clone and express cellulolytic enzymes from insects, as well as their advantages and limitations.
Predictive Value of Admission Electrocardiography in Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Zareba Karolina M. , Shenkman Heather J. , Bisognano John D.
Published: March 2010

Admission electrocardiography (ECG) in heart failure (HF) patients provides important diagnostic information; however, there are limited data regarding the prognostic significance of ECG parameters for predicting cardiac events (CEs). The ECGs of 246 patients admitted with acute HF were evaluated for heart rate, rhythm, QRS and ST‐T wave abnormalities, QTc duration, QT peak corrected (QTpc), T amplitude, and axis. The end points included rehospitalization for a CE or death during 30‐day follow‐up. There were 71 (29%) patients with CEs. In patients with CEs, atrial fibrillation (AF) was observed more frequently (27% vs 13%, respectively; P=.009) and QTpc was shorter (370±43 vs 386±44 ms, respectively; P=.020). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that QTpc ≤360 ms and AF were predictive of CE after adjustment for clinical covariates. In conclusion, apart from AF, the presence of short QTpc ≤360 ms is independently associated with increased risk of rehospitalization or death in HF patients.
Heart Failure and “Inoperable” Aortic Stenosis: Staged Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty and Aortic Valve Bypass
Authors: Zimrin David A. , Reyes Peter A. , Miller Kelly L. , Fisher Stacy D. , Griffith Bartley P. , Gammie James S.
Published: March 2010

The prognosis for patients with symptomatic aortic stenosis is poor but is improved significantly by surgical aortic valve replacement. Unfortunately, many patients are refused surgery because of age, comorbidities, and hemodynamic instability. This report describes the successful use of balloon aortic valvuloplasty as a bridge to aortic valve bypass surgery (apicoaortic conduit) in an elderly patient with class IV congestive heart failure and severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction as a consequence of aortic stenosis who was not a candidate for traditional surgical valve replacement.
Screening for Asymptomatic Left Ventricular Dysfunction Using B‐Type Natriuretic Peptide
Authors: McDonagh Theresa A. , McDonald Kenneth , Maisel Alan S.
Published: March 2010

Asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction (ASLVD), a known precursor phase of heart failure, fulfills the essential criteria that should be met before screening for a disease. It is common and associated with reduced longevity and quality of life. Left untreated, it progresses to heart failure, which incurs a mortality greater than most cancers as well as significant morbidity rates. In addition, we now have several population‐based studies that demonstrate that both B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N‐terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) can accurately exclude left ventricular systolic dysfunction. More recent work shows that this can be done cost‐effectively. There is also a wealth of evidence from randomized controlled trials indicating that the treatment of ASLVD can reduce both morbidity and mortality and slow progression to the heart failure state. The main stumbling block to implementation of screening, in addition to the perceived cost, may well be the lack of a randomized study showing that screening the population for ASLVD really does alter the natural history of the condition, something that other screening strategies have so far failed to do.
Cost‐Effectiveness of B‐Type Natriuretic Peptide Testing
Authors: Mueller Christian
Published: March 2010

As with any other diagnostic method, the cost‐effectiveness of B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) testing depends on the indication of its use and the specific clinical setting. The use of BNP levels, in conjunction with other clinical information, provides information that seems to be particularly helpful in the diagnosis, prognosis, and management of heart failure (HF) as well as screening for left ventricular systolic dysfunction. In the screening for asymptomatic left ventricular systolic dysfunction, BNP testing seems to be cost‐effective (<$50,000 per quality‐adjusted life‐years gained) when used in a population with a prevalence of at least 1%. BNP testing, in fact, results in cost savings in the diagnosis of HF. Although the data are less robust, BNP seems cost‐effective in the risk stratification of hospitalized HF patients when compared with echocardiography. Because BNP guidance seems to reduce the number of rehospitalizations in recently hospitalized patients with chronic HF, the use of BNP is also most likely cost‐effective in this indication. For the remaining and, in part, evolving indications, further studies are needed to assess cost‐effectiveness.
Emergency Department Perspectives on B‐Type Natriuretic Peptide Utility
Authors: Peacock W. Frank , Mueller Christian , DiSomma Salvatore , Maisel Alan
Published: March 2010

