bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of genetic lineages of human metapneumovirus in Croatia during the winter season 2005/2006
Authors: Ljubin‐Sternak Sunčanica , Šantak Maja , Čepin‐Bogović Jasna , Baće Ana , Vojnović Gordana , Mlinarić‐Galinović Gordana , Forčić Dubravko , Draženović Vladimir , Falsey Ann R.
Published: May 2008

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is an important respiratory pathogen, especially among young children. The genetic characteristics of HMPV circulating in Croatia have not been studied so far. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of HMPV infection in hospitalized children with acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI) in the season 2005/2006 in Croatia, as well as to perform the genotypic analysis of detected HMPV strains. From December 1 to March 31 nasopharyngeal secretions (NPSs) were collected from 402 inpatients up to 5 years of age with ARTI. NPSs were tested by real‐time RT‐PCR assay targeting the nucleoprotein (N) gene of HMPV. HMPV infection was detected in 33 patients (8.2%). To perform the phylogenetic study, partial nucleotide sequences were obtained for HMPV fusion (F) gene of 30 HMPV positive samples. Phylogenetic analysis showed the circulation of two main genetic lineages (A and B), with B lineages being prevalent. It also showed the existence of two sublineages within the group B (B1 and B2) and three subclusters within lineage A (A1, A2a and A2b). Further molecular analysis revealed point mutations in HMPV strains of sublineage B1. J. Med. Virol. 80: 1282–1287, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Outbreak studies of a GII‐3 and a GII‐4 norovirus revealed an association between HBGA phenotypes and viral infection
Authors: Tan Ming , Jin Miao , Xie Huaping , Duan Zhaojun , Jiang Xi , Fang Zhaoyin
Published: May 2008

Noroviruses are the major viral pathogen of epidemic acute gastroenteritis. Two outbreaks of norovirus gastroenteritis that occurred in China in 2003 and 2006, caused by a GII‐4 and a GII‐3 strain, respectively, were studied to investigate potential association between viral infection and histo‐blood types of hosts. The histo‐blood group antigen (HBGA) phenotypes of 146 subjects (16 from the GII‐3 and 130 from the GII‐4 outbreaks) were determined in a saliva‐based EIA. Our results showed that the secretor status of individuals was strongly associated with infection in the two outbreaks (P = 0.0007, OR = 0.044, 95% CI, 0.003–0.765); none of the nonsecretor in either outbreak developed symptomatic infection. The infection rate of individuals with the ABH and Lewis blood types varied between the two outbreaks. In the GII‐4 outbreak, association of ABH blood types with noroviral infection (P = 0.001, Chi‐square = 16.13) has been observed, in which the type A individuals had an increased risk of infection [61% in the symptomatic group (n = 41) vs. 30% in the asymptomatic group (n = 89), P = 0.0001], while the type O individuals showed a decreased infection rate (17% vs. 48% in the two groups, P = 0.0048). In the GII‐3 outbreak, however, individuals with the H antigen only appeared to have a higher rate of infection (33% vs. 14%, P = 0.059). Our study provided further evidence in the association between noroviral infection and the HBGA types of hosts. While the nonsecretor phenotype appears naturally resistant to these two strains, additional determinants on the HBGAs also may play roles in host range of the two strains. J. Med. Virol. 80: 1296–1301, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Variability of gB and gH genes of human herpesvirus‐6 among clinical specimens
Authors: Achour Abla , Malet Isabelle , Le Gal Frédéric , Dehée Axelle , Gautheret‐Dejean Agnès , Bonnafous Pascale , Agut Henri
Published: May 2008

The isolates of human herpesvirus‐6 (HHV‐6), a betaherpesvirus closely related to human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), are classified as either variants A (HHV‐6A) or B (HHV‐6B) but their intravariant variability has not been studied extensively so far. The full‐length genes of envelope glycoproteins gB and gH from 40 distinct HHV‐6‐DNA‐positive specimens and 11 laboratory strains were amplified using PCR, and their nucleotide sequence determined. Nucleotide divergences were observed at 156 (6.2%) and 98 (4.7%) positions in the case of gB and gH genes respectively. Phylogenetic analysis, including reference strain sequences, confirmed the unambiguous distinction between HHV‐6A and HHV‐6B for both genes. In the case of HHV‐6B isolates, two subgroups of gB gene (designated as gB‐B1 and gB‐B2) and two subgroups of gH gene (gH‐B1 and gH‐B2) were identified but the phylogenetic trees of both genes were not fully congruent with each other. The analysis of gB and gH protein sequences showed that 26 and 39 critical amino acid changes respectively permitted the unambiguous distinction between HHV‐6A and HHV‐6B. Among HHV‐6B isolates, gB and gH gene subgroups were characterized by specific amino acid signatures made of six, and two residues respectively. The linkage unbalance between amino acid signatures as well as the distribution of crucial nucleotide changes strongly suggested the occurrence of intravariant recombination within gB gene among HHV‐6B isolates. These results indicate that, as in the case of HCMV, homologous recombination may contribute to the genetic variability of HHV‐6. J. Med. Virol. 80: 1211–1221, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Outbreaks of hepatitis A in England and Wales associated with two co‐circulating hepatitis A virus strains
Authors: Ngui Siew‐Lin , Granerod Julia , Jewes Linda A. , Crowcroft Natasha S. , Teo Chong‐Gee
Published: May 2008

During 2002, an upsurge in frequency of hepatitis A outbreaks among injecting drug users was observed in England and Wales. As lack of risk factor information and the high mobility of the cases made linkage of outbreaks difficult, the relationship of nucleotide sequences in the VP1/2PA junction of the hepatitis A virus (HAV) genome amplified from serum of case‐patients was investigated. A total of 204 HAV RNA positive sera obtained from a network of 23 laboratories were studied. Comparison of the sequences identified two principal strains: ES1 (n = 95) belonging to type IB, and ES2 (n = 72) to type IIIA. Of the remaining samples, 15 were type IA, 11 were type IB and 11 were type IIIA. ES1 predominated in Doncaster and other towns in Trent and northern England, and ES2 in the Midlands and southern England; the difference in geographical distribution between these two strains was significant (P < 0.0001). In comparison to the sporadic cases, cases infected by either ES1 or ES2 tended to be younger, injecting drug users, people in contact with injecting drug users, or those with a history of incarceration in prisons or homelessness (P < 0.0001). Cases infected by ES1 tended to be younger than those by ES2 (P < 0.0001). The association of the outbreaks to two geographically restricted strains implicates two principal transmission pathways associated with injecting behavior. Identifying these routes may be conducive to preventing further outbreaks. J. Med. Virol. 80: 1181–1188, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Efficient neutralizing activity of cocktailed recombinant human antibodies against hepatitis a virus infection in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Cao Jingyuan , Meng Shufang , Li Chuan , Ji Yan , Meng Qingling , Zhang Quanfu , Liu Feng , Li Jiandong , Bi Shengli , Li Dexin , Liang Mifang
Published: May 2008

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is the major pathogen responsible for acute infectious hepatitis A, a disease that is prevalent worldwide. Although HAV immunization effectively prevents infection, primary immunizations must be administered at least 2 weeks prior to HAV exposure. In contrast, passive immunization with pooled human immunoglobulin (Ig) can provide immediate and rapid protection from HAV infection. Because the use of human sera‐derived Igs carries the risk of contamination, we sought to develop recombinant HAV‐neutralizing human antibodies. We prepared a combinatorial phage display library of recombinant human anti‐HAV antibodies from RNA extracted from the blood lymphocytes of a convalescent hepatitis A patient. Two recombinant human IgG antibodies, HAIgG16 and HAIgG78, were screened from the antibody library by their ability to bind with high affinity to purified, inactivated HAV virions. These antibodies recognized different epitopes of the HAV virion capsid, and competed with both patient sera and well‐characterized neutralizing mouse monoclonal antibodies. A cocktailed mixture of HAIgG16 and HAIgG78 at a 3:1 ratio was prepared to compare its combined biological activity with that conferred by each antibody individually. The cocktailed antibodies displayed a stronger neutralizing activity in vitro than that observed with either HAIgG16 and HAIgG78 alone. To determine the in vivo neutralizing abilities of these antibodies, rhesus monkeys were inoculated with cocktailed antibodies and challenged with HAV. Whereas control animals developed hepatitis A and seroconverted to the HAV antibody, animals receiving cocktailed antibodies were protected either from viral infection or from developing clinical hepatitis. These results demonstrate that recombinant human antibody preparations could be used to prevent or treat early‐stage HAV infection. J. Med. Virol. 80: 1171–1180, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Oral mucosal reactivation rates of herpesviruses among HIV‐1 seropositive persons
Authors: Griffin Elizabeth , Krantz Elizabeth , Selke Stacy , Huang Meei‐Li , Wald Anna
Published: May 2008

Herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus and Epstein‐Barr virus infections are prevalent among HIV‐1 infected persons. The relationships between salivary shedding of these herpesviruses have not been characterized. Salivary samples were collected on a median of 61 consecutive days from 41 HIV‐1 seropositive persons and tested for HSV‐1, HSV‐2, CMV and EBV. HSV was detected on 5%, CMV on 19% and EBV on 71% of the days of sampling. HSV shedding was not related to CMV or EBV shedding rates. Persons with EBV shedding rates >40% had CMV DNA detected in their saliva significantly more often than those with EBV shedding rates ≤40% (P = 0.008). The odds of detecting CMV were greater on days with HSV (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.4, 4.4) or EBV (OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.9, 7.9) shedding. No significant associations between HSV shedding rates and CD4 count, plasma HIV‐1 RNA or HAART were observed. Increasing plasma HIV‐1 RNA was associated with greater frequency (P = 0.01) and quantity (P < 0.001) of EBV shedding. Among persons not receiving HAART, CD4 counts >200 cells/mm3 were associated with lower frequency (P = 0.02) and quantity (P = 0.03) of CMV compared with CD4 counts ≤200 cells/mm3. These data suggest that separate factors influence mucosal shedding of each of the three classes of herpesviruses but that virological interactions between the pathogens also exist. J. Med. Virol. 80: 1153–1159, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Monitoring and controlling intramedullary pressure increase in long bone instrumentation: A study on sheep
Authors: Smith Paul N. , Leditschke Anne , McMahon Damian , Sample Roxanne R. , Perriman Diana , Prins Anne , Brüssel Thomas , Li Rachel W.
Published: May 2008

