bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying environmental risk factors for human neural tube defects before and after folic acid supplementation
Authors: Liao Yilan , Wang Jinfeng , Li Xinhu , Guo Yaoqin , Zheng Xiaoying
Published: October 2009

Background

Birth defects are a major cause of infant mortality and disability in many parts of the world. Neural tube defects (NTDs) are one of the most common types of birth defects. In 2001, the Chinese population and family planning commission initiated a national intervention program for the prevention of birth defects. A key step in the program was the introduction of folic acid supplementation. Of interest in the present study was to determine whether folic acid supplementation has the same protective effect on NTDs under various geographical and socioeconomic conditions within the Chinese population and the nature in which the influence of environmental factors varied after folic acid supplementation.

Methods

In this study, Heshun was selected as the region of interest as a surrogate for helping to answer some of the questions raised in this study on the impact of the intervention program. Spatial filtering in combination with GIS software was used to detect annual potential clusters from 1998 to 2005 in Heshun, and Kruskal-wallis test and multivariate regression were applied to identify the environmental risk factors for NTDs among various regions.

Results

In 1998, a significant (p < 0.100) NTDs cluster was detected in the west of Heshun. After folic acid supplementation, the significant clusters gradually moved from west to east. However, during the study period, most of the clusters appeared in the middle region of Heshun where more than 95 percent of the coal mines of Heshun are located. For the analysis, buffer regions of the coal mine zone were built in a GIS environment. It was found that the correlations between environmental risk factors and NTDs vary among the buffer regions.

Conclusion

This suggests that the government needs to adapt the intervention measures according to local conditions. More attention needs to be paid to the poor and to people living in areas near coal mines.
Regulated expression of a transgene introduced on an oriP/EBNA-1 PAC shuttle vector into human cells
Authors: Askautrud Hanne A , Gjernes Elisabet , Størvold Gro L , Lindeberg Mona M , Thorsen Jim , Prydz Hans , Frengen Eirik
Published: October 2009

Background

Sequencing of the human genome has led to most genes being available in BAC or PAC vectors. However, limited functional information has been assigned to most of these genes. Techniques for the manipulation and transfer of complete functional units on large DNA fragments into human cells are crucial for the analysis of complete genes in their natural genomic context. One limitation of the functional studies using these vectors is the low transfection frequency.

Results

We have constructed a shuttle vector, pPAC7, which contains both the EBNA-1 gene and oriP from the Epstein-Barr virus allowing stable maintenance of PAC clones in the nucleus of human cells. The pPAC7 vector also contains the EGFP reporter gene, which allows direct monitoring of the presence of PAC constructs in transfected cells, and the Bsr-cassette that allows highly efficient and rapid selection in mammalian cells by use of blasticidin. Positive selection for recombinant PAC clones is obtained in pPAC7 because the cloning sites are located within the SacBII gene. We show regulated expression of the CDH3 gene carried as a 132 kb genomic insert cloned into pPAC7, demonstrating that the pPAC7 vector can be used for functional studies of genes in their natural genomic context. Furthermore, the results from the transfection of a range of pPAC7 based constructs into two human cell lines suggest that the transfection efficiencies are not only dependent on construct size.

Conclusion

The shuttle vector pPAC7 can be used to transfer large genomic constructs into human cells. The genes transferred could potentially contain all long-range regulatory elements, including their endogenous regulatory promoters. Introduction of complete genes in PACs into human cells would potentially allow complementation assays to identify or verify the function of genes affecting cellular phenotypes.
Malaria is associated with poor school performance in an endemic area of the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Vitor-Silva Sheila , Reyes-Lecca Roberto C , Pinheiro Tamam RA , Lacerda Marcus VG
Published: October 2009

Background

Approximately 40% of the world's population is at risk for malaria. In highly endemic tropical areas, malaria is a major cause of morbidity and mortality during infancy. There is a complex interrelationship between malaria, malnutrition and intestinal helminths, and this may impair cognitive development in children. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between malaria and school performance in children living in an endemic area where Plasmodium vivax is the species responsible for most of the cases.

Methods

The study was conducted in the Municipality of Careiro, Amazonas, Brazil, with five to14 year-old children, studying the first eight grades of public school, during the year 2008. After an initial active case detection, during nine months of follow-up, passive malaria cases detection was instituted, through a thick blood smear performed in every child with fever. School performance was evaluated by the final notes in Mathematics and Portuguese Language. Performance was considered poor when either of the final notes in these disciplines was below the 50th percentile for the respective class and grade.

Results

The total number of students followed-up in the cohort was 198. Malarial attacks were reported in 70 (35.4%) of these students, with no cases of severe disease. Plasmodium vivax was detected in 69.2% of the attacks, Plasmodium falciparum in 25.5% and both species in 5.3%. In the multivariate analysis, adjusting for age, mother's education, time living in the study area and school absenteeism, presenting with at least one episode of malaria independently predicted a poor performance at school [OR = 1.91 (1.04-3.54); p = 0.039].

