bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of inertia on contract design: contingency planning in information technology service contracts
Authors: Mayer Kyle J. , Bercovitz Janet
Published: March 2008

This paper examines whether the prior relationship between two firms produces an inertial drag that influences contracts used for subsequent exchanges. Using data from the information technology services industry, we examine whether inertia develops during the relationship between firms in how they plan for contingencies. While attributes of the current exchange do play a role, we find that the prior relationship between the firms has a constricting effect on future contracts. Prior relationships can create what we call interorganizational inertia, which leads firms to use the same level of contingency planning in current exchanges that they used in prior contracts. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Splitting the pie: rent distribution in alliances and networks
Authors: Dyer Jeffrey H. , Singh Harbir , Kale Prashant
Published: March 2008

This paper addresses the issue of how relational rents, generated through alliances, are distributed to the participating firms. We argue that rent distribution is influenced by factors affecting both jointly generated common benefits and private benefits gained from the alliance relationship. We draw on four perspectives to explain these various effects. The first three, namely the resource dependence perspective, related resources perspective, and structural holes perspective, essentially highlight the private ‘exploitation’ opportunities that a firm's alliance network presents the focal firm. In contrast, the resource development perspective underscores the private ‘exploration’ benefits a firm potentially derives from its alliance network. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Competitive advantage in alliance governance: resolving the opportunism minimization–gain maximization paradox
Authors: Hansen Mark H. , Hoskisson Robert E. , Barney Jay B.
Published: March 2008

This paper offers a model of alliance governance that explicitly recognizes that managers of alliances simultaneously face the objectives of maximizing gains from trade while minimizing the threat of opportunism in the transaction—an apparent paradox. Our model shows that both the gains from trade and the threat of opportunism are influenced by firm characteristics (cooperative capabilities and trustworthiness) as well as transaction attributes (information asymmetry and asset specificity). The paradox may be resolved by strong form trustworthiness combined with relationship management capabilities because these characteristics allow the pursuit of gains from trade while simultaneously limiting the threat of opportunism. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The scaling law in the hole erosion test with a constant pressure drop
Authors: Bonelli Stéphane , Brivois Olivier
Published: March 2008

A process called ‘piping’, which often occurs in the soil at dams, levees, and dykes, involves the formation and development of a continuous tunnel between upstream and downstream ends. The hole erosion test is commonly used to quantify the critical stress and the rate of piping erosion progression. The aim of this study is to draw up a model for interpreting the results of this test. A characteristic internal erosion time is defined and expressed as a function of the initial hydraulic gradient and the coefficient of surface erosion. It is established here that the product of the coefficient of erosion and the flow velocity is a significant dimensionless number: when this number is small, the kinetics of erosion are low, and the particle concentration does not have any effect on the flow. This finding applies to most of the available test results. Theoretical and experimental evidence is presented showing that the evolution of the pipe radius during erosion with a constant pressure drop obeys a scaling exponential law. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Urodynamic characteristics of mixed urinary incontinence and idiopathic urge urinary incontinence
Authors: Chou Eric Chieh‐Lung , Blaivas Jerry G. , Chou Li‐Wei , Flisser Adam J. , Panagopoulos Georgia
Published: March 2008

Purpose

To evaluate and compare the clinical and urodynamic findings in patients with either mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) or simple urge urinary incontinence (UUI).

Materials and Methods

A series of 100 consecutive female patients with MUI and UUI were identified from a database. Patients with neurogenic bladder, fistula, urethral diverticulum, prior urologic surgery or known urinary tract obstruction were excluded. All patients were classified according to the urodynamic classification of overactive bladder of Flisser et al. and all patients underwent history, physical examination, validated incontinence questionnaire, 24‐hour voiding diary, 24‐hour pad test, video urodynamic study (VUDS), and cystoscopy.

Results

A significantly higher proportion of patients with UUI exhibited detrusor overactivity at VUDS, (67% of the patients with UUI vs. 24% of the MUI, P < 0.05). Patients with UUI had fewer episodes of incontinence (6.7 vs. 4.2, P < 0.05) with slightly less objective urine loss (24‐hour pad test 94 gm vs. 128 g of loss, P < 0.05) and voided at higher pressures (pdet at Qmax 21.4 vs. 15.6 cm H2O, P < 0.05). Patients in both groups had functional and urodynamic bladder capacities that were not statistically different.

Conclusions

Women with UUI were more likely to exhibit detrusor overactivity but experienced fewer episodes of incontinence and less urinary loss when compared with women who had MUI. The “urge incontinence” component of MUI appears to be different than that of UUI, and suggests that urge incontinence may be overdiagnosed in patients with SUI who misinterpret their fear of leaking (because of SUI) for urge incontinence. Neurourol. Urodynam. 27:376–378, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Large‐scale phosphoproteome analysis of human liver tissue by enrichment and fractionation of phosphopeptides with strong anion exchange chromatography
Authors: Han Guanghui , Ye Mingliang , Zhou Houjiang , Jiang Xinning , Feng Shun , Jiang Xiaogang , Tian Ruijun , Wan Dafang , Zou Hanfa , Gu Jianren
Published: March 2008

The mixture of phosphopeptides enriched from proteome samples are very complex. To reduce the complexity it is necessary to fractionate the phosphopeptides. However, conventional enrichment methods typically only enrich phosphopeptides but not fractionate phosphopeptides. In this study, the application of strong anion exchange (SAX) chromatography for enrichment and fractionation of phosphopeptides was presented. It was found that phosphopeptides were highly enriched by SAX and majority of unmodified peptides did not bind onto SAX. Compared with Fe3+ immobilized metal affinity chromatography (Fe3+‐IMAC), almost double phosphopeptides were identified from the same sample when only one fraction was generated by SAX. SAX and Fe3+‐IMAC showed the complementarity in enrichment and identification of phosphopeptides. It was also demonstrated that SAX have the ability to fractionate phosphopeptides under gradient elution based on their different interaction with SAX adsorbent. SAX was further applied to enrich and fractionate phosphopeptides in tryptic digest of proteins extracted from human liver tissue adjacent to tumorous region for phosphoproteome profiling. This resulted in the highly confident identification of 274 phosphorylation sites from 305 unique phosphopeptides corresponding to 168 proteins at false discovery rate (FDR) of 0.96%.
Improved recovery of proteome‐informative, protein N‐terminal peptides by combined fractional diagonal chromatography (COFRADIC)
Authors: Staes An , Van Damme Petra , Helsens Kenny , Demol Hans , Vandekerckhove Joël , Gevaert Kris
Published: March 2008

We previously described a proteome‐wide, peptide‐centric procedure for sorting protein N‐terminal peptides and used these peptides as readouts for protease degradome and xenoproteome studies. This procedure is part of a repertoire of gel‐free techniques known as COmbined FRActional DIagonal Chromatography (COFRADIC) and highly enriches for α‐amino‐blocked peptides, including α‐amino‐acetylated protein N‐terminal peptides. Here, we introduce two additional steps that significantly increase the fraction of such proteome‐informative, N‐terminal peptides: strong cation exchange (SCX) segregation of α‐amino‐blocked and α‐amino‐free peptides and an enzymatic step liberating pyroglutamyl peptides for 2,4,6‐trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid (TNBS) modification and thus COFRADIC sorting. The SCX step reduces the complexity of the analyte mixture by enriching N‐terminal peptides and depleting α‐amino‐free internal peptides as well as proline‐starting peptides prior to COFRADIC. The action of pyroglutamyl aminopeptidases prior to the first COFRADIC peptide separation results in greatly diminishing numbers of contaminating pyroglutamyl peptides in peptide maps. We further show that now close to 95% of all COFRADIC‐sorted peptides are α‐amino‐acetylated and, using the same amount of starting material, our novel procedure leads to an increased number of protein identifications.
Developing a self‐rating measure of patient competence in the context of oncology: a multi‐center study
Authors: Giesler Jürgen M. , Weis Joachim
Published: March 2008

Objective: Concepts of patient competence (PC) are being increasingly used, but seldom clearly defined in the context of shared medical treatment decision making and coping with cancer. The meaning of such concepts should therefore be clarified, and measures developed that permit the assessment of different facets of this patient characteristic. Consequently, this study attempted to contribute to the definition and measurement of PC.

Methods: Employing literature reviews and qualitative interviews, we developed a working definition of PC in the context of cancer from which we designed a self‐rating measure of this patient characteristic that was then tested for validity and reliability in a sample of N=536 patients with cancer.

Results: Using factor analyses, we developed five problem‐ and three emotion‐focused subscales that measure distinct facets of PC with satisfactory reliability. Additional analyses provide preliminary evidence of the instruments' validity.

Conclusions: This study represents an essential first step in developing a reliable self‐rating measure of PC in the context of cancer. Although further refinement of this measure is clearly required, it provides a preliminary methodological basis for empirically investigating the determinants and potential health effects of PC. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
End‐of‐life care in Italy: personal experience of family caregivers. A content analysis of open questions from the Italian Survey of the Dying of Cancer (ISDOC)
Authors: Morasso Gabriella , Costantini Massimo , Di Leo Silvia , Roma Serena , Miccinesi Guido , Merlo Domenico Franco , Beccaro Monica
Published: March 2008

Objective: This study aims at describing the emotional and practical experience of a representative sample of Italian non‐professional caregivers when caring for a terminally ill family member and is part of the ‘Italian Survey of the Dying of Cancer’, which involved 2000 adult cancer deaths representative of the whole country.

Methods: Information on patients' experience was gathered from non‐professional caregivers by an interview. A specific question was asked about the caregivers' emotional and practical experiences while assisting a terminally ill relative.

A content analysis of the open question on caregivers' perceptions was performed on transcribed answers. Three researchers independently generated categories. Subsequently, areas where they differed were reconsidered and an interpretation was agreed upon.

Results: Valid interviews were obtained from 1231 non‐professional caregivers. Answers were classified according to the perception of the experience as positive (33.1%), negative (65.1%) or neutral (1.8%).

Conclusion: Assisting a family member with cancer in his/her last three months of life is a very strong physical and mental stress for the caregiver. In some cases, this experience is nevertheless perceived as an evolution chance. Health‐care providers should need to develop programs to ensure that family caregivers' needs for information and support are given great importance. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human kidney glomerulus proteome and biomarker discovery of kidney diseases
Authors: Yoshida Yutaka , Miyamoto Masahito , Taguchi Izumi , Xu Bo , Zhang Ying , Yaoita Eishin , Fujinaka Hidehiko , Yamamoto Tadashi
Published: March 2008

The kidney glomerulus is the site of plasma filtration and production of primary urine in the kidney. The structure not only plays a pivotal role in ultrafiltration of plasma into urine but also is the locus of kidney diseases progressing to chronic renal failure. Patients afflicted with these glomerular diseases frequently progress to irreversible loss of renal function and inevitably require replacement therapies. The diagnosis and treatment of glomerular diseases are now based on clinical manifestations, urinary protein excretion level, and renal pathology of needle biopsy specimens. The molecular mechanisms underlying the progression of glomerular diseases are still obscure despite a great number of clinical and experimental studies. Proteomics is a particularly promising approach for the discovery of proteins relevant to physiological and pathophysiological processes, and has been recently employed in nephrology. Although until now most efforts of proteomic analysis have been conducted with urine, the biological fluid that is easily collected without invasive procedures, proteomic analysis of the glomerulus, the tissue most proximal to the disease loci, is the most straightforward approach. In this review, we attempt to outline the current status of clinical proteomics of the glomerulus and provide a perspective of protein biomarker discovery of glomerular diseases.
Proteomic approaches to the analysis of atopic dermatitis and new insights from interactomics
Authors: Park Yong‐Doo , Park Daeui , Bhak Jong , Yang Jun‐Mo
Published: March 2008

In this review, we summarized the recent findings regarding atopic dermatitis (AD) skin disease based on proteomic studies. AD is a chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disease typically characterized by a distribution of eczematous skin lesions with lichenification, pruritic excoriations and dry skin with wide varieties of pathophysiological aspects. We summarized the alterations of the protein expressions in the primary cultured AD cells from the patients'‐biopsy samples that were mostly analyzed by 2‐D PAGE and MALDI‐TOF. Further, we also conducted protein‐protein interaction mapping according to the obtained candidate proteins. As a result, we found that several hub proteins, i.e. heat shock 70‐kDa protein 2, heat shock 70‐kDa protein 9, tumor rejection antigen‐1 (gp96), spermatogenesis‐associated factor, protein kinase C inhibitor 1, vimentin, tenascin, semaphorin 4f (SEMA4F), complement component C1r deficiency (C1R) and apolipoprotein A (LPA), respectively, could receive important consideration in future studies. Since the mechanism of AD disease has been shown to be complex, our results may provide new clues to aid understanding of AD.
The influence of age on gait parameters during the transition from a wide to a narrow pathway
Authors: Shkuratova Nataliya , Taylor Nicholas
Published: March 2008

Background and Purpose. The ability to negotiate pathways of different widths is a prerequisite of daily living. However, only a few studies have investigated changes in gait parameters in response to walking on narrow pathways. The aim of this study is to examine the influence of age on gait adjustments during the transition from a wide to a narrow pathway. Method. DESIGN: Two‐group repeated measures design. SETTING: Gait Laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty healthy older participants (mean [M] = 74.3 years, Standard deviation [SD] = 7.2 years); 20 healthy young participants (M = 26.6 years, SD = 6.1 years). Interventions. Making the transition from walking on a wide pathway (68 cm) to walking on a narrow pathway (15 cm). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Step length, step time, step width, double support time and base of support. Results. Healthy older participants were able to make the transition from a wide to a narrow pathway successfully. There was only one significant interaction, between age and base of support (p < 0.003). Older adults decreased their base of support only when negotiating the transition step, while young participants started decreasing their base of support prior to the negotiation of transition step (p < 0.01). Conclusion. Adjustments to the transition from a wide to a narrow pathway are largely unaffected by normal ageing. Difficulties in making the transition to a narrow pathway during walking should not be attributed to normal age‐related changes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Healing of surgically created circumferential gap around Nano‐coating surface dental implants in dogs
Authors: Chae Gyung‐Joon , Jung Ui‐Won , Jung Sung‐Min , Lee In‐Seop , Cho Kyoo‐Sung , Kim Chong‐Kwan , Choi Seong‐Ho
Published: March 2008

The development and expanded use of dental implants has been remarkably increased. The implant stability and osseointegration are important factors in the success of treatment. Commercially pure titanium and its alloys are the most commonly used materials for endosseous dental implants. Hydroxyapatite (HA), one of the calcium phosphate, has been studied for biomedical applications since it has similarity in chemistry with inorganic components of human bone and its biocompatibility. But the use of HA coated dental implants remain still controversial, because some reports suggest that the HA coating may separate from the substructure, undergo dissolution in tissue fluids, and contribute to rapid breakdown around the implants. HA coating can be applied on metal implants by numerous methods. Of several coating methods, ion beam‐assisted deposition (IBAD) has shown to promise. This study was to compare the healing response of various nano‐coating surface implants (by IBAD) placed in surgically created circumferential gaps 12 weeks postplacement.

