bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulation of articular chondrocyte aggrecan and collagen gene expression by multiple growth factor gene transfer
Authors: Shi Shuiliang , Mercer Scott , Eckert George J. , Trippel Stephen B.
Published: December 2011

Gene transfer is a promising approach to the delivery of chondrotrophic growth factors to promote cartilage repair. It is unlikely that a single growth factor transgene will optimally regulate these cells. The aim of this study was to identify those growth factor transgene combinations that optimally regulate aggrecan, collagen type II and collagen type I gene expression by articular chondrocytes. We delivered combinations of the transgenes encoding fibroblast growth factor‐2, insulin‐like growth factor I, transforming growth factor beta1, bone morphogenetic protein‐2, and/or bone morphogenetic protein‐7 and assessed chondrocyte responses by measuring changes in the expression of aggrecan, type II collagen and type I collagen genes. These growth factor transgenes differentially regulated the magnitude and time course of all three‐matrix protein genes. In concert, the transgenes regulated matrix gene expression in an interactive fashion that ranged from synergistic to inhibitory. Maximum stimulation of aggrecan (16‐fold) and type II collagen (35‐fold) expression was with the combination of IGF‐I, BMP‐2, and BMP‐7 transgenes. The results indicate that the optimal choice of growth factor genes for cell‐based cartilage repair cannot be predicted from observations of individual transgenes. Rather, such gene therapy will require an empirically based selection of growth factor gene combinations. 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society. This article is a US Government work and as such is in the public domain in the United States of America. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:1026–1031, 2012
Sensitivity of gait parameters to the effects of anti‐inflammatory and opioid treatments in knee osteoarthritis patients
Authors: Boyer Katherine A. , Angst Martin S. , Asay Jessica , Giori Nicholas J. , Andriacchi Thomas P.
Published: December 2011

The study aim was to address the need for objective markers of pain‐modifying interventions by testing the hypothesis that selective gait measures of knee joint loading can distinguish differences between non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory (NSAID), analgesic treatment (opioid‐receptor agonist), and placebo in patients medial knee osteoarthritis (OA). A randomized, single‐blind washout, double‐blind treatment, double‐dummy cross‐over trial using three treatment arms placebo, opioid (Oxycodone), and NSAID (Celecoxib) in medial compartment knee OA patients. Six patients with Kellgren–Lawrence radiographic severity grades of 2 or 3 completed six testing sessions (gait and pain assessment) at 2‐week intervals. A significant increase was found in the knee total reaction moment and vertical ground reaction force (GRF) for Celecoxib compared to placebo (p = 0.005, p = 0.003), but not for Oxycodone compared to placebo (p = 0.20, p = 0.27) treatments. Walking speed was significantly higher for the Celecoxib and Oxycodone compared to placebo treatment (p = 0.041 and p = 0.031, respectively). Self‐reported function (WOMAC scores) was not different among treatments (p > 0.05). The changes in total reaction moments and GRFs for only the NSAID suggest that greater increases in joint loading occurs when joint inflammation is treated in addition to pain. The total knee reaction moment, representing the magnitude of the extrinsic moment, appears to be a sensitive marker, more so than self‐reported metrics, for evaluating knee OA treatment effects. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:1118–1124, 2012
Availability of exchangeable and non‐exchangeable K in Argentine soils with different mineralogy
Authors: Zubillaga María M. , Conti Marta E.
Published: December 2011

There were two objectives in the study: 1) To determine exchangeable K and non‐exchangeable K in soils with different potassium depletion levels and mineralogy as plant sources 2) To establish a relationship between the mineralogy vs exchangeable K (Ke) and non‐exchangeable K (Kne) mobilization. An extraction experiment of soils was carried out in a greenhouse, with a total of 6 consecutive crops of ryegrass.

Different supply rates for plant K were determined by Ke and Kne mobilization according to the soil intensity of use. The contribution of the Ke was greater and generated higher amount of K uptake during maximum availability period (from 0 to the 1st harvest) than in the later period when soil K was already depleted. For this the initial exchangeable K and the illite concentration of soils accounted for almost 100% (R2 = 0.981 P=0.01) of the K taken up by ryegrass. For the following period (from the 2nd harvest to the 6th), Kne forms became more important. Plant K supply was not only a result of initial exchangeable K and illite concentration but presumably also of primary K‐bearing minerals.
Gas diffusivity in soils compared to ideal isotropic porous media
Authors: Kühne Anke , Schack‐Kirchner Helmer , Hildebrand Ernst E.
Published: December 2011

Evidence of anisotropy is reported for advective air and water permeabilities in soils. Thus, anisotropy is likely to exist also for diffusive gas fluxes. Information about direction‐dependent soil gas diffusivity is scarce and most modeling approaches assume isotropy. At hundreds of closely lying positions in a compacted and adjacent undisturbed forest soil, gas diffusivity (Ds/D0) was measured either in vertical or horizontal direction. The volume‐independent diffusion efficiency (i.e., diffusivity divided by air‐filled porosity) was fitted by a generalized additive model (GAM). Significant regressors were air‐filled porosity (ϵ), soil depth, and the discrete diffusion direction. The model yields in all cases higher vertical diffusion efficiencies. The compaction factor did not yield a significant regressor of its own, i.e., the reduction of diffusivity in the compacted soil was the same as in low‐porosity samples of the undisturbed profile. To elucidate the role of sharing vertically and horizontally orientated pore space and a potential competition between diffusivity in different spatial directions, simple geometric models consisting of 3‐dimensionally crossed pores have been parameterized. These models provided a good explanation of the typical nonlinear Ds/D0(ϵ) relationship. By simple one‐parameter correction (linear or power function), this mechanistic model could be fitted to the data. The one‐parameter correction of the geometric model could be a straightforward approach to consider direction dependence of measured diffusivities. However, by applying this approach to the observations the anisotropy effect was not clearly evident, which could be attributed to a changing Ds/D0(ϵ) relationship with depth. As a reason for the preference of the vertical gas diffusion the dominance of vertical stresses and the activity of anecic earthworms are discussed. Direction dependency of gas diffusivity seems to be a basic feature of natural pore systems and has to be considered for modeling gas fluxes in soils. Generally, a preferential vertical diffusion direction reduces horizontal balancing and increases the heterogeneity of gas concentrations in the soil air.
Christian G. Ehrenberg and the birth of soil microbiology in the middle of the 19th century
Authors: Blume Hans‐Peter , Bölter Manfred , Kusber Wolf‐Henning
Published: December 2011

Early in the 19th century, the German doctor and natural scientist Christian G. Ehrenberg (1795–1876) determined and classified through microscopic investigation the species and contents of microorganisms (bacteria, algae, diatoms, protozoa) of more than 1000 soil samples from all over the world. He identified phytoliths and minerals using a polarization microscope and described the morphology of the organic particles. Two of his soil descriptions were a Chernozem from Russia and an Ornithogenic Cryosol of the Maritime Antarctic. He further identified several soil‐forming processes like the formation and decomposition of organic matter, mineral weathering, and new formation of carbonates, Fe oxides, and silicate under the influence of microorganisms long before other investigators. Although this was criticized during his time, it is still fully accepted today. Therefore, Ehrenberg can be regarded as the main founder of soil microbiology and as a pioneer in soil micromorphology.
Physiological changes, phenolic content and antioxidant activity of Salvia officinalis L. grown under saline conditions
Authors: Taârit Mouna Ben , Msaada Kamel , Hosni Karim , Marzouk Brahim
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND: Hydroponic culture was used to investigate the effect of NaCl concentrations on the growth, nutrient uptake, phenolic content and antioxidant activity of Salvia officinalis L. leaves. The antioxidant capacity of the methanolic extract of S. officinalis was evaluated by using 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging test and β‐carotene‐linoleic acid bleaching assay. Physiological and biochemical parameters of S. officinalis were assessed after 4 weeks of salt treatment with 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 mmol L−1 NaCl.

RESULTS: Plant growth exhibited a reduction of 61% at 100 mmol L−1 NaCl. Assessment of Na+, K+ and Ca2+ and water contents of shoots and roots showed that S. officinalis is able to regulate Na+ concentration by active compartmentation in vacuoles. Salvia officinalis phenolics were increased in response to salinity at the threshold of 75 mmol L−1 NaCl. This herb was also found to be able to achieve important DPPH• quenching activity and to inhibit the β‐carotene‐linoleic acid bleaching notably enhanced by salt treatment. It is interesting to highlight the correlation between the phenolic and antioxidant activity, suggesting the involvement of these compounds in this activity.

CONCLUSION: Salvia officinalis treated with 75 mmol L−1 NaCl constitutes a potential source for production of secondary metabolites useful in several applications. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Phenethyl isothiocyanate, a naturally occurring phytochemical, is an antagonist of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor
Authors: Abdull Razis Ahmad F. , Konsue Nattaya , Dervetzoglou Myrto , Plant Kathryn E. , Plant Nick , Ioannides Costas
Published: December 2011

Scope The aryl hydrocarbon (Ah) receptor is a ligand‐activated transcription factor that is activated by many carcinogens, and its target gene products play a major role in tumour development, so that antagonists of the Ah receptor represent potential chemopreventive agents.

Methods and results Experimental evidence is presented herein that phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), a phytochemical present in cruciferous vegetables, is such an antagonist. PEITC was a very weak ligand to the Ah receptor, as assessed using the chemical‐activated luciferase expression (CALUX) assay, and a poor inducer of CYP1A1 mRNA levels when incubated in precision‐cut rat liver slices for 24 h. It antagonised effectively, however, the interaction of benzo[a]pyrene to the receptor, being capable of preventing its binding as well as displacing it from the receptor. Moreover, PEITC suppressed in concentration‐dependent manner the benzo[a]pyrene‐mediated rise in rat hepatic CYP1A1 mRNA levels in rat slices. Finally, PEITC antagonised the benzo[a]pyrene‐mediated increase in the O‐deethylation of ethoxyresorufin in both rat and human precision‐cut liver slices.

Conclusion It is concluded that PEITC is an effective antagonist of the Ah receptor in rat and human liver, and this potential may contribute to its established chemopreventive activity.
Multivariate analysis of cartilage degradation using the support vector machine algorithm
Authors: Lin Ping‐Chang , Irrechukwu Onyi , Roque Remy , Hancock Brynne , Fishbein Kenneth W. , Spencer Richard G.
Published: December 2011

An important limitation in MRI studies of early osteoarthritis is that measured MRI parameters exhibit substantial overlap between different degrees of cartilage degradation. We investigated whether multivariate support vector machine analysis would permit improved tissue characterization. Bovine nasal cartilage samples were subjected to pathomimetic degradation and their T1, T2, magnetization transfer rate (km), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were measured. Support vector machine analysis performed using certain parameter combinations exhibited particularly favorable classification properties. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for detection of extensive and mild degradation were 1.00 and 0.94, respectively, using the set (T1, km, ADC), compared with 0.97 and 0.60 using T1, the best univariate classifier. Furthermore, a degradation probability for each sample, derived from the support vector machine formalism using the parameter set (T1, km, ADC), demonstrated much stronger correlations (r2 = 0.79–0.88) with direct measurements of tissue biochemical components than did even the best‐performing individual MRI parameter, T1 (r2 = 0.53–0.64). These results, combined with our previous investigation of Gaussian cluster‐based tissue discrimination, indicate that the combinations (T1, km) and (T1, km, ADC) may emerge as particularly useful for characterization of early cartilage degradation. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Oncologic surveillance for subjects with biallelic mismatch repair gene mutations: 10 year follow‐up of a kindred
Authors: Durno Carol A. , Aronson Melyssa , Tabori Uri , Malkin David , Gallinger Steven , Chan Helen S. L.
Published: December 2011

Background

Heterozygous germline mutations in DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes cause Lynch syndrome. Biallelic MMR mutations cause a distinct syndrome characterized by brain tumors, lymphoid malignancies, and gastrointestinal cancers during childhood. These children usually succumb to multiple cancers before adulthood. We developed a surveillance protocol aiming at early detection for these individuals and report the 10‐year experience with a kindred.

Methods

On the basis of genetic testing and early age tumors, the kindred started a cancer surveillance protocol based on the crude estimates of cancer risks and available cancer screening: imaging, endoscopy, and hematologic tests.

Results

Over the 10‐year follow‐up period, the screening protocol detected 15 tumors. These included three high‐grade adenomatous colonic polyps and two colon cancers. In one child, MRI revealed an asymptomatic anaplastic astrocytoma which was treated by complete resection and radiation. All three cancers identified during surveillance were small and asymptomatic at diagnosis. The two sisters are currently 16 and 18 years of age with no evidence of malignant disease. Both parents have annual colonoscopies and the father at 43 years had two colonic adenomatous polyps.

Conclusions

We report on the long‐term outcome in patients with biallelic MMR mutations who benefited from prophylactic cancer surveillance. Genetic screening and subsequent surveillance led to earlier recognition of asymptomatic tumors at stages more amenable to resection and probable cure. Multicenter collaboration and implementation of surveillance guidelines is necessary to further determine genotype–phenotype correlations. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012;59:652–656. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
NK Cell immunotherapy for high‐risk neuroblastoma relapse after haploidentical HSCT
Authors: Kanold Justyna , Paillard Catherine , Tchirkov Andrei , Lang Peter , Kelly Antony , Halle Pascale , Isfan Florentina , Merlin Etienne , Marabelle Aurelien , Rochette Emmanuelle , Deméocq François
Published: December 2011

Little is known on strategies to prevent or to treat relapses occurring after haploidentical stem cell transplantation (haplo‐HSCT) performed for the high‐risk neuroblastoma (NB). We describe a 6‐year‐old male with refractory NB who relapsed 22 months after haplo‐HSCT. A complete remission was obtained with a combination of immuno‐chemotherapy based on donor NK cells transplants, IL2 infusions and temozolomide/topotecan. This case is an incentive to explore both the immediate therapeutic effect of haplo‐graft provided via haplo‐NK cells and the immunogenic platform that haplo‐HSCT offers for future treatment. Our post‐relapse strategy shows that chemo‐ and bio‐treatment should be viewed as complementary therapeutic options. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012;59:739–742. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Predictors of acute chemotherapy‐associated toxicity in patients with Ewing sarcoma
Authors: Sharib Jeremy M. , Cyrus Jobin , Horvai Andrew , Gray Hazard Florette K. , Neuhaus John , Matthay Katherine K. , Goldsby Robert , Marina Neyssa , DuBois Steven G.
Published: December 2011

Background

Ewing sarcoma (ES) is a malignant tumor of bone and soft tissue of children and young adults. Patients with ES are treated with intensive chemotherapy regimens. We describe predictors of acute chemotherapy‐associated toxicity in this population.

Procedure

In this retrospective cohort study, records of ES patients treated at two academic medical centers between 1980 and 2010 were reviewed. Grade 3 and 4 non‐hematologic chemotherapy‐associated toxicities during frontline therapy were recorded for each patient, along with potential clinical and demographic predictors of toxicity. Bivariate analyses were performed using the Fisher exact test. Multivariate analysis was performed using logistic regression.

Results

The cohort included 142 patients with ES and toxicity data. In bivariate analyses, age <12 years at diagnosis, Latino ethnicity, low family income, and treatment on a clinical trial were associated with higher incidence of toxicity (P < 0.01). Tumor size, site, stage, mode of local control, body mass index, overall chemotherapy exposure and dose‐intensity were not associated with toxicity. In multivariate analysis, low income (odds ratio (OR) 4.97, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.9–13.1), clinical trial enrollment (OR 3.67, 95% CI 1.2–10.9), pelvic tumor site (OR 3.88, 95% CI 1.17–12.88), and age <12 years (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.0–7.5) were independent predictors of toxicity.

Conclusion

ES patients who are younger, of Latino ethnicity, have pelvic tumors or low income have higher rates of toxicity that may require increased supportive care. Treatment on a clinical trial was also associated with higher rates of toxicity, though this finding may reflect better reporting in these patients. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012;59:611–616. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and characterization of 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid imprinted polymers
Authors: Luliński Piotr , Dana Mariusz , Maciejewska Dorota
Published: December 2011

Eight molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP1–MIP8) were synthesized with different functional monomers and porogens using 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) as a template. Thermal, radical bulk polymerization was employed in the presence of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as a cross‐linker. A computational analysis indicated that complexes with four molecules of 4‐vinylpyridine, 1‐vinylimidazole and acrylonitrile had high positive enthalpies of formation. The polymers synthesized with these monomers showed an imprinting factor below 1. Polymer MIP8 synthesized with allylamine as the functional monomer, with the highest energy of interaction with DOPAC, was characterized by the highest imprinting factor equal to 1.91. Examination of the binding ability of DOPAC and a group of structurally related compounds showed that the strong interactions between amine groups in the polymer and carboxylic groups in the analyte governed the recognition mechanism. The Langmuir adsorption model and the pseudo‐second‐order mechanism properly evaluated the MIP8 and non‐imprinted polymer 8 adsorption characteristics. Scatchard analysis revealed that MIP8 had two classes of heterogeneous binding sites with Kd(1) = 0.12 µmol L−1 and Kd(2) = 1.46 µmol L−1. Finally, the potential application of MIP8 for separation of DOPAC was demonstrated. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of pretreatment conditions on the hydrolysis and water absorption behavior of poly(ethylene terephthalate) fibrous assembly
Authors: Lee Jun Hee , Park Sang Ho , Oh Kyung Wha , Lee Chang Hwan , Kim Seong Hun
Published: December 2011

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fibers are very hydrophobic and are therefore treated by alkaline hydrolysis to reduce their hydrophobicity, which not only reduces their weight but also enhances their softness, flexibility and drapability. In addition, if alcohol is used as a pretreatment agent, the form of the fibers can be changed and more benefits can be obtained from the subsequent alkaline hydrolysis treatment. Therefore various alcohols were used as pretreatment agents and their effect was investigated. Treatment with 1‐decanol leads to more weight loss of the PET fibers than treatment with the other alcohols investigated. Treatment with sodium hydroxide leads to weight loss in PET fabrics because terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol are separated by the hydrolysis of the ester group in the PET chains. Weight loss increases with increasing hydrolysis time and the reaction does not immediately reach equilibrium. The microvoids of the PET surface hold water molecules. The surface morphology of PET shows that the pretreatment reagent attacks almost the entire surface of a fiber, causing surface etching. As the surface etching progresses, it propagates inside the fiber, resulting in the formation of elongated cavities on the surface. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Reactions of heavier main‐group compounds with hydrogen, ammonia, ethylene and related small molecules
Authors: Power Philip P.
Published: December 2011

The first reaction between hydrogen and a main‐group compound under ambient conditions was reported in 2005. This unexpected result has been followed by numerous others which show that such reactivity is widespread in unsaturated and multiple bonded main‐group species. These may react spontaneously not only with hydrogen, but also with ethylene, ammonia and related molecules. This account focuses on results from the author's laboratory but also on parallel work by other groups. The link between HOMO‐LUMO separations, symmetry considerations and reactivity of the main‐group species is emphasized as is their similarity in reactivity to transition‐metal organometallic compounds.DOI 10.1002/tcr.201100016
Entrepreneurs: The world needs you
Authors: Nagler Jürgen
Published: December 2011

The way we see the role of business is changing dramatically. What have we learned from the recent and ongoing crises? Where does one look for guidance on the “right thing to do” now? In a world where we live on one globe, it is time to shift our energy to real responsibility and sustainability. This requires a new paradigm. As Albert Einstein said, “No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it.” We are not separated from our environment, nature, and society; we are actually a part of it.

Therefore, let us unleash entrepreneurship and the power of business in a way to serve us more holistically. This new type of thinking, this expanding consciousness, is giving birth to all the new concepts of social entrepreneurship, corporate social responsibility, corporate sustainability, inclusive business, conscious capitalism, and sustainable development.

On the global level, there are increasing numbers of business‐oriented initiatives aimed at steering the power of business toward the public good such as the UN Global Compact and the Business Call to Action. Where to look for inspiration at the individual level? Within yourself. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “You have to be the change you want to see in the world.” © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Occupational segregation in Spain: Differential treatment of immigrants
Authors: Farber Vanina , Allard Gayle
Published: December 2011

Spain today faces simultaneously one of the world's largest immigrant populations and one of the highest unemployment rates. This difficult dilemma makes it a test case for how rich countries should deal with a surplus immigrant population. Do Spanish markets and policies make it more difficult to absorb immigrants? What policies could help? What are the consequences if the challenge is not faced successfully?

This article focuses on the occupational segregation between Spanish and foreign workers. It explores whether observed characteristics (gender, age, and education) aggravate segregation, and suggests policies to promote inclusion of immigrants in developed countries. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Creating sustainable international social ventures
Authors: Chen Stephen
Published: December 2011

International social ventures are now an increasingly common feature of the international business and social landscape in many countries worldwide. However, despite the increase in the number of social ventures and widespread interest that has resulted, theoretical development that deals specifically with international social ventures, or social ventures that operate across borders, has lagged behind, and there is little to guide potential social entrepreneurs thinking of setting up an international social venture. The aim of this article is to show how combining concepts from social exchange theory with international new venture theory can provide a useful conceptual framework that helps answer the central questions: What are the conditions for sustainable international social ventures? What difficulties are likely to arise in establishing such ventures? © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Role of uterine artery Doppler in the management of uterine leiomyoma by arterial embolization
Authors: Naguib N. N. N. , Nour‐Eldin N.‐E. A. , Serag‐Eldin F. , Mazloum Y. Z. , Agameya A. F. , Abou‐Seif S. , Etaby A. N. , Lehnert T. , Gruber‐Rouh T. , Zangos S. , Ackermann H. , Vogl T. J.
Published: December 2011

Objectives

To study Doppler changes in the uterine artery immediately following and 3 months after uterine artery embolization (UAE) and to test the feasibility of using uterine artery Doppler as a predictor of the predominant side of arterial supply to leiomyomas, amount of embolizing material needed and leiomyoma tumor volume at follow‐up.

Methods

The study included 38 patients undergoing UAE for leiomyomas. Uterine artery Doppler was performed transabdominally before, within 6 hours after and 3 months after UAE to determine the peak systolic (PSV) and end‐diastolic (EDV) velocities and resistance index (RI). Leiomyoma volume was measured using contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before and 3 months after UAE. The predominant side of arterial supply to the leiomyoma was determined on digital subtraction angiography using the uterine artery diameter and tumor blush after contrast injection. For correlations with leiomyoma volume, the average PSV, EDV and RI of both sides was used, while for prediction of the predominant side of supply and for correlation with the amount of embolizing material needed, separate measurements from each side were used.

Results

Relative to the pre‐embolization value, the uterine artery PSV and EDV were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) immediately following UAE, while the RI was significantly elevated (P < 0.05). For prediction of the predominant side of supply, the lowest RI showed the highest accuracy (81.6%). There was no significant correlation between the pre‐embolization PSV, EDV or RI and the amount of embolizing material utilized. Immediately post‐embolization EDV and RI values were statistically significantly correlated with the 3‐month follow‐up leiomyoma volume, with RI showing the strongest correlation (P = 0.0400 and 0.0002, rho = 0.34 and − 0.58, respectively). The leiomyoma volume was predicted to have reduced by 38–61% after 3 months if the immediate post‐embolization average RI value was between 0.82 and 0.88.

Conclusion

Pre‐interventional Doppler assessment can be used to predict the predominant side of supply to leiomyomas but not the amount of embolizing material needed. Immediate post‐interventional Doppler assessment can predict the leiomyoma volume after UAE. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Three‐dimensional Doppler evaluation of single spherical samples from the placenta: intra‐ and interobserver reliability
Authors: Martins W. P. , Lima J. C. , Welsh A. W. , Araujo E. , Miyague A. H. , Filho F. M. , Raine‐Fenning N. J.
Published: December 2011

Objective

To evaluate the intra‐ and interobserver reliability of assessment of three‐dimensional power Doppler (3D‐PD) indices from single spherical samples of the placenta.

Methods

Women with singleton pregnancies at 24–40 weeks' gestation were included. Three scans were independently performed by two observers; Observer 1 performed the first and third scan, intercalated by the scan of Observer 2. The observers independently analyzed the 3D‐PD datasets that they had previously acquired using four different methods, each using a spherical sample: random sample extending from basal to chorionic plate; random sample with 2 cm3 of volume; directed sample to the region subjectively determined as containing more color Doppler signals extending from basal to chorionic plate; or directed sample with 2 cm3 of volume. The vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI) and vascularization flow index (VFI) were evaluated in each case. The observers were blinded to their own and each other's results. Additional evaluation was performed according to placental location: anterior, posterior and fundal or lateral. Intra‐ and interobserver reliability was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC).

Results

Ninety‐five pregnancies were included in the analysis. All three placental 3D‐PD indices showed only weak to moderate reliability (ICC < 0.66 and ICC < 0.48, intra‐ and interobserver, respectively). The highest values of ICC were observed when using directed spherical samples from basal to chorionic plate. When analyzed by placental location, we found lower ICCs for lateral and fundal placentae compared to anterior and posterior ones.

Conclusion

Intra‐ and interobserver reliability of assessment of placental 3D‐PD indices from single spherical samples in pregnant women greater than 24 weeks' gestation is poor to moderate, and clinical usefulness of these indices is likely to be limited. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of an automated recording device for monitoring forest birds
Authors: Venier Lisa A. , Holmes Stephen B. , Holborn George W. , Mcilwrick Kenneth A. , Brown Glen
Published: December 2011

Monitoring of forest songbirds via auditory detections during point surveys can be enhanced by using preprogrammed recording devices. During May–July 2008, we compared boreal forest bird surveys conducted with SM‐1 bird song recorders (Wildlife Acoustics, Inc.) with field surveys by observers and surveys recorded with the E3A Bio‐Acoustic Monitor Kit (River Forks Research Corp.) in Ontario, Canada, to evaluate the utility of the SM‐1 to generate reliable detections of forest birds. The SM‐1 surveys identified, on average, 8.95 species, 0.76 fewer species per 10‐min point count than field surveys ( = 9.71 species) and 1.26 fewer species than the E3A ( = 10.21 species). SM‐1 surveys also identified on average 11.6 individuals per 10‐min count, 2.5 fewer than field surveys ( = 14.1) and 2.3 fewer than E3A surveys ( = 13.9), respectively. The lower number of SM‐1 detections, however, was less than the reduction in detections made by field surveys later as compared to earlier in the breeding season. This suggests that SM‐1 recorders set up early in the season would detect more birds than field surveys stretching late into the season. Moreover, lower detections with the SM‐1 could be easily offset by collecting an additional 10‐min sample on another day. Most species were detected equally well by all 3 methods with a few exceptions. Unattended recording devices are especially advantageous in situations where the number of experienced observers is limited, where access difficult, where multiple samples at the same site are desirable, and where it is desirable to eliminate inter‐observer, time‐of‐day and time‐of‐season effects. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Area between the hepatic and heart curves of 99mTc‐galactosyl‐human serum albumin scintigraphy represents liver function and disease progression for preoperative evaluation in hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Harada Kohei , Mizuguchi Toru , Katagiri Yoshimi , Kawamoto Masaki , Nakamura Yukio , Meguro Makoto , Ota Shigenori , Sasaki Shigeru , Miyanishi Koji , Sonoda Tomoko , Mori Mitsuru , Shinomura Yasuhisa , Kato Junji , Hirata Koichi
Published: December 2011

Background/purpose

We developed software to calculate the pixels of interest in the area between the hepatic and heart curves (ABC) of99mTc‐galactosyl human serum albumin (GSA) scintigraphy. The aim of this study was to examine the accuracy of the ABC to evaluate liver function before hepatectomy.

Methods

Between January 2005 and December 2010, 205 consecutive patients who underwent initial hepatectomy were enrolled in this study. The ABC was calculated using original computer software. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was calculated for evaluation of Child—Pugh score grade B (Child B), pathological chronic hepatitis (CH), and liver cirrhosis (LC).

Results

The AUC of any indicator for Child B was more than 0.900 except bilirubin. The AUC of ABC for CH and LC (AUC 0.734 each) was comparable to those of HH15 (clearance index; AUC 0.704 and 0.700, respectively) and LHL15 (receptor index; AUC 0.703 and 0.706, respectively) in multiple receiver operating characteristic comparison.

Conclusions

We have developed a novel liver function indicator, the ABC, to count radioactivity in sequence. The ABC reflects liver function according to pathological deterioration of the liver. Although the ABC gave no significant advantage compared to HH15 and LHL15, it improved the AUC evaluation by 0.028–0.034.
Specific nitration of tyrosines 46 and 48 makes cytochrome c assemble a non‐functional apoptosome
Authors: García-Heredia José M. , Díaz-Moreno Irene , Díaz-Quintana Antonio , Orzáez Mar , Navarro José A. , Hervás Manuel , De la Rosa Miguel A.
Published: December 2011

Under nitroxidative stress, a minor fraction of cytochrome c can be modified by tyrosine nitration. Here we analyze the specific effect of nitration of tyrosines 46 and 48 on the dual role of cytochrome c in cell survival and cell death. Our findings reveal that nitration of these two solvent‐exposed residues has a negligible effect on the rate of electron transfer from cytochrome c to cytochrome c oxidase, but impairs the ability of the heme protein to activate caspase‐9 by assembling a non‐functional apoptosome. It seems that cytochrome c nitration under cellular stress counteracts apoptosis in light of the small amount of modified protein. We conclude that other changes such as increased peroxidase activity prevail and allow the execution of apoptosis.
The U.S.-U.S.S.R. Grain Agreement
Authors: Porter Roger B.
Published: December 2011

This study of the 1975 US-USSR Grain Agreement negotiations illuminates the parameters and constraints faced by policy makers in a democratic, pluralistic political system. The author investigates the interaction between the formulation and implementation of a policy, suggesting that who is seen as responsible for a policy is often as important as its content. He also shows how the pluralistic nature of the American polity can enable well-organized constituencies to pressure policy makers successfully for precise commitments regarding their future actions, and how this can actually limit the extent of governmental leverage in negotiations.
Flaubert and the Gift of Speech
Authors: Haig Stirling
Published: December 2011

This is the first book-length study of Flaubert's use of dialogue, an important but neglected component of his fictional texts. Professor Haig's starting point is Sartre's observation that 'Flaubert does not believe that we speak: we are spoken'. Dialogue in Flaubert does not attempt to represent an individual style but to circumscribe a larger phenomenon of language. Speech defines man both in the sense that it describes him as a set of human characteristics, and inscribes him within a system of social values. The author explores the development of Flaubert's use of dialogue in Madame Bovary, L'Education Sentimentale (both versions), and Bouvard et Pécuchet.
Essays in the Theory and Measurement of Consumer Behaviour: In Honour of Sir Richard Stone
Authors: Deaton Angus
Published: December 2011

The eleven papers in this volume show work in the theory and measurement of consumer behaviour. The eminent contributors offer papers ranging from theory to econometrics, from Engel curves to labour supply and fertility, and from consumer demand in England to consumer behaviour in the USSR. These papers were written and collected for this volume to honour Sir Richard Stone on the occasion of his retirement from his chair at the University of Cambridge.
Delta Theory and Psychosocial Systems
Authors: Tharp Roland G.
Published: December 2011

Delta Theory establishes the foundation for a true scientific applied psychology, a theory of how human influence induces change in others. Delta Theory is unified and universal, applying to all cultures, historical periods and goals for change. It integrates concepts and research from psychology, sociology, anthropology, evolution theory, philosophy, psychoneurology, cognitive science and cultural-historical-activity theory. Yet Delta Theory is clear, economical and elegant, with a full exposition of tactics for its practices. Rich examples are drawn from professional practices, but also from the creation and operations of criminals, healing ceremonies of indigenous peoples, and cross-species comparisons. This book ultimately seeks to describe how influence works, how it could be improved and how it can be resisted.
Dryden
Authors: Saintsbury George
Published: December 2011

John Dryden (1631–1700) was an English poet and playwright, whose works led to the English Restoration period becoming known as 'The Age of Dryden'. Published in 1881 in the first series of English Men of Letters, this biography by George Saintsbury (1845–1933), author and critic, sets Dryden's work against the literary landscape of its time, arguing that he reformed English literature, and exploring how he did so, the nature of the reform, and Dryden's contribution to literary history. He shows Dryden to have been a man without moral, political or intellectual agendas who, while not achieving perfection, created works free of elitism and which therefore had far wider relevance to the ordinary man than those of his predecessors. This leads Saintsbury to conclude that while Dryden was no extraordinary genius, he deserves to be considered the greatest craftsman in English letters.
Spenser
Authors: Church Richard William
Published: December 2011

Edmund Spenser (1552–99) has been described as one of the greatest English poets, and is best known for The Faerie Queene, which he composed in celebration of the Tudor dynasty and Elizabeth I. Published in the first series of English Men of Letters in 1879, this biography by R. W. Church (1815–90), Dean of St Paul's, recounts Spenser's life and work, hailing him as a genius who continued the Chaucerian tradition of reflecting the deepest human passions through verse. Beginning with an account of his early life and his time as a Cambridge scholar, Church moves on to explore Spenser's career as secretary to Lord Grey of Wilton, the then Lord Deputy of Ireland. He concludes with a detailed analysis of The Faerie Queene, explaining its significance as a work of moral philosophy, and one that represented a cornerstone of English literary history.
Recollections of the Life of John O'Keeffe
Authors: O'Keeffe John
Published: December 2011

John O'Keeffe (1747–1833) was an Irish playwright who began his career as an actor in 1764. His first significant success as a writer was the play The Son-in-Law in 1779, and he was later called 'our English Molière' by essayist William Hazlitt. He moved to London in 1781 - around the same time that his marriage broke down - and wrote a string of successful comic operas and dramatic works, including Wild Oats (1791). However, he suffered from failing eyesight and was nearly blind at the height of his fame. He dictated this memoir, published in two volumes in 1826, to his daughter, Adelaide (1776–1865). In Volume 2, O'Keeffe recounts his years in London, discussing many of his plays and giving a glimpse into theatre life in Georgian England, before moving on to his subsequent retirement and the complications surrounding the publication of his collected works.
The Syrian Revolt of 1925
Authors: Miller Joyce Laverty
Published: December 2011

