bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a database system for mapping insertional mutations onto the mouse genome with large-scale experimental data
Authors: Yang Wenwei , Jin Ke , Xie Xing , Li Dongsheng , Yang Jigang , Wang Li , Gu Ning , Zhong Yang , Sun Ling V
Published: December 2009

Background

Insertional mutagenesis is an effective method for functional genomic studies in various organisms. It can rapidly generate easily tractable mutations. A large-scale insertional mutagenesis with the piggyBac (PB) transposon is currently performed in mice at the Institute of Developmental Biology and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Fudan University in Shanghai, China. This project is carried out via collaborations among multiple groups overseeing interconnected experimental steps and generates a large volume of experimental data continuously. Therefore, the project calls for an efficient database system for recording, management, statistical analysis, and information exchange.

Results

This paper presents a database application called MP-PBmice (insertional mutation mapping system of PB Mutagenesis Information Center), which is developed to serve the on-going large-scale PB insertional mutagenesis project. A lightweight enterprise-level development framework Struts-Spring-Hibernate is used here to ensure constructive and flexible support to the application. The MP-PBmice database system has three major features: strict access-control, efficient workflow control, and good expandability. It supports the collaboration among different groups that enter data and exchange information on daily basis, and is capable of providing real time progress reports for the whole project. MP-PBmice can be easily adapted for other large-scale insertional mutation mapping projects and the source code of this software is freely available at http://www.idmshanghai.cn/PBmice.

Conclusion

MP-PBmice is a web-based application for large-scale insertional mutation mapping onto the mouse genome, implemented with the widely used framework Struts-Spring-Hibernate. This system is already in use by the on-going genome-wide PB insertional mutation mapping project at IDM, Fudan University.
Efficacy of plasma vascular endothelial growth factor in monitoring first-line chemotherapy in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Kumar Sachin , Guleria Randeep , Singh Vikas , Bharti Alok C , Mohan Anant , Das Bhudev C
Published: December 2009

Background

Along with the development of new cancer therapeutics, more effective tools for the estimation of response to therapy and prediction of disease progression are required for the better management of inoperable cancer patients.

Methods

We studied 134 newly diagnosed and primarily untreated advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients and 100 controls. Forty two patients received platinum-based chemotherapy. Plasma VEGF levels were quantified in all samples at baseline and also before second and third chemotherapy cycle in 42 patients and correlated with response to therapy as assessed by computed tomography after the third chemotherapy cycle.

Results

We observed that, patients who went into remission had significantly lower baseline VEGF levels before second and third cycles of chemotherapy when compared with patients with no change and progression. Plasma VEGF levels showed a greater decrease from cycle 1 to 2 and from cycle 1 to 3 in patients who showed remission in comparison to those with no change or progression. Plasma VEGF levels before the second cycle detected poor response to therapy with a sensitivity and specificity of 76.9% and 75.0%, respectively (area under the ROC curve = 0.724). Early prediction of disease progression was achieved with a sensitivity and specificity of 71.4% for plasma VEGF before cycle 2 (area under the ROC curve = 0.805). The kinetics of VEGF form cycle 1 to 2 and cycle 1 to 3 also gave significant information for predicting disease progression as well as insufficient therapy response.

Conclusion

Monitoring of plasma VEGF levels during the course of first-line chemotherapy could identify patients who are likely to have insufficient response to therapy and disease progression at an early stage. This may help in individualizing treatment and could lead to better management of the advanced stage lung cancer.
Cardiac complication after experimental human malaria infection: a case report
Authors: Nieman An-Emmie , de Mast Quirijn , Roestenberg Meta , Wiersma Jorien , Pop Gheorghe , Stalenhoef Anton , Druilhe Pierre , Sauerwein Robert , van der Ven André
Published: December 2009

A 20 year-old healthy female volunteer participated in a clinical Phase I and IIa safety and efficacy trial with candidate malaria vaccinePfLSA-3-rec adjuvanted with aluminium hydroxide. Eleven weeks after the third and last immunization she was experimentally infected by bites ofPlasmodium falciparum-infected mosquitoes. When the thick blood smear became positive, at day 11, she was treated with artemether/lumefantrine according to protocol. On day 16 post-infection i.e. two days after completion of treatment, she woke up with retrosternal chest pain. She was diagnosed as acute coronary syndrome and treated accordingly. She recovered quickly and her follow-up was uneventful. Whether the event was related to the study procedures such as the preceding vaccinations, malaria infection or antimalarial drugs remains elusive. However, the relation in time with the experimental malaria infection and apparent absence of an underlying condition makes the infection the most probable trigger. This is in striking contrast, however, with the millions of malaria cases each year and the fact that such complication has never been reported in the literature. The rare occurrence of cardiac events with any of the preceding study procedures may even support a coincidental finding.

Apart from acute coronary syndrome, myocarditis can be considered as a final diagnosis, but the true nature and patho-physiological explanation of the event remain unclear.
Genetic analysis of HIV-1 Circulating Recombinant Form 02_AG, B and C subtype-specific envelope sequences from Northern India and their predicted co-receptor usage
Authors: Neogi Ujjwal , Sood Vikas , Chowdhury Arpita , Das Shukla , Ramachandran Vishnampettai G , Sreedhar Vijesh K , Wanchu Ajay , Ghosh Nilanjana , Banerjea Akhil C
Published: December 2009

HIV-1 epidemic in India is largely driven by subtype C but other subtypes or recombinants have also been reported from several states of India. This is mainly due to the co-circulation of other genetic subtypes that potentially can recombine to generate recombinant/mosaic genomes. In this study, we report detail genetic characterization of HIV-1 envelope sequences from North India (Delhi and neighboring regions). Six of 13 were related to subtype C, one B and the rest six showed relatedness with CRF02_AG strain. The subtype C possessed the highly conserved GPGQ motif but subtype B possessed the GPGR motif in the V3 loop as observed earlier. While most of the sequences suggested CCR5 co-receptor usage, one subtype C sample clearly indicated CXCR4 usage. A successful mother to child transmission was established in two pairs. Thus, co-circulation of multiple subtypes (B and C) and the recombinant CRF02_AG strains in North India suggests a rapidly evolving scenario of HIV-1 epidemic in this region with impact on vaccine formulation. Since this is the first report of CRF02_AG envelope from India, it will be important to monitor the spread of this strain and its impact on HIV-1 transmission in India.
Sorafenib in a patient with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma and serious impairment of left ventricular function: a case report
Authors: Valsuani Chiara , Siclari Olimpia , Camerini Andrea , Canale Maria Laura , Rondini Marianna , Donati Sara , Puccinelli Paolo , Tartarelli Gianna , Puccetti Cheti , Amoroso Domenico
Published: December 2009

Introduction

sorafenib, a tyrosine-kinase inhibitor, is widely used in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Drug-related toxicities are generally mild but sorafenib, as other similar agents, may induce elevation of systemic arterial blood pressure levels in relation to an interaction with cardiovascular system probably mediated by HIF pathway. This side effect may be particularly critical for patients with underlying serious heart disease as it can induce acute heart failure, a life-threatening condition, and usually such patients are excluded from active treatment with tyrosine-kinase inhibitors. We report the case of a patient affected by advanced hepatocellular carcinoma and serious impairment of cardiac function treated with sorafenib without any worsening of heart function. To our knowledge this is the first report of this kind in the literature.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 74-year-old patient affected by advanced multifocal HCV-cirrhosis related hepatocellular carcinoma and severe post-ischemic fall of left-ventricular function with serious risk of cardiac functional impairment. The patient presented with an ECOG performance status of 0. Blood chemistry tests showed a substantial elevation of α-fetoprotein values and slight increases of bilirubin, of γ-GT and of GOT; the absence of encephalopathy and ascites and the normality of coagulation parameters and of albumin led to classify the patient into the functional class Child-Pugh A. The patients was successfully treated with sorafenib at the reduced daily dose of 400 mg for long-time without any worsening of heart function.

Conclusion

The presented case can offer to oncologists a clinical support to take into consideration when deciding to treat with sorafenib advanced hepatocellular carcinoma patients presenting with serious impairment of cardiac function that are usually excluded from an active treatment.
An unusual presentation of pancreatic pseudocyst mimicking cystic neoplasm of the pancreas: a case report
Authors: Gintowt Aleksandra , Hac Stanislaw , Dobrowolski Sebastian , Śledziński Zbigniew
Published: December 2009

In spite of their rarity, cystic neoplasms of the pancreas are characterized by existing or potential malignancy that cannot be ignored during decisive process with regard to the choice of treatment. Diagnostic difficulties in the differentiation of pancreatic pseudocyst and cystic pancreatic neoplasm can lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment, since clinical symptoms, preoperative imaging tests and even endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography are often not sufficient to establish the correct diagnosis. We present a case of pancreatic cyst with no typical features of pseudocyst in the medical interview, treated by Child's subtotal pancreatectomy by reason of the high risk of neoplasia suggested by radiological and endoscopic examinations.
Hemostasis during low molecular weight heparin anticoagulation for continuous venovenous hemofiltration: a randomized cross-over trial comparing two hemofiltration rates
Authors: Oudemans-van Straaten Heleen M , van Schilfgaarde Muriel , Molenaar Pascal J , Wester Jos PJ , Leyte Anja
Published: December 2009

Introduction

Renal insufficiency increases the half-life of low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs). Whether continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) removes LMWHs is unsettled. We studied hemostasis during nadroparin anticoagulation for CVVH, and explored the implication of the endogenous thrombin potential (ETP).

Methods

This cross-over study, performed in a 20-bed teaching hospital ICU, randomized non-surgical patients with acute kidney injury requiring nadroparin for CVVH to compare hemostasis between two doses of CVVH: filtrate flow was initiated at 4 L/h and converted to 2 L/h after 60 min in group 1, and vice versa in group 2. Patients received nadroparin 2850 IU i.v., followed by 380 IU/h continuously in the extracorporeal circuit. After baseline sampling, ultrafiltrate, arterial (art) and postfilter (PF) blood was taken for hemostatic markers after 1 h, and 15 min, 6 h, 12 h and 24 h after converting filtrate flow. We compared randomized groups, and 'early circuit clotting' to 'normal circuit life' groups.

Results

Fourteen patients were randomized, seven to each group. Despite randomization, group 1 had higher SOFA scores (median 14 (IQR 11-15) versus 9 (IQR 5-9), p = 0.004). Anti-Xa art activity peaked upon nadroparin bolus and declined thereafter (p = 0.05). Anti-Xa PF did not change in time. Anti-Xa activity was not detected in ultrafiltrate. Medians of all anti-Xa samples were lower in group 1 (anti-Xa art 0.19 (0.12-0.37) vs. 0.31 (0.23-0.52), p = 0.02; anti-Xa PF 0.34 (0.25-0.44) vs. 0.51 (0.41-0.76), p = 0.005). After a steep decline, arterial ETPAUC tended to increase (p = 0.06), opposite to anti-Xa, while postfilter ETPAUC increased (p = 0.001). Median circuit life was 24.5 h (IQR 12-37 h). Patients with 'short circuit life' had longer baseline prothrombin time (PTT), activated thromboplastin time (aPTT), lower ETP, higher thrombin-antithrombin complexes (TAT) and higher SOFA scores; during CVVH, anti-Xa, and platelets were lower; PTT, aPTT, TAT and D-dimers were longer/higher and ETP was slower and depressed.

Conclusions

We found no accumulation and no removal of LMWH activity during CVVH. However, we found that early circuit clotting was associated with more severe organ failure, prior systemic thrombin generation with consumptive coagulopathy, heparin resistance and elevated extracorporeal thrombin generation. ETP integrates these complex effects on the capacity to form thrombin.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov ID NCT00965328
PYK2 interacts with MyD88 and regulates MyD88-mediated NF-κB activation in macrophages
Authors: Xi Cai-Xia , Xiong Fei , Zhou Zheng , Mei Lin , Xiong Wen-Cheng
Published: December 2009

PYK2 regulates inflammation by modulating MyD88 signaling.

PYK2, a major cell adhesion-activated tyrosine kinase, is highly expressed in macrophages and implicated in macrophage activation and inflammatory response. However, mechanisms by which PYK2 regulates inflammatory response are beginning to be understood. In this study, we demonstrate that PYK2 interacts with MyD88, a crucial signaling adaptor protein in LPS and PGN-induced NF-κB activation, in vitro and in macrophages. This interaction, increased in macrophages, stimulated by LPS, requires the death domain of MyD88. PYK2-deficient macrophages exhibit reduced phosphorylation and degradation of IκB, an inhibitor of NF-κB nuclear translocation, and decreased NF-κB activation and IL-1β expression by LPS. These results suggest that via interaction with MyD88, PYK2 is involved in modulating cytokine (e.g., LPS) stimulation of NF-κB activity and signaling, providing a mechanism underlying PYK2 regulation of an inflammatory response.
Pivotal Advance: Phospholipids determine net membrane surface charge resulting in differential localization of active Rac1 and Rac2
Authors: Magalhaes Marco A O , Glogauer Michael
Published: December 2009

Neutrophils regulate membrane lipid composition and membrane surface charge to localize signaling pathways through the recruitment of differentially charged proteins.

In this investigation, we used primary murine neutrophils to demonstrate that local changes in membrane phospholipid composition alter the net cytoplasmic membrane surface charge, which results in selective recruitment of Rac1 or Rac2 based on the net charge of their respective C-terminal domains. Murine neutrophils undergoing chemotaxis or carrying out phagocytosis were transfected with K-ras4B-derived membrane charge biosensors and lipid markers, which allowed us to simultaneously monitor the levels of PIP2, PIP3, and PS and net membrane charge of the newly developing phagosome membrane and plasma membrane. Our results indicate that the combination of PIP2, PIP3, and PS generates a high negative charge (–8) at the plasma membrane of actin-rich pseudopods, where active Rac1 preferentially localizes during phagosome formation. The lipid metabolism that occurs during phagosome maturation results in the localized depletion of PIP2, PIP3, and partial decrease in PS. This creates a moderately negative net charge that correlates with the localization of active Rac2. Conversely, the accumulation of PIP3 at the leading-edge membrane during chemotaxis generates a polarized accumulation of negative charges that recruits Rac1. These results provide evidence that alterations in membrane lipid composition and inner-membrane surface charge are important elements for the recruitment of differentially charged proteins and localization of signaling pathways during phagocytosis and chemotaxis in neutrophils.
Detecting near-surface objects with seismic waveform tomography
Authors: Smithyman Brendan , Pratt R. Gerhard , Hayles John , Wittebolle Ralph
Published: December 2009

Three shallow, high-velocity, rubble-filled targets are imaged using waveform tomography in an engineering-scale clay embankment at Seven Sisters Falls, Manitoba, Canada, to locate targets buried at approximately [Formula: see text] as a blind test of geophysical imaging methods. Previous studies use near-offset reflection methods to image the targets; however, this test uses waveform tomography of the long-offset, refracted arrivals to image P-velocity and seismic attenuation. The targets are invisible to standard traveltime tomography. Using weight-drop data, with frequencies of 20–150 Hz, the subwavelength targets are resolved in the velocity images and complementary images of seismic [Formula: see text] are produced. The interpreted target locations are consistent with limited survey information from the embankment construction. Multiple quality-control efforts, paired with a very good fit between model and observed data, indicate the reliability of the results.
1D viscoelastic waveform inversion for Q structures from the surface seismic and zero-offset VSP data
Authors: Yang Yushan , Li Yuanyuan , Liu Tianyou
Published: December 2009

Wave attenuation is an important physical property of hydrocarbon-bearing sediments that is rarely taken into account in site characterization with seismic data. We present a 1D viscoelastic waveform inversion scheme for determining the quality factor [Formula: see text] from the normal-incidence surface seismic and zero-offset vertical seismic profile (VSP) data simultaneously. The joint inversion problem is solved by the damped least-squares method, and the inversion result is successful using synthetic data. The effects of initial model thickness, [Formula: see text] value, and the existence of noise were studied through a synthetic example. By extracting all of the information contained in the waveforms, the waveform inversion of the seismic reflection and transmission data becomes a powerful tool for estimating [Formula: see text]. For a more comprehensive image of [Formula: see text], the tomographic inversion of [Formula: see text] is applied to the walkaway VSP and prestack surface seismic data, using the waveform inversion result as the initial model. Results from applying the method to a real seismic line and zero-offset VSP data from the Nanyang oilfield, central China, indicate that [Formula: see text] from the tomographic inversion of reflection and transmission data contains useful information on medium properties, which can aid in reservoir appraisal.
Fast full-wavefield seismic inversion using encoded sources
Authors: Krebs Jerome R. , Anderson John E. , Hinkley David , Neelamani Ramesh , Lee Sunwoong , Baumstein Anatoly , Lacasse Martin-Daniel
Published: December 2009

Full-wavefield seismic inversion (FWI) estimates a subsurface elastic model by iteratively minimizing the difference between observed and simulated data. This process is extremely computationally intensive, with a cost comparable to at least hundreds of prestack reverse-time depth migrations. When FWI is applied using explicit time-domain or frequency-domain iterative-solver-based methods, the seismic simulations are performed for each seismic-source configuration individually. Therefore, the cost of FWI is proportional to the number of sources. We have found that the cost of FWI for fixed-spread data can be significantly reduced by applying it to data formed by encoding and summing data from individual sources. The encoding step forms a single gather from many input source gathers. This gather represents data that would have been acquired from a spatially distributed set of sources operating simultaneously with different source signatures. The computational cost of FWI using encoded simultaneous-source gathers is reduced by a factor roughly equal to the number of sources. Further, this efficiency is gained without significantly reducing the accuracy of the final inverted model. The efficiency gain depends on subsurface complexity and seismic-acquisition parameters. There is potential for even larger improvements of processing speed.
Algorithmic strategies for full waveform inversion: 1D experiments
Authors: Burstedde Carsten , Ghattas Omar
Published: December 2009

Full-waveform seismic inversion, i.e., the iterative minimization of the misfit between observed seismic data and synthetic data obtained by a numerical solution of the wave equation provides a systematic, flexible, general mechanism for reconstructing earth models from observed ground motion. However, many difficulties arise for highly resolved models and the associated large-dimensional parameter spaces and high-frequency sources. First, the least-squares data-misfit functional suffers from spurious local minima, which necessitates an accurate initial guess for the smooth background model. Second, total variation regularization methods that are used to resolve sharp interfaces create significant numerical difficulties because of their nonlinearity and near-degeneracy. Third, bound constraints on continuous model parameters present considerable difficulty for commonly used active-set or interior-point methods for inequality constraints because of the infinite-dimensional nature of the parameters. Finally, common gradient-based optimization methods have difficulties scaling to the many model parameters that result when the continuous parameter fields are discretized. We have developed an optimization strategy that incorporates several techniques address these four difficulties, including grid, frequency, and time-window continuation; primal-dual methods for treating bound inequality constraints and total variation regularization; and inexact matrix-free Newton-Krylov optimization. Using this approach, several computations were performed effectively for a 1D setting with synthetic observations.
Taking the temperature: attitudes of patients on an all-female psychiatric ward to staff gender
Authors: Conlan Lisa , Read Helen , Picton Elizabeth
Published: December 2009

Aims and Method

To survey the attitudes of in-patients on an all-female ward to staff gender. All patients were invited to complete an anonymous questionnaire which was then repeated on a four-weekly basis for 4 months. Staff members were surveyed once within this period.

Results

Only 15% of patients (n = 52) wanted all staff members to be female, whereas 87% reported feeling comfortable with male staff; 51% would prefer a predominantly female, mixed-gender staff. All staff (n = 11) were in favour of mixed-gender staffing.

Clinical Implications

Current best practice for staffing single-gender acute in-patient units is unclear. This survey is in line with findings from other studies in that a large majority of female in-patients prefer to be in a unit with mixed staff.
Service innovation: the first year of lifestyle clinics for psychiatric out-patients
Authors: Hamilton Ross , Harrison Mark , Naji Simon , Robertson Carol
Published: December 2009

Aims and Method

We sought to develop and introduce annual physical health checks and offer lifestyle advice for out-patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder in two semi-rural areas in the north-east of Scotland. the results for the first year of the clinics are presented.

Results

Seventy-eight patients were invited to the clinics in the first year. Attendance rates varied from 76% in one centre to 38% in the other; 75 individual significant physical health problems were identified and highlighted to the patient and their general practitioner.

Clinical Implications

The high attendance rate in one half of the catchment area demonstrates the potential for physical health screening for this vulnerable group of patients. the identification of significant levels of previously undiagnosed physical morbidity offers opportunity for intervention. Several innovative lifestyle interventions arose from the project and have been maintained.
Mental capacity assessments in secure care: an unnecessary complication?
Authors: Roychowdhury Ashimesh
Published: December 2009

This is a review of the key criteria and implications of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 for patients in forensic care detained under the Mental Health Act 1983. Both Acts were amended by the Mental Health Act 2007 and its subsequent Code of Practice; the impact of these changes will be explored here. Through review of the Code of Practice and hypothetical clinical scenarios, I argue that capacity judgements in mental disorder are inherently complex, unreliable and inextricably linked to risk assessment, and that an overemphasis on capacity when making decisions about patient management in secure care can paradoxically obscure the more central issue of risk and proportionality. the key clinical implication is a call for secure services to be balanced in how they adopt best practice principles from the new Mental Capacity Act so that the spirit of the Act, such as valuing patient autonomy, is preserved and that the debate about what practices in secure care are truly proportionate and justified remains at the forefront of clinical thinking.
Survey of Scottish psychiatrists' views on neuropsychology training
Authors: Jurgens Johan D. , MacKinnon Maggie
Published: December 2009

Aims and Method

A national survey of members of the Scottish division of the Royal College of Psychiatrists to establish the training in neuropsychology they have received, their views on neuropsychology service provision and on potential formal postgraduate neuropsychology training opportunities.

Results

A 54% (n = 288) consultant psychiatrist response rate was achieved. the responses suggest that where specialist neuropsychology services exist, they are not perceived to be sufficient to deal with clinical demand. Consultant psychiatrists indicated that there are limited training opportunities in neuropsychology for psychiatrists, and this seems to be reflected in their limited confidence in interpreting basic recommended neuropsychological assessment tools. There seems to be a definite desire among consultant psychiatrists for postgraduate training opportunities.

Clinical Implications

Scottish psychiatrists desire an increase in formal neuropsychology training opportunities.
Workplace-based assessments in Wessex: the first 6 months
Authors: Babu Kavitha S. , Htike Myat M. , Cleak Victoria E.
Published: December 2009

Aims and Method

We surveyed educational supervisors and trainees in Wessex about their experience of the first 6 months of using workplace-based assessments (WPBAs), to see whether they needed further support in using them and, if so, in which areas. An anonymous questionnaire was sent to all trainees and educational supervisors in Wessex.

Results

Overall, 63% of trainees and 61% of educational supervisors responded; 22% of supervisors had not received training in WPBA and 61% of trainees identified barriers to completing it. Non-medical staff were rarely approached for assessments.

Clinical Implications

There is a need for further training of supervisors, a more user-friendly IT system and expansion of the role of non-medical staff as assessors.
Transfer to hospital under the Mental Capacity Act 2005
Authors: Stephenson Clare , Baskind Robert , Harris Christopher
Published: December 2009

This paper presents the case of an elderly gentleman who sustained a fractured neck of femur following a fall at home but refused to go to hospital. His general practitioner determined that he lacked capacity but ambulance and police crews refused to escort him due to concerns regarding deprivation of liberty.

The legal grounds for treating people who lack capacity in emergencies are discussed and the development of the common law into the Mental Capacity Act 2005 is demonstrated. the Mental Health Act 1983 is inappropriate to treat primarily physical conditions, whereas deprivation of liberty cannot be authorised by the Mental Capacity Act 2005 without a means of challenging the lawfulness of the detention. In response, the government has produced Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, which came into force in April 2009.
Everybody gets stressed … it's just the way we react that differs
Authors: Kingdon David
Published: December 2009

Public mental health messages have stressed divisions between people who are experiencing mental health problems and those who are not, for example by using slogans suggesting ‘one in four’ individuals have mental disorder. Simple unambiguous messages that convey that ‘we all get stressed, we just react differently’ may be more inclusive and effective at destigmatising mental health problems. This is analogous to the attitude towards physical health problems which are accepted as affecting everyone. Such a theme is scientifically sustainable.
Falling between the cracks. Invited commentary on … Service innovation: the first year of lifestyle clinics for psychiatric outpatients
Authors: Gaughran Fiona
Published: December 2009

Hamilton's paper describes a thorough and pragmatic approach to the introduction of physical health checks in people registered with mental health services. This is a moral and political priority, but translating this into day-to-day practice in already stretched community mental health teams requires leadership and vision. Pivotal in Hamilton's success was the establishment of good channels of communication between the mental and physical healthcare teams. Hearing about good practice and positive experiences in other teams should help in the widespread introduction of reliable systems to improve physical health in mental health service users.
Competence or excellence? Invited commentary on … Workplace-based assessments in Wessex and Wales
Authors: Oyebode Femi
Published: December 2009

This commentary discusses the problems with workplace-based assessments and questions whether these methods are fit for purpose. It suggests that there is a risk that assessment methods that focus on competence may undermine the need for trainees to aspire to acquire excellent skills rather than merely be competent, which is no more than a rigid adherence to standardised and routinised procedures.
Reducing the stigma of public health messages. Invited commentary on … Everybody gets stressed
Authors: King Michael
Published: December 2009

Human beings have evolved the capacity to classify everything they perceive and our urge to categorise psychological phenomena is little different. Categories make life easier to manage. However, nature rarely comes wrapped in discrete packages, and as David Kingdon persuasively argues in his editorial, we might do well to avoid the catch-all term ‘mental disorder’ in our public health messages.
Molecular Mechanism for Repression of 17α-Hydroxylase Expression and Androstenedione Production in Granulosa Cells
Authors: Patel Satin S. , Beshay Victor E. , Escobar Julian C. , Suzuki Takashi , Carr Bruce R.
Published: December 2009

Context: According to the traditional two-cell two-gonadotropin model of follicular steroidogenesis, androgen production arises exclusively from theca cells. The granulosa cells, in turn, utilize androstenedione and testosterone, which are aromatized into estrone and estradiol, respectively. Differential expression of the activator protein-1 (AP-1) transcription factor, c-fos, has been postulated to result in distinct patterns of steroidogenesis in the theca and granulosa cell compartments. We hypothesize that c-fos functions to inhibit the production of 17α-hydroxylase 17,20 lyase (CYP17) in granulosa cells, thereby suppressing androgen synthesis.

Objective: Our objective was to define the role of c-fos in the regulation of CYP17 production in granulosa cells.

Design and Methods: Human luteinized granulosa (HGL5) cells were utilized for all experiments. The following techniques were used: mRNA extraction, steroid quantification, small interfering RNA silencing, microarray analysis, and immunohistochemistry.

Results: Immunohistochemistry studies demonstrated significant staining of c-fos in the granulosa cell layer, but absent staining for CYP17. Conversely, the theca cell layer did not stain for c-fos, but staining was evident for CYP17. Treatment of HGL5 cells with the MAPK kinase inhibitor PD98059 resulted in an 11-fold increase in CYP17 mRNA levels. In c-fos gene silenced cells, CYP17 mRNA levels increased 8-fold. Androstenedione production was increased 13-fold after treatment with PD98059.

Conclusions: These results suggest that the AP-1 transcription factor, c-fos, may be one of the factors responsible for CYP17 repression and hence suppression of androstenedione production in granulosa cells. This may provide an explanation for the lack of CYP17 in granulosa cells.
Collision avoidance manoeuvre for a vehicle — a practical approach
Authors: Su J-L , Ordys A W
Published: December 2009

This paper presents a practical real-time control approach to generate a suboptimal collision avoidance manoeuvre for vehicles. This manoeuvre tries to divert the vehicle away from an obstacle when the distance to the obstacle is too short for braking. During the course the vehicle follows a suboptimal trajectory which introduces a small lateral movement and a change in the travel direction. The trajectory is obtained analytically with a simplified dynamic model, whose nominal control input is thereafter defined along the trajectory. The actual control inputs for the vehicle are determined from this nominal input based on the bicycle model. Simulation with a verified full-car model shows satisfactory results, in which collision is avoided when the initial distance between the vehicle and obstacle is shorter than the shortest braking distance.
Design of a vehicle lateral stability control system via a fuzzy logic control approach
Authors: Li B , Yu F
Published: December 2009

This paper proposes a control system based on fuzzy logic control theory to improve the vehicle handling and lateral stability by combined control of four-wheel steering and active braking. A fuzzy logic controller, with the yaw rate error and side-slip angle error as inputs and with the corrective yaw moment and rear steering angle as outputs, is developed to follow the desired yaw rate and side-slip angle generated by the reference model. A side-slip angle estimator based on the dynamic vehicle model and kinematic vehicle model is designed. To generate the corrective yaw moment, the brake torque is properly distributed to the effective wheel. The proposed control system is evaluated under various driving conditions, e.g. lane change manoeuvre and step steer manoeuvre. Simulation results and analysis have verified the effectiveness of the proposed control system. The vehicle handling and lateral stability are improved satisfactorily compared with individual control.
Advanced model development and validation of landing gear shock struts
Authors: Karam W , Mare J-C
Published: December 2009

Despite the generalization of multi-physical software dedicated to aircraft virtual prototyping, the need for accurate models of landing gear shock struts is still not met. Based on this consideration, the present work aims at providing a lumped parameter model of free surface oleopneumatic shock struts, allowing an accurate prediction of the chamber pressures during landing and involving a limited number of parameters. This will significantly reduce the cost and development time for running real drop tests. The model explicitly treats the heat exchange between gas and oil. It also takes into account physical phenomena, usually left aside, such as chamber compliance, gas dissolution, and gas/oil mixed flow between chambers. Finally, the virtual shock strut prototype is validated through comparison of simulated and measured pressures over two different (in size) shock struts, showing very accurate results and prediction capacity.
Effect of uncertainty on helicopter performance predictions
Authors: Siva C , Murugan M S , Ganguli R
Published: December 2009

The effect of uncertainties on performance predictions of a helicopter is studied in this article. The aeroelastic parameters such as the air density, blade profile drag coefficient, main rotor angular velocity, main rotor radius, and blade chord are considered as uncertain variables. The propagation of these uncertainties in the performance parameters such as thrust coefficient, figure of merit, induced velocity, and power required are studied using Monte Carlo simulation and the first-order reliability method. The Rankine—Froude momentum theory is used for performance prediction in hover, axial climb, and forward flight. The propagation of uncertainty causes large deviations from the baseline deterministic predictions, which undoubtedly affect both the achievable performance and the safety of the helicopter. The numerical results in this article provide useful bounds on helicopter power requirements.
Linear out-of-plane dynamics of catenary risers
Authors: Chatjigeorgiou I K
Published: December 2009

The present work investigates the linear out-of-plane vibrations of catenary risers. The study outlines in detail the complete theoretical procedure for setting up the mathematical formulation that governs the non-linear vibrations of the structure in three dimensions including torsion effects. The governing set is subsequently reduced using valid assumptions, and the equivalent linearized system is eventually derived. It is shown that the linearization procedure uncouples the in-plane and the out-of-plane vibrations of the riser. The reduced linear set of the ordinary differential equations that govern the out-of-plane vibrations is solved in the frequency domain using a centred differences numerical scheme.
Boat acceleration, temporal structure of the stroke cycle, and effectiveness in rowing
Authors: Kleshnev V
Published: December 2009

The purposes of the study were to explain the double peak in the boat acceleration during the drive phase, to analyse the temporal structure of the stroke cycle, and to find correlations between the temporal structure and the boat type, rower gender, stroke rate, force profile, and effectiveness of rowing. Measurements of the boat acceleration, boat velocity, handle force, oar angle, and velocity of body segments were made in competitive rowing boats using a telemetry system. The accelerations of the whole system and of the rower's centre of mass (CM) were derived and used to define the temporal structure of the stroke cycle. Six microphases were defined during the drive phase, and three microphases were defined during the recovery phase. The relative magnitudes of the accelerations of the boat and of the rower's CM switched twice during the drive phase. During the ‘initial rower's acceleration’ and the ‘rower's acceleration’ microphases, the acceleration of the rower's CM was higher and, during the ‘initial boat acceleration’ and ‘boat acceleration’ microphases, the acceleration of the boat was higher. The presence of the initial boat acceleration microphase is an important indicator of the effectiveness of a rower's technique.
Mechanics of a rowing stroke: Surge speed variations of a single scull
Authors: Findlay M , Turnock S R
Published: December 2009

A generic model of a rowing craft is presented and used to identify the mechanics of the rowing stroke that give rise to variations in the speed of a rowing shell, together with the causes and locations of maximum and minimum shell speeds through the stroke. The model is implemented computationally in a velocity prediction program which uses readily available measured data for the input and simulates the motion of the athlete using a seven-body-segment model. The rowing model is derived to avoid limitations that arise from the quasi-steady application of steady state data to the unsteady flow around the oar blades and includes hydrodynamic and aerodynamic resistance models. Propulsive drive forces arise as a result of the difference between the gate and handle forces due to the lever action of the oar. The surge motion is dominated by the inertial forces arising as a result of the athlete's motion within the craft which are much larger in magnitude than the drive forces. The minimum surge speed occurs midway through the drive phase. Two distinct maxima in the surge speed occur: one at the end of the drive as the athlete comes to rest at the end of the stroke, and one during the recovery as the athlete's seat attains the maximum speed backwards relative to the craft. The relative magnitudes of these peaks are mainly determined by the ratio of the drive time to the recovery time.
A low-cost accurate speed-tracking system for supporting sprint coaching
Authors: Cheng L , Tan H , Kuntze G , Bezodis I N , Hailes S , Kerwin D G , Wilson A
Published: December 2009

Accurate speed and split-time information on sprinters is crucial in coaching support. Furthermore, speed and stride parameters (i.e. contact time, stride frequency, and stride length) are important in research on the biomechanics of running. Existing speed-tracking systems for sprinting are expensive, unable to support multiple competing athletes, involve a complicated set-up procedure, or are not sufficiently accurate. This paper describes the design, evaluation results, and application scenarios of a novel, practical, and cost-effective light-sensor network system (commissioned at the National Indoor Athletics Centre, Cardiff, UK) that is capable of capturing criterion-comparable split-time information on simultaneously competing sprinters for long- and short-term coaching support and for biomechanics and sports science research purposes. This unique system is specifically designed to support coaching activities on a daily basis. It was also shown that the light-sensor network system can be integrated with other body-attached measurement systems to achieve continuous tracking of position, speed, and stride parameters of a race.
Effect of loading condition on the traction coefficient between shoes and artificial turf surfaces
Authors: Kuhlman S , Sabick M , Pfeiffer R , Cooper B , Forhan J
Published: December 2009

ASTM F2333 is a test method for quantifying traction characteristics between an athletic shoe and a sports surface. This standard calls for normal loads of 500—3000N to be applied between a footform and a playing surface. To assess the effect of varying the normal load on the traction coefficients between cleated athletic shoes and artificial turf surfaces, a new testing device was developed and used to collect traction data. Four different models of cleated athletic shoes were tested on FieldTurf™ at normal loads ranging from 222N to 1776N. Static, dynamic, and peak traction coefficient values were calculated for each condition. There was a significant difference in the slope of the load versus traction coefficient curve for loads below and above 888N for all three variables measured. No significant differences in traction characteristics were found between shoes for loads below 888N. Significant differences between the shoes were seen with loads above 888N. However, buckling and potential permanent damage to the turf surface were seen at loads of 1776N. The results suggest that traction data obtained on FieldTurf at loads below one body weight are not sensitive to different shoe designs. Therefore, the measurement of traction between cleated shoes and FieldTurf should be conducted at a load of at least 888N, which is, in part, consistent with the default normal load of 1000N, in ASTM F2333. However, a normal force of 3000N defined in the standard for studying stopping may not be feasible without permanently damaging the turf surface.
Information Acquisition and Sharing in a Vertical Relationship
Authors: Guo Liang , Iyer Ganesh
Published: December 2009

Manufacturers can acquire consumer information in a sequential manner and influence downstream retail behavior through sharing the acquired information. This paper examines the interaction between a manufacturer's optimal information acquisition and sharing strategies in a vertical relationship, capturing the impacts of both the flexibility to sequentially control information collection and the flexibility in ex post voluntary sharing. We show that when information acquisition is sequential, the manufacturer may not acquire perfect information even if it is costless to do so. This self-restriction in information acquisition follows from the manufacturer's motivation to strategically influence retail behavior. When information acquisition is inflexible and constrained to be either zero or perfect information, the manufacturer acquires less (more) information under mandatory (voluntary) sharing. Moreover, voluntary sharing unambiguously leads to more information being generated, because the manufacturer has the option to strategically withhold the acquired information that turns out to be unfavorable. Finally, the conditions under which the manufacturer ex ante prefers a particular sharing format are examined.
Modeling the Underreporting Bias in Panel Survey Data
Authors: Yang Sha , Zhao Yi , Dhar Ravi
Published: December 2009

Panel survey data have been gaining importance in marketing. However, one challenge of estimating econometric models based on panel survey data is how to account for underreporting; that is, respondents do not report behavioral incidences that actually occur. Underreporting is especially likely to occur in a panel survey because the data-recording mechanism is often tedious, complex, and effortful. The probability of underreporting is likely to vary across respondents and also over the duration of the survey period. In this paper, we propose a model to simultaneously study reported behavioral incidences and partially observed actual behavioral incidences. We propose a Bayesian approach for estimating the proposed model. We treat those unobserved actual behavioral incidences as latent variables, and the Gibbs sampler makes it convenient to impute the nonreported consumption incidences along with making inferences on other model parameters. Our proposed method has two advantages. First, it offers a model-based approach to remove the underreporting bias in panel survey data and therefore allows marketing researchers to make accurate inferences about consumers' actual behavior. Second, the method also offers a natural way to study factors that influence respondents' propensity to underreport. Because we treat those underreported behavioral incidences as nonmissing at random, this underreporting propensity varies across respondents and over time. This understanding can help marketing researchers design the right strategy to intervene and incentivize respondents to authentically report and hence improve the quality of survey data. The proposed model and estimation approach are tested on both synthetic data and actual panel survey data on consumer-reported beverage-drinking behavior. Our analysis suggests that underreporting can significantly mask respondents' true behavior.