bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary characteristics of the atmospheric circulations for frequent and infrequent dust storm springs in northern China and the detection of potential future seasonal forecast signals
Authors: Gao Tao , Han Jingwei
Published: September 2009

The evolutionary characteristics of dust storms in spring in northern China springs are determined by synthesizing the previous patterns and analyzing the geopotential height at 500 hPa. Some potential seasonal predictors are found through detecting the atmospheric circulation factors in both qualitative and quantitative analyses. Based on the frequency series obtained through comprehensive investigations of dust storm events which occurred from 1970 to 2005, two sample sets, each containing 6 years, are selected to represent the most frequent and infrequent occurrences of spring dust storms. For the first set, most of the West Pacific subtropical highs in the previous summer are relatively small and weak compared to those in normal years. In the previous winter, the mid‐latitude region of the Eurasian continent is strongly controlled by a large and active low system, simultaneously with a strong and westerly positioned trough over East Asia. The northern hemisphere polar vortex, in general, changes from weak to strong with a large area from the previous winter to the current spring. The geopotential height over the Tibetan Plateau keeps a lower than normal value with a relatively strong India‐Burma trough from the preceding summer in to the spring. For the second set, the evolution displays opposite features. Furthermore, by using a bootstrapping technique, indices of the atmospheric circulation elements are detected quantitatively. The forecast skill score of the 36 year hindcast (1970–2005) indicates that those indices can provide forecast signals in certain situations for spring dust storm seasonal predictions in northern China. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
The ICARDA Agro‐Climate tool
Authors: Mauget Steve , De Pauw Eddy
Published: September 2009

A Visual Basic agro‐climate application developed by climatologists at the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture is described here. The application's climate database consists of weather generator parameters derived from the daily data of 649 meteorological stations in the ICARDA mandate region. From those parameters the program calculates climate statistics over arbitrarily defined periods within summer or winter growing seasons at user‐selected latitude‐longitude coordinates. The statistics reported include: crop evapotranspiration estimates derived from the FAO‐56 single crop coefficient algorithm, probabilities of exceedence of both cumulative rainfall and growing degree days, the probability that minimum and maximum daily temperatures will exceed user‐defined temperature thresholds and the probability of heat stress, cold stress and dry periods of varying duration. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
A new approach to preexisting vertical midline abdominal scars with crossover DIEP flap breast reconstruction
Authors: Hsieh Frank , Somia Naveen , Lam Thomas C.
Published: September 2009

Breast reconstruction using a free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap or a deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is a challenge in patients with a vertical midline abdominal scar due to the poor perfusion of the lower abdominal skin ellipse across the midline. In such patients, only one half of the abdominal skin ellipse can be used with certainty, and this limits the amount of tissue available for reconstructing the breast. Two cases of breast reconstruction in patients with a lower midline abdominal scar are presented using the DIEP flap, in which the poor perfusion across the midline scar was overcome by a technique of crossover anastomoses between the two deep inferior epigastric pedicles. Reliable perfusion of the entire lower abdominal skin ellipse was achieved. This crossover anastomoses technique overcomes the poor perfusion imposed by the vertical midline abdominal scar and enables DIEP flap breast reconstruction to be offered to women with midline abdominal scars. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2010.
Changes of local and systemic hemorheological properties in intestinal ischemia‐reperfusion injury in the rat model
Authors: Brath Endre , Nemeth Norbert , Kiss Ferenc , Sajtos Erika , Hever Timea , Matyas Lili , Toth Laszlo , Miko Iren , Furka Istvan
Published: September 2009

The aim of this study was to investigate intestinal ischemia‐reperfusion and its local and systemic hemorheological relations in the rat. Ten anaesthetized female CD outbred rats were equally divided into 2 experimental groups. (1) Ischemia‐reperfusion (I/R): the superior mesenterial artery was clipped for 30 minutes. After removing the clip, 60 minutes of the reperfusion was observed before extermination. Blood samples were taken from the caudal caval vein and from the portal vein before ischemia, 1 minute before and after clip removal, and at the 15th, 30th, and 60th minutes of the reperfusion. (2) Sham operation: median laparotomy and blood sampling were done according to the timing as in I/R group. Hematological parameters, red blood cell aggregation, and deformability were determined. Leukocyte count and mean volume of erythrocytes increased slightly but continuously in portal venous samples during the reperfusion period. Red blood cell aggregation values were higher in portal blood by the end of ischemia, and then became elevated further comparing to the caval venous blood. Both in caval and portal venous samples of I/R group red blood cell deformability significantly worsened during the experimental period compared to its base and Sham group. In portal blood red blood cell deformability was impaired more than in caval vein samples. Histology showed denuded villi, dilated capillaries, and the inflammatory cells were increased after a 30 minutes ischemia. In conclusion, intestinal ischemia‐reperfusion causes changes in erythrocyte deformability and aggregation, showing local versus systemic differences in venous blood during the first hour of reperfusion. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2010.
The intrinsic transit time of free microvascular flaps: Clinical and prognostic implications
Authors: Holm Charlotte , Dornseifer Ulf , Sturtz Gustavo , Basso Gianluca , Schuster Tibor , Ninkovic Milomir
Published: September 2009

