bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of chain ends on the structure of aramid oligomers
Authors: Mehenni Hakim , Guillou Hélène , Tessier Christian , Brisson Josée
Published: January 2008

Synthesis, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of aliphatic–aromatic aramid oligomers are reported with the aim of shedding light on the effect of end-chain substituent on the morphology and structure of poly(para-phenylene terephthalamide) or PPTA. Three types of X-ray powder diffraction patterns were observed: one similar to that of PPTA form I, one similar to that of PPTA form II, and an additional form never reported. Some compounds, differing by their internal distribution of amide–aromatic rings, adopt two different crystal structures, whereas compounds having the same internal amide–aromatic arrangements, but differing by the nature of the end-groups, can adopt the same crystal structure. This clearly shows that both factors influence the packing adopted by the chains. Single-crystal structures of two polymorphs of a nitro-terminated model compound were resolved; both forms incorporate dimethyl formamide, and both show completely different packing. Infrared amide I and II band positions of most studied compounds match those observed for PPTA forms I or II, indicating that they exhibit planar hydrogen bonded sheets of molecules.Key words: aramid, crystal structure, poly(para-phenylene terephtalamide).
Lewis acid catalyzed Claisen rearrangement: Regioselective synthesis of oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur heterocycles
Authors: Majumdar K C , Pal A K
Published: January 2008

Regioselective synthesis of pentacyclic heterocycles containing oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur has been achieved in good to excellent yields by the sequential Claisen rearrangement of but-2-ynyl ethers and sulfides containing quinolone moiety. The substrates ethers and sulfides were prepared from 1-aryloxy-4-chlorobut-2-ynes with N-alkyl-4-hydroxyquinoline-2(1H)-ones.Key words: regioselectivity, [3,3] sigmatropic rearrangement, nucleophilicity of sulfur, aluminium chloride, heterocycles.
Genetic structure of marginal populations of white spruce (Piceaglauca) at its northern limit of distribution in Nouveau-Québec
Authors: Tremblay Monique , Simon Jean-Pierre
Published: January 2008

The genetic structure of six marginal populations of white spruce (Piceaglauca (Moench) Voss) located at Richmond Gulf in the subarctic region of Nouveau-Québec, and one southern population located at Kuujjuaraapik (Poste-de-la-Baleine) were analyzed by acrylamide gel electrophoresis for seven enzyme systems. The analysis of 27 loci disclosed an average polymorphism of 76.2% and a level of heterozygosity of 0.319. Data based on Wright's; statistics: indicated a deficiency of heterozygotes for 60% of the loci, as calculated from the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. These results, coupled with the very low percentage of filled seeds in cones of all populations, suggest that a certain level of inbreeding or gene exchange among near-neighbour relatives influences the genetic structure of these populations. The genetic differentiation among populations is relatively high for a conifer [Formula: see text] and is not correlated with geographic distance. The age of trees, covering a period of 400 years affected by climatic changes, does not contribute to the genetic differentiation of the populations.
Growth and foliar nutrient concentrations of Pacific silver fir
Authors: Radwan M. A. , Murray M. D. , Kraft J. M.
Published: January 2008

Nineteen natural stands of Pacific silver fir (Abiesamabilis (Dougl.) Forbes) were assessed for selected site and tree characteristics. The stands, located throughout western Washington, were 26 to 37 years old; they occurred at various elevations (110–1300 m) and on different soil types, and varied greatly in associated plant species. Site index at 50 years breast-high age ranged from 12 to 24 m. Terminal growth per year during the previous 3 years, needle number per centimetre of twig tissue, needle weight and area, and foliar concentrations of 13 elements varied among the 19 stands. Compared with associated western conifers, silver fir had moderate terminal growth, larger and heavier needles, more needles per centimetre of twig tissue, and lower foliar concentrations of N, S, and Mg. There were many significant correlations among the different variables. The foliar nutrient data obtained provide base-line information for future research in nutrition and fertilization of silver fir. These data and the significant correlations between nutrients and site-stand characteristics suggest that (i) silver fir may be more efficient than some western conifers in use of some nutrients, (ii) productivity of silver fir may be improved by application of certain fertilizers; fertilization may be particularly effective during the seedling stage when growth is typically slow, and (iii) levels of some foliar nutrients may be useful as indicators of site quality for silver fir production.
Photosynthetic photon flux density, red:far-red ratio, and minimum light requirement for survival of Gaultheriashallon in western red cedar–western hemlock stands in coastal British Columbia
Authors: Messier Christian , Honer Terry W. , Kimmins James P.
Published: January 2008

