bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fucoidan: Structure and Bioactivity
Authors: Li Bo , Lu Fei , Wei Xinjun , Zhao Ruixiang
Published: August 2008

Fucoidan refers to a type of polysaccharide which contains substantial percentages of L-fucose and sulfate ester groups, mainly derived from brown seaweed. For the past decade fucoidan has been extensively studied due to its numerous interesting biological activities. Recently the search for new drugs has raised interest in fucoidans. In the past few years, several fucoidans’ structures have been solved, and many aspects of their biological activity have been elucidated. This review summarizes the research progress on the structure and bioactivity of fucoidan and the relationships between structure and bioactivity.
New Acetylenic Norlignan Compounds from Rhizomes of Curculigo crassifolia
Authors: Wang Kai-jin , Li Ning , Wang Hu
Published: August 2008

Two pairs of diastereoisomeric acetylenic norlignan compounds with PhCH(OR1)CH(OR2)CH2C≡CPh skeleta: (1R, 2R)-1-O-methylnyasicoside (1) and (1S, 2R)-1-O-methylnyasicoside (2), and (1R, 2R)-crassifogenin D (3) and (1S, 2R)- crassifogenin D (4), were isolated from the ethanolic extract of rhizomes of Curculigo crassifolia. Compounds 3 and 4 are new and their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic evidence and comparisons with literature data.
Asymmetric Synthesis of Naturally Occuring Spiroketals
Authors: Raju B. Rama , Saikia Anil K.
Published: August 2008

Spiroketals are widely found as substructures of many naturally occurring compounds from diverse sources including plants, animals as well as microbes. Naturally occurring spiroketals are biologically active and most of them are chiral molecules. This article aims at reviewing the asymmetric synthesis of biologically active spiroketals for last 10 years (1998-2007).
HF Radar Sea-echo from Shallow Water
Authors: Lipa Belinda , Nyden Bruce , Barrick Don , Kohut Josh
Published: August 2008

HF radar systems are widely and routinely used for the measurement of ocean surface currents and waves. Analysis methods presently in use are based on the assumption of infinite water depth, and may therefore be inadequate close to shore where the radar echo is strongest. In this paper, we treat the situation when the radar echo is returned from ocean waves that interact with the ocean floor. Simulations are described which demonstrate the effect of shallow water on radar sea-echo. These are used to investigate limits on the existing theory and to define water depths at which shallow-water effects become significant. The second-order spectral energy increases relative to the first-order as the water depth decreases, resulting in spectral saturation when the waveheight exceeds a limit defined by the radar transmit frequency. This effect is particularly marked for lower radar transmit frequencies. The saturation limit on waveheight is less for shallow water. Shallow water affects second-order spectra (which gives wave information) far more than first-order (which gives information on current velocities), the latter being significantly affected only for the lowest radar transmit frequencies for extremely shallow water. We describe analysis of radar echo from shallow water measured by a Rutgers University HF radar system to give ocean wave spectral estimates. Radar-derived wave height, period and direction are compared with simultaneous shallow-water in-situ measurements.
Remote Sensing of Agro-droughts in Guangdong Province of China Using MODIS Satellite Data
Authors: Gao Maofang , Qin Zhihao , Zhang Hong’ou , Lu Liping , Zhou Xia , Yang Xiuchun
Published: August 2008

A practical approach was developed in the study for drought monitoring in Guangdong province of China on the basis of vegetation supply water index (VSWI) and precipitation distance index (PDI). A comprehensive index for assessment of agro-drought severity (SADI) was then established from the normalized VSWI and PDI. Using MODIS satellite images and precipitation data from ground-observed meteorological stations, we applied the approach to Guangdong for drought monitoring in 2006. The monitoring results showed that the drought severity on average was very low in the province during the main growing season from May to September in 2006. However, seasonal variation of the severity was also obvious in difference counties of the province. Higher severity of drought could be seen in the periods of late-June (In China each month is traditionally divided into 3 periods. Each is with 10 days and has different names. This division system is mainly with consideration of farming seasons hence has been widely used as the basis of drought monitoring periods in China. In order to keep this tradition, we define, for example, for June, the early-June as the period from 1st to 10th of June, the mid-June as the period from 11th to 20th, and the late-June as the period from 21st to 30th. So mid-August denotes the period from 11th to 20th of August, and early-July the period from 1st to 10th of July, and so on.), early-July, mid-August and late-September. Regionally, Leizhou Peninsula in the west had the most serious drought before mid-May. Validation indicated that our monitoring results were generally consistent with the drought statistics data and the results from Chinese National Satellite Meteorological Center (CNSMC), which used only remote sensing data. This consistence confirmed the applicability of our approach for drought monitoring. Our better identification of drought severity in Leizhou Peninsula of western Guangdong than that of CNSMC might suggest that the approach developed in the study was able to provide a better alternative to increase the accuracy of drought monitoring for agricultural administration and farming.
Using the Remote Sensing and GIS Technology for Erosion Risk Mapping of Kartalkaya Dam Watershed in Kahramanmaras, Turkey
Authors: Yuksel Alaaddin , Gundogan Recep , Akay Abdullah E.
Published: August 2008

