bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PCATMIP: Enhancing signal intensity in diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Pai V. M. , Rapacchi S. , Kellman P. , Croisille P. , Wen H.
Published: December 2010

Diffusion‐weighted MRI studies generally lose signal intensity to physiological motion, which can adversely affect quantification/diagnosis. Averaging over multiple repetitions, often used to improve image quality, does not eliminate the signal loss. In this article, PCATMIP, a combined principal component analysis and temporal maximum intensity projection approach, is developed to address this problem. Data are first acquired for a fixed number of repetitions. Assuming that physiological fluctuations of image intensities locally are likely temporally correlated unlike random noise, a local moving boxcar in the spatial domain is used to reconstruct low‐noise images by considering the most relevant principal components in the temporal domain. Subsequently, a temporal maximum intensity projection yields a high signal‐intensity image. Numerical and experimental studies were performed for validation and to determine optimal parameters for increasing signal intensity and minimizing noise. Subsequently, a combined principal component analysis and temporal maximum intensity projection approach was used to analyze diffusion‐weighted porcine liver MRI scans. In these scans, the variability of apparent diffusion coefficient values among repeated measurements was reduced by 59% relative to averaging, and there was an increase in the signal intensity with higher intensity differences observed at higher b‐values. In summary, a combined principal component analysis and temporal maximum intensity projection approach is a postprocessing approach that corrects for bulk motion‐induced signal loss and improves apparent diffusion coefficient measurement reproducibility. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Network services—outsourcing
Authors: House Robert G. , DeLozier Lynn A.
Published: December 2010

Network outsourcing is an alternative which through advanced technologies, standardization and a close partnership between the client corporation and provider, facilitates an effective and economical means of meeting present and future needs of various corporate user communities. Solutions typically consist of a wide array of services ranging from full operation of the network which includes assumption of assets and personnel to responsibility for various segments of the network such as Help Desk or Vendor Liaison functions.
Managing the corporate network—AT&T ACCUMASTERR management services (AMS) in action
Authors: Gilbert William E.
Published: December 2010

AT&T's ACCUMASTERR Management Services enable large corporate Information technology organizations to improve their overall network performance.
Network management in a fast packet environment
Authors: Lam Nancy
Published: December 2010

StrataCom specializes in Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) technology — a method of rapid wide‐area distribution of all forms of traffic in cell format. This article will look at how StrataCom approaches network management for ATM switches.
The effects of antecedent physical activity on the academic engagement of children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Nicholson Heather , Kehle Thomas J. , Bray Melissa A. , Heest Jaci Van
Published: December 2010

A multiple baseline design was used to examine the effects of participation in antecedent physical activity on the academic engagement of four elementary‐school children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The results indicated large effect sizes for academic engaged time for all four students. It was suggested that physical activity in the form of something as simple to implement as jogging may be efficacious in promoting academic achievement for students diagnosed with ASD. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Fresh Look at the Contribution of Project Management to Organizational Performance
Authors: Aubry Monique , Hobbs Brian
Published: December 2010

A better understanding of organizational performance and the contribution that project management can make is the aim. The article adopts the “Competing Values Framework,” a rich framework that is well established both theoretically and empirically but is not well known in the field of project management. The framework is summarized and applied in an empirical investigation of the contribution of project management in general and project management offices (PMOs) in particular to organizational performance. The examination of 11 case studies revealed multiple concurrent and sometimes paradoxical perspectives. The criteria proposed by the framework have been further developed through the identification of a preliminary set of empirically grounded performance indicators. The empirical results contribute to a better understanding of the role of project management generally and PMOs specifically. They also demonstrate the usefulness of this framework for the study of project management's contribution to organizational performance.
Mendelian randomization analysis of case‐control data using structural mean models
Authors: Bowden Jack , Vansteelandt Stijn
Published: December 2010

‘Instrumental Variable’ (IV) methods provide a basis for estimating an exposure's causal effect on the risk of disease. In Mendelian randomization studies, where genetic information plays the role of the IV, IV analyses are routinely performed on case‐control data, rather than prospectively collected observational data. Although it is a well‐appreciated fact that ascertainment bias may invalidate such analyses, ad hoc assumptions and approximations are made to justify their use. In this paper we attempt to explain and clarify why they may fail and show how they can be adjusted for improved performance. In particular, we propose consistent estimators of the causal relative risk and odds ratio if a priori knowledge is available regarding either the population disease prevalence or the population distribution of the IV (e.g. population allele frequencies). We further show that if no such information is available, approximate estimators can be obtained under a rare disease assumption. We illustrate this with matched case‐control data from the recently completed EPIC study, from which we attempt to assess the evidence for a causal relationship between C‐reactive protein levels and the risk of Coronary Artery Disease. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Compensation Control Model of Superheat and Cooling Water Temperature for Secondary Cooling of Continuous Casting
Authors: Zhang Jian , Chen Dengfu , Wang Shuigen , Long Mujun
Published: December 2010

