bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Near real time satellite imagery to support and verify timely flood modelling
Authors: Di Baldassarre Giuliano , Schumann Guy , Bates Paul
Published: January 2009

The study investigates the capability of coarse resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery to support flood inundation models. A hydraulic model of a 98‐km reach of the River Po (Northern Italy) was calibrated on the October 2000 high‐magnitude flood event with extensive and high‐quality field data. During the June 2008, low‐magnitude flood event a SAR image was acquired and processed in near real time (NRT) in order to provide adequate data for quick verification and recalibration of the hydraulic model. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evidence that piezometers vent gas from peat soils and implications for pore‐water pressure and hydraulic conductivity measurements
Authors: Waddington J. M. , Ketcheson S. J. , Kellner E. , Strack M. , Baird A. J.
Published: January 2009

Entrapped gas bubbles in peat can alter the buoyancy, storativity, void ratio and expansion/contraction properties of the peat. Moreover, when gas bubbles block water‐conducting pores they can significantly reduce saturated hydraulic conductivity and create zones of over‐pressuring, perhaps leading to an alteration in the magnitude and direction of groundwater flow and solute transport. Some previous researches have demonstrated that these zones of over‐pressuring are not observed by the measurements of pore‐water pressures using open‐pipe piezometers in peat; rather, they are only observed with pressure transducers sealed in the peat. In has been hypothesized that open‐pipe piezometers vent entrapped CH4 to the atmosphere and thereby do not permit the natural development of zones of entrapped gas. Here we present findings of the study to investigate whether piezometers vent subsurface CH4 to the atmosphere and whether the presence of piezometers alters the subsurface concentration of dissolved CH4. We measured the flux of methane venting from the piezometers and also determined changes in pore‐water CH4 concentration at a rich fen in southern Ontario and a poor fen in southern Quebec, in the summer of 2004.

Seasonally averaged CH4 flux from piezometers was 1450 and 37·8‐mg CH4 m−2 d−1 at the southern Ontario site and Quebec site, respectively. The flux at the Ontario site was two orders of magnitude greater than the diffusive flux at the site. CH4 pore‐water concentrations were significantly lower in open piezometers than in water taken from sealed samplers at both the Ontario and Quebec sites. The flux of CH4 from piezometers decreased throughout the season suggesting that CH4 venting through the piezometer exceeded the rate of methanogenesis in the peat. Consequently we conclude that piezometers may alter the gas dynamics of some peatlands. We suggest that less‐invasive techniques (e.g. buried pressure transducers, tracer experiments) are needed for the accurate measurement of pore‐water pressures and hydraulic conductivity in peatlands with a large entrapped gas component. Furthermore, we argue that caution must be made in interpreting results from previous peatland hydrology studies that use these traditional methods. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical and radiographic evaluations of chitosan gel in periodontal intraosseous defects: A pilot study
Authors: Boynueğri Duygu , Özcan Gönen , Şenel Sevda , Uç Dilek , Uraz Ahu , Öğüş Ersin , Çakılcı Burcu , Karaduman Burcu
Published: January 2009

Periodontitis is a chronic infection in the supportive tissue of the teeth which eventually leads to tooth loss. Various grafting materials and barrier membranes have been used to repair periodontal intraosseous lesions. Chitosan is a derivative of chitin, a natural biopolymer, which is biologically safe, biodegradable, and nontoxic and has been applied in a variety of forms in dentistry. It also exerts bioactive properties such as wound healing, antimicrobial, tissue regeneration, and hemostatic activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of chitosan on periodontal regeneration. Twenty chronic periodontitis patients were recruited. Following initial therapy, the patients were divided into four groups: group A, receiving chitosan gel (1% w/v); group B, receiving chitosan gel + demineralize bone matrix; group C: receiving chitosan gel + collagenous membrane; and group D, receiving flap only (control group). Clinical and radiographic measurements were recorded at baseline, day 90 (3rd month), and day 180 (6th month) after surgery. For clinical data, no significant differences were obtained among the treatment groups. However, radiographic data revealed that except control group, all the other groups showed statistically significant bone fills when compared with baseline indicating that chitosan gel alone or its combination with demineralize bone matrix/collagenous membrane is promising for periodontal regeneration. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
A new cementless total hip arthroplasty with bioactive titanium porous‐coating by alkaline and heat treatment: Average 4.8‐year results
Authors: Kawanabe Keiichi , Ise Kentaro , Goto Koji , Akiyama Haruhiko , Nakamura Takashi , Kaneuji Ayumi , Sugimori Tanzo , Matsumoto Tadami
Published: January 2009

A method has been developed for creating a bioactive coating on titanium by alkaline and heat treatment, and shown that it forms a thin layer of hydroxyapatite (HA) on the surface of implants when soaked in simulated body fluid. A series of 70 cementless primary total hip arthroplasties using this coating technique on a porous titanium surface was performed, and followed up the patients for a mean period of 4.8 years. There were no instances of loosening or revision, or formation of a reactive line on the porous coating. Although radiography just after operation showed a gap between the host bone and the socket in over 70% of cases, all the gaps disappeared within a year, indicating the good osteoconduction provided by the coating. Alkaline‐heat treatment of titanium to provide a thin HA coating has several advantages over plasma‐spraying, including no degeneration or absorption of the HA coating, simplicity of the manufacturing process, and cost effectiveness. In addition, this method allows homogeneous deposition of bone‐like apatite within a porous implant. Although this was a relatively short‐term study, treatment that creates a bioactive surface on titanium and titanium alloy implants has considerable promise for clinical application. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Prolonged exposure for PTSD in a Veterans Health Administration PTSD clinic
Authors: Rauch Sheila A. M. , Defever Erin , Favorite Todd , Duroe Anne , Garrity Cecily , Martis Brian , Liberzon Israel
Published: January 2009

