bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of platelet‐monocyte aggregates with platelet activation, systemic inflammation, and myocardial injury in patients with non‐st elevation acute coronary syndromes
Authors: Zhang Song‐Zhao , Jin Ya‐Ping , Qin Guang‐Ming , Wang Jun‐Hong
Published: February 2007

Background

Platelet‐monocyte aggregates (PMA) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) are increased in unstable coronary disease. The interrelation of PMA with platelet activation, systemic inflammation, and their association with markers of myocardial injury has not been studied extensively.

Hypothesis

The study was undertaken to evaluate the association of CRP, PMA, and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) in patients admitted with non‐ST elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE‐ACS).

Methods

In all, 69 consecutive patients with NSTE‐ACS, 58 patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP), and 46 control patients without coronary artery disease were selected; PMA, sP‐selectin, sCD40L inter leukin, (IL)‐6, CRP, and cTnI concentrations were measured in these patients at the time of admission. Patients with NSTE‐ACS were classified into two groups: those with troponin normal (cTnI < 0.06 ng/ml) and those with troponin elevation (cTnI ≥ 0.06 ng/ml). Their risk for clinical in‐hospital cardiac events (death and nonfatal myocardial infarction) was analyzed.

Results

Compared with SAP and control, patients with NSTE‐ACS exhibited higher levels of PMA, sP‐selectin, sCD40L, IL‐6, and CRP. All these parameters were found to be higher (p < 0.001 ) in patients with troponin elevation than in those with normal troponin. There was a significant relationship between PMA and CRP (r =0.628, p < 0.001) and cTnI (r = 0.557, p < 0.001) in patients with NSTE‐ACS. Logistic analysis further demonstrated that the presence of elevated PMA, CRP, and cTnI levels each confers and increases risk of future cardiac events.

Conclusions

Levels of PMA and CRP were significantly increased in patients with NSTE‐ACS, especially in those with troponin elevation. This increase is strongly related to the risk of in‐hospital cardiac events. A panel of PMA, CRP, and cTnI may provide important information additional to current laboratory data for the treatment of NSTE‐ACS. Copyright © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tissue Doppler imaging identifies myocardial dysfunction in adults with marfan syndrome
Authors: Rybczynski Meike , Koschyk Dietmar H. , Aydin Muhammet A. , Robinson Peter N. , Brinken Tatjana , Franzen Olaf , Berger Jürgen , Hofmann Thomas , Meinertz Thomas , von Kodolitsch Yskert
Published: February 2007

Background

Successful prevention of aortic complications has lead to improved survival of Marfan syndrome (MFS). With increasing age, however, ventricular arrhythmia and heart failure are emerging as life‐threatening manifestations of myocardial dysfunction.

Hypothesis

We sought to investigate whether echocardiography with tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) identifies myocardial dysfunction in adults with MFS.

Methods

We performed two‐dimensional (2‐D) and Doppler echocardiography with TDI in 141 individuals with suspected MFS and competent heart valves, including 28 persons with MFS who had not undergone surgery and 86 healthy controls without inherited connective tissue disorders.

Results

Demographic profile, 2‐D, mitral and pulmonary venous flow indices, and left ventricular ejection fractions were similar in both groups. Conversely, isovolumic relaxation time (p < 0.001) and deceleration time of E velocity (p = 0.005) were longer, and atrial reversal velocities (p = 0.02), and systolic and early diastolic TD velocities were slower in MFS than in controls (p = 0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis excluded association of reduced systolic and early diastolic TD velocities with mitral valve prolapse or other clinical or echocardiographic features of MFS.

Conclusions

Our study identifies reduced systolic and early diastolic TD velocities in adults with MFS. Further studies are mandatory to elucidate whether TD velocities predict arrhythmia and heart failure in MFS. Copyright © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prognostic ability of simplified nuclear grading of renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Rioux‐Leclercq Nathalie , Karakiewicz Pierre I. , Trinh Quoc‐Dien , Ficarra Vincenzo , Cindolo Luca , de la Taille Alexandre , Tostain Jacques , Zigeuner Richard , Mejean Arnaud , Patard Jean‐Jacques
Published: February 2007

BACKGROUND.

The Fuhrman grading system is an established predictor of survival in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The predictive accuracy of various Fuhrman grading schemes was tested with the intent of improving the prediction of RCC‐specific survival (RCC‐SS).

METHODS.

The analyses targeted 5453 patients from 14 institutions. Univariable, multivariable, and predictive accuracy analyses addressed RCC‐SS. The statistical significance of the gain in predictive accuracy was quantified with the Mantel‐Haenszel test.

RESULTS.

The median follow‐up time was 4.5 years. In both univariable and multivariable analyses, Fuhrman grade achieved independent predictor status regardless of the coding scheme. When Fuhrman grade was not considered in multivariable analyses, the predictive accuracy was 83.8%. Addition of Fuhrman grade to the multivariable model resulted in predictive accuracy gains of 0.8% for all 3 grading schemes tested.

CONCLUSION.

