bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Race and renal function early after live kidney donation: an analysis of the United States Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Database
Authors: Doshi Mona , Garg Amit X. , Gibney Eric , Parikh Chirag
Published: February 2010

Doshi M, Garg AX, Gibney E, Parikh C. Race and renal function early after live kidney donation: an analysis of the United States Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network database. Clin Transplant 2010 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2010.01209.x. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Among Americans, the risk for kidney disease is higher in individuals of African descent (AA) when compared with Caucasians. We considered whether there are similar racial differences in kidney function soon after donor nephrectomy. Of the 31 928 live kidney donors that donated between the years 2000 and 2005, 16 996 (53%) had post‐donation serum creatinine recorded at a mean follow‐up of 156 d (range 1–1410 d). A total of 14 525 (85%) were Caucasians and 2471 (15%) were AA. When compared with Caucasians, AA donors were more likely to be younger, heavier, and male, had a higher baseline serum creatinine and a shorter duration of follow‐up. After accounting for these differences, the serum creatinine after donation and fractional rise in serum creatinine after donation were similar between the two groups (AA vs. Caucasian donors, 1.3 ± 0.3 vs. 1.2 ± 0.3 mg/dL; 53% vs. 45%) and the post‐donation estimated glomerular filtration rate was also similar (57.2 ± 0.6 vs. 56.0 ± 0.2 mL/min per 1.73 m2). We observed no major clinical difference in glomerular filtration rate and ability to compensate for loss of renal mass soon after live kidney donation between Caucasian and AA donors.
Does character displacement initiate speciation? Evidence of reduced gene flow between populations experiencing divergent selection
Authors: RICE A. M. , PFENNIG D. W.
Published: February 2010

Character displacement – trait evolution stemming from selection to lessen resource competition or reproductive interactions between species – has long been regarded as important in finalizing speciation. By contrast, its role in initiating speciation has received less attention. Yet because selection for character displacement should act only where species co‐occur, individuals in sympatry will experience a different pattern of selection than conspecifics in allopatry. Such divergent selection might favour reduced gene flow between conspecific populations that have undergone character displacement and those that have not, thereby potentially triggering speciation. Here, we explore these ideas empirically by focusing on spadefoot toads,Spea multiplicata, which have undergone character displacement, and for which character displacement appears to cause post‐mating isolation between populations that are in sympatry with a heterospecific and those that are in allopatry. Using mitochondrial sequence data and nuclear microsatellite genotypes, we specifically asked whether gene flow is reduced between populations in different selective environments relative to that between populations in the same selective environment. We found a slight, but statistically significant, reduction in gene flow between selective environments, suggesting that reproductive isolation, and potentially ecological speciation, might indeed evolve as an indirect consequence of character displacement. Generally, character displacement may play a largely underappreciated role in instigating speciation.
Recent strategy for the management of advanced testicular cancer
Authors: Nakamura Terukazu , Miki Tsuneharu
Published: February 2010

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men and the cure rate has been approximately 80% since the introduction of cisplatin in the 1970s. BEP therapy (including bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin) has become a standard induction therapy instead of PVB therapy (cisplatin, vinblastin and bleomycin). However, the patients with incomplete responses to cisplatin‐based first‐line therapy or with relapsed disease have an extremely poor prognosis. For such difficult‐to‐treat patients, there are some proposed treatment options such as ifosfamide‐containing salvage chemotherapy or high‐dose chemotherapy (HDCT). HDCT with bone marrow rescue has been carried out as salvage or induction chemotherapy. However, a randomized control trial did not show the superiority to conventional first line therapy or salvage therapy. Therefore, a new anticancer agent was tested for cisplatin‐refractory or resistant testicular cancer. The development of combination therapy with new anticancer agents such as paclitaxel and irinotecan seems to be effective for these patients. TIP therapy including paclitaxel, ifosfamide and cisplatin would be a standard second line therapy for the patients with BEP failure. Residual tumor resection including retroperitoneal lymph node dissection integrated with induction and salvage chemotherapy still remains to play an important role to achieving a cure for advanced testicular cancer because there is no modality to predict residual viable cancer cells or teratoma element in the residual tumors. In the present review, we discuss and focus on the recent treatment strategy of advanced testicular cancer.
Evidence‐based clinical practice guidelines for bladder cancer (Summary – JUA 2009 Edition)
Authors:   The Committee for Establishment of the Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Bladder Cancer and the Japanese Urological Association
Published: February 2010

In Japan, until now, the treatment of bladder cancer has been based on guidelines from overseas. The problem with this practice is that the options recommended in overseas guidelines are not necessarily suitable for Japanese clinical practice. A relatively large number of clinical trials have been conducted in Japan in the field of bladder cancer, and the Japanese Urological Association (JUA) considered it appropriate to formulate their own guidelines. These Guidelines present an overview of bladder cancer at each clinical stage, followed by clinical questions that address problems frequently faced in everyday clinical practice. In this English translation of a shortened version of the original Guidelines, we have abridged each overview, summarized each clinical question and its answer, and only included the references we considered of particular importance.
When (Some) Prostitution is Legal: The Impact of Law Reform on Sex Work in Australia
Authors: Sullivan Barbara
Published: February 2010

In Australia, prostitution regulation has taken a very different path from many other countries. Law reform has led to the opening of some significant new spaces for legal sex work, including the (very different) regulatory regimes established in two Australian states – Queensland (brothels legal if their owners are licensed) and New South Wales (most commercial sex businesses and some street prostitution decriminalized; no licensing regime). The main research question is: how has regulation impacted on the positive rights of sex workers? I argue that law reform has engaged a mix of neo‐liberal and other approaches – not to increase personal or corporate freedom but as part of a practical strategy designed to control a range of social problems, such as police corruption and organized crime. Neo‐liberal regulation of prostitution in Australia has always been deployed in tandem with other modes of regulation – including new criminal law and policing strategies, planning law, health regulations, and (of course) moral regulation.
A CRITIQUE OF ISLAMIC ARGUMENTS ON HUMAN CLONING
Authors: Sekaleshfar Farrokh B.
Published: February 2010

Sunnism constitutes eighty percent of the Islamic world. The most academic and renowned religious seminary in the Sunni world is Al‐Azhar University in Egypt, and it is from here that most verdicts on novel issues such as human cloning are decreed and disseminated throughout the Islamic and non‐Islamic worlds. The perspective of this seminary and of other significant Sunni jurisprudential councils and figures are alluded to throughout this essay. I lay out the method of legal derivation employed by the Sunni clergy and scholars and then illustrate how they have arrived at their prohibition on human cloning. I demonstrate weaknesses of methodology employed by the major Sunni Muftis within the domain of jurisprudence.
CHANGING LANDSCAPE IN SCIENCE‐RELIGION DIALOGUES
Authors: Raman Varadaraja V.
Published: February 2010

One peculiarity of the broad theme of science‐religion dialogues is that while it has been growing significantly, it seems to be moving farther and farther away from its goal of establishing bridges and understandings between the two enterprises. This essay explores this unhappy situation, with particular reference to the works of two scholars who have been critical of some of the pioneer theologians and have suggested some radically new approaches to the issues.
IS PHYSICS FUNDAMENTAL? ROBERT RUSSELL ON DIVINE ACTION
Authors: Haught John F.
Published: February 2010

Robert Russell's theological work has been a helpful stimulus to the task of understanding the meaning of divine action and providence in the age of science. He relates God's direct action “fundamentally” to the hidden domain of quantum events, and his theology of nature deserves careful attention. It is questionable, however, whether the term fundamental as applied to quantum events by physical science may be taken over by theology without more careful qualification than Russell offers.
The 2nd to 4th digit ratio and autism
Authors: Manning J T , Baron‐Cohen S , Wheelwright S , Sanders G
Published: February 2010

It has been suggested that autism may arise as the result of exposure to high concentrations of prenatal testosterone. There is evidence that the ratio of the lengths of the 2nd and 4th digit (2D:4D) may be negatively correlated with prenatal testosterone. We measured 2D:4D in 95 families recruited via the National Autistic Society, UK. The sample comprised a total 72 children with autism (62 males, 10 females; age range 2 to 14 years), including 23 children (20 males, three females) with Asperger syndrome(AS), 34 siblings, 88 fathers, 88 mothers and sex‐ and age‐matched control participants. We found that the 2D:4D ratios of children with autism, their siblings, fathers and mothers were lower than population normative values. Children with AS, who share the social and communicative symptoms of autism but have normal or even high IQ, had higher 2D:4D ratios than children with autism but lower ratios than population normative values. There were positive associations between 2D:4D ratios of children with autism and the ratios of their relatives. Children with autism had lower than expected 2D:4D ratios and children with AS higher ratios than expected in relation to their fathers’2D:4D ratio. It was concluded that 2D:4D ratio may be a possible marker for autism which could implicate prenatal testosterone in its aetiology.
Validity of Oxycon Mobile in measuring inspiratory capacity in healthy subjects
Authors: Hannink Jorien , Lahaije Anke , Verberkt Cindy , Dekhuijzen Richard , Van Helvoort Hanneke , Heijdra Yvonne
Published: February 2010

Introduction:  Inspiratory capacity (IC) assessments have been performed mainly in laboratory settings, because of fixed measurement devices. Oxycon Mobile® (OM) is the mobile and wireless version of Oxycon Pro® (OP), a commonly used fixed measurement device. The purpose of this study was to examine IC agreement between OM and OP at rest and during steady‐state exercise. Also, the within‐ and between‐days variability of IC’s were determined.

Methods:  Thirty‐five healthy subjects were recruited. Twenty‐five subjects were included for determining validity of the OM and ten subjects for the variability study. For validation of OM, resting and exercise IC’s (ICrest and ICexercise respectively) were measured consecutively by OM and OP, in random order. Exercise consisted of cycle ergometry at 50% of subject’s predicted maximal exercise capacity.

