bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth hormone protects against ovariectomy-induced bone loss in states of low circulating insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1)
Authors: Fritton J Christopher , Emerton Kelly B , Sun Hui , Kawashima Yuki , Mejia Wilson , Wu Yingjie , Rosen Clifford J , Panus David , Bouxsein Mary , Majeska Robert J , Schaffler Mitchell B , Yakar Shoshana
Published: July 2009

Early after estrogen loss in postmenopausal women and ovariectomy (OVX) of animals, accelerated endosteal bone resorption leads to marrow expansion of long bone shafts that reduce mechanical integrity. Both growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) are potent regulators of bone remodeling processes. To investigate the role of the GH/IGF-1 axis with estrogen deficiency, we used the liver IGF-1-deficient (LID) mouse. Contrary to deficits in controls, OVX of LID mice resulted in maintenance of cortical bone mechanical integrity primarily owing to an enhanced periosteal expansion affect on cross-sectional structure (total area and cortical width). The serum balance in LID that favors GH over IGF-1 diminished the effects of ablated ovarian function on numbers of osteoclast precursors in the marrow and viability of osteocytes within the cortical matrix and led to less endosteal resorption in addition to greater periosteal bone formation. Interactions between estrogen and the GH/IGF-1 system as related to bone remodeling provide a pathway to minimize degeneration of bone tissue structure and osteoporotic fracture. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Practice Variations in the Treatment of Febrile Infants Among Pediatric Emergency Physicians
Authors: Goldman Ran D. , Scolnik Dennis , Chauvin-Kimoff Laurel , Farion Ken J. , Ali Samina , Lynch Tim , Gouin Serge , Osmond Martin H. , Johnson David W. , Klassen Terry P. ,   for the Fever in Infants Group Research, Pediatric Emergency Research of Canada
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to characterize variations in treatment decisions for young febrile infants in pediatric emergency departments across Canada and to document the extent of practice variations among pediatric emergency department practitioners.

METHODS: This was a prospective, concurrent, cohort study of consecutive infants up to 90 days of age who presented to 6 pediatric emergency departments in Canada with fever (rectal temperature of ≥38.0°C). We recorded information in the emergency department and contacted the families by telephone to confirm the final disposition.

RESULTS: A total of 257 infants were recruited over 2 to 4 months. Patients were similar across centers in terms of gestational age and weight, chronologic age at arrival, weight, and gender. Temperatures measured at home and during triage and durations of fever also were similar among centers. In one center, significantly more children arrived with cough; in another center, fewer parents reported sick contacts at home. Rates of blood and urine testing were not significantly different across sites, but rates of lumbar puncture, respiratory virus testing, and chest radiography were different. A total of 55% of infants received antibiotics, and significant practice variations in the numbers and types of antibiotics used were documented.

CONCLUSIONS: Practices in the evaluation of young infants with fever in tertiary pediatric emergency departments varied substantially. Blood and urine tests were ordered in the majority of centers, but rates of cerebrospinal fluid testing and antibiotic treatment differed across centers.
Insatisfação com a imagem corporal: avaliação comparativa da associação com estado nutricional em universitários
Authors: Coqueiro Raildo da Silva , Petroski Edio Luiz , Pelegrini Andreia , Barbosa Aline Rodrigues
Published: July 2009

INTRODUÇÃO: O objetivo do estudo foi verificar a associação entre insatisfação com a imagem corporal e dois indicadores de estado nutricional em universitários brasileiros, assim como identificar o melhor preditor de insatisfação com a imagem corporal em universitários brasileiros. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, realizado com 256 universitários (128 homens). Foram coletados dados demográficos (sexo e idade), antropométricos (massa corporal, estatura e espessura de dobras cutâneas) e de imagem corporal (silhueta atual e silhueta ideal). O índice de massa corporal (< 18,5 ou ≥ 25,0 kg/m² = inadequado) e o somatório de espessura de cinco dobras cutâneas (≤ 30 ou ≥ 62 e ≤ 43 ou ≥ 76 mm = inadequado, para homens e mulheres, respectivamente) foram derivados subseqüentemente. A análise incluiu estatística descritiva, teste de proporção, qui-quadrado e regressão logística. RESULTADOS: A média de idade dos indivíduos foi de 23,1 anos (desvio padrão = 5,3), e a freqüência de insatisfeitos com a imagem corporal foi de 78,8%. A insatisfação com a imagem corporal não se associou ao sexo e ao índice de massa corporal. A análise multivariada demonstrou que a odds ratio associada ao somatório de espessura de cinco dobras cutâneas inadequado foi de 2,56. CONCLUSÃO: O índice de massa corporal não foi determinante de insatisfação com a imagem corporal, enquanto o somatório de espessura de cinco dobras cutâneas mostrou-se um preditor significativo desse distúrbio, independentemente do sexo.
Effective EOR Decision Strategies With Limited Data: Field Cases Demonstration
Authors: Manrique Eduardo , Izadi Mehdi , Kitchen Curtis , Alvarado Vladimir
Published: July 2009

Enhanced-oil-recovery (EOR) evaluations focused on asset acquisition or rejuvenation involve a combination of complex decisions using different data sources. EOR projects traditionally have been associated with high capital and operational expenditures (CAPEX and OPEX, respectively) as well as high financial risk, which tend to limit the number of EOR projects launched. We propose a workflow for EOR evaluations that accounts for different volumes and quality of information. This flexible workflow has been applied successfully to oil-property evaluations and EOR-feasibility studies in many oil reservoirs. The method associated with the workflow relies on traditional (e.g., look-up tables, x-y correlations) and more-advanced (data mining for analog-reservoir search and geology indicators) screening methods, emphasizing identification of analogs to support decision making. The screening phase is combined with analytical or simplified numerical simulations to estimate full-field performance with reservoir-data-driven segmentation procedures. This paper illustrates the EOR decision-making workflow by use of field case examples from Asia, Canada, Mexico, South America, and the United States. The assets evaluated include reservoir types ranging from oil sands to condensate reservoirs. Different stages of development and information availability are discussed. Results show the advantage of a flexible decision-making workflow that can be adapted to the volume and quality of information by formulating the correct decision problem and concentrating on projects and/or properties with the highest expected economic merit. An interesting aspect of this approach is the combination of geologic and engineering data, minimizing experts' bias and combining technical and financial figures of merit. The proposed method has proved useful to screen and evaluate projects/properties very rapidly, identifying when upside potential exists.
A Proficient Approach to the Production of Therapeutic Glucagon-Like
Peptide-1 (GLP-1) in Transgenic Plants
Authors: Brandsma M. , Wang X. , Diao H. , Kohalmi S.E. , Jevnikar A.M. , Ma S.
Published: July 2009

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a small peptide hormone with potent insulinotropic activity and represents
a promising new therapeutic tool for the treatment of diabetes. Like many other therapeutic peptides, GLP-1 is commonly
produced using chemical synthesis methods, but is limited by product quantity and cost. The advent of recombinant DNA
technology offers the possibility of producing GLP-1 inexpensively and in vast quantities. In this study, transgenic plants
were used as a recombinant expression platform for the production of GLP-1 as a large multimeric protein. A synthetic
gene encoding ten sequential tandem repeats of GLP-1 sequence (GLP-1x10) was produced and introduced into tobacco
plants. Transcriptional expression of the GLP1x10 gene in transgenic plants was confirmed by RT-PCR. Western blot
analysis showed that the GLP-1x10 protein efficiently accumulated in transgenic plants, with an accumulation level as
high as 0.15% of total soluble protein in leaves. Importantly, insulin secretion assays using a mouse pancreatic β cell line
(MIN6), showed that plant-derived GLP-1 in its synthetic decamer form, retained its ability to stimulate cellular insulin
secretion, although with reduced efficacy. These results demonstrate that transgenic plants are an efficient system for the
production of a multimerized recombinant GLP-1. Moreover, transgenic plants synthesizing high levels of GLP-1x10 may
prove to be an attractive delivery system for direct oral administration of a novel stable GLP-1 analog in the treatment of
patients with Type 2 diabetes.
Rodent Prey of the Barn Owl Tyto alba and Short‐Eared Owl Asio flammeus During Winter in Agricultural Lands in Southern Chile
Authors: Figueroa R. Ricardo A. , Rau Jaime R. , Mayorga Sonia , Martínez David R. , Corales S. E. Soraya , Mansilla Andrés , Figueroa M. Rodolfo
Published: July 2009

We compared the consumption of rodent prey by barn owl Tyto alba and short‐eared owl Asio flammeus during winter in agricultural areas in southern Chile. Diets were studied on the basis of pellets collected during the winters of 1986, 1987 and 1996. Both owl species consumed a large number of different rodent prey (8–9 species), but they preyed more often on the olivaceus field mouse Abrothrix olivaceus (56% and 52% of all individual prey, respectively) and long‐tailed pygmy rice rat Oligoryzomys longicandatus (12.6% and 18.6%, respectively). The diet of the two owl species largely overlapped (95%). The diet diversity of barn owls and short‐eared owls was not statistically different and accordingly they showed a similar evenness in diet. The geometric mean weight of rodent prey (GMWP) for short‐eared owls (33 ± 1.36 g) was significantly greater than that of barn owls (28.3 ± 1.81 g). No significant difference was found between the proportion of native and introduced rodent prey consumed by barn and short‐eared owls. The high diet similarity between both owl species could be a result of convergencies in hunting modes and activity time, similar body mass, or homogeneous rodent prey distribution and abundance in the agricultural areas we studied. The higher GMWP for the short‐eared owl was probably caused by the fact that it preyed on the largest rodent prey in our study sites, the Norwegian rat Rattus norvegicus. According to our rodent trapping in the field, barn and short‐eared owls appear to be opportunistic rather than selective predators in agricultural areas in southern Chile.
Dietary Response of a Group of François' Langur Trachypithecus francoisi in a Fragmented Habitat in the County of Fusui, China: Implications for Conservation
Authors: Li Youbang , Ding Ping , Huang Chengming , Jiang Pingping , Wood Chris
Published: July 2009

François' langur Trachypithecus francoisi is a threatened monkey species whose populations have been declining rapidly during the last four decades, and at the same time, there has been a severe fragmentation of the species' habitat. Using focal animal sampling and continuous recording, we studied food selection of a group of François' langur in a small fragmented habitat in the county of Fusui, Guangxi Province, China. We also analysed the vegetation data obtained within their home range using quadrat sampling. The langurs consumed a higher proportion of leaves but from a smaller number of plant species than their conspecifics in continuous habitats. They selectively utilised specific species as food sources, and they spent 61.6% of their feeding time on four staple species, whilst only 38.4% of their feeding time was spent on the 36 plant species that were either seasonally or rarely consumed food items. Although our sample sizes were small and from a single group, our results suggest that, similar to other colobine species, François' langurs in a fragmented habitat are highly selective feeders. Although the langurs appeared reasonably tolerant and well adapted to cope with habitat fragmentation in the short‐term, they are still to be considered as highly vulnerable as their survival depends on a small number of food plants, which themselves could be threatened by other factors.
Association of Blood Lipids, Non-HDL-Cholesterol and Lipid Ratios with Early Onset Myocardial Infarction in a Bangladeshi Population
Authors: Khan S , Hoque MM
Published: July 2009

Objective- To explore the status of blood Lipids, non-HDL-Cholesterol and Lipid Ratios in early onset Myocardial Infarction in a Bangladeshi population. Design- A case control study involving 50 early onset Myocardial Infarction patients as cases (age < 45 years) and 50 late onset MI patients as control (age > 60 years). It was carried out from January 2006 to December 2007 in the Department of Biochemistry, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh. Results- Serum Total cholesterol, Triacylglycerol and TAG/TC ratio found significantly raised in cases compared to controls; but with respect to Low Density Lipoprotein-cholesterol ( LDL-C), High Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol(HDL-C), non-HDL-C, TC/HDL-C ratio, LDL-C/HDL-C ratio cases & controls found to be identical. Conclusion - Hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridaemia are associated with early onset Myocardial infarction. doi: 10.3329/jom.v10i2.2819 J MEDICINE 2009; 10 : 82-85
Acromegaly in Primary Empty Sella
Authors: Shumy Farzana , Kahhar M Azizul
Published: July 2009

Acromegaly has occasionally been found in patients with an empty sella secondary to prior pituitary irradiation and/or surgery. Active acromegaly, on the other hand, has only rarely been found in patients with a primary empty sella. The two most commonly held hypotheses concern-ing the aetiology of the primary empty sella are hydrodynamic transmission of cerebrospinal fluid pressure through a congenital defect in the diaphragm sella, and infarc-tion of the pituitary contents. Pituitary masses may undergo clinically silent infarction with development of a partial or totally empty sella by cerebrospinal fluid filling the dural herniation. Here we describe a patient who has empty sella without any prior pituitary procedures. Keywords: Acromegaly, empty sella syndrome, growth hormone.   doi: 10.3329/jom.v10i2.2827   J MEDICINE 2009; 10 : 119-120
Male Pseudohermaphroditism due to 5 alpha Reductase-2 Deficiency- An Uncommon Etiology
Authors: Mannan MA , Rahman Muhammad Hafizur , Hoque Mirza Azizul
Published: July 2009

A 15 years adolescent male muslim presented to us with ambiguous genitalia. At birth he was identified as a female baby and since then reared as a female. At the age of 13, his parents surprisingly observed that some of his phenotypic expressions were becoming male type such as deepening of voice, appearance of facial hair, enlargement of phallus, non development of breast and failure to start menstruation. On examination, he had ambiguous genitalia with enlarged phallus with hypospadias, pigmented labioscrotal folds with blind ended vagina, and pubic hair in stage-3. He was diagnosed as a case of pseudovaginal perineoserotal hypospadias. Serum testosterone and LH level were within the normal range. Karyotyping of the patient revealed 46XY. USG of the whole abdomen revealed no mullarian duct derivatives or gonads. Laparoscopic examination showed only one gonad in the left inguinal region. History, physical examination and investigations suggested the diagnosis of male pseudohermaphroditism due to deficiency of 5 alpha reductase-2 enzyme. Key words: Male pseudohermaphroditism, 5 alpha reductase-2 deficiency.   doi: 10.3329/jom.v10i2.2834   J MEDICINE 2009; 10 : 142-145
Pulmonary Aspergilloma
Authors: Hossain Ahmed , Islam Quazi Tarikul , Siddiqui Md Mahmudur Rahman , Tamanna Nadira , Sina Hashmi , Rahman Md Yousuf Ur , Miah Md Titu
Published: July 2009

Pulmonary aspergilloma is a rare disease, usually presenting as secondary invasion of preexisting lung cavity. When a pre-existing lung cavity is colonized by Aspergillus fumigatus it forms a fungal ball (Pulmonary aspergiloma). Presenting symptoms is usually cough, haemoptysis that may be life threatening. The radiological findings are that of a ball like structure within preexisting lung cavity on plain radiography and computerized tomography of the chest. We report a case of aspergilloma in a 70 year old man with past history of tuberculosis presented with the complaint of occasional cough, respiratory distress and occasional low grade fever for two years. It was diagnosed radiologically and confirmed by fine needle aspiration cytology and treated successfully with oral Itraconazole. Key words: Aspergilloma, Pulmonary tuberculosis, Itraconazole doi: 10.3329/jom.v10i2.2836  J MEDICINE 2009; 10 : 149-151
Una perspectiva socio-ecológica sobre el acoso escolar. Una nueva síntesis
Authors: Hernández Teodoro
Published: July 2009

En los últimos años han proliferado los estudios sobre el acoso escolar, destacando la prevalencia o las características de éste. sin embargo, se ha avanzado poco en la explicación de la etiología del fenómeno en sí. Utilizando variables ecológicas externas que influyen a priori en las posibles conductas violentas en el colegio, se aplica la técnica discriminante en una muestra de jóvenes que cursan algún nivel de estudios de secundaria obligatoria. los resultados muestran a la clase social/ estatus socioeconómico como una robusta variable independiente capaz de clasificar en mayor medida que las demás al grupo de los violentos tanto individuales como colectivos frente a los no violentos en el ámbito escolar. este hallazgo incorpora evidencia empírica sobre la importancia de lo que Wilson denominó como “presión del vecindario” o lo que Sampson acuñó como “eficacia colectiva”.
Experimental validation of a high‐gain observer for composition estimation in an ethanol–water distillation column
Authors: Téllez‐Anguiano A. C. , Astorga‐Zaragoza C. M. , Targui B. , Aguilera‐González A. , Reyes‐Reyes J. , Adam‐Medina M.
Published: July 2009

In this paper a high‐gain observer used to estimate the product compositions in a distillation column for a non‐ideal mixture (ethanol–water) through the tray temperature measurements is presented. The design of this observer is based on a simplified mathematical model. One of the main advantages of this observer is its constant gain, therefore its tuning depends only on choosing a few constant parameters satisfying some simple algebraic inequalities. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated through on‐line experiments in a distillation pilot plant. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
From Polymer to Size‐Defined Oligomers: A Highly Divergent and Stereocontrolled Construction of Chondroitin Sulfate A, C, D, E, K, L, and M Oligomers from a Single Precursor: Part 2
Authors: Jacquinet Jean‐Claude , Lopin‐Bon Chrystel , Vibert Aude
Published: July 2009

An efficient, stereocontrolled, and highly divergent approach for the preparation of oligomers of chondroitin sulfate (CS) A, C, D, E, K, L, and M variants, starting from a single precursor easily obtained by semisynthesis from abundant natural polymer is reported for the first time. Common intermediates were designed that allowed the straightforward construction of O‐sulfonated species either on the D‐galactosamine unit (CS‐A, ‐C, and ‐E) or on both D‐glucuronic acid and D‐galactosamine units (CS‐D and CS‐K, ‐L, and ‐M). This strategy represents a successful improvement and brings a definitive answer toward the synthesis of such complex molecules with numerous relevant biological functions.
Deterministic parallel selection algorithms on coarse‐grained multicomputers
Authors: Cafaro M. , De Bene Vincenzo , Aloisio G.
Published: July 2009

We present two deterministic parallel Selection algorithms for distributed memory machines, under the coarse‐grained multicomputer model. Both are based on the use of two weighted 3‐medians, that allows discarding at least 1/3 of the elements in each iteration. The first algorithm slightly improves the current experimentally fastest algorithm by Saukas and Song where at least 1/4 of the elements are discarded in each iteration, while the second one is a fast, special purpose algorithm working for a particular class of input, namely an input that can be sorted in linear time using RadixSort. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mixed‐Linker Metal‐Organic Frameworks as Catalysts for the Synthesis of Propylene Carbonate from Propylene Oxide and CO2
Authors: Kleist Wolfgang , Jutz Fabian , Maciejewski Marek , Baiker Alfons
Published: July 2009

A series of mixed‐linker metal‐organic frameworks(MIXMOFs) of the general formula Zn4O(BDC)x(ABDC)3–x has been synthesized and tested as catalyst in the reaction of propylene oxide (PO) and carbon dioxide. Based on MOF‐5 a new synthetic route was developed which allows the partial substitution of benzene‐1,4‐dicarboxylate (BDC) linkers in the material by functionalized 2‐aminobenzene‐1,4‐dicarboxylate. In that way the number of catalytically active amino groups can be tuned using the desired BDC/ABDC ratio. The presence of MIXMOFs (instead of a mechanical mixture of MOF‐5 and IRMOF‐3) was proven by high‐resolution X‐ray diffraction and DTG. XRD and TG/MS analysis revealed that pure MIXMOF materials can be obtained up to an ABDC loading of 40 %. The thermal stability in air is decreasing with increasing ABDC content from 450 °C for pure MOF‐5 (0 % ABDC) to ca. 350 °C for the 40 % MIXMOF Zn4O(BDC)1.8(ABDC)1.2. Consequently, MIXMOF materials represent a promising class of materials for catalytic applications in the temperature range at least up to 300 °C which is proven using the synthesis of propylene carbonate (PC) from propylene oxide and carbon dioxide as a test reaction. The catalytic results indicate that solid MIXMOF catalysts in combination with tetraalkylammonium halides (NR4X) as promoters are as active as the corresponding homogeneously dissolved reference compounds (H2ABDC, H2BDC and Zn salts) and that they can be recycled with only moderate loss in activity. A comparison of MIXMOFs from 0 to 40 % of ABDC revealed a dependence of activity on the number of amino groups. Due to the fact that even pure MOF‐5 catalyzed the reaction to some extent, surface Zn centers with free coordination sites might also contribute to substrate activation. Using optimized reaction conditions, a PC yield of up to 63 % can be obtained after 3 h in the presence of low catalyst concentration (0.045 mol‐% of 40 % MIXMOF, containing 0.05 mol‐% of NH2 groups).(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Investigation of enantiomeric separation of basic drugs by capillary electrophoresis using clindamycin phosphate as a novel chiral selector
Authors: Chen Bin , Du Yingxiang , Li Ping
Published: July 2009

A wide number of chiral selectors have been employed in CE and among them macrocyclic antibiotics exhibited excellent enantioselective properties toward plenteous racemic drugs. Different from macrocyclic antibiotics, the use of lincomycin antibiotics as chiral selectors has not been reported previously. In this study clindamycin phosphate belonging to the group of lincomycin antibiotics is first used as a novel chiral selector for the enantiomeric separations of several racemic basic drugs, which possess high separability, consisting of nefopam, citalopram, tryptophan, chlorphenamine and propranolol. Other basic drugs giving partial enantioseparation include tryptophan methyl ester, metoprolol and atenolol. Clindamycin phosphate possesses advantages such as high solubility and low viscosity in the water and very weak UV absorption. In the course of this work we observed that both migration time and enantioseparation were influenced by several parameters such as pH of the BGE, clindamycin concentration, capillary temperature, applied voltage and organic modifier. The optimum pH that was in the neutral or weak basic region but varied among drugs, a low capillary temperature and a clindamycin concentration of 60 or 80 mM are recommended as the optimum conditions for chiral separation of these drugs. Moreover, comparison of the influences of the studied parameters was further investigated by means of Statistical Product and Service Solutions in this paper.
Separation of free amino acids and catecholamines in human plasma and rabbit vitreous samples using a new fluorogenic reagent 3‐(4‐bromobenzoyl)‐2‐quinolinecarboxaldehyde with CE‐LIF detection
Authors: Zhang Niu , Zhang Hua‐Shan , Wang Hong
Published: July 2009

A sensitive and efficient analysis of amino acids and catecholamines is currently presented with 3‐(4‐bromobenzoyl)‐2‐quinolinecarboxaldehyde as a fluorogenic derivatization reagent using CE separation with LIF detection. For good derivatization conditions, the reagent concentrations, pH value, temperature, and reaction time were explored, which were followed by the derivatization reaction in stable yield. The optimal running buffer was composed of mixtures involving 120 mM, pH 9.1 boric acid, 38.5 mM SDS, and 19% ACN v/v. The LOD (S/N=3) was found as low as 0.65 nM. The proposed method was validated by the two‐order‐magnitude linearity and correlation coefficient ranging from 0.9957 to 0.9998. The accuracy and specificity of this assay were also assured from the spiking of real samples with a standard known concentration. In order to demonstrate its wide range of applications, the method has been applied to the analysis of both human plasma and rabbit vitreous samples.
Numerical simulation of flow‐induced noise using LES/SAS and Lighthill's acoustic analogy
Authors: Kaltenbacher M. , Escobar M. , Becker S. , Ali I.
Published: July 2009

We present a finite element (FE) formulation of Lighthill's acoustic analogy for the hybrid computation of noise generated by turbulent flows. In the present approach, the flow field is computed using large eddy simulation and scale adaptive simulation turbulence models. The acoustic propagation is obtained by solving the variational formulation of Lighthill's acoustic analogy with the FE method. In order to preserve the acoustic energy, we compute the inhomogeneous part of Lighthill's wave equation by applying the FE formulation on the fine flow grid. The resulting acoustic nodal loads are then conservatively interpolated to the coarser acoustic grid. Subsequently, the radiated acoustic field can be solved in both time and frequency domains. In the latter case, an enhanced perfectly matched layer technique is employed, allowing one to truncate the computational domain in the acoustic near field, without compromising the numerical solution. Our hybrid approach is validated by comparing the numerical results of the acoustic field induced by a corotating vortex pair with the corresponding analytical solution. To demonstrate the applicability of our scheme, we present full 3D numerical results for the computed acoustic field generated by the turbulent flow around square cylinder geometries. The sound pressure levels obtained compare well with measured values. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unusual base‐catalyzed exchange in the synthesis of deuterated PF‐2413873a
Authors: Rozze Stuart J. , Fray M. Jonathan
Published: July 2009

The preparation of deuterated PF‐2413873 (4‐[3‐cyclopropyl‐1‐(methanesulfonylmethyl)‐5‐methyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐4‐yl]oxy‐2,6‐dimethylbenzonitrile, 1) is described for use as a bioanalytical standard in clinical trials. Two strategies were investigated. The sulfone‐containing substituent was labelled by base‐catalyzed exchange, but unacceptable deuterium loss was noted under assay conditions. Alternatively, labelling 4‐cyano‐3,5‐dimethylphenol was achieved by heating with deuterium oxide over platinum oxide. After building up the pyrazole ring we discovered that, during the subsequent alkylation to attach the methylthiomethyl group, the base, potassium t‐butoxide, caused unwanted scrambling of deuteriums on the aromatic portion and the methylthiomethyl group. Thus, it was necessary to remove all base‐labile hydrogens to prevent their exchange. This was accomplished by alkylating the pyrazole with per‐deuterated chloromethyl methylsulfide, oxidation to the sulfone, and selective removal of its deuteriums by treatment with sodium hydroxide. The unusual sensitivity and selectivity of these base‐promoted exchange reactions are discussed. Thus, 4‐[3‐cyclopropyl‐1‐(methanesulfonylmethyl)‐5‐methyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐4‐yl]oxy‐[2H6]2,6‐dimethyl‐[3,5‐2H]benzonitrile (17) was obtained, labelled with eight deuterium atoms and an acceptable D0/D8 ratio. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering study of monolayers formed from mixtures of 4–mercaptobenzoic acid and various aromatic mercapto‐derivative bases
Authors: Kudelski Andrzej
Published: July 2009

Monolayers formed from aromatic compounds have many potential applications, for example in construction of bioelectronic elements having high efficiency of electron transfer. In this paper, the composition of monolayers formed on silver surfaces from mixtures of 4‐mercaptobenzoic acid (MBA) and four model (stable and easily available) aromatic thiols with strong base properties: 4,6‐diamino‐2‐mercaptopyrimidine (APY), 1H‐1,2,4‐triazole‐3‐thiol (HTR), 4‐methyl‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazole‐3‐thiol (MTR) and 3‐amino‐1,2,4‐triazole‐5‐thiol (ATR), were determined from surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) measurements. Our investigations showed that among studied aromatic bases, APY is the most promising candidate for the formation of mixed monolayers with MBA. In the whole pH range studied (2–12.5), mixed MBA + APY monolayers with similar surface concentration of both components are formed during the adsorption from the 0.5 mM MBA + 0.5 mM APY aqueous solution. Desorption of MBA and APY from the mixed monolayer is, however, significantly different. During immersion in water, surface concentration of APY decreases significantly faster than MBA (a significant part of the adsorbed MBA molecules is present on the silver surface even after 2 h of soaking in water). Presence of chlorides, bovine serum albumin or laccase in the surrounding solution does not observably influence the structure of MBA + APY monolayers. The properties of monolayers formed from MBA and substituted triazoles were found to be significantly different than those of MBA + APY monolayers. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The treatment of pediatric Philadelphia positive (Ph+) leukemias in the imatinib era
Authors: Burke Michael J. , Willert Jennifer , Desai Sunil , Kadota Richard
Published: July 2009

Background

As the treatment of Philadelphia positive (Ph+) leukemias in the era of imatinib continues to evolve, the role of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allogeneic‐HCT) in first remission is becoming more unclear.

Procedure

Thirty‐two pediatric centers across the United States and Canada were surveyed regarding current treatment practices for Ph+ acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). The survey addressed treatment approaches for Ph+ ALL and CML in terms of imatinib therapy and use of allogeneic‐HCT.

Results

Twenty‐three of the 32 centers returned the survey to provide a 72% response rate. Of the 27 physicians responding to the survey, 22 (81%) recommended a matched sibling donor (MSD) allogeneic‐HCT, when available, in first remission for Ph+ ALL compared to 17/27 (63%) for patients with first chronic phase CML. There was universal agreement among survey responders regarding the use of imatinib upfront in Ph+ ALL and CML patients while 13 of 27 (48%) physicians reported using imatinib as maintenance therapy post‐HCT for Ph+ ALL compared to 9 of 27 (33%) for CML.

Conclusions

Although a treatment consensus did not exist based on the results of this small survey, current treatment practices for pediatric Ph+ ALL and CML appear to favor allogeneic‐HCT when a MSD is available. The use of post‐HCT imatinib as maintenance therapy to avoid relapse for either Ph+ ALL or CML remains uncertain and awaits future prospective studies. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:992–995. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prognostic value of proangiogenic cytokines in children with lymphomas
Authors: Mizia‐Malarz Agnieszka , Sobol Grazyna , Janowska Joanna , Wos Halina , Zahorska‐Markiewicz Barbara
Published: July 2009

Background

Angiogenesis and proangiogenic cytokines are involved in neoplastic development. The role of these processes in lymphoma formation has not been established. The aim of the study was to assess angiogenesis on the basis of serum levels of vascular‐endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in childhood lymphomas. The prognostic value of these parameters was determined in the examined children.

Procedure

Forty‐two children with lymphomas (Hodgkin and non‐Hodgkin Lymphomas) were studied (group A). Group A was divided into two subgroups: ACR—30 children with complete remission (CR) and APR+P+ER—12 children with partial remission (PR), progressive disease (P), and early relapse (ER). The control group (group C) consisted of healthy 20 children. Using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays we quantified VEGF and bFGF in serum of the healthy children and of the children with lymphomas.

Results

The serum VEGF concentration in group A was 633.4 pg/ml (24.0–1,210.5) and was significantly higher (P = 0.0001) in comparison with group C (144.6 pg/ml; 32.3–734.8). In subgroup APR+P+ER, the baseline serum VEGF concentration was 865.0 pg/ml (205.8–1,209.2) and was significantly higher (P = 0.02) than in subgroup ACR (564.0 pg/ml; 24.0–1,210.5). The high serum VEGF concentration in children with lymphomas was the only independent risk factor for treatment failure (OR = 8.64; 95 CI: 1.51–49.34; P = 0.01). The cutoff point for the serum VEGF level ≥633.4 pg/ml as a parameter predicting treatment failure was established (P = 0.01).

Conclusion

Baseline serum VEGF concentration constitutes a prognostic marker for the progression of Hodgkin and non‐Hodgkin Lymphomas in children. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009; 53:1195–1199. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Treatment with sirolimus ameliorates tacrolimus‐induced autoimmune cytopenias after solid organ transplant
Authors: Teachey David T. , Jubelirer Tracey , Baluarte H. Jorge , Wade Amanda , Manno Catherine S.
Published: July 2009

The development of autoimmune blood cell cytopenias is a potentially life‐threatening complication of solid organ transplantation, resulting from T‐cell dysregulation from immunosuppressive medications. Conventional treatment with corticosteroids and IVIgG is often unsuccessful as these therapies are unlikely to overcome the T‐cell dysregulation. We describe two patients who developed severe autoimmune cytopenias after solid organ transplantation. They had limited response to conventional medications, but had complete resolution of autoimmunity upon transition of immunosuppression from tacrolimus to sirolimus. Altering the immunosuppressive regimen to modify T‐cell dysregulation may be beneficial for patients who develop post‐transplant autoimmune disease and allow continued preservation of allograft. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:1114–1116. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Langerhans cell histiocytosis in a patient with stage 4 neuroblastoma receiving oral fenretinide
Authors: Rayburg Melissa , Towbin Alexander , Yin Hong , Maugans Todd , Maurer Barry , Nagarajan Rajaram , Weiss Brian
Published: July 2009

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) has previously been reported in association with other malignancies. The pathogenesis of LCH and its relationship to other malignancies is poorly understood. We present a novel case of a child who developed an LCH bone lesion while receiving a Phase I protocol therapy with oral fenretinide/Lym‐X‐Sorb (4‐HPR/LXS) powder for neuroblastoma. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:1111–1113. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Production and Properties of Spin‐Coated Cassava‐Starch‐Glycerol‐Beeswax Films
Authors: Auras Rafael , Arroyo Benjamin , Selke Susan
Published: July 2009

Cassava‐starch based polymer films containing glycerol as a plasticizer (1.0‐2.5‐5.0%, w/w) and different lipids as additives (paraffin, stearyl alcohol, and beeswax – 0.25‐0.5‐1.0%, w/w) were produced. Control films were produced by heating a mixture of glycerol, starch, and water, while treated films were produced by the addition of lipids/ ethanol solutions. The solutions were kept at around 70ºC during amalgamation, and once congealed, were placed in a vacuum oven for 1 h at 90ºC. The solutions were then spun on 7‐inch diameter non‐stick disks, allowed to dry, and conditioned at 23ºC and 50% RH before testing. Cassava starch‐glycerol‐beeswax films were successfully produced with a stable film structure at glycerol concentration equal or below 5% (w/w). Addition of glycerol and beeswax did not visually change the color of the films. Increasing glycerol content improved elongation while decreasing tensile strength. Increasing the glycerol concentration from 1.0 to 5.0% increased the water vapor permeability by 150% and addition of beeswax further increased these values by 250%.
Use of a Trauma Service Clinical Pathway to Improve Patient Outcomes for Retained Traumatic Hemothorax
Authors: Morrison C. Anne , Lee Timothy C. , Wall Matthew J. , Carrick Matthew M.
Published: July 2009

Introduction

Early evacuation of retained hemothorax (RHTX) has been shown to improve clinical outcomes. In 2006, our trauma surgery service instituted a clinical pathway for management of RHTX that was designed to decrease time to operation and improve patient outcomes. We report our experience with early evacuation of posttraumatic RHTX after instituting a service‐wide clinical pathway.

Methods

From 2006 to 2007, 29 operations were performed by the trauma surgery service for RHTX. Using the clinical pathway, if patients had a persistent effusion on hospital day 2, the patient underwent thoracoscopic (VATS) evacuation of the hemothorax. A case control cohort (24 patients) was generated from 2003 to 2005 of operations for retained hemothorax before implementation of this pathway.

Results

The mean age was 33.2 years. There was no difference in ISS between groups (p = 0.14). The study group had significantly decreased time to operating room (3.0 ± 0.33 days vs. 9.9 ± 2.0 days, P = 0.002) and shorter hospital stays (10.8 ± 0.8 days vs. 30.5 ± 5.8 days, P = 0.003). All 29 study patients had their hemothorax evacuated by VATS, whereas 14 of 29 control patients had evacuation attempted by VATS (P = 0.0003). There were no differences in complications or reoperation between groups. Total hospital charges for the study group were $46,471 in the study group compared with $126,221 in the control group (P = 0.03).

Conclusions

Implementation of a clinical pathway for early evacuation of retained hemothorax can significantly improve patient outcomes and decrease hospital costs. Furthermore, trauma surgeons are capable of safely performing thoracic surgery for evacuation of retained hemothorax.
What Would a Good Doctor Do? Reflections on the Ethics of Medicine
Authors: MacKenzie C. Ronald
Published: July 2009

Ethical challenges are prevalent in modern-day medicine. Whether arising in the daily practice of medicine, in the conduct of research, or in our educational practices, physicians need to understand the relevance ethics plays in our professional lives. This paper examines the ethical foundations of medical ethics, suggests qualities that define optimal professionalism, and frames the discussion employing two hypothetic case presentations.
A Large Proportion of Patients with Prostate Cancer Undergoing Androgen Deprivation Therapy Continue to Die from Non-Cancer Causes in the PSA Era
Authors: Wadhwa Vivek K. , Weston Robin , Parr Nigel J.
Published: July 2009

Objective:

This study was conducted to determine the cause of death in patients receiving ADT for PCa in the PSA era.

Patients and methods:

We followed 618 patients (mean age 73 years) with PCa initiating ADT from October 1999 to October 2007. Patients were recruited from urology clinics. Patients were regularly reviewed in a dedicated PCa clinic. Cause of death was recorded prospectively, after review of medical case notes and biochemical parameters.

Results:

At median follow-up of 6.7 years, there were 377 deaths (61% mortality). Of these, 176 (47%) were attributable to PCa. Non-cancer deaths ( n = 201) were predominantly cardiovascular ( n = 125) and respiratory ( n = 43). Overall median presenting PSA was 37 ng/ml (range 0.4–5599), significantly higher ( P < 0.001) in those dying from PCa (115 ng/ml) than from other causes (18 ng/ml). PCa specific mortality increased with PSA at presentation (14% for PSA < 50 ng/ml, 45% for 50–100 ng/ml and 69% for > 100 ng/ml). When stratified for presenting age, PCa deaths were 70% (46/66) for men 60–69 years, 47% (85/180) for 70–79 years and 34% (45/131) for >80 years.

Conclusions:

Many patients with PCa initiating ADT continue to die from non-cancer causes in an era of widespread PSA testing, the proportion increasing with older age at presentation. This may justify deferring hormonal treatment in suitable older asymptomatic men, sparing the burden of long-term ADT. Patients with PCa who require hormonal therapy should be assessed for cardiovascular and respiratory risk factors at the time of presentation.
Moon landing anniversary
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: July 2009

To commemorate the Apollo program and the fortieth anniversary of the first lunar landing, NASA has announced a nearly month‐long series of activities at various locations around the United States during July. Events include a 16 July roundtable discussion about the Apollo program at NASA headquarters in Washington, D.C.; Moonfest 2009 at the NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif., on 19 July; a First Footprint Celebration at the Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Ala., on 20 July; and an Apollo 11 Splashdown Celebration at Johnson Space Center on 24 July.
Boosted carbon emissions from Amazon deforestation
Authors: Loarie Scott R. , Asner Gregory P. , Field Christopher B.
Published: July 2009

Standing biomass is a major, often poorly quantified determinate of carbon losses from land clearing. We analyzed maps from the 2001–2007 PRODES deforestation time series with recent regional pre‐deforestation aboveground biomass estimates to calculate carbon emission trends for the Brazilian Amazon basin. Although the annual rate of deforestation has not changed significantly since the 1990s (ANOVA, p = 0.3), the aboveground biomass lost per unit of forest cleared increased from 2001 to 2007 (183 to 201 Mg C ha−1; slope of regression significant: p < 0.01). Remaining unprotected forests harbor significantly higher aboveground biomass still, averaging 231 Mg C ha−1. This difference is large enough that, even if the annual area deforested remains unchanged, future clearing will increase regional emissions by ∼0.04 Pg C yr−1 – a ∼25% increase over 2001–2007 annual carbon emissions. These results suggest increased climate risk from future deforestation, but highlight opportunities through reductions in deforestation and forest degradation (REDD).
Regional Specialisation and Industrial Concentration in Romania's Transition Period from an Election Cycle Perspective
Authors: Andrei Tudorel , Constantin Daniela L , Mitrut Constantin
Published: July 2009

In this paper we propose an inquiry into the patterns of regional specialisation and industrial concentration in Romania during its transition to a market economy (1990–2004). Following an econometric modelling-based approach we demonstrate that the changes in these patterns have been influenced to a large extent by election cycles, and more precisely by changes in the economic policy options determined by the ‘colour’ of each corresponding government. These findings have an important significance for the postaccession period, suggesting the need for decisions on economic structures to be carefully monitored when a new election cycle is approaching, in order to avoid possible negative consequences for efficiency and integration in EU structures.
Delivering Employability in a Vanguard ‘Active’ Welfare State: The Case of Greater Copenhagen in Denmark
Authors: Lindsay Colin , Mailand Mikkel
Published: July 2009

Denmark has been regularly cited as a leading example of the ‘active’ welfare state. Regional and local governance and delivery structures have been crucial to the implementation of Denmark's strategies to improve the employability of unemployed people. In this paper we trace the development, implementation, and effectiveness of regional and local labour-market structures in Denmark, particularly focusing on the country's largest region—Greater Copenhagen. Drawing on interviews with key stakeholders and case-study research, we critically analyse the performance of: (a) the regional structures that have, until recently, provided the main framework for planning employability strategies; and (b) emerging frameworks for local-authority-led employability services. We argue that Denmark has successfully established effective regional governance structures, which have included employers, trade unions, and other stakeholders in the planning of provision for job seekers, while allowing for the tailoring of employability services to reflect the dynamics of local labour markets. However, there remain concerns that recent reforms that effectively dismantle regional structures in favour of more localised governance will threaten the capacity of future employability programmes to secure the buy in of stakeholders and respond to changing labour-market conditions.
Identifying Obstacles to Community Climate Protection Planning
Authors: Pitt Damian , Randolph John
Published: July 2009

A growing number of US municipalities are making plans and adopting policies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in their communities. In this paper we explore some of the obstacles that municipalities encounter in these community climate protection planning efforts. While previous works have focused on ‘pioneer’ cities, we focus on municipalities that are still in the early stages of climate protection planning. We describe the evolution of local energy and climate protection planning from the 1980s to the present and summarize the experiences of public officials and environmental advocates who are currently engaged in local climate protection planning efforts. The primary obstacles to preparing a community climate protection plan are found to be a lack of reliable data, methodological uncertainties, and funding and resource constraints. Furthermore, a number of political and institutional conditions are found to limit the ability of local governments to achieve community-wide GHG emission reductions.
Lyapunov modes in extended systems
Authors: Yang Hong-Liu , Radons Günter
Published: July 2009

Hydrodynamic Lyapunov modes, which have recently been observed in many extended systems with translational symmetry, such as hard sphere systems, dynamic XY models or Lennard–Jones fluids, are nowadays regarded as fundamental objects connecting nonlinear dynamics and statistical physics. We review here our recent results on Lyapunov modes in extended system. The solution to one of the puzzles, the appearance of good and ‘vague’ modes, is presented for the model system of coupled map lattices. The structural properties of these modes are related to the phase space geometry, especially the angles between Oseledec subspaces, and to fluctuations of local Lyapunov exponents. In this context, we report also on the possible appearance of branches splitting in the Lyapunov spectra of diatomic systems, similar to acoustic and optical branches for phonons. The final part is devoted to the hyperbolicity of partial differential equations and the effective degrees of freedom of such infinite-dimensional systems.