bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using health information technology to improve drug monitoring: a systematic review
Authors: Hayward Geoffrey L. , Parnes Aaron J. , Simon Steven R.
Published: September 2009

Purpose

To conduct a systematic review of current evidence regarding the use of health information technology (HIT) interventions to improve drug monitoring in ambulatory care.

Methods

We searched PubMed, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, and other computerized databases from 1 January 1998 to 30 June 2008 using the key words “drug monitoring,” “medical records systems, computerized,” “ambulatory care,” and “outpatients.” We manually reviewed reference lists of articles identified through computer searches and asked experts in the field to review our search strategy and results for completeness.

Results

Seven relevant studies were identified. Four of these studies assessed real‐time interventions that used alerts to physicians at the time of medication ordering to ensure adequate monitoring, only one of which showed an improvement in monitoring. Of three studies using HIT outside the physician encounter, two suggested some improvement in monitoring rates. Methodological limitations were apparent in all studies identified.

Conclusions

Few studies have assessed the effectiveness of HIT interventions to improve drug monitoring, and among them, there is no clear consensus regarding the most consistently effective approaches to reducing drug monitoring errors. There is a clear need for well designed randomized trials to evaluate possible interventions to reduce drug monitoring errors. Such studies should incorporate health outcomes and detailed cost analyses to further characterize the feasibility of successful interventions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tückisches Einlochen. Physik des Golfspiels
Authors: Mathelitsch Leopold , Thaller Sigrid
Published: September 2009

Golfer erzielen ihre hohe Abschlagsgeschwindigkeit durch einen Bewegungsablauf, der auch die starke Rückenmuskulatur einsetzt. Dellen in den Oberflächen der Bälle verringern ihren Luftwiderstand und lassen sie weiter fliegen. Rotierenden Bällen kann der Magnus‐Effekt zusätzlichen Auftrieb geben, der den Flug verlängert. Kritisch ist der letzte Schlag beim Einlochen: Selbst im Loch befindliche Golfbälle können von ihrer Rotation wieder heraus geschleudert werden.
Farbenspiel transparenter Folien
Authors: Schlichting H. Joachim
Published: September 2009

Transparente Zellophanfolie, wie man sie beispielsweise zum Einwickeln von Blumensträußen benutzt, kann den Blumen ästhetisch durchaus Konkurrenz machen. Voraussetzung ist allerdings, dass man sie im Lichte des blauen Himmels auf einer gläsernen Unterlage betrachtet.
Ein cooler Temperaturvermesser
Authors: Loos Andreas
Published: September 2009

“Aus der Höhe” könnte man seinen Namen übersetzen. Angeblich ist das eine Bezugnahme auf das Pfarrhaus in dem kleinen mittelschwedischen Ort, aus dem seine Familie ursprünglich stammt. Latinisiert hört sich das natürlich viel schicker an. Und es steckt darin obendrein das Wort caelum (Himmel). Nomen est omen, möchte man da sagen. Denn sowohl die beiden Großväter des Gesuchten als auch sein Vater verdienen ihr Brot als (Mathematiker und) Astronomen.
Poren, Fleisch und Feuchtigkeit
Authors: Vilgis Thomas
Published: September 2009

Noch immer verbreitet mancher Zeitgenosse, Fleisch müsse scharf angebraten werden, damit sich die Poren schließen und die Fleischsäfte nicht entweichen können. Diese Kochmär hält sich hartnäckig, und daher lohnt es sich, dieses Problem mit dem Auge des Physikers genauer zu betrachten. Schon stellt man fest: Garendes Fleisch verhält sich in bestimmten Bereichen wie ein “sich selbst ausdrückender Schwamm”.
Fernsehen mit Einstein
Authors: Müller Andreas
Published: September 2009

In einem populärwissenschaftlichen Artikel zu Auswirkungen der Relativitätstheorie im Alltag schreibt der Autor, dass für den korrekten Betrieb eines Röhrenfernsehers die Berücksichtigung der Speziellen Relativitätstheorie nötig ist. In der Röhre würden die Elektronen auf eine Geschwindigkeit beschleunigt, bei der die relativistische Massenzunahme sichtbare Auswirkungen auf den Ablenkwinkel im Magnetfeld bewirkt. Ist die Korrektur im Vergleich zum klassischen Fall wirklich in der Größenordnung einiger Pixel und somit sichtbar?
Proteomic analysis of increased Parkin expression and its interactants provides evidence for a role in modulation of mitochondrial function
Authors: Davison Eleanor J. , Pennington Kyla , Hung Chao‐Chun , Peng Jianhe , Rafiq Rumana , Ostareck‐Lederer Antje , Ostareck Dirk H. , Ardley Helen C. , Banks Rosamonde E. , Robinson Philip A.
Published: September 2009

