bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decreasing effective nanofluidic filter size by modulating electrical double layers: Separation enhancement in microfabricated nanofluidic filters
Authors: Bow Hansen , Fu Jianping , Han Jongyoon 
Published: November 2008

AbstractConventional methods for separating biomolecules are based on steric interactions between the biomolecules and randomly oriented gel fibers. The recently developed artificial molecular sieves also rely on steric interactions for separation. In this work, we present an experimental investigation of a method that can be used in these sieves to increase separation selectivity and resolution. This method exploits the electrostatic repulsion between the charged molecules and the charged nanofluidic structure. Although this method has been mentioned in the previous work, it has not been examined in detail. We characterize this method by comparing the selectivity with that achieved in devices with different dimensions. The results of this study are relevant to the optimization of chip‐based gel‐free biomolecule separation and analysis.
Multiplex single base extension method for simultaneous genotyping of non‐synonymous SNP in the three human SOD genes
Authors: Iida Reiko , Tsubota Etsuko , Takeshita Haruo , Yasuda Toshihiro 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe superoxide dismutases (SOD) are a family of enzymes that function as the first line of antioxidant defense against highly reactive superoxide radicals. In SOD genes, a number of SNP have been identified and their associations with various diseases have been reported. In the present study, we applied a multiplex single base extension technique to genotype multiple non‐synonymous SNP in the SOD1, SOD2 and SOD3 genes simultaneously, and examined allele distributions in healthy Caucasian (German), Asian (Japanese) and African (Xhosa) populations. Of the ten SNP investigated, two (SOD2 Ala16Val, SOD3 Ala58Thr) were polymorphic in all three ethnic groups and the genotype distributions showed significant inter‐group differences. On the other hand, a small number of heterozygotes were observed for three SNP (SOD2 Ser10Ile, SOD3 Ala91Thr, SOD3 Arg231Gly) and no heterogeneity was observed for the remaining five (SOD1 Thr40Ile, SOD1 Asn87Ser, SOD2 Arg156Trp, SOD2 Gly76Arg, SOD2 Glu66Val). Analyses of associations between SOD genotypes and levels of plasma SOD activity demonstrated that SOD2 Ala16Val, a dimorphism leading to substitution in the mitochondrial targeting sequence of SOD2, significantly influences plasma SOD2 activity, and that SOD3 Arg231Gly, leading to substitution in the heparin‐binding domain of SOD3, significantly influences plasma total SOD activity.
Quantitative benchmark computations of two‐dimensional bubble dynamics
Authors: Hysing S. , Turek S. , Kuzmin D. , Parolini N. , Burman E. , Ganesan S. , Tobiska L. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBenchmark configurations for quantitative validation and comparison of incompressible interfacial flow codes, which model two‐dimensional bubbles rising in liquid columns, are proposed. The benchmark quantities: circularity, center of mass, and mean rise velocity are defined and measured to monitor convergence toward a reference solution. Comprehensive studies are undertaken by three independent research groups, two representing Eulerian level set finite‐element codes and one representing an arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian moving grid approach.The first benchmark test case considers a bubble with small density and viscosity ratios, which undergoes moderate shape deformation. The results from all codes agree very well allowing for target reference values to be established. For the second test case, a bubble with a very low density compared to that of the surrounding fluid, the results for all groups are in good agreement up to the point of break up, after which all three codes predict different bubble shapes. This highlights the need for the research community to invest more effort in obtaining reference solutions to problems involving break up and coalescence.Other research groups are encouraged to participate in these benchmarks by contacting the authors and submitting their own data. The reference data for the computed benchmark quantities can also be supplied for validation purposes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Large‐eddy simulation of compressible flows using a spectral multidomain method
Authors: Sengupta K. , Jacobs G. B. , Mashayek F. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThis paper discusses the development of a high‐order, multidomain‐based large‐eddy simulation (LES) methodology for compressible flows. The LES model equations are approximated on unstructured grids of non‐overlapping hexahedral sub‐domains providing geometric flexibility. In each domain a high‐order Chebyshev polynomial approximation represents the solution ensuring a highly accurate approximation with little numerical dispersion and diffusion. The sub‐grid scale stress in the filtered LES equations is modeled with a dynamic eddy‐viscosity model, while the heat flux is represented with an eddy diffusivity model, employing a turbulent Prandtl number. The model constants are evaluated through a flexible dynamic procedure that uses a high‐order domain level filtering for the discrete test filter. The LES methodology is tested in a decaying isotropic turbulence and a channel flow. The LES method improves the resolution of the turbulence spectrum as compared with a direct numerical simulation (DNS) with the same method at the same grid resolution. The averaged and second‐order statistics for LES computations are in close agreement with published results and resolved DNS. The high‐order LES methodology requires fewer degrees of freedom as compared with lower‐order LES methodologies to accurately resolve the turbulent flows. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tobler's oyster and the age of the Tabir Formation, Jambi Province, central Sumatra
Authors: Crow M. J. , Van Waveren I. M. , Donovan S. K. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractFor over 85 years, the stratigraphic determination of the Tabir Formation of Sumatra has been confused by a single fossil identification. Professor Fritz Frech recognized a specimen collected at the Batoe Kidjing locality by August Tobler to be an indeterminate, diminutive, ribbed oyster. Subsequently, this formation has been considered Upper Jurassic, perhaps Kimmeridgian, by several authors on the basis of this scant and inconclusive evidence; indeed, at least one author referred this sample to the genus Ostrea. However, these specimens are neither ribbed nor can they be demonstrated to be oysters; rather, this rock fragment contains a number of indeterminate mouldic fragments of fossils, too poorly preserved for confident identification. Modern determinations of the Tabir Formation as of Late Permian age are not contested by the evidence of this specimen. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cognition following bilateral deep brain stimulation surgery of the subthalamic nucleus for Parkinson's disease
Authors: Halpern Casey H. , Rick Jacqueline H. , Danish Shabbar F. , Grossman Murray , Baltuch Gordon H. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractObjectiveParkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by significant motor dysfunction and various non‐motor disturbances, including cognitive alterations. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an increasingly utilized therapeutic option for patients with PD that yields remarkable success in alleviating disabling motor symptoms. DBS has additionally been associated with changes in cognition, yet the evidence is not consistent across studies. The following review sought to provide a clearer understanding of the various cognitive sequelae of bilateral subthalamic nucleus (STN) DBS while taking into account corresponding neuroanatomy and potential confounding variables.DesignA literature search was performed using the following inclusion criteria: (1) at least five subjects followed for a mean of at least 3 months after surgery; (2) pre‐ and postoperative cognitive data using at least one standardized measure; (3) adequate report of study results using means and standard deviations.ResultsTwo recent meta‐analyses found mild post‐operative impairments in verbal learning and executive function in patients who underwent DBS surgery. However, studies have revealed improved working memory and psychomotor speed in the ‘on’ vs ‘off’ stimulation state. A deficit in language may be a consequence of the surgical procedure.ConclusionsWhile cognitive decline has been observed in some domains, our review of the data suggests that STN DBS is a worthwhile and safe method to treat PD. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing the relationship between health utilities, quality of life, and health services use in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Miller Edward Alan , Schneider Lon S. , Rosenheck Robert A. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractObjectivesTo examine the relationship between use of multiple health services and health utilities, quality of life and other factors in Alzheimer's disease (AD).DesignData were obtained via caregiver proxy at baseline and 3‐ 6‐ and 9‐months post‐random assignment among 421 community‐dwelling AD patients participating in the CATIE‐AD trial of anti‐psychotic medications. Service use includes both institutional and outpatient services. Correlates include the AD‐Related Quality of Life Scale (ADRQoL), Health Utilities Index (HUI)‐III, Neuropsychiatric Inventory, Mini Mental Status Examination, and AD‐Cooperative Study Activities of Daily Living Scale. Chi squared tests, t‐tests and logistic regression (using general estimating equations) were used to examine the correlates of service use.ResultsThree quarters (74.2%) used at least one service each month. Average monthly utilization rates for specific service types were: 4.5%, inpatient hospital; 5.6%, nursing home; 3.9%, residential care; 44.0%, AD‐related outpatient; 9.4%, mental health outpatient; and 45.5%, medical‐surgical outpatient. The likelihood of using any service was higher among older patients [Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.03] and non‐Hispanic Whites (OR = 1.61). Each 0.10 increment on the Health Utilities Index (HUI)‐III was associated with a 7.0% decrease in the odds of using one or more service (OR = 0.93). The odds of using outpatient and institutional services were 6.0% and 10.0% lower, respectively, for each 0.10 increment on the HUI‐III (OR = 0.94, OR = 0.90). The AD‐Related Quality of Life Scale proved significantly related to outpatient medical‐surgical services only (OR = 1.01).ConclusionFindings suggest that the HUI‐III could be combined with other known correlates of service use to inform population planning associated with AD. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultrasound bone mass in schizophrenic patients on antipsychotic therapy
Authors: Rey‐Sánchez Purificación , Lavado‐García Jesús M , Canal‐Macías María L , Gómez‐Zubeldia María A , Roncero‐Martín Raúl , Pedrera‐Zamorano Juan D 
Published: November 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo determine bone mass using quantitative phalangeal bone ultrasound in institutionalized schizophrenic patients under chronic treatment with antipsychotic drugs.MethodsA total of 73 patients with schizophrenia (25 women, mean age 59.84 ± 17.01 years; 48 men, mean age 61.89 ± 12.95 years) and 73 healthy subjects (25 women, mean age 60.37 ± 17.16 years; 48 men, mean age 61.24 ± 13.09 years) participated in the study. Bone status was assessed using an ultrasound device that measures the amplitude‐dependent speed of sound (Ad‐SoS) in metres per second. Measurements were made on the phalanges (II–V) of the non‐dominant hand, and the mean value was computed.ResultsThe schizophrenic women had higher levels of prolactin (PRL), parathyroid hormone (PTH), alkaline phosphatase (AlPh), and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) (all p < 0.0001), and lower 25‐hydroxyvitamin D(25(OH)D3) levels (p < 0.0001) and Ad‐SoS values (p < 0.05) than controls. Ad‐SoS was higher in schizophrenic men (p < 0.05).ConclusionsSchizophrenic women in treatment with antipsychotic drugs had a loss of phalangeal bone mass that was associated with the levels of vitamin D or PTH, and increased bone turnover. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Caffeine, cognitive failures and health in a non‐working community sample
Authors: Smith Andrew P 
Published: November 2008

AbstractRationaleMost studies of the effects of caffeine on performance have been conducted in the laboratory and further information is required on the real‐life effects of caffeine consumption on cognition. In addition, possible effects of caffeine consumption on a range of health outcomes should also be assessed in these studies to enable cost‐benefit analyses to be conducted.ObjectivesSecondary analyses of a large epidemiological database (N = 3223 non‐working participants, 57% female, with a mean age of 49.6 years, range 17–92 years) were conducted to examine associations between caffeine consumption (mean caffeine consumption was 140 mg/day, range 0–1800 mg) and cognitive failures (errors of memory, attention and action) in a non‐working sample. Associations between caffeine consumption and physical and mental health problems were also examined.MethodsThe study involved secondary analyses of a database formed by combining the Bristol Stress and Health at Work and Cardiff Health and Safety at Work studies. Associations between caffeine consumption and frequency of cognitive failures and health outcomes were examined in a sample of non‐workers.ResultsAfter controlling for possible confounding factors significant associations between caffeine consumption and fewer cognitive failures were observed. Initial analyses suggested that many health variables were associated with regular level of caffeine consumption. However, most of the significant effects of caffeine disappeared when demographic and lifestyle factors were controlled for. Consumption of caffeine was, however, associated with a reduced risk of depression. These effects were also observed in separate analyses examining the source of the caffeine (coffee and tea).ConclusionsOverall, the results show that caffeine consumption may benefit cognitive functioning in a non‐working population. This confirms earlier findings from working samples. This beneficial effect of caffeine was not associated with negative health consequences. Indeed, consumption of caffeine was found to be associated with a reduced risk of depression. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vitamin D and sun protection: The impact of mixed public health messages in Australia
Authors: Youl Philippa H. , Janda Monika , Kimlin Michael 
Published: November 2008

AbstractExposure of the skin to sunlight can cause skin cancer and is also necessary for cutaneous Vitamin D production. Media reports have highlighted the purported health benefits of Vitamin D. Our aim was to examine attitudes and behaviours related to sun protection and Vitamin D. A cross‐sectional study of 2,001 residents in Queensland, Australia, aged 20–70 years was undertaken. Information collected included the following: skin cancer risk factors; perceptions about levels of sun exposure required to maintain Vitamin D; belief that sun protection increases risk of Vitamin D deficiency; intention, and actual change in sun protection practices for adults and children. Multivariate models examined predictors of attitudinal and behavioural change. One‐third (32%) believed a fair‐skinned adult, and 31% thought a child required at least 30 min/day in summer sun to maintain Vitamin D levels. Reductions in sun protection were reported by 21% of adults and 14% of children. Factors associated with the belief that sun protection may result in not obtaining enough Vitamin D included age of ≥60 years (OR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.09–1.66) and having skin that tanned easily (OR = 1.96, 95% CI 1.38–2.78). Participants from low‐income households, and those who frequently used sun‐protective clothing were more likely to have reduced sun protection practices (OR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.10–1.73 and OR = 1.73, 95% CI 1.36–2.20, respectively). This study provides evidence of reductions in sun protection practices in a population living in a high UV environment. There is an urgent need to refocus messages regarding sun exposure and for continued sun protection practices. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessment of the irrigation performance of transferred schemes in Turkey: a case study analysis
Authors: Cakmak Belgin , Kibaroglu Aysegul , Kendirli Berna , Gokalp Zeki 
Published: November 2008

AbstractEfforts to increase the amount of irrigation schemes transferred to irrigation associations (IAs) in Turkey have been motivated by the poor performance – in terms of cost recovery, equity, efficiency in operation and maintenance (O&M) and repairs – of many large irrigation schemes by government agencies, namely the State Hydraulic Works (DSI). The objective of this study is to assess the irrigation system performance of transferred irrigation schemes in the DSI Fifth Regional Directorate service area mainly for the year 2003 with benchmarking indicators.According to the findings of the study, relative water supply was recorded as 1.5–8.4 respectively. The financial performance indicators including cost recovery ratio, maintenance expenditure to revenue ratio, operating cost per unit area, total cost per person employed on water delivery, revenue collection performance and service area per personnel were found to be 1.0–10.6%, 0.7–12.5%, US$6.5–53.3 ha−1, US$636.0–7045.9 per person, 78–95%, 67–13 000 ha per person, respectively. As regards productive performance, output per unit command area, output per unit irrigated area, output per unit irrigation supply and output per unit water consumed were determined as US$325.2–2745.1, US$1028.03–5070.9 ha−1, US$0.2–0.7 m−3 and US$0.2–2.6 m−3 respectively. Water quality classes were found to be C3S1 in all schemes. The results of the case study show that following the transfer of irrigation schemes to the user organizations, significant improvements are recorded in irrigation water fee collection rates and financial cost reduction in the systems operated by the IAs. Mixed results are observed in terms of irrigation ratios. While there are improvements in two irrigation schemes, there are evident increases in the water supply ratio in six other irrigation schemes. Management, operation and maintenance (MOM) costs in general and the maintenance costs per se have increased compared to the collected water fees in the case‐study irrigation schemes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prp45 affects Prp22 partition in spliceosomal complexes and splicing efficiency of non‐consensus substrates
Authors: Gahura Ondřej , Abrhámová Kateřina , Skružný Michal , Valentová Anna , Munzarová Vanda , Folk Petr , Půta František 
Published: November 2008

AbstractHuman transcription co‐regulator SNW1/SKIP is implicated in the regulation of both transcription elongation and alternative splicing. Prp45, the SNW/SKIP ortholog in yeast, is assumed to be essential for pre‐mRNA processing. Here, we characterize prp45(1–169), a temperature sensitive allele of PRP45, which at permissive temperature elicits cell division defects and hypersensitivity to microtubule inhibitors. Using a synthetic lethality screen, we found that prp45(1–169) genetically interacts with alleles of NTC members SYF1, CLF1/SYF3, NTC20, and CEF1, and 2nd step splicing factors SLU7, PRP17, PRP18, and PRP22. Cwc2‐associated spliceosomal complexes purified from prp45(1–169) cells showed decreased stoichiometry of Prp22, suggesting its deranged interaction with the spliceosome. In vivo splicing assays in prp45(1–169) cells revealed that branch point mutants accumulated more pre‐mRNA whereas 5′ and 3′ splice site mutants showed elevated levels of lariat‐exon intermediate as compared to wild‐type cells. Splicing of canonical intron was unimpeded. Notably, the expression of Prp45(119–379) in prp45(1–169) cells restored Prp22 partition in the Cwc2‐pulldowns and rescued temperature sensitivity and splicing phenotype of prp45(1–169) strain. Our data suggest that Prp45 contributes, in part through its interaction with the 2nd step‐proofreading helicase Prp22, to splicing efficiency of substrates non‐conforming to the consensus. J. Cell. Biochem. 106: 139–151, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Maintaining blood–brain barrier integrity: Pericytes perform better than astrocytes during prolonged oxygen deprivation
Authors: Al Ahmad A. , Gassmann M. , Ogunshola O.O. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe blood–brain barrier (BBB), consisting of specialized endothelial cells surrounded by astrocytes and pericytes, plays a crucial role in brain homeostasis. Many cerebrovascular diseases are associated with BBB breakdown and oxygen (O2) deprivation constitutes a critical factor that onsets its disruption. We investigated the impact of astrocytes and pericytes on brain endothelial cell permeability and survival during different degrees of O2 deprivation. Prolonged exposure to 1% O2 caused barrier breakdown and exposure to 0.1% O2 dramatically accelerated disruption and induced cell death, mediated at least in part via caspase‐3 activation. Reoxygenation allowed only cells exposed to 1% O2 to re‐establish barrier function. Notably co‐culture with astrocytes and pericytes substantially enhanced barrier function under normoxic conditions, and produced differential responses during O2 deprivation. At 1% O2 astrocytes partially maintained barrier integrity whereas pericytes accelerated its disruption in the short‐term, having positive effects only after prolonged exposure. Unexpectedly, at 0.1% O2 pericytes were more effective than astrocytes in preserving barrier function although the protection afforded by both cells involved inhibition of caspase‐3 pathways. Furthermore, cell‐specific regulation of auto‐ and paracrine VEGF signaling pathways were also in part responsible for the differential modulation of barrier function. Our data suggests that cellular cross‐talk within the neurovascular unit is crucial for preservation of barrier integrity and that pericytes, not astrocytes, play a significant role during severe and prolonged O2 deprivation. J. Cell. Physiol. 218: 612–622, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Many‐lined sun skinks (Mabuya multifasciata) do not compensate for the costs of tail loss by increasing feeding rate or digestive efficiency
Authors: Sun Yan‐Yan , Yang Jing , Ji Xiang 
Published: November 2008

AbstractWe used the many‐lined sun skink (Mabuya multifasciata) as a model system to evaluate the energetic and locomotor costs of tail loss, and to examine whether tailless skinks compensate for the costs of tail loss by increasing feeding rate or digestive efficiency. We successively removed three tail segments from each of the 20 experimental skinks initially having intact tails. Energy content in each removed tail segment was measured, and swimming performance was measured for each experimental skink before and after each tail‐removing treatment. Another independent sample of 19 skinks with intact tails were measured for swimming performance to serve as controls for successive measurements taken for the experimental skinks. Tailless experimental skinks and control skinks were then measured for food intake and digestive efficiency. Tail loss affected swimming speed, but the adverse influence was not significant until more than 55% of the tail (in length) was lost. Our data show that partial tail loss may not severely affect energy stores or locomotor performance in M. multifasciata. However, as tail breaks occurred more frequently in the proximal portion of the tail in skinks collected from the field, we conclude that caudal autotomy occurring in nature often incurs substantial energetic and locomotor costs. As tailless and tailed skinks did not differ in food intake, apparent digestive coefficient and assimilation efficiency, we conclude that tailless individuals do not compensate for the costs of tail loss by increasing feeding rate or digestive efficiency in M. multifasciata. J. Exp. Zool. 311A:125–133, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.