bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wolcott–Rallison syndrome with 3‐hydroxydicarboxylic aciduria and lethal outcome
Authors: Søvik O. , Njølstad P. R. , Jellum E. , Molven A.
Published: May 2008

Wolcott‐Rallison syndrome (WRS) (OMIM 226980) is a rare, autosomal recessive disorder with infancy‐onset diabetes mellitus, multiple epiphyseal dysplasia, osteopenia, mental retardation or developmental delay, and hepatic and renal dysfunction as main clinical findings. Patients with WRS have mutations in the EIF2AK3 gene, which encodes the pancreatic eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2‐alpha kinase 3. We report a female patient who developed insulin‐requiring diabetes at 2.5 months of age. Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia was diagnosed at age 2 years. At age 5.5 years she developed a Reye‐like syndrome with hypoketotic hypoglycaemia and renal and hepatic insufficiency and died. A partial autopsy showed fat infiltration in the liver and kidneys. Examination of urine by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry showed large amounts of C6‐dicarboxylic acid (adipic acid), 3‐hydroxy‐C8‐dicarboxylic acid, 3‐hydroxy‐C10‐dicarboxylic acid, and 3‐hydroxydecenedioic acid. Acetoacetate and 3‐hydroxybutyrate were absent. The findings suggested a metabolic block in mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation, but lack of material precluded enzyme analyses. The clinical diagnosis of WRS was suggested in retrospect, and confirmed by sequencing of DNA extracted from stored autopsy material. The patient was compound heterozygous for the novel EIF2AK3 mutations c.1694_1695delAT (Y565X) and c.3044T > C (F1015S). Our data suggest that disruption of the EIF2AK3 gene may lead to defective mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation and hypoglycaemia, thus adding to the heterogeneous phenotype of WRS.
Molecular analysis of the iduronate‐2‐sulfatase gene in Thai patients with Hunter syndrome
Authors: Keeratichamroen S. , Ketudat Cairns J. R. , Wattanasirichaigoon D. , Wasant P. , Ngiwsara L. , Suwannarat P. , Pangkanon S. , Kuptanon J. , Tanpaiboon P. , Rujirawat T. , Liammongkolkul S. , Svasti J.
Published: May 2008

Molecular defects in the gene encoding the enzyme iduronate‐2‐sulfatase (IDS) result in Hunter disease (mucopolysaccharidosis type II, MPS II). To determine the molecular basis of MPS II in Thailand, the IDS gene was analysed in 20 Thai patients with Hunter syndrome from 18 unrelated families. A total of 19 different mutations, including 9 missense mutations, 3 nonsense mutations, 3 splice site alterations, 1 deletion, 2 indels, and 1 rearrangement were identified, 8 of which were novel (p.R101C, p.D148V, p.G224A, p.K227E, p.E254X, p.W337X, c.440_442delinsTT and c.720_731delinsTTTCAGATGTTCTCCCCAG). Evaluation of the IDS activity of two hemizygous variants identified in the same patient, p.R101C and p.R468Q, by expression of IDS with the individual mutations in COS 7 cells indicated that only the p.R468Q mutation affected IDS protein activity. Two exonic mutations, c.257C>T (p.P86L) and c.418G>A, were found to activate multiple cryptic splice sites, resulting in aberrantly spliced transcripts. Thus, MPS II in Thailand is caused by a diverse set of defects affecting both IDS protein production and activity.
HydF as a scaffold protein in [FeFe] hydrogenase H‐cluster biosynthesis
Authors: McGlynn Shawn E. , Shepard Eric M. , Winslow Mark A. , Naumov Anatoli V. , Duschene Kaitlin S. , Posewitz Matthew C. , Broderick William E. , Broderick Joan B. , Peters John W.
Published: May 2008

In an effort to determine the specific protein component(s) responsible for in vitro activation of the [FeFe] hydrogenase (HydA), the individual maturation proteins HydE, HydF, and HydG from Clostridium acetobutylicum were purified from heterologous expressions in Escherichia coli. Our results demonstrate that HydF isolated from a strain expressing all three maturation proteins is sufficient to confer hydrogenase activity to purified inactive heterologously expressed HydA (expressed in the absence of HydE, HydF, and HydG). These results represent the first in vitro maturation of [FeFe] hydrogenase with purified proteins, and suggest that HydF functions as a scaffold upon which an H‐cluster intermediate is synthesized.
Variable-density mixing in buoyancy-driven turbulence
Authors: LIVESCU D. , RISTORCELLI J. R.
Published: May 2008

The homogenization of a heterogeneous mixture of two pure fluids with different densities by molecular diffusion and stirring induced by buoyancy-generated motions, as occurs in the Rayleigh–Taylor (RT) instability, is studied using direct numerical simulations. The Schmidt number, Sc, is varied by a factor of 20, 0.1 ≤ Sc ≤ 2.0, and the Atwood number, A, by a factor of 10, 0.05 ≤ A ≤ 0.5. Initial-density intensities are as high as 50% of the mean density. As a consequence of differential accelerations experienced by the two fluids, substantial and important differences between the mixing in a variable-density flow, as compared to the Boussinesq approximation, are observed. In short, the pure heavy fluid mixes more slowly than the pure light fluid: an initially symmetric double delta density probability density function (PDF) is rapidly skewed and, only at long times and low density fluctuations, does it relax to a Gaussian-like PDF. The heavy–light fluid mixing process asymmetry is relevant to the nature of molecular mixing on different sides of a high-Atwood-number RT layer. Diverse mix metrics are used to examine the homogenization of the two fluids. The conventional mix parameter, θ, is mathematically related to the variance of the excess reactant of a hypothetical fast chemical reaction. Bounds relating θ and the normalized product, Ξ, are derived. It is shown that θ underpredicts the mixing, as compared to Ξ, in the central regions of an RT layer; in the edge regions, θ is larger than Ξ. The shape of the density PDF cannot be inferred from the usual mix metrics popular in applications. For example, when θ, Ξ ≥ 0.6, characteristic of the interior of a fully developed RT layer, the PDFs can have vastly different shapes. Bounds on the fluid composition using two low-order moments of the density PDF are derived. The bounds can be used as realizability conditions for low-dimensional models. For the measures studied, the tightest bounds are obtained using Ξ and mean density. The structure of the flow is also examined. It is found that, at early times, the buoyancy production term in the spectral kinetic energy equation is important at all wavenumbers and leads to anisotropy at all scales of motion. At later times, the anisotropy is confined to the largest and smallest scales: the intermediate scales are more isotropic than the small scales. In the viscous range, there is a cancellation between the viscous and nonlinear effects, and the buoyancy production leads to a persistent small-scale anisotropy.
The effect of confinement on the stability of non-swirling round jet/wake flows
Authors: JUNIPER MATTHEW P.
Published: May 2008

It has recently been shown that the instability characteristics of planar jets and wakes change when the flows are confined between two flat plates. This is due to constructive interaction between modes with zero group velocity in the inner and outer flows. In this theoretical study, a linear spatio-temporal analysis is performed on unconfined and confined round jets and wakes in order to discover whether the same effect is observed. There are several similarities between the planar case and the round case as well as some significant differences. Nevertheless, the effect of confinement on round flows is found to be very similar to that on planar flows and to act via the same physical mechanism. This paper examines density ratios from 0.001 to 1000 and has important implications for the design of fuel injectors, which often employ confined shear flows at high Reynolds numbers and large density ratios to generate strong mixing in combustion chambers.
Conidiobolus coronata granuloma of left inferior turbinate: a rare presentation
Authors: Pujary P , Pujary K , Mahesh S G , Valiathan M
Published: May 2008

Objective:

To report a rare genus of a fungal family commonly affecting the sinonasal region, which presented as a fungal granuloma of the inferior turbinate in an immunocompetent host. Such a case has not previously been reported.

Case report:

A 49-year-old man presented with nasal conidiobolus limited to the left inferior turbinate, despite pre-operative fungal culture and tissue biopsy being negative for any fungal growth. On computed tomography scanning of the paranasal sinuses, and peri-operatively, the left inferior turbinate was seen to be enlarged and a bony, cartilaginous spur was found to impinge deep into the inferior turbinate. The spur may have caused microtrauma suitable for spore implantation, leading to fungal granuloma development. This unusual presentation highlights the fact that excision biopsy is diagnostic and therapeutic in such cases.

Conclusion:

Conidiobolus coronata of the inferior turbinate is rare. Such a fungal granuloma may be large enough to be confused with a benign or malignant lesion of the nasal cavity.
The 1st international workshop on computational social choice
Authors: ENDRISS ULLE
Published: May 2008

Absract

Computational social choice is a new discipline currently emerging at the interface of social choice theory and computer science. It is concerned with the application of computational techniques to the study of social choice mechanisms, and with the integration of social choice paradigms into computing. The first international workshop specifically dedicated to this topic took place in December 2006 in Amsterdam, attracting a mix of computer scientists, people working in artificial intelligence and multiagent systems, economists, game and social choice theorists, logicians, mathematicians, philosophers, and psychologists as participants.
PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS OF SKELETAL DYSPLASIAS
Authors: CHITTY LYN S , GRIFFIN DAVID
Published: May 2008

Skeletal anomalies occur with a frequency of around 1:500 and can present a diagnostic challenge when detected prenatally. Increasingly more sophisticated imaging such as MRI or CT may elucidate features more easily interpreted by postnatal radiologists. The aetiology of these anomalies is varied and includes aneuploidy, genetic syndromes, skeletal dysplasias, teratogens, disruption and maternal disease, making a multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis essential. The estimated prevalence of skeletal dysplasias varies from 2–3/10,000 to 4–7/10,000 and diagnosis may require biochemical, cytogenetic, molecular genetic or haematological investigation. Clinical genetic input is often required as the family history or parental examination may yield valuable clues to the diagnosis. This review will briefly describe the normal embryology and sonographic appearances of fetal limb development and go on to suggest a systematic approach to the diagnosis of fetal skeletal dysplasias.
Predictors of well-being in bereaved former hospice caregivers: The role of caregiving stressors, appraisals, and social resources
Authors: Burton Allison M. , Haley William E. , Small Brent J. , Finley Margaret R. , Dillinger-Vasille Marie , Schonwetter Ronald
Published: May 2008

Objective:

The current literature on caregiving and bereavement indicates that the relationship between these two common life events is complex and needs to be further studied in order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of their interaction.

Methods:

In the current project, 50 spouses of hospice patients with end-stage lung cancer or dementia were assessed while caregiving and at an average of 4 months after the death on a variety of measures, including caregiving stressors, appraisals, social resources, and well-being. A stress process model was utilized in order to examine which preloss factors were associated with postloss depression, life satisfaction, and grief.

Results:

Our results indicated that patient diagnosis (cancer or dementia) and caregiver appraisals (stressfulness of functional impairment and positive aspects of caregiving) were not predictors on any of our well-being outcomes. However, fewer months caregiving was a significant predictor of both higher depression and grief postloss. Additionally, lower levels of social activities, smaller social networks, and lower satisfaction with social support were significantly associated with higher postloss depression.

Significance of results:

Results support both the resource depletion and anticipatory grief hypotheses and suggest that short-term bereavement outcomes are different than factors that predict well-being while caregiving. Future studies should address whether long-term bereavement outcomes differ by baseline caregiving characteristics to guide intervention research.
The influence of bond rigidity and cluster diffusion on the self-diffusion of hard spheres with square well interaction
Authors: Babu Sujin , Gimel Jean-Christophe , Nicolai Taco , De Michele Cristiano
Published: May 2008

Hard spheres interacting through a square well potential were simulated by using two different methods: Brownian cluster dynamics (BCD) and event driven Brownian dynamics (EDBD). The structure of the equilibrium states obtained by both methods was compared and found to be almost identical. Self-diffusion coefficients (D) were determined as a function of the interaction strength. The same values were found by using BCD or EDBD. Contrary to EDBD, BCD allows one to study the effect of bond rigidity and hydrodynamic interaction within the clusters. When the bonds are flexible, the effect of attraction on D is relatively weak compared to systems with rigid bonds. D increases first with increasing attraction strength, and then decreases for stronger interaction. Introducing intracluster hydrodynamic interaction weakly increases D for a given interaction strength. Introducing bond rigidity causes a strong decrease in D which no longer shows a maximum as function of the attraction strength.
Dielectric and ferroelectric properties of strain-relieved epitaxial lead-free KNN-LT-LS ferroelectric thin films on SrTiO3 substrates
Authors: Abazari M. , Akdoğan E. K. , Safari A.
Published: May 2008

We report the growth of single-phase (K0.44,Na0.52,Li0.04)(Nb0.84,Ta0.10,Sb0.06)O3 thin films on SrRuO3 coated ⟨001⟩ oriented SrTiO3 substrates by using pulsed laser deposition. Films grown at 600°C under low laser fluence exhibit a ⟨001⟩ textured columnar grained nanostructure, which coalesce with increasing deposition temperature, leading to a uniform fully epitaxial highly stoichiometric film at 750°C. However, films deposited at lower temperatures exhibit compositional fluctuations as verified by Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy. The epitaxial films of 400–600nm thickness have a room temperature relative permittivity of ∼750 and a loss tangent of ∼6% at 1kHz. The room temperature remnant polarization of the films is 4μC∕cm2, while the saturation polarization is 7.1μC∕cm2 at 24kV∕cm and the coercive field is ∼7.3kV∕cm. The results indicate that approximately 50% of the bulk permittivity and 20% of bulk spontaneous polarization can be retained in submicron epitaxial KNN-LT-LS thin film, respectively. The conductivity of the films remains to be a challenge as evidenced by the high loss tangent, leakage currents, and broad hysteresis loops.
A kinetic theory description of the viscosity of dense fluids consisting of chain molecules
Authors: de Wijn Astrid S. , Vesovic Velisa , Jackson George , Trusler J. P. Martin
Published: May 2008

An expression for the viscosity of a dense fluid is presented that includes the effect of molecular shape. The molecules of the fluid are approximated by chains of equal-sized, tangentially jointed, rigid spheres. It is assumed that the collision dynamics in such a fluid can be approximated by instantaneous collisions between two rigid spheres belonging to different chains. The approach is thus analogous to that of Enskog for a fluid consisting of rigid spheres. The description is developed in terms of two molecular parameters, the diameter σ of the spherical segment and the chain length (number of segments) m. It is demonstrated that an analysis of viscosity data of a particular pure fluid alone cannot be used to obtain independently effective values of both σ and m. Nevertheless, the chain lengths of n-alkanes are determined by assuming that the diameter of each rigid sphere making up the chain can be represented by the diameter of a methane molecule. The effective chain lengths of n-alkanes are found to increase linearly with the number C of carbon atoms present. The dependence can be approximated by a simple relationship m=1+(C−1)∕3. The same relationship was reported within the context of a statistical associating fluid theory equation of state treatment of the fluid, indicating that both the equilibrium thermodynamic properties and viscosity yield the same value for the chain lengths of n-alkanes.
Taking apart the two-dimensional infrared vibrational echo spectra: More information and elimination of distortions
Authors: Kwak Kyungwon , Rosenfeld Daniel E. , Fayer M. D.
Published: May 2008

