bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Test of statistical means for the extrapolation of soil depth point information using overlays of spatial environmental data and bootstrapping techniques
Authors: Dahlke Helen E. , Behrens Thorsten , Seibert Jan , Andersson Lotta
Published: August 2009

Hydrological modelling depends highly on the accuracy and uncertainty of model input parameters such as soil properties. Since most of these data are field surveyed, geostatistical techniques such as kriging, classification and regression trees or more sophisticated soil‐landscape models need to be applied to interpolate point information to the area. Most of the existing interpolation techniques require a random or regular distribution of points within the study area but are not adequate to satisfactorily interpolate soil catena or transect data. The soil landscape model presented in this study is predicting soil information from transect or catena point data using a statistical mean (arithmetic, geometric and harmonic mean) to calculate the soil information based on class means of merged spatial explanatory variables. A data set of 226 soil depth measurements covering a range of 0–6·5 m was used to test the model. The point data were sampled along four transects in the Stubbetorp catchment, SE‐Sweden. We overlaid a geomorphology map (8 classes) with digital elevation model‐derived topographic index maps (2–9 classes) to estimate the range of error the model produces with changing sample size and input maps. The accuracy of the soil depth predictions was estimated with the root mean square error (RMSE) based on a testing and training data set. RMSE ranged generally between 0·73 and 0·83 m ± 0·013 m depending on the amount of classes the merged layers had, but were smallest for a map combination with a low number of classes predicted with the harmonic mean (RMSE = 0·46 m). The results show that the prediction accuracy of this method depends on the number of point values in the sample, the value range of the measured attribute and the initial correlations between point values and explanatory variables, but suggests that the model approach is in general scale invariant. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiscale coupling in function space—weak coupling between molecular dynamics and continuum mechanics
Authors: Fackeldey Konstantin , Krause Rolf
Published: August 2009

We present a function space‐oriented coupling approach for the multiscale simulation of non‐linear processes in mechanics using finite elements and molecular dynamics concurrently. The key idea is to construct a transfer operator between the different scales on the basis of weighted local averaging instead of using point wise taken values. The local weight functions are constructed by assigning a partition of unity to the molecular degrees of freedom (Shepard's approach). This allows for decomposing the micro scale displacements into a low‐frequency and a high‐frequency part by means of a weighted L2‐projection. Numerical experiments illustrating the stabilizing effect of our coupling approach are given. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Grundlagen der therapeutischen Anwendung von EGb 761®. Wirkung auf die Kraftwerke der Zellen
Authors: Müller Walter E. , Abdel‐Kader Reham M. , Fehske Christian J. , Leuner Kristina
Published: August 2009

Durch die vielen peripheren und zentralen Effekte war ein klares Wirkprofil für EGb 761® viele Jahre nicht erkennbar. Durch die Erforschung des protektiven Effekts von EGb 761® auf Mitochondrien können jetzt die unterschiedlichen Wirkqualitäten von EGb 761® wie antioxidative und antiapoptotische Effekte sehr gut erklärt werden. Des weiteren scheint eine Erhöhung der Dopaminkonzentration im präfrontalen Kortex eine Rolle für die Verbesserung der kognitiven Leistungsfähigkeit zu spielen.
Blutungsneigung durch Ginkgo‐biloba‐Extrakt? Kontroverse Diskussion
Authors: Kloft Charlotte , Kellermann Andrea
Published: August 2009

Seit der Einführung des standardisierten Ginkgo‐biloba‐Extrakts wird vereinzelt ein Zusammenhang mit unerwartet auftretenden Blutungen während der Anwendung vermutet. Trotz zahlreicher Publikationen ist eine Auswertung aufgrund unterschiedlicher Qualität und Ergebnisse der veröffentlichten Literatur schwierig. Die Auswertung von 18 Studien in einer systematischen Übersichtsarbeit zeigt keinen direkten oder indirekten Einfluss auf die sekundäre Hämostase. Jedoch wird die Blutviskosität signifikant verringert – dies hat einen positiven Effekt auf die Durchblutung. Inwieweit dieser Effekt bei speziellen Patientengruppen weitere Auswirkungen hat, muss zukünftig untersucht werden. In diesen Untersuchungen sollten verstärkt pharmakoepidemiologische Verfahren, wie systematische Übersichtsarbeiten und Meta‐Analysen, in Betracht gezogen werden, um aussagekräftige Ergebnisse zu erhalten.
High‐throughput ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry quantitation of insulin‐like growth factor‐I and leucine‐rich α‐2‐glycoprotein in serum as biomarkers of recombinant human growth hormone administration
Authors: Kay R. G. , Barton C. , Velloso C. P. , Brown P. R. , Bartlett C. , Blazevich A. J. , Godfrey R. J. , Goldspink G. , Rees R. , Ball G. R. , Cowan D. A. , Harridge S. D. , Roberts J. , Teale P. , Creaser C. S.
Published: August 2009

Insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) is a known biomarker of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) abuse, and is also used clinically to confirm acromegaly. The protein leucine‐rich α‐2‐glycoprotein (LRG) was recently identified as a putative biomarker of rhGH administration. The combination of an ACN depletion method and a 5‐min ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (uHPLC/MS/MS)‐based selected reaction monitoring (SRM) assay detected both IGF‐I and LRG at endogenous concentrations. Four eight‐point standard addition curves of IGF‐I (16–2000 ng/mL) demonstrated good linearity (r2 = 0.9991 and coefficients of variance (CVs) <13%). Serum samples from two rhGH administrations were extracted and their uHPLC/MS/MS‐derived IGF‐I concentrations correlated well against immunochemistry‐derived values. Combining IGF‐I and LRG data improved the separation of treated and placebo states compared with IGF‐I alone, further strengthening the hypothesis that LRG is a biomarker of rhGH administration. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) analysis of the LRG and IGF‐I data demonstrated an improved model over that developed using IGF‐I alone, with a predictive accuracy of 97%, specificity of 96% and sensitivity of 100%. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis gave an AUC value of 0.98. This study demonstrates the first large scale and high throughput uHPLC/MS/MS‐based quantitation of a medium abundance protein (IGF‐I) in human serum. Furthermore, the data we have presented for the quantitative analysis of IGF‐I suggest that, in this case, monitoring a single SRM transition to a trypsin peptide surrogate is a valid approach to protein quantitation by LC/MS/MS. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of novel hydrolysis products of carbapenems by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Sun Cuirong , Wu Jianmei , Pan Yuanjiang
Published: August 2009

Carbapenems, including meropenem and imipenem, exhibit low stability against acid or base reagents. The fragmentation behavior of meropenem and its acid hydrolysis products was investigated by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry and ion trap tandem multi‐stage mass spectrometry in both positive and negative ion mode. Only one neutral loss of CO2 was observed from the precursor ion to the MS4 product ions for the acid hydrolysis product and this behavior did not correspond to that expected for the previously accepted 1‐pyrroline or 2‐pyrroline structure with two carbonyl acid units. The unknown product was then proposed to be 2‐(4‐(5‐(dimethylcarbamoyl)pyrrolidin‐3‐ylthio)‐5‐imino‐3‐methyl‐6‐oxotetrahydro‐2H‐pyran‐2‐yl)‐3‐hydroxybutanoic acid on the basis of the multi‐stage mass spectrometric and accurate mass data. A similar acid hydrolysis product of imipenem was also identified by mass spectrometry, confirming that these carbapenems had the same acid hydrolysis behavior. The proposed structures were further confirmed by NMR experiments. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Patterns of macro and microhabitat use of two rodent species in relation to agricultural practices
Authors: Hodara Karina , Busch María
Published: August 2009

Habitat selection may reflect the location of the home ranges or the allocation of shelter and foraging sites within a given habitat. We studied seasonal patterns of habitat use by Akodon azarae and Calomys laucha at two spatial scales: between maize fields and their weedy edges (macrohabitats), and associations of rodents captures with vegetation variables at the trap site level (microhabitats). We evaluated if the different habitat uses were related to disturbances generated by practices associated to maize cycle. A. azarae used mainly field edges, but it showed an increased use of maize fields when the crop reached maturity in summer. Contrarily, C. laucha used maize fields in a higher proportion than edges in all seasons. C. laucha was more influenced by microhabitat characteristics than A. azarae. C. laucha was present in sites with abundant dicot weeds when maize was growing up, while it was associated to sites with weeds with scarce cover in stubble maize fields. Before harvesting, both species were segregated at the microscale within maize fields. A. azarae was related to sites with high availability of green plant cover and C. laucha occupied low‐quality sites, probably attributed to differences in their diets. We conclude that the pattern of habitat use by both species is best predicted at the macrohabitat scale, and when they are impoverished and present internal heterogeneity, there is selection at microhabitat scale of those better sites. While A. azarae responds to changes in vegetation cover and habitat structure associated to agricultural practices, C. laucha uses cropfields in an opportunistic way, affected by interspecific competition.
Effects of Triglyceride Molecular Structure on Optimum Formulation of Surfactant‐Oil‐Water Systems
Authors: Phan Tri T. , Harwell Jeffrey H. , Sabatini David A.
Published: August 2009

The effects of triglyceride molecular structure on the formulation of surfactant‐oil‐water systems were evaluated by comparing the optimum salinity and the dynamic interfacial tensions. The systems contained an anionic extended surfactant and triglyceride oils with different chain lengths and degrees of unsaturation. The results show that with an increasing degree of oil unsaturation (more double bonds), surfactant interactions with the triglycerides become weaker, thus requiring higher optimum salinity and resulting in higher interfacial tension values. Effects of ester groups and chain length of triglycerides are also discussed and the EACN of the triglycerides and vegetable oils studied are reported.
Lipid‐Soluble Extracts as the Main Source of Anticancer Activity in Ginseng and Ginseng Marc
Authors: Lee Sung Dong , Yoo Guijae , Chae Hee Jeong , In Man‐Jin , Oh Nam‐Soon , Hwang Yoon Kyung , Hwang Woo Ik , Kim Dong Chung
Published: August 2009

