bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chapter 2 Conduction Mechanisms in Liquids
Authors: Schmidt WF
Published: March 2009

Dielectric liquids have served as insulators or dielectrics in electrical equipment for over one hundred years already. Equally long in duration is the history of research on the electrical conduction of these liquids. The results are not too impressive if we compare the state of knowledge with that which has been achieved for gases or solids. This situation is due to the fact that in most applications of insulating liquids in electrotechnology, mixtures of liquids are being used which in addition are in contact with a variety of materials. Transformer oil contains well over one hundred chemical compounds. In a transformer it is in contact with organic and inorganic materials. Traces of these materials will leak into the liquid, and it is often that the presence of these traces determines the overall properties of the liquid insulation in the particular apparatus. This complex situation impeded the progress in the understanding of the basic conduction mechanisms in dielectric liquids because in fundamental studies it was attempted to incorporate as many conditions as possible under which actual liquid insulations were employed in industry. The result is an enormous amount of empirical information which is difficult to understand or to put into a proper perspective. Many books or reviews published during the last fifty years reflect this situation [1-7]. This lack of understanding of the fundamental properties of liquid insulations may be one of the reasons for their gradual replacement in electrotechnical apparatus. Large power transformers, railway transformers, power capacitors, and paper/oil insulated high voltage cables are nowadays the major electrotechnical devices in which mineral oil and other liquids are used as insulants and coolants. Judging from the developments in gaseous and solid state electronics, it can be predicted that a better understanding of the basic conduction processes in liquids will also lead to new applications.
Chapter 6-Standards Development Perspectives on the Use of Bone Graft Substitutes Based Upon Allografts
Authors: Tomford WW , Kirkpatrick JS
Published: March 2009

THE DEVELOPMENT OF BONE GRAFT substitutes has had explosive growth recently. Bone graft substitutes include collagen or mineral void fillers, processed bone allografts, extracted allograft products such as demineralized bone matrix, and combination products of implants and bone morphogenetic proteins [1,2]. Bone morphogenetic protein products are in need of standardization for a number of issues including dose, concentration of product, carrier factors, and threshold of bone induction [2]. One example of the complex nature of evaluating bone graft substitutes is the recently Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved “InFUSE”™ Bone Graft/“LT-CAGE”™ Lumbar fusion device. This product includes three components: a metallic device, a collagen sponge, and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) [3]. The manufacturer provided basic science and clinical data from a several year, multicenter investigation in order to obtain approval for the product. Only one component of the product was subject to a standardized evaluation, and that was the cage component. The remaining components (the collagen sponge and rhBMP-2) had no standardized testing or specifications. This resulted in data that may not be comparable for future products, nor does it allow clinicians to know what key components are needed for specific clinical problems. These problems result in significant added cost to the consumer and health care system, and delays in implementing treatments that are beneficial to patients.
Chapter 7-Cell-Based Approaches for Bone Graft Substitutes
Authors: Attawia M , Rosier R , Attawia M , Kadiyala S , Fitzgerald K , Kraus K , Bruder SP
Published: March 2009

THE PROCESS OF BONE HEALING is an exquisite and complex phenomenon that requires the interaction of three key ingredients: 1) competent bone-forming cells, 2) a suitable framework or scaffold, and 3) the presence of biological stimulants. The principal actors in the process of bone formation are the bone-forming cells, the osteoblasts, and their precursors, the mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). Bone formation is the direct result of the self-assembly and mineralization of the extracellular matrix (ECM) produced by the osteoblasts. The osteoblast arises from the MSC and progresses through a series of maturation steps, eventually becoming an osteoblast. In this process, the cell stages of the maturation sequence are known by distinct names. The term osteoprogenitor is commonly used to refer to all the cell stages preceding the osteoblast, including the MSC.
Chapter 8-Clinical Issues in the Development of Cellular Systems for Use as Bone Graft Substitutes
Authors: Attawia M , Rosier R , Whang PG , Lieberman JR
Published: March 2009

THE SUCCESSFUL REPAIR of skeletal defects is essential to the treatment of numerous orthopedic conditions such as fracture nonunion, spinal fusion, revision total joint arthroplasty, and segmental bone loss secondary to trauma or tumor resection. Various approaches to augment bone formation are presently available, but all of these treatment options are associated with significant limitations to their use. Autologous bone graft is still considered to be the gold standard and remains the most widely used therapy to stimulate bone repair. Unfortunately, only limited quantities of autograft may be harvested from the skeleton, and this invasive process often gives rise to considerable donor site morbidity, including persistent pain, paresthesia, infection, fracture or gait disturbance [1-4]. Cadaveric allograft bone has poor osteoinductive potential, and there continues to be concerns about graft resorption, inadequate revascularization, and possible transmission of pathogens [5-7]. Demineralized bone matrices are prepared by the acid extraction of allograft bone, resulting in the loss of the mineralized component while retaining collagen and noncollagenous proteins, including growth factors. However, demineralized bone matrices contain only minimal quantities of these growth factors. Because of differences in their processing, these substances possess variable osteoinductive activity and should generally be used as osteoconductive agents [8,9]. Clearly, alternative approaches for enhancing bone formation need to be developed.
Chapter 17-Issues Involving Standards Development for Synthetic Material Bone Graft Substitutes
Authors: Agrawal M , Katti DS , Long M , Talac R , Yaszemski MJ
Published: March 2009