Fuhrman grade must to be considered when RCC‐SS is assessed. However, modified or conventional Fuhrman grading schemes perform equally well as the conventional grading system. Cancer 2007 © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Kaposi sarcoma of the musculoskeletal system
Authors: Caponetti Gabriel , Dezube Bruce J. , Restrepo Carlos S. , Pantanowitz Liron
Published: February 2007

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) of bone and skeletal muscle is unusual. In this report, the authors review 66 published patients with KS who had involvement of the musculoskeletal system reported from 1925 to 2006. In only 3 patients was acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)‐related KS identified within skeletal muscle. Osseous KS lesions were more frequent and occurred with African, classic, and AIDS‐related KS and occurred rarely in transplantation‐associated KS. Patients seldom were asymptomatic. They usually had bone pain with limited mobility or infrequently developed serious sequelae like spinal cord compression. Locally aggressive African and classic KS lesions typically involved the peripheral skeleton; whereas, in patients with AIDS, the axial (vertebrae, ribs, sternum, and pelvis) and/or maxillofacial bones more commonly were involved. Almost all patients had concomitant nonosseous KS lesions. Joint involvement was exceptional, and pathologic fractures were not observed. Computed tomography scans and magnetic resonance images were better at detecting osseous KS lesions, which frequently went undetected on plain x‐ray films or bone scans. Pathologic diagnosis was important to exclude similar lesions like bacillary angiomatosis. Treatment options, including surgery and, in more recent patients, radiation and/or chemotherapy, had limited success. Cancer 2007 © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Molecular Interactions in Poly(ethylene glycol)–Water Mixtures at Various Temperatures: Density and Isentropic Compressibility Study
Authors: Hanke Elke , Schulz Ulrike , Kaatze Udo
Published: February 2007

The densities and sound velocities of mixtures of water with poly(ethylene glycol), poly(ethylene glycol) monomethylether, and poly(ethylene glycol) dimethylether with mean molar weights between 250 and 500 have been measured as a function of mixture composition and temperature between 10 and 40 °C. Isentropic compressibilities are derived from the data and are compared to those for the ethylene glycol/water system and for other organic solvent/water mixtures. Relative minima in the mixture volume to ideal volume ratio and in the dependence of the compressibility upon mixture composition are discussed in terms of the conformational variability of the chainlike oligomers, of hydrogen‐bonded networks, and of water clusters between the oligomer chains.
A spatiotemporal evaluation of the contribution of the dorsal mesenchymal protrusion to cardiac development
Authors: Snarr Brian S. , Wirrig Elaine E. , Phelps Aimee L. , Trusk Thomas C. , Wessels Andy
Published: February 2007

The mesenchymal tissues involved in cardiac septation are derived from different sources. In addition to endocardial‐derived mesenchyme, the heart also receives contributions from the neural crest, the proepicardium, and the dorsal mesenchymal protrusion (DMP). Whereas the contributions of the neural crest and proepicardium have been thoroughly studied, the DMP has received little attention. Here, we present the results of a comprehensive spatiotemporal study of the DMP in cardiac development. Using the Tie2‐Cre mouse, immunohistochemistry, and AMIRA reconstructions, we show that the DMP, in combination with the mesenchymal cap on the primary atrial septum, fuse with the major atrioventricular cushions to close the primary atrial foramen and to form the atrioventricular mesenchymal complex. In this complex, the DMP constitutes a discrete prominent mesenchymal component, wedged in between the major cushions. This new model for atrioventricular septation may provide novel insights into understanding the etiology of congenital cardiac malformations. Developmental Dynamics 236:1287–1294, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Eating disorders in diverse lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations
Authors: Feldman Matthew B. , Meyer Ilan H.
Published: February 2007

Objective:

This study estimates the prevalence of eating disorders in lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) men and women, and examines the association between participation in the gay community and eating disorder prevalence in gay and bisexual men.

Method:

One hundred and twenty six white heterosexuals and 388 white, black, Latino LGB men and women were sampled from community venues. DSM‐IV diagnoses of anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder were assessed using the World Health Organization's Composite International Diagnostic Interview.

Results:

Gay and bisexual men had significantly higher prevalence estimates of eating disorders than heterosexual men. There were no differences in eating disorder prevalence between lesbian and bisexual women and heterosexual women, or across gender or racial groups. Attending a gay recreational group was significantly related to eating disorder prevalence in gay and bisexual men.

Conclusion:

Researchers should study the causes of the high prevalence of eating disorders among gay and bisexual men. © 2007 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2007
Validation of the emotional eating scale adapted for use in children and adolescents (EES‐C)
Authors: Tanofsky‐Kraff Marian , Theim Kelly R. , Yanovski Susan Z. , Bassett Allison M. , Burns Noel P. , Ranzenhofer Lisa M. , Glasofer Deborah R. , Yanovski Jack A.
Published: February 2007

Objective:

Eating in response to negative emotions is associated with binge or loss of control (LOC) eating in adults. Although children report engaging in LOC eating, data on emotional eating among youth are limited.

Method:

We adapted the adult Emotional Eating Scale (Arnow et al., Int J Eat Disord, 18, 79–90, 1995) to be used with children and adolescents (EES‐C). Fifty‐nine overweight (BMI ≥ 95th percentile for age and sex) and 100 non‐overweight (BMI 5th–94th percentile) participants (mean age ± SD 14.3 ± 2.4 years) completed the EES‐C, and measures of recent LOC eating and general psychopathology. Test‐retest reliability was assessed in 64 children over a 3.4 ± 2.6 month interval.

