bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Squamous cell carcinoma of the temporal bone
Authors: Gidley Paul W. , Roberts Dianna B. , Sturgis Erich M.
Published: April 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To study the survival outcomes of patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the temporal bone. A secondary purpose was to evaluate the University of Pittsburgh staging system as a predictor of survival.

Study Design:

Retrospective review.

Methods:

We performed a single‐institution retrospective review of the medical charts of patients diagnosed with SCC of the temporal bone between 1945 and 2005. We identified the patients' demographic characteristics, presenting symptoms, physical examination findings, tumor histology, disease extent, treatment course, and clinical outcomes. We used the Pittsburgh staging system (2000) to determine the patients' tumor classification and disease state. We then compared the overall and disease‐free survival rates between patients with early‐stage versus late‐stage disease.

Results:

We identified 124 patients with SCC of the temporal bone. Of these, 71 had incident (untreated) SCC, 26 had recurrent SCC, and 27 had persistent SCC after treatment elsewhere. The 5‐year overall survival rate for patients with incident SCC was 38%, and the disease‐free survival rate was 60%. The overall survival rate for patients with incident SCC was similar to that for patients with persistent disease and was significantly better than that for patients with recurrent SCC (P = .008). Patients with early‐stage tumors (T1 or T2) had longer overall survival than those with late‐stage tumors (T3 or T4; P = .004, log‐rank). The 5‐year overall survival rate was 48% for patients with early‐stage disease and 28% for patients with late‐stage disease. Furthermore, patients with T1 tumors had significantly longer overall survival than patients with T2 tumors (P = .039) and patients with T3 and T4 tumors (P = .0008). Overall survival (OS) and disease‐free interval (DFI) were improved for T2 tumors when radiotherapy was combined with surgery (OS, P = .011; DFI, P = .02). T1 tumors did not benefit in a statistically significant way with combined therapy. T3 and T4 tumors had relatively poor outcomes in spite of combined therapy. Twenty‐two patients (31%) experienced a recurrence within 1 year of treatment, whereas only one patient developed recurrence after 1 year. Lymph node metastasis, facial paralysis, or involvement of the carotid artery, jugular foramen, or infratemporal fossa were not significantly associated with overall or disease‐free survival.

Conclusions:

Patients with recurrent SCC of the temporal bone had significantly shorter overall survival and disease‐free interval than patients with incident SCC. In addition, patients with early‐stage disease (T1 and T2) had significantly longer overall survival and disease‐free survival than patients with late‐stage tumors. Laryngoscope, 2010
Renewable surfactants in spray adjuvants
Authors: Baseeth Shireen S. , Sebree Bruce R.
Published: April 2010

Adjuvants are chemically and biologically active components that improve herbicide performance. Certain herbicides require the addition of an adjuvant to be effective. Adjuvants sometimes enhance the penetration of herbicide into plants by ensuring adequate spray coverage and maintaining the herbicide contact with plant tissues, or by increasing the rate of foliar and/or stomatal penetration. Although adjuvants are typically categorized as “inert” or “essentially non‐phytotoxic” (i. e. not toxic to plants) compounds, many can produce wide ranging effects on physiological and metabolic processes within plants, animals, and/or microorganisms. Surfactants affect the environment not only in their use and disposal, but also in their production and delivery. Agrochemical formulations and delivery systems that consist of surfactants are evolving to meet new standards including increased safety, convenience, and efficiency of application, as well as lower production costs. Regulatory bodies across the globe are insisting on the requirement of extensive testing to meet stringent safety criteria. Here we discuss the changing trend of renewable chemicals in the crop protection adjuvant.
Fabrication of Diverse Microcapsule Arrays of High Density and Good Stability
Authors: Yang Jie , Gao Changyou
Published: April 2010

Microcapsule arrays attract a lot of interest due to their potential applications in sensing technology. A strategy for fabricating diverse microcapsule arrays through covalent linking is reported here. The self‐assembly of microcapsules was directed by using a poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH)‐patterned template, which was created via microcontact printing. The microcapsules with PAH as the outermost layer were treated with glutaraldehyde and then covalently immobilized on the PAH regions, resulting in ordered microcapsule arrays. The arrays had a high density of capsules and the aggregate number in a pattern could be well controlled by adjusting the area of the PAH pattern. A single microcapsule array could be obtained if the diameter of the PAH region was smaller than that of the microcapsules. These covalently assembled arrays could survive through successive incubation in solutions of high ionic strength and extreme pHs. Such good stability ensures further treatments, such as chemical reactions and loading of functional substances.

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Complexation of Terpyridine‐Containing Dextrans: Toward Water‐Soluble Supramolecular Structures
Authors: Wild Andreas , Hornig Stephanie , Schlütter Florian , Vitz Jürgen , Friebe Christian , Hager Martin D. , Winter Andreas , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: April 2010

Dextran was functionalized with 6‐(2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridin‐4′‐yloxy)‐hexanoic acid using two different ratios of terpyridine to dextran, leading to terpyridine‐functionalized dextran esters possessing different degrees of substitution (DS = 0.23–0.41). The intra‐ and intermolecular complexation behavior of both functionalized biopolymers was studied using FeII metal ions as well as activated RuIII complexes. The complexation behavior in the first case was studied by UV–visible and viscosity titration experiments. In the latter case, a water soluble comb‐polymer could be obtained when using a PEG‐ functionalized terpyridine RuII moiety for complexation. Moreover, nanoprecipitation was applied to self‐assemble the functionalized dextrans into nanoparticles.