In the emergency department (ED), patients do not present with a diagnosis. Rather they manifest a symptom for which the physician must determine the most probable cause. It is the sorting of possibly acutely fatal diagnoses that is unique to the practice of emergency medicine. Unfortunately, the historically available rapid diagnostic tools lack both sensitivity and specificity. This creates risk for the acutely ill patient in whom either a delayed or erroneous diagnosis can be associated with a startling increase in mortality. B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) assessment in the ED is a valuable adjunct for increasing the accuracy of the initial clinical impression. This allows early outcome‐improving interventions to proceed with greater certainty. Finally, as a prognostic marker indicative of illness severity, knowledge of BNP levels can improve the accuracy of disposition decisions.
Integration of B‐Type Natriuretic Peptide in Heart Failure Outpatient Programs
Authors: Dahlström Ulf , McDonald Ken , Maisel Alan
Published: March 2010

In many European countries, patients with heart failure (HF) are treated according to specific management programs. The key players are the HF cardiologists and the HF nurses, and they are supported by a number of other important players. The objectives of the HF team are to help verify the diagnosis, optimize treatment, and inform and educate the patients and their relatives to achieve beneficial effects in terms of improved survival, less hospitalization, and improved quality of life. The use of natriuretic peptides (NPs) helps the referring physician correctly diagnose and select patients for further investigations. Based on the levels of NPs, it is possible to risk‐stratify patients and offer them individualized, tailored treatment. The present paper discusses and exemplifies how NP assessment may be integrated into an HF outpatient program. Our conclusion is that NP values will continue to be important and necessary tools in the routine management of patients with HF.
Natriuretic Peptides in Acute Coronary Syndromes: Prognostic Value and Clinical Implications
Authors: Farmakis Dimitrios , Filippatos Gerasimos , Tubaro Marco , Peacock W. Frank , DiSomma Salvatore , Mueller Christian , Kremastinos Dimitrios Th. , Maisel Alan S.
Published: March 2010

Levels of natriuretic peptides, including B‐type natriuretic peptide and N‐terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide, are strong independent predictors of prognosis in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). They are associated with short‐ and long‐term mortality and with the risk of new‐onset heart failure, above and beyond the conventional risk factors. Myocardial ischemia and ventricular wall stress are triggers for the release of natriuretic peptides, and although the latter are associated with the severity of the underlying coronary artery disease, they fail to predict recurrent nonfatal ACS. In conclusion, natriuretic peptide values may improve risk stratification in ACS when used in addition to troponin levels and other prognostic markers, but more data are needed to define their role in ACS therapy.
The Role of Riparian Vegetation in Protecting and Improving Chemical Water Quality in Streams1
Authors: Dosskey Michael G. , Vidon Philippe , Gurwick Noel P. , Allan Craig J. , Duval Tim P. , Lowrance Richard
Published: March 2010

Dosskey, Michael G., Philippe Vidon, Noel P. Gurwick, Craig J. Allan, Tim P. Duval, and Richard Lowrance, 2010. The Role of Riparian Vegetation in Protecting and Improving Chemical Water Quality in Streams. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 46(2):261‐277. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752‐1688.2010.00419.x

