bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Water Jetting for Removal of Anomalous Materials from Drilled Shafts
Authors: Fiegel Gregg L. , Denatale Jay S. , Heavin Joseph , Jansen Daniel C. , Liebich Brian A. , Schaffer Matthew , Smith William L. , Wahleithner Jason
Published: December 2010

Initial results from a parametric laboratory investigation are described: the investigation was designed to study the effectiveness of water jetting as a means for removal of anomalous materials from concrete drilled shaft foundations. A primary objective for the investigation was to establish relationships between jetting parameters and the removal of commonly occurring anomalous zone materials, including low-strength concrete, slurry-mixed concrete, grout, and clay soil. The experimental work consisted of water blasting test specimens with rotary jets, nozzles, and pumping equipment typically used in construction practice. During testing, material removal rates were measured as a function of jet pressure and standoff distance for specimens with compressive strengths ranging between approximately 5 and 6,500 psi. Water-blasted specimens were cut apart after testing to confirm erosion measurements and to permit inspection of the water-blasted surfaces. The results show that erosion rates and the effectiveness of water jetting are primarily influenced by compressive strength when standard test equipment and jetting pressures are used. The size and angularity of aggregate in the anomalous material do not appear to influence erosion. The greatest erosion was observed for a semicemented material with a compressive strength of approximately 500 psi. Maximum erosion was observed approximately 12 in. from the axis of the jet.
Interpretation Criteria to Evaluate Resistance Factors for Axial Load Capacity of Drilled Shafts
Authors: Abu-Farsakh Murad Y. , Yu Xinbao
Published: December 2010

Reliability-based analyses are presented for calibration of the resistance factor for axially loaded drilled shafts with eight interpretation criteria. A database of 26 drilled shafts representing the typical design practice in Louisiana was created for statistical reliability analyses. Predictions of load–settlement curves of drilled shafts from soil borings were determined by using the FHWA design method (O'Neill and Reese method) via the SHAFT computer program. Interpreted predicted and measured drilled shaft axial nominal resistances were determined through use of eight criteria. Measured drilled shaft axial nominal resistances were determined from either Osterberg cell tests or conventional top-down static load tests. Statistical analyses were performed to compare the predicted total drilled shaft nominal axial resistance with the measured nominal resistance interpreted by using eight criteria. Results show that the selected design method underestimates the measured drilled shaft resistance for all eight criteria. This underestimation increases as the mean settlement for each criterion increases. The Monte Carlo simulation method was used to perform the load and resistance factor design (LRFD) calibration under the Strength I limit state. The total resistance factors for the interpretation criteria were determined. Results show that interpretation criteria have a great effect on calibrated resistance factors. The lowest resistance factor is 0.15 for L1 criteria, and the highest resistance factor is 0.41 for Davisson criteria. The resistance factor by FHWA criteria (5%B) is compared with those in the literature. LRFD calibration showed that the FHWA design method has a resistance factor of 0.40 at the target reliability index of 3.0.
Study of Pile Setup
Authors: Wang Xingran , Verma Neha , Tsai Ching , Zhang Zhongjie
Published: December 2010

A new growth-rate–based model is proposed for pile setup prediction. Together with the Skov–Denver model, it has been developed for southern Louisiana clayey soils by using the pile driving analyzer database provided by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development from the construction of Phase 1B of the LA-1 relocation project in Leeville, Louisiana. The data used for this study include 115 restrike records from 95 production piles and the records of restrikes, static, and statnamic load tests of nine fully instrumented test piles. The models were developed with the average unit skin friction or normalized pile shaft resistances, which were obtained from the case pile wave analysis program analyses and the pile load test results. The growth-rate–based model can predict the capacity increase with time and can estimate the ultimate pile resistance. For the Skov–Denver model, selection of the reference time was investigated and distribution of the setup parameters A was studied. Predictability of the rate-based model was evaluated and validated by comparing it with the conventional Skov–Denver model.
Concrete Bridge Deck Quality Mapping with Seismic Methods
Authors: McDaniel Mark , Celaya Manuel , Nazarian Soheil
Published: December 2010

The state of practice for acceptance of newly constructed concrete bridge decks is typically based on the compressive or flexural strength of specimens prepared and cured under ideal conditions. These tests do not address how the quality of construction is affected by placement, compaction, curing, and environmental conditions during construction. Cores obtained from the finished product can also be used for quality assessment, but coring is expensive and specimens may suffer from internal damage. Several nondestructive testing (NDT) technologies are readily available that can be used to evaluate the quality of concrete slabs under field conditions. These technologies are typically based on seismic–sonic or electromagnetic principles. Seismic–sonic methods rely on measuring the velocity of propagation of elastic waves within the concrete. Velocities can be converted to modulus of elasticity and related with confidence to strength. A case study is presented in which seismic–sonic methods were used to detect construction problems along a bridge deck. On the basis of the NDT results, several candidate cores were extracted. Cores were tested for abrasion durability and chloride ion penetration. Overall lower modulus concrete exhibited unacceptably high abrasion and chloride ion permeability, confirming that seismic methods may be a reliable means of determining concrete quality for in-place structures.
Strength Analysis of Precast Bridge Decks with Full-Depth Precast Overhang Panels
Authors: Mander Thomas J. , Mander John B. , Head Monique
Published: December 2010

The use of full-depth precast overhang panels provides an alternative to modern bridge deck construction by eliminating the need to form a full-depth cast-in-place (CIP) overhang. Additional benefits from these precast panels include improving worker safety conditions during construction and accelerating construction. To validate the capacity of a full-depth precast bridge deck system compared with a conventionally constructed concrete bridge deck, the Texas Department of Transportation sponsored an experimental investigation. For both, the failure loads exceeded the maximum factored 2007 AASHTO load and resistance factor design for decks and deck overhangs. Observations suggest that there is an interaction between flexure and shear to estimate the capacity of full-depth concrete bridge deck overhangs or slabs constructed with stay-in-place (SIP) panels and a CIP topping. This paper shows how a modified yield line theory, which accounts for the development length of the mild steel reinforcing to reach yield strength, is used to analyze precast bridge decks with full-depth precast overhang panels. For the full-depth overhangs, the internal work equation is further modified to allow for the panel-to-panel seam that exists within the system. At the interior portions of the bridge deck, a compound shear–flexure mechanism is proposed. This is an additive model of a flexural yield line failure in the lower SIP precast panels and punching shear in the upper CIP portion of the deck. Therefore, a strength method of analysis is used to design the exterior portion (overhang) that incorporates the concurrent effects of flexure and shear in panelized precast deck systems.
Overview of High-Molecular-Weight Methacrylate for Sealing Cracks in Concrete Bridge Decks
Authors: Rahim Ashraf , Jansen Daniel , Abo-Shadi Nagi , Simek Jaro
Published: December 2010

Cracking in concrete bridge decks is widely regarded as a long-term durability and maintenance problem that requires attention. These cracks propagate through the deck and allow rapid ingress of moisture and chlorides into the concrete interior, leading to excessive deterioration from rebar corrosion. In California, high-molecular-weight methacrylate (HMWM) is frequently used as a crack sealer, with millions of dollars spent annually on maintenance applications of methacrylate on state-owned bridges. The work presented reviews previous research regarding the effectiveness of concrete bridge deck sealers and the results of a nationwide survey investigating the effectiveness and state of practice of using methacrylate as a crack and surface sealer. Although a wide range of application temperatures was reported in the literature, application temperatures between 7°C and 29°C are generally recommended. Cracks should be sealed as soon as possible to ensure that chloride concentrations do not reach the corrosion threshold value. For old decks, careful attention should be paid to the preparation method and cleanliness of both the deck surface and cracks. For areas not subjected to deicing chemicals and chloride-laden environments, HMWM can nearly restore the full bond and flexural strength if the cracks are narrow and free of contaminants.
Economical and Consistent Test Methodology for Energy-Absorbing Materials Used for Mitigation of Explosive Effects on Structures
Authors: Chiarito Vincent P. , Walker Robert E. , Minor Jared K. , Ray James C. , Coleman Thomas G.
Published: December 2010

This paper discusses the use of an economical ballistic pendulum device to study the effectiveness of energy-absorbing materials to mitigate explosive detonation effects. Besides closing a structure, engineers must develop innovative measures to mitigate the effects of the extreme blast environments expected from very close-in (near-contact) detonations against key structural components. Beyond conventional structural hardening, using energy-absorbing materials to protect structures from blast effects is an option considered but not fully understood. As new materials have evolved in recent years, interest has increased in their potential use as energy absorbers for near-contact blast mitigation. For these new materials, constitutive models are either nonexistent or not well developed for predicting high-pressure and high-strain rate responses. Experiments using the ballistic pendulum were conducted rapidly and with little logistical burden; for one series of tests, over 30 experiments were conducted in 1 week. This fundamental experimental setup produced a wealth of previously nonexistent data on a variety of energy-absorbing materials, such as an elastomer (rubberlike compound), dense foams, a dilatant compound, and liquids. The ballistic pendulum was used to measure the total momentum imparted to the bob from a close-in detonation as a function of absorber materials and distance from the bob. These results provided a comparison of impulse delivered to the bob among the absorber materials with the control measurement of no absorber. Results indicate that, for near-contact detonations, the addition of energy-absorbing materials increased the impulse loading to the pendulum for selected scaled ranges of simulated threats.
Bridge Lessons Learned from the Wenchuan, China, Earthquake
Authors: Yen W. Phillip , Chen Genda , Yashinsky Mark , Hashash Youssef , Holub Curtis , Wang Kehai , Guo Xiaodong
Published: December 2010

A strong earthquake of M7.9 occurred in Wenchuan County in Sichuan Province, China, on May 12, 2008. This paper presents the field observations on various types of bridge damages, including unseating of girders, longitudinal and transverse offset of decks, pounding at expansion joints, shear key failure, bearing displacement, column shear, and flexible cracks. Plausible causes of damages and collapses are discussed and the lessons learned from this event are briefly summarized. Some of the postearthquake temporary constructions are also reported.
Experimental Study of Precast Bridge Columns with Built-In Elastomer
Authors: Motaref Sarira , Saiidi M. Saiid , Sanders David H.
Published: December 2010

