bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Double Filtration Plasmapheresis Can Decrease Factor XIII Activity
Authors: Hanafusa Norio , Kondo Yasushi , Suzuki Makoto , Nakao Akihide , Noiri Eisei , Fujita Toshiro
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  Factor XIII (FXIII) produces cross‐linkages among fibrin molecules within fibrin clots. Its deficiency is related with bleeding diathesis or retardation of wound healing. We report the possibility that intense double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) is associated with decreased FXIII activity. Five patients with various primary diagnoses were treated with DFPP and their FXIII activity was measured. Coagulation test results remained almost normal, but FXIII activities declined to less than 20% of their initial value before starting DFPP and 10% after DFPP in most cases. The cases that received intense DFPP therapy exhibited profoundly decreased FXIII activity. The clinical course demonstrated that DFPP caused the FXIII decrease. Fortunately, with careful observation, none of the patients experienced fatal bleeding. Only one case required fresh frozen plasma and an open hemostatic procedure because of prolonged postoperative bleeding. In general, DFPP most efficiently removes substances with the following characteristics: adequate molecular weight; long half‐life; and small extravascular distribution volume. The FXIII properties meet all these characteristics. Consequently, we should devote much attention to FXIII activity during DFPP because it cannot be estimated from the usual coagulation tests. Patients who receive DFPP therapy, especially intensified therapy, should have FXIII measured during the course of therapy. Results show that DFPP can decrease FXIII activity. For this reason we recommend the measurement of FXIII when patients receive intense DFPP therapy with albumin replacement.
A Case Report of Neonatal Onset Multisystemic Inflammatory Disease in Japan Treated With Continuous Hemodiafiltration and Steroid Pulse Therapy
Authors: Kawashima Hisashi , Sato Akiko , Nishimata Shigeo , Yamada Naoto , Kashiwagi Yasuyo , Watanabe Kiyoko , Takekuma Kouji , Hoshika Akinori , Ozawa Takurou
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  Neonatal onset multisystem inflammatory disease (NOMID), which is also known as chronic infantile neurological cutaneous and articular syndrome, is a rare disease that is characterized by the triad of cutaneous rash, chronic meningitis and arthropathy. The long‐term prognosis is poor, with progressive deafness and visual impairment, and worsening of the central nervous system manifestations. Some fatal cases have been reported secondary to infection, vasculitis and amyloidosis. We recently managed a typical case of NOMID where the combined treatment of continuous hemodiafiltration and steroid pulse therapy was effective. The patient showed repeated flare ups of fever, arthralgia and meningitis accompanied with high levels of cytokines. The effect was temporary, but useful in recovery from such a serious condition.
On the evolution of the Fe abundance and of the Type Ia supernova rate in clusters of galaxies
Authors: Calura F. , Matteucci F. , Tozzi P.
Published: May 2007

The study of the Fe abundance in the intracluster medium (ICM) provides strong constraints on the integrated star formation history and supernova rate of the cluster galaxies, as well as on the ICM enrichment mechanisms. In this Letter, using chemical evolution models for galaxies of different morphological types, we study the evolution of the Fe content of clusters of galaxies. We assume that the ICM Fe enrichment occurs by means of galactic winds arising from elliptical galaxies and from gas stripped from the progenitors of S0 galaxies via external mechanisms, due to the interaction of the interstellar medium with the ICM. The Fe-rich gas ejected by ellipticals accounts for the XFe,ICM values observed at z > 0.5, whereas the gas stripped from the progenitors of the S0 galaxies accounts for the increase of XFe,ICM observed at z < 0.5. We test two different scenarios for Type Ia supernova (SN) progenitors and we model the Type Ia SN rate observed in clusters, finding a good agreement between our predictions and the available observations.
The present day mass function in the central region of the Arches cluster
Authors: Portegies Zwart Simon , Gaburov Evghenii , Chen Hui-Chen , Gürkan M. Atakan
Published: May 2007

We study the evolution of the mass function in young and dense star clusters by means of direct N-body simulations. Our main aim is to explain the recent observations of the relatively flat mass function observed near the centre of the Arches star cluster. In this region, the power-law index of the mass function for stars more massive than about 5–6 M⊙ is larger than the Salpeter value by about unity, whereas further out, and for the lower mass stars, the mass function resembles the Salpeter distribution. We show that the peculiarities in the Arches mass function can be explained satisfactorily without primordial mass segregation. We draw two conclusions from our simulations: (i) the Arches initial mass function is consistent with a Salpeter slope down to ∼1 M⊙, and (ii) the cluster is about half-way towards core collapse. The cores of other star clusters with characteristics similar to those of the Arches are expected to show similar flattening in the mass functions for the high-mass (≳5 M⊙) stars.
DIF Detection and Effect Size Measures for Polytomously Scored Items
Authors: Kim Seock‐Ho , Cohen Allan S. , Alagoz Cigdem , Kim Sukwoo
Published: May 2007

Data from a large‐scale performance assessment (N= 105,731) were analyzed with five differential item functioning (DIF) detection methods for polytomous items to examine the congruence among the DIF detection methods. Two different versions of the item response theory (IRT) model‐based likelihood ratio test, the logistic regression likelihood ratio test, the Mantel test, and the generalized Mantel–Haenszel test were compared. Results indicated some agreement among the five DIF detection methods. Because statistical power is a function of the sample size, the DIF detection results from extremely large data sets are not practically useful. As alternatives to the DIF detection methods, four IRT model‐based indices of standardized impact and four observed‐score indices of standardized impact for polytomous items were obtained and compared with the R2 measures of logistic regression.
Generalizability in Item Response Modeling
Authors: Briggs Derek C. , Wilson Mark
Published: May 2007

An approach called generalizability in item response modeling (GIRM) is introduced in this article. The GIRM approach essentially incorporates the sampling model of generalizability theory (GT) into the scaling model of item response theory (IRT) by making distributional assumptions about the relevant measurement facets. By specifying a random effects measurement model, and taking advantage of the flexibility of Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) estimation methods, it becomes possible to estimate GT variance components simultaneously with traditional IRT parameters. It is shown how GT and IRT can be linked together, in the context of a single‐facet measurement design with binary items. Using both simulated and empirical data with the software WinBUGS, the GIRM approach is shown to produce results comparable to those from a standard GT analysis, while also producing results from a random effects IRT model.
Alignment of Mathematics State‐Level Standards and Assessments: The Role of Reviewer Agreement
Authors: Webb Noreen M. , Herman Joan L. , Webb Norman L.
Published: May 2007

This article examines the role of reviewer agreement in judgments about alignment between tests and standards. We used case data from three state alignment studies to explore how different approaches to incorporating reviewer agreement changes alignment conclusions. The three case studies showed varying degrees of reviewer agreement about correspondences between objectives and test items. Moreover, taking into account reviewer agreement in the analyses sometimes had a marked effect on alignment conclusions. We discuss reasons for differences across case studies and alignment approaches, as well as implications for future alignment efforts.
An NCME Instructional Module on Multistage Testing
Authors: Hendrickson Amy
Published: May 2007

Multistage tests are those in which sets of items are administered adaptively and are scored as a unit. These tests have all of the advantages of adaptive testing, with more efficient and precise measurement across the proficiency scale as well as time savings, without many of the disadvantages of an item‐level adaptive test. As a seemingly balanced compromise between linear paper‐and‐pencil and item‐level adaptive tests, development and use of multistage tests is increasing. This module describes multistage tests, including two‐stage and testlet‐based tests, and discusses the relative advantages and disadvantages of multistage testing as well as considerations and steps in creating such tests.
Trends in Ground Water Nitrate Contamination in the Phoenix, Arizona Region
Authors: Xu Ying , Baker Lawrence A. , Johnson Paul C.
Published: May 2007

A 60‐year database of nitrate concentrations from more than 200 wells in and around Phoenix, Arizona, was studied using geographic information system tools. This information, augmented with land‐use maps, ground water levels, and well construction details, was used to examine ground water nitrate concentrations and changes in concentration and their relationship to land use, land‐use changes, and changes in hydrologic conditions (as indicated by ground water level changes). Spatially integrated data for the 1960s to 1990s time period suggest slow and subtle temporal changes in the nitrate mass and overall average nitrate concentration in the aquifer, with increases associated with increased nitrogen fertilizer application rates. More recently, declines in nitrate concentration have been observed, which are thought to reflect the combination of declining ground water levels and transitions from agricultural to urban land use in many areas. Temporal trends in ground water nitrate concentration are presented for wells under desert, agricultural, and urban land use and desert‐to‐agriculture, desert‐to‐urban, and agriculture‐to‐urban land‐use change scenarios.
A New Depth‐Discrete Multilevel Monitoring Approach for Fractured Rock
Authors: Cherry John A. , Parker Beth L. , Keller Carl
Published: May 2007

A new approach for monitoring in fractured rock was demonstrated in a contaminated (trichloroethylene and metolachlor) dolostone aquifer used for municipal water supply. The system consists of two related technologies: a continuous packer for temporary borehole seals (Flexible Liner Underground Technologies Ltd. [FLUTe] blank liner) and a depth‐discrete multilevel monitoring system (MLS) (the Water FLUTe) for temporary or permanent monitoring. The continuous borehole liner consists of a urethane‐coated nylon fabric tube custom sized to each hole. The FLUTe MLS consists of the same liner material with many depth‐discrete intervals for monitoring hydraulic head and/or ground water quality. The FLUTe blank liner seals the entire borehole, prior to FLUTe multilevel installation, to prevent vertical cross connection while allowing borehole logging and testing. The FLUTe multilevel system also seals the entire borehole with the exception of each monitoring interval where the formation water has direct hydraulic connection to the pumping system via a thin permeable mesh sandwiched between the liner and the formation. The blank sealing liners and the multilevel systems were used in five boreholes ranging in diameter between 9.6 and 14.5 cm in the dolostone aquifer to depths of 150 m. The systems were custom designed for each borehole and included between 12 and 15 monitoring intervals. The application demonstrated the ease of installation and removability and facilitated obtaining large data sets with minimal labor. The system offers unique and versatile design features not possible with other bedrock monitoring devices and has been used at many bedrock contamination sites across North America.
Chemical and Bacterial Quality of Aeration‐Type Waste Water Treatment System Discharge
Authors: Panno Samuel V , Kelly W.R. , Hackley K.C. , Weibel C.P.
Published: May 2007

