bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between treatment integrity and acceptability of reading interventions for children with Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Mautone Jennifer A. , DuPaul George J. , Jitendra Asha K. , Tresco Katy E. , Junod Rosemary Vile , Volpe Robert J.
Published: October 2009

This study examined the relationship between treatment integrity and acceptability for reading interventions across two consultation models, intensive data‐based academic intervention (IDAI) and traditional data‐based academic intervention (TDAI). Participants included 83 first‐ through fourth‐grade students who met research criteria for Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and evidenced academic difficulties and their general and/or special education teachers. Reading interventions were developed through individualized, data‐driven consultation (IDAI) or generic, menu‐based consultative services (TDAI). Results suggested a moderate, positive relationship between treatment integrity and acceptability for both consultation groups, although the relationship was statistically significant for the IDAI group only. Furthermore, although there was a significant difference between consultation groups on treatment integrity, differences between groups on treatment acceptability were not statistically significant. Implications for practice and future research are discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reliability and validity evidence for the EARLI literacy probes
Authors: Reid Melissa A. , DiPerna James C. , Morgan Paul L. , Wa Lei Pui
Published: October 2009

The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of scores from six early literacy probes developed for use with preschool‐age children. The literacy probes were administered to 84 preschoolers at three time points over a 6‐month period. Also, a criterion measure of early literacy skills was administered to a subset of students. Results indicated that the probes demonstrate adequate reliability for screening decisions, moderate to strong concurrent relationships with a criterion measure, and developmentally appropriate changes in children's early literacy skills over time. These results add to the growing body of evidence supporting the technical adequacy of general outcome measurement for use in monitoring the progress of preschoolers' academic skill development. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The validity of reading comprehension rate: Reading speed, comprehension, and comprehension rates
Authors: Skinner Christopher H. , Williams Jacqueline L. , Morrow Jennifer Ann , Hale Andre D. , Neddenriep Christine E. , Hawkins Renee O.
Published: October 2009

This article describes a secondary analysis of a brief reading comprehension rate measure, percent comprehension questions correct per minute spent reading (%C/M). This measure includes reading speed (seconds to read) in the denominator and percentage of comprehension questions answered correctly in the numerator. Participants were 22 4th‐, 29 5th‐, and 37 10th‐grade students. Results showed that reading speed accounted for much of the variance in Broad Reading Cluster scores and subtest scores of the Woodcock–Johnson III Tests of Achievement across all grade levels. Converting reading speed to the rate measure %C/M increased Broad Reading Cluster variance accounted for in the 4th‐ and 5th‐grade sample, but decreased the Broad Reading Cluster variance accounted for in the 10th‐grade sample. Discussion focuses on the importance of reading speed and the failure to enhance validity of a brief rate measure in more skilled readers by incorporating a direct measure of comprehension. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinical prediction rule to diagnose post‐infectious bronchiolitis obliterans in children
Authors: Colom Alejandro J. , Teper Alejandro M.
Published: October 2009

Rationale

Infant pulmonary function testing has a great value in the diagnosis of post‐infectious bronchiolitis obliterans (BOs), because of characteristic patterns of severe and fixed airway obstruction. Unfortunately, infant pulmonary function testing is not available in most pediatric pulmonary centers.

Objective

To develop and validate a clinical prediction rule (BO‐Score) to diagnose children under 2 years of age with BOs, using multiple objectively measured parameters readily available in most medical centers.

Methods

Study subjects, children under 2 years old with a chronic pulmonary disease assisted at R. Gutierrez Children's Hospital of Buenos Aires. Patients were randomly divided into a derivation (66%) and a validation (34%) set. ROC analyses and multivariable logistic regression included significant clinical, radiological, and laboratory predictors. The main outcome measure was a diagnosis of BOs. The performance of the BO‐Score was tested on the validation set.

Results

Hundred twenty‐five patients were included, 83 in the derivation set and 42 in the validation set. The BO‐Score (area under ROC curve = 0.96; 95% CI, 0.9–1.0%) was developed by assigning points to the following variables: typical clinical history (four points), adenovirus infection (three points), and high‐resolution computed tomography with mosaic perfusion (four points). A Score ≥7 predicted the diagnosis of BOs with a specificity of 100% (95% CI, 79–100%) and a sensitivity of 67% (95% CI, 47–80%).

Conclusions

The BO‐Score is a simple‐to‐use clinical prediction rule, based on variables that are readily available. A BO‐Score of 7 or more predicts a diagnosis of post‐infectious BOs with high accuracy. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:1065–1069. ©2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sensing the insulin signaling pathway with an antibody array
Authors: He Hua‐Jun , Zong Yaping , Bernier Michel , Wang Lili
Published: October 2009