Two one-third-scale precast concrete segmental column models with energy-dissipating plastic hinges were designed and tested on a shake table at the University of Nevada, Reno. Conventional reinforced concrete was used in the plastic hinge of one column (SC-2). In the other model, a built-in elastomeric pad integrated with the footing and a concrete segment constituted the plastic hinge (SBR-1). The purpose of using the pad was to minimize damage while dissipating energy through yielding of the longitudinal bars and deformation of the pad. Both columns were subjected to the same ground motion as was recorded at the Sylmar station during the 1994 Northridge, California, earthquake with increasing amplitudes until failure. Compared with conventional precast concrete segmental columns, both SC-2 and SBR-1 showed superior performance, such as minimal residual displacement and larger energy dissipation. SBR-1 with the elastomeric bearing pad dissipated more energy and was free from damage in the plastic hinge zone.
FHWA's International Scan on Ensuring Bridge Safety and Serviceability
Authors: Capers Harry A. , Valeo Meghann M.
Published: December 2010

A growing number of bridge owners and experienced engineers in the United States are seeking to expand and mainstream the use of more rigorous design and evaluation approaches in everyday practice for both simple and complex bridges to achieve more economical use of materials, better understand the structural reliability, and ensure the traveling public a quantifiable level of safety and serviceability. To this end, an 11-member team was formed to study European practices. The team visited Finland, Austria, Germany, France, and England in June 2009. Specific topics of interest studied included safety and serviceability (design and construction; operations) and refined analysis (design, construction, and operations). The scan team identified many practices and technologies related to these topics of interest. These practices included (a) widespread use of refined methods of analyzing, designing, and assessing highway structures; (b) use of enhanced refined analysis to assess safety; (c) quality assurance and quality control practices in place; and (d) widespread use of performance-based approaches for durable structures. The scan team is in the process of developing a detailed implementation plan for the recommended initiatives and practices. Included in the plan will be a number of technical presentations and written papers at national meetings and conferences sponsored by FHWA, AASHTO, and other organizations to disseminate information from the scan. Also to be included in the plan are coordination requirements with AASHTO and FHWA to advance these initiatives and practices and to develop new FHWA and AASHTO standards and guidelines governing design and analysis.
Balancing Engineering Criteria and Historic Significance to Preserve Select Bridges
Authors: Rathke John , Squitieri Amy , Long Christine , Rearick Anne
Published: December 2010

This paper describes Indiana's efforts to prioritize historic bridges for preservation with the use of a systematic analysis that considers both relative historic significance and engineering condition. The state's historic bridge preservation program was initiated in 2006 with the execution of a programmatic agreement (PA) between FHWA, Indiana Department of Transportation (DOT), Indiana State Historic Preservation Officer (INSHPO), and Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. The PA streamlines the Section 106 regulatory process and allows Indiana DOT and local agencies to manage the state's population of historic bridges effectively and programmatically instead of using an inefficient project-to-project approach. The most innovative aspect of Indiana's historic bridge program is the establishment of a prioritization method. Each historic bridge is evaluated and then classified as either select, meaning the bridge is an excellent example of its type statewide and is suitable for preservation, or nonselect, meaning the bridge is not the best example of its type and may not be suitable for preservation. Upon agreement by FHWA, Indiana DOT, and INSHPO, lists of select and nonselect bridges were issued in March 2010. The methodology for identifying and prioritizing individual bridges is explained, highlighting the effort to achieve balance between historic significance and engineering and economic criteria, including functionality, safety, feasibility, and cost-effectiveness. Indiana DOT also developed standards for treating historic bridges on low-volume roads. If historic bridge rehabilitation can meet the standards, then rehabilitation for vehicular use must be implemented.
Nonlinear Soil–Abutment–Foundation–Structure Interaction Analysis of Skewed Bridges Subjected to Near-Field Ground Motions
Authors: Shamsabadi Anoosh , Kapuskar Mike
Published: December 2010

This paper investigates the behavior of skewed highway bridges subjected to earthquake loading with strong velocity pulses. The behavior of bridges with skewed abutments in the longitudinal direction is strongly coupled by transverse loading. The interaction between skewed bridge abutment foundations and backfill has a strong impact on dynamic bridge response. While bridge structures may remain in the linear range during seismic loading, local nonlinear behavior at the abutment–embankment interface can cause significant nonlinear bridge structure response. Skewed bridge models are presented incorporating soil–abutment–structure interaction using nonlinear abutment springs. As a case study, a global three-dimensional nonlinear finite element model of the skewed and seismically instrumented Painter Street overpass in Rio Dell, California, with monolithic abutments was developed. The model used nonlinear foundation–soil interaction based on approach soil properties from geotechnical tests. A soil continuum finite element analysis was performed using constitutive hardening soil material to evaluate abutment backfill passive resistance considering backwall skew. The bridge response resulting from seismic ground motion records was compared with structure response data. The computer models represented fairly well the overall seismic response of the skewed bridge. Bent pile foundations had much less impact on overall bridge response than the abutments. Near-fault ground motions with high-velocity pulses generated asymmetrical impulsive loading and large displacements in transverse directions leading to significant rotation and residual deck displacement. These permanent structure displacements can control the design of the abutment seat width and shear keys and could exceed column displacement capacity and impose additional moment at the column not considered in current design.
Remise en jeu des représentations dans la rencontre thérapeutique
Authors: Calicis Florence
Published: December 2010

Dans notre pratique de psychothérapeute, nous constatons combien notre manière d’être et nos représentations influencent nos patients, que nous le voulions ou non. Constat banal de seconde cybernétique mais qui reste toutefois un peu déroutant pour qui voit dans la thérapie un espace de liberté et de choix pour le(s) patient(s) ! Alors que faire de nos représentations ? Les clarifier pour soi, certainement ! Les proposer aux patients, pourquoi pas, mais comment et quand ? Si l’espace thérapeutique est mise en jeu de deux mondes, celui du thérapeute et celui du patient, du couple, de la famille, deux mondes curieux l’un de l’autre, les représentations des uns et des autres vont se confronter mutuellement afin de se flexibiliser et permettre une évolution de tous les protagonistes. Je tenterai de l’illustrer dans différents domaines de ma pratique de psychothérapeute.
Le suicidant, sa famille et son médecin
Authors: Moreno-Dávila Norberto
Published: December 2010

Dans une lignée systémique, nous avons à nous demander quelle représentation du suicide ont les suicidants par rapport à l’acte lui-même et par rapport à l’impact que ces mêmes actes ont sur leur famille. D’autre part, il convient de nous interroger sur les représentations que chaque membre de la famille peut construire de l’acte suicidaire lui-même, du sens qu’il revêt pour le jeune et les proches. Notre expérience de psychiatres dans un hôpital général nous amène à nous questionner aussi sur les représentations de cet acte chez les professionnels qui offrent des soins aigus somatiques et qui luttent pour la vie lorsque les patients eux ont opté pour la mort. Ce geste nous envoie un signal fort de perte d’espoir et d’absence de perspectives futures chez les suicidants. Il nous renvoie aussi à la question de la mort chez les médecins formés à lutter pour la vie. L’acte suicidaire est un geste violent qui renvoie aux soignants un sentiment d’impuissance et pour lequel ils se sentent démunis. Nous aborderons dans une première partie l’attitude adoptée dans le service de psychiatrie de liaison à Lausanne. Nous exposerons ensuite quelques pistes de réflexion sur la prise en charge des suicidants dans un effort de compréhension systémique. Une responsabilité majeure éthique et humaine nous incombe.
L'encadrement parental : un concept méconnu plus que jamais actuel
Authors: Beytrison Philippe
Published: December 2010

Dans les années 1970, la famille a été décrite par certains comme une structure aliénante pour l’individu ; il fallait donc qu’elle disparaisse. Quarante ans plus tard, force est de constater que la famille est toujours là, sous des formes de plus en plus variées. Les thérapeutes familiaux sont ainsi confrontés à de nouveaux défis, souvent malaisés à relever avec les modèles couramment utilisés jusqu’ici. Il est donc nécessaire d’adapter les pratiques thérapeutiques à l’évolution sociétale. Dans cet article, tout en tenant compte de cette évolution, nous postulons qu’à partir de l’invariant qu’est l’encadrement parental, le praticien peut co-construire avec ses patients un modèle spécifique à leur situation, qui respecte leur auto-organisation.
Antimicrobial organophilic montmorillonite nanoparticles: Screening and detection assay
Authors: Negi Harshita , Agarwal Tithi , Zaidi Mohd. Ghulan Haider , Kapri Anil , Goel Reeta
Published: December 2010

The present study presents the development of a standard protocol for detection and screening of nanoparticle(s) for their antimicrobial activity with particular reference to organophilic montmorillonite (Ommt). For this purpose, Ommt nanoparticles have been synthesized through cation exchange of commercial montmorillonite (K10) with a cetyl pyridinium bromide. The formation of Ommt has been ascertained through UV–visible, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction spectra, and transmission electron microscopy. Subsequently, “zone of inhibition” and “bacterial killing” assays were performed by incubating the four Gram‐negative test bacteria with Ommt, to determine antimicrobial activity and reduction in colony forming unit per mL (confirmative test), respectively. The developed assay will provide an easy approach over conventional disc diffusion antibiotic sensitivity test, to study the impact of different nanoparticles against different bacterial species.
Picoliter DNA sequencing chemistry on an electrowetting‐based digital microfluidic platform
Authors: Welch Erin R. Ferguson , Lin Yan‐You , Madison Andrew , Fair Richard B.
Published: December 2010

The results of investigations into performing DNA sequencing chemistry on a picoliter‐scale electrowetting digital microfluidic platform are reported. Pyrosequencing utilizes pyrophosphate produced during nucleotide base addition to initiate a process ending with detection through a chemiluminescence reaction using firefly luciferase. The intensity of light produced during the reaction can be quantified to determine the number of bases added to the DNA strand. The logic‐based control and discrete fluid droplets of a digital microfluidic device lend themselves well to the pyrosequencing process. Bead‐bound DNA is magnetically held in a single location, and wash or reagent droplets added or split from it to circumvent product dilution. Here we discuss the dispensing, control, and magnetic manipulation of the paramagnetic beads used to hold target DNA. We also demonstrate and characterize the picoliter‐scale reaction of luciferase with adenosine triphosphate to represent the detection steps of pyrosequencing and all necessary alterations for working on this scale.
Structure and Function of [Fe]‐Hydrogenase and its Iron–Guanylylpyridinol (FeGP) Cofactor
Authors: Shima Seigo , Ermler Ulrich
Published: December 2010

[Fe]‐hydrogenase functions in the methanogenic pathway of hydrogenotrophic methanogenic archaea. It catalyzes thereversible reduction of methenyltetrahydromethanopterin (methenyl‐H4MPT+) with H2 to methylene‐H4MPT and a proton by transferring a hydride ion to the proR position of the C14a carbon atom of methylene‐H4MPT. This third type of hydrogenase contains a unique iron–guanylylpyridinol (FeGP) cofactor, in which the iron atom is ligated by one cysteine sulfur atom, two CO groups, one solvent molecule, and an sp2‐hybridized nitrogen atom and an acyl carbon atom from the pyridinol ring. Three globular folding units of this protein form two clefts that serve as substrate‐binding and active sites and that can be open or closed. Structural data are presented for the apoenzyme in a closed form, the holoenzyme (enzyme with the FeGP cofactor), the C176A holoenzyme, and the binary C176A holoenzyme‐methylene‐H4MPT complex in an open form. A closed and potentially active binary complex has been reliably modeled on the basis of the open binary complex and the closed apoenzyme. In this model, the iron center sits near the Re face of the imidazolidine ring of the substrate. The iron ligation site trans to the acyl carbon atom is next to the C14a carbon atom and is therefore considered to be the H2 binding site.
Synthesis and Characterization of Tetrakis(carbene)ruthenium(II) Complexes Featuring an [Ru(NHC)4]2+ Core
Authors: Würtemberger Max , Ott Timo , Döring Christian , Schaub Thomas , Radius Udo
Published: December 2010

The synthesis of different ruthenium(II) complexes with an [Ru(NHC)4]2+ (NHC = N‐heterocyclic carbene) core is reported. The reaction of [(η6‐C6H4MeiPr)RuCl(μ‐Cl)]2 with 1 equiv. of the NHC iPr2Im in thf leads to the clean formation of [(η6‐C6H4MeiPr)Ru(iPr2Im)Cl2] (1), but use of an excess of the carbene at higher temperatures affords side products such as [Ru(iPr2Im)4H]Cl (9). Complexes of the type [Ru(R2Im)4Cl2] [R = Me (2), nPr (3), MeiPr (6)] were synthesized by the reaction of [Ru(PPh3)3Cl2] with Me2Im, nPr2Im, and MeiPrIm. Compound 6 was isolated as a mixture of isomers that differ in the relative orientation of the asymmetrically substituted NHC ligand with respect to the Ru–Cl vector. Replacement of the chlorido ligands in 2 and 3 with acetonitrile leads to the formation of [Ru(R2Im)4(CH3CN)]Cl2 [R = Me (4), nPr (5)]. At higher temperatures, complex 6 eliminates HCl under C–H activation of one of the NHC ligand iPr groups to give the cyclometallation product 7. The reaction of [Ru(PPh3)3Cl2] with iPr2Im afforded the cyclometallation product [Ru(iPr2Im)3{iPr(C3H6)Im}Cl] (8) or the hydrido complex [Ru(iPr2Im)4(H)]Cl (9) as the main product depending on the reaction conditions. The complexes 1, 3, 4, and 7 as well as two isomers of 6 were structurally characterized.
Loss of white matter integrity in major depressive disorder: Evidence using tract‐based spatial statistical analysis of diffusion tensor imaging
Authors: Korgaonkar Mayuresh S. , Grieve Stuart M. , Koslow Stephen H. , Gabrieli John D.E. , Gordon Evian , Williams Leanne M.
Published: December 2010

White matter (WM) has been shown to be affected in elderly patients with major depressive disorders (MDD). There is only limited evidence of WM structural abnormalities in nongeriatric MDD patients. This study investigates WM microstructural integrity in nongeriatric MDD patients recruited as part of the International Study to Predict Optimized Treatment in Depression clinical trial and establishes the validity of diffusion tensor imaging measures for the investigation of depression. Baseline diffusion tensor imaging data from 29 nongeriatric MDD participants (11 with melancholia) and 39 healthy control participants were used in this analysis. We performed tract‐based spatial statistics analyses to evaluate WM microstructural integrity (1) between all healthy controls and all MDD participants, (2) between melancholic and nonmelancholic MDD participants, and (3) between each subgroup (melancholic and nonmelancholic) and controls. Significant WM integrity deficits were seen only for the melancholic MDD participants compared with controls. Compared with controls, melancholic participants showed an average reduction of 7.8% in fractional anisotropy over WM regions associated with the limbic system, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, thalamic projection fibers, corpus callosum, and other association fibers. These fractional anisotropy deficits were also associated with decreased axial and increased radial diffusivity in these WM regions, suggesting a pattern of decreased myelination or other degeneration change. Our findings of WM structural abnormalities associated with the limbic system, the frontal cortex, and the thalamus support the prevailing theory of limbic‐dorsolateral prefrontal cortex‐thalamic dysfunction in depression. Our results also suggest that these deficits are most prominent in the melancholic subtype of MDD. Hum Brain Mapp, 2011. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Paired Box Gene 5 Is a Novel Tumor Suppressor in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Through Interaction With p53 Signaling Pathway §Δ
Authors: Liu Weili , Li Xiaoxing , Chu Eagle S.H. , Go Minnie Y.Y. , Xu Lixia , Zhao Guijun , Li Lili , Dai Ning , Si Jianmin , Tao Qian , Sung Joseph J.Y. , Yu Jun
Published: December 2010

The

paired

box 5 (

PAX5

) is a member of

PAX

transcription factors family involved in the regulation of embryonic development. However, the role of PAX5 in carcinogenesis is largely unclear. We identified that

PAX5

is involved in human cancer by methylation-sensitive representational difference analysis. We examined the biological functions and related molecular mechanisms of

PAX5

in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Promoter methylation of

PAX5

was evaluated by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and bisulfite genomic sequencing (BGS). The functions of ectopic PAX5 expression were determined by viability assay, colony formation, and cell cycle analyses, along with

in vivo

tumorigenicity assays. The

PAX5

target signal pathway was identified by promoter luciferase assay, chromosome immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and pathway PCR array.

PAX5

is expressed in normal human liver tissue, but silenced or down-regulated in 83% (10/12) of HCC cell lines. The mean expression level of

PAX5

was significantly lower in primary HCCs as compared to their adjacent normal tissues (

P

< 0.0001). The promoter methylation contributes to the inactivation of

PAX5
. Restoring

PAX5

expression in silenced HCC cell lines suppressed cell proliferation, induced apoptosis

in vitro
, and inhibited tumor growth in nude mice (
P

< 0.0001). The pathway luciferase reporter assay indicated that

PAX5

activated p53 and p21 signaling. ChIP analysis demonstrated that

PAX5

directly bound to the

p53

promoter. The antitumorigenic function of

PAX5

was at least up-regulated by

p53

and its downstream targets including tumor necrosis factor, Fas ligand, leucine-rich repeats, and death domain-containing, poly(rC) binding protein 4, p21, and growth arrest and DNA-damage-inducible alpha.

Conclusion: PAX5

is frequently inactivated by promoter methylation in HCC.

PAX5

appears to be a functional tumor suppressor involved in liver carcinogenesis through direct regulation of the p53 signaling pathway. (Hepatology 2011)
Serum level of adiponectin and the risk of liver cancer development in chronic hepatitis C patients
Authors: Arano Toru , Nakagawa Hayato , Tateishi Ryosuke , Ikeda Hitoshi , Uchino Koji , Enooku Kenichiro , Goto Eriko , Masuzaki Ryota , Asaoka Yoshinari , Kondo Yuji , Goto Tadashi , Shiina Shuichiro , Omata Masao , Yoshida Haruhiko , Koike Kazuhiko
Published: December 2010

Obesity and metabolic syndrome are recognized risk factors for development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Dysregulation of adipokines, particularly the decreased secretion of adiponectin, appears to play a key role. To investigate the association between adiponectin and hepatocarcinogenesis, we conducted a large‐scale retrospective cohort study. We enrolled 325 patients with CHC (146 men, 179 women; mean age 58.0 ± 10.3 years) whose serum samples were collected between January 1994 and December 2002. Subjects were divided into two groups according to their serum adiponectin levels. We evaluated the association between adiponectin level and the risk of subsequent HCC development using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression. Because average serum adiponectin level was higher in females than males, each gender was analyzed separately. Patients with CHC had significantly higher adiponectin levels than healthy controls. During the follow‐up period (mean: 9.0 years), HCC developed in 122 subjects. Unexpectedly, subjects with higher serum adiponectin levels had a higher incidence of HCC (males: p = 0.032; females: p = 0.01; log‐rank test). Multivariate analysis revealed that a high serum adiponectin level was independently associated with HCC development (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.07; p = 0.031 in females and HR = 1.82; p = 0.05 in males). Isoform analysis revealed that middle‐ and low‐molecular‐weight isoforms contributed to the risk of HCC. In conclusion, Patients who had CHC with high serum adiponectin levels had a higher risk of liver cancer development. Adiponectin may thus be tumorigenic or indicate a liver disease state independently of other clinical parameters.
Evapotranspiration adjustments for deficit‐irrigated corn using canopy temperature: A concept
Authors: Bausch Walter , Trout Thomas , Buchleiter Gerald
Published: December 2010

Sustainability of irrigated agriculture with declining water supplies is a critical agricultural issue in the US Great Plains. Imposing water deficits on crops during noncritical growth periods must be implemented to maximize net economic output per unit of water consumed by the plant. An irrigation timing and amount determination for such a scenario is not a simple straight‐forward procedure. Methods that monitor plant stress indicators would appear to be most promising. Several canopy temperature‐based irrigation timing techniques exist that determine when to irrigate but do not indicate how much to irrigate. The reference ET‐crop coefficient procedure for determining crop ET which is used in fully irrigated crop conditions would be easiest to implement; however the water stress coefficient used in that procedure may not be applicable for prolonged periods of water stress. The objective of this study was to investigate use of a ratio of canopy temperature (Tc) measured over fully irrigated and water‐stressed corn (Zea mays L.) as a substitute for the water stress coefficient presently used in the reference ET‐crop coefficient concept. Preliminary results indicated that the Tc ratio is a reasonable quantitative water stress coefficient for calculating crop ET under water stress conditions. This ratio allows application of the crop coefficient method for scheduling deficit irrigation. Furthermore the Tc ratio lends itself to hourly incorporation of plant stress effects on crop ET since canopy temperature can be measured continuously throughout the day. Published in 2010. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Comparison of Different Techniques to Assess Surface and Subsurface Streambed Colmation with Fine Sediments
Authors: Descloux Stéphane , Datry Thibault , Philippe Michel , Marmonier Pierre
Published: December 2010

Methods commonly used to assess physical colmation are mainly based on observations of streambed surface. These methods have been widely used but remain relatively subjective because of the observer effect. Visual estimation, penetrometry, hydraulic conductivity and wooden stake methods were applied to assess colmation conditions on 9 reaches with the objective of comparing them with the direct measurement of fine sediment content in subsurface habitat using the freeze coring method. The results demonstrated that surface estimation efficiency in separating colmation level is relatively poor and cannot indicate the colmation pattern of the subsurface zone and thus could not be a good indicator of internal colmation. Among the different techniques used to estimate subsurface colmation, wooden stakes and penetrometry have presented inconstant results in assessing internal colmation. A high correlation between percentage of fine sediments from freeze coring and hydraulic conductivity (R2 = 0.98) was found. Hydraulic conductivity was therefore identified as the most accurate and robust method. Thus, this method could be proposed for large scale and long term colmation monitoring programs. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Description of Bryceella perpusilla n. sp. (Monogononta: Proalidae), a New Rotifer Species from Terrestrial Mosses, with Notes on the Ground Plan of Bryceella Remane, 1929
Authors: Wilts Eike F. , Arbizu Pedro Martínez , Ahlrichs Wilko H.
Published: December 2010

We here describe the new proalid rotifer species Bryceella perpusilla n. sp. on the basis of light and electron microscopy. The species, certainly representing one of the smallest rotifer and even metazoan species at all, was obtained in January 2008 from terrestrial mosses of North‐west Germany. Bryceella perpusilla n. sp. is distinguished from other species of the genus by the very small size, the slender body outline, the short apical styli, the triangular rostrum, the outward curving, blunt and rod‐shaped toes, the four‐nucleated vitellogermarium, the slender manubria and the caudally directed alulae. With our observations, that can be used for future cladistic analyses of the Proalidae, we are able to define the generic diagnosis of Bryceella more precisely and to give an adapted species key. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The development and use of novel iridium complexes as catalysts for ortho‐directed hydrogen isotope exchange reactions
Authors: Nilsson Göran N. , Kerr William J.
Published: December 2010

The preparation and application of groups of new iridium complexes are described. In particular, iridium complexes possessing phosphine ligands and a bulky N‐heterocyclic carbene have been shown to be robust and readily handled species and have been applied in a range of directed hydrogen–deuterium and –tritium exchange processes and, in particular, with drug‐like substrates or within ADMET‐related studies. Overall, these new iridium(I) complexes are shown to be highly active catalysts and display catalytic activity far in excess of the industry standard, Crabtree's catalyst, with excellent levels of labelling being achieved over short reaction times and at low metal complex loadings, while tolerating a wide range of functional moieties. Furthermore and again in contrast to systems employing Crabtree's catalyst, the low catalyst loadings and short reaction times made possible by these emerging iridium carbene complexes have delivered tritiated products with very good levels of labelling and without any appreciable by‐product waste production. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pd‐ and Pt‐catalyzed H/D exchange methods and their application for internal MS standard preparation from a Sanofi‐Aventis perspective
Authors: Atzrodt Jens , Derdau Volker
Published: December 2010

This review addresses method developments both homogeneous and heterogeneous Pd‐ and Pt‐catalyzed exchange, including catalyst activation principles and recent practical applications together with example procedures. Specific requirements for isotopically labelled internal MS standard preparation are discussed from a Sanofi‐Aventis perspective on recent examples. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gait and behavior in an IL1β‐mediated model of rat knee arthritis and effects of an IL1 antagonist
Authors: Allen Kyle D. , Adams Samuel B. , Mata Brian A. , Shamji Mohammed F. , Gouze Elvire , Jing Liufang , Nettles Dana L. , Latt L. Daniel , Setton Lori A.
Published: December 2010

Interleukin‐1 beta (IL1β) is a proinflammatory cytokine that mediates arthritic pathologies. Our objectives were to evaluate pain and limb dysfunction resulting from IL1β over‐expression in the rat knee and to investigate the ability of local IL1 receptor antagonist (IL1Ra) delivery to reverse‐associated pathology. IL1β over‐expression was induced in the right knees of 30 Wistar rats via intra‐articular injection of rat fibroblasts retrovirally infected with human IL1β cDNA. A subset of animals received a 30 µl intra‐articular injection of saline or human IL1Ra on day 1 after cell delivery (0.65 µg/µl hIL1Ra, n = 7 per group). Joint swelling, gait, and sensitivity were investigated over 1 week. On day 8, animals were sacrificed and joints were collected for histological evaluation. Joint inflammation and elevated levels of endogenous IL1β were observed in knees receiving IL1β‐infected fibroblasts. Asymmetric gaits favoring the affected limb and heightened mechanical sensitivity (allodynia) reflected a unilateral pathology. Histopathology revealed cartilage loss on the femoral groove and condyle of affected joints. Intra‐articular IL1Ra injection failed to restore gait and sensitivity to preoperative levels and did not reduce cartilage degeneration observed in histopathology. Joint swelling and degeneration subsequent to IL1β over‐expression is associated limb hypersensitivity and gait compensation. Intra‐articular IL1Ra delivery did not result in marked improvement for this model; this may be driven by rapid clearance of administered IL1Ra from the joint space. These results motivate work to further investigate the behavioral consequences of monoarticular arthritis and sustained release drug delivery strategies for the joint space. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:694–703, 2011
Fundamental studies on the electrokinetic transfer of net cationic peptides across supported liquid membranes
Authors: Balchen Marte , Hatterud Anne Guro , Reubsaet Léon , Pedersen‐Bjergaard Stig
Published: December 2010

By the application of an electrical potential difference (25 V), 37 different peptides were extracted from 500 μL aqueous sample (10 mM formic acid, positive electrode), through a supported liquid membrane (SLM) impregnated in the walls of a porous hollow fiber, and into 25 μL aqueous acceptor solution (100 mM formic acid, negative electrode) present inside the lumen of the fiber. Most of the peptides were obtained by tryptic digestion of cytochrome c and bovine serum albumin, which yielded complex samples for extraction. Three different SLMs were utilized to correlate the peptides extractability with the highly variable physical–chemical properties of the peptides. The first SLM (pure eugenol) provided an electromembrane extraction system for hydrophobic and intermediate peptides (hydrophilicity values below 0.2), where the extraction of peptides into the SLM was mainly based on solvent interactions. The second SLM (1‐octanol/di‐isobutylketone/di‐(2‐ethylhexyl) phosphate) extracted both hydrophobic and hydrophilic peptides (hydrophilicity values in the range from −2 to+1) successfully, and the transfer of peptides was principally based on ionic interactions with di‐(2‐ethylhexyl) phosphate. The third SLM (1‐octanol/15‐crown‐5 ether) was selective for hydrophobic peptides (negative hydrophilicity values), and complexation of the peptides with the crown ether was important for the migration of peptides into the acceptor solution.
The first steps into the third age: the retirement process from a Swedish perspective
Authors: Jonsson Hans
Published: December 2010

This paper summarizes the results of five related studies of the retirement process from an occupational perspective. A group of 32 Swedish men and women were followed longitudinally over the retirement transition in repeated interviews that were analysed using a narrative methodology. The results showed that the freedom that comes with retirement could be experienced as a paradox when few demands or expectations were present in their lives. The analysis of the narratives also revealed that the presence or absence of engaging occupations was critical for the experience of a good life as retiree. These results are consistent with Laslett's definition of developmental life tasks appropriate for persons entering the ‘Third Age’, which begins at retirement and are offering freedom and possibilities for new engagement. The results have implications on possible arenas where an occupational perspective could contribute to knowledge in support of individual engagement in retirement and in social policies regarding volunteer work. One example is shown how occupational therapists have initiated community preventive work to enhance. engaging occupation in retirement. As these studies are limited to participants from one country, further studies in other countries and in other cultures about the retirement transition is needed to expand knowledge. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, characterization and surface properties of poly(lactic acid)–perfluoropolyether block copolymers
Authors: Singh Akhilesh , Naskar Amit K , Haynes Dahlia , Drews Michael J , Smith Dennis W
Published: December 2010

Laboratory‐scale synthesis and morphological and surface energy characterization of triblock A–B–A copolymers based on poly(lactic acid) (PLA; A segment) containing various block lengths of perfluoropolyether (PFPE; B segment) at 5 wt% PFPE content are reported. Incorporation of PFPE segments in PLA lowers significantly both the polar and dispersive components of total surface energy. Total surface energy is lowered from ca 35 to ca 17 mN m−1 on copolymerization of PLA with 5 wt% PFPE. Thermal analysis data reveal that lower molecular weight PFPE segments lower significantly the glass transition, crystallization and melting temperatures of the PLA matrix. Although block length variation of the PFPE segment does not affect surface energies of copolymer films, smaller PFPE segments increase significantly the low‐temperature modulus as observed from dynamic mechanical analysis. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry