bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Properties of Poly(sodium 4‐styrenesulfonate)‐Ionic Liquid Composite Film and Its Application in the Determination of Trace Metals Combined with Bismuth Film Electrode
Authors: Jia Jianbo , Cao Linyuan , Wang Zhenhui , Wang Tianxi 
Published: December 2007

AbstractA new kind of bismuth film modified electrode to sensitively detect trace metal ions based on incorporating highly conductive ionic liquids 1‐butyl‐3‐methyl‐imidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BMIMPF6) in solid matrices at glassy carbon (GC) was investigated. Poly(sodium 4‐styrenesulfonate) (PSS), silica, and Nafion were selected as the solid matrices. The electrochemical properties of the mixed films modified GC were evaluated. The electron transfer rate of Fe(CN)64−/Fe(CN)63− can be effectively improved at the PSS‐BMIMPF6 modified GC. The bismuth modified PSS‐BMIMPF6 composite film electrodes (GC/PSS‐BMIMPF6/BiFEs) displayed high mechanical stability and sensitive stripping voltammetric performances for the determination of trace metal cations. The GC/PSS‐BMIMPF6/BiFE exhibited well linear response to both Cd(II) and Pb(II) over a concentration range from 1.0 to 50 μg L−1. And the detection limits were 0.07 μg L−1 for Cd(II) and 0.09 μg L−1 for Pb(II) based on three times the standard deviation of the baseline with a preconcentration time of 120 s, respectively. Finally, the GC/PSS‐BMIMPF6/BiFEs were successfully applied to the determination of Cd(II) and Pb(II) in real sample, and the results of present method agreed well with those of atomic absorption spectroscopy.
Sulfate Reduction Based Bioprocesses for the Treatment of Acid Mine Drainage and the Recovery of Metals
Authors: Kaksonen A. H. , Puhakka J. A. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractBiological sulfate reduction is increasingly replacing chemical unit processes in mining biotechnology. Sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) can be used for treating ground‐ and surface waters contaminated with acid mine drainage (AMD), and for recovering metals from wastewater and process streams. Biologically produced H2S precipitates metals as metal sulfides, while biogenic bicarbonate alkalinity neutralizes acidic waters. This paper reviews various passive and active SRB‐based alternatives as well as some process design aspects, such as reactor types, process configurations, and choices of substrates for sulfate reduction. The latest developments of using various low‐cost substrates together with new bioprocess designs are increasing the uses and applications of SRB‐based bioreactors in AMD control and selective metal recovery.
Dirichlet based Bayesian multivariate receptor modeling
Authors: Lingwall Jeff W. , Christensen William F. , Reese C. Shane 
Published: December 2007

AbstractWe propose a simple, fully Bayesian approach for multivariate receptor modeling that allows for flexible and consistent incorporation ofa prioriinformation. The model uses a generalization of the Dirichlet distribution as the prior distribution on source profiles that allows great flexibility in the specification of prior information. Heavy‐tailed lognormal distributions are used as priors on source contributions to match the nature of particulate concentrations. A simulation study based on the Washington, DC airshed shows that the model compares favorably to Positive Matrix Factorization, a standard analysis approach used for pollution source apportionment. A significant advantage of the proposed approach compared to most popularly used methods is that the Bayesian framework yields complete distributional results for each parameter of interest (including distributions for each element of the source profile and source contribution matrices). These distributions offer a great deal of power and versatility when addressing complex questions of interest to the researcher. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Linear and non‐linear scaling of the Yangtze River flow
Authors: Wang Guojie , Su Buda , Kundzewicz Zbigniew W. , Jiang Tong 
Published: December 2007

AbstractPower law correlation properties of sign and magnitude series have been studied based on the series of observation records of flow of the River Yangtze. The results obtained give improved insight into and understanding of the linear and non‐linear processes of the water cycle. With the newly developed Delayed Vector Variance method and the surrogate test, the documented linkage between the sign series and the linear process, and that between the magnitude series and non‐linear process can be verified. The spectra estimated by detrended fluctuation analysis method show different properties of intra‐annual and inter‐annual correlations in both sign and magnitude series. The linear process behaves as an 1/fnoise at a time scale less than about 60 days, but shows features of anti‐persistence in terms of long‐term fluctuation. The magnitudes are clustered in three ways mainly caused by non‐linear processes, i.e. periodic clustering, strong short‐term clustering of 1/fnoise at time scales less than 20 days, and long‐term clustering with weak persistence. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Climate change and fluvial flood risk in the UK: more of the same?
Authors: Wilby R. L. , Beven K. J. , Reynard N. S. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThe potential impact of climate change on fluvial flooding is receiving considerable scientific and political interest thanks to evidence from climate model projections and a widely held belief that flood risk may be increasing at European levels. This review compares published work on historical trends in UK rainfall and river flow records with high‐resolution regional climate change projections, and attempts to reconcile apparent differences between the two. Attention is focused on the techniques used for climate change detection and attribution, as well as the potential confounding effects of land‐use change. International and domestic efforts to build adaptive capacity rest on improved quantification of uncertainty in flood risk at very local, catchment and regional scales. This will involve further research to better integrate climate and land‐management interactions, to understand changes in the dependence between different flood generating mechanisms, and to improve the characterization and communication of uncertainty at all stages of analysis. Resources are also needed to ensure that latest, but still uncertain, science is presented in an appropriate form to underpin policy development and is translated into sensible guidance for practitioners. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protective effects of lipopolysaccharide preconditioning against nitric oxide neurotoxicity
Authors: Huang Chia‐Yen , Yang Hui‐I , Chen Shang‐Der , Shaw Fu‐Zen , Yang Ding‐I 
Published: December 2007

AbstractWe have characterized lipopolysaccharide (LPS) preconditioning‐induced neuroprotective mechanisms against nitric oxide (NO) toxicity. Pretreatment of rat cortical cultures with LPS attenuated neurotoxicity of NO donors, including sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and diethylamine NONOate (NONOate). A transiently increased expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) accompanied by an increase in NO production was observed during LPS preconditioning. Application of NOS inhibitors including L‐N(5)‐(1‐iminoethyl)‐ornithine (L‐NIO) and L‐nitroarginine methylester (L‐NAME) abolished LPS‐dependent protection against SNP toxicity. The LPS effect was also blocked by KT5823, an inhibitor of cGMP‐dependent protein kinase (PKG). Consistently, application of 8‐bromo‐cyclic GMP (8‐Br‐cGMP), a slowly degradable cGMP analogue capable of PKG activation, was neuroprotective. LPS preconditioning resulted in a heightened neuronal expression of Bcl‐2 protein that was abolished by L‐NAME and KT5823, the respective inhibitors of NOS and PKG. Together, our results reveal the signaling cascade of “LPS → eNOS → NO → cGMP/PKG → Bcl‐2” that might have contributed to the LPS protective effects in cortical neurons. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Congenital diaphragm weakness without neuromuscular disease
Authors: Renault Francis , Nicot Frederic , Liptaï Zoltan , Benharrats Tayeb , Fauroux Brigitte 
Published: December 2007

AbstractWe report on two children presenting at birth with respiratory failure, bilateral diaphragmatic eventration, and floppiness. Electrodiagnostic studies of the limbs, and biochemical and DNA studies excluded generalized neuromuscular diseases. Phrenic nerve electrodiagnostic studies and electromyography of the diaphragm suggested isolated diaphragm hypoplasia. Diaphragm muscle biopsy showed a paucity of muscle fibers. Isolated hypoplasia of the diaphragm is a rare cause of neonatal respiratory failure, which may have a favorable outcome with long‐term ventilatory support. Muscle Nerve, 2008
Bladder control, urgency, and urge incontinence: Evidence from functional brain imaging
Authors: Griffiths Derek , Tadic Stasa D. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractAimTo review brain imaging studies of bladder control in subjects with normal control and urge incontinence; to define a simple model of supraspinal bladder control; and to propose a neural correlate of urgency and possible origins of urge incontinence.MethodsReview of published reports of brain imaging relevant to urine storage, and secondary analyses of our own recent observations.ResultsIn a simple model of normal urine storage, bladder and urethral afferents received in the periaqueductal gray (PAG) are mapped in the insula, forming the basis of sensation; the anterior cingulate gyrus (ACG) provides monitoring and control; the prefrontal cortex makes voiding decisions. The net result, as the bladder fills, is inhibition of the pontine micturition center (PMC) and of voiding, together with gradual increase in insular response, corresponding to increasing desire to void. In urge‐incontinent subjects, brain responses differ. At large bladder volumes and strong sensation, but without detrusor overactivity (DO), most cortical responses become exaggerated, especially in ACG. This may be both a learned reaction to previous incontinence episodes and the neural correlate of urgency. The neural signature of DO itself seems to be prefrontal deactivation. Possible causes of urge incontinence include dysfunction of prefrontal cortex or limbic system, suggested by weak responses and/or deactivation, as well as abnormal afferent signals or re‐emergence of infantile reflexes.ConclusionsBladder control depends on an extensive network of brain regions. Dysfunction in various parts may contribute to urge incontinence, suggesting that there are different phenotypes requiring different treatments. Neurourol. Urodynam. 27:466–474, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Post‐Neonatal drop in alveolar SP‐A expression: Biological significance for increased vulnerability to SIDS?
Authors: Stray‐Pedersen Arne , Vege Ashild , Stray‐Pedersen Asbjorg , Holmskov Uffe , Rognum Torleiv Ole 
Published: December 2007

AbstractBackgroundSurfactant protein A (SP‐A) is synthesized in the lung and is a part of the innate immune system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of SP‐A in lung tissue from fetuses, infants, children and adults with special regard to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).MethodsA total of 160 cases were studied; 19 fetuses and neonates, 59 SIDS and 49 explained infant deaths below 1 year of age, 19 toddlers and 14 adults. Immunohistochemical detection of SP‐A using monoclonal antibodies was performed by microscopy of lung tissue specimens collected at autopsy. A scoring system was developed enabling semi‐quantitative estimation of staining intensity and distribution.ResultsSP‐A was detected in the terminal bronchioles and alveolar spaces of fetuses >35 weeks gestation. The intra‐alveolar SP‐A expression increased in the perinatal period followed by a marked drop in infants aged between 1 week and 5 months. Infants aged >5 months had abundant SP‐A expression corresponding to older children and adults. There was no difference in the age distribution between cases of SIDS and explained deaths.ConclusionsThe apparent drop in SP‐A expression takes place in the first months after birth, corresponding with the classical age peak of SIDS. We therefore hypothesize that low expression of SP‐A may be related in some as‐yet undetermined way to the increased risk of SIDS at that age. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008; 43:160–168. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of montelukast on subjective and objective outcome measures in preschool asthmatic children
Authors: Moeller Alexander , Lehmann Andrea , Knauer Nicola , Albisetti Manuela , Rochat Mascha , Johannes Wildhaber 
Published: December 2007

AbstractIt is well accepted that control of airway inflammation is crucial for overall asthma control. Hence, efficient anti‐inflammatory therapy is important for disease control. Therefore, we studied the effect of a treatment with montelukast on subjective and objective measures in preschool asthmatic children with insufficient control of airway inflammation, illustrated by increased fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). Thirty‐one preschool children (2.5–5 years) were included in this study. Children with FeNO ≥ 10 ppb at the first visit received montelukast 4 mg as a first line therapy or an add‐on therapy to their baseline treatment (group 1). Therapy was not changed at first visit in children with FeNO < 10 ppb (group 2). Symptom scores, FeNO, lung function (forced oscillation, Rrs8Hz) and airway responsiveness to adenosine 5′‐monophosphate (AMP) were assessed at visits 1 and 2 eight weeks apart. There was a significant decrease in FeNO (median [interquartile range]; 12.9 [3.7] vs. 7.6 [6.85] ppb, P = 0.011), Rrs8Hz (mean ± SD; 10.03 ± 3.1 vs. 8.72 ± 2.43 hPa.s/L; P = 0.047) and symptom scores (2[2] vs. 1.5[2], P = 0.034) and a significant increase in the provocative AMP dose (2.65 ± 2.1 vs. 4.54 ± 1.05; P = 0.015) in group 1 but not in group 2. First line or add‐on treatment of oral montelukast in preschool children with mild to moderate asthma and elevated FeNO, decreased levels of FeNO, improved airway responsiveness to AMP, lung function and symptom scores. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008; 43:179–186. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lysophosphatidic acid LPA1receptor close‐up
Authors: Avendaño‐Vázquez S. Eréndira , Cabrera‐Wrooman Alejandro , Colín‐Santana Christian C. , García‐Sáinz J. Adolfo 
Published: December 2007

AbstractLysophosphatidic acid is a local hormone / autacoid / growth factor, which induces a plethora of actions in the majority of cells in our organism. These actions include, among many others, the following: cell migration, proliferation and surviving, induction of gene transcription, platelet aggregation, smooth muscle contraction, myelinization, neurotransmitter release, cytoskeletal reorganization during the stress fiber formation, establishment of focal adhesions, neurite retraction, and cell rounding. The actions of lysophosphatidic acid are mediated through a family of G protein coupled receptors that includes five receptor subtypes,i.e. LPA1,–5receptors. These receptors couple to different G proteins, mainly Gi, Gq and G12/13 and their signaling pathways, besides there is evidence that they can transactivate EGF receptors to mediate some of their actions. The LPA1receptor was the first subtype to be cloned for this lysophospholipid. It plays an important role in development, is expressed in many cells and tissues and has been the most extensively studied. The present review presents current knowledge on the structure, function and regulation of this receptor subtype, its possible involvement in pathological conditions and suggests certain areas in which current knowledge is insufficient and further research is required.
e-GIF, e-GMS and IPSV: What's In It For Us?
Authors: Clarke Stella Dextre 
Published: December 2007

AbstractStella Dextre Clarke provided an article for our Winter 2003 issue on the government's drive towards interoperability, and the role of a controlled vocabulary in easing access to information. Here is an update, casting light on the relevance of the government's standards, from the viewpoint of our profession.
Fluid Secretion Caused by Aerolysin-Like Hemolysin ofAeromonas sobriain the Intestines Is Due to Stimulation of Production of Prostaglandin E2via Cyclooxygenase 2 by Intestinal Cells
Authors: Fujii Yoshio , Tsurumi Ken , Sato Masaaki , Takahashi Eizo , Okamoto Keinosuke 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACTTo clarify the mechanisms of diarrheal disease induced byAeromonas sobria, we examined whether prostaglandin E2(PGE2) was involved in the intestinal secretory action ofA. sobriahemolysin by use of a mouse intestinal loop model. The amount of PGE2in jejunal fluid and the fluid accumulation ratio were directly related to the dose of hemolysin. The increase over time in the level of PGE2was similar to that of the accumulated fluid. In addition, hemolysin-induced fluid secretion and PGE2synthesis were inhibited by the selective cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibitor NS-398 but not the COX-1 inhibitor SC-560. Western blot analysis revealed that hemolysin increased the COX-2 protein levels but reduced the COX-1 protein levels in mouse intestinal mucosa in vivo. These results suggest that PGE2functions as an important mediator of diarrhea caused by hemolysin and that PGE2is produced primarily through a COX-2-dependent mechanism. Subsequently, we examined the relationship between PGE2, cyclic AMP (cAMP), and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl−channels in mouse intestinal mucosa exposed to hemolysin. Hemolysin increased the levels of cAMP in the intestinal mucosa. NS-398 inhibited the increase in cAMP production, but SC-560 did not. In addition, H-89, a cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor, and glibenclamide, a CFTR inhibitor, inhibited fluid accumulation. Taken together, these results indicate that hemolysin activates PGE2production via COX-2 and that PGE2stimulates cAMP production. cAMP then activates PKA, which in turn stimulates CFTR Cl−channels and finally leads to fluid accumulation in the intestines.
Comparison of the Effects ofLeishmania majororLeishmania donovaniInfection on Macrophage Gene Expression
Authors: Gregory David J. , Sladek Robert , Olivier Martin , Matlashewski Greg 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACTThe intracellular parasiteLeishmaniacauses a wide spectrum of human disease, ranging from self-resolving cutaneous lesions to fatal visceral disease, depending on the species ofLeishmaniainvolved. The mechanisms by which differentLeishmaniaspecies cause different pathologies are largely unknown. We have addressed this question by comparing the gene expression profiles of bone marrow-derived macrophages infected with eitherLeishmania donovaniorL. majorpromastigotes. We found that the two species had very similar effects on macrophage gene expression. Both species caused a small (<2.5-fold) but statistically significant repression of several hundred genes. In addition, both species strongly induced and repressed about 60 genes. Comparing the effects of the two species showed that only 26 genes were regulated differently byL. majoras opposed toL. donovani, including those for metallothioneins 1 and 2, HSP70 and -72, CCL4, Gadd45β, Dsp1, matrix metalloprotease 13, T-cell death-associated gene 51 (Tdag51), RhoB, spermine/spermidine N1-acyl transferase 1 (SSAT), and Cox2.L. donovani-infected macrophages were also found to express higher levels of Cox2 protein and prostaglandin E synthase mRNA thanL. major-infected macrophages. While both species have previously been shown to trigger prostaglandin E synthesis by bystander cells, this study suggests that infected macrophages themselves express prostaglandin E-synthesizing genes only in response toL. donovani.
STALLINGS FOLDINGS AND SUBGROUPS OF AMALGAMS OF FINITE GROUPS
Authors: MARKUS-EPSTEIN L. 
Published: December 2007

Stallings showed that every finitely generated subgroup of a free group is canonically represented by a finite minimal immersion of a bouquet of circles. In terms of the theory of automata, this is a minimal finite inverse automaton. This allows for the deep algorithmic theory of finite automata and finite inverse monoids to be used to answer questions about finitely generated subgroups of free groups. In this paper, we attempt to apply the same methods to other classes of groups. A fundamental new problem is that the Stallings folding algorithm must be modified to allow for "sewing" on relations of non-free groups. We look at the class of groups that are amalgams of finite groups. It is known that these groups are locally quasiconvex and thus, all finitely generated subgroups are represented by finite automata. We present an algorithm to compute such a finite automaton and use it to solve various algorithmic problems.
Strain partitioning of active transpression within the Lebanese restraining bend of the Dead Sea Fault (Lebanon and SW Syria)
Authors: Gomez F. , Nemer T. , Tabet C. , Khawlie M. , Meghraoui M. , Barazangi M. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract

Recent neotectonic, palaeoseismic and GPS results along the central Dead Sea fault system elucidate the spatial distribution of crustal deformation within a large (
c
.180-km-long) restraining bend along this major continental transform. Within the ‘Lebanese’ restraining bend, the Dead Sea fault system splays into several key branches, and we suggest herein that active deformation is partitioned between NNE–SSW strike-slip faults and WNW–ESE crustal shortening. When plate motion is resolved into strike-slip parallel to the two prominent NNE–SSW strike-slip faults (the Yammouneh and Serghaya faults) and orthogonal motion, their slip rates are sufficient to account for all expected strike-slip motion. Shortening of the Mount Lebanon Range is inferred from the geometry and kinematics of the Roum Fault, as well as preliminary quantification of coastal uplift. The results do not account for all expected crustal shortening, suggesting that some contraction is probably accommodated in the Anti-Lebanon Range. It also seems unlikely that the present kinematic configuration characterizes the entire Cenozoic history of the restraining bend. Present-day strain partitioning contrasts with published observations on finite deformation in Lebanon, demonstrating distributed shear and vertical-axis block rotations. Furthermore, the present-day proportions of strike-slip displacement and crustal shortening are inconsistent with the total strike-slip offset and the lack of a significantly thickened crust. This suggests that the present rate of crustal shortening has not persisted for the longer life of the transform. Hence, we suggest that the Lebanese restraining bend evolved in a polyphase manner, involving an earlier episode of wrench-faulting and block rotation, followed by a later period of strain partitioning.