Results:  The mean difference between OM and OP regarding ICrest was −0·05L, with limits of agreement of −0·47 to 0·37L (or −1·2% with limits of agreement of −11·6 to 9·3%) (P>0·05). The mean difference of ICexercise was −0·06L, and the limits of agreement were −0·48 to 0·35L (or −1·4% with limits of agreement of −11·8 to 9·0%) (P>0·05). No significant differences in IC’s within‐ or between‐days were found.

Discussion:  The limits of agreement of the IC measured by OM and OP were ±10%, which is recommended for interdevice reproducibility. We conclude that OM and OP can be used interchangeably for measuring IC at rest and during steady‐state exercise.
Positron emission tomography of [18F]‐big endothelin‐1 reveals renal excretion but tissue‐specific conversion to [18F]‐endothelin‐1 in lung and liver
Authors: Johnström Peter , Fryer Tim D , Richards Hugh K , Maguire Janet J , Clark John C , Pickard John D , Davenport Anthony P
Published: February 2010

Background and purpose:  Big endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) circulates in plasma but does not bind to ET receptors until converted to ET‐1 by smooth muscle converting enzymes. We hypothesized that tissue‐specific conversion of [18F]‐big ET‐1 to [18F]‐ET‐1 could be imaged dynamically in vivo within target organs as binding to ET receptors.

Methods:  [18F]‐big ET‐1 conversion imaged in vivo following infusion into rats using positron emission tomography (PET).

Key results:  [18F]‐big ET‐1 was rapidly cleared from the circulation (t1/2= 2.9 ± 0.1 min). Whole body microPET images showed highest uptake of radioactivity in three major organs. In lungs and liver, time activity curves peaked within 2.5 min, then plateaued reaching equilibrium after 10 min, with no further decrease after 120 min. Phosphoramidon did not alter half life of [18F]‐big ET‐1 but uptake was reduced in lung (42%) and liver (45%) after 120 min, consistent with inhibition of enzyme conversion and reduction of ET‐1 receptor binding. The ETA antagonist, FR139317 did not alter half‐life of [18F]‐big ET‐1 (t1/2= 2.5 min) but radioactivity was reduced in all tissues except for kidney consistent with reduction in binding to ETA receptors. In kidney, however, the peak in radioactivity was higher but time to maximum accumulation was slower (∼30 min), which was increased by phosphoramidon, reflecting renal excretion with low conversion and binding to ET receptors.

Conclusions and implications:  A major site for conversion was within the vasculature of the lung and liver, whereas uptake in kidney was more complex, reflecting excretion of [18F]‐big ET‐1 without conversion to ET‐1.

This article is part of a themed section on Imaging in Pharmacology. To view the editorial for this themed section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2010.00685.x
Offshore Remanufacturing with Variable Used Product Condition
Authors: Galbreth Michael R. , Blackburn Joseph D.
Published: February 2010

We consider the acquisition and production decisions of a remanufacturer who acquires used products of variable condition and allocates remanufacturing activity to domestic and offshore facilities. The problem is formulated as a multicommodity network flow model with economies of scale and product obsolescence. We show that the remanufacturer's optimal strategy can be chosen from a finite set of simple policies in which each product is routed to a facility based on its condition. We then numerically investigate the impact of key parameters on optimal decisions regarding offshore remanufacturing.
Patterns of functional and taxonomic organization of stream fishes: inferences based on α, β, and γ diversities
Authors: Higgins Christopher L.
Published: February 2010

The primary objective of this study was to determine whether total biodiversity (γ) is partitioned into within‐community (α) and among‐community (β) components differently for taxonomic and functional organization. I hypothesized that α diversity will contribute more to the functional organization of γ diversity and that β diversity will contribute more to the taxonomic organization of γ diversity. A secondary objective was to determine whether the relationship between taxonomic and functional diversity is scale dependent. Species abundance data was obtained from fisheries surveys conducted by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept that focused on least disturbed streams from 11 different ecoregions of Texas, including 62 localities from 18 drainages. Functional and taxonomic organization of assemblages was quantified with two different measures of biodiversity, including richness and the numbers equivalent of Shannon diversity. Scale‐dependent effects on these indices were assessed by multiplicatively partitioning γ into α and β components. The contribution of α and β components to γ diversity differed between functional and taxonomic organization and among different measures of biodiversity. Among‐community components were more influential in structuring the taxonomic organization of stream‐fish assemblages, whereas within‐community components were more important in structuring the functional organization of assemblages. The relationship between taxonomic and functional diversity differed between α and β components and between spatial scales. Indeed, ecological patterns not only change with spatial scale, but how they change is dependent on which aspect of biodiversity is considered.
Melatonin prevents increased asymmetric dimethylarginine in young rats with bile duct ligation
Authors: Tain You‐Lin , Hsieh Chih‐Sung , Chen Chih‐Cheng , Sheen Jiunn‐Ming , Lee Chien‐Te , Huang Li‐Tung
Published: February 2010

