bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arthrometric Measurement of Ankle-Complex Motion: Normative Values
Authors: Schwarz Neil A. , Kovaleski John E. , Heitman Robert J. , Gurchiek Larry R. , Gubler-Hanna Coral
Published: March 2011

Context:

Valid and reliable measurements of ankle-complex motion have been reported using the Hollis Ankle Arthrometer. No published normative data of ankle-complex motion obtained from ankle arthrometry are available for use as a reference for clinical decision making.

Objective:

To describe the distribution variables of ankle-complex motion in uninjured ankles and to establish normative reference values for use in research and to assist in clinical decision making.

Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Setting:

University research laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants:

Both ankles of 50 men and 50 women (age = 21.78 ± 2.0 years [range, 19–25 years]) were tested.

Intervention(s):

Each ankle underwent anteroposterior (AP) and inversion-eversion (I-E) loading using an ankle arthrometer.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Recorded anterior, posterior, and total AP displacement (millimeters) at 125 N and inversion, eversion, and total I-E rotation (degrees) at 4 Nm.

Results:

Women had greater ankle-complex motion for all variables except for posterior displacement. Total AP displacement of the ankle complex was 18.79 ± 4.1 mm for women and 16.70 ± 4.8 mm for men (U = 3742.5, P < .01). Total I-E rotation of the ankle complex was 42.10° ± 9.0° for women and 34.13° ± 10.1° for men (U = 2807, P < .001). All variables were normally distributed except for anterior displacement, inversion rotation, eversion rotation, and total I-E rotation in the women's ankles and eversion rotation in the men's ankles; these variables were skewed positively.

Conclusions:

Our study increases the available database on ankle-complex motion, and it forms the basis of norm-referenced clinical comparisons and the basis on which quantitative definitions of ankle pathologic conditions can be developed.
Chronic Ankle Instability: Evolution of the Model
Authors: Hiller Claire E. , Kilbreath Sharon L. , Refshauge Kathryn M.
Published: March 2011

Context:

The Hertel model of chronic ankle instability (CAI) is commonly used in research but may not be sufficiently comprehensive. Mechanical instability and functional instability are considered part of a continuum, and recurrent sprain occurs when both conditions are present. A modification of the Hertel model is proposed whereby these 3 components can exist independently or in combination.

Objective:

To examine the fit of data from people with CAI to 2 CAI models and to explore whether the different subgroups display impairments when compared with a control group.

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Patients or Other Participants:

Community-dwelling adults and adolescent dancers were recruited: 137 ankles with ankle sprain for objective 1 and 81 with CAI and 43 controls for objective 2.

Intervention(s):

Two balance tasks and time to recover from an inversion perturbation were assessed to determine if the subgroups demonstrated impairments when compared with a control group (objective 2).

Main Outcome Measure(s):

For objective 1 (fit to the 2 models), outcomes were Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool score, anterior drawer test results, and number of sprains. For objective 2, outcomes were 2 balance tasks (number of foot lifts in 30 seconds, ability to balance on the ball of the foot) and time to recover from an inversion perturbation. The Cohen d was calculated to compare each subgroup with the control group.

Results:

A total of 56.5% of ankles (n = 61) fit the Hertel model, whereas all ankles (n = 108) fit the proposed model. In the proposed model, 42.6% of ankles were classified as perceived instability, 30.5% as recurrent sprain and perceived instability, and 26.9% as among the remaining groups. All CAI subgroups performed more poorly on the balance and inversion-perturbation tasks than the control group. Subgroups with perceived instability had greater impairment in single-leg stance, whereas participants with recurrent sprain performed more poorly than the other subgroups when balancing on the ball of the foot. Only individuals with hypomobility appeared unimpaired when recovering from an inversion perturbation.

Conclusions:

The new model of CAI is supported by the available data. Perceived instability alone and in combination characterized the majority of participants. Several impairments distinguished the sprain groups from the control group.
Changes in Knee Biomechanics After a Hip-Abductor Strengthening Protocol for Runners With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Authors: Ferber Reed , Kendall Karen D. , Farr Lindsay
Published: March 2011

Context:

Very few authors have investigated the relationship between hip-abductor muscle strength and frontal-plane knee mechanics during running.

Objective:

To investigate this relationship using a 3-week hip-abductor muscle-strengthening program to identify changes in strength, pain, and biomechanics in runners with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS).

Design:

Cohort study.

Setting:

University-based clinical research laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants:

Fifteen individuals (5 men, 10 women) with PFPS and 10 individuals without PFPS (4 men, 6 women) participated.

Intervention(s):

The patients with PFPS completed a 3-week hip-abductor strengthening protocol; control participants did not.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

The dependent variables of interest were maximal isometric hip-abductor muscle strength, 2-dimensional peak knee genu valgum angle, and stride-to-stride knee-joint variability. All measures were recorded at baseline and 3 weeks later. Between-groups differences were compared using repeated-measures analyses of variance.

Results:

At baseline, the PFPS group exhibited reduced strength, no difference in peak genu valgum angle, and increased stride-to-stride knee-joint variability compared with the control group. After the 3-week protocol, the PFPS group demonstrated increased strength, less pain, no change in peak genu valgum angle, and reduced stride-to-stride knee-joint variability compared with baseline.

Conclusions:

A 3-week hip-abductor muscle-strengthening protocol was effective in increasing muscle strength and decreasing pain and stride-to-stride knee-joint variability in individuals with PFPS. However, concomitant changes in peak knee genu valgum angle were not observed.
Interday Reliability of Peak Muscular Power Outputs on an Isotonic Dynamometer and Assessment of Active Trunk Control Using the Chop and Lift Tests
Authors: Palmer Thomas G. , Uhl Timothy L.
Published: March 2011

Context:

Assessment techniques used to measure functional tasks involving active trunk control are restricted to linear movements that lack the explosive movements and dynamic tasks associated with activities of daily living and sport. Reliable clinical methods used to assess the diagonal and ballistic movements about the trunk are lacking.

Objective:

To assess the interday reliability of peak muscular power outputs while participants performed diagonal chop and lift tests and maintained a stable trunk.

Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Setting:

University research laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants:

Eighteen healthy individuals (10 men and 8 women; age  =  32 ± 11 years, height  =  168 ± 12 cm, mass  =  80 ± 19 kg) from the general population participated.

Intervention(s):

Participants performed 2 power tests (chop, lift) using an isotonic dynamometer and 3 endurance tests (Biering-Sørensen, side-plank left, side-plank right) to assess active trunk control. Testing was performed on 3 different days separated by at least 1 week. Reliability was compared between days 1 and 2 and between days 2 and 3. Correlations between the power and endurance tests were evaluated to determine the degree of similarity.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Peak muscular power outputs (watts) derived from a 1-repetition maximum protocol for the chop and lift tests were collected for both the right and left sides.

Results:

Intraclass correlation coefficients for peak muscular power were highly reliable for the chop (range, 0.87–0.98), lift (range, 0.83–0.96), and endurance (range, 0.80–0.98) tests between test sessions. The correlations between the power assessments and the Biering-Sørensen test (r range, −0.008 to 0.017) were low. The side-plank tests were moderately correlated with the chop (r range, 0.528–0.590) and the lift (r range, 0.359–0.467) tests.

Conclusions:

The diagonal chop and lift power protocol generated reliable data and appears to be a dynamic test that simulates functional tasks, which require dynamic trunk control.
Development of a Heat-Illness Screening Instrument Using the Delphi Panel Technique
Authors: Eberman Lindsey E. , Cleary Michelle A.
Published: March 2011

Context:

Exertional heat illness (EHI) is the third leading cause of death among athletes, but with preparticipation screening, risk factors can be identified, and some EHIs can be prevented.

Objective:

To establish content validity of the Heat Illness Index Score (HIIS), a 10-item screening instrument designed to identify athletes at risk for EHI during a preparticipation examination.

Design:

Delphi study.

Setting:

The Delphi technique included semistructured face-to-face or telephone interviews and included electronic questionnaires administered via e-mail.

Patients or Other Participants:

Six individuals with extensive research experience and/or clinical expertise in EHI participated as expert panelists.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

We used a Delphi panel technique (3 rounds) to evaluate the HIIS with the consensus of expert opinions. For round 1, we conducted face-to-face interviews with the panelists. For round 2, we solicited panelists' feedback of the transcribed data to ensure trustworthiness, then provided the participants with the revised HIIS and a questionnaire eliciting their levels of agreement for each revision from the previous round on a visual analog scale (11.4 cm) with extreme indicators of strongly disagree and strongly agree. We calculated the mean and SD for each revision and accepted when the mean was greater than 7.6 cm (agree) and the SD still permitted a positive response (>5.7 cm), suggesting consensus. For round 3, we instructed participants to indicate their levels of agreement with each final, revised item and their levels of agreement with the entire instrument on a 4-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree, 4 = strongly agree).

Results:

In round 1, panelists supported all 10 items but requested various revisions. In round 2, 16.3% (7 of 43) revisions were rejected, and 2 revisions were modified. In round 3, 100% of panelists reported agreeing (n = 3 of 6) or strongly agreeing (n = 3 of 6) with the final instrument.

Conclusions:

Panelists were able to achieve consensus and validated the content of the HIIS, as well as the instrument itself. Implementation and further analysis are necessary to effectively identify the diagnostic accuracy of the HIIS.
Sfragís and its metaphorical testimonial presence in 2 Timothy 2:19
Authors: Molina Carlos , Van Eck Ernest
Published: March 2011

This article presented a metaphorical testimonial approach in the interpretation of 2 Timothy 2:19 and the use of sealing. As starting point, attention was given to the concept of ‘seal’ through the Old Testament and Ancient Near East. These periods attest the fact that sealing was also utilised in a figurative way as a sign of ownership, property and authenticity. Sfragís in 2 Timothy 2:19 describes the intimate relationship between Christ and his followers through the terms [foreign font omitted (personal and vital relationship that transcends in practice) and [foreign font omitted (mainly an exterior knowledge)]. These two vocables are in opposition to [foreign font omitted (to apostate from)]. The message expressed in 2:19 exemplifies the principles that Christ lived by and he empowered his followers to stand by. Sfragís in 2 Timothy 2:19 is an imitatio Christi response against the [foreign font omitted] of moral standards and entertainment in the ancient Roman world. It includes a rapid contemporary reflection on practical faithfulness for today’s life.
Optimized Protocol for Protein Extraction from the Breast Tissue that is Compatible with Two-Dimensional Gel Electrophoresis
Authors: Zakharchenko Olena , Greenwood Christina , Alldridge Louise , Souchelnytskyi Serhiy
Published: March 2011