The anticancer activity of ginseng originated mainly from lipid‐soluble components. The hexane extract of ginseng marc (HEGM) showed a potent inhibitory activity on human hepatoma (HepG2, GI50 = 41.7 μg/ml) and breast (MCF‐7, GI50 = 54.4 μg/ml) cancer cell proliferation in vitro in a concentration‐dependent manner as did the hexane extract of ginseng (HEG), with GI50 values of 21.1 μg/ml in HepG2 and 41.2 μg/ml in MCF‐7. The water extract of ginseng (WEG) possessed a low anticancer activity against both cancer cell lines, but the hexane‐soluble fraction of WEG (HSF/WEG) showed a potent anticancer activity against HepG2 (GI50 = 38.7 μg/ml) and MCF‐7 cells (GI50 = 51.1 μg/ml). The hexane extraction in ginseng was a very promising protocol for the maximum recovery of the anticancer active components in high concentrations. Also the adoption of hexane extraction after water extraction of ginseng was successful in the effective utilization of the residual lipid‐soluble anticancer active components in ginseng marc.
Personality and parenting style in parents of adolescents
Authors: Huver Rose M.E. , Otten Roy , de Vries Hein , Engels Rutger C.M.E.
Published: August 2009

Since parental personality traits are assumed to play a role in parenting behaviors, the current study examined the relation between parental personality and parenting style among 688 Dutch parents of adolescents in the SMILE study. The study assessed Big Five personality traits and derived parenting styles (authoritative, authoritarian, indulgent, and uninvolved) from scores on the underlying dimensions of support and strict control. Regression analyses were used to determine which personality traits were associated with parenting dimensions and styles. As regards dimensions, the two aspects of personality reflecting interpersonal interactions (extraversion and agreeableness) were related to supportiveness. Emotional stability was associated with lower strict control. As regards parenting styles, extraverted, agreeable, and less emotionally stable individuals were most likely to be authoritative parents. Conscientiousness and openness did not relate to general parenting, but might be associated with more content‐specific acts of parenting.
Targeting apoptosis in the hormone‐ and drug‐resistant prostate cancer cell line, DU‐145, by gossypol/zoledronic acid combination
Authors: Sanli U.A. , Gorumlu G. , Erten C. , Gul M.K. , Cengiz E. , Kucukzeybek Y. , Karaca B. , Atmaca H. , Uzunoglu S. , Karabulut B. , Uslu R.
Published: August 2009

Possible synergistic cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of gossypol with zoledronic acid on DU‐145 cells were explored, along with the rationale behind any observed synergism due to the different apoptotic proteins involved. XTT cell proliferation assay was used to assess the cytotoxicity, and DNA fragmentation and caspase 3/7 activity were measured to verify apoptosis. Human Apoptosis Array was used to evaluate apoptotic proteins. The synergistic cytotoxic combination treatment had a versatile effect on apoptotic proteins, through inhibition of anti‐apoptotic proteins (including cIAP‐1, cIAP‐2, survivin, livin, claspin, p53, p21, PON‐2 and heat shock proteins) and concurrently the induction of pro‐apoptotic proteins (Bad, Bax, Fas, FADD, cleaved caspase‐3 and p27). Both drugs had a minimal toxicity profile comparing to cytotoxic agents. Combination treatments targeting many pivotal apoptosis‐related proteins may be a rationale option for treatment of prostate cancer.
System‐level feedbacks control cell cycle progression
Authors: Kapuy Orsolya , He Enuo , López-Avilés Sandra , Uhlmann Frank , Tyson John J. , Novák Béla
Published: August 2009

Repetitive cell cycles, which are essential to the perpetuation of life, are orchestrated by an underlying biochemical reaction network centered around cyclin‐dependent protein kinases (Cdks) and their regulatory subunits (cyclins). Oscillations of Cdk1/CycB activity between low and high levels during the cycle trigger DNA replication and mitosis in the correct order. Based on computational modeling, we proposed that the low and the high kinase activity states are alternative stable steady states of a bistable Cdk‐control system. Bistability is a consequence of system‐level feedback (positive and double‐negative feedback signals) in the underlying control system. We have also argued that bistability underlies irreversible transitions between low and high Cdk activity states and thereby ensures directionality of cell cycle progression.
Hawthorn extract reduces infarct volume and improves neurological score by reducing oxidative stress in rat brain following middle cerebral artery occlusion
Authors: Elango Chinnasamy , Jayachandaran Kasevan Sawaminathan , Niranjali Devaraj S.
Published: August 2009

In our present investigation the neuroprotective effect of alcoholic extract of Hawthorn (Crataegus oxycantha) was evaluated against middle cerebral artery occlusion induced ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were pretreated with 100 mg/kg body weight of the extract by oral gavage for 15 days. The middle cerebral artery was then occluded for 75 min followed by 24 h of reperfusion. The pretreated rats showed significantly improved neurological behavior with reduced brain infarct when compared to vehicle control rats. The glutathione level in brain was found to be significantly (p < 0.05) low in vehicle control rats after 24 h of reperfusion when compared to sham operated animals. However, in Hawthorn extract pretreated rats the levels were found to be close to that of sham. Malondialdehyde levels in brain of sham and pretreated group were found to be significantly lower than the non‐treated vehicle group (p < 0.05). The nitric oxide levels in brain were measured and found to be significantly (p < 0.05) higher in vehicle than in sham or extract treated rats.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that Hawthorn extract which is a well known prophylactic for cardiac conditions may very well protect the brain against ischemia–reperfusion. The reduced brain damage and improved neurological behavior after 24 h of reperfusion in Hawthorn extract pretreated group may be attributed to its antioxidant property which restores glutathione levels, circumvents the increase in lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide levels thereby reducing peroxynitrite formation and free radical induced brain damage.
A surgical window to access the obliterated posterior cul‐de‐sac at vaginal hysterectomy
Authors: Sheth Shirish S.
Published: August 2009

Objective

To perform vaginal hysterectomy and adnexectomy without laparoscopic assistance in women with ovarian endometriosis by accessing the posterior cul‐de‐sac via the posterior uterocervical–broad ligament space.

