bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The prescribed duration algorithm: utilising ‘free text’ from multiple primary care electronic systems
Authors: Brooks Caroline J. , Lyons Ronan A. , Jones Kerina H. , Hutton Andrew J. , Walker Roger , Evans Karen A. , Lloyd Keith , Ford David V
Published: July 2010

Purpose

To develop and test an algorithm that translates total dose and daily regimen, inputted as ‘free text’ on a prescription, into numerical values to calculate the prescribed treatment duration.

Method

The algorithm was developed using antibiotic prescriptions (n = 711 714) from multiple primary care computer systems. For validation, the prescribed treatment duration of an independent sample of antibiotic scripts was calculated in two ways: (a) computer algorithm, (b) manually reviewed by a researcher blinded to the results of (a). The outputs of the two methods were compared and the level of agreement assessed, using confidence intervals for differences in proportions. This was repeated on sample of antidepressant scripts to test generalisabilty of the algorithm.

Results

For the antibiotic prescriptions, the algorithm processed 98.5% with an accuracy of 99.8% and the manual review processed 98.5% with 98.9% accuracy. The differences between these proportions are 0.0% (95%CI of −0.9, 0.9%) and 1.0% (95%CI of −0.1, 2.3%), respectively. For the antidepressant prescriptions, the algorithm processed 91.5% with an accuracy of 96.6% compared to the manual review with 96.4% processed and 99.8% accuracy; difference between these proportions is 4.9% (95%CI of 2.0, 8.0%) and 3.2% (95%CI of 1.6, 5.3%), respectively.

Conclusion

The algorithm proved to be applicable and efficient for assessing prescribed duration, with sensitivity and specificity values close to the manual review, but with the added advantage that the computer can process large volume of scripts rapidly and automatically. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Silver nanoparticles formation within unsaturated polyester/styrene resins induced by UV irradiation and thermal treatment
Authors: Brito‐Silva Antonio M. , de Araújo Cid B. , Brayner Fábio A. , Santos Sergio S. , Galembeck André , Milet Edwin R.C.
Published: July 2010

This article describes the formation of silver nanoparticles (NPs) within preformed unsaturated polyester/styrene resins in which the resulting color could be tuned by changing the silver load, time, and method used to grow the NPs. NP size and aggregation are responsible for the resulting sample color, and the samples present very good optical transparency. The silver ions were first added to the prepolymer that was crosslinked by free radical polymerization in the absence of light. NP formation was subsequently induced by submitting the transparent and colorless samples to heat or UV irradiation. Within the heated samples, isolated spherical particles ranging from 3 to 40 nm were observed. UV irradiation led to the formation of particle aggregates; however, as the exposure time was increased, silver NPs became well dispersed within the matrix within a particle diameter range of 9 to 24 nm. The particle formation is faster when induced by UV irradiation. Samples were also prepared by first dissolving rhodamine 6G in the resin. The emission bandwidth of samples prepared in this way showed a dependence on the silver particles amount and size. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Degradation of individual cells in a module measured with differentialIVanalysis
Authors: Alers G.B. , Zhou J. , Deline C. , Hacke P. , Kurtz S.R.
Published: July 2010

A methodology is developed for the extraction of cell‐level properties from the analysis of differentialIVresponse in a solar module with series connected cells. Through a combination of simulation and experimental verification we show that the shunt resistance and short circuit current of individual cells can be determined from a peak in the module differential resistance with cells that are partially shaded. The magnitude of the peak is equal to the shunt resistance of the cell for small values of shunt resistance. The current at which the peak occurs is proportional to the product of the short circuit current and the shading factor of the particular cell. With this methodology, we are able to measure degradation of 72 individual cells in a single commercial module after a high temperature/high humidity/high voltage stress test. Therefore, the statistics of degradation in this test were improved 72‐fold. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Creating Knowledge of End Users’ Requirements: The Interface between Firm and Project
Authors: Pemsel Sofia , Widén Kristian
Published: July 2010

In order to stay competitive and meet the changing needs of the market, construction firms must develop efficient means of gathering and using knowledge of end users’ requirements. This article uses two case studies to explore the knowledge creation of end users’ requirements in project-driven firms. The focus of the study is the interface between the firm and the project. The interface is analyzed from both an autopoietic and cognitive, organizational, and societal view. The findings implicate the importance of understanding (a) what kinds of knowledge dominated in the different organizations, (b) what could be expected in the exchange of data, and (c) what action needs to be taken in order to create value of it. The study suggests that considering the organization as an autopoietic system could be useful to understand the organization's responses to a dynamic environment.
Protective effects of a dual endothelin converting enzyme/neutral endopeptidase inhibitor on the development of pulmonary hypertension secondary to cardiac dysfunction in the rat
Authors: Dai Zen‐Kong , Hsieh Chong‐Chao , Chai Chee‐Yin , Wu Jiunn‐Ren , Jeng Arco Y. , Chou Shah‐Hwa , Wu Bin‐Nan , Yeh Jwu‐Lai , Chen Ing‐Jun , Tan Mian‐Shin
Published: July 2010

