bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Giant-cell tumour of the synovium in a facet joint in the thoracic spine of a child
Authors: Gupta R. , Jambhekar N. , Sanghvi D.
Published: February 2008

Giant-cell tumour of the synovium is known to affect the fingers or toes of adults. It has seldom been described in the spine and rarely in the thoracic vertebrae or in a child. The lesions of giant-cell tumour of the synovium have a classical radiological appearance, but require a high index of suspicion for correct recognition. Unlike giant-cell tumour of the synovium at other well-known sites, spinal lesions lack the characteristic papillary architecture, thereby raising other diagnostic possibilities. We describe a giant-cell tumour of the synovium of the left facet joint of a thoracic vertebra in a nine-year-old girl. The tumour was treated successfully by surgical excision.
Long-term outcome of a transglenoid suture technique for anterior shoulder instability in young adults
Authors: Söderlund T. , Mattila V. M. , Visuri T. I. , Pihlajamäki H. K.
Published: February 2008

We reviewed the outcome of arthroscopic stabilisation of anterior glenohumeral instability in young adults using the transglenoid suture technique. A questionnaire was sent to 455 consecutive patients who had undergone this procedure between 1992 and 2000. Of these, 312 patients (68.5%) with 313 affected shoulders and a mean age of 20 years (18 to 28) responded.

Outcome was determined by the number of re-dislocations or, in patients who had not re-dislocated, by the disease-specific quality of life as measured by the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability index. During a mean follow-up of 6.4 years (1 to 14), 177 patients (56%) sustained a re-dislocation, including 70 who required a further operation. In 136 patients (44%) who reported neither re-dislocation nor re-operation, the index scores were good (median 90.4%; 28.9% to 100%). No significant peri- or pre-operative predictors of re-dislocation or re-operation were found.

We found a high rate of re-dislocation after transglenoid suture repair in young, physically active patients.
Successful treatment of a chronically infected and necrotic tendo Achillis in a diabetic with excision, flexor hallucis longus transfer and split-skin grafting
Authors: Pearce C. J. , Sexton S. , Gerrard D. , Hatrick A. , Solan M.
Published: February 2008

Chronic infections and ulceration around the tendo Achillis are difficult to manage. Split-skin grafts do not survive even on healthy exposed tendon. Refractory cases may require plastic surgical intervention with the use of free flaps. Patients with significant vascular disease are not suitable for such techniques. Flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer is an established treatment for chronic ruptures of the tendo Achillis.

We report the successful treatment of an infected tendo Achillis with excision and reconstruction with flexor hallucis longus transfer. The muscle belly of this tendon allowed later skin grafting while the tendon transfer provided good functional recovery.
Cholinergic-Mediated IP3-Receptor Activation Induces Long-Lasting Synaptic Enhancement in CA1 Pyramidal Neurons
Authors: de Sevilla David Fernández , Núñez Angel , Borde Michel , Malinow Roberto , Buño Washington
Published: February 2008

Cholinergic–glutamatergic interactions influence forms of synaptic plasticity that are thought to mediate memory and learning. We testedin vitrothe induction of long-lasting synaptic enhancement at Schaffer collaterals by acetylcholine (ACh) at the apical dendrite of CA1 pyramidal neurons andin vivoby stimulation of cholinergic afferents.In vitroACh induced a Ca2+wave and synaptic enhancement mediated by insertion of AMPA receptors in spines. Activation of muscarinic ACh receptors (mAChRs) and Ca2+release from inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)-sensitive stores were required for this synaptic enhancement that was insensitive to blockade of NMDA receptors and also triggered by IP3uncaging. Activation of cholinergic afferentsin vivoinduced an analogous atropine-sensitive synaptic enhancement. We describe a novel form of synaptic enhancement (LTPIP3) that is inducedin vitroandin vivoby activation of mAChRs. We conclude that Ca2+released from postsynaptic endoplasmic reticulum stores is the critical event in the induction of this unique form of long-lasting synaptic enhancement.
Intron-3 Retention/Splicing Controls Neuronal Expression of Apolipoprotein E in the CNS
Authors: Xu Qin , Walker David , Bernardo Aubrey , Brodbeck Jens , Balestra Maureen E. , Huang Yadong
Published: February 2008

Neuronal expression of apolipoprotein (apo) E4 may contribute to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In studying how apoE expression is regulated in neurons, we identified a splicing variant of apoE mRNA with intron-3 retention (apoE-I3). ApoE-I3 mRNA was detected in neuronal cell lines and primary neurons, but not in astrocytic cell lines or primary astrocytes, from humans and mice by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR. In both wild-type and human apoE knock-in mice, apoE-I3 was found predominantly in cortical and hippocampal neurons byin situhybridization. Cell fractionation and quantitative RT-PCR revealed that over 98% of the apoE-I3 mRNA was retained in the nucleus without protein translation. In transfected primary neurons, apoE expression increased dramatically when intron-3 was deleted from a genomic DNA construct and decreased markedly when intron-3 was inserted into a cDNA construct, suggesting that intron-3 retention/splicing controls apoE expression in neurons. In response to excitotoxic challenge, the apoE-I3 mRNA was markedly increased in morphologically normal hippocampal neurons but reduced in degenerating hippocampal neurons in mice; apoE mRNA showed the opposite pattern. This apparent precursor–product relationship between apoE-I3 and apoE mRNA was supported by a transcriptional inhibition study. Thus, neuronal expression of apoE is controlled by transcription of apoE-I3 under normal conditions and by processing of apoE-I3 into mature apoE mRNA in response to injury.
Thermodynamic Regulation of NKCC1-Mediated Cl−Cotransport Underlies Plasticity of GABAASignaling in Neonatal Neurons
Authors: Brumback Audrey C. , Staley Kevin J.
Published: February 2008

