bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prooxidant activity of fisetin: Effects on energy metabolism in the rat liver
Authors: Constantin Rodrigo Polimeni , Constantin Jorgete , Pagadigorria Clairce Luzia Salgueiro , Ishii‐Iwamoto Emy Luiza , Bracht Adelar , de Castro Cristiane Vizioli , Yamamoto Nair Seiko
Published: October 2010

Flavonols, which possess the B‐catechol ring, as quercetin, are capable of producing o‐hemi‐ quinones and to oxidize NADH in a variety of mammalian cells. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether fisetin affects the liver energy metabolism and the mitochondrial NADH to NAD+ ratio. The action of fisetin on hepatic energy metabolism was investigated in the perfused rat liver and isolated mitochondria. In isolated mitochondria, fisetin decreased the respiratory control and ADP/O ratios with the substrates α‐ketoglutarate and succinate. In the presence of ADP, respiration of isolated mitochondria was inhibited with both substrates, indicating an inhibitory action on the ATP‐synthase. The stimulation of the ATPase activity of coupled mitochondria and the inhibition of NADH‐oxidase activity pointed toward a possible uncoupling action and the interference of fisetin with mitochondrial energy transduction mechanisms. In livers from fasted rats, fisetin inhibited ketogenesis from endogenous sources. The β‐hydroxybutyrate/ acetoacetate ratio, which reflects the mitochondrial NADH/NAD+ redox ratio, was also decreased. In addition, fisetin (200 μM) increased the production of 14CO2 from exogenous oleate. The results of this investigation suggest that fisetin causes a shift in the mitochondrial redox potential toward a more oxidized state with a clear predominance of its prooxidant activity. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 25:117–126, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.20367
Thymoquinone supplementation attenuates cyclophosphamide‐induced cardiotoxicity in rats
Authors: Nagi Mahmoud N. , Al‐Shabanah Othman A. , Hafez Mohamed M. , Sayed‐Ahmed Mohamed M.
Published: October 2010

This study examined the possible protective effects of thymoquinone (TQ), the main constituent of the volatile oil of black seed (Nigella sativa), against cyclophosphamide (CP)‐induced cardiotoxicity. Adult male Wistar albino rats were divided into four treatment groups. Rats in the first group were served as control. Rats in the second group received TQ (50 mg/L in drinking water) for 12 days. Animals in the third group were injected with a single dose of CP (200 mg/kg, IP) at day 5. Rats in the fourth group received TQ (50 mg/L in drinking water) for 5 days before a single dose of CP (200 mg/kg, IP) and continued thereafter throughout the experiment. On day 13, animals were sacrificed; serum and hearts were isolated and analyzed. Cyclophosphamide resulted in a significant increase in serum creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, urea, and tumor necrosis factor‐α. In heart tissues, CP resulted in a significant increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and total nitrate/nitrite and a significant decrease in reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and adenosine triphosphate levels. Interestingly, TQ supplementation resulted in a complete reversal of all the biochemical changes induced by CP to their control values. Data from this study suggest that TQ supplementation attenuates CP‐induced cardiotoxicity by a mechanism related, at least in part, to its ability to decrease oxidative and nitrosative stress and to preserve the activity of antioxidant enzymes as well as its ability to improve the mitochondrial function and energy production. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 25:135‐142, 2011;View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10:1002/jbt.20369
The acute toxicity of fenitrothion on narrow‐clawed crayfish (Astacus leptodactylus Eschscholtz, 1823) in association with biomarkers of lipid peroxidation
Authors: Sarιkaya Rabia , Sepici‐Dinçel Aylin , Çaǧlan Karasu Benli A. , Selvi Mahmut , Erkoç Figen
Published: October 2010

The aim of this research was to evaluate the acute toxicity of fenitrothion to the crayfish (Astacus leptodactylus Eschscholtz, 1823), which is chosen as an alternative aquatic organism to fish by using the static test system and evaluate the basic lipid peroxidation parameters for the first 24 h. Crayfish of 27.3 ± 0.56 g mean weight and 10.0 ± 0.72 cm mean length were selected for the bioassay experiments. The experiments were repeated three times in 20 liters of tap water. The temperature of water was 21 ± 1°C. The data obtained were statistically evaluated by using a computer program developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, based on Finney's probit analysis method and the 96‐h LC50 value for crayfish was calculated to be 15.75 μg/L. The 95% lower and upper confidence limits for the LC50 were 9.45 to 25.01 μg/L. In addition to the acute toxicity bioassay experiments, 24‐h oxidative stress parameters such as malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and ferrous oxidation assay (FOX HP [hydrogen peroxide] equivalents) were also determined. Only MDA levels of hepatopancreas decreased at 5, 10, and 20 μg/L of fenitrothion doses. We can conclude that fenitrothion is highly toxic to crayfish, a nontarget organism in the ecosystem, and the lipid peroxidation indicators can be easily used for monitoring environmental effects. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 25:169–174, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.20373
Use of the term “superficial femoral vein” in ultrasound
Authors: Thiagarajah Ramya , Venkatanarasimha Nanda , Freeman Simon
Published: October 2010

Purpose.

To determine the frequency of use of the term “superficial femoral vein” (SFV) in the radiologic reports from a sample of sonographic investigations for suspected deep vein thrombosis and to assess the potential for clinical error in their interpretation.

