bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Publish or be damned? The fate of abstracts presented at the International Continence Society Meeting 2003
Authors: Cartwright Rufus , Khoo Abigail Kate , Cardozo Linda
Published: January 2007

Aims

This study examined the presented abstracts from the International Continence Society (ICS) Meeting, 2003. It analyzed the rate and timing of full publication, the factors predicting successful publication, the consistency of reporting between presented abstracts and published abstracts, and the barriers to publication.

Materials and Methods

The abstracts presented at ICS 2003, were categorized according to topic, nationality, and a range of methodological factors. Using keywords and author names, PubMed was searched for published papers corresponding to the work presented. For abstracts that had been published, the original abstract was compared with the abstract accompanying the full‐text paper. For abstracts that could not be identified in PubMed, the main authors were surveyed with an email questionnaire, asking about reasons for non‐publication.

Results

Of 130 presented abstracts, 77 (61.6%) had been published in full by February 2006. Authors from the US were significantly more likely to have had their work published. Uniquely among topics, “Clinical Pharmacology” abstracts were significantly more likely to have been published. Fourteen (18.2%) abstracts were classified as having major inconsistencies between the presented abstract and the abstract accompanying the full‐text paper. Inconsistencies between presented and published abstracts were significantly associated with delay in publication on Kaplan–Meier analysis. Most unpublished abstracts had never been submitted for publication.

Conclusions

The high publication rate reflects well on the scientific quality of the ICS meeting. All authors should be encouraged to publish their work after presentation. Caution is advised when referencing or generalizing from abstracts that have not been published in full. Neurourol. Urodynam. 26:154–157, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Numerical examination for degenerate scale problem for ellipse‐shaped ring region in BIE
Authors: Chen Y. Z. , Wang Z. X. , Lin X. Y.
Published: January 2007

This paper investigates the degenerate scale problem for an ellipse‐shaped ring region in boundary integral equation (BIE). A homogenous integral equation is introduced. The integral equation is reduced to an algebraic equation after discretization. The critical value for the degenerate scale can be obtained from the vanishing condition of a determinant. It is proved that there are two critical values for the degenerate scale, rather than one. This finding is first proposed in the paper. Two particular problems with known solutions are examined numerically. The loadings applied on the exterior boundary may result in a resultant force in the x‐direction or in the y‐direction. The improper numerical solutions have been found once the real size approaches the critical value. Two techniques for avoiding the improper solutions are suggested. The techniques depend on the appropriate choice of the used size or adding a constant in a kernel of the integral equation. It is proved that both techniques will give accurate numerical results. Numerical examinations for the problem are emphasized in the paper. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expression patterns of inhibitor of apoptosis proteins in malignant pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Gordon GJ , Mani M , Mukhopadhyay L , Dong L , Edenfield HR , Glickman JN , Yeap BY , Sugarbaker DJ , Bueno R
Published: January 2007

Inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) comprise a family of structurally similar proteins, five of which are widely studied in the context of cancer: IAP‐1/MIHC/cIAP2, IAP‐2/MIHB/cIAP1, livin/ML‐IAP/KIAP, survivin, and XIAP/MIHA/hILP. IAPs are overexpressed by most neoplasms, promote tumour cell survival after a wide variety of apoptotic stimuli, and frequently have gene and/or protein expression patterns associated with a relatively poor prognosis. However, many IAPs are also expressed by normal tissues, can facilitate apoptotic cell death, and have expression patterns associated with a relatively favourable prognosis in some cases. The result is that the precise role(s) of IAPs in human tumours is not exactly known. It has been previously reported that IAP‐1 is overexpressed in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) and is responsible for a large degree of the resistance of cultured MPM cells to cisplatin. Given the high homology of IAP family members, it is likely that other IAPs will be important in MPM. In the present study, the gene and protein expression patterns of IAP‐1, IAP‐2, survivin, livin, and XIAP have been determined in MPM cell lines (n = 9) and a large number of MPM tumours using high‐density oligonucleotide microarrays (n = 40) and an MPM tissue array (n = 66). Human tumours were linked to clinical data and it was found that IAP‐1 and survivin mRNA expression patterns were associated with a relatively shorter patient survival, while those of XIAP and livin were associated with a relatively longer patient survival. Abundant protein for all IAPs was also detected in MPM tumours, where they were expressed primarily in the cytoplasm. Only IAP‐1 and livin protein was expressed in the nucleus of MPM tumours. These results provide the rationale for additional study of this gene family in MPM and cancer in general. Copyright © 2007 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oral gatifloxacin in the outpatient treatment of children with cancer fever and neutropenia
Authors: Petrilli AntonioSérgio , Altruda Carlesse Fabianne , Alberto Pires Pereira Carlos
Published: January 2007

Background

Fever in neutropenic (FN) patients requires immediate broad‐spectrum antibiotics, however, such patients do not represent a homogeneous population and the majority of them are at low risk of developing complication. Gatifloxacin (GA) is an alternative, though it has not been thoroughly studied in Pediatrics yet. The aim of this study was to evaluate oral GA in oncology pediatric patients with FN and low risk of infectious complications.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study in patients submitted to chemotherapy and FN, from the ages of 3 to 21 years old, with solid tumors, acute lymphoid leukemia, and lymphomas without comorbidities and treated as outpatient with oral GA. Safety and adverse effects were monitored.

