bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical investigation of the effect of inlet condition on self‐excited oscillation of wet steam flow in a supersonic turbine cascade
Authors: Xiaoming Wu , Liang Li , Guojun Li , Zhenping Feng
Published: October 2008

Self‐excited oscillation can be induced due to the interaction between condensation process and local transonic condition in condensing flow, which is an important problem in wet steam turbine. With an Eulerian/Eulerian numerical model, the self‐excited oscillation of wet steam flow is investigated in a supersonic turbine cascade. Owing to supercritical heat addition to the subsonic flow in the convergent part of the cascade, the oscillation frequency decreases with increased inlet supercooling. Mass flow rate increases in the oscillating flow due to the greater supersaturation in condensation process, while the increase will be suppressed with the flow oscillation. Higher inlet supercooling leads to the fact that the condensation process moves upstream and the loss increases. Moreover, some predictions of oscillation effects on outflow angle and aerodynamic force are also presented. Finally, heterogeneous condensations with inlet wetness and periodic inlet conditions, as a result of the interference between stator and rotor, are discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Edge‐based finite element implementation of the residual‐based variational multiscale method
Authors: Lins Erb F. , Elias Renato N. , Guerra Gabriel M. , Rochinha Fernando A. , Coutinho Alvaro L. G. A.
Published: October 2008

In this work we extend our edge‐based stabilized finite element incompressible flow solver to turbulence modeling with the residual‐based variational multiscale (RB‐VMS) method. Using the advective‐form of the convection term of the Navier–Stokes equations, RB‐VMS is implemented as a straightforward extension of standard stabilized methods with a modified advective velocity. This requires minimum modification of the existing highly optimized code. Two test cases were solved to assess accuracy and performance of the present implementation. First, the laminar incompressible flow past a circular cylinder at Re = 100 and second, the fully turbulent incompressible flow in a lid‐driven cubic cavity at Re = 12000. Comparisons were made with standard stabilized finite element formulations, highly resolved numerical simulations and experimental data. Results have shown that the present implementation is able to achieve reasonable accuracy without performance degradation in different flow regimes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Related‐variables selection in temporal disaggregation
Authors: Fukuda Kosei
Published: October 2008

Two related‐variables selection methods for temporal disaggregation are proposed. In the first method, the hypothesis tests for a common feature (cointegration or serial correlation) are first performed. If there is a common feature between observed aggregated series and related variables, the conventional Chow–Lin procedure is applied. In the second method, alternative Chow–Lin disaggregating models with and without related variables are first estimated and the corresponding values of the Bayesian information criterion (BIC) are stored. It is determined on the basis of the selected model whether related variables should be included in the Chow–Lin model. The efficacy of these methods is examined via simulations and empirical applications. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effectiveness of a psychoeducational intervention program in the reduction of caregiver burden in alzheimer's disease patients' caregivers
Authors: Martín‐Carrasco Manuel , Martín Manuel Franco , Valero Carmelo Pelegrín , Millán Pedro Roy , García Celso Iglesias , Montalbán Salvador Ros , Vázquez Ana Luisa Gobartt , Piris Sonia Pons , Vilanova Montserrat Balañá
Published: October 2008

Objectives

Caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) experience physical and psychological stress due to the caring experience. This study evaluated the benefits of a Psychoeducational Intervention Program (PIP) on caregiver burden in southern Europe.

Methods

A multicentre, prospective, randomised study was conducted. One hundred and fifteen caregivers of patients with clinical diagnosis of AD (DSM‐IV‐TR criteria, mini‐mental score = 10–26) and functional impairment (Lawton and Brody Scale and Katz Index) were recruited. Caregivers were randomised to receive either PIP (IG: intervention group, n = 60) or standard care (CG: control group, n = 55). PIP consisted of eight individual sessions over 4 months for teaching strategies for confronting problems of AD patient care. Caregivers' stress, quality of life and perceived health were measured using validated scales (Zarit, SF‐36, GHQ‐28, respectively) at baseline and after 4 and 10‐months follow‐up.

Results

Mean change in caregiver burden (Zarit baseline–Zarit final scores) was statistically significant (p = 0.0083) showing an improvement in the IG (−8.09 points) and a worsening in the CG (2.08 points). The IG showed significant improvements in all the well‐being perception areas measured by the SF‐36 and a significantly lower score in the GHQ‐28 (p = 0.0004). 97.7% of caregivers and 88.6% of therapists considered PIP ‘useful/very useful’ at 4 months (the end of PIP) whereas at 10 months the estimates were 93.2% and 86.3%, respectively.

