bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Decision Support System for Point of Care Use
Authors: Farion K. , Michalowski W. , O’Sullivan D. , Rubin S. , Weiss D. , Wilk S.
Published: May 2009

Objectives: The objective of this research was to design a clinical decision support system (CDSS) that supports heterogeneous clinical decision problems and runs on multiple computing platforms. Meeting this objective required a novel design to create an extendable and easy to maintain clinical CDSS for point of care support. The proposed solution was evaluated in a proof of concept implementation.

Methods: Based on our earlier research with the design of a mobile CDSS for emergency triage we used ontology-driven design to represent essential components of a CDSS. Models of clinical decision problems were derived from the ontology and they were processed into executable applications during runtime. This allowed scaling applications’ functionality to the capabilities of computing platforms. A prototype of the system was implemented using the extended client-server architecture and Web services to distribute the functions of the system and to make it operational in limited connectivity conditions.

Results: The proposed design provided a common framework that facilitated development of diversified clinical applications running seamlessly on a variety of computing platforms. It was prototyped for two clinical decision problems and settings (triage of acute pain in the emergency department and postoperative management of radical pros-tatectomy on the hospital ward) and implemented on two computing platforms – desktop and handheld computers.

Conclusions: The requirement of the CDSS heterogeneity was satisfied with ontology-driven design. Processing of application models described with the help of ontological models allowed having a complex system running on multiple computing platforms with different capabilities. Finally, separation of models and runtime components contributed to improved extensibility and maintainability of the system.
Intention-based Expressions in GASTINE
Authors: de Clercq P. , van den Herik J. , Hasman A. , Latoszek-Berendsen A.
Published: May 2009

Objectives: 1) To evaluate the design of the framework for computerized intention-based clinical practice guidelines; 2) to implement runtime features such as plan recognition and backtracking.

Method: To evaluate the design, we implemented the heart failure guideline into GASTINE, a tool for representing and executing intention-based clinical guidelines.

Result: Description of the current implementation of intention-based expressions in GASTINE and analysis of some generic shortcomings. Explanation of how these shortcomings are addressed. Presentation of how plan recognition and backtracking work and how they improve the system.

Conclusion: The improved guideline system is rather flexible, i.e., it allows deviations from the guideline as long as they are in the spirit of the guideline. The recognition of actions as intended by the users facilitates a flexible decision support system. The intentions are used to explain why certain actions were suggested. Therefore it is assumed that showing the intention behind suggested actions provides a better insight into why these actions are advised.
Assessing the Quality of Activities in a Smart Environment
Authors: Schmitter-Edgecombe M. , Cook D. J.
Published: May 2009

Objectives: Pervasive computing technology can provide valuable health monitoring and assistance technology to help individuals live independent lives in their own homes. As a critical part of this technology, our objective is to design software algorithms that recognize and assess the consistency of activities of daily living that individuals perform in their own homes.

Methods: We have designed algorithms that automatically learn Markov models for each class of activity. These models are used to recognize activities that are performed in a smart home and to identify errors and inconsistencies in the performed activity.

Results: We validate our approach using data collected from 60 volunteers who performed a series of activities in our smart apartment testbed. The results indicate that the algorithms correctly label the activities and successfully assess the completeness and consistency of the performed task.

Conclusions: Our results indicate that activity recognition and assessment can be automated using machine learning algorithms and smart home technology. These algorithms will be useful for automating remote health monitoring and interventions.
An Inventory of Publications on Electronic Medical Records Revisited
Authors: Schuemie M. J. , van der Lei J. , Moorman P. W.
Published: May 2009

Objectives: In this short review we provide an update of our earlier inventories of publications indexed in MedLine with the MeSH term ‘Medical Records Systems, Computerized’.

Methods: We retrieved and analyzed all references to English articles published before January 1, 2008, and indexed in PubMed with the MeSH term ‘Medical Records Systems, Computerized’.

Results: We retrieved a total of 11,924 publications, of which 3937 (33%) appeared in a journal with an impact factor. Since 2002 the number of yearly publications, and the number of journals in which those publications appeared, increased. A cluster analysis revealed three clusters: an organizational issues cluster, a technically oriented cluster and a cluster about order-entry and research.

Conclusions: Although our previous inventory in 2003 suggested a constant yearly production of publications on electronic medical records since 1998, the current inventory shows another rise in production since 2002. In addition, many new journals and countries have shown interest during the last five years. In the last 15 years, interest in organizational issues remained fairly constant, order entry and research with systems gained attention, while interest in technical issues relatively decreased.
Género y visibilidad Web de la actividad de profesores universitarios españoles: el caso de la Universidad Complutense de Madrid
Authors: Fernández Mario , Zamora Helena , Ortega José Luís , Utrilla Ana María , Aguillo Isidro F.
Published: May 2009

Se ha analizado la implantación del uso de Internet entre el profesorado universitario español tomando como ejemplo la Universidad Complutense de Madrid estudiando la visibilidad del trabajo publicado, y en lo tocante al género, si los patrones observados en los estudios bibliométricos se repiten en el entorno de la Web. Se han analizado las publicaciones realizadas por 289 profesores durante el año 2006, si poseen una página web personal, y la presencia en el repositorio E-Prints de la Universidad Complutense de Madrid de al menos uno de sus trabajos. Se ha encontrado que el número de profesores universitarios que poseen página personal es muy bajo, y que son aquellos que pertenecen a las ramas de Ciencias Sociales y Humanas los que más las tienen. Por otro lado son las mujeres las que menos uso hacen de este medio. También es muy reducido el depósito de trabajos en el repositorio E-Prints. En cuanto a la visibilidad no existen diferencias entre ambos sexos.
Los determinantes institucionales de las patentes del Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas: una aproximación histórica y una dialéctica con la Economía
Authors: Azagra Caro Joaquín M. , Romero de Pablos Ana
Published: May 2009

Hasta la fecha los estudios normativos sobre el origen de patentes públicas han estado centrados en las patentes universitarias. Con este artículo extendemos el análisis a las patentes generadas en los organismos públicos de investigación (OPI). Desde una doble perspectiva, la histórica y la económica, y a través de la interpretación de tres factores institucionales (evolución de los cambios políticos y legales, primacía de unas áreas científicas sobre otras y aumento de la cooperación tecnológica) se analiza qué lleva al Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) a patentar. Para el último período, desde 1987, hemos cuantificado el impacto de estos factores en las patentes. Hemos concluido que el marco institucional resulta eficaz en un organismo como el CSIC para crear una cultura favorable a la patente. La aproximación histórica define períodos homogéneos de análisis y guía la interpretación de los resultados y sus efectos a lo largo del tiempo, mientras que la aproximación económica cuantifica algunas de las relaciones y pone en cuestión la validez de las clasificaciones meramente descriptivas, por ejemplo, de las áreas científicas según el número de patentes.
Remote Laboratory System: A Model Proposal and Implementation on X-Ray Laboratory Machines
Authors: Bailo Daniele , Escarate Monetta Pedro , Rossi Albertini Valerio , Brunetti Antonio
Published: May 2009

This work presents the development and implementation of a remote X-ray laboratory, located at CNR â?? ISM, Rome, Italy. The remote laboratory model is based on a innovative, flexible and scalable modular architecture which makes it easier to update, expand or deal with problems. The developed system, accessible for control only to authenticated users, provides a remote control of the laboratory equipment, a real time visual feedback of the machinery and the opportunity to retrieve and make a preliminary analysis of stored data. These features offer the possibility to researchers of carrying out real research experiments remotely, avoid the exposure to ionizing radiation produced by the X-Ray equipment. The system also provides the opportunity of carrying out experiments programmatically, optimizing the use of available machine time and providing the possibility of running experiments in special environment-dependent conditions. Eventually, the system allows researchers located outside of laboratory site to run experiments in a collaborative way.
Elettronika Virtual Network Management
Authors: Teodor Alexandra , Valadi Atilla , Ursutiu Doru , Modugnio Giuseppe , Fiore Marco
Published: May 2009

This article introduces a simple and efficient implementation of a remote control system for the telecommunication networks. The paper deals with the automatization of transmission sites, the unattended monitoring and the ease of management of those. For the hardwareâ??s remote control we introduce a user friendly software interface between the user and the stations.
Impurity Doping in Silicon Nanowires
Authors: Fukata Naoki
Published: May 2009

Silicon nanowires (SiNWs) have considerable potential to assist the realization of next‐generation metal‐oxide semiconductor field‐effect transistors (MOSFETs) with vertical structures. Impurity doping and its control is a key technique in the creation of SiNW devices, which renders it necessary to develop characterization methods for dopant atoms in SiNWs. In this Research News, we described how the states of the dopant atoms boron and phosphorus can be detected.
Vapor‐Phase Carbonylation of Dimethoxymethane over H‐Faujasite
Authors: Celik Fuat E. , Kim Tae‐Jin , Bell Alexis T.
Published: May 2009

Endlich mal Dampf ablassen: Die üblichen Flüssigphasen‐ und Hochdruckbedingungen für die Carbonylierung von Formaldehyden werden bei einer neuartigen Dampfphasenreaktion vermieden. Unter Verwendung eines sauren Zeoliths (Faujasit) wird Dimethoxymethan (DMM; das Dimethylacetal von Formaldehyd; siehe Schema) schon nahe bei Atmosphärendruck zu Methylmethoxyacetat (MMAc) carbonyliert. Dies eröffnet einen neuen Zugang zu Ethylenglycol unter milden Bedingungen.

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Ein Eisen‐Komplex mit unverbrückter Fe‐Fe‐Bindung
Authors: Murillo Carlos A.
Published: May 2009

Unterstützung wird nicht gebraucht: Die Reduktion eines sechsfach koordinierten, einkernigen Eisen(II)‐Komplexes vom Werner‐Typ (siehe Schema) führte zur Isolierung einer Verbindung mit einer außerordentlich seltenen, unverbrückten Fe‐Fe‐Bindung mit dem experimentellen Fe‐Fe‐Abstand von 2.6869(6) Å und einer berechneten Bindungsordnung von 0.5.

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Functionalization of Carbon Nanotubes by an Ionic‐Liquid Polymer: Dispersion of Pt and PtRu Nanoparticles on Carbon Nanotubes and Their Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Methanol
Authors: Wu Bohua , Hu Dan , Kuang Yinjie , Liu Bo , Zhang Xiaohua , Chen Jinhua
Published: May 2009

Small beginnings: Metal nanoparticle/CNT nanohybrids are synthesized from carbon nanotubes (CNTs) functionalized with an ionic‐liquid polymer. The Pt and PtRu nanoparticles with narrow size distribution (average diameter: (1.3±0.4) nm for PtRu, (1.9±0.5) nm for Pt) are dispersed uniformly on the CNTs (see images) and show good performance in methanol electrooxidation.

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UV‐activated hydrosilylation: a facile approach for synthesis of hyperbranched polycarbosilanes
Authors: Zhang Guo‐Bin , Kong Jie , Fan Xiao‐Dong , Li Xin‐Gui , Tian Wei , Huang Mei‐Rong
Published: May 2009

A facile approach for synthesis of hyperbranched polycarbosilane from AB2 monomer via UV‐activated hydrosilylation is presented in this communication. The polymerization process was monitored using real‐time FTIR spectroscopy and the resulting hyperbranched polycarbosilanes were characterized using 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, 29Si‐NMR and SEC/MALLS. It is found that hyperbranched polycarbosilane can be synthesized from methyldiallylsilane via UV‐activated hydrosilylation with bis(acetylacetonato)platinum(II) as catalyst. The polymerization activated by UV irradiation was much faster than that under thermal conditions. The similar degree of branching, average number of branch units and the exponent of the Mark–Houwink equation demonstrate that the hyperbranched polycarbosilane synthesized via UV‐activated polyhydrosilylation possesses almost the same branching structure as that synthesized via thermal‐activated polyhydrosilylation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Species‐specific communication systems in an introduced toad compared with native frogs in Australia
Authors: Hagman Mattias , Shine Richard
Published: May 2009

Lineage‐specific communication systems may offer innovative ways of targeting control measures at invasive species.

Recent work has identified such a scenario in invasive cane toads (Bufo marinus) in Australia: toad tadpoles flee from chemical cues derived from crushed conspecifics, and this ‘alarm pheromone’ reduces tadpole survival rates and reduces body size at metamorphosis.

Before this method can be applied in the field, however, the signal's specificity needs to be tested against a wide range of Australian frog taxa, especially tropical species sympatric with cane toads. A signal that affected native frogs as well as toads clearly would be of little use for toad control.

Laboratory studies on cane toads and nine native frog taxa from the wet–dry tropics of the Northern Territory (Cyclorana australis, C. longipes, Limnodynastes convexiusculus, Litoria caerulea, L. dahlii, L. nasuta, L. rothii, L. rubella, Opisthodon ornatus) show that toad tadpoles rarely react to chemical cues from crushed frog tadpoles, and that frog tadpoles rarely react to chemical cues from crushed toad tadpoles. Crushed toad tadpoles occasionally elicited low‐level attraction (to a potential food source) by frog tadpoles.

Overall, frog tadpoles were less responsive to chemical cues (either from crushed conspecifics or crushed toads) than were toad tadpoles. The low level of cross‐lineage reactivity is encouraging for the feasibility of using cane toad alarm pheromones to control this invasive species in Australia; the risk of collateral damage to sympatric native frogs appears to be minimal. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CTK: A new CCD Camera at the University Observatory Jena
Authors: Mugrauer M.
Published: May 2009

The Cassegrain‐Teleskop‐Kamera (CTK) is a new CCD imager which is operated at the University Observatory Jena since begin of 2006. This article describes the main characteristics of the new camera. The properties of the CCD detector, the CTK image quality, as well as its detection limits for all filters are presented (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
An active fiber sensor for mirror vibration metrology in astronomical interferometers
Authors: Minardi S. , Chipouline A. , Krämer S. , Pertsch T. , Follert R. , Stecklum B. , Neuhäuser R.
Published: May 2009

We present a fiber sensor based on an active integrated component which could be effectively used to measure the longitudinal vibration modes of telescope mirrors in an interferometric array. We demonstrate the possibility to measure vibrations with frequencies up to ⋍100 Hz with a precision better than 10 nm (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Engineering of a matched pair of xylose reductase and xylitol dehydrogenase for xylose fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Krahulec Stefan , Klimacek Mario , Nidetzky Bernd
Published: May 2009

Metabolic engineering of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for xylose fermentation has often relied on insertion of a heterologous pathway consisting of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate) NAD(P)H‐dependent xylose reductase (XR) and NAD+‐dependent xylitol dehydrogenase (XDH). Low ethanol yield, formation of xylitol and other fermentation by‐products are seen for many of the S. cerevisiae strains constructed in this way. This has been ascribed to incomplete coenzyme recycling in the steps catalyzed by XR and XDH. Despite various protein‐engineering efforts to alter the coenzyme specificity of XR and XDH individually, a pair of enzymes displaying matched utilization of NAD(H) and NADP(H) was not previously reported. We have introduced multiple site‐directed mutations in the coenzyme‐binding pocket of Galactocandida mastotermitis XDH to enable activity with NADP+, which is lacking in the wild‐type enzyme. We describe four enzyme variants showing activity for xylitol oxidation by NADP+ and NAD+. One of the XDH variants utilized NADP+ about 4 times more efficiently than NAD+. This is close to the preference for NADPH compared with NADH in mutants of Candida tenuis XR. Compared to an S. cerevisiae‐reference strain expressing the genes for the wild‐type enzymes, the strains comprising the gene encoding the mutated XDH in combination a matched XR mutant gene showed up to 50% decreased glycerol yield without increase in ethanol during xylose fermentation.
Influence of pH on the expression of a recombinant epoxide hydrolase in Aspergillus niger
Authors: Naundorf Andreas , Melzer Guido , Archelas Alain , Furstoss Roland , Wohlgemuth Roland
Published: May 2009

The filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger was investigated in relation to its ability to produce a soluble epoxide hydrolase (EH) (E.C. 3.3.2.3) belonging to the microsomal EH family. This EH is a highly useful biocatalyst for kinetic resolution of racemic epoxides to give enantiopure building blocks. The production of EH on an industrial scale is still a major challenge and is linked to various optimization processes. In this work, production of protein and organic acids as a function of pH and cultivation time was investigated. The production of EH was highest (1000 U/L for p‐nitrostyrene oxide) under acidic fermentation conditions (pH value of about 3). The metabolic flux toward production of organic acids and thereby acidification of the environment increased with an increasing pH value. At pH 7, nearly 50% of total carbon of the substrate was incorporated into organic acids, mainly gluconic and oxalic acid. Finally, the addition of protease inhibitors, antioxidants and cryoprotectants was investigated in relation to the stability of the EH during the downstream process. The determination of the pH dependence during fermentation and understanding of the parameters influencing the stability of the enzyme has allowed us to optimize intracellular expression. The EH has been easily isolated from the biomass with high activity (1.67 U/mg lyophilisate) in a robust process.
Removal of endogenous retrovirus‐like particles from CHO‐cell derived products using Q sepharose fast flow chromatography
Authors: Strauss Daniel M. , Lute Scott , Brorson Kurt , Blank Gregory S. , Chen Qi , Yang Bin
Published: May 2009

Retrovirus‐like particles (RVLPs) that are expressed during the production of monoclonal antibodies in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell cultures must be removed during product recovery. Anion exchange chromatography (AEX) performed in product flow‐through mode, a common component in the purification of monoclonal antibodies, has been shown to provide robust removal of a related retrovirus model, but it's ability to remove the actual RVLP impurities has not been directly investigated. We have determined the ability of a typical Q sepharose process to remove actual CHO RVLP impurities. Using small scale experiments with three model antibodies, we observe that this AEX process is capable of effectively removing both in‐process and spiked RVLPs from different feedstocks containing different mAb products. In addition, we show that this AEX process also achieves a similarly high degree of RVLP removal during large scale manufacturing operations. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2009
A Mandarin e‐learning system based on speech recognition and evaluation
Authors: Ming Yue , Bai Zongshan
Published: May 2009

This paper establishes a speaker‐independent pronunciation recognition and assessment system under the background of a Mandarin e‐learning system framework. The recognition part is based on Hidden Markov Models (HMM) and improved in the aspect of acoustic and tone model. Making use of the recognition and detection results and corresponding parametric scorings, the machine scoring is performed to evaluate the quality of pronunciation its correlation with expert score are discussed. Through integrating recognition and assessment system with Web 2.0, we ultimately establish an open, shared and growing‐up virtual Mandarin learning community, where all of learners, viewers, professors, without any restrictions on time and places, can express their perspective about how to advance Mandarin learning freely. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 19: 651–659, 2011
Real‐time line tracking based on web robot vision
Authors: Yilmaz Nihat , Sagiroglu Seref
Published: May 2009

This study presents a real‐time line tracking application based on web robot vision. The application is implemented with the help of Web‐SUN robot platform specially designed for research and development. Real‐time images were processed with the support libraries. The processes such as monitoring, tele‐control, parameter adjustment, and remote‐reprogramming were implemented on the designed platform through standard Internet browser without any additional software. A projection‐based line tracking algorithm and conventional PID control algorithm are used in study. Line tracking experiments are performed on a test track drawn by red tape on floor which includes curves and corners in laboratory environment. In this study, our real‐time line tracking experiments was completed smoothly in 10 tours on the test track with a maximum deviation of 12 cm. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 19: 806–813, 2011
Anwendung der Diskrete‐Elemente‐Methode zur Simulation des Verhaltens von Schüttgütern
Authors: Weiler R. , Ripp M. , Dau G. , Ripperger S.
Published: May 2009

Leistungsfähigere Rechnersysteme haben die Diskrete‐Elemente‐Methode (DEM) zu einem attraktiven Instrument zur numerischen Simulation des Verhaltens von Schüttgütern gemacht. Mit der Wahl der Partikelform sowie des Kontaktmodells und den zugehörigen Parametern werden spezifischen Eigenschaften eines Schüttgutes berücksichtigt. Wie hier gezeigt wird, sind diese Parameter für den Realitätsgrad der Simulation von großer Bedeutung. Allerdings steigt oft mit höherem Realitätsgrad einer Simulation die Rechenzeit stark an. So findet die Anwendung der Methode u. a. ihre Begrenzung in der Zahl der Partikel, mit der ein Apparat befüllt werden kann, da diese in starkem Maß die Rechenzeit beeinflusst. Zudem ist es häufig notwendig, die Simulationsparameter anhand von experimentellen Untersuchungen zu kalibrieren. Zur Kalibrierung sollten möglichst einfach durchzuführende experimentelle Methoden zur Verfügung stehen. Eine solche Methode zur experimentellen Untersuchung und Simulation der Ausbildung eines Schüttwinkels in einem Behälter wird vorgestellt. Zudem wird gezeigt, von welchen Parametern die Rechenzeit einer Simulation im Wesentlichen abhängt.
Synovial sarcoma
Authors: Palmerini Emanuela , Staals Eric L. , Alberghini Marco , Zanella Licciana , Ferrari Cristina , Benassi Maria Serena , Picci Piero , Mercuri Mario , Bacci Gaetano , Ferrari Sefano
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND:

The optimal treatment for synovial sarcoma remains controversial. Treatment, outcome, and prognostic factors in patients treated in a single institution were examined.

METHODS:

Synovial sarcoma patients who underwent surgery at the Rizzoli Institute between 1976 and 2006 were identified and analyzed.

RESULTS:

Characteristics of the 250 patients (128 female; 122 male) included: median age, 37 years (range, 7‐83 years); 177 (71%) with tumors in the lower extremity, 40 (16%) with tumors in the upper extremity, and 33 with tumors in the trunk (13%); primary lesion size >5 cm in 121 patients (55%); and 204 (82%) patients with localized disease and 46 (18%) with metastatic disease at the time of presentation. All patients with localized disease underwent surgery. Twenty‐four percent of patients underwent amputation. Adequate surgical margins were achieved in 88% patients. In patients with localized disease, radiotherapy was administered to 103 (50%) patients, and chemotherapy to 98 (48%). With a median follow‐up of 5.5 years (range, 1‐30 years), the 5‐year overall survival rate was 10% for patients with metastatic disease and 76% for patients with localized disease (P = .0001). The 5‐year event‐free survival was 58% in patients with localized disease. Multivariate analysis indicated that size, age, histologic subtype, and the use of radiotherapy were independent factors for event‐free survival.

CONCLUSIONS:

In those patients with localized disease, a good rate of cure can be achieved. Age, size, histology, and use of radiotherapy influence prognosis, whereas to the authors' knowledge, the role of adjuvant chemotherapy remains unproven. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Ductal carcinoma in situ in African American versus Caucasian American women
Authors: Nassar Hind , Sharafaldeen Bashar , Visvanathan Kala , Visscher Daniel
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND:

Invasive breast carcinoma has a more aggressive phenotype and a higher mortality rate in African American (AA) than in Caucasian American (CA) women. The characteristics of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in the AA population have not been extensively studied.

METHODS:

The authors reviewed cases of DCIS diagnosed in AA and CA patients between 1996 and 2000 at their institution. Treatment and outcome were obtained from the clinical charts and the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. They identified 217 AA (61%) and 141 CA (39%) patients.

RESULTS:

AA women were significantly older at diagnosis (61 years vs 56 years, P = .001), and the size of the tumor was larger in AA patients (P = .001). The other pathological features examined were not statistically different between the 2 groups. Treatments with surgery and radiation were also similar. However, the CA patients were more likely to receive hormone therapy. Recurrence rate as DCIS or invasive carcinoma was similar in both patient groups, as was death due to disease. Time to recurrence with invasive carcinoma, however, was shorter for AA patients (32.8 ± 13 vs 58 ± 9; P = .02). Only overall survival (OS) rate was higher for CA patients (92% vs 71% at 10 years; P = .003).

CONCLUSIONS:

Unlike invasive carcinoma, DCIS is diagnosed at a later age in AA patients. Except for larger size, DCIS does not have a more aggressive histology in AA patients. Treatment and recurrence rate were similar in both groups, as was death due to breast cancer. OS, however, was worse in AA women. Cancer 2009; 115:3181–8. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Uterine papillary serous carcinoma
Authors: Annunziata Christina M. , Kotz Herbert L.
Published: May 2009

Uterine carcinoma of papillary serous histology (UPSC) is an aggressive tumor with a relatively poor overall survival. Few randomized clinical trials directed toward uterine cancer have focused specifically on stage I disease of the papillary serous variant, leaving the best treatment for these women undefined. The current study by Nickels Fader et al retrospectively analyzed outcome in 142 patients with stage I UPSC who were treated with surgery followed by observation, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy ± radiotherapy, and found a lower rate of recurrence on those who received chemotherapy.
Insights into achieving target hemoglobin levels: Increasing the serum ferritin parameter
Authors: Bralow Scott
Published: May 2009

Evidence suggests that higher serum ferritin levels may not be an accurate reflection of iron stores or predict a patient's response to intravenous (IV) iron. Therefore, our dialysis unit revised its IV iron and anemia management protocol, from initially holding IV iron at a lower limit of serum ferritin to now continuing IV iron therapy at higher serum ferritin levels. This article describes our facility's experiences with IV iron administration at higher serum ferritin levels and the resulting improvements in patient outcomes as measured by an improved erythropoietic response.
Zebrafish wnt3 is expressed in developing neural tissue
Authors: Clements Wilson K. , Ong Karen G. , Traver David
Published: May 2009

Wnt signaling regulates embryonic patterning and controls stem cell homeostasis, while aberrant Wnt activity is associated with disease. One Wnt family member, Wnt3, is required in mouse for specification of mesoderm, and later regulates neural patterning, apical ectodermal ridge formation, and hair growth. We have identified and performed preliminary characterization of the zebrafish wnt3 gene. wnt3 is expressed in the developing tailbud and neural tissue including the zona limitans intrathalamica (ZLI), optic tectum, midbrain‐hindbrain boundary, and dorsal hindbrain and spinal cord. Expression in these regions suggests that Wnt3 participates in processes such as forebrain compartmentalization and regulation of tectal wiring topography by retinal ganglia axons. Surprisingly, wnt3 expression is not detectable during mesoderm specification, making it unlikely that Wnt3 regulates this process in zebrafish. This lack of early expression should make it possible to study later Wnt3‐regulated patterning events, such as neural patterning, by knockdown studies in zebrafish. Developmental Dynamics 238:1768–1795, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Construction of Two Discrete Molecular High‐Nuclearity Copper(II) Complexes as Heterogeneous Catalysts for Oxidative Coupling Polymerisation of 2,6‐Dimethylphenol
Authors: Wu Jie , Hou Hong‐Wei , Guo Yue‐Xin , Fan Yao‐Ting , Wang Xia
Published: May 2009

Reaction of a rigid conjugated clamp‐like multi‐pyridineligand N,N′‐bis(pyridin‐3‐yl)‐2,6‐pyridinedicarboxamide (H2L) with CuSO4·5H2O or Cu(OAc)2 resulted in the formation of two high‐nuclearity, discrete molecular copper(II) complexes, namely [Cu10(H2L)5(SO4)8(μ3‐OH)4(H2O)2]·4CH3CH2OH·7H2O (1) and [Cu6(L)4(CH3COO)4]·2DMF·6H2O (2). In 1, ten copper atoms are engaged by five H2L ligands, eight SO42– and four μ3‐OH groups to form a novel decanuclear copper complex which sits on a crystallographic twofold axis passing through the centre of the complex. The structure of 2 features a hexanuclear copper cage and a crystallographic centre of inversion is at the mid‐point of the compound. The rigid conjugated clamp‐like H2L ligands, polydentate in nature, form a “coordination pocket” arising from their “arms” to entrap the copper atoms and play an important role in the assembly of discrete molecular high‐nuclearity complexes 1 and 2. Applications of 1 and 2 as heterogeneous catalysts for the oxidative polymerisation of 2,6‐dimethylphenol showed very promising results at ambient temperature and these novel catalytic systems are very mild, efficient, regioselective and easily recyclable. The interesting catalytic properties of 1 and 2 can be attributed to their particular structural characteristics and their unusual reactivities based on cooperativity or electron transfer between multicopper centres. Magnetic studies of these copper(II) cages indicate antiferromagnetic behaviour. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Syntheses, Structure and Photoluminescence Properties of Silver(I) Complexes with Naphthalene Iminoimides
Authors: Yang Hong , Lao Yan‐Ni , Chen Jia‐Min , Wu Hui‐Xia , Yang Shi‐Ping
Published: May 2009

Three silver(I) complexes, namely [Ag(L)(NO3)]∞ (1), [Ag(L)2(NO3)] (2) and [Ag(L)2](BF4) (3) {L = 9,10‐dihydro‐7H‐benzo[de]imidazo[2,1‐a]isoquinolin‐7‐one}, have been synthesized and characterized by X‐ray crystallography, elemental analyses and FTIR spectra. The counteranions in the AgI salts and the ligand/AgI ratio play fundamental roles in the formation of AgI complexes having different crystal structures. The AgI ions in 1 and 2 are both three‐coordinate, but they are two‐coordinate in 3. Complex 1 adopts the polymeric chain‐like structure mainly bridged by nitrate anions. These chains are assembled into 2D sheets by the π–π stacking interaction of the ligands between the adjacent chains and weak intermolecular hydrogen bonds. They are further packed into 3D networks by C–H···O hydrogen bonds. For 2 and 3, mononuclear silver(I) complexes are formed. Complex 2 is extended into an infinite zigzag chain with knots by the π–π stacking interactions of the ligands and further assembled by C–H···O interactions. However, the tetrafluoroborate anions in 3 are not coordinated but are connected by intermolecular hydrogen bonds to form an infinite molecular ladder with ligand‐supported Ag–N inner rungs. All the complexes display room‐temperature photoluminescence in the visible region, which may be assigned to ligand‐centred π–π* transitions supported by the theory calculation. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Specific molecular and colloidal structures of milk fat affecting lipolysis, absorption and postprandial lipemia
Authors: Michalski Marie‐Caroline
Published: May 2009

In milk fat, fatty acids are located at specific positions on the triacylglycerol backbone. Thesn‐2 position contains most saturated long‐chain fatty acids, while thesn‐3 position contains short‐chain fatty acids. Moreover, these triacylglycerols are structured as milk fat globules surrounded by their native membrane containing phospholipids. This native structure can be modified by the dairy processes to generate various possible colloidal structures with milk fat. The structure of triacylglycerols and the milk fat ultrastructure can impact on fatty acid digestion and absorption, which has a potential effect on cardiovascular risk factors linked to postprandial hypertriglyceridemia. The review points out the impact of the triacylglycerol structure and the ultrastructure of milk fat on these risk factors.
Two‐dimensional prediction of time dependent, turbulent flow around a square cylinder confined in a channel
Authors: Raisee M. , Jafari A. , Babaei H. , Iacovides H.
Published: May 2009

This paper presents two‐dimensional and unsteady RANS computations of time dependent, periodic, turbulent flow around a square block. Two turbulence models are used: the Launder–Sharma low‐Reynolds number k–ε model and a non‐linear extension sensitive to the anisotropy of turbulence. The Reynolds number based on the free stream velocity and obstacle side is Re=2.2×104. The present numerical results have been obtained using a finite volume code that solves the governing equations in a vertical plane, located at the lateral mid‐point of the channel. The pressure field is obtained with the SIMPLE algorithm. A bounded version of the third‐order QUICK scheme is used for the convective terms. Comparisons of the numerical results with the experimental data indicate that a preliminary steady solution of the governing equations using the linear k–ε does not lead to correct flow field predictions in the wake region downstream of the square cylinder. Consequently, the time derivatives of dependent variables are included in the transport equations and are discretized using the second‐order Crank–Nicolson scheme. The unsteady computations using the linear and non‐linear k–ε models significantly improve the velocity field predictions. However, the linear k–ε shows a number of predictive deficiencies, even in unsteady flow computations, especially in the prediction of the turbulence field. The introduction of a non‐linear k–ε model brings the two‐dimensional unsteady predictions of the time‐averaged velocity and turbulence fields and also the predicted values of the global parameters such as the Strouhal number and the drag coefficient to close agreement with the data. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gray and white matter brain volumes in older adults with bipolar disorder
Authors: Beyer John L. , Kuchibhatla Maragatha , Payne Martha E. , MacFall James , Cassidy Frederick , Krishnan K. Ranga R.
Published: May 2009

Objectives

Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies have been inconsistent in demonstrating volumetric differences in subjects with bipolar disorder. Most studies have not found difference in total gray or white matter in bipolar patients compared with controls, but there have been several studies suggesting that regional abnormalities are present. These have predominately been located in the frontal and temporal lobes. Since age has been inversely correlated with total gray matter in patients, analyses of gray matter changes in older adults or in studies that have included older subjects have been difficult. This study assessed the presence of gray matter volume, and the potential for regional volumetric differences in older adults with bipolar disorder.

Methods

Fifty‐six older adults with DSM‐IV bipolar disorder (mean age 60.5) and 43 non‐psychiatrically ill controls (mean age 58.1) had structured interviews and MRI scanning on a 1.5T GE Scanner. Image parcellation divided the cerebrum into 16 units. Volumetric differences were examined using the multivariate linear regression models with α = 0.05.

Results

Relative to controls, the older adults with bipolar disorder had significantly smaller gray matter volumes bilaterally in the inferior frontal areas. White matter volume was also reduced in these same areas but did not reach statistical significance when controlled for gender and age. No significant difference was noted in total gray or white matter volumes.

Conclusions

Older adults with bipolar disorder showed gray matter volumetric deficits in inferior frontal lobe regions which include structures identified as contributing to the anterior limbic network. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Longitudinal MRI monitoring of brain damage in the neonatal ventral hippocampal lesion rat model of schizophrenia
Authors: Bertrand Jean‐Baptiste , Langlois Jean‐Baptiste , Bégou Mélina , Volle Julien , Brun Philippe , d'Amato Thierry , Saoud Mohamed , Suaud‐Chagny Marie‐Françoise
Published: May 2009

Rat with excitotoxic neonatal ventral hippocampal lesions (NVHL rats) is considered as a heuristic neurodevelopmental model for studying schizophrenia. Extensive study of this model is limited by the lack of clear validity criteria of such lesions and because ascertaining of the lesions is realized postmortem with histological examination after completing experiments. Here, in a first experiment, by assessing the locomotor response to amphetamine in adult NVHL rats, we further specify that the lesions must be bilateral and confined to the ventral hippocampus to obtain the validated behavioral phenotype. We then show a longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol suitable for the detection of brain structural changes in NVHL rats. The T2‐weighted images acquired in adult NVHL rats reveal the same structural changes as those appraised with histological protocol. Moreover, we demonstrate that the lesion status in adulthood can be accurately predicted from the T2‐weighted images acquired in the juvenile period. As technical advantages, our MRI protocol makes possible to select animals according to lesion criteria as soon as in the juvenile period before long‐lasting experiments and gives access in vivo to a quantitative parameter indicative of the lesion extent. Finally, we show that the lesion size increases only slightly between juvenile and adult periods. These latter results are discussed in the context of the specific postpubertal emergence of the behavioral deficits in NVHL rats. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Language and academic abilities in children with selective mutism
Authors: Nowakowski Matilda E. , Cunningham Charles E. , McHolm Angela E. , Evans Mary Ann , Edison Shannon , Pierre Jeff St. , Boyle Michael H. , Schmidt Louis A.
Published: May 2009

We examined receptive language and academic abilities in children with selective mutism (SM; n = 30; M age = 8.8 years), anxiety disorders (n = 46; M age = 9.3 years), and community controls (n = 27; M age = 7.8 years). Receptive language and academic abilities were assessed using standardized tests completed in the laboratory. We found a significant group by sex interaction for receptive vocabulary scores such that, within females, the SM and mixed anxiety groups had significantly lower receptive vocabulary scores than community controls. We also found that children with SM and children with anxiety disorders had significantly lower mathematics scores than community controls. Despite these differences in mathematics and receptive vocabulary performance, children with SM and children with anxiety disorders still performed at age‐level norms, while more children in the community control group performed above age‐level norms. Findings suggest that despite their speaking inhibition in the school setting, children with SM are still able to attain the receptive vocabulary and academic abilities that are expected at their age levels. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anti‐inflammatory effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a nuclear factor‐κB inhibitor, onHelicobacter pylori‐induced gastritis in Mongolian gerbils
Authors: Toyoda Takeshi , Tsukamoto Tetsuya , Takasu Shinji , Shi Liang , Hirano Naoki , Ban Hisayo , Kumagai Toshiko , Tatematsu Masae
Published: May 2009

Nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) plays a major role in host inflammatory responses and carcinogenesis and as such is an important drug target for adjuvant therapy. In this study, we examined the effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), an NF‐κB inhibitor, onHelicobacter pylori(H. pylori)‐induced NF‐κB activation in cell culture and chronic gastritis in Mongolian gerbils. In AGS gastric cancer cells, CAPE significantly inhibitedH. pylori‐stimulated NF‐κB activation and mRNA expression of several inflammatory factors in a dose‐dependent manner, and prevented degradation of IκB‐α and phosphorylation of p65 subunit. To evaluate the effects of CAPE onH. pylori‐induced gastritis, specific pathogen‐free male, 6‐week‐old Mongolian gerbils were intragastrically inoculated withH. pylori, fed diets containing CAPE (0–0.1%) and sacrificed after 12 weeks. Infiltration of neutrophils and mononuclear cells and expression of NF‐κB p50 subunit and phospho‐IκB‐α were significantly suppressed by 0.1% CAPE treatment in the antrum ofH. pylori‐infected gerbils. Labeling indices for 5′‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine both in the antrum and corpus and lengths of isolated pyloric glands were also markedly reduced at the highest dose, suggesting a preventive effect of CAPE on epithelial proliferation. Furthermore, in the pyloric mucosa, mRNA expression of inflammatory mediators including tumor necrosis factor‐α, interferon‐γ, interleukin (IL)‐2, IL‐6, KC (IL‐8 homologue), and inducible nitric oxide synthase was significantly reduced. These results suggest that CAPE has inhibitory effects onH. pylori‐induced gastritis in Mongolian gerbils through the suppression of NF‐κB activation, and may thus have potential for prevention and therapy ofH. pylori‐associated gastric disorders. © 2009 UICC
Interference with cellular differentiation by D‐serine through antagonism at N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors composed of NR1 and NR3A subunits in chondrocytes
Authors: Takarada Takeshi , Takahata Yoshifumi , Iemata Mika , Hinoi Eiichi , Uno Kyosuke , Hirai Takao , Yamamoto Tomomi , Yoneda Yukio
Published: May 2009

Serine racemase (SR) is responsible for the biosynthesis of D‐serine (D‐Ser), an endogenous co‐agonist for the glycine (Gly)‐binding site on N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors, from L‐Ser in the brain. We have previously demonstrated high expression of SR by chondrocytes in cartilage. In this study, we attempted to elucidate the possible functional role of D‐Ser in chondrogenesis. Expression of mRNA and corresponding protein was seen for SR in cultured rat costal chondrocytes, while the addition of L‐Ser significantly increased intracellular and extracellular levels of D‐Ser. In organotypic cultured mouse embryonic metatarsals isolated before vascularization, SR mRNA was highly localized in hypertrophic and calcified chondrocytes. Exposure to D‐Ser not only suppressed several chondrocytic maturation markers, including alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, Ca2+ accumulation, nodule formation, and osteopontin expression, in rat chondrocytes, but also delayed chondral mineralization in mouse metatarsals. Either NMDA or Gly alone significantly increased Ca2+ accumulation in cultured chondrocytes, whereas D‐Ser significantly prevented Ca2+ accumulation by Gly, but not by NMDA. Gly alone also significantly increased gene transactivation by the introduction of runt‐related transcription factor‐2 (Runx2) in COS7 cells transfected with NR1 and NR3A subunits, while D‐Ser significantly prevented the increase by Gly without affecting the promoter activity of Runx2. In both cultured chondrocytes and metatarsals from NR1‐null mice, significant decreases were seen in ALP activity and chondral mineralization, respectively. These results suggest that D‐Ser may negatively regulate cellular differentiation through inhibiting NMDA receptors composed of NR1 and NR3A subunits in a manner related to Runx2 transcriptional activity in chondrocytes. J. Cell. Physiol. 220: 756–764, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The response of phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase, polyphenol oxidase and phenols to cold stress in the olive tree (Olea europaea L. cv. Picual)
Authors: Ortega‐García Francisca , Peragón Juan
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND: In this study the activities of phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase (PAL) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and the concentrations of hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol and oleuropein in olive tree (Olea europaea L. cv. Picual) leaves were investigated before and after cold stress by freezing. The air temperature fell to below −7 °C and, according to the specific field conditions, four categories of orchard were selected: not cold stressed (NS), lightly cold stressed (LS), moderately cold stressed (MS) and heavily cold stressed (HS).

RESULTS: In LS and MS samples the PAL specific activity at saturated substrate concentration rose 4.8‐ and 1.9‐fold respectively compared with NS samples. In HS samples the PAL activity declined by 47% compared with NS samples. A low level of PAL protein was detected in all samples affected by cold stress. In LS, MS and HS samples the PPO specific activity at saturated substrate concentration was 1.9‐, 4.4‐ and 9.8‐fold higher respectively than in NS samples. Km values also increased after cold stress. In MS and HS samples the concentration of oleuropein was 69 and 82% higher respectively than in NS samples, while the concentrations of hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol decreased.

CONCLUSION: The response of PAL activity may be part of a recovery process of the olive leaf against cold stress, while the response of PPO and oleuropein may be part of an antioxidant protection mechanism. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry