bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association offirst‐trimester low PAPP‐A levels with preterm birth
Authors: Goetzinger Katherine R. , Cahill Alison G. , Macones George A. , Odibo Anthony O.
Published: January 2010

Objective

To determine the association of, and predictive ability of, pregnancy‐associated plasma protein A (PAPP‐A), free β‐human chorionic gonadotrophin (β‐hCG), and nuchal translucency (NT) with preterm birth (PTB).

Methods

A 5‐year retrospective cohort study of women who underwent first‐trimester combined screening was performed. Maternal medical, antepartum, and pregnancy outcome data were obtained. PAPP‐A and β‐hCG were converted to multiples of the median (MoM), and primary exposure was defined as ≤10th percentile MoM for PAPP‐A. Secondary exposures were defined as ≥ 90th percentile MoM for β‐hCG and NT values of ≥ 20 and 25 mm. The primary outcome was PTB before 35 weeks and the secondary outcome was PTB before 32 weeks. Univariate, bivariate, multivariate, and receiver–operator analyses were used.

Results

Of the 2231 patients meeting inclusion criteria with complete outcome data available, 222 had a PAPP‐A level ≤10th percentile MoM. Abnormally low PAPP‐A was associated with an increased risk for PTB < 35 weeks [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.0, 1.0–3.8] and < 32 weeks (aOR 2.7, 1.1–6.4), even after adjusting for prior PTB, tobacco exposure, chronic hypertension, and body mass index. PAPP‐A ≤10th percentile was not sufficiently predictive of PTB < 35 weeks (area under curve = 0.63, 95% CI 0.53–0.72). Neither abnormally high β‐hCG nor increased NT was associated with an increased risk for PTB.

Conclusions

PAPP‐A ≤10th percentile is associated with an increased risk for PTB, but is not sufficiently predictive to be used clinically. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Safety assessment of recalled Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) conjugate vaccines—United States, 2007–2008
Authors: Huang Wan‐Ting , Chang Soju , Miller Elaine R. , Woo Emily Jane , Hoffmaster Alex R. , Gee Jay E. , Clark Thomas A. , Iskander John K. , Ball Robert , Broder Karen R.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

On 13 December 2007, Merck & Co., Inc. voluntarily recalled 1.2 million doses of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccines that had been distributed since April 2007 for concerns regarding potential Bacillus cereus contamination. Enhanced postrecall surveillance was conducted to detect vaccine‐associated B. cereus infections.

Methods

We reviewed reports involving recalled Hib vaccines received by the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) during 1 April 2007–29 February 2008. For each reported death, autopsy review sought evidence of B. cereus infections. For each specified outcome, the proportional reporting ratios (PRRs) were calculated to compare the recalled Hib vaccines with the manufacturer's nonrecalled Hib vaccines in the VAERS databases. On 20 December 2007, we used the Epidemic Information Exchange (Epi‐X) to solicit nongastrointestinal vaccine‐associated B. cereus infections, and requested B. cereus isolates for genotyping to compare with the manufacturing facility isolate.

Results

VAERS received 75 reports involving recalled Hib vaccines; none described a confirmed B. cereus infection. Comparative analyses did not reveal disproportionate reporting of specified outcomes for recalled Hib vaccines. The Epi‐X posting triggered one report of vaccine‐associated B. cereus bacteremia from a child who received a nonrecalled Hib vaccine manufactured by Merck; the genotypes of isolates from the patient and the manufacturing facility differed.

Conclusions

No evidence of vaccine‐associated B. cereus infection had been found in recipients of recalled Hib vaccines. Conducting laboratory surveillance through Epi‐X was feasible and may enhance public health response capacities for future vaccine safety emergencies. Published in 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Open‐circuit voltage increase dynamics in high and low deposition rate polymorphous silicon solar cells
Authors: Johnson E. V. , Dadouche F. , Gueunier‐Farret M. E. , Kleider J. P. , Cabarrocas P. Roca i
Published: January 2010

The dynamics of the open‐circuit voltage (VOC) of polymorphous silicon (pm‐Si:H) solar cells deposited at high and low rates (8 and 1.5 Å/s, HR and LR) and containing lightly or heavily doped p‐layers (LD or HD) are compared through in situ, variable intensity measurements during light‐soaking (LS). The VOC's of the LR cells show an increase with LS, regardless of doping level, whereas the HR cells show decreasing VOC's. This result is in contrast to the changes predicted by the dark diode characteristics, which predict increasing VOC for all the devices. The device measurements are compared to the analogous measurements on co‐deposited coplanar p–i layer stacks to determine whether the VOC dynamics can be linked to changes in the p‐layer doping efficiency during LS. The changes to the macroscopic electrical behaviour of the cell under varying light conditions are modelled using a simple, three parameter function, and are compared to results from a detailed, numerical modelling tool, AFORS‐HET.
Effect of local doping on the electronic properties of epitaxial graphene on SiC
Authors: Červenka Jiří , van der Ruit Kevin , Flipse Kees
Published: January 2010

