bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ThinPrep are superior to conventional smears in the cytological diagnosis of subfertile men by testicular fine‐needle aspiration
Authors: Grimbizis Grigoris , Mikos Themistoklis , Pantazis Konstantinos , Athanassiou Evangelia , Sevastiadou Panagiota , Papanicolaou Athanasios , Polychronou Paris , Goulis Dimitrios G. , Tarlatzis Basil , Bontis John N. , Papadimas Ioannis
Published: December 2007

The aim of this study was the comparison of liquid‐based cytology (ThinPrep, TS) to conventional smears (CS) in the investigation of subfertile men with testicular fine‐needle aspiration (FNA).

Between January and December 2004, testicular FNA biopsies were performed in 30 subfertile men. Both TS and CS were diagnosed according to Meng classification. Features specifically recorded in each smear included sample adequacy, tissue cells preservation, contamination with red blood cells, quality of smear background, ease of cell recognition, and the cytological diagnosis.

There was agreement in the cytological diagnosis between TS and CS (P = 0.88) and sample adequacy (P = 0.73). TS was superior to CS regarding cell preservation, presence of red blood cells or tissue artifacts, quality of the smear background, and cell recognition (P < 0.0001).

In testicular FNA cytology, TS appear to be superior to CS in respect to cell preservation, absence of red blood cells, background quality, and cell recognition. These advantages, however, are not translated in improved cytological diagnosis. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:1–7. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Solid renal masses in adults: Image‐guided fine‐needle aspiration cytology and imaging techniques—“Two Heads Better Than One?”
Authors: García‐Solano José , Acosta‐Ortega Jesús , Pérez‐Guillermo Miguel , Benedicto‐Orovitg José Manuel , Jiménez‐Penick Francisco José
Published: December 2007

We have compared the diagnostic accuracy of image‐guided 25G‐FNA (fine‐needle aspiration) and imaging modalities in a group of 31 patients with solid space‐occupying renal lesions. All patients had undergone total nephrectomy and histologic sections were available for review.

By FNA there were 24 malignant diagnoses, I benign diagnosis, and 6 cases with yield inadequate for diagnosis. The FNA accuracy for malignancy was 100% with no false positive cases; cancer typing by FNA matched the final histologic diagnoses in 91.6% of cases. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 80%, 14%, 80%, and 14%, respectively.

Radiologically there were 26 diagnoses of malignancy, I of benignity, and 4 indeterminate lesions (IL). Accuracy for malignancy was 100%, with one false positive case; cancer typing matched the final histologic diagnoses in 84%. Sensitivity of imaging modalities was 86%, specificity 17%, positive predictive value 83%, and negative predictive value 20%. Four IL corresponded to renal cell carcinoma in the final histologic report: two IL had a previous diagnosis of malignancy by FNA, and the yield of two was inadequate for cytologic diagnosis.

Both techniques have 100% accuracy for the diagnosis of malignancy. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of imaging techniques are slightly higher than those obtained by FNA. Imaging techniques and FNA of solid renal masses complement each other in IL and in nondiagnostic FNAs. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:8–12. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cytopathology of a primary follicular dendritic cell sarcoma of the liver of the inflammatory pseudotumor‐like type
Authors: Granados Rosario , Aramburu José Antonio , Rodríguez José María , Nieto María Antonia
Published: December 2007

Follicular dendritic cell (FDC) sarcoma is an exceedingly uncommon tumor of lymph nodes and extranodal tissues. The inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT)‐like variant of FDC sarcoma of intraabdominal location is considered a separate entity, with different clinical and pathological features than those of the classic FDC tumor.

There have been only 12 cytological reports of FDC sarcomas in the literature. Two of them were metastases to the liver and, like our case, had features of IPT. Fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and imprint and scrape cytology from the surgically excised tumor here reported revealed spindle tumor cells with moderate pleomorphism, nuclear grooves, prominent nucleoli, and cytoplasmic processes, admixed with inflammatory cells. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first cytology report of a primary hepatic FDC tumor. The cytological findings permit the recognition of this tumor. However, confirmation by inmunohistochemistry (IHQ) is mandatory for a definitive diagnosis. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:42–46. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Free fatty acids as mediators of adaptive compensatory responses to insulin resistance in dexamethasone‐treated rats
Authors: Novelli Michela , Pocai Alessandro , Chiellini Chiara , Maffei Margherita , Masiello Pellegrino
Published: December 2007

Background

Chronic low‐dose dexamethasone (DEX) treatment in rats is associated to insulin resistance with compensatory hyperinsulinaemia and reduction in food intake. We tested the hypothesis that the elevation in circulating free fatty acids (FFAs) induced by DEX is the common mediator of both insulin resistance and insulin hyperproduction.

Methods

For this purpose, an anti‐lipolytic agent was administered during DEX treatment to lower lipacidaemia for several hours prior to glucose and insulin tolerance tests. Leptin expression in adipose tissue (by Northern blot) and plasma leptin levels (by radioimmunoassay) were also investigated to verify whether a rise in circulating leptin could be responsible for the anorectic effect of DEX.

Results

Our data show that a transient pharmacological reduction of elevated plasma FFA levels abates the post‐loading hyperinsulinaemia and counteracts the insulin resistance induced by DEX, supporting the hypothesis that the chronic elevation in FFAs is the common mediator of DEX‐induced changes. Despite enhanced leptin expression in white adipose tissue, DEX‐treated rats show no significant increase in plasma leptin levels. This suggests that the anorectic effect of DEX should be mediated, at least partially, by other factors, possibly related to the influence of concomitantly elevated plasma FFA and insulin levels on the hypothalamic centers regulating feeding.

Conclusions

Our results sustain the idea that a prolonged increase in plasma FFA levels plays an important role in the adaptive regulation of glucose and energy homeostasis, not only by potentiating insulin secretion but also by providing a signal of ‘nutrient abundance’ capable of restraining food intake. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A New Chemical Route to Synthesise TM‐Doped (TM = Co, Fe) TiO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Nunes Manuel R. , Monteiro Olinda C. , Castro Ana L. , Vasconcelos Duarte A. , Silvestre António J.
Published: December 2007

Since the discovery of ferromagnetism well above room temperature in the Co‐doped TiO2 system, diluted magnetic semiconductors based on TiO2 doped with transition metals have generated great interest because of their potential use in the development of spintronic devices. The purpose of this paper is to report on a new and swift chemical route to synthesise highly stable anatase single‐phase Co‐ and Fe‐doped TiO2 nanoparticles, with dopant concentrations of up to 10 at.‐% and grain sizes that range between 20 and 30 nm. Complementary structural, microstructural and chemical analyses of the different nanopowders synthesised strongly support the hypothesis that a homogeneous distribution of the dopant element in the substitutional sites of the anatase structure has been achieved. Moreover, UV/Vis diffuse reflectance spectra of powder samples show redshifts to lower energies and decreasing bandgap energies with increasing Co or Fe concentration, which is consistent with n‐type doping of the TiO2 anatase matrix. Films of Co‐doped TiO2 were successfully deposited onto Si (100) substrates by the dip‐coating method, with suspensions of Ti1–xCoxO2 nanoparticles in ethylene glycol.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Structural Characterization of the Core Region of the Lipopolysaccharide from the Haloalkaliphilic Halomonas pantelleriensis: Identification of the Biological O‐Antigen Repeating Unit
Authors: Pieretti Giuseppina , Corsaro Maria Michela , Lanzetta Rosa , Parrilli Michelangelo , Nicolaus Barbara , Gambacorta Agata , Lindner Buko , Holst Otto
Published: December 2007

Halomonas pantelleriensis is an extremophile, haloalkaliphilic microorganism that requires strictly aerobic conditions for growth. It is able to optimally grow in media containing 3–15 % (w/v) total salt at a pH value between 9 and 10. To survive in these harsh conditions the extremophiles have developed several strategies that allow the microorganism to thrive. These adaptative strategies probably concern the bacteria outer membrane, which is a barrier regulating the exchange with the environment. In such a context, the lipopolysaccharides (LPSs), which are among the major constituent of the Gram‐negative outer membrane, are thought to contribute to restrictive membrane permeability properties. Previous studies concerning the structure of the O‐chain repeating unit of the lipopolysaccharide from this bacterium showed that it is constituted of a tetrasaccharidic repeating unit containing a high number of acidic monosaccharides. It was hypothesized that the carboxylate groups might serve as a protective buffer for bacterium under the extreme life conditions. To provide insight into the relationship and interactions between the environmental factors and microbial life, the core structure was also characterized. The LPS was hydrolyzed under both mild acid and strong alkaline conditions. This last treatment was the best one to obtain the whole core backbone and to gain information about the phosphates position. Moreover, the strong alkaline treatment product allowed us to identify the linkage between the O‐chain and the core structure. Two core oligosaccharides were found and their structures were determined by FTICR MS and NMR spectroscopy. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first description of the core structure of a lipopolysaccharide of an extremophile bacterium.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
A DFT and AIM Study of the Proline‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Cross‐Aldol Addition of Acetone to Isatins: A Rationalization for the Reversal of Chirality
Authors: Corrêa Rodrigo J. , Garden Simon J. , Angelici Gaetano , Tomasini Claudia
Published: December 2007

The steric and stereoelectronic effects that control the enantioselectivity in the cross‐aldol addition of acetone to isatin catalyzed byL‐proline have been studied by means of DFT and AIM calculations. This reaction results in a reversal of enantioselectivity compared with the corresponding cross‐aldol addition to 4,6‐dibromoisatin and aldehydes. DFT calculations of the cross‐aldol transition states indicate that product formation follows different pathways for the substrates isatin and 4,6‐dibromoisatin. In the case of isatin, theSenantiomer is favoured as a consequence of a stereoelectronic effect that results in a lower‐energy transition state for theSenantiomer relative to theRenantiomer. In contrast, the cross‐aldol addition of acetone to 4,6‐dibromoisatin furnishes the expectedRenantiomer owing to a steric effect of the 4‐bromo substituent which inhibits the formation of theSenantiomer via the stereoelectronically favoured transition state.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Seed surface characters and their systematic significance in the genus Lathyrus (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae, Vicieae)
Authors: Abou‐El‐Enain M. M. , Loufty M. H. A. , Shehata A. A.
Published: December 2007

Seed morphology of 34 species of Lathyrus was examined by light‐ (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Quantitative and qualitative features were evaluated to identify groups of species using a phenetic analysis. The used characters were that of testa (luster, multicellular sculpture and homogeneity of cell‐size); anticlinal walls (level, undulation, thickness and 2ry sculpture); outer periclinal walls (level and 2ry sculpture); hilum (shape and length/ width ratio) and the seed length/width ratio. Nine multi‐cellular sculptures and three patterns of secondary sculpture of anticlinal walls were recorded. The most common and remarkable pattern was the prominent stellate like structures on the angles of the anticlinal walls. Many terms used for describing patterns should be reevaluated within the whole tribe to better define of the character states for the multicellular sculpture. The present data were useful to recognize species or groups of species by a unique or combination of character states and had supported the retaining of Lathyrus tingitanus and L. tuberosus in section Lathyrus; the placement of L. neurolobus and L. nissolia in two different monotypic sections; the distinctiveness of the species of sections Aphaca and Pratensis. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Examining the statistical properties of fine‐scale mapping in large‐scale association studies
Authors: Wiltshire Steven , Morris Andrew P. , Zeggini Eleftheria
Published: December 2007

Interpretation of dense single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) follow‐up of genome‐wide association or linkage scan signals can be facilitated by establishing expectation for the behaviour of primary mapping signals upon fine‐mapping, under both null and alternative hypotheses. We examined the inferences that can be made regarding the posterior probability of a real genetic effect and considered different disease‐mapping strategies and prior probabilities of association. We investigated the impact of the extent of linkage disequilibrium between the disease SNP and the primary analysis signal and the extent to which the disease gene can be physically localised under these scenarios. We found that large increases in significance (>2 orders of magnitude) appear in the exclusive domain of genuine genetic effects, especially in the follow‐up of genome‐wide association scans or consensus regions from multiple linkage scans. Fine‐mapping significant association signals that reside directly under linkage peaks yield little improvement in an already high posterior probability of a real effect. Following fine‐mapping, those signals that increase in significance also demonstrate improved localisation. We found local linkage disequiliptium patterns around the primary analysis signal(s) and tagging efficacy of typed markers to play an important role in determining a suitable interval for fine‐mapping. Our findings help inform the interpretation and design of dense SNP‐mapping follow‐up studies, thus facilitating discrimination between a genuine genetic effect and chance fluctuation (false positive). Genet. Epidemiol. 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A double blind, placebo‐controlled pilot study of galantamine augmentation of antidepressant treatment in older adults with major depression
Authors: Holtzheimer Paul E. , Meeks Thomas W. , Kelley Mary E. , Mufti Mustafa , Young Raymond , McWhorter Kimberly , Vito Nancie , Chismar Ronald , Quinn Sinéad , Dey Sherry , Byrd Eve H. , McDonald William M.
Published: December 2007

Objective

Depression in older adults is often associated with cognitive abnormalities and may predict later development of a primary cognitive disorder. This double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled pilot study was designed to assess the safety and efficacy of galantamine augmentation of antidepressant treatment for depressive and cognitive symptoms in older adults with major depression.

Methods

Thirty‐eight, non‐demented older adults (age >50) with major depression were randomized to receive galantamine or placebo augmentation of standard antidepressant pharmacotherapy (venlafaxine XR or citalopram). Mood and cognitive status were monitored for 24 weeks using the 24‐item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status.

Results

Both groups showed significant improvements in mood and cognition over 24 weeks, but no significant difference was found in change over time between groups. An exploratory post‐hoc analysis suggested that patients randomized to galantamine had lower depression scores compared to patients in the placebo group after 2 weeks of treatment. Dropout was high with more subjects randomized to antidepressant plus galantamine withdrawing early from the study.

Conclusions

This pilot study failed to demonstrate a benefit for galantamine augmentation of antidepressant medication in the treatment of depression in older adults. Future studies should explore strategies for reducing dropout in such longitudinal trials and more carefully assess time to response with cholinesterase inhibitor augmentation. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An evaluation of spatial thresholding techniques in fMRI analysis
Authors: Logan Brent R. , Geliazkova Maya P. , Rowe Daniel B.
Published: December 2007

Many fMRI experiments have a common objective of identifying active voxels in a neuroimaging dataset. This is done in single subject experiments, for example, by performing individual voxel‐wise tests of the null hypothesis that the observed time course is not significantly related to an assigned reference function. A voxel activation map is then constructed by applying a thresholding rule to the resulting statistics (e.g., t‐statistics). Typically the task‐related activation is expected to occur in clusters of voxels rather than in isolated single voxels. A variety of spatial thresholding techniques have been proposed to reflect this belief, including smoothing the raw t‐statistics, cluster size inference, and spatial mixture modeling. We study two aspects of these spatial thresholding procedures applied to single subject fMRI analysis through simulation. First, we examine the performance of these procedures in terms of sensitivity to detect voxel activation, using receiver operating characteristic curves. Second, we consider the accuracy of these spatial thresholding procedures in estimation of the size of the activation region, both in terms of bias and variance. The findings indicate that smoothing has the highest sensitivity to modest magnitude signals, but tend to overestimate the size of the activation region. Spatial mixture models estimate the size of a spatially distributed activation region well, but may be less sensitive to modest magnitude signals, indicating that additional research into more sensitive spatial mixture models is needed. Finally, the methods are illustrated with a real bilateral finger‐tapping fMRI experiment. Hum Brain Mapp, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neurofunctional modulation of brain regions by distinct forms of motor cognition and movement features
Authors: Piefke Martina , Kramer Kira , Korte Mia , Schulte‐Rüther Martin , Korte Jan M. , Wohlschläger Afra M. , Weber Jochen , Shah Nadim J. , Huber Walter , Fink Gereon R.
Published: December 2007

Extrastriate, parietal, and frontal brain regions are differentially involved in distinct kinds of body movements and motor cognition. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we investigated the neural mechanisms underlying the observation and mental imagery of meaningful face and limb movements with or without objects. The supplementary motor area was differentially recruited by the mental imagery of movements while there were differential responses of the extrastriate body area (EBA) during the observation conditions. Contrary to most previous reports, the EBA responded to face movements, albeit to a lesser degree than to limb movements. The medial wall of the intraparietal sulcus and adjacent intraparietal cortex was selectively recruited by the processing of meaningful upper limb movements, irrespective of whether these were object‐related or not. Besides reach and grasp movements, the intraparietal sulcus may thus be involved in limb gesture processing, that is, in an important aspect of human social communication. We conclude that subregions of a frontal–parietal network differentially interact during the cognitive processing of body movements according to the specific motor‐related task at hand and the particular movement features involved. Hum Brain Mapp, 2009. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ventral hippocampal involvement in temporal order, but not recognition, memory for spatial information
Authors: Howland John G. , Harrison Rebecca A. , Hannesson Darren K. , Phillips Anthony G.
Published: December 2007

The hippocampus is critical for spatial memory. Recently, subregional differences in the function of hippocampus have been described in a number of behavioral tasks. The present experiments assessed the effects of reversibly lesioning either the dorsal (dHip) or ventral hippocampus (vHip) on spontaneous tests of spatial recognition and temporal order memory. We report that although the dHip is necessary for spatial recognition memory (RM) (distinguishing a novel from a familiar spatial location), the vHip is involved in temporal order memory (the capacity to distinguish between two spatial locations visited at different points in time), but not RM. These findings and others are consistent with the hypothesis that temporal order memory is supported by an integrated circuit of limbic areas including the vHip and the medial prefrontal cortex. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Low‐cost solution to on‐line color filter array demosaicking
Authors: Kabukcu Gökhan , Yurdakul Arda
Published: December 2007

The article introduces a low‐cost algorithm for improving the demosaicking process in the texture areas such as one‐pixel patterns. The algorithm first detects difficult texture regions. After the detection process is completed, the algorithm demosaicks the texture areas using special demosaicking operations whereas non‐texture regions are restored using some of the existing demosaicking approaches. In this way, the quality of the texture areas in demosaicked images can be improved up to 70% while only little increasing the computational complexity of the original demosaicking solution. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 17, 232–243, 2007
Image texture classification using wavelet based curve fitting and probabilistic neural network
Authors: Ramakrishnan Srinivasan , Selvan Srinivasan
Published: December 2007

This article describes a new approach for image texture classification based on curve fitting of wavelet domain singular values and probabilistic neural networks. Image textures are wavelet packet transformed and singular value decomposition is then employed on subband coefficient matrices after introducing non‐linearity. Lower singular values are truncated based on energy distribution to effectively classify textures in the presence of noise. The selected singular values are fitted to the exponential curve. The model parameters are estimated using population‐sample analogues method and the parameters are used for performing classification. A modified form of probabilistic neural network (PNN) called weighted PNN (WPNN) is employed for performing the classification. Compared to probabilistic neural network, WPNN includes weighting factors between pattern layer and summation layer of the PNN. Performance of the approach is compared with model based and feature based methods in terms of signal to noise ratio and classification rate. Experimental results prove that the proposed approach gives better classification rate under noisy environment. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 17, 266–275, 2007
Note on a Highly Diverse Rotifer Assemblage (Rotifera: Monogononta) in a Laotian Rice Paddy and Adjacent Pond
Authors: Segers Hendrik , Sanoamuang La‐orsri
Published: December 2007

During August 1999, the authors conducted a sampling campaign in the PDR Laos, in order to contribute to the chorology of rotifers in the region. Two samples, collected from a rice paddy and an adjacent pond near Vientiane, Laos, contained a total of 135 rotifer species including several that appear new to science or that warrant taxonomical or biogeographical comments. No new species can be named, but Cephalodella boettgeri Koste and Floscularia armata Segers are recorded for the second time ever after their description from South America, and Parencentrum lutetiae (Harring and Myers) and Polyarthra luminosa Kutikova are new to Southeast Asia. This raises the number of rotifers recorded from Laos from 9 to 130. The diversity recorded is remarkable, especially when compared with that of similar habitats in the Thai part of the floodplain of River Mekong and its tributaries. Different agricultural practices may account for the difference in species richness. Similar highly diverse rotifer faunas are known to occur in natural, tropical and subtropical floodplain systems only. This accords with the view that rice paddies can be regarded as artificial wetlands or floodplain systems, which, if managed taking biodiversity concerns into account, may have a potential for the conservation of freshwater biodiversity. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effects of Daphnia ‐Associated Infochemicals on the Morphology, Polysaccharides Content and PSII‐Efficiency in Scenedesmus obliquus
Authors: Yang Zhou , Kong Fanxiang , Shi Xiaoli , Xing Peng , Zhang Min
Published: December 2007

We investigated the effects of infochemicals from Daphnia carinata on the morphology, polysaccharides yield and PSII‐efficiency in Scenedesmus obliquus. Infochemicals released from D. carinata induced colony formation in S. obliquus. The contents of soluble extracellular polysaccharides, bounded extracellular polysaccharides, and the total polysaccharides per cell in the induced colonies of S. obliquus increased significantly relative to those of the unicells, which indicated that Daphnia ‐associated infochemicals could also stimulate S. obliquus to increase the synthesis of extracellular polysaccharides. The increased extracellular polysaccharides may play an important role in cementing S. obliquus cells together to form colonies. In addition, no significant differences in growth, the maximal efficiency of PSII photochemistry (Fv/Fm), and the effective quantum yields of PSII (ΦPSII) were detected between unicellular and induced colonial populations, which showed that the cost of induced colony formation was not reflected on these indices. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
[Nε‐(γ‐glutamyl) lysine] as a potential biomarker in neurological diseases : New detection method and fragmentation pathways
Authors: Hoffner Guylaine , Hoppilliard Yannik , van der Rest Guillaume , Dansette Patrick , Djian Philippe , Ohanessian Gilles
Published: December 2007

Protein aggregates are characteristic of a number of diseases of the central nervous system such as diseases of polyQ expansion. Covalent bonds formed by the action of transglutaminase are thought to participate in the stabilization of these aggregates. Transglutaminase catalyzes the formation of cross‐links between the side chains of glutaminyl and lysyl residues of polypeptides. Identification of the isodipeptide Nε‐(γ‐glutamyl) lysine (iEK) in terminal proteolytic digests of neuronal aggregates would demonstrate participation of transglutaminase in neurological diseases. In order to identify and quantify the iEK present in the brain of patients with neurological disease, a method combining liquid chromatography and multistep mass spectrometry was developed. Because isobaric peptides of iEK could be present in the digest of aggregated proteins, the choice of fragment diagnostic ions was crucial. These ions were identified by mass spectrometry on sodiated iEK, which was derivatized on the carboxylic functions and terminal amines in order to improve sensitivity. Deuterated molecules as well as 13C6‐ and 15N2‐isotopomers were used to derive filiations in the multistep fragmentations. The main fragmentation patterns have been identified, so that two ions (m/z 396 [MH − 56–42 u]+ and 350 [MH − 56–88 u]+) are shown to be adequate markers for quantitation experiments. In order to gain a better understanding of the fragmentation processes, detailed quantum chemical calculations have been performed at levels which are expected to provide good accuracy. A thorough study has been carried out with a reduced model in which only the ‘active’ part of the molecule is retained. This allowed obtaining full mechanistic details on the pathways leading to a number of observed fragments. In particular, it has been shown that losses of 87 and 88 u from A+ = [MH − 56 u]+ are competitive. Computations on the entire derivatized isodipeptide have been used to validate the use of the smaller model in order to obtain reliable energetics and mechanisms. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Discrete particle simulations of solids compaction and conveying in a single‐screw extruder
Authors: Moysey P.A. , Thompson M.R.
Published: December 2007

This paper studies granular flow and compaction behavior of high‐density polyethylene by discrete particle modeling in order to gain greater understanding of the stress distribution within the solids‐conveying zone of a single‐screw extruder. The contact force–displacement model used in the simulations was first validated by simulating uniaxial compression in a batch compaction cell. Subsequently, the discrete particle approach was used to model in 3D the movement of particles within the solids‐inflow and solids‐conveying zone of a 32‐mm single‐screw extruder. Results of the simulations showed that axial pressure development did not increase in an exponential manner, as suggested by continuum models, largely due to the compressibility of the solids. The nature by which pressure developed was shown to be further complicated by the retarding frictional forces of the granular bed, indicating Archimedean transport phenomena close to the feed opening when the head pressure was low and inadequate stress transmission occurred along the screw. In the cross‐channel direction, the anisotropic stress field predicted found that the highest pressure in the screw channel was located at the screw root, while the lowest pressure corresponded to the retreating flight. The results were subsequently discussed in comparison to available continuum models. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 48:62–73, 2008. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of Lepidium sativum L. on renal glucose reabsorption and urinary TGF‐β1 levels in diabetic rats
Authors: Eddouks Mohamed , Maghrani Mhamed
Published: December 2007

The purpose of this study was to determine the mechanism underlying the hypoglycaemic activity of the aqueous extract perfusion of Lepidium sativum L. (LS) in normal and streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats. The aqueous LS extract was administered intravenously and the blood glucose levels were determined within 4 h of treatment. Plasma insulin concentrations and glycosuria were determined. The 24 h urinary transforming growth factor‐β1 (ELISA) was evaluated in diabetic and control rats 15 days after oral treatment with the aqueous LS extract at a dose of 20 mg/kg.

The study showed that LS at a dose of 10 mg/kg/h reduced blood glucose levels both in normal and diabetic rats (p < 0.001). At the same time as a potent increase of glycosuria was observed both in normal and diabetic rats (p < 0.001). In addition, oral administration of LS for 15 days normalized glycaemia (p < 0.001), enhanced glycosuria (p < 0.05 vs diabetic control) and decreased the amount of urinary TGF‐β1 (p < 0.01) in diabetic rats.

It is concluded that the aqueous LS extract caused a potent inhibition of renal glucose reabsorption which in turn reduced blood sugar. This renal effect is at least one mechanism explaining the observed hypoglycaemic activity of this plant in normal and diabetic rats. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A likelihood‐based method for real‐time estimation of the serial interval and reproductive number of an epidemic
Authors: Forsberg White L. , Pagano M.
Published: December 2007

We present a method for the simultaneous estimation of the basic reproductive number, R0, and the serial interval for infectious disease epidemics, using readily available surveillance data. These estimates can be obtained in real time to inform an appropriate public health response to the outbreak. We show how this methodology, in its most simple case, is related to a branching process and describe similarities between the two that allow us to draw parallels which enable us to understand some of the theoretical properties of our estimators. We provide simulation results that illustrate the efficacy of the method for estimating R0 and the serial interval in real time. Finally, we implement our proposed method with data from three infectious disease outbreaks. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predictive value of angiogenic factors and uterine artery Doppler for early‐ versus late‐onset pre‐eclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: Crispi F. , Llurba E. , Domínguez C. , Martín‐Gallán P. , Cabero L. , Gratacós E.
Published: December 2007

Objectives

To investigate potential differences in the prediction of early‐ vs. late‐onset pre‐eclampsia and/or intrauterine growth restriction (PE/IUGR) by second‐trimester uterine artery Doppler examination, and measurement of maternal serum placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt1).

Methods

Uterine artery mean pulsatility index (PI) and maternal serum PlGF and sFlt1 levels were measured at 24 weeks of gestation in 76 healthy pregnant women and 38 cases of PE/IUGR, of which 19 were defined as early onset (< 32 weeks).

Results

For a specificity of 95%, the sensitivities of uterine artery mean PI, PlGF and sFlt1 for early‐onset PE/IUGR were 47.4%, 84.4% and 36.8%, respectively. When combining uterine artery Doppler with PlGF, the sensitivity for identifying early‐onset PE/IUGR was 89.5% with a specificity of 95%. Conversely, the sensitivity for late‐onset PE/IUGR was below 11% for all parameters analyzed.

Conclusions

Angiogenic factors and uterine artery Doppler evaluation may be useful second‐trimester screening tests for early‐onset, but not late‐onset, PE/IUGR. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deficient lower‐segment Cesarean section scars: prevalence and risk factors
Authors: Ofili‐Yebovi D. , Ben‐Nagi J. , Sawyer E. , Yazbek J. , Lee C. , Gonzalez J. , Jurkovic D.
Published: December 2007

Objective

To examine the sonographic features of transverse lower‐segment uterine Cesarean section scars in non‐pregnant, premenopausal women and to identify factors associated with scar deficiency.

Methods

Non‐pregnant, premenopausal women with histories of previous transverse lower‐segment Cesarean sections, who were referred for an ultrasound scan for a variety of gynecological indications, were included in this study. An attempt was made to identify the uterine scars on transvaginal ultrasound scan and to describe their locations and morphological features. Various demographic, clinical and ultrasound data were examined in order to identify factors associated with deficient scars. Deficient scars were defined as detectable myometrial thinning at the site of the Cesarean section scar.

Results

Lower‐segment uterine scars were detected in 321/324 (99.1%; 95% CI, 98.0–100) women with a history of previous Cesarean section. Sixty‐three (19.4%; 95% CI, 15.1–23.8) women had evidence of deficient Cesarean scars. Using multivariate analysis, a history of multiple Cesarean sections, uterine retroflexion and the inability to visualize all Cesarean scars in women with previous multiple Cesarean sections were all shown to be significantly associated with deficient scars.

Conclusion

Deficient uterine scars are a frequent finding in women with a history of previous Cesarean section. The risk of scar deficiency is increased in women with a retroflexed uterus and in those who have undergone multiple Cesarean sections. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphine‐induced depression of spinal excitation is not altered following acute disruption of GABAA or GABAB receptor activity
Authors: Buesa Itsaso , Urrutia Andrés , Bilbao Juan , Aguilera Luciano , Zimmermann Manfred , Azkue Jon Jatsu
Published: December 2007

Loss of spinal inhibitory mechanisms is thought to contribute to the pathophysiology of abnormal pain states, including neuropathic pain. By using an evoked spinal field potential technique, the hypothesis was tested here that decreased spinal GABAergic control underlies poor response to morphine (MOR) that often accompanies neuropathic pain. Therefore, field potentials evoked by electrical peripheral nerve stimulation during spinal superfusion with MOR were recorded in rats rendered neuropathic by a spinal nerve ligation (SNL) procedure, and compared to responses recorded in naïve rats. MOR effects on evoked field potentials were then assessed in rats in which spinal GABAergic inhibition had been acutely reduced by treatment with GABAA and GABAB receptor‐antagonists.

In naïve animals, field potentials evoked by peripheral C fibre‐input were significantly decreased by spinal superfusion with 1μM MOR, whereas those elicited by Aδ fibre input were reduced to a lesser extent also (10μM, p<0.05). Nine to eleven days after surgery, animals subjected to SNL exhibited significantly reduced thresholds to plantar stimulation with von Frey filaments. In electrophysiological experiments, a small but significant decrease of the IC50 value (2.17±0.38μM) for MOR was found in rats subjected to SNL, relative to naïve rats (8.65±0.76μM). In contrast, MOR failed to reduce field potentials evoked by peripheral Aδ fibre‐activation at any dose tested (up to 1mM).

C fibre‐ and Aδ fibre‐evoked spinal field potentials disinhibited by prior application of the GABAB or GABAA receptor‐antagonists CGP35348 (1mM) or bicuculline (50μM), respectively, were both significantly reduced by MOR, with IC50 values not significantly differing from those in naïve animals. Two‐way analysis of variance revealed no interaction of MOR with either CGP354348 (p=0.42) or BIC (p=0.14).

Evidence is presented here that injury to the primary afferent system results in significant changes in the ability of spinal MOR to depress field potentials evoked by peripheral input. However, the present findings do not support a pathogenic role for decreased GABAergic inhibition in such changes.
Is the duration of untreated psychosis temporally stable?
Authors: Jackson Deirdre , Lawoyin Richard , Gaynor Keith , Clarke Mary , Browne Stephen , Renwick Laoise , Sutton Marie , Turner Niall , Kinsella Anthony , Waddington John L. , Larkin Conall , O'Callaghan Eadbhard
Published: December 2007

Although there is some evidence that duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) is geographically stable, few have examined whether the phenomenon is temporally stable. We examined DUP in two cohorts within two discrete time periods (1995–1999 and 2003–2005) spanning a decade in the same geographically defined community psychiatric service with no early intervention programme. Patients were diagnosed by Structured Clinical Interview for DSM (SCID) and we determined the DUP using the Beiser Scale. The DUP of the 240 participants did not differ significantly between study periods.
Knockdown of the L3/Lhx8 gene suppresses cholinergic differentiation of murine embryonic stem cell‐derived spheres
Authors: Manabe Takayuki , Tatsumi Kouko , Inoue Masahide , Matsuyoshi Hiroko , Makinodan Manabu , Yamauchi Takahira , Makinodan Eri , Yokoyama Shohei , Sakumura Ryoko , Okuda Hiroaki , Wanaka Akio
Published: December 2007

L3/Lhx8, a member of the Lim‐homeobox gene family, is selectively and specifically expressed in the murine embryonic medial ganglionic eminence (MGE). Our previous study demonstrated that L3/Lhx8‐deficient mice specifically lack cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain. In this manuscript, we report the in vitro effects of reduced L3/Lhx8 gene expression on cholinergic differentiation in murine embryonic stem (ES) cell‐derived spheres without dissociation. The knockdown of L3/Lhx8 gene expression dramatically decreased the cholinergic phenotype of spheres without altering other known phenotypes (TuJ1, GABA and GFAP). These results strongly suggest that L3/Lhx8 is a key factor for cholinergic differentiation of murine ES cell‐derived spheres and is involved in basal forebrain development.
Application of a degree-day model to reconstruct Pleistocene glacial climates
Authors: Hughes Philip D. , Braithwaite Roger J.
Published: December 2007

There is empirical evidence of a nonlinear relation between annual precipitation, or accumulation, and summer mean temperature at the equilibrium line altitude (ELA) on glaciers around the world. The degree-day model gives a similar relation between accumulation and summer temperature, although instead of a single universal curve there is a family of curves depending upon the annual temperature range. Furthermore, the degree-day model also gives nonlinear relations between accumulation and annual mean temperature. Thus, estimations of accumulation can be made from both summer and annual temperatures at the ELA of former reconstructed glaciers, such as those in Greece. This is particularly useful since these climatic variables have major implications for biological proxies, such as vegetation history indicated in the pollen record, and for periglacial proxies, such as permafrost distributions indicated in the geomorphological record. The close relationship between glaciers and climate provides one of the most precise methods for reconstructing former climates and offers considerable potential for resolving our understanding of Pleistocene cold-stage climates.
Polymorphisms in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene, intakes of folate and related B vitamins and colorectal cancer: a case–control study in a population with relatively low folate intake
Authors: Sharp Linda , Little Julian , Brockton Nigel T. , Cotton Seonaidh C. , Masson Lindsey F. , Haites Neva E. , Cassidy Jim
Published: December 2007

Folate is key in one-carbon metabolism, disruption of which can interfere with DNA synthesis, repair, and methylation. Efficient one-carbon metabolism requires other B vitamins and the optimal activity of enzymes including 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR). We report a population-based case–control study of folate intake, related dietary factors andMTHFRpolymorphisms (C677T, A1298C) and colorectal cancer in a population with relatively high colorectal cancer incidence and relatively low folate intake. A total of 264 cases with histologically confirmed incident colorectal cancer and 408 controls participated. There was no clear trend in risk with reported intakes of total, or dietary, folate, riboflavin, vitamin B12or vitamin B6, nor were there interactions between folate intake and the other B vitamins or alcohol. For C677T, risk decreased with increasing variant alleles (multivariate OR for CTv.CC = 0·77 (95 % CI 0·52, 1·16); OR for TTv.CC = 0·62 (95 % CI 0·31, 1·24)), which, although not statistically significant, was consistent with previous studies. For A1298C, compared with AA subjects, CC subjects had modest, non-significant, reduced risk (multivariate OR = 0·81 (95 % CI 0·45, 1·49)). There were significant interactions between total folate and C677T (P = 0·029) and A1298C (P = 0·025), and total vitamin B6and both polymorphisms (C677T,P = 0·016; A1298C,P = 0·033), although the patterns observed differed from previous studies. Seen against the setting of low folate intake, the results suggest that the role of folate metabolism in colorectal cancer aetiology may be more complex than previously thought. Investigation of particular folate vitamers (for example, tetrahydrofolate, 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate) may help clarify carcinogenesis pathways.
Population-specific Mini Nutritional Assessment effectively predicts the nutritional state and follow-up mortality of institutionalized elderly Taiwanese regardless of cognitive status
Authors: Tsai Alan C. , Ku Pei-Yu
Published: December 2007

The study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of a modified Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) for assessing the nutritional status and predicting follow-up mortality of institutionalized elderly Taiwanese. The study was conducted in a large long-term care centre in central Taiwan. Trained interviewers assisted by the caregivers elicited sociodemographic data, healthcare and disease history, and answers to the MNA screen from each subject. One researcher performed all subjects' anthropometric measurements. Plasma albumin and cholesterol concentrations were determined. Results showed that the MNA without BMI, modified according to population-specific mid-arm circumference and calf circumference cut-points, effectively predicted the nutritional risk status of the elderly regardless of cognitive status. Substituting caregiver's assessments for self-viewed nutrition and health status (questions O and P of MNA) improved the predicting power of the tool in cognition-normal subjects. Results showed that 21·9 % of the elderly were malnourished, 59·2 % were at risk of malnutrition and 18·9 % were normal according to self-assessment whereas 14·2 % were malnourished, 59·2 % were at risk of malnutrition, and 26·6 % were normal according to caregiver's evaluation. The tool was also effective in predicting 12- and 6-month follow-up mortality in cognition-normal and cognition-impaired elderly, respectively. Results indicate that a population-specific MNA can effectively predict the nutritional status and 6-month follow-up mortality of elderly Taiwanese regardless of cognitive condition. Easier and wider application of the tool will enable early detection of emerging nutritional problems and timely intervention to prevent the development of severe malnutrition in the elderly.
Envelope solitons at a plasma–vacuum interface
Authors: SHUKLA P. K. , STENFLO L.
Published: December 2007

It is shown that a nonlinear surface plasma wave at a plasma–vacuum interface can propagate in the form of a dark/grey envelope soliton. The latter is associated with a subsonic density cavity, which traps the complex surface wave electric field.
Excitation of zonal flow by the modulational instability in electron temperature gradient driven turbulence
Authors: ZALIZNYAK Yu. A. , YAKIMENKO A. I. , LASHKIN V. M.
Published: December 2007

The generation of large-scale zonal flows by small-scale electrostatic drift waves in electron temperature gradient driven turbulence model is considered. The generation mechanism is based on the modulational instability of a finite amplitude monochromatic drift wave. The threshold and growth rate of the instability as well as the optimal spatial scale of zonal flow are obtained.
Pione angelae sp. nov. (Porifera: Hadromerida: Clionaidae) a new species of boring sponge inhabiting pagurized shells from the south-western Atlantic
Authors: Urteaga Diego , Pastorino Guido
Published: December 2007

A new species of the clionaid genus Pione is described from the south-western Atlantic in Argentine waters. Pione angelae sp. nov. is the first record of the genus from southern South America. It occurs on shells of Olivancillaria urceus and Buccinanops monilifer, two common gastropods living off Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina (38°01′41″S 57°31′07″W) that are inhabited by the hermit crab Loxopagurus loxochelis. Pione angelae sp. nov. is visible on the shell surfaces as circular papillar perforations of 312 μm on average with regular diameters. They lead directly into interconnected chambers from both sides of the shell. The chambers form well-defined galleries in dense substratum. Straight tylostyles in two size-classes (defined by their length: width ratio) occur: 158.6 μm length×2.1 μm width and 185.0×4.5 μm, with spherical heads. Microscleres are more common than tylostyles, with microspined acanthoxeas of 91 μm length, slightly bent in the centre, as well as spirasters of 12 μm length with spines more concentrated on the crests of the spirals; rarely they are straight (microrhabd like). The present samples are compared to similar valid species of the same genus and it is concluded that they represent a new species.