bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stress adaptations in a Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacterium (PGPR) with increasing salinity in the coastal agricultural soils
Authors: Paul Diby , Nair Sudha
Published: August 2008

The costs associated with soil salinity are potentially enormous and the effects of salinity may impact heavily on agriculture, biodiversity and the environment. As the saline areas under agriculture are increasing every year across the globe, it is of much public concern. Agricultural crops and soil microorganisms are affected with salinity. As Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) have been reported to be contributing to the plant health, the osmotolerance mechanisms of these PGPRs are of importance. Pseudomonas fluorescens MSP‐393 is a proven biocontrol agent for many of the crops grown in saline soils of coastal ecosystem. Studies revealed that the root colonization potential of the strain was not hampered with higher salinity in soil. As a means of salt tolerance, the strain de novo ‐synthesized, the osmolytes, Ala, Gly, Glu, Ser, Thr, and Asp in their cytosol. To understand the mechanism of salt tolerance, the proteome analysis of the bacteria was carried out employing 2D gel electrophoresis and MALDI‐TOF. Peptide mass fingerprinting and in silico investigation revealed the up regulation of many of salt regulated proteins. It could be ascertained that the osmotolerance mechanisms of MSP‐393 viz. de novo synthesis of osmolytes and over production of salt stress proteins effectively nullified the detrimental effects of high osmolarity. MSP‐393 could serve as a suitable bioinoculant for crops grown in saline soils. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Purification, characterization and crystallization of an extracellular alkaline protease from Aspergillus nidulans HA‐10
Authors: Charles P. , Devanathan V. , Anbu Periasamy , Ponnuswamy M. N. , Kalaichelvan P. T. , Hur Byung‐Ki
Published: August 2008

Aspergillus nidulans is a highly potent fungus used in the production of alkaline protease. Extracellular alkaline protease was purified from A. nidulans in a two‐step procedure involving ammonium sulphate precipitation and Sephadex G‐100 column chromatography. The molecular mass of the enzyme was determined to be 42 kDa by SDS‐PAGE. The enzyme activity was also analyzed by zymogram with gelatin. The enzyme was more stable over a wide range of pH (6–10) and the temperatures up to 50 °C. It showed optimum enzyme activity at pH 8.0 and a temperature of 35 °C. The protease enzyme was completely inhibited by the serine protease inhibitor of phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF). The crystallization of the purified enzyme was performed by hanging drop vapour diffusion method using PEG 6000 as the precipitant. The micro crystals occurred in 40% of PEG 6000. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Work‐life balance is a cross‐generational concern—and a key to retaining high performers at Accenture
Authors: Klun Sharon
Published: August 2008

Members of Generations X and Y are even more insistent than baby boomers are about balancing their professional and personal lives—a potential retention issue exacerbated by the shrinking pool of skilled talent. Three case studies highlight Accenture's successful new work‐life program, Future Leave, which enables high performers to take extended time off for personal reasons without derailing promising or established careers with the company. The author also highlights some differences between the challenges that female and male professionals anticipate they will face over the next several years and cautions that global companies will need to become more adept at tailoring work‐life programs to meet a range of needs in their increasingly diverse global workforces. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effect of business strategies and HRM policies on organizational performance: The Greek experience
Authors: Katou Anastasia A. , Budhwar Pawan S.
Published: August 2008

This article investigates the relationship between simultaneity in decisions regarding business strategies and human resource management (HRM) policies and their impact on organizational performance. The research is based on a sample of 178 organizations operating in the Greek manufacturing sector. The results of this study support the hypothesis that when business strategies and HRM policies are developed simultaneously, they positively affect organizational performance. This is more valid for decisions taken simultaneously with respect to quality and employee development, innovation and employee rewards and relations, and cost and employee resourcing. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Toxicological and nutraceutical assessments of peanut sprouts as daily supplements to feed Sprague‐Dawley rats for 18 weeks
Authors: Lin Bo‐Si , Lien Tu‐Fa , Chao Mao‐Rong , Lai Tzu‐Yuan , Chang Ju‐Chun , Chou Shieh‐Jen , Liao Hui‐Fen , Chiou Robin Y‐Y
Published: August 2008

BACKGROUND: Peanut sprouts are occasionally consumed by peanut farmers. To investigate the possibility of introducing peanut sprouts as a functional vegetable to the public, an in vivo experiment involving toxicological and nutraceutical assessments was conducted.

