bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review of Neurepyris Kieffer, 1905 (Hymenoptera, Bethylidae), a new synonym of Pristocera Klug, 1808
Authors: Alencar Isabel D.C.C. , Azevedo Celso O.
Published: December 2011

The genus Neurepyris Kieffer, 1905 is revised. The adult male holotypes N. rufiventer Kieffer, 1913 from Eritrea and N. tagala (Ashmead, 1905) from the Philippines are redescribed and illustrated. Both species are transferred from the subfamily Epyrinae to Pristocerinae because they have the metanotum well developed medially. Neurepyris rufiventer is transferred to Pristocera Klug, 1808 because the hypopygium is deeply divided into two apical lobes, the subdiscoidal and cubital veins do not reach the border of the forewing, the pronotal disc has the anterior region slightly elevate medially, and the stigma is elongate. Neurepyris tagala is transferred to Apenesia Westwood, 1874 because the basal tooth of mandible is not curved inward, the median lobe of clypeus is not depressed near the antennal insertions, and the aedeagus consists of one lamina. The genus Neurepyris is considered a junior synonym of Pristocera because its type species is N. rufiventer.
A New Perspective on Three-Dimensional Geometry
Authors: Circello Jennifer E. , Filkins Scott R.
Published: December 2011

A geometric solids unit inspired by Plato's Cave Allegory uses different forms of three-dimensional objects to give students a clearer understanding of the realities of these objects.
The Back Page: My Favorite Lesson: A Sweet Way to Investigate Volume
Authors: Bannister Nicole A.
Published: December 2011

This article describes a series of “food labs” designed to help calculus students make sense of abstract volume concepts. The methods include slicing (e.g., disk, washer, cross-section) and shell methods, and the author discusses how to use them in the classroom.
Teaching Measurement with Literature
Authors: Bintz William P. , Moore Sara D.
Published: December 2011

Try a lesson that integrates reading, writing, and drawing to teach linear and fractional computation.
Synthesis and characterization of a terpolymer derived from styrene, methyl styrene, and polyaniline and its organoclay nanocomposite
Authors: Abbasian Mojtaba , Jaymand Mehdi , Shoja Bonab Solmaz Esmaeily
Published: December 2011

A synthetic route for the preparation of a novel solution terpolymer derived from styrene, methyl styrene, and polyaniline (PANI) and its organoclay nanocomposite with conductive and mechanical properties is demonstrated. Soluble PANI was synthesized by the incorporation of brominated poly(styrene‐co‐methyl styrene) onto the emeraldine form of PANI. Styrene‐co‐methyl styrene copolymer was synthesized via nitroxide‐mediated living radical polymerization by 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidinyloxy iniferter and then was brominated withN‐bromosuccinimide. The solution terpolymer derived from styrene, methyl styrene, and PANI was synthesized through theN‐grafting reaction of deprotonated PANI and brominated terpolymer. Nanocomposites of the terpolymer with modified montmorillonite were prepared with a solution intercalation method. The conductivity of the terpolymer was measured by the four‐point probe method. The structures of the intermediate, terpolymer, and nanocomposite were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,1H‐NMR, and X‐ray diffraction techniques. The molecular weight of the terpolymer was determined by gel permeation chromatography. Their thermal behavior was examined by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analyses. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Characterization of ZnO/polyaniline nanocomposites prepared by using surfactant solutions as polymerization media
Authors: Alves Kleber G. B. , Felix Jorlandio F. , de Melo Etelino F. , dos Santos Clécio G. , Andrade Cesar A. S. , de Melo Celso P.
Published: December 2011

We report the preparation and characterization of pure polyaniline nanoparticles (PANI_NPs), zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO_NPs), and ZnO_NPs/PANI hybrid inorganic/organic nanocomposites (HION) dispersed in aqueous sodium dodecyl sulfate solutions. We have characterized the HION, which were prepared by the polymerization of aniline in presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate and ZnO_NPs, by dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). We have obtained ZnO_NPs, PANI_NPs, and ZnO_NPs/PANI with negative values of zeta potential and average diameters of 4.6 nm, 3.6 nm and 8.1 nm, respectively. XRD results reveal that the polymer exhibits a well‐defined crystalline phase, as well as the presence of ZnO in a hexagonal phase. The observed changes in the FTIR spectra of the HION are associated to the formation of hydrogen bonding between the ZnO_NPs and the NH groups present in the PANI chains. Heterogeneous structures with fibrous characteristics are identified in the SEM images. Electrical measurements indicate that the ZnO_NPs/PANI HION exhibit a noticeable light‐sensitive ohmic behavior. We suggest that the preparation method here described offers an easy route of synthesis for the development of water‐soluble ZnO/PANI‐based nanostructures with high colloidal stability and varied functionality. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Photochemical Arylation of Brønsted Acids with 2‐Azidobenzimidazole
Authors: Sudakow Alex , Jones Peter G. , Lindel Thomas
Published: December 2011

Irradiation of N‐benzylated 2‐azidobenzimidazoles at 300 nm in the presence of an excess amount of carboxylic acids results in a novel regioselective synthesis of 2‐amino‐6‐oxybenzimidazoles in isolated yields of 60–70 %. It is also possible to regioselectively introduce 6‐bromo, 6‐chloro, and 6‐triflyloxy groups. Irradiation in dichloromethane in the absence of external nucleophiles revealed that after loss of nitrogen, the benzimidazolylnitrene probably undergoes coarctate ring opening to an N‐cyano diaza‐o‐xylylene intermediate.
Time‐varying view angle tilting with spiral readout gradients
Authors: Zho Sang‐Young , Kim Dong‐Hyun
Published: December 2011

