bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ECO-BALANCE FEATURES AND SIGNIFICANCE OF HEMIHYDRATE PHOSPHOGYPSUM REPROCESSING INTO GYPSUM BINDING MATERIALS
Authors: Gaidučis Sergejus , Mačiulaitis Romualdas , Kaminskas Antanas
Published: June 2009

The classification and grouping of materials investigation according to raw material's nature and product purpose (use) was conducted by using comparative material energetic usefulness and its production ecobalance analytical methods. Energy expenditures and pollution emissions into the environment were studied and compared to analogical purpose materials. One of the most economically perspective technogenic waste ‐ extractive hemihydrate phosphogypsum was investigated. Two technological production streams of phosphogypsum were studied. It was found, that the energy needs for production of analogical purpose materials (wall partitions) differ significantly. The nature of raw materials has an influence on energetic usefulness. The most effective materials according to their nature, energetic usefulness and environmental protection are mineral ones, especially if they are made with technogenic inorganic waste materials. The best results, from the energetic and ecological point of view, are obtained by using the waste raw material ‐ extractive hemihydrate phosphogypsum. Its reprocessing energy expenditures and pollutant emissions into the environment are several times less, than for other analogical purpose and properties wall materials, also with less environmental pollution. Products made from reprocessing extractive hemihydrate phosphogypsum can replace other energy consuming articles for wall partitions. Santrauka Klasifikuojant ir grupuojant medžiagas pagal žaliavų kilmę ir gaminių paskirtį atlikti lyginamieji medžiagų energinio naudingumo ir jų gamybos ekobalanso analitiniai tyrimai. Nagrinėtos ir lygintos energijos sąnaudos ir teršalų patekimas į aplinką analogiškos paskirties medžiagoms gauti. Tirtos vienos iš perspektyviausių ekonomoniu ir ekologiniu požiūriu technogeninės atliekos – ekstrakcinio pushidračio fosfogipso (E-PG) savybės. Nustatyta, kad energijos poreikis gaminant analogiškos paskirties medžiagas iš esmės skiriasi. Žaliavos kilmė turi įtaką produkcijos energiniam naudingumui. Efektyviausios pagal kilmę energinio naudingumo ir aplinkosaugos požiūriu yra mineralinės medžiagos, ypač jeigu jos pagamintos iš technogeninių neorganinių atliekų. Geriausi rezultatai energiniu ir ekologiniu požiūriu gauti naudojant atliekų žaliavą – E-PG. Jo perdirbimo energijos sąnaudos ir teršalų emisija į aplinką yra kelis kartus mažesnės, negu gaminant kitas analogiškos paskirties ir savybių sienines medžiagas, be to, mažėja aplinkos tarša. Ateityje gaminiai iš perdirbto E-PG galėtų pakeisti pastatų atitvaroms naudojamus keraminius, silikatinius ir kitus energijai imlius dirbinius.
Expression and Function of Histone Deacetylases in Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Fibroblasts
Authors: HORIUCHI MARIKA , MORINOBU AKIO , CHIN TAKAAKI , SAKAI YOSHITADA , KUROSAKA MASAHIRO , KUMAGAI SHUNICHI
Published: June 2009

Objective.

To explore the effects of histone deacetylases (HDAC) on rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts (RA-SF).

Methods.

The expression of mRNA encoding HDAC1 through HDAC11 in RA-SF and osteoarthritis-SF (OA-SF) was determined using real-time polymerase chain reactions. The functions of HDAC1 and HDAC2 in RA-SF were assessed using small interfering RNA (siRNA) technology. Cell counts and proliferation were examined by MTT assays and BrDU ELISA, respectively, and apoptosis was determined using the TUNEL assay and annexin V staining. Levels of cell cycle-related molecules and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) were tested by Western blotting and ELISA, respectively.

Results.

Messenger RNA expression of HDAC1 was significantly higher in RA-SF than in OA-SF. Knockdown of HDAC1 and HDAC2 by siRNA resulted in decreased cell counts and cell proliferation, and increased apoptosis in RA-SF. Expression of p16, p21, and p53 was increased by knockdown of both HDAC1 and HDAC2. On the other hand, knockdown of HDAC1, but not of HDAC2, upregulated tumor necrosis factor-α-induced MMP-1 production by RA-SF.

Conclusion.

HDAC1 is overexpressed in RA-SF compared to OA-SF. HDAC1 supports cell proliferation and survival of RA-SF, but suppresses MMP-1 production. HDAC2 also plays an important role in cell proliferation and apoptosis of RA-SF. Our study provides useful information to develop new HDAC inhibitors for the treatment of RA.
Th1 and Th17 Predominance in the Enthesitis-related Arthritis Form of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: MAHENDRA ANKIT , MISRA RAMNATH , AGGARWAL AMITA
Published: June 2009

Objective.

A Th1 biased immune response in synovial fluid has been reported in children with polyarticular and extended oligoarticular-type juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). We investigated T cell phenotypes including Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg with emphasis on Th17 and Treg, in order to differentiate cytokines in the enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA) form of JIA.

Methods.

The frequencies of Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg cells were determined by flow cytometry in peripheral blood (PB) and synovial fluid from patients with ERA and healthy subjects. Levels of interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß), IL-6, IL-21, IL-23, and transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß), cytokines that influence Th17 lineage cells, were measured in paired plasma and synovial fluid (SF) samples by ELISA. Frequencies are expressed as percentages and cytokine levels as pg/ml.

Results.

There were no differences in blood samples in the frequency of Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg cells between patients and controls. In paired samples, the median frequency of CD4+IFN-γ+ (20.49 vs 4.03; p < 0.005) and CD4+IL-17+ (2.27 vs 0.57; p < 0.01) cells was significantly higher in SF compared to PB, respectively; whereas the frequency of CD4+IL-4+ (1.79 vs 2.29; p < 0.04) cells was significantly reduced in the SF compared to PB. There was no difference in the frequency of regulatory T cells. Patients receiving methotrexate had fewer Th2 cells, whereas the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire score had a negative association with the frequency of Treg. Median levels of IL-1ß (p < 0.008), IL-6 (p < 0.0001), and IL-17 (p < 0.0001) were higher in SF than in plasma and levels of TGF-ß were lower (p < 0.001). Levels of IL-21 were similar in SF and plasma, whereas IL-23 was undetectable.

Conclusion.

In patients with ERA, peripheral blood Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg cells were unchanged, but Th1 and Th17 cells were increased and Th2 cells were reduced in the SF compared to blood. Elevated IL-1ß and IL-6 in SF may be responsible for increased Th17 cells.
Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant in Systemic Sclerosis: Quantitative High Resolution Computed Tomography of the Chest Scoring
Authors: LAUNAY DAVID , MARJANOVIC ZORA , de BAZELAIRE CEDRIC , FLOREA LAURA , ZOHAR SARAH , KESHTMAND HOMAH , DELIGNY CHRISTOPHE , de RAIGNIAC AXELLE , WELLS ATHOL U. , FARGE DOMINIQUE
Published: June 2009

Objective.

Using high resolution computed tomography (HRCT), to assess the lung involvement outcome after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (AHSCT) in patients with scleroderma (systemic sclerosis, SSc).

Methods.

HCRT scans prospectively performed before (n = 9 patients) and after (n = 47) AHSCT were blindly reviewed by 2 independent investigators using the Wells score.

Results.

After a median 60 months’ followup, the overall disease extent score from HCRT scans decreased from 10 (0–45) to 4 (0–36) (p = 0.04) 6 months after AHSCT, and thereafter increased up to 36 months and stabilized; the modified Rodnan skin score fell (p < 0.05).

Conclusion.

The extent of SSc lung involvement on HRCT rapidly but transiently regressed after AHSCT.
Les inhibiteurs de l'excitation dans la genèse du fonctionnement psychique : de la décharge à la liaison
Authors: Dechaud-Ferbus Monique
Published: June 2009

Les inhibiteurs de l’excitation dans la genèse du Moi, pour les transformations dans le fonctionnement psychique : de la décharge à la liaison. Reprenant la genèse du Moi, l’auteur fait l’hypothèse d’une organisation visant, de plusieurs façons, à freiner les excitations tant exogènes qu’endogènes. Vont contribuer à ce complexe inhibiteur : les traces mnémoniques et l’hallucination, l’objet et le cadre de la cure, l’attention dans le Moi. L’inhibition, dont rendent compte ces divers mécanismes, vise à une transformation du fonctionnement psychique, par une liaison favorisant le passage des processus primaires en processus secondaires. Des vignettes cliniques viendront illustrer ces hypothèses. Pour tenir compte des défaillances du fonctionnement psychique des patients, l’auteur utilise la psychothérapie psychanalytique corporelle (dite aussi psychothérapie psychanalytique de relaxation Ajuriaguerrra) comme aménagement du cadre. Cela lui permet de montrer les transformations rendues possibles à partir du travail sur les expressions du langage corporel.
Ambiguïté de l'interprétation : la tentation de l'inhibition, vice ou vertu ?
Authors: Joubert Martin
Published: June 2009

L’ambigu ïté fondamentale de toute interprétation expose la situation analytique à des émergences pulsionnelles inattendues et possiblement menaçantes. La pente naturelle de l’analyste vers une inhibition de l’interprétation assure une protection du processus et du cadre. Mais, en même temps, elle tend vers un évitement de la conflictualité, y compris en favorisant une pensée secondarisée et logique à même de donner une cohérence au discours. Inhibition qui protège ou bien inhibition qui immobilise, l’analyste aura à naviguer entre ces deux amers.
L'inhibition de pensée chez l'analyste : une résistance ?
Authors: Chervet Emmanuelle
Published: June 2009

Les voies de dégagement de l’inhibition de pensée chez l’analyste sont rapportées aux identifications hystériques développées au contact du patient, en lien à sa propre névrose infantile « civilisée » par son analyse et ses investissements professionnels, et à une conflictualisation de celles-ci, sur un mode œdipien, qui lui permet in fine de réinstaller un cadre topique pour ce patient-là, avec lui, ce qui est l’une des conditions de l’installation d’une régression formelle dans la cure.
De la sensation à l'intuition
Authors: Denis Anne
Published: June 2009

L’apparition du thème de la musique dans nombre d’analyses non névrotiques a été mise en relation avec un manque de sublimation précoce de la pulsion, s’accompagnant de pathologies de la sensibilité et d’inhibitions ou perversions sexuelles. L’étude de la sensibilité a débouché sur l’intuition comme fonction intellectuelle basée sur la sensibilité et aboutissant à un jugement primaire, processus caractéristique de l’attention en égal suspens. L’étude de l’intuition s’est faite à l’aide d’auteurs extérieurs à la métapsychologie : Kant, Peirce, Einstein et l’incipit décrit par les écrivains.
Le concept d'intersubjectivité dans la psychanalyse américaine : histoire et tendances actuelles
Authors: Kirshner Lewis A.
Published: June 2009

Le concept d’intersubjectivité a connu une riche histoire dans la psychanalyse américaine. À partir d’une recherche dans l’archive des revues psychanalytiques anglophones (le « PEP »), l’auteur s’interroge sur son emploi et sa valeur clinique. Il propose, malgré les différences de vocabulaire et les divergences conceptuelles entre les principales écoles de la psychanalyse aux États-Unis, que son utilisation marque une convergence dans la pratique actuelle. Elle suggère l’émergence d’un nouveau paradigme qui déplacerait le travail analytique, auparavant centré sur le fonctionnement psychique du seul sujet, vers les contextes transpersonnels et l’influence mutuelle entre analyste et patient. Ce changement n’est pas uniquement l’effet d’un enjeu politique entre l’Association psychanalytique américaine et d’autres instituts indépendants, qui viserait à remplacer la théorie « classique » par un modèle centré sur les relations d’objet ou sur le relationnel tout court. Le paradigme nouveau représente également une tentative de reconceptualisation du statut du sujet, au point de vue des chercheurs sur la petite enfance, intriqué inextricablement dès le début dans un réseau de liens intersubjectifs. L’auteur remarque deux tendances principales dans le courant intersubjectif actuel et offre une critique des problèmes qu’ils posent pour la psychanalyse, principalement le rôle de l’inconscient et la ténacité des structures intrapsychiques.
EFFECTS OF DISTAL NAIL-HOLE DIMENSION AND WALL THICKNESS ON THE FEMORAL NAILING STRESSES — FINITE-ELEMENT ANALYSIS
Authors: Shih Kao-Shang , Tseng Ching-Shiow , Lee Chia-Ching , Lu Tung-Wu , Hou Sheng-Mou , Lin Shang-Chih
Published: June 2009

Background. For the available systems, the two paired nail holes at the distal femoral portion were of identical size and shape. However, the higher incidence of the first nail-hole failure was reported at the medial than lateral side. In practice, the nail was initially stabilized by the screw insertion into the first hole from the lateral-to-medial side. If the lateral first hole was adequately strengthened, the larger nail-hole diameter could ease to insert the screws into the lateral hole.

Methods. The finite-element method was used to investigate the effect of the configuration of the lateral first hole on the screw insertion and stress distribution of the distal nailing system. The distal nail-hole thickness was increased and its edge was intentionally chamfered to increase its effectively projected area onto the sagittal plane. There were eight variations of the nail-hole configuration in the parametric analyses.

Findings. The deflected nail diagonally contacts the screws at the medial first and lateral second nail-screw sites. The medial first hole was the most stressed and the stress of the medial second hole was the least. The increase in the nail-hole thickness significantly reduces the concentrated stresses of all four holes, thus allowing the lateral first nail-hole diameter to be increased without the strength loss at that site. The enlargement and chamfer of the lateral first hole significantly increase the effective nail-hole projected area and potentially facilitate the screw insertion. Comparatively, the size and shape re-design of the lateral first hole induced the minor increase in stress values of the other holes and screws.

Interpretation. In nature, the load-transferring mechanism between the distal nail-screw interfaces was the point-contact problem. If the wall-thickness, diameter, and chamfer of the lateral first hole were well-controlled, this re-design decreases the stress at the medial first distal hole where most failures occur and renders the overall system mechanically safer and more surgically effective.
Se positionner face à l’Union européenne Le Parti social démocrate roumain comme espace de lutte
Authors: Roger Antoine
Published: June 2009

Les travaux consacrés aux effets de l’intégration européenne sur la compétition politique nationale se concentrent le plus souvent sur l’évolution des systèmes de partis. Il peut être intéressant de resserrer l’échelle d’observation et d’envisager les remous que l’UE provoque à l’intérieur d’une même formation. Le Parti social démocrate roumain (PSD) offre de ce point de vue un terrain d’étude privilégié. Depuis plusieurs années, un double rapport à l’Europe y est entretenu. Certains cadres du parti s’attachent la loyauté des électeurs les plus en difficulté. Se piquant de pragmatisme, ils proposent de recueillir les bénéfices économiques des politiques européennes et d’en limiter dans le même temps les conséquences sociales. Leurs concurrents dénoncent des pratiques rétrogrades qui empêchent la Roumanie d’être considérée comme un membre fiable de l’UE ; pour appuyer leur propos, ils mettent en avant les ressources symboliques accumulées au cours d’une socialisation à Bruxelles ou à Strasbourg. L’appareil du PSD ne peut se maintenir qu’à la condition de donner des gages à chacune des catégories de leaders identifiées. La distribution alternée des gratifications entretient un mouvement perpétuel et s’oppose à ce qu’une conception du rapport à l’UE l’emporte définitivement sur les autres. Elle permet au parti d’éviter toute scission mais lui interdit également de développer un discours homogène et constant sur l’intégration européenne.
Stathmin, a gene regulating neural plasticity, affects fear and anxiety processing in humans
Authors: Brocke Burkhard , Lesch Klaus‐Peter , Armbruster Diana , Moser Dirk A. , Müller Anett , Strobel Alexander , Kirschbaum Clemens
Published: June 2009

The identification of biological mechanisms underlying emotional behavior is crucial for our understanding of the pathogenesis of mental disorders. Besides genes modulating neural transmission and influencing amygdala reactivity and anxiety‐related temperamental traits a different plasticity regulating genes affect interindividual differences in emotional regulation. Recently it has been demonstrated thatstathmin, a regulator of microtubule formation which affects long‐term potentiation (LTP), controls learned and innate fear responses in rodents, but its role in human emotion regulation is unknown. We hypothesized that in humans the gene coding forstathmin(STMN1), which is highly expressed in the lateral nucleus of the amygdala and associated thalamic and cortical structures, influences behavioral responses to fear and anxiety stimuli by way of two common single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs182455, SNP1; rs213641, SNP2). These polymorphisms are located within or close to the putative transcriptional control region. We used the acoustic startle paradigm and a standardized laboratory protocol for the induction of fear and psychosocial stress in 106 healthy volunteers to investigate the impact of stathmin gene variation on two fear‐ and anxiety‐controlling effector‐systems of the amygdala. We found thatSTMN1genotype interacting with individuals' gender significantly impacts fear and anxiety responses as measured with the startle and cortisol stress response. We therefore conclude thatSTMN1genotype has functional relevance for the acquisition and expression of basic fear and anxiety responses also in humans. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
ADH1A variation predisposes to personality traits and substance dependence
Authors: Zuo Lingjun , Gelernter Joel , Kranzler Henry R. , Stein Murray B. , Zhang Huiping , Wei Feng , Sen Srijan , Poling James , Luo Xingguang
Published: June 2009

Human personality traits are strong predictors or characteristics of many psychiatric disorders including substance dependence (SD). Recently, significant associations between alcohol dehydrogenase type 1A gene (ADH1A) and SD have been reported, which led us to investigate the impact of ADH1A variation on personality traits and risk of SD. Five hundred fifty‐eight subjects with SD [398 European‐Americans (EAs) and 160 African‐Americans (AAs)], 517 college students (384 EAs and 133 European‐origin Hispanics), and 448 healthy subjects (385 EAs, 48 AAs, and 15 European‐origin Hispanics) participated. Personality traits were assessed in 247 subjects with SD (179 EAs and 68 AAs), all 517 college students, and 332 healthy subjects (285 EAs, 40 AAs, and 7 European‐origin Hispanics). The relationships between ADH1A and personality traits were comprehensively examined using stepwise multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA), and then decomposed by stepwise analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The relationship between ADH1A and SD was examined using stepwise logistic regression analysis. Admixture effects on analyses were considered. Overall, Agreeableness and Conscientiousness were associated with the diplotypes, haplotypes, genotypes, and/or alleles of ADH1A in three of four phenotype groups including EA SD subjects, healthy subjects, and AA SD subjects (1.7 × 10−4 ≤ P ≤ 0.055), but not college students. Neuroticism was associated with diplotype, haplotypes and genotypes in AA SD subjects (0.001 ≤ P ≤ 0.031). In addition, SD was associated with diplotypes, haplotypes, genotypes, and/or alleles of ADH1A (0.008 ≤ P ≤ 0.060). The present study demonstrates that the ADH1A variation may contribute to the genetic component of variation in personality traits and SD. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Blogging, communication, and privacy management: Development of the Blogging Privacy Management Measure
Authors: Child Jeffrey T. , Pearson Judy C. , Petronio Sandra
Published: June 2009

This study applied Communication Privacy Management (CPM) theory to the context of blogging and developed a validated, theory‐based measure of blogging privacy management. Across three studies, 823 college student bloggers completed an online survey. In study one (n = 176), exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis techniques tested four potential models. Study two (n = 291) cross‐validated the final factor structure obtained in the fourth model with a separate sample. Study three (n = 356) tested the discriminant and predictive validity of the measure by comparing it to the self‐consciousness scale. The Blogging Privacy Management Measure (BPMM) is a multidimensional, valid, and reliable construct. Future research could explore the influence of family values about privacy on blogging privacy rule management.
Compromised need and the label effect: An examination of claims and evidence
Authors: Nicolaisen Jeppe
Published: June 2009

To establish whether the compromised need/the label effect is a frequently occurring phenomenon or not, available studies of the phenomenon are examined and claims are compared with evidence. Studies that reportedly have verified the phenomenon are shown to suffer from technical problems that put the claim of verification in doubt. Studies that have reported low percentages of questions changing from the initial query during large‐scale studies of user‐librarian negotiations could indicate that users are quite often asking for precisely what they want. However, these studies are found not to be definite falsifications, as the librarians did not conduct in‐depth interviews and therefore may have failed to discover the users' real information needs. Whether the compromised need/the label effect is a frequently occurring phenomenon or not cannot be conclusively confirmed or disconfirmed. However, the compromised need/the label effect is not the obvious truism or empirical fact that it has otherwise been claimed to be.
Fluid–structure interactions of the mitral valve and left heart: Comprehensive strategies, past, present and future
Authors: Einstein Daniel R. , Del Pin Facundo , Jiao Xiangmin , Kuprat Andrew P. , Carson James P. , Kunzelman Karyn S. , Cochran Richard P. , Guccione Julius M. , Ratcliffe Mark B.
Published: June 2009

The remodeling that occurs after a posterolateral myocardial infarction can alter mitral valve function by creating conformational abnormalities in the mitral annulus and in the posteromedial papillary muscle, leading to mitral regurgitation (MR). It is generally assumed that this remodeling is caused by a volume load and is mediated by an increase in diastolic wall stress. Thus, MR can be both the cause and effect of an abnormal cardiac stress environment. Computational modeling of ischemic MR and its surgical correction is attractive because it enables an examination of whether a given intervention addresses the correction of regurgitation (fluid‐flow) at the cost of abnormal tissue stress. This is significant because the negative effects of an increased wall stress due to the intervention will only be evident over time. However, a meaningful fluid–structure interaction (FSI) model of the left heart is not trivial; it requires a careful characterization of the in vivo cardiac geometry, the tissue parameterization through inverse analysis, a robust coupled solver that handles collapsing Lagrangian interfaces, the automatic grid‐generation algorithms that are capable of accurately discretizing the cardiac geometry, the innovations in image analysis, the competent and efficient constitutive models and an understanding of the spatial organization of tissue microstructure. In this paper, we profile our work toward a comprehensive FSI model of the left heart by reviewing our early work, presenting our current work and laying out our future work in four broad categories: data collection, geometry, FSI and validation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coupling strategies for biomedical fluid–structure interaction problems
Authors: Küttler U. , Gee M. , Förster Ch. , Comerford A. , Wall W. A.
Published: June 2009

The coupling of lightweight and often thin‐walled structures to fluids in an incompressible regime is a recurring theme in biomechanics. There are many fluid–structure interaction (FSI) solution schemes to address these kinds of problem, each one with its costs and benefits. Here, we attempt a comparison of the most important FSI schemes in the context of biomechanical problems, that is a comparison of different fixed‐point schemes and a block preconditioned monolithic scheme. The emphasis of this study is on the numerical behavior of these FSI schemes to gain an understanding of their effectiveness in comparison with each other. To this end a simplified benchmark problem is studied to show its applicability for more involved biomechanical problems. Two such examples with patient‐specific geometries are also discussed. The monolithic scheme proved to be much more efficient than the partitioned schemes in biomechanical problems. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hyperchaos of higher order and its circuit implementation
Authors: Hu Guosi
Published: June 2009

Though numerous hyperchaotic systems are reported, few of them can generate hyperchaotic attractors with more than three positive Lyapunov exponents. A new hyperchaotic system, constructed by adding the approximate time‐delayed state feedback to Chen system, is presented in this paper. This system has ring architecture with Chen system and several all‐pass filters coupled. With the increase of the number of all‐pass filters used in this system, the number of positive Lyapunov exponents also increases steadily. Hyperchaos of order 11 can be generated by this system. The resulting system is demonstrated by computer simulations and confirmed by an electronic circuit. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MEKC‐LIF analysis of rhodamine123 delivered by carbon nanotubes in K562 cells
Authors: Li Ruibin , Wu Ren'an , Wu Minghuo , Zou Hanfa , Ma Hong , Yang Ling , Chris Le X.
Published: June 2009

Oxidized single‐walled carbon nanotubes (o‐SWNTs) were employed as the drug carriers to deliver the small molecules of Rhodamine123 (Rho123) into the K562 cells via physical adsorption. However, due to the fluorescence quenching of Rho123 on carbon nanotubes, the quantitative determination of Rho123 in cells is difficult. Based on the MEKC coupled with LIF detection, a quantitative approach was developed for the determination of Rho123 delivered into K562 cells by o‐SWNTs. Where the adsorbed Rho123 on o‐SWNTs could be desorbed by SDS in running buffer and be simultaneously separated with o‐SWNTs due to the differences of their electrophoretic mobility by applying the electric potential at the both ends of capillary. Using this approach, the intracellular uptakes of Rho123 in multidrug‐resistant and multidrug‐sensitive leukemia cells were quantified, and the results showed that o‐SWNTs could be used as the potential drug carriers to deliver small molecules into cells via the physical adsorption along with the circumventing of multidrug resistance of leukemia cells.
Windblown dust influenced by conventional and undercutter tillage within the Columbia Plateau, USA
Authors: Sharratt B. S. , Feng G.
Published: June 2009

Exceedance of the US Environmental Protection Agency national ambient air quality standard for PM10 (particulate matter ≤10 µm in aerodynamic diameter) within the Columbia Plateau region of the Pacific Northwest US is largely caused by wind erosion of agricultural lands managed in a winter wheat–summer fallow rotation. Land management practices, therefore, are sought that will reduce erosion and PM10 emissions during the summer fallow phase of the rotation. Horizontal soil flux and PM10 concentrations above adjacent field plots (>2 ha), with plots subject to conventional or undercutter tillage during summer fallow, were measured using creep and saltation/suspension collectors and PM10 samplers installed at various heights above the soil surface. After wheat harvest in 2004 and 2005, the plots were either disked (conventional) or undercut with wide sweeps (undercutter) the following spring and then periodically rodweeded prior to sowing wheat in late summer. Soil erosion from the fallow plots was measured during six sampling periods over two years; erosion or PM10 loss was not observed during two periods due to the presence of a crust on the soil surface. For the remaining sampling periods, total surface soil loss from conventional and undercutter tillage ranged from 3 to 40 g m–2 and 1 to 27 g m–2 while PM10 loss from conventional and undercutter tillage ranged from 0·2 to 5·0 g m–2 and 0·1 to 3·3 g m–2, respectively. Undercutter tillage resulted in a 15% to 65% reduction in soil loss and 30% to 70% reduction in PM10 loss as compared with conventional tillage at our field sites. Therefore, based on our results at two sites over two years, undercutter tillage appears to be an effective management practice to reduce dust emissions from agricultural land subject to a winter wheat–summer fallow rotation within the Columbia Plateau. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relapse rates with long‐term antidepressant drug therapy: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Williams Nolan , Simpson Annie N. , Simpson Kit , Nahas Ziad
Published: June 2009

Background

Several long‐term double‐blind placebo controlled trials have shown prophylactic antidepressant therapy in unipolar depression. The goal of this work was to conduct a meta‐analysis that would incorporate the most recent trials and evaluate their overall level of efficacy and relapse prevention over time.

Methods

We performed a comprehensive literature search. The extracted data from selected studies were used to construct a regression model and evaluate the effect of treatment, time on medication, severity of illness, age, gender, and number of previous episodes.

Results

Across 11 maintenance treatment studies, the relapse rate was significantly different at 1 year for active drug (23%) versus placebo (51%). In addition, time on medication significantly affected the relapse rate.

Conclusion

Prophylactic antidepressant drug therapy appears efficacious in preventing future relapses across a range of illness severity as well as age. More studies are needed to explore the effects of various acute antidepressant strategies and the direct influence of treatment resistance on relapse outcomes. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A test for multimodality of regression derivatives with application to nonparametric growth regressions
Authors: Henderson Daniel J.
Published: June 2009

This paper presents a method to test for multimodality of an estimated kernel density of derivative estimates from a nonparametric regression. The test is included in a study of nonparametric growth regressions. The results show that in the estimation of unconditional β‐convergence the distribution of the partial effects is multimodal, with one mode in the negative region (primarily OECD economies) and possibly two modes in the positive region (primarily non‐OECD economies) of the estimates. The results for conditional β‐convergence show that the density is predominantly negative and there is mixed evidence that the distribution is unimodal. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of glycerol triacetate using functionalized ionic liquid as catalyst
Authors: Li Lu , Yu Shi‐Tao , Xie Cong‐Xia , Liu Fu‐Sheng , Li Hong‐Juan
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND: With the development of bio‐diesel, it has become an urgent task to make full use of glycerol, which is a by‐product of the production of bio‐diesel. Glycerol triacetate (GTA) is one of the important derivatives of glycerol and can be used in many fields. Usually it is prepared industrially in the presence of mineral acidic catalysts. The shortcomings of such a process include serious environmental issues, complicated technique and no recyclability of catalyst. Recently, it was reported that many acidic functionalized ionic liquids (FILs) could be synthesized and used in esterifications with excellent catalytic performance. Hence, the esterification of glycerol with acetic acid to produce GTA was investigated using acidic FILs as catalyst.

RESULTS: The results indicated that [HSO3‐pmim][HSO4] exhibited promising catalytic performance. Using [HSO3‐pmim][HSO4] as catalyst, the yield of GTA was above 95%. The catalyst was utilized ten times and the GTA yield remained above 91%.

CONCLUSION: The good catalytic performance and reusability of this FIL may contribute to the development of an environmentally friendly strategy for the synthesis of GTA. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Molecular dynamics simulations reveal the disparity in specific recognition of GCC‐box by AtERFs transcription factors super family in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Shichen , Yang Shuo , Yin Yuejia , Xi Jinghui , Li Shanyu , Hao Dongyun
Published: June 2009

Arabidopsis ethylene responsive element binding factors (AtERFs) form a transcription factor super family. While the functions of most AtERFs are unknown, a number of AtERFs appear to be involved in regulation of stress‐related genes through their DNA binding domains (DBD), namely ERF domains, which recognize a consensus motif GCC‐box at the regulatory region. In this study, molecular dynamics simulations were performed on the four ERF domain‐GCC‐box complexes, AtERF1, AtERF4, AtEBP and CFBF1, to determine disparity in specific binding to the GCC‐box by the AtERFs. Our results suggested that three amino acid residues Arg29, Glu39 and Arg41, played a vital role in direct readout of DNA. The position of the consensus sequence GCCGCC has an intrinsic disparity on binding with ERF domains. The third C, fourth G and the last C in the GCC motif was compulsory for recognition by ERF domains. Our results provide structural evidence for a sequence‐dependent recognition mechanism for AtERFs. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry of hordeins: rapid approach for identification of malting barley varieties
Authors: Šalplachta Jiří , Bobálová Janette
Published: June 2009

A procedure for identification of malting barley varieties using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) of ethanol‐soluble barley proteins (hordeins) is described. The hordeins were first extracted from milled barley grains by several extraction protocols (using different extraction agents and conditions). Hordein extracts were then analyzed directly via MALDI‐TOF MS without any preliminary purification or separation step, and the protein profiles of analyzed hordein extracts were compared in order to find out the most suitable extraction procedure for mass spectrometric analysis. The optimized procedure was successfully applied to identification of 13 malting barley varieties. Our results revealed that the proposed mass spectrometry‐based approach provides characteristic mass patterns of extracted hordeins, which can be advantageously used for barley variety identification. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Selective detection of phosphatidylethanol homologues in blood as biomarkers for alcohol consumption by LC‐ESI‐MS/MS
Authors: Gnann H. , Weinmann W. , Engelmann C. , Wurst F. M. , Skopp G. , Winkler M. , Thierauf A. , Auwärter V. , Dresen S. , Bouzas N. Ferreirós
Published: June 2009

A new validated method for the quantitation of the abnormal phospholipid phosphatidylethanol (PEth)—a biomarker for ethanol uptake—has been developed by LC‐ESI‐MS/MS following miniaturised organic solvent extraction and reversed phase chromatography with phosphatidylbutanol (PBut) as internal standard. PEth homologues with two fatty acid substituents—PEth 18 : 1/18 : 1, PEth 16 : 0/16 : 0—were determined in post‐mortem blood collected from heavy drinkers at autopsy and also in whole blood samples from a volunteer after a single 60 g‐dose of ethanol. Furthermore, PEth 18 : 1/16 : 0 or its isobaric isomer PEth—16 : 0/18 : 1 was detected. In comparison to previous high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods with evaporative light scattering detection (ELSD), the LC‐MS/MS‐method is more sensitive—with a limit of detection below 20 ng/ml—and more selective for single PEth homologues, while ELSD has been used for detection of the sum of PEth homologues with approximately 10 times less sensitivity. LC‐MS/MS enables monitoring of PEth homologues as biomarkers for harmful and prolonged alcohol consumption as with HPLC/ELSD earlier, where PEth is measurable in blood only after more than 50 g ethanol daily intake for more than 2 weeks. Because of its higher sensitivity, there is a potential to detect single heavy drinking by LC‐MS/MS, when PEth is formed in very low concentrations. This opens a new field of application of PEth to uncover single or multiple heavy drinking at a lower frequency and with a larger window of detection in blood than before by HPLC/ELSD or by use of other direct markers, e.g. ethyl glucuronide or ethyl sulfate. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy of indanthrone and flavanthrone
Authors: Chang Jingjing , Cañamares Maria Vega , Aydin Metin , Vetter Wilfried , Schreiner Manfred , Xu Weiqing , Lombardi John R.
Published: June 2009

The normal Raman and surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of flavanthrone and indanthrone were obtained at several excitation wavelengths. The spectral assignments were aided by density functional calculations. Since both molecules have very high symmetry (C2h) including a center of inversion, we expect that the modes of u symmetry will be forbidden in the normal Raman spectrum. However, proximity to the surface causes special SERS enhancement of several of the bu modes, along with somewhat weaker enhancement of the au and bg modes. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DFT, FT‐Raman, FT‐IR and NMR studies of 2‐fluorophenylboronic acid
Authors: Erdogdu Yusuf , Tahir Güllüoǧlu M. , Kurt Mustafa
Published: June 2009

The experimental and theoretical vibrational spectra of 2‐fluorophenylboronic acid (2fpba) were studied. The Fourier transform Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectra of the 2fpba molecule were recorded in the solid phase. The structural and spectroscopic analysis of the molecule was carried out by using Hartree‐Fock and density functional harmonic calculations. For the title molecule, only one form was found to be the most stable structure, by using B3LYP level with the 6‐31++G(d,p) basis set. Selected experimental bands were assigned and characterized on the basis of the scaled theoretical wavenumbers by their total energy distribution (TED). The 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) chemical shifts of the 2fpba molecule were calculated using the Gauge‐Invariant‐ atomic orbital (GIAO) method in DMSO solution using IEF‐PCM model and compared with the experimental data. Finally, geometric parameters, vibrational wavenumbers and chemical shifts were compared with available experimental data of the molecule. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The mechanism of the recrystallization process in epitaxial GaN under dynamic stress field: atomistic origin of planar defect formation
Authors: Das C. R. , Dhara S. , Hsu H. C. , Chen L. C. , Jeng Y. R. , Bhaduri A. K. , Raj Baldev , Chen K. H. , Albert S. K.
Published: June 2009

The mechanism of the recrystallization in epitaxial (0001) GaN film, introduced by the indentation technique, is probed by lattice dynamic studies using Raman spectroscopy. The recrystallized region is identified by micro‐Raman area mapping. ‘Pop‐in’ bursts in loading lines indicate nucleation of dislocations and climb of dislocations. These processes set in plastic motion of lattice atoms under stress field at the center of indentation for the initiation of the recrystallization process. A planar defect migration mechanism is evolved. A pivotal role of vacancy migration is noted, for the first time, as the rate‐limiting factor for the dislocation dynamics initiating the recrystallization process in GaN. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The suppression of MAD1 by AKT‐mediated phosphorylation activates MAD1 target genes transcription
Authors: Chou Chao‐Kai , Lee Dung‐Fang , Sun Hui‐Lung , Li Long‐Yuan , Lin Chun‐Yi , Huang Wei‐Chien , Hsu Jung‐Mao , Kuo Hsu‐Ping , Yamaguchi Hirohito , Wang Ying‐Nai , Liu Mo , Wu Hsin‐Yi , Liao Pao‐Chi , Yen Chia‐Jui , Hung Mien‐Chie
Published: June 2009

MAX dimerization protein 1 (MAD1) is a transcription suppressor that antagonizes MYC‐mediated transcription activation, and the inhibition mechanism occurs mainly through the competition of target genes' promoter MYC binding sites by MAD1. The promoter binding proteins switch between MYC and MAD1 affects cell proliferation and differentiation. However, little is known about MAD1's regulation process in cancer cells. Here, we present evidence that AKT inhibits MAD1‐mediated transcription repression by physical interaction with and phosphorylation of MAD1. Phosphorylation reduces the binding affinity between MAD1 and its target genes' promoter and thereby abolishes its transcription suppression function. Mutation of the phosphorylation site from serine to alanine rescues the DNA‐binding ability in the presence of activated AKT. In addition, AKT inhibits MAD1‐mediated target genes (hTERT and ODC) transcription repression and promotes cell cycle and cell growth. However, mutated S145A MAD1 abrogates the inhibition by AKT. Thus, our results suggest that phosphorylation of MAD1 by AKT inhibits MAD1‐mediated transcription suppression and subsequently activates the transcription of MAD1 target genes. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cellular dichotomy between anchorage‐independent growth responses to bFGF and TPA reflects molecular switch in commitment to carcinogenesis
Authors: Waters Katrina M. , Tan Ruimin , Opresko Lee K. , Quesenberry Ryan D. , Bandyopadhyay Somnath , Chrisler William B. , Weber Thomas J.
Published: June 2009

We have investigated gene expression patterns underlying reversible and irreversible anchorage‐independent growth (AIG) phenotypes to identify more sensitive markers of cell transformation for studies directed at interrogating carcinogenesis responses. In JB6 mouse epidermal cells, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) induces an unusually efficient and reversible AIG response, relative to 12‐O‐tetradecanoyl phorbol‐13‐acetate (TPA)‐induced AIG which is irreversible. The reversible and irreversible AIG phenotypes are characterized by largely nonoverlapping global gene expression profiles. However, a subset of differentially expressed genes were identified as common to reversible and irreversible AIG phenotypes, including genes regulated in a reciprocal fashion. Hepatic leukemia factor (HLF) and D‐site albumin promoter‐binding protein (DBP) were increased in both bFGF and TPA soft agar colonies and selected for functional validation. Ectopic expression of human HLF and DBP in JB6 cells resulted in a marked increase in TPA‐ and bFGF‐regulated AIG responses. HLF and DBP expression were increased in soft agar colonies arising from JB6 cells exposed to gamma radiation and in a human basal cell carcinoma tumor tissue, relative to paired nontumor tissue. Subsequent biological network analysis suggests that many of the differentially expressed genes that are common to bFGF‐ and TPA‐dependent AIG are regulated by c‐Myc, SP‐1, and HNF‐4 transcription factors. Collectively, we have identified a potential molecular switch that mediates the transition from reversible to irreversible AIG. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Direct saturation MRI: Theory and application to imaging brain iron
Authors: Smith Seth A. , Bulte Jeff W.M. , van Zijl Peter C.M.
Published: June 2009

When applying RF saturation to tissue, MRI signal reductions occur due to magnetization transfer (MT) and direct saturation (DS) effects on water protons. It is shown that the direct effects, often considered a nuisance, can be used to distinguish gray matter (GM) regions with different iron content. DS effects were selected by reducing the magnitude and duration of RF irradiation to minimize confounding MT effects. Contrary to MT saturation spectra, direct water saturation spectra are characterized by a symmetric Lorentzian‐shaped frequency dependence that can be described by an exact analytical solution of the Bloch equations. The effect of increased transverse relaxation, e.g., due to the presence of iron, will broaden this saturation spectrum. As a first application, DS ratio (DSR) images were acquired to visualize GM structures in the human brain. Similar to T2*‐weighted images, the quality of DSR images was affected by local field inhomogeneity, but this could be easily corrected for by centering the saturation spectrum on a voxel‐by‐voxel basis. The results show that, contrary to commonly used T2*‐weighted and absolute R2 images, the DSR images visualize all GM structures, including cortex. A direct correlation between DSR and iron content was confirmed for these structures. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Automatic quality assessment in structural brain magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Mortamet Bénédicte , Bernstein Matt A. , Jack Clifford R. , Gunter Jeffrey L. , Ward Chadwick , Britson Paula J. , Meuli Reto , Thiran Jean‐Philippe , Krueger Gunnar
Published: June 2009

MRI has evolved into an important diagnostic technique in medical imaging. However, reliability of the derived diagnosis can be degraded by artifacts, which challenge both radiologists and automatic computer‐aided diagnosis. This work proposes a fully‐automatic method for measuring image quality of three‐dimensional (3D) structural MRI. Quality measures are derived by analyzing the air background of magnitude images and are capable of detecting image degradation from several sources, including bulk motion, residual magnetization from incomplete spoiling, blurring, and ghosting. The method has been validated on 749 3D T1‐weighted 1.5T and 3T head scans acquired at 36 Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) study sites operating with various software and hardware combinations. Results are compared against qualitative grades assigned by the ADNI quality control center (taken as the reference standard). The derived quality indices are independent of the MRI system used and agree with the reference standard quality ratings with high sensitivity and specificity (>85%). The proposed procedures for quality assessment could be of great value for both research and routine clinical imaging. It could greatly improve workflow through its ability to rule out the need for a repeat scan while the patient is still in the magnet bore. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Toward true 3D visualization of active catheters using compressed sensing
Authors: Schirra C.O. , Weiss S. , Krueger S. , Pedersen S.F. , Razavi R. , Schaeffter T. , Kozerke S.
Published: June 2009

A crucial requirement in MR‐guided interventions is the visualization of catheter devices in real time. However, true 3D visualization of the full length of catheters has hitherto been impossible given scan time constraints. Compressed sensing (CS) has recently been proposed as a method to accelerate MR imaging of sparse objects. Images acquired with active interventional devices exhibit a high CNR and are inherently sparse, therefore rendering CS ideally suited for accelerating data acquisition. A framework for true visualization of active catheters in 3D is proposed employing CS to gain high undersampling factors making real‐time applications feasible. Constraints are introduced taking into account prior knowledge of catheter geometry and catheter motion over time to improve and accelerate image reconstruction. The potential of the method is demonstrated using computer simulations and phantom experiments and in vivo feasibility is demonstrated in a pig experiment. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.