bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overexpression and Gender-specific Differences of SRC-3 (SRC-3/AIB1) Immunoreactivity in Human Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: An In Vivo Study
Authors: Wang Haidong , Zhang Dongmei , Wu Wei , Zhang Jiqiang , Guo Deyu , Wang Qingliang , Jing Tao , Xu Chengping , Bian Xiuwu , Yang Kang
Published: September 2010

Steroid receptor coactivator-3 (SRC-3) has been reported to be overexpressed in the development and progression of many tumor types. SRC-3 has been detected in several lung cancer cell lines, but its expression and clinical significance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain unclear. In this study, 48 NSCLC tissues were collected and tissue microarrays were performed. The expression of SRC-3 was examined using nickel-intensified IHC. The results showed that of these 48 cases, 18 (37.5%) exhibited high levels of SRC-3 immunoreactivity, 23 (47.9%) exhibited moderate levels of SRC-3 immunoreactivity, and 7 (14.6%) were negative; thus, the total frequency of SRC-3 overexpression was 85.4% (41/48). This SRC-3 overexpression frequency was similar to the overexpression frequency observed for squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma (82.1% vs 90%) and for metastasis and non-metastasis patients (84.6% vs 85.7%). Data analysis demonstrated a significantly higher overexpression frequency in male patients compared with that in female patients (88.6% vs 76.9%). However, female patients tended to have higher expression levels of SRC-3, as measured by immunoreactivity, than male patients. These results demonstrate a high frequency of SRC-3 overexpression in NSCLC with a gender difference, suggesting that there is a specific role for SRC-3 in the pathogenesis of NSCLC. (J Histochem Cytochem 58:1121–1127, 2010)
Cannabinoid CB1 Receptor Is Downregulated in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Larrinaga Gorka , Begoña Sanz , Itxaro Pérez , Blanco Lorena , Maria L. Cándenas , Pinto Francisco M. , Gil Javier , José I. López
Published: September 2010

Several studies in cell cultures and in animal models have demonstrated that cannabinoids have important antitumoral properties. Because many of these effects are mediated through cannabinoid (CB) receptors CB1 and CB2, the study of their expression in human neoplasms has become of great interest in recent years. Fresh and formalin-fixed tissue samples of 20 consecutive clear cell renal cell carcinomas (CCRCCs) were collected prospectively and analyzed for the expression of both CB receptors by using RT–PCR, Western blot (WB), and immunohistochemical techniques. RT-PCR assays demonstrated the expression of mRNA encoding the CB1 in tumor tissue and in adjacent non-neoplastic kidney. Conversely, WB and IHC revealed a marked downregulation of CB1 protein in tumor tissue; CB2 was not expressed. The obtained data suggest a possible implication of the endocannabinoid system in renal carcinogenesis. A posttranscriptional downregulation of CB1 and the absence of expression of CB2 characterize CCRCC. (J Histochem Cytochem 58:1129–1134, 2010)
Improving Detection of Blindness in Childhood: The British Childhood Vision Impairment Study
Authors: Rahi Jugnoo S. , Cumberland Phillippa M. , Peckham Catherine S. ,   for the British Childhood Visual Impairment Interest Group
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVES:

In industrialized countries, there are established programs of childhood vision screening and surveillance, but little is known about their performance. We investigated the patterns of presentation/detection and early treatment of a nationally representative cohort of children with severe visual impairment or blindness (SVI/BL) in 1 year (2000) in the United Kingdom.

METHODS:

All children who were younger than 16 years and had a new diagnosis of SVI/BL were identified by active surveillance through the British Ophthalmological and Pediatric Surveillance Units. Data that were collected up to 1 year after diagnosis included sociodemographic characteristics, detection of SVI/BL, nonophthalmic disorders/impairments, ophthalmic findings, and early management.

RESULTS:

Of 439 identified children, 65% were younger than 1 year at diagnosis, 28% were of nonwhite ethnicity, and 40% in the worst quintile of deprivation score. A total of 77% had associated nonophthalmic disorders/impairments. Although 70% had established symptoms or signs at diagnosis by a health professional, parents had suspected blindness in only 47%. A quarter of isolated SVI/BL was detected through routine vision screening; however, 46% of children's SVI/BL and associated nonophthalmic disorders/impairments were diagnosed through a clinical surveillance examination undertaken because of high risk for a specific eye disease.

CONCLUSIONS:

The “patient journey” of children with visual impairment is markedly influenced by the presence of additional impairments/chronic diseases. Parents' understanding of normal visual development needs to be improved. Increasingly, new evidence-based formal programs of clinical (ophthalmic) surveillance are needed in response to the changing population of children who are at risk for blinding eye disease.
In vitro and in vivo screening for drought tolerance in winter × spring wheat doubled haploids derived through chromosome elimination
Authors: Sharma S. , Chaudhary H. , Sethi G.
Published: September 2010

