bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phytochemicals in olive‐leaf extracts and their antiproliferative activity against cancer and endothelial cells
Authors: Goulas Vlassios , Exarchou Vassiliki , Troganis Anastassios N. , Psomiadou Eleni , Fotsis Theodoros , Briasoulis Evangelos , Gerothanassis Ioannis P.
Published: February 2009

Olive oil compounds is a dynamic research area because Mediterranean diet has been shown to protect against cardiovascular disease and cancer. Olive leaves, an easily available natural material of low cost, share possibly a similar wealth of health benefiting bioactive phytochemicals. In this work, we investigated the antioxidant potency and antiproliferative activity against cancer and endothelial cells of water and methanol olive leaves extracts and analyzed their content in phytochemicals using LC‐MS and LC‐UV‐SPE‐NMR hyphenated techniques. Olive‐leaf crude extracts were found to inhibit cell proliferation of human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF‐7), human urinary bladder carcinoma (T‐24) and bovine brain capillary endothelial (BBCE). The dominant compound of the extracts was oleuropein; phenols and flavonoids were also identified. These phytochemicals demonstrated strong antioxidant potency and inhibited cancer and endothelial cell proliferation at low micromolar concentrations, which is significant considering their high abundance in fruits and vegetables. The antiproliferative activity of crude extracts and phytochemicals against the cell lines used in this study is demonstrated for the first time.
Real‐time geometric distortion correction for interventional imaging with echo‐planar imaging (EPI)
Authors: Dragonu Iulius , de Senneville Baudouin Denis , Quesson Bruno , Moonen Chrit , Ries Mario
Published: February 2009

Many MR‐guided interventional procedures rely on fast imaging sequences for providing images in real‐time with a precise relation between the target position in the image and its true position. Echo‐planar imaging (EPI) methods are very fast but prone to geometric distortions. Here, we propose a correction method designed for real‐time conditions, adapting existing approaches based on dual EPI acquisition with varying echo times. The method is demonstrated with MR‐thermometry for guiding thermal therapies. The proposed approach imposes a small penalty in acquisition speed but adds negligible latency to data processing, an important element for interventions of mobile organs. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cerebrospinal fluid and interstitial fluid volume measurements in the human brain at 3T with EPI
Authors: Bender Benjamin , Klose Uwe
Published: February 2009

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diffusion into periventricular white matter is one of the pathophysiological features of hydrocephalus of any kind. In standard clinical routine periventricular hyperintensities, size of the ventricular system, and invasive CSF pressure measurement are the key diagnostic methods. Recently a method called quantitative blood oxygenation level‐dependent (qBOLD) was proposed by He and Yablonskiy (Magn Reson Med 2007;57:115–126), which uses the signal evolution of a GESSE sequence to extract quantitative information about hemodynamic parameters. In this study a similar method was used to extract volume fraction information of CSF and interstitial fluid (ISF) in the human brain. A standard gradient recalled echo / echo planar imaging (GRE‐EPI) sequence with variable echo time was used for the acquisition of the MRI signal. A first test on healthy subjects yielded consistent results for ISF/CSF volume fraction, which were in good agreement with results found in the literature. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of echo time on diffusion quantification of brain white matter at 1.5T and 3.0T
Authors: Qin Wen , Shui Yu Chun , Zhang Fan , Du Xiang Ying , Jiang Heng , Xia Yan Yu , Cheng Li Kun
Published: February 2009

The aim was to investigate the effects of echo time (TE) on diffusion quantification of brain white matter. Seven rhesus monkeys (all males; age, 4–6 years; weight, 5–7 kg) underwent diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) with a series of TEs in 1.5T and 3.0T MR scanners. The mean diffusivity (MD), fractional anisotropy (FA), primary (λ1), and transverse eigenvalues (λ23) were measured in a region of interest at the bilateral internal capsule. Pearson correlation showed that the FA and λ1 increased and λ23 decreased with TE both at 1.5T and 3.0T except for the MD. Repeated measurement analysis of variance (ANOVA) also showed significantly higher FA and lower MD and λ23 at 3.0T than those at 1.5T (P < 0.01), but no statistical differences were found in λ1 between these two field strengths (P = 0.709). These findings implied that TE and field strength might influence diffusion quantification in brain white matter. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Deep vein thrombosis using noncontrast‐enhanced MR venography with electrocardiographically gated three‐dimensional half‐fourier FSE: Preliminary experience
Authors: Ono Atsushi , Murase Kenya , Taniguchi Toshitaka , Shibutani Osamu , Takata Satoru , Kobashi Yasuyuki , Miyazaki Mitsue
Published: February 2009

Three noncontrast‐enhanced MR venography techniques are presented for assessing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) at 0.5T in patients with metallic implants. Two cardiac‐gated 3D half‐Fourier FSE fresh blood imaging sequences with flow‐refocusing pulses (FR‐FBI) in the read‐out (RO) direction and without FR pulses (non‐FR‐FBI) were developed for slower‐flowing blood. For faster flowing blood, a swap phase‐encode arterial double‐subtraction elimination (SPADE) technique was developed. The three techniques were assessed both quantitatively using signal‐to‐noise (SNR) and contrast‐noise‐ratio (CNR) measurements and qualitatively by subjective image analysis in 15 volunteers. SPADE was compared to FR‐FBI in the pelvic veins and FR‐FBI was compared to non‐FR‐FBI in the thigh and calf veins. Both SPADE and FR‐FBI techniques produced significantly higher SNRs, CNRs, and image quality in each comparative study (P < 0.001). Five patients with metallic implants and confirmed DVT underwent SPADE (pelvic veins) and FR‐FBI (thigh and calf veins) examinations and the results were compared to conventional venography. The SPADE and FR‐FBI images showed all DVTs from all five patients without interference from implant susceptibility artifacts. The excellent image quality produced by both SPADE and FR‐FBI throughout peripheral vasculature demonstrates their promise for detecting DVT in postsurgery patients. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Myelin water measurement in the spinal cord
Authors: Minty Evan P. , Bjarnason Thorarin A. , Laule Cornelia , MacKay Alex L.
Published: February 2009

The desire to monitor the spatial–temporal characteristics of myelination in the spinal cord (SC), in the context of pathological change in demyelinating diseases or proposed neuroregenerative protocols, has led to an interest in noninvasive image‐based myelin measurement methods. We present one strategy: a magnetic resonance‐based measure that capitalizes on the characteristics of T2 relaxation of water compartmentalized within tissue. In this study, 32‐echo relaxation studies for measuring the myelin water fraction (MWF) were applied in healthy control SC in vivo using a sagittal inversion recovery multiecho sequence, and findings were supported with supplemental studies in bovine SC samples in vitro. Mean human MWF varied according the level of the SC examined: cervical, thoracic, and lumbar MWF was found to be 21.8 (SD = 2.1)%, 24.3 (3.6)%, and 11.4 (6.4)%, respectively. Noteworthy reductions were observed in areas consistent with the expected locations of the cervical and lumbar enlargements. Average bovine MWF was 30.0 (2.7)% in white matter and 8.2 (0.4)% in gray matter. The potential applications of T2 measurement in SC, both in characterizing disease processes like multiple sclerosis and in monitoring neuroregenerative therapies, should encourage future research in this area. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of Gauss and Gauss‐Lobatto quadrature rules on the accuracy of a quadrilateral finite element method in the time domain
Authors: Durufle M. , Grob P. , Joly P.
Published: February 2009

In this article, we examine the influence of numerical integration on finite element methods using quadrilateral or hexahedral meshes in the time domain. We pay special attention to the use of Gauss‐Lobatto points to perform mass lumping for any element order. We provide some theoretical results through several error estimates that are completed by various numerical experiments. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2009
Preparation of composite polyacrylate latex particles with in situ‐formed methylsilsesquioxane cores
Authors: Li Baiyu , Zhang Shenjing , Xu Qing , Wang Bin
Published: February 2009

Composite polyacrylate latex particles were prepared through a simple method by dissolving organosilicon monomer methyltrimethoxysilane in a monomer mixture of acrylic monomers methyl methacrylate (MMA), n‐butyl acrylate (n‐BA), and acrylic acid (AA). With the addition of water needed for hydrolysis, methyltrimethoxylsilane hydrolyzed under catalysis by AA and further condensed to form polymeric methylsilsesquioxane (MSQ). The monomer mixture containing in situ‐formed MSQ was then subjected to emulsification and emulsion polymerization. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed that the obtained latex particles had a core–shell structure. Differences between the X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results of the contents of silicon atoms on surfaces of films formed at temperatures above and below glass transition temperatures (Tgs) of polyacrylate evidenced that the cores were made up of MSQ and the shells were made up of polyacrylate. The static water contact angle measurements indicated that the incorporation of MSQ can result in composite latex with higher hydrophobicity. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ex vivo‐expanded donor CD4+ lymphocyte infusion against relapsing neuroblastoma: A transient graft‐versus‐tumor effect
Authors: Yoshida Hisao , Kusuki Shigenori , Hashii Yoshiko , Ohta Hideaki , Morio Tomohiro , Ozono Keiichi
Published: February 2009

High‐risk neuroblastoma has a poor prognosis despite multimodal treatment including high‐dose chemotherapy. A 7‐year‐old male with neuroblastoma received ex vivo‐expanded donor CD4+ T lymphocyte infusion (CD4+ DLI) after recurrence in the bone marrow following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from his HLA‐identical mother. The disease transiently responded to CD4+ DLI with reduction of tumor cells and a decrease of serum neuron‐specific enolase. The response was associated with development of continued high fever and an increase of cytotoxic T lymphocytes in peripheral blood. This case suggests a possibility of a graft‐versus‐tumor effect against neuroblastoma. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:895–897. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reducing loss of resin flowing in porous fibrous media in simulation of composites fabrication
Authors: Joshi Sunil C.
Published: February 2009

Although, the conventional finite element nodal control volume (FE/NCV) simulation procedure for resin flow through porous fibrous media is very versatile, easy, and requires no remeshing, it does lead to the loss of flowing resin mass within a porous domain. The reasons behind such mass loss are identified and systematically analyzed. Limitations of the existing practices adopted in numerical simulation that mitigate this effect to a certain extent are identified. Two numerical models namely, the subcontrol volume model and the flow correction model, were proposed and developed to improve the mass balance. The subcontrol volume model improved the results with a little increase in computational efforts. The flow correction model completely eliminated the mass loss problem. The studies were conducted on two‐ as well as three‐dimensional preforms to confirm the accuracy and reliability of these numerical models. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Theoretical investigation of the effect of NP‐10 concentration on the swelling behavior of AA‐NaAA/NP hydrogel
Authors: Wei Li , Jianli Wang , Lizhuang Zou , Shuquan Zhu
Published: February 2009

A novel superabsorbent polymer (SAP), acrylic acid‐ sodium acrylate/polyoxyethylene (10) nonyl phenyl ether (AA‐NaAA/NP), was synthesized with ammonium persulfate (APS) as the initiator and N,N′‐methylene bisacrylamide (MBA) as the crosslinker. The effects of the polyoxyethylene (10) nonyl phenyl ether (NP‐10) concentration on the properties of the SAP reaction solution were investigated. A hypothesis that the NP‐10 micelles effect on the polymer configuration was raised. A series of formulas were deduced to describe the hypothesis and the effect of NP‐10 concentration on the SAP swelling ratio. When the SAP was crosslinked by NP‐10 with m(MBA)/m(AA) 0.030% and by NP‐10 with m(MBA)/m(AA) 0.045%, the correlation coefficients of experimental results fitted by the deduced formulas were 0.9541 and 0.9547, respectively. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Fiber‐reinforced nanocomposite seismic isolators: Design and manufacturing
Authors: Khanlari Samaneh , Ashkezari Ghasem Dehghani , Kokabi Mehrdad , Kashani Mehdi Razzaghi
Published: February 2009

Fiber‐reinforced elastomeric isolator (FREI) is a new generation of seismic isolation device in which steel plates are replaced by fiber reinforcement. The essential characteristic of the elastomeric isolator is a very large ratio of the vertical to horizontal stiffness. This is somehow provided in FREI by resembling to steel reinforced elastomeric isolators (SREI). In this work, a comparative experimental analysis is presented to evaluate the performance of fiber‐reinforced nanocomposite elastomeric isolator (FRNEI) with FREI. FRNEI was manufactured based on nanocomposite rubber compound. The results clearly indicate an increase of 20% in the ratio of the vertical to horizontal stiffness for FRNEI when compared with FREI. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Influence of carbon nanotube dispersion on the mechanical properties of phenolic resin composites
Authors: Mathur R.B. , Singh B.P. , Dhami T.L. , Kalra Y. , Lal N. , Rao R. , Rao A.M.
Published: February 2009

Despite the much touted mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes, composites reinforced with nanotubes have failed to achieve mechanical properties which rival those present in conventional fiber reinforced polymer composites. This article describes an attempt to bridge this gap. Multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) were synthesized using a chemical vapor deposition method and were dispersed in phenolic resin by both the wet and dry dispersion techniques before molding into composite bars (50 × 5 × 3 mm3). Although no improvement in the mechanical properties of the MWCNT/phenolic composites was observed over the neat resin value when wet mixing dispersion was employed, an improvement of nearly 158% (160 MPa as compared with 62 MPa for neat resin) was achieved in 5 vol% MWCNT containing phenolic resin prepared by the dry mixing. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Investigation of a simple tensorial permeameter
Authors: Brennan Kelly , Straka Bryce , Walrath David
Published: February 2009

A device to measure permeability tensors of aligned circular cylinder arrays was designed and tested. Experiments were performed on arrays having solid volume fractions ranging from 0.3 to 0.7, inclusive. Array structures had 60° (hexagonal), 70°, and 90° (square) angles of symmetry. Results for transverse flow across the cylinder arrays were in strong agreement with numerical predictions. Transverse permeability values were also shown to obey tensor transformation rules. Longitudinal test results indicated that transverse flow was present during the experiments, lowering measured permeability values. The influence of longitudinal permeability on the overall tensor was shown to be substantially larger than variations in the transverse permeability values. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
The fetal cerebellum. Pitfalls in diagnosis and management
Authors: Malinger Gustavo , Lev Dorit , Lerman‐Sagie Tally
Published: February 2009

Prenatal diagnosis of congenital and acquired cerebellar disorders is possible by the use of ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Although numerous studies have been conducted in this field, diagnostic uncertainties are still common in daily clinical practice. This review outlines five possible pitfalls in the diagnosis of fetal cerebellar disorders: confusion between different entities describing vermian pathologies (Dandy–Walker variant, vermian hypoplasia and vermian agenesis); premature diagnosis of abnormal vermian formation; difficulties in the ultrasonographic differentiation between the cerebellar hemispheres and the vermis; late development of cerebellar hypoplasia/atrophy and differential diagnosis of unilateral cerebellar findings. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of communication skills training on nurses' detection of patients' distress and related factors after cancer diagnosis: a randomized study
Authors: Fukui Sakiko , Ogawa Keiko , Ohtsuka Masao , Fukui Naoshi
Published: February 2009

Background: A randomized study was performed to investigate whether a communication skill (CS) training program can improve nurse's ability to detect the distress of patients who have just been informed of cancer diagnosis.

Methods: Nurses were randomly assigned to the experimental or control group, and those in the former group had undergone CS training program. Nurses in both groups were then requested to support patients informed of their cancer diagnosis. Intervention consisted of one‐on‐one nurse interviews 3 times (on the day, 1 week, and 1 month after diagnosis). Patient's self‐reported distress according to the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and nurse's ratings of patient distress by Visual Analog Scale were assessed 3 times (1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after diagnosis). These two scales were compared between the nurses of the two groups to assess the impact of CS training.

Results: The nurses in the experimental and control groups supported 42 and 47 patients, respectively. The analysis using mixed‐effects modeling revealed no significant differences in the nurse's ability to detect patient's distress between the two groups. However, when the nurse's ratings of patient's distress and patient's self‐reported distress were compared, these two scores were significantly correlated only with the nurses in the experimental group, suggesting that the nurse's ability to become aware of patient's distress had been improved in that group.

Conclusions: CS training for health professionals is useful in oncology practice to improve nurse's ability to recognize the distress of patients diagnosed with cancer. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hip subluxation and dislocation in cerebral palsy – a prospective study on the effectiveness of postural management programmes
Authors: Pountney Teresa E , Mandy Anne , Green Elizabeth , Gard Paul R
Published: February 2009

Background and Purpose. Hip subluxation and dislocation are common sequelae in children with bilateral cerebral palsy and are currently managed by surgical interventions. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of early postural management programmes on hip subluxation and dislocation at five years, and the need for treatment in children with bilateral cerebral palsy, and to compare these findings with a historical control group. Methods. A prospective cohort study followed 39 children who commenced using postural management equipment under 18 months of age. Levels of ability, type and amount of equipment use and treatments were recorded every three months. At 30 and 60 months, the hips were X‐rayed and the hip migration percentage was measured. The results were compared with the historical control group. Results. Children who used equipment at recommended and moderate levels had significantly less chance of both hips being subluxed than those using equipment at minimal levels (two‐tailed Fisher's exact χ2 p = 0.024). The frequency of children with hip problems was significantly less in the intervention group in comparison to the historical control group at five years (χ2 = 11.53, df = 2, p = 0.006). The frequency of children receiving bilateral or unilateral treatments, i.e. surgery, use of a hip and spinal orthosis and/or botulinum toxin injections, in the intervention group was significantly less compared to the historical control group (two‐tailed Fisher's exact p = 0.001). Conclusion. The early provision of postural management equipment has a role to play in reducing the number of hip problems and therefore the need for treatment of hip subluxation/dislocation in cerebral palsy at five years of age. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A prospective qualitative exploration of views about attending pulmonary rehabilitation
Authors: Bulley Catherine , Donaghy Marie , Howden Stella , Salisbury Lisa , Whiteford Suzanne , Mackay Elaine
Published: February 2009

Background and Purpose. Pulmonary rehabilitation has been found to be an effective strategy for managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, attendance at such programmes is not optimal, therefore, this study aimed to develop an in‐depth understanding of views regarding attendance at pulmonary rehabilitation and experiences which may have shaped these views. Methods. An inductive qualitative study was carried out within the framework of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Five female and four male individuals with COPD who had been referred for pulmonary rehabilitation participated in semi‐structured interviews. Interviews were conducted prior to participation in pulmonary rehabilitation. Results. Three main themes were identified that related to views about attending pulmonary rehabilitation. The first is entitled ‘Desired benefits of attending pulmonary rehabilitation’, which described realistic hopes about impact on daily life. The second theme was called ‘Evaluating the threat of exercise’, and it encompassed both positive and negative evaluations; some interviewees described fear and avoidance of exercise, while others were determined to overcome symptoms. These attitudes extended to views about pulmonary rehabilitation. The third theme was called ‘Attributing value to pulmonary rehabilitation’. Contrasting opinions about the value of attending pulmonary rehabilitation appeared to be influenced by the nature of prior interactions with health personnel and systems as well as information about the programme provided at referral. The referrer's attitude towards pulmonary rehabilitation appeared to be particularly influential. Conclusion. In summary, when considering rehabilitation attendance, potential participants are able to identify possible benefits, but previous experiences of symptoms and attitudes towards their condition can influence views both positively and negatively. Information and enthusiasm conveyed by the referring clinician, as well as previous interactions with health professionals can have powerful impact on views about attending. Referral practices should be informative and enthusiastic to increase the likelihood of uptake. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DFT study on the role of methanol solvent in Morita–Baylis–Hillman reaction
Authors: Fan Jian‐Fen , Yang Chun‐Hong , He Liang‐Jun
Published: February 2009

B3LYP/6‐311++G** calculations have been carried out to study the role of methanol solvent in the trimethylamine‐catalyzed Morita‐Baylis‐Hillman reaction between acraldehyde and formaldehyde with CPCM solvent method and supramolecular model with one explicit CH3OH solvent molecule, respectively. The optimized geometries and energies of the reactant complexes, intermediates, transition states, and products of the two reaction channels (corresponding to the scenarios of syn‐ and anti‐acraldehyde, respectively) were obtained, and the relative energy profiles were completed. The results reveal that CH3OH solvent molecules can stabilize the zwitterionic intermediates and largely reduce the barrier of H transfer process by taking part in the formation of the transition state in this process. CC bond formation step is the rate‐determining step of the whole reaction cycle. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
Chiral discrimination in hydrogen‐bonded complexes of butan‐2‐ol (m‐form) and hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Yin Aixia , Zhang Guiqiu , Chen Dezhan
Published: February 2009

A theoretical study was reported on the chiral discrimination of different chiral formers of hydrogen‐bonded complexes of butan‐2‐ol (m‐form of “ga,” “ag,” and “gg”) with hydrogen peroxide. This completes, together with previous results on the butan‐2‐ol (h‐form)···HOOH complexes [Zhang et al., J Mol Struct (Theochem), 2008, 864, 56], the study of two forms of butan‐2‐ol: m‐form and h‐form. Altogether, 12 minimum structures were located, and they are bound by intermolecular hydrogen bonds. The largest chirodiastaltic energy of the two most stable complexes was found for (SM‐2)‐(SP‐2) of “gg”, at −0.238 kcal mol−1 in favor of the SM‐2 complex in the “gg” configuration. The largest diastereofacial energy was found for (SP‐2)‐SP of “ga,” at −3.763 kcal mol−1 in favor of the SP‐2 complex in the “ga” configuration. Moreover, the diastereofacial interactions lead to a preference for the SM‐2 and SP‐2 over the SM and SP for all the butan‐2‐ol (m‐form)···HOOH complexes. The values of the largest chirodiastaltic energy and diastereofacial energy are similar to butan‐2‐ol (h‐form), but the sign of the value (diastereofacial energy) is reverse. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
Theoretical study on the second‐order nonlinear optical properties of nonconjugated D‐π‐A chromophores
Authors: Yang Guochun , Su Zhongmin
Published: February 2009

Density functional theory calculations have been carried out on nonconjugated D‐π‐A chromophores to investigate the different electron donors and conjugated bridges effects on the molecular nonlinear optical response. The results show that the large second‐order polarizability values can be achieved through careful combination of available electron donors, conjugated bridges for our studied nonconjugated D‐π‐A chromophores. The calculations also provide a clear explanation for the second‐order polarizability changes from the standpoint of transition energies, oscillator strengths, electron density difference, and bond length alternation. Solvent effect has great influence on the second‐order polarizability and electronic absorption spectrum. It is hoped that the results presented in this article will give some hints to the interrelated studies. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
Hydromorphological conditions, potential fish habitats and the fish community in a mountain river subjected to variable human impacts, the Czarny Dunajec, Polish Carpathians
Authors: Wyżga B. , Amirowicz A. , Radecki‐Pawlik A. , Zawiejska J.
Published: February 2009

The Czarny Dunajec River, Polish Carpathians, has been considerably modified by channelization and gravel mining‐induced channel incision and it varies in morphology from a single‐thread, incised or regulated channel to an unmanaged, multi‐thread channel. For twelve cross‐sections with between 1 and 4 flow threads, the abundance and diversity of fish fauna were determined by electrofishing and compared with an assessment of hydromorphological river quality and the variation in flow depth, velocity and bed material size. Hydromorphological quality of the river varied between high‐status conditions (Class 1) in unmanaged, multi‐thread cross‐sections with varying proportions of islands and Class 4 in channelized cross‐sections. The increased number of low‐flow channels in a cross‐section was associated with a larger aggregated width of low‐flow channels and greater variation in flow depth, velocity and bed material size. Single‐thread cross‐sections hosted only 2 fish species and 13 individuals on average, whereas 3–4 species and 82 individuals on average were recorded in cross‐sections with four low‐flow channels. Regression analysis indicated that both the number of fish species and individuals increased linearly with increasing variation in depth within a cross‐section and exponentially with improving hydromorphological river quality, while they were unrelated to flow width, suggesting that it is the increase in variability of habitat conditions rather than simple habitat enlargement, that supported the increased abundance and diversity of fish fauna in the multi‐thread cross‐sections. This study shows that the simplification of flow pattern and the resultant degradation of hydromorphological river quality, caused by human impacts, is reflected in remarkable impoverishment of fish communities and that recovery of these communities will require an increase in morphological complexity of the river. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
From the myth of a lost paradise to targeted river restoration: forget natural references and focus on human benefits
Authors: Dufour Simon , Piégay Hervé
Published: February 2009

In the last two decades river restoration has become increasingly a field of research asking a series of complex questions related not just to science but also to society. Why should we restore ecosystems? Is restoration always beneficial? When is it beneficial? What should be the target reference states? What is success and when can it be evaluated? Our objective is to chronicle and discuss the fundamental concepts of reference versus objective, state versus process‐based actions, nature versus culture and ecosystem integrity versus ecosystem benefits driven restoration.

We discuss the dynamic and yet unresolved definition of a reference state. Although the desire to re‐create the past is tempting, science has shown that river systems follow complex trajectories frequently making it impossible to return to a previous state. Therefore, restoration goals are moving away from explicitly defining a reference state because of the difficulty of attaining that reference state. We argue that the reference‐based strategy should be progressively replaced by an objective‐based strategy that reflects the practical limitations of developing sustainable landscapes and the emerging importance of accounting for human services of the target ecosystem. After a decade during which natural processes have been the focus of restoration, it appears that particular processes are not equally valuable everywhere and that regional complexity must be better understood to adjust restoration actions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
System dynamics and strategy
Authors: Gary Michael Shayne , Kunc Martin , Morecroft John D. W. , Rockart Scott F.
Published: February 2009

System dynamics research has made numerous contributions to a range of management subfields, including operations, organization behavior, marketing, behavioral decision making, and strategy. In this paper, we focus on the role for system dynamics research in making important progress on the defining issue in the field of strategy: why are some firms more profitable than others? Strategy researchers are eager for dynamic theories that explain the evolution of performance differences among firms and are increasingly looking to managerial decision making as the source of dynamics. This interest in dynamics and decision making creates an enormous opportunity for system dynamics researchers as carefully grounded behavioral theories of dynamics flow naturally from the research methods of system dynamics. Building and testing theories that explain longitudinal patterns of performance differences among firms would be an enormous step forward where mainstream strategy approaches have struggled. We identify four promising research paths along these lines for system dynamics research in the field of strategy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a noncontact and long‐term respiration monitoring system using microwave radar for hibernating black bear
Authors: Suzuki Satoshi , Matsui Takemi , Kawahara Hiroshi , Gotoh Shinji
Published: February 2009

The aim of this study is to develop a prototype system for noncontact, noninvasive and unconstrained vital sign monitoring using microwave radar and to use the system to measure the respiratory rate of a Japanese black bear (Ursus thibetanus japonicus) during hibernation for ensuring the bear's safety. Ueno Zoological Gardens in Tokyo planned to help the Japanese black bear (female, approximately 2 years of age) going into hibernation. The prototype system has a microwave Doppler radar antenna (10‐GHz frequency, approximately 7 mW output power) for measuring motion of the body surface caused by respiratory activity without making contact with the body. Monitoring using this system was conducted from December 2006 to April 2007. As a result, from December 18, 2006, to March 17, 2007, similar behaviors reported by earlier studies were observed, such as sleeping with curled up posture and not eating, urinating or defecating. During this hibernation period and also around the time of hibernation, the prototype system continuously measured cyclic oscillations. The presence of cyclic vibrations at 8‐sec intervals (about 7 bpm) was confirmed by the system before she entered hibernation on December 3, 2006. The respiratory rate gradually decreased, and during the hibernation period the respiratory rate was extremely low at approximately 2 bpm with almost no change. The results show that motion on the body surface caused by respiratory activity can be measured without touching the animal's body. Thus, the microwave radar employed here can be utilized as an aid in observing vital signs of animals. Zoo Biol 28:259–270, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Choose and Book: An Audit of the Appropriateness of Referrals and Their Effect on Patients' Attendance to An Inner City Hospital Secondary Care Provider
Authors: Pisipati Sailaja , Chow Karyee , Payne Stephen R.
Published: February 2009

Conventional, paper-based, urological referral has been challenged by the computer-based, choose and book (C&B) system. To determine the efficiency of this new system, we audited the appropriateness of these bookings, the percentage that required re-direction, the reasons for doing so and the ‘did not attend’ (DNA) rate.

1147 electronic bookings were made to different urological clinics between June 2006 and August 2007. The patient's age, date and type of clinic originally booked to, via C&B, and finally re-directed to was collected from our C&B record, PAS and Medisec. 1952 referrals via all modes were identified between April and November, 2006 and data on patient demographics, type of referral and whether attended or DNA was recorded.

Nearly a quarter of C&B appointments were re-directed, due to referrals being made to an inappropriate clinic, inappropriate consultant, inappropriate speciality, to the wrong hospital. Additionally, 32.3% were inappropriately prioritised, 7% being given inappropriate urgency and 25.3% not enough priority. DNA rate (18.9%) was higher for bookings made via C&B when compared to bookings made via standard paper-based GP referrals (15.3%).

Although C&B facilitates patients to make their choice of appointments, nearly a quarter of our patients had arrangements made inappropriate to their needs. This meant consultants still had to screen referrals and increased workload on ancillary staff. Despite being offered a choice, DNA rate was high in referrals via C&B. Refinement of C&B pathways may reduce this inefficiency but the inflexibility of this system makes it an inefficient way of referring urological cases.
BAUS Section of Endourology Guidelines for Acute Management of First Presentation of Renal/Ureteric Lithiasis
Authors: Parys Bo , McClinton Sam , Watson Graham M. , Anson Kenneth M. , Burgess Neil , Dickinson Andrew , Downey Paul , Patel Uday
Published: February 2009

The European Working Time Directive (EWTD) poses challenges for out of hours management of the acute urological patient. With the introduction of the “Hospital at Night” team or cross specialty cover, there may be limited onsite urological experience out of hours. One of the commonest urological emergencies is acute stone colic. For the on call team to provide a safe and quality service, the BAUS Section of Endourology has produced guidelines for the emergency management of urolithiasis.
Liver X receptor β with mutations in the activation function‐2 region is excluded from the nucleolus
Authors: Lall Rajuli , Kuruvilla Sarah , Prüfer Kirsten
Published: February 2009

Liver X receptors (LXRs) α and β are ligand‐induced transcription factors that regulate transcription of genes encoding key regulators of cholesterol metabolism and transport, and of lipogenesis. Despite their high similarity, LXRα is the functionally dominant LXR isotype in the liver. The function of nuclear proteins can be affected by their sequestration in the nucleoli. Whereas most nuclear receptors are excluded from the nucleolus, some are not. To explore nucleolar exclusion of LXRα and LXRβ, we used cells expressing cyan fluorescent protein (CFP) chimeras with LXRα (CFP‐LXRα) and wild‐type and mutant CFP‐LXRβ and marked the nucleolus with anti‐fibrillarin antibody. Significantly more CFP‐LXRβ than CFP‐LXRα in the nucleoli. Mutations in basic‐rich sequences in the DNA binding domain caused some exclusion of CFP‐LXRβ from the nucleolus. Moreover, mutations in the activation function‐2, an important protein–protein interaction site in all nuclear receptors, resulted in exclusion of CFP‐LXRβ from the nucleolus. These data suggest protein–protein interactions that may regulate nucleolar sequestration of LXRβ.
Early multidisciplinary evaluation and advice was ineffective for whiplash‐associated disorders
Authors: Pape Eivind , Hagen Kåre B. , Brox Jens I. , Natvig Bård , Schirmer Helge
Published: February 2009

Background: Whiplash is the most common type of injury reported in traffic accidents, but the effectiveness of conservative treatment for whiplash lacks evidence.

Aims: To assess the effect of early multidisciplinary evaluation and advice on the frequency of chronic neck pain three years post‐injury in persons with minor or moderate traffic injuries.

Methods: In an insurance setting, we tested the effect by (1) a risk score matched prospective cohort design, (2) a propensity score matched nested case‐control design and, (3) a risk and propensity score adjusted multivariate analysis in an unmatched prospective cohort design. We simulated unobserved risk and propensity factors to evaluate the robustness of the results for hidden bias.

Results: All three designs showed a significantly increased risk for chronic neck pain among those who received the intervention compared to those who did not. The relative risks ranged from 1.7 (95% CI: 1.0–2.6) to 2.6 (95% CI: 1.5–4.0). The results were robust to hidden bias.

Conclusion: The consistency of the findings across the different designs strongly suggest that early multidisciplinary evaluation and advice increased the risk of having chronic neck pain three years following a minor or moderate traffic injury. Literally, the intervention may therefore have done more harm than good.
The disabling role of fluctuations in physical activity in patients with chronic low back pain
Authors: Huijnen Ivan P.J. , Verbunt Jeanine A. , Roelofs Jeffrey , Goossens Marielle , Peters Madelon
Published: February 2009

Patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) often report a disabling decrease in their activity level due to pain. The nature of the association between disability, activity, and pain over time is however, unclear. An intriguing issue here is whether a high level of pain‐related disability is associated with a low activity level or are changes in the level of activity over time pain provoking and thus more disabling? The objectives of this study were to investigate associations between disability, pain intensity, pain‐related fear, and characteristics of physical activity in patients with CLBP. A total of 42 patients with CLBP were recruited from the Pain Clinic of the Maastricht University Hospital. Each pain patient carried an electronic diary for one week, in which questions about current pain intensity, and the level of physical activity were completed at 8 moments a day. Disability was scored by the Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale (QBPDS), Fear of movement by the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK). To explain the level of disability regression analyses were performed with disability as dependent variable and pain intensity, pain‐related fear, and consecutively the level of physical activity in daily life and fluctuations in physical activity as independent variables. Results, based on 34 patients, showed that activity fluctuations (β = 0.373, p < 0.05) rather than the mean activity level over time (β = −0.052, ns) contributed significantly in explaining disability. The results are discussed in the light of current theories, previous research, and clinical implications.
Prominent expression of FRS2β protein in neural cells and its association with intracellular vesicles
Authors: Minegishi Yuriko , Iwanari Hiroko , Mochizuki Yasuhiro , Horii Takako , Hoshino Tomoko , Kodama Tatsuhiko , Hamakubo Takao , Gotoh Noriko
Published: February 2009

The fibroblast growth factor receptor substrate (FRS)‐2 protein family comprises FRS2α, a well‐known central mediator for fibroblast growth factor signaling, and FRS2β, whose endogenous expression pattern and function are not yet defined. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that expression of FRS2β was restricted to neural tissues and it colocalized with Tuj1, a neuronal marker. There are two distinct patterns of FRS2β expression in neural cells: punctate and cup/ring‐shaped; moreover, some particles colocalized with lysosomes. Stimulation with brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) enhanced FRS2β phosphorylation and the cup/ring‐shaped pattern. These results suggest a probable role of FRS2β in the intracellular degradation systems of neural cells, which involves lysosomes.
Essential role of SBP‐1 activation in oxygen deprivation induced lipid accumulation and increase in body width/length ratio in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Taghibiglou Changiz , Martin Henry G.S. , Rose Jacqueline K. , Ivanova Nadia , Lin Conny H.C. , Lau H. Lee , Rai Susan , Wang Yu Tian , Rankin Catharine H.
Published: February 2009

Epidemiological evidence suggests a link between chronic oxygen starvation and fat accumulation/obesity, however the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Using Caenorhabditis elegans we found extended oxygen deprivation resulted in activation of SBP‐1, the worm homologue of SREBP1, a transcription factor important in maintaining lipid homeostasis. SBP‐1 knockdown prevented hypoxia‐induced fat accumulation and the associated increase in worm width/length ratio, demonstrating that SBP‐1/SREBP1 plays an essential role in hypoxia‐induced lipid accumulation and body shape alteration. This study provides the first evidence suggesting that activation of SREBP1 may be a critical pathogenic factor contributing to chronic hypoxia associated excessive fat accumulation/obesity in humans.
A non‐apoptotic role for Fas/FasL in erythropoiesis
Authors: Carlile Graeme W. , Smith Deborah H. , Wiedmann Martin
Published: February 2009

Issues remain to be elucidated in the developmental regulation of erythropoiesis. In particular the role of Fas, a member of the tumor necrosis factor family of receptors despite much work remains unclear. During erythropoiesis, Fas is expressed at low levels on erythroblasts. For most cell types, Fas to FasL interaction causes apoptotic cell death via caspase activation. Here, we show that in humans, early erythroid progenitors are refractory to apoptosis triggered through Fas. Further during early human erythropoiesis, Fas triggered caspase activation provides a positive stimulus for erythroid maturation, and does not alter cellular proliferation or trigger apoptosis.
Release of extracellular membrane vesicles from microvilli of epithelial cells is enhanced by depleting membrane cholesterol
Authors: Marzesco Anne-Marie , Wilsch-Bräuninger Michaela , Dubreuil Véronique , Janich Peggy , Langenfeld Katja , Thiele Christoph , Huttner Wieland B. , Corbeil Denis
Published: February 2009

We previously reported on the occurrence of prominin‐1‐carrying membrane vesicles that are released into body fluids from microvilli of epithelial cells. This release has been implicated in cell differentiation. Here we have characterized these vesicles released from the differentiated Caco‐2 cells. We find that in these vesicles, prominin‐1 directly interacts with membrane cholesterol and is associated with a membrane microdomain. The cholesterol depletion using methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin resulted in a marked increase in their release, and a dramatic change in the microvillar ultrastructure from a tubular shape to a “pearling” state, with multiple membrane constrictions, suggesting a role of membrane cholesterol in vesicle release from microvilli.
Structural modelling of the complex of leucyl‐tRNA synthetase and mis‐aminoacylated tRNALeu
Authors: Hagiwara Yohsuke , Nureki Osamu , Tateno Masaru
Published: February 2009

To assure fidelity of translation, class Ia aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetases (aaRSs) edit mis‐aminoacylated tRNAs. Mis‐attached amino acids and structural water molecules are not included simultaneously in the current crystal structures of the aaRS•tRNA complexes, where the 3′‐ends (adenine 76; A76) are bound to the editing sites. A structural model of the completely solvated leucyl‐tRNA synthetase complexed with valyl‐tRNALeu was constructed by exploiting molecular dynamics simulations modified for the present modelling. The results showed that the ribose conformation of A76 is distinct from those observed in the above‐mentioned crystal structures, which could be derived from structural constraints in a sandwiched manner induced by the mis‐attached valine and tRNALeu.
Intra-Abdominal Actinomycetoma in a Cat
Authors: Sharman Mellora J. , Goh Clara S. , Kuipers von Lande Richard G. , Hodgson Jennifer L.
Published: February 2009

A 5-year-old, female Ragdoll cat was diagnosed with an intra-abdominal mycetoma involving the ileocaecal region. Diagnosis was obtained via histopathological examination following surgical resection of the mass and an ileocolic anastomosis. The initial surgery was complicated by lymphangiectasia, chylous abdominal effusion and mild bacterial leakage from the anastomosis site. A second, exploratory laparotomy was performed to augment the anastomosis with serosal patching and omentalisation and to investigate a cystic structure observed on follow-up abdominal ultrasound. Initial amoxycillin clavulanate (Clavulox; Pfizer Animal Health) therapy was ineffective, but clindamycin (Antirobe; Pfizer Animal Health) proved successful in resolving the infection. Abdominal actinomycetoma in the cat may be an under-diagnosed condition due to its close resemblance to neoplastic disease. Standard diagnostic and therapeutic regimens are commonly ineffective in Actinomyces species infections. Surgical resection along with adjunctive, long-term, selective antimicrobial therapy is effective and prognosis is good for localised lesions.