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AB‐Block Copolymer with Moving B Blocks as a Model for Interpolymer Complexes
Authors: Pevnaya Olga S. , Kramarenko Elena Yu. , Khokhlov Alexei R.
Published: April 2010

The conformational behavior of a single AB block copolymer is studied by Monte Carlo simulation. The A‐A and A‐B interactions have the character of excluded volume interactions while the B units attract each other; the attractive B blocks can move along the chain. The collapse transition of the chain with increasing attraction between the B units is analyzed. Intrachain separation of the A and B units takes place in the course of the chain collapse with the formation of “globule with a tail” conformations. The globule is formed by the attractive moving B blocks while the tail consists of the swollen A segments. The model of AB block copolymer with moving B blocks can describe the behavior of interpolymer complexes between a long macromolecule and shorter polymer chains.

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On the Ordering of Statistical Multiblock Copolymers
Authors: Litmanovich Arkadiy D. , Podbelskiy Vadim V. , Kudryavtsev Yaroslav V.
Published: April 2010

An algorithm was developed to generate an ensemble of statistical multiblock AB copolymer chains via a polymer‐analogous reaction with acceleration. Ordering in the cylindrical ensemble of such chains is simulated via successive rotation of chains until an arrangement with the maximum energy of attraction between each two nearest chains is attained. The master relation of the ordering and the relations between AA, BB and AB contact fractions were found. Those relations permit to estimate the adequacy of modeling polymers of finite length. Influence of a chain structure, length, and interchain interactions on the ordering efficiency was studied.

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Inhibition of human breast cancer xenograft growth by cruciferous vegetable constituent benzyl isothiocyanate
Authors: Warin Renaud , Xiao Dong , Arlotti Julie A. , Bommareddy Ajay , Singh Shivendra V.
Published: April 2010

Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC), a constituent of cruciferous vegetables such as garden cress, inhibits growth of human breast cancer cell lines in culture. The present study was undertaken to determine in vivo efficacy of BITC against MDA‐MB‐231 human breast cancer xenografts. The BITC administration retarded growth of MDA‐MB‐231 cells subcutaneously implanted in female nude mice without causing weight loss or any other side effects. The BITC‐mediated suppression of MDA‐MB‐231 xenograft growth correlated with reduced cell proliferation as revealed by immunohistochemical analysis for Ki‐67 expression. Analysis of the vasculature in the tumors from BITC‐treated mice indicated smaller vessel area compared with control tumors based on immunohistochemistry for angiogenesis marker CD31. The BITC‐mediated inhibition of angiogenesis in vivo correlated with downregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor 2 protein levels in the tumor. Consistent with these results, BITC treatment suppressed VEGF secretion and VEGF receptor 2 protein levels in cultured MDA‐MB‐231 cells. Moreover, the BITC‐treated MDA‐MB‐231 cells exhibited reduced capacity for migration compared with vehicle‐treated control cells. In contrast to cellular data, BITC administration failed to elicit apoptotic response as judged by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick‐end labeling assay. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates in vivo anti‐cancer efficacy of BITC against MDA‐MB‐231 xenografts in association with reduced cell proliferation and suppression of neovascularization. These preclinical observations merit clinical investigation to determine efficacy of BITC against human breast cancers. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Typologies of cannabis users and associated characteristics relevant for public health: a latent class analysis of data from a nationally representative Canadian adult survey
Authors: Fischer Benedikt , Rehm Jürgen , Irving Hyacinth , Ialomiteanu Anca , Fallu Jean‐Sebastien , Patra Jayadeep
Published: April 2010

Cannabis is the most prevalently used illicit drug in Canada. Current policy consists primarily of universal use prohibition rather than interventions targeting specific risks and harms relevant for public health. This study aimed to identify distinct groups of cannabis users based on defined use characteristics in the Canadian population, and examine the emerging groups' associations with differential risk and harm outcomes. One thousand three hundred and three current (i.e. use in the past three months) cannabis users, based on data from the representative cross‐sectional 2004 Canadian Addiction Survey (N = 13,909), were statistically assessed by a ‘latent class analysis’ (LCA). Emerging classes were examined for differential associations with socio‐demographic, health and behavioral indicators on the basis of chi‐square and analysis of variance techniques. Four distinct classes based on use patterns were identified. The class featuring earliest onset and highest frequency of use [22% of cannabis user sample or 2.2% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.8–2.7%) of the Canadian adult population] was disproportionately linked to key harms, including other illicit drug use, health problems, cannabis use and driving, and cannabis use problems. A public health framework for cannabis use is needed in Canada, meaningfully targeting effective interventions towards the minority of users experiencing elevated levels of risks and harms. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Studying the relation between temporal reward discounting tasks used in populations with ADHD: A factor analysis
Authors: Scheres Anouk , Sumiya Motofumi , Thoeny Allison Lee
Published: April 2010

Background: This study aimed at investigating the relationship between tasks that have been used in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to measure choices between smaller immediate and larger delayed rewards: real and hypothetical temporal discounting tasks, and single‐choice paradigms.

