bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Veterinarians and Public Practice at the Virginia–Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine: Building on a Tradition of Expertise and Partnership
Authors: Feldman Katherine A. , Walters Bettye K.
Published: August 2008

The Virginia–Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine (VMRCVM), a regional veterinary college for Maryland and Virginia, has a long and unique tradition of encouraging careers in public and corporate veterinary medicine. The VMRCVM is home to the Center for Public and Corporate Veterinary Medicine (CPCVM), and each year approximately 10% of the veterinary students choose the public/corporate veterinary medicine track. The faculty of the CPCVM, and their many partners from the veterinary public practice community, teach in the veterinary curriculum and provide opportunities for students locally, nationally, and internationally during summers and the final clinical year. Graduates of the program work for government organizations, including the US Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as in research, in industry, and for non-governmental organizations. Recent activities include securing opportunities for students, providing career counseling for graduate veterinarians interested in making a career transition, delivering continuing education, and offering a preparatory course for veterinarians sitting the board examination for the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine. As the VMRCVM moves forward in recognition of the changing needs of the veterinary profession, it draws on its tradition of partnership and capitalizes on the excellence of its existing program. Future plans for the CPCVM include possible expansion in the fields of public health, public policy, international veterinary medicine, organizational leadership, and the One Health initiative. Quality assurance and evaluation of the program is ongoing, with recognition that novel evaluation approaches will be useful and informative.
Teaching Nutrition to Student Veterinary Technicians
Authors: Pazak Helene E.
Published: August 2008

Graduates of veterinary technology programs must have the knowledge and skills to understand, implement, and encourage owner compliance with appropriate feeding recommendations for healthy animals and therapeutic regimens to promote optimal health, enhance recovery, and manage chronic disease conditions. This article describes nutrition education for veterinary technology students at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University. Veterinary technology students are novice learners in nutrition who prefer visual, applied, and experiential modes of instruction. The program uses the American College of Veterinary Nutrition's “Circle of Nutrition,” concept maps, and case-based delivery and assessment.
Structure Determination of β-Glucans from Ganoderma lucidum with Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption/ionization (MALDI) Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Hung Wei-Ting , Wang Shwu-Huey , Chen Chung-Hsuan , Yang Wen-Bin
Published: August 2008

A novel method that uses matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry to analyze molecular weight and sequencing of glucan in Ganoderma lucidum is presented. Thus, β-glucan, which was isolated from fruiting bodies of G. lucidum, was measured in a direct and fast way using MALDI mass spectrometry. In addition, tandem mass spectrometry of permethylated glucans of G. lucidum, dextran, curdlan and maltohexaose were also pursued and different fragment patterns were obtained. The G. lucidum glucan structure was determined and this method for linkage analysis of permethylated glucan has been proven feasible.
Empirical Retrieval of Surface Melt Magnitude from Coupled MODIS Optical and Thermal Measurements over the Greenland Ice Sheet during the 2001 Ablation Season
Authors: Lampkin Derrick , Peng Rui
Published: August 2008

Accelerated ice flow near the equilibrium line of west-central Greenland Ice Sheet (GIS) has been attributed to an increase in infiltrated surface melt water as a response to climate warming. The assessment of surface melting events must be more than the detection of melt onset or extent. Retrieval of surface melt magnitude is necessary to improve understanding of ice sheet flow and surface melt coupling. In this paper, we report on a new technique to quantify the magnitude of surface melt. Cloud-free dates of June 10, July 5, 7, 9, and 11, 2001 Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) daily reflectance Band 5 (1.230-1.250μm) and surface temperature images rescaled to 1km over western Greenland were used in the retrieval algorithm. An optical-thermal feature space partitioned as a function of melt magnitude was derived using a one-dimensional thermal snowmelt model (SNTHERM89). SNTHERM89 was forced by hourly meteorological data from the Greenland Climate Network (GC-Net) at reference sites spanning dry snow, percolation, and wet snow zones in the Jakobshavn drainage basin in western GIS. Melt magnitude or effective melt (E-melt) was derived for satellite composite periods covering May, June, and July displaying low fractions (0-1%) at elevations greater than 2500m and fractions at or greater than 15% at elevations lower than 1000m assessed for only the upper 5 cm of the snow surface. Validation of E-melt involved comparison of intensity to dry and wet zones determined from QSCAT backscatter. Higher intensities (> 8%) were distributed in wet snow zones, while lower intensities were grouped in dry zones at a first order accuracy of ~ ±2%.
Mapping Regional Distribution of a Single Tree Species: Whitebark Pine in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
Authors: Landenburger Lisa , Lawrence Rick L. , Podruzny Shannon , Schwartz Charles C.
Published: August 2008

Moderate resolution satellite imagery traditionally has been thought to be inadequate for mapping vegetation at the species level. This has made comprehensive mapping of regional distributions of sensitive species, such as whitebark pine, either impractical or extremely time consuming. We sought to determine whether using a combination of moderate resolution satellite imagery (Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus), extensive stand data collected by land management agencies for other purposes, and modern statistical classification techniques (boosted classification trees) could result in successful mapping of whitebark pine. Overall classification accuracies exceeded 90%, with similar individual class accuracies. Accuracies on a localized basis varied based on elevation. Accuracies also varied among administrative units, although we were not able to determine whether these differences related to inherent spatial variations or differences in the quality of available reference data.
A benchmark analysis of the achievement of therapeutic goals for type 1 Gaucher disease patients treated with imiglucerase
Authors: Weinreb Neal , Taylor John , Cox Timothy , Yee John , vom Dahl Stephan
Published: August 2008

To assess the extent to which patients with type 1 Gaucher disease (GD1) receiving individualized enzyme replacement therapy with imiglucerase attain six defined therapeutic goals. One hundred and ninety‐five GD1 patients enrolled in the ICGG Gaucher Registry, all of whom had data available for hemoglobin, platelet count, liver volume, spleen volume, bone pain, and bone crises at first infusion and after 4 years of therapy with imiglucerase, were evaluated for achievement of published therapeutic goals. The proportion of patients who met all six therapeutic goals increased from 2.1% at first infusion to 41.5% at 4 years; ≥5 goals from 12.8% to 76.9%; ≥4 goals from 37.4% to 92.8%; ≥3 goals from 70.8% to 99.0%; and ≥2 goals from 95.4% to 99.5%. All patients met at least one goal at first infusion and after 4 years of treatment. The proportion of patients meeting specific therapeutic goals increased for all parameters between first infusion and 4 years of therapy: platelet count (24.6%–79.5%), spleen volume (25.6%–78.5%), liver volume (45.6%–90.8%), bone pain (62.6–70.3%), hemoglobin (68.2–91.8%), and bone crises (91.8–99.0%). On average, patients who received higher doses of imiglucerase achieved a greater number of therapeutic goals. This analysis provides a benchmark for evaluating the utility of a disease management approach for GD1 based on monitoring achievement of therapeutic goals after treatment with imiglucerase. Am. J. Hematol. 83:890–895, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Asymmetric epoxidation of chromenes catalyzed by chiral pyrrolidine SalenMn(III) complexes with an anchored functional group
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Wang Dong‐Ping , Jia Yin‐Bao , Lu Xiao‐Bing , Wang Hui , Sun Li‐Cheng
Published: August 2008

Chiral pyrrolidine SalenMn(III) complexes with an anchored functional group at the Naza‐substituent in the pyrrolidine backbone were synthesized, and used as catalysts for asymmetric epoxidation of substituted chromenes. The complex 1 with an anchored imidazole as acceptor could effectively catalyze epoxidation of substituted chromenes in the absence of expensive additive 4‐phenyl pyridine N‐oxide (PPNO) by the coordination of the anchored organic base to the central manganese ion. Complexes 2 and 3 with a quaternary ammonium salt unit at the Naza‐substituent in the pyrrolidine backbone displayed higher activities than Jacobsen catalyst and the analogous complex 4 without anchored functional group in the aforementioned reaction. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surprendre positivement les clients : une tactique en marketing relationnel pour développer un avantage concurrentiel dans le secteur des services financiers
Authors: Bergeron Jasmin , Roy Jasmin , Fallu Jean‐Mathieu
Published: August 2008

The turbulent environment in which financial institutions evolve motivates strategic thinking aimed at competitive advantage. Drawing from the literature on relationship marketing, one potentially successful strategy at the level of front line service is for financial advisors to behave in a pleasantly surprising way toward their clients (e.g., acknowledging a family member's birthday; covering a parking expense; giving tickets to an entertainment venue). We examine both antecedents and consequences of clients' perceptions of their advisors behaving in a pleasantly surprising way toward them. Antecedents included advisors' customer orientation, knowledge of client, and sense of humour. Consequences included clients' trust, satisfaction, purchase intentions, and word‐of‐mouth intentions. Several strategic recommendations and research avenues following from these findings are offered. Copyright © 2008 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Positioning climate change in sustainable development discourse
Authors: Grist Natasha
Published: August 2008

This paper investigates how climate change is positioned within the wider field of sustainable development. Analysis of theory and policy reveals an array of initiatives stemming from different interpretations of sustainable development. Most climate change policy is currently in less radical, reformist approaches to sustainable development that are market based and utilitarian, exemplified by a focus on energy efficiency and international political agreements. Some climate change discourse and policy is related to more radical interpretations of sustainable development, principally concerning equity, resource and consumption limits. Whilst coalitions of some approaches to sustainable development are constructed through the practice of creating initiatives on climate change, other perspectives are fundamentally irreconcilable. The paper argues that a greater awareness of underlying worldviews and perspectives behind the range of climate initiatives is necessary if the goal of global carbon emissions reduction is to be achieved. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ict and development studies: Towards development 2.0
Authors: Thompson Mark
Published: August 2008

This paper calls for a more committed engagement between ICT practitioners and the development community, and seeks to make two contributions. The first is to show how it has never been more important, as the more mature discipline, for development studies to critique the operation of developmental ICT at policy level, as well as to inform and educate the increasing numbers of, usually foreign, ICT investors and practitioners who are involving themselves in these emerging markets. The second contribution is a description of the fundamental challenge that recent Web 2.0 models of networked social interaction are increasingly likely to pose to more established approaches and debates within development studies itself. Having outlined the challenge, the paper looks at how such thinking, conceived as ‘Development 2.0’, may contribute to four of the most pressing current debates within development studies today. Finally, the paper concludes with an acknowledgement of some of the immediate constraints to the transformational potential of Development 2.0, and outlines some work that will be required to develop these ideas further. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alterations of Fc gamma receptor I and Toll‐like receptor 4 mediate the antiinflammatory actions of microglia and astrocytes after adrenaline‐induced blood–brain barrier opening in rats
Authors: Li Ying‐Na , Qin Xu‐Jun , Kuang Fang , Wu Rui , Duan Xiao‐Li , Ju Gong , Wang Bai‐Ren
Published: August 2008

Blood–brain barrier (BBB) opening occurs under many physiological and pathological conditions. BBB opening will lead to the leakage of large circulating molecules into the brain parenchyma. These invasive molecules will induce immune responses. Microglia and astrocytes are the two major cell types responsible for immune responses in the brain, and Fc gamma receptor I (FcγRI) and Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) are the two important receptors mediating these processes. Data suggest that activation of the FcγRI pathway mediates antiinflammatory processes, whereas activation of TLR4 pathway leads to proinflammatory activities. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that BBB opening could lead to alterations in FcγRI and TLR4 pathways in microglia and astrocytes, thus limiting excessive inflammation in the brain. The transient BBB opening was induced by adrenaline injection through a caudal vein in Sprague‐Dawley rats. We found that the FcγRI pathway was significantly activated in both microglia and astrocytes, as exhibited by the up‐regulation of FcγRI and its key downstream molecule Syk, as well as the increased production of the effector cytokines, interleukin (IL)‐10 and IL‐4. Interestingly, after transient BBB opening, TLR4 expression was also increased. However, the expression of MyD88, the central adapter of the TLR4 pathway, was significantly inhibited, with decreased production of the effector cytokines IL‐12a and IL‐1β. These results indicate that, after transient BBB opening, FcγRI‐mediated antiinflammatory processes were activated, whereas TLR4‐mediated proinflammatory activities were inhibited in microglia and astrocytes. This may represent an important neuroprotective mechanism of microglia and astrocytes that limits excessive inflammation after BBB opening. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Predominant fiber atrophy and fiber type disproportion in early ullrich disease
Authors: Schessl Joachim , Goemans Nathalie M. , Magold Alexandra I. , Zou Yaqun , Hu Ying , Kirschner Janbernd , Sciot Raf , Bönnemann Carsten G.
Published: August 2008

Ullrich disease (congenital muscular dystrophy type Ullrich, UCMD) is a severe congenital disorder of muscle caused by recessive and dominant mutations in the three genes that encode the α‐chains of collagen type VI. Little is known about the early pathogenesis of this myopathy. The aim of this study was to investigate early histological changes in muscle of patients with molecularly confirmed UCMD. Muscle biopsies were analyzed from 8 UCMD patients ranging in age from 6 to 30 months. Type I fiber atrophy and predominance were seen early, together with a widening of the fiber diameter spectrum, whereas no dystrophic features were apparent. A subpopulation of more severely atrophic type I fibers was apparent subsequently, including one biopsy that fulfilled the formal diagnostic criteria of histopathological fiber type disproportion (FTD). Thus, early in the disease, UCMD presents as a non‐dystrophic myopathy with predominant fiber atrophy. Collagen VI mutations also qualify as a cause of fiber type disproportion. Muscle Nerve 38: 1184–1191, 2008
Severe hydroxychloroquine myopathy
Authors: Abdel‐Hamid Hoda , Oddis Chester V. , Lacomis David
Published: August 2008

Hydroxychloroquine causes a vacuolar myopathy that is usually of mild to moderate severity. The myopathy may be underrecognized, especially in patients who receive multiple other medications for complex illnesses. We report two patients with connective tissue diseases and unusually severe, histopathologically proven hydroxychloroquine myopathy. Both had ventilatory failure; one also had primary pulmonary disease associated with scleroderma, but the other lacked a pulmonary etiology. The ventilatory failure and subsequent medical complications led to death despite discontinuation of hydroxychloroquine, thereby underscoring the potential severity of hydroxychloroquine myopathy and the need for its early recognition. Muscle Nerve 38: 1206–1210, 2008
Psychological interventions for long‐term conditions: a review of approaches, content and outcomes
Authors: Doyle Carol , Foster Nadine , Jordan Joanne
Published: August 2008

Background. People living with long‐term conditions are more likely to see their GP and experience limitations in their daily activities (Department of Health, 2005). Psychological interventions, specifically cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), aimed at helping people to cope and self‐manage these conditions, are popular. This review aims to summarize the evidence from good‐quality systematic reviews of psychological interventions to inform the management of, and future research in, patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Cochrane reviews were used as these are considered to be of good quality (Handoll et al., 2002). Method. We identified Cochrane reviews of psychological interventions for common chronic health conditions in adults across all healthcare settings. Data on intervention approach, content, delivery and outcomes were extracted and summarized. Results. Nine Cochrane reviews, in asthma (n = 1), diabetes (n = 2), coronary heart disease (n = 1) and chronic musculoskeletal pain (n = 5) were identified. These reviews included 131 clinical trials and over 20,200 patients. Psychological interventions were wide ranging, many using a variety of CBT, mostly delivered in secondary care settings by nurses or psychologists. Physiotherapists were involved in some studies as part of multidisciplinary teams. Due to the complexity and diversity of the interventions, individually effective components could not be identified. Interpretation of studies was difficult because of heterogeneity in intervention content, delivery and outcomes measured. Conclusion. Physiotherapists involved in the management of long‐term conditions, particularly chronic musculoskeletal pain, can perhaps learn from this evidence base. Future research should investigate the effectiveness of individual components of CBT and the role of physiotherapists in delivering this type of intervention. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hybrid satellite and terrestrial infrastructure for mobile broadcast services delivery: An outlook to the ‘Unlimited Mobile TV’ system performance
Authors: Chuberre N. , Courseille O. , Laine P. , Roullet L. , Quignon T. , Tatard M.
Published: August 2008

This paper provides an overview of a satellite‐based Unlimited Mobile TV system implementing the recently defined Digital Video Broadcast‐SH radio interface. It provides details on the system features and performances with respect to a typical dimensioning/deployment scenario. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correction
Authors: Snapinn Steven , Jiang Qi
Published: August 2008

‘Controlling the type 1 error rate in non‐inferiority trials’, by Steven Snapinn and Qi Jiang (Statistics in Medicine 2008; 27:371–381). The results in the examples on page 375 have numerical inaccuracies. The correct results are as follows.

First example:

With w=0.5 and v=0 we find that VXS=0.1830mg2/dL2, and with w=0.5 and v=1 we find that VXS=0.1049mg2/dL2. Noting that VXS=2σ2/n, where n is the sample size per group, in the former case the required sample size is 222 subjects/group, and in the latter case it is 387 subjects/group.

Second example:

With w=0.5 and v=0 we find that VXS=0.0105, and with w=0.5 and v=1 we find that VXS=0.0060. Noting that VXS is approximately equal to 4/e, where e is the total number of required transfusions, then in the former case 381 transfusions are required, while in the latter case 667 transfusions are required.

In addition, in Table IV, the title should be ‘Power of the unified approach with VXS=1, VSP=10, γSP=−γXS=5, a=5/3, and c=10/3’, and the column headings should range from 0 to 15 by 3 (0,3,6,9,12,15), rather than from 0 to 7 by 1.4 (0,1.4,2.8,4.2,5.6,7.0).
Synthesis, Spectrothermal and Structural Characterization of Saccharinatobis(tris‐hydroxymethylaminomethane)zinc(II)saccharinate Complex, [Zn(sac)(tham)2](sac)
Authors: Heren Zerrin , Paşaoğlu Hümeyra , Kaştaş Gökhan , Akdağ Kamber
Published: August 2008

A novel ZnII complex of the saccharinate ligand (sac) with tris‐hydroxymethylaminomethane (tham) was synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, FT‐IR spectroscopy, simultaneous TG and DTA techniques, and X‐ray diffraction. The complex, [Zn(sac)(tham)2](sac), crystallizes in monoclinic system with space group P21/c [a = 7.55954(3) Å, b = 13.0532(6) Å, c = 27.7777(10) Å, β = 100.539(3)°, Z = 4]. The ZnII ion has a distorted octahedral coordination. The tham ligand has chemically different functions in the structure, acting as both bidentate and tridentate ligands. There are also sac moieties to act as N‐bonded ligand and as a counter anion. The molecular packing of the complex is provided by moderate hydrogen bonds as well as π···π interactions between the sac moieties. The IR spectra and the thermal decomposition of the complex are also discussed.
One‐pot Preparation, Spectroscopic and Structural Characterization of Mercury(II) Complexes of Bulky Diimines with Halides and Pseudohalides
Authors: Ferreira Leonardo C. , Filgueiras Carlos A. L. , Visentin Lorenzo C. , Bordinhão Jairo , Hörner Manfredo
Published: August 2008

The preparation and characterization of two novel HgCl2 and Hg(SCN)2 complexes with bis[N‐(2‐tert‐butylphenyl)imine]acenaphthene is here described. One‐pot reaction techniques were used, leading to high yields of 75 % and 81 %, respectively. The complexes were characterized by microanalysis, i.r. and 1HNMR spectroscopy, and by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. The structures of the complexes present similar characteristics, the most outstanding being the formation of dimers via intermolecular interaction. Whereas the HgCl2 complex shows a unidimensional network due to strong π–π interactions, its Hg(SCN)2 counterpart displays a supramolecular arrangement resulting from non classical hydrogen bond formation.
Crystal Structure of the RE2PbS4 (RE = Y, Dy, Ho, Er, and Tm) Compounds and a Comparison with the Crystal Structures of other Rare Earth Lead Chalcogenides
Authors: Gulay L. D. , Daszkiewicz M. , Shemet V. Ya.
Published: August 2008

The crystal structure of the RE2PbS4 (RE = Y, Dy, Ho, Er and Tm) compounds (space group Cmc21, Pearson symbol oC112, a = 0.79301(3) nm, b = 2.86966(9) nm, c = 1.20511(5) nm, RBragg = 0.0979 for Y2PbS4; a = 0.79484(8) nm, b = 2.8721(3) nm, c = 1.2039(1) nm, for Dy2PbS4; a = 0.79081(2) nm, b = 2.86222(7) nm, c = 1.20220(4) nm, RBragg = 0.0859 for Ho2PbS4; a = 0.7863(2) nm, b = 2.8525(5) nm, c = 1.1995(2) nm, R1 = 0.0482 for Er2PbS4 and a = 0.78419(3) nm, b = 2.84184(9) nm, c = 1.19655(4) nm, RBragg = 0.0893 for Tm2PbS4) was investigated by means of X‐ray single crystal and powder diffraction. Each RE atoms is octahedrally coordinated by six S atoms. Each Pb atoms is surrounded by seven S atoms to form a mono‐capped trigonal prism.
Stratification of impaired relaxation filling patterns by passive leg lifting in patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction
Authors: Ishizu Tomoko , Seo Yoshihiro , Kawano Satoru , Watanabe Shigeyuki , Ishimitsu Toshiyuki , Aonuma Kazutaka
Published: August 2008

Methods:

We evaluated diastolic functional reserve in 108 patients with normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥ 50% but abnormal relaxation (ratio of transmitral peak velocity of early and late diastolic flow (E/A)<1) using passive leg lifting. We calculated the pulmonary venous systolic to diastolic flow ratio (S/D) as a marker of left atrial reservoir function, and the time difference between the duration of pulmonary venous retrograde flow (PVAd) and the duration of the mitral A wave (PVAd‐Ad) as a marker of left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure (LVEDP).

Results:

During leg lifting, the E/A was ≥ 1 in 39 patients (the inverted group); the remaining 69 patients comprised the stable group. Comparing the inverted group with the stable group at baseline, S/D was smaller (1.5±0.4 vs. 1.8±0.5, P=0.002) and PVAd‐Ad greater (11±23 ms vs. −23±28 ms, P<0.001).Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that PVAd‐Ad and S/D predicted E/A inversion with leg lifting after adjustment for age, LV wall thickness, LV dimension, LVEF, deceleration time of E, and E/E'.

Conclusion:

In patients with preserved LVEF but early diastolic dysfunction, passive leg lifting may identify patients having a less compliant left ventricle and impaired left atrial reservoir function.
The Janus face of modernity: Michael Faraday in the twentieth century
Authors: JAMES FRANK A. J. L.
Published: August 2008

September 1931 is seen by historians as one of the key months in interwar British history. It was the first full month of the National Government, the month of the Invergordon Mutiny and of Britain being forced off the gold standard. It was also the month when large-scale celebrations were held to mark the centenary of the discovery of electromagnetic induction by Michael Faraday. This address discusses the specific events of celebrating Faraday and its consequences; it is framed in relation to, and in some instances directly linked with, the crises of that month and some of the consequences of the Great War, especially the growth of the corporate and coordinated state and the rise of modernity.

Let us honour if we canThe Vertical manThough we value noneBut the horizontal one.W. H. Auden, Poems, London, 1930, dedication
Human milk oligosaccharides reduce HIV-1-gp120 binding to dendritic cell-specific ICAM3-grabbing non-integrin (DC-SIGN)
Authors: Hong Patrick , Ninonuevo Milady R. , Lee Benhur , Lebrilla Carlito , Bode Lars
Published: August 2008

Breast-feeding is the predominant postnatal transmission route for HIV-1 infection in children. However, a majority of breast-fed infants do not become HIV-infected despite continuous exposure to the virus through their mothers' milk over many months. What protects some breast-fed infants from HIV-1 infection? HIV-1 entry across the infant's mucosal barrier is partially mediated through binding of the HIV-1 surface glycoprotein gp120 to dendritic cell-specific ICAM3-grabbing non-integrin (DC-SIGN) on human dendritic cells. Lewis antigen glycans, present in human milk, bind to DC-SIGN and inhibit HIV-1 transfer to CD4+T lymphocytes. Human milk contains a high amount of unbound, complex oligosaccharides (5–10 g/l) that carry one or more Lewis antigen glycans, and we hypothesized that they compete with gp120 for DC-SIGN binding. Here, we show in two independent assays that physiological concentrations of human milk oligosaccharides significantly reduce gp120 binding to DC-SIGN by more than 80 %. These results may provide an additional explanation for the inhibitory effects of human milk on HIV-1 mother-to-child-transmission. Identifying the specific milk oligosaccharides that interact with DC-SIGN may guide the development of glycan-based drugs that prevent transmission of HIV-1 and other pathogens that use DC-SIGN as an entry point. However, blocking DC-SIGN may be a two-edged sword.
Homogenization, lyophilization or acid-extraction of meat products improves iron uptake from cereal–meat product combinations in an in vitro digestion/Caco-2 cell model
Authors: Pachón Helena , Stoltzfus Rebecca J. , Glahn Raymond P.
Published: August 2008

The effect of processing (homogenization, lyophilization, acid-extraction) meat products on iron uptake from meat combined with uncooked iron-fortified cereal was evaluated using an in vitro digestion/Caco-2 cell model. Beef was cooked, blended to create smaller meat particles, and combined with electrolytic iron-fortified infant rice cereal. Chicken liver was cooked and blended, lyophilized, or acid-extracted, and combined with FeSO4-fortified wheat flour. In the beef–cereal combination, Caco-2 cell iron uptake, assessed by measuring the ferritin formed by cells, was greater when the beef was blended for the greatest amount of time (360 s) compared with 30 s (P < 0·05). Smaller liver particles (blended for 360 s or lyophilized) significantly enhanced iron uptake compared to liver blended for 60 s (P < 0·001) in the liver–flour combination. Compared to liver blended for 60 s, acid-extraction of liver significantly enhanced iron uptake (P = 0·03) in the liver–flour combination. Homogenization of beef and homogenization, lyophilization, or acid-extraction of chicken liver increases the enhancing effect of meat products on iron absorption in iron-fortified cereals.
Toxocariasis associated with chronic cough in childhood: a longitudinal study in Hungary
Authors: Bede O. , Szénási Z. , Danka J. , Gyurkovits K. , Nagy D.
Published: August 2008

Chronic cough lasting 8 weeks or more often seems to be an intractable problem in childhood. Toxocara infection is associated with an increased prevalence of airway symptoms and may be the possible aetiological agent of chronic cough. Of 425 children aged 2–17 years with chronic cough who were investigated for toxocariasis and the distribution of bronchial asthma (BA), cough variant asthma (CVA) and non-asthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis (NAEB), 136 (32%) were seropositive for Toxocara canis antigens. Ninety-three of the 136 were adequately assessed, diagnosed and followed up during 1 year. BA was diagnosed in 40%, CVA in 27% and NAEB in 33% of the children. The eosinophil cell count, serum T. canis IgG levels and symptoms are predictors of the improvement or the decline of the condition. Presuming the aetiopathogenetic role of T. canis in the inflammatory process of chronic cough, we treated the children not only with inhaled corticosteroid (ICS), but also with a 1-week course of anthelminthics. We could significantly decrease the dose of ICS in 23 (62%) of the 37 with BA. The administration of anthelminthics and the avoidance of sensitizers were sufficient for those with NAEB; none needed ICS. ICS therapy could be stopped 2–3 months later in 17 (68%) of the 25 with CVA. We found that 8 of the 25 with CVA (32%) presented asthmatic symptoms at the end of the 1-year period. In Hungary, T. canis may be a potential sensitizer for chronic cough in seropositive children. Deworming therapy will then alleviate the airway symptoms without exacerbation in patients with BA, and have a positive effect on those with NAEB and the majority of those with CVA.
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and set-shifting in currently ill and recovered anorexia nervosa (AN) patients
Authors: Nakazato M. , Tchanturia K. , Schmidt U. , Campbell I. C. , Treasure J. , Collier D. A. , Hashimoto K. , Iyo M.
Published: August 2008

Background

Studies of patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) have shown that they do not perform well in set-shifting tasks but little is known about the neurobiological correlates of this aspect of executive function. The aim of this study was to measure serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and to establish whether set-shifting difficulties are present in people with current AN and in those recovered from AN, and whether serum BDNF concentrations are correlated with set-shifting ability.

Method

Serum BDNF concentrations were measured in 29 women with current AN (AN group), 18 women who had recovered from AN (ANRec group) and 28 age-matched healthy controls (HC group). Set-shifting was measured using the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). Eating-related psychopathology and depressive, anxiety and obsessive–compulsive symptomatology were evaluated using the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDEQ), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Maudsley Obsessive–Compulsive Inventory (MOCI) respectively.

Results

Serum BDNF concentrations (mean±s.d.) were significantly lower in the AN group (11.7±4.9 ng/ml) compared to the HC group (15.1±5.5 ng/ml,p=0.04) and also compared to the ANRec group (17.6±4.8 ng/ml,p=0.001). The AN group made significantly more errors (total and perseverative) in the WCST relative to the HC group. There was no significant correlation between serum BDNF concentrations and performance on the WCST.

Conclusions

Serum BDNF may be a biological marker for eating-related psychopathology and of recovery in AN. Longitudinal studies are needed to explore possible associations between serum BDNF concentrations, illness and recovery and neuropsychological traits.
Emotions and health: The impact of emotions, emotions regulation, music, and acculturation on health
Authors: Bongard Stephan , Hodapp Volker , Rohrmann Sonja
Published: August 2008

Abstract. Our unit investigates the relationship of emotional processes (experience, expression, and coping), their physiological correlates and possible health outcomes. We study domain specific anger expression behavior and associated cardio-vascular loads and found e.g. that particularly an open anger expression at work is associated with greater blood pressure. Furthermore, we demonstrated that women may be predisposed for the development of certain mental disorders because of their higher disgust sensitivity. We also pointed out that the suppression of negative emotions leads to increased physiological stress responses which results in a higher risk for cardiovascular diseases. We could show that relaxation as well as music activity like singing in a choir causes increases in the local immune parameter immunoglobuline A. Finally, we are investigating connections between migrants’ strategy of acculturation and health and found e.g. elevated cardiovascular stress responses in migrants when they where highly adapted to the German culture.
Psychisches Befinden und psychische Morbidität der Partner kehlkopfloser Karzinompatienten
Authors: Meyer Alexandra , Wollbrück Dorit , Täschner Roland , Singer Susanne , Ehrensperger Carina , Danker Helge , Heim Manfred , Schwarz Reinhold
Published: August 2008

Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: Die vollständige Entfernung des Kehlkopfes (Laryngektomie) stellt Patienten und deren Familien vor viele Herausforderungen. Das psychische Befinden der Partner kehlkopfloser Karzinompatienten wurde bisher kaum wissenschaftlich erforscht. Fragestellung: Die Studie untersucht das psychische Befinden, die psychische Morbidität sowie die Inanspruchnahme psychosozialer Unterstützungsangebote der Partner laryngektomierter Karzinompatienten. Methode: Die Daten wurden in einer multizentrischen Querschnittstudie an 106 Partnern mittels eines strukturierten Interviews (SKID) und standardisierter Fragebögen (HADS, KFA) erfasst. Ergebnisse: Die Partner waren signifikant ängstlicher als die laryngektomierten Patienten und die Allgemeinbevölkerung, bei gleicher Ausprägung von Depressivität. Trotz der hohen Belastung wiesen nur 14% der Partner eine psychische Erkrankung auf. Psychosoziale Unterstützungsangebote werden von einem Bruchteil der Befragten genutzt. Schlussfolgerungen: Die Ergebnisse indizieren eine psychosoziale Unterversorgung der Partner laryngektomierter Karzinompatienten. Zukünftige Forschungsprojekte sollten die Ursachen für diese Unterversorgung detailliert erfragen, um bedarfsgerechte Behandlungsmöglichkeiten anbieten zu können.
Spatial heterogeneity in trophic status of shallow lakes on the Boreal Plain: Influence of hydrologic setting
Authors: Sass G. Z. , Creed I. F. , Devito K. J.
Published: August 2008

We used metrics of surface water and groundwater connectivity as explanatory variables in nonparametric regression models to explain the spatial heterogeneity in trophic status of shallow lakes. The concentration of chlorophyll a (Chl a) was used as an indicator of trophic status and was estimated from 17 Landsat images acquired during the end of summer (August) over a 20‐year period from 1984 to 2003. A long‐term median of Chl a was computed for each of 40 lakes on the basis of the 17‐year data set. Hydrologic metrics explained 72% of the spatial variation in Chl a. The regression tree showed that lakes with a higher concentration of calcium plus magnesium (Ca + Mg) exhibited higher Chl a than lakes with a lower Ca + Mg. We hypothesized that this trend was a result of either higher internal nutrient loading in high Ca + Mg lakes due to groundwater discharge or differences in surficial geology. Among high Ca + Mg lakes, lakes with no inflowing streams had lower Chl a, while connected lakes had higher Chl a, possibly reflecting enhanced nutrient delivery to lakes connected to the stream network. Among low Ca + Mg lakes, lakes with larger wetland cover in their drainage basins had lower Chl a, while lakes with smaller wetland cover in their drainage basins had higher Chl a, possibly reflecting differential water loading rates between small and large wetlands that lead to either Chl a concentration or dilution. These results suggest that relatively simple hydrologic metrics can be used to predict the trophic status of lakes in this area of the boreal forest.
Modeling the large‐scale water balance impact of different irrigation systems
Authors: Evans J. P. , Zaitchik B. F.
Published: August 2008

In this study, two parameterizations for different irrigation techniques have been implemented in a regional climate model. These implementations allow for a comparative study of water use and land–atmosphere interactions associated with traditional flood irrigation—a widespread but highly water‐inefficient practice—and water‐conserving drip irrigation. Both parameterizations yield realistic results for coupled climate simulations, and do so without the need to reproduce an entire crop model within the climate model. Simulations with drip irrigation exhibit ∼30% less irrigation season evapotranspiration and ∼60% less water demand overall relative to simulations with flood irrigation. Examination of the water balance for various irrigation zones in Syria and Turkey demonstrates that planned Syrian irrigation expansion in the Euphrates watershed is only feasible if accompanied by modernization. Even then, planned expansion in the Khabur watershed, a major tributary of the Euphrates, would only reach sustainability if there is significant irrigation water runoff into Syria from Turkey. Thus Syria has a window of opportunity within which it can reap the benefits of investing in modernization and expansion of irrigation. That window begins now, with the Syrian governments recent commitment to modernize its irrigation infrastructure, and in the absence of an international water‐sharing agreement, ends when increased water demand and/or decreased precipitation causes the Turkish government to invest in modernizing its own irrigation systems. Such a precipitation decrease is predicted to occur in the Middle East by mid‐century if greenhouse gas emissions are not curbed substantially.
Solute mass diffusion coefficient: Comparison of microgravity experiments with molecular dynamic simulation and Enskog hard sphere corrected estimates
Authors: Scott Paul J. , Smith R. W.
Published: August 2008

Mass diffusion coefficients and their variation with temperature are necessary for the modeling of many materials processes. The experimental measurement of the diffusion coefficient is difficult because of gravity-driven convective flow. A long series of experiments has been carried out in the reduced gravity of earth orbiting space station laboratories in which the steady gravitational field is reduced to approximately 5×10−5g, where g is the gravitational acceleration at the earth’s surface. This effectively eliminates most buoyancy convection, but the results obtained may be contaminated by transient g-perturbations, called “g-jitter,” resulting from vibration of the space platform. Here we compare the results of liquid diffusion microgravity experiments using a lead 1 wt % gold alloy to estimates derived from molecular dynamics simulations and several Enskog hard sphere corrected expressions for the diffusion coefficient.
Influence of annealing temperature on optical properties of InGaN quantum dot based light emitting diodes
Authors: Wang Q. , Wang T. , Bai J. , Cullis A. G. , Parbrook P. J. , Ranalli F.
Published: August 2008

Electron-luminescence (EL) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements have been carried out on the InGaN quantum dot (QD) based light emitting diodes (LEDs) annealed at different temperatures for p-type GaN activation. The annealing temperatures are chosen based on the growth temperature for our InGaN QDs as a reference point. A significant improvement with a factor of up to ∼3.5 in EL intensity has been achieved when the annealing temperature is increased from 720to800°C. However, the EL intensity dramatically decreases if the annealing temperature further increases to 830°C. In addition, a clear blueshift in EL emission energy has been observed as a result of increasing annealing temperature. In combination with our TEM study, the change in optical properties of the QD based LEDs due to the thermal annealing can be attributed to the shrinkage of the QDs and then eventual mergence into the wetting layer if the annealing temperature is further increased. The data based on detailed driving-current dependent EL measurements also support the conclusion.
Specific Gene Silencing by Artificial MicroRNAs in Physcomitrella patens: An Alternative to Targeted Gene Knockouts
Authors: Khraiwesh Basel , Ossowski Stephan , Weigel Detlef , Reski Ralf , Frank Wolfgang
Published: August 2008

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are approximately 21-nucleotide-long RNAs processed from nuclear-encoded transcripts, which include a characteristic hairpin-like structure. MiRNAs control the expression of target transcripts by binding to reverse complementary sequences directing cleavage or translational inhibition of the target RNA. Artificial miRNAs (amiRNAs) can be generated by exchanging the miRNA/miRNA* sequence within miRNA precursor genes, while maintaining the pattern of matches and mismatches in the foldback. Thus, for functional gene analysis, amiRNAs can be designed to target any gene of interest. The moss Physcomitrella patens exhibits the unique feature of a highly efficient homologous recombination mechanism, which allows for the generation of targeted gene knockout lines. However, the completion of the Physcomitrella genome necessitates the development of alternative techniques to speed up reverse genetics analyses and to allow for more flexible inactivation of genes. To prove the adaptability of amiRNA expression in Physcomitrella, we designed two amiRNAs, targeting the gene PpFtsZ2-1, which is indispensable for chloroplast division, and the gene PpGNT1 encoding an N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase. Both amiRNAs were expressed from the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) miR319a precursor fused to a constitutive promoter. Transgenic Physcomitrella lines harboring the overexpression constructs showed precise processing of the amiRNAs and an efficient knock down of the cognate target mRNAs. Furthermore, chloroplast division was impeded in PpFtsZ2-1-amiRNA lines that phenocopied PpFtsZ2-1 knockout mutants. We also provide evidence for the amplification of the initial amiRNA signal by secondary transitive small interfering RNAs, although these small interfering RNAs do not seem to have a major effect on sequence-related mRNAs, confirming specificity of the amiRNA approach.
A multicentre randomised clinical endpoint study of parma 5 computer‐assisted oral anticoagulant dosage
Authors: Poller Leon , Keown Michelle , Ibrahim Saied , Lowe Gordon , Moia Marco , Turpie Alexander G. , Roberts Christopher , Van Den Besselaar Aton M. H. P. , Van Der Meer Felix J. M. , Tripodi Armando , Palareti Gualtiero , Jespersen Jørgen
Published: August 2008

To meet growing demand for oral anticoagulation worldwide there has been increased dependence on computer‐assistance in dosage although the safety and effectiveness of any of the individual computer‐assisted dosage programs has not previously been established. This randomised multicentre clinical end‐point study assessed a new version of the parma 5 program. It compared parma 5 safety and effectiveness with manual dosage by experienced medical staff at 19 centres with a known interest in oral anticoagulation. Target recruitment was 8000 patient‐years, randomised to medical staff or parma‐5 assisted dosage. Safety and effectiveness of the parma 5 program was compared with manual dosage. A total of 10 421 patients were recruited (15 369 patient‐years) in the 5‐year study. International normalised ratio (INR) tests numbered 167 791 with manual and 160 078 with parma 5 dosage. With parma 5 there was overall a non‐significant reduction in clinical events but in the 2542 patients with deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism, clinical events were significantly reduced (P = 0·005). Success in achieving ‘time in target INR range’ was also significantly greater with parma 5 compared with the dosage by experienced medical staff. This study demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of parma 5‐assisted dosage.
A descriptive interview with 64 patients discharged from an acute‐psychiatric‐inpatient service
Authors: Callaly Tom , Dodd Seetal , Goodman Derek , Asgari Yasmin , Berk Michael
Published: August 2008

Background  Acute‐mental‐health services receive hundreds of admissions every year. Some of these patients will continue to be case‐managed by community mental‐health teams on discharge from the acute unit while others will not remain in contact with the mental‐health service. This study compares the findings of comprehensive interviews conducted with current and past patients of the community mental‐health service 3 or more years following case closure from the community ambulatory service.

Methods  Between 1 July 1999 and 30 June 2001, there were 2245 closed cases identified at Barwon Health. Letters of invitation to participate in a research project were sent to people who had suffered from psychotic illnesses, and had been case‐closed by community mental‐health services between the above dates and had not been in contact with the Community and Mental Health Service for at least 6 months. A second group of participants was recruited from people who had also been case‐closed by community mental‐health teams in Barwon Health during the 1999–2001 2‐year‐time window but whose cases had been re‐opened and who were in case management with Barwon Health at the time of the study. All participants were interviewed using the Diagnostic Interview for Psychosis.

Results  Letter responses were received from 17 men and 18 women, aged 40.7 ± 12.0 (mean ± SD), who were interviewed. A second group of 17 men and 12 women, aged 40.9 ± 9.6 (mean ± SD) of currently case‐managed patients was interviewed. All interviewees reported a detailed history of mental illness. Persistent social dysfunction and impaired quality of life were reported in both groups.

Conclusion  Patients suffering from psychotic disorders who had been case‐closed by community mental‐health teams and had been discharged to the care of their general practitioners or elsewhere continued to show evidence of significant impairment due to mental illness 3 years after being case‐closed.