Ultrafast two-dimensional infrared (2D-IR) vibrational echo spectroscopy can probe the fast structural evolution of molecular systems under thermal equilibrium conditions. Structural dynamics are tracked by observing the time evolution of the 2D-IR spectrum, which is caused by frequency fluctuations of vibrational mode(s) excited during the experiment. However, there are a variety of effects that can produce line shape distortions and prevent the correct determination of the frequency-frequency correlation function (FFCF), which describes the frequency fluctuations and connects the experimental observables to a molecular level depiction of dynamics. In addition, it can be useful to analyze different parts of the 2D spectrum to determine if dynamics are different for subensembles of molecules that have different initial absorption frequencies in the inhomogeneously broadened absorption line. Here, an important extension to a theoretical method for extraction of the FFCF from 2D-IR spectra is described. The experimental observable is the center line slope (CLSωm) of the 2D-IR spectrum. The CLSωm is obtained by taking slices through the 2D spectrum parallel to the detection frequency axis (ωm). Each slice is a spectrum. The slope of the line connecting the frequencies of the maxima of the sliced spectra is the CLSωm. The change in slope of the CLSωm as a function of time is directly related to the FFCF and can be used to obtain the complete FFCF. CLSωm is immune to line shape distortions caused by destructive interference between bands arising from vibrational echo emission, from the 0-1 vibrational transition (positive), and from the 1-2 vibrational transition (negative) in the 2D-IR spectrum. The immunity to the destructive interference enables the CLSωm method to compare different parts of the bands as well as comparing the 0-1 and 1-2 bands. Also, line shape distortions caused by solvent background absorption and finite pulse durations do not affect the determination of the FFCF with the CLSωm method. The CLSωm can also provide information on the cross correlation between frequency fluctuations of the 0-1 and 1-2 vibrational transitions.
Thermoelectric properties of aligned carbon nanotubes
Authors: Mirza Shamim M. , Grebel H.
Published: May 2008

We have investigated the thermoelectric (TE) properties of films composed of aligned and randomly dispersed n-type, p-type, and p-n junctions. The TE voltage that was developed across aligned films was larger than the voltage developed along their axis of symmetry by a factor of almost 3. The TE voltage that developed across aligned and parallel p-n junction was almost seven times larger then the voltage developed over randomly oriented p-type only films.
Low resistivity of Pt silicide nanowires measured using double-scanning-probe tunneling microscope
Authors: Lim Do Kyung , Kubo Osamu , Shingaya Yoshitaka , Nakayama Tomonobu , Kim Young Heon , Lee Jeong Yong , Aono Masakazu , Lee Hangil , Lee Dohyun , Kim Sehun
Published: May 2008

We measure the resistivity of platinum-silicide nanowires (Pt2Si NWs) epitaxially formed on a Si(100) surface using double-scanning-probe tunneling microscope. Despite the large Schottky barrier height reported on a macroscopic Pt2Si∕n-Si interface, leakage current through the substrate is observed in the resistance measurement, and is quantitatively estimated to be separated from the current through the nanowire. The measured resistivity of Pt2Si NWs is about half the reported resistivity of thick Pt2Si films, which could be due to additional conduction paths through surface or interface states on NWs.
Paramagnetic Eu2+ center as a probe for the sensitivity of CsBr x-ray needle image plates
Authors: Loncke F. , Vrielinck H. , Matthys P. , Callens F. , Tahon J.-P. , Leblans P.
Published: May 2008

Needlelike CsBr:Eu x-ray storage phosphor plates exhibit an excellent sensitivity as expressed by their photostimulated luminescence (PSL) intensity and have ever growing applications in medical radiography. An earlier electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) study revealed spectra due to a Eu2+ center with axial ⟨100⟩ symmetry. In this work, its EPR intensity is shown to exhibit a linear correlation with the PSL intensity and the sensitivity of the plates. It can thus be expected that the structural information retrieved from EPR and related techniques may substantially contribute to the understanding of the physics behind the writing and reading processes in the phosphor.
Coordinated regulation of transcription factors through
Notch2
is an important mediator of mast cell fate
Authors: Sakata-Yanagimoto Mamiko , Nakagami-Yamaguchi Etsuko , Saito Toshiki , Kumano Keiki , Yasutomo Koji , Ogawa Seishi , Kurokawa Mineo , Chiba Shigeru
Published: May 2008

Mast cells are thought to participate in a wide variety of pathophysiological conditions. Mechanisms of regulation, however, of mast cell production and maturation are still to be elucidated. Mast cell developmental process is likely to be profoundly affected by cell-autonomous transcriptional regulators such as the GATA family and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) family members. Extracellular regulators such as stem cell factor and IL-3 have essential roles in basal and inducible mast cell generation, respectively. The relationship, however, between the extracellular signaling and cellular transcriptional control is unclear, and the trigger of the mast cell development remains elusive. Notch signaling plays a fundamental role in the lymphopoietic compartment, but its role in myeloid differentiation is less clear. Here, we demonstrate that Notch signaling connects environmental cues and transcriptional control for mast cell fate decision. Delta1, an established Notch ligand, instructs bone marrow common myeloid progenitors and granulocyte-macrophage progenitors toward mast cell lineage at the expense of other granulocyte-macrophage lineages, depending on the function of the
Notch2
gene. Notch2 signaling results in the up-regulation of Hes-1 and GATA3, whereas simultaneous overexpression of these transcription factors remarkably biases the progenitor fate toward the mast cell-containing colony-forming cells. C/EBPα mRNA was down-regulated in myeloid progenitors as a consequence of Hes-1 overexpression, in agreement with the recent proposal that the down-regulation of C/EBPα is necessary for mast cell fate determination. Taken together, signaling through Notch2 determines the fate of myeloid progenitors toward mast cell-producing progenitors, via coordinately up-regulating Hes-1 and GATA3.
Erythropoietin and the endothelium – a promising link?
Authors: Fliser D. , Bahlmann F. H.
Published: May 2008