RESULTS: Sixty female Sprague‐Dawley rats (8 weeks old) were fed with peanut sprouts as a dietary supplement for 18 weeks. The rats were divided into five groups and fed with different daily supplements, namely 0 g (control), 16.5, 10 or 6 g of sprouts or 2.4 g of kernels. Aflatoxin contents of the sprouts (n = 24) were less than 1 µg kg−1. Body weights of all rats increased with feeding time, and final body weights differed insignificantly among test groups (P > 0.05). Weights of liver, kidney and spleen and organ/body weight ratios varied insignificantly among test groups (P > 0.05). All serum and blood cell determinations differed insignificantly (P > 0.05) among test groups, apart from the observation of a significant lowering of serum triacylglycerol (TG) level in the 10 g sprout group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: In general, no obvious growth hazard or health toxicity was detected. For nutraceutical development, the lowering of serum TG level achieved by appropriate intake of peanut sprouts is noteworthy. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Dryland salinity and rainfall patterns: A preliminary investigation in central west New South Wales (Australia)
Authors: Dragovich D. , Dominis M.
Published: August 2008

Dryland salinity is an increasingly serious land degradation problem in many parts of the world. Bare salinised ground leads to accelerated rates of sheet, rill and gully erosion; decreasing plant productivity; and declining surface water quality. In a given geological, climatic and land use situation, rainfall patterns may influence the changing extent of dryland salinity. This possibility was investigated for an area in Australia with long‐term rainfall records. Changes in salinisation were recorded using nine sets of aerial photographs. Saline sites fluctuated in size between photo‐years but their number and extent increased between 1958 and 1996, with sites along wash lines being especially responsive to rainfall variations. Saline areas generally decreased in size and number during the wet period from 1958 to the early 1970s, extended during drought years in the early 1980s, then increased markedly to 1996 during a period of above average rainfall. Three saline sites showed a broad inverse relationship between salinity (bare ground) extent and rainfall in the pre‐drought period but post‐drought trends showed increasing rainfall associated with increasing salinisation. Short‐term variations in salinity were superimposed on longer‐term expansion. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Secondary succession and resource use in tropical fallows: A case study from the Coromandel Coast of South India
Authors: Kinhal Vijayalaxmi , Parthasarathy N.
Published: August 2008

Agricultural fallows, village commons and degraded forests, serve as important common community property resources throughout India, but due to their degraded status they are considered as ‘wastelands’, having little economic value and poor biodiversity. A study on secondary succession was conducted in agricultural fallows around Puducherry, India to review the negative image of ‘wastelands’. Chronosequences of four sites aged 2, 4, 10 and 50 years were used to investigate change in species composition and abundance, convergence with a nearby forest and to examine their economic use.

A comparison of life‐forms, species richness and diversity indices showed that herbaceous species dominated up to 10th year sere, from which point in succession, woody species became more common. It was in the 50th year sere that shrubs and secondary tree species occurring in nucleated clumps became dominant. A cluster analysis based on Bray–Curtis similarity index shows a sequential development of vegetation through time, though 50th year plots showed no convergence with the Tropical dry evergreen forest (TDEF), but the principal component analysis demonstrates a change in community structure from grasslands to shrub and secondary tree species' dominance. Presence of adults of five primary forest species found in the clumps indicates a fast rate of secondary succession, considering that grazing and resource removal occurred in the sites. The potential value of the ‘wastelands’ is evident from the fact that 64 per cent of recorded species have economic use, which underlines the need for their sustainable utilization for better management of bioresources rather than converting them into monocultures. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimating the rate and consequences of gully development, a case study of umbulo catchment in Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Moges A. , Holden N. M.
Published: August 2008

In southern Ethiopia wide and deep gullies are common features, significantly affecting farmers' livelihoods. Little action is being taken to address the problem despite farmers being knowledgeable about erosion and its control measures. A study was conduced to investigate the nature and rate of gully development in Umbulo catchment, southern Ethiopia, based on interviews with farmers and field measurements. The results indicated a rapid, down slope development of gullies over the last 30 years with average rate of soil loss from 11 to 30 t ha−1 y−1. The critical period of development of the gully system was estimated to be between 1974 and 1985, but since then the gully system has enlarged both in depth and width. Wide channels with deep, nearly vertical walls are typical. The trigger for gully initiation is believed to have been human, but the soil properties may have played an important role. Under the current situation agricultural production is unsustainable unless the gullies are controlled using integrated measures at the catchment scale. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Makroskopische Eigenspannungen in einem selektiv langfaserverstärkten Aluminiumbauteil
Authors: Sun S. , Dahmen C. , Lao B. , Bührig‐Polaczek A.
Published: August 2008

