bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intracellular signal transduction as a factor in the development of “Smart” biomaterials for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Zambuzzi Willian F. , Coelho Paulo G. , Alves Gutemberg G. , Granjeiro José M.
Published: February 2011

Signal transduction involves studying the intracellular mechanisms that govern cellular responses to external stimuli such as hormones, cytokines, and also cell adhesion to biomaterials surfaces. Several events have been shown to be responsible for cellular adhesion and adaptation onto different surfaces. For instance, cytoskeletal rearrangements during cell adhesion require the recruitment of specific protein tyrosine kinases into focal adhesion structures that promote transient focal adhesion kinase and Src phosphorylations, initially modulating cell behavior. In addition, the phosphorylation of tyrosine (Y) residues have been generally accepted as a critical regulator of a wide range of cell‐related processes, including cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, survival signalling, and energy metabolism. The understanding of the signaling involved on the mechanisms of osteoblast adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation on implant surfaces is fundamental for the successful design of novel “smart” materials, potentially decreasing the repair time, thereby allowing for faster patient rehabilitation. Biotechnol. Bioeng. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The female stalker
Authors: Meloy J. Reid , Mohandie Kris , Green Mila
Published: February 2011

A study of 143 female stalkers was conducted, part of a large North American sample of stalkers (N = 1005) gathered from law enforcement, prosecutorial, and entertainment corporate security files (Mohandie, Meloy, Green McGowan, & Williams, 2006). The typical female stalker was a single, separated, or divorced woman in her mid‐30s with a psychiatric diagnosis, most often a mood disorder. She was more likely to pursue a male acquaintance, stranger, or celebrity, rather than a prior sexual intimate. When compared with male stalkers, the female stalkers had significantly less frequent criminal histories, and were significantly less threatening and violent. Their pursuit behavior was less proximity based, and their communications were more benign than those of the males. The average duration of stalking was 17 months, but the modal duration was two months. Stalking recidivism was 50%, with modal time between intervention and re‐contacting the victim of one day. Any prior actual relationship (sexual intimate or acquaintance) significantly increased the frequency of threats and violence with large effect sizes for the entire female sample. The most dangerous subgroup was the prior sexually intimate stalkers, of whom the majority both threatened and were physically violent. The least dangerous were the female stalkers of Hollywood celebrities. Two of the McEwan, Mullen, MacKenzie, and Ogloff (2009b) predictor variables for stalking violence among men were externally validated with moderate effect sizes for the women: threats were associated with increased risk of violence, and letter writing was associated with decreased risk of violence. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Volatiles responsible for the seasoning‐like flavour of cell cultures of Laetiporus sulphureus
Authors: Krings U. , Grimrath A. , Schindler S. , Berger R. G.
Published: February 2011

The basidiomycete Laetiporus sulphureus (the edible ‘chicken mushroom’) imparted a strong seasoning odour when grown on a substrate containing wheat gluten as the sole carbon and nitrogen source. Secreted fungal peptidases hydrolysed the gluten substrate, and numerous potent heterocyclic flavours, among them sotolon (3‐hydroxy‐4,5‐dimethyl‐5H‐furan‐2‐one) and other furanones, emerged in the liquefying hydrolysate. The fungal cells were supplemented with presumed precursors of sotolon, such as acetaldehyde, α‐ketobutanoic acid, α‐oxopentandioic acid, l‐glutamic acid, l‐isoleucine, and l‐(+)‐ascorbic acid. Upon addition of isoleucine and ferrous iron the formation of sotolon became measurable within 2 days. Small amounts of 4‐hydroxyisoleucine (HIL) were identified in the culture supernatant of L. sulphureus by HPLC–FD and LC–SIM–MS/MS. An enzymatic formation of sotolon via a presumed isoleucine hydroxylase could not be excluded; however, balancing biochemical vs. chemical pathways, a slow chemical hydroxylation of the isoleucine released during the enzymatic hydrolysis of gluten seemed much more likely because ferric iron was present in the culture medium. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validity of early indirect models of taste active sites and advances in new taste technologies enabled by improved models
Authors: DuBois Grant E
Published: February 2011

The relationship between chemical structure and taste has always been a subject of keen interest to chemists. In an effort to rationalize these relationships, chemists have built models, particularly for sweeteners and the sweetener receptor. Early models were exclusively pharmacophore models but, later, receptor models and even computational models with predictive capability were developed. In this paper, models for all the five primary tastes are reviewed. In recent years, the receptors which mediate sweet, bitter and umami (savoury) taste have been identified. The receptors mediating sour and salty tastes, however, are still not known with certainty. The current states of knowledge on the receptors which mediate all five taste modalities are reviewed. Then a perspective is provided on the validity of the models developed. The sequencing of the human genome has enabled great advances in our understanding of the receptors which initiate taste responses. Yet, there remains much we do not understand. A listing of questions still unanswered is provided. Finally, a discussion is provided of new technologies enabled by an advanced understanding of sweetener and bitterant receptors. Specifically, positive allosteric modulators of the sweetener receptor have been identified which enable dramatic reduction in the concentrations of carbohydrate sweeteners while, at the same time, retaining the high quality taste of carbohydrate sweeteners. In addition, bitterness inhibitors have been identified which may have value in the reduction of the negative taste attributes of some foods and beverages. Lastly, an improved understanding of the bio‐rationale for the slow sweetness onset and sweetness linger of high‐potency sweeteners has led to an approach to improvement of their tastes. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anatomical site influences the differentiation of adipose‐derived stem cells for Schwann‐cell phenotype and function
Authors: Kaewkhaw Rossukon , Scutt Andy M. , Haycock John W.
Published: February 2011

