bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitive processes in evaluating reference letters
Authors: Wong Kin Fai Ellick , Werbel James D.
Published: December 2008

This study simultaneously evaluates confirmatory information search theory and dual‐process theory in a selection process that uses reference letters as the evaluation tool. Confirmatory information search suggests that evaluators give attention to information that is congruent with first impressions. Dual‐processes theory suggests that evaluators give attention to information that is incongruent with first impressions. Using a sample of undergraduate students, in two separate experiments, we found that a poor impression from the résumé led to more positive information and less negative information searching in reference letters than did a good impression. These results of both experiments suggest that reference letter evaluators are likely to use cognitive processes associated with dual‐process theory. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relationship closeness and trauma narrative detail: A critical analysis of betrayal trauma theory
Authors: Lindblom Katie M. , Gray Matt J.
Published: December 2008

Betrayal Trauma Theory (BTT) holds that certain traumas, such as incest, should be uniquely categorized as betrayal trauma: a subcategory of trauma in which the violation of trust, within a close relationship, occurs in the context of a traumatic event. According to BTT, betrayal trauma results in either partial or complete traumatic amnesia because repression is adaptive when a victim depends on a perpetrator for physical or emotional needs. In a test of BTT, undergraduates screened for betrayal and non‐betrayal trauma histories provided detailed accounts of these events. In order to account for threats to internal validity that are often overlooked by traumatic amnesia researchers, we also assessed factors known to compromise narrative detail. Consistent with BTT predictions, more betrayal was associated with less detailed trauma narratives. However, this relationship was no longer significant after controlling for survivor age, avoidance symptoms, gender and purposeful omission of detail. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isolation of Solid Solution Phases in Size‐Controlled LixFePO4 at Room Temperature
Authors: Kobayashi Genki , Nishimura Shin‐ichi , Park Min‐Sik , Kanno Ryoji , Yashima Masatomo , Ida Takashi , Yamada Atsuo
Published: December 2008

State‐of‐the‐art LiFePO4 technology has now opened the door for lithium ion batteries to take their place in large‐scale applications such as plug‐in hybrid vehicles. A high level of safety, significant cost reduction, and huge power generation are on the verge of being guaranteed for the most advanced energy storage system. The room‐temperature phase diagram is essential to understand the facile electrode reaction of LixFePO4 (0 < x < 1), but it has not been fully understood. Here, intermediate solid solution phases close to x = 0 and x = 1 have been isolated at room temperature. Size‐dependent modification of the phase diagram, as well as the systematic variation of lattice parameters inside the solid‐solution compositional domain closely related to the electrochemical redox potential, are demonstrated. These experimental results reveal that the excess capacity that has been observed above and below the two‐phase equilibrium potential is largely due to the bulk solid solution, and thus support the size‐dependent miscibility gap model.
The Digital Revolution: A New Paradigm for Microfluidics
Authors: Abdelgawad Mohamed , Wheeler Aaron R.
Published: December 2008

The digital revolution has come to microfluidics. In digital microfluidics (DMF), discrete droplets are manipulated by applying electrical fields to an array of electrodes. In contrast to microchannels, in DMF each sample and reagent is individually addressable, which facilitates exquisite control over chemical reactions. Here, we review the state‐of‐the‐art in DMF, with a discussion of device formats, actuation physics, and biological and nonbiological applications. Along the way, we identify the key players in the field, and speculate on the advances and challenges that lie ahead. As with other fronts in the digital revolution, there have been and will be unexpected developments as DMF matures, but we posit that the future is bright for this promising technology.
An Enantioselective Synthesis of the ABD Tricycle for (−)‐Phomactin A Featuring Rawal’s Asymmetric Diels–Alder Cycloaddition
Authors: You Ling‐Feng , Hsung Richard P. , Bedermann Aaron A. , Kurdyumov Aleksey V. , Tang Yu , Buchanan Grant S. , Cole Kevin P.
Published: December 2008

An enantioselective synthesis of the ABD ring of (−)‐phomactin A is described here. The sequence features Rawal’s asymmetric Diels–Alder cycloaddition. The overall length is significantly reduced from our previous attempt.
Hydrodynamics of upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactors
Authors: Ren Ting‐Ting , Mu Yang , Ni Bing‐Jie , Yu Han‐Qing
Published: December 2008

The hydrodynamic characteristics of upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors were investigated in this study. A UASB reactor was visualized as being set‐up of a number of continuously stirred tank reactors (CSTRs) in series. An increasing‐sized CSTRs (ISC) model was developed to describe the hydrodynamics of such a bioreactor. The gradually increasing tank size in the ISC model implies that the dispersion coefficient decreased along the axial of the UASB reactor and that its hydrodynamic behavior was basically dispersion‐controlled. Experimental results from both laboratory‐scale H2‐producing and full‐scale CH4‐producing UASB reactors were used to validate this model. Simulation results demonstrate that the ISC model was better than the other models in describing the hydrodynamics of the UASB reactors. Moreover, a three‐dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation was performed with an Eulerian‐Eulerian three‐phase‐fluid approach to visualize the phase holdup and to explore the flow patterns in UASB reactors. The results from the CFD simulation were comparable with those of the ISC model predictions in terms of the flow patterns and dead zone fractions. The simulation results about the flow field further confirm the discontinuity in the mixing behaviors throughout a UASB reactor. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
Acquired pure red cell aplasia associated with malignant lymphomas: A nationwide cohort study in Japan for the PRCA Collaborative Study Group
Authors: Hirokawa Makoto , Sawada Ken‐ichi , Fujishima Naohito , Kawano Fumio , Kimura Akiro , Watanabe Takashi , Arai Ayako , Matsui Toshimitsu , Nakao Shinji , Urabe Akio , Omine Mitsuhiro , Ozawa Keiya
Published: December 2008

Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) has been reported in association with lymphoma as one of the autoimmune diseases seen during the course of lymphoid malignancies. However, the relation of PRCA with the underlying lymphomas remains unclear. The aim of this study was to clarify the histologic subtypes of lymphomas, the chronological sequence of anemia and lymphoma, and the response to treatment. We conducted a nationwide survey in Japan. From a cohort of 185 PRCA patients, 8 patients with lymphoma were evaluated. Histologic subtypes varied and the lymphoma was of the B‐cell type in four cases and of the T‐cell type in four. Four patients simultaneously developed PRCA and lymphoma. Three patients developed PRCA following lymphoma, two of whom developed anemia during remission of lymphoma. PRCA preceded lymphoma in one patient. Effective chemotherapy was associated with remission of anemia in concurrent lymphoma and PRCA. Overall, anemia responded to chemotherapy and/or immunosuppressive therapy in seven patients. In four responding patients, PRCA remained in durable remission without maintenance immunosuppressive therapy, which is different from a recurrent feature of idiopathic PRCA. We suggest that the mechanism of lymphoma‐associated PRCA is heterogeneous and that durable maintenance‐free remission of anemia can be obtained in some patients. Am. J. Hematol., 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, anti‐thymocyteglobulin, and low‐dose total body irradiation conditioning enables 1‐HLA‐locus‐mismatched hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for very severe aplastic anemia without affecting ovarian function
Authors: Okuda Shinya , Terasako Kiriko , Oshima Kumi , Sato Miki , Nakasone Hideki , Kako Shinichi , Yamazaki Rie , Tanaka Yukie , Tanihara Aki , Higuchi Takakazu , Nishida Junji , Kanda Yoshinobu
Published: December 2008

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for severe aplastic anemia from an alternative donor is associated with higher risks of graft rejection and severe graft‐versus‐host disease. We developed a conditioning regimen consisting of rabbit anti‐thymocyte globulin, fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and low‐dose total body irradiation. Two adult female patients with transfusion‐dependent very severe aplastic anemia underwent 1‐locus mismatched transplantation using this regimen. Both patients achieved stable engraftment and the clinical course thereafter was uneventful with persistently normal ovarian function. This novel conditioning regimen may be suitable for alternative donor transplantation for severe aplastic anemia, especially in young female patients. Am. J. Hematol. 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tracing the distribution and evolution of lactase persistence in Southern Europe through the study of the T‐13910 variant
Authors: Anagnostou Paolo , Battaggia Cinzia , Coia Valentina , Capelli Cristian , Fabbri Cristina , Pettener Davide , Destro‐Bisol Giovanni , Luiselli Donata
Published: December 2008

We investigated the occurrence and intra‐allelic variability of the T‐13910 variant located upstream of the lactase gene in 965 individuals from 20 different locations of Italy and Greece. The T‐13910 frequency ranges from 0.072 (Sardinia) to 0.237 (North‐East Italy), with a statistically significant difference between North‐East Italians and other Italian populations. The comparison of the lactose tolerance predicted by T‐13910 and that assessed by other studies using physiological tests shows a one‐way statistically significant discrepancy that could be due to sampling differences. However, the possible role of other genetic factors underlying lactase persistence is worth exploring. The time of the most recent common ancestor and departures from neutrality of the T‐13910 allele were assessed using three microsatellite loci. Time estimates were found to be congruent with the appearance of dairy farming in Southern Europe and the occurrence of a single introgression event. Robust signals of selection can be observed in North‐East Italy only. We discuss the possible role of cultural traits and genetic history in determining these observed micro‐evolutionary patterns. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Life course weight gain and C‐reactive protein levels in young adults: Findings from a Brazilian birth cohort
Authors: Nazmi Aydin , Gonzalez David C. , Oliveira Isabel O. , Horta Bernardo L. , Gigante Denise P. , Victora Cesar G.
Published: December 2008

Rapid weight gain in childhood is associated with increased risk of chronic diseases in adults. C‐reactive protein (CRP) is a mediator of atherosclerosis and chronically elevated levels predict cardiovascular outcomes. The effects of life course weight gain on CRP levels are not clear. The 1982 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort study (n = 5,914) has prospectively collected weight and health data at several follow‐ups since birth. The most recent was in 2004–05, when 77.4% of the cohort was traced and CRP levels were measured in 89% of those interviewed (n = 3827). Geometric mean (SE) C‐reactive protein levels were 0.89 mg/l (0.03) and 1.66 mg/l (0.04) in men and women, respectively. In analyses adjusted for confounding variables, weight gain in infancy showed a weak negative association among males, but from the second year onwards, weight gain was positively associated with CRP levels. In females, weight gain was associated with higher CRP at every period tested. The strongest associations were observed in the most recent (18–23 years) period; CRP ratios (95% CI) per z score increase in weight gain were 1.78 (1.57–2.00) and 1.52 (1.30–1.78) for men and women, respectively. Males who were stunted at 2 years and centrally obese at 23 years had the highest CRP levels (P = 0.002 for interaction). In summary, rapid weight gain throughout life predicted higher CRP levels. Public health efforts need to tackle chronic under‐nutrition in infancy, together with rapid weight gain in later childhood and adolescence, especially in countries undergoing the nutritional transition. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Relationship of polymorphisms located in tumor necrosis factor region and HLA loci among Croatians
Authors: Stingl Katarina , Grubic Zorana , Car Helena , Zunec Renata
Published: December 2008

Polymorphism of TNFa, TNFb, and TNFd microsatellites, linkage disequilibrium (LD) within TNF region as well as relationship of TNF microsatellites with alleles at HLA‐A, ‐B, and ‐DRB1 loci was investigated on a sample of 160 Croatians, previously typed for HLA‐A, ‐B, and ‐DRB1 loci. Analysis of the relationship of TNF alleles and HLA specificities revealed that very strong associations exist between TNFa2, TNFb3, and TNFd2 alleles and HLA‐A*01, ‐B*08, and ‐DRB1*03 specificities, therefore placing them in the 8.1 ancestral haplotype. Similar findings were observed for TNFa11, TNFb4, and TNFd4 alleles and HLA specificities, which are a part of the 7.1 ancestral haplotype. Finally, multiple associations with significant P‐values were also observed between TNFa10, TNFb4, and TNFd4 microsatellite alleles and HLA‐A*02, ‐B*18, ‐DRB1*11 specificities which form the 18.3 ancestral hapolotype. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Height and relative leg length as indicators of the quality of the environment among Mozambican juveniles and adolescents
Authors: Padez Cristina , Varela‐Silva Maria Inês , Bogin Barry
Published: December 2008

The growth status of Mozambique adolescents was assessed to test the hypothesis that relative leg length is a more sensitive indicator of the quality of the environment than the total height. The sample comprised 690 boys and 727 girls, aged between 9 and 17 years, from Maputo. It is divided between those living in the Centre of Maputo and those living in the slums on the periphery of the city. Height, weight, and sitting height were measured and the sitting height ratio was calculated. The hypothesis that relative leg length is more sensitive than total stature as an indicator of environmental quality is not uniformly confirmed. Overall, mean stature is greater for the centre group than the slum group, but relative leg length as measured by the sitting height ratio does not differ. Compared with African‐American references (NHANES II), all centre girls, 9‐ to 14‐year‐old slum girls, all slum boys, and the oldest centre boys show relatively shorter legs. These findings show that within the Mozambique sample, relative leg length is not sensitive enough to distinguish the quality of the living environment. Mozambique was a colony of Portugal until 1975. Civil unrest and warfare characterized the late Colonial period and the postindependence period until a peace settlement was concluded in 1992. It is possible that all socioeconomic status groups within the country suffered sufficiently to reduce relative leg length compared with the better‐off African‐American reference sample. Possible genetic influences on relative leg length are also discussed. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Digit ratio (2D:4D) and sprinting speed in boys
Authors: Manning J.T. , Hill M.R.
Published: December 2008

Digit ratio (2D:4D), a putative correlate of prenatal testosterone, has been found to relate to performance in sport and athletics such that low 2D:4D (high prenatal testosterone) correlates with high performance. Speed in endurance races is strongly related to 2D:4D, and may be one factor that underlies the link between sport and 2D:4D, but nothing is known of the relationship between 2D:4D and sprinting speed. Here we show that running times over 50 m were positively correlated with 2D:4D in a sample of 241 boys (i.e. runners with low 2D:4D ran faster than runners with high 2D:4D). The relationship was also found for 50 m split times (at 20, 30, and 40 m) and was independent of age, BMI, and an index of maturity. However, associations between 2D:4D and sprinting speed were much weaker than those reported for endurance running. This suggests that 2D:4D is a relatively weak predictor of strength and a stronger predictor of efficiency in aerobic exercise. We discuss the effect sizes for relationships between 2D:4D and sport and target traits in general, and identify areas of strength and weakness in digit ratio research. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Physical growth in schoolchildren from Argentina: Comparison with Argentinean and CDC/NCHs growth references
Authors: Orden Alicia B. , Torres María F. , Castro Luis , Cesani María F. , Luis María A. , Quintero Fabián A. , Oyhenart Evelia E.
Published: December 2008

The aim of this study was to assess the physical growth of schoolchildren from Argentina by comparison with the CDC/NCHS and Argentinean growth references (AGR), to contribute to the discussion about the use of local or international references for the assessment of growth in developing countries. Weight and height were measured in 3,411 schoolchildren aged 5–14 years. Data were log‐transformed and compared with both references by paired samples t‐test (CI = 0.95; α = 0.005). The boys' weights were greater than CDC/NCHS (up to 10, and at 14 years old) and the national reference at all ages (P < 0.005). The girls also were heavier than CDC/NCHS (at 7 and 12 years old, P < 0.005) and AGR, except at age 11 and 14 years. In boys, height was lower than CDC/NCHS at 9 and 14 years of age, and higher than AGR at all ages (P < 0.005). The girls were also shorter than CDC/NCHS at 7, 13, and 14 years old (P < 0.005), and—except at age 14—taller than AGR. The weight was higher than both of the references. Height showed a clear dissociation from the national reference and minor differences from CDC/NCHS. Nevertheless, around puberty, the children's height fell short of CDC/NCHS, especially the girls, whose values approached those of their Argentinean peers. This divergence could be associated with cohort effects or population variations in adolescent growth spurt. The use of a single growth reference for preadolescent may be appropriate. The height decrease in adolescents suggests the usefulness of local standards at this period. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Nanoscale Molecular Switch Triggered by Thermal, Light, and Guest Perturbation
Authors: Duriska Martin B. , Neville Suzanne M. , Moubaraki Boujemaa , Cashion John D. , Halder Gregory J. , Chapman Karena W. , Balde Chérif , Létard Jean‐François , Murray Keith S. , Kepert Cameron J. , Batten Stuart R.
Published: December 2008

Bottoms up! A discrete metallo‐supramolecular nanoball (see picture), synthesized by using “bottom‐up” methodologies, uniquely undergoes a solvent‐sensitive, physically addressable electronic spin switching. The switching occurs by thermal, light, or solvent perturbation, where importantly it can be switched “on” or “off” by green or red laser irradiation, respectively.

magnified image
Assessing autistic traits: cross‐cultural validation of the social responsiveness scale (SRS)
Authors: Bölte Sven , Poustka Fritz , Constantino John N.
Published: December 2008

The Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) is a quantitative measure of autistic traits in 4‐ to 18‐year‐olds, which has been used in behavior‐genetic, epidemiological and intervention studies. The US standardization demonstrated a single‐factor structure and good to excellent psychometric properties. The cross‐cultural validity of the German adaptation of the parent‐report SRS in a sample of N=1,436 children and adolescents: 838 typically developing and 527 clinical participants (160 with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs)) was examined. Internal consistency (0.91–0.97), test–retest reliability (0.84–0.97), interrater reliability (0.76 and 0.95) and convergent validity with the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule as well as the Autism Diagnostic Interview—Revised and Social Communication Questionnaire (0.35–0.58) were satisfactory to good. The SRS total score discriminated between ASD and other mental disorders. SRS scores proved to be sufficiently independent of general psychopathology. Principal component analyses yielded single‐factor solutions for the normative and clinical subsamples. In addition, construct validity was ensured by consistent correlations with the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, the Child Behavior Checklist and the Junior Temperament and Character Inventory. Normative SRS total scores for girls and boys as well as values for ASD were lower in the German sample, while scores for conduct disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity/conduct disorder combined were higher. Generally, cross‐cultural validity of the SRS seems to be sufficiently assured for a large European sample. However, some discrepancies regarding SRS normative and clinical raw score distributions, reliability and validity findings are critically discussed.
Screening co‐digestion of food waste water with manure for biogas production
Authors: Liu Yan , Miller Steve A. , Safferman Steven I.
Published: December 2008

Anaerobic digestion, an environmental protection technology for treating organic compounds in waste water, produces biogas, resulting in a renewable energy source. A protocol including waste analysis, waste blending, energy potential and energy balance calculations was developed to determine the energy production from blending food and animal wastes. Fruit and vegetable waste water produced from crop commodity processing was characterized in terms of quantity and 5‐day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). Often these wastes have high levels of degradable carbon but lack buffering capacity and adequate nitrogen and other nutrients to meet the minimal C/N ratio needed for optimal digestion. Blending food‐processing waste water with high nutrient manure can enhance the biogas production by optimizing nutrient levels and providing buffering capacity. The protocol shows the procedure to determine the optimal blend and theoretical biogas production from the anaerobic digestion of that blend. An energy balance technique that determines the lowest COD concentration required to close the energy balance in the digester during different seasons is illustrated. A case study was conducted to determine the potential energy production from anaerobically digesting blended waste water from the top 14 fruit and vegetable commodities in Michigan. The resulting biogas production supports a substantial amount of the energy consumption needed for the treatment process. This case study in Michigan can be extended to national level since the calculations were based on the mean value of their typical range. © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Isolated fetal omphalocele, Beckwith‐Wiedemann syndrome, and assisted reproductive technologies
Authors: Wilkins‐Haug Louise , Porter Amina , Hawley Pam , Benson Carol B.
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE: To assess the frequency of Beckwith‐Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) among fetuses with an ultrasound diagnosis of isolated omphalocele and to examine relevant clinical variables, in particular route of conception. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An ultrasound and consultation database (1988–2007) was searched and cases were included that met the following criteria: omphalocele, no additional major structural anomaly or autosomal aneuploidy, and either newborn examination or molecular diagnostic studies for BWS. Medical records were reviewed and a nested case‐control analysis matching day of birth assessed the route of conception, given the changing prevalence of assisted reproduction during the study period. RESULTS: Thirty cases of isolated omphalocele were identified. Beckwith‐Wiedemann syndrome was diagnosed in six cases (6/30 [20.0%]); four by newborn examination (4/6) and two on prenatal molecular studies (2/6). Of note, one case of BWS had a karyotype of 47,XXX, the remainder was euploid. Compared with isolated omphaloceles, fetuses with BWS more often were twins (3/6 vs. 1/24; p < 0.001), had polyhydramnios (4/6 vs. 2/24; p < 0.001), were macrosomic at birth (3/6 vs. 4/24 p < 0.001), and had been conceived by assisted reproduction (3/6 vs. 2/22; p = 0.04). When compared with normal controls matched by date of birth, conception by assisted reproductive technique among BWS births was highly significant, (p < 0001). CONCLUSIONS: Beckwith‐Wiedemann syndrome is present in a noteworthy portion of fetuses with isolated omphalocele on ultrasound, and prenatal molecular studies are warranted. Even among this small cohort, a recurring theme of conception by assisted reproduction exists. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical geneticists in birth defects surveillance and epidemiology research programs: Past, present and future roles
Authors: Lin Angela E. , Rasmussen Sonja A. , Scheuerle Angela , Stevenson Roger E.
Published: December 2008

Clinical geneticists have contributed to the creation and operation of birth defects surveillance systems and epidemiology research programs. Over the years, many continue to assist the multidisciplinary staff at state‐based and regional programs, national networks, and international databases. Currently, all centers participating in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study include a clinical geneticist, which has increased awareness of this role. It is generally assumed that the medical skills and expertise acquired from clinical practice of a clinical geneticist can assist in the tasks of record review, case classification, coding, staff education, peer networking, and research, but these activities have not been formally reviewed. To increase the general knowledge base, this article used the framework of an historical descriptive review focusing on a sample of birth defects surveillance systems presented as illustrative case studies. We examined the contribution of clinical geneticists to a sample of epidemiologic research studies from each program. Looking to the future, we discuss the education of other clinical geneticists, the need to evaluate performance, and the geneticist's participation with other public health colleagues in the shared goal of birth defects prevention. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Child protection training in sport‐related degrees and initial teacher training for physical education: an audit
Authors: Rossato Claire , Brackenridge Celia
Published: December 2008

This article reports on an online survey of child protection training for students on sport‐related and Initial Teacher Training Physical Education degrees, and on the views of recently graduated teachers of the usefulness of such training in their everyday work. The results indicate that child protection training is provided in most courses but in varying amounts. Respondents to the survey reported positively, in the main, about the effects of new requirements for teacher training (Every Child Matters: Change for Children, Department for Education and Skills, 2004). Reasons given for not including child protection in courses were: lack of time; the perceived vocational nature of the topic; lack of fit with course aims and objectives; lack of relevance; and the research rather than professional orientation of the course. Recently graduated teachers' views on their pre‐service child protection training differed from the claims made about this in the survey. In particular, they raised concerns about their lack of preparation for dealing with potential child protection situations. The article concludes that child protection training within sport‐related degrees is deficient in both consistency of delivery and in content, and that, in addition to preparing students to recognise signs and indicators of abuse, curricula should also address undergraduates' confidence and skills for responding to abuse in their everyday professional practice. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coherence aware GPU‐based ray casting for virtual colonoscopy
Authors: Lee Taek Hee , Shin Yeoung Gil
Published: December 2008

In this paper, we propose a GPU‐based volume ray casting for virtual colonoscopy to generate high‐quality rendering images with a large screen size. Using the temporal coherence for ray casting, the empty space leaping can be efficiently done by reprojecting first‐hit points of the previous frame; however, these approaches could produce artifacts such as holes or illegal starting positions due to the insufficient resolution of first‐hit points. To eliminate these artifacts, we use a triangle mesh of first‐hit points and check the intersection of each triangle with the corresponding real surface. Illegal starting positions can be avoided by replacing a false triangle cutting the real surface with five newly generated triangles. The proposed algorithm is best fit to the recent GPU architecture withShader Model 4.0which supports not only fast rasterization of a triangle mesh but also many flexible vertex operations. Experimental results on ATI 2900 with DirectX10 show perspective volume renderings of over 24fps on 1024 × 1024 screen size without any loss of image quality. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protective action of indole‐3‐acetic acid on induced hepatocarcinoma in mice
Authors: Mourão Luciana R. M. B. , Santana Roberta S. S. , Paulo Lívia M. , Pugine Silvana M. P. , Chaible Lucas M. , Fukumasu Heidge , Dagli Maria L. Z. , de Melo Mariza P.
Published: December 2008

In this study, we report the protective effects of IAA on diethylnitrosamine (DEN)‐induced hepatocarcinogenesis. BALB/c mice received daily IAA at 50 (T50), 250 (T250), and 500 (T500) mg Kg−1 per body mass by gavage for 15 days. At day 15, animals were administered DEN and sacrificed 4 h later. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were analyzed in sera. In addition, hepatomorphologic alterations, activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR), gene expression of antioxidant enzymes and DNA integrity were evaluated in the liver. IAA administration did not show any alterations in any of the parameters available, except for a reduction of the gene expression for antioxidant enzymes by 55, 56, 27, and 28% for SOD, CAT, GPx, and GR upon T500, respectively compared with the control. Several hepatic alterations were observed by DEN exposure. Moreover, IAA administration at 3 doses was shown to provide a total prevention of the active reduction of CAT and GR induced by DEN exposure compared with the control. IAA at T500 was shown to give partial protection (87, 71, 57, and 90% for respectively SOD, CAT, GPx, and GR) on the down‐regulation of the enzymes induced by DEN and this auxin showed a partial protection (50%) on DEN‐induced DNA fragmentation for both parameters when compared to DEN alone. This work showed IAA hepatocarcinogenesis protection for the first time by means of a DEN‐protective effect on CAT and GR activity, and by affecting antioxidant gene expression and DNA fragmentation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TGFβ3 and loading increases osteocyte survival in human cancellous bone cultured ex vivo
Authors: Simpson Angharad E. , Stoddart Martin J. , Davies Catrin M. , Jähn Katharina , Furlong Pamela I. , Gasser Jürg A. , Jones David B. , Noble Brendon S. , Richards Robert G.
Published: December 2008

The goal of this study was to assess the effect of the addition of TGFβ3, alone or in combination with loading, on the survival of osteocytes in 3D human explant cancellous bone during long‐term culture in an ex vivo loading bioreactor. Human cancellous bone explants were cultured for up to 14 days with or without TGFβ3 (15 ng ml−1) and with or without loading (300 cycles, at 1 Hz, producing 4000 microstrain). Bone core response was visualized using undecalcified histology with morphological methods after embedding with Technovit 9100 New® resin. Histological examination revealed normal gross level bone structure with or without the application of load or the addition of TGFβ3. The viability of the osteocytes within the bone was assessed by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity. We demonstrate that this ex vivo loading bioreactor is able to maintain a high percentage (over 50%) of viable osteocytes throughout the bone explants after 14 days in ex vivo culture. Further to this, the combination of daily loading and TGFβ3 administration produced superior osteocyte survival at the core centres when compared to loading or TGFβ alone. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evidence that L‐glutamine is better than L‐alanine as gluconeogenic substrate in perfused liver of weaned fasted rats submitted to short‐term insulin‐induced hypoglycaemia
Authors: Oliveira‐Yamashita Fabiana , Garcia Rosangela Fernandes , Felisberto‐Junior Antonio Machado , Curi Rui , Bazotte Roberto Barbosa
Published: December 2008

Gluconeogenesis in livers from overnight fasted weaned rats submitted to short‐term insulin‐induced hypoglycaemia (IIH) was investigated. For this purpose, a condition of hyperinsulinemia/hypoglycaemia was obtained with an intraperitoneal (ip) injection of regular insulin (1.0 U kg−1). Control group (COG group) received ip saline. The studies were performed 30 min after insulin (IIH group) or saline (COG group) injection. The livers from IIH and COG rats were perfused with L‐alanine (5 mM), L‐lactate (2 mM), L‐glutamine (10 mM) or glycerol (2 mM). Hepatic glucose, L‐lactate and pyruvate production from L‐alanine was not affected by IIH. In agreement with this result, the hepatic ability in producing glucose from L‐lactate or glycerol remained unchanged (IIH group vs. COG group). However, livers from IIH rats showed higher glucose production from L‐glutamine than livers from COG rats and, in the IIH rats, the production of glucose from L‐glutamine was higher than that from L‐alanine. The higher glucose production in livers from the IIH group, when compared with the COG group was due to its entrance further on gluconeogenic pathway. Taken together, the results suggest that L‐glutamine is better than L‐alanine, as gluconeogenic substrate in livers of hypoglyceaemic weaned rats. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of short chain fatty acids on effector mechanisms of neutrophils
Authors: Vinolo Marco A. R. , Hatanaka Elaine , Lambertucci Rafael H. , Newsholme Philip , Curi Rui
Published: December 2008

Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are metabolic by products of anerobic bacteria fermentation. These fatty acids, despite being an important fuel for colonocytes, are also modulators of leukocyte function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of SCFAs (acetate, propionate, and butyrate) on function of neutrophils, and the possible mechanisms involved. Neutrophils obtained from rats by intraperitoneal lavage 4 h after injection of oyster glycogen solution (1%) were treated with non toxic concentrations of the fatty acids. After that, the following measurements were performed: phagocytosis and destruction of Candida albicans, production of ROS (O, H2O2, and HOCl) and degranulation. Gene expression (p47phox and p22phox) and protein phosphorylation (p47phox) were analyzed by real time reverse transcriptase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and Western blotting, respectively. Butyrate inhibited phagocytosis and killing of C. albicans. This SCFA also had an inhibitory effect on production of O, H2O2, and HOCl by neutrophils stimulated with PMA or fMLP. This effect of butyrate was not caused by modulation of expression of NADPH oxidase subunits (p47phox and p22phox) but it was in part due to reduced levels of p47phox phosphorylation and an increase in the concentration of cyclic AMP. Acetate increased the production of O and H2O2 in the absence of stimuli but had no effect on phagocytosis and killing of C. albicans. Propionate had no effect on the parameters studied. These results suggest that butyrate can modulate neutrophil function and thus could be important in inflammatory neutrophil‐associated diseases. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protective effect of aminoguanidine against oxidative stress and bladder injury in cyclophosphamide‐induced hemorrhagic cystitis in rat
Authors: Abraham Premila , Rabi Suganthy , Selvakumar Dhayakani
Published: December 2008

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is an antineoplastic agent that is used for the treatment of many neoplastic diseases. Hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) is a major dose limiting side effect of CP. Recent studies show that aminogaunidine, an inhibitor of inducible nitric oxide synthase is a potent antioxidant and prevents changes caused by oxidative stress such as depletion of antioxidant activity and tissue injury. The purpose of the study is to investigate the effect of aminoguanidine on parameters of oxidative stress, antioxidant enzymes and bladder injury caused by CP. Adult male rats were randomly divided into four groups. Control rats were administered saline; the AG control group received 200 mg/kg body wt of aminoguanidine; The CP group received a single injection of CP at the dose of 150 mg/kg body wt intraperitoneally. The CP + AG group received aminoguanidine (200 mg/kg body wt) intraperitoneally 1 h before the administration of CP. The rats were sacrificed 16 h after CP/saline administration. The bladder was used for light microscopic studies and biochemical studies. The markers of oxidative damage including protein carbonyl content, protein thiol, malondialdehyde and conjugated dienes were assayed in the homogenates along with the activities of the antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and glutathione reductase and glutathioneStransferase. In the bladders of CP treated rats edema of lamina propria with epithelial and sub‐epithelial hemorrhage was seen. All the parameters of oxidative stress that were studied were significantly elevated in the bladders of CP treated rats. The activities of the antioxidant enzymes were significantly lowered in the bladders of CP treated rats. Aminoguanidine pretreatment prevented CP‐induced oxidative stress, decrease in the activities of anti‐oxidant enzymes and reduced bladder damage. The results of the present study suggest the antioxidant role for aminoguanidine in CP‐induced bladder damage. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Single‐Molecule FRET Reveals Structural Heterogeneity of SDS‐Bound α‐Synuclein
Authors: Veldhuis Gertjan , Segers‐Nolten Ine , Ferlemann Eva , Subramaniam Vinod
Published: December 2008

SDS‐concentration‐dependent α‐synuclein structure: Upon interaction with SDS, αSyn folds into a structure with two antiparallel α‐helices. We show from single‐molecule FRET that αSynn adopts this conformation in an all‐or‐none fashion below the SDS critical micelle concentration. Population of the folded species is directly coupled to an increase in α‐helix content; this suggests that the entire N terminus is involved in the transaction.

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A novel paclitaxel‐eluting dedicated bifurcation stent: A case report from the first human use Taxus Petal trial
Authors: Johnson Thomas W. , Kay I. Patrick , Ormiston John A.
Published: December 2008

A dedicated bifurcation stent has the potential to simplify and improve the outcomes of percutaneous coronary bifurcation intervention. We report a patient from the first human use trial of a novel paclitaxel‐eluting dedicated bifurcation stent. By 6 months, there were no adverse events and the stent lumen and, in particular, the side‐branch ostium were widely patent on angiography and intravascular ultrasound. This device may offer superior results without the limitations of conventional stent techniques in the treatment of coronary bifurcation disease. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Performing a myocardial biopsy in a cardiac transplant patient with a persistent left superior vena cava
Authors: Rogers Kevin , Bader Feras , Gilbert Edward
Published: December 2008

The life expectancy of patients with congenital heart disease is increasing. Thus, as the prevalence of adults with congenital heart disease increases, invasive cardiologists will have more exposure to these patients and will benefit from expertise in the anatomy of congenital heart defects. We present a case of performing right heart catheterization and myocardial biopsy in a cardiac transplant patient with a history of multiple congenital defects including a persistent left superior vena cava. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prognostic implications of vascular complications following PCI
Authors: Applegate Robert , Sacrinty Matthew , Little William , Gandhi Sanjay , Kutcher Michael , Santos Renato
Published: December 2008

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of vascular complications (VC) on the adjusted risk of nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI) or death following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) at 1 year in a large contemporary cohort. Background: Peri‐procedural bleeding increases the risk of adverse clinical outcomes at 1 year. Whether access site VC's identify patients at high risk or independently alter the risk of adverse clinical outcomes at 1 year, however, is uncertain. Methods: 3,931 PCI procedures performed via a femoral access at a single site (WFUBMC) were evaluated. Access and nonaccess site post procedural bleeding were assessed. The adjusted risk of access site VC's association with 1‐year clinical outcomes was evaluated by Cox proportional hazards modeling. Results: Any VC occurred in 1.7%, and any TIMI bleeding in 6.7% after PCI. The hazard ratio (HR) adjusted for baseline and procedural covariates for any VC of nonfatal MI or all cause death at 1 year was 1.68 (1.00–2.81), P = 0.049 and 1.69 (0.92–3.09), P = 0.088 for all cause death alone. However, after adjusting for any TIMI bleeding, the HR for nonfatal MI or death was 0.84 (0.49–1.45), P = 0.527, and for death alone 0.75 (0.39–1.41), P = 0.369. Conclusions: The occurrence of VC following PCI was an independent predictor of nonfatal MI or death at 1 year, but only if accompanied by TIMI major or minor bleeding. A vascular complication without TIMI bleeding did not alter prognosis at 1 year. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The incidence and predictors of postprocedural incomplete stent apposition after angiographically successful drug‐eluting stent implantation
Authors: Kim Yong‐Seok , Koo Bon‐Kwon , Seo Jae‐Bin , Park Kyung Woo , Suh Jung‐Won , Lee Hae‐Young , Park Jin‐Shik , Kang Hyun‐Jae , Cho Young‐Seok , Chung Woo‐Young , Chae In‐Ho , Choi Dong‐Ju , Kim Hyo‐Soo , Oh Byung‐Hee , Park Young‐Bae
Published: December 2008

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and predictors of postprocedural incomplete stent apposition (ISA) after angiographically successful drug‐eluting stent (DES) implantation. Background: The deployed stents are usually evaluated by angiography alone; however, there are possibilities of postprocedural ISA despite the angiographically successful implantation. Methods: A total of 339 lesions in which poststent intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) was performed after successful DES implantation was included. Paclitaxel‐eluting stents were implanted in 237 lesions and sirolimus‐eluting stents (SES) in 102 lesions. Clinical, angiographic and procedural characteristics and IVUS findings for all cases were analyzed. Results: The overall incidence of ISA was 13.9% (47/339). By multivariate analysis, male gender (OR: 2.36, 95% CI: 1.09–5.11), deployment of SES (OR: 2.90, 95% CI: 1.49–5.67), the presence of intracoronary thrombus (OR: 7.47, 95% CI: 1.67–33.47), and non‐ST elevation myocardial infarction (OR: 2.73, 95% CI: 1.09–6.83) were independent predictors for postprocedural ISA after angiographically successful DES implantation. Conclusions: The incidence of postprocedural ISA after angiographically successful implantation of DES was not infrequent. A DES deployment strategy incorporating IVUS guidance might be helpful to reduce the incidence of postprocedural ISA. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hydrodynamics of a Multi‐Stage Internal Loop Airlift Reactor
Authors: Li S. , Qi T. , Zhang Y. , Liu C.
Published: December 2008

The local hydrodynamic properties in a multi‐stage internal loop airlift reactor were investigated in this study. The gas‐liquid two‐phase flow hydrodynamic properties, including gas holdup, bubble velocity, bubble diameter, and liquid circulation velocity at various stages were measured by dual electrical resistivity probes and conductivity cells. Detailed studies on the gas holdup, bubble velocity, bubble diameter, and liquid circulation velocity were conducted with respect to various values of superficial gas. The Zuber and Findlay drift flux model was used to represent the variation of slip velocity with total gas‐liquid velocity at various stages and the model fits the data well.
Selective Removal of Carbon Dioxide from Wet CO2/H2 Mixtures via Facilitated Transport Membranes containing Amine Blends as Carriers
Authors: Heydari Gorji A. , Kaghazchi T. , Kargari A.
Published: December 2008

The selective separation of carbon dioxide (CO2) from a wet gaseous mixture of CO2/H2 through facilitated transport membranes containing immobilized aqueous solutions of monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), ethylenediamine (EDA) and monoprotonated ethylenediamine (EDAH+) and their blends was experimentally investigated. The effect of CO2 partial pressure, amine concentration, feed side pressure and amine species on the CO2 and H2 permeances were studied. The CO2 permeability through amine solution membranes decreased with increasing CO2 feed partial pressure but the H2 permeance was almost independent of the H2 partial pressure. A comparison of experimental results showed that single or blended amines with low viscosity and a moderate equilibrium constant, i.e., large forward and reverse reaction rate of CO2‐amine, are suitable for effective separation of CO2. The permeability of CO2 generally increased with an increase in amine concentration, although this increase may be compromised by the salting out effect and decrease in diffusivities of species. The results obtained indicated that CO2 permeance across a variety of amines are in the order of DEA (2 M) > MD (2 M) > MD (1 M) > MEA (2 M) > MEA (4 M) > MD (4 M) > DEA (1 M) > DEA (4 M) > MEA (1 M) for various concentrations of MEA + DEA blend and are in the order of EDAH+ (2 M) > DEA (2 M) > MH (2 M) > DH (2 M) > ED (2 M) > EDA (2 M) > MEA (2 M) for various blends of amine.