Results

We evaluated 108 patients with 201 episodes of FN. The average age was 10.8 years, 64.8% of the patients were male. Osteosarcoma accounted for 22% of the episodes, rhabdomyosarcoma for 13%, acute lymphoid leukemia, lymphomas and Ewing sarcoma, for 11% each. Among the 174 episodes exclusively treated as outpatients, the average duration of neutropenia was 4.8 days, the average duration of fever was 2.4 days; the average duration of the treatment was 8.1 days. The treatment was successful in 75.9%, analyzing only the first episodes. No patient died during the study. Adverse events included diarrhea, vomiting, increased liver enzymes, arthralgia, and ECG changes.

Conclusion

Oral GA is effective and safe in the management of oncology pediatric patients with FN at low risk of infectious complications in the outpatient setting. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;49:682–686. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The problem of treatment abandonment in children from developing countries with cancer
Authors: Arora Ramandeep Singh , Eden Tim , Pizer Barry
Published: January 2007

Background

There is an inequality gap between the outcome of childhood cancer in resource, rich and limited countries. Abandonment of treatment is one of the reasons for this.

Procedure

We searched the medical literature for evidence on abandonment, its causes, and any preventative interventions.

Results

Abandonment is a very real problem all across the developing world. Cancers associated with poorer prognosis seem to have higher abandonment rates. It is also related to the socio‐economic and educational status of parents, travel time to treatment centers, and affordable, locally available treatment.

Conclusions

Twinning between institutions, which includes several preventative interventions, has clearly been shown to work. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;49:941–946. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Positron emission tomography/computed tomography with 18fluoro‐deoxyglucose in the detection of local recurrence and distant metastases of pediatric sarcoma
Authors: Arush M. Weyl Ben , Israel O. , Postovsky S. , Militianu D. , Meller I. , Zaidman I. , Sapir A. Even , Bar‐Shalom R.
Published: January 2007

Background

Combined positron emission tomography with 18fluoro‐deoxyglucose and computed tomography (FDG‐PET/CT) has been used in the diagnosis and staging of various malignancies, but their use in the management of pediatric sarcomas is less well defined. The potential role of FDG‐PET/CT in the diagnosis of local recurrence and distant metastases of pediatric sarcomas was investigated.

Procedure

Nineteen children (aged 2–21) with sarcoma (9 Ewing sarcoma, 3 osteogenic sarcoma, 7 rhabdomyosarcoma) were evaluated between January 2000 and December 2005 by FDG‐PET/CT for suspected local relapse or distant metastases. The results of 21 FDG‐PET studies, 16 CT scans, 9 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies, and 7 bone scans (BSs) were compared with surgical pathology or clinical follow‐up for at least 3 months.

Results

FDG‐PET detected local relapse in all seven patients and distant metastases in 10/13 (77%). FDG‐PET/CT and CT/MRI/BS results were discordant in eight patients. FDG‐PET/CT was the only modality that detected distant metastases in two patients. PET/CT was true negative and excluded disease in three patients with abnormal CT/BSs and was false negative in three patients with distant metastases.

Conclusion

FDG‐PET/CT may be useful and complementary to other imaging modalities for the detection of recurrent pediatric sarcomas, especially at the primary site. Its potential advantages and limitations compared with conventional imaging modalities need to be further investigated in larger homogenous patient groups. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;49:901–905. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Trends in the use of antihypertensive drugs by outpatients with diabetes in Taiwan, 1997–2003
Authors: Chiang Chi‐Wen , Chen Chi‐Yu , Chiu Hui‐Fen , Wu Hsin‐Lung , Yang Chun‐Yuh
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To analyze trends in AHD‐use by diabetic outpatients in Taiwan over a 7‐year period (1997–2003) and to see whether the trends are consistent with clinical trial outcomes and published guidelines.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was implemented using National Health Insurance Research Database between January 1997 and December 2003. Adult outpatients who had diagnoses of diabetes and hypertension and who had concurrent antidiabetic and antihypertensive drug claim were identified. The prescribing trends were described in terms of the prescribing rates and patterns of AHDs in each study year.

Results

Of the AHDs, CCBs were the most widely prescribed class throughout the study period but the prescribing rates declined considerably over the study period. A significant downward trend was also observed for beta‐blockers and other classes. Drugs acting on the RAS were the only one class showing a significant increase in prescribing rates with time. The prescribing patterns for monotherapy regimen decreased over time while those for two‐, three‐, and four or more drug regimens increased over time. Monotherapies maintained with CCBs, beta‐blockers, diuretics, and other classes steadily declined but those maintained with drugs acting on the RAS markedly increased.

Conclusions

The use of drugs acting on the RAS showed a marked increasing trend over the course of the study. Physicians' prescribing patterns for AHD are increasingly involving multi‐drug regimens. These findings may imply that management of hypertension in patients with diabetes had a positive trend toward to new clinical trial outcomes and guideline's recommendation. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Swelling behaviour of hydrogels from methacrylic acid and poly(ethylene glycol) side chains by magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Prior‐Cabanillas Alberto , Barrales‐Rienda José M , Frutos Gloria , Quijada‐Garrido Isabel
Published: January 2007

The swelling behaviour of hydrogels of methacrylic acid and poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether monomethacrylate macromonomer, P[(MAA)‐co‐(PEGMEMA)], copolymers was investigated. Under pH 7, characteristic sigmoidal swelling appears depending on composition. This anomalous swelling phenomenon is related to the ability of moieties in the comonomeric units COOH and [OCH2CH2] to form complexes by hydrogen bonding, stabilized by hydrophobic interactions. The swelling was followed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) providing spatial and temporal resolution. Data from MRI are compared with gravimetric results and photographs during swelling. In the MRI images two processes were distinguished, corresponding to a swollen external region in contrast to a rigid core which starts to swell after a lag time depending on sample composition. Microscopic and macroscopic results are in good agreement. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of silane‐grafted polypropylene on the morphology of polypropylene and nylon 6/clay composites
Authors: Shim Jae Hun , Joo Jung Hiuk , Jung Sung Hun , Yoon Jin‐San
Published: January 2007

Polypropylene (PP)/nylon 6/clay composites were prepared by compounding of PP, which had previously been treated with two kinds of silane compounds, with a master batch composed of 90 wt % of nylon 6 and 10 wt % of octadecyl amine‐modified sodium montmorillonite (NM10). The morphology of the composites was investigated by means of SEM, TEM, XRD, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis. All of the composites exhibited a phase‐separated morphology, irrespective of whether the PP was modified with the silane compounds or not. However, adhesive strength between the modified PP and NM10 was stronger than that between neat PP and NM10. Moreover, the PP grafted with 3‐(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate (PP2) reacted with the silanol groups of the clay to form PP‐clay hybrid during the compounding, which acted as a compatibilizer for the PP/nylon 6/clay composite. PP2NM composite (PP2/NM10 80/20 on weight basis) exhibited a peculiar morphology, in that the PP‐rich phase formed island domains within the nylon 6‐rich domains, which were in turn dispersed in the PP‐rich continuous matrix. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 607–615, 2007.
By modulating androgen receptor coactivators, daidzein may act as a phytoandrogen
Authors: Chen Jen‐Jih , Chang Hong‐Chiang
Published: January 2007

BACKGROUND

To identify the phytoandrogen from phytohormone, we established an assay to assess the androgenicity of phytoestrogens by using androgen receptor (AR) cofactors to modulate the AR transcriptional activity.

METHODS

A Dual‐luciferase reporter assay was used to evaluate the transcriptional activity of AR stimulated by the phytoestrogen daidzein.

RESULTS

The Dual luciferase data showed that daidzein can enhance androgenic effects in AR negative PC‐3 cells cotransfected with AR and AR cofactors. In AR and ARA70 positive LNCaP cells, daidzein can enhance ARA55‐mediated induction of AR transcriptional activity. With increasing amounts of transfected ARA55, AR transcriptional activity was enhanced by daidzein in a dose‐dependent manner.

CONCLUSIONS

Although daidzein is a phytoestrogen, it can create androgenic effects when cells are cotransfected with AR cofactors. When screening for phytoandrogens, the modulating effects of AR cofactors with AR should be considered in the assay system. Prostate 67: 457–462, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
GCP‐mediated growth inhibition and apoptosis of prostate cancer cells via androgen receptor‐dependent and ‐independent mechanisms
Authors: Tepper Clifford G. , Vinall Ruth L. , Wee Christopher B. , Xue Lingru , Shi Xu‐Bao , Burich Rebekah , Mack Philip C. , de Vere White Ralph W.
Published: January 2007

BACKGROUND

Genistein combined polysaccharide (GCP) is a nutritional supplement that can inhibit prostate cancer growth experimentally and clinically. It is composed predominantly of the isoflavones genistein, daidzein, and glycitein, which have anti‐cancer properties. Although genistein is well studied, the properties of GCP are not well defined. The goal of this work was to better characterize the signaling pathways impacted by GCP in an effort to optimize its efficacy.

METHODS

Cell growth and apoptosis were evaluated by MTS proliferation, caspase‐based assays, and flow cytometry. Modulation of androgen receptor (AR) levels and activation status of signaling molecules were monitored by immunoblot analysis. AR function was measured by evaluating prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) message and protein levels and by reporter assays.

RESULTS

GCP inhibited proliferation of androgen‐dependent LNCaP and androgen‐independent LNCaP‐p53GOF and 22Rv1 cell lines in a dose‐dependent manner and cells were more responsive in the presence of androgen. GCP markedly suppressed mTOR‐p70S6K signaling while Akt and p53 were only modestly modulated. GCP significantly attenuated androgen signaling as evidenced by diminished AR protein levels and a consequent reduction in transcriptional activity and PSA expression. AR expression was enhanced by de‐repression of translation with inhibitors of PI3K‐Akt‐mTOR signaling and by inhibition of proteasome‐dependent degradation. Neither inhibitor could counteract GCP‐mediated AR downregulation, suggesting the involvement of a mechanism(s) independent of these pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that GCP mediates growth inhibition and apoptosis through multiple mechanisms including (1) molecular mimicry of androgen ablation (via AR downregulation) and (2) by providing an AR‐independent, pro‐apoptotic signal (mTOR inhibition). Prostate 67: 521–535, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optical brightener M2R destroys the peritrophic membrane of Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae
Authors: Zhu Rong , Liu Kaiyu , Peng Jianxin , Yang Hong , Hong Huazhu
Published: January 2007

Observations under an environmental scanning electron microscope showed that the peritrophic membrane (PM) of Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) was smooth without pores, but there were many pores and slits in the PM of larvae fed with 10 g L−1 optical brightener Calcofluor white M2R. After incubation of S. exigua PM in vitro with 10 g L−1 M2R, a significant amount of proteins was released from the PM structure. M2R disrupted the structure of larval PM, resulting in greatly increased permeability and increased larval susceptibility to Syngrapha falcifera multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus infection. Continuous feeding of larvae on a diet treated with a 10 g L−1 M2R solution significantly retarded larval development and resulted in high mortality. The destructive effect of M2R on PM was transient and reversible, depending on the presence of M2R within the midgut. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
A two‐stage phase II trial design utilizing both primary and secondary endpoints
Authors: Lin Xun , Allred Randy , Andrews Glen
Published: January 2007

Phase II trials in oncology drug development are usually conducted to perform the initial assessment of treatment activity. The common designs in this setting, for example, Simon 2‐stage designs, are often developed based on testing whether a parameter of interest, usually a proportion (e.g. response rate), is less than a certain level or not. These designs usually consider only one parameter. However, sometimes we may encounter situations where we need to consider not a single parameter, but multiple parameters. This paper presents a two‐stage design in which both primary and secondary endpoints are utilized in the decision rules. The family‐wise Type 1 error rate and statistical power of the proposed design are investigated under a variety of situations by means of Monte‐Carlo simulations. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimizing product design using quantitative quality function deployment: a case study
Authors: Lai Xin , Tan Kay‐Chuan , Xie Min
Published: January 2007

In this paper, we examine the applicability of quality function deployment (QFD) in optimizing product design. QFD is a systematic process that can help businesses to focus on their customers. In recent years, many quantitative QFD methods have been developed. However, only a small number of case studies have been reported on their use. For this research a case study on personal computer design was conducted. It demonstrates that quantitative QFD can be successfully implemented in product design. Some limitations are highlighted. Practical suggestions on implementing quantitative QFD are also discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robust QFD: framework and a case study
Authors: Kim Kwang‐Jae , Kim Deok‐Hwan , Min Dae‐Kee
Published: January 2007

Quality function deployment (QFD) provides a specific approach for ensuring quality throughout each stage of the product development. Since the focus of QFD is placed on the early stage of product development, the uncertainty in the input information of QFD is inevitable. If the uncertainty is neglected, the QFD analysis results can be misleading. This paper proposes an extended version of the QFD methodology, called Robust QFD, which is capable of considering the uncertainty of the input information and the resulting variability of the output. The proposed framework aims to model, analyze, and dampen the effects of the uncertainty and variability in a systematic manner. The proposed framework is demonstrated through a case study on the ADSL‐based high‐speed Internet service. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fortification of Six Sigma: expanding the DMAIC toolset
Authors: Tang Loon Ching , Goh Thong Ngee , Lam Shao Wei , Zhang Cai Wen
Published: January 2007

Six Sigma as a quality improvement framework cannot remain static if it is to sustain its value for businesses beyond the first waves of applications. This paper explores the possibilities of enhancing the usefulness and effectiveness of Six Sigma by the integration of established Operations Research/Management Science (OR/MS) techniques. In this paper, we elucidate the needs for OR/MS techniques to enhance Six Sigma deployment in operational and transactional environments and propose a new training roadmap for core Six Sigma professionals (Six Sigma Black Belts) which incorporates these techniques. A matrix relating the components of the proposed training curriculum to the actual deliverables during implementation for a hybrid of operational and transactional environments is also presented. A practical case study is also presented to demonstrate the usefulness of the OR/MS tools in a typical transactional environment. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Renewing warranty and preventive maintenance for products with failure penalty post‐warranty
Authors: Chen Jih‐An , Chien Yu‐Hung
Published: January 2007

For products sold with a warranty, preventive maintenance (PM) by either the manufacturer and/or the buyer has an effect on the total cost for both parties. In this investigation, we use a model to study the effect of PM carried out by the buyer on items sold under a free‐replacement renewing warranty. For the manufacturer, if the product fails during the warranty period, it shall either be repaired (minor failure) or replaced completely (catastrophic failure) by a new one with a new warranty and at no cost to the buyer. When the product is out‐of‐warranty and if the product fails due to a catastrophic failure before its useful life limit, the buyer will incur a penalty cost, the amount of which depends on the failure time. Under such a framework, the cost model is derived and the effects of three PM options on the cost are examined both from the manufacturer's and buyer's perspectives. The results show that a significant cost saving can be obtained by taking the optimal PM action route. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantum wave packet dynamics on multidimensional adaptive grids: Applications of the moving boundary truncation method
Authors: Pettey Lucas R. , Wyatt Robert E.
Published: January 2007