Methods: Participants were 55 undergraduate psychology students. Tasks included a real and hypothetical version of a temporal discounting (TD) task with choices between a large reward (10 cents) after delays up to 60 seconds, and smaller immediate rewards (2–8 cents); two versions of a hypothetical temporal discounting task with choices between a large reward ($100) after delays up to 120 months, and smaller immediate rewards ($1–$95); a Choice Delay Task with choices between one point now and two points after 30 seconds (one point is worth five cents).

Results: Correlation analyses showed that the real and the hypothetical TD tasks with 10 cents were very strongly associated. However, the hypothetical TD tasks with $100 did not correlate with either the real or the hypothetical TD task with 10 cents. Principal component analysis extracted two components: one for small amounts and short delays, and a second one for large rewards and long delays.

Conclusions: Temporal reward discounting is not a uniform construct. Functional brain imaging research could shed more light on unique brain activation patterns associated with different forms of temporal reward discounting. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Structural Evolution of Composite Latex Particles During Starve‐Fed Emulsion Polymerization: Modeling and Experiments for Kinetically Frozen Morphologies
Authors: Stubbs Jeffrey , Tsavalas John , Carrier Robert , Sundberg Donald
Published: April 2010

The evolution of morphology in composite latex particles is modeled under the assumption that no phase separation is allowed, resulting in fully mixed polymers in the latex particles. Such kinetically frozen, non‐equilibrium structures are easily produced when the second stage polymer is glassy at reaction temperature. For a poly[styrene‐co‐(butyl acrylate)] seed latex and a methyl methacrylate second‐stage monomer, we show the evolution of the particle structure during the polymerization process as evidenced by TEM, DSC, and surfactant titration data. Comparing these data to the model provides a mechanistic understanding of the time evolution of the particle morphology, even when a thin shell of second stage polymer is formed around a mixed core late in the reaction.

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A new formulation of the resource‐unconstrained project scheduling problem with generalized precedence relations to minimize the completion time
Authors: Bianco Lucio , Caramia Massimiliano
Published: April 2010

It is known that the resource‐unconstrained project scheduling problem with generalized precedence constraints (RUPSP) and minimum completion time objective function can be solved in time O(n·m), where n is the number of activities and m is the number of precedence relations. In this article, we propose a new network formulation for RUPSP based on a transformation that maps the original problem into a standardized acyclic network where precedence relationships between each pair of activities are only of the finish‐to‐start type with zero time lags. With this network, we then associate a mathematical program that can be solved in O(m) time by means of dynamic programing. Exploiting the dual formulation of this mathematical program we further prove that the minimum completion time can also be computed, with the same computational complexity O(m), by finding an augmenting path of longest length in the proposed acyclic network by installing unit capacities on arcs. Computational results on benchmarks are presented. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2010
Trends in the consumption of antidepressants in Castilla y León (Spain). Association between suicide rates and antidepressant drug consumption
Authors: Martín Arias Luis H. , Lobato Carlos Treceño , Ortega Sara , Velasco Alfonso , Carvajal Alfonso , del Pozo Javier García
Published: April 2010

Objective

To learn the evolution of antidepressant and lithium use in Castilla y León (Central Spain) and its relationship with suicide rates.

Methods

A search in the ECOM (Especialidades Consumo de Medicamentos) database of the Spanish Ministry of Health for antidepressants and lithium was carried out for the period 1992–2005. Defined daily doses (DDD) per 1000 inhabitants per day were obtained as consumption data. Population and suicide rates data come from the Spanish National Statistics Institute.

Results

Antidepressant consumption increased 7‐fold, from 6.9 DDD per 1000 inhabitants per day in 1992 to 47.3 in 2005; the corresponding increase in cost was more than 10‐fold. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) comprised 77% of the total consumption. Venlafaxine consumption multiplied by 2.2. The consumption of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) decreased after venlafaxine and mirtazapine were marketed. Lithium consumption increased by 76% during the period studied, but it plateaued in 2000.

Conclusions

The consumption of antidepressants in Castilla y León has increased remarkably and the pattern has changed; there is an increase in the consumption of the new and more expensive antidepressants such as venlafaxine and escitalopram. No association was observed between suicide rates and antidepressant consumption. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploring predictors of optimism among parents of children with cancer
Authors: Fayed Nora , Klassen Anne F. , Dix David , Klaassen Robert , Sung Lillian
Published: April 2010

Objective: To explore predictors of optimism in parents of children with cancer.

 Methods: A cross‐sectional multi‐centre study of 411 parents of children in active treatment for cancer was conducted. The Life Orientation Test—Revised was used to assess optimism. Other appropriate items and standardized questionnaires were used to assess parent and child characteristics. Predictors of optimism were explored using simple and multiple linear regression modelling techniques.

