bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation policy in the European Union and its institutions
Authors: Stern Elliot
Published: September 2009

The European Union (EU), with 27 member states, has been a significant promoter of evaluation in Europe. More than a decade of reform and modernization of EU institutions underpins the expansion of evaluation and has shaped evaluation policies. Links between evaluation uptake and policy on the one hand and public management and institutional reform on the other are highlighted. However, it is argued that the emergence of new policy instruments, new substantive policy goals, and institutional dynamics underpinned by competing narratives of the European “project,” help explain how evaluation policy has evolved. The chapter considers how EU evaluation impinges on EU member states. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation policy in the Netherlands
Authors: Leeuw Frans L.
Published: September 2009

This chapter discusses the development of evaluation policy in the Netherlands. It distinguishes between several periods: the 1970s and before, when there was little or no evaluation, much less evaluation policy; the late 1970s and 1980s, when evaluation increased but there was still little formal policy; the 1990s, when the government began to establish its formal evaluation policy; and the current decade, when evaluation policy was further formalized and evaluation activities blossomed. The author shows that the Dutch policy has always been rather liberal, leaving much room to the community of professionals. The chapter concludes with a summary of the current state of evaluation policy in the Netherlands, showing that the critique on evaluations and the two other strands of activities that produce “evaluative feedback” (i.e., performance auditing and inspection/oversight) is increasing. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation policy and evaluation practice: Where do we go from here?
Authors: Cooksy Leslie J. , Mark Melvin M. , Trochim William M. K.
Published: September 2009

Three issues for evaluation policy and practice are described: evaluation policy dimensions, evaluation policy instruments, and the political and economic environment for evaluation policy. Selected future directions are outlined, including the need to describe the evaluation policy landscape, further articulate an evaluation policy taxonomy, and develop and implement tactics for influencing evaluation policy, with particular attention to the role of professional associations. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
DNS of backward‐facing step flow with fully turbulent inflow
Authors: Barri Mustafa , El Khoury George K. , Andersson Helge I. , Pettersen Bjørnar
Published: September 2009

Direct numerical simulation (DNS) has been performed to study the channel flow over a backward‐facing step at a Reynolds number Reb=5600 based on the step height h and the inflow bulk velocity Ub. A dynamic method has been used in order to generate realistic turbulent inflow conditions. The results upstream of the step compared well with the fully developed channel flow. Downstream of the step our results show excellent agreement with experimental data. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of B‐ and T‐lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia by integrated analysis of MicroRNA and mRNA expression profiles
Authors: Fulci Valerio , Colombo Teresa , Chiaretti Sabina , Messina Monica , Citarella Franca , Tavolaro Simona , Guarini Anna , Foà Robin , Macino Giuseppe
Published: September 2009

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is an heterogeneous disease comprising several subentities that differ for both immunophenotypic and molecular characteristics. Over the years, the biological understanding of this neoplasm has largely increased. Gene expression profiling has allowed to identify specific signatures for the different ALL subsets and permitted the identification of pathways deregulated by a given lesion. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs, which play a pivotal role in several cellular functions. In this study, we investigated miRNAs expression profiles in a series of adult ALL cases by microarray analysis. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering largely recapitulated ALL subgroups. Furthermore, we identified miR‐148, miR‐151, and miR‐424 as discriminative of T‐lineage versus B‐lineage ALL; ANOVA highlighted a set of six miRNAs—namely miR‐425‐5p, miR‐191, miR‐146b, miR‐128, miR‐629, and miR‐126—that can discriminate B‐lineage ALL subgroups harboring specific molecular lesions. These results were confirmed and extended by quantitative‐PCR on a further cohort of cases. Finally, we used Pearson correlation analysis to combine miRNA and gene expression profiles. The distribution of correlation coefficients generated by comparing the expression of every miRNA/gene pair in our data set shows enrichment of both positively and negatively correlated pairs over background distributions obtained using randomized data. Moreover, a clear enrichment for predicted miRNA:target pairs is observed at negative correlation coefficient intervals. Signal‐to‐noise ratio highlighted several miRNA/gene pairs with a possible role in the disease. In fact, gene set enrichment analysis of genes composing the selected miRNA/gene pairs displays over‐representation of functional categories related to cancer and cell‐cycle regulation. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Global perspective on hydrology, water balance, and water resources management in arid basins
Authors: Shen Yanjun , Chen Yaning
Published: September 2009

Arid and semiarid regions comprise a large part of the world's terrestrial area and are home to hundreds of millions of people. Water resources in arid regions are rare and critical to society and to ecosystems. The hydrologic cycle in arid and semiarid regions has been greatly altered due to long‐term human exploitation. Under conditions of global warming, water resources in these regions are expected to be more unstable and ecosystems likely will suffer from severe water stress. In the current special issue contributed to understanding ecohydrologic processes and water‐related problems in arid regions of western China, this paper provides a global perspective on the hydrology and water balance of six major arid basins of the world. A number of global datasets, including the state‐of‐the‐art ensemble simulation of land surface models by GSWP2 (Global Soil Wetness Project II, a project by GEWEX), were used to address the water balance terms in the world's major hydroclimatic regions. The common characteristics of hydrologic cycles and water balance in arid basins are as follows: strong evapotranspiration characterizes the hydrological cycle in arid basins; and in water use sectors irrigation consumes a large amount of water, resulting in degradation of native vegetation. From the ecohydrology viewpoint, a comprehensive study of hydrological and ecological processes of water utilization in arid basins is urgently needed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Similarity between morphological characteristics of rills and ephemeral gullies in Sicily, Italy
Authors: Capra Antonina , Di Stefano Costanza , Ferro Vito , Scicolone Baldassare
Published: September 2009