In the adult brain, chloride (Cl−) influx through GABAAreceptors is an important mechanism of synaptic inhibition. However, under a variety of circumstances, including acquired epilepsy, neuropathic pain, after trains of action potentials or trauma, and during normal early brain development, GABAAreceptor activation excites neurons by gating Cl−efflux because the intracellular Cl−concentration (Cli) is elevated. These findings require an inducible, active mechanism of chloride accumulation. We used gramicidin-perforated patch recordings to characterize Cl−transport via NKCC1, the principal neuronal Cl−accumulator, in neonatal CA1 pyramidal neurons. NKCC1 activity was required to maintain elevated Clisuch that GABAAreceptor activation was depolarizing. Kinetic analysis of NKCC1 revealed reversible transmembrane Cl−transport characterized by a large maximum velocity (vmax) and high affinity (Km), so that NKCC1 transport was limited only by the net electrochemical driving force for Na+, K+, and Cl−. At the steady-state Cli, NKCC1 was at thermodynamic equilibrium, and there was no evidence of net Cl−transport. Trains of action potentials that have been previously shown to induce persistent changes in neuronalECl(reversal potential for Cl−) did not altervmaxorKmof NKCC1. Rather, action potentials shifted the thermodynamic set point, the steady-state Cliat which there was no net NKCC1-mediated Cl−transport. The persistent increase in Clirequired intact α2/α3 Na+-K+-ATPase activity, indicating that trains of action potentials reset the thermodynamic equilibrium for NKCC1 transport by lowering Nai. Activity-induced changes in Na+-K+-ATPase activity comprise a novel mechanism for persistent alterations in synaptic signaling mediated by GABA.
Light Adaptation in Salamander L-Cone Photoreceptors
Authors: Soo Frederick S. , Detwiler Peter B. , Rieke Fred
Published: February 2008

The responses of individual salamander L-cones to light steps of moderate intensity (bleaching 0.3–3% of the total photopigment) and duration (between 5 and 90 s) were recorded using suction electrodes. Light initially suppressed the circulating current, which partially recovered or “sagged” over several seconds. The sensitivity of the cone to dim flashes decreased rapidly after light onset and approached a minimum within 500 ms. Background light did not affect the rising phase of the dim flash response, a measure of the initial gain of phototransduction. When the light was extinguished, the circulating current transiently exceeded or “overshot” its level in darkness. During the overshoot, the sensitivity of the cone required several seconds to recover. The sag and overshoot remained in voltage-clamped cones. Comparison with theory suggests that three mechanisms cause the sag, overshoot, and slow recovery of sensitivity after the light step: a gradual increase in the rate of inactivation of the phototransduction cascade during the light step, residual activity of the transduction cascade after the step is extinguished, and an increase in guanylate cyclase activity during the light step that persists after the light is extinguished.
Exendin-4 Protects β-Cells From Interleukin-1β–Induced Apoptosis by Interfering With the c-Jun NH2-Terminal Kinase Pathway
Authors: Ferdaoussi Mourad , Abdelli Saida , Yang Jiang-Yan , Cornu Marion , Niederhauser Guy , Favre Dimitri , Widmann Christian , Regazzi Romano , Thorens Bernard , Waeber Gérard , Abderrahmani Amar
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVE— The pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β) generates pancreatic β-cells apoptosis mainly through activation of the c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway. This study was designed to investigate whether the long-acting agonist of the hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor exendin-4 (ex-4), which mediates protective effects against cytokine-induced β-cell apoptosis, could interfere with the JNK pathway.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— Isolated human, rat, and mouse islets and the rat insulin-secreting INS-1E cells were incubated with ex-4 in the presence or absence of IL-1β. JNK activity was assessed by solid-phase JNK kinase assay and quantification of c-Jun expression. Cell apoptosis was determined by scoring cells displaying pycnotic nuclei.

RESULTS— Ex-4 inhibited induction of the JNK pathway elicited by IL-1β. This effect was mimicked with the use of cAMP-raising agents isobutylmethylxanthine and forskolin and required activation of the protein kinase A. Inhibition of the JNK pathway by ex-4 or IBMX and forskolin was concomitant with a rise in the levels of islet-brain 1 (IB1), a potent blocker of the stress-induced JNK pathway. In fact, ex-4 as well as IBMX and forskolin induced expression of IB1 at the promoter level through cAMP response element binding transcription factor 1. Suppression of IB1 levels with the use of RNA interference strategy impaired the protective effects of ex-4 against apoptosis induced by IL-1β.

CONCLUSIONS— The data establish the requirement of IB1 in the protective action of ex-4 against apoptosis elicited by IL-1β and highlight the GLP-1 mimetics as new potent inhibitors of the JNK signaling induced by cytokines.
Catalytic Hydrogenation of α‐Iminophosphonates as a Method for the Synthesis of Racemic and Optically Active α‐Aminophosphonates
Authors: Goulioukina Nataliya S. , Bondarenko Grigorii N. , Lyubimov Sergey E. , Davankov Vadim A. , Gavrilov Konstantin N. , Beletskaya Irina P.
Published: February 2008

It was shown that the catalytic hydrogenation of α‐iminophosphonates by molecular hydrogen can serve as a convenient method for the synthesis of racemic and optically active α‐aminophosphonates. Up to 94% ee was achieved in the rhodium‐catalyzed enantioselective hydrogenation using chiral ligand (R)‐BINAP.
Ex‐situ concept for toughening the RTMable BMI matrix composites. II. Improving the compression after impact
Authors: Cheng Qunfeng , Fang Zhengping , Yi Xiao‐Su , An Xuefeng , Tang Bangming , Xu Yahong
Published: February 2008

The compression after impact (CAI) properties of bismaleimide (BMI) matrix composites manufactured by resin transfer molding (RTM) were significantly improved by ex‐situ RTM technique. The thermoplastic polyetherketone with a functional group of phenolphthalein (PAEK) was used as toughener. The optical microscopy images of the cross‐section of post‐impact specimens revealed that the delamination resistance of specimens toughened through ex‐situ RTM technique was dramatically improved. The energy absorption mechanism of composites toughened through ex‐situ RTM technique was changed from the delamination to fiber fracture, which contributed to the improvement in CAI. The particle microstructure in interlaminar region of composites toughened through ex‐situ RTM technique revealed that a reaction‐induced phase decomposition and inversion happened in the interlaminar region. The BMI particles were surrounded with the PAEK phase, which can significantly improve the delamination resistance of composites. The in‐plane static mechanical properties of G827/BMI composite toughened through ex‐situ RTM technique were very well kept. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Publication trends in behavioral gerontology in the past 25 years: are the elderly still an understudied population in behavioral research?
Authors: Buchanan Jeffrey , Husfeldt Jeremy , Berg Tiffany , Houlihan Daniel
Published: February 2008

The case is made that issues facing the elderly are problems of social importance that should be of interest to applied behavior analysts. An electronic review of eight prominent behaviorally‐oriented journals was conducted in order to examine the frequency of publications over the past 25 years that were concerned with issues related to aging. A total of 109 articles were devoted to aging across the eight journals, with about 30% of these involving participants with cognitive impairments. Results also indicate that each of these journals has published less than one article per year related to aging. The role behavior analysts can play in serving both the elderly and their caregivers is discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simple HPLC‐UV determination of nucleosides and its application to the authentication of Cordyceps and its allies
Authors: Ikeda Rie , Nishimura Miho , Sun Yen , Wada Mitsuhiro , Nakashima Kenichiro
Published: February 2008

A simple HPLC‐UV method combined with a simple extraction procedure of nucleosides (adenosine, cordycepin, 2′‐deoxyadenosine, guanosine and uridine) was developed and applied to the authentication of Cordyceps and its allies. The separation was performed on a C18 column by isocratic elution with acetonitrile–water, and UV detection at 260 nm. The amounts of adenosine, cordycepin, 2′‐deoxyadenosine, guanosine and uridine in Cordyceps were 0.28–14.15, 0.006–6.36, 0.01–0.14, 0.68–14.79 and 0.19–20.29 mg/g, respectively. Among the nucleosides studied, cordycepin was characteristically included in Cordyceps militaris (L.) Link. (CM), which is one of key Cordyceps allies, and might be a good marker for authenticating CM. The ratio of nucleosides to adenosine contents in Cordyceps seemed to be a useful marker for authentication and quality control of Cordyceps. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Update on Atrial Fibrillation: Part I
Authors: Savelieva Irina , Camm John
Published: February 2008

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an epidemic, affecting 1% to 1.5% of the population in the developed world. Projected data from the population‐based studies suggest that the prevalence of AF will grow at least 3‐fold by 2050. The health and economic burden imposed by AF and AF‐related morbidity is enormous.

Atrial fibrillation has a multiplicity of causes ranging from genetic to degenerative, but hypertension and heart failure are the commonest and epidemiologically most prevalent conditions associated with AF as both have been shown to create an arrhythmogenic substrate. Several theories emerged regarding the mechanism of AF, which can be combined into two groups: the single focus hypothesis and the multiple sources hypothesis. Several lines of evidence point to the relevance of both hypotheses to the mechanism of AF, probably with a different degree of involvement depending on the variety of AF (paroxysmal or persistent). Sustained AF alters electrophysiological and structural properties of the atrial myocardium such that the atria become more susceptible to the initiation and maintenance of the arrhythmia, a process known as atrial remodeling. Angiotensin II has been recognized as a key element in atrial remodeling in association with AF opening the possibility of exploitation of “upstream” therapies to prevent or delay atrial remodeling.

The clinical significance of AF lies predominantly in a 5‐fold increased risk of stroke. The limitations of warfarin prompted the development of new antithrombotic drugs, which include anticoagulants, such as direct oral thrombin inhibitors (dabigatran) and factor Xa inhibitors (rivaroxaban, apixaban). Novel mechanical approaches for the prevention of cardioembolic stroke have recently been evaluated: percutaneous left atrial appendage occluders, minimally invasive surgical isolation of the left atrial appendage, and implantation of carotid filtering devices. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Improving antibiotic utilization among hospitalists: A pilot academic detailing project with a public health approach
Authors: Kisuule Flora , Wright Scott , Barreto Jason , Zenilman Jonathan
Published: February 2008

BACKGROUND

Inappropriate use of antibiotics is a major clinical problem and public health concern. We developed and implemented a pilot hospitalist‐delivered academic detailing intervention to improve the patterns of antibiotic prescribing for inpatients.

