bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of influenza C virus infection in France
Authors: Gouarin S. , Vabret A. , Dina J. , Petitjean J. , Brouard J. , Cuvillon‐Nimal D. , Freymuth F.
Published: June 2008

From November 2004 to April 2007, specimens were obtained from 2,281 patients with acute respiratory tract illness in Normandy, France. Eighteen strains of influenza C virus were detected in these samples using a combined tissue culture/RT‐PCR diagnostic method. Most patients with influenza C virus infection (13/18) were infants or young children (<2 years of age). The most frequent symptoms were fever and cough, and the clinical presentation of influenza C virus infection was similar to that of other respiratory viruses. Thirteen of the 18 infected patients were hospitalized; 3 presented with a severe lower respiratory infection. The hemagglutinin‐esterase (HE) gene of 10 isolates was sequenced to determine the lineages of the circulating influenza C viruses. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that most of the isolated strains had an HE gene belonging to the C/Yamagata/26/81‐related lineage. These results show that influenza C virus regularly circulates in Normandy and generally causes a mild upper respiratory infection. Because the differential clinical diagnosis of influenza C virus infection is not always easy, it is important to identify viral strains for both patient management and epidemiological purposes. J. Med. Virol. 80:1441–1446, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever virus delays activation of the innate immune response
Authors: Andersson Ida , Karlberg Helen , Mousavi‐Jazi Mehrdad , Martínez‐Sobrido Luis , Weber Friedemann , Mirazimi Ali
Published: June 2008

As a first line of defence against virus infection, mammalian cells elicit an innate immune response, characterized by secretion of type I interferons and the up‐regulation of interferon stimulated genes. Many viruses down‐regulate the innate immune responses in order to enhance their virulence. Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), a Nairovirus of the family Bunyaviridae is the causative agent of severe hemorrhagic fever in humans with high mortality. Knowledge regarding the innate immune response against CCHFV is most limited. Interestingly, in this study it is shown that replicating CCHFV delays substantially the IFN response, possibly by interfering with the activation pathway of IRF‐3. In addition, it is demonstrated that CCHFV replication is almost insensitive to subsequent treatment with interferon‐α. Once the virus is replicating, virus replication is more or less insensitive to the antiviral effects induced by the interferon. By using an interferon bioassay, it is shown that infected cells secrete interferon relatively late after infection, that is, 48 hr post‐infection. In summary, the results suggest the presence of a virulence factor encoded by CCHFV that delays the host defence in order to allow rapid viral spread in the host. J. Med. Virol. 80:1397–1404, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enhancement of detection and quantification of rotavirus in stool using a modified real‐time RT‐PCR assay
Authors: Freeman Molly M. , Kerin Tara , Hull Jennifer , McCaustland Karen , Gentsch Jon
Published: June 2008

A sensitive and specific real‐time RT‐PCR assay to detect rotavirus in stool samples was optimized and validated using a wide range of rotavirus genotypes. The target of the original TaqMan® assay is an 87 bp fragment of the highly conserved non‐structural protein 3 (NSP3) gene. Here we modified the original assay by introducing degeneracy into the forward primer to account for sequence variation between rotavirus genotypes, added four nucleotides at the 3′ end of the reverse primer to reduce its stability, and modified the probe label. Amplification and detection conditions were optimized using purified dsRNA from two cultivated strains. The limit of detection of the modified assay was calculated to be approximately 44 genome copies per reaction. To validate the reactivity of the assay, 103 archived RNAs that had been extracted from stools and genotyped during routine U.S. surveillance were tested. Samples were selected to represent both rare and common genotypes that have been detected in U.S. children. Nine genotypes known to be circulating in the United States were detected by the real‐time assay demonstrating broad reactivity. In addition, other enteric viruses were not detected demonstrating that the assay is specific for rotavirus and does not cross‐react with other viruses potentially present in stool samples. This real‐time assay is an important addition to the arsenal of molecular tools available to quickly identify rotavirus in stool samples during routine surveillance. J. Med. Virol. 80:1489–1496, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interrupting wild poliovirus transmission using oral poliovirus vaccine: Environmental surveillance in high‐risks area of India
Authors: Chowdhary Rashmi , Dhole T.N.
Published: June 2008

Global eradication of poliomyelitis has reached critical stage. Sabin Oral Poliovirus Vaccine (OPV) has been successful in three major regions of the world. In India eradication of poliomyelitis from states of Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Bihar has been difficult due to high population and low‐socioeconomic standards of living. Acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance and intensive OPV rounds continues with the World Health Organization (WHO) operational strategies. Yet apparent lack of progress in reducing the number of wild cases has resulted in occasional impatience and frustration, even leading to questions about ultimate feasibility of global eradication using OPV. Lucknow in UP is in geographical area endemic for poliomyelitis and is surrounded by high‐risk areas yet maintains a polio‐free status since 2002. Environmental surveillance study was conducted (2004–2006) to authenticate the decline in the wild poliovirus (PV) cases in Lucknow. Sewage sample analyses were compared with stools of AFP patients and healthy children from same geographical area. Study reveals useful information on OPV circulation and proves important epidemiological tool to trust WHO's OPV immunization program. Genetic sequencing had detected silent wild PV‐1 circulation of RCP1PGI (EU049849), RCP2PGI (EU049850), RCP3PGI (EU049851), and RCP4PGI (EU049852) in sewage waters. Properties of isolates from sewage reflected those of viruses excreted from human. This study provides valuable information and encouragement to AFP surveillance to maintain high levels of OPV immunization campaigns in the most difficult endemic region of India to interrupt the wild PV transmission. J. Med. Virol. 80:1477–1488, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Observed tendencies in maximum and minimum temperatures in Zacatecas, Mexico and possible causes
Authors: Brito‐Castillo Luis , Díaz Castro Sara C. , Ulloa Herrera Raúl S.
Published: June 2008