Results:

A factor analysis generated three subscales: eating in response to anxiety, anger, and frustration (EES‐C‐AAF), depressive symptoms (EES‐C‐DEP), and feeling unsettled (EES‐C‐UNS). Internal consistency for the subscales was established; Cronbach's alphas for the EES‐C‐AAF, EES‐C‐DEP, and EES‐C‐UNS were 0.95, 0.92, and 0.83, respectively. The EES‐C had good convergent validity: children reporting recent LOC eating episodes scored higher on all subscales (p's < 0.05). The EES‐C‐AAF and EES‐C‐UNS subscales demonstrated good discriminant validity and the EES‐C‐DEP revealed adequate discriminant validity. Intra‐class correlation coefficients revealed good temporal stability for each subscale (EES‐C‐AAF = 0.59, EES‐C‐DEP = 0.74, EES‐C‐UNS = 0.66; p's < 0.001).

Conclusion:

The EES‐C has good convergent and discriminant validity, and test‐retest reliability for assessing emotional eating in children. Further investigation is required to clarify the role emotional eating may play in children's energy intake and body weight. © 2007 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2007
Use of total parenteral nutrition in the refeeding of selected patients with severe anorexia nervosa
Authors: Mehler Philip S. , Weiner Kenneth L.
Published: February 2007

Objective:

At present there is no consensus on how to refeed patients with severe anorexia nervosa. In these case reports, we describe two patients beset with gastrointestinal comorbidities which impaired their ability to refeed with a staged oral feeding program. The use of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) facilitated their recovery.

Method:

We present two cases of severe anorexia nervosa, complicated by comorbid gastrointestinal disorders, which precluded them from successful refeeding using oral food calories. The treatment with TPN consisted of using a surgically placed, indwelling tunneled catheter to deliver progressively increased amounts of intravenous calories. This facilitated successful weight restoration.

Conclusion:

Although most patients with anorexia nervosa should be refed with a dietary program which is based on progressive increases in oral calories, TPN should be judiciously considered for patients with severe anorexia nervosa who also have medical comorbidities which preclude the usage of this standard approach. © 2007 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2007
Electrochemical Redundant Microsensor Arrays for Glucose Monitoring with Patterned Polymer Films
Authors: Mugweru Amos , Clark Becky L. , Pishko Michael V.
Published: February 2007

Redundant microsensor arrays for glucose sensing were fabricated using photopolymerization of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEG‐DA) with 2‐hydroxy‐2‐methyl phenyl‐propanone as photoinitiator to encapsulate the enzyme glucose oxidase. Silicon micro fabrication technologies were used to fabricate microelectrode sensor arrays on flexible polyimide sheets. These microarray sensors were individually addressable as observed using square‐wave voltammetry. Redox polymer, poly[4‐vinylpyridine Os(bipyridine)2Cl]‐co‐ethylamine, was first immobilized on the electrode surface and then glucose oxidase was entrapped in PEG‐DA hydrogels. The redox polymer was found to exchange electrons with glucose oxidase in biocompatible PEG‐DA hydrogels. The entrapped glucose oxidase was found to respond linearly to glucose in solution (0–20 mM) as determined using square‐wave voltammetry.
Electrocatalytic Oxidation and Determination of Dopamine in the Presence of Ascorbic Acid and Uric Acid at a Poly (4‐(2‐Pyridylazo)‐Resorcinol) Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode
Authors: Chen Jinghua , Zhang Jing , Lin Xinhua , Wan Hongyan , Zhang Shaobo
Published: February 2007

A sensitive and selective electrochemical method for the determination of dopamine (DA) was developed using a 4‐(2‐Pyridylazo)‐Resorcinol (PAR) polymer film modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The PAR polymer film modified electrode shows excellent electrocatalytic activity toward the oxidation of DA in a phosphate buffer solution (PBS) (pH 4.0). The linear range of 5.0×10−6–3.0×10−5 M and detection limit of 2.0×10−7 M were observed. Simultaneous detection of AA, DA and UA has also been demonstrated on the modified electrode. This work provides a simple and easy approach to selective detection of DA in the presence of AA and UA.
A Compact and Versatile Instrument for Radio Frequency Heating in Nonisothermal Electrochemical Studies
Authors: Wachholz Falko , Gimsa Jan , Duwensee Heiko , Grabow Harald , Gründler Peter , Flechsig Gerd‐Uwe
Published: February 2007

