bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the adult ADHD Self‐report Scale
Authors: Yeh Chin‐Bin , Gau Susan Shur‐Fen , Kessler Ronald C. , Wu Yu‐Yu
Published: February 2008

Although attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adulthood has become a topic of considerable interest to psychiatrists over the past decade, little is known about the prevalence or correlates of adult ADHD in the Chinese population. As a first step in addressing this problem, this study presents data on the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the World Health Organization's Adult ADHD Self‐report Scale (ASRS) in a sample of 1031 young males from an army base and 3298 young adults from two colleges. All participants completed the Chinese ASRS. Participants from an army base also completed a clinical assessment including the Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS) for assessing childhood ADHD, the Impulsiveness Scale for measuring the severity of current impulsive behaviors, and information about substance use. Results showed good concordance (intraclass correlations = 0.80∼0.85) and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.83∼0.91) among the ASRS subscales and moderate to high correlations between these subscales and the WURS (Pearson's correlations = 0.37∼0.66). The Chinese ASRS also demonstrated the ability to predict childhood disruptive problems and habitual use of substances. Our findings suggest that the Chinese ASRS is a reliable and valid instrument to assist in screening for adult ADHD. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrical stimulation increases matrix metalloproteinase‐2 gene expression but does not change its activity in denervated rat muscle
Authors: Russo Thiago Luiz , Peviani Sabrina Messa , Durigan João Luiz Quagliotti , Salvini Tania Fátima
Published: February 2008

Muscle‐fiber atrophy occurs concomitantly with intramuscular connective tissue proliferation following denervation. These events contribute to the impairment of mechanical and functional properties of denervated muscles and compromise their recovery. Electrical stimulation (ES) is used in human rehabilitation to treat denervated muscles. However, the effects of this therapy on the intramuscular extracellular matrix (ECM) remain uncertain. Metalloproteinases (MMPs) are responsible by remodeling ECM in many neuromuscular disorders. This study evaluates the effect of ES on the activity of two important MMPs, MMP‐2 and MMP‐9, both involved in ECM remodeling of rat denervated muscles. Thirty‐four Wistar rats (3 months old, 356 ± 38.7 g) were divided into five groups: denervated (D); D+ES; sham denervation; normal (N); and N+ES. Twenty maximal muscle contractions were stimulated every 48 h using surface electrodes, as generally used in the rehabilitation of human denervated muscle. Both zymographic analysis and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of MMPs were used to evaluate muscle after denervation for 28 days. Both the D and D+ES groups showed increased MMP‐2 activity compared with the N group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, only the D+ES had increased MMP‐2 gene expression compared with the N group (P < 0.05). MMP‐9 activity was not detected in any of the groups. The results of this study indicate that denervation increases MMP‐2 activity, and ES regulates MMP‐2 gene expression in rat denervated skeletal muscle. These findings clarify the effects of ES on the ECM of denervated muscle and may be helpful in designing new therapeutic strategies for rehabilitation in patients with denervation of muscle. Muscle Nerve, 2008
Convergence analysis of the Q1‐finite element method for elliptic problems with non‐boundary‐fitted meshes
Authors: Ramière Isabelle
Published: February 2008

The aim of this paper is to derive a priori error estimates when the mesh does not fit the original domain's boundary. This problematic of the last century (e.g. the finite difference methodology) returns to topical studies with the huge development of domain embedding, fictitious domain or Cartesian‐grid methods. These methods use regular structured meshes (most often Cartesian) for non‐aligned domains. Although non‐boundary‐fitted approaches become more and more applied, very few studies are devoted to theoretical error estimates.

In this paper, the convergence of a Q1‐non‐conforming finite element method is analyzed for second‐order elliptic problems with Dirichlet, Robin or Neumann boundary conditions. The finite element method uses standard Q1‐rectangular finite elements. As the finite element approximate space is not contained in the original solution space, this method is referred to as non‐conforming. A stair‐step boundary defined from the Cartesian mesh approximates the original domain's boundary. The convergence analysis of the finite element method for such a kind of non‐boundary‐fitted stair‐stepped approximation is not treated in the literature. The study of Dirichlet problems is based on similar techniques as those classically used with boundary‐fitted linear triangular finite elements. The estimates obtained for Robin problems are novel and use some more technical arguments.

The rate of convergence is proved to be in 𝒪(h1/2) for the H1‐norm for all general boundary conditions, and classical duality arguments allow one to obtain an 𝒪(h) error estimate in the L2‐norm for Dirichlet problems. Numerical results obtained with fictitious domain techniques, which impose original boundary conditions on a non‐boundary‐fitted approximate immersed interface, are presented. These results confirm the theoretical rates of convergence. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficient evaluation of the pdf of a random variable through the kernel density maximum entropy approach
Authors: Alibrandi U. , Ricciardi G.
Published: February 2008