Recently, we reported a novel method for integrating the time dependent Schrödinger equation which used hydrodynamic quantum trajectories to adapt the boundaries of a fixed spatial grid. The moving boundary truncation (MBT) method significantly reduced the number of grid points needed to perform accurate calculations while maintaining stability during the time propagation. In this work, the method is extended to multidimensional examples. The application of MBT to scattering on 2D and 3D potential energy surfaces shows a greater decrease in the number of grid points needed compared with full fixed grids while maintaining excellent accuracy and stability, even for very long propagation times. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2007
A sensitive confirmatory method for aflatoxins in maize based on liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Cavaliere Chiara , Foglia Patrizia , Guarino Chiara , Nazzari Manuela , Samperi Roberto , Laganà Aldo
Published: January 2007

A liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI‐MS/MS) method for measurement of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2 in maize is described. Aflatoxins (AFs) were extracted from 1 g samples by using tri‐portions of acetonitrile/water (80:20, v/v) (10 + 7 + 7 mL), and 2/5 of the extract diluted to 500 mL by water was cleaned up with a 100 mg Carbograph‐4 cartridge. After the addition of the internal standard AFM1, the final extract was analyzed by LC/ESI‐MS/MS in positive ion mode using multiple reaction monitoring with a triple‐quadrupole instrument. A C18 column thermostatted at 45°C with a mobile phase gradient of acetonitrile/water with 2 mmol/L ammonium formate was used. Although the matrix suppression effect was negligible, quantitation was achieved by an external calibration procedure using matrix‐matched standard solutions to improve accuracy. Sample recoveries at four spiking levels ranged from 81 to 101% (relative standard deviation (RSD) ≤12%), and the method quantification limit ranged from 0.1 to 0.6 µg/kg. This method is sensitive, accurate and selective, and can thus be applied as a confirmatory procedure in establishing non‐compliance with EU permitted maximum levels (2 µg/kg for aflatoxin B1 and 4 µg/kg for total AFs in corn products). This work also includes an application to samples obtained from retail markets and from experimental trial fields. Of the 48 samples, 15 were found to be contaminated with AFs and, of these, 5 did not comply with European Union legislation (AFB1 ≤2 µg/kg). Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Professional development support to promote stronger teaching and research links
Authors: Castley Andrew J.
Published: January 2007

An Academic Practice Unit needs to work strategically and interact with other departments to place research‐based teaching on the institutional agenda and support staff adequately for their roles.
The nature of effective or exemplary teaching in an environment that emphasizes strong research and teaching links
Authors: Elton Lewis
Published: January 2007

We now have pedagogical methods that can be successful—that is, effective—with most students at the undergraduate stage; one very promising method is problem‐based or inquiry‐based learning.
Inquiry‐based learning with the Net: Opportunities and challenges
Authors: Kanuka Heather
Published: January 2007

Our role as teachers in universities should not be to simply keep up‐to‐date with new technologies; rather, we should be leaders in the use of new and emerging technologies to effectively meet the changing needs of learners.
Research‐based teaching in relation to academic practice: Some insights resulting from previous chapters
Authors: Kreber Carolin
Published: January 2007

Research‐based teaching, understood as student‐focused, inquiry‐based learning on the one hand and pedagogical inquiry by teachers on the other, holds the greatest promise of success if encouraged at the departmental level, where intended student learning outcomes can be specified for each program and learning experiences designed accordingly.
Use of novel nest boxes by carmine bee‐eaters (Merops nubicus) in captivity
Authors: Elston Jennifer J. , Carney Jennifer , Quinones Glorieli , Sky Christy , Plasse Chelle , Bettinger Tammie
Published: January 2007

Carmine bee‐eaters make attractive additions to zoo aviaries but breeding programs have had challenges and limited success. The objectives of this study were to document nesting behavior of Carmine bee‐eaters in a captive setting and compare reproductive success between a novel nest box (plastic, 17 × 30 × 22 cm) and a PVC pipe model used previously (30 cm long, 8 cm in diameter). Three bee‐eater pairs were given access to seven nest chambers (six novel boxes, one PVC model). Behavioral observations occurred during a 15‐min period in the morning or afternoon before egg production and continued until chicks fledged for a total of 87 observation periods (21.75 hr). All occurrences by an individual bird entering or exiting a nest tunnel, food provision, and the time (min) spent inside a nest cavity were documented. Additionally, daily temperature within each nest chamber was recorded. Before eggs were produced the average daily temperature (23.02°C) within the nest chambers did not differ, suggesting that nest cavity choice was not influenced by temperature. No differences were detected among pairs in percent of observed time spent inside their nest cavities or number of times a nest tunnel was entered during the incubation or fledging periods. During incubation females spent a greater percent of observed time inside the nest cavity than males (P=0.02). During the fledging period food provision did not differ between the pairs, however males entered their nest tunnels more often per hour than females (P=0.03), and males tended to provide food more often than females (P=0.053). Two pairs nested in novel nest boxes and successfully fledged one chick each. The pair that nested in the PVC model did not fledge a chick. A nest box that aids in keeping eggs intact is essential for breeding bee‐eaters in captivity, and maintaining captive populations will provide opportunities for zoo visitors to enjoy these birds and will reduce the need to remove birds from the wild. Zoo Biol 0:1–13, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Antioxidant Distributions and Triacylglycerol Molecular Species of Sesame Seeds (Sesamum indicum)
Authors: Yoshida Hiromi , Tanaka Megumi , Tomiyama Yuka , Mizushina Yoshiyuki
Published: January 2007