Considerable attention has recently been given to adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) as an important source for differentiation to Schwann cells in the treatment of peripheral nerve injury, with considerable clinical advantages over the use of mesenchymal stem cells derived from bone marrow or autologous Schwann cells. However, the relationship between adipose donor site and differentiated ASC phenotype and function is presently unknown. This work systematically studied the differentiation of ASCs harvested from three anatomical sites: (i) subcutaneous; (ii) perinephric; and (iii) epididymal adipose tissue. We show that ASC source is a major determining factor of immunophenotype, multilineage differentiation, Schwann‐cell protein expression, and paracrine ability to stimulate neuronal growth. Upregulation of S100β, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and p75NGFR was observed in differentiated ASCs from perinephric fat tissue, while only the expression of S100β or GFAP and p75NGFR was elevated in differentiated ASCs from subcutaneous or epididymal fat tissue. Although the co‐culture of differentiated ASCs with NG108‐15 neuronal cells demonstrated that ASCs from each source could stimulate neurite outgrowth and number, differentiated ASCs from subcutaneous and perinephric fat versus epididymal fat were most effective, which was attributed to high‐brain‐derived neurotropic factor/nerve growth factor and low‐neurotrophin‐3 levels. Thus, ASCs can be obtained from different anatomical locations, and this determines Schwann‐cell phenotype upon differentiation and extent of function. This work is therefore of relevance in local therapeutic delivery of ASCs for the repair of peripheral nerve injury, but also in the broader context of ASC use in related stem‐cell therapies. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Incidence of primary sclerosing cholangitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Molodecky Natalie A. , Kareemi Hashim , Parab Rohan , Barkema Herman W. , Quan Hude , Myers Robert P. , Kaplan Gilaad G.
Published: February 2011

Incidence studies of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) are important for describing the disease's burden and for shedding light on the disease's etiology. The purposes of this study were to conduct a systematic review of the incidence studies of PSC with a meta-analysis and to investigate possible geographic variations and temporal trends in the incidence of the disease. A systematic literature search of MEDLINE (1950–2010) and Embase (1980–2010) was conducted to identify studies investigating the incidence of PSC. The incidence of PSC was summarized with an incidence rate (IR) and 95% confidence intervals. The test of heterogeneity was performed with the

Q

statistic. Secondary variables extracted from the articles included the following: the method of case ascertainment, the country, the time period, the age, the male/female incidence rate ratio (IRR), and the incidence of PSC subtypes (small-duct or large-duct PSC and inflammatory bowel disease). Stratified and sensitivity analyses were performed to explore heterogeneity between studies and to assess effects of study quality. Time trends were used to explore differences in the incidence across time. The search retrieved 1669 potentially eligible citations; 8 studies met the inclusion criteria. According to a random-effects model, the pooled IR was 0.77 (0.45–1.09) per 100,000 person-years. However, significant heterogeneity was observed between studies (

P

< 0.001). Sensitivity analyses excluding non–population-based studies increased the overall IR to 1.00 (0.82–1.17) and eliminated the heterogeneity between studies (

P

= 0.08). The IRR for males versus females was 1.70 (1.34–2.07), and the median age was 41 years (35–47 years). All studies investigating time trends reported an overall increase in the incidence of PSC.

Conclusion:

The incidence of PSC is similar in North American and European countries and continues to increase over time. Incidence data from developing countries are lacking, and this limits our understanding of the global incidence of PSC. (Hepatology 2011;)
Peginterferon with or without ribavirin has minimal effect on quality of life, behavioral/emotional, and cognitive outcomes in children
Authors: Rodrigue James R. , Balistreri William , Haber Barbara , Jonas Maureen M. , Mohan Parvathi , Molleston Jean P. , Murray Karen F. , Narkewicz Michael R. , Rosenthal Philip , Smith Lesley J. , Lobritto Steven J. , Schwarz Kathleen B. , Robuck Patricia R. , Barton Bruce , González-Peralta Regino P.
Published: February 2011

The aim of this study was to prospectively assess the quality of life (QOL), behavioral/emotional functioning, and cognitive status of children undergoing treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. In all, 114 children (5 to 18 years old) enrolled in a multisite randomized clinical trial (Peds-C) to evaluate peginterferon alpha 2a (PEG 2a) with ribavirin (RV) or with placebo (PL) completed several standardized measures prior to treatment and at 24 weeks, 48 weeks, 6 months following treatment, and at two annual follow-up visits. After 24 weeks of treatment, mean physical QOL scores declined significantly for both groups from baseline to 24 weeks of treatment (

F

= 5.8,

P

= 0.004), although scores remained in the average range. There were no significant time or group effects for behavioral/emotional or cognitive functioning. Three children (5%) in the PEG 2a + RV group and no children in the PEG 2a + PL group had a clinically significant increase in depression symptoms. For those children who received 48 weeks of treatment, there were no significant time or group effects on any of the outcome measures (

P

> 0.05). A majority of children in both the PEG 2a + RV and PEG 2a + PL groups experienced no clinically significant change in physical QOL, behavioral adjustment, depression, or cognitive functioning during or after treatment.

