bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Der gesetzlich vorgeschriebene Stufenplan bei Beanstandungen oder Nebenwirkungen von Blutkomponenten
Authors: Radtke H. , Bachmann K. , Pindur G. , Koscielny J. , Wenzel E. , Kiesewetter H.
Published: July 2010

Ziel: Zur Verhütung einer Gefährdung der Gesundheit von Mensch und Tier bei Anwendung von Arzneimitteln fordert der Gesetzgeber im Arzneimittelgesetz die zentrale Erfassung und Auswertung von Arzneimittelrisiken, insbesondere von Nebenwirkungen und Wechselwirkungen mit anderen Mitteln. Bereits seit 1988 müssen die pharmazeutischen Unternehmen einen qualifizierten Stufenplanbeauftragten benennen, der für die Erfüllung der Anzeigepflichten von Arzneimittelrisiken verantwort-lich ist und gemäβ einem internen Maβnahmenplan («Stufenplan») geeignete Maβ-nahmen bei Auftreten von Beanstandungen ergreifen muβ. Quellen und Auswahlkriterien: Grundlagen dieser Übersicht sind die gesetzlichen Bestimmungen, insbesondere das Arzneimittelgesetz und ergänzende Vorschriften, die die Pflichten des Stufenplanbeauftragten präzisieren. Ergebnisse: Blutkomponenten unterliegen ohne Einschränkung den Vorschriften für Arzneimittel, so daβ die entsprechenden Richtlinien für transfusionsmedizinische Einrichtungen unverändert zur Anwendung kommen. In diesem Artikel werden die geltenden Vorschriften zusammengefaβt. Am Beispiel einer transfusionsmedizinischen Abteilung an einer Universitätsklinik wird die praktische Umsetzung dar-gestellt. Schluβfolgerungen: Im Zusammenhang mit der Übertragung viraler Infektions-krankheiten hat sich in den letzten Jahren mehrfach gezeigt, wie wichtig die Funk-tion des Stufenplanbeauftragten für die Ergreifung effektiver Maβnahmen beim Auftreten von schwerwiegenden Nebenwirkungen ist. Durch die in den transfusions-medizinischen Einrichtungen erfolgte Umsetzung der entsprechenden gesetzlichen Bestimmungen konnte die Arzneimittelsicherheit von Blutkomponenten entschei-dend verbessert werden.
Molecular Events Involved in the Morphogenesis of Multicystic Dysplastic Kidney
Authors: Arena Salvatore , Fazzari Carmine , Scuderi Maria Grazia , Implatini Alessandra , Villari Daniela , Torre Santo , Arena Francesco , Di Benedetto Vincenzo
Published: July 2010

Introduction: Wnt-1 is capable of inducing metanephric mesenchyme to undergo tubulogenesis. A relationship between the degree of cystogenesis and reduced E-cadherin (E-cad) expression was described. Syndecan-1 (Sdc-1) has a critical role in kidney development. Materials and Methods: Ten multicystic dysplastic kidneys (MCDKs) were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemistry was performed using Wnt-1, E-cad and Sdc-1 antibodies. Eight unaffected kidneys were used as controls. Results: Strong Wnt-1 immunostaining occurred inside cystic/tubular epithelial cells and in blastematous foci. An immunoreaction was observed in glomerular epithelial cells. In controls, just weak cytoplasmic Wnt-1 positivity was seen in tubular epithelial cells. E-cad reaction was negative in MCDKs while strong immunostaining was common in tubular cells of controls. A strong Sdc-1 immunoreaction depicted cystic, tubular and glomerular epithelial cells in MCDKs while Sdc-1 expression documented weak positivity in tubular epithelium alone. Conclusions: Our data are in accordance with an involvement of Wnt-1 in normal nephrogenesis and with its role in altered epithelial differentiation of metanephric mesenchyme in MCDKs. Wnt-1 signal may function to suppress E-cad expression, a predisposing event for cystogenesis. High expression of Sdc-1 in tubular/cystic epithelial cells of MCDKs might alter the normal transition of stages of the developmental process and modify the anion charge of the glomerular barrier.
Acute Effects of Hypercholesterolemic Diet on Erectile Responses in Rats
Authors: Demir Omer , Murat Nergis , Soner Burak Cem , Demir Tevfik , Bal Ersin , Can Ertan , Gidener Sedef , Esen Ahmet Adil
Published: July 2010

