bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of liver function before living donor liver transplantation and liver resection
Authors: Mándli Tamás , Fazakas János , Ther Gábor , Árkosy Mónika , Füle Balázs , Németh Endre , Fazakas Judit , Hidvégi Márta , Tóth Szabolcs
Published: April 2008

Liver resection is the curative therapeutic option for hepatocellular carcinoma, biliary tumors, metastases of colorectal and other extrahepatic tumors, living donor liver transplantation and other benign liver diseases. Aim of study: To summarize the evaluation methods of liver function before living donor liver transplantation and liver resection. Method: We summarize the literature about the evaluation of liver function. Results: Perioperative mortality is determined mostly by the extent of preoperative evaluation focused on the liver. After resection the remnant liver parenchyma must cope with the challenge caused by increased metabolism, portal overflow, decreased vascular bed and biliary tract and oxidative stress following the operation. If the remnant liver is unable to grow up to this challenge, acute liver failure occurs. This maintains the necessity of determining the hepatic functional reserve and the hepatic remnant volume. Child–Pugh classification is widely spread to predict outcome. Dynamic functional tests such as indocyanin green retention test, galactosyl human serum albumin scintigraphy and aminopyrin breath tests can be used to evaluate hepatic reserve. To determine remnant liver volume modern imaging processes such as CT volumetry and hepatobiliary scintigraphy are available. Conclusion: After the detailed evaluation resection can be limited to an extent which is oncologically radical enough (1% remnant liver tissue/kg) and spares parenchyma which can ensure survival yet. With careful preoperative examination mortality can be reduced even to reach zero.
Removal of sessile recidiv rectal polyp with endoscopic submucosal dissection. Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Lukovich Péter , Tari Krisztina , Glasz Tibor , Kupcsulik Péter
Published: April 2008

Az intraluminalis invazív endoszkópia fejlődésével a nagy, sessilis polipok, a muscularis mucosa rétegét nem meghaladó malignus tumorok eltávolítása jelent napjainkban kihívást. A korábban ilyen indikációval végzett mucosectomiák különböző formáinál nehézséget okozott a mélységi és laterális reszekciós szélek kontrollja, a 20 mm-nél nagyobb elváltozások pedig csak piecemealtechnikával voltak eltávolíthatók.
Beteganyag:
64 éves nőbeteg nagy, korábban piecemealtechnikával, majd mucosectomiával eltávolított sessilis rectumpolipjának helyén észlelt recidív elváltozás eltávolítását végeztük endoszkópos submucosus dissectiót alkalmazva.
Eredmények:
Az 55 percig tartó beavatkozás során csak minimális vérzés jelentkezett. A beavatkozás során szövődményt nem észleltünk, a beteg egynapos obszerváció után panaszmentesen távozott. A szövettani vizsgálat szerint az elváltozás eltávolítása vertikálisan és laterálisan is az épben történt.
Következtetés:
Az endoszkópos submucosus dissectio olyan elváltozások radikális eltávolítására is alkalmas, melyek a korábban alkalmazott technikákkal nem voltak sikeresen reszekálhatók.
Old age and kidneys
Authors: Balázs Endre , Ruszwurm Andrea , Székely Miklós , Wittmann István , Nagy Judit
Published: April 2008

Age-related changes in renal morphology and function cannot be regarded physiological. The number of glomeruli falls, sclerotic glomeruli and aglomerular arterioles develop. Besides tubular atrophy interstitial fibrosis is often seen, and the age-related vascular changes strongly affect the kidneys. Renal blood flow and GFR decrease, without concomitant changes in se-creatinine. Disorders of tubular transport manifest mainly in salt- and water-excretion and lead to hyposthenuria. The pathogenesis of these age-related changes is not fully understood. Nevertheless, such changes impair the excretory functions and the pharmacokinetics of drugs. In real chronic renal failure other functions (erythropoietin production, vitamin-D, Ca and P metabolism) are also impaired. Due to more frequent occurrence of systemic diseases (diabetes, hypertension, etc.) in the elderly, real chronic renal failure is also more common, and various forms of acute renal failure develop more easily.
Using Web-Based Software to Enhance Student Learning of Analytical and Critical Skills
Authors: Goodrich Cecilie
Published: April 2008

Web-based sites such as WebCT/Blackboard are useful for faculty and generally appreciated by students. This article describes the results in a hybrid course of the addition of specialized Web-based software. The intent was to enhance student skills in analysis and critique. Highly structured assignments were graded with Waypoint software, providing much more voluminous feedback to the students than would normally be possible. General aspects of Waypoint are described. The critical and analytical processes were also reinforced in midterm examinations. Statistical analysis supports the conclusion that this course design produced significantly improved analysis and critique skills steadily to the end of the course.
Teaching Engineering Statistics with Technology, Group Learning, Contextual Projects, Simulation Models and Student Presentations
Authors: Romeu Jorge Luis
Published: April 2008

This article discusses our teaching approach in graduate level Engineering Statistics. It is based on the use of modern technology, learning groups, contextual projects, simulation models, and statistical and simulation software to entice student motivation. The use of technology to facilitate group projects and presentations, and to generate, model, and analyze data in practical engineering applications, is discussed. Class topics division, course objectives, classroom strategies, testing, and grading schemes, software tools used and results obtained are also presented.
E6 and E7 Oncogene Expression by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and the Aggressive Behavior of Recurrent Laryngeal Papillomatosis (RLP)
Authors: Shehata Bahig M. , Otto Kristen J. , Sobol Steven E. , Stockwell Christina A. , Foulks Cora , Lancaster Wayne , Gregoire Lucie , Hill Charles E.
Published: April 2008

Recurrent laryngeal papillomatosis (RLP), a chronic disease associated with human papilloma virus (HPV), requires serial surgical procedures for debulking, resulting in debilitating long-term dysphonia, laryngeal scarring, and rarely malignant degeneration. Human papilloma virus 11 tumors have been widely accepted as more aggressive than HPV 6 tumors; however, the clinical course has been difficult to predict at disease onset, and the biologic mediators of proliferation have not been well characterized. A retrospective case review of 43 patients (4 months to 10 years at diagnosis) was performed on children treated for recurrent laryngeal papillomatosis. Patient charts were reviewed for demographic information, age at RLP diagnosis, approximate frequency of surgical intervention, and absolute number of surgical procedures performed. Human papilloma virus subtyping was performed. Expression analysis of the HPV-encoded E6 and E7 oncogenes was performed by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Fourteen patients had subtype 11 (33%) and 29 patients had subtype 6 (67%). As expected, HPV 11 patients showed a more aggressive clinical course than HPV 6 patients. However, 38% of patients with subtype 6 (11 patients) followed a clinical course that mirrored the more severe subtype 11 patients. These patients expressed the disease at a younger age ( P < 0.0002) and showed higher levels of E6 and E7 oncogenes compared to the patients with the more indolent course. Although HPV subtype and early onset of RLP are well characterized prognostic factors, our study documents the significance of E6 and E7 oncogene expression as potential biologic mediators of proliferation and thereby clinical behavior.
Primary Cardiac Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma. A Report of the First Observed Case with Molecular Diagnostics Corroboration
Authors: Luo Jean , Melnick Steven , Rossi Anthony , Burke Redmond P. , Pfeifer John D. , Dehner Louis P.
Published: April 2008

A case of primary alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) of the heart is reported in an 11-year-old female as 1 of 16 cases of ASPS presenting in the first 2 decades of life in our institutional 17-year review period. The classic alveolar or organoid pattern was inconspicuous as compared to a more diffuse or formless pattern consisting of a population of uniform round cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm, but in addition there was a second, minor population of gigantiform tumor cells with a variety of unusual shapes. Scattered tumor cells contained dense eosinophilic condensations in the cytoplasm. Other unusual features for ASPS in our case included a lymphohistocytic reaction and zonal necrosis. Immunohistochemistry revealed nuclear reactivity for TFE3, and the ASPL-TFE3 fusion transcript was identified by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. The only other examples of ASPS involving the heart were 3 cases in the literature of metastatic disease from tumors arising in the soft tissues. This initial case of primary cardiac ASPS joins the list of other types of sarcomas in children that have been reported as primary neoplasms of the heart.
Expanding the Clinical Spectrum of Frasier Syndrome
Authors: Gwin Katja , Cajaiba Mariana M. , Caminoa-Lizarralde Alejandra , Picazo Maria L. , Nistal Manuel , Reyes-Múgica Miguel
Published: April 2008

Frasier syndrome is an uncommon genetic disorder featuring progressive glomerulopathy, male pseudohermaphroditism, and gonadal dysgenesis with increased risk of gonadoblastoma and malignant germ cell tumors. It is caused by mutations in the donor splice site in intron 9 of the WT1 gene. However, because of its rarity there is limited literature available on the precise spectrum and recommended treatment modalities of this syndrome. We present the clinicopathological findings in 4 patients: 3 phenotypically female adolescents presenting with proteinuria and primary amenorrhea and a 6-month-old baby girl presenting with nephrotic syndrome in whom this very unusual case of early onset was confirmed by molecular studies. The significance of early recognition of Frasier syndrome and its differentiation from Denys-Drash syndrome is reviewed and discussed. Our observation of a case presenting with early clinical manifestations, in contrast with the classical presentation in adolescence, justifies the expansion of the clinical spectrum of Frasier syndrome and contributes to the understanding and appropriate clinical management of these patients.
Fatal Pulmonary Tumor Embolism in a Child with Chondroblastic Osteosarcoma
Authors: Shao Lei , Willard M.J. , Lowe Lisa H. , Singh Vivekanand
Published: April 2008

Fatal embolic chondroblastic osteosarcoma to the lung is an extremely rare phenomenon. We report a case of a 15-year-old boy who developed bilateral pulmonary embolism shortly after resection of the right distal femur for chondroblastic osteosarcoma. The patient succumbed to right-sided heart failure 8 weeks later. An autopsy revealed extensive intravascular tumor emboli in the bilateral pulmonary arteries and their branches. No metastatic lesions were identified in the lungs. We review the clinical, radiologic, and pathologic findings of this patient and the literature.
Familial Perinatal Liver Disease and Fetal Thrombotic Vasculopathy
Authors: Ernst Linda M. , Grossman Andrew B. , Ruchelli Eduardo D.
Published: April 2008

The association between placental fetal thrombotic vasculopathy (FTV) and perinatal liver disease was not recognized until 2002, when Dahms and colleagues reported a series of 3 patients in whom severe liver disease developed in the first 2 days of life. All had abnormal liver histology and showed a variety of abnormalities, including Budd-Chiari syndrome, changes mimicking extrahepatic obstruction, lobular fibrosis, cholestasis, and hepatocyte giant cell transformation. We report recurrent significant perinatal liver disease in a family, associated with proven FTV in at least 1 pregnancy. A 30-year-old gravida 4 female with a history of heterozygous methylenetetrahydrofolate A1298C mutation had a normal 1st pregnancy and then experienced an intrauterine fetal demise at 38 weeks of gestation. Placental examination revealed extensive occlusive and mural thrombi of chorionic vessels associated with a large focus of avascular villi. Histologic examination of the liver showed extensive giant cell transformation and hepatocyte dropout. No excess hemosiderin pigment was present in the liver, pancreas, or heart. A 3rd pregnancy produced a live-born term infant with transient neonatal cholestasis. The 4th pregnancy also produced a term neonate who presented with acute hepatic failure of unknown cause, ultimately requiring liver transplantation. Fetal thrombotic vasculopathy is an underrecognized association with perinatal liver disease that may be associated with abnormal liver perfusion and that may recur in families, especially when a genetic thrombophilia is present.
Pediatric Lung Transplantation: Perspectives for the Pathologist
Authors: Dishop Megan K. , Mallory George B. , White Frances V.
Published: April 2008

Lung transplantation offers life-saving and life-extending treatment for children and adolescents with congenital and acquired forms of pulmonary and pulmonary vascular disease, for whom medical therapy is ineffective or insufficient for sustained response. This review summarizes the pathology related to lung transplantation for the practicing pediatric pathologist and also highlights aspects of lung transplantation unique to the pediatric population. Clinical issues related to availability of organs, candidate eligibility, surgical technique, and postoperative monitoring are discussed. Pathologic evaluation of routine surveillance transbronchial biopsies requires attention to acute cellular rejection, opportunistic infection, and other forms of acute and resolving lung injury. These findings are correlated in some cases with endobronchial biopsies and bronchoalveolar lavage as adjunctive tools in surveillance. Open or thoracoscopic biopsies also have diagnostic utility in cases with acute or chronic graft deterioration of uncertain etiology. Future challenges in pediatric lung transplantation are similar to those in the adult population, with continued efforts focused on prolonging graft survival, prevention of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome due to chronic cellular rejection, and evaluation of humoral rejection.
ESR Dating of Sedimentary Quartz from Two Pleistocene Deposits Using Al and Ti-Centers
Authors: Tissoux Hélène , Toyoda Shin , Falguères Christophe , Voinchet Pierre , Takada Masashi , Bahain Jean-Jacques , Despriée Jackie
Published: April 2008

One sample from a fluvial terrace of Loir river (France) deposited during isotopic stages 7-8 and two samples from isotopic stage 5 marine sediments of Echizen Coast (Japan) were dated by ESR of quartz grains. Both additive and regenerative techniques were used on Ti-Li and Ti-H centers of quartz. No change of sensitivity of the centers was observed during regeneration which significantly reduced the errors on the equivalent doses. Bleaching experiments indicated that the Ti-Li center is less sensitive to UV(ultra-violet)-A (365-412 nm) than to the full sun spectrum whereas UVA alone is sufficient to reset the bleachable component of the Al-center. This effect could be the origin of the strong overestimation of the ages determined using the Ti-Li center in this study. The comparison of the equivalent doses determined by the two Ti-centers indicated that bleaching before deposition of the fluvial sediment was apparently better than for the marine sample.
Tunable Crystal Nanostructures of Pentacene Thin Films on Gate Dielectrics Possessing Surface‐Order Control
Authors: Kim Do Hwan , Lee Hwa Sung , Yang Hoichang , Yang Lin , Cho Kilwon
Published: April 2008

To enhance the electrical performance of pentacene‐based field‐effect transistors (FETs) by tuning the surface‐induced ordering of pentacene crystals, we controlled the physical interactions at the semiconductor/gate dielectric (SiO2) interface by inserting a hydrophobic self‐assembled monolayer (SAM, CH3‐terminal) of organoalkyl‐silanes with an alkyl chain length of C8, C12, C16, or C18, as a complementary interlayer. We found that, depending on the physical structure of the dielectric surfaces, which was found to depend on the alkyl chain length of the SAM (ordered for C18 and disordered for C8), the pentacene nano‐layers in contact with the SAM could adopt two competing crystalline phases—a “thin‐film phase” and “bulk phase” – which affected the π‐conjugated nanostructures in the ultrathin and subsequently thick films. The field‐effect mobilities of the FET devices varied by more than a factor of 3 depending on the alkyl chain length of the SAM, reaching values as high as 0.6 cm2 V−1 s−1 for the disordered SAM‐treated SiO2 gate‐dielectric. This remarkable change in device performance can be explained by the production of well π‐conjugated and large crystal grains in the pentacene nanolayers formed on a disordered SAM surface. The enhanced electrical properties observed for systems with disordered SAMs can be attributed to the surfaces of these SAMs having fewer nucleation sites and a higher lateral diffusion rate of the first seeding pentacene molecules on the dielectric surfaces, due to the disordered and more mobile surface state of the short alkyl SAM.
Congenital factor X deficiencies with a defect only or predominantly in the extrinsic or in the intrinsic system: A critical evaluation
Authors: Girolami Antonio , Scarparo Pamela , Scandellari Raffaella , Allemand Emanuele
Published: April 2008

Congenital Factor X deficiency is commonly classified as type I, in which there is a concomitant decrease of activity and antigen (CRM negative), and in type II, in which activity is low but antigen is normal or near normal (CRM positive). During the past decades it was shown that type II was by itself very heterogeneous. It was shown in fact that some forms showed a defect in all three assay systems (extrinsic, intrinsic, and RVV dependent), whereas others showed a defect only in two of the three systems. Molecular biology analysis, whenever available, has failed so far to supply clear explanations for these discrepancies. The purpose of the present article was an attempt to correlate the clotting activities seen in these two defects with other clotting, chromogenic, immunological assays, and molecular biology results. There are in the literature 10 families that show a predominant defect in the extrinsic system, and four families that show a predominant defect in the intrinsic system. All patients showed a normal, near normal, or reduced level of antigen that is always definitively higher than the clotting counterpart. Molecular biology studies revealed mutations in different exons, namely 2, 4, 5, 6, and 8. These mutations in different exons do not allow any clear genotype‐phenotype conclusions, but indicate that mutations in different exons may give rise to the same phenotype. The study underlines the importance of a multipronged evaluation of all cases with Factor X deficiency. In fact only by this approach can an acceptable classification of the defect be reached. Am. J. Hematol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A myeloablative conditioning regimen for patients with impaired cardiac function undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation: Reduced cyclophosphamide combined with etoposide and total body irradiation
Authors: Yoshimi Akihide , Nannya Yasuhito , Sakata‐Yanagimoto Mamiko , Oshima Kumi , Takahashi Tsuyoshi , Kanda Yoshinobu , Motokura Toru , Chiba Shigeru , Kurokawa Mineo
Published: April 2008

To circumvent the cardiac toxicity of high‐dose cyclophosphamide (CY) in the myeloablative conditioning for those with cardiac comorbidity, we developed a new cardiac sparing conditioning regimen (VP/rCY/TBI) composed of 12 Gy of total body irradiation (TBI), etoposide (VP‐16) (40 mg/kg), and reduced CY (40 mg/kg). We assessed the feasibility of this regimen by retrospectively comparing the outcome of VP/rCY/TBI recipients (n = 18) with that of CY/TBI recipients (n = 140). VP/rCY/TBI recipients had significantly higher cumulative dose of anthracyclines, lower ejection fraction (EF), and poorer Karnofsky performance scales (KPS) than CY/TBI recipients. The cumulative incidences of disease progression were 34.9% in VP/rCY/TBI recipients and 19.0% in CY/TBI recipients (P = 0.33). Despite poorer KPS and more cardiac comorbidity in the VP/rCY/TBI recipients, no difference in the nonprogression mortality rates was observed among recipients of the two regimens (17.5 and 14.3%, respectively, P = 0.96). Severe cardiac toxicity within 28 days after transplantation occurred in 5.9 and 3.6% of VP/rCY/TBI and CY/TBI recipients, respectively (P = 0.64). Graft rejection was not observed in VP/rCY/TBI recipients. There is a possibility that VP/rCY/TBI regimen can be safely administered for patients with pretransplantation cardiac comorbidity while preserving antineoplastic effects. These observations merit further prospective study. Am. J. Hematol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
How Is Oxygen Incorporated into Oxides? A Comprehensive Kinetic Study of a Simple Solid‐State Reaction with SrTiO3 as a Model Material
Authors: Merkle Rotraut , Maier Joachim
Published: April 2008

The kinetics of stoichiometry change of an oxide—a prototype of a simple solid‐state reaction and a process of substantial technological relevance—is studied and analyzed in great detail. Oxygen incorporation into strontium titanate was chosen as a model process. The complete reaction can be phenomenologically and mechanistically understood beginning with the surface reaction and ending with the transport in the perovskite. Key elements are a detailed knowledge of the defect chemistry of the perovskite as well as the application of a variety of experimental and theoretical tools, many of them evolving from this study. The importance of the reaction and transport steps for (electro)chemical applications is emphasized.
Mechanical and water sorption studies of ecofriendly banana fiber‐reinforced polyester composites fabricated by RTM
Authors: Sreekumar P. A , Albert Pradeesh , Unnikrishnan G. , Joseph Kuruvilla , Thomas Sabu
Published: April 2008

Banana fiber, one of the world's most important natural fiber obtained from the bast of the plant Musa Saptentum Linn, is available in plenty in Kerala. Without reinforcement, polyester resins are hard and brittle and cannot be used for structural applications. In the present study, short banana fiber‐reinforced polyester composite materials have been fabricated using resin transfer molding technique. Mechanical properties such as tensile, flexural, and impact strength were studied as a function of fiber length and fiber content. It is seen that the addition of fibers makes the composite more ductile. The composites having fiber length of 30 mm and a fiber content of 40 vol % showed the maximum tensile strength. Flexural strength and impact properties showed similar trend. Scanning electron microscopy was performed to get an insight into the morphology of the composites. Water absorption study proved that fiber content and temperature conditions influences the diffusion of water into the composite. The composite having a fiber content of 50 vol % showed maximum values for diffusion, sorption, and permeability coefficient. Finally, the mechanical properties and water absorption behavior of the composites fabricated by RTM were compared with theoretical predictions. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Age‐Related Changes in Bone‐Strength‐Associated Geometry Indices in Naive Human Population
Authors: Kalichman Leonid , Malkin Ida , Bigman Galya , Matias Rakefet , Seibel Markus J. , Kobyliansky Eugene , Livshits Gregory
Published: April 2008

The aim of the present study was to evaluate age‐ and sex‐related changes in the geometry parameters (metacarpal cortical index (MCI) and Breaking Bending Resistance Index [BBRI]) of long hand bones in a large Chuvashian cohort using cross‐sectional and longitudinal study designs. The data were gathered in 1994 (557 individuals) and 2002 (513 individuals). The latter sample included 260 individuals who were studied only during the second expedition, and 253 individuals who were previously investigated in 1994. Statistical analyses included a maximum likelihood‐based model‐fitting technique and a t‐test comparison. Our study describes age‐related MCI and BBRI changes in both sexes from the age of 18 years to 84 years. At any age, the BBRI values were higher in males than in females, but MCI was greater in females than in males before age 50 and lower after that age. The study provides initial evidence of a secular trend in MCI and BBRI. In male hand bones, the cortex became relatively thicker and it better resisted bending and breaking in comparison to individuals born at the beginning of the 20th century. In females, the trend toward higher MCI values can be observed only in those born between 1936 and 1966 and the trend toward higher BBRI values stopped in 1950. Anat Rec, 291:835‐844, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regulation of mitochondrial dynamics – characterization of fusion and fission genes in the ascomycete Podospora anserina
Authors: Scheckhuber Christian Q. , Rödel Elfie , Wüstehube Joycelyn
Published: April 2008

The filamentous ascomycete Podospora anserina is a model system for studying aging, a complex process that is regulated by multiple factors. Among these, mitochondria were shown to be of crucial importance. Recently, it was shown that the morphology of these organelles, which is dependent on dynamic fusion and fission processes, has profound effects on P. anserina aging. To further analyze this phenomenon, we characterized molecular components of the machinery regulating the dynamic behavior of mitochondria by utilizing transgenic strains in which fission genes (PaDnm1, PaFis1 and PaMdv1) and a fusion gene (PaFzo1) are overexpressed. While overexpression of PaFis1 has no phenotypic effects in the genetic background of the wild type, it surprisingly promotes mitochondrial fusion and decreases the life span in a mutant overexpressing PaDnm1. Remarkably, when grown on synthetic medium, overexpression of PaDnm1 leads to a decreased life span compared to the wild type. Increased expression of PaMdv1 results in the formation of ring‐shaped mitochondria, a morphology of these organelles that has not been previously observed in P. anserina. Transformants with elevated PaFzo1 transcript levels show no altered life span, although the age‐dependent fragmentation of mitochondria is impaired.
Investigation toward multi‐epitope vaccine candidates using native chemical ligation
Authors: Fujita Yoshio , Moyle Peter M. , Hieu Suzanne , Simerska Pavla , Toth Istvan
Published: April 2008

We applied native chemical ligation (NCL) method to the synthesis of highly pure lipid‐core peptide (LCP) vaccines to attach various peptide epitopes. In the case of the synthesis of LCP vaccine with two different peptide epitopes, LCP moieties having two free Cys and two protected Cys derivatives (S‐acetamidemethyl‐Cys, (Cys(Acm)), N‐methylsulfonylethyloxycarbonyl‐Cys (Msc‐Cys), or 1,3‐thiazolidine‐4‐carboxylic acid (Thz)) on oligolysine branches were prepared in order to couple two different epitopes by stepwise NCL. It was found that the difficulty in NCL of first two peptide antigen was associated with the steric hindrance. Using Thz instead of Cys(Acm) and Msc‐Cys was important to reduce the steric hindrance and improve NCL yield. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 90: 624–632, 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
Structural insights for designed alanine‐rich helices: Comparing NMR helicity measures and conformational ensembles from molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Song Kun , Stewart James M. , Fesinmeyer R. Matthew , Andersen Niels H. , Simmerling Carlos
Published: April 2008

The temperature dependence of helical propensities for the peptides Ac‐ZGG‐(KAAAA)3X‐NH2 (Z = Y or G, X = A, K, and D‐Arg) were studied both experimentally and by MD simulations. Good agreement is observed in both the absolute helical propensities as well as relative helical content along the sequence; the global minimum on the calculated free energy landscape corresponds to a single α‐helical conformation running from K4 to A18 with some terminal fraying, particularly at the C‐terminus. Energy component analysis shows that the single helix state has favorable intramolecular electrostatic energy due to hydrogen bonds, and that less‐favorable two‐helix globular states have favorable solvation energy. The central lysine residues do not appear to increase helicity; however, both experimental and simulation studies show increasing helicity in the series X = Ala → Lys → D‐Arg. This C‐capping preference was also experimentally confirmed in Ac‐(KAAAA)3X‐GY‐NH2 and (KAAAA)3X‐GY‐NH2 sequences. The roles of the C‐capping groups, and of lysines throughout the sequence, in the MD‐derived ensembles are analyzed in detail. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 89: 747–760, 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
A novel approach for calculating starch crystallinity and its correlation with double helix content: A combined XRD and NMR study
Authors: Lopez‐Rubio Amparo , Flanagan Bernadine M. , Gilbert Elliot P. , Gidley Michael J.
Published: April 2008

A peak fitting procedure has been implemented for calculating crystallinity in granular starches. This methodology, widely used for synthetic polymers, is proposed to better reflect the crystalline content of starches than the method normally used, in which it is assumed that relatively perfect crystalline domains are interspersed with amorphous regions. The new approach takes into account irregularities in crystals that are expected to exist in semicrystalline materials. Therefore, instead of assuming that the amorphous background extends up to the base of diffraction peaks, the whole X‐ray diffraction (XRD) profile is fitted to an amorphous halo and several discrete crystalline diffraction peaks. The crystallinity values obtained from the XRD patterns of a wide range of native starches using this fitting technique are very similar to the double helix contents as measured by 13C solid state NMR, suggesting that double helices in granular starches are present within irregular crystals. This contrasts with previous descriptions of crystalline and noncrystalline double helices that were based on the analysis of XRD profiles as perfect crystals interspersed in a noncrystalline background. Furthermore, with this fitting methodology it is possible to calculate the contribution from the different crystal polymorphs of starch to the total crystallinity. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 89: 761–768, 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
Refining the course of the thoracolumbar nerves: A new understanding of the innervation of the anterior abdominal wall
Authors: Rozen W.M. , Tran T.M.N. , Ashton M.W. , Barrington M.J. , Ivanusic J.J. , Taylor G.I.
Published: April 2008

Previous descriptions of the thoracolumbar spinal nerves innervating the anterior abdominal wall have been inconsistent. With modern surgical and anesthetic techniques that involve or may damage these nerves, an improved understanding of the precise course and variability of this anatomy has become increasingly important. The course of the nerves of the anterior abdominal is described based on a thorough cadaveric study and review of the literature. Twenty human cadaveric hemi‐abdominal walls were dissected to map the course of the nerves of the anterior abdominal wall. Dissection included a comprehensive tracing of nerves and their branches from their origins in five specimens. The branching pattern and course of all nerves identified were described. All thoracolumbar nerves that innervate the anterior abdominal wall were found to travel as multiple mixed segmental nerves, which branch and communicate widely within the transversus abdominis plane (TAP). This communication may occur at multiple locations, including large branch communications anterolaterally (intercostal plexus), and in plexuses that run with the deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) (TAP plexus) and the deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEA) (rectus sheath plexus). Rectus abdominis muscle is innervated by segments T6‐L1, with a constant branch from L1. The umbilicus is always innervated by a branch of T10. As such, identification or damage to individual nerves in the TAP or within rectus sheath is unlikely to involve single segmental nerves. An understanding of this anatomy may contribute to explaining clinical outcomes and preventing complications, following TAP blocks for anesthesia and DIEA perforator flaps for breast reconstruction. Clin. Anat. 21:325–333, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Estimation of the number and size of motor units in intrinsic laryngeal muscles using morphometric methods
Authors: Neto Humberto Santo , Marques Maria Júlia
Published: April 2008

The number and size of motor units in the intrinsic laryngeal muscles were estimated by morphometric methods. Laryngeal muscles with their respective nerve branches were obtained from 64 fresh cadavers (32 older than 60 years, mean age 74 ± 9 years and 32 younger than 60 years, mean age 51 ± 8 years). Myelinated nerve fibers and the total number of muscle fibers were counted. Motor unit size was estimated by dividing the total number of muscle fibers by the total number of motor units in each case. The mean number of motor units ranged from 268 ± 1.3 (interarytenoid muscle) to 431 ± 1.6 (cricothyroid muscle). Thyroarytenoid and cricothyroid muscle presented the smallest (9.8 ± 0.2) and largest (20.5 ± 0.9) motor unit size, respectively, suggesting that thyroarytenoid muscle has a greater capacity to fine‐tune its total force compared with the other intrinsic laryngeal muscles. No differences in motor unit number or size were observed between the right and left sides or between younger and older subjects. It is suggested that synaptic rearrangements may occur at the level of the neuromuscular junction in the human larynx that may explain the age‐related changes in motor units reported by clinical methods. Clin. Anat. 21:301–306, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Body symmetry and asymmetry in early Greek anatomical reasoning
Authors: Crivellato Enrico , Ribatti Domenico
Published: April 2008

This historical note focuses on some of the earliest reports of human anatomy found in Greek medical literature. These passages testify the initial steps taken by Greek scientists in building a theoretical model of the human body. In these excerpts, one finds erroneous anatomical descriptions, which shed light on the epistemological approach used by these intellectual pioneers. Because of the lack of systematic dissection, it appears that early Greek anatomists developed a somewhat stylized idea of the human body that used a certain degree of symmetry. Overcoming the concept of a strict left–right bilateral parallelism in human body architecture was a challenging intellectual task that required prolonged observation of dissected corpses. Clin. Anat. 21:279–282, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Extending the technology acceptance model to mobile telecommunication innovation: The existence of network externalities
Authors: Wang Chih‐Chien , Lo Shao‐Kang , Fang Wenchang
Published: April 2008

Consumer acceptance of technological innovations is crucial to marketing new products. According to the most influential model in this area, the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEOU) determine users' behavioural intentions to use or purchase a system or product. In the specific context of network externalities, a sense of utility that arises from the number of users (NOU) is considered as important as technology‐specific valuation. This study conducted an empirical survey to examine the effects of TAM and network externalities on the acceptance of Multimedia Messaging Services (MMS), an innovation in the field of mobile telecommunications. The results confirm the effectiveness of the TAM and find that network externalities effect affects users' acceptance to this mobile innovations. Accordingly, the TAM can be applied to predict consumer's acceptance to the mobile telecommunication innovations in the presence of network externalities.

Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Consuming the authentic Gettysburg: How a tourist landscape becomes an authentic experience
Authors: Chronis Athinodoros , Hampton Ronald D.
Published: April 2008

While authenticity pervades everyday consumption in museums, restaurants, theme parks, gift shops, and heritage attractions, among other commercial milieus, academic work on the concept of authenticity remains vague both in terms of its definition and its marketing relevance. In this study, we unpack the concept of authenticity in a Civil War battlefield and we provide insight as to its theoretical relevance for consumption. Our findings elucidate the distinction between authenticity as a product feature and authenticity as an experience. We show that consumer perceptions of a site's authenticity are articulated in five distinct ways: object related, factual, locational, personage, and contextual. We also point out the contribution of each notion of perceived authenticity in sparking consumer imagination and connecting them with the Civil War narrative. We suggest avenues that marketing managers can use to stage authenticity in a commercial environments at both substantive communicative levels. Our study reveals consumers as active agents who participate in the marketplace construction of authenticity in multiple ways. It is also shown that authenticity partakes in the construction of a national imaginary as a negotiated, collective act. We also provide insight as to the distinction between “authentic” and “inauthentic” commercial sites and the way in which even fictitious sites can be perceived as authentic.

Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Factors explaining male/female differences in attitudes and purchase intention toward genetically engineered salmon
Authors: Qin Wei , Brown J. Lynne
Published: April 2008

Frequently observed male/female differences in attitudes toward genetically engineered (GE) foods have not received adequate explanations. We examined (a) the ability of two hypotheses (safety concern and institutional trust) to explain male/female attitudes toward GE salmon and (b) the effect of attitudes on male/female differences in purchase intent. A survey (n = 501) was administered in two branches of a regional supermarket chain. After reading an information booklet, men and women's scores on a knowledge quiz did not differ but women had significantly more negative attitudes toward GE salmon than men. Attitudinal male/female differences were attributed to women's lower trust in government agencies and scientific organizations, and higher level of perceived health risks compared to men – supporting both hypotheses. But the essential basis of these attitudinal male/female differences appeared to be women's greater concern about the ethics/morality of this application. Attitude differences were the major contributor to male/female differences in purchase intention.

Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tyl1a, a TDP‐6‐deoxy‐D‐xylo‐4‐hexulose 3,4‐isomerase from Streptomyces fradiae: Structure Prediction, Mutagenesis and Solvent Isotope Incorporation Experiments to Investigate Reaction Mechanism
Authors: Tello Mónica , Rejzek Martin , Wilkinson Barrie , Lawson David M. , Field Robert A.
Published: April 2008

Understanding the structure and mechanism of sugar nucleotide processing enzymes is invaluable in the generation of designer enzymes for biotransformation, for instance, in connection with engineering antibiotic glycosylation. In this study, homology modelling and mechanistic comparison to the structurally related RmlC epimerase family has been used to identify and assign functions to active‐site residues in the Tyl1a‐catalysed keto‐sugar nucleotide isomerisation process. Tyl1a His63 is implicated as the base that initiates the isomerisation process by substrate C‐3 deprotonation, with Arg109 stabilising the resulting enolate. Subsequent O‐3 deprotonation (potentially by His65) and C‐4 protonation (potentially by Tyr49) complete the isomerisation process.
Carotid artery stenting in elderly patients: Importance of case selection
Authors: Chiam Paul T.L. , Roubin Gary S. , Iyer Sriram S. , Green Richard M. , Soffer Daniel E. , Brennan Christina , Vitek Jiri J.
Published: April 2008

Objectives: This study was conducted to determine if carotid stenting (CS) could be safely performed in the elderly. Background: Age has been shown to be a predictor of neurological complications during CS. We postulated that CS could be safely performed in elderly patients if certain anatomical and clinical markers such as excessive vascular tortuosity, heavy concentric calcification of the lesion, and decreased cerebral reserve were avoided. Methods: From July 2003 to October 2007, 142 patients aged ≥50% or asymptomatic stenosis ≥70%. All patients underwent carotid and cerebral angiography to determine anatomic suitability and stent risk. Demographic and outcome data were entered into a database; other data were obtained retrospectively. Independent neurology evaluation was performed before and at 24 hr after the procedure. Results: The mean age was 83.2 years, 62% were male, 25.5% were symptomatic, 8.5% had postcarotid endarterectomy restenosis, and 6.0% had contralateral internal carotid artery occlusion. There were no intracranial hemorrhages or periprocedural myocardial infarctions. One patient had amaurosis fugax. There were two minor and three major strokes in‐hospital (3.3%). All patients had 30‐day follow‐up. One of the major strokes expired. Thus the overall 30‐day stroke or death rate was 3.3% and major stroke or death rate was 2.0%. The 30‐day stroke or death rate was 5.1% for symptomatic patients and 2.6% for asymptomatic patients. Conclusion: CS can be performed safely in anatomically suitable elderly patients with low adverse event rates. CS should remain a revascularization option in appropriately selected elderly patients. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The successful use of alternative routes of vascular access for performing pediatric interventional cardiac catheterization
Authors: Davenport Jennifer J. , Lam Lourdes , Whalen‐Glass Ruby , Nykanen David G. , Burke Redmond P. , Hannan Robert , Zahn Evan M.
Published: April 2008

Objective: The objective of this study is to examine the safety/efficacy of alternative routes of vascular access (ARVA) for successful performance of interventions. Background: Complex interventional catheterizations may be required in children with limited vascular access, vascular constraints relative to size, and hemodynamic instability. Our approach has been to utilize ARVA in selected cases. Methods: ARVA pertains to any vessel excluding femoral, jugular/subclavian veins, or umbilical access. A retrospective review performed on patients with an intervention utilizing ARVA between August 1995 and January 2004 was performed. Patients were divided by clinical status: critically ill/emergent (A), elective cases (B). Procedural success was based on previously published criteria. Results: Sixty‐four interventions were performed in 50 patients using 54 ARVA. ARVA utilized: radial (1), axillary (2), brachial (2), carotid arteries (25); brachial (2) hepatic (9) veins; and open chest/direct cardiac puncture (13). ARVA provided successful access to target lesions. Interventions included stents (30), valvuloplasty (16), angioplasty (14), and one each of vascular occlusion, septal occlusion, accessory pathway ablation, and septostomy. Group A patients were smaller (P < 0.0002) and younger (P < 0.004) than B. All open chest/direct cardiac and the majority (71%) of carotid arterial approaches were performed in group A. Fifty‐six (88%) inteventions were successful with no difference between groups A (88%) and B (86%). There were two complications. Neither resulted in long‐term sequelae. Conclusions: ARVA may provide a strategic advantage that may be safely applied to a variety of interventions regardless of patient size or degree of illness. These techniques may further extend the scope of successful interventions in children. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Isoquinolin‐1‐one Inhibitors of the MDM2–p53 Interaction
Authors: Rothweiler Ulli , Czarna Anna , Krajewski Marcin , Ciombor Jolanta , Kalinski Cédric , Khazak Vladimir , Ross Günther , Skobeleva Natalia , Weber Lutz , Holak Tad A.
Published: April 2008

p53 has been at the centre of attention for drug design since the discovery of its growth‐suppressive and pro‐apoptotic activity. Herein we report the design and characterisation of a new class of isoquinolinone inhibitors of the MDM2–p53 interaction. Our identification of druglike and selective inhibitors of this protein–protein interaction included a straightforward in silico compound‐selection process, a recently reported NMR spectroscopic approach for studying the MDM2–p53 interaction, and selectivity screening assays using cells with the same genetic background. The selected inhibitors were all able to induce apoptosis and the expression of p53‐related genes, but only the isoquinolin‐1‐one‐based inhibitors stabilised p53. Our NMR experiments give a persuading explanation for these results, showing that isoquinolin‐1‐one derivates are able to dissociate the preformed MDM2–p53 complex in vitro, releasing a folded and soluble p53. The joint application of these methods provides a framework for the discovery of protein interaction inhibitors as a promising starting point for further drug design.