 Results: The presence of positive intrapsychic traits, such as self‐esteem and mastery, was more predictive of parental optimism than factors related to child cancer, such as the child's prognosis. Intrapsychic traits combined with an absence of parental depression, the parents' perception of the child's prognosis and parent education level predicted over 50% of the variance in parent optimism. Correlations between parents' and oncologists' view of the child's prognosis were low.

 Conclusions: Positive intrapsychic traits are important predictors of optimism in the presence of a parent's positive view of the child's prognosis and higher education levels in the absence of depression. The results also favour the perspective of optimism as a trait of the parent who is resilient to a life stressor, such as dealing with childhood cancer. Additional knowledge about the role of optimism in caregiving for a child with cancer is needed before it can be explored for assessment or intervention purposes. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Six‐minute walking test and the assessment of cardiorespiratory responses during weight‐loss programmes in obese children
Authors: Elloumi Mohamed , Makni Emna , Ounis Omar Ben , Moalla Wassim , Zbidi Abdelrkarim , Zaoueli Monia , Lac Gérard , Tabka Zouhair
Published: April 2010

Purpose. We assessed the exercise tolerance and cardiorespiratory responses during 2‐month weight‐loss programmes using the 6‐minute walking test (6MWT) in obese children. Methods. Twenty‐eight male obese children were randomly assigned to either a control group (C), an energy restriction group (R), an exercise training at maximum lipid‐oxidation (LIPOXmax) group (E), or an energy restriction/training group (RE). The body composition, the submaximal incremental cycling exercise, and the 6MWT were performed before and after the 2‐month programme. Results. After the programme, RE group showed a significant improvement of body composition (body weight reduced by 6.3 ± 1.5 kg, p < 0.01), and an increase of 6‐minute walking distance (6MWD) (+13.7%, p < 0.01). Similarly, maximum oxygen uptake calculated according to the American College of Science Medicine guideline (VO2maxACSM) and VO2max predicted from 6MWD were respectively higher (+12.9% and +10.0%, p < 0.01) than the R or E groups. Bland‐Altman analysis highlighted an agreement of these two methods of VO2max measurement. Moreover, in all participants the 6MWD was significantly correlated with VO2maxACSM and LIPOXmax (r = 0.77, p < 0.001 and r = 0.67, p < 0.01; respectively) before the programme as well as their changes in percentage over the programme (r = 0.85 and r = 0.86, p < 0.0001; respectively). Conclusions. We concluded that a 2‐month weight‐loss programme including energy restriction and exercise training targeted at LIPOXmax improved body composition and cardiorespiratory tolerance in obese children. Furthermore, the 6MWT could be considered as a useful and reliable tool for the assessment and the follow‐up of cardiorespiratory responses during weight‐loss programme in obese children. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The structure of the FYR domain of transforming growth factor beta regulator 1
Authors: García‐Alai María M. , Allen Mark D. , Joerger Andreas C. , Bycroft Mark
Published: April 2010

Many chromatin‐associated proteins contain two sequence motifs rich in phenylalanine/tyrosine residues of unknown function. These so‐called FYRN and FYRC motifs are also found in transforming growth factor beta regulator 1 (TBRG1)/nuclear interactor of ARF and MDM2 (NIAM), a growth inhibitory protein that also plays a role in maintaining chromosomal stability. We have solved the structure of a fragment of TBRG1, which encompasses both of these motifs. The FYRN and FYRC regions each form part of a single folded module (the FYR domain), which adopts a novel α + β fold. Proteins such as the histone H3K4 methyltransferases trithorax and mixed lineage leukemia (MLL), in which the FYRN and FYRC regions are separated by hundreds of amino acids, are expected to contain FYR domains with a large insertion between two of the strands of the β‐sheet.
Nonvolatile multilevel memory effect in Cu/WO3/Pt device structures
Authors: Li Yingtao , Long Shibing , Liu Qi , Wang Qin , Zhang Manhong , Lv Hangbing , Shao Lubing , Wang Yan , Zhang Sen , Zuo Qingyun , Liu Su , Liu Ming
Published: April 2010

The multilevel storage properties of Cu/WO3/Pt structure devices are demonstrated. By the application of suitable compliance current values, the Cu/WO3/Pt memory device can be driven to various resistance states. Some distinguishable states are reproducible over 100 dc switching cycles, and such states remain stable over 104seconds. The multilevel memory effect in the Cu/WO3/Pt device can be attributed to the combination of the radial growth of filaments and the formation of more conductive filaments when applying a higher compliance current during the set process. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Homology modeling and molecular dynamics simulation of an alpha methyl coenzyme M reductase from methanogenic archea
Authors: Silva José Rogério Araújo , Lameira Jerônimo , Santana Priscila P. B. , Silva Artur , Schneider Maria Paula Cruz , Alves Cláudio Nahum
Published: April 2010

