bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive and maladaptive personality traits as predictors of violent and nonviolent offending behavior in men and women
Authors: Varley Thornton Abigail J. , Graham‐Kevan Nicola , Archer John
Published: March 2010

The aim of this study was to assess both violent and nonviolent offending behavior in a single, mixed‐sex population. The rationale for this is that the two types of offending are usually researched separately, despite evidence that they overlap. A comprehensive measure of general violence, intimate partner violence (IPV), and nonviolent offending behavior was administered to 116 men and 181 women, together with measures of personality and personality disorder (PD) traits, to investigate whether predictors of violent and nonviolent offending were similar or different for men and women. Men were found to perpetrate higher levels of general violence and nonviolent offenses than women, but women perpetrated significantly more IPV than men. Cluster B PD traits predicted all three offense types for women and also men's general violence and nonviolent offending. Women's general violence and men's non‐violence also had one unique risk factor each, low agreeableness, and low conscientiousness, respectively. The main difference was for IPV, where men's IPV was predicted by cluster A PD traits, indicating that men's and women's risk factors for IPV may be different, although their risk factors for the other offense types were fairly consistent. Aggr. Behav. 36:177–186, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enhancement of Light Extraction Through the Wave‐Guiding Effect of ZnO Sub‐microrods in InGaN Blue Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Kim Ki Seok , Kim Sang‐Mook , Jeong Hyun , Jeong Mun Seok , Jung Gun Young
Published: March 2010

The improvement of the light extraction efficiency (LEE) of a conventional InGaN blue light‐emitting diode (LED) by the incorporation of one‐dimensional ZnO sub‐microrods is reported. The LEE is improved by 31% through the wave‐guiding effect of ZnO sub‐microrods compared to LEDs without the sub‐microrods. Different types of ZnO microrods/sub‐microrods are produced using a simple non‐catalytic wet chemical growth method at a low temperature (90 °C) on an indium‐tin‐oxide (ITO) top contact layer with no seed layer. The crystal morphologies of needle‐like or flat‐top hexagonal structures, and the ZnO microrods/sub‐microrod density and size are easily modified by controlling the pH value and growth time. The wave‐guiding phenomenon within the ZnO rods is observed using confocal scanning electroluminescence microscopy and micro‐electroluminescence spectra.
Original Fuel‐Cell Membranes from Crosslinked Terpolymers via a “Sol–gel” Strategy
Authors: Sel Ozlem , Soulès Aurélien , Améduri Bruno , Boutevin Bernard , Laberty‐Robert Christel , Gebel Gérard , Sanchez Clément
Published: March 2010

Hybrid organic/inorganic membranes that include a functionalized (‐SO3H), interconnected silica network, a non‐porogenic organic matrix, and a ‐SO3H‐functionalized terpolymer are synthesized through a sol–gel‐based strategy. The use of a novel crosslinkable poly(vinylidene fluoride‐ter‐perfluoro(4‐methyl‐3,6‐dioxaoct‐7‐ene sulfonyl fluoride)‐ter‐vinyltriethoxysilane) (poly(VDF‐ter‐PFSVE‐ter‐VTEOS)) terpolymer allows a multiple tuning of the different interfaces to produce original hybrid membranes with improved properties. The synthesized terpolymer and the composite membranes are characterized, and the proton conductivity of a hybrid membrane in the absence of the terpolymer is promising, since 8 mS cm−1 is reached at room temperature, immersed in water, with an experimental ion‐exchange‐capacity (IECexp) value of 0.4 meq g−1. Furthermore, when the composite membranes contain the interfaced terpolymer, they exhibit both a higher proton conductivity (43 mS cm−1 at 65 °C under 100% relative humidity) and better stability than the standard hybrid membrane, arising from the occurrence of a better interface between the inorganic silica and the poly[(vinylidene fluoride)‐co‐hexafluoropropylene] (poly(VDF‐co‐HFP)) copolymer network. Accordingly, the hybrid SiO2‐SO3H/terpolymer/poly(VDF‐co‐HFP) copolymer membrane has potential use as an electrolyte in a polymer‐electrolyte‐membrane fuel cell operating at intermediate temperatures.
Product design in price‐competitive markets: A case study of a skin moisturizing lotion
Authors: Bagajewicz Miguel , Hill Season , Robben Amanda , Lopez Heyde , Sanders Monica , Sposato Erin , Baade Curtis , Manora Shamara , Hey Coradin Juliana
Published: March 2010

In this article, we apply a recently developed method for product design to the formulation of skin lotions and extend its application to consider price‐competitive markets. The method is based on the use of consumer preference functions that are in turn parameters of price‐demand relations. These relationships are then embedded in a business model that aims at determining the optimal lotion formulation from the profitability point of view. The model allows to distinguish the formulation that leads to the consumer most preferred skin lotion from the most profitably one in a quantitative fashion. In the latter case, the selling price is also determined simultaneously with the optimal formulation. The example analyzed shows that the consumer most preferred lotion is not profitable, whereas a slightly less preferred lotion is very profitable. We then extend the new product design procedure to consider a competitive environment in which prices of all competitors, change dynamically until equilibrium is established. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011
Rigorous synthesis and simulation of complex distillation networks
Authors: Ruiz Gerardo J. , Kim Seon B. , Moes Laura , Linninger Andreas A.
Published: March 2010

