bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IL‐23: One cytokine in control of autoimmunity
Authors: Croxford Andrew L. , Mair Florian , Becher Burkhard
Published: September 2012

During the past decade, it has been firmly established that IL‐23 is essential for disease development in several models of autoimmune disease, including psoriatic skin inflammation, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). The mechanism by which IL‐23 exerts its pathogenic role has been mostly scrutinized in the context of Th17 cells, which were thought to mediate autoimmunity by secretion of IL‐17 family cytokines. However, the picture emerging now is one of multiple IL‐23‐responsive cell types, pro‐inflammatory cytokine induction, and pathogenic “licensing” following an IL‐23‐dominated interaction between the T cell and the antigen‐presenting cell (APC). This review will focus on our changing view of IL‐23‐dependent autoimmune pathologies with a particular emphasis on the responder cells and their IL‐23‐induced factors that ultimately mediate tissue destruction.
A role for Th17 cells in the regulation of tertiary lymphoid follicles
Authors: Grogan Jane L. , Ouyang Wenjun
Published: September 2012

Immune responses propagate in secondary lymphoid organs (SLOs), such as the spleen and lymph nodes. These highly organized structures are typified by distinct B‐cell follicles and T‐cell zones, and are orchestrated by interactions between the TNF superfamily molecules expressed on hematopoietic cells and their receptors on mesenchymal cells and the subsequent cytokines and chemokines that are elicited. During chronic immune responses, cellular effectors of the immune response can infiltrate target tissue and organize anatomically into de novo B‐cell follicles and T‐cell areas, a phenomenon called lymphoid neogenesis or the formation of tertiary lymphoid organs (TLOs). Critical to the development of SLOs are lymphoid‐tissue inducer (LTi) cells, that is innate lymphoid cells that arise from common precursor cells within the fetal liver. Of interest, Th17 cells, a subset of CD4+ T cells most associated with autoimmune pathogenesis, share many developmental and effector markers with LTi cells. Here, we compare and contrast LTi and Th17 cells, and review recent evidence that Th17 cells and Th17 cytokines, such as IL‐17 and IL‐22, contribute to the development of ectopic lymphoid structures in chronic‐ally inflamed tissue.
Multistep Organocatalysis for the Asymmetric Synthesis of Multisubstituted Aldehydes from Allylic Alcohols
Authors: Ho Xuan‐Huong , Oh Hyun‐Ji , Jang Hye‐Young
Published: September 2012

The combination of a copper complex and a chiral amine organocatalyst induces the formation of multifunctionalized aldehydes from aromatic and aliphatic allylic alcohols. Reactions occur with excellent levels of enantioselectivity, under environmentally benign conditions, and without involving stoichiometric amounts of chemical oxidants for the oxidation of the allylic alcohols or rigorous reaction conditions for transition‐metal catalysis.
Tandem Aldol Condensation/Platinacycle‐Catalyzed Addition Reactions of Aldehydes, Methyl Ketones, and Arylboronic Acids
Authors: Liao Yuan‐Xi , Hu Qiao‐Sheng
Published: September 2012

Aldol condensation of aldehydes with methyl ketones followed by anionic four‐electron donor‐based (type I) platinacycle‐catalyzed addition reactions of arylboronic acids to form β‐arylated ketones is described. Good to excellent yields of β‐arylated ketones were obtained for the tandem reactions of aromatic/aliphatic aldehydes, methyl ketones, and arylboronic acids, and moderate yields were observed for the tandem reactions of α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes.
Assessment of Individual Polyphenol Content in Beer by Means of a Voltammetric BioElectronic Tongue
Authors: Cetó Xavier , Céspedes Francisco , del Valle Manel
Published: September 2012

This work describes the simultaneous determination of three major phenolic compounds found in beer, namely ferulic, gallic and sinapic acids, by means of a BioElectronic Tongue (BioET). The proposed BioET is formed by an array of four voltammetric biosensors, with marked mix‐response towards the involved compounds, plus an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model able to extract meaningful data from the complex readings, overcoming signal overlapping. The obtained responses were first preprocessed employing the windowed slicing integral method to reduce data dimension and the obtained coefficients fed the ANN model which carried out the quantification. Finally, its performance was successfully assessed with some external test and spiked beer samples.
Genome‐Wide Association Analysis of Imputed Rare Variants: Application to Seven Common Complex Diseases
Authors: Mägi Reedik , Asimit Jennifer L. , Day‐Williams Aaron G. , Zeggini Eleftheria , Morris Andrew P.
Published: September 2012

