bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic postural stability in pregnant fallers and non‐fallers
Authors: McCrory JL , Chambers AJ , Daftary A , Redfern MS
Published: June 2010

Please cite this paper as: McCrory J, Chambers A, Daftary A, Redfern M. Dynamic postural stability in pregnant fallers and non‐fallers. BJOG 2010;117:954–962.

Objective  To compare dynamic postural stability in pregnant women who have fallen during their pregnancies with those who have not, and with a group of non‐pregnant women.

Design  The study was both longitudinal and cross‐sectional. A cohort of pregnant women were followed through their second and third trimesters. A non‐pregnant control group was used for comparison.

Setting  University‐based laboratory.

Population  A total of 81 women (41 pregnant and 40 controls) participated. Twenty‐nine pregnant women completed the protocol.

Methods  Data were collected on the pregnant women in the middle of their second and third trimesters. Pregnant women were surveyed about their daily activities, exercise participation, and fall history. Postural reaction time and centre of pressure (COP) movement data, in response to translational perturbations, were collected using a force plate. A mixed‐model analysis of variants (ANOVA) was performed on each of the dependent variables (α = 0.05). Chi‐square analysis was performed to determine if exercise participation altered the likelihood of a subject experiencing a fall (α = 0.05).

Main outcome measures  Reaction time, initial sway, total sway, and sway velocity.

Results  Fifty‐two percent of our pregnant subjects experienced a fall. Initial sway response, total sway, and sway velocity were smaller in the pregnant fallers than in the non‐fallers and control participants (P < 0.05). Thirty‐one of the pregnant subjects participated in regular exercise. Sedentary pregnant women were more likely to experience a fall than those who exercised.

Conclusions  Dynamic balance is altered in pregnant women who have fallen compared with non‐fallers and controls. Exercise may play a role in fall prevention in pregnant women.
Interventions during pregnancy to reduce excessive gestational weight gain: a systematic review assessing current clinical evidence using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system
Authors: Ronnberg AK , Nilsson K
Published: June 2010

Please cite this paper as: Ronnberg A, Nilsson K. Interventions during pregnancy to reduce excessive gestational weight gain: a systematic review assessing current clinical evidence using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. BJOG 2010;117:1327–1334.

Background  Excessive weight gain during pregnancy is common in developed countries and increases the risk of complications during pregnancy, delivery and the postpartum period, which can affect both maternal and fetal outcome. Interventions to reduce excessive gestational weight gain have previously not been systematically evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system.

Objectives  To determine whether published trials of interventions to reduce excessive gestational weight gain are of sufficient quality and provide sufficient data to enable evidence‐based recommendations to be developed for clinical practice in antenatal care.

Search strategy  A literature search was conducted in the scientific databases PubMed, Cochrane Library, Cinhal and Pedro, and the reference lists of relevant articles were reviewed. The literature search was concluded on 15 August 2009.

Selection criteria  All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were considered for inclusion. As the number of published RCTs was limited, we also considered for inclusion all nonrandomised intervention studies that included a control group. Systematic reviews were examined to identify additional original studies.

Data collection and analysis  Two reviewers independently assessed the quality of the methods and results of all included articles. Extracted data were classified using the GRADE system.

Main results  Four intervention studies with a randomised controlled design and four intervention trials with a nonrandomised controlled design met the inclusion criteria. As a consequence of important limitations in study design, inconsistency and lack of directness, the overall quality of evidence was judged to be very low using the GRADE system.

Authors’ conclusions  The results of published intervention trials are of insufficient quality to enable evidence‐based recommendations to be developed for clinical practice in antenatal care.
Mending the broken brain: neuroimmune interactions in neurogenesis
Authors: Molina‐Holgado Eduardo , Molina‐Holgado Francisco
Published: June 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 114, 1277–1290.

Neuroimmune networks and the brain endocannabinoid system contribute to the maintenance of neurogenesis. Cytokines and chemokines are important neuroinflammatory mediators that are involved in the pathological processes resulting from brain trauma, ischemia and chronic neurodegenerative diseases. However, they are also involved in brain repair and recovery. Compelling evidence obtained, in vivo and in vitro, establish a dynamic interplay between the endocannabinoid system, the immune system and neural stem/progenitor cells (NSC) in order to promote brain self‐repair. Cross‐talk between inflammatory mediators and NSC might have important consequences for neural development and brain repair. In addition, brain immune cells (microglia) support NSC renewal, migration and lineage specification. The proliferation and differentiation of multipotent NSC must be precisely controlled during the development of the CNS, as well as for adult brain repair. Although signalling through neuroimmune networks has been implicated in many aspects of neural development, how it affects NSC remains unclear. However, recent findings have clearly demonstrated that there is bi‐directional cross‐talk between NSC, and the neuroimmune network to control the signals involved in self‐renewal and differentiation of NSC. Specifically, there is evidence emerging that neuroimmune interactions control the generation of new functional neurones from adult NSC. Here, we review the evidence that neuroimmune networks contribute to neurogenesis, focusing on the regulatory mechanisms that favour the immune system (immune cells and immune molecules) as a novel element in the coordination of the self‐renewal, migration and differentiation of NSC in the CNS. In conjunction, these data suggest a novel mode of action for the immune system in neurogenesis that may be of therapeutic interest in the emerging field of brain repair.
WAY‐318068: a novel, potent and selective noradrenaline re‐uptake inhibitor with activity in rodent models of pain and depression
Authors: Whiteside GT , Dwyer JM , Harrison JE , Beyer CE , Cummons T , Manzino L , Mark L , Johnston GH , Strassle BW , Adedoyin A , Lu P , Piesla MJ , Pulicicchio CM , Erve JCL , Platt BJ , Hughes ZA , Rogers KE , Deecher DC , Trybulski EJ , Kennedy JD , Zhang P , Leventhal L
Published: June 2010

Background and purpose:  Antidepressants, which raise the CNS concentrations of 5‐HT and noradrenaline, are frequently used in the treatment of chronic pain; however, it is not known if increasing CNS noradrenaline levels alone is sufficient for efficacy, in part resulting from a lack of small molecules with sufficient selectivity.

Experimental approach:  In this report, we present the in vitro pharmacological and in vivo pharmacokinetic and pharmacological properties of the novel, orally available and CNS penetrant inhibitor of the noradrenaline transporter (NET), WAY‐318068 (1‐[(1S,2R)‐1‐(3,5‐difluorophenyl)‐2‐hydroxy‐3‐(methylamino)propyl]‐7‐fluoro‐3,3‐dimethyl‐1,3‐dihydro‐2H‐indol‐2‐one).

Key results:  WAY‐318068 is a potent and effective inhibitor of the NET with a Ki of 8.7 nM in a binding assay, and an IC50 of 6.8 nM in an assay of transporter function, without significant binding to the dopamine transporter. Furthermore, the compound has only weak activity at the 5‐HT transporter, leading to a functional selectivity of greater than 2500‐fold. It is orally bioavailable with substantial quantities of the compound found in the CNS after oral dosing. As measured by microdialysis in rats, the compound causes a robust and significant increase in cortical noradrenaline levels without affecting 5‐HT. WAY‐318068 was effective in models of acute, visceral, inflammatory, osteoarthritic, neuropathic, diabetic and bone cancer pain, as well as in traditional models of depression at doses that do not cause motor deficits.

Conclusions and implications:  Collectively, the present results support the conclusion that selectively increasing CNS levels of noradrenaline is sufficient for efficacy in models of depression and pain.
The Third Generation of Deliberative Democracy
Authors: Elstub Stephen
Published: June 2010

The article argues that deliberative democracy has now entered a third generation, to which the three recent books considered here contribute. The first generation included the normative assertions of Habermas and Rawls. The second generation involved the fusing of these two first generationalists, and reconciling them with features of social complexity. The second generation has rendered deliberative democracy more practically achievable, and the three books here seize this opportunity to provide considerable institutional innovation about how to achieve the reformed deliberative theory in practice. In doing this the third generation of deliberative democracy is emerging. In the main, a more practically relevant version of deliberative democracy is welcomed, but we must also guard against jettisoning its normative ideals in the process.
Monitoring the healing of combat wounds using Raman spectroscopic mapping
Authors: Crane Nicole J. , Brown Trevor S. , Evans Korboi N. , Hawksworth Jason S. , Hussey Sean , Tadaki Doug K. , Elster Eric A.
Published: June 2010

Soldiers wounded in modern warfare present with extensive and complicated acute wounds, confounded by an overwhelming inflammatory response. The pathophysiology of acute wounds is unknown and timing of wound closure remains subjective. Collagen gene expression profiles are presented for 24 patients. Impaired healing wounds showed a twofold decrease in the up‐regulation of COL1A1 and COL3A1 genes in the beginning of the wound healing process, compared with normal healing wounds. By the final debridement, however, collagen gene expression profiles for normal and impaired healing wounds were similar for COL1A1 and COL3A1. In addition, Raman spectroscopic maps were collected of biopsy tissue sections, from the first and last debridements of 10 wounds collected from nine patients. Tissue components obtained for the debridement biopsies were compared to elucidate whether or not a wound healed normally. Raman spectroscopy showed a loss of collagen in five patients, indicated by a negative percent difference in the 1,665/1,445 cm−1 band area ratios. Four healed patients showed an increased or unchanged collagen content. Here, we demonstrate the potential of Raman spectroscopic analysis of wound biopsies for classification of wounds as normal or impaired healing. Raman spectroscopy has the potential to noninvasively monitor collagen deposition in the wound bed, during surgical wound debridements, to help determine the optimal time for wound closure.
Influence of Artificial Accelerated Aging on Dimensional Stability of Acrylic Resins Submitted to Different Storage Protocols
Authors: Garcia Lucas da Fonseca Roberti , Roselino Lourenço de Moraes Rego , Mundim Fabrício Mariano , Pires‐de‐Souza Fernanda de Carvalho Panzeri , Consani Simonides
Published: June 2010

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of artificial accelerated aging on dimensional stability of two types of acrylic resins (thermally and chemically activated) submitted to different protocols of storage.

Materials and Methods: One hundred specimens were made using a Teflon matrix (1.5 cm × 0.5 mm) with four imprint marks, following the lost‐wax casting method. The specimens were divided into ten groups, according to the type of acrylic resin, aging procedure, and storage protocol (30 days). GI: acrylic resins thermally activated, aging, storage in artificial saliva for 16 hours, distilled water for 8 hours; GII: thermal, aging, artificial saliva for 16 hours, dry for 8 hours; GIII: thermal, no aging, artificial saliva for 16 hours, distilled water for 8 hours, GIV: thermal, no aging, artificial saliva for 16 hours, dry for 8 hours; GV: acrylic resins chemically activated, aging, artificial saliva for 16 hours, distilled water for 8 hours; GVI: chemical, aging, artificial saliva for 16 hours, dry for 8 hours; GVII: chemical, no aging, artificial saliva for 16 hours, distilled water for 8 hours; GVIII: chemical, no aging, artificial saliva for 16 hours, dry for 8 hours GIX: thermal, dry for 24 hours; and GX: chemical, dry for 24 hours. All specimens were photographed before and after treatment, and the images were evaluated by software (UTHSCSA – Image Tool) that made distance measurements between the marks in the specimens (mm), calculating the dimensional stability. Data were submitted to statistical analysis (two‐way ANOVA, Tukey test, p= 0.05).

Results: Statistical analysis showed that the specimens submitted to storage in water presented the largest distance between both axes (major and minor), statistically different (p < 0.05) from control groups.

Conclusions: All acrylic resins presented dimensional changes, and the artificial accelerated aging and storage period influenced these alterations.
TMJ Vibrations in Asymptomatic Patients Using Old and New Complete Dentures
Authors: Goiato Marcelo Coelho , Rosalino Garcia Alício , Dos Santos Daniela Micheline , Pesqueira Aldiéris Alves
Published: June 2010

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the presence of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) noises in subjects with severe bone resorption, who have worn the same complete dentures for over 10 years, and 5 months after treatment with increments of acrylic resin on the occlusal surface after having new dentures in place.

Methods: After applying the research diagnostic criteria (RDC)/temporomandibular disorder (TMD) questionnaire, 20 asymptomatic subjects were assessed before and 5 months after the new dentures were put in place. Joint vibrations were assessed by the Sono Pak program by selecting the vibrations that occurred during the opening and closing cycle.

Results: The means of the results revealed a nonnormal distribution and were submitted to Kruskal‐Wallis statistical analysis (p < 0.05). The vibration means were of low intensity (≤9.96 Hz). After rehabilitation, there was a reduction in the vibrations (≤5.2 Hz) statistically significant only at the end of mouth opening with the old dentures when compared with the other cycles.

Conclusion: The intensity and number of occurrences of joint vibrations were reduced after 5 months of wearing new dentures.
Crystal Structure Analysis of Calcium‐Doped Lanthanum Manganites Prepared by Mechanosynthesis
Authors: Lira‐Hernández Ivan A. , Sánchez‐De Jesús Felix , Cortés‐Escobedo Claudia A. , Bolarín‐Miró Ana M.
Published: June 2010

We report results of crystal structure analyses of calcium‐doped lanthanum manganites, La1−xCaxMnO3, obtained by mechanosynthesis. The calcium to lanthanum ratio x was varied from 0 to 1 at increments of 0.1, allowing us to study changes in crystal structure with different degrees of calcium substitution, from LaMnO3 (x=0) to CaMnO3 (x=1). Metallic oxide precursors, Mn2O3, La2O3, and CaO, were mixed in stoichiometric proportions. The powder mixture was milled using a shaker mixer/mill. X‐ray powder diffraction was used to monitor the phase transformation as a function of the milling time. Rietveld refinement was used to structurally characterize the manganites. The results show that it is possible to obtain calcium‐doped lanthanum manganite by mechanosynthesis using a weight ratio of balls to powder of 12:1. After 4.5 h of milling time, the synthesis is completed; the time is independent of the calcium‐doping level. However, increase of the Ca2+ content leads to a monotonic decrease of the orthorhombicity factor b/a for calcium to lanthanum ratios between 0.2 and 0.8. When the doped level is increased, a peak displacement is observed, which is associated with a distortion of the crystal structure and variation in the cell parameter. All the manganites crystallized with the same O‐type orthorhombic perovskite structure as pure LaMnO3, with a space group Pnma. The structural distortion in the orthorhombic lattice with the Ca2+ content is associated with a partial oxidation of the manganese ion, the increment on vacancies, and the cationic substitution.
Impact of Drawing Stress on the Tensile Strength of Oxide Glass Fibers
Authors: Lund Majbritt D. , Yue Yuanzheng
Published: June 2010

The sources of the tensile strength and fracture of both continuous glass fibers and discontinuous wool fibers are explored in terms of structural anisotropy, enthalpy relaxation, defect orientation, and surface inhomogeneities. The fibers are spun from the E‐glass and the basaltic glass melts, respectively. It is revealed that axial stress plays an important role in enhancing the strength of the oxide glass fibers. The increase of axial stress leads to the increase of both the structural anisotropy and the defect (flaws, bubbles, striae, etc.) orientation, and hence the increase of the tensile strength. Besides the axial stress, the increase of the cooling rate also increases the tensile strength of the continuous fibers. These findings are further substantiated by annealing experiments on both continuous and wool fibers below Tg. The onset annealing temperature of the tensile strength decay is close to that of the anisotropy relaxation of the continuous fibers. The relative contributions of the different factors to the fiber strength are schematically scaled with the help of the sub‐Tg annealing.
Local Heating from Silver Nanoparticles and Its Effect on the Er3+ Upconversion in Oxyfluoride Glasses
Authors: Liu Chao , Heo Jong
Published: June 2010

The effect of silver (Ag) nanoparticles on the upconversion emission properties of Er3+ ions in oxyfluoride glasses was investigated, and a mechanism of the energy transfer proposed. The integrated intensity ratios between 522 and 545 nm emission bands of Er3+ ions in glasses containing Ag nanoparticles were strongly dependent on the size of the Ag nanoparticles as well as on the intensity of the 800 nm excitation laser. When the absorption of Ag nanoparticles overlapped with the 2H11/2 and 4S3/2 energy levels in Er3+ ions, a strong energy transfer occurred from Er3+: 2H11/2, 4S3/2 levels to Ag nanoparticles. This energy was then converted to a temperature rise in the vicinity of Er3+ ions, eventually leading to the large increase in the integrated intensity ratios. The estimated effective temperature was approximately 200 K higher than the experimental temperature when the excitation power was 700 mW.
Virtual Reality and 3D Animation in Forensic Visualization*
Authors: Ma Minhua , Zheng Huiru , Lallie Harjinder
Published: June 2010

Abstract:  Computer‐generated three‐dimensional (3D) animation is an ideal media to accurately visualize crime or accident scenes to the viewers and in the courtrooms. Based upon factual data, forensic animations can reproduce the scene and demonstrate the activity at various points in time. The use of computer animation techniques to reconstruct crime scenes is beginning to replace the traditional illustrations, photographs, and verbal descriptions, and is becoming popular in today’s forensics. This article integrates work in the areas of 3D graphics, computer vision, motion tracking, natural language processing, and forensic computing, to investigate the state‐of‐the‐art in forensic visualization. It identifies and reviews areas where new applications of 3D digital technologies and artificial intelligence could be used to enhance particular phases of forensic visualization to create 3D models and animations automatically and quickly. Having discussed the relationships between major crime types and level‐of‐detail in corresponding forensic animations, we recognized that high level‐of‐detail animation involving human characters, which is appropriate for many major crime types but has had limited use in courtrooms, could be useful for crime investigation.
Validation of an LC–MS Method for the Detection and Quantification of BZP and TFMPP and their Hydroxylated Metabolites in Human Plasma and its Application to the Pharmacokinetic Study of TFMPP in Humans*
Authors: Antia Ushtana , Tingle Malcolm D. , Russell Bruce R.
Published: June 2010

Abstract: An LC–MS method was developed for benzylpiperazine (BZP) and trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine (TFMPP), constituents of “party pills” or “legal herbal highs,” and their metabolites in human blood plasma. Compounds were resolved using a mixture of ammonium formate (pH 4.5, 0.01 M) and acetonitrile (flow rate of 1.0 mL/min) with a C18 column. Calibration curves were linear from 1 to 50 ng/mL (R2 > 0.99); the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) was 5 ng/mL; the accuracy was >90%; the intra‐ and interday relative standard deviations (R.S.D) were <5% and <10%, respectively. Human plasma concentrations of TFMPP were measured in blood samples taken from healthy adults (n = 6) over 24 h following a 60‐mg oral dose of TFMPP: these peaked at 24.10 ng/mL (±1.8 ng/mL) (Cmax) after 90 min (Tmax). Plasma concentrations of 1‐(3‐trifluoromethyl‐4‐hydroxyphenyl) piperazine peaked at 20.2 ng/mL (±4.6 ng/mL) after 90 min. TFMPP had two disposition phases (t½ = 2.04 h (±0.19 h) and 5.95 h (±1.63 h). Apparent clearance (Cl/F) was 384 L/h (±45 L/h).
Women and Reproductive Control: The Nexus between Abortion and Contraceptive Use in Madhya Pradesh, India
Authors: Edmeades Jeffrey , Lee‐Rife Susan M. , Malhotra Anju
Published: June 2010

This article examines the determinants of contraceptive and abortion behavior and how each of these influences the other, with an emphasis on the role of women's life‐course stage and experience. We base our approach on life‐course theory, which argues that behavior is influenced by current circumstances as well as experiences over the life course. We use data collected for every pregnancy experienced by 2,444 women in Madhya Pradesh, India, to explore use of temporary contraceptive methods (both modern and traditional) and sterilization, as well as abortion attempts. We use logistic regression to model whether women took these actions in a given pregnancy interval, including past experience with contraception in the abortion analyses and with abortion in the contraceptive analyses. The results suggest that life‐course factors play a role in shaping behavior. Moreover, past use of contraceptives has a significant effect on attempted abortion and vice versa. Finally, we find that this relationship changes as women age and accumulate experience.
Experimental and steady‐state analysis of the GAL regulatory system in Kluyveromyces lactis
Authors: Pannala Venkat R. , Bhartiya Sharad , Venkatesh Kareenhalli V.
Published: June 2010

The galactose uptake mechanism in yeast is a well‐studied regulatory network. The regulatory players in the galactose regulatory mechanism (GAL system) are conserved in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Kluyveromyces lactis, but the molecular mechanisms that occur as a result of the molecular interactions between them are different. The key differences in the GAL system of K. lactis relative to that of S. cerevisiae are: (a) the autoregulation of KlGAL4; (b) the dual role of KlGal1p as a metabolizing enzyme as well as a galactose‐sensing protein; (c) the shuttling of KlGal1p between nucleus and cytoplasm; and (d) the nuclear confinement of KlGal80p. A steady‐state model was used to elucidate the roles of these molecular mechanisms in the transcriptional response of the GAL system. The steady‐state results were validated experimentally using measurements of β‐galactosidase to represent the expression for genes having two binding sites. The results showed that the autoregulation of the synthesis of activator KlGal4p is responsible for the leaky expression of GAL genes, even at high glucose concentrations. Furthermore, GAL gene expression in K. lactis shows low expression levels because of the limiting function of the bifunctional protein KlGal1p towards the induction process in order to cope with the need for the metabolism of lactose/galactose. The steady‐state model of the GAL system of K. lactis provides an opportunity to compare with the design prevailing in S. cerevisiae. The comparison indicates that the existence of a protein, Gal3p, dedicated to the sensing of galactose in S. cerevisiae as a result of genome duplication has resulted in a system which metabolizes galactose efficiently.
Structural requirements for Caenorhabditis elegans DcpS substrates based on fluorescence and HPLC enzyme kinetic studies
Authors: Wypijewska Anna , Bojarska Elzbieta , Stepinski Janusz , Jankowska‐Anyszka Marzena , Jemielity Jacek , Davis Richard E. , Darzynkiewicz Edward
Published: June 2010

The activity of the Caenorhabditis elegans scavenger decapping enzyme (DcpS) on its natural substrates and dinucleotide cap analogs, modified with regard to the nucleoside base or ribose moiety, has been examined. All tested dinucleotides were specifically cleaved between β‐ and γ‐phosphate groups in the triphosphate chain. The kinetic parameters of enzymatic hydrolysis (Km, Vmax) were determined using fluorescence and HPLC methods, as complementary approaches for the kinetic studies of C. elegans DcpS. From the kinetic data, we determined which parts of the cap structure are crucial for DcpS binding and hydrolysis. We showed that m32,2,7GpppG and m32,2,7GpppA are cleaved with higher rates than their monomethylated counterparts. However, the higher specificity of C. elegans DcpS for monomethylguanosine caps is illustrated by the lower Km values. Modifications of the first transcribed nucleotide did not affect the activity, regardless of the type of purine base. Our findings suggest C. elegans DcpS flexibility in the first transcribed nucleoside‐binding pocket. Moreover, although C. elegans DcpS accommodates bulkier groups in the N7 position (ethyl or benzyl) of the cap, both 2′‐O‐ and 3′‐O‐methylations of 7‐methylguanosine result in a reduction in hydrolysis by two orders of magnitude.
Use of sterile saline as a conduction agent for ultrasound visualization of central venous structures
Authors: Windish Ryan , Ungar Todd , Backlund Brandon , Haukoos Jason S , Kendall John
Published: June 2010

Objective:  To determine whether sterile saline as a conduction agent provides adequate visualization of anatomic structures to attempt ultrasound‐guided vascular access.

Methods:  This prospective study involved a convenience sample of adult patients (18 years and older) who presented to an urban academic ED during a 3‐month study period. Each patient had three six‐second ultrasound video clips obtained of the right internal jugular vein and surrounding structures utilizing three different conduction agents, water‐based gel (the control), sterile saline or no conduction agent. Video clips were randomized and assigned a numeric code to blind reviewers to the conduction agent. They were then independently reviewed by two experts who determined whether anatomic structures were visualized with enough detail to perform ultrasound‐guided vascular access. The reviewers also rated the overall image quality of each video clip using a 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS).

Results:  Forty‐seven patients were included in the final analysis. The raw agreement was 100% (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 93–100%) with a kappa of 1.0 between the two reviewers in assessing whether they would be able to perform vascular access using the images obtained using saline as a conduction agent. The median VAS for gel across both reviewers was 92 (95% CI: 90–93) and the median VAS differences for saline and no medium were –3 (95% CI: –1 to –3) and –46 (95% CI: –22 to –61), respectively.

Conclusions:  The use of sterile saline as a conduction agent allows adequate visualization of anatomic structures to attempt ultrasound‐guided vascular access.
Gene cloning and expression of aminopeptidase N and cadherin from midgut of the rice stem borer, Chilo suppressalis
Authors: Yu Hong‐Kun , Chen Hao , Zhang Yong‐Jun , Wu Kong‐Ming , Liang Ge‐Mei , Liu Ze‐Wen , Guo Yu‐Yuan
Published: June 2010

Abstract  The rice stem borer, Chilo suppressalis Walker is one of the most important insect pests on rice in Asia, north Africa and southern Europe. Transgenic Bt rice has been developed in the laboratory with good resistance to this pest and other Lepidopteran insects, which will provide a possible alternative tool for this pest control. The full‐length cDNAs encoding an aminopeptidase N (CsAPN) and a cadherin (CsCad) were cloned from C. suppressalis. CsAPN showed common features of, and high identities to, other insect APNs in its deduced amino acid sequence. Although a full‐length cDNA encoding cadherin‐like protein has been reported in GenBank, the newly isolated cadherin here (CsCad) showed some differences in its amino acid sequence, especially at the 7th cadherin repeat region (CR7), which indicated the newly isolated CsCad might be another allele. CsAPN and CsCad were successfully expressed in insect Tn cells, and the blot analysis showed these two proteins could bind Bt toxin Cry1Ab. The results will provide valuable information for the studies of toxin mode of action and the possible toxin resistance mechanisms in this pest.
MICROBIAL DYNAMICS DURING THE FERMENTATION OF WAKALIM, A TRADITIONAL ETHIOPIAN FERMENTED SAUSAGE
Authors: BACHA KETEMA , JONSSON HANS , ASHENAFI MOGESSIE
Published: June 2010

Wakalim is a spiced traditional Ethiopian fermented beef sausage. Early stages (0–12 h) of wakalim fermentation were dominated by lactic acid bacteria and aerobic mesophilic bacteria including staphylococci and members of Enterobacteriaceae. Gram‐negative bacteria were below detectable level after day 4 of fermentation. Staphylococci were detected at low levels (around 4 log cfu/g) until the end of fermentation. Lactic acid bacteria grew and dominated the flora at the end of fermentation. Various species of Lactobacillus and Pediococcus initiated the fermentation and the lactic flora was finally dominated by Lb. plantarum1 and Ped. pentosaceus1. The pH of the fermenting wakalim dropped from 5.5 ± 0.22 to 4.1 ± 0.19 while the titratable acidity increased from 0.09 to 0.6% in the course of fermentation. Moreover, moisture content of the fermenting wakalim dropped from 66.5% ± 2.12 to 22.0% ± 0.71 during the 6 days of fermentation. Molecular characterization, using 16S rDNA partial sequence analysis and repetitive sequence‐based polymerase chain reaction, of the isolates confirmed some of the earlier phenotypic identification made based on API carbohydrate fermentation profile. Some of the strains were, however, identified as different species of the same genus or entirely different genus. The findings of this study are the first of their kind from traditional Ethiopian fermented sausage and could have paramount importance as a baseline data for large‐scale production of the traditional product using defined starter cultures. Moreover, the strains characterized in this study could be exploited as potential starter cultures for the commercialization of wakalim.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Traditional fermented foods and beverages are products of spontaneous fermentation. This type of process results in microbiological and chemical variability in the products, as it depends on the microflora naturally present in the substrates, on utensils and equipment used. Isolation and characterization of the microorganisms involved in the fermentation, and identification of the most important starter species may help to undertake controlled fermentation with selected mixed culture starters to optimize the process conditions. This would result in products which are consistent and definable in their flavor and other biochemical parameters, have good keeping quality and are, in general, wholesome. This may pave the way for large‐scale commercial production, which may also improve the shelf life of the products, and reduce wastage during processing, which is significant at household level. The strains characterized in this study could be exploited as potential starter cultures for the commercialization of wakalim.
Food intake and nutritional status of hospitalised older people
Authors: de Oliveira Maria Rita Marques , Leandro‐Merhi Vânia Aparecida
Published: June 2010

de oliveira m.r.m. & leandro‐merhi v.a. (2011) Food intake and nutritional status of hospitalised older people.International Journal of Older People Nursing6, 196–200

doi: 10.1111/j.1748‐3743.2010.00227.x

Background and aims. Disease is influenced by the nutritional status of the individual. We have assessed the relationship between nutritional status and food intake among recently hospitalised older people.

Methods. A cross‐sectional study was undertaken with 240 older people in a hospital that provides care for the public and private healthcare systems. Nutritional status was classified by the MNA (Mini Nutritional Assessment) into: malnourished, risk of malnutrition and without malnutrition. Food intake was estimated by the reported food intake during a typical day. The Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare the medians and the correlation coefficient of Spearman to verify the relationship between the consumption of energy, protein and vitamin C and MNA scores.

Results. 33.8% were classified as adequate regarding nutritional status; 37.1% were classified as being at risk of malnutrition and 29.1% were classified as malnourished. The malnourished individuals reported significantly less energy and nutrient intake than those at risk of malnutrition or those without malnutrition (P = 0.001). Not all nutrient intake, just some (iron, cholesterol and fibre), were lower in malnourished people.

Conclusions and implications for practice. Deterioration of the nutritional status of older people is accompanied by a reduction in energy and some nutrient intake. The investigation of food intake in older people could provide important information about nutritional risk.
BUILDING ON BARRON: THE PROSPECTS FOR THE STUDY OF PRE-ISLAMIC ANTIQUITY IN THE 21ST CENTURY
Authors: DAVIES JOHN
Published: June 2010

This, the first John Barron Memorial Lecture, sketches his activity in the 1980s for the UGC in reshaping institutional provision in Classics and in Archaeology, in order to explore its best routes of healthy survival. It reviews developments in Britain within the study of antiquity in the last twenty years, but also reviews current and likely future transformations of the wider environment, both fiscal-financial and technological – all of which threaten marginalization, if not extinction. It then notes that the erosion of the Humboldtian vision of the discipline makes it appear derivative, inward-looking, and lacking an externally recognised raison d'être. That view is best controverted by identifying the most promising future markets in terms of age, world geography, delivery systems, and basic curiosity and interest, and above all by identifying the attitudes which the study of pre-Islamic antiquity can and should instil.
K1of products of Drinfeld modular curves and special values ofL-functions
Authors: Sreekantan Ramesh
Published: June 2010

Beilinson [Higher regulators and values ofL-functions, Itogi Nauki i Tekhniki Seriya Sovremennye Problemy Matematiki Noveishie Dostizheniya (Current problems in mathematics), vol. 24 (Vserossiisky Institut Nauchnoi i Tekhnicheskoi Informatsii, Moscow, 1984), 181–238] obtained a formula relating the special value of theL-function ofH2of a product of modular curves to the regulator of an element of a motivic cohomology group, thus providing evidence for his general conjectures on special values ofL-functions. In this paper we prove a similar formula for theL-function of the product of two Drinfeld modular curves, providing evidence for an analogous conjecture in the case of function fields.
Augmented Reality E-Commerce System: A Case Study
Authors: Lu Yuzhu , Smith Shana
Published: June 2010

In this study, an augmented reality (AR) e-commerce system was developed and a usability study was conducted to compare the AR e-commerce system with the traditional e-commerce system. The AR e-commerce system was developed as an Internet plug-in, which can be accessed with different computers. Study results show that the AR e-commerce system can provide more information and more direct experiences to online customers, by combining physical environment information with virtual product models. Online shoppers can “test use” products while shopping online and acquire more information about the products. Thus, customers can make better purchasing decisions and have a better chance to purchase the “right” products.
PDQ (Product Data Quality): Representation of Data Quality for Product Data and Specifically for Shape Data
Authors: Kikuchi Yoshihito , Hiraoka Hiroyuki , Otaka Akihiko , Tanaka Fumiki , Kobayashi Kazuya G. , Soma Atsuto
Published: June 2010

In the communication and sharing of product data, if the difference of the required data quality and the data quality actually incorporated into data is significant, it causes various problems. It is often the case that a creator of low quality data does not realize it unless it is harmful for his job. In most cases, low quality data passed to subsequent processes, such as manufacturing process, cause problems since these are not appropriate from the machining precision point of view or the detailed shape modeling point of view. In these cases, rework or repair of data is necessitated before commencing the target process, which results in significant economy loss and delay of product development. Today’s product model data are dumb data because design intents and data quality incorporated are not explicitly represented. Receiving systems cannot know whether the data passed possess sufficient quality for the target job or not. Another problem is that engineers in later processes, such as the manufacturing process, cannot issue data quality related request beforehand in a commonly agreed manner. The problems mentioned above are caused by the lack of a commonly agreed representation of product data quality (PDQ) information. Our proposed solution is designed to enable the communication and sharing of data quality information. This paper reports the development of a PDQ standard (ISO 10303-59), which is a resource part of ISO 10303 Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data (STEP) (2008, “ISO 10303-59, Industrial Automation Systems and Integration. Product Data Representation and Exchange. Part 59 Integrated Generic Resource: Quality of Product Shape Data,” International Standard Organization, Geneva). The objective of ISO 10303-59 is to establish a PDQ model and to enable the use of PDQ data independently or in combination with product data. The developed PDQ information model represents concepts such as data quality criteria, measurement requirements, and measured results. Based on the PDQ model, the PDQ for shape data model, which is a specialization of the PDQ model to 3D shape data quality, is also developed.
Forced to Signal
Authors: Ray L. Bryan
Published: June 2010

A mechanism is revealed for cells to convert a mechanical signal into a biochemical one.
Protection from Afar
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: June 2010

A factor secreted from anterior neurons in
Caenorhabditis elegans
protects germ cells from apoptosis.
Germline Quality Control
Authors: Ray L. Bryan
Published: June 2010

A tumor suppressor appears to protect against aberrant chromosome breakage during meiosis.
pH Signaling Through Arrestin
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: June 2010

Ubiquitylation of a fungal arrestin is sufficient to activate signaling.
Development, Validation, and Routine Application of a High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Method Coupled with a Single Mass Detector for Quantification of Itraconazole, Voriconazole, and Posaconazole in Human Plasma
Authors: Baietto Lorena , D'Avolio Antonio , Ventimiglia Giusi , De Rosa Francesco Giuseppe , Siccardi Marco , Simiele Marco , Sciandra Mauro , Di Perri Giovanni
Published: June 2010

We have developed and validated a high-performance liquid chromatography method coupled with a mass detector to quantify itraconazole, voriconazole, and posaconazole using quinoxaline as the internal standard. The method involves protein precipitation with acetonitrile. Mean accuracy (percent deviation from the true value) and precision (relative standard deviation percentage) were less than 15%. Mean recovery was more than 80% for all drugs quantified. The lower limit of quantification was 0.031 μg/ml for itraconazole and posaconazole and 0.039 μg/ml for voriconazole. The calibration range tested was from 0.031 to 8 μg/ml for itraconazole and posaconazole and from 0.039 to 10 μg/ml for voriconazole.
Engineered Respiro-Fermentative Metabolism for the Production of Biofuels and Biochemicals from Fatty Acid-Rich Feedstocks
Authors: Dellomonaco Clementina , Rivera Carlos , Campbell Paul , Gonzalez Ramon
Published: June 2010

Although lignocellulosic sugars have been proposed as the primary feedstock for the biological production of renewable fuels and chemicals, the availability of fatty acid (FA)-rich feedstocks and recent progress in the development of oil-accumulating organisms make FAs an attractive alternative. In addition to their abundance, the metabolism of FAs is very efficient and could support product yields significantly higher than those obtained from lignocellulosic sugars. However, FAs are metabolized only under respiratory conditions, a metabolic mode that does not support the synthesis of fermentation products. In the work reported here we engineered several native and heterologous fermentative pathways to function in
E
scherichia coli
under aerobic conditions, thus creating a respiro-fermentative metabolic mode that enables the efficient synthesis of fuels and chemicals from FAs. Representative biofuels (ethanol and butanol) and biochemicals (acetate, acetone, isopropanol, succinate, and propionate) were chosen as target products to illustrate the feasibility of the proposed platform. The yields of ethanol, acetate, and acetone in the engineered strains exceeded those reported in the literature for their production from sugars, and in the cases of ethanol and acetate they also surpassed the maximum theoretical values that can be achieved from lignocellulosic sugars. Butanol was produced at yields and titers that were between 2- and 3-fold higher than those reported for its production from sugars in previously engineered microorganisms. Moreover, our work demonstrates production of propionate, a compound previously thought to be synthesized only by propionibacteria, in
E. coli
. Finally, the synthesis of isopropanol and succinate was also demonstrated. The work reported here represents the first effort toward engineering microorganisms for the conversion of FAs to the aforementioned products.
Use of a Mixture of Bacteriophages for Biological Control ofSalmonella entericaStrains in Compost
Authors: Heringa Spencer D. , Kim JinKyung , Jiang Xiuping , Doyle M. P. , Erickson M. C.
Published: June 2010

Bacteriophages specific toSalmonellastrains were isolated from sewage effluent and characterized. A five-strain bacteriophage mixture was applied to dairy manure compost inoculated withSalmonella entericaserotype Typhimurium. Bacteriophage treatment resulted in a greater than 2-log-unit reduction ofSalmonellawithin 4 h at all moisture levels compared to the controls.
Host Association of
Campylobacter
Genotypes Transcends Geographic Variation
Authors: Sheppard Samuel K. , Colles Frances , Richardson Judith , Cody Alison J. , Elson Richard , Lawson Andrew , Brick Geraldine , Meldrum Richard , Little Christine L. , Owen Robert J. , Maiden Martin C. J. , McCarthy Noel D.
Published: June 2010

Genetic attribution of bacterial genotypes has become a major tool in the investigation of the epidemiology of campylobacteriosis and has implicated retail chicken meat as the major source of human infection in several countries. To investigate the robustness of this approach to the provenance of the reference data sets used, a collection of 742
Campylobacter jejuni
and 261
Campylobacter coli
isolates obtained from United Kingdom-sourced chicken meat was established and typed by multilocus sequence typing. Comparative analyses of the data with those from other isolates sourced from a variety of host animals and countries were undertaken by genetic attribution, genealogical, and population genetic approaches. The genotypes from the United Kingdom data set were highly diverse, yet structured into sequence types, clonal complexes, and genealogical groups very similar to those seen in chicken isolates from the Netherlands, the United States, and Senegal, but more distinct from isolates obtained from ruminant, swine, and wild bird sources. Assignment analyses consistently grouped isolates from different host animal sources regardless of geographical source; these associations were more robust than geographic associations across isolates from three continents. We conclude that, notwithstanding the high diversity of these pathogens, there is a strong signal of association of multilocus genotypes with particular hosts, which is greater than the geographic signal. These findings are consistent with local and international transmission of host-associated lineages among food animal species and provide a foundation for further improvements in genetic attribution.
Isolation and Identification of Persistent Chlorinated Organophosphorus Flame Retardant-Degrading Bacteria
Authors: Takahashi Shouji , Satake Ikuko , Konuma Isao , Kawashima Koji , Kawasaki Manami , Mori Shingo , Morino Jun , Mori Junichi , Xu Hongde , Abe Katsumasa , Yamada Ryo-hei , Kera Yoshio
Published: June 2010

Tris(2-chloroethyl) and tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphates are chlorinated persistent flame retardants that have recently emerged as environmental pollutants. Two bacterial strains that can degrade the compounds when they are the sole phosphorus sources have been isolated and identified as members of the sphingomonads. The strains can be useful for the bioremediation of environments contaminated with these compounds.
Stereochemistry of Furfural Reduction by a
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Aldehyde Reductase That Contributes to
In Situ
Furfural Detoxification
Authors: Bowman Michael J. , Jordan Douglas B. , Vermillion Karl E. , Braker Jay D. , Moon Jaewoong , Liu Z. Lewis
Published: June 2010

Ari1p from
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
, recently identified as an intermediate-subclass short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase, contributes
in situ
to the detoxification of furfural. Furfural inhibits efficient ethanol production by yeast, particularly when the carbon source is acid-treated lignocellulose, which contains furfural at a relatively high concentration. NADPH is Ari1p's best known hydride donor. Here we report the stereochemistry of the hydride transfer step, determined by using (4
R
)-[4-
2
H]NADPD and (4
S
)-[4-
2
H]NADPD and unlabeled furfural in Ari1p-catalyzed reactions and following the deuterium atom into products 2-furanmethanol or NADP
+
. Analysis of the products demonstrates unambiguously that Ari1p directs hydride transfer from the
si
face of NADPH to the
re
face of furfural. The singular orientation of substrates enables construction of a model of the Michaelis complex in the Ari1p active site. The model reveals hydrophobic residues near the furfural binding site that, upon mutation, may increase specificity for furfural and enhance enzyme performance. Using (4
S
)-[4-
2
H]NADPD and NADPH as substrates, primary deuterium kinetic isotope effects of 2.2 and 2.5 were determined for the steady-state parameters
k
cat
NADPH
and
k
cat
/

K
m

NADPH
, respectively, indicating that hydride transfer is partially rate limiting to catalysis.