Abstract:  Identifying and treating kidney injury in cirrhosis is important. Bile duct ligation (BDL) is a commonly used cholestatic liver disease model. We hypothesized that asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is involved in BDL‐induced oxidative stress and kidney injury, which can be prevented by melatonin. We also intended to elucidate whether increased ADMA is due to increased protein arginine methyltransferase‐1 (PRMT1, ADMA‐synthesizing enzyme) and/or decreased dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH, ADMA‐metabolizing enzyme). Three groups of young rats were studied, sham (N = 7), untreated BDL rats (N = 9), and melatonin‐treated BDL rats (N = 6, BDL + M). Melatonin‐treated BDL rats received daily melatonin 1 mg/kg/day via intraperitoneal injection. One‐third of the young BDL rats died compared with none in the BDL + M group. All surviving rats were killed 14 days after surgery. BDL rats had higher plasma aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, direct and total bilirubin, and ammonia levels than shams. They also had kidney injury characterized by increased tubulointerstitial injury scores and plasma creatinine and symmetric dimethylarginine levels, which melatonin prevented. Plasma ADMA levels were elevated in BDL rats, combined with increased hepatic PRMT1 and decreased renal DDAH activity. In addition, melatonin increased hepatic DDAH2 expression, increased DDAH activity and concomitantly decreased ADMA contents in both the liver and kidney. In conclusion, melatonin therapy decreased mortality and prevented kidney injury induced by BDL via reduction of ADMA (by increasing DDAH activity) and oxidative stress.
Molecular and cellular pharmacological properties of 5‐methoxycarbonylamino‐N‐acetyltryptamine (MCA‐NAT): a nonspecific MT3 ligand
Authors: Vincent Ludwig , Cohen William , Delagrange Philippe , Boutin Jean A. , Nosjean Olivier
Published: February 2010

Abstract: 5‐Methoxycarbonylamino‐N‐acetyltryptamine (MCA‐NAT) has been initially described as a ligand at non MT1, non MT2melatonin binding site (MT3) selective versus MT1and MT2, two membrane melatonin receptors. MCA‐NAT activity has been reported by others in different models, in vivo, particularly in the intra‐ocular pressure (IOP) models in rabbits and monkeys. Its activity was systematically linked to either MT3 or to a new, yet unknown, melatonin receptor. In this article, the melatonin receptor pharmacology of MCA‐NAT is described. MCA‐NAT has micromolar range affinities at the melatonin receptors MT1and MT2, while in functional studies, MCA‐NAT proved to be a powerful MT1/MT2partial agonist in the sub‐micromolar range. These data strongly suggest that MCA‐NAT actions might be mediated by these receptors in vivo. Finally, as described by others, we show that MCA‐NAT is unable to elicit any type of receptor‐like functional responses from Chinese hamster ovary cells over‐expressing quinone reductase 2, the MT3.
Expression of the orphan GPR50 protein in rodent and human dorsomedial hypothalamus, tanycytes and median eminence
Authors: Sidibe Anissa , Mullier Amandine , Chen Patty , Baroncini Marc , Boutin Jean A. , Delagrange Philippe , Prevot Vincent , Jockers Ralf
Published: February 2010

Abstract:  The melatonin receptor family is composed of three members, MT1 and MT2 receptors that bind melatonin with high affinity and the orphan GPR50 that does not bind melatonin but shares significant sequence homology with the two other subtypes. In the absence of any known ligand for this orphan receptor, little is still known about its function. We recently reported the development of the first anti‐GPR50 antibodies that reliably recognized the recombinant human GPR50. We here used these antibodies to study the expression of GPR50 in mouse, rat and human hypothalamus, a region reported to express GPR50 mRNA. GPR50 immunoreactivity (ir) was observed in dorsomedial hypothalamic (DMH) cells co‐stained with the neuronal marker HuC/D. GPR50‐ir was also observed in cells of the ependymal layer of the third ventricle that co‐stained with vimentin. More specifically, its localization in the lower region of the third ventricle and along the long basal processes contacting portal blood vessels in the median eminence (ME) suggested expression of GPR50 in tanycytes. Consistent staining patterns were observed in all three species with two different antibodies. Taken together, our study validates two GPR50‐specific antibodies for the use in rodent and human tissue. Evolutionary conserved expression of GPR50 in DMH neurons and tanycytes, together with previously reported expression of the receptor in the pituitary, support the potentially important role of GPR50 in key hypothalamic functions, including regulation of the hypothalamo‐pituitary axes.
Smoking in pregnancy: a risk factor for adverse neurodevelopmental outcome in preterm infants?
Authors: Kiechl‐Kohlendorfer U , Ralser E , Pupp Peglow U , Reiter G , Griesmaier E , Trawöger R
Published: February 2010

Aim:  To assess whether smoking in pregnancy influences neurodevelopmental outcome at 2‐years of age in preterm infants with a gestational age <32 weeks.

Methods:  Between January 2003 and December 2005 we prospectively enrolled 181 infants born alive between 23 and 32 weeks of gestation; 142 infants (78.5%) completed the follow‐up visit. The association between candidate risk factors and delayed motor or mental development (Bayley Scales of Infant Development II; psychomotor or mental developmental index <85) was analysed by means of logistic regression analysis.

Results:  Low maternal age, smoking in pregnancy, low gestational age, low birth weight, small for gestational age, chronic lung disease, intracerebral haemorrhage, periventricular leucomalacia, and retinopathy of prematurity (stages 3 and 4) all were associated with an increased risk for delayed development (p < 0.05, each). Smoking in pregnancy, small for gestational age and chronic lung disease maintained significance in a multivariable analysis.

Conclusion:  Smoking in pregnancy emerged as a risk predictor for adverse neurodevelopmental outcome in our study. Strategies to reduce smoking in pregnancy should be further endorsed.
Curtains at Number Ten: Predicting the General Election
Authors: Moon Nick
Published: February 2010

The UK general election must be called by May 2010, with Conservatives widely expected to oust Labour. How certain are those expectations, and what problems face those trying to predict the results? Opinion pollster Nick Moon reveals all.
Weighing in: Does Obesity Raise the Risk from Swine Flu?
Authors: Mamuneas Diamanto , Viskaduraki Maria
Published: February 2010

Media reports of the dangers of swine flu can leave much to be desired. But then scientific reports can be just as unclear. Diamanto Mamuneas and Maria Viskaduraki have sympathy for two journalists and help a frightened friend.
EFFECT OF GAMMA IRRADIATION ON DRYING CHARACTERISTIC AND QUALITY OF WHEAT
Authors: WANG JUN , YU YONG
Published: February 2010

Wheat, pretreated by 60Co gamma irradiation, was dried by hot air with irradiation dosage 0–3 kGy, drying temperature 40–60C, and initial moisture contents 19–25% (d.b.). The drying time, average dehydration rate, wet gluten content (WGC), moisture content of wet gluten (MCWG) and titratable acidity (TA) were evaluated based on a quadratic rotation‐orthogonal composite experimental design with three variables (at five levels). The drying time, average dehydration rate, WGC, MCWG and TA were sensitive to irradiation dosage, drying temperature and initial moisture content. Irradiation dosage is the most dominating factor on the quality of wheat flour (WGC, MCWG and TA); drying temperature is the most dominating factor on drying characteristics (drying time and average dehydration rate). Irradiation dosage had a significant effect on drying time, WGC, MCWG, average dehydration rate and TA.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Gamma irradiation had been employed to decontaminate and to extend the shelf life of food and has been widely used for agricultural products for long‐period storage. The previous studies emphasize particularly on that dried samples were irradiated by gamma irradiation after drying. However, no information has been available on effect of gamma irradiation on drying characteristics and quality of wheat.

The results of this study will show irradiation dosage had a significant effect on drying time, average dehydration rate, wet gluten content, moisture content of wet gluten and titratable acidity. This implies that as a pretreatment before drying may be a method to apply for not only increasing the dehydration rate, but also changing the quality of wheat.
The involvement of ZnT‐1, a new modulator of cardiac L‐type calcium channels, in remodeling atrial tachycardia
Authors: Beharier Ofer , Etzion Yoram , Levi Shiri , Mor Merav , Mor Michal , Dror Shani , Kahn Joy , Katz Amos , Moran Arie
Published: February 2010

Atrial fibrillation (AF), the highest occurring cardiac arrhythmia in the Western world, is associated with substantial morbidity and increased mortality. In spite of extensive research, the cause of atrial electrical remodeling, a major factor in the self‐perpetuating nature of AF, is still unknown. Downregulation of L‐type Ca2+ channel (LTCC) activity is the hallmark of atrial electrical remodeling. ZnT‐1 is a ubiquitous membrane protein that was recently suggested to inhibit the LTCC. We have studied and shown that ZnT‐1 expression inhibits LTCC function in an oocyte expression system as well as in isolated cardiomyocytes. Our data also show that rapid electrical pacing can augment ZnT‐1 expression in culture as well as in the atria of rats in vivo. Finally, in a pilot study, ZnT‐1 expression was found to be augmented in the atria of AF patients. These findings position ZnT‐1 as a probable missing link in the mechanism underlying atrial tachycardia remodeling.
Cardiac myocyte force development during differentiation and maturation
Authors: Jacot Jeffrey G. , Kita‐Matsuo Hiroko , Wei Karen A. , Vincent Chen H.S. , Omens Jeffrey H. , Mercola Mark , McCulloch Andrew D.
Published: February 2010

The maturation of cardiac myocytes during the immediate prenatal period coincides with changes in the mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix. We investigated the effects of extracellular stiffness on cardiomyocyte maturation in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes grown on collagen‐coated gels. Cells on 10‐kPa substrates developed aligned sarcomeres, while cells on stiffer substrates had unaligned sarcomeres and stress fibers. Cells generated greater mechanical force on gels with stiffness similar to that of the native myocardium than on stiffer or softer substrates. To investigate the differentiation of myocyte progenitors, we used clonal expansion of engineered human embryonic stem cells. Puromycin‐selected cardiomyocytes exhibited a gene expression profile similar to that of adult human cardiomyocytes and generated force and action potentials consistent with normal fetal cardiomyocytes. These results suggest that extracellular stiffness significantly affects maturation and differentiation of immature ventricular myocytes.
Coupling non‐destructive DNA extraction and voucher retrieval for small soft‐bodied Arthropods in a high‐throughput context: the example of Collembola
Authors: PORCO DAVID , ROUGERIE RODOLPHE , DEHARVENG LOUIS , HEBERT PAUL
Published: February 2010

