bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the steady‐state pharmacokinetic interaction between etravirine administered as two different formulations and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in healthy volunteers
Authors: Kakuda TN , Schöller‐Gyüre M , De Smedt G , Beets G , Aharchi F , Peeters MP , Vandermeulen K , Woodfall BJ , Hoetelmans RMW
Published: January 2009

Objective

Two open‐label, randomized, cross‐over trials in healthy volunteers were conducted to investigate the pharmacokinetic interaction between etravirine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate.

Methods

Etravirine was administered as either 800 mg twice a day (bid) (phase II formulation in Study 1) or 200 mg bid (phase III formulation in Study 2) for 8 days followed by a 12 h pharmacokinetic evaluation. After a minimum of 14 days washout, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg once a day was administered for 16 days. Volunteers were randomized to receive co‐administration of etravirine with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate on either days 1–8 or days 9–16 followed by a 12 h pharmacokinetic evaluation for etravirine on day 8 or 16, respectively. Plasma and urine tenofovir concentrations were determined on days 8 and 16 over 24 h.

Results

The least square mean (LSM) ratio [90% confidence interval (CI)] for the area under the plasma concentration–time curve from 0 to 12 h (AUC12 h) for etravirine co‐administered with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate vs. etravirine alone was 0.69 (0.61–0.79) and 0.81 (0.75–0.88) in Studies 1 and 2, respectively. The LSM ratio (90% CI) for the effect of etravirine on tenofovir AUC24 h was 1.16 (1.09–1.23) in Study 1 and 1.15 (1.09–1.21) in Study 2.

Conclusions

These alterations are not considered clinically relevant for either drug and no dose adjustment is necessary when etravirine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate are co‐administered.
Valacyclovir and topical clobetasol gel for the episodic treatment of herpes labialis: a patient‐initiated, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled pilot trial
Authors: Hull C , McKeough M , Sebastian K , Kriesel J , Spruance S
Published: January 2009

Background  Treatment of herpes simplex labialis (HSL) has been associated with modest benefits. This difficulty results from the rapid resolution of the disease accomplished by the immune system, which narrows the window of therapeutic opportunity. The immune response is also responsible for important clinical manifestations, including oedema and pain. The dual role of immune responses (protection, pathology) is well recognized in other infectious diseases. The addition of corticosteroids to antimicrobial agents has been associated with improvement in some of these diseases.

Objective  We evaluated the combination of oral valacyclovir plus topical clobetasol compared to placebo for recurrent HSL.

Methods  Eighty‐one subjects were screened, randomized, and dispensed medication (valacyclovir 2 g orally twice daily φορ 1 day and clobetasol gel 0.05% twice daily for 3 days). Forty‐two patients developed a recurrence and initiated treatment.

Results  There were more aborted lesions in the valacyclovir–clobetasol arm compared to placebo–placebo (50% vs.15.8%, P = 0.04). Combination therapy reduced the mean maximum lesion size (9.7 vs. 54 mm2, P = 0.002) and the mean healing time of classical lesions (5.8 vs. 9.3 days, P = 0.002). We created a composite statistic, area‐under‐the‐curve (AUC) of classical lesion size versus time. There was a reduction in the AUC in the combination arm compared with placebo (23 vs. 193 mm2, P < 0.001). Adverse events were minimal. Secondary and post‐treatment recurrences were not increased by combination therapy.

Conclusions  This pilot study supports the addition of topical corticosteroids to an oral antiviral agent for the treatment of HSL. Larger studies need to confirm the safety and efficacy of this approach.

Conflicts of interest

Dr Hull has served as a consultant for GlaxoSmithKline
Objectivism and Bias on the Study of the Israeli–Palestinian Conflict
Authors: Salinas Moises F.
Published: January 2009

The author responds to reviews of his book, Planting Hatred, Sowing Pain: The Psychology of the Israeli‐Palestinian Conflict. Reviewers argue that you cannot understand the psychology of this conflict from an objective perspective, without taking issues such as historical context and social justice in consideration. The author argues that this detachment is necessary in order to find a solution, since we need to move beyond an orientation to the past that amounts to a culpability paradigm, and into an orientation to the future and a resolution paradigm. Only after you achieve peace and build mutual trust, could the parties be ready to do soul searching and take responsibility for their past actions.
Co‐flowering neighbors influence the diversity and identity of pollinator groups visiting plant species
Authors: Lázaro Amparo , Lundgren Rebekka , Totland Ørjan
Published: January 2009

The generalization–specialization continuum exhibited in pollination interactions currently receives much attention. It is well‐known that the pollinator assemblage of particular species varies temporally and spatially, and therefore the ecological generalization on pollinators may be a contextual attribute. However, the factors causing such variation and its ecological and evolutionary consequences are still poorly understood. This variation can be caused by spatial or temporal variation in the pollinator community, but also by variation in the plant community. Here, we examined how the floral neighbourhood influenced the generalization on pollinators and the composition of pollinators of six plant species differing in generalization levels and main pollinators. The diversity, identity and density of floral species affected both the level of generalization on pollinators and the composition of visitors of particular plant species. Although the relationships to floral neighbourhood varied considerably among species, generalization level and visitation by uncommon pollinators generally increased with floral diversity and richness. The generalization level of the neighbourhood was negatively related to the generalization level of the focal species in two species. The number of flowers of the pollinator‐sharing species and the number of flowers of the focal species had different effects on the composition of visits in different species; attributable to differences in facilitation/competition for pollinator attraction. We propose that an important ecological implication of our results is that variation in species interactions caused by the pollination context may result in increased community stability. The main evolutionary implication of our results is that selection on flower and pollinator traits may depend, to an unknown extent, on the composition of the co‐flowering plant community.
Anticalculus effect of a triclosan mouthwash containing phytate: a double‐blind, randomized, three‐period crossover trial
Authors: Grases F. , Perelló J. , Sanchis P. , Isern B. , Prieto R. M. , Costa‐Bauzá A. , Santiago C. , Ferragut M. L. , Frontera G.
Published: January 2009