The development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes is determined by various factors, including defects within the insulin signaling pathway. Mediators of insulin resistance operate through activation of various protein kinase C isoforms, IκB kinase β (IKKβ), and/or c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase, and subsequent inhibition of the proximal insulin signaling pathway via the insulin receptor substrate 1 and Akt. These mechanisms are still largely unresolved because of the complexity of the molecular events. In this study, an expression and activation state profiling of multiple known key signaling biomolecules involved in insulin metabolic and mitogenic signaling pathways was evaluated using a phosphospecific antibody array platform. The results of the arrayed antibodies were verified by the multiplexed bead array assay and conventional Western blot analysis, and confirmed the well‐known inhibitory effects of phorbol esters on insulin signaling pathway activation. Of interest, the increase in protein kinase C signaling responses with phorbol esters was associated with activation of the lipid phosphatase PTEN and a 27 kDa HSP. Thus, this insulin signaling antibody array provides a powerful and effective way to investigate the mechanism of insulin resistance and likely assist the development of innovative therapeutic drugs for type 2 diabetes.
Differential protein expression between normal, early‐stage, and late‐stage myxomatous mitral valves from dogs
Authors: Lacerda Carla M. R. , Disatian Sirilak , Orton E. Christopher
Published: October 2009

Valvular heart disease accounts for over 20 000 deaths and 90 000 hospitalizations yearly in the United States. Myxomatous valve disease (MVD) is the most common disease of the mitral valve in humans and dogs. MVD is pathologically identical in these species and its pathogenesis is poorly understood. The objectives of this study were to (i) develop proteomic methodology suitable for analysis of extracellular matrix‐rich heart valve tissues and (ii) survey over‐ and under‐expressed proteins that could provide mechanistic clues into the pathogenesis of MVD. Normal, early‐stage, and late‐stage myxomatous mitral valves from dogs were studied. A shotgun proteomic analysis was used to quantify differential protein expression. Proteins were classified by function and clustered according to differential expression patterns. More than 300 proteins, with 117 of those being differentially expressed, were identified. Hierarchical sample clustering of differential protein profiles showed that early‐ and late‐stage valves were closely related. This finding suggests that proteome changes occur in early degeneration stages and these persist in late stages, characterizing a diseased proteome that is distinct from normal. Shotgun proteome analysis of matrix‐rich canine heart valves is feasible, and should be applicable to human heart valves. This study provides a basis for future investigations into the pathogenesis of MVD.
Identification of cancer‐associated proteins by proteomics and downregulation of β‐tropomyosin expression in colorectal adenoma and cancer
Authors: Luo Yan‐Xin , Cui Ji , Wang Lei , Chen Dian‐Ke , Peng Jun‐Sheng , Lan Ping , Huang Mei‐Jin , Huang Yi‐Hua , Cai Shi‐Rong , Hu Kun‐Hua , Li Ming‐Tao , Wang Jian‐Ping
Published: October 2009

Elucidating the molecular mechanism underlying the development of adenoma, the major precursor lesion of colorectal cancer (CRC), would provide a basis for early detection, prevention as well as treatment of CRC. Using the highly sensitive 2‐D DIGE method coupled with MS, we identified 24 differentially expressed proteins in adenoma tissues compared with matched normal colonic mucosa and CRC tissues. Fifteen proteins were downregulated and three proteins were upregulated in adenoma tissues when compared with individual‐matched normal colonic mucosa. Five proteins were downregulated, while one protein was upregulated in adenoma tissues when compared with matched CRC tissues. A protein, β‐tropomyosin (TM‐β), recently suggested to be a biomarker of esophageal squamous carcinoma, was downregulated in both adenoma and CRC tissues. Additionally, the reduction in the level of TM‐β in adenoma and CRC tissues was further validated by Western blotting (p<0.05) and RT‐PCR (p<0.001). Our findings suggest that downregulation of TM‐β is involved in the early development of CRC and that differentially expressed proteins might serve as potential biomarkers for detection of CRC.
Livers overexpressing BRE transgene are under heightened state of stress‐response, as revealed by comparative proteomics
Authors: Tang Mei‐Kuen , Liu Guanjun , Hou Zhibo , Chui Yiu‐Loon , Chan John Y. H. , Lee Kenneth Ka Ho
Published: October 2009

BRE (TNFRSF1A modulator/BRCC45) is a stress‐responsive gene that is normally expressed at low levels in human and mouse livers. It binds to TNF‐R1 and Fas, and modulates the actions of these cytokines [Chan, B.C.L., Ching, A.K.K., To, K.F., Leung, J.C.K. et al., Oncogene 2008, 27, 1208–1217]. We demonstrated that BRE expression was rapidly induced when the liver was insulted with carbon tetrachloride. In addition, it is highly expressed in human hepatocellular carcinoma. Transgenic mice were produced that specifically overexpressed BRE in the liver to determine the effects of high levels of BRE on the liver. We found these transgenic livers were histologically normal when compared with their wild‐type counterpart. Hence, comparative proteomics were used to elucidate the molecular alterations in these tissues. It was established that several stress‐responsive proteins were upregulated in BRE‐transgenic hepatocytes. These include heat shock‐related 70 kDa protein 2, putative heat shock 70 kDa protein 7 and mitogen‐activated protein kinase 12. Furthermore, we demonstrated that silencing BRE expression in non‐tumoral Chang cells could directly inhibit the expression of these stress‐responsive genes. In conclusion, we propose that the liver in our BRE transgenic mice is under constant heightened stress‐response and this may be a major contributing factor to the hepatocellular carcinoma phenotype.
Modeling Growth, Surface Kinetics, and Morphology Evolution in PETN
Authors: Maiti Amitesh , Gee Richard H.
Published: October 2009

Pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) is a commonly used energetic material with both military and civilian applications. Good ignition properties mandate a powdered material with a high surface area. However, existing experimental data on PETN powder suggest an active surface that leads to particle coarsening and gradual reduction of the specific surface area over time. In this work we review some of the atomic‐level and coarse‐grained potential models developed for PETN and discuss their applications for studying particle morphology, growth, and surface kinetics, including molecular diffusion and evaporation/condensation rates. Simulation methods include classical molecular dynamics, kinetic Monte Carlo, and transition state calculations.
The crystal structures of macrophage migration inhibitory factor from Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium berghei
Authors: Dobson Sarah E. , Augustijn Kevin D. , Brannigan James A. , Schnick Claudia , Janse Chris J. , Dodson Eleanor J. , Waters Andrew P. , Wilkinson Anthony J.
Published: October 2009

Malaria, caused by Plasmodium falciparum and related parasites, is responsible for millions of deaths each year, mainly from complications arising from the blood stages of its life cycle. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), a protein expressed by the parasite during these stages, has been characterized in mammals as a cytokine involved in a broad spectrum of immune responses. It also possesses two catalytic activities, a tautomerase and an oxidoreductase, though the physiological significance of neither reaction is known. Here, we have determined the crystal structure of MIF from two malaria parasites, Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium berghei at 2.2 Å and 1.8 Å, respectively. The structures have an α/β fold and each reveals a trimer, in agreement with the results of analytical ultracentrifugation. We observed open and closed active sites, these being distinguished by movements of proline‐1, the catalytic base in the tautomerase reaction. These states correlate with the covalent modification of cysteine 2 to form a mercaptoethanol adduct, an observation confirmed by mass spectrometry. The Plasmodium MIFs have a different pattern of conserved cysteine residues to the mammalian MIFs and the side chain of Cys58, which is implicated in the oxidoreductase activity, is buried. This observation and the evident redox reactivity of Cys2 suggest quite different oxidoreductase characteristics. Finally, we show in pull‐down assays that Plasmodium MIF binds to the cell surface receptor CD74, a known mammalian MIF receptor implying that parasite MIF has the ability to interfere with, or modulate, host MIF activity through a competitive binding mechanism.
Circular permutation of ligand‐binding module improves dynamic range of genetically encoded FRET‐based nanosensor
Authors: Okada Satoshi , Ota Kazuhisa , Ito Takashi
Published: October 2009

Quantitative measurement of small molecules with high spatiotemporal resolution provides a solid basis for correct understanding and accurate modeling of metabolic regulation. A promising approach toward this goal is the FLIP (fluorescent indicator protein) nanosensor based on bacterial periplasmic binding proteins (PBPs) and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between the yellow and cyan variants of green fluorescent protein (GFP). Each FLIP has a PBP module that specifically binds its ligand to induce a conformation change, leading to a change in FRET between the two GFP variant modules attached to the N‐ and C‐termini of the PBP. The larger is the dynamic range the more reliable is the measurement. Thus, we attempted to expand the dynamic range of FLIP by introducing a circular permutation with a hinge loop deletion to the PBP module. All the six circularly permutated PBPs tested, including structurally distinct Type I and Type II PBPs, showed larger dynamic ranges than their respective native forms when used for FLIP. Notably, the circular permutation made three PBPs, which totally failed to show FRET change when used as their native forms, fully capable of functioning as a ligand binding module of FLIP. These FLIPs were successfully used for the determination of amino acid concentration in complex solutions as well as real‐time measurement of amino acid influx in living yeast cells. Thus, the circular permutation strategy would not only improve the performance of each nanosensor but also expand the repertoire of metabolites that can be measured by the FLIP nanosensor technology.
The quantum free electron laser: A new source of coherent, short‐wavelength radiation
Authors: Bonifacio R. , Piovella N. , Robb G.R.M.
Published: October 2009

A Free Electron Laser (FEL) operating in the quantum regime can provide a compact and monochromatic X‐ray source. Here we review the basic principles of a high‐gain quantum FEL starting from noise, with special emphasis on the self‐amplified spontaneous emission (SASE) mode of operation. In the first part of the paper, a condition for the neglect of the fermionic character of the electrons is derived and the full quantum theory of the N‐particle and single‐radiation‐mode FEL Hamiltonian is presented. Quantum effects such as cooperative gain, discrete spectrum and line narrowing are described, both in the multi‐particle and in the second quantization formalism. In the second part, propagation effects (i.e. slippage) are described and the main features of the quantum SASE regime are discussed. The broad and spiky radiation spectrum observed in classical SASE reduces in the quantum regime to a series of narrow lines, associated with sequential transitions between adjacent momentum states. A simple interpretation of the discrete nature of the spectrum and of the linewidth of the single spike observed in the quantum regime is presented.
Association of CD14 variant with prostate cancer in African American men
Authors: Mason Tshela E. , Ricks‐Santi Luisel , Chen Weidong , Apprey Victor , Joykutty Jessy , Ahaghotu Chiledum , Kittles Rick , Bonney George , Dunston Georgia M.
Published: October 2009

BACKGROUND

African American men have the highest rates of prostate cancer worldwide, and immunogenetic studies suggest that people of African descent have increased susceptibility to diseases of inflammation. Since genetic susceptibility is an etiological factor in prostate cancer, we hypothesize that sequence variants in the promoter region of the CD14 gene that regulate inflammation may modify individual susceptibility to this disease.

METHODS

The CD14 promoter was screened for single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using dHPLC. One variant, −260 C>T (rs2569190), was genotyped via restriction digest in all study participants (264 cases and 188 controls). The association of disease status and the polymorphism was analyzed by unconditional logistic regression. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated, stratifying by ethnicity and adjusting for age. Two‐sided P‐values of ≤0.05 were considered as statistically significant.

RESULTS

Eleven variants (four novel) were identified in the promoter region of CD14. A marginal association between the C genotypes (C/C + C/T) and prostate cancer was found (P = 0.07). When stratified by age, among men ≥55 years of age, the C genotypes were significantly associated with prostate cancer (P < 0.05). When stratified by self‐reported ethnicity, African American males who had the C genotypes were at a higher risk for prostate cancer (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to show an association between the C genotypes of the CD14 (−260) variant and prostate cancer which supports the hypothesis that genetic variation in the inflammatory process can contribute to prostate cancer susceptibility in African American men. Prostate 70: 262–269, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA), increases cell folate uptake and proliferation and suggests a novel role for PSMA in the uptake of the non‐polyglutamated folate, folic acid
Authors: Yao Veronica , Berkman Clifford E. , Choi Joseph K. , O'Keefe Denise S. , Bacich Dean J.
Published: October 2009

BACKGROUND

Prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a unique folate hydrolase that is significantly upregulated in prostate cancer. In a mouse model, PSMA is able to facilitate prostate carcinogenesis, however, little is known about the mechanism by which this occurs. As PSMA is able to hydrolyze polyglutamated folates, and cancer cells proliferate directly in response to available folate, we examined if expression of human PSMA in PC‐3 cells confers a proliferative advantage in a microenvironment with physiologically relevant folate levels.

METHODS

Proliferation and folate uptake of PC‐3 prostate cancer cells expressing human‐PSMA or vector alone was assessed in media containing low (LF; 1 nM), physiological (PF; 25 nM), or high (HF; 2.3 µM) folate with or without poly‐γ‐glutamated folate (Pte‐Glu5) or folic acid, and a specific inhibitor of the enzymatic activity of PSMA, 2‐(phosphonomethyl)‐pentanedioic acid (2‐PMPA). Folic acid was tested for its ability to competitively inhibit the enzymatic activity of PSMA.

RESULTS

Proliferation of PC‐3‐PSMA cells grown in the presence of poly‐γ‐glutamated folate, was significantly higher than that of PC‐3‐vector cells, an advantage which was attenuated by the addition of 2‐PMPA. In media containing physiologic levels of folate, PSMA expression increased folic acid uptake approximately twofold over non‐expressing cells. Folic acid was able to inhibit hydrolysis ofN‐[4‐(phenylazo)‐benzoyl]‐glutamyl‐γ‐glutamic acid (PABGgG) by PSMA in a competitive inhibition assay.

CONCLUSION

These findings implicate PSMA in both the metabolism of polyglutamated folates, and in the uptake of monoglutamated folates. Under conditions of LF or PF levels, PSMA gives cells expressing it a proliferative advantage. Prostate 70: 305–316, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Integration of GaAs/In0.1Ga0.9As/AlAs resonance tunneling heterostructures into micro‐electro‐mechanical systems for sensor applications
Authors: Xue Chenyang , Hu Jie , Zhang Wendong , Zhang Binzhen , Xiong Jijun , Chen Yong
Published: October 2009

Double‐barrier quantum‐well resonant tunneling heterostructures of GaAs/In0.1Ga0.9As/AlAs have been used as pressure‐sensing elements of designed micro‐electro‐mechanical systems. The static experiments have been conducted on the heterostructure, in both positive and negative differential resistance (PDR and NDR) regions, showing a piezoresistive coefficient of 3.85 × 10−9 Pa−1, which is about seven times larger than that of piezoresistive silicon devices. At the same time, the devices also provided an improved dynamic response (119.6 µV · g−1 V−1) and signal‐to‐noise ratio (57 dB) in the NDR region.
Study on trapping center and trapping effect in MSM ultraviolet photo‐detector on microcrystalline diamond film
Authors: Wang Lanxi , Chen Xuekang , Wu Gan , Guo Wantu , Wang Yunfei , Cao Shengzhu , Shang Kaiwen , Han Weihua
Published: October 2009

A MSM (metal‐semiconductor‐metal) ultraviolet (UV) photo‐detector was fabricated on a high‐quality diamond film deposited by microwave chemical vapor deposition on a Si substrate. Charge‐based deep level transient spectroscopy (Q‐DLTS) was used for obtaining the information on activation energy (Ea), capture cross section (σs) and concentration (Nt) of trapping centers in the band gap of the diamond film. A shallow level with Ea = 0.213 eV, σs = 9.88 × 10−20 cm2 and Nt = 1.1 × 1011 cm−2 is present in the diamond film. The shallow level may not act as effective recombination center due to the so small activation energy according to the Schockly‐Read‐Hall statistics. The UV photo‐detector presents slow time response, high responsivity and high photoconductive gain under irradiation of 220 nm monochromatic light. These performances indicate that minority carrier trapping effect may play an important role in the UV photo‐detector. The photo‐generated minority carriers (electrons in this work) may be trapped by the shallow level during light irradiation process and then de‐trap slowly via thermal excitation or tunnelling effect after removing the light source, which contributes to the prolonged response time. The trapping effect can also reduce the carrier recombination probability, resulting in the high responsivity and high photoconductive gain.
Structure and carrier transport properties of hot‐press deformed Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3
Authors: Kitagawa Hiroyuki , Kurata Akira , Araki Hiroshi , Morito Shigekazu , Tanabe Eishi
Published: October 2009

A hot‐press deformation study of Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 was undertaken to obtain polycrystals with a preferred textural orientation for use in thermoelectric applications. Source materials were prepared by mechanical alloying (MA) as well as hot pressing (HP) and they were deformed at 673–823 K by applying mechanical pressure in a graphite die. The materials were extruded in a direction opposite to the direction of the applied pressure. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) analyses indicated that the hexagonal c‐planes of the samples that were deformed at high temperatures preferably aligned along the direction of the extrusion. The Hall mobility increased as the deformation temperature increased and it showed a good correlation to the textural orientation.
The dominant role of tunneling in the conductivity of carbon nanofiber‐epoxy composites
Authors: Cardoso P. , Silva J. , Paleo A. J. , van Hattum F. W. J. , Simoes R. , Lanceros‐Méndez S.
Published: October 2009

In this work, epoxy composites reinforced with vapor‐grown carbon nanofibers were prepared by a simple dispersion method and studied in order to identify the main conduction mechanism. The samples show high electrical conductivity values. The results indicate that a good cluster distribution seems to be more important than the fillers dispersion in order to achieve high conductivity values. Interparticle tunneling has been identified as the main mechanism responsible for the observed behavior.
John A. Wheeler's lessons to an undergraduate student
Authors: Mills Allen P.
Published: October 2009

The author had the good fortune to write his May 1961 Junior research paper “Determination of the Curvature Tensor” under the guidance of Professor John Archibald Wheeler (July 9, 1911 – April 13, 2008). By a series of miraculous mishaps several of Wheeler's note sheets as well as his letter critiquing the paper were preserved and are exhibited here. While not valuable scientifically, this material is presented to illustrate the teaching lavished on an undergraduate and something about the character and philosophy of the teacher. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Measurement of oxygen transmission rate through foamed materials for bottle closures
Authors: Poças Maria F. , Ferreira Belmiro , Pereira Joel , Hogg Timothy
Published: October 2009

The determination of the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) through closures in glass bottles is becoming increasingly important for quality control of different batches and for development purposes. The Mocon method for measuring OTR is globally accepted and used in different applications. However, one of the major drawbacks this method presents when applied to bottle/closures systems is the long time required to obtain stable measurements when 40 mm long closures are tested. This paper describes a method to obtain OTR values with samples of reduced thickness with much shorter measurements time, since the condition of steady state during measurements is achieved faster and compares the estimated full‐length commercial closure OTR with experimental values. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Linear quadratic tracking problem for discrete‐time systems with multiple delays in single input channel
Authors: Liu Shuai , Xie Lihua , Zhang Huanshui
Published: October 2009

The linear quadratic tracking problem for discrete‐time systems with multiple delays in single input channel is considered. In this paper, we provide an approach without resorting to system state augmentation. The optimal tracking control is given in terms of the current state, the previous inputs, and the output of an auxiliary backward deterministic delay system which is formulated for the first time in this paper. The solution relies on a Riccati difference equation of the same dimension as the plant (ignoring the delays). The key to our development is the establishment of a duality between the optimal tracking control and the optimal smoothing estimation of an associated stochastic backward system as well as the introduction of the auxiliary backward deterministic delay system. An analysis of the computational complexity of the proposed approach and its comparison with that of the augmentation method, which is to incorporate the delayed inputs into the augmented state, are provided. An example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the results. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Segmented SLAM in three‐dimensional environments
Authors: Fairfield Nathaniel , Wettergreen David , Kantor George
Published: October 2009

Simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) has been shown to be feasible in many small, two‐dimensional, structured domains. The next challenge is to develop real‐time SLAM methods that enable robots to explore large, three‐dimensional, unstructured environments and allow subsequent operation in these environments over long periods of time. To circumvent the scale limitations inherent in SLAM, the world can be divided up into more manageable pieces. SLAM can be formulated on these pieces by using a combination of metric submaps and a topological map of the relationships between submaps. The contribution of this paper is a real‐time, three‐dimensional SLAM approach that combines an evidence grid–based volumetric submap representation, a robust Rao–Blackwellized particle filter, and a topologically flexible submap segmentation framework and map representation. We present heuristic methods for deciding how to segment the world and for reconstructing large‐scale metric maps for the purpose of closing loops. We demonstrate our method on a mobile robotic platform operating in large, three‐dimensional environments. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Developing monocular visual pose estimation for arctic environments
Authors: Williams Stephen , Howard Ayanna M.
Published: October 2009

Arctic regions present one of the harshest environments on Earth for people or mobile robots, yet many important scientific studies, particularly those involving climate change, require measurements from these areas. For the successful deployment of mobile sensors in the Arctic, a high‐quality localization system is required. Although a global positioning system can provide coarse positioning (within several meters), it cannot provide any orientation information. A single‐camera‐pose‐estimation system is presented, based on visual odometry techniques, which is capable of operating in the feature‐poor environments of the Arctic. To validate the system, a prototype rover was developed and fielded on a glacier in Alaska. The resulting pose estimates compare favorably to values obtained by hand registering the same video sequence. Although pose errors do accumulate over time, these errors are typical of a standard odometry system but obtained in an environment where standard odometry is not practical. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diagnostic accuracy and potential limitations of transvaginal sonography for bladder endometriosis
Authors: Savelli L. , Manuzzi L. , Pollastri P. , Mabrouk M. , Seracchioli R. , Venturoli S.
Published: October 2009

Objectives

To evaluate the accuracy and the potential limitations of transvaginal sonography (TVS) in the preoperative evaluation of women with clinically suspected bladder endometriosis and to describe the sonographic features of the pathological condition in cases in which it was confirmed.

Methods

In the period between 2001 and 2006, we operated on 490 patients with clinically/sonographically suspected endometriosis. In 41 cases, bladder endometriosis was diagnosed at surgery and confirmed at histopathological examination. All patients underwent TVS in a standardized manner not more than 1 month before surgery. Findings at preoperative TVS were described and compared with those at laparoscopy in order to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of TVS.

Results

Bladder endometriosis was correctly identified at TVS in 18/41 cases (43.9%) while 23/41 (56.1%) patients had a negative preoperative sonogram. The sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values of TVS for bladder endometriosis were 44% (18/41), 100% (449/449), 100% (18/18) and 95% (449/472), respectively, and the total accuracy was 95% (467/490). The detection rate was strongly related to mean lesion diameter as measured by the pathologist (mean ± SD, 42.5 ± 22.1 mm in the nodules detected vs. 28.9 ± 14.8 mm in the nodules missed; P = 0.029) and to a history of previous surgery for endometriosis (70.6% vs. 25.0%; P = 0.005). At TVS, the nodule was hypoechogenic, its morphology was either elongated (‘comma‐shaped’: 12/18, 66.7%) or spherical (6/18, 33.3%), and the site involved was the dome (11/18, 61.1%) or the base (7/18, 38.9%) of the bladder. Small anechogenic cystic areas within the nodule were seen in five of the 18 patients (27.8%) and a bright hyperechogenic rim was seen in 10 (55.6%).

Conclusions

The detection rate of bladder endometriosis by TVS depends on the size of the endometriotic nodules, with detected nodules being larger than those that were missed. A history of previous surgery for endometriosis increases the likelihood of bladder endometriosis being detected on ultrasound examination. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
X‐ray fluorescence determination of the FeO/Fe2O3tot ratio in igneous rocks
Authors: Finkelshtein A. L. , Chubarov V. M.
Published: October 2009

This study was performed to search for the possibility of assessing the FeO/Fe2O3tot ratio in rocks using K‐ and L‐series of the X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrum. The uncertainty in the determination of the FeO/Fe2O3tot ratio was compared from the obtained ratios of Kβ2, 5‐/Kβ1, 3‐ and Lβ‐/Lα1, 2‐line intensities. The measurements were implemented by a conventional XRF spectrometer, S4 Pioneer. The assessment of the uncertainty in FeO/Fe2O3tot determination in mineral powder fractions proved that the Kβ2, 5/Kβ1, 3 ratio of lines could be selected as the analytical signal. A relative standard deviation of FeO content in the collection of 48 reference materials of igneous rocks varies within the range of 5–16%, depending on the range of the FeO/Fe2O3tot ratio and the FeO content. The best accuracy was attained for FeO/Fe2O3tot >0.45 with FeO contents varying within 5–15%. In the andesite and basalt samples, the relative standard deviation was <4%. In granite rocks, the error reached 23% at fairly low content of FeO <3%. For the igneous rock samples at a ratio FeO/Fe2O3tot >0.25, the XRF determination of FeO content can be performed at an accuracy comparable with that of wet chemical analysis. The XRF method is preferred because it is fast and convenient for sample preparation. It could be used as an analytical technique in routine geochemical investigations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rating vs. coding in animal personality research
Authors: Highfill Lauren , Hanbury David , Kristiansen Rachel , Kuczaj Stan , Watson Sheree
Published: October 2009

Animal personality research has become increasingly popular over the past few decades. The two main methods used to examine individual differences in animals are rating and coding. The rating method involves human scoring of an animal's behavioral tendencies along various behavioral dimensions, such ratings are typically based on the human rater's experience with the animal. The coding method also requires humans to score an animal's behavior, but differs in that the scoring is based on the animal's immediate behavior in a specific context. This brief report describes the use of both the rating and coding methods to examine personality within a group of 10 Garnett's bushbabies (Otolemur garnettii). The results indicated that individual personalities do exist in bushbabies, but also suggested that the rating method is heavily influenced by the rater's experience with an animal. Consequently, it is important that the nature of the rater's interactions with the target animals be considered when using the rating method to assess animal personality. Zoo Biol 29:509–516, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Community Responds to Collective Trauma: An Ecological Analysis of the James Byrd Murder in Jasper, Texas
Authors: Wicke Thomas , Silver Roxane Cohen
Published: October 2009

The brutal murder of James Byrd Jr. in June 1998 unleashed a storm of media, interest groups, high profile individuals and criticism on the Southeast Texas community of Jasper. The crime and subsequent response—from within the community as well as across the world—engulfed the entire town in a collective trauma. Using natural disaster literature/theory and employing an ecological approach, Jasper, Texas was investigated via an interrupted time series analysis to identify how the community changed as compared to a control community (Center, Texas) on crime, economic, health, educational, and social capital measures collected at multiple pre‐ and post‐crime time points between 1995 and 2003. Differences‐in‐differences (DD) analysis revealed significant post‐event changes in Jasper, as well as a surprising degree of resilience and lack of negative consequences. Interviews with residents conducted between March 2005 and 2007 identified how the community responded to the crisis and augmented quantitative findings with qualitative, field‐informed interpretation. Interviews suggest the intervention of external organizations exacerbated the severity of the events. However, using strengths of specific local social institutions—including faith based, law enforcement, media, business sector and civic government organizations—the community effectively responded to the initial threat and to the potential negative ramifications of external entities.
How Camillo Golgi became “the Golgi”
Authors: Mazzarello Paolo , Garbarino Carla , Calligaro Alberto
Published: October 2009

On April 1898 Camillo Golgi communicated to the Medical–Surgical Society of Pavia, the discovery of the “internal reticular apparatus”, a novel intracellular organelle which he observed in nerve cells with the silver impregnation he had introduced for the staining of the nervous system. Soon after the discovery it became evident that this cellular component, which was also named the “Golgi apparatus”, was a ubiquitous structure in eukaryotic cells. However the reality of the organelle was questioned for years and many cytologists considered the internal reticular apparatus as an artefact due to the fixation and/or metallic impregnation procedure. The controversy was finally solved in the mid‐1950s by electron microscopy when the Golgi apparatus definitely acquired its dignity of being a genuine cell organelle. The designation of “Golgi complex” entered officially in the literature in 1956. Both the terms Golgi apparatus and Golgi complex are currently interchangeable. However a quick “the Golgi” and the introduction of Golgi in adjectival form are now prevalent in the blooming scientific literature on the organelle. Thus Camillo Golgi underwent his final transformation and, becoming the eponym of the organelle he had discovered, he found a way to immortality.
The potential health benefits of legumes as a good source of dietary fibre
Authors: Trinidad Trinidad P. , Mallillin Aida C. , Loyola Anacleta S. , Sagum Rosario S. , Encabo Rosario R.
Published: October 2009

Dietary fibre has been shown to have important health implications in the prevention of risks of chronic diseases. The objective of the present study was to determine the potential health benefits of legumes as a good source of dietary fibre. Six to ten local legumes were studied as follows: cowpeas, mung beans, pole sitao, chickpeas, green peas, groundnuts, pigeon peas, kidney beans, lima beans and soyabeans. The following studies were conducted: (a) mineral availability,in vitro; (b) glycaemic index (GI) in non-diabetic and diabetic human subjects; (c) the cholesterol-lowering effect in human subjects with moderately raised serum cholesterol levels. The highest Fe availability among legumes was for lima beans (9·5 (sem0·1)) while for Zn and Ca, the highest availability was for kidney beans (49·3 (sem4·5)) and pigeon peas (75·1 (sem7·1)), respectively. Groundnuts have the lowest Fe (1·3 (sem1·1)), Zn (7·9 (sem1·3)) and Ca (14·6 (sem2·8)) availability. Legumes are low-GI foods ( < 55), ranging from 6 (chickpeas) to 13 (mung beans). Kidney beans showed significant reductions for both total (6 %) and LDL-cholesterol (9 %), and groundnuts for total cholesterol (7 %;P < 0·05). We conclude that mineral availability from legumes differs and may be attributed to their mineral content, mineral–mineral interaction and from their phytic and tannic acid content; legumes are considered low-GI foods and have shown potential hypocholesterolaemic effects. The above studies can be a scientific basis for considering legumes as functional foods.
Lipid content and fatty acids composition of mature human milk in rural North China
Authors: Wan Zhong-Xiao , Wang Xiao-Li , Xu Li , Geng Qian , Zhang Yumei
Published: October 2009

To determine the lipid content and fatty acid (FA) composition of breast milk from fifty-two lactating women between ninth and twelfth lactation weeks in rural North China. The mothers were questioned on their dietary habits. Total milk lipids extracts were transmethylated and analysed using GLC to determine FA contents. The mean lipid content was 40·21 (sd 1·43) g/l. SFA constituted 35·92 % of the total FA. Medium-chain and long-chain SFA presented levels of 10·91 and 25·01 %, respectively. MUFA and PUFA constituted 32·59 and 19·97 % of the total FA, respectively. Oleic, linoleic and α-linolenic acid (ALA) presented contents of 31·26, 17·73 and 1·03 %, respectively. Arachidonic acid had a content of 0·30 %, while DHA content was 0·19 %. Not any form of trans FA were found in human milk samples. A maternal diet transition is proceeding in China. Further investigation on the analysis of human milk FA composition is needed to upgrade the human milk database in China.
Distortion product otoacoustic emissions following stapedectomy versus stapedotomy
Authors: Migirov L , Wolf M
Published: October 2009

Objectives:

To evaluate distortion product otoacoustic emissions following stapes surgery in patients with otosclerosis, and to compare in this respect two surgical techniques used in our department.

Method:

This retrospective study included 17 stapedectomy and 23 stapedotomy patients aged 16–68 years who had been followed up for at least 12 months. Distortion product otoacoustic emission results at 2, 3, 4 and 5 kHz (i.e. =f2, with 2f1 − f2 = 0.6f2) were obtained pre-operatively and four weeks post-operatively. The control group included 13 volunteers aged 18–50 years with normal hearing and normal otoscopic findings.

Results:

Distortion product otoacoustic emissions were detected pre-operatively in 34.8 per cent of stapedotomy patients and 29.4 per cent of stapedectomy patients, and post-operatively in 91.3 per cent of stapedotomy patients and 88.2 per cent of stapedectomy patients. The differences between the stapedotomy and stapedectomy groups were statistically insignificant for each tested frequency, both pre- and post-operatively. The patients' post-operative distortion product otoacoustic emission amplitudes were less than those of normal hearing individuals, even in patients with complete air–bone gap closure and a significant improvement in hearing.

Conclusion:

Distortion product otoacoustic emissions were detected in most of our patients following successful stapes surgery, and appeared to be unaffected by the surgical technique or prosthesis used.
Sphenoid sinus mucocele: 10 cases and literature review
Authors: Soon S R , Lim C M , Singh H , Sethi D S
Published: October 2009

Introduction:

Sphenoid sinus mucoceles represent only 1–2 per cent of all paranasal sinus mucoceles. Patients may present with a myriad of symptoms. Pre-operative investigations include nasoendoscopy, computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging. Treatment is by endoscopic sinus surgery.

Methodology:

A retrospective review of the archives of the Singapore General Hospital otolaryngology department (1999–2006) identified 10 cases of sphenoid sinus mucocele. Patient demographics, presenting symptoms, investigations and treatment were evaluated.

Results:

The 10 patients identified (three women and seven men) had a mean age of 54.5 years (range 24–70 years). Thirty per cent of patients had a history of nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated with radiotherapy. Presenting symptoms, in order of decreasing frequency, were: ocular symptoms (50 per cent), headaches (30 per cent), nasal discharge (30 per cent) and facial pain (10 per cent). All patients underwent pre-operative computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Twenty per cent of patients had evidence of intracranial involvement on imaging. All patients underwent uncomplicated transnasal sphenoidotomy and drainage of the mucocele. There was no clinical or radiological evidence of recurrence at a mean follow up of 29 months (range 4–90 months).

Conclusion:

Sphenoid sinus mucocele is a rare condition. In this study, radiation to the head and neck appeared to be a predisposing factor, and eye symptoms were the commonest presentation. Endoscopic sinus surgery is a safe and effective treatment modality.
On the systematic social role of expressed emotions: An embodied perspective
Authors: Vermeulen Nicolas
Published: October 2009

Vigil suggests that expressed emotions are inherently learned and triggered in social contexts. A strict reading of this account is not consistent with the findings that individuals, even those who are congenitally blind, do express emotions in the absence of an audience. Rather, grounded cognition suggests that facial expressions might also be an embodied support used to represent emotional information.
Melody, Language and the Development of Singing in the Curriculum
Authors: Addo Akosua Obuo
Published: October 2009

In this study, the author examines the relationship between tone production and language among children from Ghana. The results suggest that linguistic content influences melodic movement. To a large extent, the singing development of these children is made possible through play and the other culturally acceptable repertoire that they hear around them. The author concludes that teachers should be encouraged to develop exercises that enhance vocal development while rooted within the children's musical cultures.
Non-Western Musics in Education: Problems and Possibilities
Authors: Kwami Robert
Published: October 2009

The recent explosion in ‘world musics’ can be seen as a positive element for music education; but a failure to adopt a well-grounded and consensual approach in British educational institutions may well signal problems for the future of music as a curriculum subject. This paper problematises the use of non- Western musics in schools and colleges, it recognises the need for a more thorough conceptual stance and a reappraisal of the music curriculum and, among a number of options, suggests an anti-racist and intercultural perspective as a possible way forward.
Organizing for Cancer Control: The Diffusion of a Dynamic Innovation in a Community Cancer Network
Authors: McKinney Martha M. , Barnsley Janet M. , Kaluzny Arnold D.
Published: October 2009

This paper examines the diffusion of a “dynamic” innovation—research on the prevention and control of cancer—in a community cancer network. By analyzing the social structures and communication strategies of network members, as well as the attributes of the innovation, the authors explain why this innovation is diffusing more slowly than its “formed” counterpart—research on the treatment of cancer.