bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A recombinant chimeric antigen toward a standardized serodiagnosis of Taenia solium neurocysticercosis
Authors: Bae Young‐An , Jeong Yeon‐Tack , Chung Joon‐Yong , Kim Seon‐Hee , Mahanta Jagadish , Feng Zheng , Chong Chom‐Kyu , Kim Tong‐Soo , Kong Yoon
Published: October 2008

Neurocysticercosis (NC) invokes formidable neurological problems worldwide. Previous proteomic analyses revealed most of the low‐molecular‐weight proteins might derive from two macromolecules of 120 kDa (consisting of 14–38 kDa subunits) and 150 kDa (7–15 kDa subunits) of Taenia solium metacestode (TsM) cyst fluid (CF). We characterized serological properties of these two proteins and established an immunopotent chimera. The 120 and 150 kDa proteins harbored 54–81 and 94–98% of the antibody‐binding activity of the crude CF with minimal antigenic cross‐reactivity to each other. The expression and immune recognition of the 150 kDa subunits were relatively constant, regardless of the different geographical origins of the CF collected, while those of the 120 kDa subunits varied by their origins (Asia vs. America). We cloned four representative proteins (one from the 120 kDa and three from the 150 kDa) that showed different epitope specificities, generated a chimera, and demonstrated that this regimen may bolster serodiagnostic reliability. Overall sensitivity and specificity, against sera from active‐/mixed‐stage NC and those from other infections, and healthy‐controls, were determined to be 97.5% (156/160 samples) and 97.8% (265/271 cases). Patient sera from adult taeniases, sparganosis, and fascioliasis showed weak cross‐reactions. Micro‐ELISA showed similar results. This chimera may prove useful in the construction of standardized platform for NC serodiagnosis.
Two dimensional gel electrophoresis of apolipoprotein C‐III and MALDI‐TOF MS are complementary techniques for the study of combined defects in N‐ and mucin type O‐glycan biosynthesis
Authors: Bruneel Arnaud , Morelle Willy , Carre Yoann , Habarou Florence , Dupont Damien , Hesbert Aurélie , Durand Geneviève , Michalski Jean Claude , Drouin‐Garraud Valérie , Seta Nathalie
Published: October 2008

In the field of diseases related to glycosylation disorders, congenital defects associated with abnormalities in both O‐ and N‐glycosylation of proteins constitute arising novel entities. Defects in subunits of the conserved oligomeric Golgi protein complex have been shown to be involved in an important part of previously unsolved CDG type II combining abnormalities in both mucin type core1 O‐ and N‐glycans; furthermore, recent studies revealed that autosomal recessive cutis laxa type II could also be associated with such combined glycosylation defects. Based on the studies of serum samples from three patients including a case of cutis laxa, we present here evidence that 2‐DE of apolipoprotein C‐III in combination with MALDI‐TOF‐MS analysis of serum O‐ and N‐glycans allow the detection and the biochemical characterization of these newly recognized glycosylation disorders.
Screw dislocations interacting with a coated inhomogeneity containing two imperfect interfaces
Authors: Fang Q. H. , Liu Y. W. , Liu T. X. , Wen P. H.
Published: October 2008

The interaction between screw dislocations, which are located at arbitrary points inside either the matrix or the inhomogeneity, and a circular coated inhomogeneity with two imperfect interfaces is investigated. The explicit solutions of the stress fields and strain energy are derived. With the aid of the Peach–Koehler formula, the explicit expressions of the image forces acting on the dislocations are derived for some cases. The mobility of the screw dislocation in the matrix is discussed for variable parameters (interface imperfection, material mismatch and dislocation position) and the influence of the nearby dislocations is also considered. The attractive force acting on the screw dislocation produced by the imperfect interfaces will increase with the increment of the degree of the interface imperfection. In addition, the mobility and stability of the screw dislocation are strongly influenced by nearby dislocations. The basic solutions provided in this paper can be used as Green's functions to solve the problem on the interaction between arbitrary shape crack and a coated inhomogeneity with imperfect interfaces. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Description of band structures of armchair nanotubes using the symmetry‐adapted linear augmented cylindrical wave method
Authors: D'yachkov P. N. , Makaev D. V.
Published: October 2008

Using a symmetry‐adapted linear augmented cylindrical wave method, the total band structures and the densities of states of the armchair single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) (n,n) with 4 ≤ n ≤ 20, n = 30, 40, 60 and 100 are calculated. The approximations are made in the sense of muffin‐tin potentials and density functional theory only. The electronic states are presented as the functions of the two quantum numbers, namely, the continuous wave vector k corresponding to the screw symmetry operations and an integer rotational quantum number L between 0 and n – 1. An account of rotational and helical symmetry properties of the armchair SWNTs and particularly an introduction of the quantum number L permit to elaborate a more detailed classification of the armchair SWNTs electronic states. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Correlation between ionic charge and the optical properties of zinc blende and complex crystal structured solids
Authors: Verma A. S.
Published: October 2008

