bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insulin Therapy to Improve BMI in Cystic Fibrosis–Related Diabetes Without Fasting Hyperglycemia
Authors: Moran Antoinette , Pekow Penelope , Grover Patricia , Zorn Martha , Slovis Bonnie , Pilewski Joseph , Tullis Elizabeth , Liou Theodore G. , Allen Holley ,   the Cystic Fibrosis Related Diabetes Therapy Study Group
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVE

Cystic fibrosis–related diabetes (CFRD) without fasting hyperglycemia (CFRD FH−) is not associated with microvascular or macrovascular complications, leading to controversy about the need for treatment. The Cystic Fibrosis Related Diabetes Therapy (CFRDT) Trial sought to determine whether diabetes therapy improves BMI in these patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A three-arm multicenter randomized trial compared 1 year of therapy with premeal insulin aspart, repaglinide, or oral placebo in subjects with cystic fibrosis who had abnormal glucose tolerance.

RESULTS

One hundred adult patients were enrolled. Eighty-one completed the study, including 61 with CFRD FH− and 20 with severly impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). During the year before therapy, BMI declined in all groups. Among the group with CFRD FH−, insulin-treated patients lost 0.30 ± 0.21 BMI units the year before therapy. After 1 year of insulin therapy, this pattern reversed, and they gained 0.39 ± 21 BMI units (P = 0.02). No significant change in the rate of BMI decline was seen in placebo-treated patients (P = 0.45). Repaglinide-treated patients had an initial significant BMI gain (0.53 ± 0.19 BMI units, P = 0.01), but this effect was not sustained. After 6 months of therapy they lost weight so that by 12 months there was no difference in the rate of BMI change during the study year compared with the year before (P = 0.33). Among patients with IGT, neither insulin nor repaglinide affected the rate of BMI decline. No significant differences were seen in the rate of lung function decline or the number of hospitalizations in any group.

CONCLUSIONS

Insulin therapy safely reversed chronic weight loss in patients with CFRD FH−.
Cardiopulmonary resonance at 0.1 Hz demonstrated by averaged Lomb-Scargle periodogram
Authors: Piskorski Jarosław , Guzik Przemysław , Krauze Tomasz , Żurek Sebastian
Published: July 2009

We demonstrate the resonant-like behaviour of the cardiopulmonary system in healthy people occurring at the natural low frequency oscillations of 0.1 Hz, which are often visible in the continuous pressure waveform. These oscillations represent the spontaneous oscillatory activity of the vasomotor centre and are sometimes called the Mayer waves. These 10-second rhythms probably couple with forced breathing at the same frequency and cause the observed cardiopulmonary resonance phenomenon. We develop a new method to study this phenomenon, namely the averaged Lomb-Scargle periodogram method, which is shown to be very effective in enhancing common frequencies in a group of different time series and suppressing those which vary between datasets. Using this method we show that in cardiopulmonary resonance the cardiopulmonary system behaves in a very similar way to a simple mechanical or electrical oscillator, i.e. becomes highly regular and its averaged spectrum exhibits a clear dominant peak and harmonics. If the forcing frequency is higher than 0.1 Hz, the total power and the share of power in the dominant peak and harmonics are lower and the prominence of the dominant peak and its harmonics greatly diminishes. It is shown that the power contributions from different forcing frequencies follow the resonance curve.
Adaptive Prediction of Stock Exchange Indices by State Space Wavelet Networks
Authors: Brdyś Mietek , Borowa Adam , Idźkowiak Piotr , Brdyś Marcin
Published: July 2009

Adaptive Prediction of Stock Exchange Indices by State Space Wavelet Networks

The paper considers the forecasting of the Warsaw Stock Exchange price index WIG20 by applying a state space wavelet network model of the index price. The approach can be applied to the development of tools for predicting changes of other economic indicators, especially stock exchange indices. The paper presents a general state space wavelet network model and the underlying principles. The model is applied to produce one session ahead and five sessions ahead adaptive predictors of the WIG20 index prices. The predictors are validated based on real data records to produce promising results. The state space wavelet network model may also be used as a forecasting tool for a wide range of economic and non-economic indicators, such as goods and row materials prices, electricity/fuel consumption or currency exchange rates.
Transfrontoethmoidal approach to medial intraconal lesions
Authors: Jittapiromsak Pakrit , Deshmukh Pushpa , Nakaji Peter , Spetzler Robert F. , Preul Mark C.
Published: July 2009

Object

The standard superior craniotomy approach through the orbital roof is obstructed by numerous muscles, nerves, and vessels. Accessing the medial intraconal space also involves considerable brain retraction. The authors present a modified approach through the frontal sinus that overcomes these limitations.

Methods

Seven fixed silicone-injected cadaveric specimens were dissected bilaterally. In addition to the superior orbital wall, the ethmoidal sinuses and medial orbital wall were removed. The anatomical relationships between the major neurovascular complexes in the medial intraconal space and the optic nerve were observed.

Results

Intraconally, working space was created both in a “superior window” between the superior oblique and levator palpebrae muscle and in a “medial window” between the superior oblique and medial rectus muscle. The superior window mainly created an ipsilateral trajectory to the deep target. The medial window, which created a contralateral trajectory, provided a more inferior view of the medial intraconal space. Removal of the medial orbital wall further widened the exposure obtained from the superior window. The combination of these working windows makes the medial surface of the optic nerve available for exploration from multiple angles. Most of the major neurovascular complexes of the posterior orbit can be retracted safely without impinging on the optic nerve.

Conclusions

This novel extradural transfrontoethmoidal approach affords a direct view to the medial posterior orbit without major conflicts with intraconal neurovascular structures and requires minimal brain manipulation. The approach appears to offer advantages for medially located intraconal lesions.
Surface‐Modified Mesoporous SiO2 Containers for Corrosion Protection
Authors: Skorb Ekaterina V. , Fix Dmitri , Andreeva Daria V. , Möhwald Helmuth , Shchukin Dmitry G.
Published: July 2009

The development of active corrosion protection systems for metallic substrates is an issue of prime importance for many industrial applications. The present work shows a new contribution to the design of a new protective system based on surface modified mesoporous silica containers. Incorporation of silica‐based containers into special sol–gel matrix allows for a self‐healing effect to be achieved during the corrosion process. The self‐healing ability occurs due to release of entrapped corrosion inhibitors in response to pH changes caused by the corrosion process. A silica–zirconia‐based hybrid film is used in this work as a coating matrix deposited on AA2024 aluminum alloy. Mesoporous silica nano‐particles are covered layer‐by‐layer with polyelectrolyte layers and loaded with inhibitor [2‐(benzothiazol‐2‐ylsulfanyl)‐succinic acid]. The hybrid film with nanocontainers reveals enhanced long‐term corrosion protection in comparison with the individual sol–gel films. The scanning vibrating electrode technique also shows an effective healing ability of containers to cure the corrosion defects. This effect is due to the release of the corrosion inhibitor triggered by the corrosion processes started in the cavities. The approach described herein can be used in many applications where active corrosion protection of materials is required.
The Design and Realization of Flexible, Long‐Lived Light‐Emitting Electrochemical Cells
Authors: Fang Junfeng , Matyba Piotr , Edman Ludvig
Published: July 2009

Polymer light‐emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) offer an attractive opportunity for low‐cost production of functional devices in flexible and large‐area configurations, but the critical drawback in comparison to competing light‐emission technologies is a limited operational lifetime. Here, it is demonstrated that it is possible to improve the lifetime by straightforward and motivated means from a typical value of a few hours to more than one month of uninterrupted operation at significant brightness (>100 cd m−2) and relatively high power conversion efficiency (2 lm W−1 for orange‐red emission). Specifically, by optimizing the composition of the active material and by employing an appropriate operational protocol, a desired doping structure is designed and detrimental chemical and electrochemical side reactions are identified and minimized. Moreover, the first functional flexible LEC with a similar promising device performance is demonstrated.
Association of reading disabilities with regions marked by acetylated H3 histones in KIAA0319
Authors: Couto Jillian M. , Livne‐Bar Izzy , Huang Katherine , Xu Zhaodong , Cate‐Carter Tasha , Feng Yu , Wigg Karen , Humphries Tom , Tannock Rosemary , Kerr Elizabeth N. , Lovett Maureen W. , Bremner Rod , Barr Cathy L.
Published: July 2009

Reading disabilities (RDs) have been associated with chromosome 6p with recent studies pointing to two genes, DCDC2 and KIAA0319. In this study, markers across the 6p region were tested for association with RD. Our strongest findings were for association with markers in KIAA0319, although with the opposite alleles compared with a previous study. We also found association with markers in VMP, but not with DCDC2. Current evidence indicates that differential regulation of KIAA0319 and DCDC2 contributes to RD, thus we used chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with genomic tiling arrays (ChIP‐chip) to map acetylated histones, a molecular marker for regulatory elements, across a 500 kb genomic region covering the RD locus on 6p. This approach identified several regions marked by acetylated histones that mapped near associated markers, including intron 7 of DCDC2 and the 5′ region of KIAA0319. The latter is located within the 70 kb region previously associated with differential expression of KIAA0319. Interestingly, five markers associated with RD in independent studies were also located within the 2.7 kb acetylated region, and six additional associated markers, including the most significant one in this study, were located within a 22 kb haplotype block that encompassed this region. Our data indicates that this putative regulatory region is a likely site of genetic variation contributing to RD in our sample, further narrowing the candidate region. © 2009 The Authors. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part B: Neuropsychiatric Genetics Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stature estimation formulae for indigenous North American populations
Authors: Auerbach Benjamin M. , Ruff Christopher B.
Published: July 2009

Stature estimation methods for adult indigenous humans from the Americas have generally relied on a limited number of regression equations. The available equations, however, are not broadly applicable to the diversity of the populations that lived in the New World prior to European colonization. Furthermore, some equations that have been used were originally derived from inappropriate reference samples, such as the “Mongoloid” group measured by Trotter and Gleser (Am J Phys Anthropol 16 [1958] 79‐123). This study develops new stature estimation equations for long bones of the lower limb from a geographically diverse sample of North American archaeological sites. Statures were reconstructed from 967 skeletons from 75 archaeological sites using the revised Fully anatomical technique (Raxter et al., Am J Phys Anthropol 130 [2006] 374‐384). Archaeological samples were grouped according to general body proportions, using relative tibia and femur length to stature as guides. On the basis of differences in these proportions, three broad groupings were identified: a high latitude “arctic” group, a general “temperate” group, and a Great Plains group. Sex‐specific ordinary least squares regression formulae were developed based on femoral and tibial lengths for each of these groups. Comparisons of the new stature estimation equations with previously available equations were conducted using several archaeological test samples. In most cases, the new stature estimation equations are more precise than those previously available, and we recommend their use throughout most of North America. The equations developed by Genovés for Mesoamerican and US Southwest samples are a useful alternative for these regions. Applicability of the new equations to South American samples awaits further testing. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
New on the CPR Training Calendar
Authors: Bleemer Russ
Published: July 2009

The final roundup: highlights from six more sessions at CPR's Annual Meeting, as well as the date for the next one. Also, details on two new online continuing legal education series, a live New York City training, and awards for the CPR Institute and Alternatives.
Learning of cross‐sectional anatomy using clay models
Authors: Oh Chang‐Seok , Kim Ji‐Young , Choe Yeon Hyeon
Published: July 2009

We incorporated clay modeling into gross anatomy and neuro‐anatomy courses to help students understand cross‐sectional anatomy. By making clay models, cutting them and comparing cut surfaces to CT and MR images, students learned how cross‐sectional two‐dimensional images were created from three‐dimensional structure of human organs. Most students in a clay modeling group responded positively to this approach, and their average score on CT examination was higher than that of a group that did not use clay models. Clay modeling appears to be a useful supplement to conventional anatomy or radiologic anatomy education. It can be applied to any part of human body, and its effectiveness will be greater when a more complicated understanding of cross‐sectional anatomy is required. Anat Sci Educ 2:156–159, 2009. © 2009 American Association of Anatomists.
Ipriflavone pharmacokinetics in mutant Nagase analbuminemic rats
Authors: Chung Hye J. , Kang Hee E. , Yang Kyung H. , Kim Sung Y. , Lee Myung G.
Published: July 2009

Ipriflavone, a derivative of naturally occurring isoflavones, was primarily metabolized in rats via hepatic CYP1A1/2 and 2C11. Protein and mRNA expression of CYP1A2 in the liver, reported to be increased in mutant Nagase analbuminemic rats (NARs), should influence the pharmacokinetic parameters of ipriflavone. In this study, the contribution of hepatic CYP2C11 and intestinal CYP1A protein to the metabolism and the pharmacokinetic parameters of ipriflavone were examined after intravenous (20 mg/kg) and oral (200 mg/kg) administration to male Sprague–Dawley (control) rats and NARs. There was no change in the protein expression of hepatic CYP2C11. By contrast, CYP1A protein of the intestine increased by almost 100%. After the intravenous administration of ipriflavone to NARs, theClnrandAUCwere unchanged, suggesting that the contribution of the increase in protein expression and mRNA level of hepatic CYP1A2 to hepatic metabolism of the drug in NARs seemed to be almost negligible. However, after the oral administration of ipriflavone to NARs, theAUCwas significantly lower than that in the control rats (53.0% decrease), possibly due to the increased intestinal CYP1A that resulted in increased intestinal metabolism and decreased gastrointestinal absorption of ipriflavone in NARs. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Concordance Index C and the Mann–Whitney Parameter Pr(X>Y) with Randomly Censored Data
Authors: Koziol James A. , Jia Zhenyu
Published: July 2009

Harrell's c‐index or concordance C has been widely used as a measure of separation of two survival distributions. In the absence of censored data, the c‐index estimates the Mann–Whitney parameter Pr(X>Y), which has been repeatedly utilized in various statistical contexts. In the presence of randomly censored data, the c‐index no longer estimates Pr(X>Y); rather, a parameter that involves the underlying censoring distributions. This is in contrast to Efron's maximum likelihood estimator of the Mann–Whitney parameter, which is recommended in the setting of random censorship.
Robot-assisted thoracoscopic oesophagectomy for cancer
Authors: Boone J , Schipper M E I , Moojen W A , Borel Rinkes I H M , Cromheecke G J E , van Hillegersberg R
Published: July 2009

Background

Thoracoscopic oesophagectomy was introduced to reduce the morbidity of transthoracic oesophagectomy. The aim was to assess the short- and mid-term results of robot-assisted thoracoscopic oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer.

Methods

Between October 2003 and May 2007, 47 patients with resectable oesophageal cancer underwent robot-assisted thoracoscopic oesophagectomy. Clinical data were collected prospectively.