The conventional Fourier‐transform‐based spin‐echo sequence with a view angle tilting gradient during data acquisition can correct the in‐plane distortion induced by a chemical shift or B0 field inhomogeneity. However, when extended for 3D applications, alternate k‐space sampling can be beneficial for reducing the lengthy scan time. As spiral trajectories have high k‐space acquisition efficiency, we investigated the applicability of spiral trajectory on a spin‐echo view angle tilting pulse sequence. Computer simulations and phantom and in vivo experiments were performed to validate the usage of spiral readout gradients in the presence of a view angle tilting gradient. The results show that as long as the readout time is comparable to Cartesian readout, the resulting images have similar quality. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synaptic vesicle recycling is enhanced by torsinA that harbors the DYT1 dystonia mutation
Authors: Kakazu Yasuhiro , Koh Jin‐Young , Ho K. W. David , Gonzalez‐Alegre Pedro , Harata N. Charles
Published: December 2011

Early‐onset generalized dystonia, DYT1, is caused by a mutation in the gene encoding the evolutionarily conserved AAA+ ATPase torsinA. Synaptic abnormalities have been implicated in DYT1 dystonia, but the details of the synaptic pathophysiology are only partially understood. Here, we demonstrate a novel role for torsinA in synaptic vesicle recycling, using cultured hippocampal neurons from a knock‐in mouse model of DYT1 dystonia (ΔE‐torsinA) and live‐cell imaging with styryl FM dyes. Neurons from heterozygous ΔE‐torsinA mice released a larger fraction of the total recycling pool (TRP) during a single round of electrical stimulation than did wild‐type neurons. Moreover, when the neurons were subjected to prior high activity, the time course of release was shortened. In neurons from homozygous mice, these enhanced exocytosis phenotypes were similar, but in addition the size of the TRP was reduced. Notably, when release was triggered by applying a calcium ionophore rather than electrical stimuli, neither a single nor two ΔE‐torsinA alleles affected the time course of release. Thus, the site of action of ΔE‐torsinA is at or upstream of the rise in calcium concentration in nerve terminals. Our results suggest that torsinA regulates synaptic vesicle recycling in central neurons. They also indicate that this regulation is influenced by neuronal activity, further supporting the idea that synaptic abnormalities contribute to the pathophysiology of DYT1 dystonia. Synapse, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Validity Improvement in Two Reasoning Measures Following the Elimination of the Position Effect
Authors: Schweizer Karl , Reiss Siegbert , Schreiner Michael , Altmeyer Michael
Published: December 2011

We report on an investigation of the consequences of preventing the position effect from contributing to the correlation between two reasoning scales considered an indicator of convergent validity. Confirmatory factor models served to separate this effect from the ability-specific components of measurement in Raven’s Advanced Progressive Matrices and Horn’s Numeric Reasoning Scale. These models additionally enabled investigation of the convergent validity of these measures. In a sample of 230 participants the ability-specific components of the two reasoning measures showed a very high correlation (.88), whereas the correlation of the position-related components was not significant. Since the measures represented different types of reasoning, we conclude that the ability-specific components represent fluid intelligence and the position-related components reflect the specificities of the different types of reasoning.
Iron, nutrients, and humic‐type fluorescent dissolved organic matter in the northern Bering Sea shelf, Bering Strait, and Chukchi Sea
Authors: Nishimura Shotaroh , Kuma Kenshi , Ishikawa Satoko , Omata Aya , Saitoh Sei‐ichi
Published: December 2011

The concentrations of dissolved Fe ([DFe]), total dissolvable Fe, humic‐type fluorescence intensity (humic F intensity) as humic‐type fluorescent dissolved organic matter (humic‐type FDOM), and nutrients were determined vertically in the northern Bering Sea shelf (Yukon River estuary region and St. Lawrence Island polynya region), the eastern Chukchi Sea shelf (Chukchi shelf polynya region), and the central Bering Strait during 30 July to 12 August 2007 and 30 June to 12 July 2008. In early July 2008, with a nearly peak river water discharge period, remarkably high humic F intensity and high [DFe] were found with a decrease in salinity (S = 26–30) in the surface water of the Yukon River estuarine region. These results suggest that riverine humic‐type FDOM is responsible for [DFe] in coastal waters, with natural organic ligand complexation of Fe(III) apparently playing an important role in iron transport to the northern Bering Sea shelf. In the St. Lawrence Island and Chukchi shelf polynya regions, cold dense waters (T = −1.5 to −1.7°C and σθ = 26.2 to 26.7) were found in deep and bottom waters. The cold waters are characterized by high nutrient and iron concentrations and high humic F intensity, probably resulting from two main processes: brine rejection during sea ice formation and transport across the sediment‐water interface during early diagenesis. In the central Bering Strait, the waters are vertically uniform with high salinity (S ≥ 32.5) and high nutrient and iron concentrations. These waters appear to originate from the outer shelf of the Bering Sea and are not affected by denitrification occurring in bottom sediments of the Bering shelf.
Lethal arrhythmias in
Tbx3
-deficient mice reveal extreme dosage sensitivity of cardiac conduction system function and homeostasis
Authors: Frank Deborah U. , Carter Kandis L. , Thomas Kirk R. , Burr R. Michael , Bakker Martijn L. , Coetzee William A. , Tristani-Firouzi Martin , Bamshad Michael J. , Christoffels Vincent M. , Moon Anne M.
Published: December 2011

