bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of erythropoietin on levels of endothelin‐1 and nitric oxide in patients on hemodialysis
Authors: Tomić Monika , Galešić Krešimir , Markota Ivica , Markota Nina Pinjuh , Zelenika Anka 
Published: November 2009

AbstractOBJECTIVEExamine the influence of the chronic use of erythropoietin on the value of endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) and nitric oxide (NO), as well as on ET‐1/NO ratio in serum, before and after dialysis.METHODSA total of 30 patients on hemodialysis were included in the study. Different doses of erythropoietin were administered at least 3 weeks before study. All patients had stable blood pressure values, without changes in antihypertensive therapy in the last 3 months, and without significant intradialytic hypertension and hypotension. The concentration of ET‐1 and NO was measured before and after dialysis treatment. Blood pressure was measured before dialysis, each hour during dialysis, and after dialysis. The control group had 20, age and sex matched, healthy examinees.RESULTSEndothelin‐1 was increased in all patients treated with hemodialysis compared to healthy controls, but their values did not correlate with the weekly dosage of erythropoietin. The level of NO after dialysis was significantly lower in patients receiving hemodialysis compared to healthy controls. The ET‐1/NO ratio is increased in patients treated with dialysis compared to healthy controls, but this does not correlate with the weekly dosage of erythropoietin. The decrease of the value of ET‐1 and NO was noted at the end of dialysis compared to the values measured before dialysis.DISCUSSIONOur results show that the chronic use of erythropoietin in patients treated with hemodialysis does not affect the levels of serum ET‐1 and NO as well as the ET‐1/NO ratio. A significant decrease of ET‐1 and NO is noted compared to the values before dialysis.
Prevention of gestational diabetes mellitus: a review of studies on weight management
Authors: Morisset Anne‐Sophie , St‐Yves Annie , Veillette Johanne , Weisnagel S. John , Tchernof André , Robitaille Julie 
Published: November 2009

AbstractEntering pregnancy with overweight, obesity or gaining excessive gestational weight could increase the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), which is associated with negative consequences for both the mother and the offspring. The objective of this article was to review scientific evidence regarding the association between obesity and GDM, and how weight management through nutritional prevention strategies could prove successful in reducing the risk for GDM. Studies published between January 1975 and January 2009 on the relationship between GDM, pre‐pregnancy body mass index (BMI), gestational weight gain and nutritional prevention strategies were included in this review. Results from these reports suggest that maternal obesity assessed by pre‐pregnancy BMI is associated with an increased risk of GDM. They also show an association between gestational weight gain and increased risk for GDM. Higher dietary fat and lower carbohydrate intakes during pregnancy appear to be associated with a higher risk for GDM, independent of pre‐pregnancy BMI. Some studies showed that restricting energy and carbohydrates could minimize gestational weight gain. However, a firm conclusion on the most effective nutritional intervention for the control of gestational weight gain and glycaemic responses could not be reached based on available studies. In light of the studies reviewed, we conclude that weight management through nutritional prevention strategies could be successful in reducing the risk of GDM. Further studies are required to identify the most effective diet composition to prevent GDM and excessive gestational weight gain. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Participatory futures methods: towards adaptability and resilience in climate‐vulnerable communities
Authors: Gidley Jennifer M. , Fien John , Smith Jodi‐Anne , Thomsen Dana C. , Smith Timothy F. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThis paper points to the value of broadening the palette of approaches to climate change futures beyond the dominant methods of empiricist predictive trends and expert scenarios. The first half of the paper contextualizes the climate change discourse within the field of futures studies and explores potential points of dialogue between a number of futures approaches and the most prominent of the climate protection work. The second half of the paper introduces a case study of community based participatory approaches involving community scenario writing and community visioning, which enacts a collaborative engagement between futures researchers and climate‐vulnerable communities. However, any participatory futures method chosen to facilitate climate change adaptation must be context aware in both its design and implementation if it is to facilitate adaptability and resilience in climate‐vulnerable communities. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Social learning for solving complex problems: a promising solution or wishful thinking? A case study of multi‐actor negotiation for the integrated management and sustainable use of the Drentsche Aa area in the Netherlands
Authors: Van Bommel S. , Röling N. , Aarts N. , Turnhout E. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractSocial learning has been championed as a promising approach to address complex resource problems. According to theory, social learning requires several pre‐conditions to be met, including (1) a divergence of interests, (2) mutual interdependence and (3) the ability to communicate. This article investigates what happened when social learning was put into practice in a multi‐actor negotiation platform in the Dutch Drentsche Aa area. Our findings show that, although the platform aimed for open dialogue and at first sight appeared to meet the conditions, social learning was not achieved and the negotiations stagnated because of disagreement, frustration and distrust. Further analysis shows that the process was characterized from the beginning by unequal power relations, which enabled a dominant coalition to impose its problem definition and limit possible solutions. The article concludes by discussing the implications of our findings for the theory and practice of social learning. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Synergistic effect of TGF‐β superfamily members on the induction of Foxp3+ Treg
Authors: Lu Ling , Ma Jilin , Wang Xuehao , Wang Julie , Zhang Feng , Yu Jiangning , He Ge , Xu Bing , Brand David D , Horwitz David A , Shi Wei , Zheng Song Guo 
Published: November 2009

AbstractTGF‐β plays an important role in the induction of Treg and maintenance of immunologic tolerance, but whether other members of TGF‐β superfamily act together or independently to achieve this effect is poorly understood. Although others have reported that the bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) and TGF‐β have similar effects on the development of thymocytes and T cells, in this study, we report that members of the BMP family, BMP‐2 and ‐4, are unable to induce non‐regulatory T cells to become Foxp3+ Treg. Neutralization studies with Noggin have revealed that BMP‐2/4 and the BMP receptor signaling pathway is not required for TGF‐β to induce naïve CD4+CD25− cells to express Foxp3; however, BMP‐2/4 and TGF‐β have a synergistic effect on the induction of Foxp3+ Treg. BMP‐2/4 affects non‐Smad signaling molecules including phosphorylated ERK and JNK, which could subsequently promote the differentiation of Foxp3+ Treg induced by TGF‐β. Data further advocate that TGF‐β is a key signaling factor for Foxp3+ Treg development. In addition, the synergistic effect of BMP‐2/4 and TGF‐β indicates that the simultaneous manipulation of TGF‐β and BMP signaling might have considerable effects in the clinical setting for the enhancement of Treg purity and yield.
CeO2 Buffer Layers for HTSC by an Aqueous Sol‐Gel Method – Chemistry and Microstructure
Authors: Van de Velde Nigel , Van de Vyver David , Brunkahl Oliver , Hoste Serge , Bruneel Els , Van Driessche Isabel 
Published: November 2009

AbstractDuring the last decade the focus in superconductivity research has shifted towards the manufacturing of easy‐to‐handle superconductors, because of their high usability in electronic applications in comparison to bulky ceramics. This article reviews our recent progress made in the buffer‐layer architecture of such a coated conductor, focusing on CeO2 thin films prepared by an aqueous sol‐gel method and deposited by dip‐coating. Starting from water‐soluble cerium(III) nitrate precursors, we were able to deposit films showing a very high degree of [002] orientation depending on the film characteristics and synthesis conditions. The formation and stability of the chemical complexes in the solution was studied by potentiometric titrations. The main parameters influencing the texture seem to be the ambient Ar‐(5 %)H2 atmosphere and the thickness of the synthesized buffer layers. The microstructure of the thin films deposited on metallic tapes was controlled by the incorporation of doping elements. This research allowed us to achieve a 50 nm thick CeO2 film, showing a very high degree of [002] orientation and exhibiting a low surface roughness. SubsequentYBa2Cu3O7 synthesis by TFA‐MOD resulted in promising XRD and Jc measurements. Our easy‐to‐use, environmentally friendly strategy could contribute to the spreading of the use of coated conductors in everyday applications.
Preparation, Crystal Structures, and Spectroscopic and Redox Properties of Nickel(II) Complexes Containing Phosphane–(Amine or Quinoline)‐Type Hybrid Ligands and a Nickel(I) Complex Bearing 8‐(Diphenylphosphanyl)quinoline
Authors: Hashimoto Akira , Yamaguchi Hiroshi , Suzuki Takayoshi , Kashiwabara Kazuo , Kojima Masaaki , Takagi Hideo D. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractNickel(II) complexes containing P–N‐type bidentate hybrid ligands of 2‐aminoethylphosphanes (RR′Pea; RR′ = Ph2 or MePh) or 8‐quinolylphosphanes (RR′Pqn), namely [Ni(P–N)2](BF4)2 [P–N = Ph2Pea (1), MePhPea (2), Ph2Pqn (3), or MePhPqn (4)] have been prepared, and their structural, spectroscopic, and electrochemical properties determined. The crystal structure analysis indicates that the 2‐aminoethylphosphane complexes (1 and 2) have a square‐planar coordination geometry around the NiII center with a cis(P,P) configuration, whereas the 8‐quinolylphosphane complexes (3 and 4) exhibit a severe tetrahedral distortion because of the steric repulsion between the ortho‐H atoms in the mutually cis‐positioned quinolyl rings. Complexes 1 and 2 maintain their diamagnetic square‐planar four‐coordinate structure on acetonitrile solution, whereas complexes 3 and 4 show paramagnetic behavior. Spectroscopic and electrochemical measurements suggest that the ligand‐field strengths of these four P–N‐type ligands increase in the order Ph2Pqn (3) < MePhPqn (4) < Ph2Pea (1) < MePhPea (2). The Ph2Pqn complex 3 is readily reduced by Zn powder to afford the corresponding nickel(I) complex [Ni(Ph2Pqn)2]BF4 (5). The crystal structure of complex 5 reveals that the NiI ion adopts a distorted tetrahedral coordination geometry with slightly longer (≈ 0.05 Å) Ni–P and Ni–N bond lengths than those in the corresponding NiII complex 3.
A Radical Approach to Hydroxylaminotrichlorosilanes: Synthesis, Reactivity, and Crystal Structure of TEMPO‐SiCl3 (TEMPO = 2,2,6,6‐Tetramethylpiperidine‐N‐oxyl)
Authors: Stefan Spirk , Belaj Ferdinand , Madl Tobias , Pietschnig Rudolf 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe reaction of the nitroxy radical 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐N‐oxyl (TEMPO) with SiCl4 has been investigated in detail. One silicon‐containing product, TEMPO‐SiCl3 (1), could be isolated in crystalline form, and its crystal structure was determined. The structural parameters have been compared with the related hydroxylaminotrichlorosilane known from the literature and with DFT calculations. According to the calculations, the formation of 1 follows an SN2 mechanism, which is thermodynamically favored over an SN1 pathway. Upon hydrolysis, 1 decomposes and yields several TEMPO‐containing species. These were all characterized crystallographically.
A Short and Efficient Synthesis of Bridgehead Mono‐ and Dideuteriated Tropinones
Authors: Fournial Anaïs , Ranaivondrambola Tsiresy , Mathé‐Allainmat Monique , Robins Richard J. , Lebreton Jacques 
Published: November 2009

AbstractStudies of the biosynthesis and degradation of alkaloids of the tropane class require substrates isotopically‐labelled at specific positions. To investigate the mechanism of the enzyme reactions involved in the hydroxylation of the bridgehead position(s), compounds deuteriated at this position are needed. An efficient synthesis of 1,5‐dideuterio‐ and racemic 1‐deuteriotropinone is described in which high levels of deuterium are incorporated from the corresponding di‐ and mono‐labelled 2,5‐dibutoxytetrahydrofuran.
Too late to coordinate: Contextual influences on behavioral synchrony
Authors: Miles Lynden K. , Griffiths Jordan L. , Richardson Michael J. , Macrae C. Neil 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe temporal coupling of behavior serves as a foundation for effective social exchange with synchronized actions moderating core components of social‐cognitive functioning. Questions remain, however, regarding the precise conditions under which this form of behavioral coordination emerges. In particular, do social factors moderate the extent to which people synchronize their movements with others? Given that synchrony serves as an important non‐verbal route through which interpersonal connections can be forged, the current investigation considered whether contextual influences moderate the emergence of behavioral coupling. To explore this issue, movements were recorded while participants performed a repetitive activity (i.e., stepping) with an interaction partner who either turned up for the experiment on time or was 15 minutes late. Results revealed that coordination (i.e., in‐phase synchrony) was substantially reduced when participants interacted with a tardy partner, a finding that highlights the impact that social factors exert on the spontaneous emergence of behavioral synchrony. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A numerical modelling and experimental study of flow width dynamics on alluvial fans
Authors: Nicholas A. P. , Clarke L. , Quine T. A. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractAlluvial fans are dynamic landforms, the evolution of which is controlled by both external environmental forcing (climate, tectonics and base level change) and internal process‐form feedbacks. The latter include changes in flow configuration (between sheetflow and channelized flow states), driven by aggradation and degradation, which may in turn promote changes in sediment transport capacity. Recent numerical modelling indicates that such feedbacks may lead to dramatic and persistent fan entrenchment in the absence of external forcing. However, the parameterization of flow width within such models is untested to date and is subject to considerable uncertainty. This paper presents results from an experimental study of flow width dynamics on an aggrading fan in which spatial and temporal patterns of fan inundation are monitored continuously using analysis of digital vertical photography. Observed flow widths are compared with results from a simple theoretical model developed for non‐equilibrium (aggradational) conditions. Results demonstrate that the theoretical model is capable of capturing the first‐order characteristics of width adjustment over the course of the experiment, and indicate that flow width is a function of fan aggradation rate. This illustrates that models of alluvial flow width derived for equilibrium conditions may have limited utility in non‐equilibrium situations, despite their widespread use to date. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment and modification of sub‐cell‐fix method for re‐initialization of level‐set distance function
Authors: Sun M. B. , Wang Z. G. , Bai X. S. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractSub‐cell‐fix re‐initialization method was proposed by Russo and Smereka (J. Comput. Phys. 2000; 163: 51–67) as a modification to the re‐distancing algorithm of Sussman et al. (J. Comput. Phys. 1994; 114: 146–159) that determines the distance function from an interface known as the zero level‐set. The principal goal of sub‐cell‐fix method is to compute the distance function of the cells adjacent to the zero level‐set without disturbing the original zero level‐set. Following the original work of Russo and Smereka, several improved sub‐cell‐fix schemes were reported in the literature. In this paper, we show that in certain situations almost all the previous sub‐cell‐fix schemes can disturb the zero level‐set, and the accuracy would not improve when the CFL numbers are decreased. Based on the scheme of Hartmann et al. (J. Comput. Phys. 2008; 227:6821–6845), we propose an improved sub‐cell‐fix scheme that can significantly increase the accuracy of sub‐cell‐fix method on problems that are challenging. The scheme makes use of a combination of the points adjacent to zero level‐set surfaces and preserves the interface in a second‐order accuracy. The new sub‐cell‐fix scheme is capable of handling large local curvature, and as a result it demonstrates satisfactory performance on several challenging test cases. Limitations of the schemes on highly stretched grids are illustrated. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Plant mitochondrial RNA editing: The Strasbourg chapter
Authors: Grienenberger Jean Michel 
Published: November 2009

AbstractFor 8 years, it was not understood why certain genes of plant mitochondria contain CGG (arginine) codons at positions where tryptophan codons (UGG) are present in the corresponding genes of nonplant species. Identification and sequencing of a tRNATrp gene showed that it is not able to decode the CGG codon. Analysis of different discrepancies in the sequences of plant mitochondrial proteins prompted us to determine directly the corresponding RNA sequences. These experiments showed that plant mitochondrial transcripts are subject to RNA editing that changes C into U, resulting in a better phylogenetic conservation of protein sequences [Gualberto et al. (1989) Nature 341, 660–662]. © 2009 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 61: 1110–1113, 2009
Effect of chitosan‐alginate nanoparticles and ultrasound on the efficiency of gene transfection of human cancer cells
Authors: Yang Shu‐Jyuan , Chang Szu‐Min , Tsai Kun‐Che , Chen Wen‐Shiang , Lin Feng‐Huei , Shieh Ming‐Jium 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackgroundGene therapy has been used to treat a variety of health problems, but transfection inefficiency and the lack of safe vectors have limited clinical progress. Fabrication of a vector that is safe and has high transfection efficiency is crucial for the development of successful gene therapy. The present study aimed to synthesize chitosan‐alginate nanoparticles that can be used as carriers of the pAcGFP1‐C1 plasmid and to use these nanoparticles with an ultrasound protocol to achieve high efficiency gene transfection.MethodsChitosan was complexed with alginate and the pAcGFP1‐C1 plasmid at different charge ratios to create chitosan‐alginate‐DNA nanoparticles (CADNs). The average particle size and loading efficiency were measured. Plasmid DNA retardation and integrity were analysed on 1% agarose gels. The effect of CADNs and ultrasound on the efficiency of transfection of cells and subcutaneous tumors was evaluated.ResultsIn the CADNs, the average size of incorporated plasmid DNA was 600–650 nm and the loading efficiency was greater than 90%. On the basis of the results of the plasmid DNA protection test, CADNs could protect the transgene from DNase I degradation. The transgene product expression could be enhanced efficiently if cells or tumor tissues were first given CADNs and then treated with ultrasound.ConclusionsThe use of CADNs combined with an ultrasound regimen is a promising method for safe and effective gene therapy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative reconstruction of palaeoclimate from pollen profiles in northeastern Japan and the timing of a cold reversal event during the Last Termination
Authors: Yoshida Akihiro , Takeuti Sadako 
Published: November 2009

AbstractWe reconstructed quantified palaeoclimate changes within two Japanese pollen profiles spanning the Last Termination (LT; 18–10 cal. ka) in an attempt to better understand past monsoon activity. The reconstructed winter climate at the Tashiro mire, which is strongly influenced by the Siberian air mass, showed a weak and a short‐lived cooling event at 11.8–10.6 cal. ka. This event spans part of the Younger Dryas (YD) cooling event in the North Atlantic region, suggesting the latter influenced the Siberian high‐pressure system. In contrast, the summer climate at the Komado mire, which is more influenced by the Pacific air mass, experienced a strong and a prolonged cooling event at 15.5–13.0 cal. ka. The latter event is broadly synchronous with the Antarctica Cold Reversal (ACR) event, and suggests that the Pacific high‐pressure system weakened during this period. The pattern of climate change across East Asia shows that the YD event did not extend beyond the East Asian monsoon front, while the ACR event strongly affected the Pacific high‐pressure system during the LT. We suggest the East Asian monsoon front is an important geo‐climatic boundary between YD‐like and ACR‐like deglacial climate changes. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synergistic Reinforcement of Highly Oriented Poly(propylene) Tapes by Sepiolite Nanoclay
Authors: Bilotti Emiliano , Deng Hua , Zhang Rui , Lu Dun , Bras Wim , Fischer Hartmut R. , Peijs Ton 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThis paper reports the properties of highly oriented nanocomposite tapes based on isotactic PP and needle‐like sepiolite nanoclay, obtained by a solid state drawing process. The intrinsic 1D character of sepiolite allows its exploitation in 1D objects, such as oriented polymer fibres and tapes, where it can be uniaxially oriented upon drawing. A synergistic increase in mechanical properties is presented for highly drawn tapes (λ ≤ 20) and low filler loadings (≤2.5 wt.‐%), which can not be simply explained by micromechanical composite models. Instead, mechanical properties are intimately related to the dispersion state of the nanoclays in PP, the rheological properties of the nanocomposites and the polymer morphology.magnified image