bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and performance of an atmospheric pressure ion mobility Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer
Authors: Tang Xiaoting , Bruce James E. , Hill Herbert H.
Published: February 2007

This manuscript presents our initial results and development of a novel hybrid instrument that combines atmospheric pressure ion mobility spectrometry (AP‐IMS) with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR‐MS). Our preliminary results obtained from atmospheric pressure mobility separation of peptide mixtures combined with high‐resolution FTICR mass analysis are demonstrated. The custom IMS system was constructed in‐house and was coupled to the commercial FTICR‐MS instrument through a flared inlet capillary interface. Dual‐gate ion filtration was adapted to allow concurrent measurement of both mobility and m/z values. The feasibility of mobility separation was demonstrated with baseline separation of the peptides bradykinin and angiotensin II and their measured reduced mobility constants which were consistent with those previously reported. Furthermore, the unique size‐to‐charge separation mechanism of IMS that allows isomer separation was explored and demonstrated with the partial separation of two isomeric phosphopeptides. We feel the combination of IMS and FTICR‐MS holds great potential for accurate mass analysis of mobility‐selected ions and these results are the first to demonstrate the feasibility of coupling these two techniques. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of tryptic peptides using desorption electrospray ionisation combined with ion mobility spectrometry/mass spectrometry
Authors: Kaur‐Atwal Gushinder , Weston Daniel J. , Green Philip S. , Crosland Susan , Bonner Philip L. R. , Creaser Colin S.
Published: February 2007

A novel method is reported for rapid protein identification by the analysis of tryptic peptides using desorption electrospray ionisation (DESI) coupled with hyphenated ion mobility spectrometry and quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (IMS/Q‐ToF‐MS). Confident protein identification is demonstrated for the analysis of tryptically digested bovine serum albumin (BSA), with no sample pre‐treatment or clean‐up. Electrophoretic ion mobility separation of ions generated by DESI allowed examination of charge‐state and mobility distributions for tryptic peptide mixtures. Selective interrogation of singly charged ions allowed isobaric peptide responses to be distinguished, along with a reduction in spectral noise. The mobility‐selected singly charged peptide responses were presented as a pseudo‐peptide mass fingerprint (p‐PMF) for protein database searching. Comparative data are shown for electrospray ionisation (ESI) of the BSA digest, without sample clean‐up, from which confident protein identification could not be made. Implications for the robustness of the DESI method, together with potential insights into mechanisms for DESI of proteolytic digests, are discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metabolism and excretion of 5‐ethyl‐2‐{5‐[4‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)piperazine‐1‐sulfonyl]‐2‐propoxyphenyl}‐7‐propyl‐3,5‐dihydropyrrolo[3,2‐d]‐pyrimidin‐4‐one (SK3530) in rats
Authors: Lee Jaeick , Yoo Hye Hyun , Rhim Kwang Jin , Sohn Dong‐Ryul , Kim Dong‐Hyun
Published: February 2007

The in vitro and in vivo metabolism of a novel PDE 5 inhibitor, SK3530, was investigated in rats. Bile, plasma, feces, urine and liver samples were collected and analyzed using a high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system equipped with ultraviolet (UV), mass spectrometric and radioactivity detectors. After a single oral administration, the mean radiocarbon recovery was 92.32 ± 6.26%, with 91.25 ± 6.25 and 1.07 ± 0.21% in the feces and urine, respectively. The biliary excretion of radioactivity for the first 24 h period was approximately 38.82%, suggesting that SK3530 is cleared by hepatobiliary excretion. In vitro incubation of SK3530 with rat and human liver microsomes resulted in the formation of twelve and ten metabolites, respectively. SK3530 was extensively metabolized to twenty different metabolites, including three glucuronide and three sulfate conjugates in rats. The structures of these metabolites were elucidated based on MSn spectral analyses. Six major metabolic pathways were identified in the rat: N‐dealkylation and oxidation of the hydroxyethyl moiety; N,N‐deethylation and hydroxylation of the piperazine ring; hydroxylation of the propyl group and sulfate conjugation. An additional metabolite due to aromatic hydroxylation was also identified in hepatic microsomes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Michael addition of acrolein to lysinyl and N‐terminal residues of a model peptide: targets for cytoprotective hydrazino drugs
Authors: Kaminskas Lisa M. , Pyke Simon M. , Burcham Philip C.
Published: February 2007

The antihypertensive drug hydralazine blocks acrolein‐mediated toxicity by trapping both free aldehyde‐ and acrolein‐adducted proteins, with the latter property more closely related to cytoprotection in cellular models. Here we report the identification of products from ‘protein adduct‐trapping’ reactions using electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS). Reaction of a 13‐residue peptide containing a single lysine with acrolein for 30 min generated ions corresponding to mono‐ and bis‐Michael‐adducted peptides. An ion corresponding to a cyclic species formed from bis‐adducted lysine was conspicuous at later times (60, 180 min). Tandem mass spectrometric (MS/MS) analysis revealed Michael adduction also occurred on the N‐terminus, with a novel N‐terminal (3‐formyl‐3,4‐dehydropiperidino) species formed on this residue. Addition of hydralazine to acrolein‐adducted peptides generated a diverse range of hydrazones that were also characterised by MS/MS analysis. The results confirm that mass spectrometry is a powerful tool for characterising the reactions of noxious electrophiles with biological macromolecules. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The complexity of litigation associated with robotic surgery and cybersurgery
Authors: McLean T.
Published: February 2007

Litigation after cybersurgery, i.e. remote robotic surgery, will be complex. In addition to being able to sue physicians and hospitals, patients who sustain an adverse outcome after cybersurgery will have the potential to sue the robotic manufacturer and the telecommunications company. Moreover, cybersurgery litigation will involve laws that are generally unfamiliar to healthcare providers. Accordingly, this article examines a lawsuit involving a robotic surgical instrument as a model to suggest where liability traps may arise during the delivery of cybersurgery. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predicting the morphological and hydraulic consequences of river rehabilitation
Authors: Schweizer S. , Borsuk M. E. , Reichert P.
Published: February 2007

Decisions about reach‐scale river rehabilitation for the purposes of flood protection and ecological enhancement require prediction of the possible consequences of management alternatives. To provide such predictions, an integrative model is necessary that represents the cause–effect relations between rehabilitation options and morphological, hydraulic and ecological consequences. This paper describes the morphological and hydraulic submodel of such an integrative model. This submodel is further subdivided into four modules predicting: (1) channel morphology, (2) flooding (dike overtopping, floodplain flooding and bed moving floods), (3) velocity and depth distribution and (4) riverbed siltation. Model relationships come from results reported in the literature and new data analyses. By using quantities that are all either readily available or easily predictable for changed conditions, the model should be widely applicable, even for data‐limited situations. The overall model is implemented as a probability network to facilitate estimation of uncertainties in model results. An application of the model to a reach of the Thur River in Switzerland demonstrates its utility for predicting morphological and hydraulic consequences of a planned river widening. The full integrative model, including ecological endpoints, will be used together with quantitative assessments of stakeholder preferences to support rehabilitation decisions for a number of Swiss rivers. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Large‐scale spatial variability of riverbed temperature gradients in Snake River fall Chinook salmon spawning areas
Authors: Hanrahan Timothy P.
Published: February 2007

In the Snake River basin of the Pacific northwestern United States, hydroelectric dam operations are often based on the predicted emergence timing of salmon fry from the riverbed. The spatial variability and complexity of surface water and riverbed temperature gradients results in emergence timing predictions that are likely to have large errors. The objectives of this study were to quantify the thermal heterogeneity between the river and riverbed in fall Chinook salmon spawning areas and to determine the effects of thermal heterogeneity on fall Chinook salmon emergence timing. This study quantified river and riverbed temperatures at 15 fall Chinook salmon spawning sites distributed in two reaches throughout 160 km of the Snake River in Hells Canyon, Idaho, USA, during 3 different water years. Temperatures were measured during the fall Chinook salmon incubation period with self‐contained data loggers placed in the river and at three different depths below the riverbed surface. At all sites, temperature increased with depth into the riverbed, including significant differences (p < 0.05) in mean hourly water temperature of up to 3.8°C between the river and the riverbed among all the sites. During each of the 3 water years studied, river and riverbed temperatures varied significantly among all the study sites, among the study sites within each reach and between sites located in the two reaches. Considerable variability in riverbed temperatures among the sites resulted in fall Chinook salmon emergence timing estimates that varied by as much as 36 days within a reach, depending on the source of temperature data used for the estimate. Monitoring of riverbed temperature gradients at a range of spatial scales throughout the Snake River would provide better information for managing hydroelectric dam operations, and would aid in the design and interpretation of future empirical research into the ecological significance of physical riverine processes. Published in 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cellular and subcellular localization of androgen receptor immunoreactivity relative to C1 adrenergic neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla of male and female rats
Authors: Milner Teresa A. , Hernandez Francisco J. , Herrick Scott P. , Pierce Joseph P. , Iadecola Costantino , Drake Carrie T.
Published: February 2007

In male and female rats, high androgen levels can increase blood pressure. The C1 area of the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM), which is crucial for blood pressure regulation, contains estrogen receptors (ERs) in pre‐ and postsynaptic neuronal compartments and is modulated by estrogens (Wang et al. [2006] Brain Res 1094:163–178). In this study, the cellular and subcellular localization of androgen receptors (ARs) in the C1 area was examined in sections from male, proestrus (high estrogen) and diestrus (low estrogen) female rat brains that were immunocytochemically labeled for AR and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). By light and electron microscopy, AR‐labeled nuclei were scattered among TH‐labeled somata in the RVLM; significantly more AR‐labeled nuclei were seen males compared to females. Electron microscopy revealed that extranuclear AR‐immunoreactivity (ir) was in similar profile types in male and female rats. AR‐ir was almost exclusively in myelinated and unmyelinated axons and in glia. Rarely, AR‐ir was in axon terminals that contacted TH‐containing dendrites. AR‐labeled axon terminals had large diameters and contained numerous dense‐core vesicles, resembling peptide‐containing hypothalamic or solitary tract inputs. No nuclear or extranuclear AR‐ir was found in TH‐labeled perikarya and dendrites although a few non‐TH‐ labeled dendrites contained AR‐ir. Qualitatively, more axonal profiles appeared to be present in males compared to females. These studies suggest that, unlike ERs, ARs in male and female rats are almost exclusively positioned on afferents and glia, suggesting that androgens modulate RVLM C1 neurons, and thus blood pressure, through presynaptic and glial signaling. Synapse 61:268–278, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression and function of kainate receptors in the rat olfactory bulb
Authors: Davila Nestor G. , Houpt Thomas A. , Trombley Paul Q.
Published: February 2007

Although recent results suggest roles for NMDA and AMPA receptors in odor encoding, little is known about kainate receptors (KARs) in the olfactory bulb (OB). Molecular, immunological, and electrophysiological techniques were used to provide a functional analysis of KARs in the OB. Reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction revealed that the relative level of expression of KAR subunits was GluR5 ≈ GluR6 ≈ KA2 > KA1 ≫ GluR7. In situ hybridization data imply that mitral/tufted cells express mostly GluR5 and KA2, whereas interneurons express mostly GluR6 and KA2. Immunohistochemical double‐labeling experiments (GluR5/6/7 or GluR5 + synapsin) suggest that KARs are expressed at both synaptic and extrasynaptic loci. This heterogeneous expression of KAR subunits suggests that KARs may play a multitude of roles in odor processing, each tailored to the function of specific OB circuits. A functional analysis, using whole‐cell electrophysiology, suggests that one such role is to increase the frequency of glutamate transmission while attenuating the amplitude of individual events, likely via a presynaptic depolarizing mechanism. Such effects would be important to odor processing particularly by OB glomeruli. In these highly compartmentalized structures, an increase in the frequency of glutamate release and the high density of extrasynaptic KARs, activated by spillover, could enhance glomerular synchronization and thus the transfer of more specific sensory information to cortical structures. Synapse 61:320–334, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mutuality as an antidote to rent‐seekingShariaharbitrage in Islamic finance
Authors: El‐Gamal Mahmoud A.
Published: February 2007

Islamic finance is a prohibitions‐driven industry, which aims primarily to circumvent the canonical Islamic prohibitions ofribaandgharar.The concepts ofribaandghararmay best be understood as unbundled sales of credit and risk, respectively. An obvious solution is to adopt mutual structures for financial intermediaries of credit (e.g., banks) and risk (e.g., insurance companies), as early experiments in Islamic finance had apparently done. However, growth in Islamic finance over the past three decades has been led by rent‐seeking Shariah arbitrageurs, whose efforts continue to be focused on synthesizing contemporary financial products and services from classical nominate contracts, without regard to corporate structure of financial institutions. In this article, I argue that mutuality should be given back its central role in our discourse on Islamic finance. In particular, I argue that mutuality in intermediation of credit and risk can assist significantly in implementing the substance of Shariah as well as its forms, including the financial empowerment of Islamic financial customers (be they Muslims or otherwise) to face the challenging domination of Islamic finance by international financial behemoths. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Risks ofSukukstructures: Implications for resource mobilization
Authors: Tariq Ali Arsalan , Dar Humayon
Published: February 2007

This research deals with the evolution of and growing markets forsukuk(Islamic asset‐based securities) in emerging economies. The types ofsukukand their liquidity, credit, and market risk are discussed. Further refinements of the structures with embedded call and put options are analyzed in pursuit of risk management mechanisms that are, thus far, absent. The research is an attempt to discuss the risks of these growing financial assets and their role in the mobilization of resources and development of debt markets in emerging economies. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Issues of implementing Islamic hire purchase in dual banking systems: Malaysia's experience
Authors: El‐Din Seif I. Tag , Abdullah N. Irwani
Published: February 2007

Malaysia, being one of the first countries to promote Islamic finance, has experienced a dual banking system whereby a full‐fledged Islamic banking system operates on a parallel basis with a sophisticated conventional banking system. Operating within a dual banking system provides a relative advantage to Islamic banks as compared to operating in a single Islamic banking system. One of the latest innovations is the development of the Islamic hire‐purchase instrument, which is commonly known as al‐ijarah waiqtina'; in the Malaysian experience, it is called al‐ijarah thumma al‐bai' (AITAB). This article aims to examine some critical issues arising from the implementation of AITAB from jurist, legal, and practical perspectives. It presents a comparative study with conventional practices to highlight similarities and differences, thus invoking a number of jurist, legal, and practical issues about the concept and implementation of AITAB. It is hoped through the assessment of the Malaysian experience to offer practicable solutions to help provide better and more legitimate structured implementation of Islamic hire purchase in financial institutions. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fetal perineal sonography in the diagnosis of ectopic ureteric opening
Authors: Vijayaraghavan S. Boopathy
Published: February 2007

We describe the technique of fetal perineal sonography and its use in the diagnosis of ectopic ureteric opening. Using a high‐frequency probe, sagittal ultrasound imaging of the fetal perineum, pelvis and external genitalia was performed and proved useful in the diagnosis of ectopic ureteric opening into the urethra in one female and two male fetuses. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal echocardiography at the time of the nuchal translucency scan
Authors: Lombardi C. M. , Bellotti M. , Fesslova V. , Cappellini A.
Published: February 2007

Objective

The fetal heart is not studied routinely in the first trimester because of technical and time limitations. Our aim was to assess the feasibility of performing a fetal cardiac study in pregnancies referred for nuchal translucency (NT) screening, using high‐frequency linear transabdominal transducers with a specific ultrasound preset.