The major physiological function of erythropoietin (EPO) is thought to be the induction of erythropoiesis. However, a growing body of evidence indicates that EPO as well as recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) and its analogues have tissue‐protective effects and prevent tissue damage during ischaemia. This mini review summarizes the present knowledge on protective vascular effects of EPO and discusses the potential underlying mechanisms.
Factor VIII genotype and inhibitor development in patients with haemophilia A: highest risk in patients with splice site mutations
Authors: BOEKHORST J. , LARI G. R. , D’OIRON R. , COSTA J. M. , NOVÁKOVÁ I. R. O. , ALA F. A. , LAVERGNE J. M. , VAN HEERDE W. L.
Published: May 2008

Summary.  The appearance of inhibitory antibodies against factor VIII (FVIII) is the most severe and costly complication of replacement therapy in patients with haemophilia A (HA). To determine the relationship between FVIII genotype and inhibitor development, baseline FVIII activity, genotype and inhibitor development were reviewed in 1104 patients with HA. In patients with severe HA, splicing errors present the highest frequency of inhibitors, ahead of inversion of intron 1 and of intron 22, nonsense mutations and large deletions. The lowest inhibitor frequency in severe HA is found in patients with missense mutations and small deletions/insertions. Subanalyses indicate that nonsense mutations and small deletions/insertions leading to a frameshift in the light chain are associated with a significant higher risk of inhibitor formation than similar mutations occurring in the heavy chain (27% vs. 14%). These mutation types also have a higher frequency of inhibitors when occurring in exons 23–26, where a second FVIII transcript originates, compared with similar mutations in exons 1–22 (28% vs. 17%). These results suggest that complete absence of FVIII because of null mutations, including splice site mutations, or the absence of a second transcript result in an increased risk of inhibitor development.
Arousal and ventilatory responses to mild hypoxia in sleeping preterm infants
Authors: VERBEEK MARJAN M. A. , RICHARDSON HEIDI L. , PARSLOW PETER M. , WALKER ADRIAN M. , HARDING RICHARD , HORNE ROSEMARY S. C.
Published: May 2008

A failure to adequately respond to hypoxia has been implicated in the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Preterm infants are at increased risk for SIDS, thus we compared ventilatory and arousal responses to mild hypoxia [15% oxygen (O2)] in preterm and term infants. Eight preterm and 15 term infants were serially studied with daytime polysomnography during which nasal airflow was monitored by pneumotachograph at 2–5 weeks, 2–3 and 5–6 months. At each age, in both groups, hypoxia induced a significant decrease in oxygen saturation (SpO2) during both active sleep (AS) and quiet sleep (QS). Infants invariably aroused in AS; and in QS either aroused or failed to arouse. In preterm infants arousal latency in AS was longer than in term infants (P < 0.05) at 2–5 weeks. Compared with term infants, preterm infants reached significantly lower SpO2 levels at 2–5 weeks in both AS and QS non‐arousing tests and at 2–3 months in QS. A biphasic hypoxic ventilatory response was observed in QS non‐arousing tests in both groups of infants at all three ages. We conclude that the greater desaturation during a hypoxic challenge combined with the longer arousal latency in preterm infants could contribute to greater risk for SIDS.
Modulatory effects of emotion and sleep on recollection and familiarity
Authors: ATIENZA MERCEDES , CANTERO JOSE L.
Published: May 2008

Growing evidence suggests that declarative memory benefits from the modulatory effects of emotion and sleep. The primary goal of the present study was to determine whether these two factors interact to enhance memory or they act independently of each other. Twenty‐eight volunteers participated in the study. Half of them were sleep deprived the night immediately following the exposure to emotional and non‐emotional images, whereas the control group slept at home. Their memory for images was tested 1 week later along the valence and arousal dimension of emotion with the remember–know procedure. As emotional events appear to gain preference during encoding, via the modulatory effect of amygdala on prefrontal and medial temporal lobe regions, conscious retrieval of emotional pictures (relative to neutral ones) was expected to be less disrupted by sleep loss. Results indicated that emotional images were more richly experienced in memory than neutral, particularly those with high arousal and positive valence. Even though sleep deprivation resulted in behavioral impairment at retrieval of both emotional and neutral images, results revealed that remember‐based recognition accuracy and its underlying process of recollection for emotional images were less influenced by the lack of sleep (the mean difference between control and sleep‐deprived subjects was around 40% higher for neutral images than for emotional images). Familiarity, however, was affected by neither emotion nor sleep. Taken together, these results suggest that emotion and sleep influence differentially the subjective experience of remembering and knowing and the underlying processes of recollection and familiarity through brain mechanisms probably involving amygdala‐ and hippocampo‐neocortical networks respectively.
An Inductive Exploration of the Social Effectiveness Construct Space
Authors: Heggestad Eric D. , Morrison Morgan J.
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT
There is no agreement regarding the nature or number of dimensions that make up the social effectiveness domain. We inductively explore the relationships between a set of social effectiveness measures with the intention of identifying an initial set of dimensions. An exploratory factor analysis of the Social Competence Inventory (SCI, Schneider, 2001) resulted in the identification of four factors: Social Potency, Social Appropriateness, Social Emotional Expression, and Social Reputation. A joint factor analysis between the SCI and a set of extant measures resulted in the identification of the same four factors. A fifth factor emerged when a set of scales from an emotional intelligence measure was included in the analysis, suggesting that emotional intelligence is not captured within the common factor space defined by measures of social effectiveness. This study represents a first step in the establishment of a set of common social effectiveness dimensions.
Is “Generation Me” Really More Narcissistic Than Previous Generations?
Authors: Trzesniewski Kali H. , Donnellan M. Brent , Robins Richard W.
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT
In this commentary, we identify several methodological and conceptual issues that undermine Twenge, Konrath, Foster, Campbell, and Bushman's (this issue) claim that narcissism levels have been rising over the past few decades. Specifically, we discuss (a) the limitations of convenience samples for making inferences about generational differences, (b) our failure to replicate other cross‐temporal meta‐analytic findings using data from a nationally representative sample, and (c) issues surrounding the interpretation of the Narcissistic Personality Inventory. It is important to consider these issues given the extensive media coverage of Twenge et al.'s claim that today's youth are particularly narcissistic, which has wide‐ranging implications for how this generation of young adults views itself and is viewed by society at large.
Toward Disentangling Sources of Individual Differences in Appraisal and Anger
Authors: Kuppens Peter , Van Mechelen Iven , Rijmen Frank
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACTA theoretical framework is presented to explain individual differences in situation‐specific emotional experience in terms of three different sources of variance: (a) individual differences in how one appraises one's circumstances, (b) individual differences in how appraisals are related to the experience of emotion, and (c) individual differences independent from situation and appraisal. The relative contribution and nature of these sources was examined empirically for the experience of anger based on data from two directed imagery studies (totalN=1,192). Consistent results across the two studies demonstrated that variability in anger experience primarily stems from variability in how a situation is appraised and to a smaller extent from individual differences in the relations between the appraisals and anger and individual differences independent of appraisal. The findings further identified frustration as the central appraisal involved in anger. Implications for emotion theories and anger management programs are discussed.
Trends in management and outcome of pregnancies in HIV‐infected women in the UK and Ireland, 1990–2006
Authors: Townsend CL , Cortina‐Borja M , Peckham CS , Tookey PA
Published: May 2008

