bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Critical Potential of the Concept of Implicit Religion
Authors: Dupré Wilhelm
Published: January 2008

This article is an attempt to assess the meaning of being critical in a cultural, scientific, and religious sense. By focusing on implicit religion, the paper discusses various areas in which its critical potential becomes obvious. These areas reach from situations in which developments in implicit religion account for considerable modifications of explicit religion and the cultural environment, to the many instances in which the concept of implicit religion has a critical impact on the perception of reality. The main concern of the paper is the critical potential of the concept of implicit religion as a searching device which permits us to see, and thus to come to a more accurate evaluation of what is going on, in the study of religion, in religious developments, in different forms of religious interaction, and with regard to various attitudes which at first sight do not appear to be religiously relevant.
Is Implicit Religion Spirituality in Disguise?
Authors: Gollnick James
Published: January 2008

Two important developments in the world of religion and spirituality have occurred over the last couple of decades. Even as mainline church attendance has been declining, there has been a growing preoccupation with spirituality. During this same period there has been increasing interest in implicit religion, a concept which has been applied to illuminate a variety of social phenomena. Are these two developments merely a coincidence, or is there a link between them? A number of authors presuppose a close connection between implicit religion and spirituality, without specifying how these two concepts are related. This article will explore, from a psychological perspective, the relationship between implicit religion and spirituality to determine if they are in fact identical.
Staying Away
Authors: Francis Leslie , Littler Keith
Published: January 2008

One small rural parish invited all resident parishioners to complete a survey regarding their perceptions of their parish church. Responses were received from sixty-seven individuals who did not see themselves as regular churchgoers but nonetheless believed in the Christian God. The data demonstrated that those most likely to increase their level of attendance were the established residents (not newcomers) who had maintained contact with the church through attendance at the major festivals. To increase their level of attendance they would want to be made to feel more welcome and more at home.
Implicit Religion Highlights Religion in Childhood
Authors: Gollnick James
Published: January 2008

The major psychological theorists of the last half-century believe that there is little or no religion in childhood. Most psychologists of religion maintain that children’s religious and spiritual life is severely limited by their level of cognitive and emotional development. However, this common view does not take into account the growing body of literature on childhood spiritual experiences. This article uses the concept of implicit religion to call attention to the often-overlooked but significant presence of childhood religion. In particular, the psychological structures of implicit religion (identity, values, worldview and meaning) are used to locate where religion can be found in childhood.
Habitat‐Specific Differences in Mercury Concentration in a Top Predator from a Shallow Lake
Authors: Chumchal Matthew M. , Drenner Ray W. , Fry Brian , Hambright K. David , Newland Leo W.
Published: January 2008

We conducted a survey of mercury contamination in largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides from Caddo Lake, Texas, and found that fish collected from forested wetland habitat had higher concentrations of mercury than those collected from open‐water habitat. Habitat‐specific differences in largemouth bass size, age, absolute growth rate, trophic position (based on δ15N), and horizontal food web position (based on δ13C), characteristics known to influence mercury accumulation, did not explain the observed differences in mercury contamination. Rather, habitat‐related differences in mercury concentration in a primary consumer, Mississippi grass shrimp Palaemonetes kadiakensis, indicated that food webs in forested wetland habitat were more contaminated with mercury than those in open‐water habitat. Spatial variation in mercury contamination within lakes and elevated mercury concentrations in forested wetlands should be of special concern not only to researchers but also to public and environmental health officials dealing with mercury contamination in aquatic environments and human health risks associated with consumption of fish contaminated with mercury.
The influence of energy crop substrates on the mass-flow analysis and the residual methane potential at a rural anaerobic digestion plant
Authors: Resch C. , Braun R. , Kirchmayr R.
Published: January 2008

In a full scale anaerobic digestion plant exclusively operating on solid energy crops the mass-flows were analysed for two different substrate compositions over 583 d. The mono-fermentation of maize whole crop silage was compared to a mixture of maize and grass + clover silage. The two stage system required the input of dilution liquid guarantee digestion and agitation in the high loaded first stage (OLR: 5.50 kgVS·m−3·d−1). Grass + clover demanded the double mass of process dilution liquid, which reduced SRT from 65 d to 34 d for each stage and leaded to an increased generation of Solid Digestion Residues by separation. Experiments showed that 70% of the Residual Methane Potential are caused by the 7% mass fraction of SDR. For maize and maize + grass + clover RMPs of 6.34% and 11.80% were observed, respectively. RMP can also be expressed as additional substrate input required for full granted operation. Thus, the mass stream analysis is used to determine mitigation strategies for RMP.
Characterization of micro-flocs of NOM coagulated by PACl, alum and polysilicate-iron in terms of molecular weight and floc size
Authors: Fusheng Li , Akira Yuasa , Yuka Ando
Published: January 2008

Micro-flocs of NOM coagulated by polyaluminium chloride (PACl), alum and polysilicate-iron (PSI) were characterized by flocs size, HPSEC-based molecular weight and the captured content of coagulants-based aluminium and iron. Changes in floc composition with respect to the mass ratios of captured NOM to Al and Fe were examined. Lowering water pH to optimum levels was found to be capable of removing small NOM constituents that are generally difficult to be precipitated at neutral pH levels. For PACl and PSI, the distribution of micro flocs (0.1–5.0μm) reached steady stage after rapid mixing for 30 seconds, with NOM being found existent within the non-coagulated fraction (d<0.1μm) and the coagulated fraction with floc sizes above 5.0 μm (d >5.0 μm). For alum, however, the existence of NOM inside intermediate floc fractions of d = 0.1–1.0μm, 1.0–3.0μm and 3.0–5.0 μm was confirmed.
Effects of pre-treatment with magnetic ion exchange resins on coagulation/flocculation process
Authors: Sani B. , Basile E. , Lubello C. , Rossi L.
Published: January 2008

A new Magnetic Ion EXchange resin for DOC (Dissolved Organic Carbon) removal (MIEX®DOC Resin) has been evaluated as water pre-treatment at the Drinking Water Treatment Plant (DWTP) of Florence in order to reduce the oxidant demand and disinfection by-products (DBPs) formation potential. This pre-treatment leads to several effects on downstream treatment processes. In this experimental study the effects of MIEX® pre-treatment on clariflocculation process were evaluated with respect to coagulant demand reduction and characteristics of flocs formed. The analysis was conducted using traditional jar test procedures and a Photometric Dispersion Analyser (PDA2000) which provided continuous information about the aggregation state of particles during the jar tests.

For a fixed turbidity goal in clarified water, ion exchange pre-treatment led to coagulant dosage reduction up to 60% and PDA results shown that flocs formed in pre-treated water were bigger and more resistant to shearing effects than those formed by conventional clariflocculation.
Zeta potential measurement on the surface of blue-green algae particles for micro-bubble process
Authors: Taki Kazuo , Seki Tatsuhiro , Mononobe Sakiyori , Kato Kohichi
Published: January 2008

Any kind of blue-green alga produces metabolites of musty substances and toxins. Therefore, it is necessary to remove the blue-green algae, and processing also including nutrient removal is desired for the water quality improvement of eutrophic lakes. The purpose of this study has been to investigate the possibility of a flotation system using a hybrid technique (chemical compounds and electrostatic bridge) applied to raw water containing phytoplankton with high pH of water, and to examine the zeta potential value of phytoplankton surface and the removal efficiency for phytoplankton, ammonia, nitrogen, and phosphoric acid.

The results were as follows: firstly, zeta potential of M. aeruginosa particles was observed to achieve charge neutralization on their surface by adhesion of magnesium hydroxide precipitation with increasing pH. Secondly, maximum removal efficiency concerning chlorophyll-a was observed as 84%, and this efficiency was obtained in the condition of pH > 10, and magnesium hydroxide precipitation was observed. Thirdly, in the pH condition that the maximum removal efficiency of chlorophyll-a was obtained, the removal efficiency and the amount of decrease of NH4-N and PO4-P before and after the change of pH values were observed as 6.7% (0.04 mg-P/L) and 63.6% (0.07 mg-N/L), respectively.
Modelling the kinetics of aggregate breakage using improved breakage kernel
Authors: Feng Xiao , Xiao-yan Li
Published: January 2008

An improved breakage kernel was developed to describe the kinetics of aggregate breakage induced by fluid shear. The model includes the effects of both the internal bonding forces of an aggregate and the fluid shear stress exerting on the aggregate. The ratio of the two opposite forces regulates the probability of the aggregate breakage. With the improved breakage model and the sectional numerical technique, the breakage dominant process can be well simulated by the change in particle size distribution (PSD). The results show that the fractal dimension plays a significant role in the breakage process. As the fractal dimension approaches three, the aggregates become more difficult to break. Higher shear intensity, to a great extent, enhances the breakage kinetics. The internal forces are directly related to the bonding strength of the aggregates. Hydrophobic forces increase the floc strength and hence reduce the breakage rate and probability. In addition, two distinct breakage daughter distribution functions, binary and ternary, give eventually almost the same results in PSD after breakage. It appears that the breakage daughter distribution function is less important for the description of the particle fragmentation.
The Water Framework Directive – can we reach the target?
Authors: Fürhacker M.
Published: January 2008

The WFD is an overarching piece of legislation that aims to harmonize existing European water policy; since 2000 it requires managing the river basins so that the quality and quantity of water does not affect the ecological services and to promote sustainable water use of any specific water body. Nevertheless the goals of other directives, such as drinking water, bathing water and urban wastewater treatment (UWWT), are not yet harmonised mainly concerning microbiological and PS/PSR/PHS contamination. Great challenges are due to emerging contaminants especially the technical improvement and harmonisation for risk identification and risk assessment: for biological effects and for chemical analysis and, finally integrate this knowledge to preserve the “good status”. The methodologies implemented have as aim the identification of acceptable or unacceptable risks. This identification provides the basis for the regulatory decisions, which follow from the risk assessment. After priority setting the UWWT needs to be adjusted and existing or new treatment options should comply with the requirements of the different directives. This will be another step on the way to reach the targets given in EU water legislation and in the achievements of millennium development goals.
Synthesis and characterization of a propazine imprinted polymer for the extraction of triazines herbicides
Authors: Guzzella L. , Pozzoni F. , Baggiani C.
Published: January 2008

A MIP (molecularly imprinted polymer) was synthesized and evaluated for its use as sorbent for solid phase extraction (MISPE) of common used triazines (atrazine and terbuthylazine) and their widespread metabolites (desethyl-atrazine and desethyl-terbuthylazine) in water samples. MIP was produced by bulk polymerisation using methacrylic acid as functional monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as cross-linker, propazine as template and toluene as porogen solvent. Different washing methods of the synthesized polymer were evaluated. Soxhlet extraction provided the best results with a residual concentration of propazine, ranging from 0.78 to 2.86 μg for 1 g of polymer. Capacity factor was calculated using a 5 cm HPLC column filled with MIP and NIP (Not Imprinted Polymer): data extrapolation indicated a log Kw of 4.3 for MIP and a log Kw of 3.5 for NIP. Also frontal analyses confirmed a different behaviour of the two polymers. By comparing the recovery efficiency of MIP with that of traditional LiChrolut EN cartridge in the extraction of a River Po water sample, the results confirmed the reliability of this new technique for the analysis of herbicide compounds.
Environmental impact assessment and control of pharmaceuticals: the role of environmental agencies
Authors: Adler N.E. , Koschorreck J. , Rechenberg B.
Published: January 2008

In 2005, the new legislation for pharmaceuticals came into effect. Since then environmental risk assessments are required for all new marketing authorisation applications. The German Federal Environment Agency has been assessing the environmental impact of 136 veterinary and 134 human pharmaceuticals. The authorisation of pharmaceuticals has shown that the authorisation of some groups of substances have to be combined with risk mitigation measures. Environmental risks may also arise from those pharmaceuticals which were authorised before the environmental risk assessment was added to the requirements of authorisation. Four examples of “existing” pharmaceuticals, i.e. diclofenac, ethinyl estradiol, ivermectin, and florfenicol are highlighted in this article. Risk management options for veterinary and human pharmaceuticals are discussed.
Weighing environmental advantages and disadvantages of advanced wastewater treatment of micro-pollutants using environmental life cycle assessment
Authors: Wenzel H. , Larsen H.F. , Clauson-Kaas J. , Høibye L. , Jacobsen B.N.
Published: January 2008

Much research and development effort is directed towards advances in municipal wastewater treatment aiming at reducing the effluent content of micro-pollutants and pathogens. The objective is to further reduce the eco-toxicity, hormone effects and pathogenic effects of the effluent. Such further polishing of the effluent, however, involves an environmental trade-off: the reduction in eco-toxicity, hormone effects, etc. will happen at the expense of increased resource- and energy consumption. Obviously, at some point of further advances, there must be an ‘environmental break-even’.

This trade-off was investigated using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology and based on a literature review of advanced treatment performance. The LCA evaluation comprised sand filtration, ozonation and MBRs and assessed the effect of extending existing tertiary treatment with these technologies on a variety of micro-pollutants being: heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Ni), endocrine disruptors (E2 and EE2), PAH, DEHP, and detergents (LAS & NPE).

It was found, in some of the studied scenarios, that more environmental impact may be induced than removed by the advanced treatment. The study showed that for the 3 technologies, sand filtration has the best balance between prevented and induced impacts, and sand filtration proved to have a net environmental benefit under the assumptions used in the study. But the outcome of the study suggests that this is not always the case for ozonation and MBR.
Removal efficiency of 66 pharmaceuticals during wastewater treatment process in Japan
Authors: Okuda T. , Kobayashi Y. , Nagao R. , Yamashita N. , Tanaka H. , Tanaka S. , Fujii S. , Konishi C. , Houwa I.
Published: January 2008

Both biological treatment processes including conventional activated sludge (CAS) and biological nutrient removal (BNR) processes, and physico–chemical treatment processes including ozonation process and Title 22 process consisting of coagulation, sedimentation and filtration followed by UV or chlorination disinfection after the above biological processes, were compared from the viewpoint of removal efficiency. 66 pharmaceuticals including antibiotics, analgesics, psychoneurotic agents were measured with SPE-LC/MS/MS. 26 compounds out of 66 were detected in the influent ranging ng/L to μg/L order. Particularly, disopyramide, sulpiride, and dipyridamole that have been rarely detected before in the WWTP, occurred at concentration levels of more than 100 ng/L. The total concentration of the individual pharmaceuticals in the influent was efficiently removed by 80% during the biological treatment. But removal efficiencies of carbamazepine and crotamiton were less than 30%. The total concentration of the individual pharmaceuticals in the effluent from CAS process was 1.5 times higher than that from BNR process. Further, the total concentration of the individual pharmaceuticals in the discharge from WWTPs applying ozonation following activated sludge process was reduced to less than 20%. Physico–chemical treatment train called Title 22 treatment after CAS could not efficiently remove the pharmaceuticals. However, ozonation process followed by biological activated carbon process could efficiently reduce all the residual pharmaceuticals below their quantification limits.
Removal efficiency of pharmaceuticals and personal care products with varying wastewater treatment processes and operating conditions – conception of a database and first results
Authors: Miège C. , Choubert J.M. , Ribeiro L. , Eusèbe M. , Coquery M.
Published: January 2008

