bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pituitary stalk hemangioblastomas in von Hippel–Lindau disease
Authors: Lonser Russell R. , Butman John A. , Kiringoda Ruwan , Song Debbie , Oldfield Edward H.
Published: October 2008

Object

Pituitary stalk hemangioblastomas are rare, and information on them is limited to a small number of case reports. To gain insight into the incidence, clinical effects, and management of pituitary stalk hemangioblastomas, the authors analyzed a series of patients with von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) disease.

Methods

Patients with VHL disease who were enrolled in a prospective National Institutes of Health natural history study were included. Clinical, imaging, and laboratory findings were analyzed.

Results

Two hundred fifty patients were included in the study (120 male and 130 female patients). In 8 patients (3%), 8 pituitary stalk hemangioblastomas were identified on MR imaging. This anatomical location was the most common supratentorial site for these lesions; 29% of all supratentorial hemangioblastomas were found there. The mean (± standard deviation) pituitary stalk hemangioblastoma volume was 0.5 ± 0.9 cm3 (range 0.08–2.8 cm3). Results of endocrine laboratory profiles were normal in all patients. All patients remained asymptomatic and none required treatment during the follow-up period (mean duration 41.4 ± 14.4 months).

Conclusions

The pituitary stalk is the most common site for the development of supratentorial hemangioblastomas in patients with VHL disease. Pituitary stalk hemangioblastomas often remain asymptomatic and do not require treatment. These findings indicate that pituitary stalk hemangioblastomas in patients with VHL disease may be managed with observation and that surgery for them can be reserved until associated signs or symptoms occur.
Waterjet dissection of the vestibulocochlear nerve: an experimental study
Authors: Tschan Christoph , Gaab Michael Robert , Krauss Joachim Kurt , Oertel Joachim
Published: October 2008

Object

Waterjet dissection has been shown to protect intracerebral vessels, but no experience exists in applying this modality to the cranial nerves. To evaluate its potential, the authors examined waterjet dissection of the vestibulocochlear nerve in rats.

Methods

Lateral suboccipital craniectomy and microsurgical preparation of the vestibulocochlear nerve were performed in 42 rats. Water pressures of 2–10 bar were applied, and the effect was microscopically evaluated. Auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) were used to define nerve function compared with preoperative values and the healthy contralateral side. The final anatomical preparation documented the morphological and histological effects of waterjet pressure on the nerve.

Results

In using up to 6 bar, the cochlear nerve was preserved in all cases. Eight bar moderately damaged the nerve surface. A 10-bar jet markedly damaged or even completely dissected the nerve. Time course analysis of the ABR demonstrated complete functional nerve preservation up to 6 bar after 6 weeks in all rats. Waterjet dissection with 8 bar was associated with a 60% recovery of ABR. In the 10-bar group, no recovery was seen.

Conclusions

Microsurgical dissection of cranial nerves is possible using waterjet dissection while preserving both morphology and function. The aforementioned jet pressures are known to be effective in neurosurgical treatment of tumors. Thus, waterjet dissection may be useful in skull base surgery including dissection of cranial nerves from tumors. Further studies on this subject are encouraged.
Discussing responsibility and ways of influencing health
Authors: Jolanki Outi
Published: October 2008

In this discursive study of four group discussions, I examine how the study participants respond to questions about the possibilities of individuals to influence their own health and their responsibility for health, and what is the role of old age in this context. One key finding was that the participants balanced between seeing health as a do-it-yourself matter and on the other hand as a matter of fate or chance. The participants did not question the idea that they could influence their health or assume responsibility for their own health, but they did raise several factors that limit individual influence. Focus groups proved to be an appropriate data collection method for studying morally laden and potentially sensitive issues. It is suggested that the findings of this small-scale study echo broader western discourses on health and old age and contemporary cultural and social developments.
The interface between formal and informal support in advanced old age: A 10-year study
Authors: Franca Armi , Guilley Edit , Lalive d´Epinay Christian J.
Published: October 2008

The aim of this paper is to investigate the interface between the formal and informal support provided to very old people against a background of increasing need for care and a decreasing number of potential informal caregivers. We used a sample of 323 community-dwelling octogenarians participating in the Swiss Interdisciplinary Longitudinal Study on the Oldest Old (SWILSOO) (n=1441 interviews). Descriptive analyses and a multilevel model were used to test whether formal and informal services complemented or substituted one another. The study revealed that the amount of informal services increased significantly as the frequency of formal aid increased, indicating that the two networks were complementary in the majority of the cases. In 21.2% of the cases, the formal network partly substituted the informal network (as an adjustment) and only in 6.4% of the cases did the informal support end after the formal support had increased (radical substitution). The concern that the introduction of formal services may curb the readiness of relatives and friends to provide care is thus unfounded.
Sailing on seas of uncertainties: late style and Puccini’s struggle for self-renewal
Authors: Cohen-Shalev Amir
Published: October 2008

