bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frequencies of T-Score Differences Between Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist and Teacher’s Report Form Summary Scales
Authors: Harris Milton E. , Tiedemann-Fuller Meghan
Published: April 2009

A table is provided giving observed difference frequencies for caregiver versus teacher ratings of children on the Child Behavior Checklist and Teacher’s Report Form Internalizing, Externalizing, and Total Problems scales per the original normative samples. The table permits accurate evaluation of the empirical rarity of specific cross-informant rating discrepancies. This methodology provides a more direct assessment of interrater summary score differences than does the Q-correlation statistic reported in the Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment scoring program.
Low Detection Rate of Craniocervical Arterial Dissection in Children Using Time-of-Flight Magnetic Resonance Angiography: Causes and Strategies to Improve Diagnosis
Authors: Tan Marilyn A. , deVeber Gabrielle , Kirton Adam , Vidarsson Logi , MacGregor Daune , Shroff Manohar
Published: April 2009

Craniocervical arterial dissection is a frequent cause of childhood arterial ischemic stroke requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment. However, there is no universal guideline for diagnostic cerebrovascular imaging in children. We assessed the role of time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography in diagnosing craniocervical arterial dissection. We included children (1 month to 18 years) with craniocervical arterial dissection and ischemic stroke from January 1998 to June 2007. Institutional protocol required magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/ magnetic resonance angiography for all ischemic stroke cases and conventional cerebral angiography if magnetic resonance angiography showed any arteriopathy. Among 233 ischemic stroke cases, craniocervical arterial dissection was diagnosed in 13 patients (5.6%; 10 males), with a mean age of 7.5 years. Initial time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography missed dissection in 8 patients (61.5%) because the neck vessels were not scanned (n = 2), of suboptimal technique (n = 3), and of diagnostic error (n = 3). T1 fat-saturated MRI and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography were not performed in 12 patients. If suspicion for arterial dissection is high, T1 fat-saturated neck imaging and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography should be considered to maximize detection.
Stereotypes about scientists over time among US adults: 1983 and 2001
Authors: Losh Susan Carol
Published: April 2009

Prior research demonstrates that students and some teachers often depict scientists as socially inept workaholic males; however, scholars rarely examine representative samples of adults. How the US general public stereotypes scientists may influence accepting science expertise because its practitioners can appear so eccentric. By expressing negative stereotypes, “typical adults” also can discourage youthful interests in science. This study analyzes general public interview data using identical questions from the 1983 and 2001 National Science Foundation Surveys of Public Understanding of Science and Technology, probability samples of 3219 adults. Despite many positive changes over nearly 20 years, and strong approval of a child’s potential science career, sizable minorities of adults continued to negatively stereotype scientists. Women were more positive than men but had considered a science career less often. Images of scientists also were affected by age, educational variables, parental status, and a religiosity measure.
Population-Based Estimates of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Infections Among High School Athletes—Nebraska, 2006–2008
Authors: Buss Bryan F. , Mueller Shawn W. , Theis Max , Keyser Alison , Safranek Thomas J.
Published: April 2009

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an emerging cause of skin and soft-tissue infections among athletes. To determine statewide incidence among high school athletes, we surveyed all 312 Nebraska high schools regarding sport programs offered, program-specific participation numbers, number of athletes with physician-diagnosed MRSA infections, and athlete’s sport at infection onset. Among 271 (86.9%) schools responding, MRSA infections were reported among one or more athletes by 4.4% (12/270) and 14.4% (39/271) during school years 2006–2007 and 2007–2008, respectively. From 2006–2007 to 2007–2008, MRSA incidence per 10,000 wrestlers increased from 19.6 to 60.1, and incidence per 10,000 football players increased from 5.0 to 25.1. We did not identify differences in distribution of MRSA infections on the basis of grade, school enrollment, location, or number of participants per team. Incidence of reported MRSA infections among football players and wrestlers was substantially higher during 2007–2008, compared with 2006–2007.
Factor XI contributes to thrombin generation in the absence of factor XII
Authors: Kravtsov Dmitri V. , Matafonov Anton , Tucker Erik I. , Sun Mao-fu , Walsh Peter N. , Gruber Andras , Gailani David
Published: April 2009

During surface-initiated blood coagulation in vitro, activated factor XII (fXIIa) converts factor XI (fXI) to fXIa. Whereas fXI deficiency is associated with a hemorrhagic disorder, factor XII deficiency is not, suggesting that fXI can be activated by other mechanisms in vivo. Thrombin activates fXI, and several studies suggest that fXI promotes coagulation independent of fXII. However, a recent study failed to find evidence for fXII-independent activation of fXI in plasma. Using plasma in which fXII is either inhibited or absent, we show that fXI contributes to plasma thrombin generation when coagulation is initiated with low concentrations of tissue factor, factor Xa, or α-thrombin. The results could not be accounted for by fXIa contamination of the plasma systems. Replacing fXI with recombinant fXI that activates factor IX poorly, or fXI that is activated poorly by thrombin, reduced thrombin generation. An antibody that blocks fXIa activation of factor IX reduced thrombin generation; however, an antibody that specifically interferes with fXI activation by fXIIa did not. The results support a model in which fXI is activated by thrombin or another protease generated early in coagulation, with the resulting fXIa contributing to sustained thrombin generation through activation of factor IX.
Evolution of ribosomal DNA-derived satellite repeat in tomato genome
Authors: Jo Sung-Hwan , Koo Dal-Hoe , Kim Jihyun F , Hur Cheol-Goo , Lee Sanghyeob , Yang Tae-jin , Kwon Suk-Yoon , Choi Doil
Published: April 2009

Background

Tandemly repeated DNA, also called as satellite DNA, is a common feature of eukaryotic genomes. Satellite repeats can expand and contract dramatically, which may cause genome size variation among genetically-related species. However, the origin and expansion mechanism are not clear yet and needed to be elucidated.

Results

FISH analysis revealed that the satellite repeat showing homology with intergenic spacer (IGS) of rDNA present in the tomato genome. By comparing the sequences representing distinct stages in the divergence of rDNA repeat with those of canonical rDNA arrays, the molecular mechanism of the evolution of satellite repeat is described. Comprehensive sequence analysis and phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that a long terminal repeat retrotransposon was interrupted into each copy of the 18S rDNA and polymerized by recombination rather than transposition via an RNA intermediate. The repeat was expanded through doubling the number of IGS into the 25S rRNA gene, and also greatly increasing the copy number of type I subrepeat in the IGS of 25-18S rDNA by segmental duplication. Homogenization to a single type of subrepeat in the satellite repeat was achieved as the result of amplifying copy number of the type I subrepeat but eliminating neighboring sequences including the type II subrepeat and rRNA coding sequence from the array. FISH analysis revealed that the satellite repeats are commonly present in closely-related Solanum species, but vary in their distribution and abundance among species.

Conclusion

These results represent that the dynamic satellite repeats were originated from intergenic spacer of rDNA unit in the tomato genome. This result could serve as an example towards understanding the initiation and the expansion of the satellite repeats in complex eukaryotic genome.
Complementarity of ultrasound and fluorescence imaging in an orthotopic mouse model of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Snyder Cynthia S , Kaushal Sharmeela , Kono Yuko , Tran Cao Hop S , Hoffman Robert M , Bouvet Michael
Published: April 2009

Background

Pancreatic cancer is a devastating disease characterized by dismal 5-year survival rates and limited treatment options. In an effort to provide useful models for preclinical evaluation of new experimental therapeutics, we and others have developed orthotopic mouse models of pancreatic cancer. The utility of these models for pre-clinical testing is dependent upon quantitative, noninvasive methods for monitoring in vivo tumor progression in real time. Toward this goal, we performed whole-body fluorescence imaging and ultrasound imaging to evaluate and to compare these noninvasive imaging modalities for assessing tumor burden and tumor progression in an orthotopic mouse model of pancreatic cancer.

Methods

The human pancreatic cancer cell line XPA-1, engineered for stable, high-level expression of red fluorescent protein (RFP), was implanted into the pancreas of nude mice using orthotopic implantation. The tumors were allowed to grow over a period of one to several weeks during which time the mice were imaged using both fluorescence imaging and ultrasound imaging to measure tumor burden and to monitor tumor growth.

Results

Whole-body fluorescence imaging and ultrasound imaging both allowed for the visualization and measurement of orthotopic pancreatic tumor implants in vivo. The imaging sessions were well-tolerated by the mice and yielded data which correlated well in the quantitative assessment of tumor burden. Whole-body fluorescence and two-dimensional ultrasound imaging showed a strong correlation for measurement of tumor size over a range of tumor sizes (R2 = 0.6627, P = 0.003 for an exposure time of 67 msec and R2 = 0.6553, P = 0.003 for an exposure time of 120 msec).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest a complementary role for fluorescence imaging and ultrasound imaging in assessing tumor burden and tumor progression in orthotopic mouse models of human cancer.
Treatment of early uterine sarcomas: disentangling adjuvant modalities
Authors: Zagouri Flora , Dimopoulos Athanasios-Meletios , Fotiou Stelios , Kouloulias Vassilios , Papadimitriou Christos A
Published: April 2009

Uterine sarcomas are a rare group of neoplasms with aggressive clinical course and poor prognosis. They are classified into four main histological subtypes in order of decreasing incidence: carcinosarcomas, leiomyosarcomas, endometrial stromal sarcomas and "other" sarcomas. The pathological subtype demands a tailored approach. Surgical resection is regarded as the mainstay of treatment. Total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy represents the standard treatment of uterine sarcomas. Pelvic and para-aortic lymph node dissection in carcinosarcomas is recommended, given their high incidence of lymph node metastases, and may have a role in endometrial stromal sarcomas. Adjuvant radiation therapy has historically been of little survival value, but it appears to improve local control and may delay recurrence. Regarding adjuvant chemotherapy, there is little evidence in the literature supporting its use except for carcinosarcomas. However, more trials are needed to address these issues, especially, their sequential application. Patients with uterine sarcomas should be referred to large academic centers for participation in clinical trials.
Plk1 and Aurora A regulate the depolymerase activity and the cellular localization of Kif2a
Authors: Jang Chang-Young , Coppinger Judith A. , Seki Akiko , Yates John R. , Fang Guowei
Published: April 2009

The microtubule depolymerase Kif2a controls spindle assembly and dynamics and is essential for chromosome congression and segregation. Through a proteomic analysis, we identified Kif2a as a target for regulation by the Polo-like kinase Plk1. Plk1 interacts with Kif2a, but only in mitosis, in a manner dependent on its kinase activity. Plk1 phosphorylates Kif2a and enhances its depolymerase activity in vitro. Inhibition or depletion of Plk1 decreases microtubule-associated Kif2a signals and increases the spindle microtubule intensity in vivo. Interestingly, Aurora A also interacts with and phosphorylates Kif2a. Phosphorylation of Kif2a by Aurora A suppresses its depolymerase activity in vitro, and inhibition of Aurora A increases the microtubule-associated Kif2a signals and reduces the spindle microtubule intensity in vivo. Thus, Kif2a is regulated positively by Plk1 and negatively by Aurora A. We propose that this antagonistic regulation confers differential stability to microtubules in the spindle versus at the pole versus in the cytosol, and that this spatial differential stability is important for spindle assembly and function.
From Uncertainty Quantification to Decision Making in the Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Bickel J. Eric , Bratvold Reidar B.
Published: April 2009

In this paper, we present the findings of a large (N = 494) survey of oil and gas professionals that addressed the following two questions: Has uncertainty quantification improved in the oil and gas industry over the last five years? Has this improvement translated into improved decision making? Our results suggest that the answer to the first question in an unequivocal “yes,” but that the answer to the second is qualified “no.” How could this be?

Uncertainty quantification is not an end unto itself; removing or even reducing uncertainty is not the goal. Rather, the objective is to make a good decision, which in many cases requires the assessment of the relevant uncertainties. The oil and gas industry seems to have lost sight of this goal in its good-faith effort to provide decision makers with a richer understanding of the possible outcomes flowing from major decisions. The industry implicitly believes that making good decisions merely requires more information.

To counter this, we present a decision-focused uncertainty quantification framework, which we hope, in combination with our survey results, will aid in the innovation of better decision-making tools and methodologies.
State-of-the Art Review—Evolutionary Algorithms for Vehicle Routing
Authors: Potvin Jean-Yves
Published: April 2009

This paper is a survey of the literature on applications of evolutionary algorithms for vehicle routing problems. It reports on genetic algorithms, evolution strategies, and particle swarm optimization when applied to the classical capacitated vehicle routing problem and many of its variants. The performance of evolutionary algorithms is also compared with the best alternative problem-solving approaches on benchmark instances.
Symmetry of hydrogen bonds in solution
Authors: Perrin Charles L.
Published: April 2009

A classic question regarding hydrogen bonds (H-bonds) concerns their symmetry. Is the hydrogen centered or is it closer to one donor and jumping between them? These possibilities correspond to single- and double-well potentials, respectively. The NMR method of isotopic perturbation can answer this question. It is illustrated with 3-hydroxy-2-phenylpropenal and then applied to dicarboxylate monoanions. The 18O-induced 13C NMR splittings signify that their intramolecular H-bonds are asymmetric and that each species is a pair of tautomers, not a single symmetric structure, even though maleate and phthalate are symmetric in crystals. The asymmetry is seen across a wide range of solvents and a wide variety of monoanions, including 2,3-di-tert-butylsuccinate and zwitterionic phthalates. Asymmetry is also seen in monoprotonated 1,8-bis(dimethylamino)naphthalenediamines, N,N'-diaryl-6-aminofulvene-2-aldimines, and 6-hydroxy-2-formylfulvene. The asymmetry is attributed to the disorder of the local environment, establishing an equilibrium between solvatomers. The broader implications of these results regarding the role of solvation in breaking symmetry are discussed. It was prudent to confirm a secondary deuterium isotope effect (IE) on amine basicity by NMR titration of a mixture of PhCH2NH2 and PhCHDNH2. The IE is of stereoelectronic origin. It is proposed that symmetric H-bonds can be observed in crystals but not in solution because a disordered environment induces asymmetry, whereas a crystal can guarantee a symmetric environment. The implications for the controversial role of low-barrier H-bonds in enzyme-catalyzed reactions are discussed.
DNA nucleobase properties and photoreactivity: Modeling environmental effects
Authors: Roca-Sanjuán Daniel , Olaso-González Gloria , Rubio Mercedes , Coto Pedro B. , Merchán Manuela , Ferré Nicolas , Ludwig Valdemir , Serrano-Andrés Luis
Published: April 2009

The accurate ab initio quantum chemical (QM) method multiconfigurational second-order perturbation (CASSPT2)/complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) has been used in conjunction with molecular mechanics (MM) procedures to compute molecular properties and photoinduced reactivity of DNA/RNA nucleobases (NABs) in isolation and within a realistic environment, in which the double helix strand, the aqueous media, and the external counterions are included. It is illustrated that the use of an MM model is helpful both to account for short- and long-range effects of the system surrounding the QM molecular core and to provide the proper structural constraints that allow more accurate QM geometry determinations.
Design of carborane molecular architectures with electronic structure computations: From endohedral and polyradical systems to multidimensional networks
Authors: Oliva Josep M. , Klein Douglas J. , Schleyer Paul von Ragué , Serrano-Andrés Luis
Published: April 2009

The 12 cage-anchoring points of the very stable icosahedral ortho-, meta-, and para-carborane allow the design of multidimensional architectures provided new self-assembling routes are devised. We provide bases for constructing carborane molecular architectures through high-level quantum chemical computations. We consider ejection mechanisms for the inner atom/ion in endohedral carborane complexes, singlet-triplet energy gaps in carborane biradicals, as well as geometry reorganization in carborane neutral and dianionic triplet states. These features, explored in monomers, are starting points for the design of molecular architectures based on electronic structure properties of carborane assemblies.
Activity in the Superior Temporal Sulcus Highlights Learning Competence in an Interaction Game
Authors: Haruno Masahiko , Kawato Mitsuo
Published: April 2009

During behavioral adaptation through interaction with human and nonhuman agents, marked individual differences are seen in both real-life situations and games. However, the underlying neural mechanism is not well understood. We conducted a neuroimaging experiment in which subjects maximized monetary rewards by learning in a prisoner's dilemma game with two computer agents: agent A, a tit-for-tat player who repeats the subject's previous action, and agent B, a simple stochastic cooperator oblivious to the subject's action. Approximately 1/3 of the subjects (group I) learned optimally in relation to both A and B, while another 1/3 (group II) did so only for B. Postexperiment interviews indicated that group I exploited the agent strategies more often than group II. Significant differences in learning-related brain activity between the two groups were only found in the superior temporal sulcus (STS) for both A and B. Furthermore, the learning performance of each group I subject was predictable based on this STS activity, but not in the group II subjects. This differential activity could not be attributed to a behavioral difference since it persisted in relation to agent B for which the two groups behaved similarly. In sharp contrast, the brain structures for reward processing were recruited similarly by both groups. These results suggest that STS provides knowledge of the other agent's strategies for association between action and reward and highlights learning competence during interactive reinforcement learning.
Associations between Prevalence of Self‐reported Musculoskeletal Symptoms of the Spine and Biopsychosocial Factors among Office Workers
Authors: Janwantanakul Prawit , Pensri Praneet , Jiamjarasrangsi Wiroj , Sinsongsook Thanes
Published: April 2009

Associations between Prevalence of Self‐reported Musculoskeletal Symptoms of the Spine and Biopsychosocial Factors among Office Workers: Prawit Janwantanakul, et al. Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand

Objectives

To investigate the relationships between the self‐reported prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in the neck, upper back and low back and certain individual, work‐related physical and psychosocial factors.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional survey using a descriptive questionnaire, which was distributed to 2000 office workers in 54 workplaces, in Bangkok, registered at the Social Security Office of Thailand.

Results

Returns were 1,428 (71%) questionnaires, and after screening for exclusion criteria, 1,185 office workers were found to be eligible for the study. For the head/neck region, frequently working in an uncomfortable posture increased the risk of experiencing head/neck symptoms (adjusted OR=1.81, 95% CI=1.35–2.44). For the upper back region, frequent trunk bending during work increased the risk of experiencing upper back symptoms (adjusted OR=1.80, 95% CI=1.32–2.44) whereas working in a job that required little interaction with others decreased the risk of experiencing upper back symptoms (adjusted OR=0.42, 95% CI=0.25–0.68). For the low back region, working for >8 h a day showed an elevated risk for low back symptoms (adjusted OR=1.66, 95% CI=1.25–2.22).

Conclusions

Some biopsychosocial factors were associated with the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in the spine among office workers. Further research should focus on these factors in order to develop specific strategies to reduce the occurrence of such symptoms in the office environment.
Hasüregi dirofilariasisr
Authors: Révész Erzsébet , Markovics Gabriella , Darabos Zoltán , Tóth Ildikó , Fok Éva
Published: April 2009

Absztrakt

Számos filaria féregfertőzésről számol be a magyar szakirodalom, többségétDirofilaria repensokozta. A szúnyog által terjesztett filaria férgek a kutyák és macskák subcutan szöveteiben jelennek meg. Az emberi fertőzések vagy subcutan csomókat vagy tüdőszövet-granulomákat képeznek, a fertőzöttek többsége panaszmentes. A beszámoló egy újDirofilaria repens-fertőzésről szól, mely egy acut has miatt operált 61 éves férfi hasüregében jelentkezett. A műtét során 8 cm hosszú, fehér fonalféreg által kiváltott, körülírt peritonitis volt észlelhető. A parazita patológiai vizsgálattalDirofilaria repensnek bizonyult.
Modelling surface access mode choice of air passengers
Authors: Jehanfo S. , Dissanayake D.
Published: April 2009

Disaggregate demand analysis based on utility maximisation was carried out in this study using revealed data on air passengers. Models were developed that explained passengers' choice of ground access mode in terms of access time, household car ownership, size of the access group and luggage count. Market segmentation allowed sub-models to be developed for leisure passengers, business passengers, passengers on domestic flights and international flights, passengers who earn less than £20 000 a year and passengers with an annual income of £20 000 or more. A multinomial logit approach was adopted considering its suitability in this study in which the choice set consisted of: car (long-stay parking), car (drop off ), taxi, metro and bus. Newcastle International airport, located in the north-east of England, was chosen as the case study. The addition of an extra automobile in a passenger's household was found to increase (× 6) the odds of using car (long-stay parking) rather than bus. In this study business travellers were found to be more sensitive to access time than passengers travelling mainly for leisure. Passengers to domestic destinations tended to be more sensitive to access time in comparison with their international-bound counterparts. Passengers who earn £20 000 per year or more valued access time more than passengers earning less than £20 000 per year.
Leachability of some emerging contaminants in reclaimed municipal wastewater-irrigated turf grass fields
Authors: Xu Jian , Chen Weiping , Wu Laosheng , Green Robert , Chang Andrew C.
Published: April 2009

Emerging pollutants inherent in reclaimed municipal wastewater, including endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) and pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs), often have cast uncertainties on the safety of water reuse. We examined the fate and transport behavior of several PPCP and EDC compounds through observations made at experimental turf fields irrigated with naproxen, clofibric acid, diclofenac sodium, ibuprofen, estrone, 4-tert-octylphenol, bisphenol A, 4-n-nonylphenol, and triclosan latent irrigation water. The potential of the compounds to contaminate underlying groundwater was assessed using three screening protocols that employed the attributes of soils, chemicals, and water fluxes as the estimators. No compound was detected in the leachate draining through the 89-cm profile of a loamy sand soil and a sandy loam soil turf grass field during four months of irrigation according to operations typical of golf courses in southern California (USA). Ibuprofen, naproxen, triclosan, bisphenol A, clofibric acid, and estrone were detected in the surface to 30-cm soil profiles. Higher irrigation rate and coarser textural soil enhanced the downward movement of chemicals in both soils. The pollution risk screenings identified the same six compounds as having the potential to contaminate groundwater, and under conditions of turf grass irrigation, clofibric acid and ibuprofen would be most prone to cause the pollution.
Removal of Sulfides From Brine By Aeration With Exhaust Gas From Submerged Combustion
Authors: Hart W.J. , Wingate R.G.
Published: April 2009

Proposed water flooding by Gulf Oil Corp. of the Yates formation in the North Ward-Estes field, Ward and Winkler Counties, Tex., is expected to require infection of a maximum of 150,000 BWPD. The only source in the vicinity capable of furnishing this volume of water is the Hendrick reef, which water contains approximately 500 ppm of hydrogen sulfide. Principally because of the hydrogen sulfide, the water is not compatible with the formation or the formation water, and treatment is essential. Chemical treatment alone proved to be uneconomical; however, data obtained from a scale model showed that removal of hydrogen sulfide by aeration with exhaust gases supplied by a submerged combustion unit combined with chemical treatment merited further investigation and construction of a larger treating plant. The results of the operation of a pilot plant capable of processing 7,500 B/D indicated that sulfide removal by aeration with exhaust gases from a submerged combustion unit and a flash tower was economically feasible and provided satisfactory injection water.

Introduction

Gulf Oil Corp. Is in the process of water flooding its holdings in the NorthWard-Estes field, Ward and Winkler Counties, Tex. This field is 16 miles long and from one to three miles wide, and approximately 730 Gulf wells that now produce from the Yates sand will ultimately be involved in the project. Water for injection is expected to reach a peak of 150,000 B/D, and a volume of this magnitude is readily available in this locality only from the Hendrick Reef formation. This formation has been oil productive in certain parts of the Permian Basin for many years; however, drill-stem test data indicated that the reef contains only sour brine in this area.

In August, 1953, a well was drilled into the Hendrick Reef and completed at a total depth of 3,700 ft with a flowing capacity of 26,700 B/D at a well-head pressure of 25 psi. Chemical analyses showed that the produced water had a low concentration of chloride- and carbonates and a high concentration of sulfates and sulfides. Many difficulties in handling water with such a high sulfide concentration soon became apparent. Corrosion in the supply well was evident from a precipitate of ferrous sulfide which appeared in the well stream after a closed-in period of only a few hours. More important, iron sulfide precipitated immediately when equal volumes of source water and Yates formation water were mixed. Extensive laboratory tests revealed that significant amounts of iron compounds were present in the Yates formation and that the source water was not compatible with it or the formation water.
Development and Pilot Testing a Social Cognitive Theory-Based Intervention to Prevent Childhood Obesity among Elementary Students in Rural Kentucky
Authors: Canavera Megan , Sharma Manoj , Murnan Judy
Published: April 2009

