bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Os 50 anos de uso do hormônio adrenocorticotrófico (ACTH) no Tratamento da Síndrome de West: revisão de literatura e protocolo da UNIFESP
Authors: Gomes Maria Durce Costa , Garzon Eliana , Sakamoto Américo C.
Published: June 2008

INTRODUÇÃO: A eficácia do ACTH no tratamento da Síndrome de West (SW) é extensivamente debatida na literatura, o mesmo ocorrendo em relação às doses, efeitos colaterais e protocolos de utilização. OBJETIVO: Revisar, analisar criticamente e discutir os achados das publicações mais recentes e relevantes relacionadas ao uso do ACTH no tratamento da SW. METODOLOGIA: Pesquisou-se as bases de dados MEDLINE e PUBMED, utilizando-se as palavras-chave ACTH e WEST SYNDROME, período de 1997 a 2007. RESULTADOS: Foram obtidos 96 títulos no MEDLINE e 158 no PUBMED, e dentre eles foram selecionados 22 publicações. Outros trabalhos anteriores ao período avaliado mas que apresentavam relevância especial no contexto desta revisão também foram incluídos. CONCLUSÕES: Há evidências de que o ACTH provavelmente apresente eficácia maior no controle imediato dos espasmos e da hipsarritmia. Entretanto, não há evidências concretas desta superioridade no longo prazo (controle de crises a longo prazo e interrrupção ou prevenção de comprometimento do desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor).
Adaptação transcultural do instrumento para avaliação da qualidade de vida "Quality of Life in Epilepsy-89 (QOLIE-89)"para o Brasil
Authors: Azevedo Auro Mauro , Alonso Neide Barreira , Caboclo Luís Otávio Sales Ferreira , Guilhoto Laura M. Ferreira , Yacubian Elza Márcia Targas
Published: June 2008

OBJETIVO: Realizar a adaptação transcultural do instrumento para avaliação da qualidade de vida de indivíduos com epilepsia "Quality of Life in Epilepsy-89" (QOLIE-89) para a população brasileira. METODOLOGIA: Dois tradutores bilíngües fizeram a tradução do instrumento original para o português. A seguir, dois professores de inglês nativos e bilíngües ficaram encarregados da retro-tradução. Na segunda fase uma equipe multidisciplinar "Comitê de Juízes" julgou as diversas versões obtidas quanto à clareza, compreensibilidade, manutenção do conceito explorado em cada questão no instrumento original e sua adequação de sentido para nossa população. No terceiro momento, 21 pacientes do ambulatório da Unidade de Pesquisa e Tratamento das Epilepsias (UNIPETE) responderam ao questionário. RESULTADOS: Quinze pacientes (71.4%) eram do sexo feminino, com idade entre 15 e 49 anos. Oito (38.0%) haviam cursado até o ensino fundamental. O tempo médio de aplicação foi de 45 minutos. As dificuldades de compreensão ocorreram apenas nos pacientes que cursaram até a 8ª série. Na versão final em português sofreram modificações as questões 14, 16, 19, 21 e 85. CONCLUSÃO: A versão em português do QOLIE-89 foi facilmente compreendida, sendo mínimas as modificações realizadas no processo de adaptação cultural do instrumento.
Arterial relationships to the nerves and some rigid structures in the posterior cranial fossa
Authors: Surchev N.
Published: June 2008

The close relationships between the cranial nerves and the arterial vessels in the posterior cranial fossa are one of the predisposing factors for artery‐nerve compression. The aim of this study was to examine the relationships of the vertebral and basilar arteries to some skull and dural structures and the nerves in the posterior cranial fossa. For this purpose, the skull bases and brains of 70 cadavers were studied. The topographic relationships of the vertebral and basilar arteries to the cranial nerves in the posterior cranial fossa were studied and the distances between the arteries and some osseous formations were measured. The most significant variations in arterial position were registered in the lower half of the basilar artery. Direct contact with an artery was established for the hypoglossal canal, jugular tubercle, and jugular foramen. The results reveal additional information about the relationships of the nerves and arteries to the skull and dural formations in the posterior cranial fossa. New quantitative information is given to illustrate them. The conditions for possible artery‐nerve compression due to arterial dislocation are discussed and two groups (lines) of compression points are suggested. The medial line comprises of the brain stem points, usually the nerve root entry/exit zone. The lateral line includes the skull eminences, on which the nerves lie, or skull and dural foramina through which they exit the cranial cavity. Clin. Anat. 21:492–500, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
South Indian calcaneal talar facet configurations and osteoarthritic changes
Authors: Madhavi C. , Madhuri Vrisha , George Vinu M. , Antonisamy B.
Published: June 2008

The purpose of this study was to determine the talar facet configuration of South Indian calcanei, measure the angle between the anterior and middle facet planes of these calcanei, and assess the relation between the above parameters and the degenerative changes in the subtalar joints. The angle between the anterior and middle talar facets was measured in 222 South Indian adult calcanei. The degree of sclerosis was measured on radiographs of the calcanei. Lipping and osteophytes around the joints were recorded by visual inspection. The facet patterns observed were fused anterior and middle facets (Type I), three separate facets (Type II), absence of the anterior facet (Type III), three merged facets (Type IV), and a new pattern of absent anterior and fused middle and posterior facets (Type V). An anterolateral impression was present in nine calcanei. Type I was the predominant pattern (72%). Type II configuration had the least mean angle (125°) and had less number of calcanei with significant osteoarthritic changes. A wider angle was observed in Type I and Type III calcanei. Type IV and Type V were observed in only three and one calcanei, respectively. Lipping and osteophytes were observed in Type I to IV configurations. There was no correlation between the facet configuration and the radiological subchondral sclerosis in the posterior talar facet of the calcanei. This study reveals that the talar facet configuration of calcanei and the angle between the anterior and middle facets influence the stability of the subtalar joints and development of osteoarthritis. Clin. Anat. 21:581–586, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
3D stereo vision system effectiveness for engineering design and graphics education
Authors: Pan Chunxia , Smith Shana
Published: June 2008

This study compared the effectiveness of a head mounted display (HMD) and anaglyphic glasses on students' ability to complete engineering graphics tasks in learning environments. The two stereo display systems were used in an introductory design and graphics class. Data related to students' subjective perceptions about the two systems and data related to students' objective performance were collected and analyzed. Results of the study reveal that students perceived that the HMD was more effective for completing technical graphics tasks than anaglyphic glasses, while there was no significant difference in students' objective performance with the two display systems. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 16: 256–267, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com); DOI 10.1002/cae20145
Vibration analysis for elastic multi‐beam structures by the C0‐continuous time‐stepping finite element method
Authors: Lai Junjiang , Huang Jianguo , Shi Zhongci
Published: June 2008

Some C0‐continuous time‐stepping finite element method is proposed for investigating vibration analysis of elastic multi‐beam structures. In the time direction, the C0‐continuous Galerkin method is used to discretize the generalized displacement field. In the space directions, the longitudinal displacements and rotational angles on beams are discretized using conforming linear elements, while the transverse displacements on beams are discretized by the Hermite elements of third order. The error of the method in the energy norm is proved to be O(h+k3), where h and k denote the mesh sizes of the subdivisions in the space and time directions, respectively. The finite difference analysis in time is developed to discuss the spectral behavior of the algorithms as well as their dissipation and dispersion properties in the low‐frequency regime. The method has also been extended to study some nonlinear problems. A number of numerical tests are included to illustrate the computational performance of the method. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Growth of ZnO Nanostructures Produced by MOCVD: A Study of the Effect of the Substrate
Authors: Scalisi Alfio A. , Toro Roberta G. , Malandrino Graziella , Fragalà Maria E. , Pezzotti Giuseppe
Published: June 2008

A study of the influence of the substrate mismatch on the growth of ZnO nanostructures is reported. ZnO nanostructures are deposited, by a simple catalyst‐free metal‐organic (MO)CVD approach, onto various substrates, such as SrTiO3(100), Si(100), and Al2O3(0001), using a novel diamine adduct of zinc bis‐2 thenoyl‐trifluoroacetonate (Zn(tta)2 · tmeda, Htta = CF3COCH2COC4H3S, tmeda = N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine). Structural characterizations indicate that both morphology and crystalline structure of the obtained ZnO nanostructured systems strongly depend upon the crystalline mismatch with the substrate. Room‐temperature cathodoluminescence (CL) spectroscopy is used to characterize the optical properties of the various nanostructures. The resulting cathodoluminescence spectra of all the samples show the presence of a strong and broad green band around 2.4 eV.
Fluorine‐Containing Ionic Liquids from N‐Alkylpyrrolidine and N‐Methylpiperidine and Fluorinated Acetylacetones: Low Melting Points and Low Viscosities
Authors: Li Xiaoju , Zeng Zhuo , Garg Sonali , Twamley Brendan , Shreeve Jean'ne M.
Published: June 2008

A family of new fluorine‐containing ionic liquids (3–14) was synthesized in high yield by the reaction of N‐alkylpyrrolidine, N‐methylpiperidine and fluorinated 1,3‐diketones: 1,1,1,5,5,5‐hexafluoroacetylacetone, 1,1,1‐trifluoro‐2,4‐pentanedione and 4,4,4‐trifluoro‐1‐phenyl‐1,3‐butanedione. Their properties, such as the phase‐transition temperature, density, and viscosity, were determined. Most of them show relatively low melting points and low viscosities. The influence of fluorinated 1,3‐diketonate anions and the structural variation in cyclic amine cations on the above physicochemical properties was examined. X‐ray single‐crystal diffraction analysis of compound 7 confirms the proton transfer from 4,4,4‐trifluoro‐1‐phenyl‐1,3‐butanedione to N‐butylpyrrolidine. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Boundary discretization for high‐order discontinuous Galerkin computations of tidal flows around shallow water islands
Authors: Bernard P.‐E. , Remacle J.‐F. , Legat V.
Published: June 2008

In this paper some preliminary results concerning the application of the high‐order discontinuous Galerkin (DG) method for the resolution of realistic problems of tidal flows around shallow water islands are presented. In particular, tidal flows are computed around the Rattray island located in the Great Barrier Reef. This island is a standard benchmark problem well documented in the literature providing useful in situ measurements for validation of the model. Realistic elements of the simulation are a tidal flow forcing, a variable bathymetry and a non‐trivial coastline.

The computation of tidal flows in shallow water around an island is very similar to the simulation of the Euler equations around bluff bodies in quasi‐steady flows. The main difference lies in the high irregularity of islands' shapes and in the fact that, in the framework of large‐scale ocean models, the number of elements to represent an island is drastically limited compared with classical engineering computations. We observe that the high‐order DG method applied to shallow water flows around bluff bodies with poor linear boundary representations produces oscillations and spurious eddies. Surprisingly those eddies may have the right size and intensity but may be generated by numerical diffusion and are not always mathematically relevant. Although not interested in solving accurately the boundary layers of an island, we show that a high‐order boundary representation is mandatory to avoid non‐physical eddies and spurious oscillations. It is then possible to parametrize accurately the subgrid‐scale processes to introduce the correct amount of diffusion in the model. The DG results around the Rattray island are eventually compared with current measurements and reveal good agreement. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maternal employment and overweight children: does timing matter?
Authors: von Hinke Kessler Scholder Stephanie
Published: June 2008

Recent literature has shown consistent evidence of a positive relationship between maternal employment and children's overweight status. These studies largely use average weekly work hours over the child's life to measure employment. This paper specifically aims at exploring the importance of the timing of employment. Using various econometric techniques to control for observable and unobservable child and family characteristics, the results show that full‐time maternal employment during mid‐childhood positively affects the probability of being overweight at age 16. There is no evidence that part‐time or full‐time employment at earlier/later ages affects this probability. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Placebo-controlled trial of 400 mg amantadine combined with peginterferon alfa-2a and ribavirin for 48 weeks in chronic hepatitis C virus-1 infection
Authors: von Wagner Michael , Hofmann Wolf Peter , Teuber Gerlinde , Berg Thomas , Goeser Tobias , Spengler Ulrich , Hinrichsen Holger , Weidenbach Hans , Gerken Guido , Manns Michael , Buggisch Peter , Herrmann Eva , Zeuzem Stefan
Published: June 2008

The impact of amantadine on virologic response rates of interferon-based treatment of chronic hepatitis C is controversial. The aim of this study was to compare virological response rates in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV)-1 infection treated with 400 mg amantadine or placebo in combination with peginterferon alfa-2a (40 kD) and ribavirin for 48 weeks. Seven hundred four previously untreated chronically HCV-1–infected patients (mean age, 46 ± 12 years) were randomized to (A) amantadine-sulphate (400 mg/day) (n = 352) or (B) placebo (n = 352), both in combination with 180 μg peginterferon alfa-2a once weekly and ribavirin (1000-1200 mg/day) for 48 weeks. End of treatment and sustained virological response after a 24-week follow-up period were assessed by qualitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) (sensitivity, 50 IU/mL). Demographic and baseline virological parameters were similar in both treatment groups. In groups A and B, 231 of 352 patients (66%) and 256 of 352 patients (72%) achieved an end of treatment response, and 171 of 352 patients (49 %) and 186 of 352 patients (53 %) a sustained virological response, respectively. On-treatment dropout rate in the amantadine group was significantly higher than in the placebo group (32% versus 23%;

P

= 0.01). However, adverse events and laboratory abnormalities were similar between both groups. Per-protocol analysis revealed similar sustained virological response rates in both treatment groups (53% versus 55%).

Conclusion:

In this large placebo-controlled multicenter study, amantadine even at a dose of 400 mg/day did not improve virological response rates of peginterferon alfa-2a and ribavirin in patients with chronic genotype HCV-1 infection. (Hepatology 2008.)
Constitutive overexpression of CDC25A in primary human mammary epithelial cells results in both defective DNA damage response and chromosomal breaks at fragile sites
Authors: Cangi Maria Giulia , Piccinin Sara , Pecciarini Lorenza , Talarico Anna , Dal Cin Elena , Grassi Stefano , Grizzo Alessandra , Maestro Roberta , Doglioni Claudio
Published: June 2008

CDC25A phosphatase, an essential component of the cell cycle machinery, is also a key player in integrating the specific signals of checkpoint control in response to DNA damage. There are several lines of evidence that indicate a role for CDC25A in cancer development, consistent with the fact that its overexpression is detected in human cancers. In particular we previously reported that CDC25A is overexpressed also in early breast carcinoma. Recent data suggest that oncogene activation during early stages of tumor development causes DNA replication stress resulting in the induction of DNA damage response (DDR) and that the selection of cells defecting in their DDR could lead to malignant progression. To address how CDC25A overexpression contributes to breast cancer development we established a cell model in which CDC25A was constitutively overexpressed in hTERT‐immortalized primary human mammary epithelial cells. At the earliest passages following CDC25A transduction we observed DDR signs associated with unscheduled DNA replication origins. In the latest passages DDR was significantly impaired and, even after ionizing radiation exposition, cells failed to induce G1 and G2 checkpoints; moreover DNA replication stress conditions, such as aphidicolin treatment, highlighted increased fragile site breakages and destabilized chromosomes just in these latest passages cells. Our data suggest that CDC25A overexpression, pushing the cell through the cell cycle transitions, induces DDR alterations that might enhance genomic instability. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prostate‐derived Ets transcription factor as a favorable prognostic marker in ovarian cancer patients
Authors: Ghadersohi Ali , Odunsi Kunle , Zhang Shaozeng , Azrak Rami G. , Bundy Brian N. , Manjili Masoud H. , Li Fengzhi
Published: June 2008

We have previously shown that ovarian tumors express prostate‐derived Ets transcription factor (PDEF). However, the precise role of PDEF in the prognosis of ovarian cancer is unknown. In our study, we report for the first time that expression of PDEF in tumor lesions of patients with ovarian cancer is associated with favorable prognosis. Evaluation of samples from 40 patients with ovarian cancer showed that early stage (IA) and borderline (IIB, III) ovarian tumors expressed higher levels of PDEF mRNA and protein and lower levels of survivin compared to late stage ovarian tumors (IIIC and IV, p < 0.05). Normal ovarian tissues expressed the highest levels of PDEF mRNA and protein when compared to tumor tissues (p < 0.05). A Log‐Rank test showed that overall survival of patients with PDEF‐positive and survivin‐negative ovarian tumors was significantly longer than those with PDEF‐negative and survivin‐positive tumors (p < 0.01). Forced expression of PDEF in PDEF‐negative ovarian tumor cells inhibited tumor cell growth, induced apoptosis, downregulated survivin expression and its promoter activity. Furthermore, treatment of ovarian cancer cells with vitamin D or a selenium compound resulted in re‐expression of PDEF, downregulation of survivin, induction of apoptosis and inhibition of tumor cell growth when compared to untreated controls (p < 0.05). Together, these observations showed an inverse correlation between PDEF and survivin expression and suggested that increased PDEF expression along with reduced survivin was associated with prolonged survival of patients with ovarian cancer. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Developing capacity in water users organizations: the case of Peru
Authors: Huamanchumo J. , Peña Y. , Silva L. , Hendriks J.
Published: June 2008

Up until the end of the 1980s the Peruvian public administration played a central role in irrigation systems throughout the country; this changed in 1989 when operational management of the systems was transferred to water users associations (WUAs). This sudden move required new management capacities for such organizations, demands that were not catered for at the time. Basically, the organizations managed their systems through their own learning and efforts.

Only 10 years later, by the end of the 1990s, the Peruvian government started a large‐scale training initiative directed towards WUAs, mostly in the Peruvian costal areas. Now, eight years later, considerable achievements have been made in relation to water service fee collection and accounting‐related aspects. But internal organizational management of most WUAs remains weak, a problem made worse by the many changes in leadership and instability of personnel.

Some WUAs in the interior of the country, and the National Board of Water Users Associations, have taken initiatives on their own to develop the capacity of their leaders, technical and administrative personnel and users. This process of creating “local capacity builders” within the water organizations still encounters many difficulties, both externally and internally. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐yielding capacity building in irrigation system management: targeting managers and operators
Authors: Facon Thierry , Renault Daniel , Rao P. S. , Wahaj Robina
Published: June 2008

Irrigation management is facing complex challenges evolving with the transformation of agriculture, competition over resources, environmental concerns, without forgetting the critical objective of food production. Managers are ill prepared to meet these challenges and the FAO called for and initiated a massive retraining programme of engineers and managers on irrigation system modernization to address these issues, starting in Asia. Results from this first generation of interventions confirmed the lack of success of many investments and institutional reforms, gaps in capacity and training and the potential for achieving significant improvements at minimal cost by focusing on system operation. The FAO prepared new guidelines for improving system operation and management (MASSCOTE) based on service‐oriented management concepts, tested them through training workshops in Nepal, India and China and is disseminating them through a second‐generation training programme building on first‐ generation knowledge synthesis. This paper presents the FAO's strategic approach to capacity building on service‐oriented management. It builds on the major lessons drawn from past programmes and is based on three interrelated thrusts: at the system, state and regional/global levels. Concepts, methodologies, lessons learned on upscaling to policy and long‐term investment planning, limitations and conditions for success and future programme development are discussed. Copyright © 2008 Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
WiFi: Boon or Boondoggle?
Authors: Burnett Royce D. , Daniels Bobbie W. , Freidel Alan , Friedman Mark
Published: June 2008

How often do you go on a business trip, pull out your laptop, and access your firm's proprietary information? Perhaps you use an airport's WiFi system to connect to the Internet. You answer some e‐mail, check some facts or news on the Web, and get some work done.

But while you're doing that, some hacker can also be intercepting your wireless transmissions—and gaining unfettered access to your company's records or your personal data.

How can you protect yourself? © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A roadmap to help your organization become process‐based
Authors: Creed Dean , Daly Dennis , Dowdle Pat , Stevens Jerry
Published: June 2008

While most organizations know they need to manage and improve their processes, few do so in a disciplined way and on an ongoing basis. Unfortunately, managing the individual processes may not help much. Much greater and longer‐lasting results come from managing an organization's portfolio of processes in an integrated fashion. That is the purpose of becoming a process‐based organization. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Phenotypic correction of ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency using low dose helper‐dependent adenoviral vectors
Authors: Brunetti‐Pierri Nicola , Clarke Christian , Mane Viraj , Palmer Donna J. , Lanpher Brendan , Sun Qin , O'Brien William , Lee Brendan
Published: June 2008

Background

Helper‐dependent adenoviral vectors (HDAd) can mediate long‐term phenotypic correction in the ornithine transacarbamylase (OTC)‐deficient mice model with negligible chronic toxicity. However, the high doses required for metabolic correction will result in systemic inflammatory response syndrome in humans. This acute toxicity represents the major obstacle for clinical applications of HDAd vectors for the treatment of OTC deficiency. Strategies for reducing the dose necessary for disease correction are highly desirable because HDAd acute toxicity is clearly dose‐dependent.

