bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insulin receptor substrate‐2 gene variants in subjects with metabolic syndrome: Association with plasma monounsaturated and n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid levels and insulin resistance
Authors: Perez‐Martinez Pablo , Delgado‐Lista Javier , Garcia‐Rios Antonio , Tierney Audrey C. , Gulseth Hanne L. , Williams Christine M. , Karlström Brita , Kieć‐Wilk Beata , Blaak Ellen E. , Helal Olfa , Saris Wim H. M. , Defoort Catherine , Drevon Christian A. , Lovegrove Julie A. , Dembinska‐Kieć Aldona , Riserus Ulf , Roche Helen M. , Lopez‐Miranda Jose
Published: December 2011

Scope

Several insulin receptor substrate‐2 (IRS‐2) polymorphisms have been studied in relation to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. To examine whether the genetic variability at the IRS‐2 gene locus was associated with the degree of insulin resistance and plasma fatty acid levels in metabolic syndrome (MetS) subjects.

Methods and results

Insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion, glucose effectiveness, plasma fatty acid composition and three IRS‐2 tag‐single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were determined in 452 MetS subjects. Among subjects with the lowest level of monounsaturated (MUFA) (below the median), the rs2289046 A/A genotype was associated with lower glucose effectiveness (p<0.038), higher fasting insulin concentrations (p<0.028) and higher HOMA IR (p<0.038) as compared to subjects carrying the minor G‐allele (A/G and G/G). In contrast, among subjects with the highest level of MUFA (above the median), the A/A genotype was associated with lower fasting insulin concentrations and HOMA‐IR, whereas individuals carrying the G allele and with the highest level of ω‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (above the median) showed lower fasting insulin (p<0.01) and HOMA‐IR (p<0.02) as compared with A/A subjects.

Conclusion

The rs2289046 polymorphism at the IRS2 gene locus may influence insulin sensitivity by interacting with certain plasma fatty acids in MetS subjects.
The potential role of nutritional genomics tools in validating high health foods for cancer control: Broccoli as example
Authors: Ferguson Lynnette R. , Schlothauer Ralf C.
Published: December 2011

Nutritional genomics reflects gene/nutrient interactions, utilising high‐throughput genomic tools in nutrition research. The field also considers the contribution of individual genotypes to wellness and the risk of chronic disease (nutrigenetics), and how such genetic predisposition may be modified by appropriate diets. For example, high consumption of brassicaceous vegetables, including broccoli, has regularly associated with low cancer risk. Bioactive chemicals in broccoli include glucosinolates, plant pigments including kaempferol, quercetin, lutein and carotenoids, various vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Cancer prevention is hypothesised to act through various mechanisms including modulation of xenobiotic metabolising enzymes, NF‐E2 p45‐related factor‐2 (Nrf2)‐mediated stress‐response mechanisms, and protection against genomic instability. Broccoli and broccoli extracts also regulate the progression of cancer through anti‐inflammatory effects, effects on signal transduction, epigenetic effects and modulation of the colonic microflora. Human intervention studies with broccoli and related foods, using standard biomarker methodologies, reveal part of a complex picture. Nutrigenomic approaches, especially transcriptomics, enable simultaneous study of various signalling pathways and networks. Phenotypic, genetic and/or metabolic stratification may identify individuals most likely to respond positively to foods or diets. Jointly, these technologies can provide proof of human efficacy, and may be essential to ensure effective market transfer and uptake of broccoli and related foods.
Pharmacokinetics of xanthohumol and metabolites in rats after oral and intravenous administration
Authors: Legette LeeCole , Ma Lian , Reed Ralph L. , Miranda Cristobal L. , Christensen John Mark , Rodriguez‐Proteau Rosita , Stevens Jan F.
Published: December 2011

Scope Xanthohumol (XN), a dietary flavonoid found in hops, may have health‐protective actions against cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Yet, there are limited data on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of XN. This study provides PK parameters for XN and its major metabolites in rats.

Methods and results A PK study was conducted in male jugular vein‐cannulated Sprague‐Dawley rats. Rats (n = 12/group) received an intravenous (IV) injection (1.86 mg/kg BW) or an oral gavage of a low (1.86 mg/kg BW), medium (5.64 mg/kg BW), or high (16.9 mg/kg BW) dose of XN. Plasma samples were analyzed for XN and its metabolites using LC‐MS/MS. The maximum concentration (Cmax) and area under the curve (AUC0‐96 h) of total XN (free and conjugated) were 2.9±0.1 mg/L and 2.5±0.3 h* mg/L in IV group, 0.019±0.002 mg/L and 0.84±0.17 h* mg/L in the oral low group, 0.043±0.002 mg/L and 1.03±0.12 h* mg/L in the oral medium group, and 0.15±0.01 mg/L and 2.49±0.10 h* mg/L in the oral high group.

Conclusion The bioavailability of XN is dose‐dependent and approximately 0.33, 0.13, and 0.11 in rats, for the low‐, medium‐, and high‐dose groups, respectively.
Caregiving and positioning effects on preterm infant states over 24 hours in a neonatal unit in Taiwan
Authors: Liaw Jen‐Jiuan , Yang Luke , Lo Chyi , Yuh Yeong‐Seng , Fan Hueng‐Chuen , Chang Yue‐Cune , Chao Shih‐Ching
Published: December 2011

In this prospective, descriptive study, we used a repeated‐measures design to explore the 24‐hour effects of caregiving and positioning on preterm infants' states and the factors associated with state changes. Thirty preterm infants (gestational age 27.6–36.1 weeks) were observed for 3 days in the neonatal intensive care unit to record six states: quiet sleep (QS), active sleep, transition, active awake, quiet awake, and fussy or crying. The occurrences of QS increased when infants received no caregiving, social interaction, non‐nutritive sucking (NNS), and were laterally positioned. However, QS significantly decreased and fussy or crying state increased when infants received routine and intrusive caregiving. These results suggest that caregiving, NNS, and positioning should be appropriately provided to facilitate infants' sleep, and reduce fussiness or crying. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 35:132–145, 2012
Organic transistors and phototransistors based on small molecules
Authors: Lucas Bruno , Trigaud Thierry , Videlot‐Ackermann Christine
Published: December 2011

Significant advances have been made recently in the area of organic electronics and optoelectronics based on small molecules as a result of the synthesis of new soluble and air‐stable molecules. First reported 20 years ago, organic transistors quickly became a focus of intense research and development in academic and industrial laboratories. The great progress achieved thus far offers an opportunity for the production of new small electro‐active molecules and the implementation of low‐cost device fabrication technologies. This review focuses on recently synthesized p‐ or n‐type organic semiconductors, particularly those suitable for fabrication of solution‐processed and/or air‐stable field effect transistors with an emphasis on low‐cost wet processes. The numerous recent efforts realized in optoelectronics, particularly on phototransistors based on small molecules, offer various opportunities in applications for such organic compounds. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Endobronchial echinococcosis presenting as non‐resolving pneumonia
Authors: Lev‐Tzion Raffi , Goldbart Aviv D.
Published: December 2011

Hydatid disease of the lungs is caused by larval cysts of the Echinococcus tapeworm. Pulmonary cysts may occasionally invade bronchi or pleura as a result of coughing, trauma, or elevated intra‐abdominal pressure. We present the case of a patient evaluated for non‐resolving pneumonia whose radiographic and bronchoscopic findings were strikingly similar to those seen in pulmonary tuberculosis with endobronchial invasion; he was ultimately diagnosed with pulmonary echinococcosis. This case underscores the importance of considering unusual diagnoses even when typical features of more common conditions are present. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012; 47:716–718. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The impact of reflux burden on Pseudomonas positivity in children with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Palm Kara , Sawicki Gregory , Rosen Rachel
Published: December 2011

Objectives

Nonacid gastroesophageal reflux (GER), particularly in patients taking acid suppression, has been implicated as a cause of respiratory infections. We hypothesize that children with cystic fibrosis (CF) and a higher nonacid reflux burden have greater rates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) infection than patients with a lower reflux burden.

Study Design

We reviewed the multichannel intraluminal impedance (pH‐MII) tracings of 35 patients with CF between 2003 and 2010. We compared the reflux profiles between those patients who were Pa positive and Pa negative.

Results

The mean age was 13.5 ± 5.8 years. Twenty‐seven patients (76%) were Pa positive. Ninety seven percent of patients were taking proton pump inhibitors during pH‐MII testing. The mean percentage of time pH was <4 was 8.5 ± 12%. Pa patients had a significantly higher total, acid and proximal nonacid reflux burden (P < 0.009). There was a negative correlation between nonacid reflux burden and FEV1 (r = −0.397, P = 0.03) and between total number of reflux events and FEV1 (r = −0.474, P = 0.009). After adjusting for age and FEV1, total reflux burden remains significantly associated with Pa positivity (P = 0.055).

Conclusions

Increased reflux burden may predispose patients to Pa infection and worse lung function. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012; 47:582–587. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Unusual pulmonary findings in mucolipidosis II
Authors: Ishak Marleine , Zambrano Eduardo V. , Bazzy‐Asaad Alia , Esquibies Americo E.
Published: December 2011

We report undescribed pulmonary findings in a child with mucolipidosis II (ML‐II). Children with ML‐II bear significant pulmonary morbidity that may include extensive pulmonary fibrosis, persistent hemosiderosis as well as pulmonary airway excrescences as they reach preschool age. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012; 47:719–721. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Microcurrent Therapy in the Management of Chronic Tennis Elbow: Pilot Studies to Optimize Parameters
Authors: Poltawski Leon , Johnson Mark , Watson Tim
Published: December 2011

Background and Purpose

In microcurrent therapy (MCT), low‐intensity electric current is applied to promote tissue healing and relieve symptoms. MCT is used with recalcitrant skin and bone lesions, but little is known about its effects on tendinopathy, and optimal treatment parameters are uncertain. Two studies were conducted to ascertain whether varying (i) current intensity and (ii) waveform and treatment duration affect outcomes of MCT for chronic tennis elbow.

Methods

Two trials compared the effects of different MCT parameters on pain and function, grip strength, and sonographically graded tendon structure and hyperaemia. Trial 1 compared monophasic MCT of intensity 50 and 500 μA applied for 35 h; trial 2 compared devices delivering approximately 25 μA but with different waveforms and durations of 15 and 189 h, respectively. Treatment was applied over 3 weeks. Assessments were at baseline and 3, 6 and 15 weeks.

Results

For each trial, n = 31. In trial 1, 50 μA was more effective than 500 μA, with 93% of participants ‘much better’ or ‘fully recovered’ at 15 weeks, compared with 47% in the 500 μA group. Tendon structural normalization was superior at 50 μA, but no significant differences were found in other outcomes. In trial 2, success rates for the two groups at 15 weeks were 75% and 73%, respectively, but group improvements did not differ significantly on any measure. Pooled analysis of data from both trials showed that, immediately following treatment, blood flow had fallen in the subgroup with high baseline scores and risen in the subgroup with low scores. Low baseline score correlated significantly with treatment success.

Conclusion

Monophasic MCT of peak current intensity 50 μA applied for tens of hours may be effective in reducing symptoms and promoting tendon normalization in chronic tennis elbow. Hyperaemia may help predict treatment outcome. A full‐scale trial of the therapy is warranted. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The DNLZ/HEP zinc‐binding subdomain is critical for regulation of the mitochondrial chaperone HSPA9
Authors: Vu Michael T. , Zhai Peng , Lee Juhye , Guerra Cecilia , Liu Shirley , Gustin Michael C. , Silberg Jonathan J.
Published: December 2011

Human mitochondrial DNLZ/HEP regulates the catalytic activity and solubility of the mitochondrial hsp70 chaperone HSPA9. Here, we investigate the role that the DNLZ zinc‐binding and C‐terminal subdomains play in regulating HSPA9. We show that truncations lacking portions of the zinc‐binding subdomain (ZBS) do not affect the solubility of HSPA9 or its ATPase domain, whereas those containing the ZBS and at least 10 residues following this subdomain enhance chaperone solubility. Binding measurements further show that DNLZ requires its ZBS to form a stable complex with the HSPA9 ATPase domain, and ATP hydrolysis measurements reveal that the ZBS is critical for full stimulation of HSPA9 catalytic activity. We also examined if DNLZ is active in vivo. We found that DNLZ partially complements the growth of Δzim17
Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and we discovered that a Zim17 truncation lacking a majority of the C‐terminal subdomain strongly complements growth like full‐length Zim17. These findings provide direct evidence that human DNLZ is a functional ortholog of Zim17. In addition, they implicate the pair of antiparallel β‐strands that coordinate zinc in Zim17/DNLZ‐type proteins as critical for binding and regulating hsp70 chaperones.
Cell‐free synthesis of membrane subunits of ATP synthase in phospholipid bicelles: NMR shows subunit a fold similar to the protein in the cell membrane
Authors: Uhlemann Eva‐Maria E. , Pierson Hannah E. , Fillingame Robert H. , Dmitriev Oleg Y.
Published: December 2011

NMR structure determination of large membrane proteins is hampered by broad spectral lines, overlap, and ambiguity of signal assignment. Chemical shift and NOE assignment can be facilitated by amino acid selective isotope labeling in cell‐free protein synthesis system. However, many biological detergents are incompatible with the cell‐free synthesis, and membrane proteins often have to be synthesized in an insoluble form. We report cell‐free synthesis of subunits a and c of the proton channel of Escherichia coli ATP synthase in a soluble form in a mixture of phosphatidylcholine derivatives. In comparison, subunit a was purified from the cell‐free system and from the bacterial cell membranes. NMR spectra of both preparations were similar, indicating that our procedure for cell‐free synthesis produces protein structurally similar to that prepared from the cell membranes.
Biochemical relapse following radical prostatectomy and miR‐200a levels in prostate cancer
Authors: Barron Niall , Keenan Joanne , Gammell Patrick , Martinez Vanesa G. , Freeman Alex , Masters John R. , Clynes Martin
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND

Radical prostatectomy cures the majority of men with clinically localized disease, but up to 30% of men relapse with rising serum PSA levels. Stage, Gleason grade, and pre‐operative PSA levels are associated with outcome but do not accurately predict which individuals will relapse. MicroRNA (miRNA) levels are altered in cancer and are associated with progression of disease. The miR‐200 family has roles in prostate cancer.

METHODS

miR‐200a levels were measured in 18 radical prostatectomy samples from men who did not relapse and from 18 who did relapse, matched for stage (all T3), grade, and PSA levels. A pair of cancer and normal prostate cell lines derived from the same radical prostatectomy specimen were transfected with miR‐200a to determine the effects on growth, wound healing, and invasion.

RESULTS

Comparing the matched samples, 11 of the relapsers contained lower, 2 higher and 5 similar levels to the non‐relapsers. Transient transfection of miR‐200a significantly reduced cell proliferation in prostate cancer cell lines but did not affect invasiveness.

CONCLUSION

miR‐200a overexpression reduced prostate cancer cell growth and may have potential, in combination with other markers, in stratifying prostate cancer patients for more intensive monitoring and therapy. Prostate 72:1193–1199, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High threshold voltage normally‐off GaN MISFETs using self‐alignment technique
Authors: Taguchi Shinya , Hasegawa Kazuya , Nomoto Kazuki , Nakamura Tohru
Published: December 2011

We demonstrate high threshold voltage GaN MISFETs made by utilizing self‐alignment process using ion implantation and precisely controlled silicidation gate technologies. The self‐aligned structures enable us to reduce source and drain parasitic resistance, which expect to improve in device characteristics. To form shallow source and drain junctions which suppress the short channel effects, we selected the very low implantation energy of 30keV. We propose self‐aligned GaN MISFETs with Idss of 30 mA/mm, gmmax of 3 mS/mm and threshold voltage of +3.4 V. The high threshold voltage shows the potential and advantages of GaN MISFETs for high voltage operations. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
MOVPE growth of InGaAsN films on Ge(001) on‐axis and vicinal substrates
Authors: Uesugi K. , Kikuchi T. , Kuboya S. , Sanorpim S. , Onabe K.
Published: December 2011

The InGaAsN films were grown on Ge(001) on‐axis and vicinal substrates by MOVPE varying the N concentration. Their surface morphologies and photoluminescence (PL) properties were investigated comparatively. The AFM images show submicron‐sized anti‐phase domains (APDs) for the growth on the on‐axis substrates, while the single‐phase domains with improved surface flatness are observed on the vicinal substrates. Lattice‐matched InGaAsN film with In = 12.5% and N = 4.2% gives the 1.0 eV PL peak energy as is aimed at. The PL property shows basically no change on the vicinal substrates from the on‐axis ones despite the extinction of the APDs. The temperature dependence of the PL peak energy shows the characteristic S‐shape behavior, indicating the potential fluctuations due to the non‐uniformity of N incorporation. The magnitude of the potential fluctuations estimated from the differences between the observed PL peak energies and the Varshni fitting curves suggests that the vicinal substrates may somehow degrade the compositional uniformity. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Impact of annealing on ALD Al2O3 gate dielectric for GaN MOS devices
Authors: Marron Thomas , Takashima Shinya , Li Zhongda , Chow T. Paul
Published: December 2011

A comparative study of the electrical and interface characteristics for on GaN MOS capacitors with as‐deposited and post‐annealed Al2O3 gate dielectric, deposited via atomic layer deposition (ALD), has been performed to gain insight into the effects of annealing on the MOS interface properties. Comparison is also made to an annealed 65nm PECVD SiO2 gate dielectric. We have performed C‐V and conductance spectroscopy measurements, demonstrating annealing provides a significant reduction in deep interface traps accompanied by a slight increase in shallow traps. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Comparison of neutron conversion layers for GaN‐based scintillators
Authors: Melton Andrew G. , Burgett Eric , Xu Tianming , Hertel Nolan , Ferguson Ian T.
Published: December 2011

In this work neutron‐sensitive scintillators based on GaN have been produced by MOCVD. The scintillators consist of GaNepilayers grown on 2 inch double side polished sapphire wafers, with neutron conversion layers on top. Two conversion materials were investigated: enriched LiF and Gd. Undoped and silicon‐doped epilayers were examined for their scintillation properties. All of the scintillators showed neutron response when exposed to a thermalized AmBesource, however the LiF produced a peak which is more easily discriminated from the gamma response of the photomultiplier tube. Photoluminescence was used to examine the spectral content of the scintillation light, as well as to study self‐absorption of the near‐bandedge emission in GaN. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Artificial intelligence
Authors: Tecuci Gheorghe
Published: December 2011

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the Science and Engineering domain concerned with the theory and practice of developing systems that exhibit the characteristics we associate with intelligence in human behavior. Starting with a brief history of artificial intelligence, this article presents a general overview of this broad interdisciplinary field, organized around the main modules of the notional architecture of an intelligent agent (knowledge representation; problem solving and planning; knowledge acquisition and learning; natural language, speech, and vision; action processing and robotics) which highlights both the main areas of artificial intelligence research, development and application, and also their integration. WIREs Comput Stat 2012, 4:168–180. doi: 10.1002/wics.200

This article is categorized under:

Software for Computational Statistics > Artificial Intelligence and Expert Systems
Serious games in prevention and rehabilitation—a new panacea for elderly people?
Authors: Wiemeyer Josef , Kliem Annika
Published: December 2011

Digital games cannot only be used for fun and entertainment. The term “serious games” (SG) denotes digital games serving serious purposes like education, training, advertising, research and health. Recently, a new generation of games has emerged involving whole-body movements. Compared to traditional interventions, these games may help elderly people to improve their health by enhancing physical fitness and coordinative abilities by combining increased motivation, game experience like fun and game flow and training. Serious games, particularly adventure and shooter games, already play an important role in health education, prevention and rehabilitation, e.g. to enhance health-related physical activity, improve sensory–motor coordination, prevent asthma, change nutrition behaviour and alleviate diabetes and prevent smoking or HIV. In this paper, the impact of SG on prevention and rehabilitation is discussed. Three criteria are applied. Beyond effectivity and efficiency, the additional benefits of serious games can be described and explained by different models including social, psychological, physiological and sensory–motor factors. The quality of study serves as a third criterion. Despite first promising results, there are only few high-quality studies. Adequate content, game interfaces, sustainability and appropriate settings are critical factors for the success of SG. In this regard, (sport) science can help to develop and evaluate SG and test appropriate settings that ensure sustainable use of serious games.
Descriptive analysis of a bilingual and cross-cultural introductory ultrasound course facilitated by simultaneous translation
Authors: Maignan Maxime , Shuai Xuejun , Galinski Michel , Cheng Shujuan , Zhang Tao , Petrovic Tomislav , Lapandry Claude , Lapostolle Frederic
Published: December 2011

Study objective

The increasing use of focused ultrasonography by non-specialists emphasizes the need for standardized trainings. We analyze physicians’ skill acquisition after the implementation of an ultrasound introductory course. As part of an international educational collaboration, we also investigate the impact on training efficiency of language and cultural differences.

Methods

We organized a 2-day training for emergency physicians. Lectures were given in French with simultaneous Chinese translation. At the end of the training, physicians were asked to conduct, on healthy live models, a complete ultrasound examination including 11 images and two procedures (cardiac, abdominal, vascular and bone ultrasonography). Quality was assessed by two independent observers and a 60-s time limit per view/procedure was set. Ultrasound examination was successful only if both quality and length objectives were achieved.

Results

Seventeen attending emergency physicians participated in the study. None withdrew from the training. The overall success rate of image and procedure acquisition was 97.3% (364 out of 374). Six physicians had failed cases and mainly on cardiac examination (eight failures out of ten). Failure rate for the complete sequence (1 or more failure out of the 11 images/procedure) was 24% (8/34). Median time to capture a single image was 13 s (5–24), while the whole examination took 182 s (141–238) excluding time for probe change.

Conclusion

A 2-day introductory course on focused ultrasonography leads to very good skill acquisition. Language and cultural differences do not seem to alter training efficiency.
Germ Cell Tumors of Undescended vs. Descended Testes: Population-Based Clinical and Outcomes Data
Authors: Gullett Norleena P. , Masterson Timothy A. , Johnstone Peter A.S.
Published: December 2011

Objective:

Testicular cancer has been associated with undescended testes (UDT) for decades, with a relative risk of testicular cancer in cryptorchidism at 2.75–8. Tumors of UDT are infrequently encountered in clinical practice and no population-based prior analysis has described clinical patterns of care in their case.

Methods:

Information on malignant testicular lesions was retrieved from the population-based Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) data for the period 1983–2005. Site codes C62.0 (UDT) were compared with C62.1 (descended testis; DT), using appropriate surgical codes for the era reported. Analysis was made of the seminomatous histology codes (ICD-03 9061–9063) vs. the nonseminomatous germ cell tumor codes (ICD-03 9065–9085). Further analysis was stratified by presenting extent of disease (local, regional, or distant).

Results:

462 cases of tumors of UDT were documented; 416 (90%) were germ cell tumors (GCT). In this timeframe, 7414 cases of DT GCT were described. UDT lesions were more frequently seminoma (74.7% vs. 60.8%; p< 0.0001), and diagnosed at a more advanced stage than DT lesions ( x2 = 18, p = 0.0001). Similar frequency of RT was noted for localized seminoma, whether UDT or DT, after RadOrch ( p = 0.13), and was rarely delivered for NSGCT. 5-yr observed (5YOS) and relative survival (5YRS) of seminomas did not differ between the DT and UDT cohorts, or between the DT and UDT NSGCT cohorts.

Conclusions:

Our results support recent literature revealing seminomas are more frequent in cryptorchid testes. RT was equally used between localized UDT and DT seminomas. Penetrance of RadOrch is similar in local and regional disease by histology. Survival is equivalent for UDT compared to DT lesions in both seminomatous and NSGCT histologies.
Local Diagnostic Reference Levels for Typical Radiographic Procedures
Authors: Tonkopi Elena , Daniels Cupido , Gale Mary J. , Schofield Stephanie C. , Sorhaindo Vicki A. , VanLarkin Jeanne L.
Published: December 2011

Purpose

To establish local diagnostic reference levels (DRL) for typical radiographic examinations in a fully digital imaging institution.

Methods

The initial survey included 6 standard radiographic projections performed in 19 computed radiography (CR) and digital radiography (DR) rooms. Because of the expected difference in the performance, the local reference levels were analysed separately for those 2 modalities. Data of 226 average size adult patients were included in the analysis. Entrance surface dose (ESD) was calculated from the recorded radiographic techniques and tube radiation output measurements. After observing wide variations in the results of the patient survey, the examinations were repeated by using anthropomorphic phantoms. Initial efforts to understand the reasons for dose variations were focused on CR chest, abdomen, pelvis, and lumbar spine examinations.

Results

The average size patient doses for similar examinations were lower in the DR rooms than in the CR rooms by factors that ranged from 1.2 to 3, with the exception of the chest examination. Standardization of the CR exposure index value allowed us to decrease ESD by 21%-30%. Detector sensitivity had an insignificant effect (2%) on ESD; proper collimation lowered the dose by 17%. However, the major effect, up to 46% difference, was found because of antiscatter grids cutoff.

Conclusion

Modality specific local diagnostic reference levels for standard examinations have been established in a large digital imaging department with hybrid modalities. Typically the local reference values were lower than those recommended in Safety Code 35, except for CR chests. Factors that affect the dose variations have been investigated and determined.
Symmetry distortion in the human hemoglobin tetramer induced by asymmetric ligation
Authors: Shibayama Naoya
Published: December 2011

To investigate the conformational changes in human tetrameric (αβ)2 hemoglobin upon binding of the first two ligands, we have measured the kinetics of reactions between 4,4′‐dithiodipyridine and β93Cys sulfhydryl groups of four diliganded hemoglobins by using CO‐bound Fe(II)–Ni(II) hybrids with and without β‐β cross‐linking. The data show that all the diliganded intermediates have high sulfhydryl reactivities, which are greater than or equal to that for the fully‐liganded end state, especially when containing liganded α subunit(s). The results also reveal that both the asymmetrically (α1β1 and α1β2) diliganded species show similar high rates of sulfhydryl reactivity and biphasic kinetics, suggesting a new conformation but only slight functional distortion caused by asymmetric ligation.
Vibration Calculation of Spatial Multibody Systems Based on Constraint-Topology Transformation
Authors: Jiang W. , Chen X. D. , Luo X. , Hu Y. T. , Hu H. P.
Published: December 2011

Many kinds of mechanical systems can be modeled as spatial rigid multibody systems (SR-MBS), which consist of a set of rigid bodies interconnected by joints, springs and dampers. Vibration calculation of SR-MBS is conventionally conducted by approximately linearizing the nonlinear equations of motion and constraint, which is very complicated and inconvenient for sensitivity analysis. A new algorithm based on constraint-topology transformation is presented to derive the oscillatory differential equations in three steps, that is, vibration equations for free SR-MBS are derived using Lagrangian method at first; then, an open-loop constraint matrix is derived to obtain the vibration equations for open-loop SR-MBS via quadric transformation; finally, a cut-joint constraint matrix is derived to obtain the vibration equations for closed-loop SR-MBS via quadric transformation. Through mentioned above, the vibration calculation can be significantly simplified and the sensitivity analysis can be conducted conveniently. The correctness of the proposed method has been verified by numerical experiments in comparison with the traditional approaches.
Postbuckling of Shape Memory Alloy Reinforced Cross-Ply and Angle-Ply Laminated Plates
Authors: Shiau L.-C. , Kuo S.-Y. , Chang S.-Y.
Published: December 2011

The effect of shape memory alloy (SMA) on the postbuckling behavior of rectangular cross-ply and angle-ply plates by varying the SMA fiber spacing was investigated using the Finite Element Method. The formulation of the location-dependent linear, nonlinear stiffness matrices due to non-homogeneous material properties and the temperature-dependent recovery stress stiffness matrix were derived. Numerical results show that the increase of SMA fiber volume fraction and prestrain may generate more recovery stress, and increase the stiffness of SMA reinforced composite laminate. Therefore, the postbuckling deflections of the plate may be decreased significantly. The buckling mode that plate will buckle into is dependent on the fiber orientation of the angle-ply laminates. When the SMA fibers are concentrated in the center of the plate, the postbuckling deflections of the plate will be decreased considerably.
Thermal-Nonlocal Vibration and Instability of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Conveying Fluid
Authors: Chang T.-P.
Published: December 2011

An elastic Bernoulli–Euler beam model is developed for thermal-mechanical vibration and buckling instability of a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) conveying fluid and resting on an elastic medium by using the theories of thermal elasticity mechanics and nonlocal elasticity. The differential quadrature method is adopted to obtain the numerical solutions to the model. The effects of temperature change, nonlocal parameter and elastic medium constant on the vibration frequency and buckling instability of SWCNT conveying fluid are investigated. It can be concluded that at low or room temperature, the first natural frequency and critical flow velocity for the SWCNT increase as the temperature change increases, on the contrary, while at high temperature the first natural frequency and critical flow velocity decrease with the increase of the temperature change. The first natural frequency for the SWCNT decreases as the nonlocal parameter increases, both the first natural frequency and critical flow velocity increase with the increase of the elastic medium constant.
The Effects of Capacity Coupling and Wet Air Return on the Energy Performance of Chiller-Cooling Tower Systems
Authors: Liu C.-W. , Chuah Y.-K.
Published: December 2011

This study uses a novel concept of capacity coupling of chiller-cooling tower system to investigate the system energy performance. System performance factor (SPF) of the chiller-cooling tower system is used in the analysis. A regression function is obtained for hourly reset of condensing water temperature so to achieve maximum SPF. The regression function includes parameters such as ambient wet bulb temperature, chiller load ratio, tower capacity ratio, and a dimensionless relative efficiency of chiller and cooling tower. The regression function has an R2 close to 1 compared to the computed results. It is found that for capacity coupling ratio of 1.1 ∼ 1.6, SPF would increase by about 3 ∼ 6% compared with a typical base control. The effect of wet air return is presented as an equivalent wet bulb temperature. It has been found that SPF would decrease significantly when higher equivalent wet bulb temperature occurs at the tower inlet.
Monica Wilson 1908–82
Authors: Brokensha David
Published: December 2011

Monica Hunter Wilson died on 26 October 1982. Born of missionary parents at Lovedale, Eastern Cape Province, she studied history and anthropology at Girton College, Cambridge. She had early connections with the International African Institute, being one of the distinguished group of scholars whose African fieldwork was sponsored by the Institute in the 1930s (others included Meyer Fortes, Hilda Kuper, S. F. Nadel, Margaret Read and Godfrey Wilson). Her first fieldwork, among the Pondo of South Africa, took place 1931 to 1933; the other major fieldwork, among the Nyakyusa of south-west Tanzania, was done 1935 to 1938, with a re-visit in 1955. In 1935 she married Godfrey Wilson, with whom she collaborated on field studies and publications, until his death while serving in the army, in 1944
Report of the Honorary Director for 1987
Authors: Lewis I. M.
Published: December 2011

The Institute's sixtieth Executive Council meeting took place at the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation in Lisbon in September 1987 and was preceded by a Gulbenkian Foundation workshop on Social Science and Development in sub-Saharan Africa in which most of those who attended the Council meeting participated. We are very grateful to our Portuguese Executive Council member, Dr Victor de Sa Machado, and his Gulbenkian colleagues for arranging the meeting, which, through the good offices of Carlos Medeiros, was jointly organised with our Portuguese partner, CEPCEP (Centro de Estudos dos Povos e Culturas de Expressao Portuguesa). Dr Roberto Carneiro, the Minister of Education, presided at the closing ceremony at this very useful stocktaking of Africanist research which underlined the continuing international role of the International African Institute.
“Receptive Substances”: John Newport Langley (1852–1925) and his Path to a Receptor Theory of Drug Action
Authors: Maehle Andreas-Holger
Published: December 2011

The concept of specific receptors that bind drugs or transmitter substances onto the cell, thereby either initiating biological effects or inhibiting cellular functions, is today a cornerstone of pharmacological research and pharmaceutical development. Yet, while the basic ideas of this concept were first explicitly formulated in 1905 by the Cambridge physiologist John Newport Langley (1852–1925), drug receptors remained hypothetical entities at least until the end of the 1960s. Without doubt, the development of receptor-subtype specific pharmaceuticals—especially the beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist propranolol (introduced in 1965)—promoted the acceptance of the receptor concept in pharmacology. It was only in the 1970s, however, that receptors began to be isolated as specific proteins of the cell membrane and that their composition and conformation began to be explored. During the last twenty years the modern techniques of molecular biology have helped to determine the genetic basis of receptor proteins, to identify their amino acid sequences, and to further elucidate their remarkable structural diversity as well as their similarities and evolutionary relationships. Numerous receptor types and subtypes have since been characterized.
Variolation, Vaccination and Popular Resistance in Early Colonial South India
Authors: Brimnes Niels
Published: December 2011

The campaigns to prevent smallpox in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries are commonly understood as the first attempts of large-scale state-sponsored medical intervention in society as such. Before the discovery of the cowpox vaccine inoculation with variolous matter—known as variolation—was the most widespread preventive against the disease. This practice was well established in parts of Asia and introduced to Europe by Mary Wortley Montagu from Constantinople in 1721. While variolation achieved some popularity—particularly in Britain—Edward Jenner's discovery of the cowpox vaccine in 1796 intensified the efforts to combat smallpox, and vaccination was introduced to large parts of the world within a few years. Although the spread of immunization against smallpox is commonly described as highly successful, the campaigns also represented an early encounter between an elitist state-sponsored medicine and various forms of popular resistance.
Priority, Invisibility and Eradication: The History of Smallpox and the Brazilian Public Health Agenda
Authors: Hochman Gilberto
Published: December 2011

This article describes three periods in Brazil's modern history when governmental action was (or was not) taken against smallpox: first, when smallpox control became a priority in the Brazilian sanitary agenda from the nineteenth century to the beginning of the twentieth century; second, when it was rendered politically invisible during decades when greater attention was given to yellow fever and malaria control; third, when it reappeared at the centre of Brazilian health policy in the 1960s until its eventual eradication in 1973. Smallpox control in the latter two periods is suffused with paradox. For example, evidence suggests that the nearly fifty-year absence or lack of policies and agencies to deal with smallpox actually favoured the mobilization of local, national and international resources once the eradication programme was launched in 1966; these new approaches were accelerated from 1969 until the completion of eradication in 1973. Equally paradoxical, it was during the specific context of the military regime after 1964 that the Brazilian health system developed the capacity to mobilize existing but dispersed resources and flexibly to innovate, incorporate, and adapt new policies. Another important element in this period was institutional learning based on other vertical programmes such as the malaria eradication campaign. Although the Brazilian smallpox eradication programme was constrained by international agencies and by bilateral co-operation with the United States, the period after 1964 offered opportunities for the realization of a new and wide-ranging national health capacity including the creation of a national system of epidemiological surveillance and a national childhood immunization programme. It also saw the empowerment of young physicians who would later come to occupy key positions in Brazilian public health and in international health organizations.
The climatic environment of the Outer Hebrides
Authors: Manley Gordon
Published: December 2011

Synopsis

The unsettled cool-maritime climate of the Outer Hebrides represents an extreme modification of that of the British Isles generally; yet while it imposes strains, as an environment for man it has long been far from unproductive. Frequency of rain as showers, wind, high humidity and slow evaporation provide difficulties; but there is a relatively long, if slow, growing season ending in a mild autumn. Results of instrumental observations over 120 years are discussed; trends are compared, but closer analysis is hampered by changes in location of station. Some indication of extent of gain from increased shelter is given.
Observations on the soils of the Outer Hebrides
Authors: Glentworth R.
Published: December 2011

Synopsis

The distribution of soil parent materials in relation to glaciological features is dealt with; from the scoured bare rock of Harris products of Tertiary weathering have been transported northwards and deposited as coarse textured till which underlies the Lewis till plain. Clayey till in the north of Lewis would appear to be deposited by mainland ice which crossed the area. The dominant genetic soil found throughout the islands is a peaty podzol with iron pan which contains an intensely indurated horizon. Peat formation has developed on this soil as a result of the acidity of the parent material and anaerobic waterlogged conditions. Only on well sloping sites were peaty podzol soils with free drainage beneath the pan observed, otherwise the peaty podzol with very poor drainage beneath the pan is better described as a peaty gley soil. Brown earth soils were seen only on ultra-basic rocks on markedly sloping sites.

As a result of exposure and frequent high winds the calcareous dunes of the machair are unstable. Fresh sand is deposited on the dry back slopes with a diluent effect on soil fertility. Areas of the machair having imperfect rather than poor drainage provide some of the best arable land which would be rated as Class 3 in the Land Use Capability Classification of the Soil Survey.
The polychaetes of Lewis and Harris with notes on other marine invertebrates
Authors: George J. D.
Published: December 2011

Synopsis

In July 1976 six rocky littoral sites and eight rocky sublittoral sites in Lewis and Harris were sampled for polychaetes. The sites ranged from those on the exposed west and north coast to more sheltered east coast sites.

A total of 107 species were recorded during the survey and are presented in an annotated species list. Syllidae are the dominant family both in number of species and number of individuals present, although the Serpulidae, Spionidae and Sabellidae are also well represented. Similarity of habitats sampled at different sites makes it possible to relate differences in species composition to the conditions prevailing at these localities. Such comparisons are made for four habitats—Corallina officinalis, sediment under stones on the shore, Laminaria holdfasts and the upper shell valves of Pecten. Twenty polychaete species were found in the C. officinalis habitat, 24 species in sediment under stones on the shore, 61 species in laminarian holdfasts and 22 species on the upper shell valves of Pecten.

In general the sublittoral macroinvertebrate fauna, although lacking the Lusitanian elements found in the warmer waters of south-west England and Ireland, was found to have a high species diversity and to exist in an environment virtually free from man-made pollution.
Phytogeographical and ecological relations of epiphytic lichens from Lewis and Harris with notes on other cryptogamic epiphytes
Authors: Riedl Harald
Published: December 2011

Synopsis

Fifty-eight epiphytic lichen species are listed from Lewis and Harris, and their geographical connections are discussed. Twenty-nine of them were collected on this island for the first time. Judging from the occurrence of Lecanactis homalotropa, Pyrenula laevigata and Ramalina obtusata (which are confined to very few places in the British Isles today and may be regarded as relics) on a small number of old and mostly dying sycamores near Rodel at the southern end of Harris, there had been an older forest of which these trees form the last remnants and from which the colonization of Stornoway Woods may have originated. Some of the lichens also occur on dwarf-shrubs which have certainly been present all the time, or on rocks or ground. Man may have played a part in introducing lichen-species along with timber. A few notes on epiphytic algae, fungi, mosses and ferns are added.
Macrophytic vegetation of fresh and brackish waters in and near the Loch Druidibeg National Nature Reserve, South Uist
Authors: Spence D. H. N. , Allen E. D. , Fraser J.
Published: December 2011

Synopsis

Centred on Loch Druidibeg, macrophyte vegetation was surveyed in and around 30 lochs in northern South Uist. Alkalinity ranges from 0·014 to 2·33 m.-equiv −1, conductivity (25°C) from 100 to 33,900 μs cm−1, chlorinity from 0·66 m.-equiv −1 upwards. Lochs are classed broadly as non-calcareous (gneissic), calcareous (machair) and brackish. This is an example of a Hebridean range not found elsewhere in the British Isles. Fen vegetation is highly modified by grazing, whilst tall reedswamp and floating-leaved plants are scarce on the mainly exposed and rocky shores, factors which contribute to the predominance of Fucoids in brackish water, of the open Littorella-Lobelia association in non-calcareous water. The Potamogeton filiformis-Chara association is confined to sand in calcareous machair lochs. Deep freshwater vegetation is typified by Isoetes, Potamogeton perfoliatus and P. praelongus.

The very wide ranges in alkalinity and conductivity are reflected in some unusual species' distributions. For example, in freshwater lochs (conductivity up to 660 μs cm−1) several species like Isoetes lacustris, confined elsewhere to oligotrophic water, also occur in South Uist at moderately high alkalinities (to 1·8 m. -equiv 1−1). Conductivity varies with chloride concentration in all but the calcareous (machair) lochs; brackish lochs range from 2500 μs cm −1), which floristically, apart from Fucus ceranoides, is fresh water, to Fucoid-dominated rocks, and Ruppia on silt, in conductivities up to 33,900 μs cm−1. Of other angiosperms, Potamogeton gramineus appears to tolerate conductivities of 22,000 μs cm −1. Causal distribution in general is discussed.