bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complaints, grievances, and claims against physicians: Does tort reform make a difference?
Authors: Alexander Archie A.
Published: July 2010

This study reviews data available from a mediation committee (MC) for a county medical society, the Texas Medical Board (TMB), and the Texas Medical Liability Trust (TMLT) during the decade of Texas tort reform. It explores why some patients file formal complaints and grievances against their physicians. It also compares data from the TMB and TMLT to investigate how tort reform might influence their activities. Results show the majority of complaints or grievances mediated by the MC start with communication problems followed by allegations of inappropriate treatment, fees, medical records, and delays in diagnoses. Analysis of available data also suggests changes in liability rules may reduce liability claims while having little or no impact on mediated case trends or their triggers at least to one county medical society.
Diffusion tensor imaging of kidneys with respiratory triggering: Optimization of parameters to demonstrate anisotropic structures on fraction anisotropy maps
Authors: Kataoka Masako , Kido Aki , Yamamoto Akira , Nakamoto Yuji , Koyama Takashi , Isoda Hiroyoshi , Maetani Yoji , Umeoka Shigeaki , Tamai Ken , Saga Tsuneo , Morisawa Nobuko , Mori Susumu , Togashi Kaori
Published: July 2010

Purpose

To demonstrate the feasibility of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of kidneys with respiratory triggering, and determine the optimal imaging parameters for fraction anisotropy (FA) maps.

Materials and Methods

DTI of kidneys from 16 healthy volunteers was performed using a 1.5T scanner. Five different sequences with different parameters including respiration‐triggered acquisition or multiple breath‐holding, slice thicknesses of 3 or 5 mm, and different numbers of signal averaging and b values were compared. FA and apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) of the cortex and medulla were measured. Measurement error within the same and repeated examination was examined using within‐individual standard deviation (Sw).

Results

FAs of the renal cortex were lower than the medulla (mean value of a sequence ranging 0.148–0.224, 0.433–0.476) and the ADCs of the cortex were higher than the medulla (2.26–2.69 × 10−3 mm2/s, 1.77–2.19 × 10−3 mm2/s) in all sequences (P < 0.001). The renal cortex–medulla difference was the largest, with respiratory trigger‐ ing including a 3‐mm slice thickness, three signal averages,and a b‐value = 0, 200, or 400 s/mm2 (P < 0.001). Sw tended to be smaller in the sequence with a b‐value of 400 s/mm2.

Conclusion

DTI of kidneys with respiratory triggering is feasible with excellent cortex–medulla differentiation. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;29:736–744. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Concepts and controversies in nonketotic hyperglycemia‐induced hemichorea: Further evidence from susceptibility‐weighted MR imaging
Authors: Cherian Ajith , Thomas Bejoy , Baheti Neeraj N. , Chemmanam Thomas , Kesavadas Chandrasekharan
Published: July 2010

Hyperglycemia‐induced hemichorea can show T1 hyperintensity of the contralateral striatum on MRI. This is thought to be due to petechial hemorrhages or gemistocytic astrocyte accumulation. This study explores the utility of susceptibility‐weighted imaging (SWI) and diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) in identifying the nature of these lesions. Three patients underwent MR imaging of the brain with SE T1, F SE T2, DWI, and SWI. T1 images showed hyperintensity predominantly involving the contralateral striatum, where mild (two cases) to moderate (one case) restricted diffusion (low apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC]) was detected on DWI. SWI demonstrated bilateral symmetrical hypointensities in the first two cases, suggesting age associated mineralization. In addition, increased susceptibility change (hypointensity) was also noted in the right putamen in the first and the third cases, suggesting paramagnetic mineral deposition. T1 hyperintensity may be from the protein hydration layer inside the cytoplasm of swollen gemistocytes appearing after an acute cerebral injury. These astrocytes also express metallothionein with zinc, which is thought to be the cause of asymmetric hypointensity of the posterior putamen on SWI. ADC values were thought to be useful for prognostication; however, they should be interpreted cautiously in the presence of susceptibility changes. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;29:699–703. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increased levels of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α are associated with Bcl‐xL expression, tumor apoptosis, and clinical outcome in chondrosarcoma
Authors: Chen Changbao , Zhou Hua , Wei Feng , Jiang Liang , Liu Xiaoguang , Liu Zhongjun , Ma Qingjun
Published: July 2010

Hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1α is a key nuclear transcription factor that regulates the cellular response to hypoxia, and is important for solid tumor growth and survival. However, the underlying role of HIF‐1α in human chondrosarcoma has not been well characterized. This study aims to investigate the expression patterns of HIF‐1α in chondrosarcoma, and its association with clinicopathologic features, Bcl‐xL expression, apoptosis index (AI), and overall survival of patients with chondrosarcoma. Our results shown that the protein levels of HIF‐1α were increased, and the mRNA and protein levels of Bcl‐xL were also increased in SW1353 cells under hypoxic conditions. In eight patients with chondrosarcoma, increased expression of HIF‐1α and Bcl‐xL was detected in chondrosarcoma tissues compared with the paired adjacent normal tissues. Of 34 archival specimens of chondrosarcomas, 20 (58.8%) showed high HIF‐1α protein expression as compared to benign cartilage tumors. Increased HIF‐1α expression was correlated with a higher pathological grade and MSTS stage of chondrosarcoma. Moreover, HIF‐1α expression was significantly associated with Bcl‐xL expression and AI. More significantly, the survival rate of patients with HIF‐1α high tumors was significantly lower than that of patients with HIF‐1α low tumors. These findings suggest that increased HIF‐1α levels mediated up‐regulation of Bcl‐xL play a prominent role in evasion of apoptosis and tumor progression, and can be predictive for the prognosis in human chondrosarcoma. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:143–151, 2011
Beneficial effects of hyperbaric oxygen on human degenerated intervertebral disk cells via suppression of IL‐1β and p38 MAPK signal
Authors: Niu Chi‐Chien , Yuan Li‐Jen , Chen Lih‐Huei , Lin Song‐Shu , Tsai Tsung‐Ting , Liao Jen‐Chung , Lai Po‐Liang , Chen Wen‐Jer
Published: July 2010

Nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) from degenerating disks produce catabolic and inflammatory factors, including interleukin (IL)‐1, nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE‐2), and matrix metalloproteinaes (MMPs). An imbalance between MMPs and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs) has been proposed to exist in the degenerating disk. This study evaluates the effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on the human degenerated NPCs. NPCs were maintained in alginate bead culture. All hyperoxic cells were exposed to 100% O2 at 2.5 atmospheres absolute (ATA) in a hyperbaric chamber. p38 MAPK phosphorylation of the NPCs was detected using the phosphor‐kinase array kit. RNA was isolated for real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q‐PCR) analysis of aggrecan and type II collagen gene expression. The amounts of IL‐1β, NO, PGE‐2, MMP‐3, and TIMP‐1 in the conditioned media were quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Our data showed that HBO treatment decreased expression of IL‐1β, increased the gene expression of aggrecan and type II collagen, suppressed the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, decreased NO, PGE‐2, and MMP‐3, and increased TIMP‐1 expression in NPCs as compared with the atmospheric treatment. These results support the hypothesis that IL‐1β and the p38 MAPK signal may be responsible for many of the inflammatory and catabolic changes seen in the human disk degeneration, and support our proposal that HBO treatment‐induced increase of the anabolic factor (TIMP‐1)/catabolic factor (MMP‐3) ratio may provide a therapeutic approach to slow the course of intervertebral disk degeneration. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:14–19, 2011
Role of local insulin augmentation upon allograft incorporation in a rat femoral defect model
Authors: Dedania Jemin , Borzio Robert , Paglia David , Breitbart Eric A. , Mitchell Ashley , Vaidya Swaroopa , Wey Aaron , Mehta Siddhant , Benevenia Joseph , O'Connor J. Patrick , Lin Sheldon S.
Published: July 2010

Each year, over one million orthopedic operations are performed which a bony defect is presence, requiring the use of further augmentation in addition to bony fixation. Application of autogenous bone graft is the standard of care to promote healing of these defects, but several determents exist in using autogenous bone graft exist including limited supply and donor site morbidity. Prior work has demonstrated that local insulin application to fracture sites promote fracture healing, but no work has been performed to date in its effects upon defect healing/allograft incorporation. The goal of this study was to examine the potential role of local insulin application upon allograft incorporation. Microradiographic, histologic, and histomorphometric analysis outcome parameters showed that local insulin significantly accelerated new bone formation. Histological comparisons using predetermined scoring systems demonstrated significantly greater healing in femora treated with insulin compared to control femora (p < 0.001). Quantitatively more bone production was also observed, specifically in areas of endosteal (p = 0.010) and defect (p = 0.041) bone in femora treated with local insulin, compared to control femora, 6 weeks after implantation. This study demonstrates the potential of local insulin as an adjunct for the treatment of segmental defect and allograft incorporation. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:92–99, 2011
Fiber ‐ and Tube ‐ Formation by Melt Infiltration of Block Copolymers into Al2O3‐Pores
Authors: Pulamagatta Bhanuprathap , Binder Wolfgang H. , Yau Eric , Gunkel Ilja , Thurn‐Albrecht Thomas , Steinhart Martin
Published: July 2010

Summary: We report on the formation of polymer nanofibers and nanotubes by melt infiltration of block copolymers (BCPs) containing poly (norbornene) blocks bearing polar and non‐polar moieties synthesized via ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) into Al2O3 porous templates. The effect of pore size of the Al2O3 template and polymer chain length on the formed structure i.e. fibers or hallow tubes is investigated. SEM analysis revealed that a smaller pore size (∼ 180 nm) of the Al2O3 template with a BCP of lower molecular weight (< 15 kg/mol) results in complete filling of the pores to yield fibers in contrast to bigger pore size (400 nm) or higher molecular weights (> 25 kg/mol) furnishing hollow tubes.
TEMPO Containing Polynorbornene Block Copolymers Prepared via ROMP and Their use as Scaffolds in Sol/Gel‐Process
Authors: Kir Onur , Hüsing Nicola , Enke Dirk , Binder Wolfgang H.
Published: July 2010

