bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bivariate association analyses for the mixture of continuous and binary traits with the use of extended generalized estimating equations
Authors: Liu Jianfeng , Pei Yufang , Papasian, Chris J. , Deng Hong‐Wen
Published: October 2008

Genome‐wide association (GWA) study is becoming a powerful tool in deciphering genetic basis of complex human diseases/traits. Currently, the univariate analysis is the most commonly used method to identify genes associated with a certain disease/phenotype under study. A major limitation with the univariate analysis is that it may not make use of the information of multiple correlated phenotypes, which are usually measured and collected in practical studies. The multivariate analysis has proven to be a powerful approach in linkage studies of complex diseases/traits, but it has received little attention in GWA. In this study, we aim to develop a bivariate analytical method for GWA study, which can be used for a complex situation in which continuous trait and a binary trait are measured under study. Based on the modified extended generalized estimating equation (EGEE) method we proposed herein, we assessed the performance of our bivariate analyses through extensive simulations as well as real data analyses. In the study, to develop an EGEE approach for bivariate genetic analyses, we combined two different generalized linear models corresponding to phenotypic variables using a seemingly unrelated regression model. The simulation results demonstrated that our EGEE‐based bivariate analytical method outperforms univariate analyses in increasing statistical power under a variety of simulation scenarios. Notably, EGEE‐based bivariate analyses have consistent advantages over univariate analyses whether or not there exists a phenotypic correlation between the two traits. Our study has practical importance, as one can always use multivariate analyses as a screening tool when multiple phenotypes are available, without extra costs of statistical power and false‐positive rate. Analyses on empirical GWA data further affirm the advantages of our bivariate analytical method.Genet. Epidemiol. 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prognostic impact of tumour‐infiltrating Th2 and regulatory T cells in classical Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Schreck Sabine , Friebel Daniela , Buettner Maike , Distel Luitpold , Grabenbauer Gerhard , Young Lawrence S. , Niedobitek Gerald
Published: October 2008

Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL) is morphologically characterized by a small number of tumour cells, Hodgkin and Reed–Sternberg (HRS) cells, surrounded by numerous tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL). The functional role of these TIL is still controversial. While generally considered to represent an anti‐tumour immune response, TIL in cHL might result from the profoundly deregulated immunity of cHL patients. Eighty‐seven cases of cHL were available to evaluate the prognostical significance of tumour‐infiltrating cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), T helper 1 (Th1) cells, T helper 2 (Th2) cells and regulatory T cells (Treg). We confirm that in cHL the microenvironment is dominated by Th2 cells and Treg and show that large numbers of Th2 cells are associated with significantly improved disease‐free survival (p = 0.021) and event‐free survival (p = 0.012). Furthermore, a high ratio of Treg over Th2 cells resulted in a significantly shortened disease‐free survival (p = 0.025). These observations suggest that Treg may exert inhibitory effects on anti‐tumour immune responses mediated through Th2 cells and that Th2 cells may be more important for effective anti‐tumour immunity than anticipated. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
3D float tracking: in situ floodplain roughness estimation
Authors: Straatsma Menno
Published: October 2008

This paper presents a novel technique to quantify in situ hydrodynamic roughness of submerged floodplain vegetation: 3D float tracking. This method uses a custom‐built floating tripod that is released on the inundated floodplain and tracked from shore by a robotic total station. Simultaneously, an acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) collects flow velocity profiles and water depth data. Roughness values are derived from two methods based on (1) run‐averaged values of water depth, slope and flow velocity to compute the roughness based on the Chézy equation, assuming uniform flow, (2) the equation for one‐dimensional free surface flow in a moving window. A sensitivity analysis using synthetic data proved that the median value of the roughness, derived using method 2, is independent of (1) the noise in water levels, up to 9 mm, (2) bottom surface slope, and (3) topographic undulations. The window size should be at least 40 m for a typical lowland river setup. Field measurements were carried out on two floodplain sections with an average vegetation height of 0·030 (Arnhem) and 0·043 m (Dreumel). Method 1 resulted in a Nikuradse roughness length of 0·08 m for both locations. Method 2 gave 0·12 m for Arnhem and 0·19 m for Dreumel. In Arnhem, a spatial pattern of roughness values was present, which might be related to fractional vegetation cover or vegetation density during the flood peak. 3D float tracking proved a flexible and detailed method for roughness determination in the absence of waves, and provided an unrestricted view from shore. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Towards an energy‐based runoff generation theory for tundra landscapes
Authors: Quinton William L. , Carey Sean K.
Published: October 2008