Genome‐wide association studies have been successful in identifying loci contributing effects to a range of complex human traits. The majority of reproducible associations within these loci are with common variants, each of modest effect, which together explain only a small proportion of heritability. It has been suggested that much of the unexplained genetic component of complex traits can thus be attributed to rare variation. However, genome‐wide association study genotyping chips have been designed primarily to capture common variation, and thus are underpowered to detect the effects of rare variants. Nevertheless, we demonstrate here, by simulation, that imputation from an existing scaffold of genome‐wide genotype data up to high‐density reference panels has the potential to identify rare variant associations with complex traits, without the need for costly re‐sequencing experiments. By application of this approach to genome‐wide association studies of seven common complex diseases, imputed up to publicly available reference panels, we identify genome‐wide significant evidence of rare variant association in PRDM10 with coronary artery disease and multiple genes in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) with type 1 diabetes. The results of our analyses highlight that genome‐wide association studies have the potential to offer an exciting opportunity for gene discovery through association with rare variants, conceivably leading to substantial advancements in our understanding of the genetic architecture underlying complex human traits.
Mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MEK/ERK) inhibition sensitizes cancer cells to centromere‐associated protein E inhibition
Authors: Mayes Patrick A. , Degenhardt Yan Y. , Wood Andrew , Toporovskya Yana , Diskin Sharon J. , Haglund Elizabeth , Moy Christopher , Wooster Richard , Maris John M.
Published: September 2012

Inhibition of centromere‐associated protein‐E (CENP‐E) has demonstrated preclinical anti‐tumor activity in a number of tumor types including neuroblastoma. A potent small molecule inhibitor of the kinesin motor activity of CENP‐E has recently been developed (GSK923295). To identify an effective drug combination strategy for GSK923295 in neuroblastoma, we performed a screen of siRNAs targeting a prioritized set of genes that function in therapeutically tractable signaling pathways. We found that siRNAs targeted to extracellular signal‐related kinase 1 (ERK1) significantly sensitized neuroblastoma cells to GSK923295‐induced growth inhibition (p = 0.01). Inhibition of ERK1 activity using pharmacologic inhibitors of mitogen‐activated ERK kinase (MEK1/2) showed significant synergistic growth inhibitory activity when combined with GSK923295 in neuroblastoma, lung, pancreatic and colon carcinoma cell lines. Synergistic growth inhibitory activity of combined MEK/ERK and CENP‐E inhibition was a result of increased mitotic arrest and apoptosis. There was a significant correlation between ERK1/2 phosphorylation status in neuroblastoma cell lines and GSK923295 growth inhibitory activity (r = 0.823, p = 0.0006). Consistent with this result we found that lung cancer cell lines harboring RAS mutations, which leads to oncogenic activation of MEK/ERK signaling, were significantly more resistant than cell lines with wild‐type RAS to GSK923295‐induced growth inhibition (p = 0.047). Here we have identified (MEK/ERK) activity as a potential biomarker of relative GSK923295 sensitivity and have shown the synergistic effect of combinatorial MEK/ERK pathway and CENP‐E inhibition across different cancer cell types including neuroblastoma.
Cost‐Utility Analysis of Biologic Treatments for Moderate‐to‐Severe Crohn's Disease
Authors: Tang Derek H. , Armstrong Edward P. , Lee Jeannie K.
Published: September 2012

Study Objective

To compare the cost versus utility of four guideline‐recommended biologic treatments—infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab pegol, and natalizumab—for the treatment of Crohn's disease from a United States payer perspective.

Design

Cost‐utility decision analytic model using a Monte Carlo simulation of 10,000 cases.

Data Source

Published primary and tertiary literature.

Patients

Patients with moderate‐to‐severe Crohn's disease, as categorized by the Crohn's Disease Activity Index, that failed to respond to standard therapy and who were treatment naive to biologics.

Measurements and Main Results

The decision analytic model base case was a 35‐year‐old patient weighing 70 kg with moderate‐to‐severe Crohn's disease. Therapeutic efficacy data were obtained from published clinical trials. Online prescription drug, hospitalization data, and Current Procedural Terminology codes were used to estimate cost. Utility measures were estimated using published data obtained from patients with Crohn's disease. The time end point used for the model was 54 weeks. The analysis demonstrated considerable overlap in quality‐adjusted life years gained with the four agents (i.e., mean values across four treatments 0.79‒0.80). Although infliximab had the lowest median cost, there was overlap in the 95% confidence intervals (CIs) compared with the other three biologic products: mean (95% CI) cost for infliximab $22,663 ($19,105‒26,433), adalimumab $27,515 ($23,796‒31,584), certolizumab pegol $29,062 ($24,952‒33,882), and natalizumab $31,166 ($25,915‒37,195). However, the cost‐effectiveness acceptability curve demonstrated that infliximab had the most scenarios (95.2%) when it was the most cost‐effective biologic therapy using a willingness‐to‐pay threshold of $100,000/quality‐adjusted life years gained.

Conclusion

Patients with moderate‐to‐severe Crohn's disease that failed to respond to standard treatment should preferentially receive infliximab as their initial biologic treatment, since this agent had the highest probability of being the most cost‐effective therapy compared with the other biologic treatment options.
Successful Management of Anticoagulation Therapy During International Travel
Authors: Truong Teresa , Armor Becky L.
Published: September 2012

Warfarin is considered a high‐risk drug because of its narrow therapeutic window, variability in dose response, and multitude of drug and food interactions. Although travel advice is available for patients who are taking warfarin, it is geared toward patients who are traveling to developed countries and tends to be lacking in detail. We describe a 53‐year‐old woman with two mechanical heart valves and chronic atrial fibrillation who was taking warfarin for thromboembolism prophylaxis and had plans to travel to Vietnam for 10 weeks. Three days before her departure, she was prescribed amiodarone for long‐term use. As a result of the extended duration of her travel and the complexities of warfarin use, the pharmacists who managed the patient's anticoagulation reviewed several aspects of a comprehensive management approach with the patient for a safe international trip. They assessed the patient's thromboembolic and hemorrhagic risks, and determined which other drugs (e.g., enoxaparin, phytonadione), dosages, and adequate supplies would be required along with warfarin, as well as how to safely transport these drugs during travel. In addition, the logistics of effectively monitoring international normalized ratio (INR) levels were evaluated, and methods of managing multiple potential scenarios were carefully planned out. Contact with the patient was made through pharmacist‐directed telephone visits throughout the travel period. A total of 12 telephone visits were conducted with the patient during the 10 weeks of travel. Her INR was supratherapeutic on three occasions and was subtherapeutic once; however, neither enoxaparin nor phytonadione were needed during the travel period, and the patient returned safely to the United States. Effective and safe use of high‐risk drugs for patients leaving the United States requires extensive pretravel planning, and pharmacists can play a central role in optimizing therapeutic outcomes for these patients during international travel.
Key Articles and Guidelines in the Management of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: 2011 Update
Authors: Johnson Samuel G. , Kayser Steven R. , Attridge Rebecca L. , Duvall Laura , Kiser Tyree H. , Moote Rebecca , Reed Brent N. , Rodgers Jo E. , Erstad Brian
Published: September 2012

Pharmacotherapeutic approaches for the management of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) have expanded greatly in the last 10 years. Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a relatively rare disease and is associated with myriad disease processes. The older term for PAH, primary PAH, has been changed to represent these differences and to distinguish it from postcapillary PAH associated with left‐sided heart failure. Limitations in evaluating treatment approaches for PAH include its rarity, the small number of patients included in clinical trials, and issues regarding the use of placebo‐controlled trials in a disease with such a high mortality rate if left untreated. Management options include the use of prostacyclin and prostacyclin analogues, endothelin receptor antagonists, and phosphodiesterase inhibitors, as well as traditional background therapy with diuretics, digoxin, calcium channel blockers, and warfarin. Numerous drugs are under investigation to evaluate their possible roles in management. Combination therapy is increasingly becoming a standard approach to therapy, with mounting literature to document effectiveness. Current or emerging roles for the pharmacist in the management of PAH largely involves ensuring access to drug therapy, facilitating specialty pharmacy dispensing, and providing patient counseling. Newer roles may include future drug development, optimized use of investigational drugs, and specialized disease management programs. This compilation includes a series of articles identifying important literature in cardiovascular pharmacotherapy. This bibliography focuses on pharmacotherapeutic management of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Most of the cited works present the results of significant human clinical studies that have shaped the management of patients with PAH. Limited primary literature is available for some topics, so in addition, consensus documents prepared by expert panels are reviewed. This compilation may serve as a teaching tool, reference resource, or update of the literature for pharmacy clinicians, physicians, and students.
An assessment of pure, hybrid, meta, and hybrid‐meta GGA density functional theory methods for open‐shell systems: The case of the nonheme iron enzyme 8R–LOX
Authors: Bushnell Eric A. C. , Gauld James W.
Published: September 2012

The performance of a range density functional theory functionals combined in a quantum mechanical (QM)/molecular mechanical (MM) approach was investigated in their ability to reliably provide geometries, electronic distributions, and relative energies of a multicentered open‐shell mechanistic intermediate in the mechanism 8R–Lipoxygenase. With the use of large QM/MM active site chemical models, the smallest average differences in geometries between the catalytically relevant quartet and sextet complexes were obtained with the B3LYP* functional. Moreover, in the case of the relative energies between 4II and 6II, the use of the B3LYP* functional provided a difference of 0.0 kcal mol–1. However, B3LYP± and B3LYP also predicted differences in energies of less than 1 kcal mol–1. In the case of describing the electronic distribution (i.e., spin density), the B3LYP*, B3LYP, or M06‐L functionals appeared to be the most suitable. Overall, the results obtained suggest that for systems with multiple centers having unpaired electrons, the B3LYP* appears most well rounded to provide reliable geometries, electronic structures, and relative energies. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Thickness and stacking geometry effects on high frequency overtone and combination Raman modes of graphene
Authors: Li Dongfei , Zhan Da , Yan Jiaxu , Sun Chenglin , Li Zuowei , Ni Zhenhua , Liu Lei , Shen Zexiang
Published: September 2012

We investigate two high frequency Raman overtone and combination modes of graphene named 2D' and 2D + G bands, and located at ~3240 and ~ 4260 cm–1, respectively. The graphene thickness and stacking geometry effects for these two modes are systematically studied. The features of the 2D' band, which arises from intravalley double resonance, are not sensitive to the variation of thickness with single Lorentzian peak and fixed linewidth. We explain it theoretically by calculating the phonon dispersion mode in k‐space and find that the flat band region of longitudinal optical phonon near Γ point is the mechanism leading to the 2D' band nonsplit. With the thickness increasing, the band position exhibits blueshift and the linewidth increases for the 2D + G band. With changing thickness and stacking geometry of graphene, the intensities of these two high‐frequency bands show obvious different evolution compared with that of G band. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prognostic significance of the IASLC/ATS/ERS classification in Chinese patients—A single institution retrospective study of 292 lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Gu Jie , Lu Chunlai , Guo Jing , Chen Lingli , Chu Yiwei , Ji Yuan , Ge Di
Published: September 2012

Background

A new classification of pulmonary adenocarcinoma has been recently proposed by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society (IASLC/ATS/ERS). This study was undertaken in an attempt to explore the clinical implication of this new classification in Chinese patients.

