bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can Serum β-Hydroxybutyrate Be Used to Diagnose Diabetic Ketoacidosis?
Authors: Sheikh-Ali Mae , Karon Brad S. , Basu Ananda , Kudva Yogish C. , Muller Lisa A. , Xu Jia , Schwenk W. Frederick , Miles John M.
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVE—Current criteria for the diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) are limited by their nonspecificity (serum bicarbonate [HCO3] and pH) and qualitative nature (the presence of ketonemia/ketonuria). The present study was undertaken to determine whether quantitative measurement of a ketone body anion could be used to diagnose DKA.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—A retrospective review of records from hospitalized diabetic patients was undertaken to determine the concentration of serum β-hydroxybutyrate (βOHB) that corresponds to a HCO3 level of 18 mEq/l, the threshold value for diagnosis in recently published consensus criteria. Simultaneous admission βOHB and HCO3 values were recorded from 466 encounters, 129 in children and 337 in adults.

RESULTS—A HCO3 level of 18 mEq/l corresponded with βOHB levels of 3.0 and 3.8 mmol/l in children and adults, respectively. With the use of these threshold βOHB values to define DKA, there was substantial discordance (∼≥20%) between βOHB and conventional diagnostic criteria using HCO3, pH, and glucose. In patients with DKA, there was no correlation between HCO3 and glucose levels on admission and a significant but weak correlation between βOHB and glucose levels (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS—Where available, serum βOHB levels ≥3.0 and ≥3.8 mmol/l in children and adults, respectively, in the presence of uncontrolled diabetes can be used to diagnose DKA and may be superior to the serum HCO3 level for that purpose. The marked variability in the relationship between βOHB and HCO3 is probably due to the presence of other acid-base disturbances, especially hyperchloremic, nonanion gap acidosis.
Outcome of Diabetic Foot Osteomyelitis Treated Nonsurgically
Authors: Senneville Eric , Lombart Audrey , Beltrand Eric , Valette Michel , Legout Laurence , Cazaubiel Marie , Yazdanpanah Yazdan , Fontaine Pierre
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVE—The purpose of this article was to identify criteria predictive of remission in nonsurgical treatment of diabetic foot osteomyelitis.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Diabetic patients who were initially treated without orthopedic surgery for osteomyelitis of the toe or metatarsal head of a nonischemic foot between June 2002 and June 2003 in nine French diabetic foot centers were identified, and their medical records were reviewed. Remission was defined as the absence of any sign of infection at the initial or contiguous site assessed at least 1 year after the end of treatment. A total of 24 demographic, clinical, and therapeutic variables including bone versus swab culture–based antibiotic therapy were analyzed.

RESULTS—Fifty consecutive patients aged 62.2 ± 11.1 years (mean ± SD) with diabetes duration of 16 ± 10.9 years were included. The mean duration of antibiotic treatment was 11.5 ± 4.21 weeks. Bone biopsy was routinely available in four of the nine centers. Overall patient management was similar in the different centers except for the use of rifampin, which was recorded more frequently in patients from centers in which a bone biopsy was available. At the end of a 12.8-month posttreatment mean follow-up, 32 patients (64%) were in remission. Bone culture–based antibiotic therapy was the only variable associated with remission, as determined by both univariate (18 of 32 [56.3%] vs. 4 of 18 [22.2%], P = 0.02) and multivariate analyses (odds ratio 4.78 [95% CI 1.0–22.7], P = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS—Bone culture–based antibiotic therapy is a factor predictive of success in diabetic patients treated nonsurgically for osteomyelitis of the foot.
Ethnic Differences in the Relationship Between Adiponectin and Insulin Sensitivity in South Asian and Caucasian Women
Authors: Martin Marlene , Palaniappan Latha P. , Kwan Andrea C. , Reaven Gerald M. , Reaven Peter D.
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVE—To assess whether lower adiponectin concentrations in South Asian Indians may be responsible for their greater degree of insulin resistance.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Insulin-mediated glucose uptake and plasma total and high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin concentrations were quantified in 52 women of South Asian (SA) and Caucasian (CAU) ancestry and compared.

RESULTS—Mean ± SD total (2,965 ± 1,278 vs. 4,235 ± 160 ng/ml) and HMW (1,001 ± 352 vs. 1,591 ± 854 ng/ml) adiponectin were lower in SAs than CAUs (P < 0.005). Insulin-resistant CAUs (CAU-IR) had lower total (2,665 ± 1,040 vs. 5,133 ± 1,086 ng/ml) and HMW (987 ± 479 vs. 1,935 ± 838 ng/ml) adiponectin than insulin-sensitive CAUs (CAU-IS) (P < 0.01), but there were no significant differences between insulin-resistant (SA-IR) and insulin-sensitive (SA-IS) SAs. HMW adiponectin did not differ between SA-IR and CAU-IR, but SA-IS had significantly lower adiponectin concentrations than CAU-IS.

CONCLUSIONS—Insulin resistance status is not associated with significantly lower levels of adiponectin in these SA women, in contrast to the CAU women.
Influence of the ACE Gene Insertion/Deletion Polymorphism on Insulin Sensitivity and Impaired Glucose Tolerance in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Bonnet Fabrice , Patel Sheila , Laville Martine , Balkau Beverley , Favuzzi Angela , Monti Lucilla D. , Lalic Nebojsa , Walker Mark ,   on behalf of the European Group for the Study of Insulin Resistance Relationship Between Insulin Sensitivity and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Study Group
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVE—Recent studies suggested that the blockade of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) may be associated with metabolic benefits. However, data about the potential influence of the ACE insertion/deletion (I/D) genotype on insulin resistance have been contradictory with studies of limited sample sizes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the ACE gene I/D polymorphism and both insulin sensitivity and glucose intolerance in a large cohort of healthy subjects.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—A total of 1,286 participants in the Relationship Between Insulin Sensitivity and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Study had a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test and a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp to assess whole-body insulin sensitivity.

