bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identificação das áreas potenciais de produção de sedimentos com o modelo AGNPS e técnicas de SIG em uma microbacia hidrográfica
Authors: Souto Adriano Rausch , Crestana Silvio
Published: November 2006

O planejamento de uso do solo em bacias hidrográficas deveria ter, como base, a identificação de áreas agrícolas suscetíveis aos processos erosivos, visto que a avaliação de sistemas integrados de manejo de solo e culturas em microbacias é campo ideal para esta investigação, uma vez que a qualidade final das águas dos rios é o reflexo das atividades ali desenvolvidas. Objetivou-se determinar áreas potenciais de poluição não pontual e avaliar práticas conservacionistas de solo, empregando-se o modelo matemático AGNPS, associado a técnicas de SIG. O estudo foi conduzido na microbacia hidrográfica córrego Água Grande e Ribeirão Pensamento, no município de Mamborê, PR, sobre as reais condições de produção agrícola. A estimativa da produção de sedimentos foi realizada através de simulações para diferentes cenários de uso do solo, referindo-se a distintos eventos de precipitação em uma seqüência de quatro anos agrícolas. Foram identificadas as causas de produção de sedimentos e as áreas potenciais, verificando-se que a modificação das técnicas de cultivo reduziu a produção de sedimentos.
Soil hydraulic conductivily measurement on a sloping field
Authors: Timm Luís Carlos , Oliveira Julio Cesar Martins de , Tominaga Tânia Toyomi , Cássaro Fábio Augusto Meira , Reichardt Klaus , Bacchi Osny Oliveira Santos
Published: November 2006

A field methodology is presented for the measurement of the soil hydraulic conductivity in a sloping field, minimizing the leveling soil movement before water pounding and redistribution. The assurance of vertical flow only is performed through soil water potential isolines. The hydraulic conductivity was determined by the instantaneous profile method. Results for the nine neutron probe access tubes indicate that one single K(theta) relation is sufficient to represent the experimental site.
Caracterização hidráulica do tubo gotejador Hidrodrip II
Authors: Oliveira Allison Magno de Sousa , Porto Filho Francisco de Queiroz , Medeiros José Francismar de , Costa Maristélio da Cruz
Published: November 2006

O objetivo, com este trabalho realizado em laboratório, foi estudar as características hidráulicas do tubo gotejador Hidrodrip II, 2,3 L h-1, cujos emissores, inseridos nos tubos durante o processo de fabricação e espaçados a 0,3 m, apresentam formato tipo labirinto. Submeteram-se os tubos a diferentes pressões, para determinação das características hidráulicas: relação vazão-pressão dos emissores e coeficiente de variação de fabricação; também, avaliou-se o efeito da temperatura na vazão dos gotejadores. Os emissores apresentaram regime de fluxo turbulento (x = 0,51) e valor médio de 1,49% para o coeficiente de variação de fabricação, enquanto a variação de temperatura, de 30 a 60 ºC, reduziu a vazão dos gotejadores, em aproximadamente 1,75%.
Xenotransplantation of Long-Term-Cultured Swine Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Nakamura Yasuhiro , Wang Xiaohong , Xu Chengsu , Asakura Atsushi , Yoshiyama Minoru , From Arthur H.L. , Zhang Jianyi
Published: November 2006

Swine-derived MSCs were efficiently isolated and extensively expanded using a low fetal serum content growth medium to which selected growth factors were added. After ≥96 cell population doublings (PDs), MSCs were devoid of cytogenetic abnormalities. In vitro chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation capacity was preserved after 80 PDs. To test therapeutic efficacy, 1 × 106 80-PD MSCs were injected directly into the peri-infarct zone of hearts of immunodeficient (non-obese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient) mice at the time of acute myocardial infarction. Engrafted MSCs survived in the infarcted hearts for at least 4 weeks. Echocardiography at 2 and 4 weeks postinfarction revealed a significant preservation of the left ventricular ejection fractions of infarct hearts receiving MSCs compared with infarct hearts receiving saline. Peri-infarct zone capillarity was better preserved in MSC-treated hearts than other infarct groups of hearts, but infarct size was comparable in all groups. Only rare engrafted MSCs expressed cardiac-specific or endothelial cell-specific markers. Hence, 80-PD MSCs retained the capacity to promote functional improvement in the infarcted heart despite minimal differentiation of MSCs into cardiomyocytes or endothelial cells. These data suggest that the beneficial effects of MSC transplantation most likely result from the trophic effects of MSC-released substances on native cardiac and vascular cells. The capacity to massively expand MSC lines without loss of therapeutic efficacy may prove to be useful in the clinical setting where “off the shelf” MSCs may be required for interventions in patients with acute coronary syndromes.
Identification of Common Pathways Mediating Differentiation of Bone Marrow- and Adipose Tissue-Derived Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Three Mesenchymal Lineages
Authors: Liu Tong Ming , Martina Monique , Hutmacher Dietmar W. , Hui James Hoi Po , Lee Eng Hin , Lim Bing
Published: November 2006

Mesenchymal stem cells derived from human bone marrow (hBMSCs) and human adipose tissue (hAMSCs) represent a useful source of progenitor cells for cell therapy and tissue engineering. However, it is not clear what the similarities and differences between them are. Like hBMSCs, hAMSCs can differentiate into osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic cells. Whether MSCs derived from different tissue sources represent fundamentally similar or different cell types is not clear. Given the possible different sources of MSCs for cell therapy, a comprehensive comparison of the different MSCs would be very useful. Here, we compared the transcriptome profile of hAMCS and hBMSCs during directed differentiation into bone, cartilage, and fat. Our data revealed considerable similarities between bone marrow-derived MSCs (BMSCs) and adipose tissue-derived MSCs (AMSCs). We uncovered an interesting bifurcation of pathways in both BMSCs and AMSCs, in which osteogenesis and adipogenesis appear to be linked in a differentiation branch separate from chondrogenesis. Our data suggest that although a set of common genes may be needed for early differentiation into all three lineages, a different set of signature genes is associated with maturation into fully differentiated cells. The recruitment of different late differentiation factors explains and supports our conclusion that BMSCs differentiate more efficiently into bone and cartilage, whereas AMSCs differentiate better into adipocytes. This study not only generated a rich database for continuing molecular characterization of various MSCs but also provided a rational basis for assessing qualities of MSCs from different sources for the purpose of cell-based therapy and tissue engineering.
Concise Review: Embryonic Stem Cells: A New Tool to Study Osteoblast and Osteoclast Differentiation
Authors: Duplomb Laurence , Dagouassat Maylis , Jourdon Philippe , Heymann Dominique
Published: November 2006

Bone remodeling involves synthesis of organic matrix by osteoblasts and bone resorption by osteoclasts. A tight collaboration between these two cell types is essential to maintain a physiological bone homeostasis. Thus, osteoblasts control bone-resorbing activities and are also involved in osteoclast differentiation. Any disturbance between these effectors leads to the development of skeletal abnormalities and/or bone diseases. In this context, the determination of key genes involved in bone cell differentiation is a new challenge to treat any skeletal disorders. Different models are used to study the differentiation process of these cells, but all of them use pre-engaged progenitor cells, allowing us to study only the latest stages of the differentiation. Embryonic stem (ES) cells come from the inner mass of the blastocyst prior its implantation to the uterine wall. Because of their capacity to differentiate into all germ layers, and so into all tissues of the body, ES cells represent the best model by which to study earliest stages of bone cell differentiation. Osteoblasts are generated by two methods, one including the generation of embryoid body, the other not. Mineralizing cells are obtained after 2 weeks of culture and express all the specific osteoblastic markers (alkaline phosphatase, type I collagen, osteocalcin, and others). Osteoclasts are generated from a single-cell suspension of ES cells seeded on a feeder monolayer, and bone-resorbing cells expressing osteoclastic markers such as tartrate-resistant alkaline phosphatase or receptor activator of nuclear factor κB are obtained within 11 days. The aim of this review is to present recent discoveries and advances in the differentiation of both osteoblasts and osteoclasts from ES cells.
Reducing uncertainty in the hydraulic analysis of canals
Authors: Dun R. W.
Published: November 2006

British Waterways is the largest navigation authority in the UK, managing a network of 3200 km of inland waterway. Central to this function is the management of a large and complex water supply system: water is transferred across the network for resource management, to maintain navigation, for sale to third parties and for flood relief. Understanding the movement of water is essential to the effective and efficient management of this system. One-dimensional hydraulic models are routinely employed by water engineers to investigate such regimes throughout the UK. This paper describes recent studies aimed at reducing the uncertainties associated with the application of such models. This was achieved with a programme of primary research that included extensive site surveys, hydraulic trials and modelling. The outputs of this work include: validation of Manning's roughness representation for canals; determination of roughness coefficients for a range of bed and bank protection types; development of a practical relationship for determining the effective roughness of vegetated canals; and the quantification of the impact of canal constrictions. This work is of interest to consultants, researchers and those who undertake hydraulic modelling studies of canal systems.
Conveyance estimation for channels with emergent vegetation boundaries
Authors: James C. S. , Makoa M. J.
Published: November 2006

Emergent vegetation strips occur commonly in rivers, especially along the banks, and have a significant influence on channel conveyance. A simple approach is presented for estimating the conveyance in such rivers, and the method is tested against laboratory and field data. Field data are also used to determine a realistic value of the resistance coefficient for marginal vegetation boundaries. Laboratory experiments have shown that the resistance of vegetation strips depends on the number of vegetation/ clear channel interfaces, and that the overall Manning resistance coefficient n varies strongly with flow depth. For practical purposes, conveyance can be estimated by summing the discharges in vegetated and clear channel zones, calculated separately but with allowance made for the interzonal interaction. The clear channel discharge usually makes the major contribution and can be reliably determined by application of familiar composite roughness formulae, accounting for different bed and side boundary resistance. Field data indicate a Manning's n of about 0·13 for a typical emergent vegetation side boundary. The vegetated zone discharge is invariably underestimated by using a basic vegetation resistance equation without accounting for interzonal interaction effects, especially for narrow strips, but its contribution to the total channel discharge is usually relatively small.
Slice modules over minimal 2-fundamental algebras
Authors: Pogorzały Zygmunt , Szmyt Karolina
Published: November 2006

We consider a class of algebras whose Auslander-Reiten quivers have starting components that are not generalized standard. For these components we introduce a generalization of a slice and show that only in finitely many cases (up to isomorphism) a slice module is a tilting module.
Myelodysplastic syndrome with an unbalanced 1;16 translocation in a case of early age of onset
Authors: Dean Sarah , Mohamed Anwar N.
Published: November 2006

We present a 30‐year‐old male patient diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Chromosome analysis of the bone marrow aspirate revealed a derivative chromosome resulting from an unbalanced 1;16 translocation causing the gain of 1q and loss of 16q. Dual color fluorescence in situ hybridization demonstrated that the 1q;16p derivative chromosome contained centomeric material derived from chromosome 1, and accordingly the translocation was designated as a der (1)t(1;16)(p11;p11.1). Review of literature revealed that 1;16 translocation in MDS is nonrandom and is always described as unbalanced, resulting in trisomy 1q and monosomy 16q. Am. J. Hematol., 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Noise‐induced vocal modulation in cotton‐top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus)
Authors: Roian Egnor S.E. , Hauser Marc D.
Published: November 2006

The Lombard effect—an increase in vocalization amplitude in response to an increase in background noise—is observed in a wide variety of animals. We investigated this basic form of vocal control in the cotton‐top tamarin (Saguinus oedipus) by measuring the amplitude of a contact call, the combination long call (CLC), while simultaneously varying the background noise level. All subjects showed a significant increase in call amplitude and syllable duration in response to an increase in background noise amplitude. Together with prior results, this study shows that tamarins have greater vocal control in the context of auditory feedback perturbation than previously suspected. Am. J. Primatol. 68:1183–1190, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
New recyclable catalytic system: PdCl2–Dppc+ PF6−–[bmim][PF6] for the Suzuki coupling reaction
Authors: Ren Yong , Yu Guang‐Ao , Guan Jintao , Liu Sheng Hua
Published: November 2006

An air‐stable and highly efficient PdCl2–Dppc+ PF6−–[bmim][PF6] catalytic system has been developed for the Suzuki coupling reaction of various aryl bromides with phenylboronic acid. The catalytic system can be recycled at least 10 times with minimal loss of activity. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantification of trace elements in human serum fractions by liquid chromatography and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Mestek Oto , Komínková Jana , Koplík Richard , Kodíček Milan , Zima Tomáš
Published: November 2006

On‐line coupling of LC and ICP‐MS has been used for fractionation and detection of species of Cu, Fe, I, Se and Zn in human serum. It has been shown that anion exchange chromatography provided better separation capability (both intra‐ and inter‐element) than size‐exclusion chromatography. The mobile phases for ion exchange chromatography consisted of Tris–HNO3 buffer and ammonium salt (nitrate, acetate or formate). Formate was found to be the best mobile phase counter ion, enabling good chromatographic separation, and is acceptable for mass spectrometry too. The quantitative evaluation of element concentrations adhering to individual fractions was performed by the peak area normalization method. The repeatability of results ranged from 3 to 15% (depending on the element concentration level) and represented the main part of the result uncertainty. The accuracy of Cu and Zn fraction determinations was confirmed by comparison with the isotope dilution technique. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recrystallization and Shape Control of Crystals of the Organic Dye Acid Green 27 in a Mixed Solvent
Authors: Cong Huai‐Ping , Yu Shu‐Hong
Published: November 2006

Recrystallization of the unstructured dye acid green 27 (AG27) in a mixed solvent of alcohol (ethanol or methanol) and water was systematically studied. The results demonstrated that AG27 crystals with uniform sizes and controllable shapes can be produced by simply changing the volume ratio of ethanol (or methanol) and deionized water (DIW). Rodlike and shuttlelike AG27 crystals can be selectively synthesized. The XRD analyses revealed the periodic structures of the organic crystals. Furthermore, crystallization in another mixed solvent of N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) and DIW results in the formation of longer fibers with high aspect ratio, which further validates the remarkable effects of mixed solvent on the shape of the AG27 crystals. This method of recrystallization in a mixed solvent is expected to facilitate the synthesis of other functional organic crystals with unusual shapes.
Hepatic artery chemoembolization for 110 gastrointestinal stromal tumors
Authors: Kobayashi Katsuhiro , Gupta Sanjay , Trent Jonathan C. , Vauthey Jean‐Nicolas , Krishnamurthy Savitri , Ensor Joe , Ahrar Kamran , Wallace Michael J. , Madoff David C. , Murthy Ravi , McRae Stephen E. , Hicks Marshall E.
Published: November 2006

BACKGROUND.

The efficacy of hepatic artery chemoembolization (HACE) was evaluated for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) metastatic to the liver.

METHODS.

Records for patients with metastatic GIST who underwent HACE between January 1993 and March 2005 were reviewed and cross‐sectional images were used to determine objective tumor response. Progression‐free survival in the liver (PFS‐liver) and overall survival (OS) were calculated with the Kaplan–Meier method. Patient, tumor, and treatment variables were analyzed to identify factors influencing survival.

RESULTS.

Of the 110 patients identified, the radiologic response to HACE could be evaluated in 85 patients, 12 of whom (14%) demonstrated partial responses, 63 of whom (74%) demonstrated stable disease, and 10 of whom (12%) demonstrated progressive disease. PFS‐liver rates were 31.2%, 8.2%, and 5.4% at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively; the median PFS time was 8.2 months. OS rates were 62% at 1 year, 32% at 2 years, and 20% at 3 years; the median OS time was 17.2 months. Patients who had >5 liver metastases and received only 1 HACE treatment were found to have a shorter PFS compared with patients with fewer metastases or those who received ≥2 HACE sessions. Extensive liver involvement, the presence of extrahepatic metastases, and progression of liver disease after HACE were associated with poor OS. Use of imatinib prolonged OS time.

CONCLUSIONS.

HACE produced a durable tumor response or disease stabilization in the majority of patients with GISTs metastatic to liver. Extent of liver disease, presence of extrahepatic disease, number of embolization treatments, and use of imatinib were found to have prognostic influence on PFS, OS, or both. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Investigation of Plasma Equilibrium in the Saskatchewan Torus‐Modified (STOR‐M) during Alternating Current Operation
Authors: Singh A. K. , Morelli J. , Xiao C. , Mitarai O. , Hirose A.
Published: November 2006

An experiment to investigate the source of plasma equilibrium of the residual plasma at zero cross over of plasma current is presented. The role of limiter in providing this equilibrium by short circuiting the electric field developed due to the toroidal drifts is examined by measuring the current flowing through the limiter. The role of a fast poloidal rotation observed by a set of Mach probes, during zero cross over is also examined in providing the equilibrium. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Start‐Up Transient in a Hall Thruster
Authors: Taccogna F. , Longo S. , Capitelli M. , Schneider R.
Published: November 2006

For the first time a two dimensional axisymmetric fully kinetic Particle‐in‐Cell/Monte Carlo Collision (PICMCC) model is used to describe the start‐up transient of the acceleration channel in a Hall thruster. The Poisson equation and a secondary electron emission model are invoked for the description of the plasma dynamic phase. Numerical results have been used to see the formation and evolution of the discharge inside the channel. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Application of High Current and Current Zero Simulations of High‐Voltage Circuit Breakers
Authors: Franck C. M. , Seeger M.
Published: November 2006

This paper reports on the use of computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations to predict the interruption behaviour of high‐voltage circuit breakers (HV‐CB) using the self‐blast principle. Two different levels of accuracy of the arc model are proven to be sufficiently accurate for simulating the high‐current phase and the period around current zero (CZ). For the high‐current phase, a simplified equivalent model of the arc is implemented to predict the pressure build‐up, and even more important to accurately trace the hot gas from the arcing zone into the exhausts and the heating volume. A detailed analysis of the gas mixing in the heating volume for different arcing times and current amplitudes showed the optimum geometrical design of the heating volume. For the CZ phase, a more detailed arc model is needed including the effects of ohmic heating, radiative energy transfer, and turbulent cooling fully resolved in space and time. The validation with experiments was done and shows good agreement which justifies the use of the implemented model. With it, scaling laws varying only one parameter at a time (pressure and applied current slope) were derived and confirm previously found empirical laws. This is of particular interest, as it is very difficult to derive such scaling laws from experiments where the scatter is always very large and where it is impossible to vary only one parameter at a time. The influence of the most important geometrical parameters of the nozzle on the interruption performance is shown. In addition to previous experimental indications of this, the simulation reveals that turbulent cooling on the arc edge is the main reason for the difference in interruption performance. Moreover, the exact spatio‐temporal build‐up of arc resistance and with it the detailed understanding of the arc interruption process is possible and shown here for the first time. These simulations enable us to predict HV‐CB performance and to minimise the number of development tests and are routinely used in new development projects. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Numerical Analysis and Simulation Analysis for Space‐Time Data
Authors: Hassouba M. A. , Al‐Naggar H. I. , Al‐Naggar N. M. , Wilke C.
Published: November 2006

Spatio temporal dynamics of the positive column of a dc neon glow discharge is studied and investigated experimentally and theoretically. Spatio temporal analysis by means of biorthogonal decomposition method (BOD) gives insights into the mechanism of irregularity and can be employed for characterization of spatio‐ temporal complexity. In the weak nonlinear region, the wave dynamics is approximated by an amplitude equation of the Ginzburg‐Landau equation (CGLE) with complex coefficients and an additional integral term based on a fluid model. In the present work we deal with irregular spatio‐temporal data. A comparison between the numerical analysis of the experimental data and simulation results are studied. A good agreement between the dynamical behaviour for experimental space‐time data and theoretical simulation space‐time results was obtained. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A Note on the Breakdown Time Delay Distribution: The Analytical Properties
Authors: Nadarajah S. , Kotz S.
Published: November 2006

Following up from the recent work of Maluckov et al. (2005), we derive explicit expressions for the probability density function, cumulative distribution function and the means of the electrical breakdown time delay (tD). We also provide a 9–line computer program for computing the associated percentile points (and hence the associated confidence intervals). We expect that the results presented could be useful for modeling time delay distributions in electrical breakdowns. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Profiling genomic copy number changes in retinoblastoma beyond loss of RB1
Authors: Bowles Ella , Corson Timothy W. , Bayani Jane , Squire Jeremy A. , Wong Nathalie , Lai Paul B.‐S. , Gallie Brenda L.
Published: November 2006

Loss of both RB1 alleles is rate limiting for development of retinoblastoma (RB), but genomic copy number gain or loss may impact oncogene(s) and tumor suppressor genes, facilitating tumor progression. We used quantitative multiplex polymerase chain reaction to profile “hot spot” genomic copy number changes for gain at 1q32.1, 6p22, and MYCN, and loss at 16q22 in 87 primary RB and 7 cell lines. Loss at 16q22 (48%) negatively associated with MYCN gain (18%) (Fisher's exact P = 0.031), gain at 1q32.1 (62%) positively associated with 6p “hot spot” gain (43%) (P = 0.033), and there was a trend for positive association between 1q and MYCN gain (P = 0.095). Cell lines had a higher frequency of MYCN amplification than primary tumors (29% versus 3%; P= 0.043). Novel high‐level amplification of 1q32.1 in one primary tumor, confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization, strongly supports the presence of oncogene(s) in this region, possibly the mitotic kinesin, KIF14. Gene‐specific quantitative multiplex polymerase chain reaction of candidate oncogenes at 1q32.1 (KIF14), 6p22 (E2F3 and DEK), and tumor suppressor genes at 16q22 (CDH11) and 17q21 (NGFR) showed the most common gene gains in RB to be KIF14 in cell lines (80%) and E2F3 in primary tumors (70%). The patterns of gain/loss were qualitatively different in 25 RB compared with 12 primary hepatocellular carcinoma and 12 breast cancer cell lines. Gene specific analysis of one bone marrow metastasis of RB, prechemotherapy and postchemotherapy, showed the typical genomic changes of RB pretreatment, which normalized after chemotherapy. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Further evidence of attention bias for negative information in late life depression
Authors: Broomfield Niall M. , Davies Rachel , MacMahon Kenneth , Ali Farah , Cross Susan M. B.
Published: November 2006

Objectives

Pilot research using the manual (card based) emotional Stroop paradigm shows depressed elders selectively attend negative words, whereas dementia patients do not. The present study aimed to confirm this effect, using a more controlled, computerised, emotional Stroop paradigm, and accounting for co‐morbid anxiety.

Method

Nineteen depressed (DEP) and twenty non depressed control participants (CON) completed a computerised Emotional Stroop task. This task involves colour naming individually presented negative, positive and neutral words. Mean participant age was 72.25 years. All participants were free of significant cognitive impairment.

Results

Consistent with hypotheses, analysis of variance revealed a general cognitive slowing amongst DEP, and a specific interference effect for negative words, in this group, suggesting attention bias.

Conclusions

Previous pilot data are confirmed. The emotional Stroop paradigm may have clinical potential for distinguishing geriatric depression and dementia, although as yet this is far from clear. Detailed development work including comparison with depressed and non depressed Alzheimer's patients, will be necessary to demonstrate diagnostic validity. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quetiapine indication shift in the elderly: diagnosis and dosage in 208 psychogeriatric patients from 2000 to 2006
Authors: Hilwerling Lorenz , Juckel Georg , Schröder Stefan Georg
Published: November 2006

Rationale

Quetiapine was approved in Germany as an atypical antipsychotic for treatment of schizophrenia in 2000, followed by the approval as an antipsychotic for treatment of bipolar mania in 2003. The approval of quetiapine for treatment of bipolar depression is expected. We hypothesized that the psychogeriatric prescription pattern for quetiapine shifts from the psychotic to the affective spectrum.

Methods

Retrospectively we screened discharge reports of all geriatric inpatients of the psychiatric department of the Ruhr‐University of Bochum in the period from January 2001 until March 2006 and identified 208 individual patients aged over 60 years, who had received quetiapine as final medication. Age, gender, daily drug dose, year of treatment and diagnosis (according to ICD‐10) were recorded and analyzed.

Results

Over the six‐year time span, the proportion of affective disorders (F3) as indication for quetiapine in the elderly increased, whereas the proportion of dementia (F0) as indication for quetiapine decreased significantly. The proportion of schizophrenic disorders (F2) treated with quetiapine did not change significantly.

Discussion

Since the decision of the German Federal Court in 2002 ‘off label’ use goes to the expenses of the prescriber. So the decrease of quetiapine in dementia is probably due to its ‘off label’ status in dementia. The psychogeriatric indication shift for quetiapine towards affective disorders could be the consequence of good clinical experiences with the drug and growing evidence for its antidepressant effect.

Conclusion

In addition to controlled pharmacological trials prospective clinical research is needed to evaluate the prescription attitudes of clinicians. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expanding the usefulness of Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) for depressed elders with co‐morbid cognitive impairment
Authors: Miller Mark D. , Reynolds Charles F.
Published: November 2006

Background

The utility of Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) has been documented as a maintenance treatment for late life depression as mono‐therapy or in combination with antidepressant medication. Late life depression, however, is frequently co‐morbid with declining memory or other cognitive abilities such that the usefulness of one‐to‐one psychotherapies is called into question for this subgroup. Additionally, concerned caregivers often accompany these patients to request help and their role in the presenting symptoms and in their potential resolution must also be addressed by any successful psychotherapy in this population.

Objectives

To explore ways in which IPT could be modified to better serve the particular presentation and needs of depressed elders with cognitive decline along with their caregivers.

Methods

Various modifications of traditional IPT techniques were experimented with and refined in our collaborative late life research center using regular group supervision and feedback from patients and their caregivers.

Results

A key component of these modifications involves the integration of the caregiver into the treatment process in flexible ways that recognize their own role transition that is taking place simultaneously with that of the patient's role transition from a greater to a lesser functional state. Other techniques for resolving role conflicts, particularly those directly involving care issues for the patient, are also delineated. These modifications are collectively referred to as IPT‐CI for cognitive impairment. A brief case vignette is presented.

Conclusion

The modifications outlined in this communication reflect an evolving work‐in‐progress and serve as a framework for the future development of a manual of guidelines to assist healthcare personnel to optimally treat this population and their caregivers. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monomodal Polyelectrolyte Complex Nanoparticles of PDADMAC/Poly(styrenesulfonate): Preparation and Protein Interaction
Authors: Ouyang Wuye , Müller Martin
Published: November 2006

Summary: The binding of the model proteins HSA, LYZ and MYO to PEC nanoparticles is reported. PEC particles were prepared by mixing solutions of PDADMAC either with PSS or PMA‐MS, followed by consecutive centrifugation. Monomodal anionic (PEC‐1.50) and cationic (PEC‐0.66) PEC particles were obtained using non‐stoichiometric mixing ratios. PEC/protein conjugates were prepared by adding charged protein solutions to dispersions of respective like charged PEC particles, followed by one centrifugation step. Mixing proteins and PEC particles under attractive conditions led to flocculation of the dispersion. From CD, DLS and AFM the following trend for protein binding at PEC particles under repulsive conditions was obtained: HSA/PEC‐1.50 > MYO/PEC‐1.50 > LYZ/PEC‐0.66. Protein uptakes up to 0.33 g · g−1 (protein/PEC) (CD) and particle diameter enlargements up to 13 nm (AFM) were obtained at cPROT = 0.091 mg · mL−1. Furthermore, novel spin coated films of PEC particles were interacted with proteins under both repulsive and attractive conditions. In‐situ ATR FT‐IR spectroscopy revealed that the adsorbed amount of HSA and LYZ under attractive conditions was significantly higher than under repulsive ones, which is analogous to protein adsorption at polyelectrolyte multilayers terminated either by polycation or polyanion. Similarly to the dispersed PEC/protein conjugates, under repulsive conditions the uptake of HSA was higher compared to LYZ. The shown protein uptake under repulsive conditions is related to concepts of mild enzyme or protein binding at nonbiogenic substrates.

Binding of model proteins (small spheres) polyelectrolyte complex particles.

magnified image

Binding of model proteins (small spheres) polyelectrolyte complex particles.
Exploring Protein Structure and Dynamics under Denaturing Conditions by Single‐Molecule FRET Analysis
Authors: Nienhaus Gerd Ulrich
Published: November 2006

Summary: Proteins are highly complex biopolymers, exhibiting a substantial degree of structural variability in their properly folded, native state. In the presence of denaturants, this heterogeneity is greatly enhanced, and fluctuations take place among vast numbers of folded and unfolded conformations via many different pathways. To better understand protein folding it is necessary to explore the structural and energetic properties of the folded and unfolded polypeptide chain, as well as the trajectories along which the chain navigates through its multi‐dimensional conformational energy landscape. In recent years, single‐molecule fluorescence spectroscopy has been established as a powerful tool in this research area, as it allows one to monitor the structure and dynamics of individual polypeptide chains in real time with atomic scale resolution using Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). Consequently, time trajectories of folding transitions can be directly observed, including transient intermediates that may exist along these pathways. Here we illustrate the power of single‐molecule fluorescence with our recent work on the structure and dynamics of the small enzyme RNase H in the presence of the chemical denaturant guanidinium chloride (GdmCl). For FRET analysis, a pair of fluorescent dyes was attached to the enzyme at specific locations. In order to observe conformational changes of individual protein molecules for up to several hundred seconds, the proteins were immobilized on nanostructured, polymer coated glass surfaces specially developed to have negligible interactions with folded and unfolded proteins. The single‐molecule FRET analysis gave insight into structural changes of the unfolded polypeptide chain in response to varying the denaturant concentration, and the time traces revealed stepwise transitions in the FRET levels, reflecting conformational dynamics. Barriers in the free energy landscape of RNase H were estimated from the kinetics of the transitions.

Ideal, funnel shaped global energy landscape of a protein.

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Ideal, funnel shaped global energy landscape of a protein.
Bubble‐based stabilization for the Helmholtz equation
Authors: Harari Isaac , Gosteev Kirill
Published: November 2006

A comparison of two bubble‐enriched methods, derived by different considerations, indicates that the methods are identical in some cases. Thus, series representations of auxiliary functions, derived independently for the two methods, turn out to be equivalent prior to truncation. Three such series for time‐harmonic acoustics are considered. Dispersion analysis points to the more efficient series representation and provides guidelines for the number of terms to be retained. Numerical tests confirm the validity of these practical guidelines. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiple glass transitions and local composition effects on polymer solvent mixtures
Authors: Lipson Jane E. G. , Milner Scott T.
Published: November 2006

Recent differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results on polystyrene–solvent mixtures show two distinct glass transitions whose positions and widths vary with composition. Parallel work on the dynamic response in polymer blends has focused on how segmental mobilities are controlled by local composition variations within a “cooperative volume” containing the segment. Such variations arise from both chain connectivity and composition fluctuations. We account for both using a lattice model for polymer–solvent mixtures that yields the composition distribution around polymer and solvent segments. Insights from our lattice model lead us to simplified calculations of the mean and variance of local composition, both in good agreement with lattice results. Applying our model to compute DSC traces leads to an estimate of the cooperative volume, since a larger cooperative volume both reduces the biasing effect of connectivity, and narrows the composition distribution. Comparing our results to data, we are able to account for the composition‐dependent broadening with a cooperative length scale of about 2.5 nm. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 3528–3545, 2006
Monte Carlo simulations of the crystallization of isotactic polypropylene
Authors: Chen Xiaofeng , Kumar Sanat K. , Ozisik Rahmi
Published: November 2006

We model the temperature dependent conformational changes and orientational and translational ordering of isotactic polypropylene melt in the vicinity of its melting temperature. We use the coarse grained second nearest neighbor lattice model, which has previously been shown to properly model the liquid state thermodynamics of this material. Equilibrium Monte Carlo (MC) simulations show the existence of two characteristic temperatures. Above T = 450 K the chains assume standard Gaussian statistics, but below this temperature we find that helix formation is thermodynamically favored even though the melt is still disordered. Both the helix length and fraction of chain monomers involved in helices increase monotonically with decreasing temperature, and below T = 385 K this material undergoes crystallization. Our results are consistent with recent simulations, which suggest that isothermal crystallization is temporally preceded by the formation of a smectic phase: we argue that the helices are long enough under these conditions to support liquid crystallinity. The crystallinity then evolves in these liquid crystalline “droplets”. Further, we can understand the recent results of de Jeu et al. who had found that isotactic polypropylene chains formed a smectic‐like phase under the action of a planar shear even at temperatures above the equilibrium melting point. In summary, these findings support the following physical picture: the unusual spinodal decomposition phenomena seen in the early stages of isothermal crystallization, which have been assigned to the formation of small liquid crystal droplets, have equilibrium signatures above the melting point where locally rigid chain sequences become thermodynamically stable. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 3453–3460, 2006
NMR structure and binding studies confirm that PA4608 from Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a PilZ domain and a c‐di‐GMP binding protein
Authors: Ramelot Theresa A. , Yee Adelinda , Cort John R. , Semesi Anthony , Arrowsmith Cheryl H. , Kennedy Michael A.
Published: November 2006

PA4608 is a 125 residue protein from Pseudomonas aeruginosa with a recent identification as a PilZ domain and putative bis‐(3′‐5′)‐cyclic dimeric guanosine monophosphate (c‐di‐GMP) adaptor protein that plays a role in bacterial second‐messenger regulated processes. The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) structure of PA4608 has been determined and c‐di‐GMP binding has been confirmed by NMR titration studies. The monomeric core structure of PA4608 contains a six‐stranded anti‐parallel β barrel flanked by three helices. Conserved surface residues among PA4608 homologs suggest the c‐di‐GMP binding site is at one end of the barrel and includes residues in the helices as well as in the unstructured N‐terminus. Chemical shift changes in PA4608 resonances upon titration with c‐di‐GMP confirm binding. This evidence supports the hypothesis that proteins containing PilZ domains are the long‐sought c‐di‐GMP adaptor proteins. Proteins 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gastric Body Partition for Giant Perforated Peptic Ulcer in Critically Ill Elderly Patients
Authors: Shyu Jia‐Fwu , Chen Tien‐Hua , Shyr Yi‐Ming , Su Cheng‐Hsi , Wu Chew‐Wun , Lui Wing‐Yiu
Published: November 2006

Background

To prevent or minimize leakage after simple closure of giant perforated peptic ulcers in critically ill elderly patients, we conducted a clinical study using gastric body partition to prevent upstream gastric juice and food from passing through the sutured ulcer.

Methods

Ten critically ill elderly patients with giant (> 2.5 m) perforated peptic ulcer were included in the study of gastric body partition.

Results

The patients’ mean age was 78.2 years and mean delay in treatment was 95.6 hours. None of the 10 patients had major complications after operation, although minor leakage of the sutured ulcer occurred in 4 patients. Only one patient presented with recurrent anastomotic ulcer and one patient died 28 days after surgery.

Conclusions

Gastric body partition and gastrojejunostomy, in addition to simple closure of a giant perforated peptic ulcer, could be a quick, easy, and potentially effective alternative to avoid or at least to minimize leakage of the sutured ulcer. Moreover, gastric body partition, unlike antral partition, might not necessarily increase risks of hypergastrinemia and marginal ulcer.
A Population‐Based Study of Pancreatic Trauma in Scotland
Authors: Scollay John M. , Yip Vincent S.K. , Garden O. James , Parks R.W.
Published: November 2006

Introduction

The aim of this population‐based study was to assess the incidence, mechanisms, management and outcome of patients who sustained pancreatic trauma in Scotland over the period 1992–2002.

Methods

The Scottish Trauma Audit Group database was searched for details of any patient with pancreatic trauma.

Results

About 111 of 52,676 patients (0.21%) were identified as having sustained pancreatic trauma. The male‐to‐female ratio was 3:1, with a median age of 32 years. Blunt trauma accounted for 66% of injuries. Road traffic accidents were the most common mechanism of injury (44%), followed by assaults (35%). Thirty‐four patients (31%) were haemodynamically unstable on arrival at hospital. Pancreatic trauma was associated with injuries to the chest (56%), head (30%) and extremities (30%); 73% of patients had other intra‐abdominal injuries. Of those who left the emergency department alive, at least 77% required a laparotomy. The mortality rate (46%) was directly proportional to the number of injuries sustained (P < 0.05) and was higher in patients with increasing age (P < 0.05), haemodynamic instability (P < 0.05) and blunt trauma (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Pancreatic trauma is rare in Scotland but is associated with significant mortality. Outcome was worse in patients with advanced age, haemodynamic instability, blunt trauma and multiple injuries.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Malignancy: A Review
Authors: Daruwalla Jurstine , Christophi Chris
Published: November 2006

One unique feature of tumors is the presence of hypoxic regions, which occur predominantly at the tumor center. Hypoxia has a major impact on various aspects of tumor cell function and proliferation. Hypoxic tumor cells are relatively insensitive to conventional therapy owing to cellular adaptations effected by the hypoxic microenvironment. Recent efforts have aimed to alter the hypoxic state and to reverse these adaptations to improve treatment outcome. One way to increase tumor oxygen tensions is by hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy. HBO therapy can influence the tumor microenvironment at several levels. It can alter tumor hypoxia, a potent stimulus that drives angiogenesis. Hyperoxia as a result of HBO also produces reactive oxygen species, which can damage tumors by inducing excessive oxidative stress. This review outlines the importance of oxygen to tumors and the mechanisms by which tumors survive under hypoxic conditions. It also presents data from both experimental and clinical studies for the effect of HBO on malignancy.
NMR investigation of DNA primer–template models: Structural insights into dislocation mutagenesis in DNA replication
Authors: Chi Lai Man , Lam Sik Lok
Published: November 2006

Slipped frameshift intermediates can occur when DNA polymerase slows or stalls at sites of DNA lesions. However, this phenomenon is much less common when unmodified DNA is replicated. In order to study the effect of templating bases on the alignment of primer–templates, NMR structural investigation has been performed on primer–template oligonucleotide models which mimic the situation that dNTP has just been incorporated opposite template. NMR evidence reveals the occurrence of misalignment when dGTP is incorporated opposite template T with a downstream nucleotide C. Depending on the template sequence, further extension of the primer can lead to realignment.
‘Humanity in the chrysalis stage’: indigenous Australians in the anthropological imagination, 1899–1926
Authors: Kuklick HENRIKA
Published: November 2006

Baldwin Spencer and F. J. Gillen's Native Tribes of Central Australia (1899) is now remembered as an approximation of the anthropological method that would soon be conventional: a comprehensive study of a delimited area, based on sustained fieldwork, portraying a population's distinctive character. In 1913, however, Bronislaw Malinowski said of Spencer and Gillen's studies that ‘half the total production in anthropological theory ha[d] been based upon their work, and nine-tenths affected or modified by it’. Native Tribes inspired an intense international debate, orchestrated by J. G. Frazer, broker of the book's publication, predicated on the assumption that indigenous Australians were the most primitive of living peoples, whose totemism was somehow at the base of civilization's highest achievements – monogamous marriage and truly spiritual religion. But the debate proved irresolvable in Frazer's terms. Pondering conflicting interpretations of totemism, anthropologists rejected unilinear models of social evolution like Frazer's. Nationally differentiated populations of professional anthropologists emerged in the early twentieth century, developing distinctive theoretical schemes. Nevertheless, some issues central to the debate remained vital. For example, how were magical, scientific and religious modes of thought and action to be distinguished? And in Australia, analyses of indigenes were distinctively construed. White settlers, concerned to legitimate colonial rule, asked specific questions: did Aborigines have established ties to specific lands? Were Aborigines capable of civilization? Biogeographical theory underpinned Spencer's relatively liberal conclusions, which had precursors and successors in Australian anthropology: Aborigines had defined criteria of land ownership, their habits were suitable adaptations to their circumstances, and observed cultural diversity among Aborigines denoted their ‘nascent possibilities of development along many varied lines’.