We describe a novel instrument and electrical circuit for sensitive electrochemical measurements at simultaneous direct electrode heating. The new measuring principle can be applied to working electrodes of various designs featuring two end contacts. In our experiments, the contacts were connected to a 100 kHz AC heating power supply and the potentiostat via the new inductor bridge circuit. A compact heating‐generator housing contains all components necessary for sine wave generation as well as amplification and transformation of the heating power. The new arrangement yields high temperature cyclovoltammetric signals for the [Fe(CN)6]3−/4− redox system with a noise level superior to the earlier symmetrically branched wire electrode designs. Noise and disturbances are dramatically suppressed especially for high resistance electrodes such as glassy carbon electrodes. Without a center contact, the working electrode design is greatly simplified. This opens new opportunities for the design of a great variety of heated electrodes that may be arranged in arrays or consist of materials with relatively high resistivity such as carbon and conducting polymers.
Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotube Based Real‐Time Organophosphate Detector
Authors: Liu Ningyi , Cai Xianpeng , Lei Yu , Zhang Qing , Chan‐Park Mary B. , Li Changming , Chen Wilfred , Mulchandani Ashok
Published: February 2007

A novel single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) based biosensor for real‐time detection of organophosphate has been developed. Horizontally aligned SWNTs are assembled to desirable electrodes using AC dielectrophoresis technique. Organophosphorus hydrolase (OPH) immobilized on the SWNTs by nonspecific binding triggers enzymatic hydrolysis of organophosphates (OPs), such as paraoxon, consequently causing a detectable change in the conductance of the SWNTs. The conductance change is found to be correlated to the concentration of organophosphate. Our results suggest the novel biosensor has great potential to serve as a simple and reusable platform of sensing organophosphate on a real‐time basis.
Understanding airborne radiometric survey signals across part of eastern England
Authors: Rawlins B. G. , Lark R. M. , Webster R.
Published: February 2007

A low‐level airborne radiometric survey provides data on the concentrations of gammaemitting elements including potassium (K), thorium (Th) and uranium (U) in the upper half metre of the soil. Where weathering has not penetrated much beyond this depth, as in the young soils that cover much of England and Wales, the signal is likely to be related to the soil's clay content and its parent material. In these situations radiometric survey could be valuable for mapping soil digitally.

We wished to understand how the radiometric signal relates to parent material and soil geochemistry, and to identify the spatial structure, if not the sources, of any unexplained variation. We analysed the joint spatial variation of the airborne gamma signal and high‐resolution soil geochemical survey data across part of eastern England by modelling their coregionalization. We also usedremlto assess the joint effects of soil geochemistry and parent material on the radiometric signals of K and Th.

The overall correlations of radiometric estimates with soil survey data for K and Th were large, as were the structural correlations for components of variation spatially dependent up to 49 and 16 km for K and Th respectively. This suggests that the radiometric signals for these two elements provide effective estimates of the amounts in the soil and their patterns of distribution. Although class of parent material accounted for a third of of the variance in the radiometric K signal, much of the variation within the classes is explained by geochemistry, suggesting that subtler changes can be detected. A larger proportion of the Th signal was accounted for by parent material. This supports our expectation that radiometric signals for K and Th provide information on parent material in the young landscapes of England and Wales. We are therefore confident that airborne radiometric surveys would be useful for making thematic maps of soil, particularly the soil's texture and closely related properties across England and Wales. Copyright © 2007 Natural Environment Research Council. Published in 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measuring streambank erosion due to ground water seepage: correlation to bank pore water pressure, precipitation and stream stage
Authors: Fox Garey A. , Wilson Glenn V. , Simon Andrew , Langendoen Eddy J. , Akay Onur , Fuchs John W.
Published: February 2007

Limited information exists on one of the mechanisms governing sediment input to streams: streambank erosion by ground water seepage. The objective of this research was to demonstrate the importance of streambank composition and stratigraphy in controlling seepage flow and to quantify correlation of seepage flow/erosion with precipitation, stream stage and soil pore water pressure. The streambank site was located in Northern Mississippi in the Goodwin Creek watershed. Soil samples from layers on the streambank face suggested less than an order of magnitude difference in vertical hydraulic conductivity (Ks) with depth, but differences between lateral Ks of a concretion layer and the vertical Ks of the underlying layers contributed to the propensity for lateral flow. Goodwin Creek seeps were not similar to other seeps reported in the literature, in that eroded sediment originated from layers underneath the primary seepage layer. Subsurface flow and sediment load, quantified using 50 cm wide collection pans, were dependent on the type of seep: intermittent low‐flow (LF) seeps (flow rates typically less than 0·05 L min−1), persistent high‐flow (HF) seeps (average flow rate of 0·39 L min−1) and buried seeps, which eroded unconsolidated bank material from previous bank failures. The timing of LF seeps correlated to river stage and precipitation. The HF seeps at Goodwin Creek began after rainfall events resulted in the adjacent streambank reaching near saturation (i.e. soil pore water pressures greater than −5 kPa). Seep discharge from HF seeps reached a maximum of 1·0 L min−1 and sediment concentrations commonly approached 100 g L−1. Buried seeps were intermittent but exhibited the most significant erosion rates (738 g min−1) and sediment concentrations (989 g L−1). In cases where perched water table conditions exist and persistent HF seeps occur, seepage erosion and bank collapse of streambank sediment may be significant. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proton Conducting Membranes for the High Temperature‐Polymer Electrolyte Membrane‐Fuel Cell (HT‐PEMFC) Based on Functionalized Polysiloxanes
Authors: Jeske M. , Soltmann C. , Ellenberg C. , Wilhelm M. , Koch D. , Grathwohl G.
Published: February 2007

A new membrane material has been developed, based on a polysiloxane framework with functional proton conducting groups such as sulfonic acid and heterocyclic groups, e.g., imidazole and benzimidazole, covalently bonded at the siloxane backbone. Sulfonated siloxane based block‐copolymers are used to improve the flexibility of the membranes at high temperatures, up to 180 °C.

The new membranes are investigated by measuring their proton conductivity under real conditions, in the temperature range from room temperature to 180 °C in the dry state and at full humidification, using impedance spectroscopy in the frequency range from 1 Hz to 100 kHz. The proton conductivities under full humidification are approximately 3 × 10–2 S cm–1. In the dry state the conductivity increases at elevated temperatures and reaches values of 2 × 10–3 S cm–1 at 180 °C. The methanol diffusion coefficients are measured and compared for different membrane materials. They are in the range from 5 to 9 × 10–2 cm2 s–1 for the new type of bifunctional proton conducting polysiloxane membranes.
Cholinesterase inhibitors in dementia with Lewy bodies—a comparative analysis
Authors: Bhasin Mani , Rowan Elise , Edwards Keith , McKeith Ian
Published: February 2007

Objective

To compare efficacy of different cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) for treating patients with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB).

Design

Retrospective comparison of three independent clinical studies of ChEI treatment using donepezil, galantamine or rivastigmine in patients with DLB.

Method

Data was obtained from open label trials of donepezil and galantamine and a placebo controlled randomized trial of rivastigmine in DLB. Changes in Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) and United Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS‐III) scores were compared between the three treatments at 12 and 20 weeks.

Results

All ChEIs significantly improved cognitive and neuropsychiatric measures. Reduction in the total NPI score appeared significantly greater after donepezil treatment. There was no significant increase in UPDRS‐III scores.

Conclusions

It is unclear to what extent these findings reflect true differences between ChEIs or are due to methodological artefacts of comparing different studies. There is so far no compelling evidence that any one ChEI is better than the other in treating DLB but head to head comparative studies of different ChEIs are warranted to clarify this. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An advanced soil moisture accounting procedure for SCS curve number method
Authors: Sahu R. K. , Mishra S. K. , Eldho T. I. , Jain M. K.
Published: February 2007

The Soil Conservation Service Curve Number (SCS‐CN) method has been a topic of much discussion, especially in the last three decades. Recently, Michel et al. (2005) pointed out several inconsistencies in the soil moisture accounting (SMA) procedure used in the SCS‐CN method and developed a procedure that is more consistent from the SMA viewpoint. However, the model proposed by them does not have any expression for initial soil moisture store level (V0) and hence there is a scope for further improvement. Like the original method, there is sudden jump in V0 and therefore a quantum jump in computed runoff is possible. In the present study, an attempt is made to develop an expression for V0 to make the model a continuous watershed model. Then, the performance of the new model is compared with the model proposed by Michel et al. and the original SCS‐CN model by applying them in a large number of small watersheds in the United States. The present model was found to perform significantly better than both the original SCS‐CN model and the model proposed by Michel et al. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Geostatistical interpolation of space–time rainfall on Tamshui River basin, Taiwan
Authors: Cheng Shin‐Jen , Hsieh Huey‐Hong , Wang Yu‐Ming
Published: February 2007

Taiwan suffers from heavy storm rainfall during the typhoon season. This usually causes large river runoff, overland flow, erosion, landslides, debris flows, loss of power, etc. In order to evaluate storm impacts on the downstream basin, a real‐time hydrological modelling is used to estimate potential hazard areas. This can be used as a decision‐support system for the Emergency Response Center, National Fire Agency Ministry, to make ‘real‐time’ responses and minimize possible damage to human life and property. This study used 34 observed events from 14 telemetered rain‐gauges in the Tamshui River basin, Taiwan, to study the spatial–temporal characteristics of typhoon rainfall. In the study, regionalized theory and cross‐semi‐variograms were used to identify the spatial‐temporal structure of typhoon rainfall. The power form and parameters of the cross‐semi‐variogram were derived through analysis of the observed data. In the end, cross‐validation was used to evaluate the performance of the interpolated rainfall on the river basin. The results show the derived rainfall interpolator represents the observed events well, which indicates the rainfall interpolator can be used as a spatial‐temporal rainfall input for real‐time hydrological modelling. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measuring change: current trends and future directions in microgenetic research
Authors: Flynn Emma , Siegler Robert
Published: February 2007

This special issue is dedicated to research that adopts the microgenetic method in order to investigates change as it is happening. In this commentary we reflect on the diversity of the articles included in this special issue, and examine how the findings from these articles relate to five critical features of change: path, rate, breadth, variability and source. The overarching theme from these findings is that the tidy results reported in cross‐sectional studies are not in fact as tidy as they originally appear. Most important, the untidiness within the data is informative when attempting to explain development and learning. In the second half of this commentary we highlight some current questions relating to the use of the microgenetic method: is the ‘microgenetic method’ a method, a theory, or a philosophy; is change development, learning, or both; what is the relation between microdevelopment and macrodevelopment; and what is the next step for the microgenetic method? Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Children's performance on and understanding of the balance scale problem: the effects of parental support
Authors: Philips Sharon , Tolmie Andrew
Published: February 2007