Recent insights for better understanding the thermodynamic foundations of separation processes have renewed the interest in exploring energy‐efficient distillation networks. Complex column networks have substantial potential for energy savings over conventional configurations. This article introduces a computational algorithm for synthesizing such complex energy‐efficient networks. A robust feasibility criterion drives the selection of design specification and operating conditions. It will be shown that columns composed of sections whose liquid stage composition profiles have no gaps are realizable. To prove the rigor of design computations, numerous separation networks were synthesized and validated with the Aspen flowsheet simulator. By using our computational results as input, AspenPlus simulations converged in a few iterations. Our method builds on temperature collocation, a thermodynamically motivated search method for determining feasible operating conditions and design details for achieving the desired product targets. Our findings suggest that significant energy savings can be realized with rigorous complex networks synthesis for industrial separation problems. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011
Effects of exposure of parents to toxic gases in Bhopal on the offspring
Authors: Sarangi S. , Zaidi T. , Pal R.K. , Katgara D. , Gadag V.G. , Mulay S. , Varma D.R.
Published: March 2010

Background

Exposure to methyl isocyanate and other toxic gases in Bhopal, India, on December 3, 1984 resulted in thousands of acute deaths, pregnancy loss and long‐term effects.

Methods

From 1985 to 2007, we conducted successive surveys of vital status and health to determine whether the exposure of parents to toxic gases in the Bhopal incident affected the 5‐year survival and anthropometric variables of their offspring.

Results

Initial 5‐year mortality of offspring of exposed parents was very high. Male but not female offspring who were exposed to gases in utero or who were born to exposed parents were stunted in growth until puberty, which was followed by a period of accelerated growth. Results also suggest a post‐puberty effect on head circumference of females exposed to gases in utero.

Conclusion

Exposure of pregnant women to toxic gases in Bhopal in 1984 resulted in high pregnancy loss, increased first 5‐year mortality and delayed development of male progeny. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:836–841, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Xenon enhances hypothermic neuroprotection in asphyxiated newborn pigs
Authors: Chakkarapani Elavazhagan , Dingley John , Liu Xun , Hoque Nicholas , Aquilina Kristian , Porter Helen , Thoresen Marianne
Published: March 2010

Objective

To investigate whether inhaling 50% xenon during hypothermia (HT) offers better neuroprotection than xenon or HT alone.

Methods

Ninety‐eight newborn pigs underwent a 45‐minute global hypoxic‐ischemic insult severe enough to cause permanent brain injury, and 12 pigs underwent sham protocol. Pigs then received intravenous anesthesia and were randomized to 6 treatment groups: (1) normothermia (NT; rectal temperature 38.5°C, n = 18); (2) 18 hours 50% xenon with NT (n = 12); (3) 12 hours HT (rectal temperature 33.5°C, n = 18); (4) 24 hours HT (rectal temperature 33.5°C, n = 17); (5) 18 hours 50% xenon with 12 hours HT (n = 18); and (6) 18 hours 50% xenon with 24 hours HT (n = 17). Fifty percent xenon was administered via a closed circle with 30% oxygen and 20% nitrogen. After 10 hours rewarming, cooled pigs remained normothermic until terminal perfusion fixation at 72 hours. Global and regional brain neuropathology and clinical neurological scores were performed.

Results

Xenon (p = 0.011) and 12 or 24 hours HT (p = 0.003) treatments offered significant histological global, and regional neuroprotection. Combining xenon with HT yielded an additive neuroprotective effect, as there was no interaction effect (p = 0.54). Combining Xenon with 24 hours HT offered 75% global histological neuroprotection with similarly improved regional neuroprotection: thalamus (100%), brainstem (100%), white matter (86%), basal ganglia (76%), cortical gray matter (74%), cerebellum (73%), and hippocampus (72%). Neurology scores improved in the 24‐hour HT and combined xenon HT groups at 72 hours.

Interpretation

Combining xenon with HT is a promising therapy for severely encephalopathic infants, doubling the neuroprotection offered by HT alone. ANN NEUROL 2010
Deletion of the late cornified envelope genes, LCE3C and LCE3B, is associated with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Docampo Elisa , Rabionet Raquel , Riveira‐Muñoz Eva , Escaramís Georgia , Julià Antonio , Marsal Sara , Martín José Ezequiel , González‐Gay Miguel Angel , Balsa Alejandro , Raya Enrique , Martín Javier , Estivill Xavier
Published: March 2010

Objective

The risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is increased in the offspring of individuals affected with various autoimmune disorders, including psoriasis. Recently, the deletion of 2 genes from the late cornified envelope (LCE) gene cluster, LCE3C and LCE3B, has been associated with psoriasis in several populations. The purpose of this study was to assess whether this polymorphic gene deletion could also be involved in susceptibility to RA.

Methods

We tested for association between the LCE3C_LCE3B copy number variant and a single‐nucleotide polymorphism in strong linkage disequilibrium with this variant (rs4112788) and RA in 2 independent case–control data sets (197 and 400 samples from patients with RA, respectively, and 411 and 567 samples from control subjects, respectively), collected at 4 Spanish hospitals. All samples were directly typed for presence of the LCE3C_LCE3B deletion (LCE3C_LCE3B‐del) by polymerase chain reaction, and association analysis was performed using the SNPassoc R package.