An selektiv langfaserverstärkten Aluminiumproben, mit unterschiedlichen Faservolumenanteilen, wurde die makroskopische Eigenspannung zwischen dem verstärkten und dem unverstärkten Bereich mit Hilfe der Bohrlochmethode experimentell gemessen und mit der Finite‐Elemente‐Methode (FEM) numerisch simuliert. Beide Methoden weisen deutlich darauf hin, dass in den Proben sehr ungleichmäßig verteilte makroskopische Eigenspannungen im Grenzbereich zwischen dem verstärkten und dem unverstärkten Teil existieren. Die ermittelten Ergebnisse zur Eigenspannung stimmen mit beiden Methoden gut überein. An den meisten Stellen im untersuchten Bereich nehmen die makroskopischen Eigenspannungen keine schädlichen Ausmaße an. Jedoch findet sich sowohl im unverstärkten Bereich, parallel zu der Grenzfläche, als auch im verstärkten, quer zur Faserrichtung, ein Unterbereich mit hoher Zugeigenspannung. Diese hohen Eigenspannungszustände müssen bei der Konstruktion, Produktion und Weiterverarbeitung entsprechend berücksichtigt werden. Der Einfluss des Faservolumenanteils auf die makroskopische Eigenspannung im verstärkten Bereich, wurde durch einen Datenvergleich analysiert. Es ergibt sich, dass der Faservolumenanteil die grundsätzliche Eigenspannungsverteilung kaum beeinflusst, jedoch steigen die Eigenspannungsgrößen mit zunehmendem Faservolumenanteil in der Probe an.
The development of a shape factor instability index to guide severe weather forecasts for aviation safety
Authors: Walker Ira , Chakrapani Venkatesan , Elmahboub Widad
Published: August 2008

An instability index, called the shape factor (SF), for weather forecasting was proposed using temperature profiles from a NASA/LaRC‐hosted web‐page featuring NOAA Rapid Update Cycle (RUC) radiosonde data used for short‐term weather predictions. The index of instability was predicated on the sign and magnitude of the gradient of the equivalent potential temperature. A training data set of temperature profiles was obtained for both clear and severe weather conditions and the SF index was computed. The data showed marked differences in the magnitudes of the shape factors for the two weather conditions. Calculations of SF were compared with the several well‐established instability indices and there appeared marked agreement between the SF and these other metrics. It is being proposed that this new index could be used as a parameter for input to statistical weather forecasting models to enhance overall aviation safety and air traffic management efficiency. Of particular relevance is the fact that more comprehensive results can be garnered since the SF index is calculated from the entire temperature profile and not just from selected temperatures as is the case for other indices of instability. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
The multi‐integer set cover and the facility terminal cover problem
Authors: Hochbaum Dorit S. , Levin Asaf
Published: August 2008

The facility terminal cover problem is a generalization of the vertex cover problem. The problem is to “cover” the edges of an undirected graphG= (V,E) where each edgeeis associated with a non‐negative demandde. An edgee=u,vis covered if at least one of its endpoint vertices is allocated capacity of at leastde. Each vertexvis associated with a non‐negative weightwv. The goal is to allocate capacitycv≥ 0 to each vertexvso that all edges are covered and the total allocation cost,$\sum\limits_{v\in V}w_{v}c_{v}$, is minimized. A recent paper by Xu et al. [Networks 50 (2007), 118‐126], studied this problem, and presented a 2e‐ approximation algorithm for this problem forethe base of the natural logarithm. We generalize here the facility terminal cover problem to the multi‐integer set cover, and relate that problem to the set cover problem, which it generalizes, and the multi‐cover problem. We present a Δ‐approximation algorithm for the multi‐integer set cover problem, for Δ the maximum coverage. This demonstrates that even though the multi‐integer set cover problem generalizes the set cover problem, the same approximation ratio holds. In the special case of the facility terminal cover problem this yields a 2‐approximation algorithm, and with run time dominated by the sorting of the edge demands. This approximation algorithm improves considerably on the result of Xu et al. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2009
Circulating levels of MCP‐1 are increased in women with gestational diabetes
Authors: Klein Katharina , Satler Miriam , Elhenicky Marie , Brix Johanna , Krzyzanowska Katarzyna , Schernthaner Guntram , Husslein Peter W. , Schernthaner Gerit‐Holger
Published: August 2008

Objective

We investigated whether gestational diabetes mellitus is associated with monocyte‐chemoattractant‐protein‐1 (MCP‐1) and soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L), the functional relevant proteins in the inflammatory process.

Methods

In all 32 women with gestational diabetes mellitus, 18 women without gestational diabetes mellitus and 40 nonpregnant women were included. MCP‐1 and sCD40L were measured at the time of the oral glucose tolerance test (second trimester), in the third trimester and postpartum.

Results

MCP‐1 was higher in pregnant women (women with gestational diabetes mellitus and without) than in nonpregnant women (p < 0.001) in the third trimester, and also in the second trimester and postpartum. MCP‐1 was elevated in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus in the third trimester compared to healthy pregnant women (p = 0.007). In gestational diabetes mellitus, MCP‐1 increased from the second to the third trimester (p = 0.003). We found no association of sCD40L and gestational diabetes mellitus.

Conclusion

The elevation of MCP‐1 in the third trimester in gestational diabetes mellitus suggests an association between inflammation and GDM. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Utility of an exon 14 BslI polymorphism for improved genetic diagnosis of hemophilia A in Indian population
Authors: Mukundan Preethi , Shetty Shrimati , Kulkarni Bipin , Ghosh Kanjaksha
Published: August 2008

Background

Hemophilia A is a common X‐linked recessive bleeding disorder caused by deleterious mutations in the gene encoding factor VIII. Though direct mutation analysis is the common practice in most of the developed countries, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis using common polymorphic markers of factor VIII gene is still the most practical and feasible method in developing countries like India.

Method

We investigated the utility of a BslI polymorphism (A3864C) in exon 14 of factor VIII gene for the genetic diagnosis of hemophilia A families by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by digestion with enzyme BslI.

Results

Out of 213 unrelated women examined for heterozygosity of this marker, 69 were found to be informative (32.4%), with frequencies of 0.32 and 0.68 for the ‘+ ’ and ‘− ’ alleles respectively. Subsequently 13 hemophilia A families, which were not informative with any of the common markers routinely used in genetic diagnosis of hemophilia and which were also negative for intron 1 and 22 inversions were analyzed. Three were found to be informative exclusively with this marker (23%).

Conclusion

Hence it is a highly useful marker in the genetic diagnosis of hemophilia A families in India. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Why is the use of clopidogrel increasing rapidly in Australia? An exploration of geographical location, age, sex and cardiac stenting rates as possible influences on clopidogrel use
Authors: Ostini R. , Hegney D. , Mackson J. M. , Williamson M. , Tett S. E.
Published: August 2008

Purpose

To explore clopidogrel use within Australia, investigating geography, age, sex and cardiac stenting rates.

Methods

Data for clopidogrel supply (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS)) and cardiac stenting procedures (State Health Departments) were obtained for four different geographic regions (very remote/remote and major city in two Australian states). General linear modelling and correlation analyses were used to test for associations and χ2 analyses for proportions.

Results

Clopidogrel supply increased rapidly in Australia since introduction, from 1.2 to 9.0 Defined Daily Doses (DDD)/1000 population/day. Among concessional and veteran populations use was much higher. Analysis of geographical area data confirmed an association between clopidogrel supply rates and cardiac stenting rates (r = 0.8–0.9 Spearman's rho, p < 0.01). Sex, age and geographical location were associated with both rates when considered together and when considered independently. Further modelling indicated that between 30 and 73% of clopidogrel supply could be accounted for by people receiving cardiac stents.

Conclusions

The supply of clopidogrel increases with age, male sex and living in a major city. These same demographic variables were important for cardiac stenting, an indication which is currently not approved for subsidy by the Australian government, but which modelling indicated could account for between one‐third and three quarters of clopidogrel use. A review may be required to ensure subsidised indications reflect current evidence and cost‐effective use. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Facile synthesis and characterization of star‐shaped polystyrene: self‐condensing atom transfer radical copolymerization of N‐[4‐(α‐bromoisobutyryloxy)phenyl]maleimide and styrene
Authors: Cao Yun , Hong Yan , Zhai Guangqun , Zhang Dongliang , Song Yan , Yu Qiang , Ren Qiang , Jiang Bibiao
Published: August 2008

BACKGROUND: Generation of stars around in situ formed cores provides a facile approach to star‐shaped polymers. Therefore the self‐condensing atom transfer radical copolymerization (SCATRCP) of N‐[4‐(α‐bromoisobutyryloxy)phenyl]maleimide (BiBPM) and a large excess of styrene (St) was investigated.

RESULTS: BiBPM and St formed a charge transfer complex (CTC), which underwent the SCATRCP, leading to the branched core initiating the atom transfer radical polymerization of St, finally giving star‐shaped polystyrene (PS). Kinetic and structural study showed that a higher dosage of BiBPM resulted in an enhanced polymerization rate, a higher degree of branching and a larger number of short PS arms. Differential scanning calorimetry suggested that the glass transition temperature of the star‐shaped PS decreased with molecular weight. Melt rheometry showed that even a slightly branched architecture of the PS led to a significantly lower viscosity; both the melt flow index and the activation energy increased with the degree of branching.

CONCLUSION: Due to the preferential consumption of BiBPM and formation of a CTC, even a very low dosage of BiBPM could lead to star‐shaped PS, which, in comparison with linear analogues, could possess much better melt fluidity. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
A simple approach toward low‐dielectric polyimide nanocomposites: Blending the polyimide precursor with a fluorinated polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane
Authors: Ye Yun‐Sheng , Yen Ying‐Chieh , Chen Wen‐Yi , Cheng Chih‐Chia , Chang Feng‐Chih
Published: August 2008

This article describes a new and simple method for preparing polyimide nanocomposites that have very low dielectric constants and good thermal properties: simply through blending the polyimide precursor with a fluorinated polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane derivative, octakis(dimethylsiloxyhexafluoropropyl) silsesquioxane (OF). The low polarizability of OF is compatible with polyimide matrices, such that it can improve the dispersion and free volume of the resulting composites. Together, the higher free volume and lower polarizability of OF are responsible for the lower dielectric constants of the PI‐OF nanocomposites. This simple method for enhancing the properties of polyimides might have potential applicability in the electronics industry. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 6296–6304, 2008
Synthesis of linear and 4‐arm star block copolymers of poly(methyl acrylate‐b‐solketal acrylate) by SET‐LRP at 25 °C
Authors: Whittaker Michael R. , Urbani Carl N. , Monteiro Michael J.
Published: August 2008