Parkin is an ubiquitin‐protein ligase (E3), mutations of which cause juvenile onset – autosomal recessive Parkinson's disease, and result in reduced enzymic activity. In contrast, increased levels are protective against mitochondrial dysfunction and neurodegeneration, the mechanism of which is largely unknown. In this study, 2‐DE and MS proteomic techniques were utilised to investigate the effects of increased Parkin levels on protein expression in whole cell lysates using in an inducible Parkin expression system in HEK293 cells, and also to isolate potential interactants of Parkin using tandem affinity purification and MS. Nine proteins were significantly differentially expressed (±2‐fold change;p<0.05) using 2‐DE analysis. MS revealed the identity of these proteins to be ACAT2, HNRNPK, HSPD1, PGK1, PRDX6, VCL, VIM, TPI1, and IMPDH2. The first seven of these were reduced in expression. Western blot analysis confirmed the reduction in one of these proteins (HNRNPK), and that its levels were dependent on 26S proteasomal activity. Tandem affinity purification/MS revealed 14 potential interactants of Parkin; CKB, DBT, HSPD1, HSPA9, LRPPRC, NDUFS2, PRDX6, SLC25A5, TPI1, UCHL1, UQCRC1, VCL, YWHAZ, YWHAE. Nine of these are directly involved in mitochondrial energy metabolism and glycolysis; four were also identified in the 2‐DE study (HSP60, PRDX6, TPI1, and VCL). This study provides further evidence for a role for Parkin in regulating mitochondrial activity within cells.
Database on Demand – An online tool for the custom generation of FASTA‐formatted sequence databases
Authors: Reisinger Florian , Martens Lennart
Published: September 2009

In mass spectrometry‐based proteomics, most conventional search engines match spectral data to sequence databases. These search databases thus play a crucial role in the identification process. While search engines can derive peptides in silico from protein sequences, this is usually limited to standard digestion algorithms. Customized search databases that provide detailed control over the search space can vastly outperform such standard strategies, especially in gel‐free proteomics experiments. Here we present Database on Demand, an easy‐to‐use web tool that can quickly produce a wide variety of customized search databases.
Theoretical study of one‐ and two‐photon absorption properties of expanded donor–acceptor calix[4]arenes
Authors: Li Wen‐Chao , Feng Ji‐Kang , Ren Ai‐Min , Zhang Xiang‐Biao , Sun Chia‐Chung
Published: September 2009

Two types of donor(D)–acceptor(A) calix[4]arenes have been theoretically studied using DFT//B3LYP/6‐31G(d) method and ZINDO/CISD method. The calculations show that the substitution of CC by the conjugation bridge CC and NN plays an important part in altering one‐photon absorption (OPA) and two‐photon absorption (TPA) properties. The maximum OPA wavelengths of all studied compounds are less than 400 nm, which means high transparency. The geometry of the calixarenes strongly influences the TPA properties of the studied compounds. In addition, the nitro derivatives have a wider TPA response range than other non‐nitro derivatives. The tetrasubstituted calix[4]arenes (type B calixarenes) have a larger TPA cross‐section values than the bisubstituted calix[4]arenes (type A calixarenes). Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exhaled breath condensate MMP‐9 levels in children with bronchiectasis
Authors: Karakoc Gulbin Bingol , Inal Ayfer , Yilmaz Mustafa , Altintas Derya Ufuk , Kendirli Seval Guneser
Published: September 2009

Bronchiectasis (BE) is still an important cause of chronic supurative respiratory diseases in developing countries. Neutrophil‐derived proteases such as neutrophil elastase and matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) are implicated in causing airway damage in chronic pulmonary disease. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the MMP‐9 and its natural tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP‐1) levels utilizing the exhaled breath condensate (EBC) method and their relationship with radiological findings and pulmonary functions in children with BE.

Thirty‐eight children with BE and 12 healthy children were included: Group 1 (cystic fibrosis [CF] BE), Group 2 (non‐CF BE), Group 3 (control group). High‐resolution computerized tomography (HRCT) scores were calculated according to the anatomic extent of BE. Pulmonary function tests were performed, and MMP‐9 and TIMP‐1 levels in EBC were analyzed by ELISA.

Exhaled breath condensate MMP‐9 level was 48.9 ± 26.8 ng/ml for Group 1, and for Group 2, 42.8 ± 18.1 ng/ml; and for Group 3, 30 ± 3.7 ng/ml. Although no statistically significant difference was found between the Groups 1 and 2, a significant difference was detected between these groups and controls. No statistically significant difference was found in TIMP‐1 levels regarding all groups. EBC MMP‐9 levels were inversely correlated with pulmonary functions test, and positively with HRCT scores and annual number of pulmonary infections.

