bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adipokines and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Relationship with Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors
Authors: VADACCA MARTA , MARGIOTTA DOMENICO , RIGON AMELIA , CACCIAPAGLIA FABIO , COPPOLINO GIUSY , AMOROSO ANTONIO , AFELTRA ANTONELLA
Published: May 2009

Objective.

To study concentrations of adipokines in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and the relationship among adipokines, the metabolic syndrome (MeS), and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors.

Methods.

We enrolled 50 SLE patients and 26 controls, all women. Leptin, resistin, visfatin, and adiponectin were measured by commercial ELISA kits.

Results.

MeS prevalence was increased among subjects with SLE. Leptin levels were higher in patients with SLE than controls. Among SLE patients, independent determinants of leptin were insulin levels (p < 0.0001), triglycerides (p = 0.03), body mass index (p = 0.02), corticosteroid dosage (p = 0.02), and SLE Disease Activity Index (p = 0.005). Other adipokines did not differ between SLE patients and controls.

Conclusion.

Leptin was increased in SLE patients and could play a role in SLE-related cardiovascular diseases.
Autoantibodies in Pediatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Ethnic Grouping, Cluster Analysis, and Clinical Correlations
Authors: JURENCÁK ROMAN , FRITZLER MARVIN , TYRRELL PASCAL , HIRAKI LINDA , BENSELER SUSANNE , SILVERMAN EARL
Published: May 2009

Objective.

(1) To evaluate the spectrum of serum autoantibodies in pediatric-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (pSLE) with a focus on ethnic differences; (2) using cluster analysis, to identify patients with similar autoantibody patterns and to determine their clinical associations.

Methods.

A single-center cohort study of all patients with newly diagnosed pSLE seen over an 8-year period was performed. Ethnicity, clinical, and serological data were prospectively collected from 156/169 patients (92%). The frequencies of 10 selected autoantibodies among ethnic groups were compared. Cluster analysis identified groups of patients with similar autoantibody profiles. Associations of these groups with clinical and laboratory features of pSLE were examined.

Results.

Among our 5 ethnic groups, there were differences only in the prevalence of anti-U1RNP and anti-Sm antibodies, which occurred more frequently in non-Caucasian patients (p < 0.0001, p < 0.01, respectively). Cluster analysis revealed 3 autoantibody clusters. Cluster 1 consisted of anti-dsDNA antibodies. Cluster 2 consisted of anti-dsDNA, antichromatin, antiribosomal P, anti-U1RNP, anti-Sm, anti-Ro and anti-La autoantibody. Cluster 3 consisted of anti-dsDNA, anti-RNP, and anti-Sm autoantibody. The highest proportion of Caucasians was in cluster 1 (p < 0.05), which was characterized by a mild disease with infrequent major organ involvement compared to cluster 2, which had the highest frequency of nephritis, renal failure, serositis, and hemolytic anemia, or cluster 3, which was characterized by frequent neuropsychiatric disease and nephritis.

Conclusion.

We observed ethnic differences in autoantibody profiles in pSLE. Autoantibodies tended to cluster together and these clusters were associated with different clinical courses.
The Efficacy and Safety of Milnacipran for Treatment of Fibromyalgia. A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial
Authors: MEASE PHILIP J. , CLAUW DANIEL J. , GENDREAU R. MICHAEL , RAO SRINIVAS G. , KRANZLER JAY , CHEN WEI , PALMER ROBERT H.
Published: May 2009

Objective.

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of milnacipran, a dual norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake inhibitor, in the treatment of fibromyalgia (FM).

Methods.

A 27-week, randomized, double-blind, multicenter study compared milnacipran 100 and 200 mg/day with placebo in the treatment of 888 patients with FM. Two composite responder definitions were used to classify each patient’s individual response to therapy. “FM responders” concurrently satisfied response criteria for improvements in pain (visual analog scale 24-h morning recall), patient global impression of change (PGIC), and physical functioning (SF-36 Physical Component Summary); while “FM pain responders” concurrently satisfied response criteria for improvements in pain and PGIC.

Results.

At the primary endpoint, after 3-month stable dose treatment, a significantly higher percentage of milnacipran-treated patients met criteria as FM responders versus placebo (milnacipran 200 mg/day, p = 0.017; milnacipran 100 mg/day, p = 0.028). A significantly higher percentage of patients treated with milnacipran 200 mg/day also met criteria as FM pain responders versus placebo (p = 0.032). Significant pain reductions were observed after Week 1 with both milnacipran doses. At 15 weeks, milnacipran 200 mg/day led to significant improvements over placebo in pain (realtime, daily and weekly recall; all measures, p < 0.05), PGIC (p < 0.001), fatigue (p = 0.016), cognition (p = 0.025), and multiple SF-36 domains. Milnacipran was safe and well tolerated by the majority of patients during 27 weeks of treatment; nausea and headache were the most common adverse events.

Conclusion.

