bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decreased Susceptibility to Commonly Used Antimicrobial Agents in Bacterial Pathogens Isolated from Urinary Tract Infections in Rwanda: Need for New Antimicrobial Guidelines
Authors: Muvunyi Claude Mambo , Masaisa Florence , Bayingana Claude , Mutesa Léon , Musemakweri André , Muhirwa Grégoire , Claeys Geert (W.)
Published: June 2011

The aim of this study was to obtain data on susceptibility patterns of pathogens responsible for both community and hospital urinary tract infections (UTIs); and analyzed risk factors for infection caused by ciprofloxacin-resistant Escherichia coli and extended-spectrum β-lactamace (ESBL)-producing strains in Rwanda. Of 1,012 urine cultures prospectively studied, a total of 196 (19.3%) yielded significant growth of a single organism. The most common isolate (60.7%) was Escherichia coli. The antibiotics commonly used in UTIs are less effective except Fosfomycin-trometamol and imipinem. The use of ciprofloxacin in the previous 6 months (odds ratio [OR] = 7.59 [1.75–32.74]), use of other antibiotics in the previous 6 months (OR = 1.02 [1.02–2.34]), and production of ESBL (OR = 19.32 [2.62–142.16]) were found to be associated with ciprofloxacin resistance among the E. coli isolates. Risk factors for ESBL positivity were the use of ciprofloxacin and third-generation cephalosporin in the preceding 6 months (OR = 3.05 [1.42–6.58] and OR = 9.78 [2.71–35.25], respectively); and being an inpatient (OR = 2.27 [1.79–2.89]). Fosfomycin-trometamol could be included as a reasonable alternative for the therapy of uncomplicated UTI in Rwanda.
Aerosol effects on the photochemistry in Mexico City during MCMA-2006/MILAGRO campaign
Authors: Li G. , Bei N. , Tie X. , Molina L. T.
Published: June 2011

Abstract. In the present study, the impact of aerosols on the photochemistry in Mexico City is evaluated using the WRF-CHEM model for the period from 24 to 29 March during the MCMA-2006/MILAGRO campaign. An aerosol radiative module has been developed with detailed consideration of aerosol size, composition, and mixing. The module has been coupled into the WRF-CHEM model to calculate the aerosol optical properties, including optical depth, single scattering albedo, and asymmetry factor. Calculated aerosol optical properties are in good agreement with the surface observations and aircraft and satellite measurements during daytime. In general, the photolysis rates are reduced due to the absorption by carbonaceous aerosols, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon hours with a long aerosol optical path. However, with the growth of aerosol particles and the decrease of the solar zenith angle around noontime, aerosols can slightly enhance photolysis rates when ultraviolet (UV) radiation scattering dominates UV absorption by aerosols at the lower-most model layer. The changes in photolysis rates due to aerosols lead to about 2–17 % surface ozone reduction during daytime in the urban area in Mexico City with generally larger reductions during early morning hours near the city center, resulting in a decrease of OH level by about 9 %, as well as a decrease in the daytime concentrations of nitrate and secondary organic aerosols by 5–6 % on average. In addition, the rapid aging of black carbon aerosols and the enhanced absorption of UV radiation by organic aerosols contribute substantially to the reduction of photolysis rates.
Evaluation of in situ measurements of atmospheric carbon monoxide at Mount Waliguan, China
Authors: Zhang F. , Zhou L. X. , Novelli P. C. , Worthy D. E. J. , Zellweger C. , Klausen J. , Ernst M. , Steinbacher M. , Cai Y. X. , Xu L. , Fang S. X. , Yao B.
Published: June 2011

Abstract. Quasicontinuous measurements of carbon monoxide (CO) recorded over three years at Mount Waliguan (WLG), a global baseline station in remote western China, were examined using back trajectory analysis. The data include a revision to correct the working reference scale to the WMO2000 scale and corrections for drift in the reference gases. Between July 2004 and June 2007, CO exhibited large fluctuations and the 5 %, 50 % and 95 %-percentiles of relevant CO mixing ratios were 102 ppb, 126 ppb and 194 ppb. Approximately 50 % of all observed data were selected as CO background data using a mathematical procedure of robust local regression, with the remainder affected by regional-scale pollution. The monthly mean background CO mixing ratios showed a minimum in summer and a maximum in late winter, although all seasons were affected by short-term enhancements that exceeded background levels. The CO data were compared to values observed at the high alpine research station at Jungfraujoch, Switzerland. Smaller seasonal amplitudes were observed at WLG compared to the Jungfraujoch due to lower winter and spring CO levels, however, episodic enhancements of polluted air were greater at WLG. The air parcels arriving at WLG came predominately from the west, except in summer when advection from the east and southeast prevailed. Transport from the east or southeast typically brought polluted air to the site, having passed over populated urban areas upwind. A large number of elevated CO mixing ratios could also be associated with advection from the northwest of WLG via the central Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR) and the Ge'ermu urban area where growing industrial activities as well as crops residue burning provide sources of CO. Air masses passing over northwestern Gansu were associated with relatively high CO values suggesting an anthropogenic influence, which was likely due to anthropogenic emissions from northwestern China (based on back-trajectory and potential source contribution analysis and on the INTEX-B: intercontinental Chemical Transport Experiment-Phase B). Background conditions were observed most frequently in air parcels from remote Tibet west of WLG. The probability that air parcels pass over regions of clean or polluted regions was further identified using potential source contribution function (PSCF) analysis.
Spatial and temporal variations in ammonia emissions – a freely accessible model code for Europe
Authors: Skjøth C. A. , Geels C. , Berge H. , Gyldenkærne S. , Fagerli H. , Ellermann T. , Frohn L. M. , Christensen J. , Hansen K. M. , Hansen K. , Hertel O.
Published: June 2011

