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Selected AbstractsPost-dexamethasone cortisol correlates with severity of depression before and during carbamazepine treatment in women but not menACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 5 2001Elizabeth A. Osuch Objective: ,Previous studies show a state-dependent relationship between depression and post-dexamethasone suppression test (DST) cortisol level, as well as differences in DST response with age and gender. Method: ,In this study, 74 research in-patients with affective disorders were given the DST on placebo and in a subgroup following treatment with carbamazepine. Depression was evaluated twice daily with the Bunney,Hamburg (BH) rating scale. Data were examined for the total subject population, by gender and by menopausal status in women. Results: ,A robust positive correlation was observed between depression severity and post-DST cortisol in pre- and postmenopausal females, but not in males. This relationship persisted in women when restudied on a stable dose of carbamazepine (n=42). Conclusion: ,The pathophysiological implications of this selective positive relationship between severity of depression and post-DST cortisol in women, but not men, should be explored further. [source] Effect of Ti addition on magnetic properties of TbCu7 -type Sm-Fe-Co-Mn system nitridesELECTRONICS & COMMUNICATIONS IN JAPAN, Issue 7 2008Hiroshi Yamamoto Abstract To support the development of high-performance isotropic bonded magnets, experiments were carried out to investigate the effect of Ti addition on the magnetic properties of Sm-Fe-Co-Mn system nitride compounds with TbCu7 -type structure. Sm10(Fe0.9Co0.1)89.5,xMn0.5Tix (x=0 to 1.0) alloy ribbons were prepared by the single-roller rapid-quenching method. The effects of alloy composition and of heat treatment and nitriding conditions on the magnetic properties were examined. The optimum preparation conditions of the compounds were as follows. Composition: {Sm10(F0.9Co0.1)89Mn0.5Ti0.5}86.8N13.2; roller speed: 50 m/s; heat treatment: 700°C×60 min in high-purity Ar gas; nitriding conditions: 420°C×15 h in high-purity N2 gas. Typical magnetic properties of the obtained compound powders were Jr = 0.97 T, HcJ = 730.8 kA/m,(BH)max = 140.0 kJ/m3 (17.6 MGOe), Tc=500°C. XRD, TEM photographs, and recoil loops of the hysteresis curve demonstrated that this sample had the characteristics of an exchange spring magnet. The value of (BH)max for the isotropic compression molding bonded magnet prepared from the {Sm10(F0.9Co0.1)89Mn0.5Ti0.5}86.8N13.2 powder was 94.8 kJ/m3 (11.9 MGOe) at a bonded magnet density of 6.07 Mg/m3. The reversible temperature coefficient of Jr was ,(Jr)=,0.04%/°C and the temperature coefficient of HcJ in the range from 25°C to 125°C obtained by linear extrapolation was ,(HcJ)=,0.40%/°C. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 91(7): 25,31, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10124 [source] Ictal EEG Patterns in Band HeterotopiaEPILEPSIA, Issue 4 2002Arthur C. Grant Summary: Band heterotopia (BH) or "double cortex" syndrome is a neuronal migration disorder resulting in a diffuse band of subcortical grey matter and variable abnormality of the overlying cortex. Patients with BH have a spectrum of psychomotor delay and seizures. Associated epileptic syndromes and interictal EEG findings have been described, but ictal EEG patterns are lacking. Methods: We describe the clinical, interictal, and ictal EEG findings in two girls with BH and intractable seizures. Results: Ictal EEG patterns correlated well with clinical seizure types, and did not have features unique to BH. Similarly, seizure behaviors and interictal EEG findings were typical of those seen in symptomatic generalized epilepsies. Conclusions: Despite evidence implicating the ectopic grey matter in seizure discharges, we conclude that seizure semiology and associated ictal EEG patterns in BH are no different from those seen in other causes of symptomatic generalized epilepsies. [source] The Role of Amine,B(C6F5)3 Adducts in the Catalytic Reduction of Imines with H2: A Computational StudyEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 15 2009Timofei Privalov Abstract This study thoroughly examines the potential energy surfaces (PESs) of two possible mechanisms for reduction of imines by B(C6F5)3 and H2. The key reaction steps of the first catalytic mechanism, which is the focus of our study, are: (i) the uptake of H2 by a thermally activated amine,B(C6F5)3 species; (ii) proton transfer from the NH2+ moiety of [RNH2CH2R,]+[HB(C6F5)3], to the imine; (iii) nucleophillic attack of the C-center of the iminium ion by the BH, group. The potential energy barriers of the latter, as determined by calculating the evolution of the H-bonded complex of an imine and [RNH2CH2R,]+[HB(C6F5)3], in toluene, are around 10 kcal,mol,1 each. In the second mechanism, only imines serve as basic partners of B(C6F5)3 in the H2 activation, which affords an [RN(H)CHR,]+[HB(C6F5)3], ion pair; direct reduction then proceeds via nucleophilic attack of the C-center by the BH, in [RN(H)CHR,]+[HB(C6F5)3],. This route becomes catalytic when the product amine is released into the solvent and B(C6F5)3 is re-used for H2 activation. Upon taking into account the association energy of an amine,B(C6F5)3 adduct [,9.5 kcal,mol,1 for tBuN(H)CH2Ph and B(C6F5)3 in toluene], the potential energy barrier for H2 uptake by an imine and B(C6F5)3 increases to 14.5 kcal,mol,1. We report a somewhat lower potential energy barrier for H2 uptake by thermally activated amine,B(C6F5)3 adducts [12.7 kcal,mol,1 for the B-N adduct of tBuN(H)CH2Ph and B(C6F5)3 in toluene], although the difference between the two H2 activationbarriers is within the expected error of the computational method. Two catalytic routes are compared based on B3LYP-computed PESs in solvent (toluene).(© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009) [source] Synthesis and Characterization of a New Guanidine,Borane Complex and a Dinuclear Boron(II) Hydride with Bridging Guanidinate LigandsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 28 2007Oxana Ciobanu Abstract We report the synthesis and structural characterization of the new monomeric borane complex H3B·hppH (hppH = 1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-2H -pyrimido[1,2- a]pyrimidine), which represents the first example of a structurally characterized 1:1 complex between hppH and a group 13 element hydride. Significant intramolecular and, in the crystalline phase, intermolecular H···H contacts are established in this complex. It is shown that the complex can be used as a precursor to new dinuclear boron(II) compounds featuring a B,B single bond. Thus H2 elimination followed by dimerization of H3B·hppH leads to [(hpp)BH]2 with two bridging hpp units. The structural details derived from X-ray diffraction measurements are reported.(© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007) [source] The salvage of aneurysmal fistulae utilizing a modified buttonhole cannulation technique and multiple cannulatorsHEMODIALYSIS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 2 2006Rosa M. MARTICORENA Abstract We describe the St Michael's Hospital (SMH) modified buttonhole (BH) cannulation technique as a method that offers a solution for fistulae with aneurysmal dilatation due to repetitive cannulation in a restricted area. This is a prospective cohort study of 14 chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients with problematic fistulae (marked aneurysmal formation and thinning of the overlying skin, bleeding during treatment, and prolonged hemostasis post-HD) because of repetitive, localized cannulation. Each patient was followed for 12 months. The protocol was as follows: creation of tunnel tracks by 1 to 3 experienced cannulators per patient, using sharp needles. After the tunnel tracks were established and cannulation was easily achieved with dull needles, additional cannulators were incorporated with the guidance of a mentor. Bleeding from cannulation sites during dialysis ceased within 2 weeks and skin damage resolved within 6 months in all patients. Hemostasis time postdialysis decreased from 24 to 15 min. Cannulation pain scores decreased significantly. Access flows and dynamic venous pressure measurements remained unchanged. No interventions were required to maintain access patency. In 2 cases, the aneurysms became much less evident. Complications included one episode of septic arthritis and one contact dermatitis. A third patient developed acute bacterial endocarditis 9 months following completion of her follow-up. The SMH modified BH cannulation technique can salvage problematic fistulae, prevent further damage, and induce healing of the skin in the areas of repetitive cannulation. This technique can be successfully achieved by multiple cannulators in a busy full-care HD unit. [source] Sandwich compounds with central hypercoordinate carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen: A quantum-chemical studyHETEROATOM CHEMISTRY, Issue 6 2006Ruslan M. Minyaev Ab initio (MP2(fu)/6-311+G**) and DFT (B3LYP/6-311+G**) calculations predict stable structures of sandwich compounds with the central carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen atoms surrounding lithium counterions between three-membered (BH)3 rings. The lithium counterions play a crucial role in the stabilization of these systems. The topological Bader analysis performed for these sandwich systems demonstrates that the central atom is linked to the ligands by nine-bond paths and, consequently, should be regarded as a nine-coordinated atom. Such a coordination number of carbon is the highest for all known main group organoelement compounds. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 17:464,474, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20268 [source] Molecular one-electron properties using the multireference Hartree,Fock CI methodINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF QUANTUM CHEMISTRY, Issue 13 2008A. M. C. Sobrinho Abstract The recently introduced multireference Hartree,Fock configuration interaction (MRHFCI) method has been applied to the calculation of the dipole moment of the LiH, BH, FH, CO, and H2O molecules. The results obtained indicate that MRHFCI wave functions, much more compact but of the same quality of the orthogonal full CI ones, can provide better dipole moments than the corresponding full CI wave functions. The value of the dipole moments obtained with the MRHFCI wave functions is quite insensitive to the choice of the HF references but the same is not true for the electronic energy. Therefore, further studies are necessary to develop a criterion for selecting a set of HF references which could provide the best values of energy and dipole moment. Also, it would be important to verify if other one-electron properties can be computed with the same degree of accuracy obtained for the dipole moments. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2008 [source] GSA algorithm applied to electronic structure: Hartree,Fock,GSA methodINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF QUANTUM CHEMISTRY, Issue 5 2005M. D. de Andrade Abstract A stochastical algorithm to investigate the real closed-shell Hartree,Fock problem is proposed. The approach is based on a global optimization method, the generalized simulated annealing. We tested this methodology by determining the Hartree,Fock ground state of the H2, LiH, BH, Li2, OH,, FH, CO, N2, BeH2, CH2, H2O, NH3, HCHO, CH4 molecular systems using minimal, double-zeta, and triple-zeta bases. The main characteristic of this method is that it enables mapping the electronic hypersurface to find minima with the guarantee of finding the absolute minimum of the functional in focus. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2005 [source] Amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis to identify the genetic structure of the Gymnocypris przewalskii (Kessler, 1876) population from the Qinghai Basin, ChinaJOURNAL OF APPLIED ICHTHYOLOGY, Issue 3 2005D. Chen Summary Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) was used to analyse the genetic structure of 45 individuals of Gymnocypris przewalskii (Kessler, 1876), an endangered and state-protected rare fish species, from three areas [the Heima (HM), Buha (BH) and Shaliu rivers (SL), all draining into Qinghai Lake]. A total of 563 polymorphic loci were detected. The HM, BH and SL populations have 435, 433 and 391 loci, respectively (Zhu and Wu, 1975), which account for 77.26%, 76.91% and 69.45% of the total number of polymorphic loci of each population, respectively. The Nei indices of genetic diversities (H) of the three populations were calculated to be 0.2869 (HM), 0.2884 (BH) and 0.2663 (SL), respectively. Their Shannon informative indices are 0.4244, 0.4251 and 0.3915, respectively. Research results show that the mean genetic distance between HM and BH is the smallest (0.0511), between BH and SL is the second shortest (0.0608), and between HM and SL is the largest (0.0713), with the mean genetic distance among the three populations being over 0.05. Data mentioned above indicate that the three populations have a certain genetic differentiation. The total genetic diversity (Ht = 0.3045) and the mean value of genetic diversity within the population (Hs = 0.2786) indicate that the variations have mainly come from within the population. [source] Effects of Salt, BHA/BHT, and Differing Phosphate Types on Quality and Sensory Characteristics of Beef Longissimus MusclesJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 4 2009C.W. Rowe ABSTRACT:, USDA Select striploins (n,=,20) were cut into thirds (anterior, medial, and posterior) and randomly assigned to 1 of 6 treatments. Treatments included: (1) control (C); (2) 0.006% BHA (butylated hydroxyl anisole)/BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) (70%/30%) (BB); (3) 0.4% trisodiumphosphate (CT); (4) 0.4% sodiumtripolyphosphate with 0.5% salt (BH); (5) sodiumtripolyphosphate, 0.5% salt, and 0.006% BHA/BHT (70%/30%) (SB); (6) 0.2% sodiumtripolyphosphate, 0.2% trisodiumphosphate, and 0.5% salt (STB). Muscle sections were injected to 110% (10% pump) of their weight with their respective treatments. Inclusion of BHA/BHT allowed for lower mean oxidation values. Regardless of phosphate type, muscles treated with both phosphate and salt had lower retail purge (P < 0.05). Sensory panelists rated (P < 0.05) STB, SB, and BH to be juicier than all other treatments. These data suggest that inclusion of both salt and phosphate can enhance palatability, lower cook loss, and retail purge. [source] Effects of Linoleic Acid on Conjugated Linoleic Acid Production by Planktonic Rumen Bacteria from Grain-fed CowsJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 5 2003Y. J. Kim ABSTRACT Ruminal conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) production from linoleic acid (LA) was characterized in vitro. Rumen bacteria from grain-fed cows were more active in BH than those from hay-fed cows. Particleassociated bacteria produced more hydrogenated products leaving less CLA than the planktonic bacteria (P < 0.05). CLA production by planktonic bacteria did not always correlate to LA given; longer incubations generally decreased CLA concentration and increased c9, t11/t10, c12 ratio, especially at higher LA concentrations. The preincubated cells to LA produced more CLA than the unexposed ones and the increase was more evident with c9, t11 CLA (P < 0.05). This study provides insight into how cattle diet and LA feedings affect ruminal CLA production. [source] Diffusion-weighted imaging of the liver: Comparison of navigator triggered and breathhold acquisitionsJOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING, Issue 3 2009Bachir Taouli MD Abstract Purpose To compare a free breathing navigator triggered single shot echoplanar imaging (SS EPI) diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) sequence with prospective acquisition correction (PACE) with a breathhold (BH) DWI sequence for liver imaging. Materials and Methods Thirty-four patients were evaluated with PACE-DWI and BH DWI of the liver using b-values of 0, 50, and 500 s/mm2. There were 29 focal liver lesions in 18 patients. Qualitative evaluation was performed on a 3-point scale (1,3) by two independent observers (maximum score 9). Quantitative evaluation included estimated SNR (signal to noise ratio), lesion-to-liver contrast ratio, liver and lesion apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs), and coefficient of variation (CV) of ADC in liver parenchyma and focal liver lesions (estimate of noise contamination in ADC). Results PACE-DWI showed significantly better image quality, higher SNR and lesion-to-liver contrast ratio when compared with BH DWI. ADCs of liver and focal lesions with both sequences were significantly correlated (r = 0.838 for liver parenchyma, and 0.904 for lesions, P < 0.0001), but lower with the BH sequence (P < 0.02). There was higher noise contamination in ADC measurement obtained with BH DWI (with a significantly higher SD and CV of ADC). Conclusion The use of a navigator echo to trigger SS EPI DWI improves image quality and liver to lesion contrast, and enables a more precise ADC quantification compared with BH DWI acquisition. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;30:561,568. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Chronological analysis of physiological T2* signal change in the cerebrum during breath holdingJOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING, Issue 3 2001Kazuyoshi Nakada MD Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine which physiological factors affect cerebral T2* signal intensity (SI) during breath holding (BH) (apnea after inspiration and breathing after expiration) in normal volunteers. We examined SI changes caused by anoxic gas inhalation, by respiratory movements, and by BH. High-speed echo planar images (EPI) showed changes in SI that could be divided into five phases. Reports indicate that SI changes induced by BH are due to the effects on the magnetic susceptibility of deoxygenated hemoglobin (deoxyhemoglobin (dHb)) and to hypercapnia, but these reports could not fully explain the observed five phases. In addition to deoxyhemoglobin susceptibility and hypercapnia, we found that respiratory movements play a third critical role in modifying SI by affecting blood flow into the region of interest (ROI), as judged from right carotid artery flow. Consequently, we propose that the physiological SI changes induced by BH are derived from blood oxygenation, hypercapnia, and respiratory movements. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2001;13:344,351. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Effect of Lewis base coordination on boryl radical reactivity: investigation using laser flash photolysis and kinetic ESRJOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 10 2009Jacques Lalevée Abstract The effect of Lewis base coordination on boryl radical reactivity (L,BH where L is triethylamine, 2-picoline, 4-dimethylaminopyridine, quinoline and diphenyl phosphine) is examined. Direct detection of the different boryl radicals, their transient absorption spectra, their interaction with double or triple bonds, oxygen, oxidizing agent, alkyl halides and their hydrogen lability have been studied using laser flash photolysis (LFP), kinetic ESR (KESR), ESR spin trapping and MO calculations. For example, a strong decrease of both the bond dissociation energy (BDE)(BH) (33.8,kcal,mol,1) and the addition rate constant to MA (1300 105 to,>105 M,1,s,1) was noted when going from the triethylamine borane to the quinoline borane complex, in line with the spin delocalization (1.04 vs. 0.19). These structures are also proposed as new highly efficient co-initiators for the acrylate photopolymerization. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Effect of inoculated corn silage enriched with sunflower oil on rumen fermentation and lipid metabolism in an artificial rumen (RUSITEC)JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 1 2010an Jal Abstract BACKGROUND: Some rumen isolates are able to produce conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) from linoleic acid (LA) in vitro. Effects of providing diets containing corn silage (CS) and lucerne hay to an artificial rumen (RUSITEC) in which the corn was not inoculated (CS), or inoculated with Lactobacillus plantarum CCM 4000 (CS + LP), Lactobacillus fermentum LF2 (CS + LF) or Enterococcus faecium CCM 4231 (CS + EF) and supplied with sunflower oil (SO; 30 g kg,1; w/w) on rumen metabolism were examined. RESULTS: The SO affected the outputs of all fatty acids. TVA output of uninoculated CS with SO was lower as compared to inoculated CS. The interaction of the CS × SO in the daily output of TVA was detected (P < 0.001). The biohydrogenation of oleic, linoleic, ,-linolenic and total fatty acids was influenced by SO (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Inoculated silage induces changes in the rumen metabolism which might be related to differences observed in the extent of rumen BH of PUFA in RUSITEC. SO supplementation might positively enhances the production of some rumen intermediates; however, relationships between inoculated silages and oil supplementation can be presumed in the daily production of trans -vaccenic acid. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry [source] A toy model for magnetic connection in black hole accretion discMONTHLY NOTICES OF THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY, Issue 2 2007Ding-Xiong Wang ABSTRACT A toy model for magnetic connection in black hole (BH) accretion disc is discussed based on a poloidal magnetic field generated by a single electric current flowing around a Kerr BH in the equatorial plane. We discuss the effects of the coexistence of two kinds of magnetic connection (MC) arising, respectively, from (1) the closed field lines connecting the BH horizon with the disc (henceforth MCHD) and (2) the closed field lines connecting the plunging region with the disc (henceforth MCPD). The magnetic field configuration is constrained by conservation of magnetic flux and a criterion of the screw instability of the magnetic field. Two parameters , and ,m are introduced to describe our model instead of resolving the complicated magnetohydrodynamic equations. Compared with MCHD, energy and angular momentum of the plunging particles are extracted via MCPD more effectively, provided that the BH spin is not very high. It turns out that negative energy can be delivered to the BH by the plunging particles without violating the second law of BH thermodynamics, however it cannot be realized via MCPD in a stable way. [source] Populating the Galaxy with low-mass X-ray binariesMONTHLY NOTICES OF THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY, Issue 3 2006Paul D. Kiel ABSTRACT We perform binary population-synthesis calculations to investigate the incidence of low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) and their birth rate in the Galaxy. We use a binary-evolution algorithm that models all the relevant processes including tidal circularization and synchronization. Parameters in the evolution algorithm that are uncertain and may affect X-ray binary formation are allowed to vary during the investigation. We agree with previous studies that under standard assumptions of binary evolution the formation rate and number of black hole (BH) LMXBs predicted by the model are more than an order of magnitude less than what is indicated by observations. We find that the common-envelope process cannot be manipulated to produce significant numbers of BH LMXBs. However, by simply reducing the mass-loss rate from helium stars adopted in the standard model, to a rate that agrees with the latest data, we produce a good match to the observations. Including LMXBs that evolve from intermediate-mass systems also leads to favourable results. We stress that constraints on the X-ray binary population provided by observations are used here merely as a guide as surveys suffer from incompleteness and much uncertainty is involved in the interpretation of results. [source] The 2dF QSO Redshift Survey , XIV.MONTHLY NOTICES OF THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY, Issue 2 2005Structure, evolution from the two-point correlation function ABSTRACT In this paper we present a clustering analysis of quasi-stellar objects (QSOs) using over 20 000 objects from the final catalogue of the 2dF QSO Redshift Survey (2QZ), measuring the redshift-space two-point correlation function, ,(s). When averaged over the redshift range 0.3 < z < 2.2 we find that ,(s) is flat on small scales, steepening on scales above ,25 h,1 Mpc. In a WMAP/2dF cosmology (,m= 0.27, ,,= 0.73) we find a best-fitting power law with s0= 5.48+0.42,0.48 h,1 Mpc and ,= 1.20 ± 0.10 on scales s= 1 to 25 h,1 Mpc. We demonstrate that non-linear redshift-space distortions have a significant effect on the QSO ,(s) at scales less than ,10 h,1 Mpc. A cold dark matter model assuming WMAP/2dF cosmological parameters is a good description of the QSO ,(s) after accounting for non-linear clustering and redshift-space distortions, and allowing for a linear bias at the mean redshift of bQ(z= 1.35) = 2.02 ± 0.07. We subdivide the 2QZ into 10 redshift intervals with effective redshifts from z= 0.53 to 2.48. We find a significant increase in clustering amplitude at high redshift in the WMAP/2dF cosmology. The QSO clustering amplitude increases with redshift such that the integrated correlation function, , within 20 h,1 Mpc is and . We derive the QSO bias and find it to be a strong function of redshift with bQ(z= 0.53) = 1.13 ± 0.18 and bQ(z= 2.48) = 4.24 ± 0.53. We use these bias values to derive the mean dark matter halo (DMH) mass occupied by the QSOs. At all redshifts 2QZ QSOs inhabit approximately the same mass DMHs with MDH= (3.0 ± 1.6) × 1012 h,1 M,, which is close to the characteristic mass in the Press,Schechter mass function, M*, at z= 0. These results imply that L*Q QSOs at z, 0 should be largely unbiased. If the relation between black hole (BH) mass and MDH or host velocity dispersion does not evolve, then we find that the accretion efficiency (L/LEdd) for L*Q QSOs is approximately constant with redshift. Thus the fading of the QSO population from z, 2 to ,0 appears to be due to less massive BHs being active at low redshift. We apply different methods to estimate, tQ, the active lifetime of QSOs and constrain tQ to be in the range 4 × 106,6 × 108 yr at z, 2. We test for any luminosity dependence of QSO clustering by measuring ,(s) as a function of apparent magnitude (equivalent to luminosity relative to L*Q). However, we find no significant evidence of luminosity-dependent clustering from this data set. [source] Microstructure,magnetic properties relationships in nanocrystalline Nd,Fe,Co,Ge,B annealed ribbonsPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (A) APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS SCIENCE, Issue 2 2006R. Gholamipour Abstract In this work, the effects of Ge addition on the microstructure and magnetic properties of some rapidly quenched Nd13.5Fe(74.9,z )Co5.5Gez B6 alloys with z = 0.0, 0.18, 0.36, 0.54, 0.72 and 0.9 prepared by a rapid solidification method were studied. For the first time, detailed microstructural study of nanometer size grain boundaries enriched with very small amount of Ge as well as Nd was carried out using 3 Dimensional Atom Probe (3DAP) technique. The magnitudes of Br and (BH )max were seen to increase for the samples substituted with up to 0.36 at% Ge in spite of the fact that Ge is a non-magnetic atom. This was related to the observed change of Co concenteration in matrix phase. However, the magnetic properties deteriorated for the samples with Ge addition beyond 0.36 at%. The observed magnetic properties are discussed in relation with the observed microstructural changes monitored by 3DAP and TEM techniques. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] A Multimodality Approach to the Diagnosis of Breast Hamartomas with Atypical Mammographic AppearanceTHE BREAST JOURNAL, Issue 1 2001Juan D. Berná MD Abstract: The ultrasonographic appearance of breast hamartomas (BHs) is described and its diagnostic utility is discussed in this study of 27 women with mammographic findings both typical and atypical of BH. The role of computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of BH of atypical mammographic appearance is also analyzed. These 27 cases of BH were detected in women submitted to mammographic screening. Ages ranged from 45 to 65 years (mean age 52.6 years). In all cases physical and ultrasonographic examinations were carried out. CT studies were carried out in seven cases. Core biopsy was performed in 18 cases of lesions with a mammographic appearance atypical of BH. Lesions were palpable in 9 cases and nonpalpable in 18. Mammographic appearance was characteristic in nine cases. In 19 cases a hypoechoic solid mass with hyperechoic lines and/or bands was seen. This ultrasonographic image is suspicious of BH. Finally, both CT and core biopsy findings were of great help in the diagnosis of BH in the cases where mammographic and ultrasonographic studies were inconclusive. We consider that a combination of mammography, ultrasonography, CT, and core biopsy is fundamental for the successful diagnosis of breast hamartomas not seen in typical form in mammograms. [source] ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Hyperresistinemia , a Novel Feature in Systemic Infection During Human PregnancyAMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 5 2010Shali Mazaki-Tovi Citation Mazaki-Tovi S, Vaisbuch E, Romero R, Kusanovic JP, Chaiworapongsa T, Kim SK, Ogge G, Yoon BH, Dong Z, Gonzalez JM, Gervasi MT, Hassan SS. Hyperresistinemia , a novel feature in systemic infection during human pregnancy. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010 Problem, Resistin, originally described as an adipokine, has emerged as a potent pro-inflammatory protein associated with both acute and chronic inflammation. Moreover, resistin has been proposed as a powerful marker of sepsis severity, as well as a predictor of survival of critically ill non-pregnant patients. The aim of this study was to determine whether pyelonephritis during pregnancy is associated with changes in maternal plasma resistin concentrations. Methods of study, This cross-sectional study included the following groups: (i) normal pregnant women (n = 85) and (ii) pregnant women with pyelonephritis (n = 40). Maternal plasma resistin concentrations were determined by ELISA. Non-parametric statistics was used for analyses. Results, (i) The median maternal plasma resistin concentration was higher in patients with pyelonephritis than in those with a normal pregnancy (P < 0.001); (ii) among patients with pyelonephritis, the median maternal resistin concentration did not differ significantly between those with and without a positive blood culture (P = 0.3); (iii) among patients with pyelonephritis who were diagnosed with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), those who fulfilled ,3 criteria for SIRS had a significantly higher median maternal plasma resistin concentration than those who met only two criteria; and (iv) maternal WBC count positively correlated with circulating resistin concentration (r = 0.47, P = 0.02). Conclusion, Hyperresistinemia is a feature of acute pyelonephritis during pregnancy. The results of this study support the role of resistin as an acute-phase protein in the presence of bacterial infection during pregnancy. [source] ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Maternal Plasma Concentration of the Pro-Inflammatory Adipokine Pre-B-Cell-Enhancing Factor (PBEF)/Visfatin Is Elevated In Pregnant Patients with Acute PyelonephritisAMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 3 2010Shali Mazaki-Tovi Citation Mazaki-Tovi S, Vaisbuch E, Romero R, Kusanovic JP, Chaiworapongsa T, Kim SK, Nhan-Chang C-L, Gomez R, Yoon BH, Yeo L, Mittal P, Ogge G, Gonzalez JM, Hassan SS. Maternal plasma concentration of the pro-inflammatory adipokine pre-B-cell-enhancing factor (PBEF)/visfatin is elevated in pregnant patients with acute pyelonephritis. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 63: 252,262 Problem, Visfatin/pre-B-cell-enhancing factor (PBEF) has been implicated in the regulation of the innate immune system, as well as in glucose metabolism. Specifically, visfatin plays a requisite role in delayed neutrophil apoptosis in patients with sepsis. The aim of this study was to determine whether pyelonephritis during pregnancy is associated with changes in maternal plasma visfatin concentration in normal weight and overweight/obese patients. Method of study, This cross-sectional study included the following groups: (1) normal pregnant women (n = 200) and (2) pregnant women with pyelonephritis (n = 40). Maternal plasma visfatin concentrations were determined by ELISA. Non-parametric statistics was used for analyses. Results, (1) The median maternal plasma visfatin concentration was significantly higher in patients with pyelonephritis than in those with a normal pregnancy; (2) among overweight/obese pregnant women, those with pyelonephritis had a significantly higher median plasma visfatin concentration than women with a normal pregnancy; and (3) pyelonephritis was independently associated with higher maternal plasma visfatin concentrations after adjustment for maternal age, pre-gestational body mass index, smoking status, gestational age at sampling, and birthweight. Conclusion, Acute pyelonephritis during pregnancy is associated with a high circulating maternal visfatin concentration. These findings suggest that visfatin/PBEF may play a role in the regulation of the complex and dynamic crosstalk between inflammation and metabolism during pregnancy. [source] Angiogenesis Therapy for the Treatment of Erectile DysfunctionTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 7 2010Jeffrey J. Lysiak PhD ABSTRACT Introduction., Over the past 15 years, significant advances have been made in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). The most significant of these advances has been pharmacological treatment of ED with phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. This therapy greatly increased the awareness of ED and has helped stimulate research into the underlying causes of ED. While treatment with PDE5 inhibitors continues to be the current therapy of choice, approximately 40% of men treated with PDE5 inhibitors fail to have significant improvement in erectile function and PDE5 inhibitors do not reverse the vasculopathic processes associated with ED. With this in mind, new therapies must be developed. The treatment with angiogenic growth factors such as vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) may be one such therapy. Aim., This review will focus on defining key terms in the angiogenic process, angiogenic growth factors, and different delivery methods, and summarize results from angiogenic therapies for the treatment of ED. Methods., A review of the literature was performed on all angiogenic therapies for the treatment of ED. A brief review on the angiogenic factors was also performed Results., Angiogenic therapies for the treatment of ED are possible and promising; however, further investigation is needed to advance clinically. Conclusions., Although numerous studies have now employed angiogenic factors for the possible treatment of ED in several animal models, we are still not at the point to begin human investigations. Future studies need to examine proper dosage of the angiogenic agent, route of delivery, time course for delivery, and combination therapies. Lysiak JJ, Kavoussi PK, Ellati RT, Steers WD, and Annex BH. Angiogenesis therapy for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. J Sex Med 2010;7:2554,2563. [source] ORIGINAL RESEARCH,SURGERY: A Large Multicenter Outcome Study of Female Genital Plastic SurgeryTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 4pt1 2010Michael P. Goodman MD ABSTRACT Introduction., Female Genital Plastic Surgery, a relatively new entry in the field of Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery, has promised sexual enhancement and functional and cosmetic improvement for women. Are the vulvovaginal aesthetic procedures of Labiaplasty, Vaginoplasty/Perineoplasty ("Vaginal Rejuvenation") and Clitoral Hood Reduction effective, and do they deliver on that promise? For what reason do women seek these procedures? What complications are evident, and what effects are noted regarding sexual function for women and their partners? Who should be performing these procedures, what training should they have, and what are the ethical considerations? Aim., This study was designed to produce objective, utilizable outcome data regarding FGPS. Main Outcome Measures., 1) Reasons for considering surgery from both patient's and physician's perspective; 2) Pre-operative sexual functioning per procedure; 3) Overall patient satisfaction per procedure; 4) Effect of procedure on patient's sexual enjoyment, per procedure; 5) Patient's perception of effect on her partner's sexual enjoyment, per procedure; 6) Complications. Methods., This cross-sectional study, including 258 women and encompassing 341 separate procedures, comes from a group of twelve gynecologists, gynecologic urologists and plastic surgeons from ten centers in eight states nationwide. 