Milnacipran is safe and effective for the treatment of multiple symptoms of FM.
Pharmacokinetics of sertindole and its metabolite dehydrosertindole in rats and characterization of their comparative pharmacodynamics based onin vivoD2receptor occupancy and behavioural conditioned avoidance response
Authors: Bundgaard Christoffer , Larsen Frank , Kreilgaard Mads , Brennum Lise T. , Olsen Christina Kurre
Published: May 2009

The objectives of this study were to characterize the pharmacokinetics of sertindole and its active metabolite dehydrosertindole in rats and to evaluate the central modulatory and behavioural pharmacodynamics including a competitive interaction model between the compounds. Following oral administration of sertindole or dehydrosertindole, the plasma concentration–time courses were determined in conjunction with striatal dopamine D2receptor binding. In addition, the behavioural effects were recorded in the conditioned avoidance response (CAR) paradigm. A one‐compartment model with Michaelis‐Menten elimination best described the pharmacokinetics of sertindole. Formation of dehydrosertindole was incorporated into the pharmacokinetic model and exhibited first‐order elimination. PK/PD modelling after administration of dehydrosertindole resulted in potency estimates of 165 and 424 ng/ml for D2‐occupancy (Kd) and CAR measurements (EC50), respectively. The pharmacokinetics of the parent–metabolite system was integrated into a competitive pharmacodynamicEmaxmodel in order to quantitate the potency of sertindole with the pharmacodynamic parameters of the metabolite taken into account. Based on this approach, effect compartment concentrations of sertindole needed to attain 50% occupancy and half‐maximal effect in the CAR paradigm were 133 and 338 ng/ml, respectively. The corresponding potency‐estimates obtained after conventional modelling of the sertindole data without accounting for the metabolite amounted to 102 and 345 ng/ml. Based on competitive PK/PD analysis of the parent–metabolite interaction, the relative contribution of dehydrosertindole to the overall pharmacological effect after sertindole administration in rats appeared to be of minor significance. This could mainly be ascribed to the relatively low extent of bioconversion of sertindole into dehydrosertindole in this species. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is sex associated with the outcome of patients treated with radiation for nonsmall cell lung cancer?
Authors: McGovern Susan L. , Liao Zhongxing , Bucci M. Kara , McAleer Mary Frances , Jeter Melenda D. , Chang Joe Y. , O'Reilly Michael S. , Cox James D. , Allen Pamela K. , Komaki Ritsuko
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND:

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women, but the disease course differs between the sexes. To the authors' knowledge, sex‐based differences in outcomes among the population of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients receiving radiation have not been well defined.

METHODS:

Data for 831 patients (319 women and 512 men) with stage I to III NSCLC and treated with ≥45 Gray of radiation between March 1985 and November 2003 were retrospectively analyzed (grading determined according to the 1997 American Joint Committee on Cancer grading system).

RESULTS:

Women were more likely to have earlier stage disease, to have smoked <50 pack‐years, and to have adenocarcinoma or large‐cell carcinoma (all P ≤ .001). For each stage, treatment did not differ between women and men. Five‐year survival rates were significantly better for women than for men: overall survival (OS), 28.6% versus 16.1% (P < .001); disease‐free survival, 31.2% versus 20.1% (P = .02); and distant metastasis–free survival, 48.8% versus 37.6% (P < .02). Among patients with medically inoperable stage I NSCLC, women had improved 5‐year OS compared with men (30.0% vs 13.1%; P = .004). On multivariate analysis, male sex, weight loss, age ≥65 years, and stage III disease were found to be associated with poorer OS (all P < 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS:

Although women are more likely to have earlier stage disease, among patients with medically inoperable stage I NSCLC, women still have a better OS. Along with known prognostic factors, including age, weight loss, and stage, sex remained significant on multivariate analysis of OS, suggesting that sex is a determinant of outcome in NSCLC patients receiving radiation. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
NV‐128, a novel isoflavone derivative, induces caspase‐independent cell death through the Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway
Authors: Alvero Ayesha B. , Montagna Michele K. , Chen Rui , Kim Ki Hyung , Kyungjin Kim , Visintin Irene , Fu Han‐Hsuan , Brown David , Mor Gil
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND:

Resistance to apoptosis is 1 of the key events that confer chemoresistance and is mediated by the overexpression of antiapoptotic proteins, which inhibit caspase activation. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the activation of an alternative, caspase‐independent cell death pathway could promote death in chemoresistant ovarian cancer cells. The authors report the characterization of NV‐128 as an inducer of cell death through a caspase‐independent pathway.

METHODS:

Primary cultures of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells were treated with increasing concentration of NV‐128, and the concentration that caused 50% growth inhibition (GI50) was determined using a proprietary assay. Apoptotic proteins were characterized by Western blot analyses, assays that measured caspase activity, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. Protein‐protein interactions were determined using immunoprecipitation. In vivo activity was measured in a xenograft mice model.

RESULTS:

NV‐128 was able to induce significant cell death in both paclitaxel‐resistant and carboplatin‐resistant EOC cells with a GI50 between 1 μg/mL and 5 μg/mL. Cell death was characterized by chromatin condensation but was caspase‐independent. The activated pathway involved the down‐regulation of phosphorylated AKT, phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and phosphorylated ribosomal p70 S6 kinase, and the mitochondrial translocation of beclin‐1 followed by nuclear translocation of endonuclease G.

