bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Homology modeling of human Toll‐like receptors TLR7, 8, and 9 ligand‐binding domains
Authors: Wei Tiandi , Gong Jing , Jamitzky Ferdinand , Heckl Wolfgang M. , Stark Robert W. , Rössle Shaila C.
Published: June 2009

Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) play a key role in the innate immune system. The TLR7, 8, and 9 compose a family of intracellularly localized TLRs that signal in response to pathogen‐derived nucleic acids. So far, there are no crystallographic structures for TLR7, 8, and 9. For this reason, their ligand‐binding mechanisms are poorly understood. To enable first predictions of the receptor–ligand interaction sites, we developed three‐dimensional structures for the leucine‐rich repeat ectodomains of human TLR7, 8, and 9 based on homology modeling. To achieve a high sequence similarity between targets and templates, structural segments from all known TLR ectodomain structures (human TLR1/2/3/4 and mouse TLR3/4) were used as candidate templates for the modeling. The resulting models support previously reported essential ligand‐binding residues. They also provide a basis to identify three potential receptor dimerization mechanisms. Additionally, potential ligand‐binding residues are identified using combined procedures. We suggest further investigations of these residues through mutation experiments. Our modeling approach can be extended to other members of the TLR family or other repetitive proteins.
Invertebrate drift and benthic exhaustion during disturbance: Response of mayflies (Ephemeroptera) to increasing shear stress and river‐bed instability
Authors: Gibbins Chris , Batalla Ramon J. , Vericat Damià
Published: June 2009

We manipulated hydraulic conditions over patches of sands and fine gravels in an upland, gravel‐bed river using a portable flume and assessed changes in the drift rates of three mayflies (Baetis, EcdyonurusandCaenis). On average, manipulations doubled water velocity in experimental locations and resulted in shear stresses that exceeded the critical threshold for entrainment of patch sediments. Bedload transport rates were used as an indicator of bed disturbance during the manipulations. Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) indicated that between 59 and 81% of the variation in the drift rates of the three taxa could be accounted for by the combined effects of shear stress and bed disturbance. Shear stress was more important than bed disturbance as a cause of drift inEcdyonurusandBaetis, while forCaenisthe two variables were equally important. Drift rates fell markedly (10‐fold) after only 5 mins of increased shear stress and bed disturbance. The experiments indicate that (a) dramatic loss of mayflies can occur rapidly from patches of fine and relatively unstable sediment during periods of increased discharge and (b) for some taxa, losses may cause a depletion of the benthic source‐pool and hence result in the exhaustion of supply. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of attack actions using model checking for the verification of security protocols
Authors: Basagiannis Stylianos , Katsaros Panagiotis , Pombortsis Andrew
Published: June 2009

Model checking cryptographic protocols have evolved to a valuable method for discovering counterintuitive security flaws, which makes it possible for a hostile agent to subvert the goals of the protocol. Published works and existing security analysis tools are usually based on general intruder models that embody at least some aspects of the seminal work of Dolev–Yao, in an attempt to detect failures of secrecy. In this work, we propose an alternative intruder model, which is based on a thorough analysis of how potential attacks might proceed. We introduce an intruder model that provides an open‐ended base for the integration of multiple basic attack tactics. Those attack tactics have the possibility to be combined, in a way to compose complex attack actions that require a number of procedural steps from the intruder's side, such as a Denial of Service attack. In our model checking approach, protocol correctness is checked by appropriate user‐supplied assertions or reachability of invalid end states. The analyst can express security properties of specific attack actions that are not restricted to safety violations captured by a generic model checker. The described intruder model methodology was implemented within the SPIN model checker for verifying two security protocols, Micromint and PayWord. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An adjustment for patient heterogeneity in the design of two‐stage phase II trials
Authors: Sposto Richard , Gaynon Paul S.
Published: June 2009

In single‐arm, two‐stage phase II clinical trials to evaluate efficacy of cancer treatments using a response endpoint, one typically identifies a single reference response rate to be the null hypothesis benchmark. Patients eligible for the trial are assumed to have this response rate on average under the null hypothesis. When patients arise from subpopulations having different response rates, this single response rate reference may not be appropriate for the particular mix of patients actually enrolled on the trial. As a result, the Type I and Type II error rates conditional on the mix of enrolled patients may differ considerably from the unconditional error rates used to design the trial. We describe a method for designing two‐stage Phase II studies that accounts for patient heterogeneity and effectively stabilizes conditional Type I and Type II error over the range of patient mixes that are likely to arise. Use of the design requires good estimates of the expected response rate within each population stratum as well as the stratum membership probabilities, but its properties are similar to and often preferable to the standard two‐stage design even in situations where the underlying assumptions do not hold absolutely. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mental health and quality of life among doctors, nurses and other hospital staff
Authors: Su Jian‐An , Weng Hsu‐Huei , Tsang Hin‐Yeung , Wu Jhen‐Long
Published: June 2009

Numerous studies have shown that doctors, nurses or other hospital staff may suffer from tremendous stress at work. A high level of work‐related stress might increase vulnerability to mental illness and result in a poor quality of clinical care. This study was conducted in a Taiwanese regional general hospital. Minor psychiatric disorder, depressive disorder and quality of life were assessed for all staff, using self‐rating questionnaires including the Chinese Health Questionnaire 12‐item version, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale and World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale brief version. Nearly half of the staff had either a minor psychiatric disorder or depressive disorder. Nurses and pharmacists had the highest prevalence. The risk factors included single/divorced and being a nurse or pharmacist. Quality of life for hospital staff was poor, as compared with the Taiwanese norms, and was even worse for the nurses and pharmacists. In conclusion, the management teams of hospitals should pay more attention to the mental condition of all hospital staff, especially nurses and pharmacists. Adequate staffing, support, counselling or psychological intervention are required for further management, and may logically result in better mental health on the part of the staff and a better quality of care. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A statewide approach to creating veteran‐friendly campuses
Authors: Lokken Jayne M. , Pfeffer Donald S. , McAuley James , Strong Christopher
Published: June 2009

This chapter discusses a statewide response to the needs of veterans, military members, and their families. Specifically, it addresses the collaboration between Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs‐Higher Education Veterans Programs, St. Cloud State University, and a student veteran organization.
Partnering to assist disabled veterans in transition
Authors: DiRamio David , Spires Michele
Published: June 2009

Severely injured military veterans of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan who are completing rehabilitation at a military hospital and are ready to pursue postsecondary instruction are assisted by an academic advisor at the hospital and a mentor from a cooperating college or university.
Stewards of the public trust: Federal laws that serve servicemembers and student veterans
Authors: McGrevey, Michael , Kehrer, Darryl
Published: June 2009

This chapter describes the federal laws and policies that affect enrollment and retention of servicemembers, veterans, and their dependents in higher education institutions, providing campus administrators with an essential reference.
Gfi-1B Promoter Remains Associated with Active Chromatin Marks Throughout Erythroid Differentiation of Human Primary Progenitor Cells
Authors: Laurent Benoît , Randrianarison-Huetz Voahangy , Kadri Zahra , Roméo Paul-Henri , Porteu Françoise , Duménil Dominique
Published: June 2009

Growth Factor Independent-1B (Gfi-1B) is a transcriptional repressor that plays critical roles in the control of erythropoiesis and megakaryopoiesis. Gfi-1B expression was described to be repressed by an autoregulatory feedback control loop. Here, we show that Gfi-1 transcription is positively regulated early after induction of erythroid differentiation and remains highly active to late erythroblasts. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation assays in CD34+ cells from human cord blood, we found that Gfi-1 and GATA-2 in immature progenitors and then Gfi-1B and GATA-1 in erythroblasts are bound to the Gfi-1B promoter as well as to the promoter of c-myc, a known Gfi-1B target gene. Surprisingly, this Gfi-1/GATA-2–Gfi-1B/GATA-1 switch observed at erythroblast stages is associated to an increase in the Gfi-1B transcription whereas it triggers repression of c-myc transcription. Accordingly, analysis of chromatin modification patterns shows that HDAC, CoREST, and LSD1 are recruited to the c-myc promoter leading to appearance of repressive chromatin marks. In contrast, the Gfi-1B promoter remains associated with a transcriptionally active chromatin configuration as highlighted by an increase in histone H3 acetylation and concomitant release of the LSD1 and CoREST corepressors. The repressive function of Gfi-1B therefore depends on the nature of the proteins recruited to the target gene promoters and on chromatin modifications. We conclude that Gfi-1B behaves as a lineage-affiliated gene with an open chromatin configuration in multipotent progenitors and sustained activation as cells progress throughout erythroid differentiation.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Prospective validation of first‐trimester combined screening for trisomy 21
Authors: Kagan K. O. , Etchegaray A. , Zhou Y. , Wright D. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: June 2009

Objective

To examine the performance of the new algorithm in screening for trisomy 21 by a combination of maternal age, fetal nuchal translucency (NT) and maternal serum free β‐human chorionic gonadotropin (β‐hCG) and pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A).

Methods

This was a prospective screening study for trisomy 21 in singleton pregnancies at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks of gestation using an algorithm combining maternal age, fetal NT thickness based on the mixture model for the assessment of NT, and maternal serum free β‐hCG and PAPP‐A based on a multiple regression model for the assessment of serum biochemistry. The NT measurements were performed by 60 operators who had obtained The Fetal Medicine Foundation certificate of competence in the 11–13‐week scan.

Results

The study population consisted of 19 614 pregnancies with a normal karyotype or delivery of a phenotypically normal baby (euploid group) and 122 cases of trisomy 21. In the euploid fetuses the NT was above the previously defined 50th, 95th and 99th centiles in 10 033 (51.2%), 618 (3.2%) and 123 (0.6%) cases and the respective values for trisomy 21 were 117 (95.9%), 94 (77.0%) and 57 (46.7%). The median fetal NT was within 0.1 mm of the expected in 47 (78.3%) of the 60 sonographers and within 0.2 mm in all. In the euploid fetuses the median free β‐hCG was 1.0 (range, 0.1–29.4) multiples of the median (MoM) and the median PAPP‐A was 1.0 (range, 0.2–3.3) MoM. The median MoM values were 1.0 or close to 1.0 MoM for each subgroup of pregnancy characteristics, including gestations of 11, 12 and 13 weeks, maternal weight of < 60 kg, 60–80 kg and > 80 kg, different ethnic origins, cigarette smokers and non‐smokers, natural conception and @ in vitro fertilization. For a false‐positive rate of 3%, the detection rate of trisomy 21 in screening by maternal age and fetal NT was 81% (95% CI, 73–89%), by maternal age and maternal serum biochemistry it was 63% (95% CI, 56–72%) and by combined screening based on maternal age, fetal NT and maternal serum biochemistry it was 90% (95% CI, 84–96%).

Conclusion

This study has validated the new risk algorithm and demonstrated that in combined screening for trisomy 21 based on maternal age, fetal NT and free β‐hCG and PAPP‐A the detection rate is about 90% for a 3% false‐positive rate. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of residual in situ carcinoma on postoperative survival in 125 patients with extrahepatic bile duct carcinoma
Authors: Nakanishi Yoshitsugu , Kondo Satoshi , Zen Yoh , Yonemori Atsuya , Kubota Kanako , Kawakami Hiroshi , Tanaka Eiichi , Hirano Satoshi , Itoh Tomoo , Nakanuma Yasuni
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of the presence of carcinoma in situ at the bile duct stump on postoperative survival in patients who underwent resection of extrahepatic bile duct carcinoma.

Methods

The patients with resected extrahepatic bile duct carcinoma were divided into three groups according to resected margin status: no evidence of residual carcinoma (Negative group,n = 96); carcinoma in situ at the bile duct stump (CIS group,n = 10); and invasive carcinoma at any surgical margin (Invasive group,n = 19). Cause‐specific survival for these groups was compared statistically.

Results

Surgical margin status was identified as a prognostic factor on univariate analysis (p = 0.005) and was an independent prognostic factor on multivariate analysis (p = 0.018). The CIS group displayed significantly better survival than the Invasive group (p = 0.006), and the survival was comparable to that for the Negative group (p = 0.533). Two of three patients in the CIS group with local recurrence died >5 years after surgical resection.

Conclusions

Patients with positive ductal margins of carcinoma in situ of the extrahepatic bile duct do not appear to show different survival after resection compared to patients with negative margins, but remnant carcinoma in situ is likely to develop late local recurrence.
The Stabilizing Effects of Polyols and Sugars on Porcine Pancreatic Lipase
Authors: Gangadhara  , Ramesh Kumar Parigi , Prakash Vishweshwaraiah
Published: June 2009

Porcine pancreatic lipase (PPL) has been used as a biocatalyst for many years and is one of the most widely used enzymes for biotechnological applications; however, it is a rather complex mixture with various active enzymes. The present study has been undertaken to determine the effects of polyols and sugars (cosolvents) on the thermal stability of PPL preparation. The thermal stability of PPL exposed to 60°C for 10 min was enhanced in the presence of cosolvents in terms of both residual specific activity and conformational stability. Thermal denaturation, changes in circular dichroism, fluorescence spectra, apparent kinetic parameters, activity, and preferential interaction parameter of PPL preparation are discussed in terms of contributions to the mechanism of thermal stability and the activity enhancement. Partial specific volume measurement of PPL in the presence of cosolvents is presented for the first time. The preferential interaction parameter (ξ3) was negative in all cosolvents used, and maximum hydration was observed in the presence of trehalose, where the preferential interaction parameter was −0.076 g/g. The observed increase in the thermal stability of PPL preparation in the presence of cosolvents is due to the preferential hydration of the enzyme.
Rheological Properties of Candelilla Wax and Dotriacontane Organogels Measured with a True‐Gap System
Authors: Morales‐Rueda Juan A. , Dibildox‐Alvarado Elena , Charó‐Alonso Miriam A. , Toro‐Vazquez Jorge F.
Published: June 2009

The rheology of organogels developed by candelilla wax (CW) and a pure n‐alkane (dotriacontane, C32) was evaluated with a rheometer equipped with a true‐gap system and compared with the rheograms obtained with a fixed‐gap system. The two systems used a cone and plate geometry. In contrast to the fixed‐gap system, the true‐gap system makes the corrections in the gap size associated with the expansion/shrinkage of the sample and/or the rheometer geometry when changing temperature conditions are used during measurements. The CW and C32 organogels were prepared using safflower oil high in triolein (SFO) as the liquid phase, and the treatments studied resulted from the factorial combinations of two levels of gelator concentration (1 and 3%) and two gel setting temperatures (Tset; 5 and 25 °C) achieved using a cooling rate of 1 or 10 °C/min. The use of the true‐gap system provided rheological parameters (i.e., G′ profiles) that agreed with the micro structure and the calorimetric (i.e., heat of melting, ΔHM) behavior of both the CW and the C32 organogels. The use of a fixed‐gap system in the rheological characterization of organogels must be treated with caution, specially with time dependent G′ determinations involving the use of fast temperature ramps (i.e., 10 °C/min).
Why Say Sorry? Influencing Consumer Perceptions Post Organizational Crises
Authors: De Blasio Angelo , Veale Roberta
Published: June 2009

Organizational crises can have devastating consequences to reputation, an important, intangible asset that can threaten an organization's long term viability. Therefore, choosing post-crisis communication responses mitigating negative consumer, public and stakeholders’ perceptions are critical to managing corporate reputation. This exploratory, Australian based research tests crisis responses across the continuum of ‘defensive’ and ‘accommodative’ alternatives. Findings indicate that highly accommodating responses lead to significantly higher impressions of the organization and trust levels indicating less reputational damage. Conversely, the highly defensive strategy of denial indicated reputational damage had occurred. Surprisingly, a ‘neutral’ response strategy (no comment), a moderate ‘accommodative’ strategy (apology), and a moderate ‘defensive’ strategy (excuse) did not result in significantly different consumer impressions of, or trust in, the organization. Results indicate Australian perceptions of highly accommodative and highly defensive strategies are consistent with results found internationally. However, findings challenge existing literature and assumptions regarding affects of different crisis response strategies, suggesting it may be feasible to make no comment, rather than defend or apologize, if desired providing new insight into crisis responses strategy options available to managers.
X‐ray crystal structure of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Pdx1 provides insights into the oligomeric nature of PLP synthases
Authors: Neuwirth Martina , Strohmeier Marco , Windeisen Volker , Wallner Silvia , Deller Sigrid , Rippe Karsten , Sinning Irmgard , Macheroux Peter , Tews Ivo
Published: June 2009

MINT‐7147899: PDX1 (uniprotkb:P37528) and PDX1 (uniprotkb:P37528) bind (MI:0407) by cosedimentation in solution (MI:0028)
Management guidelines for obstetric patients and neonates born to mothers with suspected or probable severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)
Authors: Maxwell Cynthia , McGeer Alison , Young Tai Kin Fan , Sermer Mathew , Farine Dan , Basso Melanie , Delisle Marie‐France , Hudon Lynda , Menticoglou Savas , Mundle William , Ouellet Annie , Yudin Mark H. , Boucher Marc , Castillo Eliana , Cormier Beatrice , Gruslin Andrée , Money Deborah M. , Murphy Kellie , Paquet Caroline , Steenbeek Audrey , Van Eyk Nancy , van Schalkwyk Julie , Wong Thomas
Published: June 2009

Objective

This document summarizes the limited experience of SARS in pregnancy and suggests guidelines for management.

Outcomes

Cases reported from Asia suggest that maternal and fetal outcomes are worsened by SARS during pregnancy.

Evidence

Medline was searched for relevant articles published in English from 2000 to 2007. Case reports were reviewed and expert opinion sought.

Values

Recommendations were made according to the guidelines developed by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care.
The interactive effects of duality expertise and coping frames on responses to ambivalent messages
Authors: Kramer Thomas , Lau‐Gesk Loraine , Chiu Chi‐yue
Published: June 2009

We examine the interactive effects of biculturals' duality expertise and externally provided coping resources on attitudinal responses to ambivalence. Three studies reveal that ambivalence is associated with greater discomfort for biculturals more (vs. less) conflicted about their cultural duality and with limited exposure to accessing their two cultural knowledge systems simultaneously. Among biculturals with lower duality expertise, coping frames lower their negative evaluation of messages that elicit ambivalence because coping frames help these biculturals resolve the discomfort associated with ambivalence. Provision of coping frames does not impact attitudes of biculturals with greater levels of duality expertise.
Endocytic proteins in the regulation of nuclear signaling, transcription and tumorigenesis
Authors: Pyrzynska Beata , Pilecka Iwona , Miaczynska Marta
Published: June 2009

Accumulating evidence argues that many proteins governing membrane sorting during endocytosis participate also in nuclear signaling and transcriptional regulation, mostly by modulating the activity of various nuclear factors. Some adaptors and accessory proteins acting in clathrin‐mediated internalization, as well as endosomal sorting proteins can undergo nuclear translocation and affect gene expression directly, while for others the effects may be more indirect. Although it is often unclear to what extent the endocytic and nuclear functions are interrelated, several of such proteins are implicated in the regulation of cell proliferation and tumorigenesis, arguing that their dual‐function nature may be of physiological importance.
Changes in Posterior Lumbar Disk Contour Abnormality with Flexion‐Extension Movement in Subjects with Low Back Pain and Degenerative Disk Disease
Authors: Lee Shi‐Uk , Lee Jong‐In , Butts Kim , Carragee Eugene , Fredericson Michael
Published: June 2009

Objective

To determine whether posterior lumbar disk contour dimensions differ in the flexed seated, upright seated, and extended seated positions.

Design

Two subgroups of subjects with degenerative disk disease were compared: those with central posterior disk bulge (at L4‐5 or L5‐S1 levels) and those with a dark nucleus pulposus without posterior disk bulge (L3‐4, L4‐5, and/or L5‐S1 levels).

Setting

Academic medical center.

Participants

Eight subjects with a central disk bulge and 9 subjects with a dark nucleus pulposus on magnetic resonance imaging.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

Quantitative comparisons of posterior disk contour between neutral, flexed, and extended sitting positions.

Results

Of 8 subjects with central disk bulge, spinal flexion (from the neutral position) produced a decreased disk contour in all subjects, whereas spinal extension (from the neutral position) produced an increased disk contour in 6 subjects, a decreased disk contour in 1 subject, and no measurable change in 1 subject. Changes in posterior disk contour in subjects with a dark nucleus pulposus were variable. Approximately half increased and half decreased, but no relation to position was determined.

Conclusions

The results of this pilot study suggest a consistent pattern of decreased posterior disk contour with spinal flexion and increased posterior disk contour with spinal extension in subjects with central disk bulge, but not in those with a dark nucleus pulposus.
Identification of Candidate Serum Biomarkers for Intervertebral Disk Degeneration in an Animal Model
Authors: Sowa Gwendolyn , Westrick Ed , Rajasekhar Arun G. , Woods Barrett , Leckie Steven , Coelho Paulo , Vo Nam , Studer Rebecca , Kang James
Published: June 2009

Objective

To examine serum markers of matrix turnover in an animal model of disk degeneration.

Design

Randomized prospective in vivo study.

Setting

Laboratory for Orthopaedic and Spine Research and Department of Large Animal Research.

Participants

Twenty‐one New Zealand White rabbits.

Intervention

Rabbits were randomly grouped into control (n = 8), sham surgery (n = 5), or stab surgery (n = 8). The stab surgical group underwent annulotomy of L2‐3, L3‐4, and L4‐5 to induce intervertebral disk degeneration. The sham surgical group underwent surgical exposure without annulotomy, and the control group received no intervention.

Outcome Measurements

Lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and serum samples were obtained before intervention and at 0, 3, 6, and 12 weeks thereafter. MRIs were analyzed for evidence of intervertebral disk degeneration via measurement of MRI index. The serum was assayed at 0, 3, 6, and 12 weeks for the aggrecan biosynthesis marker CS846 and the C‐telopeptide of collagen II (CTX‐II).

Results

The stabbed disks demonstrate degeneration apparent by MRI criteria. CTX‐II increased with time in the stabbed group compared to the control and sham surgery groups regardless of baseline levels. Aggrecan showed no statistically significant difference among groups.

Conclusions

CTX‐II shows promise as a useful serum biomarker for intervertebral disk degeneration.
Objective Assessment of Functional Ambulation in Adults with Hemiplegia using Ankle Foot Orthotics after Stroke
Authors: Nolan Karen J. , Savalia Krupa K. , Lequerica Anthony H. , Elovic Elie P.
Published: June 2009

Objective

To objectively evaluate the effect of ankle foot orthotics (AFOs) on functional ambulation in individuals with hemiplegia secondary to stroke using quantifiable outcome measures.

Design

With‐without repeated measures design.

Setting

Rehabilitation research center.

Participants

Eighteen adults with stroke‐related hemiplegia 6 months using a prescribed AFO.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measurements

The distance (m) and velocity (m/s) during the 6‐Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and total time (s) and velocity (m/s) during the 25‐ft walk (25ftW). Secondary analysis evaluated the 6MWT and 25ftW grouped by the time component of the Ambulatory Index (AI).

Results

Distance walked during the 6MWT was significantly greater with AFO (228.54 ± 103.93) than without AFO (197.49 ± 104.13), P = .002. Time to complete the 25ftW was significantly greater without AFO (21.22 ± 20.57) than with AFO (15.49 ± 14.65), P = .010. There was a significant difference in average velocity between the 25ftW and 6MWT during the with AFO condition, P = .010. Secondary analysis grouped by the AI time showed that as level of function decreases, brace effect on functional ambulation increases (Group 3: 25ftW with AFO, P = .040).

Conclusions

AFO usage in hemiplegic stroke patients improves functional ambulation, particularly in individuals with a slower gait velocity. The 25ftW, with and without AFO, may be useful to the patient and clinician when determining the importance of brace utilization. Speed modulation was improved when the AFO was added to the paretic limb, and AI grouping indicated that the AFO was more beneficial in people with a slower gait velocity (>20 seconds for the 25ftW). A more definitive study is needed to more completely address this issue. As an exploratory study, the feasibility of different walking assessments was determined so that future studies can validate which objective measures can be used and easily implemented in clinical settings.
Introduction: Understanding integrated policy strategies and their evolution
Authors: Rayner Jeremy , Howlett Michael
Published: June 2009

Much attention in recent years has been focused on the idea of replacing patchworks of public policies in specific issue areas with more coordinated or ‘integrated’ policy strategies (IS). Such strategies are expected to display a match of coherent policy goals and consistent policy means which can produce policy outcomes optimally matched to specific large-scale problem contexts. Work on such strategies in areas such as Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM), National Forest Policies (NFPs), European transportation and energy planning, Mediterranean desertification and others, however, has shown a remarkable resilience of pre-existing policy elements, leading to policy failures and other sub-optimal outcomes. On the basis of a review of this literature, this article argues that the development of IS typically follows one or more of the processes Thelen et al. have characterized as ‘displacement, conversion, layering, drift and exhaustion’. Studies of IS must take this evolutionary perspective into account in developing a better understanding of issues surrounding appropriate IS design.
Integrated land management in Alberta: From economic to environmental integration
Authors: Brownsey Keith , Rayner Jeremy
Published: June 2009

Alberta illustrates the obstacles to attempted policy transformation after years of deliberate policy drift. Despite being a pioneer of land use planning in western Canada, the province eventually relaxed its planning regime and failed to update plans that were perceived as an obstacle to resource-led development during a recession. When recession was succeeded by an oil-and-gas-driven boom, planning controls continued to be locally negotiated and relatively relaxed. The effect was to encourage damaging competition between resource industry and establish a pattern of clientilist politics, in which each industry looked to its departmental champion to resolve its land use problems. Whether the new provincial land use framework can change these deeply entrenched patterns or will merely layer new policies onto the old remains to be seen.
Saskatchewan: Change without direction
Authors: Rayner Jeremy , Needham Fraser
Published: June 2009

Saskatchewan represents the “null case.” Geographically remote, with a relatively backward provincial economy, there is a political consensus spanning all major parties around the idea that resources should be used to promote economic development. As a result, the provincial land use planning framework has not had to grapple with the complexities introduced into the other provinces by competing resource industries or a strong environmental movement. Changes are observed but, unlike the changes introduced by the endogenous processes of layering, drift or conversion, they lack direction. Lacking these fundamental drivers, even the appearance of new ideas fails to precipitate change in the direction of greater integration. The result is a disorganized mix of planning instruments that, as of yet, are not perceived as an obstacle to the overriding goal of economic development.
Thermodynamic modeling of the REE distribution between fluorite and ore-forming fluid in postmagmatic deposits in western Transbaikalia
Authors: Morgunov K.G. , Bykova V.G.
Published: June 2009

The factors determining the REE distribution in natural hydrothermal systems are studied by a numerical experiment. The behavior of REE is examined based on the composition of ore-bearing hydrothermal solutions and the parameters of ore formation processes at different fluorite deposits. These data were obtained in studies of fluid inclusions. Some regularities of the REE behavior during the formation of fluorite deposits have been revealed. It is shown that the REE distribution in fluorites is related mainly to changes in the composition of mineral-producing fluid solution.
On nonlinearity of petroleum formation
Authors: Burshtein L.M.
Published: June 2009

A nonlocal dynamic model of petroleum formation is used to explore possible causes and consequences of the nonlinear behavior of large petroleum systems. As a result of this nonlinearity, migration and accumulation of oil starts only after hydrocarbons in a reservoir reach a threshold amount. Significant differences in the amount of in-place resources in macroscopically similar petroleum systems may be associated with minor random changes in initial conditions.
Carbon and oxygen isotopes in the Frasnian–Famennian section of the Kuznetsk basin (southern West Siberia)
Authors: Izokh O.P. , Izokh N.G. , Ponomarchuk V.A. , Semenova D.V.
Published: June 2009

The first detailed isotope-geochemical study of carbonate deposits has been performed in the Lower Famennian stratotype section of the northwestern Kuznetsk Basin (Kosoy Utyos), which was localized in the middle latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere in the Late Devonian. The δ13Ccarb, δ13Corg, and δ18O variation curves were constructed for the section deposits. Geochemical and petrographic studies of carbonates allowed allocation of samples that underwent postsedimentation alteration and exclude them from further interpretation. Compared with coeval sections in the other world’s regions, the Kosoy Utyos section is characterized by higher δ13Ccarb values, up to 5.4‰, whereas the maximum value in subequatorial area sections is 4‰. The isotope shift amplitude of the studied section reaches 4.6‰, which is 1.5‰ higher than those in other regions. The δ18O values are 3‰ lower than the ones of the world’s coeval sections. The results obtained show that δ13C and δ18O variation trends differ from those of coeval subequatorial sections. The high shift amplitude and maximum δ13Ccarb values in the Kosoy Utyos section are due to the shallow-water carbonate sedimentation environments on the Siberian continental shelf and, probably, the lower temperatures of waters in the middle latitudes as compared with the subequatorial areas.
Dielectric loss in ore-forming chromium spinel at temperatures from 20 to 800 °C
Authors: Bakhterev V.V.
Published: June 2009

Physical, physicochemical, and mineralogical-petrographic methods have been applied to samples of ophiolite-hosted chromite ore from different deposits and occurrences in the Urals. Temperature dependences of dielectric loss obtained for nine chromite ore samples consisting of 95–98% Cr spinel show prominent peaks indicating a relaxation origin of the loss. The analyzed samples have the loss peaks at different temperatures depending mainly on H = (FeO/Fe2O3)* : (FeO/Fe2O3)**, where (FeO/Fe2O3)* and (FeO/Fe2O3)** are, respectively, the ferrous/ferric oxide ratios in the samples before and after heating to 800 °C, and H is thus the heating-induced relative change in the FeO/Fe2O3 ratio. These peak temperatures vary from 550 °C (sample 1, high-Cr chromium spinel with more than 52% Cr2O3) to 750 °C (sample 2, aluminous and magnesian spinel with less than 30% Cr2O3), and H ranges correspondingly from 1.61 to 5.49. The temperature of the loss peaks is related with H as H = 34.30 − 11.52N + 1.20N2, with an error of σ = 0.19 (N = T · 10−2, T is temperature in °C).
Specific genesis of gold and silver sulfides at the Yunoe deposit (Magadan Region, Russia)
Authors: Pal’yanova G.A. , Savva N.E.
Published: June 2009

Hypogene uytenbogaardtite, acanthite, and native gold parageneses have been revealed at the epithermal Yunoe gold-silver deposit, Magadan Region, Russia. Thermodynamic calculations in the system Si–Al–Mg–Ca–Na–K–Fe–Pb–Zn–Cu–Ag–Au–S–C–Cl–H2O were carried out at 25–400 °C and 1–1000 bars to elucidate the role of hydrothermal solutions in the formation of gold and silver sulfides. Several most probable scenarios for ore-forming processes in the deposit are considered: (1) interaction between cold and heated meteoric waters percolating along cracks from surface to depth and reacting with the host rock—rhyolite; (2) evolution of ascending postmagmatic fluid resulting in chloride–carbonic acid solution, which interacts with rhyolite at 100–400 °C; (3) stepwise cooling of hydrothermal ore-bearing solutions; (4) rapid cooling of ore-bearing hydrotherms on their mixing with cold surface waters. Rhyolite with Pb, Zn, Cu, Cl, S, Ag, and Au clarke contents was taken as an initial host rock. Calculations by model 3 showed the possible formation of uytenbogaardtite and petrovskaite at low-temperature stages. Gold and silver sulfides can be deposited during the mixing of ore-bearing acid chloride–carbonic acid hydrothermal solutions with surface alkaline waters.
What Makes a Great Lecture? Use of Lectures in a Hybrid PBL Curriculum
Authors: Azer Samy A.
Published: June 2009

Lectures are of great value to students. However, with the introduction of hybrid problem‐based learning (PBL) curricula into most medical schools, the emphasis on lectures has decreased. This paper discusses how lectures can be used in a PBL curriculum, what makes a great lecture, and how to deliver a lecture that fits with these changes.
Influence of Testing Position on the Reliability of Hip Extensor Strength Measured by a Handheld Dynamometer
Authors: Lue Yi‐Jing , Hsieh Ching‐Lin , Liu Mei‐Fang , Hsiao Shih‐Fen , Chen Shu‐Mei , Lin Jau‐Hong , Lu Yen‐Mou
Published: June 2009

Hip extensors belong to an important muscle group that controls standing, walking and other functional activities. The prone position (PP) is commonly used to measure the strength of the hip extensors; however, the reliability of such measurements is poor. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different testing positions, that is, the PP and the prone standing position (PSP), on the reliability of measurements of hip extensor strength. Intrasession reliability and interrater reliability studies were performed on 47 and 16 normal subjects, respectively. The muscle strength of the hip extensors was tested in both the PP and PSP. A handheld dynamometer and break test were used to measure the strength. Relative reliability and absolute reliability were assessed in both PP and PSP. For relative reliability, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to examine the level of reproducibility among measurements. Absolute reliability, the smallest real difference (SRD), was used to provide information on measurement error. The results showed that the reliability was better in PSP than in PP. For relative reliability, the values of ICCs were excellent in the intrasession reliability study, in both PP (ICC1,3 = 0.92) and PSP (ICC1,3 = 0.94). However, the interrater reliability was only excellent in PSP; the ICC2,3 were 0.92 in PSP and 0.65 in PP. For absolute reliability, the values of the SRD were much lower in PSP (29.8) than in PP (71.8), indicating that the measurement of muscle strength in PSP was more stable and had smaller measurement error than in PP. Changing the testing position from the traditional “prone” to “prone‐standing” effectively improved both the relative reliability and the absolute reliability.
Primary Liver Lymphoma with Hypercalcemia: A Case Report
Authors: Hsiao Hui‐Hua , Liu Yi‐Chang , Hsu Jui‐Feng , Huang Chi‐Fu , Yang Sheau‐Fang , Lin Sheng‐Fung
Published: June 2009

Primary liver lymphoma is extremely rare. The diagnosis depends on the physician's suspicions and histological examination. We report the case of a man aged 38 years who suffered from abdominal discomfort and hypercalcemia. Sonography showed a huge, solid liver tumor, and magnetic resonance imaging showed the tumor had characteristics of hypointensity on T1‐weighted and hyperintensity on T2‐weighted imaging. Primary liver lymphoma was diagnosed by histological examination from biopsy. We report this rare type of liver tumor and review the clinical presentation and treatment of the disease.
Massive Hepatic Infarction After Pure Ethanol Injection and Radiofrequency Ablation Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Case Report
Authors: Chiu Yen‐Cheng , Chuang Chiao‐Hsiung , Tsai Hon‐Ming , Chen Chiung‐Yu
Published: June 2009

Hepatic infarction is a rare complication of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatic infarction is thought to be caused by injury to either the hepatic arterial system or to both the hepatic arterial and portal venous supply. The efficacy of RFA is reduced in the presence of nearby vessels larger than 3 mm in diameter due to a heat‐sink effect. Such an effect can be diminished by performing percutaneous pure ethanol injection prior to RFA. Although larger vessels are unlikely to be ablated or obliterated by RFA alone, it can happen and cause massive liver damage, particularly if RFA was preceded by other therapies such as percutaneous pure ethanol injection and/or transcatheter arterial embolization. Here, we report a case of massive liver infarction after sequential use of both treatment modalities for hepatocellular carcinoma.
Meal patterns and cooking practices in Southern France and Central England
Authors: Pettinger Clare , Holdsworth Michelle , Gerber Mariette
Published: June 2009

Objective

To evaluate whether meal patterns and cooking practices in Central England and Mediterranean France conform to popular stereotypes, eating together as a household, preparation of meals, food purchasing patterns, cooking practices and eating out were investigated.

Design

Cross-sectional studies conducted simultaneously in April 2001 using self-administered postal questionnaires.

Setting

England (Nottingham, East Midlands) and France (Montpellier, Languedoc-Roussillon).

Subjects

A stratified random sample of 1000 males and 1000 females aged 18–65 years was generated from the electoral roll in each country. The final sample comprised 826 subjects in England (58% males, 42% females; mean age 44 years) and 766 subjects in France (42% males, 58% females; mean age 42 years). Analyses were conducted on samples standardised for sociodemographic differences.

Results

The French cooked from raw ingredients most often (P < 0.001), ate together as a household more regularly (P < 0.001) and were most likely to follow a regular meal pattern of three meals a day. On the other hand, the English relied more on ready-prepared (P < 0.001) and take-away (P < 0.001) meals, as well as on energy-dense snack foods such as crisps (P < 0.001). Females in both countries reported having most responsibility for preparing meals.

Conclusions

Some of the study's findings confirm popular stereotypes of French and English food cultures, as the importance of the convivial aspects of eating, as well as more traditional practices such as cooking meals from basic ingredients, structured mealtimes and less between-meal snacking, remain more prominent within the French population. This may contribute to the differences in prevalence of obesity seen between the two countries.
Tracking of energy and nutrient intakes from adolescence to young adulthood: the experiences of the Young Hearts Project, Northern Ireland
Authors: Gallagher AM , Robson PJ , Livingstone MBE , Cran GW , Strain JJ , Murray L J , Savage JM , Boreham CAG
Published: June 2009

Objective

To assess tracking of energy and nutrient intakes between adolescence and young adulthood.

Design

Longitudinal study of a random sample of adolescents (aged 15 years at baseline). The extent of tracking of dietary intakes (assessed by diet history) was investigated using weighted kappa statistics (κ).

Setting

Northern Ireland population survey.

Subjects

Adolescents who participated in the Young Hearts Project, Northern Ireland at age 15 years, and subsequently at young adulthood aged between 20 and 25 years (n = 245 males,n = 231 females).

Results

Despite overall increases in height and weight (bothP < 0.001), increases in body mass index in males (P < 0.001) and body fatness in females (P < 0.001), median reported intakes of energy (kJ kg− 1 day− 1), carbohydrate (g day− 1) and fat (g day− 1) decreased (allP < 0.001) over time. Expressed as nutrient densities (per MJ), diets at young adulthood were overall richer in thiamin, vitamin B6, total folate (allP < 0.001), vitamin C (P < 0.01) and vitamin D (P < 0.05). Whereas the nutrient density of the males' diets decreased over time for calcium (P < 0.05) and vitamin A (P < 0.001), iron and riboflavin densities increased in the females' diet (P < 0.001). Tracking of energy (MJ day− 1) and nutrient intakes (expressed per MJ day− 1) at the individual level was only poor to fair (all κ < 0.25), indicating substantial drift of subjects between the low, medium and high classes of intake with increasing age.

Conclusions

These data suggest that individual dietary patterns exhibited at 15 years of age are unlikely to be predictive of dietary intakes at young adulthood.
Seasonal changes in the technological and compositional quality of ewe's raw milks from commercial flocks under part-time grazing
Authors: Nájera Ana I , Barron Luis JR , Ribeiro Patricia , Pèlissier Fanny , Abilleira Eunate , Pérez-Elortondo Francisco J , Albisu Marta , Salmerón Jesús , Ruiz de Gordoa Juan C , Virto Mailo , Oregi Luis , Ruiz Roberto , de Renobales Mertxe
Published: June 2009

Rennet coagulation parameters, curd texture and gross compositional variables were studied in ewes' raw milk samples from nine commercial flocks using different concentrate:forage ratios and grazing times. From early lactation to March flocks were fed concentrate pellets and hay whereas from April to the end of lactation flocks were allowed to graze from 6 to 19 h/day receiving concentrate supplementation in the morning and evening. Milk from late-lactation flocks, when allowed to graze, showed higher content of fat, dry matter, protein, casein, soluble protein, total calcium, curd firmness and curd resistance to compression than the milk from early lactation flocks. Higher total calcium content and lower fat content were found when the early lactation flocks were fed high concentrate:forage ratio than when the flocks were fed low ratio. Curd firmness were lower for milk from flocks fed high concentrate:forage ratio, and the curd resistance to compression was greater, than for milk from flocks fed low ratio. At late lactation, when flocks grazed for a long time per day the total calcium content was higher than when the flocks grazed for a short time per day. Principal component analysis showed that protein and fat content were highly correlated with coagulum and curd firmness, whereas total calcium content was highly correlated with curd resistance to compression, and milk pH with rennet coagulation time.
Low-frequency electrostatic wave in a metallic electron-hole-ion plasma with nanoparticles
Authors: SHUKLA P. K. , MORFILL G. E.
Published: June 2009

We investigate the dispersion property of a low-frequency electrostatic wave in a dense metallic electron-hole-ion plasma with nanoparticles. The latter are charged due to the field emission, and hence the metallic nanoparticles/nanotubes can be regarded as charged dust rods surrounded by degenerate electrons and holes, and non-degenerate ions. By using a quantum hydrodynamic model for the electrons and holes, we obtain the electron and hole number density perturbations, while the ion and dust rod number density perturbations follow the classical expressions. A dispersion relation for the low-frequency electrostatic wave in our multi-species dense metallic plasma is derived and analyzed. The possibility of exciting non-thermal electrostatic waves is also discussed.