MODERN ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY HAS become complex and technically sophisticated. Orthopedic surgeons and basic scientists have translated recent advances in chemistry, molecular biology, physiology, and biomaterials science into novel management options for their patients. In particular, the development of new synthetic bone graft substitutes (BGS) represents a rapidly evolving area. These synthetic biomaterials may be used alone, as scaffold, or as carrier for bioactive agents (proteins, antibiotics, blood derived or bone marrow derived agents, and cells). To date, most BGS materials available on the market have been classified as Bone Void Fillers (BVF) “intended to be gently packed into bone voids or gaps that are not intrinsic to the stability of the bony structure” [12]. These graft alternatives are subjected to varying degrees of regulatory scrutiny, and thus their true safety and effectiveness in patients may not be known prior to their clinical use [22]. Continuous innovation and the development of new implants raise important issues for technology testing, clinical performance, risk assessment and regulation. It is therefore not surprising that the development of standards for these implants represents an issue that increasingly confronts the professionals from industrial and health care sectors.
Monograph 4 Investigation and Interpretation of Black Box Data in Automobiles: A Guide to the Concepts and Formats of Computer Data in Vehicle Safety and Control Systems
Authors: Rosenbluth W
Published: March 2009

Description

First published guide to assist engineers and investigators to obtain and interpret "black box" data from vehicles for safety and accident related systems.

More accurate assessments of land vehicle accident conditions can be made with the use of this new joint ASTM/SAE publication, which provides users guidance on obtaining and interpreting "black box" data.

Technological advances in non-volatile electronic data storage have enabled increasingly sophisticated information, to be gathered from automobiles and trucks involved in highway accidents. This electronically saved data, regarding issues such as: engine fuel management (EFI), antilock braking systems (ABS), automatic traction control (ATC), cruise control (CC), air bags (SRS), and seat belt tensioners (ETR) will be an immense aid to land vehicle investigators attempting to determine vehicle conditions before and during an accident.

Originally intended to assist repair, not necessarily investigation, stored data has been saved in several different formats and the ability to now obtain a set of data will be extremely useful to investigators.

Also included is information on where and how to find various data parameters and how to interpret and combine them so their sum can present a vehicle condition overview that can provide significant additional information—when compared to traditional post-accident mechanical analysis techniques. Discussion also covers mathematical structures, basic Newtonian physics, and basic electronic circuits. These elements are then integrated into several case studies.
Race, Citizenship, and the "Science of Chick Sexing": The Politics of Racial Identity among Japanese Americans
Authors: Azuma Eiichiro
Published: March 2009

Chick sexing---the work of separating baby pullets from cockerels---was an important mode of employment for second-generation Japanese Americans (Nisei), who dominated the trade between the late 1930s and 1950s. Since their wartime internment experience symbolized the denial of their national belonging on racial grounds, the Nisei politics of identity has been characterized in terms of single-minded assimilation into white America. Yet, instead of suppressing their ancestry, Nisei "chick sexors" took advantage of it to preserve control of the trade during and after the war. Drawing on notions of "science," "professionalism," and "citizenship," these Nisei manipulated their corporate identity, replaced negative connotations with contrived ideas of racial desirability, and made their race acceptable to white America and to themselves. This article examines the complex strategies behind the process of Japanese American integration and identity formation---one that entailed a constant reformulation of racial meanings and boundaries.
Candida glabrata PHO4 Is Necessary and Sufficient for Pho2-Independent Transcription of Phosphate Starvation Genes
Authors: Kerwin Christine L , Wykoff Dennis D
Published: March 2009

Comparative genomic analyses of Candida glabrata and Saccharomyces cerevisiae suggest many signal transduction pathways are highly conserved. Focusing on the phosphate signal transduction (PHO) pathway of C. glabrata, we demonstrate that components of the pathway are conserved and confirm the role of CgPHO81, CgPHO80, CgPHO4, and CgMSN5 in the PHO pathway through deletion analysis. Unlike S. cerevisiae, C. glabrata shows little dependence on the transcription factor, Pho2, for induction of phosphate-regulated genes during phosphate limitation. We show that the CgPho4 protein is necessary and sufficient for Pho2-independent gene expression; CgPho4 is capable of driving expression of PHO promoters in S. cerevisiae in the absence of ScPHO2. On the basis of the sequences of PHO4 in the hemiascomycetes and complementation analysis, we suggest that Pho2 dependence is a trait only observed in species closely related to S. cerevisiae. Our data are consistent with trans-regulatory changes in the PHO pathway via the transcription factor Pho4 as opposed to cis-regulatory changes (the promoter).
The roosting spatial network of a bird‐predator bat
Authors: Fortuna Miguel A. , Popa-Lisseanu Ana G. , Ibáñez Carlos , Bascompte Jordi
Published: March 2009

The use of roosting sites by animal societies is important in conservation biology, animal behavior, and epidemiology. The giant noctule bat (Nyctalus lasiopterus) constitutes fission–fusion societies whose members spread every day in multiple trees for shelter. To assess how the pattern of roosting use determines the potential for information exchange or disease spreading, we applied the framework of complex networks. We found a social and spatial segregation of the population in well‐defined modules or compartments, formed by groups of bats sharing the same trees. Inside each module, we revealed an asymmetric use of trees by bats representative of a nested pattern. By applying a simple epidemiological model, we show that there is a strong correlation between network structure and the rate and shape of infection dynamics. This modular structure slows down the spread of diseases and the exchange of information through the entire network. The implication for management is complex, affecting differently the cohesion inside and among colonies and the transmission of parasites and diseases. Network analysis can hence be applied to quantifying the conservation status of individual trees used by species depending on hollows for shelter.
Spatial contagion of predation risk affects colonization dynamics in experimental aquatic landscapes
Authors: Resetarits William J. , Binckley Christopher A.
Published: March 2009

Colonization rate is a critical factor determining abundance and diversity in spatially distinct communities. Beyond simple variation driven by random processes, many species select/avoid habitat patches based on variation in habitat quality. Perceived habitat quality and colonization dynamics of individual patches may be influenced by specific characteristics of neighboring patches. We demonstrate that abundance and diversity of colonizing aquatic beetles is a function of both spatial variation in predator presence/absence and risk contagion generated by the proximity of predator patches to predator‐free patches. Spatial contagion of predation risk generated repulsive sources: high fitness patches that were avoided. Thus, colonization dynamics of spatially discrete communities depends not only on intrinsic patch characteristics, but on the specific characteristics of nearby patches. The landscape‐level dynamics of communities and metacommunities, as well as the efficacy of habitat restoration and conservation efforts, depends on how habitat quality is assessed, correctly or incorrectly, by colonizing species.
A Qualitative Analysis of the Temptation to Use Force in Sexual Relationships
Authors: Schewe Paul A. , Adam Najma M. , Ryan Kathryn M.
Published: March 2009

College males completed a survey that asked open-ended questions concerning instances in which they might have been tempted to use force to obtain sexual contact with another person. Participants also completed Malamuth’s (1989a, 1989b) Attraction to Sexual Aggression scale, Mosher and Sirkin’s (1984) Hypermasculinity Inventory. and Burt’s (1980) Rape Myth Acceptance and Adversarial Sexual Beliefs scales. Of the 83 participants, 22 (27%) reported that they had been tempted to use force. Participants that indicated they had been tempted to use force scored significantly higher on attraction to sexual aggression and hypermasculinity than those who were never tempted. Reasons for temptation, circumstances of the tempting situations, and possible ties to sexual coercion were explored.
Serum Antibodies to Periodontal Bacteria as Diagnostic Markers of Periodontitis
Authors: Dye Bruce A. , Herrera‐Abreu Miriam , Lerche‐Sehm Julia , Vlachojannis Christian , Pikdoken Levent , Pretzl Bernadette , Schwartz Aaron , Papapanou Panos N.
Published: March 2009

Background: Assessment of periodontal conditions in epidemiologic studies usually requires a clinical examination, which is resource‐intensive. We investigated the ability of serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to periodontal bacteria to reflect clinical periodontal status.

Methods: We used checkerboard immunoblotting to assess serum IgG levels to 19 species, including established/putative periodontal pathogens and non‐pathogenic bacteria, in 5,747 dentate adults aged ≥40 years who participated in the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 1988 and 1994. Three earlier described alternative definitions of periodontitis were used, based on specific combinations of probing depth and attachment level values. Optimized elevated titer thresholds and corresponding sensitivities and specificities were calculated for each definition. Titers significantly associated with periodontitis were identified in univariable and multivariable logistic regression models. Parsimonious models were subsequently developed using age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, smoking, and diagnosed diabetes.

Results: In unadjusted models, high titers to Porphyromonas gingivalis were most strongly associated with periodontitis across all definitions (odds ratio, 2.07 to 2.74; P <0.05). In parsimonious models including demographic data, smoking, and diagnosed diabetes, high P. gingivalis titers were consistently associated with periodontitis, whereas high Eubacterium nodatum titers were associated with periodontal health in two of three definitions. Receiver operating characteristic curves for the parsimonious multivariable models showed that the area under the curve ranged between 0.72 and 0.78.

Conclusions: Serum IgG titers to selected periodontal species, combined with demographic and behavioral characteristics, resulted in a moderately accurate classification of periodontal status in epidemiologic studies. The external validity of these findings must be examined further.
The Patient's Perception of Recovery After Maxillary Sinus Augmentation: A Prospective Study
Authors: Mardinger Ofer , Poliakov Helena , Beitlitum Ilan , Nissan Joseph , Chaushu Gavriel
Published: March 2009

Background: Little information is available that documents a patient's perception of recovery after sinus‐floor augmentation. The aim of the present prospective study was to evaluate the patient's perception of immediate postoperative recovery after sinus‐floor augmentation.

Methods: Seventy‐six patients (41 males and 35 females) who had been scheduled for sinus‐floor augmentation were asked to enroll in a prospective clinical study. A health‐related quality‐of‐life questionnaire was given to the patient, which was designed to assess patient perception of recovery in four main areas: pain, oral function, general activity, and other symptoms. The questionnaire was compared to the surgical chart that described the surgery details and its outcome.