CONCLUSIONS:

The authors characterized a novel compound, NV‐128, which inhibits mTOR and promotes caspase‐independent cell death. The current results indicated that inhibition of mTOR may represent a relevant pathway for the induction of cell death in cells resistant to the classic caspase‐dependent apoptosis. These findings demonstrate the possibility of using therapeutic drugs, such as NV‐128, which may have beneficial effects in patients with chemoresistant ovarian cancer. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
The 2008 World Health Organization classification system for myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Tefferi Ayalew , Thiele Juergen , Vardiman James W.
Published: May 2009

The first formal classification of chronic myeloid neoplasms is credited to William Dameshek, who in 1951 described the concept of “myeloproliferative disorders (MPD)” by grouping together chronic myelogenous leukemia, polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF). The 2001 World Health Organization (WHO) classification of myeloid malignancies included these MPDs under the broader category of chronic myeloproliferative diseases (CMPD), which also included chronic neutrophilic leukemia, chronic eosinophilic leukemia/hypereosinophilic syndrome (CEL/HES), and “CMPD, unclassifiable.” The revised 2008 WHO classification system featured the following changes: 1) the term “CMPD” was replaced by “myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN),” 2) mast cell disease was formally included under the category of MPN, and 3) the subcategory of CEL/HES was reorganized into “CEL not otherwise specified (CEL‐NOS)” and “myeloid and lymphoid neoplasms with eosinophilia and abnormalities of PDGFRA, PDGFRB, and FGFR1”; CEL‐NOS remained a subcategory of “MPN,” whereas the latter neoplasms were now assigned a new category of their own. Furthermore, diagnostic criteria for PV, ET, and PMF were revised by incorporating recently described molecular markers (eg, JAK2 and MPL mutations) as well as underscoring the role of histology in differentiating reactive from clonal myeloproliferations. As a result, red cell mass measurement is no longer necessary for the diagnosis of PV, and ET can now be diagnosed at a lower platelet count threshold. The revised WHO document continues to promote the recognition of histologic categories as a necessary first step toward the genetic characterization of myeloid malignancies. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Regioselective Addition of N‐(4‐Thiocyanatophenyl)pyrrolidine Addends to Fullerenes
Authors: Ortiz Angy L. , Rivera Danisha M. , Athans Andreas J. , Echegoyen Luis
Published: May 2009

The regioselectivity of 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reactions between N‐(4‐thiocyanatophenyl)glycine and tetrakis[bis(ethoxycarbonyl)methylene]‐C60 (7) was studied. The mono‐addition resulted in two penta‐adduct isomers (8 and 9) in a 1:1 ratio. A second addition to each compound led to, in the case of 8, two hexa‐adduct isomer products (10 and 11), whereas addition to 9 led to 11 and 12. Finally, reaction of 11 and the glycine afforded a third addition, giving rise to hepta‐adduct isomers 13 and 14. Preparative TLC and column chromatography were used to separate and purify these compounds. The structures were assigned based on their molecular symmetries as analyzed by 1H, 13C, and 2D NMR spectra and MALDI‐TOF MS.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Molecular dynamics simulation study of association in trifluoroethanol/water mixtures
Authors: Jalili S. , Akhavan M.
Published: May 2009

Mixtures of Trifluoroethanol (TFE) and water with different proportions are studied using molecular dynamics simulations. The radial and spatial distribution functions, as well as the size distribution of TFE clusters are obtained from the trajectories. The variation of radial and spatial distribution functions with composition show that the addition of TFE enhances the water structure, but the hydrogen bonds between TFE molecules are broken as TFE is diluted with water. The TFE‐rich solutions have stronger TFE–water hydrogen bonds. The clustering of TFE molecules in low concentration region is attributed to the hydrophobic interactions between CF3 groups. The distribution of cluster sizes in solution supports these conclusions. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2010
Qualitative and quantitative determination of seven triterpene acids in Eriobotrya japonica Lindl. by high‐performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection and mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Er‐Na , Luo Jian‐Guang , Kong Ling‐Yi
Published: May 2009

Introduction

The leaves of Eriobotrya japonica are used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, chronic bronchitis, coughs and skin diseases. No method is currently available, however, by which to assess the quality of the crude herb on the basis of the quantitative profile of the main bioactive triterpene acids present.

Objective

To develop a simple and accurate HPLC‐UV (photodiode array detection) method for the simultaneous quantification of seven triterpene acids in the leaves of E. japonica.

Method

Separations were performed on an Ultimate XB‐C18 column by gradient elution using methanol:formic acid. Analytes were identified by HPLC coupled with electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry experiments. The quantitative HPLC‐UV method was validated for linearity, precision, accuracy, and limits of detection and quantification.

Results

Calibration curves presented good linear regression (r > 0.9992) within test ranges. The precision and accuracy of the method were acceptable with overall intra‐day and inter‐day variations of 1.35–3.30 and 1.98–4.43%, respectively, and overall recoveries of 95.60–102.67% for the seven compounds analysed. The method was successfully applied to the quantification of seven triterpene acids in eleven samples of E. japonica collected from different provinces of China.

Conclusion

The developed assay could be considered as a suitable quality control method for E. japonica. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antiviral Activity and Mode of Action of Propolis Extracts and Selected Compounds
Authors: Schnitzler Paul , Neuner Annett , Nolkemper Silke , Zundel Christine , Nowack Hans , Sensch Karl Heinz , Reichling Jürgen
Published: May 2009

Aqueous and ethanol extracts of propolis were analysed phytochemically and examined for their antiviral activity in vitro. Different polyphenols, flavonoids and phenylcarboxylic acids were identified as major constituents. The antiviral effect of propolis extracts and selected constituents, e.g. caffeic acid (1), p‐coumaric acid (2), benzoic acid (3), galangin (4), pinocembrin (5) and chrysin (6) against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1) was analysed in cell culture. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of aqueous and ethanol propolis extracts for HSV‐1 plaque formation was determined at 0.0004% and 0.000035%, respectively. Both propolis extracts exhibited high levels of antiviral activity against HSV‐1 in viral suspension tests, plaque formation was significantly reduced by >98%. In order to determine the mode of antiviral action of propolis, the extracts were added at different times during the viral infection cycle. Both propolis extracts exhibited high anti‐HSV‐1 activity when the viruses were pretreated with these drugs prior to infection. Among the analysed compounds, only galangin and chrysin displayed some antiviral activity. However, the extracts containing many different components exhibited significantly higher antiherpetic effects as well as higher selectivity indices than single isolated constituents. Propolis extracts might be suitable for topical application against herpes infection. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance prediction of wind turbines utilizing passive smart blades: approaches and evaluation
Authors: Maheri Alireza , Isikveren Askin T.
Published: May 2009

The induced deformation, because of the presence of elastic coupling in the structure of passive smart blades, is the key parameter that affects the wind turbine aerodynamic performance, namely rotor mechanical power and blade loading. Therefore, in order to determine the aerodynamic performance of these turbines, a structural analyser is also required to bring the effect of the induced deformation into account. When predicting the rotor mechanical power, additional complexity arises when the blades are bend‐twist‐coupled. In this case, an iterative coupled‐aero‐structure analysis must be carried out at each given wind speed. Further difficulties in simulation of these turbines are posed by the fact that the current analytical models for analysis of structures made of anisotropic composite materials are not accurate enough. This differentiates the numerical simulation of wind turbines utilizing passive smart blades from the simulation of wind turbines with conventional blades. Different strategies have been proposed and followed by investigators in simulation of wind turbines utilizing passive smart blades. These methods can be categorized by the approach adopted in treating the torsional‐induced deformation. In these studies, the induced twist has been predicted, planned or a combination of both. The present paper describes, evaluates and compares these approaches. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cognitive processing in putative functional gastrointestinal disorder: Rumination yields orientation to social threat not pain
Authors: Martin Maryanne , Chapman Sarah C.E.
Published: May 2009

Two possible roles of selective attention in the development and maintenance of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) were examined. First, hypervigilance to pain within FGID may exacerbate pain perception and pain‐related distress. Second, hypervigilance to socially threatening stimuli could account for the disrupted social functioning reported by patients. Furthermore, stress‐related variations in reported symptom severity and functioning impairments may reflect changes in cognitive bias with psychological state. Patterns of selective attention were probed within a sample of putative FGID participants (pFGID). The effect of rumination induction on performance on a modified exogenous cueing task was examined. Thirty‐three women with pFGID and 27 matched controls responded to dot probes following pain, social threat and neutral word cues, both before and after rumination (passive self‐focused thought), or distraction induction. Reaction times revealed that after rumination but not neutral distraction, pFGID participants showed enhanced attention to social threat words, but not to pain or neutral words. Between‐group differences in mood, anxiety or depression could not account for these effects. These results implicate selective attention in social but not pain‐related idiosyncrasies in FGID including IBS.
Dentinal anomalies in teeth of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) from Scottish waters: are they linked to sexual maturation and environmental events?
Authors: Luque P.L. , Pierce G.J. , Learmonth J.A. , Santos M.B. , Ieno E. , López A. , Reid R.J. , Rogan E. , González A.F. , Boon J. , Law R.J. , Lockyer C.H.
Published: May 2009

We examined the tooth ultra-structure of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) from Scottish waters to determine whether the incidence of mineralization anomalies could be related to certain life history events (e.g. the achievement of sexual maturation) as well as other factors that affect the general health of the individual (e.g. persistent organic pollutant (POP) concentrations in blubber). Five distinct types of mineralization anomalies were recorded: accessory lines, marker lines, dentinal resorption, cemental disturbance and pulp stones and the occurrence of these anomalies was scored by sex, age and maturity state. Overall, the incidence of mineralization anomalies was high and tended to increase with age. Marker lines and accessory lines were the most commonly recorded anomalies while pulp stones were least frequent. Duplicate teeth (i.e. from the same individual) always showed the same pattern of anomaly occurrence.

Fitted binary generalized linear and additive models indicated that the presence of dentinal resorption, cemental disturbance and marker lines in harbour porpoise teeth increased with age, body length and maturity. Males displayed marker lines more frequently than females. Age was the best predictor of the incidence of dentinal resorption and cemental disturbance while age and sex were the best predictors of the incidence of marker lines. The time course of appearance of dentinal resorption and cemental disturbance suggests that their occurrence could be related to physiological stress linked to sexual maturation. Marker lines were found within growth layer groups which coincided with the beginning of weaning and sexual maturation, suggesting an association with these two major life history events. Accessory lines were found in most teeth and may be a normal characteristic of porpoise teeth or reflect regular events. Pulp stones appeared only in mature animals. We found no evidence that the presence of anomalies in teeth was significantly related to POP concentrations in the blubber.
A measles outbreak in the Irish traveller ethnic group after attending a funeral in England, March–June 2007
Authors: COHUET S. , BUKASA A. , HEATHCOCK R. , WHITE J. , BROWN K. , RAMSAY M. , FRASER G.
Published: May 2009

Between 3 April and 18 May 2007, 21 confirmed cases of measles were reported in members of the Irish traveller ethnic group who attended a funeral in London, England. The Health Protection Agency conducted an investigation to determine the extent of this outbreak in order to inform prevention of future outbreaks. From 23 March to 30 June, 173 outbreak-associated cases from seven regions throughout England were identified; 156 cases were in Irish travellers and 17 were epidemiologically linked to cases in that community. In total, 124 cases were laboratory confirmed (IgM or RNA); none were vaccinated against measles. MMR vaccination was offered on traveller sites. Low vaccination coverage and the movement of traveller communities present particular challenges for measles elimination in Europe. We recommend parallel approaches to improve integration of Irish travellers within routine health services whilst offering targeted interventions to increase vaccine uptake in this marginalized community.
Multiple risk factors associated with a large statewide increase in cryptosporidiosis
Authors: VALDERRAMA A. L. , HLAVSA M. C. , CRONQUIST A. , COSGROVE S. , JOHNSTON S. P. , ROBERTS J. M. , STOCK M. L. , XIAO L. , XAVIER K. , BEACH M. J.
Published: May 2009

Cryptosporidiumspecies have emerged as a major cause of outbreaks of diarrhoea and have been associated with consumption of contaminated recreational and drinking water and food as well as contact with infected attendees of child-care programmes. In August 2007, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment detected an increase in cryptosporidiosis cases over baseline values. We conducted a case-control study to assess risk factors for infection and collected stool specimens from ill persons for microscopy and molecular analysis. Laboratory-confirmed cases (n=47) were more likely to have swallowed untreated water from a lake, river, or stream [adjusted matched odds ratio (aOR) 8·0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·3–48·1], have had exposure to recreational water (aOR 4·6, 95% CI 1·4–14·6), or have had contact with a child in a child-care programme or in diapers (aOR 3·8, 95% CI 1·5–9·6). Although exposure to recreational water is commonly implicated in summertime cryptosporidiosis outbreaks, this study demonstrates that investigations of increased incidence of cases in summer should also examine other potential risk factors. This study emphasizes the need for public health education efforts that address the multiple transmission routes forCryptosporidiumand appropriate prevention measures to avoid future transmission.
Chronic kidney disease in older people: diagnosis, pathogenesis and management
Authors: Beeson Claire C , Lamb Edmund J , O'Riordan Shelagh E
Published: May 2009

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) refers to long-term impairment of renal function. It is predominantly a disease of older people and the true extent of this has only recently been recognized. CKD has a number of implications including increased cardiovascular risk, secondary complications such as renal anaemia and bone disease and a small but significant risk of progression to established renal failure (ERF). It is associated with significant morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs and, against the background of an ageing population and the rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes, represents a growing public health problem. Evidence that specific interventions can reduce the cardiovascular risk associated with CKD and the risk of progressive CKD, as well as improving quality of life, has highlighted the importance of early detection of this disease.
Navigierte Lebersegmentresektionen
Authors: Hirche  , Hünerbein
Published: May 2009

Die chirurgische Therapie von Leberneoplasien verbessert die Überlebensrate und stellt für viele Tumoren die einzige kurative Therapieoption dar. Die Resektion mit tumorfreiem Resektionsrand ist entscheidend für das Langzeitüberleben. Die segmentorientierte Resektion ist eine wesentliche Grundlage zur Verbesserung der chirurgischen Therapie durch systematische Resektion unter Einbeziehung der tumorversorgenden Gefässstrukturen. Die Anwendung flexibler Navigationssysteme mit der Möglichkeit zur schnellen Registrierung der erforderlichen Daten erhöht die Rate an onkologisch gerechten R0-Resektionen in der Leberchirurgie für komplexe und zentral sitzende Tumoren. Die operative Planung anhand von 3D-Modellen und die Umsetzung der Daten zur Resektion durch Verwendung von Navigationssystemen sind entscheidend für den optimalen Erhalt gesunden Leberparenchyms und zur Verbesserung der perioperativen Morbiditätsrate. Die 3D-Ultraschallgestützte Methode ermöglicht eine optimale Visualisierung und Orientierung mit flexiblem Einsatz und erlaubt dadurch die präzise Navigation für Leberresektionen in der klinischen Routine.
Molekulare Bildgebung in der Onkologie: Tumor-spezifische Ultraschallkontrastmittel
Authors: Palmowski  , Palmowski  , Hauff  , Kiessling
Published: May 2009

Die Molekulare Bildgebung beschäftigt sich mit der nicht-invasiven Erfassung von Stoffwechselvorgängen auf zellulärer und molekularer Ebene. Nuklearmedizinische Verfahren sind bereits in der Klinik etabliert. Neben diesen Verfahren wurde in den letzten Jahren intensiv auf dem Gebiet der Molekularen Ultraschallbildgebung geforscht. Die Entwicklung spezifischer Ultraschallkontrastmittel hat, in Kombination mit neuartigen Sonographiegeräten, den Ultraschall als weitere Modalität in der Disziplin der Molekularen Bildgebung etabliert. In präklinischen Studien konnte wiederholt gezeigt werden, dass krankheits-assoziierte vaskuläre Rezeptormoleküle zuverlässig erfasst werden können, was die Diagnose verschiedenster Krankheitsbilder ermöglicht. Die weite Verbreitung geeigneter Sonographiegeräte würde es ermöglichen, die Molekulare Bildgebung nicht nur in den universitären Zentren, sondern auch im breiten klinischen Alltag einzusetzen. Dieser Übersichtsartikel fasst die Grundlagen der Molekularen Ultraschallbildgebung und den aktuellen Stand der Entwicklung zusammen.
Global consumptive water use for crop production: The importance of green water and virtual water
Authors: Liu Junguo , Zehnder Alexander J. B. , Yang Hong
Published: May 2009

Over the last 4 decades the use of blue water has received increasing attention in water resources research, but little attention has been paid to the quantification of green water in food production and food trade. In this paper, we estimate both the blue and green water components of consumptive water use (CWU) for a wide range of agricultural crops, including seven cereal crops, cassava, cotton, groundnuts, potatoes, pulses, rapeseed, soybeans, sugar beets, sugarcane, and sunflower, with a spatial resolution of 30 arc min on the land surface. The results show that the global CWU of these crops amounted to 3823 km3 a−1 for the period 1998–2002. More than 80% of this amount was from green water. Around 94% of the world crop‐related virtual water trade has its origin in green water, which generally constitutes a low‐opportunity cost of green water as opposed to blue water. High levels of net virtual water import (NVWI) generally occur in countries with low CWU on a per capita basis, where a virtual water strategy is an attractive water management option to compensate for domestic water shortage for food production. NVWI is constrained by income; low‐income countries generally have a low level of NVWI. Strengthening low‐income countries economically will allow them to develop a virtual water strategy to mitigate malnutrition of their people.
Remote sensing of the Dead Sea surface temperature
Authors: Nehorai R. , Lensky I. M. , Lensky N. G. , Shiff S.
Published: May 2009

The Dead Sea is a unique terminal lake located at the lowest place on Earth's surface. It has the highest surface temperature, salinity, and density among Earth's large water bodies, and its level is currently dropping at a rate of ∼1 m/a. Knowledge of the Dead Sea thermal and saline structure is based on meteorological and hydrological measurements from a single site at a time. In this study, we used satellite and in situ data to characterize the spatial and temporal variations of the Dead Sea sea surface temperature (SST) and to explore the causes for these variations. Sequences of almost continuous individual satellite images were transformed into a time series of parameters representing the spatial distribution of SST. Also used were in situ measured bulk SST, wind speed, solar radiation, and water temperature profiles with depth. Analysis of this data set shows strong diurnal and seasonal variations of the surface and vertical temperature field and the meteorological forcing. The temperature field is heterogeneous after noon, when radiation is high and wind speed is low and thermal layering develops. The temperature field is homogeneous during the nighttime, when solar radiation is absent and the high wind speed vertically mixes the upper layer.
Midcrustal low‐velocity layer beneath the central Himalaya and southern Tibet revealed by ambient noise array tomography
Authors: Guo Zhi , Gao Xing , Yao Huajian , Li Juan , Wang Weimin
Published: May 2009

Ambient noise tomography has been becoming an important tool to image the shallow lithospheric structure of the Earth. Using 2 months of ambient noise data from 20 stations of the Himalayan Nepal Tibet Seismic Experiment, we investigate the upper and middle crustal structure in the central Himalaya and southern Tibet. About 120 interstation Rayleigh wave empirical Green's functions with sufficient signal‐to‐noise ratio are obtained and used for group velocity dispersion analysis in the period range 6–25 s using frequency‐time analysis technique. The obtained dispersion data are then used to construct 2‐D group velocity maps. At the short periods from 9 to 15 s, the distribution of Rayleigh wave velocities delineates several distinct low‐ and high‐velocity zones separated mainly by geological boundaries. The high group velocity zone is located mainly around regions with plutonic rocks, and the low group velocity zone is located around regions with sedimentary or metasedimentary rocks. Finally, we invert for the shear velocity structure in the upper and middle crust along a N‐S trending cross section at the longitude 86.5°E. We observe a clear low‐velocity layer in the middle crust (about 10–25 km depth) distributed on both sides of the Indus Yarlung Suture zone. The existence of this midcrustal low‐velocity zone suggests a mechanically weaker middle crust beneath the central Himalaya and southern Tibet, which might decouple the upper crustal deformation from that of the lower crust in the Tibetan‐Himalayan orogenic processes.
Sensitivity of ocean acidification to geoengineered climate stabilization
Authors: Matthews H. Damon , Cao Long , Caldeira Ken
Published: May 2009

Climate engineering has been proposed as a possible response to anthropogenic climate change. While climate engineering may be able to stabilize temperatures, it is generally assumed that this will not prevent continued ocean acidification. However, due to the strong coupling between climate and the carbon cycle, climate engineering could indirectly affect ocean chemistry. We used a global Earth‐system model to investigate how climate engineering may affect surface ocean pH and the degree of aragonite saturation. Climate engineering could significantly re‐distribute carbon emissions among atmosphere, land and ocean reservoirs. This could slow pH decreases somewhat relative to the non‐engineered case, but would not affect the level of aragonite saturation due to opposing responses of pH and aragonite saturation to temperature change. However, these effects are dependent on enhanced carbon accumulation in the land biosphere; without this, climate engineering has little effect on pH, and leads to accelerated declines in aragonite saturation.
Significance of Langmuir circulation in upper ocean mixing: Comparison of observations and simulations
Authors: Kukulka T. , Plueddemann A. J. , Trowbridge J. H. , Sullivan P. P.
Published: May 2009

Representing upper ocean turbulence accurately in models remains a great challenge for improving weather and climate projections. Langmuir circulation (LC) is a turbulent process driven by wind and surface waves that plays a key role in transferring momentum, heat, and mass in the oceanic surface layer. We present a direct comparison between observations and large eddy simulations, based on the wave‐averaged Navier‐Stokes equation, of an LC growth event. The evolution of cross‐wind velocity variance and spatial scales, as well as mixed layer deepening are only consistent with simulations if LC effects are included in the model. Our results offer a validation of the large eddy simulation approach to understanding LC dynamics, and demonstrate the importance of LC in ocean surface layer mixing.
Enhanced convection and fast plumes in the lower mantle induced by the spin transition in ferropericlase
Authors: Bower Dan J. , Gurnis Michael , Jackson Jennifer M. , Sturhahn Wolfgang
Published: May 2009

Using a numerical model we explore the consequences of the intrinsic density change (Δρ/ρ ≈ 2–4%) caused by the Fe2+ spin transition in ferropericlase on the style and vigor of mantle convection. The effective Clapeyron slope of the transition from high to low spin is strongly positive in pressure‐temperature space and broadens with high temperature. This introduces a net spin‐state driving density difference for both upwellings and downwellings. In 2‐D cylindrical geometry spin‐buoyancy dominantly enhances the positive thermal buoyancy of plumes. Although the additional buoyancy does not fundamentally alter large‐scale dynamics, the Nusselt number increases by 5–10%, and vertical velocities by 10–40% in the lower mantle. Advective heat transport is more effective and temperatures in the core‐mantle boundary region are reduced by up to 12%. Our findings are relevant to the stability of lowermost mantle structures.
Simultaneous entry of oxygen ions originating from the Sun and Earth into the inner magnetosphere during magnetic storms
Authors: Ebihara Y. , Kasahara S. , Seki K. , Miyoshi Y. , Fritz T. A. , Chen J. , Grande M. , Zurbuchen T. H.
Published: May 2009

The aim of this paper is to present, for the first time, almost simultaneous enhancements of both low‐ and high‐charge‐state oxygen ions in the inner magnetosphere during magnetic storms. Storm‐time enhancements of low‐charge‐state O ions are well recognized, but the behavior of high‐charge‐state O ions is less known. Data simultaneously collected from the ACE, Geotail, and Polar satellites indicate the following: (1) In the inner magnetosphere (at L = 3–5), the number density of high‐charge‐state O ions was increased during the early phase of magnetic storms (Polar). (2) No corresponding enhancements were identified in the number density of O ions observed in the solar wind (ACE) and the near‐Earth magnetotail (Geotail). (3) The number density of high‐charge‐state O ions present in the near‐Earth magnetotail was considerably lower than in the solar wind and the inner magnetosphere. We calculated trajectories of O6+ ions under electric and magnetic field models. The O6+ ions that became observable in the energy window of Polar were transported from the high‐latitude magnetopause to the inner magnetosphere when the convection electric field was strong. When the convection electric field was weak, the ions were reflected toward the distant tail. The O6+ ions that became observable in the energy window of Geotail were sufficiently transported from the low‐latitude magnetopause to the near‐Earth magnetotail regardless of the strength of the convection electric field. The observational facts may be adequately explained in terms of ion transport paths depending on the convection electric field with different entry points.
Structural Analysis of Polarizing Indels Argues the Root of the Tree of Life is Near the Chloroflexi
Authors: Valas Ruben , Bourne Philip
Published: May 2009

Determining which branches of the tree of life have derived features narrows down the possible location of the root. Currently the polarization of indels done by Lake et al.^1-5^ and the polarizing transitions of Cavalier-Smith^6^ arrive at contradictory positions for the root of the tree. We have analyzed the sequence based indel arguments using protein structure wherever possible. Structure strongly supports some of the polarizations, but in other indels it argues for a different conclusion. We conclude that there is no contradiction between Lake et al. and Cavalier-Smith; the root of the tree of life must be near the Chloroflexi.
A novel function of Aft1 in regulating ferrioxamine B uptake: Aft1 modulates Arn3 ubiquitination in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Jeong Mi-Young , Kang Chang-Min , Kim Ji-Hyun , Heo Dong-Hyuk , Chang Miwha , Baek In-Joon , Ro Hyeon-Su , Choi Il-Dong , Kim Tae-Hyoung , Yun Cheol-Won
Published: May 2009

Aft1 is a transcriptional activator in Saccharomyces cerevisiae that responds to iron availability and regulates the expression of genes in the iron regulon, such as FET3, FTR1 and the ARN family. Using a two-hybrid screen, we found that Aft1 physically interacts with the FOB (ferrioxamine B) transporter Arn3. This interaction modulates the ability of Arn3 to take up FOB. The interaction between Arn3 and Aft1 was confirmed by β-galactosidase, co-immunoprecipitation and SPR (surface plasmon resonance) assays. Truncated Aft1 had a stronger interaction with Arn3 and caused a higher FOB-uptake activity than full-length Aft1. Interestingly, only full-length Aft1 induced the correct localization of Arn3 in response to FOB. Furthermore, we found Aft1 affected Arn3 ubiquitination. These results suggest that Aft1 interacts with Arn3 and may regulate the ubiquitination of Arn3 in the cytosolic compartment.
Degradation of lead-zirconate-titanate ceramics under different dc loads
Authors: Balke Nina , Granzow Torsten , Rödel Jürgen
Published: May 2009

During poling and application in actuators, piezoelectric ceramics like lead-zirconate-titanate are exposed to static or cyclically varying electric fields, often leading to pronounced changes in the electromechanical properties. These fatigue phenomena depend on time, peak electric load, and temperature. Although this process impacts the performance of many actuator materials, its physical understanding remains elusive. This paper proposes a set of key experiments to systematically investigate the changes in the ferroelectric hysteresis, field-dependent relative permittivity, and piezoelectric coefficient after submitting the material to dc loads of varying amplitude and duration. The observed effects are explained based on a model of domain stabilization due to charge accumulation at domain boundaries.
Role of phonon in the thermal and electrical transports in metallic nanofilms
Authors: Feng Bo , Li Zhixin , Zhang Xing
Published: May 2009

The electronic thermal transport in metallic nanofilms has been extensively studied. There are, however, rare reports on the influence of phonon on the thermal and electrical transports in metallic films. In the present work, equilibrium molecular dynamics with embedded-atom method is used to investigate the lattice thermal conductivity in a single-crystalline copper film. The results show that the lattice contribution to the total thermal conductivity is relatively small, nevertheless enhanced compared to that in bulk copper. The low-dimensional phonon system in metallic films is characterized by the elastic continuum model. In addition to the traditional boundary scattering, the reduced phonon group velocity and reduced Debye temperature are taken into account to discuss the finite size effect on phonon transport and electronic thermal resistivity and electrical resistivity.
Role of donor defects in enhancing ferromagnetism of Cu-doped ZnO films
Authors: Li Xiao-Li , Xu Xiao-Hong , Quan Zhi-Yong , Guo Jun-Feng , Wu Hai-Shun , Gehring G. A.
Published: May 2009

Zn 0.97 Cu 0.03 O films were prepared by pulsed-laser deposition on c-cut sapphire substrates under various conditions in order to investigate the growth-dependent properties of the films. All the films exhibit room temperature ferromagnetism. Samples deposited at low temperature and low pressure show large saturation magnetization (Ms). Moreover, the enhancement of Ms was observed in films annealed both in vacuum and in Zn vapor. However, postannealing in air led to the remarkable reduction of ferromagnetism. The results show that the itinerant electrons introduced by oxygen-deficient or Zn-rich atmospheres may play a significant role in room temperature ferromagnetism observed in this ZnCuO dilute magnetic semiconductor. It is consistent with carrier-induced ferromagnetism. The magnetization strongly depends on the appearance of free carriers and is relatively insensitive to whether they arose from VO or/and Zni.
Acoustic phonon transport in a four-channel quantum structure
Authors: Li Ke-Min , Wang Ling-Ling , Huang Wei-Qing , Zou Bing-Suo , Wan Qing
Published: May 2009

The acoustic phonon transport in a four-channel quantum structure is investigated by use of the scattering matrix method. It is found that different acoustic phonon modes transport selectively into different channels, standing waves can be formed owning to acoustic phonons interfering with each other in the quantum structure, the transmission coefficients of acoustic phonon through different channels depend sensitively on the parameters of the structure, and the channels all exhibit the noninteger quantized thermal conductance at very low temperatures due to the splitting of the quantum structure. The structure may be used as a split device for acoustic phonon modes and controlling the acoustic phonon transport.
Physical characterization of n-GaAs on p-Si formed by low-temperature pulsed-laser deposition
Authors: Acharya K. P. , Khatri H. , Ullrich B.
Published: May 2009

Stoichiometry, texture, surface features, I-V characteristic, and optical responsivity were studied of thin-film n-GaAs deposited onto p-type Si at room temperature. Low-temperature pulsed-laser deposition using a neodymium doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser (532 nm, 6 ns, 10 Hz) was employed to form the heteropairing. The film is stoichiometric, mainly of amorphous nature including some crystalline sections, and, despite droplets, exhibits an optically smooth surface. Rectification and photodiode properties for alternating as well as direct current experiments were established in an almost scholastic manner, which cannot be attributed to the previously investigated p-GaAs/n-Si. Hence, the ablation of electron rich GaAs is apparently the way of choice to form operative GaAs/Si junction devices. The work further reveals that intrinsic sample features might be different for alternating and direct photocurrent measurements.
On relation between potential and contact symmetries of evolution equations
Authors: Zhdanov Renat
Published: May 2009

We prove that any evolution equation, that can be written in the form of a conservation law, reduces to an evolution equation admitting the group of contact symmetries leaving the temporal variable invariant and vice versa. One of the consequences of this fact is that any evolution equation admitting the potential symmetries can be transformed into another evolution equation so that the potential symmetries map into contact symmetries of the latter. Based on this fact is out group approach to classification of evolution equations possessing nonlocal symmetries. We present several examples of classifications of second-order evolution equations admitting potential symmetries.