We created a database in order to quantitatively assess the occurrence and removal efficiency of PPCPs in WWTPs. From 113 scientific publications, we compiled 5887 data on the concentrations and loads of PPCPs in WWTP influents and effluents, and on their removal efficiency. The first outputs of our database include: (1) a list of the most frequently studied molecules, their frequency of detection, their mean concentration and removal in liquid influent and effluent; (2) a comparison of the removal efficiency for different WWTP processes; (3) a study of the influence of the operating conditions (sludge and hydraulic retention times).
Perioperative challenges in the surgical management of ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Sciubba Daniel M. , Nelson Clarke , Hsieh Patrick , Gokaslan Ziya L. , Ondra Steve , Bydon Ali
Published: January 2008

✓ Patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) who present with spinal lesions are at an increased risk for developing perioperative complications. Due to the rigid yet brittle nature of the ankylosed spines commonly occurring with severe spinal deformity, patients are more prone to developing neurological deficits. Such risks are potentially increased not only during surgical manipulation or deformity correction, but also during image acquisition, positioning within the operating room, and intubation. In this review the complications of AS are reviewed, and recommendations are provided to avoid problems during each stage of patient management.
A treatment algorithm for the management of cervical spine fractures and deformity in patients with ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Kanter Adam S. , Wang Michael Y. , Mummaneni Praveen V.
Published: January 2008

Object

Patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) who present with cervical spine fractures represent a unique challenge to spine surgeons. These injuries often result in neurological deficits that necessitate early and aggressive surgical management with posterior and/or anterior fixation. The authors introduce a clinical problem-solving algorithm to assist in the surgical management of instability and deformity in this exigent patient population.

Methods

Thirteen patients with AS and fractures of the cervical spine were radiographically evaluated to determine if spinal realignment was obtainable with cervical manipulation or traction. Seven patients had flexible deformities that were stabilized with either anterior or posterior fixation only, and 6 patients had fixed deformities and required circumferential anterior–posterior instrumentation. All patients were observed for neurological outcome, radiographic evidence of bone fusion, and complications.

Results

With the use of the authors' treatment algorithm, all patients were able to achieve satisfactory spinal realignment and bone fusion; 92% of patients achieved postoperative stability or improvement in Nurick and modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association scale scores. One patient experienced neurological deterioration following surgery, and 1 patient died at an acute rehabilitative facility following discharge.

Conclusions

Patients with AS are highly susceptible to extensive neurological injury and spinal deformity after sustaining cervical fractures from even minor traumatic forces. These injuries are uniquely complex in nature and require considerable scrutiny and aggressive surgical management to optimize spinal stability and functional outcomes. The authors' clinical problem-solving algorithm will assist spine surgeons in providing optimal care in this difficult population.
Ankylosing spondylitis and spinal cord injury: origin, incidence, management, and avoidance
Authors: Jacobs W. Bradley , Fehlings Michael G.
Published: January 2008

✓ Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease that primarily affects the vertebral column and sacroiliac joints. Over time, the disease process promotes extensive remodeling of the spinal axis via ligamentous ossification, vertebral joint fusion, osteoporosis, and kyphosis. These pathological changes result in a weakened vertebral column with increased susceptibility to fractures and spinal cord injury (SCI). Spinal cord injury is often exacerbated by the highly unstable nature of vertebral column fractures in AS. A high incidence of missed fractures in the ankylosed spine as well as an increased incidence of spinal epidural hematoma also worsens the severity of SCI. Spinal cord injury in AS is a complex problem associated with high morbidity and mortality rates, which can be attributed to the severity of the injury, associated medical comorbidities, and the advanced age of most patients with AS who suffer an SCI. In this paper the authors outline the factors that increase the incidence of vertebral column fractures and SCI in AS and discuss the management of SCI in patients with AS. Primary prevention strategies for SCI in patients with AS are outlined as well.
Policy on Conflict of Interest
Authors: _ _
Published: January 2008

Relationships between industry and neurosurgeons engaged in both clinical practice and research have become increasingly complicated due to increased utilization of expensive devices in day-to-day neurosurgical practice. The Journal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group (JNSPG) has always had a policy of demanding open disclosure of any real, potential, or even perceived conflict of interest by authors submitting scientific manuscripts. Recently, the editor-in-chief and members of the editorial boards, after much discussion of this issue, decided that this policy of open disclosure should be enhanced and more specifically defined. In addition, we felt that such a policy should be extended to all reviewers of articles submitted for publication to JNSPG journals—both members of the editorial boards and ad hoc reviewers. To clarify, extend, and specify the JNSPG's policy in this respect, the editor and editorial boards developed a task force on “Conflict of Interest.” The task force, after considerable discussion with the full editorial boards, developed the following Conflict of Interest policy as well as the forms that submitting authors, editorial board members, and other reviewers are now required to complete.
The pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Shamji Mohammed F. , Bafaquh Mohammed , Tsai Eve
Published: January 2008

✓ Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that can cause significant functional complications by affecting the sacroiliac joints and axial skeleton. Despite a longstanding knowledge about the familial associations of this disease, particularly among patients positive for human leukocyte antigen (HLA)–B27, the fundamental pathogenetic mechanism by which this disease arises in genetically susceptible individuals remains ill defined. Furthermore, the molecular predilection for characteristic articular site involvement remains under ongoing investigation. Current theories about the HLA-B27 association range from the presentation of novel arthritogenic peptides, to abnormal autoimmune stimulation, to anomalous microbial tolerance. The immune effectors of this damage include CD4+, CD8+, and natural killer cells, with marked heterogeneity at different sites. Biomechanical stresses may trigger this disease by exposing the body to previously immune-sequestered autoantigens or by providing a route for bacterial seeding. Environmental triggers such as infection have not been definitively established but may represent a primary pathogenic step in a molecular-mimicry process. In this article, the authors review the current literature on the origin and pathophysiology of AS, focusing on genetic and molecular associations, consequent pathomechanisms, and associated triggers. An improved understanding of the sequence of molecular events that predispose and initiate the onset of this disease will allow for more specific and targeted therapy and better avoidance of the significant side effects of systemic immunomodulation.
Medical management of ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Khalessi Alexander A. , Oh Bryan C. , Wang Michael Y.
Published: January 2008

✓ In the following literature review the authors consider the available evidence for the medical management of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and they critically assess current treatment guidelines. Medical therapy for axial disease in AS emphasizes improvement in patients' pain and overall function. First-line treatments include individualized physical therapy and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in conjunction with gastroprotective therapy. After an adequate trial of therapy with two NSAIDs exceeding 3 months or limited by medication toxicity, the patient may undergo tumor necrosis factor–α blockade therapy. Response should occur within 6–12 weeks, and patients must undergo tuberculosis screening. Evidence does not currently support the use of disease modifying antirheumatic drugs, corticosteroids, or radiotherapy in AS.
Complications of the spine in ankylosing spondylitis with a focus on deformity correction
Authors: Mundwiler Matthew L. , Siddique Khawar , Dym Jeffrey M. , Perri Brian , Johnson J. Patrick , Weisman Michael H.
Published: January 2008

✓ Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a systemic inflammatory disorder with frequent spinal axis symptoms. In this paper, the authors explored the spinal manifestations of AS and its characteristic anatomical lesions, radiological findings, and complications. They also offer a comprehensive report of the medical and surgical treatments with a focus on deformity correction.
Surgical management of global sagittal deformity in ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Sansur Charles A. , Fu Kai-Ming G. , Oskouian Rod J. , Jagannathan Jay , Kuntz Charles , Shaffrey Christopher I.
Published: January 2008

✓ Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory rheumatic disease whose primary effect is on the axial skeleton, causing sagittal-plane deformity at both the thoracolumbar and cervicothoracic junctions. In the present review article the authors discuss current concepts in the preoperative planning of patients with AS. The authors also review current techniques used to treat sagittal-plane deformity, focusing on pedicle subtraction osteotomy at the thoracolumbar junction, as well as cervical extension osteotomy at the cervicothoracic junction.
Multi-modality imaging of uveal melanomas using combined PET/CT, high-resolution PET and MR imaging
Authors: Pietrzyk U. , Knoess C. , Vollmar S. , Wienhard K. , Kracht L. , Bockisch A. , Maderwald S. , Kühl H. , Fitzek M. , Beyer T.
Published: January 2008

We investigated the efficacy of combined FDG-PET/CT imaging for the diagnosis of small-size uveal melanomas and the feasibility of combining separate, high-resolution (HR) FDG-PET with MRI for its improved localization and detection. Patients, methods: 3 patients with small-size uveal melanomas (0.2–1.5 ml) were imaged on a combined whole-body PET/CT, a HR brain-PET, and a 1.5 T MRI. Static, contrast-enhanced FDG-PET/CT imaging was performed of head and torso with CT contrast enhancement. HR PET imaging was performed in dynamic mode 0–180 min post-injection of FDG. MRI imaging was performed using a high-resolution small-loop-coil placed over the eye in question with T2–3D-TSE and T1–3D-SE with 18 ml Gd-contrast. Patients had their eyes shaded during the scans. Lesion visibility on high-resolution FDGPET images was graded for confidence: 1: none, 2: suggestive, 3: clear. Mean tumour activity was calculated for summed image frames that resulted in confidence grades 2 and 3. Whole-body FDG-PET/CT images were reviewed for lesions. PET-MRI and PET/ CT-MRI images of the head were co-registered for potentially improved lesion delineation. Results: Whole-body FDG-PET/CT images of 3/3 patients were positive for uveal melanomas and negative for disseminated disease. HR FDG-PET was positive already in the early time frames. One patient exhibited rising tumour activity with increasing uptake time on FDG-PET. MRI images of the eye were co-registered successfully to FDG-PET/CT using a manual alignment approach. Conclusions: Small-size uveal melanomas can be detected with whole-body FDG-PET/CT. This feasibility study suggests the exploration of HR FDG-PET in order to provide additional diagnostic information on patients with uveal melanomas. First results support extended uptake times and high-sensitivity PET for improved tumour visibility. MRI/PET co-registration is feasible and provides correlated functional and anatomical information that may support alternative therapy regimens.
Influence of assimilated SST on regional atmospheric simulation: A case of a cold‐air outbreak over the Japan Sea
Authors: Yamamoto Masaru , Hirose Naoki
Published: January 2008

Sea surface temperature (SST) assimilated using an ocean circulation model is used for the atmospheric simulation of a cold‐air outbreak over the Japan Sea. The upward surface‐turbulent heat fluxes are significantly influenced by the high‐resolution SST structure resulting from mesoscale oceanic eddies. A strong deceleration of the outbreak due to local convective activity arises in a coastal area when using the assimilated SST data, in good agreement with observations; however, this feature is not observed when using the interpolated SST. In general, the use of assimilated temperature does improve regional atmospheric simulations. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Applicability of colour index calibrations to T Tauri stars
Authors: Schöning T. , Ammler M.
Published: January 2008

We examine the applicability of effective temperature scales of several broad band colours to T Tauri stars (TTS).We take into account different colour systems as well as stellar parameters like metallicity and surface gravity which influence the conversion from colour indices or spectral type to effective temperature.

For a large sample of TTS, we derive temperatures from broad band colour indices and check if they are consistent in a statistical sense with temperatures inferred from spectral types. There are some scales (for V – H, V – K, I – J, J – H, and J – K) which indeed predict the same temperatures as the spectral types and therefore can be at least used to confirm effective temperatures.

Furthermore, we examine whether TTS with dynamically derived masses can be used for a test of evolutionary models and effective temperature calibrations. We compare the observed parameters of the eclipsing T Tauri binary V1642 Ori A to the predictions of evolutionary models in both the H‐R and the Kiel diagram using temperatures derived with several colour index scales. We check whether the evolutionary models and the colour index scales are consistent with coevality and the dynamical masses of the binary components. It turns out that the Kiel diagram offers a stricter test than the H‐R diagram. Only the evolutionary models of Baraffe et al. (1998) with mixing length parameter α = 1.9 and of D'Antona & Mazzitelli (1994, 1997) show consistent results in the Kiel diagram in combination with some conversion scales of Houdashelt et al. (2000) and of Kenyon & Hartmann (1995). (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Contribution to the study of F‐G‐K‐M binaries: XII. Orbital elements of seven new spectroscopic binaries
Authors: Carquillat J.‐M. , Prieur J.‐L.
Published: January 2008

The orbital elements of seven single‐lined spectroscopic binaries, HD 31855, HD 59643, HD 60092, HD 133189, HD 162262, HD 203522, BD +43° 1331 are presented. They are obtained from observations made with two photoelectric spectrometers of CORAVEL type, the first located at the Observatoire de Haute‐Provence and the second at the Cambridge Observatories. From those orbital elements and other data available in the literature, we deduce some information about the unseen companions and their separations with respect to the primaries. We then discuss the rotation‐revolution synchronism and conclude that some of those stars have probably reached the state of (pseudo‐)synchronism. Finally we give a synopsis of the results obtained in this series of papers. Our radial velocity monitoring of more than three decades has allowed us to derive accurate orbital elements of 35 spectroscopic binaries, with a cool primary star of type F‐G‐K‐M. The corresponding range of periods varies from a few days to more than 10 years. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The clustering properties of Luminous Red Galaxies
Authors: Deng X.F. , Zou S.Y. , He J.Z. , Jiang P. , Tang X.X. , Qian X.X.
Published: January 2008

By cluster analysis, we study the clustering properties of Luminous Red Galaxies (LRGs) and compare them with those of Main galaxies. We find that the clustering properties of Luminous Red Galaxies is different from those of Main galaxies, and that LRGs cluster mainly in form of close double and multiple galaxies, galaxy groups. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
27‐day variations of solar indices and cosmic ray neutron monitor intensities
Authors: Minarovjech M. , Rušin V. , Saniga M.
Published: January 2008

Solar activity indices (coronal, chromospheric as well as photospheric) and cosmic ray neutron monitor rates (different cut‐off rigidity) have been used to study 27‐day variations in the years from 1957 to 2004. Daily data were employed for this purpose, analysed by the FFT and wavelet techniques. To work with a continuous data set for the cosmic rays (CR), the ‘Composite Cosmic Ray’ (CCR) set was first created from the observations carried out at different neutron monitor stations. The CCR frequency analysis shows significant 27‐day variations in the intensity of CR, with its amplitude's values very sensitive to the sign of the quantity qA. The most significant 27‐day variations of CR were found not to correlate with those of other solar indices. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Elemental abundance analyses with DAO spectrograms: XXXI. The early F supergiants ν Her (F2 II) and 41 Cyg (F5 Ib‐II)
Authors: Adelman S.J. , Cay I.H. , Tektunali H.G. , Gulliver A.F. , Teker A.
Published: January 2008

This series of high quality elemental abundance analyses of mostly Main Sequence normal and peculiar B, A, and F stars defines their properties and provides data for the comparison with analyses of somewhat similar stars and with theoretical predictions. Most use high dispersion and high S/N (≥ 200) spectrograms obtained with CCD detectors at the long camera of the 1.22‐m Dominion Astrophysical Observatory telescope's coudé spectrograph. Here we expand the range of stars examined to include two relatively quiescent F supergiants. ν Her (F2 II) and 41 Cyg (F5 Ib‐II) are analyzed as consistently as possible with previous studies. These LTE fine analyses use the ATLAS9 and the WIDTH9 programs of R. L. Kurucz. High signal‐to‐noise spectrograms and high quality atomic data were employed. The derived values of these photometrically constant stars are somewhat different with the abundances of ν Her being somewhat metal‐poor and those of 41 Cyg being crudely solar‐like. Our analyses indicate that the basic results of Luck & Wepfer (1995) who also studied ν Her and 41 Cyg are not likely to be significantly changed by new studies of all their stars. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effects of a bout of traditional and original sumo training on neutrophil immune function in amateur university sumo wrestlers
Authors: Umeda Takashi , Saito Kazuo , Matsuzaka Masashi , Nakaji Shigeyuki , Totsuka Manabu , Okumura Toshiki , Tsukamoto Toshiaki , Yaegaki Makoto , Kudoh Umi , Takahashi Ippei
Published: January 2008

In order to examine in detail the influence on the neutrophil immune function in sumo wrestlers of performing traditional and original training we examined changes in the neutrophil immune function in 17 male amateur university sumo wrestlers (aged 20.2 ± 1.5 years), before (‘Pre’) and after the training (‘Post’) for 2.5 h under fasting conditions. Assays included blood leukocyte and neutrophil counts, serum concentration of immunoglobulins, complements, myogenic enzymes and neutrophil oxidative burst activity (OBA) and phagocytic activity (PA). Myogenic enzymes, neutrophil counts, the ratio of neutrophil counts:leukocyte counts significantly increased and immunoglobulins and complements decreased in Post compared with Pre. There was a positive correlation between the change of neutrophil counts before and after the training and the change of creatine kinase (r = 0.667, p < 0.01). The Post OBA significantly increased and PA significantly decreased compared with Pre. It was concluded that sumo training causes muscular damage and an increase in the neutrophil count as a response. In this time, although OBA increased, PA decreased after training. Compensation between PA and reactive oxygen species production may exist to maintain the overall integrity of the neutrophil immune function. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of time-related changes after experimental bile duct ligation
Authors: Georgiev P , Jochum W , Heinrich S , Jang J H , Nocito A , Dahm F , Clavien P-A
Published: January 2008

Background

Although bile duct ligation (BDL) in mice is used to study cholestasis, a detailed description of this animal model is lacking. The aim of this study was to define specific phases of acute and chronic injury and repair in the different cellular compartments of the liver.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice underwent BDL or sham laparotomy, and serum and liver tissue were analysed between 8 h and 6 weeks later.

Results

Biliary infarcts and alanine aminotransferase levels revealed acute hepatocellular injury peaking at days 2–3, paralleled by enhanced transcription of pro-proliferative mediators and followed by a distinct peak of hepatocellular proliferation at day 5. Cholangiocellular proliferation occurred in large bile ducts on days 2–3 and in small bile ducts on day 5. Neutrophil infiltration occurred within 8 h, with neutrophils remaining the predominant immune cell type until day 3. Acute injury was followed by continuous tissue repair, lymphocyte and Kupffer cell infiltration, and accumulation of collagen during the second week. Thereafter, the number of α-smooth muscle actin-positive cells and the expression of transforming growth factor β1, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 and procollagen (I) decreased, and liver fibrosis stabilized.

Conclusion

BDL elicits dynamic changes in mouse liver. The chronological dissection and quantification of these events identified specific phases of acute and chronic cholestatic liver injury.
Synthesis and Immunological Properties of a Tetrasaccharide Portion of the B Side Chain of Rhamnogalacturonan II (RG‐II)
Authors: Rao Yu , Buskas Therese , Albert Anathea , O'Neill Malcolm A. , Hahn Michael G. , Boons Geert‐Jan
Published: January 2008

A highly convergent strategy was used for the synthesis of a tetrasaccharide [3‐aminopropyl β‐L‐arabinofuranosyl‐(1→3)‐α‐L‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐[α‐L‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→3)]‐α‐L‐arabinopyranoside] portion of the B side chain of the plant cell‐wall pectic polysaccharide rhamnogalacturonan II (RG‐II). The terminal nonreducing β‐L‐arabinofuranosyl residue of the target compound was installed by using an arabinofuranosyl donor that was protected with a 3,5‐O‐(di‐tert‐butylsilane) group to facilitate nucleophilic attack from the β‐face. The synthetic strategy also employed a chemoselective glycosylation of a trichloroacetimidate donor with a thioglycosyl acceptor; this gave a product that could be used immediately in a subsequent glycosylation. The reducing end of the tetrasaccharide contained an aminopropyl group to facilitate conjugation to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) and bovine serum albumin (BSA). Mice that were immunized with a KLH–tetrasaccharide conjugate produced antibodies that recognized RG‐II isolated from Arabidopsis thaliana cell walls, but did not recognize RG‐II obtained from red wine. Our data suggest that the arabinopyranosyl residue exists in the 4C1 conformation in the tetrasaccharide and in A. thaliana RG‐II, whereas it has the 1C4 conformation in wine RG‐II. It is proposed that differences in the conformation of side chain B might account for the ability of antibodies to discriminate between RG‐II that was isolated from Arabidopsis and wine.
Learning from Procrustes analysis to improve multivariate calibration
Authors: Kalivas John H.
Published: January 2008

For the multivariate calibration model y = Xb + e, y and X are typically mean centered to respective column means to remove offsets before estimating b. Often X is obtained under different experimental conditions (temperature, days, etc.). In this case, mean centering across all the conditions (global mean centering) assumes a common offset for the different conditions. Additionally, after a calibration model has been developed for process analysis, it is often necessary to update the model later in time to new conditions. In this case, new measurements are made. These new X and y values can be augmented to the original X and y arrays; mean centered to new column means, that is global mean centering; and a new calibration model is then obtained. The established method of Procrustes analysis (PA) is used in many spectral preprocessing and calibration transfer methods and local mean centering is a key processing element in PA. Rather than global mean centering in multivariate calibration, this paper looks at local mean centering where X and y are locally mean centered relative to respective experimental conditions, that is mean centering data groups with common offsets. When this approach is used, improved results are possible as demonstrated with two spectroscopic data sets where prediction errors and uncertainties reduce. Other regression diagnostics are also shown to improve. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and In Vitro Biological Properties of Novel Cationic Derivatives of Amphotericin B
Authors: Paquet Valérie , Volmer Astrid A. , Carreira Erick M.
Published: January 2008

Novel cationic amphotericin B derivatives as highly potent antifungal agents are reported. These semi‐synthetic derivatives of amphotericin B were elaborated through a series of modifications both on the nitrogen atom of the mycosamine and on the C‐16 carboxylic acid moiety. The antifungal activity of the new conjugates was tested against Saccharomyces cerevisiae and also against nine different strains of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata, including an amphotericin resistant strain. High potency was observed in the case of polyamine derivatives bearing two 3‐aminopropyl chains on the mycosamine. The evaluation of the biological properties also included the determination of the hemolytic activity of the compounds by measuring the EH50 values.
Dissecting the Differences between the α and β Anomers of the Oxidative DNA Lesion FaPydG
Authors: Büsch Florian , Pieck J. Carsten , Ober Matthias , Gierlich Johannes , Hsu Gerald W. , Beese Lorena S. , Carell Thomas
Published: January 2008

The oxidative DNA lesion, FaPydG rapidly anomerizes to form a mixture of the α and β anomer. To investigate the mutagenic potential of both forms, we prepared stabilized bioisosteric analogues of both configurational isomers and incorporated them into oligonucleotides. These were subsequently used for thermodynamic melting‐point studies and for primer‐extension experiments. While the β compound, in agreement with earlier data, prefers cytidine as the pairing partner, the α compound is not able form a stable base pair with any natural base. In primer‐extension studies with the high‐fidelity polymerase Bst Pol I, the polymerase was able to read through the lesion. The β compound showed no strong mutagenic potential. The α compound, in contrast, strongly destabilized DNA duplexes and also blocked all of the tested DNA polymerases, including two low‐fidelity polymerases of the Y‐family.
Taxane Analogues against Breast Cancer: A Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationship Study
Authors: Verma Rajeshwar P. , Hansch Corwin
Published: January 2008

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States. Two taxane analogues, taxol and taxotere, are the most important antimitotic drugs currently in clinical use for the treatment of breast cancers. However, recent reports have indicated that the use of these drugs often results in various undesired side effects as well as multi‐drug resistance. These limitations have led to the development of new taxane derivatives with fewer side effects, superior pharmacological properties, and improved anticancer activity to maximize the induced benefits for breast cancer patients. Herein, four series of taxane derivatives were used to correlate their inhibitory activities against breast cancer cells with their hydrophobic and steric properties in order to understand their chemical–biological interactions. The resulting QSARs show that the inhibitory activities of taxane analogues against breast cancers are mainly dependent either on their hydrophobicity or the hydrophobic/molar refractivity descriptor of their substituents. A parabolic correlation with MRY is the most encouraging example, in which the optimum value of this parameter is well defined. We believe this correlation may prove to be an adequate predictive model that can help provide guidance in design and synthesis and subsequently yield highly specific compounds that may have high anti‐breast‐cancer activity with fewer side effects and superior pharmacological properties. On the basis of this QSAR model, five compounds are suggested as potential synthetic targets. Internal (cross‐validation (LOO−q2 and LMO−q2), quality factor (Q), Fischer statistics (F), and Y‐randomization) and external validation tests have validated all the QSAR models.