RESULTS—Age, BMI, waist, fat-free mass (ffm), and physical activity did not differ by ACE genotype. Fasting glucose and insulin were similar among genotypes, but 2-h glucose levels were higher in DD than in ID and II subjects (DD: 5.9 ± 1.7; ID: 5.7 ± 1.5; II: 5.6 ± 1.5 mmol/l) (P = 0.004). Participants with the DD genotype were more likely to have impaired glucose tolerance than those with the ID and II genotypes (13.1 vs. 8.7%; P = 0.02). Insulin sensitivity was lower in participants with the DD genotype than in those with the II genotype (136 ± 63 vs. 147 ± 65 μmol · min−1· kg ffm−1 · mmol−1 · l−1; P = 0.02). The presence of the D allele was associated with a trend, albeit not significant, for reduced insulin secretion during the oral glucose tolerance test (P = 0.07).

CONCLUSIONS—The ACE I/D polymorphism is associated with whole-body insulin sensitivity and with impaired glucose tolerance in our healthy population. These findings confirm potential interactions between the RAS and glucose metabolism.
Calcium Plus Vitamin D Supplementation and the Risk of Incident Diabetes in the Women's Health Initiative
Authors: de Boer Ian H. , Tinker Lesley F. , Connelly Stephanie , Curb J. David , Howard Barbara V. , Kestenbaum Bryan , Larson Joseph C. , Manson JoAnn E. , Margolis Karen L. , Siscovick David S. , Weiss Noel S. ,   For the Women's Health Initiative Investigators
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVE—Experimental and epidemiologic studies suggest that calcium and vitamin D may reduce the risk of developing diabetes. We examined the effect of calcium plus vitamin D supplementation on the incidence of drug-treated diabetes in postmenopausal women.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—The Women's Health Initiative Calcium/Vitamin D Trial randomly assigned postmenopausal women to receive 1,000 mg elemental calcium plus 400 IU of vitamin D3 daily, or placebo, in a double-blind fashion. Among 33,951 participants without self-reported diabetes at baseline, we ascertained by treatment assignment new diagnoses of diabetes treated with oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin. Effects of the intervention on fasting measurements of glucose, insulin, and insulin resistance were examined among a subset of participants.

RESULTS—Over a median follow-up time of 7 years, 2,291 women were newly diagnosed with diabetes. The hazard ratio for incident diabetes associated with calcium/vitamin D treatment was 1.01 (95% CI 0.94–1.10) based on intention to treat. This null result was robust in subgroup analyses, efficacy analyses accounting for nonadherence, and analyses examining change in laboratory measurements.

CONCLUSIONS—Calcium plus vitamin D3 supplementation did not reduce the risk of developing diabetes over 7 years of follow-up in this randomized placebo-controlled trial. Higher doses of vitamin D may be required to affect diabetes risk, and/or associations of calcium and vitamin D intake with improved glucose metabolism observed in nonrandomized studies may be the result of confounding or of other components of foods containing these nutrients.
Effect of Varying Glycemic Index Meals on Blood Glucose Control Assessed With Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Youth With Type 1 Diabetes on Basal-Bolus Insulin Regimens
Authors: Nansel Tonja R. , Gellar Lauren , McGill Adrienne
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVE—The purpose of this study was to test the effect of high glycemic index (HGI) and low glycemic index (LGI) meals on blood glucose levels using continuous blood glucose monitoring in youths with type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—A total of 20 youths on basal-bolus regimens consumed macronutrient-matched HGI and LGI meals 1 day each in a controlled setting in varying order following consumption of a standardized evening meal. Medtronic MiniMed Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems were used to assess blood glucose (BG) profiles.

RESULTS—Participants demonstrated significantly lower daytime mean BG, BG area >180 mg/dl, and high BG index when consuming LGI meals but no differences for daytime BG area <70 mg/dl, daytime low BG index, or any nighttime values. Significantly more BG values <80 mg/dl were treated on LGI days.

CONCLUSIONS—Findings indicate that consumption of an LGI diet may reduce glucose excursions, improving glycemic control.
Soy Protein Intake, Cardiorenal Indices, and C-Reactive Protein in Type 2 Diabetes With Nephropathy
Authors: Azadbakht Leila , Atabak Shahnaz , Esmaillzadeh Ahmad
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVE—Several short-term trials on the effect of soy consumption on cardiovascular risks are available, but little evidence exists regarding the impact of long-term soy protein consumption among type 2 diabetic patients with nephropathy. To determine the effects of long-term soy consumption on cardiovascular risks, we measured C-reactive protein (CRP) and kidney function indexes among type 2 diabetic patients with nephropathy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—This longitudinal randomized clinical trial was conducted among 41 type 2 diabetic patients with nephropathy (18 men and 23 women). Twenty patients in the soy protein group consumed a diet containing 0.8 g protein/kg body weight (35% animal proteins, 35% textured soy protein, and 30% vegetable proteins) and 21 patients in the control group consumed a similar diet containing 70% animal proteins and 30% vegetable proteins for 4 years.

RESULTS—Soy protein consumption significantly affected cardiovascular risks such as fasting plasma glucose (mean change in the soy protein versus control groups: −18 ± 3 vs. 11 ± 2 mg/dl; P = 0.03), total cholesterol (−23 ± 5 vs. 10 ± 3 mg/dl; P = 0.01), LDL cholesterol (−20 ± 5 vs. 6 ± 2 mg/dl; P = 0.01), and serum triglyceride (−24 ± 6 vs. −5 ± 2 mg/dl; P = 0.01) concentrations. Serum CRP levels were significantly decreased by soy protein intake compared with those in the control group (1.31 ± 0.6 vs. 0.33 ± 0.1 mg/l; P = 0.02). Significant improvements were also seen in proteinuria (−0.15 ± 0.03 vs. 0.02 ± 0.01 g/day; P = 0.001) and urinary creatinine (−1.5 ± 0.9 vs. 0.6 ± 0.3 mg/dl, P = 0.01) by consumption of soy protein.

CONCLUSIONS—Longitudinal soy protein consumption significantly affected cardiovascular risk factors and kidney-related biomarkers among type 2 diabetic patients with nephropathy.
Similarity of the Impact of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes on Cardiovascular Mortality in Middle-Aged Subjects
Authors: Juutilainen Auni , Lehto Seppo , Rönnemaa Tapani , Pyörälä Kalevi , Laakso Markku
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVE—To compare the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) death and the impact of hyperglycemia on the risk of CVD mortality associated with type 1 diabetes to that associated with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—The study comprised 173 participants with type 1 diabetes, 834 participants with type 2 diabetes, and 1,294 nondiabetic participants, aged 45–64 years at baseline and free of CVD. The age of onset of diabetes was >30 years in both diabetic groups.

RESULTS—During an 18-year follow-up, 86 participants with type 1 diabetes, 567 participants with type 2 diabetes, and 252 nondiabetic participants died. CVD mortality rates per 1,000 person-years were 23.1 (95% CI 16.9–31.9) in type 1 diabetic, 35.3 (30.8–40.4) in type 2 diabetic, and 4.6 (3.8–5.7) in nondiabetic participants. Adjusted hazard ratios for CVD mortality in participants with type 1 diabetes versus no diabetes was 3.6 (95% CI 2.2–5.7) in men and 13.3 (6.9–22.5) in women and in participants with type 2 diabetes versus no diabetes 3.3 (2.5–4.5) in men and 10.1 (6.7–17.4) in women. An increment of 1 unit (%) of GHb increased CVD mortality by 52.5% (95% CI 28.4–81.3) in type 1 diabetic subjects and by 7.5% (4.3–10.8) in type 2 diabetic participants.

CONCLUSIONS—The impact of type 1 and type 2 diabetes on CVD mortality was similar. The effect of increasing hyperglycemia on the risk of CVD mortality was more profound in type 1 than in type 2 diabetic subjects.
Comparison of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Using Vacuum-Assisted Closure With Advanced Moist Wound Therapy in the Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Authors: Blume Peter A. , Walters Jodi , Payne Wyatt , Ayala Jose , Lantis John
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVE—The purpose of this study was to evaluate safety and clinical efficacy of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) compared with advanced moist wound therapy (AMWT) to treat foot ulcers in diabetic patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—This multicenter randomized controlled trial enrolled 342 patients with a mean age of 58 years; 79% were male. Complete ulcer closure was defined as skin closure (100% reepithelization) without drainage or dressing requirements. Patients were randomly assigned to either NPWT (vacuum-assisted closure) or AMWT (predominately hydrogels and alginates) and received standard off-loading therapy as needed. The trial evaluated treatment until day 112 or ulcer closure by any means. Patients whose wounds achieved ulcer closure were followed at 3 and 9 months. Each study visit included closure assessment by wound examination and tracings.

RESULTS—A greater proportion of foot ulcers achieved complete ulcer closure with NPWT (73 of 169, 43.2%) than with AMWT (48 of 166, 28.9%) within the 112-day active treatment phase (P = 0.007). The Kaplan-Meier median estimate for 100% ulcer closure was 96 days (95% CI 75.0–114.0) for NPWT and not determinable for AMWT (P = 0.001). NPWT patients experienced significantly (P = 0.035) fewer secondary amputations. The proportion of home care therapy days to total therapy days for NPWT was 9,471 of 10,579 (89.5%) and 12,210 of 12,810 (95.3%) for AMWT. In assessing safety, no significant difference between the groups was observed in treatment-related complications such as infection, cellulitis, and osteomyelitis at 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS—NPWT appears to be as safe as and more efficacious than AMWT for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers.
Simvastatin Improves Flow-Mediated Dilation but Reduces Adiponectin Levels and Insulin Sensitivity in Hypercholesterolemic Patients
Authors: Koh Kwang Kon , Quon Michael J. , Han Seung Hwan , Lee Yonghee , Ahn Jeong Yeal , Kim Soo Jin , Koh Yesl , Shin Eak Kyun
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVE—We hypothesized that simvastatin may reduce adiponectin levels and insulin sensitivity in hypercholesterolemic patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study. Age, sex, and BMI were matched. Thirty-two patients were given placebo, and 30, 32, 31, and 31 patients were given daily 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg simvastatin, respectively, during a 2-month treatment period.