In this paper, a new approach for the evaluation of the probability density function (pdf) of a random variable from the knowledge of its lower moments is presented. At first the classical moment problem (MP) is revisited, which gives the conditions such that the assigned sequence of sample moments represent really a sequence of moments of any distribution. Then an alternative approach is presented, termed as the kernel density maximum entropy (MaxEnt) method by the authors, which approximates the target pdf as a convex linear combination of kernel densities, transforming the original MP into a discrete MP, which is solved through a MaxEnt approach. In this way, simply solving a discrete MaxEnt problem, not requiring the evaluation of numerical integrals, an approximating pdf converging toward the MaxEnt pdf is obtained. The method is first demonstrated by approximating some known analytical pdfs (the chi‐square and the Gumbel pdfs) and then it is applied to some experimental engineering problems, namely for modelling the pdf of concrete strength, the circular frequency and the damping ratio of strong ground motions, the extreme wind speed in Messina's Strait region. All the developed numerical applications show the goodness and efficacy of the proposed procedure. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neural networks for variational problems in engineering
Authors: Lopez R. , Balsa‐Canto E. , Oñate E.
Published: February 2008

In this work a conceptual theory of neural networks (NNs) from the perspective of functional analysis and variational calculus is presented. Within this formulation, the learning problem for the multilayer perceptron lies in terms of finding a function, which is an extremal for some functional. Therefore, a variational formulation for NNs provides a direct method for the solution of variational problems.

This proposed method is then applied to distinct types of engineering problems. In particular a shape design, an optimal control and an inverse problem are considered. The selected examples can be solved analytically, which enables a fair comparison with the NN results. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Momentum advection on unstructured staggered quadrilateral meshes
Authors: Benson David J.
Published: February 2008

The finite element method, as applied to problems in solid mechanics, typically uses a mesh with the velocities at the nodes and the remaining solution variables, including the density, located at the integration points. The arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian formulations used in solid mechanics are therefore faced with the challenge of transporting momentum, which is defined in terms of variables located at separate points in space, in a conservative manner. Two types of momentum transport methods have been developed over the years. The first constructs a dual mesh with the nodes as the integration points, a difficult task on an unstructured finite element mesh. The second uses the original mesh and constructs auxiliary variables for transport from which the final velocity may be recovered. An analysis demonstrates how the two methods are related. Simplified implementations of each type—dual mesh and element centered—are developed in detail and their performance is compared to verify the analysis. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adaptive tetrahedral mesh generation by constrained Delaunay refinement
Authors: Si H.
Published: February 2008

This paper presents a tetrahedral mesh generation method for numerically solving partial differential equations using finite element or finite volume methods in three‐dimensional space. The main issues are the mesh quality and mesh size, which directly affect the accuracy of the numerical solution and the computational cost. Two basic problems need to be resolved, namely boundary conformity and field points distribution. The proposed method utilizes a special three‐dimensional triangulation, so‐called constrained Delaunay tetrahedralization to conform the domain boundary and create field points simultaneously. Good quality tetrahedra and graded mesh size can be theoretically guaranteed for a large class of mesh domains. In addition, an isotropic size field associated with the numerical solution can be supplied; the field points will then be distributed according to it. Good mesh size conformity can be achieved for smooth sizing informations. The proposed method has been implemented. Various examples are provided to illustrate its theoretical aspects as well as practical performance. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Symptoms and physical activity behavior in individuals with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Motl Robert W. , Snook Erin M. , Schapiro Randall T.
Published: February 2008

We examined overall and specific symptoms as correlates of physical activity in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Participants (N = 133) completed questionnaires that measured overall symptoms; and specific symptoms of depression, pain, and fatigue; difficulty walking; and physical activity. Initial analyses indicated that higher levels of overall symptoms (r = −.50), fatigue (r = −.26), and difficulty walking (r = −.46) were associated with lower levels of physical activity. Path analysis demonstrated that higher levels of overall symptoms were directly and indirectly associated with lower levels of physical activity; the indirect pathway involved difficulty walking (γγββ = −.17). Such findings indicate that walking difficulty may partially explain the negative relationship between overall symptoms and physical activity behavior in MS. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 31:466–475, 2008
Obstipationsmanagement bei pädiatrisch‐onkologischen Patienten. Wenn krebskranke Kinder auch noch verstopft sind
Authors: Zimmermann Karin
Published: February 2008

Obstipation ist häufig bei Kindern und Jugendlichen unter Chemotherapie. Obstipation kann zu zusätzlichen – potentiell gefährlichen – Komplikationen führen, wie vermehrte Anorexie, Übelkeit und Erbrechen, gesteigertes Krankheitsgefühl, mehr Schmerzen, schlechtere Lebensqualität, Therapieverzögerungen, zusätzliche Hospitalisationen und notfallmäßige chirurgische Interventionen. Neben den primären Faktoren wird sie bei dieser Population vor allem auch durch iatrogene Faktoren wie Zytostatika, Opiate und Antiemetika verursacht. Der Einsatz von Laxanzien beruht hauptsächlich auf klinischer Erfahrung. Richtlinien zum Einsatz, Dosis und Langzeiteffekte der Laxanzien aus den verschiedenen Gruppen sind in vielen Spitälern nicht vorhanden. Randomisierte, kontrollierte klinische Studien zum Vergleich verschiedener Substanzen sind selten. Umso wichtiger ist das individuelle Assessement und die Patienten‐ und Angehörigenedukation bei jedem Patienten. Darin sollten alle beteiligten Berufsgruppen Verantwortung übernehmen.
Neue Cyanid‐Antidots
Authors: Zündorf Ilse , Dingermann Theo
Published: February 2008

Für die Wissenschaftsrubrik von Spiegel Online war es eine Meldung wert: Oral bioverfügbare Prodrugs von 3‐Mercaptopyruvat wirken schneller, länger und prophylaktisch gegen Cyanidvergiftungen.
Defibrotide in the prevention and treatment of veno‐occlusive disease in autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplantation in children
Authors: Qureshi Amrana , Marshall Lynley , Lancaster Donna
Published: February 2008

Background

Hepatic veno‐occlusive disease (VOD) is a common (10–50%) and serious complication of haematological stem cell transplantation (HSCT), with up to 90% mortality rates. We carried out a study to assess whether the use of prophylactic defibrotide in paediatric patients undergoing HSCT results in a lower frequency or severity of hepatic VOD.

Procedure

Forty‐seven successive patients who underwent transplantation between April 2004 and December 2005 were given defibrotide prophylaxis and were compared with 56 historical controls transplanted between November 2001 and April 2004. No serious side effects were reported. High risk patients in the control group received ursodeoxycholic acid and tinzaparin as VOD prophylaxis. The groups were matched for sex, age, type of transplant and risk.

Results

In the defibrotide group, four patients developed clinical VOD (Seattle criteria) although two had liver biopsies which showed graft versus host disease (GvHD). Defibrotide dose was increased and symptoms resolved within 14 days. Of the control group four patients had VOD. Two of these patients had reversed hepatic vein flow and died 30 days post‐transplant, partly due to VOD. VOD was associated with busulfan conditioning (P = 0.001) and not with age, sex, type of transplant, GvHD, abnormal liver function prior to transplant or type of antifungal prophylaxis.

Conclusions

VOD incidence and severity was reduced in the defibrotide group which suggests that defibrotide might be effective in preventing and treating VOD. Sufficiently powered randomised trials are now required to definitively test the role of defibrotide in this setting. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:831–832. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Successful treatment for advanced small cell carcinoma of the ovary
Authors: Christin Anne , Lhomme Catherine , Valteau‐Couanet Dominique , Dubrel Marie , Hartmann Olivier
Published: February 2008

Small cell carcinoma of the ovary is a rare and aggressive malignant tumour with a poor prognosis. The authors describe two females, 12 and 13 years old, who presented with advanced stage disease. They were treated with surgical resection, multiagent chemotherapy and high‐dose chemotherapy followed by autologous bone marrow transplantation. They remain free of disease more than 9.5 and 14 years since the diagnosis. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:1276–1277. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of molecular weight and molding conditions on the replication of injection moldings with micro‐scale v‐groove features
Authors: Murakami Osamu , Kotaki Masaya , Hamada Hiroyuki
Published: February 2008

Injection molded optical plastic parts require accurate replication of micro‐scale features. The effects of melt viscosity and molding conditions on replication of microscopic v‐groove features in injection molded parts were examined for PC with different molecular weight. The micro‐scale feature size was a continuous v‐groove with 20 μm in depth and 50 μm in width. For injection molding conditions, melt temperature, mold temperature, injection velocity and holding pressure were varied in three levels. As the result, the mold temperature had significantly affected replication for all polymers with different molecular weight. Additionally, the molding conditions that lower melt viscosity led to improved replication. In the case of polymer with high molecular weight, the viscosity decreased with increasing melt temperature. It has been found that high replication of micro‐scale features could be achieved by higher mold temperature and higher melt temperature even with high viscosity PC. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Advanced injection molding mold and molding process for improvement of weld line strengths and isotropy of glass fiber filled aromatic polyester LCP
Authors: Koponen Matti , Enqvist Jouni , Nguyen‐Chung Tham , Mennig Günter
Published: February 2008

An advanced injection molding tool for measurement of mechanical strength and anisotropy of liquid crystal polymers (LCP)/mineral filler composites was developed. The mold produces thin‐walled LCP specimens that can be used by water cutting technique for production of an injection molded flow direction test bar, a transverse‐to‐injection molded flow direction test bar, a test bar for knit line strength measurement, and a test bar for butt weld line strength measurement. This tool and its use for molding experiments were optimized by experimental research and by computational calculations based on experimental parameters obtained by molding of several LCP test materials. Different pressure profiles and different injection speeds were tested as well as application of mold overflow phenomenon in production of test specimens. It was observed that a pressure controlled X‐melt technique and on the other hand fast injection speeds with overflow in conventional molding methods gave the best strength and isotropy properties for the test specimens. Results indicate that the mold developed is useful for determination of anisotropic and weld line strength properties of LCP composites. When developing “isotropic LCP” by different possibilities of nanotechnology this tool significantly reduces time of LCP material and process development. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Characterization of new formulations for the rotational molding based on ethylene–propylene copolymer/graphite nanocomposites
Authors: Planes Emilie , Duchet Jannick , Maazouz Abdherrahim , Gerard Jean‐François
Published: February 2008

In this article, ethylene–propylene copolymer/lamellar graphite nanocomposites were processed to be used in rotational molding. The addition of graphite aims at increasing the thermal conductivity of polyolefin and reducing processing cycle time. This article describes the different ways to get a well‐controlled dispersion of fillers in the matrix. For that, the control of the filler/matrix interactions is necessary. Graphite was treated with a concentrated nitric acid and sulfuric acid solution to lead to a graphite intercalation compound (GIC). By heating at high temperature, expanded lamellar graphite is so obtained. As the graphite surface energy is higher than polyolefin matrix one, the initial graphite and expanded graphite were treated with stearic acid, commonly used in the case of calcium carbonate, in order to match the surface energy of the hydrophobic matrix. In addition, as for clay‐polyolefin compounding, an interfacial modifier, i.e. a maleated ethylene–propylene copolymer (EP‐g‐MA) was added to improve the interactions between fillers and hydrophobic polyolefin matrix. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Investigation of exchange reactions and rheological response of reactive blends of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) and phenoxy resin
Authors: Farmahini‐Farahani Madjid , Jafari Seyed Hassan , Khonakdar Hossein Ali , Böhme Frank , Komber Hartmut , Yavari Ahmad , Tarameshlou Mohammad
Published: February 2008

BACKGROUND: Reactive melt blends of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) with a phenoxy resin (Ph) are some of the most interesting classes of reactive blends in which different kinds of exchange reactions can occur. This work is devoted to the study of these reactions and their effect on the rheological and morphological properties of the blends.

RESULTS: The occurrence of transesterification reactions was confirmed by 1H NMR analysis. Scanning electron microscopy observations confirmed that all the blends, except PTT/Ph 90/10 (w/w), which exhibits a droplet‐in‐matrix morphology, are homogeneous. At the beginning of transesterification, the melt viscosity of the blends is more influenced by molar mass increasing reactions than by molar mass decreasing ones. After extension of the reaction time and increase in temperature the molar mass reducing reactions become predominant, which results in a reduction of the complex viscosities.

CONCLUSION: This work provides new data on the transesterification reactions involving the secondary hydroxyl groups of phenoxy. The properties of PTT/Ph blends are strongly determined by the transesterification reactions, which on the one hand results in the formation of PTT‐grafted phenoxy chains and on the other hand a decrease in the molar mass of non‐bonded PTT. These reactions exert a distinct compatibilizing effect between the blend components. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
A longitudinal assessment of the effect of inhaled fluticasone propionate therapy on adrenal function and growth in young children with asthma
Authors: Iles R. , Williams R. W. , Deeb A. , Ross‐Russell R. , Acerini C.L.
Published: February 2008

Objective

Fluticasone proprionate (FP) is increasingly used to treat very young children with asthma. Its safety in terms of effects on the hypothalamic pituitary axis (HPA) and growth in this age group is uncertain.

Patients and methods:

Eleven children (median (range) age 10 (5.6–24.3) months) presenting with recurrent wheeze and family history of asthma were studied prospectively for a period of 18 months. Children received daily‐inhaled FP 250 µg via a spacer device. No other corticosteroid therapy was administered prior to or during the study. A Short Standard Synacthen Test (SST) (125 µg) was performed pretreatment, and after 6 and 18 months. Weight (Wt), height (Ht), and body mass index (BMI) were measured at 3–6 monthly intervals.

Results:

Fasting early morning and peak cortisol levels remained within the normal reference range with therapy. There were no changes in Ht SDS, whereas both Wt SDS (baseline 0.05 (−2.17 to 0.52) vs. +18 months 0.68 (−0.5 to 1.36) P < 0.02) and BMI SDS (−0.22 (−1.73 to 0.75) vs. 0.86 (0.03 to 1.99) P < 0.005) increased after 18 months of treatment.

Conclusion:

Daily treatment with inhaled FP 250 µg in young children with asthma appears to have no adverse effects on the HPA or on linear growth, however, treatment is associated with increases in body Wt and BMI in young children. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008; 43:354–359. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
IL‐10 gene polymorphism at −1082 A/G is associated with severe rhinovirus bronchiolitis in infants
Authors: Helminen Merja , Nuolivirta Kirsi , Virta Miia , Halkosalo Anne , Korppi Matti , Vesikari Timo , Hurme Mikko
Published: February 2008

We analyzed polymorphisms of IL‐10 −1082 G/A, IL‐18 −137 G/C, TLR4 +896 A/G, and IFNG +874 T/A in 139 infants under 6 months of age hospitalized with bronchiolitis and 400 unselected blood donors. Causative viruses were determined by PCR. Infants with bronchiolitis associated with a virus other than respiratory syncytial virus (N = 18), were more often IL‐10 −1082 allele G non‐carriers, that is, homozygous for allele A (AA) than controls (66.7% vs. 28.0%, P < 0.0001). Infants with RSV bronchiolitis did not differ from controls. This finding suggests a different pathogenic mechanism for RSV bronchiolitis as compared with wheezing associated with other viral infections, for example, rhinovirus in infants under 6 months of age. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008; 43:391–395. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Community‐acquired methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus: an emerging concern for physical therapists: Discussion
Authors: Levenhagen Kim M.
Published: February 2008

The Centers for Disease Control has identified community‐acquired methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA‐MRSA) as an emerging worldwide public health risk. Healthcare professionals such as physical therapists can play an important role in the early detection, prevention and management of CA‐MRSA. This discussion paper is a narrative overview of CA‐MRSA's prevalence in at‐risk groups, the distinguishing characteristics of hospital‐acquired methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (HA‐MRSA) and CA‐MRSA infections, and treatments for HA‐MRSA and CA‐MRSA. Using the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice as a framework, this paper describes physical therapists' role in the detection, prevention and management of CA‐MRSA infections and their role in community education about CA‐MRSA. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reliability and concurrent validity of the Expanded Timed Up‐and‐Go test in older people with impaired mobility
Authors: Botolfsen Pernille , Helbostad Jorunn L. , Moe‐nilssen Rolf , Wall James C.
Published: February 2008

Background and Purpose. ‘Expanded Timed Up‐and‐Go’ (ETUG) was developed to assess each of the subtasks of the ‘Timed Up‐and‐Go’ (TUG). The aim of the study was to test the intrarater, interrater, test–retest reliability and internal consistency of the ETUG, and the concurrent validity with the TUG. Methods. The present study is a reliability and a validity study. Twenty‐eight subjects (80 ± 4.1 years) with balance and gait problems were included. Three raters timed the ETUG subtasks from a video, using a computer‐based scoring programme, and the total ETUG time was calculated. TUG was registered by a regular stopwatch. Results. The intrarater and interrater reliability (intraclass correlation [ICC][1,1]) ranged from 0.55 to 0.97. The test–retest reliability (ICC[1,1]) ranged from 0.54 to 0.85. The absolute measurement error of the total time (1.96 Sw) was 2.8 seconds. The internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) was 0.74. The correlation (Pearson's r) between ETUG total time and TUG after correcting for attenuation caused by restricted reliability in each of the measures was 0.85. Conclusion. The ETUG scored from a video shows a good reliability for experienced raters and acceptable internal consistency. The ETUG showed a higher reliability than TUG when tested on the same sample of older subjects with impaired mobility, and the high concurrent validity between ETUG and TUG suggests that the two tests may have similar properties. Since ETUG also adds new information compared with TUG, we suggest that ETUG is an interesting alternative to existing clinical tests of mobility. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CRW 2.0: A representative‐compound approach to functionality‐based prediction of reactive chemical hazards
Authors: Johnson Lewis E. , Farr James K.
Published: February 2008

The NOAA Chemical Reactivity Worksheet (CRW) has provided a user‐friendly, yet powerful method of qualitatively predicting reactive chemical hazards since its introduction in 1998, and has seen its use in spill response, storage management, and process safety for intentional chemistry. The CRW predicts reaction hazards based on a database of more than 6,000 common industrial chemicals, classified by major reactive groups, using 43 × 43 matrix of organic and inorganic reactive groups, modified from the earlier “EPA method for determining the compatibility of hazardous mixtures.” CRW output describes the hazards qualitatively; e.g., “spontaneous ignition of reactants or products due to reaction heat,” or “combination liberates nonflammable, nontoxic gas and may cause pressurization.” The CRW also provides summaries of properties and special hazards for many of the compounds in the database.

CRW 2.0, a new, standalone version of the CRW, is due to be released later this year. Earlier versions of the CRW had a limited set of references and limited information about specific reactions, and this information could only be found in each compound's chemical profile, increasing search time for assessing reaction specifics, and providing little information that could be used to mitigate the chance of false‐positives—the CRW is designed to be conservative in its predictions, and will indicate an incompatibility even if only a few reactions are found between two functional groups. Version 2.0 improves the database based on an extensive literature survey of potentially hazardous reactions for representative members of all 43 listed functional groups, with primary literature references available for many of the hazards predicted, and many errors and omissions corrected. This article describes the methodology for the literature search, rationale for changes to the operation of the database, extent of the new documentation, and the remaining design limitations of the product. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 2008
Adsorption and degradation of four acidic herbicides in soils from southern Spain
Authors: Villaverde Jaime , Kah Melanie , Brown Colin D
Published: February 2008

BACKGROUND: Pesticide degradation and adsorption in soils are key processes determining whether pesticide use will have any impact on environmental quality. Pesticide degradation in soil generally results in a reduction in toxicity, but some pesticides have breakdown products that are more toxic than the parent compound. Adsorption to soil particles ensures that herbicide is retained in the place where its biological activity is expressed and also determines potential for transportation away from the site of action. Degradation and adsorption are complex processes, and shortcomings in understanding them still restrict the ability to predict the fate and behaviour of ionisable pesticides. This paper reports the sorption and degradation behaviour of four acidic pesticides in five soils from southern Spain. Results are used to investigate the influence of soil and pesticide properties on adsorption and degradation as well as the potential link between the two processes.

RESULTS: Adsorption and degradation of four acidic pesticides were measured in four soils from Spain characterised by small organic matter (OM) contents (0.3–1.0%) and varying clay contents (3–66%). In general, sorption increased in the order dicamba < metsulfuron‐methyl < 2,4‐D < flupyrsulfuron‐methyl‐sodium. Both OM and clay content were found to be important in determining adsorption, but relative differences in clay content between soils were much larger than those in OM content, and therefore clay content was the main property determining the extent of herbicide adsorption for these soils. pH was negatively correlated with adsorption for all compounds apart from metsulfuron‐methyl. A clear positive correlation was observed for degradation rate with clay and OM content (P < 0.01), and a negative correlation was observed with pH (P < 0.01). The exception was metsulfuron‐methyl, for which degradation was found to be significantly correlated only with soil bioactivity (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Both OM and clay content were found to be important in determining adsorption, but relative differences in clay content between soils were much larger than those in OM content, and therefore clay content was the main property determining the extent of herbicide adsorption for soils of this type. pH was negatively correlated with adsorption for all compounds apart from metsulfuron‐methyl. The contrasting behaviour shown for these four acidic pesticides indicates that chemical degradation in soil is more difficult to predict than adsorption. Most of the variables measured were interrelated, and different behaviours were observed even for compounds from the same chemical class and with similar structures. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Glyphosate sustainability in South American cropping systems
Authors: Christoffoleti Pedro J , Galli Antonio JB , Carvalho Saul JP , Moreira Murilo S , Nicolai Marcelo , Foloni Luiz L , Martins Bianca AB , Ribeiro Daniela N
Published: February 2008

South America represents about 12% of the global land area, and Brazil roughly corresponds to 47% of that. The major sustainable agricultural system in South America is based on a no‐tillage cropping system, which is a worldwide adopted agricultural conservation system. Societal benefits of conservation systems in agriculture include greater use of conservation tillage, which reduces soil erosion and associated loading of pesticides, nutrients and sediments into the environment. However, overreliance on glyphosate and simpler cropping systems has resulted in the selection of tolerant weed species through weed shifts (WSs) and evolution of herbicide‐resistant weed (HRW) biotypes to glyphosate. It is a challenge in South America to design herbicide‐ and non‐herbicide‐based strategies that effectively delay and/or manage evolution of HRWs and WSs to weeds tolerant to glyphosate in cropping systems based on recurrent glyphosate application, such as those used with glyphosate‐resistant soybeans. The objectives of this paper are (i) to provide an overview of some factors that influence WSs and HRWs to glyphosate in South America, especially in Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay soybean cropped areas; (ii) to discuss the viability of using crop rotation and/or cover crops that might be integrated with forage crops in an economically and environmentally sustainable system; and (iii) to summarize the results of a survey of the perceptions of Brazilian farmers to problems with WSs and HRWs to glyphosate, and the level of adoption of good agricultural practices in order to prevent or manage it. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Background noise removal in ultrasonic B‐scan images using iterative statistical techniques
Authors: Wells I. , Charlton P. C. , Mosey S. , Donne K. E.
Published: February 2008

The interpretation of ultrasonic B‐scan images can be a time‐consuming process and its success depends on operator skills and experience. Removal of the image background will potentially improve its quality and hence improve operator diagnosis. An automatic background noise removal algorithm is proposed, enabling the highlighting of defects and aiding the operator in the location and sizing of any anomalies. The method provides a means to successfully remove the background from a B‐scan image. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Practical applications of design of experiments in the field of engineering: a bibliographical review
Authors: Ilzarbe Laura , Álvarez María Jesús , Viles Elisabeth , Tanco Martín
Published: February 2008

The design of experiments (DoE) methodology is a technique that has been applied for many years in industry to improve quality. In this study, a summary of 77 cases of practical DoE application in the field of engineering is presented. All of the cases were published in important scientific journals between 2001 and 2005. The type of design that is applied, the size of the experiment, the number of factors that influence the response variable, and the sector of application of the design are analyzed. In addition, the increasing use of these designs over time is demonstrated. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The development of preservice elementary teachers' curricular role identity for science teaching
Authors: Forbes Cory T. , Davis Elizabeth A.
Published: February 2008

Curriculum materials are a crucial tool with which teachers engage in teaching practice. For preservice teachers to learn to use science curriculum materials in productive ways, they must develop a conception of themselves as elementary teachers in which the use of science curriculum materials is a valued dimension of science‐teaching practice. We define those dimensions of teachers' professional role identities concerned with the use of curriculum materials ascurricular role identity. This mixed‐methods study examines preservice elementary teachers' development of curricular role identity for science teaching through their use of science curriculum materials. Forty‐seven preservice elementary teachers in two sections of an elementary science methods course were studied over the course of one semester. Data sources include survey results from preservice teachers in both course sections as well as interviews, observations, and course artifacts from preservice teachers studied in‐depth. Results suggest preservice teachers articulate important differences between their own and more experienced elementary teachers' curricular role identity for science teaching and make progress toward appropriating the latter. Supporting them to do so requires emphasizing interactions with science curriculum materials as part of teacher education and providing classroom‐based experiences through which they can put their developing curricular role identities into action. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Sci Ed92:909–940, 2008
An epistemological approach to modeling: Cases studies and implications for science teaching
Authors: Sensevy Gérard , Tiberghien Andrée , Santini Jérôme , Laubé Sylvain , Griggs Peter
Published: February 2008

Models and modeling are a major issue in science studies and in science education. In addressing such an issue, we first propose an epistemological discussion based on the works of Cartwright (1983, 1999), Fleck (1935/1979), and Hacking (1983). This leads us to emphasize the transitions between the abstract and the concrete in the modeling process, by using the notions of nomogical machine (Cartwright, 1999), language game (Wittgenstein, 1953/1997), and thought style (Fleck, 1935/1979). Then, in the light of our epistemological approach, we study four cases coming from the implementations of research‐based design activities (SESAMES, 2007). These four case studies illustrate how students are engaged in constructing relations between the abstract and the concrete through modeling activities, by elaborating at the same time specific language games and appropriate thought styles. Finally, we draw some implications for science teaching. It is suggested that considering didactic nomological machines as embedding knowledge on the one hand, and classes as thought collectives, on the other hand, may relevantly contribute to science education and science education research. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 92:424–446, 2008
The effects of cocaine on regional brain glucose metabolism is attenuated in dopamine transporter knockout mice
Authors: Thanos Panayotis K. , Michaelides Michael , Benveniste Helene , Wang Gene Jack , Volkow Nora D.
Published: February 2008

Cocaine's ability to block the dopamine transporter (DAT) is crucial for its reinforcing effects. However the brain functional consequences of DAT blockade by cocaine are less clear since they are confounded by its concomitant blockade of norepinephrineand serotonin transporters. To separate the dopaminergic from the non‐dopaminergic effects of cocaine on brain function we compared the regional brain metabolic responses to cocaine between dopamine transporter deficient (DAT−/−) mice with that of their DAT+/+ littermates. We measured regional brain metabolism (marker of brain function) with 2‐[18F]‐fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose (FDG) and microPET (μPET) before and after acute cocaine administration (i.p. 10 mg/kg). Scans were conducted 2 weeks apart. At baseline DAT−/− mice had significantly greater metabolism in thalamus and cerebellum than DAT+/+. Acute cocaine decreased whole brain metabolismand this effect was greater in DAT+/+ (15%) than in DAT−/− mice (5%). DAT+/+ mice showed regional decreases in the olfactory bulb, motor cortex, striatum, hippocampus, thalamus and cerebellum whereas DAT−/− mice showed decreases only in thalamus. The differential pattern of regional responses to cocaine in DAT−/− and DAT+/+ suggests that most of the brain metabolic changes from acute cocaine are due to DAT blockade. Cocaine‐induced decreases in metabolism in thalamus (region with dense noradrenergic innervation) in DAT−/− suggest that these were mediated by cocaine's blockade of norepinephrine transporters. The greater baseline metabolism in DAT−/− than DAT+/+ mice in cerebellum (brain region mostly devoid of DAT) suggests that dopamine indirectly regulates activity of these brain regions. Synapse, 62:319–324, 2008. Published 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nutrition aspects in children receiving maintenance hemodialysis: impact on outcome
Authors: Srivaths Poyyapakkam R. , Wong Craig , Goldstein Stuart L.
Published: February 2008

Children with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have rates of mortality estimated to be 30-times higher than expected for age compared with those of healthy children. Physical manifestations of under-nutrition, such as body mass index (BMI) and low height standard deviation score (SDS), have been associated with increased risk of mortality. Traditional measures, such as height, weight and serum albumin concentration, may not be accurate indicators to assess the nutritional status of children receiving maintenance hemodialysis. Normalized protein catabolic rate (nPCR) has emerged as a better marker of nutritional status of such children. Meeting the special nutritional needs of these children often requires nutritional supplementation, by either the enteral or the parenteral route. Recently, in children receiving maintenance hemodialysis who are malnourished, intradialytic parenteral nutrition (IDPN) has been utilized as a means to provide additional protein and calories. This article is a state-of-the-art review of malnutrition in children receiving maintenance hemodialysis, with special focus on outcome, nPCR and IDPN.
Monotropastrum humile var. humile is associated with diverse ectomycorrhizal Russulaceae fungi in Japanese forests
Authors: Yamada Akiyoshi , Kitamura Daisei , Setoguchi Masanobu , Matsuda Yosuke , Hashimoto Yasushi , Matsushita Norihisa , Fukuda Masaki
Published: February 2008

Monotropastrum humile is nearly lacking in chlorophyll and obtains its nutrients, including carbon sources, from associated mycorrhizal fungi. We analyzed the mycorrhizal fungal affinity and species diversity of M. humile var. humile mycorrhizae to clarify how the plant population survives in Japanese forest ecosystems. We classified 78 samples of adult M. humile var. humile individuals from Hokkaido, Honshu, and Kyusyu Islands into 37 root mycorrhizal morphotypes. Of these, we identified 24 types as Russula or Lactarius fungal taxa in the Russulaceae, Basidiomycetes, but we could not identify the remaining 13 types as to their genus in the Basidiomycetes. The number of fungal species on M. humile var. humile was the highest in the plant subfamily. The diversity of fungal species revealed its increased trends in natural forests at the stand level, fagaceous vegetation, and cool‐temperate climate. The most frequently observed fungus colonized mainly samples collected from sub‐alpine forests; the second most frequently observed fungus colonized samples collected from sub‐alpine to warm‐temperate forests. These results suggest that Japanese M. humile populations are associated with specific but diverse fungi that are common ectomycorrhizal symbionts of various forest canopy trees, indicating a tripartite mycorrhizal relationship in the forest ecosystem.
Kinetics and Thermodynamics of Oil Extraction from Olive Cake
Authors: Meziane Smail , Kadi Hocine
Published: February 2008

The kinetics of oil extraction from olive cake by using ethanol 96% was studied for different solvent‐to‐solids ratios and temperatures. The thermodynamic aspect of the extraction process was also examined. In the kinetic study, the results produced by the model of So and Macdonald (a model involving two main mechanisms of oil extraction: a washing process and a diffusion process with two stages) were found to be in good agreement with the experimental data. The yield of oil in the extract increased with increasing contact time, solvent‐to‐solids ratio and extraction temperature. The calculated values of the mass transfer coefficients of various stages of the extraction were found to increase linearly with solvent‐to‐solids ratio and temperature. In all cases, the predominant mechanism in the extraction was the washing of the oil occurring on the particle surface. The values of the activation energy were 8.56 kJ mol−1 for the washing stage, 9.88 kJ mol−1 for the first stage of diffusion and 17.55 kJ mol−1 for the second stage of diffusion by changing temperature from 20 to 50 °C. Further, the results obtained from thermodynamic study of extraction process gave positive values of enthalpy and entropy changes and negative values of change in free energy. Under the equilibrium conditions, the temperature coefficient was found to be 1.02.
Preparation of Phosphatidylated Terpenes via Phospholipase D‐Mediated Transphosphatidylation
Authors: Yamamoto Yukihiro , Hosokawa Masashi , Kurihara Hideyuki , Miyashita Kazuo
Published: February 2008

Terpenes such as geraniol, geranylgeraniol, farnesol, and phytol are known as functional compounds which exhibit anticancer effects and activate nuclear receptors. For the application of functional terpenes in various fields, including the cosmetic and food industries, we attempted to synthesize phosphatidylated terpenes (terpene‐PLs) by using phospholipase D (PLD). Transphosphatidylation of phosphatidylcholine with terpenes was carried out using PLD in a biphasic system containing ethyl acetate/water or in an aqueous system without organic solvent. The yield of terpene‐PL increased with the reaction time and the amount of PLD in both the biphasic and aqueous systems. Further, the yield of terpene‐PL in the aqueous system was higher than that in the biphasic system. In addition, among four PLDs from Streptomyces sp., Streptomyces chromofuscus, cabbage, and peanut, only the PLD from Streptomyces sp. could synthesize terpene‐PL. The reaction yield, based on substrate phospholipid, of phosphatidylgeraniol reached 90 mol% under the following optimal reaction conditions: 50 μmol soyPC; 2,000 μmol geraniol; 1.6 U PLD; 0.8 ml of 0.2 M sodium acetate buffer (pH 5.6); temperature, 37 °C ; and reaction time, 24 h. The reaction yields of phosphatidylfarnesol, phosphatidylgeranylgeraniol, and phosphatidylphytol were 73, 54, and 17 mol%, respectively.
Network medicine
Authors: Pawson Tony , Linding Rune
Published: February 2008

To more effectively target complex diseases like cancer, diabetes and schizophrenia, we may need to rethink our strategies for drug development and the selection of molecular targets for pharmacological treatments. Here, we discuss the potential use of protein signaling networks as the targets for new therapeutic intervention. We argue that by targeting the architecture of aberrant signaling networks associated with cancer and other diseases new therapeutic strategies can be implemented. Transforming medicine into a network driven endeavour will require quantitative measurements of cell signaling processes; we will describe how this may be performed and combined with new algorithms to predict the trajectories taken by a cellular system either in time or through disease states. We term this approach, network medicine.
Towards a molecular characterisation of pathological pathways
Authors: Pache Roland A. , Zanzoni Andreas , Naval Jordi , Mas José Manuel , Aloy Patrick
Published: February 2008

The dominant conceptual reductionism in drug discovery has resulted in many promising drug candidates to fail during the last clinical phases, mainly due to a lack of knowledge about the patho‐physiological pathways they are acting on. Consequently, to increase the revenues of the drug discovery process, we need to improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying complex cellular processes and consider each potential drug target in its full biological context. Here, we review several strategies that combine computational and experimental techniques, and suggest a systems pathology approach that will ultimately lead to a better comprehension of the molecular bases of disease.