An overview of the understanding of correlation between ionic charge and the optical properties of zinc blende and chalcopyrite crystal structured solids is presented here. We have presented three expressions relating the refractive index (n), energy gap (Eg) and optical electronegativity (Δχ) for the transition metal chalcogenides and pnictides (AIIBVI and AIIIBV) and chalcopyrites (AIBIIIC2VI and AIIBIVC2V) with the product of ionic charges and nearest neighbor distance d (Å). The refractive index (n), energy gap (Eg) and optical electronegativity (Δχ) of these solids exhibit a linear relationship when plotted on a log–log scale against the nearest neighbour distance d (Å), but fall on different straight lines according to the ionic charge product of the compounds. We have applied the proposed relation on these solids and found a better agreement with the experimental data as compared to the values evaluated by earlier researchers. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
First atomistic studies of epitaxial growth of Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 on SrTiO3
Authors: Petrov Petar , Guhl Hannes , Miller Wolfram
Published: October 2008

The first stages of epitaxial growth of Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 on SrTiO3 substrates were studied by means of a newly developed kinetic Monte‐Carlo (KMC) model employing several types of particles, different types of neighbors and various energy barriers. Density functional method (DFT) has been used for computing the surface structure with adatoms and for obtaining some of the diffusion barriers. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Comparison of atmospheric pressure chemical ionization and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry for the detection of lignans from sesame seeds
Authors: Struijs Karin , Vincken Jean‐Paul , Gruppen Harry
Published: October 2008

In sesame seeds, high concentrations of lignans are present. When these lignans are fermented in the human colon, a range of structurally different lignans is formed. A good liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) protocol for the analysis of lignans in complex mixtures is lacking. In order to develop such a protocol, electrospray ionization (ESI)‐MS and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI)‐MS, both in the positive and negative ionization mode, were compared. An extract from defatted sesame meal was analyzed by APCI‐MS and ESI‐MS, before and after deglucosylation. APCI‐MS was found to be a more generic method than ESI‐MS because lignans, especially sesamolin, sesamin and pinoresinol, were better detected by APCI‐MS than by ESI‐MS. Positive and negative ionization modes had to be combined in order to detect all lignans in a bacterial culture grown on aglyconic, acid‐treated lignans from sesame oil and defatted sesame meal. Lignans with methylenedioxy‐bridged furanofuran structures mostly lack phenolic hydroxyl groups and were, therefore, optimally detected in positive ionization mode. Dibenzylbutadiene lignans, which were formed during fermentation, carry hydroxyl groups and were better detected in negative ionization mode. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometric identification of dibenzylbutyrolactone‐type lignans: insights into electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometric fragmentation of lign‐7‐eno‐9,9′‐lactones and application to the lignans of Linum usitatissimum L. (Common Flax)
Authors: Schmidt Thomas J. , Alfermann A. Wilhelm , Fuss Elisabeth
Published: October 2008

In continuation of our studies into the mass spectrometric detection of natural lignans and their identification in complex mixtures such as crude plant extracts, the electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometric (ESI‐MS/MS) fragmentation of Δ7,8‐unsaturated dibenzylbutyrolactone‐type lignans (lign‐7‐eno‐9,9′‐lactones) was studied in detail. It is demonstrated that the characteristic fragmentation allows unambiguous identification including distinction between constitutional isomers. These lignans containing an α,β‐unsaturated lactone structure exist as equilibrium mixtures of E‐ and Z‐isomers indistinguishable by mass spectrometry, but it is shown that chromatographic retention time can be used to distinguish between the isomeric forms. Based on these observations, re‐analysis of the dichloromethane extract obtained from flowering aerial parts of Linum usitatissimum L. by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)/ESI‐MS/MS led to the identification of eighteen lignans of these types (five lignano‐ and one lignenolactone previously reported along with five further lignano‐ as well as seven lignenolactones hitherto unreported for this plant). The simultaneous identification of eighteen different lignans in the complex matrix of a crude plant extract by a single analysis demonstrates the potential of this method, which will certainly lead to new insights into the lignan composition and metabolism of different Linum species and many other plants. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TerraMax™: Team Oshkosh urban robot
Authors: Chen Yi‐Liang , Sundareswaran Venkataraman , Anderson Craig , Broggi Alberto , Grisleri, Paolo , Porta Pier Paolo , Zani Paolo , Beck John
Published: October 2008

Team Oshkosh, composed of Oshkosh Corporation, Teledyne Scientific and Imaging Company, VisLab of the University of Parma, Ibeo Automotive Sensor GmbH, and Auburn University, participated in the DARPA Urban Challenge and was one of the 11 teams selected to compete in the final event. Through development, testing, and participation in the official events, we experimented and demonstrated autonomous truck operations in (controlled) urban streets of California, Wisconsin, and Michigan under various climate and traffic conditions. In these experiments TerraMax™, a modified medium tactical vehicle replacement (MTVR) truck by Oshkosh Corporation, negotiated urban roads, intersections, and parking lots and interacted with manned and unmanned traffic while observing traffic rules. We accumulated valuable experience and lessons on autonomous truck operations in urban environments, particularly in the aspects of vehicle control, perception, mission planning, and autonomous behaviors, which will have an impact on the further development of large‐footprint autonomous ground vehicles for the military. In this article, we describe the vehicle, the overall system architecture, the sensors and sensor processing, the mission planning system, and the autonomous behavioral controls implemented on TerraMax. We discuss the performance of some notable autonomous behaviors of TerraMax and our experience in implementing these behaviors and present results of the Urban Challenge National Qualification Event tests and the Urban Challenge Final Event. We conclude with a discussion of lessons learned from all of the above experience in working with a large robotic truck. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genetic structure of island populations of the endangered bat Hipposideros turpis turpis: implications for conservation
Authors: Echenique‐Díaz Lázaro Miguel , Yokoyama Jun , Takahashi Osamu , Kawata Masakado
Published: October 2008