Intramedullary reamed nailing causes elevation in intramedullary pressure and extravazation of intramedullary contents into the venous blood system. This study investigated the effect of an intramedullary suction system, recently developed in our laboratory, on the pressure and fat extravazation in isolated bovine bone and a sheep model. During reaming, the pressure with and without suction was recorded at each step of the procedure. Hemodynamic parameters of mean arterial blood pressure, pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary arterial CO2 (PaCO2), heart rate, and oxygen saturation were monitored. Blood and lung tissue samples were collected for the examination of medullary fat intravazation. The increases of intramedullary pressure were dramatically reduced in the suction group (p < 0.05) in both in vitro and in vivo experiments. PaCO2 was significantly lower in the suction group than nonsuction group (32 vs. 40 mmHg, respectively, p = 0.02), while oxygen saturation was higher in the suction group (99 vs. 91 mmHg, respectively, p = 0.009). Histological data revealed a significant higher count of fat emboli in sheep lung tissue in the nonsuction group. Total lipids in lung specimens was lower in the suction group (7.6 mg/g tissue) than in the nonsuction group (13.6 mg/g, p = 0.04). The suction system appears to control the surge in intramedullary pressure and therefore prevent fat embolism. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:1327–1333, 2008
Chondrogenic differentiation capacity of human mesenchymal progenitor cells derived from subchondral cortico‐spongious bone
Authors: Neumann Katja , Dehne Tilo , Endres Michaela , Erggelet Christoph , Kaps Christian , Ringe Jochen , Sittinger Michael
Published: May 2008

Microfracture is frequently used to repair articular cartilage defects and allows mesenchymal progenitors to migrate from subchondral bone into the defect and form cartilaginous repair tissue. The aim of our study was to analyze the cell surface antigen pattern and the differentiation capacity of cells derived from human subchondral bone. Human progenitor cells were derived from subchondral cortico‐spongious bone and grown in the presence of human serum. Stem cell‐related cell surface antigens were analyzed by flowcytometry. Cortico‐spongious progenitor (CSP) cells showed presence of CD73, CD90, CD105, and STRO‐1. Multilineage differentiation potential of CSP cells was documented by histological staining and by gene expression analysis of osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic marker genes. CSP cells formed a mineralized matrix as demonstrated by von Kossa staining and showed induction of osteocalcin, independent of osteogenic stimulation. During adipogenic differentiation, the adipogenic marker genes fatty acid binding protein 4 and peroxisome proliferative activated receptor γ were induced. Immunohistochemical staining of cartilage‐specific type II collagen and induction of the chondrocytic marker genes cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, aggrecan, and types II and IX collagen confirmed TGFβ3‐mediated chondrogenic lineage development. CSP cells from subchondral bone, as known from microfracture, are multipotent stem cell‐like mesenchymal progenitors with a high chondrogenic differentiation potential. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:1449–1456, 2008
Effect of surface topography on removal of cortical bone screws in a novel sheep model
Authors: Pearce Alexandra I. , Pearce Simon G. , Schwieger Karsten , Milz Stefan , Schneider Erich , Archer Charles W. , Richards R. Goeff
Published: May 2008

Difficulty in removing implants used in trauma patients can be a complication, and increased bone–implant adhesion likely is a major contributing factor. In vitro studies have shown that surface morphology of implant materials has the ability to influence cellular responses, with polished surfaces decreasing the potential for mineralization. This study examined the effect of polishing commercially pure titanium (cpTi) and the titanium alloy TAN on the removal torque and percentage bone–implant contact in cortical and cancellous bone of sheep. Polishing had a significant effect on both removal torque and percentage bone–implant contact, with the polished implants demonstrating a lower removal torque in both cortical and cancellous bone. Polished cpTi and stainless steel were similar in terms of surface roughness and removal torque. However, polished TAN, which was not as smooth as polished cpTi, did not show the same low level for reducing removal torque. Improved polishing of TAN should reduce the removal torque further. The results of the study show that polishing is promising in improving the ease of implant removal after fracture fixation and repair. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:1377–1383, 2008
Comparison of analytical methods for the quality control of a new formulation containing soy extract and melatonin
Authors: Saracino Maria Addolorata , Mercolini Laura , Musenga Alessandro , Bugamelli Francesca , Raggi Maria Augusta
Published: May 2008

Three analytical methods have been developed and compared for the quality control of a new formulation (Soymen GN® capsules) containing soy extract and melatonin for the treatment of menopausal symptoms. The first method is based on MEKC with diode‐array detection, using a mixture of basic carbonate buffer (95%) and methanol (5%), containing 55 mM SDS, as the BGE. The second method is an HPLC method with UV detection at 260 nm. The third method is an HPLC method coupled to amperometric detection which is carried out at an oxidation potential of +0.8 V. In both HPLC systems, the chromatographic separation is obtained on an RP C18 column using a mixture of ACN and an acidic phosphate buffer (25:75 v/v) as the mobile phase. A feasible pretreatment procedure with a methanol/water mixture has been implemented to achieve the quantitative extraction of the main soy isoflavones and of melatonin from the capsules. The results obtained with the three methods are in good agreement with each other and satisfactory in terms of linearity (r2 >0.9996), precision (RSD <5.4%) and accuracy (recovery >97%). Thus, each of the three analytical methods seems to be suitable for the simultaneous analysis of the main soy isoflavones and melatonin in the new commercial formulation.
Phase optimized liquid chromatography as an instrument for steroid analysis
Authors: Kuehnle Maximilian , Rehbein Jens , Holtin Karsten , Dietrich Benjamin , Gradl Manuela , Yeman Helen , Albert Klaus
Published: May 2008

A new method using phase optimized LC (POPLC) for the analysis of steroids is described. The retention factors and the theoretical plate numbers of different steroids were determined for four different stationary phases. Based on these values, an optimal stationary phase composition and the resultant chromatogram have been calculated by an optimization software and compared to the measured data. It is demonstrated that these predicted data show only little differences to the experimental results. Furthermore, it is shown that the overall selectivity of the optimal stationary phase composition is much better than the selectivity of any individual stationary phase.
Purification and preparation of compounds from an extract of Scutellaria barbata D. Don using preparative parallel high performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Wang Yanping , Xue Xingya , Xiao Yuansheng , Zhang Feifang , Xu Qing , Liang Xinmiao
Published: May 2008

Preparative parallel high performance liquid chromatography combined with solvent partition and other pretreatments were adopted to separate and purify compounds from an extract of Scutellaria barbata D. Don. Mass‐triggered fraction collection allowed the rapid and precise isolation of target compounds. Twelve compounds were isolated from the extract of S. barbata D. Don, their purity in area percent was determined by HPLC analysis, and the structures of seven compounds were further identified with HPLC/ESI‐MS, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR, among which 4‐(3,4‐dihydroxy‐phenyl)‐but‐3‐en‐2‐one, acacetin‐7‐diglucuronide, and luteolin‐7‐diglucuronide were the first to be identified from this plant. The results demonstrated that multi‐channel parallel preparative HPLC/UV/MS is an efficient method for isolation and purification of compounds from natural products.
Elucidation of fatty acid profiles in vegetable oils exploiting group‐type patterning and enhanced sensitivity of comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography
Authors: Tranchida Peter Quinto , Giannino Agostino , Mondello Monica , Sciarrone Danilo , Dugo Paola , Dugo Giovanni , Mondello Luigi
Published: May 2008

The present research is focused on the use of comprehensive 2‐D GC (GC×GC) for the thorough elucidation of fatty acid (FA) profiles contained in vegetable oils; the samples analysed consisted of extra‐virgin olive oil and refined hazelnut oil. The enhanced sensitivity and the formation of group‐type patterns provided by GC×GC enabled the identification and quantification of both well‐known and rather unexpected FAs contained in the lipid matrices. Peak assignment was, in most cases, supported by using pure standard compounds. Of particular interest was the identification of a series of odd‐numbered FAs in both samples. The results attained to demonstrate the usefulness of GC×GC also for the analysis of supposedly low‐complex samples.
Kinetics of inhibition of peroxidase activity of myeloperoxidase by quercetin
Authors: Momić Tatjana , Vujčić Zoran , Vasić Vesna
Published: May 2008

The inhibition of myeloperoxidase (MPO), isolated from human neutrophils, by quercetin was investigated by following peroxidase activity of the enzyme using o‐dianisidine as the substrate. The inhibition parameters (IC50) were obtained by graphical analysis of the inhibition curves. A reaction mechanism, which involved the enzyme inhibition by quercetin and H2O2 in excess, was proposed. The rate and equilibrium constants for the proposed reaction path were calculated from experimental data. Kinetic analysis in noninhibiting H2O2 concentration range in the absence and the presence of quercetin revealed that the reaction mechanism underwent Michaelis–Menten kinetics. K and V values indicated that quercetin was a mixed inhibitor of MPO activity. The initial reaction rates were recalculated using the obtained results. Calculated curves fitted the experimental results within the range of experimental error. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 40: 384–394, 2008
Spectrometric study of solute–solvent interactions for the solvolysis of chloropentaamine cobalt(III) complex in binary aqueous mixtures
Authors: El‐Subruiti Gehan M. , Younes Ghassan O. , Zeitouni Farah S. , Amira Mohamed F.
Published: May 2008

Kinetic studies of solvent structure effects and solute–solvent interactions on the solvolysis of [Co(NH3)5Cl]2+ complex ion have been investigated spectrophotometrically in binary aqueous mixtures. Three cosolvents were used (acetonitrile, dimethylsulfoxide, and urea) over a wide range of temperatures. Nonlinear plots were found for log(rate constant) against the reciprocal of the relative permitivity of the medium. The enthalpy and entropy of activation (ΔH# and ΔS#) exhibited extrema in the same composition region where the physical properties indicate sharp changes in the structure of the solvent, confirming that the solvent structure is an important factor in determining the solvolytic reactivity. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 40: 416–422, 2008
Firm‐specific knowledge and competitive advantage: evidence and KM practices
Authors: Andreu Rafael , Baiget Joan , Canals Agustí
Published: May 2008