Method

The author identified the posterior uterocervical–broad ligament space as a surgical window while reviewing his experience at accessing the pouch of Douglas in 40 women in whom vaginal hysterectomy without laparoscopic assistance was performed for ovarian endometriosis. He then used this window in 102 women to remove the adnexa vaginally during vaginal hysterectomy, also without laparoscopy.

Results

This new technique was successful in 98 women, with no major complications, but 4 of the first 50 required laparotomy to complete the surgery.

Conclusion

This new approach allows experienced surgeons to treat women with endometrial ovarian cysts by removing the adnexa vaginally during vaginal hysterectomy without laparoscopy, and complete the surgery abdominally or laparoscopically when necessary.
Effect of prenatal and perinatal antibiotics on maternal health in Malawi, Tanzania, and Zambia
Authors: Aboud Said , Msamanga Gernard , Read Jennifer S. , Wang Lei , Mfalila Chelu , Sharma Usha , Martinson Francis , Taha Taha E. , Goldenberg Robert L. , Fawzi Wafaie W.
Published: August 2009

Objective

We assessed the effect of prenatal and peripartum antibiotics on maternal morbidity and mortality among HIV‐infected and uninfected women.

Methods

A multicenter trial was conducted at clinical sites in 4 Sub‐Saharan African cities: Blantyre and Lilongwe, Malawi; Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; and Lusaka, Zambia. A total of 1558 HIV‐infected and 271 uninfected pregnant women who were eligible to receive both the prenatal and peripartum antibiotic/placebo regimens were enrolled. Pregnant women were interviewed at 20–24 weeks of gestation and a physical examination was performed. Women were randomized to receive either antibiotics or placebo. At the 26–30 week visit, participants were given antibiotics or placebo to be taken every 4 hours beginning at the onset of labor and continuing after delivery 3 times a day until a 1‐week course was completed. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models were used.

Results

There were no significant differences between the antibiotic and placebo groups for medical conditions, obstetric complications, physical examination findings, puerperal sepsis, and death in either the HIV‐infected or the uninfected cohort.

Conclusion

Administration of study antibiotics during pregnancy had no effect on maternal morbidity and mortality among HIV‐infected and uninfected pregnant women.
Defining Molecular Phenotypes of Human Papillomavirus–Associated Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Weinberger Paul M. , Yu Ziwei , Kountourakis Panteleimon , Sasaki Clarence , Haffty Bruce G. , Kowalski Diane , Merkley Mark A. , Rimm David L. , Camp Robert L. , Psyrri Amanda
Published: August 2009

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine if oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) classified into three groups based on human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 DNA presence and p16 expression display different protein expression patterns.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross‐sectional study.

SETTING

A laboratory‐based study of patients with OSCC treated at a tertiary care academic medical center.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Paraffin‐embedded OSCC specimens from 77 patients classified into the three‐class model (HPV negative, HPV inactive [HPV16+/p16–], and HPV active [HPV16+/p16 +]) were queried for the expression of 14 tumor progression proteins using AQUA (HistoRx, New Haven CT). Protein expression between groups was assessed by analysis of variance. Global expression patterns were determined by unsupervised hierarchical clustering.

RESULTS

There were significant differences in expression of β‐catenin (P = 0.009), epidermal growth factor receptor (P = 0.009), and vascular endothelial growth factor (P = 0.028) between groups. HPV‐active tumors had overexpression of β‐catenin. Hierarchical clustering showed HPV‐negative and HPV‐inactive tumors displayed association patterns distinct from HPV‐active tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

Tumors classified by HPV DNA presence and p16 expression have different molecular phenotypes. This is the first demonstration of overexpression of β‐catenin (also found in HPV‐caused cervical cancer) in HPV‐active OSCC. HPV‐active OSCC may share a similar ontogeny to HPV‐caused cervical cancer.
Thyroid Cancer Incidentally Found in Radical Surgery for Laryngeal/Hypopharyngeal Cancer
Authors: Shih Chien , Wang Cheng‐Ping , Lou Pei‐Jen , Hu Ya‐Ling , Yang Tsung‐Lin , Ko Jenq‐Yuh , Lee Shiann‐Yann
Published: August 2009

OBJECTIVES

To report on four patients with thyroid cancer found in their specimen of laryngectomy for laryngeal/hypopharyngeal cancer.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

SETTING

Patients with laryngeal cancer and hypopharyngeal cancers treated at our institution between 1991 and 2005 were enrolled.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

There were 463 patients with laryngeal cancer and 219 patients with hypopharyngeal cancers under retrospective review.

RESULTS

There were 254 patients with laryngeal caner and 130 patients with hypopharyngeal cancer receiving surgery. Thyroid cancer was observed in the resected thyroid gland in two cases of laryngeal cancer and in two cases of hypopharyngeal cancer. They received treatment only for their laryngeal/hypopharyngeal cancers. Two patients died of distant metastases from larynx/hypopharynx cancer within one year. The other two patients are currently alive without disease from either of the two types of cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

It is rare to discover an unexpected simultaneous thyroid cancer confirmed postoperatively from thyroid tissue partially removed in laryngectomy. A conservative approach is suggested for such patients.
Tonsillolith
Authors: Stoodley Paul , deBeer Dirk , Longwell Mark , Nistico Laura , Hall‐Stoodley Luanne , Wenig Bruce , Krespi Yosef P.
Published: August 2009

OBJECTIVE

To study the morphology and activity of tonsilloliths, demonstrating oxygen respiration, denitrification, and acidification on exposure to sucrose.

STUDY DESIGN

Tonsilloliths were extracted in atraumatic conditions during tonsillectomy from 16 adults and sent to two different laboratories for histological, bacteriological, and biofilm studies under sterile conditions.

SETTING

Multicenter laboratory study.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Multiple tonsilloliths from two patients examined by confocal microscopy and microelectrodes were used to measure aerobic/anaerobic respiration and acid production (dissolved oxygen, nitrous oxide, pH) when exposed to saliva following addition of sucrose and fluoride.

RESULTS

Morphologically, tonsilloliths were similar to dental biofilms, containing corncob structures, filaments, and cocci. Microelectrodes showed that the microorganisms respired oxygen and nitrate. The oxygen concentration in the center of the tonsillolith was depleted to approximately one‐tenth of that of the overlying fluid. The addition of sucrose resulted in acid production within the tonsillolith, dropping the pH from 7.3 to 5.8. The data showed stratification with oxygen respiration at the outer layer of tonsillolith, denitrification toward the middle, and acidification toward the bottom. The depletion of oxygen and acid production following addition of sucrose may allow the proliferation of anaerobic/acidophilic bacteria. Fluoride suppressed acid production in the presence of sucrose.

CONCLUSIONS

Tonsilloliths exhibit biofilm structure and the formation of chemical gradients through physiological activity. Although tonsillectomy is an option for treating cryptic infections, understanding the morphology and biofilm characteristics of tonsilloliths may stimulate scientists to use limited or targeted remedies in the future.
A Review of Reprocessing Techniques of Flexible Nasopharyngoscopes
Authors: Collins William O.
Published: August 2009

To provide assistance to otolaryngologists to decide the best manner in which to reprocess flexible nasopharyngoscopes, a review of existing English language medical literature regarding the methods of flexible endoscope reprocessing was performed, including previously published guidelines from other medical disciplines. Multiple steps were confirmed to be critical to effectively reprocess flexible nasopharyngoscopes. High‐level disinfection has been determined to be the minimum level of disinfection required for reprocessing of flexible nasopharyngoscopes. Several steps are important in all reprocessing techniques, including manual cleaning, leak testing, cleaning with an enzymatic agent, high‐level disinfection, and drying with vertical storage. Three techniques are available to achieve high‐level disinfection: manual disinfection with a liquid disinfectant/sterilant, use of an automated endoscope reprocessor, and use of a disposable sheath. Achieving high‐level disinfection of flexible nasopharyngoscopes can be accomplished by a variety of methods. Strict adherence to recommended procedures is critical.
Endoscopic Partial Supraglottic Laryngectomies
Authors: Remacle Marc , Lawson Georges , Hantzakos Anastasios , Jamart Jacques
Published: August 2009

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate long‐term results of endoscopic surgery for supraglottic carcinoma.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series with chart review.

SETTING

Tertiary care university hospital.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

From 1992 to 2004, 45 patients diagnosed with supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma (two Tis, nine T1N0, 27 T2N0, two T2N1, one T2N2, four T3N0) underwent different types of endoscopic supraglottic laryngectomies according to the European Laryngological Society (ELS) classification: three limited excision (type I); 27 medial without resection of the preepiglottic space (type IIb); one medial with resection of the preepiglottic space (type IIIa); three medial with resection of the preepiglottic space (type IIIb); nine lateral (type IVa); two lateral (type IVb).

RESULTS

Overall survival was 93 ± 4 percent (SE) after three years and 89 ± 6 percent (SE) after five years. The median follow‐up is 3.7 years. Patients with clinically N0 necks were found to have positive nodes in eight (19%) cases. Two cases of postoperative hemorrhage were controlled by electrocautery. All of the patients without previous treatment for larynx cancer regained swallowing function within five days to three weeks after surgery. Mean duration of hospitalization was 12.5 days.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic partial laryngectomies, as defined by the ELS classification, for selected supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma proved to be an excellent alternative to radiotherapy and open neck surgery.
Quantitative assessment of precipitation seasonality and summer surface wetness using ombrotrophic sediments from an Arctic Norwegian peatland
Authors: Nichols Jonathan E. , Walcott Marie , Bradley Raymond , Pilcher Jon , Huang Yongsong
Published: August 2009