Abstract. Deriving a parameterisation of ammonia emissions for use in chemistry-transport models (CTMs) is a complex problem as the emission varies locally as a result of local climate and local agricultural management. In current CTMs such factors are generally not taken into account. This paper demonstrates how local climate and local management can be accounted for in CTMs by applying a modular approach for deriving data as input to a dynamic ammonia emission model for Europe. Default data are obtained from information in the RAINS system, and it is demonstrated how this dynamic emission model based on these input data improves the NH3 calculations in a CTM model when the results are compared with calculations obtained by traditional methods in emission handling. It is also shown how input data can be modified over a specific target region resulting in even further improvement in performance over this domain. The model code and the obtained default values for the modelling experiments are available as supplementary information to this article for use by the modelling community on similar terms as the EMEP CTM model: the GPL licencse v3.
Soils of Amazonia with particular reference to the RAINFOR sites
Authors: Quesada C. A. , Lloyd J. , Anderson L. O. , Fyllas N. M. , Schwarz M. , Czimczik C. I.
Published: June 2011

Abstract. The tropical forests of the Amazon Basin occur on a wide variety of different soil types reflecting a rich diversity of geologic origins and geomorphic processes. We here review the existing literature about the main soil groups of Amazonia, describing their genesis, geographical patterns and principal chemical, physical and morphologic characteristics. Original data is also presented, with profiles of exchangeable cations, carbon and particle size fraction illustrated for the principal soil types; also emphasizing the high diversity existing within the main soil groups when possible. Maps of geographic distribution of soils occurring under forest vegetation are also introduced, and to contextualize soils into an evolutionary framework, a scheme of soil development is presented having as its basis a chemical weathering index. We identify a continuum of soil evolution in Amazonia with soil properties varying predictably along this pedogenetic gradient.
Nitrous oxide fluxes from tropical peat with different disturbance history and management
Authors: Jauhiainen J. , Silvennoinen H. , Hämäläinen R. , Kusin K. , Limin S. , Raison R. J. , Vasander H.
Published: June 2011

Abstract. Tropical peatlands are one of the most important terrestrial ecosystems in terms of C stocks, and greenhouse gas emissions following disturbances such as deforestation, drainage or wildfire. Nitrous oxide dynamics in tropical peat systems is still poorly known. We quantified in situ N2O fluxes using closed chamber methods and compared them with CO2 and CH4 fluxes at sites representing differing land uses and land use change intensities, i.e. non-drained and drained selectively logged peat swamp forest, clear-felled drained recovering forest, deforested drained and burned peat, and agriculture on peat. The mean N2O flux rates (N2O-N ± SD, mg m−2 h−1) varied as follows: drained forest (0.112 ± 0.293) > agricultural peat in Kalampangan site (0.012 ± 0.026) > drained burned peat (0.011 ± 0.018) > agricultural peat in Marang site (0.0072 ± 0.028) > nondrained forest (0.0025 ± 0.053) > clear-felled drained recovering forest (0.0022 ± 0.021). Most N2O fluxes were < 0.05 mg N2O-N m−2 h−1 efflux, but some modest peat N2O influx readings were also detected. Many very high flux rates (deviating markedly from the majority of observations) occurred both spatially and over time, and further studies using continuous flux monitoring methods are needed to better understand the contribution of these to cumulative emissions. The widest N2O flux amplitude was detected in the drained forest with moderately drained peat (max. 2.312 and min. −0.043 mg N2O-N m−2 h−1. At the other sites the flux amplitude remained about 10 × smaller. Annual cumulative peat surface N2O emissions expressed as CO2 equivalents as a percentage of the total greenhouse gas (N2O, CO2 and CH4) emissions was at the highest 9.2 %, but typically ~1 %.
Assimilation of ASCAT near-surface soil moisture into the French SIM hydrological model
Authors: Draper C. , Mahfouf J.-F. , Calvet J.-C. , Martin E. , Wagner W.
Published: June 2011

Abstract. The impact of assimilating near-surface soil moisture into the SAFRAN-ISBA-MODCOU (SIM) hydrological model over France is examined. Specifically, the root-zone soil moisture in the ISBA land surface model is constrained over three and a half years, by assimilating the ASCAT-derived surface degree of saturation product, using a Simplified Extended Kalman Filter. In this experiment ISBA is forced with the near-real time SAFRAN analysis, which analyses the variables required to force ISBA from relevant observations available before the real time data cut-off. The assimilation results are tested against ISBA forecasts generated with a higher quality delayed cut-off SAFRAN analysis. Ideally, assimilating the ASCAT data will constrain the ISBA surface state to correct for errors in the near-real time SAFRAN forcing, the most significant of which was a substantial dry bias caused by a dry precipitation bias. The assimilation successfully reduced the mean root-zone soil moisture bias, relative to the delayed cut-off forecasts, by close to 50 % of the open-loop value. The improved soil moisture in the model then led to significant improvements in the forecast hydrological cycle, reducing the drainage, runoff, and evapotranspiration biases (by 17 %, 11 %, and 70 %, respectively). When coupled to the MODCOU hydrogeological model, the ASCAT assimilation also led to improved streamflow forecasts, increasing the mean discharge ratio, relative to the delayed cut off forecasts, from 0.68 to 0.76. These results demonstrate that assimilating near-surface soil moisture observations can effectively constrain the SIM model hydrology, while also confirming the accuracy of the ASCAT surface degree of saturation product. This latter point highlights how assimilation experiments can contribute towards the difficult issue of validating remotely sensed land surface observations over large spatial scales.
The effects of biogeochemical processes on oceanic conductivity/salinity/density relationships and the characterization of real seawater
Authors: Pawlowicz R. , Wright D. G. , Millero F. J.
Published: June 2011

Abstract. As seawater circulates through the global ocean, its relative composition undergoes small variations. This results in changes to the conductivity/salinity/density relationship, which is currently well-defined only for Standard Seawater obtained from a particular area in the North Atlantic. These changes are investigated here by analysis of laboratory experiments in which salts are added to seawater, by analysis of oceanic observations of density and composition anomalies, and by mathematical investigation using a model relating composition, conductivity, and density of arbitrary seawaters. Mathematical analysis shows that understanding and describing the effect of changes in relative composition on operational estimates of salinity using the Practical Salinity Scale 1978 and on density using an equation of state for Standard Seawater require the use of a number of different salinity variables and a family of haline contraction coefficients. These salinity variables include an absolute Salinity SAsoln, a density salinity SAdens, the reference salinity SR, and an added-mass salinity SAadd. In addition, a new salinity variable S∗ is defined, which represents the preformed salinity of a Standard Seawater component of real seawater to which biogeochemical processes add material. In spite of this complexity, observed correlations between different ocean biogeochemical processes allow the creation of simple formulas that can be used to convert between the different salinity and density measures, allowing for the operational reduction of routine oceanographic observations.
A new model for estimating subsurface ice content based on combined electrical and seismic data sets
Authors: Hauck C. , Böttcher M. , Maurer H.
Published: June 2011

Abstract. Detailed knowledge of the material properties and internal structures of frozen ground is one of the prerequisites in many permafrost studies. In the absence of direct evidence, such as in-situ borehole measurements, geophysical methods are an increasingly interesting option for obtaining subsurface information on various spatial and temporal scales. The indirect nature of geophysical soundings requires a relation between the measured variables (e.g. electrical resistivity, seismic velocity) and the actual subsurface constituents (rock, water, air, ice). In this work, we present a model which provides estimates of the volumetric fractions of these four constituents from tomographic electrical and seismic images. The model is tested using geophysical data sets from two rock glaciers in the Swiss Alps, where ground truth information in form of borehole data is available. First results confirm the applicability of the so-called 4-phase model, which allows to quantify the contributions of ice-, water- and air within permafrost areas as well as detecting solid bedrock. Apart from a similarly thick active layer with enhanced air content for both rock glaciers, the two case studies revealed a heterogeneous distribution of ice and unfrozen water within Muragl rock glacier, where bedrock was detected at depths of 20–25 m, but a comparatively homogeneous ice body with only minor heterogeneities within Murtèl rock glacier.
A robust and energy-conserving model of freezing variably-saturated soil
Authors: Dall'Amico M. , Endrizzi S. , Gruber S. , Rigon R.
Published: June 2011

Abstract. Phenomena involving frozen soil or rock are important in many natural systems and, as a consequence, there is a great interest in the modeling of their behavior. Few models exist that describe this process for both saturated and unsaturated soil and in conditions of freezing and thawing, as the energy equation shows strongly non-linear characteristics and is often difficult to handle with normal methods of iterative integration. Therefore in this paper we propose a method for solving the energy equation in freezing soil. The solver is linked with the solution of Richards equation, and is able to approximate water movement in unsaturated soils and near the liquid-solid phase transition. A globally-convergent Newton method has been implemented to achieve robust convergence of this scheme. The method is tested by comparison with an analytical solution to the Stefan problem and by comparison with experimental data derived from the literature.
An assessment of uncertainties in using volume-area modelling for computing the twenty-first century glacier contribution to sea-level change
Authors: Slangen A. B. A. , van de Wal R. S. W.
Published: June 2011

Abstract. A large part of present-day sea-level change is formed by the melt of glaciers and ice caps (GIC). This study focuses on the uncertainties in the calculation of the GIC contribution on a century timescale. The model used is based on volume-area scaling, combined with the mass balance sensitivity of the GIC. We assess different aspects that contribute to the uncertainty in the prediction of the contribution of GIC to future sea-level rise, such as (1) the volume-area scaling method (scaling constant), (2) the choice of glacier inventory, (3) the imbalance of glaciers with climate, (4) the mass balance sensitivity, and (5) the climate models. Additionally, a comparison of the model results to the 20th century GIC contribution is presented. We find that small variations in the scaling constant cause significant variations in the initial volume of the glaciers, but only limited variations in the glacier volume change. If two existing glacier inventories are tuned such that the initial volume is the same, the GIC sea-level contribution over 100 yr differs by 0.027 m. It appears that the mass balance sensitivity is also important: variations of 20 % in the mass balance sensitivity have an impact of 17 % on the resulting sea-level projections. Another important factor is the choice of the climate model, as the GIC contribution to sea-level change largely depends on the temperature and precipitation taken from climate models. Combining all the uncertainties examined in this study leads to a total uncertainty of 4.5 cm or 30 % in the GIC contribution to global mean sea level. Reducing the variance in the climate models and improving the glacier inventories will significantly reduce the uncertainty in calculating the GIC contributions, and are therefore crucial actions to improve future sea-level projections.
Cinema as Archeology: The Acousmêtre and the Multiple Layering of Temporality and Spatiality
Authors: Chung Hye Jean
Published: June 2011

Michel Chion’s concept of the “acousmêtre” is useful when exploring the spectator’s cinematic experience in regard to the juxtaposition of sound and image, as the acousmatic presence troubles the false sense of unity that is created by the synchronization of sound and image by its invocation of off-screen space through sound. The acousmêtre neither prioritizes sound nor image but calls attention to the disjunction between them. Also, the acousmêtre leaves the source of the sound open to imagination and interpretation. Thus the presence of the acousmêtre destabilizes the seemingly unified, contained realm of the film by expanding the temporal and spatial boundaries of the diegesis. In this essay I explore how the power of this ghostly voice of the acousmêtre is manifested in cinema, and the significance of its power to the spectators in their relationship to the film, by asking questions regarding the function and effect of the disembodied voice and spectral presence of the acousmêtre, the scope of the acousmêtre’s power, and what can be created from the disequilibrium that is provoked by this power. I explore possible answers by analyzing the use of the acousmatic voice in Y Tu Mama Tambien (dir. Alfonso Cuaron, 2001) and Calendar (dir. Atom Egoyan, 1993).
"The Man of these Infinite Possibilities": Max Ernst’s Cinematic Collages
Authors: Susik Abigail
Published: June 2011

On more than one occasion in his critical writings of the 1920’s, surrealist leader André Breton compared Max Ernst’s collages to cinema. In his first essay on the artist in 1921, Breton aligned Ernst’s collages with cinematic special effects such as slow and accelerated motion, and spoke of the illusionistic ‘transformation from within’ that characterized Ernst’s constructed scenes. For Breton, Ernst’s collages employing found commercial, scientific and journalistic images approximated the naturalistic movement of film, and thereby contributed to the radical obsolescence of traditional two-dimensional media such as painting and drawing, which remained frozen in stillness. Thus, Ernst’s images were provocative witnesses to the way in which modern technology fundamentally altered the perspectivally-ordered picture plane. But at the same time that Ernst’s collages rendered painting obsolete, they likewise depended upon fragments of outmoded popular culture themselves. For Breton, Ernst was a magician, “the man of these infinite possibilities,” comparable to cinematic prestidigators like turn-of-the-century filmmaker Georges Méliès. By drawing on the influence of recently outmoded popular culture such as early trick films, Ernst provides a crucial early example of the post-war fixation on counter-temporalities and anti-production. At once technologically advanced and culturally archeological, Ernst’s collages cannily defy strict categorization as “Modernist.”
About Contemporaneity
Authors: Editors The
Published: June 2011

The editorial introduction to the first issue of Contemporaneity: Historical Presence in Visual Culture.
Contemporaneity in the History of Art: A Clark Workshop 2009, Summaries of Papers and Notes on Discussions
Authors: Smith Terry
Published: June 2011

Sponsored by the Clark Institute, Williamstown, and the Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles, the workshop was convened by Terry Smith, and held at the Sterling and Francine Clark Institute, Williamstown, Mass., October 8 and 9, 2009. These notes do not record the exact statements of all participants, neither in the summaries of papers nor notes on discussions; rather, they represent the author’s own impressions of the workshop as it unfolded. See also, in this issue of Contemporaneity, Wu Hung’s contribution to the workshop.
Review: Anachronic Renaissance by Alexander Nagel and Christopher Wood
Authors: Moxey Keith
Published: June 2011

A review of Alexander Nagel and Christopher Wood’s book Anachronic Renaissance, published in 2010 by Zone Books.
Transcultured Architecture: Mudéjar’s Epic Journey Reinterpreted
Authors: Sheren Ila Nicole
Published: June 2011

