bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Managerial social capital, strategic orientation, and organizational performance in an emerging economy
Authors: Acquaah Moses
Published: June 2007

This study replicates and extends previous research focusing on China, to a sub‐Saharan African emerging economy environment. Specifically, the study directly replicates the impact of social capital derived from the micro‐managerial networking relationships and ties with top managers at other firms and government officials on macro‐organizational performance using data from Ghana. This study further extends previous work by examining the impact of social capital derived from managerial social networking relationships and ties with community leaders on organizational performance. It examines how the relationship between social capital and organizational performance is contingent on an organization's competitive strategic orientation. The findings suggest that social capital developed from managerial networking and social relationships with top managers at other firms, government officials (political leaders and bureaucratic officials), and community leadership enhance organizational performance. The findings from the contingency analyses reveal some interesting trends. The impact of social capital on organizational performance differs between firms that pursue the different competitive strategies (low‐cost, differentiation, and combination of low‐cost and differentiation) and those who do not pursue those strategies. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alterations in dendritic morphology of hippocampal neurons in adult rats after neonatal administration of N‐omega‐nitro‐L‐arginine
Authors: Morales‐Medina Julio César , Mejorada Alejandro , Romero‐Curiel Alejandra , Flores Gonzalo
Published: June 2007

The dendritic length and dendritic‐spine density of the pyramidal neurons of the prefrontal cortex and the CA1 hippocampus of rats using the nonselective nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N‐omega‐nitro‐L‐arginine (L‐NNA) at different postnatal day (P) periods of the brain development (P1–P3, P4–P6, and P7–P9) were assessed using Golgi–Cox staining after puberty (P60). At P4–P6, the L‐NNA treatment produced a significant decrease of the dendritic length and dendritic‐spine density of the pyramidal cells of the CA1 hippocampus. In addition, the dendritic length of the pyramidal neurons of the CA1 hippocampus decreased because of the L‐NNA treatment at P1–P3. These data suggest that during a specific step in the development of the brain, the nitric oxide levels may play a critical role in the morphological modifications of the pyramidal neurons of the CA1 hippocampus at postpubertal age. Synapse 61:785–789, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cross‐talking between 5‐HT3 and GABAA receptors in cultured myenteric neurons
Authors: Miranda‐Morales Marcela , García‐Hernández Luz M. , Ochoa‐Cortés Fernando , Espinosa‐Luna Rosa , Naranjo‐Rodríguez Elia B. , Barajas‐López Carlos
Published: June 2007

We recorded whole‐cell ion currents induced by γ‐aminobutyric acid (IGABA) and serotonin (I5‐HT) to investigate and characterize putative interactions between GABAA and 5‐HT3 receptors in myenteric neurons from the guinea pig small intestine. IGABA and I5‐HT were inhibited by bicuculline and ondansetron, respectively. Currents induced by the simultaneous application of both, GABA and 5‐HT (IGABA+5‐HT) were significantly lower than the sum of IGABA and I5‐HT, indicating the existence of a current occlusion. Such an occlusion was observed when GABAA and 5‐HT3 receptors are virtually saturated. Kinetics, and pharmacological properties of IGABA+5‐HT indicate that they are mediated by activation of both, GABAA and 5‐HT3 channels. GABA did not alter I5‐HT in neurons without GABAA channels, in the presence of bicuculline (a GABAA receptor antagonist) or at the reversal potential for IGABA. Similarly, 5‐HT did not modify IGABA in neurons in which 5‐HT3 channels were absent, after inhibiting 5‐HT3 channels with ondansetron (a 5‐HT3 receptor antagonist) or at the reversal potential for I5‐HT. Current occlusion was observed as soon as GABAA and 5‐HT3 channels were being activated, in the absence of Ca2+, at low temperature (11°C), and after adding staurosporine (a protein kinase inhibitor) to the pipette solution. Our proposal is that GABAA and 5‐HT3 channels are organized in clusters and within these, both channels can cross‐inhibit each other, likely by allosteric interactions between these proteins. Synapse 61:732–740, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HSPBAP1 is found extensively in the anterior temporal neocortex of patients with intractable epilepsy
Authors: Xi Zhi‐Qin , Sun Ji‐Jun , Wang Xue‐Feng , Li Ming‐Wei , Liu Xian‐Zeng , Wang Lin‐Yuan , Zhu Xi , Xiao Fei , Li Jin‐Mei , Gong Yun , Guan Li‐Feng
Published: June 2007

Heat Shock Protein BAP1 (heat shock 27‐kDa‐associated protein 1, HSPBAP1) inhibits the function of heat shock protein 27, which has a neuroprotective effect during experimentally induced epileptic neuropathology. In our study, fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, western blot were used to test the levels of HSPBAP1 mRNA and protein in surgical samples of the anterior temporal neocortex of patients with intractable epilepsy (IE) and normal controls samples. HSPBAP1 mRNA was abnormally expressed in the anterior temporal neocortex of patients with IE. Moreover, HSPBAP1 was found extensively in the cytoplasm of neurons and glial cells in all epilepsy specimens. Western blot showed a clear immunoreactive band of HSPBAP1 in IE specimens whereas it was absent in control specimens. The expression of HSPBAP1 mRNA and protein in the anterior temporal neocortex from patients with IE may play a role in the development of epileptic seizures in patients with cell loss in this brain region. Additional studies will be required to elucidate the mechanism by which HSPBAP1 affects brain function in IE. Synapse 61:741–747, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increased locomotor response to amphetamine induced by the repeated administration of the selective kappa‐opioid receptor agonist U‐69593
Authors: Fuentealba José Antonio , Gysling Katia , Andrés María Estela
Published: June 2007