On‐site waste water treatment systems are a potential source of chemical and bacterial contamination to ground water in areas with highly susceptible aquifers such as the sinkhole plain of southwestern Illinois. Ground water from wells, cave streams, and water that discharges from the numerous springs in this area is typically contaminated with nitrate and enteric bacteria and thus may pose a health hazard to those who come into contact with it. In order to determine if the most popular type of on‐site waste water treatment systems in the study area was a potential source, samples of effluents discharged at the land surface from 23 domestic aeration‐type on‐site waste water treatment systems were collected to characterize their water quality and bacterial contents. Most of the effluents contained relatively large concentrations of sodium (Na+), chloride (Cl−), nutrients (nitrogen [N], phosphate [PO43−], and potassium [K+]), and enteric bacteria. Ion concentration ranges (in mg/L) were Na+ (46 to 416), Cl− (21 to 618), N (4.7 to 67), PO4‐P (1.4 to 48), and K+ (6.0 to 257). The sources of elevated Na+ and Cl− were human waste and NaCl used in the water softening systems of the houses. Ammonium was usually the dominant inorganic N species, indicating incomplete oxidation of the waste water. Discharge of Na+, Cl−, and nutrients could also have negative impacts on ground water and surface water quality, subsurface and surface aquatic ecosystems, and vegetation. Our characterization of effluent from these waste water treatment systems revealed their generally poor quality and the likelihood that they can contaminate ground water in areas with highly vulnerable aquifers.
Electrical Monitoring of In Situ Chemical Oxidation by Permanganate
Authors: Cavé Lisa , Hartog Niels , Al Tom , Parker Beth , Mayer K. Ulrich , Cogswell Steven
Published: May 2007

An array of electrical monitoring probes was constructed to monitor a concentrated permanganate (MnO4−) solution injected to treat perchloroethylene (PCE) contamination in a shallow sandy aquifer. The simple probes use pairs of stainless steel wires as electrodes for electrical conductivity (EC) and platinum wires as the working electrodes for oxidation‐reduction potential (ORP) measurements. Combined EC/ORP probes were assembled into bundles with multilevel ground water samplers and installed in boreholes around the injection point. Copper/copper sulfate half‐cells, inserted to the depth of the water table, acted as ORP reference electrodes. All electrodes were connected to a central data acquisition system, which collected data for a period of 25 d following the injection. Large contrasts in the EC and ORP characteristics of the ground water, compared with the MnO4− solution, allow the subsurface migration of MnO4− to be tracked using these relatively simple electrical measurements. The electrical data were used to track the arrival times of the MnO4− at discrete positions in the aquifer, to guide the timing and selection of locations for water sampling, and for three‐dimensional visualization of the MnO4− distribution during destruction of PCE.
Controls on Spatial Variability of Uranium in Sandstone Aquifers
Authors: Sherman Heidi M. , Gierke John S. , Anderson Cecilia P.
Published: May 2007

Controls on the spatial variability of uranium (U) in sandstone aquifers were investigated by water sampling and geophysical logging of wells in the Jacobsville Sandstone in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. 235U/238U isotope ratios in well water are consistent with naturally occurring U, likely derived from U‐enriched strata, which make wells in oxidized, alkaline aquifers at risk for supplying water with elevated U concentrations. Twenty‐nine percent of 218 wells completed in the Jacobsville Sandstone have U concentrations above the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s maximum contaminant level (MCL), which is 30 μg/L. Although no regional trends are apparent, neighboring wells tend to have similar U concentrations, except where topography results in significant differences in well bottom elevations. Selected water wells in the Jacobsville Sandstone were logged with a gamma ray spectrometer to determine whether the spatial variability of ground water U concentrations correlates with the distribution of U in the sandstone. Not all wells with relative U enrichment in the sandstone produce water with U above the MCL, indicating that the influence of U enrichment in aquifer material may be modified by other hydrogeochemical factors. Ground water age dating may help explain variations in well water U concentrations by identifying water‐leaching U for varying periods of time. These results may have implications for interpreting controls on the spatial variability of naturally occurring contaminants in ground water in other areas. This study supports the general utility of U isotope data to investigate rock water interactions.
Heuristic Approach for Renovating a Monitoring Network Measuring Sea Water Intrusion into the Coastal Aquifer
Authors: Melloul Abraham J. , Aberbach Shmuel
Published: May 2007

Coastal aquifer management requires rapid and effective decision making as regards rapid ground water salinity and volume changes. This can be assessed only by means of an efficient sea water monitoring network that can lead to a more exact location of sea water intrusion and the ground water quality trends of the area of study and a hydrogeologist who understands the mechanism of the aquifer. This article proposes a “heuristic” approach for prioritizing aquifer areas for improving the monitoring network by adding new observation wells and renovating old ones. Such an approach improves aquifer control by recommending where additional and renovation observation wells are required regarding sea water intrusion along coastal aquifers. The data in use for this approach consist of variables characterizing the hydrological situation in the aquifer and the technical conditions of sea water intrusion network observation wells within their ground water salinity environment. Applied to Israel’s coastal aquifer, this approach leads to a list of areas with highest priorities, most of which are located in the northern portion of the Coastal Plain aquifer. Such a list is a basis document for decision making, which helps focus upon areas where it is most urgent to improve the quality of information by drilling new observation wells or by rehabilitation of the technical conditions of the present sea water intrusion observation well network. Considering the results obtained, this approach may be considered as a means for requiring further input data for various hydrological models and for operational activities in the field.
Coping strategies used by parents of children with autism
Authors: Twoy Richard , Connolly Phyllis M. , Novak Jean M.
Published: May 2007

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to determine (a) the level of family adaptation, as measured by the Family Crisis Oriented Personal Evaluation Scales (F‐COPESs) instrument, among persons with a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) aged 12 years and under, (b) if there was a difference in F‐COPES scores based on family demographics, and (c) the time lag between parent’s suspicion of ASD and the actual professional diagnosis of ASD.

Data sources: A descriptive survey was used with a convenience sample derived from ASD treatment agencies and a parental support group in the California Bay Area that supports the children and parents of children with special needs.

Conclusions: Overall, the level of adaptation was within the normal limits with coping scores similar to the norm scores of the F‐COPES with males scoring slightly higher than females in the coping scale. Subscale scores of the F‐COPES indicated that the parents sought encouragement and support from friends, informal support from other families who faced similar problems, and formal support from agencies and programs. Reframing revealed similar results as the norm with less use of spiritual support, and more passive appraisals were noted from the parents of children with ASD. Within internal comparisons, there were no statistical differences among gender and amount of time a member spent in coordination of services. Comparisons in ethnicity for Caucasians and Asian Americans revealed a higher coping score for reframing in Asian Americans and a higher passive appraisal score among Caucasians. Non‐English speakers scored higher on spiritual support, while English speakers scored higher in passive appraisals. Because of insufficient statistical power, comparisons in education, income, marital status, and relocation of residence were deferred. The time from parents’ suspicions of developmental delays or disability to a professional diagnosis of ASD was at least 6 months or greater.

Implications for practice: It is imperative for nurse practitioners (NPs) to provide appropriate professional support and other social support systems to families with children with ASD. Educating parents to sound therapy approaches to provide them with the skills needed to directly address stressful events in order to increase the parent’s confidence level as to avoid passive appraisals is also a crucial role of the NP. NPs may want to use the F‐COPES as part of the assessment to ascertain the areas of needs of families. This study reveals the resiliency and highly adaptive nature of these parents who are under severe strain and stress of caring for a child with ASD. The effective ways they coped as a family were in the areas of informal and formal social support networks. Participants also used passive appraisal to cope. The study also supports the need for early recognition and diagnoses of ASD and referral for early intervention for better outcomes for the children and families affected by ASD.
The effect of culture on symptom reporting: Hispanics and irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Barakzai Mary D. , Gregory Jacqueline , Fraser Dorothy
Published: May 2007

Purpose: To explore whether the symptoms reported by Mexican–American patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) meet the current diagnostic criteria.

Data sources: A retrospective review of charts of Mexican–American patients diagnosed with IBS at three large medical centers in central California was performed. Demographic information was extracted, and descriptive statistics were used to determine how symptoms were reported and whether the described symptoms met the Rome II criteria.

Conclusions: Only 63% of the Mexican–American patients in this study reported symptoms that met any of the nine Rome II criteria. There was no significant difference between patients who were English dominant and those who were monolingual Spanish in the concordance of their presenting complaint and the current diagnostic criteria. In addition, there was no significant gender difference in the rate at which symptoms met the Rome II criteria.

Implications for practice: Assessment of illness and its symptoms requires that the practitioner have a clear understanding of what the illness means to the patient in order to develop an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate and timely plan of treatment. This study highlights the necessity of revising the symptom‐based criteria for diagnosing IBS to include a wider array of reported complaints, taking into account the impact of culture on the perception and description of symptoms.
Elevated core and muscle temperature to levels comparable to exercise do not increase heat shock protein content of skeletal muscle of physically active men
Authors: Morton J. P. , MacLaren D. P. M. , Cable N. T. , Campbell I. T. , Evans L. , Bongers T. , Griffiths R. D. , Kayani A. C. , McArdle A. , Drust B.
Published: May 2007

Aim:  Exercise‐associated hyperthermia is routinely cited as the signal responsible for inducing an increased production of heat shock proteins (HSPs) following exercise. This hypothesis, however, has not been tested in human skeletal muscle. The aim of the present study was to therefore investigate the role of increased muscle and core temperature in contributing to the exercise‐induced production of the major HSP families in human skeletal muscle.

