bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estudo exploratório sobre ontologias aplicadas a modelos de sistemas de informação: perspectivas de pesquisa em Ciência da Informação
Authors: Almeida Maurício Barcellos , Oliveira Viviane Nogueira Pinto de , Coelho Kátia Cardoso
Published: October 2010

Ontologias tem se tornado um assunto de interesse cada vez maior em diversas áreas. Além de suas origens filosóficas, tem sido amplamente utilizadas em campos de pesquisa relacionados ao desenvolvimento de sistemas. No âmbito dos sistemas de informação automatizados, uma ontologia tem duas aplicações principais: pode ser usada como um componente do sistema, ou como uma referência, um padrão de comparação para avaliar a representatividade do modelo subjacente ao sistema. O presente artigo explora o segundo tipo de aplicação, discutindo a utilidade das ontologias em processos de modelagem conceitual. Após contextualizar a pesquisa e alguns problemas da modelagem conceitual de sistemas de informação, apresentam-se ontologias utilizadas como referência, bem como iniciativas relacionadas. Discute-se a pertinência do assunto na Ciência da Informação, interfaces e possibilidades de pesquisa interdisciplinar. Conclui-se sobre a relevância da formação em Ciência da Informação para abordar questões de modelagem deficiente e de falta de integração entre sistemas. Espera-se contribuir para o diálogo entre diferentes áreas, bem como para sugerir novas perspectivas de atuação para profissionais de Ciência da Informação.
Novas perspectivas dos estudos de satisfação de usuários
Authors: Costa Luciana Ferreira da , Ramalho Francisca Arruda
Published: October 2010

Este trabalho é fruto das discussões e práticas de pesquisa acerca da satisfação de usuários da informação, originadas do Grupo de Pesquisa Leitura, Organização, Representação, Produção e Uso da Informação vinculado ao Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência da Informação da Universidade Federal da Paraíba, tendo como laboratório a disciplina Usuários da Informação deste programa. Discute a definição de satisfação relacionada às necessidades humanas, privilegiando a ótica informacional diante da sua importância na atualidade, a Era da Informação. Apresenta a evolução dos estudos de satisfação relacionados ao uso da informação através dos modernos sistemas interativos nas perspectivas dos Estudos de Usuários da Ciência da Informação e dos Estudos de Usabilidade da Ciência da Computação, propondo os Estudos Híbridos de Uso da Informação.
Collisionless reconnection: mechanism of self-ignition in thin plane homogeneous current sheets
Authors: Treumann R. A. , Nakamura R. , Baumjohann W.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. The spontaneous onset of magnetic reconnection in thin plane collisionless current sheets is shown to result from a thermal-anisotropy driven non-relativistic magnetic electron Weibel-mode, generating seed-magnetic field X-points in the centre of the current layer. The proposed mechanism is of larger generality. It also works in the presence of magnetic guide fields.
Clinical and Surgical Management of an Aggressive Cherubism Treated with Autogenous Bone Graft and Calcitonin
Authors: Fernandes Gomes Mônica , Ferraz de Brito Penna Forte Lilibeth , Hiraoka Cybelle Mori , Augusto Claro Flávio , Costa Armond Mônica
Published: October 2010

Cherubism is a rare autosomal-dominant inherited syndrome and is usually self-limiting; it starts in early childhood and involutes by puberty. It is a benign fibroosseous disease, characterized by excessive bone degradation of the upper and lower jaws followed by development of fibrous tissue masses. The purpose of this clinical report is to describe a rare and aggressive form of cherubism on an adult female patient that has been treated in our Bioscience Center for Special Health Care Needs-CEBAPE. The patient was firstly submitted to the surgical procedure with partial curettage of the lesion, and the cavity was filled with autogenous cancellous bone and bone marrow grafts. Furthermore, the support treatment used was the administration of salmon calcitonin by nasal spray during the first year after the preconized procedure. At 4-year followup, we confirmed the stomatognathic system improvement and esthetic rehabilitation, which led to a significant increase in the patient's quality of life.
Intestinal Fluid and Glucose Transport in Wistar Rats following Chronic Consumption of Fresh or Oxidised Palm Oil Diet
Authors: Obembe Agona O. , Owu Daniel U. , Okwari Obem O. , Antai Atim B. , Osim Eme E.
Published: October 2010

Chronic ingestion of thermoxidized palm oil causes functional derangement of various tissues. This study was therefore carried out to determine the effect of chronic ingestion of thermoxidized and fresh palm oil diets on intestinal fluid and glucose absorption in rats using the everted sac technique. Thirty Wistar rats were divided into three groups of 10 rats per group. The first group was the control and was fed on normal rat chow while the second (FPO) and third groups (TPO) were fed diet containing either fresh or thermoxidized palm oil (15% wt/wt) for 14 weeks. Villus height and crypt depth were measured. The gut fluid uptake and gut glucose uptake were significantly (P<.001) lower in the TPO group than those in the FPO and control groups, respectively. The villus height in the TPO was significantly (P<.01) lower than that in FPO and control. The villus depth in TPO was significantly (P<.05) higher than that in FPO and control groups, respectively. These results suggest that ingestion of thermoxidized palm oil and not fresh palm oil may lead to distortion in villus morphology with a concomitant malabsorption of fluid and glucose in rats due to its harmful free radicals.
A finite element analysis of masticatory stress hypotheses
Authors: Chalk Janine , Richmond Brian G. , Ross Callum F. , Strait David S. , Wright Barth W. , Spencer Mark A. , Wang Qian , Dechow Paul C.
Published: October 2010

