bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distribution of somatostatin‐like immunoreactivity in the brain of the caecilian Dermophis mexicanus (amphibia: Gymnophiona): Comparative aspects in amphibians
Authors: López Jesús M. , Moreno Nerea , Morona Ruth , Muñoz Margarita , Domínguez Laura , González Agustín
Published: January 2007

The organization of the somatostatin‐like‐immunoreactive (SOM‐ir) structures in the brain of anuran and urodele amphibians has been well documented, and significant differences were noted between the two amphibian orders. However, comparable data are not available for the third order of amphibians, the gymnophionans (caecilians). In the present study, we analyzed the anatomical distribution of SOM‐ir cells and fibers in the brain of the gymnophionan Dermophis mexicanus. In addition, because of its known relationship with catecholamines in other vertebrates, double immunostaining for SOM and tyrosine hydroxylase was used to investigate this situation in the gymnophionan. Abundant SOM‐ir cell bodies and fibers were widely distributed throughout the brain. In the telencephalon, pallial and subpallial cells were labeled, being most numerous in the medial pallium and amygdaloid region. Most of the SOM‐ir neurons were found in the preoptic area and hypothalamus and showed a clear projection to the median eminence. Less conspicuously, SOM‐ir structures were found in the thalamus, tectum, tegmentum, and reticular formation. Both SOM‐ir cells and fibers were demonstrated in the spinal cord. The double‐immunohistofluoresce technique revealed that catecholaminergic neurons and SOM‐ir cells are largely intermingled in many brain regions but form totally separated populations. Many differences were found between the distribution of SOM‐ir structures in Dermophis and that in anurans or urodeles. Some features were shared only with anurans, such as the abundant pallial SOM‐ir cells, whereas others were common only to urodeles, such as the organization of the hypothalamohypophysial SOM‐ir system. In addition, some characteristics were found only in Dermophis, such as the localization of the SOM‐ir spinal cells and the lack of colocalization of catecholamines and SOM throughout the brain. Therefore, any conclusions concerning the SOM system in amphibians are incomplete without considering evidence for gymnophionans. J. Comp. Neurol. 501:413–430, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Eating one's words, Part II: the embodied mind and reflective function in anorexia nervosa—theory
Authors: Skårderud Finn
Published: January 2007

Anorexia nervosa as a psychiatric disorder presents itself through the concreteness of symptoms. Emotions are experienced as a corporeality here‐and‐now. In a companion article, Part I, different ‘body metaphors’ are described and categorised. The human body functions as metaphor, and in anorexia nervosa there is a striking closeness between emotions and different bodily experiences. This is interpreted as impaired ‘reflective function’, referring to the capacity to make mental representations, and is proposed as a central psychopathological feature. The psychodynamic concepts ‘concretised metaphors’ and ‘psychic equivalence’ are discussed as useful tools to better understand such compromised symbolic capacity. Psychotherapy in anorexia nervosa can be described as a relational process where concretised metaphors will be developed into genuine linguistic ones. Part III in this series of articles presents an outline for psychotherapy for anorexia nervosa. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Improving the quality of care for mild to moderate dementia: an evaluation of the Croydon Memory Service Model
Authors: Banerjee Sube , Willis Rosalind , Matthews David , Contell Faith , Chan Jeni , Murray Joanna
Published: January 2007

Background

The large majority of people with dementia receive nothing in the way of specialist assessment and care at any stage of their illness. There is a particular lack of services focussed on early identification and intervention in dementia where there is the possibility of long‐term harm reduction for people with dementia and their family carers. We have developed a model of care that is complementary to local systems of health and social care (The Croydon Memory Service Model [CMSM]). This is a low‐cost, high‐throughput, generic service to enable early identification and intervention in dementia. It is a multi‐agency approach with joint ownership by health services, social services and the voluntary sector with embedded specifically‐tailored approaches to primary care and minority ethnic communities.

Method

We completed a service evaluation of the introduction of the CMSM in a single borough in South London. Six predefined service goals were set: high acceptability; high appropriate referral rate; successful engagement with people from minority ethnic groups; successful engagement with people with young onset dementia; focus on engagement with mild cases to enable early intervention; and an increase in the overall number of new cases of dementia seen. Mixed qualitative and quantitative methodologies were used including a description and 6‐month follow‐up of a cohort of 290 consecutive referrals.

Results

All key predefined service goals were met: 95% acceptability; 94% appropriate referrals; successful engagement with minority ethnic groups (two‐fold greater number compared with that expected from general population demographic data); 17% of referrals under 65 years of age; 68% referrals with mild or minimal dementia severity; and an estimated 63% increase in the number of new cases of dementia seen in Croydon. At 6‐month follow up, those referred to the service had decreased behavioural disturbance and increased quality of life compared with baseline.