The popularity of Puccini’s melodramatic operas, often derided by “serious” musicologists, has hindered a more rounded evaluation of his attempt at stylistic change. This paper offers a novel perspective of lifespan creative development in order to move the discussion of Puccini beyond the dichotomy of popular versus high-brow culture. Tracing the aspects of gradual stylistic change that began in The Girl from the Golden West (1910) through the three operas of Il Trittico: Il Tabarro, Suor Angelica, and Gianni Schicchi (1918–1919), the paper then focuses on Puccini’s last opera, Turandot (1926), as exemplifying a potential turn to a reflexive, philosophical style which is very different from the melodramatic, sentimentalist style generally associated with his work. In order to discuss this change as embodying a turn to late style, the paper identifies major stylistic shifts as well as underlying themes in the work of Puccini. Th paper concludes by discussing the case of Puccini as a novel contribution to the discussion of lateness in art, until now reserved to a selected few ’“old Masters.”
Alkaloids Induce Programmed Cell Death in Bloodstream Forms of Trypanosomes (Trypanosoma b. brucei)
Authors: Rosenkranz Vera , Wink Michael
Published: October 2008

The potential induction of a programmed cell death (PCD) in Trypanosoma b. brucei by 55 alkaloids of the quinoline, quinolizidine, isoquinoline, indole, terpene, tropane, steroid, and piperidine type was studied by measuring DNA fragmentation and changes in mitochondrial membrane potential. For comparison, the induction of apoptosis by the same alkaloids in human leukemia cells (Jurkat APO-S) was tested. Several alkaloids of the isoquinoline, quinoline, indole and steroidal type (berberine, chelerythrine, emetine, sanguinarine, quinine, ajmalicine, ergotamine, harmine, vinblastine, vincristine, colchicine, chaconine, demissidine and veratridine) induced programmed cell death, whereas quinolizidine, tropane, terpene and piperidine alkaloids were mostly inactive. Effective PCD induction (EC50 below 10 µM) was caused in T. brucei by chelerythrine, emetine, sanguinarine, and chaconine. The active alkaloids can be characterized by their general property to inhibit protein biosynthesis, to intercalate DNA, to disturb membrane fluidity or to inhibit microtubule formation.
INVESTIGATING URBAN TRAFFIC BASED NOISE POLLUTION IN THE CITY OF KIRIKKALE, TURKEY
Authors: Akgüngör Ali Payidar , Demirel Abdulmuttalip
Published: October 2008

The study presents an investigation into traffic based noise pollution in the city of Kirikkale, Turkey. For this purpose, traffic noise levels were measured at 15 intersections across the city during three peak times ‐ morning (08:00–09:00), noon (12:30–13:30) and evening (17:00–18:00) hours. The comparison of Leq values against the limit values of the Turkish Noise and Control Regulations for Settlement Zones showed that Leqvalues exceeded the limits at all stations. A linear regression analysis performed between the Leq and logarithm of total traffic volume (log Q) produced a coefficient of determination of 0.52. A multi regression analysis carried out between the Leq and four different vehicle types resulted in a correlation coefficient of 0.74. The correlation matrix indicated that the highest correlation was found for trucks/buses with r = 0.92. The spatial maps of traffic noise created by the Kriging method under ArcView GIS displayed that there seemed to be significant differences in the spatial variation of traffic noise across the city. In order to reduce traffic based noise levels within the city some useful suggestions were presented.
Gas permeation resistance of various grades of perfluoroalkoxy–polytetrafluoroethylene copolymers
Authors: Monson L. , Moon Sung In , Extrand C. W.
Published: October 2008

The permeation resistance of various grades of perfluoroalkoxy (PFA)/polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) copolymers was tested. Specimens were compression molded using two different cooling techniques: a faster one (ice water quench) and a slower one (press cooled). Permeability, diffusion, and solubility coefficients were measured for hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen gases. The slow cooled samples always showed much better permeation resistance than those cooled quickly, demonstrating that process can be as important as polymer grade in determining the ultimate permeation resistance of PFA. For a given cooling method, molecular mass (chain length) had no appreciable affect on the permeation resistance. On the other hand, PFA grades with increased comonomer content appeared to have slightly diminished permeation resistance whereas grades with PTFE filler had better permeation resistance. Differences in permeation resistance were attributed to variation in crystallinity arising from differences in molecular architecture and processing. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Accelerated aging and contact with food simulants in adhesion of amorphous hydrogenated carbon films obtained by the PECVD process from recycled PET from packaging
Authors: Cruz S. A. , Zanin M. , de Moraes M. A. B.
Published: October 2008

This work focuses principally on the influence of time, temperature, and contact with food simulants in adhesion of amorphous hydrogenated carbon (a‐C:H) films obtained by the plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition process in recycled PET from packaging. Shelf life of packaging used in soft drinks, fruit juice, etc. is known to be ∼ 6 months, with possible variations. The a‐C:H film, used in this study as a functional barrier against possible contaminants in recycled PET, was analyzed to determine possible alterations in its physical and chemical properties. The film underwent an accelerated aging test and was exposed to contact with food simulants listed by the FDA. In this case, adhesion is one of the properties most in need of conservation. This property was analyzed by means of the tape test and scanning electronic microscopy. Superficial chemical alterations resulting from both the accelerated aging test and contact with liquids were examined by the contact angle. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
N‐acetyl‐D‐galactosamine‐specific lectin isolation from soyflour with poly(HPMA‐GMA) beads
Authors: Perçin Işık , Yavuz Handan , Aksöz Erol , Denizli Adil
Published: October 2008