Understanding how the skull transmits and dissipates forces during feeding provides insights into the selective pressures that may have driven the evolution of primate skull morphology. Traditionally, researchers have interpreted masticatory biomechanics in terms of simple global loading regimes applied to simple shapes (i.e., bending in sagittal and frontal planes, dorsoventral shear, and torsion of beams and cylinders). This study uses finite element analysis to examine the extent to which these geometric models provide accurate strain predictions in the face and evaluate whether simple global loading regimes predict strains that approximate the craniofacial deformation pattern observed during mastication. Loading regimes, including those simulating peak loads during molar chewing and those approximating the global loading regimes, were applied to a previously validated finite element model (FEM) of a macaque (Macaca fascicularis) skull, and the resulting strain patterns were compared. When simple global loading regimes are applied to the FEM, the resulting strains do not match those predicted by simple geometric models, suggesting that these models fail to generate accurate predictions of facial strain. Of the four loading regimes tested, bending in the frontal plane most closely approximates strain patterns in the circumorbital region and lateral face, apparently due to masseter muscle forces acting on the zygomatic arches. However, these results indicate that no single simple global loading regime satisfactorily accounts for the strain pattern found in the validated FEM. Instead, we propose that FE models replace simple cranial models when interpreting bone strain data and formulating hypotheses about craniofacial biomechanics. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
B‐vitamins reduce the long‐term risk of depression after stroke: The VITATOPS‐DEP trial
Authors: Almeida Osvaldo P. , Marsh Kylie , Alfonso Helman , Flicker Leon , Davis Timothy M.E. , Hankey Graeme J.
Published: October 2010

Objective

The consumption of certain B‐vitamins through diet or supplementation decreases the total plasma concentration of homocysteine (tHcy) and may enhance response to standard antidepressant treatment. It is unclear if treatment with B‐vitamins can reduce the long‐term prevalence of depression in people at risk, such as stroke survivors. The purpose of this research was to determine if treatment with B‐vitamins reduces the hazard of poststroke depression compared with placebo.

Methods

Randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial of tHcy‐lowering treatment with daily folic acid (2 mg), vitamin B6 (25 mg), and vitamin B12 (0.5 mg) for 1 to 10.5 years in survivors of stroke. The primary endpoint was the onset of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM‐IV) major depression after randomization. Secondary outcomes were the prevalence of DSM‐IV major or minor depression at the end of treatment. Other measured factors included age, gender, poststroke handicap associated with stroke, recurrence of strokes, cognitive impairment, and use of antidepressants.

Results

Among 273 people who completed the final assessment after 7.1 ± 2.1 years (mean ± standard deviation) of follow up, random assignment to B‐vitamins was associated with a lower hazard of major depression compared with placebo (18.4% vs 23.3%, adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 0.48; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.31–0.76) and a trend toward a lower odds of major or minor depression at the end of the trial compared with placebo (19.1% vs 27.7%; adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.58; 95%CI = 0.31–1.09).

Interpretation

Long‐term treatment of poststroke survivors with folic acid, B6, and B12 was associated with a reduction in the hazard of major depression in our patient population. If these findings can be validated externally, B‐vitamin supplementation offers hope as an effective, safe, and affordable intervention to reduce the burden of poststroke depression. ANN NEUROL 2010;68:503–510
The Rylene Colorant Family—Tailored Nanoemitters for Photonics Research and Applications
Authors: Weil Tanja , Vosch Tom , Hofkens Johan , Peneva Kalina , Müllen Klaus
Published: October 2010

This Review summarizes the latest advances in the field of rylene dyes and rylene nanoemitters for applications in photonics, and describes the influence of the dye design on the optical properties, the self‐assembly, the molecular interactions, as well as the labeling specificity of the compounds. The interplay between tailored (macro)molecular design and bulk/single‐molecule spectroscopy enables complex processes to be explained, for example, the kinetics of energy‐transfer processes or (bio)catalysis. Such investigations are essential for the ultimate design of optimized nanoemitters, and require a close cooperation between spectroscopists and preparative organic chemists.
Development of a Computational Framework to Model the Scale‐up of High‐Solid‐Content Polymer Latex Reactors
Authors: Pohn J. , Heniche M. , Fradette L. , Cunningham M. , McKenna T.
Published: October 2010

A computational framework, consisting of a laminar computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation model coupled to a multizonal population balance, is developed to assist in the scale‐up of high‐solid‐content (HSC) latex production and processing. Poly3D CFD software is used to generate flow fields inside a series of reactors; this information is then sent to the process model to assess the impact of nonhomogeneous mixing on the evolution of the latex particle size distribution (PSD) when concentrated latex suspension is altered via the addition of a coagulant. As the general shape of the PSD evolves, the model monitors changes in the rheological parameters in each zone of the reactor; the flow field is recomputed if a significant change in any of the properties is detected. The details of the framework are presented and its utility is demonstrated. Preliminary results indicate that nonhomogeneity inside the reactor will have an effect on the final latex PSD obtained.
Self‐rated health after kidney transplantation and change in graft function
Authors: Majernikova Maria , Rosenberger Jaroslav , Prihodova Lucia , Nagyova Iveta , Roland Robert , van Dijk Jitse P. , Groothoff Johan W.
Published: October 2010

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between self‐rated health (SRH) in patients after kidney transplantation (KT) as well as graft function over time.

METHODS

The sample consisted of 42 patients who were examined in the 3rd month (T1) and the 12th month after KT (T2). Sociodemographic data and data on glomerular function (GF) (Cockroft‐Gault) were collected. Patients completed the SF‐36 questionnaire measuring SRH. Linear regression was used to identify predictors of SRH at T2. Age, gender, change in GF, and SRH at T1 were set as the independent variables.

RESULTS

SRH and GF improved slightly over time. The first model, consisting of age, gender, SRH at T1, and GF at T2, explained 49.9% of the variance in SRH at T2; GF at T2 did not significantly contribute to the model. The second model, consisting of age (β = –0.26, 95% CI 1.087;–0.035, p ≤ 0.05), change in GF between T2 and T1 (β = 0.31, 95% CI 9.267;63.643, p ≤ 0.01), and SRH at T1 (β= 0.5, 95% CI 0.247;0,68, p ≤ 0.001), explained 54.6% of the variance in SRH at T2.

CONCLUSIONS

Although SRH after transplantation is not associated with absolute levels of GF, there is a signifi‐cant association with the change in GF over time.
Transcription expression and clinical significance of vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA and endostatin mRNA in pleural effusions of patients with lung cancer
Authors: Chen Ying , Liang Bin , Zhao Yu‐Jie , Wang Shao‐Cheng , Fan Yi‐Bo , Wu Guang‐Ping
Published: October 2010

The aim of this study was to evaluate the individual and combined diagnostic utility of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA and endostatin mRNA in pleural effusions of patients with lung cancer. Transcription levels of VEGF and endostatin were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) in pleural effusions of patients with lung cancer (92 cases) and with lung benign disease (36 cases). Both VEGF mRNA and endostatin mRNA was significantly higher in malignant, AC, and SCC effusions than in benign effusions (P < 0.01). In the subgrouping, VEGF mRNA was obviously higher than endostatin mRNA in malignant and AC effusions (P < 0.01), whereas VEGF mRNA and endostatin mRNA did not differ between AC group and SCC group (P > 0.05). In single, VEGF mRNA had the highest sensitivity (82.6%) and accuracy (84.3%), whereas endostatin mRNA had the highest specificity (100%). When combinations of VEGF mRNA and endostatin mRNA were evaluated together, they gave a high‐diagnostic performance: sensitivity of 95.7% and accuracy of 93.8%, respectively. The detection of VEGF mRNA and endostatin mRNA appears to be suitable for distinguishing carcinoma cells from reactive mesothelial cells in pleural effusions, they could be useful to diagnose the pleural micrometastasis. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Banking on women's labour: Responsibility, risk and control in village banking in Bolivia
Authors: Maclean Kate
Published: October 2010

The village banking approach to microfinance aims to empower women by giving them responsibility for and control over certain aspects of the intervention. This paper explores how women members negotiate participation in the bank and analyses the relationship between responsibility, risk and empowerment. It is based on an ethnographic study in Luribay, Bolivia where the microfinance institution Credit with Rural Education has been operating since 2000. The village bank is placed in the context of gender relations in Luribay and ideas of risk, responsibility and empowerment explored in that context. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ventilatory response to added dead space and position in preterm infants at high risk age for SIDS
Authors: Saiki Tolulope , Hannam Simon , Rafferty Gerrard F. , Milner Anthony D. , Greenough Anne
Published: October 2010

Objective

The vulnerability of prematurely born infants to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in the prone position might be explained by a reduced ability to respond to a stress, such as hypercarbia, in that position; our objective, therefore, was to further explore the influence of position on the response to a stress.

Working Hypothesis

The ability of prematurely born infants to respond to added dead space in the prone compared to the supine position would be impaired at the high risk age for SIDS.

Patients

Twenty infants, median gestational age of 30 (range 24–32) weeks were studied at a median postmenstrual age (PMA) of 45 weeks. In addition, comparisons were made to the results of 25 infants studied at 36 weeks PMA.

Methodology

Infants were studied supine and prone. Breath by breath minute volume was measured at baseline and after a dead space was incorporated into the breathing circuit; the time constant of the response was calculated. The pressure generated in the first 100 msec of an occlusion (P0.1), the maximum inspiratory pressure during an airway occlusion and functional residual capacity (FRC) were also measured in both positions.

Results

The median time constant was longer (38 (range 15–85) vs. 26 (range 2–40) sec (P = 0.002)). P0.1 lower (P = 0.003) and FRC higher (P = 0.031) in the prone compared to the supine position. In the prone position, the time constant correlated with PMA (P = 0.047), that is, the rate of response to added dead space was significantly damped with increasing postnatal age up to the critical age for SIDS.