Graphene grown on silicon carbide (SiC) is a promising material for high speed electronic devices. However, for possible future applications it is important to understand the electron properties of this material and how it is affected by the interaction with the SiC interface. Here we report an atomically resolved scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy study of local structural and electronic properties of epitaxial graphene. Sharp localized states from the graphene/SiC(0001) interface have been found to strongly influence the electronic properties of the first graphene layer, causing local doping of graphene layer. The disordered high electron density states have originated from the underlying carbon‐rich interface layer whose structure is discussed.

magnified image

Scanning tunneling microscopy images of a first graphene layer on SiC(0001) taken at bias voltage −500 and 500 mV (5 × 5 nm2). Red circles and blue crosses indicate that localized states in the filled and empty electron states belonging to the underlying interface layer are located at different positions.
Electron spin resonance in laser‐crystallized polycrystalline silicon–germanium thin films
Authors: Weizman M. , Scheller L.‐P. , Nickel N. H. , Lips K. , Yan B.
Published: January 2010

The defect properties of laser‐crystallized polycrystalline silicon–germanium (Si–Ge) thin films on glass substrates were investigated with electron spin resonance (ESR) and conductivity measurements. The ESR measurements reveal that laser‐crystallized poly Si1−xGex thin films with 0 < x < 0.84 contain a dangling‐bond concentration of about Ns = 4 × 1018 cm−3, roughly independent of the Ge content in this range. Surprisingly, the ESR signal vanishes completely for the Ge‐rich alloys (x > 0.84) and instead a broad atypical signal appears that we attribute to electric dipole induced spin resonance (EDSR). Samples that showed this behavior exhibited a nearly temperature‐independent electrical conductivity for temperatures between 20 and 100 K. The data are discussed in terms of a model that is based on the formation of a defect band along the grain boundaries in the vicinity of the Fermi level.
Effect of ion energy on structural and electrical properties of intrinsic microcrystalline silicon layer deposited in a matrix distributed electron cyclotron resonance plasma reactor
Authors: Ram Sanjay K. , Kroely Laurent , Bulkin Pavel , Cabarrocas Pere Roca i
Published: January 2010

Microcrystalline silicon films were deposited in a matrix distributed electron cyclotron resonance (MDECR) plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) system using pure silane, under varying substrate bias conditions. Microstructural characterization of the films shows a lower void fraction and a preponderance of nanograins in films deposited at negative bias, while in positive bias a thin incubation layer is seen with a higher void fraction. Plasma emission studies reveal higher electron temperature and more atomic H at positive bias, which lead to early onset of crystallization. The microstructural properties of the films are correlated with the dark and phototransport properties. Our study demonstrates the importance of substrate bias in controlling the ion energy and properties of films deposited in the MDECR reactor.
The effect of indiscriminate nudging time on large and small scales in regional climate modelling: Application to the Mediterranean basin
Authors: Salameh Tamara , Drobinski Philippe , Dubos Thomas
Published: January 2010

A regional climate model (RCM) is driven by the ERA‐40 reanalyses produced by the ECMWF general circulation model (GCM) to simulate the winter 1998 climate over the Mediterranean basin. In this article, we consider the effects on internal variability of temporal nudging. This technique consists of relaxing the RCM's prognostic variables towards the GCM values within a predetermined time‐scale, with the aim of disallowing large and unrealistic departures between driving and driven fields. To interpret the significant effect of time nudging on the regional climate prediction, we develop a ‘toy model’ basically consisting of resolving a linear transport equation with a Newtonian relaxation term. This model predicts the existence of an optimal nudging time which depends on the time‐scale over which numerical errors affect significantly the accuracy of the ‘regional’ solution at the large spatial scales, and the typical time‐scale of the small‐scale phenomena that are not resolved by the GCM. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Dynamical kernel of the Aladin–NH spectral limited‐area model: Revised formulation and sensitivity experiments
Authors: Bénard P. , Vivoda J. , Mašek J. , Smolíková P. , Yessad K. , Smith Ch. , Brožková R. , Geleyn J.‐F.
Published: January 2010

Drawing from the results of theoretical studies about the behaviour of constant‐coefficients semi‐implicit schemes, the dynamical kernel of the Aladin–NH spectral limited‐area numerical weather prediction (NWP) model has been modified in order to allow for a stable and efficient integration of the fully elastic Euler equations. The resulting dynamical kernel offers the possibility to use semi‐Lagrangian transport schemes together with two‐time‐level discretizations at kilometric scales for NWP purposes. The main characteristics of the adiabatic part of the model formulation and the space and time discretization are described in this article. In order to illustrate the dependence of the results on adjustable parameters of the dynamical kernel, some real‐case dynamical‐adaptation forecasts performed with a basic physical parameterization package are presented. The results obtained with this model in real‐case experiments fully confirm the conclusions drawn in previous numerical analysis studies. The good quality of the results is found to be compatible with a routine exploitation in a NWP framework. The Aladin–NH dynamical kernel has been used in the operational NWP ‘AROME’ model since December 2008 at the kilometric scale, with an appropriate physical parameterization package and data assimilation system. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society and Crown Copyright.
Natural ventilation effects on temperatures within Stevenson screens
Authors: Harrison R. G.
Published: January 2010