Methods.

Retrospective review of 425 consecutive reports from medical patients attending the Imaging Department over a 6‐month period for the presence of the term “superficial femoral vein” and for the presence of thrombus. A questionnaire was sent to a sample of referring clinicians to assess their understanding of the anatomy of the deep venous system of the leg and indications for anticoagulant treatment.

Results.

Of the 425 sonographic investigations reviewed, 90 (21.2%) used the term “superficial femoral vein,” and 12 (13.3%) were positive for SFV thrombus. Among 87 clinicians, 74.7% believed the SFV to be part of the superficial venous system and that its thrombosis did not require anticoagulant treatment, although anticoagulation is now indicated in selected cases of superficial venous thrombosis.

Conclusion.

Seventy‐five percent of clinicians do not recognize the SFV as being part of the deep venous system and that its thrombosis requires anticoagulant treatment. In this study, 13% of SFV examined were positive for thrombus, and four patients (4.4%) had an isolated SFV thrombus that could have been left untreated due to this misunderstanding. Use of the term “superficial femoral vein” is prone to misinterpretation by clinicians and potentially hazardous to patients. It should be replaced by “common femoral vein” and “femoral vein” in reports. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2011.
Effect of in vitro stress‐deprivation and cyclic loading on the length of tendon cell cilia in situ
Authors: Gardner Keri , Arnoczky Steven P. , Lavagnino Michael
Published: October 2010

To determine the effect of loading conditions on the length of primary cilia in tendon cells in situ, freshly harvested rat tail tendons were stress‐deprived (SD) for up to 72 h, cyclically loaded at 3% strain at 0.17 Hz for 24 h, or SD for 24 h followed by cyclic loading (CL) for 24 h. Tendon sections were stained for tubulin, and cilia measured microscopically. In fresh control tendons, cilia length ranged from 0.6 to 2.0 µm with a mean length of 1.1 µm. Following SD, cilia demonstrated an increase (p < 0.001) in overall length at 24 h when compared to controls. Cilia length did not increase with time of SD (p = 0.329). Cilia in cyclically loaded tendons were shorter (p < 0.001) compared to all SD time periods, but were not different from 0 time controls (p = 0.472). CL for 24 h decreased cilia length in 24 h SD tendons (p < 0.001) to levels similar to those of fresh controls (p = 0.274). The results of this study demonstrate that SD resulted in an immediate and significant increase in the length of primary cilia of tendon cells, which can be reversed by cyclic tensile loading. This suggests that, as in other tissues, cilia length in tendon cells is affected by mechanical signaling from the extracellular matrix. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:582–587, 2011
Effects of preexisting microdamage, collagen cross‐links, degree of mineralization, age, and architecture on compressive mechanical properties of elderly human vertebral trabecular bone
Authors: Follet Helene , Viguet‐Carrin Stéphanie , Burt‐Pichat Brigitte , Dépalle Baptiste , Bala Yohann , Gineyts Evelyne , Munoz Francoise , Arlot Monique , Boivin Georges , Chapurlat Roland D. , Delmas Pierre D. , Bouxsein Mary L.
Published: October 2010

Previous studies have shown that the mechanical properties of trabecular bone are determined by bone volume fraction (BV/TV) and microarchitecture. The purpose of this study was to explore other possible determinants of the mechanical properties of vertebral trabecular bone, namely collagen cross‐link content, microdamage, and mineralization. Trabecular bone cores were collected from human L2 vertebrae (n = 49) from recently deceased donors 54–95 years of age (21 men and 27 women). Two trabecular cores were obtained from each vertebra, one for preexisting microdamage and mineralization measurements, and one for BV/TV and quasi‐static compression tests. Collagen cross‐link content (PYD, DPD, and PEN) was measured on surrounding trabecular bone. Advancing age was associated with impaired mechanical properties, and with increased microdamage, even after adjustment by BV/TV. BV/TV was the strongest determinant of elastic modulus and ultimate strength (r2 = 0.44 and 0.55, respectively). Microdamage, mineralization parameters, and collagen cross‐link content were not associated with mechanical properties. These data indicate that the compressive strength of human vertebral trabecular bone is primarily determined by the amount of trabecular bone, and notably unaffected by normal variation in other factors, such as cross‐link profile, microdamage and mineralization. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:481–488, 2011
Size and Morphology Control of Aggregates from Supramolecular Graft Copolymers Stabilized by Ionic Interaction
Authors: Jo Yeong Min , Park Chan Woo , Jung Bokyung , Yang Hee‐Man , Kim Jong‐Duk
Published: October 2010

A series of SGPs composed of a PLL main and a PLGA side chain was synthesized with different DSs in a DMSO solvent. The addition of water induced the self‐assembly of PLL/PLGA SPGs into spherical micelles. The size of the spherical micelles decreased with an increase in DS and core/shell structures, which was confirmed by XPS and zeta‐potential measurements. The morphological transitions were under thermodynamic control when the solvents mixed. Consequently, further increases in water content caused the transition of the spherical micelles to vesicles, while the initial spherical micelles were reconstructed from vesicles when the DMSO was added. The content of water, the boundaries for the morphology transition, depended on the DS. pH and salt levels affected the stability of the aggregates.