Conclusions

The dampened rate of response to added dead space in the prone compared to the supine position lends support to the hypothesis that a poorer response to a stress may contribute to prematurely born infants increased risk of SIDS in the prone position. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2011; 46:239–245. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In situ STM observation of site‐ controlled InAs nano‐dot growth on GaAs(001) during In and As4 irradiations
Authors: Toujyou Takashi , Tsukamoto Shiro
Published: October 2010

We have successfully fabricated site‐controlled InAs nano dots during In and As4 irradiations, observing by a STMBE: in situ scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) during molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) growth. After 1.5 monolayers (ML) of InAs wetting layer (WL) growth by ordinal Stranski‐Krastanov (S‐K) dot fabrication procedures, we applied voltage at a particular site on InAs WL during As4 irradiation at 300 °C, creating the site where In atoms, which were migrating on the WL, favored to congregate. Then, we started supplying In atoms again. After supplying 1.52 ML (1.5 + 0.02 ML) of InAs, spontaneously, In atoms congregated this site, forming a dot structure without breaking a normal MBE growth. After further continually supplying 1.66 ML (1.5 + 0.16 ML) of InAs, we also confirmed that ordinal S‐K dots were appeared. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Structural and electrical properties of Zn1–xCux O thin films
Authors: Shoji Taisaku , Seo Yuichi , Toyama Toshihiko , Okamoto Hiroaki
Published: October 2010

Producing p ‐type ZnO is one of the key issues in developing ZnO‐based electronic devices. The substitution of monovalent Cu ions on Zn sites have been theoretically proposed, and experimental studies were carried out using Zn1–xCux O with small Cu contents (x ≤ 0.1). However, material properties Zn1–xCux O with a large Cu content have not been revealed. In this article, we present the electrical properties of Zn1–xCux O thin films with large x up to 0.75 fabricated using a monovalent Cu source along with their structural properties, as deduced from elemental analyses and crystallographic studies. The experimental results derived from electrical conductivity and thermoelectric measurements are discussed with a focus on controllability of p ‐type conductivity, specifically under O‐rich conditions. Finally, carrier concentrations are discussed from the capacitance–voltage plots of p ‐Zn1–xCux O/n ‐Si heterojunction diodes. (© WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Exciton emission from printed EL devices using solution‐processed ZnO nanocrystals
Authors: Kawasaki Hayato , Takeuchi Hisazumi , Itatani Kazuki , Toyama Toshihiko , Okamoto Hiroaki
Published: October 2010

ZnO is an excellent material candidate for ultraviolet (UV)‐light emitting devices based on its exciton emission. We have applied solution‐processed ZnO NCs to printed electroluminescence (EL) devices as their emission layers (EMLs) to develop a novel flexible lightweight, and flat‐panel UV‐light source. In this article, first, the structural properties of ZnO NCs fabricated from a solution route are presented together with the results of photoluminescence (PL). We address to suppression of the defect‐related green‐band PL from ZnO NCs by controlling the crystal size. Next, we describe device properties of the printed EL devices. Specifically, we present the impact on the use of pentaceneon the device properties; pentacene acts as the hole‐transport layer, resulting in the exciton emissions in EL. In addition, it passivates the rear surface of ZnO NC EML, which is effective in suppressing the green‐band EL. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electron and hole accumulation in InN/InGaN heterostructures
Authors: Lebedev V. , Polyakov V. , Knübel A. , Aidam R. , Kirste L. , Cimalla V. , Granzner R. , Schwierz F. , Ambacher O.
Published: October 2010

For high frequency field effect transistors, one of the promising approaches is to grow a very thin (≤10 nm) InN channel pseudomorphically with low defect density between low lattice mismatched InGaN layers. The present work provides a comprehensive analysis of such structures by varying width of the InN well. Both experimental and theoretical approaches have been applied in order to optimize the InN potential well structure for a transistor operation. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Excitation wavelength dependence of photocarrier relaxation in Si‐doped InAs quantum dots with strain‐relaxed InGaAs barriers
Authors: Kitada Takahiro , Mukaijo Akari , Takahashi Tomoya , Mukai Takuya , Morita Ken , Isu Toshiro
Published: October 2010

Excitation wavelength dependence (λ = 1.35–1.5 μm) of time‐resolved transmission change was measured for the Si δ ‐doped InAs quantum dots (QDs) with strain‐relaxed In0.35Ga0.65As barriers to clarify the QD‐size dependence of photocarrier relaxation. Two decay components were observed in each temporal profile. The fast (9–10 ps) decay corresponds to photocarrier relaxation into the nonradiative centers arising from the lattice‐strain relaxation, while the small component with a slow decay time is attributed to the radiative recombination process.

In the whole excitation wavelength range, decay time of the fast component was reduced by intentional Si δ ‐doping because of the screening effect by generated free electrons. Reduction of the decay time compared with the undoped QD sample was more significant for the longer excitation wavelength. This result indicates that the screening of the barrier potential between the QDs and nonradiative centers might be more effective for the larger‐size QD excitation (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Comparative study of XO···ClF and XS···ClF (X = H, CH3, and F) halogen‐bonded complexes
Authors: Li Qingzhong , Jing Bo , Liu Zhenbo , Li Wenzuo , Cheng Jianbo , Gong Baoan , Sun Jiazhong
Published: October 2010