Thermometer screen properties are poorly characterised at low wind speeds. Temperatures from a large thermometer screen have been compared with those from an automatically shaded open‐air fine‐wire resistance thermometer. For the majority of 5‐minute average measurements obtained between July 2008 and 2009, the screen and fine‐wire temperatures agreed closely, with a median difference <0.05 °C. At low wind speeds however, larger temperature differences occurred. When calm (wind speed at 2 metres, u2, ≤ 0.1 m s−1), the difference between screen and open‐air temperatures varied from −0.25 °C to +0.87 °C. At night with u2 < 0.5 m s−1, this difference was −0.14 °C to 0.39 °C, and, rarely, up to −0.68 °C to 1.38 °C. At the minimum in the daily temperature cycle, the semi‐urban site at Reading had u2 < 1 m s−1 for 52% of the observations 1997–2008, u2 < 0.5 m s−1 for 34% and calm conditions for 20%. Consequently uncertainties in the minimum temperature measurements may arise from poor ventilation, which can propagate through calculations to daily average temperatures. In comparison with the daily minimum temperature, the 0900 UTC synoptic temperature measurement has a much lower abundance (5%) of calm conditions. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
The mixing time of Glauber dynamics for coloring regular trees
Authors: Goldberg Leslie Ann , Jerrum Mark , Karpinski Marek
Published: January 2010

We consider Metropolis Glauber dynamics for sampling proper q‐colorings of the n‐vertex complete b‐ary tree when 3 ≤ q ≤ b/(2lnb). We give both upper and lower bounds on the mixing time. Our upper bound is nO(b/ log b) and our lower bound is nΩ(b/(q log b)), where the constants implicit in the O() and Ω() notation do not depend upon n, q or b. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2010
Microelectrochemical investigation on aluminium–steel friction welds
Authors: Schneider M. , Langklotz U. , Michaelis A. , Arnold B.
Published: January 2010

Aluminium–steel friction welds (AlMgSi0.5/C35 and AlMgSi0.5/X5CrNi18‐10) were electrochemically investigated in a NaAc/HAc buffer (pH 5.9) and 0.1 mol/l NaCl using the microcapillary technique. This technique allows a lateral resolution of electrochemical measurements. However, microscopic investigations and scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X‐ray SEM/EDX measurements show that the reaction zone (RZ) and the heat affected zone (HAZ) of the welds are smaller than the microcapillary diameter. This paper discusses the advantages and limitations of the microcapillary technique in view of friction welds. Nevertheless, the electrochemical experiments allow a clear detection of the changing active surface area and the correlation to the microstructure (intermetallics). The application of microcapillary measurements on samples which were exposed in marine climate for 2 years shows a good correlation between the local potential measurements and the local corrosion phenomena. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural transformation of silane‐based zirconium‐modified sol–gel coatings
Authors: Collazo A. , Covelo A. , Pérez C.
Published: January 2010

This work is focused on a detailed analysis of silane‐based zirconium‐modified sol–gel coatings and the correlation between thermal treatment and structural transformation. To analyse the influence of the type of silane used, different sols were prepared with 3‐glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS), tetraethylortosilicate (TEOS) and tetra‐n‐propoxyzirconium (TPOZ) as precursors. The films were deposited by a dip‐coating procedure on AA2024‐T3 alloy and then submitted to several thermal treatments. Techniques, such as X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier‐transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD), have been used to analyse the structural transformations. The results show that crystallisation of zirconia can be modified by the addition of silanes as co‐precursors, which induces stabilisation of the amorphous state of zirconia and an increase in the critical size for the polymorphic transformation. The type of silane used does not affect the structural transformation of ZrO2. An explanation for the stabilisation of zirconium oxide is proposed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimation of age‐specific incidence rates from cross‐sectional survey data
Authors: Roy Jason , Stewart Walter F.
Published: January 2010

Age‐specific disease incidence rates are typically estimated from longitudinal data, where disease‐free subjects are followed over time and incident cases are observed. However, longitudinal studies have substantial cost and time requirements, not to mention other challenges such as loss to follow up. Alternatively, cross‐sectional data can be used to estimate age‐specific incidence rates in a more timely and cost‐effective manner. Such studies rely on self‐report of onset age. Self‐reported onset age is subject to measurement error and bias. In this paper, we use a Bayesian bivariate smoothing approach to estimate age‐specific incidence rates from cross‐sectional survey data. Rates are modeled as a smooth function of age and lag (difference between age and onset age), with larger values of lag effectively down weighted, as they are assumed to be less reliable. We conduct an extensive simulation study to investigate the extent to which measurement error and bias in the reported onset age affects inference using the proposed methods. We use data from a national headache survey to estimate age‐ and gender‐specific migraine incidence rates. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Meta‐regression with partial information on summary trial or patient characteristics
Authors: Hemming K. , Hutton J. L. , Maguire M. G. , Marson A. G.
Published: January 2010

We present a model for meta‐regression in the presence of missing information on some of the study level covariates, obtaining inferences using Bayesian methods. In practice, when confronted with missing covariate data in a meta‐regression, it is common to carry out a complete case or available case analysis. We propose to use the full observed data, modelling the joint density as a factorization of a meta‐regression model and a conditional factorization of the density for the covariates. With the inclusion of several covariates, inter‐relations between these covariates are modelled. Under this joint likelihood‐based approach, it is shown that the lesser assumption of the covariates being Missing At Random is imposed, instead of the more usual Missing Completely At Random (MCAR) assumption. The model is easily programmable in WinBUGS, and we examine, through the analysis of two real data sets, sensitivity and robustness of results to the MCAR assumption. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A simple iterative carrier frequency synchronization technique for OFDMA uplink transmissions
Authors: Sun Pengfei , Zhang Li
Published: January 2010

This paper examines the carrier frequency offset (CFO) estimation problem in the tile‐based orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) uplink systems, which is very challenging due to the presence of multiple CFOs. The existing solutions to this problem are either too complex to implement or not flexible in subcarrier allocation. To solve these problems, this paper proposes a tile‐structure based iterative multi‐CFO estimation technique. The proposed method is developed based on a special training sequence with repetitive structure. The inherent multi‐user interference (MUI) compression provided by the tile structure allows us to utilize the repetitive property of the training sequence to jointly estimate the CFOs in the frequency domain with low complexity. Combining the CFO estimation with an interference cancellation scheme and performing iteratively, the algorithm achieves high estimation accuracy and fast convergence. The proposed algorithm is suitable for any subcarrier assignment schemes. In addition, as compared with other existing time domain based algorithms, which achieve the Cramer Rao Bound (CRB) at the price of unaffordable complexity, it closely approaches their performance with over 70% computational saving, which is significantly important for practical implementation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distributed spectrum assignment for cognitive networks with heterogeneous spectrum opportunities
Authors: Plummer Anthony , Biswas Subir
Published: January 2010

This paper presents a distributed and localized interference‐aware channel assignment framework for multi‐radio wireless mesh networks in a cognitive network environment. The availability of multiple interfaces and channels in wireless devices is expected to enhance network throughput in wireless mesh networks. A notable design issue in such networks is how to dynamically assign available channels to multiple radio interfaces for maximizing effective network throughput by minimizing interference. The proposed framework uses a novel interference estimation method by utilizing distributed conflict graphs on a per‐interface basis. Presented results obtained via simulation studies in 802.11 based multi‐radio mesh networks indicate that for both homogeneous and heterogeneous primary networks, the proposed protocol can facilitate a large increase in network throughput in comparison with a Common Channel Assignment mechanism that is used as a benchmark in the literature. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Storage correction in cells of patients suffering from mucopolysaccharidoses types IIIA and VII after treatment with genistein and other isoflavones
Authors: Arfi Audrey , Richard Magali , Gandolphe Christelle , Scherman Daniel
Published: January 2010

Mucopolysaccharidoses are autosomal and recessive lysosomal storage disorders caused by the deficiency of a lysosomal enzyme involved in glycosaminoglycan catabolism. The Sanfilippo type A disease (MPS III A) results from sulfamidase deficiency, which leads to accumulation of heparan sulfate, whereas Sly disease (MPS VII) results from beta‐glucuronidase deficiency, leading to accumulation of heparan, dermatan, and chondroitin sulfates. These syndromes are characterized by severe central nervous system degeneration, resulting in progressive mental retardation, and fatality occurs in severely affected children. To date, no effective treatment is available except for bone marrow transplantation in specific cases. Recently, the use of genistein, an isoflavone that inhibits glycosaminoglycans synthesis, has been tested as substrate reduction therapy for neuronopathic forms of these diseases. We tested five natural analogs to genistein in human fibroblasts from both Sanfilippo A and Sly patients. Four molecules were as efficient as genistein in decreasing glycosaminoglycan accumulation. Moreover, a combination of several isoflavones was more efficient than one single isoflavone, suggesting a synergistic effect. These preliminary data may offer new perspectives for treating Sly and Sanfilippo A diseases and could be relevant to other neurological forms of mucopolysaccharidoses.
Concerns of South Korean Patients and Family Members Affected with Genetic Conditions: A Content Analysis of Internet Website Messages
Authors: Kang Heejung , McCarthy Veach Patricia , LeRoy Bonnie S.
Published: January 2010

The genetic counseling profession is expanding globally, and many countries, such as South Korea, are in the early stages of developing programs to prepare healthcare professionals specifically trained as genetic counselors. However, little research has investigated the concerns of South Korean patients and family members that have genetic conditions. The present study assessed their concerns by accessing and analyzing messages posted to websites devoted to genetic conditions. Eighteen websites were accessed—1 website concerns general genetic conditions, and 17 concern specific conditions. A sample of 700 messages was translated into English and analyzed using grounded theory analysis. Three major themes and 30 categories were extracted. The themes are: 1) Medical Concerns (e.g., clinical symptoms, diagnosis, prognosis, recurrence risk, prevention, inheritance); 2) Psychosocial Concerns (e.g., emotions, social stigma, social support); and 3) Management Concerns (e.g., therapy and alternative treatments, education, financial support, nutrition, medical facilities, folk remedies). The findings provide insight into the types of information and genetic counseling services that might benefit South Korean individuals and family members.
Adaptation to a limiting environment: the phosphorus content of terrestrial cave arthropods
Authors: Schneider Katie , Kay Adam D. , Fagan William F.
Published: January 2010

Stoichiometric imbalances (mismatches between elemental ratios of consumers and their food) are expected to be especially important in detritus‐based systems because poor resource quality may impose severe growth constraints. Such imbalances have been highlighted in producer‐based food webs and detritus‐based aquatic systems, but similar investigations of detritus‐based terrestrial ecosystems are absent. Cave animals are dependent on detrital subsidies from the surface and display adaptations to caves (e.g., decreased growth and metabolic rates). Here we examined how nutrient quality may constrain consumer strategies in caves. We found that the quality of cave resources was comparable to resources on the surface, but there was some evidence that cave animals may face nutritional constraints for at least a part of the year. Such constraints may be especially important for millipedes, whose C:P was particularly low (i.e., nutrient‐demanding) relative to cave detritus. Based on the growth rate hypothesis, we predicted that cave‐adapted species would have lower %P, lower %RNA, and a lower RNA/DNA ratio relative to surface‐dwelling counterparts; however, the differences we discovered between congeneric millipedes may not necessarily be due to P scarcity. Consistent with stoichiometric theory, we found significant negative %P allometry across phylogenetic groupings of 17 cave arthropods. We did not see this allometric relationship in millipedes, perhaps because of the lowered P content of the cave‐obligate species. Our results highlight the potential for stoichiometric challenges of caves to influence the adaptations of terrestrial cave animals. This novel explanation for cave adaptation may yield insights into cave biodiversity and biogeography.
A relaxation process for bifunctionals of displacement-Young measure state variables: A model of multi-material with micro-structured strong interface
Authors: Krasucki Françoise , Michaille Gérard , Bessoud Anne Laure
Published: January 2010

The gradient displacement field of a micro-structured strong interface of a three-dimensional multi-material is regarded as a gradient-Young measure so that the stored strain energy of the material is defined as a bifunctional of displacement-Young measure state variables. We propose a new model by computing a suitable variational limit of this bifunctional when the thickness and the stiffness of the strong material are of order
ɛ
and

\frac{1}{ɛ}

respectively. The stored strain energy functional associated with the model in pure displacements living in a Sobolev space is obtained as the marginal map of the limit bifunctional. We also obtain a new asymptotic formulation in terms of Young measure state variable when considering the other marginal map.
Clinical Experience in Timed Arterial Compression Contrast-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Angiography of the Hand
Authors: Gutzeit Andreas , Eckhardt Boris , Beranek Jan , Wentz Klaus U. , Willemse Edwin , Jenelten Regula , Binkert Christoph A. , Froehlich Johannes M.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

A retrospective analysis of the diagnostic performance of the timed arterial compression (TAC) technique, which allows freezing of the contrast bolus during first-pass contrast-enhanced (CE) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) to diagnose vascular pathologies in the hand.

Material and Methods

A total of 14 consecutive CE-MRAs of the hand were acquired by using the TAC technique. By inflating a blood pressure cuff up to 200 mm Hg triggered to the arterial contrast filling of the hand, prolonged measurement times up to 144 seconds, with a spatial resolution of 0.59 × 0.59 × 0.8 mm3, could be realized. Overall image qualities, arterial signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and vessel conspicuity besides the final diagnosis were evaluated.

Results

All 14 TAC-CE-MRAs of the hand were successfully accomplished without any adverse events and yielded, in all cases, a final diagnosis with a high total number of vascular pathologies (57). High arterial SNR and CNR values exceeding the soil of 85 and 60, respectively, resulted. Thus, overall vessel visibility (>90%), vessel conspicuity (mean Δ signal intensity [SI]/mm = 1,193) and image quality on a per patient level (>60%) were rated as excellent or good.

Conclusions

TAC-CE-MRA of the hand offers high diagnostic performance because of its increased spatial resolution while preserving contrast, which allowed detection of tiny stenoses of the digital arteries.
The Value of Preprocedure Computed Tomography for Planning Insertion of Inferior Vena Cava Filters
Authors: Jaskolka Jeffrey D. , Kwok Rachel P.W. , Gray Sara H. , Mojibian Hamid R.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

To determine if valuable information could be obtained from abdominal computed tomography (CT) performed before insertion of an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective review was performed on IVC filter insertions with a CT performed before the procedure. Cavagram and CT were compared for renal vein and IVC anatomy, the diameter of the IVC, and the prevalence of iliocaval thrombus. Correlations were assessed among 3 reference standards for measuring the IVC at cavography.

Results

The mean IVC diameter was 23.0 mm on CT. On cavagram the mean IVC diameter was assessed by using 3 reference standards: 20.7 mm, with the catheter tip as a reference; 26.9 mm, with a radiopaque ruler; and 23.4 mm, by using a lumbar vertebral body. There was good correlation among the 3 measures of IVC diameter (Pearson's r = 0.75, P < .0001) but moderate correlation with CT (r = 0.36–0.56, P < .001). The sensitivity of cavagram for detecting retroaortic and circumaortic renal veins was 40% and 0%, respectively. Nineteen accessory renal veins (12.8%) were not seen by cavagram. Thirteen patients (8.8%) had iliocaval thrombus on cavagram, of which 12 (92.3%) were not previously detected by CT.

Conclusions

CT is more sensitive than cavagram for detection of renal vein variants and the level of the lowest renal vein. Therefore, if available, the CT should be reviewed before placement of an IVC filter to optimize positioning. Cavagram remains the criterion standard for detection of iliocaval thrombosis and is necessary before IVC filter insertion.
Identification of a novel splicing isoform of murine CGI‐58
Authors: Yang Xingyuan , Lu Xin , Liu Jun
Published: January 2010

The comparative gene identification‐58 (CGI‐58) gene, mutations of which are linked to Chanarin‐Dorfman syndrome, encodes a protein of the α/β hydrolase domain subfamily. We report here a new alternative splicing isoform of the murine CGI‐58 gene, termed mCGI‐58S. Sequence comparison indicates the lack of second and third exons in this cDNA variant. While the full‐length protein displayed perilipin‐dependent localization to lipid droplets, mCGI‐58S showed a predominant cytoplasmic staining when expressed in cells. mCGI‐58S was incapable of activating adipose triglyceride lipase but retained the capacity to acylate lysophosphatidic acid. Overexpression of mCGI‐58S failed to promote lipid droplet turnover and loss of intracellular triacylglycerols. These results suggest that this splicing event may be involved in the regulation of lipid homeostasis.
mTOR regulation of autophagy
Authors: Jung Chang Hwa , Ro Seung-Hyun , Cao Jing , Otto Neil Michael , Kim Do-Hyung
Published: January 2010

Nutrient starvation induces autophagy in eukaryotic cells through inhibition of TOR (target of rapamycin), an evolutionarily‐conserved protein kinase. TOR, as a central regulator of cell growth, plays a key role at the interface of the pathways that coordinately regulate the balance between cell growth and autophagy in response to nutritional status, growth factor and stress signals. Although TOR has been known as a key regulator of autophagy for more than a decade, the underlying regulatory mechanisms have not been clearly understood. This review discusses the recent advances in understanding of the mechanism by which TOR regulates autophagy with focus on mammalian TOR (mTOR) and its regulation of the autophagy machinery.
Potassium channels in the mitochondria of unicellular eukaryotes and plants
Authors: Jarmuszkiewicz Wieslawa , Matkovic Karolina , Koszela-Piotrowska Izabela
Published: January 2010

The functional characterisation of potassium channels found in the mitochondria of plants and unicellular eukaryotes is critically discussed herein, with a focus on the ATP‐sensitive potassium channel and the large‐conductance Ca2+‐activated potassium channel (mitoBKCa channel). The physiological functions of these channels are not completely understood. We discuss the functional connections and roles of potassium channels, uncoupling protein and alternative oxidase, three energy‐dissipating systems that exist in the mitochondrial respiratory chain of plants and some unicellular eukaryotes, which include preventing the production of reactive oxygen species.
Noxa is necessary for hydrogen peroxide‐induced caspase‐dependent cell death
Authors: Aikawa Tomonori , Shinzawa Koei , Tanaka Nobuyuki , Tsujimoto Yoshihide
Published: January 2010

MINT‐7543162: Mcl‐1 (uniprotkb:Q07820) physically interacts (MI:0914) with Bim EL (uniprotkb:O43521), Bim L (uniprotkb:O43521) and NOXA (uniprotkb:Q13794) by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0006)
Nrf3‐deficient mice are not protected against acute lung and adipose tissue damages induced by butylated hydroxytoluene
Authors: Chevillard Grégory , Nouhi Zaynab , Anna Derjuga , Paquet Marilène , Blank Volker
Published: January 2010

We found that both wild type and Nrf3 (NF‐E2‐related factor 3) deficient mice are sensitive to BHT single administration exhibiting respiratory distress and considerably lose body weight following treatment. At time of sacrifice, the BHT‐treated Nrf3−/− mice had lost significantly more body weight than their WT counterparts. In the lung, transcript levels of the transcription factors Nrf1, Nrf2 and Nrf3 were differentially regulated by BHT treatment. In addition, genes implicated in adipogenesis were repressed following BHT exposure in the white adipose tissue. Together, our data provide the first evidence that BHT exposure not only affects lung function but also leads to impaired adipogenesis in adipocytes.
Characterization of DNA–Hv1 histone interactions; discrimination of DNA size and shape
Authors: Papadakis George , Tsortos Achilleas , Mitsakakis Konstantinos , Gizeli Electra
Published: January 2010

We have studied the formation of histone Hv1–DNA complexes using an acoustic biosensor and AFM imaging. Our results show that DNA and histone molecules aggregate into amorphous accumulations which form a compact rigid layer on the sensor's surface. By measuring changes in the acoustic wave amplitude, it was possible to titrate surface bound DNA with Hv1 and discriminate between DNA molecules of different size and shape. From the kinetic analysis of real time data, K
eq was found equal to 3 × 105
M−1.
Sedimentogenesis and resource potential of Middle–Upper Bathonian reservoirs in the Middle Ob’ region
Authors: Kontorovich A.E. , Vakulenko L.G. , Kazanenkov V.A. , Skvortsov M.B. , Yan P.A. , Bykov V.V. , Popov A.Yu. , Saenko L.S.
Published: January 2010

This study provides a comprehensive sedimentologic analysis of the J2 prospective horizon (Middle–Late Bathonian) in the central West Siberian Basin. Based on the extensive dataset, it was established that structural complexity of this horizon is largely caused by a variety of depositional environments. Sedimentary facies of this horizon pass upward from widespread continental at the base, through deltaic or coastal-continental, to marginal-marine at the top. Change in the paleohypsometry of the study area reflects the distribution of depositional environments, in terms of the proportions of continental, transitional, and marine deposits. The study also shows that facies variability and change in depositional settings can have a significant control on reservoir quality, as well as its vertical and lateral distribution. Using a combination of detailed GDE reconstructions, structure contour mapping on the top and base of the J2 horizon, analyses of well test data, probability of reservoir presence, distribution of average porosity and permeability within different subenvironments, a composite map showing variations in the reservoir effectiveness in the J2 horizon was generated.
Radon as a tracer of tectonic movements
Authors: Utkin V.I. , Yurkov A.K.
Published: January 2010

We suggest a model of radon emanation under compression or extension strain from a medium equivalent to rocks containing pores and cracks. The model is shown in several examples to be suitable for simulating the nucleation of rock bursts in deep mines and earthquakes. According to correlation of strain and radon measurements at the same sites, a relative strain change of n × 10−7 corresponds to a 200% change of radon activity concentration. This high sensitivity means that radon data can be good tracers of tectonic movements.
The Field of Social Investment
Authors: Bruyn Severyn T.
Published: January 2010

This book is concerned with the theory and practice of social investment as a profession. It offers a conceptual foundation for investment policy and research, and reviews empirical studies supporting new directions in investment policies. It also provides guidelines for trustees, based on the best available knowledge of corporate behaviour, and presents researchers with key hypotheses to follow in gathering data for the evaluation of social investment norms. A unique study, it provides the basis for defining social investment as a field of knowledge.
Agricultural Revolution in England
Authors: Overton Mark
Published: January 2010

This book is the first available survey of English agriculture between 1500 and 1850. It combines new evidence with recent findings from the specialist literature, to argue that the agricultural revolution took place in the century after 1750. Taking a broad view of agrarian change, the author begins with a description of sixteenth-century farming and an analysis of its regional structure. He then argues that the agricultural revolution consisted of two related transformations. The first was a transformation in output and productivity brought about by a complex set of changes in farming practice. The second was a transformation of the agrarian economy and society, including a series of related developments in marketing, landholding, field systems, property rights, enclosure and social relations. Written specifically for students, this book will be invaluable to anyone studying English economic and social history, or the history of agriculture.
Altered States
Authors: Sperling Valerie
Published: January 2010

Is globalization good for democracy? Or has it made our governing institutions less accountable to citizens? Located at the intersection of international relations and comparative politics, this book explores the effects of globalization on national governance. Under what circumstances do the transnational forces that embody globalization encourage or discourage political accountability? Among the transnational forces discussed in the book are the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, multinational corporations, the United Nations, private military contractors, peacekeepers, the European Court of Human Rights, and several transnational social movements. Using in-depth case studies of situations in which these transnational institutions interact with national governments and citizens, Valerie Sperling traces the impact of economic, political, military, judicial, and civic globalization on state accountability and investigates the degree to which transnational institutions are themselves responsible to the people whose lives they alter.
Global Collective Action
Authors: Sandler Todd
Published: January 2010

This book examines how nations and other key participants in the global community address problems requiring collective action. The global community has achieved some successes, such as eradicating smallpox, but other efforts to coordinate nations' actions, such as the reduction of drug trafficking, have not been sufficient. This book identifies the factors that promote or inhibit successful collective action at the regional and global level for an ever-growing set of challenges stemming from augmented cross-border flows associated with globalization. Modern principles of collective action are identified and applied to a host of global challenges, including promoting global health, providing foreign assistance, controlling rogue nations, limiting transnational terrorism, and intervening in civil wars. Because many of these concerns involve strategic interactions where choices and consequences are dependent on one's own and others' actions, the book relies, in places, on elementary game theory that is fully introduced for the uninitiated reader.
The Bible
Authors: Prickett Stephen , Barnes Robert
Published: January 2010

This study focuses on the Bible as a landmark of literature, showing both how it has influenced writers through the ages and how it in turn has been influenced by contemporary literature. It describes what is known about the historical context of the documents, the changes of interpretation they have undergone over the centuries, and the problems and influence of various translations, ranging from Tyndale to the Good News Bible.
EFFECT OF MODIFICATION OF TREE DENSITY AND GEOMETRY ON INTERCROP YIELDS AND ECONOMIC RETURNS IN LEUCAENA-BASED AGRO-FORESTRY SYSTEMS FOR WOOD PRODUCTION IN ANDHRA PRADESH, SOUTHERN INDIA
Authors: PRASAD J. V. N. S. , KORWAR G. R. , RAO K. V. , SRINIVAS K. , RAMA RAO C. A. , SRINIVASARAO CH. , VENKATESWARLU B. , RAO S. N. , KULKARNI H. D.
Published: January 2010

Leucaena leucocephala is cultivated at close spacings that do not permit intercropping. This has been a discouraging factor for small landholders who need regular income to establish leucaena plantations and benefit from the rapidly expanding market for wood. Therefore, on-farm experiments were conducted near Bhadrachalam, Khammam district, Andhra Pradesh, India, from August 2001 to January 2006, to study the effect of reducing tree density and modifying tree geometry on the growth of leucaena and productivity of intercrops. The inter-row spacing of 1.3 m in farmers' practice was increased up to 13 m to examine whether wide-row planting and grouping of certain rows would facilitate extended intercropping without sacrificing wood yield. Tree density treatments tried were 1.3 × 1.3 m, 3 × 0.75 m, 3 × 1 m, 5 × 0.8 m and 3 × 2 m which gives densities of 5919, 4444, 3333, 2500 and 1666 trees ha−1, respectively. Tree geometry treatments tested were 7 × 1 m paired row spacing (7 × 1 PR), 10 × 1 m triple row spacing (10 × 1 TR), and 13 × 1 m four rows (13 × 1 FR) with a constant tree population of 2500 trees ha−1. Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) was the intercrop. While changes in tree density affected diameter at breast height (DBH) significantly, modification of tree geometry did not affect tree height and DBH. Marketable wood and dry biomass productivity was highest with 3 × 0.75 m spacing, and reducing tree density and alteration of tree geometry reduced the biomass considerably. In 2001, 2002 and 2003 seasons, respectively, tree spacing at 3 m produced mean yields of 97, 23 and 11% of the sole crop cowpea yield whereas modified tree geometry treatments produced mean yields of 97, 61 and 20% of sole crop yield. The widest spacing (13 × 1 FR) recorded 95, 73 and 30% of the sole crop yields during 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively. Net returns from intercropping of leucaena in 3 × 0.75 m spacing was 36% higher than that of the farmers' practice. Although wider tree geometry treatments recorded lower net returns, they provided higher intercrop yields and returns in the first two years of plantation establishment. Therefore, it can be concluded that in regions where annual rainfall is around 1000 mm, leucaena can be planted at a spacing of 3 × 0.75 m for improving intercrop performance, higher tree productivity and returns.
THE ROLE OF RELATIONSHIP POWER IN COUPLE DECISIONS ABOUT CONTRACEPTION IN THE US
Authors: GRADY WILLIAM R. , KLEPINGER DANIEL H. , BILLY JOHN O. G. , CUBBINS LISA A.
Published: January 2010

Most analyses of the contraceptive decision-making in which couples engage are based on the reports of only one partner, usually the female partner. This study uses information from the 2006 National Couples Survey conducted in the US, which was obtained from both partners in intimate heterosexual relationships to investigate the relative impact of the male and female partner's method preferences on the type of method they use together. It also investigates the extent to which differences in power between the partners, measured on multiple dimensions, may weigh the decision-making process toward one partner or the other. The results suggest that men's and women's method preferences are both significantly related to the couples' method choice. Further, there is no evidence of a significant gender difference in the magnitude of these relationships, although women in married and cohabiting relationships appear to have greater power over method choice than women in dating relationships. The analysis also finds that structural power as measured by relative education and income affects partner differences in the relationship between preferences and method choice, but is more important for married and cohabiting couples than for dating couples. In contrast, relationship-based power sources, including relative commitment and relative relationship alternatives, have significant effects only for dating couples.
SOCIOECONOMIC CHANGES AS COVARIATES OF OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY AMONG TANGKHUL NAGA TRIBAL WOMEN OF MANIPUR, NORTH-EAST INDIA
Authors: MUNGREIPHY N. K. , KAPOOR SATWANTI
Published: January 2010

The prevalence of overweight/obesity is increasing worldwide. Although countries like India are typically thought of as having a high prevalence of undernutrition, significant proportions of overweight/obese now co-exist with the undernourished. This study aims to find the prevalence of overweight/obesity, and its association with socioeconomic change, among Tangkhul women in India. The cross-sectional study was carried out among 346 Tangkhul women aged 20–70 years, who were divided into five 10-year age groups. Mean BMI was found to be lowest among the youngest age group, and it increased with age until the age of 59 and then declined. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was found to be 27.1%, as assessed from the Asian cut-off point. Although the prevalence of obesity (2.0%) was low when compared with Indian non-tribal female populations, the prevalence of overweight (25.1%) was not far behind. Overweight and obesity were found to be associated with age, marital status, physical activity level, lifestyle and improvement in socioeconomic status, especially occupation and income. When compared with urban non-tribal Indian females, who have a higher socioeconomic status, the prevalence of overweight/obesity among Tangkhul females is lower, indicating its association with socioeconomic status. Tangkhul Naga is a population where the majority are believed to be thin traditionally owing to the difficult hilly terrain and their physically active lifestyle. With urbanization and economic development, nutritional transition, improved socioeconomic status and an increasingly sedentary lifestyle have been observed, which have contributed to the increasing prevalence of overweight/obesity among Tangkhul Naga women.