RESULTS—Simvastatin doses of 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg significantly reduced total cholesterol (mean changes 27, 25, 37, and 38%), LDL cholesterol (39, 38, 52, and 54%), and apolipoprotein B levels (24, 30, 36, and 42%) and improved flow-mediated dilation (FMD) (68, 40, 49, and 63%) after 2 months of therapy compared with baseline (P < 0.001 by paired t test) or compared with placebo (P < 0.001 by ANOVA). Simvastatin doses of 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg significantly decreased plasma adiponectin levels (4, 12, 5, and 10%) and insulin sensitivity (determined by the Quantitative Insulin-Sensitivity Check Index [QUICKI]) (5, 8, 6, and 6%) compared with baseline (P < 0.05 by paired t test) or compared with placebo (P = 0.011 for adiponectin and P = 0.034 for QUICKI by ANOVA). However, the magnitudes of these percent changes (FMD, adiponectin, and QUICKI) were not significantly different among four different doses of simvastatin despite dose-dependent changes in the reduction of apolipoprotein B levels.

CONCLUSIONS—Simvastatin significantly improved endothelium-dependent dilation, but reduced adiponectin levels and insulin sensitivity in hypercholesterolemic patients independent of dose and the extent of apolipoprotein B reduction.
Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Bloomgarden Zachary T.
Published: March 2008

Perspectives on the News commentaries are part of a free monthly CME activity. The Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, designates this activity for 2.0 AMA PRA Category 1 credits. If you wish to participate, review this article and visit www.diabetes.procampus.net to complete a posttest and receive a certificate. The Mount Sinai School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
A dimeric copper coumarin complex: synthesis and crystal structure of [{Cu(4-methyl-7-(salicylideneamino)coumarin)2}2]
Authors: Aazam Elham , EL Husseiny Amel , Hitchcock Peter , Alshehri Jemila
Published: March 2008

A binuclear copper complex [{Cu(L)2}2], C68H48Cu2N4O12C (where L is 4-methyl-7-(salicylideneamino)coumarin), has been synthesized and characterized using elemental analysis, molar conductance measurements, and infrared, ultraviolet and ESR spectrosopy. The molecular structure of title compound, determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies, reveals that the two symmetric Cu(L)2 units are associated into a dimer by rather long Cu...O bonds. The Cu(II) ions are bridged via the phenolic oxygen of one of the monomers and have distorted trigonal bipyramidal conformation geometry. Within each monomer the two methylsubstituted coumarin skeletons are trans to one another, but adopt a parallel arrangement with respect to the other monomer. Only half of the complex molecule can be found in the asymmetric unit, Z′ = 0.5, the other half is generated by the symmetry centre.
A Generalised Approach to the use of Sampling for Rapid Object Location
Authors: Davies E.
Published: March 2008

A Generalised Approach to the use of Sampling for Rapid Object Location

This paper has developed a generalised sampling strategy for the rapid location of objects in digital images. In this strategya prioriinformation on the possible locations of objects is used to guide the sampling process, and earlier body-based and edge-based approaches emerge automatically on applying the righta prioriprobability maps. In addition, the limitations of the earlier regular sampling technique have been clarified and eased—with the result that sampling patterns are better matched to the positions of the image boundaries. These methods lead to improved speeds of operation both in the cases where all the objects in an image have to be located and also where the positions of individual objects have to be updated. Finally, the method is interesting in being intrinsically able to perform full binary search tree edge location without the need for explicit programming.
Nonlinear Image Processing and Filtering: A Unified Approach Based on Vertically Weighted Regression
Authors: Rafajłowicz Ewaryst , Pawlak Mirosław , Steland Angsar
Published: March 2008

Nonlinear Image Processing and Filtering: A Unified Approach Based on Vertically Weighted Regression

A class of nonparametric smoothing kernel methods for image processing and filtering that possess edge-preserving properties is examined. The proposed approach is a nonlinearly modified version of the classical nonparametric regression estimates utilizing the concept of vertical weighting. The method unifies a number of known nonlinear image filtering and denoising algorithms such as bilateral and steering kernel filters. It is shown that vertically weighted filters can be realized by a structure of three interconnected radial basis function (RBF) networks. We also assess the performance of the algorithm by studying industrial images.
Classification of Breast Cancer Malignancy Using Cytological Images of Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsies
Authors: Jeleń Łukasz , Fevens Thomas , Krzyżak Adam
Published: March 2008

Classification of Breast Cancer Malignancy Using Cytological Images of Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsies

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer (BC) is one of the most deadly cancers diagnosed among middle-aged women. Precise diagnosis and prognosis are crucial to reduce the high death rate. In this paper we present a framework for automatic malignancy grading of fine needle aspiration biopsy tissue. The malignancy grade is one of the most important factors taken into consideration during the prediction of cancer behavior after the treatment. Our framework is based on a classification using Support Vector Machines (SVM). The SVMs presented here are able to assign a malignancy grade based on preextracted features with the accuracy up to 94.24%. We also show that SVMs performed best out of four tested classifiers.
Circular Object Detection Using a Modified Hough Transform
Authors: Smereka Marcin , Dulęba Ignacy
Published: March 2008

Circular Object Detection Using a Modified Hough Transform

A practical modification of the Hough transform is proposed that improves the detection of low-contrast circular objects. The original circular Hough transform and its numerous modifications are discussed and compared in order to improve both the efficiency and computational complexity of the algorithm. Medical images are selected to verify the algorithm. In particular, the algorithm is applied to localize cell nuclei of cytological smears visualized using a phase contrast microscope.
M-Ary Phase Modulation for Digital Watermarking
Authors: Xin Yongqing , Pawlak Mirosław
Published: March 2008