Abstract:  We review the research literature and summarize the major processes by which riparian vegetation influences chemical water quality in streams, as well as how these processes vary among vegetation types, and discuss how these processes respond to removal and restoration of riparian vegetation and thereby determine the timing and level of response in stream water quality. Our emphasis is on the role that riparian vegetation plays in protecting streams from nonpoint source pollutants and in improving the quality of degraded stream water. Riparian vegetation influences stream water chemistry through diverse processes including direct chemical uptake and indirect influences such as by supply of organic matter to soils and channels, modification of water movement, and stabilization of soil. Some processes are more strongly expressed under certain site conditions, such as denitrification where groundwater is shallow, and by certain kinds of vegetation, such as channel stabilization by large wood and nutrient uptake by faster‐growing species. Whether stream chemistry can be managed effectively through deliberate selection and management of vegetation type, however, remains uncertain because few studies have been conducted on broad suites of processes that may include compensating or reinforcing interactions. Scant research has focused directly on the response of stream water chemistry to the loss of riparian vegetation or its restoration. Our analysis suggests that the level and time frame of a response to restoration depends strongly on the degree and time frame of vegetation loss. Legacy effects of past vegetation can continue to influence water quality for many years or decades and control the potential level and timing of water quality improvement after vegetation is restored. Through the collective action of many processes, vegetation exerts substantial influence over the well‐documented effect that riparian zones have on stream water quality. However, the degree to which stream water quality can be managed through the management of riparian vegetation remains to be clarified. An understanding of the underlying processes is important for effectively using vegetation condition as an indicator of water quality protection and for accurately gauging prospects for water quality improvement through restoration of permanent vegetation.
Water Quality Functions of a 15‐Year‐Old Riparian Forest Buffer System1
Authors: Newbold J. Denis , Herbert Susan , Sweeney Bernard W. , Kiry Paul , Alberts Stephen J.
Published: March 2010

Newbold, J. Denis, Susan Herbert, Bernard W. Sweeney, Paul Kiry, and Stephen J. Alberts, 2010. Water Quality Functions of a 15‐Year‐Old Riparian Forest Buffer System. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 46(2):299‐310. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752‐1688.2010.00421.x

Abstract:  We monitored long‐term water quality responses to the implementation of a three‐zone Riparian Forest Buffer System (RFBS) in southeastern Pennsylvania. The RFBS, established in 1992 in a 15‐ha agricultural (row crop) watershed, consists of: Zone 1, a streamside strip (∼10 m wide) of permanent woody vegetation for stream habitat protection; Zone 2, an 18‐ to 20‐m‐wide strip reforested in hardwoods upslope from Zone 2; and Zone 3, a 6‐ to 10‐m‐wide grass filter strip in which a level lip spreader was constructed. The monitoring design used paired watersheds supplemented by mass balance estimates of nutrient and sediment removal within the treated watershed. Tree growth was initially delayed by drought and deer damage, but increased after more aggressive deer protection (1.5 m polypropylene shelters or wire mesh protectors) was instituted. Basal tree area increased ∼20‐fold between 1998 and 2006, and canopy cover reached 59% in 2006. For streamwater nitrate, the paired watershed comparison was complicated by variations in both the reference stream concentrations and in upslope groundwater nitrate concentrations, but did show that streamwater nitrate concentrations in the RFBS watershed declined relative to the reference stream from 2002 through the end of the study in early 2007. A subsurface nitrate budget yielded an average nitrate removal by the RFBS of 90 kg/ha/year, or 26% of upslope subsurface inputs, for the years 1997 through 2006. There was no evidence from the paired watershed comparison that the RFBS affected streamwater phosphorus concentration. However, groundwater phosphorus did decline within the buffer. Overland flow sampling of 23 storms between 1997 and 2006 showed that total suspended solids concentration in water exiting the RFBS to the stream was on average 43% lower than in water entering the RFBS from the tilled field. Particulate phosphorus concentration was lower by 22%, but this removal was balanced by a 26% increase in soluble reactive phosphorus so that there was no net effect on total phosphorus.
Modeling Stream Shade: Riparian Buffer Height and Density as Important as Buffer Width1
Authors: DeWalle David R.
Published: March 2010

DeWalle, David R., 2010. Modeling Stream Shade: Riparian Buffer Height and Density as Important as Buffer Width.Journal of the American Water Resources Association(JAWRA) 46(2):323‐333. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752‐1688.2010.00423.x