At a global level, warming caused by the increase in greenhouse gases has been reported in different parts of the world. This warming resulted in a reduction in the diurnal temperature range (DTR), caused by a faster rate of increase in minimum temperatures. However, the tendency toward warming is not obvious in Zacatecas, Mexico. The tendencies in maximum and minimum temperatures are partly linked to the state of the low frequency variability of large‐scale atmospheric flow patterns, as depicted by the 700‐mb geopotential height anomalies. Analyses of maximum and minimum temperatures from 23 climate stations, from 1963 to 2002, show that the DTR in southern Zacatecas is increasing from a rise in maximum temperatures and drop in minimum temperatures, while the DTR in northern Zacatecas is decreasing from a faster rate of decline in maximum temperatures than the increase in minimum temperatures. The regional series related to the F1 and F2 leading modes, after applying a Varimax‐rotated empirical orthogonal function analysis to the 23 DTR series, acceptably reproduce the north–south dipole of DTR changes, while the point‐correlation analysis between the two regional series, the 700‐mb geopotential height anomalies and the indices of Pacific Decadal Oscillation and Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation indicate that the DTR in Zacatecas, Mexico is related to fluctuations in subtropical and extratropical circulations. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
High‐temperature shock tube study of the reactions CH3 + OH → products and CH3OH + Ar → products
Authors: Vasudevan Venkatesh , Cook Robert D. , Hanson Ronald K. , Bowman Craig T. , Golden David M.
Published: June 2008

The reaction between methyl and hydroxyl radicals has been studied in reflected shock wave experiments using narrow‐linewidth OH laser absorption. OH radicals were generated by the rapid thermal decomposition of tert‐butyl hydroperoxide. Two different species were used as CH3 radical precursors, azomethane and methyl iodide. The overall rate coefficient of the CH3 + OH reaction was determined in the temperature range 1081–1426 K under conditions of chemical isolation. The experimental data are in good agreement with a recent theoretical study of the reaction. The decomposition of methanol to methyl and OH radicals was also investigated behind reflected shock waves. The current measurements are in good agreement with a recent experimental study and a master equation simulation. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. 40: 488–495, 2008
Complexation kinetics of Fe2+ with 1,10‐phenanthroline forming ferroin in acidic solutions
Authors: Adhikamsetty R. K. , Gollapalli N. R. , Jonnalagadda S. B.
Published: June 2008

The formation kinetics of ferroin is studied under varied acid conditions at 25°C and fixed ionic strength (0.48 mol dm−3) under pseudo‐first‐order conditions with respect to Fe2+ by using the stopped‐flow technique. The reaction followed is first and third order with respect to Fe2+ and 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen)T, respectively. Increasing the acid concentration retarded the reaction, and the reaction rate showed a positive salt effect. The rate‐limiting step involved the complexation of the phen or protonated phen with [Fe(phen)2]2+ complex ion, leading to formation of [Fe(phen)3]2+ ion. The observed retardation of the reaction rate with increasing [H+]0 is due to the increased [phenH+]eq and low reactivity of phenH+ with [Fe(phen)2]2+ complex ion. Simulated curves for the acid variation experiments agreed well with the corresponding experimental curves and the estimated rate coefficients supporting the proposed mechanism. Relatively low energy of activation (26 kJ mol−1) and high negative entropy of activation (−159.8 J K−1 mol−1) agree with the proposed mechanism and the formation of compact octahedral complex ion. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. 40: 515–523, 2008
Hybrid Polymer/Clay Nanocomposites: Effect of Clay Size on the Structure of Multilayered Films
Authors: Stefanescu Eduard A. , Daly William H. , Negulescu Ioan I.
Published: June 2008

The influence of size and surface area of two different types of clay on the structure and characteristics of PEO/clay nanocomposites in the form of multilayered films is discussed. To search for new synergistic properties and/or improve the properties of nanocomposite films already known, we study polymer nanocomposites that have laponite as well as montmorillonite incorporated. While DSC measurements showed that higher laponite amounts gradually suppress the crystallinity of PEO in the nanocomposite, XRD measurements provided evidence that higher montmorillonite amounts ensure an improved final orientation of the clay platelets, parallel to the plane of the multilayered film.