Runoff hydrology has a large historical context concerned with the mechanisms and pathways of how water is transferred to the stream network. Despite this, there has been relatively little application of runoff generation theory to cold regions, particularly the expansive treeless environments where tundra vegetation, permafrost, and organic soils predominate. Here, the hydrological cycle is heavily influenced by 1) snow storage and release, 2) permafrost and frozen ground that restricts drainage, and 3) the water holding capacity of organic soils. While previous research has adapted temperate runoff generation concepts such as variable source area, transmissivity feedback, and fill‐and‐spill, there has been no runoff generation concept developed explicitly for tundra environments. Here, we propose an energy‐based framework for delineating runoff contributing areas for tundra environments. Aerodynamic energy and roughness height control the end‐of‐winter snow water equivalent, which varies orders of magnitude across the landscape. Radiant energy in turn controls snowmelt and ground thaw rates. The combined spatial pattern of aerodynamic and radiant energy control flow pathways and the runoff contributing areas of the catchment, which are persistent on a year‐to‐year basis. While ground surface topography obviously plays an important role in the assessment of contributing areas, the close coupling of energy to the hydrological cycles in arctic and alpine tundra environments dictates a new paradigm. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NO‐sulindac inhibits the hypoxia response of PC‐3 prostate cancer cells via the Akt signalling pathway
Authors: Stewart Grant D. , Nanda Jyoti , Brown David J.G. , Riddick Antony C.P. , Ross James A. , Habib Fouad K.
Published: October 2008

Nitric oxide‐donating non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs are safer than traditional NSAIDs and inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells with greater potency than NSAIDs. In vivo, prostate cancer deposits are found in a hypoxic environment which induces resistance to chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to assess the effects and mechanism of action of a NO‐NSAID called NO‐sulindac on the PC‐3 prostate cancer cell line under hypoxic conditions. NO‐sulindac was found to have pro‐apoptotic, cytotoxic, and anti‐invasive effect on PC‐3 cells under normoxia and hypoxia. NO‐sulindac was significantly more cytotoxic than sulindac at all oxygen levels. The sulindac/linker and NO‐releasing subunits both contributed to the cytotoxic effects of NO‐sulindac. Resistance of PC‐3 cells to NO‐sulindac was induced as the oxygen concentration declined. Hypoxia‐induced chemoresistance was reversed by knocking‐down hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) mRNA using RNAi. Nuclear HIF‐1α levels were upregulated at 0.2% oxygen but reduced by treatment with NO‐sulindac, as was Akt phosphorylation. NO‐sulindac treatment of hypoxic PC‐3 cells transfected with a reporter construct, downregulated activation of the hypoxia response element (HRE) promoter. Co‐transfection of PC‐3 cells with the HRE promoter reporter construct and myr‐Akt (constitutively active Akt) plasmids reversed the NO‐sulindac induced reduction in HRE activation. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis of hypoxic, NO‐sulindac treated PC‐3 cells showed downregulation of lysyl oxidase and carbonic anhydrase IX mRNA expression. Collectively, these novel findings demonstrate that NO‐sulindac directly inhibits the hypoxia response of PC‐3 prostate cancer cells by inhibiting HIF‐1α translation via the Akt signalling pathway. The ability of NO‐sulindac to inhibit tumour adaption to hypoxia has considerable relevance to the future management of prostate cancer with the same cellular properties as PC‐3. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Past, Present and Future Role of Limnology in Freshwater Fisheries Science
Authors: Arlinghaus Robert , Johnson Brett M. , Wolter Christian
Published: October 2008

Limnology has greatly influenced the field of freshwater fisheries science, particularly fisheries biology. However, both fields became increasingly disconnected during the 20thcentury, when major research traditions within limnology became more tightly focused and humans, even fish, were externalized. A paradigm shift occurring within freshwater fisheries science today is redefining research questions and approaches and is further challenging the role of limnology within fisheries science. Modern fisheries science has become a multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary and sometimes transdisciplinary endeavour that melds the social with the natural sciences to understand fisheries as social‐ecological systems. Limnology remains important to capture some of the dynamics inherent in social‐ecological fisheries systems, but becomes one of the many necessary scientific disciplines of fisheries science, rather than the primary supporting science that it used to be. To improve scholarly communication between limnologists and freshwater fisheries scientists, major shifts in perspective are needed.

It is hardly understandable why fish are only regarded as a component of the aquatic ecosystem or a means for biomanipulation in modern textbooks on limnology or limno‐ecology, while the fisheries science as a natural component of theoretical and applied limnology in the spirit of Thienemann is not mentioned in the table of contents!

H.‐J. Elster, 1993 (translated from German) (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A Change of Climate Provokes a Change of Paradigm: Taking Leave of Two Tacit Assumptions about Physical Lake Forcing
Authors: Livingstone David M.
Published: October 2008

Physically, lakes have traditionally been viewed as individual systems forced by statistically stationary local weather. This view implies that the physical response of a lake to external physical forcing is unique and stationary. Recent recognition of the importance of large‐scale climatic forcing in driving physical lake processes, combined with the realisation that this forcing is undergoing a long‐term trend as a result of climate change, has led to a shift in this paradigm. The new physical paradigm views lakes more in terms of a local response to large‐scale climatic forcing modulated by the addition of local noise. A strong climate signal leads to large‐scale spatial coherence in the physical lake response, while the existence of trends in large‐scale climatic forcing associated with climate change means that both the forcing and the physical lake response are statistically non‐stationary. Thus increasing realisation of the importance of climate and climate change is invalidating the tacit assumptions of individuality and stationarity that underlie the old conceptual framework, resulting in its gradual abandonment in favour of a new paradigm based on the concepts of spatial coherence and temporal non‐stationarity. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
On the Phosphorus Limitation Paradigm for Lakes
Authors: Sterner Robert W.
Published: October 2008