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute effects of a high cholesterol diet (HCD) on erectile and endothelial functions in Sprague-Dawley rats. Materials and Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 2 groups as control and HCD groups. The control group was fed on a normal diet and the hypercholesterolemia group was fed a 1% cholesterol-enriched diet daily for 2 weeks. Total cholesterol levels were measured at the end of 2 weeks in both groups. To examine the effect of HCD on erectile function, electric cavernous nerve stimulation (CNS) at 20 Hz with a pulse duration of 1 ms for 1 min at 5 V was performed. During CNS, we measured intracavernous pressure (ICP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), detumescence time and area under the curve (AUC). To evaluate the endothelial responses, acetylcholine (Ach) was applied cumulatively (1 nM to 1 µM) to thoracic aorta tissues contracted with 60 mM KCl. Results: In the HCD group total cholesterol levels were significantly higher than in the control group (148.1 ± 18.9 vs. 55.7 ± 8.1 mg/dl, p = 0.002). The detumescence time was significantly decreased after HCD compared to the control diet (19.3 ± 3.6 vs. 78.6 ± 12.8 s, p < 0.001). The decreases in the HCD group were also significant in terms of ICP (53.4 ± 4.5 vs. 35.6 ± 5.5 mm Hg; p < 0.05), ICP/MAP (55.9 ± 3.9 vs. 38.2 ± 5.2%; p < 0.05) and AUC (1,404 ± 197.1 vs. 2,250 ± 253.7, p < 0.05) values. There were no significant changes in maximum relaxation responses of the thoracic aorta to Ach. Conclusion: These results suggest that erectile functions were significantly damaged early in HCD rats. However, endothelial functions, evaluated in the thoracic aorta, were not affected simultaneously with erectile functions in rats fed a low concentration of HCD.
Silver Nitrate Sclerotherapy for Chyluria: Evaluation for the Optimal Instillation Regime
Authors: Dhabalia J.V. , Pujari N.R. , Kumar V. , Punia M.S. , Gokhale A.D. , Nelivigi G.
Published: July 2010

Objective: To compare the efficacy of the 3-instillation regime with the 9-instillation regime of 1% silver nitrate solution for renal pelvic instillation sclerotherapy in patients with chyluria. Patients and Methods: 59 patients with chyluria were prospectively evaluated and randomized into two groups. The study group received 3 instillations (n = 29) while the control group received 9 instillations (n = 30). 1% silver nitrate was used. Results: In the study group of the 29 patients given sclerotherapy, 28 (96.5%) had complete symptomatic relief while symptoms persisted in 1 (3.44%). None of the patients had hematuria or any other severe complication. In the control group of the 30 patients given sclerotherapy, 29 (96.66%) had complete symptomatic relief while chyluria persisted in 1 (3.33%), 5 patients developed hematuria (16.66%) and 1 patient developed fever with UTI (3.33%). The results of the 3-instillation regime match the results of the more commonly used 9-instillation regime. With this shorter regime, the hospital stay, morbidity and overall complication rate is less and it is more cost effective. Conclusion: We recommend the 3-instillation regimen in patients with chyluria refractory to conservative treatment.
α-Synuclein Gene May Interact with Environmental Factors in Increasing Risk of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Gatto Nicole M. , Rhodes Shannon L. , Manthripragada Angelika D. , Bronstein Jeff , Cockburn Myles , Farrer Matt , Ritz Beate
Published: July 2010

Background: Although of great interest and suggested in prior reports, possible α-synuclein (SNCA) gene-environment interactions have not been well investigated in humans. Methods: We used a population-based approach to examine whether the risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD) depended on the combined presence of SNCA variations and two important environmental factors, pesticide exposures and smoking. Results/Conclusions: Similar to recent meta- and pooled analyses, our data suggest a lower PD risk in subjects who were either homozygous or heterozygous for the SNCA REP1 259 genotype, and a higher risk in subjects who were either homozygous or heterozygous for the REP1 263 genotype, especially among subjects with an age of onset ≤68 years. More importantly, while analyses of interactions were limited by small cell sizes, risk due to SNCA variations seemed to vary with pesticide exposure and smoking, especially in younger onset cases, suggesting an age-of-onset effect.
Does Previous Open Nephrolithotomy Affect the Efficacy and Safety of Tubeless Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy?
Authors: Lojanapiwat B.
Published: July 2010

Introduction: Tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in selected patients is effective and results in less postoperative discomfort without increasing complications. The challenges of PCNL in patients who had a history of open nephrolithotomy are decreased kidney mobility due to scarring around the kidney and distortion of the renal collecting system, conditions that may cause difficulty of tract access and increase retained stone and hemorrhagic complications. We compared the efficacy and safety of the tubeless versus the standard PCNL in patients who had undergone previous open nephrolithotomy. Patients and Methods: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) was performed in 104 patients who had a history of previous open nephrolithotomy, of which 45 received tubeless PCNL (group I) and 59 received standard PCNL with routine postoperative nephrostomy tubes (group II). All patients had only one percutaneous renal access and showed no significant bleeding, extravasation or residual stone. Of group I, PCNL was done by the standard technique with only placement of a postoperative external ureteral catheter for 48 h. The success rate, operative time, hospital stay and complications were compared between the two groups. Results: Patient’s demographic data were not different between both groups. Infundibular stenosis and ureteropelvic junction obstruction were found in 2 and 4 cases of groups I and II, respectively. The success rates, operative time and complication rates were not significantly different between both groups. Hospital stay was 3.53 and 5.39 days for groups I and II, respectively, which was significantly different. Average analgesic (meperidine) usage was significantly less in the tubeless group (39 ± 35 mg for group I and 75 ± 32 mg for group II). Conclusion: Tubeless PCNL in selected patients with previous open nephrolithotomy has a safe and effective advantage compared to standard PCNL as indicated by a decrease in length of hospital stay and analgesic usage.
Cognitive Performance in Elderly Patients Undergoing Carotid Endarterectomy or Carotid Artery Stenting: A Twelve-Month Follow-Up Study
Authors: Feliziani F.T. , Polidori M.C. , De Rango P. , Mangialasche F. , Monastero R. , Ercolani S. , Raichi T. , Cornacchiola V. , Nelles G. , Cao P. , Mecocci P.
Published: July 2010

