bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unbiased selection of bone marrow derived cells as carriers for cancer gene therapy
Authors: Lang Susanne I. , Kottke Timothy , Thompson Jill , Vile Richard G.
Published: August 2007

Background

There is currently great interest in development of cell‐based carriers for delivery of viral vectors to metastatic tumors. To date, several cell carriers have been tested based largely upon their predicted tumor‐localizing properties. However, cell types may exist which can be mobilized from the circulation by a tumor which have not yet been identified. Here we use an unbiased screen of bone marrow (BM) cells to identify cells which localize to tumors and which might serve as effective candidate cell carriers without any prior prediction or selection.

Methods

Unsorted BM cells from green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐transgenic donor mice were adoptively transferred into C57Bl/6 mice bearing pre‐established subcutaneous B16 melanoma tumors. Forty‐eight hours and eight days later, tumors, organs and blood were analyzed for GFP‐expressing cells by flow cytometry. The phenotype of GFP cells in organs was determined by co‐staining with specific cell surface markers.

Results

CD45+ hematopoietic cells were readily detected in tumor, spleen, bone marrow, blood and lung at both time points. Within these CD45+ cell populations, preferential accumulation in the tumor was observed of cells expressing Sca‐1, c‐kit, NK1.1, Thy1.2, CD14, Mac‐3 and/or CD11c. Lymphodepletion increased homing to spleen and bone marrow, but not to tumors.

Conclusions

We have used an in vivo screen to identify populations of BM‐derived donor cells which accumulate within tumors. These studies will direct rational selection of specific cell types which can be tested in standardized assays of cell carrier efficiency for the treatment of metastatic tumors. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gene therapy in The Netherlands: highlights from the Low Countries
Authors: Schenk‐Braat Ellen A. M. , Kaptein Leonie C. M. , Hallemeesch Marcella M. , Bangma Chris H. , Hoeben Rob C.
Published: August 2007

Gene therapy is an active research area in The Netherlands and Dutch scientists involved in fundamental and clinical gene therapy research significantly contribute to the progresses made in this field. This ranges from the establishment of the 293, 911 and PER.C6 cell lines, which are used worldwide for the production of replication‐defective adenoviral vectors, to the development of targeted viral vectors and T lymphocytes as well as of non‐viral vectors. Several milestones have been achieved in Dutch clinical gene therapy trials, including the first treatment worldwide of patients with adenosine deaminase deficiency with genetically corrected hematopoietic stem cells in collaboration with French and British scientists. Until now, about 230 patients with various diseases have been treated with viral and non‐viral gene therapy in this country. Ongoing and upcoming Dutch clinical trials focus on the translation of new developments in gene therapy research, including the restoration of genetic defects other than SCID, and the use of oncolytic adenoviruses and targeted T cells for the treatment of cancer. The growing commercial interest in Dutch clinical gene therapy is reflected by the involvement of two Dutch companies in ongoing trials as well as the participation of Dutch clinical centres in large phase III international multicenter immuno‐gene therapy trials on prostate cancer sponsored by an American company. Translational gene therapy research in The Netherlands is boosted at a governmental level by the Dutch Ministry of Health via a dedicated funding programme. This paper presents an overview on milestones in Dutch basic gene therapy research as well as on past, present and future clinical gene therapy trials in The Netherlands. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gene therapy legislation in The Netherlands
Authors: Bleijs D. A. , Haenen I. T. W. C. , Bergmans J. E. N.
Published: August 2007

Several regulatory organisations are involved in the assessment of clinical gene therapy trials involving genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in The Netherlands. Medical, ethical and scientific aspects are, for instance, evaluated by the Central Committee on Research Involving Human Subjects (CCMO). The Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment (VROM) is the competent authority for the environmental risk assessment according to the deliberate release Directive 2001/18/EC. A Gene Therapy Office has been established in order to streamline the different national review processes and to enable the official procedures to be completed as quickly as possible. Although the Gene Therapy Office improved the application process at the national level, there is a difference of opinion between the EU member states with respect to the EU Directive according to which gene therapy trials are assessed, that urges for harmonisation. This review summarises the gene therapy legislation in The Netherlands and in particular The Netherlands rationale to follow Directive 2001/18/EC for the environmental risk assessment. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gene therapy clinical trials worldwide to 2007—an update
Authors: Edelstein Michael L. , Abedi Mohammad R. , Wixon Jo
Published: August 2007

To date, over 1340 gene therapy clinical trials have been completed, are ongoing or have been approved worldwide. In 1997 we set up a database to bring together global information on gene therapy clinical trials as comprehensively as possible. The data are compiled and regularly updated from official agency sources, published literature, conference presentations and posters and from information kindly provided by investigators or trial sponsors themselves.

This review updates our descriptive overview of the data in 2004 1, presenting our analysis of the clinical trials that, to the best of our knowledge, have been or are being performed worldwide. As of July 30 2007, we have stored entries on 1309 trials in 28 countries. We have analyzed the geographical distribution of trials, the disease indications (or other reasons) for trials, the proportions to which different vector types are used, and which genes have been transferred. Details of the analyses presented, and our interactive, searchable database can be found on The Journal of Gene Medicine Gene Therapy Clinical Trials Worldwide website at: http://www.wiley.co.uk/genmed/clinical. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perception and attitude of Hong Kong hotel guest‐contact employees towards tourists from Mainland China
Authors: Yeung Sylvester , Leung Cherry
Published: August 2007

In recent years, the majority of arrivals to Hong Kong, which were once dominated by the Western and Japanese markets, were replaced by arrivals from Mainland China. The number of tourists from Mainland China has overtaken others to become the largest single market for the territory. With its increasing significance, providing quality service to these visitors becomes crucial to the success of the tourism industry and of the hotel industry in particular. Unfortunately, the satisfaction rating of the Mainland visitors on hotel services in Hong Kong is reported to be relatively low when compared to those given by other major markets. It is suspected that the perception and attitudes of the service staff may influence their behaviour in serving customers. As such, this study conducted a survey questionnaire with 228 guest‐contact employees of hotels in Hong Kong. Results indicate that most respondents have a fairly positive perception towards the Mainland tourists in relation to the economic and financial benefits that they bring to Hong Kong. However, a majority of the respondents express negative perception and attitudes towards these tourists in respect to their appearance, personalities and behaviour. Despite some respondents indicating that they exhibit different service behaviour towards visitors from Mainland China and other countries, no major significant differences in their perception and attitudes were found in this study. It is recommended that various types of cross‐cultural training, such as sensitivity training and role playing, would be helpful to guest‐contact employees in enhancing their ability to be more objective and more tolerant of other people's behaviour. This study concludes that hotel employees, especially those who work as front‐line staff, must remain aware of their subjective judgments when dealing with guests and be more accepting of others. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Customer satisfaction and loyalty to Alpine ski resorts: the moderating effect of lifestyle, spending and customers' skiing skills
Authors: Matzler Kurt , Füller Johann , Faullant Rita
Published: August 2007

Customer satisfaction and loyalty are key drivers of performance. However, there is increasing evidence that good attribute performance and high overall satisfaction do not always automatically lead to higher loyalty. In this paper, we put forward a study on customer satisfaction and loyalty to Alpine ski resorts. We analyse the moderating effects of three important factors in the attribute performance–overall satisfaction–loyalty relationship: lifestyle, consumer spending and customers' skiing skills in a sample of 6172 skiers. The results show that all studied variables have a moderating effect. The findings have implications on both theory and practice. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perceived constraints to travel across the US‐Mexico border among American university students
Authors: Canally Culum , Timothy Dallen J.
Published: August 2007

This paper examines the primary structural barriers or constraints to travel across the US‐Mexico border to visit Mexican border towns, in particular among students at a major university near the border. Factor analyses resulted in the identification of three primary types of perceived constraints erected by the international boundary, namely, personal safety, institutional and disinterest. Pearson correlation tests found that familiarity with the border and what lies on the other side does not have a significant bearing on the barriers perceived by student travellers. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermo‐elasto‐hydrodynamic lubrication model for journal bearing including shear rate‐dependent viscosity
Authors: Bukovnik Saša , Offner Günter , Čaika Valdas , Priebsch Hans H. , Bartz Wilfried J.
Published: August 2007

The simulation of the non‐stationary response of the journal bearings used in combustion engines plays a significant role in the bearing design process. Diverse simulation models contain various oil viscosity definitions taking pressure and temperature into consideration. However, viscosity dependence on the shear rate is often neglected. Within this paper, a bearing simulation model including the shear rate‐dependent viscosity is described. The modified Cross equation was used to describe shear rate influence on viscosity. Numerical modelling of the main crankshaft bearing of a modern four‐cylinder gasoline engine was performed. Selected calculation results were discussed and conclusions drawn. The modelling and calculation were carried out using the AVL software EXCITE (AVL LIST GmbH, Advanced Simulation Technology, Hans‐List‐Platz 1, Graz, Austria 8020). Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Initiated Chemical Vapor Deposition of a Surface‐Modifiable Copolymer for Covalent Attachment and Patterning of Nucleophilic Ligands
Authors: O'Shaughnessy W. Shannan , Marí‐Buyé Núria , Borrós Salvador , Gleason Karen K.
Published: August 2007

Many novel areas of biological investigation require the patterned immobilization of bioactive ligands. In this work, easily modified thin films of poly[(pentafluorophenyl methacrylate) (PFM)‐co‐(ethylene glycol diacrylate) (EGDA)]are synthesized by initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD). PFM possesses a pentafluorophenyl ester side chain moiety, which is an excellent leaving group for the attachment of nucleophilic ligands by a single reaction step, while the EGDA functions as a crosslinking agent. Patterned surface modification through microcontact printing of fluorescently labeled amines that remain immobilized after repeated solvent rinses is demonstrated. Bulk modification of the copolymer with aminoethoxyethanol, which results in a ≈20° reduction in the observed contact angle with water, is also shown.

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Assessment of psychiatric complications in Parkinson's disease: The SCOPA‐PC
Authors: Visser Martine , Verbaan Dagmar , van Rooden Stephanie M. , Stiggelbout Anne M. , Marinus Johan , van Hilten Jacobus J.
Published: August 2007

The objective of this study was to develop a clinimetric sound scale that addresses both psychotic and compulsive complications in Parkinson's disease (PD). The SCales for Outcomes in PArkinson's disease‐Psychiatric Complications (SCOPA‐PC) was developed by modifying the items of the Parkinson Psychosis Rating Scale (PPRS) and including an item on compulsive behavior in PD. To evaluate the validity of the SCOPA‐PC, 106 PD patients were assessed. A subsample of 43 patients was assessed for interrater and test–retest reliability. Construct validity was evaluated using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) and the South Oaks Gambling Scale (SOGS). Interrater and test–retest reliability for the total score was 0.95 and 0.91 (intraclass correlation coefficient), respectively. For the items, the interrater reliability ranged from 0.62 to 0.96 (weighted kappa) and the test–retest reliability ranged from 0.54 to 0.88 (weighted kappa). Cronbach's alpha was 0.68. The correlation between the SCOPA‐PC total score and the NPI was 0.41. The correlation between SCOPA‐PC items and NPI items that addressed similar constructs ranged from 0.34 to 0.68, whereas the correlation between the item on compulsive behavior and the SOGS was 0.49. In conclusion, the SCOPA‐PC is a reliable, valid, and easily‐administered semistructured questionnaire for both psychotic and compulsive complications in PD. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Carbonate extraction process for the metabolic, isozymic and proteomic profiling of rose‐scented geranium (Pelargonium sp.), a hyper‐acidic plant
Authors: Sangwan Rajender Singh , Sangwan Neelam Singh , Sharma Pankaj Kumar , Chaurasiya Narayan Das , Mishra Siddhartha Kumar , Tyagi Bali Ram , Srivastava Avdhesh Kumar
Published: August 2007

Rose‐scented geranium (Pelargonium sp.) is a valuable monoterpene‐yielding plant. It has been well characterised phytochemically through the isolation of >270 secondary metabolites, however, there is hardly any biochemical or metabolic information concerning this plant. Initial attempts to investigate its metabolism failed to produce any enzyme activity in the tissue extracts prepared in routine extraction buffers owing to the intrinsic properties of the tissue matrix. It was recognised that cellular hyper‐acidity (cell sap pH ∼3.0) gave rise to very low protein levels in the extracts, thus prohibiting detection of activities of even primary metabolic enzymes that are usually abundantly present in plants. Tissue extraction in Tris solution without pH adjustment (as used for studies involving citrus and banana) led to little or no improvement. Therefore, a novel approach using sodium carbonate solution as an efficient extraction system for enzymes and proteins from the plant was studied. Functionality of the carbonate extraction has been demonstrated through its effectiveness, a several‐fold superior performance, in yielding protein, monitoring primary metabolism and secondary metabolic enzymes, and isozymic and polypeptide profiling. The process may also be helpful in the reliable analysis of other acidic plant tissues. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal ultrasonographic findings may be useful in predicting the prognosis of trisomy 18
Authors: Tanigawa Terumi , Nakayama Daisuke , Miura Kiyonori , Miura Shoko , Shimada Takako , Masuzaki Hideaki
Published: August 2007

Objective

This study was conducted to determine whether specific ultrasonographic findings in the prenatal period were associated with survival of children affected with trisomy 18.

Method

Between October 1987 and July 2004, we collected 24 cases with trisomy 18. We investigated the relationship of prenatal ultrasonographic findings, gestational age at delivery, the Apgar score, the mode of delivery, and the neonatal treatment strategies, with survival time.

Results

17 of the 24 neonates died within 1 month after birth (Group 1), 5 died within 12 months (Group 2), and 2 survived for more than 1 year (Group 3). Severe polyhydramnios was more frequent in group 1. In groups 2 and 3, the fluid in fetal stomach was visible in all cases. Severe cardiac anomalies were more frequent in group 1. In groups 2 and 3, all neonates were girl.

Conclusion

Prenatal ultrasonographic findings associated with survival less than 1 month included severe polyhydramnios, absence of the fluid in the stomach, severe cardiac anomaly and male sex. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solidification of syndiotactic polystyrene by a continuous cooling transformation approach
Authors: La Carrubba V. , Piccarolo S. , Brucato V.
Published: August 2007

Syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS) was solidified from the melt under drastic conditions according to a continuous cooling transformation methodology developed by the authors, which covered a cooling rate range spanning from approximately 0.03 to 3000 °C/s. The samples produced, structurally homogeneous across both their thickness and surface, were analyzed by macroscopic methods, such as density, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD), and microhardness (MH) measurements. The density was strictly related to the phase content, as confirmed by WAXD deconvolution. The peculiar behavior encountered (the density first decreasing and then increasing with the cooling rate) was attributed to the singularity of the phases formed in sPS; that is, one of the crystalline phases (α) was less dense than the amorphous phase, and the latter, in turn, was less dense than the other crystalline phase (β). With an increasing cooling rate, the thermodynamically stable phase (β) disappeared first, and it was followed by the α phase. On the other hand, the MH values remarkably depended on the amount of the β phase, the α‐phase content influencing the mechanical properties only to a minor extent. The behavior of the crystallization kinetics was described through a modified multiphase Kolmogoroff–Avrami–Evans model for nonisothermal crystallization. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 2688–2699, 2007
Dosimetric properties of thick single CVD crystal diamonds
Authors: Schirru F. , Marczewska B. , Tallaire A. , Achard J. , Nowak T. , Olko P.
Published: August 2007

Three thick single crystals grown at LIMHP were investigated in regard to their thermoluminescent and electric properties like glow curve, repeatability, linearity and the current under irradiation. The crystals A, B and C showed only a very short range of the linearity after irradiation with Cs‐137 and Co‐60 gamma rays. Next, the samples were investigated regarding to their electrical properties. The samples irradiated with a Co‐60 source presented a high sensitivity to the radiation but a long saturation time. The crystal A was irradiated using a special holder at the temperature of 250 °C. The current recorded was three times higher than that at room temperature and quickly saturated. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Tip voltage controlled local modification of hydrogenated diamond surface with an atomic force microscope
Authors: Toma C. , Volodin A. , Bogdan G. , Deferme W. , Haenen K. , Neslàdek M. , Van Haesendonck C.
Published: August 2007

The influence of the voltage applied to the tip of an atomic force microscope (AFM) on the local modification of the surface of CVD‐grown diamond films is studied. By applying a negative voltage to the conductive (highly doped) silicon AFM tip, two kinds of patterns can be created. In the voltage range –6 V to –10 V structures that are elevated with respect to the surface (creation of bumps) are obtained, while at higher voltages (–12 V to –15 V) the patterns are scribed into the diamond surface (creation of pits). The origin of the observed modifications is discussed in terms of an electrochemical process that is enhanced by local heating occurring due to severe current crowding. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electrostatic force microscopy study of electrical conductivity of hydrogen‐terminated CVD diamond films
Authors: Volodin A. , Toma C. , Bogdan G. , Deferme W. , Haenen K. , Neslàdek M. , Van Haesendonck C.
Published: August 2007

Electrostatic force microscopy (EFM) has been used to probe the conducting properties of the hydrogen‐terminated (H‐terminated) surface of CVD diamond films. Two parallel electrodes, separated by a distance of 100 µm, are fabricated on the sample surface. EFM images the voltage distribution over a current‐carrying H‐terminated diamond film. The almost linear voltage drop in highly conductive H‐terminated diamond surface layers indicates that the layers behave as diffusive conductors with a well‐defined value of the sheet resistance. On the other hand, conductive as well as insulating regions are observed to coexist for H‐terminated diamond surfaces with poor electric conductivity. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Chinese intellectual property rights? Know before you go
Authors: Chapa Olga , LeMaster Jane
Published: August 2007

China's membership in the World Trade Organization further encourages foreign direct investment. Organizations establishing a multinational enterprise in China, and intending to utilize their intellectual property rights as a method of conducting their business enterprise, must be familiar with the current laws and developments regarding their protection and enforcement. This article focuses on Chinese intellectual property laws with examples of both infringements and enforcements. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pulmonary artery/aorta ratio in simple screening for fetal outflow tract abnormalities during the second trimester
Authors: Wong S. F. , Ward C. , Lee‐Tannock A. , Le S. , Chan F. Y.
Published: August 2007

Objectives

Congenital heart disease is associated with high mortality and morbidity rates, being the most life‐threatening defect in the first month of postnatal life and accounting for approximately half of all childhood mortality from birth defects. Despite this, the prenatal detection rate for congenital outflow tract anomalies by ultrasound imaging is relatively low. The aim of this study was to establish a nomogram for the pulmonary artery/aorta (PA/AO) ratio measured in the three‐vessel view plane. This ratio was investigated as a simple screening tool for congenital cardiac outflow tract abnormalities.

Methods

The study was a prospective evaluation of 966 singleton fetuses at 16–24 weeks of gestation and 46 fetuses with congenital cardiac outflow tract abnormalities. The diameters of the pulmonary artery and aorta were measured in the three‐vessel view. The PA/AO ratio was calculated and a nomogram was constructed. The mean and 95% CI for the ratio were defined and the PA/AO ratios of cases with outflow tract abnormalities were plotted against the values for normal fetuses.

Results

The gestational age of the normal group ranged from 16 to 24 weeks, with a median of 19 weeks. The pulmonary artery diameter measured between 2.1 and 4.93 mm (mean, 3.3 mm) and the aorta measured between 2.1 and 5.2 mm (mean, 2.93 mm). The mean (SD) PA/AO ratio was 1.16 (0.18) (95% CI, 0.87–1.58; range 0.61–1.86; median, 1.14). For fetuses with outflow tract abnormalities, the median gestation was 19 weeks and 37/43 (86%) had a PA/AO ratio outside the 95% CI.

Conclusions

The PA/AO ratio derived from measurements in the three‐vessel view plane can be used as an initial screening tool for outflow tract anomalies and may have a sensitivity of up to 86%, with a 5% false‐positive rate. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Systolic and diastolic ventricular function in the normal and extra‐embryonic venous clipped chicken embryo of stage 24: a pressure–volume loop assessment
Authors: Stekelenburg‐de Vos S. , Steendijk P. , Ursem N. T. C. , Wladimiroff J. W. , Poelmann R. E.
Published: August 2007

Objectives

Fluid mechanical forces affect cardiac development. In the chicken embryo, permanent obstruction of the right lateral vitelline vein by clipping reduces the mechanical load on the embryonic myocardium, which has been shown to induce a spectrum of outflow tract anomalies. Insight into the effects of this intervention on the mechanical function of the developing myocardium could contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between hemodynamics and cardiac morphogenesis. We aimed to explore the effects of clipping on intrinsic systolic and diastolic ventricular function at stage 24 in the chicken embryo

Methods

Cardiac pressure–volume relationships enable load‐independent quantification of intrinsic ventricular systolic and diastolic properties. We determined ventricular function by pressure–volume loop analysis of in‐ovo stage‐24 chicken embryos (n = 15) 2 days after venous obstruction at 2.5 days of incubation (stage 17, venous clipped embryos). Control embryos (n = 15) were used for comparison.

Results

End‐systolic volume was significantly higher in clipped embryos (0.36 ± 0.02 µL vs. 0.29 ± 0.02 µL, P = 0.002). End‐systolic and end‐diastolic pressure were also increased compared with control animals (2.93 ± 0.07 mmHg vs. 2.70 ± 0.08 mmHg, P = 0.036 and 1.15 ± 0.06 mmHg vs. 0.82 ± 0.05 mmHg, P < 0.001, respectively). No significant differences were demonstrated for other baseline hemodynamic parameters. Analysis of pressure–volume relationships showed a significantly lower end‐systolic elastance in the clipped embryos (slope of end‐systolic pressure–volume relationship: 2.91 ± 0.24 mmHg/µL vs. 7.53 ± 0.66 mmHg/µL, P < 0.005) indicating reduced contractility. Diastolic stiffness was significantly increased in the clipped embryos (slope of end‐diastolic pressure–volume relationship: 1.54 ± 0.21 vs. 0.60 ± 0.08, P < 0.005), indicating reduced compliance.

Conclusion

Venous obstruction apparently interferes with normal myocardial development, resulting in impaired intrinsic systolic and diastolic ventricular function. These changes in ventricular function may precede morphological derangements observed in later developmental stages. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polarization filtering for narrowband interference suppression in ultra‐wideband communications
Authors: Mao Xing‐Peng , Mark Jon W.
Published: August 2007

To suppress narrowband interference (NBI) in an ultra‐wideband (UWB) communications environment, a null phase‐shift polarization (NPSP) filter is proposed. The proposed NPSP filter is a combination of a linear polarization‐vector transformer (PVT), a conventional single notch polarization (SNP) filter, and an amplitude and phase compensator (APC). The NBI, which has polarized states different from those of the UWB, can be suppressed completely and the UWB signal can be recovered without distortion if the polarized states can be estimated exactly. Analytical and simulation results indicate that the signal‐to‐interference ratio (SIR) can be improved effectively after NPSP filtering. The proposed NPSP filter can be implemented in a time‐hopping spread spectrum (TH‐SS) or a direct‐sequence spread spectrum (DS‐SS) UWB system. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predictors of Outcome After Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Rupture: Edinburgh Ruptured Aneurysm Score
Authors: Tambyraja Andrew , Murie John , Chalmers Roderick
Published: August 2007

Background

Many surgeons adopt a selective policy of intervention for a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). This study aimed to develop an objective method of identifying patients suitable for attempted repair.

Methods

Consecutive patients selected for attempted repair of ruptured AAA over a 31‐month period (January 2000 to July 2002) were entered into an observational study. Altogether, 53 preoperative physiological and biochemical variables were recorded and related to operative outcome.

Results

A total of 105 patients underwent attempted repair of a ruptured AAA. There were 39 (37%) deaths in hospital or within 30 days of operation. On univariate analysis, hemoglobin <9 g/dl (p= 0.038), blood pressure <90 mmHg (p= 0.036), and Glasgow Coma Scale <15 (p= 0.016) were found to be risk factors that predicted death. Of 70 patients with no or one risk factor, 20 (29%) died. Of 30 patients with two factors, 15 (50%) died, and of the five patients with all three factors, four (80%) died. There was a significant association between mortality and cumulative risk factors (p= 0.003).

Conclusion

These three risk factors are easily assessed in the emergency setting and might form the basis of a scoring system to inform the outcome of ruptured AAA.
Warming effects on growth and physiology in the seedlings of the two conifers Picea asperata and Abies faxoniana under two contrasting light conditions
Authors: Yin Hua Jun , Liu Qing , Lai Ting
Published: August 2007

The short‐term effects of two levels of air temperature (ambient and warmed) and light (full light and ca. 10% of full light regimes) on the early growth and physiology of Picea asperata and Abies faxoniana seedlings was determined using open‐top chambers (OTC). The OTC manipulation increased mean air temperature and soil surface temperature by 0.51°C and 0.34°C under the 60‐year plantation, and 0.69°C and 0.41°C under the forest opening, respectively. Warming, with either full‐light or low‐light conditions, generally caused a significant increase in plant growth, biomass accumulation, and stimulated photosynthetic performance of P. asperata seedlings. However, the warming of A. faxoniana seedlings only significantly increased their growth under low‐light conditions, possibly as a result of photoinhibition caused by full light, which may shield and/or impair the effects of warming manipulation, per se, on the growth and physiological performance of A. faxoniana seedlings. In response to warming, P. asperata seedlings allocated relatively more biomass to roots and A. faxoniana more to foliage under similar environments. This might provide A. faxoniana with an adaptive advantage when soil moisture was not limiting and an advantage to P. asperata if substantial moisture stress occurred. Warming markedly increased the efficiency of PSII in terms of the increase in Fv/Fm and photosynthetic pigment concentrations for the two conifer seedlings, but the effects of warming were generally more pronounced under low‐light conditions than under full‐light conditions. On balance, this study suggested that warming had a beneficial impact on the early growth and development of conifer seedlings, at least in the short term. Consequently, warming may lead to changes in forest regeneration dynamics and species composition for subalpine coniferous ecosystems under future climate change.
Reactive oxygen species in the paraventricular nucleus mediate the cardiac sympathetic afferent reflex in chronic heart failure rats
Authors: Han Ying , Shi Zhen , Zhang Feng , Yu Yang , Zhong Ming‐Kui , Gao Xing‐Ya , Wang Wei , Zhu Guo‐Qing
Published: August 2007

The aim of this study was to determine whether reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) mediate both the cardiac sympathetic afferent reflex (CSAR) and angiotensin II‐induced CSAR enhancement in chronic heart failure (CHF) rats. CSAR was evaluated from the responses of renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) to epicardial application of bradykinin. In both CHF and sham‐operated rats, PVN microinjection of the superoxide anion scavengers tempol or tiron almost abolished the CSAR, but the superoxide dismutase inhibitor DETC potentiated the CSAR. PVN pretreatment with tempol or tiron abolished, whereas DETC augmented, the angiotensin II‐induced CSAR enhancement. In CHF rats, superoxide anion and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the PVN were increased, but were normalized by the AT1 receptor antagonist losartan. PVN microinjection of tempol decreased superoxide anion and MDA levels, but epicardial application of bradykinin or PVN microinjection of angiotensin II increased superoxide anion and MDA to higher levels in CHF rats than in sham‐operated rats. These results indicate that ROS in the PVN mediates the CSAR and the effect of angiotensin II in the PVN on the CSAR in both CHF and sham‐operated rats. Increased ROS in the PVN are involved in the enhanced CSAR in CHF.
Brain magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities in patients with heart failure
Authors: Vogels Raymond L.C. , van der Flier Wiesje M. , van Harten Barbera , Gouw Alida A. , Scheltens Philip , Schroeder‐Tanka Jutta M. , Weinstein Henry C.
Published: August 2007

Background:

Although heart failure (HF) is a common cardiovascular disorder, to date little research has been conducted into possible associations between HF and structural abnormalities of the brain.

Aims

To determine the frequency and pattern of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities in outpatients with chronic HF, and to identify any demographic and clinical correlates.

Methods

Brain MRI scans were compared between a sample of 58 HF patients, 48 controls diagnosed with cardiovascular disease uncomplicated by HF (cardiac controls) and 42 healthy controls. Deep, periventricular and total white matter hyperintensities (WMH), lacunar and cortical infarcts, global and medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTA) were investigated.

Results:

Compared to cardiac and healthy controls, HF patients had significantly more WMH, lacunar infarcts and MTA, whereas cardiac controls only had more MTA, compared to healthy controls. Age and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were independently associated with total WMH. Age and systolic hypotension were associated with MTA in HF patients and cardiac controls.

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that cardiac dysfunction contributes independently to the development of cerebral MRI abnormalities in patients with HF. Age and low LVEF are the principal predictors of cerebral WMH in patients with HF and in cardiac controls.
Prevalence of serum antibodies against Bartonella species in the serum of cats with or without uveitis
Authors: Fontenelle Jennifer P. , Powell Cynthia C. , Hill Ashley E. , Radecki Steven V. , Lappin Michael R.
Published: August 2007

Bartonella henselae has been implicated as a causative agent of chronic uveitis in people and in some cats. The objective of this study was to determine whether Bartonella species seroprevalence or titer magnitude varies among cats with uveitis, cats without ocular diseases recorded and healthy cats, while controlling for age and risk of flea exposure based on state of residence. There was no difference in seroprevalence rates or titer magnitude between cats with uveitis and cats with non-ocular diseases. Healthy cats were more likely to be seropositive for Bartonella species than cats with uveitis. The median Bartonella species titer was 1:64 for all groups, although healthy cats were more likely to have higher titers than cats with uveitis and cats with non-ocular disease. The results suggest that serum antibody tests alone cannot be used to document clinical uveitis associated with Bartonella species infection.
Renal cystadenoma in a domestic shorthair
Authors: Mosenco Ariel S. , Culp William T.N. , Johnson Victoria , French Adrienne , Mehler Stephen J.
Published: August 2007

An 11-year-old domestic shorthair was examined after an enlarged left kidney was palpated by the referring veterinarian. No abnormalities were noted on complete blood count, serum biochemical profile and total thyroxine concentration, and the urine specific gravity was 1.039. An abdominal ultrasound identified the presence of a large cystic structure on the caudal pole of the left kidney. No abnormalities of the right kidney were seen. A left ureteronephrectomy was performed, and the cat recovered uneventfully from the procedure and was discharged from the hospital 5 days after surgery. The cat remains clinically normal 16 months postoperatively. Histopathology of the removed kidney demonstrated the presence of a renal cystadenoma. This report describes the successful surgical treatment of a renal cystadenoma. Renal cystadenoma should be considered as a differential diagnosis when renomegaly is noted. To the author's knowledge, a renal cystadenoma has not been previously reported in a cat.
Le modèle du choix éducatif interdépendant
Authors: Manzo Gianluca
Published: August 2007

A theoretical model is presented that aims to explain the generative mechanisms of educational stratification. The rational educational choice of the Ego is supposed to be influenced by the choices of others. The model explores various forms of direct and indirect interdependent choices between actors. In order to demonstrate the empirical consequences, use is made of an artificial society built upon a “multi agents” computational approach. The dynamic of this virtual society is proved to fit well with empirical French and Italian data from an absolute point of view (distribution of diplomas) as well as a relative one (educational opportunities).
The Longue Durée of Inheritance Law
Authors: Beckert Jens
Published: August 2007

This article investigates discourses on inheritance law and legal development in France, Germany, and the United States since the revolutions of the late eighteenth century. I argue that in each of the three countries a different set of normative and functional issues relating to the bequest of property has dominated and expressed itself in nationally specific discursive fields. The respective “repertoires of evaluation“ were formed in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries and show a surprisingly stable pattern that can be recognized even in today's debates on the issue. This I refer to as the longue durée of inheritance law. The distinct discursive fields exercise a dominant influence over the perception of problems associated with the transfer of property mortis causa and the strategies deemed feasible to solve them. Moreover, I argue that the different cultural frames matter for the institutional development of inheritance law. My aim is to contribute to institutional theory through investigation of a socially and economically important realm of legal regulation that has received little attention in recent sociological scholarship. The analysis is carried out within a multidimensional theoretical framework that acknowledges the influence of culture and ideas, but also considers changing socioeconomic conditions, as well as actor interests.
Professions before Professionalism
Authors: Sciulli David
Published: August 2007

For over seventy years the sociology of professions has revolved around empirical generalizations drawn from four modern exemplars of nineteenth century Britain and United States: law and medicine, science and engineering. We identify qualities constitutive of professionalism in an occupation during the ancien regime, on the Continent, and in a field unrelated to the four just noted: seventeenth century French painting and sculpture. These constitutive qualities point to the significance of a distinctively structural and institutional approach to the sociology of professions.
Cultural Selection, Axiological Reasoning, and Paradiastole (I)
Authors: Runciman W. G.
Published: August 2007

In the course of cultural evolution, both attitudes and beliefs are continuously modified by heritable variation and competitive selection. For Raymond Boudon, this process is exactly the same in the two cases, since in both axiological and practical reasoning consensus depends on a shared acknowledgement that the agreed conclusions are the products of “strong” reasons. His argument is, however, open to objection on psychological and sociological as well as philosophical grounds, and is vulnerable to the traditional rhetorical device known as paradiastole.
Editorial Integrating CALL into Study Programmes Selected Papers from EUROCALL 2006
Authors: HARRIS TONY
Published: August 2007

Like a good deal of change in education, the integration of digital technologies into language teaching and learning has a tendency to be a slow moving, often uncertain, process, whose advance is punctuated by a series of political, administrative and educational filters. These operate at both a global (i.e. international and/or national) and local (i.e. regional and/or institutional) level. Like a train setting off from its departure point travelling towards a final destination – the “normalisation” of CALL perhaps, where computer technology becomes “an integral part of every lesson, like a pen or a book” (Bax 2003: 23) – we all see this process from the unique standpoint of our own institution, though in fact our journey takes place simultaneously within regional, national and international boundaries. Departure and arrival points will inevitably differ: delays may vary, but are to be expected. And although the view from the window, including the stations we stop off at, might look very similar, even identical at times, we will invariably recount different experiences at the end of our journeys – assuming, of course, we ever arrive!
Integrating learner corpora and natural language processing: A crucial step towards reconciling technological sophistication and pedagogical effectiveness
Authors: Granger Sylviane , Kraif Olivier , Ponton Claude , Antoniadis Georges , Zampa Virginie
Published: August 2007

Learner corpora, electronic collections of spoken or written data from foreign language learners, offer unparalleled access to many hitherto uncovered aspects of learner language, particularly in their error-tagged format. This article aims to demonstrate the role that the learner corpus can play in CALL, particularly when used in conjunction with web-based interfaces which provide flexible access to error-tagged corpora that have been enhanced with simple NLP techniques such as POS-tagging or lemmatization and linked to a wide range of learner and task variables such as mother tongue background or activity type. This new resource is of interest to three main types of users: teachers wishing to prepare pedagogical materials that target learners' attested difficulties; learners themselves for editing or language awareness purposes and NLP researchers, for whom it serves as a benchmark for testing automatic error detection systems.
Enhancing a process-oriented approach to literacy and language learning: The role of corpus consultation literacy
Authors: O'Sullivan Íde
Published: August 2007

Corpora and concordancing have become much more widely available as researchers recognise that they can significantly enrich the language learning environment. There is still, however, a strong resistance towards corpus use by teachers and learners (Römer, 2006:122). An understanding of the implications and relevance of corpus use for pedagogy may help teachers and learners overcome this resistance, and hence accelerate the process of “percolation” (McEnery & Wilson, 1997:5) or the “trickle down” (Leech, 1997:2) of corpus research to language teaching and learning. The pedagogical context in which learners' consultation of corpora (corpus consultation literacy) can be developed is fundamental in understanding this new literacy and developing it so that it leads to successful language teaching and learning. This paper seeks to investigate the role which corpus consultation literacy plays in enhancing the language learning process and, consequently, aims to establish whether this new literacy can contribute to a process-oriented approach to language learning. Firstly, a theoretical overview of a process-oriented approach to language learning will be outlined, before investigating if corpus consultation can potentially enhance such an approach. This will be supported by evidence from a number of published empirical studies, covering aspects such as learning within a constructivist framework, and the development of cognitive and metacognitive skills through the use of cognitive and developmental tools. Learners' comments from related studies, namely Chambers and O'Sullivan (2004), O'Sullivan (2006), and O'Sullivan and Chambers (2006), which pertain to the learning process and the influence of corpus consultation literacy on this same process, will also be considered. The hypothesis presented here is that corpus consultation literacy can enhance a process-oriented approach to language teaching and learning. It is envisaged that this research will contribute towards the establishment of a sound theoretical and pedagogical foundation for the integration of corpus consultation literacy into language teaching and learning.
Integrating corpus work into secondary education: From data-driven learning to needs-driven corpora
Authors: Braun Sabine
Published: August 2007

This paper reports on an empirical case study conducted to investigate the overall conditions and challenges of integrating corpus materials and corpus-based learning activities into English-language classes at a secondary school in Germany. Starting from the observation that in spite of the large amount of research into corpus-based language learning, hands-on work with corpora has remained an exception in secondary schools, the paper starts by outlining a set of pedagogical requirements for corpus integration and the approach which has formed the basis for designing the case study. Then the findings of the study are reported and discussed. As a result of the methodological challenges identified in the study, the author argues for a move from ‘data-driven learning’ to needs-driven corpora, corpus activities and corpus methodologies.
A triangular approach to motivation in Computer Assisted Autonomous Language Learning (CAALL)
Authors: RABY FRANÇOISE
Published: August 2007

This study was carried out in a language centre, in French higher education. Teachers and researchers had contrived a pedagogical system labeled guided autonomy which combined class attendance in groups and self-study in the self-study room. This kind of autonomous and technologically enhanced learning system will be referred to as CAALL (Computer Assisted Autonomous Language Learning) in this paper. To investigate and reflect critically on the students’ practices in CAALL, it was decided to carry out an extensive triangular study, cross-checking different data (Raby, 2003, 2005). The data pertained to what students did (physical behaviors while working), and to how they felt about it (verbal behaviors in the form of journals). Six students volunteered to take part in that experience. They were observed six times consecutively while working autonomously. In addition, we analyzed the journals in which they wrote about their feelings in connection with the CAALL system. From the students’ observations, three strategic models emerged (epistemic, procedural and mixed). From the journal analyses, different motivational attitudes appeared, ranging from enthusiastic appraisal to stark rejection. One unexpected result yielded by the triangular approach was the importance of internal factors (the learners’ characteristics) versus external factors (the learners' environment) in the process of appropriation of the new learning system.