The purpose of this study was to develop and pilot test a social cognitive theory-based intervention for children to prevent childhood obesity. Focus groups were conducted with 5th grade students and their parents on the behaviors of physical activity, watching television, and eating habits, specifically fruit and vegetable intake and water consumption. Results from the focus groups were used to develop a 12-week program which was pilot tested in 5th grade physical education classes. The 12-week intervention was conducted with 122 students at a rural elementary school in Kentucky. Significant findings from the intervention were the increase in expectations for drinking water ( p = 0.049), increase in expectations for watching television ( p = 0.002), and increase in the number of glasses of water consumed ( p = 0.022) from pre-test to post-test. Recommendations have been offered for future obesity reduction programs that can be implemented in the elementary schools.
Effects of Parental Involvement in HIV/AIDS Preventive Education on Secondary Student Knowledge about Transmission and Prevention in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Authors: Akpabio I. I. , Asuzu M. C. , Fajemilehin B. R. , Ofi Bola
Published: April 2009

This study investigated HIV/AIDS preventive health education involving nurses alone (IG1) and another involving both nurses and trained parents/guardians (IG2) on students' knowledge of HIV/AIDS' transmission and prevention in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Subjects included 339 students selected through a multistage and stratified random sampling technique. A pre-test/post-test intervention design with control group was used. Data were obtained using questionnaire, and analysis involved the use of analysis of covariance, multiple classification analysis, and Scheffe's post-hoc test. Results show that students exposed to parental involvement had significantly better mean scores on knowledge of prevention (IG2: x̅ = 7.51; IG1: x̅ = 6.96 control: x̅ = 3.82). Furthermore, although the male students had significantly higher mean score with intervention involving only nurses, the females had higher mean score with intervention involving parents/guardians. It is recommended that parents/guardians should be trained and involved in HIV/AIDS' preventive education of secondary school students.
Mathematical Modeling of Gas Oil HDS and Optimization of Operational Conditions in Trickle Bed Reactor by Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Abbasi Reza , Fatemi Shohreh
Published: April 2009

The present work aims to employ genetic algorithm (GA) to optimize a HDS process, which is difficult to optimize by conventional methods. The considered chemical process is the three phase catalytic trickle-bed reactor in which hydrodesulphurization reaction occurs. Non-linear kinetics coupled with the transitional mathematical model of the gas, liquid and solid phases are used to describe the dynamic behavior of the multivariable process. The model, based on a two-film theory, was tested with regards to hydrodesulphurization of vacuum gas oil in a high-pressure pilot plant operated under isothermal conditions. Due to the high dimensionality and non-linearity of the model, a rigorous one, the solution of the optimization problem through conventional algorithms does not always lead to the convergence. This fact justifies the use of an evolutionary method, based on the GAs, to deal with this process. In this way, in order to optimize the process, the GA code is coupled with the rigorous model of the reactor. The aim of the optimization through GAs was to search for the optimal conditions that minimize the gas make and sulfur content of the outlet oil. Many simulations are conducted in order to find the maximization of the objective function without violating the constraints. The results show that the GA is used successfully in the process optimization.
Impaired Preadipocyte Differentiation in Human Abdominal Obesity
Authors: Isakson Petter , Hammarstedt Ann , Gustafson Birgit , Smith Ulf
Published: April 2009

OBJECTIVE

We examined preadipocyte differentiation in obese and nonobese individuals and the effect of cytokines and wingless-type MMTV (mouse mammary tumor virus) integration site family, member 3A (Wnt3a) protein on preadipocyte differentiation and phenotype.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsies were obtained from a total of 51 donors with varying BMI. After isolation of the adipose and stromalvascular cells, inflammatory cells (CD14- and CD45-positive cells) were removed by immune magnetic separation. CD133-positive cells, containing early progenitor cells, were also isolated and quantified. The CD14- and CD45-negative preadipocytes were cultured with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, resistin, or Wnt3a with or without a differentiation cocktail.

RESULTS

The number of preadipocytes able to differentiate to adipose cells was negatively correlated with both BMI and adipocyte cell size of the donors, whereas the number of CD133-positive cells was positively correlated with BMI, suggesting an impaired differentiation of preadipocytes in obesity. Cultured preadipocytes, like freshly isolated mature adipocytes, from obese individuals had an increased expression of mitogen-activated protein 4 kinase 4 (MAP4K4), which is known to inhibit peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-γ induction. TNF-α, but not IL-6 or resistin, increased Wnt10b, completely inhibited the normal differentiation of the preadipocytes, and instead induced a proinflammatory and macrophage-like phenotype of the cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The apparent number of preadipocytes in the abdominal subcutaneous tissue that can undergo differentiation is reduced in obesity with enlarged fat cells, possibly because of increased MAP4K4 levels. TNF-α promoted a macrophage-like phenotype of the preadipocytes, including several macrophage markers. These results document the plasticity of human preadipocytes and the inverse relationship between lipid storage and proinflammatory capacity.
Ductal Plate Malformation-Like Arrays in Early Explants after a Kasai Procedure Are Independent of Splenic Malformation Complex (Heterotaxy)
Authors: Pacheco M. Cristina , Campbell Kathleen M. , Bove Kevin E.
Published: April 2009

Biliary atresia has at least 2 proposed forms, the common perinatal and the less common embryonic subtype with earlier onset and/or extrahepatic developmental anomalies. Histologic evidence of ductal plate malformation (DPM)–like change in liver has been proposed both as a marker for the embryonic type and as a predictor of poor outcome after Kasai portoenterostomy. We investigated the prevalence of DPM-like change in liver explants in usual biliary atresia (BA) and in BA with splenic malformation syndrome (BASM). Liver sections from 8 patients with BA and 6 with BASM, all of whom had a Kasai procedure followed by explant before age 2 years, were analyzed using hematoxylin and eosin, trichrome, CK7, and AE1/AE3 stains. Each block was scored for inflammation and fibrosis. We estimated the number of portal areas per block and counted the number of definite and possible examples of DPM-like change, defined as a circumferential duct complex arranged around a fibrovascular core. We assessed whether the frequency per portal area was related to low and high scores for either inflammation or fibrosis. Definite and possible examples of DPM-like arrays were present in about 10% of portal areas in both patient groups, but these were unevenly distributed. There was no statistical difference between BA and BASM in terms of the number of examples per portal area. No correlation existed between degree of fibrosis and the intensity of portal inflammation and the number of DPM-like arrays. Ductal plate malformation–like arrays do not distinguish perinatal BA from BA associated with heterotaxy in liver explants after a failed Kasai procedure.
A Signature Pedagogy in Doctoral Education: The Leader–Scholar Community
Authors: Olson Kate , Clark Christopher M.
Published: April 2009

Since 2005 there has been an explosion of interest and debate about alternative futures for the doctorate in education. The authors take the debate from the abstract to the concrete by describing a signature pedagogy in doctoral education that combines theory, applied scholarship, and the wisdom of practice in new ways. They describe leader–scholar communities, whose goal is to assist and support students to conduct applied research in local educational contexts. They argue that leader–scholar communities are particularly useful for helping doctoral students persist to graduation, become socialized into a new identity as leader–scholars, and bridge the gap between what is learned at the university and what is practiced in schools.
Outcome of Single Incision Flexor Hallucis Longus Transfer for Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy
Authors: Will Ryan E. , Galey Stephanie M.
Published: April 2009

Background:

Chronic Achilles tendinopathy may require tendon transfer for treatment. Relatively few studies have reported the clinical outcome for flexor hallucis longus (FHL) transfer for chronic Achilles tendinopathy. Both single and double incision techniques have been reported. We present our series of a single incision technique.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective study measured the clinical outcomes of 19 patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy treated with single incision FHL transfer. Patients were evaluated with the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle/hindfoot instrument, AOFAS hallux instrument as well as pre and postoperative visual analog scales (VAS) for pain.

Results:

Average AOFAS ankle/hindfoot score was 96.4 ± 5.7. Average AOFAS hallux score was 92.4 ± 6.6. Average pre and postoperative VAS was 7.5 ± 2.7 and 0.6 ± 1.0, respectively. No tendon reruptures, wound complications or hallux deformities occurred.

Conclusion:

Excellent clinical outcomes with significant decrease in pain are possible with single incision technique for FHL transfer for chronic Achilles tendinopathy. Level of Evidence: IV, Retrospective Case Series
Ankle and Subtalar Kinematics during Dorsiflexion-Plantarflexion Activities
Authors: Yamaguchi Satoshi , Sasho Takahisa , Kato Hideyuki , Kuroyanagi Yuji , Banks Scott A.
Published: April 2009

Background:

Understanding the effect of weightbearing on subtalar and ankle joint kinematics is critical for the diagnosis and treatment of foot disorders. However, dynamic in vivo kinematics of these joints are not well studied. The purpose of this study was to compare in vivo kinematics during nonweightbearing and weightbearing activities in healthy subjects.

Methods:

Seven healthy subjects with a mean age of 32 (range, 23 to 42) years were enrolled. Oblique lateral fluoroscopic images of nonweightbearing and weight-bearing dorsiflexion-plantarflexion activities were recorded. Three dimensional subtalar, ankle, and ankle-subtalar joint complex kinematics were determined using 3D-2D model registration techniques with 3D bone models and single-plane fluoroscopy.

Results:

During the weightbearing activity from 20 degrees dorsiflexion to 15 degrees plantarflexion, the subtalar joint was significantly more everted, dorsiflexed, and abducted, and the calcaneus showed a significantly more posterior position, than during the nonweightbearing activity. The ankle joint was significantly more plantarflexed and adducted during the weightbearing activity than the nonweightbearing activity. The ankle-subtalar joint complex was significantly more everted, and the calcaneus showed significantly greater posterior position than the nonweightbearing activity.

Conclusion:

These observations provide basic quantitative descriptions of weightbearing and nonweightbearing kinematics for healthy joints.

Clinical Relevance:

These data can serve as the basis for comparison with pathologic feet for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
Protein GB1 Folding and Assembly from Structural Elements
Authors: Bauer Mikael C. , Xue Wei-Feng , Linse Sara
Published: April 2009

Folding of the Protein G B1 domain (PGB1) shifts with increasing salt concentration from a cooperative assembly of inherently unstructured subdomains to an assembly of partly pre-folded structures. The salt-dependence of pre-folding contributes to the stability minimum observed at physiological salt conditions. Our conclusions are based on a study in which the reconstitution of PGB1 from two fragments was studied as a function of salt concentrations and temperature using circular dichroism spectroscopy. Salt was found to induce an increase in β-hairpin structure for the C-terminal fragment (residues 41 – 56), whereas no major salt effect on structure was observed for the isolated N-terminal fragment (residues 1 – 41). In line with the increasing evidence on the interrelation between fragment complementation and stability of the corresponding intact protein, we also find that salt effects on reconstitution can be predicted from salt dependence of the stability of the intact protein. Our data show that our variant (which has the mutations T2Q, N8D, N37D and reconstitutes in a manner similar to the wild type) displays the lowest equilibrium association constant around physiological salt concentration, with higher affinity observed both at lower and higher salt concentration. This corroborates the salt effects on the stability towards denaturation of the intact protein, for which the stability at physiological salt is lower compared to both lower and higher salt concentrations. Hence we conclude that reconstitution reports on molecular factors that govern the native states of proteins.
Polyphenolic Profile and Bioactivity Study of Oenothera speciosa Nutt. Aerial Parts
Authors: Marzouk Mohamed S. , Moharram Fatma A. , El Dib Rabab A. , El-Shenawy Siham M. , Tawfike Ahmed F.
Published: April 2009

Two new flavonol glycosides, myricetin 4'-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (1) and quercetin 3'-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (2), together with a novel biflavonol compound, speciin (3), as well as eleven phenolic metabolites, namely myricitrin (4), europetin 3-O-α-L-1C4-rhamnopyranoside (5), quercitrin (6), hyperin (7), rhamnetin 3-O-β-galacto-pyranoside (8), caffeic acid (9), caffeic acid methyl ester (10), chlorogenic acid (11), chlorogenic acid methyl ester (12), gallic acid (13) and gallic acid methyl ester (14), were identified from the 80 % methanol extract of the aerial parts (leaves and stems) of Oenothera speciosa Nutt. (Onagraceae). In addition myricetin (15), quercetin (16) and ellagic acid (17) were identified from the chloroform extract. The structures were established depending on their chemical and physical analyses (UV, HR-ESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR). It was found that 80 % aqueous methanol extract of O. speciosa is non-toxic to mice up to 5 g kg-1b.wt. The investigated extract exhibited significant antihyperglycaemic and anti-inflammatory activities in a dose dependant manner. Also, the 80 % methanol extract, myricitrin(4) and hyperin(7) showed potent antioxidant activity in vitro using 1,1-diphenyl 2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical assay.
The use of illustrations when learning to read: A cognitive load theory approach
Authors: Torcasio Susannah , Sweller John
Published: April 2009

Three experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of including illustrations in beginning reading materials. Experiment 1 compared reading materials consisting solely of simple prose passages with materials consisting of the same passages plus informative illustrations depicting the content of each passage. Reading proficiency improved more under the no illustrations condition. Experiment 2 compared the informative illustrations with uninformative illustrations. Reading proficiency improved more using uninformative illustrations. Experiment 3 compared uninformative illustrations with no illustrations and found no significant differences between conditions. These results were interpreted within a cognitive load theory framework. It was concluded that informative illustrations are redundant and so impose an extraneous working memory load that interferes with learning to read. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This article was published online on 8th April 2009. An error was subsequently identified. This notice is included in the online and print versions to indicate that both have been corrected [3 July 2009].
Microvascular reconstruction after resection of soft tissue sarcoma of the leg
Authors: Barner-Rasmussen I , Popov P , Böhling T , Tarkkanen M , Sampo M , Tukiainen E
Published: April 2009

Background

Limb-sparing surgery and satisfactory functional outcome is the goal of extremity soft tissue sarcoma (STS) surgery. Tissue defects after tumour excision are often extensive, and microvascular reconstruction is frequently required.

Methods

Seventy-three patients with STS of the leg requiring microvascular reconstruction were treated between 1985 and 2006. Radiotherapy was delivered if the microscopic surgical margin was less than 2·5 cm.

Results

Mean follow-up was 65·9 months. Seventy-five free flaps were performed, with a success rate of 95 per cent. One patient died within a month of surgery. Five-year local recurrence-free survival was 82 per cent, metastasis-free survival 59 per cent, disease-free survival 56 per cent and disease-specific overall survival 70 per cent. Fifty-five (75 per cent) of the 73 patients were able to walk normally or had only minor walking impairment.

Conclusion

Without microvascular reconstruction, amputation would have been necessary in most patients. Microvascular reconstruction is safe and reliable in lower extremity STS reconstruction.
Improving the reporting of clinical research
Authors: Boutron I , Ravaud P
Published: April 2009

A demand for transparency