Extracted lipids from sesame (Sesamum indicum) seeds of three varieties were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for endogenous antioxidants. The molecular species and fatty acid (FA) distribution of triacylglycerol (TAG) isolated from total lipids in sesame seeds were analyzed by a combination of argentation thin‐layer chromatography (TLC) and gas chromatography (GC), and were investigated in relation to their antioxidant distribution. γ‐Tocopherol was present in highest concentration, and δ‐, and α‐tocopherols were very small amounts. Sesamin and sesamolin were the main lignan components. A modified argentation‐TLC procedure, developed to optimize the separation of the complex mixture of total TAG, provided 12 different groups of TAG, based on both the degree of unsaturation and the total acyl‐chain length of FA groups. With a few exceptions, the major TAG components were SM2 (6.5–6.7%), SMD (19.8–20.7%), M2D (15.0–26.3%), MD2 (23.6–35.0%), and D3 (7.7–10.7%) (where S denotes a saturated FA, M denotes a monoene, D denotes a diene, and T denotes a triene). It seems that the three varieties were highly related to each other based on the FA composition of the TAG as well as the distribution pattern in the different TAG molecular species. These results suggest that there are no essential differences in the oil components among the three varieties.
Interference of Saturated Fats in the Determination of Low Levels of trans Fats (below 0.5%) by Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Mossoba M. M. , Kramer J. K. G. , Milosevic V. , Milosevic M. , Azizian H.
Published: January 2007

The mandate to label food products with the content of total trans fatty acids has led to an increase in demand for sensitive and accurate methodologies for the rapid quantitation of trans fats. Unfortunately, the latest official infrared (IR) spectroscopic method lacks the required sensitivity. A more sensitive IR procedure that requires the measurement of the height of the second derivative (2D) of the trans absorption band at 966 cm−1 was recently proposed; however, a reported inconsistency at low trans levels between GC (0% of total fat) and IR (1.2% of total fat) results for a fully hydrogenated vegetable oil could not be reconciled, and triggered further investigations. For the first time, we recognize and report the presence of weak interference bands (962–956 cm−1) attributed to saturated fats in the IR spectra of trans fats; these interference bands have an adverse impact on the sensitivity and accuracy of the IR determination at low trans levels (≤0.5% of total fat). Therefore, weak spectral features observed at energies below the one expected for trans bands (966 cm−1) in test samples high in saturated fat (coconut oil and cocoa butter) must not be mistaken for trans bands.
TAT‐BH4 counteracts Aβ toxicity on capillary endothelium
Authors: Cantara S. , Thorpe P.E. , Ziche M. , Donnini S.
Published: January 2007

Oxidative stress is one of the factor contributing to blood brain barrier degeneration. This phenomenon is observed during pathological conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or cerebral amyloid angiopathy in which brain haemorrhages are very frequent. Both diseases are characterized by beta amyloid peptide deposition either in neurons or in vessels. Oxidative stress leads to impairment of mitochondrial functions and apoptotic cell death subsequent to caspases activation. In this paper we demonstrate that BH4 domain of Bcl‐xl administrated to endothelial cells as the conjugated form with TAT peptide, reverts Aβ‐induced apoptotic cell death by activating a survival programme which is Akt/endothelial nitric oxide synthase dependent.
A NOTE ON 2-LOCAL MAPS
Authors: Lin Ying-Fen , Wong Tsai-Lien
Published: January 2007

The aim of this note is to characterize 2-local automorphisms and derivations on matrix rings over finite-dimensional division rings.
ON ELLIPTIC PROBLEMS IN DOMAINS WITH UNBOUNDED BOUNDARY
Authors: Molina Juan , Molle Riccardo
Published: January 2007

The paper deals with problems of the type $-\Delta u+a(x)u=|u|^{p-2}u$, $u\gt0$, with zero Dirichlet boundary condition on unbounded domains in $\mathbb{R}^N$, $N\geq2$, with $a(x)\geq c\gt0$, $p\gt2$ and $p\lt2N/(N-2)$ if $N\geq3$. The lack of compactness in the problem, related to the unboundedness of the domain, is analysed. Moreover, if the potential $a(x)$ has $k$ suitable ‘bumps’ and the domain has $h$ suitable ‘holes’, it is proved that the problem has at least $2(h+k)$ positive solutions ($h$ or $k$ can be zero). The multiplicity results are obtained under a geometric assumption on $\varOmega$ at infinity which ensures the validity of a local Palais–Smale condition.
QUANTUM DEFORMATIONS OF CATALAN’S CONSTANT, MAHLER’S MEASURE AND THE HÖLDER–SHINTANI DOUBLE SINE FUNCTION
Authors: Kurokawa Nobushige
Published: January 2007

We study quantum deformations of Catalan’s constant, Mahler’s measure and the double sine function. We establish quantum deformations of basic relations between these three objects.
ON CONNECTIONS BETWEEN DELTA-CONVEX MAPPINGS AND CONVEX OPERATORS
Authors: Veselý Libor , Zajíček Luděk
Published: January 2007

We study conditions under which every delta-convex (d.c.) mapping is the difference of two continuous convex operators, and vice versa. In particular, we prove that each d.c. mapping $F:(a,b)\to Y$ is the difference of two continuous convex operators whenever $Y$ belongs to a large class of Banach lattices which includes all $L^{p}(\mu)$ spaces ($1\leq p\leq\infty$). The proof is based on a result about Jordan decomposition of vector-valued functions. New observations on Jordan decomposition of finitely additive vector-valued measures are also presented.
APPROXIMATING NUMBERS WITH MISSING DIGITS BY ALGEBRAIC NUMBERS
Authors: Kristensen Simon
Published: January 2007

We show that for a given base $b$ and a proper subset $E\subset\{0,\dots,b-1\}$, $\#E\ltb-1$, the set of numbers $x\in[0,1]$ that have no digits from $E$ in their expansion to base $b$ consists almost exclusively of $S^*$-numbers of type at most $\min\{2,\log b/\log(b-\#E)\}$. We also give upper bounds on the Hausdorff dimension of some exceptional sets.
Validating the alkane pair technique to estimate dry matter intake in equids
Authors: SMITH D. G. , MAYES R. W. , HOLLANDS T. , CUDDEFORD D. , YULE H. H. , MALO LADRERO C. M. , GILLEN E.
Published: January 2007

The estimation of dry matter intake (DMI) using the alkane pair technique has been validated in ruminants, but not in equids. The current paper reports the finding of three comparative validation studies carried out using a total of 12 cattle, 29 donkeys and 10 horses during which directly measured intake was compared to estimated intake using the alkane pair technique. Two methods were developed to dose the even chain alkanes that were used as external markers. Study I, carried out in Zimbabwe, compared the accuracy of estimated intake with measured intake in cattle and donkeys using hexatriacontane (C36) as the external marker. Studies II and III were carried out in the UK with horses and donkeys and compared the accuracy of estimated intake with measured intake using dotriacontane (C32) as the external marker. Study III also tested the effect on the accuracy of intake estimates of two marker dosing levels (mean daily dose of 224 mg per animal and 448 mg per animal) and two dosing frequencies (2× and 3× daily). Twice daily dosing of even-chain alkane at the lower dose level provided an estimate of DMI similar to that obtained by thrice daily dosing at this low level. The higher dose level given twice daily tended to produce large variation in faecal concentrations of dosed even-chain alkanes, this variation was reduced when dosing frequency was increased to thrice daily. The accuracy of estimated intake improved progressively as the number of faecal sampling days was increased from one to six with no significant difference between estimated intake based on day 5 or 6 of faecal sampling.

The results of all three studies indicate that the alkane pair technique provides a robust method of estimating intake in equids with no significant difference between measured and estimated values in all but one case. Using C31 as an internal marker provided a more accurate estimated intake than using C33 as the internal marker in all cases. Faecal recoveries of alkanes in equids do not appear to show the same influence of carbon chain length that has been observed in ruminant studies.
Are maxillary mucosal cysts a manifestation of inflammatory sinus disease?
Authors: Harar R P S , Chadha N K , Rogers G
Published: January 2007

Background:

The aetiology of maxillary mucosal cysts is uncertain. Chronic rhinosinusitis has been proposed as a probable aetiological explanation for their formation.

Method:

We recruited 500 consecutive patients who had undergone computed tomography scanning of the paranasal sinuses for possible chronic sinus disease. We identified 110 (22 per cent) cases of maxillary mucosal cysts.

Results:

Patients' mean age was 42.65 years, with a female to male ratio of 0.69:1 (45:65). The mean cyst size was 14.27 mm, and most were located on the inferior surface of the antrum. Only in two cases did the cyst obstruct the sinus ostium. Of patients with antral cysts, 52.7 per cent had computed tomography evidence of sinus disease, whereas only 41.3 per cent of noncyst (control) patients had sinus pathology. The total Lund–Mackay score was significantly greater in the cyst group (n=390) compared with the noncyst group (Mann–Whitney; p<0.05).

Conclusion:

Chronic rhinosinusitis plays an important role in the aetiology of maxillary mucosal cysts.
Seek God where he may be found: a response to Edwin Chr. van Driel
Authors: McCormack Bruce
Published: January 2007

I would like to begin by expressing gratitude to Edwin van Driel for creating the conditions which make possible a genuine debate on the issues raised by my essay in The Cambridge Companion to Karl Barth. I have, of course, long been aware of Paul Molnar's (shall we say?) rather vigorous rejection of the position I took in that essay on the question of the logical relation of election to the triunity of God in Barth's ‘mature’ theology – i.e. subsequent to publishing his revised doctrine of election in CD II/2. If I have kept silence this long, it has not been without good reason. I was unwilling to respond to Molnar for two reasons. First, in his criticisms of my views, Molnar failed to engage the one point which would have been decisive for launching a serious ‘debate’, i.e. he made no attempt to explain the meaning of Barth's thesis that Jesus Christ is the subject of election or to show how his own reading of Barth is not called into question by that thesis. He simply set it aside as (apparently) unworthy of discussion and chose instead to merely insist on his own reading. It should go without saying that no real ‘debate’ can take place when the evidence brought forth to support a new proposal is passed over in silence. Less important was the second reason.
David Bentley Hart, The Beauty of the Infinite: The Aesthetics of Christian Faith (Cambridge and Grand Rapids: Eeerdmans Publishing. 2003), pp. xii + 448. $45.00
Authors: McGuckin John A.
Published: January 2007

Publishers' blurbs for new books are often de trop. Those accompanying David Bentley Hart's opus, however, are surprising in the array of notable names that have acclaimed him, even in the pre-production phase. One of the famed maintains that with this first book Bentley Hart has emerged as the ‘best living American systematic theologian’, and another of the great and good hails him as: ‘one of his generation's leading theologians’. No small potatoes this, considering the first book in question is the revision of a doctoral thesis of a young man who has yet to start a university career. It seems, moreover, to have been two theses rolled into one. Having read the book, one understands why the accolades were so heart-felt. It is indeed a most learned, profound and immensely rich volume. It is undoubtedly one of the most important and timely works of theology written for many decades past, and will prove itself to be so, I suspect, despite its (many) eccentricities and idiosyncratic judgements, and despite its failure to say many things one might have wanted it to: but then at 448 pages, one needs to draw a line somewhere.
Reference and attitude in infant pointing
Authors: LISZKOWSKI ULF , CARPENTER MALINDA , TOMASELLO MICHAEL
Published: January 2007

We investigated two main components of infant declarative pointing, reference and attitude, in two experiments with a total of 106 preverbal infants at 1;0. When an experimenter (E) responded to the declarative pointing of these infants by attending to an incorrect referent (with positive attitude), infants repeated pointing within trials to redirect E’s attention, showing an understanding of E’s reference and active message repair. In contrast, when E identified infants’ referent correctly but displayed a disinterested attitude, infants did not repeat pointing within trials and pointed overall in fewer trials, showing an understanding of E’s unenthusiastic attitude about the referent. When E attended to infants’ intended referent AND shared interest in it, infants were most satisfied, showing no message repair within trials and pointing overall in more trials. These results suggest that by twelve months of age infant declarative pointing is a full communicative act aimed at sharing with others both attention to a referent and a specific attitude about that referent.
Bilingual children’s repairs of breakdowns in communication
Authors: COMEAU LIANE , GENESEE FRED , MENDELSON MORTON
Published: January 2007

This study examined two- (n=10) and three-year-old (n=16) French–English bilingual children’s repairs of breakdowns in communication that occurred when they did not use the same language as their interlocutor (Language breakdowns) and for other reasons (e.g. inaudible utterance). The children played with an experimenter who used only one language (English or French) during the play session. Each time a child used the other language, the experimenter made up to five requests for clarification, from non-specific (What?) to specific (Can you say that in French/English?). The experimenter also made requests for clarification when breakdowns occurred for other reasons, e.g. the child spoke too softly, produced an ambiguous utterance, etc. Both the two- and three-year-olds were capable of repairing Language breakdowns by switching languages to match that of their experimenter and they avoided this repair strategy when attempting to repair Other breakdowns. Moreover, they switched languages in response to non-specific requests. The results indicate that even two-and-a-half-year-old bilingual children are capable of identifying their language choice as a cause of communication breakdowns and that they can differentiate Language from Other kinds of communication breakdowns.
Understanding the developmental dynamics of subject omission: the role of processing limitations in learning
Authors: FREUDENTHAL DANIEL , PINE JULIAN M. , GOBET FERNAND
Published: January 2007

P. Bloom's (1990) data on subject omission are often taken as strong support for the view that child language can be explained in terms of full competence coupled with processing limitations in production. This paper examines whether processing limitations in learning may provide a more parsimonious explanation of the data without the need to assume full competence. We extended P. Bloom’s study by using a larger sample (12 children) and measuring subject omission phenomena in three developmental phases. The results revealed a Verb Phrase-length effect consistent with that reported by P. Bloom. However, contrary to the predictions of the processing limitations account, the proportion of overt subjects that were pronominal increased with developmental phase. The data were simulated with MOSAIC, a computational model that learns to produce progressively longer utterances as a function of training. MOSAIC was able to capture all of the effects reported by P. Bloom through a resource-limited distributional analysis of child-directed speech. Since MOSAIC does not have any built-in linguistic knowledge, these results show that the phenomena identified by P. Bloom do not constitute evidence for underlying competence on the part of the child. They also underline the need to develop more empirically grounded models of the way that processing limitations in learning might influence the language acquisition process.