bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Clinical Criterion to Exclude the Hyperimmunoglobulin D Syndrome (Mild Mevalonate Kinase Deficiency) in Patients with Recurrent Fever
Authors: STEICHEN OLIVIER , van der HILST JEROEN , SIMON ANNA , CUISSET LAURENCE , GRATEAU GILLES
Published: June 2009

Objective.

The hyperimmunoglobulin D syndrome (HIDS) is an autosomal recessive autoinflammatory disease caused by mutations in the mevalonate kinase gene. Our objective was to define a clinical criterion able to exclude HIDS without the need of genetic testing.

Methods.

A recursive partitioning algorithm was applied to derive the clinical criterion in 149 patients with genetic testing in a French laboratory, among whom 35 had HIDS. The criterion was validated in 93 patients with genetic testing in a Dutch laboratory, among whom 28 had HIDS.

Results.

The most discriminatory composite clinical criterion satisfied by all patients with HIDS in the derivation group was [onset age < 5 years old OR (joint pain during attacks AND length of attacks < 14 days)]. It had a sensitivity of 100% (95% confidence interval 88% to 100%) and a specificity of 28% (95% CI 17% to 40%) in the validation group. If genetic testing had been limited to patients fulfilling this criterion, 18 tests (19%) would have been avoided in this highly selected validation sample, without missing a single patient with HIDS.

Conclusion.

Even among patients already selected by expert physicians, this criterion could help prevent unnecessary genetic testing, which is resource- and time-consuming.
TRENDS AND CHALLENGES OF CARTILAGE TISSUE ENGINEERING
Authors: Fang Hsu-Wei
Published: June 2009

Cartilage injuries may be caused by trauma, biomechanical imbalance, or degenerative changes of joint. Unfortunately, cartilage has limited capability to spontaneous repair once damaged and may lead to progressive damage and degeneration. Cartilage tissue-engineering techniques have emerged as the potential clinical strategies. An ideal tissue-engineering approach to cartilage repair should offer good integration into both the host cartilage and the subchondral bone. Cells, scaffolds, and growth factors make up the tissue engineering triad. One of the major challenges for cartilage tissue engineering is cell source and cell numbers. Due to the limitations of proliferation for mature chondrocytes, current studies have alternated to use stem cells as a potential source. In the recent years, a lot of novel biomaterials has been continuously developed and investigated in various in vitro and in vivo studies for cartilage tissue engineering. Moreover, stimulatory factors such as bioactive molecules have been explored to induce or enhance cartilage formation. Growth factors and other additives could be added into culture media in vitro, transferred into cells, or incorporated into scaffolds for in vivo delivery to promote cellular differentiation and tissue regeneration.

Based on the current development of cartilage tissue engineering, there exist challenges to overcome. How to manipulate the interactions between cells, scaffold, and signals to achieve the moderation of implanted composite differentiate into moderate stem cells to differentiate into hyaline cartilage to perform the optimum physiological and biomechanical functions without negative side effects remains the target to pursue.
MULTISCALE ENTROPY ANALYSIS OF EEG RECORDINGS IN EPILEPTIC RATS
Authors: Ouyang Gaoxiang , Dang Chuangyin , Li Xiaoli
Published: June 2009

In this study, we investigate multiscale entropy (MSE) as a tool to evaluate the dynamic characteristics of electroencephalogram (EEG) during seizure-free, pre-seizure and seizure state, respectively, in epileptic rats. The results show that MSE method is able to reveal that EEG signals are more complex in seizure-free state than in seizure state, and can successfully distinguish among different seizure states. The classification ability of the MSE measures is tested using the linear discriminant analysis (LDA). Test results confirm that the classification accuracy of MSE method is superior to traditional single-scale entropy method. MSE method has potential in classifying the epileptic EEG signals.
CHARACTERIZATION OF FINGER ISOMETRIC FORCE PRODUCTION WITH MAXIMUM POWER OF SURFACE ELECTROMYOGRAPHY
Authors: Hou Wensheng , Wu Xiaoying , Zheng Jun , Ma Li , Zheng Xiaolin , Jiang Yingtao , Yang Dandan , Qian Shizhi , Peng Chenglin
Published: June 2009

Finger's action has been controlled by both intrinsic and extrinsic hand muscles. Characterizing the finger action with the activations of hand muscles could be useful for evaluating the neuromuscular control strategy of finger's motor functions. This study is designed to explore the correlation of isometric fingertip force production and frequency-domain features of surface electromyography (sEMG) recorded on extrinsic hand muscles. To this end, 13 subjects (five male and eight female university students) have been recruited to conduct a target force-tracking task. Each subject is required to produce a certain level of force with either the index or middle fingertip to match the pseudo-random ordered target force level (4N, 6N, or 8N) as accurate as possible. During the finger force production process, the sEMG signals are recorded on two extrinsic hand muscles: flex digitorum superficials (FDS) and extensor digitorum (ED). For each sEMG trail, the power spectrum is estimated with the autoregressive (AR) model and from which the maximum power is obtained. Our experimental results reveal three findings: (1) the maximum power increases with the force level regardless of the force producing finger (i.e. index or middle) and the extrinsic hand muscle (i.e. FDS or ED). (2) The sEMG maximum power of index finger is significantly lower than that of the middle finger under the same force level and extrinsic hand muscle. (3) No significant difference can be found between the maximum powers of FDS and ED. The results indicate that the activations of the extrinsic muscles are affected by both the force level and the force producing finger. Based on our findings, the sEMG maximum power of the extrinsic hand muscles could be used as a key parameter to describe the finger's actions.
CONSTRUCT AN APPROXIMATION DECISION MODEL OF MEDICAL RECORD BY NEURAL NETWORKS FOR CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS GUIDELINE — THE OPHTHALMOLOGY DEPARTMENT AS AN EXAMPLE
Authors: Wang Jeng-Pang , Chien Jen-Chien , Fan Chin-Dr , Huang Cheng-Chin , Fan Cheng-Yu , Chong Fok-Ching , Lin Yaw-Jen
Published: June 2009