Firm‐specific, idiosyncratic knowledge is increasingly being recognized as a possible source of competitive advantage in today's business world, where more traditional sources seem to become less effective, to the extent of suggesting new approaches to strategy theory and even to the theory of the firm. This is routinely confirmed by the preliminary results from an on‐going study of knowledge management (KM) approaches and practices used in Spanish firms. In this study, several senior management respondents unambiguously consider firm‐specific knowledge very important for their firms' competitiveness, although they recognize, not surprisingly, that general purpose knowledge is also needed and in a higher proportion. However, when the specific KM practices used are analysed, it turns out that the majority of them do not seem to be particularly well geared to firm‐specific knowledge development and usage, and neither for the effectiveness of the associated learning activities and processes. This suggests what could be a fundamental mismatch between the type of knowledge involved and appropriate KM practices. In this paper we present preliminary evidence stemming from the aforementioned study, make an attempt to characterize the kind of mismatches detected, and suggest ideas for further research on the practical and theoretical implications of the results obtained. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Defining a knowledge strategy framework for process aligned organizations: an IBM case
Authors: McLaughlin Stephen , Paton Robert A.
Published: May 2008

Many organizations struggling to capitalize on their knowledge assets tend to let their knowledge management systems emerge from existing IT systems and infrastructure. Within a complex business environment this can cause a mismatch between how knowledge assets are, and should be managed. In order to help organizations develop dynamic and effective KM systems, the authors' suggest that organizations need to re‐think how knowledge is created and shared around their core business processes. To be more specific the author's contend that for organizations where inter/intra organizational collaboration is vital to overall end‐to‐end performance, such as in a supply chain, organizations need to consider first the relationship between what the authors see as four key components. These are knowledge strategy, core process optimization, core process performance and knowledge barriers. This paper will explain why these components are important, and the relationship between them. The findings put forward in this paper are based on research concerned with improving process performance through knowledge transfer. The research follows a critical theory approach to identify best knowledge transfer practice across complex organizations. The research is exploratory in nature and a case study methodology is used to support this line of inductive theory building. The findings presented are based on data collated within, and across IBM's integrated supply chain. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of a public sector organizational unit using strategic and operational analysis tools
Authors: Brady Malcolm
Published: May 2008

This paper reports on a project which analyzed the processes carried out by a unit within a public sector organization. The method used a combination of strategic and operational analysis tools. This combination proved to be complementary and effective in practice. The outcome of the study suggests that where a process analysis project has strategic considerations, as many do, then the use of strategic as well as operational analysis tools should be considered. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Organizational governance of knowledge and learning
Authors: Strong Bruce , Davenport Thomas H. , Prusak Laurence
Published: May 2008

Many organizations are making a substantial investment in their knowledge and learning functions. Unfortunately, often these organizations don't realize an optimal level of return from this investment because their programs are poorly governed. We describe what the governance of knowledge and learning is, and based upon a research study that we performed, suggest which forms of governance work best in practice. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Business process management as a tool for intellectual capital management
Authors: Kujansivu Paula , Lönnqvist Antti
Published: May 2008

Many different frameworks and methods have been developed for managing intellectual capital (IC). At the same time, many other management approaches, which companies are already applying in practice, also cover some issues related to IC. Business process management is one such approach. This paper aims to determine whether business process management is applicable for managing IC. The rationale for not implementing an additional management system for IC in some cases is that it may consume too many resources, having two or more overlapping management systems may cause problems for management control and the concepts related to IC may be confusing for the personnel even though the issues being managed, e.g. competencies and company image, are familiar as such. The role of business process management in IC management is examined empirically in a single case study. To explore the research issue in practice and to obtain an in‐depth understanding of the phenomenon, the authors carried out an action research project in a case company. The findings show that IC management can indeed be carried out through business process management. It was discovered, however, that managing IC through business process management is to a great extent about developing IC at an operational level, instead of controlling IC at a strategic level. The study contributes to prior research by illustrating how IC management can be applied in practice without utilising any specific IC management framework (i.e. by using the company's existing managerial approach). Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel, complex interruptions of the GAA repeat in small, expanded alleles of two affected siblings with late‐onset Friedreich ataxia
Authors: Stolle Catherine A. , Frackelton Edward C. , McCallum Jennifer , Farmer Jennifer M. , Tsou Amy , Wilson Robert B. , Lynch David R.
Published: May 2008

Friedreich ataxia (FA) is an autosomal recessive disorder associated with expanded GAA repeats in intron 1 of the FRDA gene. Two siblings presented with a mild form of FA at >60 years of age. Both had a large expansion (>600 repeats) and a small expansion (120 repeats) by long‐range PCR. Sequence analysis of the small allele revealed multiple, complex interruptions in the GAA repeat. These 2 patients presented later than predicted from their allele size alone, when compared with a large cohort of FA patients. Accounting for the interruptions in the GAA repeat, though, did not make the age of onset consistent with that noted in other patients. Three additional patients with late onset FA and small expanded alleles also exhibited interrupted GAA repeats that were not associated with inappropriately late onset. Our observations suggest that interrupted GAA repeats do not clearly impact the age of onset in FA. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Short‐term effects of coenzyme Q10 in progressive supranuclear palsy: A randomized, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Stamelou Maria , Reuss Alexander , Pilatus Ulrich , Magerkurth Jörg , Niklowitz Petra , Eggert Karla M. , Krisp Andrea , Menke Thomas , Schade‐Brittinger Carmen , Oertel Wolfgang H. , Höglinger Günter U.
Published: May 2008