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A Stable and High‐Efficiency Blue‐Light Emitting Terphenyl‐Bridged Ladder Polysiloxane
Authors: Zhou Qilong , Zhang Jintao , Ren Zhongjie , Yan Shouke , Xie Ping , Zhang Rongben
Published: June 2008

A novel blue‐light emitting terphenyl‐bridged ladder polysiloxane (TBLP) was prepared by the condensation of a tetrasilanol monomer via a ladder supramolecular structure. TBLPs emit narrow blue light (420 nm) with high quantum yields (0.96) in diluted solution and shows no evident fluorophore aggregation in the solid state, indicating that the terphenyls are well isolated due to confinement of the ladder‐rungs. In addition, it has excellent emission stability at high temperature based on TGA, DSC and annealing experiments. Overall, TBLPs can be considered as a potential material for fabricating stable and high‐efficiency blue‐light emitting optoelectronic devices.

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Voided stain on paper method for analysis of mouse urination
Authors: Sugino Y. , Kanematsu A. , Hayashi Y. , Haga H. , Yoshimura N. , Yoshimura K. , Ogawa O.
Published: June 2008

Aims

To evaluate the usefulness of a quantification method using filter paper for analyzing minute voided urine of the mouse.

Methods

Voided stain on paper (VSOP) method; the correlation between area of stained spot on a filter paper and amount of applied liquid was calculated. Voiding behavior of the mice was analyzed by placing the animal above the same filter paper and recording voided time and area over 2 hr. The usefulness of the VSOP method was tested in analysis of the voiding behavior of five female 7‐week‐old ddY mice treated with cyclophosphamide (CPM, 150 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) and five control ones, in comparison with the histology of CPM‐induced cystitis. Further, the voided volume of male and female ddY mouse ranging from 2 to 13 weeks was assessed.

Results

There was a linear correlation between liquid volume and stained area on the filter paper (y = 16.472x − 22.411, R2 = 0.9981). Between control mice and those with histologically proven CPM cystitis, there was a significant difference in voided volume (362.7 ± 51.9 and 127.8 ± 100.0 µl,  < 0.001) and voiding interval (10.30 ± 3.10 and 4.47 ± 1.70 min,  < 0.001). Voided volume of ddY mice was quantifiable from as early as 2‐week old, increased along with their growth and correlated well with their body weight [(voided volume: µl) = 10.8 × (body weight: g) + 32, R2 = 0.762].

Conclusions

The VSOP method is a useful tool for evaluating voiding behavior of the mouse, including those with small bladder capacity. Neurourol. Urodynam. 27:548–552, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gosha‐jinki‐gan reduces transmitter proteins and sensory receptors associated with C fiber activation induced by acetic acid in rat urinary bladder
Authors: Imamura Tetsuya , Ishizuka Osamu , Aizawa Naoki , Zhong Chen , Ogawa Teruyuki , Nakayama Tsuyoshi , Tanabe Tomoaki , Nishizawa Osamu
Published: June 2008

Aim

We determined if Gosha‐jinki‐gan, a traditional Chinese herbal mixture, reduced the presence of the tachykinins neurokinin A, neurokinin B, and substance P, as well as the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and P2X3 purine receptors that are functionally associated with C fibers in the urinary bladder.

Methods

Thirty‐six female rats were fed with either a standard diet or one supplemented with 1.08% Gosha‐jinki‐gan. After 4 weeks, the urinary bladders were instilled with either saline or 0.1% acetic acid. After 30 min, the bladders were removed and expression of the tachykinins and the TRPV1 and P2X3 receptors was determined by immunohistochemistry and mRNA expression.

Results

In rats fed with the standard diet, the tachykinins and the TRPV1 and P2X3 receptors expressed nearby or within urothelium of the acetic acid‐treated rats increased compared with the saline‐instilled rats. In rats pretreated with Gosha‐jinki‐gan, the tachykinins and the TRPV1 and P2X3 receptors in the acetic acid‐treated rats also increased compared with the saline‐instilled rats. However, with the instillation of acetic acid, the tachykinins and the TRPV1 and P2X3 receptors of Gosha‐jinki‐gan pretreated rats decreased compared with standard diet fed rats. The mRNA expression levels of neurokinin A, substance P, and the TRPV1 receptor in acetic acid‐treated Gosha‐jinki‐gan pretreated rats were lower than that in acetic acid‐treated standard diet fed rats. Gosha‐jinki‐gan did not destroy nerve fibers within the bladders.

Conclusions

Gosha‐jinki‐gan partially reduced the tachykinins and TRPV1 and P2X3 purine receptors without destroying the nerve fibers. Neurourol. Urodynam. 27:832–837, 2008, © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Do women have realistic expectations of treatment for stress urinary incontinence?
Authors: Langford Carolyn F. , Elmissiry Mostafa M. , Ghoniem Gamal M.
Published: June 2008

Aims

Our objective was to determine what women find acceptable regarding treatment and outcomes for treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI), and correlate this to age, distress and quality of life (QOL).

Materials and Methods

This prospective cross‐sectional IRB‐approved study evaluated women with primary SUI. One hundred sequential women (mean age, 53.8 years) answered questionnaires on initial interview, including the Urogential Distress Inventory (UDI‐6), the American Urologic Association QOL questionnaire, as well as other validated questions regarding treatment options and possible outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi Squared, Fisher Exact, and t tests as well as the Wilcoxon Rank Score.

Results

Of the 100 women who submitted questionnaires, 22% overall expected a complete cure, 57% a good improvement, 12% to be able to cope better, and 9% expected any improvement at all. We found this to be a realistic expectation of possible outcomes of treatment, with 79% expecting a good improvement or cure for their SUI. The women were also asked what type of treatment they found acceptable for their SUI: 22% found a major surgery acceptable, 39% found a minor surgery acceptable, 32% found a clinical procedure acceptable, and 7% found medication acceptable. The majority of women (71%) found a minor surgery, like a transobturator tape, or a clinical procedure, like collagen injection, most desirable. These results were then analyzed for correlation to age, degree of distress (measured by UDI‐6), and QOL (measured by AUA QOL score).

Conclusions

Overall women have realistic expectations of treatment for SUI. They are willing to accept varied results depending on their distress regarding incontinence. Choices regarding treatments are influenced by age, severity and quality of life. It may be beneficial to include the UDI‐6, age and QOL score as a part of the work up and planning for treatment of SUI to better meet patient's expectations. Neurourol. Urodynam. 27:480–484, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reliability of dynamometric passive properties of the pelvic floor muscles in postmenopausal women with stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Morin Mélanie , Gravel Denis , Bourbonnais Daniel , Dumoulin Chantale , Ouellet Stéphane
Published: June 2008

The passive properties of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) might play a role in stress urinary incontinence (SUI) pathophysiology.

Aim

To investigate the test–retest reliability of the dynamometric passive properties of the PFM in postmenopausal SUI women.

Methods

Thirty‐two SUI postmenopausal women were convened to two sessions 2 weeks apart. In each session, the measurements were repeated twice. The pelvic floor musculature was evaluated in four different conditions: (1) forces recorded at minimal aperture (initial passive resistance); (2) passive resistance at maximal aperture; (3) five lengthening and shortening cycles (Forces and passive elastic stiffness (PES) were evaluated at different vaginal apertures. Hysteresis was also calculated.); (4) Percentage of passive resistance loss after 1 min of sustained stretching was computed. The generalizability theory was used to calculate two reliability estimates, the dependability indices (Φ) and the standard error of measurement (SEM), for one session involving one measurement or the mean of two measurements.

Results

Overall, the reliability of the passive properties was good with indices of dependability of 0.75–0.93. The SEMs for forces and PES were 0.24–0.67 N and 0.03–0.10 N/mm, respectively, for mean, maximal and 20‐mm apertures, representing an error between 13% and 23%. Passive forces at minimal aperture showed lower reliability (Φ = 0.51–0.57) compared with other vaginal openings. The aperture at a common force of 0.5 N was the only parameter demonstrating a poor reliability (Φ = 0.35).

Conclusion

This new approach for assessing PFM passive properties showed enough reliability for highly recommending its inclusion in the PFM assessment of SUI postmenopausal women. Neurourol. Urodynam. 27:819–825, 2008, © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) in stroke patients: A cross‐sectional, clinical survey
Authors: Tibaek Sigrid , Gard Gunvor , Klarskov Peter , Iversen Helle K. , Dehlendorff Christian , Jensen Rigmor
Published: June 2008

Aims

The aims of this study were primarily to investigate the prevalence, severity and impact on daily life of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) in a clinical sample of stroke patients and secondly to identify factors associated with LUTS.

Materials and Methods

This was a cross‐sectional, hospital based survey whereby stroke patients were invited by letter to complete The Danish Prostatic Symptom Score (DAN‐PSS‐1) questionnaire at least 1 month following their stroke. Subjects were asked to report the frequency and severity of their symptoms (symptom score) and the impact of each symptom on their daily life (bother score) over the previous fortnight. Of 519 stroke patients invited, 482 subjects were eligible.

Results

The response rate was 84%. The period prevalence of at least one symptom was 94%; the most frequent symptom was nocturia (76%) followed by urgency (70%) and daytime frequency (59%). The most severe symptom was urgency followed by nocturia and daytime frequency. Among respondents who had at least one symptom, the prevalence of bother was 78%. Likewise the most frequent bothersome symptom was nocturia (53%), followed by urgency (48%) and daytime frequency (40%). Paresis in legs, symptoms of urinary incontinence on admission, and use of analgesics were significantly associated with severity, whereas the prevalence and bother of LUTS could not be associated with other patient characteristics.

Conclusion

LUTS are highly prevalent in stroke patients and have a major impact on daily life. Neurourol. Urodynam. 27:763–771, 2008, © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Proteomic insights into cardiac cell death and survival
Authors: MacLellan W. Robb , Wang Yibin , Vondriska Thomas M. , Weiss James N. , Ping Peipei
Published: June 2008

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and disability in the developed world. To design novel therapeutic strategies to treat and prevent this disease, better understanding of cardiac cell function is necessary. In addition to (and, indeed, in combination with) genetics, physiology and molecular biology, proteomics plays a critical role in our understanding of cardiovascular systems at multiple scales. The purpose of this review is to examine recent developments in the field of myocardial injury and protection, examining how proteomics has informed investigations into organelles, signaling complexes, and cardiac phenotype.
Proteomic analysis of secretory proteins and vesicles in vascular research
Authors: Pula Giordano , Perera Sue , Prokopi Marianna , Sidibe Anissa , Boulanger Chantal M. , Mayr Manuel
Published: June 2008

The release of proteins and membrane vesicles in the bloodstream regulates diverse vascular processes, both physiological, such as angiogenesis and haemostasis, and pathological, such as atherosclerosis and atherothrombosis. Proteomics, beside its canonical application for the expression profiling in cells and organs, can be applied to the study of secreted proteins and microvesicles, which play a significant role in the homeostasis of the vasculature, and the development of the atherosclerotic disease.
A bilateral remote user authentication scheme that preserves user anonymity
Authors: Tseng Huei‐Ru , Jan Rong‐Hong , Yang Wuu
Published: June 2008

Smart card‐based authentication is one of the most widely used and practical solutions to remote user authentication. Compared to other authentication schemes, our proposed scheme aims to provide more functionalities and to resist well‐known attacks. These crucial merits include (1) a user can freely choose and change his passwords; (2) our scheme provides mutual authentication between a server and a user; (3) it achieves user anonymity; (4) a server and a user can generate authenticated sessions keys. Moreover, our scheme can resist replay attacks, forgery attacks, insider attacks, reflection attacks, and parallel session attacks. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A high‐dimensional joint model for longitudinal outcomes of different nature
Authors: Faes Christel , Aerts Marc , Molenberghs Geert , Geys Helena , Teuns Greet , Bijnens Luc
Published: June 2008

In repeated dose‐toxicity studies, many outcomes are repeatedly measured on the same animal to study the toxicity of a compound of interest. This is only one example in which one is confronted with the analysis of many outcomes, possibly of a different type. Probably the most common situation is that of an amalgamation of continuous and categorical outcomes. A possible approach towards the joint analysis of two longitudinal outcomes of a different nature is the use of random‐effects models (Models for Discrete Longitudinal Data. Springer Series in Statistics. Springer: New York, 2005). Although a random‐effects model can easily be extended to jointly model many outcomes of a different nature, computational problems arise as the number of outcomes increases. To avoid maximization of the full likelihood expression, Fieuws and Verbeke (Biometrics2006;62:424–431) proposed a pairwise modeling strategy in which all possible pairs are modeled separately, using a mixed model, yielding several different estimates for the same parameters. These latter estimates are then combined into a single set of estimates. Also inference, based on pseudo‐likelihood principles, is indirectly derived from the separate analyses. In this paper, we extend the approach of Fieuws and Verbeke (Biometrics2006;62:424–431) in two ways: the method is applied to different types of outcomes and the full pseudo‐likelihood expression is maximized at once, leading directly to unique estimates as well as direct application of pseudo‐likelihood inference. This is very appealing when interested in hypothesis testing. The method is applied to data from a repeated dose‐toxicity study designed for the evaluation of the neurofunctional effects of a psychotrophic drug. The relative merits of both methods are discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Timing of C‐reactive protein increment in acute traumatic stress: relevance for CRP determinations in acute cardiovascular events
Authors: Segal Ortal , Behrbalk Eyal , Shapira Itzhak , Otremsky Itzhak , Berliner Shlomo , Halpern Pinkhas , Serov Jack , Arbel Yaron
Published: June 2008

It is not clear whether acute stress of a few hours duration is capable of increasing the concentration of C‐reactive protein (CRP), a valuable biomarker in patients with acute myocardial infarction or stroke. Therefore, we measured the concentration of CRP in patients who presented with an acute fracture and in whom we can assume that the CRP concentrations prior to the event were within the normal limits. There were 20 patients with bone fractures and 20 gender‐ and body mass index (BMI)‐matched controls aged 52 ± 27 and 51 ± 21 years, respectively [mean ± standard deviation (SD)]. The patients were examined 3.2 ± 2.5 h (mean ± SD) after their actual trauma and presented with modestly elevated concentrations of CRP (2.7 ± 2.1 mg/L) as compared with the controls (2 ± 2.2 mg/L). At the same time, the expected increment in the white blood cell count was noted in the patients (12.4 ± 3 × 103/mL) as opposed to the controls (7.1 ± 1.9, p < 0.001). We conclude that the expected increment in CRP within a few hours after the onset of acute traumatic stress is modest. The findings are relevant for stressful conditions of acute myocardial infarction and stroke that present within a few hours after the onset of pain and in which elevated CRP levels might represent the causative inflammation and are not necessarily a result of the acute stress/infarction per se. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rationale modeling for software process evolution
Authors: Ocampo Alexis , Münch Jürgen
Published: June 2008

Evolving a software process without a retrospective on its evolution and, in consequence, without an appropriate understanding, can lead to important problems for a software development organization. Two examples of such problems are inefficient performance as a consequence of the arbitrary introduction of changes or difficulty in demonstrating compliance to a given standard. Capturing information on the rationale underlying process changes provides a means for better understanding process evolution. This article presents two studies aimed at understanding and identifying information needs for describing the rationale for process evolution. Additionally, it presents an approach for incrementally evolving processes supported by this rationale. This approach is derived from the results of the studies and a survey of related work. An application of the approach during the evolution of a reference process for developing service‐oriented applications is presented together with experience and open questions for future research work. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Cross‐linked Banana Resistant Starch. Effect of Pressure Cooking
Authors: Aparicio‐Saguilán Alejandro , Gutiérrez‐Meraz Felipe , García‐Suárez Francisco J. , Tovar Juscelino , Bello‐Pérez Luis A.
Published: June 2008

A resistant starch (RS)‐rich powder was prepared from phosphate cross‐linked banana starch. Serial autoclaving and cooling treatments of this cross‐linked material were also made. The powders were evaluated for chemical composition, resistant starch content, thermal characteristics, as well as for swelling and solubility properties. The parental cross‐linked starch had similar lipid and protein contents than its autoclaved counterpart, but the ash content decreased after autoclaving, a pattern that is in agreement with the low phosphorus index and degree of substitution recorded in the autoclaved preparation. Although the RS content in the autoclaved cross‐linked product was lower than in the non‐autoclaved starch, the autoclaved product still exhibited a remarkable indigestibility. The peak temperatures of gelatinization were 86.6 and 68.5ºC for cross‐linked and autoclaved cross‐linked starch, respectively. At low temperatures the autoclaved modified starch exhibited greater swelling values than its cross‐linked counterpart. The pattern of solubility values resembled the swelling behavior of both samples. The autoclaved cross‐linked banana starch appears suitable for the formulation of foods requiring none or moderate further heat treatment.
Lightning Surge Analysis Model of Reinforced Concret Pole and Grounding Lead Conductor in Distribution Line
Authors: Sekioka Shozo
Published: June 2008

The grounding resistance is one of the most important factors to determine lightning overvoltages on a distribution line. A reinforced concrete pole should be treated as a kind of a grounding lead conductor and a grounding electrode for lightning overvoltages. The grounding lead conductors for surge arresters, shielding wires, and transformers in Japanese distribution lines are laid along the reinforced concrete pole. The grounding resistance in the distribution lines becomes low due to breakdown between the concrete pole and the lead conductors caused by the lightning overvoltages. Soil ionization due to high current reduces the grounding resistance. Thus, lightning currents make the grounding resistance low. This paper proposes a lightning surge analysis model of the grounding system. The proposed model represents surge characteristics of the reinforced concrete pole and the grounding lead conductor, and current dependence of the grounding resistances due to the soil ionization. Simulation results using the proposed model suggest the importance of the surge characteristics of the reinforced concrete pole. © 2008 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Cross‐border M&As by Chinese firms: An analysis of strategic motives and performance
Authors: Boateng Agyenim , Qian Wang , Tianle Yang
Published: June 2008

This article considers the strategic motivation and performance of Chinese cross‐border mergerand‐ acquisition (M&A) activities of 27 deals that took place in the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock markets in 2000–2004. The study finds that cross‐border M&As formation by Chinese firms are primarily motivated by market development (that is, increasing market share) to enable faster entry into new markets, promote diversification, and obtain foreign advanced technology and other resources. In terms of wealth creation, the study finds that cross‐border M&As create value for Chinese acquiring firms. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Metabolic Kinetics of tert‐Butylhydroquinone and Its Metabolites in Rat Serum after Oral Administration by LC/ITMS
Authors: Huang Wen , Niu Hai , Gu Yinchun
Published: June 2008

Liquid chromatography–ion trap mass spectrometry (LC/ITMS) was employed for a metabolic kinetics study of tert‐butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) and its metabolites in rat serum after oral administration. The mean serum concentration–time data of TBHQ and its four metabolites (M1–M4) in both male and female rats after oral administration of TBHQ at dosages of 7, 350 and 700 mg/kg were all best‐fitted by a two‐compartment model with first‐order absorption. TBHQ was rapidly absorbed, distributed and metabolized. The metabolites were also distributed rapidly except M2, but eliminated more slowly than TBHQ. At the doses of 350 and 700 mg/kg, the total concentrations of TBHQ and its metabolites in serum were much higher for male than female rats during the metabolic process (P < 0.01). In addition, the serum concentrations of M1, M3 and M4 were all much higher for males than for females (P < 0.01) during the metabolic process, while no significant differences between male and female rats were found (P > 0.05) for TBHQ and M2, at the doses of 350 and 700 mg/kg. The exploratory assessment of dose proportionality for TBHQ and its metabolites by the power model indicated that the TBHQ exposure increased in a more‐than‐dose‐proportional manner, but the exposures of the metabolites M1–M4 increased in a less‐than‐dose‐proportional manner, across the dose of 7–700 mg/kg.
Cytokine blockade attenuates sympathoexcitation in heart failure: Cross‐talk between nNOS, AT‐1R and cytokines in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus
Authors: Guggilam Anuradha , Patel Kaushik P. , Haque Masudul , Ebenezer Philip J. , Kapusta Daniel R. , Francis Joseph
Published: June 2008

Objective:

To investigate evidence for the interplay between cytokines, angiotensin II and nNOS in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), for regulating sympathetic outflow in a rat model of CHF.

Methods and results:

Heart failure was induced in Sprague–Dawley rats by coronary artery ligation. One group of rats was treated with pentoxifylline (PTX, 30 mg/kg IP), a cytokine blocker, or vehicle, for 5 weeks. Another group of rats was pre‐treated with PTX before coronary ligation to study prior cytokine blocking effect on survival. Both groups were combined in the analysis. Echocardiography demonstrated an increase in LV end‐diastolic pressure and Tei index after 5 weeks in CHF rats. ELISA revealed a significant increase in plasma TNF‐α and IL‐1β in CHF rats. Inducible NOS (iNOS) and angiotensin receptor‐type 1 (AT‐1R) mRNA expressions were increased, while neuronal NOS (nNOS) was decreased in the PVN of CHF rats; these changes were reversed by PTX. PTX treatment also decreased plasma norepinephrine and epinephrine levels and improved baroreflex control of renal sympathoexcitation in CHF rats. Immunohistochemistry revealed elevated 3‐nitrotyrosine formation in the heart and the PVN of CHF rats, but not in PTX treated rats.

Conclusion:

PTX decreased both peripheral and central cytokine expression, alleviated nitric oxide dysregulation, and inhibited the formation of peroxynitrite in the PVN resulting in decreased sympathoexcitation in CHF rats.
Platelet‐derived microparticle levels in women with recurrent spontaneous abortion
Authors: Kaptan Kürşat , Beyan Cengiz , Ifran Ahmet , Pekel Aysel
Published: June 2008

Objective

To investigate the significance of platelet‐derived microparticles (PMPs) in women with recurrent spontaneous abortion.

Methods

We measured platelet P‐selectin (CD62P) as a platelet activation marker and CD42b+ microparticles as PMPs by flow cytometry in whole blood of 20 women with recurrent spontaneous abortion and 20 age‐matched healthy controls with no previous history of spontaneous abortion.

Results

PMP levels in women with recurrent spontaneous abortion were higher than in women in the control group (4.79 ± 1.18% vs 3.06 ± 0.92%; P < 0.000). CD62P levels were not significantly higher in the study group compared with the control group (13.78 ± 8.62% vs 10.78 ± 7.35%; P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that PMPs may have a role in the pathogenesis of recurrent spontaneous abortion.
Examples of trapped modes in the presence of freely floating structures
Authors: PORTER R. , EVANS D.V.
Published: June 2008

A freely floating motion-trapping structure can be defined as one or more rigid bodies floating on the surface of a fluid which extends to infinity in at least one direction, whose free motion under its natural hydrostatic restoring force is coupled to that of the surrounding fluid in such a way that no waves are radiated to infinity. The resulting local time-harmonic oscillation of the structure and the surrounding fluid is called a motion-trapped mode. Such a structure would, if displaced slightly from its equilibrium position and released, ultimately oscillate indefinitely at the trapped-mode frequency. Previous examples of motion-trapping structures have been devised using an inverse approach in which the shape of pairs of such structures is determined implicitly by sketching certain streamlines. In this paper an alternative direct approach to the construction of motion-trapping structures in the form of a pair of identical floating cylinders of rectangular cross-section in two dimensions is presented. It is also shown that a thick-walled axisymmetric heaving circular cylinder can act as a motion-trapping structure.
The naturally oscillating flow emerging from a fluidic precessing jet nozzle
Authors: WONG CHONG Y. , NATHAN GRAHAM J. , KELSO RICHARD M.
Published: June 2008

Phase-averaged and directionally triggered digital particle image velocimetry measurements were taken in longitudinal and transverse planes in the near field of the flow emerging from a fluidic precessing jet nozzle. Measurements were performed at nozzle inlet Reynolds and Strouhal numbers of 59000 and 0.0017, respectively. Results indicate that the jet emerging from the nozzle departs with an azimuthal component in a direction opposite to that of the jet precession. In addition, the structure of the ‘flow convergence’ region, reported in an earlier study, is better resolved here. At least three unique vortex-pair regions containing smaller vortical ‘blobs’ are identified for the first time. These include a vortex-pair region originating from the foci on the downstream face of the nozzle centrebody, a vortex-pair region shed from the edge of the centrebody and a vortex-pair region originating from the downstream surface of the nozzle exit lip.
Droplet coalescence: drainage, film rupture and neck growth in ultralow interfacial tension systems
Authors: AARTS DIRK G. A. L. , LEKKERKERKER HENK N. W.
Published: June 2008

We study the coalescence of a drop with its bulk phase in fluid–fluid demixing colloid–polymer mixtures. Such mixtures show behaviour analogous to molecular fluid–fluid systems, but the interfacial tension is between 105 to 107 times smaller than in the molecular case. Such an ultralow interfacial tension has several important consequences and offers significant advantages in the study of droplet coalescence. The coalescence process can be divided into three consecutive stages: (i) drainage of the continuous film between droplet and bulk phase, (ii) rupture of the film, and (iii) growth of the connection. These stages can be studied within a single experiment by optical microscopy thanks to the ultralow interfacial tension in colloid–polymer mixtures, which significantly changes the relevant characteristic length and time scales. The first stage is compared with existing theories on drainage, where we show several limiting theoretical cases. The experimental drainage curves of different colloid–polymer mixtures can be scaled and then show very similar behaviour. We observe that drainage becomes very slow and eventually the breakup of the film is induced by thermal capillary waves. The time it takes for a certain height fluctuation of the interface to occur, which turns out to be an important parameter for the kinetics of the process, can be directly obtained from experiment. During the third stage we observe that the radius of the connecting neck grows linearly with time both for gas bubbles and liquid droplets with an order of magnitude that is in good agreement with the capillary velocity. Finally, partially bleaching the fluorescent dye inside the liquid droplet reveals how the surface energy is transformed into kinetic energy upon coalescence. This opens the way for a more complete understanding of the hydrodynamics involved.
Direct numerical simulation of three-dimensional turbulent rough channels: parameterization and flow physics
Authors: ORLANDI P. , LEONARDI S.
Published: June 2008

Direct numerical simulations of the three-dimensional flow past rough surfaces with elements of different shapes are performed to create a database. Our main interest is in finding a new parameterization for turbulent rough flows, which, so far, has been based on the concept of equivalent sand grain height or on the net separation between k and d type roughnesses. The new parameterization permits us to find a simple expression for the roughness function and the root mean square of the normal velocity fluctuation at the plane of the crests. We also wish to find statistical quantities characterizing the effects of the different rough surfaces: one is the ratio between mean flow and turbulence time scales (Sq/ε), the other is the helicity density. Passive scalar visualizations evince a reduction of the wall streak coherence, and the absence of a signature of the rough surfaces on the passive scalar distribution. The tendency towards a flow isotropy near the roughness has been explained also through Sq/ε.
An Efficient Worst User Location Algorithm for the Generation of the Galileo Integrity Flag
Authors: Feng Shaojun , Ochieng Washington Y.
Published: June 2008

This paper proposes a computation method for the determination of the worst user location (WUL) instead of the current grid search-based methods. The WUL is a key parameter in the estimation of the Galileo integrity data. Since a satellite clock error is the same for all users whereas the orbital error is different depending on the location of users, the WUL depends on the satellite orbit errors which can be estimated using the measurements from the Galileo sensor stations. The proposed algorithm uses the resolved orbital errors to calculate an approximate WUL on a spherical model of the Earth. The next step is to determine the WUL on a specified ellipsoid model using an iterative transformation process. Results show that the proposed method is more accurate and computationally efficient than the current search-based methods. The computation time required is minimal making it valuable in meeting the real time requirements for the generation of the Galileo integrity flag.
Sphere to Spheroid Comparisons
Authors: Earle Michael A.
Published: June 2008

The notion of the earth as a perfect sphere has served navigators quite well over the centuries and it continues to provide a basis for instruction and practical navigation. Aside from the fact that modern navigators employ refined models of the earth such as the WGS84 ellipsoid, which together with satellite positioning gives unprecedented positioning accuracy, the question arises as to just how good are the spherical results for distance when compared to the results for distance obtained from the spheroidal model. In this document a comparison is made of great circle distance (GCD) on the sphere with great ellipse distance (GED) on the spheroid. This comparison is then repeated for rhumbline distances. In each case it is concluded that the difference in using the sphere when compared to the spheroid is near 0·5%.
An Agent-Directed Marine Navigation Simulator
Authors: Moon J N J , Tudhope D S
Published: June 2008

The instructor of a full mission marine simulator faces a daunting task, controlling several target ships under varying environmental conditions while responding to a variety of communications. This project applies computer agent technology to an instructor station. Each target ship is controlled by a collision avoidance agent which takes command of the ship and a track-keeping agent which acts as an assistant, sending the collision avoidance agent advisory messages. Experiments have been performed for a number of collision situations in varying environmental conditions. An analysis of the results demonstrates the potential of such a system for producing realistic target ship motion, including track-keeping and some collision avoidance manoeuvres, thus reducing the instructor’s immediate load.
Integrated Marine Electronic
Systems – Some User Associated Issues for the
Designer
Authors: Mills Stella
Published: June 2008

Marine accidents have many causes but a recurring theme is poor watch-keeping
often caused by weak bridge management. Information overload is sometimes blamed
for accidents and attempts to reduce information overload may include electronic
systems which have been produced for integrating information from various
electronic sources so that information is concentrated on fewer screens. This
article explores some of the issues facing the designers of such systems. While
acknowledgement is given to some of the technical problems, the article
concentrates on those issues associated with the user of such systems, in
particular, domain knowledge, screen design and user control. Available Marine
Accident Investigation Reports for 2004 are used to highlight that, in that
year, only one passenger vessel incident was attributed in part to poor data
from electronic aids. However, it is accepted that a much wider study of such
reports is needed before any firm conclusions can be drawn.
An Erroneous Proposal To Allow For Travel Of An Observer Between Two Celestial Altitude Observations
Authors: Huxtable George
Published: June 2008

K. H. Zevering has recently proposed a way to calculate the position of a moving observer, from the intersection of position circles, that differs from the methods hitherto accepted by mariners1. Zevering concludes, from discrepancies between his own results and that of other methods, that those others are in error. However, the discrepancies result from incorrect assumptions in his proposed method, which give rise to erroneous answers. My comments will be restricted to the simplest case of two observations only, and will assume that the Earth is, for our purposes, spherical.