The relative efficiency of
in vitro
and
in vivo
screening techniques for drought tolerance, comprising various parameters, namely germination (%), shoot length, root length, coleoptile length, root number, root/shoot ratio and seedling vigour index (SVI) under
in vitro
conditions and morpho-physiological and yield-contributing traits under
in vivo
conditions, was studied using 78 winter × spring wheat-derived doubled haploid lines of bread wheat along with 13 parental genotypes and two check varieties, HPW 155 and PBW 343. Analysis of variance for different
in vitro
parameters in control (0 MPa) and stress (−0.7 MPa) environments and various
in vivo
parameters under irrigated and rainfed environments indicated sufficient genetic variability and the differential response of the genotypes to the different stress levels for all the
in vitro
and
in vivo
parameters. Correlation studies revealed the significance of percentage germination, root number, coleoptile length and seedling vigour index under
in vitro
conditions and relative water content and excised leaf water loss under
in vivo
conditions as important selection criteria for drought tolerance, as these parameters were related with each other as well as with the drought susceptibility index (S). The significant positive rank correlation between the
in vitro
(−0.7 MPa) and
in vivo
(rainfed) stress conditions indicated that the performance of a genotype under field conditions is very similar to its performance under laboratory conditions. Hence, the selection precision for a crucial and complex trait like drought tolerance in wheat can be enhanced by exercising
in vitro
selection coupled with evaluation in the field. The drought susceptibility index ‘S’ should not be taken as the sole criterion to categorize genotypes as drought-tolerant or susceptible ones.
Heterosis, inbreeding depression and their relationship with genetic divergence in sesame ( Sesamum indicum L.)
Authors: Banerjee P. , Kole P.
Published: September 2010

Seven parents (CST2002, MT34, OS-Sel-2, TKG22, AAUDT9304-14-4, B67 and Rama), their 21 F1s and 21 F2s were grown in summer 2003 in a randomized block design with three replications. Heterosis and inbreeding depression were studied for seven important yield-contributing characters (plant height, branch number plant−1, capsules plant−1, seeds capsule−1, 1000-seed weight, stick yield plant−1and seed yield plant−1). Maximum heterosis for seed yield plant−1over the mid- and better-parent was recorded in CST2002×TKG22 (43.30%) and MT34×B67 (27.22%), respectively. Mid-parent heterosis for seed yield plant−1was due to cumulative heterosis for various important component traits, such as capsules plant−1, seeds capsule−1and 1000-seed weight. Inbreeding depression was highest for seed yield, followed by 1000-seed weight, capsules plant−1, branch number and plant height, indicating the predominance of non-additive genetic effects. B67×Rama exhibited significant positive heterosis in F1, but non-significant inbreeding depression in F2for seed yield. This cross can be utilized as basic material for identifying better pure lines. The clustering pattern indicated that in general genetically diverse parents exhibited more heterosis, as evident in the majority of the crosses.
Induction of wheat/barley translocations by irradiation and their detection using fluorescence in situ hybridization
Authors: Szakács É. , Kruppa K. , Molnár I. , Molnár-Láng M.
Published: September 2010

The aim of the present study was to test the efficiency of gamma irradiation in inducing translocations between wheat and barley genomes using addition lines. The Martonvásári 9 kr1-Igri disomic addition set, previously produced in Martonvásár, was irradiated with gamma rays. The pattern of irradiation-induced intergenomic chromosome rearrangements was analysed in the mutagenized (M0) generation by genomicin situhybridization (GISH). Centric fusions and a wide variety of reciprocal, terminal and interstitial translocations were frequently induced. The intergeneric translocations produced here are expected to be stabilized in later backcross progenies as a set of introgression lines carrying few but distinct rearrangements.
Effect of drought stress at flowering on the water potential and photochemical reactions of reciprocal maize hybrids
Authors: Berzy T. , Janda T. , Hegyi Z. , Pintér J.
Published: September 2010

The research, carried out in the Martonvásár phytotron in 2007, was aimed at determining how the leaf water potential of maize hybrids produced in direct and reciprocal crosses, and thus possessing different levels of seed vigour, changed as the result of water withholding in the flowering phenophase. In the case of the silage maize hybrids Mv 290 and Lima it was found that seedling vigour influenced the plant height (measured at 30 days) of adult plants. Crosses produced on chilling-sensitive female genotypes (GL, AM, H29), such as the hybrids Káma, Maraton and Hunor, proved to be unambiguously stress-sensitive if water was withheld for more than six days. In all cases drought stress reduced the relative quantum efficiency, irrespective of the crossing combination.
Studies on the effect of farmyard manure and mineral fertiliser on the growth of maize ( Zea mays L.) in a long-term experiment. I. Using the classical form of plant growth analysis
Authors: Micskei G. , Jócsák I. , Berzsenyi Z.
Published: September 2010

The classical method of growth analysis was applied to compare the effects of farmyard manure (FYM) and mineral fertiliser on the dynamics of growth and growth parameters in maize (
Zea mays
L.) over a three-year period (2005–2007) in a long-term continuous maize experiment set up using the principle of active agent equivalence in 1959. The experiment included two nutrient levels: (i) the NPK active agent equivalent of 35 t ha
−1
FYM in the form of FYM, FYM + mineral fertiliser or mineral fertiliser alone; (ii) the NPK active agent equivalent of 70 t ha
−1
FYM in the form of FYM, FYM + mineral fertiliser or mineral fertiliser alone. The aim was to determine the mean and maximum values of the plant growth parameters AGR, ALGR, RGR, NAR and LAR and to compare the effects of FYM and mineral fertiliser on maize growth in various years in a long-term experiment. The effect of the treatments and the year were analysed in terms of the dynamics of total dry matter production, leaf area, absolute growth rate, net assimilation rate and leaf area ratio.Both the fertiliser treatments and the year had a significant influence on the mean and maximum values of the given growth parameters during the vegetative growth stage. The rate and duration of growth (AGR and ALGR) were lowest in the unfertilised control and highest in treatments given high rates of mineral fertiliser or combined FYM and mineral fertiliser. In all the treatments the significantly lowest values of maximum NAR were observed in 2005, when the weather was average, with higher values in the drier years (2006 and 2007). The maximum values of LAR were significantly the highest in the droughty year of 2007. It could be concluded from the results that the effects of FYM and mineral fertiliser and that of the year on maize growth can be reliably evaluated with the classical method of growth analysis in long-term experiments.
Effects of innovative microbial management on maize ( Zea mays L.) yield in a long-term fertilisation experiment
Authors: Berzsenyi Z. , Micskei G. , Jócsák I. , Bónis P. , Sugár E.
Published: September 2010

Research indicates that there is considerable potential for a successful switch from high chemical use to lower-input, more sustainable farming practices for maize. The overall objective of the MicroMaize project was to field-test the performance of innovative microbiological management strategies. The effect of microbial consortia on maize growth and grain yield was studied in 2008 and 2009 at Martonvásár (Hungary) in a 50-year-old long-term fertilisation experiment. The experiment was set up in a split-plot design with four replications. The main plots were the fertilisation treatments: A: control, without fertilisation (N
0
P
0
K
0
), B: N
50
P
24
K
43
, C: N
100
P
48
K
87
, D: N
200
P
96
K
174
, E: N
300
P
144
K
261
. Three microbial inoculation treatments were the sub-plots: C0: control, no microbial consortia, C1:
A. lipoferum CRT1
+
P. fluorescens Pf153
+
G. intraradices JJ 129
, C2:
A. lipoferum CRT1
+
P. fluorescens F113
+
G. intraradices JJ129
. The results indicated that the microbial consortia had no significant effect on maize growth and yield. In the ecophysiological analyses, the microbial consortia were found to have a significant positive effect on the chlorophyll content and on the protein and nitrogen contents of the grain yield in 2009. The long-term results revealed that the mineral fertilisation treatments and the year had a significant influence on the growth, yield and grain quality parameters of maize. The effect of nutrient supplies and year during the vegetative growth phase of maize could be quantified using the mean values of the absolute growth rate (AGR) for maize shoots and roots and with the nutrient stress index calculated from AGR. Further field investigations on productivity and eco-physiological parameters will be needed to estimate the effect of microbial consortia.
Breeding of cycloxydim-tolerant maize (CTM) hybrids at the Cereal Research Non-Profit Co. Ltd.
Authors: Szél S. , Széll E. , Pálfay G. , Gazdagné Torma M.
Published: September 2010

The Duo-System technology, which is basically a combination of the Focus Ultra herbicide and cycloxydim-tolerant maize hybrids, is spreading as a tool for weed control in maize crops. The Cereal Research Non-Profit Co. Ltd. commenced the breeding of cycloxydim-tolerant maize (CTM) hybrids based on know-how from BASF. CTM hybrids were created by crossing the CTM inbred lines developed in the initial phase of the programme. The herbicide tolerance of the hybrids was tested in dose rate trials with Focus Ultra in 2008 and 2009. The agronomic value of the novel CTM hybrids was tested in performance trials in 2009. CTM hybrids with high yield potential have been selected as a result of the breeding programme.
Epitaxial Dy2O3 Thin Films Grown on Ge(100) Substrates by Molecular Beam Epitaxy
Authors: Bhuiyan Md. Nurul Kabir , Menghini Mariela , Dieker Christel , Seo Jin Won , Locquet Jean-Pierre , Vitchev Roumen , Marchiori Chiara
Published: September 2010

Dysprosium oxide (Dy2O3) films are grown epitaxially on high mobility Ge(100) substrates by molecular beam epitaxy system. Reflection high energy electron diffraction patterns and X-ray diffraction spectra show that single crystalline cubic Dy2O3 films are formed on Ge(100) substrates. The epitaxial-relationship is identified as Dy2O3 (110)║Ge(100) and Dy2O3 [001]║Ge[011]. Atomic force microscopy results show that the surface of the Dy2O3 film is uniform, flat and smooth with root mean square surface roughness of about 4.6Å. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy including depth profiles confirms the composition of the films being close to Dy2O3. TEM measurements reveal a sharp, crystalline interface between the oxide and Ge.
Study of Germanium Epitaxial Recrystallization on Bulk-Si Substrates
Authors: Ho Byron , Vega Reinaldo , King-Liu Tsu-Jae
Published: September 2010

LPCVD Ge films are deposited onto bulk Si substrates and subjected to either a rapid thermal anneal (RTA) or furnace anneal (FA) at a temperature that is higher than the melting point of Ge in an attempt to induce epitaxial recrystallization. Spiking into the Si and voids in the Ge film are observed after the anneal. This is attributed to defect-assisted Ge diffusion into the Si substrate caused by strain at the Ge-Si interface. Simple diffusion theory using published diffusivity values predicts diffusion depths similar to the spiking depths observed by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Approaches to reduce the strain at the interface are explored. It is found that the quasi-equilibrium nature of FA reduces spiking and that there is an area dependence. Grazing-incidence x-ray diffraction analysis suggests that this technique for epitaxial recrystallization does not result in single-crystalline Ge.
Interfacial Properties, Surface Morphology and Thermal Stability of Epitaxial GaAs on Ge Substrates with High-k Dielectric for Advanced CMOS Applications
Authors: Kumar A , Dalapati G K , Wong Terence Kin Shun , Kumar M K , Chia C K , Gao H , Wang B Z , Wong A S , Chi D Z
Published: September 2010