Mitochondrial complex I appears to be dysfunctional in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a physiological cofactor of complex I. Therefore, we evaluated the short‐term effects of CoQ10 in PSP. We performed a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, phase II trial, including 21 clinically probable PSP patients (stage ≤ III) to receive a liquid nanodispersion of CoQ10 (5 mg/kg/day) or matching placebo. Over a 6‐week period, we determined the change in CoQ10 serum concentration, cerebral energy metabolites (by 31P‐ and 1H‐magnetic resonance spectroscopy), motor and neuropsychological dysfunction (PSP rating scale, UPDRS III, Hoehn and Yahr stage, Frontal Assessment Battery, Mini Mental Status Examination, Montgomery Åsberg Depression Scale). CoQ10 was safe and well tolerated. In patients receiving CoQ10 compared to placebo, the concentration of low‐energy phosphates (adenosine‐diphosphate, unphosphorylated creatine) decreased. Consequently, the ratio of high‐energy phosphates to low‐energy phosphates (adenosine‐triphosphate to adenosine‐diphosphate, phospho‐creatine to unphosphorylated creatine) increased. These changes were significant in the occipital lobe and showed a consistent trend in the basal ganglia. Clinically, the PSP rating scale and the Frontal Assessment Battery improved slightly, but significantly, upon CoQ10 treatment compared to placebo. Since CoQ10 appears to improve cerebral energy metabolism in PSP, long‐term treatment might have a disease‐modifying, neuroprotective effect. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
On the structure of motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Stochl Jan , Boomsma Anne , Ruzicka Evzen , Brozova Hana , Blahus Petr
Published: May 2008

This study aims to investigate the structure of the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD), as measured by the Motor Section of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). The dimensionality of the Motor Section of the UPDRS was studied using structural equation modeling. The UPDRS measures were obtained from 405 patients with PD [237 men (39 “off”, 170 “on”, 28 unknown) and 168 women (21 “off”, 140 “on”, 7 unknown)]. The ordinal character of UPDRS scores and sample size substantiated the use of robust diagonally weighted least squares model estimation. It was shown that the Motor Section of the UPDRS incorporates five main latent symptom factors (rigidity, tremor, bradykinesia of the extremities, axial/gait bradykinesia, speech/hypomimia) plus two additional factors for laterality, which account for asymmetry of tremor, rigidity and bradykinesia of the extremities. Tremor seems to be an independent symptom factor of PD. Other latent variables are substantially correlated. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Genetic and environmental findings in early‐onset Parkinson's disease Brazilian patients
Authors: de Carvalho Aguiar Patricia , Lessa Patricia Silva , Junior Clecio Godeiro , Barsottini Orlando , Felício Andre Carvalho , Borges Vanderci , de Azevedo Silva Sonia Maria , Saba Roberta Arb , Ferraz Henrique Ballalai , Moreira‐Filho Carlos A. , Andrade Luiz Augusto F.
Published: May 2008

Parkinson's disease (PD) etiology has been attributed both to genetic and environmental factors. In this study, we investigated Brazilian early‐onset PD (EOPD) patients for mutations in PARK2 and PARK8, exposure to environmental factors and possible correlations between PARK2 polymorphisms, environmental exposure, and disease age of onset. We enrolled 72 EOPD index patients and 81 healthy volunteers. Both groups were investigated for environmental exposure. EOPD patients were screened for PARK2 and PARK8 mutations. PARK2 coding polymorphisms Ser167Asn and Val380Leu were investigated in both groups. Mutations were present in 18% of the patients and in 32% of those with a positive family history. PARK2 mutations represented 12.5% and PARK8 mutations accounted for 5.5% of the mutations. A novel PARK2 mutation (D53X) was identified in 2 patients. A positive correlation was found between EOPD and well water drinking. In patients exposed to well water, a later age of onset was observed for those who carried at least one PARK2 380Leu allele. PARK2 mutations have an important role in EOPD Brazilian patients and PARK8 might be the second most important disease causing gene in this group. Well water drinking exposure represents a risk factor for EOPD and the PARK2 coding polymorphism Val380Leu might be interacting with environmental factors acting as a disease modifier. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Cerebral white matter alterations in idiopathic restless legs syndrome, as measured by diffusion tensor imaging
Authors: Unrath Alexander , Müller Hans‐Peter , Ludolph Albert C. , Riecker Axel , Kassubek Jan
Published: May 2008

In search for the pathoanatomical correlate of the restless legs syndrome (RLS), various neuroimaging and electrophysiological techniques have demonstrated partly conflicting results of cortical, subcortical, brainstem, and spinal alterations. In a novel approach, the delineation of potential cerebral white matter tract disruption was investigated by application of quantitative whole brain‐based diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to a well characterized group of 45 patients with idiopathic RLS. The data of patients and 30 healthy controls were statistically compared including computation of regional fractional anisotropy (FA) as a quantitative marker of white matter integrity by use of the tensor imaging and fiber tracking software. In the patient group, multiple subcortical areas of significantly reduced FA were observed bihemispherically in close proximity to the primary and associate motor and somatosensory cortices, in the right‐hemispheric thalamus (posterior ventral lateral nucleus), in motor projectional fibers and adjacent to the left anterior cingulum. Together with the results of a recent study by use of an MRI‐based gray matter analysis, which localized RLS‐associated changes in the sensorimotor cortices, these findings gave support to an altered subcortical network, with the major component of altered cerebral sensorimotor pathways, within a hodological concept of the RLS pathoanatomy. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Quantitative measures of fine motor, limb, and postural bradykinesia in very early stage, untreated Parkinson's disease
Authors: Koop Mandy Miller , Shivitz Nicole , Brontë‐Stewart Helen
Published: May 2008

Few studies have characterized the motor control abnormalities of very early stage Parkinson's disease (PD), when symptoms are mild and usually unilateral. However, this group is the most targeted for potential disease‐modifying therapeutics. We have validated several quantitative measures of bradykinesia with the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale motor disability score (UPDRS III) and have found these useful in studies of advanced PD. In this study, we asked if quantitative measures of finger, forearm, and postural movement velocity could detect bradykinesia in 20 patients with very early stage, untreated PD. The results revealed evidence of significant finger and forearm bradykinesia of the patient group's more affected side when compared to the nondominant side of 19 age‐matched control subjects (P = 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, the patient group's forearm movement velocity on the more affected side was significantly slower than their less affected side (P = 0.005), highlighting the importance of using an outcome measure that is lateralized in studies of very early stage PD. In contrast to our previous study that revealed significant postural bradykinesia in patients with advanced PD, we did not detect postural bradykinesia in patients with very early stage, untreated PD. Based on these findings, we suggest that the use of quantitative, lateralized measures of bradykinesia would be useful in studies of very early stage, untreated PD. These measures may improve a study by: increasing efficiency and objectivity of the evaluation, decreasing cost, and decreasing the number of subjects needed for statistical significance. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Dynamic postural stability during sit‐to‐walk transitions in Parkinson disease patients
Authors: Buckley Thomas A. , Pitsikoulis Chris , Hass Chris J.
Published: May 2008

In an effort to further our understanding of postural control in Parkinson's disease, we biomechanically evaluated the sit to walk task and its component tasks, sit to stand (STS) and gait initiation (GI) in 12 healthy older adults and 12 persons with Parkinson's disease (PWP). Performance was evaluated utilizing motion capture and two force plates. The major finding of this study was the inability of the PWP to appropriately merge the sequential component tasks (STS and GI) during STW. The PWP rose to nearly full height and had a longer delay between seat‐off and gait initiation (P = 0.003 and P < 0.001, respectively) during STW. Additionally, the PWP moved with slower velocities leading to shorter, slower steps and decreased separation of the center of mass and center of pressure. These observed motor sequencing disturbances may be due to a disease related disability or limitations in proprioception, movement speed, muscular strength, and reduced general mobility. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
The variation of Nγ with footing roughness using the method of characteristics
Authors: Kumar Jyant
Published: May 2008

By using the method of characteristics, the effect of footing–soil interface friction angle (δ) on the bearing capacity factor Nγ was computed for a strip footing. The analysis was performed by employing a curved trapped wedge under the footing base; this wedge joins the footing base at a distance Bt from the footing edge. For a given footing width (B), the value of Bt increases continuously with a decrease in δ. For δ=0, no trapped wedge exists below the footing base, that is, Bt/B=0.5. On the contrary, with δ=ϕ, the point of emergence of the trapped wedge approaches toward the footing edge with an increase in ϕ. The magnitude of Nγ increases substantially with an increase in δ/ϕ. The maximum depth of the plastic zone becomes higher for greater values of δ/ϕ. The results from the present analysis were found to compare well with those reported in the literature. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical analysis to discontinuous Galerkin methods for the age structured population model of marine invertebrates
Authors: Sun Guanying , Liang Dong , Wang Wenqia
Published: May 2008

In this article we consider the age structured population growth model of marine invertebrates. The problem is a nonlinear coupled system of the age‐density distribution of sessile adults and the abundance of larvae. We propose the semidiscrete and fully‐discrete discontinuous Galerkin schemes to the nonlinear problem. The DG method is well suited to approximate the local behavior of the problem and to easily take the locally refined meshes with hanging nodes adaptively. The simple communication pattern between elements makes the DG method ideal for parallel computation. The global existence of the approximation solution is proved for the nonlinear approximation system by using the broken Sobolev spaces and the Schauder's fixed point theorem, and error estimates are obtained for both the semidiscrete scheme and the fully‐discrete scheme. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2009
A linear differential game with bounded controls and two information delays
Authors: Glizer Valery Y. , Turetsky Vladimir
Published: May 2008

The problem of intercepting a maneuvering target by a guided interceptor is considered. It is assumed that the interceptor gets the information on the relative velocity and the target lateral acceleration with time delays. This problem is formulated as a zero‐sum differential game with information delays. By using the uncertainty set concept, this differential game is transformed to a new perfect information differential game with a delayed dynamics. The solution of this game is derived, yielding the interception strategy. Illustrative examples are presented. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties of novel polyurethanes/high molecular weight polybenzoxazine blends
Authors: Yeganeh Hamid , Razavi‐Nouri Mohammad , Ghaffari Mehdi
Published: May 2008

In order to prepare tough polyurethane (PU) electrical insulator with improved thermal stability and electrical insulating properties, high molecular weight polybenzoxazine precursor was mixed and co‐cured with crosslinkable urethane prepolymers. Polybenzoxazine precursor (Bmda) was synthesized from reaction of bisphenol‐A, methylenedianiline, and paraformaldehyde. Epoxy‐terminated polyurethanes (EPU1‐4) were prepared by the reaction of glycidol with NCO‐terminated urethane oligomers. The oligomers were prepared from different molecular weight versions of polycaprolactone polyol (CAPA) and hexamethylene diisocyanate. Blends were prepared through thermal treatment of equal weights of two precursors dissolved in chloroform. Optimum curing condition was determined by DSC and DMTA analysis and measurement of the gel content for cured samples. Viscoelastic, thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties of cured samples were investigated and structure–property relationship was established. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermotropic liquid crystalline polyester nanocomposites via in situ intercalation polycondensation
Authors: Ahn Yong‐Ho , Chang Jin‐Hae
Published: May 2008

A thermotropic liquid crystalline polyester (TLCP)/organoclay nanocomposite was synthesized via in situ intercalation polycondensation of diethyl‐2,5‐dihexyloxyterephthalic acid and 4,4′‐biphenol in the presence of organically modified montmorillonite (MMT). The organoclay, C18‐MMT, was prepared by the ion exchange of Na+‐MMT with octadecylamine chloride (C18‐Cl−). TLCP/C18‐MMT nanocomposites were prepared to examine the variations of the thermal properties, morphology, and liquid crystalline phases of the nanocomposites with clay content in the range of 0–7 wt%. It was found that the addition of only a small amount of organoclay was sufficient to improve the thermal behavior of the TLCP hybrids, with maximum enhancement being observed at 1 wt% C18‐MMT. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure–property co‐relationship of fluorinated poly(imide‐siloxane)s
Authors: Ghosh Anindita , Banerjee Susanta
Published: May 2008

Eight poly(imide‐siloxane)s co‐polymers have been prepared by one pot solution imidization method. The polymers are synthesized by the reaction of bisphenol‐A‐dianhydride (BPADA) with fluorinated diamine 4,4′‐bis(3″‐trifluoromethyl‐p‐aminobiphenyl ether) biphenyl, and aminopropyl‐terminated polydimethylsiloxane (APPS). The polymers are synthesized by varying the siloxane loading to 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 wt%, respectively. Thermal, mechanical, rheological, and dielectric properties of these polymers have been evaluated with respect to siloxane loading. The polymers showed glass transition temperature of 107–203°C and tensile strength at break of 24–75 MPa depending on siloxane loading. The elongation break of the polymers ranges from 24 to 144% depending on siloxane loading. The amounts of char residue in the polymers have been correlated with incorporated siloxane in the polymer by NMR techniques. The polymers showed very low water absorption and dielectric constant as low as 2.43 when the siloxane loading is 40 wt%. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Broadband reflection in polymer stabilized cholesteric liquid crystal cells with chiral monomers derived from cholesterol
Authors: Guo Jinbao , Sun Jie , Zhang Lipei , Li Kexuan , Cao Hui , Yang Huai , Zhu Siquan
Published: May 2008

In this study, a series of achiral monomers and chiral monomers of different flexible spacer chains based on cholesteryl moiety were synthesized. Polymer stabilized cholesteric liquid crystal (PSCLC) cells were then created by incorporation of the polymer networks. The influence of the nature of the monomers and the spacer length of chiral monomers on the reflectance properties of PSCLC was investigated as well as the polymerization condition. The results strongly suggest that the chirality of the polymer networks plays an integral role in the observed reflection spectra, and the chiral polymer networks with chiral centers separated well from the polymer backbone induce a greater change in the bulk helix pitch, and produce the broader reflection band in these LC composites. In addition, the temperature dependence of the pitch of the composites before and after polymerization was investigated. To broaden the reflection band further, the experimental processes of thermally induced pitch variation simultaneously with a UV crosslinking reaction of the composites were presented. The morphology of the polymer network in the composites was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of practice development in an emergency department: a pluralistic evaluation
Authors: Moss Cheryle , Walsh Kenneth , Jordan Zoe , Macdonald Lindsay
Published: May 2008

Following completion of a practice development (PD) project in a hospital emergency department (ED,) a pluralistic evaluation was undertaken to assess staff perspectives on the impacts of PD on the ED. Individual and focus group interviews were used to gather data, and thematic and integrative analyses of these were undertaken. The overall findings of the evaluation revealed that the participants consistently felt that PD was a valuable undertaking, was useful for engaging in processes of change and offered positive outcomes both for staff and for patients. The research results generate confidence in the methods of pluralistic evaluation to evaluate the impacts of PD. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd