bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes of functional status and volume of triceps brachii measured by magnetic resonance imaging after maximal resistance training
Authors: Popadic Gacesa Jelena Z. , Kozic Dusko B. , Dragnic Natasa R. , Jakovljevic Djordje G. , Brodie David A. , Grujic Nikola G.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of 6‐week self‐perceived maximal resistance training on muscle volume utilizing magnetic resonance imaging and maximal, average, and endurance strength of the elbow extensors and to assess the relationship between muscle strength and volume before and after the training.

Materials and Methods

This was a prospective blinded study. A total of 15 healthy untrained men, aged 22.5 ± 3.7 years (mean ± SD), were engaged in elbow extensor training using isoacceleration dynamometry for 6 weeks with a frequency of five sessions per week (five sets of 10 maximal voluntary contractions, 1‐minute rest period between each set). Prior to and after the training, cross‐sectional magnetic resonance images of the upper arm were obtained and muscle volumes were calculated using the truncated cone formula.

Results

Average, maximal, and endurance strength of the upper arm extensors increased significantly by 43%, 15%, and 56%, respectively. The volume of triceps brachii increased in both arms (P < 0.05): right from 456.9 ± 113.8 cm3 to 475.8 ± 100.9 cm3 and left from 444.3 ± 121.9 cm3 to 468.4 ± 110.4 cm3, or 5%. Maximal and average strength correlated significantly with muscle volume before and after the training.

Conclusion

A specific 6‐week resistance training protocol resulted in muscle strength improvement, together with increase in triceps brachii muscle volume, as demonstrated by volumetric imaging. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;29:671–676. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Agreement between methods of measurement of mean aortic wall thickness by MRI
Authors: Rosero Eric B. , Peshock Ronald M. , Khera Amit , Clagett G. Patrick , Lo Hao , Timaran Carlos
Published: August 2010

Purpose

To assess the agreement between three methods of calculation of mean aortic wall thickness (MAWT) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Materials and Methods

High‐resolution MRI of the infrarenal abdominal aorta was performed on 70 subjects with a history of coronary artery disease who were part of a multi‐ethnic population‐based sample. MAWT was calculated as the mean distance between the adventitial and luminal aortic boundaries using three different methods: average distance at four standard positions (AWT‐4P), average distance at 100 automated positions (AWT‐100P), and using a mathematical computation derived from the total vessel and luminal areas (AWT‐VA). Bland‐Altman plots and Passing‐Bablok regression analyses were used to assess agreement between methods.

Results

Bland‐Altman analyses demonstrated a positive bias of 3.02 ± 7.31% between the AWT‐VA and the AWT‐4P methods, and of 1.76 ± 6.82% between the AWT‐100P and the AWT‐4P methods. Passing‐Bablok regression analyses demonstrated constant bias between the AWT‐4P method and the other two methods. Proportional bias was, however, not evident among the three methods.

Conclusion

MRI methods of measurement of MAWT using a limited number of positions of the aortic wall systematically underestimate the MAWT value compared with the method that calculates MAWT from the vessel areas. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;29:576–582. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Accurate segmentation of subcutaneous and intermuscular adipose tissue from MR images of the thigh
Authors: Positano Vincenzo , Christiansen Tore , Santarelli Maria Filomena , Ringgaard Steffen , Landini Luigi , Gastaldelli Amalia
Published: August 2010

Purpose

To describe and evaluate a computer‐assisted method for assessing the quantity and distribution of adipose tissue in thigh by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Materials and Methods

Twenty obese subjects were imaged on a Philips Achieva 1.5T scanner by a fast spin‐echo (FSE) sequence. A total of 636 images were acquired and analyzed by custom‐made software. Thigh subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and bone were identified by fuzzy clustering segmentation and an active contour algorithm. Muscle and intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) were assessed by identifying the two peaks of the signal histogram with an expectation maximization algorithm. The whole analysis was performed in an unsupervised manner without the need of any user interaction.

Results

The coefficient of variation (CV) was evaluated between the unsupervised algorithm and manual analysis performed by an expert operator. The CV was low for all measurements (SAT <2%, muscle <1%, IMAT <5%). Limited manual correction of unsupervised segmentation results (less than 10% of contours modified) allowed us to further reduce the CV (SAT <0.5%, muscle <0.5%, IMAT <2%).

Conclusion

The proposed approach allowed effective computer‐assisted analysis of thigh MR images, dramatically reducing the user work compared to manual analysis. It allowed routine assessment of IMAT, a fat‐depot linked with metabolic abnormalities, important in monitoring the effect of nutrition and exercise. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;29:677–684. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pollen percentages, tree abundances and the Fagerlind effect
Authors: Prentice I. C. , Webb T.
Published: August 2010

Pollen diagrams traditionally are read as if pollen percentages were linearly related to relative tree abundances, although the slopes and intercepts of these relationships are accepted to differ among taxa. Corresponding map patterns of modern pollen and tree percentages support this assumption of linearity, which also underlies the use of linear regression on percentage data for pollen‐tree calibration. Fagerlind, however, showed that the theoretical relationship need not be linear and may be confounded by interdependencies among taxa. Regressions and scatter plots of modern pollen and tree percentages are here compared with results of extended R‐value (ERV) models, which correct for the ‘Fagerlind effect’. Three data sets from Wisconsin and Michigan, USA illustrate that regression coefficients provide a first approximation to their ERV equivalents, but scatter plots derived from the ERV analyses show reduced scatter about linearised relationships.
Electrophysiologic recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring during thyroid and parathyroid surgery: International standards guideline statement
Authors: Randolph Gregory W. , Dralle Henning ,   with the International Intraoperative Monitoring Study Group, Abdullah Hisham , Barczynski Marcin , Bellantone Rocco , Brauckhoff Michael , Carnaille Bruno , Cherenko Sergii , Chiang Fen‐Yu , Dionigi Gianlorenzo , Finck Camille , Hartl Dana , Kamani Dipti , Lorenz Kerstin , Miccolli Paolo , Mihai Radu , Miyauchi Akira , Orloff Lisa , Perrier Nancy , Poveda Manuel Duran , Romanchishen Anatoly , Serpell Jonathan , Sitges‐Serra Antonio , Sloan Tod , Van Slycke Sam , Snyder Samuel , Takami Hiroshi , Volpi Erivelto , Woodson Gayle
Published: August 2010

Intraoperative neural monitoring (IONM) during thyroid and parathyroid surgery has gained widespread acceptance as an adjunct to the gold standard of visual nerve identification. Despite the increasing use of IONM, review of the literature and clinical experience confirms there is little uniformity in application of and results from nerve monitoring across different centers. We provide a review of the literature and cumulative experience of the multidisciplinary International Neural Monitoring Study Group with IONM spanning nearly 15 years. The study group focused its initial work on formulation of standards in IONM as it relates to important areas: 1) standards of equipment setup/endotracheal tube placement and 2) standards of loss of signal evaluation/intraoperative problem‐solving algorithm. The use of standardized methods and reporting will provide greater uniformity in application of IONM. In addition, this report clarifies the limitations of IONM and helps identify areas where additional research is necessary. This guideline is, at its forefront, quality driven; it is intended to improve the quality of neural monitoring, to translate the best available evidence into clinical practice to promote best practices. We hope this work will minimize inappropriate variations in monitoring rather than to dictate practice options. Laryngoscope, 121:S1–S16, 2011
Intralesional corticosteroid injection and dilatation provides effective management of subglottic stenosis in Wegener's granulomatosis
Authors: Wolter Nikolaus E. , Ooi Eng Hooi , Witterick Ian J.
Published: August 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To describe our experience with the use of intralesional corticosteroid injection and dilatation (ILCD) in the management of subglottic stenosis (SGS).

Study Design:

Retrospective chart review.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was performed of all patients with SGS requiring ILCD, from 2003 to 2008, at the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada.

Results:

Twelve patients with SGS underwent 36 ILCD operations with a mean of three procedures per patient. We identified eight patients with Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) and four patients without WG. The eight WG patients received an average of 3.37 procedures, whereas non‐WG patients required an average of 2.25 procedures. This maintained airway patency and symptom control for an average of 11.9 and 8.1 months, respectively. Only one complication was identified, and no long‐term sequelae were found. No patients required new tracheotomies and one patient with a previous tracheotomy was successfully decannulated.

Conclusions:

Our data supports the use of ILCD as a safe and effective treatment of SGS in both WG and non‐WG patients. Laryngoscope, 2010
Treatment success for age‐related vocal fold atrophy
Authors: Gartner‐Schmidt Jackie , Rosen Clark
Published: August 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To characterize perceived voice handicap of patients diagnosed with vocal fold atrophy and review treatment success.

Study Design:

Retrospective study.

Methods:

Two hundred seventy‐five patients diagnosed with vocal fold atrophy (January 2007–January 2009) were reviewed from a preexisting clinical database. Outcome measures included pre/post‐treatment Voice Handicap Index‐10 and data from a voice therapy discharge survey.

Results:

Five groups emerged from the data set. Group A: patients who had no follow‐up (69%). After removing group A from the data set, the following groups emerged: group B: patients who had no treatment but some follow‐up (31%); group C: patients who had voice therapy only (44%); group D: patients who had surgery only (15%); and group E: patients who had voice therapy first and subsequent surgery (9%). The perceived voice handicap severity was worse for groups C and D compared to groups A, B, and E. Treatment success outcomes showed that groups C (36%), D (56%), and E (17%) only improved marginally. However, 81% of patients diagnosed with atrophy believed that voice therapy helped them but only by 48%.