Efforts to integrate accounts of scaffolding with Karmiloff‐Smith's (1992) RR model have produced renewed interest in the language that tutors use to guide activity, since this provides a mechanism by which redescription of learners' representations might be achieved. The present research examined the impact of two forms of parental input, explicit operationalizations of strategies and explanations of principles, on changes in children's performance and understanding across a series of Balance Scale problems. Children aged 6–8 years worked on these at three time‐points, receiving assistance at the first. Relative to controls who received no assistance on these problems, these children showed more rapid gains in the accuracy of attempted solutions, and were unique in exhibiting improvement in explicit understanding. Gains of both types were most pronounced amongst children whose parents focused on verbalizing the weight × distance computations necessary to solve the problems, and on providing explanations of the underlying principle at work. These children showed earlier integration between performance and understanding, and made earlier use of such explanations themselves, the frequency with which they did so being directly related to parental use. The study provides clear evidence that appropriation of tutors' language may be a significant mechanism in representational change, but it also indicates that initial representational level may constrain children's capacity to benefit from this. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The development of irrigation design schools or how history structures human action
Authors: Ertsen Maurits W.
Published: February 2007

Several approaches (“schools”) of irrigation development and design have developed in the last 200 years. Three important schools developed in the context of colonies: the Dutch in the former Netherlands East Indies, the British in former British India and Africa, the French in north‐western Africa. Although circumstances for irrigation changed from colonial to post‐colonial times, irrigation design and management practices in the post‐colonial period remained largely based on colonial approaches. Engineering education is an important mechanism in this process of preference‐guided selection of design solutions. In this contribution irrigation schools are conceptualized as technological regimes, which consist of explicit and implicit rules for irrigation design. The main conclusion is that design options available to modern engineers are the product of a contextualized development and selection process within a colonial context. This does not imply that artefacts from a certain context cannot be a welcome solution for a design problem in another context. A regime conceptualization emphasizes the importance of daily practice and routines as structuring factors in technological development. Recognizing such routine‐based decision‐making processes may not immediately lead to improvements in irrigation system design, but understanding irrigation design processes is a necessary first step to take for such improvement. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of drainage systems on the water release rate in the process of drying wheat and corn grain
Authors: Tomić Frane , Krička Tajana , Šimunić Ivan , Petošić Drago , Voća Neven , Jukić Željko
Published: February 2007

The basic aim of this research is to determine the influence of various types of pipe drainage upon the water release rate in the process of drying wheat and corn kernels grown on a hydromorphic type of soil. The research was conducted during a period of three years (1998–2001). Seven different types of drainage systems were built on pseudogleyic‐gleyic soil (various spacings of drainage pipes with gravel used or not used in the drainage trench above the pipes). Based on soil moisture measurement data (to a soil depth of 60 cm), acquired by means of the gravitational method in the period of vegetation, it is clear that the most favourable humidity occurred on soil with spacing of drainage pipes being 25 m, gravel used, with both cultures. The yield gained also shows that this drainage type is the most favourable. The process of drying the kernels to the storage humidity value took the shortest time with this type of drainage.

Results of this research contribute to energy savings in the process of drying wheat and corn crops. Additionally, the results can be used for selecting systems of drainage in dealing with excess water on hydromorphic soil types. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A simple approach to validation of directed‐flow nose‐only inhalation chambers
Authors: Pauluhn Jürgen , Thiel Achim
Published: February 2007

Directed‐flow nose‐only exposure systems are designed and operated so that the genuine test atmosphere is dynamically delivered to each exposure port and exhaled air from exposed animals is immediately exhausted without the possibility of other animals rebreathing this atmosphere. This technique is particularly useful for preventing uncontrolled changes of exposure atmospheres, stimulating breathing activity due to the rebreathing of exhaled carbon dioxide, and the conserving a test material that is available only in limited quantities. The intricate relationship of the delivered flow of air at each exposure port relative to the respiratory minute volume of the exposed animal appears to be critical for the state‐of‐the‐art performance of directed‐flow nose‐only exposure systems. This analysis revealed that the determination of carbon dioxide concentrations at different inhalation chamber locations, including exposure ports, is a simple and cost‐effective procedure to evaluate whether the rebreathing of atmospheres can be excluded. It has been shown that directed‐flow systems need to be operated at an exposure air flow rate greater than 2.5 times the respiratory minute volume of the exposed animal or optimally ∼0.75 l min−1 per rat exposure port (∼3.75 times the minute volume of young adult rats) to prevent higher CO2‐concentrations occurring. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Probing rotation dynamics of biomolecules using polarization based fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Li Wei , Wang Yi , Shao Hanrong , He Yonghong , Ma Hui
Published: February 2007

Fluorescence polarization, particularly fluorescence anisotropy (FA) can be used to characterize the rotation dynamics and interactions of biomolecules. We report here fluorescence polarization microscopy based on a two‐photon fluorescence microscope. Two‐photon fluorescence excited by a linearly polarized fs laser beam was separated into components of parallel and perpendicular polarization and then recorded simultaneously by two detectors. From the images corresponding to different combinations of the polarization for the excitation and fluorescence photons, images of FA, or polarization difference, can be derived. It is demonstrated that FA microscopy is capable of probing rotational mobility of the fluorescent molecules and their interaction with the surroundings, but displays lower axial resolution than fluorescence intensity images. It is proved that the degraded axial resolution of FA imaging is intrinsic to the current experimental set‐up. Artifacts in FA imaging of aligned molecules are also discussed. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fine structure of the male accessory glands of Triatoma rubrofasciata (De Geer, 1773) (Hemiptera, Triatominae)
Authors: Freitas Simone Patrícia Carneiro , Gonçalves Teresa Cristina Monte , Serrão José Eduardo , Santos‐Mallet Jacenir Reis
Published: February 2007

Male of Triatoma rubrofasciata has four elongated sac‐like reproductive mesodermic accessory glands, lined by an inner single layer of secretory cells, with basal plasma membrane infolds and short apical microvilli, and externally enveloped by a thin visceral muscle layer. The secretory cells have a well‐developed rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complex, mitochondria, and secretory granules. In one day old adult the gland cells are poorly developed, presenting small, electron‐transparent secretory granules scattered among the rough endoplasmatic reticulum, whereas in three days old adult these cells have the cisternae of the rough endoplasmatic reticulum varing size degree, filled with granular electrondense content. In five days old males the secretory granules increase in diameter, being released to the gland lumen. Therefore, there is an increase of the secretory activity according to male maturation. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High speed method for in situ multispectral image registration
Authors: Perrine Kenneth A. , Lamarche Brian L. , Hopkins Derek F. , Budge Scott E. , Opresko Lee K. , Wiley H. Steven , Sowa Marianne B.
Published: February 2007

High speed data registration is required for the study of fluorescence resonance energy transfer in real time as well as fast dynamic intra‐ and inter‐cellular signaling events. Multispectral confocal spinning disk microscopy provides a high resolution method for performing such real time live cell imaging. However, optical distortions and the physical misalignments introduced by the use of multiple acquisition cameras can obscure spatial information contained in the captured images. In this manuscript, we describe a multispectral method for real time image registration whereby the image from one camera is warped onto the image from a second camera via a polynomial correction. This method provides a real time pixel‐for‐pixel match between images obtained over physically distinct optical paths. Using an in situ calibration method, the polynomial is characterized by a set of coefficients, using a least squares solver. Error analysis demonstrates optimal performance results from the use of cubic polynomials. High‐speed evaluation of the warp is then performed through forward differencing with fixed‐point data types. Forward differencing is an iterative approach for evaluating polynomials on the condition that the function variable changes with constant steps. Image reconstruction errors are reduced through bilinear interpolation. The registration techniques described here allow for successful registration of multispectral images in real time (exceeding 15 frame/s) and have a broad applicability to imaging methods requiring pixel matching over multiple data channels. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Morphometric and Some Immunohistochemical Characteristics of Human Choroids Plexus Stroma and Psammoma Bodies
Authors: Jovanović Ivan , Ugrenović Sladjana , Antić Svetlana , Stefanović Natalija , Mihailović Dragan
Published: February 2007

Psammoma bodies (PBs) are one of many choroids plexus aging changes. The aim of our research was to perform the quantification of PBs' presence in human choroids plexus stroma, as well as to evaluate the characteristics of choroids plexus stroma in cases in which PBs were present. Afterwards, the observations of the histochemical analysis would be confirmed by immunohistochemical analysis. Choroid plexuses of 30 cadavers were used for the histochemical and, choroids plexuses of 15 cadavers in which PBs' presence was confirmed during the histochemical analysis, were used as material for the immunohistochemical analysis. Light microscopy, histochemical, immunohistochemical, and morphometric method were applied during the study. Classification of the cases was performed by cluster analysis. We observed increase of choroids plexus PBs' presence during the aging process. But this increase is not linear. Their presence is the largest in the second cluster that is younger than the third and older than the first. Nuclear morphometric parameters of the stroma in these cases showed that the cellular composition in this cluster is different than in other two and, that contain larger number of lymphoid cells. Immunohistochemical analysis showed PBs' positive reaction on vimentin, CD45R0, and LCA markers, while in their vicinity, as well as inside them, numerous T‐cells were observed. So, the presence of CD45R0 and LCA‐positive T cells, PBs' positive reaction on the same markers, indirectly connect these cells with PBs' formation process. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Catalyst stability as a factor in iridium‐mediated ortho‐deuteration
Authors: Herbert John M.
Published: February 2007

Crossover experiments show that iridium complexes such as Ir(cod)(Py)(PCy3).PF6 (1) and Ir(cod)(PPh3)2.BF4 are inactivated after a comparatively short period during deuterium exchange reactions. This effect can be limited to some extent by optimizing the concentration at which exchange is performed, but altering physical parameters and adding labile ligands in an effort to stabilize reactive intermediates does not improve matters. Complexes of bidentate arsines and PN ligands and, in some cases, bidentate phosphines, exhibit better stability. Unexpectedly, following hydrogenolysis, 1 is able to mediate deuterium exchange from deuterium oxide into amides and N‐heterocycles at room temperature. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interspecific variation in sternohyoideus muscle morphology in clariid catfishes: Functional implications for suction feeding
Authors: Wassenbergh Sam Van , Herrel Anthony , Adriaens Dominique , Aerts Peter
Published: February 2007

Depression of the hyoid apparatus plays a crucial role in generating suction, especially in fishes with a dorso‐ventrally flattened head shape. It is generally assumed that shortening of the sternohyoideus muscle, which connects the hyoid to the pectoral girdle, contributes to hyoid depression. However, a recent study on the clariid catfish Clarias gariepinus has shown that this muscle does not shorten but elongates during this phase through retraction of the pectoral girdle. Here, we test whether this pattern is general among clariid catfish, or if variation in the morphology of the sternohyoideus may result in a different sternohyoideus behavior during hyoid depression. First, sternohyoideus mass, effective cross‐sectional area, fiber length and fiber diameter were measured and compared for four clariid species. Next, velocity and magnitude of hyoid depression during prey capture (from high‐speed videos), as well as patterns of sternohyoideus strain were analyzed (from high‐speed X‐ray videos) in these species. While morphology and hyoid depression performance varied considerably among these species, only the species with the most massive sternohyoideus, Gymnallabes typus, showed shortening of the sternohyoideus muscle during the initial part of the expansive phase. The data for Channallabes apus demonstrate that increasing the magnitude of hyoid depression does not necessarily require a shortening of the m. sternohyoideus, as it shows elongation of this muscle during hyoid depression. J. Morphol., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hepatocyte growth factor induction of macrophage chemoattractant protein‐1 and osteophyte‐inducing factors in osteoarthritis
Authors: Dankbar Berno , Neugebauer Katja , Wunrau Christina , Tibesku Carsten O. , Skwara Adrian , Pap Thomas , Fuchs‐Winkelmann Susanne
Published: February 2007

In osteoarthritis (OA), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is supposed to play a role in cartilage repair. Because the development of osteophytes is a major characteristic of OA and thought to be part of an attempted repair process, the purpose of this study was to determine whether HGF may be involved in osteophyte formation. HGF levels in synovial fluids from 41 patients assessed by enzyme immunosorbant assay were correlated with disease severity and osteophyte formation, evaluated by anteroposterior weight‐bearing radiographs. Detection of HGF, c‐Met, and CD68 in cartilage and synovial tissues was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Effects of HGF on the secretion of TGF‐β1 and BMP‐2 by chondrocytes, fibroblast‐like synovial cells (FLS), and macrophages as well as HGF‐induced secretion of MCP‐1 by FLS and chondrocytes were determined by ELISA. HGF was detected in all synovial fluids and concentrations correlated highly with disease severity and osteophyte formation (p < 0.001). Immunohistochemistry revealed weak synovial staining for HGF, whereas increasing numbers of HGF expressing chondrocytes were detected depending on disease severity. In addition, an increased number of macrophages in synovial specimens was observed, which was likewise severity dependent. In a series of subsequent in vitro studies, HGF remarkable induced MCP‐1 secretion by FLS in a dose‐dependent manner. No effect on TGF‐β1 and BMP‐2 secretion by FLS and chondrocytes was evident upon HGF stimulation, whereas secretion of these growth factors by PMA‐differentiated THP‐1 cells was significantly increased by HGF. The results indicate that HGF may facilitate osteophyte development by promoting MCP‐1‐mediated entry of monocytes/macrophages into the OA‐affected joint and/or by stimulating macrophage‐derived growth factors. © 2007 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 25:569–577, 2007
CEA, CA 19‐9, and CA 125 in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant pancreatic diseases with or without jaundice
Authors: Duraker Nüvit , Hot Semih , Polat Yücel , Höbek Anil , Gençler Nur , Urhan Nuray
Published: February 2007

Background and Objectives

In this study, the value of the serum tumor markers carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), CA 19‐9, and CA 125 was assessed in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant pancreatic diseases with and without obstructive jaundice.

Methods

Serum levels of CEA, CA 19‐9, and CA 125 were measured by immunoradiometric assay before the treatment in 123 patients with pancreatic carcinoma and 58 patients with a benign pancreatic disease.

Results

The sensitivity of CEA, CA 19‐9, and CA 125 in the diagnosis of pancreatic carcinoma was 39.0%, 81.3%, and 56.9%; and specificity was 91.4%, 75.9%, and 77.6%, respectively. Although there was no significant difference between the CA 19‐9 positivity ratios of the jaundiced (84.3%) and nonjaundiced (73.5%) patient subgroups of the pancreatic carcinoma, this ratio was significantly higher in the jaundiced subgroup (64.7%) than the nonjaundiced subgroup (7.3%) of the benign pancreatic diseases (P < 0.001). The CEA and CA 125 positivity ratios of jaundiced and nonjaundiced subgroups of patients with benign and malignant pancreatic diseases were not significantly different.

Conclusions

In the differential diagnosis of pancreatic carcinoma from benign pancreatic diseases, CA 19‐9 can be useful in the nonjaundiced patients, whereas CA 125 provides a limited contribution in jaundiced patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;95:142–147. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.