This paper reports the results of a field investigation aimed to establish morphological similarity between rills and ephemeral gullies. Rill measurements were made on 14 plots having a surface area of 22–352 m2 located on a 14·9% slope and on a plot 6·0 m wide and 22·0 m long having a uniform 22·0% slope. The plots are located on the experimental station for soil erosion measurements, ‘Sparacia’, of the Agricultural Faculty of Palermo University, in Sicily, Italy. All plots are subjected to natural rainfall. The measurements were made immediately following five events between November 2004 and December 2005. The ephemeral gully measurements were made on a cultivated area of about 120 ha, located in Central Sicily, which is representative of many soil‐crop conditions in the Mediterranean basin. The morphological similarity between rill and ephemeral gully was first tested. Then a power relationship between rill or gully volume and length, theoretically deduced by dimensional analysis and self‐similarity theory, was applied. This power relationship needs a different scale factor for rill and gully measurements. Finally, using two dimensionless groups representative of the channel morphology variables, the analysis showed that a single relationship can be applied to rill and gully measurements. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neutrophil apoptosis: A target for enhancing the resolution of inflammation
Authors: Filep János G. , Kebir Driss El
Published: September 2009

Neutrophils are essential for host defense and their programmed cell death and removal are critical for the optimal expression as well as for efficient resolution of inflammation. Delayed neutrophil apoptosis or impaired clearance of apoptotic neutrophils by macrophages contributes to the progression of chronic inflammation. Under most conditions, neutrophils are exposed to multiple factors and their fate would ultimately depend on the balance between pro‐survival and pro‐apoptotic signals. Life or death decisions are tightly controlled by a complex network of intracellular signaling pathways. Accumulating data indicate that receptors, such as the formyl peptide receptor 2/lipoxin receptor or β2‐integrins can generate contrasting cues in neutrophils in a ligand‐specific manner and suggest a hierarchy among these signals. In this article, we review recent advances on how pro‐apoptosis and pro‐survival signals interact to determine the fate of neutrophils and the inflammatory response, and highlight novel pharmacological strategies that could be used to enhance the resolution of inflammation by redirecting neutrophils to apoptosis. J. Cell. Biochem. 108: 1039–1046, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Light monotone Dialectica methods for proof mining
Authors: Hernest Mircea‐Dan
Published: September 2009

In view of an enhancement of our implementation on the computer, we explore the possibility of an algorithmic optimization of the various proof‐theoretic techniques employed by Kohlenbach for the synthesis of new (and better) effective uniform bounds out of established qualitative proofs in Numerical Functional Analysis. Concretely, we prove that the method (developed by the author in his thesis, as an adaptation to Dialectica interpretations of Berger's original technique for modified realizability and A‐translation) of “colouring” some of the quantifiers as “non‐computational” extends well toε‐arithmetization, elimination‐of‐extensionality and model‐interpretation (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Synthesis of Oligothiophene‐Layered Polymers
Authors: Morisaki Yasuhiro , Fernandes Jonas Alves , Chujo Yoshiki
Published: September 2009

Polymers with layered π‐electron systems comprising bithiophenes and quaterthiophenes based on a xanthene skeleton have been synthesized by an iron‐catalyzed oxidative coupling reaction. The polymers are well soluble in common organic solvents, and polymer thin films are readily obtained by a spin‐coating or casting technique. The synthesized polymers exhibit good thermal stability, and their 10% weight loss temperatures are approximately 400 °C. These behaviors of the polymers suggest that they can be used as opto‐electronic devices such as hole‐transporting materials.

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CXCR4 enhances engraftment of muscle progenitor cells
Authors: Perez Antonio L. , Bachrach Estanislao , Illigens Ben M. W. , Jun Susan J. , Bagden Eric , Steffen Leta , Flint Alan , McGowan Francis X. , del Nido Pedro , Montecino‐Rodriguez Enca , Tidball James G. , Kunkel Louis M.
Published: September 2009

Cell‐based therapy is a possible avenue for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), an X‐linked skeletal muscle‐wasting disease. We have demonstrated that cultured myogenic progenitors derived from the adult skeletal muscle side population can engraft into dystrophic fibers of non‐irradiated, non–chemically injured mouse models of DMD (mdx5cv) after intravenous and intraarterial transplantation, with engraftment rates approaching 10%. In an effort to elucidate the cell‐surface markers that promote progenitor cell extravasation and engraftment after systemic transplantation, we found that expression of the chemokine receptor CXCR4, whose ligand SDF‐1 is overexpressed in dystrophic muscle, enhances the extravasation of these cultured progenitor cells into skeletal muscle after intraarterial transplantation. At 1 day post‐transplantation, mice that received CXCR4‐positive enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP)‐positive cultured cells derived from the skeletal muscle side population displayed significantly higher amounts of eGFP‐positive mononuclear cells in quadriceps and tibialis anterior than mice that received CXCR4‐negative eGFP‐positive cells derived from the same cultured population. At 30 days posttransplantation, significantly higher engraftment rates of donor cells were observed in mice that received CXCR4‐positive cells compared with mice transplanted with CXCR4‐negative fractions. Our data suggest that CXCR4 expression by muscle progenitor cells increases their extravasation into skeletal muscle shortly after transplantation. Furthermore, this enhanced extravasation likely promotes higher donor cell engraftment rates over time. Muscle Nerve 40: 562–572, 2009
Cadaveric study of nerves supplying the membranous urethra
Authors: Song Lu‐Jie , Lu Hong‐Kai , Wang Jin‐Ping , Xu Yue‐Min
Published: September 2009

Aims

To better understand the anatomy of the region of the male membranous urethra in order to preserve continence during radical cystectomy and prostatectomy.

Methods

Cadaveric dissections of 15 male specimens were undertaken to investigate the nerves to membranous urethra. The nerves were traced from both an intrapelvic approach and a perineal approach. The origin, course, and distribution of the branches to the membranous urethra region were investigated in detail.

Results

The membranous urethra is innervated by branches of inferior hypogastric plexus (IHP) and intrapelvic and extrapelvic branches of pudendal nerve (PN). The pelvic nerve from IHP originated from the caudal most root of the pelvic splanchnic nerve, running along the surface of the levator ani muscle (LAM) to enter the membranous urethra at the 5 and 7 O'clock positions. In 40% of specimens we found that the intrapelvic branches were supplied by the PN. Before exiting the pudendal canal, PN gives off an intrapelvic branch that traverses the LAM to course with the pelvic nerve and innervate the membranous urethra; the distance between these intrapelvic branches and prostatic apex is 5.3 ± 1.8 mm. The branches originating from the dorsal nerve of penis innervate the membranous urethra in 53.3% of specimens; these nerve branches are located 4.2 ± 1.1 mm from the prostatic apex.

Conclusions

Dissection of the seminal vesicles and the prostatic apex during radical cystectomy and prostatectomy likely injures the nerve responsible for continence. Neurourol. Urodynam. 29:592–595, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Urine production and bladder diary measurements in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus and their relation to lower urinary tract symptoms and voiding dysfunction
Authors: Fayyad Abdalla M. , Hill Simon R. , Jones Geraint
Published: September 2009

Aims

To establish bladder diary measurements in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and their relation to bothersome LUTS and voiding dysfunction.

Methods

One hundred ten women with type 2 DM were assessed using the King's Health and ICIQ‐FLUTS questionnaires. Patients were divided into bothersome and non‐bothersome LUTS according to bother scale of the ICIQ‐FLUTS. Voiding was assessed with free flow rate and residuals. Three day bladder diary measurements were obtained and 24 hr, daytime and nighttime urine production, daytime frequency, nighttime frequency, maximum bladder capacity, mean voided volume, mean daytime and nighttime voided volumes, and incontinence episodes were recorded. Differences in bladder diary measurements between bothersome and non‐bothersome groups and between normal and abnormal voiding groups were established with multivariate analysis. Correlations between urine production and voided volumes and between diary measurements and domains of the ICIQ‐FLUTS were established.

Results

There were no differences in urine production, between bothersome and non‐bothersome LUTS groups. Women with bothersome LUTS had greater nighttime frequency (2.6 vs. 1.4) and number of incontinence episodes (3.3 vs. 0.4). Abnormal voiding group had higher nocturnal urine production (1,007 ml vs. 654 ml). There were significant correlations between nighttime frequency, number of incontinence episodes, and the storage and incontinence domains of the ICIQ‐FLUTS. Bladder capacity significantly increased with increased total urine volumes.

Conclusions

Bothersome LUTS in DM is not associated with increased urine production. Bladder capacity increased with total urine volume. Nocturia and incontinence episodes were significantly associated with bothersome LUTS. Neurourol. Urodynam. 29:354–358, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Schur complement of general H‐matrices
Authors: Bru R. , Corral C. , Giménez I. , Mas J.
Published: September 2009

It is well known that the Schur complement of some H‐matrices is an H‐matrix. In this paper, the Schur complement of any general H‐matrix is studied. In particular, it is proved that the Schur complement, if it exists, is an H‐matrix and the class to which the Schur complement belongs is studied. In addition, results are given for singular irreducible H‐matrices and for the Schur complement of nonsingular irreducible H‐matrices. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A posteriori error analysis of nonconforming finite volume elements for general second‐order elliptic PDEs
Authors: Yang Min
Published: September 2009

In this article, we study the a posteriori H1 and L2 error estimates for Crouzeix‐Raviart nonconforming finite volume element discretization of general second‐order elliptic problems in ℝ2. The error estimators yield global upper and local lower bounds. Finally, numerical experiments are performed to illustrate the theoretical findings. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2011
Detection of residual B precursor lymphoblastic leukemia by uniform gating flow cytometry
Authors: Mejstříková Ester , Froňková Eva , Kalina Tomáš , Omelka Marek , Batinić Drago , Dubravčić Klara , Pospíšilová Klára , Vášková Martina , Luria Drorit , Cheng Suk Hang , Ng Margaret , Leung Yonna , Kappelmayer Janos , Kiss Flora , Izraeli Shai , Stark Batia , Schrappe Martin , Trka Jan , Starý Jan , Hrušák Ondřej
Published: September 2009

Background

Residual disease (RD) is an important prognostic factor in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Flow cytometry (FC)‐based RD detection is easy to perform, but interpretation requires expert analysis due to individual differences among patients.

Procedure

We focused at the design of standardized and reproducible RD monitoring in ALL. RD was investigated by a uniform gating strategy, which was designed internationally and tested in one center by Ig/TCR rearrangements.

Results

For each gate, positivity cutoff value was assigned using quantification of non‐leukemic background. Comparing to Ig/TCR at 0.1% level, 80 of 103 specimens were correctly diagnosed by FC. The predictive value of FC RD at day 15 was then analyzed. In B lineage ALL, day 15 FC significantly correlated with Ig/TCR results at day 33 and/or week 12 (P < 0.01). No significant correlation was found in T lineage ALL.

Conclusions

Thus, FC with preset uniform gating at day 15 predicts PCR‐detectable MRD in B precursor ALL. Presented data may be used to define new polychromatic cytometric diagnostics of MRD including semiautomatic assessment. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010; 54:62–70. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Successful radiation therapy for supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumor and epidermolysis bullosa simplex
Authors: Bavishi Sejal , Wong Kenneth , Delgardo Thamani , Marachelian Araz , Khatua Soumen
Published: September 2009

Epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS) is a heritable skin disorder characterized by skin fragility and blistering. While its most severe variant, dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) is associated with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the development of extracutaneous neoplasms in EBS is extremely rare. We report a novel case of supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumor (sPNET) in a 7‐year male with EBS. Experience of radiation therapy and its challenges in children with EBS has rarely been reported. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010; 54:170–172. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nanoclay‐reinforced syntactic foams: Flexure and thermal behavior
Authors: Saha Mrinal C. , Nilufar Sabrina
Published: September 2009

Syntactic foams containing 60 vol% of hollow glass microballoons in epoxy matrix are modified with untreated nanoclays using combined mechanical and ultrasonication methods. Effects of nanoclays on flexure and thermal behavior of syntactic foams are investigated by adding different amount of nanoclays in the range of 1–3% by weight. Microscopic examinations and physical property characterization are performed to determine the interactions among constituent materials and the void formation during fabrication. It is found that the syntactic foams with 2 wt% nanoclays show the highest improvement in flexural properties (∼42% strength and ∼18% modulus) and dynamic mechanical properties (∼30% storage modulus and ∼28% loss modulus) properties. Thermal decomposition temperature is found to be unaffected by the addition of nanoclays, whereas a continuous reduction in the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) is observed. An examination of failure surface indicates that the failure is initiated on the tension side of the flexure sample due to fracturing of microballoons. POLYM. COMPOS., 31:1332–1342, 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Thermal and thermo‐oxidative degradation study of a model LDPE/EVA based TPE system: Effect of nano silica and electron beam irradiation
Authors: Hui S. , Chattopadhyay S. , Chaki T. K.
Published: September 2009

The effect of nano‐silica on the thermal degradation behavior of Low density polyethylene‐poly(ethylene‐ co‐vinyl acetate) (LDPE‐EVA) based thermoplastic elastomeric (TPE) system was monitored using thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) in nitrogen and oxygen atmospheres (air), respectively. The pristine nano silica was melt‐blended with the LDPE‐EVA system at different loadings by varying the sequence of addition. In one of the compositions, coupling agent (Si69) was used. In nitrogen, thermal stability of such systems remained unchanged. However, in oxygen atmosphere, the TGA thermograms reflected a dramatic change. A two staged degradation was observed for all the samples. The enhancement in thermal stability particularly upto the low conversion levels was interpreted in terms of the barrier effect of silica particles on the O2 flow into the sample. The activation energies of degradation up to lower range of conversions were determined by nonisothermal and isothermal kinetic analyses. These were found to register a similar trend for various systems studied. Upon electron beam irradiation of such filled LDPE/EVA systems at controlled doses (20 and 40 kGy), the thermal stabilities were enhanced marginally. Overall, the thermal stabilities of the TPE nanocomposites are the function of sequence and extent of nano silica addition, presence of coupling agent and extent of irradiation. POLYM. COMPOS., 31:1387–1397, 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Combined Continuous Wave and Pulsed Plasma Modes: For More Stable Interfaces with Higher Functionality on Metal and Semiconductor Surfaces
Authors: Li Li , Dai Xiujuan J. , Xu Hong S. , Zhao Jing H. , Yang Ping , Maurdev George , du Plessis Johan , Lamb Peter R. , Fox Bronwyn L. , Michalski Wojtek P.
Published: September 2009

A novel approach to producing improved bio‐interfaces by combining continuous wave (CW) and pulsed plasma polymerization (PP) modes is reported. This approach has enabled the generation of stable interfaces with a higher density of primary amine functionality on metal, ceramic and semiconductor surfaces. Heptylamine (HA) was used as the amine‐precursor. In this new design, a thin CW PPHA layer is introduced to provide strong cross‐linking and attachment to the metal or semiconductor surfaces and to provide a good foundation for better bonding a pulsed PPHA layer with high retention of functional groups. The combined mode provides the pulsed mode advantage of a 3‐fold higher density of primary amines, while retaining much of the markedly higher stability in aqueous solutions of the continuous mode.

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Trp fluorescence reveals an activation‐dependent cation‐π interaction in the Switch II region of Gαi proteins
Authors: Hamm Heidi E. , Meier Scott M. , Liao Guihua , Preininger Anita M.
Published: September 2009

Crystal structures of Gαi (and closely related family member Gαt) reveal much of what we currently know about G protein structure, including changes which occur in Switch regions. Gαt exhibits a low rate of basal (uncatalyzed) nucleotide exchange and an ordered Switch II region in the GDP‐bound state, unlike Gαi, which exhibits higher basal exchange and a disordered Switch II region in GαiGDP structures. Using purified Gαi and Gαt, we examined the intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence of these proteins, which reports conformational changes associated with activation and deactivation of Gα proteins. In addition to the expected enhancement in tryptophan fluorescence intensity, activation of GαGDP proteins was accompanied by a modest but notable red shift in tryptophan emission maxima. We identified a cation‐π interaction between tryptophan and arginine residues in the Switch II of Gαi family proteins that mediates the observed red shift in emission maxima. Furthermore, amino‐terminal myristoylation of Gαi resulted in a less polar environment for tryptophan residues in the GTPase domain, consistent with an interaction between the myristoylated amino terminus and the GTPase domain of Gα proteins. These results reveal unique insights into conformational changes which occur upon activation and deactivation of G proteins in solution.
SRD5A2 V89L polymorphism and prostate cancer risk: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Chunyang , Tao Weiyang , Chen Qiyin , Hu Hailong , Wen Xiao‐Yan , Han Ruifa
Published: September 2009

BACKGROUND

Increasing studies investigating the association between steroid 5‐alpha reductase type II gene polymorphism at codon 89 (SRD5A2 V89L) and susceptibility to prostate cancer (PCa) confer inconsistent results. To precisely estimate the relationship with more statistical power, a meta‐analysis was performed.

METHODS

A comprehensive search was conducted to identify all case–control studies investigating such an association. Odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to evaluate the size effect.

RESULTS

Twenty‐five eligible reports were identified including 8,615 cases/9,089 controls in 33 comparisons. In overall analysis, no significant associations were found in all genetic models. Subgroup analyses by ethnicity revealed that small excess PCa risks were observed in dominant model (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.03–1.19 for (LL + VL) vs. VV; P < 0.01; Pheterogeneity = 0.49) and L allele frequency comparison (OR, 1.09; 1.03–1.15 for L allele frequency; P < 0.01; Pheterogeneity = 0.07) in Europeans. Meanwhile, SRD5A2 V89L polymorphism was significantly associated with an increased PCa risk in men aged ≤65 under the co‐dominant (OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.09–2.66 for LL vs. VV; P = 0.02; Pheterogeneity = 0.31) and recessive (OR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.14–2.68 for LL vs. (VV + VL); P = 0.01; Pheterogeneity = 0.12) models. However, no significant associations were found in Asians and Africans.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests SRD5A2 V89L polymorphism could play a low‐penetrant role in PCa risk among Europeans and individuals younger than 65 years. Additional well‐designed studies are warranted to validate these findings. Prostate 70: 170–178, 2010. ©2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effect of Pr6O11 doping on superconducting properties of MgB2
Authors: Ojha N. , Malik V. K. , Bernhard C. , Varma G. D.
Published: September 2009

In this paper we report the effect of Pr6O11 doping on the structural and superconducting properties of MgB2. The bulk samples of Pr6O11‐doped MgB2 have been prepared with nominal compositions Mg1−x(Pr6O11)x/6B2 (where x = 0.0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, and 0.05) via a standard solid‐state reaction route by sintering in a reducing atmosphere of Ar/H2. The superconducting transition temperature Tc of MgB2 is found to decrease from 39 to 37 K when x increases from 0 to 0.05. The XRD results show the presence of MgO and PrB6 secondary phases in the doped samples besides the main hexagonal phase of MgB2. Improvement in critical current density (Jc), irreversibility field (Hirr), and upper critical field (Hc2) of doped samples has been observed. The Jc values at 10 and 20 K of the x = 0.03 sample are higher in the entire field region (0–6 T). At 10 K and 2 T field the Jc values of undoped and 0.03 Pr6O11‐doped samples are 1.09 × 105 and 2.21 × 105 A/cm2, respectively. Variations of Hc2, Jc, Hirr, and flux‐pinning force (Fp) with doping concentrations have been studied in this paper and a correlation between these superconducting properties and structural characteristics of the samples has been found in the present work.
Resonating coupled‐cluster CI approach to ion‐radical systems: Comparison with the unrestricted coupled‐cluster approach
Authors: Yamanaka S. , Nishihara S. , Nakata K. , Yonezawa Y. , Okumura M. , Takada T. , Nakamura H. , Yamaguchi K.
Published: September 2009

