bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanistic Analysis of Dislocation Damping in Single‐Crystal Magnesia Close to Its Melting Point
Authors: Pezzotti Giuseppe , Ota Ken'ichi , Nishida Toshihiko
Published: February 2008

Single‐crystal magnesia (MgO) that contained 0.004 wt% of iron as a major impurity was tested in torsional geometry, with respect to its damping response, up to temperatures close to its melting point. The MgO crystal was oriented so that maximum shear stress would be applied along the (110)<110> primary slip system of its rock‐salt cubic structure. Damping data were also collected as a function of torsional strain amplitude and analyzed according to a proposed mechanistic procedure for metallic alloys. The amplitude‐dependent decrement of the single‐crystal MgO at moderate strain amplitudes (10−5−10−4) qualitatively followed the predictions of the hysteretic dislocation damping theory (i.e., Granato‐Lücke theory). Using the results of this analysis, the binding energy that controlled dislocation motion was calculated from damping data. In addition, an attempt to semiquantitatively discuss the dislocation/atom binding energy in comparison with the theoretical prediction for the solute‐atom pinning mechanism has also been presented.
Cassiterite Solubility in High‐Silica K2O‐Al2O3‐SiO2 Liquids
Authors: Ellison Adam J. G. , Hess Paul C. , Naski Gerald C.
Published: February 2008

The saturation surface of cassiterite, SnO2, was determined for liquids in the system K2O–Al2O3–SiO2 as a function of bulk composition and temperature. At fixed K2O/Al2O3 cassiterite solubility varies weakly with SiO2 concentration (76 to 84 mol%), temperature (1350° to 1550°C), and log (fO2) (−0.7 to −5.3). Cassiterite solubility is also approximately independent of composition in liquids with molar ratios of K2O/Al2O3 lessthan equal to 1 (peraluminous liquids). As K2O/Al2O3 increases from 1 (peralkaline liquids), however, cassiterite solubility increases steeply and approximately linearly with K2O in excess of Al2O3. It is proposed that potassium in excess of aluminum combines with Sn4+ to form quasi‐molecular complexes with an effective stoichiometry of K4SnO4.
Geometrical Microstructural Development in Superplastic Silicon Nitride with Rod‐Shaped Grains
Authors: Kondo Naoki , Sato Eiichi , Wakai Fumihiro
Published: February 2008

The three‐dimensional microstructural development of silicon nitride ceramics that exhibit superplastic elongation (up to ɛ = 1.34) was analyzed using a stereological analysis method. According to the microstructural change from randomly oriented grains to aligned grains along the tensile direction, the average orientation angle between the tensile axis and the major axis of a grain decreased monotonously as the strain increased. The average grain aspect ratio remained almost constant up to ɛ = 0.88 and then started to increase. Based on the microstructural development, three different modes of the change in the grain configuration‐i.e., grain rotation, grain elongation, and grain translation‐were considered. It is suggested that the contributions of the three modes vary according to the microstructural development during the deformation.
Effects of Microstructure on the Dielectric and Piezoelectric Properties of Lead Metaniobate
Authors: Lee Ho Sung , Kimura Toshio
Published: February 2008

In an attempt to obtain dense PbNb2O6 ceramics, sintering experiments were conducted using starting powders with various particle sizes and different modifications (rhombohedral and orthorhombic structures). During sintering of rhombohedral powders, the phase transformation to the tetragonal phase promoted grain growth, resulting in poor densification. Sintering of orthorhombic powders, however, yielded dense ceramics through suppression of the phase transformation. Based on these results, ceramics with various densities and different microstructures were prepared, and their dielectric and piezoelectric properties were evaluated. The dielectric constant and Curie temperature were dependent on density, grain size, and crack density. Cracks and intragrain pores severely deteriorated the piezoelectric properties. Dense ceramics with the maximum coupling factors and piezoelectric strain constants were obtained by prolonged heating of a fine powder with orthorhombic structure.
Ferroelectric Thin Films of Bismuth‐Containing Layered Perovskites: Part III, SrBi2Nb2O9 and c‐Oriented Bi4Ti3O12 Template
Authors: Du Xiaofeng , Chen I‐Wei
Published: February 2008

Randomly and c‐oriented SrBi2Nb2O9 thin films have been obtained by a metalorganic decomposition (MOD) method using a highly c‐oriented Bi4Ti3O12 layer as a template. This templating procedure is generally applicable to other layered perovskites, and it has the advantage of lowering the temperature for crystallization and texture selection for these thin films. Moreover, the c‐oriented Bi4Ti3O12 template can serve as a bottom electrode at the same time. Ferroelectric and dielectric properties measured for SrBi2Nb2O9 films of different orientations reveal strong anisotropy following the general trend known for other layered perovskites. Systematic differences in polarization and coercive field can be consistently explained in terms of the different m values and the lack of lone‐pair electrons. The latter contribute to a higher polarization and a higher coercive field for SrBi2Nb2O9 thin films.
Crystallization of Whitlockite from a Glass in the System CaOP2O5SiO2MgO
Authors: Oliveira Ana L. , Oliveira José M. , Correia Rui N. , Fernandes Maria H. V. , Frade Jorge R.
Published: February 2008

