bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of postoperative radiotherapy on autologous deep inferior epigastric perforator flap volume after immediate breast reconstruction
Authors: Chatterjee J S , Lee A , Anderson W , Baker L , Stevenson J H , Dewar J A , Thompson A M
Published: September 2009

Background

The effect of postoperative radiotherapy following autologous flap breast reconstruction is controversial. The aim of this study was to measure whether adjuvant radiotherapy following immediate deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) free flap breast reconstruction affected flap volume.

Methods

Sixty-eight women underwent immediate autologous DIEP flap reconstruction following mastectomy for breast cancer. Twenty-two of the 68 received postoperative radiotherapy (45Gy in 20 fractions over 4 weeks). Intraoperative flap volume data were collected prospectively. Volumetric assessment was carried out a minimum of 1 year after surgery. Patients who had volume adjustment surgery after initial reconstruction were analysed separately.

Results

The mean age of the women was 52 (range 37–69) years and median follow-up was 3·5 (range 1–10) years. There was no statistically significant difference in volume change between patients who had and those who did not have postreconstruction radiotherapy for the whole cohort (median reduction 65 versus 0 ml) or when women who had undergone further volume adjustment surgery were excluded.

Conclusion

In this study postoperative radiotherapy did not significantly affect breast volume after DIEP flap reconstruction. The potential need for postoperative radiotherapy should not deter women from undergoing immediate DIEP flap breast reconstruction.
Lateral mammaplasty reconstruction after surgery for breast cancer
Authors: Ballester M , Berry M G , Couturaud B , Reyal F , Salmon R J , Fitoussi A D
Published: September 2009

Background

Up to 60 per cent of cancers develop laterally in the breast and breast-conserving surgery frequently produces superolateral nipple–areolar complex (NAC) distortion aggravated by postoperative irradiation. Correction is technically demanding and the outcomes are variable. Lateral mammaplasty may allow wider excision margins and prevent such deformities.

Methods

This was a review of 86 consecutive patients who had lateral mammaplasty: combined wide tumour excision with NAC repositioning on a reliable dermoglandular pedicle. Simultaneous axillary surgery was performed via a separate or combined incision. Aesthetic outcomes were assessed.

Results

The median age of the women was 54 (range 29–75) years; 55 (64 per cent) had palpable tumours and 73 (85 per cent) underwent simultaneous axillary surgery. Median radiological and histological tumour sizes were 29·8 and 33·6 mm, respectively, and median weight of excised tumour was 150 g. Two patients required haematoma evacuation. Eleven women required revisional surgery for involved or close margins. Aesthetic outcomes were excellent or good in 93 per cent.

Conclusion

Lateral mammaplasty produced clear margins in 87 per cent of women. It is an option when a deformity is anticipated after breast-conserving surgery, and is particularly valuable when neoadjuvant chemotherapy has downgraded a large tumour.
Feasibility study of three-nerve-recognizing Lichtenstein procedure for inguinal hernia
Authors: Lange J F M , Wijsmuller A R , van Geldere D , Simons M P , Swart R , Oomen J , Kleinrensink G J , Jeekel J , Lange J F
Published: September 2009

Background

Inguinal nerve identification during open inguinal hernia repair is associated with less chronic postoperative pain. However, most Dutch surgeons do not identify all three inguinal nerves when carrying out this procedure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a nerve-recognizing Lichtenstein hernia repair and to measure the extra time required for surgery

Methods

Forty patients with primary inguinal hernia were operated on following the nerve-recognizing Lichtenstein hernia repair by four experienced hernia surgeons from four different Dutch teaching hospitals. The additional time needed to identify each individual nerve was recorded, and iatrogenic nerve injuries and anatomical characteristics were registered.

Results

Identification of the iliohypogastric and ilioinguinal nerves was each performed within 1 min. Identification of the genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve was notably more difficult but could usually be performed within 2 min. Identification of the cremasteric vein, running parallel to the genital branch, was less comprehensive. The incidence of major anatomical variations was low. Twenty-five per cent of ilioinguinal nerves, however, could not be identified. In five patients inguinal nerves were damaged iatrogenically during standard manoeuvres of the Lichtenstein hernia repair.

Conclusion

Three-nerve-recognizing Lichtenstein hernia repair is feasible and non-time consuming if the surgeon has appropriate anatomical knowledge. In view of the low incidence of major anatomical variations, knowledge of standard inguinal nervous anatomy should be adequate. This procedure could enable the surgeon to prevent or recognize iatrogenic nerve damage and offer an opportunity to perform deliberate neurectomy as an alternative to accidental nerve injury.
Randomized controlled trial and cost-effectiveness analysis of silver-donating antimicrobial dressings for venous leg ulcers (VULCAN trial)
Authors: Michaels J A , Campbell B , King B , Palfreyman S J , Shackley P , Stevenson M
Published: September 2009

Background

Antimicrobial silver dressings are used beneath graduated compression in the treatment of venous ulceration. There is little information on whether their use is effective. This was a prospective randomized trial and cost-effectiveness analysis of silver-donating versus non-silver low-adherence dressings in the treatment of venous leg ulcers.

Methods

Patients were randomized between the two types of dressing. The primary outcome measure was complete ulcer healing at 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes included time to healing, quality of life and cost-effectiveness.

Results

A total of 213 patients were recruited. There was no difference between the dressings in the proportion of ulcers healed at 12 weeks (59·6 per cent for silver and 56·7 per cent for control dressings). Mean utility scores for the EuroQol 5D and Short Form 6D were similar in both groups at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. Compared with the control group the antimicrobial group had an incremental cost of £97·85 and an incremental quality-adjusted life year gain of 0·0002, giving an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of £489 250 for the antimicrobial dressings.

Conclusion

No significant differences were found in either primary or secondary endpoints. There was no evidence to support the routine use of silver-donating dressings beneath compression for venous ulceration. Registration number: ISRCTN 72485131 (http://www.controlled-trials.com).
Randomized clinical trial of techniques for closure of the pancreatic remnant following distal pancreatectomy (Br J Surg 2009; 96: 602–607)
Authors: Chiu Chong-Chi
Published: September 2009

The Editors welcome topical correspondence from readers relating to articles published in the Journal. Responses should be sent electronically via the BJS website (www.bjs.co.uk). All letters will be reviewed and, if approved, appear on the website. A selection of these will be edited and published in the Journal. Letters must be no more than 250 words in length.
Letter 1: Randomized clinical trial of antibiotic therapy versus appendicectomy as primary treatment of acute appendicitis in unselected patients (Br J Surg 2009; 96: 473–481)
Authors: Spanos C P
Published: September 2009

The Editors welcome topical correspondence from readers relating to articles published in the Journal. Responses should be sent electronically via the BJS website (www.bjs.co.uk). All letters will be reviewed and, if approved, appear on the website. A selection of these will be edited and published in the Journal. Letters must be no more than 250 words in length.
Understanding the glycemic index and glycemic load and their practical applications
Authors: Lazarim Fernanda Lorenzi , Stancanelli Mirtes , Brenzikofer René , de Macedo Denise Vaz
Published: September 2009

We have introduced the study of synthesis pathways using two experiments: 1—the determination of the glycemic index (GI) of some foods and the effects of fiber and fat on the GI; 2—the determination of blood glucose levels after the ingestion of meals with high and low glycemic loads (GL). After a practice assembly, when the foods and meals that were eaten by the students were tallied, the students were divided into groups. At the next class, three members of each group, who had fasted for 8 hr, ingested 50 g of carbohydrate in food or a meal. After ingestion, the blood glucose was measured with a portable device every 30 min for a period of 2 hr. Discussion of the data obtained in experiment 1 allowed the students to understand the mechanism of action of insulin and to understand how the GI, as presented in the literature, is determined. The students also concluded that the addition of fiber to food reduces the glycemic response even with high GI foods, and these results could be a useful strategy for diet prescription. Discussion of experiment 2 allowed the students to understand that the amount of food intake is a determining factor for the glycemic response and subsequent release of insulin. These experimental observations allowed the students to transfer theoretical knowledge to their daily lives very easily. The students approved the classes and felt encouraged to study the synthesis pathways and metabolic integration in the fed state.
Determining the skills for child protection practice: from quandary to quagmire?
Authors: Keys Marjorie
Published: September 2009

This article, the first of two, provides an account of an extended literature review that was undertaken in order to establish the evidence base for the learning and teaching of skills for child protection practice. It considers the contribution to the knowledge base from child abuse inquiries and from policies, guidelines and other documents from governmental departments and professional bodies. The subsequent analysis of terminology used for the review illustrates the complexity of searching for evidence that relates to concepts about which there are many differing perspectives, and also highlights the relevance to the study of activities undertaken by practitioners from a wide range of backgrounds. The paper describes the review method beginning with an initial search from which several hundred articles were located, only six of which generated evidence of value to the study. These six, however, highlighted a range of skills that provided the basis for a second, more focused search. Following an account of organisation and analysis of material, the paper concludes with discussion of some of the challenges presented during the process of this review, the complexities of which are reflected in the paper's title. A second paper will present the findings. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determining the skills for child protection practice: emerging from the quagmire!
Authors: Keys Marjorie
Published: September 2009

This paper, the second in a series of two, presents and analyses the results of an extended literature review undertaken for a Master's dissertation, the purpose of which was to establish the evidence base for the learning and teaching of skills for child protection practice. The review, discussed in the previous paper, was carried out in two stages. An initial search yielded a very small number of studies of direct relevance but they provided the trigger and the key words for a second search. Many potentially useful areas had to be omitted from the second stage because of limited resources, but the two stages in the search generated large amounts of material, much of which was indirectly relevant to child protection practice. The review did not achieve the original aim of determining skills that are identified through research and other evidence as being essential for child protection practice, but it was possible to draw some conclusions. For example, evidence was found of the importance of a range of communication skills, whether these be child focused, carer focused or inter‐professional. Skills in managing conflict and challenge were found to be crucial, with the importance of role clarification being acknowledged. There was some evidence of the use of decision‐making skills and problem‐solving skills, but little research that explored procedural skills. This paper reports on gaps in the literature identified by the review, and indicates where further research would be beneficial. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevalence, people and processes: a consideration of the implications of Lord Laming's progress report on the protection of children in England
Authors: Driscoll Jennifer J.
Published: September 2009

Media coverage of the death of Baby P revived national concerns about the standard of child safeguarding practice in England following the implementation of widespread structural changes in response to the Victoria Climbié Inquiry chaired by Lord Laming in 2003. This paper discusses the recommendations of Lord Laming's recent Progress Report. It questions whether the scale of the challenge in improving child protection is fully recognised and considers briefly the culture of social care in the UK and the barriers to effective reform. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prozessüberwachung bei der anaeroben Vergärung mit Hilfe eines adaptierbaren Prozessbeobachters
Authors: Krassowski J. , Kabasci Ing. S.
Published: September 2009

Eine der größten Herausforderungen bei der technischen Nutzung der Biogaserzeugung ist die Gewährleistung eines stabilen Anlagenbetriebs. Dieser wird bisher immer noch am besten durch einen erfahrenen, mit der Anlage vertrauten Experten sichergestellt. Um dieses Expertenwissen in einer automatisierten Prozessüberwachung nutzbar zu machen, wurde ein adaptierbarer Prozessbeobachter für den anaeroben Vergärungsprozess entwickelt und in Form eines von der Anlagensteuerung unabhängigen Überwachungsprogramms implementiert.
Kultivierung von Mikroalgen im Photobioreaktor zur stofflichen und energetischen Nutzung
Authors: Schmid‐Staiger U. , Preisner R. , Trösch W. , Marek P.
Published: September 2009

Für die stoffliche und energetische Nutzung von Algenbiomasse wird ein Flachplatten‐Airlift‐Reaktor eingesetzt, der eine verbesserte Lichtversorgung aller Zellen gewährleistet. Damit kann Algenbiomasse in hoher Zelldichte und mit hoher Produktivität erzeugt werden. Diese ist Basis für die Produktion der omega‐3‐Fettsäure Eicosapentaensäure oder von Speicherlipiden für die energetische Nutzung unter Verwendung von Abgas‐CO2.
Surveillance of prophylactic mastectomy
Authors: McLaughlin Colleen C. , Lillquist Patricia P. , Edge Stephen B.
Published: September 2009

BACKGROUND:

Prophylactic mastectomy, prophylactic oophorectomy, and antiestrogen chemoprevention are currently the only available methods for breast cancer risk reduction. To the authors' knowledge there is little published information regarding the prevalence of prophylactic mastectomy for the primary prevention of breast cancer among high‐risk women or for the prevention of subsequent tumors among women with breast cancer.

METHODS:

The objective of the current study was to examine the frequency of prophylactic mastectomy in New York State between 1995 and 2005 using mandated statewide discharge data combined with data from the state cancer registry.

RESULTS:

Identified were 6275 female residents of New York State receiving prophylactic mastectomy; 19% had no identifiable personal history of breast cancer (including women with lobular carcinoma in situ) and 81% had a personal history of breast cancer (84% with invasive disease and 16% with ductal carcinoma in situ). The increased use of prophylactic mastectomy over time was found to be more pronounced among women with breast cancer compared with those without. Women who underwent prophylactic mastectomies were more likely to be younger and white and to have private insurance compared with women who underwent therapeutic mastectomies and compared with all women with breast cancer. The International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition, Clinical Modification diagnostic code for prophylactic mastectomy introduced in 1995 was found to have low sensitivity for identifying prophylactic mastectomies in coded discharge data.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results of the current analysis demonstrate that, although the discharge data alone are inadequate for surveillance purposes, combining these data with the cancer registry data allowed for the detailed examination of the prevalence of prophylactic mastectomies. Mastectomy among high‐risk women for cancer prevention appears to be relatively uncommon, but the use of contralateral mastectomy in women with breast cancer is increasing. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Effect of PCBM Concentration on Photoluminescence Properties of Composite MEH‐PPV/PCBM Nanoparticles Investigated by a Franck–Condon Analysis of Single‐Particle Emission Spectra
Authors: Tenery Daeri , Gesquiere Andre J.
Published: September 2009