Acute administration of kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonists decreases both dopamine (DA) extracellular levels in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and locomotor activity. Opposing to its acute effects, recent studies show that chronic administration of KOR agonists potentiates both stimulated DA release and induced locomotor activity. Since KOR agonists have been considered as potential treatment for stimulant dependence, the effects of their repeated administration on psychostimulant actions are of major concern. The present study was undertaken to investigate the in vivo effect of repeated administration of the KOR agonist U‐69593 on DA extracellular levels in the NAc and on the locomotor activity challenged with amphetamine. Rats were injected once daily with the selective KOR agonist U‐69593 or vehicle for four consecutive days. One‐day after the last U‐69593 injection, microdialysis studies assessing extracellular DA levels in the NAc and locomotor activity challenged with amphetamine were conducted. Microdialysis studies revealed that preexposure to U‐69593 had no effect on basal DA levels but significantly augmented amphetamine‐induced DA extracellular levels. Accordingly, amphetamine‐induced locomotor activity was also significantly potentiated in U‐69593 preexposed rats. These results suggest that long‐term effect of KOR activation results in facilitation of amphetamine‐induced DA extracellular levels in the NAc accompanied by sensitization of amphetamine‐induced increase in locomotor activity. Synapse 61:771–777, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Science achievement of english language learners in urban elementary schools: Results of a first‐year professional development intervention
Authors: Lee Okhee , Maerten‐Rivera Jaime , Penfield Randall D. , LeRoy Kathryn , Secada Walter G.
Published: June 2007

This study is part of a 5‐year professional development intervention aimed at improving science and literacy achievement of English language learners (or ELL students) in urban elementary schools within an environment increasingly driven by high‐stakes testing and accountability. Specifically, the study examined science achievement at the end of the first‐year implementation of the professional development intervention that consisted of curriculum units and teacher workshops. The study involved 1,134 third‐grade students at seven treatment schools and 966 third‐grade students at eight comparison schools. The results led to three main findings. First, treatment students displayed a statistically significant increase in science achievement. Second, there was no statistically significant difference in achievement gains between students at English to Speakers of Other Language (ESOL) levels 1 to 4 and students who had exited from ESOL or never been in ESOL. Similarly, there was no significant difference in achievement gains between students who had been retained on the basis of statewide reading test scores and students who had never been retained. Third, treatment students showed a higher score on a statewide mathematics test, particularly on the measurement strand emphasized in the intervention, than comparison students. The results indicate that through our professional development intervention, ELL students and others in the intervention learned to think and reason scientifically while also performing well on high‐stakes testing. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 45: 31–52, 2008
Fetal cardiac ventricle volumetry in the second half of gestation assessed by 4D ultrasound using STIC combined with inversion mode
Authors: Messing B. , Cohen S. M. , Valsky D. V. , Rosenak D. , Hochner‐Celnikier D. , Savchev S. , Yagel S.
Published: June 2007

Objective

Quantification of fetal heart ventricle volume can aid in the evaluation of functional and anatomical aspects of congenital heart disease. The aim of this study was to establish nomograms for ventricular volume using three‐dimensional (3D) inversion mode ultrasonography with the spatio‐temporal image correlation (STIC) modality and to calculate ejection fraction and stroke volume.

Methods

The fetal heart was scanned using the STIC modality, during fetal quiescence with abdomen uppermost, at an angle of 30–50°, without color Doppler flow mapping. In post‐processing, starting with the classic four‐chamber view plane in the A‐frame, the reference point was moved to the center of the ventricle. The operator used the edit volume followed by Virtual Organ Computer‐aided AnaLysis (VOCAL) mode options; in manual trace the VOCAL settings were set to 15°. The trace was drawn and included the myocardium; inversion mode thresholding provided the volume of the intraventricular (anechoic) voxels within the region of interest. The total volume and the intraventricular volume were displayed. The process was repeated for right (R) and left (L) ventricles at end diastole (EDV) and end systole (ESV). The stroke volume (SV = EDV − ESV) and ejection fraction (EF = SV/EDV) were calculated from these measurements. Intraclass correlation was used to evaluate intra‐ and interobserver agreement.

Results

One hundred fetuses ranging from 20 + 5 to 40 + 0 gestational weeks were included in the study. In addition, six fetuses diagnosed during the study period with a cardiac anomaly were examined and their ventricular volumes compared with those of the main study group. LEDV ranged from a mean of 0.53 cm3 at midgestation to a mean of 3.96 cm3 at term. LESV ranged from a mean of 0.17 cm3 at midgestation to 1.56 cm3 at term. REDV ranged from a mean of 0.68 cm3 at midgestation to a mean of 5.44 cm3 at term. RESV ranged from a mean of 0.26 cm3 at midgestation to 2.29 cm3 at term. Total stroke volume ranged from a mean of 0.78 cm3 at midgestation to a mean of 5.5 cm3 at term. The mean right : left ventricle ratio was 1.4, and left ejection fraction ranged from 42.5 to 86% in these fetuses. Nomograms were created for RESV, LESV, REDV, LEDV and total stroke volumes vs. estimated fetal weight and gestational age. Intra‐ and interobserver agreement reached 96%.