Seasonality of precipitation is an important yet elusive climate parameter in paleoclimatological reconstructions. This parameter can be inferred qualitatively from pollen and other paleoecological methods, but is difficult to assess quantitatively. Here, we have assessed seasonality of precipitation and summer surface wetness using compound specific hydrogen and carbon isotope ratios of vascular plant leaf waxes and Sphagnum biomarkers extracted from the sediments of an ombrotrophic peatland, Bøstad Bog, Nordland, Norway. Our reconstructed precipitation seasonality and surface wetness are consistent with regional vegetation reconstructions. During the early Holocene, 11.5–7.5 ka, Fennoscandia experienced a cool, moist climate. The middle Holocene, 7.5–5.5 ka, was warm and dry, transitioning towards cooler and wetter conditions from the mid-Holocene to the present. Changes in seasonality of precipitation during the Holocene show significant coherence with changes in sea surface temperature in the Norwegian Sea, with higher SST corresponding to greater percentage of winter precipitation. Both high SST in the Norwegian Sea and increased moisture delivery to northern Europe during winter are correlated with a strong gradient between the subpolar low and subtropical high over the North Atlantic (positive North Atlantic Oscillation).
Upwelling signals in radiocarbon from early 20th-century Peruvian bay scallop (Argopecten purpuratus) shells
Authors: Jones Kevin B. , Hodgins Gregory W.L. , Etayo-Cadavid Miguel F. , Andrus C. Fred T.
Published: August 2009

We quantified Δ14C, δ18O, and δ13C cycles along ontogeny within four bay scallop (Argopecten purpuratus) shells collected from Callao Bay, Salaverry, and Sechura Bay, Peru following the 1907–1908 non-El Niño years and the 1925–1926 El Niño. Δ14C and δ13C generally covary; Δ14C and δ18O vary inversely. Simultaneous decreases in Δ14C and increases in δ18O in non-El Niño shells are followed by constant Δ14C and gradually decreasing δ18O, which we interpret as evidence for discrete marine upwelling events followed by warming of the initially cold upwelled water. Upwelling changes from El Niño events are detectable with difficulty in mollusk shell Δ14C.
Ileal digestibility of dietary protein in the growing pig and adult human
Authors: Deglaire Amélie , Bos Cécile , Tomé Daniel , Moughan Paul J.
Published: August 2009

The suitability of the pig as an animal model for predicting protein digestibility in man was evaluated. Healthy adult human subjects (mean body weight 67 kg;n11) and growing pigs (mean body weight 40 kg;n15) were fed semi-synthetic mixed meals containing, as a sole source of N, casein (C), hydrolysed casein (HC) or rapeseed isolate (R). There was no prior adaptation to the test meal. Ileal digesta were sampled through a naso-ileal tube (human subjects) or a post-valve T-caecum cannula (pigs) after ingestion of a bolus meal. The protein sources were15N-labelled. Amino acid (AA) digestibilities were not determined for R. Ileal apparent N digestibility was markedly lower (14–16 %;P < 0·001) in human subjects than in pigs (C, HC, R). Similarly, most apparent ileal AA digestibilities were lower (8 % on average;P < 0·05) in human subjects (C, HC). Ileal true N digestibility was slightly lower (3–5 %;P < 0·001) in human subjects than in pigs (C, HC, R) and most true ileal AA digestibilities were similar (P>0·05) between the species (C, HC). Exceptions were for phenylalanine, tyrosine, lysine, histidine and aspartic acid for which digestibilities were lower (3 % on average;P < 0·001) in human subjects. A similar ranking of the diets was observed for true ileal N digestibility between species. The inter-species correlation for true ileal digestibility was high for N (r0·98 over 3 × 2 data;P = 0·11) and AA (r0·87 over 26 × 2 data;P < 0·0001). Overall, this supports the use of the pig as a model for predicting differences among dietary protein digestibility, especially regarding true ileal N digestibility, in man.
Soya protein does not affect glycaemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Gobert Colleen P. , Pipe Elizabeth A. , Capes Sarah E. , Darlington Gerarda A. , Lampe Johanna W. , Duncan Alison M.
Published: August 2009

Evidence from observational, animal and human studies supports a role for soya protein and its isoflavones in the improvement of glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes. The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of isoflavone-rich soya protein on markers of glycaemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes. Using a randomised, crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, adults with diet-controlled type 2 diabetes (n 29) consumed soya protein isolate (SPI) and milk protein isolate (MPI) for 57 d each separated by a 4-week washout. Blood was collected on days 1 and 57 of each treatment period for analysis of fasting HbA1C, and fasting and postprandial glucose, insulin and calculated indices of insulin sensitivity and resistance. Urine samples of 24 h were collected at the end of each treatment period for analysis of isoflavones. Urinary isoflavone excretion was significantly greater following consumption of SPI compared with MPI, and 20·7 % of the subjects (n 6) were classified as equol excretors. SPI consumption did not significantly affect fasting or postprandial glucose or insulin, fasting HbA1C, or indices of insulin sensitivity and resistance. These data do not support a role for soya protein in the improvement of glycaemic control in adults with diet-controlled type 2 diabetes and contribute to a limited literature of human studies on the effects of soya protein on the management of type 2 diabetes.
Gender Quotas and Models of Political Citizenship
Authors: Krook Mona Lena , Lovenduski Joni , Squires Judith
Published: August 2009