M-Ary Phase Modulation for Digital Watermarking

In spread spectrum based watermarking schemes, it is a challenging task to embed multiple bits of information into the host signal.M-ary modulation has been proposed as an effective approach to multibit watermarking. It has been proved that anM-ary modulation based watermarking system outperforms significantly a binary modulation based watermarking system. However, in the existingM-ary modulation based algorithms, the value ofMis restricted to be less than 256, because asMincreases, the computation workload for data extraction advances exponentially. In this paper, we propose an efficientM-ary modulation scheme, i.e.,M-ary phase modulation, which reduces the computation in data extraction to a very low level. With this scheme, it is practical to implement anM-ary modulation based algorithm with a high value ofM, e.g.,M= 220. This is significant for a watermarking system, because it can either greatly increase the data capacity of a watermark given the necessary watermark robustness, or considerably improve the watermark robustness given the amount of information of the watermark. The superiority of the proposed scheme is verified by simulation results.
Mechanisms of structural change derived from patterns of seedling emergence and mortality in a semi‐natural meadow
Authors: Stampfli Andreas , Zeiter Michaela
Published: March 2008

Questions: Is seedling emergence limited by the set of viable seeds, by incompatibility between the phenology of seed shedding and timing of mowing, or by dry weather in germination periods?

Does seedling mortality fluctuate with season and weather?

Location: Negrentino, southern Alps, Switzerland.

Methods: Fecundity estimates of the dominant grass Bromus erectus; highly frequent counts of spontaneous seedlings by species and calculation of a community‐level average mortality rate across 5 years; species‐level records of seed shedding date and measurements of seed mass; measurement of soil moisture.

Results: B. erectus produced 143.9 viable seeds/m2/year while the density of its seedlings was a 55 times smaller fraction. Grasses had fewer seedlings than forbs and their phenology of seed shedding was less compatible with mowing date. Soil moisture was a strong determinant of seedling emergence in spring and less so in autumn. Average seedling mortality declined with age of the populations and reached a maximum in an extremely dry summer. In relatively wet summers establishment success was positively related to seed mass.

Conclusion: Community structure is susceptible to drought through mechanisms that selectively reduce recruits of coexisting plant functional groups. We propose that (1) more frequent intense droughts tend to reduce species that depend on frequent recruitment from seed, hence favour long‐lived clonally spreading species, (2) drought timing selects between species with different germination phenology and drought resistance, and (3) drought impacts can be mitigated by changing management regimes that affect seed shedding.
Impact of obesity on the surgical outcome following repeat hepatic resection in Japanese patients with recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Utsunomiya Tohru
Published: March 2008

Laparoscopic surgery is the main treatment method for patients with gastrointestinal malignant tumors. Although laparoscopic surgery is minimally invasive, its tool stimulation and pneumoperitoneum pressure often cause strong stress reactions in patients. On the other hand, gastrointestinal surgery can cause stronger pain in patients, compared to other surgeries. Transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) can effectively inhibit the transmission of nerve impulses caused by surgical stimulation, alleviate patient pain, and thus alleviate stress reactions. Remazolam is an acting, safe, and effective sedative, which has little effect on hemodynamics and is suitable for most patients. TAPB combined with remazolam can reduce the dosage of total anesthetic drugs, reduce adverse reactions, reduce stress reactions, and facilitate the rapid postoperative recovery of patients.
Colorectal carcinoma-associated antigen Ca-Hb3 detected by one-dimensional SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Sun Shuo
Published: March 2008

Laparoscopic surgery is the main treatment method for patients with gastrointestinal malignant tumors. Although laparoscopic surgery is minimally invasive, its tool stimulation and pneumoperitoneum pressure often cause strong stress reactions in patients. On the other hand, gastrointestinal surgery can cause stronger pain in patients, compared to other surgeries. Transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) can effectively inhibit the transmission of nerve impulses caused by surgical stimulation, alleviate patient pain, and thus alleviate stress reactions. Remazolam is an acting, safe, and effective sedative, which has little effect on hemodynamics and is suitable for most patients. TAPB combined with remazolam can reduce the dosage of total anesthetic drugs, reduce adverse reactions, reduce stress reactions, and facilitate the rapid postoperative recovery of patients.
“Invisible” Silver Tracks Produced by Combining Hot‐Embossing and Inkjet Printing
Authors: Hendriks Chris E. , Smith Patrick J. , Perelaer Jolke , van den Berg Antje M. J. , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: March 2008

Hot‐embossed features are prepared by pushing customized and standard silicon calibration gratings, known as masters, into either polystyrene or polycarbonate, which are kept above their glass transition temperatures. droplet of a silver nanoparticle ink is then dispensed over one of these as‐formed grooves using an inkjet printer. The ink fills the grooves as a consequence of capillary forces and is observed to form tracks with a uniform width. The tracks are described as ‘invisible’ on account of having widths ranging from 5 to 15 µm. Wider tracks can be produced by dispensing more droplets and tracks with different morphologies can be produced by using different masters. Several as‐prepared features are thermally treated to produce conductive silver tracks. The conductivity of the tracks is found to be ∼20% that of bulk silver.
ZnO Hierarchical Micro/Nanoarchitectures: Solvothermal Synthesis and Structurally Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Lu Fang , Cai Weiping , Zhang Yugang
Published: March 2008

A novel ZnO hierarchical micro/nanoarchitecture is fabricated by a facile solvothermal approach in an aqueous solution of ethylenediamine (EDA). This complex architecture is of a core/shell structure, composed of dense nanosheet‐built networks that stand on a hexagonal‐pyramid‐like microcrystal (core part). The ZnO hexagonal micropyramid has external surfaces that consist of a basal plane (000${\bar 1}$) and lateral planes {0${\bar 1}$11}. The nanosheets are a uniform thickness of about 10 nm and have a single‐crystal structure with sheet‐planar surfaces as {2${\bar 1}\,{\bar 1}$0} planes. These nanosheets interlace and overlap each other with an angle of 60° or 120°, and assemble into a discernible net‐ or grid‐like morphology (about 100 nm in grid‐size) on the micropyramid, which shows a high specific surface area (185.6 m2 g−1). Such a ZnO micro/nanoarchitecture is new in the family of ZnO nanostructures. Its formation depends on the concentration of the EDA solution as well as on the type of zinc source. A two‐step sequential growth model is proposed based on observations from a time‐dependent morphology evolution process. Importantly, such structured ZnO has shown a strong structure‐induced enhancement of photocatalytic performance and has exhibited a much better photocatalytic property and durability for the photodegradation of methyl orange than that of other nanostructured ZnO, such as the powders of nanoparticles, nanosheets, and nanoneedles. This is mainly attributed to its higher surface‐to‐volume ratio and stability against aggregation. This work not only gives insight into understanding the hierarchical growth behaviour of complex ZnO micro/nanoarchitectures in a solution‐phase synthetic system, but also provides an efficient route to enhance the photocatalytic performance of ZnO, which could also be extended to other catalysts, such as the inherently excellent TiO2, if they are of the same hierarchical micro/nanoarchitecture with an open and porous nanostructured surface layer.
Nanostructured Sheets of TiO Nanobelts for Gas Sensing and Antibacterial Applications
Authors: Wang Yanmin , Du Guojun , Liu Hong , Liu Duo , Qin Shubin , Wang Na , Hu Chenguo , Tao Xutang , Jiao Jun , Wang Jiyang , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: March 2008

Three types of TiO‐compound‐based nanobelts (Na2Ti3O7, H2Ti3O7, TiO2) are prepared from commercial TiO2 powders via an alkaline hydrothermal process. Nanostructured sheets based on the as‐synthesized nanobelts are prepared using a paper‐making process. The nanobelts are connected with hydrogen bonds or/and bridge oxygen atoms and packed together, forming a paperlike porous network structure, with an average pore size of ∼500 nm. The electrical properties and gas sensing of the nanostructured sheets are demonstrated to display sensitivity down to sub‐ppb levels. H2Ti3O7 nanobelts decorated with Ag nanoparticles have also been applied as an antibacterial agent.
Optical Transmission Properties and Electric Field Distribution of Interacting 2D Silver Nanorod Arrays
Authors: Evans Paul R. , Kullock René , Hendren William R. , Atkinson Ron , Pollard Robert J. , Eng Lukas M.
Published: March 2008

Silver nanorods have been grown by electrodeposition into thin film porous alumina templates (AAO). Optical transmission measurements using p‐polarized incident white light shows clear plasmon resonance extinction peaks. We successfully model the dependence on angle in incidence of extinction peak height and position using a multiple–multipoles (MMP) approach with the different spectral features being clearly associated with the effective electric field distribution and coupling between individual nanorods.
Synthesis, Characterization and Application of New Rhodium Complexes for Indirect Electrochemical Cofactor Regeneration
Authors: Hildebrand Falk , Kohlmann Christina , Franz Andreas , Lütz Stephan
Published: March 2008

Electroenzymatic synthesis often suffers from electrochemical reaction steps which proceed slower than the coupled enzyme reaction. For indirect electrochemical cofactor regeneration, we here report two new mediators with superior properties compared to the established rhodium complex (2,2′‐bipyridyl)(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)rhodium [Cp*Rh(2,2′‐bipyridine)]. After constructing a robotic system for fast and reliable cyclic voltammetry measurements, we screened twelve rhodium complexes with substituted 2,2′‐bipyridine ligands for their reduction potentials and catalytic activity towards the reduction of NADP. Promising complexes were investigated in more detail by cyclic voltammetry and under batch electrolysis conditions. The new complexes Cp*Rh(5,5′‐methyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine) and Cp*Rh(4,4′‐methoxy‐2,2′‐bipyridine) reduced NADP to NADPH three times faster than the established mediator, resulting in volumetric productivities of up to 136 mmol L−1 d−1 and turnover frequencies of up to 113 h−1. This increased reaction rate of these new mediators makes indirect electrochemical approach significantly more competitive to other methods of cofactor regeneration.

Abbreviations: ADH=alcohol dehydrogenase; Ag|AgCl=silver|silver chloride reference electrode; bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine; ci=current increase; Cp*=pentamethylcyclopentadienyl; CV=cyclic voltammetry; Ep=peak potential; equiv=equivalent; NADP/NADPH=nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidised/reduced form.
Base‐Catalyzed and Solvent‐Dependent Cascade Reaction in the Regioselective Synthesis of Novel Fused Polycycles
Authors: Xia Min , Xiang Guo‐Feng , Wu Bin , Han Yi‐Feng
Published: March 2008

A novel base‐catalyzed cascade reaction induced by Knoevenegal condensation that can regioselectively generate cyanoflavanones and heavily fused polycycles with intensive fluorescence and high quantum yields is reported. The reaction is solvent‐dependent, low‐polarity solvents promote the formation of polycycles while high‐polarity solvents favor the conversion to cyanoflavanones. A possible mechanism for such serial transformations is proposed.
Fast and Enantioselective Production of 1‐Aryl‐1‐propanols through a Single Pass, Continuous Flow Process
Authors: Pericàs Miquel A. , Herrerías Clara I. , Solà Lluís
Published: March 2008

A functional polymer 4, obtained by reaction of (R)‐2‐(1‐piperazinyl)‐1,1,2‐triphenylethanol with a Merrifield resin, has been loaded in a packed bed reactor and used as catalyst for the continuous enantioselective production of 1‐arylpropanols by ethylation of aromatic aldehydes. The high catalytic activity depicted by 4 allows the complete conversion of the substrates with the use of stoichiometric reagent ratios and unprecedently short residence times (down to 2.8 min). In practice, a single‐pass operation can be used for all the studied aldehydes, and productions of up to 13.0 mol/g h are recorded. The sequential operation of the flow system for the uninterrupted synthesis of a small library of enantiopure 1‐arylpropanols is also reported.
Reparameterization of inestimable systems with applications to chemical and biochemical reactor systems
Authors: Ben‐zvi Amos
Published: March 2008

Mathematical models of physical systems often have parameters that must be estimated from measured data. Inestimable models have more parameters than can be estimated from available data. In this work, a method for identifying inestimable parameters or parameter combinations is proposed. The method is based on partitioning the parameter space into estimable and inestimable subspaces. Parameter combinations in the inestimable subspace have little effect on measured values and can therefore be fixed at a nominal value. The number of effective parameters is thereby reduced to the dimension of the estimable subspace. The proposed method is applicable over a range of experimental conditions. Detailed examples, including a batch bioreactor and a three‐phase reactor system, are included for illustration. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Disparities in work‐related injuries associated with worker compensation coverage status
Authors: Nicholson Valerie J. , Bunn Terry L. , Costich Julia F.
Published: March 2008

Background

This exploratory study addresses patterns of injury in an emerging population of contingent workers who are not covered by either worker's compensation (WC) or health insurance. The primary purpose is to improve the information base regarding the entire population of uninsured, injured workers. Because Latino workers are over‐represented in the uninsured group, we include additional characterization of their patterns of injury. Recent studies have found that worker compensation claims and reports address a shrinking proportion of occupational injury and exposure, and about two‐thirds of occupational injuries are not captured in the U.S. national surveillance system.

Methods

Following the NEISS methodology, a work‐relatedness indicator was retrieved for emergency department (ED) visits to an academic health center in fiscal year 2005.

Results

Twenty percent of self‐declared work‐related injuries were not associated with self‐reported WC coverage. Parametric and non‐parametric statistical analysis found several significant disparities in workers without WC. These disparities included a higher proportion of Latinos, workers under age 25, and construction workers. In the uninsured group, Latino workers had a higher proportion of moderate and severe injuries. Nearly all (92 percent) workers without WC also lacked health insurance. Injured low‐income workers who lack access to both WC and employer‐sponsored health insurance comprise an increasing percentage of the occupationally injured. Our exploratory study found this to be particularly true in high‐risk populations.

Conclusions

Work‐relatedness indicators collected routinely in ED and outpatient settings should be incorporated into standard reporting systems to facilitate more accurate and comprehensive surveillance and better‐targeted interventions. Am. J. Ind. Med. 51:393–398, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sleeping tree choice by Bwindi chimpanzees
Authors: Stanford Craig B. , O'Malley Robert C.
Published: March 2008

Unlike nearly all other nonhuman primates, great apes build sleeping nests. In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, chimpanzees build nests nightly and also build day nests. We investigated patterns of nest tree use by Bwindi chimpanzees to understand ecological influences on nest tree selection. We analyzed data on 3,414 chimpanzee nests located from 2000 to 2004. Chimpanzees at Bwindi were selective in their use of nest trees. Of at least 163 tree species known to occur in Bwindi [Butynski, Ecological survey of the Impenetrable (Bwindi) Forest, Uganda, and recommendations for its conservation and management. Report to the Government of Uganda, 1984], chimpanzees utilized only 38 species for nesting. Of these, four tree species (Cassipourea sp., Chrysophyllum gorungosanum, Drypetes gerrardii, and Teclea nobilis) accounted for 72.1% of all nest trees. There was considerable variation in nesting frequencies among the top four species between and within years. However, these species were used significantly more often for nesting than other species in 70.9% (39 of 55) of the months of this study. A Spearman rank correlation found no significant relationship between tree abundance and tree species preference. Ninety‐three percent of all nests were constructed in food tree species, although not necessarily at the same time the trees bore food items used by chimpanzees. The results indicate that nesting tree species preferences exist. Bwindi chimpanzees' choice of nesting tree species does not appear to be dependent on tree species density or use of the tree for food. We discuss possible reasons for the selectivity in nest trees by the Bwindi population. Am. J. Primatol. 70:642–649, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cycloisomerisierungen von 1,n‐Eninen: faszinierende metallkatalysierte Umlagerungen und mechanistische Einblicke
Authors: Michelet Véronique , Toullec Patrick Y. , Genêt Jean‐Pierre
Published: March 2008

Metallkatalysierte Cycloisomerisierungen von 1,n‐Eninen haben sich als konzeptionell und chemisch höchst attraktive Reaktionen erwiesen, da sie dem häufig geforderten Streben nach Atomökonomie nachkommen und neuartige Reaktionsverläufe ermöglichen. Seit den bahnbrechenden Arbeiten in der Gruppe von Barry Trost mit Palladium Mitte der 1980er Jahre wurden viele weitere Metalle als hervorragende Katalysatoren für Enin‐Gerüstumlagerungen identifiziert. Zudem kann das Verhalten von 1,n‐Eninen durch funktionelle Gruppen wie Alkohol‐, Aldehyd‐, Ether‐, Alken‐ oder Alkineinheiten beeinflusst werden, wodurch die Komplexität der synthetisierten Verbindungen zunimmt. Neben den eigentlichen 1,n‐Enin‐Umlagerungen wurden mehrere Tandemreaktionen entdeckt, die intramolekulare Abfangreagentien oder intermolekulare Partner einbeziehen. Diese Übersicht will die wichtigsten Beiträge auf diesem Gebiet der Katalyse behandeln und die mechanistischen Erkenntnisse zu den neuesten Entdeckungen darlegen und kommentieren.
Copolymerization kinetics of dental dimethacrylate resins initiated by a benzoyl peroxide/amine redox system
Authors: Sideridou Irini D. , Achilias Dimitris S. , Kostidou Nikoleta C.
Published: March 2008

The copolymerization of four dental dimethacrylates initiated by a benzoyl peroxide/4‐N,N‐dimethylamino phenethyl alcohol redox system at 37°C was studied with differential scanning calorimetry. The studied dimethacrylates were viscous bisphenol A glycidyl dimethacrylate (Bis‐GMA), bisphenol A ethoxylated dimethacrylate (Bis‐EMA), and urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA), which were characterized as base monomers, and low‐viscosity triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), which was characterized as a diluent. Also, three series of dimethacrylate copolymers were prepared by incremental additions (12.5 wt %) of TEGDMA to a base comonomer (Bis‐GMA, UDMA or Bis‐EMA). The maximum rate of homopolymerization of the dimethacrylates followed the order of Bis‐GMA > UDMA > TEGDMA > Bis‐EMA, and the final degree of conversion of the corresponding homopolymers followed the order of TEGDMA > UDMA > Bis‐EMA > Bis‐GMA. A reaction–diffusion‐controlled termination region was clear in all monomers and started earlier in bulky and rigid Bis‐GMA and Bis‐EMA (followed by the more flexible UDMA and TEGDMA) but lasted longer in the Bis‐EMA polymerization. The maximum rate of copolymerization and degree of conversion of copolymers of a base monomer with TEGDMA changed monotonically with an increase in the TEGDMA content in the initial comonomer mixture. A synergistic effect was clear only in the final double‐bond conversion of Bis‐GMA/TEGDMA. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Cell penetrating peptide‐modified pharmaceutical nanocarriers for intracellular drug and gene delivery
Authors: Torchilin Vladimir P.
Published: March 2008

Cell‐penetrating peptides (CPPs) including TAT peptide (TATp) have been successfully used for intracellular delivery of a broad variety of cargos including various nanoparticulate pharmaceutical carriers (liposomes, micelles, nanoparticles). Here, we will consider the main results in this area, with a special emphasis on TATp‐mediated delivery of liposomes and DNA. We will also address the development of “smart” stimuli‐sensitive nanocarriers, where cell‐penetrating function can be activated by the decreased pH only inside the biological target minimizing thus the interaction of drug‐loaded nanocarriers with nontarget cells. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 90: 604–610, 2008.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Type 1 diabetes: can exercise impair the autoimmune event? TheL‐arginine/glutamine coupling hypothesis
Authors: da Silva Krause Maurício , de Bittencourt Paulo Ivo Homem
Published: March 2008

Prevention of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) requires early intervention in the autoimmune process directed against β‐cells of the pancreatic islets of Langerhans, which is believed to result from a disorder of immunoregulation. According to this concept, a T‐helper lymphocyte of type 1 (Th1) subset of T‐lymphocytes and their cytokine products, the type 1 cytokines [e.g.interleukin 2 (IL‐2), interferon gamma (IFN‐γ) and tumour necrosis factor beta (TNF‐β)] prevail over immunoregulatory (anti‐inflammatory) Th2 subset and its cytokine products,i.e. type 2 cytokines (e.g. IL‐4, IL‐6 and IL‐10). This allows type 1 cytokines to initiate a cascade of immune/inflammatory processes in the islet (insulitis), culminating in β‐cell destruction. Activation of sympathetic‐corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH) axis by psychological stress induces specifically Th1 cell overactivity that determines enhanced glutamine utilization and consequent poorL‐arginine supply for nitric oxide (NO)‐assisted insulin secretion. This determines the shift of intraislet glutamate metabolism from the synthesis of glutathione (GSH) to that ofL‐arginine, leading to a redox imbalance that activates nuclear factor κB exacerbating inflammation and NO‐mediated cytotoxicity. Physical exercise is capable of inducing changes in the pattern of cytokine production and release towards type 2 class and to normalize the glutamine supply to the circulation, which reduces the need for glutamate, whose metabolic fate may be restored in the direction of GSH synthesis and antioxidant defence. Also, the 70‐kDa heat shock protein (hsp70), which is immunoregulatory, may modulate exercise‐induced anti‐inflammation. In this work, we envisage how exercise can intervene in the mechanisms involved in the autoimmune process against β‐cells and how novel therapeutic approaches may be inferred from these observations. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.