Efforts for the conservation of the endangered bat species Hipposideros turpis turpis in southern Japan are hampered by a lack of information about its biology and natural history and by the increasing effect of human activities. In an attempt to address some of the conservation challenges faced by this species, we studied the genetic structure and dispersal of intra‐ and interisland populations using six species‐specific microsatellite markers. In particular, we sought to establish the relationship between island populations and to define effective management units for conservation. Pairwise co‐ancestry index (FST) analysis, analysis of molecular variance, and Bayesian clustering suggested the presence of significant genetic differentiation between islands but little differentiation within them. The small Yonaguni Island population appeared to be not only geographically isolated, but also genetically isolated. This population is at the greatest risk of extinction, considering its size and low genetic variation. The larger populations on Iriomote and Ishigaki Islands are genetically related to each other to a greater degree and exhibit higher genetic variation than the Yonaguni Island population. This suggests that these two island populations should be included in a single management unit, while bats from Yonaguni Island should be managed independently and given higher priority for conservation. Actions such as defining vegetation corridors between colonies, as well as building gates at the entrance of the largest known colony, should be included in the conservation agenda of this still poorly known species.
Dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica of the talus
Authors: Azzoni Roberto
Published: October 2008

Dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica is a rare developmental disorder with unknown etiology affecting epiphysis in childhood. The lesion is an osteochondroma arising from the epiphysis and increasing in size until skeletal maturity is reached. Surgical treatment is mandatory when symptoms such as pain, joint impingement or deformation are present, and yields good results when the mass is juxtaarticular or extraarticular. In those cases where articular symptoms are not present and only mass evolution is observed, surgical treatment is not recommended before skeletal maturity has been reached. A case of DEH located in the talus and successfully treated with surgery is presented.
Elevated cholesterol precursors other than cholestanol can also be a hallmark for CTX
Authors: de Sain‐van der Velden M. G. M. , Verrips A. , Prinsen B. H. C. M. T. , de Barse M. , Berger R. , Visser G.
Published: October 2008

Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) is an inborn error of bile acid synthesis in which hepatic conversion of cholesterol to cholic and chenodeoxycholic acids is impaired. Patients have abnormal bile alcohols in urine, normal to increased plasma cholesterol concentrations and increased concentrations of plasma cholestanol. Little is known about cholesterol precursors in CTX, however. We studied cholesterol and phytosterol profiles in two siblings with CTX during follow‐up. While cholesterol concentrations were low in both patients, plasma cholestanol was 6‐fold higher compared to control values. In addition, both siblings had a more than 100‐fold increase in 7‐dehydrocholesterol (7DHC) and 8‐dehydrocholesterol (8DHC). Lathosterol, lanosterol and sitosterol were increased in both patients while concentrations of desmosterol and campesterol were normal. In addition, plasma lathosterol/cholesterol ratios were significantly elevated. After treatment with chenodeoxycholate, both patients showed a marked decrease in cholestanol, 7DHC, 8DHC, lathosterol, lanosterol and sitosterol. In addition, the lathosterol/cholesterol ratio normalized, indicating that overall cholesterol synthesis was sufficiently suppressed. This study shows that elevated cholesterol precursors, other than cholestanol, can be a hallmark for CTX.
Perceptions of Familial Risk in those Seeking a Genetic Risk Assessment for Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Hiraki Susan , Chen Clara A. , Roberts J. Scott , Cupples L. Adrienne , Green Robert C.
Published: October 2008

Perceived risk is a complex concept that influences the genetic counseling process and can affect client coping and behavior. Although the association between family history and risk perception is well recognized in the literature, no studies have explored this relationship specifically in those seeking genetic susceptibility testing for a common chronic condition. REVEAL is a randomized trial assessing the impact of APOE disclosure and genetic risk assessment for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Using baseline REVEAL data, we hypothesized that there would be a significant association between the degree of AD family history and risk perception of AD, and that this relationship would be stronger in those who believed that genetics is a very important AD risk factor. In our sample of 293 participants, we found that a higher self‐perceived risk of AD was associated with strength of family history of AD (p < 0.001), belief in genetics as an important AD risk factor (p < 0.001), being female (p < 0.001) and being Caucasian (p = 0.02). These results are the first to demonstrate the association between family history and risk perception in persons volunteering for genetic susceptibility testing for a common complex disease.
Synthesis of Organic Dye-Impregnated Silica Shell-Coated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles by a New Method
Authors: Ren Cuiling , Li Jinhua , Liu Qian , Ren Juan , Chen Xingguo , Hu Zhide , Xue Desheng
Published: October 2008

A new method for preparing magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles coated by organic dye-doped silica shell was developed in this article. Iron oxide nanoparticles were first coated with dye-impregnated silica shell by the hydrolysis of hexadecyltrimethoxysilane (HTMOS) which produced a hydrophobic core for the entrapment of organic dye molecules. Then, the particles were coated with a hydrophilic shell by the hydrolysis of tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS), which enabled water dispersal of the resulting nanoparticles. The final product was characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and vibration sample magnetometer. All the characterization results proved the final samples possessed magnetic and fluorescent properties simultaneously. And this new multifunctional nanomaterial possessed high photostability and minimal dye leakage.
Oral levosimendan in patients with severe chronic heart failure—The PERSIST study
Authors: Nieminen Markku S. , Cleland John G.F. , Eha Jaan , Belenkov Yuri , Kivikko Matti , Põder Pentti , Sarapohja Toni
Published: October 2008

Background:

Intravenous levosimendan improves symptoms in acutely decompensated heart failure.

Aims:

To evaluate the effects of oral levosimendan in severe chronic heart failure (CHF).

Methods:

307 patients with NYHA IIIB–IV CHF were randomly assigned, double‐blind, to levosimendan 1 mg once or twice daily or placebo for at least 180 days. An exploratory primary end‐point, the Patient Journey, a composite consisting of repeated symptom assessments, worsening heart failure and mortality during 60 days was used. Minnesota Living with Heart Failure quality of life score (MLHFQoL) and NT‐proBNP were assessed repeatedly.

Results:

Patients assigned to a lower dose of levosimendan had more severe CHF at baseline. No differences in symptoms emerged and worsening heart failure events and death were similar resulting in a similar Patient Journey score with levosimendan and placebo (p=0.567). Compared to placebo, a net improvement of 3–4 points in MLHFQoL at several time‐points in favour of the combined levosimendan groups was observed (p<0.001) which was accompanied by a substantial and persistent reduction in NT‐proBNP (−30–40%) (p<0.001).

Conclusion:

Levosimendan improved QoL and decreased NT‐proBNP but did not improve the Patient Journey composite in patients with severe CHF. Further research with this compound is warranted to clarify safety and efficacy.
Modulation of transcriptional corepressor activity of prospero‐related homeobox protein (Prox1) by SUMO modification
Authors: Shan Shi-fang , Wang Lin-fang , Zhai Jian-wei , Qin Yi , Ouyang Hua-fang , Kong Yu-ying , Liu Jing , Wang Yuan , Xie You-hua
Published: October 2008

MINT‐6787569:

PROX1 (uniprotkb:Q92786) physically interacts (MI:0218) with HDAC3 (uniprotkb:O15379) by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0007)

MINT‐6787767:

PROX1 (uniprotkb:Q92786) physically interacts (MI:0218) with SUMO‐1 (uniprotkb:P63165) by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0007)
The evolution of BIR domain and its containing proteins
Authors: Cao Lihuan , Wang Zhenghan , Yang Xianmei , Xie Li , Yu Long
Published: October 2008

BIR domain and its containing proteins play critical roles in cell apoptosis and cell division. Here several lines of novelty were revealed based on a comprehensive evolutionary analysis of BIR domains in 11 representative organisms. First, the type II BIR domains in Survivin and Bruce showed more conservation compared with the type I BIR domains in the inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAPs). Second, cIAP was derived from a XIAP duplicate and emerged just after the divergence of invertebrates and vertebrates. Third, the three BIR domains of NAIP displayed significantly elevated evolutionary rates compared with the BIR domains in other IAPs.
The solute carrier (SLC) complement of the human genome: Phylogenetic classification reveals four major families
Authors: Fredriksson Robert , Nordström Karl J.V. , Stephansson Olga , Hägglund Maria G.A. , Schiöth Helgi B.
Published: October 2008

Solute carriers (SLCs) is the largest group of transporters, embracing transporters for inorganic ions, amino acids, neurotransmitters, sugars, purines and fatty acids among other substrates. We mined the finished assembly of the human genome using Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) obtaining a total of 384 unique SLC sequences. Detailed clustering and phylogenetic analysis of the entire SLC family showed that 15 of the families place into four large phylogenetic clusters with the largest containing eight SLC families, suggesting that many of the distinct families of SLCs have a common evolutionary origin. This study represents the first overall genomic roadmap of the SLCs providing large sequence sets and clarifies the phylogenetic relationships among the families of the second largest group of membrane proteins.
Energetics of kinesin‐1 stepping mechanism
Authors: Kawaguchi Kenji
Published: October 2008

Kinesin‐1 is a dimeric motor protein that transports cellular cargo along microtubules by using the energy released from ATP hydrolysis and moving processively in 8‐nm steps. Recent novel studies at the single molecular level have provided extensive knowledge on how kinesin‐1 converts the free energy of ATP hydrolysis and uses it for “walking” along microtubules. In this review, I have discussed the important topics pertaining to the energetics of kinesin‐1 stepping mechanism and the consensus walking model.
FGF21 is an Akt‐regulated myokine
Authors: Izumiya Yasuhiro , Bina Holly A. , Ouchi Noriyuki , Akasaki Yuichi , Kharitonenkov Alexei , Walsh Kenneth
Published: October 2008

Fibroblast growth factor‐21 (FGF21) functions as a metabolic regulator. The FGF21 transcript is reported to be abundantly expressed in liver, but little is known about the regulation of FGF21 expression in other tissues. In this study, we show that levels of FGF21 protein expression were similar in skeletal muscle and liver from fasted mice. FGF21 transcript and protein expression were upregulated in gastrocnemius muscle of skeletal muscle‐specific Akt1 transgenic mice. Serum concentration of FGF21 was also increased by Akt1 transgene activation. In cultured skeletal muscle cells, FGF21 expression and secretion was regulated by insulin, Akt transduction and LY294002. These data indicate that skeletal muscle is a source of FGF21 and that its expression is regulated by a phosphatidylinosistol 3‐kinase (PI3‐kinase)/Akt1 signaling pathway‐dependent mechanism.
Intranodal neurilemmoma presenting as parotid mass
Authors: Grant D G , Breitenfeldt N , Shepherd N A , Thomas D M
Published: October 2008

Objective:

We report a case of benign intranodal neurilemmoma, an extremely rare tumour arising from a nerve sheath within a lymph node.

Case report:

A 67-year-old woman underwent surgery for a left-sided parotid mass. Histopathological analysis revealed a tumour arising from a lymph node within the superficial lobe of the parotid gland. The tumour demonstrated histological features of an intranodal neurilemmoma.

Conclusions:

This case represents the first report of an intranodal neurilemmoma arising within a parotid lymph node, and supports the proposal that intranodal neurilemmoma be recognised as a distinct histological entity.
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is not associated with interleukin-18 promoter gene polymorphisms: a case–control study
Authors: Asefi V , Mojtahedi Z , Khademi B , Naeimi S , Ghaderi A
Published: October 2008

Objective:

To investigate the association of two functional single nucleotide polymorphisms in the promoter region of the interleukin-18 gene, at positions −607 and −137, with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Design:

Genomic deoxyribonucleic acid was extracted, by the salting-out method, from peripheral blood leukocytes. Single nucleotide polymorphisms of the interleukin-18 gene at positions −607 (cytosine/adenine) and −137 (guanine/cytosine) were analysed by sequence-specific polymerase chain reaction.

Subjects:

One hundred and eleven patients (86 men and 25 women; mean age 56.7±13.7 years) and 212 regional controls (165 men and 47 women; mean age 53.3±12.2 years) were studied. Control subjects comprised healthy volunteers or cancer-free individuals presenting with otolaryngological disease. The diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma was confirmed histopathologically. Various clinical parameters were collected at diagnosis, including tumour site, tumour size, lymph node involvement, distant metastasis and stage.

Results:

There was no significant association between the allele, genotype or haplotype frequencies of the two single nucleotide polymorphisms of the interleukin-18 promoter and the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma susceptibility or clinical parameters at diagnosis.

Conclusion:

Interleukin-18 polymorphisms at positions −607 and −137 did not confer susceptibility to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in southern Iranian patients.
Quantitative analysis of tympanic membrane perforation: a simple and reliable method
Authors: Ibekwe T S , Adeosun A A , Nwaorgu O G
Published: October 2008

Background:

Accurate assessment of the features of tympanic membrane perforation, especially size, site, duration and aetiology, is important, as it enables optimum management.

Aim and objectives:

To describe a simple, cheap and effective method of quantitatively analysing tympanic membrane perforations.

Materials and methods:

The system described comprises a video-otoscope (capable of generating still and video images of the tympanic membrane), adapted via a universal serial bus box to a computer screen, with images analysed using the Image J geometrical analysis software package. The reproducibility of results and their correlation with conventional otoscopic methods of estimation were tested statistically with the pairedt-test and correlational tests, using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 11 software.

Results:

The following equation was generated: P/T × 100 per cent = percentage perforation, where P is the area (in pixels2) of the tympanic membrane perforation and T is the total area (in pixels2) for the entire tympanic membrane (including the perforation). Illustrations are shown. Comparison of blinded data on tympanic membrane perforation area obtained independently from assessments by two trained otologists, of comparative years of experience, using the video-otoscopy system described, showed similar findings, with strong correlations devoid of inter-observer error (p = 0.000,r = 1). Comparison with conventional otoscopic assessment also indicated significant correlation, comparing results for two trained otologists, but some inter-observer variation was present (p = 0.000,r = 0.896). Correlation between the two methods for each of the otologists was also highly significant (p = 0.000).

Conclusion:

A computer-adapted video-otoscope, with images analysed by Image J software, represents a cheap, reliable, technology-driven, clinical method of quantitative analysis of tympanic membrane perforations and injuries.
Mental capacity, diagnosis and insight in psychiatric in-patients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Owen G. S. , David A. S. , Richardson G. , Szmukler G. , Hayward P. , Hotopf M.
Published: October 2008

Background

Mental capacity is now a core part of UK mental health law and clinicians will increasingly be expected to assess it. Because it is a legal concept there is a need to clarify associations with variables that clinicians are more familiar with, especially insight.

Method

In this cross-sectional study we recruited consecutive psychiatric admissions to the Maudsley Hospital, London. We carried out structured assessments of decision making using the MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool for Treatment (MacCAT-T), resulting in a clinical judgement about capacity status. We analysed associations with a range of sociodemographic and clinical variables, including insight score on the Expanded Schedule for the Assessment of Insight (SAI-E). The same variables were compared in an analysis stratified according to diagnostic group: psychotic disorders/bipolar affective disorder (BPAD)/non-psychotic disorders.

Results

Psychotic disorders and manic episodes of BPAD are most strongly associated with incapacity. In such patients, insight is the best discriminator of capacity status. In patients with non-psychotic disorders, insight is less strongly associated with capacity; in this group depressed mood discriminates capacity status whereas it does not in psychotic disorders. Cognitive performance does not discriminate capacity status in patients with psychotic disorders.

Conclusions

Mental capacity has complex relationships with psychopathological variables, and these relationships are different according to diagnostic group. Insight is the best discriminator of capacity status in psychotic disorders and BPAD but not in non-psychotic disorders.
Special issue on interactive question answering: Introduction
Authors: WEBB N. , WEBBER B.
Published: October 2008

In this introduction, we present our overview of interactive question answering (IQA). We contextualize IQA in the wider field of question answering, and establish connections to research in Information Retrieval and Dialogue Systems. We highlight the development of QA as a field, and identify challenges in the present research paradigm for which IQA is a potential solution. Finally, we present an overview of papers in this special issue, drawing connections between these and the challenges they address.
Long-term effects of the Dutch Schoolgruiten Project – promoting fruit and vegetable consumption among primary-school children
Authors: Tak Nannah I , te Velde Saskia J , Brug Johannes
Published: October 2008

Objectives

To evaluate the long-term effects of the Schoolgruiten Project, a Dutch primary school-based intervention providing free fruit and vegetables (F&V). In addition, we assessed whether children’s appreciation of the project mediated these intervention effects.

Design and methods

Participating schoolchildren (mean age 9·9 years at baseline) and their parents completed parallel questionnaires at baseline, at 1-year and at 2-year follow-up, including questions on usual F&V intake of the child, potential behavioural determinants, their appreciation of the project and general demographics. Primary outcomes were usual F&V intakes as assessed by parent and child self-reported food frequency measures. Secondary outcome measures were taste preference, knowledge of daily recommendations, availability and accessibility for fruit intake. Multilevel linear regression analyses were used to assess differences at second follow-up adjusted for baseline values between control and intervention groups.

Subjects

Reports were available for 346 intervention children (148 parents) and 425 control children (287 parents).

Results

Both child and parent reports indicated that the intervention group had a significantly higher fruit intake at 2-year follow-up (difference, servings/d: 0·15; 95 % CI 0·004, 0·286 for child reports; 0·19; 95 % CI 0·030, 0·340 for parent reports). No significant effects on vegetable intake were observed. Significant positive intervention effects were also found for knowledge of fruit recommendations among boys. Some evidence was found for partial mediation analyses of the effects on fruit intake.

Conclusion

The present study indicates that the Schoolgruiten scheme was effective in increasing children’s fruit intake and that appreciation of the project partially mediated this effect.
Overcoming the Inverse Probability Fallacy
Authors: Kalinowski Pawel , Fidler Fiona , Cumming Geoff
Published: October 2008

Many common misinterpretations of Null Hypothesis Significance Testing (NHST) are related to the inverse probability fallacy. The inverse probability fallacy is the mistaken belief that the probability of the data given the null hypothesis, P(D|H0), is equivalent to the probability of the null hypothesis given the data, P(H0|D). We contrasted the effectiveness of two teaching interventions aimed at reducing this fallacy: Instruction in Bayes’ theorem (group B) and instruction in the formal logic of NHST (Modus Tollens, group MT). Both interventions were remarkably effective in reducing fallacy. At pre-test, 82% of students agreed with at least one statement of the inverse probability fallacy. At post-B-intervention this figure was 49% and at post-MT, it was 48%. A smaller, but still substantial, effect remained in both groups at a five-week follow-up. This suggests that the essential ingredient in overcoming the inverse probability fallacy is simply to expose the null ritual as problematic.
Model Error in Covariance Structure Models
Authors: Coffman Donna L.
Published: October 2008

This study investigated the degree to which violation of the parameter drift assumption affects the Type I error rate for the test of close fit and the power analysis procedures proposed by MacCallum et al. (1996) for both the test of close fit and the test of exact fit. The parameter drift assumption states that as sample size increases both sampling error and model error (i.e., the degree to which the model is an approximation in the population) decrease. Model error was introduced using a procedure proposed by Cudeck and Browne (1992). The empirical power for both the test of close fit, in which the null hypothesis specifies that the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) ≤ 0.05, and the test of exact fit, in which the null hypothesis specifies that RMSEA = 0, is compared with the theoretical power computed using the MacCallum et al. (1996) procedure. The empirical power and the theoretical power for both the test of close fit and the test of exact fit are nearly identical under violations of the assumption. The results also indicated that the test of close fit maintains the nominal Type I error rate under violations of the assumption.
Temperature extremes in the south of South America in relation to Atlantic Ocean surface temperature and Southern Hemisphere circulation
Authors: Barrucand Mariana , Rusticucci Matilde , Vargas Walter
Published: October 2008

The objective of this research is to study the main variability modes of the frequency of extreme temperatures in the south of South America, their relation to sea surface temperatures (SSTs), and some indices of atmospheric circulation in the Southern Hemisphere. Observational data and reanalysis data were used for this purpose over the 1964–2003 period. An initial analysis showed that between the months of March and June, the frequency of warm events (especially warm nights) is highly associated with the SST in coastal zones. A wavelet analysis showed that the main variability mode found at a seasonal scale was an 8‐year wave signal present in spring that remains active until the 1990s; it was noticeable in the analysis of cold nights, Atlantic SSTs, Pacific SSTs, and the Southern Annular Mode (SAM). A cross‐wavelet analysis among them reflected this signal as a common variability mode, with the positive phase of the SAM congruent with the warmest conditions in the coastal zones of the Atlantic Ocean and lower cases with cold nights at the reference meteorological stations analyzed. Although longer series are desirable for low‐frequency variability analysis, the results agree with previous studies that take into account an 8‐year periodicity of the baroclinic waves at the Southern Hemisphere, supporting the relevance of the 8‐year signal.
Scale issues in the governance of water storage projects
Authors: van der Zaag Pieter , Gupta Joyeeta
Published: October 2008

In the face of global change, which is characterized by growing water demands and increasingly variable water supplies, the equitable sharing of water and the drought proofing of rural livelihoods will require an increasing physical capacity to store water. This is especially true for the semiarid and dry subhumid regions of sub‐Saharan Africa and Asia. This paper addresses the following question: What criteria should policymakers apply in choosing between centralized storage capacity in the form of conventional large reservoirs and large interbasin water transfer schemes and decentralized and distributed storage systems in the farmers' fields and in microwatersheds and villages (tanks, microdams, and aquifers)? This exploratory paper uses an interdisciplinary framework encompassing the natural and social sciences to develop four indicators that are considered critical for understanding the biochemical, physical, economic, and sociopolitical dimensions of the scale issues underlying the research question. These are the residence time of water in a reservoir, the water provision capacity, the cost effectiveness of providing reliable access to water per beneficiary, and the equity dimension: maximizing the number of beneficiaries and compensating the losers. The procedural governance challenges associated with each indicator are dealt with separately. It is concluded that water storage and the institutional capacity to effectively administer it are recursively linked. This implies that if the scale of new storage projects gradually increases, a society can progressively learn and adapt to the increasing institutional complexity.
Bayesian methods in hydrologic modeling: A study of recent advancements in Markov chain Monte Carlo techniques
Authors: Smith Tyler Jon , Marshall Lucy Amanda
Published: October 2008

Bayesian methods, and particularly Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) techniques, are extremely useful in uncertainty assessment and parameter estimation of hydrologic models. However, MCMC algorithms can be difficult to implement successfully because of the sensitivity of an algorithm to model initialization and complexity of the parameter space. Many hydrologic studies, even relatively simple conceptualizations, are hindered by complex parameter interactions where typical uncertainty methods are harder to apply. This paper presents comparisons between three recently introduced MCMC approaches, the adaptive Metropolis, the delayed rejection adaptive Metropolis, and the differential evolution Markov chain algorithms via two case studies: (1) a synthetic Gaussian mixture with five parameters and two modes and (2) a real‐world hydrologic modeling scenario where each algorithm will serve as the uncertainty and parameter estimation framework for a conceptual precipitation‐runoff model.
New Satellites Help Quantify Carbon Sources and Sinks
Authors: Houghton R. A. , Goetz S. J.
Published: October 2008

Deforestation and forest degradation account for between 7% and 30% of total anthropogenic carbon emissions [Canadell et al., 2007; Denman et al., 2007]. This wide range of values results from three major uncertainties: rates of deforestation, carbon stocks (biomass and soils) in forests prior to deforestation, and changes in carbon stocks within forests (i.e., both increases from growth and decreases from degradation). Historically, rates of deforestation and reforestation, together with estimates of forest biomass, have been used to calculate the net flux of carbon between terrestrial ecosystems and the atmosphere [Woodwell et al., 1983; Detwiler and Hall, 1988; Hall and Uhlig, 1991; Fearnside, 2000; DeFries et al., 2002; Achard et al., 2004; Houghton, 20037]. This net flux is the difference between the sinks of carbon in growing and recovering forests and the sources from burning and decay associated with deforestation. Satellite imagery, particularly from Landsat, has long been used to sample deforestation rates [DeFries et al., 2002; Achard et al., 2004; Skole and Tucker, 1993; Hansen et al., 2008]. Obtaining estimates of biomass, reforestation, and forest growth and degradation, however, has proven more difficult.
Not to Worry: Solar Magnetic Activity for Cycle 24 Is Increasing
Authors: Keating C. F.
Published: October 2008

Several academic sources have noted that the current sunspot minimum seems to be unusually long. Indeed, sunspot counts are at a 50‐year low. As of 27 September, the Sun has had no visible sunspots for 200 days this year, the most of any year since 1954. Unfortunately, this has been interpreted in some media sources as showing that there is something wrong with the Sun. Some reports have even suggested that we should prepare for a widespread cooling due to a lack of sunspots and even that a new mini ice age is on the way (see “Sorry to ruin the fun, but an ice age cometh,” by P. Chapman, at http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23583376‐5013480,00.html).
New Software Architecture for Integrated Water Modeling: CUAHSI/OpenMI Workshop for Integrating Water Models; Wallingford, United Kingdom, 7–10 April 2008
Authors: Goodall Jonathan , Tarboton David G. , Peckham Scott D. , Hooper Richard
Published: October 2008

European researchers have created a software standard named the Open Modeling Interface (OpenMI; http://www.openmi.org) that facilitates the integration of numerical hydrologic models with each other. Nearly 10 million euros have been invested in the development and testing of OpenMI through projects cofunded by the European Commission.

Seven hydrologists representing various modeling‐related initiatives in the United States traveled to Wallingford, United Kingdom, to learn about OpenMI and to discuss with European hydrologists the experiences and challenges inherent with developing integrated hydrologic models. The workshop was sponsored by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and the European Union (EU).
Biogenic Secondary Organic Aerosols: From Observations to Global Modeling: A Workshop Series for Early Career Scientists From the United States and Nordic Countries; Hyytiälä, Finland, 1–4 July 2007, and Tovetorp, Sweden, 11–15 August 2008
Authors: Heald Colette Lara
Published: October 2008

Globally, secondary organic aerosols (SOAs) from biogenic precursors surpass those from anthropogenic sources. These organic particles have important impacts on air quality and climate, the latter through their direct interactions with radiation and by the modulation of cloud condensation nuclei. These processes exert a substantial influence back upon the Earth system through links to the terrestrial carbon and water cycles.

The questions that currently confront researchers working in the fields of biogenic SOAs (BSOAs) and their impact on the Earth system are numerous and multidisciplinary. Such challenges motivated a 2‐year workshop series, with meetings held at Hyytiälä Research Station (Finland) in 2007 and Tovetorp Research Station (Sweden) in 2008, which was attended by 25 early career scientists from the United States and Nordic countries. Five internationally distinguished researchers gave keynote lectures and contributed to scientific and professional development discussions.
Fixing Climate: What Past Climate Changes Reveal About the Current Threat—And How to Counter It
Authors: McKinley Galen A.
Published: October 2008

The Earth's climate is changing due to human activities. Recent polls suggest that the U.S. public generally recognizes this fact, and the efforts that led the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and former U.S. vice president Al Gore to win the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize have played no small role in bringing most of the public to realize what scientists have been discussing for years. Yet aside from distorted Hollywood movie accounts such as The Day After Tomorrow, the public knows little about the potential for abrupt change in the climate system. With support from climate science philanthropist Gary Comer, climate scientist Wally Broecker has teamed with science writer Robert Kunzig in this book to bring abrupt climate change into public view. They do this elegantly and convincingly, making the first 12 chapters quite enjoyable.
Correction [to “Outstanding Student Paper Award: 2008 Joint Assembly”]
Authors: Anonymous
Published: October 2008

The name of one of the recipients of an Outstanding Student Paper Award for Atmospheric Sciences at the 2008 Joint Assembly was misspelled in the 23 September issue (Eos, 89(39), 2008). Yuanyuan Fang, Princeton University, Princeton, N.J., received the award for Estimating the episodic contribution of pollutant export from the United States in summer 2004. Eos regrets the error.
Recent and future changes of the Arctic sea‐ice cover
Authors: Smedsrud Lars H. , Sorteberg Asgeir , Kloster Kjell
Published: October 2008

The present and future state of the Arctic sea ice cover is explored using new observations and a coupled one dimensional air–sea–ice model. Updated satellite observations of Fram Strait ice‐area export show an increase over the last four years, with ∼37% increase in winter 07–08. Atmospheric poleward energy flux declined since 1990, but advection of oceanic heat has recently increased. Simulations show that the ice area export is a stronger driver of thinning than the estimated ocean heat fluxes of 40 TW. Increased ocean heat transport will raise primarily Atlantic layer temperature. The ‘present 2007’ state of the Arctic ice could be a stable state given the recent high ice area export, but if ocean heat advection and ice export decrease, the ice cover will recover. A 2*CO2 scenario with export and oceanic heat flux remaining strong, forecasts a summer Arctic open ocean area of 95% around 2050.
Relative humidity anneal effect on hygroscopicity of aerosol particles studied by rapid‐scan FTIR‐ATR spectroscopy
Authors: Lu Pei‐Dong , He Ting , Zhang Yun‐Hong
Published: October 2008

Rapid‐scan Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflection (FTIR‐ATR) spectroscopy was employed to study the effect of the relative humidity anneal on the hygroscopicity of NaCl, NaNO3 and NaClO4 aerosol particles. The annealed NaCl, NaNO3 and NaClO4 particles deliquesced at the relative humidity of ∼83%, ∼87% and ∼48%, respectively, which are much higher than the deliquescence relative humidity of the unannealed particles. The annealing of the particles was suggested to reduce the surface defects, and thereby delayed the deliquescence relative humidity of hygroscopic aerosol particles, which should be a ubiquitous process in the atmosphere.