The emission of composite conjugated polymer (MEH‐PPV)/fullerene (PCBM) nanoparticles is investigated by single particle spectroscopy (SPS), and changes in vibronic structure with nanoparticle composition are evaluated by means of a detailed Franck–Condon analysis. Consistent with previous reports we find that the emission spectra can be modeled as the superposition of two types of emitters, one with aggregate character and one with molecular character. Major findings from the fitting of the SPS data to a Franck–Condon model are that 1) the occurrence of each of the two types of emitters changes with nanoparticle composition to the point that no aggregate emitters are detected (at 50 wt % PCBM), 2) at the highest PCBM doping levels (75 wt % PCBM) aggregate emitters reappear due to nanoscale phase separation in the composite nanoparticles, 3) the molecular emitters show small Huang–Rhys factors that increase with PCBM doping, indicative of extensive delocalization and exciton migration that is reduced by the disorder introduced in the polymer material by PCBM doping and 4) the aggregate emitters show large Huang–Rhys factors, indicative of the localized nature of these energy trap sites, with a broad distribution of values of these Huang–Rhys factors. The latter observation suggests a broad heterogeneous distribution of aggregate morphologies in blended conducting polymer materials, which can be attributed to variations in polymer chain folding and stacking at the aggregate sites. The reported results obtained by the SPS approach show how blending conjugated polymers with fullerenes at various doping levels induces changes in interchain interactions and aggregate site density even at length scales below a few tens of nanometers that affect conjugated polymer material properties, an observation that has gone unnoticed in bulk studies of blended conjugated polymer films.
Identification of specific angiotensin‐converting enzyme variants and haplotypes that confer risk and protection against type 2 diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Ezzidi Intissar , Mtiraoui Nabil , Kacem Maha , Chaieb Molka , Mahjoub Touhami , Almawi Wassim Y.
Published: September 2009

Background

Cross‐sectional and family studies identified angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) gene as a risk factor for diabetic nephropathy (DN). The contribution of ACE gene variants to DN development and progression is controversial and varies among different ethnic/racial groups.

Methods

We investigated the association of three ACE gene variants with DN, rs1799752 insertion/deletion (I/D), rs1800764T/C and rs12449782A/G in 917 Tunisian type 2 diabetic (T2DM) patients: 515 with (DN) and 402 without (DWN) nephropathy. ACE genotyping was done by PCR‐based assays; haplotype estimation was performed using H‐Plus software (χ2‐test based).

Results

Genotype frequency distributions of the three studied variants were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. Minor allele frequency of rs1800764 was higher in DN patients than DWN patients or healthy controls, and minor allele frequency of rs1799752 was higher in DN than DWN patients. Higher frequency of rs1799752 and rs1800764 homozygous mutant genotypes was seen in DN compared to DWN patients. Of the three variants, only rs1799752 deletion/deletion (D/D) genotype was associated with a significant increase in albumin to creatinine ratios levels, and D/D carriers had elevated low‐density lipoprotein, total cholesterol and urea. Three locus haplotype [rs1799752(I/D)/rs1800764(T/C)/rs12449782(A/G)] analysis revealed that the frequency of DCG haplotype was higher, while that of ITG and ICA haplotypes were lower among unselected type 2 diabetic patients. Taking ITA haplotype as reference, multivariate regression analysis confirmed the negative (ITG), and positive (DCG, DTG, DCA and DTA) association of specific ACE haplotypes with DN, after adjusting for potential nephropathy‐linked covariates.

Conclusions

Our results support the involvement of specific ACE variants in DN pathogenesis and demonstrate the presence of DN‐specific haplotypes at the ACE locus. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Global Structure–Activity Analysis in Drug Development Illustrated for Active Cu/Zn Superoxide Dismutase Mimics
Authors: Palivan Cornelia G. , Balasubramanian Vimalkumar , Goodman Bernard A.
Published: September 2009

The analysis of the spectroscopic and electrochemical properties of all reported classes of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase mimics (SODm) makes it possible to distinguish the geometric specificity of highly active compounds. A linear relationship with EPR parameters characterises the geometry of the first coordination sphere around the metal, which favours catalytic activity. Combined with the appropriate redox potential values, the model of geometric conformation of highly active Cu/Zn SODm serves to streamline further synthetic efforts. This global analysis represents a new approach to treat all classes of compounds intended for a specific biological activity in order to obtain general features that could orient the process of drug discovery.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Synthesis of Prolines by Enantioselective 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition of Azomethine Ylides and Alkenes Catalyzed by Chiral Phosphoramidite‐Silver(I) Complexes
Authors: Nájera Carmen , de Gracia Retamosa María , Martín‐Rodríguez María , Sansano José M. , de Cózar Abel , Cossío Fernando P.
Published: September 2009

The endo‐diastereo‐ and enantioselective 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of azomethine ylides and electrophilic alkenes is efficiently catalysed by chiral phosphoramidite–silver(I) perchlorate complexes. The reaction allows the presence of different types of substituents in the 1,3‐dipole and can be applied to the synthesis of enantiomerically enriched, highly substituted prolines. This methodology was applied to the total synthesis of the inhibitors of the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Computational studies support a two‐step mechanism predicting exactly the experimental results and the origin of both the diastereo‐ and enantioselections, as well as a reasonable explanation concerning the different reaction rates observed for some substrates.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Synthesis, Characterization, and Electrochemical Studies of New π‐Extended Metalloporphyrins
Authors: Jimenez Angel J. , Jeandon Christophe , Gisselbrecht Jean‐Paul , Ruppert Romain
Published: September 2009

A doubly fused porphyrin has been synthesized by two successive cyclization reactions. The first meso‐phenyl group was fused by an intramolecular Cadogan reaction leading to an enamine‐functionalized porphyrin. After Vilsmeier–Haack formylation of the nickel enaminoporphyrin, an intramolecular Friedel–Crafts reaction followed by dehydration of the intermediate alcohol afforded the doubly fused aromatic nickel porphyrin, which could be demetalated. The free base and the copper and palladium porphyrins show extremely high absorbances in the 700–800 nm range. The palladium complex was a good catalyst for the oxidation of cholesterol with singlet oxygen, which makes this chromophore a potential candidate for photodynamic therapy.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Rewarding community‐engaged scholarship
Authors: Saltmarsh John , Giles Dwight E. , Ward Elaine , Buglione Suzanne M.
Published: September 2009

Community‐engaged colleges and universities are revising promotion and tenure policies to reward community‐engaged scholarship.
Issues in benchmarking and assessing institutional engagement
Authors: Furco Andrew , Miller William
Published: September 2009

A range of instruments and strategies has been employed to benchmark and measure the institutionalization of community engagement.
After the engagement classification: Using organization theory to maximize institutional understandings
Authors: Thornton Courtney H. , Zuiches James J.
Published: September 2009

This chapter offers suggestions for making an institution's comprehensive inventory of engagement activities more accessible and useful for broader campus and public consideration.
Will it last? Evidence of institutionalization at Carnegie classified community engagement institutions
Authors: Holland Barbara A.
Published: September 2009

Community engagement is proving to be a force for diversification across higher education.
Psychological capital: A positive resource for combating employee stress and turnover
Authors: Avey James B. , Luthans Fred , Jensen Susan M.
Published: September 2009

Workplace stress is a growing concern for human resource managers. Although considerable scholarly and practical attention has been devoted to stress management over the years, the time has come for new perspectives and research. Drawing from the emerging field of positive organizational behavior, this study offers research findings with implications for combating occupational stress. Specifically, data from a large sample of working adults across a variety of industries suggest that psychological capital (the positive resources of efficacy, hope, optimism, and resilience) may be key to better understanding the variation in perceived symptoms of stress, as well as intentions to quit and job search behaviors. The article concludes with practical strategies aimed at leveraging and developing employees' psychological capital to help them better cope with workplace stress. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
HR managers as toxin handlers: The buffering effect of formalizing toxin handling responsibilities
Authors: Kulik Carol T. , Cregan Christina , Metz Isabel , Brown Michelle
Published: September 2009

Toxin handlers are organizational members who help colleagues manage negative emotions in the workplace. Although toxin handling activities help distressed employees remain productive, they put the toxin handler at risk of emotional exhaustion. In this research, more than 400 HR managers described their experience managing emotionally charged employee problems. We found that formalizing toxin handling responsibilities provided a buffering effect: HR managers whose organizations had made handling emotionally charged employee problems a formal part of HR responsibilities experienced lower levels of emotional exhaustion and perceived HR as more effective, even when they engaged in high levels of toxin handling. Formalizing toxin handling responsibilities may protect HR managers from harm and ensure that they maintain the toxin handling function in their organizations. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
When expatriates explore other options: Retaining talent through greater job embeddedness and repatriation adjustment
Authors: Shen Yan , Hall Douglas T. (Tim)
Published: September 2009

This paper introduces the concept of job embeddedness to research on international assignments to help explain how the processes of expatriation and repatriation might lead to such outcomes as strengthened personorganization fit or career exploration. It develops a model with a related set of theoretical propositions, based on a comprehensive literature review covering international assignments, adult development and career theories, job embeddedness, and career exploration. The paper also presents implications for future research, as well as practical implications for assignment practices and career interventions for organizations trying to retain their valued repatriate talents and, thus, secure a greater return on their investments in talent development. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A meta‐analytic investigation of the relationship between HRM bundles and firm performance
Authors: Subramony Mahesh
Published: September 2009

Human resource management bundles consisting of multiple complementary practices are typically considered superior to individual best practices in influencing firm performance. This study investigates the relationship between three such bundles (empowerment, motivation, and skill‐enhancing) and business outcomes (retention, operating performance, financial performance, and overall performance ratings). A meta‐analysis of 239 effect sizes derived from 65 studies reveals that HRM bundles have significantly larger magnitudes of effects than their constituent individual practices, are positively related to business outcomes, and display effect sizes that are comparable to or larger than those of high‐performance work systems. These findings reaffirm the case for firm‐level investments in synergistic HRM combinations and highlight the importance of investing in complementary practices. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Study of rising liquid film on surface of horizontal metallic mesh tube
Authors: Mei Ning , He Ming‐zhu , Zhao Jie , Yu Hai‐yan
Published: September 2009

The formation of a rising liquid film on the surface of a horizontal metallic mesh tube in the presence of a temperature field is investigated. A numerical model is established to study the behavior of the rising liquid film. For thermocapillary flow, the velocity distribution of the liquid film is obtained numerically and the influences of wall temperature, geometry of the metallic mesh, and diameter of the tube on the formation of the rising liquid film are also investigated. The results indicate that the velocity of the rising liquid film is influenced by the diameter of the tube and the gap between the tube and the metallic mesh. The velocity of the rising liquid is obviously promoted due to the influence of thermocapillary flow. An experimental system was developed and comparisons between numerical solution and experimental results were made. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20270
Hydrologic characteristics of Appalachian loose‐dumped spoil in the Cumberland Plateau of eastern Kentucky
Authors: Taylor Timothy J. , Agouridis Carmen T. , Warner Richard C. , Barton Christopher D. , Angel Patrick N.
Published: September 2009

Heavily compacted lands, typical of traditional surface mine reclamation techniques, have been shown to hinder tree growth, increase levels of flooding, and produce suboptimal water quality. Utilizing loose‐dumped spoil, in accordance with the Forestry Reclamation Approach (FRA), has demonstrated success with regards to promoting tree growth and survival; however, additional information is needed to assess the potential of FRA to ameliorate other environmental concerns related to water quantity. To better understand the hydrologic characteristics of loose‐dumped spoil, key hydrograph parameters (discharge volume, peak discharge, discharge duration, lag time, and response time) were monitored for three common spoil types: (1) predominately brown weathered sandstone, (2) predominately gray weathered sandstone, and (3) a mixture of both sandstones and shale. Although spoil types were found to differ hydrologically, these differences were relatively minor. Measured discharge volumes were low (averaging 12% of rainfall for all events and treatments), peak discharge rates were small (between 2·5 × 10−5 and 3 × 10−3 m3/s), and the duration of discharge was long (6 days on average). From a hydrologic perspective, the results of this study indicate that mine spoils need not be segregated for reclamation as long as the spoil is placed in accordance with the loose‐dumped techniques as outlined in the FRA. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The mitochondrial citrate carrier: Metabolic role and regulation of its activity and expression
Authors: Gnoni Gabriele V. , Priore Paola , Geelen Math J. H. , Siculella Luisa
Published: September 2009

The citrate carrier (CiC), a nuclear‐encoded protein located in the mitochondrial inner membrane, is a member of the mitochondrial carrier family. CiC plays an important role in hepatic lipogenesis, which is responsible for the efflux of acetyl‐CoA from the mitochondria to the cytosol in the form of citrate, the primer for fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis. In addition, CiC is a key component of the isocitrate–oxoglutarate and the citrate–malate shuttles. CiC has been purified from various species and its reconstituted function characterized as well as its cDNA isolated and sequenced. CiC mRNA and/or CiC protein levels are high in liver, pancreas, and kidney, but are low or absent in brain, heart, skeletal muscle, placenta, and lungs. A reduction of CiC activity was found in diabetic, hypothyroid, starved rats, and in rats fed on a polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)‐enriched diet. Molecular analysis suggested that the regulation of CiC activity occurs mainly through transcriptional and post‐transcriptional mechanisms. This review begins with an assessment of the current understanding of CiC structural and biochemical characteristics, underlying the structure–function relationship. Emphasis will be placed on the molecular basis of the regulation of CiC activity in coordination with fatty acid synthesis. © 2009 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 61(10): 987–994, 2009.
Can resveratrol extend your life?
Authors: Azzi Angelo
Published: September 2009

Is There An Answer? is intended to serve as a forum in which readers to IUBMB Life may pose questions of the type that intrigue biochemists but for which there may be no obvious answer or one may be available but not widely known or easily accessible. Readers are invited to e‐mail ascenzi@uniroma3.it if they have questions to contribute or if they can provide answers to questions that are provided here from time to time. In the latter case, instructions will be sent to interested readers. Answers should be, whenever possible, evidence‐based and provide relevant references.

Paolo Ascenzi
Androgen receptor and caveolin‐1 in prostate cancer
Authors: Bennett Nigel , Hooper John D. , Lee C. Soon , Gobe Glenda C.
Published: September 2009

Flow diagram of androgen, androgen receptor and caveolin‐1 activity. See Androgen Receptor and Caveolin‐1 in Prostate Cancer by Bennett et al., pp. 961–970.
Dating and forecasting turning points by Bayesian clustering with dynamic structure: a suggestion with an application to Austrian data
Authors: Kaufmann Sylvia
Published: September 2009

The information contained in a large panel dataset is used to date historical turning points and to forecast future ones. We estimate groups of series with similar time series dynamics and link the groups with a dynamic structure. The dynamic structure identifies a group of leading and a group of coincident series. Robust results across data vintages are obtained when series‐specific information is incorporated in the design of the prior group probability distribution. The forecast evaluation confirms that the Markov switching panel with dynamic structure performs well when compared to other specifications. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dichotomous‐choice contingent valuation with ‘dont know’ responses and misreporting
Authors: Balcombe Kelvin , Fraser Iain
Published: September 2009

A new approach is presented that simultaneously deals with Misreporting and Don't Know (DK) responses within a dichotomous‐choice contingent valuation framework. Utilising a modification of the standard Bayesian Probit framework, a Gibbs with Metropolis–Hastings algorithm is used to estimate the posterior densities for the parameters of interest. Several model specifications are applied to two contingent valuation datasets: one on wolf management plans, and one on the US Fee Demonstration Program. We find that DKs are more likely to be from people who would be predicted to have positive utility for the bid. Therefore, a DK is more likely to be a YES than a NO. We also find evidence of misreporting, primarily in favour of the NO option. The inclusion of DK responses has an unpredictable impact on willingness‐to‐pay estimates, since it impacts differently on the results for the two datasets we examine. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Value of quantitative MRI biomarkers (Evans' index, aqueductal flow rate, and apparent diffusion coefficient) in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus
Authors: Ng Samuel E.S. , Low Angela M.S. , Tang Kok Kee , Chan Y.H. , Kwok Robert K.
Published: September 2009

Purpose

To define the value of Evans' index (EI), aqueductal flow rate (FR), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in the diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) and to assess the ability of these markers preoperatively to predict shunt response. To shed some light as to the mechanisms responsible for the symptoms of NPH.

Materials and Methods

Preoperative EI, FR, and ADC readings in nine cases of clinically diagnosed NPH were compared with those of age‐ and gender‐matched controls. Similar pre‐ and postoperative readings of responders and nonresponders were subsequently compared.

Results

Compared with the controls, all measurements were statistically significant except for peak systolic flow rate (pSfr), which was near statistical significance. Comparison of pre‐ and postoperative readings of responders and nonresponders revealed a decrease in ADC in all responders (P = 0.032). Subdural hemorrhage was found in all nonresponders (P = 0.012).

Conclusion

For patients presenting with signs and symptoms of NPH, readings on MRI greater than 0.3, 10 mL/min, −9.0 mL/min, and 10.65 × 10−4 mm2/s for EI, peak diastolic flow rate (pDfr), pSfr, and ADC, respectively, add further weight to the diagnosis. The strong correlation between shunt response and ADC decline support our hypothesis that water accumulation in the cerebrum is the major cause for the symptoms of NPH. The presence of subdural hemorrhage in all nonresponders raises suspicion of decreased compliance as the other major cause. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;30:708–715. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
3.0‐T MR‐guided focused ultrasound for preoperative localization of nonpalpable breast lesions: An initial experimental ex vivo study
Authors: Schmitz Annemarie C. , van den Bosch Maurice A.A.J. , Rieke Viola , Dirbas Frederick M. , Butts Pauly Kim , Mali Willem P.Th.M. , Daniel Bruce L.
Published: September 2009

Purpose

To compare the accuracy of magnetic resonance‐guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) with MR‐guided needle‐wire placement (MRgNW) for the preoperative localization of nonpalpable breast lesions.

Materials and Methods

In this experimental ex vivo study, 15 turkey breasts were used. In each breast phantom an artificial nonpalpable “tumor” was created by injecting an aqueous gel containing gadolinium. MRgFUS (n = 7) was performed with the ExAblate 2000 system (InSightec). With MRgFUS the ablated tissue changes in color and increases in stiffness. A rim of palpable and visible ablations was created around the tumor to localize the tumor and facilitate excision. MRgNW (n = 8) was performed by MR‐guided placement of an MR‐compatible needle‐wire centrally in the tumor. After surgical excision of the tumor, MR images were used to evaluate tumor‐free margins (negative/positive), minimum tumor‐free margin (mm), and excised tissue volume (cm3).

Results

With MRgFUS localization no positive margins were found after excision (0%). With MRgNW two excision specimens (25%) had positive margins (P = 0.48). Mean minimum tumor‐free margin (±SD) with MRgFUS was significantly larger (5.5 ± 2.4 mm) than with MRgNW (0.9 ± 1.4 mm) (P < 0.001). Mean volume ± SD of excised tissue did not differ between MRgFUS and MRgNW localization, ie, 44.0 ± 9.4 cm3 and 39.5 ± 10.7 cm3 (P = 0.3).

Conclusion

The results of this experimental ex vivo study indicate that MRgFUS can potentially be used to localize nonpalpable breast lesions in vivo. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;30:884–889. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cellular magnetic resonance imaging for the differentiation of infectious and degenerative vertebral disorders: Preliminary results
Authors: Bierry Guillaume , Jehl François , Holl Nathalie , Sibilia Jean , Froelich Sébastien , Froehlig Pierre , Dietemann Jean‐Louis , Kremer Stéphane
Published: September 2009

Purpose

To evaluate macrophage imaging using the ability of superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to differentiate infectious vertebral osteomyelitis and degenerative disk‐related inflammatory endplates. The in vivo demonstration of the different distribution of macrophages in those two disorders may allow a more accurate characterization of vertebral endplate abnormalities than classical extracellular MR changes.