TBX3 is critical for human development: mutations in TBX3 cause congenital anomalies in patients with ulnar-mammary syndrome. Data from mice and humans suggest multiple roles for Tbx3 in development and function of the cardiac conduction system. The mechanisms underlying the functional development, maturation, and maintenance of the conduction system are not well understood. We tested the requirements for Tbx3 in these processes. We generated a unique series of
Tbx3
hypomorphic and conditional mouse mutants with varying levels and locations of Tbx3 activity within the heart, and developed techniques for evaluating in vivo embryonic conduction system function. Disruption of
Tbx3
function in different regions of the developing heart causes discrete phenotypes and lethal arrhythmias: sinus pauses and bradycardia indicate sinoatrial node dysfunction, whereas preexcitation and atrioventricular block reveal abnormalities in the atrioventricular junction. Surviving
Tbx3
mutants are at increased risk for sudden death. Arrhythmias induced by knockdown of
Tbx3
in adults reveal its requirement for conduction system homeostasis. Arrhythmias in
Tbx3
-deficient embryos are accompanied by disrupted expression of multiple ion channels despite preserved expression of previously described conduction system markers. These findings indicate that Tbx3 is required for the conduction system to establish and maintain its correct molecular identity and functional properties. In conclusion, Tbx3 is required for the functional development, maturation, and homeostasis of the conduction system in a highly dosage-sensitive manner.
TBX3
and its regulatory targets merit investigation as candidates for human arrhythmias.
Topological quantum phase transitions driven by external electric fields in Sb
2
Te
3
thin films
Authors: Kim Minsung , Kim Choong H. , Kim Heung-Sik , Ihm Jisoon
Published: December 2011

Using first-principles calculations, we show that topological quantum phase transitions are driven by external electric fields in thin films of Sb
2
Te
3
. The film, as the applied electric field normal to its surface increases, is transformed from a normal insulator to a topological insulator or vice versa depending on the film thickness. We identify the band topology by directly calculating the

invariant from electronic wave functions. The dispersion of edge states is also found to be consistent with the bulk band topology in view of the bulk-boundary correspondence. We present possible applications of the topological phase transition as an on/off switch of the topologically protected edge states in nano-scale devices.
Palaeohexaploid ancestry for Caryophyllales inferred from extensive gene‐based physical and genetic mapping of the sugar beet genome (Beta vulgaris)
Authors: Dohm Juliane C. , Lange Cornelia , Holtgräwe Daniela , Sörensen Thomas Rosleff , Borchardt Dietrich , Schulz Britta , Lehrach Hans , Weisshaar Bernd , Himmelbauer Heinz
Published: December 2011

Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) is an important crop plant that accounts for 30% of the world’s sugar production annually. The genus Beta is a distant relative of currently sequenced taxa within the core eudicotyledons; the genomic characterization of sugar beet is essential to make its genome accessible to molecular dissection. Here, we present comprehensive genomic information in genetic and physical maps that cover all nine chromosomes. Based on this information we identified the proposed ancestral linkage groups of rosids and asterids within the sugar beet genome. We generated an extended genetic map that comprises 1127 single nucleotide polymorphism markers prepared from expressed sequence tags and bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) end sequences. To construct a genome‐wide physical map, we hybridized gene‐derived oligomer probes against two BAC libraries with 9.5‐fold cumulative coverage of the 758 Mbp genome. More than 2500 probes and clones were integrated both in genetic maps and the physical data. The final physical map encompasses 535 chromosomally anchored contigs that contains 8361 probes and 22 815 BAC clones. By using the gene order established with the physical map, we detected regions of synteny between sugar beet (order Caryophyllales) and rosid species that involves 1400–2700 genes in the sequenced genomes of Arabidopsis, poplar, grapevine, and cacao. The data suggest that Caryophyllales share the palaeohexaploid ancestor proposed for rosids and asterids. Taken together, we here provide extensive molecular resources for sugar beet and enable future high‐resolution trait mapping, gene identification, and cross‐referencing to regions sequenced in other plant species.
Enhancing efficacy of Mexican fruit fly SIT programmes by large‐scale incorporation of methoprene into pre‐release diet
Authors: Gómez Y. , Teal P. E. A. , Pereira R.
Published: December 2011

The juvenile hormone analogue, methoprene, has been documented to accelerate the development of reproductive competence and sexual signalling of Caribbean (Anastrepha suspensa), the Mexican (Anastrepha ludens), the South American (Anastrepha fraterculus) and West Indian (Anastrepha obliqua) tephritid fruit flies. The incorporation of methoprene into sterile fly release protocols at fly emergence and handling facilities is a key step required for large‐scale application of the technology to field release strategies. The goal of our study was to develop a method to supply, in large scale, methoprene to sterile Mexican fruit flies for release in the current Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) programme in Mexico. In field cage tests, the isolation index of sterile males after treatment with methoprene was reduced, increasing the percentage of mating between laboratory sterile males and wild females. In laboratory trials, males fed a diet containing 0.05% or 0.1% methoprene mated 4‐day earlier than untreated control males. In a pilot area tested in 3500 ha to measure the impact of the sterile releases when methoprene was supplied, no adult wild flies were detected and no larvae were found after sampling more than 330 kg of fruit both in the treated and untreated blocks. Based on the results obtained in this study, we recommend the incorporation of the methoprene on adult diet to improve the Mexican fruit fly male sexual performance when release in the field, contributing to the increase in the cost‐effectiveness of the SIT programme.
Spinal anesthesia for noncardiac surgery in infants with congenital heart diseases
Authors: Kachko Ludmyla , Birk Einat , Simhi Eliahu , Tzeitlin Elena , Freud Enrique , Katz Jacob
Published: December 2011