With the move toward dissemination of empirically supported treatments in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), dissemination of additional data concerning the effectiveness of prolonged exposure (PE) among veterans is important. The authors present clinical treatment data from veterans with chronic posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treated in a VHA PTSD clinic (N = 10). Veterans demonstrated significant reductions in total PTSD symptoms from pre‐ to posttreatment. Returning veterans from the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq and other era veterans (Vietnam Veterans and military sexual trauma veterans) demonstrated significant reductions in PTSD. In addition, veterans demonstrated significant reductions in depression from pre‐ to posttreatment. In conclusion, PE is effective in reducing the symptoms of PTSD in veterans.
The relationship of sexual abuse, early initiation of substance use, and adolescent trauma to PTSD
Authors: Kingston Sharon , Raghavan Chitra
Published: January 2009

This study explores relationships among childhood sexual abuse (CSA), age of substance use initiation, additional traumatic events, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a sample of adolescents. A history of CSA that preceded substance use was not related to an earlier age of substance use initiation. Early initiation of substance use predicted exposure to additional traumatic experiences. This relationship was partially mediated by engagement in risky behavior while under the influence of substances. Posttraumatic stress disorder was related to CSA, additional traumatic experiences and engagement in risky behavior while under the influence of substances.
Evolution of foot and ankle manifestations in children with CMT1A
Authors: Burns Joshua , Ryan Monique M. , Ouvrier Robert A.
Published: January 2009

We studied the timing and progression of foot and ankle changes in 81 children with genetically confirmed Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A) and determined their impact on motor function and walking ability. Foot deformity, weakness, pain, cramps, and instability were a common feature of CMT1A. Foot structure evolved toward pes cavus from early childhood to adolescence, although a subgroup with normal and planus feet remained. Foot strength increased with age, although compared to age‐equivalent norms it declined from 4 years. Factors associated with evolving foot deformity included muscle weakness/imbalance, restricted ankle flexibility, and joint hypermobility. Regression modeling identified dorsiflexion weakness, global foot weakness, and difficulty toe‐walking as independent predictors of motor dysfunction, while pes cavus and difficulty heel‐walking were predictors of poor walking ability. Foot problems are present from the earliest stages of the disease and can have a negative impact on function. Early foot and ankle intervention may prevent long‐term disability and morbidity in CMT1A. Muscle Nerve 39: 158–166, 2009
Randomized double‐blind study of botulinum toxin type B for sialorrhea in als patients
Authors: Jackson Carlayne E. , Gronseth Gary , Rosenfeld Jeffrey , Barohn Richard J. , Dubinsky Richard , Simpson C. Blake , McVey April , Kittrell Pamela P. , King Ruth , Herbelin Laura
Published: January 2009

Twenty ALS patients with sialorrhea refractory to medical therapy were enrolled in this double‐blind, randomized study to receive either 2,500 U of botulinum toxin type B (BTxb) or placebo into the bilateral parotid and submandibular glands using electromyographic guidance. Patients who received BTxb reported a global impression of improvement of 82% at 2 weeks compared to 38% of those who received placebo (P < 0.05). This significant effect was sustained at 4 weeks. At 12 weeks, 50% of patients who received BTxb continued to report improvement compared to 14% of those who received placebo. There were no significant adverse events, including dysphagia, in the BTxb group, and there was no significant increase in the rate of decline of vital capacity. Muscle Nerve 39: 137–143, 2009
Improvement of pancytopenia and thrombocytopenia with decreasing mosaicism for isochromosome Xp
Authors: Gray S. Lauren , de Chadarévian J.P. , Anderson Carol E. , Shafer Frank E. , Punnett Hope H. , Morrissette Jennifer J.D.
Published: January 2009

We report the unique association of variable constitutional mosaicism 46,X, i(X)(p10)/46,XX with recurrent thrombocytopenia in a child with failure to thrive and apnea in infancy. Her bone marrow had equal distribution of the normal and abnormal cell lines at diagnosis, at nearly 6 years of age. Improvement of her pancytopenia and thrombocytopenia was concurrent with a decreasing level of mosaicism observed in multiple studies over the next 3 years. This suggests that extra copies of genes on the p‐arm are inhibitory to blood cell maturation, with long‐term selection against the i(Xp)‐containing cells. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:650–652. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Crisis counseling: An overview
Authors: Sandoval Jonathan , Scott Amy Nicole , Padilla Irene
Published: January 2009

Psychologists working in schools are often the first contacts for children experiencing a potentially traumatizing event or change in status. This article reviews basic concepts in crisis counseling and describes the components of psychological first aid. This form of counseling must be developmentally and culturally appropriate as well as individualized. Effective intervention can prevent post‐traumatic stress syndrome and facilitate normal mourning processes associated with any losses experienced. These prevention activities are also discussed. Some children may need resources beyond those that the school can provide, and appropriate referrals can link children and adults to a variety of treatments such as psychotherapy and medication, also briefly outlined. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis, Thermal Decomposition, and Properties of [Mn(CHZ)3][C(NO2)3]2
Authors: Zhang Jin , Zhang Tonglai , Yang Li , Zhang Jianguo , Cui Yan , Hu Xiaochun , Liu Zhenhua
Published: January 2009

