bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Comparison of the Severity and the Efficiency of Fiscal Terms in the Asia Pacific Region
Authors: Hou Wanwan , Allinson Guy
Published: November 2008

The Asia Pacific Region is one of the most prominent regions of the world for oil and gas exploration and development. It contains a range of opportunities - from mature, producing areas to frontier exploration areas. Since the recent increases in oil prices, the international oil and gas industry has paid increased attention to the region. For most of the countries in the Asia-Pacific, the fiscal terms have a considerable influence on the economics of exploration and production and a review of the terms is a crucial part of exploration or field development investment decisions.

This paper reviews the key fiscal terms for oil exploration development in a cross section of countries in the Asia Pacific Region - Australia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Vietnam, China, Philippines, Thailand, and India. The terms reviewed are believed to be typical of current agreements for oil exploration and development. Based on detailed economic modelling of the effect of the fiscal terms on hypothetical oil and gas field developments, we present a comparison of the severity of the terms on a consistent basis. In addition, we show how flexible the terms are at responding to different exploration, development and economic conditions.

The paper quantifies and compares the impact of the fiscal terms on the profitability of the field development by analysing Government Take for a range of hypothetical field developments. It includes a comparison of the efficiency/flexibility of regimes in the region by quantifying the effect of Government Take on marginal field developments. Based on this analysis, the paper has key messages for those designing or negotiating petroleum fiscal terms.

The paper aims to assisting decision makers to assess the relative merits of different regimes in the Asia Pacific Region and how the terms affect their investment decisions. It also aims to help host Governments assess the competitiveness of their fiscal terms compared to those of their neighbours in the region.

Introduction

This paper reviews the key fiscal terms for oil in a cross section of countries in the Asia Pacific Region - Australia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Philippines, Thailand, and India. The terms reviewed are believed to be typical of current agreements for oil exploration and development. As a simplification, the effects of State Participation are not included in the analyses. We analyse and compare the severity and the efficiency of the terms. The latter shows how flexible the terms are at responding to different exploration, development and economic conditions.

Given that Government-controlled gas prices in some countries would affect the economics of the exploration and development, fiscal terms for gas discoveries are not easily compared and so are not considered.
Kinetics of Hydrolysis of an Activated Phosphate Ester in Brij35 Micelle Containing a Macrocyclic Complex of Cu(II) OR Ni(II)
Authors: Yi Zhang , Jia-qing Xie , Ci Li , Hong-li Shang , Min Wang
Published: November 2008

A macrocyclic ligand and its corresponding Cu(II) and Ni(II) complexes were synthesized and characterized. The kinetics of hydrolysis of bis( p-nitrophenyl) phosphate (BNPP, an activated phosphate diester) in Brij35 micelle containing each macrocyclic complex was investigated. The metallomicelles made up of the macrocyclic metal complex and micelle, as a mimic hydrolytic metalloenzyme, display higher catalytic activity although they do not attain the catalytic efficiency of enzymes. The analysis of specific absorption spectra show that the course of the catalytic BNPP reaction is different from that of the spontaneous hydrolysis of BNPP, and is an intramolecular nucleophilic substitution reaction. Based on the analytical results of the specific absorption spectra, an intramolecular nucleophilic substitution mechanism for the catalytic hydrolysis of BNPP is proposed, a correlative kinetic mathematical model is established, and the corresponding thermodynamic and kinetic constants are calculated. The validity of the mechanism and the proposed mathematical model is confirmed by the results of this study.
Oxidation of Tyrosine by Hexacyanoferrate(III) in Aqueous Ethanoic Acid Medium–A Kinetic and Mechanistic Study
Authors: Thabaj K.A. , Chimatadar S.A. , Nandibewoor S.T.
Published: November 2008

The kinetics of oxidation of tyrosine by Fe(CN)63- have been studied in 40% AcOH-H2O containing 4.0 mol dm-3 HCl. The oxidation is made possible by varying the difference in redox potential by adding HCl and AcOH to the reaction mixture. The reaction is first order with respect to [Fe(CN)63- and fractional (0.72) order with respect to [tyrosine]. Increasing the acid concentration at constant chloride concentration accelerates the reaction. The order with respect to acid concentration is nearly two and H2Fe(CN)6- is regarded as the active oxidant. The initially formed product, Fe(CN)64- retards the reaction. A suitable mechanism is proposed and the reaction constants of the different steps involved have been evaluated. Activation parameters have also been calculated with respect to the slow step of the mechanism and discussed.
Antioxidant Activities of Hydrolysates of Arca Subcrenata Prepared with Three Proteases
Authors: Song Liyan , Li Tingfei , Yu Rongmin , Yan Chunyan , Ren Shengfang , Zhao Yu
Published: November 2008