Methanogenic archeans are organisms of considerable ecological and biotechnological interest, which produce methane through a restricted metabolic pathway. In the present article, homology modeling and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were employed to construct the three‐dimensional structures of the alpha Methyl‐coenzyme M reductase (MCR_α) of the Methanogenic archeans from Tucuruí hydroelectric dam in eastern Brazilian Amazonia. The models obtained of the archean MCR_α presented approximately 70% and 69% sequence identity in comparison with the MCR_α from Methanopyrus klanderi and Methanosarcina barkeri, respectively. The analysis of the homology modeling and MD simulation indicates that our theoretical prediction is consistent with known experimental data and show that 3D structures of the MCR_α from archeans of different orders tend to be well‐conserved. In additional, the electrostatic surface potentials were obtained and compared for the MCR_α from the two different forms. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
The role of the Frontier orbitals in acid–base chemistry of organic amines probed by ab initio and chemometric techniques
Authors: La Porta Felipe A. , Santiago Regis T. , Ramalho Teodorico C. , Freitas Matheus P. , Da Cunha Elaine F. F.
Published: April 2010

The Frontier effective‐for‐reaction molecular orbital (FERMO) concept emerges as a powerful and innovative implement to investigate the role of molecular orbitals (MOs) applied in the description of breakage and formation of chemical bonds. In this work, theoretical calculations were carried out for conjugated acids of 18 amines and their acid–base behavior was analyzed using MO energies. We observed that highest occupied MO (HOMO) energies are inadequate to describe the acid–base behavior of these compounds. By using the FERMO concept, the reactions that are driven by HOMO, and those that are not, can be better explained, independent of the calculation method used, as independent of the calculation method used, both HF and Kohn–Sham methodologies lead to the same FERMO. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
Coupled cluster and configuration interaction quantum calculations of infrared fundamental intensities
Authors: da Silva João Viçozo , Vidal Luciano N. , Vazquez Pedro A. M. , Bruns Roy E.
Published: April 2010

The fundamental infrared intensities of HF, H2O, HCN, CH3F, CH4, C2H6, C2H2, and C2H4have been calculated at the quadratic configuration interaction and coupled cluster levels using a wide variety of basis sets. Both these levels contemplated single and double excitations and most of the coupled cluster calculations included triple excitations. The basis sets used included the cc‐pVXZ (X = D,T,Q,5) sets, with and without polarization orbitals, the aug‐cc‐pVTZ set, and the Sadlej Z2PolX, Z3PolX, and pVTZ basis sets The theoretical results depended more on basis set variation rather than changes between the CCSD(T) and QCISD levels, although the results from these electron correlation treatment levels are quite different from those obtained at the second‐order Moller‐Plesset perturbation level. Principal component and hierarchical clustering analyses confirm the stronger basis set dependence of the intensity values. The cc‐pVTZ basis set gives results that are about twice as accurate as those obtained using the smaller cc‐pVDZ. However, basis sets that are larger than cc‐pVTZ are not seen to improve accuracy. Most accurate intensity results were obtained using the CCSD(T)/cc‐pVTZ and QCISD/cc‐pVTZ levels with root mean square (rms) errors of 5.4 and 5.9 km mol−1. This compares with a rms error of 11.7 km mol−1for results obtained at the MP2/6‐311++G(3d,3p) level that has often been used to calculate infrared fundamental intensities. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
The relative contributions of ecology and hydraulics to ecohydraulics
Authors: Rice S. P. , Little S. , Wood P. J. , Moir H. J. , Vericat D.
Published: April 2010

A national meeting of the British Hydrological Society held at Loughborough University (UK) focused on process interactions between lotic organisms, flow and sediment at scales relevant to organisms. The meeting sought to address how it is possible to scale up results of small (organism) scale research at the interface of ecology, geomorphology and hydrology to improve understanding of river ecology at larger scales. The resulting papers in this special issue represent a broad cross section of the interdisciplinary research on biofilms, plants, macroinvertebrates and fish currently being undertaken in this arena. A survey of conference delegates and bibliographic analysis suggested that ecohydraulics is not a term which attracts the attention of as many biologists and ecologists as it does physical scientists (e.g. water resource engineers and geomorphologists). This may represent a hurdle on the path towards a more integrative, interdisciplinary river science because it suggests a missed opportunity for fruitful exchanges and interactions between physical and biological scientists. In this context, it is notable that one of the papers in this collection includes a passionate call for greater ecological input within the emerging field of ecohydraulics and another presents a hydraulicists view of an appropriate theoretical platform for integrating ecological, hydrodynamic and biomechanical processes. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
“Doing” science versus “being” a scientist: Examining 10/11‐year‐old schoolchildren's constructions of science through the lens of identity
Authors: Archer Louise , DeWitt Jennifer , Osborne Jonathan , Dillon Justin , Willis Beatrice , Wong Billy
Published: April 2010

The concern about students' engagement with school science and the numbers pursuing the further study of science is an international phenomenon and a matter of considerable concern among policy makers. Research has demonstrated that the majority of young children have positive attitudes to science at age 10 but that this interest then declines sharply and by age 14, their attitude and interest in the study of science has been largely formed. This paper reports on data collected as part of a funded 5‐year longitudinal study that seeks to determine how students' interest in science and scientific careers evolves. As an initial part of the study, six focus group discussions were undertaken with schoolchildren, age 10–11, to explore their attitudes toward science and interest in science, the findings of which are presented here. The children's responses are analyzed through the lens of identity, drawing on a theoretical framework that views identity as an embodied and a performed construction that is both produced by individuals and shaped by their specific structural locations. This work offers new insights into the manner in which students construct representations of science and scientists. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 94:617–639, 2010
Graphical Asian options
Authors: Joshi Mark S.
Published: April 2010

