bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Witness and Suspect Perceptions of Working Alliance and Interviewing Style
Authors: Vanderhallen Miet , Vervaeke Geert , Holmberg Ulf
Published: July 2011

Considerable emphasis is placed on the importance of building rapport when interviewing witnesses and suspects. Despite the abundant literature on the working alliance in therapeutic settings, however, few studies have addressed the topic of ‘rapport’ in investigative interviewing. Conceptual analysis revealed a number of similarities between the two constructs. This finding suggests the possible benefits of using the theoretical therapeutic construct and operationalisation of the working alliance in order to gain insight into the dynamics of investigative interviewing in a police context.

The present study examines the perceptions of witnesses and suspects regarding the working alliance in actual interviews. It also considers their perceptions of interviewing style, which is another key element in investigative interviewing. In addition, the study investigates the relationship between the working alliance and the interview style. Self‐report questionnaires completed by investigators and interviewees showed significant differences between investigators and suspects and between witnesses and suspects with regard to perceptions of interview style and the working alliance during interviews. The results showed perceived interview style to be a predictor of the working alliance. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Negative impact of leakage on survival of patients undergoing curative resection for advanced gastric cancer
Authors: Yoo Han Mo , Lee Han Hong , Shim Jung Ho , Jeon Hae Myung , Park Cho Hyun , Song Kyo Young
Published: July 2011

Background and Objectives

Leakage has been shown to adversely affect survival in patients undergoing surgery for gastrointestinal malignancies. However, the effect of leakage following radical gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer remains unclear.

Methods

In total, 478 patients with advanced gastric cancer who underwent surgery with curative intent were reviewed. Anastomosis or duodenal stump leakage was diagnosed clinically or radiologically. Risk factors for leakage were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses. The impact of leakage on patient survival was analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

Leakage was diagnosed in 32 of 478 patients (6.7%); 14 patients (2.9%) exhibited esophagojejunal anastomotic leakage, 14 (2.9%) showed duodenal stump leakage, and four (0.8%) showed gastroduodenal anastomotic leakage. Poor performance status [odds ratio (OR): 4.01, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.80–8.93] and tumor location (OR: 3.74, 95% CI: 1.56–8.89) were risk factors for postoperative leakage. Overall mean survival of patients with leakage was significantly lower than that of patients without leakage (30.5 vs. 96.2 months; P < 0.001). Leakage was one of the independent predictive factor for overall survival [hazard ratio (HR): 3.58, 95% CI: 2.29–5.59].

Conclusions

Postoperative inflammation due to leakage is a negative prognostic factor for patients with advanced gastric cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011; 104:734–740. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Some aspects of TLC in homogenous magnetic fields
Authors: Malinowska Irena , Studziński Marek , Malinowski Henryk
Published: July 2011

This article consists of two parts. First part is a short review about the role of magnetic phenomena in natural environment, human surroundings, and his activities such as science, engineering, and medicine. The second part of the article presents a set of experiments, their results, and data obtained in a static homogenous magnetic field, generated by a pair of permanent magnets and outside it. Adsorption chromatographic systems were investigated: as chromatographed substances – polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), as stationary phase – silica gel 60, as monocomponent mobile phases – n‐hexane, n‐heptane, n‐octane, and benzene were used and binary mobile phases n‐hydrocarbons – benzene. Magnetic field influences retention and efficiency of investigated chromatographic systems. Experimental data analysis (RF, N) allows us to propose some explanations of the differences between experiment results performed in induced magnetic field and outside it, and in consequence on the changes in the interfacial phenomena induced by field presence.
Examining How Attending Motivation and Satisfaction Affects the Loyalty for Attendees at Aboriginal Festivals
Authors: Lee Tsung Hung , Hsu Fung Yu
Published: July 2011

This study examined the causal relationships between motivation, satisfaction and loyalty among attendees at aboriginal festivals. A total of 789 usable questionnaires were collected from two aboriginal festivals, Amis Ilisin and Saisiyat Pas‐taai. Data analyses were performed using SPSS 15.0 and LISREL 8.70 for Windows. The analytical results indicate that motivation directly affects satisfaction and indirectly affects loyalty, whereas satisfaction directly affects attendee loyalty at aboriginal festivals. Moreover, satisfaction significantly affects the loyalty of attendees at aboriginal festivals and is an important mediating variable in the behavioral model of aboriginal festivals. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wine Tourism in Spain: Denomination of Origin Effects on Brand Equity
Authors: Gómez Mar , Molina Arturo
Published: July 2011

This research focuses on the analysis of wine tourism in four Spanish regions. Specifically, its main purpose is the development of a model to study the influence of the denomination of origin brand image, as a regional brand, and destination image on wine tourism destination brand equity. Due to the importance of destination marketing strategies, this study has been carried out from the wine industry's perspective. The conclusions obtained are applicable to the tourist sector and, particularly, to those wineries that wish to start a new line of business: wine tourism. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Factors affecting detection probability of burrowing owls in southwest agroecosystem environments
Authors: Manning Jeffrey A.
Published: July 2011

Estimating range‐wide population trends of western burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia) requires standardized survey protocols that correct for detection bias in environments that support large owl populations. High concentrations of owls exist in irrigated agroecosystems within the southwest United States, yet little is known about the factors that affect detection bias during owl surveys in these systems. I used closed‐population capture‐recapture models to evaluate 4 factors that could affect the probability of a surveyor detecting an owl activity center (i.e., nest burrow) during visual surveys where owls are the focal object and analyzed the relationship (linear or curvilinear) between specific factors and detection probability. I recorded 1,199 detections of owls from 132 capture‐recapture surveys within 12 sites of the Imperial Valley agroecosystem in California, USA between 16 April and 20 May 2006. I also conducted 96 time budget surveys throughout the day and used mixed linear models to evaluate the effect of each factor on probability of an owl activity center being available for detection (i.e., ≥1 owls above ground) during surveys. Model selection results indicated that detection probability was influenced by ambient air temperature interacting with wind speed. Detection probability followed a curvilinear relationship that resembled bell‐shaped curve along a temperature gradient, with the maximum detection probability shifting as a function of wind speed. At low temperatures, detection probability declined with increased wind speed, but this relationship was reversed at high temperatures, producing a 3‐dimensional pattern in detection probability characterized by a saddle‐shaped hyperbolic paraboloid response surface. The probability of an activity center being available for detection declined curvilinearly with increased temperature and explained 51% of the variation in detection probability. Given the broad range of detection probabilities, correcting visual survey counts for detection bias is necessary for comparing population estimates among regions and through time. Survey designs intended to estimate abundance of owls in southwest agroecosystems should incorporate methods to estimate and correct for variation in detection probability that include measurements of ambient temperature and wind speed for use as covariates. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Novel CO2 laser robotic controller outperforms experienced laser operators in tasks of accuracy and performance repeatability
Authors: Wong Yu‐Tung , Finley Charles C. , Giallo Joseph F. , Buckmire Robert A.
Published: July 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To introduce a novel method of combining robotics and the CO2 laser micromanipulator to provide excellent precision and performance repeatability designed for surgical applications.

Study Design:

Pilot feasibility study.

Methods:

We developed a portable robotic controller that appends to a standard CO2 laser micromanipulator. The robotic accuracy and laser beam path repeatability were compared to six experienced users of the industry standard micromanipulator performing the same simulated surgical tasks. Helium‐neon laser beam video tracking techniques were employed.

Results:

The robotic controller demonstrated superiority over experienced human manual micromanipulator control in accuracy (laser path within 1 mm of idealized centerline), 97.42% (standard deviation [SD] 2.65%), versus 85.11% (SD 14.51%), P = .018; and laser beam path repeatability (area of laser path divergence on successive trials), 21.42 mm2 (SD 4.35 mm2) versus 65.84 mm2 (SD 11.93 mm2), P = .006.

Conclusions:

Robotic micromanipulator control enhances accuracy and repeatability for specific laser tasks. Computerized control opens opportunity for alternative user interfaces and additional safety features.
Diagnosis and treatment of congenital dilatation of Stensen's duct
Authors: Wang Yang , Yu Guang‐Yan , Huang Min‐Xian , Mao Chi , Zhang Lei
Published: July 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

This study aimed to describe the diagnosis and management of congenital dilation of Stensen's duct (CDSD) in seven cases.

Study Design:

Retrospective study.

Methods:

We collected data including medical records, radiology, and histopathology findings and follow‐up for seven patients (four males) with CDSD. The mean age was 23.9 years (range, 2–72 years).

Results:

The clinical features of CDSD were the primary presentation of painless swelling in the cheek without an obvious cause that was unilateral or bilateral and occurred at any age, and a swelling along Stensen's duct. In patients without a history of inflammation, aggressive massage of the swelling could produce abundant intraoral salivary flow. Parotid sialography demonstrated a dilated Stensen's duct with a smooth margin but no obvious obstruction. All seven patients underwent superficial parotidectomy including the intact Stensen's duct. No patient showed recurrent swelling after a follow‐up of 6 to 65 months.

Conclusions:

CDSD is an uncommon congenital disorder of the parotid gland. Management with parotidectomy is effective.
Immunohistochemical characterization of human olfactory tissue
Authors: Holbrook Eric H. , Wu Enming , Curry William T. , Lin Derrick T. , Schwob James E.
Published: July 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

The pathophysiology underlying human olfactory disorders is poorly understood because biopsying the olfactory epithelium (OE) can be unrepresentative and extensive immunohistochemical analysis is lacking. Autopsy tissue enriches our grasp of normal and abnormal olfactory immunohistology and guides the sampling of the OE by biopsy. Furthermore, a comparison of the molecular phenotype of olfactory epithelial cells between rodents and humans will improve our ability to correlate human histopathology with olfactory dysfunction.

Study Design:

An immunohistochemical analysis of human olfactory tissue using a comprehensive battery of proven antibodies.

Methods:

Human olfactory mucosa obtained from 21 autopsy specimens was analyzed with immunohistochemistry. The position and extent of olfactory mucosa was assayed by staining whole mounts (WMs) with neuronal markers. Sections of the OE were analyzed with an extensive group of antibodies directed against cytoskeletal proteins and transcription factors, as were surgical specimens from an esthesioneuroblastoma.