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Quantitative Structure‐Fluorescence Property Relationship Analysis of a Large BODIPY Library
Authors: Schüller Andreas , Goh Garrett Benjamin , Kim Hanjo , Lee Jun‐Seok , Chang Young‐Tae
Published: October 2010

A quantitative structure‐fluorescence property relationship (QSPR) analysis of a large 288‐membered library based on a single fluorescent BODIPY scaffold is presented for the first time. BODIPY is a versatile fluorescent scaffold with outstanding photophysical properties. Absorption (λabs) and fluorescence emission (λem) wavelength maxima were modeled with help of stepwise multiple linear regression (MLR) and support vector regression (SVR). The models were rigorously validated by 10‐times 10‐fold cross‐validation (CV), y‐scrambling CV and with an external validation set. Non‐linear SVR models (R2=0.92 and Q2=0.71 for λabs; R2=0.89 and Q2=0.69 for λem) performed significantly better than linear models. A small root mean squared error (RMSE) of 5.62 nm and 11.07 nm was achieved for λabs and λem, respectively, and confirmed by external validation. A novel intramolecular charge transfer descriptor was developed based on the QSPR analysis and its inclusion in the modeling significantly improved models of λem. We conclude that QSPR is a useful tool for modeling λabs and λem of BODIPY fluorophores and suggest QSPR as an ideal partner for the design of compounds with tailored fluorescence properties in a diversity‐oriented fluorescence library approach (DOFLA).
Clean STD‐NMR spectrum for improved detection of ligand‐protein interactions at low concentration of protein
Authors: Xia Youlin , Zhu Qi , Jun Kyu‐Yeon , Wang Jingchun , Gao Xiaolian
Published: October 2010

Saturation transfer difference (STD)‐NMR has been widely used to screen ligand compound libraries for their binding activities to proteins and to determine the binding epitopes of the ligands. We report herein, a Clean STD‐NMR method developed to overcome false positives (artifacts) observed in the STD‐NMR spectrum due to the power spillover of RF irradiation. The method achieved higher degree of resonance saturation through digital editing of two STD‐NMR spectra to generate a concatenated difference spectrum and three times of sensitivity enhancement for a loose binding complex involving DNA oligonucleotide and an RNA‐binding protein, CUGBP‐1ab (25.2 kDa). The interesting binding characteristics of the complex dCTGTCT–CUGBP1ab were obtained. The method was applied to a mixture of small ligand and bovine serum albumin protein (BSA, 66.3 kDa), and detected the intermolecular contacts at a BSA concentration as low as 0.1 µM, a working concentration useful for the detection of proteins of low solubility at biologically relevant conditions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Power domination in cylinders, tori, and generalized Petersen graphs
Authors: Barrera Roberto , Ferrero Daniela
Published: October 2010

A set S of vertices is defined to be a power dominating set (PDS) of a graph G if every vertex and every edge in G can be monitored by the set S according to a set of rules for power system monitoring. The minimum cardinality of a PDS of G is its power domination number. In this article, we find upper bounds for the power domination number of some families of Cartesian products of graphs: the cylinders Pn□Cm for integers n ≥ 2, m ≥ 3, and the tori Cn□Cm for integers n,m ≥ 3. We apply similar techniques to present upper bounds for the power domination number of generalized Petersen graphs P(m,k). We prove those upper bounds provide the exact values of the power domination numbers if the integers m,n, and k satisfy some given relations. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 58(1), 43–49 2011
Synergistic effects of cerium phosphate and intumescent flame retardant on EPDM/PP composites
Authors: Qiao Zhihua , Tai Qilong , Song Lei , Hu Yuan , Lv Pin , Jie Ganxin , Huang Wei , Fu Yi , Zhang Deqing
Published: October 2010

An intumescent flame retardant system composed of ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and pentaerythritol (PER) was used for flame retarding ethylene–propylene–diene‐modified elastomer (EPDM)/polypropylene (PP) blends. Cerium phosphate (CeP) was synthesized and the effect on flame retardancy and thermal stability of EPDM/PP composites based on intumescent flame retardant (IFR) were studied by limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL‐94, and thermogravimetic analysis (TGA), respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) were used to analyze the morphological structure and the component of the residue chars formed from the EPDM/PP composites, and the mechanical properties of the materials were also studied. The addition of CeP to the EPDM/PP/APP/PER composites gives better flame retardancy than that of EPDM/PP/APP/PER composites. TGA and RT‐FTIR studies indicated that an interaction occurs among APP, PER, and EPDM/PP. The incorporation of CeP improved the mechanical properties of the materials. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Activation of lung macrophage subpopulations in experimental acute pancreatitis
Authors: Gea‐Sorlí Sabrina , Guillamat Raquel , Serrano‐Mollar Anna , Closa Daniel
Published: October 2010

