bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Lost E‐Mail Technique: Use of an Implicit Measure to Assess Discriminatory Attitudes Toward Two Minority Groups in Israel
Authors: Tykocinski Orit E. , Bareket‐Bojmel Liad
Published: January 2009

The effectiveness of the “lost e‐mail technique” (LET) as an unobtrusive attitude measure was successfully demonstrated in 2 studies. In Study 1, we found that Israeli students were more likely to reply to a similar other than to a minority group member (an Israeli‐Arab or an immigrant from the former Soviet Union). In Study 2, LET was administered to professors and administrators, and its effectiveness was compared to a more traditional self‐report measure. Although professors showed less discrimination on the self‐report measure than did administrators, they were nevertheless discriminative in their responses to lost e‐mails. These results suggest that professors are not necessarily less prejudiced, but probably are better able to detect attitude probes and more motivated to appear unbiased.
The Relationship Between Television Exposure and Individual Work Expectations: An Empirical Study1
Authors: Waldeck Nancy E.
Published: January 2009

Each day, thousands of televised images of the workplace fill the airwaves through programs such as Law and Order, ER, and The Simpsons. Although communications research has suggested that the social reality of television is often accepted by high‐level viewers (Perry & Roesch, 2004; Potter, 1994), management researchers have been slow to examine television as work socialization. This paper addresses possible concerns of scale and theoretical rigor through development of reliable scales based on televised content and the testing of relationships through an interdisciplinary framework. Regression results indicate that heavy television exposure may influence viewer perceptions regarding access to managers and resources. The results also indicate that non‐media work information can moderate this effect. Practical implications for managers are provided.
Interpretive Filters: Social Cognition and the Impact of Turning Points in Negotiation
Authors: Druckman Daniel , Olekalns Mara , Smith Philip L.
Published: January 2009

A number of studies have shown that certain events that occur during a negotiation can alter its course. Referred to as “turning points,” these events are precipitated by actions taken either outside or inside the talks that have consequences for outcomes. In this article, we report the results of two experiments designed to examine the impacts of two types of precipitating actions, external and internal. In the first experiment, which focused on external actions, we found that crises — as opposed to breakthroughs — produced more movement in negotiations in which parties viewed the social climate positively (high trust, low power). We found that parties achieved less movement in negative social climates (low trust, high power).

In the second experiment, which focused on internal actions, we found that cooperative precipitants (factors inducing change) were more likely to occur when parties negotiated in the context of positive social climates. Negotiation outcomes were also influenced by the climate: we found better individual outcomes for negotiations that occurred in positive climates (high trust, cooperative orientations). Inboth experiments, the social climate of the negotiation moderated the effects of precipitating factors on negotiation outcomes. Perceptions of trust and power filter the way negotiators interpret actions that occur outside or are taken inside a negotiation, which can lead to agreements or impasses.
Attachment Styles, Conflict Perception, and Adolescents' Strategies of Coping with Interpersonal Conflict
Authors: Ben‐Ari Rachel , Hirshberg Itzhak
Published: January 2009

In this study, we examined the relationships between and among adolescents' attachment styles, conflict perceptions, and strategies for coping with conflicts with their peers. The study participants were 146 pupils at a junior high school who completed self‐report questionnaires about their attachment styles (secure, anxious, or avoidant), conflict coping styles (avoiding, dominating, obliging, compromising, and integrating), and conflict perceptions (positive or negative), as well as social and academic status and the frequency with which they and their friends were involved in conflicts.

We found strong, statistically significant correlations between attachment style, coping strategy, and conflict perception. Generally, participants whose secure attachment scores were higher reported that they held more positive attitudes toward conflict, used more cooperative strategies to cope with conflicts, and were involved in conflicts less often; they also seemed to be less obliging and more dominating in their coping strategies. Avoidant attachment adolescents in our study displayed more negative conflict perceptions and made greater use of dominating strategies.

We also found that participants' conflict perceptions mediated the relationship between their attachment styles and coping styles. Because it is generally easier to change attitudes than it is to change attachment styles, which are more fixed, our findings suggest that changing adolescents' conflict perceptions, through school curricula, for example, may be an effective way to improve their ability to cope with conflict.
Cow‐calf profitability and leptin genotyping
Authors: Mitchell Jay , DeVuyst Eric A. , Bauer Marc L. , Larson Daniel L.
Published: January 2009

Profitability of cow‐calf production is determined largely by market prices, calf weaning weights, and cow productive life. While producers individually have no effect on prices, weaning weights and productive life have genetic influences and hence can be altered by selection programs implemented by producers. We investigate the impact of a mutation in the leptin gene (exon 2; single nucleotide polymorphism [SNP] 305) on cow‐calf profitability. Prior research shows that this mutation has effects on performance and traits of fed cattle and milk production in dairy cows. Using data from a teaching‐research herd, we find that it is also associated with calf weaning weights and cow productive life. A bio‐economic stochastic simulation demonstrates that the mutation has statistically positive impacts on profits, suggesting that producers can profitably make use of this information.
An introduction to concept mapping in dental education: the case of partial denture design
Authors: Kinchin I. M. , Cabot L. B.
Published: January 2009