In six mongrel dogs, all mandible premolars and the first molar were extracted and after an 8‐week healing period, four kinds of implants were placed. 2 mm circumferential coronal defects around the implants were performed surgically with a customized step drill. Groups were divided according to the fixture surfaces. The dogs were sacrificed following a 12 week healing period. Specimens were analyzed histologically and histomorphometrically.

During the healing period, healing was uneventful and implants were well maintained. The bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC) for experimental groups —calcium phosphate coating implants with or without heat treatment‐ were much higher than the control group. The defect fill were also higher in the experimental groups. In the control group, the coronal part showed minimal bone fill and osseointegration.

Within the scope of this study, calcium phosphate coating using IBAD may improve the bone response and the calcium phosphate coating may therefore be suitable in implant design with complex surface geometries. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanostructuring at the surface of low‐energy lead‐implanted silicon by electron beam annealing
Authors: Markwitz Andreas , Davy Perry , Kennedy John , Baumann Horst
Published: March 2008

Low‐energy lead ion implantation and high‐temperature electron beam annealing were used to study the potential of producing Pb nanostructures on Si. Pb+ ions were implanted at high dose into p‐type (100) Si to the depth of 8.0 nm. The implanted samples were annealed under high vacuum conditions with an electron beam at 200–700 °C for 15 s. Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry (RBS) shows rapid out‐diffusion of Pb atoms above 400 °C. However, some Pb atoms are still present in the near‐surface region after annealing the implanted samples at 700 °C. Lead nanostructures were found on samples annealed above 300 °C. Annealing the samples at 450 °C causes the formation of nanostructures as tall as 4.1 ± 0.1 nm. Many of these are arranged in ‘web‐like’ strings that extend over micrometer distances. Occasionally, much larger nano‐features (as wide as 500 nm in diameter, average height of 1.5 nm) appear in the centre of the strings. Annealing samples well above the melting point of lead results in randomly distributed small nanometer‐sized Si nano‐dots. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The release behavior of CHX from polymer‐coated titanium surfaces
Authors: Kim Woo‐Hyun , Lee Sang‐Bae , Oh Keun‐Taek , Moon Seung‐Kyun , Kim Kwang‐Mahn , Kim Kyoung‐Nam
Published: March 2008

Titanium has been successfully used in dental implants due to its favorable biological response. However, implant failures caused by infection often occurred with a complex microbial exposure. Chlorhexidine (CHX) is effective against a wide variety of bacteria as well as fungi. The aim of the present study is to investigate the release behavior of CHX from CHX‐containing polylactide (PLA)‐coated titanium. Commercially, pure titanium was anodized with surfaces exposed to an anodic‐forming voltage of 250 V for 3 min. The anodized titanium surfaces were then coated with a PLA/CHX solution. Topographic evaluation was performed using a SEM, and the antibacterial effect was evaluated. The concentrations of CHX were measured using a UV spectrophotometer. In the surface morphology analysis, the uncoated titanium surface showed a porous structure, but the surfaces coated with a polymer displayed nonporous structures and wrinkled surfaces. In addition, there were no differences in the surface roughness between the uncoated and coated surface. On the basis of the comparative analysis of both the UV absorbance of CHX and the surface characteristics, we concluded that the PLA coating can effectively control the release of CHX on anodized titanium surfaces. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Platelets Promote Liver Regeneration under Conditions of Kupffer Cell Depletion after Hepatectomy in Mice
Authors: Murata Soichiro , Matsuo Ryota , Ikeda Osamu , Myronovych Andriy , Watanabe Motonobu , Hisakura Katsuji , Nakano Yoritaka , Hashimoto Ikuka , Ohkohchi Nobuhiro
Published: March 2008

Background

Platelets have been proven to promote liver regeneration after hepatectomy. Kupffer cells produce inflammatory cytokines and also promote liver regeneration. In the present study, we examined whether platelets promote liver regeneration after hepatectomy under conditions of Kupffer cell depletion.

Methods

Seventy percent hepatectomy was carried out in mice, which were subsequently divided into four groups: (1) a normal group without any treatment, (2) a Kupffer cell depleted (KD) group, (3) a thrombocytotic group, and (4) a combined thrombocytotic and Kupffer cell depleted (TKD) group. Growth kinetics in the liver regeneration, growth factors, inflammatory cytokines, and signal transduction relating to hepatocyte proliferation were analyzed.

Results

In the KD group, liver regeneration was significantly delayed compared to the normal group 48 h after hepatectomy. On the other hand, liver regeneration of the TKD group increased significantly compared to KD group, to a level that was the same as that recorded in the normal group. In the thrombocytotic group, liver regeneration increased significantly compared to the normal group. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) expression was lower in the KD and TKD groups than in the normal group after hepatectomy, but, in the TKD group, hepatocyte growth factor and Akt phosphorylation were higher than in the normal and KD groups.

