bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anterior Segment Ischemia After Two-Muscle Surgery in a Patient With Radiation-Treated Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Yip Wilson W. K. , Yu Christopher B. O. , Fan Dorothy S. P. , Yick Doris W. F. , Rao Srinivas K. , Lam Dennis S. C.
Published: December 2008

Anterior segment ischemia after strabismus surgery is a rare occurrence. Risk factors include single-stage surgery of three or more muscles in one eye, dysthyroid eye disease, and advanced age. The authors report a case of anterior segment ischemia after single-stage surgery of two horizontal muscles without previous reported risk factors. However, the patient had received radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma more than 20 years ago. The case was successfully treated with systemic steroids but with reduced best-corrected visual acuity. Previous radiotherapy in the related orbital field may be a new risk factor for this condition.
Suicidal Behaviour in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Ash Peter
Published: December 2008

Although many of the principles and approaches to ward suicidal youth are similar to those used with suicidal adults, some key differences exist. This article highlights the main differences between adolescent and adult suicidal behavior. Screening and assessment, treatment, and legal implications related to this population are also explored.
Understanding and Influencing the Stigma of Mental Illness
Authors: Corrigan Patrick W. , Wassel Abigail
Published: December 2008

Life goals and the opportunities that define them are impaired by the stigma of mental illness. Three kinds of stigma may act as barriers to personal aspirations: public stigma, self-stigma, and label avoidance. Challenging mental illness stigma is essential in helping individuals accomplish recovery-related goals. Public stigma may be changed through protest, education, and contact. Self-stigma can be addressed by fostering group identity, changing the perceived legitimacy of stigma through cognitive rehabilitation, and making strategic decisions about disclosing one's mental health history. Stigma change for label avoidance is not as well understood but may include the education and contact approaches used for public stigma. Evidence-based approaches to stigma change need to be substantiated by rigorous investigations.
How to Evacute a Psychiatric Hospital: A Hurricane Katrina Success Story
Authors: Thomas Joan , Lackey Nancy
Published: December 2008

This article describes the successful evacuation of an entire psychiatric hospital from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Memphis, Tennessee, on a weekend night. The destination site was 400 miles away and buses were used for transport. The evacuation occurred shortly before Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans and included 73 adult, adolescent, and child acute psychiatric patients. Thirty-five staff members also participated in the evacuation with their families and pets. This report is significant because little is known about how to implement a disaster plan that involves the transport of an entire psychiatric hospital—patients, nurses, physicians, staff, and family members—to another city. The knowledge gained can also benefit psychiatric nurses and their organizations when establishing or modifying their disaster plans.
The Evidence for Occupational Therapy for Adults with Neuromuscular Diseases: A Systematic Review
Authors: Cup Edith H. C. , Sturkenboom Ingrid H. W. M. , Pieterse Allan J. , Hendricks Henk T. , van Engelen Baziel G. M. , Oostendorp Rob A. B. , van der Wilt Gert Jan
Published: December 2008

A systematic review was conducted to assess the evidence base of occupational therapy for adults with neuromuscular diseases. A comprehensive search for controlled and uncontrolled studies was performed in the Cochrane, MEDLINE, CINHAL, and EMBASE databases. After screening 3,534 titles and abstracts, six articles were retrieved for more detailed evaluation. Only two studies met all of the predefined criteria and were subjected to methodological assessment. These studies provide indications for the efficacy of hand training in muscle diseases. There is a lack of scientific evidence regarding the question of whether patients with neuromuscular diseases are better capable of participating in meaningful activities and roles through occupational therapy. Recommendations for future research are given.
Profound Choroidal Hypoperfusion After Combined Photodynamic Therapy and Intravitreal Triamcinolone Acetonide
Authors: Blaha Gregory R. , Wertz F. Denton , Marx Jeffrey L.
Published: December 2008

Background and Objective:
To report a case series of patients with profound choroidal hypoperfusion on fluorescein angiography following combined photodynamic therapy (PDT) and intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVT) for age-related macular degeneration.

Patients and Methods:
A retrospective chart review was performed of all 108 patients (155 treatments) who had combined PDT/IVT between January 2002 and December 2004 at the institution.

Results:
Fifteen patients were identified with “profound choroidal hypoperfusion.” There were no common risk factors identified. Hypoperfusion occurred in some patients after their initial treatment, whereas in others it developed only after repeated treatments. Two patients had severe vision loss associated with profound choroidal hypoperfusion.

Conclusions:
Profound choroidal hypoperfusion can be seen after combined therapy with PDT/IVT. Although adding triamcinolone acetonide to PDT may improve efficacy, it may also change the side effect profile and severe vision loss may occur. Changes in treatment parameters may improve combined therapy.
The Work of the RN Minimum Data Set Coordinator in its Organizational Context
Authors: Dellefield Mary Ellen
Published: December 2008

The Resident Assessment Instrument/Minimum Data Set (RAI/MDS) is the foundational clinical framework for nursing home care, functioning as both a clinical assessment instrument and an assessment process. An RN is mandated by statute to complete or coordinate the work associated with this framework. Using both focus groups and questionnaires, 24 RN MDS coordinators attending a national conference for MDS coordinators described their work in its organizational context. Shortell et al.’s continuous quality framework of structural, technical, cultural, and strategic organizational dimensions was used to categorize descriptive themes. Clinical implications of the study findings are summarized.
El nacimiento del miedo, 1692. Indios y españoles en la Ciudad de México
Authors: Gonzalbo Aizpuru Pilar
Published: December 2008

En 1692 hubo escasez y carestía de cereales en la ciudad de México. Un domingo del mes de junio se acabó el maíz en la alhóndiga y los encargados de repartirlo golpearon a las indias que protestaban. Muy pronto llegó mucha gente y se inició un alboroto que duró varias horas y durante el cual se incendiaron el palacio de los virreyes y las casas del cabildo; muchas tiendas fueron saqueadas.
La represión fue muy dura y se dirigió contra los indios; pero no fueron sólo indios los que participaron en el motín, sino la «plebe» de la ciudad, mezcla de todos los grupos resentidos por las injusticias del gobierno y las humillaciones de los ricos españoles. La población española comenzó a sentir miedo de sus vecinos, que ya no se identificaban con los indios.
A la sombra de la alameda
Authors: Blondet Serfaty José Enrique
Published: December 2008

A finales del siglo XVIII, y promovida por el gobernador Manuel González y Torres de Navarra, se proyectó en la provincia de Caracas una alameda que estaría emparentada con el Paseo del Prado de Madrid. La escasa información sobre este proyecto ha contribuido a que muchos historiadores duden de su existencia. Sin embargo, la revisión de fuentes documentales y antiguos planos de la ciudad permiten deducir que la alameda no sólo se construyó, sino que sobrevivió a los embates del terremoto de 1812 y la Guerra de Independencia, sirviendo de base para la propuesta del Paseo de Caracas que, en 1858, se propuso en ese mismo lugar.
Warming and salting in the western Mediterranean during the second half of the 20th century: inconsistencies, unknowns and the effect of data processing
Authors: Vargas-Yáñez Manuel , Moya Francina , Tel Elena , García-Martínez M. Carmen , Guerber Etienne , Bourgeon Maxime
Published: December 2008

Many papers that have appeared since the late 1980s have reported trends for the salinity and temperature of the upper, intermediate and deep layers within the western Mediterranean. The review of these works shows that the figures reported depend on the period of time considered. In some cases, opposite results are obtained by different studies dealing with the same period of time. These results make it difficult to assess the mean trends of these variables during the second half of the 20th century and to distinguish long-term changes from decadal and multi-decadal variability. In order to determine the origin of these discrepancies, we analyse temperature and salinity profiles from MEDAR/2002 in three areas of the western Mediterranean: the Gulf of Lions, the Balearic Islands and the Alboran Sea. We use data analysis methods that have all been tested and used previously in the literature. Our results show that the scarcity of data makes trend estimations very sensitive to the data analysis methods, questioning the robustness of such estimations and showing the suitability of systematic sampling for studying long-term changes. We attempt to provide temperature and salinity trends from 1950 to 2000 for the three aforementioned regions, which show a higher degree of uncertainty than the previous studies. Long-term temperature and salinity increases for this 50-year period are within the intervals [0.02°C, 0.19°C] and [0.01, 0.1] for deep waters, [0.06°C, 0.38°C] and [0.01, 0.26] for LIW, and [0, 0.45°C] for the upper layers. No salinity change has been observed for the upper layer.
Reproductive biology of the vulnerable species Sciaena umbra Linnaeus, 1758 (Pisces: Sciaenidae)
Authors: Grau Amàlia , Linde Marta , Grau Antoni Mª
Published: December 2008

Reproductive biology of the brown meagre, Sciaena umbra, is described based on 171 specimens caught by trammel nets and spear gun from April 1998 to October 2000. Histological examination and gonadosomatic index suggest that the spawning season of the brown meagre in Balearic waters is from May to August and peaks in May and June. Seven stages of gonadal development were identified: immature, early developing, late developing, running, spent, recovering and resting. The frequency distribution of oocyte diameter reveals that brown meagre is an iteroparous, gonochoristic, seasonal multiple-spawning fish with aynchronous oocyte development. Size at first maturity was 25.4 cm of total length for males and 29.9 cm for females. Sex ratio varied with fish size, with a tendency for greater numbers of females in higher size classes. Weight-length relationships for both sexes, as well as for the total population, were significantly allometric positive. An analysis of the monthly variations of hepatosomatic index (HSI), and Le Cren’s condition factor showed that HSI is not a good indicator of the lipid reserves of S. umbra. According to our results, current management measures for this species should be re-evaluated.
Identification of new putative susceptibility genes for several psychiatric disorders by association analysis of regulatory and non‐synonymous SNPs of 306 genes involved in neurotransmission and neurodevelopment
Authors: Gratacòs Mònica , Costas Javier , de Cid Rafael , Bayés Mònica , González Juan R. , Baca‐García Enrique , de Diego Yolanda , Fernández‐Aranda Fernando , Fernández‐Piqueras José , Guitart Miriam , Martín‐Santos Rocío , Martorell Lourdes , Menchón José M. , Roca Miquel , Sáiz‐Ruiz Jerónimo , Sanjuán Julio , Torrens Marta , Urretavizcaya Mikel , Valero Joaquín , Vilella Elisabet , Estivill Xavier , Carracedo Ángel ,   The Psychiatric Genetics Network Group
Published: December 2008

A fundamental difficulty in human genetics research is the identification of the spectrum of genetic variants that contribute to the susceptibility to common/complex disorders. We tested here the hypothesis that functional genetic variants may confer susceptibility to several related common disorders. We analyzed five main psychiatric diagnostic categories (substance‐abuse, anxiety, eating, psychotic, and mood disorders) and two different control groups, representing a total of 3,214 samples, for 748 promoter and non‐synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at 306 genes involved in neurotransmission and/or neurodevelopment. We identified strong associations to individual disorders, such as growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) with anxiety disorders, prolactin regulatory element (PREB) with eating disorders, ionotropic kainate glutamate receptor 5 (GRIK5) with bipolar disorder and several SNPs associated to several disorders, that may represent individual and related disease susceptibility factors. Remarkably, a functional SNP, rs945032, located in the promoter region of the bradykinin receptor B2 gene (BDKRB2) was associated to three disorders (panic disorder, substance abuse, and bipolar disorder), and two additional BDKRB2 SNPs to obsessive‐compulsive disorder and major depression, providing evidence for common variants of susceptibility to several related psychiatric disorders. The association of BDKRB2 (odd ratios between 1.65 and 3.06) to several psychiatric disorders supports the view that a common genetic variant could confer susceptibility to clinically related phenotypes, and defines a new functional hint in the pathophysiology of psychiatric diseases. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of a de novo translocation t(5;18)(q33.1;q12.1) in an autistic boy identifies a breakpoint close toSH3TC2,ADRB2, andHTR4on 5q, and within the desmocollin gene cluster on 18q
Authors: Vincent John B. , Noor Abdul , Windpassinger Christian , Gianakopoulos Peter J. , Schwarzbraun Thomas , Alfred Simon E. , Stachowiak Beata , Scherer Stephen W. , Roberts Wendy , Wagner Klaus , Kroisel Peter M. , Petek Erwin
Published: December 2008

We have recently reported the identification of a de novo balanced translocation t(5;18)(q33.1;q12.1) in a boy with autism. Here we discuss the identification of the breakpoints on chromosomes 5 and 18, and subsequent genomic and candidate gene analyses. The 18q breakpoint lies between desmocollin genesDSC1andDSC2. The chromosome 5 breakpoint lies at the 3′ end of theSH3TC2gene and distal to β‐adrenergic receptor geneADRB2and serotonin receptor geneHTR4. We hypothesized that the transcription of one (or more) of these genes is affected by the translocation by position effect. Looking at allele‐specific gene expression for the genes at the 5q locus, we were able to determine thatADRB2is expressed from both the normal and derivative alleles. Due to the lack of expression in available tissues or lack of available informative transcribed SNPs, we were unable to exclude the involvement ofSH3TC2andHTR4due to position effect. However, we determined that bothDSC1andDSC2are only transcribed from the normal chromosome 18 in lymphocytes from the proband. This monoallelic expression ofDSC2may put the patient at risk for arrythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. Desmocollin genes encode cell‐adhesion molecules, and are also highly expressed in brain regions, and thus may also be important for normal neuronal functioning. While a role forSH3TC2,ADRB2, andHTR4as putative candidate genes for autism cannot be discounted, a role for the desmocollin genes at the 18q breakpoint should also be considered. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A comparison of selected domestic arbitration rules
Authors: Bleemer Russ , Hunt Jillian Lee , Klimpl Timothy
Published: December 2008

Alternatives provides another rules comparison table, focusing on last year's revisions to the CPR Institute, American Arbitration Association, and JAMS domestic arbitration rules.
Registration open for next month's 30th anniversary annual meeting
Authors: Bleemer Russ
Published: December 2008

More on the CPR Institute's Annual Meeting next month; an online continuing legal education program featuring ethics credit is scheduled for year‐end filers in December, and more.
A guide for policymaking that emphasizes principles, and public needs
Authors: Lande John
Published: December 2008

ADR's maturation means it is going to be regulated, and it needs to be done by balancing the competing goals of institutions and users. John Lande, of Columbia, Mo., provides a guide for law and regulation.
Settlement shocker: Parties had agreed to a pre‐scripted, staged arbitration
Authors: Bleemer Russ
Published: December 2008

A publically traded company and an employee try to settle a sexual harassment suit with a contract that calls for a scripted, staged arbitration proceeding that would result in a press release touting the employer's big win, and a sevenfigure payout for the plaintiff. Find out how the phony ADR proceeding unraveled in court, on the Web, and in the national media.
Reinforcement of polyurethane/epoxy interpenetrating network nanocomposites with an organically modified palygorskite
Authors: Lei Ziqiang , Yang Quanlu , Wu Shang , Song Xiaoli
Published: December 2008

An organophilic palygorskite (o‐PGS) prepared by the treatment of natural palygorskite with hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide was incorporated into interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) of polyurethane (PU) and epoxy resin (EP), and a series of PU/EP/clay nanocomposites were obtained by a sequential polymeric technique and compression‐molding method. X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that adding nanosize o‐PGS could promote the compatibility and phase structure of PU/EP IPN matrices. Tensile testing and thermal analysis proved that the mechanical and thermal properties of the PU/EP IPN nanocomposites were superior to those of the pure PU/EP IPN. This was attributed to the special fibrillar structure of palygorskite and the synergistic effect between o‐PGS and the IPN matrices. In addition, the swelling behavior studies indicated that the crosslink density of PU/EP IPN gradually increased with increasing o‐PGS content. The reason may be that o‐PGS made the chains more rigid and dense. As for the flame retardancy, the PU/EP nanocomposites had a higher limiting oxygen index than the pure PU. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Preparation, crystallization behavior, and melting characteristics of β‐nucleated isotactic polypropylene blends with polyamide 6
Authors: Yang Zhugen , Zhang Zishou , Tao Youji , Mai Kancheng
Published: December 2008

β‐Nucleated isotactic polypropylene (iPP) blends with polyamide 6 (PA6) were prepared with a novel and highly efficient nano‐CaCO3‐supported β‐nucleating agent. Maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (PP‐g‐MA), glycidyl methacrylate grafted polypropylene (PP‐g‐GMA), maleic anhydride grafted poly(ethylene octene) (POE‐g‐MA), and maleic anhydride grafted poly(ethylene vinyl acetate) (EVA‐g‐MA) elastomers were added to the blends as compatibilizers. The nonisothermal crystallization behavior and melting characteristics of β‐nucleated iPP and its blends were investigated with differential scanning calorimetry and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction. The results indicated that the β‐iPP content in the β‐nucleated iPP blends depended not only on the preparation conditions but also on the compatibilizer type. A high β‐iPP content (>95%) in the β‐nucleated iPP/PA6 blends was obtained. The addition of PP‐g‐MA, POE‐g‐MA, and EVA‐g‐MA to the β‐nucleated iPP/PA6 blends increased the content of β‐iPP but decreased the crystallization temperature of iPP in the β‐nucleated iPP/PA6 blends. However, the addition of PP‐g‐GMA decreased the content of β‐iPP in the β‐nucleated iPP/PA6 blends. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
High‐resolution regional climate simulations of the long‐term decrease in September rainfall over Indochina
Authors: Takahashi Hiroshi G. , Yoshikane Takao , Hara Masayuki , Yasunari Tetsuzo
Published: December 2008

We address the long‐term decrease in September rainfall over the Indochina Peninsula. Distinct long‐term decreases in rainfall along the monsoon trough across the Indochina Peninsula have been observed. We performed long‐term simulations and discuss the effects of long‐term changes in both the local surface conditions and large‐scale circulation. Using a 30‐year simulation for September for the period from 1966 to 1995 with land‐use conditions fixed at present‐day values and neglecting the recorded deforestation, we successfully simulated the observed long‐term decrease in rainfall. We therefore conclude that the weakening tropical‐cyclone activity over the Indochina Peninsula region is probably responsible for the decrease in rainfall. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
An example of the dependence of the transient climate response on the temperature of the modelled climate state
Authors: Brierley Chris M. , Thorpe Alan J. , Collins Matthew
Published: December 2008

The range in absolute global mean surface temperature projected with a small, perturbed ocean physics ensemble reduces as the levels of CO2 increase. The initial temperature state of an ensemble member is correlated to the amount of global warming seen in that member. The correlation arises, in approximately equal amounts, by variations in the ocean heat uptake within the ensemble and a dependency of the strength of the atmosphere–surface climate feedbacks on the initial climate. This relationship provides a clear warning that some uncertainty in global change projections derives from the simulation of the mean state. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society and Crown Copyright
The effects of mental contamination on the hindsight bias: Source confusion determines success in disregarding knowledge
Authors: Marks Melissa A. Z. , Arkes Hal R.
Published: December 2008

We present data from eight experiments in which we explored the effects of source confusion on the hindsight bias; participants' success in disregarding information when they were instructed to do so was affected by participants' level of source confusion. In Experiment 1 we demonstrated participants' failure to disregard Revolutionary War information they recently learned while reading an essay; this failure to discount was not affected by participants' essay reading times (Experiment 1a). In Experiment 2 participants successfully discounted obscure War of 1812 information; this discounted information remained available in memory (Experiment 2a). In a direct test of source confusion (Experiment 3) we showed that participants discriminated between presented and not‐presented War of 1812 information better than they discriminated presented and not‐presented Revolutionary War information. In Experiments 4 and 4a we tested and rejected a motivational explanation for our findings, namely that subjects voluntarily withheld information when asked to disregard it. We tested a debiasing technique in Experiment 5 and found it was successful in helping participants discount familiar information. Results throughout are discussed as being attributable to source confusion. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevalence of self‐reported infection during pregnancy among control mothers in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Authors: Collier Sarah A. , Rasmussen Sonja A. , Feldkamp Marcia L. , Honein Margaret A.
Published: December 2008

BACKGROUND:

Although specific maternal infections during pregnancy have been associated with birth defects and other adverse pregnancy outcomes, the prevalence of infections during pregnancy has not been well described.

METHODS:

We estimated the prevalence of self‐reported infection among 4967 women with live‐born infants without major birth defects. We assessed the prevalence of reported infections and fever by type of infection, specific illness, and maternal characteristics including race and age.

RESULTS:

Overall, 63.6% of women reported at least one infection during pregnancy. Reports of infections were more common during pregnancy than in the 3 months before pregnancy. Nearly half (49.6%) of women reported a respiratory infection, 20.5% reported a fever, 17.1% reported a urinary tract infection, 4.2% reported a yeast infection, and 3.4% reported a sexually transmitted disease. A subanalysis of self‐reported infection and preterm delivery was performed among primiparous mothers with singleton pregnancies, but no statistically significant differences in infection prevalence were found. Women younger than 35 years reported nonrespiratory infections more frequently than women aged 35 years or older (prevalence ratio [PR] 1.41; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.21–1.64). Prevalence of nonrespiratory infections was also higher among those who smoked than among those who did not (PR 1.33; 95% CI: 1.20–1.47).