In conclusion, this study showed that EBC of children with both CF BE and non‐CF BE contained higher levels of MMP‐9 in comparison to controls. We suggest that EBC MMP‐9 level may be a useful marker of airway injury in patients with BE however prospective studies are needed. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:1010–1016. ©2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Local grand unification in the heterotic landscape
Authors: Schmidt J.
Published: September 2009

We consider the possibility that the unification of the electroweak interactions and the strong force arises from string theory, at energies significantly lower than the string scale. As a tool, an effective grand unified field theory in six dimensions is derived from an anisotropic orbifold compactification of the heterotic string. It is explicitly shown that all anomalies cancel in the model, though anomalous Abelian gauge symmetries are present locally at the boundary singularities. In the supersymmetric vacuum additional interactions arise from higher‐dimensional operators. We develop methods that relate the couplings of the effective theory to the location of the vacuum, and find that unbroken discrete symmetries play an important role for the phenomenology of orbifold models. An efficient algorithm for the calculation of the superpotential to arbitrary order is developed, based on symmetry arguments. We furthermore present a correspondence between bulk fields of the orbifold model in six dimensions, and the moduli fields that arise from compactifying four internal dimensions on a manifold with non‐trivial gauge background.
Theory of peak coalescence in Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry
Authors: Boldin Ivan A. , Nikolaev Eugene N.
Published: September 2009

Peak coalescence, i.e. the merging of two close peaks in a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrum at a high number of ions, plays an important role in various FTICR experiments. In order to describe the coalescence phenomenon we would like to propose a new theory of motion for ion clouds with close mass‐to‐charge ratios, driven by a uniform magnetic field and Coulomb interactions between the clouds. We describe the motion of the ion clouds in terms of their averaged drift motion in crossed magnetic and electric fields. The ion clouds are considered to be of constant size and their motion is studied in two dimensions. The theory deals with the first‐order approximation of the equations of motion in relation to dm/m, where dm is the mass difference and m is the mass of a single ion. The analysis was done for an arbitrary inter‐cloud interaction potential, which makes it possible to analyze finite‐size ion clouds of any shape. The final analytical expression for the condition of the onset of coalescence is found for the case of uniformly charged spheres. An algorithm for finding this condition for an arbitrary interaction potential is proposed. The critical number of ions for the peak coalescence to take place is shown to depend quadratically on the magnetic field strength and to be proportional to the cyclotron radius and inversely proportional to the ion masses. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural characterization and identification of iridoid glycosides, saponins, phenolic acids and flavonoids in Flos Lonicerae Japonicae by a fast liquid chromatography method with diode‐array detection and time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Qi Lian‐Wen , Chen Chun‐Yun , Li Ping
Published: September 2009

A fast liquid chromatography method with diode‐array detection (DAD) and time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (TOF‐MS) has been developed for analysis of constituents in Flos Lonicerae Japonicae (FLJ), a traditional Chinese medicine derived from the flower bud of Lonicera japonica. The chromatographic analytical time decreased to 25 min without sacrificing resolution using a column packed with 1.8‐µm porous particles (4.6 × 50 mm), three times faster than the performance of conventional 5.0‐µm columns (4.6 × 150 mm). Four major groups of compounds previously isolated from FLJ were structurally characterized by DAD‐TOF‐MS: iridoid glycosides showed maximum UV absorption at 240 nm; phenolic acids at 217, 242, and 326 nm; flavonoids at 255 and 355 nm; while saponins had no absorption. In electrospray ionization (ESI)‐TOF‐MS experiments, elimination of a glucose unit (162 Da), and successive losses of H2O, CH3OH and CO, were generally observed in iridoid glycosides; saponins were characterized by a series of identical aglycone ions; phenolic acids typically generated a base peak at [M–H–caffeoyl]− by loss of a caffeic acid unit (162 Da) and several marked quinic acid moiety ions; cleavage of the glycosidic bond (loss of 162 or 308 Da), subsequent losses of H2O, CO, RDA and C‐ring fragmentation were the most possible fragmentation pathways for flavonoids. By accurate mass measurements within 4 ppm error for each molecular ion and subsequent fragment ions, as well as the ‘full mass spectral’ information of TOF‐MS, a total of 41 compounds including 13 iridoid glycosides, 11 phenolic acids, 7 saponins, and 10 flavonoids were identified in a methanolic extract of FLJ. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanical analysis of end‐to‐end silk‐sutured anastomosis for robot‐assisted surgery
Authors: Liu Ying , Wang Shuxin , Jack Hu S. , Qiu Wei
Published: September 2009

Background

Robot‐assisted anastomosis holds great promise for the future. To secure surgery quality, some key process factors, such as the force arrangement of sutures, should be provided because of the lack of haptic feedback in robotics systems

Methods

A model of anastomosis is presented to establish the mechanical relationship between vessel and sutures. Stress distribution of the vessel loaded by the suture was then achieved through finite‐element simulations, based on the material property test results. Further, experiments were performed to validate the reliability of the FEM simulation of the anastomosis process.

Results

To avoid blood osmosis, the allowable lower limit of the suture tension was 0.05 N. To keep the tissue free from injury, the allowable upper limit of tension on the suture was 0.4 N.

Conclusions

The study provided meaningful results for directing the robot‐assisted anastomosis procedure and design of the surgical tools. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Accuracy analysis of three‐dimensional bone surface models of the forearm constructed from multidetector computed tomography data
Authors: Oka Kunihiro , Murase Tsuyoshi , Moritomo Hisao , Goto Akira , Sugamoto Kazuomi , Yoshikawa Hideki
Published: September 2009

Background

We developed an original computer program that simulates upper limb reconstruction surgery using three‐dimensional (3D) bone models constructed from computed tomography (CT) data. However, the accuracy of a bone model has not been clarified, and radiation exposure from CT scanning posed a concern. The purpose of this study was to investigate the appropriate CT parameters required to reduce radiation exposure while maintaining the accuracy of 3D models of the forearm bones.

Methods

Twelve dry forearm bones were used to investigate the accuracy of 3D bone models created from two different CT parameters. The accuracy was evaluated by measuring: (a) the discrepancy between the models constructed from low‐ and normal‐dose CT parameters; (b) the error between actual surface data derived by a contact‐type coordinate measuring machine and a 3D bone model; and (c) the difference between a 3D bone model constructed from a bare dry bone and a model constructed from the same bone embedded in a radio‐opaque soft tissue substitute. CT dose index (CTDI) and dose‐length product (DLP) were recorded to evaluate the radiation exposure.

Results

The mean error between bone models constructed from two different CT parameters was 0.04 mm. CTDI and DLP for the normal‐radiation dose condition were 9.3 and 563 mGy/cm and those for the low‐radiation dose condition were 0.3 and 18 mGy/cm, respectively. The mean error between the bone models and scanning data from contact measurement was 0.45 mm. The mean error between a 3D model constructed from a dry bone and that constructed from the same bone embedded in a radio‐opaque soft tissue substitute was 0.06 mm.

Conclusions

3D bone models constructed from low‐radiation dose CT data demonstrated the same level of accuracy as those constructed from normal‐radiation dose data. The present simulation system can produce 3D bone models with one‐thirtieth of the normal radiation dose in the forearm. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computer‐assisted needle positioning for liver tumour radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
Authors: Mundeleer Laurent , Wikler David , Leloup Thierry , Lucidi Valério , Donckier Vincent , Warzée Nadine
Published: September 2009

Background

The RFA procedures rely on a precise positioning of the radiofrequency electrode and the complete destruction of the tumour. This article presents new optimization techniques to improve such surgical procedures.

Methods

A method to optimize the coverage of the tumour by successive RFA destructions and an in vitro procedure with simulated tumours have been developed.

Results

The guidance system and optimization coverage have been tested on 3D simulation and by the surgeon in vitro on a heifer liver. In this context, the RFA electrode is optically tracked and guided.

Conclusions

The optimization method provides needle placements that ensure a complete theoretical ablation of the tumour, and the guidance system helps the surgeon to reach each position of destruction. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nonlinear adaptive control of a model of an uncertain fermentation process
Authors: Dimitrova Neli , Krastanov Mikhail
Published: September 2009

A nonlinear model of a methane fermentation is considered. Assuming that the model parameters are unknown but bounded, the global asymptotic stabilizability of the control system is studied and a nonlinear adaptive stabilizing feedback is proposed. The feedback law depends only on measurable variables. A numerical extremum seeking algorithm is designed for stabilizing the dynamic system toward the maximum outflow rate of biogas. Computer simulations are reported to illustrate the theoretical results. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Controllability and observability for time‐varying switched impulsive controlled systems
Authors: Zhao Shouwei , Sun Jitao
Published: September 2009

This paper is concerned with the controllability and observability for linear time‐varying switched impulsive systems. First, some new results about the variation of parameters for time‐varying switched impulsive systems are derived. Then less conservative sufficient conditions and necessary conditions for state controllability and observability of such systems are established. And for such system without impulsive control input, sufficient and necessary conditions for controllability and observability are derived. Furthermore, corresponding criteria applied to time‐varying impulsive systems are also discussed and examples are presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed results. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robust outdoor visual localization using a three‐dimensional‐edge map
Authors: Nuske Stephen , Roberts Jonathan , Wyeth Gordon
Published: September 2009

Visual localization systems that are practical for autonomous vehicles in outdoor industrial applications must perform reliably in a wide range of conditions. Changing outdoor conditions cause difficulty by drastically altering the information available in the camera images. To confront the problem, we have developed a visual localization system that uses a surveyed three‐dimensional (3D)‐edge map of permanent structures in the environment. The map has the invariant properties necessary to achieve long‐term robust operation. Previous 3D‐edge map localization systems usually maintain a single pose hypothesis, making it difficult to initialize without an accurate prior pose estimate and also making them susceptible to misalignment with unmapped edges detected in the camera image. A multihypothesis particle filter is employed here to perform the initialization procedure with significant uncertainty in the vehicle's initial pose. A novel observation function for the particle filter is developed and evaluated against two existing functions. The new function is shown to further improve the abilities of the particle filter to converge given a very coarse estimate of the vehicle's initial pose. An intelligent exposure control algorithm is also developed that improves the quality of the pertinent information in the image. Results gathered over an entire sunny day and also during rainy weather illustrate that the localization system can operate in a wide range of outdoor conditions. The conclusion is that an invariant map, a robust multihypothesis localization algorithm, and an intelligent exposure control algorithm all combine to enable reliable visual localization through challenging outdoor conditions. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Performance analysis of secure on‐demand services for wireless vehicular networks
Authors: Coronado Etienne S. , Cherkaoui Soumaya
Published: September 2009

Wireless vehicular communications pose significant challenges for the deployment of next generation roadside services. Some important issues that must be tackled are security, billing, and reliability while guarantying a scalable service delivery. This paper addresses the assignation of secure service session parameters upon the reception of on‐demand service requests by an incumbent services district domain and studies and analyses the performance of the underlying mechanisms. Three types of service request protocols are introduced in our work defined as single‐hop (SHI‐RQ), extended connectivity (EC‐RQ), and multi‐hop (MHI‐RQ) service requests. A detailed analytical model and cost study for the access protocols are presented. Our analysis study covers the estimation of total cost in terms of latency for each access protocol with different mobility characteristics and vehicle densities within the service coverage area and across different serving district domains. The analytical results are consistent with the experimental one and show that the access protocols cost in terms latency remains acceptable for a realistic number of serviced vehicles even at high speeds. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
RFIDGuard: a lightweight privacy and authentication protocol for passive RFID tags
Authors: Liu Alex X. , Bailey LeRoy A. , Krishnamurthy Adithya H.
Published: September 2009

Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are cheap, simple devices that can store unique identification information and perform simple computation to keep better inventory of packages. Because of this, they are intended to replace the barcodes for supply chain management in the near future. However, unlike barcodes, these tags have a longer range in which they are allowed to be scanned, subjecting them to unauthorized scanning by malicious readers and to various attacks, including cloning. Therefore, a security protocol for RFID tags is needed to ensure privacy and authentication between each tag and their reader. In order to accomplish this, in this paper, we propose RFIDGuard, a lightweight privacy and authentication protocol for passive RFID tags. This protocol requires little computation and achieves both privacy and authentication simultaneously. The lightweight and secure nature of our RFIDGuard protocol make it particularly suitable for supply chain management. Adaptation of our protocol can be used for other applications as well. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electric‐Field‐Assisted Growth of Functionalized Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) Nanowires for Label‐Free Protein Detection
Authors: Xie Hong , Luo Shyh‐Chyang , Yu Hsiao‐hua
Published: September 2009

The construction of functionalized poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) nanowire devices for label‐free protein detection is reported. Direct growth/assembly of PEDOT nanowires with carboxylic acid side‐chain functional groups (poly(EDOT‐COOH)) across the electrode junction is achieved by using an electric‐field‐assisted method. These functionalized PEDOT nanowire devices show typical depletion‐mode p‐type field‐effect transistor (FET) properties. Upon conjugation with a protein‐binding aptamer, the PEDOT nanowire FET devices are used for label‐free electronic detection of a target protein of interest. The binding of a positively charged protein causes a substantial decrease in current flow, attributed to the specific interaction between target protein molecules and aptamer‐conjugated polymer chains.
A profile‐based approach for maintaining software architecture: an industrial experience report
Authors: Riva Claudio , Selonen Petri , Systä Tarja , Xu Jianli
Published: September 2009

This paper presents our experiences in building a UML‐based approach for maintaining software products of a large‐scale industrial product family. It enables software architects to define rules and constraints for a product family architecture to be enforced on individual product architectures. The target system of our study was the Nokia ISA platform for a mobile phone product family, a complex software system comprising thousands of components and several million lines of code. We outline our approach and the accompanying tools, and report our experiences and lessons learned in assessing the architectural integrity of 10 ISA platform releases and the associated products. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Developmental Regulation of Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Neurons by Calcium Entry via Transient Receptor Potential Channels
Authors: Weick Jason P. , Austin Johnson M. , Zhang Su-Chun
Published: September 2009

Spontaneous calcium (Ca2+) transients in the developing nervous system can affect proliferation, migration, neuronal subtype specification, and neurite outgrowth. Here, we show that telencephalic human neuroepithelia (hNE) and postmitotic neurons (PMNs) generated from embryonic stem cells display robust Ca2+ transients. Unlike previous reports in animal models, transients occurred by a Gd3+/La3+-sensitive, but thapsigargin- and Cd2+-insensitive, mechanism, strongly suggestive of a role for transient receptor potential (Trp) channels. Furthermore, Ca2+ transients in PMNs exhibited an additional sensitivity to the canonical Trp (TrpC) antagonist SKF96365 and shRNA-mediated knockdown of the TrpC1 subunit. Functionally, inhibition of Ca2+ transients in dividing hNE cells led to a significant reduction in proliferation, whereas either pharmacological inhibition or shRNA-mediated knockdown of the TrpC1 and TrpC4 subunits significantly reduced neurite extension in PMNs. Primary neurons cultured from fetal human cortex displayed nearly identical Ca2+ transients and pharmacological sensitivities to Trp channel antagonists. Together these data suggest that Trp channels present a novel mechanism for controlling Ca2+ transients in human neurons and may offer a target for regulating proliferation and neurite outgrowth when engineering cells for therapeutic transplantation.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Performance and levels of contextualization in a selection of OECD countries in PISA 2006
Authors: Nentwig Peter , Roennebeck Silke , Schoeps Katrin , Rumann Stefan , Carstensen Claus
Published: September 2009

Correct responses to the unitized items of PISA 2006 rely to differing extents on the contextual stimulus supplied. This difference is referred to in this study as the degree of contextualization. A selection of science items from PISA 2006 has been assigned to two categories, not by competencies as in the framework for the PISA survey, but by the degree to which the item requires the ability to extract and apply information from the contextual stimulus provided. The article explores how students in Germany and in other selected OECD countries perform in solving these two types of items. The results show that German students' performance is satisfactory when solving items which require knowledge to be recalled and applied but that they are also quite capable of extracting and using information from the item stimuli. Somewhat different distributions are observed in other selected OECD countries. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 46: 897–908, 2009
Element‐selective three‐dimensional imaging of microparticles with a confocal micro‐PIXE arrangement
Authors: Žitnik M. , Pelicon P. , Bučar K. , Grlj N. , Karydas A. G. , Sokaras D. , Schütz R. , Kanngießer B.
Published: September 2009

A detailed report about the confocal experiment and the corresponding data analysis is presented to determine local atomic concentrations in a thick sample with a micrometer resolution. X‐ray emission from a quartz substrate, loaded by aerosol particles, was induced by a scanning proton microbeam and observed by an Si(Li) spectrometer whose field of view was narrowed by a polycapillary lens. A series of X‐ray images were recorded at different positions of the sample along the microbeam axis when the particles were driven through the sensitive microvolume. The concentrations reconstructed in three dimensions were used to extract penetration profiles of the strongest X‐ray emitters (Fe, Ca, S) in an aerosol sample together with the surface profile of the matrix (Si). The results show exponentially dumped depth profiles with characteristic length depending on particle size. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Persistence and local extinction of lion prides in the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Authors: Kissui Bernard M. , Mosser Anna , Packer Craig
Published: September 2009

African lions (Panthera leo) live in social groups (prides) that exhibit group territorial behavior. Pride persistence is expected to depend on its ability to compete against neighboring prides as well as on average rates of reproduction and survival, thus providing a meaningful measure of intergenerational reproductive success. We used Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC) to select the best approximating models explaining how demographic variables influenced pride persistence during a 30‐year period in the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania, and identified landscape factors affecting those demographic variables. Pride persistence to 10 years depended on adult female density (pride size) and cub productivity (the ultimate source of new females). Average age of adult females had a weakly positive influence on pride persistence, while the effect of female mortality was weakly negative. Adult female mortality increased with disease epidemics and in territories with high human disturbance. Cub productivity was highest in territories closest to rivers and only slightly higher near swamps, and also high in areas of higher vegetative cover and high human use. No landscape variable significantly affected female density. The growth and population size of the Crater lions was closely linked to demographic performance of individual prides, while territorial behavior played a key role in mediating the interactive effects of landscape and demography.
Preparation of Fe3O4Spherical Nanoporous Particles Facilitated by Polyethylene Glycol 4000
Authors: Wang Li-Li , Jiang Ji-Sen
Published: September 2009

Much interest has been attracted to the magnetic materials with porous structure because of their unique properties and potential applications. In this report, Fe3O4nanoporous particles assembled from small Fe3O4nanoparticles have been prepared by thermal decomposition of iron acetylacetonate in the presence of polyethylene glycol 4000. The size of the spherical nanoporous particles is 100–200 nm. Surface area measurement shows that these Fe3O4nanoporous particles have a high surface area of 87.5 m2/g. Magnetization measurement and Mössbauer spectrum indicate that these particles are nearly superparamagnetic at room temperature. It is found that the morphology of the products is greatly influenced by polyethylene glycol concentration and the polymerization degree of polyethylene glycol. Polyethylene glycol molecules are believed to facilitate the formation of the spherical assembly.
Carbon footprinting of lamb and beef production systems: insights from an empirical analysis of farms in Wales, UK
Authors: EDWARDS-JONES G. , PLASSMANN K. , HARRIS I. M.
Published: September 2009

Carbon footprinting is an increasingly important method of communicating the climate change impacts of food production to stakeholders. Few studies utilize empirical data collected from farms to calculate the carbon footprints of lamb and beef. Data from two farms in Wales, UK, were employed to undertake such an analysis for two system boundaries.

Within a system boundary that considers the embodied greenhouse gases (GHGs) in inputs and on-farm emissions, producing 1 kg of lamb releases 1·3–4·4 kg CO2 eq/kg live weight (case study farm 1) and 1·5–4·7 kg CO2 eq/kg live weight (case study farm 2). The production of beef releases 1·5–5·3 and 1·4–4·4 kg CO2 eq/kg live weight.

Within a wider system boundary that also includes GHG emissions from animals and farm soils, lamb released 8·1–31·7 and 20·3–143·5 kg CO2 eq/kg live weight on the two case study farms, and beef released 9·7–38·1 and 18·8–132·6 kg CO2 eq/kg live weight. The difference in emissions for this system boundary relates to nitrous oxides emitted from the organic soils on case study farm 2.

These values overlap with nearly all other studies of GHG emissions from lamb and beef production. No direct comparisons between studies are possible due to substantial differences in the methodological approaches adopted.
Adult Laryngeal Rhabdomyosarcoma: is aggressive treatment justified in all cases? A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Papacharalampous G X , Manolopoulos L , Korres S , Dicoglou C , Bibas A
Published: September 2009

Background:

Adult laryngeal rhabdomyosarcomas are rare tumours commonly treated by laryngectomy.

Case report:

We present a case of subglottic laryngeal rhabdomyosarcoma in an elderly woman, treated by endoscopic resection.

Conclusion:

Despite the fact that this tumour is traditionally treated aggressively, this approach is not supported by the literature. Due to the varying biological behaviour of this tumour in adults, we believe that conservative surgical procedures or combination therapies should be preferred, rather than total laryngectomy.
Did the Soviet Union instruct Southeast Asian communists to revolt? New Russian evidence on the Calcutta Youth Conference of February 1948
Authors: Efimova Larisa
Published: September 2009

This article uses recently declassified archival documents from the Central Committee of the All-Union Communist Party (of Bolsheviks) concerning the Calcutta Youth Conference of February 1948. This evidence contradicts speculation that ‘orders from Moscow’ were passed to Southeast Asian communists at this time, helping to spark the rebellions in Indonesia, Malaya, Burma and the Philippines later that year. Secret working papers now available to researchers show no signs that the Soviet leadership planned to call upon Asian communists to rise up against their national bourgeois governments at this point in time. This article outlines the real story behind Soviet involvement in events leading up to the Calcutta Youth Conference, showing both a desire to increase information and links, and yet also a degree of caution over the prospects of local parties.
The origins of the Asian Cold War: Malaya 1948
Authors: Hack Karl
Published: September 2009

From the 1970s most scholars have rejected the Cold War orthodoxy that the Malayan Emergency (1948–60) was a result of instructions from Moscow, translated into action by the Malayan Communist Party (MCP). They have instead argued that local factors precipitated violence, and that the MCP was relatively unprepared when the Emergency was declared. This article puts the international element back into the picture. It shows that the change from a ‘united front’ to a ‘two camp’ international communist line from 1947 played a significant role in deciding local debates in favour of revolt. It also demonstrates how the MCP had plans for a graduated build-up to armed revolt before an Emergency was declared. This article therefore offers a model for a dynamic, two-way relationship between the international and local levels of Cold War.
The beginnings of a ‘Cold War’ in Southeast Asia: British and Australian perceptions
Authors: Wade Geoff
Published: September 2009

The questions of how and when the Cold War manifested itself in Southeast Asia are here examined through the perceptions of Britain and Australia to regional and global events from 1945 to 1950. Both had major stakes in the eventual results of the local contentions in Southeast Asia, as well as in the global effects of great power rivalry. Yet even for these powers, determining when they believed the Cold War came to Southeast Asia is dependent on the definition adopted. By 1946, there was already recognition of entrenched ideological conflict in Southeast Asia, and that this threatened Western interests. In 1947, there was recognition of connections between the local communist parties and the ‘global designs’ of the Soviet Union. In 1948, there was the outbreak of armed violence in Burma, Malaya and Indonesia, though there was no evidence of direct Soviet involvement in these. Ultimately, however, it was the establishment of the PRC in 1949 (as a major regional communist power), in tandem with plans by non-communist states to coordinate policy against communism, which was seen as marking the arrival of fully-fledged Cold War in Southeast Asia.
Common ground: Race and the colonial universe in British Malaya
Authors: Manickam Sandra Khor
Published: September 2009

This article explores the common bases of knowledge on race among Malay intellectuals and British scholar-officials in British Malaya. It focuses on genealogies of knowledge that not only lead back to Europe, but to contexts in the Malay Archipelago, encompassing both coloniser and colonised as agents of production of colonial knowledge on race. Race was a strategy adopted by Malay intellectuals in a colonial milieu, in line with histories and conditions before and during the period of British control over Malaya. The notion of complicities is explored in studying the interaction between British and Malay intellectuals which produced colonial knowledge on race.
Kampong, fire, nation: Towards a social history of postwar Singapore
Authors: Seng Loh Kah
Published: September 2009

An important but little-studied act in the history of postwar Singapore was played out at the margins of the city. Here, the state was involved in a major campaign to socialise the ‘squatters’ of urbankamponginto citizens of a high modernist state. The fire hazard in these settlements also contributed significantly to the process, as the residents were mobilised into fire-fighting squads and politicians acted on behalf of the victims of infernos by rehousing them in emergency public housing. This article proposes a new approach to postwar Singapore historiography at the interface between politics and social developments. It underlines the social agents, spatial dimension and historical continuity uncovered in the venture.
Early programming of adipose tissue function: a large-animal perspective
Authors: Mostyn Alison , Symonds Michael E.
Published: September 2009