Conclusions

3D inversion mode sonography combined with STIC represents a simple and reproducible method for estimating fetal cardiac ventricle volume. This innovative methodology may add to overall evaluation of cardiac volume and function, and improve our understanding of normal and abnormal cardiac structure, as well as the severity and prognosis of cardiac lesions. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functional characterization of human and fungal MAP kinases in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Alonso‐Monge Rebeca , Ureña Tomás , Nombela César , Pla Jesús
Published: June 2007

A functional comparison of three human SAPKs with fungal Hog1p was undertaken, using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a heterologous expression system. We characterized the role of mammalian MAP kinases in sensitivity to both osmotic and oxidative stress of a S. cerevisiae hog1 mutant. Western blot analyses indicated that S. cerevisiae can only phosphorylate mammalian MAP kinases in response to osmotic stress but not to oxidative stress, while morphogenetic defects characteristic of hog1 mutants under hyperosmotic stress are only suppressed by fungal and not mammalian Hog1p. Our data demonstrate the functional conservation of MAPKs although they also evidence differential aspects among the three human SAPKs and the fungal MAPKs. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An experimental system for the study of mutations in the HMR locus of Saccharomyces cerevisiae: the insertion of Ty into HMRa vs. the conversion of HMRa to HMRα
Authors: Nishida Yuri , Ono Bun‐ichiro
Published: June 2007

A cross between a sir4‐11 strain (sir4‐11 HMLα MATα HMRa, non‐mating type) and an a‐mating strain (SIR+ HMLα MATa HMRa) of Saccharomyces cerevisiae forms diploid clones at a frequency of 5 × 10−6, but the obtained diploid clones often (>70%) have altered forms of the HMRa‐containing restriction fragment, designated @ HMRa′. We previously found that some HMRa′s are associated with the conversion of HMRa to HMRα. In this report, we present evidence that another @ HMRa′ associates with the insertion of Ty into Ya of HMR. We also found that the sir4‐11 strain increased mating frequency by UV irradiation to a level of 9 × 10−4, and that generation of HMRa′ was completely prevented by disruption of RAD52 of the sir4‐11 strain. Hence, we conclude that the mutations that cause generation of HMRa′ occur in the sir4‐11 strain prior to mating. Due to these mutations, the sir4‐11 strain converts to α‐mating type and readily mates with the a‐mating strain. We discuss the usefulness of the sir4‐11 strain for the study of mutations in the HMR locus of S. cerevisiae. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of High‐Fat Enteral Nutrition on Hepatocyte Injury in Response to Hemorrhagic Shock in the Rat
Authors: Chu Mary M. , Luyer Misha D. P. , Wheelhouse Nicholas M. , Bellamy Christopher O. , Greve Jan Willem M. , Buurman Wim A. , Sangster Kathryn , Fearon Kenneth C. H. , Ross James A. , Garden O. James , Dejong Cornelis H. C. , Wigmore Stephen J.
Published: June 2007

Background

High‐fat enteral nutrition reduces the inflammatory response following hemorrhagic shock in the rat.

Aims

We hypothesized that this intervention might also ameliorate the remote organ injury to the liver associated with this model.

Methods

Male Sprague‐Dawley rats were either starved or fed low‐fat or high‐fat isocaloric isonitrogenous feed prior to nonlethal hemorrhagic shock induced by a 40% reduction in the blood volume. Animals were sacrificed at 90 minutes or 24 hours after injury. Liver cell damage was assessed by histology and long polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect mitochondrial DNA damage. Stress protein expression was measured by Western blot and mRNA expression by real‐time PCR and immunohistochemistry.

Results

Animals fed a low‐fat diet had the same severity of liver injury as starved animals and increased expression of stress proteins. Animals fed a high‐fat diet had minimal liver injury, no evidence of mitochondrial DNA damage, and significantly lower expression of stress proteins. This effect is associated with preservation of hepatocellular morphology, attenuation of mitochondrial DNA damage, and a reduced stress protein response to injury.

Conclusions

High‐fat enteral nutrition protects the liver from the remote effects of hemorrhagic shock, but the mechanism of this effect is not yet known.
Classifying Postherniorrhaphy Pain Syndromes Following Elective Inguinal Hernia Repair
Authors: Loos M. J. A. , Roumen R. M. H. , Scheltinga M. R. M.
Published: June 2007

Background

Chronic postherniorrhaphy pain is diverse in origin. The aim of our study was to classify postherniorrhaphy pain syndromes following elective inguinal hernia repair.

Patients and methods

All patients with an elective inguinal hernia repair performed between January 2000 and August 2005 received a questionnaire evaluating chronic inguinal pain (visual analog scale, VAS 0–10). Patients with moderate to severe pain complaints (VAS score ≥ 3) were invited for an interview and an outpatient department physical examination.

Results

A total of 2,164 cases underwent an elective hernia repair and received the questionnaire; 1,766 individuals responded (response rate: 81.6%). Moderate to severe pain was present in 211 patients (11.9%). Follow‐up was performed in 148 patients. Three separate groups of diagnoses were identified. Group I: neuropathic pain (n = 72) indicating inguinal nerve damage; group II: non‐neuropathic pain (n = 40) due to an array of diagnoses including periostitis (n = 18) and recurrent hernia (n = 13); and group III: a tender spermatic cord and/or a tight feeling in the lower abdomen (n = 43).

Conclusions

Chronic pain following elective hernia repair is common and diverse in etiology but may allow for a classification contributing to the development of tailored treatment regimens.
Daily Diurnal Variation in Admissions for Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Killeen Shane , Neary Peter , O’Sullivan Martin , Redmond H. P. , Fulton Gregory
Published: June 2007

Background

Many vascular events, such as myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular accident, demonstrate a circadian pattern of presentation. Blood pressure is intimately related to these pathologies and is the one physiological variable consistently associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture. It also demonstrates a diurnal variation. The purpose of this study was to determine if rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (RAAA) exhibits a diurnal variation.

Methods

A retrospective cohort‐based study was performed to determine the timing of presentation of RAAA to the vascular unit of Cork University Hospital over a 15‐year period. Time of admission, symptom onset, and co‐morbidities such as hypertension were noted. Fournier’s analysis and chi‐squared analysis were performed. To ameliorate possible confounding factors, patients admitted with perforated peptic ulcers were examined in the same manner.

Results

A total of 148 cases of RAAA were identified, with a male preponderance (71.7% [124] male versus 29.3% [44] female patients) and a mean age of 74.4 ± 7.2 years at presentation. 70.9% (105) were known to have hypertension, 52.2% (77) were current smokers, and 46.8% (69) were being treated for chronic obstructive airway disease (COAD). Time of symptom onset was recorded in 88.5% (131) of patients. There was a marked early morning peak in RAAA admissions, with the highest number of RAAA being admitted between 08.00 and 09.59. A second, smaller peak was observed at 14.00‐15.59. These findings were suggestive of diurnal variation. [χ2 =16.75, p < 0.003]. Some 40% (59) of patients were admitted between 00.00 and 06.00, an incidence significantly higher than for other time periods (06.00‐12.00, 12.00‐18.00, and 18.00‐24.00) [χ2 = 18.72; df = 3; p < 0.0003]. A significantly higher number of patients admitted between 00.00 and 06.00 were known hypertensives (χ2 = 7.94; p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The findings of this study suggest a distinct circadian pattern of presentation for RAAA. Systolic blood pressure has a circadian rhythm that mirrors this pattern of presentation. Our results further support the association between RAAA and hypertension, and they may also indicate that chronotropic blood pressure control combating the early‐morning peak in systolic blood pressure may assist in the management of abdominal aortic aneurysms.
Systemic lupus erythematosus‐like disease in a 6‐year‐old boy with prolidase deficiency
Authors: Di Rocco M. , Fantasia A. R. , Taro M. , Loy A. , Forlino A. , Martini A.
Published: June 2007

This report describes the case of a boy with prolidase deficiency who presented with splenomegaly and leg ulcers. Laboratory examination revealed hypergammaglobulinaemia, hyperimmunoglobulinaemia E, increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate, elevated transaminases, positive antinuclear and anti‐double‐stranded DNA antibodies, and complement consumption. No haematological, renal or articular problems were detected; neutrophil count was normal. The skin lesions were thought to be of vasculitic origin, and a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus was made although the requirements for diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus based on American Rheumatism Association criteria were not satisfied. The child was treated with immunosuppressive drugs with worsening of skin lesions before the diagnosis of prolidase deficiency. Prolidase deficiency and systemic lupus erythematosus share a number of common immunological features and at least three patients with prolidase deficiency and immunological and clinical findings fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus of the American Rheumatism Association are reported in the literature. Here we review pathogenetic hypothesis linking the metabolic defect to the disturbance in immune function. In particular we discuss the role of highly increased rates of apoptosis and/or abnormal processing of apoptotic keratinocytes in prolidase deficiency and the role of C1q deficiency, which is associated with the failure of normal clearance of apoptotic cells bearing on their surfaces many of the autoantigens involved in systemic lupus erythematosus.
Complete deletion of ornithine transcarbamylase gene confirmed by CGH array of X chromosome
Authors: Arranz J. A. , Madrigal I. , Riudor E. , Armengol Ll. , Milà M.
Published: June 2007

Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency is an X‐linked semidominant trait that is the most frequent inborn error of the urea cycle. Three hundred and fifty different mutations, including mostly point mutations and a small proportion of large rearrangements have been reported. Conventional molecular diagnosis is highly reliable for point mutations but can miss gross rearrangements. We describe a contiguous gene syndrome involving the RPGR, OTC and TM4SF2 genes in a male patient with severe neonatal OTC deficiency identified by the conventional molecular approach. Molecular characterization was ascertained by X chromosome CGH array and confirmed by MLPA. Complete deletion of the OTC gene led to absent OTC enzymatic activity in liver and to a severe clinical phenotype. The maternal phenotype, characterized by less severe hyperammonaemic crises associated with neurological impairment would result from a deficient but not null OTC activity due to random X chromosome inactivation in the liver. Our cases are similar toothers described presenting with OTC deficient phenotype in which OTC and contiguous genes are affected. Clinical expression would be conditioned by complete OTC deficiency in males and by X chromosome inactivation in females, leading to compensation by the normal allele in tissues such as blood or muscle but not sufficiently in liver. The application of high‐resolution genetic techniques allows the characterization of causative mutations such as large deletions in order to guide genetic counselling and prenatal diagnosis.
Molecular genetic approaches to elucidate the ecological and evolutionary issues associated with biological invasions
Authors: Miura Osamu
Published: June 2007