Conclusions

Psychosocial training of caregivers can minimise caregiver distress and help them to develop problem‐solving strategies. A PIP improves quality of life and the perceived health of caregivers of patients with AD. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Allelic imbalances and homozygous deletion on 8p23.2 for stepwise progression of hepatocarcinogenesis # †
Authors: Midorikawa Yutaka , Yamamoto Shogo , Tsuji Shingo , Kamimura Naoko , Ishikawa Shumpei , Igarashi Hisaki , Makuuchi Masatoshi , Kokudo Norihiro , Sugimura Haruhiko , Aburatani Hiroyuki
Published: October 2008

Early hepatocellular carcinoma (eHCC) originates from the hepatocytes of chronic liver disease and develops into classical hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To identify sequential genetic changes in multistep hepatocarcinogenesis, we analyzed molecular karyotypes using oligonucleotide genotyping 50K arrays. First, 1q21.3-44 gain and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) on 1p36.21-36.32 and 17p13.1-13.3 were frequently observed in eHCC, but not in chronic liver diseases, suggesting that such chromosomal aberrations are early, possibly causative events in liver cancer. Next, we detected 25 chromosomal loci associated with liver cancer progression in five HCCs with nodule-in-nodule appearance, in which the inner nodule develops within eHCC lesion. Using these chromosomal regions as independent variables, decision tree analysis was applied on 14 early and 25 overt HCCs, and extracted combination of chromosomal gains on 5q11.1-35.3 and 8q11.1-24.3 and LOH on 4q11-34.3 and 8p11.21-23.3 as distinctive attributes, which can classify early and overt HCCs recursively. In these four altered regions identified as late events of hepatocarcinogenesis, two tumors in 32 overt HCCs analyzed in the present study and one in a set of independent samples of 36 overt HCCs in our previous study harbored a homozygous deletion near the CSMD1 locus on 8p23.2. CSMD1 messenger RNA expression was decreased in HCC without 8p23.2 deletion, possibly due to hypermethylation of the CpG islands in its promoter region. Conclusion: 1q gain and 1p and 17p LOH are early molecular events, whereas gains in 5q and 8q and LOH on 4q and 8p only occur in advanced HCC, and inactivation of the putative suppressor gene, CSMD1, may be the key event in progression of liver cancer. (Hepatology 2009.)
Lumican, a small leucine‐rich proteoglycan
Authors: Nikitovic Dragana , Katonis Paulos , Tsatsakis Aristidis , Karamanos Nikos K. , Tzanakakis George N.
Published: October 2008

Lumican belongs to the family of small leucine‐rich repeat proteoglycans. Recent studies have shown that lumican participates in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis and modulates cellular functions including cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. The expression of lumican has been correlated to the growth and metastasis of various malignancies; however, its exact role in tumorogenesis remains elusive. This review focuses upon the role of lumican in cell biology, providing insights into molecular mechanisms that lumican likely utilizes to control processes relevant to tumorogenesis. © 2008 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 60(12): 818–823, 2008
Firefly bioluminescence: A mechanistic approach of luciferase catalyzed reactions
Authors: Marques Simone M. , Esteves da Silva Joaquim C. G.
Published: October 2008

Luciferase is a general term for enzymes catalyzing visible light emission by living organisms (bioluminescence). The studies carried out with Photinus pyralis (firefly) luciferase allowed the discovery of the reaction leading to light production. It can be regarded as a two‐step process: the first corresponds to the reaction of luciferase's substrate, luciferin (LH2), with ATP‐Mg2+ generating inorganic pyrophosphate and an intermediate luciferyl‐adenylate (LH2‐AMP); the second is the oxidation and decarboxylation of LH2‐AMP to oxyluciferin, the light emitter, producing CO2, AMP, and photons of yellow‐green light (550– 570 nm). In a dark reaction LH2‐AMP is oxidized to dehydroluciferyl‐adenylate (L‐AMP). Luciferase also shows acyl‐coenzyme A synthetase activity, which leads to the formation of dehydroluciferyl‐coenzyme A (L‐CoA), luciferyl‐coenzyme A (LH2‐CoA), and fatty acyl‐CoAs. Moreover luciferase catalyzes the synthesis of dinucleoside polyphosphates from nucleosides with at least a 3′‐phosphate chain plus an intact terminal pyrophosphate moiety. The LH2 stereospecificity is a particular feature of the bioluminescent reaction where each isomer, D‐LH2 or L‐LH2, has a specific function. Practical applications of the luciferase system, either in its native form or with engineered proteins, encloses the analytical assay of metabolites like ATP and molecular biology studies with luc as a reporter gene, including the most recent and increasing field of bioimaging. © 2008 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 61(1): 6–17, 2009
Chartering new territory: diversification, legitimacy, and practice area creation in professional service firms
Authors: Gardner Heidi K. , Anand N. , Morris Timothy
Published: October 2008

Diversification into innovative domains through new practice area creation is a critical imperative for professional services firms. Using theories of organizational territoriality and corporate charters, we conceptualize professional firms as federations of distinct practice areas and argue that the chartering of a new practice is an inherently political act. New practice area founders need to engage in appropriate legitimacy‐mobilizing efforts in order to sustain diversification efforts. Our analysis of 46 cases of new practice area creation efforts in consulting and law firms shows that the mix of legitimacy required for new practice areas created through radical diversification is very different from that required for incremental diversification efforts. Our findings have important implications for studying how innovation is structurally accomplished in professional firms. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recognising subtidal foraminiferal assemblages: implications for quantitative sea‐level reconstructions using a foraminifera‐based transfer function
Authors: Woodroffe Sarah A.
Published: October 2008

