bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Signaling pathways mediating cardiac myocyte gene expression in physiological and stress responses
Authors: Clerk Angela , Cullingford Timothy E. , Fuller Stephen J. , Giraldo Alejandro , Markou Thomais , Pikkarainen Sampsa , Sugden Peter H.
Published: April 2007

The contractile cells in the heart (the cardiac myocytes) are terminally differentiated. In response to pathophysiological stresses, cardiac myocytes undergo hypertrophic growth or apoptosis, responses associated with the development of cardiac pathologies. There has been much effort expended in gaining an understanding of the stimuli which promote these responses, and in identifying the intracellular signaling pathways which are activated and potentially involved. These signaling pathways presumably modulate gene and protein expression to elicit the end‐stage response. For the regulation of gene expression, the signal may traverse the cytoplasm to modulate nuclear‐localized transcription factors as occurs with the mitogen‐activated protein kinase or protein kinase B/Akt cascades. Alternatively, the signal may promote translocation of transcription factors from the cytoplasm to the nucleus as is seen with the calcineurin/NFAT and JAK/STAT systems. We present an overview of the principal signaling pathways implicated in the regulation of gene expression in cardiac myocyte pathophysiology, and summarize the current understanding of these pathways, the transcription factors they regulate and the changes in gene expression associated with the development of cardiac pathologies. Finally, we discuss how intracellular signaling and gene expression may be integrated to elicit the overall change in cellular phenotype. J. Cell. Physiol. 212: 311–322, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessment of potential approaches to improve Eucalyptus globulus kraft pulping yield
Authors: Santiago A. S. , Neto C. Pascoal
Published: April 2007

The main goal of this work is to study the potential approaches to improve polysaccharides retention during Eucalyptus globulus kraft pulping. The addition of anthraquinone to kraft pulping leads to the highest pulp yield while the addition of urea promotes lower depolymerization of polysaccharides (higher pulp viscosity), but does not have a significant effect on yield. The early interruption of kraft cooking followed by oxygen delignification is a reliable approach to increase pulp yield, particularly when pulping is interrupted at the end of the faster and more selective kinetic regime (bulk phase). Yield loss during oxygen delignification is considerably lower than that incurred in the last phase of kraft pulping. Pulping with OH−/HS− charge profiling, carried out with liquor injection in three different phases leads to a yield increase. However, this increase results from a lower total alkali charge applied when profiling pulping is compared to standard pulping conditions, rather than to alkali profiling. Standard kraft pulping with different active alkali (AA) charges demonstrated that this operational variable is determinant for pulp yield and viscosity. Pulping experiences with lower AA (14%) resulted in a higher and almost constant pulp viscosity and in a higher pulp yield, assigned to improved retention of both cellulose and xylan. During the last stage of pulping, cellulose content decreases, this being mainly responsible for the decrease of pulp yield, while xylan content is almost constant, a feature attributed to the peculiar structure of this E. globulus's hemicellulose. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Conventional and wet proofed CuO/Al2O3 catalysts for phenol oxidation: deactivation studies in a trickle bed reactor
Authors: Fenoglio Rosa J , Massa Paola A , Ivorra Fernando D , Haure Patricia M
Published: April 2007

A large variety of catalytic systems have been studied for the catalytic wet air oxidation of phenolic solutions. Most of them show good activity, but serious stability problems. In this contribution, stability studies were performed over CuO/Al2O3 conventional (CNT) and polytetrafluorethylene coated (C3T) catalysts used for the oxidation of 5 g L−1 phenol solutions in a trickle bed reactor (140 °C and 7 atm of oxygen pressure). For the hydrophilic catalyst, phenol conversion decreased with usage due to the formation of Cu2O and copper oxalate phases. For the wet proofed catalyst, the hydrophobic layer prevented the appearence of those phases, and conversion levels remained practically constant with reaction time. After usage, both catalysts were oxidized at 400 °C and tested for reaction: in the case of the C3T catalyst, the phenol conversion was increased over its initial level; for CNT catalyst, the phenol conversion was also increased, but initial levels were not completely restored. The deactivation mechanism of the CNT catalyst is associated with the formation of the Cu2O and copper oxalate phases during reaction. For catalyst C3T, practically no deactivation was observed. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
No Eastern and Central European left behind: a cross country regression for fertility, human capital and market economy
Authors: Akin Mustafa Seref , Vlad Valerica
Published: April 2007

In 1999, fertility rates in Central and Eastern European countries reached the lowest levels in the world. Using panel data, this paper analyses the sharp decline in fertility for these countries during their transition towards a market economy. It extends previous research in three ways: First, it distinguishes education by gender as a proxy for human capital. Second, in addition to GDP more economic variables are used to capture the effect of a declining standard of living, including unemployment. Finally, it tries to capture the relationship between advancement toward a new market economy and fertility. Some of the results reflect some special features of the CEE region: only tertiary education is correlated with fertility; fertility is responsive to a ‘business cycle’ type of macroeconomic factors, particularly, to female unemployment; and foreign direct investment (FDI) as a proxy for new market economy has a negative association with fertility. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved analysis of dialkylphosphates in urine using strong anion exchange disk extraction and in‐vial derivatization
Authors: Lin Wei‐Chao , Hsieh Chang‐Yuan , Chang Ho‐Yuan
Published: April 2007

Determination of dialkylphosphates (DAPs) in urine is useful for assessing human exposure to organophosphates (OPs). An improved method for the determination of four DAPs based on a strong anion exchange (SAX) disk extraction and in‐vial derivatization was presented in this study. The matrix effect of urine components such as chloride ion and phosphate ion by using a SAX disk to extract DAPs in urine analysis was carefully evaluated. It was observed that the chloride ion mainly affected the extraction of diethylphosphate (DEP), dimethylthiophosphate (DMTP), and diethylthiophosphate (DETP) in urine. The addition of silver hydroxide could significantly improve the extraction efficiencies of these three DAPs, but it decreases the extraction efficiencies of dimethyldithiophosphate (DMDTP) and diethyldithiophosphate (DEDTP). The LOD of this method for DMTP, DETP, DMDTP, and DEDTP are 5, 5, 11, and 5 μg/L, respectively. A pretreatment strategy for the determination of DMTP, DMDTP, DETP, and DEDTP in urine was proposed which can provide reliable and prompt determination of routine urine analysis.
A novel solid phase for selective separation of flavonoid compounds
Authors: Xia Yong‐qing , Guo Tian‐ying , Zhao Hai‐li , Song Mou‐dao , Zhang Bang‐hua , Zhang Bao‐long
Published: April 2007

A novel straightforward approach to selective separation for flavonoid compounds was reported. The solid phase material was prepared by copolymerization using allyl‐bromide‐modified chitosan as macromonomer, and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as cross‐linker. The material was evaluated by chromatographic analysis; it exhibited high selectivity separation for quercetin and its structural analogues using different mobile phases. The material could directly trap a specific class of compounds including quercetin and kaempferol from the hydrolyzate of Ginkgo biloba extract. These results demonstrated the possibility of direct extraction of certain constituents from herb using this material.
Quality assessment of Cortex cinnamomi by HPLC chemical fingerprint, principle component analysis and cluster analysis
Authors: Yang Jie , Chen Li‐Hong , Zhang Qin , Lai Mao‐Xiang , Wang Qiang
Published: April 2007

HPLC fingerprint analysis, principle component analysis (PCA), and cluster analysis were introduced for quality assessment of Cortex cinnamomi (CC). The fingerprint of CC was developed and validated by analyzing 30 samples of CC from different species and geographic locations. Seventeen chromatographic peaks were selected as characteristic peaks and their relative peak areas (RPA) were calculated for quantitative expression of the HPLC fingerprints. The correlation coefficients of similarity in chromatograms were higher than 0.95 for the same species while much lower than 0.6 for different species. Besides, two principal components (PCs) have been extracted by PCA. PC1 separated Cinnamomum cassia from other species, capturing 56.75% of variance while PC2 contributed for their further separation, capturing 19.08% variance. The scores of the samples showed that the samples could be clustered reasonably into different groups corresponding to different species and different regions. The scores and loading plots together revealed different chemical properties of each group clearly. The cluster analysis confirmed the results of PCA analysis. Therefore, HPLC fingerprint in combination with chemometric techniques provide a very flexible and reliable method for quality assessment of traditional Chinese medicines.
Determination of seventeen main flavonoids and saponins in the medicinal plant Huang‐qi (Radix Astragali) by HPLC‐DAD‐ELSD
Authors: Yu Qing‐Tao , Qi Lian‐Wen , Li Ping , Yi Ling , Zhao Jing , Bi Zhiming
Published: April 2007

A simple, rapid, and reliable method, namely high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array and evaporative light scattering detectors (HPLC‐DAD‐ELSD), was developed to simultaneously determine twelve major flavonoids and five main saponins in different parts of the medicinal plant Huang‐qi (Radix Astragali). The DAD wavelength was set at 280 nm for the UV detection of flavonoids, while the drift tube temperature was set at 105°C and the nebulizing gas flow rate at 2.7 L/min for ELSD detection of saponins. The method was fully validated with respect to linearity (r2 >0.998), sensitivity, precision, and accuracy (recovery rate between 93.3 and 104.2%). The analytical results of different parts of the medicinal plant Huang‐qi revealed that the levels of total flavonoids or saponins in individual parts can vary considerably and the concentration of each compound in different parts is also significantly different. The aerial parts (stems and leaves) contain even higher total contents of flavonoids (although of different kinds) than the commonly used roots of the plants. In addition, the concentration of total flavonoids and saponins in the extract of the fibrous roots was surprisingly highest among all parts of Astragalus species. All of these findings provide clear evidence and scientific support for utilization of different parts of the medicinal plant Huang‐qi and also for reduction in waste of plant resources.
A comparison of ionic liquids to molecular organic solvents as additives for chiral separations in micellar electrokinetic chromatography
Authors: Mwongela Simon M. , Siminialayi Noreen , Fletcher Kristin A. , Warner Isiah M.
Published: April 2007

In this study, we report the effects of adding ionic liquids (ILs), as compared to adding conventional molecular organic solvents (MOSs), to aqueous buffer solutions containing molecular micelles in the separation of chiral analyte mixtures in micellar EKC (MEKC). The molecular micelle used in this study was polysodium oleyl‐L‐leucylvalinate (poly‐L‐SOLV). The ILs were 1‐alkyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, where the alkyl group was ethyl, butyl, hexyl, or octyl. These ILs were chosen due to their hydrophobicity, good solvating, and electrolyte properties. Thus, it was expected that these ILs would have favorable interactions with chiral analytes and not adversely affect the background current. Common CE buffers, mixed with a molecular micelle, and an IL or a MOS, were used for these chiral separations. The buffers containing an IL in the concentration range of 0.02–0.1 v/v were found to support a reasonable current when an electric field strength of 500 V/cm was applied across the capillary. However, a current break down was observed for the buffers containing more than 60% v/v MOS on application of the above‐mentioned electric field. The chiral resolution and selectivity of the analytes were dependent on the concentration and type of IL or MOS used.
Supported liquid membranes in hollow fiber liquid‐phase microextraction (LPME) – Practical considerations in the three‐phase mode
Authors: Folde Bårdstu Kari , Ho Tung Si , Rasmussen Knut Einar , Pedersen‐Bjergaard Stig , Jönsson Jan Åke
Published: April 2007

In this work, three‐phase liquid‐phase microextraction (LPME) based on a supported liquid membrane (SLM) sustained in the wall of a hollow fiber was investigated with special focus on optimization of the experimental procedures in terms of recovery and repeatability. Recovery data for doxepin, amitriptyline, clomipramine, and mianserin were in the range of 67.8–79.8%. Within‐day repeatability data for the four basic drugs were in the range of 4.1–7.7%. No single factor was found to be responsible for these variations, and the variability was caused by several factors related to the LPME extractions as well as to the final HPLC determination. Although the volume of the SLM varied within 0.4–3.1% RSD depending on the preparation procedure, and the volume of the acceptor solution varied within 4.8% RSD, both recoveries and repeatability were found to be relative insensitive to these variations. Thus, the handling of microliters of liquid in LPME was not a very critical factor, and the preparation of the SLM was accomplished in several different ways with comparable performance. Reuse of hollow fibers was found to suffer from matrix effects due to built‐up of analytes in the SLM, whereas washing of the hollow fibers in acetone was beneficial in terms of recovery, especially for the extraction of the most hydrophobic substances. Several of the organic solvents used in the literature as SLM suffered from poor long‐term stability, but silicone oil AR 20 (polyphenyl‐methylsiloxane), 2‐nitrophenyl octyl ether (NPOE), and dodecyl acetate (DDA) all extracted with unaltered performance even after 60 days of storage at room temperature.
Ultrahigh‐pressure liquid chromatography using a 1‐mm id column packed with 1.5‐μm porous particles
Authors: Anspach Jason A. , Maloney Todd D. , Colón Luis A.
Published: April 2007

The evolution of chromatography has led to the reduction in the size of the packing materials used to fabricate HPLC columns. The increase in the backpressure required has led to this technique being referred to as ultrahigh‐pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC) when the column backpressure exceeds 10 000 psi (∼︁ 700 bar). Until recently, columns packed with sub‐2‐μm materials have generally fitted into two classes; either short (less than 5 cm) columns designed for use on traditional HPLC systems at pressures less than 5000 psi (350 bar), or capillary columns (inner diameters less than 100 μm). By using packing materials with diameters < 2 μm to fabricate UHPLC columns, there is an increase in efficiency and a decrease in the analysis time that are directly proportional to the size of the packing material. In order to realize and exploit the increase in efficiency, however, the columns must maintain lengths typically associated with analytical columns (15–25 cm). We have packed 1 mm diameter, 150 mm in length columns with 1.5 μm packing material, and evaluated their performance in UHPLC. The pressure required to achieve optimum linear velocities in plots of plate height versus linear velocity was in the vicinity of 1104 bar (16 000 psi). The 1.5 μm particle‐packed column was compared with the more traditional 150 mm long analytical columns packed with 3 μm materials. This column showed an efficiency that was approximately twice that observed with the 3 μm packed column and a concomitant reduction in the analysis time, theoretically predicted.
Asymptotic Expansions of Ellipsoidal Wave Functions in Terms of Hermite Functions
Authors: Müller Harald J. W.
Published: April 2007

Two simple pairs of asymptotic expansions in terms of Hermite functions are obtained for the solutions of the ellipsoidal wave equation.
Pyroelectric coupling in thin film photovoltaics
Authors: Karpov Victor G. , Shvydka Diana
Published: April 2007

We propose a theory of thin film photovoltaics in which one of the polycrystalline films is made of a pyroelectric material grains such as CdS. That film is shown to generate strong polarization improving the device open circuit voltage. Implications and supporting facts for the major photovoltaic types based on CdTe and CuIn(Ga)Se2 absorber layers are discussed.

magnified image

Band diagram of a pyroelectric (CdS) based PV junction. Arrows represent the charge carrier photo‐generation.

(© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Yellow tea is more potent than other types of tea in suppressing liver toxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats
Authors: Hashimoto Takashi , Goto Miho , Sakakibara Hiroyuki , Oi Naomi , Okamoto Mayumi , Kanazawa Kazuki
Published: April 2007

The present study compared the effects of six Chinese teas categorized by their production process: green, white, yellow, oolong, black and pu‐erh teas, on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced liver injury. Wistar rats were given ad libitum the Chinese teas prepared according to the home‐style methods for 1 week, and then intraperitoneally injected with CCl4 (1 mg/kg body weight) or olive oil as a vehicle. The yellow tea significantly ameliorated the increase in the activity of the alanine‐ and aspartate‐aminotransferases in plasma. Thus, the drinking of yellow tea may contribute to protection against liver injury. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evidence of effectiveness of herbal antiinflammatory drugs in the treatment of painful osteoarthritis and chronic low back pain
Authors: Chrubasik J. E. , Roufogalis B. D. , Chrubasik S.
Published: April 2007

Treatment with herbal medicines is very popular in Europe. In order to get information on the evidence of effectiveness of oral herbal medicines in the treatment of pain in the joints or lower back, OVID(MEDLINE), PUBMED and COCHRANE COLLABORATION LIBRARY were searched back to 1985 for systematic reviews. The level of evidence of effectiveness was defined asstrong– at least two confirmatory studies demonstrating a clinical relevant effect,moderate– one confirmatory study with a clinical relevant effect and/or multiple exploratory studies of good quality; otherwise the evidence wasinsufficientorconflictingin the case of inconsistent findings.

Fifteen systematic reviews were identified. The evidence of effectiveness was strong for a proprietary unsaponifiable avocado soybean fraction andHarpagophytumpreparations containing >50 mg harpagoside in the daily dosage, moderate for ginger and a proprietary rose hip and seed powder, insufficient forBoswellia serratagum resin and other herbal preparations and inconsistent for a proprietary willow bark extract.

Further rigorous studies are required to confirm the usefulness of herbal medicines in the treatment of osteoarthritic complaints and chronic low back pain in order to enable acceptance of the herbal medicines into the treatment guidelines. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analgesic and antiinflammatory activity of Cyclamen repandum S. et S.
Authors: Speroni E. , Cervellati R. , Costa S. , Dall'Acqua S. , Guerra M. C. , Panizzolo C. , Utan A. , Innocenti G.
Published: April 2007

According to folk medicine some species belonging to the genus Cyclamen were used for their biological activities. Early investigation of the different species of the genus resulted in the isolation of triterpenic saponins. No phytochemical and biological data are available on C. repandum. As part of a series of phytochemical investigations for bioactive compounds from medicinal plants, Cyclamen repandum S. et S. was investigated. The present study sought to find the antiinflammatory and antinociceptive activities of C. repandum tubers in rats and mice. A preliminary screening was conducted with three different extracts in the tests used, particularly the paw edema and the writhing tests. Subsequently some saponins isolated from the ME extract, the more effective one, have been identified.

This paper also describes the results of fractionation and bioassay guided chemical studies. Chemical investigation of the active extract afforded the isolation and characterization of six triterpenic saponins. The possible antiinflammatory and analgesic properties were investigated as the saponin content of the fractions allows to speculate on such aspect. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Administration of Cyperus rotundus tubers extract prevents weight gain in obese Zucker rats
Authors: Lemaure Bernard , Touché André , Zbinden Irène , Moulin Julie , Courtois Didier , Macé Katherine , Darimont Christian
Published: April 2007

Cyperus rotundus L. (Cyperaceae; C. rotundus) is an Indian medicinal plant demonstrated to exert multiple health benefits. The purpose of the present study was to test the biological efficacy of C. rotundus tubers extract on weight control in obese Zucker rats. It was demonstrated that administration of 45 or 220 mg/kg/day of C. rotundus tubers hexane extract for 60 days in Zucker rats induced a significant reduction in weight gain without affecting food consumption or inducing toxicity. In vitro, 250 µg/mL of this extract was able to stimulate lipolysis in 3T3‐F442 adipocytes suggesting that this medicinal plant contains activators of β‐adrenoreceptors (AR). The binding assay performed on the rat β3‐AR isoform, known to induce thermogenesis, demonstrated that C. rotundus tubers extract can consistently and effectively bind to this receptor. These data suggest that the effect on weight gain exerted by C. rotundus tubers extract may be mediated, at least partially, through the activation of the β3‐AR. In conclusion, C. rotundus tubers extract prove to be a new herbal supplement for controlling body weight preferentially in β3‐AR sensitive species. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anticancer activity of limonoid from Khaya senegalensis
Authors: Zhang Huaping , Wang Xi , Chen Feng , Androulakis Xiao M. , Wargovich Michael J.
Published: April 2007

Two limonoids were isolated from the methanol extract of Khaya senegalensis (Meliaceae), and their structures were identified as 3α,7α‐dideacetylkhivorin (1) and 1‐O‐acetylkhayanolide B (2) on the basis of MS and NMR spectral data. Complete assignments of 1H and 13C chemical shifts for compounds 1 and 2 were achieved by means of 1D and 2D NMR including DEPT, 1H‐1H COSY, HMQC, HMBC experiments. Compound 1 showed significant growth inhibitory activities against MCF‐7, SiHa and Caco‐2 cells with IC50 values in the range of 0.07–0.14 µm (35–69 ppm) while compound 2 did not. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel cytotoxic lignan from Seseli annuum L.
Authors: Vučković Ivan , Trajković Vladimir , Macura Slobodan , Tešević Vele , Janaćković Ped̄a , Milosavljević Slobodan
Published: April 2007

A new tetrahydrofuranoid lignan named seselinone was isolated from the aerial parts of Seseli annuum, together with three known lignans (eudesmin, magnone A and hernone) and prenylated coumarin umbelliprenin. Seselinone and eudesmin showed cytotoxic activity against C6 rat glioma cell cultures. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vivo supplementation with Ginkgo biloba protects membranes against lipid peroxidation
Authors: Boveris Alejandro D. , Galleano Monica , Puntarulo Susana
Published: April 2007

The effect of Ginkgo biloba (Gb) supplementation in vivo was studied on lipid peroxidation of microsomal membranes. Administration of up to 100 mg/kg/day Gb to rats did not significantly affect either the activity of microsomal enzymes, the rate of generation of superoxide anion or the iron reduction rate by rat liver microsomes. Lipid peroxidation, assessed by the generation of lipid radicals measured by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy using POBN as the spin trap, was reduced by 39.7% and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) generation by 30% after Gb supplementation (100 mg/kg/day) for 10 days. Moreover, membranes from Gb treated animals showed a significant lower content of lipid radicals and TBARS after exposure to oxidative stress both in vitro (t‐butyl hydroperoxide) and in vivo (acute iron overload). The data presented here showed that Gb extracts were able to limit lipid peroxidation and scavenge lipid radicals in vivo and actively protect membranes from oxidative damage. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
First steps in developing a multimetric macroinvertebrate index for the Ohio River
Authors: Applegate Jeromy M. , Baumann Paul C. , Emery Erich B. , Wooten Matthew S.
Published: April 2007

The causes of degradation of aquatic systems are often complex and stem from a variety of human influences. Comprehensive, multimetric biological indices have been developed to quantify this degradation and its effect on aquatic communities, and measure subsequent recovery from anthropogenic stressors. Traditionally, such indices have concentrated on small‐to medium‐sized streams. Recently, however, the Ohio River Fish Index (ORFIn) was created to assess biotic integrity in the Ohio River. The goal of the present project was to begin developing a companion Ohio River multimetric index using benthic macroinvertebrates. Hester–Dendy multiplate samplers were used to evaluate benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages in relation to a gradient of water quality disturbance, represented by varying distances downstream of industrial and municipal wastewater outfalls in the Ohio River. In August 1999 and 2000, samplers were set every 100 m downstream of outfalls (12 outfalls in 1999, 22 in 2000) for 300–1000 m, as well as at upstream reference sites. Candidate metrics (n = 55) were examined to determine which have potential to detect changes in water quality downstream of outfalls. These individual measures of community structure were plotted against distance downstream of each outfall to determine their response to water quality disturbance. Values at reference and outfall sites were also compared. Metrics that are ecologically relevant and showed a response to outfall disturbance were identified as potentially valuable in a multimetric index. Multiple box plots of index scores indicated greater response to outfall disturbance during periods of low‐flow, and longitudinal river‐wide trends. Evaluation of other types of anthropogenic disturbance, as well as continued analysis of the effects of chemical water quality on macroinvertebrate communities in future years will facilitate further development of a multimetric benthic macroinvertebrate index to evaluate biotic integrity in the Ohio River. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Synthesis and Fabrication of One‐Dimensional Nanoscale Heterojunctions
Authors: Mieszawska Aneta J. , Jalilian Romaneh , Sumanasekera Gamini U. , Zamborini Francis P.
Published: April 2007

There are a variety of methods for synthesizing or fabricating one‐dimensional (1D) nanostructures containing heterojunctions between different materials. Here we review recent developments in the synthesis and fabrication of heterojunctions formed between different materials within the same 1D nanostructure or between different 1D nanostructures composed of different materials. Structures containing 1D nanoscale heterojunctions exhibit interesting chemistry as well as size, shape, and material‐dependent properties that are unique when compared to single‐component materials. This leads to new or enhanced properties or multifunctionality useful for a variety of applications in electronics, photonics, catalysis, and sensing, for example. This review separates the methods into vapor‐phase synthesis, solution‐phase synthesis, template‐based synthesis, and other approaches, such as lithography, electrospinning, and assembly. These methods are used to form a variety of heterojunctions, including segmented, core/shell, branched, or crossed, from different combinations of semiconductor, metal, carbon, and polymeric materials.
Predicting preterm delivery in asymptomatic patients with prior preterm delivery by measurement of cervical length and phosphorylated insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein‐1
Authors: Bittar R. E. , da Fonseca E. B. , de Carvalho M. H. B. , Martinelli S. , Zugaib M.
Published: April 2007

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of cervical length measurement in combination with a bedside assessment of phosphorylated insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein‐1 (phIGFBP‐1) as a predictor of preterm delivery in asymptomatic pregnant women with a history of preterm birth.

Methods

Cervical length was measured using transvaginal sonography at 22–24 weeks of gestation in 105 singleton pregnancies and a rapid strip test was performed to detect phIGFBP‐1 in cervical secretions from 24 to 34 weeks. Receiver–operating characteristics (ROC) curves were constructed to compare the performance of phIGFBP‐1 at different gestational ages, and cervical length at 22–24 weeks, in predicting preterm delivery.

Results

The rate of spontaneous delivery before 37 and 34 weeks was 23.8% and 11.4%, respectively. Women with cervical lengths less than 20 mm had a risk of spontaneous preterm delivery before 34 and 37 weeks of 43.5% and 69.6%, respectively. The performance of phIGFBP‐1 levels as a predictor of preterm delivery was significantly higher when the test was carried out at 30 weeks' gestation. Cervical assessment in combination with phIGFBP‐1 at 30 weeks had the steepest ROC curve (area under the curve = 0.93; 95% CI, 0.88–0.98,P< 0.001).

Conclusion

Both cervical length and phIGFBP‐1 measurement are useful in the prediction of preterm delivery in patients with a history of preterm birth and the combined method of measuring cervical length at 22–24 weeks and phIGFBP‐1 at 30 weeks improves upon either method used alone. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preoperative diagnosis of ovarian tumors using Bayesian kernel‐based methods
Authors: Van Calster B. , Timmerman D. , Lu C. , Suykens J. A. K. , Valentin L. , Van Holsbeke C. , Amant F. , Vergote I. , Van Huffel S.
Published: April 2007

Objectives

To develop flexible classifiers that predict malignancy in adnexal masses using a large database from nine centers.

Methods

The database consisted of 1066 patients with at least one persistent adnexal mass for which a large amount of clinical and ultrasound data were recorded. The outcome of interest was the histological classification of the adnexal mass as benign or malignant. The outcome was predicted using Bayesian least squares support vector machines in comparison with relevance vector machines. The models were developed on a training set (n = 754) and tested on a test set (n = 312).

Results

Twenty‐five percent of the patients (n = 266) had a malignant tumor. Variable selection resulted in a set of 12 variables for the models: age, maximal diameter of the ovary, maximal diameter of the solid component, personal history of ovarian cancer, hormonal therapy, very strong intratumoral blood flow (i.e. color score 4), ascites, presumed ovarian origin of tumor, multilocular‐solid tumor, blood flow within papillary projections, irregular internal cyst wall and acoustic shadows. Test set area under the receiver–operating characteristics curve (AUC) for all models exceeded 0.940, with a sensitivity above 90% and a specificity above 80% for all models. The least squares support vector machine model with linear kernel performed very well, with an AUC of 0.946, 91% sensitivity and 84% specificity. The models performed well in the test sets of all the centers.

Conclusions

Bayesian kernel‐based methods can accurately separate malignant from benign masses. The robustness of the models will be investigated in future studies. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development and internal validation of a nomogram to predict macrosomia
Authors: Mazouni C. , Rouzier R. , Ledu R. , Heckenroth H. , Guidicelli B. , Gamerre M.
Published: April 2007

Objective

To develop a nomogram to predict macrosomia with a combination of clinical and ultrasound variables.

Methods

Data from 194 women who underwent sonographic fetal weight estimation were used to develop and calibrate a nomogram to predict fetal macrosomia. The nomogram was subjected to 200 bootstrap resamples for internal validation and to reduce overfit bias. An Internet‐based tool was developed to facilitate use of the nomogram.

Results

The macrosomia prediction nomogram, based on parity, ethnicity, body mass index and fetal weight estimated macrosomia, had good discrimination and calibration before and after bootstrapping (area under curve (AUC), 0.860 and 0.850, respectively). The predictive accuracy of our nomogram was significantly better than was sonographically estimated fetal weight using Hadlock's formula (AUC, 0.740; P < 0.001). We have provided a web‐based interface to predict the individual probability of macrosomia.

Conclusion

We have developed a nomogram to predict the individual probability of macrosomia based on clinical and ultrasound findings. Our web‐based interface should help to guide patients and physicians in decision‐making. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Contribution of three‐dimensional computed tomography in the assessment of fetal skeletal dysplasia
Authors: Cassart M. , Massez A. , Cos T. , Tecco L. , Thomas D. , Van Regemorter N. , Avni F.
Published: April 2007

Objective

To compare the diagnostic accuracy of two‐dimensional (2D) ultrasound and three‐dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) for the diagnosis of fetal skeletal anomalies.

Methods

Eleven pregnant women underwent 2D ultrasound and 3D‐CT. Ten fetuses presented skeletal anomalies on 2D ultrasound and one fetus had a normal ultrasound exam but a familial history of osteopetrosis. We compared retrospectively the diagnoses established on 2D ultrasound and 3D‐CT with the neonatal and/or postmortem work‐up, which were used as the gold standard.

Results

2D ultrasound provided the correct diagnosis in only two of the 11 cases. CT yielded the correct diagnosis in eight; in six of these, 2D ultrasound had been inconclusive. 3D‐CT was more accurate than was 2D ultrasound in visualizing vertebral anomalies (abnormal shape of the vertebral bodies, abnormal interpedicular distance), pelvic bone malformations (delayed ossification of the pubic bones, abnormal acetabular shape) and enlarged metaphysis or synostoses in long bones. In three cases, neither 2D ultrasound nor CT provided the correct diagnosis.

Conclusion

In this series, which included a variety of skeletal dysplasias, 3D‐CT had a better diagnostic yield than did 2D ultrasound. Both imaging techniques are useful in the management of fetal dysplasia; 2D ultrasound is a useful screening test and 3D‐CT is a valuable complementary diagnostic tool. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of fetal regional cerebral blood perfusion using power Doppler ultrasound and the estimation of fractional moving blood volume
Authors: Hernandez‐Andrade E. , Jansson T. , Figueroa‐Diesel H. , Rangel‐Nava H. , Acosta‐Rojas R. , Gratacós E.
Published: April 2007

Objective

To standardize the evaluation of regional fetal brain blood perfusion, using power Doppler ultrasound (PDU) to estimate the fractional moving blood volume (FMBV) and to evaluate the reproducibility of this estimation.

Methods

Brain blood perfusion was evaluated in 35 normally grown fetuses at 28–30 weeks of gestation, using PDU. The following cerebral regions were included in the PDU color box: anterior sagittal, complete sagittal, basal ganglia, and cerebellar. Ten consecutive good‐quality images of each anatomical plane were recorded and the delimitation of the region of interest (ROI) was performed off‐line. FMBV was quantified in the ROI of all images and the mean considered as the final value. Differences between regions, variability, reproducibility and agreement between observers were assessed.

Results

Power Doppler images of the described anatomical planes were obtained in all cases, regardless of fetal position. The median time for the acquisition of the images was 7 (range 4–12) min. Mean (range) FMBV values were: anterior sagittal, 16.5 (10.7–22.8)%, inter‐patient coefficient of variation (CV) 0.22; complete sagittal, 13.5 (8.8–16.1)%, CV 0.27; basal ganglia, 18.3 (10.7–27.6)%, CV 0.27; and cerebellar, 6.6 (3.0–11.0)%, CV 0.38. There were statistically significant differences in FMBV between cerebellar and complete sagittal ROIs with the frontal and basal ganglia regions. Reproducibility analyses showed an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.91 (95% CI 0.67–0.97) and an interclass correlation coefficient of 0.87 (95% CI 0.70–0.94). Interobserver agreement showed a mean difference between observers of −0.2 (SD 2.7) with 95% limits of agreement −5.6 to 5.2.

Conclusions

When the regions of interest are well defined, the FMBV estimate offers a method to quantify blood flow perfusion in different fetal cerebral areas. There appear to be regional differences in FMBV within the fetal brain. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Discordance in nuchal translucency thickness in the prediction of severe twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome
Authors: Kagan K. O. , Gazzoni A. , Sepulveda‐Gonzalez G. , Sotiriadis A. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: April 2007

Objective

To examine in monochorionic pregnancies the possible value of intertwin discordance in nuchal translucency (NT) thickness in the prediction of early fetal death or severe twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).

Methods

In 512 monochorionic twin pregnancies NT was measured at 11 to 13 + 6 weeks' gestation and regression analysis was used to determine the significance of the association between the intertwin discordance in NT and subsequent early fetal death or development of severe TTTS requiring endoscopic laser surgery.

Results

In 412 (80.5%) pregnancies there was a normal outcome, in 58 (11.3%) there was severe TTTS requiring endoscopic laser surgery at 18–24 weeks, in 19 (3.7%) there was death of one or both fetuses at 13–18 weeks and in 23 (4.5%) there was fetal death at 21–38 weeks. In the four outcome groups the median discordance in NT was 11%, 22%, 35% and 7%, respectively. Significant prediction of early fetal death and severe TTTS was provided by the discordance in fetal NT, which was not significantly improved by including the discordance in crown–rump length. If the discordance in NT was 20% or more, the false positive rate was 20%, the detection rate of early fetal death was 63% and the detection rate of severe TTTS was 52%.

Conclusions

Discordance in NT of 20% or more is found in about 25% of monochorionic twins and in this group the risk of early fetal death or development of severe TTTS is more than 30%. If the discordance is less than 20% the risk of complications is less than 10%. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Filling a Void: Thyroid Cancer Surgery Information on the Internet
Authors: Yeo Heather , Roman Sanziana , Air Mamie , Maser Christina , Trapasso Tara , Kinder Barbara , Sosa Julie Ann
Published: April 2007

Background

Thyroid cancer incidence is increasing, making it an important public health issue. Many patients use the Internet for health‐related decisions. Our purposes were to measure the quality of thyroid cancer surgery information on the Internet, and to identify quality predictors.

Methods

The 50 most popular thyroid cancer websites from Google, Yahoo, and MSN were identified. A novel 55‐point instrument based on current clinical practice guidelines was designed and used by a Delphi panel of 5 “blinded” endocrine surgeons to assess website information. Each website was independently evaluated by two surgeons. Quality was related to website demographic data using the Student’s t‐test, chi‐square, and ANOVA analyses.

Results

Inter‐rater reliability for quality scores was excellent (κ = 0.81). Mean (% of overall quality) score was 21 (38%), and mean score for surgical content was low at 3.5 (29%). Only 50% of sites discussed indications for surgery; 8% length of surgery/anesthesia; 42% the role of lymphadenectomy; 44% recurrent laryngeal nerve injury/hoarseness and 42% hypoparathyroidism as potential complications; 16% recovery; and 20% recommendations for choosing a thyroid surgeon. Only 38% were updated within 2 years. On univariate analysis, no significant associations were found between surgical quality score and website country of origin, currency, sponsorship, authorship, oversight, or references.

Conclusions

Thyroid cancer surgery websites on the Internet are incomplete and outdated. No predictors of quality were identified. Significant improvement is needed in regulating information about thyroid cancer surgery on the Internet, and surgeons may contribute to this effort.
Results of a screening programme to identify plants or plant extracts that inhibit ruminal protein degradation
Authors: Selje N. , Hoffmann E. M. , Muetzel S. , Ningrat R. , Wallace R. J. , Becker K.
Published: April 2007

One aim of the EC Framework V project, ’Rumen-up’ (QLK5-CT-2001-00 992), was to find plants or plant extracts that would inhibit the nutritionally wasteful degradation of protein in the rumen. A total of 500 samples were screenedin vitrousing14C-labelled casein in a 30-min incubation with ruminal digesta. Eight were selected for further investigation using a batch fermentation system and soya protein and bovine serum albumin as proteolysis substrates; proteolysis was monitored over 12 h by the disappearance of soluble protein and the production of branched SCFA and NH3. Freeze-dried, ground foliage ofPeltiphyllum peltatum,Helianthemum canum,Arbutus unedo,Arctostaphylos uva-ursiandKnautia arvensisinhibited proteolysis (P < 0·05), whileDaucus carota,Clematis vitalbaandErica arboreahad little effect. Inhibition by the first four samples appeared to be caused by the formation of insoluble tannin–protein complexes. The samples were rich in phenolics and inhibition was reversed by polyethyleneglycol. In contrast,K.arvensiscontained low concentrations of phenolics and no tannins, had no effect in the 30-min assay, yet inhibited the degradation rate of soluble protein (by 14 %,P < 0·0001) and the production of branched SCFA (by 17 %,P < 0·05) without precipitating protein in the 12-h batch fermentation. The effects showed some resemblance to those obtained in parallel incubations containing 3 μm-monensin, suggesting thatK.arvensismay be a plant-derived feed additive that can suppress growth and activity of key proteolytic ruminal micro-organisms in a manner similar to that already well known for monensin.
Identification of foods contributing to the dietary lipid profile of a Mediterranean population
Authors: Bondia-Pons Isabel , Serra-Majem Lluís , Castellote Ana I. , Carmen López-Sabater M.
Published: April 2007

The identification of the target foods that most affect the fat content of a diet, independently whether or not they contain fat, can be a useful tool in the process of drawing up more effective dietary guidelines with nutritional education strategies more directed at the needs of each population. With this purpose, the contribution analysis designed by Block and colleagues and multiple linear regression models were applied to a representative sample of Catalonia. Olive oil was the food that provided the highest absolute and relative percentage of fat-derived energy intake and cheese the food that provided the highest percentage of saturated fat-derived energy intake. According to the results of the present work, during the last 10 years the consumption of fruits and vegetables in Catalonia has increased, more in women than men. The intake of white fish is significantly higher than the intake of blue fish, which should be increased in both men and women, and red meat is still the first meat source in this population. Special attention should be paid to the increasing sweet cereal consumption, which is a source of invisible fat to the diet.
Jerusalem artichoke and chicory inulin in bakery products affect faecal microbiota of healthy volunteers
Authors: Kleessen Brigitta , Schwarz Sandra , Boehm Anke , Fuhrmann H. , Richter A. , Henle T. , Krueger Monika
Published: April 2007

A study was conducted to test the effects of Jerusalem artichoke inulin (JA) or chicory inulin (CH) in snack bars on composition of faecal microbiota, concentration of faecal SCFA, bowel habit and gastrointestinal symptoms. Forty-five volunteers participated in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study. At the end of a 7 d run-in period, subjects were randomly assigned to three groups of fifteen subjects each, consuming either snack bars with CH or JA, or snack bars without fructans (placebo); for 7 d (adaptation period), they ingested one snack bar per day (7·7 g fructan/d) and continued for 14 d with two snack bars per day. The composition of the microbiota was monitored weekly. The consumption of CH or JA increased counts of bifidobacteria (+1·2 log10in 21 d) and reducedBacteroides/Prevotellain number and theClostridium histolyticum/C. lituseburensegroup in frequency at the end of intervention (P < 0·05). No changes in concentration of faecal SCFA were observed. Consumption of snack bars resulted in a slight increase in stool frequency. Stool consistency was slightly affected in subjects consuming two snack bars containing CH or JA per day (P < 0·05). Consumption of CH or JA resulted in mild and sometimes moderate flatulence in a few subjects compared to placebo (P < 0·05). No structural differences were detected between CH and JA before and after processing. In conclusion, adaptation on increased doses of CH or JA in bakery products stimulates the growth of bifidobacteria and may contribute to the suppression of potential pathogenic bacteria.
Effect of chronic consumption of almonds on body weight in healthy humans
Authors: Hollis James , Mattes Richard
Published: April 2007

Small changes of diet may reduce CVD risk. One example is the inclusion of nuts. They are rich in fibre, unsaturated fatty acids and phytonutrients. However, their fat content and energy density raise concerns that chronic consumption will promote weight gain. Randomised intervention studies are required to evaluate whether this concern is well founded. This study's aim was to determine if the inclusion of a 1440 kJ serving of almonds in the daily diet results in positive energy balance, and body composition change. During a 23-week cross-over design study, participants were required to consume almonds for 10 weeks and were provided no advice on how to include them in their diet. For another 10 weeks (order counter-balanced), participants followed their customary diet and there was a 3-week washout between. The study group consisted of twenty women. Potential mechanisms of energy dissipation were measured. Ten weeks of daily almond consumption did not cause a change in body weight. This was predominantly due to compensation for the energy contained in the almonds through reduced food intake from other sources. Moreover, inefficiency in the absorption of energy from almonds was documented (P < 0·05). No changes in resting metabolic rate, thermic effect of food or total energy expenditure were noted. A daily 1440 kJ serving of almonds, sufficient to provide beneficial effects on cardiovascular risk factors, may be included in the diet with limited risk of weight gain. Whether this can be generalised to other high-fat energy dense foods warrants evaluation.