Here, we describe a simple method adapted for high‐throughput protocols allowing voucher specimen recovery for Collembola and by extension for other soft‐bodied small arthropods. A standard extraction protocol was tested to examine the effects of lysis duration (1, 2, 4, 12 h) on DNA concentration, amplification success and specimen condition. Good quality DNA was obtained after 1 h of lysis, while voucher condition was fine for up to 12 h. The lysis step substantially shortens the clearing process necessary for morphological examination.
Science in the Courtroom: Vital to Best Interests and Reasonable Efforts
Authors: Lederman Judge Cindy
Published: February 2010

This essay was adapted from a speech presented by the author on February 12, 2008 at a Colloquium entitled “What's Best for Children? How Judges Use Neuroscience to Break the Cycle of Child Maltreatment.” The colloquium was sponsored by the Harvard Center on the Developing Child and held at Harvard Law School. It focuses on the wealth of knowledge that has been discovered about infant and child development and the importance of incorporating that knowledge into judicial decision making in child maltreatment cases.
Engineering of new prodigiosin‐based biosensors of Serratia for facile detection of short‐chain N‐acyl homoserine lactone quorum‐sensing molecules
Authors: Poulter Simon , Carlton Timothy M. , Su Xianbin , Spring David R. , Salmond George P. C.
Published: February 2010

Many Gram‐negative bacteria use quorum sensing (QS) to regulate expression of multiple genes, by utilizing small diffusible signalling molecules called N‐acyl homoserine lactones (acyl‐HSLs). Serratia sp. ATCC 39006 produces the red pigment prodigiosin under QS control, in response to the short‐chain signal C4‐HSL. In this study, we have demonstrated that an acyl‐HSL‐deficient mutant can be used as a visual biosensor to detect short‐chain acyl‐HSLs. We have quantified the acyl‐HSL sensitivity spectrum of the Serratia 39006 prodigiosin QS system, and have demonstrated a strong specificity for the natural ligand C4‐HSL. Mutations in the pigX and pigZ genes in Serratia 39006 resulted in an overproduction of prodigiosin, caused by increased transcription of the prodigiosin biosynthetic operon. A new biosensor (SP19) with enhanced prodigiosin production was created by addition of pigX and pigZ mutations to the existing biosensor. We have demonstrated that SP19 is superior to biosensor strains CV026 and Agrobacterium NTL4 (pZLR4) for the detection of short‐chain acyl‐HSLs present in spent culture supernatants. Researchers working with QS bacteria that produce short‐chain acyl‐HSLs can use strain SP19 as a simple visual acyl‐HSL biosensor with no requirement for expensive detection equipment.
An Extension to the Navier–Stokes Equations to Incorporate Gas Molecular Collisions With Boundaries
Authors: Arlemark Erik J. , Dadzie S. Kokou , Reese Jason M.
Published: February 2010

We investigate a model for microgas-flows consisting of the Navier–Stokes equations extended to include a description of molecular collisions with solid-boundaries together with first- and second-order velocity-slip boundary conditions. By considering molecular collisions affected by boundaries in gas flows, we capture some of the near-wall effects that the conventional Navier–Stokes equations with a linear stress-/strain-rate relationship are unable to describe. Our model is expressed through a geometry-dependent mean-free-path yielding a new viscosity expression, which makes the stress-/strain-rate constitutive relationship nonlinear. Test cases consisting of Couette and Poiseuille flows are solved using these extended Navier–Stokes equations and we compare the resulting velocity profiles with conventional Navier–Stokes solutions and those from the BGK kinetic model. The Poiseuille mass flow rate results are compared with results from the BGK-model and experimental data for various degrees of rarefaction. We assess the range of applicability of our model and show that it can extend the applicability of conventional fluid dynamic techniques into the early continuum-transition regime. We also discuss the limitations of our model due to its various physical assumptions and we outline ideas for further development.
Comprehensive Epilepsy Early Warning System and Seizure Alarm
Authors: Singh Neeraj K. , Singh Ravindra Kumar
Published: February 2010

Epilepsy is characterized by unprovoked, recurring seizures that disrupt the nervous system and can cause mental and physical dysfunction. It affects all age groups. About 14% of epilepsy patients are under 15 years old and 24% are over 64, with 62% being between those ages. There is an increased risk of death due to accidents, suicide and other medical conditions. There are also cases where the death appears to be directly related to epilepsy itself, usually referred to as Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). This information is not always passed from doctor to patient, for various reasons. Epilepsy share is an uncontrolled electrical discharge from nerve cells in the cerebral cortex. This is the part of the brain that integrates higher mental functions, general movement, and the functions of the internal organs in the abdominal cavity, perception, and behavioral reactions. The early warning system will be based on three factors: 1. Detection of abnormal electrical activity of brain. 2. Detection of abnormal breathing (too fast or too slow) that almost always accompanies the onset of an attack. 3. Unusual sensations or movements of parts of body such as muscles relaxation and tightening.
Self-Expandable Thin Film Nitinol Endografts for Vascular Repair: Manufacturing and Short-Term Results in Swine
Authors: Chun Youngjae , Levi Daniel S. , Mohanchandra K. P. , Carman Gregory P.
Published: February 2010

A thin film nitinol covered endograft for vessel treatment was manufactured and in vivo swine testing was performed. Thin film nitinol graft material was fabricated by DC sputter deposition and stress-strain behavior and DSC characteristics were investigated. Micro size patterns were fabricated by MEMS technology in order to promote endothelial layer growth. In-vivo studies in swine were conducted to evaluate deployment, placement and patency of the implanted stent device.
Current Technology in Spine and Spinal Implant Evaluation: Robotic Testing
Authors: Hollis J. Marcus
Published: February 2010

The purpose of this presentation is to discus the current state of the art in spine testing technology to aide the audience in planning and evaluating spine and spine implant testing.
Treatment of Meniscal Injuries in the Knee
Authors: Kaplan Kevin
Published: February 2010

Once thought to be a functionless, vestigial structure, the meniscus is known to be an important load bearing and shock-absorbing structure in the knee. The lateral meniscus absorbs 70% of the load in the lateral compartment and the medial meniscus absorbs 50% of the load in the medial compartment. In addition, it has a secondary role in stabilization of the knee in conjunction with the major ligamentous restraints. Vascular supply to the meniscus is provided by branches from the geniculate arteries that penetrate into approximately 10–30% of its periphery through permeniscal capillary channels (Figure I). The remainder of the meniscus obtains nutrition through diffusion or mechanical pumping.
Operation of a Novel Dry Hydrocarbon Tolerant Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cell
Authors: Pine Thomas , Do Anh-Tuan V. , Zhao Li , Brouwer Jacob
Published: February 2010

Many factors including lower materials cost for stack and balance of plant components drive an effort to reduce the operating temperature of SOFCs. Sr- and Mg-doped LaGaO3 (LSGM) has gained popularity as an intermediate temperature electrolyte due to its high oxygen conductivity. However, challenges remain regarding its mechanical strength and the lack of suitable electrode materials due to incompatibilities with conventional anode and cathode materials. Additionally, operation of conventional solid oxide fuel cells on dry hydrocarbon gas streams is precluded by the catalyzed formation of carbon whiskers within the matrix of nickel-based anodes. The incompatibility of LSGM with conventional anodes allows for investigation of other benefits of a Ni free anode; among which are hydrocarbon tolerance and redox stability. LSGM electrolyte supported cells were fabricated to test the performance and hydrocarbon tolerance of a Ni-free materials set. The composite anode was comprised of Sr-, Mg- and Co-doped LaGaO3 (LSGMC), La-doped CeO2 (LDC) as a catalytic component and Y-doped SrTiO3 as a conductive component. The cathode was made from a composite of LSGMC and Sm-doped SrCoO3. Materials were synthesized by wet chemical methods, characterized and fabricated into durable cells of high quality. The processing conditions of anode conductive components are discussed as an important factor impacting the performance of the cells. The cells were tested in dry methane and hydrogen. Testing showed cell voltages very near theoretical voltage indicating that sealing and electrolyte quality were excellent. Temperature cycling performance and post-test inspection showed that durability of the materials set was achieved. The cell showed a low power density when operating on hydrocarbons directly. Cells had no visible degradation in performance or coking after operation on dry hydrocarbons, in stark contrast to nickel-based anode performance under the same operating conditions. Poor catalytic activity to the reforming process and direct reaction of methane were found to contribute to the overall low performance. Strategies for improving catalytic activity without introducing coke-promoting materials are discussed.
Economic Analysis of Distributed Generation Options With Wide Turndown
Authors: Burbank Winston S. , Witmer Dennis E. , Holcomb Frank
Published: February 2010

Solid oxide fuel cell gas turbine (SOFCGT) hybrid systems have received much attention due to high predicted efficiencies, low emissions and low historical cost of natural gas. For market acceptance three criteria must be met: reliability, commercial availability and a positive net present value. This study deals primarily with the latter, comparing the net present value of the following four engines operating under a distributed or isolated loads: a simple cycle microturbine, a novel internally-cooled and recuperated (ICR) microturbine, a novel SOFCGT hybrid supported by the same ICR microturbine, and a standard diesel engine. Due to the higher value of peak power, a system able to meet fluctuating power demands while retaining high efficiencies is strongly preferable to base load operation. Sensitivity analysis is made for variable prices of natural gas, electric rates, carbon tax, and SOFC capital costs.
Endplate Design and Analysis of Fuel Cells
Authors: Chung Tien-Tung , Shiu Huan-Ruei , Chen Chi-Chang , Lin Chin-Te , Chen Kuei-Han , Lu Chih-Yun
Published: February 2010