In order to get products with antioxidant activity from Arca subcrenata Lischke, the optimal hydrolase and hydrolysis conditionswere investigated in the paper. Three proteases (neutrase, alcalase and papain) were applied to hydrolyze the homogenate of A. subcrenata. An orthogonaldesign was used to optimize hydrolysis conditions, and the pH-stat methods was used to determine the degree of hydrolysis. Viewed from the angle ofreducing power, such as scavenging activities against α,α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and hydrogen peroxide, the antioxidantactivities of the alcalase hydrolysate (AH) were superior to neutrase hydrolysate (NH) and papain hydrolysate (PH), and its EC50 values in DPPHradical and hydrogen peroxide scavenging effect were 6.23 mg/ml and 19.09 mg/ml, respectively. Moreover, compared with products hydrolyzed byneutrase and papain, the molecular mass of AH was lower and its content ofamino acid of peptides was higher. Therefore, alcalase was selected as theoptimal enzyme to produce active ingredients since its hydrolysate exhibitedthe best antioxidant activity among them and possessed large amount ofpotential active peptides.
Antisense RNA Sequences Modulating the Ataxin-1 Message: Molecular Model of Gene Therapy for Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1, a Dominant-Acting Unstable Trinucleotide Repeat Disease
Authors: Gao Youxin , Zu Tao , Low Walter C. , Orr Harry T. , Mcivor R. Scott
Published: November 2008

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is a dominant inherited disease caused by expanded trinucleotide repeats resulting in an increased polyglutamine tract in the gene product. As a potential therapeutic approach for SCA1, we tested antisense RNAs targeting two regions of the ataxin-1 message. Single-stranded regions around the translational initiation site and the intron 8 splice donor site of the ataxin-1 message were identified by computer-assisted RNA secondary structure prediction. Plasmids were generated to contain a 254-bp antisense sequence spanning the translation initiation site (pLasBDini) or a 317-bp sequence spanning the intron 8 splice donor site (pLasBDei) of the ataxin-1 message. These plasmids were transfected into Chinese hamster ovary cells engineered to express either expanded or unexpanded ataxin-1 message and protein. Reduced levels of mutant ataxin-1 message (82 CAG repeats), wild-type ataxin-1 message (30 CAG repeats), and ataxin-1 protein were observed by Northern and Western blot analyses in pLasBDini-transfected clones. pLasBDei-transfected 293 cells exhibited a shift in ataxin-1 message to a size several kilobases longer than that of the natural message. Reverse transcriptase/polymerase chain reaction assays demonstrated the retention of message spanning the intron 8 splice acceptor and the inability to amplify sequences between exons 8 and 9, implying that normal splicing of intron 8 had been interrupted. We conclude that antisense RNAs were effective in reducing or modifying ataxin-1 messages in transfected cells, and may be an effective genetic strategy for therapy of SCA1 and similar dominant-acting neurological disorders.
Characterization of microseparator/classifier with a simple arc microchannel
Authors: Oozeki Nobuo , Ookawara Shinichi , Ogawa Kohei , Löb Patrick , Hessel Volker
Published: November 2008

Experimentally characterized is a novel microseparator/classifier, whose functional part is an arc microchannel with a width of 200 μm, depth of 150 μm, and radius of 20 mm. First, a unique separation principle due to shear‐induced lift force is visually demonstrated with neutrally buoyant particles. The device performance is subsequently measured in terms of cut size, separation sharpness, and feed pressure for slightly denser acrylic particles. Compared with representative hydrocyclones, the present device is found to attain significantly smaller cut size at comparable feed pressure, and vice versa. It is finally shown that the device performance remains highest below a critical Stokes number because of no or negligible shear‐induced interparticle collisions. It is concluded that the device is to operate with a high efficiency based on the proposed Stokes number. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
Chemische Verfahren zur Herstellung von Proteinbiochips
Authors: Jonkheijm Pascal , Weinrich Dirk , Schröder Hendrik , Niemeyer Christof M. , Waldmann Herbert
Published: November 2008

Proteinbiochips sind integrale Bestandteile einer wachsenden Zahl medizinischer und bioanalytischer Anwendungen, weshalb das Interesse an Methoden zur Proteinimmobilisierung für die Herstellung solcher Chips in den letzten Jahren stark gestiegen ist. Dieser Aufsatz gibt einen Überblick über chemische Verfahren zur kovalenten und nichtkovalenten Anbindung von Proteinen auf Oberflächen, wobei ein spezielles Augenmerk auf chemische Selektivität und die Erhaltung der Proteinfunktion bei der Immobilisierung gelegt wird. Ferner werden Strategien zur Herstellung strukturierter Proteinoberflächen umrissen. Abschließend wird ein Ausblick auf mögliche Entwicklungsrichtungen im Bereich der Proteinbiochipforschung und ‐anwendung gegeben.
Die Azadirachtin‐Story
Authors: Veitch Gemma E. , Boyer Alistair , Ley Steven V.
Published: November 2008

Das Azadirachtin war Gegenstand intensiver Forschungen, seit es 1968 erstmals aus dem Niembaum isoliert wurde. Über 1000 Publikationen gibt es mittlerweile, die die strukturellen, biologischen und synthetischen Aspekte dieses Naturstoffs in allen Facetten beschreiben. In diesem Aufsatz geben wir einen Überblick über die langjährigen, weltweiten Bemühungen zur Totalsynthese dieses faszinierenden Moleküls.
Microcontainers with Fluorescent Anisotropic Zeolite L Cores and Isotropic Silica Shells
Authors: Guerrero‐Martínez Andrés , Fibikar Sandra , Pastoriza‐Santos Isabel , Liz‐Marzán Luis M. , De Cola Luisa
Published: November 2008

