bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Affective Disorders Among Women in the General Population and Among Those Referred to Psychiatrists Clinical Features and Demographic Correlates
Authors: Sashidharan S. P. , Surtees P. G. , Kreitman N. B. , Ingham J G. , Miller P. Mcc.
Published: August 2008

In a study comparing depressive disorders detected in a field survey (n = 90) with patients referred to a specialist treatment setting (n = 63), the clinical features and demographic correlates of ‘cases' of affective disorders proved to be similar. However, those in treatment settings appeared to have more people achieving definite case status. Hospital-referred cases were also more likely than community cases to be older and single, and this difference persisted even after controlling for chronicity of symptoms.
Unwanted Erections in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Warwick Hilary M. C. , Salkovskis Paul M.
Published: August 2008

The presentation of inappropriate penile erections calls for great caution in making a diagnosis. Two patients who had unwanted erections also had obsessive-compulsive disorder – a previously unreported association. Obsessive-compulsive disorder isnotinconsistent with unwanted erections and should be considered in assessment.
Association between Interleukin-15 and Obesity: Interleukin-15 as a Potential Regulator of Fat Mass
Authors: Nielsen Anders Rinnov , Hojman Pernille , Erikstrup Christian , Fischer Christian Philip , Plomgaard Peter , Mounier Remi , Mortensen Ole Hartvig , Broholm Christa , Taudorf Sarah , Krogh-Madsen Rikke , Lindegaard Birgitte , Petersen Anne Marie Winther , Gehl Julie , Pedersen Bente Klarlund
Published: August 2008

Objective: IL-15 decreases lipid deposition in preadipocytes and decreases the mass of white adipose tissue in rats, indicating that IL-15 may take part in regulating this tissue. IL-15 is expressed in human skeletal muscle and skeletal muscle may be a source of plasma IL-15 and in this way regulate adipose tissue mass.

Design: The relation between skeletal muscle IL-15 mRNA expression, plasma IL-15, and adipose tissue mass was studied in 199 humans divided into four groups on the basis of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, using a DNA electrotransfer model, we assessed the effect of IL-15 overexpression in skeletal muscle of mice.

Results: In humans, multiple regression analysis showed a negative association between plasma IL-15 and total fat mass (P < 0.05), trunk fat mass (P < 0.01), and percent fat mass (P < 0.05), independent of type 2 diabetes. Negative associations were also found between muscle IL-15 mRNA and obesity parameters. IL-15 overexpression in skeletal muscle of mice reduced trunk fat mass but not sc fat mass.

Conclusions: Our results indicate that IL-15 may be a regulator of trunk fat mass.
A Novel Mutation in the Human Androgen Receptor Suggests a Regulatory Role for the Hinge Region in Amino-Terminal and Carboxy-Terminal Interactions
Authors: Deeb A. , Jääskeläinen J. , Dattani M. , Whitaker H. C. , Costigan C. , Hughes I. A.
Published: August 2008

Context: The androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) is caused by molecular defects in the androgen receptor (AR). Clinically, the partial AIS has a variable phenotype. Many mechanisms explain the phenotype in the AIS. A crucial step in AR action is the interaction of the N and C termini.

Objective: The role of the hinge region of the AR is not as well understood as other parts of the receptor. We aim to study the role of this region in the N/C-termini interaction.

Patient and Method: We report a patient with severe undermasculinization and poor response to exogenous androgens. Androgen binding was performed, and the AR gene was sequenced. The mutation was recreated and transfected in COS-1 cells. Transactivation was studied. N/C-termini interaction was studied using a mammalian two-hybrid assay. A nuclear localization study was performed.

Results: Androgen binding was normal, and a novel mutation (Arg629Trp) in the AR hinge region was identified. Mutant AR transactivation was 40% higher compared with wild type (WT). A 3-fold increase in transcription occurred when both WT N and C-terminal domains were cotransfected; no response occurred when the mutated region of the AR was included (P < 0.001). Cells with mutant AR showed a comparable nuclear localization to the WT AR.

Conclusions: A mutation in the hinge region impaired N/C-domain interaction in the presence of normal AR binding and nuclear localization. It resulted in severe undermasculinization at birth and resistance to androgens. The findings confirm a unique regulatory role for the hinge region in AR function.
Functional and intracellular localization properties of U6 promoter-expressed siRNAs, shRNAs, and chimeric VA1 shRNAs in mammalian cells
Authors: Lee Nan Sook , Kim Daniel H. , Alluin Jessica , Robbins Marjorie , Gu Shuo , Li Haitang , Kim James , Salvaterra Paul M. , Rossi John J.
Published: August 2008

RNA polymerase III (Pol III) expression systems for short hairpin RNAs (U6 shRNAs or chimeric VA1 shRNAs) or individually expressed sense/antisense small interfering RNA (siRNA) strands have been used to trigger RNA interference (RNAi) in mammalian cells. Here we show that individually expressed siRNA expression constructs produce 21-nucleotide siRNAs that strongly accumulate as duplex siRNAs in the nucleus of human cells, exerting sequence-specific silencing activity similar to cytoplasmic siRNAs derived from U6 or VA1-expressed hairpin precursors. In contrast, 29-mer siRNAs separately expressed as sense/antisense strands fail to elicit RNAi activity, despite accumulation of these RNAs in the nucleus. Our findings delineate different intracellular accumulation patterns for the three expression strategies and suggest the possibility of a nuclear RNAi pathway that requires 21-mer duplexes.
Minimizing variables among hairpin-based RNAi vectors reveals the potency of shRNAs
Authors: Boudreau Ryan L. , Monteys Alex Mas , Davidson Beverly L.
Published: August 2008

RNA interference (RNAi) is a cellular process regulating gene expression and participating in innate defense in many organisms. RNAi has also been utilized as a tool to query gene function and is being developed as a therapeutic strategy for several diseases. Synthetic small interfering (siRNAs) or expressed stem–loop RNAs (short-hairpin RNAs [shRNAs] or artificial microRNAs [miRNAs]) have been delivered to cultured cells and organisms to inhibit expression of a variety of genes. A persistent question in the field, however, is which RNAi expression system is most suitable for distinct applications. To date, shRNA- and artificial miRNA-based strategies have been compared with conflicting results. In prior comparisons, sequences required for efficient RNAi processing and loading of the intended antisense strand into the RNAi-induced silencing complex (RISC) were not considered. We therefore revisited the shRNA–miRNA comparison question. Initially, we developed an improved artificial miRNA vector and confirmed the optimal shRNA configuration by altering structural features of these RNAi substrates. Subsequently, we engineered and compared shRNA- and miRNA-based RNAi expression vectors that would be processed to yield similar siRNAs that exhibit comparable strand biasing. Our results demonstrate that when comparison variables are minimized, the shRNAs tested were more potent than the artificial miRNAs in mediating gene silencing independent of target sequence and experimental setting (in vitro and in vivo). In addition, we show that shRNAs are expressed at considerably higher levels relative to artificial miRNAs, thus providing mechanistic insight to explain their increased potency.
Local Duality of Nonlinear Semidefinite Programming
Authors: Qi Houduo
Published: August 2008

Recently, Chan and Sun [Chan, Z. X., D. Sun. Constraint nondegeneracy, strong regularity and nonsingularity in semidefinite programming. SIAM J. Optim. 19 370–376.] reported for semidefinite programming (SDP) that the primal/dual constraint nondegeneracy is equivalent to the dual/primal strong second order sufficient condition (SSOSC). This result is responsible for a number of important results in stability analysis of SDP. In this paper, we study duality of this type in nonlinear semidefinite programming (NSDP). We introduce the dual SSOSC at a Karush-Kuhn-Tucker (KKT) triple of NSDP and study its various characterizations and relationships to the primal nondegeneracy. Although the dual SSOSC is nothing but the SSOSC for the Wolfe dual of the NSDP, it suggests new information for the primal NSDP. For example, it ensures that the inverse of the Hessian of the Lagrangian function exists at the KKT triple and the inverse is positive definite on some normal space. It also ensures the primal nondegeneracy. Some of our results generalize the corresponding classical duality results in nonlinear programming studied by Fujiwara et al. [Fujiwara, O., S.-P. Han, O. L. Mangasarian. 1984. Local duality of nonlinear programs. SIAM J. Control Optim. 22 162–169]. For the convex quadratic SDP (QSDP), we have complete characterizations for the primal and dual SSOSC. Our results reveal that the nearest correlation matrix problem satisfies not only the primal and dual SSOSC but also the primal and dual nondegeneracy at its solution, suggesting that it is a well-conditioned QSDP.
Desvenlafaxine: Another “Me Too” Drug?
Authors: Sopko Michael A , Ehret Megan J , Grgas Marina
Published: August 2008

Objective:

To compare desvenlafaxine with its parent drug, venlafaxine, to determine the usefulness of this new medication.

Data Sources:

Information was obtained through a MEDLINE search (1966-June 2008) and from published abstracts. Search terms included desvenlafaxine, O-desmethyIvenlafaxine, Pristiq, major depressive disorder, and venlafaxine. STUDY selection and data extraction: All English-language studies and abstracts pertaining to desvenlafaxine and venlafaxine were considered for inclusion. Preference was given to human data.

Data Synthesis:

Desvenlafaxine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and is the active metabolite of the antidepressant venlafaxine. The recommended dose is 50 mg daily, based on the efficacy and safety data of 50, 100,150,200, and 400 mg of desvenlafaxine. The response and remission rates of depression at 8 weeks for the 50-mg dose are 51 -63% and 31-45%, respectively. These rates are comparable with those seen with venlafaxine (58% and 45%, respectively). Adverse effects are also similar to those of venlafaxine, with the most common being insomnia, somnolence, dizziness, and nausea. The decreased potential of CYP2D6 activity with desvenlafaxine compared with the parent drug may be a potential advantage in patients on other medications metabolized via this enzymatic pathway. Also, desvenlafaxine tablets are less expensive than extended-release (XR) venlafaxine, which may decrease healthcare costs in the short term. However, venlafaxine XR is expected to go off patent in 2010.

Conclusions:

With the overall similarity between these 2 drugs and the potential lack of cost savings, the need for desvenlafaxine and its ultimate utility in treating major depressive disorder appears to be insignificant.
Sorption and thermodynamic properties of juvenile Pinus sylvestris L. wood after 103 years of submersion
Authors: Esteban Luis García , de Palacios Paloma , Fernández Francisco García , Guindeo Antonio , Conde Marta , Baonza Victoria
Published: August 2008

The hygroscopicity and thermodynamic properties of juvenile Pinus sylvestris L. wood taken from the submerged piles of a bridge built in 1903 over the Jiloca River, in Spain, were compared with the corresponding values of juvenile wood of the same species from recently cut trees. The 35°C and 50°C isotherms were plotted and subsequently fitted using the Guggenheim-Anderson-Boer-Dent method, and the isosteric heat of sorption was obtained through the integration method of the Clausius-Clapeyron equation. The isotherms were compared by means of the hysteresis coefficients. Infrared spectra were recorded to study the chemical modifications, and the crystal structure of the cellulose was studied by X-ray diffractograms. The submersion in water resulted in hemicellulose degradation and a decrease in the crystallinity index and the crystallite length, accompanied by a corresponding increase in the proportion of amorphous zones. Owing to this, the equilibrium moisture contents of the water logged wood are higher than in the recent wood, both in adsorption and in desorption. In terms of the thermodynamic properties, the bond energy is higher in the recent wood than in the water logged wood.
Microglial Dysfunction and Defective β-Amyloid Clearance Pathways in Aging Alzheimer's Disease Mice
Authors: Hickman Suzanne E. , Allison Elizabeth K. , El Khoury Joseph
Published: August 2008

Early microglial accumulation in Alzheimer's disease (AD) delays disease progression by promoting clearance of β-amyloid (Aβ) before formation of senile plaques. However, persistent Aβ accumulation despite increasing microglial numbers suggests that the ability of microglia to clear Aβ may decrease with age and progression of AD pathology. To determine the effects of aging and Aβ deposition on microglial ability to clear Aβ, we used quantitative PCR to analyze gene expression in freshly isolated adult microglia from 1.5-, 3-, 8-, and 14-month-old transgenic PS1-APP mice, an established mouse model of AD, and from their nontransgenic littermates. We found that microglia from old PS1-APP mice, but not from younger mice, have a twofold to fivefold decrease in expression of the Aβ-binding scavenger receptors scavenger receptor A (SRA), CD36, and RAGE (receptor for advanced-glycosylation endproducts), and the Aβ-degrading enzymes insulysin, neprilysin, and MMP9, compared with their littermate controls. In contrast, PS1-APP microglia had a 2.5-fold increase in the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β (interleukin-1β) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), suggesting that there is an inverse correlation between cytokine production and Aβ clearance. In support of this possibility, we found that incubation of cultured N9 mouse microglia with TNFα decreased the expression of SRA and CD36 and reduced Aβ uptake. Our data indicate that, although early microglial recruitment promotes Aβ clearance and is neuroprotective in AD, as disease progresses, proinflammatory cytokines produced in response to Aβ deposition downregulate genes involved in Aβ clearance and promote Aβ accumulation, therefore contributing to neurodegeneration. Antiinflammatory therapy for AD should take this dichotomous microglial role into consideration.
Intra-Amygdala and Systemic Antagonism of NMDA Receptors Prevents the Reconsolidation of Drug-Associated Memory and Impairs Subsequently Both Novel and Previously Acquired Drug-Seeking Behaviors
Authors: Milton Amy L. , Lee Jonathan L. C. , Butler Victoria J. , Gardner Richard , Everitt Barry J.
Published: August 2008

The amygdala has long been considered a primary locus in mediating the effects of previously drug-associated stimuli on subsequent drug-seeking behavior, and the NMDA subtype of glutamate receptor within the amygdala is important for the consolidation of associations between environmental conditioned stimuli and the effects of addictive drugs. Here we demonstrate that amygdala NMDA receptors are also necessary for the reconsolidation of drug-associated memories. Using a behavioral task that specifically measures the conditioned reinforcing properties of a previously drug-paired stimulus, we show that infusion of the NMDA receptor antagonistd(-)-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (d-APV) into the basolateral amygdala before a memory reactivation session disrupted the drug-associated memory and abolished subsequent instrumental responding for conditioned reinforcement. This effect was memory reactivation dependent, and the memory deficit persisted for at least 4 weeks. In contrast, infusion ofd-APV immediately after the memory reactivation session had no effect on subsequent responding for conditioned reinforcement, indicating that NMDA receptors have a temporally limited role in the reconsolidation process. Furthermore, in molecular studies, we show that the reconsolidation-impairing effect ofd-APV is correlated with downstream reductions in expression of the plasticity-related immediate early gene,zif268.We also demonstrate that systemic antagonism of NMDA receptors with MK-801 [(+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-SH-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imine maleate] before memory reactivation subsequently reduced previously acquired instrumental drug-seeking behavior that depends on drug-associated cues acting as conditioned reinforcers. These data suggest that drugs modulating glutamatergic transmission at the NMDA receptor may be useful in the future treatment of relapse prevention in drug addiction through memory reconsolidation blockade.
Amygdala and Orbitofrontal Cortex Lesions Differentially Influence Choices during Object Reversal Learning
Authors: Rudebeck Peter H. , Murray Elisabeth A.
Published: August 2008

In nonhuman primates, interaction between the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and the amygdala (AMG) has been seen as critical for learning and subsequently changing associations between stimuli and reinforcement. However, it is still unclear what the precise role of the OFC is in altering these stimulus–reward associations, and recent research has questioned whether the AMG makes an essential contribution at all. To gain a better understanding of the role of these two structures in flexibly associating stimuli with reinforcement, we reanalyzed a set of previously published data from groups of monkeys with either OFC or AMG lesions that had been tested on an object reversal learning task. Based on trial-by-trial analyses of rewarded and unrewarded choices, we report two new findings. First, monkeys with OFC lesions were, compared with both control and AMG groups, unable to use correctly performed trials to optimally guide subsequent choices. Second, monkeys with AMG lesions showed the opposite pattern of behavior. This group benefited more than controls from correctly performed trials that followed an error. Finally, as has been reported by others, after a change in reward contingencies, monkeys with OFC lesions also showed a slightly greater tendency to choose the previously rewarded object. These findings demonstrate that the OFC and AMG make different contributions to object reversal learning not highlighted previously.
Geometric considerations of plasticity in structural concrete analysis and design
Authors: Eyre J. R.
Published: August 2008

The methods of plasticity have proved to be very useful to designers of engineering structures. The use of graphical methods also has a history of providing considerable benefit to the designer and still plays a role both in providing estimates of numerical answers in analysis and in aiding an intuitive grasp of structural actions, stress distributions and mechanisms. This paper considers different yield criteria for concrete elements—both plain and reinforced—under combined stress states. Graphical representation of these yield criteria in two dimensions allows geometric constructions which provide information on structural actions. The common cases of membrane action in reinforced concrete flexural slabs and shear in plane stress are considered. Geometric considerations of the associated concrete elements are shown to provide useful mental models of these systems, allowing potentially valuable visualisations at the conceptual phase in a designer's thinking.
THE CONTRIBUTION OF ADVECTIVE FLUXES TO NET ECOSYSTEM EXCHANGE IN A HIGH‐ELEVATION, SUBALPINE FOREST
Authors: Yi Chuixiang , Anderson Dean E. , Turnipseed Andrew A. , Burns Sean P. , Sparks Jed P. , Stannard David I. , Monson Russell K.
Published: August 2008

The eddy covariance technique, which is used in the determination of net ecosystem CO2 exchange (NEE), is subject to significant errors when advection that carries CO2 in the mean flow is ignored. We measured horizontal and vertical advective CO2 fluxes at the Niwot Ridge AmeriFlux site (Colorado, USA) using a measurement approach consisting of multiple towers. We observed relatively high rates of both horizontal (Fhadv) and vertical (Fvadv) advective fluxes at low surface friction velocities (u*) which were associated with downslope katabatic flows. We observed that Fhadv was confined to a relatively thin layer (0–6 m thick) of subcanopy air that flowed beneath the eddy covariance sensors principally at night, carrying with it respired CO2 from the soil and lower parts of the canopy. The observed Fvadv came from above the canopy and was presumably due to the convergence of drainage flows at the tower site. The magnitudes of both Fhadv and Fvadv were similar, of opposite sign, and increased with decreasing u*, meaning that they most affected estimates of the total CO2 flux on calm nights with low wind speeds. The mathematical sign, temporal variation and dependence on u* of both Fhadv and Fvadv were determined by the unique terrain of the Niwot Ridge site. Therefore, the patterns we observed may not be broadly applicable to other sites. We evaluated the influence of advection on the cumulative annual and monthly estimates of the total CO2 flux (Fc), which is often used as an estimate of NEE, over six years using the dependence of Fhadv and Fvadv on u*. When the sum of Fhadv and Fvadv was used to correct monthly Fc, we observed values that were different from the monthly Fc calculated using the traditional u*‐filter correction by −16 to 20 g C·m−2·mo−1; the mean percentage difference in monthly Fc for these two methods over the six‐year period was 10%. When the sum of Fhadv and Fvadv was used to correct annual Fc, we observed a 65% difference compared to the traditional u*‐filter approach. Thus, the errors to the local CO2 budget, when Fhadv and Fvadv are ignored, can become large when compounded in cumulative fashion over long time intervals. We conclude that the “micrometeorological” (using observations of Fhadv and Fvadv) and “biological” (using the u* filter and temperature vs. Fc relationship) corrections differ on the basis of fundamental mechanistic grounds. The micrometeorological correction is based on aerodynamic mechanisms and shows no correlation to drivers of biological activity. Conversely, the biological correction is based on climatic responses of organisms and has no physical connection to aerodynamic processes. In those cases where they impose corrections of similar magnitude on the cumulative Fc sum, the result is due to a serendipitous similarity in scale but has no clear mechanistic explanation.
CO2 FLUXES NEAR A FOREST EDGE: A NUMERICAL STUDY
Authors: Sogachev Andrey , Leclerc Monique Y. , Zhang Gengsheng , Rannik Üllar , Vesala Timo
Published: August 2008

In contrast with recent advances on the dynamics of the flow at a forest edge, few studies have considered its role on scalar transport and, in particular, on CO2 transfer. The present study addresses the influence of the abrupt roughness change on forest–atmosphere CO2 exchange and contrasts the concentration and flux fields against those of a uniform forested surface. We use an atmospheric boundary layer two‐equation closure model that accounts for the flow dynamics and vertical divergence of CO2 sources/sinks within a plant canopy. This paper characterizes the spatial variation of CO2 fluxes as a function of both sources/sinks distribution and the vertical structure of the canopy. Results suggest that the ground source plays a major role in the formation of wave‐like vertical CO2 flux behavior downwind of a forest edge, despite the fact that the contribution of foliage sources/sinks changes monotonously. Such a variation is caused by scalar advection in the trunk space and reveals itself as a decrease or increase in vertical fluxes over the forest relative to carbon dioxide exchange of the underlying forest. The effect was more pronounced in model forests where the leaf area is concentrated in the upper part of the canopy. These results can be useful both for interpretation of existing measurements of net ecosystem exchange of CO2 (NEE) from flux towers in limited fetch conditions and in planning future CO2 transport experiments.
EDDY COVARIANCE CO2 FLUX MEASUREMENTS IN NOCTURNAL CONDITIONS: AN ANALYSIS OF THE PROBLEM
Authors: Aubinet Marc
Published: August 2008

A detailed analysis of the various processes at work in stable boundary layers was made. It pointed out that two main mechanisms may affect eddy covariance measurements in stable conditions and that their impacts were different. On one hand, intermittent turbulence produces strongly nonstationary events during which the validity of turbulent transport and storage measurements is uncertain. On the other hand, during breeze and drainage flow events, significant advection takes place and competes with turbulent flux and storage.

Intermittent turbulence questions both the ability of eddy covariance systems to adequately capture turbulent flux and storage and the representativeness of the measurements. Ability of the systems to capture the fluxes could be improved by adapting the averaging time period or the high pass filtering characteristics. However, beyond this, the question of representativeness of the flux remains open as the flux measured during an intermittent turbulence event represents not only the source term, but also the removal of CO2 that built up in the control volume and that cannot be simply related to the source term. In these conditions, the u* discrimination is likely to be insufficient and should be completed with a stationarity criterion. Further research should allow determining better selection criteria.

Advection occurs mainly in presence of flows associated with topographical slopes (drainage flows) or with land use changes (breezes). Direct advection measurements were performed at several sites, but the results were shown to be strongly site dependent. A classification based on the general flow pattern and on the source intensity evolution along streamlines was proposed here. Five different patterns were identified that helped to classify the different observations. The classification was found to be a fairly good fit for the observations. This could serve as a tool to better understand and quantify the fluxes at sites subjected to repeatable patterns.
EMDR Versus CBT for Children With Self-Esteem and Behavioral Problems: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wanders Femy , Serra Marike , de Jongh Ad
Published: August 2008

This study compared eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) with cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT). Twenty-six children (average age 10.4 years) with behavioral problems were randomly assigned to receive either 4 sessions of EMDR or CBT prior to usual treatment provided in outpatient and inpatient clinics. To evaluate the effectiveness of treatment, parents and mentors completed a wide variety of self-report instruments and behavioral measures, and the children completed self-assessment instruments prior to therapy, directly after completion of therapy, and at 6-month follow-up. EMDR and CBT were found to have significant positive effects on behavioral and self-esteem problems. Although the differences between treatment effectiveness for EMDR and CBT were small, the children who originally received EMDR showed significantly larger changes in target behaviors than those in the CBT group. The results support the use of EMDR, focused on the desensitization of a series of meaningful memories, to produce significantly positive and sustained effects on children’s self-esteem and related problems.
The efficiency of gravity distribution devices for on-site wastewater treatment systems
Authors: Patel T. , O'Luanaigh N. , Gill L. W.
Published: August 2008

A detailed analysis of different types of gravity distribution devices, designed to split on-site wastewater effluent equally between percolation trenches, has been carried out both in the laboratory and also in the field under realistic loading conditions. Five different types of distribution device have been compared: a V-notch distribution box, stilling chamber box, T-splitters with and without baffles and tipping bucket device. The trials carried out in the laboratory with clean water showed that flow distribution for all devices was sensitive to both the off-level installation angles and variable flow rates, with the most stable performance achieved using the T-splitters with baffles and tipping bucket devices. In parallel to this, the on-site flow regime experienced at two sites was continuously monitored using a tipping bucket and data-logger over eighteen month periods, finding that the most common flow rates at the distribution unit were in the range of 0.1–2.5 L/min. The on-site performance of these devices receiving both septic tank and secondary treated effluent showed that significant solid deposition and biofilm development had severely affected the equal distribution between the trenches, hence highlighting the need for regular maintenance to ensure efficient performance over time after installation.
Production of polyhydroxyalkanoates by glycogen accumulating organisms treating a paper mill wastewater
Authors: Bengtsson Simon , Werker Alan , Welander Thomas
Published: August 2008

A process for production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) by activated sludge treating a paper mill wastewater was investigated. The applied strategy was to select for glycogen accumulating organisms (GAOs) by alternating anaerobic/aerobic conditions. Acidogenic fermentation was used as pretreatment to convert various organic compounds to volatile fatty acids which are preferable substrates for PHA production. Enrichment resulted in a culture dominated by GAOs related to Defluviicoccus vanus (56%) and Candidatus Competibacter phosphatis (22%). Optimization of PHA accumulation by the enriched GAO culture was performed through batch experiments. Accumulation of PHA under anaerobic conditions was limited by the intracellular glycogen stored. Under aerobic conditions significant glycogen production (to 25% of sludge dry weight) was observed alongside PHA accumulation (to 22% of sludge dry weight). By applying a subsequent anaerobic period after an initial aerobic, the produced glycogen could be utilized for further PHA accumulation and by this strategy PHA content was increased to 42% of sludge dry weight. The PHA yield over the entire process was 0.10 kg per kg of influent COD treated which is similar to what has been achieved with a process applying feast/famine enrichment strategy with the same wastewater.
How does shear affect aggregation in granular sludge sequencing batch reactors? Relations between shear, hydrophobicity, and extracellular polymeric substances
Authors: Dulekgurgen E. , Artan N. , Orhon D. , Wilderer P. A.
Published: August 2008

The objective was to provide an answer to “how to grow/survive in aggregative physiology” through evaluating the relation between physical stress and observed biomass characteristics. For that, a lab-scale sequencing batch reactor was operated at an anaerobic-aerobic mode and under altered hydraulic selection pressures of settling time (10–1 min) and hydrodynamic shear rates due to mechanical mixing (15.5–12.0 cm/s) and/or aeration (1.76–0.24 cm/s). Main physical stress experienced by the biomass was mechanical mixing, which resulted in extreme shearing conditions at the first operational stage (days 1–86), during which first granules formed but settling properties deteriorated and biomass was almost totally washed out. After relaxing the overall shear stress at the second stage, biomass formation accelerated, settling properties enhanced and granulation proceeded (days 86–136), until disturbance of the process at the last month of operation (days 136–163). Aggregative physiology-related parameters, being cell surface hydrophobicity and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), followed increasing trends parallel to the progress of granulation, and then decreased upon disturbance of the process. There was an increase in the EPS production also during the first stage under extreme shear, while a substantial amount of biomass was present in the system. A direct correlation was also found between %hydrophobicity and EPS-composition expressed as ExoPN/ExoPS.
Treatment of saline wastewater in SBR aerobic granular reactors
Authors: Figueroa M. , Mosquera-Corral A. , Campos J. L. , Méndez R.
Published: August 2008

Fish canning effluents characterized by their salt content, up to 30 g NaCl/L, were treated, previously diluted to desired concentration, in a SBR where aerobic granular sludge was produced. The formation of mature aerobic granules occurred after 75 days of operation with 3.4 mm of diameter, SVI of 30 mL/g VSS and density around 60 g VSS/L-granule. Treated organic loading rates were up to 1.72 kg COD/(m3·d) with fully organic matter depletion. Ammonia nitrogen was removed via nitrification-denitrification up to 40% when nitrogen loading rates were of 0.18 kg N/(m3·d). The presence of salt in the treated effluent did not cause a detrimental effect on the operation of the reactor once the aerobic granules were formed.
Treatment of yellow water by membrane separations and advanced oxidation methods
Authors: Lazarova Z. , Spendlingwimmer R.
Published: August 2008

Comparative experimental study is performed on purification of yellow wastewaters separated and collected in solarCity, Linz, Austria. Three membrane methods (micro-, ultra-, and nano-filtration), and two advanced oxidations (gamma radiation and electrochemical oxidation) were applied. Best results concerning the removal of pharmaceuticals and hormones from urine by membrane separation were achieved using the membrane NF-200 (FilmTecTM). Pharmaceuticals (ibuprofen and diclofenac), and hormones (oestrone, β-oestradiol, ethenyloestradiol, oestriol) were removed completely from urine. NF-separation also has some disadvantages: losses of urea, and lowering the conductivity in the product (permeate). The retentates (concentrates) received have to be treated further by oxidation to destroy the “problem” compounds. The results showed that electrochemical oxidation is more suitable than gamma radiation. Gamma-radiation with intensities higher than 10 kGy has to be applied for efficiently destroying of ibuprofen, and especially diclofenac. A high quantity of intermediate “problem” substances with oestrone structure was formed during the gamma oxidation of hormone containing urine samples. The electrochemical oxidation can be successfully applied for elimination of pharmaceuticals such as diclofenac, and hormones (oestrone, β-oestradiol) from yellow wastewater without loss of urea (nitrogen fertiliser).
Chromium (VI) reduction in activated sludge bacteria exposed to high chromium loading
Authors: Molokwane P. E. , Meli C. K. , Chirwa E. M. N.
Published: August 2008

A mixed-culture of bacteria collected from a wastewater treatment plant in Brits, North-West Province (South Africa) biocatalytically reduced Cr(VI) at much higher concentrations than previously observed in cultures isolated in North America. Complete Cr(VI) reduction in aerobic cultures was achieved at a high concentration of 200 mg/L after incubation for only 65 hours. Under anaerobic conditions up to 150 mg, Cr(VI)/L was completely removed after incubating for 130 to 155 hours, still higher than the Cr(VI) reduction achieved with previous cultures where complete removal was only observed in cultures with the added Cr(VI) concentration not greater than 30 mg/L. Cr(VI) reduction capability of the cultures was verified in purified cultures. Consortium cultures were characterised using 16S rRNA partial sequence analysis. Results showed that the gram-positive Bacillus genera predominated under aerobic conditions with a small composition of the gram-negative Microbacterium sp. There was more biodiversity observed in the anaerobic cultures with the marked appearance of Enterococcus, Arthrobacter, Paenibacillus and Oceanobacillus species. The results showed that Cr(VI) reduction rate in the new culture was up to eight times higher than that previously observed in other Cr(VI) reducing cultures isolated from Cr(VI) contaminated soil environments in Newark (New Jersey) and other sites in North America.
Interpretation of the “positive” methacholine challenge
Authors: Hewitt David J.
Published: August 2008

Background

A methacholine challenge may be used in confirming the diagnosis of asthma, occupational asthma, or reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS) through identification of bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR). While sensitivity of the test in diagnosing clinically significant asthma is excellent, specificity of the test is poor. Since there are many conditions which have been associated with BHR, a positive test must be interpreted cautiously.

Methods

This paper reviews potential causes of a positive methacholine challenge other than asthma or RADS which have been reported in the medical literature.

Results

Factors which may be associated with a positive methacholine test include test methodology, normal variation of BHR in the general population, and numerous medical conditions.

Conclusions

In cases of inhalation exposure evaluations, alternative explanations must be considered when determining whether a causal association exists between the exposure and a positive methacholine test result. Am. J. Ind. Med. 51:769–781, 2008. Published 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Novel human antibody therapeutics: The age of the Umabs
Authors: Ruuls Sigrid R. , Lammerts van Bueren Jeroen J. , van de Winkel Jan G. J. , Parren Paul W. H. I.
Published: August 2008

Monoclonal antibodies represent a major and increasingly important category of biotechnology products for the treatment of human diseases. The state‐of‐the‐art of antibody technology has evolved to the point where therapeutic monoclonal antibodies, that are practically indistinguishable from antibodies induced in humans, are routinely generated. We depict how our science‐based approach can be used to further improve the efficacy of antibody therapeutics, illustrated by the development of three monoclonal antibodies for various cancer indications: zanolimumab (directed against CD4), ofatumumab (directed against CD20) and zalutumumab (directed against epidermal growth factor receptor).
The association between coronary arterial dominancy and extent of coronary artery disease in angiography and paraclinical studies
Authors: Vasheghani‐Farahani Ali , Kassaian Seyed Ebrahim , Yaminisharif Ahmad , Davoodi Gholamreza , Salarifar Mojtaba , Amirzadegan Alireza , Darabian Sirous , Fotouhi Akbar , Sadigh Gelareh , Razavi Seyed Amirhossein , Hakki Elham
Published: August 2008

The association between coronary arterial dominance patterns and the coronary artery diameter, length, and valvular heart diseases were previously studied. However, its association with coronary artery disease (CAD) is unclear. We investigated to determine whether the extent and localization of CAD differ in right, left, or codominant coronary arterial patterns. Twelve thousand five hundred fifty‐eight patients admitted to Tehran Heart Center for coronary angiography were studied retrospectively (2004–2006). The extent and localization of CAD and the dominant artery were determined. There were 62.7% males. The mean age was 57.6 ± 10.3. 84.2% [95% confidence interval (CI); 83.6–84.8%], 10.9% (95% CI; 10.4–11.4%), and 4.8% (95% CI; 4.4–5.2%) of the patients were right, left, and codominant, respectively; No significant difference considering age, sex, positive family history, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, electrocardiography, exercise treadmill stress test, and perfusion scan were seen in the groups. The right‐dominant patients tend to have three‐vessel disease (33.1% vs. 27%, P < 0.0001), stenosis of more than 50% in right coronary artery (65.9% vs. 57.9%, P < 0.0001) and left circumflex territories (64% vs. 59.4%, P = 0.01), more than the left‐dominant patients. The involvements of the left main coronary artery, left anterior descending artery territory, and posterior descending artery were not significantly different. This study demonstrates a relationship between angiographic CAD severity, and the involved arterial territory and dominancy patterns. Clin. Anat. 21:519–523, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A qualitative analysis of factors associated with user acceptance and rejection of a new workplace information system in the public sector: a conceptual model
Authors: Ouadahi Jamal
Published: August 2008

This study examines the factors that lead employees to endorse or resist the introduction of a new information system (IS). Findings suggest that attitudes toward adopting IS are related to psychological characteristics of the potential adopters, including, open‐mindedness, self‐efficacy, interest in the information and communication technology, and time remaining before retirement. Also figuring prominently in influencing attitudes are the end‐users' perceptions and expectations with respect to project management, IS quality, IS usefulness, and its effects on organizational positions, work organization, performance, skills, jobs, and worker health. Finally, user attitudes also relate to features of change management practices, including leadership, training, support, recognition, communication, and participation. An integrative conceptual model of IS user adoption is proposed and suggestions for future research are offered. Copyright © 2008 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Region‐specific alterations in astroglial TWIK‐related acid‐sensitive K+‐1 channel immunoreactivity in the rat hippocampal complex following pilocarpine‐induced status epilepticus
Authors: Kim Ji‐Eun , Kwak Sung‐Eun , Choi Soo‐Young , Kang Tae‐Cheon
Published: August 2008

TASK‐1 (green) and GFAP (red) signals in the hippocampal complex at 1 day after pilocarpine‐induced status epilepticus. TASK‐1 immunoreactivity is observed in GFAP+ astrocytes in the CA1 region. However, TASK‐1 immunoreactivity in GFAP+ astrocytes is markedly decreased in the dentate gyrus. Blue is DAPI counterstaining. J. Comp. Neurol. 510:463–474, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lesions of the mammillary body region alter hippocampal movement signals and theta frequency: Implications for path integration models
Authors: Sharp Patricia E. , Koester Kate
Published: August 2008

Cells throughout the hippocampal formation are involved in processing spatial information. These same cells also show an influence of locomotor activity, and these movement signals are thought to be critical for the path integration abilities of these cells. Nuclei in the mammillary region provide ascending influences to the hippocampal formation and have been implicated in influencing both hippocampal spatial and theta signals. Here, we report the effects of mammillary lesions on movement‐related signals in several hippocampal subregions. We find first, as predicted by earlier work, these lesions cause an approximately 1 Hz reduction in the frequency of theta modulation of cell firing. According to recent theoretical work, this might, in turn, be expected to influence the size of hippocampal place fields. Our data do not confirm this prediction for any of the hippocampal regions examined. Second, we report lesion effects on the relationship between firing rate and running speed for the hippocampal cells. These lesions caused a reduction in both the slope and intercept of rate‐by‐speed functions for cells in the hippocampus and postsubiculum. Surprisingly, cells in subiculum showed an opposite effect, so that the excitatory influence of locomotion was enhanced. Path integration theories predict that the speed at which path integration occurs is related to the strength of this movement signal. In remarkable accordance with this prediction, we report that the timing of the place cell signals is slowed following mammillary lesions for hippocampal and postsubicular cells, but, in contrast, is speeded up for subicular cells. In fact, the timing for place signals across lesion condition and brain region is predicted by a single linear function which relates timing to the strength of the running speed signal. Thus, these data provide remarkable support for some aspects of current path integration theory, while posing a challenge for other aspects of these same theories. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Standardized evapotranspiration as an agricultural drought index
Authors: Łabędzki Leszek , Kanecka‐Geszke Ewa
Published: August 2008

Drought risk for sugar beet was estimated based on standardized evapotranspiration index ETs and the frequency of drought occurrence. Standardized evapotranspiration index ETs was calculated for four soil types of different useful soil water reserves using the series of actual evapotranspiration ET for sugar beet growing seasons in 1970–2004, taken from 40 meteorological stations located in various agroclimatic regions of Poland. A great spatial differentiation of the frequency of droughts depending on drought category and soils were determined. Differences between the stations were observed, whereas differences between soils were less. The minimum frequency was observed on soil with the greatest total available soil water. Frequency of all drought categories ranged from 20% to 40% on soil with low water retention and to 35% on soil with high water retention. Generally most drought periods according to the ETs were recorded in central Poland from west to east. Taking into account the frequency of droughts in all categories, the central‐west and central‐east parts of Poland are most threatened by agricultural droughts. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical consequences of withholding versus administering renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system antagonists in the preoperative period
Authors: Rosenman David J. , McDonald Furman S. , Ebbert Jon O. , Erwin Patricia J. , LaBella Matthew , Montori Victor M.
Published: August 2008

BACKGROUND:

Hospitalists involved in perioperative care either stop or continue until the day of surgery renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system antagonists (either angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors [ACEI] or angiotensin II receptor subtype 1 antagonists [ARA]) in patients who use these agents chronically. This practice variation reflects uncertainty regarding the risks and benefits of either approach.

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical consequences of preoperatively continuing versus withholding ACEI/ARAs in patients treated chronically with these agents.

DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SELECTION:

We comprehensively searched 7 major electronic databases, considered references from selected reviews, hand‐searched journals, and communicated with experts. We included randomized trials and observational studies.

DATA EXTRACTION:

We evaluated the relative risk (RR) of hypotension requiring vasopressors and of myocardial infarction in patients who did or did not receive an immediate preoperative dose of ACEI or ARA.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

Random‐effects meta‐analysis from 5 studies totaling 434 patients suggested that patients receiving an immediate preoperative ACEI/ARA dose were more likely (RR 1.50, 95% CI 1.15‐1.96) to develop hypotension requiring vasopressors at or shortly after induction of anesthesia. Sufficient data were not available to assess other outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS:

Preoperative administration of ACEI/ARAs increases intraoperative hypotension. The long‐term clinical consequences of continuing versus withholding preoperative ACEI/ARAs are unknown. This uncertainty stems in part from the absence to date of randomized trials designed specifically to examine patient‐important consequences of this decision. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2008;3:319–325. © 2008 Society of Hospital Medicine.