Endplate design is important to the structural safety and the performance of the proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. In this paper, an organized design and analysis method is proposed to improve the endplate design. The 3D model for finite element analysis is constructed automatically by a CAD software with a parametric program through GUI interfaces. This model includes endplates, carbon plates, O-rings, gas diffusion layers (GDLs), and membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs). Then a series of finite element analysis are executed to analyze the structural behavior of PEM fuel cells. Structural boundary conditions and contact pairs are also applied into the meshed model. The positions of tie-bolts and parameters of endplate design are changed to improve the performance of PEM fuel cells through numerical optimization techniques. The structural behavior of key components is analyzed, including the compression ratio of GDLs, the sealing pressure of O-rings, and the structural safety of carbon plates. Results of analysis indicate that the shape of endplate affects the stack assembly pressure and contact behavior of PEM fuel cells. Proper shape of endplate can generate more uniform deformation of GDLs and avoid the leakage of fuels. With the changing design parameters of the endplate in the integrated design program, the optimum design that satisfies the design constraints and specifications can be found. According to the research conclusion, the proposed design and analysis method is helpful in determining the key dimensions for endplates or other components of PEM fuel cells.
A Practical Method for Modeling of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Stack Degradation
Authors: Dong Wei , Pastula Michael
Published: February 2010

In this paper, the influences of area specific resistance (ASR), current density, temperature and thermal cycle (TC) on solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) degradation were analyzed and quantified. The cell degradation equation and its influence equations with ASR, current density, temperature and thermal cycles were derived. Based on these equations, several ideal cases were studied. Meanwhile, a practical method considering three types of SOFC stack degradation behaviors based on empirical data were employed. This was done using an inhouse SOFC dynamic-link library as an input into a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tool for modeling voltage decay and end of life (EOL) performance. It allows for a detailed 3-D study of a solid oxide fuel cell stack. It is revealed that the operating current density and cell ASR are two factors directly determining the degradation rate of individual cells. In addition, the operating temperature has a significant influence on the lumped ASR, thus also influencing cell degradation rate. The influence of contact ASR on cell degradation can be superior to that of temperature in that a contact resistance increment due to a thermal cycle, or other event, can cause a step change with a cell temperature increase and cell voltage decrease. It is suggested to run a stack below a certain critical peak internal temperature is favored, and if the contact loss is around 0.1 Ωcm2, one may offset the cell degradation by increasing operating temperature about 30°C. However, if the stack is operated above the cell critical peak temperature, it may cause an ineluctable increase in degradation.
In-Situ Preparation of Catalytic Diffusion Layers and Its Application in Direct Liquid Fuel Cells
Authors: Luo Nie , Yang Xiaoling , Kim Kyu-Jung , Stubbins James F. , Miley George H. , Burton Rodney , Huang Xinyu
Published: February 2010

Direct liquid fuel cells, such as the direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) and borohydride fuel cell, may experience severe electrochemical corrosion problems due to the presence of conducting liquid fuels. This type of fuel cells has catalytic electrodes that are permeable to the liquid fuels. This permeability to liquids or solutions then opens up a possibility to the electrochemical improvement of catalytic electrodes once excessive corrosion has occurred. The in-situ electro-deposition or electroplating of the catalytic diffusion electrode is developed to first improve the performance and secondly mitigate the corrosion problem. The experimental details of such a technique are described in this paper. Direct liquid fuel cells thus treated typically have power density up to 40% higher, compared to fuel cells whose catalysts are prepared the traditional way. It is well known that power density is one of the enabling factors for portable power sources, for which the typical direct liquid fuel cells are designed. Therefore, the in-situ electroplating technique is expected to play an important role in the commercialization of fuel cell technology.
Evaluation Method for Mechanical Performance of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Under Simulated Operating Conditions
Authors: Sato Kazuhisa , Fukui Knichi , Numao Masayuki , Hashida Toshiyuki , Mizusaki Junichiro
Published: February 2010

With the help of acoustic-emission (AE) monitoring system, a simple fracture testing method was developed in order to investigate the mechanical performance of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) under simulated environments. The fracture testing method was applied to ceria electrolyte-supported single cells. The fracture damage process involves vertical cracking and delamination in the cathode as well as vertical cracking in the electrolyte. The fracture damages were most likely due to the chemical expansion induced stresses. Determining AE method demonstrates the capability of detecting the abovementioned fracture process and the determining the condition for the onset of the fracture damage in the single cell.
A Modeling Study of Porous Electrode Property Effects on Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Performance
Authors: Xie X. , Xue X.
Published: February 2010

A two-dimensional isothermal mathematical model is developed for an anode-supported planar solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). The model takes into account the complex coupling effects of multi-physics processes including mass transfer, charge (ion/electron) transport, and electrochemical reaction. The SOFC multi-physics processes are numerically linked to SOFC global performance such as polarization curve. The model is validated using polarization curve as a metric with the experimental data from open literature. Since triple phase boundary reaction zone may vary from the vicinity of the electrolyte all the way to the entire electrode depending on selected materials and fabrication process, the effects of anode active reaction zone with different volumes are investigated comprehensively for a generic button cell using the developed mathematical model. The tradeoff design between active reaction zone volumes and other design parameters such as porosity and tortuosity of electrodes are also examined. Results show that porous composite electrode properties have very complex effects on SOFC performance. The results may provide a valuable guidance for high performance SOFC design and fabrication.