Abstract: A theoretical model was developed to explore impacts of varying buffer zone characteristics on shading of small streams using a path‐length form of Beer’s law to represent the transmission of direct beam solar radiation through vegetation. Impacts of varying buffer zone height, width, and radiation extinction coefficients (surrogate for buffer density) on shading were determined for E‐W and N‐S stream azimuths in infinitely long stream sections at 40°N on the summer solstice. Increases in buffer width produced little additional shading beyond buffer widths of 6‐7 m for E‐W streams due to shifts in solar beam pathway from the sides to the tops of the buffers. Buffers on the north bank of E‐W streams produced 30% of daily shade, while the south‐bank buffer produced 70% of total daily shade. For N‐S streams an optimum buffer width was less‐clearly defined, but a buffer width of about 18‐20 m produced about 85‐90% of total predicted shade. The model results supported past field studies showing buffer widths of 9‐11 m were sufficient for stream temperature control. Regardless of stream azimuth, increases in buffer height and extinction coefficient (buffer density) were found to substantially increase shading up to the maximum tree height and stand density likely encountered in the field. Model results suggest that at least 80% shade on small streams up to 6‐m wide can be achieved in mid‐latitudes with relatively narrow 12‐m wide buffers, regardless of stream azimuth, as long as buffers are tall (≈30 m) and dense (leaf area index ≈6). Although wide buffers may be preferred to provide other benefits, results suggest that increasing buffer widths beyond about 12 m will have a limited effect on stream shade at mid‐latitudes and that greater emphasis should be placed on the creation of dense, tall buffers to maximize stream shading.
Ecologically Functional Floodplains: Connectivity, Flow Regime, and Scale1
Authors: Opperman Jeffrey J. , Luster Ryan , McKenney Bruce A. , Roberts Michael , Meadows Amanda Wrona
Published: March 2010

Opperman, Jeffrey J., Ryan Luster, Bruce A. McKenney, Michael Roberts, and Amanda Wrona Meadows, 2010. Ecologically Functional Floodplains: Connectivity, Flow Regime, and Scale. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 46(2):211‐226. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752‐1688.2010.00426.x

Abstract:  This paper proposes a conceptual model that captures key attributes of ecologically functional floodplains, encompassing three basic elements: (1) hydrologic connectivity between the river and the floodplain, (2) a variable hydrograph that reflects seasonal precipitation patterns and retains a range of both high and low flow events, and (3) sufficient spatial scale to encompass dynamic processes and for floodplain benefits to accrue to a meaningful level. Although floodplains support high levels of biodiversity and some of the most productive ecosystems on Earth, they are also among the most converted and threatened ecosystems and therefore have recently become the focus of conservation and restoration programs across the United States and globally. These efforts seek to conserve or restore complex, highly variable ecosystems and often must simultaneously address both land and water management. Thus, such efforts must overcome considerable scientific, technical, and socioeconomic challenges. In addition to proposing a scientific conceptual model, this paper also includes three case studies that illustrate methods for addressing these technical and socioeconomic challenges within projects that seek to promote ecologically functional floodplains through river‐floodplain reconnection and/or restoration of key components of hydrological variability.
Critical Steps for Continuing Advancement of Satellite Rainfall Applications for Surface Hydrology in the Nile River Basin1
Authors: Gebremichael Mekonnen , Anagnostou Emmanouil N. , Bitew Menberu M.
Published: March 2010

Gebremichael, Mekonnen, Emmanouil N. Anagnostou, and Menberu M. Bitew, 2010. Critical Steps for Continuing Advancement of Satellite Rainfall Applications for Surface Hydrology in the Nile River Basin. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 46(2):361‐366. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752‐1688.2010.00428.x.

Abstract:  Given the increasingly higher resolution and data accessibility, satellite precipitation products could be useful for hydrological application in the Nile River Basin, which is characterized by lack of reasonably dense hydrological in situ sensors and lack of access to the existing dataset. However, in the absence of both extreme caution and research results for the Nile basin, the satellite rainfall (SR) products may not be used, or may even be used erroneously. We identify two steps that are critical to enhance the value of SR products for hydrological applications in the Nile basin. The first step is to establish representative validation sites in the Nile basin. The validation site will help to quantify the errors in the different kinds of SR products, which will be used to select the best products for the Nile basin, include the errors in decision making, and design strategies to minimize the errors. Using rainfall measurements collected from the unprecedented high‐density rain gauge network over a small region within the Nile basin, we indicate that SR estimates could be subject to significant errors, and quantification of estimation errors by way of establishing validation sites is critically important in order to use the SR products. The second step is to identify the degree of hydrologic model complexity required to obtain more accurate hydrologic simulation results for the Nile basin when using SR products as input. The level of model complexity may depend on basin size and SR algorithm, and further research is needed to spell out this dependence for the Nile basin.
Lifestyle factors and mortality among adults with diabetes: findings from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition–Potsdam study*
Authors: NÖTHLINGS Ute , FORD Earl S. , KRÖGER Janine , BOEING Heiner
Published: March 2010

Background:  Healthy lifestyle behaviors are among the cornerstones of diabetes self‐management, but the extent to which healthy lifestyle factors could potentially prevent premature mortality among people with diabetes remains unknown. The aim of the present study was to estimate the reduction in mortality that could be achieved if people with diabetes did not smoke, had a body mass index <30 kg/m2, performed physical activity for ≥3.5 h/week, reported better dietary habits, and consumed alcohol moderately.

Methods:  A prospective cohort study of 1263 German men and women with diabetes aged 35–65 years who were followed for an average of 7.8 years was used and multivariate Cox regression models for all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality were calculated.

Results:  Approximately 7% of study participants had no favorable factors, 24% had one, 35% had two, and 34% had three or more. Compared with participants who had no favorable factors, the reduction in risk was 34% [95% confidence interval (CI) 19%, 63%] for those with one favorable factor, 49% (95% CI 9%, 71%) for those with two, and 63% (95% CI 31%, 80%) for those with three or more. Furthermore, a competing risk analysis did not show any difference in the inverse associations with mortality due to cardiovascular disease, cancer, or other causes.

Conclusions:  Favorable lifestyle factors can potentially achieve substantial reductions in premature mortality among people with diabetes. Our results emphasize the importance of helping people with diabetes optimize their lifestyle behaviors.
Incidence of gastroduodenal ulcers during treatment with celecoxib or diclofenac: pooled results from three 12‐week trials in Chinese patients with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: CHEUNG Raymond , CHENG Tien‐Tsai , DONG Yi , LIN Hsiao‐Yi , LAI Kamchuen , LAU Chak‐sing , FENG Huang , PARSONS Bruce
Published: March 2010

Aim:  To test whether treatment with celecoxib reduces the incidence of gastroduodenal ulcers compared to diclofenac in Asian patients with osteoarthritis (OA) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with minimal significant risk factors.

Methods:  Patients with a clinical diagnosis of OA or RA of at least 3 months were randomized to 12 weeks of double‐blind treatment with celecoxib 100 mg twice daily (n = 440) or diclofenac 50 mg twice daily (n = 440). The primary outcome was the gastric and/or duodenal ulcer rate at endpoint as determined by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy performed during the screening week, and at endpoint.

Results:  There was no significant difference in the overall incidence of gastroduodenal ulcers at 12‐week endpoint for celecoxib compared to diclofenac (2.8%vs. 5.1%; Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel [CMH] χ2P = 0.083). However, there was a significantly lower incidence of gastric ulcers on celecoxib versus diclofenac (0.5%vs. 3.6%; CMH χ2P = 0.002). Approximately 59% of patients in both treatment groups had no visible gastric lesions at endpoint; and a similar proportion were found to have one or more erosions on celecoxib (n = 85; 21.4%) and diclofenac (N = 91; 23.3%). A survival analysis of time to ulcer was significant for gastric ulcers (log‐rank P = 0.004), but not for duodenal ulcers, or for gastroduodenal ulcers combined. Fewer patients reported at least one adverse event on celecoxib compared to diclofenac (42.4%vs. 50.3%; χ2, 5.52; P = 0.019).