Objective/Aim:  To compare hemodynamic parameters in infants with congenital heart disease (CHD) undergoing noncardiac surgery (NCS) under awake spinal anesthesia (SA) with controls without CHD also undergoing SA.

Background:  NCS poses a twofold higher mortality risk in infants with CHD. SA might be a good alternative to general anesthesia (GA) in this setting.

Methods:  The files of 84 infants were reviewed; 42 had CHD and 42 were controls without CHD. Primary outcome measures were percent decrease in mean arterial pressure (%MAPdecrease) and heart rate (%HRdecrease) from baseline to the lowest intraoperative value. One‐way analysis of variance (anova), anova with repeated measures, Pearson chi‐square test, Fisher’s exact test, and Pearson correlation were used for statistical analysis. Time to discharge was analyzed with the nonparametric Mann–Whitney U‐test.

Results:  There were no significant between‐group differences in %MAPdecrease and %HRdecrease; no significant associations and correlations between %MAPdecrease or %HRdecrease and other variables; and no correlation between %MAPdecrease and %HRdecrease. A %MAPdecrease of >20% was documented in 11 patients with CHD (26.2%) and 10 controls (23.8%); a lowest intraoperative HR of <100 b·min−1 was recorded in two study patients (4.8%) and four controls (9.5%) (P = NS for both). There were no cases of high SA or conversion to GA and no need for mechanical ventilation or inotropic support intra/postoperatively.

Conclusions:  These preliminary findings show that hemodynamic parameters in infants with CHD undergoing NCS under awake SA are not different from controls without CHD and that SA appears to be safe in infants with CHD.
The Relationship of Body Fatness and Body Fat Distribution with Microvascular Recruitment: The Amsterdam Growth and Health Longitudinal Study
Authors: WIJNSTOK NIENKE , HOEKSTRA TRYNKE , ERINGA ETTO , SMULDERS YVO , TWISK JOS , SERNE ERIK
Published: December 2011

Please cite this paper as: Wijnstok N, Hoekstra T, Eringa E, Smulders Y, Twisk J, Serne E. The relationship of body fatness and body fat distribution with microvascular recruitment: The Amsterdam Growth and Health Longitudinal Study. Microcirculation 19: 273–279, 2012.

Introduction:  Microvascular function has been proposed to link body fatness to CVD and DM2. Current knowledge of these relationships is mainly based on studies in selected populations of extreme phenotypes. Whether these findings can be translated to the general population remains to be investigated.

Aim:  To assess the relationship of body fatness and body fat distribution with microvascular function in a healthy population‐based cohort.

Methods:  Body fatness parameters were obtained by anthropometry and whole‐body dual‐X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA) in 2000 and 2006. Microvascular recruitment (i.e., absolute increase in perfused capillaries after arterial occlusion, using nailfold capillaroscopy) was measured in 2006. Linear regression analysis was used to examine the relationship of (changes in) body fatness and body fat distribution with microvascular recruitment.

Results:  Data were available for 259 participants (116 men). Capillary density was higher in women than in men (difference 7.3/ mm2; p < 0.05). In the total population, the relationship between total body fatness and microvascular recruitment was positive (β = 0.43; p = 0.002), whereas a central pattern of fat distribution (trunk‐over‐total fatness) showed a negative relationship (β = −26.2; p = 0.032) with microvascular recruitment. However, no association remained apparent after adjustment for gender. In addition, there was no relationship between 6‐year changes in body fatness or fat distribution and microvascular recruitment.

Conclusion:  Women show higher capillary recruitment values than men. This study does not support a linear relationship between microvascular function and body fatness or body fat distribution within a population‐based normal range.
Effect of autologous and allogenic platelet‐rich plasma on human gingival fibroblast function
Authors: Creeper F , Ivanovski S
Published: December 2011

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 494–500

Objective:  Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) has been proposed as a method of delivering growth factors to enhance regeneration. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of autogenous and allogenic PRP and platelet‐poor plasma (PPP) on migration and proliferation of human gingival fibroblasts in vitro.

Methods:  Various concentrations of PRP, as well as PPP, were prepared from autologous and allogenic sources and applied to primary gingival fibroblasts. Migration was determined by assessing the fibroblast response to a concentration gradient. 3H‐thymidine incorporation and crystal violet colorimetric assays were utilized to assess DNA synthesis and proliferation.

Results:  Platelet‐rich plasma provides a significant migratory stimulus to gingival fibroblasts. Furthermore, the various concentrations of PRP (50%, 20% and 10%) do not promote DNA synthesis in the short term (24 h), but over the longer term (5 days) they stimulate an increase in cell proliferation. Compared with PPP, PRP was superior in terms of encouraging migration, but was inferior in terms of promoting DNA synthesis and cell proliferation. No difference was noted between the autologous and allogenic PRP preparations on cell function.