Soybean lectin was purified from seeds of Glycine max L.Merrill SA88. Poly(hydroxypropyl methacrylate‐glycidyl methacrylate) [poly(HPMA‐GMA)] beads were used as an affinity matrix and N‐acetyl‐D‐galactosamine (GalNAc) was used as an affinity ligand. Soybean lectin adsorption with GalNAc attached poly(HPMA‐GMA) beads from soybean lectin solution (in phosphate buffered saline) was 5.0 mg/g. Maximum adsorption capacity for soybean lectin from the soy flour extract was 26.0 mg/g. Elution of soybean lectin from adsorbent was accomplished by 0.5M galactose solution. Purity of soybean lectin was determined by SDS‐PAGE. It was observed that soybean lectin could be repeatedly adsorbed and desorbed with GalNAc‐attached poly(HPMA‐GMA) beads. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Effect of filler geometry on viscoelastic damping of graphite/aramid and carbon short fiber‐filled SBR composites: A new insight
Authors: Praveen S. , Chakraborty B. C. , Jayendran S. , Raut R. D. , Chattopadhyay S.
Published: October 2008

An investigation on the effect of filler geometry/shape on the dynamic mechanical properties of polymers was conducted. The viscoelastic damping matrix chosen was SBR and the fillers chosen were graphite, aramid, and carbon short fibers. The study was conducted by taking a control base compound of 20 parts N330 carbon black‐filled styrene butadiene rubber (SBR). Dynamic mechanical thermal analyzer was used to investigate the viscoelastic damping of the rubber composites at low dynamic strain levels. Compressive hysterisis at moderate degree of strain were evaluated for all the composite samples to probe into their high strain static damping properties. SEM was used to investigate the matrix‐fiber interaction and distribution of the fillers. Investigations demonstrated that the matrix‐filler interface plays a major role in energy dissipation. The amount of interface was analyzed by considering the half height width of tan δ peak. Fiber matrix interaction parameter was calculated from the tan δmax values for matrix and composite. It was observed the interaction parameter and the low strain tensile stress values register similar trend. Aramid short fibers were most effective in more energy dissipation than other fillers under consideration. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Flame resistant electrospun polymer nanofibers from deoxybenzoin‐based polymers
Authors: Moon SungCheal , Ku Bon‐Cheol , Emrick Todd , Coughlin Bryan E. , Farris Richard J.
Published: October 2008

Electrospinning of 4,4′‐bishydroxydeoxybenzoin (BHDB)‐polyphosphonate was performed by varying polymer concentration, flow rate, and the distance between the charged electrode and the grounded target. High flame‐resistant nanofibers with diameters of ∼ 100 nm were obtained by spinning from 65 wt % DMF solution. The nanofibers were unimodal in distribution and uniaxially aligned. The heat release capacity and char yield of the BHDB‐polyphosphonate nanofibers were 70 ± 3 J/g K, and 53%, respectively, in close agreement with the values obtained from the bulk materials. Electrospun nanofiber mats of BHDB‐polyphosphonate with high flame‐retarding properties had good mechanical strength (∼ 95 MPa) and modulus (∼ 3.9 GPa). © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Mechanical and thermal properties of poly(vinyl chloride)/α‐methyl‐styrene‐acrylonitrile blends prepared by melt extrusion
Authors: Moon Hyun Sik , Kim Mun Ho , Park O Ok
Published: October 2008

In this article, we have examined the physical and mechanical properties of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)/α‐methyl‐styrene‐acrylonitrile (αMSAN; 31 wt % AN concentrations) blends with different blend ratios. And, we also examined the effect of the molecular weights of PVC on the miscibility and material properties of the blends prepared by melt extrusion blending. Our results showed that the PVC/αMSAN blends have good processing properties and good miscibility over all blend ratios because of the strong interaction between PVC and αMSAN. And, the blends showed enhanced mechanical and thermal properties. In addition, high molecular weight PVC showed reasonable processability when melt blended with αMSAN, which resulted in enhanced mechanical and physical properties. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Synthesis and characterization of poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐b‐poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐poly(ε‐caprolactone) triblock copolymers with dibutylmagnesium as catalyst
Authors: Wei Zhiyong , Liu Lian , Yu Fengyun , Wang Pei , Qi Min
Published: October 2008

Two series of poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐b‐poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐poly(ε‐caprolactone) triblock copolymers were prepared by the ring opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone in the presence of poly(ethylene glycol) and dibutylmagnesium in 1,4‐dioxane solution at 70°C. The triblock structure and molecular weight of the copolymers were analyzed and confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FTIR, and gel permeation chromatography. The crystallization and thermal properties of the copolymers were investigated by wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results illustrated that the crystallization and melting behaviors of the copolymers were depended on the copolymer composition and the relative length of each block in copolymers. Crystallization exothermal peaks (Tc) and melting endothermic peaks (Tm) of PEG block were significantly influenced by the relative length of PCL blocks, due to the hindrance of the lateral PCL blocks. With increasing of the length of PCL blocks, the diffraction and the melting peak of PEG block disappeared gradually in the WAXD patterns and DSC curves, respectively. In contrast, the crystallization of PCL blocks was not suppressed by the middle PEG block. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Thermal properties of extruded injection‐molded poly(lactic acid) and milkweed composites: Degradation kinetics and enthalpic relaxation
Authors: Mohamed Abdellatif A. , Finkenstadt V. L. , Palmquist D. E. , Rayas‐Duarte P.
Published: October 2008