The new SET‐LRP (using Cu(0) powder for organic synthesis) was successfully used to produce well‐defined linear and star homo‐ and diblock‐copolymers of PMA, PSA, and P(MA‐b‐GA)n (where n = 1 or 4). The kinetic data showed that all SET‐LRP were first order and reached high conversions in a short period of time. The other advantage of using such a system is that the copper can easily be removed through filtration, allowing the production of highly pure polymer. The molecular weight distributions were well controlled with polydispersity indexes below 1.1 and the number‐average molecular weight close to theory, especially upon the addition of Cu(II)Br2/Me6‐TREN complex. The linear and star block copolymers were then hydrolyzed to produce the biocompatible amphiphilic P(MA‐b‐GA)n, where the glycerol side‐groups make the outer block hydrophilic. These blocks were micellized into water and found to have a Rg/RH equal to 0.8 and 1.59 for the liner and star blocks, respectively. This together with the TEM's supported that the linear blocks formed the classical core‐shell micelles, where as, the star blocks formed vesicles. We found direct support for the vesicle structure from a TEM where one vesicle squashed a second vesicle consistent with a hollow structure. Such vesicle structures have potential applications as delivery nanoscaled devices for drugs and other important biomolecules. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 6346–6357, 2008
Hopelessness as a predictor of depressive symptoms for breast cancer patients coping with recurrence
Authors: Brothers Brittany M. , Andersen Barbara L.
Published: August 2008

Objective: The Hopelessness Theory of Depression provides the framework to test feelings of hopelessness and social support as predictors of depressive symptoms in women recently diagnosed with a recurrence of breast cancer.

Methods: Patients (N=67) were assessed within weeks of receiving their recurrence diagnosis (initial) and again 4 months later (follow‐up).

Results: Controlling for their current physical and depressive symptoms, hopelessness at diagnosis was a significant predictor of the maintenance of depressive symptoms among patients. A corollary of the theory was also confirmed: social support (i.e. the presence/absence of a romantic partner) interacted with hopelessness.

Conclusions: Women who reported feelings of hopelessness and who were alone (i.e. without a partner) were especially vulnerable to later depressive symptoms. The data provide support for the Hopelessness Theory and suggest factors conferring risk for depressive symptoms for those coping with a worsened cancer prognosis. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quality of life and sexual functioning after cervical cancer treatment: a long‐term follow‐up study
Authors: Greimel Elfriede R. , Winter Raimund , Kapp Karin S. , Haas Josef
Published: August 2008

Objective: The purpose of the study was to investigate the long‐term treatment side effects on the quality of life (QoL) and sexual functioning of cervical cancer survivors undergoing different treatment regimens.

Methods: QoL and sexual functioning were measured using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire, the Cervix Cancer Module, and the Sexual Activity Questionnaire.

Results: One hundred twenty‐one cervical cancer survivors (63 Surgery, 38 Surgery/CT, and 20 Surgery/RT) participated. Patients in the Surgery/RT Group reported significantly worse QoL outcomes (lower scores on physical, role, cognitive, and social functioning) compared with patients in the Surgery Group or patients in the Surgery/CT Group. The level of symptoms such as nausea/vomiting, pain, appetite loss, frequent urination (p=0.019), leaking of urine (p=0.015), and the feeling of a tight vagina (p=0.018) was significantly higher in irradiated patients. Concerning sexual functioning, patients in the Surgery/RT Group reported a significantly lower sexual activity rate compared with women in the Surgery Group or women in the Surgery/CT group (p<0.05). However, there were no statistically significant differences concerning sexual pleasure and sexual discomfort among the three treatment groups (p>0.05).

Conclusions: Cervical cancer survivors treated with adjuvant radiotherapy are more likely at risk for impaired QoL. Survivors treated with surgery or adjuvant chemotherapy return to a similar level of QoL as women without a history of cancer. Although the sexual activity rate is lower in irradiated patients their sexual pleasure is similar to patients after surgery and chemotherapy. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Energy conservation for people with MS‐related fatigue: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Garcia Jalon Elena Guiomar , Lennon Sheila , Hannan Justine , Murphy Sam , Lowe‐Strong Andrew
Published: August 2008