Conclusion:  Both PPP and PRP promote gingival fibroblast migration and proliferation in vitro, without differences between preparations obtained from autologous and allogenic sources.
Grade and laterality of intraventricular haemorrhage to predict 18–22 month neurodevelopmental outcomes in extremely low birthweight infants
Authors: Merhar Stephanie L , Tabangin Meredith E , Meinzen‐Derr Jareen , Schibler Kurt R
Published: December 2011

Aim:  To determine whether extremely low‐birthweight (ELBW) infants with bilateral compared to unilateral intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) have worse neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18–22 months.

Methods:  A total of 166 ELBW infants (<1000 g) admitted to a Cincinnati NICU from 1998 to 2005 with a head ultrasound showing Grade I–IV IVH and neurodevelopmental assessment at 18–22 months corrected age were included. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were developed to determine the impact of laterality and grade of IVH and other clinical variables to predict scores on the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, Second Edition, Mental Development Index and Psychomotor Development Index and the combined outcome of neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI).

Results:  Infants with bilateral grade IV IVH had lower adjusted mean Bayley scores compared with infants with unilateral grade IV IVH. For grades I, II and III IVH, bilaterality of IVH was not associated with lower mean Bayley scores. Infants with grade IV IVH had the highest odds of NDI. The probability of NDI increased with sepsis and postnatal steroid use.

Conclusion:  ELBW infants with bilateral compared to those with unilateral grade IV IVH had worse neurodevelopmental outcomes. Infants with grades I–III IVH had similar outcomes whether they had unilateral or bilateral IVH.
Buckling and Vibration of Elastically Restrained Standing Vertical Plates
Authors: Lai S. K. , Xiang Y.
Published: December 2011

This paper investigates the buckling and vibration of heavy standing plates with rotational elastic edge constraints. The discrete singular convolution (DSC) method as a powerful numerical technique is applied to derive the governing eigenvalue equation. Convergence and comparison studies are conducted to authenticate the correctness and accuracy of the DSC approach. Accurate first-known vibration solutions for elastically restrained vertical plates subjecting to body forces/self-weight are presented. Some contour mode shapes for the vibration of elastically restrained vertical plates are also depicted for illustration.
Using Servo-Drive Presses to Determine the Effect of Blank Holder Pressure on Temperature Change in Warm Forming of Sheet
Authors: Kaya Serhat
Published: December 2011

Heat transfer coefficient (HTC) is one of the most important and difficult-to-obtain parameter in high temperature environment. Contact pressure and workpiece surface roughness are among important parameters that affect the heat transfer in elevated temperature forming of sheets. In this study, HTCs are investigated experimentally by using a servo-drive press. With the flexibility that the servo-drive press offers, effect of various blank holder pressures on temperature change is determined. Before and after surface roughness conditions of aluminum and magnesium (from two different manufacturers) alloy sheets are compared. Experimental setup was modeled using deform 2d, and measured temperature curves were compared with the finite element analysis (FEA) predictions and a window of heat transfer coefficients were determined for warm forming of sheets. Determined heat transfer coefficients were implemented in a nonisothermal deep drawing FE model in deform 2d and results were compared with experiments. Good agreement was obtained between FEA predictions and experiments.
MiR-382 targeting of kallikrein 5 contributes to renal inner medullary interstitial fibrosis
Authors: Kriegel Alison J. , Liu Yong , Cohen Brett , Usa Kristie , Liu Youhua , Liang Mingyu
Published: December 2011

Previously we have shown that microRNA miR-382 can facilitate loss of renal epithelial characteristics in cultured cells. This study examined the in vivo role of miR-382 in the development of renal interstitial fibrosis in a mouse model. Unilateral ureteral obstruction was used to induce renal interstitial fibrosis in mice. With 3 days of unilateral ureteral obstruction, expression of miR-382 in the obstructed kidney was increased severalfold compared with sham-operated controls. Intravenous delivery of locked nucleic acid-modified anti-miR-382 blocked the increase in miR-382 expression and significantly reduced inner medullary fibrosis. Expression of predicted miR-382 target kallikrein 5, a proteolytic enzyme capable of degrading several extracellular matrix proteins, was reduced with unilateral ureteral obstruction. Anti-miR-382 treatment prevented the reduction of kallikrein 5 in the inner medulla. Furthermore, the protective effect of the anti-miR-382 treatment against fibrosis was abolished by renal knockdown of kallikrein 5. Targeting of kallikrein 5 by miR-382 was confirmed by 3′-untranslated region luciferase assay. These data support a completely novel mechanism in which miR-382 targets kallikrein 5 and contributes to the development of renal inner medullary interstitial fibrosis. The study provided the first demonstration of an in vivo functional role of miR-382 in any species and any organ system.
Temporal Changes in Total Serum Immunoglobulin E Levels in East German Children and the Effect of Potential Predictors
Authors: Flohrs Katrin , Brüske Irene , Thiering Elisabeth , Rzehak Peter , Wichmann H.-Erich , Heinrich Joachim
Published: December 2011

