bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effective eradication of oral verrucous carcinoma with continuous intraarterial infusion chemotherapy
Authors: Wu Chih‐Fung , Chen Chung‐Ming , Shen Yee‐Shyong , Huang I‐Yueh , Chen Chung‐Ho , Chen Ching‐Yi , Shieh Tien‐Yu , Sheen Maw‐Chang
Published: December 2007

Background.

We evaluated the effectiveness of intraarterial methotrexate infusion as a primary therapy for oral verrucous carcinoma (VC).

Methods.

Fifteen male patients (mean age, 55 years) were included. By using an implantable port‐catheter system and a portable pump, methotrexate was continuously infused to the external carotid artery for a mean period of 7.5 days (50 mg/day), followed by weekly bolus of methotrexate (25 mg) via intraarterial route for a mean period of 10 weeks.

Results.

The tumor regressed dramatically and disappeared completely after treatment within a mean period of 2.5 months. All patients obtained complete remission and recovered without disfigurement. All patients were alive without disease recurrence at a median follow‐up of 43 months. The side effects were tolerable.

Conclusions.

The results of our treatment modality for oral VC appear to compete favorably with the results of surgical series and even more with those of radiotherapy series. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2008
Hospital management in the context of health sector reform: a planning model in Ethiopia
Authors: Hartwig Kari , Pashman Josh , Cherlin Emily , Dale Martha , Callaway Marguerite , Czaplinski Cindy , Wood W. Edward , Abebe Yigeremu , Dentry Timothy , Bradley Elizabeth H.
Published: December 2007

Through health sector reform in developing countries, Ministries of Health have sought to enhance health care through greater community governance and improved management effectiveness in their public hospitals. In this paper, we present a partnership‐mentoring model for enhancing management capacity that has been piloted in Ethiopia and may be useful in other developing countries. The model included needs assessment and baseline evaluation using a hospital management indicator checklist, deployment of 24 Fellows (US and international hospital administrators) for 1 year to work as mentors with hospital management teams in 14 Ethiopian hospitals, continuing didactic and practical training in quality improvement methods for hospital management teams, and 24 management improvement projects to be completed during the year with plans for replication more broadly as appropriate. Surveys of Fellows and Ethiopian managers within the first quarter of onsite activity found high levels of trust in one another's abilities and intent to implement changes. The partnership‐mentoring model promotes sustainability and may provide other countries with approaches for improving the quality of hospital care through improved hospital management. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The relationship between R&D collaboration, subsidies and R&D performance: Empirical evidence from Finland and Germany
Authors: Czarnitzki Dirk , Ebersberger Bernd , Fier Andreas
Published: December 2007

This study focuses on the impact of innovation policies and R&D collaboration in Germany and Finland. We consider collaboration and subsidies as heterogeneous treatments, and perform an econometric matching to analyze R&D and patent activity at the firm level. In general, we find that collaboration has positive effects. In Germany, subsidies for individual research do neither exhibit a significant impact on R&D nor on patenting, but the innovative performance could be improved by additional incentives for collaboration. For Finnish companies, public funding is an important source of finance for R&D. Without subsidies, recipients would show less R&D and patenting activity, whilst those firms not receiving subsidies would perform significantly better if they were publicly funded. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Observations of serotonin and FMRFamide‐like immunoreactivity in palp sensory structures and the anterior nervous system of spionid polychaetes
Authors: Forest David L. , Lindsay Sara M.
Published: December 2007

Evidence suggests that ciliated sensory structures on the feeding palps of spionid polychaetes may function as chemoreceptors to modulate deposit‐feeding activity. To investigate the probable sensory nature of these ciliated cells, we used immunohistochemistry, epi‐fluorescence, and confocal laser scanning microscopy to label and image sensory cells, nerves, and their organization relative to the anterior central nervous system in several spionid polychaete species. Antibodies directed against acetylated αtubulin were used to label the nervous system and detail the innervation of palp sensory cells in all species. In addition, the distribution of serotonin (5‐HT) and FMRFamide‐like immunoreactivity was compared in the spionid polychaetes Dipolydora quadrilobata and Pygospio elegans. The distribution of serotonin immunoreactivity was also examined in the palps of Polydora cornuta and Streblospio benedicti. Serotonin immunoreactivity was concentrated in cells underlying the food groove of the palps, in the palp nerves, and in the cerebral ganglion. FMRFamide‐like immunoreactivity was associated with the cerebral ganglia, nuchal organs and palp nerves, and also with the perikarya of ciliated sensory cells on the palps. J. Morphol., 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Axon tracing in the adult rat optic nerve and tract after intravitreal injection of MnDPDP using a semiautomatic segmentation technique
Authors: Olsen Øystein , Thuen Marte , Berry Martin , Kovalev Vassili , Petrou Maria , Goa Pål Erik , Sandvig Axel , Haraldseth Olav , Brekken Christian
Published: December 2007

Purpose

To develop and validate an objective technique for 3D segmentation of manganese‐enhanced MR images of the optic nerve/tract (ON) in adult rats to improve contrast‐to‐noise (CNR) calculations and use the technique to ascertain if manganese dipyridoxyl diphosphate (MnDPDP) gives sufficient Mn2+ enhancement compared to MnCl2 when used for functional imaging of the visual pathway.

Materials and Methods

Intravitreous injection of the manganese‐releasing MR contrast agent MnDPDP (30 nmol Mn2+) was performed to trace the ON in adult rats (n = 4). A positive control group of rats (n = 5) received a standard preparation of MnCl2 (200 nmol Mn2+), while gadodiamide (1500 nmol Gd3+) was administered in negative control rats (n = 2). An objective technique for 3D segmentation of the enhanced ON was developed. CNR profiles along the ON were calculated by resampling the 3D image‐volume in 2D planes perpendicular to the Mn2+ enhanced ON in 0.2 mm steps, 4 mm along the segmented ON measured from the lamina cribrosa.

Results

The ON was successfully segmented and CNR calculated accurately within 2 minutes in a representative 3D MR image volume. Intravitreal MnDPDP injection resulted in significant MRI contrast enhancement of the retina and ON after 12–24 hours similar to that of MnCl2 injection.

Conclusion

3D semiautomated image segmentation and the use of MnDPDP can improve in vivo axon tracing based on MRI. Mn2+ was found to be released from MnDPDP after intravitreal injection in sufficient amounts to obtain functional tracing of the adult rat primary visual pathway. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Appearance‐related residual injury, posttraumatic stress, and body image: Associations within a sample of female victims of intimate partner violence
Authors: Weaver Terri L. , Resnick Heidi S. , Kokoska Mimi S. , Etzel Julie C.
Published: December 2007

One third of women who experience intimate partner violence (IPV) receive some form of injury. After acute injuries have healed, a victim's physical appearance may be altered with residual changes including marks or scars. This study included 56 female victims of IPV (31 with appearance‐related residual injury and a comparison group of 25 with no appearance‐related residual injury) and examined the associations between violence‐related experiences, body image distress, and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Appearance‐related residual injury status moderated the relationship between body image distress and symptoms of PTSD. In addition, within the appearance‐related residual injury group, body image distress emerged a unique predictor of PTSD explaining incremental variance beyond that explained by severity of psychological maltreatment.
Macromol. Biosci. 1/2008
Authors: Nam Kwangwoo , Kimura Tsuyoshi , Kishida Akio
Published: December 2007

Cover: The cross‐linking of the collagen gel prepared in water/ethanol co‐solvent using water‐soluble carbodiimide coupling agent can be controlled by altering the ethanol concentration. The high ethanol concentration suppressed the hydrolysis of coupling agent, but made the gel to swell due to the high portion of the uncross‐linked triple helix. Further details can be found in the article by K. Nam, T. Kimura, A. Kishida* on page 32.
Crystallization Kinetics of PEO and PE in Different Triblock Terpolymers: Effect of Microdomain Geometry and Confinement
Authors: Boschetti‐de‐Fierro Adriana , Lorenzo Arnaldo T. , Müller Alejandro J. , Schmalz Holger , Abetz Volker
Published: December 2007

The isothermal crystallization kinetics of PEO and PE blocks within various triblock terpolymers were studied by DSC. The effect of the geometry of the microdomains was analyzed by studying different compositions of PE‐b‐PS‐b‐PEO triblock terpolymers. The crystallization rate decreased for decreasing block content for both crystallizable blocks. The effect of the microdomain geometry, confinement or chain tethering on the crystallization of PEO was extensively studied by comparing pairs of triblock terpolymers with differences either in the nature (crystalline, glassy, amorphous) or in the location of the other blocks in the terpolymer.

magnified image
The effects of the researcher's physical attractiveness and gender on mail survey response
Authors: Dommeyer Curt J.
Published: December 2007

This study examines how using a photo in the cover letter of a mail survey affects mail survey response. A 2 × 2 factorial design was used that manipulated the physical attractiveness and gender of the supposed researcher that was depicted in the cover letter photo. In addition, a control group was used that received a cover letter without a photo. The results revealed the following: (1) a photo of the survey researcher does not enhance the response rate to the survey; (2) in the case of an attractive male researcher, a photo may dampen the response rate; and (3) within the factorial design, the only variable to have an effect on the survey's response rate was the gender variable: Photos depicting female researchers produced a higher response rate than photos depicting male researchers. This study also illustrated that a crude pretest of the survey procedures with students can, in some areas, produce fairly accurate predictions of the results of a field experiment. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diagnostic procedures for Parkinson's disease dementia: Recommendations from the movement disorder society task force
Authors: Dubois Bruno , Burn David , Goetz Christopher , Aarsland Dag , Brown Richard G. , Broe Gerald A. , Dickson Dennis , Duyckaerts Charles , Cummings Jefferey , Gauthier Serge , Korczyn Amos , Lees Andrew , Levy Richard , Litvan Irene , Mizuno Yoshikuni , McKeith Ian G. , Olanow C. Warren , Poewe Werner , Sampaio Cristina , Tolosa Eduardo , Emre Murat
Published: December 2007

A preceding article described the clinical features of Parkinson's disease dementia (PD‐D) and proposed clinical diagnostic criteria for “probable” and “possible” PD‐D. The main focus of this article is to operationalize the diagnosis of PD‐D and to propose pratical guidelines based on a two level process depending upon the clinical scenario and the expertise of the evaluator involved in the assessment. Level I is aimed primarily at the clinician with no particular expertise in neuropsychological methods, but who requires a simple, pragmatic set of tests that are not excessively time‐consuming. Level I can be used alone or in concert with Level II, which is more suitable when there is the need to specify the pattern and the severity on the dementia of PD‐D for clinical monitoring, research studies or pharmacological trials. Level II tests can also be proposed when the diagnosis of PD‐D remains uncertain or equivocal at the end of a Level I evaluation. Given the lack of evidence‐based standards for some tests when applied in this clinical context, we have tried to make practical and unambiguous recommendations, based upon the available literature and the collective experience of the Task Force. We accept, however, that further validation of certain tests and modifications in the recommended cut off values will be required through future studies. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Scales to assess psychosis in Parkinson's disease: Critique and recommendations
Authors: Fernandez Hubert H. , Aarsland Dag , Fénelon Gilles , Friedman Joseph H. , Marsh Laura , Tröster Alexander I. , Poewe Werner , Rascol Olivier , Sampaio Cristina , Stebbins Glenn T. , Goetz Christopher G.
Published: January 2008

Psychotic symptoms are a frequent occurrence in Parkinson's disease (PD), affecting up to 50% of patients. The Movement Disorder Society established a Task Force on Rating Scales in PD, and this critique applies to published, peer‐reviewed rating psychosis scales used in PD psychosis studies. Twelve psychosis scales/questionnaires were reviewed. None of the reviewed scales adequately captured the entire phenomenology of PD psychosis. While the Task Force has labeled some scales as “recommended” or “suggested” based on the fulfilling‐defined criteria, none of the current scales contained all the basic content, mechanistic and psychometric properties needed to capture PD psychotic phenomena and to measure clinical response over time. Different scales may be better for some settings versus others. Since one scale may not be able to serve all needs, a scale used to measure clinical response and change over time [such as the Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGIS)] may need to be combined with another scale better at cataloging specific features [such as the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) or Schedule for Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPS)]. At the present time, for clinical trials on PD psychosis assessing new treatments, the following are recommended primary outcome scales: NPI (for the cognitively impaired PD population or when a caregiver is required), SAPS, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), or Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) (for the cognitively intact PD population or when the patient is the sole informant). The CGIS is suggested as a secondary outcome scale to measure change and response to treatment over time. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Altered dorsal premotor–motor interhemispheric pathway activity in focal arm dystonia
Authors: Koch Giacomo , Schneider Susanne , Bäumer Tobias , Franca Michele , Münchau Alexander , Cheeran Binith , Fernandez del Olmo Miguel , Cordivari Carla , Rounis Elisabeth , Caltagirone Carlo , Bhatia Kailash , Rothwell John C.
Published: January 2008

Given the possible role of dorsal premotor cortex (PMd) in the pathophysiology of dystonia, we used transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) methods to study PMd and PMd–primary motor cortex (M1) interactions in patients with focal arm dystonia. Here, we tested the connectivity between left PMd and right M1 as well as the intracortical excitability of PMd in 11 right‐handed patients with focal arm/hand dystonia and nine age‐matched healthy controls. The results showed that excitability of the inhibitory connection between PMd and M1 was reduced in patients, but there was no significant difference to healthy subjects in the excitability of the facilitatory connection. A triple stimulation technique in which pairs of TMS pulses are given over PMd and their interaction measured in terms of the effect on the baseline PMd‐M1 connection failed to reveal the usual pattern of interaction between the pairs of PMd stimuli. Indeed, the results in patients were similar to those seen in a group of young healthy subjects after the excitability of PMd had been changed by pretreatment with high‐frequency rTMS. We suggest that reduced transcallosal inhibition from the PMd may be involved in the altered pattern of abnormal muscle contractions of agonists and antagonists (overflow). © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
A mouse model of a human multiple GIST family with KIT‐Asp820Tyr mutation generated by a knock‐in strategy
Authors: Nakai N , Ishikawa T , Nishitani A , Liu N‐N , Shincho M , Hao H , Isozaki K , Kanda T , Nishida T , Fujimoto J , Hirota S
Published: December 2007

Several families exhibiting multiple gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) and germline c‐kit gene mutations at exons 8, 11, 13, or 17 have been reported. These patients also exhibit diffuse hyperplasia of the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) as a pre‐existing lesion of multiple GISTs. We generated a mouse model of a family with germline c‐kit gene mutation at exon 17, and compared the phenotypes between the mice and humans. The mouse counterpart (KIT‐Asp818Tyr) of the human KIT‐Asp820Tyr mutation was transmitted into germline by a knock‐in strategy. Mating of male and female heterozygotes (KIT‐Asp818Tyr/+) resulted in the generation of homozygotes (KIT‐Asp818Tyr/KIT‐Asp818Tyr). Histological examination revealed that all heterozygotes had both a small KIT‐positive mesenchymal tumour at the caecum, consistent with GIST, and KIT‐positive diffuse spindle‐shaped cell proliferation in the distal oesophagus, stomach, proximal duodenum, and colon consistent with ICC hyperplasia. All homozygotes exhibited a larger caecal tumour and more prominent spindle‐shaped cell proliferation compared with the heterozygous mice, and they usually died within 10 weeks after birth, likely due to ileus. The small intestine of both genotypes showed no apparent morphological abnormality, and autonomous contraction of the ileal segments appeared normal. Western blotting demonstrated that the caecal tumours expressed phosphorylated KIT, MAPK, Stat1, and Stat5. These mutant mice are considered to be useful for further investigation of the mechanism of GIST development as a result of ICC hyperplasia and for assessment of the in vivo effects of drugs against molecular targets. Copyright © 2007 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluating the impact of educational interventions on use of antithrombotics in Australia
Authors: Mandryk John A. , Wai Angela , Mackson Judith M. , Patterson Craig , Bhasale Alice , Weekes Lynn M.
Published: December 2007

Purpose

The National Prescribing Service (NPS) aims to improve prescribing and use of medicines consistent with evidence‐based best practice. In particular, specific educational programmes were commenced in 2003 to improve general practitioner (GP) prescribing of antithrombotics. This report assesses the impact of these multiple educational interventions in terms of changes in prescribing rates.

Methods

Monthly prescribing data (July 1996–December 2005) were obtained from a national claims database, and yearly data (2001–2006) from a GP–patient encounter database. The target group was all GPs in Australia and interventions were active (voluntary) and passive (mail‐outs). Responses to the interventions were measured by changes in the mean number of antithrombotic prescriptions (for ticlopidine, clopidogrel, warfarin and dipyridamole) per 1000 consultations for each GP each month. These data were analysed using seasonally adjusted piecewise linear dynamic regression. The data from the GP–patient encounter database were reported as mean prescribing rates per 100 GP encounters.

Results

NPS interventions either had an effect in the expected direction or had no discernable impact. Prescribing appeared to have decreased for dipyridamole, clopidogrel and ticlopidine, although the decline was only statistically significant for dipyridamole. Prescribing of warfarin continued to rise steadily despite NPS efforts.

Conclusions

The NPS antithrombotics programme appears to have had modest success, but such evaluations raise questions about whether a focus on outcomes at a national level is appropriate, given likely concealment of effects at local levels. Lessons learned should be applied in the evaluation of other programmes aimed at influencing prescribing. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new oxidation state of aniline pentamer observed in water‐soluble electroactive oligoaniline‐chitosan polymer
Authors: Hu Jun , Huang Lihong , Zhuang Xiuli , Chen Xuesi , Wei Yen , Jing Xiabin
Published: December 2007

A novel water‐soluble electroactive polymer, aniline pentamer crosslinked chitosan (Pentamer‐c‐Chi), was prepared by condensation polymerization of the terminal carboxyl groups in aniline pentamer with the amino side groups in chitosan in aqueous solution. The carboxyl groups were activated by N‐hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) and N,N′‐dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC). The electrochemical behavior of anilinepentamer in this kind of crosslinked polymer was studied in acidic aqueous solution by means of cyclic voltammetry (CV), UV–vis, and electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. There were three reversible redox peaks in the CV of Pentamer‐c‐Chi. A new emeraldine oxidization state in the form of radical cations was proposed, which was associated with the new absorption band at 370 nm in the UV–vis spectra. The ESR of the aqueous solution of Pentamer‐c‐Chi showed a single Lorentzian shaped signal, which suggested the existence of radical cations. The new redox state was pH dependent and appeared only at pH < 3. The stability of radical cations could be attributed to the hydrogen bonds between radical cations, water, and chitosan. Morphological structure of the Pentamer‐c‐Chi can be adjusted by varying the content of aniline pentamer. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 1124–1135, 2008
The counsellees' view of an unclassified variant in BRCA1/2: recall, interpretation, and impact on life
Authors: Vos Joël , Otten Wilma , van Asperen Christi , Jansen Anna , Menko Fred , Tibben Aad
Published: December 2007

Objective: Unclassified variants (UVs, variants of uncertain clinical significance) are found in 13% of all BRCA1/2 mutation analyses. Little is known about the counsellees' recall and interpretation of a UV, and its psychosocial/medical impact.

Method: Retrospective semi‐structured interviews with open questions and five‐point Likert scales were carried out in 24 counsellees who received a UV result 3 years before (sd=1.9).

Results: Sixty‐seven percent (16/24) recalled the UV result as a non‐informative DNA result; 29% recalled a pathogenic result. However, 79% of all counsellees interpreted the UV result as a genetic predisposition for cancer. Variations in recall and interpretation were unexplained by demographics, cancer history of themselves and relatives, and communication aspects of UV disclosure. Sixty‐seven percent perceived genetic counselling as completed, whereas 71% expected to receive new DNA information. Although most counsellees reported that UV disclosure had changed their lives in general little, one in three counsellees reported large changes in specific life domains, especially in surveillance behavior and medical decisions. Ten out of 19 participants who interpreted the UV as pathogenic had undergone preventive surgery against none of the 5 counsellees who interpreted the UV as non‐informative.

Conclusion: Counsellors and researchers need to address discrepancies between the counsellees' factual recall and their subjective interpretation of non‐informative BRCA1/2‐test results. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rural and urban breast cancer patients: health locus of control and psychological adjustment
Authors: Bettencourt B. Ann , Talley Amelia E. , Molix Lisa , Schlegel Rebecca , Westgate Steven J.
Published: December 2007

Objective: This study examines the moderating influence of rural residence on the associations between health locus of control (HLC) beliefs and psychological well‐being.

Method: Two hundred and twenty‐four breast cancer patients were surveyed.

Results: The results revealed that rurality interacted with HLC beliefs in predicting psychological adjustment. The pattern indicated that, whereas endorsing external forms of locus of control can be detrimental to the psychological well‐being of urban breast cancer patients, the same is not true for rural breast cancer patients. For rural breast cancer patients, powerful others locus of control was beneficial for and chance locus of control was unrelated to well‐being.

Conclusions: Implications for future research and medical care are discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A simple and fuzzy method to align and compare druggable ligand‐binding sites
Authors: Schalon Claire , Surgand Jean‐Sébastien , Kellenberger Esther , Rognan Didier
Published: January 2008

A novel method to measure distances between druggable protein cavities is presented. Starting from user‐defined ligand binding sites, eight topological and physicochemical properties are projected from cavity‐lining protein residues to an 80 triangle‐discretised sphere placed at the centre of the binding site, thus defining a cavity fingerprint. Representing binding site properties onto a discretised sphere presents many advantages: (i) a normalised distance between binding sites of different sizes may be easily derived by summing up the normalised differences between the 8 computed descriptors; (ii) a structural alignment of two proteins is simply done by systematically rotating/translating one mobile sphere around one immobile reference; (iii) a certain degree of fuzziness in the comparison is reached by projecting global amino acid properties (e.g., charge, size, functional groups count, distance to the site centre) independently of local rotameric/tautomeric states of cavity‐lining residues. The method was implemented in a new program (SiteAlign) and tested in a number of various scenarios: measuring the distance between 376 related active site pairs, computing the cross‐similarity of members of a protein family, predicting the targets of ligands with various promiscuity levels. The proposed method is robust enough to detect local similarity among active sites of different sizes, to discriminate between protein subfamilies and to recover the known targets of promiscuous ligands by virtual screening. Proteins 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Membrane structure and interactions of a short Lycotoxin I analogue
Authors: Adão R. , Seixas R. , Gomes P. , Pessoa J. Costa , Bastos M.
Published: December 2007

Lycotoxin I and Lycotoxin II are natural anti‐microbial peptides that were identified in the venom of the Wolf Spider Lycosa carolinensis. These peptides were found to be potent growth inhibitors for bacteria (Escherichia coli) and yeast (Candida glabrata) at micromolar concentrations. Recently, shortened analogues of LycoI and LycoII have been reported to have decreased haemolytic effects. A shorter Lyco‐I analogue studied, LycoI 1–15 (H‐IWLTALKFLGKHAAK‐NH2), was active only above 10 µM, but was also the least haemolytic.

On the basis of these findings, we became interested in obtaining a deeper insight into the membrane activity of LycoI 1–15, as this peptide may represent the first major step for the future development of selective, i.e. non‐haemolytic, Lycotoxin‐based antibiotics.

The interaction of this peptide with liposomes of different composition was studied by microcalorimetry [differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC)] and CD. The results obtained from the calorimetric and spectroscopic techniques were jointly discussed in an attempt to further understand the interaction of this peptide with model membranes. Copyright © 2007 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantification of pinhole density in ultrathin diamond‐like carbon films
Authors: Herrera‐Gomez A. , Aguirre‐Tostado F. S. , Sun Y. , Contreras‐Guerrero R. , Wallace R. M. , Hisao Y. , Flint E.
Published: December 2007

The percentage of uncovered area in ultrathin diamond‐like carbon (DLC) films on Si(001) wafers, which assesses the pinhole density of the carbon films, was quantified through angle‐resolved X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The uncovered areas of the silicon substrate are oxidized upon contact with air, so the photoelectron signal from Si+4 could be used for this quantification. The pinhole density exhibited a strong dependence with the growing conditions of the carbon film, even for films of similar thickness. The detection limit of the technique is set by the photoelectron signal noise level, and by the accuracy in the accounting of the background signal. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aberrant right subclavian artery at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks of gestation in chromosomally normal and abnormal fetuses
Authors: Borenstein M. , Cavoretto P. , Allan L. , Huggon I. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: December 2007

Objectives

To establish the feasibility of examining the subclavian artery at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks of gestation, and to determine the prevalence of aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) in chromosomally normal and chromosomally abnormal fetuses.

Methods

Fetal echocardiography was performed prospectively in 516 patients before chorionic villus sampling at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks of gestation. Transabdominal sonography was carried out, and color flow mapping was used to identify the right subclavian artery and determine whether this was normal or aberrant (ARSA). Second‐trimester fetal echocardiography was also carried out in a subgroup of 183 fetuses.

Results

The median gestational age was 12 weeks and the median crown–rump length was 68 mm. Successful assessment of the right subclavian artery was achieved in 425/516 (82.4%) cases and the rate of failure to do so was significantly associated with decreasing fetal crown–rump length (r = 0.174, P < 0.001) and increasing maternal body mass index (r = 0.275, P < 0.001). An ARSA was observed in 2/353 (0.6%) fetuses with a normal karyotype, in 4/51 (7.8%) cases with trisomy 21 and in 2/20 (10.0%) with other chromosomal defects. In a subgroup of 183 fetuses examined in both the first and second trimester there were three cases of ARSA observed at both scans and an additional case in which ARSA was detected only at the second scan.

Conclusions

Assessment of the position of the right subclavian artery is feasible at the 11 + 0 to 13 + 6‐week scan and ARSA is more common in chromosomally abnormal than normal fetuses. However, ARSA in the first trimester is unlikely to be a useful marker of trisomy 21. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Doppler assessment of the aortic isthmus and perinatal outcome in preterm fetuses with severe intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: Del Río M. , Martínez J. M. , Figueras F. , Bennasar M. , Olivella A. , Palacio M. , Coll O. , Puerto B. , Gratacós E.
Published: December 2007

Objectives

To evaluate the characteristics and association with perinatal outcome of the aortic isthmus (AoI) circulation as assessed by Doppler imaging in preterm growth‐restricted fetuses with placental insufficiency.

Methods

This was a prospective cross‐sectional study. Fifty‐one fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and either an umbilical artery (UA) pulsatility index (PI) > 95th centile or a cerebroplacental ratio < 5th centile were examined at 24–36 weeks' gestation. AoI impedance indices (PI and resistance index) and absolute velocities (peak systolic (PSV), end‐diastolic and time‐averaged maximum (TAMXV) velocities), were measured in all cases and compared with reference ranges by gestational age. Furthermore, fetuses were stratified into two groups according to the direction of the diastolic blood flow in the AoI: those with antegrade flow (n = 41) and those with retrograde flow (n = 10). Clinical surveillance was based on gestational age and Doppler assessment of the UA, middle cerebral artery and ductus venosus (DV). Adverse perinatal outcome was defined as stillbirth, neonatal death and severe morbidity (respiratory distress syndrome, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, Grade III/IV intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis and a neonatal intensive care unit stay > 14 days).

Results

Adverse perinatal outcome was significantly associated with an increased AoI‐PI (area under the curve 0.77; 95% CI, 0.63–0.92; P < 0.005). A significant correlation (P < 0.001) was found between retrograde blood flow in the AoI and adverse perinatal outcome, the overall perinatal mortality being higher in the retrograde group (70% vs. 4.8%, P < 0.001). In 4/5 (80%) fetuses the reversal of flow in the AoI preceded that in the DV by 24–48 h. AoI‐PSV and AoI‐TAMXV were < 5th centile in 40/51 (78%) and 48/51 (94%) cases, respectively, whereas AoI‐PI was > 95th centile in 21/51 (41%) cases.

Conclusions

Retrograde flow in the AoI in growth‐restricted fetuses correlates strongly with adverse perinatal outcome. Absolute velocities in the AoI are decreased in growth‐restricted fetuses. The data suggest a potential role for Doppler imaging of the AoI in the clinical surveillance of fetuses with severe IUGR, which should be confirmed in larger prospective studies. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is hydrops fetalis a manifestation of fetal pulmonary edema caused by impaired lymphatic drainage?
Authors: Williams I. A. , Kleinman C. S.
Published: December 2007

Hydrops fetalis is the final common hemodynamic pathway for a variety of fetal cardiovascular pathologies, including high‐output states associated with fetal anemia or arteriovenous fistulas, and abnormalities of both cardiac structure and rhythm. Hydrops fetalis secondary to cardiovascular decompensation is usually accompanied by increases in fetal systemic venous pressure as evidenced by alterations in venous Doppler blood flow velocities. We present two cases of severe fetal aortic stenosis with left ventricular fibroelastosis and mitral regurgitation, and in‐utero closure or stenosis of the foramen ovale, with severe hydrops fetalis, despite normal systemic venous Doppler flow profiles. These cases have led us to reconsider the presumed etiology of cardiovascular‐based hydrops fetalis in fetuses with severely impaired left ventricular pump function and secondary mitral regurgitation. We hypothesize that raised pulmonary venous pressure, with only mildly increased central venous pressure, may impact negatively on pulmonary lymphatic flow, decrease serum oncotic pressure, increase venous hydrostatic pressure, and lead to hydrops fetalis. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of Secondary Bonds on the Network Assembly and Property in Lead(II) 3‐Sulfobenzoate Coordination Polymer
Authors: Miao Xiao‐He , Zhu Long‐Guan
Published: December 2007

A unique 3‐D PbII coordination polymer containing ligands 1,2‐bis(4‐pyridyl)ethylene (bpe) and 3‐sulfobenzoate (3‐sb), [Pb(3‐sb)(bpe)0.5]n (1) has been synthesized by hydrothermal reaction and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, TGA, 1H NMR, powder X‐ray analysis, and fluorescent spectrum. The single‐crystal X‐ray analysis shows that eight coordination bonds can be divided as five primary bonds and three secondary bonds. The secondary bonds largely enhance the solid stability and provide a high‐dimensional network assembly. The complex also displays strong fluorescent property.
The Oxidation of Metals with Liebig Acids
Authors: Meyer Gerd
Published: December 2007

In Liebig's definition, an acid is a compound which contains one or more hydrogen atoms which may be substituted by metal atoms. Hence, reactions of Liebig acids in substance, excluding water or any other solvent, with non‐noble metals yield salts and release hydrogen. In this sense, not only the classical mineral acids such as sulfuric or nitric acid, respectively, are Liebig acids. Rather, there is a large variety of organic compounds with, for example, HO‐ or HN‐functions with acid constants that allow for substitution of the hydrogen atoms by a metal atom. Simple covalent hydrides like water and ammonia or even methane may also act as Liebig acids with conditions properly chosen. The ammonium ion, (NH4)+, represents a special case as it is available in a large variety of salts and may react as an acid/oxidant or as a (base)/reductant and is also a pseudo alkali‐metal cation. The versatility of the ammonium ion is reviewed with special emphasis to its ability to function as a Liebig acid, i.e., reactions of, especially, ammonium halides with non‐noble metals.
Community Resilience as a Metaphor, Theory, Set of Capacities, and Strategy for Disaster Readiness
Authors: Norris Fran H. , Stevens Susan P. , Pfefferbaum Betty , Wyche Karen F. , Pfefferbaum Rose L.
Published: December 2007

Communities have the potential to function effectively and adapt successfully in the aftermath of disasters. Drawing upon literatures in several disciplines, we present a theory of resilience that encompasses contemporary understandings of stress, adaptation, wellness, and resource dynamics. Community resilience is a process linking a network of adaptive capacities (resources with dynamic attributes) to adaptation after a disturbance or adversity. Community adaptation is manifest in population wellness, defined as high and non‐disparate levels of mental and behavioral health, functioning, and quality of life. Community resilience emerges from four primary sets of adaptive capacities—Economic Development, Social Capital, Information and Communication, and Community Competence—that together provide a strategy for disaster readiness. To build collective resilience, communities must reduce risk and resource inequities, engage local people in mitigation, create organizational linkages, boost and protect social supports, and plan for not having a plan, which requires flexibility, decision‐making skills, and trusted sources of information that function in the face of unknowns.
New Hydrophobic Intermediates of Aminodiester‐Type via a Green, Michael‐Addition Reaction
Authors: Piasecki Andrzej , Zieliński Wojciech
Published: January 2008

The conjugate Michael addition of methylamine to alkyl acrylates can be performed under mild conditions without a catalyst to obtain new hydrophobic intermediates of aminodiester‐type. The reactants used strictly in 1:2 molar ratio provide almost quantitative yield of aminodiesters without formation of undesired aminoesters and any other by‐products. Aminodiesters can be purified if necessary by classical methods. The alkyl chain length in the acrylates used has no influence on the results.
Factors influencing depression endpoints research (FINDER): Study design and population characteristics
Authors: Garcia-Cebrian Ana , Bauer Michael , Montejo Angel L. , Dantchev Nicolas , Demyttenaere Koen , Gandhi Paul , Grassi Luigi , Monz Brigitta U. , Perahia David G.S. , Quail Deborah , Tylee Andre
Published: December 2007

Factors influencing outcomes of depression in clinical practice, especially health-related quality of life (HRQoL), are poorly understood. The Factors Influencing Depression Endpoints Research (FINDER) study is a European prospective, observational study designed to estimate the HRQoL of adults with a clinically diagnosed depressive episode at baseline, and 3 and 6 months after commencing antidepressant medication. We report here the study design and baseline patient characteristics.

HRQoL was assessed by the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D). Patient ratings on Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and pain Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were also obtained. Results (n = 3468) showed that SF-36 mental component summary (mean 22.2) was more than two SDs below general population norms (mean 50.0) and one SD below clinical depression norms (mean 34.8); the physical component summary (mean 46.1) was similar to general population (mean 50.0) and clinical depression norms (mean 45.0). Mean EQ-5D scores were also lower than general population norms. Mean HADS-Depression and -Anxiety subscores were 12.3 and 13.0, respectively. Fifty-six percent of patients reported an overall pain VAS score of at least 30 mm and 70% of these patients had no physical explanation for their pain.

Further investigation into factors associated with HRQoL in depression after treatment initiation is warranted.
Lupin protein influences the expression of hepatic genes involved in fatty acid synthesis and triacylglycerol hydrolysis of adult rats
Authors: Bettzieche Anja , Brandsch Corinna , Weiße Kristin , Hirche Frank , Eder Klaus , Stangl Gabriele I.
Published: December 2007

To assess the effect of lupin protein on concentrations of lipids in plasma lipoproteins and liver and hepatic mRNA concentrations of genes involved in lipid metabolism, adult rats were fed egg albumin-based diets containing either lupin protein fromLupinus albusor casein (50 g/kg) supplemented (hypercholesterolaemic) or not (normolipaemic) with a cholesterol–cholate mixture for 20 d. Lupin protein compared with casein lowered the concentrations of TAG in liver (P < 0·01) and circulating VLDL + chylomicrons (P < 0·05) of hypercholesterolaemic rats, but not of normolipaemic rats. Hepatic mRNA concentrations of genes involved in fatty acid synthesis such as sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, fatty acid synthase, stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 and acyl-CoA:glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase were lower and mRNA concentrations of lipoprotein lipase, hepatic lipase and apoA5 involved in TAG hydrolysis were higher in rats fed lupin protein than in rats fed casein. These effects were stronger in hypercholesterolaemic rats than in normolipaemic rats. Hypercholesterolaemic rats fed the lupin protein had higher liver cholesterol concentrations (P < 0·01) and lower levels of LDL-cholesterol (P < 0·05) than rats fed casein. No effect of lupin protein was observed on cholesterol concentration in VLDL + chylomicrons and HDL and hepatic mRNA concentrations of genes involved in cholesterol and bile acid metabolism. In conclusion, the present study shows that lupin protein has hypotriacylglycerolaemic action possibly via down regulation of fatty acid synthesis genes and up regulation of genes involved in TAG hydrolysis. Alterations in cholesterol metabolism could not be explained on the basis of mRNA data.
Changes in epidemiology of leptospirosis in 2003–2004, a two El Niño Southern Oscillation period, Guadeloupe archipelago, French West Indies
Authors: STORCK C. HERRMANN , POSTIC D. , LAMAURY I. , PEREZ J. M.
Published: December 2007

Our study aimed at analysing the changes in epidemiological features of leptospirosis cases from the hospital of Pointe à Pitre in Guadeloupe in 2003–2004 compared to reliable data in 1994–2001. Leptospirosis incidence increased fourfold during 2002–2004, a period with two El Niño events. Whereas the main risk factors were unchanged (male gender, occupational exposure, contact with cattle or pigs) a major role of rodent exposure emerged (52%,P=0·02, multivariate analysis). Interestingly, mean age of cases shifted to the older population (51·7 yearsvs. 43 years,P<0·05). Moreover, the Ballum serogroup rose dramatically (36% of incidence) competing with the Icterohaemorragiae serogroup (62%). However, severe forms were less recorded. Our data suggest that the changes in leptospirosis features could be related to exceptional meteorological events and their consequences on rodent populations. We propose the monitoring of rodent population and climatic data as a tool of management of leptospirosis in Guadeloupe.
Development of a new three‐dimensional mathematical ionosphere model at European Space Agency/European Space Operations Centre
Authors: Feltens J.
Published: December 2007

For several years a clear trend from the application of classical so‐called “single layer” models to attempts to model the ionosphere in accordance to its real three‐dimensional nature can be observed (see, e.g., Scherliess et al., 2003; Hernández‐Pajares et al., 1999). European Space Agency (ESA)/European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) commenced in 1998 employing a three‐dimensional (3‐D) model for ionosphere processing (Feltens, 1998; Feltens et al., 1998). This first version of a 3‐D model at ESOC model was based on a simple Chapman profile approach, assuming that the vertical component of the ionosphere could be mathematically expressed in terms of a single β‐layer Chapman profile function. The profile function's parameters, maximum electron density N0 and its height h0, were in turn expressed as surface functions of geomagnetic latitude and local time whose coefficients were estimated. In this way a horizontal variation of N0 and h0 was modeled, and the profile function varied vertically, depending on the actual N0 and h0 values at a certain location. The ionosphere, however, consists of several layers. Additionally, the plasmasphere on top of the ionosphere must be accounted for, and the scale height, needed to compute the profile function z‐parameter, is height‐dependent. Furthermore, some of the ionosphere layers are so called α‐layers and some parts of the ionosphere show special behavior. All these effects must be accounted for in a proper 3‐D mathematical modeling. It is the intent of this paper to give a substantial overview over the 3‐D ionosphere models developed at ESOC and their current testing and implementation status.
Origin and significance of ice‐rafted detritus in the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean
Authors: Nielsen Simon H. H. , Hodell D. A. , Kamenov G. , Guilderson T. , Perfit M. R.
Published: December 2007

Piston core TN057‐14 from the eastern Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean contains several layers rich in volcanic tephra that were deposited during the last glacial period. Comparison with nearby cores (TN057‐13PC4/ODP Site 1094) indicates that these tephra layers are correlative with the South Atlantic (SA) ice‐rafted detritus (IRD) layers identified by Kanfoush et al. (2000, 2002). We analyzed the tephra for major and trace elements as well as isotopic ratios of strontium, neodymium, and lead. The elemental and isotopic composition of all tephra layers examined indicates the South Sandwich Island volcanic arc (SSI) as their dominant source, with minor input from Bouvet Island. Similar analyses of clear mineral grains (mainly feldspars, quartz, and olivine) also point to the SSI as the main source. We conclude that tephra erupted from the SSI was first deposited as air fall on sea ice and multiyear ice and then secondarily rafted to the studied sites. Deposition of the tephra‐rich IRD layers was controlled by changes in sea surface temperature and sea‐ice conditions in the Polar Frontal Zone of the South Atlantic, rather than Antarctic ice sheet dynamics.
On the preparatory processes of the M6.6 earthquake of June 17th, 2000, in Iceland
Authors: Bonafede M. , Ferrari C. , Maccaferri F. , Stefánsson R.
Published: December 2007

A model is proposed to explain the spatial distribution of foreshocks of the June 17th 2000,Ms6.6 earthquake in the South Iceland Seismic Zone (SISZ) and the high stress drop of the mainshock. Fluids of magmatic origin, ascending at near‐lithostatic pressure through a low permeability layer perturb the regional stress field, inhibiting fluid flow laterally, where a high strength asperity is left. The asperity is modeled as elastic, embedded within a medium with low effective rigidity. Regional stresses due to tectonic motions are perturbed by the presence of the asperity, enhancing the production of hydrofractures and foreshocks in the NW and SE quadrants and increasing considerably the shear stress within the asperity, leading to the NS striking mainshock.