Results

An association of homozygosity for the LCE3C_LCE3B‐del and rs4112788 C allele with the risk of RA was observed in the first data set and was replicated in an independent case–control set. A combined analysis showed an overall P value of 0.0012 (odds ratio [OR] 1.45, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.16–1.81) for association of the LCE3C_LCE3B‐del. When the analysis was stratified for serologic data, we observed association in anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti‐CCP)–positive patients (P = 0.012, OR 1.51 [95% CI 1.09–2.13]) but not in anti‐CCP–negative patients.

Conclusion

We have identified an association between the LCE3C_LCE3B‐del and RA, and we have verified a pleiotropic effect of a common genetic risk factor (LCE3C_LCE3B‐del) for autoimmune diseases that is involved in both psoriasis and RA.
An outsider's perspective on a provocative proposal: What would Flexner think?
Authors: Anderson M. Brownell
Published: March 2010

This viewpoint commentary focuses on a proposal for integrated anatomy education in undergraduate college from Dr. Darda published in the Anatomical Sciences Education. Although the proposal is for college level education, the proposal echoes some ideas proposed a century ago by Abraham Flexner when he wrote his report titled “Medical Education in the United States and Canada.” It begins with an acknowledgement of the author's status as an outsider. There have been numerous calls for change in basic science education, particularly in medical education. Interestingly, however, the monumental reforms of the “Flexner Report” were impelled largely from outside the specific discipline of medical education. The commentary discussion then moves to observations about the proposal for Integrative Anatomy and support for the proposal from both the Flexner Report and the 2009 report from the Association of American Medical Colleges and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, “Scientific Foundations for Future Physicians.” The essay considers the benefits of the research on the learning sciences that now inform our work in education; the influence of competency‐based education that frees education from a lock‐step approach of course completion to a student‐focused integrative approach to learning; and the availability of online resources for anatomy education through repositories, such as MedEdPORTAL. The final observation is that the changes underway in education and in the sciences basic to medicine, in particular, are substantial and will require the dialogue that Dr. Darda is promoting with his provocative proposal. Anat Sci Educ 3: 101–102, 2010. © 2010 American Association of Anatomists.
BEng, CEng, MSc, MICE, ... — eine Analyse angelsächsischer Visitenkarten
Authors: Kulick Reinhard
Published: March 2010

Visitenkarten ausländischer Gesprächspartner enthalten oftmals — insbesondere wenn der Eigentümer der Karte aus einem britisch geprägten Land kommt — eine Reihe von Abkürzungen, die dem Namen nachgestellt sind. Der Beitrag beschreibt, was sich hinter “Robert Smith BEng(Hons) PhD CEng MICE MIStructE“ verbirgt. Dazu wird zunächst verdeutlicht, dass erstens akademische Bauberufe in Deutschland und britisch geprägten Ländern nicht deckungsgleich sind, zweitens die Aus‐ und Weiterbildung maßgeblich von Berufsverbänden beeinflusst wird und drittens die Abkürzungen entweder akademische Abschlüsse oder von Berufsverbänden verliehene Qualifikationsstufen repräsentieren. Beispielhaft werden sodann die Aus‐ und Weiterbildung eines civil engineer und die sich daraus entwickelnde Visitenkarte beschrieben. Angefügt werden “Faustformeln”, die eine weitgehende Deutung der Visitenkarten baunaher Gesprächspartner ermöglichen.

BEng, CEng, MSc, MICE, . . . — an analysis of Anglo‐Saxon business‐cards. Business‐cards from business partners often contain a number of abbreviations following the name ‐ especially if the person comes from a country which is either British or characterized as British. This article describes the meaning behind of “Robert Smith BEng(Hons) PhD CEng MICE MIStructE”. Firstly it is pointed out that academic professions in the construction industry are not directly comparable between Germany and Anglo‐Saxon countries, secondly the education and professional development are influenced significantly by professional institutions and, thirdly the abbreviations are either academic degrees or grades of memberships in professional institutions. As an example the education and professional development of a civil engineer and the resulting business‐card are described. Attached are empirical formulas which will enable the far reaching decoding of business‐cards from business partners from or related to the construction industry.
Analyzing digital vector waveforms of 0–3000 Hz magnetic fields for health studies
Authors: Bowman Joseph D. , Miller Christian K. , Krieg Edward F. , Song Ruiguang
Published: March 2010

To improve the assessment of magnetic field exposures for occupational health studies, the Multiwave® System III (MW3) was developed to capture personal exposures to the three‐dimensional magnetic field vector B(t) in the 0–3000 Hz band. To process hundreds of full‐shift MW3 measurements from epidemiologic studies, new computer programs were developed to calculate the magnetic field's physical properties and its interaction with biological systems through various mechanisms (magnetic induction, radical pair interactions, ion resonance, etc.). For automated calculations in the frequency domain, the software uses new algorithms that remove artifacts in the magnetic field's Fourier transform due to electronic noise and the person's motion through perturbations in the geomagnetic field from steel objects. These algorithms correctly removed the Fourier transform artifacts in 92% of samples and have improved the accuracy of frequency‐dependent metrics by as much as 3300%. The output of the MwBatch software is a matrix of 41 exposure metrics calculated for each 2/15 s sample combined with 8 summary metrics for the person's full‐period exposure, giving 294 summary‐exposure metrics for each person monitored. In addition, the MwVisualizer software graphically explores the magnetic field's vector trace, its component waveforms, and the metrics over time. The output was validated against spreadsheet calculations with pilot data. This software successfully analyzed full‐shift MW3 monitoring with 507 electric utility workers, comprising over 1 million vector waveforms. The software's output can be used to test hypotheses about magnetic field biology and disease with biophysical models and also assess compliance with exposure limits. Bioelectromagnetics 31:391–405, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
No effect of TETRA hand portable transmission signals on human cognitive function and symptoms
Authors: Riddervold Ingunn S. , Kjærgaard Søren K. , Pedersen Gert F. , Andersen Niels T. , Franek Ondrej , Pedersen Anders D. , Sigsgaard Torben , Zachariae Robert , Mølhave Lars , Andersen Jørgen B.
Published: March 2010