Background: It is still a matter of debate if and to what extent carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS) impair cognitive functioning in the elderly. Methods: We conducted a nonrandomized clinical trial on subjects with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis comparing CEA (n = 28; 24 males and 4 females; 72.6 ± 5.8 years old) with CAS (n = 29; 17 males and 12 females; 75.1 ± 5.7 years old). Cognition, mood and functional status were evaluated by a broad spectrum of tests performed on the day prior to carotid reopening as well as 3 and 12 months after. Results: No significant differences in scores on cognitive tests including the Babcock story recall test and Rey’s auditory verbal learning test (memory), category naming test (verbal fluency), trail-making test parts A and B (attention and executive function) and controlled oral word association test (executive functioning) were observed 3 and 12 months after carotid reopening independent of the technique used. Only scores on the copy drawing test (visuospatial and constructional abilities) slightly but significantly (p < 0.05) worsened in the CAS group 12 months after the intervention. No significant differences between the CEA and CAS groups were detected regarding mood and functional status after 3 and 12 months. Conclusions: CEA and CAS seem to be safe procedures in elderly patients in terms of cognitive, mood and functional status in the short and long term. CAS might be preferred for the shorter hospital stay, but further studies with a larger number of old and oldest old subjects with a longer follow-up are needed to better understand the cost-effectiveness of both treatments.
Additional Information Given to a Multimodal Imaging Stroke Protocol by Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound in the Emergency Room: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Brunser Alejandro M. , Lavados Pablo M. , Cárcamo Daniel A. , Hoppe Arnold , Olavarría Verónica , Diaz Violeta , Rivas Rodrigo
Published: July 2010

Background: Transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound can demonstrate dynamic information. We aimed to evaluate whether TCD generates useful additional information in the emergency room after a multimodal stroke imaging protocol and also whether this modified the management of patients with cerebral infarction. Methods: Patients admitted between April 2006 and June 2007 with ischemic stroke of less than 24 h were subjected to a protocol consisting of noncontrast brain CT, computed tomography angiography, diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and then TCD within the following 6 h by an observer blinded to the results of imaging studies. Results: Seventy-nine patients were included. The imaging protocol was performed 457 (±346) min after stroke symptoms and TCD after 572 (±376) min. TCD provided additional information in 28 cases (35.4%, 95% CI 25.7–46.4). More that one piece of additional information was obtained in 6 patients. The most frequent additional information was collateral pathways. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that intracranial vessel occlusion was the variable most associated with additional information. In 7 patients (8.8%, 95% CI 4.3–17.1), additional information changed management: in 4 an additional angiography was performed, in 2 patients angiography was suspended and in 1 aggressive neurocritical care was indicated. Patients with NIHSS >10 were significantly more likely to have their initial treatment changed (p = 0.004). Conclusions: TCD can provide additional information to a multimodal acute ischemic stroke imaging protocol in a third of patients. This can result in changes in the management in some of these patients.
The Conundrum of Chronic Kidney Disease Classification and End-Stage Renal Risk Prediction in the Elderly – What Is the Right Approach?
Authors: Hallan Stein Ivar , Orth Stephan Reinhold
Published: July 2010

The worldwide high prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the increasing number of patients reaching end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are a matter of major concern. The most widely accepted classification system of CKD is that proposed by the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) in 2002. When applying this system, it has become apparent that the prevalence of CKD is particularly high in elderly subjects. The fact that this system is mainly based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), subdividing the severity of CKD into five stages, is a matter of debate. A main issue is that although a reduced eGFR is often encountered in elderly subjects, most of these subjects do not have a renal disease leading to an increased risk of ESRD, i.e. the predictive power of ESRD is unsatisfactory. Recent advances have been put forward to improve (1) estimation of GFR and (2) prediction of ESRD. In this review, we discuss the currently available data with a focus on the elderly and propose an improved classification system of CKD which is characterized by a substantially better diagnostic accuracy for progression to ESRD. This is simply and cost-effectively accomplished by subdividing stage 3 CKD into two groups (eGFR 30–44 and 45–59 ml/min/1.73 m2) and by complementing all levels of eGFR with information about urinary albumin excretion, i.e. whether normoalbuminuria, microalbuminuria, or macroalbuminuria is present. The consequence should be a revision of the 2002 KDOQI CKD classification system according to these findings, which would be a significant step forward, particularly for elderly CKD patients.
Does Sensitization to Foods in Adults Occur Always in the Gut?
Authors: Asero Riccardo , Antonicelli Leonardo
Published: July 2010

It is widely accepted that, under normal conditions, the contact between allergens and the immune system via the gut results in immune tolerance. Thus, it is rather surprising that normal adults may become sensitized to foods that they have consumed a number of times without any consequence. However, the medical literature is crowded with reports suggesting that sensitization to food allergens may occur outside the intestinal tract in many instances. The present article reviews and discusses current data suggesting, either directly or indirectly, a possible initiation of food allergy in the respiratory tract or in the skin in the light of recent findings about mechanisms of tolerance and sensitization.
Association between Obesity and the Prevalence of Allergic Diseases, Atopy, and Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness in Korean Adolescents
Authors: Yoo Sunmi , Kim Hyo-Bin , Lee So-Yeon , Kim Bong-Seung , Kim Ja-Hyung , Yu Jin-Ho , Kim Byung-Ju , Hong Soo-Jong
Published: July 2010

Background: Although several mechanisms underlying the asthma-obesity connection have been proposed, debates still remain. This study was to determine whether overweight is associated with a higher prevalence of atopy, asthma symptoms, airway obstruction, bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) or biomarkers of inflammation in a sample of Korean adolescents. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey involving questionnaires, skin tests, spirometry and methacholine challenge tests among 717 adolescents from Seoul (South Korea). Overweight status was defined as a BMI greater than the local age- and gender-specific 85th percentile. Results: Overweight subjects more frequently reported ever having wheezing (24.6 vs. 14.0%, p = 0.001) and wheezing in the previous 12 months (11.5 vs. 6.3%, p = 0.02) than normal-weight subjects, especially in boys. Atopy was more common among overweight adolescents than among those of normal weight (61.5 vs. 49.2%, p = 0.002), especially in boys (65.0 vs. 52.8%, p = 0.005). Overweight subjects had higher total WBC counts and eosinophil counts, especially boys. The presence of BHR was more common only among overweight girls (32.8 vs. 18.0%, p = 0.028). Overweight status was a significant risk factor for the presence of atopy (odds ratio = 1.49; 95% CI 1.06–2.10), after adjusting for various confounders by logistic regression analysis. Conclusions: An association was found between overweight status and both atopy and an increased prevalence of wheezing in adolescent Korean boys. These findings suggest that being overweight in puberty may be one of several risk factors responsible for atopy, BHR, and asthma symptoms.
Quantitative Analysis of Collagen Network Structure and Fibril Dimensions in Cartilage Repair with Autologous Chondrocyte Transplantation
Authors: Långsjö Teemu K. , Vasara Anna I. , Hyttinen Mika M. , Lammi Mikko J. , Kaukinen Antti , Helminen Heikki J. , Kiviranta Ilkka
Published: July 2010

Objective: The aim of this study was to undertake a stereological analysis to quantify the dimensions of the collagen network in the repair tissue of porcine joints after they had been subjected to autologous chondrocyte transplantation (ACT). Method: ACT was used to repair cartilage lesions in knee joints of pigs. Electron-microscopic stereology, immunostaining for type II collagen, and quantitative polarized-light microscopy were utilized to study the collagen fibrils in the repair tissue 3 and 12 months after the operation. Results: The collagen volume density (VV) was lower in the repair tissue than in normal cartilage at 3 months (20.4 vs. 23.7%) after the operation. The collagen surface density (SV, 1.5·10–2 vs. 3.1·10–2 nm2/nm3) and VV increased with time in the repair tissue (20.4 vs. 44.7%). Quantitative polarized-light microscopy detected a higher degree of collagen parallelism in the repair tissue at 3 months after the operation (55.7 vs. 49.7%). In contrast, 1 year after the operation, fibril parallelism was lower in the repair tissue than in the control cartilage (47.5 vs. 69.8%). Conclusion: Following ACT, VV and SV increased in the repair tissue with time, reflecting maturation of the tissue. One year after the operation, there was a lower level of fibril organization in the repair tissue than in the control cartilage. Thus, the newly synthesized collagen fibrils in the repair tissue appeared to form a denser network than in the control cartilage, but the fibrils remained more randomly oriented.
Philo and Greek Poets
Authors: Koskenniemi Erkki
Published: July 2010

Philo's manner of quoting and referring to Greek poets has never been systematically investigated. This article shows how Philo often quotes Homer, but also Hesiod, Solon, Pindaros and Theognis. He knows the poets as well any Greek writer. In most cases, Philo quotes the verses exactly as we have them from other sources, preserving all the dialectic peculiarities. However, he may correct the quotation theologically, make a mistake or drop a line, and sometimes he might have learned a text that differed from ours. He often cleverly gives the words a new sense and makes them speak for his own view, following the manner of the Stoics. Philo's works allow us a glimpse the learned circles of the Alexandrian Jews. Philo had memorized poets in gymnasium. He hardly lost the contact to them after his early years, but allowed them to entertain him and his friends during his lifetime.
Composing Effective Teams through Team Dating
Authors: Curşeu Petru L. , Kenis Patrick , Raab Jörg , Brandes Ulrik
Published: July 2010

Previous research showed that short initial interaction in dyads accurately predicts future relation development. The paper extends these results from dyads to teams and demonstrates that data collected from short initial contacts (reciprocal relational preferences) are a sound basis for designing effective teams. In the approach we propose, potential team members have short initial contacts (popularly known as ‘speed dating’) and we use the information on interpersonal evaluations to create teams by maximizing the number of reciprocal relational preferences within a team. In a sample of 76 teams (N = 378, 36 attribute-based teams and 40 team-dating teams), we show that teams formed based on relational data are more effective than teams formed by maximizing within team diversity (gender and nationality). Team-dating teams show a better teamwork quality and develop more complex collective knowledge structures compared with attribute-based teams.
The Performance of Golf: Landscape, Place, and Practice in North West England
Authors: Perkins Chris
Published: July 2010

This article instigates critical work on golf in North West England by considering how golfing identities are performed in different places and landscapes. Extensive overview of the geography of the game and intensive case-study interviews and participant observation reveal an interplay between social and personal actions in relation to golfing landscapes and institutional contexts. The author argues for a performative analysis of golf, focusing on the co-constitution of identity, practice, place, and power and concludes that political economy alone is insufficient for understanding the diversity of practice and places that situate the game.
Situated Health Promotion
Authors: Pieter Andrea , Fröhlich Michael , Emrich Eike , Stark Robin
Published: July 2010

Handing down health knowledge and behavior patterns is a main objective of health promotion. Often, interventions do not bring about the intended change of behavior. This could be due, among other things, to the fact that the majority of intervention programs are not based on principles of instructional design to bridge the gap between knowledge and action. A situated design of health promotion measures is to be considered particularly suitable. That accounts for the fact that the acquisition and application of knowledge is an active construction process on the part of the individuals involved, and one that includes the possibility to improve the quality of learning processes in the area of health promotion, and thus increases the probability that acquired knowledge can be applied in real situations. In the context of the problem that most health promotion interventions frequently do not show the desired permanent behavioral changes of the participating individuals, from a pedagogical perspective, it is crucial that current didactic-methodological principles be taken into account. This, too, should be taken into account in connection with an empirical analysis of the reflections in this article. In the following paper, various suggestions for implementation are explained and discussed.
The Introduction of a New Screening Tool for the Identification of Cognitively Impaired Medically At-Risk Drivers
Authors: Dobbs Bonnie M. , Schopflocher Donald
Published: July 2010

The number of drivers with a cognitive impairment due to dementia or other age-associated pathologies will increase significantly over the next 3 decades. Physicians are well placed to identify medically at-risk drivers, but are hampered by the lack of a valid, easy to administer screening tool. This research develops and validates a brief screening tool for use in the primary care setting to identify drivers with cognitive impairment with or without dementia. Initial Study Participants: A cohort of 146 consecutive referrals from community-based family physicians, diagnosed with an undifferentiated cognitive impairment or dementia, as well as 35 community dwelling healthy controls. Validation Study: A cohort of 192 consecutive referrals carrying the same diagnosis as above and 52 community dwelling healthy controls. Criterion Measure: Pass/fail on an On-Road evaluation. Predictor Measures: Subtests of the DemTect, a screening test for cognitive impairment or dementia developed by Kalbe and colleagues. 1 Initial Study: Three of the DemTect measures predicted On-Road outcomes (R2 = .262). Regression results were used to develop a simple scoring algorithm, with cut-points then derived by identifying those most at risk for failing and passing the On-Road assessment, and those needing a driving assessment for determination of driving competency. 89 individuals scored in the indeterminate range, with 49 and 43 predicted to fail and pass, respectively—86% and 84% of those predicted to fail and pass did subsequently fail and pass. Validation Study: 123 individuals scored in the indeterminate range, with 66 and 55 predicted to fail and pass, respectively—80% and 87% of those predicted to fail and pass did subsequently fail and pass. Conclusions: The SIMARD A Modification of the DemTect (Screen for the Identification of cognitively impaired Medically At-Risk Drivers) is a brief paper and pencil screening tool with a high degree of accuracy that can be used for immediate decisions in the clinical setting.
Surface-Mediated Design and Catalytic Properties of Active Metal Complexes for Advanced Catalysis Creation
Authors: Tada Mizuki
Published: July 2010

Molecular-scale design of catalytically active structures at oxide surfaces is highlighted, focusing on our recent challenges for selective heterogeneous catalysis. We found novel structural transformations of supported metal complexes on oxide surfaces and achieved unique selective catalysis for various chemical syntheses. In this account, the advanced design of supported metal-complex catalysts on oxide surfaces and the in situ characterization of their structural kinetics, which means kinetics of structural changes of catalysts themselves, under catalyst-working conditions are reviewed.
Glutathione Nanosphere: Self-Assembly of Conformation-Regulated Trigonal-Glutathiones in Water
Authors: Matsuura Kazunori , Fujino Keisuke , Teramoto Takeshi , Murasato Kazuya , Kimizuka Nobuo
Published: July 2010

A novel trigonal conjugate of glutathiones with a 1,3,5-tris(aminomethyl)-2,4,6-triethylbenzene core was synthesized and its self-assembling behavior was investigated in water. Three glutathione units were regulated to orient on the same side of the benzene ring, through steric repulsions between ethyl groups attached on the benzene core. Concentration dependence of 1H NMR chemical shifts in D2O revealed formation of molecular assemblies with two affinity constants (Ka = 4.75 × 102 and 6.76 × 104 M−1), which reflect stepwise assembly directed by electrostatic interactions, hydrophobic interactions, and hydrogen bonding. In scanning electron microscopy, hard spherical assemblies with the size of 310 ± 50 nm were observed at high concentration (10 mM), whereas slightly disordered spherical assemblies were obtained at lower concentrations. The spherical assemblies self-assembled from the conformation-regulated trigonal glutathiones showed regular morphology and enhanced rigidity compared to those formed from conformationally non-regulated trigonal glutathiones.
Subpicosecond UV-pump and IR-probe Spectroscopy of 9-Fluorenone in Deuterated Acetonitrile and Methanol
Authors: Hirai Satori , Banno Motohiro , Ohta Kaoru , Palit Dipak K , Tominaga Keisuke
Published: July 2010

The vibrational dynamics of the CO stretching mode of 9-fluorenone (FL) in CD3CN and CD3OD were studied by sub-picosecond UV-pump and IR-probe spectroscopy. We found that the CO stretching band is blue-shifted by hydrogen-bond formation in the S1 state but red-shifted in the S0 state. In both CD3CN and CD3OD, the time evolution of the transient absorption spectrum was observed on a picosecond time scale, likely because of vibrational cooling and hydrogen-bond dynamics.
Synthesis of Boron-containing CDS-1 Zeolite by Topotactic Dehydration–Condensation of [B]-PLS-1 Prepared from Layered Silicate H-LDS
Authors: Komura Kenichi , Murase Tomoyuki , Sugi Yoshihiro , Koketsu Mamoru
Published: July 2010

Boron-containing CDS-1 zeolite with CDO topology can be obtained from the layered borosilicate PLS-1 which was prepared from layered silicate H-LDS by dry-gel conversion. Pure crystals of [B]-PLS-1 can be formed in the range of Si/B ratio from ∞ to 280.
Antenatal diagnosis of fetal cholelithiasis
Authors: Holloway Sally , Edwards Hazel
Published: July 2010

Fetal cholelithiasis is extremely rare and there are few reported cases in the literature. Most cases are thought to develop in late pregnancy and while some may be identified during a third trimester scan, others will remain undetected. Although cholelithiasis is not a life-threatening condition, other more serious pathologies must be excluded first. We describe an example of cholelithiasis in a male fetus in the third trimester. Ultrasound appearances, differential diagnoses and postnatal outcome are discussed.
Dynamic assessment of carotid plaque motion
Authors: Akkus Zeynettin , Ramnarine Kumar V
Published: July 2010

Assessment of dynamic plaque behaviour may help identify vulnerable carotid plaque before rupture and hence has potential clinical value for screening patients at risk of stroke. The aim of this study was to develop non-invasive ultrasound methods for quantifying dynamic plaque and vessel wall behaviour and assess their potential clinical utility. Ultrasound data from the carotid arteries of one normal subject and four patients with atherosclerotic disease were acquired using a 10 MHz linear array transducer recording raw RF/IQ data at a frame rate up to 80 Hz for 3–6 seconds. Image reconstruction and processing was performed using Matlab. Speckle tracking techniques were developed to characterize: (1) intraplaque deformation; and (2) plaque surface and vessel wall motion. Speckle tracking techniques were able to measure the range of intraplaque tissue deformation (–1.3 to 1.7 mm), plaque surface displacement (0.2–0.7 mm) and vessel wall radial strain (0.02–0.13) throughout the cardiac cycle. The feasibility of using an intraplaque deformation parameter, based on the deformation of a square template, is demonstrated. Speckle tracking techniques can be used to assess dynamic carotid plaque behaviour. Further work is required to evaluate how best to quantify biomechanical behaviour to help predict plaque rupture and hence improve risk stratification models for stroke.
The acoustic safety of new ultrasound technologies
Authors: Martin Kevin
Published: July 2010

There is evidence from surveys carried out in the 1990s that improvements in ultrasound technology have been associated with increases in acoustic output levels. Current medical devices regulations in Europe and the USA require manufacturers to declare the acoustic output levels from their equipment. This paper analyses such declarations to identify recent trends in acoustic output levels. Comparison of declared values with the earlier surveys showed a 50% increase in mean rarefaction pressures in B-mode and colour Doppler mode and a 75% increase in pulsed Doppler mode. In B-mode, the mean temporal average intensity level has approximately doubled, but approximately halved in pulsed Doppler mode. Analysis of mechanical and thermal safety index values (MI and TI) suggested that some manufacturers are designing their ultrasound systems to be capable of using the highest MI values permitted by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA). This results in the use of higher acoustic pressures at higher frequencies. Most maximum values of TI declared to the FDA were much lower than the normal maximum value of 6.0. Increases in acoustic pressure and intensity levels would be expected to occur as transducer efficiency and beam-forming methods are improved and new techniques introduced. It is likely that future developments will continue to push typical output levels towards the regulatory limits. Users must maintain awareness of acoustic safety issues and make use of on-screen safety indices to ensure appropriate use of imaging modes that use the highest output levels.
Mutations at the accommodation gate of the ribosome impair RF2-dependent translation termination
Authors: Burakovsky Dmitry E. , Sergiev Petr V. , Steblyanko Maria A. , Kubarenko Andriy V. , Konevega Andrey L. , Bogdanov Alexey A. , Rodnina Marina V. , Dontsova Olga A.
Published: July 2010

During protein synthesis, aminoacyl-tRNA (aa-tRNA) and release factors 1 and 2 (RF1 and RF2) have to bind at the catalytic center of the ribosome on the 50S subunit where they take part in peptide bond formation or peptidyl-tRNA hydrolysis, respectively. Computer simulations of aa-tRNA movement into the catalytic site (accommodation) suggested that three nucleotides of 23S rRNA, U2492, C2556, and C2573, form a “gate” at which aa-tRNA movement into the A site is retarded. Here we examined the role of nucleotides C2573 of 23S rRNA, a part of the putative accommodation gate, and of the neighboring A2572 for aa-tRNA binding followed by peptide bond formation and for the RF2-dependent peptide release. Mutations at the two positions did not affect aa-tRNA accommodation, peptide bond formation, or the fidelity of aa-tRNA selection, but impaired RF2-catalyzed peptide release. The data suggest that the ribosome is a robust machine that allows rapid aa-tRNA accommodation despite the defects at the accommodation gate. In comparison, peptide release by RF2 appears more sensitive to these mutations, due to slower accommodation of the factor or effects on RF2 positioning in the A site.
Scholarship Awards, College Choice, and Student Engagement in College Activities: A Study of High-Achieving Low-Income Students of Color
Authors: Hu Shouping
Published: July 2010

Using two-wave survey data on the 2001 cohort of the Gates Millennium Scholarship (GMS) recipients and comparison nonrecipients, this study examines the relationship between scholarship awards and student engagement in college activities. The results indicate that scholarship awards such as GMS directly affect student college choice decisions. Receiving GMS awards increased the probability of attending private, 4-year colleges and decreased the probability of attending 2-year colleges. Such college choice decisions promoted student engagement in academic and social activities in college. The relationships among scholarship awards, college choice, and student engagement illustrated in this study have strong implications for educational policy and research.
Becoming a Leader Along the Way: Embedding Leadership Training Into a Large-Scale Peer-Learning Program in the STEM Disciplines
Authors: Micari Marina , Gould Amy Knife , Lainez Louie
Published: July 2010

Although many college students enter leadership programs with the express goal of developing leadership skills, some specialized leadership programs draw students who seek to gain expertise in a disciplinary area, with leadership development as a secondary goal. In the latter case, program developers face the challenge of generating enthusiasm among student participants for thinking and talking about leadership. This paper addresses the question of whether undergraduates can develop as leaders when that is not their explicit goal, chronicling the evolution of a program designed to do just that. Data collected through survey and interview research suggest that participating students do indeed develop as leaders in meaningful ways.
Spray Drift Reduction Technology Adjuvant Evaluation
Authors: Elsik Curtis M. , Stridde Howard M. , Schweiner Tammy M.
Published: July 2010

Twelve commercial drift reduction agents were evaluated for their characteristics in the three most commonly accepted parameters for spray droplet size formation—extensional viscosity, dynamic surface tension, and kinematic viscosity. Samples were sprayed in both water and in the presence of a commercial herbicide formulation. The spray droplet spectra for these agents were then determined under rigorous control, in still-air conditions, using a Sympatec HELOS/KF laser diffraction particle size analyzer. Spraying an actual pesticide formulation that contains a wetting agent is important because the surfactant present reduces dynamic surface tension and can significantly reduce spray droplet diameter. The aerosol particle size distributions were measured using an electronic actuator that moved the nozzle spray pattern through the laser in a reproducible manner. There are multiple mechanisms that can influence both volume mean diameter and percent fines below 105 microns. There are natural and synthetic water-soluble polymers that function by increasing extensional viscosity. There are oil products that produce emulsions that keep small spray drops from forming. The droplet spectra for the different commercial products were grouped according to their specific drift reduction mechanism in order to see if a better correlation could be made on how they individually affected the resulting droplet particle size distribution.
The Evolution of Microstructure and Deformation Stability in Zr–Nb–(Sn,Fe) Alloys Under Neutron Irradiation
Authors: Shishov V. N.
Published: July 2010

A review is given on the effect of neutron irradiation on the microstructure and properties of Zr–Nb and Zr–Nb–Fe (Sn,O) alloys. The in-reactor performance of Zr alloys is dependent on their composition and microstructure, and even small changes in the composition and processing lead to substantial changes in properties as a result of evolution of precipitates and matrix composition. The development of a new generation of alloys of Zr–Nb–Fe (Sn,O) system (that show higher resistance to the irradiation-induced growth, creep, and corrosion) required an examination of their microstructure during the manufacturing process and evolution after neutron irradiation. The basic irradiation phenomena involve irradiation-induced damages (formation of the a- and c-component dislocations) and redistribution of alloying elements. The influence produced by precipitates containing Zr, Nb, and particularly Fe on the properties under irradiation is demonstrated. Relationships between composition, microstructure, and irradiation-induced growth of the Zr–Nb–Fe–Sn are described. An increased content of iron (over limit of the solubility) in Zr–Nb alloys leads to lower irradiation growth and creep and to strengthening of the matrix as a result of Fe leaving Laves phase (HCP) particles with their transformation into β-Nb (bcc). β-Nb precipitates become depleted in niobium (or enriched in zirconium), and finely dispersed irradiation-induced secondary particles enriched in niobium are formed. The basic microstructures that illustrate neutron damage structures, precipitates instability, evolution, and irradiation growth are shown and discussed.
Neural Correlates of Motor Learning in the Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex: Dynamic Regulation of Multimodal Integration in the Macaque Vestibular System
Authors: Sadeghi Soroush G. , Minor Lloyd B. , Cullen Kathleen E.
Published: July 2010

Motor learning is required for the reacquisition of skills that have been compromised as a result of brain lesion or disease, as well as for the acquisition of new skills. Behaviors with well characterized anatomy and physiology are required to yield significant insight into changes that occur in the brain during motor learning. The vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) is well suited to establish connections between neurons, neural circuits, and motor performance during learning. Here, we examined the linkage between neuronal and behavioral VOR responses in alert behaving monkeys (Macaca mulatta) during the impressive recovery that occurs after unilateral vestibular loss. We show, for the first time, that motor learning is characterized by the dynamic reweighting of inputs from different modalities (i.e., vestibular vs extravestibular) at the level of the single neurons that constitute the first central stage of vestibular processing. Specifically, two types of information, which did not influence neuronal responses before the lesion, had an important role during compensation. First, unmasked neck proprioceptive inputs played a critical role in the early stages of this process demonstrated by faster and more substantial recovery of vestibular responses in proprioceptive sensitive neurons. Second, neuronal and VOR responses were significantly enhanced during active relative to passive head motion later in the compensation process (>3 weeks). Together, our findings provide evidence linking the dynamic regulation of multimodal integration at the level of single neurons and behavioral recovery, suggesting a role for homeostatic mechanisms in VOR motor learning.
Flachheitsbasierter Entwurf linearer zeitvarianter SISO-Systeme
Authors: Zeitz Michael
Published: July 2010

Für lineare zeitvariante SISO-Systeme wird gezeigt, dass die differenzielle Flachheit mit den Koordinaten der Regler- und der Beobachter-Normalform verknüpft ist. Dies ermöglicht die Darstellung der zeitvarianten Ackermann-Formeln für den Regler- und Beobachter-Entwurf mithilfe des flachen Ausgangs bzw. Eingangs. Die Anwendung der vorgestellten Ergebnisse, die auch für den Sonderfall zeitinvarianter SISO-Systeme gelten, wird für das lineare zeitvariante Modell einer Verladebrücke erläutert.
Aging-aware Timing Analysis of Combinatorial Circuits on Gate Level
Authors: Lorenz Dominik , Georgakos Georg , Schlichtmann Ulf
Published: July 2010

The presented aging analysis flow is able to calculate the degraded circuit timing on gate level. It is the first approach considering the impact of the two dominant drift-related aging effects — NBTI and HCI. Our proposed aging-aware gate model, AgeGate, is very accurate. It provides the degraded output slope in addition to the degraded gate delay, and it calculates individual parameter degradations for all transistors of a logic gate.
"The Game of One Hundred Intelligences": Mahjong, Materials, and the Marketing of the Asian Exotic in the 1920s
Authors: Greenfield Mary C.
Published: July 2010

The Mahjong craze of 1922–1924 marks a pivotal moment in the culture that shaped and justified U.S. imperialism. In a mere two years Mahjong evolved from an expensive upper-class pursuit that prized an "authentic" and imported experience into a widely available mass-marketed pastime produced in the United States. Changes in technology made possible the mass production of what had formerly been elite trophies of empire, helping to make imperialism both accessible and palatable to mainstream Americans. The process was not always smooth. Mahjong opened fault lines between old elites and new money, as well as between male salesmen and female consumers. Finally, Mahjong had implications for domestic interethnic relations, as it incorporated Chinese Americans into a nascent national multicultural ideal while still marking them as an inassimilable "other."
Resistin is associated with biomarkers of inflammation while total and high-molecular weight adiponectin are associated with biomarkers of inflammation, insulin resistance, and endothelial function
Authors: Fargnoli Jessica L , Sun Qi , Olenczuk Deanna , Qi Lu , Zhu Ying , Hu Frank B , Mantzoros Christos S
Published: July 2010

The authors and the journal apologise for an error in the funding section of this article published in 2010, vol 162, pp 281–288. The grant number that is listed as DK081923 is actually DK081913. The Funding section with the correct grant numbers is published in full below:

Funding

This work was supported by the National Institute of Health (grants HL65582, HL60712, HL34594, DK58785, DK081913, DK79929, and DK58845), a discretionary grant from BIDMC, and a grant-in-aid by Tanita Corporation. Dr Hu is a recipient of the American Heart Association Established Investigator Award. Dr Sun is supported by a Postdoctoral Fellowship from the Unilever Corporate Research.
The 1948 International Congress of Genetics in Sweden: People and Politics
Authors: Bengtsson Bengt O , Tunlid Anna
Published: July 2010

The International Congresses have played an important role in the history of genetics. The Eighth International Congress, which in 1948 was held in Sweden, celebrated the conclusion of the war against Nazism and many new decisive scientific advances. It also signaled a hardening of the fight against Lysenkoism, which was growing in strength in the Soviet Union. A rare document is available from the Congress—an amateur film made by a young delegate, Nils Nybom. With its help a living description can be given of the scientific and political melees in which the delegates were involved.
Effect of diffuse layer and pore shapes in mesoporous carbon supercapacitors
Authors: Huang Jingsong , Qiao Rui , Sumpter Bobby G. , Meunier Vincent
Published: July 2010

In the spirit of the theoretical evolution from the Helmholtz model to the Gouy–Chapman–Stern model for electric double-layer capacitors, we explored the effect of a diffuse layer on the capacitance of mesoporous carbon supercapacitors by solving the Poisson–Boltzmann (PB) equation in mesopores of diameters from 2 to 20 nm. To evaluate the effect of pore shape, both slit and cylindrical pores were considered. We found that the diffuse layer does not affect the capacitance significantly. For slit pores, the area-normalized capacitance is nearly independent of pore size, which is not experimentally observed for template carbons. In comparison, for cylindrical pores, PB simulations produce a trend of slightly increasing area-normalized capacitance with pore size, similar to that depicted by the electric double-cylinder capacitor model proposed earlier. These results indicate that it is appropriate to approximate the pore shape of mesoporous carbons as being cylindrical and the electric double-cylinder capacitor model should be used for mesoporous carbons as a replacement of the traditional Helmholtz model.