Methods:  Seven physically active males underwent a passive heating protocol of 1 h duration during which the temperature of the core and vastus lateralis muscle were increased to similar levels to those typically occurring during moderately demanding aerobic exercise protocols. One limb was immersed in a tank containing water maintained at approximately 45 °C whilst the contra‐lateral limb remained outside the tank and was not exposed to heat stress. Muscle biopsies were obtained from the vastus lateralis of both legs immediately prior to and at 48 h and 7 days post‐heating.

Results:  The heating protocol induced significant increases (P < 0.05) in rectal (1.5 ± 0.2 °C) and muscle temperature of the heated leg (3.6 ± 0.5 °C). Muscle temperature of the non‐heated limb showed no significant change (P > 0.05) following heating (pre: 36.1 ± 0.5, post: 35.7 ± 0.2 °C). Heating failed to induce a significant increase (P > 0.05) in muscle content of HSP70, HSC70, HSP60, HSP27, αB‐crystallin, MnSOD protein content or in the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase.

Conclusions:  These data demonstrate that increases in both systemic and local muscle temperature per se do not appear to mediate the exercise‐induced production of HSPs in human skeletal muscle and suggest that non‐heat stress factors associated with contractile activity are of more importance in mediating this response.
Effect of Enzymatic Macerate Treatment on Rutin Content, Antioxidant Activity, Yield, and Physical Properties of Asparagus Juice
Authors: Sun Ting , Powers Joseph R. , Tang Juming
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT:  Asparagus is a vegetable with high antioxidant activity. In this research, asparagus juice was produced from fresh asparagus macerate treated with a carbohydrases mixture (Viscozyme) at 37 °C for up to 8 h. Rutin content, antioxidant activity, yield, soluble solid content, and color of the produced asparagus juice were determined. The results showed that Viscozyme significantly increased the yield of asparagus juice, especially in the 1st hour, which was higher than control (without Viscozyme treatment), but the juice had significantly less rutin content than control and had higher antioxidant activity than control only in the 1st 2 h. Juice with Viscozyme treatment had significantly higher soluble solid content than control. The greenness of asparagus juice deteriorates quickly for both the Viscozyme group and control. Viscozyme had advantage in producing juice with high yield, antioxidant activity, and soluble solid content in shorter time (2 h) of treatment compared to control.
Influence of Sodium Glycocholate on Production of Conjugated Linoleic Acid by Cells of Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC 55739
Authors: Roman‐Nunez M. , Cuesta‐Alonso E. P. , Gilliland S. E.
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT:  The possible influence of a bile salt on production of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) by Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC 55739 was evaluated. Cells of the lactobacilli grown in MRS broth with and without linoleic acid (LA, 0.2%) were harvested and washed. The washed cells were added to buffer containing 0.2% LA and incubated 18 h at 37 °C. The cells, which had been grown without LA, transformed LA into CLA (mainly c9t11‐C18:2) better than did those cells grown with it. When sodium glycocholate (0.3%) was added to the washed cell suspensions, about the same level of CLA was formed as in its absence regardless of whether or not the cells had been grown in broth supplemented with free LA. Thus, glycocholate that occurs in humans did not influence production of CLA by resting cells of the lactobacilli.
Residues of Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Edible Fish of the Adriatic Sea: Assessment of Human Exposure
Authors: Storelli M.M. , Barone G. , Marcotrigiano G.O.
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT:  Food consumption is an important route of human exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). To assess the potential health risks associated with these contaminants due to fish consumption, the muscle tissue of edible species of fish was analyzed. Contamination levels among the different species varied from 134 to 1210 ng/g lipid weight. Isomer‐specific analysis revealed a profile dominated by hexa‐ (57.9% to 82.9%) and pentachlorobiphenyls (10.3% to 23.9%), followed by hepta‐ (9.0% to 19.2%) and tetrachlorobiphenyls (0.7% to 17.5%). Other congeners, including those with less than 4 or more than 9 chlorine atoms, were below the instrumental limit of detection in all samples. Risk evaluation for human health was carried out by comparing the experimental data with the new European Commission legal level and a new approach proposed by the U.S. EPA to protect population‐segments who repeatedly consume fish. The dietary intake of PCBs, as WHO‐TEQ per kg body weight (b.w.), was below 8 pg TEQ/kg body weight/week, while the new EPA approach suggested that the chronic effects do not represent any type of danger for human health, while the possible rise in the carcinogenic risk connected with consumption of some type of fish is more worrisome.
Chronic lymphoid leukaemia: clinico‐haematological correlation and outcome in a single institution in Niger Delta region of Nigeria
Authors: OMOTI C. E. , AWODU O. A. , BAZUAYE G. N.
Published: May 2007

Sixty patients were prospectively studied with the aim of analyzing the clinical and laboratory features and outcome of patients diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) in a major referral center in Niger Delta region of Nigeria for 10 years (1995–2005). The peripheral blood, bone marrow cytology, clinical features and stage at diagnosis were studied. Treatment modalities, response to treatment and survival outcome of the patients were analysed. Sixty patients (15 men and 45 women) were seen, with female preponderance (M : F ratio,1 : 3). The CLL incidence was 36.4% of total leukaemias. The median age was 56 years with peak age group at 51–60 years while 15% were below 40 years. Major clinical findings include lymphadenopathy (91.7%), anaemia (58.3%), abdominal swelling (58.3%), and splenomegaly (50%) with 53 patients (88.3%) presenting as International (Binet) stage B and C while only seven patients (11.7%) were seen in stage A. The least clinical presentation includes Richter's syndrome in 3.3% of cases and herpes Zoster skin manifestations in two patients (3.3%). There was a strong association between the blood counts at diagnosis and outcome of therapy. The 2‐year survival for young (<55 years) and older (>55 years) CLL patients was 27.2% and 28.9%, respectively, which is still very poor because of a number of strong limiting factors. CLL is not rare in Southern Nigeria and its presentations are similar to cases seen worldwide. Contrary to existing literature a female predominance was observed in this study with majority of patients seeking medical intervention late. It is therefore recommended that future research into the genetic make up/HLA typing of patients of African descent is needed to clarify some of the differences observed.
Relative Influence of Streamflows in Assessing Temporal Variability in Stream Habitat1
Authors: Goldstein Robert M. , Meador Michael R. , Ruhl Kelly E.
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  The effects of streamflows on temporal variation in stream habitat were analyzed from the data collected 6‐11 years apart at 38 sites across the United States. Multiple linear regression was used to assess the variation in habitat caused by streamflow at the time of sampling and high flows between sampling. In addition to flow variables, the model also contained geomorphic and land use factors. The regression model was statistically significant (p < 0.05; R2 = 0.31‐0.46) for 5 of 14 habitat variables: mean wetted stream depth, mean bankfull depth, mean wetted stream width, coefficient of variation of wetted stream width, and the percent frequency of bank erosion. High flows between samples accounted for about 16% of the total variation in the frequency of bank erosion. Streamflow at the time of sampling was the main source of variation in mean stream depth and contributed to the variation in mean stream width and the frequency of bank erosion. Urban land use (population change) accounted for over 20% of the total variation in mean bankfull depth, 15% of the total variation in the coefficient of variation of stream width, and about 10% of the variation in mean stream width.
Dynamic Control Switching Applied to Water Resource Management Simulation1
Authors: Park Joseph , Obeysekera Jayantha , Van Zee Randy
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  Simulation of water resource management in hydrological numerical models is often limited to simple expressions such as rulecurves. More complex management requires additional layers of abstraction. Rulecurves tend to be simplistic, while abstraction implies expertise to convert management policies to a form which may not be recognizable by operators. The Regional Simulation Model (RSM) attempts to bridge this gap with the Management Simulation Engine (MSE). MSE allows dynamic switching of control algorithms facilitating hybrid control of modeled structures, even though the individual controllers are widely different. Use of hybrid controllers can simplify expression of complex management controls. This article details the architecture of the MSE that enables hybrid control. A model application is examined in which a set of tuned fuzzy controllers are dynamically switched with piecewise linear flood controllers to simulate a hybrid control scheme. The application models a Florida water conservation area and demonstrates effective flood control without sacrificing the tuned performance of the fuzzy controllers.
Study of the Effect of Hole Clearance and Thread Fit on the Self-Loosening of Threaded Fasteners
Authors: Nassar Sayed A. , Housari Basil A.
Published: May 2007

This study provides an experimental and theoretical investigation of the effect of hole clearance and thread fit on the self-loosening of tightened threaded fasteners that are subjected to a cyclic transverse service load. An experimental procedure and test setup are developed in order to collect real-time data on the rate of clamp load loss per cycle as well as the loosening rotation of the bolt head. Three levels of hole clearance are investigated; namely, 3%, 6%, and 10% of the bolt nominal diameter. For the commonly used 2A thread fit for a selected bolt size, three classes of the nut thread fit are considered; namely, 1B, 2B, and 3B. A simplified mathematical model is used for the analytical investigation of the effect of the hole clearance and thread fit on threaded fasteners self-loosening. The experimental and theoretical results are presented and discussed.
On the Mobility and Configuration Singularity of Mechanisms With Variable Topologies
Authors: Kuo Chin-Hsing , Yan Hong-Sen
Published: May 2007

The mechanisms with variable topologies (MVTs) are usually changing their topological structures in accordance with the varying mobility and quasi-singular configurations. The mobility analysis and configuration singularity of MVTs are studied via screw theory in this paper. The configurations of MVTs are formulated by a set of variable combinations of screw coordinates. For the mobility analysis, two examples provided show that the proposed approach is adoptable for dealing with common MVTs. For the configuration singularity, the concepts of stationary configuration and uncertainty configuration are utilized to demonstrate the topology varying strategy of MVTs. The result in this work provides the theoretical basis and inspiration for the configuration synthesis and analysis of mechanisms with variable topologies.
Evaluation of Electricity Generation From Underground Coal Fires and Waste Banks
Authors: Chiasson A. D. , Yavuzturk C. , Walrath D. E.
Published: May 2007

A temperature response factors model of vertical thermal energy extraction boreholes is presented to evaluate electricity generation from underground coal fires and waste banks. Sensitivity and life-cycle cost analyses are conducted to assess the impact of system parameters on the production of 1 MW of electrical power using a theoretical binary-cycle power plant. Sensitivity analyses indicate that the average underground temperature has the greatest impact on the exiting fluid temperatures from the ground followed by fluid flow rate and ground thermal conductivity. System simulations show that a binary-cycle power plant may be economically feasible at ground temperatures as low as 190°C.
The LETHE™ Gas Turbine Hybrid Prototype Vehicle of the University of Roma 1: Drive Cycle Analysis of Model Vehicle Management Unit
Authors: Capata R. , Lora M.
Published: May 2007

The paper describes the logic of the vehicle’s power management unit (VMU) for the prototype configuration of the LETHE™ (low emissions turbo hybrid electric) vehicle designed by the University of Roma 1. The theoretical and practical feasibility of the concept (a series hybrid in which the thermal engine is a small turbo-gas and the traction is fully electric) was demonstrated in a series of previous works by the same authors, and some experimental tests were conducted at the ENEA-Casaccia Laboratories on a small 45 kW gas turbine set, to investigate the performance of the propulsive unit (turbine plus batteries and electrical motor) under the European vehicular emission (ECE) tests. After successful completion of these tests, a further analysis was carried out to identify an optimal hybridization ratio with respect both to driveability and fuel consumption: the results led to the conclusion that such an absolute optimal configuration does not exist, because not only the system performance, but also the absolute and relative sizes (i.e., nameplate power) of turbines and battery pack depend largely on the type of the proposed driving mission of the car. In the final configuration discussed in this paper, the vehicle is equipped with an additional energy storage device, a compact ultra-fast flywheel, to partially compensate for the low recharge capability of the Pb-acid batteries and to exploit better brake recovery for futher reduction of the fuel consumption. The present status report describes the VMU control logic, the individual components of the propulsive system and the proposed chassis configuration for the prototype.
THE EFFECT OF ALLOYING WITH MAGNESIUM ON THE ANNEALING BEHAVIOR OF ALUMINUM ALLOYS STUDIED BY POSITRON LIFETIME TECHNIQUE
Authors: ABDEL-HAMED M. O.
Published: May 2007

The migration enthalpy [Formula: see text] for point defects and dislocations is estimated by using positron lifetime technique; point defects and dislocations are produced as a result of plastic deformation at room temperature (RT) for the decomposition sequence, namely 5005, 5052 and 5083, of commercial Al – Mg systems. The results show that [Formula: see text] for the three systems increases as the Mg content is increased to u1=0.34±0.09 eV, u2=0.39±0.12 eV, and u3=0.42±0.08 eV for the point defect state, and u1=1.12±0.08 eV and u2=1.37±0.13 eV for the dislocation state to 5005 and 5052, respectively. All the data are analyzed in terms of the two state trapping model.
INFLUENCE OF ELECTRON SCATTERING FROM MORPHOLOGICAL GRANULARITY AND SURFACE ROUGHNESS ON THIN FILM ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY
Authors: CATTANI M. , VAZ A. R. , WIEDERKEHR R. S. , TEIXEIRA F. S. , SALVADORI M. C. , BROWN I. G.
Published: May 2007

We report electrical resistivity measurements of platinum and gold thin films over a range of film thickness d(1.3 ≤ d ≤ 11.7 nm ), together with associated measurements of the film morphological and crystallographic grain size. The resistivity results are compared to predictions of the Fuchs–Sondheimer and the Mayadas–Shatzkes models, based on the electron mean free path and crystallographic grain size, and the agreement is not satisfactory. We describe an alternative model based on elastic electron scattering with morphological granularity (grain structure as measured on the film surface) and film surface roughness, and good agreement is obtained with the experimental results. This suggests that electron scattering by morphological granularity and surface roughness plays an important role in determining the electrical resistivity of thin metal films.
Anabolic effects of testosterone are preserved during inhibition of 5α-reductase
Authors: Borst Stephen E. , Conover Christine F. , Carter Christy S. , Gregory Chris M. , Marzetti Emanuele , Leeuwenburgh Christiaan , Vandenborne Krista , Wronski Thomas J.
Published: May 2007

At replacement doses, testosterone produces only modest increases in muscle strength and bone mineral density in older hypogonadal men. Although higher doses of testosterone are more anabolic, there is concern over increased adverse effects, notably prostate enlargement. We tested a novel strategy for obtaining robust anabolic effects without prostate enlargement. Orchiectomized (ORX) male rats were treated for 56 days with 1.0 mg testosterone/day, with and without 0.75 mg/day of the 5α-reductase inhibitor MK-434. Testosterone administration elevated the prostate dihydrotestosterone concentration and caused prostate enlargement. Both effects were inhibited by MK-434. ORX produced a catabolic state manifested in reduced food intake, blunted weight gain, reduced hemoglobin concentration, decreased kidney mass, and increased bone resorption, and in the proximal tibia there was both decreased cancellous bone volume and a decreased number of trabeculae. In soleus and extensor digitorum longus muscles, ORX reduced both the percentage of type I muscle fibers and the cross-sectional area of type 1 and 2 fibers. Testosterone administration caused a number of anabolic effects, including increases in food intake, hemoglobin concentration, and grip strength, and reversed the catabolic effects of ORX on bone. Testosterone administration also partially reversed ORX-induced changes in muscle fibers. In contrast to the prostate effects of testosterone, the effects on muscle, bone, and hemoglobin concentration were not blocked by MK-434. Our study demonstrates that the effects of testosterone on muscle and bone can be separated from the prostate effects and provides a testable strategy for combating sarcopenia and osteopenia in older hypogonadal men.
Stimulus Context Affects Auditory Cortical Responses to Changes in Interaural Correlation
Authors: Chait Maria , Poeppel David , Simon Jonathan Z.
Published: May 2007

We use magnetoencephalography to study human auditory cortical processing of changes in interaural correlation (IAC). We studied transitions from correlated (identical signals at the 2 ears) to uncorrelated (different signals at the 2 ears) or vice versa for two types of wide-band noise stimuli: CHANGE signals contained a single IAC change (or none) and ALT signals alternated between correlated and uncorrelated at a constant rate. The relevant transitions, from correlated to uncorrelated or vice versa, are physically identical in both stimulus conditions, but auditory cortical response patterns differed substantially. CHANGE stimuli exhibited a response asymmetry in their temporal dynamics and magnetic field morphology according to the direction of change. Distinct field patterns indicate the involvement of separate neural substrates for processing, and distinct latencies are suggestive of different temporal integration windows. In contrast, the temporal dynamics of responses to change in the ALT stimuli did not differ substantially according to the direction of change. Notably, the uncorrelated-to-correlated transition in the ALT stimuli showed a first deflection ∼90 ms earlier than for the same transition in the CHANGE stimuli and with an opposite magnetic field distribution. This finding suggests that as early as 50 ms after the onset of an IAC transition, a given physical change is processed differentially depending on stimulus context. Consequently, even early cortical activation cannot be interpreted independently of the specific long-term stimulus context used in the experiment.
ADrosophilasystems approach to xenobiotic metabolism
Authors: Yang Jingli , McCart Caroline , Woods Debra J. , Terhzaz Selim , Greenwood Karen G. , ffrench-Constant Richard H. , Dow Julian A. T.
Published: May 2007

Insecticide resistance is a major problem for both medicine and agriculture and is frequently associated with overexpression of metabolic enzymes that catalyze the breakdown of pesticides, leading to broad-spectrum resistance. However, the insect tissues within which these metabolic enzymes normally reside remain unclear. Microarray analysis of nine adult tissues from Drosophila melanogaster reveals that cytochrome P-450s and glutathione- S-transferases show highly tissue-specific expression patterns; most were confined to one or more epithelial tissues, and half showed dominant expression in a single tissue. The particular detoxifying enzymes encountered by a xenobiotic thus depend critically on the route of administration. In particular, known insecticide metabolism genes are highly enriched in insect Malpighian (renal) tubules, implicating them in xenobiotic metabolism. The tubules thus display, with the fat body, roles analogous to the vertebrate liver and immune system, as well as its acknowledged renal function. To illustrate this, when levels of a single gene, Cyp6g1, were manipulated in just the Malpighian tubules of adult Drosophila, the survival of the whole insect after 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT) challenge was altered, whereas corresponding manipulations in the nervous system or the fat body were without effect. This shows that, although detoxification enzymes are widely distributed, baseline protection against DDT resides primarily in the insect excretory system, corresponding to less than 0.1% of the mass of the organism.
A genetic mouse model to investigate hyperoxic acute lung injury survival
Authors: Prows Daniel R. , Hafertepen Amanda P. , Gibbons William J. , Winterberg Abby V. , Nick Todd G.
Published: May 2007

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a devastating disease that maintains a high mortality rate, despite decades of research. Hyperoxia, a universal treatment for ALI and other critically ill patients, can itself cause pulmonary damage, which drastically restricts its therapeutic potential. We stipulate that having the ability to use higher levels of supplemental O2 for longer periods would improve recovery rates. Toward this goal, a mouse model was sought to identify genes contributing to hyperoxic ALI (HALI) mortality. Eighteen inbred mouse strains were screened in continuous >95% O2. A significant survival difference was identified between sensitive C57BL/6J and resistant 129X1/SvJ strains. Although resistant, only one-fourth of 129X1/SvJ mice survived longer than any C57BL/6J mouse, demonstrating decreased penetrance of resistance. A survival time difference between reciprocal F1 mice implicated a parent-of-origin (imprinting) effect. To further evaluate imprinting and begin to delineate the genetic components of HALI survival, we generated and phenotyped offspring from all four possible intercrosses. Segregation analysis supported maternal inheritance of one or more genes but paternal inheritance of one or more contributor genes. A significant sex effect was demonstrated, with males more resistant than females for all F2 crosses. Survival time ranges and sensitive-to-resistant ratios of the different F2 crosses also supported imprinting and predicted that increased survival is due to dominant resistance alleles contributed by both the resistant and sensitive parental strains. HALI survival is multigenic with a complex mode of inheritance, which should be amenable to genetic dissection with this mouse model.