The kinetics of crystallization of a glass with composition 30SiO2·24.14P2 O5·28.61CaO·17.25MgO (wt%) was studied with variable temperature, by differential thermal analysis. These results were interpreted according to revised theoretical models which describe the dependence of fraction crystallized on temperature and on the heating rate, and the dependence of the peak temperature on the rate of change in temperature. These models emphasize the differences in crystallization behavior between “as‐prepared” glass samples, and the corresponding previously nucleated samples. These differences in behavior suggest that the kinetics of crystallization comprises a nucleation stage at temperatures of about 730°C, and particle growth for temperatures higher than 800°C. The temperature dependence of the fraction crystallized corresponds to a very high value of activation energy for growth (≈763 kJ/mol), but this is still lower than the activation energy evaluated from the temperature dependence of viscosity.
High‐Strength Alumina/Alumina:Calcium‐Hexaluminate Layer Composites
Authors: An Linan , Ha Hyoung‐Chan , Chan Helen M.
Published: February 2008

The strength degradation of alumina/alumina:calcium‐hexaluminate/alumina trilayers, after damage from Hertzian contacts, is evaluated. Relative to the monolithic alumina and alumina:calcium‐hexaluminate constituent layer materials, the trilayers show markedly improved strength retention in the damaged state at high contact loads. The outer, fine‐grained alumina layers are classically brittle, characterized by cone cracking, whereas the inner alumina:calcium hexaluminate layer is essentially quasi‐plastic, with a well‐defined “yield” zone that consists of distributed microdamage. The improved strength behavior of the trilayer composite is rationalized in terms of a synergistic interaction between the contact‐induced deformation modes in the two layers, with each mode partially ne‐gating the effectiveness of the other as a source of failure. This result offers the prospect of hybrid structures with hard outer layers, to provide wear resistance, and soft, tough underlayers, to inhibit brittle fracture.
Permeability and Structure of Cellular Ceramics: A Comparison between Two Preparation Techniques
Authors: Innocentini Murilo D. M. , Sepulveda Pilar , Salvini Vania R. , Pandolfelli Victor C. , Coury José R.
Published: February 2008

This work presents a comparative study of structural and aerodynamic properties of cellular ceramics prepared by two different techniques: the ceramic replication of an organic substrate and the gelcasting of foams. Permeability constants calculated from Ergun's equation were related to their apparent porosity and pore size. The technique of gelcasting of foams yielded structures as porous as the replication technique does, but with smaller pores and a fully densified strut. This type of structure ensures a higher mechanical strength without a significant decrease in the permeability.
Effects of Oxide Content on the Glass‐Forming Ability of the Ga2S3‐Na2S System
Authors: Li Ruihua , Furniss David , Bagshaw Heath , Seddon Angela B.
Published: February 2008

Gallium–sodium–sulfide glasses have been shown to be the most promising host for the 1.3 μm fiber optic amplifier so far. However, the current study has revealed that the formation of stable glasses in this system relies on the existence of a certain amount of oxide in the composition. A glass‐forming region was identified when 3 mol% Ga2O3 was introduced into the melts. Both bulk crystallization and surface crystallization can take place in this system. The thermal behavior of the glasses obtained was studied by DTA and characteristic infrared and UV/visible transmission spectra are presented. The current results are discussed and compared with those previously reported.
Clinical features and mismatch repair genes analyses of Chinese suspected hereditary non‐polypsis colorectal cancer: A cost‐effective screening strategy proposal
Authors: Yan Hong‐Li , Hao Li‐Qiang , Jin Hei‐Ying , Xing Qing‐He , Xue Geng , Mei Qian , He Jin , He Lin , Sun Shu‐Han
Published: February 2008

China has the largest numbers of hereditary non‐polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) patients based on its population of 1.4 billion. However, the clinical data and mismatch repair (MMR) gene analyses have been limited. Here we performed microsatellite instability (MSI) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) analyses on a series of patients with a high‐risk for HNPCC: 61 patients with family histories fulfilling Amsterdam criteria II (ACII‐HNPCC) or suspected HNPCC criteria (S‐HNPCC), and 106 early onset colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Sixty late‐onset CRC patients were used as control. Methylation of the hMLH1 promoter was analyzed on tumors lacking hMLH1 expression. MMR germ‐line mutations were screened on patients with tumors classified as MSI‐H/L or negative for IHC. We identified 27 germ‐line MMR variants in the 167 patients with a high‐risk for HNPCC while only one germ‐line mutation in hMSH6 was found in the late‐onset CRC group. Of those, 23 were pathogenic mutations. The high incidence of gastric and hepatobiliary cancers coupled with the increasing number of small families in China reduces the sensitivity (43.5%, 30.4%) and positive predictive value (PPV) (45.5%, 17.9%) of the ACII‐ or S‐HNPCC criteria. MSI or IHC testing are highly sensitive in detecting pathogenic mutations (sensitivities = 91.3% and 95.6%, respectively), but the PPVs are quite low (25.6% and 27.8%, respectively). Considering that all 12 tumors with pathogenic mutations in hMLH1 also showed promoter unmethylation, the sensitivity of IHC in conjunction with hMLH1 promoter methylation analysis is not reduced, but the PPV was increased from 27.8% to 61.1%, and the total cost was greatly reduced. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 770–780)
MAGE‐C1/CT‐7 expression in plasma cell myeloma: Sub‐cellular localization impacts on clinical outcome
Authors: Tinguely M. , Jenni B. , Knights A. , Lopes B. , Korol D. , Rousson V. , Curioni Fontecedro A. , Cogliatti S. B. , Bittermann A. G. , Schmid U. , Dommann‐Scherrer C. , Maurer R. , Renner C. , Probst‐Hensch N. M. , Moch H. , Knuth A. , Zippelius A.
Published: February 2008

Plasma cell myelomas (PMs) have a poor prognosis. Cancer‐testis (CT) antigens are immunogenic proteins, representing potential targets for tumor vaccination strategies. The expression of the CT antigens GAGE, MAGE‐A4, MAGE‐C1/CT‐7, and NY‐ESO‐1 was investigated on paraffin‐embedded bone marrow biopsies from 219 PM and 8 monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) patients. The frequency and prognostic impact of these CT antigens were compared with known morphological prognostic markers (i.e. Mib1 labeling index) and the presence of the translocations t(4;14)(p16.3; q32) and t(11;14)(q13;q32). We show that MAGE‐C1/CT‐7 is the most prevalent CT antigen, expressed in 57% of PMs in a high percentage of tumor cells. While MAGE‐C1/CT‐7 was absent in non‐malignant plasma cells, plasma cells of patients with MGUS did express MAGE‐C1/CT‐7, but no other CT antigens. MAGE‐C1/CT‐7 was more frequently expressed in PMs with an elevated proliferation rate (Mib1 >10%) compared to PMs with a low proliferation rate (Mib1 ≤10%, 71%versus 29%, P < 0.001) and correlated with overall survival, depending on its subcellular distribution. PMs with pure cytoplasmic MAGE‐C1/CT‐7 expression showed a better prognosis (48 months versus 33 months, P < 0.05) than PMs with combined nuclear‐cytoplasmic or nuclear expression only. Thus, expression of MAGE‐C1/CT‐7 in patients with monoclonal gammopathies represents a predictor of outcome and overt malignant transformation. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 720–725)
Laboratory response to intranasal desmopressin in women with menorrhagia and platelet dysfunction
Authors: ROSE S. S. , FAIZ A. , MILLER C. H. , SAIDI P. , PHILIPP C. S.
Published: February 2008

Summary.  Intranasal desmopressin (IN‐DDAVP) is used for home treatment of menorrhagia in women with inherited bleeding disorders. The effect of IN‐DDAVP on laboratory haemostatic parameters in women with menorrhagia related to platelet dysfunction is unknown. We evaluated the effects of IN‐DDAVP on haemostatic parameters in women with menorrhagia and platelet dysfunction and correlated them with menstrual flow. Eleven women (aged 18–45) with menorrhagia and haemostatic abnormalities had determination of von Willebrand factor antigen (VWF:Ag), von Willebrand factor ristocetin cofactor (VWF:RCo) activity, factor VIII coagulant activity (FVIII:C), platelet aggregation and platelet adenosine tri‐phosphate (ATP) release pre‐IN‐DDAVP and 60‐min post‐IN‐DDAVP. Eight of eleven women underwent platelet function analyzer (PFA‐100) closure time determination with collagen/adrenaline and collagen/adenosine diphosphate cartridges pretreatment and post‐treatment. IN‐DDAVP was administered during two consecutive menstrual cycles. Menstrual flow was assessed during each cycle using a pictorial blood assessment chart. Treatment with IN‐DDAVP resulted in elevated VWF levels and shortened PFA‐100 closure time with significant inverse correlation between shortening of PFA‐100 closure times and increases in VWF levels. There were also significant inverse correlations between changes in menstrual flow and changes in VWF:Ag (P = 0.02), VWF:RCo (P = 0.04) and FVIII:C (P = 0.006), following treatment. In vitro platelet aggregation and platelet ATP release response did not correct and did not correlate with changes in menstrual flow. Our results demonstrate a correlation between haemostatic parameters and menstrual flow following IN‐DDAVP in women with menorrhagia and platelet dysfunction.
Clinical significance of oncogenic KIT and PDGFRA mutations in gastrointestinal stromal tumours
Authors: Lasota J , Miettinen M
Published: February 2008

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract. Despite clinicopathological differences, GISTs share oncogenic KIT or platelet‐derived growth factor‐alpha (PDGFRA) mutations. Imatinib, KIT and PDGFRA inhibitor, has been successfully used in the treatment of metastatic GISTs. There are primary KIT or PDGFRA mutations diagnosed before imatinib treatment, linked to GIST pathogenesis, and secondary mutations detected during treatment, causing drug resistance. KIT exon 11 mutations are the most common. Gastric GISTs with exon 11 deletions are more aggressive than those with substitutions. KIT exon 11 mutants respond well to imatinib. Less common KIT exon 9 Ala502_Tyr503dup mutants occur predominantly in intestinal GISTs and are less sensitive to imatinib. An Asp842Val substitution in exon 18 is the most common PDGFRA mutation. GISTs with such mutation are resistant to imatinib. PDGFRA mutations are associated with gastric GISTs, epithelioid morphology and a less malignant course of disease. GISTs in neurofibromatosis 1, Carney triad and paediatric tumours generally lack KIT and PDGFRA mutations. Secondary KIT mutations affect exons 13–17. GISTs with secondary mutations in exon 13 and 14 are sensitive to sunitinib, another tyrosine kinase inhibitor. KIT and PDGFRA genotyping is important for GIST diagnosis and assessment of sensitivity to tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
High prevalence of apical periodontitis amongst smokers in a sample of Spanish adults
Authors: Segura‐Egea J. J. , Jiménez‐Pinzón A. , Ríos‐Santos J. V. , Velasco‐Ortega E. , Cisneros‐Cabello R. , Poyato‐Ferrera M. M.
Published: February 2008

Aim  To study the prevalence of apical periodontitis in smoker and nonsmoker patients.