Microfossil‐based transfer function models are increasingly used to provide decimeter‐scale sea‐level change reconstructions. In this paper I demonstrate that in the tropical location of northern Australia problems arise in selecting the appropriate elevation range for the modern training set used to calibrate fossil calcareous foraminiferal assemblages. Most calcareous foraminiferal species found in cores occur in both modern intertidal and shallow subtidal environments. A lack of independent measures to indicate whether fossil assemblages come from intertidal environments forces use of a training set that includes intertidal and subtidal environments. This results in decreased precision compared to using a training set solely from intertidal environments. The widely used method of assessing model fit to fossil assemblages (modern analogue technique) often fails to discriminate between acceptable and unacceptable reconstructions. It is important to investigate a number of different measures including modern analogue technique, canonical correspondence analysis and changing bootstrapped sample specific transfer function errors to fully understand the level of similarity between modern and fossil foraminiferal samples, to judge the reliability of transfer function‐predicted sea‐level reconstructions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Marine geophysical evidence for former expansion and flow of the Greenland Ice Sheet across the north‐east Greenland continental shelf
Authors: Evans Jeffrey , Ó Cofaigh Colm , Dowdeswell Julian A. , Wadhams Peter
Published: October 2008

High‐resolution swath bathymetry and TOPAS sub‐bottom profiler acoustic data from the inner and middle continental shelf of north‐east Greenland record the presence of streamlined mega‐scale glacial lineations and other subglacial landforms that are formed in the surface of a continuous soft sediment layer. The best‐developed lineations are found in Westwind Trough, a bathymetric trough connecting Nioghalvfjerdsfjorden Gletscher and Zachariae Isstrøm to the continental shelf edge. The geomorphological and stratigraphical data indicate that the Greenland Ice Sheet covered the inner‐middle shelf in north‐east Greenland during the most recent ice advance of the Late Weichselian glaciation. Earlier sedimentological and chronological studies indicated that the last major delivery of glacigenic sediment to the shelf and Fram Strait was prior to the Holocene during Marine Isotope Stage 2, supporting our assertion that the subglacial landforms and ice sheet expansion in north‐east Greenland occurred during the Late Weichselian. Glacimarine sediment gravity flow deposits found on the north‐east Greenland continental slope imply that the ice sheet extended beyond the middle continental shelf, and supplied subglacial sediment direct to the shelf edge with subsequent remobilisation downslope. These marine geophysical data indicate that the flow of the Late Weichselian Greenland Ice Sheet through Westwind Trough was in the form of a fast‐flowing palaeo‐ice stream, and that it provides the first direct geomorphological evidence for the former presence of ice streams on the Greenland continental shelf. The presence of streamlined subglacially derived landforms and till layers on the shallow AWI Bank and Northwind Shoal indicates that ice sheet flow was not only channelled through the cross‐shelf bathymetric troughs but also occurred across the shallow intra‐trough regions of north‐east Greenland. Collectively these data record for the first time that ice streams were an important glacio‐dynamic feature that drained interior basins of the Late Weichselian Greenland Ice Sheet across the adjacent continental margin, and that the ice sheet was far more extensive in north‐east Greenland during the Last Glacial Maximum than the previous terrestrial–glacial reconstructions showed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Postglacial vegetation and climate dynamics in the Seymour‐Belize Inlet Complex, central coastal British Columbia, Canada: palynological evidence from Tiny Lake
Authors: Galloway Jennifer M. , Doherty Christine T. , Patterson R. Timothy , Roe Helen M.
Published: October 2008

A pollen‐based study from Tiny Lake in the Seymour‐Belize Inlet Complex of central coastal British Columbia, Canada, permits an evaluation of the dynamic response of coastal temperate rainforests to postglacial climate change. Open Pinus parklands grew at the site during the early Lateglacial when the climate was cool and dry, but more humid conditions in the later phases of the Lateglacial permitted mesophytic conifers to colonise the region. Early Holocene conditions were warmer than present and a successional mosaic of Tsuga heterophylla and Alnus occurred at Tiny Lake. Climate cooling and moistening at 8740 ± 70 14C a BP initiated the development of closed, late successional T. heterophylla–Cupressaceae forests, which achieved modern character after 6860 ± 50 14C a BP, when a temperate and very wet climate became established. The onset of early Holocene climate cooling and moistening at Tiny Lake may have preceded change at more southern locations, including within the Seymour‐Belize Inlet Complex, on a meso‐ to synoptic scale. This would suggest that an early Holocene intensification of the Aleutian Low pressure system was an important influence on forest dynamics in the Seymour‐Belize Inlet Complex and that the study region was located near the southern extent of immediate influence of this semi‐permanent air mass. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analytical solution to heat equation with magnetic resonance experimental verification for nanoshell enhanced thermal therapy
Authors: Elliott Andrew , Schwartz Jon , Wang James , Shetty Anil , Hazle John , Stafford Jason R.
Published: October 2008

Aims

The treatment efficacy of laser‐induced thermal therapy is greatly enhanced by the presence gold coated nanoshells within the tissue being treated. The nanoshells are turned to exhibit a surface plasmon resonance at the frequency of the incident laser light, dramatically increasing the therapeutic efficiency of the laser treatment. Accurate modeling of the resulting temperature distributions is essential for treatment planning. Analytic solutions are desirable because they give greater insight into the physical meaning of the different terms that contribute to the problem.