Conclusions:  In Asian patients with minimal significant risk factors, treatment with celecoxib was associated with a modest but significantly reduced incidence of gastric ulcers at the end of 12 weeks.
Influence of Production Method on the Properties of Dual Phase Steel Tubes
Authors: Pavlina E. J. , Van Tyne C. J. , Moon Y. H.
Published: March 2010

Dual phase steel tubes can be produced by a variety of methods. In the present study, comparisons between dual phase steel tubes produced directly from a dual phase steel sheet and tubes produced using a new method are made. The conventional method is to process dual phase sheet steel through a tube making operation with electrical resistance welding. In the new processing method, a ferrite/pearlite sheet steel is formed into a tube, which is then normalized, induction heated to an intercritical temperature, quenched, and tempered, producing a dual phase microstructure. Tubes produced directly from a dual phase steel sheet have variations in microstructure and mechanical properties between the weld region and nonweld region material; whereas, tubes that have been produced from ferrite/pearlite steel sheet and treated to create a dual phase microstructure following the tube forming operation show little or no variation between the weld and nonweld regions. Dual phase tubes produced by the new method appear to have three main advantages over tubes produced in the traditional manner: (1) microstructural uniformity between the weld and nonweld material, (2) mechanical property uniformity between the weld and nonweld material, and (3) compressive rather than tensile residual stress components on the outer surface of the tubes.
Fatigue Behavior of Stainless Steel 304L Including Strain Hardening, Prestraining, and Mean Stress Effects
Authors: Colin Julie , Fatemi Ali , Taheri Said
Published: March 2010

This paper discusses cyclic deformation and fatigue behaviors of stainless steel 304L and aluminum 7075-T6. Effects of loading sequence, mean strain or stress, and prestraining were investigated. The behavior of aluminum is shown not to be affected by preloading, whereas the behavior of stainless steel is greatly influenced by prior loading. Mean stress relaxation in strain control and ratcheting in load control and their influence on fatigue life are discussed. Some unusual mean strain test results are presented for SS304L, where in spite of mean stress relaxation fatigue lives were significantly longer than fully-reversed tests. Prestraining indicated no effect on either deformation or fatigue behavior of aluminum, while it induced considerable hardening in SS304L and led to different results on fatigue life, depending on the test control mode. Possible mechanisms for secondary hardening observed in some tests, characterized by a continuous increase in the stress response and leading to runout fatigue life, are also discussed. The Smith–Watson–Topper parameter was shown to correlate most of the experimental data for both materials under different loading conditions.
Quantitative Interfacial Energy Measurements of Adhesion-Promoted Thin Copper Films by Supercritical Fluid Deposition on Barrier Layers
Authors: Karanikas Christos F. , Li Han , Vlassak Joost J. , Watkins James J.
Published: March 2010

A fivefold increase in adhesion energy is observed for poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) modified Cu/TaN interfaces in which the thin copper films are deposited by the hydrogen assisted reduction of bis(2,2,7-trimethyloctane-3,5-dionato) copper in supercritical carbon dioxide. The PAA adhesion layer is sacrificial at the reaction conditions used, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy has shown that the Cu/TaN interface is free of contamination following deposition. The resulting average interfacial adhesion energy is just above 5 J/m2, which meets adhesion requirements for integration in Cu interconnects. The adhesion measurements are performed with a custom built four-point bend fracture mechanics testing system. Comparison of the copper film thickness to the measured adhesion energy indicated that there is no effect on the adhesion energy as the film thickness changes.
Mechanism Based Creep Model Incorporating Damage
Authors: Bonora Nicola , Esposito Luca
Published: March 2010