Background: Elevated total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels are a prominent feature of allergic and parasitic diseases. An epidemiologic study was conducted in East German children to describe trends in the development of total serum IgE levels and analyze the impact of potential determinants. Methods: The study consisted of three cross-sectional surveys in 1992–1993, 1995–1996 and 1998–1999 and was conducted in three areas of the former German Democratic Republic. In total, 8,051 questionnaires were completed by the parents of children aged 5–14 years, supplying information on allergic symptoms and potential risk factors. A total of 5,918 measurements of total serum IgE and specific IgE to 5 common aeroallergens were available from 4,353 schoolchildren. Generalized estimating equations were applied to data from all children and stratified for atopic and nonatopic children to identify trends and estimate the effect of potential determinants on total IgE. Results: Total serum IgE levels decreased significantly with a linear trend in East German schoolchildren between 1992 and 1999, the effect being stronger in nonatopic children. The following factors were associated with lower total serum IgE levels: female gender, living in a household with fewer than 4 people, no history of helminth infestation, younger age group (5–7 years), no parental allergy and high socioeconomic status. No association was seen for ‘smoking at home’ and close contact to pets. Conclusion: Total serum IgE declined parallel to helminth infestation; however, the latter explained the decrease only in part. Furthermore, total IgE developed in an opposite direction to specific IgE, indicating that it has determinants other than allergic sensitization.
Road to Alzheimer’s Disease: The Pathomechanism Underlying
Authors: Anand R. , Kaushal Alka , Wani Willayat Yousuf , Gill Kiran Dip
Published: December 2011

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia, results from the interplay of various deregulated mechanisms triggering a complex pathophysiology. The neurons suffer from and slowly succumb to multiple irreversible damages, resulting in cell death and thus memory deficits that characterize AD. In spite of our vast knowledge, it is still unclear as to when the disease process starts and how long the perturbations continue before the disease manifests. Recent studies provide sufficient evidence to prove amyloid β (Aβ) as the primary cause initiating secondary events, but Aβ is also known to be produced under normal conditions and to possess physiological roles, hence, the questions that remain are: What are the factors that lead to abnormal Aβ production? When does Aβ turn into a pathological molecule? What is the chain of events that follows Aβ? The answers are still under debate, and further insight may help us in creating better diagnostic and therapeutic options in AD. The present article attempts to review the current literature regarding AD pathophysiology and proposes a pathophysiologic cascade in AD.
Variability in Isopter Position and Fatigue during Semi-Automated Kinetic Perimetry
Authors: Nowomiejska Katarzyna , Brzozowska Agnieszka , Zarnowski Tomasz , Rejdak Robert , Weleber Richard G. , Schiefer Ulrich
Published: December 2011

Background: Assessment of factors influencing response variability to repeat presentations of III4e stimuli and the fatigue effect during semi-automated kinetic perimetry (SKP). Design: Prospective case series; setting: university hospital. Participants: 58 patients with severe visual field loss: 21 with glaucoma, 18 with retinitis pigmentosa, and 19 with postchiasmal visual pathway lesions. Methods: Following initial testing with three isopters (I2e or V4e, I4e and III4e), presentations of the III4e stimulus were repeated four times during the same session along identical vectors. Main Outcome Measures: Variability in III4e-isopter position (scatter of kinetic threshold) and the difference of isopter area between the first and four subsequent sessions (fatigue effect) of SKP were analyzed by diagnosis, age, visual acuity and reaction time (RT). Results: The mean scatter of the kinetic threshold was 2.5 degrees (deg) in the glaucoma group, 1.5 deg in the group with retinitis pigmentosa, and 1.7 deg in the group of patients with postchiasmal lesions. The difference in the isopter area between a single examination and four times repeated examination was 656 square degrees (deg2) in the glaucoma group, 104 deg2 in the retinitis pigmentosa group and 227 deg2 in the group of patients with postchiasmal lesions. Post-hoc regression analysis revealed that the variability of isopter position increased as the RT increased. Conclusion: The variability of III4e-isopter positionand fatiguewere most pronounced among glaucoma patients. RT is the most important factor influencing the variability of responses and fatigue during SKP, thus we propose that it can be used as a reliability indicator of SKP.
Sodium Depletion Enhances Renal Expression of (Pro)Renin Receptor via Cyclic GMP-Protein Kinase G Signaling Pathway
Authors: Huang Jiqian , Siragy Helmy M.
Published: December 2011

(Pro)renin receptor (PRR) is expressed in renal vasculature, glomeruli, and tubules. The physiological regulation of this receptor is not well established. We hypothesized that sodium depletion increases PRR expression through cGMP- protein kinase G (PKG) signaling pathway. Renal PRR expressions were evaluated in Sprague-Dawley rats on normal sodium or low-sodium diet (LS) and in cultured rat proximal tubular cells and mouse renal inner medullary collecting duct cells exposed to LS concentration. LS augmented PRR expression in renal glomeruli, proximal tubules, distal tubules, and collecting ducts. LS also increased cGMP production and PKG activity. In cells exposed to normal sodium, cGMP analog increased PKG activity and upregulated PRR expression. In cells exposed to LS, blockade of guanylyl cyclase with 1H-(1,2,4)oxadiazolo(4,3-a)quinoxalin-1-one decreased PKG activity and downregulated PRR expression. PKG inhibition decreased phosphatase protein phosphatase 2A activity; suppressed LS-mediated phosphorylation of extracellular signal–regulated kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, c-Jun, and nuclear factor-κB p65; and attenuated LS-mediated PRR upregulation. LS also enhanced DNA binding of cAMP response element binding protein 1 to cAMP response elements, nuclear factor-κB p65 to nuclear factor-κB elements, and c-Jun to activator protein 1 elements in PRR promoter in proximal tubular cells. We conclude that sodium depletion upregulates renal PRR expression via the cGMP-PKG signaling pathway by enhancing binding of cAMP response element binding protein 1, nuclear factor-κB p65, and c-Jun to PRR promotor.
Plasma Citrulline Concentration as a Biomarker for Bowel Loss and Adaptation in Hospitalized Pediatric Patients Requiring Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Stultz Jeremy S. , Tillman Emma M. , Helms Richard A.
Published: December 2011