Proteomics is a highly informative approach to analyze cancer-associated transformation in tissues. The main challenge to use a tissue for proteomics studies is the small sample size and difficulties to extract and preserve proteins. The choice of a buffer compatible with proteomics applications is also a challenge. Here we describe a protocol optimized for the most efficient extraction of proteins from the human breast tissue in a buffer compatible with two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2D-GE). This protocol is based on mechanically assisted disintegration of tissues directly in the 2D-GE buffer. Our method is simple, robust and easy to apply in clinical practice. We demonstrate high quality of separation of proteins prepared according to the reported here protocol.
Abnormal Cystatin C Levels in Two Patients with Bardet-Biedl Syndrome
Authors: Hirano Makito , Ohishi Mitsuru , Yamashita Toshihide , Ikuno Yasushi , Iwahashi Hiromi , Mano Toshiyuki , Ishihara Ryu , Tanaka Ichiro , Yanagihara Keiko , Isono Chiharu , Sakamoto Hikaru , Nakamura Yusaku , Kusunoki Susumu
Published: March 2011

Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by central obesity, mental impairment, rod-cone dystrophy, polydactyly, hypogonadism in males, and renal abnormalities. The causative genes have been identified as BBS1-14. In the Western countries, the prevalence of this disease ranges from 1/13,500 to 1/160,000, while only a few Japanese patients have been reported in the English-language literature. The incidence of renal dysfunction or anomalies in previous reports varies considerably ranging from ∼20% to universal occurrence. We here report that two Japanese patients who had BBS with normal BUN and creatinine levels had elevated levels of cystatin C, a sensitive marker of glomerular filtration rate. A urine albumin level increased only in the elder patient. Thus, cystatin C may be useful for detecting renal abnormalities in patients with an apparent normal renal function. Because this disease is diagnosed by accumulation of symptoms, such a sensitive marker might help early diagnosis of BBS.
Bioinformatics-Based Predictions of Peptide Binding to Disease-Associated HLA Proteins Suggest Explanation for Shared Autoimmunity
Authors: Glutting JP , Reche Pedro A. , Fridkis-Hareli Masha
Published: March 2011

Aim

This study was designed to examine the immunogenetic basis for shared autoimmunity, resulting in autoantigen presentation that leads to the production of two or more disease-specific autoantibodies.

Methods

A bioinformatics approach based on peptide binding predictions to disease-associated HLA determinants has been developed and tested here using 11 disease associations between autoimmune systemic and mucocutaneous blistering disorders. Various HLAs associated with antigens within a given “disease model” (set of HLA class II and protein sequences known to be associated with a specific autoimmune disease) were tested and ranked against the antigenic proteins, first with proteins they are known to associate with and then with proteins known to be implicated in a second disease model. In every case binding predictions were compared for different proteins binding to the same HLA. Subsequently, disease-related autoantigens have been tested for their binding affinity against each disease-specific HLA class II protein.

Results

For a single HLA haplotype, several binders have been generated from a related autoantigen with the variable binding score. In most cases, the binding score corresponding to the interactions between the autoantigen-derived epitope and the HLA associated with one disease was similar or lower than the interactions between the epitope from proteins associated with the second disease and the same HLA. Notably, there was no compelling promiscuity in peptide binding to each of the HLA molecules, in spite of the promiscuous nature of HLA class II binding.

Conclusions

The data suggest that, in susceptible individuals, shared autoimmunity might be initiated by two types of HLA/peptide interaction; first between an autoantigen-derived epitope and its disease-associated HLA molecules, and second, between a different peptide of the same autoantigen and HLA proteins specific for the second disease.
Parabolic Geodesics in Sasakian 3-Manifolds
Authors: Cho Jong Taek , Inoguchi Jun-ichi , Lee Ji-Eun
Published: March 2011

We give explicit parametrizations for all parabolic geodesics in 3-dimensional Sasakian space forms.
Extension of Some Theorems of W. Schwarz
Authors: Coons Michael
Published: March 2011

In this paper, we prove that a non–zero power series F(z) ∈ ℂ[[z]] satisfying

where d ≥ 2, A(z), B(z) ∈ C[z] with A(z) ≠ 0 and deg A(z), deg B(z) < d is transcendental over ℂ(z). Using this result and a theorem of Mahler’s, we extend results of Golomb and Schwarz on transcendental values of certain power series. In particular, we prove that for all k ≥ 2 the series is transcendental for all algebraic numbers z with |z| < 1. We give a similar result for . These results were known to Mahler, though our proofs of the function transcendence are new and elementary; no linear algebra or differential calculus is used.
Peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) and peroxypropionyl nitrate (PPN) in urban and suburban atmospheres of Beijing, China
Authors: Zhang J. B. , Xu Z. , Yang G. , Wang B.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. Peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) and peroxypropionyl nitrate (PPN) were measured sequentially in situ by an online gas-phase chromatograph with electron capture detector at urban (Peking University, PKU) and suburban (Yufa, A town in the south of Beijing) sites in Beijing during the photochemical season in 2006. Maximum and average values of PAN were 11.22 ppbv and 1.95 ppbv at PKU during 15 to 27 August, and maximum and average values of PPN were 2.51 ppbv and 0.41 ppbv at Yufa during 2 to 12 September. Average mixing ratios (PAN/PPN) were 5.60 (at PKU) and 5.83 (at Yufa), which is much lower than those in other metropolitan areas. High correlation between PAN and PPN reflects similar volatile organic compound origins. Thermal loss of PAN and PPN was remarkable when compared with their ambient concentrations. PAN and PPN with ozone have similar trend by day. Thermal decompositions of PAN and PPN were calculated, and results indicated that thermal losses influence their atmospheric lifetime significantly. The percentages of PAN loss at the two sites were very similar; however, PPN urban loss was higher than that in suburban.
A new method to detect long term trends of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) total columns measured within the NDACC ground-based high resolution solar FTIR network
Authors: Angelbratt J. , Mellqvist J. , Blumenstock T. , Borsdorff T. , Brohede S. , Duchatelet P. , Forster F. , Hase F. , Mahieu E. , Murtagh D. , Petersen K. , Schneider M. , Sussmann R. , Urban J.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. A multiple regression model has been used to estimate linear trends of the CH4 and N2O total columns measured with the ground-based solar FTIR technique at four European stations, i.e. Jungfraujoch (47° N, 8° E, 3600 m a.s.l.), Zugspitze (47° N, 11° E, 3000 m a.s.l.), Harestua (60° N, 11° E, 600 m a.s.l.) and Kiruna (68° N, 20° E, 400 m a.s.l.). The total columns were retrieved with a common method developed within the EU-project HYMN. Anomalies from air pressure, total columns of hydrogen fluoride (HF) and carbon monoxide (CO) and tropopause height were used in the regression model to reduce the time series variability and thereby estimate trustful trends. Significant positive CH4 trends of 0.13–0.25% yr−1 at the 2-σ level were found for all participating stations for the 1996–2009 period. The strongest trends were estimated at northern latitudes stations while slightly weaker trends were observed in the Alps. For the time period of 2007–2009 a strong increase in the CH4 total column was observed for all stations with the strongest yearly growth at Kiruna (1.15 ± 0.17% yr−1). Significant positive N2O trends of 0.19–0.40% yr−1 were found for all stations in the 1996–2007 period with the strongest trend at Harestua. From the N2O data also crude tropospheric and stratospheric partial columns were derived, indicating that the observed difference in the N2O trends between the FTIR sites is of stratospheric origin. This agrees well with the N2O measurements by the Odin/SMR satellite showing the highest trends at Harestua 0.98 ± 0.28% yr−1, and considerably smaller trends in the alp regions 0.27 ± 0.25% yr−1. The multiple regression model was compared with two other trend methods, the ordinary linear regression and a Bootstrap algorithm. The multiple regression model estimated CH4 and N2O trends that differed by 12–31% compared to the other two methods. Since the trends estimated with the multiple regression model were carefully validated this stresses the importance to account for the atmospheric variability when estimating trends of CH4 and N2O total columns.
Comparison of accelerated ion populations observed upstream of the bow shocks at Venus and Mars
Authors: Yamauchi M. , Futaana Y. , Fedorov A. , Frahm R. A. , Winningham J. D. , Dubinin E. , Lundin R. , Barabash S. , Holmström M. , Mazelle C. , Sauvaud J.-A. , Zhang T. L. , Baumjohann W. , Coates A. J. , Fraenz M.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. Foreshock ions are compared between Venus and Mars at energies of 0.6~20 keV using the same ion instrument, the Ion Mass Analyser, on board both Venus Express and Mars Express. Venus Express often observes accelerated protons (2~6 times the solar wind energy) that travel away from the Venus bow shock when the spacecraft location is magnetically connected to the bow shock. The observed ions have a large field-aligned velocity compared to the perpendicular velocity in the solar wind frame, and are similar to the field-aligned beams and intermediate gyrating component of the foreshock ions in the terrestrial upstream region. Mars Express does not observe similar foreshock ions as does Venus Express, indicating that the Martian foreshock does not possess the intermediate gyrating component in the upstream region on the dayside of the planet. Instead, two types of gyrating protons in the solar wind frame are observed very close to the Martian quasi-perpendicular bow shock within a proton gyroradius distance. The first type is observed only within the region which is about 400 km from the bow shock and flows tailward nearly along the bow shock with a similar velocity as the solar wind. The second type is observed up to about 700 km from the bow shock and has a bundled structure in the energy domain. A traversal on 12 July 2005, in which the energy-bunching came from bundling in the magnetic field direction, is further examined. The observed velocities of the latter population are consistent with multiple specular reflections of the solar wind at the bow shock, and the ions after the second reflection have a field-aligned velocity larger than that of the de Hoffman-Teller velocity frame, i.e., their guiding center has moved toward interplanetary space out from the bow shock. To account for the observed peculiarity of the Martian upstream region, finite gyroradius effects of the solar wind protons compared to the radius of the bow shock curvature and effects of cold ion abundance in the bow shock are discussed.
On the role of oceanic entrainment temperature (Te) in decadal changes of El Niño/Southern Oscillation
Authors: Zhu J. , Zhou G. , Zhang R.-H. , Sun Z.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. The role of decadal changes in ocean thermal structure in modulating El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) properties was examined using a hybrid coupled model (HCM), consisting of a statistical atmospheric model and an oceanic general circulation model (OGCM) with an explicitly embedded empirical parameterization for the temperature of subsurface water entrained into the mixed layer (Te), which was constructed via an EOF analysis of model-based historical data. Using the empirical Te models constructed from two subperiods, 1963–1979 (Te63−79) and 1980–1996 (Te80−96), the coupled system exhibits striking different properties of interannual variability, including oscillation periods and the propagation characteristic of sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTAs) along the equator. In the Te63−79 run, the model features a 2–3 yr oscillation and a westward propagation of SSTAs along the equator, while in the Te80−96 run, it is characterized by a 4–5 yr oscillation and an eastward propagation. Furthermore, a Lag Covariance Analysis (LCOA) was utilized to illustrate the leading physical processes responsible for decadal change in SST. It is shown that the change in the structure of Te acts to modulate the relative strength of the zonal advective and thermocline feedbacks in the coupled system, leading to changes in ENSO properties. Two additional sensitive experiments were conducted to further illustrate the respective roles of the changes in ocean mean states and in Te in modulating ENSO behaviors. These decadal changes in the simulated ENSO properties are consistent with the observed shift occurred in the late 1970s and a previous simulation performed with an intermediate coupled model (ICM) described in Zhang and Busalacchi (2005), indicating a dominant role Te plays in decadal ENSO changes.
Central Serous Chorioretinopathy as a Presenting Symptom of Endogenous Cushing Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: lannetti Ludovico , Spinucci Giovanni , Pesci Francesca Romana , Vicinanza Roberto , Stigliano Antonio , Pivetti-Pezzi Paola
Published: March 2011

Purpose

To report a case of Cushing syndrome due to adrenocortical adenoma revealed by central serous chorioretinopathy.

Methods

A 45-year-old man presented with blurred vision and metamorphopsia in the left eye. He reported few episodes of high blood pressure in the last 3 months.

Results

Visual acuity was 20/40 in the left eye. Fundus oculi examination revealed central serous chorioretinopathy in the left eye. Grade 1 hypertension was found. Increased serum and urinary levels of Cortisol and reduced serum levels of ACTH were observed. Diagnosis of Cushing syndrome was made. Computed tomography scan revealed a right adrenal mass that was surgically removed; histologic examination showed an adrenocortical adenoma. Three months after surgical treatment, visual acuity improved to 20/20 and central serous chorioretinopathy completely resolved.

Conclusions

Central serous chorioretinopathy may be the presenting symptom of Cushing syndrome in a patient with adrenocortical adenoma.
“Some Worthless and Reckless Fellows”: Landlessness and Parasocial Leadership in Judges
Authors: Doak Brian R.
Published: March 2011

In this essay, I argue that the narratives in Judges 9, 11, and 18 should be read as examples of “parasocial” leadership in the Iron Age Levant. Specific characters such as Abimelek and Jephthah are parasocial leaders whose existence fits within known categories of regional social change. By extension, Judges may be read as the most sustained literary product in the ancient Near East depicting a world of habiru-like actors generating political transformation.
Monitoring Viral‐Mediated Membrane Fusion Using Fluorescent Reporter Methods
Authors: Kondo Naoyuki , Miyauchi Kosuke , Matsuda Zene
Published: March 2011

A simple and real‐time cell‐based assay of membrane fusion employing a pair of engineered novel reporter proteins is described. The reporter proteins are chimeras of split Renilla luciferase (RL) and split green fluorescent protein (GFP). This reporter allows us to perform both quantitative (RL mode) and visible (GFP mode) membrane fusion assays in live cells. The kinetic assay enabled by this method helps understand the mechanism of membrane fusion mediated by a viral envelope protein. This assay system is also suitable for the screening of potential inhibitors. The timing of inhibition by a particular inhibitor can be analyzed by time‐dependent addition of the inhibitor. Although this unit demonstrates the application of the method for the analysis of HIV‐1 envelope protein, the reporter can be applied to analyses of various other viral envelope proteins. Curr. Protoc. Cell Biol. 50:26.9.1‐26.9.9. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The emergence of the nontraditional doctorate: A historical overview
Authors: Archbald Douglas
Published: March 2011

The nontraditional doctorate is a relatively recent development in the long history of the doctoral degree. Understanding what makes a doctoral degree “nontraditional” requires describing its key features in relation to those of the traditional doctorate and embedding this analysis in a historical context.
Innovation in doctoral degrees designed for adult learners: A hybrid model in personal financial planning
Authors: Grable John E.
Published: March 2011

Innovation in doctoral degree program development and delivery provides an effective counterpoint to the expert–apprentice model established in the Middle Ages. The author outlines the importance of innovation in reaching adult learners and describes an innovative hybrid PhD program designed to allow aspiring doctoral adult‐age students to pursue a degree by providing access to education at a distance.
The development of a new doctoral degree program to serve an adult audience: Georgetown University
Authors: O'Callaghan Phyllis
Published: March 2011

The road to a new degree program is rarely smooth. The author describes the lengthy and bumpy path to the successful creation of and approval for the first nontraditional doctorate offered at Georgetown University, the Doctor of Liberal Studies Degree (DLS). It also outlines the distinctive features of that degree.
Non‐conventional Processing and Post‐processing Methods for the Nanostructuring of Conjugated Materials for Organic Electronics
Authors: De Luca Giovanna , Pisula Wojciech , Credgington Dan , Treossi Emanuele , Fenwick Oliver , Lazzerini Giovanni Mattia , Dabirian Reza , Orgiu Emanuele , Liscio Andrea , Palermo Vincenzo , Müllen Klaus , Cacialli Franco , Samorì Paolo
Published: March 2011

In the search for new ways to combine the appealing simplicity of solution processing methods and the need for a high performance of the active layer of organic (opto)electronic devices, the possibilities given by the joint use of well‐established casting techniques and post‐treatment procedures are explored, as well as new and unconventional deposition protocols to tailor self‐assembled architectures with a high degree of order at different length scales, from the subnanometer up to the macroscopic scale. In fact, even the same organic molecule can give rise to different molecular architectures which, in turn, may offer the possibility to exploit a large variety of new functionalities of the deposited materials, paving the way towards the fabrication multifunctional organic‐based devices.
Synthesis of Isoquinolines via Rhodium(III)‐Catalyzed Dehydrative CC and CN Coupling between Oximines and Alkynes
Authors: Zhang Xingping , Chen Dan , Zhao Miao , Zhao Jing , Jia Aiqun , Li Xingwei
Published: March 2011

Isoquinolines have been synthesized from the redox‐neutral dehydrative CN and CC cross‐coupling between oximines and alkynes using a catalytic amount of (pentamethylcyclopentadiene)rhodium dichloride dimer {[RhCp*Cl2]2} and cesium acetate (CsOAc), a process that involves ortho CH activation of oximines and subsequent functionalization with alkynes. This redox‐neutral catalytic isoquinoline synthesis operates under mild conditions, and is insensitive to moisture or air. A broad scope of coupling partners has been established, and a likely mechanism has been suggested.
Behavioral changes associated with economic development in the South Pacific: Health transition in Vanuatu
Authors: Dancause Kelsey Needham , Dehuff Christa , Soloway Laura E. , Vilar Miguel , Chan Chim , Wilson Michelle , Tarivonda Len , Regenvanu Ralph , Kaneko Akira , Garruto Ralph M. , Lum J. Koji
Published: March 2011

Health patterns are changing in developing countries; as diet and activity patterns change with economic development, chronic disease prevalence increases, which is a characteristic of health transition. The islands of Vanuatu (South Pacific) have varying rates of economic development and provide a natural experimental model of health transition.

Objectives: To characterize behavioral changes associated with modernization.

Methods: We surveyed 425 children and 559 adults on three islands varying in degree of economic development. We assessed diet (24‐h dietary recall), physical activity (mode of transport, work activities, and recreation), substance use, and other behavioral patterns.

Results: Spending patterns and access to Western foods followed modernization gradients in our sample, whereas occupational patterns and ownership of technological goods were poor markers of modernization. With increasing economic development, participants consumed more animal proteins and simple carbohydrates. Physical activity levels were high; most participants were active in gardening, and sports were popular, especially in urban areas. However, urban participants spent more time in sedentary recreation. Men's use of alcohol and tobacco increased with economic development, but we observed marked differences in substance use patterns between two rural islands—one with and one without tourism.

Conclusions: Economic development in Vanuatu is accompanied by nutrition transition and increased sedentary recreation, although physical activity levels remain high. Differences in substance use patterns between rural islands with and without tourism indicate a need for more research in rural areas. These findings might inform research in other communities in the early stages of health transition. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2011. © 2011Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Harris lines revisited: Prevalence, comorbidities, and possible etiologies
Authors: Papageorgopoulou Christina , Suter Susanne K. , Rühli Frank J. , Siegmund Frank
Published: March 2011

Objectives: The occurrence of transverse radiopaque lines in long bones—Harris lines (HLs)—is correlated with episodes of temporary arrest of longitudinal growth and has been used as an indicator of health and nutritional status of modern and historical populations. However, the interpretation of HLs as a stress indicator remains debatable. The aim of this article is to evaluate the perspectives and the limitations of HLs analyses and to examine their reliability as a stress indicator.

Methods: The study was conducted on 241 tibiae from a medieval Swiss skeletal material and was carried out using a standardized, semiautomated HL detection and analysis tool developed by the authors. We compared four different age‐at‐formation estimation methods and analyzed the correlation of HL occurrence to life expectancy, mean‐age‐at‐death, stature, tibia length, and metabolic disorders as expressed by linear enamel hypoplasia and hypothyroidism.

Results: The evaluation of the age‐at‐formation estimation methods showed statistical significant differences. Therefore, a mathematical framework for the conversion between the methods has been developed. Remodeling had eliminated about half of the HLs formed during adolescence, and a further half of the remaining ones during early adulthood, whereas no association between the aforementioned conditions and HL prevalence could be determined. The peaks of high HL frequency among various populations were found to parallel normal growth spurts and growth hormone secretion.

Conclusions: We suggest a reconsideration of HLs as more of a result of normal growth and growth spurts, rather than a pure outcome of nutritional or pathologic stress. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mapping the Landscape of Potentially Primordial Informational Oligomers: (3′→2′)‐D‐Phosphoglyceric Acid Linked Acyclic Oligonucleotides Tagged with 2,4‐Disubstituted 5‐Aminopyrimidines as Recognition Elements
Authors: Hernández‐Rodríguez Marcos , Xie Jian , Osornio Yazmin M. , Krishnamurthy Ramanarayanan
Published: March 2011

The (3′→2′)‐phosphodiester glyceric acid backbone containing an acyclic oligomer tagged with 2,4‐disubstituted pyrimidines as alternative recognition elements have been synthesized. Strong cross‐pairing of a 2,4‐dioxo‐5‐aminopyrimidine hexamer, rivaling locked nucleic acid (LNA) and peptide nucleic acid (PNA), with complementary adenine‐containing DNA and RNA sequences was observed. The corresponding 2,4‐diamino‐ and 2‐amino‐4‐oxo‐5‐aminopyrimidine‐tagged oligomers were synthesized, but difficulties in deprotection, purification, and isolation thwarted further investigations. The acyclic phosphate backbone structure of the protected oligomer seems to be prone to an eliminative degradation owing to the acidic hydrogen at the 2′‐position—an arrangement that renders the oligomer vulnerable to the conditions used for the removal of the protecting groups on the heterocyclic recognition element. However, the free oligomers seem to be stable under the conditions investigated.
Determination of Explosives Using Electrochemically Reduced Graphene
Authors: Chen Ti‐Wei , Sheng Zhen‐Huan , Wang Kang , Wang Feng‐Bin , Xia Xing‐Hua
Published: March 2011

A graphene‐based electrochemical sensing platform for sensitive determination of explosive nitroaromatic compounds (NACs) was constructed by means of electrochemical reduction of graphene oxide (GO) on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The electrochemically reduced graphene (ER‐GO) adhered strongly onto the GCE surface with a wrinkled morphology that showed a large active surface area. 2,4‐Dinitrotoluene (2,4‐DNT), as a model analyte, was detected by using stripping voltammetry, which gave a low detection limit of 42 nmol L−1 (signal‐to‐noise ratio=3) and a wide linear range from 5.49×10−7 to 1.1×10−5 M. Further characterizations by electrochemistry, IR, and Raman spectra confirmed that the greatly improved electrochemical reduction signal of DNT on the ER‐GO‐modified GC electrode could be ascribed to the excellent electrocatalytic activity and high surface‐area‐to‐volume ratio of graphene, and the strong π–π stacking interactions between 2,4‐DNT and the graphene surface. Other explosive nitroaromatic compounds including 1,3‐dinitrobenzene (1,3‐DNB), 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene (TNT), and 1,3,5‐trinitrobenzene (TNB) could also be detected on the ER‐GO‐modified GC electrode at the nM level. Experimental results showed that electrochemical reduction of GO on the GC electrode was a fast, simple, and controllable method for the construction of a graphene‐modified electrode for sensing NACs and other sensing applications.
Portfolio selection with imperfect information: A hidden Markov model
Authors: Çanakoğlu Ethem , Özekici Süleyman
Published: March 2011

We consider a utility‐based portfolio selection problem, where the parameters change according to a Markovian market that cannot be observed perfectly. The market consists of a riskless and many risky assets whose returns depend on the state of the unobserved market process. The states of the market describe the prevailing economic, financial, social, political or other conditions that affect the deterministic and probabilistic parameters of the model. However, investment decisions are based on the information obtained by the investors. This constitutes our observation process. Therefore, there is a Markovian market process whose states are unobserved, and a separate observation process whose states are observed by the investors who use this information to determine their portfolios. There is, of course, a probabilistic relation between the two processes. The market process is a hidden Markov chain and we use sufficient statistics to represent the state of our financial system. The problem is solved using the dynamic programming approach to obtain an explicit characterization of the optimal policy and the value function. In particular, the return‐risk frontiers of the terminal wealth are shown to have linear forms. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Attacks on German public figures, 1968–2004: Warning behaviors, potentially lethal and non‐lethal acts, psychiatric status, and motivations
Authors: Hoffmann Jens , Meloy J. Reid , Guldimann Angela , Ermer Anneliese
Published: March 2011

Fourteen non‐terrorist attackers of public figures in Germany between 1968 and 2004 were intensively studied, with a particular focus on warning behaviors, attack behaviors, and the relationship between psychiatric diagnosis, symptoms, and motivations for the assault. A large proportion of the attackers were severely mentally ill, and most likely to be in the potentially lethal rather than the non‐lethal group. A new typology of seven warning behaviors was applied to the data, and all were present, most frequently fixation and pathway warning behavior, and least frequently a direct threat. Psychiatric diagnosis could be closely linked to motivation when analyzed at the level of symptom and content of thought, often delusional. Most of the attacks were directed at political figures, and the majority occurred after 1995. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In‐hospital outcomes of very elderly patients (85 years and older) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Appleby Clare E. , Ivanov Joan , Mackie Karen , Džavík Vladimír , Overgaard Christopher B.
Published: March 2011

Objective: To compare in‐hospital outcomes of a large cohort of very elderly patients (age ≥85 years) with younger patients (age <85 years) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for all indications at our institution. Background: Interventionist cardiologists are often reluctant to undertake PCI in very elderly patients due to the perception of poor outcome in this high‐risk cohort. However, the prognostic significance of advanced age itself is not clear. Methods: Baseline clinical, angiographic and procedural variables, and in‐hospital outcome data were entered into a prospective registry of 17,572 consecutive patients undergoing PCI at the University Health Network between April 2000 and December 2008. Patients were stratified according to age (<85 years, n = 17,168, or ≥85 years, n = 404) and in‐hospital mortality, major adverse cardiac events (MACE), and complication rates were calculated. Logistic regression‐analysis identified independent predictors of unadjusted mortality and MACE. Very elderly patients were propensity matched with younger patients (1:2 ratio), and the analysis repeated. Results: Very elderly patients had a mean age of 87.5 ± 2.9 (range, 85–97 years) vs. 62.8 ± 11.1 years for the younger cohort and had a greater number of comorbid conditions. This cohort were more likely to present as an urgent or primary PCI, underwent more complex interventions, and achieved less angiographic success. Unadjusted mortality and post procedure myocardial infarction were significantly higher in very elderly patients (6.93% vs. 1.20%, P < 0.0001 and 4.46% vs. 2.74%, P = 0.04). Renal, neurological, and access‐site complications were all greater in the very elderly cohort. Although age ≥85 years was a significant independent predictor of both mortality (OR, 2.62; CI, 1.44–4.78, P = 0.0016) and MACE (OR, 1.94; CI, 1.25–3.01, P = 0.003), other variables such as cardiogenic shock were more potent predictors of adverse outcomes. Conclusion: Very elderly patients represent a high‐risk cohort, with significantly increased in‐hospital mortality and complication rates after PCI. Death occurred predominantly in very elderly patients undergoing nonelective PCI. Decisions to proceed with PCI in very elderly patients should be based on other prognostic variables in combination with advanced age, and these patients should not be excluded from revascularization based on age alone. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Honeycomb Self‐Assembled Peptide Scaffolds by the Breath Figure Method
Authors: Du Mingchun , Zhu Pengli , Yan Xuehai , Su Ying , Song Weixing , Li Junbai
Published: March 2011

The self‐assembly of molecules into desired architectures is currently a challenging subject for the development of supramolecular chemistry. Here we present a facile “breath figure” assembly process through the use of the self‐assembled peptide building block diphenylalanine (L‐Phe‐L‐Phe, FF). Macroporous honeycomb scaffolds were fabricated, and average pore size could be regulated, from (1.00±0.18) μm to (2.12±0.47) μm, through the use of different air speeds. It is indicated that the honeycomb formation is humidity‐, solvent‐, concentration‐, and substrate‐dependent. Moreover, water molecules introduced from “breath figure” intervene in the formation of hydrogen bonds during FF molecular self‐assembly, which results in a hydrogen bond configuration transition from antiparallel β sheet to parallel β sheet. Meanwhile, as a result of the higher polarity of water molecules, the FF molecular array is transformed from laminar stacking into a hexagonal structure. These findings not only elucidate the FF molecule self‐assembly process, but also strongly support the mechanism of breath figure array formation. Finally, human embryo skin fibroblast (ESF) culture experiments suggest that FF honeycomb scaffolds are an attractive biomaterial for growth of adherent cells with great potential applications in tissue engineering.
Age‐related disparities in the use of radiotherapy for treatment of localized soft tissue sarcoma
Authors: Horton Janet K. , Gleason John F. , Klepin Heidi D. , Isom Scott , Fried Daniel B. , Geiger Ann M.
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND:

Many elderly patients with cancer experience increased cancer‐related morbidity and mortality compared with younger patients. In soft tissue sarcoma, adjuvant radiotherapy is an integral part of definitive therapy for limb preservation. The authors of this report hypothesized that age‐related disparities exist in the use of radiation.

METHODS:

Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data were used to conduct a retrospective cohort study among patients aged ≥25 years who were diagnosed from 1998 to 2004 with nonmetastatic, biopsy‐proven, high‐grade soft tissue sarcoma of the extremities and underwent a limb‐sparing procedure. Patients were stratified according to age (ages <50 years, 50‐70 years, and >70 years). Logistic regression was used to determine the association between age and the receipt of radiotherapy adjusting for histology, tumor location, tumor size, surgery, sex, race, and marital status. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to compare disease‐specific and all‐cause mortality.

RESULTS:

Among 1354 eligible patients; 37.1% were aged >70 years, 44.3% were women, and 84.4% were Caucasian. Although 73.8% of the cohort received radiotherapy, receipt decreased from 78.2% among patients aged <50 years to 69.6% among patients aged >70 years (test for trend; P = .006). After adjusting for demographic and tumor factors, older patients remained less likely to receive radiotherapy (odds ratio, 0.66; 95% confidence interval, 0.47‐0.92) and more likely to experience disease‐specific death (hazard ratio, 2.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.4‐4.1) compared with the youngest group.

CONCLUSIONS:

Older adults appeared to be less likely to receive definitive therapy for soft tissue sarcoma of the extremities. In the absence of clinical trials and treatment guidelines tailored to this population, under treatment may disadvantage elderly patients, who have increased cancer‐related morbidity and mortality. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.