Conclusion

: Overall QOL and psychosocial functioning are not deleteriously impacted by PEG 2a + RV or PL treatment of children with HCV. (Hepatology 2011;)
Serum antiglycan antibody detection of nonmucinous ovarian cancers by using a printed glycan array
Authors: Jacob Francis , Goldstein Darlene R. , Bovin Nicolai V. , Pochechueva Tatiana , Spengler Marianne , Caduff Rosemarie , Fink Daniel , Vuskovic Marko I. , Huflejt Margaret E. , Heinzelmann‐Schwarz Viola
Published: February 2011

Epithelial ovarian cancer has the highest mortality rate among gynecological cancers. Altered glycosylation is associated with oncogenic transformation producing tumor‐associated carbohydrate antigens. We investigated the potential of natural occurring antiglycan antibodies in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer by using printed glycan array. Antiglycan antibodies bound to 203 chemically synthesized printed glycans were detected via biotin‐streptavidin fluorescence system in serum of women with normal operative findings (healthy controls; n = 24) and nonmucinous borderline or ovarian cancer of various FIGO stages (n = 33). Data were validated measuring blood group associated di‐, tri and tetrasaccharide antigens on known ABO blood groups. Antiglycan antibodies demonstrated high reproducibility (rc > 0.9). Cluster analysis identified repetitive patterns of specific core carbohydrate structures: 11 N‐linked glycans, 3 O‐linked glycans and 2 glycosphingolipids. Biomarker detection revealed 24 glycans including P1 (Galα1–4Galβ1–4GlcNAcβ; p < 0.001) significantly discriminating between (low‐) malignant tumors and healthy controls. Comparable sensitivity and specificity with tumor marker CA125 was achieved by a panel of multivariate selected and linear combined antiglycan antibody signals (79.2 and 84.8%, respectively). Our findings demonstrate the potential of glycan arrays in the development of a new generation of biomarkers for ovarian cancer.
Investigative psychology and law: towards collaboration by focusing on evidence and inferential reasoning
Authors: Carson David
Published: February 2011

Introducing a special issue of this journal, Youngs discussed the desirability of, but problems in realising, greater collaboration between psychology and the criminal investigation and trial processes. This paper acknowledges the value of investigative psychology's potential contribution but argues that the alleged incompatibilities, between psychology and law, are based upon too narrow a conception of law and legal action. A direct approach, with considerable potential for productive, principled, and practical research, already exists. It involves focusing on the evidence, assessing it along each of its three credentials, and identifying the nature of the inferential reasoning involved. This paper identifies a number of ways in which practical, inter‐disciplinary and collaboration could and should be developed to ensure that the courts receive quality evidence. It also argues that more attention should be paid to abductive inferential reasoning, both by researchers and courts. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of pigments from the Shrine of Kaiping Diaolou by micro‐Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Zeng Q. G. , Zhang G. X. , Tan J. H. , Leung C. W. , Zuo J.
Published: February 2011

Shrines (or altars) are constructed in China for worshiping ancestors, Bodhisattva, and God of Wealth. In this work, pigments from the shrine of Kaiping Diaolou tower were analyzed by micro‐Raman spectroscopy, in conjunction with other analytical methods including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X‐ray fluorescence (XRF). Paintings of the shrine were composed of 2–3 pigment layers and the total thickness was determined as about 200–300 µm by optical microscopy and SEM, indicating the fine painting skills applied in the construction of the shrine. The green pigments on the surface layer of the green fragment were identified as a mixture of lead phthalocyanine (PbPc) and cornwallite (Cu5(AsO4)2(OH)4) by XRF and micro‐Raman spectroscopy with two different excitation wavelengths (488 and 785 nm). Underneath the green layer, red and yellow ochre were found. The pigments on the surface layer of red and blue fragments were identified as hematite (Fe2O3) and lazurite or synthetic ultramarine [(Na8(Al6Si6O24)S3)], respectively. Finally, the pigments under the two surface layers were identified by EDX and micro‐Raman spectroscopy as chromium oxide (Cr2O3), gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O) and calcite (CaCO3). Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Continuous wave stimulated Raman scattering of benzene by fluorescence enhancement in hollow fused silica fiber
Authors: Men Zhiwei , Qu Guannan , Fang Wenhui , Sun Xiuping , Cao Anyang , Li Zuowei , Sun Chenglin , Gao Shuqin , Lu Guohui
Published: February 2011