To determine the degree of compatibility between poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and different biomaterials, PLA was compounded with milkweed fiber, a new crop oil seed. After oil extraction, milkweed remaining cake retained approximately 10% residual oil, 47% protein, and 10% moisture. The fiber (300 μm) was added at 85 : 15 and 70 : 30 PLA : Fiber and blended by extrusion (EX) followed by injection molding (IM). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used for testing the composites. After melting in the DSC sealed pans, composites were cooled by immersion in liquid nitrogen and aged (stored) at room temperature for 0, 7, 15, and 30 days. After storage, samples were heated from room temperature to 180°C at 10°C/min. The pure PLA showed a glass transition (Tg) at 60.3°C and the corresponding ΔCp was 0.464 J/g/°C followed by crystallization and melting transitions. The enthalpic relaxation (ER) of neat PLA and composites steadily increased as a function of storage time. Although the presence of fiber had little effect on ER, IM reduced it. The percentage crystallinity of neat unprocessed PLA dropped by 95 and 80% for the EX and IM, respectively. The degradation activation energy (Ea) of neat PLA exhibited a significant drop in nitrogen environment, whereas increased in air, indicating PLA resistant to heat degradation in the presence of oxygen. Overall, IM appeared to decrease Ea of the composites, whereas milkweed significantly reduced Ea values in nitrogen environment. Enzymatic degradation of the composites revealed higher degradation rate for the EX samples versus IM, whereas 30% milkweed exhibited higher weight loss compared to the 15%. The degradation mechanism was observed by looking at the percent conversion as a function of Ea from the TGA data, where multisteps degradation occurred mostly in air. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
An accurate simulator for magnetic resonance coil sensitivity estimation
Authors: Giovannetti Giulio , Viti Vittorio , Liu Yongjun , Yu Wenhua , Mittra Raj , Landini Luigi , Benassi Antonio
Published: October 2008

Coil sensitivity estimation in magnetic resonance experiments requires the knowledge of biological sample‐induced resistance. In dependence on system geometry, many authors studied sample–coil interaction by using a very simple coil geometry (circular, square, etc.) and homogeneous infinitely long cylinders, spheres, or half‐spaces as approximations of the sample geometry. However, in real MR experiments, both shape and dimensions can be very different with respect to these coil and sample models. In this article, we propose the application of finite‐difference time‐domain method for sample‐induced resistance estimation. The developed approach can be used as a tool to estimate sample‐induced resistance in complex receiving systems, without approximations in sample and coil geometries. Calculation of both sample‐induced resistance and magnetic field pattern permits to estimate coil sensitivity for optimal coil design in dependence on the sample size and geometry. Comparison with experimental data, performed on two home‐built saddle coils, demonstrated the great accuracy of the developed method. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part B (Magn Reson Engineering) 33B: 209–215, 2008
Inductively coupled RF coil design for simultaneous microimaging of multiple samples
Authors: Wang Tao , Ciobanu Luisa , Zhang Xiaozhong , Webb Andrew
Published: October 2008

An apparatus for studying multiple samples simultaneously using magnetic resonance imaging was proposed. It consists of a number of individually resonant radiofrequency microcoils, each of which are inductively coupled to a larger transmit and receive coil. The advantages of this approach are ease of construction and coil replacement, if necessary, and the requirement for only one receive channel. Theoretical analysis based on equivalent circuit models has been performed, showing that when n microcoils are critically coupled to the larger coil, the signal‐to‐noise of each microsample decreases by a factor approximately equal to the square root of n for n ≫ 1: experimental results confirm the theoretical results. Three‐dimensional images of the lipid biodistribution in developing canola seeds have been obtained using four inductively coupled microcoils at 600 MHz. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part B (Magn Reson Engineering) 33B: 236–243, 2008
Adaptively regularized gradient coils for reduced local heating
Authors: Poole Michael , Lopez Hector Sanchez , Crozier Stuart
Published: October 2008

Gradient and shim coil design is an inverse problem in which the objective is to generate a magnetic field with an error that falls within acceptable limits while optimizing some other property of the coil. This problem can be solved using a boundary element method via regularized matrix inversion. However, it is not possible to optimize properties that are not linear‐least‐squares with respect to the solutions using this method. In this work, we employ adaptive regularization to design coils with reduced maximum local current density, which is not a linear‐least‐squares problem. Reducing the maximum local current density allows the design of coils with lower maximum local Joule heating for the same gradient field strength and uniformity. Excessive local heating can be the cause of thermal drift and localized gradient failure. The minimum spacing between wires is increased by this method, permitting the design of more efficient coils for a given minimum wire spacing constraint as dictated by the method of manufacture. The adaptive regularization method, as formulated within the inverse boundary element method (IBEM) coil design framework, is described and results from three types of adaptively regularized coils are presented. The maximum local current densities of the coils are shown to be significantly reduced by adaptive regularization at the expense of some increase in their inductances and resistances. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part B (Magn Reson Engineering) 33B: 220–227, 2008
An inexpensive and programmable RF transmitter setup for two‐coil CASL
Authors: Xu Qin , Glielmi Christopher , Zhou Lei , Choi Kisueng , Hu Xiaoping
Published: October 2008