The aim of this paper is to present concept mapping as a tool for enhancing clinical dental education and develops the authors’ argument for the use of concept mapping presented previously in the pages of this journal. Materials presented are based on data gathered from extensive observation of learning and teaching in a UK dental school, and upon a case study of student learning of removable partial denture design. Using examples developed with students and teachers, critical elements of the approach are illustrated which can be used to support dialogue between the two parties. This approach can be used to develop active teaching strategies and engaged learning approaches that support the development of clinical expertise.
Transforming growth factor‐alfa gene (TGFA), human tooth agenesis, and evidence of segmental uniparental isodisomy
Authors: Callahan Nicholas , Modesto Adriana , Deeley Kathleen , Meira Raquel , Vieira Alexandre R.
Published: January 2009

We have previously reported an association between variants in the transforming growth factor‐alfa gene (TGFA) and human tooth agenesis. To demonstrate in greater detail that TGFA contributes to tooth agenesis, we investigated additional markers in the gene. Cheek swab samples were obtained for DNA analysis from 116 patient/parent trios. Probands had at least one developmentally missing tooth, excluding third molars. Genotyping was performed using TaqMan assays. Linkage disequilibrium analysis and test of the transmission distortion of the marker alleles were performed. We confirmed that TGFA variants and haplotypes are associated with tooth agenesis. Moreover, it appears that preferential premolar agenesis is associated with TGFA, and patients with a family history of tooth agenesis would have an associated haplotype. Finally, we excluded that a TGFA microdeletion could cause sporadic agenesis in a case of upper lateral incisors and lower second premolars and suggest this case may be consequence of a segmental uniparental isodisomy.
Tenoxicam controls pain without altering orthodontic movement of maxillary canines
Authors: Arantes GM , Arantes VMN , Ashmawi HA , Posso IP
Published: January 2009

Structured Abstract

Authors –  Arantes GM, Arantes VMN, Ashmawi HA, Posso IP

Objectives –  To study the efficacy of tenoxicam for pain control, its potential for preemptive analgesia, and its influence on the orthodontic movement of upper canine teeth.

Design –  This was a randomized controlled double‐blind cross‐over study. The patients were divided into three groups. Two groups received tenoxicam in daily doses of 20 mg orally for 3 days. Group A received the first dose of the drug before orthodontic activation and group B, just afterwards. Group C (control) received a placebo for 3 days. All groups had access to 750 mg of paracetamol up to four times a day. Three orthodontic activations were performed at 30‐day intervals. Each patient belonged to two different groups. Pain intensity was assessed using a descriptive Pain Scale and a Visual Analog Scale.

Setting and Sample Population –  Private clinic; 36 patients undergoing bilateral canine tooth retraction.

Results –  The statistical analysis did not show any difference in movement between the active groups and the control at any time. There was no statistical difference between the groups that received tenoxicam. Pain intensity in these groups was lower than in the placebo group. The difference in pain intensity between the active groups and the control was greatest at the assessment made 12 h after activation and it tended to zero, 72 h after activation.

Conclusions –  Tenoxicam did not influence orthodontic movement of the upper canines. It was effective for pain control and did not present any preemptive analgesic effect.
Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci from Areca catechu (Arecaceae) using PCR‐based isolation of microsatellite arrays
Authors: HU CHENG‐HENG , HUANG CHI‐CHUN , HUNG KUO‐HSIANG , HSU TSAI‐WEN , CHIANG TZEN‐YUH
Published: January 2009

Betel nut (Areca nut, Areca catechu L.) is a conspicuous and important cultivated plant of tropical and subtropical habitats throughout Southeast Asia and Oceania. As a significant cultural and social offering, the migration of betel nut associated with human dispersal is an important issue in ethnobotany and anthropology. In this study, we described the development of nine microsatellite loci from A. catechu. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 5 to 15. The expected and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.71to 0.94 and from 0 to 0.88, respectively. All microsatellite loci, except for AC30, significantly deviated from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium possibly due to artificially selected cultivation or the existence of excessive null alleles. No linkage disequilibrium was observed from pairwise comparisons of loci, except for AC06 and AC08.
Effects of Dressing Type on 3D Tissue Microdeformations During Negative Pressure Wound Therapy: A Computational Study
Authors: Wilkes R. , Zhao Y. , Kieswetter K. , Haridas B.
Published: January 2009

Vacuum-assisted closure® (VAC®) therapy, also referred to as vacuum-assisted closure® negative pressure wound therapy (VAC® NPWT), delivered to various dermal wounds is believed to influence the formation of granulation tissue via the mechanism of microdeformational signals. In recent years, numerous experimental investigations have been initiated to study the cause-effect relationships between the mechanical signals and the transduction pathways that result in improved granulation response. To accurately quantify the tissue microdeformations during therapy, a new three-dimensional finite element model has been developed and is described in this paper. This model is used to study the effect of dressing type and subatmospheric pressure level on the variations in the microdeformational strain fields in a model dermal wound bed. Three-dimensional geometric models representing typical control volumes of NPWT dressings were generated using micro-CT scanning of VAC® GranuFoam®, a reticulated open-cell polyurethane foam (ROCF), and a gauze dressing (constructed from USP Class VII gauze). Using a nonlinear hyperfoam constitutive model for the wound bed, simulated tissue microdeformations were generated using the foam and gauze dressing models at equivalent negative pressures. The model results showed that foam produces significantly greater strain than gauze in the tissue model at all pressures and in all metrics (p<0.0001 for all but εvol at −50mmHg and −100mmHg where p<0.05). Specifically, it was demonstrated in this current work that the ROCF dressing produces higher levels of tissue microdeformation than gauze at all levels of subatmospheric pressure. This observation is consistent across all of the strain invariants assessed, i.e., εvol, εdist, the minimum and maximum principal strains, and the maximum shear strain. The distribution of the microdeformations and strain appears as a repeating mosaic beneath the foam dressing, whereas the gauze dressings appear to produce an irregular distribution of strains in the wound surface. Strain predictions from the developed computational model results agree well with those predicted from prior two-dimensional experimental and computational studies of foam-based NPWT (Saxena, V., et al., 2004, “Vacuum-assisted closure: Microdeformations of Wounds and Cell Proliferation,” Plast. Reconstr. Surg., 114(5), pp. 1086–1096). In conjunction with experimental in vitro and in vivo studies, the developed model can now be extended into more detailed investigations into the mechanobiological underpinnings of VAC® NPWT and can help to further develop and optimize this treatment modality for the treatment of challenging patient wounds.
Material Properties of the Axillary Pouch of the Glenohumeral Capsule: Is Isotropic Material Symmetry Appropriate?
Authors: Rainis Eric J. , Maas Steve A. , Henninger Heath B. , McMahon Patrick J. , Weiss Jeffrey A. , Debski Richard E.
Published: January 2009

Inconclusive findings regarding the collagen fiber architecture and the material properties of the glenohumeral capsule make it unclear whether the material symmetry of the glenohumeral capsule is isotropic or anisotropic. The overall objective of this work was to use a combined experimental and computational protocol to characterize the mechanical properties of the axillary pouch of the glenohumeral capsule and to determine the appropriate material symmetry. Two perpendicular tensile and finite simple shear deformations were applied to a series of tissue samples from the axillary pouch of the glenohumeral capsule. An inverse finite element optimization routine was then used to determine the material coefficients for an isotropic hyperelastic constitutive model by simulating the experimental conditions. There were no significant differences between the material coefficients obtained from the two perpendicular tensile deformations or finite simple shear deformations. Furthermore, stress-stretch relationships predicted by utilizing the material coefficients from one direction were able to predict the responses of the same tissue sample in the perpendicular direction. These similarities between the longitudinal and transverse material behaviors of the tissue imply that the capsule may be considered an isotropic material. However, differences did exist between the material coefficients obtained from the tensile and shear loading conditions. Therefore, a more advanced constitutive model is needed to predict both the tensile and shear responses of the material.
Respiratory Flow Phenomena and Gravitational Deposition in a Three-Dimensional Space-Filling Model of the Pulmonary Acinar Tree
Authors: Sznitman Josué , Heimsch Thomas , Wildhaber Johannes H. , Tsuda Akira , Rösgen Thomas
Published: January 2009

The inhalation of micron-sized aerosols into the lung’s acinar region may be recognized as a possible health risk or a therapeutic tool. In an effort to develop a deeper understanding of the mechanisms responsible for acinar deposition, we have numerically simulated the transport of nondiffusing fine inhaled particles (1 μm and 3 μm in diameter) in two acinar models of varying complexity: (i) a simple alveolated duct and (ii) a space-filling asymmetrical acinar branching tree following the description of lung structure by Fung (1988, “A Model of the Lung Structure and Its Validation,” J. Appl. Physiol., 64, pp. 2132–2141). Detailed particle trajectories and deposition efficiencies, as well as acinar flow structures, were investigated under different orientations of gravity, for tidal breathing motion in an average human adult. Trajectories and deposition efficiencies inside the alveolated duct are strongly related to gravity orientation. While the motion of larger particles (3 μm) is relatively insensitive to convective flows compared with the role of gravitational sedimentation, finer 1 μm aerosols may exhibit, in contrast, complex kinematics influenced by the coupling between (i) flow reversal due to oscillatory breathing, (ii) local alveolar flow structure, and (iii) streamline crossing due to gravity. These combined mechanisms may lead to twisting and undulating trajectories in the alveolus over multiple breathing cycles. The extension of our study to a space-filling acinar tree was well suited to investigate the influence of bulk kinematic interaction on aerosol transport between ductal and alveolar flows. We found the existence of intricate trajectories of fine 1 μm aerosols spanning over the entire acinar airway network, which cannot be captured by simple alveolar models. In contrast, heavier 3 μm aerosols yield trajectories characteristic of gravitational sedimentation, analogous to those observed in the simple alveolated duct. For both particle sizes, however, particle inhalation yields highly nonuniform deposition. While larger particles deposit within a single inhalation phase, finer 1 μm particles exhibit much longer residence times spanning multiple breathing cycles. With the ongoing development of more realistic models of the pulmonary acinus, we aim to capture some of the complex mechanisms leading to deposition of inhaled aerosols. Such models may lead to a better understanding toward the optimization of pulmonary drug delivery to target specific regions of the lung.
Coherent Intrachain Energy Migration in a Conjugated Polymer at Room Temperature
Authors: Collini Elisabetta , Scholes Gregory D.
Published: January 2009

The intermediate coupling regime for electronic energy transfer is of particular interest because excitation moves in space, as in a classical hopping mechanism, but quantum phase information is conserved. We conducted an ultrafast polarization experiment specifically designed to observe quantum coherent dynamics in this regime. Conjugated polymer samples with different chain conformations were examined as model multichromophoric systems. The data, recorded at room temperature, reveal coherent intrachain (but not interchain) electronic energy transfer. Our results suggest that quantum transport effects occur at room temperature when chemical donor-acceptor bonds help to correlate dephasing perturbations.
Efficacy of a Genetically EngineeredCandida albicans tet-NRG1Strain as an Experimental Live Attenuated Vaccine against Hematogenously Disseminated Candidiasis
Authors: Saville Stephen P. , Lazzell Anna L. , Chaturvedi Ashok K. , Monteagudo Carlos , Lopez-Ribot Jose L.
Published: January 2009

We report on the efficacy of the genetically engineeredCandida albicans tet-NRG1strain as an experimental live, attenuated vaccine against disseminated candidiasis in both immunocompetent and immunodeficient mice mostly dependent on T-cell immunity. This experimental vaccination model may represent an important tool to unravel the mechanisms of protective immunity during candidiasis.
Molecular Typing ofMycobacterium bovisStrains Isolated in Italy from 2000 to 2006 and Evaluation of Variable-Number Tandem Repeats for Geographically Optimized Genotyping
Authors: Boniotti M. Beatrice , Goria Maria , Loda Daniela , Garrone Annalisa , Benedetto Alessandro , Mondo Alessandra , Tisato Ernesto , Zanoni Mariagrazia , Zoppi Simona , Dondo Alessandro , Tagliabue Silvia , Bonora Stefano , Zanardi Giorgio , Pacciarini M. Lodovica
Published: January 2009

Spoligotyping and exact tandem repeat (ETR) analysis ofMycobacterium bovisandM. capraeisolated strains has been routinely carried out in Italy since 2000 to obtain a database of genetic profiles and support traditional epidemiological investigations. In this study, we characterized 1,503M. bovisand 57M. capraeisolates obtained from 2000 to 2006 in 747 cattle herds mainly located in northern Italy. We identified 81 spoligotypes and 113 ETR profiles, while the combination of spoligotyping/ETR analysis differentiated 228 genotypes, with genotypic diversity indices of 0.70 (spoligotyping), 0.94 (ETR-A to -E typing), and 0.97 (spoligotyping/ETR-A to -E typing), respectively. Despite the high degree of resolution obtained, the spoligotyping/ETR methods were not discriminative enough in the case of genotypes characterized by the combination of SB0120, the predominant spoligotype in Italy, with the most common ETR profiles. To obtain a more informative subset of typing loci, 24 mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit-variable-number tandem repeat (MIRU-VNTR) markers were evaluated by analyzing a panel of 100 epidemiologically unrelated SB0120 isolates. The panel was differentiated into 89 profiles with an overall genotypic diversity of 0.987 that could be also achieved by using a minimal group of 13 loci: ETR-A, -B, and -E; MIRU 26 and 40; and VNTR 2163a, 2163b, 3155, 1612, 4052, 1895, 3232, and 3336. The allelic diversity index and the stability of single loci was evaluated to provide the most discriminative genotyping method for locally prevalent strains.
Comparison of Probe Hybridization Array Typing to Multilocus Sequence Typing for Pathogenic
Escherichia coli
Authors: McNamara Sara E. , Srinivasan Usha , Zhang Lixin , Whittam Thomas S. , Marrs Carl F. , Foxman Betsy
Published: January 2009

Probe hybridization array typing (PHAT) is a previously validated, high-throughput, highly discriminatory binary typing method based on the presence or absence of genetic material. To increase the utility of PHAT, we identified a refined PHAT probe set using 24 known and potential
Escherichia coli
virulence genes, by which groups similar to multilocus sequence typing (MLST) clonal groups (CGs) could be determined. We PHAT typed 1,132
E. coli
isolates, representing at least 62 MLST CGs and diverse disease states, using a “library-on-a-slide” microarray format. Using 24 PHAT probes, all 62 MLST CGs in the representative
E. coli
collection were distinguished. For major CGs, PHAT correctly classified all sequence types within CG7 and CG17 but misclassified between one and four sequence types for CG13, CG14, CG23, CG38, and CG58, giving an overall sensitivity and specificity of 80.4 and 98.7%, respectively. After application of the PHAT classification to the whole collection, MLST validation of the PHAT probe classification resulted in sensitivities from 0.0 to 100.0% and specificities from 75.0 to 100.0% for individual CGs and an overall sensitivity and specificity of 64.7 and 88.3%, respectively. The refined PHAT probe set is capable of classifying isolates into groups in a manner similar to major clonal complexes of MLST, indicating coevolution between the chromosomal background and the flexible gene pool. Further refinement is needed to distinguish between closely related groups. For analysis of large bacterial collections, PHAT is a relatively time- and cost-efficient method and is ideal for a first level of analysis.
Development and Evaluation of a Liquid Bead Microarray Assay for Genotyping Genital Human Papillomaviruses
Authors: Feng Qinghua , Cherne Stephen , Winer Rachel L. , Balasubramanian Akhila , Lee Shu-Kuang , Hawes Stephen E. , Kiviat Nancy B. , Koutsky Laura A.
Published: January 2009

We developed a liquid bead microarray (LBMA) assay for genotyping genital human papillomaviruses (HPVs) based on the MY09-MY11-HMB01 PCR system and the reverse line blot (RLB) assay probe sequences. Using individual HPV plasmids, we were able to detect as few as 50 copies per reaction. In two separate retrospective studies, the LBMA assay was compared to the RLB assay and to the Hybrid Capture II (hc2) assay. Testing was performed without knowledge of other assay results. In the first study, 614 cervical swab samples (enriched for HPV infection) from 160 young women were tested for HPV DNA, and 360 (74.8%) type-specific HPV infections were detected by both assays, 71 (14.8%) by the LBMA assay only, and 50 (10.4%) by the RLB assay only. Type-specific agreement for the two assays was excellent (99.1%; kappa = 0.85; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.82 to 0.88). Samples with discrepant LBMA and RLB test results tended to have low viral loads by a quantitative type-specific PCR assay. In the second study, cervical swab samples from 452 women (including 54 women with histologically confirmed cervical-intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse [≥CIN2]) were tested initially by the hc2 and subsequently by the LBMA assay. The estimated sensitivities for ≥CIN2 were similar for the LBMA and hc2 assays (98.4% [95% CI, 95.0 to 100%] and 95.6% [95% CI, 89.2 to 100%], respectively). The percentages of negative results among 398 women without ≥CIN2 were similar for the LBMA and hc2 assays (45% and 50%, respectively). The repeat test reproducibility for 100 samples was 99.1% (kappa = 0.92; 95% CI, 0.90 to 0.95). We conclude that the new LBMA assay will be useful for clinical and epidemiological research.
Internal Control for Nucleic Acid Testing Based on the Use of Purified
Bacillus atrophaeus
subsp.
globigii
Spores
Authors: Picard François J. , Gagnon Martin , Bernier Marthe R. , Parham Nicholas J. , Bastien Martine , Boissinot Maurice , Peytavi Régis , Bergeron Michel G.
Published: January 2009

Commonly used internal controls (ICs) to monitor the efficiency of nucleic acid testing (NAT) assays do not allow verification of nucleic acid extraction efficiency. Since microbial cells are often difficult to lyse, it is important to ensure that nucleic acids are efficiently extracted from any target organism. For this purpose, we developed a cellular IC based on the use of nonpathogenic
Bacillus
spores. Purified
Bacillus atrophaeus
subsp.
globigii
(referred to hereafter as simply
B. atrophaeus
) spores were added to vaginal and anal samples, which were then subjected to rapid DNA extraction and subsequent PCR amplification. The proof of concept of this cellular IC was made through the use of both manual and automated DNA extraction methods, using vaginal or anal samples spiked with
B. atrophaeus
spores, combined with a multiplex real-time PCR assay for the specific detection of group B streptococci (GBS) and
B. atrophaeus
. The performance of the cellular IC was compared to that of a standard IC plasmid added to PCRs. Approximately 500
B. atrophaeus
spores per PCR was found to be optimal since this did not interfere significantly with GBS detection for either DNA extraction method and yielded reproducible amplification and/or detection of
B. atrophaeus
genomic DNA serving as an IC template. Performance of the cellular IC was comparable to that of the standard IC. This novel IC system using nonpathogenic and hard-to-lyse
B. atrophaeus
spores allowed validation of both the DNA extraction procedure and the amplification and detection process. Use of a spore-based control also provides a universal control for microbial cell lysis.
Functional vitamin B12 deficiency
Authors: Turner M R , Talbot K
Published: January 2009

We describe a case of functional vitamin B12 deficiency where the repeated measurement of a serum B12 level within the normal range led to delay in the diagnosis of subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord, and possibly permanent neurological damage as a result. Failure of intracellular transport of B12 by transcobalamin-2 can lead to functional B12 deficiency but with apparently normal serum levels, and is suggested by raised levels of either serum methylmalonic acid or homocysteine, associated with low levels of transcobalamin-2. Such patients may respond to repeated high-dose injections of B12.
Making the diagnosis in patients with blackouts: it’s all in the history
Authors: Plug L , Reuber M
Published: January 2009

The distinction between the different causes of blackouts is an important and challenging clinical task. Given that treatment is very diagnosis-specific, therapeutic success depends entirely on the correct categorisation of the problem. However, despite impressive technological advances in brain imaging and improved access to tests such as video-EEG monitoring and tilt-table testing, the act of taking and interpreting the patient’s history is still the most important diagnostic tool in the evaluation of patients presenting with blackouts; in many if not most cases it provides the only diagnostic pointers. Here we discuss the potential and limitations of using factual information (whatpatients say about their attacks) and summarise the findings of a number of recent studies which suggest that taking note ofhowpatients talk can help get the diagnosis right.
When the antiepileptic drugs are not working
Authors: Leach J P
Published: January 2009

Most patients with epilepsy respond to the initial antiepileptic drug (AED). But, as the responders are discharged, our clinics inevitably accumulate a number of “refractory” patients who require more manipulation of their treatment. This article looks at ways in which the identification and management of refractory epilepsy can be enhanced. The most important thing is to be able to assess if the initial diagnosis and classification are correct, and if the epilepsy is genuinely refractory, or if other medical or social issues are contributing to the deterioration in AED control. Once any treatment resistance is confirmed, specific attention should be paid to thorough investigation and, if appropriate, treatment manipulation. As all AEDs are equally efficacious, it is knowledge of the drug pharmacology and of expected adverse effects that is most helpful in determining drug choice. For those patients who do not fully respond to any medication, the challenges are to provide maximum benefit with minimum adverse effects, reducing risk to life, and risk to quality of life.
Cycle lengths and phase portrait characteristics as probes for predator–prey interactions: comparing simulations and observed data
Authors: Holmengen Nina , Seip Knut Lehre
Published: January 2009

In this paper we explore the cyclic interactions of prey–predator systems by examining the relationship between cycle lengths of both species and the strength of their interaction. As a probe of interaction strength, we use the degree of counter-clockwise rotation in phase plots with the prey on the x axis and the predator on the y axis. We compare the results from a 25-year time series from the Hudson’s Bay Company data on American mink ( Neovison vison (Schreber, 1777)) and muskrat ( Ondatra zibethicus (L., 1766)) with results from three simulation models. We found that the strength of interaction (rotation range: –0.4 to 1.1 rad/year) was strongest when the two cycle lengths were similar and that it increased with the amplitude of the cycles (cycle range: 4–10 years). The time difference between prey and predator cycles that corresponded to the highest interaction strength was 2–3 years. Similar results were obtained with simulation models; the most complex Hanski model showing the overall best fit with observations. However, none of the models were able to reproduce long ranges of stable cycles by only changing one of their parameters at a time (ranges 2–4 years), whereas the observed range of stable cycles was 4–10 years.
Evaluating capture stress and its effects on reproductive success in Svalbard reindeer
Authors: Omsjoe E. H. , Stien A. , Irvine J. , Albon S. D. , Dahl E. , Thoresen S. I. , Rustad E. , Ropstad E.
Published: January 2009

Although many ecological studies of wild animal populations rely on capturing individuals at least once, few have investigated either the immediate stress responses of capture, restraint, and handling, or the longer term consequences on reproductive success. In this paper, we assume that the degree of stress increase with the time taken to capture and process an animal prior to release. The influence of time since onset of capture on body temperature and blood chemistry indicators of stress was investigated in 137 adult female Svalbard reindeer ( Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus Vrolik, 1829) and 63 calves of both sexes captured by net in late-winter 2004 and 2005. In addition, we looked for evidence of negative effects of capture stress on reproductive success in marked animals over the period from 1995 to 2006. Body temperature increased with both chase time and the time the animals were restrained. In the latter case, body temperature increased twice as fast in nonpregnant animals (0.13 °C/min) compared with pregnant animals. Cortisol, glutamate dehydrogenase, and γ-glutamyltransferase all increased with time from onset of capture. However, the relationship for glucose with time since onset of capture increased initially before declining again. We found no evidence of a lower calving success in animals captured the previous winter when compared with animals that had not been captured the previous winter. Likewise, there was no relationship between the strength of the acute stress response (measured as cortisol concentrations) and the probability of pregnant females having a calf at foot the subsequent summer.
STATISTICAL DEPENDENCY IN CHAOS
Authors: LAWRANCE A. J. , BALAKRISHNA N.
Published: January 2009

This paper is concerned with the statistical dependency effects in chaotic map processes, both before and after their discretization at branch boundaries. The resulting processes are no longer chaotic but are left with realizable statistical behavior. Such processes have appeared over several years in the electronic engineering literature. Informal but extended mathematical theory that facilitates the practical calculation of autocorrelation of such statistical behavior, is developed. Both the continuous and discretized cases are treated further by using Kohda's notions of equidistribution and constant-sum to maps which are not onto. Some particularly structured chaotic map processes, and also well-known maps are examined for their statistical dependency, with the tailed shift map family from chaotic communications receiving detailed attention. Several parts of the paper form a brief review of existing theory.
ON THE DENSE ENTROPY OF TWO-DIMENSIONAL INHOMOGENEOUS CELLULAR NEURAL NETWORKS
Authors: BAN JUNG-CHAO , CHANG CHIH-HUNG
Published: January 2009

This investigation elucidates the dense entropy of two-dimensional inhomogeneous cellular neural networks (ICNN) with/without input. It is strongly related to the learning problem (or inverse problem); the necessary and sufficient conditions for the admissibility of local patterns must be characterized. For ICNN with/without input, the entropy function is dense in [0, log 2] with respect to the parameter space and the radius of the interacting cells, indicating that, in some sense, ICNN exhibit a wide range of phenomena.
HYPERCHAOS IN RTD-BASED CELLULAR NEURAL NETWORKS
Authors: CHEN FENG-JUAN , LI JI-BIN
Published: January 2009

In this paper, a hyperchaotic RTD-based cellular neural network is proposed and its hyperchaotic dynamics is demonstrated. The Lyapunov exponents spectrum is presented, and some typical Lyapunov exponents are calculated in a range of parameters. Several important phase portraits are presented as well.
SYNCHRONIZATION OF TWO ELECTROMECHANICAL DEVICES WITH PARAMETRIC COUPLING
Authors: TCHANA A. SAMANKEU , WOAFO P. , YAMAPI R.
Published: January 2009

The study of synchronization of two electromechanical devices with parametric coupling, in their regular and chaotic states was investigated. It was observed that an analytical study based on the Floquet theory makes it possible to determine the coefficients of coupling, ensuring a complete synchronization. Emphasis was placed on the analysis of amplitude effects on coupling and stability boundaries of the synchronization process. Numerical investigations are then used to support the accuracy of the analytical approach.
FRACTAL IMAGE COMPRESSION BASED ON MATCHING ERROR THRESHOLD
Authors: WANG XING-YUAN , ZOU LI-XIAN
Published: January 2009

This paper proposes a fractal image encoding algorithm based on matching error threshold: first the authors set up two kick-out conditions to reduce the capacity of the codebook, and then set up a matching threshold when searching the best matching blocks, which can shorten its runtime greatly. Meanwhile, the authors discard the isometric transformations that are mentioned in most literatures, because the usage of the isometric transformations only increase the computational complexity, the same or even better reconstructed image can achieve through reducing the sliding step of producing domain blocks. Experimental results indicate that the proposed algorithm can both shorten the encoding time greatly and achieve the same or better reconstructed image quality as compared with the basic fractal encoding algorithm with full search.
A THEORETICAL INVESTIGATION OF MECHANISM OF THE ADENOSINE DEAMINASE MODIFICATION: REACTION OF GLUTAMATE RESIDUE WITH WOODWARD REAGENT K
Authors: MAHNAM KARIM , BAHRAMI HOMAYOON , MOOSAVI-MOVAHEDI ALI AKBAR , SABOURY ALI AKBAR , IRANMANESH MEHDI , HAKIMELAHI GHOLAM HOSSEIN , RAD MOHAMMAD NAVID SOLTANI , KHALAFI-NEZHAD ALI
Published: January 2009

The kinetics and mechanism of the modification of adenosine deaminase with N-ethyl-5-phenyl isoxazoliom-3′-sulfonate (WR-K) are investigated using molecular dynamics simulations, QM and QM/MM minimization methods. Two methodological algorithms are employed. In the first algorithm, a glutamate residue is dissected from ADA and its reaction with WR-K is studied by employing minimization and frequency calculations under the B3LYP method. Results obtained show that ketoketenimine is produced from the interaction of WR-K with OH-in an exergonic two-step reaction. In this process, an intermediate is consumed in the rate-determining step. Next, the dissected residue is modified using ketoketenimine in a three-step reaction. This reaction is accompanied by the production of two intermediates, with the first intermediate produced in the rate-determining step.

For the second algorithm, modification of glutamate residue in the presence of water molecules and ions is investigated using conformational sampling, MM and QM/MM minimization. Stability of species in the reaction is evaluated using a combination of the B3LYP method and the WASA model. It is proved that the stability of an intermediate which is initially produced in the reaction of glutamate residue with ketoketenimine must be considered crucial when the reactivity of the different residues is compared. Results obtained indicate that these reactions have energetic features qualitatively similar to the glutamate-dissected case. It is also clear that protein structure plays a basic role in the formation of the product that arises from the reaction of ADA with ketoketenimine.
ON SOLVING ENERGY-DEPENDENT PARTITIONED REAL SYMMETRIC MATRIX EIGENVALUE PROBLEM BY A PARALLEL GENETIC ALGORITHM
Authors: SHARMA RAHUL , NANDY SUBHAJIT , BHATTACHARYYA S. P.
Published: January 2009

An energy-dependent partitioning scheme is explored for extracting a small number of eigenvalues of a real symmetric matrix with the help of a serial as well as parallel genetic algorithm (GA). The proposed method is tested on two matrices (up to 2000 × 2000) with an increasing number of processors in a master–slave architecture. A comparison is made with the Jacobi–Davidson method in serial mode as implemented in the JDQZ-package. Different partition sizes are used. Traditionally used Löwdin's method is also tested in both serial and parallel modes. The advantages and disadvantages of the parallel GA-based method in solving the partitioned eigenvalue problem are analyzed.
THEORETICAL STUDY ON THE KINETICS AND MECHANISM OF THE REACTION OF CYCLOHEXYL ISOCYANIDE AND 1,1,1,5,5,5-HEXAFLUROPENTANE-2,4-DIONE USING DFT METHOD
Authors: DAVARI MEHDI D. , TAGHIZADEH AMENEH , BAHRAMI HOMAYOON , ZAHEDI MANSOUR
Published: January 2009

Kinetics and mechanism of the reaction between cyclohexyl isocyanide and 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluropentane-2,4-dione has been investigated by utilizing transition state theory and using B3LYP/6-31G* method. Based on previous experimental studies, two paths namely direct attack and conjugate addition have been proposed. Energy changes vs intrinsic reaction coordinate (IRC) along these paths have been studied both in the gas phase and considering nonspecific solvent effect under Onsager's model while all intermediate and possible transition states' geometries obtained and optimized. Small differences have been observed between gas phase and solution phase results. Taking advantage of the thermodynamic and kinetic calculated parameters, observed reaction rate constants and activation energies have been acquired. Computational results suggest that the conjugate addition path is totally unacceptable, while a new path has been proposed, which is both energetically and kinetically preferred to direct attack path. This new path undergoes the Michael addition along with a Cope–Claisen-type rearrangement. In this path, a new intermediate has been encountered for the first time, which contains a five-membered ring of four carbon atoms and one oxygen atom. NBO analysis has revealed that in such intermediate, oxygen lone pair has resonance with C – C π bond inside and C – N π bond outside of the ring leading to this species special stability. Molecular orbital calculations satisfy NBO findings.
Pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor is a major motogenic and protective factor in human breast milk
Authors: Marchbank Tania , Weaver Gillian , Nilsen-Hamilton Marit , Playford Raymond J.
Published: January 2009

Colostrum is the first milk produced after birth and is rich in immunoglobulins and bioactive molecules. We examined whether human colostrum and milk contained pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor (PSTI), a peptide of potential relevance for mucosal defense and, using in vitro and in vivo models, determined whether its presence influenced gut integrity and repair. Human milk was collected from individuals over various times from parturition and PSTI concentrations determined with the use of immunoassay. Human milk samples were analyzed for proliferation and promigratory activity (wounded monolayers) and antiapoptotic activity (caspase-3 activity) with the use of intestinal HT29 cells with or without neutralizing antibodies to PSTI and epidermal growth factor (EGF). Rats were restrained and given indomethacin to induce gastric injury. Effect of gavage with human breast milk with or without neutralizing antibodies on amount of injury were compared with animals receiving a commercial formula feed. PSTI is secreted into human milk, with colostrum containing a much higher concentration of PSTI than human milk obtained later. Human milk stimulated migration and proliferation about threefold and reduced indomethacin-induced apoptosis by about 70–80%. Sixty-five percent of the migratory effect of human milk could be removed by immunoneutralization of PSTI. PSTI worked synergistically with EGF in mediating these effects. Gastric damage in rats was reduced by about 75% in the presence of human milk and was more efficacious than the formula feed ( P < 0.001). Protective effects of the milk were reduced by about 60% by PSTI immunoneutralization. We concluded that PSTI is secreted into human milk at concentrations that have probable pathophysiological relevance.
Cyclooxygenase 2 inhibition suppresses tubuloglomerular feedback: roles of thromboxane receptors and nitric oxide
Authors: Araujo Magali , Welch William J.
Published: January 2009

Thromboxane (TxA2) and nitric oxide (NO) are potent vasoactive autocoids that modulate tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF). Each is produced in the macula densa (MD) by cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), respectively. Both enzymes are similarly regulated in the MD and their interaction may be an important factor in the regulation of TGF and glomerular filtration rate. We tested the hypothesis that TGF is modified by the balance between MD nNOS-dependent NO and MD COX-2-dependent TxA2. We measured maximal TGF during perfusion of the loop of Henle (LH) by continuous recording of the proximal tubule stopped flow pressure response to LH perfusion of artificial tubular fluid (ATF) at 0 and 40 nl/min. The response to inhibitors of COX-1 (SC-560), COX-2 [parecoxib (Pxb)], and nNOS (l-NPA) added to the ATF solution was measured in separate nephrons. COX-2 inhibition with Pxb reduced TGF by 46% (ATF + vehicle vs. ATF + Pxb), whereas COX-1 inhibition with SC-560 reduced TGF by only 23%. Pretreatment with intravenous infusion of SQ-29,548, a selective thromboxone/PGH2 receptor (TPR) antagonist, blocked all of the SC-560 effect on TGF, suggesting that this effect was due to activation of TPR. However, SQ-29,548 only partially diminished the effect of Pxb (−66%). Specific inhibition of nNOS with l-NPA increased TGF, as expected. However, the ability of Pxb to reduce TGF was significantly impaired with comicroperfusion of l-NPA. These data suggest that COX-2 modulates TGF by two proconstrictive actions: generation of TxA2 acting on TPR and by simultaneous reduction of NO.
Effect of intensity of resistance exercise on postprandial lipemia
Authors: Singhal Arpit , Trilk Jennifer L. , Jenkins Nathan T. , Bigelman Kevin A. , Cureton Kirk J.
Published: January 2009

The purpose of this study is to determine whether moderate-intensity resistance exercise (MOD) lowers postprandial lipemia (PPL) as much as high-intensity resistance exercise (HI) of equal work. Ten healthy men performed three trials, each conducted over 2 days. On day 1 of each treatment, they either did not exercise (CON), performed 3 sets of 16 repetitions of 10 exercises at 50% of 8 repetitions maximum (MOD), or performed 3 sets of 8 repetitions of 10 exercises at 100% of 8 repetitions maximum (HI). On the morning of day 2 at 15.5 h postexercise, participants ate a high-fat meal. Venous blood samples were collected, and metabolic rate was measured at rest and 3 h postprandial. HI reduced fasting triglyceride (TG) and TG area under the curve (AUC) (36%, P = 0.011 and 35%, P = 0.014) compared with CON. MOD tended to reduce fasting TG and TG AUC (21%, P = 0.054 and 26%, P = 0.052) compared with CON, but MOD and HI did not differ in fasting TG or TG AUC. Incremental TG AUC did not differ among treatments. MOD and HI did not change resting metabolic rate. HI increased fat oxidation at rest (21%, P = 0.021) and at 3 h postprandial (39%, P = 0.009) relative to CON. MOD tended to increase fat oxidation at rest (18%, P = 0.060) relative to CON. Fat oxidation and metabolic rate did not differ in MOD and HI. MOD and HI increased the fasting quantitative insulin-sensitivity check index (4%, P = 0.001 and P = 0.004) relative to CON. As MOD and HI resulted in similar reductions in PPL and increases in fat oxidation, resistance exercise intensity does not influence PPL.