CONCLUSIONS:

Reported infections during pregnancy are common, implying that a small increase in risk for birth defects or other adverse pregnancy outcomes could have a significant public health effect and underscoring the importance of understanding the effects of prenatal infections. Birth Defects Research (PartA) 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Conformational Analysis of β‐Lactam‐Containing Ferrocene Peptides
Authors: Kovač Veronika , Radolović Katarina , Habuš Ivan , Siebler Daniel , Heinze Katja , Rapić Vladimir
Published: December 2008

The homochiral 3‐amino‐1‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐4‐phenyl‐β‐lactam (≡ Alm) was conjugated with Boc‐Ala to give Ala‐Alm (9) after Boc deprotection (Boc = tert‐butoxycarbonyl, Ala = alanine). Coupling of Fc‐COOH (1) and Boc‐Fca (10) with “dipeptide” 9 resulted in the formation of Fc‐CO‐Ala‐Alm (12) and the trisamide Boc‐Fca‐Ala‐Alm (13), respectively (Fc = ferrocenyl, Fca = 1′‐aminoferrocene‐1‐carboxylic acid). The reactions were accomplished by the HOBt/EDC procedure, and the products were obtained in good yields [HOBt = 1‐hydroxybenzotriazole, EDC = N‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl)‐N′‐ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride]. Symmetrically 1,1′‐disubstituted “tetrapeptide” Fn(CO‐Ala‐Alm)2 (14) was prepared by reaction of ferrocene chloride 11 with 9 (Fn = 1,1′‐ferrocenediyl). Spectroscopic and theoretical analyses revealed that compounds 12, 13, and 14 are stabilized in solution by medium‐strong intramolecular hydrogen bonds. In all dominant conformations (DFT calculations) intrachain bonds spanning COFc and NHAlm are present (γ‐turns). Additional interchain hydrogen bonds NHAla···COBoc (13) and NHAla···COAla/NHAla···COAlm (14) give rise to ordered helical conformations of the ferrocene moieties.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Constant vapour pressure evaporation from a fragrance emulsion—effect of solubility of surfactant in the fragrance compound
Authors: Ge Lingling , Friberg Stig E. , Guo Rong
Published: December 2008

The algebraic system to extract information from phase diagrams was used to establish some of the conditions for an emulsion to evaporate under constant vapour pressure. The model system for the calculations was an emulsion characterized by virtually no solubility in water by either the surfactant or the fragrance and the same condition for the water in the oil. The surfactant and the fragrance, on the other hand, were assumed to be mutually completely soluble and this solution was presupposed to be close to ideal. The results showed a surprisingly strong dependence of the times for evaporation under constant vapour pressure on the surfactant concentration in the oil phase, at which the two‐phase equilibrium between the aqueous and the oil phases is replaced by a three‐phase equilibrium: aqueous phase, oil phase and liquid crystal phase. The lower this concentration, the more extended the times for evaporation under constant vapour pressure. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Euler system source term that develops prototype Z‐pinch implosions intended for the evaluation of shock‐hydro methods
Authors: Banks J. W. , Shadid J. N.
Published: December 2008

In this paper, a phenomenological model for a magnetic drive source term for the momentum and total energy equations of the Euler system is described. This body force term is designed to produce a Z‐pinch like implosion that can be used in the development and evaluation of shock‐hydrodynamics algorithms that are intended to be used in Z‐pinch simulations. The model uses a J × B Lorentz force, motivated by a 0‐D analysis of a thin shell (or liner implosion), as a source term in the equations and allows for arbitrary current drives to be simulated. An extension that would include the multi‐physics aspects of a proposed combined radiation hydrodynamics (rad‐hydro) capability is also discussed. The specific class of prototype problems that are developed is intended to illustrate aspects of liner implosions into a near vacuum and with idealized pre‐fill plasma effects. In this work, a high‐resolution flux‐corrected‐transport method implemented on structured overlapping meshes is used to demonstrate the application of such a model to these idealized shock‐hydrodynamic studies. The presented results include an asymptotic solution based on a limiting‐case thin‐shell analytical approximation in both (x, y) and (r, z). Additionally, a set of more realistic implosion problems that include density profiles approximating plasma pre‐fill and a set of perturbed liner geometries that excite a hydro‐magnetic like Rayleigh–Taylor instability in the implosion dynamics are demonstrated. Finally, as a demonstration of including and evaluating multiphysics effects in the Euler system, a simple radiation model is included and self‐convergence results for two types of (r, z) implosions are presented. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DNA methylation of microRNA genes in gastric mucosae of gastric cancer patients: Its possible involvement in the formation of epigenetic field defect
Authors: Ando Takayuki , Yoshida Takeichi , Enomoto Shotaro , Asada Kiyoshi , Tatematsu Masae , Ichinose Masao , Sugiyama Toshiro , Ushijima Toshikazu
Published: December 2008

Accumulation of aberrant DNA methylation in normal‐appearing gastric mucosae, mostly induced by H. pylori infection, is now known to be deeply involved in predisposition to gastric cancers (epigenetic field defect), and silencing of protein‐coding genes has been analyzed so far. In this study, we aimed to clarify the involvement of microRNA (miRNA) gene silencing in the field defect. First, we selected three miRNA genes as methylation‐silenced after analysis of six candidate “methylation‐silenced” tumor‐suppressor miRNA genes. Methylation levels of the three genes (miR‐124a‐1, miR‐124a‐2 and miR‐124a‐3) were quantified in 56 normal gastric mucosae of healthy volunteers (28 volunteers with H. pylori and 28 without), 45 noncancerous gastric mucosae of gastric cancer patients (29 patients with H. pylori and 16 without), and 28 gastric cancer tissues (13 intestinal and 15 diffuse types). Among the healthy volunteers, individuals with H. pylori had 7.8–13.1‐fold higher methylation levels than those without (p < 0.001). Among individuals without H. pylori, noncancerous gastric mucosae of gastric cancer patients had 7.2–15.5‐fold higher methylation levels than gastric mucosae of healthy volunteers (p < 0.005). Different from protein‐coding genes, individuals with past H. pylori infection retained similar methylation levels to those with current infection. In cancer tissues, methylation levels were highly variable, and no difference was observed between intestinal and diffuse histological types. This strongly indicated that methylation‐silencing of miRNA genes, in addition to that of protein‐coding genes, contributed to the formation of a field defect for gastric cancers. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Acute effects of exposure to vapours of standard and dearomatized white spirits in humans. 1. Dose‐finding study
Authors: Ernstgård Lena , Lind Birger , Johanson Gunnar
Published: December 2008

A move from ‘standard’ white spirit (stdWS, 15–20% aromatics) to low‐aromatic or dearomatized white spirit (deWS) has been seen, as the latter are considered to carry a smaller risk of health effects. However, data on health risks of deWS on humans are sparse. The aim of this dose‐finding study was to identify thresholds of irritation and central nervous system (CNS) effects of the two types of white spirit, as a basis for more detailed studies. Four female and four male healthy volunteers rated symptoms related to irritation, smell and CNS effects on a 0–100 mm visual analogue scale while exposed to increasing levels of deWS or stdWS in eight 10 min steps from 0.5 to 600 mg m−3. Combined ratings of questions related to irritation revealed statistically significant increases compared with pre‐exposure ratings at 50 mg m−3 and higher exposures. The ratings increased in a dose‐dependent fashion, the medians reaching ‘somewhat’ for stdWS and ‘hardly at all’ for deWS. Higher ratings of irritation were found during exposure to stdWS compared with deWS, reaching significance only at 500 mg m−3. The combined ratings of CNS effects reached ‘hardly at all’, and were significantly increased only for stdWS at 500 and 600 mg m−3. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pyk2 mediates endothelin‐1 signaling via p130Cas/BCAR3 cascade and regulates human glomerular mesangial cell adhesion and spreading
Authors: Rufanova Victoriya A. , Alexanian Anna , Wakatsuki Tetsuro , Lerner Adam , Sorokin Andrey
Published: December 2008

Calcium‐regulated non‐receptor proline‐rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2) is a critical mediator of endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) signaling in human glomerular mesangial cells (GMC). We aimed to identify which small G‐protein is acting downstream of Pyk2. Dominant interfering Pyk2 construct, termed calcium regulated non kinase (CRNK) or green fluorescent protein (control) were expressed in GMC using adenovirus‐mediated gene transfer. ET‐1 stimulation resulted in a significant increase of Pyk2 phosphorylation accompanied by GTP‐loading of Rap1 and RhoA. CRNK expression inhibited ET‐1‐induced autophosphorylation of endogenous Pyk2 and diminished Rap1, but not RhoA, activation. The mechanism linking Pyk2 and Rap1 included (1) increased autophosphorylation of Pyk2 associated with p130Cas, (2) augmented p130Cas Y165 and Y249 phosphorylation, and (3) enhanced p130Cas–BCAR3 complex formation. CRNK expression prevented p130Cas phosphorylation and attenuated p130Cas association with BCAR3. Downregulation of endogenous BCAR3 protein expression using an siRNA technique led to a significant decrease in Rap1 activation in response to ET‐1. We observed that endogenous Pyk2 was important for GMC adhesion and spreading. Our data suggest that ET‐1 stimulated the GTPase Rap1 (but neither RhoA nor Ras) by a mechanism involving Pyk2 activation and recruitment of the p130Cas/BCAR3 complex in GMC. J. Cell. Physiol. 219: 45–56, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Heterotypic interactions in the preservation of morphology and functionality of porcine hepatocytes by bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in vitro
Authors: Gu Jinyang , Shi Xiaolei , Zhang Yue , Ding Yitao
Published: December 2008

Temporary replacement of specific liver functions with extracorporeal bioartificial liver has been hampered by rapid de‐differentiation of porcine hepatocytes in vitro. Co‐cultivation of hepatocytes with non‐parenchymal cells may be beneficial for optimizing cell functions via mimicry of physiological microenvironment consisting of endogenous matrix proteins. However, the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. A randomly distributed co‐culture system composed of porcine hepatocytes and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells was generated, and the morphological and functional changes of varying degrees of heterotypic interactions were characterized. Furthermore, contributions of extracellular matrix within this co‐culture were evaluated. A rapid attachment and self‐organization of three‐dimensional hepatocyte spheroids were encouraged. Studies on hepatocyte viability showed a metabolically active, viable cell population in all co‐culture configurations with occurrence of few dead cells. The maximal induction of albumin production, urea synthesis, and cytochrome P4503A1 activities was achieved at seeding ratio of 2:1. Immunocytochemical detection of various extracellular matrix confirmed that a high level of matrix proteins synthesis within distinct cells was involved in hepatocyte homeostasis. These results demonstrate for the first time that cell–matrix has synergic effects on the preservation of hepatic morphology and functionality in the co‐culture of porcine hepatocytes with mesenchymal stem cells in vitro, which could represent a promising tool for tissue engineering, cell biology, and bioartificial liver devices. J. Cell. Physiol. 219: 100–108, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Idealized simulation of hydrodynamic characteristics of Lake Victoria that potentially modulate regional climate
Authors: Anyah Richard O. , Semazzi Fredrick
Published: December 2008

This study explores, through three‐dimensional (3D)‐lake model simulations, the unique thermodynamic and hydrodynamic characteristics of Lake Victoria that can potentially modulate the lake catchment climate. The simulations are mostly based on idealized forcing due to lack of sufficient observed data. A suite of simulations with an elliptic (oval) geometry and prescribed wind speed (surface wind stress), lake–atmosphere temperature difference and vertical temperature profile are performed. The time evolutions of lake temperature as well as the currents (circulation characteristics) at different depths and/or points are analysed to understand the lake's response to certain aspects of surface forcing conditions. Similarities and differences between the features simulated in a typical tropical lake (Lake Victoria) and typical mid‐latitude lake based on the effects of the Coriolis force are also examined.

Our simulations revealed a number of unique features in the time and space evolutions and profiles of the lake temperature. Considered at different points on the lake surface, the temperature of both runs with or without effect of Coriolis force equilibrates after almost the same time (between 30 and 40 days). However, there is a conspicuous difference in the vertical temperature profiles of the two runs (cases). For example, the MIDLAT run is characterized by a ‘dome‐shaped’ profile in the bottom layers (40 m and deeper) after 30 days of model integration, in contrast to the VICTORIA case which is nearly isothermal over the full water column.

Perhaps one of the most significant outcomes of the present study is that the two‐gyre circulation pattern shown in the VICTORIA case after 30 days of model integration is also present in the simulations with observed lake bathymetry. Even more significant is that our results with a fully coupled regional climate‐3D lake hydrodynamics simulate more realistic evaporation/evapotranspiration and precipitation over the lake surface and immediate environs. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Are compost teas an effective nutrient amendment in the cultivation of strawberries? Soil and plant tissue effects
Authors: Hargreaves Jennifer C , Adl M Sina , Warman Philip R
Published: December 2008

BACKGROUND: Compost teas are purported to serve as an effective source of nutrients; however, there is little scientific evidence to support or refute this claim. Compost tea infusions made with municipal solid waste compost and ruminant compost were used as amendments for strawberry cultivation and their efficacy was compared to municipal solid waste (MSW) compost, ruminant compost, and fertilizer amendments. A variety of parameters were examined including the nutrient, micronutrient and metal concentrations of soil and leaf tissue, pH, total soil carbon and nitrogen, and mineralized nitrogen.

RESULTS: Compost tea treatments provided similar amounts of most macro‐ and micronutrients compared to MSW compost, ruminant compost, and fertilizer treatments and subsequently to strawberry plants. The MSW compost added significantly greater amounts of Ca, Na, and S to soil with increased plant uptake while the ruminant compost treatment plots had significantly greater available soil P. The compost and fertilizer treatments also provided greater amounts of K to soil compared to the compost tea treatments.

CONCLUSIONS: In a 2 year study, non‐aerated compost teas were effective nutrient amendments for strawberries compared to ruminant and MSW compost, and inorganic fertilizers. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Myoclonus of peripheral origin: Two case reports
Authors: Tyvaert Louise , Krystkowiak Pierre , Cassim Francois , Houdayer Elise , Kreisler Alexandre , Destée Alain , Defebvre Luc
Published: December 2008

The concept of peripheral myoclonus is not yet fully accepted by the medical community because of the difficulty in establishing a cause‐and‐effect relationship between trauma and subsequent movement disorders. Here, we report two cases of patients suffering from peripheral myoclonus after nerve injury. The first patient experienced myoclonus of the 4th dorsal interosseous muscle several days after trauma to the elbow. The second patient presented myoclonus of the arm stump (combined with phantom‐limb pain) 1 year after amputation. In both cases, central nervous system function (spine and brain imaging, somesthetic evoked potentials, EEG back‐averaging) was normal. For the second patient, local infiltration of xylocaine and botulinum toxin into the stump scar rapidly stopped myoclonus and pain. Nerve injury induces ephaptic transmission and ectopic excitation. The physiopathological mechanisms of this type of myoclonus involve a peripheral generator that induces central (spinal) generator activity. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Testing objective measures of motor impairment in early Parkinson's disease: Feasibility study of an at‐home testing device
Authors: Goetz Christopher G. , Stebbins Glenn T. , Wolff David , DeLeeuw William , Bronte‐Stewart Helen , Elble Rodger , Hallett Mark , Nutt John , Ramig Lorraine , Sanger Terence , Wu Allan D. , Kraus Peter H. , Blasucci Lucia M. , Shamim Ejaz A. , Sethi Kapil D. , Spielman Jennifer , Kubota Ken , Grove Andrew S. , Dishman Eric , Taylor C. Barr
Published: December 2008

We tested the feasibility of a computer based at‐home testing device (AHTD) in early‐stage, unmedicated Parkinson's disease (PD) patients over 6 months. We measured compliance, technical reliability, and patient satisfaction to weekly assessments of tremor, small and large muscle bradykinesia, speech, reaction/movement times, and complex motor control. relative to the UPDRS motor score. The AHTD is a 6.5″ × 10″ computerized assessment battery. Data are stored on a USB memory stick and sent by internet to a central data repository as encrypted data packets. Although not designed or powered to measure change, the study collected data to observe patterns relative to UPDRS motor scores. Fifty‐two PD patients enrolled, and 50 completed the 6 month trial, 48 remaining without medication. Patients complied with 90.6% of weekly 30‐minute assessments, and 98.5% of data packets were successfully transmitted and decrypted. On a 100‐point scale, patient satisfaction with the program at study end was 87.2 (range: 80–100). UPDRS motor scores significantly worsened over 6 months, and trends for worsening over time occurred for alternating finger taps (P = 0.08), tremor (P = 0.06) and speech (P = 0.11). Change in tremor was a significant predictor of change in UPDRS (P = 0.047) and was detected in the first month of the study. This new computer‐based technology offers a feasible format for assessing PD‐related impairment from home. The high patient compliance and satisfaction suggest the feasibility of its incorporation into larger clinical trials, especially when travel is difficult and early changes or frequent data collection are considered important to document. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Immune‐mediated myositis in Crohn's disease
Authors: Shimoyama Takashi , Tamura Yohei , Sakamoto Tsuyoshi , Inoue Kiyoharu
Published: December 2008

We report a patient with uncontrolled Crohn's disease who presented with progressive weakness of proximal muscles and a marked elevation of serum creatine kinase. Muscle biopsy from the left deltoid exhibited myositic changes with inflammatory infiltrates in the perimysium, endomysium, and perivascular locations. Most were stained as CD68‐positive macrophages, whereas some were CD4‐ and CD8‐positive T lymphocytes. Due to uncontrolled bowel inflammation, several fistulae were found in the descending colon, and partial colectomy was performed. An examination of the resected colon exhibited inflammation of the bowel structure surrounded mainly by CD68‐positive macrophages. The histopathological findings of the descending colon were analogous to those of the muscle. After an increased dose of mesalazine and partial colectomy, her muscle symptoms improved. These findings suggest that the myositis in Crohn's disease is immune‐mediated and that treatment of bowel inflammation should be emphasized as opposed to steroid or other immunosuppressive therapy. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Muscle Nerve 39: 101–105, 2009
Coexistence of myasthenia gravis and serological markers of neurological autoimmunity in neuromyelitis optica
Authors: McKeon Andrew , Lennon Vanda A. , Jacob Anu , Matiello Marcelo , Lucchinetti Claudia F. , Kale Nilufer , Chan Koon H. , Weinshenker Brian G. , Apiwattinakul Metha , Wingerchuk Dean M. , Pittock Sean J.
Published: December 2008

We systematically evaluated the frequency of neurological disorders and muscle and neural autoantibodies in 177 patients with neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and in 250 control subjects (173 healthy; 77 multiple sclerosis, MS, patients). An excess of myasthenia gravis (MG, 2%), and muscle‐type acetylcholine receptor antibody (11%) was detected among NMO patients. The presence of neural or muscle autoantibodies was more common in NMO patients (34%) than in MS patients or healthy controls (7%), P < 0.0001. The coexistence of NMO and MG should be considered in atypical or refractory presentations of either disorder. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Muscle Nerve 39: 87–90, 2009
Single muscle fiber contractile properties in adults with muscular dystrophy treated with MYO‐029
Authors: Krivickas Lisa S. , Walsh Ronan , Amato Anthony A.
Published: December 2008

Myostatin inhibitors are being investigated as treatments for myopathies. We assessed single muscle fiber contractile properties before and after 6 months of study drug in 6 patients with facioscapulohumeral, Becker, and limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy. Five of the patients received MYO‐029, a myostatin inhibitor, and 1 received placebo. The chemically skinned single muscle fiber preparation was used to measure single fiber force, specific force, maximum unloaded shortening velocity, power, and specific power in type I and IIa fibers from each subject. In 4 of 5 patients who received MYO‐029, improvement was seen in single muscle fiber contractile properties; thus, there may be a beneficial effect of myostatin inhibition on muscle physiology at the cellular level. No improvement was seen in the patient who received placebo. This finding may be clinically relevant in spite of the fact that quantitative muscle strength measurements in our patients did not improve. Further studies of myostatin inhibition as a treatment for muscular dystrophy are warranted, and single muscle fiber contractile studies are a useful assay for muscle function at the cellular level. Muscle Nerve 39: 3–9, 2009
Motor unit changes in thoracic paraspinal muscles in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: de Carvalho Mamede , Pinto Susana , Swash Michael
Published: December 2008

In 38 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients and 28 controls, we performed motor unit potential (MUP) analysis in the C‐6 and T‐5 paraspinal and biceps muscles. In ALS cases, we found similar abnormalities in MUPs in paraspinal and limb muscles. Fasciculation potentials (FPs) were more frequent in biceps than in paraspinal muscles, but fibrillation potentials and positive sharp waves (fibs‐sw) were equally frequent in all three muscles. These results confirm the value of paraspinal MUP analysis in the diagnosis of ALS. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Muscle Nerve 39: 83–86, 2009