Conclusions:

Treatment success for age‐related vocal fold atrophy is poor to moderately poor for this cohort of patients. Laryngoscope, 2011
A Magnetic Composite for Cleaning of Oil Spills on Water
Authors: Gomes de Souza Fernando , Marins Jéssica Alves , Rodrigues Cezar H. M. , Pinto José Carlos
Published: August 2010

The production of magnetic polymer composites for cleaning of oil spills on water is investigated. The polymer matrix consists of a biopolymer material (alkyd resin), which is cured with TDI in the presence of a magnetic powder (maghemite, γ‐Fe2O3), which is incorporated into the final polymer material in situ. Obtained polymer resins were characterized through magnetic force, AFM and WAXS/SAXS, showing that the proposed preparation technique leads to production of magnetic nanocomposites. Additionally, oil removal tests performed with polymer beads showed that the polymer product can be used to remove considerable amounts of oil from the surface of aqueous environments. In the best case, one part of the polymer product could be used to remove more than eight parts of oil from water.

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Knowledge‐Based Tailoring of Gelatin‐Based Materials by Functionalization with Tyrosine‐Derived Groups
Authors: Neffe Axel Thomas , Zaupa Alessandro , Pierce Benjamin Franklin , Hofmann Dieter , Lendlein Andreas
Published: August 2010

Molecular models of gelatin‐based materials formed the basis for the knowledge‐based design of a physically cross‐linked polymer system. The computational models with 25 wt.‐% water content were validated by comparison of the calculated structural properties with experimental data and were then used as predictive tools to study chain organization, cross‐link formation, and estimation of mechanical properties. The introduced tyrosine‐derived side groups, desaminotyrosine (DAT) and desaminotyrosyl tyrosine (DATT), led to the reduction of the residual helical conformation and to the formation of physical net‐points by π–π interactions and hydrogen bonds. At 25 wt.‐% water content, the simulated and experimentally determined mechanical properties were in the same order of magnitude. The degree of swelling in water decreased with increasing the number of inserted aromatic functions, while Young's modulus, elongation at break, and maximum tensile strength increased.

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Estimation of age at death of sika deer (Cervus nippon) from an archaeological site based on radiographs of mandibular molariform tooth development
Authors: Yamazaki T. , Jogahara T. , Koyasu K. , Oda S.‐I.
Published: August 2010

The development of permanent premolar and molar teeth was examined in mandibular radiographs from wild sika deer (Cervus nippon) of known ages (74 males, 66 females, 4 unknown; age range 1–54 months) from Hyogo Prefecture. Tooth development was scored according to the method described by Brown & Chapman (1991a, b). Stage‐specific scores for all molar and premolar teeth were summed, and simple cubic regression analysis was used to analyse the relationship between the total score and age in months. Our analysis showed a strong cubic correlation between the total score and chronological age in months. The equation obtained from this analysis was used to estimate age within a 95% prediction interval in seven archaeological specimens from the Asahi archaeological site in central Japan. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal probing control for wireless transmission when the payload is negligible
Authors: Lin Kyle Y. , Wei Yu‐Feng
Published: August 2010

A mobile electronic device needs to periodically connect to a stationary receiver, but the information to transfer is minimal. One such example is the electronic bracelet used in house arrest, where the main purpose is to inform the receiver that the person is in the house. Because the mobile device does not know its current distance from the receiver, it has incentive to first send a low‐strength signal to conserve its battery energy. If the low‐strength signal fails to reach the receiver, the mobile device then gradually increases its signal strength until a successful connection occurs. By formulating the problem as a dynamic program, we characterize the structure of the optimal probing policy and develop an algorithm to compute it. We also consider a discrete approximation that can be easily implemented in practice. Numerical examples show promising improvement of the derived policy over naive heuristic policies, and that the derived policy is robust when there are small errors in estimating the distribution of the distance between the mobile device and the receiver. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Social Exchange Styles: Measurement, Validation, and Application
Authors: Leybman Michelle J. , Zuroff David C. , Fournier Marc A. , Kelly Allison C. , Martin Alia
Published: August 2010

Drawing on evolutionary psychology, social exchange styles were conceptualized in terms of two dimensions of individual differences in approaching exchange relationships: Benefit–seeking and cost–vigilance. In Study 1, a principal components analysis of the Social Exchange Styles Questionnaire (SESQ) in 156 undergraduates confirmed the presence of two dimensions that were very similar to the expected dimensions: Equitable alliance building (EAB) and vigilant alliance management (VAM). The SESQ scales showed good internal consistency and construct validity. Multiple regressions confirmed that social exchange styles were distinct from other personality variables. In Study 2, multilevel modelling conducted on 45 small work groups demonstrated that EAB positively predicted members’ subjective performance, while VAM positively predicted objective performance. Theoretical questions and future research directions are discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proteomic analysis of testis biopsies in men treated with transient scrotal hyperthermia reveals the potential targets for contraceptive development
Authors: Zhu Hui , Cui Yugui , Xie Jin , Chen Ling , Chen Xiangxiang , Guo Xuejiang , Zhu Yefei , Wang Xinghai , Tong Jiansun , Zhou Zuomin , Jia Yue , Lue Yan‐he , Hikim Amiya Sinha , Wang Christina , Swerdloff Ronald S. , Sha Jiahao
Published: August 2010

Mild testicular heating safely and reversibly suppresses spermatogenesis. In this study, we attempted to clarify the underlying molecular mechanism(s) involved in heat‐induced spermatogenesis suppression in human testis. We conducted global proteomic analyses of human testicular biopsies before, and at 2 and 9 wk after heat treatment. Thirty‐one and Twenty‐six known proteins were identified with significant differential expression at 2 and 9 wk after heat treatment, respectively. These were used to characterize the cellular and molecular events in the testes when seminiferous epithelia became damaged (2 wk) and recovered (9 wk). At 2 wk post‐treatment, the changed expression of a series of proteins could promote apoptosis or suppress proliferation and cell survival. At 9 wk post‐treatment, the changed expression of proteins mainly promoted cell proliferation, differentiation and survival, but resisted cell apoptosis. Among those heat‐regulated proteins, HNRNPH1 was selected for the further functional study. We found that HNRNPH1 was an anti‐apoptosis protein that could regulate the expression of other heat‐induced proteins. In conclusion, heat‐induced reversible suppression of spermatogenesis occurred by modulating the expression of proteins related to proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and cell survival pathways. These differentially expressed proteins were found to be key molecular targets affecting spermatogenesis after heat treatment.
Combined use of computational chemistry, NMR screening, and X‐ray crystallography for identification and characterization of fluorophilic protein environments
Authors: Vulpetti Anna , Schiering Nikolaus , Dalvit Claudio
Published: August 2010

19F NMR screening of fluorinated fragments with different Local Environment of Fluorine, a.k.a. LEF library, is an experimental methodology which, beyond providing useful starting fragments for fragment‐based drug discovery projects, offers, in combination with crystal and computational analysis, an approach for the identification of fluorophilic hot‐spots in the proteins of interest. The application of this approach in the identification of fluorinated fragments binding to the serine protease trypsin, and the X‐ray structures of the complexes are presented. The specific nature of the observed fluorine‐protein interactions is discussed and compared with the interactions detected for other fluorinated ligands reported in the protein data bank. The presence of similar 3D arrangements of protein atoms at the fluorine sub‐sites is identified with a newly developed tool. In this approach, protein sub‐sites are extracted around each fluorine contained in the protein data bank and compared with the query of interest by using a pharmacophoric description. Proteins 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of Zn addition on optical properties and microstructure of Y2O3:Eu nanopowders prepared by combustion method
Authors: Tohidlou Esmaeil , Ganjkhanlou Yadolah , Kazemzad Mahmood , Afarani Mehdi Shafiee
Published: August 2010

Y2O3:Eu and Y2O3:Eu,Zn nano powders were prepared by both conventional combustion and microwave assistance combustion (MAC) methods. The nanopowders obtained here were investigated by means of X‐ray diffractometry (XRD), Photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The chromaticities of samples were also computed from Photoluminescence emission spectra, as well as lattice constant and micro‐structural parameters (crystallite size and micro‐strain) which were computed from XRD patterns using Rietveld refinement method. Results showed that incorporation of Zn in Y2O3:Eu lattice enhanced the PL intensity and chromaticity of Y2O3:Eu phosphor. It was also found that the samples prepared by microwave assistance combustion method had higher crystallinity, density, chromaticity and PL intensity than the samples prepared by conventional combustion method. SEM micrographs showed that the size of particles produced in microwave was smaller than that of samples produced in electric furnace. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Neuroprotective effects of a sesquiterpene lactone and flavanones from Paulownia tomentosa Steud. against glutamate‐induced neurotoxicity in primary cultured rat cortical cells
Authors: Kim Soo‐Ki , Cho Sang‐Buem , Moon Hyung‐In
Published: August 2010

The neuroprotective effects of Paulownia tomentosa against glutamate‐induced neurotoxicity were studied in primary cultured rat cortical cells. It was found that the aqueous extract of this medicinal plant significantly attenuated glutamate‐induced toxicity. In order to clarify the mechanism(s) underlying this neuroprotective effect, the active fractions and components were isolated and identified. Five compounds were isolated as the methanol extracts from air‐dried flowers of P. tomentosa. Isoatriplicolide tiglate exhibited significant neuroprotective activity against glutamate‐induced toxicity at concentrations ranging from 1 µm to 10 µm, and exhibited cell viability of approximately 43–78%. Therefore, the neuroprotective effect of P. tomentosa might be due to the inhibition of glutamate‐induced toxicity by the sesquiterpene lactone derivative it contains. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Boundary‐layer simulations for the Mars Phoenix lander site
Authors: Savijärvi Hannu , Määttänen Anni
Published: August 2010

Diurnal simulations and sensitivity studies were made with a moist column model at the Mars Phoenix lander site (68°N) for the summer solstice (solar day 30) and for a later date (sol 99), when the LIDAR on board Phoenix detected fog, dust, ice clouds and even snowfall from cloud. The sol 30 simulation reproduces the observed repetitive diurnal 2 m temperature cycle quite well, displaying a well‐mixed boundary layer up to 4 km in the afternoon and a strong surface inversion to 500 m each night. Weak frost formation peaks at midnight and a very thin radiation fog appears during the coldest hour. The near‐surface water vapour pressure is underestimated during daytime but is close to the thermal and electrical conductivity probe observations during the night. The Prandtl slope wind mechanism produces veering winds in the model as observed by the ‘telltale’ device while coupled dust evolution implies well‐mixed dust to 4 km throughout the sol as observed by the LIDAR.