Conclusion

Non-severe malaria compromises the school performance of children even during a nine-month follow-up, potentially contributing to the maintenance of underdevelopment in countries endemic for malaria. This is the first evidence of such impact in Latin America, where P. vivax is responsible for the majority of the cases.
A whey protein supplement decreases post-prandial glycemia
Authors: Petersen Brent L , Ward Loren S , Bastian Eric D , Jenkins Alexandra L , Campbell Janice , Vuksan Vladimir
Published: October 2009

Background

Incidence of diabetes, obesity and insulin resistance are associated with high glycemic load diets. Identifying food components that decrease post-prandial glycemia may be beneficial for developing low glycemic foods and supplements. This study explores the glycemic impact of adding escalating doses of a glycemic index lowering peptide fraction (GILP) from whey to a glucose drink.

Methods

Ten healthy subjects (3M, 7F, 44.4 ± 9.3 years, BMI 33.6 ± 4.8 kg/m2) participated in an acute randomised controlled study. Zero, 5, 10 and 20 g of protein from GILP were added to a 50 g glucose drink. The control (0 g of GILP) meal was repeated 2 times. Capillary blood samples were taken fasting (0 min) and at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 minutes after the start of the meal and analyzed for blood glucose concentration.

Results

Increasing doses of GILP decreased the incremental areas under the curve in a dose dependant manner (Pearson's r = 0.48, p = 0.002). The incremental areas (iAUC) under the glucose curve for the 0, 5, 10, and 20 g of protein from GILP were 231 ± 23, 212 ± 23, 196 ± 23, and 138 ± 13 mmol.min/L respectively. The iAUC of the 20 g GILP was significantly different from control, 5 g GILP and 10 g GILP (p < 0.001). Average reduction in the glucose iAUC was 4.6 ± 1.4 mmol.min/L per gram of ingested GILP.

Conclusion

Addition of GILP to a oral glucose bolus reduces blood glucose iAUC in a dose dependent manner and averages 4.6 ± 1.4 mmol.min/L per gram of GILP. These data are consistent with previous research on the effect of protein on the glycemic response of a meal.
Lack of evidence for xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus(XMRV) in German prostate cancer patients
Authors: Hohn Oliver , Krause Hans , Barbarotto Pia , Niederstadt Lars , Beimforde Nadine , Denner Joachim , Miller Kurt , Kurth Reinhard , Bannert Norbert
Published: October 2009

Background

A novel gammaretrovirus named xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) has been recently identified and found to have a prevalence of 40% in prostate tumor samples from American patients carrying a homozygous R462Q mutation in the RNaseL gene. This mutation impairs the function of the innate antiviral type I interferon pathway and is a known susceptibility factor for prostate cancer. Here, we attempt to measure the prevalence of XMRV in prostate cancer cases in Germany and determine whether an analogous association with the R462Q polymorphism exists.

Results

589 prostate tumor samples were genotyped by real-time PCR with regard to the RNaseL mutation. DNA and RNA samples from these patients were screened for the presence of XMRV-specific gag sequences using a highly sensitive nested PCR and RT-PCR approach. Furthermore, 146 sera samples from prostate tumor patients were tested for XMRV Gag and Env antibodies using a newly developed ELISA assay. In agreement with earlier data, 12.9% (76 samples) were shown to be of the QQ genotype. However, XMRV specific sequences were detected at neither the DNA nor the RNA level. Consistent with this result, none of the sera analyzed from prostate cancer patients contained XMRV-specific antibodies.

Conclusion

Our results indicate a much lower prevalence (or even complete absence) of XMRV in prostate tumor patients in Germany. One possible reason for this could be a geographically restricted incidence of XMRV infections.
Ultrafine carbon particles down-regulate CYP1B1 expression in human monocytes
Authors: Eder Christiane , Frankenberger Marion , Stanzel Franz , Seidel Albrecht , Schramm Karl-Werner , Ziegler-Heitbrock Loems , Hofer Thomas PJ
Published: October 2009

Background

Cytochrome P450 monoxygenases play an important role in the defence against inhaled toxic compounds and in metabolizing a wide range of xenobiotics and environmental contaminants. In ambient aerosol the ultrafine particle fraction which penetrates deeply into the lungs is considered to be a major factor for adverse health effects. The cells mainly affected by inhaled particles are lung epithelial cells and cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage.

Results

In this study we have analyzed the effect of a mixture of fine TiO2 and ultrafine carbon black Printex 90 particles (P90) on the expression of cytochrome P450 1B1 (CYP1B1) in human monocytes, macrophages, bronchial epithelial cells and epithelial cell lines. CYP1B1 expression is strongly down-regulated by P90 in monocytes with a maximum after P90 treatment for 3 h while fine and ultrafine TiO2 had no effect. CYP1B1 was down-regulated up to 130-fold and in addition CYP1A1 mRNA was decreased 13-fold. In vitro generated monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM), epithelial cell lines, and primary bronchial epithelial cells also showed reduced CYP1B1 mRNA levels. Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is inducing CYB1B1 but ultrafine P90 can still down-regulate gene expression at 0.1 μM of BaP. The P90-induced reduction of CYP1B1 was also demonstrated at the protein level using Western blot analysis.

Conclusion

These data suggest that the P90-induced reduction of CYP gene expression may interfere with the activation and/or detoxification capabilities of inhaled toxic compounds.
Propagation of Asian isolates of canine distemper virus (CDV) in hamster cell lines
Authors: Sultan Serageldeen , Lan Nguyen Thi , Ueda Toshiki , Yamaguchi Ryoji , Maeda Ken , Kai Kazushige
Published: October 2009

Backgrounds

The aim of this study was to confirm the propagation of various canine distemper viruses (CDV) in hamster cell lines of HmLu and BHK, since only a little is known about the possibility of propagation of CDV in rodent cells irrespective of their epidemiological importance.

Methods

The growth of CDV in hamster cell lines was monitored by titration using Vero.dogSLAMtag (Vero-DST) cells that had been proven to be susceptible to almost all field isolates of CDV, with the preparations of cell-free and cell-associated virus from the cultures infected with recent Asian isolates of CDV (13 strains) and by observing the development of cytopathic effect (CPE) in infected cultures of hamster cell lines.

Results

Eleven of 13 strains grew in HmLu cells, and 12 of 13 strains grew in BHK cells with apparent CPE of cell fusion in the late stage of infection. Two strains and a strain of Asia 1 group could not grow in HmLu cells and BHK cells, respectively.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrates at the first time that hamster cell lines can propagate the majority of Asian field isolates of CDV. The usage of two hamster cell lines suggested to be useful to characterize the field isolates biologically.
Growth Differentiation Factor-9 Mediates Follicle-Stimulating Hormone-Thyroid Hormone Interaction in the Regulation of Rat Preantral Follicular Development
Authors: Kobayashi Noriko , Orisaka Makoto , Cao Mingju , Kotsuji Fumikazu , Leader Arthur , Sakuragi Noriaki , Tsang Benjamin K.
Published: October 2009

FSH regulates follicular growth in a stage-development fashion. Although preantral follicle stage is gonadotropin responsive, FSH is not required for preantral follicular growth. With the antrum, the follicles continue growing under the influence of FSH and become gonadotropin dependent. Although thyroid hormone is important for normal female reproductive function, its role and interaction with FSH in the regulation of preantral ovarian follicular growth is yet to be defined. In the present study, we have examined the action and interaction of FSH and T3 in the regulation of the growth of preantral follicles, especially in their transition from preantral to early antral stage, using an established follicle culture system and evaluated the involvement of growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF-9) in this process in vitro. We have demonstrated that although T3 alone had no effect on follicular development, it markedly enhanced FSH-induced preantral follicular growth. Although FSH alone significantly down-regulated FSH receptor (FSHR) mRNA abundance in the preantral follicles and T3 alone was ineffective, expression of the message was significantly increased in the presence of both hormones. In addition, intra-oocyte injection of GDF-9 antisense oligonucleotides (GDF-9 morpholino) induced follicular cell apoptosis and suppressed follicular growth induced by FSH and T3. These responses were attenuated by exogenous GDF-9. Our findings support the concept that thyroid hormone regulates ovarian follicular development through its direct action on the ovary and that promotes FSH-induced preantral follicular growth through up-regulation of FSHR, a mechanism dependent on the expression and action of oocyte-derived GDF-9.
The dual roles of red blood cells in tissue oxygen delivery: oxygen carriers and regulators of local blood flow
Authors: Jensen Frank B.
Published: October 2009

Vertebrate red blood cells (RBCs) seem to serve tissue oxygen delivery in two distinct ways. Firstly, RBCs enable the adequate transport of O2 between respiratory surfaces and metabolizing tissues by means of their high intracellular concentration of hemoglobin (Hb), appropriate allosteric interactions between Hb ligand-binding sites, and an adjustable intracellular chemical environment that allows fine-tuning of Hb O2affinity. Secondly, RBCs may sense tissue O2 requirements via their degree of deoxygenation when they travel through the microcirculation and release vasodilatory compounds that enhance blood flow in hypoxic tissues. This latter function could be important in matching tissue O2 delivery with local O2 demand. Three main mechanisms by which RBCs can regulate their own distribution in the microcirculation have been proposed. These are: (1) deoxygenation-dependent release of ATP from RBCs, which stimulates production of nitric oxide (NO) and other vasodilators in the endothelium; (2) release of vasoactive NO from S-nitroso-Hb upon deoxygenation; and (3) reduction of naturally occurring nitrite to vasoactive NO by deoxygenated Hb. This Commentary inspects all three hypotheses with regard to their mechanisms, experimental evidence in their support and details that remain unresolved. The prime focus is on human/mammalian models, where most evidence for a role of erythrocyte ATP and NO release in blood flow regulation have accumulated. Information from other vertebrate groups is integrated in the analysis and used to discuss the evolutionary origin and general relevance of each hypothesis.
Visual optics and ecomorphology of the growing shark eye: a comparison between deep and shallow water species
Authors: Litherland Lenore , Collin Shaun P. , Fritsches Kerstin A.
Published: October 2009

Elasmobranch fishes utilise their vision as an important source of sensory information, and a range of visual adaptations have been shown to reflect the ecological diversity of this vertebrate group. This study investigates the hypotheses that visual optics can predict differences in habitat and behaviour and that visual optics change with ontogenetic growth of the eye to maintain optical performance. The study examines eye structure, pupillary movement,transmission properties of the ocular media, focal properties of the lens,tapetum structure and variations in optical performance with ontogenetic growth in two elasmobranch species: the carcharhinid sandbar shark,Carcharhinus plumbeus, inhabiting nearshore coastal waters, and the squalid shortspine spurdog, Squalus mitsukurii, inhabiting deeper waters of the continental shelf and slope. The optical properties appear to be well tuned for the visual needs of each species. Eyes continue to grow throughout life,resulting in an ontogenetic shift in the focal ratio of the eye. The eyes of C. plumbeus are optimised for vision under variable light conditions, which change during development as the animal probes new light environments in its search for food and mates. By contrast, the eyes of S. mitsukurii are specifically adapted to enhance retinal illumination within a dim light environment, and the detection of bioluminescent prey may be optimised with the use of lenticular short-wavelength-absorbing filters. Our findings suggest that the light environment strongly influences optical features in this class of vertebrates and that optical properties of the eye may be useful predictors of habitat and behaviour for lesser-known species of this vertebrate group.
Individual variation in rod absorbance spectra correlated with opsin gene polymorphism in sand goby (Pomatoschistus minutus)
Authors: Jokela-Määttä Mirka , Vartio Annika , Paulin Lars , Donner Kristian
Published: October 2009

Rod absorbance spectra, characterized by the wavelength of peak absorbance(λmax) were related to the rod opsin sequences of individual sand gobies (Pomatoschistus minutus) from four allopatric populations[Adriatic Sea (A), English Channel (E), Swedish West Coast (S) and Baltic Sea(B)]. Rod λmax differed between populations in a manner correlated with differences in the spectral light transmission of the respective water bodies [λmax: (A)≈503 nm; (E and S)≈505–506 nm; (B)≈508 nm]. A distinguishing feature of B was the wide within-population variation of λmax (505.6–511.3 nm). The rod opsin gene was sequenced in marked individuals whose rod absorbance spectra had been accurately measured. Substitutions were identified using EMBL/GenBank X62405 English sand goby sequence as reference and interpreted using two related rod pigments, the spectrally similar one of the Adriatic P. marmoratus (λmax≈507 nm) and the relatively red-shifted Baltic P. microps(λmax≈515 nm) as outgroups. The opsin sequence of all E individuals was identical to that of the reference, whereas the S and B fish all had the substitution N151N/T or N151T. The B fish showed systematic within-population polymorphism, the sequence of individuals withλ max at 505.6–507.5 nm were identical to S, but those with λmax at 509–511.3 nm additionally had F261F/Y. The substitution F261Y is known to red-shift the rod pigment and was found in all P. microps. We propose that ambiguous selection pressures in the Baltic Sea and/or gene flow from the North Sea preserves polymorphism and is phenotypically evident as a wide variation in λmax.
Topography of vision and behaviour
Authors: Smolka Jochen , Hemmi Jan M.
Published: October 2009

Given the great range of visual systems, tasks and habitats, there is surprisingly little experimental evidence of how visual limitations affect behavioural strategies under natural conditions. Analysing this relationship will require an experimental system that allows for the synchronous measurement of visual cues and visually guided behaviour. The first step in quantifying visual cues from an animal's perspective is to understand the filter properties of its visual system. We examined the first stage of visual processing – sampling by the ommatidial array – in the compound eye of the fiddler crab Uca vomeris. Using an in vivopseudopupil method we determined sizes and viewing directions of ommatidia and created a complete eye map of optical and sampling resolution across the visual field. Our results reveal five distinct eye regions (ventral, dorsal,frontal, lateral and medial) which exhibit clear differences in the organisation of the local sampling array, in particular with respect to the balance of resolution and contrast sensitivity. We argue that, under global eye space constraints, these regional optimisations reflect the information content and behavioural relevance of the corresponding parts of the visual field. In demonstrating the tight link between visual sampling, visual cues and behavioural strategies, our analysis highlights how the study of natural behaviour and natural stimuli is essential to our understanding and interpretation of the evolution and ecology of animal behaviour and the design of sensory systems.
Kinematics of suction feeding in the seahorseHippocampus reidi
Authors: Roos Gert , Van Wassenbergh Sam , Herrel Anthony , Aerts Peter
Published: October 2009

Fish typically use a rostro-caudal wave of head expansion to generate suction, which is assumed to cause a uni-directional, anterior-to-posterior flow of water in the expanding head. However, compared with typical fish,syngnathid fishes have a remarkably different morphology (elongated snout,small hyoid, immobile pectoral girdle) and feeding strategy (pivot feeding:bringing the small mouth rapidly close to the prey by neurocranial dorsorotation). As a result, it is unclear how suction is generated in Syngnathidae. In this study, lateral and ventral expansions of the head were quantified in Hippocampus reidi and linked to the kinematics of the mouth, hyoid and neurocranium. In addition, the flow velocities inside the bucco-pharyngeal cavity and in front of the mouth were calculated. Our data suggest that the volume changes caused by lateral expansion are dominant over ventral expansion. Maximum gape, neurocranium rotation and hyoid depression are all reached before actual volume increase and before visible prey movement. This implies that, unlike previously studied teleosts, hyoid rotation does not contribute to ventral expansion by lowering the floor of the mouth during prey capture in H. reidi. The lateral volume changes show a rostro-caudal expansion, but the maximal flow velocity is not near the mouth aperture (as has been demonstrated for example in catfish) but at the narrow region of the buccal cavity, dorsal to the hyoid.
Ultrasound detection in the Gulf menhaden requires gas-filled bullae and an intact lateral line
Authors: Wilson Maria , Montie Eric W. , Mann Kenneth A. , Mann David A.
Published: October 2009

Clupeiform fish species, including the Gulf menhaden (Brevoortia patronus) that belong to the subfamily Alosinae, can detect ultrasound. Clupeiform fishes are unique in that they have specialized gas-filled bullae in the head associated with the ear via the bulla membrane and with the lateral line via the lateral recess membrane. It has been hypothesized that the utricle of the inner ear is responsible for ultrasound detection through a specialized connection to the gas-filled bullae complex. Here, we show that the lateral line and its connection to the gas-filled bullae complex via the lateral recess are involved in ultrasound detection in Gulf menhaden. Removal of a small portion of the lateral line overlying the lateral recess membrane eliminates the ability of Gulf menhaden to detect ultrasound. We further show that the gas-filled bullae vibrates in response to ultrasound, that the gas-filled bullae are necessary for detecting ultrasound, and that the bullae connections to the lateral line viathe lateral recess membrane play an important role in ultrasound detection. These results add a new dimension to the role of the lateral line and bullae as part of the ultrasonic detection system in Gulf menhaden.
Energy metabolism and metabolic depression during exercise inCallinectes sapidus, the Atlantic blue crab: effects of the bacterial pathogenVibrio campbellii
Authors: Thibodeaux Lindy K. , Burnett Karen G. , Burnett Louis E.
Published: October 2009

Callinectes sapidus (Rathbun), the Atlantic blue crab, commonly harbors low to moderate amounts of bacteria in hemolymph and other tissues. These bacteria are typically dominated by Vibrio spp., which are known to cause mortality in the blue crab. The dose-dependent lethality of an isolate of Vibrio campbellii was determined in crabs; the mean 48 h LD50 (half-maximal lethal dose) was 6.2×105 colony forming units g–1 crab. Injection of a sublethal dose of V. campbellii into the hemolymph of the crab resulted in a rapid and large depression (30–42%) of metabolic rate, which persisted for 24 h. Because gills are an organ of immune function as well as respiration, we were interested in how bacteria injected into the crab would affect the energetic costs associated with walking. Overall metabolism (aerobic and anaerobic) more than doubled in crabs walking for 30 min at 8 m min–1. The metabolic depression resulting from bacterial injection persisted throughout the exercise period and patterns of phosphagen and adenylate consumption within walking leg muscle were not affected by treatment. The ability of crabs to supply required energy for walking is largely unaffected by exposure to Vibrio; however, Vibrio-injected crabs are less aerobic while doing so. This depressed metabolic condition in response to bacteria,present during moderate activity, could be a passive result of mounting an immune response or may indicate an actively regulated metabolic depression. A compromised metabolism can affect the performance of daily activities, such as feeding and predator avoidance or affect the ability to cope with environmental stressors, such as hypoxia.
Replacement time of a cutting tool subject to variable speed
Authors: Tail M , Yacout S , Balazinski M
Published: October 2009

This paper studies the problem of finding the time to tool replacement when a tool is used under different sequential values of cutting speed. The proportional hazards model (PHM) is used to model the tool's reliability and hazard functions. The model's covariate is the cutting speed. Experimental data are obtained and used to construct and validate the PHM, which is then used in decision making. Three criteria for tool replacement are proposed. The results show that the PHM offers a very good representation of the reliability and the hazard functions at different speed values. These results are discussed and conclusions are drawn.
Fully coupled thermomechanical finite element analysis of material evolution during friction-stir welding of AA5083
Authors: Grujicic M , He T , Arakere G , Yalavarthy H V , Yen C-F , Cheeseman B A
Published: October 2009

Interactions between the rotating and advancing pin-shaped tool (terminated at one end with a circular—cylindrical shoulder) with the clamped welding plates and the associated material and heat transport during a friction-stir welding (FSW) process are studied computationally using a fully coupled thermomechanical finite element analysis. To surmount potential numerical problems associated with extensive mesh distortions/entanglement, an arbitrary Lagrangian—Eulerian (ALE) formulation was used, which enabled adaptive remeshing (to ensure the continuing presence of a high-quality mesh) while allowing full tracking of the material-free surfaces. To demonstrate the utility of the present computational approach, the analysis is applied to the case of FSW of AA5083 (a solid—solution strengthened and strain-hardened/stabilized Al—Mg wrought alloy). To account for the competition between plastic deformation-controlled strengthening and dynamic recrystallization-induced softening phenomena during the FSW process, the original Johnson—Cook strain and strain-rate hardening and temperature-softening material strength model is modified using the available recrystallization kinetics experimental data. Lastly, the computational results obtained in the present work are compared with their experimental counterparts available in the open literature. This comparison revealed that general trends regarding spatial distribution and temporal evolutions of various material-state quantities and their dependence on the FSW process parameters are reasonably well predicted by the present computational approach.
Curing characteristics of ceramic stereolithography for an aqueous-based silica suspension
Authors: Chen Z , Li D , Zhou W , Wang L
Published: October 2009

The purpose of this paper is to develop the relationships between ceramic stereolithography (SL) process parameters and curing characteristics of a ceramic suspension. A recently developed photocurable aqueous-based silica suspension with high solid loading (50 vol%) was employed to run small batch experiments. Basic structural building units including single line and layer parts were fabricated, based on a new building scheme to establish the predictive equations with the ceramic SL process parameters. The curing profiles of this silica suspension were also observed and analysed. The photosensitive parameters were determined. Some comparisons were made with conventional resin. The influence of the scattering effect was discussed. With the adequate process parameters chosen, the cured layers could achieve a sufficient depth (higher than 200 μm) and the ceramic green parts obtained could possess appropriate adhesions between adjacent cured lines and layers. Finally, using these parameters, several of the structural and functional ceramic components were built and demonstrated; the dimensional resolution reached was about 0.1 mm.
Combustion model reduction for diesel engine control design
Authors: Felsch C , Hoffmann K , Vanegas A , Drews P , Barths H , Abel D , Peters N
Published: October 2009

The subject of this work is the derivation of a simulation model for premixed charge compression ignition (PCCI) combustion that can be used in closed-loop control development. For the high-pressure part of the engine cycle, a detailed three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics model is reduced to a stand-alone multi-zone chemistry model. This multi-zone chemistry model is extended by a mean value model accounting for the gas exchange losses. The resulting model is capable of describing PCCI combustion with stationary exactness, and is at the same time very economic with respect to computational costs. The model is further extended by the identified system dynamics that influence the stationary inputs. For this purporse, a Wiener model is set up that uses the stationary model as a non-linear system representation. In this way, a dynamic non-linear model for the representation of the controlled plant diesel engine is created.
Haemorrhagic transformation of cerebral infarction in an AIDS patient – thrombophaelia screen essential!
Authors: Yoganathan K , Benton A
Published: October 2009

Patients with advanced HIV disease with low CD4 count are more prone to thrombo-embolism and various predisposing factors have been identified. These include the presence of anticardiolipin antibodies and the lupus anticoagulant, deficiencies of proteins C and S, heparin co-factor II and antithrombin. Increased levels of Von Willebrand factor and d-dimers have also been linked with thrombo-embolism, as has the presence of concurrent infections and malignancies. We report a case of an AIDS patient who presented with acute hemiparesis. He was severely immunosuppressed. Computed tomography of the head confirmed cerebral infarction with haemorrhagic transformation. He had no known risk factors apart from being severely immunocompromised and had high anticardiolipin antibodies and low free protein S.
HIV testing men in the antenatal setting: understanding male non-disclosure
Authors: Katz D A , Kiarie J N , John-Stewart G C , Richardson B A , John F N , Farquhar C
Published: October 2009

Prevention of infant HIV is a powerful incentive for maternal HIV diagnosis and an opportunity to increase male HIV testing and disclosure of HIV status within couples. We examined male HIV disclosure in couples who attended a Nairobi antenatal clinic (ANC), had individual HIV testing, and were counselled to disclose to their partner. At two-week follow-up, men and women independently reported HIV disclosure. Of 2104 women, 1993 requested partner attendance; 313 male partners came, of whom 183 chose individual HIV testing. Of 106 couples who followed up, 93% of both partners reported disclosure by women versus 71% by men ( P < 0.0001); 27% of men reported disclosure while their female partner reported not knowing partner HIV status. In these couples, male ANC HIV testing did not result in shared knowledge of HIV status. Couple counselling models that incorporate disclosure may yield greater HIV prevention benefits than offering individual partner HIV testing services at ANC.
Microscopy detection of rectal gonorrhoea in asymptomatic men
Authors: Forni J , Miles K , Hamill M
Published: October 2009

This audit aimed to determine the usefulness of microscopy to detect presumptive rectal gonorrhoea (GC) infection in asymptomatic men. We retrospectively audited more than 400 male patients attending a London genitourinary medicine clinic from January 2005 to March 2007 who tested rectal culture positive for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and compared this with the microscopy detection rate. In total, 123/423 (29%) of culture positive samples were microscopy positive. Of those that tested microscopy negative (300/423), 64 (21%) were symptomatic and 236 (79%) asymptomatic. In addition, a time and motion study examined 81 rectal slides over a two-week period to identify microscopy reading time required to make a presumptive diagnosis of GC. Three slides were positive, resulting in six hours and 45 minutes to detect one positive sample. Given the low sensitivity for rectal microscopy coupled with the length of time required to obtain a presumptive positive rectal GC result, we believe rectal microscopy is no longer a cost-effective tool screening for asymptomatic men, and this report supports the BASHH guideline that it is not recommended in the management of asymptomatic rectal infection.
The Desirability of Being Open About Health Care Rationing Decisions: Findings from a Qualitative Study of Patients and Clinical Professionals
Authors: Owen-Smith Amanda , Coast Joanna , Donovan Jenny
Published: October 2009

Objective

To understand the views of patients and professionals about how feasible and appropriate it is to make health care rationing decisions openly at the consultation level.

Methods

Thirty-one patients and 21 health care professionals were asked about their experiences of implicit and explicit rationing during in-depth interviews structured around two clinical case studies (morbid obesity and breast cancer). Sampling was undertaken theoretically and data analysis was carried out using constant comparison.

Results

Patients had a broad awareness of health care rationing and nearly all said they wanted to know how financial factors affected the provision of their health care. However, the experience of explicit rationing could be distressing and one patient regretted having been told. Despite a firm commitment to the ideal of being open with patients about rationing, in practice, clinical professionals encountered a number of ethical and practical barriers to making such decisions explicitly, meaning that implicit methods were frequently adopted.

Conclusions

The results suggest that moves in the UK and elsewhere to undertake rationing more explicitly are in line with the preferences of the majority of patients and professionals. However, the potential for distress caused through rationing openly means that further research is needed to understand whether explicitness is always the best approach at the consultation level, and professionals need further training and support to deal with the stressful nature of making rationing decisions openly.
Mängelgewährleistungsansprüche bei einem Vertrag mit sog. Ohne-Rechnung-Abrede
Authors: Jooß Alexander
Published: October 2009

In seinen Entscheidungen vom 24. 4. 2008 (NJW-RR 2008, 1050 und NJW-RR 2008, 1051) bejahte der BGH Mängelgewährleistungsansprüche, obwohl die zugrunde liegenden Werkverträge wegen einer sog. Ohne-Rechnung-Abrede nichtig waren. Es ist zu erwarten, dass sich die Besteller angeblich fehlerhafter Werkleistungen hierauf berufen werden und nunmehr verstärkt Gewährleistungsrechte gerichtlich durchzusetzen versuchen. Die folgende Abhandlung setzt sich kritisch mit den Entscheidungen des BGH auseinander und geht insbesondere auf die – für die Praxis wichtige – Frage ein, ob nunmehr in sämtlichen Fällen der Ohne-Rechnung-Abrede sowie ohne weitere Prüfung Gewährleistungsansprüche bejaht werden können.
Christliche Transformation des antiken Dialogs bei Justin und Minucius Felix
Authors: Heyden Katharina
Published: October 2009

Christian apologetic dialogues are often dismissed as functional literature (“Gebrauchsliteratur”). In this paper the author uses the concept of literary staging (“Inszenierung”) to outline a hermeneutics for Christian dialogues that appreciates them as genuine literature. This hermeneutics is applied to the two oldest preserved examples of this genre: the analysis of literary staging shows Justin's Dialogue with the Jew Tryphon to be progress from a platonic elenctical dialogue to an instructional conversation on the basis of the Holy Scriptures. The Octavius of Minucius Felix transforms the sceptical method of Cicero into a paradigm of Christian eloquentia. Thus, the specific literary staging of the dialogues reflects what the authors considered to be the new and truthful character of the Christian philosophy: for Justin it is the right exegesis of the biblical scriptures, for Minucius the overcoming of philosophical scepticism in argumentation and method. The concordance of literal form and philosophical content proves both dialogues to be genuine literature.
Costantino e l'immagine del Salvatore. Una prospettiva mnemostorica sull'aniconismo cristiano antico
Authors: Canetti Luigi
Published: October 2009

In Byzantium and in the Latin West the theological and political legacy of Constantine the Great was particularly heavy from the very beginning, in relation to the earlier religious images and principally to the new iconic figural and non-figural symbols of the Christian salvation. Between the 5th and the 6th centuries, the papal and orthodox use of Constantine's image found a first expression in the most ancient Latin version of pope Sylvester's legend (Actus Silvestri). Shortly afterwards the hagiographical nucleus of this legend became part of pope Sylvester's biography, with which begins the Liber Pontificalis of the Roman Church, indeed one of the principal sources for the spread of the legendary account of Constantine's baptism and the image of Constantine as generous benefactor of the papacy. These themes nourished the hagiographical and theological-political imagery of the Christian West for more than a millennium. Between the 8th and the 9th centuries and then from the 11th century onwards, they gave rise to the Roman bishopric's various claims of a universal primacy confirmed by law, already expressed in the Constitutum Constantini and the pseudo-Isidorian Decretales.

Scholarship has clarified the general features of this complex subject. This article presents a mnemo-historical reading that outlines the subject's multifaceted and protean hermeneutic potential, in relation to the connection between power and salvation and to the legitimization of the Christian sovereignty through the iconic signs of the divine presence. This will involve a discussion on the mythical image of Constantine as patron of Christ's images in churches – in support of which there is no archaeological evidence – and on the Lateran basilica of the Saviour, which was the first church of Rome and, until the end of the 13th century, the most prestigious container of relics and memory of the Medieval West.
Into the Poem of the Universe: Exempla, Conversion, and Church in Augustine's Confessiones
Authors: Ayres Lewis
Published: October 2009

Der vorliegende Artikel untersucht den Begriff exemplum innerhalb der Confessiones Augustins. Der Autor vertritt die These, Augustin gestalte die berühmte Gartenszene in Confessiones VIII mit ihrem Kindersingsang (tolle, lege) parallel zur Reaktion des Ambrosius auf das erstmalige Hören des Evangeliums. Diese nachahmende Bezugnahme befindet sich im Zentrum einer Reihe weiterer Bekehrungsszenen bekannter Vorbilder (exempla), die ihrerseits Wirkung göttlicher Vorherbestimmung sind und maßgeblich zur Bekehrung Augustins beitragen. Die Untersuchung der augustinischen Verwendung von exemplum im Zusammenspiel mit Augustins sich entwickelnder Auffassung vom menschlichen Willen lässt den Autor zu der Auffassung gelangen, dass die durch exempla wirkende göttliche Vorhersehung dazu dient, die Christen in einen universellen Heilsplan einzubinden, der bereits in der Schöpfung angelegt ist. Der Artikel schließt mit einer Reflexion des experimentellen Charakters des augustinischen Gebrauchs von exemplum/exempla innerhalb der Confessiones im Rückgriff auf die heidnisch-antike Tradition.
Polemics reheated? The reception of ancient anti-Christian writings in the Enlightenment
Authors: Kinzig Wolfram
Published: October 2009

Der Artikel diskutiert die These von Forschern wie Henri Busson, Lucien Febvre, François Berriot oder Wolfgang Gericke, derzufolge antike Christentumskritiker wie der Philosoph Kelsos und der Kaiser Julian (der so genannte „Apostat“) der Philosophie der Aufklärung in ihrer Auseinandersetzung mit dem Christentum eine erhebliche, wenn nicht gar die entscheidende Argumentationshilfe geboten hätten. Ein Durchgang durch zentrale Schriften der aufklärerischen Religionskritik erbringt zwar tatsächlich Hinweise auf eine solche Rezeption im Bemühen, Widersprüche in der Bibel und der christlichen Lehre aufzuweisen. Ebenso konnten Kelsos und Julian als rationalistische „Rollenmodelle“ für die Kirchenkritik benutzt werden. Umgekehrt nutzten aber auch Apologeten des Christentums die Schriften der beiden antiken Philosophen, um die Wahrheit des Christentums nachzuweisen. Der Einfluss der antiken Christentumskritik scheint am stärksten am Hof Friedrichs des Großen gewesen zu sein. Insgesamt gesehen blieb er jedoch begrenzt, weil der Polytheismus eines Kelsos oder eines Julian dem entstehenden modernen Atheismus keine wirklichen Alternativen anbot.
Zwei Anmerkungen zum Johanneskommentar des Origenes
Authors: Thümmel Hans Georg
Published: October 2009

The short article deals with the question how many books Origens Commentary on John comprehen ded which has come down to us only in pieces (aside from books I, II, VI, X, XIII, XIX, XX, XXVIII, XXXII only in fragments). The author states that there never existed just one single codex which contained all 32 books of the commentary together, but that every single book was written and published seperately and gradually – noticable e.g. in the dedication given at the beginning of every single book. Additionally the author gives two thoughts about the text of Commentary on John II 210.
Aus Wirtschaftskrisen lernen - aber wie? Krisenszenarien im Vergleich
Authors: Abelshauser Werner
Published: October 2009

Vorspann

Die wirtschaftshistorische Forschung ist keine Garküche, die das Menu gegenwärtiger Krisenstrategien aus historisch bewährten Fertigrezepten liefern könnte. Sie bietet aber Stoff für das Denken in Szenarien und damit für die realen Möglichkeiten, die die Zukunft bringen kann. Dies ist in einer Zeit, in der Standard-Prognosen versagen müssen, viel wert. Gegenwärtig zählt weniger die Fähigkeit zur routinierten Berechnung von Risiken. Der Umgang mit Unsicherheit erfordert qualitative Lösungsansätze. Werner Abelshauser entwickelt dazu Szenarien von synthetischer Qualität, die sie unabhängig von ihrer ursprünglichen ereignisgeschichtlichen Einbettung übertragbar machen.
Americans in An Giang: Nation Building and the Particularities of Place in the Mekong Delta, 1966––1973
Authors: Biggs David
Published: October 2009

In recent years, American diplomatic and military historians have begun to reexamine Cold War-era nation-building efforts in Vietnam and elsewhere. This essay explores the contested and contingent meanings of some US-sponsored nation-building programs established in the Republic of Vietnam during the 1960s. By focusing on nation-building activities in the Mekong Delta province of An Giang during the peak years of the Vietnam War, this essay suggests how historians may begin to assess these indirect effects of the war within a more nuanced, local Vietnamese historical framework. Such a history necessarily focuses on particular places and on the specific social and environmental conditions that shaped the course and outcome of nation-building projects undertaken there. Despite the universalist aspirations inherent in nation building, its effects varied widely from one place to another. In assessing the course and fate of these nation-building initiatives, this essay draws from the varied archival documents produced and collected by American provincial advisors during their stays in An Giang. A close reading of these reports reveals why the history of American nation-building programs in the Republic of Vietnam cannot be explained solely by reference to ideologies of modernization and counterinsurgency.
Reduced fetal movements
Authors: Unterscheider Julia , Horgan Richard , O'Donoghue Keelin , Greene Richard
Published: October 2009

Maternal perception of reduced fetal movements affects up to 15% of pregnancies.

Reduced fetal movements cause concern and anxiety and can be associated with poor pregnancy outcome.

Up to 29% of women complaining of diminished movements carry a small‐for‐gestational‐age fetus.

Multiple pathologies contibute to reduce fetal movements but in many pregnancies a cause is not found.

Learning objectives:

To establish what is meant by ‘reduced fetal movements’.

To understand the assessment tools for women presenting with reduced fetal movements.

To identify the fetus at risk of stillbirth and poor perinatal outcome.

To learn which investigations are useful and which are not, in order to apply appropriate assessment and management strategies.

Ethical issues:

Lack of good data on the management of reduced fetal movements.

Failure to recognise pregnancy pathologies in women presenting with reduced fetal movements.

Variation in practice in addressing this condition, with the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes.

Risk of producing iatrogenic problems through over‐investigation and unwarranted intervention in a healthy fetus.

Please cite this article as: Unterscheider J, Horgan R, O'Donoghue K, Greene R. Reduced fetal movements. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2009;11:245–251.