bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterns of disease progression in metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients treated with antivascular agents and interferon
Authors: Plimack Elizabeth R. , Tannir Nizar , Lin E , Bekele B. Nebiyou , Jonasch Eric
Published: February 2009

BACKGROUND:

The standard of care for patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has changed to favor targeted therapy over immunotherapy. Differences in patterns of progression between patients treated with these 2 modalities, and the impact of disease stabilization on outcome, were investigated.

METHODS:

Patients who progressed on first line antivascular therapy (AVT) or interferon were identified, and their medical records reviewed.

RESULTS:

A total of 162 patients met inclusion criteria for this analysis. Patients in the AVT group had better baseline performance status, fewer liver metastases, and more responses (CR + PR) compared with the interferon group. Both groups were equally likely to develop distant metastases; however, for patients in the AVT group, these new metastases were more likely to arise in the setting of controlled disease at baseline sites (18% vs 4%,P= .012). There was no difference in anatomic sites of progression between the 2 groups. Patients responding (CR + PR) to AVT trended toward longer progression‐free survival (PFS) compared with patients with stable disease (SD) (P= .06). No difference between responders and SD was seen in the interferon group.

CONCLUSIONS:

Patients with RCC treated with antivascular therapy were more likely to progress at new sites in the setting of stable disease at baseline sites, suggesting that AVT may be more effective at controlling existing sites of disease than it is at preventing new metastases. Patients with SD on AVT had shorter PFS compared with responders (CR + PR). Whether this relationship extends to overall survival requires further study. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Central pathology review in multicenter trials and studies
Authors: Vujanić Gordan M. , Sandstedt Bengt , Kelsey Anna , Sebire Neil J.
Published: February 2009

BACKGROUND:

Central pathology review (CPR) is an important component of multicenter tumor trials. The authors retrospectively analyzed the quality of pathology material submitted to determine the benefits and limitations of rapid CPR.

METHODS:

Analysis of pathology specimens from previous renal tumors in children trials (1980‐2007) included the number of cases submitted, the number of slides per case, discrepancies in diagnosis and staging between institutional pathologists and CPR, and the impact of rapid CPR on treatment.

RESULTS:

The percentage of cases submitted for CPR increased from 76% in earlier trials to 100% in the current trial. The number of slides submitted rose from a median of 6 (International Pediatric Oncology Society [SIOP] 9301) to 25 for the SIOP‐UK Renal Tumors 2001 trial. Discrepancies between the institutional pathologists and CPR were as follows: diagnosis: SIOP 9, 17%; SIOP 93‐01, 14%; United Kingdom Wilms Tumour 3 Trial (UKWT3), 3.5%; SIOP‐UK 2001, 3.8%; staging: SIOP 6, 9%; SIOP 93‐01, 14%; UKWT3, 17%; SIOP‐UK 2001, 3.8% of cases. There were clinically significant discrepancies in diagnosis and/or stage in 30 of 152 (20%) cases submitted for delayed CPR in SIOP‐UK 2001.

CONCLUSIONS:

The number and quality of material submitted for CPR has markedly improved over time, predominantly due to the introduction of a simple standard operating procedure. Discrepancies in diagnosis and staging remain, but rapid review CPR allows clinicians to modify treatment if required. Benefits from the CPR system followed in SIOP‐UK 2001 have been clearly demonstrated, and similar systems should be considered for future trials of other tumors. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
The Stability of Platinum–Carbon Aerogel Catalysts upon Repeated Potential Cycles
Authors: Kim Hyun Joong , Park Hyung‐Sang , Suh Dong Jin
Published: February 2009

A sense of stability: The stability of carbon‐supported platinum catalysts at high potentials is important for the commercialization of fuel cells for homes and cars. The electrochemical active surface (EAS) area of a Pt–C aerogel catalyst was found to increase up to 500 cycles, in contrast to that for the so‐called Tanaka catalyst which decreases with the number of repeated potential cycles.

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Efficient production of androgenetic embryos by round spermatid injection
Authors: Miki Hiromi , Hirose Michiko , Ogonuki Narumi , Inoue Kimiko , Kezuka Fuyuko , Honda Arata , Mekada Kazuyuki , Hanaki Ken‐Ichi , Iwafune Hirotaka , Yoshiki Atsushi , Ishino Fumitoshi , Ogura Atsuo
Published: February 2009

Mammalian androgenetic embryos can be produced by pronuclear exchange of fertilized oocytes or by dispermic in vitro fertilization of enucleated oocytes. Here, we report a new technique for producing mouse androgenetic embryos by injection of two round spermatid nuclei into oocytes, followed by female chromosome removal. We found that injection of round spermatids resulted in high rates of oocyte survival (88%). Androgenetic embryos thus produced developed into mid‐gestation fetuses at various rates, depending on the mouse strain used. All the fetuses examined maintained paternally specific genomic imprinting memories. This technique also enabled us to produce complete heterozygous F1 embryos by injecting two spermatids from different strains. The best rate of fetal survival (12% per embryos transferred) was obtained with C57BL/6 × DBA/2 androgenetic embryos. We also generated embryonic stem cell lines efficiently with the genotype of Mus musculus domesticus × M. m. molossinus. Thus, injection of two round spermatid nuclei followed by maternal enucleation is an effective alternative method of producing androgenetic embryos that consistently develop into blastocysts and mid‐gestation fetuses. genesis 47:155–160, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Malaria sporozoite antigen‐directed genome‐wide response in transgenic Drosophila
Authors: Yan Jizhou , Yang Xiang , Mortin Mark A. , Shahabuddin Mohammed
Published: February 2009

Malaria kills a million people annually. Understanding the relationship between a causative parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, and the mosquito vector might suggest novel prevention approaches. We created and transformed into Drosophila two genes encoding, thrombospondin‐related adhesive protein (TRAP) and circumsporozoite protein (CSP), found on the cell surface of Plasmodium sporozoites. To understand a model insect's response, we induced these proteins separately and together, performing whole genome microarray analysis measuring gene expression changes. Gene ontology classification of responding genes reveals that TRAP and CSP strongly and differentially influence Drosophila genes involved with cell motility and gene regulation, respectively; however, the most striking effects are on the immune system. While immune‐related genes are but modestly elevated compared with responses to sepsis, there is a marked repression of the Toll pathway. This suggests: (1) how Plasmodium infection of the mosquito might use TRAP and CSP to modulate the host insect's physiology to promote sporozoite survival and transmission to man and (2) that approaches to elevate expression of the mosquito's Toll pathway might lead to novel methods of malaria prevention. genesis 47:196–203, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identifying genes that interact with Drosophila presenilin and amyloid precursor protein
Authors: van de Hoef Diana L. , Hughes James , Livne‐Bar Izhar , Garza Dan , Konsolaki Mary , Boulianne Gabrielle L.
Published: February 2009

The γ‐secretase complex is involved in cleaving transmembrane proteins such as Notch and one of the genes targeted in Alzheimer's disease known as amyloid precursor protein (APP). Presenilins function within the catalytic core of γ‐secretase, and mutated forms of presenilins were identified as causative factors in familial Alzheimer's disease. Recent studies show that in addition to Notch and APP, numerous signal transduction pathways are modulated by presenilins, including intracellular calcium signaling. Thus, presenilins appear to have diverse roles. To further understand presenilin function, we searched for Presenilin‐interacting genes in Drosophila by performing a genetic modifier screen for enhancers and suppressors of Presenilin‐dependent Notch‐related phenotypes. We identified 177 modifiers, including known members of the Notch pathway and genes involved in intracellular calcium homeostasis. We further demonstrate that 53 of these modifiers genetically interacted with APP. Characterization of these genes may provide valuable insights into Presenilin function in development and disease. genesis 47:246–260, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Follistatin preferentially antagonizes activin rather than BMP signaling in Drosophila
Authors: Pentek Jozsef , Parker Louise , Wu Alison , Arora Kavita
Published: February 2009

Ligands of the transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) superfamily play important roles in embryonic patterning and development throughout the animal kingdom. Consequently, extracellular factors that affect ligand stability, mobility, and receptor interaction also have profound effects on development. One such regulator, Follistatin (Fst), functions as an inhibitor of both activin and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) subfamilies of TGF‐β ligands in vertebrates. Drosophila follistatin (fs) encodes a Fst homolog that is broadly expressed throughout development, but the in vivo function of the protein remains unclear. We show that overexpression of fs affects prepupal to pupal transition and morphogenesis, highlighting a novel requirement for TGF‐β signaling in metamorphosis. In addition, fs expression disrupts various aspects of neuronal morphogenesis, mimicking mutant phenotypes of the activin ligands, Dawdle (Daw) and Activin‐β. In assays targeting endogenous BMP signaling, we find no evidence that fs can antagonize BMP activity. We conclude that fs functions primarily as an inhibitor of activin rather than BMP ligands. genesis 47:261–273, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An investigation of the hydrological requirements of River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) Forest, using Classification and Regression Tree modelling
Authors: Wen Li , Ling Joanne , Saintilan Neil , Rogers Kerrylee
Published: February 2009

River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) is widely distributed throughout many water courses and floodplains within inland Australia. In recent years, accelerated decline of River Red Gum condition has been observed in many locations, and field observations of the degradation are consistent with the reduction of flooding. However, there are few publications that quantitatively investigate the relationships between River Red Gum condition and flooding history. We applied Classification and Regression Tree (CART) to model the minimum flooding requirement of River Red Gum forest/woodland in Yanga National Park, located on the Lower Murrumbidgee Floodplain, southeast Australia, using crown conditions derived from historical aerial photographs spanning more than 40 years. The model produced has a moderate reliability with an overall accuracy of 64·1% and a Kappa index of 0·543. The model brings in important insights about the relationship between River Red Gum community type, flood frequency and flood duration. Our results demonstrated that (1) CART analysis is a simple yet powerful technique with significant potential for application in river and environmental flow management; (2) River Red Gum communities on the Lower Murrumbidgee Floodplain require periodic inundation (3–5 years) for a duration of up to 64 days to be in moderate to good conditions; (3) Although the crown conditions of different community types displayed similar degradation trends, they have distinct flooding requirements; and (4) The River Red Gum community in Yanga National Park may be managed as hydrological units given limited environmental water allocations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bruch Revisited and Revised
Authors: Skårderud Finn
Published: February 2009

The aim of this text is to remind the clinical and scientific field of eating disorders of the seminal figure Hilde Bruch. Her work is highly original, but is it sinking into the mists of oblivion? The contemporary overemphasis on cognitive behavioural therapy may indicate that. Hilde Bruch's contribution was a descriptive and theoretical model defining anorexia nervosa and severe eating disorders as self‐disorders, with emphasis on developmental deficits in the organisation of the psychological self. A limited focus on cognitions may undermine both the awareness of central aspects of the psychopathology of eating disorders, as well as the relevance of sensitively regulating the psychotherapeutic stance. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Evidence of high‐energy events in shelly layers interbedded in coastal Holocene sands in Cadiz Bay (south‐west Spain)
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Mas J. M. , Juan C. , Morales J. A.
Published: February 2009

In some present‐day coastal areas, recent inactive deposits now outside the reach of sea agents can be observed. These deposits, although formed under different climatic and sea level conditions, often show similar facies to current littoral deposits. They are frequently interpreted as old dunes and beach ridges, or as abandoned spit bars, representative of previous dynamic stages. Nevertheless, in coastal areas which have been subjected to highly‐energetic events similar deposits can also be found. When a dynamic event acts on several adjacent environments, the transported and re‐deposited sediments can create homogeneous deposits with similar facies, that are easily confused.

In this work, shelly layers interbedded in relict littoral sands located in the La Algaida pinewood, on the edge of the Rio San Pedro tidal channel, in Cadiz Bay (south‐west Spain) have been studied. The main constituents of the shelly beds are Glycimeris valves, organisms which are no longer found as live specimens in the present‐day sea bed of Cadiz Bay.

From their appearance, the origin of these shelly beds could be related to sea washovers generated by tidal or storm action, but their disposition and height over the present sea level implies that even higher energy agents were involved in their formation, such as major storms or tsunami waves. The most significant process was the mobilization of the sub‐tidal and littoral sediments and their dispersal and re‐sedimentation, both lengthways and widthways of the coast, giving way to homogeneous sandy deposits in all littoral environments some of which are now outside the reach of current sea agents. The exception is the present‐day shore of the San Pedro tidal channel, where the sediments are being reworked by tidal and small wave action.

If the proximity of the study zone to the limit of the African and Iberian plates is considered, where several historical earthquakes and tsunamis have taken place, it is possible to think that these deposits could be a consequence of sporadic and successive washovers, generated by tsunamis occurring between ad 800 and ad 1200. Sedimentological and historical data indicate an increase in seismic and tsunami activity during this period of time, while the shelly layers would be the consequence of the most intense pulses occurring during these high‐energy events. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Criteria of optimality for sensors' location based on adjoint transformation of observation data interpolation error
Authors: Alekseev A. K. , Navon I. M.
Published: February 2009

Criteria of optimality for sensors' location are addressed using an interpolation error transformed by especial adjoint problems. The considered criteria correspond to the analysis error in certain Hessian‐based metrics and to the error of some forecast aspect. Both criteria are obtained using adjoint problems that provide computation without the direct use of the Hessian. For a linear inverse heat conduction problem, these criteria are compared and demonstrated promising results when compared with a criterion based on the norm of the interpolation error of observation data. Approaches to sensor set modification using either redistribution of sensors' or refinement of the sensors grid (insertion of additional sensors) are also compared. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determinants of peripheral blood count value in long‐term survivors of allogeneic hemopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Koljonen Paul A , Lie Albert Kwok‐wai , Liang Raymond , Au Wing‐Yan
Published: February 2009

Hemopoeitic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients are monitored by regular complete blood picture (CBP). The reference ranges for acceptable values are undefined. We analysed the CBP in 228 stable HSCT survivors (median follow‐up 103 months, range 60–212) without transplant‐related medications and complications. Compared with donors, recipients had lower absolute neutrophil count (ANC) and platelet levels (Plt) and higher mean corpuscular volume (MCV), but comparable hemoglobin (Hb) and absolute lymphocyte count (ALC). There was significant donor–recipient correlation in all CBP parameters (Hb, ALC, ANC, MCV, Plt). Significant correlation was also found between levels of Hb, white cell and Plt among recipients. All counts were higher in patients with longer follow‐up. Donor and recipient gender, age and underlying diagnosis can influence stable CBP values. We conclude that both host and marrow factors influence CBP values in stably engrafted recipients. ‘Abnormal’ CBP values deviating from that in normal populations may not have clinical significance. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How does landscape structure influence catchment transit time across different geomorphic provinces?
Authors: Tetzlaff D. , Seibert J. , McGuire K. J. , Laudon H. , Burns D. A. , Dunn S. M. , Soulsby C.
Published: February 2009

Despite an increasing number of empirical investigations of catchment transit times (TTs), virtually all are based on individual catchments and there are few attempts to synthesize understanding across different geographical regions. Uniquely, this paper examines data from 55 catchments in five geomorphic provinces in northern temperate regions (Scotland, United States of America and Sweden). The objective is to understand how the role of catchment topography as a control on the TTs differs in contrasting geographical settings. Catchment inverse transit time proxies (ITTPs) were inferred by a simple metric of isotopic tracer damping, using the ratio of standard deviation of δ18O in streamwater to the standard deviation of δ18O in precipitation. Quantitative landscape analysis was undertaken to characterize the catchments according to hydrologically relevant topographic indices that could be readily determined from a digital terrain model (DTM). The nature of topographic controls on transit times varied markedly in different geomorphic regions. In steeper montane regions, there are stronger gravitational influences on hydraulic gradients and TTs tend to be lower in the steepest catchments. In provinces where terrain is more subdued, direct topographic control weakened; in particular, where flatter areas with less permeable soils give rise to overland flow and lower TTs. The steeper slopes within this flatter terrain appear to have a greater coverage of freely draining soils, which increase sub‐surface flow, therefore increasing TTs. Quantitative landscape analysis proved a useful tool for inter‐catchment comparison. However, the critical influence of sub‐surface permeability and connectivity may limit the transferability of predictive tools of hydrological function based on topographic parameters alone. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Jointness of growth determinants
Authors: Doppelhofer Gernot , Weeks Melvyn
Published: February 2009

This paper introduces a new measure of dependence or jointness among explanatory variables. Jointness is based on the joint posterior distribution of variables over the model space, thereby taking model uncertainty into account. By looking beyond marginal measures of variable importance, jointness reveals generally unknown forms of dependence. Positive jointness implies that regressors are complements, representing distinct but mutually reinforcing effects. Negative jointness implies that explanatory variables are substitutes and capture similar underlying effects. In a cross‐country dataset we show that jointness among 67 determinants of growth is important, affecting inference and informing economic policy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Jointness of growth determinants: Reply to comments by Rodney Strachan, Eduardo Ley and Mark F.J. Steel
Authors: Doppelhofer Gernot , Weeks Melvyn
Published: February 2009

This comment contrasts the jointness statistics proposed by Doppelhofer and Weeks (2009) with alternatives proposed by Strachan (2009) and Ley and Steel (2007). In contrast to the alternatives, our jointness statistic constitutes a formal test for dependence over the joint posterior distribution. The essential difference between our proposed measure and the alternatives is that our jointness measures uses the entire joint posterior distribution. We discuss differences in jointness, as well as inclusion and exclusion margins of the joint posterior distribution, and the impact on economic significance using the numerical examples given by Strachan (2009) and Ley and Steel (2009). Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comment on ‘Jointness of growth determinants’ by Gernot Doppelhofer and Melvyn Weeks
Authors: Strachan Rodney W.
Published: February 2009

Doppelhofer and Weeks (2009) present a statistic designed to indicate the probability that pairs of regressors appear together or individually in a Bayesian model averaged linear regression. This comment presents an alternative measure that is designed to overcome some of the limitations of Doppelhofer and Weeks' statistic. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alternatively activated RAW264.7 macrophages enhance tumor lymphangiogenesis in mouse lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Bicheng , Wang Jun , Gao Juan , Guo Yan , Chen Xi , Wang Baocheng , Gao Jianfei , Rao Zhiguo , Chen Zhengtang
Published: February 2009

Tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) have been implicated in promoting tumor progression and invasion. The onset and maintenance of tumor angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis also seem to be partly driven by a group of polarized alternatively activated macrophages (aaMphi) in lung adenocarcinoma. Here, the aaMphi and classically activated macrophages (caMphi) were obtained using RAW264.7 cells via IL‐4 and IFN‐γ + LPS treatment, respectively. Co‐inoculation of aaMphi with Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells promoted tumor growth, increased lymph node metastasis, and reduced the survival in C57BL/6 mice bearing LLC. Furthermore, the effects of the activated macrophages on the lymphangiogenesis‐related properties of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) were investigated in vitro. When LECs were cultured in macrophages conditioned medium or in a co‐culture system of macrophages and LECs, aaMphi significantly promoted proliferation, migration, and tube‐like formation of LECs. We identified high VEGF‐C expression in aaMphi and low expression in caMphi as well as unactivated macrophages by ELISA and Western blotting. In LECs, co‐culture with aaMphi resulted in a significant increase of mRNA levels of specific lymphatic marker VEGF receptor‐3 and the homeobox gene Prox‐1, as well as lymphangiogenic factor VEGF‐C rather than VEGF‐D by quantitative RT‐PCR. Furthermore, enhanced LECs migration and capillary formation by co‐culture with aaMphi were significantly inhibited by rVEGF receptor‐3/Fc chimera. In conclusion, these data show that aaMphi play a critical role in tumor‐induced lymphangiogenesis through up‐regulating VEGF‐C and increasing lymphangiogenesis‐related behavior of LECs, which may contribute to lymphatic invasion in lung adenocarcinoma. J. Cell. Biochem. 107: 134–143, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Effects of the transcendental meditation program on mindfulness
Authors: Tanner Melissa A. , Travis Fred , Gaylord‐King Carolyn , Haaga David A. F. , Grosswald Sarina , Schneider Robert H.
Published: February 2009

Mindfulness is associated with low levels of neuroticism, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, as well as high levels of self‐esteem and satisfaction with life (Brown & Ryan, 2003). As part of a 3‐month randomized waitlist‐controlled trial of the effects of the Transcendental Meditation (TM) program on university students (N=295), we examined the impact of TM practice on mindfulness as measured by the Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills (KIMS; Baer, Smith, & Allen, 2004). A repeated measures ANOVA on total KIMS scores showed a significant time×treatment interaction, with the TM participants reporting greater increases in mindfulness than the waitlist participants. All KIMS subscales were positively intercorrelated at pretreatment, and there were no differences over time or as a function of treatment condition in subscale intercorrelations. Therefore, previously published findings of a positive correlation between subscales measuring the skills of observing and accepting‐without‐judgment one's inner experiences only among those with meditation experience may have reflected a self‐selection effect rather than a change in the relation of these mindfulness components resulting directly from meditation practice. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 65: 1–16, 2009.
Hypoxia‐induced matrix metalloproteinase‐13 expression in astrocytes enhances permeability of brain endothelial cells
Authors: Lu Dah‐Yuu , Yu Wei‐Hsuan , Yeh Wei‐Lan , Tang Chih‐Hsin , Leung Yuk‐Man , Wong Kar‐Lok , Chen Yuh‐Fung , Lai Chih‐Ho , Fu Wen‐Mei
Published: February 2009

Matrix metalloproteinase‐13 (MMP‐13) is involved in the degradation of extracellular matrix in many kinds of tissues. Here we found that hypoxia increased MMP‐13 protein and mRNA levels in primary rat astrocyte cultures. Hypoxia stimulation also increased the secretion of MMP‐13 from astrocytes, as shown by zymographic analysis. In addition, exposure to hypoxia up‐regulated the expression of c‐Fos and c‐Jun time‐dependently. Hypoxia‐induced MMP‐13 overexpression was antagonized by transfection with antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (AS‐ODN) of c‐Fos or c‐Jun. Furthermore, hypoxic‐conditioned medium (Hx‐CM) collected from astrocytes exposed to hypoxia increased paracellular permeability of adult rat brain endothelial cells (ARBECs). Administration of MMP‐13 neutralizing antibody antagonized Hx‐CM‐induced paracellular permeability of ARBECs. Furthermore, pre‐transfection of astrocytes with AS‐ODN of c‐Fos, c‐Jun or MMP‐13‐shRNA significantly decreased hyperpermeability of ARBECs induced by Hx‐CM. The arrangement of tight junction protein (TJP) zonular occludens‐1 (ZO‐1) of ARBECs disorganized in response to Hx‐CM. Administration of Hx‐CM to ARBECs also resulted in the production of proteolytic fragments of ZO‐1, which was antagonized by transfection of MMP‐13‐shRNA in primary astrocytes. Administration of MMP‐13 recombinant protein to ARBECs led to the disorganization and fragmentation of ZO‐1 protein and also increased paracellular permeability. These results suggest that hypoxia‐induced MMP‐13 expression in astrocytes is regulated by c‐Fos and c‐Jun. MMP‐13 is an important factor leading to the disorganization of ZO‐1 and hyperpermeablility of blood–brain barrier in response to hypoxia. J. Cell. Physiol. 220: 163–173, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Issues in equitable health financing in South Eastern Nigeria: Socio‐economic and geographic differences in households' illness expenditures and policy makers' views on the financial protection of the poor
Authors: Onwujekwe Obinna , Onoka Chima , Uzochukwu Benjamin , Obikeze Eric , Ezumah Nkoli
Published: February 2009

This study examined the socio‐economic and geographic differences in illness occurrence and levels of expenditures in South Eastern Nigeria, together with policymaker and healthcare provider views on how to alleviate the financial burdens placed on the poorest by existing payment mechanisms. We found no evidence of differences across socio‐economic group in illness occurrence but there was inequity in expenditures, payment mechanisms used and sources of funds to cope with the burden of payments. Policymakers and facility managers were found to assume that households have the capacity to cope with healthcare payments and there is no functioning system of fee exemptions. Policies are needed to protect the poor and other vulnerable groups against the financial risk of ill‐health. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conducting health‐related social science research in low income settings: ethical dilemmas faced in Kenya and South Africa
Authors: Molyneux Catherine , Goudge Jane , Russell Steve , Chuma Jane , Gumede Tebogo , Gilson Lucy
Published: February 2009

The value of the social sciences is increasingly recognised in health services and clinical research, contributing to an increasing number of multi‐disciplinary, multi‐method studies. Such studies offer numerous advantages, but also pose particular challenges, including different approaches to or foci in research ethics across disciplines. Drawing on two similar studies conducted in coastal Kenya and in rural South Africa, we share the ethical challenges we faced in relation to several key principles, the responses we adopted, and the new dilemmas that resulted from our actions. Given that multi‐disciplinary, multi‐method studies are often reviewed by committees with greater familiarity with biomedical than social science research, we conclude by drawing on our experiences, and the wider literature and guidelines around conducting social science research, to make suggestions of additional considerations for social science elements of multi‐disciplinary research. We also emphasise that in practice it is the social relationships that are established between researchers and field‐teams, and between field‐teams and community members, that are critical to fulfilling the moral (as opposed to the legal) aspects of ethics guidelines. These essential elements of ethical practice, and of producing quality data, are not easily tested and checked by ethics committees. Rather they are linked to the insight and integrity of the principle investigators and their research teams. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Household responses to health risks and shocks: A study from rural Tanzania raises some methodological issues
Authors: Somi Masha F. , Butler James R. G. , Vahid Farshid , Njau Joseph D. , Abdulla Salim
Published: February 2009

The impact of a health shock (malaria) on household consumption patterns is investigated using a system of demand equations. After controlling for the overall levels of total expenditure by a household, the presence of a self‐reported malarious individual in a household reduces consumption of luxury items and increases consumption of health care and products. Our results are compatible with the hypothesis that households behave strategically when coping with an illness related shock so as to minimise its impact on expenditure on necessities: if households need to re‐allocate funds to health and health care products, they reduce consumption of luxury items. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New designer drug α‐pyrrolidinovalerophenone (PVP): studies on its metabolism and toxicological detection in rat urine using gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric techniques
Authors: Sauer Christoph , Peters Frank T. , Haas Claudia , Meyer Markus R. , Fritschi Giselher , Maurer Hans H.
Published: February 2009

The aim of the present study was to identify the metabolites of the new designer drug α‐pyrrolidinovalerophenone (PVP) in rat urine using GC/MS techniques. Eleven metabolites of PVP could be identified suggesting the following metabolic steps: hydroxylation of the side chain followed by dehydrogenation to the corresponding ketone; hydroxylation of the 2″‐position of the pyrrolidine ring followed by dehydrogenation to the corresponding lactam or followed by ring opening to the respective aliphatic aldehyde and further oxidation to the respective carboxylic acid; degradation of the pyrrolidine ring to the corresponding primary amine; and hydroxylation of the phenyl ring, most probably in the 4′‐position. The authors' screening procedure for pyrrolidinophenones allowed the detection of PVP metabolites after application of a dose corresponding to a presumed user's dose. In addition, the involvement of nine different human cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoenzymes in the side chain hydroxylation of PVP was investigated and CYP 2B6, 2C19, 2D6, and 3A4 were found to catalyze this reaction. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seasonal prediction of summertime tropical cyclone activity over the East China Sea using the least absolute deviation regression and the Poisson regression
Authors: Kim Hyeong‐Seog , Ho Chang‐Hoi , Chu Pao‐Shin , Kim Joo‐Hong
Published: February 2009

In the present study, we have employed two statistical models to predict summertime (July–September) tropical cyclone (TC) activity over the East China Sea using the least absolute deviation (LAD) regression and the Poisson regression method. Through a lagged correlation analysis of the relationship between the seasonal TC frequency in the target region and several pre‐season environmental parameters for the period 1979–2003, physically interpretable and statistically significant large‐scale environmental parameters were identified as potential predictors. After applying the predictor screening method based on the stepwise regression, three predictors, i.e. sea surface temperature, outgoing long‐wave radiation and 850‐hPa relative vorticity were finally chosen. They are related to the phase transition of El Niño/Southern Oscillation and the strength of the western North Pacific summer monsoon. The correlation coefficient between the predicted and the observed frequency is 0.75 for the LAD model and 0.78 for the Poisson model. The predictions using the two models have a skill improvement of about 60% compared to the reference forecasts. The present study suggests that both models are skillful in predicting summertime TC frequency over the East China Sea with the Poisson model being slightly more skillful than the LAD model. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Transport trajectories of dust originating from the Tarim Basin, China
Authors: Gao Hang , Washington Richard
Published: February 2009

Although Asian dust's significant environmental and social impacts during its transport process has stimulated a concerted research effort to better understand its transportation characteristics, progress in understanding dust transport from individual key dust source areas has remained limited. For example, there has been no research focussing on the transport trajectory of dust released from the Tarim Basin. In this study, 13 years of transport trajectories in the Tarim Basin in April are simulated. The simulation results reveal important information about transport pathways, transport distance and direction and transport altitudes. A novel centroid method was applied in trajectory analysis. The use of the centroid method enables a quantitative description of trajectories. High dust active (H) years and low dust active (L) years are identified. The composites of transport trajectory for the two kinds of extreme years are compared. The composites of zonal wind average for extreme years are also compared. Our study suggests that Tarim dust transport can be generally divided into two stages. The first stage is when the trajectory centroid is in the Tarim Basin and the second stage is when the trajectory centroid is out of the Tarim Basin. We found that the circulation variation in extreme years exerts a major control over transport. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Myth, adventure and fantasy at the frontier: metaphors and imagery behind an extraordinary travel experience
Authors: Laing Jennifer H. , Crouch Geoffrey I.
Published: February 2009

Travellers are now journeying to the frontiers of our world, including the poles, deserts, mountain peaks, the depths of the ocean and even outer space. These extraordinary travel experiences are often carried out in the ‘footsteps’ of explorers or adventurers, both past and present, and may be motivated or influenced by fantasy narratives and dreamscapes. This paper uses narrative analysis to examine some of the metaphors and imagery used by these individuals when describing these journeys, including mythic, imaginary and theatrical elements, and explores the common discourse of the adventure myth and the metempsychotic journey. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Museum and art gallery experience space characteristics: an entertaining show or a contemplative bathe?
Authors: McIntyre Charles
Published: February 2009

This paper considers some of the findings of a longitudinal research project undertaken to investigate the perceptions and attitudes surrounding museum/art gallery visits and their desired characteristics. The work centred largely upon a major relaunch, design and development project of a combined museum and art gallery on the South Coast of England. Over the course of a number of years, the project broadened to allow the investigation of dimensions of the adult tourist's experience of museum and gallery visits.

The desired experience in cultural presentations and visitation spaces was found to be focused upon internal self‐learning through time and space consideration, involving processes of dimensional imagining, personal reflection and heuristic self‐discourse while becoming ‘time and space dreamers’. An immersive, enabling and supporting environment and flow of differential space elements, or spacescape mix, for this experience was found to be essential for the desired outcomes.

A suitable balance of different types of space was a perceived necessity of cultural visitation events for adults and groups involving adults, including a humanistic form of ‘warm’ space for the central desired adult object‐related transformation experience, complemented by ‘cool’ space to allow reflection, consideration and relaxation. Acting in a form of tourist‐visitor role, visitors were found to have a desire for space to ‘bathe‐in’ and ‘soak‐up’ a form of experiential learning in proximity to culturally significant objects, information and spaces of implied socio‐cultural and local significance. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Understanding and meeting the challenges of consumer/tourist experience research
Authors: Ritchie J. R. Brent , Hudson Simon
Published: February 2009

This paper seeks to provide a framework that will help us identify and better understand the major challenges we face in consumer/tourist experience research. These challenges have both theoretical and managerial dimensions. Based on an extensive and comprehensive review of the current literature in the field, we have categorised extant knowledge into six main streams of theoretical thinking and empirical research. These streams were identified as the fundamentals of the experience, experience‐seeking behaviours, methodologies used in experience research, the nature of specific tourism experiences, managerial issues in the design and delivery of experiences, and the evolutionary trail of experience thinking. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New insights on therapy with vitamin D analogs targeting the intracellular pathways that control repigmentation in human vitiligo
Authors: Birlea Stanca Ariana , Costin Gertrude‐Emilia , Norris David Albert
Published: February 2009

Vitiligo is a progressive depigmenting disorder affecting 0.5–2% of the population worldwide in which destruction of functional melanocytes from epidermis is a composite of multiple processes influencing melanocyte function and survival. A number of studies have recently reported that the treatment with vitamin D compounds or their combination with ultraviolet light or corticosteroids enhances repigmentation in vitiligo; however, the causal relationship at the cellular and molecular levels has not so far been investigated. This review details the main intracellular pathways through which vitamin D ligands alone or in different combinations may contribute to pigment restoration in vitiligo, outlines the most recent achievements in vitiligo treatment using vitamin D analogs, and compares their efficacy with other treatment regimens in vitiligo. Based on the reviewed literature and data, we foresee the need for designing new vitamin D compounds to achieve maximal therapeutic efficacy. Such compounds should have high selectivity for melanocytes, stimulatory effects on melanogenesis, and minimal suppressive effects on melanocyte growth. An approach combining clinical investigations and focused research on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of vitiligo repigmentation will lead to finding better treatments for this disease. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 29, No. 3, 514‐546, 2009
White matter tract visualization using properties of termination coordinate eigenmaps
Authors: Barrick Thomas R. , Lawes I. Nigel C. , Clark Chris A.
Published: February 2009

We present a fast and informative technique for determining colors that differentiate white matter pathways generated by deterministic diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) based on streamline termination coordinate (TC) locations in native space. In particular, terminations coordinates are mapped to a standard stereotactic space and colors are generated using a fast eigenmapping approach designed to provide a single eigenvector representing both TCs. This eigenvector is then colored by mapping the vector x‐coordinate to the red channel, the y‐coordinate to the green channel, and the z‐coordinate to the blue channel. This visualization technique generates a TC color (TCC) map and represents a novel technique for white matter anatomical visualization that does not require explicit white matter pathway segmentation. TCC maps of the pons, cerebral peduncle, thalamus, arcuate fasciculus, and corpus callosum are demonstrated and shown to correspond well with known white matter anatomy. Furthermore, TCC maps are consistent between subjects and may be modulated by the eigenvalue of the TCC map or streamline length to provide additional visual contrast. Finally, these color maps may be generated from deterministic or probabilistic tractography data that are computed from either diffusion tensor or high angular resolution diffusion‐weighted MRI acquisitions. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Numerical and experimental study of the flow in an eccentric Couette‐Taylor system with small gap
Authors: Scurtu Nicoleta , Stücke Peter , Egbers Christoph
Published: February 2009

Various papers were dedicated to the technical and industrial aspects of the Taylor–Couette flow, by analyzing the flow structure in dependence of characteristic parameters. Also some studies concerning the influence of an eccentrical position of the rotating inner cylinder relatively to the fixed outer cylinder exist in the case of a large gap width. The principal technical application of such studies is the flow in journal bearings where the gap width is very small, of the order 0.1\% relative to the inner cylinder radius. Analytical and numerical investigations of the flow in journal bearings are generally based on the two–dimensional Reynolds approximation. This investigation in aiming at a validation of the range where the Reynolds equation is applicable in relation to the characteristical parameters: gap width, eccentricity and Reynolds number. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Conserved Forms derived from Symmetries
Authors: Muriel C. , Romero J.L.
Published: February 2009

For first order scalar ordinary differential equations, a well–known result of Sophus Lie states that a Lie point symmetry can be used to construct an integrating factor and conversely.

However, there exist higher order equations without Lie point symmetries that admit integrating factors or that are exact. We present a method based on λ‐symmetries to calculate integrating factors. An example of a second order equation without Lie point symmetries illustrates how the method works in practice and how the computations that appear in other methods may be simplified. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Structural, thermal, and impedance properties of a gel polymer electrolyte containing ionic liquid
Authors: Tang Zhenglin , Qi Li , Gao Guitian
Published: February 2009

The gel polymer electrolytes composed of ionic liquid, 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BMImBF4) and the copolymer of acrylonitrile (AN), methyl methacrylate (MMA), poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMEMA) are synthesized and characterized by FT‐IR spectra, TGA, DSC, and AC impedance measurements. IR spectra show that there is an interaction between PEO side chains of the copolymer and imidazolium cations. TGA measurements indicate that the gel polymer electrolytes are stable until 120°C. By using the equivalent circuit proposed, the experimental data and the simulated data fit very well. The bulk resistance Rb is found to decrease with the increase in BMImBF4 content. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and applications of novel fluoroalkyl end‐capped cooligomers containing diphenylacetylene segments: a new approach to the surface arrangement of diphenylacetylene segments on the traditional organic polymer
Authors: Mugisawa Masaki , Orita Akihiro , Otera Junzo , Sawada Hideo
Published: February 2009

Fluoroalkyl end‐capped cooligomers containing diphenylacetylene segments [RF‐(DPMA)x‐(Co‐M)y‐RF] were prepared by reaction of fluoroalkanoyl peroxide with 4‐(phenylethynyl)phenyl methacrylate (DPMA) and radical polymerizable comonomers such as N,N‐dimethylacrylamide (DMAA) and acryloylmorpholine (ACMO) under very mild conditions. Fluorinated cooligomers containing diphenylacetylene segments thus obtained exhibited a good solubility in a variety of organic solvents. These fluorinated cooligomers were also applied to the surface modification of traditional organic polymers such as poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) to exhibit not only a good surface active property imparted by fluorine but also a fluorescent characteristic related to diphenylacetylene segments on their surface. In addition, these fluorinated cooligomers could form the nanometer size‐controlled fluorinated molecular aggregates in chloroform. Interestingly, some benzenes and biphenyl (BP) derivatives could interact with these fluorinated oligomeric aggregates as guest molecules, and in particular 2‐chloro‐5‐nitrobenzotrifluoride (CNB) was most effective for enhancing the fluorescent intensity of these guest molecules. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vitamin D und Hyperparathyreoidismus. Vitamin D – ein Prohormon
Authors: Nuhn Peter
Published: February 2009

Vitamin D wird im Organismus zunächst durch Sonnenbestrahlung, dann weiter in Leber und Niere durch Hydroxylierungen in ein steroidähnliches Hormon (Calcitriol) umgewandelt, das Calciumhaushalt, Knochenbildung sowie Zelldifferenzierungen und ‐proliferationen reguliert. Im Unterschied zu den meisten anderen Vitaminen besteht die Gefahr einer Hypervitaminose.