bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dimensional study of thermoplastic parts made using sequential injection molding
Authors: Aisa Jorge , Castany Javier
Published: June 2009

As a result of new aesthetical and economical requirements in injection molding, several processes have been developed during last years. In spite of conventional process, sequential injection molding is a versatile technique based on independent control for each gate opening. This procedure allows part filling without weld lines or, at least, these defects can be relocated in suitable positions. A short discussion about sequential principles is made introducing computer simulations. Pressure required for part filling and molding shrinkage were evaluated using experimental procedures with a prototype mold and using conventional and sequential methods. Several setting up parameters were also used to analyze the effect on injection process. Final results show that shrinkage in sequential injection is similar to conventional process but some new effects could be induced by the process asymmetry and should be investigated further. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Sulfonation of solid polystyrene using gaseous sulfur trioxide
Authors: Kucera F. , Jancar J.
Published: June 2009

Kinetics of the heterogeneous sulfonation of polystyrene (PS) beads using gaseous SO3 was investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron diffraction scattering spectroscopy (EDS) was employed to study the kinetics of diffusion of SO3 into the PS particles. The diffusion of SO3 through the barrier of sulfonated polystyrene (SPS) on the beads surface was the primary parameter determining the rate and the yield of the sulfonation reaction. The measurement of the time dependence of the thickness of sulfonated layer formed on the solid PS surface provided for the hypothesis that the sulfonation in heterogeneous phase was diffusion controlled. Diffusion coefficients of SO3 in PS at −5°C, 22°C, and at 50°C and activation energy of SO3 diffusion to the solid PS were determined from these experimental data assuming in the first approximation a simple diffusion unaffected by the ongoing sulfonation reaction. The experimental data were fitted using Johanson‐Mehl‐Avrami‐Jerofyeev‐Kolgomorov's equation to obtain an overall rate constant of heterogeneous sulfonation on solid PS surface. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
The effect of plasma‐polymerised silicon hydride‐rich polyhydrogenmethylsiloxane on the adhesion of silicone elastomers
Authors: Nwankire Charles E , Ardhaoui Malika , Dowling Denis P
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND: Silicone elastomers have outstanding material properties including good thermal stability, low electrical conductivity, biocompatibility and resilient physical and chemical properties. These elastomers, however, exhibit relatively poor adhesion to stainless steel, and the use of a nanometre thick plasma‐polymerised primer layer as a means of enhancing this adhesion was investigated in this study. The primer coatings studied consisted of polyhydrogenmethylsiloxane (PHMS), tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and mixtures of these two liquid precursors.

RESULTS: The plasma‐polymerised primer coatings were deposited onto stainless steel substrates using a PlasmaStream™ atmospheric pressure plasma jet system. Deposited coatings were examined using ellipsometry, contact angle measurements, optical profilometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The adhesion of silicone elastomers bonded to the primed and bare stainless steel surfaces was assessed using 45° adhesion strength measurements. Elastomer adhesion was correlated with surface energy, thickness and roughness.

CONCLUSION: An up to 15‐fold increase in adhesive fracture energy was observed for silicone elastomers bonded to the primed versus untreated stainless steel. The highest adhesion was observed for a coating deposited from a PHMS‐to‐TEOS precursor molar ratio of 3 to 1. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Using a partnership between academic faculty and a physical therapist liaison to develop a framework for an evidence‐based journal club: a discussion
Authors: Austin Tricia M. , Richter Randy R. , Frese Tracy
Published: June 2009

Evidence‐based practice (EBP) in rehabilitation is increasingly recognized as important. Despite the importance of EBP, physical therapists' knowledge of EBP varies. Journal clubs have been used to educate clinicians about EBP. This discussion paper describes the partnership between academic faculty members and a physical therapist at a community hospital, and the process used to develop a framework to implement an evidence‐based journal club. The partnership blended the expertise of academic faculty members and a physical therapist with knowledge of EBP who served as the liaison between members of the partnership team and the clinicians at the community hospital. The three‐step framework developed enabled the clinicians to learn about critical appraisal, participate in guided practice of critical appraisal with the liaison, and lead critical appraisal of a paper with the assistance of the liaison as needed. This process could be easily replicated by other partnerships between academic faculty members and clinicians. Developing partnerships like the one described enables academicians to provide service to the profession, may enhance physical therapists' knowledge of the principles of EBP and may encourage EBP. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor erlotinib in prostate cancer cells in vitro
Authors: Festuccia Claudio , Gravina Giovanni Luca , Biordi Leda , D'Ascenzo Sandra , Dolo Vincenza , Ficorella Corrado , Ricevuto Enrico , Tombolini Vincenzo
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND

Erlotinib is a small‐molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeted EGFR, known to be overexpressed in a variety of cancers, including prostate cancer. Clinical trials showed insignificant clinical benefit in patients with castration resistant prostate cancer both when EGFR inhibitors were administered as monotherapy or in association with antiandrogens or chemotherapeutics. Why, differently to other tumors, have EGFR inhibitors been so ineffective in human prostate cancer? This is the question that we have set in this report.