Pulmonary macrophages exist in two different anatomical compartments in the lower respiratory tract: alveolar macrophages in the alveoli and interstitial macrophages in the interstitium. Depending on the micro‐environmental stimulation, macrophages follow different activation pathways. According to their inflammatory response pattern, activated macrophages have been characterized as pro‐inflammatory (M1), wound‐healing (M2a) and regulatory (M2b). Since acute pancreatitis occurs in parallel with acute lung injury, the profile of the different macrophage subpopulations could be relevant in the progression of the disease. The activation of lung alveolar and interstitial macrophages was assessed in an experimental model of severe acute pancreatitis induced in rats by intraductal infusion of 3.5% sodium taurocholate. Alveolar and interstitial macrophages were obtained and the expression of markers of different activations was evaluated. Activation of nuclear factors PPARγ and NF‐κB, which are involved in the acquisition of different phenoytpes, was also measured. Alveolar macrophages acquired an early M1 phenotype characterized by the expression of inflammatory cytokines and NF‐κB activation. In contrast, interstitial macrophages followed the inhibitory M2b pathway. In these macrophages, PPARγ became activated and the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10 was expressed. These results suggest that alveolar and interstitial macrophages play different roles in acute lung injury associated with acute pancreatitis. Alveolar macrophages promote an early inflammatory response, whereas interstitial macrophages help resolve inflammation. Copyright © 2010 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fundamental properties of N‐alkenylaziridines—implications for the design of new reactions and organocatalysts
Authors: Siebert Matthew R. , Tantillo Dean J.
Published: October 2010

The success of many organocatalysts depends on the proper modulation of electronic properties of amines and their derived enamines and iminium ions. We and others have been fascinated with the differences in reactivity observed for aziridines versus other amines in many reactions. Herein we report a theoretical assessment (using B3LYP/6‐31 + G(d,p)) of the π‐donating ability of aziridines relative to other amines and discuss the implications for enamine and iminium ion reactivity. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrolysis and retro‐aldol cleavage of ethyl threo‐2‐(1‐adamantyl)‐3‐hydroxybutyrate: competing reactions
Authors: Ganguly Bishwajit , Kesharwani Manoj K. , Matković Marija , Basarić Nikola , Singh Ajeet , Mlinarić‐Majerski Kata
Published: October 2010

The hydrolysis of ethyl threo‐2‐(1‐adamantyl)‐3‐hydroxybutyrate (1) and the parent ester ethyl 3‐hydroxybutyrate (4) has been studied experimentally and computationally. In the hydrolysis of threo‐ester 1 with 2 M NaOH, predominantly retro‐aldol product was observed, whereas the hydrolyzed product was present in a minor amount. When the reaction is carried out under the same conditions with the parent ester ethyl 3‐hydroxybutyrate (4), hydrolyzed product is exclusively observed. The competitive pathways, namely hydrolysis and the retro‐aldol reaction for 1 and 4 were investigated using DFT calculations in the both gas and solvent phase. The calculated results in the solvent phase at B3LYP/6–31 + G* level revealed that the formation of retro‐aldol products is kinetically preferred over the hydrolysis of threo‐ester 1 in the presence of a base. However, the parent ester 4 showed that the retro‐aldol process is less favored than the hydrolysis process under similar conditions. The steric effect imposed by the bulky adamantyl group to enhance the activation barriers for the hydrolysis of the ethyl threo‐2‐(1‐adamantyl)‐3‐hydroxybutyrate (1) was further supported by the calculations performed with tert‐butyl group at the α‐carbon atom of ethyl 3‐hydroxybutyrate (7). Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Skin Layer Defects in Si by Optimized Treatment in Hydrogen RF Plasma
Authors: Ghica Corneliu , Nistor Leona Cristina , Vizireanu Sorin , Dinescu Gheorghe , Moldovan Antoniu , Dinescu Maria
Published: October 2010

The first step of the smart‐cut™ process consists in inducing structural defects below the free surface of a silicon wafer, usually by implantation of light elements, such as hydrogen or helium. An alternative way to induce subsurface defects is by plasma treatment. In this work, we present a morphological and structural study on silicon wafers submitted to hydrogen plasma treatment, using two plasma‐processing geometries. The parameters of the plasma treatment have been varied in order to limit the surface roughness and to confine the induced defects in a narrow region (50 nm) below the wafer surface. The morphological and structural investigations have been performed by AFM and TEM.

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No evidence of FGFR3 mutations in prostate cancer
Authors: Zuiverloon Tahlita C.M. , Boormans Joost L. , Trapman Jan , van Leenders Geert J.L.H. , Zwarthoff Ellen C.
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND

FGFR3 mutations are associated with a good clinical disease course in bladder tumors. Currently, prognostic markers to stratify prostate cancer (PCa) patients for conservative management are lacking. Conflicting results have been found on the presence of FGFR3 mutations in PCa. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of FGFR3 mutations in a subset of prostate tumors. Next, determine the prevalence of FGFR3 mutations in PCa patients with coexistent tumors in other tissues.

METHODS

Primary and locally advanced prostate tumors (n = 132) were collected at our medical center. From the 132 PCa patients, 28 (21%) were diagnosed with coexistent primary tumors (bladder, skin, pancreas, renal cell, gastric, colon, hepatic, and lung). Tumors were analyzed by FGFR3 mutation analysis on exon 7, 10, and 15, known to harbor the most frequent mutations.

RESULTS

The prevalence of FGFR3 mutations in patients with only PCa was 0%. Most PCa patients presented with coexistent bladder (n = 12) and bladder and skin tumors (n = 7). Other coexistent tumors in PCa patients included: bladder and pancreatic cancer (n = 1); bladder and renal cell carcinoma (n = 1); bladder and gastric carcinoma (n = 1); skin cancer (n = 1); colon cancer (n = 3); hepatic carcinoma (n = 1); and lung cancer (n = 1). FGFR3 mutations were detected in 9/15 (60%) analyzed bladder tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

FGFR3 mutations were absent in the investigated prostate tumors, suggesting a minor role of these mutations in tumorigenesis. Hence, FGFR3 mutation analysis is not suitable to select patients for conservative management. Interestingly, if a prostate tumor coincided with other tumors these were mostly bladder and skin. Prostate 71:637–641, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A multiplex model of combining gene‐based, protein‐based, and metabolite‐based with positive and negative markers in urine for the early diagnosis of prostate cancer
Authors: Cao Da‐Long , Ye Ding‐Wei , Zhang Hai‐Liang , Zhu Yao , Wang Yi‐Xuan , Yao Xu‐Dong
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND

Multiplex urine‐based assay emerged outperforms single biomarker (e.g., prostate‐specific antigen, PSA) for predicting prostate cancer (CaP), whereas its combined mode has to be fully optimized. Our aim is to determine whether a strategy of combining gene‐based, protein‐based, metabolite‐based with positive, negative makers in urine could optimize a multiplex model for detecting CaP.

METHODS

Using quantitative PCR, Western blot, and liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry, expression patterns of PCA3, TMPRSS2: ERG, Annexin A3, Sarcosine, and urine PSA were evaluated in urine samples from 86 untreated patients with CaP and 45 patients with no evidence of malignancy. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to generate a final model and receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and special bootstrap software to assess diagnostic performance of tested variables.

RESULTS

The expression patterns of PCA3, TMPRSS2: ERG, Annexin A3, Sarcosine, and a panel including these biomarkers were significant predictors of CaP both in patients with PSA 4–10 ng/ml and in all patients (all P < 0.05). Employing ROC analysis, the area under the curves of the panel in these both cohorts were 0.840 and 0.856, respectively, which outperform that of any single biomarker (PCA3: 0.733 and 0.739; TMPRSS2: ERG: 0.720 and 0.732; Annexin A3: 0.716 and 0.728; Sarcosine: 0.659 and 0.665, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with single biomarker, the multiplex model including PCA3, TMPRSS2: ERG, Annexin A3 and Sarcosine adds even more to the diagnostic performance for predicting CaP. Further validation experiments and optimization for the strategy of constructing this model are warranted. Prostate 71:700–710, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ultraviolet light sensitive In‐doped ZnO thin film field effect transistor printed by inkjet technique
Authors: Wu Yan , Girgis Emad , Ström Valter , Voit Wolfgang , Belova Lyubov , Rao K. V.
Published: October 2010

This indium‐doped zinc oxide field effect transistor (IZO‐FET) with a large ultraviolet (UV) detection sensitivity has been fabricated by inkjet printing technique. In darkness, the IZO‐FETs exhibit a saturation current level of about 10 µA, an incremental mobility as high as 8 cm2 V−1 s−1, and a current on/off ratio of 104–105. When illuminated by 363 nm, 1.7 mW cm−2 UV light, the IZO‐FET displays a photocurrent of 2 mA, and a darkness current of ∼20 nA at an optimized gate voltage of −2 V. The device is effectively turned on in about 5 ms and off in 10 ms. These results suggest that the IZO‐FET fabricated by inkjet printing could be a low cost highly sensitive UV photodetector.
H∞filtering for uncertain time‐varying systems with multiple randomly occurred nonlinearities and successive packet dropouts
Authors: Shen Bo , Wang Zidong , Shu Huisheng , Wei Guoliang
Published: October 2010

This paper is concerned with the robustH∞finite‐horizon filtering problem for discrete time‐varying stochastic systems with multiple randomly occurred sector‐nonlinearities (MROSNs) and successive packet dropouts. MROSNs are proposed to model a class of sector‐like nonlinearities that occur according to the multiple Bernoulli distributed white sequences with a known conditional probability. Different from traditional approaches, in this paper, a time‐varying filter is designed directly for the addressed system without resorting to the augmentation of system states and measurement, which helps reduce the filter order. A newH∞filtering technique is developed by means of a set of recursive linear matrix inequalities that depend on not only the current available state estimate but also the previous measurement, therefore ensuring a better accuracy. Finally, two illustrative examples are used to demonstrate the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed filter design scheme. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flow structure through pool‐riffle sequences and a conceptual model for their sustainability in gravel‐bed rivers
Authors: Caamaño D. , Goodwin P. , Buffington J. M.
Published: October 2010

Detailed field measurements and simulations of three‐dimensional flow structure were used to develop a conceptual model to explain the sustainability of self‐formed pool‐riffle sequences in gravel‐bed rivers. The analysis was conducted at the Red River Wildlife Management Area in Idaho, USA, and enabled characterization of the flow structure through two consecutive pool‐riffle sequences, including: identification of jet concentration and dissipation zones, and the development of local turbulence features (i.e. vertical and horizontal eddies) under different flow conditions. Three‐dimensional hydraulic simulations were used to evaluate how the flow structure varies across a range of flow conditions and with different degrees of sediment aggradation within the upstream pool. The analysis demonstrated a significant influence of the residual pool depth on the flow structure, with reduced residual depth causing a shift in the orientation of the jet and a reduction in the influence of vertical eddies and the size and intensity of horizontal eddies. The proposed conceptual model seeks to explain the sustainability of pools in terms of the flow structure in pool‐riffle morphology and how this flow structure will change as a result of altered external forcing, such as upstream sediment delivery or changes in bank stability. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reducing the risk of requirements volatility: findings from an empirical survey
Authors: Ferreira Susan , Shunk Dan , Collofello James , Mackulak Gerald , Dueck AmyLou
Published: October 2010