The Mudéjar phenomenon is unparalleled in the history of architecture. This style of architecture and ornamentation originated with Arab craftsmen living in reconquered medieval Spain. Embraced by Spanish Christians, Mudéjar traveled over the course of the next four centuries, becoming part of the architectural history of Latin America, especially present-day Mexico and Peru. The style’s transmission across different religions and cultures attests to its ability to unify disparate groups of people under a common visual language. How, then, did mudejar managto gain popularity across reconquered Spain, so much so that it spread to the New World colonies? In this article, I argue that art and architecture move more fluidly than ideologies across boundaries, physical and political. The theory of transculturation makes it possible to understand how an architectural style such as Mudéjar can be generated from a cultural clash and move to an entirely different context. Developed in 1947 by Cuban scholar and theorist Fernando Ortíz, transculturation posited means by which cultures mix to create something entirely new. This process is often violent, the result of intense conflict and persecution, and one culture is almost always defeated in the process. The contributions of both societies, however, coexist in the final product, whether technological, artistic, or even agricultural. I argue that mudejar in Latin America is a product of two separate transculturations: the adoption of Arab design and ornamentation by Spanish Christians, and the subsequent transference of these forms to the New World through the work of indigenous laborers.
Extending Outflow Brachial Vein Tength for Transposition Arteriovenous Fistulas
Authors: Jennings William C. , Howard C. Anthony , Lee Fred S. , McMurray Dirk
Published: June 2011

Purpose

Transposition arteriovenous fistulas (T-AVF) play an important role in establishing autogenous vascular access for many hemodialysis patients. When the basilic vein is not available, one of the paired brachial veins offers a reliable T-AVF option, generally as a two-staged operation. Uncommonly, the brachial vein outflow conduit dissipates into multiple small branches communicating with the paired brachial vein or occasionally with a residual proximal segment of the basilic vein. We utilized parallel outflow vein component segments to create additional outflow vein length necessary for successful T-AVFs in these patients.

Materials and methods

We identified four patients where a vein length extension technique utilizing parallel and overlapping vein segments with an end-to-end anastomosis gained adequate length for successful T-AVFs. All transpositions were based on a first stage AVF with access outflow established into a brachial vein.

Case Reports

Three of the operations utilized paired brachial vein segments and one gained needed access outflow length with a brachial vein anastomosis to a residual proximal basilic vein segment. All four patients had functional T-AVFs at 4, 5, 7, and 14 month follow-up. None of the patients developed arm swelling.

Conclusions

Creating a longer transposition AVF venous outflow segment using parallel and overlapping vein segments with an end-to-end anastomosis gained the adequate length needed for successful T-AVFs in these four patients.
Great Saphenous Vein Transposition to the Forearm for Dialysis Vascular Access; An under used Autologous Option?
Authors: Smith George E. , Carradice Daniel , Samuel Nehemiah , Gohil Risha , Chetter Ian C.
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The recommended site for the next autologous vascular access in patients without suitable cephalic vein for fistula formation is basilic vein transposition. This study aims to compare outcomes from great saphenous vein transpositions to the forearm with that of basilic vein transposition. Comparison is reported in terms of primary and secondary patency, intervention, and complication rates in our unit.

Method

A retrospective search of a prospectively maintained vascular database identified 24 consecutive patients undergoing great saphenous vein transposition (GSVT) and 34 consecutive patients having basilic vein transposition (BVT) were included for comparison. Primary and secondary patency details were obtained from hospital case notes and dialysis unit review records. Patency was studied using a Kaplan Meier analysis and compared using log rank testing.

Results

No significant difference was identified in primary or secondary patency between the procedures ( P=0.745). Primary patency at 6, 12 and 24 months: for GSVT this was 62%, 41%, and 20%; for BVT this was 44%, 32%, and 15% respectively. Secondary patency at 6, 12, and 24 months; for GSVT this was 75%, 50%, and 41%; for BVT this was 65% respectively. Requirements for intervention were similar between groups. Complications were more common in the BVT group.

Conclusion

Acceptable patency rates can be achieved using GSVT, thus adding another autologous option for upper limb dialysis access. Our results would suggest GSVT could be performed prior to BVT as the basilic vein may benefit from prior partial arterialization and can subsequently be used if GSVT fails.
The Effect of Multidisciplinary Lifestyle Intervention on the Pre- and Postprandial Plasma Gut Peptide Concentrations in Children with Obesity
Authors: Vos Rimke C. , Pijl Hanno , Wit Jan M. , van Zwet Erik W. , van der Bent Chris , Houdijk Euphemia C. A. M.
Published: June 2011

Objective. This study aims to evaluate the effect of a multidisciplinary treatment of obesity on plasma concentrations of several gut hormones in fasting condition and in response to a mixed meal in children. Methods. Complete data were available from 36 obese children (age 13.3±2.0 yr). At baseline and after the 3-month multidisciplinary treatment, fasting and postprandial blood samples were taken for glucose, insulin, ghrelin, peptide YY (PYY), and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). Results. BMI-SDS was significantly reduced by multidisciplinary treatment (from 4.2±0.7 to 4.0±0.9, P<.01). The intervention significantly increased the area under the curve (AUC) of ghrelin (from 92.3±18.3 to 97.9±18.2 pg/L, P<.01), but no significant changes were found for PYY or GLP-1 concentrations (in fasting or postprandial condition). The insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) remained unchanged as well. Conclusion. Intensive multidisciplinary treatment induced moderate weight loss and increased ghrelin secretion, but serum PYY and GLP-1 concentrations and insulin sensitivity remained unchanged.
Numerical Modeling of the Motion of the Flat Textile Structures
Authors: Szablewski Piotr
Published: June 2011

In many problems from the field of textile engineering (e.g., fabric folding, motion of the sewing thread) it is necessary to investigate the motion of the objects in dynamic conditions, taking into consideration the influence of the forces of inertia and changing in the time boundary conditions. This paper deals with the model analysis of the motion of the flat textile structure using Lagrange's equations in two variants: without constraints and with constraints. The motion of the objects is under the influence of the gravity force. Lagrange's equations have been used for discrete model of the structure.
Isolated Atrial Lead Conduction Delay following Right Atrial Radiofrequency Maze Procedure
Authors: Eleid Mackram F. , Dearani Joseph A. , Shen Win-Kuang
Published: June 2011

A 60-year-old man with a dual-chamber implantable cardioverter defibrillator and severe dyspnea on exertion due to apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy underwent a septal myectomy and radiofrequency maze procedure. Following the procedure a persistent delay in atrial sensing was observed and was most likely a result of iatrogenic conduction delay from right atrial ablation lines. These observations suggest that atrial conduction properties can be altered during the surgical maze procedure and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of sensing or pacing malfunction.
Analysis of Participant Reactivity in Dyads Performing a Videotaped Conflict-Management Task
Authors: Semeniuk Yulia Y. , Riesch Susan K.
Published: June 2011

Videotaping is used frequently in nursing research. A threat to the validity of videotaping is participant reactivity, that is, being recorded by a camera may influence the behavior of interest. This paper's purpose is to report how youth ages 10 to 14 years old and their parent viewed participation in a videotaped conflict-management task. Five dyads, who were part of a randomized clinical trial testing an intervention to promote parent-child communication, participated in a structured interview. All parents were mothers. Youth were eighth graders. Three were boys and two were girls. Findings indicated that (a) dyads felt that the videotaped interaction had a progression of feeling unnatural in the beginning to feeling natural toward the end, (b) dyads found it relatively easy to choose a topic of discussion, and (c) dyads felt that the discussions were meaningful. Based on these data, recommendations for researchers to reduce participant reactivity are provided.
Factors Associated with Inadequate Tissue Yield in EUS-FNA for Gastric SMT
Authors: Suzuki Takuto , Arai Makoto , Matsumura Tomoaki , Arai Eiji , Hata Sachio , Maruoka Daisuke , Tanaka Takeshi , Nakamoto Shingo , Imazeki Fumio , Yokosuka Osamu
Published: June 2011

Aims. Our aim was to identify the factors that made the specimens inadequate and nondiagnostic in endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) biopsy of suspected submucosal tumors (SMTs). Methods. From August 2001 to October 2009, 47 consecutive patients with subepithelial hypoechoic tumors originating in the fourth sonographic layer of the gastric wall suspected as GIST by standard EUS in Chiba University hospital underwent EUS-FNA for histologic diagnosis. We evaluated patient age, sex, location of lesion, size, pattern of growth in a stomach, and pattern of echography retrospectively. We defined a case of gaining no material or an insufficient material for immunohistological diagnosis as nondiagnostic. Results. The diagnostic yield of EUS-FNA for the diagnosis of gastric SMTs was 74.5%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified that age of under 60 years (compared with patients older than 60 years: odds ratio [OR] = 11.91, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.761–80.48) and location of SMT at lower third area (compared with upper or middle third area: OR = 10.62, 95% CI = 1.290–87.42) were the predictive factors for inadequate tissue yield in EUS-FNA. Conclusions. The factors associated with inadequate tissue yield in EUS-FNA were younger age and the location of lesion at lower third area in stomach.
Animal Models of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Ex Vivo Assay Design for Drug Discovery
Authors: Seavey Matthew M. , Lu Lily D. , Stump Kristine L.
Published: June 2011

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a debilitating and often fatal autoimmune disease that involves multiple organ systems. It can develop for years before being diagnosed. Current treatments for SLE usually involve the use of cytotoxic or immunosuppressive agents that can lead to infection or cancer. The design of appropriate models and assays will determine the efficiency and speed with which an investigator can test a new chemical entity (NCE) or expect results to move a drug discovery program forward. This unit describes a series of preclinical assays for the identification of new agents for the treatment of SLE. Most importantly, this unit will guide the reader through a step‐by‐step process to select appropriate models, validation drugs, and readouts, depending on the objective of the study. The reader will acquire a working knowledge of what models are available and the potential advantages and disadvantages of each, including ex vivo assays relevant to the discovery of new SLE therapeutics. Curr. Protoc. Pharmacol. 53:5.60.1‐5.60.40. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
In Vitro Anti‐Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Resistance Selection and Characterization
Authors: Mo Hongmei
Published: June 2011

Understanding the resistance profile for an antiviral drug is essential in the drug discovery process. The selection of drug‐resistant mutant viruses is critical in characterizing the resistance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) to anti‐HCV agents, and can be examined in HCV replicon systems. Three basic methods are employed in this unit to select HCV resistance replicons: (i) cells containing HCV replicons are cultured at low density in the presence of G418 and a fixed concentration of the investigational drug; (ii) cells containing HCV replicons are passaged in the presence of a fixed concentration of investigational drug, but in the absence of G418; (iii) cells containing HCV replicons are passaged in the presence of a gradually increasing concentration of an investigational drug in the presence of G418 for several weeks. The cells from each passage are then harvested and stored for phenotypic and genotypic characterization. The protocols in this unit describe the techniques necessary to select and characterize drug‐ resistant HCV variants and estimate the frequency of drug resistance in a viral population. Curr. Protoc. Pharmacol. 53:13B.5.1‐13B.5.27. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Orthotopic Xenograft Model of Cervical Cancer for Studying Microenvironmental Effects on Metastasis Formation and Response to Drug Treatment
Authors: Chaudary Naz , Hedley David W. , Hill Richard P.
Published: June 2011

Cancers arising in the uterine cervix are usually squamous cell carcinomas that develop from preneoplastic lesions. They invade locally, and then typically metastasize to the regional lymph nodes and eventually to distant sites. Orthotopically grown xenografts are technically challenging to perform, but recapitulate the clinical situation to a greater extent than xenografts grown at subcutaneous or intramuscular sites. Thus, orthotopic xenografts develop lymphovascular invasion and metastasize to the para‐aortic lymphatic chain in a pattern similar to that seen in patients. The extent of (lymph node) metastases is particularly apparent when the implanted tumor cells are transfected to express a fluorescent marker, such as DsRed, which allows the exposed retroperitoneum to be examined by fluorescence microscopy. Described in this unit is a surgical technique for orthotopic implantation and the use of this model for investigating the effects of novel agents as inhibitors of tumor growth and metastasis. Curr. Protoc. Pharmacol. 53:14.19.1‐14.19.11. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The Importance of Biological Databases in Biological Discovery
Authors: Baxevanis Andreas D.
Published: June 2011

Biological databases play a central role in bioinformatics. They offer scientists the opportunity to access a wide variety of biologically relevant data, including the genomic sequences of an increasingly broad range of organisms. This unit provides a brief overview of major sequence databases and portals, such as GenBank, the UCSC Genome Browser, and Ensembl. Model organism databases, including WormBase, the Arabidopsis Information Resource (TAIR), and those made available through the Mouse Genome Informatics (MGI) resource are also covered. Non‐sequence‐centric databases, such as Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), the Protein Data Bank (PDB), MetaCyc, and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) are also discussed. Curr. Protoc. Bioinform. 34:1.1.1‐1.1.6. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Basic Techniques in Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Cultures: Differentiation into Osteogenic and Adipogenic Lineages, Genetic Perturbations, and Phenotypic Analyses
Authors: Bruedigam Claudia , Driel Marjolein van , Koedam Marijke , Peppel Jeroen van de , van der Eerden Bram C.J. , Eijken Marco , van Leeuwen Johannes P.T.M.
Published: June 2011

This unit describes basic techniques in human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) cultures. It includes protocols for the differentiation of hMSCs into osteogenic and adipogenic lineages, genetic perturbations, and phenotypic analyses. hMSCs can be differentiated with dexamethasone and β‐glycerophosphate into mineralizing osteoblasts within 2 to 3 weeks, or with dexamethasone, indomethacin, and 3‐isobutyl‐1‐methylxanthine into lipid vesicle–containing adipocytes within 1 to 2 weeks. Phenotypic changes during those highly dynamic differentiation processes can be detected by biochemical and histological assays and gene expression analyses of differentiation markers. In addition, this unit describes an electroporation method that allows the transient genetic perturbation of hMSCs. Curr. Protoc. Stem Cell Biol. 17:1H.3.1‐1H.3.20. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Miniaturized High‐Throughput Fluorescent Assay for Conversion of NAD(P)H to NAD(P)
Authors: Napper Andrew D. , Sivendran Sharmila
Published: June 2011

This unit describes a miniaturized fluorescence assay that monitors the conversion of NADPH to NADP+. The same assay format may also be used to measure NADH to NAD+ conversion. Examples of assay development and validation results are presented to illustrate the use of this protocol to screen an enzyme that consumes NADPH as a cofactor during conversion of substrate to a reduced product. Enzymatic assays are carried out in low‐volume 384‐well plates, in which the turnover of NADPH is monitored by the decrease in fluorescence emission at 460 nm between an initial measurement and a second reading after 90 min. A follow‐up assay is used to rule out false‐positive artifacts arising from compounds that fluoresce at 460 nm. Curr. Protoc. Chem. Biol. 3:81‐97 © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Non‐Geminate Recombination as the Primary Determinant of Open‐Circuit Voltage in Polythiophene:Fullerene Blend Solar Cells: an Analysis of the Influence of Device Processing Conditions
Authors: Credgington Dan , Hamilton Rick , Atienzar Pedro , Nelson Jenny , Durrant James R.
Published: June 2011

The physical origin of the open‐circuit voltage in bulk heterojunction solar cells is still not well understood. While significant evidence exists to indicate that the open‐circuit voltage is limited by the molecular orbital energies of the heterojunction components, it is clear that this picture is not sufficient to explain the significant variations which often occur between cells fabricated from the same heterojunction components. We present here an analysis of the variation in open‐circuit voltage between 0.4–0.65 V observed for a range of P3HT/PCBM solar cells where device deposition conditions, electrode structure, active‐layer thickness and device polarity are varied. The analysis quantifies non‐geminate recombination losses of dissociated carriers in these cells, measured under device operating conditions. It is found that at open‐circuit, losses due to non‐geminate recombination are sufficiently large that other loss pathways may effectively be neglected. Variations in open‐circuit voltage between different devices are shown to arise from differences in the rate coefficient for non‐geminate recombination, and from differences in the charge densities in the photoactive layer of the device. The origin of these differences is discussed, particularly with regard to variations in film microstructure. By separately quantifying these differences in rate coefficient and charge density, and by application of a simple physical model based upon the assumption that open‐circuit is reached when the flux of charge photogeneration is matched by the flux of non‐geminate recombination, we are able to calculate correctly the open‐circuit voltage for all the cells studied to within an accuracy of ±5 mV.
An Alternative Route Towards Metal–Polymer Hybrid Materials Prepared by Vapor‐Phase Processing
Authors: Lee Seung‐Mo , Ischenko Vladislav , Pippel Eckhard , Masic Admir , Moutanabbir Oussama , Fratzl Peter , Knez Mato
Published: June 2011

Transition metals incorporated into polymers lead to unusual or improved physical properties that significantly differ from those of purely organic polymers. A simple and practicable incorporation of diverse transition metals into any available polymer would make an important contribution to overcome some of the synthetic difficulties of metal‐polymer hybrid materials. Here, it is demonstrated that atomic layer deposition (ALD) can be a promising means to resolve some of those difficulties. It is found that even polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) with its great physical and chemical stability can be easily transformed into a transition metal–PTFE hybrid material simply by applying a metal‐oxide ALD process to PTFE. Upon metal incorporation into the PTFE, the molecular structure as well as mechanical properties (tensile behavior) of PTFE were observed to significantly change. For a better understanding of the changes to the material, experimental investigations using Raman spectroscopy, attenuated‐total‐reflection Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis were performed. In addition, with density functional theory calculations, potential bonding states of the incorporated metal into PTFE were modeled and predicted. The ALD‐based vapor‐phase approach for metal incorporation into a polymer could bring about rapid progress in the research area of metal–polymer hybrid materials.
The De‐biasing Effect of Incidental Anger on Other‐provided Anchors
Authors: Jung Heajung , Young Maia J
Published: June 2011

The current research investigates the effect of incidental anger on anchoring bias. We hypothesized that feeling angry will make people less influenced by other‐provided anchors because of the moving against action tendency associated with anger. That is, individuals in an angry state will be likely to perceive a given anchor as a viable target for their desire to attack and actively seek out anchor‐inconsistent information, thereby committing less anchoring bias. To examine our hypothesis, in Study 1, we manipulated emotions using film clips and administered a general knowledge task with other‐provided anchors. As predicted, participants in the anger condition showed less anchoring bias to the other‐provided anchors than those in the sad or neutral condition. Study 2 replicated the finding with a different emotion manipulation technique and different anchoring questions. More important, consistent with the moving against action tendency explanation, we also found that people in an angry state committed more anchoring bias for self‐generated anchors, compared with people in a sad or neutral state. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploiting the Wisdom of Others to Make Better Decisions: Suspending Judgment Reduces Egocentrism and Increases Accuracy
Authors: Yaniv Ilan , Choshen‐Hillel Shoham
Published: June 2011

Although decision makers often consult other people's opinions to improve their decisions, they fail to do so optimally. One main obstacle to incorporating others' opinions efficiently is one's own opinion. We theorize that decision makers could improve their performance by suspending their own judgment. In three studies, participants used others' opinions to estimate uncertain quantities (the caloric value of foods). In the full‐view condition, participants could form independent estimates prior to receiving others' opinions, whereas participants in the blindfold condition could not form prior opinions. We obtained an intriguing blindfold effect. In all studies, the blindfolded participants provided more accurate estimates than did the full‐view participants. Several policy‐capturing measures indicated that the advantage of the blindfolded participants was due to their unbiased weighting of others' opinions. The full‐view participants, in contrast, adhered to their prior opinion and thus failed to exploit the information contained in others' opinions. Moreover, in all three studies, the blindfolded participants were not cognizant of their advantage and expressed less confidence in their estimates than did the full‐view participants. The results are discussed in relation to theories of opinion revision and group decision making. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The time of timing: How Polycomb proteins regulate neurogenesis
Authors: Testa Giuseppe
Published: June 2011

The study of mammalian corticogenesis has revealed a critical role for Polycomb group (PcG) factors in timing the execution of developmental choices. Meanwhile, the study of post‐translational modifications of PcG factors marks a symmetrical point, namely that the activity of PcG proteins is itself timed in a manner that links progression through the cell cycle to targeting of downstream genes. Finally, in a third symmetrical twist, the studies that dissect the timing of neural fate by Polycomb are also uncovering the importance of timing in the experimental mutation, since ablation of the same PcG member at different developmental stages yields dramatically different results. Here, I weave together these three lines of evidence and develop a unifying model that clarifies the dynamics of Polycomb function in neural development and defines the salient challenges ahead.