The emerging role of adipose tissue as a dynamic endocrine organ with an extent of anatomical and physiological plasticity has generated numerous studies linking early-life events with long-term alterations in adipose tissue structure and function. Coupled with increasing rates of human obesity, which cannot be explained without some genetic component, the role of early programming of adipose tissue may provide an insight into potential mechanisms. The developmental origins of health and disease hypothesis investigates the potential association between a compromised fetal and postnatal environment and later disease, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes, in the offspring. A number of animal models have been developed to examine potential mechanisms that drive these physiological changes, including rodent and large-mammal models that provide mechanistic insights into the epidemiological findings. In utero challenges such as under- or over-provision of nutrients, placental insufficiency and glucocorticoid infusion, as well as postnatal nutritional challenges, can all result in the long-term programming of adipose tissue abundance and function. A range of hormones, enzymes, transcription factors and other metabolic signalling molecules have been implicated in adverse adipose tissue development, including leptin, glucocorticoids, members of the PPAR family, fatty acid-binding proteins and adipokines. The long-term structural and physiological consequences associated with these molecular and cellular changes are less well described. The experimental models, potential mechanisms and regulators of the early programming of adipose tissue in large mammalian species will be summarised in the present review.
How common are common mental disorders? Evidence that lifetime prevalence rates are doubled by prospectiveversusretrospective ascertainment
Authors: Moffitt T. E. , Caspi A. , Taylor A. , Kokaua J. , Milne B. J. , Polanczyk G. , Poulton R.
Published: September 2009

Background

Most information about the lifetime prevalence of mental disorders comes from retrospective surveys, but how much these surveys have undercounted due to recall failure is unknown. We compared results from a prospective study with those from retrospective studies.

Method

The representative 1972–1973 Dunedin New Zealand birth cohort (n=1037) was followed to age 32 years with 96% retention, and compared to the national New Zealand Mental Health Survey (NZMHS) and two US National Comorbidity Surveys (NCS and NCS-R). Measures were research diagnoses of anxiety, depression, alcohol dependence and cannabis dependence from ages 18 to 32 years.

Results

The prevalence of lifetime disorder to age 32 was approximately doubled in prospective as compared to retrospective data for all four disorder types. Moreover, across disorders, prospective measurement yielded a mean past-year-to-lifetime ratio of 38% whereas retrospective measurement yielded higher mean past-year-to-lifetime ratios of 57% (NZMHS, NCS-R) and 65% (NCS).

Conclusions

Prospective longitudinal studies complement retrospective surveys by providing unique information about lifetime prevalence. The experience of at least one episode of DSM-defined disorder during a lifetime may be far more common in the population than previously thought. Research should ask what this means for etiological theory, construct validity of the DSM approach, public perception of stigma, estimates of the burden of disease and public health policy.
Mothers' conceptualizations of parent-child relationships: Relation to mother-child interaction and child behavior problems
Authors: Crowell Judith A. , O'Connor Elizabeth , Wollmers Gretchen , Sprafkin Joyce , Rao Uma
Published: September 2009

Knowledge of parental state of mind with respect to parent-child attachment relationships may provide insight into etiology or maintenance of problematic parent-child interactions and development of child psychopathology. Forty-nine mothers and their behaviorally disturbed children, aged 5 to 11 years, were assessed in a child psychiatry clinic. Mothers and children were observed in a semistructured interaction consisting of free play, three tasks, separation, and reunion. Mothers were scored on supportiveness, helpfulness, organization, and so forth. Children were rated on relationship behaviors with mother, task behaviors, activity level, and so forth. Parents and teachers completed rating scales of child aggression and oppositionality, inattention and hyperactivity, and competence. Children rated themselves on feelings of depression and anxiety. Mothers were given the Adult Attachment Interview (George, Kaplan, & Main, 1985) and were classified as secure, dismissing, or preoccupied in state of mind with respect to attachment. Mothers classified as secure were supportive and well organized with their children. Mothers classified as insecure were unsupportive and cool. The secure classification was associated with the children reporting low levels of anxiety and depression, being described as competent and relatively low in symptomatology. The dismissing classification was associated with oppositional and aggressive symptoms in the children, greater symptomatology overall, and child self-reports of distress. Maternal attachment classification appears to contribute to understanding of the development of psychopathology in children and its type and severity.
Attachment organization and familial overinvolvement for adults with serious psychopathological disorders
Authors: Dozier Mary , Stevenson Andrea L. , Lee Spring W. , Velligan Dawn I.
Published: September 2009

Forty adults with serious psychopathological disorders were administered the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI). Attachment strategies were assessed using Kobak's (1989) Q-sort method, which yields scores along the two dimensions of security/anxiety and repression/preoccupation. Expressed emotion was rated for a close family member based on the Five-Minute Speech Sample (FMSS). In addition, premorbid competence was assessed, and subjects completed a psychiatric symptom inventory. Subjects who used more extreme secondary attachment strategies (whether preoccupied or repressing) were more likely to have family members who were overinvolving. Symptom inventories revealed greater symptom reporting by individuals who relied more on preoccupied than on repressing strategies and by individuals who were in high expressed emotion families. Higher levels of premorbid competence were associated with more secure attachment strategies. These findings are consistent with a transactional model of relationships whereby the attachment strategies of these adults affect the involvement of their family members, which in turn further perpetuate behaviors associated with their attachment strategies.