We present continuous wave stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) of benzene (C6H6) influenced by the fluorescent dye m‐cresol purple in a hollow fused silica fiber (HFSF). Because of the transmission loss of the HFSF filled with C6H6, the SRS occurs when the Stokes gain equals the transmission loss, with the loss taken at the Stokes wavelength. The 992 cm−1 stimulated Stokes line has been obtained at the pump wavelength 658 nm, which cannot be obtained at 532 nm because the Stokes wavelength (562 nm) does not locate in the transmission loss. Also, the pump power is 35 mW with m‐cresol purple which is much lower than 800 mW without the dye. The profile of the 992 cm−1 stimulated Stokes is changed, and the weak shoulders of the profile are amplified by fluorescence. These results are expected to be of relevance in applications on the tunable Raman laser at new wavelengths. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SERS detection of proteins on micropatterned protein‐mediated sandwich substrates
Authors: Ruan Weidong , Ji Wei , Xue Xiangxin , Cui Yang , Chen Lei , Zhou Tieli , Niu Li , Li Xiao , Zhang Junhu , Zhao Bing
Published: February 2011

One of the greatest challenges in developing protein chips is the detection of trace amounts of proteins on their surfaces. Traditionally employed techniques, such as optical microscopy and fluorescence, are effective and widely used, but it is sometimes hard to obtain fingerprint signals of biomolecules. In this paper, we use surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy as a platform for protein detection. Micropatterned protein‐mediated Au/Ag sandwich structures were employed as the detecting objects. Two types of proteins, pure hemoprotein and immunocomplex, were used as the media. Au/Ag layers were used as the SERS substrates. The resulting spectra showed good sensitivity and resolution. It indicates that SERS is a powerful tool in protein detection and has great potential for application in protein chips. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fourier‐transform Raman analysis of milk powder: a potential method for rapid quality screening
Authors: Almeida Mariana R. , Oliveira Kamila de S. , Stephani Rodrigo , de Oliveira Luiz Fernando C.
Published: February 2011

In this work, FT‐Raman spectroscopy was explored as a fast and reliable screening method for the assessment of milk powder quality and the identification of samples adulterated with whey (1–40% w/w). Raman measurements can easily differentiate milk powders without the need of sample preparation, whereas the traditional methods of quality control, including high‐performance liquid chromatography, are laborious and slow. The FT‐Raman spectra of whole, low‐fat, and skimmed milk powder samples were obtained and distinguished from commercial milk powder samples. In addition, the exploratory analysis employing data from Raman spectroscopy and principal component analysis (PCA)allowed the separation of milk powder samples according to type,identifying differences between samples in the same group. Multivariate analysis was also developed to classify the adulterated milk powder samples using PCA and partial least squares discriminate analysis (PLS‐DA). The resulting PLS‐DA model correctly classified 100% of the adulterated samples. These results clearly demonstrate the utility of FT‐Raman spectroscopy combined with chemometrics as a rapid method for screening milk powder. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman G‐mode of single‐wall carbon nanotube bundles under pressure
Authors: Ghandour Ahmad J. , Dunstan David J. , Sapelkin Andrei
Published: February 2011

Raman studies of nanotubes under pressure have been a lively area of research. However, the results are not always as expected and at times have not been adequately explained. One example of the diversity of the results is the higher energy Raman mode (the graphitic mode, GM) shift to higher wavenumber under pressure. Here we report a new high‐pressure Raman study showing that the effects of the variation in the tube diameters and the pressure transmitting medium are both crucial for understanding the outcomes of such high‐pressure experiments. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Charge‐dependent adsorption of rhodamine 6G on gold nanoparticle surfaces: fluorescence and Raman study
Authors: Ganbold Erdene‐Ochir , Park Jin‐Ho , Dembereldorj Uuriintuya , Ock Kwang‐Su , Joo Sang‐Woo
Published: February 2011

We study the adsorption behaviors of rhodamine dyes on gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) depending on their surface charges. Rhodamine 6G (Rh6G) dye is tested comparatively for positively and negatively charged Au NPs prepared by the reduction of chitosan and citric acid, respectively. The adsorption of Rh6G is found to be weaker on the positively charged Au NPs, whereas more substantial aggregation is found on negatively charged Au NPs. An increase in the concentration of Au NPs enhances the surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) intensities only for the Au(−) NPs, whereas the Au(+) NPs do not exhibit any strong SERS signals. Our findings suggest that SERS and reciprocal fluorescence measurements of Rh6G can be used to estimate the surface charges and atomic percentages of Au NPs less than ∼5 ppm. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Significance of Isolated Hepatic Veno-Occlusive Disease/Sinusoidal Obstruction Syndrome After Liver Transplantation
Authors: Sebagh Mylène , Azoulay Daniel , Roche Bruno , Hoti Emir , Karam Vincent , Teicher Elina , Bonhomme-Faivre Laurence , Saliba Faouzi , Duclos-Vallée Jean-Charles , Samuel Didier
Published: February 2011