Multicolor fluorescent containers: A silica coating procedure has been devised for the preparation of multifluorescent dye‐loaded zeolite L crystals with luminescent anisotropic cores and isotropic shells. The method comprises a combination of the polyelectrolyte layer‐by‐layer technique and Stöber synthesis (see scheme, TEM image, and fluorescence microscopy images).

magnified image
Synthesis and characterization of palm‐based resin for UV coating
Authors: Cheong Mei Yee , Lye Ooi Tian , Ahmad Salmiah , Yunus Wan Md Zin Wan , Kuang Dzulkefly
Published: November 2008

The production of UV curable acrylated polyol ester prepolymer from palm oil and its downstream products offer potential and promising materials for applications such as polymeric film preparation and coatings. In this study, palm olein polyol was reacted with acrylic acid in the presence of a catalyst and inhibitors via condensation esterification process. The reaction temperature of 80°C and the stirring rate of 400 rpm produce a homogeneous product. Based on iodine value result, the suitable amount of p‐toluene sulfonic acid monohydrate used as catalyst was 3.0% (w/w) of palm olein polyol. Different UV curable formulations have been investigated using the synthesized prepolymers with monomers and a small amount of photoinitiator. Monomers used were 1,6‐hexanediol diacrylate (HDDA) and trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA) while photoinitiator used was 1‐hydroxy cyclohexyl phenylketone (Irgacure 184). The mixtures were cured to make thin polymeric films under UV radiation with doses between 2 and 14 passes (energy per pass is 0.6 J/cm2). Coating and curing was carried out on glass for pendulum hardness and FTIR analysis. Pendulum hardness of the film prepared using monomer HDDA and the prepolymer previously synthesized using 3.0% catalyst was 24.5%. The radiation dose needed was 14 passes. The highest pendulum hardness of 49.4% was achieved using monomer TMPTA and the prepolymer synthesized using 2.0% catalyst. The radiation dose needed was 10 passes. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Synthesis and chemical properties of dielectric polyphenylenes with nitro group
Authors: Abe Masahiro , Tokita Masatoshi , Watanabe Junji , Sakai Yoshimasa , Yamamoto Takakazu
Published: November 2008

Polyphenylenes consisting of nitrophenylene and didodecyloxy‐p‐phenylene units have been synthesized by Pd‐catalyzed organometallic polycondensation. The polymers showed good solubility and had number–average molecular weights (Mn) of 13,000–37,000. Their spin‐coated films showed fairly high dielectric constants (ε) of 3.75–6.36. The polymers were electrochemically active with electrochemical reduction peaks in the range of −1.72 to −1.99 V versus Ag+/Ag in an acetonitrile solution of [NEt4]BF4 (0.10M). The polymer composed of 2,3′‐dinitrobiphenyl and didodecyloxy‐p‐phenylene units showed thermotropic liquid crystalline phase at about 240°C. Cast films of the polymer had a birefringent phase at room temperature, suggesting self‐assembly of the polymer in the solid. XRD studies revealed that the polymers assumed an ordered structure assisted by aggregation of the long alkoxy side chains in the solid. The polymer main chain in the cast film is considered to be aligned parallel with respect to the surface of substrates. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Effects of the Cardiff Bay tidal barrage on the abundance, ecology and behaviour of shelducks Tadorna tadorna
Authors: Ferns Peter N. , Reed James P.
Published: November 2008

Closure of the Taff/Ely Estuary by the Cardiff Bay barrage in 1999 resulted in the replacement of intertidal mudflats by a permanent freshwater lake. This led to an 89% reduction in the population of shelducks Tadorna tadorna.

The birds switched from foraging mainly for Nereis diversicolor and Hydrobia ulvae by scything with the bill as they walked across the mudflats at low tide, to feeding on benthic chironomid midge larvae while swimming in shallow water around the margins of the lake.

The population decline occurred as a consequence of a decrease in the area available for foraging — from about 1 km2 of mudflats to about 0.1 km2 of water shallow enough for shelducks to reach the bottom when dabbling, head dipping and upending.

Contrary to expectation, the amount of time shelducks spent feeding was similar pre‐ and post‐barrage, and their body and plumage condition improved.

A tidal rhythm in activity persisted, with a reduced amount of feeding at high tide, probably because of the slight rise in water levels that sometimes occurred at this time.

Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation methodology of monthly highest and lowest air temperatures in heat island phenomenon survey
Authors: Aikawa Masahide , Hiraki Takatoshi
Published: November 2008

The specificity and generality of using the monthly highest and lowest air temperatures to demonstrate the thermal condition were studied. The monthly highest and lowest air temperature data in August and January were examined. Not only the monthly highest but also the lowest air temperatures described the thermal condition correctly without large variation. The monthly highest air temperature in August reflected particular meteorological conditions relatively easily and correctly described the thermally severe condition. The monthly lowest air temperature in January was the most accurate at describing the thermal condition. The outlier hardly appeared in the monthly lowest air temperature in January. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
A lifestage approach to assessing children's exposure
Authors: Cohen Hubal Elaine A. , Moya Jacqueline , Selevan Sherry G.
Published: November 2008