Methods

We analysed a potent expression cassette and the hydrodynamic injection for the ability to reduce the HDAd dose necessary for phenotypic correction in OTC‐deficient spf‐ash mice.

Results

We have developed a vector containing a potent expression cassette expressing the OTC transgene, which allowed phenotypic correction at lower doses. Our results suggest that vector expressing greater OTC levels allows correction of orotic acid overproduction at lower doses that make clinical translation more relevant. We were able to further reduce the minimal effective dose by delivering the vector through the hydrodynamic injection technique.

Conclusions

Vectors containing the expression cassette used in the present study, combined with other strategies for improving HDAd therapeutic index, will likely permit application of these vectors for the treatment of OTC deficiency as well as other urea cycle disorders. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Introduction of HPLC/orbitrap mass spectrometry as screening method for doping control
Authors: Virus E. D. , Sobolevsky T. G. , Rodchenkov G. M.
Published: June 2008

A new doping control screening method has been developed, for the analysis of doping agents in human urine, using HPLC/orbitrap with in‐source collision‐induced dissociation and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization. The developed method allows the detection of 29 compounds, including agents with antiestrogenic activity, β2 agonists, exogenous anabolic steroids, and other anabolic agents. The mass accuracy of this method is better at 2 ppm using an external reference. The detection limit for all compounds tested was better than 100 pg/ml. The recoveries of most analytes were above 70%. The measured median repeatability values for doping agents included in the method at concentrations of 1 and 10 ng/ml were 21 and 17%, respectively. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of the intraday precision (n = 6) ranged from RSD = 16–22%, whereas the interday precision (n = 18), ranged from RSD = 17–26%, depending on the solute concentration investigated. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pan‐evaporation measurements and Morton‐point potential evaporation estimates in Australia: are their trends the same?
Authors: Kirono Dewi G. C. , Jones Roger N. , Cleugh Helen A.
Published: June 2008

This paper compares Australian pan‐evaporation (Epan) observations with point potential evaporation (Ep) estimates derived using the Morton method. In particular, it focuses on trends in both Ep and Epan. Ep is defined as the potential evaporation from an area which is so small that the effects of the evaporation on the overpassing air would be negligible, while Epan is evaporation measured using a standard pan. The analyses are based on monthly data from 28 sites and refer to the period 1970–2004. The results show that Ep and Epan are strongly correlated on the monthly time scale. Furthermore, the sign of the monthly trends are in agreement, on average, at 60% of the sites. Where there is agreement, positive trends outweigh negative trends. This is consistent with the fact that although trends in Epan and Ep varied from site to site and from month to month, the median trends were positive except for December. The correlation between the trends in both quantities across all sites is statistically significant (R = 0.51) which indicates that projected changes based on climate model outputs can be used to estimate changes in future potential evaporation. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Cisco connects the dots: Aligning leaders with a new organizational structure
Authors: Novak Barrie
Published: June 2008

Cisco's global Technical Services division used a solid change management strategy to implement a new organizational matrix. Ultimately, aligning leaders around the new vision/strategy, executive dynamics, governance, and mind‐sets and behaviors essential for collaboration in the new structure came down to confronting subtler aspects of change—including trust and relationships. The transformation initially focused on vision and strategies, organization design, roles and accountabilities, governance, selection, performance linkages, metrics, and communication. When a postproject assessment surfaced some problems with organizational adoption and alignment, all the leaders convened for a summit to gain alignment, build trust, and lay the foundation for stronger working relationships. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Conducting business in Australia: Prospects and strategies for international managers
Authors: Clark Eugene , Vemuri Ram
Published: June 2008

Australia, with a competitive, modern economy, an educated workforce, modern communications, and its positioning on the doorstep of Asia, has attracted many international businesses that have enjoyed success there. Some companies that immediately come to mind are Nokia and Optus (Singtel) in the case of telecommunications, IKEA in home design, the global accounting firms, and well‐known brands such as Google, Yahoo, and FedEx. Australia has attracted to its shores well‐known food franchises, such as McDonald's, KFC, Starbucks, and Baskin‐Robbins. It has airlines, including Virgin Blue; the big agriculture and mining equipment companies such as Rio Tinto; Rivers and other big clothing companies; computing companies such as Hewlett‐Packard; and manufacturers such as Toyota. Looking to the future, Australia offers significant investment and business opportunities for international managers seeking a presence there for their firms. This article provides an overview of the Australian business, government, and legal scene and offers some practical guidance for managers who decide to venture there. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A previously undiagnosed case of Gerstmann‐Sträussler‐Scheinker disease revealed by PRNP gene analysis in patients with adult‐onset ataxia
Authors: Cagnoli Claudia , Brussino Alessandro , Sbaiz Luca , Di Gregorio Eleonora , Atzori Cristiana , Caroppo Paola , Orsi Laura , Migone Nicola , Buffa Carlo , Imperiale Daniele , Brusco Alfredo
Published: June 2008

Ataxia is a frequently reported symptom in prion diseases (PD) and it is characteristic of Gerstmann‐Sträussler‐Scheinker syndrome (GSS), a genetic PD mainly related to the P102L mutation in the PRNP gene. Our aim was to screen for the P102L and other six known PRNP gene mutations (P105L, A117V, Y145X, E200K, D202N, and V210I) a group of 206 consecutive patients diagnosed with adult‐onset cerebellar ataxia of unknown origin. The patients, negative for the most common acquired and genetic forms, were analyzed using a combination of restriction endonuclease digestion and pyrosequencing; eight, affected by ataxia and cognitive dysfunction, were also sequenced for the PRNP gene. One patient resulted to be heterozygous for the P102L mutation. Retrospectively, the clinical picture was consistent with a “classical” GSS phenotype. In conclusion, the screening for the P102L mutation, or even the sequencing of the PRNP gene should be taken in consideration in patients with late‐onset ataxia (>50 years). © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Interfacial modifications in PS/PMMA and PVC/EVA blends by e‐beam and microwave irradiation: A free volume study
Authors: Raj J.M. , Ranganathaiah C. , Ganesh S.
Published: June 2008

Phase modifications in a partially miscible blend PS/PMMA and an immiscible blend PVC/EVA have been brought about using electron beam and microwave irradiation to improve the interfacial tension. These changes have been characterized by positron lifetime technique through free volume monitoring with support from DSC measurements. The hydrodynamic interaction parameter deduced from free volume data turns out to be a good parameter to characterize the interfacial changes compared with free volume data itself. The free volume data also confirms that the conventional DSC measurements are not adequate to differentiate the level of miscibility or interfacial tension. Present data based on hydrodynamic interaction parameter indicate that microwave irradiation is a better route to stabilize the interfaces than e‐beam irradiation. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Theoretical evidence of the Ni(III) participation in the chlorophenol oxidation on tetrasulphonated nickel phthalocyanine
Authors: Cárdenas‐Jirón Gloria I. , Berríos Cristhian
Published: June 2008

A theoretical methodology at B3LYP/LACVP(d)++ level for describing the oxidation of six chlorophenols (CP) on a nickel tetrasulphonated phthalocyanine (NiTSPc) is presented. The chlorophenols studied are: 2‐chlorophenol (2‐CP), 4‐chlorophenol (4‐CP), 2,4‐dichlorophenol (2,4‐CP), 2,6‐dichlorophenol (2,6‐CP), 2,4,6‐trichlorophenol (2,4,6‐CP), and pentachlorophenol (P‐CP). On the basis of the experimental facts obtained by cyclic voltammetry, where the CP oxidation was carried out on poly‐NiTSPc modified glassy carbon electrodes, the different stages (A–D) produced along the oxidation–reduction process were characterized at theoretical level, thereby obtaining their molecular and electronic structures. We found that the stage C, represented by the interaction of a chlorophenol anion with the Ni(III) complex shows, except in 2,4‐CP and P‐CP, the CP oxidation in all chlorophenols. These results predict Ni(III) to be the oxidation state that produce the oxidation of chlorophenol, in complete agreement with the experimental results. Natural bond analysis gives evidence for explaining why 2,4‐CP and P‐CP do not show a CP oxidation. A strong delocalization toward a α‐carbon of the phenolic ring from a β‐carbon (206.31 kcal/mol for 2,4‐CP, 200.66 kcal/mol for P‐CP) and from the oxygen atom (58.67 kcal/mol for 2,4‐CP, 83.91 kcal/mol for P‐CP) seems to be the responsible for avoiding the CP oxidation with the Ni(III) complex. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2008
Comparative digestion studies in wild suids at Rotterdam Zoo
Authors: Clauss Marcus , Nijboer Joeke , Loermans Jochem H. M. , Roth Thomas , Van der Kuilen Jan , Beynen Anton C.
Published: June 2008

Among the artiodactyla, the suids are a group whose digestive physiology has hardly been investigated. The apparent digestibilities (aD) of macronutrients were measured in captive specimens of warthog (Phacochoerus africanus), red river hog (Potamochoerus porcus), and Visayan warty pigs (Sus cebifrons), and compared with those reported for babirusa (Babyrousa babyrussa) from the same facility on a similar diet. The animals were fed mixed diets of pelleted feed, grains, fruits, and vegetables; dietary neutral detergent fiber (NDF) ranged from 17 to 26% dry matter. aD of organic matter and protein ranged from 72 to 89 and 70 to 82%, respectively. Although red river hogs and warty pigs achieved aD of NDF of 41–54%, this value was higher both in warthogs (63–66%) and babirusa (61–63%). aD of acid detergent fiber was comparatively low in red river hogs (4%), warty pigs (22%), and babirusa (13–25%) but high in warthog (59–62%). Comparison with additional literature data (including peccaries) indicates that in spite of differences in digestive anatomy, suids and peccaries are similar, and resemble other herbivores in fundamental characteristics, such as the negative influence of fiber on overall digestibility, or the positive influence of dietary protein on protein digestion. Although the existing data are equivocal as to a superior fiber digestion in peccaries as compared with other wild suids, the results suggest that warthogs are more efficient than other wild suids or peccaries in terms of fiber digestion. Zoo Biol 27:305–319, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The paclitaxel site in tubulin probed by site‐directed mutagenesis of Saccharomyces cerevisiae β‐tubulin
Authors: Entwistle Ruth A. , Winefield Robert D. , Foland Travis B. , Lushington Gerald H. , Himes Richard H.
Published: June 2008

Previously, we created a paclitaxel‐sensitive strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae by mutating five amino acid residues in β‐tubulin in a strain that has a decreased level of the ABC multidrug transporters. We have used site‐directed mutagenesis to examine the relative importance of the five residues in determining sensitivity of this strain to paclitaxel. We found that the change at position 19 from K (brain β‐tubulin) to A (yeast β‐tubulin) and at position 227 from H (brain β‐tubulin) to N (yeast β‐tubulin) had no effect on the activity of paclitaxel. On the other hand, the changes V23T, D26G and F270Y, drastically reduced sensitivity of AD1‐8‐tax to paclitaxel. Molecular modeling and computational studies were used to explain the results.
TIMP‐1 expression in human colorectal cancer is associated with TGF‐B1, LOXL2, INHBA1, TNF‐AIP6 and TIMP‐2 transcript profiles
Authors: Offenberg Hanne , Brünner Nils , Mansilla Francisco , Ørntoft Torben F. , Birkenkamp-Demtroder Karin
Published: June 2008

The balance of activity between the endogenous enzyme inhibitors known as tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases and their targets, the matrix metalloproteinases, in the extracellular matrix is thought to play an important role in tumour cell invasion. Supporting this notion, we have shown that colorectal cancer patients have increased plasma levels of the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases‐1 (TIMP‐1), and that high plasma TIMP‐1 levels are associated with short colorectal cancer patient survival. However, although TIMP‐1 has been extensively studied in cancer, very little is known about how it is regulated. To further elucidate potential mechanisms of regulation of this protein, we did a number of experiments to look at associations between the transcript profile of TIMP‐1 with known matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) as well as with expression profiles of other genes differentially regulated in human colorectal cancer (CRC) and the other TIMPs 2–4, which have also been associated with the progression of colorectal cancer. Genome‐wide expression profiling of 172 CRC and normal mucosa samples was used to identify transcript changes for the genes under investigation. We found that TIMP‐1 was up‐regulated in CRC samples compared with normal tissue, while TIMP‐2 was down‐regulated. Eight MMPs were up‐regulated in CRC compared with normal tissue. Correlating up‐regulated genes with the TIMP‐1 transcript, we identified 13 that were also up‐regulated in cancerous tissue. Among these were genes associated with the synthesis of extracellullar matrix, genes involved in the TGF‐beta signalling pathway, and genes that are likely transcribed by the tumour cells. These insights add to the complex picture emerging about the regulation of TIMPs in colorectal cancer.
CONSTRUCTIVE TRUSTS: A NEW MODEL FOR EQUITY AND UNJUST ENRICHMENT
Authors: Etherton Terence
Published: June 2008

A comprehensive review, or what has been variously described as the classification or mapping or taxonomy, of constructive trusts would require analysis of areas of law as diverse as vendor and purchaser transactions, the perfection of imperfect gifts, fully secret and half secret trusts, breach of fiduciary duty, and accessory liability for breach of trust, among several others. The search for an acceptable, universally acknowledged, principle for the establishment of a constructive trust, which gives coherence to past decisions and provides a clear guide for the future, will certainly prove elusive in relation to the many different areas of law and fact in which constructive trusts arise.
ETHICAL INVESTMENTS: A CASE OF DISJOINTED THINKING
Authors: Thornton Rosy
Published: June 2008

In an era of globally available information, members of the public cannot help but be aware of the impact of different industries, and within them individual enterprises, upon their workforce, consumers and the environment. Those with money to invest in are increasingly conscious of how the selections they make when purchasing shares may have wide-reaching effects. Quite naturally, many are concerned to try to make responsible investment choices; the ethical investment industry has itself become a multi-million pound business.
Resurrection as surplus and possibility: Moltmann and Ricoeur
Authors: Singh Devin
Published: June 2008

Though Moltmann and Ricoeur have a history of interaction, little attention has been paid to this relationship and its implications for their respective programmes. These thinkers have much in common, however, and the Ricoeurian categories of surplus and possibility elucidate critical aspects of a theology of hope, serving to strengthen its contemporary implications. Nuance is provided for the resurrection's role in redemption, and an existential mode of hope is delineated. Focusing on Moltmann's interactions with Ricoeur concerning the resurrection elevates these latent themes and demonstrates the fruitfulness of a continued conversation between these two thinkers. Furthermore, examining Moltmann's thought in Ricoeurian perspective opens new directions for conceptualising resurrection hope and praxis in a postmodern context.
The Bible in Africa: a novel usage in Africa's new churches
Authors: Gifford Paul
Published: June 2008

To the extent there is an African academic approach, it is comparative (showing that the African world has similarities with the biblical). There are some “post-colonial” and similar readings, but this academic study is in the main done by Western-trained academics and directed at Western readers. There has been relatively little study of the way the Bible is actually used in churches, especially at the very grassroots. In mainline churches, the Bible is generally taken (as in the West) as a book of revelation which the preacher must expound and apply. In the new fast-growing Pentecostal sector the Bible is conceived quite differently, and understood as a record of covenants, promises, pledges and commitments between God and his chosen. It is not just a record of covenants and commitments to others in the past. It is not primarily a historical document at all. It is a contemporary document; it tells of God's covenant with and commitment to me, and to me now. These promises in scripture are effected in believers' lives through proclamation. The major biblical motifs in this emerging Christianity are thus those stressing victory, success, hope, achievement. The texts that are dominant are therefore prophetic texts, and narratives of those who can be made to illustrate success.
The behaviour of solutions of the Gaussian curvature equation near an isolated boundary point
Authors: KRAUS DANIELA , ROTH OLIVER
Published: June 2008

A classical result of Nitsche [22] about the behaviour of the solutions to the Liouville equation Δu= 4e2unear isolated singularities is generalized to solutions of the Gaussian curvature equation Δu= −κ(z)e2uwhere κ is a negative Hölder continuous function. As an application a higher–order version of the Yau–Ahlfors–Schwarz lemma for complete conformal Riemannian metrics is obtained.
Nutritional status of Tunisian adolescents: associated gender, environmental and socio-economic factors
Authors: Aounallah-Skhiri Hajer , Romdhane Habiba Ben , Traissac Pierre , Eymard-Duvernay Sabrina , Delpeuch Francis , Achour Noureddine , Maire Bernard
Published: June 2008

Objective

To assess the nutritional status of Tunisian adolescents and associated factors.

Design

A cross-sectional study based on a national stratified random cluster sample.

Subjects and methods

In all, 1295 boys and 1577 girls aged 15–19 years, of whom 28·4 % had already left school. Socio-economic characteristics of the parents, anthropometric measurements, food behaviours and physical activity of the adolescents were recorded during home visits.

Results

Prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity (WHO/National Center for Health Statistics reference) were, respectively, 8·1 %, 17·4 % and 4·1 % among boys and 1·3 %, 20·7 % and 4·4 % among girls; abdominal obesity was highly prevalent among both sexes. Prevalence of overweight differed by region (from 11·5 % to 22·2 %) and was higher in urbanv. rural areas for males (21·7 %v. 10·4 %) but not for females (21·7 %v. 19·2 %). These differences were partially mediated by socio-economic and lifestyle factors for males. For females, influence of cultural factors is hypothesised. In rural areas, overweight was more prevalent among boys of higher economic level households, having a working mother or a sedentary lifestyle; for girls, prevalence increased with the level of education of the mother. In urban areas, prevalence of overweight was related to eating habits: it was higher for boys with irregular snacking habits and for girls skipping daily meals. Urban girls having left school were also more overweight.

Conclusion

Overweight and abdominal obesity in late adolescence have become a true public health problem in Tunisia with the combined effects of cultural tradition for girls in rural areas, and of rapid economic development for boys and girls in cities.
HAWIK-IV
Authors: Petermann Franz , Petermann Ulrike
Published: June 2008

Der HAWIK-IV gehört international zu den prominentesten psychometrischen Verfahren. Es werden grundlegende Aspekte zum HAWIK-IV und seine Aussagekraft im klinischen und pädagogischen Bereich (z. B. Hochbegabtendiagnostik; Leistungsprofile von Kindern mit Migrationshintergrund) diskutiert. Weiterhin wird verdeutlicht, wie stark die erfasste kognitive Leistung vom Bildungsstand der Eltern abhängt und welche Fehler des Testleiters häufig auftreten.
Improving the operational forecasting system of the stratified flow in Osaka Bay using an ensemble Kalman filter–based steady state Kalman filter
Authors: El Serafy Ghada Y. H. , Mynett Arthur E.
Published: June 2008

Numerical models of a water system are always based on assumptions and simplifications that may result in errors in the model's predictions. Such errors can be reduced through the use of data assimilation and thus can significantly improve the success rate of the predictions and operational forecasts. The ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) is a generic data assimilation method which is suited for highly nonlinear models. However, for three‐dimensional operational systems such as in the case of Osaka Bay, Japan, a full EnKF would be computationally too demanding. In the present paper, a steady state Kalman filter (SSKF) simplification based on the correlation scales derived from the EnKF is proposed. This EnKF‐based SSKF (EnSSKF) as presented in this paper is applied in combination with the three‐dimensional Delft3D‐FLOW system, modeling the stratified circulation system of Osaka Bay in Japan. The aim of the application of the EnSSKF is to improve the daily operational forecasts of salinity and current profiles for engineering activities within the basin. Salinity and velocity components were assimilated on an hourly basis for the period 13–28 February 2002. The results of the filter performance and its forecasting ability are presented. The performance of the EnSSKF for improving the profiles of salinity and velocity components forecast during the first 24 h forecast is illustrated.