Conclusions

After hepatectomy, liver regeneration in the Kupffer cell depleted group was delayed because of lower TNF‐α expression. Platelets promote liver regeneration even under condition of Kupffer cell depletion by stimulating hepatocyte growth factor and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 expression, and they activate Akt.
Research and Action for Bridging Science and Practice in Prevention
Authors: Saul Janet , Wandersman Abraham , Flaspohler Paul , Duffy Jennifer , Lubell Keri , Noonan Rita
Published: March 2008

There is a well‐known gap between science and practice. To address this gap in the areas of Child Maltreatment (CM) and Youth Violence (Y/V), the Division of Violence Prevention (DVP) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) embarked on a Dissemination/Implementation (D/I) planning project. The project was aimed at identifying better ways to connect research and practice through reviews of the literature as well as through discussions with experts on violence prevention and research utilization. This introductory article sets the stage for the rest of the special issue by defining terms, providing a rationale for the planning project, describing the planning process, and summarizing what is to come in the rest of the issue.
Effects of population density, sex morph, and tree size on reproduction in a heterodichogamous maple, Acer mono, in a temperate forest of Japan
Authors: Shibata Mitsue , Kikuchi Satoshi , Tanaka Hiroshi , Sueyoshi Masahiro , Yoshimaru Hiroshi , Niiyama Kaoru
Published: March 2008

The effects of local population density, sex morph [protogynous (PG) or protandrous (PA)], and individual tree size on the demographic processes of seed production were investigated in a heterodichogamous maple, Acer mono Maxim. var. Marmoratum (Nichols.) Hara f. dissectum, in a temperate forest of Japan. As the distance from conspecific reproductive adults increased, the percentage of immature seed fall and empty seeds increased significantly, indicating higher pollination success along with local population density. Although the difference was not distinct, pollination success was affected by the local population density of the reciprocal sex morph rather than that of both sex morphs. The trees at higher local population density sites suffered higher seed mortality due to predation and decay, and tended to produce smaller seeds. Thus, the impacts of local population density operated both positively and negatively on reproduction. As a factor of individual traits, tree size scarcely affected any demographic processes. On the other hand, sex morph did affect pollination success. Trees of PG type had lower immature seed fall than those of PA type, suggesting that the former has higher efficiency of pollen acceptance than the latter. The results on seed demography presented here partly support previous suggestions that heterodichogamous plants exhibit reciprocal cross‐pollination and gender specialization as reproductive traits.
Spatial and temporal population differences in male density and condition in the American rubyspot,Hetaerina americana(Insecta: Calopterygidae)
Authors: Contreras‐Garduño Jorge , Canales‐Lazcano Jorge , Jiménez‐Cortés Jesús Guillermo , Juárez‐Valdez Nahum , Lanz‐Mendoza Humberto , Córdoba‐Aguilar Alex
Published: March 2008

Increased resource availability should favor higher animal density. It may also affect sex ratio, the male condition, and mating competition over access to females, although the direction of these variables is not straightforward to predict. Using a non‐experimental approach, we carried out preliminary research using the territorial American rubyspot (Hetaerina americana) by comparing two spatially separated populations and the same population in two different seasons (each comparison with varying population densities). We first compared the sex ratio by counting males (using two categories, territorial and non‐territorial) and females; relative foraging time (as an indicator of how much feeding resources each site provides); wing spot size (a sexual ornament), body size and immune melanization response (these two variables were used to assess male condition); and fighting time and contest number (to assess competition). For the seasonal comparison we used a third population in which we only compared male spot size and two indicators of condition and immune response, phenoloxidase (PO) and nitric oxide (NO) activity. The high‐density population had higher values of non‐territorial males (but similar sex ratio), relative foraging time, contest time and number, wing spot (but similar body size) and melanization response than the low‐density population. According to season, at high density, males had higher values of wing spots, PO, and NO. Our results suggest that in a population where animals have more dietary resources, males reach a better condition despite the competition being more intense.
A Novel Self-aligned and Maskless Process for Formation of Highly Uniform Arrays of Nanoholes and Nanopillars
Authors: Wu Wei , Dey Dibyendu , Memis Omer G , Katsnelson Alex , Mohseni Hooman
Published: March 2008

Fabrication of a large area of periodic structures with deep sub-wavelength features is required in many applications such as solar cells, photonic crystals, and artificial kidneys. We present a low-cost and high-throughput process for realization of 2D arrays of deep sub-wavelength features using a self-assembled monolayer of hexagonally close packed (HCP) silica and polystyrene microspheres. This method utilizes the microspheres as super-lenses to fabricate nanohole and pillar arrays over large areas on conventional positive and negative photoresist, and with a high aspect ratio. The period and diameter of the holes and pillars formed with this technique can be controlled precisely and independently. We demonstrate that the method can produce HCP arrays of hole of sub-250 nm size using a conventional photolithography system with a broadband UV source centered at 400 nm. We also present our 3D FDTD modeling, which shows a good agreement with the experimental results.
Pediatric cervical spine instability
Authors: Ghanem Ismat , El Hage Samer , Rachkidi Rami , Kharrat Khalil , Dagher Fernand , Kreichati Gabi
Published: March 2008

Cervical spine instability in children is rare but not exceptional and may be due to many factors. Although it mostly occurs at the upper cervical spine, all vertebrae from the occiput to T1 may be involved. It may be acute or chronic, occurring secondary to trauma or due to congenital anomaly, skeletal or metabolic dystrophy or rheumatoid arthritis. It can be isolated or associated with other musculoskeletal or visceral anomalies. A thorough knowledge of embryology, anatomy, physiology and physiopathology of the cervical spine in children is essential to avoid pitfalls, recognize normal variants and identify children at risk of developing cervical spine instability and undertake the appropriate treatment.
Lack of colonic inflammation‐induced acute visceral hypersensitivity to colorectal distension in Nav1.9 knockout mice
Authors: Martinez V. , Melgar S.
Published: March 2008

Tetrodotoxin‐resistant voltage‐gated sodium channels subtype 9 (Nav1.9) are expressed in small‐diameter dorsal root ganglion neurons and have been involved in persistent somatic hyperalgesic responses associated with inflammation. We assessed the role of Nav1.9 channels on acute colonic inflammation‐induced visceral hypersensitivity in conscious mice, using Nav1.9 knockout (KO) mice. Colorectal distension (CRD)‐induced visceral pain was assessed in conscious wild‐type and Nav1.9 KO mice (C57Bl/6 background). The mechanical activity of the abdominal muscles during isobaric colorectal distension was used as a measure of visceral pain. Acute colonic inflammation was induced by intracolonic administration of the toll‐like receptor (TLR) 7 activator, R‐848 (40μg/animal). CRD was performed 5h later, thereafter animals were euthanized and the colonic content of inflammatory mediators assessed. Normal pain responses were similar in Nav1.9 KO and wild‐type mice. In wild‐type mice, R‐848 administration increased the response to phasic CRD by 62% compared with vehicle‐treated animals (vehicle: 0.16±0.04, R‐848: 0.26±0.03, n=6–7, P<0.05). However, in Nav1.9 KO mice, intracolonic R‐848 did not affect the response to CRD (0.11±0.02, n=7) compared to animals treated with vehicle (0.17±0.03, n=5; P>0.05). After R‐848 administration, the colonic content of pro‐inflammatory cytokines was increased in similar proportion in wild type and Nav1.9 KO mice, suggesting the presence of a similar acute inflammatory reaction in both groups of animals. These results suggest that Nav1.9 channels do not significantly contribute to normal visceral pain responses to acute colonic mechanical stimulation but may be important for the development of inflammation‐related acute visceral hyperalgesic responses.
Interactions between spatial summation, 2‐point discrimination and habituation of heat pain
Authors: Defrin Ruth , Pope Geoff , Davis Karen D.
Published: March 2008

Recently, spatial summation (SS) of two discrete noxious stimuli was found to occur at separation distances less than 10cm in the forearm. Interestingly though, with larger separation distances there is 2‐point discrimination (2PD) but not SS. However, previous studies have not examined the interactions between these spatial phenomena and temporal aspects of pain. Therefore, our aims were to (1) examine the inverse relationship between SS and 2PD in the leg, and (2) assess whether SS and 2PD of pain are affected by repetitive noxious stimulation. Twenty‐four subjects received multiple series of 16 repeated noxious heat stimuli (22s inter‐stimulus interval) at various intensities delivered with one or two thermal probes separated by either 0.4cm or 15cm. For each configuration, subjects rated the amount of perceived pain on a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) (to evaluate SS) and stated the number of pain spots (to evaluate 2PD) following each stimulus. A significant SS of pain occurred only with the probe separation of 0.4cm (in which perceived pain significantly increased compared with a single probe, p<0.001) whereas 2PD occurred only at the probe separation of 15cm (p<0.001). When the stimulation temperature was fixed (but evoked different initial pain scores for different stimulation configurations), habituation occurred only with a single probe and two probes separated by 15cm. However, when the initial pain score was fixed (but the stimulus temperature varied) habituation occurred with all stimulation configurations but significantly less for two probes separated by 0.4cm. Sex was not a factor in SS and 2PD of pain, however there was greater habituation in females than males. In conclusion, SS of pain counteracts 2PD of pain and to a lesser extent, pain habituation.
Survey of the native insect natural enemies of Hyphantria cunea (Drury) (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae) in China
Authors: Yang Z.Q. , Wang X.Y. , Wei J.R. , Qu H.R. , Qiao X.R.
Published: March 2008

The fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea (Drury) (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae), is an invasive and important pest in China. Investigations on insect natural enemies have been conducted from 1996 to 1999 in five provinces and one municipality of China in order to select effective species for biological control. Two carabid predators (Coleoptera) and 25 parasitoid species were found, among which 23 were parasitic wasps (Hymenoptera), including five hyperparasitic species and two tachinid flies (Diptera). The two carabids preyed on young larvae inside webs, two braconid wasps parasitized larvae, and 18 parasitoid species attacked the fall webworm during the pupal and/or ‘larval-pupal’ stages. Among these parasitoids, there were one genus and nine species that are new to science and four species new to China, which were described and published by the senior author Yang. The average parasitism rates of fall webworm pupae were 25.8% and 16.1% in the overwintering generation and the first generation (summer generation), respectively. These findings reveal that these natural enemies play an important role in the natural control of the pest. Chouioia cunea Yang (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), a gregarious pupal endo-parasitoid, was recommended as a promising biological control agent against the fall webworm in China.
Correlation between radiological images and pathological results in supraglottic cancer
Authors: Kim J W , Yoon S-Y , Park I-S , Park S-W , Kim Y-M
Published: March 2008

Introduction:

Radiological imaging plays an indispensable, complementary role to endoscopy in the pre-therapeutic assessment of laryngeal cancer. We evaluated the reliability of radiological imaging in determining the extent of cancer and surgical resection, by comparing the results of pre-operative computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging with those for post-operative pathological analysis.

Material and methods:

Twenty-nine patients who had undergone laryngeal cancer surgery with a diagnosis of supraglottic cancer were reviewed. Imaging reliability was assessed for separate subunit regions of the supraglottic area, the glottic area and the cartilage.

Results:

The false diagnosis rate for all subunits was 25 per cent. The rate of false diagnosis associated with overstaging was 21 per cent. The rate of false diagnosis associated with understaging was 4 per cent.

Conclusion:

In order to give the best chance of laryngeal preservation, especially in the case of false positive laryngeal subsites, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging should be combined with pre-operative endoscopy and intra-operative frozen section diagnosis.
Decomposition and colonization by micro-arthropods of two litter types in a tropical montane rain forest in southern Ecuador
Authors: Illig Jens , Schatz Heinrich , Scheu Stefan , Maraun Mark
Published: March 2008

The decomposition of litter of two tree speciesGraffenrieda emarginata(Melastomataceae),Purdiaea nutans(Cyrillaceae) and the mixture of both was investigated in a tropical montane rain forest in southern Ecuador at two different altitudes (1850 and 2280 m). The two litter types differed strongly in nitrogen concentration, suggesting thatG. emarginata(1.21% N) decomposes faster thanP. nutans(0.73% N). To study the effect of soil micro-arthropods on the decomposition process, litterbags with mesh-size of 48 μm, excluding soil micro-arthropods, and 1 mm, allowing colonization by soil micro-arthropods, were used. Litter mass loss was measured after 2, 6 and 12 mo exposure in the field; further, microbial biomass and micro-arthropod colonization of the litter were investigated after 2 and 12 mo. Generally, litter decomposed faster at 1850 m than at 2280 m (60% and 76% dry mass remaining after 12 mo, respectively);G. emarginataand mixed litter decomposed faster thanP. nutanslitter. After 12 mo mixed litter decomposed faster (65% of dry mass remaining) than both individual litter species (70% and 71% of dry mass ofG. emarginataandP. nutanslitter remaining, respectively) indicating that non-additive effects contributed to litter decomposition. Microbial biomass increased during the experiment and was higher at 1850 m than at 2280 m. The most abundant micro-arthropods in both litter types were oribatid mites followed by Collembola, Gamasina, Uropodina and Prostigmata + Astigmata. Micro-arthropods were generally more abundant at 1850 m suggesting higher biotic activity at lower altitudes. Soil micro-arthropods contributed little to decomposition processes indicating that litter decomposition is mainly due to micro-organisms.
Frugivory and seed dispersal by the yellow-throated marten, Martes flavigula, in a subtropical forest of China
Authors: Zhou You-Bing , Slade Eleanor , Newman Chris , Wang Xiao-Ming , Zhang Shu-Yi
Published: March 2008

The yellow-throated marten, Martes flavigula, is the only living species of the genus Martes found in subtropical and tropical forests (Harrison et al. 2004). It is distributed throughout central and southern Asia in a wide variety of habitats. Despite its extensive geographical range, the ecology and behaviour of this species has so far received little attention, aside from a study of habitat use (Grassman et al. 2005). Studies on other martens have shown that fruits are an important food resource (e.g. M. martes, Bermejo & Guitian 2000; M. foina, Pandolfi et al. 1996). Thus, they are considered to be important potential seed dispersers (Corlett 1998, Herrera 1989, Willson 1993), as confirmed by recent studies (M. melampus, Otani 2002; M. americana, Hickey et al. 1999; M. foina and M. martes, Schaumann & Heinken 2002). Although no systematic study of the diet of M. flavigula has been conducted (Harrison et al. 2004), it is known to be omnivorous and to consume fruit (Gao & Wang 1987). To date, however, there has been no comprehensive study of frugivory and seed dispersal by M. flavigula (but see Corlett 1998).
Effects of habitat degradation on mixed-species bird flocks in Indian rain forests
Authors: Sridhar Hari , Sankar K.
Published: March 2008

Habitat degradation affects mixed-species bird flocks (flock hereafter) through two mechanisms – changes in the bird community from which flocks are drawn and changes in the propensities of species to flock. We determined the relative influence of these two mechanisms by examining variation in flocks across nine rain-forest fragments (range 11–2600 ha) in a plantation landscape in the Western Ghats, India. We found differences between fragments in average number of species (range 10.8–15.2) and individuals (range 19.0–37.6) per flock, number of species that participated in flocks (range 34–59), encounter rates (range 0.5–2.4 flocks h−1) and flock composition. Multiple regression and randomization tests revealed that different mechanisms contributed to this variation. Three flock variables (open-forest individuals per flock, total open-forest species that participated in flocks in a fragment, flock composition) mainly reflected changes in the bird communities of fragments. Habitat structure strongly influenced three flock variables (open-forest species per flock, total and rain-forest individuals per flock) and flock composition to a lesser extent. Finally, flock encounter rate was strongly related to fragment area, but not to abundance of flock participants indicating habitat degradation-induced changes in propensities of species to flock.
Seasonal and inter-annual photosynthetic response of representative C4 species to soil water content and leaf nitrogen concentration across a tropical seasonal floodplain
Authors: Mantlana K. B. , Arneth A. , Veenendaal E. M. , Wohland P. , Wolski P. , Kolle O. , Lloyd J.
Published: March 2008

We examined the seasonal and inter-annual variation of leaf-level photosynthetic characteristics of three C4 perennial species, Cyperus articulatus, Panicum repens and Imperata cylindrica, and their response to environmental variables, to determine comparative physiological responses of plants representing particular microhabitats within a seasonal tropical floodplain in the Okavango River Delta, Botswana. Five measurement campaigns were carried out over a period of 2 y which covered two early rainy seasons, two late rainy seasons and one dry season. For all three species, light-saturated net photosynthetic rates (Asat) and stomatal conductance (gsat) decreased with decreasing soil water content with a seasonal range for Asat of approximately 5–45 μmol m−2 s−1, and for gsat of 0.03–0.35 mol m−2 s−1. The species representing the wettest microhabitat (Cyperus) had the highest gsat at low leaf-to-air vapour pressure deficits (Dl), the highest ratio of intercellular to ambient CO2 concentration (Ci/Ca), as well as the highest degree of variation in Ci/Ca from season to season. We interpret this as being indicative of its adaptation to a moist growth environment allowing for non-conservative water use strategies as soil moisture is usually abundant. For all three species there was significant variation in photosynthetic fluxes from one year to another that was related to variation in leaf nitrogen and phosphorus. This study shows that when assessing the role of savanna stands in large-scale carbon balance models, the remarkable inter-annual variation in leaf photosynthesis reported in this study should be taken into account.
Initial clinical manifestations and mid- and long-term results after surgical repair of double-chambered right ventricle in children and adults
Authors: Telagh Ragiab , Alexi-Meskishvili Vladimir , Hetzer Ronald , Lange Peter E. , Berger Felix , Abdul-Khaliq Hashim
Published: March 2008

Objective

By means of retrospective analysis of our institutional experience, we reviewed the clinical manifestation and outcomes of patients subsequent to surgical repair of double-chambered right ventricle.

Methods

Between 1988 and 2005, we performed surgical repair in 35 of 37 patients diagnosed with double-chambered right ventricle. The patients ranged in age from 4 to 69 years, with a mean of 21.3 years. Most presented in infancy, with initial manifestation of a short systolic murmur in 34 (92%) of all cases. Pressure gradients were measured invasively across the right ventricular outflow tract of between 30 and 140 mmHg, with a median of 60 mmHg. An associated ventricular septal defect was present in 26 patients (70%). Of the group, 4 patients were aged over 40 years, and 2 had previously undergone operative closure of a ventricular septal defect.

Results

The operative interval ranged from 2 months to 41 years, with a median of 9 years. In all, we resected muscular bundles and enlarged the right ventricular outflow tract. There was no hospital or late death. Median follow-up subsequent to surgery was 7 years, with a range from 0.4 to 11 years. No patient required further surgery to relieve any obstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract, nor long term medical therapy or pacing because of cardiac arrhythmia.

Conclusions

Surgical repair of a double-chambered right ventricle yields excellent haemodynamic and functional results over the mid to long term.
Cell Patterning: Interaction of Cardiac Myocytes and Fibroblasts in Three-Dimensional Culture
Authors: Baudino Troy A. , McFadden Alex , Fix Charity , Hastings Joshua , Price Robert , Borg Thomas K.
Published: March 2008

Patterning of cells is critical to the formation and function of the normal organ, and it appears to be dependent upon internal and external signals. Additionally, the formation of most tissues requires the interaction of several cell types. Indeed, both extracellular matrix (ECM) components and cellular components are necessary for three-dimensional (3-D) tissue formationin vitro. Using 3-D cultures we demonstrate that ECM arranged in an aligned fashion is necessary for the rod-shaped phenotype of the myocyte, and once this pattern is established, the myocytes were responsible for the alignment of any subsequent cell layers. This is analogous to thein vivopattern that is observed, where there appears to be minimal ECM signaling, rather formation of multicellular patterns is dependent upon cell–cell interactions. Our 3-D culture of myocytes and fibroblasts is significant in that it modelsin vivoorganization of cardiac tissue and can be used to investigate interactions between fibroblasts and myocytes. Furthermore, we used rotational cultures to examine cellular interactions. Using these systems, we demonstrate that specific connexins and cadherins are critical for cell–cell interactions. The data presented here document the feasibility of using these systems to investigate cellular interactions during normal growth and injury.