Materials and Methods

In 12 patients with endplate abnormalities (six cases of bacteriologically proven spondylodiscitis, six cases of disk degeneration‐related endplate changes), two MRI sessions were realized: before and 24 hours after injection of SPIO. The signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of endplates were qualitatively and quantitatively compared on pre‐ and post‐SPIO injection T1 and T2‐weighted (T2w) MR images (Wilcoxon signed rank test).

Results

In the infection group, the SNR of abnormal endplates showed a significant signal loss on T2w MR images (P = 0.03) but not on T1w images (P = 0.46). In the degenerative spine group, no significant signal loss was observed on T1 (P = 0.6) nor on T2w MR images (P = 0.6). Signal loss was only visually observable in abnormal endplate in one patient of the spondylodiscitis group on T2w MR images.

Conclusion

MRI of the spine with iron oxide injection differentiates infection from aseptic inflammation on quantitative analysis, but the use of SPIO makes direct visual evaluation less satisfactory. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;30:901–906. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance reveals similar damage to the heart of patients with becker and limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy but no cardiac symptoms
Authors: Yilmaz Ali , Gdynia Hans‐Jürgen , Mahrholdt Heiko , Sechtem Udo
Published: September 2009

Cardiac involvement in patients with a sarcoglycanopathy (limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy) has been described previously; however, this is the first cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) study in such a patient demonstrating an interesting pattern of myocardial damage using late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging. Moreover, the wall motion abnormality and the subepicardial pattern of LGE in this patient with a sarcoglycanopathy is in agreement with the findings in another patient with Becker muscular dystrophy. The predominance of LGE in the subepicardial layers of the left ventricular inferolateral wall suggests that such a myocardial damage pattern represents a nonspecific cardiac phenotype in response to exaggerated mechanical stress in this region, at least in patients with a sarcoglycanopathy or dystrophinopathy. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;30:876–877. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improving dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI measurement of quantitative cerebral blood flow using corrections for partial volume and nonlinear contrast relaxivity: A xenon computed tomographic comparative study
Authors: Zaharchuk Greg , Bammer Roland , Straka Matus , Newbould Rexford D. , Rosenberg Jarrett , Olivot Jean‐Marc , Mlynash Michael , Lansberg Maarten G. , Schwartz Neil E. , Marks Michael M. , Albers Gregory W. , Moseley Michael E.
Published: September 2009

Purpose

To test whether dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI‐based CBF measurements are improved with arterial input function (AIF) partial volume (PV) and nonlinear contrast relaxivity correction, using a gold‐standard CBF method, xenon computed tomography (xeCT).

Materials and Methods

Eighteen patients with cerebrovascular disease underwent xeCT and MRI within 36 h. PV was measured as the ratio of the area under the AIF and the venous output function (VOF) concentration curves. A correction was applied to account for the nonlinear relaxivity of bulk blood (BB). Mean CBF was measured with both techniques and regression analyses both within and between patients were performed.

Results

Mean xeCT CBF was 43.3 ± 13.7 mL/100g/min (mean ± SD). BB correction decreased CBF by a factor of 4.7 ± 0.4, but did not affect precision. The least‐biased CBF measurement was with BB but without PV correction (45.8 ± 17.2 mL/100 g/min, coefficient of variation [COV] = 32%). Precision improved with PV correction, although absolute CBF was mildly underestimated (34.3 ± 10.8 mL/100 g/min, COV = 27%). Between patients correlation was moderate even with both corrections (R = 0.53).

Conclusion

Corrections for AIF PV and nonlinear BB relaxivity improve bolus MRI‐based CBF maps. However, there remain challenges given the moderate between‐patient correlation, which limit diagnostic confidence of such measurements in individual patients. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;30:743–752. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Robust tissue–air volume segmentation of MR images based on the statistics of phase and magnitude: Its applications in the display of susceptibility‐weighted imaging of the brain
Authors: Du Yiping P. , Jin Zhaoyang
Published: September 2009

Purpose

To develop a robust algorithm for tissue–air segmentation in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using the statistics of phase and magnitude of the images.

Materials and Methods

A multivariate measure based on the statistics of phase and magnitude was constructed for tissue–air volume segmentation. The standard deviation of first‐order phase difference and the standard deviation of magnitude were calculated in a 3 × 3 × 3 kernel in the image domain. To improve differentiation accuracy, the uniformity of phase distribution in the kernel was also calculated and linear background phase introduced by field inhomogeneity was corrected. The effectiveness of the proposed volume segmentation technique was compared to a conventional approach that uses the magnitude data alone.

Results

The proposed algorithm was shown to be more effective and robust in volume segmentation in both synthetic phantom and susceptibility‐weighted images of human brain. Using our proposed volume segmentation method, veins in the peripheral regions of the brain were well depicted in the minimum‐intensity projection of the susceptibility‐weighted images.

Conclusion

Using the additional statistics of phase, tissue–air volume segmentation can be substantially improved compared to that using the statistics of magnitude data alone. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;30:722–731. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.