Lakes are often said to be primarily phosphorus limited, but this paradigm has been described in numerous ways and there is considerable evidence that algae in lakes are often limited by other elements too. Crucial whole‐ecosystem experiments that support the paradigm of the primacy of P limitation are few in number and have been limited to naturally oligotrophic lakes. A large amount of observational and experimental data seems to contradict the phosphorus limitation paradigm and instead indicates that most lakes are co‐limited by N and P as well as, perhaps, by Fe and other resources. The biogeochemical theory behind the phosphorus limitation paradigm is that mechanisms can supplement cycles of C and N (and, discussed here, perhaps Fe) so that ultimately it is P that limits production and biomass. However, no mechanism has been proposed for ecosystems to overshoot this endpoint, meaning one might logically expect to see frequent occurrence of co‐limitation by P, N and other resources over short, but still ecologically meaningful time scales that influence, for example, biodiversity patterns in lakes. One point of view has been that small‐scale experimentation is simply misleading. However, an alternative is that even if P is ultimately limiting over multi‐annual time scales, over shorter but still meaningful time scales, co‐limitation of multiple nutrients is expected, and indeed is very common. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Ultrastructural observations on Fasciolopsis buski and its alterations caused by shoot extract of Alpinia nigra
Authors: Roy Bishnupada , Dasgupta Shyamashree , Tandon Veena
Published: October 2008

The ultrastructural alterations in the tegument of Fasciolopsis buski in response to incubation in the alcoholic extract of Alpinia nigra were evaluated using transmission electron microscopy. The body tegument of the trematode is composed of an external syncytial layer, musculature, and an inner layer containing tegumental cells. The syncytium comprises various organelles like mitochondria, lysosomes, and tegumentary bodies of the type 2 kind with rare sighting of the type 1. Severe distortion and disorganization of the tegument was revealed in the parasite exposed to the A. nigra extract in the current study. The extent of vacuolization was such that vacuoles proceeded down to the basal lamina causing the syncytium to separate from the tegument at different places. There was depletion of parenchyma material and loss of connecting tubules running down from the syncytium to the tegumental cells causing the cells to be deprived of any proper boundaries. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lentivirus gene therapy for purine nucleoside phosphorylase deficiency
Authors: Liao Pu , Toro Ana , Min Weixian , Lee Shaun , Roifman Chaim M. , Grunebaum Eyal
Published: October 2008

Background

Purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) deficiency causes the accumulation of toxic purine metabolites and lethal T cell immune defects, which might be corrected by expressing PNP by transplanting bone marrow (BM) cells transduced with lentiviral vectors containing the human PNP gene (lentiPNP).

Methods

Lymphocytes from a single PNP‐deficient patient as well as lymphocytes, fibroblasts and BM from PNP‐deficient (PNP − /−) mice were transduced with lentiPNP. Female PNP − /− mice were transplanted with lentiPNP transduced BM cells from male PNP − /− mice or normal BM.

Results

LentiPNP transduction significantly increased PNP expression in PNP‐deficient human lymphocytes, murine lymphocytes, fibroblasts and BM cells. LentiPNP transduction also significantly improved the proliferation of PNP − /− murine lymphocyte and survival of irradiated PNP − /− fibroblasts. Polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated efficient transduction of lentiPNP into total and lineage‐depleted BM cells grown ex vivo. LentiPNP transduced PNP − /− BM cells transplanted into PNP − /− mice expressed PNP in vivo, partially restored urinary uric acid secretion, improved thymocytes maturation, increased weight gain and extended survival of the mice. However, 12 weeks after transplant, the benefit of lentiPNP transduced cells and normal BM diminished and the percentage of engrafted donor cells decreased.

Conclusions

This short‐term observational study provides the first in vivo proof that gene therapy may correct some of the abnormalities associated with PNP deficiency. Better gene transduction and expression, as well as improved cell engraftment, are required to further advance PNP gene therapy. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanical properties of the long‐head of the biceps tendon are altered in the presence of rotator cuff tears in a rat model
Authors: Peltz Cathryn D. , Perry Stephanie M. , Getz Charles L. , Soslowsky Louis J.
Published: October 2008

