bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving the evidence base for transfusion medicine: the work of the UK Systematic Review Initiative
Authors: Brunskill S. J. , Hyde C. J. , Stanworth S. J. , Dorée C. J. , Roberts D. J. , Murphy M. F.
Published: March 2009

summary Clarifying the existing evidence base is crucial to improve the effectiveness of transfusion practice. The UK Systematic Review Initiative has been pursuing this objective primarily through writing systematic reviews on important topics in transfusion medicine. Here, we describe our progress for the past 5 years. We are the only research group that identifies transfusion medicine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and to date, we have contributed 3002 RCT citations. The article considers future challenges including the need for wider involvement from the transfusion medicine community in the process of maintaining and updating systematic reviews and the identification and prioritization of topics for further clinical research including clinical trials. Collaboration between international and local research groups is important if these challenges are to be met.
Trypanosoma brucei gambiense in domestic livestock of Kogo and Mbini foci (Equatorial Guinea)
Authors: Cordon‐Obras C. , Berzosa P. , Ndong‐Mabale N. , Bobuakasi L. , Buatiche J. N. , Ndongo‐Asumu P. , Benito A. , Cano J.
Published: March 2009

Objective  To evaluate Trypanosoma brucei gambiense infection in peri‐domestic livestock from Kogo and Mbini foci (Equatorial Guinea) in order to investigate its possible implication in the sleeping sickness transmission cycle in these hypoendemic foci.

Methods  Samples from 698 domestic animals (goats, sheep and pigs) from trypanosomiasis‐endemic localities of Kogo and Mbini foci were tested for animal trypanosomes and T. b. gambiense (group I) by species‐specific polymerase chain reaction.

Results  Trypanosoma brucei s.l., the predominant trypanosome species, was detected in 182 (52.6%) samples from Mbini and in 127 (36.1%) samples from Kogo. T. b. gambiense was only identified in seven (2%) of the Mbini samples and one co‐infection (with T. vivax) was observed.

Conclusion  The occurrence of T. b. gambiense in peri‐domestic livestock in Mbini and its absence in Kogo could explain the epidemiological differences between the two foci and could have significant implications for sleeping sickness control in Equatorial Guinea.
Clinical features of microdeletion 9q22.3 (pat)
Authors: Shimojima K , Adachi M , Tanaka M , Tanaka Y , Kurosawa K , Yamamoto T
Published: March 2009

Congenital anomaly syndromes manifesting overgrowth are rare, and only a small number of recognized or defined conditions are known to be associated with overgrowth. Some of them are related to genomic imprinting as a genetic cause. We report a girl who showed pre‐ and postnatal overgrowth who was found to have a 2.3‐Mb deletion of 9q22.32 involving PTCH1, the gene responsible for Gorlin syndrome (nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome), by array‐comparative genomic hybridization analysis. Clinical re‐evaluation according to the diagnostic criteria was performed after identification of the PTCH1 deletion, and the patient was then diagnosed as having Gorlin syndrome. Further delineation involved unusual features including cerebellar dysplasia, an ectopic meninx on her shoulder, and an intraorbital hemangioma. Overgrowth is not a common finding in Gorlin syndrome. We reviewed 23 patients reported to have a 9q22 deletion. Five patients, including our patient, had overgrowth and loss of the paternal allele.
Lower‐leg growth rates in children with asthma during treatment with ciclesonide and fluticasone propionate
Authors: Agertoft Lone , Pedersen Søren
Published: March 2009

Agertoft L, Pedersen S. Lower‐leg growth rates in children with asthma during treatment with ciclesonide and fluticasone propionate. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2010: 21: e199–e205. © 2009 The Authors Journal compilation © 2009 Blackwell Munksgaard

Measurement of short‐term lower‐leg growth rate in children by knemometry has become established as an integral part of the available measures of systemic activity of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in children. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of the novel ICS ciclesonide (CIC) and the ICS fluticasone propionate (FP) on lower‐leg growth rate and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal‐axis function in children with mild asthma. In a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, three‐period crossover study, 28 children, aged 6–12 yr, sequentially received daily doses of CIC 320 μg, FP 375 μg (330 μg ex‐actuator) and placebo via a spacer in a randomized order. Each 2‐wk treatment period was followed by a 2‐wk washout period. Knemometry was performed at the beginning and end of each treatment period. Cortisol levels in 12‐h overnight urine were measured at the end of each treatment period. No statistically significant differences were seen in lower‐leg growth rates between CIC (0.30 mm/wk) and placebo (0.43 mm/wk) treatments. Lower‐leg growth rate during FP treatment (0.08 mm/wk) was significantly reduced compared with both placebo [least squares (LS) mean: −0.35 (95% CI: −0.53, −0.18; p = 0.0002)] and CIC [LS mean: −0.23 (95% CI: −0.05, −0.40; p = 0.0137)]. Cortisol levels in 12‐h overnight urine were significantly lower in the FP group when compared with CIC (p < 0.05); however, there were no statistically significant differences between each of the active treatments and placebo. CIC had no significant effect on lower‐leg growth rate in children aged 6–12 yr with mild asthma. In contrast, a similar dose of FP significantly reduced lower‐leg growth rate compared with placebo and CIC.
What factors shape rates of phenotypic evolution? A comparative study of cranial morphology of four mammalian clades
Authors: COOPER N. , PURVIS A.
Published: March 2009

Understanding why rates of morphological evolution vary is a major goal in evolutionary biology. Classical work suggests that body size, interspecific competition, geographic range size and specialization may all be important, and each may increase or decrease rates of evolution. Here, we investigate correlates of proportional evolutionary rates in phalangeriform possums, phyllostomid bats, platyrrhine monkeys and marmotine squirrels, using phylogenetic comparative methods. We find that the most important correlate is body size. Large species evolve the fastest in all four clades, and there is a nonlinear relationship in platyrrhines and phalangeriformes, with the slowest evolution in species of intermediate size. We also find significant increases in rate with high environmental temperature in phyllostomids, and low mass‐specific metabolic rate in marmotine squirrels. The mechanisms underlying these correlations are uncertain and appear to be size specific. We conclude that there is significant variation in rates of evolution, but that its meaning is not yet clear.
Species cohesion despite extreme inbreeding in a social spider
Authors: JOHANNESEN J. , MORITZ R. F. A. , SIMUNEK H. , SEIBT U. , WICKLER W.
Published: March 2009

Colonial social spiders experience extreme inbreeding and highly restricted gene flow between colonies; processes that question the genetic cohesion of geographically separated populations and which could imply multiple origins from predecessors with limited gene flow. We analysed species cohesion and the potential for long‐distance dispersal in the social spider Stegodyphus dumicola by studying colony structure in eastern South Africa and the cohesion between this population and Namibian populations previously published. Data from both areas were (re)analysed for historic demographic parameters. Eastern South African S. dumicola were closely related to an east Namibian lineage, showing cohesion of S. dumicola relative to its sister species. Colony structure was similar in both areas with mostly monomorphic colonies, but haplotype diversity was much reduced in eastern South Africa. Here, the population structure indicated recent population expansion. By contrast, Namibia constitutes an old population, possibly the geographic origin of the species. Both the comparison of the eastern South African and Namibian lineages and the distribution within eastern South Africa show the potential for long‐distance dispersal in few generations via colony propagation.
Evidence for gene recombination in FCGR3 gene variants
Authors: Blum K. S. , Tong Y. , Siebert R. , Marget M. , Humpe A. , Neppert J. , Flesch B. K.
Published: March 2009

Background and Objectives  The genes encoding the Fcγ receptors (FcγR) IIIa and IIIb (FCGR3A and FCGR3B) are clustered on chromosome 1 band q23–24 and exhibit allelic polymorphism. We investigated the molecular basis of additional new FCGR3 genomic variation.

Materials and Methods  A segment shared by FCGR3A and FCGR3B containing the polymorphic nucleotide positions 141, 147, 227, 266, and 277 in exon 3 was cloned and sequenced from genomic DNA of 30 donors and 3 bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones. A mixture consisting of isolated FCGR3B*2‐ and FCGR3A‐ plasmids was cloned and sequenced as well. Additionally, nucleotide databases were screened for clones with variant FCGR3 sequences.

Results  A total of 12 FCGR3 variants defined by the polymorphic positions were detected in whole blood genomic DNA from 23 of 24 FCGR3B*2 and/or FCGR3B*3 positive donors, the DNA from two of three BAC clones and in the DNA mixture of isolated FCGR3B*2‐ and FCGR3A‐ plasmids.

Conclusion  Nucleotide exchanges of the variants were non‐random and resulted from two alternative nucleotides present in one of the polymorphic position of the basic FCGR3 forms. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) artefacts cannot be excluded as origin of new variants, but there is strong evidence that at least two variants are the result of a somatic recombination.
A virally inactivated functional growth factor preparation from human platelet concentrates
Authors: Su C.‐Y. , Kuo Y. P. , Lin Y. C. , Huang C.‐T. , Tseng Y. H. , Burnouf T.
Published: March 2009

Background  Human platelet growth factors (HPGF) are essential for tissue regeneration and may replace fetal bovine serum (FBS) in cell therapy. No method for the manufacture of standardized virally inactivated HPGF has been developed yet.

Study design and methods  Platelet concentrates (PC) were subjected to solvent/detergent (S/D) treatment (1% TnBP/1% Triton X‐45), oil extraction, hydrophobic interaction chromatography and sterile filtration. Platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐AB, ‐BB and ‐AA, transforming growth factor‐ß1 (TGF‐ß1), epidermal growth factor (EGF), insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) and vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF) were measured by ELISA. Composition in proteins and lipids was determined, protein profiles were obtained by SDS‐PAGE, and TnBP and Triton X‐45 were assessed by gas chromatography and high‐performance liquid chromatography, respectively. Cell growth promoting activity of HPGF was evaluated by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐5‐(3‐carboxymethoxyphenyl)‐2‐(4‐sulfophenyl)‐2H‐tetrazolium (MTS) assay using human embryonic kidney (HEK293A) fibroblast and Statens Seruminstitute rabbit corneal (SIRC) epithelial cell lines.

Results  The GF preparation contained a mean of 16·66, 2·04, 1·53, 72·19, 0·33, 48·59 and 0·44 ng/ml of PDGF‐AB, ‐BB, ‐AA, TGF‐ß1, EGF, IGF‐1 and VEGF, respectively. The protein profile was typical of platelet releasates and had less than 2 p.p.m. of residual S/D agents. MTS assay of HEK293A and SIRC cultures showed that the GF preparation at 10% and 0·1% (v/v), respectively, could successfully replace 10% FBS for cell proliferation. Cell‐stimulating activity of HPGF on HEK293A was over twice that of PC releasates.

Conclusion  Standardized and functional virally inactivated HPGF can be prepared from human PC for possible applications in cell therapy and regenerative medicine.
The Feasibility of Producing Oil Palm with Altered Lignin Content to Control Ganoderma Disease
Authors: Paterson Robert R. M. , Moen Sariah , Lima Nelson
Published: March 2009

Oil palm is a major crop which is grown for the production of vegetable oil used in foods, cosmetics and biodiesel. The palm is of major economic importance in southeast Asia where it is grown extensively in Malaysia and Indonesia. There is concern about Ganoderma rots of oil palm which need to be controlled to prevent major infection. However, the basic mechanism of white‐rot infection has been ignored. White rot implies that fungi attack the lignin component of woody tissue leaving the white cellulose exposed. The fungus grows within palms by utilizing cellulose in the tree. By altering the lignin fraction of oil palm losses may be reduced. Methods for altering lignin in plants are reviewed here to indicate how similar transformations could be attempted for oil palm. In addition, progress in transforming oil palm is described. Lignin is extremely complex and this may explain why it has not been studied in oil palm. Some crops transformed with Bacillus thuringiensis toxin genes have increased lignin and modified oil palm have been produced using B. thuringiensis genes. These require to be tested for lignin concentration and structure. The nomenclature of the disease organism is discussed. The prospects for altered lignin oil palm are considered herein.
‘One sip won't do any harm . . .’: Temptation among women with inflammatory bowel disease/irritable bowel syndrome to engage in negative dietary behaviours, despite the consequences to their health
Authors: Schneider Margaret A , Jamieson Anne , Fletcher Paula C
Published: March 2009

The purpose of this research was to explore the dietary lived experiences of university‐aged women suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This paper will address the decision‐making process used by these women when contemplating the consumption of dietary temptations, despite the associated negative consequences. This phenomenological study was guided by heuristic inquiry. A purposive sample of eight women, between the ages of 18 and 23 years, who were living with IBD or IBS were recruited via postings and word‐of‐mouth. The findings indicate that these women occasionally felt compelled to give into dietary temptations, despite the consequences to their health. The decision‐making process they used when considering these negative health behaviours involved three personally controlled parameters. These three parameters included: assessing the cost–benefit relationship before engaging in these behaviours; having a physical and/or psychological reliance on medications to treat resulting symptoms; and through controlling the timing and surroundings in which they indulged in these negative dietary behaviours. The practical implications for health‐care professionals treating patients with IBD or IBS are discussed.
Surrogate decision‐maker for end‐of‐life care in terminally ill patients at Chiang Mai University Hospital, Thailand
Authors: Sittisombut Sudarat , Inthong Suwit
Published: March 2009

Surrogate decision‐maker for end‐of‐life care is indicated at certain points during care for patients with terminal illnesses. This study aimed at identifying person(s) to whom northern Thai patients with terminal illnesses wished to transfer their decisions on end‐of‐life care and for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. From interviews with 152 eligible subjects, 57.2% had a high regard for their physicians' authority in making decisions on end‐of‐life care, 28.3% transferred their decisions to relative(s) and only 14.5% opted for shared decision‐making among relative(s) and physicians. In the provision of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, 44.1% of subjects expressed a desire for family to make decisions together with physicians, 33.6% gave directives to the family alone and only 22.4% transferred their decisions to physicians. The differences that were observed in patients' preferences between the two situations indicate that patients should be assessed individually and adequate information for decision‐making should be provided.
Nursing information systems in Jordan
Authors: Hasna Fadia
Published: March 2009

This paper analyses how informatics are used in knowledge management in Jordan and includes conceptual frameworks for knowledge initiatives and an illustration of how data are transformed to knowledge through the processing of information; nursing informatics are mapped. Finally, applications of informatics in USA and Jordan are explored comparatively with focus on nursing roles in informatics and the key relevance to ethical challenges once these applications happen.
Clincial and pathological study of distal motor neuropathy with N88S mutation in BSCL2
Authors: Chen Bin , Zheng Riliang , Luan Xinghua , Zhang Wei , Wang Zhaoxia , Yuan Yun
Published: March 2009

Seipinopathy is an autosomal dominant inherited distal motor neuropathy caused by Berardinelli‐Seip congenital lipodystrophy 2 (BSCL2) gene mutations. We describe a Chinese family with seipinopathy in which nine patients from four successive generations were involved. The onset of age was from 13 to 40 years. Among them six were distal hereditary motor neuropathy type II with predominant weakness of lower extremities, while one of them was accompanied by pyramidal signs. The other three women were distal hereditary motor neuropathy type V with predominant atrophy of hands. Electrophysiological results in one patient demonstrated reduction of amplitude of compound muscle action potentials. Sural nerve biopsy showed loss of large myelinated fibers and fiber regeneration. Gene analysis revealed a heterozygous 263A→G mutation in BSCL2 gene resulting in amino acid substitutions in N88S. This report suggests that a different type of distal hereditary motor neuropathy could exist within one family carrying N88S mutations. The axonal degeneration of sensory nerves appeared also in the disease.
The overlap of corticobasal degeneration and Alzheimer changes: An autopsy case
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zheng Riliang , Wang Zhaoxia , Yuan Yun
Published: March 2009

The aspects of various neurodegenerative diseases can be observed overlapping with each other during autopsy. Corticobasal degeneration (CBD) is a rare neurodegenerative disease, whereas Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia. In this article, we present the combination of CBD and AD in an autopsy case. The patient, an 82‐year‐old right‐handed woman developed asymmetrical parkinsonism, visuospatial dysfunction and memory loss, as well as subsequent non‐influent aphasia over the past 10 years. The autopsy revealed characteristic CBD‐related pathology, ballooned neurons, globose tangles and astrocytic plaques, mainly in the frontal cortex and basal ganglia. The Alzheimer‐related pathology was also present concomitantly. Senile plagues deposited diffusively throughout the hippocampus and neocortices. Neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) were more confined to the hippocampus. The autopsy demonstrated pathological overlap of CBD and AD, which therefore explained the clinical early development of dementia and parkinsonism. We should suspect the concurrence of various neurodegenerative disorders in any case with atypical or complex clinical manifestations. Tau pathology is a prominent feature in both CBD and AD. Such a combination would be a clue for the pathogenesis of various tauopathies.
Do ethical Guidelines make a difference to decision‐making?
Authors: Osborn M. , Day R. , Komesaroff P. , Mant A.
Published: March 2009

Background: The different levels of knowledge and understanding of attitudes to and use by physicians of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) Guidelines for ethical relationships between physicians and the pharmaceutical industry are unknown. The aim of this study was to explore how physician Fellows of the RACP relate to and use the ethical Guidelines of the RACP regarding relationships with the pharmaceutical industry.

Methods: Focus group discussions and in‐depth face‐to‐face interviews were used to gather information from physicians who responded to invitations placed in electronic newsletters or through word of mouth.

Results: Five focus groups and eight in‐depth interviews were conducted with 56 practising physicians in Australia and New Zealand. Most physicians were aware of the RACP ethical Guidelines (3rd edition, 2006), but only a few used them to resolve ethical dilemmas or to influence their decision‐making in relation to interacting with the pharmaceutical industry. Ethical standards used or approaches to decision‐making practices related to interactions with the pharmaceutical industry were most likely to have been developed through past experiences, peer pressure or decisions that were considered to be ‘in the best interests of their patients’. There were strong opinions expressed about relationships with the pharmaceutical industry and how these relationships often lead to feelings of humiliation. Some felt they were prostituting themselves for the sake of acquiring funding for staff positions, medical devices, research or attendance at conferences. Very few physicians recollected having any assistance on how to deal with the pharmaceutical industry during their training, and those few who did recollect such input through their curricula and education felt they did not benefit.

Conclusion: RACP Guidelines on ethical guidance for relating to the pharmaceutical industry have not been used by most physicians, and very few had read or referred to the Guidelines. Reliance on ‘previous’ experience, opinions of peers and ‘value to patients’ had most influence on attitudes and behaviours in interactions with industry. Many physicians felt uncomfortable and embarrassed about interactions with industry, especially varying levels of dependence on industry for resources.
Radiation exposure and the justification of computed tomography scanning in an Australian hospital emergency department
Authors: Street M. , Brady Z. , Van Every B. , Thomson K. R.
Published: March 2009

In an emergency department (ED), computed tomography (CT) is particularly beneficial in the investigation of high‐speed trauma patients. With the advent of multidetector CT (MDCT) scanners, it is becoming faster and easier to conduct scans. In recent years, this has become evident with an increasing number of CT requests. Patients who have multiple CT scans during their hospital stay can receive radiation doses that have an increased theoretical risk of induction of cancer. It is essential that the clinical justification for each CT scan be considered on an individual basis and that due consideration is given to the radiation risk and possible diagnostic benefit. The current lack of a central State or Commonwealth data repository for medical images is a contributing factor to excessive radiation dosage to the population. The principles of justification and radiation risks are discussed in this study.
Redesigning care for chronic conditions: improving hospital‐based ambulatory care for people with osteoarthritis of the hip and knee
Authors: Brand C. A. , Amatya B. , Gordon B. , Tosti T. , Gorelik A.
Published: March 2009

Background: Osteoarthritis of the hip and knee is a highly prevalent chronic condition in Australia that commonly affects older people who have other comorbidities. We report the pilot implementation of a new chronic disease management osteoarthritis service, which was multidisciplinary, evidence‐based, supported patient self‐management and care coordination.

Methods: A musculoskeletal coordinator role was pivotal to service redesign and osteoarthritis pathway implementation. Impact evaluation included: service utilization, patient and general practitioner service experience, a ‘before and after’ audit of clinician adherence to recommendations, and 3‐ and 6‐month patient health outcomes (pain, physical function, patient and physician global health (Visual Analogue Scale), disability (Multi‐Attribute Prioritisation Tool), Partners in Health Scale and body mass index).

Results: A total of 123 patients, median age of 66 years, were assessed. Documentation of osteoarthritis assessment and management improved for all parameters. At 3 months there were improvements in self‐reported pain (P < 0.001), global function (P < 0.001), physician and patient reported global health (P < 0.001), Partners in Health Score (P < 0.001) and Hip and Knee Multi‐Attribute Prioritisation Tool score (P < 0.014). Body mass index did not improve. Patients and general practitioners reported positive experiences, but there was variable uptake of recommendations by patients. The main factors influencing uptake of recommendations were access block to community services in the first 3 months and patient preferences for therapy. The cost implications for implementation were low.

Conclusion: The osteoarthritis service model is feasible to implement, is well received by patients and staff, and provides a template for translation into other settings.
Pilot study of high‐sensitivity troponin T testing to facilitate safe early disposition decisions in patients presenting to the emergency department with chest pain
Authors: Paoloni R. , Kumar P. , Janu M.
Published: March 2009

Background: Many patients present to emergency departments with chest pain, but little is known about this population and the safest, most efficient testing strategies. We assessed clinical risk stratification of all patients with chest pain and, on a subset, utility of high‐sensitivity troponin at 4 and 6 h after pain onset in aiding disposition decisions.

Methods: Patients with intermediate or high‐risk chest pain presenting within 6 h of onset were eligible for detailed study of troponin testing and outcome. Confusion, inability to speak English or need for urgent angiography was exclusion. Troponin levels were performed on arrival and at 4, 6 and 10–24 h from chest pain onset. Follow up of 30 days assessed compliance with, and results of, further investigation.

Results: Chest pain accounted for 627 presentations over 112 days. Of 282 intermediate or high‐risk presentations 144 (51%) presented more than 6 h after onset. The detailed study enrolled 52 patients with a troponin rise observed in 26%. In no cases did troponin increase between 6 and 10 h and, in five cases, fell. Follow up was achieved in 96%. Eight high‐risk patients (40%) and four intermediate risk patients (13%) had positive stress tests. For discharged patients with outpatient investigations booked in emergency department 92% attended, while those with letters recommending investigations did not obtain testing.

Conclusion: These preliminary data suggest that high‐sensitivity troponin 6 h after chest pain onset may be diagnostically useful. Marked differences in outpatient testing attendance suggest bookings should be made before discharge.
ThinPrep Pap‐smear and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in reproductive‐aged Thai women
Authors: Rugpao S. , Koonlertkit S. , Ruengkrist T. , Lamlertkittikul S. , Pinjaroen S. , Limtrakul A. , Werawatakul Y. , Sinchai W.
Published: March 2009

Objective:  To estimate the incidence of abnormal cervical cytology by ThinPrep Pap‐tests and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in young adult reproductive‐aged Thai women.

Method:  A total of 1254 women distributed in all regions of Thailand were monitored from 2002 through 2004. Women were screened for abnormal cervical cytology using the ThinPrep method every 6 months. Interpretation of cervical cytology was based on the Bethesda system, version 2001. Women who had the ThinPrep Pap results as atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance or worse underwent colposcopic examination. The ThinPrep and all cervical tissue samples obtained from diagnostic or therapeutic procedures were analyzed and reviewed by Covance Central Laboratory Service, Inc., Indianapolis, USA.

Result:  The cumulative incidence of abnormal ThinPrep Pap‐tests was as follows: 15.3 per 100 woman years (WY) (95% confidence interval [CI] 12.3, 18.9) at 6 months; 12.3 per 100 WY (95% CI 10.3, 14.6) at 12 months; and 11.6 per 100 WY (95% CI 10.0, 13.5) at 18 months. Of 1448.6 woman years of follow up, the incidence of CIN1 was 4.1 per 100 WY (95% CI 3.2, 5.3); CIN2 0.8 per 100 WY (95% CI 0.4, 1.4); and CIN3 0.6 per 100 WY (95% CI 0.3, 1.2).

Conclusion:  The incidence of abnormal ThinPrep Pap‐test and CIN in young adult Thai women had been reported. No comparable data is available.
Effect of second non‐singular term of mode I near the tip of a V‐notched crack
Authors: KIM J. K. , CHO S. B.
Published: March 2009

The effect of a second non‐singular term of mode I in the vicinity of the tip of a V‐notched crack is discussed. The undetermined eigenvector coefficients of singular and non‐singular terms of eigenfunction expansion were calculated by the numerical analysis method using the reciprocal work contour integral method (RWCIM) based on Betti's reciprocal work theorem and finite‐element analysis. This study demonstrates that the second non‐singular term of mode I can have a significant effect on the size and shape of plastic zones as an additional fracture mechanics parameter along with the conventional parameter K.
Automated dynamic fracture procedure for modelling mixed‐mode crack propagation using explicit time integration brick finite elements
Authors: AMINJIKARAI S. B. , TABIEI A.
Published: March 2009

Several fracture codes have been developed in recent years to perform analyses of dynamic crack propagation in arbitrary directions. However, general‐purpose, commercial finite‐element software which have capabilities to do fracture analyses are still limited in their use to stationary cracks and crack propagation along trajectories known a priori. In this paper, we present an automated fracture procedure implemented in the large‐scale, nonlinear, explicit, finite‐element code DYNA3D which can be used to simulate dynamic crack propagation in arbitrary directions. The model can be used to perform both generation‐ and application‐phase simulations of self‐similar as well as non‐self‐similar dynamic crack propagation in linear elastic structures without user intervention. It is developed based on dynamic fracture mechanics concepts and implemented for three‐dimensional solid elements. Energy approach is used in the model to check for crack initiation/propagation. Dynamic energy release rate and stress intensity factors are determined from far‐field finite‐element field solutions using finite‐domain integrals. Fracture toughness is input as a function of crack‐tip velocity, and when the criterion for crack growth is satisfied, an element deletion‐and‐replacement re‐meshing procedure is used along with a gradual nodal release technique to update the crack geometry and model the crack propagation. Direction of crack propagation is determined using the maximum circumferential stress criterion. Numerical simulations of experiments involving non‐self‐similar crack propagation are performed, and results are presented as verification examples.
Roles of mGluR5 in synaptic function and plasticity of the mouse thalamocortical pathway
Authors: She Wei‐Chi , Quairiaux Charles , Albright Michael J. , Wang Yu‐Chi , Sanchez Denisse E. , Chang Poh‐Shing , Welker Egbert , Lu Hui‐Chen
Published: March 2009

The group I metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) has been implicated in the development of cortical sensory maps. However, its precise roles in the synaptic function and plasticity of thalamocortical (TC) connections remain unknown. Here we first show that in mGluR5 knockout (KO) mice bred onto a C57BL6 background cytoarchitectonic differentiation into barrels is missing, but the representations for large whiskers are identifiable as clusters of TC afferents. The altered dendritic morphology of cortical layer IV spiny stellate neurons in mGluR5 KO mice implicates a role for mGluR5 in the dendritic morphogenesis of excitatory neurons. Next, in vivo single‐unit recordings of whisker‐evoked activity in mGluR5 KO adults demonstrated a preserved topographical organization of the whisker representation, but a significantly diminished temporal discrimination of center to surround whiskers in the responses of individual neurons. To evaluate synaptic function at TC synapses in mGluR5 KO mice, whole‐cell voltage‐clamp recording was conducted in acute TC brain slices prepared from postnatal day 4–11 mice. At mGluR5 KO TC synapses, N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) currents decayed faster and synaptic strength was more easily reduced, but more difficult to strengthen by Hebbian‐type pairing protocols, despite a normal developmental increase in α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR)‐mediated currents and presynaptic function. We have therefore demonstrated that mGluR5 is required for synaptic function/plasticity at TC synapses as barrels are forming, and we propose that these functional alterations at the TC synapse are the basis of the abnormal anatomical and functional development of the somatosensory cortex in the mGluR5 KO mouse.
Fenton chemistry and oxidative stress mediate the toxicity of the β‐amyloid peptide in a Drosophila model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Rival Thomas , Page Richard M. , Chandraratna Dhianjali S. , Sendall Timothy J. , Ryder Edward , Liu Beinan , Lewis Huw , Rosahl Thomas , Hider Robert , Camargo L. M. , Shearman Mark S. , Crowther Damian C. , Lomas David A.
Published: March 2009

The mechanism by which aggregates of the β‐amyloid peptide (Aβ) mediate their toxicity is uncertain. We show here that the expression of the 42‐amino‐acid isoform of Aβ (Aβ1–42) changes the expression of genes involved in oxidative stress in a Drosophila model of Alzheimer’s disease. A subsequent genetic screen confirmed the importance of oxidative stress and a molecular dissection of the steps in the cellular metabolism of reactive oxygen species revealed that the iron‐binding protein ferritin and the H2O2 scavenger catalase are the most potent suppressors of the toxicity of wild‐type and Arctic (E22G) Aβ1–42. Likewise, treatment with the iron‐binding compound clioquinol increased the lifespan of flies expressing Arctic Aβ1–42. The effect of iron appears to be mediated by oxidative stress as ferritin heavy chain co‐expression reduced carbonyl levels in Aβ1–42 flies by 65% and restored the survival and locomotion function to normal. This was achieved despite the presence of elevated levels of the Aβ1–42. Taken together, our data show that oxidative stress, probably mediated by the hydroxyl radical and generated by the Fenton reaction, is essential for Aβ1–42 toxicity in vivo and provide strong support for Alzheimer’s disease therapies based on metal chelation.
The induction of HIF‐1 reduces astrocyte activation by amyloid beta peptide
Authors: Schubert David , Soucek Thomas , Blouw Barbara
Published: March 2009

Reduced glucose metabolism and astrocyte activation in selective areas of the brain are pathological features of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The underlying mechanisms of low energy metabolism and a molecular basis for preventing astrocyte activation are not, however, known. Here we show that amyloid beta peptide (Aβ)‐dependent astrocyte activation leads to a long‐term decrease in hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1α expression and a reduction in the rate of glycolysis. Glial activation and the glycolytic changes are reversed by the maintenance of HIF‐1α levels with conditions that prevent the proteolysis of HIF‐1α. Aβ increases the long‐term production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through the activation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase and reduces the amount of HIF‐1α via the activation of the proteasome. ROS are not required for glial activation, but are required for the reduction in glycolysis. These data suggest a significant role for HIF‐1α‐mediated transcription in maintaining the metabolic integrity of the AD brain and identify the probable cause of the observed lower energy metabolism in afflicted areas. They may also explain the therapeutic success of metal chelators in animal models of AD.
Substrate incorporation patterns of bacterioplankton populations in stratified and mixed waters of a humic lake
Authors: Buck Ulrike , Grossart Hans‐Peter , Amann Rudolf , Pernthaler Jakob
Published: March 2009

Bacterial incorporation of glucose, leucine, acetate and 4‐hydroxybenzoic acid (HBA) was investigated in an artificially divided humic lake (Grosse Fuchskuhle, Germany). Two basins with contrasting influx of allochthonous organic carbon were sampled during late summer stratification (oxic and anoxic layers) and after autumn mixing. High total and cell‐specific incorporation rates were observed for glucose and HBA in stratified and mixed waters respectively, but only a small fraction of bacteria visibly incorporated HBA. The oxic layer of the more humic‐rich basin featured a significantly lower fraction of glucose incorporating cells and substantially higher proportions of acetate assimilating bacteria. Niche differentiation was observed in two betaproteobacterial populations: cells affiliated with the Polynucleobacter C subcluster efficiently incorporated acetate but little glucose, whereas the opposite was found for members of the R‐BT065 clade. By contrast, leucine incorporation was variable in both taxa. Considering the high concentrations and rapid photochemical generation of organic acids in humic waters our results may help to explain the success of the Polynucleobacter C lineage in such habitats. Specific substrate or habitat preferences were also present in three subgroups of the actinobacterial acI lineage: The numerically dominant clade in oxic waters (acI‐840‐1) was absent in the anoxic zone and did not incorporate acetate. A second group (acI‐840‐2) was found both in the epi‐ and hypolimnion, whereas the third one (acI‐840‐3) only occurred in anoxic waters. Altogether our results suggest a constitutive preference for some substrates versus an adaptive utilization of others in the studied microbial groups.
A randomized clinical trial comparing the effect of basal insulin and inhaled mealtime insulin on glucose variability and oxidative stress
Authors: Siegelaar S. E. , Kulik W. , Van Lenthe H. , Mukherjee R. , Hoekstra J. B. L. , DeVries J. H.
Published: March 2009

Aim:  To assess the effect of three times daily mealtime inhaled insulin therapy compared with once daily basal insulin glargine therapy on 72‐h glucose profiles, glucose variability and oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes patients.

Methods:  In an inpatient crossover study, 40 subjects with type 2 diabetes were randomized to receive 9 days of inhaled insulin three times daily before meals or 9 days of glargine administered in the morning before breakfast in a randomized order. During the last 72 h in each phase, glucose was measured with continuous glucose monitoring. Activation of oxidative stress was measured by determining the 15(S)‐8‐iso‐PGF2α‐secretion in 24‐h urine samples.

Results:  Inhaled insulin improved overall and postprandial glucose control significantly better than insulin glargine (p < 0.0001). There was a trend towards a greater reduction in glucose variability (8–9%) in the inhaled group [p = 0.1430 and p = 0.3298 for mean amplitude of glycaemic excursions (MAGEs) and mean of daily differences respectively]. Oxidative stress, estimated by determining the urinary isoprostane excretion (15(S)‐8‐iso‐PGF2α), was equally reduced from baseline by both treatments. No correlation was found between glucose variability and oxidative stress in both groups.

Conclusions:  This study showed a mealtime insulin approach to improve glycaemic control more than a basal insulin approach. These findings indicate also that lowering glucose using insulin treatment lowers oxidative stress over time, at least for the study period of 9 days, in type 2 diabetes patients. Contrary to earlier data, we found no correlation between glucose variability (MAGE) and oxidative stress (15(S)‐8‐iso‐PGF2α) in this study.
Adaptive training leads to sustained enhancement of poor working memory in children
Authors: Holmes Joni , Gathercole Susan E. , Dunning Darren L.
Published: March 2009

Working memory plays a crucial role in supporting learning, with poor progress in reading and mathematics characterizing children with low memory skills. This study investigated whether these problems can be overcome by a training program designed to boost working memory. Children with low working memory skills were assessed on measures of working memory, IQ and academic attainment before and after training on either adaptive or non‐adaptive versions of the program. Adaptive training that taxed working memory to its limits was associated with substantial and sustained gains in working memory, with age‐appropriate levels achieved by the majority of children. Mathematical ability also improved significantly 6 months following adaptive training. These findings indicate that common impairments in working memory and associated learning difficulties may be overcome with this behavioral treatment.
Predicting Display Visibility Under Dynamically Changing Lighting Conditions
Authors: Aydin Tunç Ozan , Myszkowski Karol , Seidel Hans‐Peter
Published: March 2009

Display devices, more than ever, are finding their ways into electronic consumer goods as a result of recent trends in providing more functionality and user interaction. Combined with the new developments in display technology towards higher reproducible luminance range, the mobility and variation in capability of display devices are constantly increasing. Consequently, in real life usage it is now very likely that the display emission to be distorted by spatially and temporally varying reflections, and the observer's visual system to be not adapted to the particular display that she is viewing at that moment. The actual perception of the display content cannot be fully understood by only considering steady‐state illumination and adaptation conditions. We propose an objective method for display visibility analysis formulating the problem as a full‐reference image quality assessment problem, where the display emission under “ideal” conditions is used as the reference for real‐life conditions. Our work includes a human visual system model that accounts for maladaptation and temporal recovery of sensitivity. As an example application we integrate our method to a global illumination simulator and analyze the visibility of a car interior display under realistic lighting conditions.
Temporal Glare: Real‐Time Dynamic Simulation of the Scattering in the Human Eye
Authors: Ritschel T. , Ihrke M. , Frisvad J. R. , Coppens J. , Myszkowski K. , Seidel H.‐P.
Published: March 2009

Glare is a consequence of light scattered within the human eye when looking at bright light sources. This effect can be exploited for tone mapping since adding glare to the depiction of high‐dynamic range (HDR) imagery on a low‐dynamic range (LDR) medium can dramatically increase perceived contrast. Even though most, if not all, subjects report perceiving glare as a bright pattern that fluctuates in time, up to now it has only been modeled as a static phenomenon. We argue that the temporal properties of glare are a strong means to increase perceived brightness and to produce realistic and attractive renderings of bright light sources. Based on the anatomy of the human eye, we propose a model that enables real‐time simulation of dynamic glare on a GPU. This allows an improved depiction of HDR images on LDR media for interactive applications like games, feature films, or even by adding movement to initially static HDR images. By conducting psychophysical studies, we validate that our method improves perceived brightness and that dynamic glare‐renderings are often perceived as more attractive depending on the chosen scene.
Energy Aware Color Sets
Authors: Chuang Johnson , Weiskopf Daniel , Möller Torsten
Published: March 2009

We present a design technique for colors with the purpose of lowering the energy consumption of the display device. Our approach is based on a screen space variant energy model. The result of our design is a set of distinguishable iso‐lightness colors guided by perceptual principles. We present two variations of our approach. One is based on a set of discrete user‐named (categorical) colors, which are analyzed according to their energy consumption. The second is based on the constrained continuous optimization of color energy in the perceptually uniform CIELAB color space. We quantitatively compare our two approaches with a traditional choice of colors, demonstrating that we typically save approximately 40 percent of the energy. The color sets are applied to examples from the 2D visualization of nominal data and volume rendering of 3D scalar fields.
Hydraulic Erosion Using Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics
Authors: Krištof P. , Beneš B. , Křivánek J. , Št'ava O.
Published: March 2009

This paper presents a new technique for modification of 3D terrains by hydraulic erosion. It efficiently couples fluid simulation using a Lagrangian approach, namely the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) method, and a physically‐based erosion model adopted from an Eulerian approach. The eroded sediment is associated with the SPH particles and is advected both implicitly, due to the particle motion, and explicitly, through an additional velocity field, which accounts for the sediment transfer between the particles. We propose a new donor‐acceptor scheme for the explicit advection in SPH. Boundary particles associated to the terrain are used to mediate sediment exchange between the SPH particles and the terrain itself. Our results show that this particle‐based method is efficient for the erosion of dense, large, and sparse fluid. Our implementation provides interactive results for scenes with up to 25,000 particles.
Bidirectional Importance Sampling for Unstructured Direct Illumination
Authors: Wang Rui , Åkerlund Oskar
Published: March 2009

Recent research in bidirectional importance sampling has focused primarily on structured illumination sources such as distant environment maps, while unstructured illumination has received little attention. In this paper, we present a method for bidirectional importance sampling of unstructured illumination, allowing us to use the same method for sampling both distant as well as local/indirect sources. Building upon recent work in [WFA*05], we model complex illumination as a large set of point lights. The subsequent sampling process draws samples only from this point set. We start by constructing a piecewise constant approximation for the lighting using an illumination cut [CPWAP08]. We show that this cut can be used directly for illumination importance sampling. We then use BRDF importance sampling followed by sample counting to update the cut, resulting in a bidirectional distribution that closely approximates the product of the illumination and BRDF. Drawing visibility samples from this new distribution significantly reduces the sampling variance. As a main advance over previous work, our method allows for unstructured sources, including arbitrary local direct lighting and one‐bounce of indirect lighting.
Modal Locomotion: Animating Virtual Characters with Natural Vibrations
Authors: Kry P.G. , Reveret L. , Faure F. , Cani M.‐P.
Published: March 2009

We present a general method to intuitively create a wide range of locomotion controllers for 3D legged characters. The key of our approach is the assumption that efficient locomotion can exploit the natural vibration modes of the body, where these modes are related to morphological parameters such as the shape, size, mass, and joint stiffness. The vibration modes are computed for a mechanical model of any 3D character with rigid bones, elastic joints, and additional constraints as desired. A small number of vibration modes can be selected with respect to their relevance to locomotion patterns and combined into a compact controller driven by very few parameters. We show that these controllers can be used in dynamic simulations of simple creatures, and for kinematic animations of more complex creatures of a variety of shapes and sizes.