Gender quotas have spread rapidly around the world in recent years. However, few studies have yet theorized, systematically or comparatively, variations in their features, adoption and implementation. This article surveys quota campaigns in Western Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand. It proposes that one or more sets of controversies influence the course and outcomes of quota reforms. These revolve around (1) competing principles of equality, (2) different ideas about political representation, and (3) various beliefs about ‘gender’ and its relation to other kinds of political identities. The article draws on these distinctions to identify four broad models of political citizenship that determine the kinds of quota policies that are pursued and their prospects for bringing more women into political office.
Enlarging the Varieties of Capitalism: The Emergence of Dependent Market Economies in East Central Europe
Authors: Nölke Andreas , Vliegenthart Arjan
Published: August 2009

This article enlarges the existing literature on the varieties of capitalism by identifying a third basic variety that does not resemble the liberal market economy or coordinated market economy types. The dependent market economy (DME) type, as it is named by the authors, is characterized by the importance of foreign capital for the socioeconomic setup and is located in postsocialist Central Europe. Since the collapse of state socialism in the late 1980s, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and the Slovak Republic have introduced a rather successful model of capitalism when compared with other postsocialist states. This article identifies the key elements of the DME model and discusses their interplay. DMEs have comparative advantages in the assembly and production of relatively complex and durable consumer goods. These comparative advantages are based on institutional complementarities between skilled, but cheap, labor; the transfer of technological innovations within transnational enterprises; and the provision of capital via foreign direct investment.
Information design to promote better nutrition among pantry clients: four methods of formative evaluation
Authors: Evans Susan H , Clarke Peter , Koprowski Carol
Published: August 2009

Objective

To demonstrate the use of four different qualitative methods in creating content, including text and graphic design for print interventions to support better nutrition in low-income households that rely on charitable pantries.

Design

Four methods were used for measuring household cooks’ responses to the content and design of recipes and food-use tips especially designed for low-income households: (i) focus groups with pantry clients; (ii) questionnaires administered at sites where the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) programme beneficiaries gather, to survey cooks’ judgements about the appeal of recipes; (iii) recruitment of WIC clients to prepare recipes at home, followed by phone interviews about the cooks’ actual experiences preparing and serving dishes; and (iv) a new technique to gauge pantry clients’ preferred ordering of print information, using bits of content backed by Velcro™ strips that participants applied to felt boards. Ten sets of illustrated recipes and food-use tips were prepared, each set focusing on a different fresh vegetable that is periodically available from charitable sources.

Subjects

Low-income recipients of food from community pantries in the USA, and beneficiaries of the WIC programme.

Results

Illustrative findings show how the four types of qualitative evaluations can inform decisions about content and about graphic design. Discoveries from this formative research illuminate challenges of supporting better nutrition among households that depend on charitable sources of food supply.

Conclusions

These multi-method evaluation techniques can be adapted to the development of any print material, whether intended for widespread dissemination or for field research into nutrition behaviour.
Children’s magazines: reading resources or food marketing tools?
Authors: Jones Sandra C , Reid Amanda
Published: August 2009

Objective

Magazines targeted at children under 12 years old are growing in popularity; past studies have asserted that food items are rarely exposed, but methodological issues may have covered the true extent of covert promotion. The primary purpose of the present study was to quantify the nature and extent of the promotion of branded food products in Australian children’s magazines.

Design

We conducted a content analysis of possible food promotions in seven top-selling Australian children’s magazines published in 2005. In addition to regular food advertisements, the number of advertisements for premiums, editorials, puzzles or games, competitions and branded non-food promotions by food companies was recorded. Category frequencies are reported with a detailed description of the promotions present during September 2005.

Results

Only fifty-eight out of the 444 items identified could be classed as regular food advertisements. Several advertisements appeared to be in breach of codes regarding advertising to children and premiums.

Conclusions

The pervasiveness of covert food marketing in the present study was contrary to previous findings and raises questions about the effectiveness of legal restrictions and self-regulation of advertising in protecting children from commercial food messages that may not be regarded as advertising.
Halo effect of a weight-loss trial on spouses: the DIRECT-Spouse study
Authors: Golan Rachel , Schwarzfuchs Dan , Stampfer Meir J , Shai Iris
Published: August 2009

Objective

We examined the halo effect of a 2-year weight-loss diet trial, the Dietary Intervention Randomized Controlled Trial (DIRECT), on the weight and nutritional patterns of participants' spouses.

Design

DIRECT participants in a research centre workplace were randomly assigned to one of three diets: Low-fat, Mediterranean or Low-carbohydrate. A sample of wives of the DIRECT participants, who attended support update meetings specific to their husband's diet during the first 6 months, were followed for 2 years.

Setting

South Israel.

Subjects

Seventy-four women (mean age = 51 years, mean BMI =26·6 kg/m2).

Results

Among the wives of husbands randomised to the Low-fat, Mediterranean and Low-carbohydrate diet, self-reported weight change was respectively −1·48 kg, −2·30 kg and −4·62 kg after 6 months, and +0·39 kg, −3·00 kg and −2·30 kg after 2 years. Weight loss among wives whose husbands were in the alternative diet groups combined (Mediterranean+Low-carbohydrate) was significantly greater than among wives whose husbands were in the Low-fat group after 6 months (P = 0·031) and 2 years (P = 0·034). Overweight wives experienced more weight loss. The weight change of couples was significantly correlated (r = 0·42, P < 0·001). Across all dietary groups, wives had significant improvement in their dietary patterns in all food groups according to their husbands' diets, mainly by a larger significant decrease in carbohydrate consumption in the Low-carbohydrate group (P = 0·013 compared to Low-fat). Six-month weight change among the seventy-four DIRECT participants whose wives took part in the group support sessions was −5·2 kg, compared to −3·5 kg among the 248 DIRECT participants whose wives did not take part in these sessions (P = 0·020).

