bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reparallelization techniques for migrating OpenMP codes in computational grids
Authors: Klemm Michael , Bezold Matthias , Gabriel Stefan , Veldema Ronald , Philippsen Michael
Published: August 2008

Typical computational grid users target only a single cluster and have to estimate the runtime of their jobs. Job schedulers prefer short‐running jobs to maintain a high system utilization. If the user underestimates the runtime, premature termination causes computation loss; overestimation is penalized by long queue times. As a solution, we present an automatic reparallelization and migration of OpenMP applications. A reparallelization is dynamically computed for an OpenMP work distribution when the number of CPUs changes. The application can be migrated between clusters when an allocated time slice is exceeded. Migration is based on a coordinated, heterogeneous checkpointing algorithm. Both reparallelization and migration enable the user to freely use computing time at more than a single point of the grid. Our demo applications successfully adapt to the changed CPU setting and smoothly migrate between, for example, clusters in Erlangen, Germany, and Amsterdam, the Netherlands, that use different kinds and numbers of processors. Benchmarks show that reparallelization and migration impose average overheads of about 4 and 2%, respectively. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distributed image processing over an adaptive Campus Grid
Authors: Caton Simon J. , Rana Omer F. , Batchelor Bruce G.
Published: August 2008

A system implemented in MATLAB is described, which may be deployed over a Campus Grid utilizing the Condor job management system. Our approach can re‐distribute jobs as node availability changes. The architecture of the system, its components, and their deployment across the Cardiff University Campus Grid (consisting of 2500 machines) are presented. Challenges in image processing applications that can be deployed over such infrastructure are presented, along with performance results that demonstrate the use of our system alongside a standard Condor deployment, demonstrating a significant increase in throughput using our approach‡. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Designing and implementing lightweight kernels for capability computing
Authors: Riesen Rolf , Brightwell Ron , Bridges Patrick G. , Hudson Trammell , Maccabe Arthur B. , Widener Patrick M. , Ferreira Kurt
Published: August 2008

In the early 1990s, researchers at Sandia National Laboratories and the University of New Mexico began development of customized system software for massively parallel ‘capability’ computing platforms. These lightweight kernels have proven to be essential for delivering the full power of the underlying hardware to applications. This claim is underscored by the success of several supercomputers, including the Intel Paragon, Intel Accelerated Strategic Computing Initiative Red, and the Cray XT series of systems, each having established a new standard for high‐performance computing upon introduction. In this paper, we describe our approach to lightweight compute node kernel design and discuss the design principles that have guided several generations of implementation and deployment. A broad strategy of operating system specialization has led to a focus on user‐level resource management, deterministic behavior, and scalable system services. The relative importance of each of these areas has changed over the years in response to changes in applications and hardware and system architecture. We detail our approach and the associated principles, describe how our application of these principles has changed over time, and provide design and performance comparisons to contemporaneous supercomputing operating systems. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A procedure for the measurement of infant skin conductance and its initial validation using clap induced startle
Authors: Ham Jacob , Tronick Ed
Published: August 2008

Studies examining psychophysiologic markers of infant emotional development abound. However, few studies have used skin conductance (SC), though it measure's sympathetic activity, and none have measured SC on infants sitting up and actively engaged with another person, a significant challenge given the measures sensitivity to movement artifact. In this pilot/feasibility study, we present a procedure for measuring infant SC during active engagement with another person who executes a series of startling claps to elicit an SC response. We measured SC on the plantar surface of the foot of seventeen 5‐month‐old infants. We found unconditioned SC responses that were related to the intensity of physical startle reactions for each clap trial. We also found anticipatory, conditioned SC responses that occurred within 5 s before each clap that occurred when the researcher raised his clasped hands. These conditioned SC responses grew linearly in intensity over trials. We conclude that SC may be a useful addition to the infant researcher's armamentarium and may indeed be used to measure physiologic reactivity in infants even when actively engaged with another person. Addition of SC measurement to research on infant emotion and emotional communication is likely to advance our understanding of the psychophysiologic foundations of infant emotional development. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 50: 626–631, 2008.
Olfactory learning in the rat neonate soon after birth
Authors: Miller Stacie S. , Spear Norman E.
Published: August 2008

The first hours of a newborn rat's life entail locating and attaching to the mother's nipple not only for nutrition but also for protection and warmth. The present study sought to characterize olfactory learning in the rat neonate immediately after birth. Newborn rats were exposed to an odor at various time periods soon after birth and tested for behavioral activation and attachment to a surrogate nipple in the presence of this odor at 4–5 hr postpartum. Regardless of when pups were presented the odor (0, 1, or 2 hr after birth) motor activity was greater among pups previously exposed to the odor than pups with no odor experience. Similarly, latency to attach to the nipple in the presence of the odor was lower among odor‐preexposed pups, especially when odor exposure began within an hour of cesarean delivery. Odor exposure immediately after birth for just 15 min was sufficient to increase motor activity and to decrease latency to attach to a similarly scented surrogate nipple. These results suggest that olfactory experience very soon after birth can shape subsequent olfactory responses. The relative importance of the dearth of postnatal experience or of elevated neurochemicals immediately after birth and possible associative mechanisms underlying this learning is discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 50: 554–565, 2008.
Neuroendocrine dysregulation following early social deprivation in children
Authors: Fries Alison B. Wismer , Shirtcliff Elizabeth A. , Pollak Seth D.
Published: August 2008

Human and nonhuman animal studies reveal that early experiences with caregivers shape children's ability to regulate their responses to stress. To understand the effects of early deprivation on the regulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis following social interactions, we examined urinary cortisol levels in a group of internationally adopted children who had experienced institutional care, and thus, species‐atypical attachment relationships, early in life prior to adoption. Cortisol regulation was assessed both basally and following standardized interpersonal interactions between the child and his/her mother and the child and an unfamiliar adult. Postinstitutionalized children showed prolonged elevations in cortisol levels following the mother, but not the stranger, interaction. More severe neglect was associated with the highest basal cortisol levels and the most impaired cortisol regulation following the mother interaction. These results suggest that early social deprivation may contribute to long‐term regulatory problems of the stress‐responsive system, and that these differences are most evident within the context of ongoing, close interpersonal relationships. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 50: 588–599, 2008.
The impact of stimulus type and early motherhood on attentional processing
Authors: Purhonen Maija , Valkonen‐Korhonen Minna , Lehtonen Johannes
Published: August 2008

The present study evaluated the impact of stimulus type and early motherhood on attentional processing. Auditory ERPs were recorded with a modified novelty oddball paradigm both in mothers who had recently given birth and in control women who were not in the state of early motherhood. Conventional tone pips were used as standards and deviants, and an infant cry served as an experimental stimulus of novelty value. Differences were revealed in the N100 amplitudes between the study groups with higher amplitudes in the mothers. A few days after childbirth the mothers seemed to be in a stage with an increased level of alertness and different types of surrounding stimuli may elicit a stronger arousal response than normally, not just those directly related to the new baby. The gating and the mechanisms of further processing of stimulus information were not different in mothers from controls and seemed to guarantee normal control of stimulus‐elicited cognitive load in early motherhood. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 50: 600–607, 2008.
The progesterone receptor and parental behavior in juvenile rats
Authors: Nephew Benjamin C. , Lovelock Dennis F. , Bridges Robert S.
Published: August 2008

Juvenile rats exhibit enhanced parental behavior responses to foster pups from 18 to 25 days of age, compared to virgin adults. Previous studies in adult rats and mice suggest that progesterone can inhibit the display of parental care towards offspring. The present study investigated the role of progesterone in juvenile rat parental behavior. It is hypothesized that the decrease in parental responsiveness as juveniles age is due a progesterone‐dependent inhibitory mechanism. Groups of male and female juveniles were subcutaneously implanted with the progesterone antagonist RU486, progesterone, or control implants. All juveniles were then tested for parental behaviors. No significant effects of either RU486 or progesterone treatments on parental behavior latencies were detected in male or female juveniles. The current data support the concept that the mechanisms controlling juvenile and adult parental behavior are divergent. Progesterone does not seem to be involved in the display of parental behavior in juvenile rats. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 50: 535–541, 2008.
Olfactory preference for own mother and litter in 1‐day‐old rabbits and its impairment by thermotaxis
Authors: Serra Jessica , Nowak Raymond
Published: August 2008

We investigated the ability of rabbit pups to display preferences towards various elements of their postnatal environment during the stage of confinement in the nest. Subjects were submitted to a two‐choice test during the first week after birth to assess if they could detect and discriminate between does, litters of pups, or nesting materials of the same developmental stage. On D1 and D7, pups were attracted to any lactating doe, litter, or nest when compared to an empty compartment. When two stimuli were opposed, pups preferred their own nest to an alien one on D1 and D7 but not their mother nor their siblings when opposed to alien does or pups. However, additional tests indicated that this lack of preference for kin conspecifics resulted from a predominant attraction to thermal cues over individual odors. Indeed, pups were strongly attracted to a warm compartment (37°C) than to a cooler one (20°C) and once thermal cues were controlled for in the testing situation, the pups were specifically attracted to odors of their own mother's hair and of their siblings. No preference was observed towards the mother's uterine secretions. In conclusion, pups can recognize olfactory cues emanating from their mother and their siblings the day after birth. The preference for nesting materials would reflect in major part the combined attraction to maternal and sibling odors present in the nest. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 50: 542–553, 2008.
The relevance of body weight in the medium‐term to long‐term course of adolescent anorexia nervosa. Findings from a multisite study
Authors: Steinhausen Hans‐Christoph , Grigoroiu‐Serbanescu Maria , Boyadjieva Svetlana , Neumärker Klaus‐Jürgen , Metzke Christa Winkler
Published: August 2008

Objective:

The relevance of repeated body mass index (BMI) assessments for long‐term outcome in anorexia nervosa (AN) was studied.

Method:

Two‐hundred and twelve adolescent patients aged 10–18 (Mean 14.9) years from five sites were followed up for an average of 8.3 years after first admission. Various predictors of BMI at follow‐up were analyzed.

Results:

In comparison to subjects with normal BMI (>17.5) at final follow‐up, subjects with BMI <17.5 had significantly lower age‐adjusted BMI prior to onset of the disorder and at discharge from first admission. In addition, all outcome scores indicated poorer functioning in the group with BMI < 17.5. The BMI prior to onset of AN, the BMI at first hospital admission and discharge, and the BMI at final follow up were significantly correlated across time. Higher BMI prior to onset of AN, higher BMI at first discharge, and lower age at first admission predicted a normal BMI (>17.5) at follow‐up in a model of logistic regression.

Conclusion:

The long‐term outcome of adolescent AN reflects the normal tracking of BMI over time. Presumably, the tracking in AN patients is somewhat reduced in comparison to healthy subjects. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2009
Electrochemical Properties and Range of Application of Mixed Gold Bismuth Electrodes
Authors: Skogvold Silje Marie , Mikkelsen Øyvind
Published: August 2008

Electrochemical properties for mixed gold‐bismuth electrodes have been evaluated. Increased overpotential towards the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) was found as a function of increased bismuth content in the gold‐bismuth mixture. Compared to a bare gold electrode, the overvoltage was increased by 80 mV for gold with 2% bismuth added (AuBi2), 170 mV for 6% bismuth added (AuBi6), and 580 mV for 25% bismuth added (AuBi25). Cyclic voltammetry (CV) in a NaOH solution was also carried out to study the formation of different oxide products on the surface. The practical use of such electrodes was demonstrated by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) for the detection of copper and mercury, and good linearity was found even for concentrations down to 0.25 μg/L. In addition to stability tests in NH4Cl, the analytical use and stability over time were evaluated in purified scrubbing water and polluted river water.
Heritability of bone density: Regional and gender differences in monozygotic twins
Authors: Tse Kevin Y. , Macias Brandon R. , Meyer R. Scott , Hargens Alan R.
Published: August 2008

Bone mineral density (BMD) is a measure of a person's skeletal mineral content, and assessing BMD by dual x‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA) can help to diagnose diseases of low bone density. In this study, we determine the heritability of BMD in male and female monozygotic twin subjects using DEXA in 13 specific anatomical regions. In an attempt to quantify the genetic contribution of gender and skeletal region to BMD heritability, we scanned 14 pairs of identical twins using DEXA and calculated the broad‐sense heritability coefficient (H2) in each of the 13 different body regions. The region of the body that was most heritable for both genders was the head (H2 ≥ 95%). When males were compared to females, H2 values for male hip (H2 = 87%) and lower extremities (H2 = 90%) were higher than those in females (H2 = 49% and 56%, respectively). Conversely, H2 value for the female pelvis (H2 = 68%) was higher than that for males (H2 = 26%). These data show that different regions of the skeleton exhibit different degrees of heritability, and that the variation depends on gender. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:150–154, 2009
Subrupture tendon fatigue damage
Authors: Fung David T. , Wang Vincent M. , Laudier Damien M. , Shine Jean H. , Basta‐Pljakic Jelena , Jepsen Karl J. , Schaffler Mitchell B. , Flatow Evan L.
Published: August 2008

The mechanical and microstructural bases of tendon fatigue, by which damage accumulates and contributes to degradation, are poorly understood. To investigate the tendon fatigue process, rat flexor digitorum longus tendons were cyclically loaded (1–16 N) until reaching one of three levels of fatigue damage, defined as peak clamp‐to‐clamp strain magnitudes representing key intervals in the fatigue life: i) Low (6.0%–7.0%); ii) Moderate (8.5%–9.5%); and iii) High (11.0%–12.0%). Stiffness, hysteresis, and clamp‐to‐clamp strain were assessed diagnostically (by cyclic loading at 1–8 N) before and after fatigue loading and following an unloaded recovery period to identify mechanical parameters as measures of damage. Results showed that tendon clamp‐to‐clamp strain increased from pre‐ to post‐fatigue loading significantly and progressively with the fatigue damage level (p ≤ 0.010). In contrast, changes in both stiffness and hysteresis were significant only at the High fatigue level (p ≤ 0.043). Correlative microstructural analyses showed that Low level of fatigue was characterized by isolated, transverse patterns of kinked fiber deformations. At higher fatigue levels, tendons exhibited fiber dissociation and localized ruptures of the fibers. Histomorphometric analysis showed that damage area fraction increased significantly with fatigue level (p ≤ 0.048). The current findings characterized the sequential, microstructural events that underlie the tendon fatigue process and indicate that tendon deformation can be used to accurately assess the progression of damage accumulation in tendons. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:264–273, 2009
Changes of articular cartilage after immobilization in a rat knee contracture model
Authors: Hagiwara Yoshihiro , Ando Akira , Chimoto Eiichi , Saijo Yoshifumi , Ohmori‐Matsuda Kaori , Itoi Eiji
Published: August 2008

The objective was to determine the changes of articular cartilage of the knee joint during immobilization in a rat model. The knee joints of adult male rats were immobilized at 150° of flexion using an internal fixator for 3 days, and 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 weeks. The articular cartilage from the medial midcondylar region of the knee was obtained, divided into three areas (non‐contact area, transitional area, contact area), and in each area, a degree of degeneration was evaluated by gross observation, histomorphometric grading, and measurements of thickness and number of chondrocytes. Elasticity of the articular cartilage was estimated by measuring the sound speed with use of scanning acoustic microscopy. Degeneration of the articular cartilage was mainly observed in the contact and transitional areas. Matrix staining intensity by safranin‐O and number of chondrocytes were decreased in these two areas. The thickness of the articular cartilage in the non‐contact and contact areas was unchanged, but it was increased in the transitional area. Decrease in sound speed was observed in the transitional area of both the femoral and tibial cartilage, indicating the softening of the articular cartilage. The changes of articular cartilage became obvious as early as 1 week after immobilization. These changes may be due to a lack of mechanical stress or a lack of joint fluid circulation during immobilization. Although we do not know the reversibility of these changes of articular cartilage, early mobilization is preferable to avoid these cartilage changes. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:236–242, 2009
Lubricin surface modification improves tendon gliding after tendon repair in a canine model in vitro
Authors: Taguchi Manabu , Sun Yu‐Long , Zhao Chunfeng , Zobitz Mark E. , Cha Chung‐Ja , Jay Gregory D. , An Kai‐Nan , Amadio Peter C.
Published: August 2008

This study investigated the effects of lubricin on the gliding of repaired flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendons in vitro. Canine FDP tendons were completely lacerated, repaired with a modified Pennington technique, and treated with one of the following solutions: saline, carbodiimide derivatized gelatin/hyaluronic acid (cd‐HA‐gelatin), carbodiimide derivatized gelatin to which lubricin was added in a second step (cd‐gelatin + lubricin), or carbodiimide derivatized gelatin/HA + lubricin (cd‐HA‐gelatin + lubricin). After treatment, gliding resistance was measured up to 1,000 cycles of simulated flexion/extension motion. The increase in average and peak gliding resistance in cd‐HA‐gelatin, cd‐gelatin + lubricin, and cd‐HA‐gelatin + lubricin tendons was less than the control tendons after 1,000 cycles (p < 0.05). The increase in average gliding resistance of cd‐HA‐gelatin + lubricin treated tendons was also less than that of the cd‐HA‐gelatin treated tendons (p < 0.05). The surfaces of the repaired tendons and associated pulleys were assessed qualitatively with scanning electron microscopy and appeared smooth after 1,000 cycles of tendon motion for the cd‐HA‐gelatin, cd‐gelatin + lubricin, and cd‐HA‐gelatin + lubricin treated tendons, while that of the saline control appeared roughened. These results suggest that tendon surface modification can improve tendon gliding ability, with a trend suggesting that lubricin fixed on the repaired tendon may provide additional improvement over that provided by HA and gelatin alone. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:257–263, 2009
Versatility of a posterior‐wall‐first anastomotic technique using a short‐thread double‐needle microsuture for atherosclerotic arterial anastomosis
Authors: Miyamoto Shimpei , Okazaki Mutsumi , Takushima Akihiko , Shiraishi Tomohiro , Omori Mifue , Harii Kiyonori
Published: August 2008

To perform safe anastomosis for atherosclerotic arteries, we employed a posterior‐wall‐first anastomotic technique with a short‐thread double‐needle microsuture. Between October 2005 and September 2007, we performed 17 free flap transfers to the head and neck regions with this technique. Fifteen of 17 patients had one or more risk factors for atherosclerosis. In all patients except one, the superior thyroid artery was employed as a recipient artery and end‐to‐end anastomosis was performed close to its origin with the external carotid artery. Postoperatively, no anastomotic thrombosis occurred in any patients. The greatest advantage of the double‐needle microsuture is that each stitch can be placed from the inner side of the arterial wall to the outer side. This “inner‐to‐outer” stitch secures full‐thickness bite and minimizes intimal damage. Safe and reliable anastomosis could be carried out in an unfavorable setting because the double‐needle suture offers a high degree of freedom in suture placement. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2008.
The basilic vein: An alternative drainage of DIEP flap in severe venous congestion
Authors: Guzzetti Tommaso , Thione Alessandro
Published: August 2008

The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap has become a major advance in autologous breast reconstruction, offering all the advantages of free TRAM flap with less donor‐site morbidity and postoperative pain. The major drawback threatening the DIEP flap procedure is venous congestion, with potential partial or complete flap loss. Many authors reported different surgical tips aiming to solve this setback, including secondary anastomosis of deep inferior superficial epigastric vein with alternative venous outflow vessels. We present a case report of a DIEP flap salvaged by an alternative venous anastomosis, after comitant veins of the primary anastomosis widely thrombosed a few hours postoperatively. A venous bypass using ipsilateral basilica vein and superficial inferior epigastric vein was fashioned. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2008.
Customized reconstruction with the free anterolateral thigh perforator flap
Authors: Engel Holger , Gazyakan Emre , Cheng Ming‐Huei , Piel David , Germann Guenter , Giessler Goetz
Published: August 2008

From April of 2003 through September of 2006, 70 free anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps were transferred for reconstructing soft‐tissue defects. The overall success rate was 96%. Among 70 free ALT flaps, 11 were elevated as cutaneous ALT septocutaneous vessel flaps. Fifty‐seven were harvested as cutaneous ALT myocutaneous “true” perforator flaps. Two flaps were used as fasciocutaneous perforator flaps based on independent skin vessels. Fifty‐four ALT flaps were used for lower extremity reconstruction, 11 flaps were used for upper extremity reconstruction, 3 flaps were used for trunk reconstruction, and 1 flap was used for head and neck reconstruction. Total flap failure occurred in 3 patients (4.28% of the flaps), and partial failure occurred in 5 patients (7.14% of the flaps). The three flaps that failed completely were reconstructed with a free radial forearm flap, a latissimus dorsi flap and skin grafting, respectively. Among the five flaps that failed partially, three were reconstructed with skin grafting, one with a sural flap, and one with primary closure. The free ALT flap has become the workhorse for covering defects in most clinical situations in our center. It is a reliable flap with consistent anatomy and a long, constant pedicle diameter. Its versatility, in which thickness and volume can be adjusted, leads to a perfect match for customized reconstruction of complex defects. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2008.
Intraoral coverage of defects with the superficial epigastric fat flap in rats
Authors: Mücke Thomas , Hölzle Frank , Loeffelbein Denys J. , Haarmann Stephan , Becker Karen , Wolff Klaus‐Dietrich , Kesting Marco R.
Published: August 2008

The standard superficial epigastric artery flap has become a reliable model for flap research. The purpose of this study was to design a flap model in the rat, with the possibility of intraoral coverage of defects. A fat flap based only on the medial trunk of the superficial epigastric vessels was generated, raised to the neck, and used for the coverage of a created intraoral defect in 28 Sprague‐Dawley rats. Twenty‐five epigastric flaps were raised and anastomosed to the neck, and three flaps were sutured into the oral cavity as a control without anastomosing the vessels to the rat's neck. For histological examination, each of the five flaps was harvested after 7, 14, and 35 days. A total of five rats died perioperatively, and 23 rats survived. One epigastric fat flaps became necrotic, which attracted attention by dehiscence after 3 or 4 days postoperatively, consisting of one anastomosed and all nonvascularized flaps. A swollen cheek was noted in these cases after about 5 days. Although this model demands the control of basic microsurgical techniques, it is possible to use it as a training model for further refining microsurgical techniques in flap raising. It is planned to use this flap as a model for healing purposes in the oral cavity. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2008.
Training of microsurgical skills on nonliving models
Authors: Ilie Victor G. , Ilie Vlad I. , Dobreanu Codrin , Ghetu Nicolae , Luchian Stefan , Pieptu Dragos
Published: August 2008

Although direct exposure to procedures in the operating theater environment, together with practice on laboratory animals, is still seen as the gold standard of teaching in microsurgery, practice on nonliving simulators is currently being validated as an important educational tool. We reviewed the widely used nonliving training models, together with currently accepted innovations, which are parts of curricula of training courses in microsurgery. Using the experience accumulated in training programs at the Centre for Simulation and Training in Surgery, we identified which particular skills can be reliably targeted by each nonliving tissue exercise. We were able to find five groups of nonliving training models: basic manipulation, knot‐tying principles, completing the anastomosis, the real tissue experience, and training in virtual reality. The more abstract models might seem quite far from the real life experience, but they each closely address specific skills. It thus becomes convenient for the instructor to train these skills separately. This generates series of consistently favorable results once the skills are integrated into a more complex procedure. Focused exercises, once assembled in continuity, reconstruct the real life scenario. The training program can comprise a series of increasingly difficult exercises, which mirror the real life situations. Performance on nonliving models in each progressively more challenging exercise can be assessed via direct observation, assisted by clear and objective criteria. Finally, focused training will help both the transition to human surgery and replication of the favorable results to large series of subjects. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2008.
Stationary solutions to the drift–diffusion model in the whole spaces
Authors: Kobayashi Ryo , Kurokiba Masaki , Kawashima Shuichi
Published: August 2008

We study the stationary problem in the whole space ℝn for the drift–diffusion model arising in semiconductor device simulation and plasma physics. We prove the existence and uniqueness of stationary solutions in the weighted Lp spaces. The proof is based on a fixed point theorem of the Leray–Schauder type. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An ecoepidemiological predator‐prey model with standard disease incidence
Authors: Haque Mainul , Zhen Jin , Venturino Ezio
Published: August 2008

This investigation accounts for epidemics spreading among interacting populations. The infective disease spreads among the prey, of which only susceptibles reproduce, while infected prey do not grow, recover, reproduce nor compete for resources. The model is general enough to describe a large number of ecosystems, on land, in the air or in the water.

The main results concern the boundedness of the trajectories, the analysis of local and global stability, system's persistency and a threshold property below which the infection disappears. A sufficiently strong disease in the prey may avoid predators extinction and its presence can destabilize an otherwise stable predator‐prey configuration. The occurrence of transcritical, saddle‐node and Hopf‐bifurcations is also shown. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exact solutions for a perturbed nonlinear Schrödinger equation by using Bäcklund transformations
Authors: Zedan Hassan A. , Tantawy Seham Sh.
Published: August 2008

In this paper, the method of deriving the Bäcklund transformation from the Riccati form of inverse method is presented for the perturbed nonlinear Schrödinger equation (PNSE). Consequently, the exact solutions for the PNSE can be obtained by the AKNS class. The technique developed relies on the construction of the wave functions that are solutions of the associated AKNS, that is, a linear eigenvalues problem in the form of a system of partial differential equation. Moreover, we construct a new soliton solution from the old one and its wave function. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Medicinal Use of Chocolate in Early North America
Authors: Pucciarelli Deanna L. , Grivetti Louis E.
Published: August 2008

The medicinal use of chocolate has a long history in North America dating back to the 16th century. From Mesoamerican Codices and European Treatises scholars have determined that for hundreds of years the beverage called chocolate was administered to the sick and prescribed homeopathically to prevent illness. Yet, little scholarship exists that focuses on medicinal chocolate usage in early North America (18th–19th century). This paper examines medical practices during this era and associated medicinal norms with special attention given to chocolate/cocoa usage. Given the current scientific attention on the relationship between dark chocolate consumption and heart disease attenuation it is timely to investigate and chronicle America's medical forebears' understanding of, and practices related to, the medicinal use of chocolate. Indeed, there is a significant amount of literature to suggest that chocolate was used for wellness and to treat illness.
On the importance of selenium and iodine metabolism for thyroid hormone biosynthesis and human health
Authors: Schomburg Lutz , Köhrle Josef
Published: August 2008

The trace elements iodine and selenium (Se) are essential for thyroid gland functioning and thyroid hormone biosynthesis and metabolism. While iodine is needed as the eponymous constituent of the two major thyroid hormones triiodo‐L‐thyronine (T3), and tetraiodo‐L‐thyronine (T4), Se is essential for the biosynthesis and function of a small number of selenocysteine (Sec)‐containing selenoproteins implicated in thyroid hormone metabolism and gland function. The Se‐dependent iodothyronine deiodinases control thyroid hormone turnover, while both intracellular and secreted Se‐dependent glutathione peroxidases are implicated in gland protection. Recently, a number of clinical supplementation trials have indicated positive effects of increasing the Se status of the participants in a variety of pathologies. These findings enforce the notion that many people might profit from improving their Se status, both as a means to reduce the individual health risk as well as to balance a Se deficiency which often develops during the course of illness. Even though the underlying mechanisms are still largely uncharacterised, the effects of Se appear to be exerted via multiple different mechanisms that impact most pronounced on the endocrine and the immune systems.
Procyanidin effects on oesophageal adenocarcinoma cells strongly depend on flavan‐3‐ol degree of polymerization
Authors: Pierini Roberto , Kroon Paul A. , Guyot Sylvain , Ivory Kamal , Johnson Ian T. , Belshaw Nigel J.
Published: August 2008

Epidemiological studies have shown that the risk of developing oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OA) is inversely correlated to consumption of fruits and vegetables. Flavan‐3‐ols are the most abundant subclass of flavonoids in these types of foods. Three apple‐derived procyanidin fractions with different average degrees of polymerization (aDP) were characterized and the effects of these fractions and of pure flavan‐3‐ol monomers ((–)‐epicatechin and (+)‐catechin) and dimers (B1, B2) on two OA cell lines were investigated. Flavan‐3‐ol monomers and dimers had no effect on the two cell lines, while apple‐derived flavan‐3‐ol oligomers and polymers induced a time‐dependent reduction of cell viability. The reduction in the cell viability was due to the induction of caspase‐mediated apoptosis and an arrest of the cell cycle in G0/G1. The magnitude of the reduction in cell viability and induction of apoptosis after exposure to flavan‐3‐ol oligomeric/polymeric fractions positively correlated with their aDP. These results indicate that only flavan‐3‐ol oligomers and polymers, but not monomers and dimers, have an effect on the proliferation of OA cells in vitro. As tested flavan‐3‐ol concentrations are achievable through diet, this study suggests that apple‐derived PA may possess chemotherapeutic effects against OA.
Identification of four IgE‐reactive proteins in raspberry (Rubus ideaeus L.)
Authors: Marzban Gorji , Herndl Anita , Kolarich Daniel , Maghuly Fatemeh , Mansfeld Agata , Hemmer Wolfgang , Katinger Hermann , Laimer Margit
Published: August 2008

IgE‐reactive proteins in raspberry (Rubus ideaus L.) were identified using PCR, RT‐PCR, 2‐DE and MS/MS peptide sequencing. Specific polyclonal antibodies and patient sera were used in Western blotting to identify crossreactive epitopes. Initially, two potential allergens Rub i 1 and Rub i 3 were detected using PCR, showing high sequence identity to proteins in Rosaceous species like Mal d 1 and Mal d 3 from apple, Pru av 1 and Pru av 3 from cherry and Pru p 1 and Pru p 3 from peach. Furthermore, de novo identified peptides of a protein band at about 30 kDa reacting with most of the patient sera tested (> 80%) revealed a high sequence homology with class III chitinases. Raspberry chitinase, when subjected to glycoproteomic analysis, showed typical complex plant‐type N‐glycans with a core α1,3 fucose and a β1,2 xylose at least at one position, indicating the presence of crossreacting carbohydrate determinants (CCDs). Finally, MS/MS analysis revealed an IgE‐reactive raspberry cyclophilin, homologous to Bet v 7. Results obtained suggest that the consumption of raspberries might be responsible for adverse reactions in sensitised individuals.
2‐D DIGE and MS/MS analysis of protein serum expression in rats housed in concrete and clay cages in winter
Authors: Kim Jong‐Choon , Kim Jin Young , Yeom Seok Ran , Jeong Bo Yoon , Hwang Hey‐Zoo , Park Keum‐Joo , Lee Seung‐won
Published: August 2008

In a previous study, we examined the physiological responses of male Sprague–Dawley rats over a 4‐week exposure to concrete and clay cages. No general toxicological changes were observed in rats exposed to either of the two cage types in summer. Under winter conditions, however, various general toxicological effects were detected in rats housed in concrete cages, although rats housed in clay cages showed no such effects. The infrared thermographic examination indicated that skin temperature in the concrete‐housed rats was abnormally low, but not so in the clay‐housed rats. We examined proteomic changes in the serum of rats housed in winter in concrete and clay cages using two‐dimensional differential in‐gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry. Five proteins were identified and quantitatively validated; all were cold stress‐induced, acute phase proteins that were either up‐regulated (haptoglobin) or down‐regulated (alpha‐1‐inhibitor III, alpha‐2u globulin, complement component 3, and vitamin D‐binding protein) in the concrete‐housed rats. These results suggest that the 4‐week exposure to a concrete cage in winter elicited a typical systemic inflammatory reaction (i.e. acute phase response) in the exposed rats.
Identification of novel proteins and phosphorylation sites in a tonoplast enriched membrane fraction of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Whiteman Sally‐Anne , Serazetdinova Liliya , Jones Alexandra M. E. , Sanders Dale , Rathjen John , Peck Scott C. , Maathuis Frans J. M.
Published: August 2008

Plant vacuoles play essential roles in many physiological processes, particularly in mineral nutrition, turgor provision and cellular signalling. The vacuolar membrane, the tonoplast, contains many membrane transporters that are critical in the execution of these processes. However, although increasing knowledge is available about the identity of proteins involved in these processes very little is known about the regulation of tonoplast transporters. By studying the phosphoproteome of tonoplast‐enriched membranes, we identified 66 phosphorylation sites on 58 membrane proteins. Amongst these, 31 sites were identified in 28 membrane transporters of various families including tonoplast anion transporters of the CLC family, potassium transporters of the KUP family, tonoplast sugar transporters and ABC transporters. In a number of cases, the detected sites were well conserved across isoforms of one family pointing to common mechanisms of regulation. In other cases, isoform‐unique sites were present, suggesting regulatory mechanisms tailored to the function of individual proteins. These results provide the basis for future studies to elucidate the mechanistic regulation of tonoplast membrane transporters.
A DIGE approach for the assessment of rat soleus muscle changes during unloading: effect of acetyl‐L‐carnitine supplementation
Authors: Moriggi Manuela , Cassano Pierluigi , Vasso Michele , Capitanio Daniele , Fania Chiara , Musicco Clara , Pesce Vito , Gadaleta Maria Nicola , Gelfi Cecilia
Published: August 2008

After hind limb suspension, a remodeling of postural muscle phenotype is observed. This remodeling results in a shift of muscle profile from slow‐oxidative to fast‐glycolytic. These metabolic changes and fiber type shift increase muscle fatigability. Acetyl‐L‐carnitine (ALCAR) influences the skeletal muscle phenotype of soleus muscle suggesting a positive role of dietary supplementation of ALCAR during unloading. In the present study, we applied a 2‐D DIGE, mass spectrometry and biochemical assays, to assess qualitative and quantitative differences in the proteome of rat slow‐twitch soleus muscle subjected to disuse. Meanwhile, the effects of ALCAR administration on muscle proteomic profile in both unloading and normal‐loading conditions were evaluated. The results indicate a modulation of troponin I and tropomyosin complex to regulate fiber type transition. Associated, or induced, metabolic changes with an increment of glycolytic enzymes and a decreased capacity of fat oxidation are observed. These metabolic changes appear to be counteracted by ALCAR treatment, which restores the mitochondrial mass and decreases the glycolytic enzyme expression, suggesting a normalization of the metabolic shift observed in unloaded animals. This normalization is accompanied by a maintenance of body weight and seems to prevent a switch of fiber type.
Analysis of embryonic proteome modulation by GA and ABA from germinating rice seeds
Authors: Kim Sun Tae , Kang Sun Young , Wang Yiming , Kim Sang Gon , Hwang Du Hyeon , Kang Kyu Young
Published: August 2008

The phytohormones gibberellic acid (GA) and abscisic acid (ABA) play essential and often antagonistic roles in regulating plant growth, development, and stress responses. Using a proteomics‐based approach, we examined the role of GA and ABA in the modulation of protein expression levels during seed germination. Rice seeds were treated with GA (200 μM), ABA (10 μM), ABA followed by GA, GA followed by ABA, and water as a control and then incubated for 3 days. The embryo was dissected from germinated seeds, and proteins were subjected to 2‐DE. Approximately, 665 total protein spots were resolved in the 2‐D gels. Among them, 16 proteins notably modulated by either GA or ABA were identified by MALDI‐TOF MS. Northern analyses demonstrated that expression patterns of 13 of these 16 genes were consistent with those of the proteome analysis. Further examination of two proteins, rice isoflavone resuctase (OsIFR) and rice PR10 (OsPR10), using Western blot and immunolocalization, revealed that both are specifically expressed in the embryo but not in the endosperm and are dramatically downregulated by ABA.
Cholesterol prevents interaction of the cell‐penetrating peptide transportan with model lipid membranes
Authors: Arsov Zoran , Nemec Marjana , Schara Milan , Johansson Henrik , Langel Ülo , Zorko Matjaž
Published: August 2008

Interaction of the cell‐penetrating peptide (CPP) cysteine‐transportan (Cys‐TP) with model lipid membranes was examined by spin‐label electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). Membranes were labeled with lipophilic spin probes and the influence of Cys‐TP on membrane structure was studied. The influence of Cys‐TP on membrane permeability was monitored by the reduction of a liposome‐trapped water‐soluble spin probe. Cys‐TP caused lipid ordering in membranes prepared from pure dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) and in DMPC membranes with moderate cholesterol concentration. In addition, Cys‐TP caused a large increase in permeation of DMPC membranes. In contrast, with high cholesterol content, at which model lipid membranes are in the so‐called liquid‐ordered phase, no effect of Cys‐TP was observed, either on the membrane structure or on the membrane permeability. The interaction between Cys‐TP and the lipid membrane therefore depends on the lipid phase. This could be of great importance for understanding of the CPP–lipid interaction in laterally heterogeneous membranes, while it implies that the CPP–lipid interaction can be different at different points along the membrane. Copyright © 2008 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The permeability and the efflux of alkaloids of the Evodiae fructus in the Caco‐2 model
Authors: Yang Xiu‐Wei , Teng Jie , Wang Ying , Xu Wei
Published: August 2008

The intestinal transport of four indoloquinazoline alkaloids, rutaecarpine (RCP), evodiamine (EDM), dehydroevodiamine (DEDM) and wuzhuyurutine B (WZYB) isolated from the Evodiae fructus was investigated using the monolayers of the human colon adenocarcinoma cell line Caco‐2 as a model system for intestinal absorption. The four alkaloids were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with UV detector. Transport parameters and permeability coefficients were then calculated and compared under identical conditions with those of mannitol, propranolol and paclitaxel. Permeability coefficients were also compared with the reported values for model compounds like propranolol and mannitol. The four alkaloids at a concentration of 5 µM were demonstrated substantial transport across the Caco‐2 cell monolayers with moderate to high permeability coefficients and WZYB demonstrated higher‐level intestinal transcellular efflux. The transports of DEDM and WZYB were concentration dependent at the concentrations of 5–25 µM. Among four alkaloids, EDM and DEDM are better‐transported compounds, and RCP and WZYB are moderate transport compounds. The data support the involvement for multidrug resistance‐associated proteins (MRPs) in the intestinal transcellular efflux of WZYB. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vitro antiprotozoal activity of some xanthones isolated from the roots of Andrographis paniculata
Authors: Dua Virendra K. , Verma Gaurav , Dash A. P.
Published: August 2008

Four xanthones isolated from the roots of Andrographis paniculata were tested in vitro for antiprotozoal activity against Trypanosoma brucei brucei, Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania infantum. Compound TDR13011 (1,2‐dihydroxy‐6,8‐dimethoxy‐xanthone) showed good activity against T. b. brucei and L. infantum with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 4.6 µg/ml and 8 µg/ml respectively. Xanthones from the roots of Andrographis paniculata exhibited promising anti‐protozoal activity and these compounds could be chemically modified to obtain a more potent product. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of aerosols on non‐precipitating marine stratocumulus. I: Model description and prediction of the indirect effect
Authors: Hill A. A. , Dobbie S. , Yin Y.
Published: August 2008

In this paper, the first of a two‐part study, we use the UK Met Office large‐eddy simulation model (LEM) with fully integrated size‐bin‐resolved cloud microphysics (BR‐LEM) to investigate the effects of increasing cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) concentrations on non‐precipitating marine stratocumulus. It is shown, as expected, that increasing CCN concentrations produces an increase in cloud‐drop number concentration and a decrease in cloud‐drop effective radius. However, for the case presented, we demonstrate that increasing CCN concentrations causes an increase in the rate of evaporative cooling at the cloud top, which drives stronger boundary‐layer dynamics, leading to more cloud‐top entrainment, which results in a reduction in boundary‐layer relative humidity and a reduction in LWP with increasing CCN. Comparison of the BR‐LEM simulations with LEM simulations that employ a simpler single‐moment bulk scheme (Bulk‐LEM) show that the bulk microphysics scheme fails to simulate this CCN‐‐entrainment feedback and the associated reduction in liquid water path. It is shown that, for a very polluted case, the failure of the bulk microphysics to capture this evaporation‐‐entrainment feedback results in a 60% overestimation of the indirect forcing estimate compared to the BR‐LEM. We conclude that it is necessary to realistically simulate the dynamic feedbacks associated with increased CCN, otherwise the indirect will be overestimated. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society