Background: Citrulline is a nonessential amino acid produced solely in the enterocyte. Plasma citrulline concentration has been proposed as a noninvasive biomarker for bowel length, function, and dependency on parenteral nutrition (PN). The purpose of this study was to determine if citrulline concentrations differed between pediatric patients with and without small bowel loss requiring specialized nutrition support. Methods: This was a retrospective categorical analysis of citrulline concentrations from previously published studies. Patients were included if they were receiving PN, more than 30 days of age, and if they had at least 2 plasma citrulline concentrations. Patients with renal insufficiency and who received outpatient PN treatment were excluded. Patients were categorized as either having or not having small bowel loss. Results: Thirty‐six patients were included for analysis (18 per category). The median citrulline concentration was significantly lower in the group with bowel loss, 8.4 µmol/L vs 10.5 µmol/L (P < .0005), and undetectable citrulline concentrations occurred more often in the bowel loss group, 40% vs 8% (P < .0005). In 13 patients who received enteral nutrition during the study periods, plasma citrulline concentrations increased only in patients without bowel loss. Conclusions: These data confirm previous studies and identify decreased citrulline concentrations in pediatric patients with bowel dysfunction in the absence of bowel loss. These data also represent the first serial citrulline concentrations over a 21‐day period. The increase in citrulline concentrations only in fed patients without bowel loss suggests that citrulline concentrations could provide a biomarker for bowel function and adaptation.
Assessing Desistance in Child Molesters
Authors: Farmer Mark , Beech Anthony R. , Ward Tony
Published: December 2011

The aim of the study was to investigate the process of desistance from sexual crime by comparing two groups of child molesters: One group was deemed to be desisting, while men in the other group were deemed as being still potentially active offenders. Men in the desisting group reported being optimistic for the future, reported an enhanced sense of personal agency and a more internalized locus of control, and identified treatment as being a turning point in their lives. In comparison, men in the active group were found to be more pessimistic and were more likely to blame external events, or situations, for their problems. One of the most striking findings of the research was that the desisting group had found a place within a social group or network, unlike the still potentially active offenders who all described a life of social isolation and alienation.
The promoter of filamentation (POF1) protein from Saccharomyces cerevisiae is an ATPase involved in the protein quality control process
Authors: Costa Iris M , Nasser Tallybia HT , Demasi Marilene , Nascimento Rafaella MP , Netto Luis ES , Miyamoto Sayuri , Prado Fernanda M , Monteiro Gisele
Published: December 2011

Background

The gene YCL047C, which has been renamed promoter of filamentation gene (POF1), has recently been described as a cell component involved in yeast filamentous growth. The objective of this work is to understand the molecular and biological function of this gene.

Results

Here, we report that the protein encoded by the POF1 gene, Pof1p, is an ATPase that may be part of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein quality control pathway. According to the results, Δpof1 cells showed increased sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide, tert-butyl hydroperoxide, heat shock and protein unfolding agents, such as dithiothreitol and tunicamycin. Besides, the overexpression of POF1 suppressed the sensitivity of Δpct1, a strain that lacks a gene that encodes a phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase, to heat shock. In vitro analysis showed, however, that the purified Pof1p enzyme had no cytidylyltransferase activity but does have ATPase activity, with catalytic efficiency comparable to other ATPases involved in endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation of proteins (ERAD). Supporting these findings, co-immunoprecipitation experiments showed a physical interaction between Pof1p and Ubc7p (an ubiquitin conjugating enzyme) in vivo.

Conclusions

Taken together, the results strongly suggest that the biological function of Pof1p is related to the regulation of protein degradation.
Association study between the gibberellic acid insensitive gene and leaf length in a Lolium perenne L. synthetic variety
Authors: Auzanneau Jérôme , Huyghe Christian , Escobar-Gutiérrez Abraham J , Julier Bernadette , Gastal François , Barre Philippe
Published: December 2011

Background

Association studies are of great interest to identify genes explaining trait variation since they deal with more than just a few alleles like classical QTL analyses. They are usually performed using collections representing a wide range of variability but which could present a genetic substructure. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate that association studies can be performed using synthetic varieties obtained after several panmictic generations. This demonstration is based on an example of association between the gibberellic acid insensitive gene (GAI) polymorphism and leaf length polymorphism in 'Herbie', a synthetic variety of perennial ryegrass.

Methods

Leaf growth parameters, consisted of leaf length, maximum leaf elongation rate (LERmax) and leaf elongation duration (LED), were evaluated in spring and autumn on 216 plants of Herbie with three replicates. For each plant, a sequence of 370 bp in GAI was analysed for polymorphism.

Results

Genetic effect was highly significant for all traits. Broad sense heritabilities were higher for leaf length and LERmax with about 0.7 in each period and 0.5 considering both periods than for LED with about 0.4 in each period and 0.3 considering both periods. GAI was highly polymorphic with an average of 12 bp between two consecutive SNPs and 39 haplotypes in which 9 were more frequent. Linkage disequilibrium declined rapidly with distance with r 2 values lower than 0.2 beyond 150 bp. Sequence polymorphism of GAI explained 8-14% of leaf growth parameter variation. A single SNP explained 4% of the phenotypic variance of leaf length in both periods which represents a difference of 33 mm on an average of 300 mm.

Conclusions

Synthetic varieties in which linkage disequilibrium declines rapidly with distance are suitable for association studies using the "candidate gene" approach. GAI polymorphism was found to be associated with leaf length polymorphism which was more correlated to LERmax than to LED in Herbie. It is a good candidate to explain leaf length variation in other plant material.
Distribution of Coronary Artery Stenosis After Radiation for Breast Cancer
Authors: Nilsson Greger , Holmberg Lars , Garmo Hans , Duvernoy Olov , Sjögren Iwar , Lagerqvist Bo , Blomqvist Carl
Published: December 2011

Purpose

To study distribution of coronary artery stenosis among patients with breast cancer (BC) and to assess correlation between radiotherapy (RT) and location of stenosis.

Patients and Methods

A Swedish BC cohort diagnosed from 1970 to 2003 was linked to registers of coronary angiography from 1990 to 2004, which yielded 199 patients. Stenoses of the coronary arteries were graded from 0 to 5, where 0 indicated a normal vessel and 5 indicated occlusion. Two hotspot areas for radiation were defined: proximal right coronary artery (prox RCA), mid and distal left anterior descending artery and distal diagonal (mdLAD + dD). RT regimens were categorized as high or low risk of irradiating the hotspot areas. Left breast/chest wall was considered high risk for mdLAD + dD; left internal mammary chain (IMC), high risk for prox RCA and mdLAD + dD from 1970 to 1995 and thereafter solely for mdLAD + dD; and right IMC, high risk for prox RCA. Other RT targets and no RT were considered low risk. Results were expressed in odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs.

Results

For irradiated left- versus right-sided BC, the OR for grade 3 to 5 stenosis in mdLAD + dD was 4.38 (95% CI, 1.64 to 11.7), and for grade 4 to 5 stenosis, the OR was 7.22 (95% CI, 1.64 to 31.8). For high-risk RT versus low-risk or no RT, the OR for grade 3 to 5 stenosis in hotspot areas was 1.90 (95% CI, 1.11 to 3.24).

Conclusion

An increase of stenosis in mdLAD + dD in irradiated left-sided BC and an association between high-risk RT and stenosis in hotspot areas for radiation indicate a direct link between radiation and location of coronary stenoses.
TECHNICAL NOTE—Cellular Bucket Brigades
Authors: Lim Yun Fong
Published: December 2011

Workers in a bucket brigade production system perform unproductive travel when they walk to get more work from their colleagues. We introduce a new design of bucket brigades to reduce unproductive travel. Under the new design, each worker works on one side of an aisle when he proceeds in one direction and works on the other side when he proceeds in the reverse direction. We propose simple rules for workers to share work under the new design and find a sufficient condition for the system to self-balance. Numerical examples suggest that the improvement in throughput by the new design can be as large as 30%. Even with a 20% reduction in labor, the new design can still increase throughput by 7%.
A fossil spider from the Cretaceous of Korea
Authors: Selden Paul A. , Nam Kye-Soo , Kim Soo Hyun , Kim Hyun Joo
Published: December 2011

A fossil spider from the Cretaceous Jinju Formation of Korea is redescribed as Korearachne jinju, n. gen. n. sp. Previous description of this specimen, the only known fossil spider from Korea, was inadequate, and here we present a more detailed interpretation and illustration of the specimen. The fossil spider is preserved alongside juvenile albuiform fish, Diptera and possible crustaceans, which suggests a mass mortality event. Familial identification of the spider is impossible, but it probably belongs to a guild of wandering spiders, possibly lycosoids.
Alternative Shut-In and Pump Start-Up Procedures for Kicks Taken During MPD Operations
Authors: Chirinos J. E. , Smith J. R. , Bourgoyne D. A.
Published: December 2011

A university-industry consortium has been studying alternative well control procedures for kicks taken during managed pressure drilling (MPD) operations using the constant bottom hole pressure (CBHP) method. This paper explains and evaluates the specific shut in and pump start up procedures resulting from that study.

Shutting in the blowout preventer (BOP) is the standard reaction to a kick taken during conventional drilling. Shut in has been concluded to be the appropriate response for kicks during MPD in some circumstances. Two different shut in procedures are applicable: a simple shut in and a MPD pump shut down with a "choked flow check." Both require a pump start up schedule to begin circulating out a kick.

A simple procedure for defining a pump start up schedule and its basis are described. Shut in and application of the pump start up schedule for circulating out a kick were simulated for a wide range of well and kick conditions. This method stopped formation flow and kept bottom hole pressure relatively constant during pump start up and kick circulation for the full range of scenarios studied. The realism of simulation results was confirmed by comparison to a full scale gas kick experiment.

A manual MPD pump shut down with a "choked flow check" was also performed in both the simulator and the experimental well. The procedure, which allows a flow check without letting bottomhole pressure drop significantly below the intended pressure, is explained. It was shown to be effective for detecting or confirming low rate kicks that cannot be detected conclusively during circulation.