Background and Objective:  Dental calculus occurs as a consequence of supersaturation of saliva with respect to calcium phosphates. This mineralization of dental plaque can be delayed by the presence of crystallization inhibitors, such as pyrophosphate or bisphosphonates. Phytate inhibits brushite and hydroxyapatite crystallization and has the potential to prevent dental calculi formation. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of phytate and zinc, administered in a mouthwash solution, to prevent the formation of dental calculus.

Material and Methods:  Healthy dental plaque‐forming volunteers (n = 25) took part in a randomized, double‐blind, three‐period crossover clinical study to assess the efficacy of a phytate‐containing mouthwash in relation to control and placebo effects. Subjects rinsed their mouths for 1 min, twice each day, with 20 mL of the test solution, without ingestion. Mouthwash efficacy was assessed through quantification of the amounts of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium present in the residues obtained by dental cleaning, performed by a single trained examiner.

Results:  A good correlation was found among total calcium, magnesium and phosphorus in calcified dental plaque residues, indicating that any of these variables is adequate for evaluating the reduction of plaque crystallization as calcium phosphate. A statistically significant decrease in total calcium, magnesium and phosphorus was found in the phytate‐treatment period compared with control and placebo periods, demonstrating the efficacy of the proposed treatment in reducing dental calculus formation.

Conclusion:  The high efficacy of phytate in reducing dental calculus formation suggests that this substance may be an effective treatment for preventing the development of calculus deposits.
Actigraph‐defined moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity cut‐off points among children: statistical and biobehavioural relevance
Authors: Guinhouya Comlavi B , Lemdani Mohamed , Vilhelm Christian , Durocher Alain , Hubert Hervé
Published: January 2009

Aim: To compare Actigraph‐defined moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) cutpoints among children, combining statistical and biobehavioural analyses.

Methods: One hundred and thirteen children aged 10.0 ± 0.8 years wore accelerometer for three days. The time they spent in MVPA was estimated using 10 thresholds ranged from 3000 to 3900 cpm. A statistical construct including 45 Bland and Altman pairwise analyses was used to compare the 10 estimates of MVPA. A regression was performed to develop an equation relating mean differences to the between‐cutpoint gaps.

Results: Mean differences in the MVPA estimates ranged from 1.6 to 12.8 min as a function of increment. Raw estimates of MVPA decreased according to an arithmetic sequence with a common difference of 200 cpm. This difference translates into a drop of 12% in MVPA and a misclassification of up to 5% of children. Mean differences (Y) could be predicted from increments (X) using: Y= 0.02 X (R2= 0.99, SEE = 0.72, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion: When a lack of agreement should be assumed as the between‐cutpoint gap exceeds 200 cpm, statistical differences may occur earlier at 90 cpm. Yet, the current equation makes it possible to compare and adjust results from studies/interventions using diverse cutpoints for MVPA among children.
The relationship between breast milk leptin and neonatal weight gain
Authors: Doneray Hakan , Orbak Zerrin , Yildiz Leyla
Published: January 2009

Aim: To investigate whether change in leptin content of breast milk during lactation acts on neonatal body weight gain.

Methods: In total 15 lactating women and their 15 term infants were involved in the study. Breast milk and neonatal serum samples were obtained from the same women and their neonates on the 1st day and any day between the 21st and 30th days after birth. Breast milk and serum leptin concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay. Anthropometric indexes of the infants were recorded.

Results: The study was completed with 15 multiparious mothers aged 19–37 years and their infants. The mean collection time of the first samples after birth was 6.07 ± 1.94 h. The leptin level in the mature milk was significantly higher than in the colostrum (p < 0.001). Neonatal weight and height were significantly increased on 21–30 lactation days compared to 1st day of lactation (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). The leptin concentration in the mature milk was negatively correlated with delta BMI (r =−0.53; p < 0.05). The delta breast milk leptin concentration was also found to be inversely correlated with delta BMI (r =−0.529; p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The results of this study have suggested that change in the leptin content of breast milk during lactation might play a role in the regulation of weight gain in healthy neonates.
Functional role of fumarate site Glu59 involved in allosteric regulation and subunit–subunit interaction of human mitochondrial NAD(P)+‐dependent malic enzyme
Authors: Hsieh Ju‐Yi , Chiang Yu‐Hsiu , Chang Kuan‐Yu , Hung Hui‐Chih
Published: January 2009

Here we report on the role of Glu59 in the fumarate‐mediated allosteric regulation of the human mitochondrial NAD(P)+‐dependent malic enzyme (m‐NAD‐ME). In the present study, Glu59 was substituted by Asp, Gln or Leu. Our kinetic data strongly indicated that the charge properties of this residue significantly affect the allosteric activation of the enzyme. The E59L enzyme shows nonallosteric kinetics and the E59Q enzyme displays a much higher threshold in enzyme activation with elevated activation constants, KA,Fum and αKA,Fum. The E59D enzyme, although retaining the allosteric property, is quite different from the wild‐type in enzyme activation. The KA,Fum and αKA,Fum of E59D are also much greater than those of the wild‐type, indicating that not only the negative charge of this residue but also the group specificity and side chain interactions are important for fumarate binding. Analytical ultracentrifugation analysis shows that both the wild‐type and E59Q enzymes exist as a dimer–tetramer equilibrium. In contrast to the E59Q mutant, the E59D mutant displays predominantly a dimer form, indicating that the quaternary stability in the dimer interface is changed by shortening one carbon side chain of Glu59 to Asp59. The E59L enzyme also shows a dimer–tetramer model similar to that of the wild‐type, but it displays more dimers as well as monomers and polymers. Malate cooperativity is not significantly notable in the E59 mutant enzymes, suggesting that the cooperativity might be related to the molecular geometry of the fumarate‐binding site. Glu59 can precisely maintain the geometric specificity for the substrate cooperativity. According to the sequence alignment analysis and our experimental data, we suggest that charge effect and geometric specificity are both critical factors in enzyme regulation. Glu59 discriminates human m‐NAD‐ME from mitochondrial NADP+‐dependent malic enzyme and cytosolic NADP+‐dependent malic enzyme in fumarate activation and malate cooperativity.
Definition of efficiency in vacuum therapy – a randomised controlled trial comparing Redon drains with V.A.C.® Therapy™
Authors: Wild Thomas , Stremitzer Stefan , Budzanowski Annita , Hoelzenbein Thomas , Ludwig Claudia , Ohrenberger Gerald
Published: January 2009

Redon drains are still used to suction wounds for vacuum sealing. Vacuum‐assisted closure (V.A.C.®; Kinetic Concepts Inc, San Antonio, TX) is a computer‐controlled therapy system for delivering topical negative pressure therapy. The efficiency of V.A.C. in the treatment of pressure ulcers was prospectively studied in a randomised controlled trial in which patients with pressure ulcers were randomly assigned to negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) using either V.A.C. or Redon bottles. The target parameters were absolute and relative proportion of wound area consists of granulation tissue, fibrin and necrosis. Other outcome measures were the number of dressing changes and time invested using each system. The study was terminated after a post hoc analysis after inclusion of ten patients because of the significantly better results when using V.A.C., and the substantially larger care effort needed in the Redon group compared with the V.A.C. group. An increase in surface granulation tissue of 54% was observed in the V.A.C. group, and a reduction in the Redon group (P = 0·001). The Redon group showed an increase in fibrin tissue at the wound base of 21·8%, whereas in the V.A.C group, a 27% reduction was observed (P = 0·035). Necrosis was reduced in the V.A.C. group, but this difference did not reach significance. Redon bottles are not a good alternative for V.A.C. therapy for delivering NPWT.
Changes in serum and exudate creatine phosphokinase concentrations as an indicator of deep tissue injury: a pilot study
Authors: Sari Yunita , Nakagami Gojiro , Kinoshita Ai , Huang Lijuan , Ueda Kohei , Iizaka Shinji , Sanada Hiromi , Sugama Junko
Published: January 2009

Deep tissue injury (DTI) is difficult to detect in the early phase. Creatine phosphokinase (CPK) as a muscle enzyme could represent a promising indicator of DTI. However, serum CPK levels reflect the systemic condition rather than the local wound environment. Wound exudates can be indicative of the local wound environment. This study aimed to investigate the usefulness of CPK levels in wound exudates as an indicator of DTI. Rats were divided into control, 6 hours 10‐kg and 6 hours 20‐kg loading groups. Serum samples were obtained before wounding, and at 8 and 12 hours, and 1, 2 and 3 days after wounding, while exudate samples were obtained on days 2 and 3. Serum CPK levels were markedly increased in the 10‐kg and 20‐kg groups at 8 and 12 hours after loading compared with the baseline value and control group, but decreased to the normal level on day 1. In both loading groups, exudate CPK levels were high on day 2 and decreased on day 3. Muscle necrosis was more severe in the 20‐kg group than in the 10‐kg group by histological examination. This is the first study to indicate the potential of CPK in wound exudates as an indicator of DTI.
RELIGION, RELIGIOUS STUDIES AND HIGHER EDUCATION: INTO THE 21ST CENTURY
Authors: Henking Susan E.
Published: January 2009

Book reviewed in this article:

THE MAKING OF THE MODERN UNIVERSITY: INTELLECTUAL TRANSFORMATION AND THE MARGINALIZATION OF MORALITYBy Julie A. Reuben

THE UNIVERSITY GETS RELIGION: RELIGIOUS STUDIES IN AMERICAN HIGHER EDUCATIONBy D. G. Hart

ACADEMIC FREEDOM AND CHRISTIAN SCHOLARSHIPBy Anthony J. Diekema

RELIGION IN HIGHER EDUCATION: THE POLITICS OF THE MULTI‐FAITH CAMPUSBy Sophie Gilliat‐Ray

HIGHER LEARNING AND CATHOLIC TRADITIONSEdited by Robert E. Sullivan

QUALITY WITH SOUL: HOW SIX PREMIER COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES KEEP FAITH WITH THEIR RELIGIOUS TRADITIONSBy Robert Benne

RELIGION ON CAMPUS: WHAT RELIGION REALLY MEANS TO TODAY'S UNDERGRADUATESBy Conrad Cherry, Betty A. DeBerg, and Amanda Porterfield

CATHOLIC WOMEN'S COLLEGES IN AMERICAEdited by Tracy Schier and Cynthia Russett

THE IDEA OF A CATHOLIC UNIVERSITYBy George Dennis O'Brien

RELIGIOUS STUDIES, THEOLOGY, AND THE UNIVERSITY: CONFLICTING MAPS, CHANGING TERRAINEdited by Line11 E. Cady and Delwin Brown
THE MEANING AND END OF FUNDAMENTALISM
Authors: Watt David Harrington
Published: January 2009

Book reviewed in this article:

HOLY TERRORS: THINKING ABOUT RELIGION AFTER SEPTEMBER 11 By Bruce Lincoln

STRONG RELIGION: THE RISE OF FUNDAMENTALISMS AROUND THE WORLD By Gabriel A. Almond, R. Scott Appleby, and Emmanuel Sivan

UNDERSTANDING FUNDAMENTALISM: CHRISTIAN, ISLAMIC AND JEWISH MOVEMENTS By Richard T. Antoun Walnut

THE BATTLE FOR GOD By Karen Armstrong

THE CLASH OF FUNDAMENTALISMS: CRUSADES, JIHADS AND MODERNITY By Tariq Ali
THE ORIGINS OF THE DISCIPLINES OF BIBLICAL ARCHAEOLOGY AND BIBLICAL STUDIES, AND THEIR EARLY POLITICIZATION
Authors: Hallote Rachel
Published: January 2009

Book reviewed in this article:

JERUSALEM IN ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPHS, 1850–1920: PHOTOGRAPHS FROM THE ARCHIVES OF THE PALESTINE EXPLORATION FUND By Shimon Gibson

ORIENTALISM AND VISUAL CULTURE: IMAGINING MESOPOTAMIA IN NINETEENTH CENTURY EUROPE By Fredercik Bohrer

MEASURING JERUSALEM: THE PALESTINE EXPLORATION FUND AND BRITISH INTERESTS IN THE HOLY LAND By Jon James Moscrop

IMAGINING THE HOLY LAND: MAPS, MODELS, AND FANTASY TRAVELS By Burke O. Long
Hexamethonium‐resistant gastric contractions by stimulation of the vagal nuclei. An antidromic activation of vagal afferents?
Authors: DELBRO DICK , LISANDER BJÖRN
Published: January 2009

Experiments were performed in chloralosed cats, laparotomized with ligated adrenals and spinalized in the cervical region. Blood pressure, heart rate and gastric motility were monitored. Stimulations were performed in two brain stem regions, viz. a “control region” including the nucleus ambiguous and a “dorsal region” approximately corresponding to the dorsal vagal nucleus and the solitarius complex. From both regions were regularly elicited gastric motor responses that were either excitatory, biphasic or inhibitory in direction, and always associated with prompt bradycardia and hypotension. After hexamethonium blockade of the “conventional” efferent vagal excitatory and relaxatory fibres to the stomach, stimulation of the control region no longer augmented gastric motility, while gastric contractions which could be abolished by atropine or vagotomy were produced from the dorsal region. The bradycardia and hypotension responses from both regions were also blocked by hexamethonium and then stimulations often led to delayed pressor responses, resistant to both vagotomy and atropine. The present results, together with previous findings (Delbro et al. 1981, 1982) suggest that the hexamethonium‐resistant gastric contractions, elicited by stimulation of the mentioned dorsal region of the brain stem, are due to antidromic activation of afferent gastric vagal fibres with excitatory collaterals to intramural cholinergic neurons.
Involvement of cholinergic nicotine‐like receptors as modulators of amine turnover in various types of hypothalamic dopamine and noradrenaline nerve terminal systems and of prolactin, LH, FSH and TSH secretion in the castrated male rat
Authors: ANDERSSON KURT , FUXE KJELL , ENEROTH PETER , AGNATI LUIGI F.
Published: January 2009

The effects of high repeated subcutaneous doses (4×2 mg/kg) of nicotine have been evaluated on dopamine (DA) and noradrenaline (NA) levels and turnover in the long‐term castrated male rat using catecholamine (CA) fluorescence histochemistry in combination with quantitative microfluorometry. The CA turnover was evaluated by studying the decline of the CA stores following tyrosine hydroxylase inhibition using α‐methyltyrosine methyl ester (H 44/68). In the same experiments trunk blood was collected for the determination of serum prolactin, LH, FSH and TSH levels using standard radioimmun‐oassay procedures. The nicotine treatment produced a significant depletion of CA stores and an increase of CA turnover in DA and NA nerve terminals of the median eminence and in peri‐ and paraventricular NA systems. These effects were significantly counteracted by pretreatment with mecamylamine. Nicotine significantly reduced serum prolactin and TSH levels, and after H 44/68 it also reduced LH and FSH serum levels. These actions were counteracted by mecamylamine pretreatment, except the effects on serum TSH levels after H 44/68, which were even enhanced by pretreatment with mecamylamine. Overall intraindividual correlations showed a significant correlation between reduced CA turnover in several hypothalamic areas and increased serum LH and FSH levels, increased NA turnover in the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus and increased serum TSH levels, and reduced DA turnover in the median eminence and increased serum LH levels. It is suggested that in the castrated male rat nicotine can activate cholinergic nicotine‐like receptors facilitating DA and NA turnover and release in various hypothalamic CA nerve terminal systems including those inhibiting the secretion of prolactin and LH (DA terminals in medial and lateral palisade zone, respectively) and facilitating secretion of TSH (NA terminals in the parvocellular part of the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus).
Effects of hemorrhage on vasopressin secretion and arterial blood pressure during experimental diabetes insipidus in goats
Authors: RUNDGREN M. , OLSSON K. , APPELGREN B. , FYHRQUIST F.
Published: January 2009

The effect of hypotensive hemorrhage on plasma vasopressin (AVP) concentration and carotid blood pressure before and after induction of experimental diabetes insipidus (DI) was studied in the conscious goat. Bleeding to the point of blood pressure fall (blood loss 15–25% of the estimated blood volume) caused an immediate, approximately hundred fold, increase in the plasma AVP concentration in the normal animal. Hemorrhage to the same extent during DI did not affect the plasma AVP levels. A rather transient hypotensive response to bleeding was seen before disruption of the pituitary stalk, but during DI the recovery of the hemorrhage‐induced hypotension was less effective. However, the normalization of the blood pressure after bleeding was slightly more efficient during the permanent than during the temporary phase of DI. It is concluded that an intact hypothalamoneurohypophysial connection is necessary for the massive release of AVP normally seen in response to hypotensive hemorrhage. It is also confirmed that the lack of this hormonal response to bleeding is accompanied by an increased susceptibility to the hypotensive effect of hemorrhage.
Zinc and zinc ligands in human seminal plasma
Authors: ARVER STEFAN
Published: January 2009

The principal zinc binding component in human prostatic fluid and seminal plasma has been found to bind zinc reversible and to be of low molecular weight. Treatment of this zinc containing complex (LMW‐Zn) with trypsin and pronase or acid hydrolysis failed to alter its zinc binding properties or gel chromatographic characteristics. Removal of citrate with a combination of citrate lyase, malate dehydrogenase and lactate dehydrogenase did, however, completely abolish its ability to bind zinc. Spectrographical scanning of LMW‐Zn preparations obtained by gel chromatography of prostatic fluid or seminal plasma on a Sephadex G‐25 column gave identical absorption curves with those obtained by scanning of a zinc‐citrate solution. Application of the same analysis to LMW‐Zn of human breast milk yielded similar results. It is concluded that citrate is the major low molecular weight zinc ligand in prostatic fluid, seminal plasma and breast milk.
Vasopressin release in response to intracerebroventricular L‐alanine and L‐arginine, and its dependence upon CSF NaCI concentration
Authors: ERIKSSON S. , APPELGREN B. , RUNDGREN M. , ANDERSSON B.
Published: January 2009

Influences on renal water, electrolyte, and arginine vasopressin (AVP) excretions of 1 h infusions (20 μl/min) of a neutral (L‐alanine) and two basic (L‐lysine and L‐arginine) amino acids into the lateral cerebral ventricle were studied in hydrated goats, and were compared to effects of control infusions of hypertonic (0.25 M) NaCl. L‐alanine (0.11 M) dissolved in hypotonic NaCl caused more pronounced inhibition of the water diuresis and greater increase in AVP excretion than did the control infusions, but, in comparison to the latter, the responses developed very slowly. The effects were further delayed and were much attenuated when L‐alanine was administered in isotonic glucose, but became considerably accentuated when isotonic NaCl was used as the solvent. L‐lysine (0.09 M) in hypotonic NaCl did not inhibit the water diuresis or cause any apparent AVP release, whereas the corresponding L‐arginine infusions caused inhibition of the water diuresis and increase in AVP excretion of approximately the same magnitudes and time courses as the control infusions. Like for L‐alanine, these effects became accentuated when L‐arginine was dissolved in isotonic NaCl, and became delayed and much attenuated when isotonic glucose was used as the solvent. L‐arginine induced a more pronounced increase in renal Na excretion than did L‐alanine and 0.25 M NaCl. Since transport together with Na (increasing the Na influx) generally is much more important for cellular uptake of neutral than of basic amino acids, the possibility is discussed that L‐alanine here might have caused AVP release by increasing transmembrane Na transport of juxtacerebroventricular Na sensors regulating the AVP secretion–a suggestion supported by the lack of response to the basic L‐lysine. The antidiuretic effect of the other basic amino acid, L‐arginine, can not be explained along this line. However, with regard to the characteristic differences observed between the responses to L‐alanine and L‐arginine, the possibility is discussed that the latter might not have acted at a sensory level, but on the final neuronal link in the release of neurohypophyseal hormones, the hypothalamic neurosecretory cells. In contrast to L‐alanine and L‐arginine, L‐lysine appeared to stimulate the appetite of the goats.
Facilitation, and muscarinic and α‐adrenergic inhibition of the secretion of3H‐acetylcholine and3H‐noradrenaline from guinea‐pig ileum myenteric nerve terminals
Authors: ALBERTS P. , STJÄRNE L.
Published: January 2009

The transmitter stores of cholinergic and noradrenergic neurons in guinea‐pig ileum myenteric plexus were labelled by preincubation with3H‐choline or3H‐noradrenaline (3H‐NA), respectively. Secretion of transmitter was evoked by electrical field stimulation. In the presence (but not in the absence) of eserine (10 μM) the secretion of3H‐acetylcholine (3H‐ACh) per shock increased with the frequency of stimulation. Half maximal secretion was obtained at 0.7 Hz (apparent KFreqm). Variation in number of shocks per train did not influence the secretory response per shock (at 6 Hz). The secretion of3H‐NA per shock also increased with the frequency of stimulation (KFreqm= 1.5 Hz). Comparison of the inhibitory effects of oxotremorine and of exogenous NA, on the secretory responses to stimulation at frequencies close to KFreqm, showed that the secretory mechanisms of both neurons are 13–17‐fold more sensitive to the inhibitory effect of their ‘own’, than to that of ‘foreign’, agonist. In both types of neuron the inhibitory effects of oxotremorine and of NA were competitively antagonized by atropine and by yohimbine, respectively. Dissociation constants for the respective antagonist were essentially the same, irrespectively of the type of neuron, indicating that the properties of ‘presynaptic’ muscarinic or α‐receptors are independent of whether they occur on cholinergic or on noradrenergic terminals.
On the Role of Group Membership in Stereotype‐Based Performance Effects
Authors: Marx David M.
Published: January 2009

Group memberships serve an important function in our lives. They help define who we are; thus, they are intimately involved in our daily functioning. But in certain situations, our group memberships may have a particularly profound influence on the way we behave, such as in situations where stereotypes apply. In this article, I examine the role group membership plays in distinguishing between different performance effects that are based on stereotypes associated with our group memberships. Knowing the role that group memberships play in such effects can refine existing theory and research while also providing insight into methods for combating the adverse effects of stereotypes on behavior. Accordingly, I review a number of stereotype‐based performance effects that involve both negative and positive stereotypes as well as describe how group membership moderates these effects. I then discuss how stereotyped concerns associated with our group memberships can clarify the distinction between stereotype threat and priming effects. In the final portion of this article, I highlight how learning about a counter‐stereotypic person from one's group can serve to reduce the negative effects of stereotypes on performance.
Group Norms and the Attitude–Behaviour Relationship
Authors: Smith Joanne R. , Louis Winnifred R.
Published: January 2009

Despite popular opinion to the contrary, early scientific evidence pointed to a lack of support for the view that people's actions are guided by their attitudes. One response to the lack of correspondence between attitudes and behaviour has been to consider the role of other factors. One factor that has received attention is norms – the unwritten and often unspoken rules for how we should behave. We present an overview of the social identity approach to attitude–behaviour relations, which argues that norms play a significant role in the attitude–behaviour relationship if and only if the norms come from salient and important reference groups. We will then discuss a program of research that supports this analysis and examines the motivations that underpin group‐mediated attitude–behaviour consistency. Finally, we will discuss research that investigates the distinction between descriptive group norms (what group members do) and injunctive group norms (what group members approve of). We focus on how the interactions between these types of norms can inform behaviour change campaigns.
Review of 345 eye amputations carried out in the period 1996–2003, at Rigshospitalet, Denmark
Authors: Rasmussen Marie Louise Roed , Prause Jan Ulrik , Johnson Martin , Kamper‐Jørgensen Finn , Toft Peter Bjerre
Published: January 2009

Purpose:  The aim of this study was to identify the number of eye amputations, and the causative diagnoses, indications for surgery and surgical techniques applied, and to evaluate a possible change in surgical technique in a tertiary referral centre in Denmark.

Methods:  The hospital database was screened using surgery codes for patients who had undergone bulbar evisceration, enucleation or orbital exenteration in the period 1996–2003. Patient records were reviewed for gender, age, time since surgery, causative diagnosis (the disease process leading to the indication for amputation), indication for eye amputation, type of surgery and whether an implant was applied.

Results:  A total of 345 patients were identified as having undergone eye amputation during the 8‐year period. Indications for eye amputation were: painful blind eye (127); neoplasm (119); infection (42); recent injury (25); disfiguring blind eye (25); prevention of sympathetic ophthalmia (5), and other reasons (2). Surgical procedures included 174 eviscerations, 154 enucleations and 17 orbital exenterations. The mean number of surgeries per year was 43.1. An orbital implant was applied in 168 patients.

Conclusions:  The most frequent indications for eye amputation were painful blind eye (37%) and neoplasm (34%). During the study period, the annual number of eye amputations was stable, but an increase in bulbar eviscerations was noticed. Orbital implants were used in 33% of patients in 1996 and 67% in 2003.
Longterm follow‐up of children with traumatic optic nerve avulsion
Authors: Sturm Veit , Menke Marcel N. , Bergamin Oliver , Landau Klara
Published: January 2009

Purpose:  We report the longterm follow‐up of children with optic nerve avulsion (ONA) caused by traumatic events. The remarkable differences in courses and outcomes may elucidate the spectrum of ONA‐associated symptoms and injuries.

Methods:  During the last 15 years, three children with ONA were referred to our department. These cases are presented with special attention to their longterm follow‐up.

Results:  Two patients suffered from complete ONA after head injury. The third patient presented with partial ONA caused by a bicycle accident. Longterm follow‐up varied between 7 and 15 years. In the first patient, a pale swollen retina without any visible retinal vasculature was observed early in the course of follow‐up. The retina later completely detached. In the second patient, extended fibroglial scarring occurred and an extremely large epiretinal membrane formed and was finally released spontaneously into the vitreous. The third patient developed only mild fibroglial scarring and retinal pigment epithelium hyperplasia. The optic nerve head in this patient came to resemble a morning glory disc.

Conclusions:  Optic nerve avulsion can adopt different courses and outcomes in different patients. Final visual outcome seems to depend on the degree of visual acuity immediately after injury. Substantial intraocular architecture changes can occur as a result of ONA.
Choroidal neovascularization associated with cancer‐associated retinopathy
Authors: Querques Giuseppe , Thirkill Charles E. , Hagege Hervé , Soubrane Gisele , Souied Eric H.
Published: January 2009

Purpose:  To report an unusual association between cancer‐associated retinopathy (CAR) associated with invasive thymoma and choriodal neovascularization (CNV), treated by photodynamic theraphy (PDT).

Methods:  A 39‐year‐old man affected with thymoma and paraneoplastic syndrome (myasthenia gravis and diarrhoea) was observed between October 1997 and September 2007. The patient developed progressive visual dysfunction including bilateral visual acuity loss and concentric constriction of visual fields. Ophthalmological, immunological and systemic examinations were performed. Immunological evaluations included an assessment of antibody activity by indirect immunohistochemistry on sectioned rhesus monkey eye, and Western blot reactions upon an extract of pig retina.

Results:  Fundus ophthalmoscopy and fluorescein angiography revealed retinal vessel attenuation and retinal pigment epithelium degeneration. Electroretinogram suggested both rod and cone dysfunction. Indirect immunohistochemistry identified antibody activity within the photoreceptor outer segments. Western blots on the retina revealed that most of the patient’s antibody activity was focused upon a retinal protein antigen approximating 145 kD. These findings share the commonalities of size and retinal distribution of the interphotoreceptor retinoid‐binding protein (IRBP), a recognized autoantigen. The surgically resected mediastinal tumour was diagnosed as invasive thymoma. No other malignancy has since been found throughout nearly 10 years of follow‐up. In March 2006, the patient developed a subfoveal CNV in his left eye, which was treated by PDT.

Conclusion:  We describe the third case of paraneoplastic retinopathy associated with invasive thymoma. This is the first example of CAR involving autoantibodies reactive with a retinal protein having the characteristics of the IRBP, and is also the first complicated by CNV treated by PDT.
Genetic Integration of Different Diagnosis Methods and/or Fault Features for Improvement of Diagnosis Accuracy
Authors: Wei Dou , Zhan-Sheng Liu
Published: January 2009

Genetic integration of different diagnosis methods and/or fault features is proposed in this paper for improvement of diagnosis accuracy, and a weighted matrix is established by integrating neural network and artificial immune diagnoses, wavelet packet energy, and bispectrum features using genetic algorithm for the diagnosis of a rotating machinery to prove the validity of this approach. Experimental results indicate that both diagnosis accuracy and robustness of diagnosis system can be improved by integrating different diagnosis methods and/or fault features. It is therefore concluded that integration of different diagnosis methods and/or fault features is one of the ways to achieve more accurate diagnosis of machinery.
A Methodology for the Modeling of Forced Dynamical Systems From Time Series Measurements Using Time-Delay Neural Networks
Authors: Zolock John , Greif Robert
Published: January 2009

The main goal of this research was to develop and present a general, efficient, mathematical, and theoretical based methodology to model nonlinear forced-vibrating mechanical systems from time series measurements. A system identification modeling methodology for forced dynamical systems is presented based on a dynamic system theory and a nonlinear time series analysis that employ phase space reconstruction (delay vector embedding) in modeling dynamical systems from time series data using time-delay neural networks. The first part of this work details the modeling methodology, including background on dynamic systems, phase space reconstruction, and neural networks. In the second part of this work, the methodology is evaluated based on its ability to model selected analytical lumped-parameter forced-vibrating dynamic systems, including an example of a linear system predicting lumped mass displacement subjected to a displacement forcing function. The work discusses the application to nonlinear systems, multiple degree of freedom systems, and multiple input systems. The methodology is further evaluated on its ability to model an analytical passenger rail car predicting vertical wheel∕rail force using a measured vertical rail profile as the input function. Studying the neural modeling methodology using analytical systems shows the clearest observations from results, providing prospective users of this tool an understanding of the expectations and limitations of the modeling methodology.
The Effect of Off-Neutral Axis Excitation on the Vibration Response of Finite Ribbed-Plates
Authors: Lin Tian Ran , Pan Jie , Mechefske Chris
Published: January 2009

In this paper, an analytical solution is derived and used for studying the effect of off-neutral axis loading (point force excitation applied off the neutral axis of a rib) on ribbed-plate responses. Effects of off-neutral axis loading on ribbed-plate responses, in terms of input power and kinetic energy distribution in the component plates, are found to be significant except at frequencies where the beam flexural impedance is small (near the natural frequencies of the uncoupled beam). The negative input power component due to the point force or moment excitation is observed and explained in this analysis. Energy flow from the beam to the plates is dominated by the shear force coupling at the beam/plate interface if the force excitation is applied on the neutral axis of the beam. As the point force excitation location shifts away from the neutral axis, the beam is excited by a force and a moment. These dual excitations involve both shear force and moment couplings at the interface. Thus, changes in the energy flow into the component plates are dependent on the relative phase between the individual induced responses by the point force and moment excitations. This paper also discusses changes in the kinetic energy of the component plates due to changes in the energy flow.
Solar Thermochemical Generation of Hydrogen: Development of a Receiver Reactor for the Decomposition of Sulfuric Acid
Authors: Noglik Adam , Roeb Martin , Rzepczyk Thomas , Hinkley Jim , Sattler Christian , Pitz-Paal Robert
Published: January 2009

A critical step of sulfur based thermochemical cycles for hydrogen production from water is the endothermic decomposition of sulfuric acid. The necessary heat can be provided by concentrated solar radiation. A solar receiver-reactor has been developed and built to investigate this process. Experiments with the test reactor were carried out in the DLR solar furnace in Cologne and confirmed the technical feasibility of a receiver-reactor containing porous ceramics for the decomposition of sulfuric acid. The receiver-reactor and strategy of operation were iteratively optimized with respect to chemical conversion and reactor efficiency. Parametric studies were conducted with varying partial pressure of SO3, residence time, absorber temperature, the presence of catalyst, and the performance of different catalysts to quantify their influence on chemical conversion and reactor efficiency. The absorber temperature distribution was found to be the most crucial process parameter. Conversions close to the equilibrium—in some cases exceeding 90%—were achieved with a platinum catalyst. Thermal efficiencies of up to 35% for the foam vaporizer and 30% for the overall reactor were achieved. Enclosing the absorber in a cavity and using separate chambers for the evaporation and the SO3-decomposition were identified as potential measures to improve the reactor.
Experimental Verification of Optical Modeling of Parabolic Trough Collectors by Flux Measurement
Authors: Schiricke Björn , Pitz-Paal Robert , Lüpfert Eckhard , Pottler Klaus , Pfänder Markus , Riffelmann Klaus-J. , Neumann Andreas
Published: January 2009

In order to optimize the solar field output of parabolic trough collectors (PTCs), it is essential to study the influence of collector and absorber geometry on the optical performance. The optical ray-tracing model of PTC conceived for this purpose uses photogrammetrically measured concentrator geometry in commercial Monte Carlo ray-tracing software. The model has been verified with measurements of a scanning flux measurement system, measuring the solar flux density distribution close to the focal line of the PTC. The tool uses fiber optics and a charged coupled device camera to scan the focal area of a PTC module. Since it is able to quantitatively detect spilled light with good spatial resolution, it provides an evaluation of the optical efficiency of the PTC. For comparison of ray-tracing predictions with measurements, both flux maps and collector geometry have been measured under identical conditions on the Eurotrough prototype collector at the Plataforma Solar de Almería. The verification of the model is provided by three methods: the comparison of measured intercept factors with corresponding simulations, comparison of measured flux density distributions with corresponding ray-tracing predictions, and comparison of thermographically measured temperature distribution on the absorber surface with flux density distribution predicted for this surface. Examples of sensitivity studies performed with the validated model are shown.
Comparison of Tensile Fatigue Resistance and Constant Life Diagrams for Several Potential Wind Turbine Blade Laminates
Authors: Samborsky Daniel D. , Wilson Timothy J. , Mandell John F.
Published: January 2009

New fatigue test results are presented for four multidirectional laminates of current and potential interest for wind turbine blades, representing three types of fibers: E-glass, WindStrand™ glass, and carbon, all with epoxy resins. A broad range of loading conditions is included for two of the laminates, with the results represented as mean and 95∕95 confidence level constant life diagrams. The constant life diagrams are then used to predict the performance under spectrum fatigue loading relative to an earlier material. Comparisons of the materials show significant improvements under tensile fatigue loading for carbon, WindStrand, and one of the E-glass fabrics relative to many E-glass laminates in the 0.5–0.6 fiber volume fraction range. The carbon fiber dominated laminate shows superior fatigue and static strengths, as well as stiffness, for all loading conditions.
Modeling the Tensile Strength and Crack Length of Wire-Sawn Silicon Wafers
Authors: Funke Claudia , Wolf Susann , Stoyan Dietrich
Published: January 2009

Solar silicon wafers are mainly produced through multiwire-sawing. This sawing implies microcracks on the wafer surface, which are responsible for brittle fracture. In order to reduce the sawing-induced cracks, the wafers are damage etched after sawing. This paper develops a model for the impact of crack length manipulation on fracture stress distribution. It investigates the effect of damage-etching on the mechanical properties of solar silicon wafers. The main idea is to transform the fracture stress distribution into a crack length intensity function and to model the effect of etching in terms of crack lengths. The fracture stress distribution is determined statistically by fracture tests of wire-sawn and sawn and etched wafers. The Griffith criterion then enables the transition to crack lengths and crack length intensity functions. Two numerical parameters, called truncation parameter and scaling parameter, determine this relationship and enable a quantitative description of the effect of etching. They turn out to be dependent on etchant and geometry of load and thus tested crack population.