Biological invasions may cause serious damage to the native environments and threaten the native biodiversity. Molecular genetic approaches have been found to be powerful tools for investigating the ecological and evolutionary aspects of biological invasions because the genetic structure and level of genetic variation of an invasive species are changed following its invasion. The present article reviews the use of molecular markers in addressing various aspects of invasive species. The application of these techniques has shown that many invasive species are actually “cryptic” species – species whose uniqueness is only recognizable at the genetic level. An estimation of the actual number of invasive species is essential when evaluating its ecological and economic impacts. Molecular genetic approaches have also enabled the source populations of invasive species to be identified. Reconstructions of invasion histories are crucial to preventing future invasions and conserving the native biodiversity, while comparisons of genetic variations between the native and introduced populations provide valuable opportunities to elucidate the mechanisms of rapid adaptation demonstrated by many invasive species.
Ecology of ligninolytic fungi associated with leaf litter decomposition
Authors: Osono Takashi
Published: June 2007

Advances in our understanding of the decomposition processes in forest ecosystems over the past three decades have demonstrated the importance of lignin as a regulating factor in the decomposition of leaf litter. Consequently, increasingly more attention is being focused on the ecology of fungi associated with lignin decomposition. The aim of this review is to provide a critical summary of the ecology of ligninolytic fungi inhabiting leaf litter and forest floor materials. The review focuses on the following aspects of ligninolytic fungi: the taxonomic and functional diversity of ligninolytic fungi, the outcomes of interactions between ligninolytic fungi and other organisms, the activity and abundance of ligninolytic fungi measured by the production of bleached leaves and humus, the activity of ligninolytic enzymes in soil environments, the substratum and seral succession, spatial and temporal patterns in both mycelial abundance and species distribution, and the effect of environmental factors such as nitrogen deposition and global environmental changes on ligninolytic fungi. This review integrates the ecology, diversity, and activity of ligninolytic fungi into the context of an ecosystem in order to provide an understanding of the roles of ligninolytic fungi in decomposition processes.
Insufficient Flexion of the Metacarpophalangeal Joint of the Little Finger Following Swanson Silicone Arthroplasty for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Bogoch Earl R. , Escott Benjamin G. , Judd Maria G. P.
Published: June 2007

Twenty-one patients with rheumatoid arthritis who underwent Swanson metacarpophalangeal (MP) arthroplasty from 1994 to 1999 were assessed for active flexion of individual MP joints an average of 59 months (range 27–114 months) postoperative. Published articles of Swanson MP arthroplasty were reviewed. Experienced hand surgeons were surveyed regarding outcomes of metacarpophalangeal arthroplasty. The MP joint of the little finger displayed significantly less flexion than that of the middle and index finger. Seven of eight published studies which present active MP flexion by individual digit demonstrated less flexion in the little finger compared to the index, middle, and ring finger. Half of surgeons surveyed reported that MP range of motion is shifted toward a more extended position, that MP flexion is limited in the ulnar digits, and that an implant that encourages MP flexion would be helpful. Our experience with this cohort, a review of published literature, and a survey of international experts suggest that Swanson arthroplasty frequently results in a range of flexion of the MP joint of the little finger that may be insufficient for its principal functions.
Narrow ridge waveguide high power single mode 1.3-μm InAs/InGaAs ten-layer quantum dot lasers
Authors: Cao Q , Yoon SF , Liu CY , Ngo CY
Published: June 2007

Ten-layer InAs/In0.15Ga0.85As quantum dot (QD) laser structures have been grown using molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) on GaAs (001) substrate. Using the pulsed anodic oxidation technique, narrow (2 μm) ridge waveguide (RWG) InAs QD lasers have been fabricated. Under continuous wave operation, the InAs QD laser (2 × 2,000 μm2) delivered total output power of up to 272.6 mW at 10 °C at 1.3 μm. Under pulsed operation, where the device heating is greatly minimized, the InAs QD laser (2 × 2,000 μm2) delivered extremely high output power (both facets) of up to 1.22 W at 20 °C, at high external differential quantum efficiency of 96%. Far field pattern measurement of the 2-μm RWG InAs QD lasers showed single lateral mode operation.
Conjugated Linoleic Acids Can Change Phagocytosis of Human Monocytes/Macrophages by Reduction in Cox‐2 Expression
Authors: Stachowska Ewa , Baśkiewicz‐Masiuk Magdalena , Dziedziejko Violetta , Adler Grażyna , Bober Joanna , Machaliński Bogusław , Chlubek Dariusz
Published: June 2007