Background: Microscope‐integrated indocyanine green near‐infrared videoangiography (ICGA) is a new method for the intraoperative assessment of vascular flow through microvascular anastomoses. The intrinsic transit time (ITT) describes the time period from the dye appears at the arterial anastomosis (t1) till it reaches the suture line of the venous anastomosis (t2). As the transit time reflects blood flow velocity within the flap, prolonged ITT might correlate with low blood flow and a higher rate of postoperative thrombosis. We performed a clinical trial evaluating the association between intraoperative free flap transit time and early anastomotic complications in elective microsurgery. Methods: One hundred consecutive patients undergoing elective microsurgical procedures underwent intraoperative ICG angiography (ICGA). In patients with anastomotic patency, angiograms were retrospectively reviewed and the intrinsic transit time was calculated. Postoperative outcome was registered and compared with the ITT. End points included early reexploration surgery and flap loss within the first 24 hours after surgery. Results: Fourteen patients were excluded from the study due to technical anastomotic failure. The overall flap failure rate was 6% (5/86); the incidence of early re‐exploration surgery was 10% (9/86). With a median of 31 seconds patients with an uneventful postoperative course showed significantly shorter ITTs than patients with flap loss or early postoperative reexploration (median: >120 seconds). An optimal cut‐off value of ITT > 50 seconds was determined to be strongestly associated with a significantly increased risk of at least one positive end point. Conclusions: This study demonstrates a significant predictive value of the intrinsic flap transit time for the development of flap compromise and early re‐exploration surgery. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2010.
Use of pectoralis major perforators for local “free‐style” perforator flap in axillary reconstruction: A case report
Authors: Kosutic Damir
Published: September 2009

Axillary scar contracture in a previously poly‐traumatized present a challenging task for a reconstructive surgeon from the functional and esthetic standpoint. While harvest of local myocutaneous flaps will obviously contribute to further limitation of arm movements in already functionally impaired shoulder, pedicled perforator flaps from the lateral and posterior thoracic region may not be available due to extensive scarring after high‐energy trauma with soft‐tissue loss. We present a new perforator pedicled flap, designed, and harvested exclusively on the basis of “free style perforator flap” concept, based on the perforators coming from the pectoral region. The operative technique and outcome are discussed in this report. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2010.
Ethnic enclave residence, employment, and commuting of Latino workers
Authors: Liu Cathy Yang
Published: September 2009

This paper examines the impact of living in ethnic enclaves in different parts of a metropolitan area on low‐skilled Latino immigrants' employment accessibility. It does so by comparing the employment status and commuting times of Latinos living in and out of ethnic neighborhoods in central city, inner‐ring suburbs, and outer‐ring suburbs in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. Using the 2000 Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS), this paper finds that central‐city residents tend to have both lower employment probability and longer commutes. The enclave effect is much muted and a spatial mismatch effect evident in these areas. But in the suburban areas, while as likely to work as non‐enclave counterparts, enclave residents tend to commute longer to jobs, suggesting the importance of ethnic networks in these enclave neighborhoods. Further distinguishing Latino immigrants by gender shows that women are more enclave‐disadvantaged than men. © 2009 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
A comparative cost analysis of commodity foods from the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the National School Lunch Program
Authors: Peterson Cora
Published: September 2009

Schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program receive a portion of their federal funding as commodity foods rather than cash payments. This research compared the product costs and estimated total procurement costs of commodity and commercial foods from the school district perspective using data from 579 Minnesota ordering sites in school year (SY) 2008–2009. Though comparison of product prices indicates that commercial foods were an average of 17 percent more expensive than equivalent commodity foods, once full estimated procurement costs were included, the commercial products became 9 percent less expensive per food case than commodity products. Base case results were sensitive to the cost of risk to hold inventory. When this input was tested at zero, the estimated cost to procure commercial foods was 2 percent higher per case than commodity foods, though total commercial procurement costs remained less than commodity costs by 3 percent. It is estimated that Minnesota schools collectively spent an additional $1.7 to $3.7 million to procure USDA commodity foods in SY 2008–2009. © 2009 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
In vitro hydrolytic degradation of centrifugally spun polyhydroxybutyrate–pectin composite fibres
Authors: Foster L John R , Tighe Brian J
Published: September 2009

BACKGROUND: Centrifugal spinning is a novel fibre‐forming process that readily permits the incorporation of additives while avoiding the thermal damage often associated with conventional melt spinning. Centrifugal spinning of a viscous solution of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) mixed with pectin was used to fabricate a range of fibres containing different concentrations of this biologically active agent. The influence of this blending on fibre morphology and in vitro degradation in an accelerated hydrolytic model at 70 °C and pH of 10.6 is reported.

RESULTS: Blending influenced the physiochemical properties of the fibres, and this significantly affected the degradation profile of both the fibre and its PHB constituent. A greater influence on degradation was exerted by the type of pectin and its degree of esterification than by variations in its loading.

