bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Injection Guidance System for Cellular Microinjections
Authors: Kallio Pasi , Ritala Tuukka , Lukkari Mikko , Kuikka Seppo
Published: November 2007

In this paper we present a novel injection guidance system that assists an operator in the microinjection of living adherent cells. The system includes a micromanipulator, an injection system, an impedance measurement device and control software. The impedance measurement system detects changes in the resistance of an injection capillary during cell injections. From the measurement signal, the software determines parameters that can be used to detect several injection events such as cell—capillary contact, capillary breakage and capillary clogging, which are all unavailable in the current microinjection systems. Real cell injection experiments indicate that injection success rates can be significantly increased: from 30—40% without the system to 65% with the system.
Patterns of Substance Involvement and Criminal Behavior
Authors: Sevigny Eric L. , Coontz Phyllis D.
Published: November 2007

Recent drug-crime scholarship has underscored the importance of conducting disaggregated research that focuses on the consistencies and variations between subcategories of drug misuse and criminal activity and, further, how these associations may vary across sociodemographic and cultural boundaries. The research presented in this article used cluster analysis to independently classify male and female arrestees based on their arrest charges and substance-specific indicators of initiation, use, dependence, and treatment need. The data come from Pennsylvania's Substance Abuse and Need for Treatment Among Arrestees study conducted as part of the State Treatment Needs Assessment Program. Five groups were identified in both the male and female cluster analyses. The results reveal both important differences and strong similarities in the drug-crime typologies of male and female arrestees. Given these findings, implications are discussed for developing and targeting responsive treatment services that match the particular risks and needs of drug-involved offenders.
Effects of Material and Test Parameters on the Wear Behavior of Particulate Filled Composites Part 1: SiC-Epoxy and Gr-Epoxy Composites
Authors: Bhagyashekar M.S. , Rao R.M.V.G.K.
Published: November 2007

Studies were carried out on a (RT) cure epoxy (LY556 + HY951) composite system comprising of silicon carbide (SiC) and graphite (Gr) particulates. Results showed that the wear resistance and coefficient of friction of both the composites increased with sliding distance and contact load (contact pressure) for the range of filler contents (5—40% wt) considered. The Gr-composite exhibited its distinct (superior) tribological feature compared to the SiC-composite. A wear endurance index has been identified from the experimental data, to serve as a parameter to assess the long term wear life (residual wear life) of these composites.
Isocyanate-terminated Lactic Acid Oligomers as a New Means to Conjugate Functional Drugs or Polymers with Bioresorbable Hydrophobic Segments
Authors: Van Den Berghe Hélène , Coudane Jean , Vert Michel
Published: November 2007

The use of poly(lactic acid) with activated chain ends is an alternative strategy to polymerizing lactides using coordination-insertion polymerizations in the presence of alcohols or amines when one wants to create a macromolecular prodrug or to create self-assembling amphiphilic polymers or to modify a surface. A new route to functionalized poly(a-hydroxy acid) end groups is described based on successive reactions; the activation of chain ends via the formation of a mixed anhydride, the conversion to azide, and finally the formation of isocyanate by the Curtius rearrangement, all in one pot. The various stages are monitored using FTIR spectrometry. To exemplify the potential of the method, activated lactic acid oligomers are reacted with model alcohols and amine-bearing small molecules that are bound via carbamate or urea bonds, respectively. FTIR, 1H NMR, and SEC with a refractometric/photo diode array or refractometric/ fluorimetric double detections are used to assess the binding of the drug model on oligomers. Based on the results, the method is easily applied to small molecules, macromolecules, and surfaces bearing chemical functional groups that react with isocyanate.
Knowns and Unknowns in the `War on Terror': Uncertainty and the Political Construction of Danger
Authors: Daase Christopher , Kessler Oliver
Published: November 2007

Knowledge and non-knowledge are equally constitutive for political decisionmaking. The relationship between what we know, what we do not know, what we cannot know and what we do not like to know determines the cognitive frame for political practice. This article analyses how uncertainty is perceived and how danger is constructed in the global `war on terror'. We fist identify threats, risks, catastrophes and ignorance as distinct kinds of danger. We then demonstrate how different notions of probability are used to determine their magnitude and to assign political responsibility. In the third part, we show how these `logics of danger' play out in current anti-terror strategies. Security policy in general and the `war on terror' in particular can only be explained, we argue, if ways of managing non-knowledge are taken into account.
Media Portrayals of Male and Female Athletes
Authors: King Christopher
Published: November 2007

The purpose of this study was to examine British national newspaper coverage of male and female athletes competing at the Olympic Games since 1948. A content analysis was utilized to compare all articles and photographs of male and female track and field athletes in two British national newspapers. This study highlighted that within both newspapers, The Times and the Daily Mail, coverage dedicated to track and field events has increased dramatically since 1948. Although differences were found, generally the results showed that, compared with men, female athletes were underrepresented until the 2004 Athens Games. Although this study highlights that participating female track and field athletes have received greater newspaper equality in recent years, the profession of sports journalism is still dominated by men. Reasons for the findings are discussed.
Squeeze Flow of Electrorheological Fluids Under Constant Volume
Authors: McIntyre Ernest Carl , Filisko Frank E.
Published: November 2007

Compression studies of electrorheological (ER) fluids have been impeded by not knowing the concentration of particles held between the plates. This study presents a technique that calls for using a constant volume setup that solves the problem. This study also includes results on how the concentration of particles and the viscosity of the dispersing oils affect the compression of an ER fluid. The conclusions of this study are that the constant volume squeeze flows of ER fluids are significantly different from what has been predicted with constant volume squeeze flow theories.
Self-Reported Symptoms of ADHD Among College Students in China and the United States
Authors: Norvilitis Jill M. , Ingersoll Travis , Jie Zhang  , Shuhua Jia
Published: November 2007

Objective: The present study examined ADHD symptoms among college students in China and the United States. Method: A total of 283 (45%) American and 343 (55%) Chinese students completed the Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS) and the Current Symptoms Scale (CSS), in addition to other measures. Results: Both of the ADHD measures appear to be reliable and valid, with good internal consistency, similar factor structures, and predicted relationships with other variables, such as depression and self-esteem. However, differences exist between the cultures in gender and overall reported symptom severity. Conclusion: ADHD symptomatology is present among college students in China in a pattern similar to that found in American college students. The WURS and the CSS appear to be effective screening measures for the disorder in China, although further research on gender and cultural differences is necessary. (J. of Att. Dis. 2008; 11(5) 558-567)
Mindfulness Meditation Training in Adults and Adolescents With ADHD
Authors: Zylowska Lidia , Ackerman Deborah L. , Yang May H. , Futrell Julie L. , Horton Nancy L. , Hale T. Sigi , Pataki Caroly , Smalley Susan L.
Published: November 2007

Objective: ADHD is a childhood-onset psychiatric condition that often continues into adulthood. Stimulant medications are the mainstay of treatment; however, additional approaches are frequently desired. In recent years, mindfulness meditation has been proposed to improve attention, reduce stress, and improve mood. This study tests the feasibility of an 8-week mindfulness training program for adults and adolescents with ADHD. Method: Twenty-four adults and eight adolescents with ADHD enrolled in a feasibility study of an 8-week mindfulness training program. Results: The majority of participants completed the training and reported high satisfaction with the training. Pre—post improvements in self-reported ADHD symptoms and test performance on tasks measuring attention and cognitive inhibition were noted. Improvements in anxiety and depressive symptoms were also observed. Conclusion: Mindfulness training is a feasible intervention in a subset of ADHD adults and adolescents and may improve behavioral and neurocognitive impairments. A controlled clinical study is warranted. (J. of Att. Dis. 2008; 11(6) 737-746)
Using Problem-Based Learning to Train Evaluators
Authors: Lee Janet , LeBaron Wallace Tanner , Alkin Marvin
Published: November 2007

As the evaluation profession has continued to grow and develop, there has been a corresponding concern about how to properly train future evaluation practitioners. Those who teach evaluation strive to develop training opportunities that create the appropriate balance of the practical, how-to knowledge of evaluation with the burgeoning theoretical knowledge that undergirds responsible evaluation practice. There is a recognized need to move beyond traditional teaching methods to ones that are more engaging and “hands on” to help students understand the interactive nature of program evaluation. Problem-based learning is an experiential learning approach that can integrate the need to balance self-study of theory and practice, along with the need to familiarize students with the dynamic, interactive nature of program evaluation. This article serves as an introduction to the problem-based learning approach and describes this instructional method applied to teaching a graduate-level course in evaluation procedures.
The New Environment for Development Evaluation
Authors: Picciotto Robert
Published: November 2007

The millennium development goals have created new challenges for development evaluation. The main unit of account has shifted to the country level. Evaluation ownership must move from donor agencies to developing countries. The recognition that rich countries have development obligations is opening up evaluation frontiers beyond aid. A transformation of evaluation priorities is needed: (a) Evaluation frameworks should give more weight to alignment with the millennium development goals, (b) impact measures of development programs should be aggregated to the country and global levels, (c) accountability should be enhanced by sharper attributions of results according to the distinctive accountabilities of development partners, (d) attribution of results to aid should be examined using methods appropriate to the situation, and (e) the asymmetry of the development evaluation agenda should be remedied by a sharper focus on the impact of rich countries' policies on global poverty reduction.
The Cost-Effectiveness of Five Policies for Improving Student Achievement
Authors: Yeh Stuart S.
Published: November 2007

Comparisons of student achievement effect sizes suggest that systems in which student performance in math and reading is rapidly assessed between 2 and 5 times per week are 4 times as effective as a 10% increase in per pupil expenditure, 6 times as effective as voucher programs, 64 times as effective as charter schools, and 6 times as effective as increased accountability. Achievement gains per dollar from rapid assessment are even greater—193 times the gains that accrue from increasing preexisting patterns of educational expenditures, 2,424 times the gains from vouchers, 23,166 times the gains from charter schools, and 57 times the gains from increased accountability. Two sensitivity analyses suggest that the relative advantage for rapid assessment is not sensitive to the particular parameter estimates.
Crossing National, Continental, and Linguistic Boundaries
Authors: Díaz-Puente José M. , Cazorla Adolfo , Dorrego Ana
Published: November 2007

In an attempt to build a worldwide evaluation community, English evaluation journals are best positioned to promote international dialogue and increasingly provide international exchanges that deepen and enrich the evaluation field. This article analyzes the degree of internationalization achieved by these journals by looking at the extent of international authorship of the contributions they publish. Results show that—in spite of the efforts made—national, continental, and linguistic boundaries are still hindering the international exchange in the journals. Discussion is presented concerning the implications of these results and the efforts required to take greater advantage of the English journals to bridge national and regional traditions in the evaluation field.
Economy and society:
Authors: Gilding Michael , Marjoribanks Tim
Published: November 2007

Australian sociologists have barely engaged with the resurgence of economic sociology in the USA and Europe. It might be argued that this lack of engagement arises from a robust local agenda, immune from metropolitan fashions. This article argues that this is not the case. Rather, it arises from the enduring residualism of Australian sociology vis-a-vis economics. In turn, this residualism is grounded in sociology's late beginnings in Australia, the dominant framework at the time of its insititutionalization in the 1950s and 1960s, and the limited challenge presented by critical approaches from the 1970s. The article identifies four major lines of inquiry in the resurgence of economic sociology: network analysis, comparative political economy, field theory and performativity theory. Notwithstanding their differences, these approaches direct attention to the social construction of markets. In turn, they challenge both mainstream economics and sociology. The papers in this Special Edition of the Journal of Sociology build upon these lines of inquiry in the Australian context.
Attached to their style
Authors: Mayall Margery
Published: November 2007

Recent work in the sociology of financial markets has invoked the concept of the postsocial relationship as a way of theorizing the attachment of traders to financial markets, and the nature of their interactions with them. In this article, the use by share traders of the trading style known as Technical Analysis is offered as an example of a postsocial relationship. It looks at the way in which the relationship between traders and Technical Analysis develops, and the mutual dependence evidenced between the two. It also speculates that rather than replacing or competing with human—human relationships, the postsocial relationship between traders and Technical Analysis is potentially reinforced by, and may also facilitate changes to, traditional forms of human relations.
Evaluation of an online discussion forum for emergency practitioners
Authors: Curran Janet A. , Sibte Raza Abidi Syed
Published: November 2007

Knowledge is a critical element in the delivery of quality healthcare. In a busy emergency department (ED) clinicians attempting clinically relevant discussion with their peers face multiple interruptions and a lack of sustained meaningful interactions. Information and communication technologies such as online discussion forums enable practitioners to share practice knowledge at times that fit into their daily workflow. We conducted an experiment in which we provided emergency clinicians with access to an asynchronous discussion forum as a medium to support development of an online social network for information exchange. The outcomes were evaluated using a social network perspective to better understand the knowledge seeking and sharing behaviors among rural and urban emergency practitioners participating in the online discussion forum. The online discussion forum created an opportunity for emergency practitioners from multiple ED sites to engage in dialogue around topics that were relevant to their practice learning needs.
Putting a spin on reading: The language of the Rose Review
Authors: Hynds Jeff
Published: November 2007

The Rose Review, a so-called Independent Review of the Teaching of Early Reading, was published by the British Government's Department for Education and Skills in March 2006, as a result of criticism from Members of Parliament and others, and dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the National Literacy Strategy in England. For reasons that are unclear, the remedy that the Review proposed, now adopted by Government, was the wholesale imposition on teachers of a narrow and reductionist approach to reading called `synthetic phonics'. Knowing the controversial nature of this approach, which has very dubious research backing, and faced with almost universal opposition to it, the Review needed to argue its case very persuasively indeed. This it did by making considerable use of the readily available and politically-inspired techniques of spin doctoring. In this article I analyse the language of the Review in an endeavour to illustrate how this was done.
Effect of PaO2 and social circumstances on outcomes in out-patient treatment of COPD exacerbations
Authors: Khalid S. , Elliott A.C. , Pilling A. , Wolstenholme R.J.
Published: November 2007

The current British Thoracic Society guidelines on COPD recommend that patients with COPD exacerbations should be admitted to hospital if they either have partial pressure of arterial oxygen of <7.0 kilopascals (kPa) or if they are living alone. This study was carried out to see if either of these factors have any effect on the outcome in patients presenting with COPD exacerbation in the setting of well established COPD services. This study was to see if patients with PaO 2 < 7.0 kPa or those living alone were readmitted more frequently or had higher mortality than other patients discharged through the same scheme. A retrospective analysis was carried out on 1078 patients with acute exacerbation of COPD who were discharged home through Wigan “hospital at home” scheme in the period between November 1999 and February 2004 prior to the introduction of the new guidelines. This study found that there was no statistically significant difference in the rates of readmissions in patients with low PaO2 or those living in adverse social circumstances compared to other groups of patients. The number of patients dying in this period was too small to analyse with adequate power. This study indicates that such patients can be safely managed at home in the context of well established COPD services. Chronic Respiratory Disease 2007; 4: 191—194
Evaluation of the information needs of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease following pulmonary rehabilitation: a focus group study
Authors: Rodgers S. , Dyas J. , Molyneux A.W.P. , Ward M.J. , Revill S.M.
Published: November 2007

Aims: This study aimed to understand patient information needs and how best to meet them in order to improve rehabilitation provision and aid disease self-management by exploring experiences of people who had recently completed a pulmonary rehabilitation programme in a community hospital setting.

Methods: Qualitative research using focus groups was undertaken with 23 patients who had completed pulmonary rehabilitation within the previous four months. The focus groups were tape-recorded and contemporaneous notes made. The tapes were transcribed verbatim and template analysis was used to develop themes.

Findings: The key information needs were for a full understanding of the disease to be generated for patients, their families and the wider public much earlier in the disease process and preferably at the point of diagnosis. Patients perceived that they needed to come to terms with the condition. In order to improve disease self-management feelings of anxiety and frustration should to be addressed with the suggestion that individual counselling might be made available through the rehabilitation programme. The need for continued support was highlighted with an emphasis on peer group support activities.

Conclusions: The findings have implications for primary care in terms of unmet needs in the early stages of the condition and pulmonary rehabilitation programmes in terms of providing individual counselling and ongoing peer group support to aid disease self-management. Chronic Respiratory Disease 2007; 4: 195—203
Review Series: Occupational and environmental lung disease
Authors: Kurmi O.P. , Ayres J.G.
Published: November 2007

Many environmental factors, both indoors and outdoors, can cause or worsen respiratory disease. Although in many cases individuals have little influence over environmental exposures (e.g., weather conditions), there are many (such as environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and outdoor air pollution) where interventions can improve health. While for environmental exposures such as air pollution, remediation largely devolves to the government, for exposures such as ETS advice to individuals in these settings will confer benefit. Climate change has begun to feature more and more in the context of health but how this may affect pulmonary disease remains debatable. It is possible that heat associated changes in allergen exposures may be more than counterbalanced by potential reductions in cold related exacerbations of diseases such as COPD. An improved assessment of environmental exposures is key in how we approach the effects of the environment on lung disease which would allow better understanding of gene-environment interactions and how remediation might influence population health for the better. Chronic Respiratory Disease 2007; 4: 227—236
In vivo transformation of mouse conventional CD8α+ dendritic cells leads to progressive multisystem histiocytosis
Authors: Steiner Quynh-Giao , Otten Luc A. , Hicks M. John , Kaya Gürkan , Grosjean Frederic , Saeuberli Estelle , Lavanchy Christine , Beermann Friedrich , McClain Kenneth L. , Acha-Orbea Hans
Published: November 2007

Division and proliferation of dendritic cells (DCs) have been proposed to contribute to homeostasis and to prolonged antigen presentation. Whether abnormal proliferation of dendritic cells causes Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a highly debated topic. Transgenic expression of simian virus 40 (SV40) T antigens in mature DCs allowed their transformation in vivo while maintaining their phenotype, function, and maturation capacity. The transformed cells were differentiated splenic CD8 alpha–positive conventional dendritic cells with increased Langerin expression. Their selective transformation was correlated with higher steady-state cycling compared with CD8 alpha–negative DCs in wild-type and transgenic mice. Mice developed a DC disease involving the spleen, liver, bone marrow, thymus, and mesenteric lymph node. Surprisingly, lesions displayed key immunohistologic features of Langerhans cell histiocytosis, including expression of Langerin and absence of the abnormal mitoses observed in Langerhans cell sarcomas. Our results demonstrate that a transgenic mouse model with striking similarities to aggressive forms of multisystem histiocytosis, such as the Letterer-Siwe syndrome, can be obtained by transformation of conventional DCs. These findings suggest that conventional DCs may cause some human multisystem LCH. They can reveal shared molecular pathways for human histiocytosis between humans and mice.
Characterization of in vitro antimurine thymocyte globulin–induced regulatory T cells that inhibit graft-versus-host disease in vivo
Authors: Ruzek Melanie C. , Waire James S. , Hopkins Deborah , LaCorcia Gina , Sullivan Jennifer , Roberts Bruce L. , Richards Susan M. , Nahill Sharon R. , Williams John M. , Scaria Abraham , Dzuris John , Shankara Srinivas , Garman Richard D.
Published: November 2007

Antithymocyte/antilymphocyte globulins are polyclonal antihuman T-cell antibodies used clinically to treat acute transplant rejection. These reagents deplete T cells, but a rabbit antihuman thymocyte globulin has also been shown to induce regulatory T cells in vitro. To examine whether antithymocyte globulin–induced regulatory cells might be functional in vivo, we generated a corresponding rabbit antimurine thymocyte globulin (mATG) and tested its ability to induce regulatory cells in vitro and whether those cells can inhibit acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in vivo upon adoptive transfer. In vitro, mATG induces a population of CD4+CD25+ T cells that express several cell surface molecules representative of regulatory T cells. These cells do not express Foxp3 at either the protein or mRNA level, but do show suppressive function both in vitro and in vivo when adoptively transferred into a model of GVHD. These results demonstrate that in a murine system, antithymocyte globulin induces cells with suppressive activity that also function in vivo to protect against acute GVHD. Thus, in both murine and human systems, antithymocyte globulins not only deplete T cells, but also appear to generate regulatory cells. The in vitro generation of regulatory cells by anti-thymocyte globulins could provide ad-ditional therapeutic modalities for immune-mediated disease.
Bispecific anti-CD20/22 antibodies inhibit B-cell lymphoma proliferation by a unique mechanism of action
Authors: Qu Zhengxing , Goldenberg David M. , Cardillo Thomas M. , Shi Victoria , Hansen Hans J. , Chang Chien-Hsing
Published: November 2007

Combination immunotherapy with anti-CD20 and anti-CD22 mAbs shows promising activity in non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Therefore, bispecific mAbs (bsAbs) were recombinantly constructed from veltuzumab (humanized anti-CD20) and epratuzumab (humanized anti-CD22) and evaluated in vitro and in vivo. While none of the parental mAbs alone or mixed had notable antiproliferative activity against Burkitt lymphoma cells when not cross-linked, the bsAbs [eg, anti-CD20 IgG-anti–CD22 (scFv)2] were inhibitory without cross-linking and synergistic with B-cell antigen (BCR)-mediated inhibition. The bsAbs demonstrated higher antibody-dependent cellulary cytoxicity (ADCC) activity than the parental mAbs, but not complement-dependent cytoxicity (CDC) of the parental CD20 mAb. Cross-linking both CD20 and CD22 with the bsAbs resulted in the prominent redistribution of not only CD20 but also CD22 and BCR into lipid rafts. Surprisingly, appreciable translocation of CD22 into lipid rafts was also observed after treatment with epratuzumab. Finally, the bsAbs inhibited Daudi lymphoma transplant growth, but showed a significant advantage over the parental anti-CD20 mAb only at the highest dose tested. These results suggest that recombinantly fused, complementary, bispecific, anti-CD20/22 antibodies exhibit functional features distinct from their parental antibodies, perhaps representing new candidate therapeutic molecules.
Highlights from the Third International Society for Computational Biology Student Council Symposium at the Fifteenth Annual International Conference on Intelligent Systems for Molecular Biology
Authors: Gehlenborg Nils , Corpas Manuel , Janga Sarath Chandra
Published: November 2007

In this meeting report we give an overview of the 3rd International Society for Computational Biology Student Council Symposium. Furthermore, we explain the role of the Student Council and the symposium series in the context of large, international conferences.
Codon usage in twelve species of Drosophila
Authors: Vicario Saverio , Moriyama Etsuko N , Powell Jeffrey R
Published: November 2007

Background

Codon usage bias (CUB), the uneven use of synonymous codons, is a ubiquitous observation in virtually all organisms examined. The pattern of codon usage is generally similar among closely related species, but differs significantly among distantly related organisms, e.g., bacteria, yeast, andDrosophila. Several explanations for CUB have been offered and some have been supported by observations and experiments, although a thorough understanding of the evolutionary forces (random drift, mutation bias, and selection) and their relative importance remains to be determined. The recently available complete genome DNA sequences of twelve phylogenetically defined species ofDrosophilaoffer a hitherto unprecedented opportunity to examine these problems. We report here the patterns of codon usage in the twelve species and offer insights on possible evolutionary forces involved.

Results

(1) Codon usage is quite stable across 11/12 of the species: G- and especially C-ending codons are used most frequently, thus defining the preferred codons. (2) The only amino acid that changes in preferred codon is Serine with six species of themelanogastergroup favoring TCC while the other species, particularly subgenusDrosophilaspecies, favor AGC. (3)D. willistoniis an exception to these generalizations in having a shifted codon usage for seven amino acids toward A/T in the wobble position. (4) Amino acids differ in their contribution to overall CUB, Leu having the greatest and Asp the least. (5) Among two-fold degenerate amino acids, A/G ending amino acids have more selection on codon usage than T/C ending amino acids. (6) Among the different chromosome arms or elements, genes on the non-recombining element F (dot chromosome) have the least CUB, while genes on the element A (X chromosome) have the most. (7) Introns indicate that mutation bias in all species is approximately 2:1, AT:GC, the opposite of codon usage bias. (8) There is also evidence for some overall regional bias in base composition that may influence codon usage.

Conclusion

Overall, these results suggest that natural selection has acted on codon usage in the genusDrosophila, at least often enough to leave a footprint of selection in modern genomes. However, there is evidence in the data that random forces (drift and mutation) have also left patterns in the data, especially in genes under weak selection for codon usage for example genes in regions of low recombination. The documentation of codon usage patterns in each of these twelve genomes also aids in ongoing annotation efforts.
An ant colony optimization algorithm for phylogenetic estimation under the minimum evolution principle
Authors: Catanzaro Daniele , Pesenti Rafflaele , Milinkovitch Michel C
Published: November 2007

Background

Distance matrix methods constitute a major family of phylogenetic estimation methods, and the minimum evolution (ME) principle (aiming at recovering the phylogeny with shortest length) is one of the most commonly used optimality criteria for estimating phylogenetic trees. The major difficulty for its application is that the number of possible phylogenies grows exponentially with the number of taxa analyzed and the minimum evolution principle is known to belong to theNPMathType@MTEF@5@5@+=feaafiart1ev1aaatCvAUfKttLearuWrP9MDH5MBPbIqV92AaeXatLxBI9gBaebbnrfifHhDYfgasaacPC6xNi=xH8viVGI8Gi=hEeeu0xXdbba9frFj0xb9qqpG0dXdb9aspeI8k8fiI+fsY=rqGqVepae9pg0db9vqaiVgFr0xfr=xfr=xc9adbaqaaeGacaGaaiaabeqaaeqabiWaaaGcbaWenfgDOvwBHrxAJfwnHbqeg0uy0HwzTfgDPnwy1aaceaGae8xdX7Kaeeiuaafaaa@3888@-hard class of problems.

Results

In this paper, we introduce an Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) algorithm to estimate phylogenies under the minimum evolution principle. ACO is an optimization technique inspired from the foraging behavior of real ant colonies. This behavior is exploited in artificial ant colonies for the search of approximate solutions to discrete optimization problems.

Conclusion

We show that the ACO algorithm is potentially competitive in comparison with state-of-the-art algorithms for the minimum evolution principle. This is the first application of an ACO algorithm to the phylogenetic estimation problem.
Seroprevalence of HIV in pregnant women in North India: a tertiary care hospital based study
Authors: Gupta Swati , Gupta Richa , Singh Sarman
Published: November 2007

Background

Estimating the seroprevalence of HIV in a low risk population such as pregnant women provides essential information for an effective implementation of AIDS control programmes, and also for the monitoring of HIV spread within a country. Very few studies are available from north India showing the current trend in HIV prevalence in the antenatal population;which led us to carry outthis study at a tertiary care hospital in north India

Methods

Blood samples from pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi were collected after informed consent and pre-test counseling. The samples were tested for HIV antibodies as per the WHO guidelines, over a period of four years from January 2003 to December 2006.

Results

Of the 3529 pregnant women tested in four years, 0.88% (CI 0.5 – 1.24) women were found to be HIV seroreactive. Majority of the seroreactive pregnant women (41.9%) were in the age group of 20–24 years followed by the 30–34 yrs (25.8%) and 25–29 years (22.6%) age group. The mean age of the HIV positive women was 24.9 years (SD ± 1.49 yrs). The HIV seroprevalence rates showed an increasing trend from 0.7% (CI 0.14 – 2.04) in 2003–2004 to 0.9% (CI 0.49 – 1.5) in 2005–2006. This prevalence rate indicates concern, as Delhi and its adjoining states are otherwise considered as 'low prevalence states'.

Conclusion

Seroprevalence of HIV infection was found to be increasing in the last four years amongst pregnant women of North India. These findings are in contrast to the national projections.
Power grip, pinch grip, manual muscle testing or thenar atrophy – which should be assessed as a motor outcome after carpal tunnel decompression? A systematic review
Authors: Geere Jo , Chester Rachel , Kale Swati , Jerosch-Herold Christina
Published: November 2007

Background

Objective assessment of motor function is frequently used to evaluate outcome after surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). However a range of outcome measures are used and there appears to be no consensus on which measure of motor function effectively captures change. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify the methods used to assess motor function in randomized controlled trials of surgical interventions for CTS. A secondary aim was to evaluate which instruments reflect clinical change and are psychometrically robust.

Methods

The bibliographic databases Medline, AMED and CINAHL were searched for randomized controlled trials of surgical interventions for CTS. Data on instruments used, methods of assessment and results of tests of motor function was extracted by two independent reviewers.

Results

Twenty-two studies were retrieved which included performance based assessments of motor function. Nineteen studies assessed power grip dynamometry, fourteen studies used both power and pinch grip dynamometry, eight used manual muscle testing and five assessed the presence or absence of thenar atrophy. Several studies used multiple tests of motor function. Two studies included both power and pinch strength and reported descriptive statistics enabling calculation of effect sizes to compare the relative responsiveness of grip and pinch strength within study samples. The study findings suggest that tip pinch is more responsive than lateral pinch or power grip up to 12 weeks following surgery for CTS.

Conclusion

Although used most frequently and known to be reliable, power and key pinch dynamometry are not the most valid or responsive tools for assessing motor outcome up to 12 weeks following surgery for CTS. Tip pinch dynamometry more specifically targets the thenar musculature and appears to be more responsive. Manual muscle testing, which in theory is most specific to the thenar musculature, may be more sensitive if assessed using a hand held dynamometer – the Rotterdam Intrinsic Handheld Myometer. However further research is needed to evaluate its reliability and responsiveness and establish the most efficient and psychometrically robust method of evaluating motor function following surgery for CTS.
Adoption of an innovation to repair aortic aneurysms at a Canadian hospital: a qualitative case study and evaluation
Authors: Danjoux Nathalie M , Martin Douglas K , Lehoux Pascale N , Harnish Julie L , Shaul Randi Zlotnik , Bernstein Mark , Urbach David R
Published: November 2007

Background

Priority setting in health care is a challenge because demand for services exceeds available resources. The increasing demand for less invasive surgical procedures by patients, health care institutions and industry, places added pressure on surgeons to acquire the appropriate skills to adopt innovative procedures. Such innovations are often initiated and introduced by surgeons in the hospital setting. Decision-making processes for the adoption of surgical innovations in hospitals have not been well studied and a standard process for their introduction does not exist. The purpose of this study is to describe and evaluate the decision-making process for the adoption of a new technology for repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (endovascular aneurysm repair [EVAR]) in an academic health sciences centre to better understand how decisions are made for the introduction of surgical innovations at the hospital level.

Methods

A qualitative case study of the decision to adopt EVAR was conducted using a modified thematic analysis of documents and semi-structured interviews. Accountability for Reasonableness was used as a conceptual framework for fairness in priority setting processes in health care organizations.

Results

There were two key decisions regarding EVAR: the decision to adopt the new technology in the hospital and the decision to stop hospital funding. The decision to adopt EVAR was based on perceived improved patient outcomes, safety, and the surgeons' desire to innovate. This decision involved very few stakeholders. The decision to stop funding of EVAR involved all key players and was based on criteria apparent to all those involved, including cost, evidence and hospital priorities. Limited internal communications were made prior to adopting the technology. There was no formal means to appeal the decisions made.

Conclusion

The analysis yielded recommendations for improving future decisions about the adoption of surgical innovations. ese empirical findings will be used with other case studies to help develop guidelines to help decision-makers adopt surgical innovations in Canadian hospitals.
Sarcoidosis
Authors: Nunes Hilario , Bouvry Diane , Soler Paul , Valeyre Dominique
Published: November 2007

Sarcoidosis is a multisystemic disorder of unknown cause characterized by the formation of immune granulomas in involved organs. It is an ubiquitous disease with incidence (varying according to age, sex, race and geographic origin) estimated at around 16.5/100,000 in men and 19/100,000 in women. The lung and the lymphatic system are predominantly affected but virtually every organ may be involved. Other severe manifestations result from cardiac, neurological, ocular, kidney or laryngeal localizations. In most cases, sarcoidosis is revealed by persistent dry cough, eye or skin manifestations, peripheral lymph nodes, fatigue, weight loss, fever or night sweats, and erythema nodosum. Abnormal metabolism of vitamin D3 within granulomatous lesions and hypercalcemia are possible. Chest radiography is abnormal in about 90% of cases and shows lymphadenopathy and/or pulmonary infiltrates (without or with fibrosis), defining sarcoidosis stages from I to IV. The etiology remains unknown but the prevailing hypothesis is that various unidentified, likely poorly degradable antigens of either infectious or environmental origin could trigger an exaggerated immune reaction in genetically susceptible hosts. Diagnosis relies on compatible clinical and radiographic manifestations, evidence of non-caseating granulomas obtained by biopsy through tracheobronchial endoscopy or at other sites, and exclusion of all other granulomatous diseases. The evolution and severity of sarcoidosis are highly variable. Mortality is estimated at between 0.5–5%. In most benign cases (spontaneous resolution within 24–36 months), no treatment is required but a regular follow-up until recovery is necessary. In more serious cases, a medical treatment has to be prescribed either initially or at some point during follow-up according to clinical manifestations and their evolution. Systemic corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment of sarcoidosis. The minimal duration of treatment is 12 months. Some patients experience repeated relapses and may require long-term low-dose corticosteroid therapy during years. Other treatments (immunosuppressive drugs and aminoquinolins) may be useful in case of unsatisfactory response to corticosteroids, poor tolerance and as sparing agents when high doses of corticosteroids are needed for a long time. In some strictly selected cases refractory to standard therapy, specific antiTNF-αagents may offer precious improvement. Some patients benefit from topical corticosteroids.
Population phylogenomic analysis of mitochondrial DNA in wild boars and domestic pigs revealed multiple domestication events in East Asia
Authors: Wu Gui-Sheng , Yao Yong-Gang , Qu Kai-Xing , Ding Zhao-Li , Li Hui , Palanichamy Malliya G , Duan Zi-Yuan , Li Ning , Chen Yao-Sheng , Zhang Ya-Ping
Published: November 2007

Background

Previously reported evidence indicates that pigs were independently domesticated in multiple places throughout the world. However, a detailed picture of the origin and dispersal of domestic pigs in East Asia has not yet been reported.

Results

Population phylogenomic analysis was conducted in domestic pigs and wild boars by screening the haplogroup-specific mutation motifs inferred from a phylogenetic tree of pig complete mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences. All domestic pigs are clustered into single clade D (which contains subclades D1, D2, D3, and D4), with wild boars from East Asia being interspersed. Three haplogroups within D1 are dominant in the Mekong region (D1a2 and D1b) and the middle and downstream regions of the Yangtze River (D1a1a), and may represent independent founders of domestic pigs. None of the domestic pig samples from North East Asia, the Yellow River region, and the upstream region of the Yangtze River share the same haplogroup status with the local wild boars. The limited regional distributions of haplogroups D1 (including its subhaplogroups), D2, D3, and D4 in domestic pigs suggest at least two different in situ domestication events.

Conclusion

The use of fine-grained mtDNA phylogenomic analysis of wild boars and domestic pigs is a powerful tool with which to discern the origin of domestic pigs. Our findings show that pig domestication in East Asia mainly occurred in the Mekong region and the middle and downstream regions of the Yangtze River.
Genome-wide expression profiling and bioinformatics analysis of diurnally regulated genes in the mouse prefrontal cortex
Authors: Yang Shuzhang , Wang Kai , Valladares Otto , Hannenhalli Sridhar , Bucan Maja
Published: November 2007

Background

The prefrontal cortex is important in regulating sleep and mood. Diurnally regulated genes in the prefrontal cortex may be controlled by the circadian system, by sleep:wake states, or by cellular metabolism or environmental responses. Bioinformatics analysis of these genes will provide insights into a wide-range of pathways that are involved in the pathophysiology of sleep disorders and psychiatric disorders with sleep disturbances.

Results

We examined gene expression in the mouse prefrontal cortex at four time points during a 24 hour (12 hour light:12 hour dark) cycle using microarrays, and identified 3,890 transcripts corresponding to 2,927 genes with diurnally regulated expression patterns. We show that 16% of the genes identified in our study are orthologs of identified clock, clock controlled or sleep/wakefulness induced genes in the mouse liver and suprachiasmatic nucleus, rat cortex and cerebellum, or Drosophila head. The diurnal expression patterns were confirmed for 16 out of 18 genes in an independent set of RNA samples. The diurnal genes fall into eight temporal categories with distinct functional attributes, as assessed by Gene Ontology classification and analysis of enriched transcription factor binding sites.

Conclusion

Our analysis demonstrates that approximately 10% of transcripts have diurnally regulated expression patterns in the mouse prefrontal cortex. Functional annotation of these genes will be important for the selection of candidate genes for behavioral mutants in the mouse and for genetic studies of disorders associated with anomalies in the sleep:wake cycle and circadian rhythm.
Tumor Residual After Surgical Cytoreduction in Prediction of Clinical Outcome in Stage IV Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: A Gynecologic Oncology Group Study
Authors: Winter William E. , Maxwell G. Larry , Tian Chunqiao , Sundborg Michael J. , Rose G. Scott , Rose Peter G. , Rubin Stephen C. , Muggia Franco , McGuire William P.
Published: November 2007

Purpose

To identify factors predictive of poor prognosis in a similarly treated population of women with stage IV epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).

Patients and Methods

A retrospective review of 360 patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IV EOC who underwent primary surgery followed by six cycles of intravenous platinum/paclitaxel was performed. A proportional hazards model was used to assess the association of potential prognostic factors with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

The median PFS and OS for this group of stage IV ovarian cancer patients was 12 and 29 months, respectively. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that histology, malignant pleural effusion, intraparenchymal liver metastasis, and residual tumor size were significant prognostic variables. Whereas patients with microscopic residual disease had the best outcome, patients with 0.1 to 1.0 cm residual disease and patients with 1.1 to 5.0 cm residual disease had similar PFS and OS. Patients with a residual size more than 5 cm had a diminished PFS and OS when compared with all other groups. Median OS for microscopic, 0.1 to 5.0 cm, and more than 5.0 cm residual disease was 64, 30, and 19 months, respectively.

Conclusion

Patients with more than 5 cm residual disease have the shortest PFS and OS, whereas patients with 0.1 to 1.0 and 1.1 to 5.0 cm have similar outcome. These findings suggest that ultraradical cytoreductive procedures might be targeted for selected patients in whom microscopic residual disease is achievable. Patients with less than 5.0 cm of disease initially and significant disease and/or comorbidities precluding microscopic cytoreduction may be considered for alternative therapeutic options other than primary cytoreduction.