Current radio frequency radiation exposure guidelines rest on well‐established thermal effects. However, recent research into analogue and digital transmission fields at levels covered by the exposure guidelines has indicated possible detrimental effects on human cognitive performance. To investigate this, we conducted a controlled climate chamber study of possible changes in cognitive performance in healthy volunteers exposed to transmission signals from TETRA hand portables (TETRA handsets). The trial deployed a balanced, randomized, double‐blinded cross‐over design. Performance on different paper‐and‐pencil, auditory and computer‐based cognitive tasks was monitored in 53 male volunteers (mean age 36.41 years, SD 8.35) during 45‐min exposure to a TETRA handset and sham control signals remotely controlled from a laboratory more than 100 km away. The main cognitive outcome was the Trail Making B (TMB) test. In addition, the participants completed a computer‐based questionnaire measuring self‐reported psychological and physical symptoms. No statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) between the TETRA and sham conditions were found for either TMB (estimated difference 3.8%, confidence interval (CI) −1.6% to 9.2%) or any of the remaining cognitive tasks or symptoms. In conclusion, we found no evidence that brief exposure to hand‐held TETRA transmitters' affects human cognitive function or subjective symptoms. Bioelectromagnetics 31:380–390, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Beurteilung des Tragverhaltens von Spannbetonbrücken mit spannungsrisskorrosionsgefährdetem Spannstahl
Authors: Vill Markus , Fuchs Maximilian , Dannhorn Thomas
Published: March 2010

Die Beurteilung des Tragverhaltens von Spannbetonbrücken, die in den 1960er und 1970er Jahren in Deutschland und Österreich gebaut wurden und für deren Herstellung vergütete Spannstähle Verwendung fanden, ist seit vielen Jahren Gegenstand der Forschung mit starkem Praxisbezug. Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden nach einer theoretischen Erläuterung des Tragverhaltens die praxisrelevanten Fragestellungen wie das Vorgehen bei der Beurteilung sowie weiterführende Untersuchungen erörtert. Zudem werden aktuelle Entwicklungen in der Forschung zur Beurteilung von gefährdeten Spannbetonbrücken aufgezeigt und diskutiert.

Assessment of Load Bearing Behaviour of Post‐Tensioned Concrete Bridges Equipped with Prestressing Steel Susceptible to Stress Corrosion Cracking Basics, Practical Application and Current Developments

Due to extending lifetime of infrastructure in general and posttensioned concrete bridges in particular the importance of durability aspects increases. Especially older prestressed bridges built in the 1960s and 1970s in Germany and Austria are subject of these investigations. Some of these post‐tensioned concrete bridges consist of quenched and tempered prestressing wires with high susceptibility to stress corrosion cracking as we know nowadays. This article deals with recalculation, assessment and evaluating methods for post‐tensioned concrete bridges including further analytic for endangered bridges. The procedure is shown by an example of an existing multi girder bridge and furthermore, future prospects are given.
Querbiegetragverhalten von Betondübeln bei Verbundtragwerken mit Trapezblechstegen
Authors: Röhm Jochen , Novàk Balthasar
Published: March 2010

Die größere Querbiegesteifigkeit von Trapezblechstegen gegenüber herkömmlichen, ebenen Stegen führt zu konstruktiven und wirtschaftlichen Vorteilen im Verbundbrückenbau. Dadurch muss allerdings insbesondere bei Hohlkastenquerschnitten der Übertragung des Rahmeneckmomentes erhöhte Aufmerksamkeit geschenkt werden. Die Verbundfuge muss in der Lage sein, die auftretenden Querbiegemomente zu übertragen. Dadurch entstehen für die Verbundmittel Zusatzbeanspruchungen. Des Weiteren ist der Verzicht auf einen Stahlflansch, der hier im Wesentlichen als reiner Verbundmittelträger agiert, erstrebenswert, um das große wirtschaftliche Potential dieser Bauweise zu nutzen. Eine Verbundfugenausbildung bestehend aus einem in den Betongurt einbindenden Trapezblech und dem Betondübel als Verbundmittel erwies sich in Versuchen als sehr viel versprechend. Der vorliegende Aufsatz behandelt das Tragverhalten dieser Verbundfugenausbildung unter Querbiegebeanspruchung.