Background. Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) (Mathiowetz et al., 2005). Although education about energy conservation is widely used in the clinical setting, research to ensure evidence‐based practice is still limited (MSC, 1998; Brañas et al., 2000; The National Collaborating Centre for Chronic Conditions, 2004). Aim. To test the methodology for a further randomized controlled trial. To evaluate the impact of an energy conservation programme (ECP). Design. Pilot randomized controlled trial. Method. A convenience sample of 13 people with MS was randomly allocated to two groups. The experimental intervention was an ECP and the control intervention a peer support group which received information about MS and its treatment. Both interventions were delivered in group format once a week for six weeks in two‐hour sessions. Outcome Measures. The Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), MS Impact Scale‐29 (MSIS‐29) and MS Self‐efficacy Scale (MSSS). Statistics. Repeated‐measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Statistical analysis was conducted on an intention to treat (ITT) and compliers only basis. Results. There were significant reductions over time in the FIS for both groups (p = 0.004). Although the experimental group showed larger reductions in the FIS, the difference between groups was not significant (p = 0.12). Similarly, both groups showed a strong trend towards significant differences over time for the FSS and MSSS (p = 0.05), but differences between the groups were not significant (p = 0.58). Differences for the MSIS‐29 were neither significant over time (p = 0.58) nor between the groups (p = 0.66). Conclusion. This pilot study shows that an ECP may be beneficial and supports further evaluation of the effect of an ECP in the management of MS‐related fatigue. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a censored robust design model for time‐oriented quality characteristics
Authors: Shaibu A.‐B. , Cho Byung Rae , Kovach Jami
Published: August 2008

Robust design (RD) techniques, which are based on the concept of building quality into products or processes, are increasingly popular in industry primarily because of their practicality. Traditional RD principles have often been applied to situations in which the quality characteristics of interest are time‐insensitive. However, when time‐oriented quality characteristics are studied, censored data often occur. As a result, current RD models reported in the literature may not be effective in finding solutions based on such data. To address such practical needs, this paper develops a censored RD model. We also propose an estimation method that is closely related to the expectation–maximization algorithm and compare it with the method of maximum likelihood estimation via a numerical example. Model validation is conducted, and comparative studies are discussed for model verification. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hyperelastic modelling and parametric study of soft tissue embedded lump for MIS applications
Authors: Sokhanvar S. , Dargahi J. , Packirisamy M.
Published: August 2008

Background

The existing MIS (minimally invasive surgery) instruments have caused severe restrictions to surgeons' tactile perception. In particular, palpation, which is an important technique in open surgery to assess the softness of the tissue and to detect any hidden lumps, is entirely absent in MIS procedures. Many researchers have developed smart endoscopic graspers to rectify different aspects of this problem. However, the effect of an anatomical feature in general and a lump in particular on the stress distribution on the sensitive surfaces of the smart MIS graspers still needs a lot of attention.

Methods

This paper investigates the effect of the important parameters of a lump on the stress distribution at the contact surface and subsequently the output of smart endoscopic graspers. Using experimental stress–strain compression test data, the material parameters required for the Mooney–Rivlin model were obtained and used in hyperelastic finite element analysis.

Results

The influence of size, depth and stiffness of the lump on the stress distribution at the contact surface are shown and discussed. The results of the non‐linear finite element analysis were validated against experiments conducted on elastomeric material replicating soft tissue.

Conclusions

The consistency between finite element analysis results and experimental work validates the developed model, which is based on the hyperelastic formulation. The finite element analysis results obtained in this study are particularly useful for the development of an inverse model. The inverse model would extract fundamental information, such as size, depth and stiffness, of any hidden lump, using the outputs of the sensors. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
EndoCAS navigator platform: a common platform for computer and robotic assistance in minimally invasive surgery
Authors: Megali Giuseppe , Ferrari Vincenzo , Freschi Cinzia , Morabito Bruno , Cavallo Filippo , Turini Giuseppe , Troia Elena , Cappelli Carla , Pietrabissa Andrea , Tonet Oliver , Cuschieri Alfred , Dario Paolo , Mosca Franco
Published: August 2008

Background

Computer‐assisted surgery (CAS) systems are currently used in only a few surgical specialties: ear, nose and throat (ENT), neurosurgery and orthopaedics. Almost all of these systems have been developed as dedicated platforms and work on rigid anatomical structures. The development of augmented reality systems for intra‐abdominal organs remains problematic because of the anatomical complexity of the human peritoneal cavity and especially because of the deformability of its organs. The aim of the present work was to develop and implement a highly modular platform (targeted for minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery) generally suitable for CAS, and to produce a prototype for demonstration of its potential clinical application and use in laparoscopic surgery.

Methods

In this paper we outline details of a platform integrating several aspects of CAS and medical robotics into a modular open architecture: the EndoCAS navigator platform, which integrates all the functionalities necessary for provision of computer‐based assistance to surgeons during all the management phases (diagnostic work‐up, planning and intervention). A specific application for computer‐assisted laparoscopic procedures has been developed on the basic modules of the platform. The system provides capabilities for three‐dimensional (3D) surface model generation, 3D visualization, intra‐operative registration, surgical guidance and robotic assistance during laparoscopic surgery. The description of specific modules and an account of the initial clinical experience with the system are reported.

Results

We developed a common platform for computer assisted surgery and implemented a system for intraoperative laparoscopic navigation. The preliminary clinical trials and feedback from the surgeons on its use in laparoscopic surgery have been positive, although experience has been limited to date.