Prostaglandin E2 produced endogenously (by cyclooxygenases) can regulate macrophage phagocytosis. Cyclooxygenase activity reduction (mainly through inhibition of inducible Cox‐2) can induce PGE2 synthesis depression and can activate the phagocytosis process. There are no reports in the literature explaining whether conjugated linoleic acid dienes (trans‐10, cis‐12 CLA and cis‐9, trans‐11 CLA) modify the phagocytic activity of human macrophages. For the purpose of this study, monocytes were isolated from venous blood, incubated for 7 days with 30 μM CLAs, and then (in some experiments) LPS (1 μg/mL) was added to the medium. Subsequently, monocyte/macrophage phagocytosis, NF‐κB transcription factor activity, Cox‐2 and PPARγ mRNA expression (and the amounts of Cox‐2 and PPARγ proteins) and PGE2 synthesis were determined. Both CLA isomers increased macrophage phagocytosis through inhibition of Cox‐2 expression (might by inactivation the NF‐κB pathway). The inhibition of mRNA Cox‐2 expression contributed (particularly with respect to trans‐10, cis‐12 CLA) to a decrease in protein Cox‐2 synthesis and to reduction of prostaglandin E2 content in the cell. The inhibition of PGE2 synthesis (by CLA treatment) enhanced the phagocytosis process in macrophages.
Prediction of the Partition Coefficient for Acetic Acid in a Two‐Phase System Soybean Oil‐Water
Authors: Sinadinović‐Fišer Snežana , Janković Milovan
Published: June 2007

An analytical approach for the prediction of the partition coefficient for acetic acid between soybean oil and water, dependent on temperature and composition, has been proposed. The original and three modified UNIFAC models as well as the UNIQUAC model were used to represent the liquid–liquid equilibrium data in the ternary system. To calculate the density of the water and oil phase the COSTALD method was applied. The proposed approach for the prediction of the partition coefficient for acetic acid fit the experimental data well when the UNIQUAC model was used. The results of the application of the proposed approach to the experimental data for acetic acid partition coefficient taken from the literature were also presented and discussed.
Necessary conditions for a minimum at a radial cavitating singularity in nonlinear elasticity
Authors: Sivaloganathan Jeyabal , Spector Scott J.
Published: June 2007

It is still not known if the radial cavitating minimizers obtained by Ball [J.M. Ball, Discontinuous equilibrium solutions and cavitation in nonlinear elasticity, Phil. Trans. R. Soc. Lond. A 306 (1982) 557–611] (and subsequently by many others) are global minimizers of any physically reasonable nonlinearly elastic energy. We therefore consider in this paper the related problem of obtaining necessary conditions for these radial solutions to be minimizers with respect to nonradial perturbations. A standard blowup argument applied to either an inner or an outer variation yields an apparently new inequality that, for most constitutive relations, has yet to be verified. However, in the special case of a compressible neo-Hookean material,

W(\mathbf{F}) = \frac{\mu }{2}|\mathbf{F}|^{2} + h(\mathrm{\det }\mathbf{F})

, we show that the inequality produced by an outer variation clearly holds whilst that produced by an inner variation is a well-known inequality (first proven by Brezis, Coron, and Lieb [H. Brezis, J.-M. Coron, E.H. Lieb, Harmonic maps with defects, Comm. Math. Phys. 107 (1986) 649–705] ) which arises in the theory of nematic liquid crystals:

\int \limits_{B}\left|\mathrm{∇}\mathbf{n}(\mathbf{x})\right|^{2}\:d\mathbf{x}⩾
\int \limits_{B}\left|\mathrm{∇}\left(\frac{\mathbf{x}}{|\mathbf{x}|}\right)\right|^{2}\:d\mathbf{x} = 8\pi

for all

\mathbf{n} \in W^{1,2}(B,\partial B)

(so that

|\mathbf{n}| = 1

a.e.) that satisfy

\mathbf{n}(\mathbf{x}) = \mathbf{x}/ |\mathbf{x}|

on

∂B

, where

B

is the unit ball in

\mathbb{R}^{3}

.
A Liouville-type theorem for the p-Laplacian with potential term
Authors: Pinchover Yehuda , Tertikas Achilles , Tintarev Kyril
Published: June 2007

In this paper we prove a sufficient condition, in terms of the behavior of a ground state of a singular
p
-Laplacian problem with a potential term, such that a nonzero subsolution of another such problem is also a ground state. Unlike in the linear case (

p = 2

), this condition involves comparison of both the functions and of their gradients.
Left atrial enlargement and NT‐proBNP as predictors of sudden cardiac death in patients with heart failure
Authors: Bayes‐Genis Antoni , Vazquez Rafael , Puig Teresa , Fernandez‐Palomeque Carlos , Fabregat Jordi , Bardají Alfredo , Pascual‐Figal Domingo , Ordoñez‐Llanos Jordi , Valdes Mariano , Gabarrús Albert , Pavon Ricardo , Pastor Luis , Juanatey Jose Ramon Gonzalez , Almendral Jesus , Fiol Miquel , Nieto Vicente , Macaya Carlos , Cinca Juan , de Luna Antoni Bayes ,   for the MUSIC Study Group
Published: June 2007

Aims

The identification of valuable markers of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in patients with established HF remains a challenge. We sought to assess the value of clinical, echocardiographic and biochemical variables to predict SCD in a consecutive cohort of patients with heart failure (HF) due to systolic dysfunction.

Methods

A cohort of 494 patients with established HF had baseline echocardiographic and NT‐proBNP measurements and were followed for 942±323 days.