We discuss the problem of pricing Asian options in the Black–Scholes model using CUDA on a graphics processing unit. We survey some of the issues with GPU programming and discuss code design and memory usage. We show that by using a Quasi Monte Carlo simulation with a geometric Asian option as a control variate, it is possible to get prices that are accurate to 2E‐4 within a fiftieth of a second. Copyright © 2010 Wilmott Magazine Ltd.
Preoperative Predictors of Significant Symptomatic Response After 1 Year of Gastric Electrical Stimulation for Gastroparesis
Authors: Musunuru Sandeepa , Beverstein Gretchen , Gould Jon
Published: April 2010

Background

In cases of gastroparesis where significant symptoms fail to respond to standard medical therapy, gastric electrical stimulation (GES) may be of benefit. Unfortunately, not all patients improve with this therapy. Reliable preoperative predictors of symptomatic response to GES may allow clinicians to offer this expensive and invasive treatment to only those patients most likely to benefit.

Methods

Therapy was initiated in 15 patients more than 12 months prior to this retrospective review of our prospectively maintained data. All patients completed a Total Symptom Score (TSS) survey at every encounter as well as the SF‐36 quality‐of‐life instrument prior to surgery. A failure of GES therapy was considered to have occurred when after 1 year of treatment, preoperative TSS had not decreased by at least 20%.

Results

Four patients (4 idiopathic) failed to improve more than 20% on multiple assessments after a year of therapy. All diabetic patients experienced a durable symptomatic improvement with GES. Review of individual items of the TSS revealed that nonresponders experienced less severe vomiting preoperatively.

Conclusions

Diabetic gastroparesis patients respond best to GES. Responders tend to have more severe vomiting preoperatively. Patients with idiopathic gastroparesis who do not experience severe vomiting should be cautioned about a potentially higher rate of poor response to GES and may be better served with alternative treatments.
“The Bigger the Network the Bigger the Bowl of Cherries…”: Exploring the Acceptability of, and Preferences for, an Ongoing Support Network for Known BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 Mutation Carriers
Authors: Hughes Lisa , Phelps Ceri
Published: April 2010

There is increasing evidence to suggest that the ongoing information and support needs of BRCA gene mutation carriers are not being met. This qualitative study investigated preferences for an on‐going support network for mutation carriers in Wales, UK. Seventeen female BRCA1/2 mutation carriers participated in focus groups which explored their current and on‐going information and psychological support needs. The interviews were transcribed and thematically analysed. The results reflected a diversity of experiences and support needs. The majority of participants felt they and their families would benefit from an on‐going ‘support network’ which should incorporate information‐provision alongside elements of a traditional support group alongside, internet‐based support such as web‐based chat forums, matching schemes and professionally led workshops. Some degree of professional input into any such initiative was believed to be important. This study has informed the development of an appropriate support network based on a hub and spoke model to help carriers and their families adapt to living and coping with their genetic risk.
Women's Experience of Telehealth Cancer Genetic Counseling
Authors: Zilliacus Elvira M. , Meiser Bettina , Lobb Elizabeth A. , Kirk Judy , Warwick Linda , Tucker Katherine
Published: April 2010

Telegenetics offers an alternative model of delivering genetic counseling to rural and outreach areas; however there is a dearth of qualitative research into the patient's experience. Twelve women who had received telemedicine genetic counseling for hereditary breast and/or ovarian cancer (HBOC) within the previous 12 months participated in a semi‐structured telephone interview. The interview explored women's experience with telegenetics, satisfaction, perceived advantages and disadvantages and quality of the interaction with their genetic professionals. Overall women were highly satisfied with telegenetics. Telegenetics offered them convenience and reduced travel and associated costs. The majority of women described feeling a high degree of social presence, or rapport, with the off‐site genetic clinician. One woman with a recent cancer diagnosis, reported that telemedicine was unable to meet her needs for psychosocial support. This finding highlights the need to be mindful of the psychosocial support needs of women with a recent diagnosis being seen via telegenetics. Patients attending for HBOC genetic counseling are generally highly satisfied with the technology and the interaction. Care should be taken, however, with patients with more complex psychosocial needs.
Bayesian Analysis of Multivariate Probit Models with Surrogate Outcome Data
Authors: Poon Wai-Yin , Wang Hai-Bin
Published: April 2010

A new class of parametric models that generalize the multivariate probit model and the errors-in-variables model is developed to model and analyze ordinal data. A general model structure is assumed to accommodate the information that is obtained via surrogate variables. A hybrid Gibbs sampler is developed to estimate the model parameters. To obtain a rapidly converged algorithm, the parameter expansion technique is applied to the correlation structure of the multivariate probit models. The proposed model and method of analysis are demonstrated with real data examples and simulation studies.
Nocodazole induces mitotic cell death with apoptotic‐like features in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Endo Kingo , Mizuguchi Mayumi , Harata Aoi , Itoh Go , Tanaka Kozo
Published: April 2010