METHODS

For this purpose, the effectiveness of erlotinib, a selective EGFR inhibitor, in a wide range of prostate cancer cells (wild type or engineered to overexpress peculiar proteins including androgen receptor and PTEN).

RESULTS

We demonstrated that the effectiveness of erlotinib was inversely correlated to the EGFR/Her2 ratio rather than EGFR/p‐EGFR or Her2/p‐Her2 levels. Chronic treatment with bicalutamide induced overexpression of Her2 and reduction of EGFR/Her2ratio and this was associated with increased Akt and Erk activity. In these conditions of treatment a reduced efficacy of erlotinib was observed. At the same time, an increased efficacy versus erlotinib was documented in cancer cells chronically exposed to DHT. In these culture conditions low levels of Her2 and increased EGFR/Her2 ratio were evidenced.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, our results seem to suggest that a low EGFR/Her2 ratio and PTEN absence are the main factors responsible of erlotinib inefficacy. Therefore the inhibition of EGFR could have important antitumor effects in hormone‐naive rather than in hormonally treated patients. Prostate 69: 1529–1537, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The FOXF2 pathway in the human prostate stroma
Authors: van der Heul‐Nieuwenhuijsen Leonie , Dits Natasja , Van IJcken Wilfred , de Lange Don , Jenster Guido
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND

Forkhead box 2 (FOXF2) is a member of the large family of forkhead transcription factors and its expression pattern suggests a role in prostate cancer development. FOXF2 expression is stroma‐specific and higher expressed in the prostate transition zone than the prostate peripheral zone. Moreover, expression of FOXF2 is decreased in prostate cancer.

METHODS

To identify the genes and pathways regulated by FOXF2, we compared microarray expression profiles of primary prostate stromal cells (PrSC) treated with control or small interfering RNA (siRNA) directed against FOXF2.

RESULTS

From our microarray analyses, we selected 190 differentially expressed genes, of which 104 genes were higher expressed in PrSC cells treated with FOXF2 siRNA and 86 were higher expressed in PrSC cells treated with negative control siRNA. Eight of the strongest differentially expressed genes were validated by RT‐PCR. Genes down‐regulated by FOXF2 included MT1E, MT1F, PDGFA, ITGB1, and PSG7 and genes up‐regulated by FOXF2 included WASF2, BAMBI, and CXCL12. Ingenuity pathway analysis showed several pathways significantly regulated by FOXF2, including PPAR signaling, PDGF signaling, and extracellular matrix (ECM) signaling. GSEA analysis revealed that FOXF2 up‐regulated genes were down‐regulated in the same PrSC cells treated with transforming growth factor 3 (TGFβ3).

CONCLUSIONS

The distinct expression pattern of FOXF2 in the prostate, its effect on expression of ECM signaling, and its opposing role in the TGFβ3 pathway, suggests a role for FOXF2 in prostate homeostasis and stroma–epithelial interactions. Prostate 69: 1538–1547, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cross‐resistance, inheritance and biochemical mechanisms of imidacloprid resistance in B‐biotype Bemisia tabaci
Authors: Wang Zhenyu , Yao Mingde , Wu Yidong
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND: The B‐type Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) has become established in many regions in China, and neonicotinoids are extensively used to control this pest. Imidacloprid resistance in a laboratory‐selected strain of B‐type B. tabaci was characterised in order to provide the basis for recommending resistance management tactics.

RESULTS: The NJ‐Imi strain of B‐type B. tabaci was selected from the NJ strain with imidacloprid for 30 generations. The NJ‐Imi strain exhibited 490‐fold resistance to imidacloprid, high levels of cross‐resistance to three other neonicotinoids, low levels of cross‐resistance to monosultap, cartap and spinosad, but no cross‐resistance to abamectin and cypermethrin. Imidacloprid resistance in the NJ‐Imi strain was autosomal and semi‐dominant. It is shown that enhanced detoxification mediated by cytochrome‐P450‐dependent monooxygenases contributes to imidacloprid resistance to some extent in the NJ‐Imi strain. Results from synergist bioassays and cross‐resistance patterns indicated that target‐site insensitivity may be involved in imidacloprid resistance in the NJ‐Imi strain of B. tabaci.

CONCLUSION: Although oxidative detoxification mediated by P450 monooxygenases is involved in imidacloprid resistance in the NJ‐Imi strain of B‐type B. tabaci, target‐site modification as an additional resistance mechanism cannot be ruled out. Considering the high risk of cross‐resistance, neonicotinoids should be regarded as a single group when implementing an insecticide rotation scheme in B. tabaci control. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Biological control of Lycoriella ingenua (Diptera: Sciaridae) in commercial mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) cultivation: a comparison between Hypoaspis miles and Steinernema feltiae
Authors: Jess Stephen , Schweizer Heinrich
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND: Mushroom cultivation may be adversely affected by insect pests, including sciarids (Lycoriella spp.), which were previously controlled by application of chemical pesticides. However, owing to food safety and environmental concerns, availability of pesticides for use during mushroom cultivation has diminished. Consequently, it is imperative to investigate alternative control strategies, not reliant on chemical pesticides, which may be used in an integrated pest management system.

RESULTS: Application of the predatory mite Hypoaspis miles Berlese to commercial mushroom‐growing beds at the beginning of spawn run or just prior to casing (830 mites m−2) significantly reduced immature sciarids, Lycoriella ingenua (Dufour), in the growing substrate and also adult activity towards the conclusion of cropping. A trend towards lower sciarid emergence from substrates and reduced adult sciarid activity was observed following the application of Steinernema feltiae (Filipjev) (1.5 × 106 nematodes m−2) at casing. No significant treatment effects on mushroom yield were observed. However, contamination of the mushroom crop by adult sciarids increased in untreated controls. Application of H. miles required a 12‐fold increase in labour when compared with application of S. feltiae.

CONCLUSION: Contingent upon the development of an effective application system, H. miles has potential for the biological control of sciarids in commercial mushroom production. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Duncan's model for X̄‐control charts: sensitivity analysis to input parameters
Authors: Mortarino Cinzia
Published: June 2009

Duncan's model is a well‐known procedure to build a control chart with specific reference to the production process it has to be applied to. Although many papers report true applications proving the procedure's noteworthy economic advantages over control charts set purely on the basis of standard statistical criteria, this method is often perceived only as an academic exercise. Perhaps the greater barrier preventing its practical application stems from the difficulty in making cost items explicit. In this paper a sensitivity analysis is proposed for misspecification in the cost parameters for optimal solutions of Duncan's model. While similar contributions published in the literature perform sensitivity analyses with a one‐factor‐at‐a‐time scheme, the original contribution of this paper is represented by the focus given on interactions among changes in values of different cost parameters. The results obtained here denote that all factors significantly affect optimal solutions through quite complicated interactions. This should not, in our opinion, discourage the implementation of Duncan's model, pointing conversely to
its robust versions, already available in the current literature. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimization‐seeking experimentations: Design of anRL‐circuit via the vs‐optimality criterion
Authors: Ginsburg Hilla , Ben‐Gal Irad
Published: June 2009

In this paper we explore the Vs‐optimality criterion that was proposed in Ginsburg and Ben‐Gal (IIE Trans. 2006;38:445–461) as a new design‐of‐experiment (DOE) alphabetic optimality criterion. The Vs‐optimality criterion seeks to minimize the variance of the optimal solution of an empirically fitted model. We show that the Vs‐optimality citerion is well related to known alphabetic DOE criteria. However, it focuses on an 'optimization‐seeking' experimental approach rather than an 'information‐seeking' approach, which is often adopted by traditional optimality criteria. We illustrate the differences between these two approaches by a detailed example of a robust design of anRL‐circuit. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An automated georeferencing tool for watershed scale fluvial remote sensing
Authors: Carbonneau P. E. , Dugdale S. J. , Clough S.
Published: June 2009

In recent years, remotely sensed image datasets with ground resolutions below 10 cm have seen widening applications in fluvial sciences with the development of methods for image based measurements of bathymetry, grain sizes and habitat types. However, given that these datasets typically contain hundreds or thousands of images, one of their key limitations is the need to georeference this large volume of imagery. Automated registration of remotely sensed imagery based on pattern matching algorithms has been the focus of much publication in other disciplines and there are now methods capable of automatically registering a newly sensed image to a pre‐existing reference image. Based on such strategies, this paper presents an automated georeferencing tool specifically designed for fluvial remote sensing which uses a simple and well established pattern matching algorithm. This new method allows for very large image databases to be automatically georeferenced without the recourse to ground control points from the field and thus requiring minimal labour. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of surface modification with nitric acid on the mechanical and tribological properties of carbon fiber‐reinforced thermoplastic polyimide composite
Authors: Li J.
Published: June 2009

Polyacrylamideacrylate (PAN)‐based carbon fibers were submitted to nitric acid oxidation treatments to improve the interfacial adhesion of the carbon fiber (CF)‐reinforced polyimide (CF/PI) composite. The carbon fiber surfaces were characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Nitric acid oxidation not only affects the oxygen concentration but also produces an appreciable change in the nature of the chemical functions, namely the conversion of hydroxy‐type oxygen into carboxyl functions. Nitric acid oxidation treatment modifies the element constituting the fiber, the nitrogen concentration being about 1.2 times higher at the fiber external surface compared to the untreated one. The mechanical and tribological properties of the polymide (PI) composites reinforced by the carbon fibers treated with nitric acid oxidation were investigated. Results showed that the tensile strength of the CF/PI composites improved remarkably due to nitric acid treatment along with enhancement in friction and wear performance. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Integrated engineering skills for improving the system competence level
Authors: Riel Andreas , Tichkiewitch Serge , Messnarz Richard
Published: June 2009

Integrated product development is increasingly a challenge of understanding and predicting the complete product lifecycle, and of treating the product as a whole in all phases of development. This article points out that this trend has significant implications on the competence profiles of engineers, which are nowadays insufficiently taken into account by education and training programs, as well as skill certification schemes. Building on the highly innovative and successful European‐wide professional training and certification scheme of the European Certificates and Qualification Association (ECQA), it suggests a basic skill profile that is characteristic for modern job roles in Integrated Engineering, and justifies the integration into the ECQA platform. It points out that this initiative marks a major step towards the improvement of engineers' system competence levels. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Strengthening maturity levels by a legal assurance process
Authors: Buglione Luigi , Rejas‐Muslera Ricardo J. , Cuadrado Gallego Juan José
Published: June 2009

One of the key elements for the viability of information system projects is given by the adoption of legal assurance activities and measures since nowadays they can arise legal risks that, in some cases, can suppose a serious threat for project commercial and financial success. When calculating the return of investment (ROI) for a software process improvement initiative, readers would not take care which are the cost issues impacting on such values, supposing the activities generating such value are referable only to the processes included in a Maturity Model (MM) such as CMMI or ISO 15504. During last years, moving from the initial Philip Crosby's idea for measuring and checking the organizational evolution of an organization, a plenty of MM have been created, but there is no news about a legal assurance (LAS) process that make more systematic the way legal risks are (or should be) managed. On the other hand, professional practice usually does not incorporate standardized processes in order to discipline the legal assurance activities and measures, returning a feeling for a lack of project legal security.

This article proposes to take care of LAS process as an additional process area within an MM, in order to provide a suitable instrument for the management of inherent legal risks to any information systems project. After presenting main elements for this new process, it will be presented using the typical CMMI Process Area architecture, where it would be configurable as a support process at Maturity Level 2 (ML2). Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
N‐type calcium channels mediate a GABAB presynaptic modulation in the corticostriatal synapse in turtle's paleostriatum augmentatum
Authors: Sánchez‐Mejorada Eduardo , Sánchez‐Mondragon Guadalupe , Pineda Juan Carlos , González Mónica , Barral Jaime
Published: June 2009

Spikes population evoked by a paired pulse protocol were used to assess the influence of GABAA and GABAB receptors agonists and antagonists on the synaptic potentials and in the S2/S1 ratio in a paired pulse (PP) protocol in the cortico‐paleostriatum augmentatum synapses of the turtle. GABAA agonist, muscimol, decreased the amplitude of synaptic responses whereas the facilitation produced with the PP protocol did not change, suggesting a postsynaptic action for GABAA receptors. GABAB agonist, baclofen, enhanced paired pulse ratio indicating a presynaptic modulation through the GABAB receptor. Selective antagonists for N‐ and P/Q‐type Ca2+‐channels also enhanced paired pulse ratio, suggesting that any of these channel types may be involved in neurotransmitter release. However, the strong paired pulse facilitation produced by baclofen was occluded by blocking the N‐type Ca2+ channels with ω‐conotoxin GVIA (1 μM), but not by the blockage of P/Q‐type Ca2+ channels with ω‐agatoxin TK (400 nM). These data suggest that N and P/Q channels participate in the neurotransmitter release, whereas only N‐type Ca2+ channels are involved in the presynaptic modulation of GABAB in the corticostriatal synapse of the turtle. Synapse 63:855–862, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hybrid RANS/LES method for wind flow over complex terrain
Authors: Bechmann A. , Sørensen N. N.
Published: June 2009

The use of Large Eddy Simulation (LES) to predict wall‐bounded flows has presently been limited to low Reynolds number flows. Since the number of computational grid points required to resolve the near‐wall turbulent structures increase rapidly with Reynolds number, LES has been unattainable for flows at high Reynolds numbers. To reduce the computational cost of traditional LES, a hybrid method is proposed in which the near‐wall eddies are modelled in a Reynolds‐averaged sense. Close to walls, the flow is treated with the Reynolds‐averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations (unsteady RANS), and this layer acts as wall model for the outer flow handled by LES. The well‐known high Reynolds number two‐equation k − ϵ turbulence model is used in the RANS layer and the model automatically switches to a two‐equation k − ϵ subgrid scale stress model in the LES region. The approach can be used for flow over rough walls. Previous attempts of combining RANS and LES has resulted in unphysical transition regions between the two layers, but the present work improves this region by using a stochastic backscatter model.

To demonstrate the ability of the proposed hybrid method, simulations are presented for wind flow over the Askervein hill. Comparisons show that both RANS and the new hybrid model are able to capture the simple flow windward of the hill. In the complex wake region, however, the RANS and the hybrid model give different results. The RANS model predicts the mean velocity well but underestimates the turbulent kinetic energy, whereas the new method captures the high turbulence levels well but underestimates the mean velocity. The presented results are for a relative mild configuration of complex terrain, but the proposed method can also be used for highly complex terrain where the benefits of the new method is expected to be larger. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Animal models for dicarboxylic aciduria
Authors: Sherratt H. S. A. , Veitch R. K.
Published: June 2009

Four compounds, 2[5(4‐chlorophenyl)pentyl] oxirane‐2‐carboxylate (POCA), pent‐4‐enoate, hypoglycin and valproate, which are hypoglycaemic in fasted animals and form unusual acyl‐CoA estersin vivo, inhibit mitochondrial β‐oxidation by different mechanisms. POCA, hypoglycin and valproate are known to cause dicarboxylic aciduria. Saturated dicarboxylic acids are thought to be derived from long chain fatty acids by peroxisomal β‐oxidation when mitochondrial β‐oxidation is severely impaired. The use of these inhibitors provides animal models of dicarboxylic aciduria found in some inborn errors of metabolism.
Family and Neighborhood Fit or Misfit and the Adaptation of Mexican Americans
Authors: Roosa Mark W. , Weaver Scott R. , White Rebecca M. B. , Tein Jenn-Yun , Knight George P. , Gonzales Nancy , Saenz Delia
Published: June 2009

In this study, a person‐environment fit model was used to understand the independent and combined roles of family and neighborhood characteristics on the adjustment of adults and children in a sample of 750 Mexican American families. Latent class analysis was used to identify six qualitatively distinct family types and three quantitatively distinct neighborhood types using socioeconomic and cultural indicators at each level. The results showed that members of single‐parent Mexican American families may be particularly at‐risk, members of the lowest‐income immigrant families reported fewer adaptation problems if they lived in low‐income neighborhoods dominated by immigrants, members of economically successful immigrant families may be more at‐risk in integrated middle class neighborhoods than in low‐income neighborhoods dominated by immigrants, and members of two‐parent immigrant families appear to be rather resilient in most settings despite their low socioeconomic status.
Long‐term neurodevelopmental effects of early detection and treatment in a 6‐year‐old patient with argininaemia diagnosed by newborn screening
Authors: Edwards R. L. , Moseley K. , Watanabe Y. , Wong L. J. , Ottina J. , Yano S.
Published: June 2009

Newborn screening makes possible the early identification and treatment of asymptomatic ARG1‐deficient patients; however, it is unknown whether early intervention prevents neurological insults. We identified a full‐term Hispanic male infant with argininaemia by newborn screening with a serum arginine of 327 µmol/L (reference values 0–140); ARG1 was undetectable on enzyme assay. Sequence analysis of ARG1 revealed a heterozygous nonsense mutation, c.223A>T (p.K75X), and a novel heterozygous missense variant, c.425G>A (p.G142E). Dietary protein restriction began from age 3 months, with addition of sodium benzoate at 4 months, and carnitine from 14 months. For the past 6 years, his serum arginine concentrations were maintained between 268 and 763 µmol/L (reference values 10–140). He has normal development without spastic paraplegia, but with mild hepatomegaly and stable hepatic dysfunction. A full neurodevelopmental assessment was conducted at age 5 years. The BASC‐2 rated the patient's behaviours as age‐appropriate. The Leiter‐R assessed his ‘Fundamental Visualization’, ‘Sequential Order’, and ‘Picture Concept’ at ‘Average’, ‘Form Completion’ and ‘Matching’ at ‘Low Average’, and ‘Figure Ground’ and ‘Repeated Patterns’ in the ‘Deficit’ range. The full‐scale IQ and the functioning ability presented in the ‘Borderline’ range and in the ‘Low Average’ range, respectively. The VABS/Survey – Spanish Version showed difficulty in receptive and written language and fine and gross motor skills, and his performance to be at younger than his chronological age. The Short Sensory Profile showed some difficulty with taste and smell sensitivity. Long‐term observation over 6 years in a patient with early treated argininaemia shows promising neurodevelopmental results.
Simplified Negative Pressure Wound Therapy in Pediatric Hand Wounds
Authors: Kasukurthi Rahul , Borschel Gregory H.
Published: June 2009

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is commonly used as a bolster for skin grafts. The technique offers the benefit of negative pressure as well as reduced dressing changes. Skin grafting of the hand provides a unique challenge, and currently, the only commercially available NPWT hand dressings are adult-sized, precluding their use in small children. We present our custom NPWT “mitten” technique for use with skin grafts on the pediatric hand.
Synthesis and Physicochemical Characterization of Anionic Surfactants Derived from Cashew Nut Shell Oil
Authors: Scorzza Cesar , Nieves Jesús , Vejar Francia , Bullón Johnny
Published: June 2009

Carboxylate derivatives of cardanol and anacardic acids, which are the main phenolic components of cashew nut shell oil were prepared and tested as anionic surfactants. They lower the surface tension, exhibit a critical micelle concentration, and produce microemulsions in mixtures with dodecyl sulfate. The values of their characteristic parameters in the hydrophilic–lipophilic deviation scale attained by the unidimensional formulation scan method typify them as hydrophilic surfactants.
A Recessive Mutation in Rice Conferring Non-Race-Specific Resistance to Bacterial Blight and Blast
Authors: Madamba Ma. Reina Suzette , Sugiyama Nobuko , Bordeos Alicia , Mauleon Ramil , Satoh Kouji , Baraoidan Marietta , Kikuchi Shoshi , Shimamoto Ko , Leung Hei
Published: June 2009

To understand the basis of broad-spectrum disease resistance in rice, we isolated a gamma-ray-induced IR64 mutant G978 that showed enhanced resistance to blast and bacterial blight. The resistance is quantitative and non-race specific against the bacterial and fungal pathogens. The mutation is inherited as a single recessive gene, designated as Bsdr1 and causes shorter stature relative to the wild type; however, it does not show lesion mimics phenotype under the conditions tested. The mutation was mapped as a quantitative trait locus to a 3.8-Mb region on chromosome 12. By comparing the gene expression profiles of the mutant and wild type, we identified a candidate gene encoding a U-box domain-containing protein. The disrupted gene showed a loss of expression in the mutant and co-segregated with mutant phenotype. The mutant provides a useful tool for investigating the important genes responsible for non-race specific resistance to two distinct diseases.
Prospects for the classification of mental disorders in women
Authors: Riecher-Rössler A.
Published: June 2009

Many mental disorders show marked gender differences as regards prevalence, symptomatology, risk factors or course. Other disorders do per definition only occur in women – e.g. premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) – or are markedly influenced by female specific factors such as hormonal changes over the life cycle or during reproductive processes. Current classification systems have tried to take into account these gender aspects, but some problems will certainly have to be discussed again with the next revisions of the ICD and DSM. As regards gender differences in prevalence and symptomatology questions of gender bias in diagnostic instruments and diagnostic criteria will have to be readdressed. New findings from unselected epidemiological samples, which were analysed by gender, will have to be taken into account as well as new findings from research into gender specific personality traits, which can influence the symptomatology of mental disorders. Decisions will have to be taken whether to revise existing diagnostic criteria and provide alternative diagnostic thresholds for men and women or even to develop alternative criteria sets in certain disorders, or rather to enhance the gender neutrality of criteria. A further question to be addressed will be that of gender specific diagnoses versus diagnostic specifiers. In the whole discussion two main aims of classification should be given priority: the research aim of identifying genuine entities with a common aetiology, which means we should be able to identify specific diagnostic entities with descriptive, construct, and predictive validity quite independently of the influences of gender; and the clinical aim to improve treatment and care for men and women, which often means to offer gender-specific approaches.
Development and validation of the Memory Performance Index: Reducing measurement error in recall tests
Authors: Shankle William R. , Mangrola Tushar , Chan Timothy , Hara Junko
Published: June 2009

Background

The Memory Performance Index (MPI) quantifies the pattern of recalled and nonrecalled words of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Wordlist (CWL) onto a 0 to 100 scale and distinguishes normal from mild cognitive impairment with 96% to 97% accuracy.

Methods

In group A, 121,481 independently living individuals, 18 to 106 years old, were assessed with the CWL and classified as cognitively impaired (N = 5,971) or normal (N = 115,510). The MPI and CWL immediate free recall (IFR), delayed free recall (DFR), and total free recall (TFR) scores (the outcome measures) were each regressed against predictors of age, gender, race, education, test administration method (in‐person or telephone), and wordlist used. Predictor effect sizes (Cohen's f2) were computed for each outcome. In addition, CWL plus Functional Assessment Staging Tests (FAST) were administered to 441 normal to moderately severely demented (FAST stages 1 to 6) patients (group B). Median MPI scores were tested for significant differences across FAST stage.

Results

For group A, the variance explained by all predictors combined was MPI = 55.0%, IFR = 24.9%, DFR = 23.4%, and TFR = 26.9%. The age effect size on MPI score was large, but it was small on IFR, DFR, and TFR. The other predictors all had negligible (<0.02) or small effect sizes (0.02 to 0.15). For group B, median MPI scores progressively declined across all FAST stages (P < .0002).

Conclusions

MPI score progressively declines with increasing dementia severity. Also, MPI score explains 2 to 3 times more variance than total scores, which improves ability to detect treatment effects.
Markers of Alzheimer's disease in a population attending a memory clinic
Authors: Frisoni Giovanni B. , Prestia Annapaola , Zanetti Orazio , Galluzzi Samantha , Romano Melissa , Cotelli Maria , Gennarelli Massimo , Binetti Giuliano , Bocchio Luisella , Paghera Barbara , Amicucci Giovanni , Bonetti Matteo , Benussi Luisa , Ghidoni Roberta , Geroldi Cristina
Published: June 2009

Background

New marker‐based criteria for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) were recently proposed. We describe their operational translation in 144 consecutive patients referred to our Memory Clinic.

Methods

Visual ratings of hippocampal atrophy and of cortical glucose hypometabolism in magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography, and concentrations of total tau and Aβ1‐42 in cerebrospinal fluid were assessed in 12 patients with subjective memory complaints (SMCs) (Mini‐Mental State Examination [MMSE] score, 28.0 ± 1.1 [mean ± SD]), 37 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (MMSE, 25.1 ± 3.6), 55 with AD (MMSE, 21.1 ± 3.5), and 40 with non‐AD dementia (MMSE, 21.6 ± 5.5).

Results

The sensitivity for AD of each individual biomarker was higher (65% to 87%) than for MCI (18% to 50%). Each biomarker's specificity for SMC and non‐AD dementias was good to moderate (83% and 53%). Positivity for at least one marker increased the probability 38 times of belonging to the AD group (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The new diagnostic criteria can be operationalized in clinical routines, but longitudinal studies of MCI patients will need to assess the criteria's prognostic value.
Scales as outcome measures for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Black Ronald , Greenberg Barry , Ryan J. Michael , Posner Holly , Seeburger Jeffrey , Amatniek Joan , Resnick Malca , Mohs Richard , Miller David S. , Saumier Daniel , Carrillo Maria C. , Stern Yaakov
Published: June 2009

The assessment of patient outcomes in clinical trials of new therapeutics for Alzheimer's disease (AD) continues to evolve. In addition to assessing drugs for symptomatic relief, an increasing number of trials are focusing on potential disease‐modifying agents. Moreover, participants with AD are being studied earlier in their course of disease. As a result, the limitations of current outcome measures have become more apparent, as has the need for better instruments. In recognition of the need to review and possibly revise current assessment measures, the Alzheimer's Association, in cooperation with industry leaders and academic investigators, convened a Research Roundtable meeting devoted to scales as outcome measures for AD clinical trials. The meeting included a discussion of methodological issues in the use of scales in AD clinical trials, including cross‐cultural issues. Specific topics related to the use of cognitive, functional, global, and neuropsychiatric scales were also presented. Speakers also addressed academic and industry initiatives for pooling data from untreated and placebo‐treated patients in clinical trials. A number of regulatory topics were also discussed with agency representatives. Panel discussions highlighted areas of controversy, in an effort to gain consensus on various topics.
Identity‐based motivation: Implications for action‐readiness, procedural‐readiness, and consumer behavior
Authors: Oyserman Daphna
Published: June 2009

Choices are often identity‐based but the linkage to identity is not necessarily explicit or obvious for a number of reasons. First, identities feel stable but are highly sensitive to situational cues. Second, identities include not only content but also readiness to act and to use procedures congruent with the identity. Third, identities can be subtly cued without conscious awareness. Fourth, what an accessible identity means is dynamically constructed in the particular context in which it is cued. Because identities carry action‐ and procedural‐readiness, the outcome of an identity‐based motivation process may be similar to or different from the choices an individual would have made in another setting. Moreover, once an identity is formed, action and procedural‐readiness can be cued without conscious awareness or systematic processing, resulting in beneficial or iatrogenic outcomes.
Identity‐based motivation: Constraints and opportunities in consumer research
Authors: Shavitt Sharon , Torelli Carlos J. , Wong Jimmy
Published: June 2009

This commentary underscores the integrative nature of the identity‐based motivation model (Oyserman, D. (2009). Identity‐based motivation: Implications for action‐readiness, procedural‐readiness, and consumer behavior. Journal of Consumer Psychology, 19(3) (this issue)). We situate the model within existing literatures in psychology and consumer behavior, and illustrate its novel elements with research examples. Special attention is devoted to, 1) how product‐ and brand‐based affordances constrain identity‐based motivation processes and, 2) the mindsets and action tendencies that can be triggered by specific cultural identities in pursuit of consumer goals. Future opportunities are suggested for researching the antecedents of product meanings and relevant identities.
Cutaneous carriage of Malassezia species in healthy and seborrhoeic Sphynx cats and a comparison to carriage in Devon Rex cats
Authors: Åhman Susanne E. , Bergström Karin E.
Published: June 2009

Cutaneous carriage of Malassezia species yeast was investigated in 32 Sphynx cats, and in 10 domestic shorthair (DSH) cats. Samples for mycological culture were taken using contact plates and swabs at seven sites in each cat (left and right axillae and groin, left ear, claw fold on left front paw and the interdigital palmar web of the left front paw). Malassezia species were isolated from 26/32 Sphynx cats (81%) and from 0/10 DSH control cats. In five cases Malassezia species yeasts were isolated at a single site, in the remaining 21 Sphynx cats at multiple sites. A total of 73 Malassezia species isolates were made, of which 68 were Malassezia pachydermatis and five were lipid-dependent Malassezia. Five out of the 32 Sphynx had greasy seborrhoea, and all seborrhoeic cats had M pachydermatis isolated from their skin, at multiple sites. None of the 32 Sphynx had Malassezia species isolated from the ears. The difference in population sizes between Sphynx and DSH cats was significant (P≤0.05) for the axillae, groins and claw fold. The difference in frequency of isolation was significant (P≤0.05) for the axillae and right groin. The level of cutaneous carriage of Malassezia species in Sphynx was similar to that previously reported for Devon Rex cats (DRC) [Åhman S, Perrins N, Bond R. Carriage of Malassezia species yeasts in healthy and seborrhoeic Devon Rex cats. Med Mycol 2007; 45: 449–455]. The poor recovery of Malassezia species from ears in both Sphynx and DRC, has clinical implications for dermatological sampling in these breeds.
Functional and oncologic results following transoral laser microsurgical excision of base of tongue carcinoma
Authors: Camp April A. , Fundakowski Christopher , Petruzzelli Guy J. , Emami Bahman
Published: June 2009

Objective

The study objective was to determine survival and functional results in patients who underwent transoral laser excision of base of tongue squamous cell carcinoma.

Study Design

This was a case series with chart review.

Subjects and Methods

Patients with biopsy‐proven base of tongue squamous cell carcinoma primarily treated with transoral laser excision and followed for at least 24 months were included. Disease‐specific and overall survival data were determined. Quality‐of‐life data were obtained using the University of Washington Quality of Life instrument.

Results

Of the 71 patients treated, one (1.4%), nine (12.7%), seven (9.9%), and 54 (76.1%) were stage I, II, III, and IV, respectively, at diagnosis. At 24 months, overall survival was 90 percent; disease‐specific survival was 94 percent. Locoregional recurrence occurred in 10 percent. Given the low number of deaths, no significance was detectable between survival and gender, overall stage, tumor size, nodal status, or adjuvant therapy. Quality‐of‐life data, obtained for 46 patients, revealed the majority of patients had mild or no pain, minimally impaired to normal swallowing, and normal speech.

Conclusion

Transoral laser excision offers an acceptable treatment approach in terms of survival and quality of life for patients with base of tongue squamous cell carcinoma.
Bilateral simultaneous free gracilis muscle transfer: A realistic option in management of bilateral facial paralysis
Authors: Lindsay Robin W. , Hadlock Tessa A. , Cheney Mack L.
Published: June 2009

Objectives

Bilateral facial paralysis patients have oral incompetence, poor articulation, and dental caries. This problem is frequently addressed by performing staged gracilis transplants without specific oral sphincter reconstruction. The purpose of this study is to describe the technique of bilateral simultaneous free gracilis muscle transfer with oral sphincter reconstruction, for one‐stage facial reanimation in patients with bilateral facial paralysis.

Study Design

Case series.

Methods/Results

One‐stage bilateral gracilis transfer was performed in three patients with bilateral facial paralysis. Muscle transplants produced a meaningful smile in all transferred muscles. All patients reported improved speech and decreased drooling.

Conclusions

Bilateral gracilis transplants with reconstruction of the oral commissure is a realistic option in management of the bilaterally paralyzed face. In this small series, it appears to improve oral competence, restore smiling, and contribute favorably to lower lip support. This technique has been made more feasible because the operative time for free tissue transfer has continuously declined with the use of two‐team surgery, improved microsurgical techniques, and the advent of venous coupling devices.
The prevalence of atopic symptoms in children with otitis media with effusion
Authors: Souter Melanie Anne , Mills Nicola Anne , Mahadevan Murali , Douglas Gavin , Ellwood Philippa Ellen , Asher Monica Innes , Clayton Tadd Oliver , Douglas Richard George
Published: June 2009

Objective

To determine the prevalence of allergic symptoms in children with otitis media with effusion (OME).

Study Design

A validated questionnaire from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood was used to determine the prevalence of allergic symptoms in children. The questionnaire was completed by the parents of children with OME undergoing ventilation tube insertion, and the results were compared with a large reference group of school children of the same age.

Subjects and Methods

Children aged 6 or 7 years old with OME confirmed intraoperatively during ventilation tube insertion between 2001 and 2005 (n = 89). The prevalence of allergic symptoms and nasal symptoms in children with OME was compared with an age‐matched reference group.

Results

There was no difference in the prevalence of allergic symptoms suggesting rhinoconjunctivitis, asthma, or eczema between the OME and reference group. The prevalence of nasal symptoms, however, was greater in the children with OME than in the reference group 38.2 percent versus 23.5 percent (odds ratio = 2.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.30‐3.10; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The prevalence of allergic symptoms was similar in 6‐ to 7‐year‐old children with OME and the reference group, suggesting a limited effect of allergy in the pathogenesis of OME in this age group. Nasal symptoms were more common in the OME group, which may reflect a higher prevalence of adenoidal hyperplasia.
Cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMPs) in patients with superior canal dehiscence syndrome (SCDS)
Authors: Roditi Rachel E. , Eppsteiner Robert W. , Sauter Todd B. , Lee Daniel J.
Published: June 2009

Objective

To determine the usefulness of both amplitude and threshold data from tone‐burst cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) testing for the evaluation of superior canal dehiscence syndrome (SCDS).

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Subjects and Methods

Sixty‐seven patients underwent cVEMP testing. We correlated mean tone burst cVEMP amplitude and threshold data with temporal bone CT findings. Patients were excluded for Ménière's disease, middle ear disease, or otologic surgery.

Results

Superior canal dehiscence patients had higher mean cVEMP amplitudes (SCDS 173.8 μV vs non‐SCDS 69.7 μV, P = 0.031) and lower mean thresholds (SCDS 72.8 dB nHL vs non‐SCDS 80.9 dB nHL) at 500 Hz.

Conclusion

Patients with SCDS have larger amplitudes and lower thresholds on cVEMP testing at 500 Hz. This study supports the utility of tone burst cVEMPs for the evaluation of SCDS and is one of few large single‐center studies to establish normative data.
Article Commentary: Response to commentary: Benign paroxysmal position vertigo
Authors: Cass Stephen , Bhattacharyya Neil
Published: June 2009

In November 2008, a multidisciplinary clinical practice guideline on the diagnosis and treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) was published in Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery. This guideline makes several evidence‐based statements regarding the management of BPPV to facilitate the accurate, efficient, and cost‐effective diagnosis and treatment of BPPV. It sets forth specific diagnostic criteria for BPPV and also recommends that clinicians should not routinely obtain radiographic imaging or vestibular testing when the diagnosis of BPPV is made based on history and physical examination. A recent commentary argues that vestibular testing should play a greater role in the diagnosis of BPPV. We review the guideline's recommendations and the rationale behind the recommendation against radiographic and vestibular testing in uncomplicated BPPV.