Results

Fifty patients suffered SCD. Independent predictors of SCD were indexed LA size >26 mm/m2 (HR 2.8; 95% CI 1.5–5.0; p=0.0007), NT‐proBNP >908 ng/L (HR 3.1; 95% CI 1.5–6.7; p=0.003), history of myocardial infarction (HR 2.3; 95% CI 1.3–4.1; p=0.007), peripheral oedema (HR 2.1; 95% CI 1.1–3.9; p=0.02), and diabetes mellitus (HR 1.9; 95% CI 1.1–3.3; p=0.03). NYHA functional class, left ventricular ejection fraction and glomerular filtration rate were not independent predictors of SCD in this cohort. Notably, the combination of both LA size >26 mm/m2 and NT‐proBNP >908 ng/L increased the risk of SCD (HR 4.3; 95% CI 2.5–7.6; p<0.0001). At 36 months, risk of SCD in patients with indexed LA size ≤26 mm/m2 and NT‐proBNP ≤908 ng/L was 3%, while in patients with indexed LA size >26 mm/m2 and NT‐proBNP >908 ng/L reached 25% (p<0.0001).

Conclusions

Among HF patients, indexed LA size and NT‐proBNP levels are more useful to stratify risk of SCD than other clinical, echocardiographic or biochemical variables. The combination of these two parameters should be considered for predicting SCD in patients with HF.
Biomechanical efficiency is impaired in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Witte Klaus K. , Levy Wayne C. , Lindsay Kenneth A. , Clark Andrew L.
Published: June 2007

Introduction

Patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) have a lower peak oxygen consumption (pVO2) than normal subjects, and for a given quantity of work, have a lower total oxygen consumption (VO2) than controls. This apparent increase in biomechanical efficiency (BE) might be due to a higher proportion of anaerobic metabolism which, although leading to lower VO2 during steady state exercise, must be compensated for during recovery.

Methods

13 patients with stable CHF and 12 controls underwent peak cycle exercise testing followed by three separate steady state exercise tests at 15%, 25% and 50% of the peak workload in random order. Oxygen consumption at steady state, deficit (during onset) and debt (during recovery) were calculated. BE was estimated as the total oxygen required to perform a given quantity of work.

Results

Patients had lower pVO2 and peak workload than control subjects. Absolute oxygen deficit and debt as a percentage of total oxygen consumed during the steady state tests was the same in both groups. However, once controlled for workload, VO2 deficit, debt and uptake at steady state were greater in patients than controls for the tests at 15% and 25% of peak. BE was inversely related to peak oxygen consumption in controls and patients.

Conclusions

Patients with CHF have impaired BE at low work loads when compared with normal subjects.
The maximal size of protein to diffuse through the nuclear pore is larger than 60 kDa
Authors: Wang Ruiwen , Brattain Michael G.
Published: June 2007

It has generally been believed that the diffusion limit set by the nuclear pore for protein is 60 kDa. We here studied the cellular localization of several artificial proteins and found that the diffusion limit set by the nuclear pore is not as small as previously thought. The results indicate that the maximal size of protein to diffuse through the nuclear pore complex could be quite larger than 60 kDa, thus greatly extending the diffusion limit that the nuclear pore can accommodate.
Identification and characterization of two novel (neuro)endocrine long coiled‐coil proteins
Authors: Cruz-Garcia D. , Vazquez-Martinez R. , Peinado J.R. , Anouar Y. , Tonon M.C. , Vaudry H. , Castaño J.P. , Malagon M.M.
Published: June 2007

We have identified a novel vertebrate‐specific gene by applying a Differential Display method on two distinct subtypes of pituitary melanotropes showing divergent secretory phenotypes of hypo‐ and hypersecretion. A paralogue of this gene was also identified. The existence of a long coiled‐coil domain and a C‐terminal transmembrane domain in the sequences, together with the Golgi distribution of the proteins in transfected cells, suggest that they can be considered as new members of the golgin family of proteins. Both genes were primarily expressed in (neuro)endocrine tissues in vertebrates thus supporting a role for these proteins in the regulated secretory pathway.
Ultrasound Changes in the Extensor Pollicis Longus Tendon Following Fractures of the Distal Radius—A Preliminary Report
Authors: OWERS K. L. , LEE J. , KHAN N. , HEALY J. , ECKERSLEY R.
Published: June 2007

Extensor pollicis longus tendon rupture occurs in 0.2% to 3% of fractures of the distal radius. The underlying mechanism, or mechanisms, of rupture are unknown. This study evaluated this tendon and its surrounding structures using high-resolution ultrasound in 62 patients with distal radius fracture at 6 weeks after injury. The uninjured wrist was examined as a control. The ultrasound measurements at 6 weeks were then correlated with the patients’ presenting X-rays. Significant findings included a reduced peak velocity of tendon movement and an increased thickness of both the extensor retinaculum and the tendon sheath on the fractured side. In respect of tendon sheath thickness, these changes were particularly associated with intraarticular fractures. We postulate that the increased thickness of the EPL tendon sheath may further impair an already tenuous blood supply and/or affect the diffusion of nutrients to the tendon within the third extensor compartment, leading to tendon attrition and rupture.
A Self-Administered Questionnaire for Basal Osteoarthritis of the Thumb
Authors: CITRON N. , HULME C. E. , WARDLE N.
Published: June 2007