We investigated the fate of budding yeast treated with nocodazole, a microtubule‐depolymerizing drug. Cells died after mitotic arrest while staying in mitosis, suggesting that mitotic cell death, but not mitotic slippage, mainly occurs in nocodazole‐treated cells. Nocodazole‐treated cells showed features of apoptotic‐like cell death, but not those of cell lysis or autophagy. Consistently, mitochondria‐dependent production of reactive oxygen species was involved in the cell death. Similar cell death was also seen in cells after mitotic arrest by perturbation of the anaphase‐promoting complex/cyclosome. In addition, caspase activity was found in nocodazole‐treated cells, which was independent of the metacaspase, Mca1. Our results suggest that budding yeast can be a model to study mitotic cell death in cancer treatment with antimitotic drugs.
Overexpression of Arabidopsis thaliana LOV KELCH REPEAT PROTEIN 2 promotes tuberization in potato (Solanum tuberosum cv. May Queen)
Authors: Inui Hideyuki , Ogura Yasunobu , Kiyosue Tomohiro
Published: April 2010

Potato tuberization is induced under short‐day conditions and repressed under long‐day conditions. In this study, we produced transgenic potatoes overexpressing either Arabidopsis thaliana LOV KELCH PROTEIN 2 (35S:LKP2) or CONSTANS fused with a transcription repressor motif (35S:CO‐Rep). In an in vitro tuberization assay, the average number of tubers per plant was greater in 35S:LKP2 plants than in vector‐control plants, but lower in 35S:CO‐Rep plants. Under long‐day conditions in soil, all 35S:LKP2 plants tuberized, whereas most control plants and 35S:CO‐Rep plants did not. These results suggest genes involved in flowering time regulation can be used to control potato tuber production.
A new species ofMyotragusBate, 1909 (Artiodactyla, Caprinae) from the Early Pliocene of Mallorca (Balearic Islands, western Mediterranean)
Authors: BOVER PERE , QUINTANA JOSEP , ALCOVER JOSEP ANTONI
Published: April 2010

Myotragus palomboin.sp. (Artiodactyla, Caprinae) is described from the Early Pliocene of Mallorca (Balearic Islands, western Mediterranean). This species is the earliest representative of theMyotraguslineage known to date in the Balearic Islands. A metatarsal, and several teeth and postcranial remains were found in a karstic deposit located on the east coast of the island, near Caló den Rafelino (Manacor), together with remains ofHypolagus, two rodent species, an insectivore and several reptiles. The metatarsal and phalanges of the new bovid are short and robust and display a combination of characters only observed inMyotragus. The presence of a larger p2, a metatarsal robustness index lower than inM. pepgonellae(the earliest known species to date), together with the morphology of the incisors, all suggest thatM. palomboishould be considered as the ancestor ofM. pepgonellae. Short metapodials and the reduction of p2 displayed byM. palomboicould be linked to a first stage of evolution in insular conditions. The arrival of this bovid to the island of Mallorca probably took place during the Mediterranean Messinian Salinity Crisis (Late Miocene, 5.6–5.32 Ma ago). Although the relationship of the new taxon to other fossil caprines cannot be definitively established, it could be phylogenetically close to the Late Miocene European speciesAragoral mudejarandNorbertia hellenica.
Discipline and Morale of the African, British and Indian Army units in Burma and India during World War II: July 1943 to August 1945
Authors: ROY KAUSHIK
Published: April 2010

Towards the end of World War II, the morale of British units stationed in Burma and India was on a downslide. In contrast, the morale of Indian units was quite high. In fact, after the 1943 Arakan Campaign, the morale of Indian units rose slowly but steadily. The morale and discipline of Indian troops are also compared and contrasted with another colonial army: the African troops. By making a comparative study of the Commonwealth troops deployed in Burma and India, this paper attempts to show how and why the contours of morale and discipline changed among the various groups of troops at different times. The study of morale and discipline of the troops deployed in these two regions represents two extreme conditions: while Burma remained a war front, India did not experience any actual warfare except for some skirmishes with Indus tribes at the northwest frontier. In general, bad discipline is partly responsible for bad morale andvice versa, which adversely affects the fighting power of armies. This turns to the issue of ‘why do men fight’? The ‘will to war’ is directly proportional to good discipline and strong morale amongst troops. This paper will look for the causative factors shaping discipline and morale of both metropolitan and colonial soldiers, based mainly on military intelligence reports on morale. We will see that rather than grand ideas like nationalism and anti-fascism, mundane factors like the supply of good rations, access to sex and service conditions, influence the morale and discipline of soldiers, and hence their combat-worthiness.
Trajectories of stress reactions and somatization symptoms among war veterans: a 20-year longitudinal study
Authors: Ginzburg K. , Solomon Z.
Published: April 2010

Background

There is considerable evidence that immediate and long-term stress reactions are associated with increased somatic symptomatology. However, because of the scarcity of long-term longitudinal studies, the trend of mutual change of these factors has not been assessed. This study examined the chronological inter-relationships between post-traumatic stress reactions and somatization symptoms among combatants over a 20-year period.