Methods

The heat equation is solved by application of the Green's function method and the solution is compared to experimental temperature data for gel phantoms containing different concentrations of nanoshells. The experimental temperature data was obtained by using magnetic resonance temperature imaging methods while the gel was being heated with an 810 nm laser.

Results

Reasonable agreement was obtained between the results of the analytic calculation and the experimental data for the various concentrations of nanoshells and laser outputs tested. This agreement was consistent for both the spatial and temporal domain. On average the disagreement between analytical calculation and experiment was 0.93±0.84°C.

Conclusion

We hase shown that analytic solutions to the heat equation using the Green's function approach can be used to describe experimental temperature distributions due to the presents of nanoshells for various laser powers and nanoshell concentrations. Lesers Surg. Med. 40:660–665, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pilot study examining the combined use of pulsed dye laser and topical Imiquimod versus laser alone for treatment of port wine stain birthmarks
Authors: Chang Cheng‐Jen , Hsiao Yen‐Chang , Mihm Martin C. , Nelson J. Stuart
Published: October 2008

Background and Objective

The objective of this study was to improve port wine stain (PWS) therapeutic outcome in response to laser therapy. Our specific aim was to determine whether the combined use of pulsed dye laser (PDL) therapy and topical Imiquimod versus PDL alone can improve PWS therapeutic outcome.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

This pilot study involved a retrospective review of 20 subjects, all Asian, with PWS. Subject ages ranged between 3 and 56 years. Upon enrollment, three test sites were prospectively identified on each subject for treatment assignments to the following regimens: (A) PDL+Imiquimod; (B) PDL alone; and (C) Imiquimod alone. PDL test sites received a single treatment with a 585 nm wavelength; 1.5 milliseconds pulse duration; spot size 7 mm using a light dosage of 10 J/cm2 with cryogen spray cooling. For the PDL+Imiquimod and Imiquimod alone test sites, subjects were instructed to apply Imiquimod topically to the sites once daily for 1 month after PDL exposure. Subjects were followed‐up at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after PDL exposure to evaluate each of the three test sites. The primary efficacy measurement was the quantitative assessment of blanching responses as measured by a DermoSpectrometer to calculate the hemoglobin‐index of each site at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after PDL exposure. Subjects were also closely monitored for any adverse effects.

Results

Based on paired sample test analysis, there were clinically, and statistically significant, differences in blanching responses over time favoring PWS receiving PDL+Imiquimod as compared to either PDL or Imiquimod alone (P<0.05). At 12 months, it should be noted that there was some evidence of redarkening of PWS test sites treated by PDL+Imiquimod and PDL alone, presumably due to revascularization of blood vessels. However, based on comparison of the hemoglobin‐indices determined at 1 and 12 months after PDL exposure, there was less revascularization of PWS test sites treated with PDL+Imiquimod as compared to PDL alone (P<0.05). Transient hyperpigmentation was noted in 10% (n = 2) and 40% (n = 8) of subjects on the PDL+Imiquimod and PDL alone test sites, respectively. On all sites, hyperpigmentation resolved spontaneously without medical intervention within 6 months. Permanent hypopigmentation or scarring was not observed on any test site.

Conclusion

Based on the results of this pilot study, PDL+Imiquimod resulted in superior blanching responses over time as compared to PDL alone for treatment of test sites on PWS lesions. Although the PDL+Imiquimod approach is intriguing, clinical validation in large PWS patient samples is required. Lesers Surg. Med. 40:605–610, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Strategies for proteomic analysis of non‐enzymatically glycated proteins
Authors: Priego Capote Feliciano , Sanchez Jean‐Charles
Published: October 2008

Among post‐translational modifications of proteins, non‐enzymatic glycation is one of the less frequently studied by experts in proteomics. However, the relevance of protein glycation has been widely shown up in several pathological conditions. In fact, non‐enzymatic glycation has been strongly related to hyperglycemic conditions and, thus, to chronic complications associated to diabetes mellitus and renal failure as well as degenerative changes occurring in the course of aging. Two different glycation levels are distinguished whether the structure of the protein is seriously damaged or not. The biochemical and clinical significance of both glycations have been already described. Several reasons have contributed to the lack of highly sensitive and selective methods for identification and quantitation of glycated proteins. These are mainly (1) the low concentration of glycated proteins in humans due to the low efficiency of the glycation process, (2) the modification of enzymatic digestion patterns, (3) the low ionization efficiency of glycated peptides, and (4) the lack of software including tools to identify this post‐translational modification. The aim of this review is to provide the analytical guidelines required to succeed in the analysis of glycated proteins. For this purpose, different analytical approaches are considered to solve the main drawbacks derived from this gap in the proteomics field. Some challenges are finally proposed to be taken into account in future research. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 28:135–146, 2009
Microorganism characterization by single particle mass spectrometry
Authors: Russell Scott C.
Published: October 2008

