bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitation of branched‐chain amino acids in ascites by capillary electrophoresis with light‐emitting diode‐induced fluorescence detection
Authors: Chang Po‐Ling , Chiu Tai‐Chia , Wang Tsang‐En , Hu Kuang‐Chun , Tsai Yu‐Hsien , Hu Cho‐Chun , Bair Ming‐Jong , Chang Huan‐Tsung
Published: March 2011

Branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs) are one of the important biomarkers for monitoring liver disease such as hepatitis or hepatoma. In this communication, we present the determination of the concentrations of BCAA in ascites by CE light‐emitted diode‐induced fluorescence (LEDIF) using 1.5% m/v poly(ethylene oxide) (average Mv: ∼8 000 000 g/mol) that was prepared in 10 mM sodium tetraborate solution (pH 9.3). Naphthalene‐2,3‐dicarboxaldehyde was used to derivatize 15 amino acids (AAs) to form naphthalene‐2,3‐dicarboxaldehyde (NDA)‐AA derivatives prior to CE analysis. The separation of 15 NDA‐AA derivatives was accomplished within 15 min, with RSD values of <5.8% (within‐day) and 7.4% (between‐days) with respect to their migration times. The limits of detection for the tested BCAAs ranged from 10.6 to 10.9 nM. We determined the concentrations of three BCAAs – leucine, isoleucine and valine – in ascites by applying a standard addition method, with recovery percentages ranging from 93.9 to 111%. The results obtained from this CE‐LEDIF method is in good agreement with those by a gold standard method using an AA analyzer. We have found that the concentrations of the three BCAAs in ascites obtained from patients suffering from liver diseases were lower than those from healthy individuals. Our approach is highly efficient, sensitive, and cost‐effective, which holds great potential for the diagnosis of liver diseases.
Affinity capillary electrophoresis and density functional theory employed for the characterization of hexaarylbenzene‐based receptor complexation with alkali metal ions
Authors: Ehala Sille , Toman Petr , Rathore Rajendra , Makrlík Emanuel , Kašička Václav
Published: March 2011

In this study, affinity capillary electrophoresis (ACE) and quantum mechanical density functional theory (DFT) calculations were combined to investigate non‐covalent binding interactions between the hexaarylbenzene‐based receptor (R) and alkali metal ions, Rb+ and Cs+, in methanol. The apparent binding (stability) constants (Kb) of the complexes of receptor R with alkali metal ions in the methanolic medium were determined by ACE from the dependence of effective electrophoretic mobility of the receptor R on the concentration of Rb+ and Cs+ ions in the BGE using a non‐linear regression analysis. The receptor R formed relatively strong complexes both with rubidium (log Kb=4.04±0.21) and cesium ions (log Kb=3.72±0.22). The structural characteristics of the above alkali metal ion complexes with the receptor R were described by ab initio density functional theory calculations. These calculations have shown that the studied cations bind to the receptor R because they synergistically interact with the polar ethereal fence and with the central benzene ring via cation‐π interaction.
Capillary electrophoretic analysis of neutral carbohydrates using ionic liquids as background electrolytes
Authors: Vaher Merike , Koel Mihkel , Kazarjan Jana , Kaljurand Mihkel
Published: March 2011

In this study, ionic liquids (ILs) as BGE additives were applied for the analysis of neutral carbohydrates in CE. The ILs served primarily as chromophores for indirect UV detection. The influence of imidazolium‐based ionic liquids on the separation, detection limits and mobility of underivatized neutral carbohydrates was investigated. BGEs consisting of 10–50 mM of ILs at pH 12.4 without other additives provided fast separation of neutral sugars. This method was used to determine sucrose, glucose and fructose in certain vegetable juices.
“Proteomineering” serum biomarkers. A Study in Scarlet
Authors: Di Girolamo Francesco , Bala Kumar , Chung Maxey C. M. , Righetti Pier Giorgio
Published: March 2011

The performance of sera pre‐treatment for biomarker searching via combinatorial peptide ligand libraries (CPLL) has recently been challenged (Proteomics 2010, 10, 1416–1425) and stated to allow discovery of only medium to high‐abundance proteins. We have thus investigated four elution protocols, as published in recent reports: (i) in 4 M urea+1% CHAPS; (ii) in 4 M urea+1% CHAPS+5% acetic acid; (iii) in 8 M urea+2% CHAPS+5% acetic acid; (iv) in boiling 4% SDS+25 mM DTT. One milliliter of serum, in all cases, was captured with 50 μL of CPLL beads, which were then eluted with the four eluants described above. In the first three cases, after the first elution, the beads were re‐eluted with cocktail (iv), known to offer maximal release of proteins adsorbed by the CPLL ligands. Eluant (i) released only ca. 20% of the species adsorbed, eluant (ii) ca. 60%, eluant (iii) ca. 80%. Thus, the poor performance of the CPLL methodology, as reported in (i) is not due to any fault of the capture technique, but simply to the adoption of a very poor elution protocol. Even those using eluants (ii) and (iii) should know that a substantial fraction of the captured species still remains bound to the beads and is thus not available to biomarker discovery. Once more, eluant (iv) is recognized as the only one able to offer optimal recovery from the CPLL baits.
Seismic response of structures with coupled vertical stiffness–strength irregularities
Authors: Sadashiva Vinod K. , MacRae Gregory A. , Deam Bruce L.
Published: March 2011

Several seismic design codes around the world restrict the use of theit Equivalent Lateral Force analysis method to structures satisfying structural regularity limits. These regularity limits are based on engineering judgement and lack quantitative justification. One common irregularity is that of a change in vertical stiffness over the building height. This stiffness irregularity is almost always associated with a change in vertical strength over the building height. For this reason, the effect of various realistic combinations of stiffness–strength irregularity in shear‐type buildings is evaluated to quantify regularity limits.

Structures analysed had 3, 5, 9 and 15 storeys, and the floor mass at all the levels were kept the same. Both regular and irregular structures were designed in accordance with the Equivalent Lateral Force procedure to produce the same engineering demand parameter. Structural ductility factors of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6, and target (design) interstorey drift ratios ranging between 0.5 and 3%, were used in this study. The irregular structures were created by modifying specific storey lateral stiffnesses from that of the regular structure. Strengths at these storeys were also modified to ensure realistic relationships between stiffness and strength. The modified structures were then redesigned until the target interstorey drift ratio was achieved at the critical storey. Inelastic dynamic time‐history analysis was conducted to compare the maximum interstorey drift ratio demands of the regular and irregular structures. Simple equations were developed to estimate possible variations in demand due to vertical stiffness–strength irregularity applied at critical locations in structures. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An alternative way for the ignition times for solids with radiation absorption in‐depth by simple asymptotic solutions
Authors: Delichatsios Michael A. , Zhang Jianping
Published: March 2011

We present a new simplified method to calculate the ignition times when both conduction and in‐depth radiation absorption in an externally heated solid are significant by deriving an integral equation for the surface temperature history. We achieve this by decomposing the problem into two simple additive problems and in addition, we also provide asymptotic solutions for the surface temperature history at short and long times. These solutions allow to find the relations between the ignition times at different degrees of in‐depth energy absorption and the relations between the thermal solid parameters and the in‐depth absorption coefficient. In addition, these results are useful in interpreting experimental results on ignition in order to assess when and to what extent in‐depth radiation affects the ignition times. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhanced T cell responses against hepatitis C virus by ex vivo targeting of adenoviral particles to dendritic cells
Authors: Echeverria Itziar , Pereboev Alexander , Silva Leyre , Zabaleta Aintzane , Riezu-Boj José Ignacio , Bes Marta , Cubero María , Borras-Cuesta Francisco , Lasarte Juan José , Esteban Juan Ignacio , Prieto Jesús , Sarobe Pablo
Published: March 2011

Abstract:

Injection of dendritic cells (DCs) presenting viral proteins constitutes a promising approach to stimulate T cell immunity against hepatitis C virus (HCV). Here we describe a strategy to enhance antigen loading and immunostimulatory functions of DCs useful in the preparation of therapeutic vaccines. Incubation of murine DCs with CFm40L, an adapter molecule containing the coxsackie-adenovirus receptor fused to the ecto-domain of murine CD40L-induced DC maturation, produced high amounts of interleukin-12 and up-regulation of molecules associated with T helper 1 responses. Accordingly, targeting of an adenovirus encoding HCV NS3 protein (AdNS3) to DCs with CFm40L strongly enhanced NS3 presentation in vitro, activating interferon-γ–producing T cells. Moreover, immunization of mice with these DCs promoted strong CD4 and CD8 T cell responses against HCV NS3. CFh40L, a similar adapter molecule containing human CD40L, enhanced transduction and maturation of human monocyte-derived DCs. Comparison of DCs transduced with AdNS3 and CFh40L from patients with chronic HCV infection and healthy donors revealed similar maturation levels. More importantly, DCs from the patients induced NS3-specific responses when transduced with AdNS3 and CFh40L but not with AdNS3 alone. Conclusion: DCs transduced with AdNS3 and the adapter molecule CFm/h40L exhibit enhanced immunostimulatory functions, induce robust anti-HCV NS3 immunity in animals, and can induce antiviral immune responses in subjects with chronic HCV infection. This strategy may serve as therapeutic vaccination for patients with chronic hepatitis C. (HEPATOLOGY 2011;)
Changes in the levels of DNA methylation in testis and liver of SD rats neonatally exposed to 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine and cadmium
Authors: Zhu Hongyan , Li Keyong , Liang Jiren , Zhang Jie , Wu Qing
Published: March 2011

To investigate the changes in the levels of DNA methylation in the testis during development after neonatal transient exposure to DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitors, we orally administered Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats with 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine (5‐aza‐CdR; 0.025 or 0.25 mg kg−1) or cadmium (Cd; 1, 2 or 4 mg kg−1) daily from days 3–7 postpartum (pp). Sperm numbers decreased at day 70 pp in all exposure groups. We then used a PCR‐based assay, combined bisulfite restriction analysis (COBRA) and pyrosequencing to determine the degrees of DNA methylation. Both 5‐aza‐CdR and Cd reduced DNMT activityin vivoafter 5 days' exposure at day 8 pp but not at day 70 pp. In contrast, the DNA methylation level ofLINE‐1was not changed in the testis, either at day 8 pp or at day 70 pp. We observed increased apoptosis and an increase in thep53mRNA level, accompanied by a decreased DNA methylation level in thep53gene promoter region, at day 8 pp in testis for the 5‐aza‐CdR–exposed groups but not in the Cd‐exposed group. The Cd‐exposed group exhibited a degradation of seminiferous tubules and inhibition of a stepwise change in methylation in the coding region ofc‐fosin testis at day 70 pp. Because we observed toxic phenotype development accompanied by aberrant DNA methylation, DNA methylation may play a role in chemical induced testis damage, with different DNMT inhibitors affecting DNA methylation levels in gene‐ or stage‐specific manner. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Knockdown of GAD67 protein levels normalizes neuronal activity in a rat model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Horvath Lazlo , van Marion Ingrid , Taï Khalid , Nielsen Troels Tolstrup , Lundberg Cecilia
Published: March 2011

Background

Dopamine depletion of the striatum is one of the hallmarks of Parkinson's disease. The loss of dopamine upregulates GAD67 expression in the striatal projection neurons and causes other changes in the activity of the basal ganglia circuit.

Methods

To normalize the GAD67 expression in the striatum after dopamine depletion, we developed several lentiviral vectors that express RNA interference (RNAi) directed against GAD67 mitochondrial RNA. The vectors were injected into the striatum of hemiparkinsonian rats and the level of GAD67 protein as well as a marker of neuronal activity, mtCO1, was analyzed using western blots.

Results

Unilateral lesions of the dopamine neurons in substantia nigra resulted in an increased level of GAD67 protein in the ipsilateral striatum. Furthermore, we detected significantly higher levels of mtCO1, after dopamine depletion in the striatum. Using a lentiviral vectors with a synthetic miRNA scaffold to deliver RNAi, we were able to normalize the GAD67 protein levels in the parkinsonian rat striatum. In addition, we were able to normalize the increased neural activity, which resulted from the loss of dopamine as measured by the marker mtCO1.

Conclusions

We conclude that RNAi directed against GAD67 may be a valid approach to correct the dysregulation of the basal ganglia circuit in a rat model of Parkinson's disease. The possibility to correct for a loss of dopamine using nondopamimetic tools is interesting because it may be more directed towards the casual mechanisms of the motor symptoms. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling tunable band‐pass filters based on RF‐MEMS metamaterials
Authors: Morata Marta , Gil Ignacio , Fernández‐García Raúl
Published: March 2011

This work describes progress toward designing and modeling reconfigurable band‐pass filters based on RF microelectromechanical systems (RF‐MEMS) metamaterials. A device consisting of a coplanar waveguide structure that combines complementary split ring resonators (CSRRs) and RF‐MEMS varactor bridges, operating at K and Ka‐band, is proposed. Several layouts have been designed and electromagnetically (EM) simulated. A full equivalent‐circuit model for the description of the proposed structure, including transmission lines, RF‐MEMS, subwavelength resonators and coupling parameters, is provided. A high degree of accuracy between EM simulations behavior and electrical model has been obtained. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gas7 mediates the differentiation of human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells into functional osteoblasts by enhancing Runx2‐dependent gene expression
Authors: Hung Feng‐Chun , Chang Yuhan , Lin‐Chao Sue , Chao Chuck C.‐K.
Published: March 2011

The differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into osteoblasts is a crucial step during bone formation. However, the mechanisms regulating the early stages of osteogenic differentiation are not fully understood. In the present study, we found that growth‐arrest specific gene 7b (Gas7b) was up‐regulated during dexamethasone‐induced differentiation of human MSCs (hMSCs) into osteoblasts. Knockdown of Gas7 using short‐hairpin RNA decreased the expression of the osteogenic transcription factor Runx2 and its target genes alkaline phosphatase, type I collagen, osteocalcin (OC), and osteopontin. In addition, knockdown of Gas7 decreased matrix mineralization of dexamethasone‐treated hMSCs in vitro. In contrast, ectopic expression of Gas7 isoforms a and b promoted gene expression associated with osteoblast differentiation and matrix mineralization, and also induced the mineralization of hMSCs in vitro. Furthermore, a gene reporter assay designed to monitor OC expression in hMSCs revealed that Runx2‐dependent transcriptional activity was enhanced by over‐expression of human Gas7 isoforms a and b. These findings reveal that Gas7 regulates the differentiation of hMSCs into osteoblasts by enhancing Runx2‐dependent gene expression. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29: 1528–1535, 2011
Discontinuous elliptic problems involving the p(x)‐Laplacian
Authors: Bonanno Gabriele , Chinnì Antonia
Published: March 2011

Using a multiple critical points theorem for non‐differentiable functionals, we investigate the existence and multiplicity of solutions for p(x)‐Laplacian Dirichlet problems with discontinuous nonlinearities. © 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim
Understanding the Multiple Length Scales Describing the Structure of Bottle‐brush Polymers by Monte Carlo Simulation Methods
Authors: Hsu Hsiao‐Ping , Paul Wolfgang , Binder Kurt
Published: March 2011

Bottle‐brush polymers contain a long flexible macromolecule as a backbone to which flexible side chains are grafted. Through the choice of the grafting density and the length of the side chains the local stiffness of this cylindrical molecular brush can be controlled, but a quantitative understanding of these phenomena is lacking. Monte Carlo simulation results are presented and discussed which address this issue, extracting mesoscopic length scales (such as the cross‐sectional radius, persistence length, and contour length of these objects). Large‐scale simulations of the bond fluctuation model are combined with simulations of the simple self‐avoiding walk (SAW) model with flexibility controlled by a bond‐angle potential, using the pruned‐enriched Rosenbluth algorithm. It is shown that under good solvent conditions the bottle‐brush polymers never display a pre‐asymptotic Gaussian regime that would be described by the Kratky–Porod worm‐like chain model, unlike the semiflexible SAW model. Implications of these results for the proper interpretation of experiments are discussed.

magnified image
Rate of 6‐[18F]fluorodopa uptake decline in striatal subregions in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Gallagher Catherine L. , Oakes Terrence R. , Johnson Sterling C. , Chung Moo K. , Holden James E. , Bendlin Barbara B. , McLaren Donald G. , Xu Guofan , Nickles Robert J. , Pyzalski Robert , DeJesus Onofre , Brown W. Douglas
Published: March 2011

Background:

Rate of decline in 6‐L‐[18F]fluorodopa (FDOPA) uptake within the striatum has been reported as showing regional differences in Parkinson's disease (PD).

Methods:

We acquired longitudinal brain FDOPA positron emission tomography (PET) studies in 26 PD subjects and 11 controls over 4.5 years. We analyzed both spatially normalized voxel‐wise maps of radiotracer influx (Kocc) and average Kocc values for six non‐overlapping volumes of interest (VOIs) encompassing the striatum.

Results:

The voxel‐wise analysis showed that in PD, FDOPA Kocc decline spanned the striatum but was greatest in the posterior putamen ipsilateral and anterior putamen contralateral to initial symptoms. The VOI approached showed that absolute rates of Kocc decline were significantly greater in PD than control subjects, but that the slope of decline did not differ between subregions. In PD, ratios of uptake between subregions did not change during the study with the exception of the ipsilateral putamen/caudate ratio. Decline rates were marginally greater during earlier time segments. Both male gender and advancing age were associated with lower baseline FDOPA uptake, but no difference in decline rates. VOI Kocc values were significantly correlated with disease duration, but only moderately correlated with clinical measures.

Discussion:

We conclude that FDOPA uptake in subregions of the striatum is strongly correlated with disease duration and age, and declines approximately equally from symptom onset in PD. This implies that in idiopathic PD, relative preservation of uptake in the anterior striatum reflects a delay in pathologic involvement of nigrostriatal projections to this region. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Finger muscle control in children with dystonia
Authors: Young Scott J. , van Doornik Johan , Sanger Terence D.
Published: March 2011

Background: Childhood dystonia is a disorder that involves inappropriate muscle activation during attempts at voluntary movement. Few studies have investigated the muscle activity associated with dystonia in children, and none have done so in the hands.

Methods: In this study, we measured surface electromyographic activity in four intrinsic hand muscles while participants attempted to perform an isometric tracking task using one of the muscles.

Results: Children with dystonia had greater tracking error with the task‐related muscle and greater overflow to non‐task muscles. Both tracking error and overflow correlated with the Barry‐Albright Dystonia scale of the respective upper limb. Overflow also decreased when participants received visual feedback of non‐task muscle activity.

Dicussion: We conclude that two of the motor deficits in childhood dystonia—motor overflow and difficulties in actively controlling muscles—can be seen in the surface electromyographic activity of individual muscles during an isometric task. As expected from results in adults, overflow is an important feature of childhood dystonia. However, overflow may be at least partially dependent on an individual's level of awareness of their muscle activity. Most importantly, poor single‐muscle tracking shows that children with dystonia have deficits of individual muscle control in addition to overflow or co‐contraction. These results provide the first quantitative measures of the muscle activity associated with hand dystonia in children, and they suggest possible directions for control of dystonic symptoms. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
A unified mathematical programming formulation of strain driven and interior point algorithms for shakedown and limit analysis
Authors: Garcea G. , Leonetti L.
Published: March 2011

A mathematical programming formulation of strain‐driven path‐following strategies to perform shakedown and limit analysis for perfectly elastoplastic materials in an FEM context is presented. From the optimization point of view, standard arc‐length strain‐driven elastoplastic analyses, recently extended to shakedown, are identified as particular decomposition strategies used to solve a proximal point algorithm applied to the static shakedown theorem that is then solved by means of a convergent sequence of safe states. The mathematical programming approach allows: a direct comparison with other non‐linear programming methods, simpler convergence proofs and duality to be exploited. Owing to the unified approach in terms of total stresses, the strain‐driven algorithms become more effective and less non‐linear with respect to a self‐equilibrated stress formulation and easier to implement in the existing codes performing elastoplastic analysis. The elastic domain is represented avoiding any linearization of the yield function so improving both the accuracy and the performance. Better results are obtained using two different finite elements, one with a good behavior in the elastic range and the other suitable for performing elastoplastic analysis. The proposed formulation is compared with a specialized implementation of the primal–dual interior point method suitable to solve the problems at hand. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A parallel and multiscale strategy for the parametric study of transient dynamic problems with friction
Authors: Boucard P.‐A. , Odièvre D. , Gatuingt F.
Published: March 2011

The objective of this work is to develop an efficient strategy for the parametric study of dynamic problems involving contacts with friction. Our approach is based on the multiscale LATIN method with domain decomposition. This is a mixed method that deals with the forces and velocities at the interfaces between the different subdomains simultaneously. We propose to take advantage of the capability of the multiscale LATIN method, called the multiparametric strategy, to reuse the solution of a given problem in order to solve similar problems. This strategy has already been applied successfully to a variety of static problems; here, it is extended to dynamics. First, we present the multiscale strategy in dynamics. Then, we show how the multiparametric strategy can be extended to dynamics. We illustrate the capabilities of the method through an academic 3D example and the simulation of a bolted joint. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Retail outlets as a successful fundraising medium
Authors: Holden Charles
Published: March 2011

Charity shops have been part of the voluntary sector for many years. Competition and professionalism have brought about major shifts in the expectation of charity shops, be it the quality of the product sold, the way in which it is marketed or the return on investment. In the following article Charles Holden draws on his experience to offer a perspective to the reader who is either contemplating the introduction of retailing into the fundraising portfolio or seeking to assess the strengths and weaknesses of an established operation.
Donor commitment: An investigation of fundraising strategies in churches and mainstream charities
Authors: Morgan Gareth G.
Published: March 2011

One of the central questions in relationship fundraising is how to convert someone who makes a small yearly donation into someone who is a major donor covenanting a substantial part of his/her income.

Drawing on research among 200 major UK fundraising charities, this paper explores how far the issue, of donor commitment is used in mainstream fundraising strategies, and finds that only a minority of charities place emphasis on this. This finding is compared with an analysis of models of giving in churches.

It is argued that while churches may lack sophisticated approaches to fundraising, they may have important experiences in the area of committed giving which are relevant to fundraising strategies in other organisations.
The MYB–NFIB gene fusion—a novel genetic link between adenoid cystic carcinoma and dermal cylindroma
Authors: Fehr A , Kovács A , Löning T , Frierson HF , van den Oord JJ , Stenman G
Published: March 2011

We have recently shown that the recurrent t(6;9)(q22 ∼ 23;p23 ∼ 24) translocation in adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the breast and head and neck results in a fusion of the two transcription factor genes MYB and NFIB. Here we demonstrate, for the first time, that benign sporadic, dermal cylindromas also express the MYB–NFIB gene fusion. RT–PCR and immunohistochemical analyses revealed that eight of 12 analysed tumours (67%) expressed MYB–NFIB fusion transcripts and/or stained positive for MYB protein. Nucleotide sequence analyses confirmed that the composition of the chimeric transcript variants identified was identical to that in ACC, suggesting a similar molecular mechanism of activation of MYB in cylindroma as in ACC. In contrast, no evidence for the presence of the MYB–NFIB fusion was found in other types of basaloid skin and salivary gland tumours, indicating that the fusion indeed has a restricted expression pattern. Our findings broaden the spectrum of neoplasms associated with MYB oncogene activation and reveal a novel genetic link between ACC and dermal cylindroma. These results, together with our previous observations, further strengthen the evidence for common molecular pathways of importance for the development of both benign and malignant breast, salivary and adnexal tumours. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DSM—a view from sociology
Authors: Manning Nick
Published: March 2011

In this article, a sociological analysis of the DSM, particularly axis II, is presented. Every discipline poses its own questions and answers them with its own particular methods. In this case, the distinction is drawn between an analysis that examines the DSM from the outside as an object of study and an analysis that examines the DSM from the inside, which attempts to serve the interests of the professional work being studied. This article takes the former approach, and the DSM is analysed in relation to the general problems of classification systems, the diffusion of innovations and the effects of social context. The conclusion reached is that the DSM has been very substantially shaped by external influences. This is consistent with the general dissatisfaction felt in both the clinical and research fields with the performance of axis II definitions of personality disorder. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantification of human error in maintenance using graph theory and matrix approach
Authors: Aju kumar V. N. , Gandhi O. P.
Published: March 2011

Assessment of human error in maintenance requires identification of the contributing factors that lead to human error(s). These factors are called human error inducing factors (HEIFs), which take into consideration both the active and latent error contributing aspects related to man, machine and environment. A systems approach of the Graph Theory is applied in this paper for quantifying human error in maintenance activities that models the identified factors and their interactions/interrelationships in terms of human error digraph. The nodes in the digraph represent the HEIFs and the edges represent their interrelationships. The digraph is converted into an equivalent matrix and an expression based on this is developed, which is characteristic of the human error in maintenance. This expression is used to evaluate a human error index by substituting the numerical value of the factors and their interrelations. The index is a measure of the human error potential involved in the maintenance of systems. A higher value of index indicates that the error likelihood is more for the associated tasks, and more efforts are required to make the system less prone to human error. The proposed methodology is illustrated using a case study. The approach is anticipated to play a significant role in identifying sources of human errors and predicting their impact; and will help to integrate human factors during design stage with the objective of reducing human error in maintenance. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Random coloring method in the combinatorial problem of Erdős and Lovász
Authors: Shabanov Dmitry A.
Published: March 2011

The work deals with a combinatorial problem of P. Erdős and L. Lovász concerning simple hypergraphs. Let
$m^{*}(n,r)$
denote the minimum number of edges in an n‐uniform simple hypergraph with chromatic number at least $r+1$. The main result of the work is a new asymptotic lower bound for $m^{*}(n,r)$. We prove that for large n and r satisfying $r\le n^{1/9}$
the following inequality holds

where
$t=\left \lfloor\sqrt{\min \left({{\ln n}\over{\ln r}},{{\ln n}\over{2\ln((4/3)\ln n)}}\right)}\right \rfloor$. This bound improves previously known bounds for $r < n^{1/36}$. The proof is based on a method of random coloring. We have also obtained results concerning colorings of h‐simple hypergraphs. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2012
Effect of tacticity on the dielectric properties of polystyrene
Authors: Hikosaka Saki , Ohki Yoshimichi
Published: March 2011

Dielectric properties of polystyrene (PS) were investigated by measuring electrical conduction current and frequency spectra of complex permittivity at temperatures from 20 to 199 °C. To clarify the effects of tacticity, the properties were compared among two kinds of syndiotactic PS (SPS) with different crystallinity values and one atactic PS (APS). Experimental results indicate that the two SPS samples show a high melting point of about 250 °C. The conductivity is lowest in SPS with the low crystallinity in the whole temperature range from 20 to 199 °C, while APS had a breakdown at 140 °C. Moreover, the low‐crystallinity SPS shows the smallest permittivity values and the smallest increase in dielectric loss factor toward low frequencies among the three samples. The high‐crystallinity SPS has α crystals. Since the density of α crystals is lower than the amorphous region, the charge transport and polarization are easier in the high‐crystallinity SPS than in the low‐crystallinity SPS. © 2011 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Frequency shift filter‐based multi‐carrier transceiver
Authors: Hu Yakun , Wu Dapeng
Published: March 2011

It is well known that orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is sensitive to carrier frequency offset (CFO) and suffers from a high peak‐to‐average ratio. In addition, the performance of OFDM is severely affected by strong co‐channel interference and strong narrowband interference. To mitigate the limitations of OFDM, we propose a new multi‐carrier transceiver based on frequency‐shift filter. A frequency‐shift filter can separate spectrally overlapping sub‐carrier signals by exploiting the spectral correlation inherent in the cyclostationary modulated signals. To increase spectral efficiency, we increase the percentage of spectral overlap between two adjacent sub‐channels. We derive an upper bound and a lower bound on the bit error rate performance of the proposed multi‐carrier transceiver in additive white Gaussian noise channel and frequency‐nonselective Rayleigh fading channel, respectively. Compared with OFDM, our simulation results show that the proposed multi‐carrier transceiver is much less sensitive to CFO and has a lower peak‐to‐average ratio; moreover, without any additional interference suppression technique, the proposed transceiver has the advantage of being able to mitigate strong co‐channel interference with CFO from the intended multi‐carrier signal and mitigate strong narrowband interference in additive white Gaussian noise channel and in Rayleigh fading channel in which a large CFO between the transmitted signal and the received signal often occurs. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
“Supraportal” Right Posterior Hepatic Artery: An Anatomic Trap in Hepatobiliary and Transplant Surgery
Authors: Yoshioka Yuichiro , Ebata Tomoki , Yokoyama Yukihiro , Igami Tsuyoshi , Sugawara Gen , Nagino Masato
Published: March 2011

Background

A supraportal right posterior hepatic artery (RPHA), which runs cranially to the right portal vein and goes to the liver, has never been described.

Methods

The course of the RPHA to the right portal vein was evaluated, using (1) computed tomography (CT) arteriography and portography in 300 patients who underwent multidetector row CT (radiologic study) and (2) operative records in 203 patients who underwent left‐sided hepatectomy for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (surgical study).

Results

In the radiologic study, an infraportal type RPHA was observed in 239 (79.7%) patients, a supraportal type in 35 (11.7%), and a combined type in 26 (8.7%). In the surgical study, an infraportal type was observed in 179 (88.2%) patients, a supraportal type in 11 (5.4%), and a combined type in 13 (6.4%). In two patients with the combined type RPHA, the supraportal hepatic artery of the right posterior superior segment (A7) was injured during surgery. In another two patients with advanced carcinoma involving the supraportal PRHA, combined hepatic artery resection and reconstruction was necessary. Overall, in 4 (17.4%) of the 24 hepatectomized patients with supraportal or combined type RPHA, iatrogenic injury during surgery or cancer invasion of the hepatic artery occurred due to the course of the RPHA itself. In contrast, 179 hepatectomized patients with infraportal type RPHA did not have such course‐dependent complications.

Conclusions

The supraportal RPHA runs just beneath the right hepatic duct, which may function as an anatomic trap during hepatobiliary and transplant surgery.
New insights into the functional role of the rheumatoid arthritis shared epitope
Authors: de Almeida Denise E. , Ling Song , Holoshitz Joseph
Published: March 2011

The shared epitope (SE) – an HLA‐DRB1‐encoded 5‐amino acid sequence motif carried by the vast majority of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients – is a risk factor for severe disease. The mechanistic basis of RA‐SE association is unknown. This group has previously demonstrated that the SE acts as a signal transduction ligand that activates nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species production. SE‐activated signaling depends on cell surface calreticulin, a known innate immunity receptor previously implicated in immune regulation, autoimmunity and angiogenesis. Recent evidence that the SE enhances the polarization of Th17 cells, which is a key mechanism in autoimmunity, is discussed highlighting one of several potential functional effects of the SE in RA.
Determinants of the omega-3 index in a Mediterranean population at increased risk for CHD
Authors: Sala-Vila Aleix , Harris William S. , Cofán Montserrat , Pérez-Heras Ana M. , Pintó Xavier , Lamuela-Raventós Rosa M. , Covas Maria-Isabel , Estruch Ramon , Ros Emilio
Published: March 2011

The omega-3 index, defined as the sum of EPA and DHA in erythrocyte membranes expressed as a percentage of total fatty acids, has been proposed as both a risk marker and risk factor for CHD death. A major determinant of the omega-3 index is EPA+DHA intake, but the impact of other dietary fatty acids has not been investigated. In a cross-sectional study on 198 subjects (102 men and 96 women, mean age 66 years) at high cardiovascular risk living in Spain, the country with low rates of cardiac death despite a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, dietary data were acquired from FFQ and blood cell membrane fatty acid composition was measured by GC. The average consumption of EPA+DHA was 0·9 g/d and the mean omega-3 index was 7·1 %. In multivariate models, EPA+DHA intake was the main predictor of the omega-3 index but explained only 12 % of its variability (P < 0·001). No associations with other dietary fatty acids were observed. Although the single most influential determinant of the omega-3 index measured here was the intake of EPA+DHA, it explained little of the former's variability; hence, the effects of other factors (genetic, dietary and lifestyle) remain to be determined. Nevertheless, the high omega-3 index could at least partially explain the paradox of low rates of fatal CHD in Spain despite a high background prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors.
On conditional permutability and saturated formations
Authors: Arroyo-Jordá M. , Arroyo-Jordá P. , Pérez-Ramos M. D.
Published: March 2011

Two subgroupsAandBof a groupGare said to be totally completely conditionally permutable (tcc-permutable) inGifXpermutes withYgfor someg∊ 〈X, Y〉, for allX≤AandY≤B. We study the belonging of a finite product of tcc-permutable subgroups to a saturated formation of soluble groups containing all finite supersoluble groups.
SPOUSAL AGREEMENT ON PREFERRED WAITING TIME TO NEXT BIRTH IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
Authors: GEBRESELASSIE TESFAYI , MISHRA VINOD
Published: March 2011

This study investigates how various social, demographic and economic factors affect spousal agreement on preferred waiting time to next birth. Data for matched cohabiting couples from ten Demographic and Health Surveys in sub-Saharan Africa (Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe), conducted between 2003 and 2006, were analysed to compare reported waiting time to next birth by the husband and the wife. Couples where the reported waiting time to next birth was the same for both partners (difference is 0 months) were defined as having agreement on waiting time to next birth. In sub-Saharan Africa, spousal agreement on waiting time to next birth was found to be associated with wanting the next child sooner. When the spouses disagree on waiting time to next birth, the wives want to wait longer than their husbands in most cases. Additionally, the study found that demographic factors are the primary determinants of spousal agreement on waiting time to next birth, not socioeconomic factors. The strongest predictors of spousal agreement on waiting time to next birth were number of living children, difference between the number of ideal and living children and wife's age. Couples with fewer children, a younger wife and those with a difference of five or more children between ideal and living number of children were more likely to agree on waiting time to next birth. Effects of socioeconomic factors, such as education and wealth status, on spousal agreement on waiting time to next birth were generally weak and inconsistent. The findings highlight some of the challenges in developing programmes to promote spousal communication and birth spacing and underscore the need for programmes to be gender-sensitive.
The degenerate and non-degenerate Stefan problem with inhomogeneous and anisotropic Gibbs–Thomson law
Authors: KRAUS CHRISTIANE
Published: March 2011

The Stefan problem is coupled with a spatially inhomogeneous and anisotropic Gibbs–Thomson condition at the phase boundary. We show the long-time existence of weak solutions for the non-degenerate Stefan problem with a spatially inhomogeneous and anisotropic Gibbs–Thomson law and a conditional existence result for the corresponding degenerate Stefan problem. To this end, approximate solutions are constructed by means of variational problems for energy functionals with spatially inhomogeneous and anisotropic interfacial energy. By passing to the limit, we establish solutions of the Stefan problem with a spatially inhomogeneous and anisotropic Gibbs–Thomson law in a weak generalisedBV-formulation.
A system of interaction and structure V: the exponentials and splitting
Authors: GUGLIELMI ALESSIO , STRAßBURGER LUTZ
Published: March 2011

System NEL is the mixed commutative/non-commutative linear logic BV augmented with linear logic's exponentials, or, equivalently, it is MELL augmented with the non-commutative self-dual connective seq. NEL is presented in deep inference, because no Gentzen formalism can express it in such a way that the cut rule is admissible. Other recent work shows that system NEL is Turing-complete, and is able to express process algebra sequential composition directly and model causal quantum evolution faithfully. In this paper, we show cut elimination for NEL, based on a technique that we call splitting. The splitting theorem shows how and to what extent we can recover a sequent-like structure in NEL proofs. When combined with a ‘decomposition’ theorem, proved in the previous paper of this series, splitting yields a cut-elimination procedure for NEL.
Domains occur among spaces as strict algebras among lax
Authors: LUCYSHYN-WRIGHT RORY B. B.
Published: March 2011

Whereas Alan Day showed that thecontinuous latticesare the algebras of afilter monadonSet, we employ the theory oflax algebras(as developed by Barr, Pisani, Clementino, Hofmann, Tholen, Seal and others) to broaden this characterisation to a description of the wider class ofcontinuous dcposas algebras of a lax filter monad. Building on an axiomatisation of topological spaces through convergence as lax algebras of a lax extension of the filter monad to a category of relations, we show that those topological spaces whose associated lax algebra is in fact astrictalgebra are what M. Erné called theC-spaces. ThesoberC-spaces are precisely the continuous dcpos under the Scott topology, and we discuss how the possibly little-known C-spaces, which have been studied by B. Banaschewski, J. D. Lawson, R.-E. Hoffmann, M. Erné and G. Wilke, very directly capture an essential topological notion of approximation inherent in the continuous dcpos, and hence provide a natural topological concept of domain.
Virushepatitis
Authors: Moradpour Darius , Blum Hubert E.
Published: March 2011

Die Virushepatitis ist weltweit mit einer hohen Morbidität und Mortalität assoziiert. Die Hepatitisviren A und E werden enteral übertragen und führen zu einer meist selbstlimitierten akuten Hepatitis. Die Hepatitisviren B, C und D werden parenteral übertragen und können zu einer chronischen Hepatitis führen, mit potenzieller Progression zu einer Leberzirrhose und Entwicklung eines hepatozellulären Karzinoms. In diesem Beitrag werden der aktuelle Stand und neue Entwicklungen in der Virologie und Epidemiologie, Diagnostik, Klinik, Therapie und Prävention der Virushepatitis A - E zusammenfassend dargestellt.
Cholestatische Hepatopathien
Authors: Grimm Daniel , Thimme Robert
Published: March 2011

Die primär biliäre Zirrhose (PBC), die primär sklerosierende Cholangitis (PSC), Overlapsyndrome sowie die Immunglobulin G4-assoziierte Cholangitis (IAC) sind wichtige Differentialdiagnosen der cholestatischen Hepatopathie. Bei der PBC sind vor allem die alkalische Phosphatase, die gamma-GT sowie anti-mitochondriale Antikörper und IgM erhöht. Eine Assoziation mit anderen Autoimmunkrankheiten ist häufig. Therapie der Wahl ist Ursodeoxycholsäure. Die PSC ist sehr oft mit chronisch-entzündlichen Darmerkrankungen (CED), vor allem der Colitis ulcerosa, assoziiert. Diagnoseweisend sind typische Veränderungen der Gallengänge in der Cholangiographie. Die Dilatation von symptomatischen Gallengangsstrikturen sowie die Behandlung von Cholangitiden stehen im Vordergrund der Therapie. Die PBC und PSC führen im Verlauf häufig zu einer Leberzirrhose. Bei fortgeschrittener Erkrankung muss eine Lebertransplantation erwogen werden. Overlapsyndrome weisen sowohl Eigenschaften von cholestatischen Lebererkrankungen als auch einer Autoimmunhepatitis auf. Die IAC weist ein der PSC ähnliches Krankheitsbild auf, es fehlt jedoch die Assoziation mit CED.
Lebertransplantation
Authors: Frei Pascal , Geier Andreas , Dutkowski Philipp , Müllhaupt Beat
Published: March 2011

Für viele chronische Lebererkrankungen und auch beim akuten Leberversagen ist eine Lebertransplantation die einzige kurative Therapie. In der Schweiz werden jährlich etwa 100 Lebertransplantationen durchgeführt. Beim akuten Leberversagen gelten die Clichy-Kriterien für die Transplantationsindikation. Bei einer Leberzirrhose hat die Transplantation ab einem MELD-Score von 15 einen günstigen Effekt auf das Langzeitüberleben. Das 5- und 10-Jahresüberleben nach Lebertransplantation beträgt 71% respektive 61%. Bei zunehmendem Langzeitüberleben wird das Management der Medikamentennebenwirkungen und kardiovaskulären Risiken immer wichtiger.
Psychische Belastung und Lebensqualität bei COPD-Patienten und bei deren Partnern
Authors: Meier  , Mörgeli  , Büchi  , Bodenmann  , Witzemann  , Jenewein
Published: March 2011

Zielsetzung: Die psychische Belastung, die Lebensqualität und die Zufriedenheit mit der Betreuung von COPD-Patienten und deren Partnern sollen untersucht werden. Methode: 97 Patienten und 54 Partner (davon 43 komplette Paare) nahmen an der Untersuchung teil. Die Patienten- und Partnerfragebogen wurden per Post an die Patienten verschickt. Resultate: Bei den COPD-Patienten und deren Partnern wurden erhöhte Angst- und Depressionswerte gefunden. Bezüglich Lebensqualität waren die Patienten stärker eingeschränkt als die Partner. Sowohl die Patienten als auch die Partner wiesen eine hohe Zufriedenheit mit der Betreuung auf. Schlussfolgerung: Dass die Partner gleichermassen durch Angst und Depression belastet sind wie die Patienten, spricht dafür, die Partner vermehrt in die Betreuung einzubinden.
Unklares neurologisches Zustandsbild und Fieber
Authors: Magarzo  , Fulchini  , Eckle  , Rüttimann
Published: March 2011

Wir berichten über zwei ältere Patienten, die ein unklares neurologisches Zustandsbild mit Fieber entwickelten. Der Liquorbefund mit vorwiegend mononukleärer Pleozytose, verminderter Glukose im Verhältnis zur Serumglukose und erhöhtem Protein führte zur Diagnose einer tuberkulösen Meningitis, welche mittels PCR-Untersuchung und schliesslich Kultur im Liquor bestätigt wurde. Die Diagnose wird aufgrund der unspezifischen Klinik oft verzögert gestellt. Der wegweisende Liquorbefund sollte zu einer raschen antituberkulösen Therapie führen, da die Mortalität hoch ist.