Understanding and characterizing risks to children has been the focus of considerable research efforts at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Potential health risks resulting from environmental exposures before conception and during pre‐ and postnatal development are often difficult to recognize and assess because of a potential time lag between the relevant periods of exposure during development and associated outcomes that may be expressed at later lifestages. Recognizing this challenge, a lifestage approach for assessing exposure and risk is presented in the recent EPA report titled A Framework for Assessing Health Risks of Environmental Exposures to Children (U.S. EPA, 2006). This EPA report emphasizes the need to account for the potential exposures to environmental agents during all stages of development, and consideration of the relevant adverse health outcomes that may occur as a result of such exposures. It identifies lifestage‐specific issues associated with exposure characterization for regulatory risk assessment, summarizes the lifestage‐specific approach to exposure characterization presented in the Framework, and discusses emerging research needs for exposure characterization in the larger public‐health context. This lifestage approach for characterizing children's exposures to environmental contaminants ensures a more complete evaluation of the potential for vulnerability and exposure of sensitive populations throughout the life cycle. Birth Defects Res (Part B) 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Real‐time measurement of cytosolic free calcium concentration in DEM‐treated HL‐60 cells during static magnetic field exposure and activation by ATP
Authors: Rozanski Camilla , Belton Michelle , Prato Frank S. , Carson Jeffrey J.L.
Published: November 2008

This study investigated whether glutathione depletion affected the sensitivity of HL‐60 cells to static magnetic fields. The effect of Diethylmaleate (DEM) on static magnetic field induced changes in cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]c) was examined. Cells were loaded with a fluorescent dye and exposed to a uniform static magnetic field at a strength of 0 mT (sham) or 100 mT. [Ca2+]c was monitored during field and sham exposure using a ratiometric fluorescence spectroscopy system. Cells were activated by the addition of ATP. Metrics extracted from the [Ca2+]c time series included: average [Ca2+]c during the Pre‐Field and Field Conditions, peak [Ca2+]c following ATP activation and the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the peak ATP response. Comparison of each calcium metric between the sham and 100 mT experiments revealed the following results: average [Ca2+]c measured during the Field condition was 53 ± 2 nM and 58 ± 2 nM for sham and 100 mT groups, respectively. Average FWHM was 51 ± 3 s and 54 ± 3 s for sham and 100 mT groups, respectively. An effect of experimental order on the peak [Ca2+]c response to ATP in sham/sham experiments complicated the statistical analysis and did not allow pooling of the first and second order experiments. No statistically significant difference between the sham and 100 mT groups was observed for any of the calcium metrics. These data suggested that manipulation of free radical buffering capacity in HL‐60 cells did not affect the sensitivity of the cells to a 100 mT static magnetic field. Bioelectromagnetics 30:213–221, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Thermal and chemical denaturation of Bacillus circulans xylanase
Authors: Raabe Richard , Gentile Lisa
Published: November 2008

A number of institutions have been, or are in the process of, modifying their biochemistry major to include some emphasis on the quantitative physical chemistry of biomolecules. Sometimes this is done as a replacement for part for the entire physical chemistry requirement, while at other institutions this is incorporated as a component into the traditional two‐semester biochemistry series. The latter is the model used for biochemistry and molecular biology majors at the University of Richmond, whose second semester of biochemistry is a course entitled Proteins: Structure, Function, and Biophysics. What is described herein is a protein thermodynamics laboratory module, using the protein Bacillus circulans xylanase, which reinforces many lecture concepts, including: (i) the denatured (D) state ensemble of a protein can be different, depending on how it was populated; (ii) intermediate states may be detected by some spectroscopic techniques but not by others; (iii) the use and assumptions of the van't Hoff approach to calculate ΔHo, ΔSo, and ΔGoT for thermal protein unfolding transitions; and (iv) the use and assumptions of an approach that allows determination of the Gibb's free energy of a protein unfolding transition based on the linear dependence of ΔGo on the concentration of denaturant used. This module also requires students to design their own experimental protocols and spend time in the primary literature, both important parts of an upper division lab.
Teaching of biochemistry in medical school
Authors: Mathews Michael B. , Stagnaro‐Green Alex
Published: November 2008

Biochemistry and molecular biology occupy a unique place in the medical school curriculum. They are frequently studied prior to medical school and are fundamental to the teaching of biomedical sciences in undergraduate medical education. These two circumstances, and the trend toward increased integration among the disciplines, have led to reconsideration of biochemistry instruction in many medical schools. We conducted a survey to explore the evolving trends in biochemistry education. A broad diversity was evident in parameters including course content, faculty, governance, prerequisites, and teaching methods. Notably, sharp differences were apparent between freestanding biochemistry courses and those in which biochemistry is integrated with other subjects. Furthermore, the data imply a likely trend toward increased integration of biochemistry with other disciplines in the medical school curriculum.
Magnetic Properties of NiIICrIII Layered Double Hydroxide Materials
Authors: Almansa Juan J. , Coronado Eugenio , Martí‐Gastaldo Carlos , Ribera Antonio
Published: November 2008

This paper describes the isolation of four layered double hydroxide (LDH) compounds having the general formula[NiII3–xCrIIIx(OH)6](CO3)x/2·yH2O [x = 0.57 (1), 0.69 (2), 0.81 (3) and 0.93 (4)] by using homogeneous precipitation methods and varying the metal ratio in the synthetic solutions. All the reported compounds have carbonate anions in the interlamellar space. This fact forces the interlayer distances to remain unchanged in all the cases, thus providing an ideal system in which the changes observed in magnetic properties can be correlated with metal composition along the hydroxide layers.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Chiral Amine–Polyoxometalate Hybrids as Recoverable Asymmetric Enamine Catalysts under Neat and Aqueous Conditions
Authors: Li Jiuyuan , Hu Shenshen , Luo Sanzhong , Cheng Jin‐Pei
Published: November 2008

Solid acid–chiral amine hybrids have been synthesized and explored as recyclable and reusable enamine‐type asymmetric catalysts. Simple chiral amine–polyoxometalate (CA–POM) hybrids were identified as the optimal catalysts to promote a range of enamine‐based transformations with high activity and excellent stereoselectivity under either neat or aqueous conditions. A catalyst loading as low as 0.33 mol‐% (1 mol‐% loading of chiral amine) was sufficient to achieve fast reactions and high stereoselectivities. Under both conditions, the CA–POM hybrid catalysts could be easily recycled and reused up to seven times with essentially unchanged stereoselectivity, although diminished activity was observed upon extensive reuse, especially under aqueous conditions.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Microflow Vessel Improving Reproducibility and Sensitivity of Electrochemical Measurements
Authors: Krejci Jan , Lacina Karel , Vránová Hana , Grosmanová Zuzana
Published: November 2008

A new microflow system was designed and developed for electrochemical measurements. The electrochemical electrodes prepared using thick film technology were used in this arrangement. Results of various measurements such as simple amperometric measurement on the example of H2O2 detection, measurement with glucose oxidase (GOx) biosensor, soluble enzyme activity measurement etc. carried out using this system are reported. It was observed that the sensitivity and reproducibility of the electrochemical measurements is improved significantly. The new device performance was proved on H2O2 detection, activity of GOx measurement and heavy metals detection (measured concentration range: H2O2 10−9 to 10−1 M, glucose 10−6 to 10−2 M, activity of GOx 10−1 to 102 IU, heavy metals (Cu, Pb) 10−4 to 10−3 M). The microflow insert greatly reduces the overall size of the electrolyte vessel and measurements with sample quantity as low as 2 mL can be accomplished.
Determination of Manganese in Natural Media by Anodic Stripping Voltammetry Using a Rotating Solid Silver Amalgam Electrode
Authors: Lesven Ludovic , Skogvold Silje M. , Mikkelsen Øyvind , Billon Gabriel
Published: November 2008

Detection of Mn(II) using differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) on solid silver amalgam electrode is introduced. A well‐defined peak for the oxidation of Mn(0) to Mn(II) was observed around −1.45 V in NH4Cl (0.05 M) solution. Concentrations down to 1 μg/L were measured in NH4Cl (0.05 M) with 900 s deposition time at −1.70 V, and good linearity was observed (r=0.993) for standard additions in different concentration ranges (1–3 μg/L, 10 μg/L–60 μg/L, and 50 μg/L–250 μg/L). For all measurements relative standard deviation was within 5% (n=9). Interactions between Mn and Cd, Ni, Cu, Pb and Zn were examined, and it was found that lead and nickel significantly interfere, while zinc, cadmium, copper, and mercury did not interfere within reasonable concentration ranges. The method was demonstrated for online detection of manganese in a contaminated river where the Mn(II) concentration varied between 3 and 15 μg/L. The relation between the Mn(II) concentration in the river water and the vessel traffic was observed due to the presence of high concentrations of Mn(II) in anoxic pore waters.
Selection of the most informative individuals from families with multiple siblings for association studies
Authors: Liu Chunyu , Yang Qiong , Adrienne Cupples L. , Meigs James B. , Dupuis Josée
Published: November 2008

Association analyses may follow an initial linkage analysis for mapping and identifying genes underlying complex quantitative traits and may be conducted on unrelated subsets of individuals where only one member of a family is included. We evaluate two methods to select one sibling per sibship when multiple siblings are available: (1) one sibling with the most extreme trait value; and (2) one sibling using a combination score statistic based on extreme trait values and identity‐by‐descent sharing information. We compare the type I error and power. Furthermore, we compare these selection strategies with a strategy that randomly selects one sibling per sibship and with an approach that includes all siblings, using both simulation study and an application to fasting blood glucose in the Framingham Heart Study. When genetic effect is homogeneous, we find that using the combination score can increase power by 30–40% compared to a random selection strategy, and loses only 8–13% of power compared to the full sibship analysis, across all additive models considered, but offers at least 50% genotyping cost saving. In the presence of genetic heterogeneity, the score offers a 50% increase in power over a random selection strategy, but there is substantial loss compared to the full sibship analysis. In application to fasting blood sample, two SNPs are found in common for the selection strategies and the full sample among the 10 highest ranked single nucleotide polymorphisms. The EV strategy tends to agree with the IBD‐EV strategy and the analysis of the full sample. Genet. Epidemiol. 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Co‐occurrence of depression and anxiety in elderly subjects aged 90 years and its relationship with functional status, quality of life and mortality
Authors: Van der Weele Gerda M. , Gussekloo Jacobijn , De Waal Margot W. M. , De Craen Anton J. M. , Van der Mast Roos C.
Published: November 2008

Objective

To examine the prevalence of concurrent depression and anxiety and its relationship with functional status, quality of life and mortality in individuals at age 90.

Methods

In the Leiden 85‐plus Study, a population based cohort study, depression (15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale ≥5 points) and anxiety (Anxiety Screening Questionnaire ≥1 positive answer) were assessed in all 90‐year old subjects with ≥19 points on the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Functional status included: cognitive function (MMSE) and disability in activities of daily living (Groningen Activity Restriction Scale). Quality of life included: loneliness (Loneliness Scale of De Jong‐Gierveld) and life satisfaction (Cantril's ladder). For all subjects mortality data were available up to a maximum age of 95.3 years.

Results

Of the subjects aged 90 years with MMSE ≥19 points (56 men, 145 women), 50 subjects (25%, 95% CI 19–31%) experienced depression and 25 subjects (12%, 95% CI 9–18%) anxiety; of them 34 (17%) experienced depression only, 9 (4%) anxiety only, and 16 (8%) both depression and anxiety. Presence of depression was associated with an overall decreased functional status and quality of life and with increased mortality. Within the depressed group, subjects with anxiety did not differ from subjects without anxiety, except for higher loneliness scores.

Conclusion

Among individuals aged 90 years, depression and anxiety and their co‐occurrence are highly prevalent. Anxiety does not add to poor functional status and increased mortality beyond that associated with depression, and is probably part of the phenomenology of depression in old age. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Location of ectopic adrenocortical hormone‐secreting tumors causing Cushing's syndrome in the paranasal sinuses
Authors: Hodish Israel , Giordano Thomas J. , Starkman Monica N. , Schteingart David E.
Published: November 2008

Background.

The majority of ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)‐secreting tumors are localized in the chest or abdomen. Occasionally, these tumors are found in the paranasal sinuses.

Methods.

We present 2 unusual cases of ectopic ACTH syndrome whose ACTH‐secreting tumors were localized in the paranasal sinuses and describe their biochemical and radiological presentation.

Results.

The first patient had an ACTH‐secreting olphactory neuroblastoma originating in the ethmoid sinuses. The second patient had a clinical course and biochemical findings indistinguishable from pituitary ACTH‐dependent Cushing's syndrome, except for negative petrosal sinus sampling. Head imaging showed a “polyp” in the left maxillary sinus‐secreting ACTH. Both patients went into remission following surgicalresection and recovered normal pituitary‐adrenal axis function.

Conclusion.

Ectopic ACTH secretion may originate from lesions in the paranasal sinuses. This accessible location allows for direct immunohistochemical diagnosis with ACTH staining. Surgical resection/radiation therapy can result in complete remission of the disease and restoration of normal pituitary‐adrenal function. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009.
Accuracy and definitive interpretation of preoperative technetium 99m sestamibi imaging based on the discipline of the reader
Authors: Khalid Ayesha N. , Hollenbeak Christopher S. , Higginbotham Bruce W. , Stack Brendan C.
Published: November 2008

Background.

Technetium 99m sestamibi scans have become a principal means of localizing parathyroid adenomas. Its accuracy and reliability has allowed for the proliferation of minimal access parathyroidectomy. Localizing interpretation of these scans often drives referral of hyperparathyroid patients for surgery. Interpretation of these scans may differ between nuclear medicine physicians and surgeons.

Methods.

We reviewed patients (N = 65) with digital images from an academic medical center with the diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism. We assessed the willingness to define an adenoma's location, the interrater reliability, and the accuracy of technetium (Tc‐99m) sestamibi read by a surgeon and a nuclear medicine physician.

Results.

There was poor correlation between both readers for assessment of quality of images (k = 0.54, 0.07) but very good correlation for adenoma location (k = 0.81).

Conclusion.

Both readers had good accuracy in predicting the location of the parathyroid adenoma. The surgeon was more likely to call a scan positive. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009
Effects of cooler materials on cooling performance of ATCA mainboards
Authors: Dong Zhizhong , Meng Meng , Liang Zhanpeng , Peng Xiaofeng
Published: November 2008

Nowadays, the rapid increase in CPU heat generation has become a very serious problem for the whole processing system, especially a system with more than one CPU. In this paper, based upon the cooling design requirements of ATCA processing systems, a series of investigations were conducted to explore the effects of different cooling materials such as copper or aluminum on the cooling performance of the whole system. Meanwhile, several ways of improving the cooling performance are provided in the paper. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20230
Fluid flow and heat transfer of opposing mixed convection adjacent to downward‐facing, inclined heated plates
Authors: Kitamura Kenzo , Matsumoto Jutaro , Mitsuishi Akihiko , Misumi Toshiyuki
Published: November 2008

Experimental investigations were carried out for opposing mixed convective flows of air adjacent to downward‐facing, inclined heated plates. The experiments covered the ranges of the Reynolds and modified Rayleigh numbers from ReL=400 to 4600 and RaL*=1.0×107 to 5.4×108, and the inclination angles from θ=15 to 75° from horizontal. The flow fields over the plates were visualized with smoke. The results showed that a separation of forced boundary layer flow occurs first at the bottom edge of the plate, and then the separation point shifts toward upstream with increasing wall heat flux, and finally, reaches the top edge of the plates. It was found that the separations at the bottom and top edges are predicted with a non‐dimensional parameter (GrLθ*/ReL2.5)=0.35 and 1.0, respectively. The local heat transfer coefficients of the inclined plates were also measured and the results showed that the minimum coefficients appear in the separation region. Moreover, it was revealed that forced, natural, and combined convective flows can be classified by the non‐dimensional parameter (GrLθ*/ReL2.5). © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Pub‐ lished online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20233
Unsteady numerical investigation of back‐step three‐dimensional slots on film cooling effectiveness
Authors: Yuan He‐Peng , Zhu Hui‐Ren , Kong Man‐Zhao , Liu Hai‐Yong
Published: November 2008

A numerical investigation was carried out to study the aerodynamics and cooling effects of a trailing edge. For a greater understanding and to learn more details, an unsteady numerical model has been proposed based on a steady model. The unsteady numerical simulation was conducted under different blowing ratios (0.5, 2.0) to show their effects on film cooling effectiveness. The computational results show that the turbulence intensity downstream of a trailing edge outlet tends to be enhanced by the unsteady flow effect. Film cooling effectiveness of an unsteady model is weaker than that obtained by a steady model. When the blowing ratio is 0.5, the mixing and intersecting of the main flow and secondary flow is rapid and fierce; with the increase of blowing ratio up to 2.0, the secondary flow plays a dominant role on the flow characteristics near the outlet of the trailing edge. The mixing and intersecting of the main flow and secondary flow become smooth. The unsteady computational results agree better with the experiment results than those of steady computation. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20236
Identification and characterization of enteric adenoviruses in infants and children hospitalized for acute gastroenteritis
Authors: Verma Harsha , Chitambar Shobha D. , Varanasi Gopalkrishna
Published: November 2008

Enteric adenoviruses are important etiological agents associated with sporadic infections and outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis in infants and children. Fecal samples were collected from 439 hospitalized patients in the years 2005–2007 from Pune, Aurangabad, and Nagpur cities of western India to identify the most prevalent strains of enteric adenoviruses. The viruses were detected by PCR and characterized by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. The prevalence of enteric adenoviruses in patients from Pune, Aurangabad and Nagpur was found to be 9% (10/111), 7% (7/100), and 7.5% (17/228), respectively. Sequence based analysis of the partial hexon and/or fiber genes showed the presence of adenovirus serotypes 40, 41, and 31 and variations at the subgenus and strain level. Phylogenetic analysis of the adenovirus strains indicated 98–100% homology with adenovirus 40 of the UK, 96–99% with adenovirus 41 of the USA and 94–100% with adenovirus 31 of Austria. The study indicates circulation of enteric adenovirus serotypes 40 and 41 with an unreported serotype 31 in sporadic cases of gastroenteritis. This is the first report from India on the association of enteric adenoviruses with acute gastroenteritis. J. Med. Virol. 81:60–64, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cellular normalization of viral DNA loads on whole blood improves the clinical management of cytomegalovirus or Epstein Barr virus infections in the setting of pre‐emptive therapy
Authors: Bressollette‐Bodin Céline , Coste‐Burel Marianne , Besse Bernard , André‐Garnier Elisabeth , Ferre Virginie , Imbert‐Marcille Berthe‐Marie
Published: November 2008

Two quantitative duplex real‐time PCR assays were developed for co‐amplification of human albumin and cytomegalovirus (CMV) or Epstein Barr virus (EBV) genes after automated extraction on whole blood, and compared two units for expressing viral DNA loads (copies per ml of blood or per 106 peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs)) on 1,138 positive samples. Both PCRs were characterized by high sensitivity, reproducibility, and linear range. Automated extraction by a MagNA Pure LC Instrument was shown to be more efficient when peripheral blood cell count was inferior to 5 × 109 PBLs/L. Albumin co‐amplification allows the detection of PCR inhibitors and normalization of viral load according to the number of cells calculated in the sample. The two ways of expressing viral load results were highly correlated, but quantitative differences varied in relation to variations of blood cell count. As these two viruses are highly cell associated, viral loads can be underestimated in patients with leucopenia. In the setting of pre‐emptive strategies during CMV infection, the units in which results are expressed can influence clinical management, as illustrated in this article. J. Med. Virol. 81:90–98, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diversifying selective pressure on influenza B virus hemagglutinin
Authors: Shen Jun , Kirk Brian D. , Ma Jianpeng , Wang Qinghua
Published: November 2008

Influenza B virus hemagglutinin (HA) is a major surface glycoprotein with frequent amino acid substitutions. However, the roles of antibody selection in the amino acid substitutions of HA were still poorly understood. In order to gain insights into this important issue, an analysis was conducted on a total of 271 HA1 sequences of influenza B virus strains isolated during 1940–2007. In this analysis, phylogenetic analysis by maximum likelihood (PAML) package was used to detect the existence of positive selection and to identify positively selected sites on HA1. Strikingly, all the positively selected sites were located in the four major epitopes (120‐loop, 150‐loop, 160‐loop, and 190‐helix) of HA identified in previous studies, thus supporting a predominant role of antibody selection in HA evolution. Of particular significance is the involvement of the 120‐loop in positive selection, which may become increasingly important in future field isolates. Despite the absence of different subtypes, influenza B virus HA continued to evolve into new sublineages, within which the four major epitopes were targeted selectively in positive selection. Thus, any newly emerging strains need to be placed in the context of their evolutionary history in order to understand and predict their epidemic potential. J. Med. Virol. 81:114–124, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Emerging GII.4 norovirus variants affect children with diarrhea in Palermo, Italy in 2006
Authors: Ramirez Stefania , Giammanco Giovanni M. , De Grazia Simona , Colomba Claudia , Martella Vito , Arista Serenella
Published: November 2008

Although the genetic/antigenic heterogeneity of human noroviruses (NoVs) is impressive, a few genogroup II strains of genotype 4 (GII.4) are dominant worldwide. GII.4 NoVs evolve rapidly and in the last 15 years six epidemic variants have been identified. In 2005–2006, surveillance of sporadic viral gastroenteritis in children in Palermo, Italy, resulted in the detection of NoV strains in 20.9% of the patients admitted to hospital. By restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and sequence analysis of region A in the RNA‐dependent RNA‐polymerase (RdRp) gene, 59 NoV strains were successfully characterized. Eighty‐one percent of the strains were characterized as GII.4, 14% as GIIb/Hilversum and 5% as GI.1. Phylogenetic analysis of region A and of the ORF1/ORF2 overlapping region of the GII.4 strains recovered in Palermo in the years 2002–2006 revealed the sequential emergence of four variants, GII.4 2002, 2004, 2006a, and 2006b. The variant GII.4 2006a was detected in June and July, 2006, while the variant 2006b first appeared in August, 2006, becoming predominant thereafter. Based on these findings, the dynamics of replacement and circulation of the GII.4 NoV variants in Italy in 2005–2006 appear to have matched the temporal pattern observed in Europe during the same period. J. Med. Virol. 81:139–145, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Early auditory experience‐induced composition/ratio changes of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor subunit expression and effects of D‐2‐amino‐5‐phosphonovaleric acid chronic blockade in rat auditory cortex
Authors: Cui Yilei , Zhang Jiping , Cai Rui , Sun Xinde
Published: November 2008

Auditory function can be affected by many factors, including environment and experience. In this study, we investigated whether early auditory experience mediates the regulation of the composition/ratio changes of the N‐methyl‐D‐aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor subunits during development of the rat auditory cortex. We found that early sound exposure can increase expression of the NMDA receptor subunits and increase the composition/ratios of NMDA receptor subunits during the postnatal critical period. D‐2‐amino‐5‐phosphonovaleric acid (D‐APV) could block and reverse the auditory experience‐mediated changes, and there were marked reductions in expression levels and the composition/ratios of NMDA receptor subunits. These results indicate that the experience‐dependent plasticity of the auditory cortex in the critical period during postnatal development has a marked influence on NMDA receptor expression in the rat and that changes in NMDA receptor subunit composition/ratios might mediate the early auditory experience‐dependent plasticity crucial to auditory function. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Free radical scavengers versus methylprednisolone in the prevention of experimentally induced heterotopic ossification
Authors: Vanden Bossche Luc C. , Van Maele Georges , Wojtowicz Iris , Bru Inge , Decorte Tina , De Muynck Martine , Rimbaut Steven , Vanderstraeten Guy
Published: November 2008

The etiology of heterotopic ossification (HO) is still obscure, it is difficult to devise an effective preventive or therapeutic approach. The options for the prevention of HO are still limited. The prophylactic effect of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is insufficient. Moreover, NSAIDs increase the risk of nonunion and loosening in patients with multiple joint injuries. The present experimental study was designed to compare methylprednisolone with free radical scavengers for the prevention of HO. The model of Michelsson et al. was used to induce HO in the hind legs of 30 female New Zealand albino rabbits, weighing approx. 4 kg. The animals were randomized into three groups of 10 animals each, and received daily either placebo, a free radical scavenger cocktail [allopurinol and N‐acetylcysteine (A/A)], or methylprednisolone in a randomized, double‐blind fashion. Every four days, X‐rays were obtained to measure the thickness and the length of new bone formation at the thigh. A statistically significant difference in thickness and length of newly formed bone was found between the three groups. In the placebo group HO increased from day 16 toward a medium length of 6 mm and a median thickness of 1.5 mm. In the A/A group, no signs of HO were found. In the methylprednisolone group, only one animal presented minor HO from day 32. Both free radical scavengers and methylprednisolone were found to inhibit HO, and may be considered effective measures for the prevention of heterotopic bone formation. However, it could not be demonstrated which of the two had the strongest inhibitory effect. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 748–751, 2009
Investigation of local structure of lead‐free relaxor Ba(Ti0.70Sn0.30)O3 by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Kumar Ashok , Rivera I. , Katiyar R. S.
Published: November 2008

The local structure of Ba(Ti0.70,Sn0.30)O3 (BSnT) was investigated using micro Raman spectroscopy from 80 to 500 K, which indicated three local phase sequences. The dielectric spectroscopy studies illustrated freezing of polar nano‐regions (PNR) below 95 K, merger of frequency dispersion at 220 K, and the origin of polar nano‐regions at 482 K. The temperature evolution of Raman spectra, basically integrated intensity, indicates non‐ergodic relaxor phase below 100 K, mature ergodic phase between 100 and 200 K, and the existence of ergodic polar clusters until 450 K, and above paraelectric phase. The observation of local phase sequences by Raman spectra are in agreement with dielectric spectroscopy anomalies. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.