Results:

Neuron‐rich epithelium is always found inferior to the cribriform plate, even at advanced age, despite the interruptions in the neuroepithelial sheet caused by patchy respiratory metaplasia. The pattern of immunostaining with our antibody panel identifies two distinct types of basal cell progenitors in human OE similar to rodents. The panel also clarifies the complex composition of esthesioneuroblastoma.

Conclusions:

The extent of human olfactory mucosa at autopsy can easily be delineated as a function of age and neurologic disease. The similarities in human versus rodent OE will enable us to translate knowledge from experimental animals to humans and will extend our understanding of human olfactory pathophysiology.
An evaluation of preservation of residual hearing using the suprameatal approach for cochlear implantation
Authors: Postelmans Job T. F. , van Spronsen Erik , Grolman Wilko , Stokroos Robert J. , Tange Rinze A. , Maré Marcel J. , Dreschler Wouter A.
Published: July 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

The preservation of residual hearing has become a high priority in cochlear implant surgery. This study was designed to substantiate whether conservation of residual hearing can be preserved after cochlear implantation using the suprameatal approach.

Study Design:

Retrospective chart review.

Methods:

Retrospective chart review was performed in 109 severely to profoundly hearing impaired cochlear recipients who had some measurable hearing preoperatively. Subsequently, the pre‐ and postoperative pure‐tone thresholds were analyzed by three different analyses to observe the degree of hearing preservation.

Results:

Single‐subject results showed a complete conservation of residual hearing (change in pure‐tone average [ΔPTA] ≤ 10 dB) in 27 of 109 patients (24.7%). Partial conservation of residual hearing (ΔPTA > 10 dB) was observed in 77 patients (70.6%), but these percentages have been affected severely by ceiling effects. Furthermore, group‐subject results demonstrated that the median postoperative PTA was 11.7 dB worse than the preoperative PTA. For individual frequencies, the median deteriorations were 15, 20, 10, and 5 dB at 250, 500, 1,000, and 2,000 Hz, respectively. Stratification for the absence of postoperative hearing thresholds showed a conservation of measurable postoperative hearing levels in 17.4% of all study patients.

Conclusions:

The results of this study demonstrate that complete preservation of residual hearing is possible in a limited number of patients using the suprameatal approach technique for cochlear implantation. For a reliable analysis of the audiometric effects of cochlear implant surgery, it is important to take into account the ceiling effects, therefore using different calculation methods to estimate the accurate deterioration of hearing thresholds.
The right not to hear: The ethics of parental refusal of hearing rehabilitation
Authors: Byrd Serena , Shuman Andrew G. , Kileny Sharon , Kileny Paul R.
Published: July 2011

Objective:

To explore the ethics of parental refusal of auditory–oral hearing rehabilitation.

Study Design:

Case study with medical ethical discussion and review.

Methods:

Two young siblings present with severe‐to‐profound congenital sensorineural hearing loss. The parents, both of whom have normal hearing and are fluent in sign language, have decided to raise their children with American Sign Language as their only form of communication. They have chosen not to pursue cochlear implantation nor support the use of hearing aids.

Discussion:

This case raises significant questions concerning whether hearing rehabilitation should be mandated, and if there are circumstances in which parental preferences should be questioned or overridden with regard to this issue. In addition, legal concerns may be raised regarding the possible need to file a report with Child Protective Services. Although similar cases involving the Deaf community have historically favored parental rights to forego hearing rehabilitation with either cochlear implantation or hearing aids, we explore whether conclusions should be different because the parents in this case are not hearing impaired.

Conclusions:

The ethics of parental rights to refuse hearing rehabilitation are complex and strikingly context‐dependent. A comprehensive appreciation of the medical, practical, and legal issues is crucial prior to intervening in such challenging situations.
Efficient Intracellular siRNA Delivery by Ethyleneimine‐Modified Amphiphilic Macromolecules
Authors: Sparks Sarah M. , Waite Carolyn L. , Harmon Alexander M. , Nusblat Leora M. , Roth Charles M. , Uhrich Kathryn E.
Published: July 2011

New materials that can bind and deliver oligonucleotides such as short interfering RNA (siRNA) without toxicity are greatly needed to fulfill the promise of therapeutic gene silencing. Amphiphilic macromolecules (AMs) were functionalized with linear ethyleneimines to create cationic AMs capable of complexing with siRNA. Structurally, the parent AM is formed from a mucic acid backbone whose tetra‐hydroxy groups are alkylated with 12‐carbon aliphatic chains to form the hydrophobic component of the macromolecule. This alkylated mucic acid is then mono‐functionalized with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) as a hydrophilic component. The resulting AM contains a free carboxylic acid within the hydrophobic domain. In this work, linear ethyleneimines were conjugated to the free carboxylic acid to produce an AM with one primary amine (1N) or one primary amine and four secondary amines (5N). Further, an AM with amine substitution both to the free carboxylic acid in the hydrophobic domain and also to the adjacent PEG was synthesized to produce a polymer with one primary amine and eight secondary amines (9N), four located on each side of the AM hydrophobic domain. All amine‐functionalized AMs formed nanoscale micelles but only the 5N and 9N AMs had cationic zeta potentials, which increased with increasing number of amines. All AMs exhibited less inherent cytotoxicity than linear polyethyleneimine (L‐PEI) at concentrations of 10 µM and above. By increasing the length of the cationic ethyleneimine chain and the total number of amines, successful siRNA complexation and cellular siRNA delivery was achieved in a malignant glioma cell line. In addition, siRNA‐induced silencing of firefly luciferase was observed using complexes of siRNA with the 9N AM and comparable to L‐PEI, yet showed better cell viability at higher concentrations (above 10 µM). This work highlights the promise of cationic AMs as safe and efficient synthetic vectors for siRNA delivery. Specifically, a novel polymer (9N) was identified for efficient siRNA delivery to cancer cells and will be further evaluated.

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Biodegradable Bicomponent Fibers from Renewable Sources: Melt‐Spinning of Poly(lactic acid) and Poly[(3‐hydroxybutyrate)‐co‐(3‐hydroxyvalerate)]
Authors: Hufenus Rudolf , Reifler Felix A. , Maniura‐Weber Katharina , Spierings Adriaan , Zinn Manfred
Published: July 2011

PHBV is produced by bacteria as intracellular carbon storage. It is advantageous concerning biocompatibility and biodegradability, but its low crystallization rate hinders the melt‐processing of fibers. This problem can be overcome by combining PHBV with PLA in a core/sheath configuration and introducing a new spin pack concept. The resulting PHBV/PLA bicomponent fibers show an ultimate tensile stress of up to 0.34 GPa and an E‐modulus of up to 7.1 GPa. XRD reveals that PLA alone is responsible for tensile strength. In vitro biocompatibility studies with human fibroblasts reveal good cytocompatibility, making these fibers promising candidates for medical therapeutic approaches.

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A Phase Field Crystal Approach for Particles in a Flowing Solvent
Authors: Praetorius Simon , Voigt Axel
Published: July 2011

A number of dynamic density functional theories (dDFTs) have been developed to describe the dynamics of the one‐particle density of atomic fluids. We review an approach that accounts for particle advection by a flowing solvent, and make further approximations using a locally advected phase‐field‐crystal model which in turn is coupled with a Navier–Stokes equation. In particular we apply the approach to Brownian particles (e.g., coarse grained polymer coils) in a solvent flowing around various obstacles (e.g., colloidal particles). We compare the bow wave in the density distribution of particles in front of the obstacles as well as the wake behind it. The results qualitatively agree with full dDFT results and simulations based on the underlying Brownian dynamics. The much lower computational cost of the phase field crystal approach provides an efficient way to couple fluid flow around macroscopic fixed or moving particle with interactions of particles in the solvent.

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Acquisition of 3He ventilation images, ADC, T2* and B1 maps in a single scan with compressed sensing
Authors: Ajraoui S. , Parra‐Robles J. , Marshall H. , Deppe M.H. , Clemence M. , Wild J.M.
Published: July 2011

In imaging of human lungs with hyperpolarised noble gases, measurements of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and relaxation time provide valuable information for the assessment of lung microstructure. In this work, a sequence was developed for interleaved acquisition of ventilation images, ADC, T2* and flip angle maps in a single scan from the human lungs with a single dose of inhaled 3He at 3 T. Spatially registered ventilation images with parametric maps were obtained. The total acquisition time was reduced by random undersampling of the k‐space and reconstruction using compressed sensing (CS). The gain in speed was used for an increase in spatial resolution. Mean ADC values from the fully sampled and undersampled CS data exhibit no statistically significant difference in a given subject. The mean T2* values, however, were found to differ significantly, which is attributed to the combined effect of low signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of the fully sampled data and the smoothing effect inherent in CS reconstruction. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Immune tolerance induction therapy for patients with hemophilia A and FVIII inhibitors particularly using low‐dose regimens
Authors: Lin Pei‐Chin , Liao Yu‐Mei , Tsai Shih‐Pien , Chang Tai‐Tsung
Published: July 2011

Background

Inhibitory antibodies against infused clotting factor VIII concentrates (FVIII) developed in 20–30% of patients with hemophilia A. Bypass therapy may control the bleeds in patients with FVIII inhibitors, however, immune tolerance induction (ITI) therapy is the only proven modality for eradicating FVIII inhibitors. Since the cost of high‐dose (200 IU/kg) ITI is extremely expansive, we conducted this study to identify whether low‐dose ITI can be an alternative strategy besides high‐dose ITI or bypass therapy.

Procedure

Patients with hemophilia A and FVIII inhibitors treated by ITI in Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital from January 2000 to January 2010 were enrolled. Regimens of ITI therapy included high‐dose (100 IU/kg) and low‐dose (30–50 IU/kg).

Results

High‐dose ITI therapy for two high responders (HRs) and low‐dose ITI therapy for three HRs and all low responders (LRs) were performed. Complete tolerance was achieved in 2 HRs with high‐dose regimen, and in one HR and 19 LRs with low‐dose regimens. We administered low‐dose ITI combined with immune suppressants treatment for one of the patient with extremely high FVIII inhibitor titers and the inhibitor level markedly declined and no spontaneous bleeding episode was noticed during the treatment period.

Conclusions

The outcome of ITI in our study was satisfactory without clinically significant complications. Low‐dose ITI regimens can effectively treat patients with high responder inhibitors, including one patient with extremely high inhibitor levels over 700 BU. Low‐dose ITI may be an alternative modality for FVIII inhibitors management, especially in countries with limited resources. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 57: 1029–1033. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Extensional rheology of raw natural rubber from new clones of Hevea brasiliensis
Authors: Lotti Cybele , Moreno Rogério M.B. , Gonçalves Paulo de S. , Bhattacharya Satinath , Mattoso Luiz H.C.
Published: July 2011

Natural rubber (NR) is a biopolymer whose properties depend on the molecular structure of the 1,4‐cis polyisoprene chains, nonrubber constituents, environmental conditions, etc. NR has been characterized by Mooney viscosity, Wallace plasticity, nitrogen content (%N). However, these cannot effectively account for clone's differences. The aim of this work is to use extensional rheology to characterize and differentiate NR samples as for clone type and the season of the year in comparison to the traditional characterizations. Three IAC 300 series and RRIM 600 clones of Hevea brasiliensis tapped between October 2006 (Oct_06) and August 2008 (Aug_08) were investigated. IAC 329 clones showed the least susceptibility to seasonal changes, whereas RRIM 600 was the most influenced. An opposite trend between extensional viscosity (ηE) and %N was established. The former was very sensitive to changes in the molecular structure of NR, being fundamental for monitoring purposes and strategic development of new rubber tree clones. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Fibril elongation mechanisms of HET‐s prion‐forming domain: Topological evidence for growth polarity
Authors: Baiesi Marco , Seno Flavio , Trovato Antonio
Published: July 2011

The prion‐forming C‐terminal domain of the fungal prion HET‐s forms infectious amyloid fibrils at physiological pH. The conformational switch from the nonprion soluble form to the prion fibrillar form is believed to have a functional role, as HET‐s in its prion form participates in a recognition process of different fungal strains. On the basis of the knowledge of the high‐resolution structure of the prion forming domain HET‐s(218‐289) in its fibrillar form, we here present a numerical simulation of the fibril growth process, which emphasizes the role of the topological properties of the fibrillar structure. An accurate thermodynamic analysis of the way an intervening HET‐s chain is recruited to the tip of the growing fibril suggests that elongation proceeds through a dock and lock mechanism. First, the chain docks onto the fibril by forming the longest β‐strands. Then, the re‐arrangement in the fibrillar form of all the rest of the molecule takes place. Interestingly, we also predict that one side of the HET‐s fibril is more suitable for sustaining its growth with respect to the other. The resulting strong polarity of fibril growth is a consequence of the complex topology of HET‐s fibrillar structure, as the central loop of the intervening chain plays a crucially different role in favoring or not the attachment of the C‐terminus tail to the fibril, depending on the growth side. Proteins 2011; © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluating change during pharmaceutical product development and manufacture—comparability and equivalence
Authors: Chatfield Marion J. , Borman Phil J. , Damjanov Ivana
Published: July 2011

In the pharmaceutical industry it is necessary to manage changes to processes or analytical methods to ensure that the quality of drug products is maintained. This often includes an assessment of similarity using data. Scientists may be asked to show that output before and after a change is or will be ‘equivalent’, without clarity on what exactly is required. In the area of analytical methods, the authors have found it useful to promote the differentiation between equivalence and a wider set of comparability approaches. This paper discusses equivalence and comparability, when such approaches should be applied and provides examples of applications to analytical methods. The discussion is then widened to other application areas such as processes including the appropriateness of the approaches and aspects to be considered when designing equivalence studies. Change management, the design of studies and appropriate statistical analysis can be challenging. However, use of the terminology and methodology exemplified here has enabled scientific project teams to focus on appropriate goals and the means to achieve them with great benefits. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Systematic assessment on aqueous pKa and pKb of an amino acid base on RISM‐SCF‐SEDD method: Toward first principles calculations
Authors: Kido Kentaro , Sato Hirofumi , Sakaki Shigeyoshi
Published: July 2011

Toward accurate computations of pKa and pKb from the first principles, a systematic assessment based on accurate evaluation of free energy is presented. Because the process is essentially bond formation and dissociation in aqueous solution, both of highly sophisticated quantum chemistry and an accurate evaluation of solvation‐free energy are necessary to appropriately compute pKa and pKb. In this study, the proton dissociation of carboxyl and amino groups in glycine molecule in aqueous solution was examined. A hybrid approach called reference interaction site model self consistent field with spatial electron density distribution (RISM‐SCF‐SEDD) was used, in which HF, DFT, and CCSD(T) were combined with statistical mechanical theory for molecular liquid. We found that a spatial extension of electronic distribution of the carboxyl group was essential to correctly evaluate pKa and pKb. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2012
Piezoelectric actuator design for MR elastography: implementation and vibration issues
Authors: Tse Zion Tsz Ho , Chan Yum Ji , Janssen Henning , Hamed Abbi , Young Ian , Lamperth Michael
Published: July 2011

Background

MR elastography (MRE) is an emerging technique for tumor diagnosis. MRE actuation devices require precise mechanical design and radiofrequency engineering to achieve the required mechanical vibration performance and MR compatibility.

Method

A method of designing a general‐purpose, compact and inexpensive MRE actuator is presented. It comprises piezoelectric bimorphs arranged in a resonant structure designed to operate at its resonant frequency for maximum vibration amplitude. An analytical model was established to understand the device vibration characteristics.

Results

The model‐predicted performance was validated in experiments, showing its accuracy in predicting the actuator resonant frequency with an error < 4%. The device MRI compatibility was shown to cause minimal interference to a 1.5 tesla MRI scanner, with maximum signal‐to‐noise ratio reduction of 7.8% and generated artefact of 7.9 mm in MR images.

Conclusions

A piezoelectric MRE actuator is proposed, and its implementation, vibration issues and future work are discussed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inclusions and metal composition of ancient copper‐based artefacts: a diachronic view by micro‐EDXRF and SEM‐EDS
Authors: Figueiredo Elin , Valério Pedro , Araújo M. Fátima , Silva Rui J. C. , Monge Soares António M.
Published: July 2011

A diachronic view of the metallurgy in the Portuguese territory during the first three millennia after its appearance in the Iberian Peninsula is presented based on the current state of the art. Results of micro‐energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (micro‐EDXRF) analyses made on metal artefacts to determine their composition and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive analysis (SEM‐EDS) analyses to study microstructural features as inclusions are shown to illustrate trends and specificities of each chronological period. Generally, in early periods, namely during the Copper Age and first stages of the Bronze Age, unalloyed copper and arsenical copper were at use, and only by the Late Bronze Age (LBA) did tin bronze substitute almost completely the previous role of copper. In the Early Iron Age, during the Orientalising period, a general decrease in the average tin content in bronzes seems to happen. Regarding the inclusions observed in the metal matrix, these seem to suffer a diversification with the appearance of tin bronzes. By the Copper Age, only CuO and CuAsO inclusions are observed, while by the LBA CuS inclusions become regular, besides others less frequent, as SnO, CuSFe and Pb globules. Overall, with the present analytical study, the complementary character of micro‐EDXRF and SEM‐EDS in the study of ancient metals is demonstrated, providing a first general overview of the ancient metallurgy at the Portuguese territory which is of key importance to specific investigations of the future. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Elemental depth profiling with a wire in microbeam X‐ray fluorescence analysis
Authors: Iida Atsuo
Published: July 2011

This study proposes simple techniques involving the use of a thin wire set close to the sample surface to measure the elemental depth distribution in microbeam X‐ray fluorescence analysis. One is the X‐ray fluorescence detection in energy‐dispersive mode using a solid‐state detector in combination with the sample movement, and the other is in projection mode using an X‐ray charge‐coupled device camera. The minimum depth resolution (spatial resolution) obtained with a thin Mo wire is about 15 µm. Compared with a confocal depth‐profiling method, wire depth‐profile analysis is easy to implement, flexible, and has reasonable sensitivity. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevalence of asymptomatic vasogenic edema in pretreatment Alzheimer's disease study cohorts from phase 3 trials of semagacestat and solanezumab
Authors: Carlson Christopher , Estergard Wahiba , Oh Joonmi , Suhy Joyce , Jack Clifford R. , Siemers Eric , Barakos Jerome
Published: July 2011

Background

Cerebral vasogenic edema (VE) has been reported to occur during antiamyloid immunotherapy. VE may be associated with central nervous system pathology with blood–brain barrier disruptions; however, less is known about the prevalence of naturally occurring VE in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

Fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery imaging sequences were obtained from four ongoing multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, phase 3 trials in patients with mild‐to‐moderate AD. The first set of baseline scans was from patients in volumetric magnetic resonance imaging addenda in the Interrupting Alzheimer's Dementia by EvaluatiNg Treatment of Amyloid PaThologY (IDENTITY) studies examining semagacestat, a γ‐secretase inhibitor (cohort 1, n = 621). The second set of baseline scans was from the EXPanding Alzheimer's Disease InvestigaTIONs (EXPEDITION) studies examining solanezumab, an anti‐Aβ monoclonal antibody (cohort 2, n = 2141). Readers were blinded to patient‐identifying information and future treatment. A third set of baseline scans was from the first 700 patients who underwent protocol‐specified magnetic resonance imaging before randomization in the EXPEDITION studies (cohort 3). The analysis used three neuroradiologists: two performed independent primary interpretations and the third was the adjudicator. Readers were blinded to patient information, treatment, protocol, and time point.

Results

Four cases of asymptomatic VE were detected at baseline/screening. Two VE cases were due to underlying extra‐axial mass lesions. The third VE case was associated with numerous microhemorrhages in keeping with cerebral amyloid angiopathy‐related inflammation or Aβ‐related angiitis. The final VE case demonstrated localized sulcal fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery imaging hyperintensity. No VE was detected in cohort 3 by readers blinded to patient baseline status.

Conclusions

VE seems to be rare at baseline in patients with AD in clinical trials, 2 of 2762 associated with AD. Additional cohorts should be evaluated to support these findings.
The Ideological Mapping of American Legislatures
Authors: SHOR BORIS , McCARTY NOLAN
Published: July 2011

The development and elaboration of the spatial theory of voting has contributed greatly to the study of legislative decision making and elections. Statistical models that estimate the spatial locations of individual decision-makers have made a key contribution to this success. Spatial models have been estimated for the U.S. Congress, the Supreme Court, U.S. presidents, a large number of non-U.S. legislatures, and supranational organizations. Yet one potentially fruitful laboratory for testing spatial theories, the individual U.S. states, has remained relatively unexploited, for two reasons. First, state legislative roll call data have not yet been systematically collected for all states over time. Second, because ideal point models are based on latent scales, comparisons of ideal points across states or even between chambers within a state are difficult. This article reports substantial progress on both fronts. First, we have obtained the roll call voting data for all state legislatures from the mid-1990s onward. Second, we exploit a recurring survey of state legislative candidates to allow comparisons across time, chambers, and states as well as with the U.S. Congress. The resulting mapping of America's state legislatures has great potential to address numerous questions not only about state politics and policymaking, but also about legislative politics in general.
The anti-metastatic efficacy of β-ionone and the possible mechanisms of action in human hepatocarcinoma SK-Hep-1 cells
Authors: Huang Chin-Shiu , Lyu Shih-Chieh , Chen Jen-Yin , Hu Miao-Lin
Published: July 2011

β-Ionone (BI), a precursor for carotenoids, is widely distributed in fruit and vegetables. Recent in vitro studies have demonstrated the potential anti-metastatic effects of BI, but the mechanisms underlying such actions are not clear. Because liver cancer is the most endemic cancer in Taiwan and in a large region of the world, we hereby investigate the anti-metastatic effects of BI and its mechanisms of actions in a highly metastatic human hepatocarcinoma SK-Hep-1 cells. We show that incubation of cells with BI (1–50 μm) for 24 and 48 h significantly inhibited cell invasion, migration and adhesion. Mechanistically, incubation of cells with BI (1–50 μm) for 24 h resulted in the following: (1) significant inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9 and urokinase-type plasminogen activator activities, (2) up-regulation of protein expression of the tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1, TIMP-2 and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, (3) down-regulation of the expression of migration-related proteins, including focal adhesion kinase (FAK), phosphorylated form of FAK, Rho, Rac1 and Cdc42 and (4) up-regulation of the expression of nm23-H1 protein (P < 0·05). Overall, the results show that BI effectively inhibits the metastasis of SK-Hep-1 cells, and this effect involves the regulation of gene expression and signal pathways related to invasion and migration.
SNP may modify the effect of vitamin A supplementation at birth on cytokine production in a whole blood culture assay
Authors: Jørgensen Mathias Jul , Fisker Ane Bærent , Erikstrup Christian , Claesson Mogens H. , Benn Christine Stabell
Published: July 2011

Within a neonatal vitamin A supplementation (VAS) trial, we investigated the effect of VAS on TNF-α, IL-10, IL-5 and IL-13 production after lipopolysaccharide, purified protein derivative (PPD) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and phytohaemagglutinin stimulation using a whole blood culture protocol. We found that VAS recipients had lower unstimulated TNF-α concentrations than placebo recipients. In the present paper, we investigated whether the SNP TNF-α − 308, TNF-α − 238, IL-10 − 592, IL-10 − 1082 and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)+896 modified the effect of VAS on cytokine production. DNA and cytokine concentrations were available from 291 children. We found a significant interaction between TNF-α − 308 genotype and VAS for the unstimulated TNF-α production (Pinteraction = 0·04); among G homozygotes, TNF-α concentrations were significantly lower after VAS compared with placebo, whereas for A carriers, VAS did not appear to have any effect. For TNF-α − 238, there was a tendency towards an increase in PPD-stimulated TNF-α production after VAS for the G homozygotes, but the opposite tendency for A allele carriers (Pinteraction = 0·07). Stratification by sex revealed a significant VAS–genotype interaction for boys for TNF-α − 238. There was a borderline-significant three-way interaction (P = 0·05) between sex, VAS and TLR4+896 genotype. Although the present study had very limited representation of the genetic variation with potential for modification of the response to VAS, it adds to the efforts of untangling the diverse effects and impact of VAS.
Effects of yeast cell walls on performance and immune responses of cyclosporine A-treated, immunosuppressed broiler chickens
Authors: Zhang Shaojin , Liao Bingling , Li Xiao , Li Lei , Ma Libao , Yan Xianghua
Published: July 2011

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) cell walls (YCW) from the yeast extract industry on performance and immune function of cyclosporine A (CSA)-treated, immunosuppressed broiler chickens. A total of 240 day-old male broilers were allocated randomly into four treatments: (1) non-challenged control; (2) non-challenged control+0·3 % YCW; (3) CSA-challenged group; (4) CSA-challenged+0·3 % YCW. On days 1–4 and 22–25 of age, broilers were subcutaneously injected with CSA or sterile saline. The results showed that supplementation of YCW significantly improved daily weight gain (DWG) during the starter (days 1–21,P < 0·01), finisher (days 22–42,P < 0·01) and overall (days 1–42,P < 0·05) periods compared with the control birds, but had no effect on feed conversion ratio (FCR,P>0·05). Compared with the CSA-treated birds, YCW alleviated the decrease of DWG (P < 0·01) and increase of FCR (P < 0·05) caused by CSA challenge at different periods and cumulatively. On days 21 and 42, YCW mitigated the CSA-induced decrease of peripheral blood lymphocyte blastogenic response (P < 0·01). In addition, YCW improved the relative weights of the bursa of Fabricius (P < 0·01) and thymus (P < 0·01) and up-regulated the splenic expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β (P < 0·01) and IL-6 (P < 0·01) on day 42 compared with the CSA-treated birds. These results indicate that YCW supplementation has beneficial effects in attenuating the immunosuppressive effects of CSA challenge, therefore improving growth performance of broiler chickens.
Marine n-3 fatty acids, atrial fibrillation and QT interval in haemodialysis patients
Authors: Kirkegaard Ellen , Svensson My , Strandhave Charlotte , Schmidt Erik Berg , Jørgensen Kaj Anker , Christensen Jeppe Hagstrup
Published: July 2011

Patients treated with haemodialysis are at high risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) often caused by arrhythmias. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is frequent among haemodialysis patients and is associated with increased mortality. Prolonged QTc is a risk marker of ventricular arrhythmia and is thereby associated with SCD. Studies have suggested that n-3 PUFA may have an antiarrhythmic effect, but the exact mechanism is not clear. The aim of this study was to examine whether AF was associated with n-3 PUFA in plasma phospholipids and whether supplementation with n-3 PUFA would shorten the QTc interval in haemodialysis patients compared to placebo. In a double-blinded randomised, placebo-controlled intervention trial 206 haemodialysis patients with CVD were treated with 1·7 g n-3 PUFA or placebo (olive oil) daily for 3 months. Blood samples and electrocardiogram evaluations were carried out at baseline and after 3 months. The QT interval, PQ interval and heart rate were measured in all patients with sinus rhythm (SR). At baseline 13 % of patients had AF. The content of the n-3 PUFA, DHA, was significantly lower (P < 0·05) in serum of patients with AF compared with patients with SR. Thus, the DHA content was independently negatively associated with AF. Supplementation with n-3 PUFA did not shorten the QT interval significantly compared to the placebo group (P = 0·42), although subgroup analysis within the n-3 PUFA group revealed a shortening effects on QTc (P = 0·01). In conclusion, an inverse association was found between the presence of AF and the plasma DHA in haemodialysis patients. Intervention with n-3 PUFA did not shorten the QTc interval compared to placebo.
EDITORIAL FOREWORD
Authors: Baron Beth , Pursley Sara
Published: July 2011

This issue ofIJMESopens with a special section on the Arab uprisings of 2011. For the first feature of the section, titled “Reflections: Middle East Studies at the Barricades,” we asked scholars from different disciplines to provide brief reflections on how the events might or should change scholarship on the region, or the questions that scholars ask. The contributors responded with a range of suggestions for future scholarship and a variety of critiques of past scholarship. We will not attempt to summarize these critiques here. Instead, we would like to play devil's (or scholar's) advocate, by pointing to a few ways in which past scholarship on the Middle Easthasproduced insights for understanding the unfolding events.
Remembering Our Roots
Authors: Brown Nathan J.
Published: July 2011

Scholars of the Middle East based in social science disciplines—especially my own, political science—are likely to feel a bit more welcome by their colleagues as a result of recent events in the Middle East. Not only will we be informative conversationalists in the hallways for a while because of our regional expertise, but also, far more profoundly, the sorts of things that political scientists study, from voting patterns to regime change, are suddenly interesting subjects in the region. This is not to say that Middle East elections were not studied in the past or that research on political change was not undertaken—far from it. But the questions posed, the terms used, and tools employed were often different from those more prevalent in the discipline. Political scientists focusing on the Middle East are therefore likely to find this a gratifying time, ripe with opportunities for comparative and cross-regional analysis. And those nonregional specialists whose interests lie in a wide variety of topics from voting behavior to revolutions may work harder to incorporate Middle Eastern cases into their own work.
Liberation Meets the State
Authors: Singerman Diane
Published: July 2011

Watching the uprisings unfold in the Middle East, as well as the opposition to them, leads me to appreciate the insights of social movement theory, which suggests that heterogeneous forces can unite in coalitions around super targets when political opportunities suddenly and serendipitously emerge. In this historic moment of change and resistance, will we see the unfolding institutional transformation of the state as it responds to a more participatory ethos, or will former regime stalwarts reconstitute themselves? Elected officials and new governance strategies will still confront serious distributional and economic challenges as states remain enmeshed in neoliberal policies. Political scientists are already studying constitutional change and debates about electoral design, party construction, and other institutional changes to democratize the polity, but we should also look to different transition models that seek to redress deep structural inequalities following decades of repression and rent seeking. Should principles of political or economic affirmative action be incorporated into new institutional designs of transitology?