The soil erosion is the most serious environmental problem in watershed areas in Turkey. The main factors affecting the amount of soil erosion include vegetation cover, topography, soil, and climate. In order to describe the areas with high soil erosion risks and to develop adequate erosion prevention measures in the watersheds of dams, erosion risk maps should be generated considering these factors. Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies were used for erosion risk mapping in Kartalkaya Dam Watershed of Kahramanmaras, Turkey, based on the methodology implemented in COoRdination of INformation on the Environment (CORINE) model. ASTER imagery was used to generate a land use/cover classification in ERDAS Imagine. The digital maps of the other factors (topography, soil types, and climate) were generated in ArcGIS v9.2, and were then integrated as CORINE input files to produce erosion risk maps. The results indicate that 33.82%, 35.44%, and 30.74% of the study area were under low, moderate, and high actual erosion risks, respectively. The CORINE model integrated with RS and GIS technologies has great potential for producing accurate and inexpensive erosion risk maps in Turkey.
Serum transferrin receptor
Authors: Skikne Barry S.
Published: August 2008

Transferrin receptors (TfRs) are the conventional pathway by which cells acquire iron for physiological requirements. Under iron‐deficient conditions there is an increased concentration of surface TfR, especially on bone marrow erythroid precursors, as a mechanism to sequester needed iron. TfRs are also present in the circulation, and the circulating serum TfR (sTfR) level reflects total body TfR concentration. Under normal conditions erythroid precursors are the main source of sTfR. Disorders of the bone marrow with reduced erythroid precursors are associated with low sTfR levels. The sTfR concentration begins to rise early in iron deficiency with the onset of iron‐deficient erythropoiesis, and continues to rise as iron‐deficient erythropoiesis progressively worsens, prior to the development of anemia. The sTfR level does not increase in anemia of chronic inflammation, but is increased when anemia of chronic inflammation is combined with iron deficiency. The sTfR level is also increased in patients with expanded erythropoiesis, including hemolytic anemias, myelodysplastic syndromes, and use of erythropoietic stimulating agents. The ratio of sTfR/ferritin can be used to quantify the entire spectrum of iron status from positive iron stores through negative iron balance, and is particularly useful in evaluating iron status in population studies. The sTfR/log ferritin ratio is valuable for distinguishing anemia of chronic inflammation from iron deficiency anemia, whether the latter occurs alone or in combination with anemia of chronic inflammation. Am. J. Hematol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A corner differentiation algorithm by a single sonar sensor for mobile robots
Authors: Chen Bo Chang , Chou Jung‐Hua
Published: August 2008

Ultrasonic sensors have been widely applied in mobile robots to obtain environmental information and avoid obstacles. In general, a typical domestic environment consists of planes, edges and corners. It is usually difficult to distinguish a plane from a corner directly with a single ultrasonic sensor. To overcome this difficulty, a corner differentiation algorithm for a single ultrasonic sensor is proposed in this paper. The algorithm is based on the features of all of the actual reflection points from the environment obtained by a reflection search algorithm from which the corners are realized by a corner differentiation algorithm. The experimental results show that the developed algorithm can successfully detect all planes and corners. Furthermore, an environmental map can be built based on the information obtained on planes and corners. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
Infinite dimensional observer for a flexible robot arm with a tip load
Authors: Nguyen Tu Duc , Egeland Olav
Published: August 2008

This note addresses observer design for a flexible robot arm with a tip load. The robot arm is modeled as an Euler–Bernoulli beam. The beam is clamped to a motor at one end and attached to a force actuator at the other. Based on boundary measurements, an exponentially stable observer is proposed. The existence, uniqueness, and stability of solutions of the observer are proven using semigroup theory. The results are illustrated by simulation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
Évaluation floue des profils de gestion des risques divulgués dans les rapports annuels des entreprises
Authors: Dia Mohamed , Zéghal Daniel
Published: August 2008

The most common measures of risk have traditionally been based on quantitative financial and accounting information. However, new information on risk management disclosed in companies' annual reports is generally qualitative or linguistic. As such, exploitation by decision makers becomes difficult. In this study, a fuzzy analysis approach is applied to risk information disclosed by 217 firms listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. The results provide some evidence that these fuzzy measures are reasonable proxies for traditional financial and accounting measures. They also show that fuzzy measures can predict a significant amount of systematic risk. Copyright © 2008 ASAC. Published by John Wildey & Sons, Ltd.
Extraneous bodily movements and irrelevant vocalizations by dyslexic and non‐dyslexic boys during calculation tasks
Authors: Turner Ellis S. A. , Miles T. R. , Wheeler T. J.
Published: August 2008

Thirty dyslexic boys, aged between 9 and 15 years, and 30 age‐matched controls were tested on a series of sums involving division, subtraction and addition. During the testing a record was kept of any bodily movements or verbal utterances (vocalizations) irrelevant to the task in hand. It was found that the dyslexics produced many more extraneous bodily movements and many more irrelevant vocalizations than did the controls. Possible reasons for these findings are tentatively suggested. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
HIV‐1 Tat and morphine have interactive effects on oligodendrocyte survival and morphology
Authors: Hauser Kurt F. , Hahn Yun Kyung , Adjan Valeriya V. , Zou Shiping , Buch Shreya K. , Nath Avindra , Bruce‐Keller Annadora J. , Knapp Pamela E.
Published: August 2008

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected individuals who abuse opiates show faster progression to AIDS, and enhanced incidence of HIV‐1 encephalitis. Most opiates with abuse liability are preferential agonists for μ‐opioid receptors (MORs), and MORs are expressed on both neurons and glia, including oligodendrocytes (OLs). Tat, gp120, and other viral toxins, cause neurotoxicityin vitroand/or when injected into brain, and co‐exposure to opiates can augment HIV‐1 protein‐induced insults to both glial and neuronal populations. We examined the effects of HIV‐1 Tat +/− opiate exposure on OL survival and differentiation.In vivostudies utilized transgenic mice expressing Tat1‐86regulated by an inducible glial fibrillary acidic protein promoter. Although MBP levels were unchanged on immunoblots, certain structural and apoptotic indices were abnormal. After only 2 days of Tat induction, OLs showed an upregulation of active caspase‐3 that was enhanced by morphine exposure. Tat also upregulated TUNEL staining, but only in the presence of morphine. Tat significantly reduced the length of processes in Golgi–Kopsch impregnated OLs. A greater proportion of cells exhibited diminished or aberrant cytoplasmic processes, especially when mice expressing Tat were co‐exposed to morphine. Collectively, our data show that OLsin situare extremely sensitive to effects of Tat +/− morphine, although it is not clear if immature OLs as well as differentiated OLs are targeted equally. Significant elevations in caspase‐3 activity and TUNEL labeling, and evidence of increased degeneration/regeneration of OLs exposed to Tat +/− morphine suggest that toxicity toward OLs may be accompanied by heightened OL turnover. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Raft aggregation with specific receptor recruitment is required for microglial phagocytosis of Aβ42
Authors: Persaud‐Sawin Dixie‐Ann , Banach Lynna , Harry Gaylia Jean
Published: August 2008

Microglial phagocytosis contributes to the maintenance of brain homeostasis. Mechanisms involved, however, remain unclear. Using Aβ42 solely as a stimulant, we provide novel insight into regulation of microglial phagocytosis by rafts. We demonstrate the existence of an Aβ42 threshold level of 250 pg/mL, above which microglial phagocytic function is impaired. Low levels of Aβ42 facilitate fluorescent bead uptake, whereas phagocytosis is inhibited when Aβ42 accumulates. We also show that region‐specific raft clustering occurs before microglial phagocytosis. Low Aβ42 levels stimulated this type of raft aggregation, but high Aβ42 levels inhibited it. Additionally, treatment with high Aβ42 concentrations caused a redistribution of the raft structural protein flotillin1 from low to higher density fractions along a sucrose gradient. This suggests a loss of raft structural integrity. Certain non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, e.g., the cyclooxygenase 2‐specific nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, celecoxib, raise Aβ42 levels. We demonstrated that prolonged celecoxib exposure can disrupt rafts in a manner similar to that seen in an elevated Aβ42 environment: abnormal raft aggregation and Flot1 distribution. This resulted in aberrant receptor recruitment to rafts and impaired receptor‐mediated phagocytosis by microglial cells. Specifically, recruitment of the scavenger receptor CD36 to rafts during active phagocytosis was affected. Thus, we propose that maintaining raft integrity is crucial for determining microglial phagocytic outcomes and disease progression. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Changes in the antioxidant metabolism in the embryonic development of the common South American toad Bufo arenarum: Differential responses to pesticide in early embryos and autonomous‐feeding larvae
Authors: Ferrari Ana , Anguiano Liliana , Lascano Cecilia , Sotomayor Verónica , Rosenbaum Enrique , Venturino Andrés
Published: August 2008

Amphibians may be critically challenged by aquatic contaminants during their embryonic development. Many classes of compounds, including organophosphorus pesticides, are able to cause oxidative stress that affects the delicate cellular redox balance regulating tissue modeling. We determined the progression of antioxidant defenses during the embryonic development of the South American common toad, Bufo arenarum. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were high in the unfertilized eggs, and remained constant during the first stages of development. SOD showed a significant increase when the gills were completely active and opercular folds began to form. Reductase (GR) activity was low in the oocytes and increased significantly when gills and mouth were entirely developed and the embryos presented a higher exposure to pro‐oxidant conditions suggesting an environmental control. Reduced glutathione (GSH) content was also initially low, and rose continuously pointing out an increasing participation of GSH‐related enzymes in the control of oxidative stress. GSH peroxidases and GSH‐S‐transferases showed relatively high and constant activities, probably related to lipid peroxide control. B. arenarum embryos have plenty of yolk platelets containing lipids, which provide the energy and are actively transferred to the newly synthesized membranes during the early embryonic development. Exposure to the pro‐oxidant pesticide malathion during 48 h did not significantly affect the activity of antioxidant enzymes in early embryos, but decreased the activities of CAT, GR, and the pool of GSH in larvae. Previous work indicated that lipid peroxide levels were kept low in malathion‐exposed larvae, thus we conclude that oxidative stress is overcome by the antioxidant defenses. The increase in the antioxidant metabolism observed in the posthatching phase of development of B. arenarum embryo, thus constitutes a defense against natural and human‐generated pro‐oxidants present in the aquatic environment. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 22:259–267, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20236
Overcoming our resistances to “Doing” evidence‐based group practice: a commentary
Authors: Kivlighan Dennis M.
Published: August 2008

This commentary focuses on how the articles in the group therapy issue of the Journal of Clinical Psychology: In Session can address the resistances that many group practitioners exhibit to “doing” evidence‐based practice (EBP). The articles attempt to overcome the resistances to practicing evidence‐based group therapy through a process of education and skills training. A major issue cutting across the articles is the narrow focus of incorporating empirical findings only from studies specifically examining psychotherapy groups. The author argues that incorporating research from the whole field of group dynamics research can increase the empirical basis for evidence‐based practice. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 64: 1–8, 2008.
Effect of oxygen transfer rates on alcohols production by Candida guilliermondii cultivated on soybean hull hydrolysate
Authors: Schirmer‐Michel Ângela Cristina , Flôres Simone Hickmann , Hertz Plinho Francisco , Ayub Marco Antônio Záchia
Published: August 2008

BACKGROUND: In this research the use of soybean hull hydrolysate (SHH) as substrate for xylitol and ethanol production using an osmotolerant strain of Candida guilliermondii was studied. The production of alcohols was investigated in batch cultivations in which the variable parameter was the volumetric oxygen mass transfer coefficient (kLa) obtained from three different conditions of air supply: anaerobic (150 rpm, no aeration); microaerobic (300 rpm, 1 vvm), and aerobic (600 rpm, 2 vvm), corresponding to kLa values of 0; 8; and 46 h−1, respectively.

RESULTS: SHH, although presenting a very high osmotic pressure (1413 mOsm kg−1), was completely metabolized under aerobic conditions with high biomass productivities of 0.49 g cells (L h)−1, with little formation of ethanol. Xylitol was produced under microaeration, with product yield of 0.22 g g−1 xylose, with the formation of glycerol as a by‐product. No xylose was metabolized under anaerobic conditions, but ethanol was produced from hexoses with high product yields of 0.5 g g−1.

CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the hydrolysis of soybean hull and its conversion to ethanol and other alcohols could be an important use of this agro‐industrial waste, which could be used for biofuel, xylitol or biomass production, depending on the aeration conditions of the cultures. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
EvoDevo and niche construction: building bridges
Authors: Laland Kevin N. , Odling‐Smee John , Gilbert Scott F.
Published: August 2008

Evolutionary developmental biology and niche‐construction theory have much in common, despite independent intellectual origins. Both place emphasis on the role of ontogenetic processes in evolution. The same historical events shaped them, and similar philosophical and sociological barriers hindered their respective advances. Both perspectives maintain that neo‐Darwinism needs a theory of macroevolutionary variation and that such a theory can now be adduced from developmental biology. Some proponents of both EvoDevo and niche construction propose additional evolutionary mechanisms, and specify a key role for stable extra‐genetic forms of inheritance. Similarly, proponents of each lay emphasis on “reciprocal causation” in the relationship between organism and environment. We illustrate here how EvoDevo and niche construction could gain “added value” from each other, and demonstrate how the niche‐construction perspective potentially provides a useful conduit to integrate evolutionary and developmental biology. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 310B:549–566, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Microscopic organization of the sperm storage tubules in the oviducal gland of the female gummy shark (Mustelus antarcticus), with observations on sperm distribution and storage
Authors: Storrie Megan T. , Walker Terence I. , Laurenson Laurence J. , Hamlett William C.
Published: August 2008

Oviducal gland morphology, the microscopic organization of the terminal zone, and sperm storage were described in the female gummy shark (Mustelus antarcticus). Mustelus antarcticus is a nonplacental viviparous hound shark, which displays minimal histotrophy during embryonic development. The animals examined represented all stages of maturity and gestation. The oviducal gland was found to have the same fundamental zonation as in most chondrichthyans. Using recent terminology, the oviducal gland of chondrichthyans has an anterior club zone, followed by a papillary zone, both of which produce jelly that surrounds the egg, a baffle zone that elaborates the tertiary egg envelope and a terminal zone, where sperm storage occurs. Each zone is composed of simple tubular glands that connect to transverse grooves, which extend the full width of the gland. The exception is the terminal zone, which does not have transverse grooves but consists of individual tubules. The microscopic organization and histochemical nature of the zones display similar patterns to those of other chondrichthyan genera. Tubules of the terminal zone contain four types of cell: ciliated cells, alcian blue‐positive secretory cells, periodic acid‐Schiff and alcian blue‐negative secretory cells, and secretory columnar cells. These tubules end in recesses, the sperm storage tubules, which extend beyond the periphery of the baffle zone. Sperm were stored in the sperm storage tubules of all maturing and mature animals examined. Of note is the observation of stored sperm in an animal 1 year prior to first ovulation. Sperm were also observed throughout the uterine sphincter, body of the uterus, isthmus, and oviduct of maturing and mature animals, and in the uterine sphincter of an immature animal. These sperm represent immediately postcopulation aggregations of sperm and sperm in the process of migrating to the site of storage or to the site of fertilization. J. Morphol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization and role ofHelixcontactin‐related proteins in culturedHelix pomatianeurons
Authors: Milanese C. , Giachello C. , Fiumara F. , Bizzoca A. , Gennarini G. , Montarolo P.G. , Ghirardi M.
Published: August 2008

We report on the structural and functional properties of theHelixcontactin‐related proteins (HCRPs), a family of closely related glycoproteins previously identified in the nervous system of the land snailHelix pomatiathrough antibodies against the mouse F3/contactin glycoprotein. We focus on HCRP1 and HCRP2, soluble FNIII domains‐containing proteins of 90 and 45 kD bearing consensus motifs for both N‐ and O‐glycosylation. Using the anti‐HCRPs serum, we find secreted HCRPs inHelixnervous tissue isotonic extracts and in culture medium conditioned byHelixganglia. In addition, we demonstrate expression of HCRPs on neuronal soma and on neurite extensions. Functionally, inHelixneurons, the antisense HCRP2 mRNA counteracts neurite elongation, and the recombinant HCRP2 protein exerts a strong positive effect on neurite growth when used as substrate. These data point to HCRPs as novel neurite growth‐promoting molecules expressed in invertebrate nervous tissue. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Percutaneous Transhepatic Treatment of Hepaticojejunal Anastomotic Biliary Strictures After Living Donor Liver Transplantation
Authors: Ko Gi-Young , Sung Kyu-Bo , Yoon Hyun-Ki , Kim Kyung Rae , Gwon Dong Il , Lee Sung Gyu
Published: August 2008

Endoscopic treatment has largely replaced surgery as the initial treatment for biliary strictures following living donor liver transplantation; however, this treatment is nearly impossible in patients who have previously undergone hepaticojejunostomy (HJ). We therefore retrospectively evaluated the efficacy of percutaneous transhepatic treatment in patients who developed HJ strictures following living donor liver transplantation. Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage and subsequent balloon dilation of biliary strictures were performed on 83 patients. Serial exchanges of drainage tubes with larger diameters up to 14 Fr were performed at 4-week intervals. Drainage tubes were removed if follow-up cholangiography revealed fluent passage of the contrast medium without recurrence of symptoms or changes in the biochemical findings. The clinical outcome, tube independence rate, and patency rate following drainage tube removal were retrospectively evaluated. Except for 2 patients who had failed negotiation of biliary strictures, clinical success was achieved in all 81 patients following percutaneous transhepatic treatment, and the drainage tubes were removed from 76 (93.8%) of these 81 patients. Tubes were removed 11.2 ± 7.4 months after initial percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage. The recurrence rate at a mean of 36.0 ± 26.2 months following drainage tube removal was 15.8%. One- and three-year primary patency rates were 95.3% ± 2.7% and 80.9% ± 5.2%, respectively. In conclusion, percutaneous transhepatic treatment is an effective alternative treatment for HJ strictures following living donor liver transplantation. However, further research will be required in order to minimize the duration of treatment and the stricture recurrence rate following tube removal.
Serum Fibrosis Markers Can Predict Rapid Fibrosis Progression After Liver Transplantation for Hepatitis C
Authors: Pungpapong Surakit , Nunes David P. , Krishna Murli , Nakhleh Raouf , Chambers Kyle , Ghabril Marwan , Dickson Rolland C. , Hughes Christopher B. , Steers Jeffery , Nguyen Justin H. , Keaveny Andrew P.
Published: August 2008

Although recurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) after liver transplantation (LT) is universal, a minority of patients will develop cirrhosis within 5 years of surgery, which places them at risk for allograft failure. This retrospective study investigated whether 2 serum fibrosis markers, serum hyaluronic acid (HA) and YKL-40, could be used to predict rapid fibrosis progression (RFP) post-LT. These markers were compared with conventional laboratory tests, histological assessment, and hepatic stellate cell activity (HSCA), a key step in fibrogenesis, as assessed by immunohistochemical staining for alpha-smooth muscle actin. Serum and protocol liver biopsy samples were obtained from 46 LT recipients at means of 5 ± 2 (biopsy 1) and 39 ± 6 (biopsy 2) months post-LT, respectively. RFP was defined as an increase in the fibrosis score ≥ 2 from biopsy 1 to biopsy 2 (a mean interval of 33 ± 6 months). The ability of parameters at biopsy 1 to predict RFP was compared with the areas under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROCs). Of the 46 subjects, 15 developed RFP. Serum HA and YKL-40 performed significantly better than conventional parameters and HSCA in predicting RFP post-LT for HCV at biopsy 1, with AUROCs of 0.89 and 0.92, respectively. The accuracy of serum HA ≥ 90 μg/L and YKL-40 ≥ 200 μg/L in predicting RFP at biopsy 1 was 80% and 96%, respectively. In conclusion, we found that elevated levels of serum HA and YKL-40 within the first 6 months after LT accurately predicted RFP. Larger studies evaluating the role of serum HA and YKL-40 in post-LT management are warranted.
Risk Factors and Impact of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Candidates for Liver Transplantation
Authors: Rybak Debbie , Fallon Michael B. , Krowka Michael J. , Brown Robert S. , Reinen Jenna , Stadheim Linda , Faulk Dorothy , Nielsen Carrie , Al-Naamani Nadine , Roberts Kari , Zacks Steven , Perry Ted , Trotter James , Kawut Steven M.
Published: August 2008

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may cause significant symptoms and have an impact on survival. Smoking is an important risk factor for COPD and is common in candidates for liver transplantation; however, the risk factors for and outcomes of COPD in this population are unknown. We performed a prospective cohort study of 373 patients being evaluated for liver transplantation at 7 academic centers in the United States. COPD was characterized by expiratory airflow obstruction and defined as follows: prebronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity < 0.70. Patients completed the Liver Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire 1.0, which included the Short Form-36. The mean age of the study sample was 53 ± 9 years, and 234 (63%) were male. Sixty-seven patients (18%, 95% confidence interval 14%-22%) had COPD, and 224 (60%) had a history of smoking. Eighty percent of patients with airflow obstruction did not previously carry a diagnosis of COPD, and 27% were still actively smoking. Older age and any smoking (odds ratio = 3.74, 95% confidence interval 1.94-7.23,

P

< 0.001) were independent risk factors for COPD. Patients with COPD had worse New York Heart Association functional class and lower physical component summary scores on the 36-Item Short Form but had short-term survival similar to that of patients without COPD. In conclusion, COPD is common and often undiagnosed in candidates for liver transplantation. Older age and smoking are significant risk factors of COPD, which has adverse consequences on functional status and quality of life in these patients.
Cloning of Poly(aspartic acid) (PAA) Hydrolase‐1 Gene from Pedobacter sp. KP‐2 and Hydrolysis of Thermally Synthesized PAA by its Gene Product
Authors: Hiraishi Tomohiro , Masuda Eriko , Kanayama Naoki , Nagata Madoka , Doi Yoshiharu , Abe Hideki , Maeda Mizuo
Published: August 2008

Pedobacter sp. KP‐2 can degrade and metabolize thermally synthesized α,β‐poly(D,L‐aspartic acid) (tPAA), which contains 70% of unnatural β‐amide units, with high‐molecular‐weight. In this study, gene cloning and molecular characterization of PAA hydrolase‐1 from KP‐2 was carried out. Gene analysis reveals that deduced amino acid sequence of the enzyme shows a similarity to only that of PAA hydrolase‐1 from Sphingomonas sp. KT‐1. GPC and NMR analyses of the hydrolyzed products of tPAA by PAA hydrolase‐1 of KP‐2 indicate that this enzyme cleaves the β‐β amide linkage via endo‐mode to yield oligo(aspartic acid) from tPAA. Taking the composition of tPAA and the substrate specificity of PAA hydrolase‐1 into consideration, the enzyme possibly plays a crucial role in tPAA biodegradation by KP‐2.

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mRNA expression profiling of phyllodes tumours of the breast: identification of genes important in the development of borderline and malignant phyllodes tumours
Authors: Jones AM , Mitter R , Poulsom R , Gillett C , Hanby AM , Consortium Phyllodes Tumour , Tomlinson IPM , Sawyer EJ
Published: August 2008

The aim of this study was to identify genes involved in the development of borderline and malignant phyllodes tumours of the breast (PTs). Expression profiling of 23 PTs (12 benign, 11 borderline/malignant) was performed using Affymetrix U133A GeneChips. mRNA expression in the borderline/malignant PTs was compared to the benign PTs. A group of 162 genes was over‐expressed in the borderline/malignant group with a fold change > 2 and FDR < 0.1. Four of these genes were chosen for further investigation: PAX3, SIX1, TGFB2 and HMGA2. Over‐expression was validated in a separate set of formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tumours, using either in situ hybridization or immunohistochemistry. This confirmed that expression of PAX3, SIX1, TGFB2 and HMGA2 in the stromal component of PTs was associated with the borderline/malignant phenotypes (p = 8.7 × 10−5, p = 0.05, p = 0.009, p = 0.003, respectively; Fisher's exact test). The functional consequences of down‐regulating these genes were studied using siRNA in short‐term cultures and cell lines established from PTs. mRNA ‘knock‐down’ of PAX3 resulted in significantly decreased cell proliferation in both a malignant and a borderline PT cell culture. mRNA ‘knock‐down’ of SIX1 and HMGA2 resulted in decreased cell proliferation only in the malignant PT cell line, and ‘knock‐down’ of TGFB2 resulted in decreased cell proliferation only in the borderline PT cell culture. This study shows that these four genes are involved in the development of borderline/malignant PTs. SIX1 over‐expression was most marked in the highly malignant PTs, with particularly high expression in one case of metastatic PT. PAX3, TGFB2 and HMGA2 were expressed predominantly in borderline/malignant PTs, but showed some expression in benign tumours; they may be important in the transition from the benign to borderline/malignant phenotype. Copyright © 2008 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biomarker discovery in glomerular diseases using urinary proteomics
Authors: Thongboonkerd Visith
Published: August 2008

Renal biopsy remains the gold standard test for definitive diagnosis of glomerular diseases. This invasive procedure; however, has a potential risk for serious complications and is contraindicated in some patients. It is therefore essential to search for noninvasive biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of glomerular diseases. The urine is the most appropriate sample for biomarker discovery in glomerular diseases. Urinary proteomics has thus gained a wide acceptance and has been extensively applied to this area. This review focuses mainly on applications of proteomic technologies to urinary proteome profiling for biomarker discovery in various glomerular diseases, including diabetic nephropathy, IgA nephropathy, membranous nephropathy, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, primary membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, lupus nephritis, antiglomerular basement membrane disease, minimal change disease, and pediatric nephrotic syndrome. Recent findings from these studies are summarized and discussed. These data clearly underline the great promise of urinary proteomics in biomarker discovery for glomerular diseases.
Entanglement in P@C60 encapsulated in a solid state matrix
Authors: Naydenov B. , Mende J. , Harneit W. , Mehring M.
Published: August 2008