The increasing demand of reliable creep design for very long lives (exceeding 100.000 h), as those for high stress-low temperatures and high temperature-low stress regimes, requires a model formulation capable to account for the nonlinearity in the stress dependence of the logarithm of the creep rate as a result of the combination of both diffusional and dislocation type creeps. In this paper, a creep model, where the effect of mechanism change has been accounted for through an explicit dependence of the creep exponent n on stress, has been proposed. The model has been also extended, incorporating damage processes and characteristics of tertiary creep stage, adopting a time independent damage formulation proposed by the authors. An application example of the proposed approach to high purity aluminum is given.
IDENTIFICATION OF CONSERVED FEATURES OF LAGLIDADG HOMING ENDONUCLEASES
Authors: GRISHIN ALEXANDER , FONFARA INES , ALEXEEVSKI ANDREI , SPIRIN SERGEI , ZANEGINA OLGA , KARYAGINA ANNA , ALEXEYEVSKY DANIIL , WENDE WOLFGANG
Published: March 2010

LAGLIDADG family of homing endonucleases are rare-cutting enzymes which recognize long target sequences and are of great interest in genome engineering. Despite advances in homing endonuclease engineering, effective methods of broadening the range of cleaved sequences are still lacking. Here, we present a study of conserved structural features of LAGLIDADG homing endonucleases that might aid further development of such methods. The protein–DNA interface of LAGLIDADG homing endonucleases differs considerably with the particular nuclease, and the analysis of conserved protein–DNA interactions could not identify any residues crucial for DNA binding and common to most nucleases of the family. For the homing endonuclease PI-SceI, a comparison of structural and experimental data derived from literature helped to identify 23 residues that are likely to be important for DNA binding. Analysis of the LAGLIDADG domain dimerization interface allowed the choosing of six positions that contribute to dimerization specificity most, while comparison of 446 sequences of LAGLIDADG endonucleases revealed groups of residues in these positions that appear to be most favorable for dimerization.
A Wavelet Galerkin Finite‐Element Method for the Biot Wave Equation in the Fluid‐Saturated Porous Medium
Authors: Zhang Xinming , Liu Jiaqi , Liu Ke′an
Published: March 2010

A wavelet Galerkin finite‐element method is proposed by combining the wavelet analysis with traditional finite‐element method to analyze wave propagation phenomena in fluid‐saturated porous medium. The scaling functions of Daubechies wavelets are considered as the interpolation basis functions to replace the polynomial functions, and then the wavelet element is constructed. In order to overcome the integral difficulty for lacking of the explicit expression for the Daubechies wavelets, a kind of characteristic function is introduced. The recursive expression of calculating the function values of Daubechies wavelets on the fraction nodes is deduced, and the rapid wavelet transform between the wavelet coefficient space and the wave field displacement space is constructed. The results of numerical simulation demonstrate that the method is effective.
Ureteroarterial Fistula
Authors: Kim D. H. , Mahdy A. , Mundra V. , Berman M. , Ghoniem G. M.
Published: March 2010

Ureteral-iliac artery fistula (UIAF) is a rare life threatening cause of hematuria. The increasing frequency is attributed to increasing use of ureteral stents. A 68-year-old female presented with gross hematuria. She had prior low anterior resection for rectal cancer and a retained ureteral stent. CT abdomen and pelvis showed a large recurrent pelvic mass and a retained stent. The patient underwent cystoscopy which showed a normal bladder. Upon removal of the stent, brisk bleeding was noted coming from the ureteral orifice. Antegrade pyelogram was done which revealed a UIAF. Angiography was done and a covered stent was placed. Multiple treatment options are available. All must consider management of the arterial and ureteral side. The arterial side may be addressed by primary open repair, embolization with extra-anatomic vascular reconstruction, or endovascular stenting. The ureter can be managed with nephroureterectomy, ureteral reconstruction, placement of a nephrostomy tube, or ureteral stenting. Being minimally invasive, we believe that endovascular stenting should be the preferred therapeutic option as it also corrects the source of bleeding while preserving distal blood flow.
From the General Affine Transform Family to a Pareto Type IV Model
Authors: Hürlimann Werner
Published: March 2010