A doctor often has to independently make decisions for the therapy or treatment of patients, such as during clinical emergency calls, some of the most challenging tasks for a doctor. Only if a doctor has highly sophisticated "professional knowledge" and rich "diagnosis and treatment experiences", can he or she be competent for these tasks. Therefore, the inheritance of experience from clinical emergency calls is an important connection in the formative education of doctors. The most traditional formative education of doctors is to have students simulate the diagnosis and treatment modes of their teachers, or carry handbooks containing clinical summaries to perform a diagnosis with them as guidelines. However, this temporary approach of finding answers in books is not only time-consuming, but also detrimental to the confidence of the patients in their doctors. Our research involves the aforementioned clinical practices: clinical emergency calls and doctor formative education. We use ophthalmology as an example and utilize the back-propagation algorithm of the artificial neural networks, to construct an approximate decision model of medical record to guide clinical diagnosis. The doctor can input information such as chief complaint, minor complaints, diagnosis, etc. into the decision model. Correct ophthalmologic approximation medical records are created by referencing diagnosis and treatment to improve the quality of medical treatment and medical care.
BIOMECHANICS AND POTENTIAL INJURY MECHANISMS OF WRESTLING
Authors: Jang Tsong-Rong , Chang Chu-Fen , Chen Sheng-Chang , Fu Yang-Chieh , Lu Tung-Wu
Published: June 2009

Wrestling is one of the oldest and most popular competitive sports in the world, however, knowledge of the biomechanics of wrestling is not well established and the biomechanical risk factors of injuries unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the joint kinematics of the lower limbs and the center of pressure (COP) movements in Greco-Roman style (GR) and free style (FS) wrestlers during tackle defense. Eighteen male college wrestlers participated in the current study: 10 majored in GR (height: 171.1 ± 8.0 cm; weight: 73.9 ± 11.5, kg) and 8 in FS (height: 169.0 ± 5.2 cm; weight: 71.8 ± 11.4 kg). The wrestlers received tackle attacks from three different directions while their kinematic data measured by a 3D motion capture system and ground reaction forces from two AMTI forceplates. The wrestlers who majored in GR style tended to resist tackle attacks longer than the FS group. Compared to the GR group, the FS wrestlers tended to have greater A/P excursions of the COP with significant greater knee flexion. This flexed knee strategy may be related to the rule of the game and the training the FS wrestlers received. Significantly increased joint angles in the transverse and frontal planes at the knee and ankle found in the current study may be related to the risk of knee and ankle injuries commonly observed in wrestlers. Strengthening of the muscles of the lower extremity may be helpful for reducing these injuries during competitions.
QUANTIFICATION OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL MOVEMENT OF SKIN MARKERS RELATIVE TO THE UNDERLYING BONES DURING FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Authors: Tsai Tsung-Yuan , Lu Tung-Wu , Kuo Mei-Ying , Hsu Horng-Chaung
Published: June 2009

Skin marker-based stereophotogrammetry has been widely used in the in vivo, noninvasive measurement of three-dimensional (3D) joint kinematics in many clinical applications. However, the measured poses of body segments are subject to errors called soft tissue artifacts (STA). No study has reported the unrestricted STA of markers on the thigh and shank in normal subjects during functional activities. The purpose of this study was to assess the 3D movement of skin markers relative to the underlying bones in normal subjects during functional activities using a noninvasive method based on the integration of 3D fluoroscopy and stereophotogrammetry. Generally, thigh markers had greater STA than shank ones and the STA of the markers were in nonlinear relationships with knee flexion angles. The STA of a marker also appeared to vary among subjects and were affected by activities. This suggests that correction of STA in human motion analysis may have to consider the multijoint nature of functional activities such as using a global compensation approach with individual anthropometric data. The results of the current study may be helpful for establishing guidelines of marker location selection and for developing STA compensation methods in human motion analysis.
Issue Dedicated to the Late Dr F.P. Amerasinghe
Authors: Editor The
Published: June 2009

doi: 10.4038/cjsbs.v37i1.491Cey. J. Sci. (Bio. Sci.) 37 (1): 1-6, 2008
Water, Agriculture and Vector-Borne Diseases
Authors: Van der Hoek Wim , Konradsen Flemming
Published: June 2009

This paper gives an overview of the research on vector borne diseases, especially malaria, at the International Water Management Institute. It provides a review of published research that focuses on key questions concerning how malaria is linked to agriculture. What the economic costs of the disease are and what solutions the agriculture sector can offer. Environmental management measures are site specific but have great potential in complementing the established biomedical approach to controlling malaria and other vector borne diseases. To develop and implement effective measures, partnerships between the biomedical and agricultural research communities are essential. doi: 10.4038/cjsbs.v37i1.498 Cey. J. Sci. (Bio. Sci.) 37 (1): 87-95, 2008
Immunoepidemiology of Plasmodium vivax Merozoite Surface Protein-4 (PVMSP-4) in Sri Lanka: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Dissanayake Upadari , Dias Sajani , Polson Hannah , Longacre Shirley , Udagama-Randeniya Preethi V
Published: June 2009