Methods

Two hundred ninety‐two lung adenocarcinomas were reclassified strictly according to the IASLC/ATS/ERS classification by two pathologists, independently. Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses were used to analyze the correlation between the new classification and patients' prognosis.

Results

We confirmed three groups with different outcomes. Both AIS and MIA had 100% 5‐year disease‐free survival rate and 100% 5‐year overall survival rate. Lepidic, acinar, and papillary as well as variants of invasive adenocarcinoma had intermediate prognosis. Solid and micropapillary cases had poor prognosis (DFS: P < 0.001, OS: P = 0.002). After controlling the clinicopathological factors, the new classification was identified as an independent prognostic factor in patients' disease‐free survival and overall survival.

Conclusions

We have demonstrated a valuable prognostic role of the new classification in Chinese patients. This new classification is valuable of screening out patients with high risk of recurrence to receive postoperative adjuvant therapy. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013;107:474–480. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chondrosarcoma of the tongue: A case report and a review of the literature
Authors: Al‐Rawi Mouwafak , Harper Tiffany , Bafakih Fahad
Published: September 2012

Chondrosarcoma of the head and neck is uncommon and reported to constitute between 1% to 12% of all chondrosarcoma cases.1, 2, 3 Extraskeletal chondrosarcoma of the tongue is an extremely rare type of neoplasm with only three previously reported cases. The underlying origin of chondrosarcoma arising in the tongue is controversial. We describe a case of a low‐grade chondrosarcoma arising in the base of the tongue of a 54‐year‐old woman with a central area of dedifferentiation. The patient was treated with complete surgical resection with no evidence of recurrence at 1 year follow‐up.
60 Jahre Blaue Blätter
Authors: Hauthal Hermann G.
Published: September 2012

In den 60 Jahren ihres Bestehens sind die Blauen Blätter vom einfachen Mitteilungsorgan der Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker zur einflussreichen GDCh‐Zeitschrift herangewachsen, die mehr als 80 000 Leser hat. Im April 2012 erschien innerhalb des 60. Jahrgangs die 700. Ausgabe.
Wie der Mittelstand die neue Chemikalienverordnung umsetzt
Authors: Herpich Rüdiger
Published: September 2012

Unterschiedliche Fristen zur Neueinstufung und Kennzeichnung für Stoffe und Gemische bedeuten für Unternehmen mit hoher Produktvielfalt und komplexen Kundenstrukturen viel Mehrarbeit. Dabei ist wichtig, die Umstellungen sowohl intern als auch extern frühzeitig zu kommunizieren. Dann wissen Mitarbeiter wie Kunden: Die neue Kennzeichnung macht das Produkt nicht gefährlicher.
Xenohormone aus Verpackungen
Authors: Bergmair Johannes , Tacker Manfred , Washüttl Michael
Published: September 2012

Hormonell aktive Inhaltsstoffe in Verpackungsmaterial können in Lebensmittel übergehen und werden wegen ihrer möglichen gesundheitlichen Auswirkungen diskutiert. Mit einer Kombination von In‐vitro‐Tests und chromatographischen Verfahren lassen sich Werkstoffe im Lebensmittelkontakt analysieren und bewerten.
Den Studieneinstieg erleichtern
Authors: Lang Christian , Harwardt Lena , Mizaikoff Boris
Published: September 2012

Das einwöchige Universitäts‐Trainingscamp “Fit für Chemie” an der Universität Ulm soll Studienanfängern in Molekularer Medizin, Biochemie oder Wirtschaftschemie den Übergang von der Schule zum universitären Alltag erleichtern. Der Vorbereitungskurs vermittelt Basiskenntnisse und Methoden und zeigt den Studenten, wie sie das Lernen im Studium effektiv strukturieren.
Risky products in movies: a special type of the embedded message requiring special treatment?
Authors: Kovalenko Andriy , Wooliscroft Ben
Published: September 2012

The appearance of risky products such as alcohol, tobacco and firearms, as well as their brand imagery, in movies can be supported by product manufacturers. This article discusses the argument for a disclosure advising consumers about the persuasive intent behind the appearance of some risky products in movies, drawing upon the ethical implications of product placement. Such a disclosure would protect consumers against the impact of promotional messages and allow moviemakers to separate their artistic activities from promotion of risky products.

Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Testosterone Supplementation for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder in Women
Authors: Woodis C. Brock , McLendon Amber N. , Muzyk Andrew J.
Published: September 2012

Over 50% of women are believed to be affected by female sexual dysfunction (FSD). When particularly distressful, FSD is known as hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). In contrast to male sexual dysfunction that has been extensively researched, there is less evidence addressing the treatment of HSDD in women, particularly with regard to the use of androgen therapy. A variety of testosterone products, including oral, injectable, and transdermal preparations, has been prescribed for the treatment of HSDD in premenopausal women, as well as in those with naturally occurring or surgically induced menopause. Although studies have shown some benefit with testosterone supplementation in women with HSDD, conflicting evidence and debate regarding the clinical efficacy of testosterone remain. Because of concern over potential adverse events, additional studies with longer follow‐up periods are necessary before use of testosterone in women with HSDD becomes widespread. Initiation of testosterone therapy must be considered on an individual basis after a thorough discussion with the patient about risks and benefits.
Comparison of Bivalirudin Dosing Strategies Using Total, Adjusted, and Ideal Body Weights in Obese Patients with Heparin‐Induced Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Tsu Laura V. , Dager William E.
Published: September 2012

Study Objectives

To compare dosing strategies using total body weight (actual measured body weight), adjusted body weight, and ideal body weight when starting bivalirudin for the treatment for heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) in obese patients, and to compare differences in dosing requirements and clinical outcomes between obese and nonobese patients.

Design

Retrospective medical record review.

Setting

Academic tertiary care medical center.

Patients

One hundred thirty‐five medical and surgical patients who were treated with bivalirudin for HIT between June 1, 2004, and October 1, 2009.

Measurements and Main Results

The 135 patients were separated into two groups based on body mass index (BMI): 46 patients had a BMI greater than 30 kg/m2 and were classified in the obese group; the nonobese group consisted of 89 patients with a BMI less than 30 kg/m2. The mean BMI in the obese group was 37.7 kg/m2 (range: 30.1–56.2 kg/m2). Weight‐standardized doses that achieved activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) goal were compared in the obese group. The mean ± SD doses that achieved aPTT goal with total (actual), adjusted, and ideal body weights in this group were 0.1 ± 0.07, 0.11 ± 0.08, and 0.14 ± 0.09 mg/kg/hour, respectively. Of the three weight‐based dosing approaches, total body weight followed by adjusted body weight provided the closest correlation to rates observed at the target aPTT goal. The secondary analysis compared initial doses of bivalirudin, doses required to reach goal aPTT, time to achieve goal aPTT, and clinical outcomes (number of patients not achieving goal, new thrombosis, major bleeding, and 30‐day all‐cause mortality) between the obese and nonobese groups. A significant difference in initial dose was noted between groups; however, no significant differences in dose required to achieve goal aPTT, time to achieve goal aPTT, and clinical outcomes were noted between the obese and nonobese groups.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence that the dosing strategy for bivalirudin based on total body weight is the most accurate predictor of achieving aPTT goal in obese patients with HIT. The study also suggests that there are no clinical differences that warrant different dosing strategies between obese and nonobese patients. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Mesoporous and hierarchical manganese dioxide nanoplates/nanowalls on Ni/PET conductive fabric
Authors: Ko Yeong Hwan , Lee Soo Hyun , Yu Jae Su
Published: September 2012

Mesoporous and hierarchical manganese dioxide (MnO2) nanoplates/nanowalls were integrated into the nickel/polyethylene terephthalate conductive fabric (CF) by a simple electrochemical deposition method. By applying an external cathodic voltage to the seed‐layer‐coated CF in aqueous solution, hexagonal MnO2 nanoplates were synthesized and then transformed into hydrous MnO2 by oxidation in air. At an external cathodic voltage of –3 V, such MnO2 nanoplates could be densely and uniformly covered over the overall surface of CF. Additionally, their shape was changed to a nanowall‐like construction by the reaction with hydrogen peroxide, leading to a more mesoporous and hierarchical surface morphology. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
ASSESSING THE IMPACTS OF RIVER REGULATION ON NATIVE BULL TROUT (SALVELINUS CONFLUENTUS) AND WESTSLOPE CUTTHROAT TROUT (ONCORHYNCHUS CLARKII LEWISI) HABITATS IN THE UPPER FLATHEAD RIVER, MONTANA, USA
Authors: Muhlfeld C. C. , Jones L. , Kotter D. , Miller W. J. , Geise D. , Tohtz J. , Marotz B.
Published: September 2012

Hungry Horse Dam on the South Fork Flathead River, Montana, USA, has modified the natural flow regimen for power generation, flood risk management and flow augmentation for anadromous fish recovery in the Columbia River. Concern over the detrimental effects of dam operations on native resident fishes prompted research to quantify the impacts of alternative flow management strategies on threatened bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) and westslope cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi) habitats. Seasonal and life‐stage specific habitat suitability criteria were combined with a two‐dimensional hydrodynamic habitat model to assess discharge effects on usable habitats. Telemetry data used to construct seasonal habitat suitability curves revealed that subadult (fish that emigrated from natal streams to the river system) bull trout move to shallow, low‐velocity shoreline areas at night, which are most sensitive to flow fluctuations. Habitat time series analyses comparing the natural flow regimen (predam, 1929–1952) with five postdam flow management strategies (1953–2008) show that the natural flow conditions optimize the critical bull trout habitats and that the current strategy best resembles the natural flow conditions of all postdam periods. Late summer flow augmentation for anadromous fish recovery, however, produces higher discharges than predam conditions, which reduces the availability of usable habitat during this critical growing season. Our results suggest that past flow management policies that created sporadic streamflow fluctuations were likely detrimental to resident salmonids and that natural flow management strategies will likely improve the chances of protecting key ecosystem processes and help to maintain and restore threatened bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout populations in the upper Columbia River Basin. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A MODEL FOR FIXED ALGAE MANAGEMENT IN OPEN CHANNELS USING FLUSHING FLOWS
Authors: Fovet O. , Belaud G. , Litrico X. , Charpentier S. , Bertrand C. , Dollet P. , Hugodot C.
Published: September 2012

The management of regulated rivers and canals involves new objectives of water quality preservation. Among water quality aspects, the development of benthic algae induces impacts on both the quantitative and the qualitative management. In open‐channel networks, their growth causes accumulation of biomass on the substratum, which decreases the hydraulic performance. Their detachment induces increases of drift biomass and particles likely to cause clogging issues. To manage these benthic algae developments, we study an original strategy that consists of performing hydraulic flushes in order to detach a part of the algal cover. The principle is to create a controlled hydrodynamic perturbation thanks to hydraulic control structures and to limit the quantity of fixed and drift algae simultaneously. We propose a comprehensive model of the flushes based on coupled hydrodynamic and algae detachment models in order to analyse and improve the management procedure. This model was applied on two real canals located in southern France. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design of grouted connections for monopile offshore structures
Authors: Lotsberg Inge , Serednicki Andrzej , Lervik Andreas , Bertnes Håkon
Published: September 2012

During the last years, offshore wind turbine structures were reported to settle on the monopile structure and the resulting force flow in the structures was different to that intended at the design stage. A joint industry project was therefore carried out by Det Norske Veritas (DNV) to investigate the structural capacity of these connections from autumn 2009 to January 2011. It was found that the axial capacity of the grouted connections is a more sensitive function to the diameter and surface tolerances than that accounted for in existing design standards. Based on this experience a design procedure with conical shaped connections was developed. In January 2011 another joint industry project on capacity of cylindrical shaped grouted connections with shear keys was initiated. In this project analytical design equations have been developed both for the Ultimate Limit State and the Fatigue Limit State. The recommended design methodology has been supported by a number of laboratory tests. Some of the main results and recommendations for design of grouted connections in monopiles from these projects are presented in this paper.

Bemessung von Grout‐Verbindungen für Monopile‐Offshore‐Tragstrukturen – Ergebnisse von zwei Industrie‐Gemeinschaftsprojekten. In den letzten Jahren wurden an Offshore‐Windenergieanlagen Setzungen im Bereich der Grout‐Verbindungen in Monopile‐Tragstrukturen festgestellt, in Folge derer der tatsächliche Kraftfluss vom ursprünglichen Design abweicht. Aus diesem Grund wurde vom Det Norske Veritas (DNV) zwischen Herbst 2009 und Januar 2011 ein Gemeinschaftsprojekt mit der Industrie durchgeführt, in dem die Tragfähigkeit dieser Verbindungen untersucht wurde. Dabei wurde festgestellt, dass die axiale Tragfähigkeit der Grout‐Verbindungen deutlich stärker von Durchmesser und Oberflächentoleranz abhängig ist als bisher angenommen. Auf Grundlage der Versuchsergebnisse wurden zunächst Entwurfsmethoden für konische Grout‐Verbindungen entwickelt. Im Januar 2011 wurde ein weiteres Gemeinschaftsprojekt mit der Industrie zur Tragfähigkeit zylindrischer Grout‐Verbindungen mit Schubrippen initiiert, in dem ebenfalls Ingenieurmodelle für die Nachweise in den Grenzzuständen der Tragfähigkeit und Ermüdung entwickelt wurden. Diese Modelle wurden durch Labortests bestätigt. Dieser Beitrag berichtet über die wesentlichen, in den Joint Industry‐Projekten erzielten Ergebnisse und Empfehlungen für den Entwurf von Grout‐Verbindungen in Monopiles.
Stochastic modelling of wind and wave induced loads on jacket piles
Authors: Seidel Marc , Kelma Sebastian
Published: September 2012

Support structures for offshore wind turbines are loaded by wind and waves. In deeper water so‐called jacket substructures are used, which use driven piles as foundations. In around 40 m water depth and for wind turbines of the 5MW class, these piles are approximately loaded equally by wind and waves.

This paper presents investigations into the superposition of the stochastic processes wind and waves. The response statistics due to turbulent wind loading are analysed in detail. For stochastic wave loading a method is given which allows for the consideration of the nonlinearity of large waves in the time domain. A simple approach to determine design loads for combined wind and wave loading is outlined at the end of this paper.

Stochastische Modellierung von durch Wind und Wellen induzierte Lasten auf Jacket‐Gründungspfähle. Tragstrukturen von Offshore‐Windenergieanlagen werden durch Wind und Wellen belastet. In größeren Wassertiefen werden fachwerkartige Strukturen, so genannte Jackets, eingesetzt, die mit Rammpfählen im Meeresgrund verankert sind. Die Belastung dieser Pfähle wird bei Wassertiefen um die 40 m und Windenergieanlagen der 5‐MW‐Klasse in etwa gleichermaßen durch Wind und Wellen beansprucht.

In diesem Beitrag werden Untersuchungen zur Überlagerung der beiden stochastischen Prozesse Wind und Welle vorgestellt. Es wird auf die Extremwertstatistik der dynamischen Systemantwort infolge der turbulenten Windeinwirkung detailliert eingegangen. Bezüglich des stochastischen Seegangs wird eine Methodik vorgestellt, mit der die nichtlinearen Eigenschaften großer Wellen für eine Überlagerung im Zeitbereich berücksichtigt werden können. Abschließend wird ein einfacher Ansatz präsentiert, der für die Ermittlung der Bemessungslasten infolge von Wind und Wellen verwendet werden kann.
Can Plasma Bile Salt, Triglycerides, and apoA‐V Levels Predict Liver Regeneration?
Authors: Hoekstra Lisette T. , van Lienden Krijn P. , Schaap Frank G. , Chamuleau Rob A. F. M. , Bennink Roel J. , van Gulik Thomas M.
Published: September 2012

Background

Preoperative portal vein embolization (PVE) is used to increase the future remnant liver (FRL) in patients requiring extensive liver resection. Computed tomography (CT) volumetry, performed not earlier than 3–6 weeks after PVE, is commonly employed to assess hypertrophy of the FRL following PVE. Early parameters to predict effective hypertrophy are therefore desirable. The aim of the present study was to assess plasma bile salt levels, triglycerides (TG), and apoA‐V in the prediction of the hypertrophy response during liver regeneration.

Methods

Serum bile salt, TG, and apoA‐V levels were determined in 20 patients with colorectal metastases before PVE, and 5 h, 1, and 21 days after PVE, as well as prior to and after (day 1–7, and day 21) subsequent liver resection. These parameters were correlated with liver volume as measured by CT volumetry (%FRL‐V), and liver function was determined by technetium‐labeled mebrofenin hepatobiliary scintigraphy using single photon emission computed tomography.

Results

Triglyceride levels at baseline correlate with volume increase of the future remnant liver (FRL‐V) post‐PVE. Also, bile salts and TG 5 h after PVE positively correlated with the increase in FRL volume (r = 0.672, p = 0.024; r = 0.620, p = 0.042, resp.) and liver function after 3 weeks (for bile salts r = 0.640, p = 0.046). Following liver surgery, TG levels at 5 h and 1 day after resection were associated with liver remnant volume after 3 months (r = 0.921, p = 0.026 and r = 0.981, p = 0.019, resp). Plasma apoA‐V was increased during liver regeneration.

Conclusions

Bile salt and TG levels at 5 h after PVE/resection are significant early predictors of liver volume and functional increase. It is suggested that these parameters can be used for early timing of volume assessment and resection after PVE.
The labrum: Structure, function, and injury with femoro-acetabular impingement
Authors: Grant Alfred D. , Sala Debra A. , Davidovitch Roy I.
Published: September 2012

Background

The recognition of the importance of femoro-acetabular impingement (FAI) as a potential cause of hip pain has been stimulated by major efforts to salvage hip joints by reconstruction to prevent or delay the need for replacement. A previous review addressed the nature of FAI, the various types, and how to make the diagnosis. When FAI occurs, the structure between the femur and acetabular rim, the labrum, is initially impinged upon and subsequently injured.

Method

Injury to the labrum should be recognized when treating the osseous causes of FAI. Preserving or recovering labral function, enhancing hip stability and protecting the articular surface, is critical to restoring the hip to normal or near-normal mechanical and physiologic function. The present review collected the varied essential information about the labrum in a succinct manner, independent of treatment algorithms.

Results/conclusion

Advanced knowledge of the labrum is presented, including the anatomy, circulation, histology, embryology, and neurology, as well as how the labrum tears, the types of tears, and how to make the diagnosis. The advantages and limitations of diagnostic magnetic resonance techniques are discussed, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), indirect magnetic resonance arthrography (i-MRA), and direct magnetic resonance arthrography (d-MRA). The review recognizes the complexity of the labrum and provides a greater understanding of how the labrum is capable of stabilizing the joint and protecting the articular surface of the hip. This information will act as a guide in developing treatment plans when treating FAI.
An Analysis of Equity in Redistribution to the Retired and Children over Recent Decades in the OECD and UK
Authors: BRADSHAW JONATHAN , HOLMES JOHN
Published: September 2012

In The Pinch, David Willetts (2010: xv) attracted attention by asking whether ‘the boomers have been guilty of a monumental failure to protect the interest of future generations’. This was just the latest contribution to a long running concern of social policy analysts about horizontal equity and generational fairness. Using OECD data from 1980–2007, in the first part of this paper we show that there is no evidence that social expenditure has been shifting in favour of the retired at the expense of children, except perhaps recently in some Nordic countries. For the UK, we have created a time-series using the published articles since 1977 and the micro data sets since 1994/5 from the annual Office for National Statistics analyses of the Effect of Taxes and Benefits on Household Incomes and used it to analyse trends in the redistributive impact of cash benefits, direct and indirect taxes and services on the retired and households with children and across the income distribution. The analysis shows how the relative support for the retired versus children has changed over time, which elements have contributed to the changes and for which part of the income distribution. There has been a small shift in final income in favour of the retired but it was not the result of changes in taxes, benefits or services in kind but rather a change in the original income distribution in favour of the retired.
Postcranial morphology of Aristonectes (Plesiosauria, Elasmosauridae) from the Upper Cretaceous of Patagonia and Antarctica
Authors: O'Gorman José P. , Gasparini Zulma , Salgado Leonardo
Published: September 2012

A partial, postcranial skeleton of a juvenile individual referred to Aristonectes cf. parvidens from the upper Maastrichtian López de Bertodano Formation, Isla Marambio (Seymour Island), Antarctica, is described. Additionally, two juvenile specimens, also referred to A. cf. parvidens from the Allen Formation (upper Campanian–lower Maastrichtian) and Jagüel Formation (upper Maastrichtian) (Río Negro province, Argentina), are redescribed. The analysis of the systematic value of the cervical centrum proportions of juvenile specimens of Elasmosauridae suggests that these elements can be used to differentiate juvenile specimens of A. cf. parvidens from juveniles of other Elasmosauridae. On this basis, the specimens described are referred to A. cf. parvidens. Based on the proportion of the cervical centra, the first South American plesiosaur described by Gay in 1848 is here referred to A. cf. parvidens. The coracoid of Aristonectes is described for the first time showing a cordiform fenestra, a feature only recorded in the Elasmosauridae among the Plesiosauria, therefore, these new data support the inclusion of Aristonectes within the Elasmosauridae. With the new material described in this paper, Aristonectes is one of the most frecuently recorded genera of Late Cretaceous plesiosaurs in the Southern Hemisphere.
Efficient tabling of structured data with enhanced hash-consing
Authors: ZHOU NENG-FA , HAVE CHRISTIAN THEIL
Published: September 2012

Current tabling systems suffer from an increase in space complexity, time complexity or both when dealing with sequences due to the use of data structures for tabled subgoals and answers and the need to copy terms into and from the table area. This symptom can be seen in not only B-Prolog, which uses hash tables, but also systems that use tries such as XSB and YAP. In this paper, we apply hash-consing to tabling structured data in B-Prolog. While hash-consing can reduce the space consumption when sharing is effective, it does not change the time complexity. We enhance hash-consing with two techniques, called input sharing and hash code memoization, for reducing the time complexity by avoiding computing hash codes for certain terms. The improved system is able to eliminate the extra linear factor in the old system for processing sequences, thus significantly enhancing the scalability of applications such as language parsing and bio-sequence analysis applications. We confirm this improvement with experimental results.
SMCHR: Satisfiability modulo constraint handling rules
Authors: DUCK GREGORY J.
Published: September 2012

Constraint Handling Rules (CHRs) are a high-level rule-based programming language for specification and implementation of constraint solvers. CHR manipulates a global store representing a flat conjunction of constraints. By default, CHR does not support goals with a more complex propositional structure including disjunction, negation, etc., or CHR relies on the host system to provide such features. In this paper we introduce Satisfiability Modulo Constraint Handling Rules (SMCHR): a tight integration of CHR with a modern Boolean Satisfiability (SAT) solver for quantifier-free formulae with an arbitrary propositional structure. SMCHR is essentially a Satisfiability Modulo Theories (SMT) solver where the theory T is implemented in CHR. The execution algorithm of SMCHR is based on lazy clause generation, where a new clause for the SAT solver is generated whenever a rule is applied. We shall also explore the practical aspects of building an SMCHR system, including extending a “built-in” constraint solver supporting equality with unification and justifications.
An Improved Proof-Theoretic Compilation of Logic Programs
Authors: CERVESATO ILIANO
Published: September 2012

In prior work, we showed that logic programming compilation can be given a proof-theoretic justification for generic abstract logic programming languages, and demonstrated this technique in the case of hereditary Harrop formulas and their linear variant. Compiled clauses were themselves logic formulas except for the presence of a second-order abstraction over the atomic goals matching their head. In this paper, we revisit our previous results into a more detailed and fully logical justification that does away with this spurious abstraction. We then refine the resulting technique to support well-moded programs efficiently.
Conflict-driven ASP solving with external sources
Authors: EITER THOMAS , FINK MICHAEL , KRENNWALLNER THOMAS , REDL CHRISTOPH
Published: September 2012

Answer Set Programming (ASP) is a well-known problem solving approach based on nonmonotonic logic programs and efficient solvers. To enable access to external information,hex-programs extend programs withexternal atoms, which allow for a bidirectional communication between the logic program and external sources of computation (e.g., description logic reasoners and Web resources). Current solvers evaluatehex-programs by a translation to ASP itself, in which values of external atoms are guessed and verified after the ordinary answer set computation. This elegant approach does not scale with the number of external accesses in general, in particular in presence of nondeterminism (which is instrumental for ASP). In this paper, we present a novel, native algorithm for evaluatinghex-programs which uses learning techniques. In particular, we extend conflict-driven ASP solving techniques, which prevent the solver from running into the same conflict again, from ordinary tohex-programs. We show how to gain additional knowledge from external source evaluations and how to use it in a conflict-driven algorithm. We first target the uninformed case, i.e., when we have no extra information on external sources, and then extend our approach to the case where additional meta-information is available. Experiments show that learning from external sources can significantly decrease both the runtime and the number of considered candidate compatible sets.