bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Benchmarking yeast two‐hybrid systems using the interactions of bacterial motility proteins
Authors: Rajagopala Seesandra Venkatappa , Hughes Kelly T. , Uetz Peter
Published: October 2009

Yeast two‐hybrid screens often produce vastly non‐overlapping interaction data when the screens are conducted in different laboratories, or use different vectors, strains, or reporter genes. Here we investigate the underlying reasons for such inconsistencies and compare the effect of seven different vectors and their yeast two‐hybrid interactions. Genome‐wide array screens with 49 motility‐related baits from Treponema pallidum yielded 77 and 165 interactions with bait vectors pLP‐GBKT7 and pAS1‐LP, respectively, including 21 overlapping interactions. In addition, 90 motility‐related proteins from Escherichia coli were tested in all pairwise combinations and yielded 140 interactions when tested with pGBKT7g/pGADT7g vectors but only 47 when tested with pDEST32/pDEST22. We discuss the factors that determine these effects, including copy number, the nature of the fusion protein, and species‐specific differences that explain non‐conserved interactions among species. The pDEST22/pDEST32 vectors produce a higher fraction of interactions that are conserved and that are biologically relevant when compared with the pGBKT7/pGADT7‐related vectors, but the latter appear to be more sensitive and thus detect more interactions overall.
Gram‐positive bacteria produce membrane vesicles: Proteomics‐based characterization of Staphylococcus aureus‐derived membrane vesicles
Authors: Lee Eun‐Young , Choi Do‐Young , Kim Dae‐Kyum , Kim Jung‐Wook , Park Jung Ok , Kim Sungjee , Kim Sang‐Hyun , Desiderio Dominic M. , Kim Yoon‐Keun , Kim Kwang‐Pyo , Gho Yong Song
Published: October 2009

Although archaea, Gram‐negative bacteria, and mammalian cells constitutively secrete membrane vesicles (MVs) as a mechanism for cell‐free intercellular communication, this cellular process has been overlooked in Gram‐positive bacteria. Here, we found for the first time that Gram‐positive bacteria naturally produce MVs into the extracellular milieu. Further characterizations showed that the density and size of Staphylococcus aureus‐derived MVs are both similar to those of Gram‐negative bacteria. With a proteomics approach, we identified with high confidence a total of 90 protein components of S. aureus‐derived MVs. In the group of identified proteins, the highly enriched extracellular proteins suggested that a specific sorting mechanism for vesicular proteins exists. We also identified proteins that facilitate the transfer of proteins to other bacteria, as well to eliminate competing organisms, antibiotic resistance, pathological functions in systemic infections, and MV biogenesis. Taken together, these observations suggest that the secretion of MVs is an evolutionally conserved, universal process that occurs from simple organisms to complex multicellular organisms. This information will help us not only to elucidate the biogenesis and functions of MVs, but also to develop therapeutic tools for vaccines, diagnosis, and antibiotics effective against pathogenic strains of Gram‐positive bacteria.
Other than IPG‐DALT: 2‐DE variants
Authors: Miller Ingrid , Eberini Ivano , Gianazza Elisabetta
Published: October 2009

Special problems require special solutions. That is why, despite the trend towards standardization of the procedures in proteomic investigations, a number of alternative protocols, based on 2‐DE, have been devised with time and are applied to the resolution of proteins on which the performance of IPG‐DALT is poor. The difficult‐to‐handle samples include high pI, high molecular size and high hydrophobicity proteins. The protocol variants entail changes in the gel media and/or the use of unusual additives (often surfactants or solvents). But also:Specific questions require specific answers. When the aim is not the resolution of individual polypeptide chains in a fully unfolded state but the analysis of higher‐order structures (proteins assembled from subunits, complexes assembled from interacting proteins) the standard conditions under which IPG‐DALT is performed turn inadequate. Electrophoresis is then performed either in first dimension or in both first dimension and second dimension under non‐denaturing (native) and/or non‐reducing conditions.
Technologies for plasma membrane proteomics
Authors: Cordwell Stuart J. , Thingholm Tine E.
Published: October 2009

Cell–cell and intracellular signaling are critical mechanisms by which an organism can respond quickly and appropriately to internal or environmental stimuli. Transmission of the stimulus to effector proteins must be coordinated, rapid and transient such that the response is not exaggerated and the overall balance of the cell or tissue is retained. Proteomics technology has traditionally been adept at analyzing effector proteins (such as cytoskeletal and heat shock proteins, and those involved in metabolic processes) in studies examining the effects of altered environmental or nutritional conditions, drugs, or genetic manipulation, since these proteins are often highly abundant, soluble and therefore amenable to analysis. Conversely, the proteins mediating the transmission of the signal have been generally under‐represented, typically because of their low abundance. One mechanism that has overcome this to some extent is the advent of very high‐resolution phosphoproteomics techniques, which have enabled temporal profiling of intracellular signal pathways via quantitative assessment of peptide phosphorylation sites. One group of proteins, however, that still remains under‐represented in proteomics studies are those found in the plasma membrane (PM). Such proteins are crucial in sensing changes in the external environment and in stimulating the transmission of the signal intracellularly. This review examines PM proteins and appraises the proteomics approaches currently available for providing a comprehensive analysis of these crucial mediators of signal pathways. We discuss different strategies for enrichment and solubilization of these proteins and include discussion on cross‐linking of PM complexes and glycoproteomics as the basis for purification prior to proteomic analyses.
Project Success as a Topic in Project Management Journals
Authors: Ika Lavagnon A.
Published: October 2009

This article highlights the characteristics of articles on project success published between 1986 and 2004 in the Project Management Journal (PMJ) and the International Journal of Project Management (IJPM). The analysis covers references, concepts like project management success, project success, success criteria, and success factors; features of the samples, data collection, and analysis techniques used; and professional disciplines. The results show that research on project success is characterized by diversity except in epistemological and methodological perspectives. The article suggests a shift to project, portfolio, and program success and concludes with a discussion on the traditional state of the research, criticizes its assumptions, and offers alternative metaphors and recommendations for future research.
Intrathoracic nontuberculous mycobacterial infections in otherwise healthy children
Authors: Freeman Alexandra F. , Olivier Kenneth N. , Rubio Thomas T. , Bartlett Glen , Ochi James W , Claypool Reginald J. , Ding Li , Kuhns Douglas B. , Holland Steven M.
Published: October 2009

Background

Nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection is typically associated with lymphadenitis in immune competent children, and disseminated disease in children with immune deficiencies. Isolated pulmonary NTM disease is seen in cystic fibrosis, and is increasingly recognized in immunocompetent elderly women, where it is associated with an increased incidence of cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) mutations. Thoracic NTM infection has been reported rarely in otherwise healthy children. We aimed to determine whether otherwise healthy children with pulmonary NTM disease had immunologic abnormalities or CFTR mutations. Clinical presentations of five otherwise healthy children with pulmonary NTM were reviewed. Immunologic studies were performed including a complete blood cell count (CBC), flow cytometric lymphocyte phenotyping and IFN‐gamma receptor expression, in vitro cytokine stimulation, and serum immunoglobulin levels. Mutational analysis was performed for CFTR. The children ranged in age from 12 months to 2.5 years at diagnosis. Four presented with new onset wheezing or stridor failing bronchodilator therapy. One child was asymptomatic. Endobronchial lesions and/or hilar lymph nodes causing bronchial obstruction were identified in all patients. Mycobacterium avium complex was cultured from four patients, and Mycobacterium abscessus from one patient. All patients were successfully treated with anti‐mycobacterial therapy with or without surgery. No definitive immunologic abnormalities were identified. No clinically significant mutations were found in CFTR. Pulmonary NTM infection should be considered in otherwise healthy young children presenting with refractory stridor or wheezing with endobronchial lesions or hilar lymphadenopathy. It does not appear to be associated with recognized underlying immune deficiency or CFTR mutations. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:1051–1056. ©2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Daycare attendance and risk for respiratory morbidity among young very low birth weight children
Authors: Hagen Erika W. , Sadek‐Badawi Mona , Palta Mari
Published: October 2009

Daycare attendance and very low birth weight (VLBW, ≤1,500 g) are associated with respiratory morbidity during childhood. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether daycare attendance is associated with even higher risk for respiratory problems among VLBW children. We hypothesized that VLBW children attending daycare, in a private home or daycare center, are at higher risk for respiratory problems than VLBW children not attending daycare. We also investigated whether the effect of daycare is independent or synergistic with respiratory risk resulting from being VLBW, as indicated by having bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) as a neonate. We conducted a prospective study of VLBW children followed from birth to age 2–3 (N = 715). Logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between daycare attendance and respiratory problems, adjusting for known neonatal risk factors for poor respiratory outcomes. Attending daycare in either a private home or in a daycare center was significantly associated with higher risk of lower respiratory infections than never attending. Attending a daycare center was also associated with higher risk for wheezy chest, cough without a cold, and respiratory medication use. While having BPD was associated with increased risk for respiratory problems, daycare attendance and BPD were not found to be synergistic risk factors for respiratory problems among VLBW children, but acted independently to increase risk. This implies that the increase in risk for respiratory problems associated with daycare attendance may be similar among VLBW children and those of normal birth weight. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:1093–1099. ©2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cystic fibrosis HRCT scores correlate strongly with pseudomonas infection
Authors: Robinson Terry E. , Leung Ann N. , Chen Xiaorong , Moss Richard B. , Emond M.J.
Published: October 2009

Background

In order to establish a valid surrogate outcome measure, it must be shown that the outcome measure (chest HRCT scores in cystic fibrosis [CF] patients) demonstrates strong statistical association with established endpoints of disease, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) airway acquisition, acute exacerbations, or mortality.

Methods

We estimated and tested the association between Pa infection status (Pa+ vs. Pa−) and baseline chest HRCT scores in 25 children with mild‐to‐moderate CF lung disease. For comparison, we estimated the association between Pa status and pulmonary function tests (PFTs), chest X‐rays (CXR) scores, and BMI. Pa acquisition was determined from respiratory culture results and systematic review of clinic notes.

Results

All subjects had respiratory cultures performed prior to or at baseline with a median of 19 months of retrospective culture observation (SD = 15.7 months, range: 0–52.5 months). The difference between age‐adjusted mean total HRCT score for Pa+ versus Pa− was highly significant (P < 0.00001) with a near‐perfect separation between scores in Pa+ versus Pa− patients. Similar results were found for several HRCT sub‐scores. Among PFTs, only residual volume‐to‐total lung capacity (RV/TLC) had a significant difference between group means (P = 0.03), but the overlap between groups in RV/TLC measurements was large.

Conclusions

CF HRCT scores correlate highly with Pa acquisition, a clinically meaningful measure of progressing CF lung disease. HRCT scores are highly sensitive at predicting Pa acquisition status, while most PFT measures, chest radiograph (CXR) scores, and body mass index are not. These results provide further evidence that HRCT is appropriate for use in patient care and as an outcome measure in clinical trials. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:1107–1117. ©2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of spray application technique on spray deposition in greenhouse strawberries and tomatoes
Authors: Braekman Pascal , Foque Dieter , Messens Winy , Van Labeke Marie‐Christine , Pieters Jan G , Nuyttens David
Published: October 2009

BACKGROUND: Increasingly, Flemish greenhouse growers are using spray booms instead of spray guns to apply plant protection products. Although the advantages of spray booms are well known, growers still have many questions concerning nozzle choice and settings. Spray deposition using a vertical spray boom in tomatoes and strawberries was compared with reference spray equipment. Five different settings of nozzle type, size and pressure were tested with the spray boom.

RESULTS: In general, the standard vertical spray boom performed better than the reference spray equipment in strawberries (spray gun) and in tomatoes (air‐assisted sprayer). Nozzle type and settings significantly affected spray deposition and crop penetration. Highest overall deposits in strawberries were achieved using air‐inclusion or extended‐range nozzles. In tomatoes, the extended‐range nozzles and the twin air‐inclusion nozzles performed best. Using smaller‐size extended‐range nozzles above the recommended pressure range resulted in lower deposits, especially inside the crop canopy.

CONCLUSIONS: The use of a vertical spray boom is a promising technique for applying plant protection products in a safe and efficient way in tomatoes and strawberries, and nozzle choice and setting should be carefully considered. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Single‐wall carbon nanotubes: spintronics in the Luttinger liquid phase
Authors: Dóra Balázs , Gulácsi Miklós , Rusznyák Ádám , Koltai János , Zólyomi Viktor , Kürti Jenö , Simon Ferenc
Published: October 2009

We study the electron spin resonance (ESR) intensity in the Luttinger liquid phase of carbon nanotubes. The ESR measurables such as the signal intensity and the line‐width are calculated in the framework of Luttinger liquid theory with broken spin rotational symmetry as a function of magnetic field and temperature. The linewidth is broadened significantly at high temperatures, and the intensity is well describes by Lorentzians. At very low temperatures, however, the ESR lineshape becomes asymmetric around the resonance, and is characterized by threshold behavior. These observables are of special importance for the spintronics applications of carbon nanotubes.
Control of p‐doping on single‐walled carbon nanotubes with nitronium hexafluoroantimonate in liquid phase
Authors: Kim Ki Kang , Bae Jung Jun , Kim Soo Min , Park Hyeon Ki , An Kay Hyeok , Lee Young Hee
Published: October 2009

We report that nitronium hexafluoroantimonate (NHFA) can be used as a strong p‐type dopant on single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). The diameter range of SWCNTs in this work ranged from 1.2 to 1.8 nm. The NHFA was dissolved in a mixed solution of tetramethylsilane/1,2‐dichloroethane (1:1 by weight) with SWCNTs. The treated samples in liquid phase were characterized by UV–VIS–NIR absorption and Raman spectroscopies. We found that with increasing the NHFA concentration, the van Hove singularity‐related transitions (${\rm E}_{11}^{\rm S}$, ${\rm E}_{22}^{\rm S}$, and ${\rm E}_{11}^{\rm M}$) in the optical absorption spectra disappeared gradually and a new transition peak was clearly observed near 1.33 eV. G‐band in the Raman spectra was upshifted to 1618 cm−1 from 1587 cm−1 of the pristine peak due to the phonon stiffening, an evidence of p‐type doping. The sheet resistance of the SWCNT film was reduced up to 90%. After thermal annealing, the Raman spectra were recovered, similar to those of the pristine sample without any damage.
Online three‐dimensional SLAM by registration of large planar surface segments and closed‐form pose‐graph relaxation
Authors: Pathak Kaustubh , Birk Andreas , Vaskevicius Narunas , Pfingsthorn Max , Schwertfeger Sören , Poppinga Jann
Published: October 2009

A fast pose‐graph relaxation technique is presented for enhancing the consistency of three‐dimensional (3D) maps created by registering large planar surface patches. The surface patches are extracted from point clouds sampled from a 3D range sensor. The plane‐based registration method offers an alternative to the state‐of‐the‐art algorithms and provides advantages in terms of robustness, speed, and storage. One of its features is that it results in an accurate determination of rotation, although a lack of predominant surfaces in certain directions may result in translational uncertainty in those directions. Hence, a loop‐closing and relaxation problem is formulated that gains significant speed by relaxing only the translational errors and utilizes the full‐translation covariance determined during pairwise registration. This leads to a fast 3D simultaneous localization and mapping suited for online operations. The approach is tested in two disaster scenarios that were mapped at the NIST 2008 Response Robot Evaluation Exercise in Disaster City, Texas. The two data sets from a collapsed car park and a flooding disaster consist of 26 and 70 3D scans, respectively. The results of these experiments show that our approach can generate 3D maps without motion estimates by odometry and that it outperforms iterative closest point–based mapping with respect to speed and robustness. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mining maximal quasi‐bicliques: Novel algorithm and applications in the stock market and protein networks
Authors: Sim Kelvin , Li Jinyan , Gopalkrishnan Vivekanand , Liu Guimei
Published: October 2009

Several real‐world applications require mining of bicliques, as they represent correlated pairs of data clusters. However, the mining quality is adversely affected by missing and noisy data. Moreover, some applications only requirestronginteractions between data members of the pairs, but bicliques are pairs that displaycompleteinteractions. We address these two limitations by proposingmaximal quasi‐bicliques. Maximal quasi‐bicliques tolerate erroneous and missing data, and also relax the interactions between the data members of their pairs. Besides, maximal quasi‐bicliques do not suffer from skewed distribution of missing edges that prior quasi‐bicliques have. We develop an algorithmMQBminer, which mines the complete set of maximal quasi‐bicliques from either bipartite or non‐bipartite graphs. We demonstrate the versatility and effectiveness of maximal quasi‐bicliques to discover highly correlated pairs of data in two diverse real‐world datasets. First, we propose to solve a novel financial stocks analysis problem using maximal quasi‐bicliques to co‐cluster stocks and financial ratios. Results show that the stocks in our co‐clusters usually have significant correlations in their price performance. Second, we use maximal quasi‐bicliques on a mining protein network problem and we show that pairs of protein groups mined by maximal quasi‐bicliques are more significant than those mined by maximal bicliques. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., A Wiley Company
Does self‐efficacy affect entrepreneurial investment?
Authors: Cassar Gavin , Friedman Henry
Published: October 2009

We empirically examine the effect of self‐efficacy on entrepreneurial investment choices. We identify various attributes of entrepreneurial investment and argue that higher self‐efficacy is associated with more aggressive entrepreneurial investment decisions. We show that self‐efficacy increases the likelihood of being a nascent entrepreneur and creating an operating business. Self‐efficacy also increases the proportion of personal wealth invested in the venture and the amount of hours per week the entrepreneur devotes to the venture. These results are significant even when controlling for other known characteristics associated with entrepreneurial investment. Copyright © 2009 Strategic Management Society.
Integrated exposure modeling: A model using GIS and GLM
Authors: Holford Theodore R. , Ebisu Keita , McKay Lisa A. , Gent Janneane F. , Triche Elizabeth W. , Bracken Michael B. , Leaderer Brian P.
Published: October 2009

Traffic exhaust is a source of air contaminants that have adverse health effects. Quantification of traffic as an exposure variable is complicated by aerosol dispersion related to variation in layout of roads, traffic density, meteorology, and topography. A statistical model is presented that uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to incorporate variables into a generalized linear model that estimates distribution of traffic‐related pollution. Exposure from a source is expressed as an integral of a function proportional to average daily traffic and a nonparametric dispersion function, which takes the form of a step, polynomial, or spline model. The method may be applied using standard regression techniques for fitting generalized linear models. Modifiers of pollutant dispersion such as wind direction, meteorology, and landscape features can also be included. Two examples are given to illustrate the method. The first employs data from a study in which NO2 (a known pollutant from automobile exhaust) was monitored outside of 138 Connecticut homes, providing a model for estimating NO2 exposure. In the second example, estimated levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) from the model, as well as a separate spatial model, were used to analyze traffic‐related health effects in a study of 761 infants. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Soft handoff support for SIP‐NEMO: design, implementation, and performance evaluation
Authors: Yang Shun‐Ren , Huang Ya‐Jun , Chiu Chun‐Wei
Published: October 2009

SIP‐NEMO has previously been proposed in the literature as a NEtwork MObility (NEMO) solution. However, the SIP‐NEMO handoff delay has been shown to be more than 320 ms, which is intolerable for real‐time services. In this paper, we focus on reducing the SIP‐NEMO handoff delay. We design a soft handoff mechanism for SIP‐NEMO and implement a test‐bed for it with soft handoff support. The experimental results indicate that our SIP‐NEMO with soft handoff support can effectively reduce the handoff disruption time from those of SIP‐NEMO without soft handoff and MIPv4‐NEMO with fast handover. Thus, our proposed soft handoff mechanism for SIP‐NEMO can improve the handoff performance so it can meet the delay requirements of real‐time multimedia applications. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Routing in intermittent networks using storage domains
Authors: Mundur Padma , Lee Sookyoung , Seligman Matthew
Published: October 2009

In this paper, we present a routing algorithm for a class of networks where a contemporaneous end‐to‐end path may not exist at the time of data transfer due to intermittent links. Several examples of such networks exist in the context of sensor networks, mobile ad hoc networks and delay tolerant networks. The proposed routing algorithms follow a priori routing similar to source routing. Link state changes are assumed to be known ahead of time, for instance, due to planned duty cycling resulting in scheduled connectivity. The basic idea behind the proposed routing algorithms is to modify the breadth first search (BFS) algorithm to take into account link state changes and find the quickest route between source and destination nodes. We introduce the idea of time‐varying storage domains where all nodes connected for a length of time act as a single storage unit by sharing the aggregated storage capacity of the nodes. This will help situations where storage is a limited resource. We evaluate the routing algorithm with and without storage domain in an extensive simulation. The delay performance of the proposed algorithms is conceptually the same as flooding‐based algorithms but without the penalty of multiple copies. More significantly, we show that the Quickest Storage Domain (Quickest SD) algorithm distributes the storage demand across many nodes in the network topology, enabling balanced load and higher network utilization. In fact, we show that for the same level of performance, we can actually cut the storage requirement in half using the Quickest SD algorithm. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thyroid Ultrasonography
Authors: Ito Yasuhiro , Amino Nobuyuki , Miyauchi Akira
Published: October 2009

Background

The recent prevalence of ultrasonography (US) has facilitated the early detection and qualitative evaluation of thyroid nodules. Furthermore, novel technical developments are extending the application range of US for other thyroid diseases.

Methods

The use of US to differentiate between thyroid carcinoma and benign nodule, between a metastatic lymph node and a reactive node, between thyroid lymphoma and chronic thyroiditis, and between destruction‐induced thyrotoxicosis and Graves’ disease is introduced.

Results

Classification systems for thyroid nodule have shown high diagnostic accuracy for thyroid carcinomas except follicular carcinoma. US diagnosis of lymph node metastasis showed high specificity but low sensitivity. Patients who were suspected of thyroid lymphoma based on US findings should undergo incisional biopsy or thyroidectomy for diagnosis of the histologic type if fine‐needle aspiration biopsy findings suggest lymphoma. Patients should be carefully followed even if they were diagnosed as negative based on cytologic findings. Measurement of thyroid blood flow is helpful for diagnosing destruction‐induced thyrotoxicosis, such as painless thyroiditis, by distinguishing the lesion from Graves’ disease.

Conclusions

Ultrasonography is useful for diagnosing various thyroid diseases, including thyroid carcinoma. The remaining issue to be resolved is the diagnosis of follicular carcinoma. Trials using novel techniques to differentiate these lesions are expected.
Outcome of Arterial Reconstruction and Free‐Flap Coverage in Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Long‐Term Results
Authors: Randon Caren , Vermassen Frank , Jacobs Bart , De Ryck Frederik , Van Landuyt Koenraad , Taes Yoeri
Published: October 2009

Background

Major amputation for advanced soft tissue loss with bone and tendon exposure, can be prevented in diabetes patients with a combined arterial reconstruction and free‐flap transfer. We reviewed our 15‐year outcome and evaluated the feasibility to save diabetic feet by means of this aggressive strategy.

Methods

A total of 55 type II diabetes patients (42–80 years of age), hospitalized between January 1992 and December 2006 for a combined arterial reconstruction and free‐flap transfer, were followed until December 2007. All would have otherwise required at least a below‐knee amputation. Arterial reconstructions, preferentially with autologous vein, were performed in combination with free tissue transfer, simultaneously or staged. The rectus abdominis muscle was the most frequently used muscle graft, although in recent years a growing number of alternative muscle and perforator flaps were used.

Results

The mean follow‐up was 22 months (range: 1–180 months). Major complications occurred in 37% with only one in‐hospital death. Major amputations were performed in 15 patients, 5 in the early postoperative period. The 1‐year and 3‐year limb salvage rates were 75.8 and 64.3%, with a 1‐year and 3‐year amputation‐free survival of 69.5% and 55.8%. The 1‐year and 3‐year secondary patency for graft and free flap was 78.7% and 60.2%, respectively. Renal insufficiency was a major risk factor for limb loss (Hazard Ratio [HR] 5.581 (95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.384–22.5)). Independent ambulation was regained in 38 patients.

Conclusions

Combined arterial reconstruction and free tissue transfer provides an excellent long‐term result with regard to amputation‐free survival and limb salvage. It should be considered in every diabetes patient with extensive soft tissue deficits before amputation is performed.
Soil carbon flux following pulse precipitation events in the shortgrass steppe
Authors: Munson Seth M. , Benton Tyler J. , Lauenroth William K. , Burke Ingrid C.
Published: October 2009

Pulses of water availability characterize semiarid and arid ecosystems. Most precipitation events in these ecosystems are small (≤10 mm), but can stimulate carbon flux. The large proportion of carbon stored belowground and small carbon inputs create the potential for these small precipitation events to have large effects on carbon cycling. Land‐use change can modify these effects through alteration of the biota and soil resources. The goal of our research was to determine how small precipitation events (2, 5, and 10 mm) affected the dynamics of soil carbon flux and water loss in previously cultivated Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) fields and undisturbed shortgrass steppe. Total carbon loss and duration of elevated carbon flux increased as event size increased in all field types. Time since cultivation increased in importance for carbon flux as event size increased. A comparison of water loss rates to carbon flux suggests that water is limiting to carbon flux for the smallest events, but is less limiting for events above 5 mm. We also describe how water availability interacts with temperature in controlling carbon flux rate. We conclude that small precipitation events have the potential for large short‐term losses of carbon in the shortgrass steppe.
Anatomic Variations of the First Extensor Compartment and Abductor Pollicis Longus Tendon in Trapeziometacarpal Arthritis
Authors: Opreanu Razvan C. , Wechter John , Tabbaa Hazem , Kepros John P. , Baulch Michelle , Xie Yan , Lackey Wendy , Katranji Abdalmajid
Published: October 2009

Anatomic variation of the trapeziometacarpal joint stabilizing structures is one of the concepts proposed to explain the pathogenesis of trapeziometacarpal arthritis. We undertook this study to test the hypothesis that septation of the first extensor compartment or variation of the abductor pollicis longus (APL) tendon (supernumerary insertions) are more frequently associated with the progression or severity of trapeziometacarpal arthritis. Septation within the first extensor compartment was significantly associated with trapeziometacarpal arthritis ( p=0.013), whereas supernumerary APL insertions (trapezium or thenar) did not reveal a significant association ( p=0.811 and p=0.937, respectively). The results of this study do not support a role for variations of APL tendon insertions in trapeziometacarpal arthritis. Yet, the presence of septation within the first extensor compartment may play an important role in the pathogenesis of trapeziometacarpal arthritis.
New Hybrid Properties of TiO2 Nanoparticles Surface Modified With Catecholate Type Ligands
Authors: Janković Ivana A , Šaponjić Zoran V , Džunuzović Enis S , Nedeljković Jovan M
Published: October 2009

Surface modification of nanocrystalline TiO2 particles (45 Å) with bidentate benzene derivatives (catechol, pyrogallol, and gallic acid) was found to alter optical properties of nanoparticles. The formation of the inner-sphere charge–transfer complexes results in a red shift of the semiconductor absorption compared to unmodified nanocrystallites. The binding structures were investigated by using FTIR spectroscopy. The investigated ligands have the optimal geometry for chelating surface Ti atoms, resulting in ring coordination complexes (catecholate type of binuclear bidentate binding–bridging) thus restoring in six-coordinated octahedral geometry of surface Ti atoms. From the Benesi–Hildebrand plot, the stability constants at pH 2 of the order 103 M−1 have been determined.
Interaction Between Nano-Anatase TiO2 and Liver DNA from Mice In Vivo
Authors: Li Na , Ma Linglan , Wang Jue , Zheng Lei , Liu Jie , Duan Yanmei , Liu Huiting , Zhao Xiaoyang , Wang Sisi , Wang Han , Hong Fashui , Xie Yaning
Published: October 2009

Nano-TiO2 was shown to cause various toxic effects in both rats and mice; however, the molecular mechanism by which TiO2 exerts its toxicity is poorly understood. In this report, an interaction of nano-anatase TiO2 with liver DNA from ICR mice was systematically studied in vivo using ICP-MS, various spectral methods and gel electrophoresis. We found that the liver weights of the mice treated with higher amounts of nano-anatase TiO2 were significantly increased. Nano-anatase TiO2 could be accumulated in liver DNA by inserting itself into DNA base pairs or binding to DNA nucleotide that bound with three oxygen or nitrogen atoms and two phosphorous atoms of DNA with the Ti–O(N) and Ti–P bond lengths of 1.87 and 2.38 Å, respectively, and alter the conformation of DNA. And gel electrophoresis showed that higher dose of nano-anatase TiO2 could cause liver DNA cleavage in mice.
Financing Community Development in the US: A Comparison of “War on Poverty” and 1990s-Era Policy Approaches
Authors: Dymski Gary Arthur
Published: October 2009

This paper first analyzes the role of finance in community development, and then contrasts 1990s development-financing policies with those undertaken decades earlier in the context of the federal “War on Poverty.” It is shown that the Clinton-Bush era programs in support of community development were less extensive than War on Poverty programs. Further, they were weighted toward large banks and large commercial real-estate projects, and did not take into account the implications of the changing strategies and activities of private-sector banking firms. Consequently, programs implemented in the 1990s and afterward by the Clinton and Bush Administrations had relatively little impact. This paper then suggests some lessons for the new Administration.
Acute effects of intravenous and rectal acetate on glucagon-like peptide-1, peptide YY, ghrelin, adiponectin and tumour necrosis factor-α
Authors: Freeland Kristin R. , Wolever Thomas M. S.
Published: October 2009

In animals, colonic infusion of SCFA does not affect glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) release whereas intravenous infusion does and SCFA may directly stimulate peptide YY (PYY) release. It is unknown whether SCFA and their route of administration affect human blood concentrations of GLP-1 and PYY. Our aim was to conduct a pilot study to determine the effects of intravenous and rectal acetate on blood concentrations of GLP-1, PYY, ghrelin, adiponectin and TNF-α in hyperinsulinaemic human subjects. Six hyperinsulinaemic female subjects were given 20 mmol sodium acetate intravenously, 60 mmol acetate rectally, or normal saline rectally or intravenously on four separate occasions in randomised order, with blood samples collected at 0, 10, 15, 30, 45 and 60 min. Change in plasma PYY was significantly higher after acetate and rectal infusions (9·69 and 13·78 pg/ml) compared with saline and intravenous (0·60 and − 3·1 pg/ml; P < 0·01), respectively. Change in plasma GLP-1 was increased by rectal and acetate infusions (0·25 and 0·23 mmol/l) v. intravenous and saline ( − 0·26 and − 0·19 mmol/l; P < 0·01). Acetate decreased TNF-α v. saline ( − 0·8 and 0·15 pg/ml; P < 0·05). Rectal infusions increased TNF-α and ghrelin (0·2 and 98·27 pg/ml) v. intravenous ( − 0·9 and − 40 pg/ml; P < 0·01). There was no effect of treatment on plasma adiponectin. These preliminary results suggest that acetate raises plasma PYY and GLP-1, and suppresses TNF-α. Also, distending the rectum increases PYY, GLP-1, TNF-α and ghrelin in hyperinsulinaemic females. Increasing colonic fermentation products, particularly acetate, could yield a new mechanism for modifying weight gain.
Consumption of coffee, green tea, oolong tea, black tea, chocolate snacks and the caffeine content in relation to risk of diabetes in Japanese men and women
Authors: Oba Shino , Nagata Chisato , Nakamura Kozue , Fujii Kaori , Kawachi Toshiaki , Takatsuka Naoyoshi , Shimizu Hiroyuki
Published: October 2009

Although the inverse association between coffee consumption and risk of diabetes has been reported numerous times, the role of caffeine intake in this association has remained unclear. We evaluated the consumption of coffee and other beverages and food containing caffeine in relation to the incidence of diabetes. The study participants were 5897 men and 7643 women in a community-based cohort in Takayama, Japan. Consumption of coffee, green tea, oolong tea, black tea and chocolate snacks were measured with a semi-quantitative FFQ in 1992. At the follow-up survey in 2002, the development of diabetes and the time of diagnosis were reported. To assess the association, age, smoking status, BMI, physical activity, education in years, alcohol consumption, total energy intake, fat intake and women's menopausal status were adjusted. Among men who consumed one cup per month to six cups per week and among those who consumed one cup per d or more, the associated hazard ratios were 0·69 (95 % CI 0·50, 0·97) and 0·69 (95 % CI 0·49, 0·98) compared with those who drank little to no coffee, with a P value for trend of 0·32. The hazard ratios for women with the same coffee consumption patterns were 1·08 (95 % CI 0·74, 1·60) and 0·70 (95 % CI 0·44, 1·12), with a P value for trend of 0·03. The association between estimated total caffeine intake and risk of diabetes was insignificant both among men and among women. The results imply that coffee consumption decreased the risk of developing diabetes. The protective effect may exist aside from the influence of caffeine intake.
Explicit algebraic subgrid stress models with application to rotating channel flow
Authors: MARSTORP LINUS , BRETHOUWER GEERT , GRUNDESTAM OLOF , JOHANSSON ARNE V.
Published: October 2009

New explicit subgrid stress models are proposed involving the strain rate and rotation rate tensor, which can account for rotation in a natural way. The new models are based on the same methodology that leads to the explicit algebraic Reynolds stress model formulation for Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes simulations. One dynamic model and one non-dynamic model are proposed. The non-dynamic model represents a computationally efficient subgrid scale (SGS) stress model, whereas the dynamic model is the most accurate. The models are validated through large eddy simulations (LESs) of spanwise and streamwise rotating channel flow and are compared with the standard and dynamic Smagorinsky models. The proposed explicit dependence on the system rotation improves the description of the mean velocity profiles and the turbulent kinetic energy at high rotation rates. Comparison with the dynamic Smagorinsky model shows that not using the eddy-viscosity assumption improves the description of both the Reynolds stress anisotropy and the SGS stress anisotropy. LESs of rotating channel flow at Reτ = 950 have been carried out as well. These reveal some significant Reynolds number influences on the turbulence statistics. LESs of non-rotating turbulent channel flow at Reτ = 950 show that the new explicit model especially at coarse resolutions significantly better predicts the mean velocity, wall shear and Reynolds stresses than the dynamic Smagorinsky model, which is probably the result of a better prediction of the anisotropy of the subgrid dissipation.
What have the genomics ever done for the psychoses?
Authors: Gill M. , Donohoe G. , Corvin A.
Published: October 2009

Background

Despite the substantial heritability of the psychoses and their genuine public health burden, the applicability of the genomic approach in psychiatry has been strongly questioned or prematurely dismissed.

Method

A selective review of the recent literature on molecular genetic and genomic approaches to the psychoses including the early output from genome-wide association studies and the genomic analysis of DNA structural variation.

Results

Susceptibility variants at strong candidate genes have been identified including neuregulin, dysbindin, DISC1 and neurexin 1. Rare but highly penetrant copy number variants and new mutations affecting genes involved in neurodevelopment, cell signalling and synaptic function have been described showing some overlapping genetic architecture with other developmental disorders including autism. Thede-novomutations described offer an explanation for the familial sporadic divide and the persistence of schizophrenia in the population. The functional effects of risk variants at the level of cognition and connectivity has been described and recently, ZNF804A has been identified, and the MHC re-identified as risk loci, and it has been shown that at least a third of the variation in liability is due to multiple common risk variants of small effect with a substantial shared genetic liability between schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder.