Objective  To describe the changing demographic profile of diagnosed HIV‐infected pregnant women over time and trends in pregnancy outcome, uptake of interventions and mother‐to‐child transmission.

Design  National surveillance study.

Setting  UK and Ireland.

Population  Diagnosed HIV‐infected pregnant women, 1990–2006.

Methods  Active surveillance of obstetric and paediatric HIV conducted through the National Study of HIV in Pregnancy and Childhood.

Main outcome measures  Maternal characteristics, pregnancy outcome, use of antiretroviral therapy, mode of delivery and mother‐to‐child transmission.

Results  A total of 8327 pregnancies were reported, increasing from 82 in 1990 to 1394 in 2006, with an increasing proportion from areas outside London. Injecting drug use as the reported risk factor for maternal HIV acquisition declined from 49.2% (185/376) in 1990–1993 to 3.1% (125/4009) in 2004–2006 (P < 0.001), while the proportion of women born in sub‐Saharan Africa increased from 43.5% (93/214) in 1990–1993 to 78.6% (3076/3912) in 2004–2006 (P < 0.004). Reported pregnancy terminations decreased from 29.6% (111/376) in 1990–1993 to 3.4% (135/4009) in 2004–2006 (P < 0.001). Most (56.4%, 3717/6593) deliveries were by elective caesarean section, with rates highest in 1999 (66.4%, 144/217). Vaginal deliveries increased from 16.6% (36/217) in 1999 to 28.3% (321/1136) in 2006 (P < 0.001). Use of antiretroviral therapy in pregnancy increased over time, reaching 98.4% (1092/1110) in 2006, and the overall mother‐to‐child transmission rate declined from 18.5% (35/189) in 1990–1993 to 1.0% (29/2832) in 2004–2006.

Conclusions  The annual number of reported pregnancies increased dramatically between 1990 and 2006, with changing demographic and geographic profiles and substantial changes in pregnancy management and outcome.
Glove perforations during open surgery for gynaecological malignancies
Authors: Manjunath AP , Shepherd JH , Barton DPJ , Bridges JE , Ind TEJ
Published: May 2008

Objective  To audit glove perforations at laparotomies for gynaecological cancers.

Setting  Gynaecological oncology unit, cancer centre, London.

Design  Prospective audit.

Sample  Twenty‐nine laparotomies for gynaecological cancers over 3 months.

Methods  Gloves used during laparotomies for gynaecological cancer were tested for perforations by the air inflation and water immersion technique. Parameters recorded were: type of procedure, localisation of perforation, type of gloves, seniority of surgeon, operation time and awareness of perforations.

Main outcome measure  Glove perforation rate.

Results  Perforations were found in gloves from 27/29 (93%) laparotomies. The perforation rate was 61/462 (13%) per glove. The perforation rate was three times higher when the duration of surgery was more than 5 hours. The perforation rate was 63% for primary surgeons, 54.5% for first assistant, 4.7% for second assistant and 40.5% for scrub nurses. Clinical fellows were at highest risk of injury (94%). Two‐thirds of perforations were on the index finger or thumb. The glove on the nondominant hand had perforations in 54% of cases. In 50% of cases, the participants were not aware of the perforations. There were less inner glove perforations in double gloves compared with single gloves (5/139 versus 26/154; P = 0.0004, OR = 5.4, 95% CI 1.9–16.7). The indicator glove system failed to identify holes in 44% of cases.

Conclusions  Glove perforations were found in most (93%) laparotomies for gynaecological malignancies. They are most common among clinical fellows, are often unnoticed and often not detected by the indicator glove system.
The difficulty of questioning clinical practice: experience of facility‐based case reviews in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Authors: Richard F , Ouédraogo C , Zongo V , Ouattara F , Zongo S , Gruénais ME , De Brouwere V
Published: May 2008

Objective  To describe the implementation of facility‐based case reviews (medical audits) in a maternity unit and their effect on the staff involved.

Design  Cross‐sectional descriptive study.

Setting  A 26‐bed obstetric unit in a district hospital in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

Sample  Sixteen audit sessions conducted between February 2004 and June 2005. Thirty‐five staff members were interviewed.

Methods  An analysis of all the tools used in the management of the audit was performed: attendance lists, case summary cards and register of recommendations. The perceptions of the staff about the audits were collected through a questionnaire administrated by an external investigator from 10 June 2005 to 16 June 2005.

Main outcome measures  Session participation, types of problems identified, recommendations proposed and implemented and staff reaction to the audits.

Results  Only 7 midwives from a total of 15 regularly attended the sessions. Eighty‐two percent of the recommendations made during the audits have been implemented, but sometimes after a delay of several months. Interviewed personnel had a good understanding of the audit goals and viewed audit as a factor in changing their practice. However, midwives highlighted problems of bad interpersonal communication and lack of anonymity during the audit sessions, and pointed out the difficulty of practising self‐criticism.

Conclusions  A lack of staff commitment and the resistance of maternity personnel to being evaluated by their peers or service users are reducing acceptance of routine audits. The World Health Organization must take all these factors into account when promoting the institutionalisation of medical audits in obstetrics.
The epidemiological and economic impact of a quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine (6/11/16/18) in the UK
Authors: Dasbach EJ , Insinga RP , Elbasha EH
Published: May 2008

Objective  To assess the potential epidemiological and economic impact of a prophylactic quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) (6/11/16/18) vaccine for preventing cervical cancer, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grades 2 and 3 (CIN2/3), CIN1 and genital warts.

Design  Cost‐utility analysis.

Setting  UK.

Population  Female and male UK population 12 years or older.

Methods  We adapted a previously developed multi‐HPV type dynamic transmission to compare four female vaccination strategies, routine vaccination at age 12 years, and routine vaccination at age 12 years combined with temporary catch‐up vaccination at ages 12–14, 12–17 and 12–24 years.

Main outcomes measures  Costs, cases avoided, incremental cost per quality‐adjusted life year (QALY).

Results  The model projected that at year 100, each vaccination strategy could reduce the number of HPV 6/11/16/18‐related cervical cancer, CIN2/3, CIN1 and genital wart cases among women by 86, 85, 79 and 89% respectively. Over 25 years, routine vaccination at age 12 years combined with a 12‐ to 24‐year‐old catch‐up programme was the most effective strategy, reducing the cumulative number of cases of cervical cancer, CIN2/3, CIN1 and genital warts by 5800, 146 000, 28 000, and 1.1 million respectively. Over 100 years, the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios across all strategies ranged from £5882 to £11,412 per QALY gained.

Conclusion  In the UK, a quadrivalent HPV vaccination programme that includes a catch‐up strategy can reduce the incidence of cervical cancer, CIN and genital warts at a cost per QALY ratio within the range typically regarded as cost‐effective.
Mild mitochondrial uncoupling in mice affects energy metabolism, redox balance and longevity
Authors: Caldeira da Silva Camille C. , Cerqueira Fernanda M. , Barbosa Lívea F. , Medeiros Marisa H. G. , Kowaltowski Alicia J.
Published: May 2008

Caloric restriction is the most effective non‐genetic intervention to enhance lifespan known to date. A major research interest has been the development of therapeutic strategies capable of promoting the beneficial results of this dietary regimen. In this sense, we propose that compounds that decrease the efficiency of energy conversion, such as mitochondrial uncouplers, can be caloric restriction mimetics. Treatment of mice with low doses of the protonophore 2,4‐dinitrophenol promotes enhanced tissue respiratory rates, improved serological glucose, triglyceride and insulin levels, decrease of reactive oxygen species levels and tissue DNA and protein oxidation, as well as reduced body weight. Importantly, 2,4‐dinitrophenol‐treated animals also presented enhanced longevity. Our results demonstrate that mild mitochondrial uncoupling is a highly effective in vivo antioxidant strategy, and describe the first therapeutic intervention capable of effectively reproducing the physiological, metabolic and lifespan effects of caloric restriction in healthy mammals.
Alleviation of Pancoast's Tumor Pain by Ultrasound‐Guided Percutaneous Ablation of Cervical Nerve Roots
Authors: Gofeld Michael , Bhatia Anuj
Published: May 2008

▪ Abstract:  The case report describes use of real‐time ultrasound guidance to facilitate percutaneous ablation of cervical nerve roots in a patient with Pancoast's syndrome. Distortion of anatomy by the tumor made it difficult to perform the procedure safely using fluoroscopy. A 64‐year‐old right‐handed male patient with carcinoma of the left lung presented with severe pain in the left shoulder and the arm. A clinical diagnosis of the left brachial plexopathy secondary to tumor involvement of C5 to C8 nerve roots was made. Radiological appearance of the cervical spine revealed distorted anatomy because of severe degeneration of the cervical spine and guarding torticollis. Diagnostic prognostic block of the C4 to C7 exiting nerve roots was done under ultrasound guidance and resulted in more than 75% reduction in pain intensity for 4 hours. Ultrasound‐guided percutaneous cervical rhizotomy was performed later. At 3‐month follow‐up, the patient still had complete pain relief as well as improvement in quality of sleep. Ultrasound‐guided cervical nerve roots ablation is a feasible approach for patients with intractable neuropathic pain secondary to Pancoast's tumor. It can be a useful alternative to fluoroscopy in patients in whom a fluoroscopy‐guided approach is deemed difficult and hazardous. ▪
A Randomized Double‐Blind Comparison of a Morphine–Fentanyl Combination vs. Morphine Alone for Patient‐Controlled Analgesia Following Bowel Surgery
Authors: Friedman Zeev , Katznelson Rita , Phillips Shannon R , Zanchetta Cristina , Nistor Oana‐Irina , Eisen Leonard B. , Siddiqui Naveed
Published: May 2008

▪ Abstract:  An ideal patient‐controlled analgesia (PCA) opioid would have both a rapid onset and a long duration of action, attributes, which are not available in currently existing opioids including morphine, the most widely used agent. A mixture of rapid onset and long‐acting opioids may potentially achieve both these qualities. In a randomized, double‐blind study, we compared a fentanyl–morphine combination with morphine alone for PCA, in 54 patients undergoing bowel surgery. The combination solution was prepared according to a 1:75 fentanyl to morphine potency ratio. The mixture contained fentanyl 13.33 μg/mL and morphine 1 mg/mL. The morphine alone solution contained 2 mg/mL. Patients were randomly allocated to one of the regimens and were then evaluated 4 times during the first 48 hours following surgery. Time to effect, visual analog pain scores, opioid consumption, demands, deliveries, and side effects on an opioid‐related symptom distress scale were recorded. Groups were well matched for age, weight, and sex. There were no significant differences between groups in time to effect, PCA usage, pain scores or side effects other than the occurrence of nausea, which was lower for the combination group in 1 visit. Further studies are needed to explore the potential of different potency ratios and opioid combinations to achieve rapid and long‐lasting pain control. ▪
Trigeminal Neuralgia During Sleep
Authors: Devor Marshall , Wood Irene , Sharav Yair , Zakrzewska Joanna M.
Published: May 2008

▪ Abstract:  Pain paroxysms in trigeminal neuralgia (TN) are sudden and extremely intense. Nonetheless, many clinicians who treat TN report that patients are rarely if ever awakened at night by pain attacks. If true, this observation is important as it implies the presence of a powerful sleep protective mechanism. We queried TN patients and their habitual sleep partners about painful awakenings and discovered that such awakenings are in fact quite common. As during the day, pain paroxysms during sleep are typically induced by natural stimuli at TN trigger points. Brief attacks sometimes occur without frankly awakening the patient, but they appear nonetheless to be painful. ▪
Occupational methacrylate and acrylate allergy from glues
Authors: Aalto‐Korte Kristiina , Alanko Kristiina , Kuuliala Outi , Jolanki Riitta
Published: May 2008

Background:  Glues and sealants are important causes of methacrylate and acrylate allergy.

Aim:  This study aimed to analyse patterns of allergic patch test reactions to acrylic monomers in relation to exposure in patients sensitized from glues.

Patients/Methods:  We screened the patch test files at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health from 1994 to 2006 for allergic reactions in the ‘Methacrylate series’ and analysed the clinical records of sensitized patients. Only patients who had handled acrylic glues at work were included.

Results:  10 patients had allergic reactions to acrylic monomers and had been sensitized from glues at work. 9 of them had used anaerobic sealants, 3 cyanoacrylate‐based instant adhesives, and 1 patient a bi‐component instant adhesive. All the patients reacted to 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (2‐HEMA) and ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA); reactions to 2‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate, triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate, and tetrahydrofurfuryl methacrylate were also common. The first 4 methacrylates were found in the glues used by the patients. Ethyl cyanoacrylate (ECA) gave no reactions, but 1 patient reacted weakly to her own ECA‐based glue.

Conclusion:  2‐HEMA and EGDMA are good screeners for contact allergy to anaerobic sealants and also detected a single case deriving from bi‐component acrylic glue.
EFFECT OF HYDROCOLLOIDS ON RHEOLOGICAL, MICROSTRUCTURAL AND QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS OF PAROTTA – AN UNLEAVENED INDIAN FLAT BREAD
Authors: SMITHA S. , RAJIV JYOTSNA , BEGUM KHYRUNNISA , INDRANI D.
Published: May 2008

The effect of hydrocolloids – namely Arabic (AR), guar (GR), xanthan (XN), carrageenan (CG) and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) – on the rheological, microstructural and quality characteristics of south Indian parotta was studied separately at the level of 0.5%. Addition of hydrocolloids increased farinograph water absorption. The extensograph resistance to extension at 135 min increased with the addition of hydrocolloids. Addition of XN, GR and CG decreased extensibility, while AR and HPMC increased extensibility. The alveograph maximum over pressure increased, with the exception of AR, and average abscissa at rupture decreased with different hydrocolloids. The amylograph peak viscosity increased with all the hydrocolloids. In the micrographs of dough treated with different hydrocolloids, the starch granules appeared coated with gum, and the coating appeared prominent in the case of dough treated with GR and HPMC. Among the hydrocolloids tried, GR brought about the greatest improvement in the quality of parotta, followed in decreasing order by HPMC, XN, CG and AR.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

In India, demand for the large‐scale manufacture of packed parottas is increasing. The beneficial effects of hydrocolloids in parotta‐making have not yet been explored. This paper discusses the effect of different hydrocolloids on the rheological characteristics of dough in relation to parotta. The information generated on the use of hydrocolloids that are beneficial for parotta‐making will be useful for the large‐scale manufacturers of parotta.