Conclusions

Focusing on the couple as a unit could provide a cost-effective approach to weight-loss programmes.
Understanding the nineteenth century origins of disciplines: lessons for astrobiology today?
Authors: Brazelton William J. , Sullivan Woodruff T.
Published: August 2009

Astrobiology's goal of promoting interdisciplinary research is an attempt to reverse a trend that began two centuries ago with the formation of the first specialized scientific disciplines. We have examined this era of discipline formation in order to make a comparison with the situation today in astrobiology. Will astrobiology remain interdisciplinary or is it becoming yet another specialty?

As a case study, we have investigated effects on the scientific literature when a specialized community is formed by analyzing the citations within papers published during 1802–1856 in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society (Phil. Trans.), the most important ‘generalist’ journal of its day, and Transactions of the Geological Society of London (Trans. Geol. Soc.), the first important disciplinary journal in the sciences. We find that these two journals rarely cited each other, and papers published in Trans. Geol. Soc. cited fewer interdisciplinary sources than did geology papers in Phil. Trans. After geology had become established as a successful specialized discipline, geologists returned to publishing papers in Phil. Trans., but they wrote in the new, highly specialized style developed in Trans. Geol. Soc. They had succeeded in not only creating a new scientific discipline, but also a new way of doing science with its own modes of research and communication.

A similar citation analysis was applied to papers published over the period 2001–2008 in the contemporary journals Astrobiology and the International Journal of Astrobiology to test the hypothesis that astrobiologists are in the early stages of creating their own specialized community. Although still too early to reliably detect any but the largest trends, there is no evidence yet that astrobiologists are drifting into their own isolated discipline. Instead, to date they appear to remain interdisciplinary.
Contingent valuation: what needs to be done?
Authors: Smith Richard D. , Sach Tracey H.
Published: August 2009

Contingent valuation (CV) has been argued to have theoretical advantages over other approaches for benefit valuation used by health economists. Yet, in reality, the technique appears not to have realised these advantages when applied to health-care issues, such that its influence in decision-making at national levels has been non-existent within the health sector. This is not a result of a lack of methodological work in the area, which has continued to flourish. Rather, it is a result of such activities being undertaken in a rather uncoordinated and unsystematic fashion, leading CV to be akin to a ‘ship without a sail’. This paper utilises a systematic review of the CV literature in health to illustrate some important points concerning the conduct of CV studies, before providing a comment on what the remaining policy and research priorities are for the technique, and proposing a guideline for such studies. It is hoped that this will initiate some wider and rigorous debate on the future of the CV technique in order to make it seaworthy, give it direction and provide the right momentum.
Zum empirischen Aussagegehalt des Konzepts «Chronische Depression»
Authors: Helbig-Lang Sylvia , Petermann Franz
Published: August 2009

Bei der chronischen Depression handelt es sich um ein am Störungsverlauf orientiertes Konstrukt, dessen empirische Fundierung bislang nur als unzureichend charakterisiert werden kann. Vor diesem Hintergrund werden die bisher gängigen Definitionen chronischer Depression empirischen Befunden zur Abgrenzung von akuten bzw. episodischen Depressionen gegenübergestellt. Aus empirischer Sicht gibt es bislang nur begrenzt Evidenz für eine inhaltsvalide Abgrenzung chronischer und akuter Depression, wenngleich einzelne Hinweise auf Unterschiede in der Entwicklungspsychopathologie dieser Depressionsformen existieren. Die bisherige Klassifikation von Subtypen chronischer Depression scheint dagegen empirisch nicht haltbar zu sein. In der Diagnostik und Früherkennung chronischer Depression sollte verstärkt auf eine Familienanamnese affektiver Störungen geachtet werden. Weitere Studien sollten modifizierte, z. B. dimensionale Definitionen der Chronizität mit einbeziehen.
Rezidivierende Schluckbeschwerden bei einem jungen Mann
Authors: Fuchshofer  , Külling  , Rüttimann  , Steiner
Published: August 2009

Die endoskopische Abklärung eines 18-jährigen Patienten mit Dysphagieattacken zeigte ausgedehnte weissliche Auflagerungen im Ösophagus. Primär als Soorösophagitis fehlinterpretiert fand sich histologisch das Bild einer schweren eosinophilen Ösophagitis. Unter Behandlung mit topischen Kortikosteroiden wurde der Patient beschwerdefrei. Die endoskopische Kontrolle zeigte auch histologisch eine Remission ohne Nachweis eosinophiler Granulozyten. Die eosinophile Ösophagitis ist eine seltene allergieartige Entzündung des Ösophagus, tritt vorwiegend bei jüngereren Männern auf und zeigt eine zunehmende Inzidenz. Unbehandelt können im Langzeitverlauf schwere Strikturen entstehen.