Summary: Block copolymers (B50T30 and B21T30) containing free nitroxide‐radicals with two different chain lengths derived from the monomers (+/−) endo,exo‐bicyclo[2,2,1]‐hept‐5‐ene‐2,3‐dicarboxylic acid‐bis‐O‐tert.‐butyl ester (monomer B) and (+/−)endo,exo‐bicyclo[2,2,1]‐hept‐5‐ene‐2,3‐dicarboxylic acid‐bis‐O‐2,2,6,6‐piperidinoxyl‐ester (monomer T) were polymerized via ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). The ter.‐butyl‐moiety in block B could then be hydrolyzed to obtain amphiphilic block copolymers which were used as scaffolds in subsequent sol/gel‐process. The resulting block copolymers were analyzed via small angle X‐Ray scattering (SAXS) to investigate microphase separation and the sol/gel products were analyzed by X‐Ray Diffraction (XRD) to prove the formation of ordered TiO2 crystals.
Ring‐Opening Metathesis Polymerization‐Derived Monolithic Materials: Novel Syntheses and Applications
Authors: Löber Andrea , Scheibitz Bettina , Frerich Bernhard , Buchmeiser Michael R.
Published: July 2010

Summary: Selected recent accomplishments in the ring‐opening metathesis polymerization‐based synthesis of polymeric monolithic materials are summarized. Both synthetic and applicative aspects are included.
A Facile, Controlled Synthesis of Soluble Star Polymers Containing a Sugar Residue by Ring‐Opening Metathesis Polymerization (ROMP)
Authors: Otani Hisaki , Fujita Sakiko , Watanabe Yu , Fujiki Michiya , Nomura Kotohiro
Published: July 2010

Summary: Precise syntheses of soluble star polymers containing a sugar residue could be attained by adopting sequential ring‐opening metathesis polymerizations of norbornene, 1,4,4a,5,8,8a‐hexahydro‐1,4,5,8‐exo‐endo‐dimethanonaphtalene, and then 1,2:3,4‐di‐O‐isopropylidene‐α‐D‐galacto‐pyranos‐6‐O‐yl 5‐norbornene‐2‐carboxylate using Mo(CHCMe2Ph)(N‐2,6‐iPr2C6H3)(OtBu)2. The resultant polymers possessed uniform molecular weight distributions, and the Mn values could be varied by the monomer/Mo molar ratios; their spherical images were observed in the TEM micrographs.
Homobimetallic Ruthenium‐Ethylene, Vinylidene, Allenylidene, and Indenylidene Catalysts for Olefin Metathesis
Authors: Sauvage Xavier , Borguet Yannick , Demonceau Albert , Delaude Lionel
Published: July 2010

Summary: Following the discovery of bimetallic ruthenium scaffold (1), two new homobimetallic ruthenium‐N‐heterocyclic carbene complexes (2,3) were synthesized and found highly suitable for promoting ROMP, RCM, and CM reactions. Results from this study indicated that the ethylene ligand was highly labile and that adding a small amount of a terminal alkyne to the reaction media had a beneficial influence on the metathetical activity. These observations prompted us to further investigate the role of the alkyne co‐catalyst. Thus, homobimetallic ruthenium‐arene complexes bearing vinylidene (4,5), allenylidene (6), and indenylidene (7) ligands were prepared from complex 1 and propargyl alcohol derivatives. Their catalytic activities were probed in several types of olefin metathesis reactions, and they were found valuable intermediates for the safe and efficient one‐pot synthesis of the Hoveya–Grubbs isopropoxybenzylidene catalyst (8).
Platensimycin – ein neues Antibiotikum
Authors: Rüping Magnus
Published: July 2010

Der Naturstoff Platensimycin zeigt ein bemerkenswertes biologisches Profil mit neuartiger antibiotischer Wirkung. Das macht ihn zu einem attraktiven Syntheseziel, das gleich mehrere Arbeitsgruppen parallel angingen.
Chemie mit CO2
Authors: Walther Dirk
Published: July 2010

Die effiziente Umwandlung von CO2 in organische Wertstoffe ist meist eine harte Nuss für die Synthese. Selektive atomökonomische Synthesen zu entwickeln, toxische Bausteine zu ersetzen, den CO2‐Ausstoß zu vermindern – das sind dabei die Anforderungen an die Chemie, die sie in unterschiedlichem Maße erfüllt .
Themenvielfalt als Ziel
Authors: Remenyi Christian
Published: July 2010

2008 geht ChemSusChem an den Start – eine gemeinsame Zeitschrift der GDCh, der italienischen chemischen Gesellschaft und Wiley‐VCH. Die Nachrichten aus der Chemie sprachen mit Matthias Beller, Mitglied des Editorial Boards der ChemSusChem, über Ziele und Perspektiven des neuen Journals.
Uranchemie zwischen Phobie und Begeisterung
Authors: Meyer Karsten , Hauser Christina
Published: July 2010

Negative Assoziationen schüren die Unsicherheit und Angst im Umgang mit dem Element Uran – selbst bei Wissenschaftlern. Die ungewöhnlichen Bindungseigenschaften der f‐Orbitale und die spannende Koordinationschemie des Uranions lassen jedoch hoffen, dass es zu einer Belebung dieser begeisternden Forschung kommt.
So schafft Wissen Werte
Authors: Osterath Brigitte
Published: July 2010

Wie lässt sich die Kluft zwischen Akademia und Industrie überbrücken? Experten forderten auf dem Bioriver‐Kongress in Düsseldorf, in der Grundlagenforschung unternehmerischer zu denken und Wissen wirtschaftlicher zu nutzen.
Auf eigene Rechnung
Authors: Arnold Claudia , Kraft Roswitha
Published: July 2010

Nach landläufiger Vorstellung betreibt ein selbstständiger Chemiker ein kleines Analysenlabor. Doch viele Chemiker gründen ihre Existenz auch auf Gebieten, die mit Laborarbeit nichts zu tun haben. Wie viele selbstständige Chemiker es gibt, womit verdienen sie ihr Geld und was hat sie dazu bewogen, diese Laufbahn einzuschlagen?
Correlation of pretilt angles and surface chemical structures of polyimide alignment films after direct fluorination
Authors: Wang Xu , Chen, Shengliang , Yang Yijun , Chen Yi , Li Ming , Liu Xiangyang
Published: July 2010

A series of polyimides (PIs) with side chains were fabricated from 6‐(4‐phenylphenoxy)hexyl‐3,5‐diaminobenzoate of various ratios with 4,4′‐oxydianiline and 4,4′‐oxydiphthalic anhydride. After PI alignment, films were directly fluorinated using a 10 vol% fluorine/nitrogen mix. The pretilt angle of liquid crystals on the PI films is much improved to more than 20°, and can be continuously controlled by changing the side‐chain content of the PI films from 20 to 100%. The change of the pretilt angles is ascribed to the fluorinated microstructure of molecules at the surface rather than to the surface energy or surface morphology. Moreover, the improvement of rigidity and the steric repulsion of the fluorinated side chains result in an upright conformation of the side chains that leads to the high pretilt angle. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Divalent metal‐ion distribution around linear polyelectrolyte chains by continuous diafiltration: comparison of counterion condensation cell models
Authors: Palencia Manuel S , Rivas Bernabé L , Pereira Eduardo D
Published: July 2010

Concepts proposed in the two‐state model (Manning), two‐zone model (Deshkovski–Obukhov–Rubinstein) and extensions of these models based on Donnan equilibria around polyelectrolyte phases (Marinsky) were compared and discussed in terms of retention data obtained by continuous diafiltration of various linear polyelectrolyte solutions that were in contact with copper and cadmium salt solutions at pH = 6.0. Concentration and retention profiles were investigated and the metal‐ion retention values of the polymers (Rp) were compared with the respective values calculated using the theoretical assumptions of the models. An adequate connection was not observed between the two‐state model and diafiltration experiments when a null interaction between states 1 and 2 was assumed. If a Donnan equilibrium between states 1 and 2 was assumed, the metal‐ion fraction in state 1 was smaller than the Rp values obtained from the retention profiles for all systems. In contrast, a good correspondence between Rp values and the two‐zone model combined with Donnan's equilibrium was obtained by adding the weakly bound fraction of counterions around the polyelectrolyte chains. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Madin–Darby canine kidney cells are increased in aerobic glycolysis when cultured on flat and stiff collagen‐coated surfaces rather than in physiological 3‐D cultures
Authors: Pampaloni Francesco , Stelzer Ernst H. K. , Leicht Stefan , Marcello Marco
Published: July 2010

We investigate the influence of the dimensionality and the biochemistry of the culture system on the cellular functionality by analyzing the protein expression levels in Madin–Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells grown in 3‐D and 2‐D substrates. We cultured MDCK cells on a hard and flat 2‐D uncoated plastic surface, on a 2‐D collagen‐coated plastic surface and in 3‐D collagen gel and employed 2‐D gel electrophoresis, MALDI‐TOF‐MS, and LC‐MS/MS analysis to identify the differentially regulated proteins. We found significant differences in the expression of antioxidant proteins, actin‐binding proteins, glycolytic enzymes, and heat‐shock proteins/chaperons among the three types of cultures. While MDCK cells cultured in 3‐D collagen up‐regulate antioxidant proteins and proteins involved in the dynamic remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton, 2‐D collagen‐coated plastic surfaces induce the up‐regulation of glycolytic enzymes. Our data shows that the culture conditions have profound effects on the physiology of the cell. Culture in 3‐D collagen induces a differentiated polarized phenotype. In contrast, collagen‐coated 2‐D substrates favor a tumor‐like phenotype with increased glycolysis. Thus, the suitability of 2‐D cultures to study the physiological behavior of cells, especially in drug discovery, bioprocessing, and toxicology, should be carefully reconsidered.
Efficient assessment of the most important symptoms in advanced prostate cancer: the NCCN/FACT‐P Symptom Index
Authors: Victorson David E. , Beaumont Jennifer L. , Rosenbloom Sarah K. , Shevrin Daniel , Cella David
Published: July 2010

Background: Owing to the spectrum of symptoms, side effects, and concerns in clinically advanced prostate cancer (PC), effective symptom assessment is imperative. In line with recent regulatory guidance on the development of patient‐reported outcomes, we undertook a multistep/multistudy approach to develop and test a new symptom index (NCCN FACT‐Prostate Symptom Index‐17 that can be used to examine the effectiveness of noncurative treatments in advanced PC.

Methods: This included significant input from two waves of expert medical providers (n=66 and 11, respectively) and two waves of patient engagement and testing (n=50 and 24, respectively). The resulting 17‐item symptom index for advanced PC was then divided into sets or categories based on whether the symptoms are predominantly disease or treatment related.

Results: Preliminary reliability estimates suggest good internal consistency (α=0.86) and relationships with expected outside validity criteria are moderate to strong.

Conclusions: This new tool may help clinicians and researchers quickly target and measure important symptoms and concerns in advanced PC, leading to increased knowledge of treatment effectiveness of noncurative therapies and improvements in the quality of patient care. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure of human thioredoxin exhibits a large conformational change
Authors: Hall Gareth , Emsley Jonas
Published: July 2010

Thioredoxin is an oxidoreductase, which is ubiquitously present across phyla from humans to plants and bacteria. Thioredoxin reduces a variety of substrates through active site Cys 32, which is subsequently oxidized to form the intramolecular disulphide with Cys 35. The thioredoxin fold is known to be highly stable and conformational changes in the active site loops and residues Cys 32, Cys 35 have been characterized between ligand bound and free structures. We have determined a novel 2.0 Å resolution crystal structure for a human thioredoxin, which reveals a much larger conformational change than previously characterized. The principal change involves unraveling of a helix to form an extended loop that is linked to secondary changes in further loop regions and the wider area of the active site Cys 32. This gives rise to a more open conformation and an elongated hydrophobic pocket results in place of the helix. Buried residue Cys 62 from this helix becomes exposed in the open conformation. This provides a structural basis for observations that the Cys 62 sidechain can form mixed disulphides and be modified by thiol reactive small molecules.
Harnessing the power of BitTorrent for distributed denial‐of‐service attacks
Authors: Wu Lei , Harrington Jerome , Kuwanoe Corey , Zou Cliff C.
Published: July 2010

BitTorrent is a popular peer‐to‐peer (P2P) file‐sharing protocol that utilizes a central server, known as a ‘tracker’, to coordinate connections between peers in a ‘swarm’, a term used to describe a BitTorrent ad‐hocfile sharing network. The tracker of a swarm is specified by the original file distributor and trusted unconditionally by peers in the swarm. This central point of control provides an opportunity for a file distributor to deploy a modified tracker to provide peers in a swarm with malicious coordination data, directing peer connection traffic toward an arbitrary target machine on an arbitrary service port. Although such an attack does not generate huge amount of attack traffic, it would set up many connections with the victim server successfully, which could cause serious denial‐of‐service by exhausting the victim server's connection resource. In this paper, we present and demonstrate such an attack that is entirely tracker‐based, requiring no modifications to BitTorrent client software and could be deployed by an attacker right now. The results from both emulation and real‐world experiments show the applicability of this attack. Due to the skyrocketing popularity of BitTorrent and numerous large‐scale swarms existed in the Internet, BitTorrent swarms provide an intriguing platform for launching distributed denial‐of‐service (DDoS) attacks based on connection exhaustion. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A study on the prevention of sniffing nodes in mobilead hocnetworks
Authors: Su Ming‐Yang , Yeh Sheng‐Cheng
Published: July 2010

Traditionally, a sniffing attack is classified as a passive attack, as it follows all regular protocols without generating any forged messages, simply silently sniffing packets and retrieving valuable information. In mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs), some malicious applications can only work when the resided node is in sniffing mode, and performs the same routing protocol as other normal nodes. This paper proposes a modified Ad hoc On‐demand Distance Vector (AODV) routing protocol for the detection and isolation of sniffing nodes in MANETs, so as to prevent such sniffing‐based malicious applications. With the proposed protocol, sniffing nodes in MANETs can be found and isolated by their neighboring nodes, ensuring the failure of follow‐up attacks. In this study, the NS‐2 simulation tool was used to evaluate the designed routing protocol. The results showed that the proposed protocol could effectively detect and isolate sniffing nodes, and would not cause significant network overhead. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Medical biometrics in mobile health monitoring
Authors: Agrafioti Foteini , Bui Francis M. , Hatzinakos Dimitrios
Published: July 2010

This work investigates the feasibility of ECG‐based identity management in mobile health monitoring applications. A body area network that operates in conjunction with ECG biometric recognition is explored for mobile monitoring of patients, rescuers, pilots, soldiers, or field agents in general. Among the major challenges of this technology is the stability of the signals over the monitoring duration. Time dependency is responsible for ECG destabilization, which becomes a significant issue for reliable monitoring. We propose a novel framework that addresses this inadequacy, by updating a gallery template when feature matching is compromised. In addition, strategies for tackling privacy issues in medical data management are proposed. A protocol level solution is discussed, to deal with the ethical issues of this technology. An automatic way of aggregating and managing personal information is presented, designated to operate on the basis of anonymity. The experimental performance measured over long‐ECG recordings demonstrates promising results. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MAX–MIN aggregation in wireless sensor networks: mechanism and modeling
Authors: Deng Hanlin , Zhang Baoxian , Li Cheng , Huang Kui , Liu Haitao
Published: July 2010

In‐network aggregation is crucial in the design of a wireless sensor network (WSN) due to the potential redundancy in the data collected by sensors. Based on the characteristics of sensor data and the requirements of WSN applications, data can be aggregated by using different functions. MAX—MIN aggregation is one such aggregation function that works to extract the maximum and minimum readings among all the sensors in the network or the sensors in a concerned region. MAX—MIN aggregation is a critical operation in many WSN applications. In this paper, we propose an effective mechanism for MAX—MIN aggregation in a WSN, which is called Sensor MAX—MIN Aggregation (SMMA). SMMA aggregates data in an energy‐efficient manner and outputs the accurate aggregate result. We build an analytical model to analyze the performance of SMMA as well as to optimize its parameter settings. Simulation results are used to validate our models and also evaluate the performance of SMMA. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prediction‐based cluster management for target tracking in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Teng Jing , Snoussi Hichem , Richard Cédric
Published: July 2010

The key impediments to a successful wireless sensor network (WSN) application are the energy and the longevity constraints of sensor nodes. Therefore, two signal processing oriented cluster management strategies, the proactive and the reactive cluster management, are proposed to efficiently deal with these constraints. The former strategy is designed for heterogeneous WSNs, where sensors are organized in a static clustering architecture. A non‐myopic cluster activation rule is realized to reduce the number of hand‐off operations between clusters, while maintaining desired estimation accuracy. The proactive strategy minimizes the hardware expenditure and the total energy consumption. On the other hand, the main concern of the reactive strategy is to maximize the network longevity of homogeneous WSNs. A Dijkstra‐like algorithm is proposed to dynamically form active cluster based on the relation between the predictive target distribution and the candidate sensors, considering both the energy efficiency and the data relevance. By evenly distributing the energy expenditure over the whole network, the objective of maximizing the network longevity is achieved. The simulations evaluate and compare the two proposed strategies in terms of tracking accuracy, energy consumption and execution time. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wind turbine downtime and its importance for offshore deployment
Authors: Faulstich S. , Hahn B. , Tavner P. J.
Published: July 2010

While the performance and the efficiency of wind turbines and their energy yields have been improved with time, their reliability still needs improvement, particularly when considering their deployment offshore.

IWES has been gathering operational experience from wind turbines since 1989, being involved in different projects dealing with the topic of availability and reliability. This paper draws statistical data from Germany's ‘250 MW Wind’ programme, evaluated by IWES. The prime objective of the survey was to extract information about the reliability characteristics of wind turbines. The main purpose of this paper is to discuss the frequency of failures and duration of downtimes for different wind turbine subassemblies based on existing onshore experience and point out the likely outcomes when turbines are deployed offshore. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The roles of TTP and BRF proteins in regulated mRNA decay
Authors: Sanduja Sandhya , Blanco Fernando F. , Dixon Dan A.
Published: July 2010

Adenylate‐ and uridylate‐rich element (ARE) motifs are cis‐acting elements present in the 3′ untranslated region of mRNA transcripts that encode many inflammation‐ and cancer‐associated genes. The TIS11 family of RNA‐binding proteins, composed of tristetraprolin (TTP) and butyrate response factors 1 and 2 (BRF‐1 and ‐2), plays a critical role in regulating the expression of ARE‐containing mRNAs. Through their ability to bind and target ARE‐containing mRNAs for rapid degradation, this class of RNA‐binding proteins serves a fundamental role in limiting the expression of a number of critical genes, thereby exerting anti‐inflammatory and anti‐cancer effects. Regulation of TIS11 family members occurs on a number of levels through cellular signaling events to control their transcription, mRNA turnover, phosphorylation status, cellular localization, association with other proteins, and proteosomal degradation, all of which impact TIS11 members' ability to promote ARE‐mediated mRNA decay along with decay‐independent functions. This review summarizes our current understanding of posttranscriptional regulation of ARE‐containing gene expression by TIS11 family members and discusses their role in maintaining normal physiological processes and the pathological consequences in their absence. WIREs RNA 2011 2 42–57 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.28

This article is categorized under:

RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Turnover/Surveillance Mechanisms

RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Regulation of RNA Stability

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
Systematic Review of the Use of a Mesh to Prevent Parastomal Hernia
Authors: Tam Ka‐Wai , Wei Po‐Li , Kuo Li‐Jen , Wu Chih‐Hsiung
Published: July 2010

Background

Parastomal hernia is a major complication after stoma placement. Surgical procedures for repairing parastomal hernia are difficult and their failure rate is high. The use of a mesh implanted at the primary operation has shown promising results. Therefore, we performed a systematic review of the literature to evaluate the results of the placement of mesh at the time of stoma formation with the aim of preventing parastomal hernia.

Methods

The Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched using the keywords “parastomal or paracolostomy hernia.” Data regarding the incidence of hernia, the operative parameters, including mesh placement and types, and complications, including infection, stoma necrosis, and stenosis, were used and analyzed to evaluate the use of prophylactic mesh at the time of stoma formation.

Results

Three randomized controlled trials, three prospective observational series, and one retrospective study were selected and summarized. During the follow‐up period (observation time of 1–83 months), parastomal hernia was present in 32/58 patients (55%) who did not have mesh placement and in 14/179 patients (7.82%) in whom mesh was used. Meta‐analysis of three randomized controlled trials showed that prophylactic use of the mesh significantly diminished the incidence of parastomal hernia (p < 0.0001). Postoperative morbidity levels were similar whether the mesh was placed or not.

Conclusion

Prophylactic use of mesh at the time of stoma formation is a safe procedure and reduces the risk of parastomal hernia. For more detailed evaluation, additional large, double‐blinded, randomized controlled trials with long‐term follow‐up are necessary.
Monitoring tiger populations using intensive search in a capture–recapture framework
Authors: Sharma Rishi Kumar , Jhala Yadvendradev V.
Published: July 2010

Tigers (Panthera tigris) today face multiple threats to their survival in the form of habitat loss, poaching, depletion of wild prey through illegal hunting and loss of connectivity between populations. Monitoring of tigers is crucial to evaluate their status and react adaptively to management problems. Though camera traps are becoming increasingly popular with researchers enumerating cryptic and elusive animals, they have not been embedded in the regular management activities of tiger reserves. Tiger monitoring, though an important part of the management, is usually implemented using the unreliable pugmark approach. Camera trap‐based studies are few, usually of short duration, and are generally conducted by individual scientists and organizations. In this study, we integrate photographic mark–recapture with the routine activity of searching and locating tigers for tourist viewing by the park management in meadows of Kanha Tiger Reserve which form a part of the tourism zone. We validate the density estimates from “tiger search approach” against those obtained from camera trapping and radio‐telemetry conducted in conjunction in the same area. Tiger density ((SE []) per 100 km2for camera traps and tiger search, respectively, was estimated at 12.0 (1.95) and 12.0 (1.76) when effective trapping area was estimated using the half mean maximum distance moved (½ MMDM), 7.6 (1.94) and 7.5 (1.97) using the home range radius, 7.3 (1.49) and 7.5 (1.97) with the full MMDM, and 8.0 (3.0) and 6.88 (2.39) with the spatial likelihood method in Program DENSITY 4.1. Camera trapping, however, was five times more expensive than the tiger search method. Our study suggests that “tiger search approach” can be used as a regular monitoring tool in the tourism zones of tiger reserves, where often most of the source populations are located.
The Management of Patients on Dual Antiplatelet Therapy Undergoing Orthopedic Surgery
Authors: Kim Han Jo , Levin Lawrence F.
Published: July 2010

Cardiovascular disease is prevalent in patients undergoing orthopedic surgery. Many patients who have undergone previous percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stenting are on dual antiplatelet therapy in order to minimize the risk of stent thrombosis. The optimal management of these patients in the perioperative setting remains unclear. We aim to provide information about the management of patients who have undergone a PCI with stents who are subsequently indicated for an orthopedic procedure. We will review the concerns from a cardiologist's and orthopedic surgeon's perspective in regards to the management of these patients in the perioperative setting. In addition, the current American Heart Association, American College of Cardiology, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, and American College of Surgeons guidelines are reviewed. The decision to discontinue dual antiplatelet therapy in a patient who has undergone a PCI with stent should be made only after careful review of the risks for thrombosis and bleeding. Best practice suggests that these risks should be jointly assessed by the orthopedic surgeon and cardiologist. Those patients with stents at high risk of thrombosis should have surgery delayed if possible. There is little data supporting a significantly increased bleeding risk associated with mortality in orthopedic patients when antiplatelet therapy is continued perioperatively.
Flying through congested airspaces: imaging of chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Farina Davide , Ravanelli Marco , Borghesi Andrea , Maroldi Roberto
Published: July 2010

The complex regional anatomy of the nose and paranasal sinuses makes the interpretation of imaging studies of these structures intimidating to many radiologists. This paper aims to provide a key to interpretation by presenting a simplified approach to the functional anatomy of the paranasal sinuses and their most common (and most relevant) variants. This knowledge is basic for the full understanding of chronic rhinosinusitis and its computed tomography (CT) patterns. As fungal infections may be observed in the setting of chronic rhinosinusitis, these are also discussed. Chronic sinus inflammation produces bone changes, clearly depicted on CT images. Finally, clues to suspecting neoplastic lesions underlying inflammatory sinus conditions are provided.
Central Cambridge
Authors: Taylor Kevin , H. R. H. The Prince Philip
Published: July 2010

The fully revised and updated second edition of this best-selling guidebook is intended for all visitors to Cambridge, and for anyone with an interest in the University. Combining an accessible style with accuracy of fact and a wealth of historical detail, it can be used to accompany a walking tour or read at leisure as an authoritative introduction. The second edition is packed with newly commissioned colour photographs by Japanese artist and photographer Hiroshi Shimura, as well as fresh maps and added information about the buildings and developments of recent years. Central attractions receive full entries, and the book also offers historical descriptions of all the outer-lying colleges, making it a comprehensive survey of the collegiate University. There is an informative introduction, a list of colleges with foundation dates, a substantial glossary and index, and a list of further reading material, all extended and updated for this edition.
The Settler Economies
Authors: Mosley Paul
Published: July 2010

The economic history of developing countries, particularly the former colonies, has become polarized between two ideologies. The apologists for colonialism have emphasized the stimulus given to the indigenous economy by the introduction of foreign capital; the 'underdevelopment theorists' have turned this interpretation on its head and represented the relationship as being, particularly in 'settler colonies' such as Kenya and Zimbabwe, one not of stimulus but of rape and plunder. In this study, Dr Mosley considers the economies of colonial Kenya and Southern Rhodesia and argues, in the light of recently assembled statistical data, that the truth is more complex than either of these simple interpretations allows. At the level of policy, most white producers acknowledged that they could not afford to let 'white mate black in a very few moves': they needed his cheap labour, cattle and maize too much to wish to damage seriously the peasant economy that sustained them.
The Selection of Design
Authors: Glegg
Published: July 2010

Mr Glegg writes about the adventure of inventing: where to begin, how to think about a problem, what principles to apply in tackling it, choosing between one possible design and another, and so on. He takes the reader through each of these stages in turn, illuminating his discussion with often highly entertaining examples from his own wide experience as an inventor, consulting engineer, company director and university teacher. Although he here adopts a more systematic approach than in his earlier book, The Design of Design, Mr Glegg's evident enjoyment of engineering is still apparent and is communicated to the reader. It is a book that will be especially helpful to the young designer who lacks experience and self-confidence, while also appealing to the old hand, who will find that he still has something fresh to learn from it.
China's Struggle for Status
Authors: Deng Yong
Published: July 2010

At the end of the Cold War the People's Republic of China found itself in an international crisis, facing severe problems in both domestic politics and foreign policy. Nearly two decades later, Yong Deng provides an original account of China's remarkable rise from the periphery to the center stage of the post-Cold War world. Deng examines how the once beleaguered country has adapted to, and proactively realigned, the international hierarchy, great-power politics, and its regional and global environment in order to carve out an international path within the globalized world. Creatively engaging with mainstream international relations theories and drawing extensively from original Chinese material, this is a well-grounded assessment of the promises and challenges of China's struggle to manage the interlacing of its domestic and international transitions and the interactive process between its rise and evolving world politics.
China since Tiananmen
Authors: Fewsmith Joseph
Published: July 2010

China Since Tiananmen is the first book to look comprehensively at the intellectual and political trends in the decade since the Tiananmen Incident (1989) to assess the ways in which China has changed. Fewsmith looks on the one hand at the intellectual critique of the enlightenment tradition, which had previously held a sacrosanct position in the thinking of liberal intellectuals since the May Fourth Movement of 1919, to explain the rise of neo-conservatism and nationalism over the past decade. On the other hand, he examines the maneuverings of elite political actors to understand the constraints they operate under and how the conduct of elite politics has changed since Tiananmen. Together, these two approaches give a more comprehensive and realistic assessment of the forces that drive China today. These trends are of great importance for anyone trying to understand Sino-US relations.
The Direct Method
Authors: Croft Alice M.
Published: July 2010

In his article on ‘Latin for To-day’ Mr. Coates has used several sentences about the Direct Method which show that he does not understand its principles or practice. This is a matter of public concern, for such statements can mislead the reader and so hinder the good teaching of Latin. They cannot therefore be allowed to go unrefuted.
Epidemiological investigation of aMycobacterium aviumsubsp.hominissuisoutbreak in swine
Authors: ÁLVAREZ J. , CASTELLANOS E. , ROMERO B. , ARANAZ A. , BEZOS J. , RODRÍGUEZ S. , MATEOS A. , DOMÍNGUEZ L. , DE JUAN L.
Published: July 2010

Mycobacterium aviumsubsp.hominissuis(MAH) infection in swine may cause granulomatous lesions in lymph nodes that must undergo differential diagnosis with those caused byM. tuberculosiscomplex members. Moreover, MAH outbreaks can lead to severe economic losses due to condemnation of carcasses. A number of potential sources of infection for animals can usually be identified in contaminated farms. This report describes the application of several molecular characterization techniques in order to identify the possible environmental sources of MAH infection in an outbreak involving four breeding farms and six fattening farms. Molecular profiles obtained from MAH strains suggested a likely epidemiological link between clinical and environmental isolates cultured from sawdust and cooling systems from one breeding farm. These results highlight the potential risk posed by these environmental elements in the spread of infection and the need for implementation of adequate management practices in order to minimize this risk.
Longitude dependences of energetic H+ and O+ at Saturn
Authors: Carbary J. F. , Hamilton D. C. , Christon S. P. , Mitchell D. G. , Krimigis S. M.
Published: July 2010

The charge‐energy‐mass spectrometer instrument in the Cassini spacecraft measured differential fluxes of protons (2.8–236 keV) and oxygen ions (8.8–236 keV) from July 2004 to August 2007. The fluxes were bin‐averaged in Saturn longitude system (SLS) longitude within ±5 RS of the equator and between 8 and 12 RS in radial distance (1 RS = 60,238 km) to determine their global morphology. The 3‐year time period is the range of validity of the SLS, which is based on a variable period of Saturn kilometric radiation. Fluxes at all energies of H+ and O+ display an essentially sinusoidal variation in longitude, often with peak‐to‐trough ratios of 2:1. For E < 77 keV, the maxima are consistently at ∼70° longitude (the minima are at ∼230°). For E > 77 keV; the maxima shift to ∼250°. The ion distributions closely resemble those of energetic neutral hydrogen and neutral oxygen atoms observed by the ion neutral camera onboard Cassini.