This contribution concerns quantum information aspects in fullerenes. In particular we present here the preparation of pseudo‐pure states and pseudo‐entanglement in the coupled electron‐nucleus system P@C60 (S = 3/2 and I = 1/2) encapsulated in a solid state matrix. In this system the degeneracy of the high electron spin is lifted, allowing transition selective excitation. Density matrix tomography and phase rotations are applied for detecting pure states and entanglement The fidelity of the entangled state was determined to F = 0.93. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometric method for the quantification of eight proteolytic fragments of ITIH4 with biomarker potential in human plasma and serum
Authors: van den Broek Irene , Sparidans Rolf W. , Schellens Jan H. M. , Beijnen Jos H.
Published: August 2008

A liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometric (LC/MS/MS) analytical procedure for the quantification of eight proteolytic fragments from inter‐α‐trypsin inhibitor heavy chain 4 (ITIH4) in human plasma and serum has been developed. The eight peptide fragments only differ in length at the N‐terminus, varying between 21 and 30 amino acid residues. Protein precipitation (PP) with acetonitrile was followed by solid‐phase extraction (SPE) on C2 columns to provide clean extracts. Chromatographic separation of the peptides was performed on a Symmetry 300 C18 column (50 mm × 2.1 mm i.d., particle size 3.5 µm), using a water/methanol gradient containing 0.25% v/v formic acid. The triple quadrupole mass spectrometer was operated in the positive electrospray ionization (ESI+) mode, using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) for detection. One stable‐isotope‐labeled analog and two structural analogs were used as internal standards. The method has been completely validated for plasma and partially for serum samples, yielding linear responses in a range up to 100 ng/mL. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) in plasma was ±2 ng/mL for four ITIH4‐derived peptides and ±5 ng/mL for the others. The stabilities of the peptides in different environments have been extensively explored. Several peptides showed rapid degradation, especially in the biological matrix at ambient temperature, and preparation on ice was therefore required. The method has been applied for the analysis of several plasma and serum samples from patients with different cancer types. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enforcing secured ECG transmission for realtime telemonitoring: A joint encoding, compression, encryption mechanism
Authors: Sufi Fahim , Khalil Ibrahim
Published: August 2008

Realtime telemonitoring of critical, acute and chronic patients has become increasingly popular with the emergence of portable acquisition devices and IP enabled mobile phones. During telemonitoring, enormous physiological signals are transmitted through the public communication network in realtime. However, these physiological signals can be intercepted with minimal effort, since existing telemonitoring practise ignores the privacy and security requirements. In this paper, to achieve end‐to‐end security, we first proposed an encoding method capable of securing Electrocardiogram (ECG) data transmission from an acquisition device to a mobile phone, and then from a mobile phone to a centralised medical server by concealing cardiovascular details as well as features in ECG data required to identify an individual. The encoding method not only conceals cardiovascular condition, but also reduces the enormous file size of the ECG with a compression ratio of up to 3.84, thus making it suitable in energy constrained small acquisition devices. As ECG data transfer faces even greater security vulnerabilities while traversing through the public Internet, we further designed and implemented 3 phase encoding—compression—encryption mechanism on mobile phones using the proposed encoding method and existing compression and encryption tools. This new mechanism elevates the security strength of the system even further. Apart from higher security, we also achieved higher compression ratio of up to 20.06, which will enable faster transmission and make the system suitable for realtime telemonitoring. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A secure group communication architecture for autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles
Authors: Phillips Adrian N. , Mullins Barry E. , Raines Richard A. , Baldwin Rusty O.
Published: August 2008

This paper investigates the application of a secure group communication architecture to a swarm of autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). A multicast secure group communication architecture for the low earth orbit (LEO) satellite environment is evaluated to determine if it can be effectively adapted to a swarm of UAVs and provide secure, scalable, and efficient communications. The performance of the proposed security architecture is evaluated with two other commonly used architectures using a discrete event computer simulation developed using MATLAB. Performance is evaluated in terms of the scalability and efficiency of the group key distribution and management scheme when the swarm size, swarm mobility, multicast group join and departure rates are varied. The metrics include the total keys distributed over the simulation period, the average number of times an individual UAV must rekey, the average bandwidth used to rekey the swarm, and the average percentage of battery consumed by a UAV to rekey over the simulation period. The proposed security architecture can successfully be applied to a swarm of autonomous UAVs using current technology. The proposed architecture is more efficient and scalable than the other tested and commonly used architectures. Over all the tested configurations, the proposed architecture distributes 55.2–94.8% fewer keys, rekeys 59.0–94.9% less often per UAV, uses 55.2–87.9% less bandwidth to rekey, and reduces the battery consumption by 16.9–85.4%. Published in 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correction
Authors: Farrington C. P.
Published: August 2008

Andrew Hill has kindly pointed out that some of the entries in Table I and Table II of ‘Sample sizes for self‐controlled case series studies’, by Musonda et al. (Statistics in Medicine 2006; 25: 2618–2631) are incorrect. Corrected versions of the tables are given below. The errors do not affect the substantive conclusions of the paper.

Empirical power for 80 per cent nominal value.

Sample size expression

r
ρ
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)

0.01
0.5
81
75
81
83

1.5
78
84
80
78

2
78
87
82
77

3
78
88
79
80

5
70
95
77
84

10
79
98
80
68

0.05
0.5
84
80
78
82

1.5
77
84
81
79

2
76
85
84
79

3
70
88
84
77

5
77
95
82
76

10
63
97
89
78

0.1
0.5
90
73
80
84

1.5
78
82
80
79

2
78
86
81
80

3
67
84
81
75

5
68
89
79
84

10
82
97
79
87

0.5
0.5
92
77
76
81

1.5
73
80
80
80

2
77
76
76
81

3
77
82
84
84

5
76
78
76
77

10
97
81
81
81

Empirical power for 90 per cent nominal value.

Sample size expression

r
ρ
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)

0.01
0.5
91
87
89
91

1.5
88
92
91
90

2
89
91
93
89

3
86
95
89
90

5
87
96
94
91

10
85
99
92
89

0.05
0.5
92
90
91
89

1.5
89
91
90
90

2
90
92
90
90

3
89
94
91
89

5
86
97
91
87

10
95
99
89
93

0.1
0.5
92
90
90
89

1.5
89
91
90
90

2
89
92
89
90

3
85
91
91
89

5
93
95
87
93

10
97
97
91
87

0.5
0.5
95
91
91
91

1.5
90
91
90
90

2
87
90
92
91

3
93
90
91
92

5
96
95
89
89

10
100
97
92
92
Analysing spatial and temporal variation in colony size: an approach using autoregressive mixed models and information theory
Authors: Olea Pedro P.
Published: August 2008

The spatial and temporal variation in population sizes of animal colonies are rarely studied simultaneously. I examined factors determining colony size (number of nests) for 23 colonies from the only breeding population of rook Corvus frugilegus in Spain over 7 years. Population sizes within colonies were highly predictable over time, with autocorrelations up to a distance (lag) of 6 years. Autoregressive mixed models were used to explain colony size as a function of environmental factors, while controlling for temporal autocorrelation. These factors included refuse tips, widely used as food resource, and a derived variable that incorporated the two factors most often related to avian colony size (inter‐colony competition and foraging habitat around colonies). Autoregressive models provided a better fit to the data than models which did not consider temporal autocorrelation. The information‐theoretic (AICc‐based) approach revealed uncertainty in the selection of the best model explaining colony‐size, but relatively strong support for certain variables. The highest weights of evidence were for year (ωi = 0.90) and the number of competitors per unit of foraging habitat (i.e., derived variable; ωi = 0.63), showing that the size of rook colonies in Spain was negatively affected by inter‐colony competition relative to the foraging habitat surrounding the colonies. This variable measured within a 6‐km radius from the colonies had ~30 times higher weight of evidence (more plausible) than the same variable measured within 3 km, indicating that food limitation may occur outside the breeding period. Sizes of colonies tended to decrease when distance between the colony and the nearest refuse tip increased. There was some evidence supporting the idea that the effect of the number of competitors per unit of foraging habitat on colony size varied from year to year, but statistical power was weak. These findings suggest that variation in number of rook nests within colonies reflects spatial and temporal heterogeneity of net food via both inter‐colony competition and foraging habitat around the colony.
Patterns in Blast Injuries to the Hand
Authors: Hazani Ron , Buntic Rudolf F. , Brooks Darrell
Published: August 2008

Blast injuries to the hand are not just a wartime phenomenon but also quite common in rural communities throughout northern California. The purpose of this study is to review our experience with blast injuries in the community and review the most common patterns in an attempt to identify the pathomechanics of the hand injury and the reconstructive procedures that are required. This is a retrospective study of blast injuries to the hand treated between 1978 and 2006. Medical records, X-rays, and photos were reviewed to compile standard patient demographics and characterize the injury pattern. Explosives were classified based on their rate of decomposition. Reconstructive solutions were reviewed and characterized based on whether damaged tissues were repaired or replaced. Sixty-two patients were identified with blast injuries to their hand. Patients were predominantly male (92%) with an average age of 27 years. Firecrackers were the most commonly encountered explosives. Thirty-seven patients were identified as holding a low explosive in their dominant hand and were used for characterization of the injury pattern. The apparent pattern of injury was hyperextension and hyperabduction of the hand and digits. Common injuries were metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joint hyperextension with associated soft tissue avulsion, hyperabduction at the web spaces with associated palmar soft tissue tears, and finger disarticulation amputations worse at radial digits. Given the mechanisms of injury with tissue loss, surgical intervention generally involved tissue replacement rather than tissue repair. Blast injuries to the hand represent a broad spectrum of injuries that are associated with the magnitude of explosion and probably, the proximity to the hand. We were able to identify a repetitive pattern of injury and demonstrate the predominant use for delayed tissue replacement rather than microsurgical repair at the acute setting.