bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glycine‐immunoreactive neurons in the developing spinal cord of the sea lamprey: Comparison with the γ‐aminobutyric acidergic system
Authors: Villar‐Cerviño Verona , Holstein Gay R. , Martinelli Giorgio P. , Anadón Ramón , Rodicio María Celina
Published: February 2008

The development and cellular distribution of the inhibitory neurotransmitter glycine in the spinal cord of the sea lamprey were studied by immunocytochemistry and double immunofluorescence and compared with the distribution of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA). Results in lamprey embryos and prolarvae reveal that the appearance of glycine‐immunoreactive (‐ir) spinal neurons precedes that of GABA‐ir neurons. Throughout development, glycine‐ir cells in the lateral and dorsomedial gray matter of the spinal cord are more numerous than the GABA‐ir cells. Only a subset of these neurons shows colocalization of GABA and glycine, suggesting that they are primarily disparate neuronal populations. In contrast, most cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)‐contacting neurons of the central canal walls are strongly GABA‐ir, and only a portion of them are faintly glycine‐ir. Some edge cells (lamprey intraspinal mechanoreceptors) were glycine‐ir in larvae and adults. The glycine‐ir and GABA‐ir neuronal populations observed in the adult spinal cord were similar to those found in larvae. Comparison of glycine‐ir and GABA‐ir fibers coursing longitudinally in the spinal cord of adult lamprey revealed large differences in diameter between these two types of fiber. Commissural glycine‐ir fibers appear in prolarvae and become numerous at larval stages, whereas crossed GABA‐ir are scarce. Taken together, results in this primitive vertebrate indicate that the spinal glycinergic cells do not arise by biochemical shift of preexisting GABAergic cells but instead suggest that glycine is present in the earliest circuitry of the developing lamprey spinal cord, where it might act transiently as an excitatory transmitter. J. Comp. Neurol. 508:112–130, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Monitoring Plasmodium falciparum growth and development by UV flow cytometry using an optimized Hoechst‐thiazole orange staining strategy
Authors: Grimberg Brian T. , Erickson John J. , Sramkoski R. Michael , Jacobberger James W. , Zimmerman Peter A.
Published: February 2008

The complex life cycle of Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) makes it difficult to limit infections and reduce the risk of severe malaria. Improved understanding of Pf blood‐stage growth and development would provide new opportunities to evaluate and interfere with successful completion of the parasite's life cycle. Cultured blood stage Pf was incubated with Hoechst 33342 (HO) and thiazole orange (TO) to stain DNA and total nucleic acids, respectively. Correlated HO and TO fluorescence emissions were then measured by flow cytometry. Complex bivariate data patterns were analyzed by manual cluster gating to quantify parasite life cycle stages. The permutations of viable staining with both reagents were tested for optimal detection of parasitized RBC (pRBC). Pf cultures were exposed to HO and TO simultaneously to achieve optimal staining of pRBC and consistent quantification of early and late stages of the replicative cycle (rings through schizonts). Staining of Pf nucleic acids allows for analysis of parasite development in the absence of fixatives, lysis, or radioactivity to enable examination of erythrocytes from parasite invasion through schizont rupture using sensitive and rapid assay procedures. Investigation of the mechanisms by which anti‐malarial drugs and antibodies act against different Pf lifecycle stages will be aided by this cytometric strategy. © 2008 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Resistance of mtDNA‐depleted cells to apoptosis
Authors: Ferraresi Roberta , Troiano Leonarda , Pinti Marcello , Roat Erika , Lugli Enrico , Quaglino Daniela , Taverna Daniela , Bellizzi Dina , Passarino Giuseppe , Cossarizza Andrea
Published: February 2008

Cells lacking mitochondrial genome (defined as ρ0) are useful models in studies on cancer, aging, mitochondrial diseases and apoptosis, but several of their functional aspects have been poorly characterized. Using different clones of ρ0 cells derived from the human osteosarcoma line 143B, we have tested the effects of different apoptogenic molecules such as staurosporine (STS), doxorubicin, daunomycin and quercetin, and have analyzed apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), levels of oxygen free radicals, reduced glutathione (GSH) content, and expression of P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp). When compared to parental cells, ρ0 cells resulted much less sensitive to apoptosis. MMP was well maintained in ρ0 cells, and remained unchanged after adding apoptogenic agents, and did not change after treatment with molecules able to depolarize mitochondria such as valinomycin. After adding STS, the production of reactive oxygen species was similar in both cell types, but ρ0 cells maintained higher levels of GSH. In ρ0 cells, P‐gp was strongly over‐expressed both at mRNA and protein level, and its functionality was higher. The resistance to apoptosis of ρ0 cells could be not only due to an increased scavenger capacity of GSH, but also due to a selection of multidrug resistant cells that hyperexpress P‐gp. © 2008 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Dendritic cell subsets in the peritoneal fluid and peripheral blood of women suffering from ovarian cancer
Authors: Wertel I. , Polak G. , Bednarek W. , Barczyński B. , Roliński J. , Kotarski J.
Published: February 2008

Background:

Evaluation of immature myeloid and lymphoid dendritic cells (DCs) in the peritoneal fluid (PF) and peripheral blood (PB) mononuclears of women with ovarian carcinoma (n = 47) and benign ovarian tumors (n = 37).

Methods:

Mononuclear cells were isolated from PF and PB, stained with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against DC antigens (anti‐BDCA‐1, anti‐BDCA‐2), and estimated using flow cytometry.

Results:

The percentage of PF myeloid DC (MDC) in mononuclears was significantly lower in patients with ovarian cancer in comparison to the group of nonmalignant ovarian tumors (0.65% and 6.95%). The percentage of PF lymphoid DCs (LDCs) was higher in patients with ovarian cancer than in the reference group (0.64% and 0.09%). The percentage of PB MDCs and LDCs did not differ significantly between studied groups. In women suffering from ovarian cancer the percentage of both MDCs and LDCs was higher in the PF than in the PB. In the reference group the percentage of MDCs was higher but that of LDCs was lower in the PF than in the PB. In women with ovarian cancer, PF MDCs/LDCs ratio was lower in comparison to patients with serous cystadenoma. In PB the ratio of MDCs to LDCs did not differ significantly between studied groups.

Conclusions:

We concluded that MDCs population may be affected by the presence of malignant disease. LDC subsets may have influence on the local immune response in the PF of women with malignant tumors of the ovary. © 2008 Clinical Cytometry Society
They heard a cry: psychosocial resources moderate perception of others' distress
Authors: Harber Kent D. , Einev‐Cohen Michal , Lang Fran
Published: February 2008

Two studies tested whether psychosocial resources affect perception of another's distress. Participants' had their resources depleted, left unchanged, or boosted by elaborately recalling either someone who had betrayed them, a neutral person, or a close and trusted other, respectively. Participants then listened to disturbing baby cries, and rated how much distress the cries conveyed. As predicted, participants who recalled a betrayal subsequently heard the cries as conveying more distress than did other participants (Study 1). However, recalling a betrayal did not amplify cry ratings if, prior to cry rating, betrayal‐related thoughts and feelings were disclosed (Study 2). The moderating effect of disclosure on cry ratings indicates that boosting resources (disclosure) can counteract the effects of resource depletion (betrayal). Results in both studies remained significant even after controlling for mood. This research is the first to show that social contexts, and emotional disclosure, each affects perception of others' distress. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microfluidic Reactor for Continuous Flow Biotransformations with Immobilized Enzymes: the Example of Lactose Hydrolysis by a Hyperthermophilic β_cont;‐Glycoside Hydrolase
Authors: Thomsen M. S. , Nidetzky B.
Published: February 2008

A microfluidic reactor was developed for continuous flow biocatalytic transformations with immobilized enzymes. The microreaction device integrated a microstructured multichannel plate fabricated by microinjection molding from liquid silicon rubber material, with an appropriately interfaced and temperature‐controlled housing. Enzyme immobilization was carried out under flow conditions using the fully assembled microreactor. Covalent protein attachment was utilized, via cross‐linking with glutardialdehyde onto the amino‐silanized microstructured surface of the reaction plate. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and continuous flow enzyme kinetic studies were employed to characterize the immobilization of a thermophilic β‐glycoside hydrolase. SEM analysis revealed enzyme binding in aggregated clusters, preferentially around passive mixing elements that were introduced in an alternating left‐and‐right pattern along each microchannel. Using an immobilization protocol optimized with respect to the pH in each step, about 1600 units of activity were bound per m2 of microstructure. Although retention of activity in the surface‐bound enzyme was only 3–4 %, the Michaelis‐Menten constant for lactose was similar (≈ 70 mM) in free and immobilized hydrolase. The free energy of activation for lactose hydrolysis (Ea) was decreased from 72 kJ/mol in the free enzyme to 38 kJ/mol in the immobilized enzyme. Covalent attachment of the enzyme onto the microchannel walls via a dendrimeric linker restored the original Ea value. The immobilized enzyme microreactor was used for continuous conversion of 100 mM lactose at 80 °C and operated at a stable substrate conversion of 60 % for five days.
Protein‐Processing Platform (3P) – a New Concept for the Characterization of Cell Cultures in the mL‐Scale Using Microfluidic Components
Authors: Gastrock G. , Lemke K. , Römer R. , Howitz S. , Bertram J. , Hottenrott M. , Metze J.
Published: February 2008

A newly developed Protein‐Processing Platform (3P) for cell cultivation and sample handling is presented. The 3P‐concept is based on a 6‐well microtiter plate for cell cultivation, an autoclavable top plate as a sampling system using a new kind of microvalve and an x‐y‐z‐plotter to manage the sample handling procedures. Furthermore, the sample can be stored in a water‐cooled deep well plate and transported to a detector e.g. by addressing a dedicated protein chip based on a Black‐Silicon structure. The function of microvalves is based on the swelling behavior of hydrogel depending on its temperature. The regulation system of this temperature is integrated into the 6‐well microtiter top plate. In this paper, the realization of this concept is exemplarily carried out using the cultivation of hybridoma and their production of monoclonal antibodies. The cultivation conditions were not optimized. However, using different mixing methods, their influence on the antibody production was investigated. The best cell growth was observed in the dormant 6‐well microtiter plate. As under these conditions, a gradient of antibody concentrations occurs, the depth of immersion of the sampling probes has to be investigated. A reproducible sampling was possible by withdrawing the sample from the middle of the cell suspension level. Procedures for sampling and washing under sterile conditions were developed using the tools of the x‐y‐z‐plotter. The optical detection of the samples can be performed using the new protein chip based on the Black‐Silicon technology in any kind of commercial reader. It is possible to integrate the single modular components of the platform into every protein expression process. Additionally, the adaptation of the sampling system to commercial microtiter plates guarantees a wide range of applications.
Variance‐reduced Monte Carlo solutions of the Boltzmann equation for low‐speed gas flows: A discontinuous Galerkin formulation
Authors: Baker Lowell L. , Hadjiconstantinou Nicolas G.
Published: February 2008

We present and discuss an efficient, high‐order numerical solution method for solving the Boltzmann equation for low‐speed dilute gas flows. The method's major ingredient is a new Monte Carlo technique for evaluating the weak form of the collision integral necessary for the discontinuous Galerkin formulation used here. The Monte Carlo technique extends the variance reduction ideas first presented in Baker and Hadjiconstantinou (Phys. Fluids 2005; 17, art. no. 051703) and makes evaluation of the weak form of the collision integral not only tractable but also very efficient. The variance reduction, achieved by evaluating only the deviation from equilibrium, results in very low statistical uncertainty and the ability to capture arbitrarily small deviations from equilibrium (e.g. low‐flow speed) at a computational cost that is independent of the magnitude of this deviation. As a result, for low‐signal flows the proposed method holds a significant computational advantage compared with traditional particle methods such as direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC). Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Physically Motivated Reduction of a 2D Dynamic Model for Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells (MCFC)
Authors: Gundermann M. , Heidebrecht P. , Sundmacher K.
Published: February 2008

The reduction of a molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) model is presented. It starts from a reference model, which includes direct and indirect internal reforming as well as a catalytic combustion and a reversal chamber between anode and cathode channels. The reference model is dynamic, spatially distributed and strictly based on balances of mass, enthalpy and charges. In order to reduce the numerical effort of the model simulations and to retain as much detailed information on the system behaviour as possible, the model is systematically reduced by identifying negligible physical and chemical processes. All model reductions are discussed in detail. To evaluate the effects of the applied changes, the reduced model is compared to the reference model.
Recent advances in stream and river temperature research
Authors: Webb Bruce W. , Hannah David M. , Moore R. Dan , Brown Lee E. , Nobilis Franz
Published: February 2008

Research on stream and river temperatures is reviewed with particular attention being given to advances in understanding gained since 1990 and on investigations of fundamental controls on thermal behaviour, thermal heterogeneity at different spatial scales, the influence of human impacts and the nature of past and future trends. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of climate change on nitrate loads in a large river: the Austrian Danube as example
Authors: Zweimüller Irene , Zessner Matthias , Hein Thomas
Published: February 2008

Using long‐term data from 1951 to 2006, a considerable increase in water temperature was observed in the Austrian Danube (approximately 0·1 °C per decade). The mean annual discharge rates remained fairly constant over the years, but the seasonal pattern changed: in the summer, discharge decreased whereas the opposite trend was observed during the winter months.

Data from routine water samples taken in approximately monthly intervals (1991–2006) revealed high temperature dependence of nitrate and dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), intermediate temperature effect on nitrite and low temperature dependence of ammonia.

The temperature dependence of nitrate differed between three discharge groups (low, middle and high discharge). It was nearly linear in the low‐discharge group; in the other two discharge groups the decrease of nitrate with increasing temperature was more pronounced, but levelled off at approximately 15 to 20 °C in the middle and high discharge groups.

Scenarios assuming increasing mean air temperature of 0·5 and 1·0 °C were calculated for water temperature and air temperature, discharge rates and nitrate loads based on trends detected in the air temperature and discharge data from 1951 to 2006. According to these scenarios, temperatures (both water and air) will continue to increase. The discharge regime of the Danube will be affected by significantly increasing discharge rates in March and significantly decreasing rates for July. The annual mean discharge rate will not be affected. Trends for nitrate loads showed similar tendencies: while annual mean nitrate load does not change with time, the seasonal pattern of nitrate loads is expected to change. Larger amounts of nitrate will be transported downstream in winter, whereas the loads during summer will decrease. The ecological consequences of such shifts are not fully understood. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Testing the incremental utility of the negative impression–positive impression differential in detecting simulated personality assessment inventory profiles
Authors: Hopwood Christopher J. , Talbert Christy A. , Morey Leslie C. , Rogers Richard
Published: February 2008

The usefulness of multiscale inventories depends on their ability to evaluate response styles effectively, such as fake‐bad (feigning) and fake‐good (defensiveness) profiles. The current investigation combined validity data across clinical, nonclinical, and simulating samples to evaluate the usefulness of the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) negative impression (NIM)–positive impression (PIM) difference score to detect simulated profiles. In general, its effect sizes were not appreciably different from those afforded by NIM and PIM alone. Likewise, its incremental contributions in logistic regression were minimal. These results do not support the routine use of a NIM‐PIM difference score in detecting response styles with the PAI. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 64: 338–343, 2008.
Sperm ultrastructure in the inseminating Macropsobrycon uruguayanae (Teleostei: Characidae: Cheirodontinae)
Authors: de Oliveira Cristina L.C. , Burns John R. , Malabarba Luiz R. , Weitzman Stanley H.
Published: February 2008

Macropsobrycon uruguayanae is a small, inseminating characid (tetra) of the tribe Compsurini. Although spermatozoa can be found within the ovarian cavity close to oocytes, the exact moment of fertilization has not yet been determined. Spermatozoa have moderately elongate nuclei with electron‐dense chromatin. During spermiogenesis, nuclear rotation takes place. Elongate mitochondria with lamellar cristae are found posterior to the nucleus. Centrioles are parallel to one another with the proximal centriole slightly anterior to the longer distal one. The anterior tip of the proximal centriole is located within a shallow nuclear fossa. Electron‐dense spurs are associated within the anterior and posterior ends of the distal centriole. Striated centriolar rootlets radiate both anteriorly and posteriorly from the distal centriole. Nine longitudinal accessory microtubules surround the axoneme in the proximal flagellum. The flagellum has a typical 9 + 2 axoneme with no intratubular differentiation. Atypical spermatozoa are also found in the testicular lumen. These cells resemble spermatozoa in most aspects, except that their nuclei are variable in shape, with the granular chromatin less electron‐dense than that seen in spermatozoa. The origin and function of these cells could not be determined. The specializations seen in the spermatozoa are discussed as possible adaptations related to the habit of insemination. J. Morphol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MR volume of the fetal cerebellum in relation to growth
Authors: Hatab Mustapha R. , Kamourieh Salwa W. , Twickler Diane M.
Published: February 2008

Purpose

To quantify fetal cerebellar growth by measuring cerebellar volumes of normal fetuses throughout gestation with MRI.

Materials and Methods

A total of 93 fetuses with normal brains ranging in age from 16 to 40 gestational weeks were included in the study. Standard fetal biometric measurements were made on a three‐dimensional postprocessing workstation and included the head circumference, transverse cerebellar diameter, biparietal diameter, occipital‐frontal diameter, as well as cerebellar volume. The gestational ages were estimated from fetal head circumference measurements. Regression analysis was used to find the best‐fit model.

Results

There is a strong correlation describing cerebellar volume and gestational age in fetuses with normal central nervous systems. A second‐order polynomial regression model was found to be the most appropriate descriptor of cerebellar volume in relation to normal fetal growth. In addition, the cerebellar volume was also found to correlate strongly with the common fetal biometric measurements of transverse cerebellar diameter, biparietal diameter, and occipital‐frontal diameter.

Conclusion

Nomograms for fetal cerebellar volume with gestational age derived from head circumference measurements are presented for the first time with MRI. A normal fetal cerebellar volume growth chart is established. These results should prove helpful in defining situations of abnormal growth development and dysmorphology. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
How accurate is dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI in the assessment of renal glomerular filtration rate? A critical appraisal
Authors: Mendichovszky Iosif , Pedersen Michael , Frøkiær Jørgen , Dissing Thomas , Grenier Nicolas , Anderson Peter , McHugh Kieran , Yang Qing , Gordon Isky
Published: February 2008

Purpose

To evaluate the current literature to see if the published results of MRI‐glomerular filtration rate (GFR) stand up to the claim that MRI‐GFR may be used in clinical practice. Claims in the current literature that Gadolinium (Gd) DTPA dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) MRI clearance provides a reliable estimate of glomerular filtration are an overoptimistic interpretation of the results obtained. Before calculating absolute GFR from Gd‐enhanced MRI, numerous variables must be considered.

Materials and Methods

We examine the methodology in the published studies on absolute quantification of MRI‐GFR. The techniques evaluated included the dose and volume of Gd‐DTPA used, the speed of injection, acquisition sequences, orientation of the subject, re‐processing, conversion of signal to concentration and the model used for analysis of the data as well as the MRI platform.

Results

Claims in the current literature that using DCE MRI “Gd DTPA clearance provides a good estimate of glomerular filtration” are not supported by the data presented and a more accurate conclusion should be that “no MRI approach used provides a wholly satisfactory measure of renal GFR function.”

Conclusion

This study suggests that DCE MRI‐GFR results are not yet able to be used as a routine clinical or research tool. The published literature does not show what change in DCE MRI‐GFR is clinically significant, nor do the results in the literature allow a single DCE MRI‐GFR measurement to be correlated directly with a multiple blood sampling technique. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MR analysis of regional brain volume in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: Neurological manifestation of a systemic disease
Authors: Liu Tianming , Chu Winnie C.W. , Young Geoffrey , Li Kaiming , Yeung Benson H.Y. , Guo Lei , Man Gene C.W. , Lam Wynnie W.M. , Wong Stephen T.C. , Cheng Jack C.Y.
Published: February 2008

Purpose

To investigate whether regional brain volumes in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients differ from matched control subjects as AIS subjects are reported to have poor performance on combined visual and proprioceptive testing and impaired postural balance in previous studies.

Materials and Methods

Twenty AIS female patients with typical right‐convex thoracic curve (age range,11–18 years; mean, 14.1 years) and 26 female controls (mean age, 14.8 years) underwent three‐dimensional magnetization prepared rapid acquisition gradient echo (3D‐MPRAGE) MR imaging. Volumes of 99 preselected neuroanatomical regions were compared by statistical parametric mapping and atlas‐based hybrid warping.

Results

Analysis of variance statistics revealed significant mean volumetric differences in 22 brain regions between AIS and controls. Ten regions were larger in AIS including the left frontal gyri and white matter in left frontal, parietal, and temporal regions, corpus callosum and brainstem. Twelve regions were smaller in AIS, including right‐sided descending white matter tracts (anterior and posterior limbs of the right internal capsule and the cerebral peduncle) and deep nucleus (caudate), bilateral perirhinal cortices, left hippocampus and amygdala, bilateral precuneus gyri, and left middle and inferior occipital gyri.

Conclusion

Regional brain volume difference in AIS subjects may help to explain neurological abnormalities in this group. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nerve growth factor improves ligament healing
Authors: Mammoto Takeo , Seerattan Ruth A. , Paulson Kent D. , Leonard Catherine A. , Bray Robert C. , Salo Paul T.
Published: February 2008

Previous work has shown that innervation participates in normal ligament healing. The present study was performed to determine if exogenous nerve growth factor (NGF) would improve the healing of injured ligament by promoting reinnervation, blood flow, and angiogenesis. Two groups of 30 Sprague–Dawley rats underwent unilateral medial collateral ligament transection (MCL). One group was given 10 µg NGF and the other was given PBS via osmotic pump over 7 days after injury. After 7, 14, and 42 days, in vivo blood flow was measured using laser speckle perfusion imaging (LSPI). Morphologic assessments of nerve density, vascularity, and angiogenesis inhibitor production were done in three animals at each time point by immunohistochemical staining for the pan‐neuronal marker PGP9.5, the endothelial marker vWF, and the angiogenesis inhibitor thrombospondin‐2 (TSP‐2). Ligament scar material and structural mechanical properties were assessed in seven rats at each time point. Increased nerve density was promoted by NGF at both 14 and 42 days. Exposure to NGF also led to increased ligament vascularity, as measured by histologic assessment of vWF immunohistochemistry, although LSPI‐measured blood flow was not significantly different from controls. NGF treatment also led to decreased expression of TSP‐2 at 14 days. Mechanical testing revealed that exposure to NGF increased failure load by 40%, ultimate tensile strength by 55%, and stiffness by 30% at 42 days. There were no detectable differences between groups in creep properties. The results suggest that local application of NGF can improve ligament healing by promoting both reinnervation and angiogenesis, and results in scars with enhanced mechanical properties. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:957–964, 2008
Avoidant coping and PTSD symptoms related to domestic violence exposure: A longitudinal study
Authors: Krause Elizabeth D. , Kaltman Stacey , Goodman Lisa A. , Dutton Mary Ann
Published: February 2008

The impact of avoidant coping on level of PTSD symptoms over 1 year was examined among 262 women exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV) within the past month. Covariates included childhood sexual abuse (CSA), IPV severity, perceived and formal social support, and revictimization. Using longitudinal hierarchical multiple regression, avoidant coping was found associated with PTSD symptoms at 1‐year follow‐up, controlling for initial symptoms and covariates. Revictimization also had long‐term consequences beyond Time 1 symptoms. Reducing avoidant coping and increasing survivors' safety may assist in breaking a cycle of problematic coping and psychological distress.
A prospective assessment of auditory startle alterations in rape and physical assault survivors
Authors: Griffin Michael G.
Published: February 2008

This study used a prospective design to investigate startle reactivity following trauma exposure. Startle response was evaluated using loud tones during which measures of eyeblink electromyogram (EMG) and heart rate (HR) were collected. Participants were 40 female sexual or physical assault survivors assessed at 1 month and 6 months postassault. There were no significant differences in startle reactivity between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and non‐PTSD groups at the initial assessment. However, at 6 months postassault there was a significantly greater EMG and HR response in the PTSD group as well as a significant increase in startle reactivity from 1 month to 6 months postassault. The findings lend support to a sensitization model of trauma reactivity in which startle response develops over time along with PTSD symptoms.
Promoting mental health following the London bombings: A screen and treat approach
Authors: Brewin Chris R. , Scragg Peter , Robertson Mary , Thompson Monica , d'Ardenne Patricia , Ehlers Anke
Published: February 2008

Following the 2005 London bombings, a novel public health program was instituted to address the mental health needs of survivors. In this article, the authors describe the rationale for the program, characteristics of individuals assessed within the program, and preliminary outcome data. In addition to validated screening instruments and routine service usage data, standardized questionnaire outcome measures were collected. Seventy‐one percent of individuals screened positive for a mental disorder. Of those receiving a more detailed clinical assessment, PTSD was the predominant diagnosis. Preliminary outcome data on 82 patients revealed large effect sizes for treatment comparable to those previously obtained in randomized controlled trials. The program succeeded in its aim of generating many more referrals of affected individuals than came through normal referral channels.
On a factorization of the Schrödinger and Klein–Gordon operators
Authors: Cerejeiras Paula , Kähler Uwe , Kravchenko Vladislav V.
Published: February 2008

A general scheme for factorizing second‐order time‐dependent operators of mathematical physics is given, which allows a reduction of corresponding second‐order equations to biquaternionic equations of first order. Examples of application of the proposed scheme are presented for both constant and variable coefficients. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fully automatic, retrospective enhancement of real‐time acquired cardiac cine MR images using image‐based navigators and respiratory motion‐corrected averaging
Authors: Kellman Peter , Chefd'hotel Christophe , Lorenz Christine H. , Mancini Christine , Arai Andrew E. , McVeigh Elliot R.
Published: February 2008

Real‐time imaging may be clinically important in patients with congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, or in pediatric cases. However, real‐time imaging typically has compromised spatial and temporal resolution compared with gated, segmented studies. To combine the best features of both types of imaging, a new method is proposed that uses parallel imaging to improve temporal resolution of real‐time acquired images at the expense of signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), but then produces an SNR‐enhanced cine by means of respiratory motion‐corrected averaging of images acquired in real‐time over multiple heartbeats while free‐breathing. The retrospective processing based on image‐based navigators and nonrigid image registration is fully automated. The proposed method was compared with conventional cine images in 21 subjects. The resultant image quality for the proposed method (3.9 ± 0.44) was comparable to the conventional cine (4.2 ± 0.99) on a 5‐point scale (P = not significant [n.s.]). The conventional method exhibited degraded image quality in cases of arrhythmias whereas the proposed method had uniformly good quality. Motion‐corrected averaging of real‐time acquired cardiac images provides a means of attaining high‐quality cine images with many of the benefits of real‐time imaging, such as free‐breathing acquisition and tolerance to arrhythmias. Magn Reson Med, 2007. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High‐resolution myelin water measurements in rat spinal cord
Authors: Kozlowski Piotr , Liu Jie , Yung Andrew C. , Tetzlaff Wolfram
Published: February 2008

Multiecho imaging data were acquired at 7T from control and injured (dorsal column transection) rat spinal cords ex vivo with in‐plane resolution of 61, 78, and 100 μm, and from a control rat spinal cord in vivo with in‐plane resolution of 117 μm. The myelin water maps were calculated using nonnegative least‐squares (NNLS) analysis of the decay curves. For the control cords, myelin water maps showed details of the cord morphology, and the average myelin water fraction (MWF) values in white matter and gray matter corresponded well with previously published results and the expected amounts of myelin within the cord, and correlated very well with Luxol Fast Blue stain (R2 = 0.95). Myelin water maps from an injured cord showed excellent qualitative correlation with histology. This pilot study demonstrates that high‐resolution myelin water mapping in rat spinal cord is feasible, and this technique has potential to be a valuable tool in studying white matter damage in rat models of spinal cord injury. Magn Reson Med, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Knowledge Transfer in Project-Based Organizations: An Organizational Culture Perspective
Authors: Ajmal Mian M. , Koskinen Kaj U.
Published: February 2008

This conceptual paper investigates the process of knowledge transfer in project-based organizations from the perspective of organizational culture. The paper identifies obstacles to knowledge transfer in project-based organizations and emphasizes the importance of organizational and project cultures in this process. The study provides some suggestions for improving knowledge transfer in project-based organizations and notes the implications of the paper for project management.
Formulation of Financial Valuation Methodologies for NASA's Human Spaceflight Projects
Authors: Hawes W. Michael , Duffey Michael R.
Published: February 2008

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) must continually evaluate proposals to upgrade its human spaceflight systems. These proposals may be initiated to enhance safety, improve performance, or provide improved cost value. In the current restrictive budget environment, the cost valuation should be strengthened to ensure the best use of limited funding. NASA has not frequently utilized financial analysis in project consideration, and business case analysis is often lacking during annual budgetary assessments. Some of the reasons inhibiting financial analysis are uncertainty in the projections of long life-cycle costs, gains that may seem intangible and difficult to mone-tize, and the political environment. This paper explores ways in which some financial valuation methods, coupled with reformulation of project cash flows, might enhance NASA's analysis process. Among these methods is real option analysis (ROA), which is discussed in the context of several NASA upgrade projects.
Project Management Practice, Generic or Contextual: A Reality Check
Authors: Besner Claude , Hobbs Brian
Published: February 2008

The purpose of this research is to contribute to a better understanding of project management practice by investigating the use of project management tools and techniques and the levels of support provided by organizations for their use. The study examines both general levels of use and variations among project types and contexts. Many aspects of project management practice are common to most projects in most contexts, while others vary significantly among different types of projects and among projects in different contexts. The purpose of this paper is to present empirical results that show both the common elements and the significant variations. The paper is based on a survey of 750 project management practitioners. The use of tools and techniques is seen here as an indicator of the realities of practice. The study found some aspects of practice to be common across all types of projects and all contexts, but on this background of similar patterns of practice, several statistically signifi-cant differences have also been identified. The primary focus of this paper is on these variations in practice.
Best Project Management and Systems Engineering Practices in the Preacquisition Phase for Federal Intelligence and Defense Agencies
Authors: Meier Steven R.
Published: February 2008

The analysis of several government defense and intelligence agency large-scale acquisition programs that experienced significant cost and schedule growth shows that several critical factors need to be addressed in the preacquisition phase of the acquisition cycle. These include overzealous advocacy, technology readiness levels, life-cycle cost, schedule details, requirements maturity, acquisition and contract strategy, program office personnel tenure and experience, risk management, systems engineering, and trade studies. The results of this study–which incorporated data from industry responses, government and industry executive interviews, numerous studies, and reports–indicate that early preacquisition activities executed in a rigorous fashion can significantly reduce the risk of cost and schedule growth. In this paper, the root causes of the cost and schedule growth are discussed as well as techniques and alternatives to improve program performance.
An Empirical Assessment of IT Project Selection and Evaluation Methods in State Government
Authors: Rosacker Kirsten M. , Olson David L.
Published: February 2008

This study uses a survey of U.S. state government information technology (IT) project management practitioners to investigate the utilization of IT project selection and evaluation methodologies-financial and qualitative–and to assess the empirical relationship between the chosen methods and several measures of perceived project success. The analysis presents evidence that financial project selection and evaluation methodologies appear to be important in obtaining better control over project costs.
The Role of Technology in the Project Manager Performance Model
Authors: Anantatmula Vittal S.
Published: February 2008

Technology assumes importance in the context of project management due to greater challenges in today's technology-enabled work environment, where technology tools are routinely used for colaboration, communication, and dep oyment of project management practices. It is becoming common practice for even co-located project teams to use the electronic medium for these purposes. Notwithstanding the importance of technology, research has shown that it is difficult to associate the use of technology with business performance and the absence of such relation can be extrapolated to project performance as well. However, technology can play a major role in supporting project managers in managing projects effectively and efficiently. Several studies have addressed the importance and leadership style of project managers. However, specific roles and responsibilities of a project manager toward the project team is an area that needs further study. In this research effort, using the literature review, important people-related factors of project performance are identified. Then structured personal interviews were used to gather data for understanding relations among these factors in order to develop a project manager performance model. The model was developed employing the interpretive structural modeling(ISM) methodology. The model was used to determine the role of the project manager in managing the project team and improving the project performance. Results show that both leadership and management roles are important. This study helped to analyze underlying interactions among these factors and, consequently, understand the supportive function of technology to the project manager in improving project performance.
Density functional theory analysis of a mixed‐ligand iridium compound for multi‐color organic light‐emitting diodes
Authors: Polosan Silviu , Chow Tahsin J. , Tsuboi Taiju
Published: February 2008

Electronic states and their energies are calculated for a mixed‐ligand Ir(III) compound, (5‐chloro‐8‐hydroxyquinoline) bis(2‐phenylpyridyl) iridium (called IrQ(ppy)2‐5Cl) using time‐dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations and are compared with the experimental result. A good agreement is obtained between the calculated and measured absorption spectra. The d‐πQ* molecular orbital transition gives the lowest‐energy triplet state absorption band. Its energy is estimated as 1.84 eV (671 nm), which is close to the absorption band position of 1.86 eV (666 nm) observed for IrQ(ppy)2‐5Cl doped in 4,4′‐N,N′‐dicarbazole‐biphenyl (CBP) host and of 1.88 eV (660 nm) observed for IrQ(ppy)2‐5Cl doped in polystyrene (PS). The second triplet state absorption band is caused by d‐πppy transition. Its position is calculated as 2.51 eV (494 nm). The dipole moment is estimated as 3.45 D, which is lower than the dipole moment of fac‐Ir(ppy)3. This is understood by a reduced charge transfer between Ir(III) and quinoline ligand. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
N‐vinylcaprolactam‐based microgels: Synthesis and characterization
Authors: Imaz Ainara , Forcada Jacqueline
Published: February 2008

Poly(N‐vinylcaprolactam) (PVCL) is well known for its thermoresponsive behavior in aqueous solutions. PVCL combines useful and important properties; it is biocompatible polymer with the phase transition in the region of physiological temperature (32–38 °C). This combination of properties allows consideration of PVCL as a material for design biomedical devices and use in drug delivery systems. In this work, PVCL based temperature‐sensitive crosslinked particles (microgels) were synthesized in a batch reactor to analyze the effect of the crosslinker, initiator, surfactant, temperature, and VCL concentration on polymerization process and final microgels characteristics. The mean particle diameters at different temperatures and the volume phase‐transition temperature of the final product were analyzed. To obtain information about the inner structure of microgel particles, semicontinuous polymerizations were carried out and the evolution of the hydrodynamic average particle diameters at different temperatures of the microgel synthesized was investigated. In the case of microgel particles obtained in a batch reactor the size and the swelling‐de‐swelling behavior as a function of the temperature of the medium can be tuned by modulating the reaction variables. When the microgel particles were synthesized in a semibatch reactor different swelling‐de‐swelling behaviors were observed depending on particles inner structure. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 2510–2524, 2008
Massage in patients undergoing intensive chemotherapy reduces serum cortisol and prolactin
Authors: Stringer Jacqui , Swindell Ric , Dennis Michael
Published: February 2008

Objective: The objective is to identify whether single 20 min massage sessions were safe and effective in reducing stress levels of isolated haematological oncology patients.

Design: Based on a randomised controlled trial, 39 patients were randomised to aromatherapy, massage or rest (control) arm.

Measures: The measures were serum cortisol and prolactin levels, quality of life (EORTC QLQ–C30) and semi‐structured interviews. Primary outcome measure was the fall in serum cortisol levels.

Results: A significant difference was seen between arms in cortisol (P=0.002) and prolactin (p=0.031) levels from baseline to 30 min post‐session. Aromatherapy and massage arms showed a significantly greater drop in cortisol than the rest arm. Only the massage arm had a significantly greater reduction in prolactin then the rest arm. The EORTC QLQ–C30 showed a significant reduction in ‘need for rest’ for patients in both experimental arms compared with the control arm, whereas the semi‐structured interviews identified a universal feeling of relaxation in patients in the experimental arms.

Conclusion: This pilot study demonstrated that in isolated haematological oncology patients, a significant reduction in cortisol could be safely achieved through massage, with associated improvement in psychological well‐being. The implications are discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pleistocene cryopediments on variable terrain
Authors: Vandenberghe J. , Czudek T.
Published: February 2008

Similarities and differences in the processes and conditions of cryopediment formation are illustrated in two particular type regions. Cryopediment gradients range from 1–3° in the Czech Republic and from 0.03–0.05° in the lowlands of Belgium and the Netherlands, widths are from hundreds of metres to kilometres and underlying substrates vary from bedrock to unconsolidated sediment. The knickpoint between backslope and cryopediment surface is generally poorly developed on soft substrates but is sharp in bedrock substrates. Surface runoff, operating in sheets or concentrated, is inferred to have been the main process of sediment removal and transport on the cryopediment surface. The diversity in cryopediment morphology reflects the balance between the energy required and that available for transporting the sediment supplied. A resistant substrate produces relatively steep cryopediment gradients, and parallel backslope retreat may occur. In unconsolidated substrates, (very) low relief develops as a result of wash processes. Since large amounts of surface runoff cannot be generated on the highly permeable substrates, cryopediment surfaces must have developed under periglacial conditions with (thick) winter snow cover releasing meltwater in a short time over a frozen (and thus impermeable) soil. Due to repetitive periglacial conditions and progressive base‐level lowering, some cryopediments may have developed polycyclically. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relationships between permafrost distribution and surface organic layers near Esso, central Kamchatka, Russian Far East
Authors: Fukui Kotaro , Sone Toshio , Yamagata Kotaro , Otsuki Yoshinori , Sawada Yuki , Vetrova Valentina , Vyatkina Marina
Published: February 2008

Unique boreal forest, consisting mainly of sparse larch (Larix cajanderii), creeping pine (Pinus pumila) and birch forest (Betula ermanii), occurs above the lower elevational limit of discontinuous permafrost of about 500 m above sea level in the area around Esso, central Kamchatka (∼56°N). Permafrost is present beneath surfaces covered by Sphagnum or creeping pine, but is absent beneath birch forest. Thermal conductivities in mid‐September are low in Sphagnum (0.07–0.19 W/(m·K)) and in the thick (13–20 cm) litter layer beneath creeping pine‐covered areas (0.06–0.09 W/(m·K)). Seasonal changes in the subsurface ground temperatures beneath creeping pine show that the surface litter prevents ground temperature increases at depth in summer, resulting in a thin active layer (several decimetres). The surface organic layer appears to be the most important factor controlling the presence or absence of permafrost in this area. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.