Epitaxial GaAs layers had been grown by metal organic chemical vapor deposition at 620°C on Ge(100) susbtrates. The surface roughness of the GaAs is greater than that of GaAs bulk wafers and epilayer morphology is influenced by miscut of the Ge substrate. The GaAs/Ge interface is of good quality and devoid of misfit dislocations and antisite defects. However, Ge diffusion into GaAs occurred during epitaxy and resulted in auto-doping. ZrO2 was deposited by magnetron sputtering onto the epi-GaAs. Capacitance voltage measurements show that the TaN/ZrO2/epi-GaAs capacitor has an interfacical with more defects than a ZrO2/bulk GaAs interface. An improved interface with smaller frequency dispersion can be formed by atomic layer deposition of the high-k dielectric layer onto the epi-GaAs.
Evaluation of the Vapor and Chemical Sensing Mechanism for Pentacene Field Effect Transistors
Authors: Duarte Davianne A , Sharma Deepak , Cobb Brian , Dodabalapur Ananth
Published: September 2010

Properties such as semicondutor film grain size, morphology, and channel length are known to effect the sensing response in pentacene based organic thin film transistors (OTFTs). The sensing behavior for low and high mobility pentacene devices are reported here exhibiting different temperature dependent behaviors. The lower mobility OTFT exhibits an expected thermally activated response during alcohol testing with an increasing mobility with temperature along with a decreasing mobility at each temperature for increasing concentration. The higher mobility device exhibits a decrease in mobility with increasing temperature along with a decrease in mobility with increasing concentration at each temperature. In both sets of devices, the polar analyte produced reductions in drain current and shifts in threshold voltage.
Novel Concept for the Formation of Sensitive, Selective, Rapidly Responding Conductometric Sensors
Authors: Gole James L , Ozdemir Serdar
Published: September 2010

Rapidly responding, reversible, sensitive, and selective porous silicon-based (PS) gas sensors, operating at low power, are formed with a highly efficient electrical contact to a nanopore covered microporous array. Significant changes in sensor surface sensitivity can be correlated with the strong and weak acid-base (HSAB) character of the interacting gas analyte and the acidic nature of the PS surface so as to produce a dominant physisorption and create a range of highly selective surface coatings. This selection process dictates the application of nanostructured metal oxide and/or nanoparticle catalytic coatings, and provide for notably higher sensitivities which, in concert, form a basis for selectivity. Depositions which include AuxO, SnOx (Sn+2,+4) , CuxO ( Cu+1,+2), NiO(Ni+2) , nano-alumina, and titania, provide for the detection of gases including NO, NO2, CO, NH3, PH3, and H2S in an array-based format at the sub-ppm level. The value of this conductometric sensor technology results from a combination of (1) its sensitivity and short recovery time, (2) its operation at room temperature as well as at a single, readily accessible, temperature with an insensitivity to temperature drift, (3) its potential operation in a heat-sunk configuration allowing operation to a surface temperature of 80°C even in highly elevated temperature environments (in sharp contrast to metal oxide sensors), (4) its ease of coating with diversity of clearly mapped gas-selective materials for form sensor arrays, (5) its low cost of fabrication and operation, (6) its low power consumption, (7) its ease of rejuvenation following contamination, and (8) its ability to rapidly assess false positives using FFT techniques, operating the sensor in a pulsed gas mode.
Effects of substrates and catalysts compositions on the crystalline quality of InP Nanowires grown on SrTiO3 (001), Si(001) and InP (111)
Authors: Naji Khalid , Dumont Herve , Saint-Girons Guillaume , Patriarche Gilles , Gendry michel
Published: September 2010

Indium phosphide (InP) nanowires (NWs) were grown by molecular beam epitaxy on various substrates including SrTiO3 (001), Si (001) and InP (111) at a growth temperature of 380°C. We used the Vapor Liquid Solid assisted method with Au as a metal catalyst. The composition of the catalyst particles and the crystalline structure of the nanowires were compared using reflection high energy electron diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscope. It is found that InP nanowires grown onto InP and SrTiO3 substrates are structurally defects free with a wurtzite structure. On Si (001) substrates, the presence of stacking faults and cubic phase insertion along the growth direction is observed. The effect of the substrate on the composition of catalyst droplets and consequently on the crystalline quality of the nanowires is discussed for the conditions of nucleation and defect formation.
The Benefits of HCl in the Growth of Silicon Nanowires by Chemical Vapour Deposition: Growth of Small Diameter Nanowires and Controlled Facet Evolution
Authors: Oehler Fabrice , Gentile Pascal , Baron Thierry , Ferret Pierre
Published: September 2010

The effects of hydrogen chloride (HCl) on the growth of silicon nanowires by Chemical Vapour Deposition are investigated. HCl is found to enable the growth of small diameter gold-catalyzed silicon nanowires while reducing the kink occurrence. Specific growth sequences are presented in order to obtain a one-to-one ratio of nanowire growth versus gold colloidal seed. Other growth sequences using HCl are illustrated but achieve mixed results concerning the nanowire structure and the surface state.
Effect of Transparent Electrode on the Performance of Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Adikaari A.A. Damitha T , Briscoe Joe , Dunn Steve , Carey David , Silva Ravi
Published: September 2010

We present a performance comparison of polythiophene/fullerene derivative bulk heterojunction solar cells fabricated on fluorinated tin oxide (FTO) and indium tin oxide (ITO) in the presence and absence of the commonly used poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) hole extraction layer. From a potential commercial perspective the performance of cheaper and more readily available FTO compares well with the more expensive ITO in terms of measured device efficiency (FTO:2.8 % and ITO:3.1%). The devices show similar fill factors (FTO:63% and ITO:64%) with the same open circuit voltage of 0.6 V. The short circuit current density is lower for FTO devices at 7.5 mA/cm2 which compares with 8.0 mA/cm2 for ITO; a behaviour that is mainly attributed to the reduced optical transmission of the FTO layer. Importantly, these devices were part fabricated and wholly characterized under atmospheric conditions. The quoted device performance is the best reported for FTO based bulk heterojunction systems in the absence of the highly acidic PEDOT:PSS hole extraction layer, which is believed to degrade conductive oxides.
Liquid State Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) Wrinkle Formation Process for Various Applications.
Authors: Lee Sang Hoon , Jeon Jangbae , Lee Sang Ho , Kim Moon J.
Published: September 2010

Here we report an epoch-making simple fabrication for wrinkle formation. The present wrinkle formation process is a solution for controlling the area, shape and direction of wrinkle area by forming wrinkles on the liquid state polydimethylsiloxane directly exposed to sputtered metal particles in the low vacuum plasma chamber in various vacuum states and deposition conditions. Also the process allows us to make extremely flexible metal thin film electrode with approved adhesion. These bring us possibilities of actual electrical and biological applications.
Optimisation of water networks using linear programming
Authors: Samani H. M. V. , Zanganeh A.
Published: September 2010

In this study, optimal design of municipal water distribution networks is determined by the mixed-integer real linear programming technique. The method is capable of rapidly obtaining the discrete characteristics of commercially available pipe sizes, pumps and reservoir heights. The hydraulic and optimisation analyses are linked through an iterative procedure which enables a water distribution system to be designed that satisfies all required constraints with a minimum total cost. The constraints include pipe sizes, which are limited to the commercially available sizes, reservoir heights, available pumps, pipe flow velocities and nodal pressures. Unlike integer linear programming, the developed model has the advantages of having short nodal pressure constraint equations and the ability of optimising networks that contain pumps. The proposed model has also been applied to a network solved by others. Comparison of the results indicates that the results of the proposed method are satisfactory.
Effects of river floodplain lowering and vegetation cover
Authors: Villada Arroyave J. A. , Crosato A.
Published: September 2010

The current river management policy in the Netherlands is to give rivers more space, mainly by main channel widening and floodplain lowering. The aim is to reduce flood water levels and to create more favourable conditions for river ecology. However, the effect on water levels gradually disappears due to sedimentation and vegetation growth on floodplains. The key questions are how effective these measures are and how long the desired effect remains. A two-dimensional, depth-averaged, morphological model was applied to the Meers pilot project on the Common Meuse River. The project consisted of channel widening by floodplain excavation, carried out over a short reach. Spatially varying floodplain vegetation was included. The results showed that the pilot project would be effective in lowering local water levels during a period of 20 years for floods having a return period of 1–4 years but not for floods having a return period of 100 years. In the latter case, water levels would be dominated by a restriction in floodplain width, causing backwater effects. Floodplain vegetation was found to shorten the lifetime of the project by enhancing sedimentation.
Study of oxygen transfer efficiency at baffled chutes
Authors: Kaya N. , Emiroglu M. E.
Published: September 2010

Baffled chutes are commonly used in storm water systems, irrigation systems, canal wasteway systems, river training, and drops for energy dissipation. There is a close relationship between energy dissipation and oxygen transfer efficiency. Oxygen transfer across the air–water interface at a hydraulic structure occurs through self-aeration along the chute, and by flow aeration in the hydraulic jump at the downstream end of the structure. The oxygen concentration in surface water is a primary indicator of the water quality for human use and for the aquatic biota. This present study focused on predicting the aeration efficiency of baffled chutes. The variation of the aeration efficiency for stepped, wedge, trapezoidal and T-shaped baffle blocks was investigated in relation to chute angle, unit discharge, and chute height. The results obtained from this approach show that baffled chutes are effective for oxygen transfer. Thus, an empirical correlation predicting aeration efficiency was developed. This new equation has practical implications for predicting baffled chute aeration efficiency.
Chemical-assisted physico-biological water mining system
Authors: Chanan A. , Saravanamuth V. , Kandasamy J. , Shon H. K.
Published: September 2010

Water mining is the process of extracting valuable water from a sewerage network by treating raw sewage to high standards. A range of commercially viable water mining treatment technologies are now available to treat sewage to specified water quality targets. Most of these technologies have minimal plant footprint requirements, making them suitable for decentralised operations. This paper discusses a hybrid water mining system that includes chemically assisted fine solids separation followed by a biological treatment process. Results from the first proof testing of this water mining system in Sydney, Australia are presented. The results confirm the suitability of the hybrid system for producing high-quality water for non-potable reuse.
New combination of methods for isolation and purification of pertussis toxin from the Bordetella pertussis culture
Authors: Pavlovic Katarina , Bozanic Vojislav
Published: September 2010

In this paper a method for isolation and purification of the pertussis toxin
from the cell culture of Bordetella pertussis was presented. Pertussis toxin
production was enhanced with the optimization of the microbiological media
and cultivation time. Relatively high degree of purification of 80,39% and
yield of 56% was resulted by the unique combination of the protein isolation
and purification methods. Using immunoelectrophoresis and high performance
liquid chromatography, in comparison with pertussis toxin WHO standard, it
was verified that the protein isolated is indeed pertussis toxin. The
conclusion of this paper is that this unique combination of the different
techniques along with the specific modifications implemented would give good
results in pertussis toxin isolation and purification on laboratory level,
while scaling up of this methodology could be the objective of future
research. It can also be concluded that, no matter what literature data say
and what opinions other authors have, all methods and working conditions
should be examined and optimized for the reason of the specificity of the
autochthonous species as well as the dynamic changes in this field.
Deletion of Pten in Pancreatic β-Cells Protects Against Deficient β-Cell Mass and Function in Mouse Models of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Wang Linyuan , Liu Yunfeng , Yan Lu Shun , Nguyen Kinh-Tung T. , Schroer Stephanie A. , Suzuki Akira , Mak Tak W. , Gaisano Herbert , Woo Minna
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by diminished pancreatic β-cell mass and function. Insulin signaling within the β-cells has been shown to play a critical role in maintaining the essential function of the β-cells. Under basal conditions, enhanced insulin-PI3K signaling via deletion of phosphatase with tensin homology (PTEN), a negative regulator of this pathway, leads to increased β-cell mass and function. In this study, we investigated the effects of prolonged β-cell–specific PTEN deletion in models of type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Two models of type 2 diabetes were employed: a high-fat diet (HFD) model and a db/db model that harbors a global leptin-signaling defect. A Cre-loxP system driven by the rat insulin promoter (RIP) was employed to obtain mice with β-cell–specific PTEN deletion (RIPcre+ Ptenfl/fl).

RESULTS

PTEN expression in islets was upregulated in both models of type 2 diabetes. RIPcre+ Ptenfl/fl mice were completely protected against diabetes in both models of type 2 diabetes. The islets of RIPcre+ Ptenfl/fl mice already exhibited increased β-cell mass under basal conditions, and there was no further increase under diabetic conditions. Their β-cell function and islet PI3K signaling remained intact, in contrast to HFD-fed wild-type and db/db islets that exhibited diminished β-cell function and attenuated PI3K signaling. These protective effects in β-cells occurred in the absence of compromised response to DNA-damaging stimuli.

CONCLUSIONS

PTEN exerts a critical negative effect on both β-cell mass and function. Thus PTEN inhibition in β-cells can be a novel therapeutic intervention to prevent the decline of β-cell mass and function in type 2 diabetes.
Candesartan Attenuates Diabetic Retinal Vascular Pathology by Restoring Glyoxalase-I Function
Authors: Miller Antonia G. , Tan Genevieve , Binger Katrina J. , Pickering Raelene J. , Thomas Merlin C. , Nagaraj Ram H. , Cooper Mark E. , Wilkinson-Berka Jennifer L.
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) are both implicated in the development of diabetic retinopathy. How these pathways interact to promote retinal vasculopathy is not fully understood. Glyoxalase-I (GLO-I) is an enzyme critical for the detoxification of AGEs and retinal vascular cell survival. We hypothesized that, in retina, angiotensin II (Ang II) downregulates GLO-I, which leads to an increase in methylglyoxal-AGE formation. The angiotensin type 1 receptor blocker, candesartan, rectifies this imbalance and protects against retinal vasculopathy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Cultured bovine retinal endothelial cells (BREC) and bovine retinal pericytes (BRP) were incubated with Ang II (100 nmol/l) or Ang II+candesartan (1 μmol/l). Transgenic Ren-2 rats that overexpress the RAS were randomized to be nondiabetic, diabetic, or diabetic+candesartan (5 mg/kg/day) and studied over 20 weeks. Comparisons were made with diabetic Sprague-Dawley rats.

RESULTS

In BREC and BRP, Ang II induced apoptosis and reduced GLO-I activity and mRNA, with a concomitant increase in nitric oxide (NO•), the latter being a known negative regulator of GLO-I in BRP. In BREC and BRP, candesartan restored GLO-I and reduced NO•. Similar events occurred in vivo, with the elevated RAS of the diabetic Ren-2 rat, but not the diabetic Sprague-Dawley rat, reducing retinal GLO-I. In diabetic Ren-2 rats, candesartan reduced retinal acellular capillaries, inflammation, and inducible nitric oxide synthase and NO•, and restored GLO-I.

CONCLUSIONS

We have identified a novel mechanism by which candesartan improves diabetic retinopathy through the restoration of GLO-I.
Effects of PNPLA3 on Liver Fat and Metabolic Profile in Hispanic Children and Adolescents
Authors: Goran Michael I. , Walker Ryan , Le Kim-Anne , Mahurkar Swapna , Vikman Susanna , Davis Jaimie N. , Spruijt-Metz Donna , Weigensberg Marc J. , Allayee Hooman
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE

A genome-wide study of adults identified a variant of PNPLA3 (rs738409) associated with ∼twofold higher liver fat. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of PNPLA3 genotype on liver fat and other related metabolic outcomes in obese Hispanic children and adolescents.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Three hundred and twenty-seven Hispanics aged 8–18 years were genotyped for rs738409. One hundred and eighty-eight subjects had measures of visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous (SAT) adipose tissue volume and hepatic (HFF) and pancreatic (PFF) fat fraction by magnetic resonance imaging. One hundred and thirty-nine subjects did not have HFF measures but had extensive measures of insulin sensitivity and fasting lipids.

RESULTS

Liver fat in GG subjects was 1.7 and 2.4 times higher than GC and CC (11.1 ± 0.8% in GG vs. 6.6 ± 0.7% in GC and 4.7 ± 0.9% in CC; P < 0.0001), and this effect was observed even in the youngest children (8–10 years of age). The variant was not associated with VAT, SAT, PFF, or insulin sensitivity or other glucose/insulin indexes. However, Hispanic children carrying the GG genotype had significantly lower HDL cholesterol (40.9 ± 10.9 in CC vs. 37.0 ± 8.3 in CG vs. 35.7 ± 7.4 in GG; P = 0.03) and a tendency toward lower free fatty acid levels (P = 0.06).

CONCLUSIONS

These results provide new evidence that the effect of the PNPLA3 variant is apparent in Hispanic children and adolescents, is unique to fat deposition in liver as compared with other ectopic depots examined, and is associated with lower HDL cholesterol.
Behaviorally Fractionated Reaction Time to an Omitted Stimulus: Tests with Visual, Auditory, and Tactile Stimuli
Authors: Hernández Oscar H. , Huchín-Ramirez Teresita C. , Vogel-Sprott Muriel
Published: September 2010

Two experiments tested the adequacy of behavioral criteria to fractionate reaction time (RT) into independent premotor (cognitive) and motor components. Healthy participants performed an omitted stimulus reaction time task in which they responded to the termination of a train of lateralized visual, auditory or tactile stimuli. Exp. 1 with 48 participants (24 men) showed premotor RT was independent of motor RT in each sensory modality and did not differ as a function of side of presentation or sex. Repeated tests administered in Exp. 2 ( N = 12) also showed no significant association between the behaviorally fractionated measures. These results are comparable to those obtained using muscle potential to fractionate RT and suggest behaviorally fractionated premotor and motor RT could be a reliable, useful tool in the assessment of cognitive and motor processing in different sensory modalities of healthy people or those with brain injury, disease, or drug-induced disturbances.
Sustained Attention, Visual Processing Speed, and IQ in Children and Adolescents with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder and Psychosis Not otherwise Specified
Authors: McCarthy James , Kraseski Keith , Schvartz Inika , Mercado Veronica , Daisy Nicole , Tobing Lauren , Ryan Erin
Published: September 2010

To investigate the cognitive functioning of children and adolescents with Schizophrenia Spectrum disorders and Psychosis Not Otherwise Specified, 22 child and adolescent psychiatric inpatients and day-hospital patients at a state psychiatric hospital with Schizophrenia Spectrum disorders, 30 with Psychosis Not Otherwise Specified, and 130 with other psychiatric disorders, ages 8 to 17 years, were administered the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–III for psychological assessment at admission. The Performance IQs of the ADHD and the Conduct Disorder and Oppositional Defiant Disorder groups were significantly higher than those of the Schizophrenia Spectrum and the Psychosis Not Otherwise Specified groups, and the Full Scale IQs of the Conduct Disorder and Oppositional Defiant Disorder group were significantly higher than those of the Schizophrenia Spectrum group and the Psychosis Not Otherwise Specified group. The Coding scores of the ADHD group were significantly higher than those of the Schizophrenia Spectrum, the Psychosis Not Otherwise Specified, and the Bipolar Disorder groups. There was a significant negative correlation between age and Digit Span for the Schizophrenia Spectrum disorders group.
Evaluating Effectiveness of an Infusion Learning Model on Attitudes of Physical Education Majors
Authors: Apache R. R. Goyakla , Rizzo Terry
Published: September 2010

The purpose was to evaluate the effect of an infusion curriculum model on attitudes of physical education majors toward teaching students with disabilities. 91 undergraduate students (61 men, 30 women) matriculating through the core curriculum of physical education teachers were exposed to the infusion curriculum as part of each course during one academic year. Attitudes were assessed pre- (Fall) and posttest (Spring) on the Physical Educator's Attitude Toward Teaching Individuals with Disabilities III. Analysis indicated a significant positive change in attitudes toward teaching students with disabilities. Findings suggest, when exposed to issues of disability by infusion into course content, these students self-reported they would have increased confidence in teaching and an appreciation when teaching students with disabilities. An independent validation of this change would be valuable.
Observation of Action and Autonomic Nervous System Responses
Authors: Bolliet Olivier , Collet Christian , Dittmar André
Published: September 2010

Observing somebody performing an action has been shown to elicit neuronal activity in the premotor cortex. This paper investigated physiological effect of observing an effortful action at the peripheral level. As Autonomic Nervous System responses reflect central nervous system processes such as movement planning and programming, it was expected that observing an action would elicit a pattern of ANS responses matching those recorded during actual movement. 12 male subjects, ages 23 to 28 years ( M = 25.5, SD = 1.9), were selected as they were experienced in weight lifting. They were asked to observe a squat movement followed by returning to the upright position under 3 different conditions: (i) observation of actual movement performed by somebody else, (ii) observation of a video of the subject himself (first-person video), and (iii) observation of a video of somebody else performing the same movement (third-person video). Moreover, each movement was observed when performed at 50% and 90% of each participant's personal best mark (% of the highest weight which could be lifted). Three ANS parameters were continuously recorded: skin resistance, temperature and heart rate. ANS responses varied as a function of movement intensity: autonomic responses recorded during movement observation at 90% were significantly higher and longer than those recorded during movement observation at 50%. Thus, autonomic responses were linked to the amount of observed effort. Conversely, no difference was found among the three conditions of observation. ANS responses from observation of actual movement were shown to resemble those recorded under the two conditions of video observation.
Birth Month and Suicide among Major League Baseball Players
Authors: Abel Ernest L. , Kruger Michael L.
Published: September 2010

We examined the association between month of birth and completed suicides among major league baseball players ( N = 76). More than twice as many players born in August committed suicide ( N = 19) than any other birth month. This association was statistically significant when birth month was corrected for differences in days of the month. The differences were even larger when expressed in terms of birth month for those committing suicides divided by number of major league players born in each month. The association between birth month and suicide raises the possibility that prenatal factors may influence the inclination for suicide later in life.
Assessing a Microswitch-Based Stimulation Procedure for Eye-Blinking Responses in a Young Woman with Profound Multiple Disabilities
Authors: Lancioni G. E. , Singh N. N. , O'Reilly M. F. , Oliva D. , Severini L.
Published: September 2010

We applied a new microswitch-based stimulation procedure for eye-blinking responses with a young woman with profound multiple disabilities, and compared effects of this procedure on the eye-blinking responses and smiling with the effects of a caregiver-based stimulation condition. Analysis showed that the microswitch-based stimulation procedure, with stimulation occurring contingent on eye-blinking responses, increased the frequencies of these responses significantly above the levels recorded in baseline and caregiver-based stimulation conditions. No changes in smiling frequencies occurred. Implications of the findings in terms of alertness, learning, and quality of life are discussed.
Fitting a Psychometric Function to Price Judgments: An Analysis of Consumers' Judgments for Discounted Prices
Authors: Fan Lun , Takemura Kazuhisa
Published: September 2010

We examined a psychometric function of price judgment, comparing the mental ruler model, which predicted inverted S-shaped psychometric function, with a power function. Subjects, 102 citizens living in Japan, were asked to rate satisfaction with specified discounted prices. Analysis indicated that predictions of the mental ruler model gave a better fit than those of the power function.
Importance of Facial Physical Attractiveness of Audiovisual Models in Descriptions and Preferences of Children and Adolescents
Authors: Ruiz Cristina , Conde Elena , Torres Esteban
Published: September 2010

We performed a cross-sectional study with three age groups (8, 14, and 17 years) to evaluate developmental differences in stereotyped beliefs about physical attractiveness and the value of this as perceived by the participants. Given the current importance of television in the development of social knowledge, television models were used. The children and adolescents were asked to evaluate, using bipolar open scales, the physical attractiveness, likeableness, generosity, intelligence, fun, and altruism of 12 television models of both sexes, previously selected by judges, as well as the desire to resemble or feel close to the models. Analysis showed developmental differences across age groups both in the concept of physical attractiveness and in stereotyped beliefs about this. As in other areas of social knowledge, the younger children's responses were bipolar, global, and much more stereotyped, while the adolescents introduced subtle distinctions and elaborated their responses. Nevertheless, physical attractiveness appeared a desirable characteristic for all age groups.
Testing Assumptions of Deliberate Practice Theory, Relevance, Effort, and Inherent Enjoyment of Practice on a Novel Task
Authors: Hyllegard Randy , Yamamoto Masayuki
Published: September 2010

This study examined three assumptions of the theory of deliberate practice: that deliberate practice is perceived as relevant for improving performance and that it requires effort, but that it is not perceived as being inherently enjoyable. Of particular interest was the assumption of inherent enjoyment of practice since that has been questioned in previous research. 30 undergraduate and graduate students combined practiced a maze memorization and recall task and rated relevance of practice for improving recall, the practice effort, and inherent enjoyment of practice. The findings were consistent with three assumptions, but also suggested that perceptions about relevance, effort, and inherent enjoyment of practice may change with increasing experience and performance.
Men are More Accurate Than Women in Aiming at Targets in Both near Space and Extrapersonal Space
Authors: Tottenham Laurie Sykes , Saucier Deborah M. , Elias Lorin J. , Gutwin Carl
Published: September 2010

Men excel at motor tasks requiring aiming accuracy whereas women excel at different tasks requiring fine motor skill. However, these tasks are confounded with proximity to the body, as fine motor tasks are performed proximally and aiming tasks are directed at distal targets. As such, it is not known whether the male advantage on tasks requiring aiming accuracy is because men have better aim or is better in the proximal domain in which the task is usually presented. 18 men ( M age = 20.6 yr., SD = 3.0) and 20 women ( M age = 18.7 yr., SD = 0.9) performed 2 tasks of extrapersonal aiming accuracy (>2 m away), 2 tasks of aiming accuracy performed in near space (< 1 m from them), and a task of fine motor skill. Men outperformed women on both the extrapersonal aiming tasks, and women outperformed men on the task of fine motor skill. However, a male advantage was observed for one of the aiming tasks performed in near space, suggesting that the male advantage for aiming accuracy does not result from proximity.