Behavior of Composite Structures with Corrugated Steel Webs under Transverse Bending using Concrete Dowels

Compared to plane webs, the use of corrugated steel webs in composite bridge constructions leads to economic and structural advantages due to their lateral stiffness. But, especially in corners of hollow box girders the attention has to be paid on the transfer of the bending moment from the concrete chord into the steel web. The composite joint must be able to bear this transverse bending moment. This leads to additional forces for the connectors. Furthermore, for an economical and more practicable connection method, a composite joint without a steel flange is necessary. Therefore, the connectors have to be fixed directly on the web and these connectors must transfer the transverse bending moment. This article deals with the load bearing behaviour of an embedded corrugated steel web in combination with concrete dowels under transverse bending.
Über die Querkrafttragfähigkeit des Betongurts von Verbundträgern im Bereich von großen Stegöffnungen
Authors: Ramm Wieland , Kohlmeyer Christian
Published: March 2010

Wird bei Stahlverbundträgern der Steg des Stahlträgers durch große Öffnungen geschwächt, übernimmt in diesem Bereich der Betongurt einen Großteil der Querkraft. Die Analyse des sich dabei einstellenden Lastabtragungsmechanismus und die Ermittlung der Querkrafttragfähigkeit des Betongurts waren die Hauptthemen eines am Fachgebiet Massivbau und Baukonstruktion der Technischen Universität Kaiserslautern durchgeführten Forschungsprojektes, das von der Deutschen Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) gefördert wurde.

Im folgenden Teil 1 des Aufsatzes werden die umfangreichen experimentellen und rechnerischen Untersuchungen und deren Ergebnisse dargestellt, wobei der Lastabtragungsmechanismus und die Versagensformen im Öffnungsbereich im Vordergrund stehen. Im Teil 2, der im nachfolgen Aprilheft erscheint, wird das darauf basierende Nachweiskonzept für den Betongurt vorgestellt.

On the Shear‐Bearing Capacity of the Concrete Slab of Composite Beams in the Region of Large Web Openings – Part 1: Experimental und Numerical Investigations

If the web of a composite beam is weakened by a large opening, the concrete slab carries most of the shear force in this region. The analysis of the load bearing mechanism and the determination of the shear‐bearing capacity were the main topics of a research project which was carried out at the Technical University of Kaiserslautern and was supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG).

In the following part 1 of the report, the extensive experimental und numerical investigations as well as their results are presented. Special attention is paid to the load carrying mechanism and the failure modes. In part 2, which will follow in the April issue, the according concept for the design of the concrete slab is presented.
Metabolic engineering of acetoin and meso‐2, 3‐butanediol biosynthesis in E. coli
Authors: Nielsen David R. , Yoon Sang‐Hwal , Yuan Clara J. , Prather Kristala L. J.
Published: March 2010

The functional reconstruction of acetoin and meso‐2,3‐butanediol (meso‐2,3‐BD) biosynthetic pathways in Escherichia coli have been explored systematically. Pathway construction involved the in vsivo screening of prospective pathway isozymes of yeast and bacterial origin. After substantial engineering of the host background to increase pyruvate availability, E. coli YYC202(DE3) ldhA( ilvC( expressing ilvBN from E. coli and aldB from L. lactis (encoding acetolactate synthase and acetolactate decarboxylase activities, respectively) was able to produce up to 870 mg/L acetoin, with no coproduction of diacetyl observed. These strains were also found to produce small quantities of meso‐2,3‐BD, suggesting the existence of endogenous 2,3‐BD dehydrogenase activity. Finally, the coexpression of bdh1 from S. cerevisiae, encoding 2,3‐BD dehydrogenase, in this strain resulted in the production of up to 1120 mg/L meso‐2,3‐BD, with glucose a yield of 0.29 g/g. While disruption of the native lactate biosynthesis pathway increased pyruvate precursor availability to this strain, increased availability of NADH for acetoin reduction to meso‐2,3‐BD was found to be the most important consequence of ldhA deletion.
A Versatile Endoribonuclease Mimic Made of DNA: Characteristics and Applications of the 8–17 RNA‐Cleaving DNAzyme
Authors: Schlosser Kenny , Li Yingfu
Published: March 2010

Enzymes play a crucial role in all living organisms by accelerating the rates of a myriad of biochemical reactions that are necessary to sustain life. Although the vast majority of known enzymes are made of protein, in recent years it has become increasingly apparent that other molecular formats, like nucleic acids, can also serve in this capacity. DNAzymes (also known as deoxyribozymes) are synthetic enzymes made of short, single strands of deoxyribonucleic acid. These DNA‐based enzymes offer the prospect of significant commercial utility, because they are exceptionally stable and can be produced very easily and inexpensively. The study of one particular DNAzyme, known as “8–17”, has enhanced our understanding of DNAzyme‐mediated catalysis. Moreover, the function of 8–17 has been regarded with special importance because it can catalyze sequence‐specific cleavage of RNA, a reaction that has broad implications in biotechnology and biomedical fields. In this review, we explore the creation, characterization, and application of the 8–17 RNA‐cleaving DNAzyme.
A physiochemical theory on the applicability of soft mathematical models—experimentally interpreted
Authors: Munck L. , Jespersen B. Møller , Rinnan Å. , Seefeldt H. Fast , Engelsen M. Møller , Nørgaard L. , Engelsen S. Balling
Published: March 2010

An extension of chemometric theory was experimentally explored to explain the physiochemical basis of the very high efficiency of soft modelling of data from nature. Soft modelling in self‐organisation was interpreted by studying the unique chemical patterns of mutants in an isogenic barley model on endosperm development. Extremely reproducible, differential Near Infrared (NIR) spectral patterns specifically overviewed the effect on cell composition of each mutant cause. Extended Canonical Variates Analysis (ECVA) classified spectra in wild type, starch and protein mutants. The spectra were interpreted by chemometric data analysis and by pattern inspection to morphological, genetic, molecular and chemical information. Deterministic chemical reactions were defined in the glucan pathway. A drastic mutation in a gene controlling the starch/ß‐glucan composition changed water activity that introduced a diffusive, stochastic effect on the catalysis of all active enzymes. ‘Decision making’ in self‐organisation is autonomous and performed by the soft modelling of the chemical deterministic and stochastic reactions in the endosperm cell as a whole. Uncertainty in the analysis of endosperm emergence was experimentally delimited as the ‘indeterminacy’ in local molecular path modelling ‘bottom up’ and the ‘irreducibility’ of the phenomenological NIR spectra ‘top down’. The experiment confirmed Ilya Prigogine's interpretation of self‐organisation by his dynamic computer model programmed with a self‐modeled non‐local extension of quantum mechanics (QM). The significance of self‐ organisation explained by Prigogine here interpreted as physiochemical soft modelling introduces a paradigm shift in macroscopic science that forwards a major argument for soft mathematical modelling and chemometrics to obtain full scientific legitimacy. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simple Efficient Synthesis of Strongly Luminescent Polypyrene with Intrinsic Conductivity and High Carbon Yield by Chemical Oxidative Polymerization of Pyrene
Authors: Li Xin‐Gui , Liu You‐Wei , Huang Mei‐Rong , Peng Sai , Gong Ling‐Zhi , Moloney Mark G.
Published: March 2010

A wholly aromatic polypyrene was synthesized by direct chemical oxidative polymerization of pyrene with ferric chloride as oxidant in hexane/nitromethane. Successful synthesis of polypyrene was thoroughly confirmed by IR, UV/Vis, 1D 1H NMR, 2D 1H–1H COSY, 2D 1H–13C HSQC, MALDI‐TOF MS, elemental analysis, and X‐ray diffraction methods. The results indicated that the polypyrene was formed mainly through dehydro coupling between 2‐ or 1‐ and 2′‐ or 1′‐positions on pyrene rings having a degree of polymerization of around 24. The polypyrene was purified and then separated into THF‐soluble (ca. 10 %) and THF‐insoluble (ca. 90 %) fractions. Compared with insulating pyrene monomer, the polypyrene is a controllably conducting polymer that has low conductivity of 3.4×10−8 S cm−1 in its virgin state, moderate conductivity of 2.28×10−4 S cm−1 upon iodine doping, but much higher conductivity of up to 81.2 S cm−1 after the insoluble polypyrene was heated up to 1300 °C in nitrogen with a high char yield of 70.6 %. In particular, the soluble polypyrene demonstrates much stronger visible color fluorescence and much lower toxicity than pyrene. The soluble polypyrene would be advantageous for detecting Fe3+ with almost no interference of other metal ions. The soluble and insoluble polypyrene fractions have potential applications as intrinsically luminescent and highly conducting carbon materials, respectively.
A pipeline transport correlation for slurries with small but dense particles
Authors: Poloski Adam P. , Etchells Arthur W. , Chun Jaehun , Adkins Harold E. , Casella Andrew M. , Minette Michael J. , Yokuda Satoru T.
Published: March 2010

Most correlations/models for minimum transport or critical velocity of slurry were developed for slurries composed of particles greater than ∼100–200 µm diameter with narrow particle‐size distributions which is typical of the minerals industry. Many other process industries handle smaller particles. In particular waste slurries at the U.S. Department of Energy's Hanford Site have broad size distributions and significant fractions of smaller particles. Despite the size of these wastes, recent studies at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory indicate that the small particles might be of sufficient density to pose a significant risk for pipeline deposition and plugging. To allow predictive assessment of deposition of fine dense particles for waste slurry transport at the U.S. DOE Hanford site, a pipeline‐transport correlation for critical velocity was developed using a simple power‐law between two dimensionless numbers important for slurry transport, the deposition Froude and Archimedes numbers. The correlation accords well with experimental data for slurries with Archimedes numbers <80 and is an adequate pipeline design guide for processing Hanford waste slurry.
Investigation of the temperature distribution and material limits of membrane water wall tubes of circulating fluidized bed boilers
Authors: Chinsuwan Anusorn , Dutta Animesh
Published: March 2010

Assuming steady state, constant bed temperature and constant tube thermal conductivity, the three‐dimensional heat conduction equations were numerically solved. It was found that the temperature distribution can be expressed as dimensionless temperature in terms of Froude number, particle to furnace diameter ratio, and local to total furnace height ratio. The models for predicting the dimensionless wall temperature distribution and dimensionless mean wall temperature were also developed in this work. Finally, the limits of common tube materials used as water wall tubes based on maximum allowable stress and oxidation criteria were also investigated.
Multi‐scale and multi‐fractal characteristics of instantaneous velocity signals in impinging stream mixer
Authors: Zhang Jianwei , Wang Xianwang , Wang Chunyu
Published: March 2010

The axial and radial instantaneous velocity signals in impinging stream mixer (ISM) were decomposed to multi‐scale and studied by R/S analysis method. It showed that different fractal structure at different scales can be explained easily by Hurst analysis and there were different trends of Hs with the different positions. Besides, there were some non‐periodic components in the system, and in the process of particles impinged reciprocally, the vortex with different scale emerges.
Experimental and modeling studies on extraction of catechin hydrate and epicatechin from Indian green tea leaves
Authors: Gujar J.G. , Chattopadhyay S. , Wagh S.J. , Gaikar V.G.
Published: March 2010

A systematic investigation of effect of various parameters, for example, temperature, speed of agitation, particle size, and solid loading, on the percentage extraction of catechin hydrate (CH) and epicatechin (EP) was conducted. The extraction was performed with water, methanol, and ethanol. Water was found to be the best solvent for both. Percentage extraction of CH was found to decrease with temperature beyond 46°C; however, this is not the case for epicatechin. The thermal stability analysis of both the compounds was performed to ensure decomposition. This supported the experimental observation of batch extraction. Size of particle has little effect on percentage extraction of EP, but it increases for CH with decrease in particle size, which is probably because of decrease in diffusion path length. Assuming flat geometry of the particles, the process is modelled and compared with experimental data at different experimental conditions. The experimental data fitted well with the model proposed by Wongkittipong. The effective diffusion coefficients through the solid matrix of Indian green tea leaves for CH and EP estimated from the diffusion model were found to be in the range 1.29 × 10–13 to 3.40 × 10–13 m2/s and 1.20 × 10–13 m2/s to 3.38 × 10–13 m2/s, respectively. The effect of temperature on diffusion coefficient of CH and EP was determined using the model. The energy of activation required for diffusion was found to be 32.78 and 30.28 kJ/kmol, respectively for CH and EP.
Estimation of vapour–liquid equilibrium data for binary refrigerant systems containing 1,1,1,2,3,3,3‐heptafluoropropane (R227ea) by using artificial neural networks
Authors: Nikkholgh M. R. , Moghadassi A. R. , Parvizian F. , Hosseini S.M.
Published: March 2010

In this research, the ability of multilayer perceptron neural networks to estimate vapour–liquid equilibrium data have been studied. Four typical binary refrigerant systems containing R227ea have been investigated in a large range of temperatures and pressures. The systems are categorised into four groups, based on their different deviations from the Raoult's law. The networks with one hidden layer consisted of five neurons are developed as the optimal structure. For these binary systems, uncertainties in the artificial neural networks (ANNs) estimations were not more than 1.03%. In addition, the abilities of ANNs are shown by comparisons with Margules, van Laar, and some other correlations.
Occupational sunlight exposure and risk of renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Karami Sara , Boffetta Paolo , Stewart Patricia , Rothman Nathaniel , Hunting Katherine L. , Dosemeci Mustafa , Berndt Sonja I. , Brennan Paul , Chow Wong‐Ho , Moore Lee E.
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND:

Recent findings indicate that vitamin D obtained from ultraviolet (UV) exposure may reduce the risk of several different cancers. Vitamin D is metabolized to its active form within the kidney, which is the major organ for vitamin D metabolism and activity. Because both the incidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency have increased over the past few decades, in the current study, the authors explored whether occupational UV exposure was associated with RCC risk.

METHODS:

A hospital‐based, case‐control study of 1097 patients with RCC (cases) and 1476 controls was conducted in 4 Central and Eastern European countries. Demographic and occupational information was collected to examine the association between occupational UV exposure and RCC risk.

RESULTS:

A significant reduction (24%‐38%) in the risk of RCC was observed with increasing occupational UV exposure among men who participated in the study. No association between UV exposure and RCC risk was observed among women who participated. When the analyses were stratified by latitude as another estimate of sunlight intensity, a stronger reduction (71%‐73%) in the risk of RCC was observed between UV exposure and cancer risk among men who resided at the highest latitudes.

CONCLUSIONS:

The current results suggested that, among men, there is an inverse association between occupational UV exposure and the risk of RCC. Replication studies are warranted to confirm these results. Cancer 2010. Published 2010 by the American Cancer Society.
Women's experiences with genomic testing for breast cancer recurrence risk
Authors: Tzeng Janice P. , Mayer Deborah , Richman Alice R. , Lipkus Isaac , Han Paul K. , Valle Carmina G. , Carey Lisa A. , Brewer Noel T.
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND:

Few studies have examined how patients understand and use genomic test results when deciding about treatment. This study examined how women receive and incorporate results of Oncotype DX, a genomic test that offers recurrence risk estimates, into decisions about adjuvant treatment for early stage breast cancer.

METHODS:

Participants in the cross‐sectional study were 77 women with early stage, estrogen receptor‐positive breast cancer with 0 to 3 positive lymph nodes who received Oncotype DX between 2004 and 2009. Mailed surveys, supplemented by medical chart review, assessed how women received and understood recurrence risk information based on the test.

RESULTS:

The most common test results were low (50%, 34 of 68) or intermediate (37%, 25 of 68) breast cancer recurrence risk. Most women accurately recalled their recurrence risk based on the test (71%) and felt they understood much of what they were told about it (67%). Approximately 25% of women recalled experiencing test‐related distress. Women's perceived recurrence risk was associated with their actual genomic‐based recurrence risks, having had a previous cancer diagnosis, and worry about recurrence. Women with high recurrence risk typically had chemotherapy (78%, 7 of 9), whereas only 2 with a low recurrence risk did (7%, 2 of 30).