Conclusions

We have successfully developed a system for computer‐assisted technologies for use in laparoscopic surgery and demonstrated, by early clinical trials, that the introduction of these technologies in operative laparoscopy, even though they are not yet sufficiently accurate (from an engineering viewpoint) for surgical treatment of intra‐abdominal disease, brings added benefits to the execution of interventions by surgeons and hence represents concrete on‐going progress in interventional technology. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recurrent acute liver failure and mitochondriopathy in a case of Wolcott–Rallison syndrome
Authors: Engelmann G. , Meyburg J. , Shahbek N. , Al‐Ali M. , Hairetis M. H. , Baker A. J. , Rodenburg R. J. T. , Wenning D. , Flechtenmacher C. , Ellard S. , Smeitink J. A. , Hoffmann G. F. , Buchanan C. R.
Published: August 2008

A 10‐year‐old Arabic boy of consanguineous parents has suffered eight episodes of acute liver failure with haemolysis triggered by intercurrent febrile illnesses. The first crisis occurred at 9 months of age, after which diabetes mellitus developed. By the age of 6 years, short stature, mild myopathy and later skeletal epiphyseal dysplasia also became evident. His psychosocial development and educational achievements have remained within normal limits. While there were no clear biochemical indicators of a mitochondrial disorder, an almost complete deficiency of complex I of the respiratory chain was demonstrated in liver but not in fibroblast or muscle samples. Molecular analysis of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α kinase gene (EIF2AK3) demonstrated a homozygous mutation, compatible with a diagnosis of Wolcott–Rallison syndrome (WRS). This patient's course adds a new perspective to the presentation of WRS caused by mutations in the EIF2AK3 gene linking it to mitochondrial disorders: recoverable and recurrent acute liver failure. The findings also illustrate the diagnostic difficulty of mitochondrial disease as it cannot be excluded by muscle or skin biopsy in patients presenting with liver disease. The case also further complicates the decision‐making process for liver transplantation in cases of acute liver failure in the context of a possible mitochondrial disorder. Such patients may be more likely to recover spontaneously if a mitochondrial disorder underlies the liver failure, yet without neurological features liver transplantation remains an option.
Disturbance‐induced bird diversity in early successional habitats in the humid temperate region of northern Japan
Authors: Kurosawa Reiko
Published: August 2008

The positive role of moderate natural disturbance is less known for a mobile organism such as birds, compared to sessile organisms. In the face of recent declines of grassland birds, it is necessary to identify the mechanism to maintain avian diversity in early successional open habitats in different regions. In the humid temperate region, the predominant habitat type is woody vegetation. Therefore, bird communities were studied along vegetational succession using a chronosequence method. TWINSPAN identified three distinctive habitat types (barren, grass‐fen and shrubland) and four habitat guilds of birds (pioneer, grassland, ubiquitous and shrub) in the study sites. Path analysis determined the direct and indirect effects of disturbance on the habitat guilds of birds. Short and intermediate intervals of the water disturbance are important to pioneer guilds and grass‐fen habitat, respectively. The frequent occurrence of large animals had a negative impact on grassland guild. It suggests that grassland birds less tolerate cattle grazing or human activities in a region with intensive land use. The chronosequence study revealed the dynamic nature of the bird community. Birds occupy habitats following the successional sere of vegetation, responding to animal occurrence and human activities in various manners.
The Emergency Land Fund: Robert S. Browne, the Idea and the Man
Authors: Brooks Joe
Published: August 2008

This article offers a snap shot of one of the several black institutions founded in 1972, by the late Robert S. Browne—the Emergency Land Fund (ELF). The idea of ELF—land ownership by blacks as an asset to build upon for economic well being, a cultural and social glue to ground a sense of family, place and community—was but another strategic and timely insight on the part of Robert S. Browne. The article is the story about the journey of ELF, a southern black-belt African American led institution, lead by Robert S. Browne it's Chair, and it's political, economic and policy impact on both public and private institutions, which for the most part, restricted and undermined the aspirations of black's to own and benefit from landownership. It is also about the positive impact ELF had on rural black landowners, taking the form of organized networks challenging the discriminatory and land grabbing practices of both public and private sector actors. Robert S. Browne was a Man ahead of his time and a giant in the eyes of many who have follow his example today with asset development strategies that benefit communities of color.
Friendship, loneliness and depression in adolescents with Asperger's Syndrome
Authors: Whitehouse Andrew J.O. , Durkin Kevin , Jaquet Emma , Ziatas Kathryn
Published: August 2008