In the summer of 1925, a revolt erupted in the French mandated territories of Syria and Lebanon and rapidly spread throughout the area. The French army of the Levant seemed powerless to halt it. By autumn, no part of Syria or Lebanon was secure against sudden disruption of life and property. Stories of French incompetence, impotence, and arrogance were widely circulated in the Syrian and European press. The Permanent Mandates Commission of the League of Nations, in a rare exercise of its limited powers, refused to accept the French report for 1925, which covered only the comparatively calm period preceding the revolt, and demanded instead a full account of the disturbances, as well as the restoration of peace in the mandate. In October, when rebels infiltrated Damascus, the French military administration took a drastic step to end the revolt. Without warning, General Sarrail, the high commissioner, ordered the ancient city bombarded continuously for nearly twenty-four hours. When the smoke lifted, much of Damascus was in ruins; the reported loss of life and property appalled world opinion and galvanized Arab dissidents. A torrent of violent and emotional criticism was unleashed. In some quarters it was even hinted that the League of Nations would remove the mandate from French control. Yet less than a year later, the revolt had been quashed and France's hold on the mandate was so secured internationally that it survived into World War II.
Social Mobility among the Ottoman 'Ulemâ in the Late Sixteenth Century
Authors: Faroghi Suraiya
Published: December 2011

Research on the social strata that made up Ottoman society is still very much in its beginnings; extensive studies on the peasantry, the bureaucracy, the ‘ulemâ and others will have to be undertaken before any far-reaching conclusions can be drawn. This study focuses on the 'ulemâ of the late sixteenth century, their social composition and mobility within the hierarchy. Materials dealing with the 'ulemâ are more easily accessible than those dealing with other segments of the grup that governed the Ottoman empire, because, as in most other Islamic cultures, there was a great deal of contemporary interest in the lives of poets and learned men.
The Evolution of the Formal Educational System and its Relation to Economic Growth Policies in the First Turkish Republic
Authors: Ozelli M. T.
Published: December 2011

During the last decade or so, educational institutions of developing countries have attracted the attention of social scientists as the prime movers of structural changes in such societies. Some of those who are concerned with economic development and growth have argued that a major barrier to economic development is not so much the scarcity of natural resources and capital, but rather the lack of trained manpower resulting from insufficient or mismanaged investment in training the ‘necessary manpower’.
The Origins of U.S. Support for an Autocratic Iran
Authors: Ladjevardi Habib
Published: December 2011

At a time when the history of relations between the United States and the former Iranian regime (as well as other autocratic states) is being reconsidered, it is important to recognize that U.S. support for one-man rule in Iran did not commence in 1953 subsequent to the fall of the government of Dr. Mossadegh. A study of the diplomatic records of the U.S. State Department and the British Foreign Office indicates an earlier beginning.
WALTER ARMBRUST, Mass Culture and Modernism in Egypt, Cambridge

Studies in Social and Cultural Anthropology, vol. 102 (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press,

1996). Pp. 286. $64.95 cloth, $20.95 paper.
Authors: HERRERA LINDA
Published: December 2011

“Modernization,” or processes of modern socio-political development, and

identity formation have been among the most recurrent and pertinent themes of scholarly studies

undertaken on 19th- and 20th-century Egypt. Works on intellectual thought; economic, political,

and social history; folk culture; and gender implicitly and explicitly grapple with the issue of the

country's transition to, maintenance of, struggle with, or rejection of modernity.

Modernization has often been understood through a hegemonic nationalist discourse—that

is, through governmental rhetoric, the writings of establishment intellectuals, and uncritical

examinations of state institutions. Alternative and counter-hegemonic manifestations and

representations of modernity have been largely overlooked, which makes Walter

Armbrust's anthropological inquiry into Egyptian mass culture an absolutely vital

contribution to the study of modern Egypt.
The Parasitic Rhizocephalan Barnacle Sacculina Carcini in Crabs of the Forth Estuary, Scotland
Authors: Mathieson S. , Berry A.J. , Kennedy S.
Published: December 2011

In the Forth Estuary, Scotland, parasitic rhizocephalan barnacle Sacculina carcini externae or scars occurred on 64% of Carcinus maenas from the subtidal channel of the middle estuary. These became more frequent downstream, infecting 46·9% in the lower estuary basin. Male and female crabs were infected equally, and infection rates in low-tide samples did not differ from high-tide. The parasites occurred most frequently on crabs of 40–50 mm carapace width (CW) rather than the modal crab size class of 50–60 mm. Downstream, proportionately more smaller than larger crabs bore parasites whereas, further upstream, more larger than smaller crabs bore parasites. There is evidence for the annual appearance of new externae in July-October, especially in the lower estuary basin, followed by their growth and loss after about a year.
Extreme levels of hunting of birds in a remote village of Hainan Island, China
Authors: LIANG WEI , CAI YAN , YANG CAN-CHAO
Published: December 2011

In China, many bird species are generally thought to be threatened mainly, or at least partly, by hunting. However, there have been few studies of bird hunting at a local scale. Bird hunting and trade in Nanmao, a remote mountainous village of Hainan Island, China, was investigated during March–July 2003 and September–October 2005. In total, 86 households were visited, of which 43% reported that they engaged in hunting of birds while 91% of households were seen to have hunted birds or hunting tools. This indicated that hunting by village people was widespread. Most hunters were male, and were between 12 and 68 years old. A total of 78 bird species were hunted, including 2 First Class and 19 Second Class national protected species. This extreme level of hunting has changed from a more moderate subsistence hunting tradition since about 1980, when local urban markets for wild meat started to develop. We outline a strategic plan designed to conserve birds, other wildlife and their forest habitats, whilst improving the livelihoods and preserving the minority tribal traditions of the people of Nanmao forest.