CONCLUSION: Centrifugal spinning permits the fabrication of composite fibrous matrices from PHB and pectin. Incorporation of the polysaccharide into the fibres can be used to manipulate degradation behaviour and demonstrates a model for doping of matrices with active biological constituents. The unique features of the centrifugal spinning process, as illustrated by the structure of the fibres and the degradation profiles, suggest possible applications of centrifugally spun biopolymers as wound scaffolding devices and in tissue engineering. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Preliminary Characterization of Propellants Based on p(GA/BAMO) and pAMMO Binders
Authors: Barbieri Ugo , Polacco Giovanni , Keicher Thomas , Massimi Roberto
Published: September 2009

In previous papers, the synthesis and characterization of OH‐terminated glycidyl azide‐r‐(3,3‐bis(azidomethyl)oxetane) copolymers (GA/BAMO) and poly‐3‐azidomethyl‐3‐methyl oxetane (pAMMO) by azidation of their respective polymeric substrates were described. The main objective was the preparation of amorphous azido‐polymers, as substitutes of hydroxy‐terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) in new formulations of energetic propellants. Here, the subsequent characterization of both the binders is presented. First of all, several isocyanates were checked in order to optimize the curing reaction, and then two small‐scale formulations of a propellant, based on aluminium and ammonium perchlorate, were prepared and characterized. Finally, the mechanical properties and burning rate were compared to those of a similar propellant based on HTPB as binder.
Increased cell proliferation and contractility of prostate in insulin resistant rats: Linking hyperinsulinemia with benign prostate hyperplasia
Authors: Vikram A. , Jena G. B. , Ramarao P.
Published: September 2009

BACKGROUND

Obesity, dyslipidemia, Hyperinsulinemia, and insulin resistance (IR) are key features of metabolic syndrome and are considered as risk factors for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) as well as type 2 diabetes. The present study was aimed to determine whether or not IR associated hyperinsulinemia contributes to the BPH.

METHODS

Sprague–Dawley rats (9 weeks) were used in the study. Rats were kept on high fat diet (HFD) for the induction of hyperinsulinemia while hypoinsulinemia was induced by streptozotocin. Effect of HFD feeding on the testosterone‐induced prostatic growth was evaluated. Pioglitazone (PG, 20 mg/kg) was used for the reversal of compensatory hyperinsulinemia and to examine the subsequent effect on the prostatic growth.

RESULTS

Prostatic enlargement was observed in the HFD‐fed rats. Significant increase in the cell proliferation markers confirmed the occurrence of cellular hyperplasia in the prostate of hyperinsulinemic rat. Enhanced α‐adrenoceptor mediated contraction in the prostate of HFD‐fed rats indicates augmented contractility of the gland. Higher level of phosphorylated‐ERK suggests enhanced MEK/ERK signaling. HFD feeding has not led to change in the plasma testosterone level. However, testosterone treatment further augmented the prostatic growth in HFD‐fed rats. PG treatment led to improved insulin sensitivity, decreased plasma insulin level and prostate weight, indicating the role of compensatory hyperinsulinemia in the prostate growth.

CONCLUSIONS

The present investigation reports that HFD‐feeding induced hyperinsulinemic condition leads to increased cellular proliferation, enhanced α‐adrenoceptor mediated contraction, and enlargement of the prostate in rats. Prostate 70: 79–89, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tranilast suppresses prostate cancer growth and osteoclast differentiation in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Sato Shinya , Takahashi Satoru , Asamoto Makoto , Naiki Taku , Naiki‐Ito Aya , Asai Kiyofumi , Shirai Tomoyuki
Published: September 2009

BACKGROUND

In bone metastatic sites, prostate cancer cells proliferate on interacting with osteoclasts. Tranilast, which is used for an antiallergic drug, has been shown to inhibit growth of several cancers and stromal cells. The present study was conducted to assess suppressive effects of Tranilast on prostate cancer growth and osteoclast differentiation in vivo and in vitro.

METHODS

In vivo, rat prostate cancer tissue was transplanted onto cranial bones of F344 rats and Tranilast was given for 9 days at doses of 0, 200, or 400 mg/kg/day. In vitro, human prostate cancer cell lines, LNCaP, PC3, and DU145, the rat prostate cancer cell line, PLS‐10, and rat bone marrow cells were similarly treated with the agent.

RESULTS

In vivo, tumor volumes were significantly decreased in the high dose group. While cell proliferation did not appear to be affected, apoptosis was induced and tumor necrosis was apparent. Cranial bone defects were decreased in the high dose group. In vitro, cell proliferation rates of all four cell lines were reduced by Tranilast and increased apoptosis was observed in LNCaP and PLS‐10. In addition, Tranilast significantly reduced osteoclast differentiation of rat bone marrow cells. Western blot analysis of PLS‐10 and LNCaP revealed that phospho‐GSK3β was up‐regulated and phospho‐Akt was down‐regulated.

CONCLUSIONS

Tranilast here suppressed rat prostate cancer growth and osteoclast differentiation. Growth of human prostate cancer cells was also inhibited. Thus, this agent deserves consideration as a candidate for conventional therapy of bone metastatic prostate cancer. Prostate 70: 229–238, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The potential value of microseminoprotein‐β as a prostate cancer biomarker and therapeutic target
Authors: Whitaker Hayley C. , Warren Anne Y. , Eeles Rosalind , Kote‐Jarai Zsofia , Neal David E.
Published: September 2009

BACKGROUND

Recent genome‐wide association studies have shown an association of a SNP two base pairs upstream of the 5' UTR of the microseminoprotein‐β (MSMB) gene with an increased risk of developing the prostate cancer, re‐igniting interest in its protein product, MSMB.

METHODS

As one of the most abundant prostatic proteins, MSMB can be reliably detected in tissue and serum.

RESULTS

It has been consistently shown that MSMB expression is high in normal and benign prostate tissue and lowered or lost in prostate cancer suggesting that it might be a useful tissue biomarker for prostate cancer diagnosis and its levels in serum may be useful as a marker for prognosis. Members of the cysteine‐rich secretory protein family and laminin receptors have been shown to bind MSMB at the cell surface and in serum thereby regulating apoptosis. Thus, in the benign prostate, MSMB regulates cell growth, but when MSMB is lost during tumourigenesis, cells are able to grow in a more uncontrolled manner. Both full length MSMB and a short peptide comprised of amino acids 31‐45 have been tested for potential therapeutic benefit in mouse models and humans.

CONCLUSIONS

MSMB has potential as a biomarker of prostate cancer development, progression and recurrence and potentially as a target for therapeutic intervention. Prostate 70: 333–340, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Monitoring neonicotinoid resistance in biotype B of Bemisia tabaci in Florida
Authors: Schuster David J , Mann Rajinder S , Toapanta Marco , Cordero Roberto , Thompson Sandra , Cyman Sabrina , Shurtleff Aaron , Morris II Roy F
Published: September 2009

BACKGROUND: Biotype B of the sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Genn.), is a worldwide pest that has developed resistance to many insecticides, including the neonicotinoid class. Florida field populations were monitored for susceptibility to the neonicotinoids imidacloprid and thiamethoxam using a cut leaf petiole bioassay method.

RESULTS: Average RR50 values for imidacloprid increased from 3.7 in 2000 to 12.0 in 2003; decreased to 5.0 and 2.5 in 2004 and 2005, respectively; and then increased to 26.3 and 23.9 in 2006 and 2007, respectively. Populations with RR50 values of about 50 to 60 during generation one reverted to RR50 values of ⩽4 in six generations, when reared without further exposure to imidacloprid. Average RR50 values for thiamethoxam increased from 2.0 in 2003 to 24.7 in 2006 and decreased to 10.4 in 2007. Populations with RR50 values of about 22, 32 and 53 during generation one declined to 8, 5 and 6, respectively, after being reared for five generations without exposure to thiamethoxam. The correlation coefficient from the 26 populations that were bioassayed both with imidacloprid and thiamethoxam showed a significant positive correlation (R2 = 0.58) between these populations.

CONCLUSION: The high level of RR50 values to imidacloprid and thiamethoxam suggest an unstable decline in the susceptibility of B. tabaci to imidacloprid and thiamethoxam, with possible cross‐resistance or predisposition for dual resistance selection. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Local formation of angiotensin peptides with paracrine activity by adipocytes
Authors: Weiland Felix , Verspohl Eugen J.
Published: September 2009

A local paracrine angiotensin (ANG) system influences the insulin sensitivity and cell differentiation of adipose tissue. The limited view of a merely systemic renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone‐system with ANG II (1–8) as the main mediator of ANG‐related effects may oversimplify the situation. The aim was to analyze the degradation of ANG by using capillary electrophoresis (CE) techniques. The supernatant of cultured 3T3‐L1 adipocytes was used directly, and some data on degraded peptides were combined with a biological effect. The formation of several peptides such as ANG II (1–8), —III (2–8), —IV (3–8), and ANG (1–7) as degradation products is demonstrated; in addition low levels of ANG (3–7) are identified. The concentrations of the peptides ANG III (2–8) and ANG IV (3–8) (both are AT4receptor agonists) are modified in the vicinity of adipose tissue cells by amino‐terminal degradation which resulted in ANG (3–8), —(4–8) and —(5–8). ANG IV (3–8) and ANG II (1–8) were biologically highly effective in inhibiting IRAP (insulin regulated aminopeptidase, part of the AT4receptor). It is observed that ANG (1–7) is the main degradation product derived from ANG I via ANG (1–9) and that ANG III (2–8) is one important regulated peptide for IRAP. Copyright © 2009 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and receptor binding of opioid peptide analogues containing β3‐homo‐amino acids
Authors: Wilczyńska Dominika , Kosson Piotr , Kwasiborska Maria , Ejchart Andrzej , Olma Aleksandra
Published: September 2009

β‐Amino acids containing hybrid peptides and β‐peptides show great potential as peptidomimetics. In this paper we describe the synthesis and affinity toward the µ‐ and δ‐opioid receptors of β‐peptides, analogues of Leu‐enkephalin, deltorphin I, dermorphin and α,β‐hybrides, analogues of deltorphin I. Substitution of α‐amino acid residues with β3‐homo‐amino acid residues, in general resulted in decrease of affinity to opioid receptors. However, the incorporation β3h‐D‐Ala in position 2 or β3hPhe in position 3 of deltorphin I resulted in potent and selective ligand for δ‐opioid receptor. The NMR studies of β‐deltorphin I analogue suggest that conformational motions in the central part of the peptide backbone are partially restricted and some conformational preferences can be expected. Copyright © 2009 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ghrelin—a novel generation of anti‐obesity drug: design, pharmacomodulation and biological activity of ghrelin analogues
Authors: Chollet Constance , Meyer Karolin , Beck‐Sickinger Annette G.
Published: September 2009

Ghrelin is a unique bioactive peptide with respect to both the structure and its biological function. This 28‐amino acid peptide is modified with ann‐octanoyl group at serine‐3, and accordingly is the only lipidated biologically active peptide hormone known so far. Ghrelin binds to the so‐called ghrelin or GHS receptor, a member of the class A of G‐protein coupled receptors, which leads to Ca2+release intracellularly due to the activation of the Gq‐system. Interestingly, the ghrelin receptor shows a significant constitutive activity which means that in addition to agonists and antagonists, inverse agonists play an important role in receptor modulation. In this review, the major activities of ghrelin are summarized with a strong focus on the regulation of food intake. So far reported agonists, antagonists and inverse agonists are shown and structure activitiy relationships are discussed. Furthermore, the application of ghrelin ligands as novel anti‐obesity drugs is outlined and the state of the art in this field is summarized. Copyright © 2009 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficient method of circumventing insolubility problems with fully protected peptide carboxylates via in situ direct thioesterification reactions
Authors: Flemer Stevenson
Published: September 2009

A straightforward and convenient protocol is presented for the direct thioesterification of fully protected peptide C‐terminal carboxylates synthesized by Fmoc strategy. This methodology specifically serves to overcome the frequent insolubility problem of these fully protected carboxolate isolates during the thioesterification process by carrying out the reaction as an in situ procedure on the freshly cleaved 1% TFA/DCM solution of carboxylate. The direct thioesterification of a number of insolubility prone peptide systems is explored and compared with some control systems for ease of conversion to the corresponding thioesters. It is shown that although the fully protected carboxylates are indeed insoluble to varying degrees in the thioesterification reactions carried out using the classical approach, full dissolution is maintained and complete conversion is evident using the in situ methodology. This protocol serves to remove a frequent stumbling block in the preparation of peptide thioesters via the direct approach, allowing for facile entry into previously difficult systems traditionally unapproachable through this method. Copyright © 2009 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quality assurance program for spent radioactive sealed sources in Egypt
Authors: Mohamed Yasser T.
Published: September 2009

Effective implementation of the Hot Laboratories Center Quality Assurance Program (QAP) is dependent on the efforts at all levels of all participants. Management is responsible for defining quality, developing appropriate plans to attain quality, and supporting the workers in the pursuit of quality. QA organizations of the program participants are responsible for verifying the achievement of quality in the implementation of the Hot Laboratories Center QA program. A written QAP shall be developed, implemented, and maintained. The QAP describes the organizational structure, functional responsibilities, levels of authority, and interfaces for those managing, performing, and assessing the work. The QAP shall describe the management processes, including planning, scheduling, and resource considerations. The organization, responsibilities/authorities of all participants, internal and external interfaces, and lines of communication should be established during the conceptual phase. Quality Assurance (QA) as an essential management tool is being strongly applied in the area of predisposal of Spent Radioactive Sealed Sources (SRSS). Quality Control is now considered as part of the planning and systematic actions of QA. To ensure compliance with the requirements, and to assure the envisaged behavior of the SRSS package and disposal system, a QAP for all stages of SRSS management, including SRSS conditioning, transportation, storage, and disposal are required. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quality assurance management system for spent radioactive sealed sources in Egypt
Authors: Mohamed Yasser T.
Published: September 2009

To achieve the overall protection goals set by the regulatory authorities, Quality Assurance (QA) has to take place in every phase of a waste management system. It is the duty of the Hot Laboratories Center (HLC), to develop a quality system starting from the Quality Assurance Management System (QAMS) for all activities concerned with the management and safety of radioactive waste to be confident that the work will be accomplished according to written and approved procedures to protect the public, employees and the environment from any mismanagement of radioactive waste. It is intended that this QAMS document is closely integrated with system planning. As work scope is adjusted to reflect schedule adjustments, resource limitations, or other scope changes due to programmatic considerations, changes or revisions of QA requirements that result will be accomplished by revisions of this QAMS and its subordinate quality plans. The Quality Assurance Program (QAP) is described in planning documents and implementing procedures that contain detailed instructions for each process or activity. The QAP serves as a resource for the technical staff to ensure that the results of the compliance assessment are traceable and reproducible, that accountability is maintained, and that conclusions are based on sound practices. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Opportunities, challenges and benefits of using HACCP as a quality risk management tool in the pharmaceutical industry
Authors: Dahiya Saurabh , Khar Roop K. , Chhikara Aruna
Published: September 2009