Results

Conversion to thoracotomy was necessary in seven patients. Median operating time was 450 min and median blood loss 625 ml. Median postoperative ventilation time was 1 day, intensive care stay 3 days and hospital stay 18 days. Twenty-one of 47 patients had pulmonary complications. Three patients died in hospital. A median of 29 (range 8–68) lymph nodes was dissected and R0 resection was achieved in 36 patients. Twenty-three patients had stage IVa disease. After a median follow-up of 35 months, median disease-free survival was 15 (95 per cent confidence interval 12 to 18) months.

Conclusion

Robot-assisted thoracoscopic oesophagectomy was oncologically acceptable. Operating time, blood loss and pulmonary complications might decrease with further experience.
A simple and rapid method to assess lycopene in multiple layers of skin samples
Authors: Lopes Luciana B. , Reed Rachel
Published: July 2009

Topical application of lycopene is a convenient way to restore antioxidants depleted from the skin by UV radiation and achieve protection against premature aging and cancer. In this study, a simple, rapid and reproducible method to quantify lycopene in different skin layers was developed, validated and employed to assess this compound after skin penetration studies. Lycopene was extracted from the stratum corneum (SC) and viable epidermis and dermis (ED) by vortex homogenization and bath sonication in a mixture of acetonitrile and methanol (52:48, v/v). Lycopene was assayed by HPLC using a C18 column, and acetonitrile:methanol (52:48, v/v) as mobile phase. The quantification limit of lycopene in samples of SC and ED was 35 ng/mL and the assay was linear from 35 to 2000 ng/mL. Within‐day and between‐days assays coefficients of variation and relative errors (indicative of precision and accuracy) were less than 15% (or 20% for the limit of quantification). Lycopene recovery from SC and ED was dependent on the spiked concentration: for 50 ng/mL, recoveries were 88.3 and 90.5%; for 100–1000 ng/mL, recoveries were 68.6–74.9%. This method has a potential application for lycopene quantification during formulation development and evaluation in the dermatological field. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of an efficient strategy based on MAE, HPLC‐DAD‐MS/MS and HSCCC for the rapid extraction, identification, separation and purification of flavonoids from Fructus Aurantii Immaturus
Authors: Wang Chen , Pan Yaju , Fan Guorong , Chai Yifeng , Wu Yutian
Published: July 2009

This study presents an efficient strategy based on microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE), HPLC‐DAD‐MS/MS and high‐speed counter‐current chromatography (HSCCC) for the rapid extraction, identification, separation and purification of active components from the traditional Chinese medicine Fructus Aurantii Immaturus. An LC‐DAD‐MS/MS method was applied for the screening and structural identification of main components in crude extract, and five components were preliminarily identified as neoeriocitrin, narirutin, naringin, hesperidin and neohesperidin according to their UV and mass spectra. An efficient MAE method for the extraction of the three most abundant components (narirutin, naringin and neohesperidin) was optimized by the combination of univariate and multivariate approaches. The crude extract was then separated and purified by HSCCC and a total of 61.6 mg of narirutin, 207.3 mg of naringin and 159.5 mg of neohesperidin at high purities of 98.1, 97.2 and 99.5%, respectively, were obtained from 1.42 g of crude extract. The recoveries of these compounds were 86, 93 and 89%, respectively. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of betulin derivatives and the determination of their relative lipophilicities using reversed‐phase thin‐layer chromatography
Authors: Achrem‐Achremowicz Jacek , Kępczyńska Elżbieta , Żylewski Marek , Janeczko Zbigniew
Published: July 2009

A series of superlipophilic or highly lipophilic semisynthetic betulin derivatives was prepared and their relative lipophilicity was measured by reversed‐phase thin‐layer chromatography (RP‐TLC) at different pH values using 1,4‐dioxane–acetate buffer mixtures as mobile phases. Cholesterol, 17β‐estradiol and pure betulin were used as the reference compounds. Linear relationships were found between RM values and 1,4‐dioxane concentrations in the mobile phases. LogP values were also calculated with computer programs ACD/LogP (ChemSketch 11.0, Advanced Chemistry Development Inc.) and ClogP (Daylight Chemical Information Systems Inc.). The empirical and theoretical data were compared, and the RM0 values correlated well with logP. Two of the synthesized betulin derivatives are reported for the first time. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monitoring a correctional mental health care system: the role of the mental health expert
Authors: Metzner Jeffrey L.
Published: July 2009

Class action litigation has been instrumental in jail and prison reform over the past four decades. This article provides a very brief introduction underlying the legal basis for such litigation. It focuses on the role of the mental health expert in monitoring a correctional mental health care system as a result of class action litigation including issues related to selection of the expert, development of the remedial plan, and monitoring of the implementation of the remedial plan. The importance of policies and procedures and a quality improvement process is emphasized. Essential elements of the monitoring process, prior to and during the site assessment, are described. Inmates and correctional staff alike have benefited substantially from such litigation in the form of increased resources and positive changes in institutional culture. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The need of considering the interactions in the analysis of screening designs
Authors: Phoa Frederick K. H. , Wong Weng Kee , Xu Hongquan
Published: July 2009

Fractional factorial designs are widely used experimental plans for identifying important factors in screening studies where many factors are involved. Traditionally, Plackett–Burman (PB) and related designs are employed in such studies because of their cost efficiencies. The caveat with the use of PB designs is that interactions among factors are implicitly assumed to be non‐existent. However, there are many practical situations where some interactions are significant and ignoring them can result in wrong statistical inferences, including biased estimates, missing out on important factors, and detection of spurious factors. We reanalyze data for three chemical experiments using the Hamada and Wu's method and showed that we are able to identify significant interactions in each of these chemical experiments and improve the overall fit of the model. In addition, we analyze the data using a Bayesian approach that confirms our findings. In both approaches, graphical tools are employed along with easily available software for analysis. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ChemInform Abstract: A Simple and Efficient PTT‐Mediated Synthesis of α‐Azidoketones in [bmim][BF4] Ionic Liquid.
Authors: Kumar Anil , Ahmed Israr , Rao M. Sudershan , Patel Gautam , Kumar Dalip
Published: July 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
Produktdesign disperser Stoffe: Emulsionen für die kosmetische Industrie
Authors: Rähse W. , Dicoi O.
Published: July 2009

Zur täglichen Pflege gesunder Haut werden kosmetische Cremes und Lotionen eingesetzt. Die Emulsionen enthalten wasser‐ und öllösliche Wirkstoffe, die zur Verbesserung der Hautstruktur beitragen, Feuchtigkeit und Lipide ergänzen sowie physiologische Vorgänge und hauteigene Möglichkeiten der Regeneration unterstützen. Ihr Produktdesign lässt sich während der Entwicklung über die Rezeptur und über die Technologie einstellen. Die Optimierung erfolgt mittels anwendungstechnischer Tests und wird abgeschlossen durch Studien an Probanden zur Beurteilung des Hautzustandes vor und nach Anwendung des Hautpflegemittels. An zwei Beispielen für Cosmeceuticals (Wirkkosmetika) – zum einen eine „normale”︁ o/w‐Emulsion mit Tropfengrößen im μm‐Bereich und zum anderen eine Nanoemulsion (d50 = 120 nm) – erfolgt eine Beschreibung der Produktgestaltung sowie der technischen Herstellung im Batch‐Homogenisierbehälter bzw. im Hochdruckhomogenisator. Natürliche Öle als Flüssigkeit oder in Form von Nanotröpfchen dringen in einigen Minuten, nachweisbar in vivo mit der NMR‐Spektroskopie, über die Lipidphase des Stratum corneums in die Epidermis und Dermis bis in die Subcutis ein. So sind mit heutiger Technik im gesamten Hautbereich über Stunden positive Wirkungen zu erzielen.
Monitoring and assuring quality: The role of consumer satisfaction
Authors: Stallard Paul
Published: July 2009

A consumer satisfaction survey of a child and adolescent psychology service (1990) resulted in the identification of four targets for improvement. The survey was repeated in 1993 resulting in increased rates of satisfaction being obtained for each of the four selected quality improvement targets although only one reached statistical significance. There was a deterioration in satisfaction with other areas of the service with significant reductions being reported with the length of wait before first appointment, interval between appointments, and total number of appointments offered. This reflects activity data which demonstrated a 30% increase in new referrals. The results suggest that consumer satisfaction measures are sensitive to both planned and unplanned changes in service delivery and that repeated surveys can be used to assure and monitor service quality.
Meta‐analysis on the treatment of panic disorder with agoraphobia: Review and re‐examination
Authors: van Balkom Anton J. L. M. , Nauta Mary C. E. , Bakker Abraham
Published: July 2009

From three meta‐analyses on treatment outcome in panic disorder with agoraphobia, method, results and conclusions were reviewed. The meta‐analyses differed in methods used and conclusions derived. The conclusions conflicted on the relative efficacy of treatment with antidepressants, high‐potency benzodiazepines, psychological panic management, exposure in vivo and combination treatments. These conflicting findings can be caused by confounding variables, present in ‘between‐study’ comparisons. In ‘within‐study’ comparison, so‐called ‘same experiment studies’, these confounding variables are controlled for. Therefore, the literature was reviewed for same experiment studies. The differential efficacy of treatments compared within 25 identified same experiment studies was evaluated by calculating the effect size d between the treatments. Antidepressants and high‐potency benzodiazepines were equally effective. The comparison between these drugs and psychological panic management remained inconclusive. Exposure in vivo was superior to psychopharmacological and psychological panic management. The efficacy of exposure in vivo was not enlarged by the addition of psychological panic management. There was some evidence that the addition of psychopharmacological drugs to exposure in vivo enlarged the efficacy of the latter. This observation must be investigated more systematically.
Stress control: A controlled comparative investigation of large group therapy for generalized anxiety disorder: Process of change
Authors: White Jim , Brooks Neil , Keenan Mary
Published: July 2009

One hundred and nine patients with a primary diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) were allocated to either cognitive, behavioural, cognitive‐behavioural or placebo versions of Stress Control large group didactic group therapy or to a waiting list condition. In a previous study (White et al., 1992), few differences emerged between the four therapy conditions and all showed significant change when compared to the waiting list. The present study looked at the process of change. Results show evidence of an initial deterioration in cognitive therapy and, when cognitive techniques are taught, deterioration in cognitive‐behaviour therapy on some measures. The placebo condition shows marked improvement over the first half of therapy (generally outstripping the other therapies) with this change being whittled away to some degree over the second half of the treatment. There is no evidence suggesting that cognitive therapy/behaviour therapy leads to initial changes in cognitive symptoms/behavioural symptoms. Possible non‐specific explanations for these findings are discussed.
Biopsychosocial approaches and evolutionary theory as aids to integration in clinical psychology and psychotherapy
Authors: Gilbert Paul
Published: July 2009

This paper explores the problem of fragmentation in clinical psychology. It is suggested that this is due to the nature of clinical psychology with its multitude of different concerns, ranging from the cultural to the physiological. To help us become more integrative we could more formally adopt the biopsychosocial approach which explicitly asks the clinician and theorist to focus on the interactionsbetweenvarious levels. This paper also argues that the biopsychosocial approach could be informed by evolutionary theory because this theory provides possible explanations of why certain developmental and social contexts can so powerfully impact on physiology. An evolutionary psychology relevant to clinical psychology can focus on the archetypal nature of human experience, be helpful in exploring therapeutic issues, and avoid some of the reductionist aspects of sociobiology.
Psychosocial factors related to long‐term survival with HIV/AIDS
Authors: Ironson Gail , Solomon George , Cruess Dean , Barroso Julie , Stivers Margaret
Published: July 2009

Only a few studies of long‐term survivors of AIDS (those who survive more than twice the median expected time) have been done but these reveal a constellation of psychological characteristics including, but not limited to, those with active coping, social support, life involvement, ability to communicate, and active collaboration with one's doctor. Another related literature consists of longitudinal studies following people infected with the HIV virus to determine whether psychological characteristics are related to disease progression. These studies have focused on coping, depression, negative expectancies and social support as predictors. This article reviews and integrates the two bodies of literature combining the variables identified into four psychosocial strategies related to longer survival with HIV/AIDS: following healthy self care; maintaining connectedness; having a sense of meaning or purpose in life; and maintaining perspective. Affect, beliefs, and behaviour are all seen as important. Biological variables, SES and psychological resources that the person brings to the situation and external stresses are seen as important variables to consider in prediction studies. The pathways through which these four strategies may operate (both psychological and biological) to impact on health are discussed. Psychological pathways include distress and behavioural disengagement, while biological pathways involve the sympathetic nervous system, neuroendocrine and immune mediation. Finally suggestions for future research are given.
A critical analysis of morbid fear of HIV/AIDS
Authors: Scragg Peter
Published: July 2009

Despite repeated negative HIV test results some individuals continue to fear that they have been infected. This paper presents a review of the psychopathology of such individuals and addresses the problem of the diagnostic confusion. It is argued that some individuals with this persistent fear of HIV show features akin to both hypochondriasis and obsessive‐compulsive disorder. A functional analysis is presented to guide the clinician in understanding this problem.
Low‐voltage high‐performance current mirrors: Application to linear voltage‐to‐current converter
Authors: Hassen Néjib , Gabbouj Houda Bdiri , Besbes Kamel
Published: July 2009

Current mirror is one of the basic building blocks of analog VLSI systems. For high‐performance analog circuit applications, the accuracy and bandwidth are the most important parameters to determine the performance of the current mirror. This paper presents an efficient implementation of a CMOS current mirror suitable for low‐voltage applications. This circuit combines a shunt input feedback, a regulated cascade output and a differential amplifier to achieve low input resistance, high accuracy and high output resistance. A comparison of several architectures of this scheme based on different architectures of the amplifier is presented. The comparison includes: input impedance, output impedance, accuracy, frequency response and settling time response. These circuits are validated with simulation in 0.18µm CMOS TSMC of MOSIS. In this paper, a linear voltage to current converter, based on the adapted current mirror, is proposed. Its static and dynamic behaviour is presented and validated with the same technology. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An analytical model for the performance evaluation of stack‐based Web cache replacement algorithms
Authors: Messaoud S. , Youssef H.
Published: July 2009

Web caching has been the solution of choice to web latency problems. The efficiency of a Web cache is strongly affected by the replacement algorithm used to decide which objects to evict once the cache is saturated. Numerous web cache replacement algorithms have appeared in the literature. Despite their diversity, a large number of them belong to a class known as stack‐based algorithms. These algorithms are evaluated mainly via trace‐driven simulation. The very few analytical models reported in the literature were targeted at one particular replacement algorithm, namely least recently used (LRU) or least frequently used (LFU). Further they provide a formula for the evaluation of the Hit Ratio only. The main contribution of this paper is an analytical model for the performance evaluation of any stack‐based web cache replacement algorithm. The model provides formulae for the prediction of the object Hit Ratio, the byte Hit Ratio, and the delay saving ratio. The model is validated against extensive discrete event trace‐driven simulations of the three popular stack‐based algorithms, LRU, LFU, and SIZE, using NLANR and DEC traces. Results show that the analytical model achieves very good accuracy. The mean error deviation between analytical and simulation results is at most 6% for LRU, 6% for the LFU, and 10% for the SIZE stack‐based algorithms. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Construct a power‐efficient and space‐reuse‐effective dominating set using small‐world model in mobilead hocnetworks
Authors: Li Jung‐Shian , Lin Yi‐Ting , Liu Tien‐He
Published: July 2009

In this paper, we proposed a novel distributed power management and clustering scheme for a large scale ofad hocnetworks. An inappropriate transmission power leads to high power consumption and interference, thus we introduce a power management and clustering scheme to maintain coverage and to minimize interference using the small world model that provides a good starting point to sustain connectivity. This scheme reduces number of relay nodes and relay packets by constructing the virtual backbone with clusters. Our proposed scheme divided a large contention domain into small ones. Owing to power management for each node, space reuse is effective. Furthermore, the power consumption is obviously reduced by our proposed scheme. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MMP induced by Gr‐1+ cells are crucial for recruitment of Th cells into the airways
Authors: Jung Yong Woo , Zindl Carlene L. , Lai Jen‐Feng , Weaver Casey T. , Chaplin David D.
Published: July 2009

Th2 lymphocytes deliver essential signals for induction of asthmatic airway inflammation. We previously found that airway antigen challenge induces recruitment of Gr‐1+ neutrophils prior to the recruitment of Th2 cells. We examined, therefore, whether Gr‐1+ cells contribute to the development of Th2‐dependent airway inflammation. Systemic depletion of Gr‐1+ cells using the RB6‐8C5 monoclonal antibody reduced Th2 cell recruitment following i.n. antigen challenge. The levels of both MMP‐9 and the tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases‐1 mRNA were up‐regulated in the lungs of mice 12 h after i.n. antigen challenge. Up‐regulation of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases‐1 was independent of Gr‐1+ cells, whereas up‐regulation of MMP‐9 RNA and total gelatinolytic activity was dramatically reduced in mice depleted of Gr‐1+ cells. At 24 h after challenge, total lung collagenolytic activity was also up‐regulated, in a Gr‐1+ cell‐dependent fashion. Systemic inhibition of MMP‐8 and MMP‐9 reduced the airway recruitment of Th cells, resulting in significantly reduced eosinophilic inflammation. These data suggest that antigen challenge via the airway activates Gr‐1+ cells and consequently MMP to facilitate the recruitment of Th cells in the airway inflammatory response.
Synthesis and Structure of per‐Methylated B6N7‐Azaboraphenalene
Authors: Ederle Henry P. , Nöth Heinrich
Published: July 2009

Tricyclic nonamethyl‐B6N7‐phenalene, Me9B6N7 (1) was prepared from N(BCl2)3 and MeB(NHMe2)2 in the presence of NEt3. Its B3N3 rings are twisted against each other by 8 and 11° and the B–N bond lengths vary from 1.412(9) to 1.482(9) Å. The tricyclic ring is rather stable as shown by its mass spectrum, which is dominated by the loss of Me groups as well as by the formation of doubly charged fragments of the tricycle. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Multi‐scale system reliability analysis of lifeline networks under earthquake hazards
Authors: Song Junho , Ok Seung‐Yong
Published: July 2009

Recent earthquake events evidenced that damage of structural components in a lifeline network may cause prolonged disruption of lifeline services, which eventually results in significant socio‐economic losses in the affected area. Despite recent advances in network reliability analysis, the complexity of the problem and various uncertainties still make it a challenging task to evaluate the post‐hazard performance and connectivity of lifeline networks efficiently and accurately. In order to overcome such challenges and take advantage of merits of multi‐scale analysis, this paper develops a multi‐scale system reliability analysis method by integrating a network decomposition approach with the matrix‐based system reliability (MSR) method. In addition to facilitating system reliability analysis of large‐size networks, the multi‐scale approach enables optimizing the level of computational effort on subsystems; identifying the relative importance of components and subsystems at multiple scales; and providing a collaborative risk management framework. The MSR method is uniformly applied for system reliability analyses at both the lower‐scale (for link failure) and the higher‐scale (for system connectivity) to obtain the probability of general system events, various conditional probabilities, component importance measures, statistical correlation between subsystem failures and parameter sensitivities. The proposed multi‐scale analysis method is demonstrated by its application to a gas distribution network in Shelby County of Tennessee. A parametric study is performed to determine the number of segments during the lower‐scale MSR analysis of each pipeline based on the strength of the spatial correlation of seismic intensity. It is shown that the spatial correlation should be considered at both scales for accurate reliability evaluation. The proposed multi‐scale analysis approach provides an effective framework of risk assessment and decision support for lifeline networks under earthquake hazards. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigating the role of attachment in social comparison theories of eating disorders within a non‐clinical female population
Authors: Bamford Bryony , Halliwell Emma
Published: July 2009

Objective: The present study aimed to integrate attachment theory and sociocultural theory as predictors of disordered eating, thereby combining two previously distinct literatures in order to provide a more comprehensive model of eating disorder development. It was specifically proposed that women's attachment style may influence their tendency to socially compare themselves to idealised others.

Method: Participants (N = 213) were non‐clinical female undergraduates. Sociocultural attitudes to appearance, social comparison, attachment and eating disorder symptomatology were assessed using self‐report questionnaires.

Results: Consistent with the hypothesis, social comparison was found to mediate the relationship between attachment anxiety and disordered eating. In addition, attachment avoidance, was not significantly associated with either internalisation of cultural ideals or social comparison but was significantly related to eating psychopathology.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that attachment anxiety and avoidance influence disordered eating via different pathways, with attachment anxiety specifically being implicated in sociocultural models of disordered eating. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Impacts of fluorouracil‐metabolizing enzymes on the outcomes of patients treated with S‐1 alone or S‐1 plus cisplatin for first‐line treatment of advanced gastric cancer
Authors: Koizumi Wasaburo , Tanabe Satoshi , Azuma Mizutomo , Ishido Kenji , Nishimura Ken , Sasaki Tohru , Nakatani Kento , Higuchi Katsuhiko , Nakayama Norisuke , Katada Chikatoshi
Published: July 2009

A phase III trial of S‐1 plus cisplatin (SP) versus S‐1 alone, for first‐line treatment of advanced gastric cancer (SPIRITS trial), has shown that overall survival was better in patients treated with SP than with S‐1 alone. In the present retrospective biomarker study, we aimed to develop a methodology to identify the patients with advanced gastric cancer who would respond better to S‐1 alone than SP. We studied 120 patients who received S‐1 alone or SP for first‐line chemotherapy for advanced gastric cancer, and quantitatively evaluated mRNA levels of thymidylate synthase (TS), thymidine phosphorylase (TP), orotate phosphoribosyltransferase (OPRT), dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase, vascular endothelial growth factor‐A, and epidermal growth factor receptor in paraffin‐embedded specimens of primary tumors. Multivariate survival analysis in patients who received S‐1 monotherapy (66 patients) demonstrated that low TP expression (hazard ratio: 2.55 (95% CI: (1.33 to 4.89)), low TS (2.71 (1.36 to 5.37)), and high OPRT (0.33 (0.13 to 0.86)) were significant predictors of long overall survival. In patients with lower expression of both TP and TS (n = 23) than their cutoff values, the S‐1 alone group (n = 15) had longer overall survival than the SP group (n = 8; median overall survival, 18.2 months vs. 9.4 months), whereas the frequency of overall adverse events in the S‐1 alone group tended to be lower than that in SP group. Our results suggest that these biomarkers are useful for selection of patients with advanced gastric cancer in whom treatment with S‐1 alone will yield survival benefit.
Selective upregulation of interleukin‐8 by human rhabdomyosarcomas in response to hypoxia: therapeutic implications
Authors: Wysoczynski Marcin , Shin Dong‐Myung , Kucia Magda , Ratajczak Mariusz Z.
Published: July 2009

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft‐tissue sarcoma of adolescence and childhood. Because RMS tumors are highly vascularized, we sought to determine which factors secreted by RMS cells are crucial in stimulating angiogenesis in response to hypoxia. To address this issue, we evaluated expression of several proangiogenic factors [interleukin (IL)‐8, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF)‐2, stromal‐derived factor (SDF)‐1, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF)] in 8 human RMS cell lines in both normal steady‐state and hypoxic conditions. We found by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RQ‐PCR) and confirmed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) that from all the factors evaluated, IL‐8, whose expression is very low in normoxia, had been very highly expressed and secreted by RMS cells lines during hypoxic conditions (∼40–170 times). Interestingly, this upregulation was not affected by knocking down hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1α, but was inhibited by mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK)p42/44 and phosphatidylinositaol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway inhibitors. This suggests that IL‐8 expression is regulated in an activating protein (AP)‐1‐ and nuclear factor (NF)‐κB‐dependent manner. Furthermore, we found that conditioned media (CM) harvested from RMS cells exposed to hypoxia activated and stimulated chemotactic responses in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and that IL‐8 was responsible for hypoxia‐related effects. Finally, by employing shRNA, the expression of IL‐8 in human RH‐30 cells was downregulated. We noticed that such RMS cells, if injected into skeletal muscles of immunodeficient mice, have a reduced ability for tumor formation. We conclude that IL‐8 is a pivotal proangiogenic factor released by human RMS cells in hypoxic conditions and that the targeting of IL‐8 may prove to be a novel and efficient strategy for inhibiting RMS growth.