Requirements volatility is a common development project risk that can have severe impacts. An empirical survey of over 300 software project managers and other software development personnel was performed to examine effects of various software development factors on requirements volatility. This paper reports the survey data results showing relationships between a number of software development process factors and requirements volatility. Key software project factors studied for their relationship with requirements volatility include process maturity level and various process techniques used for requirements engineering activities, such as requirements elicitation, prototyping, analysis and modeling, specification, and reviews. Significant correlations between the process factors and requirements volatility resulted from the analysis of some of the factors. The use of particular requirements engineering process techniques showed correlations with lower levels of requirements volatility. Other findings indicated that projects which used some types of prototypes to elicit requirements had higher levels of requirements volatility in later phases of the development cycle than lower levels, as one might expect. The presented results can be used by software development managers to proactively address and possibly mitigate the risk of requirements volatility, and to understand the potential for increased requirements volatility when certain methods are utilized. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
History of climate engineering
Authors: Bonnheim Noah Byron
Published: October 2010

The modern concept of geoengineering as a response to anthropogenic climate change evolved from much earlier proposals to modify the climate. The well‐documented history of weather modification provides a much‐needed historical perspective on geoengineering in the face of current climate anxiety and the need for responsive action. Drawing on material from the mid‐20th century until today, this paper asserts the importance of looking at geoengineering holistically—of integrating social considerations with technical promise, and scientific study with human and moral dimensions. While the debate is often couched in scientific terms, the consequences of geoengineering the climate stretch far beyond the world of science into the realms of ethics, legality, and society. Studying the history of geoengineering can help produce fresh insights about what has happened and about what may happen, and can help frame important decisions that will soon be made as to whether geoengineering is a feasible alternative to mitigation, a possible partner, or a dangerous experiment with our fragile planet. WIREs Clim Change 2010 1 891–897 DOI: 10.1002/wcc.82

This article is categorized under:

Climate, History, Society, Culture > Technological Aspects and Ideas
Pre‐mRNA 3′‐end processing complex assembly and function
Authors: Chan Serena , Choi Eun‐A , Shi Yongsheng
Published: October 2010

The 3′‐ends of almost all eukaryotic mRNAs are formed in a two‐step process, an endonucleolytic cleavage followed by polyadenylation (the addition of a poly‐adenosine or poly(A) tail). These reactions take place in the pre‐mRNA 3′ processing complex, a macromolecular machinery that consists of more than 20 proteins. A general framework for how the pre‐mRNA 3′ processing complex assembles and functions has emerged from extensive studies over the past several decades using biochemical, genetic, computational, and structural approaches. In this article, we review what we have learned about this important cellular machine and discuss the remaining questions and future challenges. WIREs RNA 2011 2 321–335 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.54

This article is categorized under:

RNA Processing > 3' End Processing
Tailored or Routine Addition of an Antireflux Fundoplication in Laparoscopic Large Hiatal Hernia Repair: A Comparative Cohort Study
Authors: Furnée Edgar J. B. , Draaisma Werner A. , Gooszen Hein G. , Hazebroek Eric J. , Smout Andre J. P. M. , Broeders Ivo A. M. J.
Published: October 2010

Background

There is controversy about the tailored or routine addition of an antireflux fundoplication in large hiatal hernia (type II–IV) repair. We investigated the strategy of selective addition of a fundoplication in patients with a large hiatal hernia and concomitant gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Methods

Between 2002 and 2008, 60 patients with a large hiatal hernia were evaluated preoperatively and 12 months after surgery by reflux‐related symptoms, upper endoscopy, and esophageal 24‐h pH monitoring. In patients with preoperatively documented gastroesophageal reflux disease, an antireflux fundoplication was added during hiatal hernia repair.

Results

An antireflux procedure was added in 35 patients and 25 patients underwent hiatal hernia repair only. Preoperative symptoms were improved or resolved in 31 patients (88.6%) in the group who had fundoplication and in 20 patients (87.0%) in the group who did not have fundoplication. In patients with fundoplication, esophagitis was present in 6 patients (22.2%) after surgery and abnormal esophageal acid exposure persisted in 11 (39.3%). Seven patients (38.9%) with hernia repair only developed abnormal esophageal acid exposure, and esophagitis was postoperatively generated in five (27.8%). In neither group did patients have new onset of daily heartburn or dysphagia.

Conclusions

In patients with a large hiatal hernia associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease, addition of a fundoplication during hernia repair yields acceptable reduction of symptoms and does not generate symptomatic side effects. Objective control of reflux, however, is only moderate. Omission of an antireflux procedure in the absence of gastroesophageal reflux disease induced esophagitis in 28% and abnormal esophageal acid exposure in 39% of patients. Therefore, routine addition of an antireflux fundoplication should be recommended.
Limitations of Tc99m‐MIBI‐SPECT Imaging Scans in Persistent Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Witteveen Janneke E. , Kievit Job , Stokkel Marcel P. M. , Morreau Hans , Romijn Johannes A. , Hamdy Neveen A. T.
Published: October 2010

Background

In primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) the predictive value of technetium 99m sestamibi single emission computed tomography (Tc99m‐MIBI‐SPECT) for localizing pathological parathyroid glands before a first parathyroidectomy (PTx) is 83–100%. Data are scarce in patients undergoing reoperative parathyroidectomy for persistent hyperparathyroidism. The aim of the present study was to determine the value of Tc99m‐MIBI‐SPECT in localizing residual hyperactive parathyroid tissue in patients with persistent primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) after initial excision of one or more pathological glands.

Method

We retrospectively evaluated the localizing accuracy of Tc99m‐MIBI‐SPECT scans in 19 consecutive patients with persistent PHPT who had a scan before reoperative parathyroidectomy. We used as controls 23 patients with sporadic PHPT who had a scan before initial surgery.

Results

In patients with persistent PHPT, Tc99m‐MIBI‐SPECT accurately localized a pathological parathyroid gland in 33% of cases before reoperative parathyroidectomy, compared to 61% before first PTx for sporadic PHPT. The Tc99m‐MIBI‐SPECT scan accurately localized intra‐thyroidal glands in 2 of 7 cases and a mediastinal gland in 1 of 3 cases either before initial or reoperative parathyroidectomy.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that the accuracy of Tc99m‐MIBI‐SPECT in localizing residual hyperactive glands is significantly lower before reoperative parathyroidectomy for persistent PHPT than before initial surgery for sporadic PHPT. These findings should be taken in consideration in the preoperative workup of patients with persistent primary hyperparathyroidism.
Influence of riparian condition on aquatic macroinvertebrate communities in an agricultural catchment in south‐eastern Australia
Authors: Arnaiz Omar L. , Wilson Andrea L. , Watts Robyn J. , Stevens Mark M.
Published: October 2010

Riparian vegetation is known to affect aquatic macroinvertebrate communities through contributions of organic matter and shading. Despite the widespread degradation of riparian vegetation in Australia, there are relatively few studies examining the effect of changes in riparian vegetation on in‐stream macroinvertebrate assemblages on individual catchments. In particular, information is lacking on the responses of macroinvertebrate communities in catchments dominated by agriculture, where farms that are managed at the paddock scale result in riparian vegetation condition varying over relatively short distances. In this study, macroinvertebrate assemblages were assessed from 12 reaches along a 25‐km section of a small agricultural stream in south‐eastern Australia. Riparian condition was assessed using in‐stream coarse woody debris (CWD) levels and the rapid appraisal of riparian condition (RARC) index, a numerical system for categorising the health of riparian areas that incorporates sub‐indices reflecting habitat continuity, vegetation cover, plant debris levels, native vegetation dominance, and other indicative features. There was a significant positive correlation between RARC scores and macroinvertebrate taxon richness (p < 0.01), and also between CWD scores and macroinvertebrate taxon richness (p < 0.05). In contrast, there was no significant correlation observed between riparian condition and the other macroinvertebrate indices (abundance, Shannon diversity, SIGNAL and SIGNAL2). Macroinvertebrate communities were significantly different in stream reaches from different riparian condition categories (ANOSIM; p < 0.05). Our results indicate that efforts to rehabilitate riparian vegetation may have a positive effect on in‐stream biota even when implemented at a relatively small scale by individual landholders.
Uncharted waters: rare and unclassified cardiomyopathies characterized on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: O’Neill Ailbhe C. , McDermott Shaunagh , Ridge Carole A. , McDonald Kenneth , Keane David , Dodd Jonathan D.
Published: October 2010

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) has undergone considerable technology advances in recent years, so that it is now entering into mainstream cardiac imaging practice. In particular, CMR is proving to be a valuable imaging tool in the detection, morphological assessment and functional assessment of cardiomyopathies. Although our understanding of this broad group of heart disorders continues to expand, it is an evolving group of entities, with the rarer cardiomyopathies remaining poorly understood or even unclassified. In this review, we describe the clinical and pathophysiological aspects of several of the rare/unclassified cardiomyopathies and their appearance on CMR.
Expectations modulate long‐term heat pain habituation
Authors: Dogancil Beril , Breimhorstl Markus , Hondrichl Marie , Rodriguez‐Raeckel Rea , Mayl Arne , Birkleinl Frank
Published: October 2010

Habituation to pain was shown to be a complex mechanism involving the pain encoding regions and the antinociceptive system in the brain. Pain perception can be modulated by cognitive factors; however it is unclear whether cognitive factors also influence habituation to pain. We used an established experimental design with repetitive moderate painful heat stimulation over eight consecutive days. Thirty‐seven healthy subjects were recruited and assigned to four different groups: The first group (n =10) was instructed that pain perception over time will habituate; the second group (n =9) that pain will increase; the third group (n =8) was instructed that pain will remain stable over the 8 days of pain stimulation and the fourth group (n =10) was not given any specific information and served as a control group. We found that the control group habituated as described before. However, it was abolished in the second (sensitize) and third (stable) group, but was very strongly demonstrated in the first (habituation) group. In this group, habituation tended to be increased as compared to the control group. In conclusion, our findings highlight the importance of context information in pain studies and contribute to our knowledge about pain processing and behaviour.
Red Bull “Gives You Wings” for better or worse: A double‐edged impact of brand exposure on consumer performance
Authors: Brasel S. Adam , Gips James
Published: October 2010

We show that brand exposure can have double‐sided effects on behavior, with brand identity associations creating both positive and negative effects on objective consumer performance. Experimental results from a racing game involving functionally identical cars with differently branded paint jobs show that Red Bull branding creates a U‐shaped effect on race performance, as Red Bull's brand identity of speed, power, and recklessness work both for and against the players. Even though brands were exposed supraliminally, effects traveled through nonconscious channels. Double‐edged effects of branding on consumer performance could be increasingly important as ambient advertising and product cobranding become more commonplace.
Continental crust in the Lomonosov Ridge, Mendeleev Ridge, and the Makarov basin. The formation of deep-water basins in the Neogene
Authors: Artyushkov E.V.
Published: October 2010

The northeast of the Russian Arctic is a deep-water basin underlain by the Lomonosov and Mendeleev Ridges, with the Makarov basin in between. In most of this area, the water depth is ~1–4 km and the crust is thick (20–30 km), with a well-pronounced granitic layer. Therefore, some researchers regard this crust as continental. Others think that this is the oceanic crust, the same as that on the hotspots like Iceland in the Atlantic or Ontong Java in the Pacific. After their activity stops, such structures must subside as a result of the crust and mantle cooling, in the same way as the oceanic crust on a spreading axis. As regards the Lomonosov and Mendeleev Ridges, they subsided in quite a different way. In the absence of volcanism, they remained near sea level, almost not subsiding, for a long time (at least 70 and 190 myr, respectively). Since the late Early Miocene, these areas subsided rapidly and deep-water sediments overlay shallow-water ones. In the same epoch, the Makarov basin subsided rapidly, which also used to lie near sea level. Its subsidence was several times that which could have taken place over the same period of time as a result of lithosphere cooling on an extinct hotspot. Such tectonic movements were possible only for the continental crust. The data on the structure of the sedimentary cover preclude considerable lithospheric stretching in these areas. Therefore, the rapid subsidence is accounted for by the transformation of gabbro in the lower crust into denser rocks (garnet granulites and eclogites), catalyzed by infiltration of a mantle-derived fluid flows. Dense, deeply metamorphosed mafic rocks with a thickness of up to 10–20 km and P-wave velocities of ~8 km/s underlie the Moho in the area under study.
Stratigraphic setting and age of the complex Tappania-bearing Proterozoic fossil biota of Siberia
Authors: Nagovitsin K.E. , Stanevich A.M. , Kornilova T.A.
Published: October 2010

A microfossil assemblage has been found in the widely spaced (300 km apart) Baikit and Katanga areas (inner Siberian Platform) in stratigraphically coeval strata in the lower part of the petroliferous Kamo Group (Riphean). It comprises complex protists Tappania plana Yin; acritarchs Valeria lophostriata Jank., Satka sp., Lophosphaeridium sp., Pulvinosphaeridium sp., and Miroedichia sp.; porous vesicles of Tasmanites sp. and Osculosphaera sp.; vesicles with anastomosing processes, and spiral filaments of Obruchevella and Glomovertella. Siberian fossil microbiota is considerably more diverse than biota with Tappania protists known in Australia and China. A taxonomically similar fossil biota found 1500 km northeast of the well-studied Riphean section in the Olenek uplift suggests that the host rocks, too, are stratigraphically coeval. This permits refining the age of remains of the first complex eukaryotes from the inner platform and is an additional correlation criterion for the lower Kamo Group.
Distribution of monoalkylbenzenes C12H18–C27H48 in Vendian–Cambrian oils of the Siberian Platform
Authors: Ivanova I.K. , Kashirtsev V.A.
Published: October 2010

The peculiarities of the distribution of high-molecular normal alkylbenzenes in Vendian–Cambrian oils of the Siberian Platform were studied according to GC-MS data. A predominance of high-molecular homologues with the odd number of carbon atoms in the molecule has been established. Possible biochemical precursors and the probable mechanism of formation of “odd” monoalkylbenzenes are considered.
The August 20, 1852 earthquake in Santiago de Cuba
Authors: Cotilla Rodríguez Mario Octavio , Barba Diego Córdoba
Published: October 2010

On August 20, 1852, an earthquake caused widespread destruction in the city of Santiago de Cuba and its surroundings. A comprehensive search for contemporary documentation was made. The information gathered was used for a detailed analysis of the damage from and characteristics of the earthquakes. Intensities were evaluated at 45 localities, and an isoseismal scheme has been drawn. Maximum intensity reached 8 degrees (MSK), and 6.4 was the estimated magnitude. Damage to the city of Santiago de Cuba has been studied in detail. The low quality of construction aggravated the damage. The total number of casualties was two dead and approximately 200 injured. The shock was felt within 80,000 km2. The epicenter was determined as 19.75º N, 75.32º W, h = 30 km. This study shows that contemporary Cuban documents must be studied with care in their historical and cultural background to avoid overestimating earthquake intensities.