In recent years a major effort by several groups has been undertaken to identify bacteria by mass spectrometry at the single cell level. The intent of this review is to highlight the recent progress made in the application of single particle mass spectrometry to the analysis of microorganisms. A large portion of the review highlights improvements in the ionization and mass analysis of bio‐aerosols, or particles that contain biologically relevant molecules such as peptides or proteins. While these are not direct applications to bacteria, the results have been central to a progression toward single cell mass spectrometry. Developments in single particle matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) are summarized. Recent applications of aerosol laser desorption/ionization (LDI) to the analysis of single microorganisms are highlighted. Successful applications of off‐line and on‐the‐fly aerosol MALDI to microorganism detection are discussed. Limitations to current approaches and necessary future achievements are also addressed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 28:376–387, 2009
Employee attitudes, customer satisfaction, and sales performance: assessing the linkages in US grocery stores
Authors: Simon Daniel H. , Gómez Miguel I. , McLaughlin Edward W. , Wittink Dick R.
Published: October 2008

Using store‐level panel data for a major supermarket company, we investigate the linkages between employee attitudes, customer satisfaction, and sales performance, while controlling for observed and unobserved differences across stores. We find that employee attitudes positively affect customer satisfaction with service but do not affect customer satisfaction with quality or value. Additionally, we find that customer satisfaction with service positively affects sales performance. Our results suggest that employee attitudes affect sales performance through their impact on customer service. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Communicating the value of probabilistic forecasts with weather roulette
Authors: Hagedorn Renate , Smith Leonard A.
Published: October 2008

In times of ever increasing financial constraints on public weather services it is of growing importance to communicate the value of their forecasts and products. While many diagnostic tools exist to evaluate forecast systems, intuitive diagnostics for communicating the skill of probabilistic forecasts are few. When the goal is communication with a non‐expert audience it can be helpful to compare performance in more everyday terms than ‘bits of information’. Ideally, of course, the method of presentation will be directly related to specific skill scores with known strengths and weaknesses.

This paper introduces Weather Roulette, a conceptual framework for evaluating probabilistic predictions where skill is quantified using aneffective daily interest rate; it is straightforward to deploy, comes with a simple storyline and importantly is comprehensible and plausible for a non‐expert audience. Two variants of Weather Roulette are presented, one of which directly reflects proper local skill scores. Weather Roulette contrasts the performance of two forecasting systems, one of which may be climatology. Several examples of its application to ECMWF forecasts are discussed illustrating this new tool as useful addition to the suite of available probabilistic scoring metrics. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Long‐term complications of open carpal tunnel release
Authors: Boya Hakan , Özcan Özal , Özteki̇n Haluk H.
Published: October 2008

Fifty patients who underwent open carpal tunnel release (OCTR) surgery at least 12 months earlier for carpal tunnel syndrome were reviewed, focusing on scar tenderness, pillar pain, and symptoms of neuroma. A total of 55 hands were studied. At an average of 20.2 months of follow‐up, 5.5% had Tinel's sign, 7.3% had scar tenderness, 12.7% had pillar pain, and 18% had burning discomfort. Pillar pain was elicited in a much higher fraction of patients by using the “table test” (provocation of pillar pain by having the patient lean with his/her weight on the hands placed on the edge of a table), even when traditional tests were negative. Symptoms and signs are present in a substantial number of patients after OCTR, even after almost 2 years of follow‐up. Patients should be informed of the incidence of long‐term symptoms and signs after OCTR surgery. Muscle Nerve 38: 1443–1446, 2008
Comparison of outcome measures from a trial of Mycophenolate mofetil in myasthenia gravis
Authors: Wolfe Gil I. , Barohn Richard J. , Sanders Donald B. , McDermott Michel P.
Published: October 2008

We determined the strength of correlation among, and responsiveness of, outcome measures used in a multicenter, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial of mycophenolate mofetil in combination with prednisone in myasthenia gravis (MG). The primary efficacy measure was the change from baseline in the Quantitative MG (QMG) score at week 12. Secondary outcome measures included the MG—Activities of Daily Living profile (MG‐ADL) and MG Manual Muscle Test (MMT). The measures were collected at baseline and at weeks 4, 8, and 12 in the blinded study and at weeks 16, 20, 28, and 36 in an optional open‐label extension. At baseline, the QMG was moderately correlated with the MG‐ADL (r = 0.55, P < 0.0001) and the MMT (r = 0.53, P < 0.0001), but the correlation between the MG‐ADL and the MMT was lower (r = 0.30, P = 0.007). These findings were similar at weeks 4, 8, and 12. Similar correlations were found among the changes in scores from baseline at weeks 12 and 36. The MMT and MG‐ADL appeared to be the most sensitive measures for changes in MG status at weeks 12 and 36. Although a task force has recommended use of the QMG in prospective MG trials, the MMT and MG‐ADL appear to be suitable alternatives and offer potential advantages. No special training or equipment is required, and they take less time. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Muscle Nerve 38: 1429–1433, 2008
Novel 95G>A (R32K) somatic mosaic connexin 32 mutation
Authors: Baker Steven K. , Reith Cara C. , Ainsworth Peter J.
Published: October 2008

Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT) is among the most common inherited disorders of the peripheral nervous system, and it is broadly categorized as demyelinating type 1 or axonal type 2 based on nerve conduction studies. Mutations in discrete genes usually segregate into a single phenotype. However, mutations in connexin 32 (Cx32) can produce both axonal and demyelinating CMT phenotypes. Although over 300 mutations have been described in Cx32, somatic mosaicism has only been reported once previously. We report a 39‐year‐old man who was referred for electrodiagnostic evaluation due to a history of bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. His physical examination and electrodiagnostic findings demonstrated a mild sensorimotor axonal peripheral neuropathy. Sequencing of his Cx32 (GJB1) gene identified a guanine‐to‐adenine (G>A) transition at nucleotide position 95. This transition mutation involved approximately one‐third of leukocyte‐derived genomic DNA. This is the second reported case of somatic mosaicism, and it highlights the phenotypic diversity among CMTX patients. Muscle Nerve 38: 1510–1514, 2008
Simultaneous gradual lengthening of both proximal and distal nerve stumps for repair of peripheral nerve defect in rats
Authors: Saijilafu  , Nishiura Yasumasa , Hara Yuki , Yoshii Yuichi , Ochiai Naoyuki
Published: October 2008

We investigated nerve regeneration following the repair of a segmental nerve defect induced by direct end‐to‐end neurorrhaphy after simultaneous gradual lengthening of both proximal and distal nerve stumps in rats. A 15‐mm‐long nerve segment was resected from the sciatic nerve of each rat. The proximal and distal nerve stumps, respectively, were directly lengthened at a rate of 1 mm/day using a custom‐made external nerve‐lengthening device. After being lengthened for 14 days, both nerve stumps were refreshed, and direct end‐to‐end neurorrhaphy was performed. For a control, 15‐mm nerve grafting was performed immediately after nerve resection. Nerve regeneration was evaluated by motor nerve conduction velocity, muscle contraction force, and histological studies at 6, 8, and 14 weeks after initial nerve resection in both groups. As a result, at 8 and 14 weeks, the motor nerve conduction velocity was significantly higher in the nerve‐lengthening group than in the autografting group. In addition, at 14 weeks, the tetanic force and wet weight of the gastrocnemius muscle were significantly higher in the nerve‐lengthening group than in the autografting group. Histologically, the mean axonal diameter of myelinated nerve fibers and the total number of myelinated nerve fibers were also significantly higher in the nerve‐lengthening group than in the autografting group for each evaluation period. It appears that the simultaneous gradual lengthening of both proximal and distal nerve stumps might have potential application in the repair of peripheral nerve defects. Muscle Nerve 38: 1474–1480, 2008
Rare example of an early medieval dwarf infant from Brownslade, Wales
Authors: Sables A.
Published: October 2008

A rescue excavation at an early medieval Welsh cemetery has revealed rare evidence of an achondroplastic infant dwarf. The osteological examination revealed that the infant exhibited many characteristic features of dysplasia including proportionately short limbs, the early development of coxa vara and bowing tibia, whilst exhibiting normal trunk development. The exceptional preservation of such a good example of an achondroplastic infant will greatly contribute to the palaeopathological knowledge of this hereditary disease. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The first record of palaeopathology from the zooarchaeological record of late Pleistocene, southwest Tasmania
Authors: Garvey J. , Sandy J. R.
Published: October 2008

Several bones from the Late Pleistocene archaeological site, Kutikina Cave, in southwest Tasmania, show pathological conditions. The majority of these specimens represent Bennett's or red‐necked wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus), with a single specimen of the Common wombat (Vombatus ursinus) recorded. While there has been extensive work in this region of Australia since the early 1980s, this is the first record of palaeopathology from the late Pleistocene of Tasmania, and the first from a human accumulation of predominately macropod material. The palaeopathology raises several questions concerning the mobility of these animals which might have increased their susceptibly to predation, while some of the effected elements are fragmented, suggesting that people utilised these bones despite their deformities. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using microscopy to improve a diagnosis: an isolated case of tuberculosis‐induced hypertrophic osteopathy in archaeological dog remains
Authors: von Hunnius T.
Published: October 2008

The use of histology to estimate age, understand taphonomic history and diagnose disease in human skeletal and mummified remains is a well‐known method. Even though non‐human animals experience stress and disease similar to humans, microscopy is rarely applied to faunal remains to obtain a diagnosis. Histological results from a 16th‐century Iroquoian dog which had previously been diagnosed by macroscopic and molecular methods with tuberculosis‐induced hypertrophic osteopathy (HPO) are presented here. Comparisons indicate that canid microscopic skeletal manifestations of HPO are reminiscent of human alterations caused by this condition. In addition, the microscopy reveals an aggressive form of HPO that was chronic in nature which could not be identified by either macroscopic or molecular methods. By providing an extension to the original diagnosis, the impact of a chronic case of tuberculosis is discussed. This study helps to emphasise the utility of palaeohistopathology in both biological anthropology and zooarchaeology, as it allows for a deeper discussion of the manifestation of HPO and the impact of tuberculosis on both dogs and humans. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tuning a dynamic inversion pitch axis autopilot using McFarlane–Glover loop shaping
Authors: Papageorgiou George , Polansky Michal
Published: October 2008

Honeywell and others have successfully applied dynamic inversion control to many flight control problems. It is a simple and systematic design procedure that guarantees nominal performance. However, unlike ℋ︁∞methods, it does not provide any robustness guarantees. In this paper, we propose a procedure for designing a linear time‐invariant dynamic inversion autopilot with guaranteed robustness. We will use the generalized stability margin to choose the dynamics that will be inverted (AandBmatrices), and McFarlane–Glover loop shaping to select theCmatrix of the inverted plant, the desired dynamics, and a robust state estimator. The proposed procedure is illustrated by designing a pitch axis autopilot that achieves robust performance with a number of Boeing 747 aircraft models. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ℋ︁∞ output feedback control design for discrete‐time fuzzy systems
Authors: Zhang Jinhui , Xia Yuanqing , Shi Peng , Qiu Jiqing
Published: October 2008

This paper investigates the relaxed non‐quadratic stability conditions, fuzzy observer designs and ℋ︁∞ controller designs for discrete‐time Takagi‐Sugeno fuzzy systems based on a relaxed approach in which fuzzy Lyapunov functions are used. First, a new relaxed condition of non‐quadratic stability is presented, which is shown to be useful in designing fuzzy controller and observer. Second, new fuzzy observers based on the relaxed non‐quadratic stability conditions have been proposed. Then, a sufficient linear matrix inequality (LMI)‐type condition is proposed to guarantee the existence of the ℋ︁∞ controllers based on the fuzzy observers designed. It is shown that the controller and observer parameters can be obtained by solving a set of LMIs that are numerically feasible with commercially available software. Finally, the effectiveness and less conservativeness of the proposed approach are demonstrated by two examples. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The testable implications of a capital‐accumulating, price‐taking, vertically integrated, non‐renewable resource extracting model of the firm
Authors: Caputo Michael R.
Published: October 2008

An exhaustive set of refutable implications of a price‐taking, capital‐accumulating, vertically integrated Hotelling model is derived by way of intertemporal duality theory. The curvature properties of the model come in the form of a semidefinite matrix, and an upper bound to the rank of the matrix is established. The theorems, for the first time, permit one to determine if a given sample of data is fully consistent with the generalized Hotelling model, as well as the recovery of theoretically valid estimates of the shadow values of non‐renewable resource and capital stocks. The testable implications of the model go beyond those of the archetypal Hotelling and adjustment cost models, and as such, display several properties not present in the prototype models. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dyeability and swelling properties of graft copolymers of LDPE with 2‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate monomer prepared by gamma radiation
Authors: Nizam El‐Din Horia M.
Published: October 2008

Low density polyethylene (LDPE) films were grafted with 2‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA) monomer by gamma radiation. The LDPE graft copolymer was characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, tensile mechanical testing, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The dye affinity of LDPE graft copolymers for different dyestuffs was studied. Also, the effect of temperature on the swelling characters of LDPE‐g‐HPMA was investigated. The TGA study showed that the LDPE graft copolymers, over the studied graft yields, possessed higher thermal stability than pure LDPE polymer. While, LDPE has no dye affinity for any of the known dyestuffs, LDPE graft copolymers displayed a unique dye affinity for a wide range of dyestuffs belonging to different classes. The results showed that the equilibrium swelling of LDPE graft copolymers in water reached after 7 h. In addition, the results showed that the swelling of LDPE graft copolymers was influenced by temperature within the temperature range 10–40°C. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Sharing practice innovation experiences: The ‘flat‐pack’ approach
Authors: Carr Susan M , Lhussier Monique
Published: October 2008

Much practice innovation knowledge is vulnerable owing to a lack of processes to share the learning experiences at individual and organizational levels. This article describes how members of a collaborative learning group within a public health intervention evaluation attempted to tackle the perennial challenges of sharing innovation learning. The outcome was the development of a user‐friendly 10‐point guide, which systematically describes key steps to be considered for the replication and sustainability of any multi‐intervention approach to tackle a health improvement issue in a determined geographical area. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving end‐of‐life care in the care home sector
Authors: Knight Gillian , Jordan Carol , Lewis Melanie
Published: October 2008

A project was instigated in October 2005 to improve the end‐of‐life care of care home (nursing) residents across South‐East Wales through coordinating the implementation of the All‐Wales Integrated Care Pathway for the last days of life. One of the key areas of responsibility for the project coordinator was to evaluate the current level of palliative care knowledge and skills held by care home staff participating in the project. There are currently 112 care homes (nursing) in South‐East Wales and the project has provided some level of education on end‐of‐life care to nursing staff from 58 (52%) of those care homes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation and action: Improving care for older people in an acute hospital setting
Authors: Jinks Annette M , Tabernacle Beverley , Kenny Christina
Published: October 2008