104 labiaplasties, 24 clitoral hood reductions, 49 combined labiaplasty/clitoral hood reductions, 47 vaginoplasties and/or perineoplasties, and 34 combined labiaplasty and/or reduction of the clitoral hood plus vaginoplasty/perineoplasty procedures were studied retrospectively, analyzing both patient's and physician's perception of surgical rationale, pre-operative sexual function and several outcome criteria. Results., Combining the three groups, 91.6% of patients were satisfied with the results of their surgery after a 6,42 month follow-up. Significant subjective enhancement in sexual functioning for both women and their sexual partners was noted (p = 0.0078), especially in patients undergoing vaginal tightening/perineal support procedures. Complications were acceptable and not of major consequence. Conclusions., While emphasizing that these female genital plastic procedures are not performed to correct "abnormalities," as there is a wide range of normality in the external and internal female genitalia, both parous and nulliparous, many women chose to modify their vulvas and vaginas. From the results of this large study pooling data from a diverse group of experienced genital plastic surgeons, outcome in both general and sexual satisfaction appear excellent. Goodman MP, Placik OJ, Benson RH III, Miklos JR, Moore RD, Jason RA, Matlock DL, Simopoulos AF, Stern BH, Stanton RA, Kolb SE, and Gonzalez F. A large multicenter outcome study of female genital plastic surgery. J Sex Med 2010;7:1565,1577. [source] A VEGF Trap Inhibits the Beneficial Effect of bFGF on Vasoreactivity in Corporal Tissues of Hypercholesterolemic RabbitsTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 9 2008Donghua Xie MD ABSTRACT Introduction., Hypercholesterolemia causes a decrease in normal corporal tissue vasoreactivity in a preclinical model of erectile dysfunction. Previous studies have shown that intracorporal injection (ICI) of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) reverses some of the detrimental vasoreactivity effects of hypercholesterolemia and increases vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. Aim., We sought to determine whether the beneficial effects of bFGF are VEGF-mediated. Methods., A total of 32 New Zealand white rabbits were fed a 1% cholesterol diet for 6 weeks and randomly divided into four groups (N = 8/group). Group 1 received a 2.5 µg bFGF ICI and 2.5 × 1011 viral particle unit (vpu) of adenovirus encoding ,-galactosidase (Ad,-gal) ICI, 10 days later. Group 2 received a 2.5 µg bFGF ICI and 2.5 × 1011 vpu of adenovirus encoding soluble VEGF receptor (VEGFR) (AdsVEGFR, a VEGF trap) ICI, 10 days later. Group 3 received phosphate buffered saline solution (PBS) ICI and 2.5 × 1011 vpu Ad,-gal ICI, 10 days later. Group 4 received PBS ICI and 2.5 × 1011 vpu AdsVEGFR ICI, 10 days later. Main Outcome Measures., The corpus cavernosum was harvested for vasoreactivity studies 10 days post viral injection. The effective dose of 50% maximum relaxation was determined. VEGF levels were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Total and phoshorylated Akt and endothelial nitric oxide were analyzed by Western blot. Results., Endothelium-dependent vasoreactivity was significantly greater in Group 1 vs. all other groups. The VEGF trap eliminated the beneficial effects of bFGF on endothelium-dependent vasoreactivity and decreased Akt and nitric oxide phosphorylation. Conclusions., These data demonstrate that VEGF activity contributes much of the therapeutic modulation of bFGF-mediated vasoreactivity in corporal tissue. Xie D, Findley CM, Greenfield JM, Pippen AM, Kontos CD, Donatucci CF, and Annex BH. A VEGF trap inhibits the beneficial effect of bFGF on vasoreactivity in corporal tissues of hypercholesterolemic rabbits. J Sex Med 2008;5:2069,2078. [source] A Mouse Model of Hypercholesterolemia-Induced Erectile DysfunctionTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 4i 2007Donghua Xie MD ABSTRACT Introduction., Hypercholesterolemia is one of the most important risk factors for the development of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. Aim., We employed an established mouse model of hypercholesterolemia. Main Outcome Measures., We test for abnormalities in vasoreactivity in corporal tissue and temporally correlated changes in vasoreactivity with alterations in histology and protein expression. Methods., A total of 150 mice were studied. A total of 100 apolipoprotein-E knockout (ApoE,/,) mice were fed a 1.25% cholesterol diet for 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks (N = 25/group), while a group of ApoE,/, and wild-type Bl-6 mice were fed a normal diet. The study was terminated, and all mice were harvested at 22 weeks of age for vasoreactivity, histology, and protein studies from corporal tissues. Dose,response curves were generated to evaluate endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent vasoreactivity, ex vivo. The contents of endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and smooth muscle/collagen ratio were assessed by immunohistochemistry staining or Masson staining. Level of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) was detected by enzyme immunoassay assay. Levels of phosphorylated endothelial nitric oxide synthase (p-eNOS)/total eNOS, neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), and cyclic GMP-dependent kinase (cGK-1) protein were assessed by Western analysis. Results., Abnormalities in endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent vasoreactivities, endothelial content, smooth muscle/collagen ratio, p-eNOS phosphorylation at Ser1177 only, nNOS, cGMP, and cGK-1 changed with the different durations of the high-cholesterol diet. Conclusions., These data demonstrate that this mouse model is suitable for investigating aspects of hypercholesterolemic ED. Xie D, Odronic SI, Wu F, Pippen AM, Donatucci CF, and Annex BH. A mouse model of hypercholesterolemia-induced erectile dysfunction. J Sex Med 2007;4:898,907. [source] Cholesterol Feeding Reduces Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Signaling in Rabbit Corporal TissuesTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 5 2005Donghua Xie MD ABSTRACT Purpose., Hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for erectile dysfunction (ED), but the mechanisms are not completely understood. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is reduced in rabbit corporal tissue with cholesterol feeding. VEGF signaling leads to the phosphorylation of Akt and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (p-Akt and p-eNOS). Material and Methods., New Zealand White rabbits (n = 50) were fed a 1% cholesterol (n = 8, 8, 8, 4) or normal (n = 6, 6, 6, 4) diet for 2, 4.5, 7.5, and 12 weeks. Akt, p-Akt, and p-Akt/Akt were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Levels of eNOS, p-eNOS, and neuronal and inducible nitric oxide synthase (nNOS and iNOS) mRNA and protein were assessed by polymerase chain reaction and Western analysis. Results., Cholesterol feeding was associated with a significant decrease in p-Akt/Akt 2.16-fold (P < 0.05), 3.28-fold (P < 0.02), and 3.42-fold (P < 0.02) at 4.5, 7.5, and 12 weeks., respectively. The reduction in p-Akt/Akt with the cholesterol diet at 2 weeks was not significantly different, but the correlation between the duration of cholesterol feeding and the reduction in p-Akt/Akt was high (r,2 = 0.858). eNOS protein or mRNA did not change with cholesterol feeding, but p-eNOS was significantly decreased at 4.5 weeks and all subsequent time points. nNOS mRNA and protein levels were decreased at 4.5 weeks and all subsequent time points, while iNOS was not different between groups. Conclusions., Hypercholesterolemia results in decreased VEGF signaling and decreased levels of the active form of eNOS in corporal tissue. Levels of nNOS were reduced by a different mechanism. VEGF signaling may provide a target to modulate ED. Xie D, Kontos CD, Donatucci CF, and Annex BH. Cholesterol feeding reduces vascular endothelial growth factor signaling in rabbit corporal tissues. J Sex Med 2005;2:634,640. [source] Derivation, safety and efficacy of a Marek's disease vaccine developed from an Australian isolate of very virulent Marek's disease virusAUSTRALIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 1 2002RC KARPATHY Objective To develop a serotype 1 Marek's disease (MD) vaccine from a very virulent MDV (vvMDV) pathotype and demonstrate safety and efficacy against early challenge with very virulent field strains in the presence of maternal antibody. Study design Strain BH 16 was isolated and attenuated by serial cell culture passage. One of two cloned passages was selected for vaccine development following early laboratory-scale protection trials in commercial birds. Comparative protection trials were carried out on the BH 16 vaccine and on a CVI 988 Rispens vaccine using commercial and SPF chickens. Challenge viruses used were either a low passage strain BH 16 virus, the Woodlands No. 1 strain or MPF 57 strain of MDV. The BH 16 vaccine was back-passaged in SPF chickens six times and virus recovered from the final passage and the original vaccine virus were tested for safety. The immunosuppressive potential of the BH 16 and Rispens vaccines was also assessed in parallel. Results The BH 16 and Rispens vaccines induced comparable levels of protection when used as monovalent or multi-valent vaccines, although protection achieved with the mono-valent vaccines was lower. No gross tumour formation was evident in any birds receiving the BH 16 vaccine or bird-passaged virus, although microscopic lesions were present in 2/12 birds that received the bird-passaged virus. In tests for immunosuppression, there was no histological evidence of damage to either the bursa of Fabricius or the thymus. Conclusion The BH 16 vaccine was shown to be safe and at least as protective as the Rispens vaccine against three highly virulent MD challenge viruses. [source] Cluster Formation as a Measure of Interpretability in Multiple TestingBIOMETRICAL JOURNAL, Issue 5 2008Juliet Popper Shaffer Abstract Multiple test procedures are usually compared on various aspects of error control and power. Power is measured as some function of the number of false hypotheses correctly identified as false. However, given equal numbers of rejected false hypotheses, the pattern of rejections, i.e. the particular set of false hypotheses identified, may be crucial in interpreting the results for potential application. In an important area of application, comparisons among a set of treatments based on random samples from populations, two different approaches, cluster analysis and model selection, deal implicitly with such patterns, while traditional multiple testing procedures generally focus on the outcomes of subset and pairwise equality hypothesis tests, without considering the overall pattern of results in comparing methods. An important feature involving the pattern of rejections is their relevance for dividing the treatments into distinct subsets based on some parameter of interest, for example their means. This paper introduces some new measures relating to the potential of methods for achieving such divisions. Following Hartley (1955), sets of treatments with equal parameter values will be called clusters. Because it is necessary to distinguish between clusters in the populations and clustering in sample outcomes, the population clusters will be referred to as P -clusters; any related concepts defined in terms of the sample outcome will be referred to with the prefix outcome. Outcomes of multiple comparison procedures will be studied in terms of their probabilities of leading to separation of treatments into outcome clusters, with various measures relating to the number of such outcome clusters and the proportion of true vs. false outcome clusters. The definitions of true and false outcome clusters and related concepts, and the approach taken here, is in the tradition of hypothesis testing with attention to overall error control and power, but with added consideration of cluster separation potential. The pattern approach will be illustrated by comparing two methods with apparent FDR control but with different ways of ordering outcomes for potential significance: The original Benjamini,Hochberg (1995) procedure (BH), and the Newman,Keuls (Newman, 1939; Keuls, 1952) procedure (NK). (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||