The colder diurnal conditions around sol 99 are also simulated rather well. In these, the morning fog grows up to 800 m height and a water ice cloud forms at 4 km height at about 0300 local time, as observed. The cloud marks the radiatively cooled top of the moist residual boundary layer. Strong ground frost formation peaks in the evening, having a visible impact on the temperatures. The fog and cloud display weak feedbacks to the modelled radiative fluxes. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Extension of the cumulant definition for low particle number systems
Authors: Kong Liguo
Published: August 2010

Cumulants are usually interpreted as the connected components of density matrices, but this interpretation fails and practical problems arise when the rank n of cumulants is larger than the number of particles (N) in the system. In that case, cumulants defined in the traditional way become disconnected. To solve this problem, the definition of cumulants is extended by introducing a simple modulation factor. The modified cumulants reduce to the conventional definition, but they vanish when N < n. Using the modified definition also eliminates the error in the approximation of density matrices by low‐rank cumulants, when N < n. The problem assumes a slightly different form when we work with active space–based theories, and it can be solved by a similar approach. Another problem with cumulants, due to spin coupling [Herbert, Int J Quantum Chem 2007, 107, 703], can be solved via the introduction of a similar modulation factor. A related yet more serious issue, termed as the local particle number constraint problem, is also discussed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
Stability and performance analysis of time‐delay LPV systems with brief instability
Authors: Mohammadpour Javad , Grigoriadis Karolos
Published: August 2010

Linear parameter‐varying (LPV) systems provide a systematic framework for the study of nonlinear systems by considering a representative family of linear time‐invariant systems parameterized by system parameters residing in a compact set. Thebrief instabilityconcept in such systems allows the linear system to be unstable for some trajectories of the LPV parameter set, so that instability occurs only for short periods of time. In the present paper, we extend the notion of brief instability to LPV systems with time delay in their dynamics. The results provide tools for the stability and performance analysis of such systems, where performance is evaluated in terms of induced ℒ︁2‐gain (or so‐called ℋ︁∞norm). The main results of this paper illustrate that stability and performance conditions can be evaluated by examining the feasibility of parameterized sets of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Using the results of this paper, we then investigate analysis conditions to guarantee the asymptotic stability and ℋ︁∞performance of fault‐tolerant control (FTC) systems, in which instability may take place for a short period of time due to the false identification of the fault signals provided by a fault detection and isolation (FDI) module. The numerical examples are used to illustrate the qualification of the proposed analysis and synthesis results for addressing brief instability in time‐delay systems. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct effects testing: A two‐stage procedure to test for effect size and variable importance for correlated binary predictors and a binary response
Authors: Sperrin M. , Jaki T.
Published: August 2010

In applications such as medical statistics and genetics, we encounter situations where a large number of highly correlated predictors explain a response. For example, the response may be a disease indicator and the predictors may be treatment indicators or single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Constructing a good predictive model in such cases is well studied. Less well understood is how to recover the ‘true sparsity pattern’, that is finding which predictors have direct effects on the response, and indicating the statistical significance of the results. Restricting attention to binary predictors and response, we study the recovery of the true sparsity pattern using a two‐stage method that separates establishing the presence of effects from inferring their exact relationship with the predictors. Simulations and a real data application demonstrate that the method discriminates well between associations and direct effects. Comparisons with lasso‐based methods demonstrate favourable performance of the proposed method. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, Surface‐Active Properties, and Emulsification Efficiency of Trimeric‐Type Nonionic Surfactants Derived From Tris(2‐aminoethyl)amine
Authors: Abdul‐Raouf Manar El‐Sayed , Abdul‐Raheim Abdul‐Raheim Mahmoud , Maysour Nermine El‐Sayed , Mohamed Hamed
Published: August 2010

Trimeric‐type nonionic surfactants based on tris(2‐aminoethyl)amine were prepared. N‐alkyl chloride (namely, octanoyl chloride, n‐decanoyl chloride, n‐dodecanoyl chloride) was reacted with tris(2‐aminoethyl)amine in the presence of toluene and triethylamine. The products were partially reduced and then ethoxylated by poly(ethylene glycol) of molecular weights 400, 1,000, and 2,000 g mol−1. The structures were confirmed by infrared (IR) and 1HNMR spectroscopy. The molecular weights of the surfactants were measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The properties of the prepared compounds were investigated by the surface tension, interfacial tension, and cloud point. The emulsification power of the prepared surfactants for oil‐in‐water emulsions was also studied and the emulsion stability was monitored by an optical microscope and the bottle testing method. Some factors affecting the emulsion stability were investigated
Clinical Issues—August 2010
Authors: Blanchard Joan
Published: August 2010

This Month

Wearing shoe covers and appropriate footwear in the OR

Key words: fluid‐resistant shoe covers, OR footwear.

Use of fabric head coverings

Key words: fabric OR caps; laundering OR caps, OR head coverings.

Proper equipment storage in perioperative services

Key words: perioperative equipment storage, OR utility room.

Performing a traditional surgical hand scrub

Key words: hand hygiene practices, hand washing, hand rub solutions.
The Role of Behavioral, Normative, and Control Beliefs in the Consumption of Australian Products and Services by Chinese Consumers
Authors: Smith Joanne R. , Liu Shuang , Liesch Peter , Callois Cindy , Yi Ren , Daly Stephanie
Published: August 2010

This study reports an application of the theory of planned behavior as a framework to investigate how beliefs influence purchase decisions of Chinese consumers. Data were obtained from an online survey ( N = 2002) that assessed respondents’ behavioral, normative, and control beliefs in relation to their intentions to purchase Australian products and/or services. The multivariate analysis revealed significant difference in beliefs of people who intended to purchase Australian products and/or services compared to people who did not intend to purchase them. Purchase intentions were associated with a favorable cost-benefit analysis, greater perceptions of normative support for the behavior, and lower perceptions of the extent to which barriers would impede performance of the behavior. Implications for theory and marketing practice are discussed.
The role of telomeres and telomerase in stem cell aging
Authors: Flores Ignacio , Blasco Maria A.
Published: August 2010

Stem cells regenerate our bodies. In a similar manner to match ignition, stem cell “ignition” has to be precisely tuned to avoid uncontrolled proliferation as may occur in tumors or, inversely, the lack of proliferation as happens in degenerative disorders. During the last years it has become evident that telomeres and telomerase are main components of the stem cell “ignition” mechanism, providing a way to restrain cancer and delay aging.
Nucleosome deposition and DNA methylation may participate in the recognition of premature termination codon in nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay
Authors: Niu Deng-Ke , Cao Jian-Li
Published: August 2010

In non‐mammalian eukaryotes, an abnormally long 3′ untranslated region (UTR) is generally thought to be the definitive signal in the recognition of a premature termination codon (PTC) in nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay (NMD). However, because the lengths of 3′ UTRs in normal mRNAs are widely distributed, “abnormally long” is hard to define. Distinct peaks of nucleosome deposition and DNA methylation have recently been found at coding region boundaries. We propose that nucleosomes and DNA methylation just upstream of a normal stop codon are ideal indicators for the position of a normal stop codon and may thus serve as signals in PTC recognition.
A distinct subset of podoplanin (gp38) expressing F4/80+ macrophages mediate phagocytosis and are induced following zymosan peritonitis
Authors: Hou Tie Zheng , Bystrom Jonas , Sherlock Jonathan P. , Qureshi Omar , Parnell Sonia M. , Anderson Graham , Gilroy Derek W. , Buckley Christopher D.
Published: August 2010

Macrophages are important tissue resident cells that regulate the dynamics of inflammation. However, they are strikingly heterogeneous. During studies looking at podoplanin (gp38) expression on stromal cells in the murine spleen and peritoneal cavity we unexpectedly discovered that podoplanin was expressed on a subset of F4/80+ macrophages; a subset which we have termed fibroblastic macrophages (FM). These cells function as phagocytes in vitro as measured by bead mediated phagocytosis assays. FM also exist at high frequency in the peritoneal cavity and in zymosan induced peritonitis in vivo. These FM represent a unique subgroup of F4/80+ macrophages and their presence in the inflamed peritoneum suggests that they play a role in zymosan induced peritonitis.
Oxazolone‐induced over‐expression of focal adhesion kinase in colonic epithelial cells of colitis mouse model
Authors: Ma Yanju , Semba Shingo , Maemoto Atsuo , Takeuchi Masayuki , Kameshita Isamu , Ishida Atsuhiko , Kato Sanae , Katoh Tsuyoshi , Liu Yunpeng , Taniguchi Takanobu
Published: August 2010

We examined the change of protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) expression levels in colonic epithelial cells isolated from mice in which colitis was induced by oxazolone administration, using the monoclonal antibody YK34, which cross‐reacts with a wide variety of PTKs. We identified focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and found the expression level increased due to the induction of colitis. Furthermore, we found that there was a positive correlation between FAK expression and the severity of colitis. Also, FAK expression localized in the colonic epithelium but not in the lamina propria, implying FAK functions in epithelial cells during colitis formation and/or wound repairing.
Episodic sitewise positive selection on the signal recognition particle protein Ffh in Actinobacteria
Authors: Shen Xue-Ling , Li Shan-Zhen , Li Yong-Quan , Chen Xin
Published: August 2010

In this work, we report a case of episodic sitewise positive selection acting on the highly conserved SRP protein Ffh in Actinobacteria. An elevated non‐synonymous to synonymous mutation ratio (ω) was observed along the non‐terminal branches of the species tree, which contained 11 Actinobacteria species, where positively selected residues were frequently observed within the signal sequence‐binding domain. Together with the estimated lineage‐specific ω ratios for several core components in the major protein translocation systems, our data suggest that this positive selection might be partially driven by the diversification of signal sequences.
Why did I eat that? Perspectives on food decision making and dietary restraint
Authors: Bublitz Melissa G. , Peracchio Laura A. , Block Lauren G.
Published: August 2010

Consumers trying to watch or restrict what they eat face a battle each day as they attempt to navigate the food‐rich environments in which they live. Due to the complexity of food decision making, consumers are susceptible to a wide range of social, cognitive, affective, and environmental forces determined to interrupt their intentions to restrict their dietary intake. In this article, we integrate literature from diverse theoretical perspectives into a conceptual framework designed to offer a better understanding of the antecedents, interruptions, and consequences of dietary restraint. We outline a path for researchers to investigate how restraint behaviors in the eating domain influence a wide variety of consumer psychological phenomena. It is our hope that a collective examination of this literature provides a lens that directs future research on food decision making and dietary restraint and empowers consumers to invest their cognitive and behavioral resources towards healthy eating behaviors.
Thiamine deficiency in a cat: Resolution of MRI abnormalities following thiamine supplementation
Authors: Palus Viktor , Penderis Jacques , Jakovljevic Samuel , Cherubini Giunio Bruto
Published: August 2010

Thiamine (vitamin B-1) is an essential component of a number of metabolic pathways and thiamine deficiency results in a progressive encephalopathy in both humans and animals. Confirming thiamine deficiency is problematic and relies on demonstrating reduced red blood cells transketolase activity, or indirect methods including urinary organic acid analysis and dietary analysis. The characteristic and selective vulnerability of different brain regions in carnivores has been demonstrated by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in the dog and cat as an aid to diagnosis. A 2-year-old, female, domestic shorthair cat was presented with an acute onset of seizures and ataxia. MR imaging was consistent with thiamine deficiency and supplementation resulted in a progressive clinical improvement. Repeated MR imaging 4 days after starting thiamine supplementation revealed near complete resolution of the MR abnormalities. Repeated MR imaging following appropriate therapy may be useful to further confirm thiamine deficiency.
Holocene valley-floor deposition and incision in a small drainage basin in western Colorado, USA
Authors: Jones Lawrence S. , Rosenburg Margaret , Figueroa Maria del Mar , McKee Kathleen , Haravitch Ben , Hunter Jenna
Published: August 2010

The valley floor of a 33.9 km2 watershed in western Colorado experienced gradual sedimentation from before ∼ 6765 to ∼ 500 cal yr BP followed by deep incision, renewed aggradation, and secondary incision. In contrast, at least four terraces and widespread cut-and-fill architecture in the valley floor downstream indicate multiple episodes of incision and deposition occurred during the same time interval. The upper valley fill history is atypical compared to other drainages in the Colorado Plateau.

One possible reason for these differences is that a bedrock canyon between the upper and lower valley prevented headward erosion from reaching the upper valley fill. Another possibility is that widespread, sand-rich, clay-poor lithologies in the upper drainage limited surface runoff and generally favored alluviation, whereas more clay-rich lithologies in the lower drainage resulted in increased surface runoff and more frequent incision. Twenty-two dates from valley fill charcoal indicate an approximate forest fire recurrence interval of several hundred years, similar to that from other studies in juniper–piñon woodlands. Results show that closely spaced vertical sampling of alluvium in headwater valleys where linkages between hillslope processes and fluvial activity are relatively direct can provide insight about the role of fires in alluvial chronologies of semi-arid watersheds.
The Hessians
Authors: Atwood Rodney
Published: August 2010

The Hessians are infamous in American history for their role as part of the British forces sent to crush the colonists' rebellion in 1776. Yet these German auxiliaries, or mercenaries were only one instance of a frequent military practice, approved by international jurists of the time and used by the British in all their eighteenth-century wars. This study (dealing with one of the six contingents known inaccurately as the Hessians) is the first to make extensive use of manuscript sources in Germany, Britain and America to put the Hessians in their historical context and to examine a number of the myths about them. The encounter of the Americans with the Hessian troops from a disciplined paternalistic society organized for war, with special thoroughness, was not merely the meeting of two military systems, but also of two ways of life, and is thus worthy of study in an age of conflict.
Restricted Orbit Equivalence for Actions of Discrete Amenable Groups
Authors: Kammeyer Janet Whalen , Rudolph Daniel J.
Published: August 2010

This 2002 monograph offers a broad investigative tool in ergodic theory and measurable dynamics. The motivation for this work is that one may measure how similar two dynamical systems are by asking how much the time structure of orbits of one system must be distorted for it to become the other. Different restrictions on the allowed distortion will lead to different restricted orbit equivalence theories. These include Ornstein's Isomorphism theory, Kakutani Equivalence theory and a list of others. By putting such restrictions in an axiomatic framework, a general approach is developed that encompasses all these examples simultaneously and gives insight into how to seek further applications. The work is placed in the context of discrete amenable group actions where time is not required to be one-dimensional, making the results applicable to a much wider range of problems and examples.
Milton's Good God
Authors: Danielson Dennis Richard
Published: August 2010

Few writers have achieved the synthesis of art and idea that was attained by John Milton in Paradise Lost. In that work the poet addressed one of the most important questions in philosophy and religion: How could God, if he is omnipotent and wholly good, have made a world in which there is so much evil? In this book Professor Danielson examines Paradise Lost, focusing on Milton's treatment of creation, chaos, predestination, free will, God's foreknowledge, the Fall of Man and the nature of human existence before the Fall. The author thereby not only lays a systematic foundation for understanding Milton's defence of the creator's justice and goodness but also explores how the literary character of that defence gives it a unique human vitality, dramatic consistency and logical coherence. Milton's Good God is an interdisciplinary study, which will lead the student of literature to a deeper appreciation of Paradise Lost while drawing the student of ideas to a fuller awareness of the importance of Milton's work for the fields of philosophy, theology and intellectual history.
Biology and Freedom
Authors: Barnett S. A.
Published: August 2010

Biology and Freedom, first published in 1989, is an essay on human nature: an attempt to make a just assessment of a species often presented as predominantly and unavoidably violent, grasping, selfish and stupid. Likening human beings to animals is a traditional method of influencing attitudes on morals and politics. But in this book Professor Barnett shows that modern ethology, experimental psychology, genetics and evolutionary theory give the now fashionable misanthropy no authentic support. In doing so he asks whether the theory of evolution has any bearing on Machiavellianism in politics or the concept of original sin; and whether laboratory experiments on the effects of reward and punishment tell us anything about the enigma of free will. Combining the findings of biology with logic and humour, Professor Barnett gives a lucid alternative portrait of humanity in which he stresses the questions that the complexities of human existence will raise long after current myths have faded. This book is for all interested in human nature and the future of human society.
Public Enterprise in Less Developed Countries
Authors: Jones Leroy P.
Published: August 2010

This volume consists of papers chosen from the Boston Area Public Enterprise Group Conference that was held in 1980 and concentrated on public enterprises in less-developed countries. The Boston Area Public Enterprise Group is composed of scholars dedicated to understanding the public enterprises operating in the world's mixed economies. Public enterprises are government-owned firms that sell goods or services in a market. Involved in public production for private consumption, they are a hybrid of government and private enterprise. Thus, an analysis of public enterprise requires insights from economics, management, political science and law. Each of these disciplines is represented in addressing the following questions: Why public enterprise? Who should control public enterprise? How are decisions made in practice? How do public enterprises behave in international markets? How does risk and uncertainty alter public enterprise decisions'? How are incentive structures to be designed'? How do public enterprises compare with other public policy tools for dealing with particular problems'? The contributions combine theory and practice in analysing a variety of less-developed countries.
'The Lament for the South'
Authors: Graham, Jr William T.
Published: August 2010

The Ai Chiang-nan fu by the sixth-century poet Yu Hsin is one of the most famous and difficult of all Chinese medieval poems. It relates in a highly allegorical and elliptical manner the fall of the Liang dynasty, which the poet served. The poem belongs to the genre of the fu; rhapsodical, elegiac works written in an irregular metre. It is, however not at all typical of the genre, which is more often associated with descriptions of hunting parks, sacrifices, plants and birds. The poem thus deserves study both for its literary merits and for its uniqueness. Dr Graham provides a translation of the poem with a very detailed literary and historical commentary. Most previous studies of the fu have concentrated on the Han period but Dr Graham offers an extended discussion in any language of the genre in the period of the six dynasties (222–589). The book also includes an introduction to the history of the period.
Condensed Matter Field Theory
Authors: Altland Alexander , Simons Ben D.
Published: August 2010

Modern experimental developments in condensed matter and ultracold atom physics present formidable challenges to theorists. This book provides a pedagogical introduction to quantum field theory in many-particle physics, emphasizing the applicability of the formalism to concrete problems. This second edition contains two new chapters developing path integral approaches to classical and quantum nonequilibrium phenomena. Other chapters cover a range of topics, from the introduction of many-body techniques and functional integration, to renormalization group methods, the theory of response functions, and topology. Conceptual aspects and formal methodology are emphasized, but the discussion focuses on practical experimental applications drawn largely from condensed matter physics and neighboring fields. Extended and challenging problems with fully worked solutions provide a bridge between formal manipulations and research-oriented thinking. Aimed at elevating graduate students to a level where they can engage in independent research, this book complements graduate level courses on many-particle theory.
Algebraic Structures Associated to Orbifold Wreath Products
Authors: Farsi Carla , Seaton Christopher
Published: August 2010

We present structure theorems in terms of inertial decompositions for the wreath product ring of an orbifold presented as the quotient of a smooth, closed manifold by a compact, connected Lie group acting almost freely. In particular we show that this ring admits λ-ring and Hopf algebra structures both abstractly and directly. This generalizes results known for global quotient orbifolds by finite groups.