CONCLUSIONS:

This is among the first studies to describe patients' experiences with genomic testing for recurrence risk. Although many women understood discussions about their genomic test results, a third reported not fully understanding these discussions, suggesting a need to aid and improve risk communication and treatment decision making. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Modelling diffraction patterns from one‐dimensionally disordered structures of AIIBVI crystals by Monte Carlo Technique IV. The 6H structure with different kinds of stacking faults
Authors: Gosk J. B.
Published: March 2010

To investigate the one‐dimensionally disordered structures (ODDS) in the close packed (cp) crystals, the Monte Carlo computer simulation technique has been applied. Calculations of the diffraction intensity distributions along the 10.L reciprocal lattice row from the 6H(33) structure with the four different kinds of the stacking faults (SFs): growth, deformation, layer displacement and extrinsic fault are presented. In particular, using the simple frequency functions of the fault to fault distances, both random and non‐random distributions of the SFs are considered. Distinctive features of the diffraction patterns corresponding to the chosen examples of the transformations from the parent 6H(33) structure into another small‐period polytypes are discussed in detail. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
MafA transcription factor identifies the early ret‐expressing sensory neurons
Authors: Lecoin Laure , Rocques Nathalie , El‐Yakoubi Warif , Achour Sarrah Ben , Larcher Magalie , Pouponnot Celio , Eychène Alain
Published: March 2010

Dorsal root ganglia proceed from the coalescence of cell bodies of sensory neurons, which have migrated dorsoventrally from the delaminating neural crest. They are composed of different neuronal subtypes with specific sensory functions, including nociception, thermal sensation, proprioception, and mechanosensation. In contrast to proprioceptors and thermonociceptors, little is known about the molecular mechanisms governing the early commitment and later differentiation into mechanosensitive neurons. This is mainly due to the absence of specific molecular markers for this particular cell type. Using knockout mice, we identified the bZIP transcription factor MafA as the first specific marker of a subpopulation of “early c‐ret” positive neurons characterized by medium‐to‐large diameters. This marker will allow further functional characterization of these neurons. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 70:485–497, 2010
Chromosome translocations and assessing human exposure to adverse environmental agents
Authors: Tucker James D.
Published: March 2010

This article discusses the use of chromosome translocations for assessing adverse environmental exposure in humans. Translocations are a persistent biomarker of exposure and a biomarker of effect, making them the endpoint of choice for certain human exposure studies because they indicate a potential relationship between exposure and adverse health outcomes, particularly cancer and birth defects. Presented here are the different types of translocations, their origins and persistence, the strengths and limitations of using translocations for exposure assessments, the current state of the art for quantifying exposure including the importance of confounding effects, and the use of model organisms. This article concludes with an assessment of the future of translocation analyses. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Activation of Rac1 Promotes Hedgehog-Mediated Acquisition of the Myofibroblastic Phenotype in Rat and Human Hepatic Stellate Cells
Authors: Choi Steve S. , Witek Rafal P. , Yang Liu , Omenetti Alessia , Syn Wing-Kin , Moylan Cynthia A. , Jung Youngmi , Karaca Gamze F. , Teaberry Vanessa S. , Pereira Thiago A. , Wang Jiangbo , Ren Xiu-Rong , Diehl Anna Mae
Published: March 2010

Hepatic accumulation of myofibroblastic hepatic stellate cells (MF-HSCs) is pivotal in the pathogenesis of cirrhosis. Two events are necessary for MF-HSCs to accumulate in damaged livers: transition of resident, quiescent hepatic stellate cells (Q-HSCs) to MF-HSCs and expansion of MF-HSC numbers through increased proliferation and/or reduced apoptosis. In this study, we identified two novel mediators of MF-HSC accumulation: Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1) and Hedgehog (Hh). It is unclear whether Rac1 and Hh interact to regulate the accumulation of MF-HSCs. We evaluated the hypothesis that Rac1 promotes activation of the Hh pathway, thereby stimulating signals that promote transition of Q-HSCs into MF-HSCs and enhance the viability of MF-HSCs. Using both

in vitro

and

in vivo

model systems, Rac1 activity was manipulated through adenoviral vector-mediated delivery of constitutively active or dominant-negative rac1. Rac1-transgenic mice with targeted myofibroblast expression of a mutated human rac1 transgene that produces constitutively active Rac1 were also examined. Results in all models demonstrated that activating Rac1 in HSC enhanced Hh signaling, promoted acquisition/maintenance of the MF-HSC phenotype, increased MF-HSC viability, and exacerbated fibrogenesis. Conversely, inhibiting Rac1 with dominant-negative rac1 reversed these effects in all systems examined. Pharmacologic manipulation of Hh signaling demonstrated that profibrogenic actions of Rac1 were mediated by its ability to activate Hh pathway-dependent mechanisms that stimulated myofibroblastic transition of HSCs and enhanced MF-HSC viability.

Conclusion:

These findings demonstrate that interactions between Rac1 and the Hh pathway control the size of MF-HSC populations and have important implications for the pathogenesis of cirrhosis. Hepatology 2010