bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non‐small‐cell lung cancer associated with excessive eosinophilia and secretion of interleukin‐5 as a paraneoplastic syndrome
Authors: Pandit Renu , Scholnik Aaron , Wulfekuhler Louis , Dimitrov Nikolay
Published: December 2006

Eosinophilia associated with solid tumors is an infrequent occurrence. The pathogenesis of tumor‐associated eosinophilia is not well understood. Interleukin‐5 (IL‐5) is a cytokine that has been implicated in the development of eosinophilia in mice and humans. However, there is little data associating IL‐5 production with eosinophilia in the presence of tumor. We report, in a patient with locally advanced NSCLC, the presence of excessive eosinophilia and elevated serum IL‐5 levels at diagnosis. Immunohistochemical staining of the primary tumor showed large amounts of intracellular IL‐5. Both eosinophil count and IL‐5 levels normalized after surgical removal of the tumor. Tumor‐associated eosinophilia observed in this case is mediated by IL‐5. The production of IL‐5 is related to the presence of the tumor. Am. J. Hematol 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Serine/threonine kinase PKR: A sentinel kinase that discriminates a signaling pathway mediated by TLR4 from those mediated by TLR3 and TLR9
Authors: Asakura Yusuke , Fujiwara Yoshihiro , Kato Naoko , Sato Yuko , Komatsu Toru
Published: December 2006

Cells of the innate immune system discriminate between “noninfectious self” and “infectious nonself” via pattern recognition receptors known as Toll‐like receptors (TLRs). Though TLRs and the related interleukin 1 receptors share considerable homology in their cytoplasmic domains and adaptor molecules, signaling cascades may substantially differ from one another depending on the adaptor proteins recruited. Here we show that ectopic overexpression of catalytically inactive dominant‐negative PKR expression system suppressed NF‐ κ B activation mediated by TLR3, TLR9, TNF receptor 1 and 2 (TNF‐R 1/2), but not by TLR4. Physiological relevance of the observations described here are discussed. Am. J. Hematol 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Very severe thrombocytopenia and fragmentation hemolysis mimicking thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura associated with a giant intracardiac vegetation infected with Staphylococcus epidermidis: Role of monocyte procoagulant activity induced by bacterial supernatant
Authors: Selleng Kathleen , Warkentin Theodore E. , Greinacher Andreas , Morris Andrew M. , Walker Irwin R. , Heggtveit H. Alexander , Eichler Petra , Cybulsky Irene J.
Published: December 2006

The pathogenesis of very severe thrombocytopenia in bacterial endocarditis is uncertain. We report a 50‐year‐old male with platelet counts < 10 × 109/l and fragmentation hemolysis complicating Staphyloccoccus epidermidis pacemaker endocarditis with a giant vegetation. Antibiotics, corticosteroids, high‐dose intravenous gammaglobulin, and plasmapheresis (for initially‐suspected thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura) failed to produce significant platelet count increase. However, therapeutic‐dose heparin anticoagulation was associated with a platelet count increase from <10 to ∼40 × 109/l, with parallel reduction in thrombin‐antithrombin complexes (from 8.9 to 3.5 μg/l), facilitating surgical intervention. The thrombocytopenia promptly resolved following surgical removal of the vegetation. Culture supernatant from S. epidermidis isolated from the patient's blood induced monocytes to express procoagulant activity (assessed by factor Xa generation) equivalent to lipopolysaccharide (1 μg/ml), with half‐maximal activation seen with culture supernatant diluted to 1:12,800. These data are consistent with previous animal models of endocarditis demonstrating staphylococci‐induced procoagulant changes in monocytes. This case demonstrates that heparin anticoagulation can be therapeutic in infective endocarditis‐associated severe thrombocytopenia in a non‐bleeding patient, and that such therapy may ameliorate the platelet count enough to permit surgical intervention. Am. J. Hematol 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A second case of prothrombin puerto rico I in the united states
Authors: Kling Stephen J. , Jones Kimberly A. , Rodgers George M.
Published: December 2006

Prothrombin deficiency is a very rare autosomal recessive bleeding disorder associated with mild to severe bleeding symptoms. We identified this bleeding disorder in a US‐born patient as due to prothrombin Puerto Rico I. Unlike other prothrombin deficiencies, prothrombin Puerto Rico I is a series of concordant polymorphisms found in people of Puerto Rican descent with a much higher frequency than those prothrombin deficiencies found in the general population. This case underscores the importance of family history in identifying rare bleeding disorders. Am. J. Hematol 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Docosahexaenoic acid, the aquatic diet, and hominin encephalization: Difficulties in establishing evolutionary links
Authors: Carlson Bryce A. , Kingston John D.
Published: December 2006

Distinctive characteristics of modern humans, including language, tool manufacture and use, culture, and behavioral plasticity, are linked to changes in the organization and size of the brain during hominin evolution. As brain tissue is metabolically and nutritionally costly to develop and maintain, early hominin encephalization has been linked to a release of energetic and nutritional constraints. One such nutrient‐based approach has focused on the n‐3 long‐chained polyunsaturated fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which is a primary constituent of membrane phospholipids within the synaptic networks of the brain essential for optimal cognitive functioning. As biosynthesis of DHA from n‐3 dietary precursors (alpha‐linolenic acid, LNA) is relatively inefficient, it has been suggested that preformed DHA must have been an integral dietary constituent during evolution of the genus Homo to facilitate the growth and development of an encephalizing brain. Furthermore, preformed DHA has only been identified to an appreciable extent within aquatic resources (marine and freshwater), leading to speculation that hominin encephalization is linked specifically to access and consumption of aquatic resources. The key premise of this perspective is that biosynthesis of DHA from LNA is not only inefficient but also insufficient for the growth and maturation demands of an encephalized brain. However, this assumption is not well‐supported, and much evidence instead suggests that consumption of LNA, available in a wider variety of sources within a number of terrestrial ecosystems, is sufficient for normal brain development and maintenance in modern humans and presumably our ancestors. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 19:132–141, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Variation of skeletal biomarkers of biological aging in a Chuvashian population: A longitudinal study
Authors: Kalichman Leonid , Malkin Ida , Livshits Gregory , Pavlovsky Oleg , Batsevich Valery , Kobyliansky Eugene
Published: December 2006

Osseographic score (OSS) is a skeletal biomarker of biological aging, based on assessment of the hand's radiographic features. The aims of the present cross‐sectional and follow‐up study were: 1) to evaluate age‐related changes of OSS in a large Chuvashian cohort, and 2) to evaluate sex differences in age‐related changes of OSS. This study reports on intersexual differences in the pattern of skeletal aging. The most prominent difference was in the rate of skeletal change, measured as average OSS difference per year. However, no differences were found in the age at which the first skeletal change occurred. The mean values of OSS were higher in males than in females in decades 3–5 of life, but afterwards they reversed. In a follow‐up study, we found that sex differences regarding the rate of OSS change began in the fifth decade, but became statistically significant only in the sixth and seventh decades. Thereafter, the rate of OSS change again became virtually equal between sexes. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 19:74–81, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Studies of human physique and sexual attractiveness: Sexual preferences of men and women in China
Authors: Dixson Barnaby J. , Dixson Alan F. , Li Baoguo , Anderson M.J.
Published: December 2006

Men and women at Northwest University (n = 631), Xi'an, China, were asked to rate the attractiveness of male or female figures manipulated to vary somatotype, waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR), secondary sexual traits, and other features. In study 1, women rated the average masculine somatotype as most attractive, followed by the mesomorphic (muscular), ectomorphic (slim), and endomorphic (heavily built) somatotypes, in descending order of preference. In study 2, the amount and distribution of masculine trunk (chest and abdominal) hair were altered progressively in a series of front‐posed figures. Women rated figures with no or little trunk hair as most attractive. Study 3 assessed the attractiveness of front‐posed male figures which varied only in length of their nonerect penis. Numerical ratings for this trait were low, but moderate lengthening of the penis (22% or 33% above average) resulted in a significant increase in scores for attractiveness. In study 4, Chinese men rated the attractiveness of back‐posed female images varying in waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR from 0.5–1.0). The 0.6 WHR figure was most preferred, followed by 0.7, while figures with higher ratios (0.9 or 1.0) were significantly less attractive. Study 5 rated the attractiveness of female skin color: men expressed a marked preference for images which were lighter in color, as compared to images of average or darker skin colors. These results, the first of their kind reported for a Chinese population, support the view that sexual selection has influenced the evolution of human physique and sexual attractiveness in men and women. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 19:88–95, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impacts of dietary intake and helminth infection on diversity in growth among schoolchildren in rural south China: A four‐year longitudinal study
Authors: Zhou Huan , Watanabe Chiho , Ohtsuka Ryutaro
Published: December 2006

The authors carried out six transverse anthropometric, dietary, and parasitological surveys of 274 schoolchildren (138 boys and 136 girls), aged 10–12 years (in 2001), from the Dongting Lake region in rural South China from 2001 to 2005 to examine intra‐population differences in growth. Compared to the Chinese references, the subject children were judged to be retarded in growth at the population level. Comparisons among tertiles classified by the extents of change in weight‐for‐age Z score from the first to the last survey revealed significant effects of dietary intakes and parasite infections. In particular, there were two observations for the high‐tertile boys and girls, whose Z scores of height‐for‐age, weight‐for‐age and BMI‐for‐age in higher ages were similar to, or higher than, the Chinese references. First, their energy intakes were larger than those of mid‐ and low‐tertile boys and girls but were only 80–88% of the recommended dietary allowances for Chinese. Second, they were characterized by high prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum at the first survey but nil from the second survey. In conclusion, there is a high possibility that the children, who are recognized as undernourished at the population level, are able to attain the Chinese standards by increase of energy intake to the level of 10% lower than the recommended allowance for Chinese and eradication of S. japonicum. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 19:96–106, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Generating information for real‐time optimization
Authors: Pfaff George , Fraser Forbes J. , James McLellan P.
Published: December 2006

Real‐time optimization (RTO) applications monitor the behavior of processes, adjusting the setpoints of process controllers to track significant, low‐frequency changes in the plant optimum. The performance of the optimizer depends on its ability to track these changes effectively and locate the true plant optimum operating conditions. The ability to track changes in turn depends on having sufficient plant information to update parameter estimates, improving the model predictions of the process behavior. This paper proposes an improvement to RTO performance by integrating information generation using experimental design techniques into the RTO algorithm to reduce uncertainty in the final optimization results.

An expansion of the command conditioning (CC) subsystem evaluates when the predicted result from the economic optimizer will not generate a sufficient amount of information for updating. An A‐optimal experimental design criterion is used to reduce uncertainty associated with decision variables by perturbing from the optimal point to another that generates more information. By sacrificing short‐term profit, greater profit can be realized in future RTO intervals. Copyright © 2006 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cover Picture: A Method of Orthogonal Oligosaccharide Synthesis Leading to a Combinatorial Library Based on Stationary Solid‐Phase Reaction (Chem. Asian J. 6/2006)
Authors: Ako Takuro , Daikoku Shusaku , Ohtsuka Isao , Kato Rumiko , Kanie Osamu
Published: December 2006

Libraries not of books but of oligosaccharides have potentially important applications in medicine and the pharmaceutical industry. However, the building of these libraries is hindered by lengthy protocols and specific reaction conditions that cannot be applied generally. In response to these issues, Kanie and co‐workers developed an efficient synthetic strategy based on a combination of solid‐phase reaction and orthogonal glycosylation, in which monosaccharides are coupled to each other step by step to form anomeric combinations of oligosaccharides. Find out more in their Full Paper on page 798 ff.
Palladium Catalysts on Alkaline‐Earth Supports for Racemization and Dynamic Kinetic Resolution of Benzylic Amines
Authors: Parvulescu Andrei N. , Jacobs Pierre A. , De Vos Dirk E.
Published: December 2006

Palladium catalysts on alkaline‐earth supports were studied as new heterogeneous catalysts for racemization of chiral benzylic amines such as 1‐phenylethylamine. Particularly 5 % Pd/BaSO4 and 5 % Pd/CaCO3 were able to selectively racemize amines, with minimal formation of secondary amines or hydrogenolysis to ethylbenzene. In contrast, these side reactions were pronounced on Pd/C. A reaction mechanism is proposed that is consistent with the reaction kinetics. The catalyst activity was found to depend on the number of available surface Pd atoms, determined by titration with CO. The selectivity crucially depends on the rate of condensation of the amine and the primary imine, which is highest on Pd/C. The racemization catalysts were combined in one pot with an immobilized lipase to perform dynamic kinetic resolution of chiral amines. High yields (up to 88 %) of essentially enantiopure amides were obtained in a single step. The chemo‐enzymatic catalyst system proved to be stable and could be reused without losing the initial activity.
Intensity‐modulated or conformal radiotherapy improves the quality of life of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Fang Fu‐Min , Tsai Wen‐Ling , Chen Hui‐Chun , Hsu Hsuan‐Chih , Hsiung Ching‐Yeh , Chien Chih‐Yen , Ko Sheung‐Fat
Published: December 2006

BACKGROUND.

It was reported previously that the dosimetric superiority of conformal radiotherapy (RT), either 3‐dimensional conformal RT (3D‐CRT) or intensity‐modulated RT (IMRT), over conventional 2D‐RT translated into clinical benefits for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). In this study, the authors compared quality‐of‐life (QOL) outcomes of NPC survivors who received treatment with 1 of 4 different RT techniques at a single institute during different periods.

METHODS.

The authors analyzed QOL data of from 237 patients with NPC who were cancer free for 2 or 3 years when their QOL was assessed. The study population included 152 patients who received conventional RT (2D‐RT, 61 patients; 2D‐RT plus 3D‐CRT boost, 91 patients) and 85 patients who received conformal RT (3D‐CRT, 33 patients; IMRT, 52 patients). The European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Core QOL questionnaire and the EORTC Head and Neck QOL questionnaire were completed.

RESULTS.

Compared with patients who received with conventional RT, patients who received conformal RT had both statistically (P < .05) and clinically (a difference in mean scores ≥10 points) significant improvements in the scales of global QOL, pain, appetite loss, senses, speech, social eating, teeth, opening mouth, xerostomia, sticky saliva, and feeling ill. No significant difference was observed in any of the scales that compared 2D‐RT with 2D‐RT plus 3D‐CRT boost or that compared 3D‐CRT with IMRT. Survivors who received conformal RT had a 2.01‐fold higher probability (odds ratio [OR], 2.01; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.19–3.68) of reporting good global QOL and a 2.70‐fold lower probability (OR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.20–0.66) of reporting a high level of xerostomia than survivors who received conventional RT.

CONCLUSIONS.

Conformal RT substantially improved head and neck‐related symptoms and broad aspects of QOL for survivors of NPC. Cancer 2007. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Venous thromboembolism occurs infrequently in meningioma patients receiving combined modality prophylaxis
Authors: Gerber David E. , Segal Jodi B. , Salhotra Amandeep , Olivi Alessandro , Grossman Stuart A. , Streiff Michael B.
Published: December 2006

BACKGROUND.

Individuals with brain tumors have an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Within this population, patients with meningiomas have been reported to have the highest incidence, exceeding rates associated with gliomas and brain metastases. However, earlier studies did not employ VTE prophylaxis, and VTE were detected with radionuclide scans, the reliability of which has since been questioned. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective review of postoperative meningioma patients receiving contemporary VTE prophylaxis and diagnostic methods to define the current incidence of and risk factors for symptomatic VTE in this population.

METHODS.

Medical records were reviewed from all patients undergoing craniotomy for meningioma at Johns Hopkins Hospital in 2004 and 2005. The association between clinical characteristics and VTE was assessed using parametric and nonparametric statistical tests and survival analysis.

RESULTS.

A total of 224 individuals met criteria for the review. The mean age was 52 years (standard deviation [SD] 14 years), and 167 patients (75%) were women. Median follow‐up time was 230 days (interquartile range [IQR], 89–428 days). VTE was diagnosed in 11 patients (4.9%; 95% confidence interval, 2.5%–8.6%) at a median of 16 days (IQR, 7–33 days) postoperatively. The development of VTE was associated with older age (mean, 68 years vs 52 years; P = .0001), male gender (P = .007), and nonambulatory status postoperatively (P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS.

VTE occurs infrequently in postoperative meningioma patients who receive combined modality VTE prophylaxis. VTE risk factors in these patients include advanced age, male gender, and nonambulatory status postoperatively. Cancer 2007. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
ZnO Nanoparticles From a Metal‐Organic Framework Containing ZnII Metallacycles
Authors: Thakuria Harjyoti , Borah Ballav Moni , Das Gopal
Published: December 2006

Nitrilotriacetic acid (H3NTA) reacts in the solid phase with zinc hydroxide (1:1) to form a 3D ladder‐like metal‐organic framework that forms wurtzite ZnO nanoparticles when heated above 600 °C. Complex 1 contains a 1D zig‐zag water chain. A mixed coordination network 2 is formed with excess ZnII hydroxide, which, on decomposition at about 500 °C, forms microwires of ZnO.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
The [Ru(CO)(porphyrin)]‐Catalyzed Synthesis of N‐Aryl‐2‐vinylaziridines
Authors: Piangiolino Cristiana , Gallo Emma , Caselli Alessandro , Fantauzzi Simone , Ragaini Fabio , Cenini Sergio
Published: December 2006

[Ru(CO)(porphyrin)] complexes have been found to catalyze the direct aziridination of conjugated dienes by aryl azides with high chemoselectivity, to provide N‐aryl‐2‐vinylaziridines. To determine the scope of the reaction, several hydrocarbons and azides were tested. The reactions between 2,3‐dimethylbuta‐1,3‐diene and aryl azides bearing electron‐withdrawing groups in the para or meta positions in their aryl moieties occur very efficiently in short times, while the selectivities of the aziridinations are governed by the steric hindrances of the double bonds, so lower yields are registered with sterically encumbered 1,4‐disubstituted dienes, though it is worth noting that the aziridination of trans,trans‐1,4‐diphenylbuta‐1,3‐diene was stereospecific and that only one isomer was obtained. The aza‐[3,3]‐Claisen rearrangement of 2‐isopropenyl‐2‐methyl‐N‐(4‐nitrophenyl)aziridine to produce the corresponding 2,5‐1H‐benzo[b]azepine is also reported.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Supramolecular Structures by Hydrogen Bonding: The Solid‐State Structure of Tris[3‐(3‐dimethylamino‐1‐oxoprop‐2‐enyl)phenyl]phosphane Oxide
Authors: Reis Andreas , Sun Yu , Wolmershäuser Gotthelf , Thiel Werner R.
Published: December 2006

Tris[3‐(3‐dimethylamino‐1‐oxoprop‐2‐enyl)phenyl]phosphaneoxide, which can be synthesized quantitatively by oxidation of the corresponding phosphane, crystallizes in the trigonal space group R$\bar {3}$. Because of the four different strong proton accepting sites (1 × P=O, 3 × C=O), this molecule can form P=O···H–O–H···O=P and C=O···H–C hydrogen bonds in the solid state, which results in the generation of two interpenetrating networks. In the cavities of the solid‐state structure, water and acetone are enclosed.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Electrochemical Characteristics of Glucose Oxidase Adsorbed at Carbon Nanotubes Modified Electrode with Ionic Liquid as Binder
Authors: Liu Ying , Liu Ling , Dong Shaojun
Published: December 2006

Multiwall carbon nanotubes (CNTs)‐modified electrode has been prepared by using ionic liquid (IL) as the binder. The as‐prepared CNTs‐IL composite modified electrode has good biocompatibility and is a suitable matrix to immobilize biomolecules. Glucose oxidase (GOx), containing flavin adenine dinucleotide as active site, stably adsorbed on modified electrode surface has resulted in the direct electron transfer. The electron transfer rate of 9.08 s−1 obtained is much higher than that of GOx adsorbed on the CNTs papers (1.7 s−1), and the process is more reversible with small redox peak separation of 23 mV. This may be due to the synergetic promotion of CNTs and IL to electron transfer of the protein, especially the IL as the binder, showing better electrochemical properties than that of chitosan and Nafion. Furthermore, GOx adsorbed at the modified electrode exhibits good stability and keeps good electrocatalytic activity to glucose with broad linear range up to 20 mM. Besides, the simple preparation procedure and easy renewability make the system a basis to investigate the electron transfer kinetics and biocatalytic performance of GOx and provide a promising platform for the development of biosensors.
Electropolymerized Manganese Tetraaminophthalocyanine Thin Films onto Platinum Ultramicroelectrode for the Electrochemical Detection of Peroxynitrite in Solution
Authors: Cortés José Sandoval , Granados Silvia Gutiérrez , Ordaz Alejandro Alatorre , Jiménez Jorge A. López , Griveau Sophie , Bedioui Fethi
Published: December 2006

Peroxynitrite, ONOO− also so‐called PON, is a very powerful oxidant and cytotoxic agent produced in biological systems by the recombination of nitric oxide and superoxide anion radical. Most of the techniques for assaying PON (chemiluminescence, fluorescence, UV‐visible spectroscopy, immunochemistry and EPR ) use indirect methods relying on measurements of secondary species. We report in this study the calibration of a chemically modified Pt ultramicroelectrode by electropolymerized manganese tetraaminophthalocyanine film (MnTAPc) for the determination of PON in aqueous solution. The obtained result allows showing for the first time a real‐time calibration curve of the amperometric determination of stable PON in aqueous solution. The sensitivity of the sensor is 14.6 nA mM−1 and its detection limit is 5 μM.
Application of microchip‐CE electrophoresis to follow the degradation of phenolic acids by aquatic plants
Authors: Ding Yongsheng , Garcia Carlos D.
Published: December 2006

In this paper, we describe the separation and detection of six phenolic acids using an electrophoretic microchip with pulsed amperometric detection (PAD). The selected phenolic acids are particularly important because of their biological activity. The analysis of these compounds is typically performed by chromatography or standard CE coupled with a wide variety of detection modes. However, these methods are slow, labor intensive, involve a multistep solvent extraction, require skilled personnel, or use bulky and expensive instrumentation. In contrast, microchip CE offers the possibility of performing simpler, less expensive, and faster analysis. In addition, integrated devices can be custom‐fabricated and incorporated with portable computers to perform on‐site analysis. In the present report, the effect of the separation potential, buffer pH and composition, injection time and PAD parameters were studied in an effort to optimize both the separation and detection of these phenolic acids. Using the optimized conditions, the analysis can be performed in less than 3 min, with detection limits ranging from 0.73 μM (0.10 μg/mL) for 4‐hydroxyphenylacetic acid to 2.12 μM (0.29 μg/mL) for salicylic acid. In order to demonstrate the capabilities of the device, the degradation of a mixture of these acids by two aquatic plants was followed using the optimized conditions.
Dielectrophoresis microsystem with integrated flow cytometers for on‐line monitoring of sorting efficiency
Authors: Wang Zhenyu , Hansen Ole , Petersen Peter K. , Rogeberg Anders , Kutter Jörg P. , Bang Dang D. , Wolff Anders
Published: December 2006

Dielectrophoresis (DEP) and flow cytometry are powerful technologies and widely applied in microfluidic systems for handling and measuring cells and particles. Here, we present a novel microchip with a DEP selective filter integrated with two microchip flow cytometers (FCs) for on‐line monitoring of cell sorting processes. On the microchip, the DEP filter is integrated in a microfluidic channel network to sort yeast cells by positive DEP. The two FCs detection windows are set upstream and downstream of the DEP filter. When a cell passes through the detection windows, the light scattered by the cell is measured by integrated polymer optical elements (waveguide, lens, and fiber coupler). By comparing the cell counting rates measured by the two FCs, the collection efficiency of the DEP filter can be determined. The chips were used for quantitative determination of the effect of flow rate, applied voltage, conductivity of the sample, and frequency of the electric field on the sorting efficiency. A theoretical model for the capture efficiency was developed and a reasonable agreement with the experimental results observed. Viable and non‐viable yeast cells showed different frequency dependencies and were sorted with high efficiency. At 2 MHz, more than 90% of the viable and less than 10% of the non‐viable cells were captured on the DEP filter. The presented approach provides quantitative real‐time data for sorting a large number of cells and will allow optimization of the conditions for, e.g., collecting cancer cells on a DEP filter while normal cells pass through the system. Furthermore, the microstructure is simple to fabricate and can easily be integrated with other microstructures for lab‐on‐a‐chip applications.
Optimizing the Production of Bacterial Cellulose in Surface Culture: A Novel Aerosol Bioreactor Working on a Fed Batch Principle (Part 3)
Authors: Hornung M. , Ludwig M. , Schmauder H. P.
Published: December 2006

Parts 1 and 2 have shown that the rate of production of bacterial cellulose stagnates because of the limitation of substrate supply and a wall effect, which hinders the removal of the product from the active cell zone. This paper demonstrates, how both of these problems can be eliminated in a novel bioreactor, where the substrates (mainly glucose and oxygen) are both fed directly to the surface of the product cellulose. This involves the generation of an aerosol spray of glucose and its even distribution to the living bacteria on the medium‐air interface. The apparatus was built and operated up to eight weeks with a constant rate of cellulose production. The aerosol system provides the basis for an economic production of bacterial cellulose in surface culture.
Which elements in the treatment of eating disorders are necessary ‘ingredients’ in the recovery process?—A comparison between the patient's and therapist's view
Authors: Vanderlinden J. , Buis H. , Pieters G. , Probst M.
Published: December 2006

Background

Little is known about which therapeutic ‘ingredients’ in the treatment of eating disorders (anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN) and binge eating disorder(BED)) are needed for recovery. Remarkably, most studies on this topic have neglected the patient's view.

Method

In this study, a large sample of eating disorder patients (n = 132) was invited to evaluate which elements in the treatment they consider to be helpful and effective in their recovery process. These results were compared to the view of 49 eating disorder experts.

Results

Following the patient's view, ‘improving self‐esteem’, ‘improving body experience’ and ‘learning problem solving skills’, were considered as core elements in their treatment. No major differences were found between the different patient samples when comparing the patient's and therapist's view.

Discussion

The findings suggest that therapists and patients share more or less the same view about the basic and effective elements in the treatment. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Exercise behaviours and feelings in eating disorder and non‐eating disorder groups
Authors: Boyd Catherine , Abraham Suzanne , Luscombe Georgina
Published: December 2006

Objectives

To compare exercise feelings and behaviours between female eating disorder (ED) (n = 287) and non‐ED (n = 613) groups. To determine if exercise feelings and behaviours predict the presence of an ED.

Methods

Nine hundred females completed questions about their exercise behaviours and feelings.

Results

Both groups did similar amounts and days of exercise; the ED group scored higher on all other exercise behaviours and feelings except feeling that exercise was important for mood, and for weight loss. Best predictors of an ED diagnosis (VE 15.2%) were; ‘being annoyed if exercise interrupted’ (OR: 1.49; 95% CI 1.04–2.15), ‘others feeling you exercise a lot’ (OR: 1.61; 95% CI 1.06–2.44), ‘feeling bad if unable to exercise a certain amount’ (OR: 1.53; 95% CI 1.34–1.74), ‘feeling that you have/have had problems with exercise’ (OR: 2.12; 95% CI 1.33–3.39).

Discussion

Clinicians assessing eating disordered individuals should address specific exercise feelings, rather than exercise amount or frequency. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Design and Partial Load Performance of a Hybrid System Based on a Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell and a Gas Turbine
Authors: Chen Q. , Weng Y. , Zhu X. , Weng S.
Published: December 2006

This paper addresses the design and part load performance analysis of a hybrid system (HS) combining a molten carbonate fuel cell stack with a micro gas turbine. A numerical simulation is carried out in order to define the optimal parameters of the HS. The calculation results show that the generating efficiency of the HS is close to 60% at the design point and over 56% at part load conditions. At the design point, the net power supplied by the HS is 12.6kW, with about 80% coming from the stack and 20% from the gas turbine. At part load conditions, the contribution of the MCFC increases, since the working performance of the turbine is reduced.
Study of Catalysts for Hydrogen Production by the High Temperature Steam Reforming of Methanol
Authors: Zhang C. , Yuan Z. , Liu N. , Wang S. , Wang S.
Published: December 2006

In the present study, a series of Ir‐based catalysts, supported on Al2O3, ZrO2, CeO2, and CexZr1‐xO2, are investigated for the production of hydrogen by the high temperature steam reforming of methanol (SRM). Results show that CeO2 and CexZr1‐xO2 can promote the CO water gas shift (WGS) reaction, which is involved in the SRM network. Ir/CeO2 exhibits a better initial methanol conversion and its stability can be enhanced by the addition of ZrO2 to CeO2. The TPR and XRD characterization of the CeO2‐ZrO2 mixed oxides shows that Ce0.5Zr0.5O2 is the optimum support in maintaining catalyst activity, as well as stability. The addition of the precious metal Pt to Ir/Ce0.5Zr0.5O2 demonstrates a synergistic effect and can obviously increase the selectivity of H2. In the meantime, the CO content in the reformate products decreases from 9 mol‐% to 6 mol‐%. Under the conditions of H2O/CH3OH=1.5 (molar ratio), LHSV=2.5 h–1, and a reaction temperature of 400 °C, a 92% methanol conversion is obtained during a 200 hour test on a 0.3%Ir‐0.3%Pt/Ce0.5Zr0.5O2 catalyst and the stability is better than that of a commercial copper‐based catalyst.
Seven minute screen performance in a normal elderly sample
Authors: Skjerve Arvid , Nordhus Inger Hilde , Engedal Knut , Pallesen Ståle , Brækhus Anne , Nygaard Harald A.
Published: December 2006

Background and objective

The Seven Minute Screen (7MS) is a brief cognitive case‐finding instrument for dementia. The test is composed of four subtests that assess performance with regard to orientation, memory, visuospatial ability and language. The objective of this study was to describe 7MS performance in a normal sample of people aged 65 years and older.

Method

The subjects were 66 Norwegian community‐dwellers who met selection criteria modified from the Mayo Older American Normative Studies standard. Mean age was 73.2 years, age range was 65–93 years, and mean Mini‐Mental State Examination score was 29.06, range 26–30.

Results

Analysis of the 7MS subtests revealed relatively modest influence of age, education and gender on test performance. The composite 7MS performance scores were associated with education. Normal performance was expressed as means, standard deviations and percentile values for the age groups 65–74 years and 75 + years.

Conclusion

7MS performance is described for a normal sample. These data have the potential to increase the clinicians' ability to interpret 7MS test results. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Elemental and isotopic signatures of particulate organic carbon in the Zengjiang River, southern China
Authors: Gao Quanzhou , Tao Zhen , Yao Guanrong , Ding Jian , Liu Zufa , Liu Kexin
Published: December 2006

Riverine total suspended sediment (TSS) at the lower reach section of the Zengjiang River, a low‐turbidity river in the southern China, was sampled on a 4‐week basis from March 2002 to February 2003. The gross TSS was divided into sedimentary and suspended fractions (SED and SUS) by the sedimentation method. Organic carbon and nitrogen, 14C and 13C were analysed using an elemental analyser and accelerator mass spectrometer respectively. The results show that particulate organic carbon (POC) yield is 0·8 × 106 g km−2 year−1 in the Zengjiang River drainage basin, which is about one‐tenth of that in the Zhujiang (Pearl) River drainage basin. The C/N ratio demonstrates that aquatic biomass is the major contributor to POC in the Zengjiang River. The average share of aquatic biomass in the SUS‐fraction POC and SED‐fraction POC is about 88·89% and 62·76% respectively, with a substantial seasonal variation. δ13C values of SUS‐fraction POC (−26·56 to − 22·89‰) is slightly lighter than that of SED‐fraction POC (−25·05 to − 22·20‰), indicating that the contribution of aquatic biomass to δ13C values is more pronounced in the SUS‐fraction POC than in the SED‐fraction POC. The ‘bomb’–14C signature is not detected in the POC of Zengjiang River, and the contribution from geological organic carbon is very little. Δ14C values of the SED‐fraction POC vary from − 44 to − 223‰, and the Δ14C values of the SUS‐fraction POC vary from − 33 to − 165‰. For most paired samples, the SED‐fraction POC is generally more depleted in 14C than that of its counterpart SUS‐fraction POC. Compared with other small mountainous rivers, the 14C enrichment of POC in the Zengjiang River indicates slight drainage basin erosion. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isotope hydrology of the Oldman River basin, southern Alberta, Canada
Authors: Rock Luc , Mayer Bernhard
Published: December 2006

The partially semi‐arid Oldman River basin (OMRB), located in southern Alberta (Canada), has an area of 28 200 km2, is forested in its western headwater part, and is used for agriculture in its eastern part. Hydrometric measurements indicate that flow in the Oldman River has decreased by ∼34% between 1913 and 2003, and it is predicted that water withdrawals will increase in the next 20 years. The objective of this study was to determine whether isotope ratio measurements can provide further insight into the water dynamics of the Oldman River and its tributaries. Surface water samples were collected monthly between December 2000 and March 2003. Groundwater samples were taken from 58 wells during one‐time sampling trips. Runoff within the OMRB is currently about 70 mm year−1, with a corresponding runoff ratio of 0·18. Seasonal flow characteristics are markedly different upstream and downstream of the Oldman River reservoir. Upstream, sharp increases in flow in late spring and early summer are followed by a rapid decrease to base flow levels. Downstream, a prolonged high flow peak is observed due to the storage effect of the Oldman River reservoir. The seasonal variation in the isotopic composition of surface water from upstream sites is small. This suggests that peak runoff is not predominantly generated by melting snow accumulated during the preceding winter, but mainly by relatively well‐mixed young groundwater. A significant increase in the δ18O and δ2H values in the downstream part of the basin was observed. The increase in the isotopic values is partly due to surface water and groundwater influx with progressively higher δ18O and δ2H values in the eastern part, and partly due to evaporation. Hence, the combination of hydrometric data with isotope measurements yields valuable insights into the water dynamics in the OMRB that may be further refined with more intensive measurement programmes in the future. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk factors for human Herpesvirus 8 infection and AIDS‐associated Kaposi's sarcoma among men who have sex with men in a European multicentre study
Authors: Martró Elisa , Esteve Anna , Schulz Thomas F. , Sheldon Julie , Gambús Gemma , Muñoz Rafael , Whitby Denise , Casabona Jordi ,   Euro‐Shaks study group
Published: December 2006

We aimed to identify risk factors for Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) among HIV‐positive patients and behaviors associated with human Herpesvirus 8 (HHV‐8) infection, as well as to assess KS incidence and mortality rates longitudinally. To fulfill the first objective, a European case‐control study was designed in the early 1990s (each KS case was matched to 2 controls with another AIDS indicative disease). After the discovery of HHV‐8, serology testing enabled us to assess risk factors for KS development among HHV‐8 and HIV‐1 coinfected men who have sex with men (MSM), as well as risk factors for HHV‐8 infection. HHV‐8 seroprevalence was determined using a latent immunofluorescence assay. Relevant information was obtained by means of a questionnaire and medical charts review. Assessment of risk factors for KS development and HHV‐8 infection was performed using conditional and unconditional logistic regression models, respectively. A low CD4 count was the only significant risk factor for KS. HHV‐8 infection was most strongly linked to the number of life‐time sex partners, and multiple body fluids such as saliva and semen are quite likely involved in sexual transmission. Longitudinal follow up showed a significant protective role for highly‐active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) both on KS development and mortality of KS patients. Although more conclusive data from cohort studies are needed to better define specific transmission mechanisms for HHV‐8, our results contribute to explain why KS incidence is higher among MSM, and the decreasing KS incidence trend observed in countries with universal access to HAART. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pregnant female lizards Iberolacerta cyreni adjust refuge use to decrease thermal costs for their body condition and cell‐mediated immune response
Authors: Amo Luisa , López Pilar , Martín José
Published: December 2006

Lizards often respond to increased predation risk by increasing refuge use, but this strategy may entail a loss of thermoregulatory opportunities, which may lead to a loss of body condition. This may be especially important for pregnant oviparous female lizards, because they need to maintain optimal body temperatures as long as possible to maximize developmental embryos rate until laying. However, little is known about how increased time spent at low temperatures in refuges affects body condition and health state of pregnant female lizards. Furthermore, it is not clear how initial body condition affects refuge use. Female Iberian rock lizards forced to increase time spent at low temperatures showed lower body condition and tended to show lower cell‐mediated immune responses than control females. Therefore, the loss of thermoregulatory opportunities seems to be an important cost for pregnant females. Nevertheless, thereafter, when we simulated two repeated predatory attacks, females modified refuge use in relation to their body condition, with females with worse condition decreasing time hidden after attacks. In conclusion, female lizards seemed able to compensate increased predation risk with flexible antipredatory strategies, thus minimizing costs for body condition and health state. J. Exp. Zool. 307A:106–112, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
3D contrast‐enhanced MR angiography
Authors: Zhang HongLei , Maki Jeffrey H. , Prince Martin R.
Published: December 2006

Safe, fast, accurate contrast arteriography can be obtained utilizing gadolinium (Gd) and 3D MR data acquisition for diagnosing vascular diseases. Optimizing contrast enhanced MRA (CE MRA), however, requires understanding the complex interplay between Gd injection timing, the Fourier mapping of 3D MR data acquisition and a multitude of parameters determining resolution, anatomic coverage, and sensitivity to motion artifacts. It is critical to time the bolus peak to coincide with central k‐space data acquisition, which dominates image contrast. Oversampling the center of k‐space allows reconstruction of multiple 3D acquisitions in rapid succession to time‐resolve the passage of the contrast bolus. Parallel imaging increases resolution, shortens scan time and compresses the center of k‐space into a shorter period of time, thereby minimizing motion and timing artifacts. Absence of ionizing radiation allows MRA to be repeated and combined with additional sequences to more fully characterize anatomy, flow, and physiology. Utilizing stepping table technology and thigh compression, whole body MRA is possible with a single contrast injection. As MR technology continues to advance, CE MRA becomes better and simpler to perform, increasing its efficacy in the diagnosis and management of vascular diseases. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessment of diffusion‐weighted MR imaging in liver fibrosis
Authors: Annet Laurence , Peeters Frank , Abarca‐Quinones Jorge , Leclercq Isabelle , Moulin Pierre , Van Beers Bernard E.
Published: December 2006

Purpose

To assess whether hepatic fibrosis is associated with a restriction in the diffusion of water that can be analyzed with diffusion‐weighted MR imaging (DWI) of the liver.

Materials and Methods

DWI was performed in 10 normal rats and 15 rats with liver fibrosis. Echo‐planar DWI was performed in the living rats at 1.5 T and repeated immediately after the animals were killed. Afterwards the livers were explanted, fixed in Bouin solution, and imaged with a DW spin‐echo sequence at 4.7 T. Fibrosis was quantified by densitometry on Sirius red‐stained histological sections.

Results

In living rats the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) decreased with the severity of liver fibrosis (controls: 1535 ± 294 mm2/second; CCl4 (5 weeks) 1129 ± 273 mm2/second; CCl4 (9 weeks): 943 ± 132 mm2/second; P = 0.002). An inverse correlation between ADC and liver fibrosis volume density was observed (r = –0.712, P < 0.001). In contrast, these findings were not observed in the rats after they were killed or in the fixated livers.

Conclusion

Decreased ADC correlated with increased liver fibrosis in living rats, but not after death. These results suggest that restricted water diffusion cannot be assessed by DWI in liver fibrosis. Other factors, such as a decrease of perfusion, may explain the decrease of the hepatic ADC measured in vivo in rats with liver fibrosis. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pulmonary MR perfusion at 3.0 Tesla using a blood pool contrast agent: Initial results in a swine model
Authors: Nael Kambiz , Saleh Roya , Nyborg Glen K. , Fonseca Carissa G. , Weinmann Hanns Joachim , Laub Gerhard , Finn J. Paul
Published: December 2006

Purpose

To prospectively evaluate the technical feasibility of a highly accelerated pulmonary MR perfusion protocol at 3.0T using a blood pool contrast agent in a swine model.

Materials and Methods

Twelve pigs underwent time‐resolved pulmonary MR angiography (MRA) on a 3.0T MR system under anesthesia and controlled mechanical ventilation. After intravenous injection of 0.05 mmol/kg of Gadomer‐17 at 4 mL/second, a fast time‐resolved MRA sequence with temporal echo‐sharing (three segmented k‐space) and highly accelerated parallel acquisition was used to acquire 3D data sets with an in‐plane resolution of 1 × 1 mm2 (slice thickness = 6 mm) and temporal resolution of one second. Image quality was evaluated independently by two radiologists, and quantitative analysis of perfusion parameters was performed using pre‐released perfusion software.

Results

All studies were identified by both readers as having diagnostic image quality (range = 2–3, median = 3) and there was excellent interobserver agreement (κ = 0.89; 95% CI = 0.83, 0.95). A quantitative analysis of perfusion indices was performed, with excellent overall goodness‐of‐fit (χ2 value = 1.4, degree of freedom (DF) = 1). Successfully derived perfusion parameters included the time to peak (TTP, 5.1 ± 0.7 second), mean transit time (MTT, 6.6 ± 0.9 second), maximal signal intensity (MSI, 1051.2 ± 718.9 arbitrary units [A.U.]), and maximal upslope of the curve (MUS, 375.9 ± 263.4 A.U./second).

Conclusion

3.0T pulmonary MR perfusion using a blood pool contrast agent in a swine model is feasible. The higher available signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) at 3.0T and the high T1 relaxivity of Gadomer‐17 effectively support highly accelerated parallel acquisition, and improve the performance of time‐resolved pulmonary MRA. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.