Quantum chemical calculations have been performed to study the single‐electron halogen bonds in HO···ClF and HS···ClF complexes. The calculation methods have a larger effect on the S···Cl halogen bond than on the O···Cl one. The interaction strength in HO···ClF complex is stronger than that in HS···ClF one, but the presence of methyl group in the halogen acceptor makes the sequence reverse. The methyl group has a greater effect on the S···Cl halogen bond than on the O···Cl one. The charge analyses indicate that the methyl group is electron‐donating and the electron‐donating role in the H3CSClF complex is larger than in the H3COClF one. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
Large neutral amino acids in the treatment of PKU: from theory to practice
Authors: van Spronsen Francjan J. , de Groot Martijn J. , Hoeksma Marieke , Reijngoud Dirk‐Jan , van Rijn Margreet
Published: October 2010

Notwithstanding the success of the traditional dietary phenylalanine restriction treatment in phenylketonuria (PKU), the use of large neutral amino acid (LNAA) supplementation rather than phenylalanine restriction has been suggested. This treatment modality deserves attention as it might improve cognitive outcome and quality of life in patients with PKU. Following various theories about the pathogenesis of cognitive dysfunction in PKU, LNAA supplementation may have multiple treatment targets: a specific reduction in brain phenylalanine concentrations, a reduction in blood (and consequently brain) phenylalanine concentrations, an increase in brain neurotransmitter concentrations, and an increase in brain essential amino acid concentrations. These treatment targets imply different treatment regimes. This review summarizes the treatment targets and the treatment regimens of LNAA supplementation and discusses the differences in LNAA intake between the classical dietary phenylalanine‐restricted diet and several LNAA treatment forms.
Multiple sources of metabolic disturbance inETHE1‐related ethylmalonic encephalopathy
Authors: Barth Magalie , Ottolenghi Chris , Hubert Laurence , Chrétien Dominique , Serre Valérie , Gobin Stéphanie , Romano Stéphane , Vassault Anne , Sefiani Aziz , Ricquier Daniel , Boddaert Nathalie , Brivet Michèle , de Keyzer Yves , Munnich Arnold , Duran Marinus , Rabier Daniel , Valayannopoulos Vassili , de Lonlay Pascale
Published: October 2010

Ethylmalonic encephalopathy (EE) is a rare metabolic disorder caused by dysfunction of ETHE1, a mitochondrial dioxygenase involved in hydrogen sulfide (H2S) detoxification. Patients present in infancy with psychomotor retardation, chronic diarrhea, orthostatic acrocyanosis and relapsing petechiae. High levels of lactic acid, ethymalonic acid (EMA) and methylsuccinic acid (MSA) are detected in body fluids. Several pathways may contribute to the pathophysiology, including isoleucine, methionine and fatty acid metabolism. We report on a 15‐month‐old male presenting with typical EE associated with a homozygous ETHE1 mutation. We investigated oral isoleucine (150 mg/kg), methionine (100 mg/kg), fatty acid loading tests and isoleucine‐restricted diet (200 mg/day) for any effects on several metabolic parameters. Before loading tests or specific dietary interventions, EMA, C4‐C5 acylcarnitines and most acylglycines were elevated, indicating functional deficiency of short chain acyl‐CoA (SCAD) as well as all branched acyl‐CoA dehydrogenases. Excretion of EMA and n‐butyrylglycine increased following each of the loads, and isoleucine led to increased levels of derivative metabolites. An isoleucine‐restricted diet for 8 days corrected some of the abnormalities but led to no obvious clinical improvement and only partial effects on EMA. A principal component analysis supports the inference that these dietary conditions have consistent effects on the global metabolic profile. Our results suggest that multiple pathways modulate EMA levels in EE. They might all interact with H2S toxicity. Prolonged dietary interventions involving the restriction for branched aminoacids, fatty acids and methionine could be discussed as auxiliary therapeutical strategies in EE.
Creating a Testable, Estimable Model to Inform Our Response to the Test-Score Gap Crisis
Authors: McMillian M. Monique , Munk Tom , Bumpers Erica L. , Coneal Wanda
Published: October 2010

The test-score gap between black and white students should be seen as a crisis. We propose a testable model based on readily available data that will allow us to estimate the impact and interrelationships of a multitude of factors that may be partially responsible for the problem. The estimation of this model will require the joint efforts of experts in many areas of education as well as of experts in multilevel structural equation modeling.
Ethical guidelines for authorship and publishing in the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle
Authors: von Haehling Stephan , Morley John E. , Coats Andrew J. S. , Anker Stefan D.
Published: October 2010

The principles of ethical authorship and publishing in the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle (JCSM) are:

all authors listed on the manuscript have approved its submission and publication as provided to JCSM;

no person who has a right to be recognized as author has been omitted from the list of authors;

each author has made an independent material contribution to the work submitted for publication;

the submitted work is original and is neither under consideration elsewhere nor has it been published previously in whole or in part other than in abstract form;

all original research work is approved by the relevant bodies such as institutional review boards or ethics committees;

all conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise, that may affect the authors’ ability to present data objectively have been duly declared in the manuscript;

the manuscript in its published form will be maintained on the servers of JCSM as a valid publication only as long as all statements in the guidelines on ethical publishing remain true;

if any of the aforementioned statements ceases to be true, the authors have a duty to notify the editors of JCSM as soon as possible so that the information available online can be updated and/or the manuscript can be withdrawn.
Human evolutionary history: Consequences for the pathogenesis of otitis media
Authors: Bluestone Charles D , Swarts J. Douglas
Published: October 2010

The pathogenesis of otitis media is multifactorial, but the role of evolution on its development has not been addressed. We posit that the high prevalence of middle‐ear disease is most likely restricted to humans, in contrast to other wild species, because the associated hearing loss would have reduced the fitness of affected individuals as a result of predation. We present here the possible consequences of two human adaptations that may have resulted in ubiquitous otitis media: the interaction of bipedalism and increased brain size, and the loss of facial prognathism resulting from speech or cooking. As a consequence of our adaptation for bipedalism, the female pelvic outlet is constricted, which, in the context of a rapidly enlarging brain, results in humans being born 12 months too soon. Significantly, immature eustachian tube structure and function, in conjunction with an immature immune system, helps to explain the high incidence of otitis media in the first year of life. But the persistence of middle‐ear disease beyond this stage is not explained by “immaturity.” The morphology of the palate changed with the adaptations that produced facial flattening, with concomitant effects on eustachian tube function. These changes resulted in relatively poor human physiologic tubal function in comparison to the nonhuman primate.
Masseteric venous malformations: Diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes
Authors: Rosbe Kristina W. , Hess Christopher P. , Dowd Christopher F. , Frieden Ilona J.
Published: October 2010

OBJECTIVE

To describe a typical presentation of venous malformation within the masseter muscle, including physical findings and imaging, and to present the University of California, San Francisco's (UCSF) Vascular Anomalies and Birthmark Center's (VABC) experience with sclerotherapy for these lesions. STUDY DESIGN: Case series with chart review.

SETTING

Tertiary care medical center.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Retrospective chart review of all patients presenting to the UCSF VABC over a 10‐year period.

RESULTS

Twelve patients with isolated venous malformations of the masseter muscle were identified. All of these patients presented with pain and facial asymmetry that was more pronounced with jaw‐clenching. All underwent magnetic resonance imaging demonstrating a T2 hyperintense homogenous mass contained within the masseter muscle. Eleven of 12 had evidence on imaging of phleboliths within the mass; 10 patients underwent sclerotherapy. All treated patients had initial improvement in symptoms and/or appearance. Seven of 10 have had sustained improvement at a mean follow‐up of 28 months.

CONCLUSION

Masseteric venous malformations have a typical clinical presentation and imaging characteristics that should allow clinicians to distinguish them from other abnormalities presenting in this area. Percutaneous sclerotherapy should be considered as a treatment option for these patients and can result in excellent outcomes.
Characterization of the Expression of Ang1, Ang2, and Tie2 in the Corpus Cavernosum of the Rat during Aging
Authors: Cordeiro Ana Lúcia , Figueiredo António , Tomada Inês , de Almeida Henrique , Neves Delminda
Published: October 2010

Aging is the single most significant risk factor for erectile dysfunction (ED), leading to structural modification of cavernous tissue and altering expression of vascular growth factors. The angiopoietin/Tie2 system has been recently considered as a potential target for therapy of vascular disorders, including ED. Hence, the aim of this study was to analyze expression of angiopoietin1 (Ang1), angiopoietin2 (Ang2), and their receptor Tie2 in corpus cavernosum (CC) of rat during aging (6, 12, 18, and 24 months). The expression of Ang1, Ang2, and Tie2 was studied by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence, followed by semiquantification after Western blotting. Both Ang1 and Ang2 were localized mainly in perivascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells, while Tie2 was strictly detected at the vascular endothelium. A significant decrease in Ang2's expression was observed at 12 months when compared with 6-month-old rats, a tendency that reverses in older animals. No significant differences were demonstrated for Ang1 or Tie2, which is consistent with their constitutive expression in CC. The ratios Ang1/Tie2 and Ang2/Tie2 were also calculated and both decrease during aging, while no marked variation was observed for Ang1/Ang2. Our results suggest that the angiopoietin/Tie2 system participate in the vascular maintenance and remodeling of the CC during aging.
Depoliticization and Regulation of Sovereign Wealth Funds: A Chinese Perspective
Authors: LI Hong
Published: October 2010

The China Investment Corporation (CIC) has often been perceived as a threat by Western economies. Such fears, however, are unfounded as the severe losses incurred by CIC during the recent economic crisis reveals that the fund, just like other investment entities, is vulnerable to market conditions. Moreover, given their relative lack of expertise in international investment, the regulation and development of “young and inexperienced” sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) within their home state is more pertinent than the defensive regulation structured by the host states in which SWFs invest. Positive financial returns should always be the fundamental goal of SWFs, rather than non-commercial considerations. This article proposes a three-step approach to regulating SWFs from a Chinese perspective: (1) home states should distinguish between their roles as shareholders and managers of state-owned capital-exporting institutions, and can use the Santiago Principles for that purpose; (2) host countries should not discriminate against SWFs but treat them as private institutional investors; and (3) there should be a clarification of the international investment regime regarding state investment. If these three steps are taken, SWFs would be depoliticized, and biased regulatory agencies and regulations would be a thing of the past. Under a broad regime, concerns between home and host states could then be addressed at bilateral or multilateral forums.
Mechanical systems for a synchrotron X-ray-enhanced scanning tunnelling microscope
Authors: Preissner C. , Rose V. , Pitts C.
Published: October 2010