We implemented the resonating configuration interaction (Res‐CI) approach with spin‐unrestricted coupled‐cluster (UCC) solutions as basis for ion‐radical systems. In previous studies (Nishihara et al., Int J Quantum Chem 2008, 108, 2966; Nishihara et al., J Phys: Condens Matt 2009, 21, 064227), we showed that it is possible to satisfy an important condition proposed by Perdew et al. using Res‐CI based on two complementary spin‐unrestricted Hartree–Fock solutions. In this study, we extended the method to Res‐CI calculations based on UCC solutions (Res‐CC CI) for simple ion‐radical systems, which is to our knowledge, a new type of ab initio method. We examined the asymmetric effects on whether the hole (or the excess electron) localizes at one site or delocalizes over two sites. The computational results of Res‐CC CI are compared with those of UCC, and the implications are discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
Spatial and temporal tree colonization in a midstream sediment bar and the mechanisms governing tree mortality during a flood event
Authors: Asaeda Takashi , Gomes Pattiyage I. A. , Takeda Eisuke
Published: September 2009

Reduced disturbances in regulated rivers can result in stable tree colonisation in downstream reaches. We examined spatial and temporal tree colonisation on a midstream sediment bar, focussing on three dominant taxa:Salixspp. (primarilySalix gilgiana),Robinia pseudoacaciaandAlbizia julibrissin. We developed allometric relationships for tree height, tree age and tree diameter at breast and knee height, as well as relationships between above and below‐ground biomass. The spatial profiles for all individual trees of these taxa were obtained before and after a major flood in September 2007. Pre‐flood data indicate thatR. pseudoacaciacolonize the highest elevations,A. julibrissinlower elevations andSalixspp. the lowest elevations of the three taxa. The oldest trees at each elevation were found to have survived 1.8–2.5 m inundation in past floods. Results of investigations subsequent to the flood event in September 2007 suggest that trees can survive flooding as long as their roots remain embedded in the soil. Individuals ofSalixspp. experienced higher levels of inundation, but showed the greatest survival. This is probably due to morphological acclimations, particularly deep root systems and high elasticity of shoots. Considering inundation depths, erosion depths and sediment particle sizes in tree habitats, we found that sediment mobilization was the major cause of tree mortality. Thus, the ability ofSalixspp. to colonize coarse sediments greatly contributed to its survival, as coarse sediments result in significantly less tractive force. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modelling criteria for r/c elements constructed with ultra‐high‐strength concrete and subjected to cyclic loading
Authors: Elmenshawi Abdelsamie , Brown Tom
Published: September 2009

High‐strength concrete (HSC) has several benefits in high‐rise concrete buildings; however, its structural use in active seismic regions may be questioned due to the lower ductility of such concretes. In addition, seismic macro‐models being used currently are based on R/C elements constructed with normal‐strength concretes (f ≤ 40 MPa (5.8 ksi)). In this paper, the performance of plastic hinges in flexural elements constructed with a concrete strength up to 175 MPa (25.4 ksi) is investigated. In addition, other variables were studied such as the sectional reinforcement asymmetry, hinge shear strength and hinge shear demand. The seismic performance is presented in terms of stiffness deterioration, strength degradation, pinching phenomenon and displacement ductility. The requirements to implement the use of HSC in current macro‐models are examined. Current hysteretic models may be used to evaluate structural components constructed with higher concrete strength; however, the influence of concrete strength is controlled by the other test variables. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tributyltin causes obesity and hepatic steatosis in male mice
Authors: Zuo Zhenghong , Chen Shuzhen , Wu Tian , Zhang Jiliang , Su Ying , Chen Yixin , Wang Chonggang
Published: September 2009

Organotin compounds such as tributyltin (TBT) have been used worldwide in agriculture and industry as biocides, heat stabilizers, and chemical catalysts. However, few studies addressing the effects of TBT on growth and metabolism have been reported. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of TBT at low doses (0.5, 5, and 50 μg/kg) on body weight gain in male mice exposed as from puberty and to determine the alterations in related hormones. The results showed that exposure to TBT for 45 days resulted in an increase in body weight gain and hepatic steatosis accompanied with hyperinsulinemia and hyperleptinemia. Reduction of hepatic adiponectin levels in a dose‐dependent manner was related to the lipid increase in the liver. These results suggest that chronic and repeat exposure to low doses of TBT can result in obesity and hepatic steatosis and induce the occurrence of insulin and leptin resistance. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 26: 79–85, 2011.
Involment of p53, Bax, and Bcl‐2 pathway in microcystins‐induced apoptosis in rat testis
Authors: Li Guang‐Yu , Xie Ping , Li Hui‐Ying , Hao Le , Xiong Qian , Qiu Tong
Published: September 2009

It has been reported that microcystins (MCs) could accumulate in the gonads of mammals and MCs exposure exerts obvious toxic effects on male reproductive system of mammals. We have comfirmedthat MCs could accumulate and induce apoptosis in rat testis. The p53, Bax, and Bcl‐2 protein play important roles in mitochondria‐dependent apoptotic pathway, and this study aimed to investigate whether the p53, Bax, and Bcl‐2 pathway is involved in microcystins‐induced apoptosis in rat testis and discussed the possible mechanisms. Our results show that MCs led to persistent increase of transcriptional and protein level of P53 and Bax expression but led to decrease of Bcl‐2 expression, resulting in an increased ratio of Bax to Bcl‐2, which might contribute to apoptotic cell death of rat testis following MCs treatment. The increased ratio of expression of Bax to that of Bcl‐2 induced by MCs suggests their important role in MCs‐induced apoptosis in rat testis tissue. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 26: 111–117, 2011.
Indocyanine green R15 ratio depends directly on liver perfusion flow rate
Authors: Janssen Martin W. W. , Druckrey‐Fiskaaen Karl T. , Omidi Leyla , Sliwinski Grzegorz , Thiele Christine , Donaubauer Bernd , Polze Nina , Kaisers Udo X. , Thiery Joachim , Wittekind Christian , Hauss Johann P. , Schön Michael R.
Published: September 2009

Backround

Indocyanine green (ICG) is a synthetic dye that is widely used to evaluate liver function in critically ill patients, before liver resection or after liver transplantation. Controversy still exists about the impact exerted on the ICG ratio after 15 min (ICG R15) by differences in liver perfusion rates, hyperdynamic states, or patient cardiac output. We studied the role of different liver perfusion rates on the ICG R15 ratio in a normothermic extracorporeal liver perfusion system under standardized conditions.

Methods

Livers from landrace pigs (40–50 kg) were perfused with fresh porcine blood. Normal and high perfusion rates were defined as 1 ml and 2 ml/g liver/min, respectively. Perfusate pressure of the hepatic artery and portal vein were within the physiological range in both groups. According to manufacturer's instructions, 0.5 mg of ICG per kg was applied and the ICG R15 was calculated. Calculations were based on fifteen experiments in five liver perfusions. Bile production, liver function and histology were analyzed.

Results

All perfusions were characterized by physiological bile production, lack of hepatocellular damage and normal histology. ICG R15 ratio in group I, perfused with 1 ml/g liver, was 18.9 ± 6%. In group II, perfused with 2 ml/g liver, the ICG R15 ratio was 7.2 ± 3%. The difference between groups 1 and 2 was statistically significant (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

ICG R15 is reliable within one group at defined perfusion rates. Doubled perfusion rates contribute to higher ICG clearance. For clinical application we would like to suggest considering cardiac output of the patient for interpretation of ICG ratios.
Creation of a Novel Recuperative Pain Medicine Service to Optimize Postoperative Analgesia and Enhance Patient Satisfaction
Authors: Philips Brian D. , Liu Spencer S. , Wukovits Barbara , Boettner Friedrich , Waldman Seth , Liguori Gregory , Goldberg Stephanie , Goldstein Lisa , Melia Joanne , Hare Marion , Jasphey Laura , Tondel Sharyn
Published: September 2009

Many patients have difficulty with pain control after transition from patient-controlled analgesia modalities to oral analgesics. The creation of a Recuperative Pain Medicine (RPM) service was intended to bridge this gap in pain management at the Hospital for Special Surgery. Specific goals were to improve patient and staff satisfaction with management of postoperative oral analgesics by improving clinical care, administrative policies, and patient and staff education. Primary outcome measures for improved satisfaction were Press Ganey surveys and staff surveys. From inception in Aug 2007 to Dec 2008, RPM has seen 6,305 patients for discharge planning and education and 997 patients for pain management consultation. Administrative and educational accomplishments have included creation of a patient “Helpline” for emergent phone questions regarding postdischarge home pain medications, a policy for prescribing pain medications for home discharge, patient education booklets, a pain management webpage on the Hospital for Special Surgery website, and direct education of staff. Press Ganey measurements of patient satisfaction increased from 87th percentile up to the 99th percentile among peer institutions since the implementation of RPM. Staff satisfaction was 92% positive regarding the RPM service's function and patient management. An RPM appears to be an effective means to optimize postoperative pain management after transition off patient-controlled analgesia devices. Further research is needed to ascertain the exact cost–benefit and potential impact on postoperative quality-of-life measurements.
Silver Nanoparticles and Graphitic Carbon Through Thermal Decomposition of a Silver/Acetylenedicarboxylic Salt
Authors: Dallas Panagiotis , Bourlinos Athanasios B , Komninou Philomela , Karakassides Michael , Niarchos Dimitrios
Published: September 2009

Spherically shaped silver nanoparticles embedded in a carbon matrix were synthesized by thermal decomposition of a Ag(I)/acetylenedicarboxylic acid salt. The silver nanoparticles, which are formed either by pyrolysis at 300 °C in an autoclave or thermolysis in xylene suspension at reflux temperature, are acting catalytically for the formation of graphite layers. Both reactions proceed through in situ reduction of the silver cations and polymerization of the central acetylene triple bonds and the exact temperature of the reaction can be monitored through DTA analysis. Interestingly, the thermal decomposition of this silver salt in xylene partly leads to a minor fraction of quasicrystalline silver, as established by HR-TEM analysis. The graphitic layers covering the silver nanoparticles are clearly seen in HR-TEM images and, furthermore, established by the presence of sp2carbon at the Raman spectrum of both samples.
Scalable Preparation of High Purity Rutin Fatty Acid Esters
Authors: Lue Bena‐Marie , Guo Zheng , Glasius Marianne , Xu Xuebing
Published: September 2009

Investigations into expanded uses of modified flavonoids are often limited by the availability of these high purity compounds. As such, a simple, effective and relatively fast method for isolation of gram quantities of both long and medium chain fatty acid esters of rutin following scaled‐up biosynthesis reactions was established. Acylation reactions of rutin and palmitic or lauric acids were efficient in systems containing dried acetone and molecular sieves, yielding from 70–77% bioconversion after 96 h. Thereafter, high purity isolates (>97%) were easily obtained in significant quantities following a two‐step solvent purification procedure whereby excess fatty acid substrate was first removed in a heptane/water (4:1, v/v) system, followed by selective ester extraction using an ethyl acetate/water system (1:6, v/v) at elevated temperature.
Muskeldystrophien Duchenne und Becker
Authors: Grimm T. , Kress W. , Meng G. , Müller-Reible C.R.
Published: September 2009

Die Duchenne-Muskeldystrophie (DMD) ist die häufigste Muskelerkrankung im Kindesalter. Es liegt ein X-chromosomal rezessiver Erbgang mit Mutationen im Dystrophingen (etwa 65% Deletionen, etwa 7% Duplikationen, etwa 26% Punktmutationen und etwa 2% unbekannte Mutationen) vor. Das genetische Modell ist komplex. Die Mutationsraten in beiden Geschlechtern sind ungleich. Punktmutationen und Duplikationen entstehen eher in der Spermatogenese, Deletionen eher in der Oogenese. Angenähert handelt es sich bezüglich aller Patienten bei etwa 33% um Neumutationen, von welchen der größere Teil als Keimzellmosaik vorliegt. Die Becker-Muskeldystrophie (BMD) ist mit der DMD allelisch.
The effect of consumers' diurnal preferences on temporal behavior
Authors: Hornik Jacob , Ofir Chezy , Shaanan‐satchi Rinat
Published: September 2009

The purpose of this study is to determine whether customers' diurnal preferences, tested at different times of the day, affect their responses and behavior. Three studies explore whether synchrony between the peak circadian arousal period and the time of participant testing influenced participants' temporal perception and behavior. Overall, the results imply a robust synchrony and time‐of‐day effects on the dependent variables. The authors discuss the theoretical significance of their findings and the managerial implications for consumer research and practice.
Discursive power in deliberations: A case of redevelopment for the creative economy in the Netherlands
Authors: Metze Tamara A P
Published: September 2009

This paper examines the power of discourse in experiments with deliberative governance. It argues that discursive power enters deliberations regardless of the procedural attempts to ensure an optimal deliberative setting. This papers focuses on the experiences of a Community of Practice (CoP) that was created to redevelop old industrial sites for the creative economy in the Netherlands. To account for discursive power in these deliberations, it draws on the conceptual framework of “boundary work”. Boundary work involves drawing boundaries around discourse to gain credibility for an argument in a deliberation. This reinforces a discourse and reproduces its power. The empirical study demonstrates how actors relapsed into a dominant ‘entrepreneurship’ discourse but also disrupted it through an exploration of an alternative discourse called ‘cultural entrepreneurship’. This exploration was facilitated by deliberative procedures in combination with the content of boundary-transcending concepts.
Institutional Failure, Monetary Scarcity, and the Depreciation of the Continental
Authors: Calomiris Charles W.
Published: September 2009

The efforts of some American colonials, who complained of monetary scarcity and advocated increased government involvement in supplying paper money, were valid attempts to improve economic welfare and facilitate transactions. The potential for improvement depended crucially on the fiscal and monetary policies of colonial governments. This approach to monetary scarcity is useful for explaining variation in the real supply of money across colonies and over time. The role of fiscal and monetary policies in determining the changing value of the continental, and the consequences for real currency supply during and after the Revolution, are examined in detail.
Is There Still Life in the Pessimist Case? Consumption during the Industrial Revolution, 1790—1850
Authors: Mokyr Joel
Published: September 2009

Recent research on the standard-of-living controversy has argued that a marked improvement in the economic well-being of British workers began shortly after 1815 and continued unabated until 1850. I test that new optimism by generating a synthetic annual “standard-of-living variable” for the period 1790 to 1850. The variable is based on estimating a relation between living standards and the consumption of some key commodities for 1855 to 1900 and then using that relation to “retrocast” living standards for 1790 to 1850. The results strongly suggest that the hypothesis of no or little improvement cannot be rejected.
Interregional Financial Intergration and the Banknote Market: The Old Northwest, 1815–1845
Authors: Knodell Jane
Published: September 2009

I study the changing role of the banknote market in interregional financial arrangements of the antebellum American economy, using the Old Northwest as a case study. On the basis of a comparative analysis of the cyclical behavior of the banknote market, I conclude that the role of the banknote market in interregional balance of payments adjustments declined as the Old Northwest became more closely integrated into the external financial system.
What Did Unions Do in Nineteenth-Century Britain?
Authors: Boyer George R.
Published: September 2009

The article examines the development of the insurance function of trade unions. It analyzes how such policies worked, and why union benefit packages differed across occupations. It also addresses the impact of insurance policies on union organization. Insurance benefits increased the ability of unions to attract and retain members. They did not, however, significantly increase the power of union leaders relative to employers or union rank and file.
Factory size, economies of scale, and the great merger wave of 1898–1902
Authors: O'Brien Anthony Patrick
Published: September 2009

Analysis of census data reveals that the size of the average factory in the United States grew more rapidly during the 1870s and 1880s than during any subsequent decade through the 1920s. While the average factory doubled in size between 1869 and 1889, it increased by only about a quarter between 1899 and 1929. These results support the view that the reaping of economies of scale was not an important motive for the great merger wave.