This study investigated the relation between friendship, loneliness and depressive symptoms in adolescents with Asperger's Syndrome (AS). Thirty‐five adolescents with AS and 35 controls matched on chronological age, school year and gender distribution, completed questionnaires designed to ascertain the quality of their best‐friendship, motivation for developing friendships, feelings of loneliness and depressive symptomatology. Relative to the comparison group, the participants with AS reported poorer quality of best‐friendship and less motivation to develop friendships. The individuals with AS displayed higher levels of loneliness and depressive symptoms, with loneliness being negatively correlated with the quality of their best‐friendship. Increased levels of loneliness in the adolescents with AS was predicted by the extent to which their best‐friendships were characterized by high levels of conflict/betrayal. Increased depressive symptoms in the adolescents with AS were also predicted by this factor. The findings indicate that increased levels of negative affect may be related to the poor quality of social relationships often reported in this population.
Meanings of sexual intercourse for Italian adolescents
Authors: Giannotta Fabrizia , Ciairano Silvia , Spruijt Rob , Spruijt‐Metz Donna
Published: August 2008

The goal of the present study was to investigate meanings of sexual intercourse in adolescence, and the relationships between meanings, gender, age, and sexual behaviors. Subjects were 201 Italian adolescents (107 boys and 94 girls), aged 14–19 (M = 17.44, SD = 1.65). Participants completed a battery of questionnaires on meanings of sex, sexual activity and other risk behaviors. Using confirmatory factor analyses and ANOVAs, we found:

four dimensions of meanings of sexual intercourse: negative social, personal, transgressional, and positive social meanings;

females scored much lower on all four dimensions;

negative social meanings were related to a lack of protection in sexual intercourse, whereas trangressional meanings were related to lack of protection at the first sexual intercourse only.

Our findings suggest a similarity between meanings of sexual intercourse and meanings of others risk behaviors, including smoking. This similarity should be taken into account in prevention against health‐risk behaviors in youth.
A longitudinal examination of the influence of maturation on physical self‐perceptions and the relationship with physical activity in early adolescent girls
Authors: Knowles Ann‐Marie , Niven Ailsa G. , Fawkner Samantha G. , Henretty Joan M.
Published: August 2008

This longitudinal study investigated the influence of maturation on physical self‐perceptions and the relationship with physical activity in early adolescent girls (N = 150; mean age = 12.79 ± 0.31). Physical characteristics were measured and participants completed the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children, the Children and Youth Physical Self‐Perception Profile and the Pubertal Development Scale on two occasions 12 months apart. The results demonstrated a decrease in overall physical activity levels over 12 months which was not influenced by maturational status or physical characteristics. Additional analysis indicated that physical self‐perceptions partially accounted for the explained variance in physical activity change, with physical condition being an important individual predictor of physical activity. Further analysis indicated that body mass was an important individual predictor of changes in perceptions of body attractiveness and physical self‐worth. At this age maturation has a limited influence on the physical activity behaviours of early adolescent girls and although the variance in physical activity was partly accounted for by physical self‐perceptions, this was a relatively small contribution and other factors related to this drop in physical activity need to be considered longitudinally.
Qualitative and quantitative aspects of commitment development in psychology students
Authors: Kunnen E. Saskia
Published: August 2008

We investigated the development of study‐ and work‐related commitments in 28 psychology students during their bachelor years. Based on seven measurements of exploration and commitments (over a period of three‐and‐a‐half years) we found the theoretically expected information‐oriented, normative and diffuse trajectories. In addition, the longitudinal data allowed us to distinguish between a stable and a fluctuating information‐oriented trajectory. We also found a stable moratorium and a regression trajectory. Clear, qualitative differences were found between the commitments in the different types of trajectories. Commitments in the information‐oriented trajectories show more differentiation, development and change than those in the normative or diffuse trajectories. The fluctuating trajectory showed more doubt and negative emotions than the gradual and normative trajectories. The commitments in the normative trajectories were characterized by high levels of satisfaction and well‐being, and by low levels of differentiation and development. The moratorium trajectories showed the highest levels of doubt and negative emotions, and the diffuse trajectories were average in this respect.
Social competence and social support as mediators between comorbid depressive and conduct problems and functional outcomes in middle school children
Authors: Rockhill Carol M. , Vander Stoep Ann , McCauley Elizabeth , Katon Wayne J.
Published: August 2008

This study examined the roles of social competence and social support as potential mediators of the association between psychopathology and functional outcomes in a middle school sample (n = 521). Participants were stratified into four psychopathology risk groups (depression only, conduct problems only, comorbid depression and conduct problems, low symptoms) based on screening during early 6th grade. Functional outcomes were 6th grade point average (GPA) and parent rating of global adaptive functioning in their 7th grade student. Low levels of social competence were found to mediate the association between symptoms and both lower grades and global functioning for adolescents with depressive symptoms alone and with comorbid symptoms, but not for those with conduct problems alone. Lack of social support mediated the association between psychiatric symptoms and lower grades for adolescents with depression alone and comorbid symptoms, but not for those with conduct problems alone. These findings suggest that intervention to improve social competence and social support may enhance functional outcomes, especially for youth with depressive symptoms or comorbid depressive and conduct symptoms.