Natural antibody (IgG + IgM) responses to putative vaccine candidate, Plasmodium vivax Merozoite Surface Protein-4, in acute vivax malaria patients in endemic and non-endemic areas of Sri Lanka, were assayed by indirect ELISA using PvMSP-4 baculovirus derived recombinant protein. The study populations were from two vivax malaria endemic areas, Anuradhapura and Kataragama and from a non-endemic area, Colombo. PvMSP4 appeared to be immunogenic in all test populations with a prevalence of 80%, 62% and 62% from Colombo, Anuradhapura and Kataragama, respectively. A significantly higher prevalence and antibody magnitude was recorded for non-endemic Colombo, but with no significant differences between individuals previously not exposed to malaria and those with prior exposure. A positive trend in responders from Kataragama was evident between the antibody prevalence and previous exposure. We previously reported the antibody response to PvMSP-1 (p19 and p42) using the same battery of sera, and when comparisons were drawn, more than 80% from each test area responded to at least one of the three antigens tested. Importantly, 7%, 11% and 4% of individuals from Colombo, Anuradhapura, and Kataragama, respectively, preferentially recognized PvMSP-4. Responders to MSP-1p42 and p19 in paired combination showed higher prevalence compared with combinations of MSP-1 with MSP-4. doi: 10.4038/cjsbs.v37i1.499 Cey. J. Sci. (Bio. Sci.) 37 (1): 97-105, 2008
A Taxonomic Evaluation of the Shrew Suncus montanus (Soricidae: Crocidurinae) of Sri Lanka and India
Authors: Meegaskumbura Suyama , Schneider Christopher J
Published: June 2009

The Sri Lankan and Indian populations of the mountain shrew Suncus montanus have hitherto been recognized as a single species, due to their similarity in size and colour. Here we present mitochondrial DNA sequence data from the cytochrome-b and 16S genes that suggest these populations represent distinct species. Phylogenetic analyses further reveal that the Sri Lankan and Indian populations are not sister taxa: S. montanus sensu stricto from Sri Lanka is the sister species of S. murinus, while ‘S. montanus' from India is the sister species of S. stoliczkanus. The uncorrected genetic distance for cytochrome-b between Sri Lankan and Indian ‘S. montanus' is ca. 7.5%, which is substantially higher than genetic distances within other species of shrews, or within vertebrate species in general, again supporting their recognition as distinct species. The name Suncus niger is available for the Indian shrew hitherto referred to S. montanus. Suncus montanus and S. niger should now be considered as endemic to Sri Lanka and India, respectively. Key words: Phylogenetic relationships, mitochondrial genes, genetic distance, cytochrome-b, 16S doi: 10.4038/cjsbs.v37i2.500 Cey. J. Sci. (Bio. Sci.) 37 (2): 129-136, 2008
Cultivation of Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) on Sawdust
Authors: Pathmashini L , Arulnandhy V , Wijeratnam RS Wilson
Published: June 2009

A study was conducted to examine the effect of different types of spawns on oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) production using sawdust. Locally available grains of kurakkan (Eleusine coracana), maize (broken) (Zea mays), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), and paddy (Oryza sativa) were used for spawn production. Sawdust spawned with different types P. ostreatus spawns were examined for spawn running (mycelia development), pinhead formation and fruit body formation, mean yield, and biological efficiency. The experiment was setup as a complete randomized design with three replicates. The kurakkan spawn produced an acceleration of spawn running, pinhead formation, fruit body formation and increased yield, compared with other types of spawn viz.; maize, sorghum, and paddy. The fastest spawn running of 21 ± 1 days, pinhead formation of 35 ± 1 days, highest mean yield of 55.37 ± 0.67 g and maximum fresh mushroom yield percentage of 30.76 ± 0.01 were realized for kurakkan spawn. Key words: Eleusine coracana, Pleurotus ostreatus, Sorghum bicolor, Oryza sativa, Zea mays, spawn doi: 10.4038/cjsbs.v37i2.505 Cey. J. Sci. (Bio. Sci.) 37 (2): 177-182, 2008
The Antimony‐Based Type I Clathrate Compounds Cs8Cd18Sb28 and Cs8Zn18Sb28
Authors: Liu Yi , Wu Li‐Ming , Li Long‐Hua , Du Shao‐Wu , Corbett John D. , Chen Ling
Published: June 2009

Neue Welt entdeckt: Die Titelverbindungen mit stöchiometrischen Zusammensetzungen, die mit der Formulierung für klassische Zintl‐Phasen übereinstimmen, liegen in einer für derartige Strukturen neuen Region des Phasenraums. Die Ergebnisse von DFT‐Rechnungen und die diamagnetischen Suszeptibilitäten deuten auf kleine Halbleiterlücken hin.

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Fluorescence Logic‐Signal‐Based Multiplex Detection of Nucleases with the Assembly of a Cationic Conjugated Polymer and Branched DNA
Authors: Feng Xuli , Duan Xinrui , Liu Libing , Feng Fude , Wang Shu , Li Yuliang , Zhu Daoben
Published: June 2009

In einer Energietransferkaskade aus einem kationischen konjugierten Polymer (PFP) und negativ geladener, Y‐förmiger DNA mit drei Farbstoffmarkierungen an den Enden (Fluorescein (Fl), Tex Red und Cy5) reguliert ein mehrstufiger FRET die Fluoreszenzintensitäten von PFP und den Farbstoffen. Unterschiedliche logische Gatter lassen sich betreiben, je nachdem von welchen Farbstoffen die Emissionswellenlängen mit mehreren Nucleasen als Eingabe beobachtet werden.

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2‐Pyridylquinoxaline derivatives as N,N‐ligands for palladium‐catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura reaction
Authors: Liu Yundong , Wu Yongwei , Xi Chanjuan
Published: June 2009

The Suzuki–Miyaura reaction of aryl bromides with benzeneboronic acid catalyzed by bis(chloro)(2‐pyridylquinoxaline)palladium(II) was investigated. The scope of the bis(chloro)(2‐pyridylquinoxaline)palladium(II) was determined in toluene at 80 °C using KOH as base. Using a 0.1% molar ratio of bis(chloro)(2‐pyridylquinoxaline)palladium(II) C1 as a catalyst, aryl bromides reacted with benzeneboronic acid to afford diaryl derivatives in excellent yield. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure and mechanical properties of a talc‐filled polypropylene/ethylene‐propylene‐diene composite after reprocessing in the melt state
Authors: Sarrionandia M. , Lopez‐Arraiza A. , Aurrekoetxea J. , Arostegui A.
Published: June 2009

A commercial talc‐filled polypropylene/ethylene‐propylene‐diene terpolymer composite was repeatedly injection molded up to five cycles to study the effects of reprocessing on the structure, morphology, and mechanical properties. Reprocessing did not change either the chemical structure or the thermal behavior of the composite, but led to a slight molecular weight reduction, due to shear–stress‐induced chain scission. Talc and ethylene‐propylene‐diene terpolymer content remained unchanged with reprocessing, whereas size distribution slightly decreased. Young's modulus, yield stress, and Charpy impact strength of the composite did not significantly change even after five cycles, but deformation at break continuously decreased, and it was attributed to the slight molecular weight, talc, and rubber particle size reduction. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Thermal and spectroscopic studies of poly(N‐vinyl pyrrolidone)/poly(vinyl alcohol) blend films
Authors: Abou_Taleb M. H.
Published: June 2009

Poly(N‐vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) and poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) homopolymers and their blended samples with different compositions were prepared using cast technique and subjected to X‐ray diffraction (XRD) measurements, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). XRD patterns of homopolymers and their blended samples indicated that blending amorphous materials, such as PVP, with semicrystalline polymer, such as PVA, gives rise to an amorphous structure with two halo peaks at positions identical to those found in pure PVP. Identification of structure and assignments of the most evident IR‐ absorption bands of PVP and PVA as well as their blends in the range 400–2000 cm−1 were studied. UV–vis spectra were used to study absorption spectra and estimate the values of absorption edge, Eg, and band tail, Ee, for all samples. Making use of Coats‐Redfern relation, thermogravimetric (TG) data allowed the calculation of the values of some thermodynamic parameters, such as activation energy E, entropy ΔS#, enthalpy ΔH, and free energy of activation ΔG# for different decomposition steps in the samples under investigation. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Preparation of polyvinylidene fluoride membrane via a thermally induced phase separation using a mixed diluent
Authors: Lu Xiaolong , Li Xianfeng
Published: June 2009

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes were prepared via a thermally induced phase separation method with a mixed diluent (dibutylphthalate/dioctyl phthalate). The effects of PVDF concentration and cooling bath temperature (CBT) on the structure and properties of the membranes were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy photos showed that the cross‐section of all the membranes, regardless of PVDF concentration and CBT, presented a bi‐continuous structure with the spherulitic pattern; moreover, the spherulitic patterns became clear gradually from the top surface to the bottom surface, and the top surface was denser than the bottom surface. As a result, all the membranes exhibited an asymmetric structure. The membrane property measurement indicated that, as PVDF concentration increased from 25 to 35 wt %, the pure water flux (PWF) decreased from 342 to 80 L m−2 h−1, and the porosity decreased slightly, whereas the minimum bubble point pressure (BPP) increased, which indicates maximum pore size decreased. In addition, with the increase in CBT, the PWF increased, but, the minimum BPP and porosity decreased. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Microstructure and physical properties of open‐cell polyolefin foams
Authors: Rodriguez‐Perez M. A. , Álvarez‐Láinez M. , de Saja J. A.
Published: June 2009

The cellular structure, physical properties, and structure–property relationships of novel open‐cell polyolefin foams produced by compression molding and based on blends of an ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer and a low‐density polyethylene have been studied and compared with those of closed‐cell polyolefin foams of similar chemical compositions and densities and with those of open‐cell polyurethane foams. Properties such as the elastic modulus, collapse stress, energy absorbed in mechanical tests, thermal expansion, dynamic mechanical response, and acoustic absorption have been measured. The experimental results show that the cellular structure of the analyzed materials has interconnected cells due to the presence of large and small holes in the cell walls, and this structure is clearly different from the typical structure of open‐cell polyurethane foams. The open‐cell polyolefin foams under study, in comparison with closed‐cell foams of similar densities and chemical compositions, are good acoustic absorbers; they have a significant loss factor and lower compressive strength and thermal stability. The physical reasons for this macroscopic behavior are analyzed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Kepler, Galileo, the telescope and its consequences
Authors: Hamel J.
Published: June 2009

In the beginning Copernicus' system of the world did not have empirical confirmation. In this situation, Kepler's research, as well as the astronomical observations with the telescope, invented in 1608, played a decisive role. Under the assumption of the central position of the Sun, Kepler discovered the elliptical orbital motion of the planets as a base of the computation of noticeably improved ephemerides. The first telescopic observations – Jupiter's moons, phases of Venus, sunspots, surface features of the moon, gave important arguments for Copernicus' system. Galilei was one of the first who used the telescope for astronomical research (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Galilei's astronomical discoveries using the telescope and their evaluation found in a writing‐calendar from 1611
Authors: Herbst K.‐D.
Published: June 2009

Yearly calendars were a mass‐produced article in early modern times and had an enormous importance in everyday life. Besides a first part, the Calendarium with the monthly tables, they contain a second part, the astrological Prognosticum. At first, the two parts were sold separately. In the second half of the 17th century, the parts were designed as a unity and sold together. The calendars in quart format contain texts which are so interesting that historical research should give them more consideration. Such a text is found, e.g., in the second part of the calendar for 1611, written by Paul Nagel, astronomer and rector of the school in Torgau. Nagel informs about Galilei's discoveries with the telescope. The (Latin) text was written in August 1610. This text is presented and put into perspective in the scientific debates of the time about the telescope as a new invention with consequences to philosophy (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The development of the Schmidt telescope
Authors: Wolfschmidt G.
Published: June 2009

Bernhard Schmidt (1879–1935) was born in Estonia. After a few years of studying engineering he ran an optical workshop in Mittweida, Saxonia, between 1901 and 1927. Astronomers appreciated the quality of his telescopes. Starting in 1925, on behalf of the Hamburg Observatory, he developed a short focal length optical system with a large field of view. For this purpose, Schmidt moved his workshop to the observatory. He succeeded in inventing the “Schmidt telescope” which allows the imaging of a large field of the sky without any distortions. Schmidt's first telescope (spherical mirror diameter 0.44 m, correction plate 0.36 m diameter, aperture ratio 1:1.75, and focal length 0.625 m) has been used since 1962 at the Boyden Observatory in Bloemfontein/South Africa. Apart from his 0.36m telescope, Schmidt produced a second larger one of 0.60m aperture. Shortly after Schmidt's death, the director of the observatory published details on the invention and production of the Schmidt telescope. After World War II, Schmidt telescopes have been widely used. The first large Schmidt telescope, the “Big Schmidt” (1.26 m), Mount Palomar, USA, was completed in 1948. The 0.80 m Schmidt telescope of Hamburg Observatory, planned since 1936, finished in 1954, is now on Calar Alto/Spain (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Solving the controversy about the astronomical significance of the rock formation “Teufelstein” in Styria
Authors: Rothwangl S. , Firneis M.G.
Published: June 2009

As two very controversial surveys of the rock formation “Teufelstein” exist in literature (H. Haupt versus H.M. Maitzen as well as W. Schlosser), a photographic documentation of solar and lunar rising and setting points throughout a whole year as well as a remeasurement with a solar compass was carried out on the spot. The result is that the formation is not an accurate solar marker but could only have served as a warning peg for the summer solstice setting point (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Impairments on “open‐ended” executive function tests in autism
Authors: White Sarah J. , Burgess Paul W. , Hill Elisabeth L.
Published: June 2009

The executive function (EF) theory of autism has received much support recently from a growing number of studies. However, executive impairments have not always been easy to identify consistently and so novel “ecologically valid” tests have been designed which tap into real‐life scenarios that are relevant to and representative of everyday behavior. One characteristic of many of these tasks is that they present the participant with an “ill‐structured” or “open‐ended” situation. Here, we investigated the possibility that tasks with greater degrees of open‐endedness might prove more sensitive to detecting executive impairment in autism. Forty‐five children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) were compared to 27 age‐ and IQ‐matched control children on a range of cognitive tests of EF. Group differences were found on half of the tasks, with the greatest degree of impairment detected on the more open‐ended tasks. The ASD group also performed more poorly on a simple control condition of a task. Detailed consideration of task performance suggested that the ASD group tended to create fewer spontaneous strategies and exhibit more idiosyncratic behavior, which particularly disadvantaged them on the more open‐ended tasks. These kinds of behaviors have been reported in studies of neurological patients with frontal lobe involvement, prima facie suggesting a link between the scientific fields. However, we suggest that this behavior might equally result from a poor understanding of the implicit demands made by the experimenter in open‐ended test situations, due to the socio‐communicative difficulties of these children.
Determination of tannic acid in industrial wastewater based on chemiluminescence system of KIO4–H2O2–Tween40
Authors: Xie Cheng‐gen , Li Huai‐fen
Published: June 2009

The oxidation reaction of H2O2 with KIO4 can produce chemiluminescence (CL) in the presence of the surfactant Tween40 and the CL intensity of the CL system KIO4–H2O2–Tween40 can be strikingly enhanced after injection of tannic acid. On this basis, a flow injection method with CL detection was established for the determination of tannic acid. The method is simple, rapid and effective to determine tannic acid in the range of 7.0 × 10−9 to 1.0 × 10−5 mol/L with a determination limit of 2.3 × 10−9 mol/L. The relative standard deviation is 2.6% for the determination of 5.0 × 10−6 mol/L tannic acid (n = 11). The method has been applied to determine the content of tannic acid in industrial wastewater with satisfactory results. It is believed that the CL reaction formed singlet oxygen 1O2* and the emission was from an excited oxygen molecular pair O2(1Δg)O2(1∑−g) in the KIO4–H2O2–Tween40 reaction. Tween40 played an important role in enhancing stabilization of the excited oxygen molecular pair O2(1Δg)O2(1∑−g) and in increasing CL intensity. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anpassungen an das Leben in großer Höhe. Evolution bei Alpenpflanzen
Authors: Stöcklin Jürg
Published: June 2009

Steile Gradienten und räumlich‐zeitliche Heterogenität sind typisch für alpine Lebensräume. Wie wirkt sich dies auf Evolutionsprozesse aus? Fallstudien zeigen, dass die genetische Vielfalt bei alpinen Pflanzen hoch ist und mit der Höhe nicht abnimmt. Genetische Unterschiede zwischen Populationen sind groß und nehmen mit der Distanz zu. Der Genfluss zwischen Populationen ist zu gering, um Spuren der postglazialen Siedlungsgeschichte im Genom auszulöschen. Genetische Anpassungen bei reproduktiven Merkmalen (Klonalität, Samengröße), entweder infolge der Höhe oder auf Grund der bäuerlichen Nutzung, ließen sich nachweisen. Selektion durch lokale Verhältnisse ist möglicherweise stärker als durch eine allmähliche Veränderung entlang von Gradienten. Sowohl adaptive als auch Zufallsprozesse können eine Rolle spielen. Insgesamt ist bei alpinen Pflanzen das Potenzial für Anpassungen an sich ändernde Umweltbedingungen intakt. Nicht‐genetische Anpassung (phänotypische Plastizität) ist für das Überleben von Pflanzen in den Alpen ein Erfolgsrezept.
Darstellung von Bakterien mittels Gramfärbung
Authors: Schrödel Andrea
Published: June 2009

Für die Diagnostik von Infektionskrankheiten spielt das Gramverhalten von Bakterien eine wichtige Rolle. Mithilfe der Gramfärbung lässt sich innerhalb weniger Minuten anhand eines Abstriches das Gramverhalten bestimmen. Da grampositive und gramnegative Bakterien unterschiedlich auf Antibiotika reagieren, kann schnell eine optimierte Therapie begonnen werden. Warum aber lassen sich die Bakterien unterschiedlich anfärben, und wie funktioniert überhaupt eine Gramfärbung?
Entwicklung eines Labor‐Vakuumkontakttrockners mit mechanischer Durchmischung
Authors: Forbert R.
Published: June 2009

Für die frühe Verfahrensentwicklung haben sich kleine Labortrockner bewährt, in denen der spätere Trocknungsprozess schon möglichst realistisch nachgestellt werden kann. Aus einer Entwicklung für einen solchen Vakuumkontakttrockner mit mechanischer Durchmischung ist mittlerweile ein Laborapparat der dritten Generation hervorgegangen. Während des Versuchslaufs erfasst er online den Trocknungsverlauf mit einer Auflösung der Restfeuchte von 500 ppm.
Recycling von Nichteisenmetallen aus Elektronikschrott – Chance und Risiken
Authors: Stelter M. , Raabe L.
Published: June 2009

Mit der geltenden Elektronikschrott‐Verordnung wurden in Deutschland die Voraussetzungen geschaffen, Elektronikschrott mittels eines logistischen Systems zu sammeln und somit einer Verwertung im Sinne des Kreislaufwirtschafts‐ und Abfallgesetzes zuzuführen. Die Vielfalt der Geräte, Aggregate und Bauteile, die unter dem Begriff Elektronikschrott zusammengefasst werden, bedingt allerdings auch eine große Vielfalt von Materialien, die hierbei erfasst werden. Dazu zählen im Besonderen elektrische Haushaltsgeräte, Kommunikations‐ und Informationsgeräte, Unterhaltungselektronik sowie industrielle elektrische und elektronische Geräte, soweit sie nicht fest montiert sind. Speziell an den Beispielen Computerschrott sowie Handyschrott werden die Möglichkeiten zur Rückgewinnung der Nichteisenmetalle erkennbar, aber auch die Risiken, die mit diesen Prozessen verbunden sind. Grundsätzlich kann man feststellen, dass aufgrund des wirtschaftlichen Druckes, z. B. im Handymarkt, teilweise gegen grundsätzliche gesetzliche Regelungen des Kreislaufwirtschafts‐ und Abfallgesetz verstoßen wird. Dies hat zur Folge, dass Entsorgungswege nur sehr eingeschränkt zur Verfügung stehen und teilweise zusätzlich durch Vorgaben behördlicherseits noch beschränkt werden. Die Möglichkeiten, Elektronikschrott umweltverträglich zu entsorgen und dabei die wichtigen Rohstoffe wie NE‐Metalle und besonders die Edelmetalle und Platingruppenmetalle mit hoher Effizienz zurück zu gewinnen, werden zusammengefasst, die Verfahrenswege dargestellt und auch die Risiken, die im Elektronikschrott vorhanden sind beleuchtet. Es wird klar, dass diverse Voraussetzungen erfüllt sein müssen, um dieses ausgesprochen komplexe, aber auch hochwertige, Material umweltgerecht als Sekundärrohstoff einzusetzen.
AKAP‐independent localization of type‐II protein kinase A to dynamic actin microspikes
Authors: Rivard Robert L. , Birger Monique , Gaston Kara J. , Howe Alan K.
Published: June 2009

Regulation of the cyclic AMP‐dependent protein kinase (PKA) in subcellular space is required for cytoskeletal dynamics and chemotaxis. Currently, spatial regulation of PKA is thought to require the association of PKA regulatory (R) subunits with A‐kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs). Here, we show that the regulatory RIIα subunit of PKA associates with dynamic actin microspikes in an AKAP‐independent manner. Both endogenous RIIα and a GFP‐RIIα fusion protein co‐localize with F‐actin in microspikes within hippocampal neuron growth cones and the leading edge lamellae of NG108‐15 cells. Live‐cell imaging demonstrates that RIIα‐associated microspikes are highly dynamic and that the coupling of RIIα to actin is tight, as the movement of both actin and RIIα are immediately and coincidently stopped by low‐dose cytochalasin D. Importantly, co‐localization of RIIα and actin in these structures is resistant to displacement by a cell‐permeable disrupter of PKA‐AKAP interactions. Biochemical fractionation confirms that a substantial pool of PKA RIIα is associated with the detergent‐insoluble cytoskeleton and is resistant to extraction by a peptide inhibitor of AKAP interactions. Finally, mutation of the AKAP‐binding domain of RIIα fails to disrupt its association with actin microspikes. These data provide the first demonstration of the physical association of a kinase with such dynamic actin structures, as well as the first demonstration of the ability of type‐II PKA to localize to discrete subcellular structures independently of canonical AKAP function. This association is likely to be important for microfilament dynamics and cell migration and may prime the investigation of novel mechanisms for localizing PKA activity. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A uniform residual tumor (R) classification
Authors: Wittekind Christian , Compton Carolyn , Quirke Phil , Nagtegaal Iris , Merkel Susanne , Hermanek Paul , Sobin Leslie H.
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND:

Since the introduction of the TNM residual tumor (R) classification, the involvement of resection margins has been defined either as a microscopic (R1) or a macroscopic (R2) demonstration of tumor directly at the resection margin (“tumor transected”).

METHODS:

The recognition of the importance of the circumferential resection margin (CRM) in patients with rectal cancer patients raises the need for an alternative definition of resection margin involvement, namely, the importance of delineating tumor with a minimal distance from the CRM of ≤1 mm (CRM‐positive) from tumor directly at the resection margin. The different use of both definitions of resection margin involvement prevents valid comparisons between reports on treatment results.

RESULTS:

To avoid confusion by different definitions, the authors proposed including the minimal distance between tumor and resection margin into the current R classification.

CONCLUSIONS:

By using the proposed expanded classification, comparisons of new data with previous publications will be possible. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Vincristine sulfate liposomes injection (Marqibo) in heavily pretreated patients with refractory aggressive non‐Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Rodriguez M. A. , Pytlik Robert , Kozak Tomas , Chhanabhai Mukesh , Gascoyne Randy , Lu Biao , Deitcher Steven R. , Winter Jane N.
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND:

Marqibo, a sphingosomal/cholesterol encapsulation of vincristine sulfate has targeted, increased, and sustained delivery of vincristine to tumor tissues. A phase 2, open‐label, single‐arm, and multinational study evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of Marqibo as a single agent in patients with multiply relapsed or refractory aggressive non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).

METHODS:

Eligible patients had relapsed or refractory de novo or transformed aggressive NHL and prior treatment with at least 2 multiagent chemotherapy regimens. Marqibo was administered at 2 mg/m2, every 2 weeks, for a maximum of 12 cycles or until toxicity or disease progression.

RESULTS:

One hundred and nineteen patients were enrolled and treated on trial. Ninety‐six had histological confirmed de novo (N = 89) or transformed (N = 7) aggressive NHL. Median number of cycles was 4 (median dose/cycle 4 mg). Overall response (CR and complete response unconfirmed and PR) was 25% (95% confidence interval [CI], 17, 35), CR and complete response unconfirmed confirmed by external reviewers was 5%. Median overall survival was 6.6 months (Kaplan‐Meier estimate, 95% CI, 4.7, 9.8). Grade 3 of 4 neurotoxicity occurred in 32% of patients. All patients had prior neurotoxic agents, and 85% had baseline residual neuropathy symptoms (grades 1‐2) from prior treatment.

CONCLUSIONS:

Marqibo is an active agent in patients with heavily pretreated aggressive NHL, and tolerated at approximately twice the dose intensity of standard vincristine. Its activity supports further investigation as a substitution for vincristine in combination treatment of lymphoid disorders. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Phase 1 study of concurrent sunitinib and image‐guided radiotherapy followed by maintenance sunitinib for patients with oligometastases
Authors: Kao Johnny , Packer Stuart , Vu Ha Linh , Schwartz Myron E. , Sung Max W. , Stock Richard G. , Lo Yeh‐Chi , Huang Delphine , Chen Shu‐Hsia , Cesaretti Jamie A.
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND:

To determine the safety and maximum‐tolerated dose of concurrent sunitinib and image‐guided radiotherapy (IGRT) followed by maintenance sunitinib in oligometastastic patients.

METHODS:

Eligible patients had 1 to 5 sites of metastatic cancer measuring ≤6 cm. The most common treatment sites were bone, liver, and lung. Patients were treated with concurrent sunitinib (Day 1 through Day 28) and IGRT (40‐50 Gy in 10 fractions starting on Day 8) followed by maintenance sunitinib (50 mg daily, 4 weeks on/2 weeks off starting on Day 43). The starting dose was sunitinib 25 mg and IGRT 40 Gy. Doses were escalated in a ping‐pong design with incremental increases in either sunitinib or IGRT.

RESULTS:

Twenty‐one patients with 36 metastatic lesions were enrolled, with a median follow‐up of 10 months. No dose limiting toxicities (DLT) were noted at dose levels 1 or 2 (SU 37.5 mg/RT 40 Gy). One of 10 patients at dose level 3 (SU 37.5 mg/RT 50 Gy) and 2 of 5 patients at dose level 4 (SU 50 mg/RT 50 Gy) experienced DLTs comprising grade 4 myelosuppression and grade 3 nausea. At last follow‐up, 8 patients are alive without evidence of progression. The 1‐year local, progression‐free, and overall survival were 85%, 44%, and 75%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

Addition of SU (25 to 37.5 mg) to IGRT is tolerable in patients with oligometastases, without potentiation of RT toxicity. On the basis of promising antitumor responses observed with this novel combination, a multi‐institutional phase 2 trial using SU 37.5 mg/RT 50 Gy is ongoing. Cancer 2009; 115:3571–80. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Wilms tumor 1 gene mutations are associated with a higher risk of recurrence in young adults with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Renneville Aline , Boissel Nicolas , Zurawski Virginie , Llopis Laura , Biggio Valéria , Nibourel Olivier , Philippe Nathalie , Thomas Xavier , Dombret Hervé , Preudhomme Claude
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND:

Wilms tumor 1 (WT1) is a transcription factor that is overexpressed in most acute myeloid leukemias (AMLs). Recently, 2 groups reported that WT1 mutations occur in approximately 10% of normal karyotype AMLs and are an independent predictor of poor outcome in this subgroup of patients with AML.

METHODS:

The authors studied a cohort of 268 young adults (ages 15‐50 years) with AML who were treated on the Acute Leukemia French Association 9802 trial. WT1 exon 7 and 9 mutations were screened retrospectively by polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing. The patients also were assessed for the presence of the fms‐related tyrosine kinase 3 internal tandem duplication (FLT3‐ITD), FLT3‐D835/I836, nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1), and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (CEBPA) mutations.

RESULTS:

WT1 mutations were identified in 14 patients (5%) and were associated with a younger age (P = .02) and an FLT3‐ITD (P = .03). No mutation was detected in patients who had favorable cytogenetics. Patients who had WT1 mutations had a shorter overall survival at 4 years (22% vs 56%; P = .01) and a higher risk of recurrence at 4 years (82% vs 46%; P = .0008) compared with patients who had wild‐type WT1. Within the subgroup of patients who had normal karyotype AML (n = 106), WT1 mutation was identified as an independent adverse prognostic factor for the risk of recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS:

The current results indicted that WT1 mutations represent an adverse prognostic factor in young adults with AML. Prospective trials should confirm the clinical relevance of WT1 mutations in relation to other prognostic factors in patients with AML. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Phase 2 trial of sorafenib in patients with advanced urothelial cancer
Authors: Dreicer Robert , Li Hailun , Stein Mark , DiPaola Robert , Eleff Michael , Roth Bruce J. , Wilding George
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND:

There is no effective second‐line systemic chemotherapy for patients with disease progression after cisplatin‐based chemotherapy. A phase 2 trial of sorafenib was performed to determine the activity and toxicity of this agent in a multi‐institutional setting in patients previously treated with 1 prior chemotherapy regimen.

METHODS:

Twenty‐seven patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma were treated with sorafenib 400 mg orally twice daily continuously until progression or unacceptable toxicity.

RESULTS:

There were no objective responses observed. The 4‐month progression‐free survival (PFS) rate was 9.5%; median overall survival of the group was 6.8 months. There were no therapy‐related deaths, and common grade 3 toxicities included fatigue and hand‐foot syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although sorafenib as a single agent has minimal activity in patients with advanced urothelial cancer in the second‐line setting, further investigation of tyrosine kinase inhibitors using different trial designs with PFS endpoints is warranted. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Synthetic tumor‐specific breakpoint peptide vaccine in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia and minimal residual disease
Authors: Jain Nitin , Reuben James M. , Kantarjian Hagop , Li Changping , Gao Hui , Lee Bang‐Ning , Cohen Evan N. , Ebarb Theresa , Scheinberg David A. , Cortes Jorge
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND:

Imatinib is the current standard frontline therapy for chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). In the majority of patients, imatinib induces a complete cytogenetic response (CCyR); however, complete molecular responses are infrequent. The Bcr‐Abl fusion creates a unique sequence of amino acids that could constitute a target for immunomodulation.

METHODS:

A mixture of heteroclitic and native peptides derived from both b3a2 and b2a2 sequences was used to vaccinate patients with CML in CCyR who were receiving imatinib therapy and who had stable Bcr‐Abl transcript levels.

RESULTS:

Ten patients were enrolled, all with b2a2 transcripts (including 2 patients who had coexpression of b2a2 and b3a2). Patients had received imatinib for a median of 62 months. Three of 10 patients achieved 1‐log reduction in Bcr‐Abl transcript levels, including the 2 patients who had received previous interferon therapy, and 3 other patients achieved a major molecular response. The vaccine was tolerated well, and there were no grade ≥3 adverse events. Vaccination did not affect the leukocyte profiles in peripheral blood except for regulatory T cells, which were down‐regulated briefly during the late stage of vaccination in patients who achieved approximately 1‐log reduction in Bcr‐Abl transcript levels.

CONCLUSIONS:

The current data suggested that vaccination‐related transient disruption of immune tolerance may contribute to the reduction in Bcr‐Abl transcripts. Clinically, this Bcr‐Abl peptide vaccine may transiently improve the molecular response in a subset of patients with CML. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.