bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietary sources of lignans and isoflavones modulate responses to estradiol in estrogen reporter mice
Authors: Penttinen‐Damdimopoulou Pauliina E. , Power Krista A. , Hurmerinta Teija T. , Nurmi Tarja , van der Saag Paul T. , Mäkelä Sari I.
Published: July 2009

Dietary phytoestrogens, such as the lignan metabolite enterolactone (ENL) and the isoflavone genistein (GEN), are suggested to modulate the risk of estrogen‐dependent disease (e.g., breast cancer) through regulation of estrogen signaling. However, the effects of complex food items containing lignans or isoflavones on estrogen receptor (ER) transactivation have not been assessed so far. In this study, the modulation of ER‐mediated signaling by dietary sources of lignans (cereals and flaxseed) and isoflavones (soy) was studied in vivo. Adult ovariectomized 3×ERE‐luciferase (luc) reporter mice received isocaloric diets supplemented with flaxseed, rye, wheat, or soy for 40 h or two weeks, and an additional group of mice was challenged with 17β‐estradiol (E2) following the two‐week dietary intervention. In non‐E2‐treated mice, soy diet induced luc expression in liver, mammary gland, and pituitary gland while the other diets had no effects. Interestingly, all diets modulated the E2‐induced luc expression. In particular rye diet efficiently reduced E2‐induced luc expression as well as uterine growth, the hallmark of estrogen action in vivo. It is concluded that dietary sources of lignans and isoflavones can modulate estrogen signaling in vivo. The results suggest intriguing possibilities for the modulation of the risk of estrogen‐dependent diseases by dietary means.
New tricyclic and tetracyclic pyranocoumarins with an unprecedented C‐4 substituent. Structure elucidation of tamanolide, tamanolide D and tamanolide P from Calophyllum inophyllum of French Polynesia
Authors: Leu T. , Raharivelomanana P. , Soulet S. , Bianchini J.P. , Herbette G. , Faure R.
Published: July 2009

Three new pyranocoumarin derivatives, tamanolide (1), tamanolide D (2) and tamanolide P (3), were isolated from the almond seeds of Calophyllum inophyllum L. (Clusiaceae) grown in French Polynesia. These compounds, having an unprecedented C‐4 isobutyl substituent, have been characterized as a new class of pyranocoumarins called tamanolides. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR techniques (COSY, NOESY, HSQC and HMBC) in association with MS (HR‐ESI‐MS) data analysis. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Personality psychology as a truly behavioural science
Authors: Furr R. Michael
Published: July 2009

Personality psychology has been accused of neglecting behaviour—of devoting insufficient attention to what people actually do. The current paper addresses four important issues regarding the study of behaviour as separate from other important psychological responses—the definition of behaviour, the importance of studying behaviour, the strengths and weaknesses of core methods through which behaviour is studied and the degree to which behaviour actually has been studied in personality psychology over the past 15 years (along with information about the use of specific methods of studying behaviour). Analysis of publication trends indicates that behaviour is not studied to the degree it merits; furthermore, it indicates that, when behaviour is studied, it is usually studied at a very generalized level relying on relatively weak methods. The current paper is offered as a starting point for focused discussion of these important issues, potentially enhancing the field's standing as a truly behavioural science. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The study of behaviour in personality psychology: Meaning, importance and measurement
Authors: Furr R. Michael
Published: July 2009

The target paper was intended to initiate dialogue about challenges to personality psychology's progress as a truly behavioural science, and the commentaries' diverse reactions underscore the fact that these issues do indeed merit serious discussion. This response addresses several broad questions raised in the commentaries—what is behaviour, is behaviour of primary importance yet understudied, and what are the strengths and weaknesses of core types of behavioural data? In addition, it addresses an issue raised in several commentaries, but only briefly mentioned in the target paper—the fact that behaviour can be conceptualized and measured at multiple levels of abstraction. These issues have implications for the nature of personality psychology and for the research conducted by personality psychologists. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Poly(methyl methacrylate)‐modified epoxy/amine system for reactive rotational moulding: crosslinking kinetics and rheological properties
Authors: Mounif Eskandar , Liang Genhai G , Cook Wayne D , Bellenger Veronique , Tcharkhatchi Aabbas
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUND:The rotational moulding of thermosetting resins is hampered by their low viscosity and the abrupt increase in their viscosity as they polymerize. This study investigates the use of poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) as a rheological processing aid in reactive blends of an aromatic diepoxy resin (diglycidyl ether of bisphenol‐A, DGEBA) and an aromatic diamine (diethyltoluenediamine, DETDA) by studying the miscibility, curing, rheology, dynamic properties and morphology of the uncured solutions and of the resulting highly crosslinked polymer blends.

RESULTS:The PMMA was miscible in the uncured resins as expected from consideration of their solubility parameters, and the effect of PMMA concentration on the glass transition temperature, measured via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), was fitted to several models. Addition of PMMA significantly increased the viscosity of the uncured blend which obeyed the log‐additivity rule. The curing behaviour was monitored using DSC, infrared spectroscopy and dynamic rheology and it was found that addition of PMMA caused a small reduction in rate due to a dilution effect. The dynamic and steady shear rheologies were used to determine the gel point and gel relaxation index. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis provided evidence for phase separation of the components into PMMA‐rich domains and an epoxy‐rich matrix and this was confirmed with electron microscopy studies.

CONCLUSION:These results indicate that addition of small amounts of PMMA to DGEBA/DETDA enlarges the processing window with regards to the rotational moulding of thermosets. In addition, the blending of small amounts (ca10 wt%) of PMMA with the DGEBA/DETDA resin appears to cause only a modest sacrifice in thermal resistance. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
The missing parameter in rheology: hidden solid‐like correlations in viscous liquids, polymer melts and glass formers
Authors: Noirez Laurence , Baroni Patrick , Mendil‐Jakani Hakima
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUND: Determination of dynamic relaxation consists of measuring the viscous and the elastic components of a material by generally applying a small (oscillatory) deformation. The shear stress is transmitted to the material via contact with a substrate. Dating at least back to Stokes, the no‐slip boundary condition between the fluid and the substrate is supposed to be fulfilled during this measurement. We show that the viscoelastic parameters of fluids are usually not determined under no‐slip boundary conditions and do not originate from the first linear regime. Viscous and viscoelastic fluids (entangled and unentangled polymers, glass formers) measured under no‐slip conditions exhibit a fundamentally different response with a dominant terminal solid‐like response.

RESULTS: We show that the terminal behaviour of fluids such as liquid polymers or glass formers measured at the sub‐millimetre scale and far above the glass transition is not viscous but solid‐like. Instead of a viscoelastic behaviour scaling as ω and ω2 (ω is the frequency) for the viscous and the elastic moduli, respectively, the dynamic response is simplified; for low gap thickness, both viscous and elastic moduli are invariant with respect to the frequency (with the elastic modulus being larger than the viscous modulus) and enhanced by two to four orders of magnitude compared to the conventional viscoelastic response. Over a critical strain amplitude, the solid‐like response decreases and is progressively replaced by the conventional viscoelastic behaviour. We discuss the implications of this observation and reconsider the assumptions inherent to a rheology measurement.

CONCLUSION: The identification of so far neglected macroscopic elasticity in the fluidic state far above the glass transition temperature in entangled and unentangled polymers and glass formers shows that the liquid state is dominated by long range intermolecular interactions. This information is fundamental to understand and to foresee dynamic behaviour; it sheds further light on nonlinear phenomena such as large time scale relaxations, rheo‐thinning, violation of the no‐slip boundary condition and spectacular shear‐induced instabilities (spurt effect, ‘shark‐skin’ instabilities, gross melt fracture, etc.) that are unpredictable in the frame of the conventional viscoelastic approach. It also implies that the viscoelastic times (reptation, Rouse) in polymers are not the longest relaxation times of these materials. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Predictors of change in unmet supportive care needs in cancer
Authors: McDowell M. E. , Occhipinti S. , Ferguson M. , Dunn J. , Chambers S. K.
Published: July 2009

Objective: Patient Reported Outcome (PRO) assessments can assist health professionals to tailor their health practices to the individual needs of patients and improve patient care over time. The present study assessed prospective predictors of unmet supportive care needs in cancer patients over a six‐month period.

Methods: Participants were recruited from a regional cancer treatment centre in Australia and completed the Supportive Care Needs Survey (SCNS) at recruitment (n=439; 61.4% response rate) and six months follow‐up (n=396). Hierarchical logistic regression was used to identify predictors of change in unmet needs across each supportive care domain. Predictor variables were socio‐demographic, treatment and psychosocial factors including depression, anxiety, social support, and patient satisfaction.

Results: Unmet needs were reported by approximately two‐thirds of patients at baseline and half of patients at six months follow‐up. Having unmet needs at baseline was the strongest predictor of unmet needs at six months. Longer time since diagnosis was a consistent predictor of greater unmet needs, associated with change in physical/daily living, psychological and health system and information unmet needs over time. By contrast, a complex relationship was found in that patient satisfaction, psychosocial and treatment characteristics predicted higher needs in some domains and lower needs in others.

Conclusions: Unmet supportive care needs persist over time and psychological needs may emerge later in the illness continuum. Interventions to meet the needs of longer term cancer survivors are needed and should closely articulate with reported supportive care needs. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Field Emission Enhancement in Ion Implanted Ultra‐nanocrystalline Diamond Films
Authors: Palathinkal Thomas Joseph , Tai Nyan‐Hwa , Lee Chi‐Young , Niu Huan , Cheng Hsiu‐Fung , Pong Way‐Faung , Lin I‐Nan
Published: July 2009

The effects of B and N ion implantation on structural and electron field emission (EFE) properties of ultra‐nanocrystalline diamond (UNCD) films are reported. Low‐dose (1012 ions/cm2) B ion implantation & annealing processes insignificantly changed the EFE properties, high‐dose (1015 ions/cm2) ion implantation & annealing processes resulted in surface graphitization for UNCD films. While the field emission property of UNCD films was greatly improved due to the N ion implantation & annealing processes, they were degraded due to B ion implantations & annealing processes. Such a phenomenon is accounted for by the fact that N ions residing in grain boundaries can convert the UNCD grains into semi‐conducting by charge‐transfer process, whereas B ions react with carbon forming covalent bonds and are not transferring the charges with UNCD grains.
Improvement of the Adhesion of a Galvanic Metallization of Polymers by Surface Functionalization Using Dielectric Barrier Discharges at Atmospheric Pressure
Authors: Borris Jochen , Dohse Antje , Hinze Alena , Thomas Michael , Klages Claus‐Peter , Möbius Andreas , Elbick Danica , Weidlich Ernst‐Rudolf
Published: July 2009

An environmentally friendly plasma amination process for the activation of polymers prior to electroless metallization using dielectric barrier discharges (DBD) at atmospheric pressure was investigated. One focus of the work was on the correlation between plasma parameters and palladium coverage on the polymer on the one hand and the palladium coverage and adhesion of a galvanic copper metallization on the other hand. Using XPS spectroscopy it was found that a DBD treatment of polyimide (PI) films with mixtures of N2 and H2 leads to considerably higher Pd surface concentrations than on untreated reference samples or foils treated in air‐DBD. The Pd coverages achieved result in peel strengths of a copper metallization of up to 1.4 N · mm−1.
The Role of Modulated IR Radiometry Measurements in the Characterization of ZrON Thin Films
Authors: Macedo Francisco , Carvalho Pedro , Cunha Luís , Vaz Filipe , Gibkes Jurgen , Bein Bruno K. , Pelzl Josef
Published: July 2009

This work is devoted to the investigation of relevant thermal transport parameters of multifunctional ZrOxNy thin films, prepared in strict controlled conditions. Composition and structural characterizations revealed the existence of two different types of films, with a structural change from fcc ZrN to Zr3N4‐type. Modulated IR radiometry was used to screen out these internal changes, and also to prove its importance and application viability within complicate systems such as thin films. The thermal diffusion time of the coatings and the ratio of the thermal effusivities coating‐to‐substrate were directly determined. Empirical correlations between processing conditions, the films' composition and structure, and thermal transport properties were found.
A Comparative Study on the Photocatalytic and Gas Sensing Properties of Pure and N‐doped TiO2 thin Films
Authors: Delan Annekatrin , Karuppasamy Alagarsamy , Schultheiß Eberhard
Published: July 2009

A correlation between the photocatalytic efficiency and gas sensitivity has been attempted on pure and N‐doped TiO2 thin films prepared by pulsed DC magnetron sputtering. The physical properties are studied. The gas sensing behavior in pure and nitrogen doped TiO2 thin films could be realized at low temperature. The measurements start at 130 °C. The nitrogen doped TiO2 (3 sccm) has no sensitivity for oxygen. All sensors have sensitivity to hydrogen. If the temperature is increased the sensitivity is increased. All samples show photocatalytic activity. The photocatalytic and gas sensing properties have no significant correlations.
Nanostructured Alloy Layers With Magnetic Properties Obtained by the Impulse Plasma Deposition
Authors: Nowakowska‐Langier Katarzyna , Zdunek Krzysztof
Published: July 2009

The main purpose of our work was to study the growth mechanism during the impulse plasma deposition (IPD) and its influence on the structure and the magnetic properties of the FeTi layers. The deposition processes were conducted by the use of the IPD method in an apparatus equipped with two independent and alternatively working coaxial accelerators of impulse plasma. The properties of the layers allowed to discuss the role of the atom mixing processes for phase structure formation. The comparison between the properties of the FeTi layers and previously studied the FeCu layers were discussed.
Environmental exposures, nitric oxide synthase genes, and exhaled nitric oxide in asthmatic children
Authors: Spanier Adam J. , Kahn Robert S. , Hornung Richard W. , Wang Ning , Sun Guangyun , Lierl Michelle B. , Lanphear Bruce P.
Published: July 2009

Exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), a measure of airway inflammation, is being explored as a tool to guide asthma management in children. Investigators have identified associations of genetic polymorphisms in nitric oxide synthase genes (NOS1 and NOS3) with FeNO levels; however, none have explored whether these polymorphisms modify the relationship of environmental exposures with FeNO. The objective of this project was to evaluate the association of NOS polymorphisms and environmental exposures with FeNO levels among children with asthma. We conducted a 12‐month prospective cohort study of 225 tobacco‐smoke exposed children (6–12 years) with doctor‐diagnosed asthma. We assessed environmental exposures (tobacco, indoor allergens, & airborne particulates), polymorphisms in NOS1 (an intronic AAT tandem repeat) and NOS3 (G894T), and FeNO levels. There was no association of NOS1 or NOS3 polymorphisms with FeNO levels. There were no significant interactions of environmental exposures and the NOS1 polymorphism with FeNO levels. In contrast, there was an interaction of the NOS3 polymorphism and airborne nicotine concentration with FeNO levels (P = 0.01). Among GG genotype individuals, nicotine exposure did not affect FeNO levels; however, among individuals with at least one T allele, higher nicotine exposure was associated with lower FeNO levels (approximately 5 ppb decrease from the lowest to the highest quartile). We conclude that genetic differences may explain some of the conflicting results in studies of the effects of tobacco smoke exposure on FeNO levels and may make FeNO interpretation difficult for a subset of children with asthma. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:812–819. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dynamics of Al/Fe2O3 MIC Combustion from Short Single‐Pulse Photothermal Initiation and Time‐Resolved Spectroscopy
Authors: Stiegman Albert E. , Park Chi‐Dong , Mileham Melissa , van de Burgt Lambertus J. , Kramer Michael P.
Published: July 2009

Time‐resolved spectroscopy was used to study the dynamics of the photothermal ignition of Al/Fe2O3 metastable intermolecular composites after single short‐pulse laser initiation. The dynamics were recorded in several time domains from nanosecond to microsecond to quantify the dynamics from initial laser excitation to combustion. Time‐averaged spectral data were also collected for the overall emission occurring during combustion.
Efficient identification of near‐native conformations in ab initio protein structure prediction using structural profiles
Authors: Wolff Katrin , Vendruscolo Michele , Porto Markus
Published: July 2009

One of the major bottlenecks in many ab initio protein structure prediction methods is currently the selection of a small number of candidate structures for high‐resolution refinement from large sets of low‐resolution decoys. This step often includes a scoring by low‐resolution energy functions and a clustering of conformations by their pairwise root mean square deviations (RMSDs). As an efficient selection is crucial to reduce the overall computational cost of the predictions, any improvement in this direction can increase the overall performance of the predictions and the range of protein structures that can be predicted. We show here that the use of structural profiles, which can be predicted with good accuracy from the amino acid sequences of proteins, provides an efficient means to identify good candidate structures. Proteins 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantitative modeling of peptide binding to TAP using support vector machine
Authors: Diez‐Rivero Carmen M. , Chenlo Bernardo , Zuluaga Pilar , Reche Pedro A.
Published: July 2009

The transport of peptides to the endoplasmic reticulum by the transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) is a necessary step towards determining CD8 T cell epitopes. In this work, we have studied the predictive performance of support vector machine models trained on single residue positions and residue combinations drawn from a large dataset consisting of 613 nonamer peptides of known affinity to TAP. Predictive performance of these TAP affinity models was evaluated under 10‐fold cross‐validation experiments and measured using Pearson's correlation coefficients (Rp). Our results show that every peptide position (P1–P9) contributes to TAP binding (minimumRpof 0.26 ± 0.11 was achieved by a model trained on the P6 residue), although the largest contributions to binding correspond to the C‐terminal end (Rp= 0.68 ± 0.06) and the P1 (Rp= 0.51 ± 0.09) and P2 (0.57 ± 0.08) residues of the peptide. Training the models on additional peptide residues generally improved their predictive performance and a maximum correlation (Rp= 0.89 ± 0.03) was achieved by a model trained on the full‐length sequences or a residue selection consisting of the first 5 N‐ and last 3 C‐terminal residues of the peptides included in the training set. A system for predicting the binding affinity of peptides to TAP using the methods described here is readily available for free public use athttp://imed.med.ucm.es/Tools/tapreg/. Proteins 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Migration trajectories of ‘highly skilled’ middling transnationals: Singaporean transmigrants in London
Authors: Ho Elaine Lynn‐Ee
Published: July 2009

The role played by the state in regulating population movements has been the subject of study in migration scholarship. Immigration regimes manage migration through visa restrictions stipulating the type of work migrants perform and their entitlement to rights. However, studying migration only in terms of visas or occupational categories limit a full understanding of the breadth and changing episodes making up migrant experiences. Based on a case study of ‘highly skilled’ Singaporean transmigrants in London, this paper investigates, first, the way such migrants utilise changing visa strategies to incrementally extend their stay in London. Second, the paper contextualises their migrant subjectivities and identities within the immigration and emigration regimes in which they are embedded. In so doing, the paper argues for a trajectory perspective of migration that recognises the changing strategies as well as practical and emotional challenges experienced by ‘highly skilled’ middling transnationals. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reliability, sufficiency, and the decomposition of proper scores
Authors: Bröcker Jochen
Published: July 2009

Scoring rules are an important tool for evaluating the performance of probabilistic forecasting schemes. A scoring rule is called strictly proper if its expectation is optimal if and only if the forecast probability represents the true distribution of the target. In the binary case, strictly proper scoring rules allow for a decomposition into terms related to the resolution and the reliability of a forecast. This fact is particularly well known for the Brier Score. In this article, this result is extended to forecasts for finite‐valued targets. Both resolution and reliability are shown to have a positive effect on the score. It is demonstrated that resolution and reliability are directly related to forecast attributes that are desirable on grounds independent of the notion of scores. This finding can be considered an epistemological justification of measuring forecast quality by proper scoring rules. A link is provided to the original work of DeGroot and Fienberg, extending their concepts of sufficiency and refinement. The relation to the conjectured sharpness principle of Gneiting,et al.,is elucidated. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
A continuous flow mass spectrometry technique of argon isotope measurement for K/Ar geochronology
Authors: Ignatiev Alexander V. , Velivetskaya Tatiana A. , Budnitskiy Sergey Y.
Published: July 2009

A new method for the measurement of argon isotope composition in a continuous flow of helium for potassium/argon geochronology is described. Extraction of argon from geological samples in multiple‐sample holders was carried out in a chamber by heating with a continuous Nd‐YAG laser. The extracted and pre‐concentrated argon is passed through a chromatographic capillary column in a flow of helium. Argon is separated from possible contaminants in the column and is injected through an open split into the ion source of an isotope ratio mass spectrometer. Measurement of the36Ar,38Ar and40Ar isotopes was carried out in dynamic mode, using a triple‐collector ion detector. These experiments have shown that continuous flow mass spectrometry can be used for the analysis of radiogenic argon in picogram quantities with an accuracy that is satisfactory for the solution of many geochronological problems. The method of argon isotope measurement in a continuous flow of helium is an alternative to the measurement of argon isotopes in the static mode. The sensitivity and accuracy of argon measurement by this method are comparable with those provided by the classical static method. The measurement of argon isotopes in a continuous flow of helium is simpler and more reliable than measurement in the static mode. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of a temperature‐programmable injector coupled to gas chromatography–combustion–isotope ratio mass spectrometry for compound‐specific carbon isotopic analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Mikolajczuk Agnieszka , Geypens Benny , Berglund Michael , Taylor Philip
Published: July 2009

Compound‐specific isotopic analysis (CSIA) can provide information about the origin of analysed compounds; for instance, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in aerosols. This could be a valuable tool in source apportionment of particulate matter (PM) air pollution. Because gas chromatography–combustion–isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC‐C‐IRMS) analysis requires an amount of at least 10 ng of an individual PAH, a high concentration of PAHs in the injected extract is needed. When the concentration is low a large volume injector creates the possibility of introducing a satisfactory amount of individual PAHs. In this study a temperature‐programmable injector was coupled to GC‐C‐IRMS and injection parameters (solvent level, transfer column flow, transfers time) were optimised using six solid aromatic compounds (anthracene, fluoranthene, pyrene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, benzo[a]pyrene) dissolved in n‐pentane and EPA 610 reference mixture. CSIA results for solid PAHs were compared with results obtained for the single components analysed by elemental analysis–isotope ratio mass spectrometry. The injection method was validated for two sample injection volumes, 50 and 100 µL. This method was also compared with commonly used splitless injection. To be included in the study, measurements had to have an uncertainty lower than 0.5‰ for $\delta _{{\rm VPDB}} {}^{13}{\rm C}$ and a minimum peak height of 200 mV. The lower concentration limits at which these criteria were fulfilled for PAHs were 30 mg/L for 1 µL in splitless injection and 0.3 and 0.2 mg/L for 50 and 100 µL, respectively, in large volume injection. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of a controlled dietary change on carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios of human hair
Authors: Huelsemann Frank , Flenker Ulrich , Koehler Karsten , Schaenzer Wilhelm
Published: July 2009

The carbon (13C/12C) and nitrogen (15N/14N) stable isotope ratios of human hair can be used for the interpretation of dietary habits and nutritional status in contemporary or past populations. Although the results of bulk or segmental isotope ratio analysis of human hair have been used for the reconstruction of an individual's diet for years, only limited data of controlled dietary changes on the carbon and nitrogen isotopic composition of human hair are available. Hair of four individuals, two males and two females, who participated in a dietary change experiment for 28 days was segmentally analysed for δ13C and δ15N. The dietary change included a change from C3 to C4 plant enriched diets and a simultaneous replacement of terrestrial animal products by marine products. This resulted in an increase in δ13Cdiet of +8.5 to +9.9‰ and in δ15Ndiet of +1.5 to +2.2‰. All subjects showed significant increases in δ13Chair and δ15Nhair during the dietary change period, although no subject reached a new steady state for either carbon or nitrogen. The change in δ15Nhair was faster than the change in δ13Chair for all individuals. The magnitude of change of the isotopic composition during the dietary change period could be attributed to the degree of physical activity of the individuals, with a higher physical activity resulting in a faster change. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Blood volume and red cell mass in children with moderate and severe malaria measured by chromium‐53 dilution and gas chromatography/mass spectrometric analysis
Authors: Macallan Derek C. , Abaye Daniel A. , Dottin Simone , Onanga Myriam , Kombila Maryvonne , Dzeing‐Ella Arnaud , Kremsner Peter G. , Krishna Sanjeev , Planche Timothy
Published: July 2009

Understanding blood volume changes in children with malaria is important for managing fluid status. Traditionally, blood/red cell volume measurements have used radioactive chromium isotopes. We applied an alternative approach, using non‐radioactive chromium‐53 labelling and mass spectrometry to investigate red cell volume (RCV) in Gabonese children with malaria. Nineteen children with malaria participated (10 severe, 9 moderately severe; ages 15 months to 7 years). Blood labelled with 53Cr‐chromate ex vivo was re‐injected, then sampled 30 min later. Pre‐ and post‐injection 53Cr content were measured by gas chromatography/electron ionisation mass spectrometry of the chromium‐trifluoroacetylacetone (TFA) chelate, calibrated against 50Cr standards. Blood and red cell volumes were calculated from isotopic dilution in 15 of 19 children (in four, insufficient signal mitigated analysis). In this small pilot study, there were no significant differences between moderate and severe cases. Including all subjects, the mean RCV was reduced compared with predicted values (184 vs. 269 mL; p = 0.016) but blood volume, 71 ± 33 mL/kg (normalised for weight), was close to predicted, ∼77 mL/kg, commensurate with reduced haematocrit. Blood lactate concentration correlated negatively with RCV/weight (r = −0.56, p = 0.028), consistent with anaemia. In one case, sequential samples over 42 days gave an estimated rate of 53Cr disappearance of 1.4%/day (equivalent half‐life: 70 days). 53Cr‐labelling of red cells may be used to estimate blood and red cell volumes and can be used as an investigative tool in situations such as childhood diseases and resource‐constrained settings. Although the red cell mass is depleted in malaria, the blood volume appears relatively well preserved. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation of starch and soluble sugars of plant material for the analysis of carbon isotope composition: a comparison of methods
Authors: Richter Andreas , Wanek Wolfgang , Werner Roland A. , Ghashghaie Jaleh , Jäggi Maya , Gessler Arthur , Brugnoli Enrico , Hettmann Elena , Göttlicher Sabine G. , Salmon Yann , Bathellier Camille , Kodama Naomi , Nogués Salvador , Søe Astrid , Volders Fillip , Sörgel Karin , Blöchl Andreas , Siegwolf Rolf T. W. , Buchmann Nina , Gleixner Gerd
Published: July 2009

Starch and soluble sugars are the major photosynthetic products, and their carbon isotope signatures reflect external versus internal limitations of CO2 fixation. There has been recent renewed interest in the isotope composition of carbohydrates, mainly for use in CO2 flux partitioning studies at the ecosystem level. The major obstacle to the use of carbohydrates in such studies has been the lack of an acknowledged method to isolate starch and soluble sugars for isotopic measurements. We here report on the comparison and evaluation of existing methods (acid and enzymatic hydrolysis for starch; ion‐exchange purification and compound‐specific analysis for sugars). The selectivity and reproducibility of the methods were tested using three approaches: (i) an artificial leaf composed of a mixture of isotopically defined compounds, (ii) a C4 leaf spiked with C3 starch, and (iii) two natural plant samples (root, leaf). Starch preparation methods based on enzymatic or acid hydrolysis did not yield similar results and exhibited contaminations by non‐starch compounds. The specificity of the acidic hydrolysis method was especially low, and we therefore suggest terming these preparations as HCl‐hydrolysable carbon, rather than starch. Despite being more specific, enzyme‐based methods to isolate starch also need to be further optimized to increase specificity. The analysis of sugars by ion‐exchange methods (bulk preparations) was fast but produced more variable isotope compositions than compound‐specific methods. Compound‐specific approaches did not in all cases correctly reproduce the target values, mainly due to unsatisfactory separation of sugars and background contamination. Our study demonstrates that, despite their wide application, methods for the preparation of starch and soluble sugars for the analysis of carbon isotope composition are not (yet) reliable enough to be routinely applied and further research is urgently needed to resolve the identified problems. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Carbon stable isotope ratio of phloem sugars in mature pine trees throughout the growing season: comparison of two extraction methods
Authors: Devaux Marion , Ghashghaie Jaleh , Bert Didier , Lambrot Catherine , Gessler Arthur , Bathellier Camille , Ogee Jérôme , Loustau Denis
Published: July 2009

The study presents a comparison of two phloem sugar extraction methods. The amount of phloem sugar extracted and the carbon isotope composition (δ13C) of the total extracts and of the main phloem compounds separated by high‐performance liquid chromatography (sucrose, glucose, fructose and pinitol) are compared. These two phloem sap extraction methods are exudation in distilled water and a new method using centrifugation, which avoids the addition of any solvent. We applied both extraction methods on phloem discs sampled from 38‐year‐old Pinus pinaster trees in south‐western France throughout the period from June 2007 to December 2008 on different time‐scales: hourly, daily and monthly. We found that the centrifugation method systematically extracted ca. 50% less compounds from the phloem discs than the exudation method. In addition, the two extraction methods provided similar δ13C values of the total extracts, but the values obtained by the exudation method were 0.6‰ more negative than those calculated from the mass balance using the individual constituents. Over the growing season, both extraction methods exhibited lower total sugar content and more 13C‐enriched phloem sap in summer compared with winter values. These findings suggest that both extraction methods can be applied to study the carbon isotope composition of phloem sap, and the centrifugation method has the advantage that no solvent has to be added. The exudation method, however, is more appropriate for the quantification of the amounts of phloem sugars. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study of isotopic variations in black powder: reflections on the use of stable isotopes in forensic science for source inference
Authors: Gentile Natacha , Siegwolf Rolf T. W. , Delémont Olivier
Published: July 2009

Isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) has recently made its appearance in the forensic community. This high‐precision technology has already been applied to a broad range of forensic fields such as illicit drugs, explosives and flammable liquids, where current, routinely used techniques have limited powers of discrimination. The conclusions drawn from the majority of these IRMS studies appear to be very promising. Used in a comparative process, as in food or drug authentication, the measurement of stable isotope ratios is a new and remarkable analytical tool for the discrimination or the identification of a substance with a definite source or origin. However, the research consists mostly of preliminary studies. The significance of this ‘new’ piece of information needs to be evaluated in light of a forensic framework to assess the actual potential and validity of IRMS, considering the characteristics of each field. Through the isotopic study of black powder, this paper aims at illustrating the potential of the method and the limitations of current knowledge in stable isotopes when facing forensic problems. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Redefining success: designing systemic sustainable strategies
Authors: Laszlo Alexander , Laszlo Kathia Castro , Dunsky Halim
Published: July 2009

In an increasingly complex and interconnected global society, the need to redefine ‘success’ has become an imperative for the survival, sustainability and continued evolution of social systems and their interdependent environments. A wide range of contemporary human institutions—from corporations to governments, schools and universities—narrowly focus their structures, functions, and processes (and the strategies that create them) on the attainment of individualistic, and often myopic, conceptions of success. More often than not, success is defined in egocentric and competitive win‐lose terms and is primarily measured according to standards of monetary accumulation. Such a definition is at the heart of the currently unsustainable path of human social evolution at the dawn of the 21st century, and its inadequacy represents a serious challenge for contemporary conceptions of capitalism. This paper explores and presents a more comprehensive definition of success: one that embraces financial, social and environmental sustainability as the cornerstones of a holistic approach to value creation and gives rise to conditions for life‐affirming dynamics of value exchange to unfold in perpetuity. It is suggested, that this would both re‐humanize and re‐vitalize capitalism with a much needed (though not unprecedented) claim to an evolutionary and life‐sustaining ethic. Evolutionary systems design (ESD) is described as an approach to the creation of systemic sustainable strategies. ESD is best understood as a heuristic approach that supports and guides the participatory co‐creation of sustainable and evolutionary futures. It is grounded in idealized systems design and evolutionary systems theory and embraces theoretical and methodological complementarism from a critical systems perspective. As such, it represents a future‐creating form of participatory inquiry that provides a mean by which organizations and communities may achieve success—not in a narrow self‐serving sense, but in one that is systemic and evolutionary. Through presentation of ways in which to engage in strategic design conversations, this paper illustrates the potential of ESD as a praxis by which to foster the evolutionary corporation and, in so doing, to guide the evolutionary transformation of business. It is intended as part of the active research of the authors and should be understood as an expression of an ongoing exposition on ESD, treating the issue of strategic design here and leaving that of strategic planning for subsequent presentation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of Obesity Surgery on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Asian Patients
Authors: Lee Wei‐Jei , Chong Keong , Lee Yi‐Chih , Ser Kong‐Han , Chen Shu‐Chun , Chen Jung‐Chien , Peng Wei‐Pang , Chen Chih‐Ming
Published: July 2009

Background

Obesity is a major risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Surgery is the most effective treatment for morbid obesity, and it has been shown to lead to dramatic improvement in type T2DM. However, data concerning obese Asian patients have not been reported, and the mechanism of improving T2DM after bariatric surgery in this population remains speculative.

Methods

From April 1997 to March 2006, 1,375 patients undergoing obesity surgery were recruited for our study of the effects of weight loss surgery on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Laparoscopic vertical banded gastric partition (LVBG) was performed in 552 patients (40.1%), laparoscopic gastric bypass in 660 patients (48.0%), and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) in 140 patients (10.2%). Another 23 patients (1.7%) received open or revision surgery. We evaluated the clinical data and effect of obesity surgery on T2DM, impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and compared the changes with those with normal fasting glucose.

Results

Among all the patients, 166 (12.1%) had impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and 247 (18.0%) had T2DM. Patients with IFG or DM were significantly older, more central obese, and they had higher insulin resistance and a higher HbA1C level than those with normal fasting glucose. The mean total weight loss for the population was 28.6%, 29.1%, 28.5%, 23.8%, and 24.4% (at 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 years after surgery). There was no increase of surgical risk in T2DM or IFG patients. One year after operation, fasting plasma glucose returned to normal in 78.5% of T2DM patients and 94.7% of IFG patients. The HbA1C level returned to under 7.0 in 81.5% of T2DM and in 100% of IFG patients. Laparoscopic gastric bypass patients had a greater weight loss and a higher rate of glucose normalization (93.1%) than the LVBG patients (85.3%) and LAGB patients (73.9%), but no difference in HbA1C normalization.

Conclusions

Obesity surgery resulted in significant and sustained weight loss with a cure rate of T2DM up to 80% in morbidly obese Asian patients. Gastric bypass surgery had a better result in T2DM cure rate than LVBG and LAGB because of better weight reduction.
Early Outcome Following Hepatic Resection in Patients Older Than 80 Years of Age
Authors: Shirabe Ken , Kajiyama Kiyoshi , Harimoto Norifumi , Gion Tomonobu , Tsujita Eiji , Abe Tomoyuki , Wakiyama Shigeki , Nagaie Takashi , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: July 2009

Background

We aimed to study the early outcome of patients 80 years of age and older undergoing liver resection and to compare the results with the outcomes of patients younger than 80 years of age.

Methods

All 350 consecutive patients undergoing hepatic resections from 2004 April to 2008 October were included. Patients were divided into two groups: 80 years of age and older (group I; n = 43) and less than 80 years of age (group II; n = 307). Preoperative clinicopathological features, intraoperative factors, in‐hospital mortality, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, operative mortality, morbidity, and prognosis after discharge were analyzed and compared between groups I and II.

Results

There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the indication for hepatic resection. Hepatitis viral status was significantly different between groups: patients without hepatitis B or C viral infection were more common in group I than in group II. Regarding preoperative liver function, serum levels of albumin were significantly lower in group I than in group II. Although the operative time was significantly shorter in group I than in group II, no difference was found between groups regarding such operative factors as type of hepatectomy, blood loss, and rate of blood transfusion. After elimination of 16 patients with extrahepatic bile duct resection and reconstruction, no difference existed between the two groups in operative time. There was no postoperative mortality nor in‐hospital mortality in group I; in group II one postoperative death (0.3%) and two in‐hospital deaths (0.6%) were recorded. There was no difference between groups in the incidence of morbidity and early prognosis after discharge.

Conclusions

The results indicate that hepatic resection for elderly patients over 80 can be safely performed given careful patient selection.
Do We Follow Evidence‐Based Medicine Recommendations During Inguinal Hernia Surgery? Results of a Survey Covering 2441 Hernia Repairs in 2007
Authors: Bernhardt Gerwin A. , Kornprat Peter , Cerwenka Herwig , El‐Shabrawi Azab , Mischinger Hans‐Jörg
Published: July 2009

Background

We conducted a survey to determine whether hernia surgeons follow evidence‐based medicine (EBM) criteria in their daily routine.

Methods

All chiefs of general surgery in Styria (Austria) received a short, simple, two‐page, 10‐item questionnaire.

Results

We analyzed completed surveys from 15 departments reporting 2441 hernia repairs with a mean patient age of 57.5 ± 11.6 years. Although five techniques accounted for 96.6% of procedures, the frequency of use of each technique varied considerably among the hospitals. There were high numbers of laparoscopic (36.8%) and sutured (19.9%) repairs.

Conclusions

Because of the great variance among the evaluated hospitals as to surgical methods and indications, this survey showed that inguinal hernia surgery does not currently comply with EBM.
Vascular and Biliary Anatomy of the Right Hilar Window: Its Impact on Recipient Morbidity and Mortality for Right Graft Live Donor Liver Transplantation
Authors: Radtke Arnold , Sgourakis George , Sotiropoulos Georgios C. , Molmenti Ernesto P. , Nadalin Silvio , Schroeder Tobias , Saner Fuat , Schenk Andrea , Cincinnati Vito R. , Broelsch Cristoph E. , Lang Hauke , Malagó Massimo
Published: July 2009

Background

Intrahepatic anatomic variations have been associated with both morbidity and mortality associated with live donor liver transplantation. The aim of our study was to evaluate central hilar and peripheral segmental vascular/biliary anatomy in right graft living donor liver transplantation.

Methods

From January 2003 to August 2007, three‐dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) reconstructions and virtual 3D hepatectomies were performed in 71 consecutive right graft live liver donors. A combined two‐level classification system addressing the four possible combinations of normal (N) and abnormal (A) central hilar and peripheral features based on both the existing classification and our own classification for portal (portal vein, PV), arterial (hepatic artery, HA) and biliary (bile duct, BD) systems was defined as follows: type I, N/N; type II, N/A; type III, A/N; and type IV, A/A.

Results

A simultaneous normal central hilar and peripheral segmental (N/N) anatomy for each system (PV, HA, BD) was found in <50% of grafts. The highest incidence of complex vascular and biliary reconstructions was observed with grafts having abnormal central (type III) or combined abnormal central/peripheral (type IV) anatomy. Central hilar arterial and biliary anomalies were predictors of morbidity by both univariable and multivariable analyses.

Conclusions

Our two‐level classification and 3D imaging techniques allowed a cautious surgical approach in high‐risk cases. Central hilar anatomic variants of the arterial and biliary systems were associated with increased morbidity. Further randomized trials will help determine the precise extent of our observations.
Pedicled Thoracoabdominal Flap Coverage about the Elbow in Traumatic War Injuries
Authors: Farber Gerald L. , Taylor Kenneth F. , Smith Allan C.
Published: July 2009

Current military conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan have produced a significant number of complex injury patterns. Multiple extremity trauma and wide zones of injury mandate a flexible approach to these problems. We report our experience with periarticular elbow injuries with large soft tissue defects. Acute vascular reconstruction and multiple wound debridements throughout the evacuation chain set the stage for successful rigid fixation. The judicious use of pedicled thoracoabdominal flaps remains a viable solution when microvascular techniques are less appropriate.