Synchrotron X-ray-enhanced scanning tunnelling microscopy (SXSTM) is a novel technique by which materials can be studied with elemental-sensitive and nanometre-spatial resolution. This poster covers the mechanical engineering design for the prototype SXSTM instrument. System performance and sample handling requirements along with the desire to use existing components constrained the design. The SXSTM needs to be mechanically and acoustically isolated from the environment. In addition, all sample preparations are done in situ, and thus, the sample and SXSTM tips need to be prepared and moved inside the vacuum chamber with a wobble stick. The final design incorporates an Advanced Photon Source-designed vacuum chamber, existing components and commercial parts to provide the user with a robust prototype system to demonstrate the impact of this new technique.
Influence of C4 vegetation on 13CO2 discrimination and isoforcing in the upper Midwest, United States
Authors: Griffis T. J. , Baker J. M. , Sargent S. D. , Erickson M. , Corcoran J. , Chen M. , Billmark K.
Published: October 2010

Agricultural crops with a C4 photosynthetic pathway rapidly expanded across North America as early as 800 A.D. Their distribution continues to expand globally as demands for food and biofuel production increase. These systems are highly productive, having a significant impact on carbon and water exchange between the land and atmosphere. Here, we investigate the relative impact of agricultural C4 vegetation on the 13CO2 photosynthetic discrimination and atmospheric isotopic forcing in the upper Midwest, United States. We address three questions: (1) What is the relative importance of C3 and C4 species to the CO2 budget? (2) How do these different photosynthetic pathways influence the photosynthetic discrimination within this heterogeneous landscape? (3) To what extent does land use change (i.e., a change in C4 crops) impact atmospheric isotopic forcing and the isotopic signature of the atmosphere? These questions are addressed using measurements obtained from the University of Minnesota tall tower (244 m) trace gas observatory (TGO) over the growing seasons of 2007 and 2008 and are supported with scaled‐up values of discrimination and isotopic forcing based on ecosystem‐scale eddy flux observations and high‐resolution land use data. Our land use analyses indicate that local and regional C4 production was higher by 10% in 2007 due to increased demand for biofuel. The 2007 growing season was also characterized by moderate drought as a consequence of low antecedent soil water content. Isotopic flux ratio measurements from TGO provide evidence that the increase in C4 land use and drier soil conditions of 2007 had a significant impact on the growing season 13CO2 photosynthetic discrimination, which ranged from 11.5 to 14.8 in 2007 and 12.4‰ to 17.4‰ in 2008. Isotopic partitioning indicated that C4 species accounted for about 20 to 40% of the growing season gross photosynthetic CO2 exchange. The isoforcing analysis revealed that C3 discrimination dominated the atmospheric δa13 budget, especially during spring and fall. Estimates of 13CO2 photosynthetic discrimination for this region support recently published isotope modeling studies that explicitly accounted for increases in C4 cropland, which has significant implications for estimating the terrestrial carbon sink strength based on inverse modeling techniques.
Apical secretion of rat submandibular tissue kallikrein continues in the absence of external stimulation: evidence for a constitutive secretory pathway
Authors: GARRETT J. R. , ZHANG X. S. , PROCTOR G. B. , ANDERSON L. C. , SHORI D. K.
Published: October 2010

Sequential samples of saliva evoked by low frequency parasympathetic nerve stimulation were collected from cannulated submandibular ducts of anaesthetized rats following periods of varying length without stimulation. After such rest periods the first samples of saliva were found to contain much higher levels of tissue kallikrein (rK1) activity and protein than the ensuing samples from the same stimulation period and the latter contained levels similar to those found previously in parasympathetically‐evoked saliva. rK1 activity in first samples increased with the length of the preceding interval, indicating that a continuous secretion of rK1 occurs from ductal cells into glandular lumina and accumulates there in the absence of stimulation or fluid secretion. The protein secretory pattern following rest pauses was unaffected by α‐adrenergic receptor blockade and a high percentage of the proteinase activity was resistant to soya bean trypsin inhibitor, showing that the secretion was not caused by exocytosis of storage granules from ductal cells and therefore was likely to be a result of a constitutive secretion of newly synthesized enzyme. The pattern of continuous secretion into lumina detected for total protein in the absence of stimulation, suggests that other secretory proteins may also be secreted similarly but at different rates.
Effect of triglycerides with different fatty acid chain length on superior mesenteric artery blood flow
Authors: Vu M.K. , Berkhoudt J. , Van Oostayen J.A. , Lamers C.B.H.W. , Masclee A.A.M.
Published: October 2010