Conclusions

The genomics have done much for the psychoses to date and more is anticipated.
The wellbeing of childless men and fathers in mid-life
Authors: DYKSTRA PEARL A. , KEIZER RENSKE
Published: October 2009

Using data from the first wave of the Netherlands Kinship Panel Study conducted in 2002–03, this paper examines the economic, psychological and social wellbeing among 1,467 men aged 40–59 years with different parenthood histories and circumstances: the childless, fathers who live with their children, non-co-resident fathers, and ‘empty-nest fathers’. The gerontological interest is whether there are variations in wellbeing by parenting, and whether they persist in old age. The results showed that fathers have higher incomes than childless men, regardless of their partner history. As regards psychological wellbeing, men's partner history counts, not their parenthood status. Being single contributes to low levels of psychological wellbeing. The findings provide evidence of the socially integrating effects of parenthood and for men's ‘good-provider’ role. Childless men and non-co-resident fathers report poorer quality family relationships. In addition, childless men were least likely to report helping others in the community. Overall, more support is found for the notion that fatherhood is a transforming event than that the wellbeing benefits derive from fathering activities. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications of the findings for inequalities in wellbeing and informal support among the male members of the cohort born during 1943–63 when they reach old age.
Childlessness at the end of life: evidence from rural Wales
Authors: WENGER G. CLARE
Published: October 2009

After the spouse, children are the most likely source of informal support for an older person when the frailties of advanced old age create the need for help. Childlessness may thus be seen as particularly a problem for older people. In general, to compensate for the lack of children, childless people develop closer relationships with available next-of-kin and non-kin. Despite this, in times of need they are likely to find themselves with inadequate informal support. Using data from the Bangor Longitudinal Study of Ageing, this article explores the consequences of childlessness among persons aged 85 years or more living in rural Wales. The results indicate that by the time they reach old age, childless people have adapted to their situation and developed expectations consistent with being childfree. They have closer relationships with collateral kin, friendships are important and a high value is placed on independence. Nevertheless, unless they die suddenly or after a short acute illness, almost all of them enter residential care or a long-stay hospital at the end of their lives. It is also shown that the situation of childless people varies greatly and depends on several factors, particularly marital status, gender, social and financial capital, and on the person's earlier investment in the strengthening of next-of-kin and non-kin networks.
What childless older people give: is the generational link broken?
Authors: ALBERTINI MARCO , KOHLI MARTIN
Published: October 2009

With the increase of childlessness in European societies, its consequences have become a matter of concern. Studies in this field, however, have concentrated on what childless people lack and need in terms of social, financial and moral support. In contrast, this article focuses on what childless people give to their families, friends, unrelated others and to society at large. Using 2004 data on social support and financial transfers given and received by people aged 50 or more years in ten European countries from the Survey of Health Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), the analyses show that the support networks of childless older people tend to be somewhat weaker than those of parents and that links with members of the younger generations in the family are stronger for parents than for those without children. The results also indicate, however, that the differences in transfer behaviour between parents and childless adults are small, and that the support networks of the childless are more diverse than those of parents, and characterised by stronger links with ascendants and lateral relatives and with non-relatives. Moreover, people without children tend to be more intensely involved in charities and comparable organisations.
Simulation of NPL in experiments with e-beam pumping
Authors: Fedenev A.V. , Tarasenko V.F.
Published: October 2009

The main goals of this review article are to show, on the basis of the results accumulated in this field, achievements in simulating the processes in nuclear pumped laser (NPL) active media by experiments on e-beam pumping, and to give a number of characteristic experimental examples, when this simulation has improved understanding of the inversion population processes in NPL active media (Cd+, Xe-lasers) or generated interest in experiments with fission fragments excitation (Ne-laser). In the case of the population of laser operation levels in non-equilibrium recombinating plasma, one can say with sufficient accuracy that the inversion population mechanism is identical for both excitation types.
King Edgar's charter for Pershore (AD 972)
Authors: Stokes Peter A.
Published: October 2009

S 786 is one of the so-called Orthodoxorum charters, a group of documents which provide important evidence about the Anglo-Saxon chancery, the development of charters in the tenth century, and the history of Pershore Abbey and the tenth-century Benedictine reforms. The document has therefore received a great deal of attention over the past century or so, but this attention has been focussed on the surviving tenth-century single sheet, and so a second, significantly different version of the text has lain unnoticed. This second version is preserved in a copy made by John Joscelyn, Latin Secretary to Archbishop Matthew Parker. Among the material uniquely preserved in this copy are Old English charter bounds for Wyegate (GL), Cumbtune (Compton, GL?) and part of the bounds probably for Lydney (GL), as well as a reference to a grant by Bishop Werferth of Worcester. In this article both versions of the document are discussed and are published together for the first time, and a translation of the single sheet is provided. The history of the two versions is discussed in some detail, and the text of a twelfth-century letter which refers to the charter is also edited and translated.