After liver transplantation (LT), hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD), which is also known as sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS), has been reported initially in relation to azathioprine use and subsequently in relation to acute rejection (AR). Isolated veno-occlusive disease (iVOD)/SOS raises some questions about its significance and especially its treatment. From the post-LT biopsy samples of 1364 patients (2000-2008), 31 patients with index biopsy samples showing VOD/SOS (2.3%) were identified. After a review of the index biopsy samples and previous biopsy samples, those patients not exposed to azathioprine therapy were subdivided into 2 groups according to the absence or presence of AR. Fifteen of the 31 patients had no previous evidence of AR, whereas 16 experienced episodes of AR (before or concurrently with VOD). The 2 groups were similar in terms of demographic and clinical data and the range of histological centrilobular changes. AR episodes were characterized by an endothelial predilection. iVOD/SOS occurred later than acute rejection–related veno-occlusive disease (AR-VOD)/SOS (mean times of 65 and 4.4 months, respectively, P = 0.0098). There was a tendency for iVOD/SOS to progress less frequently to chronic rejection in comparison with AR-VOD/SOS (3/15 versus 9/15, P = 0.06). The histological resolution of iVOD/SOS was significantly more frequent in patients who benefited from increased immunosuppression in comparison with those who did not (5/7 versus 2/8, P = 0.05). When the groups were considered together, the same result was obtained (14/18 versus 4/12, P = 0.024). In conclusion, despite a constant overall prevalence of VOD/SOS, the proportion of iVOD/SOS has increased. The histological resolution of iVOD/SOS after increase in immunosuppression suggests an immune-mediated origin. Better optimization of immunosuppression may be a curative treatment. Liver Transpl 17:798-808, 2011. © 2011 AASLD.
Which single‐item measures of overactive bladder symptom treatment correlate best with patient satisfaction?
Authors: Michel Martin C. , Oelke Matthias , Vogel Monika , de la Rosette Jean J.M.C.H.
Published: February 2011

Aims

While complex symptom scales are important research tools, simpler, preferably single item scales may be more useful for routine clinical practise in the evaluation of patients with overactive bladder syndrome (OAB). This study aimed to compare multiple single‐item scales at baseline and after treatment with patient‐reported overall rating of treatment efficacy.

Methods

In a pre‐planned secondary analysis of a previously reported observational study, 4,450 patients were evaluated at baseline and after 12 weeks open‐label treatment with solifenacin. Apart from episode counting for classical OAB symptoms, the following single‐item rating scales were applied: Indevus Urgency Severity Scale, Urgency Perception Scale, a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), quality of life question of the IPSS, and general health and bladder problem questions of the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ).

Results

At baseline OAB symptoms correlated at best moderately with each (r = 0.285–0.508) other or with any of the rating scales (r = 0.060–0.399). Pair‐wise correlations between treatment‐associated symptom or scale improvements tended to be tighter (r = 0.225–0.588). When compared to patient‐reported efficacy, the VAS (r = 0.487) and the bladder problem question of the KHQ (r = 0.452) showed the tightest correlation, whereas all symptom and rating scale improvements exhibited poor correlation with patient‐reported tolerability (r ≤ 0.283).

Conclusions

The VAS and the bladder problem question of the KHQ show the greatest promise as single‐item scales to assess problem intensity in OAB patients. 30:510–514, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association between urinary hesitancy symptoms and uroflowmetry measured urinary hesitancy time in men with lower urinary tract symptoms
Authors: Park Kyung Kgi , Lee Seung Hwan , Kim Yun Jeong , Choi Young Deuk , Mah Sang Yol
Published: February 2011

Aims

In patients with urinary hesitancy, the standard time of urinary hesitancy has not been established. Accordingly, we have analyzed the association between urinary hesitancy and various uroflowmetric finding in the present study.

Methods

Between April 2009 and September 2009, 163 consecutive male subjects with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) were prospectively enrolled. Individuals with a taking any medications known to affect bladder function were excluded. To measure time to voiding (T2V), 1 ml of water was poured into the uroflowmeter funnel of immediately after the subjects pulled down their undergarments. This step was employed to compensate for the intrinsic disadvantage of the uroflowmeter, which works at the beginning of urination. After urination is completed, subjects were asked whether they experienced any urinary hesitancy at that time. Subjects also completed an IPSS questionnaire.

Results

Mean patient age was 60.1 years, and 81 of a total of 163 patients reported experiencing urinary hesitancy. The optimal cut‐off value for T2V was found to be 11.5 sec among individuals with voiding volumes greater than 150 ml (AUC = 0.919). A correlation was also found between the score of question #6 on the IPSS questionnaire and the presence of urinary hesitancy during urology clinic visits (r = 0.26, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

In men with LUTS, T2V is an effective uroflometric parameter to demonstrate urinary hesitancy. Accordingly, we contend that 11.5 sec of hesitancy is an optimal cut‐off time to distinguish the presence of urinary hesitancy in voided volume of greater than 150 ml. 30:578–582, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Computer‐assisted tutoring: Teaching letter sounds to kindergarten students using incremental rehearsal
Authors: Volpe Robert J. , Burns Matthew K. , DuBois Matthew , Zaslofsky Anne Follen
Published: February 2011

The profound consequences of early reading failure necessitate the provision of early literacy interventions to struggling readers. Many schools struggle, however, to address early reading difficulties because of insufficient human resources. Accordingly, the present study investigated the effectiveness of incremental rehearsal (IR) as a Tier 3 intervention to improve letter sound knowledge and fluency with four kindergarten students. Four participants not making adequate progress toward letter sound fluency benchmarks were selected for an IR intervention targeting letter sounds that was delivered via a computerized tutoring program. All four students improved their letter sound knowledge and fluency. Overall, results indicated that a computer‐aided IR intervention is an effective, efficient, and acceptable intervention. Implications for research and practice are discussed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A meta‐analysis of parent and teacher reports of depression among students with learning disabilities: Evidence for the importance of multi‐informant assessment
Authors: Nelson Jason M. , Harwood Hannah R.
Published: February 2011

We conducted a meta‐analysis to examine depressive symptomatology among students with learning disabilities (LD), as reported by their parents and teachers. A 2006 meta‐analysis by Maag & Reid of the self‐reports of students with LD indicated that this group's higher report of depressive symptoms compared to non‐LD students was small in magnitude (d = .35). In our meta‐analysis, 31 studies in which depressive symptomatology among school‐age (K–12) students with LD was examined were included. The overall effect size was statistically significant and medium in magnitude (d = .75) and indicated that parents and teachers reported students with LD to experience significantly more depressive symptoms than non‐LD students experience. When integrated with Maag and Reid's findings, these results suggest that parents and teachers appear to report greater depressive symptomatology for students with LD than these students report for themselves. Due to the observed discrepancy, multi‐informant assessment practices and the need for clinical judgment are discussed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Is fluency‐based story retell a good indicator of reading comprehension?
Authors: Bellinger Jillian M. , DiPerna James C.
Published: February 2011

This study examined the reliability and validity of scores on a fluency‐based measure of reading comprehension. The Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS; 6th ed. revised) Retell Fluency (RTF), Oral Reading Fluency (DORF), and Woodcock Johnson III NU Tests of Achievement (WJ‐III NU ACH) Reading Comprehension measures were administered to fourth‐grade students. Results indicated a large difference between real time and recorded retell fluency scores for each passage. In addition, students' retell fluency scores had a low correlation with their reading comprehension scores. In light of these findings, practitioners may want to exercise caution in using fluency‐based story‐retell scores as a measure of reading comprehension. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multidetector computerized tomography enteroclysis vs. rectal water contrast transvaginal ultrasonography in determining the presence and extent of bowel endometriosis
Authors: Ferrero S. , Biscaldi E. , Morotti M. , Venturini P. L. , Remorgida V. , Rollandi G. A. , Valenzano Menada M.
Published: February 2011

Objectives

To compare the accuracy of multidetector computerized tomography enteroclysis (MDCT‐e) and rectal water contrast transvaginal ultrasonography (RWC‐TVS) in determining the presence and extent of bowel endometriosis.

Methods

This prospective study included 96 patients of reproductive age with suspicion of bowel endometriosis. Patients underwent MDCT‐e and RWC‐TVS before operative laparoscopy. Findings of MDCT‐e and RWC‐TVS were compared with histological results. The severity of pain experienced during MDCT‐e and RWC‐TVS was measured by a 10‐cm visual analog scale.

Results

Fifty‐one patients had bowel endometriotic nodules at surgery. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy for the diagnosis of rectosigmoid endometriosis were 95.8% (46/48), 100.0% (48/48), 100.0% (46/46), 96.0% (48/50) and 97.9% (94/96) for MDCT‐e and 93.8% (45/48), 97.9% (47/48), 97.8% (45/46), 94.0% (47/50) and 95.8% (92/96) for RWC‐TVS. MDCT‐e was associated with more intense pain than was RWC‐TVS.

Conclusions

MDCT‐e and RWC‐TVS have similar accuracy in the diagnosis of rectosigmoid endometriosis, but patients tolerate RWC‐TVS better than they do MDCT‐e. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low individual‐level dietary plasticity in an island‐invasive generalist forager
Authors: Ruffino Lise , Russell James C. , Pisanu Benoît , Caut Stéphane , Vidal Eric
Published: February 2011

The ability of invasive mammals to adjust their diet in response to new or variable resources is often proposed to explain their invasion success on islands with differing environmental conditions, especially islands with strong spatiotemporal changes in the nature and abundance of their resources. In this study, we investigated how habitat heterogeneity and seasonal fluctuation in resource quality affect dietary breadth and plasticity in an island‐invasive rodent, the black rat Rattus rattus, on a small Mediterranean island. We tested for dietary plasticity of rats at both the individual and population levels by using traditional dietary and stable isotope analyses at successively increasing time scales, coupled with a long‐term study of individual rats in three habitats of close proximity. Dietary and movement analyses both indicated that R. rattus is able to exploit a wide range of resources and habitats. However, dietary plasticity and habitat breadth were far narrower at the individual level. Results revealed that rats exclusively used resources found in their local habitat, and very few individuals moved among adjacent habitats in pursuit of higher‐quality resources, despite those resources being abundant in their immediate environment. This counterintuitive finding suggests that intraspecific interactions must restrict rat mobility. Our results suggest that even on small islands, accessibility of patchy and high‐quality resources to individuals from the entire population is not systematic. This result has important implications when quantifying invasive rodent impacts on patchily distributed species, especially when studies use indirect methods such as dietary analyses as a substitute for direct observations of predatory behavior.
Regeneration and Reutilization of Oil‐Laden Spent Bleaching Clay via in Situ Transesterification and Calcination
Authors: Boey Peng‐Lim , Ganesan Shangeetha , Maniam Gaanty Pragas
Published: February 2011

Landfill bound waste from the oil palm industry, spent bleaching clay (SBC) containing significant amounts of adsorbed crude palm oil (CPO) has the potential to be used for biodiesel production. In this study, SBC was subjected to ultrasound‐aided in situ transesterification with a co‐solvent to convert the oil into methyl esters (biodiesel). Optimized reaction conditions used were 5.4 wt% KOH, methanol to oil mass ratio of 5.9:1 and 1:1 mass ratio of co‐solvent (petroleum ether or ethyl methyl ketone) to SBC. The remaining bleaching clay was calcined at 500 °C for 30 min and reutilized for bleaching. Absence of –CH absorption peaks in the FTIR and TGA‐FTIR analysis of regenerated clays shows the regeneration efficiency of the method. In situ transesterification and heat regeneration helped to restore pores without adversely affecting the clay structure. The use of ethyl methyl ketone (EMK) as the co‐solvent in the in situ transesterification process produced clay with better bleaching qualities.
On expressible sets andp-adic numbers
Authors: Hančl Jaroslav , Nair Radhakrishnan , Pulcerova Simona , Šustek Jan
Published: February 2011

Continuing earlier studies over the real numbers, we study the expressible set of a sequenceA= (an)n≥1 ofp-adic numbers, which we define to be the setEpA= {∑n≥1ancn: cn∈ ℕ}. We show that in certain circumstances we can calculate the Haar measure ofEpAexactly. It turns out that our results extend to sequences of matrices withp-adic entries, so this is the setting in which we work.
Challenges for weed management in African rice systems in a changing climate
Authors: RODENBURG J. , MEINKE H. , JOHNSON D. E.
Published: February 2011

Global changes including increases in temperature, atmospheric greenhouse gases, soil degradation and competition for land and water resources, will have multiple impacts on rice production systems in Africa. These changes will affect weed communities, and management approaches must be adapted to take this into account. Higher temperatures and limited water availability will generally advantage C4over C3plants (e.g. rice). Conversely, elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) levels will improve the competitiveness of rice relative to C4weeds, which comprise many of the problem weeds of rice. Increased atmospheric CO2levels may also improve tolerance of rice against parasitic weeds, while prevalence of parasitic species may be amplified by soil degradation and more frequent droughts or floods. Elevated CO2levels tend to promote growth below-ground relative to above-ground, particularly in perennial (C3) species. This may render mechanical control of weeds within a cropping season less effective or even counterproductive. Increased CO2levels, rainfall and temperature may also reduce the effectiveness of chemical control, while the implementation of adaptation technologies, such as water-saving irrigation regimes, will have negative consequences for rice–weed competition. Rain-fed production systems are prevalent throughout Africa and these are likely to be most vulnerable to direct effects of climate change (e.g. higher temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns). Effective weed management strategies in these environments could encompass off-season tillage, the use of well-adapted cultivars (i.e. those with drought and heat tolerance, high weed competitiveness and parasitic weed resistance or tolerance) and rotations, intercropping or short, off-season fallows with weed-suppressive legumes including those that suppress parasitic weeds. In irrigated, non-flooded rice systems, weeds are expected to become more serious. Specifically, perennial rhizomatous C3weeds and species adapted to hydromorphic conditions are expected to increase in prevalence. By implementing an integrated weed management strategy primarily targeted at weed prevention, dependency on flood water, herbicides and mechanical control can be lessened. Off-season deep tillage, stale seed bed techniques, use of clean seeds and irrigation water, competitive cultivars, timely transplanting at optimum spacing and judicious fertilizer timings are suitable candidate components for such a strategy. Integrated, novel approaches must be developed to assist farmers in coping with the challenges of weed control in the future.
Are milk polyamines preventive agents against food allergy?
Authors: Dandrifosse Guy , Peulen O. , Khefif N. El , Deloyer P. , Dandrifosse A. C. , Grandfils Ch.
Published: February 2011

Insufficient polyamine intake could play a role in the induction of sensitization to dietary allergens. This proposal is based essentially on investigations made in sucking rats and in children. In sucking rats it has been established that oral administration of spermine can induce all the modifications occurring in the digestive tract at weaning. In the intestine events occur in two phases. The early event consists of desquamation of the epithelium resulting from an activation of apoptosis. The late event appears to involve an hormonal cascade in which adrenocorticotropic hormone, cytokines, bombesin and corticosterone are included. Observations in human subjects show that: (1) the spermine and spermidine concentrations are generally lower in infant formulas than in human breast milk. Mothers seem consistently to have relatively high or relatively low concentrations of spermine and spermidine in their milk. These individual variations may be due to diet, lifestyle or genetic background; (2) the probability of developing allergy can reach 80 % if the mean spermine concentration in the milk is lower than 2 nmol/ml milk. It is approximately 0 % if the mean spermine concentration is higher than 13 nmol/ml milk; (3) preliminary results show that the intestinal permeability to macromolecules differs in premature babies when they are fed on breast milk compared with infant formulas (J Senterre, J Rigo, G Forget, G Dandrifosse and N Romain, unpublished results). This difference does not seem to be present when powdered milk is supplemented with polyamines at the concentration found in breast milk; (4) spermine increases proliferation and differentiation of lymphocytes isolated from the tonsils of children.
Nutrient partitioning during pregnancy: adverse gestational outcome in overnourished adolescent dams
Authors: Wallace Jacqueline M.
Published: February 2011

Appropriate nutrient partitioning between the maternal body and gravid uterus is essential for optimum fetal growth and neonatal survival, and in adult sheep nutrient partitioning during pregnancy generally favours the conceptus at the expense of the dam. However, recent studies using an overnourished adolescent sheep model demonstrate that the hierarchy of nutrient partitioning during pregnancy can be dramatically altered in young growing females. Overnourishing the adolescent dams to promote rapid maternal growth throughout pregnancy results in a major restriction in placental mass and leads to a significant decrease in birth weight relative to moderately-fed adolescents of equivalent gynaecological age. High maternal feed intakes are also associated with an increased incidence of non-infectious spontaneous abortion, a reduction in gestation length and colostrum production, and a higher incidence of neonatal mortality. The present paper examines the putative role of a variety of endocrine regulators of nutrient partitioning in this unusual model system, where the dam is overnourished while the stunted placenta restricts nutrient supply to the fetus. The central role of nutritionally-mediated alterations in placental growth and development in setting the subsequent pattern of nutrient partitioning between the maternal body, placenta and fetus is examined, and critical periods of sensitivity to alterations in maternal nutritional status are defined. Finally, the consequences of this form of inappropriate nutrient partitioning on the growth and development of the fetus and neonate are described with particular emphasis on the reproductive axis.
Protein nutrition in late pregnancy, maternal protein reserves and lactation performance in dairy cows
Authors: Bell Alan W. , Burhans Winfield S. , Overton Thomas R.
Published: February 2011

Empirical evidence suggests that prolonged underfeeding of protein to late-pregnant dry cows can have modest negative carry-over effects on milk volume and/or protein yield during early lactation, and may also cause increased incidence of metabolic diseases associated with fatty liver. However, assessment of requirements is hampered by lack of information on relationships between dietary intake of crude protein (N × 6·25) and metabolizable protein supply during late pregnancy, and by incomplete understanding of the quantitative metabolism of amino acids in maternal and conceptus tissues. Inability of the postparturient cow to consume sufficient protein to meet mammary and extra-mammary amino acid requirements, including a significant demand for hepatic gluconeogenesis, necessitates a substantial, albeit transient, mobilization of tissue protein during the first 2 weeks of lactation. Ultimately, much of this mobilized protein appears to be derived from peripheral tissues, especially skeletal muscle and, to a lesser extent, skin, through suppression of tissue protein synthesis, and possibly increased proteolysis. In the shorter term, soon after calving, it is likely that amino acids required for hepatic glucose synthesis are diverted from high rates of synthesis of splanchnic tissue and export proteins, including serum albumin. The prevailing endocrine milieu of the periparturient cow, including major reductions in plasma levels of insulin and insulin-like growth factor-I, together with insulin resistance in peripheral tissues, must permissively facilitate, if not actively promote, net mobilization of amino acids from these tissues.
The impact of infection and nutrition on gut function and growth in childhood
Authors: Lunn Peter G.
Published: February 2011

Poor growth performance during infancy and early childhood is a frequent fact of life in most developing countries. Work in The Gambia has demonstrated that more than 43 % of observed growth faltering during the first 15 months of life can be explained by the presence of a mucosal enteropathy in the small intestine. Within communities the illness is very common: in the area investigated more than 95 % of infants above 8 months of age were affected, and on average they suffered a growth-limiting enteropathy for more than 75 % of their first year of life. Two mechanisms of weight loss have been defined. First, partial villus atrophy reduces absorption and digestion of lactose and probably other nutrients. Second, and more importantly, damage to the mucosal barrier allows translocation of macromolecules into the mucosa and blood, triggering both local and systemic immune and inflammatory mechanisms. Given the severity of the enteropathy it is not surprising that infants fail to grow at a normal rate. Recent findings suggest that these lesions continue throughout childhood and into adulthood. Thus, a persistence of chronic, local and systemic inflammation throughout childhood may be responsible for continued poor growth during this period. Although the nature of the enteropathy and the mechanisms of growth failure have been defined, the factors involved in the initiation and persistence of the intestinal lesion remain uncertain, making clinical management difficult. More work is clearly required to elucidate these factors and to define interventions to prevent or treat the enteropathy.
Kill and cure: dietary augmentation of immune defences against colon cancer
Authors: Armstrong Fiona , Mathers J. C.
Published: February 2011

At its most fundamental, cancer is a genetic disease resulting from inherited or acquired mutations in tumour suppressor genes and proto-oncogenes. Environmental factors, including ingested food components, interact with genetic inheritance to determine individual cancer risk. There is growing evidence that the immune system exerts selective pressure during neoplastic development. Tumour cells that evade this immunosurveillance because they are non-antigenic or because they defend themselves successfully against immune attack have a survival advantage. Effective chemopreventative agents will include dietary components that enhance the immune system’s ability to identify transformed cells and to target them for apoptosis.