bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The stigma of “mental” illness: End stage anorexia and treatment refusal
Authors: Campbell Amy T. , Aulisio Mark P.
Published: February 2012

Objective:

To answer the questions of whether psychiatric patients should ever be allowed to refuse life‐sustaining treatment in favor of comfort care for a condition that is caused by a psychiatric disorder, and if so, under what conditions.

Method:

Case discussion and normative ethical and legal analysis.

Results:

We argue that psychiatric patients should sometimes be allowed to refuse life—sustaining treatment in favor of comfort care for a condition that is caused by that psychiatric disorder and articulate the core considerations that should be taken into account when such a case arises.

Discussion:

We also suggest that unwillingness among many, especially mental health professionals, to consider seriously both of these questions risks perpetuating stigmatization of persons with psychiatric disorders, i.e., that the “mentally” ill should not be allowed to make significant decisions for themselves—a—a stigmatization that can result in persons with mental disorders both being prevented from exercising autonomous choice even when they are capable of it, and being denied good comfort care at the end of life——care which would be offered to patients with similarly life—threatening conditions that were not deemed to be the result of “mental” illness. © 2012 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development of the First Menthane‐Based Chiral Bis(π‐allylpalladium) Catalysis: Asymmetric Allylation of Imines
Authors: Fernandes Rodney A. , Chaudhari Dipali A.
Published: February 2012

A new ethylidene menthane‐based chiral π‐allylpalladium complex catalyzes the asymmetric allylation of various imines with allyltributylstannane and 1 equiv. of water to give chiral homoallylamines in good yields and enantioselectivities. The reaction was carried out essentially under neutral conditions and displayed a good transfer of chiral information from the menthane skeleton through the formation of a bis(π‐allylpalladium) species. This is the first example of menthane‐based chiral bis(π‐allylpalladium) catalysis.
Concentration Dependence of Glycosylation Outcome: A Clue to Reproducibility and Understanding the Reasons Behind
Authors: Kononov Leonid O. , Malysheva Nelly N. , Orlova Anna V. , Zinin Alexander I. , Laptinskaya Tatiana V. , Kononova Elena G. , Kolotyrkina Natalya G.
Published: February 2012

Changes in the concentration of reagents (0.009–0.2 M) have been shown to dramatically effect the yield and stereoselectivity of glycosylation with a sialic acid based glycosyl donor in a complex nonlinear manner that correlates with changes in the structures of the supramers of the reagents. The yield of disaccharide gradually increases with concentration and levels off at concentrations of glycosyl donor higher than 69 mM. The ratio of anomers is very high at some concentrations (α/β ≈ 20:1), moderate (α/β ≈ 8:1) or very low (α/β ≈ 4:1) at others. The formation of mixed supramers of glycosyl donor and glycosyl acceptor at concentrations exceeding 69 mM was detected by polarimetry and laser light scattering.
Copper‐Catalyzed Direct Thiolation of Pentafluorobenzene with Diaryl Disulfides or Aryl Thiols by C–H and C–F Bond Activation
Authors: Yu Chuanming , Zhang Cuiling , Shi Xiangjun
Published: February 2012

A Cu‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reaction of diaryl disulfides or aryl thiols with pentafluorobenzene using CuBr as the catalyst, tBuOLi or tBuOK as the base in DMSO at 60 °C under an O2 atmosphere was investigated. The corresponding bisarylthiolation products were obtained in moderate to good yields by C–H bond and C–F bond activation. When 1,10‐phenanthroline·H2O and DDQ were added to the above system, monoarylthiolation products, with/without bisarylthiolation products, could be isolated in moderate yields. A plausible mechanism for these transformations was given. Thus, it represents a method for the synthesis of polyfluorinated diaryl sulfides and polyfluorinated triarylbisulfides throughC–H bond and C–F bond activation.
Valuation Bounds on Barrier Options Under Model Uncertainty
Authors: Hong Yi
Published: February 2012

This article investigates valuation bounds on barrier options under model uncertainty. This investigation enriches the literature on the model‐free valuation of these exotic options. It is found that with weak assumptions on underlying price processes, tight valuation bounds on barrier options can be sought from a set of European options. As a result, the numerical routine developed in this article can be reviewed as a new method for the evaluation of barrier options, which is independent of model assumptions. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 33:199–234, 2013
Modern pre‐injection in underground construction with rapid‐setting microcements and colloidal silica – applications in conventional and TBM‐tunnelling
Authors: Holter Karl‐Gunnar , Hognestad Hans‐Olav
Published: February 2012

The pre‐injection method of injection ahead of the excavation face in underground construction can offer significant advantages in many situations. This is particularly the case in difficult ground conditions with water ingress or in mechanically poor ground or soil, in which pre‐injection can help avoid problems and serious delays. Modern cost‐effective methods and material technology for pre‐injection in underground construction aim to achieve the desired result as fast as possible, hence reducing downtime during the excavation as much as possible. This paper reports a successfully resolved difficult case in which pre‐injection with rapid‐setting microcement was employed in combination with colloidal silica. The recent further improvement of the technical performance and versatility of rapid‐setting microcements through the use of controlled and precise addition of accelerators is also reported.

Moderne Vorausinjektionen im Untertagebau mit schnell abbindenden Mikrozementen und kolloidaler Kieselsäure – Anwendungen im konventionellen und maschinellen Tunnelbau

Die Vorausinjektionsmethode oder Injektionen vor der Ortsbrust im Untertagebau bieten in vielen Situationen wesentliche Vorteile. Dies ist insbesondere der Fall bei schwierigen Baugrundverhältnissen wie dem Eindringen von Wasser oder Boden mit schlechten mechanischen Eigenschaften, in denen mittels Vorausinjektion Probleme und erhebliche Verzögerungen vermieden werden können. Moderne kostengünstige Methoden und Material‐Technologie für Vorausinjektionen im Untertagebau sollen das gewünschte Ergebnis möglichst schnell erzielen, um die Ausfallzeiten während des Vortriebs soweit wie möglich zu reduzieren. Dieser Beitrag berichtet über ein erfolgreich gelöstes Fallbeispiel, bei der die Vorausinjektion mit schnell abbindenden Mikrozementen in Kombination mit kolloidaler Kieselsäure angewandt wurde. Weiterhin wird über die aktuelle Verbesserung der technischen Leistungsfähigkeit und der Vielseitigkeit der schnell abbindenden Mikrozemente durch die kontrollierte, präzise Zugabe von Beschleunigern berichtet.
The AT ‐ Casing System / Das AT ‐ Hüllrohrsystem
Authors: Volkmann Günther M. , Reith Marco , Berner Thomas
Published: February 2012

Recent developments show that special measures like pipe umbrellas are being used more often in continuous tunnelling, and already have to be planned during the design phase. The AT ‐ Casing System, already in successful use for some decades in sequential tunnelling and in geotechnical engineering, has recently seen increasing use in TBM tunnelling. According to the type of pipe used, the system can be used to support the surrounding ground, for grouting measures or for drainage. An example calculation is intended to demonstrate the potential of advance support over a fault zone and point out some possible optimisations of the load‐bearing capacity. Finally, the system is presented through the example of the New Kaiser Wilhelm Tunnel in Germany. On this project, the AT ‐ Pipe Umbrella System was combined with the AT ‐ GRP Injection System in order to gain the advantages of both.

Die letzten Entwicklungen zeigen, dass Sondermaßnahmen wie Rohrschirme im kontinuierlichen Vortrieb häufiger eingesetzt werden und bereits im Planungsstadium berücksichtigt werden. Das AT ‐ Hüllrohrsystem wird bereits seit einigen Jahrzehnten im zyklischen Vortrieb und in der Geotechnik erfolgreich eingesetzt und in letzter Zeit auch vermehrt in Verbindung mit TVM. Je nach eingesetztem Rohrtyp kann es zum Stützen des Baugrunds, für Injektionsmaßnahmen oder für Dränagearbeiten eingesetzt werden. Ein Rechenbeispiel soll das Potenzial einer vorrauseilenden Stützung über eine Störungszone veranschaulichen und mögliche Optimierungen der Tragkraft aufzeigen. Zum Abschluss wird noch anhand des Projektbeispiels Neuer Kaiser Wilhelm Tunnel (Deutschland) eine exemplarische Anwendung dieses Systems erläutert. Bei diesem Projekt wurde das AT ‐ Rohrschirmsystem mit dem AT ‐ GFK‐Injektionssystem kombiniert, um die jeweiligen Vorteile zu nutzen.
Stimulation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 channel suppresses abnormal activation of microglia induced by lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Konno Masakazu , Shirakawa Hisashi , Iida Shota , Sakimoto Shinya , Matsutani Ikkei , Miyake Takahito , Kageyama Keiko , Nakagawa Takayuki , Shibasaki Koji , Kaneko Shuji
Published: February 2012

Microglia are intrinsic immune cells in the brain. In response to neurodegenerative events, excessively activated microglia change their shapes and release various cytokines leading to the pathogenesis of central nervous system (CNS) disease. Because the intracellular mechanisms of this process are still unclear, we have evaluated the functional roles of transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) channel expressed in the microglia. Robust microglial activation after an injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into the mouse cerebral ventricle was suppressed by concurrent administration of a selective TRPV4 agonist, 4α‐phorbol 12,13‐didecanoate (4α‐PDD). When the mechanism was further investigated using cultured rat microglia intrinsically expressing functional TRPV4, release of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and expression of galectin‐3 were both increased by LPS. These increases were significantly suppressed by cotreatment with 4α‐PDD, and the inhibitory effects of 4α‐PDD were abolished by knockdown of TRPV4 or TRPV4 antagonists. The amplitude of voltage‐dependent K+ current, which is augmented during microglial activation, was also suppressed by 4α‐PDD treatment. Opening of TRPV4 channels with 4α‐PDD induced membrane depolarization mainly by increasing Na+ influx. In addition, mimicking depolarization with a high‐K+ solution suppressed LPS‐induced TNF‐α release and galectin‐3 upregulation. Both depolarizing treatments with 4α‐PDD and high‐K+ solution decreased store‐operated Ca2+ influx caused by thapsigargin. These results suggest that depolarization in response to opening of the TRPV4 channel attenuates the driving force for extracellular Ca2+ and suppresses microglial activation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A ‘core‐periphery’ framework to navigate emerging market governments—qualitative evidence from a biotechnology multinational
Authors: Prithwiraj Choudhury , James A. Geraghty , Tarun Khanna
Published: February 2012

We build on the emerging literature of influence‐based models to study how multinational firms can navigate host governments. Our ‘core‐periphery’ framework posits that the actions that an MNC takes with actors in what we call the ‘periphery’—comprised of state, quasi‐state, and civil society actors—can lead to positive or negative influence with interconnected state actors in a ‘core.’ There are two mechanisms by which this can happen: engaging the periphery may either change the information set of the core or help align incentives of multiple core actors. Engaging the periphery might be particularly relevant in settings where the institutional framework is still emerging. We build a case study of a multinational firm in the biotechnology sector to illustrate how the core‐periphery framework works in multiple emerging markets across institutional differences. The analysis is based on 32 interviews conducted with the CEO and other executives of Genzyme at the corporate headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and in subsidiaries in Brazil, China, Costa Rica, France, India, and the United States.
Acquisitions as entrepreneurship: asymmetries, opportunities, and the internationalization of multinationals from emerging economies
Authors: Madhok Anoop , Keyhani Mohammad
Published: February 2012

We investigate the rapid internationalization of many multinationals from emerging economies through acquisition in advanced economies. We conceptualize these acquisitions as an act and form of entrepreneurship, aimed to overcome the ‘liability of emergingness’ incurred by these firms and to serve as a mechanism for competitive catch‐up through opportunity seeking and capability transformation. Our explanation emphasizes (1) the unique asymmetries (and not necessarily advantages) distinguishing emerging multinationals from advanced economy multinationals due to their historical and institutional differences, as well as (2) a search for advantage creation when firms possess mainly ordinary resources. The argument shifts the central focus from advantage to asymmetries as the starting point for internationalization and, additionally, highlights the role of learning agility rather than ability as a potential ‘asset of emergingness.’
Imag(in)ing seizure propagation: MEG‐guided interpretation of epileptic activity from a deep source
Authors: Wang Zhong I. , Jin Kazutaka , Kakisaka Yosuke , Mosher John C. , Bingaman William E. , Kotagal Prakash , Burgess Richard C. , Najm Imad M. , Alexopoulos Andreas V.
Published: February 2012

Identification and accurate localization of seizure foci is vital in patients with medically‐intractable focal epilepsy, who may be candidates for potentially curative resective epilepsy surgery. We present a patient with difficult‐to‐control seizures associated with an occult focal cortical dysplasia residing within the deeper left parietal operculum and underlying posterior insula, which was not detected by conventional MRI analysis. Propagated activities from this deeper generator produced misleading EEG patterns both on surface and subdural electrode recordings suggesting initial activation of the perirolandic and mesial frontal regions. However, careful spatio‐temporal analysis of stereotyped interictal activities recorded during MEG, using sequential dipole modeling, revealed a consistent pattern of epileptic propagation originating from the deeper source and propagating within few milliseconds to the dorsal convexity. In this instance, careful dissection of noninvasive investigations (interictal MEG along with ictal SPECT findings) allowed clinicians to dismiss the inaccurate and misleading findings of the traditional “gold‐standard” intracranial EEG. In fact, this multimodal noninvasive approach uncovered a subtle dysplastic lesion, resection of which rendered the patient seizure‐free. This case highlights the potential benefits of dynamic analysis of interictal MEG in the appropriate clinical context. Pathways of interictal spike propagation may help elucidate essential neural networks underlying focal epilepsy. Hum Brain Mapp, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
Investigating causality between interacting brain areas with multivariate autoregressive models of MEG sensor data
Authors: Michalareas George , Schoffelen Jan‐Mathijs , Paterson Gavin , Gross Joachim
Published: February 2012

In this work, we investigate the feasibility to estimating causal interactions between brain regions based on multivariate autoregressive models (MAR models) fitted to magnetoencephalographic (MEG) sensor measurements. We first demonstrate the theoretical feasibility of estimating source level causal interactions after projection of the sensor‐level model coefficients onto the locations of the neural sources. Next, we show with simulated MEG data that causality, as measured by partial directed coherence (PDC), can be correctly reconstructed if the locations of the interacting brain areas are known. We further demonstrate, if a very large number of brain voxels is considered as potential activation sources, that PDC as a measure to reconstruct causal interactions is less accurate. In such case the MAR model coefficients alone contain meaningful causality information. The proposed method overcomes the problems of model nonrobustness and large computation times encountered during causality analysis by existing methods. These methods first project MEG sensor time‐series onto a large number of brain locations after which the MAR model is built on this large number of source‐level time‐series. Instead, through this work, we demonstrate that by building the MAR model on the sensor‐level and then projecting only the MAR coefficients in source space, the true casual pathways are recovered even when a very large number of locations are considered as sources. The main contribution of this work is that by this methodology entire brain causality maps can be efficiently derived without any a priori selection of regions of interest. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dysregulation of innate immunity in hepatitis C virus genotype 1 IL28B -unfavorable genotype patients: Impaired viral kinetics and therapeutic response
Authors: Naggie Susanna , Osinusi Anu , Katsounas Antonios , Lempicki Richard , Herrmann Eva , Thompson Alexander J. , Clark Paul J. , Patel Keyur , Muir Andrew J. , McHutchison John G. , Schlaak Joerg F. , Trippler Martin , Shivakumar Bhavana , Masur Henry , Polis Michael A. , Kottilil Shyam
Published: February 2012

Recent studies have shown that a single-nucleotide polymorphism upstream of the interleukin-28B (

IL28B

) gene plays a major role in predicting therapeutic response in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients treated with pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN)/ribavirin. We sought to investigate the mechanism of the

IL28B

polymorphism, specifically as it relates to early HCV viral kinetics, IFN pharmacokinetics, IFN pharmacodynamics, and gene expression profiles. Two prospective cohorts (human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]/HCV-coinfected and HCV-monoinfected) completing treatment with IFN/ribavirin were enrolled. Patients were genotyped at the polymorphic site rs12979860. In the HIV/HCV cohort, frequent serum sampling was completed for HCV RNA and IFN levels. DNA microarray of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and individual expression of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) were quantified on IFN therapy. The

IL28B

-favorable (CC) genotype was associated with improved therapeutic response compared with unfavorable (CT or TT) genotypes. Patients with a favorable genotype had greater first- and second-phase viral kinetics (

P

= 0.004 and

P

= 0.036, respectively), IFN maximum antiviral efficiency (

P

= 0.007) and infected cell death loss (

P

= 0.009) compared with unfavorable genotypes. Functional annotation analysis of DNA microarray data was consistent with depressed innate immune function, particularly of natural killer cells, from patients with unfavorable genotypes (

P

<0.004). Induction of innate immunity genes was also lower in unfavorable genotypes. ISG expression at baseline and induction with IFN was independent of

IL28B

genotype.

Conclusion:

Carriers of the

IL28B

-favorable genotype were more likely to have superior innate immune response to IFN therapy compared with unfavorable genotypes, suggesting that the unfavorable genotype has aberrant baseline induction of innate immune response pathways resulting in impaired virologic response.

IL28B

genotype is associated with more rapid viral kinetics and improved treatment response outcomes independent of ISG expression. (HEPATOLOGY 2012)
Review and management of drug interactions with boceprevir and telaprevir
Authors: Kiser Jennifer J. , Burton James R. , Anderson Peter L. , Everson Gregory T.
Published: February 2012

Boceprevir (BOC) and telaprevir (TPV), when added to pegylated interferon and ribavirin for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, increase the rates of sustained virologic response in treatment-naïve persons to approximately 70%. Though these agents represent an important advance in the treatment of chronic HCV, they present new treatment challenges to the hepatology community. BOC and TPV are both substrates and inhibitors of the hepatic enzyme, cytochrome P450 3A, and the drug transporter, P-glycoprotein, which predisposes these agents to many drug interactions. Identification and appropriate management of potential drug interactions with TPV and BOC is critical for optimizing therapeutic outcomes during hepatitis C treatment. This review highlights the pharmacologic characteristics and drug-interaction potential of BOC and TPV and provides guidance on the management of drug interactions with these agents. (Hepatology 2012;)
Pegylated interferon-associated retinopathy is frequent in hepatitis C virus patients with hypertension and justifies ophthalmologic screening
Authors: Vujosevic Stela , Tempesta Diego , Noventa Franco , Midena Edoardo , Sebastiani Giada
Published: February 2012

Treatment with pegylated interferon alpha (PegIFNα) and ribavirin is still regarded as the standard of care for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV). Retinopathy has been occasionally described but prospective, longitudinal data are lacking. We investigated the frequency and clinical significance of retinopathy during therapy with PegIFNα and ribavirin in 97 consecutive HCV patients. In all, 54 (55.7%) and 43 (44.3%) patients were treated with PegIFNα 2a and PegIFNα 2b, respectively. Ophthalmologic examination was performed before therapy (baseline), at 3 and 6 months (3T and 6T, respectively) of therapy, and 3 months after the end of therapy (3ET). All patients underwent the baseline and 3T examination, 95.9% and 90.7% of patients underwent 6T and 3ET examination, respectively. Overall, 30.9% of patients developed retinopathy, as defined by the presence of cotton wool spots and/or retinal hemorrhages. Variables significantly associated with retinopathy during treatment were age (

P

= 0.004), metabolic syndrome (

P

= 0.05), hypertension (

P

< 0.0001), cryoglobulinemia (

P

= 0.05), and preexisting intraocular lesions at baseline (

P

= 0.01). By multivariate analysis, the only variable independently associated with PegIFNα-associated retinopathy was hypertension (hazard ratio [HR] = 4.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.29-10.89). The frequency of retinopathy was significantly higher in hypertensive patients versus those without hypertension at all timepoints (18.5% versus 5.7% at baseline,

P

= 0.05; 48.1% versus 15.7% at 3T,

P

= 0.0009; 68.0% versus 19.1% at 6T,

P

< 0.0001; 32.0% versus 6.2%,

P

= 0.0005 at 3ET). In one (1.1%) hypertensive patient, who developed bilateral branch retinal vein occlusion at 6T, the therapy was discontinued. A cost analysis showed that screening for PegIFNα-associated retinopathy was cost-effective as compared with thyroid-stimulating hormone screening.

Conclusion

: Retinopathy is frequent during treatment with PegIFNα and ribavirin, especially in hypertensive patients, who may develop serious complications. Screening for PegIFNα-associated retinopathy should be recommended for HCV patients with hypertension. (HEPATOLOGY 2012)
Mathematical modeling of liver injury and dysfunction after acetaminophen overdose: Early discrimination between survival and death
Authors: Remien Christopher H. , Adler Frederick R. , Waddoups Lindsey , Box Terry D. , Sussman Norman L.
Published: February 2012

Acetaminophen (APAP) is the leading cause of acute liver injury in the developed world. Timely administration of N-acetylcysteine (N-Ac) prevents the progression of serious liver injury and disease, whereas failure to administer N-Ac within a critical time frame allows disease progression and in the most severe cases may result in liver failure or death. In this situation, liver transplantation may be the only life-saving measure. Thus, the outcome of an APAP overdose depends on the size of the overdose and the time to first administration of N-Ac. We developed a system of differential equations to describe acute liver injury due to APAP overdose. The Model for Acetaminophen-induced Liver Damage (MALD) uses a patient's aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and international normalized ratio (INR) measurements on admission to estimate overdose amount, time elapsed since overdose, and outcome. The mathematical model was then tested on 53 patients from the University of Utah. With the addition of serum creatinine, eventual death was predicted with 100% sensitivity, 91% specificity, 67% positive predictive value (PPV), and 100% negative predictive value (NPV) in this retrospective study. Using only initial AST, ALT, and INR measurements, the model accurately predicted subsequent laboratory values for the majority of individual patients. This is the first dynamical rather than statistical approach to determine poor prognosis in patients with life-threatening liver disease due to APAP overdose.

Conclusion

: MALD provides a method to estimate overdose amount, time elapsed since overdose, and outcome from patient laboratory values commonly available on admission in cases of acute liver failure due to APAP overdose and should be validated in multicenter prospective evaluation. (HEPATOLOGY 2012)
Multivariate statistical analysis and environmental isotopes of Amman/Wadi Sir (B2/A7) groundwater, Yarmouk River Basin, Jordan
Authors: Obeidat Mutewekil Mamdouh , Awawdeh Muheeb , Abu Al‐Rub Fahmi
Published: February 2012

Multivariate statistical techniques, cluster and factor analyses were applied on the Amman/Wadi Sir groundwater chemistry, Yarmouk River basin, north Jordan. The main objective was to investigate the main processes affecting the groundwater chemical quality and its evolution. The k‐means cluster analysis yields three groups with distinct ionic concentrations. Cluster 1 comprises the vast majority of the sampled wells, and the water that belongs to this cluster can be classified as freshwater. Cluster 2 comprises only 2% of the sampled wells; it has the highest ionic concentration. The water of this cluster can be classified as brackish water. Cluster 3 involves 23% of the sampled wells, and it has total ionic concentration intermediate to that of clusters 1 and 2. Factor analysis yields a three‐factor model, which explains 76.77% of the groundwater quality variation. Factor 1 ‘salinity factor’ involves EC, Na+, Cl‐, SO4‐2, K+ and Mg+2 and reflects groundwater salinization because of overpumping. Factor 2 ‘hardness factor’ includes Ca+2, HCO3‐ and the pH value and signifies soil–water/rock interaction. Factor 3 ‘nitrate factor’ involves only NO3‐ and points to groundwater contamination because of human activities, mainly untreated wastewater, and crops and animal cultivation in the unconfined portion of the aquifer. Factors 1 and 3 can be described as human‐induced factors, whereas factor 2 can be described as geogenic factor. Factors' scores were mapped to deduce the controlling processes on the groundwater chemistry. Stable isotope composition of 18O and 2H has revealed that the groundwater is a mixture of two water types. The radioactive isotopes tritium and 14 C were used to evaluate present day recharge to the aquifer and to estimate the groundwater age, respectively. Present day recharge to the groundwater is taking place in the unconfined portion of the aquifer as it is indicated by the measurable tritium content and low groundwater age. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of a nonparametric post‐processor for bias correction and uncertainty estimation of hydrologic predictions
Authors: Brown James D. , Seo Dong‐Jun
Published: February 2012

This paper evaluates a nonparametric technique for estimating the conditional probability distribution of a predictand given a vector of predictors. In the current application, the predictors are formed from a multimodel ensemble of simulated streamflows, such that the hydrologic uncertainties are modelled independently of any forcing uncertainties. The technique is based on Bayesian optimal linear estimation of indicator variables and is analogous to indicator cokriging (ICK) in geostatistics. By developing linear estimators for the conditional probability that the observed variable does not exceed several thresholds, ICK provides a discrete approximation of the full conditional probability distribution. The weights of the predictors can be chosen to minimize the expected error variance at each threshold (the Brier score) or, without loss of analytical tractability, a combination of the error variance and the expected square bias conditional upon the observation, i.e. the Type‐II conditional bias (CB). The latter is referred to as CB‐penalized ICK (CBP‐ICK) and is an important enhancement to ICK. Indeed, the biases in atmospheric and hydrologic predictions generally increase towards the tails of their probability distributions. The performance of CBP‐ICK is evaluated for selected basins in the eastern USA using a range of probabilistic verification metrics and associated confidence intervals for the sampling uncertainties. Overall, CBP‐ICK produces unbiased and skillful estimates of the hydrologic uncertainties, with some sensitivity to the calibration data period at high flow thresholds. More generally, we argue that the common aim in statistical post‐processing of ‘maximizing sharpness subject to reliability (Type‐I CB)’ should be recast to accommodate both the Type‐I and Type‐II CBs, as both are important for practical applications of hydrologic predictions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhibition of lung tumor development by berry extracts in mice exposed to cigarette smoke
Authors: Balansky Roumen , Ganchev Gancho , Iltcheva Marietta , Kratchanova Maria , Denev Petko , Kratchanov Christo , Polasa Kalpagam , D'Agostini Francesco , Steele Vernon E. , De Flora Silvio
Published: February 2012

Cigarette smoke (CS) and dietary factors play a major role in cancer epidemiology. At the same time, however, the diet is the richest source of anticancer agents. Berries possess a broad array of health protective properties and were found to attenuate the yield of tumors induced by individual carcinogens in the rodent digestive tract and mammary gland but failed to prevent lung tumors induced by typical CS components in mice. We exposed whole‐body Swiss ICR mice to mainstream CS, starting at birth and continuing daily for 4 months. Aqueous extracts of black chokeberry and strawberry were given as the only source of drinking water, starting after weaning and continuing for 7 months, thus mimicking an intervention in current smokers. In the absence of berries, CS caused a loss of body weight, induced early cytogenetical damage in circulating erythrocytes and histopathological alterations in lung (emphysema, blood vessel proliferation, alveolar epithelial hyperplasia and adenomas), liver (parenchymal degeneration) and urinary bladder (epithelial hyperplasia). Both berry extracts inhibited the CS‐related body weight loss, cytogenetical damage, liver degeneration, pulmonary emphysema and lung adenomas. Protective effects were more pronounced in female mice, which may be ascribed to modulation by berry components of the metabolism of estrogens implicated in lung carcinogenesis. Interestingly, both the carcinogen and the chemopreventive agents tested are complex mixtures that contain a multitude of components working through composite mechanisms.
Dermal carotenoid measurements via pressure mediated reflection spectroscopy
Authors: Ermakov Igor V. , Gellermann Werner
Published: February 2012

We describe a reflection‐based method for the quantitative detection of carotenoid antioxidants in living human skin. The skin tissue site of interest is illuminated with broad‐band white light spanning the spectral range from 350–850 nm and the spectral composition of the diffusively reflected light is analyzed in real time. Topical pressure is applied to temporarily squeeze blood out of the illuminated tissue volume. In this way the influence of oxy‐hemoglobin on the reflection spectra is effectively reduced. After a short optical clearing time the carotenoid absorption becomes easily discernable in a 460–500 nm spectral window and its optical density can be calculated with high accuracy. Our empirical methodology provides a non‐invasive rapid determination of skin carotenoid levels, can be used to monitor skin carotenoid concentration changes over time in response to carotenoid containing natural or supplemental diets, and is easily adaptable for applications in clinical and field settings. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Comparative proteomic analysis of differentiation of mouse F9 embryonic carcinoma cells induced by retinoic acid
Authors: Jiao Rui‐Qing , Li Guanwu , Chiu Jen‐Fu
Published: February 2012

The multipotent mouse F9 embryonic carcinoma cell is an ideal model system to investigate the mechanism of retinoic acid (RA) in cell differentiation and cell growth control and the biochemical basis of early embryonic development. We reported here a proteomics approach to study protein expression changes during the differentiation of F9 cells into the visceral endoderm. F9 cells were incubated with or without RA at 0, 24, 48, and 72 h. Total proteins extracted were separated by two‐dimensional electrophoresis (2‐DE) and the protein patterns on the gels were comparatively analyzed by computer. Approximately 1,100 protein spots were detected in the F9 proteome, within the pH 3–10 range. Fourteen protein spots which the levels of expression were found to be altered dramatically during the F9 cells differentiating, and were identified by MALDI‐TOF MS or ESI‐MS/MS. These proteins included metabolism enzymes, HSP60s, RAN, hnRNP K, FUBP1, VDAC1, STI1, and prohibitin. These proteins are involved in cellar metabolism, gene expression regulation, stress response, and apoptosis, respectively. The data from proteomic analyze are consistent with the result obtained from Western blot analysis. This study increases our understanding of the proteomics changes during F9 cells differentiation induced by RA. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 1811–1819, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Density functional study of electronic,bonding, and vibrational properties of Ca (NH2BH3)2
Authors: Lingam Ch. Bheema , Babu K. Ramesh , Tewari Surya P. , Vaitheeswaran G.
Published: February 2012

We present structural, electronic, bonding and vibrational properties of new type hydrogen storage material calcium amidoborane ${\rm Ca}({\rm NH}_{2}{\rm BH}_{3})_{2}$ by first principles density functional theory using plane wave pseudopotential method. The calculated ground state properties are in good agreement with experiments. The computed Bulk modulus of ${\rm Ca}({\rm NH}_{2}{\rm BH}_{3})_{2}$ is found to be 28.7 GPa which is slightly higher than that of ${\rm NH}_{3}{\rm BH}_{3}$ indicating that the material is hard over ${\rm NH}_{3}{\rm BH}_{3}$. From the band structure calculations, the compound is found to be a direct band gap insulator with a band gap of 3.27 eV at the Γ point. The calculated bandstructure shows that the top of the valance band is from the p states of N and the bottom of the conduction band is from d states of Ca. The Mulliken bond populations, Born effective charges and charge density distributions are used to analyze the bonding nature of the compound. It is found that the N‐H and B‐H bonds are covalent in nature. Further we also compared the phonon density of states and vibrational frequencies of ${\rm Ca}({\rm NH}_{2}{\rm BH}_{3})_{2}$ with ${\rm NH}_{3}{\rm BH}_{3}$. The study reveals that in both the cases the heavier mass atoms Ca, N, B are involved in the low frequency vibrations whereas the higher frequency vibrations are from H atoms. It is also observed that the vibrational frequencies of B‐H bonds are soft in ${\rm Ca}({\rm NH}_{2}{\rm BH}_{3})_{2}$ when compared to ${\rm NH}_{3}{\rm BH}_{3}$ and thereby concluded that ${\rm Ca}({\rm NH}_{2}{\rm BH}_{3})_{2}$ is a potential hydrogen storage material for fuel cell applications when compared to ${\rm NH}_{3}{\rm BH}_{3}$. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Oxidases and reactive oxygen species during hematopoiesis: A focus on megakaryocytes
Authors: Eliades Alexia , Matsuura Shinobu , Ravid Katya
Published: February 2012

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), generated as a result of various reactions, control an array of cellular processes. The role of ROS during megakaryocyte (MK) development has been a subject of interest and research. The bone marrow niche is a site of MK differentiation and maturation. In this environment, a gradient of oxygen tension, from normoxia to hypoxia results in different levels of ROS, impacting cellular physiology. This article provides an overview of major sources of ROS, their implication in different signaling pathways, and their effect on cellular physiology, with a focus on megakaryopoiesis. The importance of ROS‐generating oxidases in MK biology and pathology, including myelofibrosis, is also described. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 3355–3362, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Seasonal Variations of Steroid Hormones and Triiodothyronine Concentrations in Migratory Northern Shovelers
Authors: ELARABANY N. F. , ABDALLAH G. A. , SAID A. E.
Published: February 2012

Endogenous serum testosterone, estradiol, and triiodothyronine concentrations were measured in the northern shoveler (Anas clypeata,n = 20) during different stages of migratory condition at their wintering grounds to look at how these hormones may be linked to the development of migratory condition. These hormones were assayed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The changes in hormones concentrations were parallel to each other and correspond to the increasing day lengths of spring. Furthermore, the northern shovelers showed a distinct seasonal cycle in serum concentrations of triiodothyronine, estradiol, and testosterone. It is suggested that these seasonal cycles in the northern shovelers are endogenously programmed and their entrainment to the environmental photoperiod ensures the occurrence of different physiological functions at temporally fixed time of the year. The results of this study offer a captive model of the seasonal changes in physiology and behavior that occur in the months preceding and including vernal migration of the northern shovelers. J. Exp. Zool. 317:216–226, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dynamic ultrasonography to evaluate coracoacromial ligament displacement during motion in shoulders with supraspinatus tendon tears
Authors: Wu Chueh‐Hung , Chang Ke‐Vin , Su Po‐Hsien , Kuo Wen‐Hsiu , Chen Wen‐Shiang , Wang Tyng‐Guey
Published: February 2012

We evaluated coracoacromial ligament (CAL) displacement during motion in shoulders with supraspinatus tendon tears by dynamic ultrasonography (US). Twenty subjects with unilateral, full‐thickness supraspinatus tendon tears (SST group) and 20 subjects with intact supraspinatus tendons (control group) underwent dynamic US. The CAL displacement in their bilateral shoulders was measured in the transverse US view during passive and active shoulder abduction and internal rotation (SAIR). In the SST group, the CAL displacement was significantly greater in the affected shoulders than in the intact ones (1.9 mm ± 0.8 mm vs. 1.5 mm ± 0.5 mm, p = 0.01) during passive SAIR, but was not significantly different between the shoulders (1.7 mm ± 0.7 mm vs. 1.7 mm ± 0.4 mm, p = 0.81) during active SAIR. In the control group, no difference in the CAL displacement between the shoulders was noted during passive and active SAIR. Thus, dynamic US revealed greater CAL displacement in shoulders with supraspinatus tendon tears than in intact ones during passive SAIR. Dynamic US may help to detect abnormal kinematics in shoulders with such injury. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:1430–1434, 2012
Acclimation of eggplant (Solanum melongena) to low boron supply
Authors: Liakopoulos Georgios , Psaroudi Varvara , Stavrianakou Sotiria , Nikolopoulos Dimosthenis , Karabourniotis George
Published: February 2012

Root active uptake and remobilization of boron (B) have been accepted as mechanisms contributing to nutrient efficiency under low supply of boron. Here, we examined the existence of these mechanisms in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) supplied either with luxury (100 μM, B+) or low (7.5 μM, B–) B in the growth medium via semihydroponic cultivation. Boron treatment was marginally not limiting growth thus avoiding side‐effects and impairment of acclimation mechanisms of plants. The induction of a B‐concentrating mechanism was evident in the roots as B concentration in the xylem sap was only decreased by 23% in B– compared to B+ plants, i.e., B– roots concentrated B by a factor of 2.7 relative to the external solution. Leaf B concentration in the B– treatment decreased by 33% and 40% in young fully expanded and mature leaves, respectively. Larger differences were observed in the soluble B fraction that decreased by 65% in mature leaves. However, both total and soluble B concentrations in developing leaves were almost equal for both treatments exhibiting a pattern commonly observed in B‐remobilizing plants. On the other hand, amounts of B export in the phloem sap were small compared to other species in which B is highly mobile. The B export rate from source leaves was slightly increased under low B supply while that of sucrose was not affected. We conclude that the root concentrating mechanism contributes to the alleviation of B deficiency in eggplant under low B supply while B remobilization may also contribute to a lower degree.
Phosphorus forms and enzymatic hydrolyzability of organic phosphorus in soils after 30 years of organic and conventional farming
Authors: Keller Martina , Oberson Astrid , Annaheim Kathrin E. , Tamburini Federica , Mäder Paul , Mayer Jochen , Frossard Emmanuel , Bünemann Else K.
Published: February 2012

Lower P‐input levels in organic than conventional farming can decrease soil total and available P, which can potentially be resupplied from soil organic P. We studied the effect of 30 y of conventional and organic farming on soil P forms, focussing especially on organic P. Soil samples (0–20 cm) were taken in a field experiment with a nonfertilized control, two organic systems receiving P inputs as animal manure, and two conventional systems receiving only mineral P or mineral P and manure. Soils were analyzed for total, inorganic, organic, and microbial P, by sequential P fractionation and by enzyme additions to alkaline soil extracts. Samples taken prior to starting the experiment were also analyzed. Average annual P balances ranged from –20 to +5 kg ha–1. For systems with a negative balance, labile and moderately labile inorganic P fractions decreased, while organic and stable inorganic P fractions were hardly affected. Similar quantities and proportions of organic P extracted with NaOH‐EDTA were hydrolyzed in all soils after addition of an acid phosphatase, a nuclease, and a phytase, and enzyme‐stable organic P was also similar among soils. Thus, neither sequential fractionation nor enzyme addition to alkaline soil extracts showed an effect of the type of applied P (manure vs. mineral) on organic P, suggesting that organic P from manure has largely been mineralized. Thus far, we have no indication that the greater microbial activity of the organic systems resulted in a use of stable P forms.
Health effects of an organic diet—consumer experiences in the Netherlands
Authors: van de Vijver Lucy PL , van Vliet Marja ET
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND: Health is one of the main reasons for consumers to buy organic; however, scientific evidence for a health effect is still limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the perceived health effects experienced by consumers of organic food using a free access online questionnaire.

RESULTS: A total of 566 respondents participated, of whom 30% reported no health effects. The other respondents reported better general health, including feeling more energetic and having better resistance to illness (70%), a positive effect on mental well‐being (30%), improved stomach and bowel function (24%), improved condition of skin, hair and/or nails (19%), fewer allergic complaints (14%) and improved satiety (14%). Furthermore, it was found that the switch to organic food was often accompanied by the use of more freshly prepared foods and other lifestyle changes.

CONCLUSION: This research provided insight into the experienced health effects of consumers of organic food. Although the study design does not permit direct conclusions on health effects of organic food, the results can serve as a basis for the generation of new hypotheses. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Nitrogen availability drives the effect of Glomus intraradices on the growth of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) plants
Authors: Castellanos‐Morales Vilma , Villegas‐Moreno Javier , Vierheilig Horst , Cárdenas‐Navarro Raúl
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND: On the one hand, the critical nitrogen (N) content curve allows the minimal N content necessary for maximum growth rate at any stage of crop development to be predicted. On the other hand, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) transfer N from the soil to the plants and its growth and activity depends on the availability of soil N. Our objective was to investigate how the availability of N in the soil affects growth and the accumulation of N in inoculated strawberry plants. Root colonisation, dry matter accumulation and the critical N% curve were studied during growth of inoculated and non‐inoculated strawberry plants grown at several N levels.

RESULTS: (1) The increase in the availability of N augmented root colonisation by AMF. (2) The effect of AMF on plant growth depended on N availability and the plant developmental status. (3) The critical %N curves were fitted by the following equations: %N = 2.81× (DM)−0.21 (r2 = 0.81) and %N = 2.89× (DM)−0.32 (r2 = 0.80) for inoculated and non‐inoculated plants, respectively (where DM is the weight of leaf dry matter, in g plant−1).

CONCLUSION: N availability was a key factor for root colonisation by AMF and for its contribution to plant growth. The patterns of the critical %N curves suggest that AMF modified the photosynthetic N use efficiency. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Subtotal gastrectomy for gastric tube cancer after esophagectomy: A safe procedure preserving the proximal part of gastric tube based on intraoperative ICG blood flow evaluation
Authors: Saito Takuro , Yano Masahiko , Motoori Masaaki , Kishi Kentaro , Fujiwara Yoshiyuki , Shingai Tatsushi , Noura Shingo , Ohue Masayuki , Ohigashi Hiroaki , Ishikawa Osamu
Published: February 2012

Recent improvements in the survival of patients after esophagectomy have led to an increase in the occurrence of gastric tube cancer (GTC). Total resection of the gastric tube with lymphadenectomy is a standard and reliable treatment for GTC, but problems may arise during or after surgery, such as laryngeal nerve injury, reduced selection of organs for reconstruction, and impaired swallowing function. We recently performed a less invasive procedure, subtotal gastrectomy with preservation of the upper region of the gastric tube, in two patients. In these patients, blood supply to the gastric tube was evaluated by indocyanine green fluorescence imaging. Blood flow was confirmed as passing from the remnant esophagus to the upper region of the gastric tube through the esophago‐gastric anastomotic site by indocyanine green fluorescence imaging. Therefore, we resected the gastric tube while preserving the upper region of the gastric tube. There was no necrosis of the remnant gastric tube or anastomotic leakage postoperatively, and postoperative swallowing and eating functions were quite good in both patients. In summary, subtotal gastrectomy as a treatment for GTC is potentially safe, curative, and beneficial for the patient's quality of life. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:107–110. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.