A new coordination compound, [Mn(CHZ)3][C(NO2)3]2, was synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR and UV spectra, and its crystal structure was determined by X‐ray single crystal diffraction. The crystal belongs to the triclinic system and space group $\rm{ P\overline 1 }$ with a=0.88737(18) nm, b=1.1804(2) nm, c=1.1936(2) nm, β=83.73(3)°, V=1.1121(4) nm3, Z=2, Dc=1.867 g cm−3. Every Mn(II) ion is six‐coordinated to three CHZ molecules through three carbonyl oxygen atoms and three terminal nitrogen atoms to form a distorted octahedral structure. Mn(II) ions, carbohydrazide ligand molecules, and trinitromethanide anions are jointed to a complicated three‐dimensional netted structure through coordination bonds, electrostatic forces, and extensive hydrogen bonds. The thermal decomposition character and mechanism was studied by DSC, TG‐DTG, and FTIR techniques. The non‐isothermal kinetics has also been studied on the exothermic decomposition by using Kissinger's method and Ozawa–Doyle's method. In addition, the impact, friction, and flame sensitivity data were determined. All properties data observed show that the title complex has high energy, good thermal stability, and moderately friction sensitivity.
Crystal structure and thermodynamic analysis of diagnostic mAb 106.3 complexed with BNP 5‐13 (C10A)
Authors: Longenecker Kenton L. , Ruan Qiaoqiao , Fry Elizabeth H. , Saldana Sylvia C. , Brophy Susan E. , Richardson Paul L. , Tetin Sergey Y.
Published: January 2009

B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a naturally secreted regulatory hormone that influences blood pressure and vascular water retention in human physiology. The plasma BNP concentration is a clinically recognized biomarker for various cardiovascular diseases. Quantitative detection of BNP can be achieved in immunoassays using the high‐affinity monoclonal IgG1 antibody 106.3, which binds an epitope spanning residues 5‐13 of the mature bioactive peptide. To understand the structural basis of this molecular recognition, we crystallized the Fab fragment complexed with the peptide epitope and determined the three‐dimensional structure by X‐ray diffraction to 2.1 Å resolution. The structure reveals the detailed interactions that five of the complementarity‐determining regions make with the partially folded peptide. Thermodynamic measurements using fluorescence spectroscopy suggest that the interaction is enthalpy driven, with an overall change in free energy of binding, ΔG = −54 kJ/mol, at room temperature. The parameters are interpreted on the basis of the structural information. The kinetics of binding suggest a diffusion‐limited mechanism, whereby the peptide easily adopts a bound conformation upon interaction with the antibody. Moreover, comparative analysis with alanine‐scanning results of the epitope explains the basis of selectivity for BNP over other related natriuretic peptides. Proteins 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of secondary structure and self‐assembly of amelogenin by variable temperature circular dichroism and isothermal titration calorimetry
Authors: Lakshminarayanan Rajamani , Yoon Il , Hegde Balachandra G. , Fan Daming , Du Chang , Moradian‐Oldak Janet
Published: January 2009

Amelogenin is a proline‐rich enamel matrix protein known to play an important role in the oriented growth of enamel crystals. Amelogenin self‐assembles to form nanospheres and higher order structures mediated by hydrophobic interactions. This study aims to obtain a better insight into the relationship between primary–secondary structure and self‐assembly of amelogenin by applying computational and biophysical methods. Variable temperature circular dichroism studies indicated that under physiological pH recombinant full‐length porcine amelogenin contains unordered structures in equilibrium with polyproline type II (PPII) structure, the latter being more populated at lower temperatures. Increasing the concentration of rP172 resulted in the promotion of folding to an ordered β‐structured assembly. Isothermal titration calorimetry dilution studies revealed that at all temperatures, self‐assembly is entropically driven due to the hydrophobic effect and the molar heat of assembly (ΔHA) decreases with temperature. Using a computational approach, a profile of domains in the amino acid sequence that have a high propensity to assemble and to have PPII structures has been identified. We conclude that the assembly properties of amelogenin are due to complementarity between the hydrophobic and PPII helix prone regions. Proteins 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Silicon based IR light emitters
Authors: Kittler Martin , Mchedlidze Teimuraz , Arguirov Tzanimir , Seifert Winfried , Reiche Manfred , Wilhelm Thomas
Published: January 2009

A new concept for Si‐based light emitting diodes (LED) capable of emitting at 1.5 μm is proposed. It utilizes D‐band radiation from dislocations in Si. Whether a dislocation network created in a reproducible manner by Si wafer direct bonding or dislocation loops produced by Si ion implantation are employed. It is also stated that dislocation loops do not lead to the strong band‐to‐band electroluminescence at 1.1 μm of p‐n diodes, as it was predicted in the literature. A MOS‐LED (Fig. A) and p‐n LEDs emitting at 1.5 μm are demonstrated by the authors. The maximum efficiency that could be achieved at room temperature is close to 1%. Levels in the bandgap which are probably involved in the formation of the D1‐line at 1.5 μm are revealed. Moreover, the observation of the Stark effect for the D1‐line is reported. Namely, a red/blue‐shift of peak position was observed in electro‐ and photo‐luminescence when the electric field in the p‐n LED was increased/lowered. This effect may allow realization of a novel Si‐based light emitter with electric field modulated emission wavelength. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Laser‐processed high‐efficiency silicon RISE‐EWT solar cells and characterisation
Authors: Harder Nils‐Peter , Hermann Sonja , Merkle Agnes , Neubert Tobias , Brendemühl Till , Engelhart Peter , Meyer Rüdiger , Brendel Rolf
Published: January 2009

The RISE‐EWT (Rear Intendigitated Single Evaporation Emitter Wrap Through) solar cell is a silicon wafer‐based solar cell concept that is capable of achieving solar energy conversion efficiencies of over 21%. The fabrication sequence is based exclusively on industrially feasible processing steps and avoids any photolithography and masking steps, nor does it require boron diffusion. For low process complexity, the RISE‐EWT solar cell can be made with only a single phosphorus diffusion and a single evaporation step for metallisation. All structuring of the cell is based on non‐contacting laser processing. Laser technology is the key tool for processing RISE‐EWT solar cells: The cell has laser drilled and phosphorus‐diffused holes to connect the emitter layer on the front side with the emitter and the contacts on the rear side. The emitter and base contact regions are defined by laser ablation of a diffusion barrier and KOH etch prior to phosphorus diffusion. An important feature of RISE‐EWT solar cells are steep surface features (flanks) that are produced by the laser ablation and KOH‐etching. We use these flanks to achieve reliable separation between the contacts to the n ‐type polarity and to the p ‐type polarity of the solar cell. We provide a description of RISE‐EWT manufacturing process and present an analysis of the recombination losses in our cells. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Design and fabrication of terahertz quantum cascade laser structure based on III‐nitride semiconductors
Authors: Terashima Wataru , Hirayama Hideki
Published: January 2009

We have designed a resonant phonon‐type GaN/In0.05Al0.23Ga0.72N quantum cascade structure, emitting at 7.6 terahertz, in which the population inversion could be obtained by making calculations based on self‐consistent rate equation model. We also fabricated the designed quantum cascade structure using radio‐frequency molecular beam epitaxy. Clear satellite peaks patterns in high resolution X‐ray diffraction and sharp interfaces between GaN wells and InAlGaN barriers in high resolution transmission electron microscopy image were both observed, indicating that almost the same structure as that of our design had been fabricated successfully. These results indicate that III‐Nitride semiconductors would be promising materials for terahertz quantum cascade lasers. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of citronellol and the Chinese medical herb complex on cellular immunity of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy/radiotherapy
Authors: Zhuang Shu‐Ru , Chen Su‐Lin , Tsai Jih‐Hsin , Huang Chi‐Chou , Wu Tzu‐Chin , Liu Wen‐Shan , Tseng Hsien‐Chun , Lee Hong‐Sen , Huang Min‐Chang , Shane Guang‐Tzuu , Yang Cheng‐Hua , Shen You‐Cheng , Yan Yeong‐Yu , Wang Chin‐Kun
Published: January 2009

Leukopenia and immunity impairment usually occur during cancer therapy. Citronellol, an oil soluble compound derived from the geranium, has anticancer and antiinflammatory properties, as well as promoting wound healing. Ganoderma lucidum, Codonopsis pilosula and Angelicae sinensis are traditional Chinese herbs, all of which have proven immunomodulatory functions in laboratory‐based research. This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study examined whether the Chinese medicinal herb complex (CCMH; a mixture of citronellol and extracts of G. lucidum, C. pilosula and A. sinensis) improves the immune cell counts of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. A total of 105 cancer patients receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy were enrolled. The quantities of immune cells in the blood of the subjects were determined before and after 6 weeks of cancer treatment, with either CCMH or a placebo. CCMH significantly reduced the depletion of leukocytes (14.2% compared with 28.2%) and neutrophils (11.0% compared with 29.1%). Analysis of the lymphocyte phenotype revealed that the patients receiving the placebo had reduced CD4 lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells than the CCMH‐treated patients. Treatment with CCMH for patients receiving chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy may improve their immune function, improving their ability to fight off the cancer, as well as any secondary infections that could compromise their treatment and their health. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A randomized, multicentre, open‐label, parallel‐group trial to compare the efficacy and safety profile of daming capsule in patients with hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Jing Ai , Li‐Mei Zhao , Yan‐Jie Lu , Ben‐Zhi Cai , Yong Zhang , Bao‐Feng Yang
Published: January 2009

To study the efficacy and tolerability of Daming capsule (DMC) in Chinese patients with hyperlipidemia, a randomized, multi‐centre, open‐label, parallel‐group trial was conducted. Sixty enrolled patients with hyperlipidemia allocated to six medical centers were randomly divided into two groups of 30 individuals each. One group received DMC 2 g b.i.d. for 6 weeks, and the other received pravastatin 10 mg o.d. for 6 weeks. For efficacy assessment, serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) were measured before and after drug treatment. Serum TC and LDL‐C levels in the DMC‐treatment group were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment (p < 0.05), while TG and HDL‐C levels did not change much. Tolerability was assessed by heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and creatinine (Cr), which were not changed in either the DMC or pravastatin groups at 3 and 6 weeks (p > 0.05). Besides, eight patients experienced diarrhea during DMC treatment and two experienced myalgia and epigastric discomfort during pravastatin treatment. Based on the above results, it was concluded that DMC may be a good candidate for the treatment of hyperlipidemia and further clinical trials are warranted. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanism of the antiproliferative action of limonene on a lymphoma cell line: participation of nitric oxide. antiproliferative action of limonene on a lymphoma cell line
Authors: Manuele Maria Gabriela , Arcos Maria Laura Barreiro , Davicino Roberto , Ferraro Graciela , Cremaschi Graciela , Anesini Claudia
Published: January 2009

Previously limonene demonstrated antiproliferative action on a lymphoma cell line (BW5147). The objective of this study was to investigate the mechanism of the antiproliferative action of limonene on BW 5147 cells. The induction of apoptosis and arrest in cell cycle phases, both phenomena related to nitric oxide (NO) production, was analyzed, as well as NO production. Results showed that limonene exhibited antiproliferative action on tumoral lymphocytes exerting a decrease in cell viability that was related to apoptosis induction and to the increase in NO levels at long incubation times. At short times and depending on its concentration, limonene arrested cells in different phases of the cell cycle, related to NO production. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Generalized Correlative Index, A New Adaptable Molecular Characterization Method and Its Application in Predicting Collision Cross Sections of Singly Protonated Peptides
Authors: Yang Li , Tian Feifei , Lv Fenglin
Published: January 2009

A novel adaptable and adjustable structure descriptor based on the distribution and interaction of 2D atom pairs is described. The new Generalized Correlative Index (GCI) was applied to a large‐scale dataset of peptide collision cross sections which were previously measured using Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS). Based on Genetic Algorithm‐Multiple Linear Regression (GA‐MLR) approach, a linear model relating GCI with peptide collision cross section was constructed and tested using external validation and Monte Carlo cross‐validation, the results confirmed that the GCI‐based model is robust and predictive. The statistics for training and test sets are r=0.9960, q=0.9955, RMSEE=5.217, RMSCV=5.413, rpred=0.9959, and RMSEP=5.016.
Insight into Inhibitory Activity of Mycobacterial Dihydrofolate Reductase Inhibitors by In‐silico Molecular Modeling Approaches
Authors: Bag Seema , Tawari Nilesh R. , Degani Mariam S.
Published: January 2009

To facilitate the discovery of Mycobacterium avium complex dihydrofolate reductase (MAC DHFR) inhibitors, various molecular modeling studies such as homology modeling, pharmacophore mapping, and 3D‐QSAR studies were undertaken. To address the issue of bioactive conformer in ligand‐based approaches, ensemble of conformers obtained from docking studies was used for pharmacophore mapping and for 3D‐QSAR studies. The developed structure‐chemical‐feature‐based pharmacophore model was consistent with the structure‐functional requirements for the binding of the DHFR inhibitors. Using the generated homology model, interactions between the reported inhibitors were explored. The results showed that the type and spatial location of chemical features encoded in the pharmacophore and 3D‐QSAR contours are in agreement with the enzyme inhibitor interaction pattern identified from molecular docking. The outcomes of the study could be used for the rational design of potent and selective MAC DHFR inhibitors.
Chaotic communication improves authentication: protecting WSNs against injection attacks
Authors: Martinovic Ivan , Gollan Nicos , Cappellaro Luc , Schmitt Jens
Published: January 2009

In this paper, we propose a system leveraging peculiarities of the wireless medium, such as the broadcast nature of wireless communication and the unpredictability of indoor signal propagation to achieve effective protection against attacks based on the injection of fake data. Using a real‐world WSN deployment and a realistic implementation of an attacker, we analyze this protection scheme and demonstrate that neither position change, transmission power manipulation, nor complete knowledge of wireless parameters can help an attacker to successfully attack the network.

As a result, this work demonstrates how the chaotic nature of radio communication, which is often considered a disadvantage in regard to security objectives, can be exploited to enhance protection and support implementation of lightweight security mechanisms. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Burnout and light treatment
Authors: Meesters Y. , Waslander M.
Published: January 2009

The core symptom of the burnout syndrome is emotional exhaustion, which leads to impaired functioning on the job. Studies of sufferers of seasonal affective disorders and of healthy people show that energy levels can be improved by exposing them to bright light. It is hypothesized that energy levels of patients with burnout complaints can similarly be improved by exposure to bright light. In a small study, the effects of light treatment in burnout sufferers were researched. A comparison was made between a treatment condition (n = 16) and a waiting list condition (n = 14). The effects were assessed by means of several self‐rating instruments. Patients’ energy levels were seen to improve significantly according to the scores on two out of three instruments. If light treatment is administered prior to any other treatment, it is postulated that the results of the second treatment will take effect more quickly. Conclusions can only be preliminary due to the small sample size, but they are encouraging nevertheless. Replication in a study with a larger sample size is desirable. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Life stress and coping styles related to cognition in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Kozora Elizabeth , Ellison Misoo C. , West Sterling
Published: January 2009

We compared the frequency of life stress and coping styles using self‐report measures in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and healthy controls. We also explored the relationship between cognition, life stress and coping. Thirty‐one SLE patients with overt neuropsychiatric (NPSLE) symptoms, 22 SLE patients without overt neuropsychiatric (non‐NPSLE) symptoms and 25 healthy controls completed measures of cognition, life events and coping skills. SLE patients (NP and non‐NP) showed greater use of negative, disengaging coping scales (p = 0.002) and more negative life stress events over the past 6 months (p = 0.018) and past 6–12 months (p = 0.004) compared with controls. NPSLE and non‐NPSLE subjects were higher on a cognitive impairment index (CII) than controls (p < 0.001). Only the NPSLE subjects had significant correlations between CII and negative life events 0–6 months (p < 0.001), negative life events 0–12 months (p < 0.001) and negative coping styles (p = 0.007). SLE patients demonstrated greater negative life events over the past 12 months and tend to utilise greater negative disengaging coping skills. NPSLE patients demonstrate a potential relationship between negative life events, negative coping and cognitive dysfunction. The associations between cognitive changes and life stress and coping suggest the need for integrated behavioural strategies for treatment. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clipping at early florescence is more efficient for controlling the invasive plant Spartina alterniflora
Authors: Gao Yang , Tang Long , Wang Jinqing , Wang Chenghuan , Liang Zongsuo , Li Bo , Chen Jiakuan , Zhao Bin
Published: January 2009

As invasive plants in different life stages have different recovery potential against devegetation operation, how to optimize the proper timing (the time for single treatment or the starting time for repeated treatments) for eliminating them becomes an important topic in the management of invasive plants. The invasive plant Spartina alterniflora was selected in this study, and it was clipped as a devegetation example to examine how important treatment timing is for increasing control efficiency. The results illustrated that by either single or repeated clipping treatments within 1 year, clipping at florescence was more efficient for controlling S. alterniflora. On the other hand, increasing clipping frequency without proper timing might not enhance control efficiency, suggesting that treatments in proper timing might reduce the clipping frequency required for a specific control target. From a management point of view, each control method has its optimal treatment timing, thus, in order to improve the control efficiency, the control programs should be ideally designed in relation to the phenology of the target plant. Besides, repeated clipping showed significantly higher control efficiency in low tidal zone than in high tidal zone, implying that habitat dependence of invasive plant control efficiency is an important issue in the management of invasive plants.
Ecological risks in anthropogenic disturbance of nitrogen cycles in natural terrestrial ecosystems
Authors: Fujimaki Reiji , Sakai Akiko , Kaneko Nobuhiro
Published: January 2009

Anthropogenic addition of reactive nitrogen (Nr) to the biosphere is increasing globally and some terrestrial ecosystems are suffering from a state of excess Nr for biological nitrogen (N) demand, termed N saturation. Here, we review the ecological risks in relation to N saturation and prospective responses to N saturation. Excess Nr increases the risks of local extinction of rare plant species, encouragement of exotic plant species, disturbance of nutrient balance in plant organs, and increase of herbivory in plant communities. On the ecosystem scale, excess bioavailable N induces forest decline, disturbance of nutrient cycling within ecosystems, depending on vegetation, soil, land‐use, and N‐loading history. These Nr risks will increase in the Asian region, where impacts of Nr in natural terrestrial ecosystems have been scarcely studied. Whether much of the terrestrial ecosystems on a global level are in the sate of N saturation or not is still controversial, but the potential risks of excess Nr seem to be increasing. The fundamental ways to mitigate Nr risks are to reduce Nr production, prevent Nr translocation, and promote conversion of Nr to N2. Temporal, but promising actions against ecological N risks may include management of forests and riparian zones, and carbon addition in grassland.
Epidemiological Evaluation of Dupuytren's Disease Incidence and Prevalence Rates in Relation to Etiology
Authors: Hindocha Sandip , McGrouther Duncan Angus , Bayat Ardeshir
Published: January 2009

Dupuytren's Disease (DD) is a common, fibroproliferative disorder affecting the palmar surface of the hands which is often irreversible and progressive. Understanding the epidemiology of DD is important in order to provide clues to its etiopathogenesis. This review aims to evaluate the epidemiological studies carried out in DD since 1951. Studies evaluating the epidemiology of DD were searched using Medline, Pubmed, and Scopus which dated back from 1951 to current date. Inclusion criteria were any studies investigating the prevalence or incidence of DD in any population group. A total of 620 articles were cited. Forty-nine studies were subsequently identified as relevant to evaluating the epidemiology of DD. The prevalence of DD in all studies increased with age with a male to female ratio of approximately 5.9:1. Prevalence rates ranged from 0.2% to 56% in varying age, population groups, and methods of data collection. The highest prevalence rate was reported in a study group of epileptic patients. Although, only one study calculated the incidence (as opposed to prevalence) of DD to be equal to 34.3 per 100,000 men (0.03%). In conclusion, the prevalence of DD in different geographical locations is extremely variable, and it is not clear whether this is genetic, environmental, or a combination of both. The majority of the prevalence studies have been conducted in Scandinavia or the UK, and the vast changes in population structure, the changes in prevalence of associated diseases, and the change in diagnostic criteria of DD makes understanding the epidemiology of this condition difficult.
“Arab Nationalism”: Has a New Framework Emerged? (question posed by James L. Gelvin)
Authors: Gelvin James L.
Published: January 2009

The “origins problem” has loomed large in the historiography of nationalism in the Arab Middle East and for good reason: it is constitutive and representative of other issues surrounding the problem of nationalism. George Antonius published the first iteration of what might be termed the “standard [origins] narrative” in 1938. Since that time, the narrative has undergone a number of revisions, the most notable of which are by C. Ernest Dawn, Philip S. Khoury, and Rashid Khalidi, among others.
RITUALS OF ROYALTY AND THE ELABORATION OF CEREMONY IN OMAN: VIEW FROM THE EDGE
Authors: Chatty Dawn
Published: January 2009

Ceremony and elaborate protocols are commonly associated with kingship, authority, and power. The pageantry associated with the British monarchy in its public ceremonials, for example, is imbued with a sense of an ancient past. Yet, these traditions are recent inventions derived from the late Victorian period. Traditions, particularly Western practices, are often made up, choreographed, and then formally instituted in a matter of a few years, rapidly gaining a sense of permanence. Sometimes entirely new symbols and devices are invented to confirm gravitas and substance and to serve as rallying points for the new entity (e.g., Marianne, John Bull, or Uncle Sam).
EMPOWERING GOVERNMENTALITIES RATHER THAN WOMEN: THEARAB HUMAN DEVELOPMENT REPORT 2005AND WESTERN DEVELOPMENT LOGICS
Authors: Hasso Frances S.
Published: January 2009

The researchers and writers of theArab Human Development Report 2005 (AHDR 2005)include activists, social critics, intellectuals, and feminists who aspire forizdihār(flourishing) in the Arab world “based on a peaceful process of negotiation for redistributing power and building good governance.” This passage suggests that the aims theAHDR 2005shares with the previous three volumes are to encourage state apparatuses and officials totransform themselvesby changing policies and surrendering some of the power and resources they have fortified vis-à-vis their citizenries. This article argues that rather than encouraging the rise of women or any group interested in political or social transformation, theAHDR 2005works within a U.N. development framework that strengthens states and political elites in relation to their populations by constituting the former as the causes of underdevelopment and thus the primary agents for economic, social, and political improvement.
EDUCATING WOMEN FOR DEVELOPMENT: THEARAB HUMAN DEVELOPMENT REPORT 2005AND THE PROBLEM WITH WOMEN'S CHOICES
Authors: Adely Fida J.
Published: January 2009

In the 1980s, after a decades-long emphasis on economic growth as the primary engine for development, a number of prominent economists and development practitioners heralded a new era in the conceptualization of development as primarily a human endeavor with improved life chances and quality of life as the proper end. Thus was coined the term “human development,” followed by subsequent efforts to delineate the essential dimensions of human development and the appropriate measures of a development endeavor that no longer had “growth” (and, more narrowly, increased income) as its primary indicator but now sought to measure human ends, capabilities, and opportunities. Of most prominence, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) took up this charge in the form of an annual global human development report, releasing the first one in 1990. Perhaps no other human development reports have received as much attention in the past few years as have the Arab human development reports.
Effektivität einer optimierten Ergotherapie bei Demenz im häuslichen Setting (ERGODEM)
Authors: Reuster Thomas , Jurjanz Luisa , Schützwohl Matthias , Holthoff Vjera
Published: January 2009

In einer randomisierten und kontrollierten Studie wird die Wirksamkeit einer optimierten Ergotherapie im häuslichen Setting bei Patienten (Alter: > 55 Jahre) mit leichten und mittelschweren Demenzen im Vergleich zu einer TAU-Behandlung untersucht. Insgesamt werden 200 Patienten in die Studie eingeschlossen. Primäres Ziel ist die Untersuchung individuell ausgeführter Alltagsaktivitäten, die mit den Patienten und pflegenden Angehörigen als wichtig identifiziert werden. Sekundäre Outcomevariablen umfassen die kognitive Leistungsfähigkeit, Verhaltensauffälligkeiten, Lebenszufriedenheit der Betroffenen und ihrer pflegenden Angehörigen sowie Behandlungskosten. In der experimentellen Intervention wird, unter Einbeziehung der Angehörigen, eine umfassende ergotherapeutische Befunderhebung, eine patientenzentrierte Befund- und Zielklärung mittels COPM und eine darauf aufbauende ergotherapeutische Behandlung über einen Zeitraum von sechs Wochen (à 12 Sitzungen) mit dem Patienten und seinem pflegenden Angehörigen durchgeführt. Die Kontrollgruppe wird nach den Leitlinien der DGPPN und DGN ohne optimierte Ergotherapie behandelt. Es erfolgt eine klinische Verlaufskontrolle 3 und 6 Monate nach Interventionsabschluss.
Die deutsche Fassung der «Serial Trial Intervention» (STI-D)
Authors: Fischer Thomas , Kuhlmey Adelheid , Sibbel Rainer , Nordheim Johanna
Published: January 2009

In fortgeschrittenen Demenzstadien treten häufig so genannte herausfordernde Verhaltensweisen auf, die den nicht-kognitiven Symptomen der Demenz zugerechnet werden. Sie lassen sich als Ausdruck eines unbefriedigten Bedürfnisses des Demenzkranken betrachten. Im Zuge der dargestellten Studie soll eine deutsche Fassung der Serial Trial Intervention (STI-D) entwickelt und getestet werden. Die STI gibt einen strukturierten Rahmen zum Erkennen unbefriedigter Bedürfnisse von Pflegeheimbewohnern mit Demenz und der darauf basierenden Reduktion herausfordernder Verhaltensweisen vor, unter besonderer Berücksichtigung von Schmerzen. In einem ersten Schritt erfolgt unter Einbezug von Fachexperten eine Anpassung der STI-D an die deutschen Erfordernisse. Anschließend wird in einer clusterrandomisierten, kontrollierten, verblindeten klinischen Studie mit drei Messzeitpunkten die Effektivität der STI-D getestet. Primärer Endpunkt ist dabei das Auftreten herausfordernder Verhaltensweisen, sekundäre Endpunkte sind Schmerzen, Lebensqualität sowie die Gabe von Analgetika und Psychopharmaka. Mit Ergebnissen wird im Jahr 2010 gerechnet.
Verhaltenssymptome bei Demenz in Pflegeeinrichtungen
Authors: Rapp Michael A. , Decker A. , Klein U. , Duch T. , Treusch Y. , Majic T. , Petermann A. , Hildebrand C. , Heinz A. , Gutzmann H.
Published: January 2009

In fortgeschrittenen Stadien von Demenzerkrankungen treten neben Depression vermehrt Verhaltenssymptome auf, zu denen Unruhe, Aggressivität und Halluzinationen zählen. In Pflegeeinrichtungen betrifft dies bis zu drei Viertel aller Bewohner. Diese Symptome sind für Pflegende belastend, ziehen erhöhte Versorgungskosten, eine vermehrte Verschreibung von Psychopharmaka, sowie häufigere Krankenhausaufenthalte nach sich. Im Jahr 2003 haben die Amerikanischen Gesellschaften für Gerontopsychiatrie und Geriatrie Leitlinien zur Behandlung von Depressionen und Verhaltenssymptomen in Pflegeeinrichtungen vorgestellt. Vergleichbare Leitlinien der deutschen Fachgesellschaften liegen bislang nicht vor. Die amerikanischen Leitlinien geben neben einem standardisierten Assessment Therapiealgorhythmen vor. In unserem Projekt werden diese Leitlinien in acht Pflegeinrichtungen in Berlin eingeführt und die Ausprägung von Verhaltenssymptomen, die Verschreibung von Psychopharmaka, die Anzahl der Krankenhauseinweisungen und die Belastung der Pflegenden mit einer Kontrollstichprobe von acht vergleichbaren Pflegeeinrichtungen ohne Leitlinienbehandlung über einen Zeitraum von 12 Monaten verglichen. Wir erwarten eine Verminderung der Ausprägung von Verhaltenssymptomen, sowie der Psychopharmakaverschreibungen, der Hospitalisierungsrate und der subjektiven Belastung für Pflegende.
Substanzgebundene Alternativen in der Therapie von ADHS
Authors: Häßler Frank , Dück Alexander , Reis Olaf , Buchmann Johannes
Published: January 2009

Zusammenfassung: ADHS zählt mit einer Prävalenz von 2 bis 6% zu den häufigsten kinderpsychiatrischen Diagnosen im Kindes-, Jugend- und Erwachsenenalter. Beim regelhaften Auftreten von Komorbiditäten sowie den unterschiedlichen psychosozialen Gegebenheiten geht es primär um die Wahl einer effektiven, nebenwirkungsarmen Therapie. Verschiedenste Substanzen haben sich als effektiv in der Behandlung von ADHS erwiesen. Die direkte oder indirekte Beeinflussung der dopaminergen und noradrenergen Neurotransmission scheint sowohl bei den Stimlanzien als auch den Nichtstimulanzien in einem engen Zusammenhang zur Wirksamkeit zu stehen. Zwischen den einzelnen alternativen Substanzen wie Neuroleptika, Antidepressiva, Antiepileptika, α-Agonisten, β-Blockern, Buspiron, L-Dopa, Melatonin, Pycnogenol®, Zink, Magnesium, Omega-3- und -6-Fettsäuren, sowie Homöopathika existieren hinsichtlich Wirksamkeit und Nebenwirkungsspektrum erhebliche Unterschiede. Dennoch können sie im Einzelfall das medikamentöse Spektrum erweitern. Der Artikel gibt einen Überblick über die Wirkmechanismen und die Evidenz für den Einsatz alternativer Substanzen in der Therapie von ADHS im Kindes- und Jugendalter.
Psychopharmaka für Kinder gestern und heute
Authors: Nissen Gerhardt
Published: January 2009

Zusammenfassung: Berichte über seelisch kranke Kinder sind schon aus der Antike überliefert. Dennoch ist erst in der Neuzeit die Erkenntnis gewachsen, dass diese nicht den Erkrankungen des Erwachsenenalters entsprechen, sondern altersspezifische Störungen darstellen. Seit Ende des 19. Jahrhunderts wurde bei der Behandlung psychischer Erkrankungen erstmals systematisch die Wirksamkeit psychotroper Medikamente untersucht. Mitte des 20. Jahrhunderts legte dann die Entdeckung antipsychotischer Substanzen die Grundlage für die heutige Psychopharmakotherapie. Der Einsatz dieser Substanzen im Kindes und Jugendalter wurde in Deutschland teilweise sehr kritisch beurteilt und setzte sich zeitlich verzögert erst in den letzten 20 Jahren zunehmend durch. Generell wurde auch international der Einsatz psychopharmakologischer Therapien im Kindes- und Jugendalter sehr kontrovers diskutiert. Die auch heute noch bestehenden besonderen Schwierigkeiten und Herausforderungen bei der Entwicklung und Anwendung psychopharmakologischer Therapien im Kindes- und Jugendalter werden differenziert dargestellt.