Conclusions

Specific services for early dementia, which deliver diagnosis and care, can be established. These services can increase the numbers of people with early dementia identified and provided with care. Those receiving such services appear to improve in terms of quality of life and behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. Next steps should include the establishment of such services in other representative areas and evaluation of their effectiveness in comparison with other models of care. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Safety and tolerability of once‐daily versus twice‐daily memantine: a randomised, double‐blind study in moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Jones Roy W. , Bayer Antony , Inglis Fraser , Barker Andrew , Phul Ravinder
Published: January 2007

Objective

To assess the safety and tolerability of three different dosing schedules of memantine in patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Method

This 12‐week, randomised, double‐blind study, investigated three dosing schedules of memantine: OD1 (20 mg once daily with a 1‐step up‐titration); OD3 (20 mg once daily with a 3‐step up‐titration); and BID3 (10 mg twice daily with a 3‐step up‐titration as currently recommended in the memantine labelling). The study comprised 78 patients with moderate to severe AD (DSM‐IV‐TR criteria; MMSE score ≤18), 70% of whom were on stable dosing of acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChEI) initiated ≥3 months prior to study start. Safety and tolerability were assessed by the number of withdrawals, adverse events (AEs) and monitoring of vital signs.

Results

The number of patient withdrawals was low: 3 of 27 in OD1, 1 of 25 in OD3 and 2 of 26 in BID3. One or more AEs were reported in 9 patients in OD1, 7 patients in OD3 and 12 patients in BID3. Most AEs were mild or moderate, and typical for the population studied; no clinically important differences in AEs or vital signs were observed between the different dosing schedules. There were no between‐group differences in efficacy, as assessed by clinical global severity and clinical global change. These results are consistent with the good safety profile of memantine observed in larger studies.

Conclusions

Although relatively small in size, the study indicates that once‐daily dosing and twice‐daily dosing of memantine are similar in terms of safety and tolerability. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simulation of crop growth and energy and carbon dioxide fluxes at different time steps from hourly to daily
Authors: Wang Jing , Yu Qiang , Lee Xuhui
Published: January 2007

Understanding the exchange processes of energy and carbon dioxide (CO2) in the soil–vegetation–atmosphere system is important for assessing the role of the terrestrial ecosystem in the global water and carbon cycle and in climate change. We present a soil–vegetation–atmosphere integrated model (ChinaAgrosys) for simulating energy, water and CO2 fluxes, crop growth and development, with ample supply of nutrients and in the absence of pests, diseases and weed damage. Furthermore, we test the hypotheses of whether there is any significant difference between simulations over different time steps. CO2, water and heat fluxes were estimated by the improving parameterization method of the coupled photosynthesis–stomatal conductance–transpiration model. Soil water evaporation and plant transpiration were calculated using a multilayer water and heat‐transfer model. Field experiments were conducted in the Yucheng Integrated Agricultural Experimental Station on the North China Plain. Daily weather and crop growth variables were observed during 1998–2001, and hourly weather variables and water and heat fluxes were measured using the eddy covariance method during 2002–2003. The results showed that the model could effectively simulate diurnal and seasonal changes of net radiation, sensible and latent heat flux, soil heat flux and CO2 fluxes. The processes of evapotranspiration, soil temperature and leaf area index agree well with the measured values. Midday depression of canopy photosynthesis could be simulated by assessing the diurnal change in canopy water potential. Moreover, the comparisons of simulated daily evapotranspiration and net ecosystem exchange (NEE) under different time steps indicated that time steps used by a model affect the simulated results. There is no significant difference between simulated evapotranspiration using the model under different time steps. However, simulated NEE produces large differences in the response to different time steps. Therefore, the accurate calculation of average absorbed photosynthetic active radiation is important for the scaling of the model from hourly steps to daily steps in simulating energy and CO2 flux exchanges between winter wheat and the atmosphere. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation and biological characterization of bilayer gelatin/chondroitin‐6‐sulphate/hyaluronic acid membrane
Authors: Wang Tzu‐Wei , Sun Jui‐Sheng , Wu Hsi‐Chin , Huang Yi‐Chau , Lin Feng‐Huei
Published: January 2007

A biodegradable polymer scaffold was developed using gelatin, chondroitin‐6‐sulphate, and hyaluronic acid in the form of bilayer network. The bilayer porous structure of gelatin‐chondroitin‐6‐sulphate‐hyaluronic acid (G‐C6S‐HA) membrane was fabricated using different freezing temperatures followed by lyophilization. 1‐Ethyl‐3(3‐dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide was used as crosslinking agent to improve the biological stability of the scaffold. The morphology, physical–chemical properties, and biocompatibility of bilayer G‐C6S‐HA membrane were evaluated in this study. The functional groups change in crosslinked G‐C6S‐HA scaffold was characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The retention of glycosaminoglycan contents and matrix degradation rate were also examined by p‐dimethylamino benzaldehyde and 2,4,6‐trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid, respectively. Water absorption capacity was carried out to study G‐C6S‐HA membrane water containing characteristics. The morphology of the bilayer G‐C6S‐HA membrane was investigated under scanning electron microscope and light microscopy. In vitro biocompatibility was conducted with MTT test, LDH assay, as well as histological analysis. The results showed that the morphology of bilayer G‐C6S‐HA membrane was well reserved. The physical–chemical properties were also adequate. With good biocompatibility, this bilayer G‐C6S‐HA membrane would be suitable as a matrix in the application of tissue engineering. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 82B: 390–399, 2007
High‐risk HPV presence in cervical specimens after a large loop excision of the cervical transformation zone: Significance of newly detected hr‐HPV genotypes
Authors: van Ham Maaike A.P.C. , van Hamont Dennis , Bekkers Ruud L.M. , Bulten Johan , Melchers Willem J.G. , Massuger Leon F.A.G.
Published: January 2007

Large loop excision of the cervical transformation zone (LLETZ) is a well‐established treatment for high‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. It has even been postulated that LLETZ is responsible for the elimination of the infectious agent, human papillomavirus (HPV), causing the lesion. Most studies on HPV detection after LLETZ have focused on the persistence of high‐risk (hr‐) HPV to identify women at risk for residual or recurrent disease. Therefore, the appearance and significance of hr‐HPV types newly detected after surgical treatment has not been studied extensively so far. The presence of hr‐HPV in 85 high‐grade squamous cervical LLETZ biopsies and in the first follow‐up smear was determined. In 80 (94%) of the LLETZ biopsies hr‐HPV was detected in contrast to 30 (35%) hr‐HPV positive follow‐up scrapes. Twenty of the 80 hr‐HPV positive women (25%) had the same hr‐HPV genotypes in their follow‐up cervical smears as was found in the corresponding biopsies. In the follow‐up smear of 13 women a new hr‐HPV genotype was detected and HPV 18 was newly detected in 8 of them. The remarkably high presence of newly detected HPV 18 genotypes may argue for a release or re‐activation of this virus from proximal layers of the cervical canal incised during surgery. J. Med. Virol. 79:314–319, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation and application of reverse transcription loop‐mediated isothermal amplification for detection of noroviruses
Authors: Yoda Tomoko , Suzuki Yasuhiko , Yamazaki Kenji , Sakon Naomi , Kanki Masashi , Aoyama Ikuko , Tsukamoto Teizo
Published: January 2007

A one‐step reverse transcription loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (RT‐LAMP) assay for the detection of norovirus (NV) was developed. In order to design primer sets for the detection of a wide range of NVs, NVs were categorized into three groups, that is, genogroup I (GI), prevalent GII, and minor GII; three sets of primers were developed for each group. Clinical specimens of patients suffering from enteric RNA viruses, such as NV, group A and C rotavirus, and sapovirus were examined using these primer sets. Various genotypes of NVs were detected in clinical specimens from patients infected with NV where no false positive reaction was observed with other enteric RNA viruses. Additionally, 88 samples of acute gastroenteritis outbreaks were analyzed by an RT‐LAMP assay and compared with the results of routine RT‐PCR. The results of the RT‐LAMP assay corresponded well to that of RT‐PCR. These findings suggest the practical application of the RT‐LAMP assay for the detection of NVs in clinical specimens. Consequently, the RT‐LAMP system and conventional detection kits (NVGI and NVGII detection kits; Eiken Chemical Co., Ltd., Japan) were compared. The detection rate of the prevalent and minor GII primer sets was similar to that of the conventional NVGII kit, while the detection rate of the GI primer set is different because it can detect several genotypes better than the conventional NVGI kit. This is an initial report that the RT‐LAMP system is able to detect NVs in clinical specimens within a wide range. J. Med. Virol. 79:326–334, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of Fusion Temperature and Metal Ion Variation on Crystallization of Lightly Ionized Poly(butylene succinate)
Authors: Ishida Kazuki , Han Sang‐Il , Im Seung‐Soon , Inoue Yoshio
Published: January 2007

Crystallization behavior was investigated for poly(butylene succinate)‐based ionomers (PBSIs) with very small amounts of metal sulfosuccinate units. The PBSI samples, precipitated by adding their chloroform solutions into an excess volume of hexane, showed not only higher overall crystallization rates than the parent PBS but also strong fusion temperature dependences of the crystallization kinetics. In the early stage of film‐hydrolysis experiments, the center region of PBSI spherulites was found to be easily eroded. A putative internal structure of PBSI spherulites, that is, relatively ion‐rich centers and ion‐poor outskirts, was proposed. PBSIs with K ions were found to show higher crystallization temperatures than those with Na ions in the non‐isothermal crystallization from the melts. These results indicate that the crystallization behavior of PBSIs is dominated by the ionic aggregates which induce the crystal nucleation around themselves.

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Conformational Behaviour of Comb‐Like Poly(4‐vinylpyridinium) Salts and their Complexes with Surfactants in Solution and on a Flat Surface
Authors: Gallyamov Marat O. , Starodubtsev Sergey G. , Bragina Tatiana P. , Dubrovina Lidiya V. , Potemkin Igor I. , Marti Othmar , Khokhlov Alexei R.
Published: January 2007

We synthesised P4VP bromides with octyl and dodecyl pendant groups; the bromide anions in these polymer salts were further substituted with dodecylsulfate or bis(2‐ethylhexylsuccinate) anions. Direct SFM visualisation of the original P4VP chains, of the macromolecular salts and of their complexes, showed that the attachment of the pendant groups and especially the complexation with the surfactants promotes stretching of the macromolecules while adsorbing on mica substrate. On the other hand, viscosimetry showed that in solution (chloroform) the comb‐like chains and their complexes with dodecylsulfate had more compact conformations than those of the original P4VP. The scaling exponents describing the correlation between the contour length and the end‐to‐end distance of the adsorbed macromolecules were found to be ca. 3/4, which is indicative of 2D self‐avoiding walk statistics.

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New Optically Active Methacrylic Polymers Bearing Side‐Chain Bisazoaromatic Moieties
Authors: Angiolini Luigi , Benelli Tiziana , Giorgini Loris , Mauriello Francesco , Salatelli Elisabetta
Published: January 2007

The synthesis of three novel optically active monomers containing a side‐chain chiral moiety linked to a photochromic bisazoaromatic chromophore, such as (S)‐3‐methacryloyloxy‐1‐[4′‐phenylazo‐(4‐azobenzene)]‐pyrrolidine [(S)‐MPAAP], (S)‐3‐methacryloyloxy‐1‐[4′‐cyanophenylazo‐(4‐azobenzene)]‐pyrrolidine [(S)‐MPAAP‐C] and (S)‐3‐methacryloyloxy‐1‐[4′‐nitrophenylazo‐(4‐azobenzene)]‐pyrrolidine [(S)‐MPAAP‐N], is described. Each monomer has been radically homopolymerized to afford the corresponding optically active polymeric derivative, which have been characterized, in solution and in the solid state, and their properties compared to those of the monomers and of analogous homopolymers bearing only one azoaromatic chromophore in the side chain. The optical activity displayed by the polymers is discussed in terms of extent of chiral conformation assumed by the macromolecules as a consequence of their stiffness and the dipole‐dipole interactions between the bisazoaromatic chromophores.

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Clozapine for the treatment of neurogenic bladder
Authors: Kumar Amardeep , Chadda R.K. , Kumar Nand , Balan Sabish , Prakash Srinivasan Shiva
Published: January 2007

Neurogenic bladder leading to urinary incontinence has been described in patients of stroke, dementia, Parkinson's disease, and some schizophrenia cases with cognitive impairment possibly due to impaired cortical inhibition of the urinary bladder. The underlying brain abnormalities for urinary incontinence are similar in such cases. We report here such a case of neurogenic bladder responding to treatment with clozapine. The possible mechanism of action and clinical implications are described. Neurourol. Urodynam. 26:537–539, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A new type of C ‐numerical range arising in quantum computing
Authors: Dirr G. , Helmke U. , Kleinsteuber M. , Schulte‐Herbrüggen Th.
Published: January 2007

We consider a new type of numerical range motivated by recent applications in quantum computing. We term the object of interest local C ‐numerical rangeWloc(C, A) of A. It is obtained by replacing the special unitary group in the definition of the C ‐numerical range by the so‐called local subgroup of SU (2N ), i.e. by the N ‐fold tensor product SU (2) ⊗ · · · ⊗ SU(2) of unitary (2 × 2)‐matrices. First, it is shown that the local C ‐numerical range has rather unusual geometric properties compared to the ordinary one, e.g. it is in general neither star‐shaped nor simply connected. Then two numerical algorithms, a Newton and a conjugate gradient method on the Lie group SU (2) ⊗ · · · ⊗ SU (2), are demonstrated to maximize the real part of Wloc(C, A) which also gives a Euclidean measure of the so‐called pure‐state entanglement in quantum computing. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A note on road vehicle guidance control using a mechanical analogy
Authors: Sattel Thomas , Brandt Thorsten
Published: January 2007

This contribution focuses on stability issues of controller design for lateral guidance of road vehicles along planned paths. The linear time‐variant equations of motion of the bicycle model including differential braking are stated from a mechanical point of view, both with respect to a vehicle fixed reference frame as well as a path fixed reference frame. A generalized stiffnessbased control force is proposed for path following. This mechanical analogy addresses a class of possible longitudinal and torsional spring‐models for control laws. Lyapunov's direct method is used to obtain statements on the choice of the spring stiffness parameters and application points. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A simple method for the measurement of compaction and corresponding transverse permeability of composite prepregs
Authors: Li Min , Gu Yizhuo , Zhang Zuoguang , Sun Zhijie
Published: January 2007

Process simulation is of great importance in the development of processes for cost‐effective fabrication of composite structures, particularly for thermoset matrix composites. For the simulation of autoclave or hot press process, it requires knowledge of the compaction behavior and the saturated transverse permeability of fiber reinforcements. In this paper, a simple method without any sophisticated equipment is shown, which can simultaneously measure the compaction curve and the saturated transverse permeability as a function of fiber volume fraction. The method was used to measure the properties of S‐2 glass rovings and T700S carbon rovings prepregs. The effects of the impregnating fluid variety, the initial fiber volume fraction of prepreg, and the lay‐up type on the compaction behavior were investigated. The transverse permeability was also studied as a function of fiber content for various lay‐up types. The results indicate that Gutowski's compaction model and the modified Kozeny‐Carman equation proposed by Gutowski, which are important input parameters for the resin flow model, can be used to adequately fit the experimental data. POLYM. COMPOS. 28:61–70, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
High performance modified thermoplastic starch/linear low‐density polyethylene blends in one‐step extrusion
Authors: Ning Wang , Jiugao Yu , Xiaofei Ma , Chunmei Han
Published: January 2007

In this study, the morphology and the mechanical properties of thermoplastic starch (TPS)/linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) blends prepared by one‐step and two‐step extrusion processing conditions were contrasted. In the presence of citric acid (CA), the compatibility of TPS/PE blends were proved to transfer to a high continuous dispersion in one‐step extrusion process by scanning electron microscopy analysis. By increasing the interaction between two phases, the mechanical properties of the blends were markedly improved, even reached the levels of the conventional plastics. The rheological study proved that the viscosity (η) of TPS and TPS/PE blends were both decreasing with increase in the content of CA at the same temperature, which ascribed to the acidity of CA was propitious to fragmentation and dissolution of cornstarch granules, deteriorated the chain entanglement in starch, and weakened the interaction of starch molecules. Both FTIR spectroscopy and thermal properties analysis of TPSs and TPS/PE blends showed that the interactions between starch and plasticizer became stronger in the presence of CA. POLYM. COMPOS. 28:89–97, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Preparation and characterization of polyurethane–organoclay nanocomposites
Authors: Rehab Ahmed , Akelah Ahmed , Agag Tarek , Shalaby Nasser
Published: January 2007

Nanocomposite polyurethane (PU)–organoclay materials have been synthesized via in‐situ polymerization. The organoclay is first prepared by intercalation of tyramine into montmorillonite (MMT)‐clay through ion exchange process. The syntheses of polyurethane–organoclay hybrid films containing different ratios of clay were carried out by swelling the organoclay into diol and diamine followed by addition of diisocyanate and then cured. The nanocomposites with dispersed and exfoliated structure of MMT were obtained as evidenced by X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope. X‐ray diffraction showed that there is no peak corresponding to d001 spacing in organoclay with the ratios up to 20 wt%. SEM images confirmed the dispersion of nanometer silicate layers in the polyurethane matrix. Also, it was found that the presence of organoclay leads to improvement in the mechanical properties. The tensile strength was increased with increasing the organoclay contents to 20 wt% by 221% in comparision to the PU with 0% organoclay. POLYM. COMPOS. 28:108–115, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Colorimetric and fluorometric molecularly imprinted polymer sensors and binding assays
Authors: Stephenson Clifton J , Shimizu Ken D
Published: January 2007

This mini review examines the utility of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) in colorimetric and fluorometric sensors and binding assays. The review focuses on the challenges in developing MIP‐based spectroscopic sensors. Specifically, strategies to address the low selectivities, lack of sensing mechanism and poor optical material properties of MIPs are examined and critically evaluated using examples from the literature. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
The aggressiveness of cancer care in the last three months of life: a retrospective single centre analysis
Authors: Braga Sofia , Miranda Ana , Fonseca Rute , Passos‐Coelho J. L. , Fernandes Aires , Costa J. D. , Moreira António
Published: January 2007

Background: There is concern that terminally ill cancer patients are over treated with chemotherapy, even when such treatment is unlikely to palliate symptoms. The study objective was to evaluate the use of chemotherapy in the last three months of life in a cohort of adult patients with advanced solid tumours.

Methods: All adult patients with solid tumours who died in our hospital in 2003 and received chemotherapy for advanced cancer, were included. Detailed data concerning chemotherapy and toxicity, in the last three months of life, were collected from patients' clinical charts.

Results: A total of 319 patients were included. Median age was 61 years. Median time from diagnosis of metastatic disease to death was 11 months. The proportion of patients who received chemotherapy in the last three months of life was 66% (n = 211), in the last month 37% and in the last two weeks 21%. Among patients who received chemotherapy in the last three months of life, 50% started a new chemotherapy regimen in this period and 14% in the last month. There was an increased probability of receiving chemotherapy in the last three months of life in younger patients and in patients with breast, ovarian and pancreatic carcinomas.

Conclusion: There was a large proportion of patients who received chemotherapy in the last three months of life, including initiation of a new regimen within the last 30 days. Thus, further study is needed to evaluate if such aggressive attitude results in better palliation of symptoms at the end of life. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relationship of early childhood viral exposures to respiratory symptoms, onset of possible asthma and atopy in high risk children: The Canadian asthma primary prevention study
Authors: Lee Kathy K. , Hegele Richard G. , Manfreda Jure , Wooldrage Katherine , Becker Allan B. , Ferguson Alexander C. , Dimich‐Ward Helen , Watson Wade T.A. , Chan‐Yeung Moira
Published: January 2007

The contribution of respiratory viral infections to the onset of asthma and atopy is controversial. In “high risk” children (n = 455) born into asthmatic/atopic families, we determined the relationship of exposures to common respiratory viruses and concomitant respiratory symptoms, and to subsequent possible asthma and atopy at ages 1 and 2 years. Frozen nasal specimens, obtained when children were 2 weeks, 4, 8, and 12 months old, underwent reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) testing for parainfluenza virus (PIV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and picornavirus (rhinovirus/enterovirus). Odds ratios of viral RT‐PCR results to respiratory symptoms (“cold,” rhinitis, cough, wheezing) and to possible asthma or atopy at 1 and 2 years of age were calculated. Positive viral RT‐PCR was associated with increased odds of “cold” and cough; PIV and picornavirus were associated with rhinitis, and RSV was associated with wheezing. PIV was associated with increased odds of atopy at 1 year of age in the control group; PIV and RSV were associated with possible asthma at 2 years of age. We conclude that in high‐risk children, viral exposures documented by RT‐PCR are associated with respiratory symptoms, and exposures to PIV and RSV during the first year of life are associated with the initial onset of possible asthma. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:290–297. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Feroniellin B, A new highly potent human platelet aggregation inhibitor from Feroniella lucida
Authors: Phuwapraisirisan Preecha , Surapinit Serm , Jeenapongsa Rattima , Tip‐pyang Santi , Kokpol Udom
Published: January 2007

Human platelet aggregation inhibition by coumarins isolated from Feroniella lucida roots extract was investigated. Of 11 coumarins examined, feroniellin B highly inhibited platelet aggregation induced by ADP with an IC50 value of 0.287 mm while the standard drug ibuprofen displayed this inhibition with an IC50 value of 11.2 mm. The presence of feroniellin B is possibly linked to the ethnopharmacological use of F. lucida as a remedy for cardiovascular diseases. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Learning in a hierarchical control system: 4D/RCS in the DARPA LAGR program
Authors: Albus Jim , Bostelman Roger , Chang Tommy , Hong Tsai , Shackleford Will , Shneier Michael
Published: January 2007

The Defense Applied Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Learning Applied to Ground Vehicles (LAGR) program aims to develop algorithms for autonomous vehicle navigation that learn how to operate in complex terrain. Over many years, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed a reference model control system architecture called 4D/RCS that has been applied to many kinds of robot control, including autonomous vehicle control. For the LAGR program, NIST has embedded learning into a 4D/RCS controller to enable the small robot used in the program to learn to navigate through a range of terrain types. The vehicle learns in several ways. These include learning by example, learning by experience, and learning how to optimize traversal. Learning takes place in the sensory processing, world modeling, and behavior generation parts of the control system. The 4D/RCS architecture is explained in the paper, its application to LAGR is described, and the learning algorithms are discussed. Results are shown of the performance of the NIST control system on independently‐conducted tests. Further work on the system and its learning capabilities is discussed. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Learning obstacle avoidance parameters from operator behavior
Authors: Hamner Bradley , Singh Sanjiv , Scherer Sebastian
Published: January 2007

This paper concerns an outdoor mobile robot that learns to avoid collisions by observing a human driver operate a vehicle equipped with sensors that continuously produce a map of the local environment. We have implemented steering control that models human behavior in trying to avoid obstacles while trying to follow a desired path. Here we present the formulation for this control system and its independent parameters and then show how these parameters can be automatically estimated by observing a human driver. We also present results from operation on an autonomous robot as well as in simulation, and compare the results from our method to another commonly used learning method. We find that the proposed method generalizes well and is capable of learning from a small number of samples. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of early stages of precipitation in Mo‐rich and Mo‐poor maraging stainless steels
Authors: Andersson M. , Stiller K. , Hättestrand M.
Published: January 2007

The precipitation process during ageing in the Mo‐poor alloy Carpenter 455 has been investigated by three‐dimensional atom probe (3DAP) and energy‐filtered transmission electron microscopy. The ageing treatment was performed at 475 °C for 5 min, 25 min, 1 h and 2 h. The precipitation of a mixed Ni‐, Ti‐ and Cu‐rich phase was observed after 25 min of ageing. A complete separation between Ni/Ti‐rich and Cu‐rich regions occurred within 1–2 h of ageing. After 2 h of ageing at 475 °C, coarsening of the η‐Ni3Ti precipitates was observed. Moreover, large Ni/Ti‐rich and Cu‐rich particles were observed in the lath boundaries after 2 h of ageing. The results were compared with the precipitation process in the Mo‐rich alloy 1RK91. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of the ordering and atomic site occupancies of Nb‐doped TiAl/Ti3Al intermetallics
Authors: Al‐Kassab Tala'at , Yuan Yong , Kluthe Christian , Boll Torben , Liu Zhi‐Guo
Published: January 2007

Titanium–aluminum alloys comprising mainly the TiAl‐phase and a small amount of the Ti3Al‐phase are promising candidates for application as high‐temperature materials. Alloying addition of Nb improves clearly the mechanical strength and the oxidation resistance of these alloys. A dual‐phase TiAl/Ti3Al alloy with additions of 5 at.%Nb was investigated in this study by means of field‐ion microscopy (FIM), tomographic atom probe (TAP) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It has been found that the structure of the two phases and the lamellar structure of the alloy were not seriously changed by the addition of 5 at.% Nb. The structural anisotropy of the TiAl phase along [100] and [001] directions, as revealed by FIM, was analyzed. FIM observations and atom probe analyses showed that Nb atoms in TiAl phase preferentially occupy Ti atomic sites. Preliminary reconstruction of the atomic stacking sequence perpendicular to [001] direction of the γ‐TiAl phase from the TAP measurements was demonstrated and is discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Indicating ontology data quality, stability, and completeness throughout ontology evolution
Authors: Orme Anthony M. , Yao Haining , Etzkorn Letha H.
Published: January 2007

Many application areas today make use of ontologies. With the advent of semantic Web technologies, ontology based systems have become widespread. Developing an ontology is part of the necessary early development of an ontology‐based system. Since the validity and quality of the ontology data directly affects the validity and quality of the system using the ontology, evolution of the ontology data directly affects the evolution and/or maintenance of the ontology‐based systems that depend on and employ the ontology data. Our research examines the quality, completeness, and stability of ontology data as ontologies evolve. We propose a metrics suite, based on standard software quality concepts, to measure the complexity and cohesion of ontology data. First we theoretically validate our metrics. Then we examine empirically whether our metrics determine ontology data quality, by comparing them to human evaluator ratings. We conclude that several of our metrics successfully determine ontology complexity or cohesion. Finally, we examine, over evolving ontology data, whether our metrics determine ontology completeness and stability. We determine that various metrics reflect different kinds of changes. Our experiments indicate our metrics' measure ontology stability and completeness; however, interpretation of specific metrics values and the interaction of different metrics requires further study. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An overview of scalable video streaming
Authors: Sun Huifang , Vetro Anthony , Xin Jun
Published: January 2007

Significant progress in digital video processing and communication technology has enabled the dream of high‐quality and real‐time video streaming over various networks. Compression technologies have bridged the gap between huge amount of visual data required for video streaming and limited bandwidth of communication channels. Communication networks, including wired and wireless networks, provide the platform for video streaming applications. However, video streaming is still a challenging problem due to limited network bandwidth, the presence of channel errors, and the variability in consumer terminals. In this article, we present an overview of scalable video streaming techniques that have been developed in recent years. These techniques include scalable video coding (SVC), video transcoding, and scalable video streaming methods. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The pathogenesis of the white matter abnormalities in phenylketonuria. A multimodal 3.0 tesla MRI and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) study
Authors: Leuzzi V. , Tosetti M. , Montanaro D. , Carducci C. , Artiola C. , Carducci C. , Antonozzi I. , Burroni M. , Carnevale F. , Chiarotti F. , Popolizio T. , Giannatempo G. M. , D'Alesio V. , Scarabino T.
Published: January 2007

Objective: To gain insights into the nature and pathogenesis of white matter (WM) abnormalities in PKU. Methods: Thirty‐two patients with phenylalanine hydroxylase deficiency (21 with early and 11 with late diagnosis and treatment) and 30 healthy controls underwent an integrated clinical, neuroimaging (3.0 T MRI, diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)) and neurochemical (1H MRS) investigation. Results: All patients had white matter abnormalities on T2‐weighted (T2W) and fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) scans; parietal white was consistently affected, followed by occipital, frontal and temporal white matter. T1‐weighted hypointense alterations were also found in 8 of 32 patients. DWI hyperintense areas overlapped with those detected on T2W/FLAIR. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was reduced and correlated inversely with severity of white matter involvement. Fractional anisotropy index, eigenvalues λmin, λmiddle, λmax obtained from DTI data, and the principal brain metabolites assessed by 1H MRS (except brain phenylalanine (Phe)) were normal. Brain Phe peak was detected in all but two subjects. Brain and blood Phe were strictly associated. Blood Phe at the diagnosis, patient's age, and concurrent brain Phe independently influence white matter alteration (as expressed by conventional MRI or ADC values). Conclusions: (a) MRI abnormalities in phenylketonuria are the result of a distinctive alteration of white matter suggesting the intracellular accumulation of a hydrophilic metabolite, which leaves unaffected white matter architecture and structure. (b) White matter abnormalities do not seem to reflect the mechanisms involved in the derangement of mental development in PKU. (c) Our data do not support the usefulness of conventional brain MRI examination in the clinical monitoring of phenylketonuria patients.
Cross‐situational coping with peer and family stressors in adolescent offspring of depressed parents
Authors: Jaser Sarah S. , Champion Jennifer E. , Reeslund Kristen L. , Keller Gary , Merchant Mary Jane , Benson Molly , Compas Bruce E.
Published: January 2007

Offspring of depressed parents are faced with significant interpersonal stress both within their families and in peer relationships. The present study examined parent and self‐reports of adolescents’ coping in response to family and peer stressors in 73 adolescent children of parents with a history of depression. Correlational analyses indicated that adolescents were moderately consistent in the coping strategies used with peer stress and family stress. Mean levels of coping were similar across situations, as adolescents reported greater use of secondary control coping (i.e., acceptance, distraction) than primary control coping (i.e., problem solving, emotional expression) or disengagement coping (i.e., avoidance) with both types of stress. Regression analyses indicated that fewer symptoms of self‐reported anxiety/depression and aggression were related to using secondary control coping strategies in response to family stress and primary control coping in response to peer stress. Implications for understanding the characteristics of effective coping with stress related to living with a depressed parent are highlighted.
Farm husbandry and the risks of disease transmission between wild and domestic mammals: a brief review focusing on bovine tuberculosis in badgers and cattle
Authors: Ward A. I. , Tolhurst B. A. , Delahay R. J.
Published: January 2007

Where wildlife act as a reservoir of disease for domestic mammals, measures solely based on management of either in isolation are unlikely to resolve the problem. Many such diseases can have serious economic implications for farmers and the economy and their management can present considerable challenges. Traditionally, wildlife populations have been culled in attempts to reduce the risks of disease transmission to livestock (e.g. bovine tuberculosis in European badgers and brushtail possums). However, this may be both undesirable and potentially counter-productive in some circumstances. Consequently, in recent years increasing attention has focused on changing livestock husbandry and farm management practices so as to reduce risks of disease transmission from wildlife to livestock. Here we present a brief review of husbandry and farm management practices that may influence disease transmission risks from wild to domestic mammals, with particular attention to bovine tuberculosis in the UK. We conclude that the manipulation of farming practices could potentially make a significant contribution to disease risk management. However, there are currently scant empirical data on risk reduction methods and further information will undoubtedly be required to inform husbandry best-practice.
The effect of varying levels of coconut oil on intake, digestibility and methane output from continental cross beef heifers
Authors: Jordan E. , Lovett D. K. , Hawkins M. , Callan J. J. , O'Mara F.P.
Published: January 2007

This experiment sought to establish the response to increasing levels of coconut oil (CO) supplementation with a fixed 0·50:0·50 forage:concentrate diet on intake, digestibility and methane (CH4) emissions. Sixteen continental cross beef heifers (mean starting weight 481±36 kg) were assigned randomly to one of four levels of CO; 0 g/day, 125 g/day, 250 g/day or 375 g/day in an incomplete (three periods) multiple (no. =4) Latin-square design experiment (no. =12 per treatment). A linear reduction in CH4 output occurred as the level of CO in the diet increased ( P<0·001) with the greatest reduction at the 375 g/day level (394, 341, 314 and 240 l/day for animals fed 0, 125, 250 and 375 g/day CO, respectively). As the level of CO increased dry-matter (DM) intake (DMI) decreased, however these differences were only statistically significant at the 375 g/day level ( P <0·001). The proportional reduction in CH4 output was greater than the proportional reduction in DMI and hence CH4 l/kg DMI decreased from 39·8 l/kg when no CO was given to 29·7 l/kg when 375 g/day CO was given. The addition of CO to the diet resulted in a significant decline in dry-matter digestibility (DMD) at the 375 g/day level (P<0·05). These data demonstrate that the inclusion of CO at levels from 0·013 to 0·045 of the dietary DM within a 0·50:0·50 silage and concentrate ration reduces CH4 production with no adverse effect on DMI or DMD up to the 250 g/day level (0·027 of dietary DM).
Trailing-edge noise reduction using derivative-free optimization and large-eddy simulation
Authors: MARSDEN ALISON L. , WANG MENG , DENNIS J. E. , MOIN PARVIZ
Published: January 2007

Derivative-free optimization techniques are applied in conjunction with large-eddy simulation (LES) to reduce the noise generated by turbulent flow over a hydrofoil trailing edge. A cost function proportional to the radiated acoustic power is derived based on the Ffowcs Williams and Hall solution to Lighthill's equation. Optimization is performed using the surrogate-management framework with filter-based constraints for lift and drag. To make the optimization more efficient, a novel method has been developed to incorporate Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) calculations for constraint evaluation. Separation of the constraint and cost-function computations using this method results in fewer expensive LES computations. This work demonstrates the ability to fully couple optimization to large-eddy simulation for time-accurate turbulent flow. The results demonstrate an 89% reduction in noise power, which comes about primarily by the elimination of low-frequency vortex shedding. The higher-frequency broadband noise is reduced as well, by a subtle change in the lower surface near the trailing edge.