Methodology  In a cross‐sectional study, the records of 180 subjects, 109 smokers and 71 nonsmokers, were examined. All participants underwent a full‐mouth radiographic survey incorporating 14 periapical radiographs. The periapical region of all teeth, excluding third molars, was examined. Periapical status was assessed using the Periapical Index score. Statistical analyses were conducted using the Cohen’s Kappa test, analysis of variance and logistic regression.

Results  Apical periodontitis in at least one tooth was found in 74% of smokers and in 41% of nonsmokers (P < 0.01; odds ratio = 4.2; 95% C. I. = 2.2–7.9). Amongst smoker patients 5% of the teeth had apical periodontitis, whereas in nonsmoker subjects 3% of teeth were affected (P = 0.008; odds ratio = 1.5; 95% C. I. = 1.1–2.1). The percentage of root filled teeth in smoker and nonsmoker patients was 2.5% and 1.5%, respectively (P < 0.05; odds ratio = 1.7; C. I. 95% = 1.0–2.6).

Conclusions  In this study population, smoking was significantly associated with a greater frequency of root canal treatment and with an increased prevalence of apical periodontitis.
Top predators as indicators for species richness? Prey species are just as useful
Authors: Roth Tobias , Weber Darius
Published: February 2008

The use of surrogates to identify protected areas is a common practice in conservation biology. The use of top predators as surrogates has been criticized but recently a strong positive relationship was found between the presence of top predators and species diversity of several taxa. As mentioned by the authors, these striking results need to be assessed on a larger scale.

We used data from the Swiss Biodiversity Monitoring Programme and the Swiss breeding bird survey to analyse the use of raptor species as a surrogate for plant, butterfly and bird species richness. For each raptor species, we compared species richness in sites where a raptor species was recorded and compared these sites with the remaining sites in which the raptor species was not recorded. For comparison we conducted the same analyses using tits Parus spp. Tits are common prey species of some raptor species and were the most species‐rich generalist genus in our data.

We found little justification for a focus on top predators when identifying conservation areas. For bird and plant species richness, raptors were reasonable surrogates for high species richness but no raptor species predicted sites with above‐average butterfly species richness.

The presence of tit species performed equally as well as the presence of raptor species to predict sites with high species richness of birds and plants, and performed even better for predicting high butterfly species richness.

Synthesis and applications. Conservation planners using indicator species should be aware that relationships among higher taxa are complex and depend on the species group and the scale of analysis. As shown with the case of raptors, the usefulness of a biodiversity indicator can vary between adjacent areas even if the same species groups are analysed. We recommend the use of more than one indicator species from different taxonomic groups when identifying areas of high biodiversity.
Desert bird associations with broad‐scale boundary length: applications in avian conservation
Authors: Gutzwiller Kevin J. , Barrow Wylie C.
Published: February 2008

Current understanding regarding the effects of boundaries on bird communities has originated largely from studies of forest–non‐forest boundaries in mesic systems. To assess whether broad‐scale boundary length can affect bird community structure in deserts, and to identify patterns and predictors of species’ associations useful in avian conservation, we studied relations between birds and boundary‐length variables in Chihuahuan Desert landscapes. Operationally, a boundary was the border between two adjoining land covers, and broad‐scale boundary length was the total length of such borders in a large area.

Within 2‐km radius areas, we measured six boundary‐length variables. We analysed bird–boundary relations for 26 species, tested for assemblage‐level patterns in species’ associations with boundary‐length variables, and assessed whether body size, dispersal ability and cowbird‐host status were correlates of these associations.

The abundances or occurrences of a significant majority of species were associated with boundary‐length variables, and similar numbers of species were related positively and negatively to boundary‐length variables.

Disproportionately small numbers of species were correlated with total boundary length, land‐cover boundary length and shrubland–grassland boundary length (variables responsible for large proportions of boundary length). Disproportionately large numbers of species were correlated with roadside boundary length and riparian vegetation–grassland boundary length (variables responsible for small proportions of boundary length). Roadside boundary length was associated (positively and negatively) with the most species.

Species’ associations with boundary‐length variables were not correlated with body size, dispersal ability or cowbird‐host status.

Synthesis and applications. For the species we studied, conservationists can use the regressions we report as working models to anticipate influences of boundary‐length changes on bird abundance and occurrence, and to assess avifaunal composition for areas under consideration for protection. Boundary‐length variables associated with a disproportionate or large number of species can be used as foci for landscape management. Assessing the underlying causes of bird–boundary relations may improve the prediction accuracy of associated models. We therefore advocate local‐ and broad‐scale manipulative experiments involving the boundary types with which species were correlated, as indicated by the regressions.
The effects of animations on verbal interaction in computer supported collaborative learning
Authors: Sangin M. , Dillenbourg P. , Rebetez Cyril , Bétrancourt Mireille , Molinari Gaëlle
Published: February 2008

Abstract  This paper focuses on the interaction patterns of learners studying in pairs who were provided with multimedia learning material. In a previous article, we reported that learning scores were higher for dyads of an ‘animations’ condition than for dyads of a ‘static pictures’ condition. Results also showed that offering a persistent display of one snapshot of each animated sequence hindered collaborative learning. In the present paper, further analyses of verbal interactions within learning dyads were performed in order to have a better understanding of both the beneficial effect of animations and the detrimental effect of the presence of persistent snapshots of critical steps on collaborative learning. Results did not show any differences in terms of verbal categories between the two versions of the instructional material, that is, static versus animated pictures. Pairs who were provided with persistent snapshots of the multimedia sequences produced fewer utterances compared to participants without the snapshots. In addition, the persistent snapshots were detrimental both in terms of providing information about the learning content and in terms of producing utterances solely for the purpose of managing the interaction. In this study, evidence also showed that these two verbal categories were positively related to learning performances. Finally, mediation analyses revealed that the negative effect of persistent snapshots was mediated by the fact that peers of the snapshots condition produced less information providing and interaction management utterances. Results are interpreted using a psycholinguistic framework applied to computer‐supported collaborative learning (CSCL) literature and general guidelines are derived for the use of dynamic material and persistency tools in the design of CSCL environments.
Using a wiki to evaluate individual contribution to a collaborative learning project
Authors: Trentin G.
Published: February 2008

Abstract  One critical issue arising in the educational use of collaborative learning concerns the teacher's difficulty in evaluating the contribution and participation of each student in group‐work. This article aims to illustrate and discuss a methodology that enables evaluation of the collaborative learning process based on co‐writing in a wiki environment. After considering the effectiveness of co‐writing as a strategy of collaborative learning, the article will highlight issues regarding methods for evaluating each student's contribution to the collaborative process and to the group's overall action. A solution will be proposed to address the problem. It is based upon the elaboration of information traced automatically by wiki, employing survey grids and formulae developed ad hoc to calculate participation and contribution indexes. These tools will be illustrated together with their application in two university courses. Results demonstrate the added value given by the proposed approach to the evaluation process of co‐writing. However, these findings also highlight critical issues and some possible remedies for the lack of specific wiki functions to automatically extract information required for quantitative analysis of the actions taken by members of the learning group.
Dangerousness and mental health policy
Authors: HEWITT J. L.
Published: February 2008

Mental health policy development in the UK has become increasingly dominated by the assumed need to prevent violence and alleviate public concerns about the dangers of the mentally ill living in the community. Risk management has become the expected focus of contemporary mental health services, and responsibility has increasingly been devolved to individual service professionals when systems fail to prevent violence. This paper analyses the development of mental health legislation and its impact on services users and mental health professionals at the micro level of service delivery. Historical precedence, media influence and public opinion are explored, and the reification of risk is questioned in practical and ethical terms. The government's newest proposals for compulsory treatment in the community are discussed in terms of practical efficacy and therapeutic impact. Dangerousness is far from being an objectively observable phenomenon arising from clinical pathology, but is a formulation of what is partially knowable through social analysis and unknowable by virtue of its situation in individual psychic motivation. Risk assessment can therefore never be completely accurate, and the solution of a ‘better safe than sorry’ approach to mental health policy is ethically and pragmatically flawed.
Increasing the uptake of hepatitis C virus testing among injecting drug users in specialist drug treatment and prison settings by using dried blood spots for diagnostic testing: a cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hickman M. , McDonald T. , Judd Ali , Nichols T. , Hope V. , Skidmore S. , Parry J. V.
Published: February 2008

Summary.  The objective of this study was to assess whether introducing dried blood spot testing can increase hepatitis C virus (HCV) diagnostic testing. A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted. Sites were matched into pairs, with one site in each pair randomly allocated to receive the intervention (training and use of dried blood spot). Data were collected from all sites for 6 months before and 6 months after the start of the intervention. The participants were 22 specialist drug clinics and six prisons in England and Wales. The main outcome measure of this study was percentage point difference in individuals tested for HCV (the difference between the percentage of patients tested 6 months after and 6 months before the introduction of dried blood spot tests). Before the trial, 8% of patients at control and intervention sites had been tested for HCV, with 16 sites testing less than 5% of their caseload. The average percentage point difference between intervention and control sites was 14.5% (95% CI 1.3–28%, paired t‐test, P = 0.03); with 13 of the 14 pairs contributing to the positive effect of the intervention (Wilcoxon matched‐pairs signed‐rank‐test, P = 0.002). The size of the difference between intervention and control sites varied considerably. The study provides preliminary supporting evidence that dried blood spot testing may increase the uptake of HCV diagnostic testing, by increasing the opportunity for patients to be offered testing. Additional trials with a larger number of sites are justified, ideally in the context of drug and treatment policies that gave clearer priority (and targets) to infection control and testing.
The use of different Peg‐interferon α‐2b regimens plus ribavirin in HCV‐1b‐infected patients after rapid virological response does not affect the achievement of sustained virological response
Authors: Napoli N. , Giannelli G. , Antonaci A. , Antonaci S.
Published: February 2008

Summary.  In patients with chronic hepatitis C, rapid virological response (RVR) at week 4 of treatment seems to be strongly associated with a high probability of achieving a sustained virological response (SVR). The aim of this study was to investigate the outcome of different pegylated interferon‐α2b (Peg‐IFN‐α2b) dosages plus ribavirin (RBV) in patients with RVR. Forty‐five naïve patients chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐1b started Peg‐IFN‐α2b (1.5 μg/kg/week) in combination with weight‐based RBV doses (800–1200 mg/day). Thirty‐one patients (68.9%) attained RVR at week 4 of therapy, while four further patients showed negative HCV‐RNA values for the first time at week 12 and were considered early virological responders (EVR). The 31 RVR patients were randomized to receive either RBV plus 1.5 μg/kg/week (17 pts) or 1.0 μg/kg/week (14 pts) of Peg‐IFN‐α2b for the remaining 44 weeks. The two groups were matched for age, sex, baseline alanine aminotransferase levels, viral load and fibrosis score. After 6 months of post‐treatment follow‐up, the prevalence of SVR was 94.1% (16/17) among RVR patients treated with 1.5 μg/kg/week and 92.8% (13/14) in RVR patients treated with 1.0 μg/kg/week (P = not significant). A high‐baseline viral load (P = 0.01) and bridging fibrosis/cirrhosis (P = 0.02) negatively influenced the likelihood of achieving RVR. On the contrary, the ability of RVR patients to achieve SVR did not correlate with these baseline characteristics in either of the treatment group. Finally, the SVR rate among EVR patients who responded after more than 4 weeks of treatment was significantly lower than among RVR patients (1/4 = 25%vs 29/31 = 93.5%; P = 0.0058), because of a high prevalence of post‐treatment relapse among patients with EVR.
Population genetic analyses ofHypoplectruscoral reef fishes provide evidence that local processes are operating during the early stages of marine adaptive radiations
Authors: PUEBLA OSCAR , BERMINGHAM ELDREDGE , GUICHARD FRÉDÉRIC
Published: February 2008

Large‐scale, spatially explicit models of adaptive radiation suggest that the spatial genetic structure within a species sampled early in the evolutionary history of an adaptive radiation might be higher than the genetic differentiation between different species formed during the same radiation over all locations. Here we test this hypothesis with a spatial population genetic analysis ofHypoplectruscoral reef fishes (Serranidae), one of the few potential cases of a recent adaptive radiation documented in the marine realm. Microsatellite analyses ofHypoplectrus puella(barred hamlet) andHypoplectrus nigricans(black hamlet) from Belize, Panama and Barbados validate the population genetic predictions at the regional scale forH. nigricansdespite the potential for high levels of gene flow between populations resulting from the 3‐week planktonic larval phase ofHypoplectrus. The results are different forH. puella, which is characterized by significantly lower levels of spatial genetic structure thanH. nigricans. An extensive field survey ofHypoplectruspopulation densities complemented by individual‐based simulations shows that the higher abundance and more continuous distribution ofH. puellacould account for the reduced spatial genetic structure within this species. The genetic and demographic data are also consistent with the hypothesis thatH. puellamight represent the ancestral form of theHypoplectrusradiation, and thatH. nigricansmight have evolved repeatedly fromH. puellathrough ecological speciation. Altogether, spatial genetic analysis within and betweenHypoplectrusspecies indicate that local processes can operate at a regional scale within recent marine adaptive radiations.
Interspecies signalling via the Stenotrophomonas maltophilia diffusible signal factor influences biofilm formation and polymyxin tolerance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Ryan Robert P. , Fouhy Yvonne , Garcia Belen Fernandez , Watt Steven A. , Niehaus Karsten , Yang Liang , Tolker‐Nielsen Tim , Dow J. Maxwell
Published: February 2008

Interspecies signalling through the action of diffusible signal molecules can influence the behaviour of organisms growing in polymicrobial communities. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa occur ubiquitously in the environment and can be found together in diverse niches including the rhizosphere of plants and the cystic fibrosis lung. In mixed species biofilms, S. maltophilia substantially influenced the architecture of P. aeruginosa structures, which developed as extended filaments. This effect depended upon the synthesis of the diffusible signal factor (DSF) by S. maltophilia and could be mimicked by the addition of synthetic DSF. This response of P. aeruginosa to DSF required PA1396, a sensor kinase with an input domain of related amino acid sequence to the sensory input domain of RpfC, which is responsible for DSF perception in xanthomonads. Mutation of PA1396 or addition of DSF to P. aeruginosa led to increased levels of a number of proteins with roles in bacterial stress tolerance, including those implicated in resistance to cationic antimicrobial peptides. This effect was associated with increased tolerance to polymyxins. Homologues of PA1396 occur in a number of phytopathogenic and plant‐associated pseudomonads, suggesting that modulation of bacterial behaviour through DSF‐mediated interspecies signalling with xanthomonads is a phenomenon that occurs widely.
Relation between serum IL‐4, IL‐13 and IFN‐γ levels and recurrence of wheezing episodes in infants with acute bronchiolitis
Authors: Uzuner Nevin , Gurcu Ozlem , Olmez Duygu , Babayigit Arzu , Islekel Huray , Karaman Ozkan , Tezcan Dilek
Published: February 2008