The analytical form of general affine transform families with given maximum likelihood estimators for the affine parameters is determined. In this context, the simultaneous maximum likelihood equations of the affine parameters in the generalised Pareto distribution cannot have a common solution. This pathological situation is removed by extending it to a four parameter family, called Pareto type IV model.
The Influence of an Information Environment on Construction Organization's Culture: A Case Study
Authors: Sullivan Kenneth T. , Kashiwagi Dean T. , Chong Nathan
Published: March 2010

Construction professionals have identified public contract law and bureaucratic procurement/contract offices as a source of problems in the construction industry. The culture within the United State's Federal Government Acquisitions is based on the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FARs) and its interpretation, often placing organizations/agencies in the price-based environment and continuously resulting in poor performance. The United States Army Medical Command (MEDCOM) (approximately $100 M in construction renovation awards per year) attempted to overcome this obstacle through a partnership with the Performance-Based Studies Research Group (PBSRG) at Arizona State University. The MEDCOM implemented the information environment portion of the Performance Information Procurement System (PIPS) into Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts through the specifications. Without controlling the various contract/procurement processes, the developed information environment stimulated an atmosphere of accountability to all parties involved, while reducing the client's internal bureaucratic resistance. The concept has met with preliminary success, minimizing construction management issues by over 50%, raising owner satisfaction by 9%, resulting in 99% of projects ending with no contractor-generated change orders, and assisting MEDCOM leadership in measuring the performance of their infrastructure revitalization program.
Schwann Cells Overexpressing FGF‐2 Alone or Combined with Manual Stimulation Do Not Promote Functional Recovery after Facial Nerve Injury
Authors: Haastert Kirsten , Grosheva Maria , Angelova Srebrina K. , Guntinas-Lichius Orlando , Skouras Emmanouil , Michael Joern , Grothe Claudia , Dunlop Sarah A. , Angelov Doychin N.
Published: March 2010

Purpose. To determine whether transplantation of Schwann cells (SCs) overexpressing different isoforms of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF‐2) combined with manual stimulation (MS) of vibrissal muscles improves recovery after facial nerve transection in adult rat.Procedures. Transected facial nerves were entubulated with collagen alone or collagen plus naïve SCs or transfected SCs. Half of the rats received daily MS. Collateral branching was quantified from motoneuron counts after retrograde labeling from 3 facial nerve branches. Quality assessment of endplate reinnervation was combined with video‐based vibrissal function analysis.Results. There was no difference in the extent of collateral axonal branching. The proportion of polyinnervated motor endplates for either naïve SCs or FGF‐2 over‐expressing SCs was identical. Postoperative MS also failed to improve recovery.Conclusions. Neither FGF‐2 isoform changed the extent of collateral branching or polyinnervation of motor endplates; furthermore, this motoneuron response could not be overridden by MS.
Effect of Plant Oils upon Lipase and Citric Acid Production in Yarrowia lipolytica Yeast
Authors: Darvishi Farshad , Nahvi Iraj , Zarkesh-Esfahani Hamid , Momenbeik Fariborz
Published: March 2010

The nonconventional yeast Yarrowia lipolytica degrades very efficiently hydrophobic substrates to produce organic acids, single‐cell oil, lipases, and so forth. The aim of this study was to investigate the biochemical behavior and simultaneous production of valuable metabolites such as lipase, citric acid (CA), and single‐cell protein (SCP) by Yarrowia lipolytica DSM 3286 grown on various plant oils as sole carbon source. Among tested plant oils, olive oil proved to be the best medium for lipase and CA production. The Y. lipolytica DSM 3286 produced 34.6 ± 0.1 U/mL of lipase and also CA and SCP as by‐product on olive oil medium supplemented with yeast extract. Urea, as organic nitrogen, was the best nitrogen source for CA production. The results of this study suggest that the two biotechnologically valuable products, lipase and CA, could be produced simultaneously by this strain using renewable low‐cost substrates such as plant oils in one procedure.