Endothelium‐derived nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin (ET)‐1 interact to regulate the vascular tone in pulmonary hypertension (PH). We investigated the protective effects of an orally active, dual endothelin converting enzyme (ECE)/neutral endopeptidase (NEP) inhibitor/CGS 26393 on pulmonary vascular remodeling and pulmonary expressions of ET‐1 and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) during the development of PH secondary to cardiac dysfunction. Significant increases in the mean pulmonary arterial pressure, pulmonary arteriolar medial thickness, and pulmonary expression of ET‐1 were seen in rats subjected to aortic banding for 4 weeks, compared with sham‐operated rats. Treatment with CGS 26393 (30 mg/kg, twice daily, p.o.) began on 1 day after aortic banding. CGS 26393 treated rats had lower mean pulmonary arterial pressure (15 ± 1 mmHg, mean ± SEM,P < 0.05) compared to vehicle‐treated rats (37 ± 1 mmHg). It also normalized pulmonary arteriolar medial thickness and reduced the levels of pulmonary ET‐1 and big ET‐1 by 55% (P < 0.05) and 28% (P < 0.01), respectively, when compared with vehicle‐treated animals. Meanwhile, the expressions of eNOS mRNA and eNOS protein and cGMP levels in the lung of CGS 26393‐treated rats were increased by 62% (P < 0.05), 100% (P < 0.05), and 32% (P < 0.01), respectively, compared to the vehicle‐treated rats. These results suggest that CGS 26393 could offer preventive effects on the development of PH by ameliorating pulmonary remodeling, decreasing ET‐1 production, and up‐regulating eNOS and cGMP in aorta‐banded rats. However, the molecular mechanisms by which treatment with CGS 26393 results in altered expressions of eNOS and cGMP awaits further investigation. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010;45:1076–1085. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Studying submicrosecond protein folding kinetics using a photolabile caging strategy and time‐resolved photoacoustic calorimetry
Authors: Chen Hsin‐Liang , Hsu Jack C.‐C. , Viet Man Hoang , Li Mai Suan , Hu Chin‐Kun , Liu Chia‐Hsun , Luh Frederick Y. , Chen Silvia S.‐W. , Chang Evan S.‐H. , Wang Andrew H.‐J. , Hsu Min‐Feng , Fann Wunshain , Chen Rita P.‐Y.
Published: July 2010

Kinetic measurement of protein folding is limited by the method used to trigger folding. Traditional methods, such as stopped flow, have a long mixing dead time and cannot be used to monitor fast folding processes. Here, we report a compound, 4‐(bromomethyl)‐6,7‐dimethoxycoumarin, that can be used as a “photolabile cage” to study the early stages of protein folding. The folding process of a protein, RD1, including kinetics, enthalpy, and volume change, was studied by the combined use of a phototriggered caging strategy and time‐resolved photoacoustic calorimetry. The cage caused unfolding of the photolabile protein, and then a pulse UV laser (∼10−9 s) was used to break the cage, leaving the protein free to refold and allowing the resolving of two folding events on a nanosecond time scale. This strategy is especially good for monitoring fast folding proteins that cannot be studied by traditional methods. Proteins 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Flexibility and inhibitor binding in cdc25 phosphatases
Authors: Arantes Guilherme Menegon
Published: July 2010

Cdc25 phosphatases involved in cell cycle checkpoints are now active targets for the development of anti‐cancer therapies. Rational drug design would certainly benefit from detailed structural information for Cdc25s. However, only apo‐ or sulfate‐bound crystal structures of the Cdc25 catalytic domain have been described so far. Together with previously available crystalographic data, results from molecular dynamics simulations, bioinformatic analysis, and computer‐generated conformational ensembles shown here indicate that the last 30–40 residues in the C‐terminus of Cdc25B are partially unfolded or disordered in solution. The effect of C‐terminal flexibility upon binding of two potent small molecule inhibitors to Cdc25B is then analyzed by using three structural models with variable levels of flexibility, including an equilibrium distributed ensemble of Cdc25B backbone conformations. The three Cdc25B structural models are used in combination with flexible docking, clustering, and calculation of binding free energies by the linear interaction energy approximation to construct and validate Cdc25B‐inhibitor complexes. Two binding sites are identified on top and beside the Cdc25B active site. The diversity of interaction modes found increases with receptor flexibility. Backbone flexibility allows the formation of transient cavities or compact hydrophobic units on the surface of the stable, folded protein core that are unexposed or unavailable for ligand binding in rigid and densely packed crystal structures. The present results may help to speculate on the mechanisms of small molecule complexation to partially unfolded or locally disordered proteins. Proteins 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Beta‐barrel models of soluble amyloid beta oligomers and annular protofibrils
Authors: Shafrir Yinon , Durell Stewart R. , Anishkin Andriy , Guy H. Robert
Published: July 2010

Both soluble and membrane‐bound prefibrillar assemblies of Abeta (Aβ) peptides have been associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The size and nature of these assemblies vary greatly and are affected by many factors. Here, we present models of soluble hexameric assemblies of Aβ42 and suggest how they can lead to larger assemblies and eventually to fibrils. The common element in most of these assemblies is a six‐stranded β‐barrel formed by the last third of Aβ42, which is composed of hydrophobic residues and glycines. The hydrophobic core β‐barrels of the hexameric models are shielded from water by the N‐terminus and central segments. These more hydrophilic segments were modeled to have either predominantly β or predominantly α secondary structure. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to analyze stabilities of the models. The hexameric models were used as starting points from which larger soluble assemblies of 12 and 36 subunits were modeled. These models were developed to be consistent with numerous experimental results. Proteins 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
FRS2α Regulates Erk Levels to Control a Self-Renewal Target Hes1 and Proliferation of FGF-Responsive Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells
Authors: Sato Takuya , Shimazaki Takuya , Naka Hayato , Fukami Shin-Ichi , Satoh Yasushi , Okano Hideyuki , Lax Irit , Schlessinger Joseph , Gotoh Noriko
Published: July 2010

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) is among the most common growth factors used in cultures to maintain self-renewal and proliferative capabilities of a variety of stem cells, including neural stem cells (NSCs). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the control by FGF have remained elusive. Studies on mutant mice of FGF receptor substrate 2α (FRS2α), a central mediator for FGF signaling, combined with FRS2α knockdown or gain-of-function experiments, allowed us to dissect the role of FGF signaling for the self-renewal and proliferation of NSCs and to provide novel molecular mechanisms for them. We identified Hes1 as a novel self-renewal target of FGF-signaling. Quantitatively different levels of Erk activation mediated by FRS2α may regulate self-renewal of NSCs and proliferation of neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs); low levels of Erk activation are sufficient for the former, however, higher levels are required for maximum activity of the latter. Thus, FRS2α fine-tunes the FGF-signaling to control qualitatively different biological activities, self-renewal at least partly through Hes1 versus proliferation of NSPCs.
Endocervical hyaluronan and ultrasound‐indicated cerclage
Authors: Eglinton G. S. , Herway C. , Skupski D. W. , Bongiovanni A. M. , Witkin S. S.
Published: July 2010

Objective

To investigate whether, at the time of ultrasound‐indicated cerclage, the endocervical concentration of hyaluronan (HA), 27‐kDa heat shock protein (HSP‐27) and/or interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) would predict pregnancy outcome.

Methods

Endocervical samples, obtained from 40 women undergoing ultrasound‐indicated cerclage at 15 + 3 to 25 + 0 weeks' gestation, were assayed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for HA, HSP‐27 and IL‐8. All subjects had a cervical length of < 1.5 cm or dramatic cervical length change on serial endovaginal ultrasound, no uterine contractions or tenderness, no fever and intact membranes and underwent a modified Shirodkar cerclage.

Results

The median HA level was 10.0 ng/mL in the 12 women who delivered at < 37 weeks' gestation as opposed to 39.7 ng/mL in the 28 women delivering at 37–41 weeks (P = 0.017). Median HSP‐27 and IL‐8 concentrations were not significantly different in these groups.

Conclusion

A higher endocervical HA level at the time of ultrasound‐indicated cerclage is associated with a longer interval before birth. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tissue‐specific mechanisms of alternative polyadenylation: testis, brain, and beyond
Authors: MacDonald Clinton C. , McMahon K. Wyatt
Published: July 2010

Changing the position of the poly(A) tail in an mRNA—alternative polyadenylation—is an important mechanism to increase the diversity of gene expression, especially in metazoans. Alternative polyadenylation often occurs in a tissue‐ or developmental stage‐specific manner and can significantly affect gene activity by changing the protein product generated, the stability of the transcript, its localization, or its translatability. Despite the important regulatory effects that alternative polyadenylation have on gene expression, only a sparse few examples have been mechanistically characterized. Here, we review the known mechanisms for the control of alternative polyadenylation, catalog the tissues that demonstrate a propensity for alternative polyadenylation, and focus on the proteins that are known to regulate alternative polyadenylation in specific tissues. We conclude that the field of alternative polyadenylation remains in its infancy, with possibilities for future investigation on the horizon. Given the profound effect alternative polyadenylation can have on gene expression and human health, improved understanding of alternative polyadenylation could lead to numerous advances in control of gene activity. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Processing > 3' End Processing

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Development
Increased Platelet Counts after Transthoracic En Bloc Resection for Esophageal Cancer is Associated with Significantly Improved Survival
Authors: Ling Frederike C. , Vallböhmer Daniel , Hoelscher Arnulf H. , Schmidt Daniel , Bollschweiler Elfriede , Schneider Paul M.
Published: July 2010

Background

We analyzed perioperative platelet counts as a potential clinical marker for survival after transthoracic en bloc resection for esophageal cancer. Recent data described preoperative thrombocytosis in malignancies to be associated with poor prognosis.

Methods

A retrospective analysis from a prospective database (1997–2006) was performed for 291 consecutive patients with esophageal cancer who underwent transthoracic en bloc esophagectomy and extended lymphadenectomy. Squamous cell cancer was found in 47.0% and adenocarcinoma in 50.9% (2.1% had rare histologies). Neoadjuvant chemoradiation was performed in 152 (52%) patients. Platelet counts before surgery and on postoperative days (PODs) 1, 10, and 30 were evaluated. We used the published cutoff value of 293 × 109/l (mean of 80 healthy controls ± standard deviation) for platelet counts.

Results

High platelet counts before surgery missed significance for poorer survival (p = 0.054). Following a perioperative fall in thrombocytes, a significant rise at POD 10 after surgery was evident. Platelet counts of more than 293 × 109/l at this time correlated with a significantly improved survival rate (p = 0.027). Patients with no increase in thrombocytes until POD 10 had significantly poorer survival (p = 0.012). Multivariate analysis confirmed that a thrombocyte increase between the preoperative count and that on POD 10 is an independent prognostic indicator (p = 0.035) for patients with completely (R0) resected tumors.

Conclusions

An increase in platelet counts measured on POD 10 following transthoracic en bloc esophagectomy and extended lymphadenectomy is an independent prognostic indicator for improved survival in patients with esophageal cancer.
Histological and Immediate Postoperative Outcome after Preoperative Cetuximab: Case‐Matched Control Study
Authors: Pessaux Patrick , Marzano Ettore , Casnedi Selenia , Bachellier Philippe , Jaeck Daniel , Chenard Marie‐Pierre
Published: July 2010

Background

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of preoperative cetuximab (cetu) on nontumorous liver parenchyma and the clinical and biological outcomes after liver resection for colorectal liver metastases (CLM).

Methods

Between January 2005 and June 2009, 26 patients who received preoperative cetu were matched to a control group of 26 patients who did not receive cetu. They were matched on the basis of age, gender, body mass index, extent of hepatectomy, and type and number of cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Results

Liver function tests, postoperative outcome, and histopathology of the resected liver were compared. There was no mortality. Postoperative morbidity and perioperative bleeding rates were similar in both groups. Serum aspartate aminotransferase and serum alanine aminotransferase were higher on postoperative day 5 in the control group (p = 0.02 and p = 0.04, respectively). In the cetu group, the postoperative peaks of γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase and alkaline phosphatase were statistically higher than in the control group. Interestingly, pathological review of the nontumorous liver parenchyma revealed no significant difference between patients who received cetu and those treated without cetu with respect to prevalence of steatosis, steatohepatitis, sinusoidal obstructive syndrome, and fibrosis.

Conclusions

The addition of cetu to the neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimens does not appear to increase the morbidity rate after hepatectomy for CLM, and also in cases of major hepatectomy. The pathological examination did not show additional injury to the nontumorous liver parenchyma.
“It's Challenging on a Personal Level”—Exploring the ‘Lived Experience’ of Australian and Canadian Prenatal Genetic Counselors
Authors: Menezes Melody A. , Hodgson Jan M. , Sahhar Margaret A. , Aitken MaryAnne , Metcalfe Sylvia A.
Published: July 2010

Prenatal genetic counselors work with clients who are at risk of having a child with a fetal anomaly, or who have been diagnosed with a fetal anomaly. This can raise challenging ethical, moral and legal issues for both clients and counselors. Few studies have explored whether this type of work impacts on genetic counselors themselves. Interviews were conducted with 15 prenatal genetic counselors, five from Toronto, Canada and ten from Melbourne, Australia. A qualitative approach was used to allow for an in‐depth exploration of the experiences of genetic counselors working in the prenatal setting. While participants reported that working in a prenatal setting affected them in several ways, this paper focuses on one particular unanticipated finding—that of the impact experienced by counselors from both countries while working when pregnant.
Brief report: Need for autonomy and other perceived barriers relating to adolescents’ intentions to seek professional mental health care
Authors: Wilson Coralie J. , Deane Frank P.
Published: July 2010

The current study examined the relationship between belief‐based barriers to seeking professional mental health care and help‐seeking intentions in a sample of 1037 adolescents. From early adolescence to adulthood, for males and females, the need for autonomy was a strong barrier to seeking professional mental health care. Help‐seeking fears were weaker in the older age groups. Having lower perceived need for autonomy and believing that prior mental health care was helpful was significantly associated with higher intentions to seek future professional mental health care. Implications for prevention and overcoming barriers to seeking mental health care are suggested.
Retrospective study to characterize post-obstructive diuresis in cats with urethral obstruction
Authors: Francis Brenda J. , Wells Raegan J. , Rao Sangeeta , Hackett Timothy B.
Published: July 2010

Urethral obstruction is a common medical emergency in cats. Frequency of post-obstruction diuresis in cats following resolution of urethral obstruction is unknown. The objective of this study was to document frequency and associated clinical features of post-obstruction diuresis in cats. The records of 32 cats undergoing 33 admissions to the Colorado State University Veterinary Hospital for urethral obstruction were reviewed. Signalment, admission blood values, fluid therapy, and urine output were recorded. Diuresis was defined as urine output greater than 2 ml/kg/h. Post-obstructive diuresis occurred in 46% (13/28) of cats within the first 6 h of treatment. Occurrence of post-obstructive diuresis was statistically more likely in cats with venous pH<7.35 on admission. Urine production following resolution of urethral obstruction should be monitored so that fluid therapy can be adjusted to the individual patient, as many cats will have a higher fluid requirement secondary to post-obstruction diuresis.
Free Poster Presentations: Forearm heat pain does not inhibit electrically induced tibialis anterior muscle pain
Authors: Gullander Maria , Matre Dagfinn
Published: July 2010

Objectives

Women report more musculoskeletal pain than men. A dysfunctional pain inhibitory system has been launched as a contributing factor for these gender differences. This study used a diffuse noxious inhibitory controls (DNIC) paradigm and asked the following questions: (1) is electrically induced muscle pain inhibited by a painful heat stimulus to the forearm, and (2) does women show signs of reduced inhibition compared to men?.

Methods

Forty healthy subjects (20 females; 18–45 years) participated in a cross-over design with painful (45–49 °C) or non-painful (35 °C) conditioning heat stimuli (in balanced order) to the contralateral forearm. The subjects received 10 painful electrical stimuli in the tibialis anterior muscle before, during and after conditioning and rated each electrical stimulus on a 0–10cm visual analogue scale (VAS). There was 30 min between experiments. All VAS scores were normalized to scores before conditioning (100%) and analyzed by RM-ANOVA. Females participated during the ovulatory phase (days 12–14).

Results

There was a main effect of conditioning. VAS scores during conditioning were reduced to 90 ± 24% (mean ± S.D.) with respect to before conditioning (p = 0.02). There was no difference between painful and non-painful conditioning (p = 0.31). Neither was there any difference between genders (p = 0.28); mean male VAS scores were 91 ± 21% and mean female scores were 89 ± 27% during (vs. before) conditioning.

Conclusion

Electrically induced muscle pain was not inhibited by a painful heat stimulus to the forearm. The reduction in muscle pain may be results of habituation. The lack of a DNIC effect may have been caused by the relatively small skin area receiving the conditioning stimulus, and excludes a conclusion on gender effects.
Adolescent Mothers in Later Life
Authors: Furstenberg Frank F. , Brooks-Gunn J. , Morgan S. Philip
Published: July 2010

This landmark study traces the life histories of approximately 300 teenage mothers and their children over a seventeen-year period. From interview data and case studies, it provides a vivid account of the impact of early childbearing on young mothers and their children. Some remarkable and surprising results emerge from this unique study of the long term adaptation to early parenthood. It also offers refreshing insights into the unexplored connections between mothers' careers and the development of their children. Adolescent Mothers in Later Life will be an invaluable resource for all those interested in teenage pregnancy.
Asia, America, and the Transformation of Geopolitics
Authors: Overholt William H.
Published: July 2010

American security and prosperity now depend on Asia. William H. Overholt offers an iconoclastic analysis of developments in each major Asian country, Asian international relations, and US foreign policy. Drawing on decades of political and business experience, he argues that obsolete Cold War attitudes tie the US increasingly to an otherwise isolated Japan and obscure the reality that a US-Chinese bicondominium now manages most Asian issues. Military priorities risk polarizing the region unnecessarily, weaken the economic relationships that engendered American preeminence, and ironically enhance Chinese influence. As a result, US influence in Asia is declining. Overholt disputes the argument that democracy promotion will lead to superior development and peace, and forecasts a new era in which Asian geopolitics could take a drastically different shape. Covering Japan, China, Russia, Central Asia, India, Pakistan, Korea, and South-East Asia, Overholt offers invaluable insights for scholars, policy-makers, business people, and general readers.
A survey of the castor oil content, seed weight and seed-coat colour on the United States Department of Agriculture germplasm collection
Authors: Wang M. L. , Morris J. B. , Pinnow D. L. , Davis J. , Raymer P. , Pederson G. A.
Published: July 2010

Castor (Ricinus communis L.) is an important non-edible oilseed crop that can potentially be used as feedstock for biodiesel production. There are 1033 accessions in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) castor germplasm collection. The range of oil content in these accessions has never been surveyed. For exploiting castor as a feedstock for biodiesel production, the entire USDA castor collection was procured from the National Plant Germplasm System (Germplasm Resources Information Network) and the oil content was measured with nuclear magnetic resonance. The variation of oil content among all castor accessions ranged from 37.2 to 60.6% with an average of 48.2%. One hundred seed weights were determined and seed-coat colour was also recorded from each accession. One hundred seed weight ranged from 10.1 to 73.3 g with an average of 28.3 g. There was a significant correlation between seed weight and oil content but the correlation value was low (r = 0.1572, P < 0.0001). Fifty accessions with a wide range of oil content were selected to be field grown for further evaluation. The results obtained from this survey will be useful for castor breeders seeking germplasm accessions with high oil content in the collection.
Global view of aerosol vertical distributions from CALIPSO lidar measurements and GOCART simulations: Regional and seasonal variations
Authors: Yu Hongbin , Chin Mian , Winker David M. , Omar Ali H. , Liu Zhaoyan , Kittaka Chieko , Diehl Thomas
Published: July 2010