Rotator cuff tears are disabling conditions that result in changes in joint loading and functional deficiencies. Clinically, damage to the long‐head of the biceps tendon has been found in conjunction with rotator cuff tears, and this damage is thought to increase with increasing tear size. Despite its importance, controversy exists regarding the optimal treatment for the biceps. An animal model of this condition would allow for controlled studies to investigate the etiology of this problem and potential treatment strategies. We created rotator cuff tears in the rat model by detaching single (supraspinatus) and multiple (supraspinatus + infraspinatus or supraspinatus + subscapularis) rotator cuff tendons and measured the mechanical properties along the length of the long‐head of the biceps tendon 4 and 8 weeks following injury. Cross‐sectional area of the biceps was increased in the presence of a single rotator cuff tendon tear (by ∼150%), with a greater increase in the presence of a multiple rotator cuff tendon tear (by up to 220%). Modulus values decreased as much as 43 and 56% with one and two tendon tears, respectively. Also, multiple tendon tear conditions involving the infraspinatus in addition to the supraspinatus affected the biceps tendon more than those involving the subscapularis and supraspinatus. Finally, biceps tendon mechanical properties worsened over time in multiple rotator cuff tendon tears. Therefore, the rat model correlates well with clinical findings of biceps tendon pathology in the presence of rotator cuff tears, and can be used to evaluate etiology and treatment modalities. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:416–420, 2009
Deterioration and disposal of fruit in the home: Consumer interviews and fruit quality assessments
Authors: Campbell Rachel L. , Smith Bronwen G. , Jaeger Sara R. , Harker F. Roger
Published: October 2008

BACKGROUND: Consumers often express concern about the quality of fruit available to buy and the rate at which it deteriorates in their homes. Despite this there are few studies on quality of fruit collected from consumers. This study considered three questions: (1) what was the quality of fruit in retail stores and how did it vary over the study period? (2) What was the extent that fruit quality deteriorated in consumers' homes? (3) Were there any consumer behaviours or attitudes that extenuated or mitigated the effects of fruit deterioration in the home?

RESULTS: The quality of fruit purchased from the supermarkets was above what would be considered commercially acceptable, but varied in a non‐systematic fashion across the study period. The fruit in consumers' homes was of slightly lower physical quality than that purchased from the supermarkets, and the deterioration in quality was as would be expected as fruit ripens. Even so, 28% of consumers indicated that they dispose of fruit each week. This occurred despite many of them having strategies to minimise wastage.

CONCLUSION: Despite the deterioration and wastage of fruit, the consumers in this study did not appear overly concerned and some even took ownership for the poor quality of fruit in their home. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Electrostatic Self‐Assembly as Route to Supramolecular Structures
Authors: Gröhn Franziska
Published: October 2008

We introduce and discuss the recently developed concept of electrostatic self‐assembly for the formation of nanoscale assemblies in solution. As opposed to many approaches to self‐assembly relying on amphiphilicity, the driving force here is electrostatics plus secondary interaction such as stacking of aromatic molecule parts: Polyelectrolyte dendrimers can be linked with multiply charged aromatic dye molecules as “structural counterions” yielding 100 nm scale aggregates of narrow size distribution and different shapes. We discuss competing interaction forces and the potential of this approach to lead to versatile and functional supramolecular structures.

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UV‐Cured Nanostructured Gold/Acrylic Coating
Authors: Sangermano Marco , Marchino Andrea , Perruchas Sandrine , Gacoin Thierry , Rizza Giancarlo
Published: October 2008

An aqueous dispersion of gold nanoparticles was added to an acrylic resin and UV‐cured. The photopolymerization process was followed by means of real‐time FT‐IR spectroscopy. Nanostructured coatings containing a homogeneous dispersion of gold nanoparticles with an average size range of 20–25 nm were achieved. Macroscopic aggregation during polymerization was avoided due to the rapid initiation and kinetic associated with the photopolymerization technique, which allowed the medium to quickly solidify around the dispersion particles.

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Polyglycolide as a Biodegradable Nucleating Agent for Poly(L‐lactide)
Authors: Tsuji Hideto , Tashiro Kohji , Bouapao Leevameng , Narita Junichi
Published: October 2008

DSC indicated that the nucleation of PLLA is enhanced in the presence of PGA even at a PGA content as low as 0.1 wt.‐%. However, the enhancing behavior of PGA was different to that of other nucleating agents for PLLA. Polarized optical microscopy revealed that the presence of PGA increased the number of PLLA spherulites per unit area. WAXD showed that in the PLLA/PGA films, PLLA and PGA crystallize separately to form their respective crystallites and PGA crystallites were formed at a PGA content at above 3 wt.‐% (at least). FTIR spectroscopy indicated that that there are significant interactions between PLLA and PGA chains in amorphous regions. Such interactions should have enhanced the growth of PLLA crystallites from the surface of PGA crystallites.

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Macromol. Rapid Commun. 20/2008
Authors: Chiper Manuela , Fournier David , Hoogenboom Richard , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: October 2008

Cover: An attractive concept for designing “smart materials” is the combination of supramolecular interactions, namely metal‐ligand coordination with lower critical solution temperature (LCST) polymers. This concept allows exploitation of the thermoresponsive polymer properties and, at the same time, the characteristics offered by the specificity of the utilized supramolecular interactions. The cover presents the temperature switchability, represented by the LCST of mono‐terpyridine PNIPAM and its Fe(II) bis‐terpyridine PNIPAM complexes as well as switching the complexation by adding a competing ligand HEEDTA. Further details can be found in the article by M. Chiper, D. Fournier, R. Hoogenboom, and U. S. Schubert* on page 1640.
Drug utilisation study of antimalarials for the treatment of hospitalised children under five in south‐eastern Nigeria
Authors: Ukwe Chinwe Victoria , Ekwunife Obinna Ikechukwu
Published: October 2008

Purpose

This study aimed at describing the trend in the use of antimalarials for the treatment of malaria in children under 5 years from year 2000 to 2006 in south‐eastern Nigeria. Adherence to the 2005 National Antimalarial Treatment Policy was assessed. Quality of drug use was also evaluated. Quality indices studied were the use of international non‐proprietary name (INN) in prescription, number antimalarials per episode and use of drugs from essential drug list.

Methods

The study was retrospective and longitudinal, using data obtained from in‐patients folders of children under 5 years, hospitalised for malaria infection in 11 secondary health care centres in south‐eastern Nigeria.

Results

The result of the study showed that chloroquine was mostly used for treating severe malaria in children less than 5 years despite the indication of a switch to quinine and parenteral artemisinins by the National Treatment Policy. Prescriptions of drugs were also not by INN names. However, many prescribers do not practice polypharmacy and most of the drugs used in secondary health care centres for treatment of severe malaria were in the essential drug list.

Conclusion

There is a need for further studies to establish factors that affect the dissemination and use of treatment guidelines in Nigeria. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Selective laser ablation of SiNx layers on textured surfaces for low temperature front side metallizations
Authors: Knorz Annerose , Peters Marius , Grohe Andreas , Harmel Christian , Preu Ralf
Published: October 2008

For an alternative front side metallization process without screen printing of metal paste the selective opening of the front surface anti‐reflection coating could be realized by laser ablation. A successful implementation of this scheme requires direct absorption of the laser light within the anti‐reflection coating, since the emitter underneath must not be damaged severely. Additionally, the ablation must be feasible on textured surfaces. In this paper, we show that laser light with a wavelength of 355 nm and a pulse length of approximately 30 ns is absorbed directly by a typical silicon nitride anti‐reflection coating. Based on lifetime measurements on ablated samples it is shown that a damage free laser ablation of SiNx layers on planar surfaces is possible. The characteristic ablation structure on textured surfaces is explained and quantified by rigorous coupled wave analysis (RCWA) simulations. Finally, high efficiency solar cells with a standard emitter (Rsh approx. 50 Ω/sq) have been processed using laser ablation of the silicon nitride anti‐reflection coating. These cells show efficiencies of up to 19·1%, comparable to the reference solar cells using photolithographically opened contact areas. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functions of defense‐related proteins and dehydrogenases in resistance response induced by salicylic acid in sweet cherry fruits at different maturity stages
Authors: Chan Zhulong , Wang Qing , Xu Xiangbin , Meng Xianghong , Qin Guozheng , Li Boqiang , Tian Shiping
Published: October 2008

We report here a comparative analysis of sweet cherry (Prunus avium) fruits proteome induced by salicylic acid (SA) at different maturity stages. The results demonstrated that SA enhanced the resistance of sweet cherry fruits against Penicillium expansum, resulting in lower disease incidences and smaller lesion diameters, especially at earlier maturity stage. Based on proteomics analysis, 13 and 28 proteins were identified after SA treatment at earlier (A) and later (B) maturity stage, respectively. Seven antioxidant proteins and three pathogenesis related‐proteins were identified at both A and B stages, while five heat shock proteins and four dehydrogenases were only detected at B stage. SA treatment also stimulated higher transcript levels of peroxidase, but repressed that of catalase. Moreover, some proteins regulated by SA at B maturity stage were identified as enzymes involved in glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid cycle. These findings indicated that younger sweet cherry fruits showed stronger resistance against pathogen invasion after SA treatment. It further indicated that antioxidant proteins were involved in the resistance response of fruits at every maturity stage, while heat shock proteins and dehydrogenases might potentially act as factors only at later maturity stages.
Fear of recurrence in long‐term testicular cancer survivors
Authors: Skaali Tone , Fosså Sophie D. , Bremnes Roy , Dahl Olav , Haaland Carl Fredrik , Hauge Erik Rønneberg , Klepp Olbjør n , Oldenburg Jan , Wist Erik , Dahl Alv A.
Published: October 2008

Objective: To explore fear of recurrence (FoR) in long‐term testicular cancer survivors (TCSs) since FoR hardly has been examined in TCSs.

Methods: In a cross‐sectional questionnaire study, 1336 TCSs at a mean of 11.4 years (SD 4.2) after diagnosis gave information about their medical and social situation, and completed measures on mental distress, fatigue, quality of life, coping, self‐esteem and neuroticism. FoR during the last week was explored with one question, with the response categories rated on a 4‐point Likert scale. Nine percent of the TCSs had a structured psychiatric interview.

Results: Twenty‐four percent of the TCSs reported ‘quite a bit’ FoR and 7% reported ‘very much’ FoR during the last week. The FoR question showed moderate correlations (0.22–0.51) with established psychological measures. The level of FoR was significantly positively correlated with mental distress, fatigue and neuroticism and significantly negatively correlated with quality of life, self‐esteem and coping. In univariate analyses, neurotoxic side effects and somatic symptoms, but not treatment modality, were significantly associated with level of FoR. In a multivariate analysis, a medium educational level, increasing levels of traumatic cancer‐related stress symptoms and of neuroticism were significantly associated with rising FoR. Among those who had a psychiatric interview, the presence of at least one current mental disorder was significantly associated with FoR.

Conclusions: High levels of FoR in long‐term TCSs are not uncommon. Levels of mental and somatic problems are associated with the levels of FoR. Clinical consequences of these findings for TCSs are discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DFT study on RuII‐catalyzed cyclization of terminal alkynals to cycloalkenes
Authors: Zhang Jinsheng , Shen Wei , Liu Ruiqiu , Yu Youqing , Wu Hailing , Li Ming
Published: October 2008

The reaction mechanism of [CpRu(MeCN)3]PF6‐catalyzed cyclization of terminal alkynals 1 to cycloalkenes 2 was investigated by means of density functional methods combined with polarizable continuum models. Calculations indicate that the coordination of the cationic catalyst [CpRu(CH3CN)2]+ to the carbon–carbon triple bond of the substrate 1 enhances the electrophilicity of alkynyl group, and the subsequent nucleophilic attack of the carbonyl oxygen to the electron‐deficient alkyne forms ate complex IM2, which would further isomerize into 2H‐oxete complex IM3. Then a replacement of MeCN by AcOH occurs, followed by two proton‐migrations, which leads to a Fischer‐type carbene complex IM6. Finally, a decarbonylation takes place leading to cycloalkene 2. The terminal alkynal is activated by its combination with ruthenium, which leads to a decrease in the natural bond orbital energy of π*(C1C2). The four‐membered ring formation is the rate‐controlling step. However, AcOH helps proton shift through coordination with metal center and decreases the reaction energy barriers. Throughout the reactions, all the RuII complexes obey the 18‐electron‐rule. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
A rigorous approach to the formulation of extended Born‐Oppenheimer equation for a three‐state system
Authors: Sarkar Biplab , Adhikari Satrajit
Published: October 2008

If a coupled three‐state electronic manifold forms a sub‐Hilbert space, it is possible to express the non‐adiabatic coupling (NAC) elements in terms of adiabatic–diabatic transformation (ADT) angles. Consequently, we demonstrate: (a) Those explicit forms of the NAC terms satisfy the Curl conditions with non‐zero Divergences; (b) The formulation of extended Born‐Oppenheimer (EBO) equation for any three‐state BO system is possible only when there exists coordinate independent ratio of the gradients for each pair of ADT angles leading to zero Curls at and around the conical intersection(s). With these analytic advancements, we formulate a rigorous EBO equation and explore its validity as well as necessity with respect to the approximate one (Sarkar and Adhikari, J Chem Phys 2006, 124, 074101) by performing numerical calculations on two different models constructed with different chosen forms of the NAC elements. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
Theoretical study on reaction mechanism of isocyanate radical NCO with ethene
Authors: Pang Jing‐Lin , Xie Hong‐Bin , Zhang Shao‐Wen , Ding Yi‐Hong , Tang Ao‐Qing
Published: October 2008

The NCO + C2H4 reaction is simple and prototype for reaction of the NCO radical with unsaturated hydrocarbons, and it is considered to be important in fuel‐rich combustion. In this article, we for the first time perform detailed theoretical investigations for its reaction mechanism based on Gaussian‐3//B3LYP scheme covering various entrance and decomposition channels. The most favorable channel is firstly the NCO and C2H4 approach each other, forming a weakly‐bound complex L1 OCN···C2H4, followed by the formation of isomer L2 OCNCH2CH2 via a small barrier of 1.3 kcal/mol. Transition states of any decomposable or isomeric channels for L2 in energy are much higher than reactants, which indicate that adduct L2 has stabilization effect in this NCO + C2H4 reaction. The direct H‐abstraction channel leading to P1 HNCO + C2H3, might have an important contribution to the eventual products in high temperature. These results can well explain available kinetic experiment. Moreover, reaction mechanism for the title reaction is significantly different from the NCO + C2H2 reaction which proceeds on most favorably to generate the products HCN + HCCO and OCCHCN + H via a four‐membered ring intermediate. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
Use of decision tree and artificial neural network approaches to model presence/absence of Telestes muticellus in piedmont (North‐Western Italy)
Authors: Tirelli Tina , Pessani Daniela
Published: October 2008

In Piedmont (Italy) the impact of human beings is causing some deep environmental changes in freshwaters and their inhabitants, so much so that we need to develop some practical tools for immediate use in providing accurate ecological assessments of the freshwater system and of the conditions of the species living there, one of which is Telestes muticellus, an endangered Cyprinidae found in the western Alps and the central Apennines in Italy. We aimed to help manage this species by assessing its presence using two types of data‐mining approaches—decision‐tree models and artificial neural networks. We built models using 10 environmental input variables to classify sites as positive or negative for the species. The unpruned decision tree models classified a high percentage of instances correctly and made accurate predictions, as did the post‐pruned tree models. The post‐pruned methods yielded simpler trees and therefore clearer models. Generally, the artificial neural networks (ANN) performed better than the decision tree models, except in the case of Cohen's k. We used the sensitivity analysis technique to understand which inputs are the most important ones for building the ANN model we obtained. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impacts of a reservoir on fish assemblages of small tributaries of the Corumbá river, Brazil
Authors: Penczak Tadeusz , Agostinho Angelo A. , Gomes Luiz C. , Latini João D.
Published: October 2008

Fish community surveys were conducted in five tributaries of the Corumbá River before and after damming. Electrofishing samples were collected monthly in the pre‐impoundment period (March 1996 to August 1996) and 15 in the post‐impoundment period (September 1996 to February 1999). A self‐organizing map (SOM, an Artificial Neural Network algorithm) was used to represent the patterns of fish assemblages. Samples collected in both the pre‐ and post‐impoundment periods were randomly dispersed on the SOM, and, therefore, a clear and significant pattern of separation between samples collected during these two time periods was not found. Mean and maximum water depth, which is correlated with ground water level, did not significantly separate the pre‐ and post‐impoundment samples. However, we found significant differences between the two periods for water temperature, pH, conductivity, DO and current velocity, but abundances of fish species (summarized in the clusters identified by the SOM) did not differ significantly. Instead, the validity of the clusters distinguished by the SOM was confirmed by significant differences in some biotic variables: species richness, equitability and log transformed total abundance. Indicator species values identified the most preferred cluster (and respective complex of environmental factors) for a given species. Only one cluster did not contain any significant species indicator values, but it was dominated by samples from the Furnas Stream, which was the only effluent that could be entered by fish from the main river channel after the damming owing to its location below the dam, which has no fish ladder. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the use of elastic peak electron spectroscopy (EPES) to measure the H content of hydrogenated amorphous carbon films
Authors: Filippi M. , Calliari L.
Published: October 2008

Quasi‐elastic scattering of 1–2 keV electrons is considered with respect to measuring the H content in hydrogenated amorphous carbon (a‐C:H) materials. Interest in the technique lies in the fact that H cannot be typically detected by electron spectroscopic means (AES or XPS for instance). The feasibility of the approach is demonstrated and a quantification procedure is proposed. At the same time however, limitations of the technique (electron stimulated H desorption, low intensity of the H related signal and its spectral interference with the π‐plasmon peak) are discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wavelength dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy of thick and thin samples for electron microscopes
Authors: Tanaka Miyoko , Takeguchi Masaki , Furuya Kazuo
Published: October 2008

A compact and easy‐to‐use wavelength dispersive X‐ray spectrometer with a multicapillary X‐ray lens attached to a scanning transmission electron microscope has been tested for both bulk and thin film analysis. The spectrometer uses a multicapillary X‐ray lens to efficiently collect X‐rays and a simple θ–2θ scanning system. Light element analysis (B and C), nanoparticle analysis, and elemental mapping were performed along with microscope observation. The second diffraction spectra of CK X‐ray peaks from graphite and 6h‐SiC samples showed the difference in peak structures clearly. Mapping of a W/Si double layer sample was successful for W, Si, and intermediate C layers. Mo nanoparticles deposited on an Si TEM sample were also imaged and analyzed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Holographic imaging of TiO2 (110) surface structure by differential photoelectron holography
Authors: Suzuki A. , Hashimoto A. , Nojima M. , Owari M. , Nihei Y.
Published: October 2008

Differential photoelectron holography (DPH) is a new technique to overcome the forward‐scattering problem of photoelectron holography (PH). DPH has the advantage to obtain three‐dimensional atomic structure around each type of photoelectron emitter of solid surfaces and/or interfaces. However, DPH had been applied by using the synchrotron radiation (SR), not the laboratory‐scale X‐ray source. Therefore, we used a new rotating anode (dual target) in high‐power X‐ray source, along with two new artificial multilayer toroidal mirrors to obtain two X‐rays at once, and realized DPH in a laboratory‐scale experiment by applying DPH to the structure determination of TiO2 (110) surface. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simple method of surface characterization by X‐ray scattering at small glancing angle of incidence using a compact UHV X‐ray diffractometer
Authors: Fujii Yoshikazu , Nakayama Takenori
Published: October 2008

For the surface X‐ray scattering experiments to be performed in a small laboratory room, we constructed a compact ultra high vacuum (UHV) X‐ray diffractometer. Using this equipment, we investigated the surface roughness of iron polycrystalline surfaces. The peak profiles of the specularly reflected X‐ray intensity were measured at several glancing angles of incidence. From the comparison with a simple surface structure model, it is found that the surface roughness can be immediately derived by measurements of the peak width of specularly reflected X‐ray. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the Interpretation of Colloidal Quantum‐Dot Absorption Spectra
Authors: Moreels Iwan , Hens Zeger
Published: October 2008

Concerns are expressed regarding the interpretation of absorption spectra for colloidal quantum dots. Using the work presented in this journal by R. Koole et al. (Small, 2008,4, 127) as an example, the correspondents cast doubt on the role of Raleigh scattering as a background source in these spectra, and the use of second‐derivative analysis in resolving electronic transitions.
New Insight into Carbon‐Nanotube Electronic‐Structure Selectivity
Authors: Sumpter Bobby G. , Jiang De‐En , Meunier Vincent
Published: October 2008

The fundamental role of aryl diazonium salts for post‐synthesis selectivity of carbon nanotubes is investigated using extensive electronic‐structure calculations. The resulting understanding for diazonium‐salt‐based selective separation of conducting and semiconducting carbon nanotubes shows how the primary contribution comes from the interplay between the intrinsic electronic structure of the carbon nanotubes and that of the anion of the salt. We demonstrate how the electronic‐transport properties change upon the formation of charge‐transfer complexes and upon their conversion into covalently attached functional groups. The results are found to correlate well with experiments and provide for the first time an atomistic description for diazonium‐salt‐based chemical separation of carbon nanotubes.
User readiness for IS development: An examination of 50 cases
Authors: Sheu Myron , Kim Haejin
Published: October 2008

Nearly every information system development (ISD) triggers a wide variety of feelings from all stakeholders who are impacted in various ways because, more than ever, ISD is leveraged as a means of organizational change. Motivated by the stubborn progress on the success rate of ISD, this research, in contrast to the previous research, hypothesizes that user readiness underpins all other kinds of readiness for ISD. In light of this hypothesis, our research team has interviewed representatives of 50 ISD projects in order to identify the efficacy of user readiness in the success rate of ISD and the responsiveness of user readiness to project‐specific efforts. Our interview findings indicate that user readiness does correlate to the success of ISD, although such correspondence varies in degree according to the complexity of ISD. In addition, our findings show that the motivational aspect of user readiness responds to project‐specific efforts more slowly than the cognitive aspect of it, and that user readiness is in the midst of other kinds of readiness such as process readiness, data readiness, organizational and cultural readiness, so it is pivotal to the success of ISD. The findings from this research should help researchers and practitioners refocus their efforts to improve the success rate of ISD. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increased spontaneous osteoclastogenesis from peripheral blood mononuclear cells in phenylketonuria
Authors: Porta F. , Roato I. , Mussa A. , Repici M. , Gorassini E. , Spada M. , Ferracini R.
Published: October 2008

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is commonly complicated by a progressive bone impairment of uncertain aetiology. The therapeutic phenylalanine (Phe)‐restricted diet and the possible noxious effects of high plasma Phe concentrations on bone have previously been suggested as possible determinant factors. Since osteoclasts are involved in bone reabsorption, they could play a role in determining bone damage in PKU. The reported increased excretion of bone resorption markers in PKU patients is consistent with this hypothesis. Although different diseases characterized by bone loss have been related to increased spontaneous osteoclastogenesis from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), to date there is no evidence of increased osteoclast formation in PKU. In this study, we compared the spontaneous osteoclastogenesis from PBMCs in 20 patients affected by PKU with that observed in age‐ and sex‐matched healthy subjects. Phenylketonuric patients showed the number of osteoclasts to be almost double that observed in controls (159.9 ± 79.5 and 87.8 ± 44.7, respectively; p = 0.001). Moreover, a strict direct correlation between the spontaneous osteoclastogenesis in PKU patients and the mean blood Phe concentrations in the preceding year was observed (r = 0.576; p = 0.010). An imbalance between bone formation and bone resorption might explain, at least in part, the pathogenesis of bone loss in this disease. These findings could provide new insights into the biological mechanisms underlying bone damage in PKU.
Crown hollowing as a consequence of early shedding of leaves and shoots
Authors: Shirakawa Hiroyuki , Kikuzawa Kihachiro
Published: October 2008

Leafing pattern has long been considered as an important element characterizing the growth strategy of tree species; however, the consequences of leafing pattern for tree‐crown formation have not been fully understood. To address this issue, the dynamic events (growth, birth, and death) of current‐year shoots and leaves were investigated together with their location in saplings of a pioneer tree, Alnus sieboldiana. The leafing pattern was characterized by successive emergence and shedding of short‐lived leaves. The combination of successive leafing and within‐crown variation in leaf production brought about characteristic outcomes in crown morphology. In the outer crown, because of continuous leaf production, the shoots achieved great extension and enormous daughter shoot production, resulting in rapid expansion of the crown. In contrast, in the inner crown, due to early termination of leaf production, the shoots completely lost their leaves early in the growing season and consequently themselves died and were shed within the season. Such quick shedding of shoots caused “crown hollowing”, i.e., the interior crown consisted of primary branches with little secondary development or foliage. These dynamic features are an effective adaptive strategy in early succession but also may be a disadvantage to maintaining foliage for longer period. Crown maintenance associated with the longevity of structural components is thought to play an important role in survival strategy of tree species.