Effective quality risk management can facilitate better and more informed decisions, provide regulators with greater assurance of a company's ability to deal with potential risks and can beneficially affect the extent and level of direct regulatory oversight. The Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) method is now a recognized and useful tool in the pharmaceutical industry to meet the primary principles of quality risk management. Global perspective, forward‐looking view, open communication, integrated management, continuous process, shared product vision and teamwork are the principles, which provide a framework to accomplish effective risk management.

The quality risk management process includes risk identification, risk analysis and risk evaluation. Control and reduction of the risk focuses on processes for mitigation or avoidance of quality risk when it exceeds an acceptable level. The quality risk management tools provide documented, transparent and reproducible methods to accomplish the steps of the quality risk management process.

The HACCP methodology aims to prevent known hazards and reduce the risk that they will occur at specific points in the pharmaceutical manufacturing processes. It covers both the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and the safety of the personnel engaged in the manufacturing processes. HACCP is the systematic method (comprised of seven principles) for the identification, assessment and control of safety hazards associated with physical, chemical and biological hazards. The problems associated with the implementation of HACCP may be overcome by training and education in the HACCP system for the personnel engaged in pharmaceutical industry. The HACCP system benefits all, the consumers, industry and the government as it focuses on prevention rather than relying mainly on end product testing. This scientific and systematic system is cost‐effective and leads to reduced product loss and wastage, and assures the safety of pharmaceutical products. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Principal component analysis applied to filtered signals for maintenance management
Authors: García Márquez Fausto Pedro , García‐Pardo Isidro Peña
Published: September 2009

This paper presents an approach for detecting and identifying faults in railway infrastructure components. The method is based on pattern recognition and data analysis algorithms. Principal component analysis (PCA) is employed to reduce the complexity of the data to two and three dimensions. PCA involves a mathematical procedure that transforms a number of variables, which may be correlated, into a smaller set of uncorrelated variables called ‘principal components’. In order to improve the results obtained, the signal was filtered. The filtering was carried out employing a state–space system model, estimated by maximum likelihood with the help of the well‐known recursive algorithms such as Kalman filter and fixed interval smoothing. The models explored in this paper to analyse system data lie within the so‐called unobserved components class of models. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reducing mold changing time by implementing Lean Six Sigma
Authors: Lee Kuo‐Liang , Wei Chun‐Chin
Published: September 2009

Six Sigma is a well‐structured methodology that focuses on reducing variation, measuring defects and improving the quality of products, processes and services. Lean Production is an approach that focuses on reducing the cycle time and eliminating waste in processes. Combining the principles of Six Sigma and Lean can achieve synergistic results that neither system can achieve alone. This paper presents a case study at a printed circuit board company in China illustrating how the company effectively applied a Lean Six Sigma project. The mold changing time in In‐circuit test process is examined. Numerous improvement actions and a control plan are developed and implemented to sustain and enhance the efficiency of the mold changing process. Finally, the benefits, experience and extensions of the Lean Six Sigma project are also discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Revisiting the foundations of the quantum theory of atoms in molecules: The subsystem variational procedure and the finite nuclear models
Authors: Nasertayoob Payam , Shahbazian Shant
Published: September 2009

The role of finite nuclear models (FNMs) is scrutinized within the context of the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIMs). It is demonstrated that the newly proposed analytic‐algebraic definition of the topological atoms is consistently extendable to the cases where a FNM is employed to construct the molecular hamiltonian. The whole variational procedure is reconsidered, and the insensitivity of final results relative to the employed FNMs is explicitly demonstrated. The analysis once again clearly demonstrates that the analytic‐algebraic condition is an independent axiom that must be added to the subsystem variational procedure to construct the QTAIMs. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
Mechanisms for H2O decomposition on the Si(111)‐7 × 7 surface: A DFT cluster model study
Authors: Peng Xinyu , Wang Xueye , Liu Liming , Wang Yanling , Tan Yuanqiang
Published: September 2009

The mechanisms for the complete decomposition of water molecules on the Si (111)‐7 × 7 surface were investigated theoretically. The reaction pathways for dissociation of four water molecules over the adatom and rest atom sites were calculated using the density functional theory (DFT) in conjunction with the B3LYP functional. The calculated results demonstrated that the initial OH bond dissociation from the first H2O to form the adsorbed OH species is more preferential on the adatom site (Sia) than the rest atom site (Sir) of Si (111)‐7 × 7. Four water molecules dissociate successively over the adatom site, backbonds of adatoms which are saturated by OH species can reasonably be the place of insertion of oxygen atoms, yielding a tetrahedral SiO4 structure with one on top and three inserted oxygen atoms. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
Theoretical studies on geometry, solvent effect, and photochromic mechanism of two bis‐heterocyclic compounds containing pyrazolone ring
Authors: Liu Anjie , Wu Dongling , Jia Dianzeng , Liu Lang
Published: September 2009

Two bis‐heterocyclic compounds containing pyrazolone ring, 1‐phenyl‐3‐methyl‐4‐(6‐hydro‐4‐amino‐5‐sulfo‐2,3‐pyrazine)‐pyrazole‐5‐one and 1‐phenyl‐3‐methyl‐4‐(6‐hydro‐4‐methylamino‐5‐sulfo‐2,3‐pyrazine)‐pyrazole‐5‐one, are investigated to gain a deeper insight into their geometries and photochromic mechanism by applying density functional theory. The solvent effects are simulated using the polarizable continuum model of the self‐consistent reaction field theory. Bader's atom‐in‐molecule theory is used to investigate the nature of hydrogen bonds. The data of energy, dipole moments, and the condensed Fukui functions have been calculated to assess the stability and reactivity of the title compounds. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
Measuring hydrogen–deuterium exchange in protein monolayers
Authors: Smith Jack R. , Cicerone Marcus T. , Meuse Curtis W.
Published: September 2009

A Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy assay to measure hydrogen–deuterium exchange (HDX) in surface‐adsorbed protein monolayers is developed to provide information on protein tertiary structure, because the typical secondary structural analysis of our surface and solution protein samples proved to be very similar. Adsorbed protein HDX is quantified by exposing the protein to a 50% deuterated NaPO4 buffer solution and then measuring the normalized intensity change of the amide II band in the FTIR reflection spectrum. When collected as a function of exchange time, this intensity follows the kinetics of the exposure of the protein amides to solvent. HDX kinetics have been obtained for bovine serum albumin (BSA) in solution and adsorbed to gold surfaces. Using experiments designed to allow comparisons between protein in solution and on surfaces, the extent of HDX was found to increase over that observed for BSA in solution, consistent with an increase in the exposure of albumin amide groups and protein unfolding upon adsorption. We also show that BSA adsorbs to the surface of gold in multilayers and that the increase in amide exposure is present only in the first adsorbed monolayer. Published in 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fault‐driven stress testing of distributed real‐time software based on UML models
Authors: Garousi Vahid
Published: September 2009

In a previous article, a stress testing methodology was reported to detect network traffic‐related Real‐Time (RT) faults in distributed RT systems based on the design UML model of a System Under Test (SUT). The stress methodology, referred to as Test LOcation‐driven Stress Testing (TLOST), aimed at increasing the chances of RT failures (violations in RT constraints) associated with a given stress test location (an network or a node under test). As demonstrated and experimented in this article, although TLOST is useful in stress testing different test locations (nodes and network, it does not guarantee to target (test) all RT constraints in an SUT. This is because the durations of message sequences bounded by some RT constraints might never be exercised (covered) by TLOST. A complementary stress test methodology is proposed in this article, which guarantees to target (cover) all RT constraints in an SUT and detect their potential RT faults (if any). Using a case study, this article shows that the new complementary methodology is capable of targeting the RT faults not detected by the previous test methodology. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toxicity profiles of four metals and 17 xenobiotics in the human hepatoma cell line HepG2 and the protozoa Tetrahymena pyriformis—A comparison
Authors: Rudzok Susanne , Krejči Sebastian , Graebsch Carolin , Herbarth Olf , Mueller Andrea , Bauer Mario
Published: September 2009

We performed an interspecies comparison for the human hepatoma cell line HepG2 and the eukaryotic single cell organism Tetrahymena
pyriformis (T. pyriformis) for 17 xenobiotics with diverse structures and four metals. The cytotoxicity was assessed by four different cell viability assays (3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide reduction (MTT), neutral red uptake (NRU), resazurin dye (AlamarBlue), 5‐carboxyfluorescein diacetate acetoxymethyl ester (CFDA‐AM)) for the HepG2 and by cell count and MTT for T. pyriformis. For HepG2 cells, the results revealed interassay variations depending on the compound. The highest assay conformity was found for the metal Hg2+ and the fungicide prochloraz. The AlamarBlue assay was the most sensitive assay according to low‐effect concentrations. By contrast, the NRU assay was comprised of more frequent whole concentration response relationships and was more susceptible to EC50. For T. pyriformis the EC50 values of the two applied assays displayed a high conformity (R2 = 0.97). Comparing the EC50 values obtained by the MTT assay for the two cell models, a direct correlation was absent for the xenobiotics and only present for the metals (Cd2+, Cu2+, and Ni2+). Moreover, the protozoa T. pyriformis displayed a 20 times higher sensitivity than the cell line. The highest interspecies difference of three log degrees was obtained for the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon fluoranthene. In addition, a correlation of the EC50 values and octanol‐water partition coefficient (log KOW) of the xenobiotics was performed. No correlation was found for HepG2, and a weak one for T. pyriformis. Interestingly, the interspecies difference of logarithmized EC50 correlated positive with the log KOW (R2 = 0.65). In conclusion, to obtain reliable evidence for human cytotoxicity, more than one viability/cytotoxicity assay had to be applied for cell lines. Second, the human hepatoma cell line was less affected by the organic compounds than the eukaryotic single‐cell organism and was also less dependent on the log KOW of the xenobiotic. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 26: 171–186, 2011.
Management of bladder cancer
Authors: Mostafid Hugh
Published: September 2009

Bladder cancer is a common cause for cancer admission to hospital in the UK and survival rates have not improved over the past two decades. The author highlights the importance of early disease detection and describes the symptoms and diagnosis, and the treatments for each risk category. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd
Treatment of early prostate cancer: radiotherapy, including brachytherapy
Authors: Tree Alison , Khoo Vincent
Published: September 2009

The authors discuss the radical treatment of early localised prostate cancer by external beam radiotherapy and interstitial therapy, also called prostate brachytherapy. They outline the different techniques available and emphasise the importance of discussing the relative advantages and disadvantages of each with the patient. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd
Modern management of dysmenorrhoea
Authors: Thomas Benjamin , Magos Adam
Published: September 2009

Dysmenorrhoea is a common problem for young women and adolescents. Most patients have no underlying pathology and management is therefore aimed at reassurance and symptom relief, although referral may sometimes be necessary where underlying disease is suspected. The authors outline the treatment options available. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd
Phosphorylated insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐1 in cervical secretions and sonographic cervical length in the prediction of spontaneous preterm delivery
Authors: Paternoster D. , Riboni F. , Vitulo A. , Plebani M. , Dell'Avanzo M. , Battagliarin G. , Surico N. , Nicolini U.
Published: September 2009

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the test for the decidual phosphorylated isoform of insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐1 (phIGFBP‐1) in endocervical secretions in predicting preterm delivery in women with uterine contractions.

Methods

The study included 210 women with a singleton pregnancy with documented uterine contractions and intact membranes at between 24 and 34 weeks' gestation who underwent the cervicovaginal phIGFBP‐1 test and transvaginal sonographic measurement of cervical length. A receiver‐operating characteristics (ROC) curve was used to determine the most useful cut‐off point for cervical length. A multivariate logistic regression model was used in order to analyze the combination of significant predictive variables for preterm delivery following univariate analysis.

Results

ROC curves indicated that 26 mm was the optimal cut‐off value for cervical length in predicting preterm delivery. A cervical length of < 26 mm and the presence of phIGFBP‐1 were statistically significant in univariate logistic regression analyses (P < 0.0001) with odds ratios of 16.18 and 9.29 for preterm delivery, respectively. Multivariate analysis of cervical length and phIGFBP‐1 showed that they were independent and therefore useful in combination for predicting preterm delivery.

Conclusions

Cervical length and the phIGFBP‐1 test are independent variables that can be used together to predict preterm delivery in women with uterine contractions. A sonographically measured cervical length of > 26 mm with a negative phIGFBP‐1 test in a patient with regular uterine contractions before 37 weeks' gestation seems to indicate a low risk of preterm delivery and may therefore allow avoidance of unnecessary therapies. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Obstetric ultrasound scanning by local health workers in a refugee camp on the Thai–Burmese border
Authors: Rijken M. J. , Lee S. J. , Boel M. E. , Papageorghiou A. T. , Visser G. H. A. , Dwell S. L. M. , Kennedy S. H. , Singhasivanon P. , White N. J. , Nosten F. , McGready R.
Published: September 2009

Objectives

Ultrasound examination of the fetus is a powerful tool for assessing gestational age and detecting obstetric problems but is rarely available in developing countries. The aim of this study was to assess the intraobserver and interobserver agreement of fetal biometry by locally trained health workers in a refugee camp on the Thai–Burmese border.

Methods

One expatriate doctor and four local health workers participated in the study, which included examinations performed on every fifth pregnant woman with a singleton pregnancy between 16 and 40 weeks' gestation, and who had undergone an early dating ultrasound scan, attending the antenatal clinic in Maela refugee camp. At each examination, two examiners independently measured biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC) and femur length (FL), with one of the examiners obtaining duplicate measurements of each parameter. Intraobserver measurement error was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and interobserver error was assessed by the Bland and Altman 95% limits of agreement method.

Results

A total of 4188 ultrasound measurements (12 per woman) were obtained in 349 pregnancies at a median gestational age of 27 (range, 16–40) weeks in 2008. The ICC for BPD, HC, AC and FL was greater than 0.99 for all four trainees and the doctor (range, 0.996–0.998). For gestational ages between 18 and 24 weeks, interobserver 95% limits of agreement corresponding to differences in estimated gestational age of less than ± 1 week were calculated for BPD, HC, AC and FL. Measurements by local health workers showed high levels of agreement with those of the expatriate doctor.

Conclusions

Locally trained health workers working in a well organized unit with ongoing quality control can obtain accurate fetal biometry measurements for gestational age estimation. This experience suggests that training of local health workers in developing countries is possible and could allow effective use of obstetric ultrasound imaging. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.