Method

Two groups of veterans were assessed 1, 2, 3 and 20 years after their participation in the 1982 Lebanon War: a clinical group of veterans who had been diagnosed with combat stress reaction (CSR) on the battlefield (n=363), and a matched control group of veterans (n=301).

Results

The CSR veterans reported higher initial levels of intrusion and avoidance and a steeper decline in those symptoms over time in comparison to the control group. The former also reported higher initial levels of somatization symptoms than the latter. In addition, over the years, stress reactions were positively associated with somatization symptoms. For both study groups, in the first years after the war, stress reaction symptoms predicted somatization symptoms. However, with time, the trend was reversed and somatization symptoms predicted stress reactions.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that CSR is a marker for future stress reactions and somatization symptoms, and indicate a long-term role for these symptoms in veterans' psychological distress.
Youth suicide attempts and the dose–response relationship to parental risk factors: a population-based study
Authors: Christiansen E. , Goldney R. D. , Beautrai A. L. , Agerbo E.
Published: April 2010

Background

There is a lack of specific knowledge about the dose–response effect of multiple parental risk factors for suicide attempts among children and adolescents. The aim of this study was to determine the dose–response effect of multiple parental risk factors on an offspring's risk for suicide attempt.

Method

We designed a population-based two-generation nested case–control study and used Danish register data. A population of 403 431 individuals born between 1983 and 1989 was sampled. Among these, 3465 (0.8%) were registered as having had a suicide attempt. Twenty controls were matched to each case and a link to the offspring's biological parents was established.

Results

There was a dose–response relationship between the number of exposures and the risk of suicide attempts, with the increased risk seeming to be a multiplicative effect. Parental suicide, suicide attempt, psychiatric illness and low level of income were all significant independent risk factors for offspring's suicide attempts.

Conclusions

Knowledge of the effect of multiple risk factors on the likelihood of suicide attempts in children and adolescents is important for risk assessment. Dose–response effects of multiple parental risk factors are multiplicative, but it is rare for children and adolescents to be exposed to multiple parental risk factors simultaneously. Nevertheless, they should be considered along with the offspring's own multiple risk factors in determining the overall risk of a suicide attempt. Further research incorporating both parental and offspring's risk factors is indicated to determine the overall dose–response effect of multiple risk factors.
Mental health and health service use among post-national service veterans: results from the 2007 Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey of England
Authors: Woodhead C. , Rona R. J. , Iversen A. , MacManus D. , Hotopf M. , Dean K. , McManus S. , Meltzer H. , Brugha T. , Jenkins R. , Wessely S. , Fear N. T.
Published: April 2010

Background

There is concern surrounding the psychological health and uptake of treatment services among veterans of the UK Armed Forces.

Method

Data from a cross-sectional, nationally representative sample were used to compare health outcomes and treatment seeking among 257 post-national service veterans aged 16–64 years and 504 age and sex frequency-matched non-veterans living in the community in England. Early leavers (<4 years service) were compared with longer serving veterans.

Results

Male veterans reported more childhood adversity and were more likely to have experienced a major trauma in adulthood than non-veterans. There was no association between any measure of mental health and veteran status in males, except reporting more violent behaviours [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–2.06]. In females, a significant association was found between veteran status and ever having suicidal thoughts (aOR 2.82, 95% CI 1.13–7.03). No differences in treatment-seeking behaviour were identified between veterans and non-veterans with any mental disorder. Early service leavers were more likely to be heavy drinkers (aOR 4.16, 95% CI 1.08–16.00), to have had suicidal thoughts (aOR 2.37, 95% CI 1.21–4.66) and to have self-harmed (aOR 12.36, 95% CI 1.61–94.68) than longer serving veterans.

Conclusions

The findings of this study do not suggest that being a veteran is associated with adversity in terms of mental health, social disadvantage or reluctance to seek treatment compared with the general population. Some evidence implies that early service leavers may experience more mental health problems than longer-serving veterans.
Is guided self-help as effective as face-to-face psychotherapy for depression and anxiety disorders? A systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative outcome studies
Authors: Cuijpers P. , Donker T. , van Straten A. , Li J. , Andersson G.
Published: April 2010

Background

Although guided self-help for depression and anxiety disorders has been examined in many studies, it is not clear whether it is equally effective as face-to-face treatments.

Method

We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials in which the effects of guided self-help on depression and anxiety were compared directly with face-to-face psychotherapies for depression and anxiety disorders. A systematic search in bibliographical databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Cochrane) resulted in 21 studies with 810 participants.

Results

The overall effect size indicating the difference between guided self-help and face-to-face psychotherapy at post-test was d=−0.02, in favour of guided self-help. At follow-up (up to 1 year) no significant difference was found either. No significant difference was found between the drop-out rates in the two treatments formats.

Conclusions

It seems safe to conclude that guided self-help and face-to-face treatments can have comparable effects. It is time to start thinking about implementation in routine care.