This study examines seasonal variations of the vertical distribution of aerosols through a statistical analysis of the Cloud‐Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) lidar observations from June 2006 to November 2007. A data‐screening scheme is developed to attain good quality data in cloud‐free conditions, and the polarization measurement is used to separate dust from non‐dust aerosol. The CALIPSO aerosol observations are compared with aerosol simulations from the Goddard Chemistry Aerosol Radiation Transport (GOCART) model and aerosol optical depth (AOD) measurements from the MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). The CALIPSO observations of geographical patterns and seasonal variations of AOD are generally consistent with GOCART simulations and MODIS retrievals especially near source regions, while the magnitude of AOD shows large discrepancies in most regions. Both the CALIPSO observation and GOCART model show that the aerosol extinction scale heights in major dust and smoke source regions are generally higher than that in industrial pollution source regions. The CALIPSO aerosol lidar ratio also generally agrees with GOCART model within 30% on regional scales. Major differences between satellite observations and GOCART model are identified, including (1) an underestimate of aerosol extinction by GOCART over the Indian sub‐continent, (2) much larger aerosol extinction calculated by GOCART than observed by CALIPSO in dust source regions, (3) much weaker in magnitude and more concentrated aerosol in the lower atmosphere in CALIPSO observation than GOCART model over transported areas in midlatitudes, and (4) consistently lower aerosol scale height by CALIPSO observation than GOCART model. Possible factors contributing to these differences are discussed.
Connectivity‐consistent mapping method for 2‐D discrete fracture networks
Authors: Roubinet Delphine , de Dreuzy Jean‐Raynald , Davy Philippe
Published: July 2010

We present a new flow computation method in 2‐D discrete fracture networks (DFN) intermediary between the classical DFN flow simulation method and the projection onto continuous grids. The method divides the simulation complexity by solving for flows successively at a local mesh scale and at the global domain scale. At the local mesh scale, flows are determined by classical DFN flow simulations and approximated by an equivalent hydraulic matrix (EHM) relating heads and flow rates discretized on the mesh borders. Assembling the equivalent hydraulic matrices provides for a domain‐scale discretization of the flow equation. The equivalent hydraulic matrices transfer the connectivity and flow structure complexities from the local mesh scale to the domain scale. Compared to existing geometrical mapping or equivalent tensor methods, the EHM method broadens the simulation range of flow to all types of 2‐D fracture networks both below and above the representative elementary volume (REV). Additional computation linked to the derivation of the local mesh‐scale equivalent hydraulic matrices increases the accuracy and reliability of the method. Compared to DFN methods, the EHM method first provides a simpler domain‐scale alternative permeability model. Second, it enhances the simulation capacities to larger fracture networks where flow discretization on the DFN structure yields system sizes too large to be solved using the most advanced multigrid and multifrontal methods. We show that the EHM method continuously moves from the DFN method to the tensor representation as a function of the local mesh‐scale discretization. The balance between accuracy and model simplification can be optimally controlled by adjusting the domain‐scale and local mesh‐scale discretizations.
2008–2010 AGU Officers and Committee Members
Authors: Anonymous
Published: July 2010

Committees of Council Audit and Legal Affairs Committee Carol A. Finn Hannah Padilla William Schlesinger Anne Thompson Robert T. Van Hook
Geomagnetic variation on decadal time scales: What can we learn from Empirical Mode Decomposition?
Authors: Jackson L. P. , Mound J. E.
Published: July 2010

The effects of core fluid dynamics are observable as variations in the geomagnetic field at time scales of decades to many thousands of years. A non‐classical method, Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) is performed on globally distributed observatory records of declination and inclination to study decadal variations of the geomagnetic field. We use waveform analysis to test the robustness of EMD and find an 11.5 year signal consistent with the solar cycle. Periods of 30.5, 62 and 81 years are also identified in the observations and compared with results from core flow inversions. These signals are likely to be of internal origin, potentially the manifestation of torsional oscillations, in the fluid core. Finally, we analyse a new 600 year time series from Munich and suggest that a longer, 160 year period exists.
Increasing intensity of El Niño in the central‐equatorial Pacific
Authors: Lee Tong , McPhaden Michael J.
Published: July 2010

Satellite observations suggest that the intensity of El Niño events in the central equatorial Pacific (CP) has almost doubled in the past three decades, with the strongest warming occurring in 2009–10. This is related to the increasing intensity as well as occurrence frequency of the so‐called CP El Niño events since the 1990s. While sea surface temperature (SST) in the CP region during El Niño years has been increasing, those during neutral and La Niña years have not. Therefore, the well‐documented warming trend of the warm pool in the CP region is primarily a result of more intense El Niño events rather than a general rise of background SST.
The interdependence of endothelin-1 and calcium: a review
Authors: Tykocki Nathan R. , Watts Stephanie W.
Published: July 2010

The 21-amino-acid peptide ET-1 (endothelin-1) regulates a diverse array of physiological processes, including vasoconstriction, angiogenesis, nociception and cell proliferation. Most of the effects of ET-1 are associated with an increase in intracellular calcium concentration. The calcium influx and mobilization pathways activated by ET-1, however, vary immensely. The present review begins with the basics of calcium signalling and investigates the different ways intracellular calcium concentration can increase in response to a stimulus. The focus then shifts to ET-1, and discusses how ET receptors mobilize calcium. We also examine how disease alters calcium-dependent responses to ET-1 by discussing changes to ET-1-mediated calcium signalling in hypertension, as there is significant interest in the role of ET-1 in this important disease. A list of unanswered questions regarding ET-mediated calcium signals are also presented, as well as perspectives for future research of calcium mobilization by ET-1.
Conceptualizing the New Frontier in Preventative and Therapeutic Semantic Interventions for Young Children Living in Poverty
Authors: Rusnak Emily S.
Published: July 2010

In this article, the author discusses research that addresses semantically related reading issues for children in poverty. In addition to providing a theoretical framework, the author provides research-based intervention strategies and suggestions for speech-language pathologists to improve remediation efforts on vocabulary development, particularly in the area of semantic representation, for children who are at risk for developing reading disabilities.
Fivefold differential cross sections for ground-state ionization of aligned H2 by electron impact
Authors: Senftleben Arne , Al-Hagan Ola , Pflüger Thomas , Ren Xueguang , Madison Don , Dorn Alexander , Ullrich Joachim
Published: July 2010

We discuss the ionization of aligned hydrogen molecules into their ionic ground state by 200 eV electrons. Using a reaction microscope, the complete electron scattering kinematics is imaged over a large solid angle. Simultaneously, the molecular alignment is derived from postcollision dissociation of the residual ion. It is found that the ionization cross section is maximized for small angles between the internuclear axis and the momentum transfer. Fivefold differential cross sections (5DCSs) reveal subtle differences in the scattering process for the distinct alignments. We compare our observations with theoretical 5DCSs obtained with an adapted molecular three-body distorted wave model that reproduces most of the results, although discrepancies remain.
Intermittent contact hydration scanning probe microscopy
Authors: Aloisi G. , Bacci F. , Carlà M. , Dolci D.
Published: July 2010

Hydration scanning probe microscopy is a technique similar to scanning tunneling microscopy, in which the probe current, sustained by the slight surface conduction of a thin hydration layer covering an insulating support surface, is essentially electrochemical in nature instead of electronic tunneling. Such a technique allows the imaging of a great variety of samples, including insulators, provided that they are hydrophilic, as well as the study of molecular samples of biological interest (such as DNA) fixed on a suitable supporting surface. The main problem to obtain stable and reproducible images comes from the very critical determination of the operating conditions under which the probe-hydration layer interaction does not lead to the formation of a relatively large water meniscus. It has been suggested that this issue can be removed by adding a high frequency oscillation to the probe movement, as in tapping atomic force microscopy. Meniscus formation and breakup have been investigated in order to determine the best values for the amplitude and the frequency of the oscillation. Results obtained in this mode are discussed in comparison with the usual continuous contact mode.
Stokes flow past a compound drop in a circular tube
Authors: Song Yanxi , Xu Jinliang , Yang Yongping
Published: July 2010

Microfluidics could generate drops or bubbles with controllable size and frequency at this stage. However, analytical work on such problem is less reported in the literature. In this study, we study the motion of a compound drop, consisting of a fluid drop engulfed in a larger drop, confined in a circular tube. The analysis is based on the low Reynolds number Stokes flow theory. Interfaces are assumed to be spherical due to large surface tension. Stream functions in one bipolar and two cylindrical coordinate systems are developed in series form. Our new contribution is the transformation between cylindrical and bipolar coordinate systems. Flow patterns are mainly dependent on the relative motion and the size of the inner drop. Four types of flow patterns are identified. Drag force on the inner or outer drops is in proportion to the product of the drop radius and viscosity of the phase encapsulating the drop. Drag force on the inner or outer spheres is finally expressed as linear combinations of velocities of the three phases (i.e., the inner drop, the outer drop, and the continuous flow), respectively. Our results show that those coefficients of the linear combinations for the drag forces depend on several parameters: eccentricity of the compound drop, viscosity ratio of two neighboring phases, radius ratio of the inner drop to the outer drop, and the radius ratio of the outer drop to the tube. The two radius ratios have largest effects on the coefficients of the inner or outer drop, respectively. Stability of the compound drop in a circular tube is analyzed. It is found that though the compound drop cannot reach an absolutely steady state, it will enter a quasisteady state where the inner sphere is adjacent to the shell of the outer sphere in practice.
Controlled extrinsic magnetoelectric coupling in BaTiO3/Ni nanocomposites: Effect of compaction pressure on interfacial anisotropy
Authors: Brosseau C. , Castel V. , Potel M.
Published: July 2010

The dynamical control of the dielectric response in magnetoelectric (ME) nanocomposites (NCs) renders an entire additional degree of freedom to the functionality of miniaturized magnetoelectronics and spintronics devices. In composite materials, the ME effect is realized by using the concept of product properties. Through the investigation of the microwave properties of a series of BaTiO3/Ni NCs fabricated by compaction of nanopowders, we present experimental evidence that the compaction (uniaxial) pressure in the range 33–230 MPa affects significantly the ME features. The Ni loading was varied from zero (BaTiO3 only) to 63 vol %. Our findings revealed that the ME coupling coefficient exhibits a large enhancement for specific values of the Ni volume fraction and compaction pressure. The coupling effects in the NCs were studied by looking at the relationships among the crystallite orientation and the magnetic properties. The magnetization curves for different directions of the applied magnetic field cannot be superimposed. We suggest that the average magnetization measurements on these NCs under compressive stress are dominated by strain anisotropy rather than magnetocrystalline anisotropy. Overall, these observations are considered to be evidence of stress-induced microstructural changes under pressure which strongly affect the elastic interaction between the magnetostrictive and piezoelectric phases in these NCs. These results have a potential technological impact for designing precise tunable ME NCs for microwave devices such as tunable phase shifters, resonators, and delay lines.
A two-port ZnO/silicon Lamb wave resonator using phononic crystals
Authors: Huang Chao-Yi , Sun Jia-Hong , Wu Tsung-Tsong
Published: July 2010

We present numerical and experimental studies on a two-port ZnO/silicon Lamb wave resonator using two-dimensional phononic-crystal (PC) gratings. Band gaps and reflections of Lamb waves in PC structures were analyzed using the finite element method. Constructive interference was obtained with suitable reflective distance between wave sources and the PC. The simulated result was utilized to optimize the design of Lamb wave resonators. On the experimental side, a layered ZnO/Si Lamb wave resonator with square-lattice PC reflective gratings was fabricated. The measurement showed that with 15-row PCs, the resonator Q factor can be up to 2269 at 158.15 MHz resonant frequency.
Controlled drive-in and precipitation of hydrogen during plasma hydrogenation of silicon using a thin compressively strained SiGe layer
Authors: Okba F. , Cherkashin N. , Di Z. , Nastasi M. , Rossi F. , Merabet A. , Claverie A.
Published: July 2010

We have quantitatively studied by transmission electron microscopy the growth kinetics of platelets formed during the continuous hydrogenation of a Si substrate/SiGe/Si heterostructure. We have evidenced and explained the massive transfer of hydrogen from a population of platelets initially generated in the upper Si layer by plasma hydrogenation towards a population of larger platelets located in the SiGe layer. We demonstrate that this type of process can be used not only to precisely localize the micro-cracks, then the fracture line at a given depth but also to “clean” the top layer from pre-existing defects.
Using river-scale experiments to inform variable releases from large dams: a case study of emergent adaptive management
Authors: Watts R. J. , Ryder D. S. , Allan C. , Commens S.
Published: July 2010

Case studies of successful adaptive management generally focus on examples that have frameworks for adaptive management embedded from project conception. In contrast, this paper outlines an example of emergent adaptive management. We describe an approach whereby targeted research and collaboration among stakeholders assisted learning, and ultimately the development of interim operational guidelines for increased within-channel flow variability in the highly regulated Mitta Mitta River, which is managed as part of the River Murray System in the Murray–Darling Basin, Australia. Environmental monitoring of four variable flow trials evaluated the response of water column microbial activity, benthic and water column metabolism, the structure and composition of algal biofilms, and benthic macroinvertebrates to increased flow variability created by varying the release from Dartmouth Reservoir. Each trial built upon lessons from previous trials, with collaboration among key stakeholders occurring before, during and after each trial. Institutional conditions encouraged a shift to adaptive management over time that helped to achieve environmental, social and economic objectives downstream of the dam. A key lesson is that adaptive management does not have to be specified a priori, but can emerge within a trusting relationship between stakeholders as long as they are willing and able to change their operational paradigm.
NMR resonance assignments of thrombin reveal the conformational and dynamic effects of ligation
Authors: Lechtenberg Bernhard C. , Johnson Daniel J. D. , Freund Stefan M. V. , Huntington James A.
Published: July 2010

The serine protease thrombin is generated from its zymogen prothrombin at the end of the coagulation cascade. Thrombin functions as the effector enzyme of blood clotting by cleaving several procoagulant targets, but also plays a key role in attenuating the hemostatic response by activating protein C. These activities all depend on the engagement of exosites on thrombin, either through direct interaction with a substrate, as with fibrinogen, or by binding to cofactors such as thrombomodulin. How thrombin specificity is controlled is of central importance to understanding normal hemostasis and how dysregulation causes bleeding or thrombosis. The binding of ligands to thrombin via exosite I and the coordination of Na
+
have been associated with changes in thrombin conformation and activity. This phenomenon has become known as thrombin allostery, although direct evidence of conformational change, identification of the regions involved, and the functional consequences remain unclear. Here we investigate the conformational and dynamic effects of thrombin ligation at the active site, exosite I and the Na
+
-binding site in solution, using modern multidimensional NMR techniques. We obtained full resonance assignments for thrombin in seven differently liganded states, including fully unliganded apo thrombin, and have created a detailed map of residues that change environment, conformation, or dynamic state in response to each relevant single or multiple ligation event. These studies reveal that apo thrombin exists in a highly dynamic zymogen-like state, and relies on ligation to achieve a fully active conformation. Conformational plasticity confers upon thrombin the ability to be at once selective and promiscuous.