Basal osteoarthritis of the thumb is a common condition for which numerous operations have been proposed without any particular one having been shown to be superior. One of the problems in evaluating the results of surgery is that there is no validated outcome score specifically for the condition. The purpose of this study was to construct a self-administered questionnaire (the Nelson score) to assess the outcome following surgery for this condition and to test its properties. Correlating the questionnaire score with physical findings on clinical examination showed external validity and test–retest reliability was high. Simultaneous administration of the score with the DASH score, both before and after surgery, showed it to be more sensitive to change ( P = 0.056). In addition, it is shorter than the DASH score, which may make it more acceptable to patients.
The First Description of the Palmaris Brevis Muscle
Authors: TUBBS R. S. , LOUIS R. G. , LOUKAS M. , GUPTA A. A. , SHOJA M. M. , OAKES J.
Published: June 2007

Giovanni Battista Canano was born in Italy in 1515 and his work has gone mostly unknown. Very few copies of this anatomist and physician's book are known to exist. Interestingly, Canano reported and depicted what we believe, to be the first description of the palmaris brevis muscle. This description would be some 200 years prior to what is thought to be the earliest mention of this muscle by William Cheselden in his book, The Anatomy of the Human Body, published in 1713.
Turbulent drag reduction by constant near-wall forcing
Authors: XU JIN , DONG SUCHUAN , MAXEY MARTIN R. , KARNIADAKIS GEORGE E.
Published: June 2007

Computational experiments based on the direct numerical simulation of turbulent channel flow reveal that the skin friction can be reduced as much as 70% by the action of a localized steady force acting against the flow close to the wall. In addition, the excessive shear stresses observed during the laminar-to-turbulence transition can be substantially reduced. For a sustained reduction in the skin friction, the control force has to act within a distance of 20 wall units (scaling with the location of the maximum Reynolds stress gradient); otherwise a transient drag reduction is observed or even an increase in drag. The forcing leads to the formation of a shear layer close to the wall that reduces the skin friction and limits the development of the Reynolds shear stresses. As the amplitude of the forcing is increased, the shear layer breaks down and generates its own turbulence, setting an upper limit to the level of drag reduction. This transition of the shear layer is correlated with a Reynolds number based on the forcing amplitude and length scale.
The merger of two-dimensional radially stratified high-Froude-number vortices
Authors: JOLY LAURENT , REINAUD JEAN N.
Published: June 2007

We investigate the influence of density inhomogeneities on the merger of two corotating two-dimensional vortices at infinite Froude number. In this situation, buoyancy effects are negligible, yet density variations still affect the flow by pure inertial effects through the baroclinic torque. We first re-address the effects of a finite Reynolds number on the interaction between two identical Gaussian vortices. Then, by means of direct numerical simulations, we show that vortices transporting light fluid in a heavier counterpart merge from further distances than vortices in a uniform density medium. On the other hand, heavy vortices only merge from small separation distances. We measure the critical distance a/b0 of the vortex radii to their initial separation distance. It departs from the homogeneous threshold of 0.22 in response to increasing density contrasts between the vortices and their surroundings. An analysis of the contribution of the baroclinic vorticity to the dynamics of the flow is detailed and explains the observed behaviour. This analysis is completed by a simple model based on point vortices that mimics the flow. It is concluded that vortices carrying light fluid are more likely to generate large-scale structures than heavy ones in an inhomogeneous fluid.
Acoustic resonances in a high-lift configuration
Authors: HEIN STEFAN , HOHAGE THORSTEN , KOCH WERNER , SCHÖBERL JOACHIM
Published: June 2007

Low- and high-frequency acoustic resonances are computed numerically via a high-order finite-element code for a generic two-dimensional high-lift configuration with a leading-edge slat. Zero mean flow is assumed, approximating the low-Mach-number situation at aircraft landing and approach. To avoid unphysical reflections at the boundaries of the truncated computational domain, perfectly matched layer absorbing boundary conditions are implemented in the form of the complex scaling method of atomic and molecular physics. It is shown that two types of resonance exist: resonances of surface waves which scale with the total airfoil length and longitudinal cavity-type resonances which scale with the slat cove length. Minima exist in the temporal decay rate which can be associated with the slat cove resonances and depend on the slat cove geometry. All resonances are damped owing to radiation losses. However, if coherent noise sources exist, as observed in low-Reynolds-number experiments, these sources can be enhanced acoustically by the above resonances if the source frequency is close to a resonant frequency.
Shoreface-connected ridges under the action of waves and currents
Authors: LANE EMILY M. , RESTREPO JUAN M.
Published: June 2007

Up-current-rotated, shoreface-connected ridges are found in various coastal areas around the world. An often-quoted conjecture is that these ridges form during storm conditions through free instabilities in the erodible bed. Under these conditions both waves and currents are expected to play a significant role in the hydrodynamics. Although some existing models have included the effects of waves parametrically in their bottom friction terms and sediment equations, the dynamical effects of wave–current interaction have not been explored. In this paper we begin to rectify this by considering the effects of wave–current interaction on the bed-form instabilities of a simple model. This raises the possibility of unsteady alongshore flows and questions about the roles of wave parameters and boundary conditions, which we address here. We show that the flow is stable under the wave forcing; however the waves do affect the bed-form instability. The main dynamical effect of the waves is in altering the shapes of the unstable modes. Under various conditions, however, waves may enhance or suppress the instability or introduce new unstable modes. They also affect the celerity of the ridges. In addition, we investigate the mechanisms whereby the waves affect the instability. We also show a potential problem with the parameterization in terms of wave orbital velocity.