OBJECTIVE

To improve antibiotic prescribing patterns on the hospitalist service of an academic medical center.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Hospitalist practitioners were recruited to participate in this pre‐ and postintervention pilot study at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center (JHBMC). Public health principles for creating a conceptual framework based on behavioral change theory were used in developing the intervention.

METHODS

Antibiotic prescribing patterns of 17 hospitalist practitioners were retrospectively reviewed. Antimicrobial prescriptions were classified as appropriate, effective but inappropriate, or inappropriate. A profile was assembled for each hospitalist, and an academic detailing intervention session was arranged. The session reviewed inappropriate prescribing practices as well as current practice guidelines. After the detailing meeting, the prescribing patterns of the hospitalists were followed prospectively.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The main outcome measures were the proportions of antibiotics prescribed inappropriately before the intervention, during the detailing period, and after the intervention.

RESULTS

Seventeen hospitalist practitioners who participated in the study. A total of 247 prescriptions were reviewed in the preintervention and 129 prescriptions in the postintervention period. Prior to academic detailing, 43% (95% CI 37%‐49%) of the prescriptions were appropriate and 57% (95% CI 51%‐63%) were inappropriate. After the intervention, 74% (95% CI 65%‐81%) of the prescriptions were appropriate and 26% (95% CI 19%‐35%) were inappropriate; P < .0001.

CONCLUSIONS

A carefully planned and methodically executed intervention can result in behavior change, even among busy hospitalists. The academic detailing intervention, which included a practice‐based learning component, improved antibiotic prescribing practices of hospitalists at JHBMC. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2008;3:64–70. © 2008 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Chemical mechanism of surface‐enhanced resonance Raman scattering via charge transfer in pyridine–Ag2 complex
Authors: Sun Mengtao , Wan Songbo , Liu Yajun , Jia Yu , Xu Hongxing
Published: February 2008

A theoretical model is presented to describe the chemical mechanism of surface‐enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS) via charge transfer (CT) in the pyridine–Ag2 complex. We first describe the influence of the interaction between the metal cluster and pyridine to the ground‐state properties of the pyridine–Ag2 complex, such as charge redistribution, the change of the atomic‐resolved density of state, and the change of energy levels of occupied and unoccupied molecular orbitals. Second, we visualize the CT between the metal cluster and pyridine and within the intracluster on the electronic state transitions with charge difference density. The CT between the metal cluster and pyridine is the direct evidence of chemical mechanism for SERRS. Third, the spectra of SERRS are calculated with different incident light wavelengths that resonate with the different electronic state energy levels, and the enhanced intensities of different vibrational modes are compared, which show that there are different enhancement rates for different vibrational modes. Strong Raman scattering can be achieved not only by the CT between pyridine and the metal cluster but also by electronic intracluster excitation via a type of Förster excitation transfer, and the latter results from the local field effects by collective plasmons. The selection rules for the SERRS have been obtained for these two types of enhanced mechanisms. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Erratum: Mass‐selective vibrational spectroscopy of vanadium oxide cluster ions
Authors: Asmis Knut R. , Sauer Joachim
Published: February 2008

The above article was published in K.T. Asmis and J. Sauer, Mass Spectrometry Reviews 2007, 26:542–562.

On p. 558, right column, line 10 from bottom, the reference “(Santambrogio et al., 2007)”should be replaced by “(Santambrogio et al., 2006).”

On p. 561, the reference “Santambrogio G, Brümmer M, Wöste L, Döbler J, Sierka M, Sauer J, Meijer G, Asmis KR. 2007. Gas Phase Infrared Spectroscopy of Mass‐Selected Vanadium Oxide Cluster Anions. Submitted to J Chem Phys.”

Should be replaced by “Santambrogio G, Brümmer M, Wöste L, Döbler J, Sierka M, Sauer J, Meijer G, Asmis KR. 2006. Gas Phase Vibrational Spectroscopy of Mass‐Selected Vanadium Oxide Cluster Anions. In preparation.”
Influence of non‐random incorporation of Mn ions on the magnetotransport properties of Ga1–xMnxAs alloys
Authors: Michel C. , Elm M. T. , Baranovskii S. D. , Thomas P. , Heimbrodt W. , Goldlücke B. , Klar P. J.
Published: February 2008

We study theoretically the influence of a spatially nonrandom incorporation of Mn ions on the magnetotransport in paramagnetic Ga1–x Mnx As alloys. Such a nonrandomness may be introduced during post‐growth annealing treatment. We use a resistor‐network model for describing the electrical transport of this disordered semiconductor system as a function of temperature and external magnetic field. The model is founded on classical semiconductor band‐transport and neglects many‐body interactions. The peculiarities of paramagnetic dilute magnetic semiconductors, in particular, the magnetic‐field induced changes of the density of states, the broad acceptor‐energy distribution, and the interplay of magnetic field independent disorder (due to the alloying of GaAs with Mn) and magnetic field dependent disorder (due to the the Giant Zeeman splitting) are accounted for in a mean‐field fashion. We have previously shown that this empirical transport model based on reasonable assumptions and realistic material parameters yields a satisfactory quantitative description of the experimentally obtained temperature and magnetic‐field dependence of the resistivity of Ga0.98Mn0.02As samples annealed at different temperatures. For Ga1–x Mnx As alloys annealed at temperatures above 500 °C where structural changes lead to the formation of MnAs clusters, the transport is dominated by the paramagnetic GaAs:Mn host matrix as the cluster density is below the percolation threshold. We will show that in this situation the transport results can only be explained accounting for a nonrandom Mn distribution. Thus the analysis shown here provides further understanding of the annealing‐induced changes of the transport properties in dilute magnetic III‐Mn‐V semiconductors. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
New imaging method for assessing pelvic floor biomechanics
Authors: Thyer I. , Shek C. , Dietz H. P.
Published: February 2008

Objectives

The investigation of female pelvic floor biomechanics is attracting attention due to its importance in pelvic floor dysfunction and childbirth. To date, there are no established means of assessing pelvic floor elasticity. We propose the use of translabial ultrasound to estimate strain, one element of pubovisceral muscle elasticity.

Methods

Ultrasound datasets of 98 women seen at a tertiary urogynecology clinic were reviewed using proprietary software. Data were processed to estimate muscle fiber strain during Valsalva and contraction by measuring hiatal circumference and deducting bony arc length. Clinical assessment included levator palpation during maximal contraction (modified Oxford grading scale) and at rest, with tone recorded on a new six‐point scale. Analysis of imaging data was performed without knowledge of clinical data.

Results

Mean age was 52.2 (range, 19–87) years and mean parity was 2.4 (range, 0–8). Mean (SD) hiatal area during contraction, rest and Valsalva was 15.4 (3.8) cm2, 18.9 (5.0) cm2 and 27.3 (8.9) cm2, respectively. There was a moderate association between strain during contraction and Oxford grade (r = 0.439, P < 0.0001), and a weak but significant association between strain during Valsalva and resting tone (r = − 0.224, P = 0.033).

Conclusions

Translabial ultrasound can be used to measure strain, a component of pubovisceral muscle elasticity, and we have validated the technique against clinical assessment. Pubovisceral strain during contraction correlates positively with Oxford grade. Pubovisceral strain during Valsalva correlates negatively with resting tone grade. This new non‐invasive ultrasound technique may be of value for assessing patients with pelvic floor dysfunction. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
First‐trimester uterine artery resistance and maternal serum concentration of asymmetric dimethylarginine
Authors: Prefumo F. , Thilaganathan B. , Whitley G. S.
Published: February 2008

Objective

Maternal serum levels of asymmetric dimethyl‐ arginine (ADMA), an endogenous inhibitor of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, are known to be increased in pregnant women with high‐resistance placental circulation in the second trimester. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between uterine artery resistance and maternal serum ADMA concentrations in the first trimester.

Methods

Doppler ultrasound examination of the maternal uterine arteries was performed at 10–14 weeks' gestation. High resistance was defined as bilateral uterine artery notches and a mean resistance index > 95th centile. Control cases were defined as those presenting with no notches and a mean resistance index < 95th centile. ADMA concentrations were measured in maternal serum.

Results

Forty singleton pregnancies were examined, 21 with high uterine artery resistance and 19 controls. Three cases of pre‐eclampsia occurred, all in the high‐resistance group. The mean (SD) maternal serum ADMA concentration was 0.78 (44%) and 0.93 (56%) µmol/L in the high‐resistance and control groups, respectively (P = 0.17). There was no statistically significant correlation between maternal serum ADMA and uterine artery resistance index (ρ = − 0.15, P = 0.36).

Conclusions

No significant difference was found in maternal serum ADMA between pregnancies with first‐trimester high‐resistance uterine artery blood flow and controls. While second‐trimester circulating ADMA may have a direct link with maternal endothelial function, in the first trimester the effect of ADMA may be mainly evident at the placental level, without consequently affecting maternal circulating concentrations of the substance. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ideas of revolution in China and the West
Authors: Ping HE
Published: February 2008

Revolution is an event that had taken place in many countries in the 20th century. Revolution was not only imagined in Western historical writing as a radical change of social life, but also perceived as representing a return to the old form of social rule in the end. The Chinese ideas of revolution in the 20th century evolved from the traditional idea that the change of dynasties was due to the change of mandate. The modern Chinese idea of revolution also incorporated the European idea that revolution would lead to a higher form of social development. The interpretation of the aim of Chinese revolution in the 20th century China shows that Chinese theorists had a misunderstanding for a long time regarding revolution as representing an ultimate social state and not as a means to achieve political modernization. A theoretical rethinking of the concept after the Cultural Revolution has resulted in an advance in China’s social evolution.
Identification and Functional Expression of a Δ9‐Fatty Acid Desaturase from Psychrobacter urativorans in Escherichia coli
Authors: Li Yan , Dietrich Matthias , Schmid Rolf D. , He Bingfang , Ouyang Pingkai , Urlacher Vlada B.
Published: February 2008

The Δ9‐fatty acid desaturase is a key enzyme in the synthesis of unsaturated fatty acids. The fatty acid composition of membrane phospholipids in Psychrobacter urativorans is characterized by a high degree of desaturation at Δ9 position. Based on CODEHOP‐mediated PCR strategy, a novel gene designated as PuFAD9, putatively encoding a Δ9‐fatty acid desaturase (PuFAD9), was isolated from P. urativorans. The gene consists of 1,455 bp and codes for 484 amino acids. Analysis of the amino acid sequence reveals three histidine clusters and a hydropathy profile, typical for membrane‐bound desaturases. Activity of the PuFAD9 protein, recombinantly expressed in Escherichia coli was confirmed by GC‐MS analysis of the cellular fatty acid composition. It was found that the ratio between palmitoleic and palmitic acid in E. coli cells heterologously expressing the PuFAD9 gene was significantly affected by IPTG induction and the growth temperature.
1,2‐Isopropylidene Glycerol Carbonate: Preparation, Characterization, and Hydrolysis
Authors: Kenar James A. , Knothe Gerhard
Published: February 2008

Utilization of excess glycerol supplies derived from the burgeoning biodiesel industry is of major importance to the oleochemical industry as the economic viability of the biodiesel and oleochemical industries are closely linked to glycerol prices. Carbonates based on glycerol, such as glycerol carbonate, are gaining prominence due their simple preparation, interesting properties and chemistry. Herein, the synthesis, physical properties, and chemistry of an interesting glycerol‐based carbonate (4, bis[(2,2‐dimethyl‐1,3‐dioxolan‐4‐yl)methyl] carbonate; 1,2‐isopropylidene glycerol carbonate or solketal carbonate) is reported. Carbonate interchange reaction between solketal (isopropylidene glycerol) and diethyl carbonate in the presence of sodium methoxide catalyst gave solketal carbonate, 4, in 65–70% isolated yields. Carbonate 4 was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The kinematic viscosity at 40 °C, refractive index, and melting point of 4 were determined to be 26.7 mm2/s, 1.4460, and below −50 °C, respectively. Using a high frequency reciprocating rig (HFRR) testing apparatus neat 4 was shown to have lubricity properties similar to fatty acid esters. Hydrolysis of the isopropylidene groups converted carbonate 4 into polyol 6, bis(2,3‐dihydroxypropyl) carbonate in good yields (84%). Carbonate polyol 6 was characterized by 1H and 13C NMR and represents a potentially novel polyol component that may be useful in the syntheses of interesting carbonate containing esters and polymers.
Factors related to the durability of a homograft monocusp valve inserted during repair of tetralogy of Fallot as based on the mid- to long-term outcomes
Authors: Yang Ji-Hyuk , Jun Tae-Gook , Park Pyo W. , Sung Kiick , Kim Wook S. , Lee Young T. , Huh June , Kang I-Seok , Lee Heung J.
Published: February 2008

Objectives

To maintain pulmonary valvar function subsequent to repair of tetralogy of Fallot, we have inserted a homograft monocusp when a transjunctional patch was required. In this study, we have evaluated the mid- to long-term outcomes, aiming to determine the durability of the homograft.

Methods

Among 218 repairs performed for tetralogy of Fallot between July, 1996, and June, 2005, we inserted homograft monocusps in 54 patients, 4 of whom had associated absent pulmonary valve syndrome, 3 had pulmonary valvar atresia, and 1 had an atrioventricular septal defect with common atrioventricular junction. The median body weight at surgery was 7.8 kilograms, with a range from 3.9 to 42 kilograms. The function of the monocusp valve was assessed by regular echocardiography, using the Kaplan-Meier method and the Cox regression model for statistical analyses.

Results

There were 2 early deaths (3.7%), associated with respiratory infection. No late deaths were observed during the follow-up, which ranged from 0.3 to 120 months, with a median of 64.3 months. Freedom from valvar dysfunction was 67.2 ± 6.7% at 1 year, 37.1 ± 7.3% at 3 years, 23.8 ± 6.7% at 5 years, and 21.2 ± 6.4% at 7 years. We needed to replace the valve in 1 patient during follow-up. We found that ABO blood group incompatibility, stenosis of the pulmonary arteries, and associated absent pulmonary valve syndrome all adversely affected the function of the monocusp.

Conclusion

Our experiences show that insertion of a homograft monocusp can prevent pulmonary regurgitation in the early period after repair of tetralogy of Fallot, but the effects are limited in duration as degeneration progressed. We still need to determine whether this finding can improve the longer-term function of the right ventricle.
Statistical asynchronous regression: Determining the relationship between two quantities that are not measured simultaneously
Authors: O'Brien T. P. , Sornette D. , McPherron R. L.
Published: February 2008

We introduce the Statistical Asynchronous Regression (SAR) method: a technique for determining a relationship between two time varying quantities without simultaneous measurements of both quantities. We require that there is a time invariant, monotonic function Y = u(X) relating the two quantities, Y and X. In order to determine u(X), we only need to know the statistical distributions of X and Y. We show that u(X) is the change of variables that converts the distribution of X into the distribution of Y, while conserving probability. We describe an algorithm for implementing this method and apply it to several example distributions. We also demonstrate how the method can separate spatial and temporal variations from a time series of energetic electron flux measurements made by a spacecraft in geosynchronous orbit. We expect this method will be useful to the general problem of spacecraft instrument calibration. We also suggest some applications of the SAR method outside of space physics.
Magnetic anomalies at the Puna Ridge, a submarine extension of Kilauea Volcano: Implications for lava deposition
Authors: Smith Deborah K. , Tivey Maurice A. , Gregg Patricia M. , Kong Laura S. L.
Published: February 2008

High‐resolution magnetic data collected along the axis and the south flank of the Puna Ridge, the submarine extension of the East Rift Zone of Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii, aid in the interpretation of magmatic processes. Crustal magnetization varies along the crest of the Puna Ridge. Three prominent magnetization highs are located between the depths of 1500 and 2500 m. Each of the magnetization highs is associated with distinct volcanic features: a flow field on top of fissured terrain, a lava plateau, and a staircase of lava terraces. The crustal magnetization highs can be explained by the presence of these volcanic features, taking into account water depth and the size of the volcanic features and making simple assumptions about the rock magnetization. No measurements of rock magnetization have been made on Puna Ridge samples. We assume two values: 50 and 10 A/m, based on values from mid‐ocean ridge basalts and the estimated ages of Puna Ridge rocks [Clague et al., 1995]. The two shallowest magnetization highs are adjacent to a landslide scarp. Lava flows overtop the scarp suggesting that a dike has been emplaced and eruptions have occurred since the landslide formed. A possible scenario is that the collapse of the flank led to dike intrusion and eruption at this location because of a reduction in the horizontal stress within the edifice. Our observations suggest that flows are starting to fill in the gap caused by the landslide to rebuild this section of the north flank.
Inversion of moment tensor focal mechanisms for active stresses around the microcontinent Iberia: Tectonic implications
Authors: de Vicente G. , Cloetingh S. , Muñoz‐Martín A. , Olaiz A. , Stich D. , Vegas R. , Galindo‐Zaldívar J. , Fernández‐Lozano J.
Published: February 2008

The Iberian microcontinent and its connected oceanic crust are affected by deformations related to the Eurasian‐African plate boundary. Active stress inversions from populations of moment tensor focal mechanisms have been performed around and inside the Iberian peninsula, using a total of 213 moment tensor estimates. Main results are as follows: (1) The tensorial solutions show better consistency and lower misfits compared to those obtained previously from first P arrival focal mechanisms. (2) Along the Eurasia‐Africa western boundary, the type of active stresses progressively changes easternward from triaxial extension to uniaxial compression along the Terceira Ridge, the Gloria Fault zone, and the Gulf of Cadiz. (3) In the Betics‐Alboran‐Rif zone, uniaxial extension predominates with Shmax N155°E trending. (4) In northern Algeria, uniaxial compression reappears. (5) The Iberian foreland is currently under strike‐slip to uniaxial extension tensorial conditions.
Magnetosphere inflation during the recovery phase of geomagnetic storms as an excellent magnetic confinement of killer electrons
Authors: Kataoka Ryuho , Miyoshi Yoshizumi
Published: February 2008

Extreme flux enhancement of outer radiation belt electrons was observed at geosynchronous orbit during the recovery phase of a large magnetic storm on 27–30 July 2004. The storm main phase is driven by a very fast magnetic cloud of ∼1000 km/s associated with a coronal mass ejection (CME). The high‐speed stream of ∼600 km/s originated from a coronal hole follows the magnetic cloud and the coronal hole stream (CHS) is rarefied due to the speed difference between the CME and CHS. During the storm recovery phase, the magnetosphere is surrounded by the very low‐density CHS, causing an inflation of the magnetosphere. It is found that such a combination of the CME and CHS can be one of the most dangerous solar wind structures for the outer radiation belt, and the associated very low dynamic pressure can cause the magnetosphere inflation during the storm recovery phase as an excellent magnetic confinement of killer electrons.
A study of the radiative effects of the 9.4‐ and 10.4‐micron bands of carbon dioxide
Authors: Kratz D. P. , Gao B.‐C. , Kiehl J. T.
Published: February 2008

The potential radiative impact of the relatively weak 9.4‐ and 10.4‐μm bands of CO2 is investigated. Line‐by‐line calculations are employed as a standard against which to compare the accuracy of laboratory data, narrow‐band models, and broadband models. A comparison of the line‐by‐line calculations to laboratory data demonstrates that the line‐by‐line procedure and laboratory data typically yield comparable results; however, there are cases of substantial disagreement between the line‐by‐line results and the laboratory data. It is observed that the Goody narrow‐band model yields band absorptances in good agreement with the reference line‐by‐line calculations. For application to climate models, new broadband parameterizations, which are consistent with the band intensities found on the 1986 Air Force Geophysics Laboratory HITRAN data base, are presented for the 9.4‐ and 10.4‐μm bands of CO2. Clear‐sky flux calculations demonstrate that for projected increases of CO2 the impact of the 9.4‐ and 10.4‐μm bands is comparable to that attributed to projected increases of tropospheric ozone.
The solar and equatorial QBO influences on the stratospheric circulation during the early northern‐hemisphere winter
Authors: Kodera Kunihiko
Published: February 2008

A case study was conducted to investigate the mechanism of how the solar cycle and the equatorial quasi‐biennial oscillation (QBO) influence the stratospheric circulation during the Northern‐Hemisphere winter.

It was found that the solar and QBO influences on the stratospheric jet exist rather independently in the upper stratosphere during December. The mean‐zonal wind anomalies produced in early winter persist by deformation until late winter through wave‐mean flow interactions with planetary waves. The modulation effect of the solar influence by the QBO [Labitzke, 1987] takes place during this process.
A simulation of the December 1984 solar wind AMPTE release
Authors: Harold J. B. , Hassam A. B.
Published: February 2008

The unanticipated acceleration of the December, 1984 AMPTE release transverse to the solar wind velocity is examined by a modified MHD fluid simulation. By taking into account the unmagnetized nature of the released ions, some of the essential features of the experiment are reproduced. These include a shift transverse to the solar wind as well as the subsequent downwind acceleration. The modified MHD equations, simulation results, and physical mechanisms are discussed.
Chaotic appearance of the AE index
Authors: Shan L.‐H. , Hansen P. , Goertz C. K. , Smith R. A.
Published: February 2008

A typical time sequence of AE shows no obvious regularities which suggests either that the magnetosphere is a random (stochastic) system or displays deterministic chaos. To find out whether the magnetosphere is random or chaotic, AE data have been studied by the embedding dimension method to find the correlation dimension of the magnetosphere. The autocorrelation (AC) time scale τ[AC(τ) = ½ AC(0)] is about 50 minutes for all the cases we have investigated. This time scale may represent the time over which the magnetosphere adjusts to sudden changes. The frequency spectrum of the AE data is broadband with a universal form P(ω) ∼ ω−β, where β is about 2 for the frequencies, f = ω/2π between 0.04 mHz and 4 mHz. The correlation dimension for the AE data using a 1 minute delay to construct a time series of m dimensional vectors is between 3 and 4. With the proper time delay τ ⋍ 50min, which is the autocorrelation time, the correlation dimension is around 2.4. The variation of the correlation dimension with different time delays is shown. But because colored noise with β = 2 has a correlation dimension near 2.1, it is not yet possible to determine whether AE index is a signal resulting from colored noise or from deterministic chaos.
Observations of disconnection of open magnetic structures
Authors: McComas D. J. , Phillips J. L. , Hundhausen A. J. , Burkepile J. T.
Published: February 2008

We have surveyed the Solar Maximum Mission coronagraph/polarimeter observations for evidence of magnetic disconnection of previously open magnetic structures and have identified several sequences of images consistent with this interpretation. Such disconnection occurs when open field lines above helmet streamers reconnect, in contrast to previously suggested disconnections of CMEs into closed plasmoids. In this paper a clear example of open field disconnection is shown in detail. The event, on June 27, 1988, is preceded by compression of a preexisting helmet streamer and the open coronal field around it. The compressed helmet streamer and surrounding open field region detach in a large U‐shaped structure which subsequently accelerates outward from the Sun. The observed sequence of events is consistent with reconnection across the heliospheric current sheet and the creation of a detached U‐shaped magnetic structure. Unlike CMEs, which may open new magnetic flux into interplanetary space, this process could serve to close off previously open flux, perhaps helping to maintain the roughly constant amount of open magnetic flux observed in interplanetary space.
Multifractal structure of the interplanetary magnetic field: Voyager 2 observations near 25 AU, 1987‐1988
Authors: Burlaga L. F.
Published: February 2008

This paper analyzes the large‐scale fluctuations of the interplanetary magnetic field strength observed by Voyager 2 from 23.3 AU to 27.8 AU during the period from day 190, 1987 to day 345, 1988. The q‐th moments of Bτ show scaling behavior in the range of scales from 16 hours to 21 days for −10 ≤ q ≤ 10, i.e., 〈Bτq〉 ∼ τs(q) in this range. s(q) is approximately a quadratic function of q for −4 ≤ q ≤ 4, as one expects for a distribution that is approximately lognormal, but the higher moments diverge from those of a lognormal distribution. The function Dq (q) = 1 + s(q)/(q ‐ 1) has the form that is characteristic of multifractals. For a multifractal magnetic field, the moments of the field should scale as τα on a set with fractal dimension f (α), where α has a continuum of values over some limited range. For the large‐scale magnetic field fluctuations, the function f(α) computed from Dq (q) is approximately a fourth order polynomial for −10 ≤ q ≤ 10, and positive values of f(α) occur for 0.8 ≤ α ≤ 1.2. The multifractal character of the magnetic field strength fluctuations generalizes the concept that the magnetic field is organized into interaction regions (regions in which the magnetic field strength and pressure are higher than average for several hours) and rarefaction regions (regions in which the magnetic field strength and pressure are lower than average). Near solar maximum the interaction regions in the distant heliosphere might be viewed as clusters of strong disturbed fields with considerable fine structure on various scales. The multifractal description of the magnetic field suggests several problems for future study.
Initial Doppler Rayleigh lidar results from Arecibo
Authors: Tepley Craig A. , Sargoytchev Stoyan I. , Hines Colin O.
Published: February 2008

We present the first results of the operation of a Rayleigh lidar from the Arecibo Observatory. The device consists of an injection seeded, frequency doubled, Nd:YAG laser coupled with a single etalon, Fabry‐Perot interferometer in the receiver, the combination of which permits Doppler observations of the backscattered spectral emission from the mesosphere. The measured winds from our initial experiments show a great deal of variability on time scales that appear to be less than the hour that it takes to measure a wind profile with the present system.
Location and propagation of the magnetotail current disruption during substorm expansion: Analysis and simulation of an ISEE multi‐onset event
Authors: Jacquey C. , Sauvaud J. A. , Dandouras J.
Published: February 2008

Magnetic field variations measured onboard the ISEE‐1 spacecraft in the tail northern lobe (∼22 RE geocentric distance) during a substorm with multiple onsets are analyzed and simulated using a model current sheet. This remote sensing study of the cross‐tail current sheet shows that substorm onsets are associated with a partial disruption of the cross‐tail current that begins in the near‐earth plasma sheet (∼7 RE) and that expands tailward during substorm expansion with a velocity of the order of 300 km/s. The two consecutive substorm onsets, which occur during a very active period (AE > 500 nT), correspond to a similar partial disruption of the near‐earth current sheet that expands tailwards over a distance of the order of 80 RE.