Measurements of photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD; global, diffuse, and direct: 400–700 nm) and red:far-red ratio (660:730 nm) were made above and below an understory of salal (Gaultheriashallon Pursh) within three western red cedar (Thujaplicata Donn)–western hemlock (Tsugaheterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.) stands on the northern end of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. These stands were chosen to represent a wide range of canopy closure and understory salal cover. The measurements were repeated under both clear and overcast sky conditions. Within each stand, the percent cover, height, number of stems per hectare, and leaf morphology of the salal were measured. As expected, there was a decrease in both the salal cover and in the global PPFD and red:far-red ratio measured directly above salal as the percent tree cover increased. Salal leaf thickness and specific leaf weight decreased, whereas its leaf area increased, as global PPFD and red:far-red ratio decreased. The results indicate that the minimum light requirement for salal survival is between 3.9 and 11.1 μmol•m−2•s−1 (1.2 to 3.3% of global PPFD measured in an adjacent clearing) and 4.5 and 27.2 μmol•m−2•s−1 (0.3 to 1.8% of global PPFD measured in the clearing) under overcast and clear sky conditions, respectively. The global PPFD and red:far-red ratio measured 30 cm above the forest floor (beneath the salal) did not vary widely among the three stands. At this level, global PPFD values were very low, ranging from 0.15 to 0.35% and 0.58 to 0.75% of the global PPFD measured in the clearing under clear and overcast sky conditions, respectively. Red:far-red ratios at the forest floor level varied from 0.13 to 0.25 and 0.40 to 0.58 under clear and overcast sky conditions, respectively. The silvicultural implications of the results are discussed.
Prediction of forest-floor moisture content under diverse jack pine canopy conditions
Authors: Chrosciewicz Z.
Published: January 2008

Moisture contents of organic forest-floor materials were studied by strata in a semimature jack pine (Pinusbanksiana Lamb.) stand in relation to their within-stand locations and changes in both duff moisture code and fine fuel moisture code, the two weather-based components of the Canadian Forest Fire Weather Index System. The resulting best-fitting curvilinear regressions (Y = aebX) of the duff moisture code showed distinctive patterns of variation so that both the surface and subsurface forest-floor strata were consistently more moist in stand openings than under stand canopy. An initial moisture inversion between the surface and subsurface forest-floor materials manifested itself near the start of the regressions wherever live Schreber's moss (Pleuroziumschreberi (Brit.) Mitt.) and litter were the combined surface materials; otherwise, pure surface litter was consistently drier than the subsurface materials. Combinations of all these materials down to mineral soil showed intermediate moisture contents both in stand openings and under stand canopy. In contrast, the best-fitting regressions of the fine fuel moisture code just for surface forest-floor strata were of the straight line (Y = a + bX) category and had generally lower r2 values than those for the corresponding curvilinear regressions (Y = aebX) of the duff moisture code.
Ice damage in spruce–fir forests of the Black Mountains, North Carolina
Authors: Nicholas N. S. , Zedaker S. M.
Published: January 2008

Spruce–fir ecosystem monitoring was initiated in 1985 in the southern Appalachians, United States, after reports of a red spruce (Picearubens Sarg.) decline in the northeast. Ice storms during the winter of 1986–1987 had a severe impact on spruce–fir forests in the Black Mountains of North Carolina, the location of Mount Mitchell, the highest peak in eastern North America. Mortality rates were higher for red spruce than for Fraser fir (Abiesfraseri (Pursh.) Poir.), 8.1 and 2.4%, respectively. Recent ice damage was apparent in 12.4% of surviving overstory stems, with red spruce having a 17% average decrease in height. Frequency of damage to stems tended to increase with increasing elevation. Little is known about the successional dynamics of southern high elevation montane second-growth forests. Our results suggest that ice storms may be an important cause of damage and mortality.
Temporal variations in elliptical forest fire shapes
Authors: McAlpine R. S.
Published: January 2008

Elliptical fire growth models are dependant on a relationship between the length to width ratio of the ellipse and the prevailing wind speed. A laboratory study of point source fires growing in two fuel types (Ponderosa Pine (Pinusponderosa Laws.) needle litter and excelsior) showed that the length to width ratio changes from the time of inception until a stabilized "equilibrium" eccentricity is established. The size of fuel bed required to allow stabilization of the length to width ratio is dependant on wind speed. Results indicate that a fuel bed 0.93 m wide is insufficient to allow length to width ratio stabilization for wind speeds above 1.6 km/h.
MULTIPLE DECISION TEMPLATES WITH ADAPTIVE FEATURES FOR FINGERPRINT CLASSIFICATION
Authors: MIN JUN-KI , CHO SUNG-BAE
Published: January 2008

This paper proposes a novel fingerprint classification method using multiple decision templates of Support Vector Machines (SVMs) with adaptive features. In order to overcome intra-class and inter-class ambiguities of fingerprints, the proposed method extracts a feature vector from an adaptively detected feature region and classifies the feature vector using SVMs. The outputs of the SVMs are then combined by multiple decision templates that make several per class. Experimental results on NIST4 fingerprint database revealed the effectiveness and validity of the proposed method for fingerprint classification.
PARTICLE PRODUCTION AT RHIC FROM QUARK RECOMBINATION
Authors: YANG C. B.
Published: January 2008

Particle production at RHIC is discussed within the framework of quark recombination model. After a short introduction on the anomalies discovered at RHIC, we will first present the basic physics ideas common for all the quark recombination models and different implementations in different research groups. Then the main focus turns to the approach of Oregon group. Feynman and Field's independent fragmentation process is re-interpreted in the quark recombination model. In this approach, hard partons with high virtuality evolves into a shower of semihard partons by radiating gluons which can convert into quark-antiquark pairs. Then different fragmentation functions can be rewritten in terms of only a few shower parton distributions within the recombination model. By fitting the data on the fragmentation functions, the shower parton distributions can be determined and then can be used in other processes together with the assumed exponential distributed soft parton distributions. Applications to the particle production at RHIC for both Au + Au and d + Au collisions in mid-rapidity are discussed. In particular, the suppression for meson production in central Au + Au collisions and Cronin effect in d + Au collisions are naturally explained within the recombination models. Finally, strange particle production is briefly discussed.
PARAMETRIZATION OF BOSE-EINSTEIN CORRELATIONS INe+e−ANNIHILATION AND RECONSTRUCTION OF THE SOURCE FUNCTION
Authors:   for the L3 Collaboration, METZGER W. J. , NOVÁK T. , CSÖRGŐ T. , KITTEL W.
Published: January 2008

A short review of Bose–Einstein correlations in hadronic e+e−annihilation is presented. Bose-Einstein correlations of pairs of identical charged pions in hadronic Z-boson decays are analyzed in terms of various parametrizations. A good description is achieved using a Lévy stable distribution in conjunction with a hadronization model having highly correlated configuration and momentum space, the τ-model. Using these results, the source function is reconstructed.
SINGLE-EVENT HANBURY-BROWN–TWISS INTERFEROMETRY
Authors: WONG CHEUK-YIN , ZHANG WEI-NING
Published: January 2008

Large spatial density fluctuations in high energy heavy-ion collisions can come from many sources: initial transverse density fluctuations, non-central collisions, phase transitions, surface tension, and fragmentations. The common presence of some of these sources in high energy heavy-ion collisions suggests that large scale density fluctuations may often occur. The detection of large density fluctuations by single-event Hanbury-Brown–Twiss interferometry in heavy-ion collisions will provide useful information on density fluctuations and the dynamics of heavy-ion collisions.
FORWARD-BACKWARD MULTIPLICITY CORRELATIONS IN Au+Au COLLISIONS AT $\sqrt{s_{NN}} = 200\, {\rm GeV}$
Authors:   for the STAR Collaboration, SRIVASTAVA BRIJESH K.
Published: January 2008

The study of correlations among particles produced in different rapidity regions may provide understanding of the mechanisms of particle production. Correlations that extend over a longer range are observed in hadron-hadron interactions only at higher energies. Results for short and long-range multiplicity correlations (Forward-Backward) are presented for Au + Au collisions at [Formula: see text]. The growth of long range correlations are observed as a function of the pseudorapidity gap in central Au + Au collisions. The Dual Parton model and Color Glass Condensate phenomenology have been explored to understand the origin of long range correlations.
ON THE JET PRODUCTION SCALE IN e+e− COLLISIONS
Authors: GANG CHEN , MEILING YU , LIANSHOU LIU
Published: January 2008

The non-linear dynamical property inside jets produced in high energy collisions are studied using Jetset 7.4 and Herwig 5.9 Monte Carlo generators. A scale, the jet-production scale, is found. The jets produced with this scale are the most consistent with QCD jet-production dynamics and will provide the most reliable dynamical information about their mother-partons.
ON MULTI-STATE SAFETY ANALYSIS IN SHIPPING
Authors: KRZYSZTOF KOLOWROCKI , JOANNA SOSZYNSKA , MIROSLAW JURDZINSKI , PRZEMYSLAW DZIULA
Published: January 2008

A multi-state approach to defining basic notions of the system safety analysis is proposed. A system safety function and a system risk function are defined. A basic safety structure of a multi-state series system of components with degrading safety states is defined. For this system the multi-state safety function is determined. The proposed approach is applied to the evaluation of a safety function, a risk function and other safety characteristics of a ship system composed of a number of subsystems having an essential influence on the ship safety. Further, a semi-markov process for the considered system operation modelling is applied. The paper also offers a general approach to the solution of a practically important problem of linking the multi-state system safety model and its operation process model. Finally, the proposed general approach is applied to the preliminary evaluation of a safety function, a risk function and other safety characteristics of a ship system with varying in time its structure and safety characteristics of the subsystems it is composed of.
ON SEQUENTIAL ESTIMATION AND PREDICTION FOR DISCRETE TIME SERIES
Authors: MORVAI GUSZTÁV , WEISS BENJAMIN
Published: January 2008

The problem of extracting as much information as possible from a sequence of observations of a stationary stochastic process X0,X1,…,Xn has been considered by many authors from different points of view. It has long been known through the work of D. Bailey that no universal estimator for P(Xn+1|X0,X1,…,Xn) can be found which converges to the true estimator almost surely. Despite this result, for restricted classes of processes, or for sequences of estimators along stopping times, universal estimators can be found. We present here a survey of some of the recent work that has been done along these lines.
Oceanic Euxinia in Earth History: Causes and Consequences
Authors: Meyer Katja M. , Kump Lee R.
Published: January 2008

Euxinic ocean conditions accompanied significant events in Earth history, including several Phanerozoic biotic crises. By critically examining modern and ancient euxinic environments and the range of hypotheses for these sulfidic episodes, we elucidate the primary factors that influenced the generation of euxinia. We conclude that periods of global warmth promoted anoxia because of reduced solubility of oxygen, not because of ocean stagnation. Anoxia led to phosphate release from sediments, and continental configurations with expansive nutrient-trapping regions focused nutrient recycling and increased regional nutrient buildup. This great nutrient supply would have fueled high biological productivity and oxygen demand, enhancing oxygen depletion and sulfide buildup via sulfate reduction. As long as warm conditions prevailed, these positive feedbacks sustained euxinic conditions. In rare, extreme cases, euxinia led to biotic crises, a hypothesis best supported by evidence from the end-Permian mass extinction.
Does Electoral System Reform Work? Electoral System Lessons from Reforms of the 1990s
Authors: Scheiner Ethan
Published: January 2008

In the early 1990s, popular discontent with politics in Italy, New Zealand, and Japan led to the enactment of new electoral systems in all three countries. The results of the reforms have been mixed, as they have dramatically altered politics in some cases but in others have been a great disappointment to many observers. This essay examines the reforms and the conditions under which they successfully addressed the problems of their party systems. The cases highlight the limitations of using electoral systems to explain political outcomes that are not direct effects of electoral rules.
Recruitment of Excitatory Serotonergic Neurotransmission to Cardiac Vagal Neurons in the Nucleus Ambiguus Post Hypoxia and Hypercapnia
Authors: Kamendi H. W. , Cheng Q. , Dergacheva O. , Frank J. G. , Gorini C. , Jameson H. S. , Pinol R. A. , Wang X. , Mendelowitz D.
Published: January 2008

Inhibitory GABAergic and glycinergic neurotransmission to cardioinhibitory cardiac vagal neurons (CVNs) increase during inspiratory activity and likely mediate respiratory sinus arrhythmia, while the frequency of excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) in CVNs are unaltered during the different phases of respiration. However, following hypoxia and hypercapnia (H/H), the parasympathetic activity to the heart increases and thus far, identification of the pathways and neurotransmitters that are responsible for exciting CVNs post H/H are unclear. This study identifies different excitatory pathways to CVNs recruited post H/H. Spontaneous and inspiratory-related EPSCs were recorded in CVNs before, during, and after 10 min of H/H in an in vitro slice preparation that retains rhythmic respiratory activity. Before and during H/H, EPSCs in CVNs were completely blocked by 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX) and d(−)-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (AP5), selective AMPA/kainate and N-methyl-d-apartate (NMDA) receptor blockers, respectively. However, after H/H, there was a significant increase in EPSCs during each inspiratory burst. While some of the inspiratory-related EPSCs were blocked by the broad purinergic receptor antagonist pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2′, 4′-disulphonic acid (PPADS) and the specific P2X receptor antagonist 2′,3′- O-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl) adenosine 5′-triphosphate monolithium trisodium salt (TNP-ATP) a P2X receptor blocker, most of the recruited excitatory neurotransmission to CVNs is serotonergic because odansetron, a selective 5-HT3 antagonist, abolished the majority of the spontaneous and inspiratory-related EPSCs evoked during recovery from H/H. The results from this study suggest that following episodes of H/H, two nonglutamatergic excitatory pathways, purinergic and serotonergic, activating P2X and 5-HT3 receptors, respectively, are recruited to excite CVNs in the post H/H recovery period.
Management of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure: Renal Implications
Authors: Virani Sean A.
Published: January 2008

Heart failure (HF) is a chronic disease process associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Hospitalizations for acute decompensation may be frequent and herald a downward trajectory for the underlying disease state and overall poor prognosis for the patient. While significant advances have been made in the realm of chronic HF management, clinicians continue to grapple with optimal strategies to treat acutely decompensated patients, in part due to a paucity of clinical trials in this area. There is now an increasing awareness of the complex interplay that occurs between the heart and kidneys among patients with HF. As such, many of the traditional and emerging therapeutic modalities used to treat this patient population can significantly alter renal function. This review will focus on state-of-the-art management of acute decompensated HF with specific reference to the impact of currently available therapies on renal outcomes.
Dialysis in the Elderly
Authors: Misra Madhukar
Published: January 2008

More and more elderly (>65 years) patients are now reaching end-stage renal disease (ESRD) due to better management of co-morbid diseases. There are complex medical issues that need to be addressed when managing ESRD in this patient group. The option of dialysis in the elderly is a viable one. However, it needs careful consideration of patients’ choices besides coexisting illnesses. Ideally, dialysis should prolong survival. However, an equally important issue is quality of life on dialysis. Life should be added to years and not years added to life. This often involves multidisciplinary input from various disciplines involved in patient care. Other than life on dialysis, the only other alternative is conservative management. Conservative management is not ‘passive palliative therapy’. Rather, it involves active management of various clinical issues in a sick and vulnerable patient who does not have age on his side. All elderly patients have unique issues and no generalizations can be made. However, careful analysis makes it possible to offer dialysis to the right patient in the elderly and very elderly (>75 years and beyond) subgroups.
Blind Pew Sends a Black Spot: The Current Haemoglobin Controversy
Authors: Stevens P.E.
Published: January 2008

Two randomised controlled trials of anaemia management published in the last year have fuelled the current haemoglobin controversy and led the United States Food and Drug Administration to issue a public health advisory warning concerning the use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents and target haemoglobin levels. There is much more to the haemoglobin controversy than purely target haemoglobin levels. This article seeks to outline some of the current issues involved.
Oxidative Stress and ‘Monocyte Reprogramming’ after Kidney Transplant: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: de Cal Massimo , Silva Sandra , Cruz Dinna , Basso Flavio , Corradi Valentina , Lentini Paolo , Nalesso Federico , Dissegna Daniela , Goepel Volker , Chiaramonte Stefano , Ronco Claudio
Published: January 2008

Uremia has been implicated in increased oxidative stress (OS) and decreased monocyte HLA-DR expression in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Thus, one would expect normalization of these parameters after successful kidney transplant (KTx). Our aim was to describe patterns of OS and HLA-DR expression after KTx and to explore the effect of renal function and different immunosuppression regimens. 30 KTx patients (20 male; 48 ± 11 years) were enrolled and compared with 20 healthy controls. We measured advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and the percentage of monocytes expressing HLA-DR (%DR+) before (preKTx) and after KTx (on days 2, 30, 90, 180 and after 1 year). Compared to controls, patients had a higher preKTx AOPP (152.6 vs. 69.3 µmol/l; p < 0.001). AOPP decreased at 48 h after KTx, achieving values similar to controls. Thereafter, it increased again and remained significantly higher compared to controls, returning to preKTx levels at 90 days. Prior to KTx there was a trend for lower %DR+ in KTx patients compared to controls (96 vs. 98%; NS). Following KTx, patients had a lower %DR+ in the 1st month; then it gradually returned to preKTx levels during the 1st year; at no time did it reach a value similar to controls. Cyclosporine (CyA)-treated patients had a significantly higher AOPP (161.5 vs. 99.5 µmol/l; p = 0.03) and a lower %DR+ (91.7 vs. 96.4; p < 0.05) at 30 days than patients on tacrolimus (FK). Patients on mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) showed a low AOPP (106.9 vs. 168.1 µmol/l; p = 0.05) and a high %DR+ (96.7 vs. 88.2%; p = 0.001) than those on everolimus. After 3 months, CyA-treated patients had a non-significant increase in AOPP levels, whereas those on FK showed a decrease (p < 0.05) as did those treated with MMF (p < 0.05). Successful KTx reduced but did not normalize AOPP, suggesting ongoing OS, perhaps due to persistent mild renal dysfunction and the effects of immunosuppression. HLA-DR expression remained low after KTx, which may be a possible contributing factor to infectious complications after transplantation. Immunosuppressive agents appear to have diverse effects on OS and HLA-DR expression.
The IGF Axis and Placental Function
Authors: Forbes Karen , Westwood Melissa
Published: January 2008

It is well known that the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis is an important regulator of foetal growth and in recent years, it has been suggested that the ligands IGF-I and IGF-II may, in part, mediate this effect by promoting proper placental development and function. In other tissues, IGF effects on metabolism, proliferation and differentiation are primarily mediated via IGF binding protein-regulated interaction of IGFs with the type 1 IGF receptor and therefore here, we review the placental expression and postulated role, of each of the IGF axis components and discuss the cellular mechanisms through which these effects are exerted.
Tacrolimus 0.1% Ointment: Is It Really Effective in Plasma Cell Vulvitis?
Authors: Virgili Annarosa , Mantovani Lucia , Lauriola Maria Michela , Marzola Andrea , Corazza Monica
Published: January 2008

Background: Plasma cell vulvitis is a clinically and histologically well-characterized chronic disease that usually relapses after various topical therapies. Considering the inflammatory nature of the disease, the new topical calcineurin inhibitors have been also employed successfully in few cases of Zoon’s balanitis, the corresponding male condition. Objective: The aim of our study is to evaluate the effectiveness of tacrolimus ointment in a small group of plasma cell vulvitis sufferers. Methods: 4 women affected by biopsy-proved plasma cell vulvitis were enrolled, after informed consent. The topical drug was applied twice daily for 6 weeks, then tapered on the basis of the clinical results. Symptoms and objective parameters were obtained periodically at the beginning, after 6 weeks and up to the end of the topical treatment. A final biopsy was performed in 3 out of our 4 patients. The follow-up is still ongoing. Results: The comparative analysis of subjective, objective and histopathological data has shown discordant and less encouraging results than those reported for the corresponding male condition. Conclusion: At the moment, topical tacrolimus could be considered an alternative treatment for plasma cell vulvitis only in cases resistant to conventional therapies.
Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Stimulates Aneurysm Growth in Aged Mice
Authors: Pimiento Jose M. , Maloney Stephen P. , Tang Paul C.Y. , Muto Akihito , Westvik Tormod S. , Fitzgerald Tamara N. , Fancher Tiffany T. , Tellides George , Dardik Alan
Published: January 2008

Background/Aims: Age-associated changes in endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression have not been definitively linked to the pathophysiology of aortic aneurysms. We examined the role of eNOS in human patients and an age-appropriate mouse model. Methods: eNOS transcripts and immunodetectable protein were assessed by quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry in human ascending thoracic aneurysms (n = 29) and referent aortae (n = 31). Carotid aneurysms were induced with CaCl2 in young adult (3 months) and aged (18 months) C57BL/6 and eNOS-knockout (eNOS-KO) mice. Results: eNOS transcripts and protein were reduced in human aneurysms compared with controls, although aortic eNOS expression also decreased with patient age. Aged wild-type mice had significantly larger aneurysm diameter than young adult mice. Aged wild-type mice had reduced eNOS transcripts and protein compared with young adult mice. Aged eNOS-KO mice had smaller aneurysms compared with aged wild-type mice but similar size aneurysms compared with young eNOS-KO and young wild-type mice. Conclusion: eNOS expression is reduced in both aged human and aged mouse endothelium and eNOS expression is linked to aneurysm expansion in aged but not young adult mice. These findings support the relevance of age-associated changes in eNOS expression in clinical aneurysmal disease.
Depression and Social Phobia Secondary to Alcohol Dependence
Authors: Olgiati Paolo , Liappas Ioannis , Malitas Petros , Piperi Christina , Politis Antonis , Tzavellas Elias O. , Zisaki Aikaterini , Ferrari Barbara , De Ronchi Diana , Kalofoutis Anastasios , Serretti Alessandro
Published: January 2008

Background: According to the self-medication hypothesis, individuals with depression and anxiety disorders use alcohol to control their symptoms and subsequently become dependent. Conversely, alcohol dependence disorder (ADD) can cause or exacerbate psychiatric disorders. This study analyzed the characteristics of depression and social phobia secondary to ADD. (1) What is their functional impact? (2) Are they independent or associated conditions? (3) Do they completely remit in abstinent individuals? (4) Is the remission of one disorder associated with the remission of the other disorder? Methods: Sixty-four inpatients with ADD were evaluated with depression and anxiety disorder scales upon admission to hospital and after 5 weeks of detoxification. Results: Baseline comparisons differentiated patients with a Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HDRS) score >35 (n = 50; 78%) from those with an HDRS score ≤35 by higher levels of generalized anxiety and lower global functioning. Patients with generalized social phobia [Leibowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS) score >60: n = 20; 31.2%] were not distinguishable from those with an LSAS score ≤60 by depressive and anxiety disorder symptoms. In postdetoxification assessment, patients who remitted from depression (HDRS score <7: n = 35; 54.6%) had a lower generalized anxiety and marginally higher levels of hypochondriasis compared to nonremitter subjects (HDRS score ≧7). Patients who remitted from social phobia (LSAS score <30: n = 32; 50%) did not significantly differ from nonremitter subjects in depressive and anxiety disorder symptoms. Generalized anxiety (Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety) and hypochondriasis (Whiteley Index) were the significant predictors of global functioning (Global Assessment Scale). Conclusions: Depression and social phobia secondary to ADD are independent conditions that do not completely remit after cessation of drinking. Specific treatments are needed to reduce residual depressive and anxiety symptoms in abstinent alcoholics.
Attitude of Personnel in Hospital Cadaveric Organ Transplant-Related Units Faced with Living Kidney Donation in a Hospital with a Living Kidney Donor Transplantation Program
Authors: Ríos A. , Ramírez P. , Martínez L. , García J.A. , Montoya M.J. , Lucas D. , Parrilla P.
Published: January 2008

Introduction: The attitude of health care personnel is fundamental for the procurement of organs, especially when they are based in transplant-related services. The objective of this study is to assess the attitude of hospital personnel in transplant-related services toward living kidney donation in a hospital with a cadaveric and living solid organ transplant program. Materials and Methods: A random sample was taken and stratified by type of service and job category (n = 330) in transplant-related services (procurement units, transplant units and follow-up units). The attitude toward cadaveric organ donation was evaluated using a validated psychosocial questionnaire. Student’s t test, χ2 test, and logistic regression analysis were applied for statistical analysis. Results: The questionnaire completion rate was 94% (n = 309). Most respondents (87%, n = 268) are in favor of related living kidney donation. However, only 17% (n = 53) of respondents are in favor if this donation is unrelated. Of the rest, 4% (n = 12) of respondents would not accept a donated living kidney organ and the remaining 9% (n = 29) are undecided. Only two variables are significantly related to attitude towards living kidney donation: age (p = 0.013) and a willingness to receive a donated living organ on the part of the respondent, if a transplant organ were needed (p < 0.001). Both variables persist as significant independent variables in the logistic regression analysis. There is also a close relationship between attitude toward living kidney donation and attitude toward living liver donation (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The personnel in donation and transplantation units tend to have a favorable attitude towards living kidney donation making them a key element in the current promotion of living kidney donation. Moreover, the youngest workers in these units are those who tend to be more in favor, thus offering a promising future for this type of kidney donation which is becoming more of a necessity given the cadaveric organ deficit.
Reduced Cardiac Remodeling and Function in Cardiac-Specific EP
4
Receptor Knockout Mice With Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Qian Jian-Yong , Harding Pamela , Liu Yunhe , Shesely Ed , Yang Xiao-Ping , LaPointe Margot C.
Published: January 2008

We have shown previously that cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition reduces cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis postmyocardial infarction (MI) in a mouse model and that prostaglandin E
2
stimulates cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in vitro through its EP
4
receptor. Because the role of cardiac myocyte EP
4
in cardiac function and hypertrophy in vivo is unknown, we generated mice lacking EP
4
only in cardiomyocytes (CM- EP
4
knockout [KO]). Twelve- to 14-week–old mice were evaluated using echocardiography and histology. There were no differences in ejection fraction, myocyte cross-sectional area, and interstitial collagen fraction between KO mice and littermate controls. To test the hypothesis that EP
4
is involved in cardiac remodeling after MI, we induced MI by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery. Two weeks later, the mice were subjected to echocardiography, and hearts were removed for histology and Western blot. There was no difference in infarct size between KO mice and controls; however, KO mice showed less myocyte cross-sectional area and interstitial collagen fraction than controls. Also, CM-EP4 KO mice had reduced ejection fraction. Because the transcription factor Stat-3 is involved in hypertrophy and protection from ischemic injury, we tested whether it was activated in control and KO mouse hearts after MI. Western blot indicated that Stat-3 was activated in control hearts after MI but not in KO hearts. Thus, CM-EP4 deletion decreased hypertrophy, fibrosis, and activation of Stat-3. However, cardiac function was unexpectedly worsened in these mice. We conclude that cardiac myocyte EP
4
plays a role in hypertrophy via activation of Stat-3, a process that seems to be cardioprotective.
Observations on Inner-Scriptural Scribal Expansion in MT Ezekiel
Authors: Stromberg Jake
Published: January 2008

Textual evidence from the Second Temple Period attests a principle by which Hebrew manuscripts were edited in light of other scriptural texts (e.g. 1QIsaa). Such inner-scriptural editing was often undertaken along lines of connection perceived between the texts before the expansion took place, so that these perceived connections served as a guide for the scribe's own work. This study argues that the same textual procedure was at work in creating the longer text of MT Ezekiel, which is 4-5% longer than LXX Ezekiel. In light of the work of E. Ulrich, this study concludes with reflections on what MT Ezekiel contributes, as an empirical example, to the discussion about the relationship between text and canon.
Der Tod des Staatsfeindes: Neues zu B3j
Authors: Timm Stefan
Published: January 2008

Recently, it has been discovered that ostracon IFAO No. 1864 recto also bears an inscription. It says that B3j was killed as "great enemy" in the 5th year of Pharoa Siptah. This means that a connection between B3j and Moses (E. A. Knauf ) or even an identification of B3j with Moses (J. C. de Moor) is inappropriate. Whatever personage Egyptologists declare to be a "parallel" of Moses, B3j cannot be taken as one.
The Mysteries of Creative Partnerships
Authors: Wolf Shelby A.
Published: January 2008

Since 2002, Creative Partnerships, based at the Arts Council of England, has been investing time, energy, and resources to bring artists and schools together. Their goal is to “animate the national curriculum and to enrich school life by making the best use of the United Kingdom's creative wealth.” This article concentrates on the partnership between two primary teachers and two dramatic artists as they planned and produced a workshop based on an inventive children's picture book. The success of this professional development exchange hinged on (a) the strong focus on students' learning; (b) the adults' long-term commitment to the work; (c) the very different kinds of expertise the adults came to share; and (d) the adults' excitement and engagement with continual professional learning, which led to substantive language and learning opportunities for the children involved.
“Things Get Glossed Over”
Authors: Haviland Victoria S.
Published: January 2008

This article investigates the ways that White teachers approach issues of race, racism, and White supremacy in White-dominated educational settings. Drawing from data from a yearlong qualitative research study, the article uses discourse analysis, critical studies of Whiteness, and feminist theory to detail 15 rhetorical, behavioral, analytical, and interactional strategies that participants used to insulate themselves from implication in social inequality. The article demonstrates how participation in these strategies stymied attempts at transformative multicultural education and thus functioned to reproduce, rather than challenge, the status quo of educational and social inequality.
Confusion or Enlightenment?
Authors: Feldman Lauren , Price Vincent
Published: January 2008

Recent research has yielded inconsistent findings regarding the relationship between interpersonal discussion and media use in the production of political knowledge. This study seeks to better illuminate this relationship by introducing political disagreement as an additional moderator. Using nationally representative survey data collected during the 2000 primary campaign, the authors find a negative interaction between discussion frequency and disagreement in predicting knowledge of candidate issue positions. This suggests either that the benefits of frequent discussion are stronger for those whose discussion networks are composed of like-minded others or that disagreement facilitates learning only at low levels of discussion frequency. Results also demonstrate that frequent discussion enhances the relationship between debate viewing and issue knowledge among those who reside in politically homogenous networks. In diverse networks, however, the relationship between debate viewing and issue knowledge is weaker for those who regularly talk about politics than those who talk less. Political disagreement is unassociated with knowledge of candidates' personal backgrounds.
Invariance of Score Linkings Across Gender Groups for Forms of a Testlet-Based College-Level Examination Program Examination
Authors: Yang Wen-Ling , Rui Gao
Published: January 2008

This study investigates whether the functions linking number-correct scores to the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) scaled scores remain invariant over gender groups, using test data on the 16 testlet-based forms of the CLEP College Algebra exam. To be consistent with the operational practice, linking of various test forms to a common reference form is based on the Rasch model. Equatability indices proposed by Dorans and Holland (2000) were used to evaluate linking invariance over gender subpopulations. Overall, linkings based on the gender groups are very similar to linkings for the total group. At all score levels, differences between subgroup and total group linkings are smaller than the difference that will affect the pass/fail decision for CLEP candidates. On only one form, linking based on the male group would pass slightly more candidates than linking for the total group at the recommended CLEP cut score of 50 due to rounding.
A Discussion of Population Invariance of Equating
Authors: Petersen Nancy S.
Published: January 2008

This article discusses the five studies included in this issue. Each article addressed the same topic, population invariance of equating. They all used data from major standardized testing programs, and they all used essentially the same statistics to evaluate their results, namely, the root mean square difference and root expected mean square difference (Dorans & Holland, 2000). The major premises underlying all of these articles are that population invariance is a prerequisite for equating, and lack of population invariance can be taken as evidence that a linking is not an equating.
Understanding Organizations through Embodied Metaphors
Authors: Heracleous Loizos , Jacobs Claus D.
Published: January 2008

We outline the dominant, positivist approach to conceptualizing and researching organizations through multi-level research that views levels as independently existing, hierarchically nested entities, and problematize this view by offering an alternative approach based on embodied realism. We operationalize this approach through a study of three organization development workshops where organizational actors constructed artifacts we label embodied metaphors. We propose that analysis of embodied metaphors can enable access to actors' first-order conceptions of organizational levels and related organizational dimensions and reveals alternative qualities and interrelations among them; can support a clinical approach to organizations; provides a window to organizational, divisional or task identities; and poses substantial challenges to established conceptions of ontology and method in organization theory.
X Chromosome Inactivation in Rett Syndrome and Its Correlations With MeCP2 Mutations and Phenotype
Authors: Xinhua Bao  , Shengling Jiang  , Fuying Song  , Hong Pan  , Meirong Li  , Wu Xi-Ru
Published: January 2008

Rett syndrome (RTT) is an X-linked dominant neurodevelopment disorder, which is mainly caused by gene mutation of methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2). The correlations between genotype, X chromosome inactivation (XCI), and phenotype have been studied, but the results are conflicting. In the present study, XCI patterns in patients and their mothers, parental origin of skewed X chromosome in patients, and the correlations between XCI, genotype, and phenotype were analyzed in 52 cases of RTT with MECP2 mutations, 50 RTT mothers, and 48 normal female controls. The results showed XCI and genotype had limitations in explaining all the phenotypic manifestations of RTT. Other genomic factors have to be considered to explain the phenotypic differences.
The Successful Use of Ondansetron in a Boy With Both Leukemia and Tourette Syndrome
Authors: Rizzo Renata , Marino Santo , Gulisano Mariangela , Robertson Mary M.
Published: January 2008

This article reports an 8-year-old boy with both acute lymphoblastic leukemia and Gilles de la Tourette syndrome. Initially, for his leukemia, he was treated with chemotherapy, which resulted in severe nausea and vomiting for which he was given ondansetron. This not only relieved the target symptoms, but also those of his Gilles de la Tourette syndrome. Following a reduction of the ondansetron dosage, his Gilles de la Tourette syndrome symptoms reemerged.
Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis in Children: A Multicenter Cohort From the United States
Authors: Wasay Mohammad , Dai Alper I. , Ansari Mohsin , Shaikh Zubair , Roach E.S.
Published: January 2008

This study presents a large multicenter cohort of children with cerebral venous thrombosis from 5 centers in the United States and analyzes their clinical findings and risk factors. Seventy patients were included in the study (25 neonates, 35%). The age ranged from 6 days to 12 years. Thirty-eight (55%) were younger than 6 months of age, and 28 (40%) were male. Presenting features included seizures (59%), coma (30%), headache (18%), and motor weakness (21%). Common neurological findings included decreased level of consciousness (50%), papilledema (18%), cranial nerve palsy (33%), hemiparesis (29%), and hypotonia (22%). Predisposing factors were identified in 63 (90%) patients. These included infection (40%), perinatal complications (25%), hypercoagulable/hematological diseases (13%), and various other conditions (10%). Hemorrhagic infarcts occurred in 40% of the patients and hydrocephalus in 10%. Transverse sinus thrombosis was more common (73%) than sagittal sinus thrombosis (35%). Three children underwent thrombolysis, 15 patients received anticoagulation, and 49 (70%) were treated with antibiotics and hydration. Nine (13%) patients (6 of them neonates) died. Twenty-nine patients (41%) were normal, whereas 32 patients (46%) had a neurological deficit at discharge. Seizures and coma at presentation were poor prognostic indicators. In conclusion, cerebral venous thrombosis predominantly affects children younger than age 6 months. Mortality is high (25%) in neonatal cerebral venous thrombosis. Only 18 (25%) patients were treated with anticoagulation or thrombolysis.