Lower respiratory tract infections are the most important factors among various causes which trigger wheezing in the first year of life. The factors associated with episodic wheezing in children with acute bronchiolitis are still subjects of research. Infections, environmental factors, immunologic mechanisms are sorted as etiologic risk factors of episodic wheezing. We aimed to investigate the relationship between serum interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐13 and γ‐interferon (IFN‐γ) levels and recurrence of wheezing episodes in infants with acute bronchiolitis. One hundred twenty infants between 3 and 36 months with acute bronchiolitis enrolled in the study. Personal histories, clinical and laboratory data of infants were recorded. The patients were followed for a year. Venous blood samples were obtained to determine serum IL‐4, IL‐13, and IFN‐γ levels during acute bronchiolitis episode. The number of wheezing episodes was significantly higher in infants with a positive family history of allergy. A statistically significant correlation was determined between serum IL‐13 levels of infants and number of wheezing episodes. High serum IL‐13 levels and a positive history of allergy may have important roles in the recurrence of acute bronchiolitis.
High‐risk adenovirus‐infected pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic progenitor cell transplant recipients and preemptive cidofovir therapy
Authors: Anderson Evan J. , Guzman‐Cottrill Judith A. , Kletzel Morris , Thormann Kimberly , Sullivan Christine , Zheng Xiaotian , Katz Ben Z.
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  ADV has emerged as an important pathogen in children undergoing allogeneic HPCT. A prospective study of the epidemiology of ADV infection and preemptive therapy of high risk ADV infections in children undergoing HPCT was undertaken. Cultures of throat, urine, and stool for viral pathogens and plasma for ADV PCR were obtained prior to transplantation, weekly for the first 100 days, and then monthly for one yr. Children developing high‐risk ADV infections were treated preemptively with cidofovir 1 mg/kg/day given three times weekly for three wk. A case‐controlled study was performed to identify risk factors for high‐risk ADV infections. Seven (18%) of the 38 subjects developed high‐risk ADV infections usually within 100 days of HPCT and were preemptively treated with i.v. cidofovir at a dose of 1 mg/kg/dose three times weekly for nine doses. High‐risk ADV infections resolved in all seven patients without renal toxicity. CMV viremia occurred in two of seven patients during or shortly after therapy with cidofovir. A case–control study did not identify any risk factors that achieved statistical significance. Treatment with a modified dosing regimen of cidofovir was well‐tolerated and high‐risk ADV infections resolved in all patients.
Reliability of a composite measure of social inclusion for people with psychiatric disabilities
Authors: Lloyd Chris , Waghorn Geoff , Best Maria , Gemmell Stuart
Published: February 2008

Aim:  To assess the reliability of the components of a proposed composite measure of social inclusion for people with psychiatric disabilities.

Method:  The interview covered sociodemographics, domain‐specific socially valued role functioning, social support, stigma experiences, integration within the immediate psychosocial rehabilitation community, and integration within the wider neighbourhood community. Participants (n
1 = 28; n2 = 26) were recruited from a psychosocial rehabilitation setting. The candidate measures were assessed for short‐cycle test–retest reliability and internal consistency.

Results:  Several items were identified for removal from the stigma experiences and community integration subscales because of low test–retest reliability or for having not sufficiently contributed to internal consistency.

Conclusions:  The promising test–retest and internal consistency results warrant continuing the psychometric development of the composite measures of social inclusion and its applicability to community residents with psychiatric disabilities.
PROTEOMIC ANALYSIS IN CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES
Authors: Cieniewski‐Bernard C , Acosta A , Dubois E , Lamblin N , Beseme O , Chwastyniak M , Amouyel P , Bauters C , Pinet F
Published: February 2008

Cardiovascular diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in western countries. The molecular mechanisms responsible for heart dysfunction are still largely unknown, except in cases of genetic defects or alteration of genes and proteins.

The publication of genome sequences from humans and other species has demonstrated the complexity of biology, including the finding that one gene does not encode for only one protein but for several, due to mRNA splicing and post‐translational modifications.

Proteomic analysis can provide an overall understanding of changes in the levels of protein expression. Differential proteomics is a powerful tool for improving our understanding of integrated biochemical responses. The main techniques used are two‐dimensional electrophoresis (2D‐gel) and Surface‐Enhanced Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight (SELDI‐TOF) to separate proteins associated with mass spectrometry. Bioinformatic tools make it possible to compare protein profiles obtained from diverse biological samples.

The combination of these approaches has proved to be particularly interesting for studying cardiovascular diseases and thereby improving our understanding of the mechanisms involved and identifying new biochemical factors and biomarkers involved in these diseases.
RECENT ADVANCES IN THE GENETICS OF PHAEOCHROMOCYTOMA AND FUNCTIONAL PARAGANGLIOMA
Authors: Gimenez‐Roqueplo Anne‐Paule , Burnichon Nelly , Amar Laurence , Favier Judith , Jeunemaitre Xavier , Plouin Pierre‐François
Published: February 2008

Recent clinical and fundamental research studies have revolutionized our understanding of the genetics of phaeochromocytoma (PH) and functional paraganglioma (FPGL). It was widely thought that only 10% of PH patients had familial disease and that the malignant phenotype of PH could not be diagnosed before occurrence of the first metastasis.

Human genetic studies have now shown that 25–30% of patients have hereditary PH due to a germline mutation in the SDHB, SDHD, VHL, RET or NF1 gene and that the identification of a germline SDHB mutation is associated with a high risk of malignancy and a poor prognosis in PH/PGL patients.

Fundamental research studies have shown that SDH genes are tumour suppressor genes and that succinate dehydrogenase inactivation induces abnormal stimulation of the hypoxia‐angiogenesis pathway.

Finally various fundamental research studies, conducted through the Cortico and Medullo‐surrenale: les Tumeurs Endocrines (COMETE) network in France and by other groups worldwide, have produced new recommendations for genetic counselling and testing and for the management of PH patients. They have also improved our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in PH tumorigenesis.
PROMOTING PHYSIOLOGICAL HYPERTROPHY IN THE FAILING HEART
Authors: Pretorius Lynette , Owen Kate L , Jennings Garry L , McMullen Julie R
Published: February 2008

Heart failure rates have reached epidemic proportions in Western society.

New strategies proposed to improve cardiac function of the failing heart include regeneration, stem cell therapy, innovative methods for the revascularization of ischaemic cardiac tissue and the activation of signalling pathways that promote physiological growth (hypertrophy).

The insulin‐like growth factor 1‐phosphoinositide–3‐kinase pathway is a well characterized regulator of physiological hypertrophy.

In this mini‐review we present studies that suggest promoting physiological hypertrophy in the failing heart may be beneficial.
EFFECTS OF ATROPINE ON THE TIME AND FREQUENCY DOMAIN ESTIMATES OF BLOOD PRESSURE AND HEART RATE VARIABILITY IN MICE
Authors: Laude Dominique , Baudrie Véronique , Elghozi Jean‐Luc
Published: February 2008

Indices quantifying blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) variability have been recently developed and may be used to assess the contribution of the autonomic nervous system to cardiovascular fluctuations.

Cardiovascular variables were measured in eight conscious mice equipped with a BP telemetric device. Each recording session was conducted when the mice were at rest and included a control period, an injection of atropine methylnitrate (2 mg/kg) and a post‐treatment recording.

Time domain indices were the mean pulse interval (PI) and NN (the normal‐to‐normal intervals), mean HR, standard deviation of PI (SDNN), the square root of the mean of the sum of the squares of differences between adjacent PI (RMSSD) and the pNN8 (NN8 count divided by the number of NN intervals). Frequency domain indices of HR variability were the low frequency (LF) zone (0.15–0.60 Hz) and the high frequency (HF, respiratory sinus arrhythmia) zone (2.5–5.0 Hz) of the PI power spectrum. The time domain index of spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) was the slope of the linear PI and systolic BP relationship obtained using the sequence technique. The frequency domain indices of BRS were the gain of the transfer function between systolic BP and PI in the LF and HF bands.

Atropine markedly affected these variables, illustrating vagal predominance under resting conditions in mice. The preferable time and frequency domain indices for quantifying the vagal contribution to HR variability were the pNN8 and the LF gain.
IMPORTANCE OF SLEEP BLOOD PRESSURE
Authors: Morgan Trefor
Published: February 2008

Blood pressure varies throughout the day and night and is maintained at different times by different control systems.

During the awake interval, the sympathetic nervous system is preeminent but during sleep the renin angiotensin system is the controller.

Sleep blood pressure is a more powerful predictor of non‐haemorrhagic cerebro‐ and cardiovascular events in animals and humans, despite the sleep value being lower than the day value.

Drugs that act independently of the hormonal or neural systems, such as diuretics and calcium channel blockers, have similar effects during sleep and awake intervals. Beta‐blockers have little effect during sleep when the activity of the sympathetic is low while drugs that interfere with the action of the renin angiotensin system have a greater blood pressure lowering effect during sleep.

One aim of therapy should be to ensure that blood pressure is low during sleep and drugs should be used in doses that lower blood pressure throughout the 24 h period.
PROTEIN, FIBRE AND BLOOD PRESSURE: POTENTIAL BENEFIT OF LEGUMES
Authors: Lee Ya Ping , Puddey Ian B , Hodgson Jonathan M
Published: February 2008

Prevention of hypertension and improved blood pressure control can be achieved through dietary modification. In particular, population studies and randomised controlled trials have indicated a beneficial effect of both dietary protein and dietary fibre on level of blood pressure.

A large population study indicates that an increase in 37 g/day of protein leads to a decrease in mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure by approximately 3 and 2.5 mmHg, respectively. This protective effect is independent of the source of dietary protein.

Meta‐analysis suggests that a fibre increase of approximately 17 g/day will decrease systolic blood pressure by 1.15 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 1.65 mmHg, with soluble fibre showing a stronger effect than insoluble fibre.

Protein and dietary fibre may have additive effects to lower blood pressure. One feasible approach to increasing both protein and fibre in the daily diet could be through the incorporation of legumes, a protein‐ and fibre‐rich food.

This review assesses the evidence for effects of protein and fibre to reduce blood pressure and the potential of incorporation of legumes into the daily diet as a feasible approach to achieving such benefits for blood pressure.