The aim of this article is to share with a wider audience a quality enhancement approach from a nationally funded project which used peer review to benchmark practice standards as a basis for enhancing the care of older people within acute inpatient settings. The study involved the development and implementation of clinical practice review systems, and provision of mentoring, peer review and critical refection for staff nurse and health care assistant grades. A review of the nursing care in 43 ward areas and departments was undertaken, along with analysis of the peer review feedback sheets. Analysis revealed that examples of good practice predominated. There were, however, important areas where practice could be improved. For example, many staff needed to improve their communication skills, and some health care assistant grades needed particularly to improve their patient‐centred approaches. It was also found that many staff had unmet educational needs. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Traditional versus marginal structural models to estimate the effectiveness of β‐blocker use on mortality after myocardial infarction
Authors: Delaney Joseph A. C. , Daskalopoulou MD, PhD Stella S. , Suissa Samy
Published: October 2008

Background

Observational studies of the effect of β‐blockers on all‐cause mortality after an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) have tended to overestimate the effectiveness of this treatment.

Objective

To compare the estimates of the effect of β‐blocker use on mortality post‐AMI derived from a traditional adjusted regression model with those from a marginal structural model.

Methods

A population‐based cohort spanning the period of 2002–2004 was formed from the United Kingdom General Practice Research Database (GPRD). The cohort included all subjects who survived 90 days after their first AMI, who were then followed for 9 months. β‐Blocker use and blood pressure were identified in both the 90‐day period before and the 90‐day period after the AMI. Rate ratios (RR) were estimated using pooled logistic regression.

Results

The cohort included 9939 participants who survived 90 days after their AMI, of whom 633 died during the 9‐month follow‐up. Over 23% were taking β‐blockers pre‐AMI, compared with 71% post‐AMI. Using the traditional adjusted regression analysis, the RR of death with post‐AMI β‐blocker use was 0.54 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.45–0.67), while using the inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) model it was 0.72 (95%CI: 0.61–0.84). The IPTW estimate is compatible with the estimate derived from a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) while the adjusted regression estimate exaggerates the effectiveness.

Conclusions

Observational studies of the association of anti‐hypertensive medications with all‐cause mortality should consider adding a marginal structural model to their armamentarium of data analysis. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transmission of Nitrogen Atoms through Porous Membranes for Nitrogen Flowing Post‐Discharge Sterilization Processes
Authors: Ricard A. , Canal C. , Villeger S. , Durand J.
Published: October 2008

Different nonwoven membranes (nylon, laboratory and commercial PP) were exposed to a low‐pressure N2 flowing post‐discharge. The transmission of nitrogen atoms through the membranes was measured. The atoms penetrated and crossed the membranes with a transmission factor (TN) varying from 20 to 50% for nylon during the exposure time, due to membrane etching by the N atoms. For the two PP membranes studied, the TN was nearly constant, as etching on PP affected only the surface of the fibres. The differences between nylon and PP are discussed from the point of view of the crystalline fraction in the polymer. The results obtained open the way for the use of PP membranes as conditioning materials for N2‐afterglow‐sterilization processes.

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An analogue of piperonyl butoxide facilitates the characterisation of metabolic resistance
Authors: Moores Graham D , Philippou Despina , Borzatta Valerio , Trincia Paolo , Jewess Philip , Gunning Robin , Bingham Georgina
Published: October 2008

BACKGROUND: Previous work has demonstrated that piperonyl butoxide (PBO) not only inhibits microsomal oxidases but also resistance‐associated esterases. The ability to inhibit both major metabolic resistance enzymes makes it an ideal synergist to enhance xenobiotics but negates the ability to differentiate which enzyme group is responsible for conferring resistance.

RESULTS: This study examines an analogue that retains the ability to inhibit esterases but is restricted in its ability to act on microsomal oxidases, thus allowing an informed decision on resistance enzymes to be made when used in conjunction with the parent molecule.

CONCLUSION: Using examples of resistant insects with well‐characterised resistance mechanisms, a combination of PBO and analogue allows identification of the metabolic mechanism responsible for conferring resistance. The relative potency of PBO as both an esterase inhibitor and an oxidase inhibitor is also discussed. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Using short‐term evidence to predict six‐month outcomes in clinical trials of signs and symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Nixon Richard M. , Bansback Nick , Stevens John W. , Brennan Alan , Madan Jason
Published: October 2008

A model is presented to generate a distribution for the probability of an ACR response at six months for a new treatment for rheumatoid arthritis given evidence from a one‐ or three‐month clinical trial. The model is based on published evidence from 11 randomized controlled trials on existing treatments. A hierarchical logistic regression model is used to find the relationship between the proportion of patients achieving ACR20 and ACR50 at one and three months and the proportion at six months. The model is assessed by Bayesian predictive P‐values that demonstrate that the model fits the data well. The model can be used to predict the number of patients with an ACR response for proposed six‐month clinical trials given data from clinical trials of one or three months duration. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.