Results: Average pain peaked on postoperative day (POD) 1 and improved on POD 5. Maximal pain peaked on POD 1 and improved on POD 4. Difficulty in mouth opening peaked on POD 1 and improved on POD 3. Work attendance, on POD 1 to POD 3, most of the patients did not go to work, and most of the patients returned to work on POD 4. Swelling was greatest on POD 2 and improved on POD 5.

Conclusions: The average patient undergoing sinus‐floor augmentation should expect, in general, recovery within 5 days. Patients whose recovery is predicted to be worst, especially young women, might require additional counseling and more attentive post‐surgery care than others.
Epithelioid Sarcoma of the Parotid Gland of a Child
Authors: Keelawat Somboon , Shuangshoti Shanop , Kittikowit Wipawee , Lerdlum Sukalaya , Thorner Paul S.
Published: March 2009

Epithelioid sarcoma is a rare soft-tissue tumor that usually occurs in young adults, with a median age of 26 years. This malignancy has been divided into distal and proximal types. The latter is found in proximal body sites including the head and neck region. We present a rare case of parotid proximal-type epithelioid sarcoma in a 1-year-old male child; this is the 4th reported case in the literature and the youngest in a pediatric patient to date. The tumor showed prominent rhabdoid features by light microscopy. Immunohistochemical studies revealed positive staining to cytokeratin (AE1/AE3), epithelial membrane antigen, vimentin, and BAF47. Thus, while the tumor resembled a malignant rhabdoid tumor, the positive staining for BAF47 supported instead a diagnosis of epithelioid sarcoma, according to our current understanding of these 2 tumor types. Also, the clinical course was not the typical aggressive behavior of a rhabdoid tumor. The patient underwent radical parotidectomy without adjuvant therapy and remained disease-free at follow-up, 14 months after surgery.
Surgical management of moyamoya disease
Authors: Baaj Ali A. , Agazzi Siviero , Sayed Zafar A. , Toledo Maria , Spetzler Robert F. , van Loveren Harry
Published: March 2009

Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a progressive, occlusive disease of the distal internal carotid arteries associated with secondary stenosis of the circle of Willis. Symptoms include ischemic infarcts in children and hemorrhages in adults. Bypass of the stenotic vessel(s) is the primary surgical treatment modality for MMD. Superficial temporal artery-to-middle cerebral artery bypass is the most common direct bypass method. Indirect techniques rely on the approximation of vascularized tissue to the cerebral cortex to promote neoangiogenesis. This tissue may be in the form of muscle, pericranium, dura, or even omentum. This review highlights the surgical options available for the treatment of MMD.
Quantitative hemodynamic studies in moyamoya disease
Authors: Lee Marco , Zaharchuk Greg , Guzman Raphael , Achrol Achal , Bell-Stephens Teresa , Steinberg Gary K.
Published: March 2009

Moyamoya disease is characterized by a chronic stenoocclusive vasculopathy affecting the terminal internal carotid arteries. The clinical presentation and outcome of moyamoya disease remain varied based on angiographic studies alone, and much work has been done to study cerebral hemodynamics in this group of patients. The ability to measure cerebral blood flow (CBF) accurately continues to improve with time, and with it a better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms in patients with moyamoya disease. The main imaging techniques used to evaluate cerebral hemodynamics include PET, SPECT, xenon-enhanced CT, dynamic perfusion CT, MR imaging with dynamic susceptibility contrast and with arterial spin labeling, and Doppler ultrasonography. More invasive techniques include intraoperative ultrasonography. The authors review the current knowledge of CBF in this group of patients and the role each main quantitative method has played in evaluating them, both in the disease state and after surgical intervention.
An Integrated Photogrammetric and Spatial Database Management System for Producing Fully Structured Data Using Aerial and Remote Sensing Images
Authors: Ahmadi Farshid Farnood , Ebadi Hamid
Published: March 2009

3D spatial data acquired from aerial and remote sensing images by photogrammetric techniques is one of the most accurate and economic data sources for GIS, map production, and spatial data updating. However, there are still many problems concerning storage, structuring and appropriate management of spatial data obtained using these techniques. According to the capabilities of spatial database management systems (SDBMSs); direct integration of photogrammetric and spatial database management systems can save time and cost of producing and updating digital maps. This integration is accomplished by replacing digital maps with a single spatial database. Applying spatial databases overcomes the problem of managing spatial and attributes data in a coupled approach. This management approach is one of the main problems in GISs for using map products of photogrammetric workstations. Also by the means of these integrated systems, providing structured spatial data, based on OGC (Open GIS Consortium) standards and topological relations between different feature classes, is possible at the time of feature digitizing process. In this paper, the integration of photogrammetric systems and SDBMSs is evaluated. Then, different levels of integration are described. Finally design, implementation and test of a software package called Integrated Photogrammetric and Oracle Spatial Systems (IPOSS) is presented.
Digital Mirror Device Application in Reduction of Wave-front Phase Errors
Authors: Zhang Yaping , Liu Yan , Wang Shuxue
Published: March 2009

In order to correct the image distortion created by the mixing/shear layer, creative and effectual correction methods are necessary. First, a method combining adaptive optics (AO) correction with a digital micro-mirror device (DMD) is presented. Second, performance of an AO system using the Phase Diverse Speckle (PDS) principle is characterized in detail. Through combining the DMD method with PDS, a significant reduction in wavefront phase error is achieved in simulations and experiments. This kind of complex correction principle can be used to recovery the degraded images caused by unforeseen error sources.
Welcome to Viruses: A New Open-Access, Multidisciplinary Forum for Virology
Authors: Freed Eric O.
Published: March 2009

The field of virology has never been more exciting as a research area and more relevant to human health as it is in 2009. The AIDS pandemic, caused by the uncurtailed spread of HIV-1 in large parts of the world, continues to have an enormous impact on the human condition. The threat of a global outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza remains real, and memories of the devastation created by the SARS coronavirus are still fresh. While many of the world’s most lethal viruses (Ebola, Hendra, Rift Valley fever, etc.) are geographically contained, the possibility of deliberate transmission of such infectious agents as biological weapons is cause for concern. Increased understanding of all viruses, not only these “newsworthy” pathogens, is warranted as it is impossible to predict the origins of the next viral epidemic. Increased human movement, global climate change, and disruption of natural ecosystems all favor the transmission and spread of both established and emerging viruses. Agricultural interests world-wide continue to be significantly impacted by viral agents. [...]
Prediction of Postpartum Depression Using Multilayer Perceptrons and Pruning
Authors: García-Gómez J. M. , Vicente J. , Sanjuán J. , de Frutos R. , Martín-Santos R. , García-Esteve L. , Gornemann I. , Gutiérrez-Zotes A. , Canellas F. , Carracedo Á. , Gratacos M. , Guillamat R. , Baca-García E. , Robles M. , Tortajada S.
Published: March 2009

Objective: The main goal of this paper is to obtain a classification model based on feed-forward multilayer perceptrons in order to improve postpartum depression prediction during the 32 weeks after childbirth with a high sensitivity and specificity and to develop a tool to be integrated in a decision support system for clinicians.

Materials and Methods: Multilayer perceptrons were trained on data from 1397 women who had just given birth, from seven Spanish general hospitals, including clinical, environmental and genetic variables. A prospective cohort study was made just after delivery, at 8 weeks and at 32 weeks after delivery. The models were evaluated with the geometric mean of accuracies using a hold-out strategy.

Results: Multilayer perceptrons showed good performance (high sensitivity and specificity) as predictive models for postpartum depression.

Conclusions: The use of these models in a decision support system can be clinically evaluated in future work. The analysis of the models by pruning leads to a qualitative interpretation of the influence of each variable in the interest of clinical protocols.
On Graphically Checking Goodness-of-fit of Binary Logistic Regression Models
Authors: Minder C. E. , Gillmann G.
Published: March 2009

Objectives: This paper is concerned with checking goodness-of-fit of binary logistic regression models. For the practitioners of data analysis, the broad classes of procedures for checking goodness-of-fit available in the literature are described. The challenges of model checking in the context of binary logistic regression are reviewed. As a viable solution, a simple graphical procedure for checking goodness-of-fit is proposed.

Methods: The graphical procedure proposed relies on pieces of information available from any logistic analysis; the focus is on combining and presenting these in an informative way.

Results: The information gained using this approach is presented with three examples. In the discussion, the proposed method is put into context and compared with other graphical procedures for checking goodness-of-fit of binary logistic models available in the literature.

Conclusion: A simple graphical method can significantly improve the understanding of any logistic regression analysis and help to prevent faulty conclusions.
Estimation of Patient Accrual Rates in Clinical Trials Based on Routine Data from Hospital Information Systems
Authors: Amler S. , Lange M. , Gerß J. , Breil B. , Köpcke W. , Dugas M.
Published: March 2009

Background: Delayed patient recruitment is a common problem in clinical trials. According to the literature, only about a third of medical research studies recruit their planned number of patients within the time originally specified.

Objectives: To provide a method to estimate patient accrual rates in clinical trials based on routine data from hospital information systems (HIS).

Methods: Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria for each trial, a specific HIS report is generated to list potential trial subjects. Because not all information relevant for assessment of patient eligibility is available as coded HIS items, a sample of this patient list is reviewed manually by study physicians. Proportions of matching and non-matching patients are analyzed with a Chi-squared test. An estimation formula for patient accrual rate is derived from this data.

Results: The method is demonstrated with two datasets from cardiology and oncology. HIS reports should account for previous disease episodes and eliminate duplicate persons.

Conclusion: HIS data in combination with manual chart review can be applied to estimate patient recruitment for clinical trials.
Autoantibody and Biopsy Grading Are Associated with Expression of ICAM-1, MMP-3, and TRAIL in Salivary Gland Mononuclear Cells of Chinese Patients with Sjögren’s Syndrome
Authors: CHEN WEI-SHENG , LIN KUAN-CHIA , CHEN CHUN-HSIUNG , LIAO HSIEN-TZUNG , WANG HON-PIN , LI WING-YIN , LEE HUI-TING , TSAI CHANG-YOUH , CHOU CHUNG-TEI
Published: March 2009

Objective.

Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease. We investigated important factors associated with the expression of inflammation-related molecules in minor salivary gland (MSG) mononuclear cells in patients with SS.

Methods.

Thirty-four patients with SS with a MSG biopsy grading of either grade III (10 patients) or grade IV (24 patients) were enrolled. The age, sex, autoantibodies, cell infiltration, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), or CXCR3 expression were also analyzed.

Results.

Ten of the 34 patients with SS were diagnosed with secondary SS; in these patients, the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis was confirmed in 8 and systemic lupus erythematosus in 2. TRAIL and ICAM-1 were overexpressed in patients with antinuclear antibodies (ANA) > 1:160, compared to those with titer < 1:160 (45.1 ± 4.4 vs 41.2 ± 3.9, p = 0.021, and 15.2 ± 5.7 vs 10.8 ± 3.3, p = 0.018, respectively). Higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR; ≥ 20) was associated with higher TRAIL expression and CD20 cell infiltration in contrast to lower ESR (< 20; p < 0.05). ICAM-1, TRAIL, and MMP-3 were expressed more predominantly in anti-SSA-positive than in anti-SSA-negative patients with SS. There was a significant difference in CD20 cell infiltration and MMP-3 expression between primary SS and secondary SS. Biopsy of a grade IV showed a significantly increased expression of TRAIL (44.9 ± 4.5 vs 40.8 ± 3.6, p = 0.013) and MMP-3 (62.7 ± 6.3 vs 54.4 ± 7.3, p = 0.003) in mononuclear cells as compared to those of grade III.

Conclusion.

In our study, pathologic grading with a higher grade (grade IV) and the presence of SSA or a higher titer of ANA were significantly associated with the overexpression of TRAIL, MMP-3, or ICAM-1 in the salivary gland mononuclear cells in patients with SS.
Resident Evaluations: The Use of Daily Evaluation Forms in Rheumatology Ambulatory Care
Authors: HUMPHREY-MURTO SUSAN , KHALIDI NADER , SMITH C. DOUGLAS , KAMINSKA ELZBIETA , TOUCHIE CLAIRE , KEELY ERIN , WOOD TIMOTHY J.
Published: March 2009

Objective.

The in-training evaluation report (ITER) is widely used to assess clinical skills, but has limited validity and reliability. The purpose of our study was to assess the feasibility, validity, reliability, and effect on feedback of using daily evaluation forms to evaluate residents in ambulatory rheumatology clinics.

Methods.

An evaluation form was developed based on the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada CanMEDS roles. There were 12 evaluation items including overall clinical competence. They were rated on a 5-point scale from unsatisfactory to outstanding. All internal medicine residents rotating on rheumatology were strongly encouraged to provide the form to their preceptor at the end of each clinic. A questionnaire was administered to residents and faculty.

Results.

Seventy-three internal medicine residents completed a 1-month rotation at University of Ottawa (n = 26) and McMaster University (n = 47). Faculty members completed a total of 637 evaluation forms. The number of evaluation forms ranged from 2 to 16 (mean 8.73) per resident. At an average of 8.73 forms per resident the reliability was 0.71 for the composite score. Fourteen forms would be required for a reliability of 0.8. The correlation between the objective structured clinical examination scores and the forms was 0.48 (p = not significant). Faculty and residents reported increased feedback following implementation of the forms.

Conclusion.

The use of daily evaluation forms is feasible and provides very good reliability. Use of the evaluation forms increases feedback to residents on their performance. The forms were well received by faculty and residents.
Safety of Etanercept in Patients at High Risk for Mycobacterial Tuberculosis Infections
Authors: AGGARWAL ROHIT , MANADAN AUGUSTINE M. , POLIYEDATH ANUPAMA , SEQUEIRA WINSTON , BLOCK JOEL A.
Published: March 2009

Objective.

The magnitude of the risk of reactivation of tuberculosis (TB) on use of etanercept, especially in patients with positive purified protein derivative (PPD) test, has not been assessed. We evaluated the risk of developing active TB among PPD-positive patients treated with etanercept.

Methods.

All patients with a positive PPD test, as defined by American Thoracic Society guidelines, who received etanercept at Cook County Hospital from 2001 to 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. The primary endpoint was the development of active TB either while receiving or after completing etanercept therapy.

Results.

Four hundred eighty-seven patients received etanercept, of whom 84 were PPD-positive and constituted the primary cohort. The cohort was composed largely of patients who were at high risk for development of active TB: born in endemic area (80%), ethnic/racial minorities (51 Hispanic, 16 African American, and 8 Asian), and low socioeconomic status (66, 78.57%). Overall etanercept exposure was a mean of 24.6 months (range 3 to 60 mo), with 196 patient-years of etanercept exposure in PPD-positive individuals. Indications for etanercept use included rheumatoid arthritis 58 (69%), ankylosing spondylitis 11 (13%), psoriatic arthritis 13 (15.5%), juvenile inflammatory arthritis 1 (1.2%), and vasculitis 1 (1.2%). Of the 80 subjects, 74 received treatment for latent TB infection (LTBI) prior to initiating etanercept. A comprehensive review of these patients’ medical records failed to reveal any active TB infection.

Conclusion.

This systematic analysis suggests that the risk of reactivation of LTBI during etanercept therapy is low in appropriately treated individuals.
Publicaciones de la CECEL
Authors: Aparicio Pérez José
Published: March 2009

Se estudia la creación en 1994 de la Revista de la CECEL y su evolución y contenidos.
Patrimonio y Medio Ambiente en las actividades de la CECEL
Authors: Corzo Sánchez Ramón
Published: March 2009

Se define como una de las tareas primordiales de la CECEL promover la conservación del Patrimonio Cultural y Medioambiental, así como el Patrimonio natural y monumental.
La Confederación Española de Centros de Estudios Locales (CECEL) y la Federación Española de Municipios y Provincias (FEMP)
Authors: Fernández-Xesta y Vázquez Ernesto
Published: March 2009

Se describen las relaciones y mutua colaboración entre la CECEL y la FEMP y, entre ellas, la organización de Cursos de Formación Continua de la FEMP impartidos por miembros de la CECEL.
Clinical outcomes and factors predicting development of venous thromboembolic complications in patients with advanced refractory cancer in a Phase I Clinic: The M. D. Anderson Cancer Center experience
Authors: Vemulapalli Sushma , Chintala Lakshmi , Tsimberidou Apostolia‐Maria , Dhillon Navjot , Lei Xiudong , Hong David , Kurzrock Razelle
Published: March 2009

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is common in patients with advanced cancer and may influence patient eligibility for clinical studies, quality of life, and survival. We reviewed the medical records of 220 consecutive patients seen in the Phase I Clinical Trials Program at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center to determine the frequency of VTE, associated characteristics, and clinical outcomes. Twenty‐three (10.5%) patients presenting to the Phase I Clinic had a history of VTE; 26 (11.8%) patients subsequently developed VTE, with a median follow‐up of 8.4 months. These included nine (39%) patients with and 17 (8.6%) without a history of VTE (P < 0.0001). The most common events were deep venous thromboses of the extremities and pulmonary emboli. The median survival of patients with and without a history of VTE was 4.7 and 10.9 months, respectively (P = 0.0002). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that a history of VTE (P < 0.0001), pancreatic cancer (P = 0.007), and platelet count >440 × 109/L (P = 0.026) predicted new VTE episodes. In conclusion, this retrospective analysis demonstrated that a history or new development of VTE was noted in 40 (18%) of 220 patients seen in our Phase I Clinic. A prognostic score that can be used to predict time to development of and frequency of VTE is proposed. Am. J. Hematol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Etiology of nonimmune hydrops fetalis: A systematic review
Authors: Bellini Carlo , Hennekam Raoul C.M. , Fulcheri Ezio , Rutigliani Mariangela , Morcaldi Guido , Boccardo Francesco , Bonioli Eugenio
Published: March 2009

Hydrops fetalis (HF) indicates excessive fluid accumulation within the fetal extravascular compartments and body cavities. HF is not a diagnosis in itself but a symptom, and the end‐stage of a wide variety of disorders. In the era before routine immunization of Rhesus (Rh) negative mothers, most cases of hydrops were due to erythroblastosis from Rh alloimmunization, but nowadays, nonimmune hydrops fetalis (NIHF) is more frequent, representing 76–87% of all described HF cases. We performed a systematic review of the pertinent literature based on the QUality Of Reporting Of Meta‐analyses (QUOROM) recommendations, using a QUOROM flowchart and QUOROM checklist. At initial screening 33,345 articles were retrieved. The various inclusion and exclusion criteria aimed at obtaining data that were as unbiased yet as complete as possible decreased the numbers dramatically, and eventually a total of 225 relevant NIHF articles were identified, describing 6,361 individuals. We established 14 different diagnostic categories and provide the pathophysiologic background of each, if known. All 6,361 patients were subclassified into one of the following diagnostic categories: Cardiovascular (21.7%), hematologic (10.4%), chromosomal (13.4%), syndromic (4.4%), lymphatic dysplasia (5.7%), inborn errors of metabolism (1.1%), infections (6.7%), thoracic (6.0%), urinary tract malformations (2.3%), extra thoracic tumors (0.7%), TTTF‐placental (5.6%), gastrointestinal (0.5%), miscellaneous (3.7%), and idiopathic (17.8%). © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Perfluorpentaphenylborol als Zugang zu Lewis‐sauren Elektronenmangelverbindungen
Authors: Huynh Keith , Vignolle Joan , Tilley T. Don
Published: March 2009

Zirconocen ist der Schlüssel: Zur Herstellung einer neuen Klasse hoch Lewis‐saurer Borole wurde eine Synthesemethode auf Grundlage einer Zirconocen‐vermittelten Alkinkupplung entwickelt (siehe Schema). Solche Substanzen sind vielversprechend für eine Anwendung in der Katalyse und im Bereich der organischen Elektronenmangelverbindungen.

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Bioanalytik für Einsteiger.Diabetes, Drogen und DNA. Von Reinhard Renneberg.
Authors: Wegener Joachim
Published: March 2009

Spektrum Akademischer Verlag, Heidelberg 2008. 284 S., geb., 34.95 €.—ISBN 978‐3827418319

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Titelbild: Zersetzung von Lachgas in die Elemente mit In‐situ‐Entfernung des Sauerstoffs durch eine Perowskitmembran (Angew. Chem. 16/2009)
Authors: Jiang Heqing , Wang Haihui , Liang Fangyi , Werth Steffen , Schiestel Thomas , Caro Jürgen
Published: March 2009

Mit Hohlfaser‐Membranen aus gemischtleitenden Perowskiten kann Sauerstoff aus Gasgemischen selektiv abgetrennt werden. Durch einen Spinnprozess werden Wandstärken von nur 150 μm möglich. Dadurch können Sauerstoff‐Flüsse erreicht werden, wie sie für eine technische Anwendung relevant sind. In der Zuschrift auf S. 3027 ff. beschreiben H. Wang, J. Caro et al. die quantitative Durchführung des kinetisch gehemmten Zerfalls von Lachgas mithilfe solcher Membranen. Dies eröffnet neue Möglichkeiten zur Reduktion der Emission dieses Treibhausgases.

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Conversion of Carbon Dioxide into Methanol with Silanes over N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Catalysts
Authors: Riduan Siti Nurhanna , Zhang Yugen , Ying Jackie Y.
Published: March 2009

Activate and reduce: Carbon dioxide was reduced with silane using a stable N‐heterocyclic carbene organocatalyst to provide methanol under very mild conditions. Dry air can serve as the feedstock, and the organocatalyst is much more efficient than transition‐metal catalysts for this reaction. This approach offers a very promising protocol for chemical CO2 activation and fixation.

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Cover Picture: Direct Decomposition of Nitrous Oxide to Nitrogen by In Situ Oxygen Removal with a Perovskite Membrane (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 16/2009)
Authors: Jiang Heqing , Wang Haihui , Liang Fangyi , Werth Steffen , Schiestel Thomas , Caro Jürgen
Published: March 2009

Hollow fiber membranes from mixed‐conducting perovskites can separate oxygen selectively from gas mixtures. Wall thicknesses as low as 150 μm can be obtained by a wet spinning process, and oxygen fluxes are thereby obtained that are relevant for technical applications. In their Communication on page 2983 ff., H. Wang, J. Caro and co‐workers describe the complete decomposition of nitrous oxide with such membranes. This method offers new opportunities to reduce emissions of this greenhouse gas.

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Abnormal basement membrane type IV collagen α‐chain composition in labial salivary glands in Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Poduval P. , Sillat T. , Virtanen I. , Porola P. , Konttinen Y. T.
Published: March 2009

Objective

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is characterized by atrophy and malfunction of the acinar cells. The aim of this study was to investigate whether type IV collagen α‐chain composition of acinar cell compartments could be abnormal in diseased glands.

Methods

Messenger RNA (mRNA) from human submandibular gland (HSG) cells, cultured with or without growth factor–depleted Matrigel, was analyzed using quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Labial salivary glands were analyzed using quantitative RT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry.

Results

HSG cells of both the ductal and acinar phenotypes synthesized all α‐chain mRNA, in particular those of the α1 and α2 chains. Labial salivary glands (LSGs) contained α1/2 chains but also contained mRNA of all the other α‐chains, although the mRNA copy numbers for the α3 and α4 chains were low, and the corresponding proteins were absent. Type IV collagen α1/2‐chains were observed in all tubuloalveolar basement membranes. In healthy glands, α5 and α6 chains were continuous around ducts but discontinuous around acini. In SS glands, these chains were absent or patchy around the ducts and absent around the acini.

Conclusion

Ductal and acinar epithelial cells are able to locally produce mRNA for all 6 different α‐chains. Type IV collagen α1/2‐chains seem to form the backbone in the tubuloalveolar basement membrane in salivary glands. Type IV collagen α3 and α4 chain mRNA were found in cultured salivary epithelial cells and LSG explants but were not translated to the corresponding α‐chains in LSGs. Both α5 and α6 mRNA were observed in salivary epithelial cells and glands. In healthy glands, immunolabeling always disclosed corresponding α‐chains around ducts, but their synthesis and/or degradation seemed to be locally regulated around acinar cells.
Association of RANTES promoter polymorphism with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Yao Tsung‐Chieh , Tsai Yi‐Chan , Huang Jing‐Long
Published: March 2009

Objective

We recently reported that RANTES was a key molecule in the pathogenesis of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) in a longitudinal cohort. This study was undertaken to investigate genetic associations between the RANTES −28 C/G and −403 G/A polymorphisms and JRA in a well‐documented cohort of patients who were followed up prospectively.

Methods

Patients with JRA (n = 107) and healthy children (n = 139) were genotyped through use of a polymerase chain reaction–based assay. Association of the RANTES promoter polymorphisms with results of laboratory tests, clinical variables, outcome after clinical remission, and response to intraarticular triamcinolone injection was evaluated in patients who were followed up for >1 year.

Results

JRA patients had a significantly higher frequency of the RANTES −28 G/G genotype, as compared with ethnically matched healthy controls. The RANTES −28 C/G polymorphism was associated with the duration of clinical remission, with patients carrying the RANTES –28G allele experiencing only 49% of the duration of remission experienced by patients who were RANTES −28 C/C homozygous. The RANTES −28 C/G polymorphism was associated with the duration of clinical response to intraarticular triamcinolone injection, with patients carrying the RANTES −28G allele showing shorter duration of clinical response. No significant association between the RANTES −403 G/A polymorphism and JRA was found in this Chinese population.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that the RANTES −28 C/G polymorphism represents a genetic risk factor for JRA. It is noteworthy that this RANTES promoter polymorphism was also associated with an early relapse of disease after clinical remission and a shorter duration of clinical response to intraarticular administration of corticosteroids.