In this paper, a compensation control model of secondary cooling process of billet continuous casting for quality steel has been presented. The effects on the spray control of the various parameters such as steel superheat, casting speed, cooling water temperature and chemical component of steel were considered. The parameters of control model were determined to associate with the two‐dimensional heat transfer equation and solved by finite‐difference method. Effects of steel superheat and cooling water temperature on surface temperature, solidification structure and solidifying end point were discussed. Results indicate that steel superheat significantly affects solidification structure and solidifying end point but has a little effect on slab surface temperature. Moreover, secondary cooling water temperature affects surface temperature and solidifying end point but has a little effect on solidification structure. The surface temperature and solidifying end point can be maintain stabilized through applying the compensation control model when steel superheat and cooling water temperature vary. The models have been validated by industrial measurements. The results show that the simulations are in very good agreement with the real casting situation.
Transformation‐induced plasticity in rapidly solidified Fe88.9Cr4.3V2.2C4.6
Authors: Hufenbach Julia , Kühn Uta , Krüger Lutz , Wendrock Horst , Eckert Jürgen
Published: December 2010

In the present work, the mechanical behaviour at different strain rates of a high strength tool steel with the composition Fe88.9Cr4.3V2.2C4.6 (at.%), manufactured under relatively high cooling rates and highly pure conditions, was studied. The applied preparation conditions promote a microstructure composed of martensite, retained austenite and a fine network of special carbides already in the as‐cast state. This special phase combination yields a structural material with superior mechanical properties under quasi‐static loading, exhibiting an extremely high engineering compression strength of almost 4000 MPa combined with a large compression strain of about 20% due to deformation‐induced martensite formation. However, the knowledge of the performance of this material under dynamic loading conditions is also very important for its possible application as a novel kind of tool steel. For this reason, compression tests in the strain rate range of 10−3–103 s−1 were performed and the transformation‐induced plasticity (TRIP effect) was investigated. The analysis of the transformation behaviour of the retained austenite reveals that the rate of martensite formation decreases with increasing strain rate. Furthermore, an increase of the offset yield stress and the compression strength with increasing strain rate together with a remarkable plasticity was detected.
Introduction to strategic planning in student affairs: A model for process and elements of a plan
Authors: Ellis Shannon E.
Published: December 2010

This chapter introduces the topic of strategic planning in student affairs by exploring its meaning and relevance to sound management and a force for change. A model is presented for the student affairs strategic planning process and elements of a written plan, including implementation steps.
Values drive the plan
Authors: Cook Les P.
Published: December 2010

This chapter explores the role of student affairs and institutional values in strategic planning. It also looks at the historical roots of the profession and methods for incorporating values into planning.
Strategic planning and financial management
Authors: Conneely James F.
Published: December 2010

An effective strategic planner needs strong financial management skills to implement the plan over time. This chapter discusses how to enhance the effectiveness of a strategic plan through an examination of the purposes and phases of budgeting.
Strategic planning: Renewal and redesign during turbulent times
Authors: Cherrey Cynthia , Clark Evette Castillo
Published: December 2010

This chapter describes the strategic thinking, process, and development of Tulane University's Renewal Plan, which was created in response to Hurricane Katrina.
In vivo and in vitro imaging of I2imidazoline receptors in the monkey brain
Authors: Kawamura Kazunori , Maeda Jun , Hatori Akiko , Okauchi Takashi , Nagai Yuji , Higuchi Makoto , Suhara Tetsuya , Fukumura Toshimitsu , Zhang Ming‐Rong
Published: December 2010

I2imidazoline receptors (I2Rs) are associated with depression, Alzheimer's disease, and Huntington's disease. However, in vivo imaging of I2Rs in the monkey brain has not been reported until now. We performed in vitro and in vivo imaging of (I2Rs) in the monkey brain using11C‐labeled 2‐(3‐fluoro‐4‐tolyl)‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐imidazole ([11C]FTIMD) which has high and selective affinity of I2Rs. In an auto‐radiography (ARG) study, the distribution pattern of [11C]FTIMD in the monkey brain was similar to that of [3H]idazoxan binging to I2Rs in the human brain, which was previously described. The specific binding of [11C]FTIMD accounted for >97% of total binding in brain regions existing I2Rs. In positron emission tomography (PET) studies, the radioactivity was accumulated in brain regions existing I2Rs ligand BU224, the accumulated radioactivity was decreased to approximately 66%–75% of the baseline measurement at 15–45 min after injection of [11C]FTIMD. These results suggest that [11C]FTIMD shows the specific‐binging to I2Rs in the monkey brain as depicted by PET and ARG. We performed the first in vivo imaging of I2Rs using [11C]FTIMD in the monkey brain. Synapse, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Oscillatory waveform caused by piezoelectric vibration of pockels crystal and its effective suppression
Authors: Matsumoto Hirokazu , Matsuoka Shigeyasu , Kumada Akiko , Hidaka Kunihiko
Published: December 2010

In measurements of impulse voltages by Pockels sensors, oscillatory components have been observed in the tail parts of the optical signals. In this paper, oscillatory components of Bi4Ge3O12 (BGO) Pockels crystals of various shapes are investigated. The tested BGO crystals are rectangular solids, a cylindrical solid, and a tapered quadratic solid. The oscillatory components are derived from the light outputs and the frequency analysis is performed. The oscillation frequency of the rectangular crystals is lower than the theoretical value and that of a cylinder is the same as that of circumscribed rectangular solid. In the case of the tapered BGO crystal, it is possible to reduce the oscillatory components by distributing piezoelectric vibration over a broad frequency bandwidth. © 2010 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Applications of integrated assessment modeling to climate change
Authors: Sarofim Marcus C. , Reilly John M.
Published: December 2010

Climate change studies are often interdisciplinary by nature, incorporating many domains of science, economics, and political theory. Integrated assessment (IA) aims to bring diverse scientific, economics and social science expertise together to provide analysis and advice that comprehensively addresses all or at least many aspects of the climate change issue. IA methods have been applied to many areas of climate change providing insights into areas such as optimal timing of emission reductions, weighting of different greenhouse gases, or impacts of biofuel policies. Additionally, IAs have identified key uncertainties that should be priorities of future research, such as the need to understand oceanic heat uptake in order to better constrain climate sensitivity and predict future timing of temperature change. These assessments have also served to establish ongoing communication within the community of researchers, and between researchers and policy makers. In complex scientific issues it is often difficult for policy makers and the public to sort out conflicting scientific views, and an authoritative assessment process can provide consensus views on the issue, accepting that in some cases the “consensus” may be that some aspects of the issue remain unresolved. This review explores the history and applications of these IAs, and identifies avenues for future emphasis. We briefly review the whole field of IAs of climate change, but focus on the role of formal computational frameworks in IA models.WIREs Clim Change2011 2 27–44 DOI: 10.1002/wcc.93

This article is categorized under:

Integrated Assessment of Climate Change > Applications of Integrated Assessment to Climate Change
CLOUD computing
Authors: Sahinoglu Mehmet , Cueva‐Parra Luis
Published: December 2010

CLOUD computing (Grid or utility computing, computing on‐demand) which was the talk of the computing circles at the end of 1990s has become once again a relevant computational topic. CLOUD computing, also considered as a fifth utility after water, electric power, gas, and telephony, is on the basis of the hosting of services on clusters of computers housed in server farms. This article reviews CLOUD computing fundamentals in general, its operational modeling and quantitative (statistical) risk assessment of its much neglected service quality issues. As an example of a CLOUD, a set of distributed parallel computers is considered to be working independently or dependently, but additively to serve the cumulative needs of a large number of customers requiring service. Quantitative methods of statistical inference on the quality of service (QoS) or conversely, loss of service (LoS), as commonly used customer satisfaction metrics of system reliability and security performance are reviewed. The goal of those methods is to optimize what must be planned about how to improve the quality of a CLOUD operation and what countermeasures to take. Also, a discrete event simulation is reviewed to estimate the risk indices in a large CLOUD computing environment favorably compared to the intractable and lengthy theoretical Markov solutions. WIREs Comp Stat 2011 3 47–68 DOI: 10.1002/wics.139

This article is categorized under:

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Reliability, Survivability, and Quality Control

Statistical Models > Simulation Models

Software for Computational Statistics > Software/Statistical Software
The structural landscape of native editosomes in African trypanosomes
Authors: Ulrich Göringer H. , Subbaraju Katari Venkata , Böhm Cordula
Published: December 2010

The majority of mitochondrial pre‐messenger RNAs in African trypanosomes are substrates of a U‐nucleotide‐specific insertion/deletion‐type RNA editing reaction. The process converts nonfunctional pre‐mRNAs into translation‐competent molecules and can generate protein diversity by alternative editing. High molecular mass protein complexes termed editosomes catalyze the processing reaction. They stably interact with pre‐edited mRNAs and small noncoding RNAs, known as guide RNAs (gRNAs), which act as templates in the reaction. Editosomes provide a molecular surface for the individual steps of the catalytic reaction cycle and although the protein inventory of the complexes has been studied in detail, a structural analysis of the processing machinery has only recently been accomplished. Electron microscopy in combination with single particle reconstruction techniques has shown that steady state isolates of editosomes contain ensembles of two classes of stable complexes with calculated apparent hydrodynamic sizes of 20S and 35–40S. 20S editosomes are free of substrate RNAs, whereas 35–40S editosomes are associated with endogenous mRNA and gRNA molecules. Both complexes are characterized by a diverse structural landscape, which include complexes that lack or possess defined subdomains. Here, we summarize the consensus models and structural landmarks of both complexes. We correlate structural features with functional characteristics and provide an outlook into dynamic aspects of the editing reaction cycle. WIREs RNA 2011 2 395–407 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.67

This article is categorized under:

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > RNA–Protein Complexes

RNA Processing > RNA Editing and Modification
Roles of Puf proteins in mRNA degradation and translation
Authors: Miller Melanie A. , Olivas Wendy M.
Published: December 2010

Puf proteins are regulators of diverse eukaryotic processes including stem cell maintenance, organelle biogenesis, oogenesis, neuron function, and memory formation. At the molecular level, Puf proteins promote translational repression and/or degradation of target mRNAs by first interacting with conservedcis‐elements in the 3′ untranslated region (UTR). Once bound to an mRNA, Puf proteins elicit RNA repression by complex interactions with protein cofactors and regulatory machinery involved in translation and degradation. Recent work has dramatically increased our understanding of the targets of Puf protein regulation, as well as the mechanisms by which Puf proteins recognize and regulate those mRNA targets. Crystal structure analysis of several Puf–RNA complexes has demonstrated that while Puf proteins are extremely conserved in their RNA‐binding domains, Pufs attain target specificity by utilizing different structural conformations to recognize 8–10 nt sequences. Puf proteins have also evolved modes of protein interactions that are organism and transcript‐specific, yet two common mechanisms of repression have emerged: inhibition of cap‐binding events to block translation initiation, and recruitment of the CCR4–POP2–NOT deadenylase complex for poly(A) tail removal. Finally, multiple schemes to regulate Puf protein activity have been identified, including post‐translational mechanisms that allow rapid changes in the repression of mRNA targets.WIREs RNA2011 2 471–492 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.69

This article is categorized under:

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Recognition

Translation > Translation Regulation

RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Regulation of RNA Stability
Dual‐colour fluorescence microscopy using yEmCherry‐/GFP‐tagging of eisosome components Pil1 and Lsp1 in Candida albicans
Authors: Reijnst Patrick , Walther Andrea , Wendland Jürgen
Published: December 2010

PCR‐based gene targeting technologies have previously been developed for Candida albicans molecular genetic manipulation. Modular marker plasmids for the functional analysis of C. albicans genes have been generated to delete genes, exchange promoters and tag genes with GFP. Here, we have embedded two fluorescent proteins encoded by Venus and yEmCherry into the pFA‐plasmid series and demonstrate their usefulness in dual colour microscopy. To this end we analysed the localization of C. albicans homologues of Pil1 and Lsp1, which in S. cerevisiae are components of eisosomes. We find that Pil1/Lsp1‐containing eisosomes are cortical protein complexes in C. albicans. Pil1 and Lsp1, tagged with either GFP or yEmCherry, strictly co‐localized during all growth stages. Eisosomes, however, localized at distinct positions not overlapping with either cortical actin patches or the endocytosis marker protein Abp1 in yeast or the Spitzenkörper in hyphal cells. To demonstrate the use of Venus yellow fluorescent protein we performed time lapse microscopy of yeast and hyphal stages using a histone H4‐Venus tag. As demonstrated, these additions to the toolbox enable a wide range of in vivo applications in C. albicans. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interface delamination of bi‐material structure under dynamic time harmonic loading
Authors: Ivanova J. , Nikolova G. , Gambin B.
Published: December 2010

The interface behaviour between two layers of 2D elastic structure under dynamic time‐harmonic load is studied. The “shear lag model” is adopted and applied to the dynamic response of bi‐material structure, assuming the elastic‐brittle behaviour of the interface. The Laplace transforms together with half‐analytical calculations are used to obtain the shear stress and elastic debond lengths along the interface at sinusoidal load. Parametric analysis of the obtained results is illustrated by an example of the modern ceramic‐metal composite, so called cermet, and depicted in figures. The influence of loading characteristics, i.e. frequencies and amplitude fluctuations on the shear stress and the value of debond length for a small interval of time, is discussed.
Analysis of an elongated stretched strip, with application to a strain‐gage electrical sensor design
Authors: Suhir E. , Gschohsmann W. , Nicolics J.
Published: December 2010

A theory‐of‐elasticity‐based analytical (“mathematical”) stress model has been developed for an elongated strip subjected to tensile displacements distributed over one of its long edges. The model is applied to an advanced ceramic strain‐gage electrical sensor design. We have assumed that the mechanical behavior of the gage configured like a thin plate‐like structural element attached to a thick‐ and‐stiff carrier (substrate) can be evaluated by considering the longitudinal cross‐section of the gage and treating it like an elongated long strip. We have assumed also that since the substrate is much thicker and stiffer than the strip, its displacements determine the interfacial displacements of the strip, but not the other way around. The results based on the developed model indicate that the longitudinal displacements in the strip are distributed linearly over the thickness (“height”) of a long‐and‐thin strip (gage), but fade away exponentially in the through‐thickness direction in the case of a short‐and‐thick strip. We conclude that, for accurate enough measurements, long‐and‐thin, rather than short‐and‐thick, strips (gages) should be employed in the application of interest. The obtained results enable one particularly to determine how thick (“high”) such a strip (gage) should be made for the given material and length. Our solution could be useful also in other areas of applied science and engineering, where strip‐like structural elements subjected to the loading of the type in question are employed.
Partial Mastectomy and M. Latissimus Dorsi Reconstruction for Radiation‐induced Fibrosis After Breast‐conserving Cancer Therapy
Authors: van Geel Albertus N. , Lans Titia E. , Haen Roel , Tjong Joe Wai Rudi , Menke‐Pluijmers Marian B. E.
Published: December 2010

Background

Patients with severe complaints of radiation‐induced fibrosis after breast‐conserving therapy and not responding to conservative therapy, were treated by partial mastectomy and m. latissimus dorsi reconstruction.

Method

To determine the feasibility and outcome of this approach, a retrospective study of nine patients was carried out.

Results

After a mean follow‐up of 46 months, eight of the nine patients experienced improvement of their complaints and shape of the breast. In only one case did the procedure fail, as evidenced by continuation of all complaints.

Conclusions

Partial mastectomy and m. latissimus dorsi reconstruction is the ultimate option in the treatment of radiation fibrosis. The procedure is safe with satisfying results.
Chromosome Segment Substitution Lines: A Powerful Tool for the Introgression of Valuable Genes from Oryza Wild Species into Cultivated Rice (O. sativa)
Authors: Ali M. Liakat , Sanchez Paul L. , Yu Si-bin , Lorieux Mathias , Eizenga Georgia C.
Published: December 2010

Wild species of rice (genusOryza) contain many useful genes but a vast majority of these genes remain untapped to date because it is often difficult to transfer these genes into cultivated rice (Oryza sativaL.). Chromosome segment substitution lines (CSSLs) and backcross inbred lines (BILs) are powerful tools for identifying these naturally occurring, favorable alleles in unadapted germplasm. In this paper, we present an overview of the research involving CSSLs and BILs in the introgression of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with the improved performance of rice including resistance to various biotic and abiotic stresses, and even high yield from wild relatives of rice and other unadapted germplasm into the genetic background of adapted rice cultivars. The CSSLs can be used to dissect quantitative traits into the component genetic factors and evaluate gene action as single factors (monogenic loci). CSSLs have the potential to uncover new alleles from the unadapted, non-productive wild rice accessions, develop genome-wide genetic stocks, and clone genes identified in QTL studies for functional genomics research. Recent development of high-density single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays in rice and availability of custom-designed medium- and low-density SNP arrays will enhance the CSSL development process with smaller marker-defined segment introgressions from unadapted germplasm.
Molecular marks for epigenetic identification of developmental and cancer stem cells
Authors: Patra Samir Kumar , Deb Moonmoon , Patra Aditi
Published: December 2010

Epigenetic regulations of genes by reversible methylation of DNA (at the carbon-5 of cytosine) and numerous reversible modifications of histones play important roles in normal physiology and development, and epigenetic deregulations are associated with developmental disorders and various disease states, including cancer. Stem cells have the capacity to self-renew indefinitely. Similar to stem cells, some malignant cells have the capacity to divide indefinitely and are referred to as cancer stem cells. In recent times, direct correlation between epigenetic modifications and reprogramming of stem cell and cancer stem cell is emerging. Major discoveries were made with investigations on reprogramming gene products, also known as master regulators of totipotency and inducer of pluoripotency, namely, OCT4, NANOG, cMYC, SOX2, Klf4, and LIN28. The challenge to induce pluripotency is the insertion of four reprogramming genes (Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc) into the genome. There are always risks of silencing of these genes by epigenetic modifications in the host cells, particularly, when introduced through retroviral techniques. In this contribution, we will discuss some of the major discoveries on epigenetic modifications within the chromatin of various genes associated with cancer progression and cancer stem cells in comparison to normal development of stem cell. These modifications may be considered as molecular signatures for predicting disorders of development and for identifying disease states.
Intensive care unit—acquired weakness (ICUAW) and muscle wasting in critically ill patients with severe sepsis and septic shock
Authors: Schefold Joerg C. , Bierbrauer Jeffrey , Weber-Carstens Steffen
Published: December 2010

Sepsis presents a major health care problem and remains one of the leading causes of death within the intensive care unit (ICU). Therapeutic approaches against severe sepsis and septic shock focus on early identification. Adequate source control, administration of antibiotics, preload optimization by fluid resuscitation and further hemodynamic stabilisation using vasopressors whenever appropriate are considered pivotal within the early—golden—hours of sepsis. However, organ dysfunction develops frequently in and represents a significant comorbidity of sepsis. A considerable amount of patients with sepsis will show signs of severe muscle wasting and/or ICU‐acquired weakness (ICUAW), which describes a frequently observed complication in critically ill patients and refers to clinically weak ICU patients in whom there is no plausible aetiology other than critical illness. Some authors consider ICUAW as neuromuscular organ failure, caused by dysfunction of the motor unit, which consists of peripheral nerve, neuromuscular junction and skeletal muscle fibre. Electrophysiologic and/or biopsy studies facilitate further subclassification of ICUAW as critical illness myopathy, critical illness polyneuropathy or critical illness myoneuropathy, their combination. ICUAW may protract weaning from mechanical ventilation and impede rehabilitation measures, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. This review provides an insight on the available literature on sepsis‐mediated muscle wasting, ICUAW and their potential pathomechanisms.
Ghrelin for cachexia
Authors: Akamizu Takashi , Kangawa Kenji
Published: December 2010

Ghrelin, a natural ligand for the growth hormone (GH)‐secretagogue receptor, is primarily produced in the stomach. Administration of ghrelin stimulates food intake and GH secretion in both animals and humans. Ghrelin is the only circulating hormone known to stimulate appetite in humans. As GH is an anabolic hormone, protein stores are spared at the expense of fat during conditions of caloric restriction. Ghrelin also inhibits the production of anorectic proinflammatory cytokines. Thus, ghrelin exhibits anti‐cachectic actions via both GH‐dependent and ‐independent mechanisms. Several studies are evaluating the efficacy of ghrelin in the treatment of cachexia caused by a variety of diseases, including congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer, and end‐stage renal disease. These studies will hopefully lead to the development of novel clinical applications for ghrelin in the future. These studies have also facilitated a better understanding of the molecular basis of the anti‐catabolic effects of ghrelin. This review summarizes the recent advances in this area of research.
Ghrelin and its potential in the treatment of eating/wasting disorders and cachexia
Authors: Müller Timo D. , Perez-Tilve Diego , Tong Jenny , Pfluger Paul T. , Tschöp Matthias H.
Published: December 2010

The gastrointestinal “hunger” hormone ghrelin is the only known circulating peripheral molecule with the ability to decrease body fat utilization and to increase body weight gain. Accordingly, due to ghrelin's effects to promote food intake while decreasing energy expenditure ghrelin may offer potential as a drug for treatment of eating/wasting disorders and cachexia. Therapeutic potential of ghrelin and ghrelin analogues to promote food intake and body weight gain was recently indicated in several clinical studies. The recent discovery of the ghrelin O‐acyltransferase as the key enzyme responsible for ghrelin acylation has further deepened our understanding of ghrelin activation, thereby paving the way for more efficient targeting of the ghrelin pathway. Here, we summarize the current knowledge pertaining to the potential of the endogenous ghrelin system as a drug target for the treatment of eating/wasting disorders and cachexia.
An overview of sarcopenia: facts and numbers on prevalence and clinical impact
Authors: von Haehling Stephan , Morley John E. , Anker Stefan D.
Published: December 2010

Human muscle undergoes constant changes. After about age 50, muscle mass decreases at an annual rate of 1–2%. Muscle strength declines by 1.5% between ages 50 and 60 and by 3% thereafter. The reasons for these changes include denervation of motor units and a net conversion of fast type II muscle fibers into slow type I fibers with resulting loss in muscle power necessary for activities of daily living. In addition, lipids are deposited in the muscle, but these changes do not usually lead to a loss in body weight. Once muscle mass in elderly subjects falls below 2 standard deviations of the mean of a young control cohort and the gait speed falls below 0.8 m/s, a clinical diagnosis of sarcopenia can be reached. Assessment of muscle strength using tests such as the short physical performance battery test, the timed get‐up‐and‐go test, or the stair climb power test may also be helpful in establishing the diagnosis. Sarcopenia is one of the four main reasons for loss of muscle mass. On average, it is estimated that 5–13% of elderly people aged 60–70 years are affected by sarcopenia. The numbers increase to 11–50% for those aged 80 or above. Sarcopenia may lead to frailty, but not all patients with sarcopenia are frail—sarcopenia is about twice as common as frailty. Several studies have shown that the risk of falls is significantly elevated in subjects with reduced muscle strength. Treatment of sarcopenia remains challenging, but promising results have been obtained using progressive resistance training, testosterone, estrogens, growth hormone, vitamin D, and angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors. Interesting nutritional interventions include high‐caloric nutritional supplements and essential amino acids that support muscle fiber synthesis.
Coracoid Impingement Syndrome Due to Intensive Rock Climbing Training
Authors: Schöffl Volker , Schneider Hans , Küpper Thomas
Published: December 2010

Overuse and acute injuries to the upper body are common in rock climbing. Such injuries primarily affect the fingers; but shoulder problems are increasingly common, especially among more experienced and older climbers who climb at a high ability level. Such shoulder problems are often due to subacromial impingement, shoulder dislocations with bankart lesions, hyperlaxity, SLAP lesions or irritations of the long biceps tendon. In contrast to these known conditions, we describe a case of an ambitious female rock climber who trained intensively and developed a coracoid impingement caused by hypertrophied subscapularis tendon and muscle following sport-specific training. Diagnosis was made through clinical evaluation and confirmed by magnetic resonance tomography. Coracoid impingement syndrome is a less common cause of shoulder pain and occurs when the subscapularis tendon impinges between the coracoid and the lesser tuberosity of the humerus. The patient was treated successfully with a conservative therapy and returned to full activity within 6 weeks.
Soil phytoliths from miombo woodlands in Mozambique
Authors: Mercader Julio , Bennett Tim , Esselmont Chris , Simpson Steven , Walde Dale
Published: December 2010

This paper describes topsoil phytolith assemblages from 25 loci underneath miombo woodlands on an eco-transect intersecting the Mozambican Rift along a geographical, altitudinal, climatic and botanical gradient. We provide the first comprehensive overview of the phytolith spectrum that defines northern Mozambique's Zambezian floristic zone. Our classifying criteria derive from comparison with previously described and quantified reference collections of trees and grasses growing in the study area. We characterize the sedimentological and soil features of the matrices where phytoliths are found, establishing correlation among geo-edaphic variables and phytoliths. Descriptive statistics along with nonparametric and parametric statistical analyses evaluate phytolith grouping criteria, variation, robustness, and membership. From a taphonomic perspective, we attest that topsoil phytolith assemblages are polygenic and do not represent an episodic snapshot of extant vegetation, but a palimpsest from plants representing various disturbance episodes, succession stages, and ecological trends. Phytoliths retrieved from Mozambican miombo soils do not seem to trace altitudinal, temperature, or precipitation gradients, and no significant differences exist between highland and lowland phytolith assemblages. This article provides a phytolith analog for woodland environments that can guide future paleoenvironmental research. It also confirms that phytolith analysis is able to detect shifts in the woodland/grassland interface.
Impact of the spatial distribution of the atmospheric forcing on water mass formation in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Béranger Karine , Drillet Yann , Houssais Marie‐Noëlle , Testor Pierre , Bourdallé‐Badie Romain , Alhammoud Bahjat , Bozec Alexandra , Mortier Laurent , Bouruet‐Aubertot Pascale , Crépon Michel
Published: December 2010

The impact of the atmospheric forcing on the winter ocean convection in the Mediterranean Sea was studied with a high‐resolution ocean general circulation model. The major areas of focus are the Levantine basin, the Aegean‐Cretan Sea, the Adriatic Sea, and the Gulf of Lion. Two companion simulations differing by the horizontal resolution of the atmospheric forcing were compared. The first simulation (MED16‐ERA40) was forced by air‐sea fields from ERA40, which is the ECMWF reanalysis. The second simulation (MED16‐ECMWF) was forced by the ECMWF‐analyzed surface fields that have a horizontal resolution twice as high as those of ERA40. The analysis of the standard deviations of the atmospheric fields shows that increasing the resolution of the atmospheric forcing leads in all regions to a better channeling of the winds by mountains and to the generation of atmospheric mesoscale patterns. Comparing the companion ocean simulation results with available observations in the Adriatic Sea and in the Gulf of Lion shows that MED16‐ECMWF is more realistic than MED16‐ERA40. In the eastern Mediterranean, although deep water formation occurs in the two experiments, the depth reached by the convection is deeper in MED16‐ECMWF. In the Gulf of Lion, deep water formation occurs only in MED16‐ECMWF. This larger sensitivity of the western Mediterranean convection to the forcing resolution is investigated by running a set of sensitivity experiments to analyze the impact of different time‐space resolutions of the forcing on the intense winter convection event in winter 1998–1999. The sensitivity to the forcing appears to be mainly related to the effect of wind channeling by the land orography, which can only be reproduced in atmospheric models of sufficient resolution. Thus, well‐positioned patterns of enhanced wind stress and ocean surface heat loss are able to maintain a vigorous gyre circulation favoring efficient preconditioning of the area at the beginning of winter and to drive realistic buoyancy loss and mixing responsible for strong convection at the end of winter.
Nonlinear and weakly nonhydrostatic inviscid evolution of internal gravitational basin‐scale waves in a large, deep lake: Lake Constance
Authors: de la Fuente Alberto , Shimizu Kenji , Niño Yarko , Imberger Jörg
Published: December 2010

The energy transfer in a large deep lake, from the largest wind‐excited basin‐scale waves down to solitary‐type waves, was investigated through a combination of inviscid nonlinear modal analysis and numerical simulations on the basis of weakly nonhydrostatic equations for internal gravitational waves. Data from four thermistor chains deployed in Lake Constance in 2003 revealed a Kelvin wave as the dominant primary basin‐scale wave that transferred its energy, through nonlinear energy cascade, to waves with smaller spatial scales. The simulation results showed that the Kelvin wave excited higher azimuthal Kelvin wave modes whose phases were locked to the parent Kelvin wave to build a steepened wave front associated with the tail of solitary‐type waves and large flow velocity in the wake of the steepened wave front. It is shown that it is the nonlinear and nonhydrostatic inviscid evolution of basin‐scale waves that shifts the flow conditions from a basinwide coherent linear flow to a flow dominated by strong currents in localized regions where damping and mixing mechanisms may act efficiently.
Pacific and Atlantic multidecadal variability in the Kiel Climate Model
Authors: Park Wonsun , Latif Mojib
Published: December 2010

Pacific decadal variability (PDV) and Atlantic multidecadal variability (AMV), the two leading decadal modes of observed Northern Hemisphere sea surface temperature (SST) variability, are investigated in a multi‐millennial control integration of the Kiel Climate Model (KCM). It is shown that the two phenomena are independent modes in the model and can be easily separated by Principal Oscillation Pattern (POP) analysis of model SST. PDV‐related variability covers the whole North Pacific with strong signals in both the mid‐latitude North Pacific and the western Tropical Pacific. Strong signals are also simulated in the eastern Indian Ocean Sector. PDV's memory, however, resides in the North Pacific and is linked to the subtropical gyre. The AMV mechanism is related to the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC). A stochastic mechanism applies to both PDV and AMV.
The reversal of the rotational modulation rates of the north and south components of Saturn kilometric radiation near equinox
Authors: Gurnett D. A. , Groene J. B. , Persoon A. M. , Menietti J. D. , Ye S.‐Y. , Kurth W. S. , MacDowall R. J. , Lecacheux A.
Published: December 2010

It has been known for many years that Saturn emits intense radio emissions at kilometer wavelengths and that this radiation is modulated by the rotation of the planet at a rate that varies slowly on time scales of years. Recently it has been shown that the radio emission consists of two components that have different rotational modulation rates, one emitted from the northern auroral region and the other emitted from the southern auroral region. In this paper we show using radio measurements from the Cassini spacecraft that the rotational modulation rates of the northern and southern components reversed near Saturn's recent equinox, which occurred on 11 August 2009. We show that a similar reversal was also observed by the Ulysses spacecraft near the previous equinox, which occurred on 19 November 1995. The solar control implied by these reversals has important implications on how Saturn's rotation is coupled into the magnetosphere.
Pressure changes associated with substorm depolarization in the near‐Earth plasma sheet
Authors: Miyashita Y. , Machida S. , Ieda A. , Nagata D. , Kamide Y. , Nosé M. , Liou K. , Mukai T. , Christon S. P. , Russell C. T. , Shinohara I. , Saito Y.
Published: December 2010

We have studied plasma (ion) pressure changes that occurred in association with the dipolarization in the near‐Earth plasma sheet around substorm onsets. Using Geotail data, we have performed a superposed epoch analysis in addition to detailed examinations of two individual cases with special emphasis on the contribution of high‐energy particles to the plasma pressure. It is found that, unlike previously reported results, the plasma pressure does increase in association with the initial dipolarization at X > ∼−12 RE and −2 < Y < 6 RE, with the increase largely due to high‐energy particles. Outside the initial dipolarization region, particularly tailward and duskward of this region, the plasma pressure begins to decrease owing to the magnetic reconnection before onset or before the dipolarization region reaches there. At later times, the plasma pressure tends to increase there, related to the expanding dipolarization region, but the contribution of high‐energy particles is not very large. These observations suggest the following. The rarefaction wave scenario proposed in the current disruption model is questionable. The radial and azimuthal pressure gradients may strengthen between the initial dipolarization and outside regions, possibly resulting in stronger braking of fast earthward flows and changes in field‐aligned currents. The characteristics of the dipolarization may differ between the initial dipolarization and tailward regions, which would be possibly reflected in the auroral features. Furthermore, we have examined the specific entropy and the ion β. The specific entropy increases in the plasma sheet in the dipolarization region as well as in the midtail region in conjunction with substorm onsets, suggesting from the ideal MHD point of view that the substorm processes are nonadiabatic. The ion β is found to peak at the magnetic equator in the initial dipolarization region around dipolarization onsets.
Mass‐dependent evolution of energetic neutral atoms energy spectra during storm time substorms: Implication for O+ nonadiabatic acceleration
Authors: Keika K. , Brandt P. C. , Ohtani S. , Mitchell D. G. , Min K. , Nosé M. , Obara T. , Koshiishi H. , Matsumoto H.
Published: December 2010

We examine the temporal variations of energy spectra of energetic neutral atoms (ENAs) detected by the High Energy Neutral Atom imager (HENA) onboard the Imager for Magnetopause‐to‐Aurora Global Exploration (IMAGE) satellite during three substorms on 21 October 2001 and three substorms on 19 March 2002; the substorms occurred during the storm main phase. The ENA energy used in the present study ranges from 10 to 198 keV for hydrogen and from 29 to 222 keV for oxygen. We use ENA data obtained from two independent areas of a HENA image, for which HENA lines of sight pass through the inner magnetosphere (∼−6 RE < X < ∼−3 RE around the magnetic equator) and the outer magnetosphere (X < ∼−6 RE around the magnetic equator). The analyses of the selected ENA data yield the following results: (1) The oxygen ENA flux displays 20–30 min bursts during all substorms, while the hydrogen ENA flux did not increase or less significantly increased than the oxygen flux. (2) The temporal evolution of energy spectra is mass dependent for all examined substorms. (3) For two of the substorms, the oxygen flux ratio between before and after a substorm increases with increasing energy, indicating the hardening of an O+ energy spectrum. (4) The flux ratio for the inner image area is comparable to or higher than that in the outer area. The results confirm that nonadiabatic acceleration with regard to the first adiabatic invariant did occur in the near‐Earth magnetotail (X > −8 RE). Although the influence of the nonadiabatic acceleration appears in the inner magnetosphere (∼−6 RE < X < ∼−3 RE) as well as the outer magnetosphere (∼−8 RE < X < ∼−6 RE), it is not clear from the present results whether O+ energization in the inner magnetosphere is due to nonadiabatic acceleration in the inner magnetosphere or adiabatic transport of O+ nonadiabatically accelerated in the outer magnetosphere. It is likely, for at least the two substorms, that the nonadiabatic acceleration makes a more significant contribution to O+ energization than increase of the O+ density in the plasma sheet.