Fat stimulates superior mesenteric artery (SMA) blood flow. Little is known, however, about the influence of fatty acid chain length on SMA flow. The present study was performed to compare the effect of long chain triglycerides (LCT, corn oil), very long chain triglycerides (VLCT, fish oil) and medium chain triglycerides (MCT) on SMA flow. A total of seven healthy volunteers (four men, three women; aged 26 ± 4 years) participated in three experiments, performed in random order during 60 min continuous intra‐duodenal infusion of either LCT (30 mL h–1; 240 kcal h–1), equicaloric VLCT (30 mL h–1; 240 kcal h–1) or MCT in equimolar (15 mL h–1; 113 kcal h–1) and equicaloric amount (30 mL h–1; 225 kcal h–1). Basal and stimulated SMA blood flow were measured by Doppler ultrasonography. At regular intervals blood samples were taken for measurement of plasma cholecystokinin (CCK) and plasma peptide YY (PYY). Basal SMA blood flow volumes were not significantly different among the LCT, VLCT and MCT experiments (426 ± 135, 460 ± 114 and 503 ± 177 mL min–1, respectively). The SMA flow increased significantly (P < 0.05) during fat infusion but was significantly higher during LCT (1460 ± 692 mL min–1) compared with VLCT (1061 ± 384 mL min–1), MCT 15 mL h–1 (870 ± 286 mL min–1) and MCT 30 mL h–1 (904 ± 223 mL min–1). Plasma CCK levels increased significantly (P < 0.05) during LCT and VLCT but not during MCT infusion. No correlation was found between SMA flow and plasma CCK levels (r=0.27; P=0.2) The SMA blood flow in response to triglycerides is dependent on fatty acid chain length. This chain length‐dependent blood flow response is, however, not linear and is not related to plasma CCK levels.
BRITISH DIVISION OF THE INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF PATHOLOGY
Authors: Underwood J C E , Howat A J , Shepherd N A , Francis N , Harris C
Published: October 2010

1–4 July 2003 Joint Meeting with the Pathological Society of GB & Ireland. Bristol, UK

28–29 November 2003 Symposium on Lymphoreticular Disease. London, UK
Experimental Aspergillus fumigatus Infection in Quails and Results of Treatment with Itraconazole
Authors: Gümüşsoy K. S. , Uyanik F. , Atasever A. , Çam Y.
Published: October 2010

This study was performed to investigate (i) the clinical, histopathological and biochemical changes in quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) with experimentally induced aspergillosis; and (ii) the efficiency of itraconazole treatment on these infected birds. A total of 180 21‐day‐old male quails was randomly divided into three groups (control, infected untreated and infected treated), each containing 60. The experimental infection was set by intratracheal inoculation of 0.2 ml inoculum of Aspergillus fumigatus (CBS 113.26 strain) consisting of approximately 2.7 × 106 spores/ml. Two days after the inoculation, general clinical signs of aspergillosis in the respiratory tract were observed. In the histopathological examination, caseous foci were found in lungs, trachea and on airsacs. All quails died in the infected untreated group. Aspergillus fumigatus was isolated from the various organs of all dead quails. There was no significant change in serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and γ‐glutamyltransferase (GGT) activities in infected untreated birds compared with controls. However, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity, albumin and calcium levels, and albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio were lower while phosphorus and globulin levels were higher in the infected untreated group than in controls. Each quail in the infected treated group was given 10 mg/kg/day itraconazole via drinking water for 7 days immediately after the first clinical findings. Although all quails died in the infected untreated group, 41 quails survived in the itraconazole treatment group. Biochemical values also returned approximately to the control levels after the treatment. The conclusion was drawn that aspergillosis in the quails might cause economical losses because of high mortality. Oral itraconazole treatment of aspergillosis might lower the mortality rate in quails.
Cut‐induced VOC emissions from agricultural grasslands
Authors: Davison B. , Brunner A. , Ammann C. , Spirig C. , Jocher M. , Neftel A.
Published: October 2010

The introduction of proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR‐MS) for fast response measurements of volatile organic compounds (VOC) has enabled the use of eddy covariance methods to investigate VOC fluxes on the ecosystem scale. In this study PTR‐MS flux measurements of VOC were performed over agricultural grassland during and after a cut event. Selected masses detected by the PTR‐MS showed fluxes of methanol, acetaldehyde, and acetone. They were highest directly after cutting and during the hay drying phase. Simultaneously, significant fluxes of protonated ion masses 73, 81, and 83 were observed. Due to the limited identification of compounds with the PTR‐MS technique, GC‐MS and GC‐FID‐PTR‐MS techniques were additionally applied. In this way, ion mass 73 could be identified as 2‐butanone, mass 81 mainly as (Z)‐3‐hexenal, and mass 83 mainly as the sum of (Z)‐3‐hexenol and hexenyl acetates. Hexenal, hexenols, and the hexenyl acetates are mostly related to plant wounding during cutting. It was found that legume plants and forbs emit a higher number of different VOC species than graminoids.
Molecular dynamics at low time resolution
Authors: Faccioli P.
Published: October 2010

The internal dynamics of macromolecular systems is characterized by widely separated time scales, ranging from fraction of picoseconds to nanoseconds. In ordinary molecular dynamics simulations, the elementary time step Δt used to integrate the equation of motion needs to be chosen much smaller of the shortest time scale in order not to cut-off physical effects. We show that in systems obeying the overdamped Langevin equation, it is possible to systematically correct for such discretization errors. This is done by analytically averaging out the fast molecular dynamics which occurs at time scales smaller than Δt, using a renormalization group based technique. Such a procedure gives raise to a time-dependent calculable correction to the diffusion coefficient. The resulting effective Langevin equation describes by construction the same long-time dynamics, but has a lower time resolution power, hence it can be integrated using larger time steps Δt. We illustrate and validate this method by studying the diffusion of a point-particle in a one-dimensional toy model and the denaturation of a protein.