Methods

A single trained operator assessed the fetal heart in pregnancies with a fetal crown–rump length (CRL) of 60–84 mm that had been referred for NT screening. A 15‐ or 6‐MHz transabdominal linear transducer with a specific preset suitable mainly for color‐flow mapping was used to confirm or refute normal cardiac anatomy rather than to establish a specific diagnosis. Fetuses having an increased risk for congenital heart disease were referred to a tertiary center for a further examination within 1 week. This group consisted of all fetuses with NT > 95th centile and those in which a family history or the initial heart scan increased the risk.

Results

A total of 608 fetuses with a median CRL of 65 mm was examined between 2003 and 2005. A cardiac scan was performed successfully in 456 (75%) using a 15‐MHz linear transducer alone, and the additional use of a 6‐MHz transducer allowed diagnostic images to be obtained in a further 152. Normal cardiac anatomy was assessed confidently within 10 min in 517/608 (85%) pregnancies; in 85 (14%) a longer time was needed and six patients were rescheduled within 2 weeks because of non‐diagnostic images at the initial scan. In 571/608 (94%) the risk for congenital heart disease (CHD) was not increased and the heart was considered normal at initial echocardiography; this was confirmed by later scans and at postnatal follow‐up. In 37/608 (6%) fetuses the risk for CHD was increased (35 for NT > 95th centile and two for family history). In this group normal heart anatomy was described in 34 fetuses and confirmed by subsequent specialist echocardiography. Cardiac defects were suspected in three fetuses (all with increased NT) and confirmed by a fetal cardiologist in each case.

Conclusions

A trained operator can perform a fetal heart study during the NT screening test using transabdominal high‐resolution transducers in an acceptable length of time. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity: a new Doppler parameter in the assessment of growth‐restricted fetuses
Authors: Mari G. , Hanif F. , Kruger M. , Cosmi E. , Santolaya‐Forgas J. , Treadwell M. C.
Published: February 2007

Objective

The aims of this study were to determine if there is a relationship between middle cerebral artery (MCA) peak systolic velocity (PSV) and perinatal mortality in preterm intrauterine growth‐restricted (IUGR) fetuses, to compare the performance of MCA pulsatility index (PI), MCA‐PSV and umbilical artery (UA) absent/reversed end‐diastolic velocity (ARED) in predicting perinatal mortality, to determine the longitudinal changes that occur in MCA‐PI and MCA‐PSV in these fetuses, and to test the hypothesis that MCA‐PSV can provide additional information on the prognosis of hypoxemic IUGR fetuses.

Methods

This was a retrospective cross‐sectional study of 30 IUGR fetuses (estimated fetal weight < 3rd percentile; UA‐PI > 95% CI) in which the last MCA‐PI, MCA‐PSV and UA values were obtained within 8 days before delivery or fetal demise. Among the 30 fetuses, there were 10 in which at least three consecutive measurements were performed before delivery and these were used for a longitudinal study. MCA‐PSV and MCA‐PI values were plotted against normal reference ranges and were considered abnormal when they were above the MCA‐PSV or below the MCA‐PI reference ranges.

Results

Gestational age at delivery ranged between 23 + 1 and 32 + 5 (median, 27 + 6) gestational weeks. Birth weight ranged from 282 to 1440 (median, 540) g. There were 11 perinatal deaths. Forward stepwise logistic regression indicated that MCA‐PSV was the best parameter in the prediction of perinatal mortality (odds ratio, 14; 95% CI, 1.4–130; P < 0.05) (Nagerlke R2 = 31). In the 10 fetuses studied longitudinally, an abnormal MCA‐PI preceded the appearance of an abnormal MCA‐PSV. In these fetuses, the MCA‐PSV consistently showed an initial increase in velocity; before demise or the appearance of a non‐reassuring test in seven fetuses, there was a decrease in blood velocity. The MCA‐PI presented an inconsistent pattern.

Conclusions

In IUGR fetuses, the trends of the MCA‐PI and MCA‐PSV provide more clinical information than does one single measurement. A high MCA‐PSV predicts perinatal mortality better than does a low MCA‐PI. We propose that MCA‐PSV might be valuable in the clinical assessment of IUGR fetuses that have abnormal UA Doppler. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intertwin discordance in umbilical venous volume flow: a reflection of blood volume imbalance in twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome
Authors: Yamamoto M. , Nasr B. , Ortqvist L. , Bernard J.‐P. , Takahashi Y. , Ville Y.
Published: February 2007

Objectives

To compare umbilical venous volume flow (UVVF) between donor and recipient twins in twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) using an index that is independent of gestational age and to correlate changes in this index with outcome following endoscopic laser surgery.

Methods

UVVF was calculated in 84 cases of TTTS by multiplying the umbilical vein cross‐sectional area at its entry into the fetal abdomen by time averaged blood velocity. All cases were classified according to the Quintero staging system. The ratio between UVVF in recipients and donors (R/D‐UVVF) in each pair of twins was calculated before and 48 h after laser treatment, and changes in R/D‐UVVF were correlated with pregnancy outcome. Intraobserver and interobserver UVVF measurement reliability was assessed in 19 singletons, and 13 donor and recipient twins before laser treatment using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

Twenty‐five, 32, 21 and six cases presented as Quintero Stages 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively, at a median gestational age of 20 (range, 15–26) weeks. Intraobserver and interobserver ICC for UVVF measurement in twins were 0.97 and 0.67, respectively. UVVF was a median of 2.13‐fold (range, 0.3–19‐fold) higher in recipients than in donors (137 mL/min vs. 64 mL/min, P < 0.001) and increased with gestational age (r = 0.58, P < 0.001 for recipients, r = 0.62, P < 0.001 for donors). From 68 cases in which R/D‐UVVF could be measured 48 h following laser surgery, cases with a favorable outcome showed a significant decrease in R/D‐UVVF from a median of 1.97 to 1.27 (P < 0.01) and cases with recurrent TTTS (n = 6) did not (decrease in R/D‐UVVF from a median of 2.32 to 2.19, P = 0.17). Using a cut‐off of < 30% reduction of R/D‐UVVF, 66% of the cases with recurrence could be predicted, and the odds ratio for recurrence was 3.13 (95% CI, 0.52–18.29). A significant UVVF imbalance between recipient and donor twins was found in cases with Quintero Stages 1–3 but not in those with Stage 4.

Conclusions

In TTTS, UVVF is significantly higher in recipients than in their donor cotwins and the R/D‐UVVF seems adequately to indicate the flow imbalance between twins, regardless of gestational age. A decrease in R/D‐UVVF could be predictive of a favorable evolution following laser treatment. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Better Lifestyle During Surgical Clerkship May Not Increase Application Rates to General Surgery
Authors: Minor Samuel , Park Jason , Belliveau Paul , Walker Ross
Published: February 2007

Background

Lifestyle has been identified by numerous studies as the number one deterrent to pursuing a career in general surgery. This study tests the hypothesis that a better lifestyle during general surgery clerkship correlates with a higher application rate to general surgery.

Methods

Canadian Residency Matching Service data from the past 10 years were used to identify institution‐specific application rates to general surgery. Through a survey of all fourth‐year medical students applying to general surgery in Canada and Canadian undergraduate surgery program directors, the lifestyle of each general surgery clerkship was described and given a score.

Results

Multiple descriptions of the clerkship structure were obtained for every school in Canada to reduce recall bias, with an average of 4 sources per program. One school stood out as the most prolific producer of general surgery applicants, with an average of 7.9% of the total class applying to general surgery each year. This represented 80% more general surgery applicants relative to the national average (p < 0.05). Surprisingly, however, this institution also had the worst clerkship lifestyle score, having a higher call requirement, not sending their clerks home at noon post call, and placing a higher burden of responsibility on their clerks.

Conclusions

This study suggests that a lifestyle‐friendly surgical clerkship may not be necessary to increase recruitment into general surgery.
Development and Pilot Testing of Two Decision Aids for Individuals Considering Genetic Testing for Cancer Risk
Authors: Wakefield Claire E. , Meiser Bettina , Homewood Judi , Peate Michelle , Kirk Judy , Warner Beverley , Lobb Elizabeth , Gaff Clara , Tucker Kathy
Published: February 2007

Current practice in genetic counseling may not allow a full deliberation of the consequences of decisions about genetic testing for cancer risk, despite increasing demand for these services. Thus, two decision aids for individuals considering genetic testing for hereditary breast/ovarian cancer and hereditary non‐polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) susceptibility were developed and pilot tested with 43 individuals who had previously considered genetic testing for these cancer syndromes. A description of the decision aid development process is provided, as well as results of the pilot testing, which assessed participants’ perceptions of the decision aids. All participants reported that they would recommend the decision aid to others facing the same situation, and 93% reported that the decision aid would have been relevant during their decision‐making. The perceived impact of the decision aids on participants’ emotions and understanding of genetic testing were assessed. Limitations of the study and future directions are discussed.
Cancer Family History Reporting: Impact of Method and Psychosocial Factors
Authors: Kelly Kimberly M. , Shedlosky‐Shoemaker Randi , Porter Kyle , Remy Amber , DeSimone Philip , Andrykowski Michael A.
Published: February 2007

Family history is one the greatest risk factors for disease and one of the most important informational tools in medical genetics for the purpose of diagnosis, risk assessment, prevention and treatment. However, research is needed on the comparability of different methods of cancer family history assessment and the influence of psychosocial factors in family history reports. The purpose of this study was to determine if individuals had discrepancies between written and interview reports of cancer family history and the role of psychosocial factors in these discrepancies. Oncology patients (n=104) were administered a survey to assess psychosocial factors (i.e., information‐seeking, worry, perceived risk, and health literacy) and were asked to provide family history in a written and an interview form. Randomization determined which form individuals received first. No differences in the amount of missing data or the amount of unspecified data were noted between the written and interview method. Psychosocial factors did not differentiate between those who had discrepancies in family history reports and those who did not have discrepancies in family history reports; although there was a trend for those with lower literacy and those who were blunters to be more discrepant on type of cancer diagnosis. In sum, this preliminary study indicates that written and interview methods of family history assessment for first degree relatives may be used interchangeably. The ability to use written methods will facilitate collection of basic family history information in the oncology clinic.
Parents’ Perceptions of Functioning in Families Having a Child with a Genetic Condition
Authors: Knafl Kathleen A. , Knafl George J. , Gallo Agatha M. , Angst Denise
Published: February 2007

In a study of families having a child with a genetic condition, patterns of family functioning were identified through cluster analysis of families with two spouses. Patterns were based on both parents’ assessments of family satisfaction and hardiness, as measured respectively by the Family APGAR and Family Hardiness Index. The validity and clinical significance of the clusters were supported by demonstrating that cluster membership distinguished between parental reports of their own quality of life and their child's functional status, as measured by the Quality of Life Index and the Functional Status II, respectively. The clusters were non‐categorical in the sense that they did not depend on the type of genetic condition. These findings point to the importance of addressing family functioning as part of genetic counseling.
Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Genetic Testing: A Two Year Follow‐Up Study in Patients with Asthma, Diabetes Mellitus and Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Calsbeek Hiske , Morren Mattijn , Bensing Jozien , Rijken Mieke
Published: February 2007

Adequate knowledge and personal attitudes towards DNA‐testing are major determinants of optimal utilization of genetic testing. This study aims to (1) assess the genetic knowledge and attitude towards genetic testing of patients with asthma, diabetes mellitus type II and cardiovascular diseases, (2) determine whether their knowledge or attitude changed since 2002, and (3) investigate the predictive role of knowledge on attitude. Data were collected within the Panel of Patients with Chronic Diseases in 2002 and 2004, resulting in 398 data‐pairs. Results show that factual knowledge mainly relates to associations between genes and diseases, less is known on associations between genes, chromosomes, cells and body. The perceived knowledge on DNA‐testing has not increased since 2002. The attitude towards genetic testing also appeared to be rather consistent. Less perceived medical genetic knowledge and more perceived social genetic knowledge were found predictive for a more reserved attitude towards genetic testing. In conclusion, advanced developments in the field of genetics are not accompanied by increased knowledge of patients with common multi‐factorial diseases. The finding that more perceived social genetic knowledge results in more reluctance can be considered an indicator for the necessity of social debates on genetic testing.
Synthesis of SnS nanocrystals by the solvothermal decomposition of a single source precursor
Authors: Koktysh Dmitry S , McBride James R , Rosenthal Sandra J
Published: February 2007

SnS nanocrystals (NCs) were synthesized from bis(diethyldithiocarbamato) tin(II) in oleylamine at elevated temperature. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) investigation and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed that the synthesized SnS particles are monocrystalline with an orthorhombic structure. The shape and size tunability of SnS NCs can be achieved by controlling the reaction temperature and time, and the nature of the stabilizing ligands. The comparison between experimental optical band gap values shows evidence of quantum confinement of SnS NCs. Prepared SnS NCs display strong absorption in the visible and near-infrared (NIR) spectral regions making them promising candidates for solar cell energy conversion.
Intravaginal gemeprost and second‐trimester pregnancy termination in the scarred uterus
Authors: Marinoni E. , Santoro M. , Vitagliano M.P. , Patella A. , Cosmi E.V. , Di Iorio R.
Published: February 2007

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness and complication rate of intravaginal gemeprost, a prostaglandin E1 analogue, for second‐trimester pregnancy termination in women with a scarred uterus. Methods: Of 439 women undergoing induced abortion between the 13th and the 23rd week of pregnancy, 67 had a scarred uterus because of 1 or more cesarean sections or myomectomy. All women received a 1 mg dose of gemeprost intravaginally every 3 h, up to 5 times over 24 h. Those who did not respond received further cycles of gemeprost treatment. Results: The rate of successful abortions among women with uterine scars was not different from that observed in the nulliparous controls, but previously vaginal delivery was associated with a shorter induction to abortion interval. The rate of severe complications did not differ between the groups, and was about 1%. Conclusion: The rate of complications following intravaginal administration of a PGE1 analogue for second‐trimester pregnancy termination was similar in women with a scarred or unscarred uterus.
Seasonal characteristics of the physicochemical properties of North Atlantic marine atmospheric aerosols
Authors: Yoon Y. J. , Ceburnis D. , Cavalli F. , Jourdan O. , Putaud J. P. , Facchini M. C. , Decesari S. , Fuzzi S. , Sellegri K. , Jennings S. G. , O'Dowd C. D.
Published: February 2007

Seasonal physicochemical characteristics of North Atlantic marine aerosols are presented for the period from January 2002 to June 2004. The aerosol size distribution modal diameters show seasonal variations, 0.031 μm in winter and 0.049 μm in summer for the Aitken mode and 0.103 μm in winter and 0.177 μm in summer for the accumulation mode. The accumulation mode mass also showed a seasonal variation, minimum in winter and maximum in summer. A supermicron sized particle mode was found at 2 μm for all seasons showing 30% higher mass concentration during winter than summer resulting from higher wind speed conditions. Chemical analysis showed that the concentration of sea salt has a seasonal pattern, minimum in summer and maximum in winter because of a dependency of sea‐salt load on wind speeds. By contrast, the non‐sea‐salt (nss) sulphate concentration in fine mode particles exhibited lower values during winter and higher values during midsummer. The water soluble organic carbon (WSOC) and total carbon (TC) analysis also showed a distinctive seasonal pattern. The WSOC concentration during the high biological activity period peaked at 0.2 μgC m−3, while it was lower than 0.05 μgC m−3 during the low biological activity period. The aerosol light scattering coefficient showed a minimum value of 5.5 Mm−1 in August and a maximum of 21 Mm−1 in February. This seasonal variation was due to the higher contribution of sea salt in the MBL during North Atlantic winter. By contrast, aerosols during late spring and summer exhibited larger angstrom parameters than winter, indicating a large contribution of the biogenically driven fine or accumulation modes. Seasonal characteristics of North Atlantic marine aerosols suggest an important link between marine aerosols and biological activity through primary production of marine aerosols.
Estimates of the precision of GPS radio occultations from the COSMIC/FORMOSAT‐3 mission
Authors: Schreiner W. , Rocken C. , Sokolovskiy S. , Syndergaard S. , Hunt D.
Published: February 2007

The Constellation Observing System for Meteorology Ionosphere and Climate (COSMIC)/Formosa Satellite 3 (FORMOSAT‐3) is a six‐satellite radio occultation mission that was launched in mid‐April, 2006. The close proximity of the COSMIC satellites provides a unique opportunity to estimate the precision of the radio occultation remote sensing technique from closely collocated occultations (<10 km separation of tangent points). The RMS difference of refractivity between 10 and 20 km altitude is less than 0.2%, which is approximately twice better than previous estimates obtained from CHAMP and SAC‐C collocated occultations, apparently, due to smaller separation of the occultation pairs and due to parallel occultation planes. In the lower troposphere, the maximal RMS is ∼0.8% at 2 km altitude and decreases abruptly to ∼0.2% between 6 and 8 km altitude. The RMS difference of electron density in the ionosphere between 150 and 500 km altitude for collocated occultations is about 103 cm−3.
Stratospheric polar warming by ENSO in winter: A statistical study
Authors: Camp C. D. , Tung K.‐K.
Published: February 2007

Applying Linear Discriminant Analysis on 47 years of NCEP stratospheric temperature data from 1959 to 2005, we find that the warm‐ENSO (“El Niño”) years are significantly warmer also in the stratosphere at the Northern Hemisphere polar and midlatitudes than the cold‐ENSO (“La Niña”) years, during winter. Specifically, the zonal mean, December‐February mean, 10–50 hPa mean temperature, when projected onto the coherent spatial structure that best distinguishes the two ENSO groups, classified according to the equatorial Pacific‐ocean Cold Tongue Index, is 4°K warmer in the polar stratosphere in the warm‐ENSO mean than in the cold‐ENSO mean. The difference is statistically significant at above the 95% confidence level. This is the first time statistical significance has been established for ENSO's influence on the polar stratosphere. A surprising result is that the ENSO perturbation to the polar stratosphere is comparable in magnitude to the better‐known QBO perturbation, which is 3.8°K between easterly QBO mean and the westerly QBO mean.
Annual modulation of seismicity along the San Andreas Fault near Parkfield, CA
Authors: Christiansen Lizet B. , Hurwitz Shaul , Ingebritsen Steven E.
Published: February 2007

We analyze seismic data from the San Andreas Fault (SAF) near Parkfield, California, to test for annual modulation in seismicity rates. We use statistical analyses to show that seismicity is modulated with an annual period in the creeping section of the fault and a semiannual period in the locked section of the fault. Although the exact mechanism for seasonal triggering is undetermined, it appears that stresses associated with the hydrologic cycle are sufficient to fracture critically stressed rocks either through pore‐pressure diffusion or crustal loading/unloading. These results shed additional light on the state of stress along the SAF, indicating that hydrologically induced stress perturbations of ∼2 kPa may be sufficient to trigger earthquakes.
Subsurface migration of H2O at lunar cold traps
Authors: Schorghofer Norbert , Taylor G. Jeffrey
Published: February 2007

Permanently shaded areas near the poles of the Moon and Mercury may harbor water ice. We develop a physical model for migration of water molecules in the regolith and discover two pathways that can lead to accumulation of H2O in the subsurface. A small fraction of water molecules delivered, either continuously or abruptly, to permanently cold areas diffuses into the regolith and can remain there longer than on the surface. Higher temperatures lead to deeper burial. At constant temperature, this diffusive migration produces less than one molecular layer of volatile H2O on grains, because it is driven by differences in surface concentrations. The water is therefore expected to be in adsorbed form, and the amount stored in this fashion could be at most a few hundred ppm of H2O. A second pathway is pumping by diurnal temperature oscillations from a transient ice cover that may have formed during a large comet impact. It can lead to high ground ice densities, but the ground ice layer lasts not long beyond the disappearance of the ice cover. Both types of subsurface charging mechanism work best for temperatures typical of permanently shaded areas with sunlit surfaces in their field of view.
Synchronous negative carbon isotope shifts in marine and terrestrial biomarkers at the onset of the early Aptian oceanic anoxic event 1a: Evidence for the release of 13C‐depleted carbon into the atmosphere
Authors: van Breugel Yvonne , Schouten Stefan , Tsikos Harilaos , Erba Elisabetta , Price Gregory D. , Sinninghe Damsté Jaap S.
Published: February 2007

A common feature of records of the early Aptian oceanic anoxic event (OAE) 1a is the sharp negative δ13C excursion displayed in both carbonate and organic matter at the onset of this event. A synchronous negative δ13C excursion has also been noted for terrestrial organic matter. This negative excursion has been attributed to either an injection of 13C‐depleted light carbon into the atmosphere or, in case of marine sediments, recycling of 13C‐depleted CO2. However, most studies were done on separate cores, and no information on the relative timing of the negative spikes in terrestrial versus marine records has been obtained. Here we examine early Aptian core sections from two geographically distal sites (Italy and the mid‐Pacific) to elucidate the causes and relative timing of this negative “spike.” At both sites, increased organic carbon (Corg) and decreased bulk carbonate contents characterize the interval recording OAE 1a (variously referred to as the “Selli event”). The organic material within the “Selli level” is immature and of autochthonous origin. Measured δ13C values of marine and terrestrial biomarkers largely covary with those of bulk organic carbon, with lowest values recorded at the base of the organic‐rich section. By contrast, sediments enveloping the “Selli level” exhibit very low Corg contents, and their extractable Corg is predominantly of allochthonous origin. Hydrous pyrolysis techniques used to obtain an autochthonous, pre‐Selli δ13C value for algal‐derived pristane from corresponding sample material yielded a negative δ13C shift of up to 4‰. A negative δ13C shift of similar magnitude was also measured for the terrigenous n‐alkanes. The results are collectively best explained by means of a massive, syndepositional, rapid input of 13C‐depleted carbon into the atmosphere and surface oceans, likely delivered either via methane produced from the dissociation of sedimentary clathrates or perhaps by widespread thermal metamorphism of Corg‐rich sedimentary rocks.
Interacting resonances in the F+H2 reaction revisited: Complex terms, Riemann surfaces, and angular distributions
Authors: Sokolovski D. , Sen S. K. , Aquilanti V. , Cavalli S. , De Fazio D.
Published: February 2007

We study the effect of overlapping resonances on the angular distributions of the reaction F+H2(v=0,j=0)→HF(v=2,j=0)+H in the collision energy range from 5to65meV, i.e., under the reaction barrier. Reactive scattering calculations were performed using the hyperquantization algorithm on the potential energy surface of Stark and Werner [J. Chem. Phys. 104, 6515 (1996)]. The positions of the Regge and complex energy poles are obtained by Padé reconstruction of the scattering matrix element. The Sturmian theory is invoked to relate the Regge and complex energy terms. For two interacting resonances, a two-sheet Riemann surface is contracted and inverted. The semiclassical complex angular momentum analysis is used to decompose the scattering amplitude into the direct and resonance contributions.
Simple five-dimensional wave equation for a Dirac particle
Authors: Redington N. , Lodhi M. A. K.
Published: February 2007

A first-order relativistic wave equation is constructed in five dimensions. Its solutions are eight-component spinors, interpreted as single-particle fermion wave functions in four-dimensional space-time. Use of a “cylinder condition” (the removal of explicit dependence on the fifth coordinate) reduces each eight-component solution to a pair of degenerate four-component spinors. It is shown that, when the cylinder condition is applied, the results obtained from the new equation are the same as those obtained from the Dirac equation. Without the cylinder condition, on the other hand, the equation implies the existence of a scalar potential, and for zero-mass particles it leads to a four-dimensional fermionic equation analogous to Maxwell’s equation with sources.
Intermolecular polarizability dynamics of aqueous formamide liquid mixtures studied by molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Elola M. Dolores , Ladanyi Branka M.
Published: February 2007

A molecular dynamics simulation study is presented for the relaxation of the polarizability anisotropy in liquid mixtures of formamide and water, using a dipolar induction scheme that involves the intrinsic polarizability and first hyperpolarizability tensors of the molecules, and the dipole-quadrupole polarizability of water species. The long time diffusive decay of the collective polarizability anisotropy correlations exhibits a substantial slowing down as the formamide mole fraction increases in the mixture. The diffusive times for the polarizability relaxation obtained from the authors’ simulations are in good agreement with optical Kerr effect experimental data, and they are found to correlate nearly linearly with the estimated mean lifetimes of the hydrogen bonds within the mixture, suggesting that the relaxation of the hydrogen bond network is responsible to some extent for the collective relaxation of the polarizability anisotropy of the mixture. The short time behavior of the polarizability anisotropy relaxation was investigated by computing the nuclear response function, R(t), which is very rapidly dominated by the formamide contribution as it is added to water, due to the much larger polarizability anisotropy of formamide molecules compared to that of water. Several contributions to the Raman spectrum were also analyzed as a function of composition, and the dynamical origin of the different bands was determined.