An inexpensive and programmable RF transmitter for two‐coil continuous arterial spin labeling (CASL) system is presented in this article. Unlike previous implementations of two‐coil CASL which require expensive MR RF instruments, our design utilizes a low‐cost system on chip direct digital synthesizer and a mini‐size communication RF power amplifier to generate the labeling RF waveform without sacrificing RF performance. Compared with a single RF channel two‐coil CASL approach, this design requires minimal scanner hardware modifications. Moreover, this design offers a programmable interface for easy sequence setup and debugging. Performance and ease of use are validated experimentally. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part B (Magn Reson Engineering) 33B: 228–235, 2008
A probabilistic approach for the evaluation of minimal residual disease by multiparameter flow cytometry in leukemic B‐cell chronic lymphoproliferative disorders
Authors: Pedreira C.E. , Costa E.S. , Almeida J. , Fernandez C. , Quijano S. , Flores J. , Barrena S. , Lecrevisse Q. , Van Dongen J.J.M. , Orfao A.
Published: October 2008

Multiparameter flow cytometry has become an essential tool for monitoring response to therapy in hematological malignancies, including B‐cell chronic lymphoproliferative disorders (B‐CLPD). However, depending on the expertise of the operator minimal residual disease (MRD) can be misidentified, given that data analysis is based on the definition of expert‐based bidimensional plots, where an operator selects the subpopulations of interest. Here, we propose and evaluate a probabilistic approach based on pattern classification tools and the Bayes theorem, for automated analysis of flow cytometry data from a group of 50 B‐CLPD versus normal peripheral blood B‐cells under MRD conditions, with the aim of reducing operator‐associated subjectivity. The proposed approach provided a tool for MRD detection in B‐CLPD by flow cytometry with a sensitivity of ≤8 × 10−5 (median of ≤2 × 10−7). Furthermore, in 86% of B‐CLPD cases tested, no events corresponding to normal B‐cells were wrongly identified as belonging to the neoplastic B‐cell population at a level of ≤10−7. Thus, this approach based on the search for minimal numbers of neoplastic B‐cells similar to those detected at diagnosis could potentially be applied with both a high sensitivity and specificity to investigate for the presence of MRD in virtually all B‐CLPD. Further studies evaluating its efficiency in larger series of patients, where reactive conditions and non‐neoplastic disorders are also included, are required to confirm these results. © 2008 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Techniques to improve the direct ex vivo detection of low frequency antigen‐specific CD8+ T cells with peptide‐major histocompatibility complex class I tetramers
Authors: Chattopadhyay Pratip K. , Melenhorst J. Joseph , Ladell Kristin , Gostick Emma , Scheinberg Phillip , Barrett A. John , Wooldridge Linda , Roederer Mario , Sewell Andrew K. , Price David A.
Published: October 2008

The ability to quantify and characterize antigen‐specific CD8+ T cells irrespective of functional readouts using fluorochrome‐conjugated peptide‐major histocompatibility complex class I (pMHCI) tetramers in conjunction with flow cytometry has transformed our understanding of cellular immune responses over the past decade. In the case of prevalent CD8+ T cell populations that engage cognate pMHCI tetramers with high avidities, direct ex vivo identification and subsequent data interpretation is relatively straightforward. However, the accurate identification of low frequency antigen‐specific CD8+ T cell populations can be complicated, especially in situations where T cell receptor‐mediated tetramer binding occurs at low avidities. Here, we highlight a few simple techniques that can be employed to improve the visual resolution, and hence the accurate quantification, of tetramer binding CD8+ T cell populations by flow cytometry. These methodological modifications enhance signal intensity, especially in the case of specific CD8+ T cell populations that bind cognate antigen with low avidities, minimize background noise, and enable improved discrimination of true pMHCI tetramer binding events from nonspecific uptake. © 2008 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Exit‐Site Infection Due to Nontubercular Mycobacteria in an Immunocompromised Peritoneal Dialysis Patient
Authors: Singh Harmeet , Saha Tapasi
Published: October 2008

Nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections are uncommon in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. They may present as exit‐site infection or peritonitis causing significant morbidity, sometimes resulting in loss of the PD catheter. There are no clear guidelines regarding the choice of antibiotics or duration of therapy. Often patients are treated with prolonged courses of antibiotics. We present a case of a human immunodeficiency virus–positive PD patient with NTM exit‐site infection along with a brief review of treatment and outcomes of previously reported NTM infections in PD patients.
ERK mediates activity dependent neuronal complexity via sustained activity and CREB‐mediated signaling
Authors: Ha Seungshin , Redmond Lori
Published: October 2008

A major question in the process of dendrite development and complexity is not whether neuronal activity plays a role, but how it contributes to specific components of the mature dendrite pattern. Neurons interpret activity into the influx of calcium ions leading to activation of signaling pathways. The dynamics of calcium‐activated signaling pathways after neuronal activity and the contribution to formation of dendrite complexity remain unclear. Here, we show that one calcium activated signaling pathway, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), showed differential activity in cortical neurons. In response to depolarizing stimuli, ERK was active for less than an hour in most neurons, whereas in others ERK remained active for several hours. Further, neurons in which ERK activity was sustained, displayed greater dendrite complexity than neurons that did not display sustained ERK activity. Interestingly, this difference in dendrite complexity was detected in some, but not all, morphological parameters. Pharmacological inhibition of sustained ERK activity inhibited calcium‐activated dendrite complexity. Increasing the duration and degree of ERK phosphorylation, and thus activity, with dominant negative MAP kinase phosphatase‐1 accentuated dendrite complexity. Neurons in which ERK activity was sustained activated downstream nuclear targets including RSK, MSK, cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), CRE‐mediated gene transcription, and stabilized c‐Fos. Further, the increase in dendrite complexity mediated by sustained ERK activity was inhibited by expression of a dominant negative CREB. These data indicate that ERK‐mediated activity induced dendrite complexity via sustained signaling and CREB‐mediated signaling. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 2008
The choices, choosing model of quality of life: description and rationale
Authors: Gurland Barry J. , Gurland Roni V.
Published: October 2008

Background

A previous paper began with a critical review of current models and measures of quality of life and then proposed criteria for judging the relative merits of alternative models: preference was given to finding a model with explicit mechanisms, linkages to a science base, a means of identifying deficits amenable to rational restorative interventions, and with embedded values of the whole person. A conjectured model, based on the processes of accessing choices and choosing among them, matched the proposed criteria. The choices and choosing (c–c) process is an evolved adaptive mechanism dedicated to the pursuit of quality of life, driven by specific biological and psychological systems, and influenced also by social and environmental forces.

Objective

In this paper the c–c model is examined for its potential to strengthen the science base for the field of quality of life and thus to unify many approaches to concept and measurement.

Conclusions

A third paper in this set will lay out a guide to applying the c–c model in evaluating impairments of quality of life and will tie this evaluation to corresponding interventions aimed at relieving restrictions or distortions of the c–c process; thus helping people to preserve and improve their quality of life. The fourth paper will demonstrate empirical analyses of the relationship between health imposed restrictions of options for living and conventional indicators of diminished quality of life. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Factors associated with depression in Norwegian nursing homes
Authors: Barca Maria Lage , Selbæk Geir , Laks Jerson , Engedal Knut
Published: October 2008

Background

Depression among patients in nursing homes is frequent and apparently underdiagnosed. Because depression is associated with negative outcomes, identification of groups at risk would improve the diagnosis and potentially improve the prognosis.

Aim

To confirm or reject the hypothesis that depression in nursing homes is associated with worse medical health, cognitive and functional impairment.

Methods

A sample of 902 randomly selected nursing‐home patients was assessed using the Cornell Scale, the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDR) the Self‐Maintenance Scale and a general measurement of medical health. Additionally, information was collected from the patients' records. A multiple linear regression was performed with the Cornell Scale total score, and mood and non‐mood subscale scores as the dependent variables.

Results

In the adjusted analysis, depression according to the Cornell total score was associated with worse medical health (strongest) and worse cognitive impairment (p < 0.001), but not with worse functional impairment. The mood subscale score was associated with worse medical health (strongest, p = 0.001), pulmonary diseases (p = 0.007), being unmarried (p = 0.019) and female gender (p = 0.022), but not with worse cognitive impairment. The non‐mood subscale score was correlated with cognitive impairment (strongest, p < 0.001), worse medical health (p < 0.001), younger age (p = 0.001), digestive diseases (p = 0.033) and not having suffered from stroke (p = 0.045).

Conclusion

Our hypothesis was partially confirmed. Worse general medical health was the strongest factor associated with depression, followed by degree of cognitive impairment. Cognitive impairment was not associated with the mood subscale score, but was the strongest correlate for the non‐mood symptoms of the Cornell Scale. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhibition of colorectal cancer by targeting hepatocyte nuclear factor‐4α
Authors: Schwartz Betty , Algamas‐Dimantov Anna , Hertz Rachel , Nataf Jennifer , Kerman Ayelet , Peri Irena , Bar‐Tana Jacob
Published: October 2008

Hepatocyte nuclear factor‐4α (HNF‐4α) serves as target for fatty acid nutrients and xenobiotic amphipathic carboxylates and may account for the differential effects of dietary fatty acids on colorectal cancer (CRC). The putative role played by HNF‐4α in CRC has been verified here by evaluating the effect of HNF‐4α antagonists and HNF‐4α siRNA on CRC growth and proliferation in cultured CRC cells and xenotransplanted nude mice in vivo. HNF‐4α ligand antagonists of the MEDICA series, namely, β,β'‐tetramethylhexadecanedioic acid (M16ββ) and γ,γ'‐tetramethyloctadocanedioic acid (M18γγ) as well as HNF‐4α siRNA are shown here to inhibit growth and proliferation of HT29 and Caco2 CRC cells, accompanied by increased subG1 cell population, downregulated PCNA, activation of caspase‐3, upregulation of Bak and cytoplasmic cytochrome‐c, and downregulation of Bcl‐2 resulting in apoptotic death. Inhibition of CRC growth with concomitant apoptosis was further confirmed in nude mice xenotransplanted with HT29 CRC cells. CRC suppression by HNF‐4α ligand antagonists and by HNF‐4α siRNA was accounted for by suppression of HNF‐4α transcription and protein expression. α,α'‐tetrachlorotetradecanedioic acid (Cl‐DICA), a MEDICA analogue that fails to suppress HNF‐4α, was ineffective in suppressing growth of cultured or xenotransplanted HT29 CRC cells. Hence, increased transcriptional activity of HNF‐4α converging onto genes coding for antiapoptotic oncogenes and cytokines may promote CRC development. Suppression of HNF‐4α activity by natural or xenobiotic HNF‐4α ligand antagonists or by HNF‐4α siRNA may offer a treatment mode for CRC. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Curriculum for the Hospitalized Aging Medical Patient program: A collaborative faculty development program for hospitalists, general internists, and geriatricians
Authors: Podrazik Paula M. , Levine Stacie , Smith Sandy , Scott Don , DuBeau Catherine E. , Baron Aliza , Whelan Chad , Johnson Julie , Cook Sandy , Arora Vineet , Meltzer David , Sachs Greg
Published: October 2008

BACKGROUND:

The University of Chicago Curriculum for the Hospitalized Aging Medical Patient (CHAMP) faculty development program (FDP) is targeted at hospitalists and other internists who teach residents and students in the hospital setting. The aim of CHAMP is to increase the quantity and quality of teaching of geriatric medicine pertinent to the inpatient setting.

METHODS:

Hospitalist and general internist faculty members who attend on the University of Chicago Medicine teaching service were invited to participate. The CHAMP FDP consisted of twelve 4‐hour sessions. Two hours of each session covered inpatient geriatrics content, and 2 hours addressed improving clinical teaching (both general teaching skills and challenges specific to the inpatient wards) and teaching the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education core competencies with geriatrics content. The evaluation included a self‐report survey of the impact on the graduates' teaching and clinical practice.

RESULTS:

The FDP was piloted in early 2004 with a core group of geriatrics and hospitalist faculty. Three subsequent cohorts totaling 29 hospitalist and general internal medicine faculty members completed the FDP by the fall of 2006. Faculty participants evaluated the program positively, and significant improvements in knowledge, attitudes to geriatrics, and perceived behavior in teaching and practicing geriatrics skills were found.

CONCLUSIONS:

The integration of teaching techniques and geriatrics content was enthusiastically accepted by University of Chicago hospitalists and general internists who teach residents and medical students in the inpatient setting. The program has potential for widespread suitability to all teaching faculty who care for the older hospitalized patient. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2008. © 2008 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Apparent diffusion coefficient: Prostate cancer versus noncancerous tissue according to anatomical region
Authors: Kim Jeoung Hyun , Kim Jeong Kon , Park Bum‐Woo , Kim Namkug , Cho Kyoung‐Sik
Published: October 2008

Purpose

To evaluate diagnostic performance of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in differentiating prostate cancer from noncancerous tissue according to anatomical region.

Materials and Methods

In 47 patients with diffusion‐weighted‐MR (b‐value, 0 and 1000 sec/mm2) on a 1.5 T unit, ADCs were measured in prostate cancer and in three noncancerous tissues (transitional zone, peripheral zone, and prostatic base). Diagnostic performance of ADC for differentiating cancer from noncancerous tissue was evaluated using receiver‐operating‐characteristics (ROC) analysis.

Results

Mean ADC of prostate cancer (0.963 × 10−3 mm2/s) was lower than those of all noncancerous tissues (P < 0.001). In noncancerous tissue, ADC differed according to anatomical region (peripheral zone, 1.572 × 10−3 mm2/sec; transitional zone, 1.441 × 10−3 mm2/sec; prostatic base, 1.146 × 10−3 mm2/sec) (P < 0.01). ADC was lower in prostate cancer than in all noncancerous tissues in 34 (72%) patients. Area under the ROC curve for differentiating cancer from noncancerous tissue in prostatic base (0.725) was less than those for differentiating cancer from noncancerous tissue in peripheral (0.952) and transitional zones (0.906) (P < 0.05). Sensitivity differed according to anatomical region (peripheral zone, 98%; transitional zone, 82%; prostatic base, 66%) (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Variable ADC in noncancerous tissue according to anatomical region may limit diagnostic performance of ADC for cancer detection. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Formal definition and dating of the GSSP (Global Stratotype Section and Point) for the base of the Holocene using the Greenland NGRIP ice core, and selected auxiliary records
Authors: Walker Mike , Johnsen Sigfus , Rasmussen Sune Olander , Popp Trevor , Steffensen Jørgen‐Peder , Gibbard Phil , Hoek Wim , Lowe John , Andrews John , Björck Svante , Cwynar Les C. , Hughen Konrad , Kershaw Peter , Kromer Bernd , Litt Thomas , Lowe David J. , Nakagawa Takeshi , Newnham Rewi , Schwander Jakob
Published: October 2008

The Greenland ice core from NorthGRIP (NGRIP) contains a proxy climate record across the Pleistocene–Holocene boundary of unprecedented clarity and resolution. Analysis of an array of physical and chemical parameters within the ice enables the base of the Holocene, as reflected in the first signs of climatic warming at the end of the Younger Dryas/Greenland Stadial 1 cold phase, to be located with a high degree of precision. This climatic event is most clearly reflected in an abrupt shift in deuterium excess values, accompanied by more gradual changes in δ18O, dust concentration, a range of chemical species, and annual layer thickness. A timescale based on multi‐parameter annual layer counting provides an age of 11 700 calendar yr b2 k (before AD 2000) for the base of the Holocene, with a maximum counting error of 99 yr. A proposal that an archived core from this unique sequence should constitute the Global Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) for the base of the Holocene Series/Epoch (Quaternary System/Period) has been ratified by the International Union of Geological Sciences. Five auxiliary stratotypes for the Pleistocene–Holocene boundary have also been recognised. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fast three‐dimensional 1H MR spectroscopic imaging at 7 Tesla using “spectroscopic missing pulse – SSFP”
Authors: Schuster Christian , Dreher Wolfgang , Stadler Jörg , Bernarding Johannes , Leibfritz Dieter
Published: October 2008

The use of spectroscopic Missing Pulse ‐ SSFP (spMP‐SSFP) for fast three‐dimensional (3D) proton MR spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) at 7 Tesla (T) is demonstrated. Sequence modifications were required regarding the limits of the specific absorption rate as well as hardware limitations with respect to maximum B1 field strength and B0 gradient slew rate, as compared to previous studies performed at 3T. The combination of two spatially selective radiofrequency (RF) pulses (with orthogonal slice orientation) and a dual‐band chemical shift selective RF pulse for simultaneous water and lipid suppression proved to enable fast 3D MRSI measurements of the brain of healthy volunteers. Using a total measurement time of approximately 8.5 minutes and a nominal and real voxel size of 0.62 cm3 and 2.6 cm3, respectively, signals of N‐acetyl aspartate, total creatine, choline containing compounds, myo‐inositol, and glutamate+glutamine could be detected. Magn Reson Med, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Recommended management of lower respiratory tract infections
Authors: Meisner Sarah
Published: October 2008

Lower respiratory tract infections comprise a wide range of pathologies and causative pathogens that require differentiating in order to administer the most appropriate treatment. Our Drug review discusses the current recommended management of LRTIs in the community, followed by sources of further information in Resources. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd
The MHRA's three‐pronged strategy to tackle counterfeits
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: October 2008

Steve Chaplin describes the MHRA's latest strategy to combat fake medicines through communication, collaboration and regulation. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd
Features and recommended treatment of systemic sclerosis
Authors: Gunawardena Harsha , McHugh Neil
Published: October 2008

Systemic sclerosis is a rare autoimmune disease of the connective tissue with heterogeneous clinical manifestations. Here, the authors describe the signs and symptoms and current approaches to treatment. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd
Modified atmosphere packaging affects lipid oxidation, myofibrillar fragmentation index and eating quality of beef
Authors: Clausen Ina , Jakobsen Marianne , Ertbjerg Per , Madsen Niels T.
Published: October 2008

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) systems applied during ageing and retail display on the quality of beef longissimus dorsi. The quality of the steaks was measured by sensory analysis, thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS), myofibrillar fragmentation index (MFI), protein oxidation, weight loss, cooking loss and vitamin E content. The study included 11 different packaging systems investigated in two separate trials, using O2, CO2, N2gas and vacuum in combination or alone during ageing and retail display. In some systems, loins were sliced into steaks before packaging, and in other systems, loins were vacuum packed and aged for 14–18 days, and thereafter were sliced and repacked in different atmospheres. Systems including high O2MAP resulted in a large increase in warmed‐over flavour and in TBARS as well as a decrease in juiciness, tenderness and vitamin E content, compared to anaerobic systems. Also, MFI was lower in high O2MAP steaks, and an increase in protein oxidation was seen, suggesting that the decrease in meat tenderness was due to reduced proteolysis and/or protein oxidation. In addition, the cooked steaks of high O2MAP looked well done, although the internal temperature was only 62°C, indicating premature browning. Ageing of steaks in N2did not affect any measured parameter compared to vacuum thermoforming packed muscle. Steaks stored in vacuum skin pack for 20 days were less tender than steaks stored in 100% N2for 18 days followed by 2 days in atmospheric air. In conclusion, packaging in high O2concentrations compromises several aspects of meat quality. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization by mass spectrometry of an unknown polysiloxane sample used under uncontrolled medical conditions for cosmetic surgery
Authors: Schneider Cédric , Sablier Michel , Desmazières Bernard
Published: October 2008

For a complete understanding of the raw material used for cosmetic surgery under uncontrolled medical conditions, an unknown sample of polydimethylsiloxanes has been investigated utilizing a combination of analytical techniques: pyrolysis/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py/GC/MS), electrospray ionization (ESI)‐MS, matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF)MS, and liquid chromatography (LC)/MS. Among these techniques, the LC/APCI‐MS coupling allowed the fastest and more effective analysis. In addition, the complexity of the mass spectra deduced from these LC/MS experiments was simplified compared to the mass spectra obtained by MALDI‐TOF. In this work, we have demonstrated how the LC/APCI‐MS coupling applied to polydimethylsiloxane samples permits the full characterization of samples where end groups of different nature can be present in very small quantities. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.