bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Migration theories and behavioural models
Authors: Courgeau Daniel
Published: January 2011

This review presents a probabilistic formulation of the decision making process, leading to a rigorous treatment of migration behaviour for projection purposes. These models are developed here at two different levels of aggregation. Aggregate‐level models may be applied to migration flows for which the objectively measured characteristics of areas of department and destination act as subjectively measured characteristics and stimuli. They generate quite different population projections than the usual Markov model: sustained cycles may appear or chaotic behaviour may even occur. Individual‐level models use event history methods of analysis to introduce a great variety of characteristics of the subject on the decision to move. They lead to projections using microsimulation models. A further step is taken in integrating macro‐ and microbehavioural models. The use of aggregate and individual characteristics simultaneously leads to more efficient and sophisticated projection models: the factors affecting behaviour at the micro‐level cannot be inferred from aggregate studies and conversely.
Thinking of England and taking care: Family building strategies and infant mortality in England and Wales, 1891–1911
Authors: Garrett Eilidh , Reid Alice
Published: January 2011

Debates concerning the origins and development of the late nineteenth‐ to early twentieth‐century declines in marital fertility and infant mortality in England and Wales have been centred largely on the material provided by answers to the ‘special’ questions in the 1911 Census. In their published form these figures have restricted researchers to an examination of large scale geographic and social class differences in the levels and rates of decline of the two phenomena. This paper outlines research conducted on a sample of individual census returns from the 1911 census. From this data it becomes clear that for Victorian and Edwardian England ‘where one lived’ was rather more important than ‘who one was’ in determining both family building strategies and the survival of those children born.
(Re)theorising population geography
Authors: White Paul , Jackson Peter
Published: January 2011

Population geography has become separated from other branches of human geography by not engaging strongly with recent debates in social theory. The reasons for this partly lie in the wealth of data that population geographers have available to them concerning their major interest – demographic events. However, researchers have been relatively uncritical of the ways in which such data come in ready‐categorised forms, and have not sufficiently examined alternative (non‐essentialist) ways of thinking about social categories and labels. A case is made here for population geographers to consider in particular three areas of social theoretic debate – social construction theories, realist ideas on extensive and intensive research, and the politics of position. Suggestions are made as to what a (re)theorised population geography might look like. It is argued that population geographers need not necessarily give up their aggregative and applied approaches, but with a recognition of the power of arguments from social theory, the sub‐discipline could be reconnected to human geography as a whole, strengthening its ability to research major contemporary issues.
Public housing as a barrier to long‐distance migration
Authors: Boyle Paul
Published: January 2011

A substantial literature has developed that has considered the relationship between migration and tenure in Britain. It has been argued that while those moving into council housing are more likely to move over short distances than those moving into owner occupied housing, administrative controls restrict population mobility into council housing over long distances. Others have criticised this assumption, maintaining that those resident in council housing are typically individuals who are less likely to migrate over long distances, regardless of the administrative restrictions imposed upon them. Accordingly, it is important to control for individual characteristics before the effects of tenure on mobility may be determined. In this study, data have been extracted from the 1991 Sample of Anonymised Records to assess the impacts of tenure on long‐distance migration compared with short‐distance migration. Logit models are used to control for the effects of a wide range of socio‐economic variables, allowing the independent impact of tenure to be identified. It is shown that long‐distance migrants are less likely to move into council housing than other tenures, but it is argued that this does not support the assumption that the sale of council housing will necessarily increase labour mobility.
Urinary biomarkers in hexachloro‐1:3‐butadiene‐induced acute kidney injury in the female Hanover Wistar rat; correlation of α‐glutathione S‐transferase, albumin and kidney injury molecule‐1 with histopathology and gene expression
Authors: Swain Aubrey , Turton John , Scudamore Cheryl L. , Pereira Ines , Viswanathan Neeti , Smyth Rosemary , Munday Michael , McClure Fiona , Gandhi Mitul , Sondh Surjit , York Malcolm
Published: January 2011

Hexachloro‐1:3‐butadiene (HCBD) causes kidney injury specific to the pars recta of the proximal tubule. In the present studies, injury to the nephron was characterized at 24 h following a single dose of HCBD, using a range of quantitative urinary measurements, renal histopathology and gene expression. Multiplexed renal biomarker measurements were performed using both the Meso Scale Discovery (MSD) and Rules Based Medicine platforms. In a second study, rats were treated with a single nephrotoxic dose of HCBD and the time course release of a range of traditional and newer urinary biomarkers was followed over a 25 day period. Urinary albumin (a marker of both proximal tubular function and glomerular integrity) and α‐glutathione S‐transferase (α‐GST, a proximal tubular cell marker of cytoplasmic leakage) showed the largest fold change at 24 h (day 1) after dosing. Most other markers measured on either the MSD or RBM platforms peaked on day 1 or 2 post‐dosing, whereas levels of kidney injury molecule‐1 (KIM‐1), a marker of tubular regeneration, peaked on day 3/4. Therefore, in rat proximal tubular nephrotoxicity, the measurement of urinary albumin, α‐GST and KIM‐1 is recommended as they potentially provide useful information about the function, degree of damage and repair of the proximal tubule. Gene expression data provided useful confirmatory information regarding exposure of the kidney and liver to HCBD, and the response of these tissues to HCBD in terms of metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammation, and regeneration and repair. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unique expression pattern of the three insulin receptor family members in the rat mammary gland: dominance of IGF‐1R and IRR over the IR, and cyclical IGF‐1R expression
Authors: Hvid Henning , Klopfleisch Robert , Vienberg Sara , Hansen Bo F. , Thorup Inger , Jensen Henrik E. , Oleksiewicz Martin B.
Published: January 2011

Supra‐pharmacological doses of the insulin analog X10 (AspB10) increased the incidence of mammary tumors in female Sprague–Dawley rats in chronic toxicity studies, most likely via receptor‐mediated mechanisms. However, little is known about the expression of the insulin receptor family in the rat mammary gland. Using laser micro‐dissection, quantitative RT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry, we examined the expression of IR (insulin receptor), IGF‐1R (IGF‐1 receptor), IRR (insulin receptor‐related receptor), ERα (estrogen receptor alpha), ERβ (estrogen receptor beta) and PR (progesteron receptor) in young, virgin, female Sprague–Dawley rats and compared to expression in reference organs. The mammary gland displayed the highest expression of IRR and IGF‐1R. In contrast, low expression of IR transcripts was observed in the mammary gland tissue with expression of the IR‐A isoform being 5‐fold higher than the expression of the IR‐B. By immunohistochemistry, expression of IR and IGF‐1R was detected in all mammary gland epithelial cells. Expression of ERα and PR was comparable between mammary gland and ovary, whereas expression of ERβ was lower in mammary gland than in the ovary. Finally, expression of IGF‐1R and PR in the mammary gland varied during the estrous cycle. These findings are important for the understanding of carcinogenic effects of insulin analogs in the rat mammary gland, and relevant for development of refined short‐term models for preclinical safety assessment of insulin analogs. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diphenyl diselenide potentiates nephrotoxicity induced by mercuric chloride in mice
Authors: Brandão Ricardo , Moresco Rafael N. , Bellé Luziane P. , Leite Marlon R. , de Freitas Mayara L. , Bianchini Adalto , Nogueira Cristina W.
Published: January 2011

Following our long‐standing interest in the mechanisms involved in selenium toxicity, the aim of this work was to extend our previous studies to gain a better understanding of mercuric chloride (HgCl2) + diphenyl diselenide (PhSe)2 toxicity. Mice received one daily dose of HgCl2 (4.6 mg kg−1, subcutaneously) for three consecutive days. Thirty minutes after the last injection of HgCl2, mice received a single dose of (PhSe)2 (31.2 mg kg−1, subcutaneously). Five hours after (PhSe)2 administration, mice were euthanized and δ‐aminolevulinate dehydratase, catalase (CAT), glutathione S‐transferase (GST) and Na+, K+‐ATPase activities as well as thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS), ascorbic acid and mercury levels were determined in kidney and liver. Parameters in plasma (urea, creatinine, protein and erythropoietin), whole blood (hematocrit and hemoglobin) and urine (protein) were also investigated. HgCl2 + (PhSe)2 exposure caused a decrease in renal GST and Na+, K+‐ATPase activities and an increase in renal ascorbic acid and TBARS concentrations when compared with the HgCl2 group. (PhSe)2 potentiated the increase in plasma urea caused by HgCl2. HgCl2 + (PhSe)2 exposure caused a reduction in plasma protein levels and an increase in hemoglobin and hematocrit contents when compared with the HgCl2 group. There was a significant reduction in hepatic CAT activity and an increase in TBARS levels in mice exposed to HgCl2 + (PhSe)2 when compared with the HgCl2 group. The results demonstrated that (PhSe)2 did not modify mercury levels in mice. In conclusion, (PhSe)2 potentiated damage caused by HgCl2 affecting mainly the renal tissue. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrospinning and biocompatibility evaluation of biodegradable polyurethanes based on L‐lysine diisocyanate and L‐lysine chain extender
Authors: Han Jian , Cao Run‐Wu , Chen Bing , Ye Lin , Zhang Ai‐Ying , Zhang Jian , Feng Zeng‐Guo
Published: January 2011

A series of biodegradable polyurethanes (PUs) were synthesized using poly(ε‐caprolactone) diol (PCL) to react with L‐lysine ethyl ester diisocyanate (LDI) chain extend with L‐lysine ethyl ester (LEE) in solution of DMF. The structure was characterized by gel permeation chromatography, 1H‐NMR, Fourier transform infrared, and DSC analyses. Mechanical property testing showed that their tensile strength rose with increasing the hard segment content with a maximum tensile strength of 34.43 ± 1.73 MPa. The average mass loss for the hydrolytic degradation was only about 13 % in 56 days while this value for the enzymatic degradation was around 95 % in 30 days. The morphological and biomechanical characters of the tubular scaffolds electrospun from the as‐prepared PUs were also examined. As the solution concentration was varied from 10 to 18% (w/v), the fiber diameter was progressively increased, and the scaffold tensile strength was enhanced from 2.82 ± 0.16 MPa to 7.07 ± 0.44 MPa, the suture retention strength from 2.48 ± 0.33 to 8.38 ± 0.35 N, and the burst pressure strength from 72 ± 2 to 172 ± 2 kPa, all higher than those of native blood vessels. At the same time, the L‐929 mouse fibroblasts (L‐929) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells were used in cytotoxicity and cell‐adhesion evaluations toward the electrospun scaffolds. The level of toxicity is less than level 1, and cells were found to attach well to and remain viable on the scaffolds. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 2011.
Morphological variation in the ear region of pleistocene elephantimorpha (Mammalia, Proboscidea) from central Texas
Authors: Ekdale Eric G.
Published: January 2011

A large sample of isolated elephantimorph petrosal bones was recovered from Pleistocene deposits in Friesenhahn Cave, Bexar County, Texas. Morphology of the middle and inner ear of the elephantimorphs is described and variation within the sample is identified. Observed variations occur in the stapedial ratio, morphology of the aquaeductus Fallopii, and connection of the crista interfenestralis to the tympanohyal on the posterior portion of the petrosal to form a foramen for passage of the stapedius muscle. The morphology of the aquaeductus Fallopii supports an ontogenetic explanation for some variation, and a sequence of ossification surrounding the aquaeductus Fallopii, from the anterior end of the canal to the posterior, is hypothesized. The stapedial ratio varies to a high degree across the sample, and such variation should be considered when the ratio is used in phylogenetic analyses. Within the inner ear, the absence of the secondary lamina suggests evolution of low‐frequency hearing in extinct proboscideans, which is known for extant elephants. The morphology of the petrosals from Friesenhahn Cave is compared to published descriptions of the ear regions of other extinct proboscideans, and the distribution and evolution of morphologic characters are discussed. J. Morphol., 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
LacZ transgene expression in the subcutaneous Dunn/LM8 osteosarcoma mouse model allows for the identification of micrometastasis
Authors: Arlt Matthias J.E. , Banke Ingo J. , Walters Denise K. , Puskas Gabor J. , Steinmann Patrick , Muff Roman , Born Walter , Fuchs Bruno
Published: January 2011

More effective treatment of patients with metastasizing osteosarcoma (OS) with a mean 5‐year survival rate of <20% requires more detailed knowledge on the complex mechanisms of metastasis for the design of new drugs, which selectively target metastasizing cells. Moreover, novel diagnostic imaging technology for early detection of metastases is needed. Mouse models, which reproduce human metastasizing OS and allow visualization of single metastatic cells are instrumental for preclinical testing of new pharmaceuticals and diagnostic instruments. Here, the low metastatic Dunn cell line and its highly metastatic LM8 subline, both equipped with a constitutively expressed lacZ gene, were used to improve the well‐established OS models in syngeneic C3H mice to achieve ex vivo visualization of single metastatic cells in affected organs by X‐gal staining. These models, combined with a technique for in situ high quality lung tissue‐maintaining perfusion revealed, as a novel finding, single metastasizing Dunn cells in lung and liver. Importantly, constitutive lacZ gene expression did not affect in vitro and in vivo tumorigenic and metastatic properties of Dunn and LM8 cells. Thus, these improved Dunn and LM8 OS mouse models will in the future serve as a benchmark for the development of new metastasis‐targeting drugs and metastasis‐imaging technology. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:938–946
Diagnosis and treatment of hepatic angiomyolipoma
Authors: Ding Guang‐Hui , Liu Yang , Wu Meng‐chao , Yang Guang‐shun , Yang Jia‐mei , Cong Wen‐ming
Published: January 2011

Background and Objective

Hepatic angiomyolipoma is more frequently encountered in clinical practice, its diagnosis is difficult, its treatment remains controversial. We review a single‐center experience in the treatment of hepatic angiomyolipoma.

Method

The clinical data of 79 patients with hepatic angiomyolipoma treated at the authors' institute between January 1992 and December 2006 were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

During a period of 15 years, a total of 79 patients with hepatic angiomyolipoma underwent liver resection at our hospital. There are 58 women and 21 men. The tumor size varied from 1 to 25 cm in diameter (6.1 ± 4.08). Fifty‐four patients (68%) were asymptomatic. Accurate preoperative diagnosis was made in 41 patients (52%). Tumors less than 6 cm in size were more frequently misdiagnosed. Spontaneous rupture occurred in one patient. One patient had tumor recurrence 6 years after the surgery, and died of the disease 1 year later. Symptom relief was achieved in 92% of the symptomatic patients. Median survival was 90 months (90.12 ± 30.84).

Conclusions

Hepatic angiomyolipoma poses a diagnostic challenge clinically and radiologically. Surgical resection is a safe and effective treatment option. It is important to realize the potential of malignant transformation and risk of rupture as life‐threatening complications. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011;103:807–812. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Re‐evaluating the impact of tumor size on survival following pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: de Jong Mechteld C. , Li Fuyu , Cameron John L. , Wolfgang Christopher L. , Edil Barish H. , Herman Joseph M. , Choti Michael A. , Eckhauser Frederick , Hirose Kenzo , Schulick Richard D. , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: January 2011

Background and Objectives

Following resection of pancreatic adenocarcinoma, tumor size has been considered a key prognostic feature; however, this remains controversial. We sought to examine the association of size with outcomes following resection of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Methods

Between 1970 and 2010, 1,697 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma at the Johns Hopkins Hospital underwent curative intent pancreaticoduodenectomy. Prognostic factors were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

Of 1,697 patients, tumor size was ≤2 cm in 418 (24.6%) patients, 2–5 cm in 1,070 (63.1%) patients, and ≥5 cm in 209 (12.3%) patients. On univariate analyses, 5‐year survival was inversely proportional to tumor size (≤2 cm: 28.8% vs. 2–5 cm: 19.4% vs. ≥5 cm: 14.2%; P < 0.001). Size correlated with the risk of other adverse factors, with larger tumors being more likely to be associated with nodal disease and poor differentiation (both P < 0.05). On multivariate analysis, the 2 cm cut‐off was not associated with survival, while nodal disease (HR = 1.59; P = 0.006) and poor differentiation (HR = 1.59; P = 0.04) remained predictive of outcome, regardless of size.

Conclusion

The cut‐off value of 2 cm is not independently associated with outcome, however, tumor size was strongly associated with the risk of other adverse prognostic factors. The effect of size on prognosis was largely attributable to these other biologic factors rather than tumor size itself. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011;103:656–662. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analyses of polychlorinated biphenyls in waters and wastewaters using vortex‐assisted liquid–liquid microextraction and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Ozcan Senar
Published: January 2011

A method was developed for viable and rapid determination of seven polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in water samples with vortex‐assisted liquid–liquid microextraction (VALLME) using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). At first, the most suitable extraction solvent and extraction solvent volume were determined. Later, the parameters affecting the extraction efficiency such as vortex extraction time, rotational speed of the vortex, and ionic strength of the sample were optimized by using a 23 factorial experimental design. The optimized extraction conditions for 5 mL water sample were as follows: extractant solvent 200 μL of chloroform; vortex extraction time of 2 min at 3000 rpm; centrifugation 5 min at 4000 rpm, and no ionic strength. Under the optimum condition, limits of detection (LOD) ranged from 0.36 to 0.73 ng/L. Mean recoveries of PCBs from fortified water samples are 96% for three different fortification levels and RSDs of the recoveries are below 5%. The developed procedure was successfully applied to the determination of PCBs in real water and wastewater samples such as tap, well, surface, bottled waters, and municipal, treated municipal, and industrial wastewaters. The performance of the proposed method was compared with traditional liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) of real water samples and the results show that efficiency of proposed method is comparable to the LLE. However, the proposed method offers several advantages, i.e. reducing sample requirement for measurement of target compounds, less solvent consumption, and reducing the costs associated with solvent purchase and waste disposal. It is also viable, rapid, and easy to use for the analyses of PCBs in water samples by using GC‐MS.
Preparative separation of chromones in plant extract of Saposhnikovia divaricata by high‐performance counter‐current chromatography
Authors: Gui Yuge , Tsao Rong , Li Li , Liu Chun M. , Wang Jing , Zong Xiaofei
Published: January 2011

Four chromones, prim‐O‐glucosylcimifugin, 4′‐O‐β‐D‐glucosyl‐5‐O‐methylvisamminol, cimifugin and sec‐O‐glucosylhamaudol, were isolated and purified from Saposhnikovia divaricata for the first time by high‐performance counter‐current chromatography (HPCCC) using a system consisting of ethyl acetate/n‐butanol/ethanol/water (1:1:0.1:2, v/v/v/v). The separation parameters were first performed on the analytical HPCCC and the optimized conditions were then scaled up to preparative HPCCC. A total of 72.1 mg of prim‐O‐glucosylcimifugin, 27 mg of 4′‐O‐β‐D‐glucosyl‐5‐O‐methylvisamminol, 14.1 mg of cimifugin and 1.1 mg of sec‐O‐glucosylhamaudol were purified from 960 mg of the n‐butanol extract of S. divaricata, each at over 90% purity as determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The structures of four compounds were identified by their retention time, the liquid chromatography‐electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry (LC‐ESI‐MS) in the positive ion mode, and confirmed by NMR. The characteristic LC‐ESI‐MS fragmentation patterns of the four compounds were discussed, and found to be a very specific and useful tool for the structural identification of chromones from S. divaricata.
Milli‐free flow electrophoresis: I. Fast prototyping of mFFE devices
Authors: Agostino Fletcher J. , Evenhuis Christopher J. , Krylov Sergey N.
Published: January 2011

We coin a term of milli‐free flow electrophoresis (mFFE) to describe mid‐scale FFE with flow rates intermediate to macro‐FFE and micro‐FFE (μFFE). Introduced decades ago, mFFE did not find practical applications. We revive mFFE, as we view it as a viable purification complement to continuous synthesis in capillary reactors with product flow rates of ∼5 to 2000 μL/min, too small for macro‐FFE but too large for μFFE. The development of the tandem of continuous synthesis/purification will require the production and evaluation of a large number of prototypes of mFFE devices. As the first step, we developed a fast (<24 h) and economical (∼$10) method for prototyping mFFE devices using a robotic milling machine. mFFE prototypes are constructed from two machined matching poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) substrates, which are bonded in 10 min using dichloromethane to provide a strong and irreversible seal. Using the developed prototyping technology, we designed and evaluated 25 prototypes of mFFE devices. By optimizing the feed rates and rotational speeds of the drills, the depth of the electrode channels, the dimensions of the entrance and exit reservoirs, the sample flow rate, and the diameter and position of the sample input, we were able to achieve indefinitely long operation of the device with cycles of alternating 15‐min electrophoresis and 0.5‐min regeneration (bubble removal). The test analytes, rhodamine B and fluorescein, were baseline resolved by mFFE for flow rates ranging from 10 to 600 μL/min. These results prove that our prototyping approach is suitable for the challenging task of multi‐parameter optimization of mFFE devices.
Evaluation of chlorine containing cellulose‐based chiral stationary phases for the LC enantioseparation of basic pharmaceuticals using polar non‐aqueous mobile phases
Authors: Dossou Katina S. S. , Chiap Patrice , Servais Anne C. , Fillet Marianne , Crommen Jacques
Published: January 2011

The discrimination ability of three cellulose‐based chiral stationary phases (CSPs) was evaluated towards the enantiomers of basic drugs, using ACN as the main solvent in polar organic mobile phases. The study was focused on CSPs containing cellulose tris(3‐chloro‐4‐methylphenylcarbamate) (3‐Cl‐4‐MePC), cellulose tris(4‐chloro‐3‐methylphenylcarbamate) (4‐Cl‐3‐MePC) or cellulose tris(3,5‐dichlorophenylcarbamate) (3,5‐diClPC) as the chiral selector. The behaviour of these CSPs was studied systematically in order to investigate the influence of the presence and position of the chlorine substituents on the phenylcarbamate moieties on the retention and resolution of the enantiomers. The evaluation was made with three different generic mobile phases, namely ACN/0.1%DEA/0.1% TFA (DEA, diethylamine), ACN/0.1%DEA/0.2% FA and ACN/0.1%DEA/0.2%AcA, deduced from the previous study. The nature of the acidic additive and of the chiral selector was found to be particularly important for the retention and enantioresolution of these basic compounds. High‐resolution values could be obtained for most studied enantiomers with these CSPs, clearly demonstrating the interest of using them in combination with polar organic mobile phases. However, significant differences in enantioresolution between the CSPs have been observed for many compounds, indicating that these phases seem to be quite complementary.
UHPLC‐TOFMS coupled with chemometric method as a powerful technique for rapid exploring of differentiating components between two Ziziphus species
Authors: Guo Sheng , Duan Jin‐ao , Tang Yuping , Qian Dawei , Zhu Zhenhua , Qian Yefei , Shang Erxin , Su Shulan
Published: January 2011

To rapidly explore the differentiating components and the potential chemical markers for discrimination between those Chinese medicinal herbs with similar chemical characteristics, an ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC)‐TOFMS coupled with multivariate statistical analysis method was proposed and validated by using two Ziziphus species (Z. jujuba and Z. jujuba var. spinosa) as the model herbs. After the samples were analyzed using UHPLC‐TOFMS, the data sets of retention time (RT)‐m/z pairs, ion intensities and sample codes were further processed with orthogonal partial least squared discriminant analysis (OPLS‐DA) to holistically compare the difference between the fruits of these two Ziziphus species, and to generate an S‐plot. Those compounds correlating to the points at the two ends of “S” were regarded as the most differentiating components between these two kinds of samples. By comparing the mass/UV spectra and retention times with those of reference compounds, these components were finally characterized as zizyberenalic acid, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, pomonic acid and rutin, and these compounds would be the potential chemical markers for discrimination of these jujube products. The results suggested that this newly established approach could be used to rapidly determine the subtle differences and explore the potential chemical markers for differentiation within the herbs with similar chemical ingredients.
Determination of polyphenols in wines by liquid chromatography with UV spectrophotometric detection
Authors: Aznar Òscar , Checa Antonio , Oliver Ramon , Hernández‐Cassou Santiago , Saurina Javier
Published: January 2011

This paper describes a new chromatographic method for the determination of polyphenolic compounds in wines. The method is based on the separation of analytes by reversed‐phase mode in a C18 column (2.6 μm particle size) and UV absorption spectroscopy. The elution gradient is generated from 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution and acetonitrile as an organic modifier. Experimental conditions including pH, percentage of organic modifier and elution gradient profile have been thoroughly optimized using experimental design. A multi‐objective function has been defined as a criterion for obtaining a satisfactory compromise among number of compounds separated, resolution and analysis time. Multi‐detection at 280, 310 and 370 nm has been utilized in order to work under the most appropriate wavelengths for each compound. Figures of merit including linearity ranges, precisions, detection limits and recoveries have been established under selected experimental conditions using synthetic standards and commercial red wines. The method has been applied to analyze red wines from various Spanish regions.
Application of the caesium‐137 technique to soil degradation studies in the Southwestern Highlands of Ethiopia
Authors: Mekuria A. , Vlek P.L.G. , Denich M.
Published: January 2011

Soil degradation is a serious problem in the central and northern Highlands of Ethiopia. It has been so for several decades as a result of over exploitation and mismanagement. Relocation of a portion of the population from these regions to the relatively less populated Southwestern Highlands has taken place for decades to try to address the problem. However, such mass resettlements have caused severe soil degradation problems in many destination areas in the Southwestern Highlands. The aim of this study was to assess the problem of soil degradation using the caesium‐137 isotope and to test its value for erosion study in the region. The adapted USLE was applied to compare results from the caesium‐137 isotope studies. Along a deforestation continuum, fields cultivated for various years were studied for erosion. From a reference grazing land plot, total caesium‐137 fallout of 2026 ± 176 Bq m−2 with a CV of 24·6 per cent was recorded showing the presence of sufficient fallout to apply the technique. Erosion in cultivated fields was estimated against this reference using conversion models. Results from the Proportional Model |−13·9 ± 2·7|and the adapted USLE |12·3 ± 2·6| were not significantly different (p < 0·05), meaning the technique provides reliable results. A positive relationship was observed between severity of erosion and time of cultivation after forest clearing (R2 = 0·78). The mean annual loss of soil from cultivated land, 14·9 ± 2·9 t ha−1 y−1, is already beyond the tolerable threshold and might exacerbate further clearing of forests for cultivation if the land is not properly managed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of Ethylene/Acrylonitrile Composite Elastomers with Nanosized Polyacrylonitrile Domains Using α‐Dimine‐[N,N] Nickel Dichloride/EASC
Authors: Shin Sang‐Young , Simon Leonardo C. , Soares Joao B. P.
Published: January 2011

A series of ethylene and acrylonitrile composite elastomers were prepared using (1,4‐bis(2,6diisopropylphenyl)‐acenaphtenediimine‐nickel(II))‐dichloride/ethylaluminum sesquichloride (EASC). The xylene‐soluble polymer fraction showed nitrile bands in infrared spectroscopy at 2 245 and 2 214 cm−1 and polyacrylonitrile‐enriched structures were detected in the xylene‐insoluble fraction by1H and 13C NMR. In addition, TEM detected nanosized polyacrylonitrile domains dispersed in the polyethylene matrix. Differential scanning calorimetry scans conducted from −70 to 350 °C measured exothermic bands corresponding to the cyclization and aromatization of the nitrile groups dispersed in the polyethylene matrix.

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High irradiance laser ionization orthogonal time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry: A versatile tool for solid analysis
Authors: Huang Rongfu , Yu Quan , Li Lingfeng , Lin Yiming , Hang Wei , He Jian , Huang Benli
Published: January 2011

This article reviews the development of and applications for high irradiance laser ionization orthogonal time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (LI‐O‐TOFMS). LI‐O‐TOFMS has solved the bottleneck problems in traditional high irradiance laser ionization mass spectrometry, which allows the instrument to acquire explicit spectra with high resolution. A buffer‐gas‐assisted ion source effectively reduces the kinetic energy of the ions and suppresses the multiply charged ion interference. The pulse train data acquisition technique was applied to reduce the spectrum interference from multiply charged ions and polyatomic ions according to the temporal profiles of different ion packets in the repelling region. Relatively high laser irradiance (≥1010 W/cm2) is preferable for achieving uniform relative sensitivities for different elements in the samples of different matrices. LI‐O‐TOFMS has been used in the standardless, semiquantitative analysis of solids, which is proved to be a fast and convenient technique for solid sample analysis. By increasing the laser irradiance and reducing the buffer gas pressure, the determination of nonmetallic elements in solids can also be achieved without losing spectral explicity. Recent applications, such as elemental analysis of a single egg cell and acquiring elemental, fragmental, and molecular information of chemicals, were given to demonstrate the potential of the new technique. All of these results reveal that LI‐O‐TOFMS is an advanced tool in the elemental analysis of solids in terms of modern mass spectrometry. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 30:1256–1268, 2011
Levodopa is not a useful treatment for Lesch‐Nyhan disease
Authors: Visser Jasper E. , Schretlen David J. , Bloem Bastiaan R. , Jinnah Hyder A.
Published: January 2011

Lesch‐Nyhan disease (LND) is characterized by dystonia, cognitive abnormalities, and self‐injurious behavior. No effective therapies are available. LND is associated with a presynaptic dopaminergic deficit, but the reported effects of dopamine replacement therapy are conflicting. The current prospective open‐label study assesses the effects of levodopa on both neurological and behavioral features of LND. All 6 study participants discontinued levodopa early, due to lack of effect and sometimes worsening of motor function. The results provide important clues for pathophysiological mechanisms and suggestions for future treatment options. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Essential tremor and Parkinson's disease: Lack of a link
Authors: Adler Charles. H. , Shill Holly A. , Beach Thomas G.
Published: January 2011

Background:

Essential tremor (ET) is a very common disorder and proving that there is a relationship to another common movement disorder, Parkinson's disease (PD), has been debated for years.

Methods:

Review of the literature for links between ET and PD primarily focused on neuropathology as well as neurochemistry, epidemiology, genetics, olfactory function, and neuroimaging.

Results:

While there may be some evidence to suggest an increase in occurrence of PD in people who were previously diagnosed with ET, neuropathologic studies of ET with similarly assessed control subjects do not find an increase in Lewy bodies in the ET group. Studies of incidental Lewy body disease do not find an increase in ET or action tremor compared to controls. ET subjects as a group do not have neurochemical changes that are found in PD, do not respond to medications used to treat PD, are not hyposmic as is found in PD, and neuroimaging studies do not find changes of PD when groups are compared.

Conclusion:

The overwhelming amount of evidence suggests that any link between ET and PD is coincidental and not biological. Prospective, longitudinal cohort studies with standardized clinical and biomarker assessments followed by neuropathologic confirmation are needed. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Sex, BMI and age in addition to dietary intakes influence blood concentrations and congener profiles of dioxins and PCBs
Authors: Knutsen Helle K. , Kvalem Helen E. , Haugen Margaretha , Meltzer Helle M. , Brantsæter Anne L. , Alexander Jan , Päpke Olaf , Liane Veronica H. , Becher Georg , Thomsen Cathrine
Published: January 2011

Scope: The aim of this study was to i) characterize dietary polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dioxin exposure in consumers of fish from the PCB contaminated Lake Mjøsa in Norway ii) examine the influence of demographic factors on blood concentrations and congener composition of dioxins and PCBs, iii) characterize dietary sources and possible exposures above tolerable intake.

Methods and results: Blood samples were analysed for dioxin‐like (dl) compounds (PCDD/Fs and dl‐PCBs) and non‐dl‐PCBs (ndl‐PCBs). Dietary exposures were calculated using food frequency questionnaires (n=64). Men had higher median intake of dl‐compounds than women (1.2 and 0.85 pg TEQ/kg bw/day), but similar blood concentrations (23.3 and 25.8, pg TEQ/g lipid weight (lw)). For non‐dl‐PCBs, intakes (6.5 and 4.5 ng/kg bw/day) and blood concentrations (381 and 224 ng/g lw) were higher in men than in women. Blood concentrations correlated with dietary intakes in men only. Increasing BMI and age elevated blood concentrations mainly in women. Men and women had different blood congener profiles, with a higher share of PCB‐126 in women, despite similar dietary congener profiles. Eleven participants exceeded the tolerable intake for dl‐compounds. Fish from Lake Mjøsa was the main dietary source.

Conclusion: The higher influence of BMI and age for women than for men may have implications for risk assessment.
Anthocyanin‐rich extracts suppress the DNA‐damaging effects of topoisomerase poisons in human colon cancer cells
Authors: Esselen Melanie , Fritz Jessica , Hutter Melanie , Teller Nicole , Baechler Simone , Boettler Ute , Marczylo Tim H. , Gescher Andreas J. , Marko Doris
Published: January 2011

Scope: The effect of two anthocyanin‐rich berry extracts (A, bilberry; B, red grape) on topoisomerases was investigated in a cell‐free system and in human HT29 colon carcinoma cells. In parallel, their impact on DNA integrity was determined.

Methods and results: The berry extracts suppressed the activity of topoisomerase I at concentrations ≥50 μg/mL. The activity of the topoisomerase II isoform was preferentially diminished (≥1 μg/mL). Within HT29 cells, the extracts were found to act as catalytic inhibitors without stabilizing the cleavable complex. Although topoisomerase activity was inhibited, none of the extracts induced DNA strand breaks up to 50 μg/mL. Moreover, pre‐ and coincubation of HT29 cells with A (≥1 μg/mL) significantly suppressed (p‐value ≤0.001) the strand‐breaking effects of camptothecin, whereas B was found to be less effective (1 μg/mL; p‐value ≤0.05). Both extracts were found to significantly diminish doxorubicin‐mediated DNA strand breaks at concentrations ≥1 μg/mL (p‐value ≤0.001). Consistent with these results, the extracts suppressed doxorubicin‐mediated enhancement of levels of topoisomerase II covalently linked to DNA in HT29 cells.

Conclusion: These results raise the possibility that high intake of berry extracts may protect DNA and thus counteract the therapeutic effectiveness of orally applied topoisomerase poisons during chemotherapy.
Impact of the synbiotic combination of Lactobacillus casei shirota and oligofructose‐enriched inulin on the fecal volatile metabolite profile in healthy subjects
Authors: De Preter Vicky , Ghebretinsae Aklilu Habteab , Abrahantes José Cortinas , Windey Karen , Rutgeerts Paul , Verbeke Kristin
Published: January 2011

Scope: Hypothesis‐driven approaches have mainly focused on the quantification of SCFAs as mediators of beneficial effects of synbiotics. However, the emergence of metabolite profiling strategies allows to evaluate the colonic metabolism from a top‐down approach. In the present study, we evaluated the impact of a synbiotic combination on fecal metabolite profiles.

Methods and results: A synbiotic combination (Lactobacillus casei Shirota cells+oligofructose‐enriched inulin) was evaluated in nine healthy volunteers. Before the start, during and after 4‐wk treatment, fecal samples were obtained. GC‐MS technology was applied to analyze the volatile metabolites. Application of a Type III test revealed that the metabolite profiles from the three conditions were significantly different. We identified three volatile organic compounds, acetate, dimethyl trisulfide and ethyl benzene, which were significantly affected. The acetate levels increased, whereas the dimethyl trisulfide levels decreased during and after the intervention. For ethyl benzene only an effect during the synbiotic intervention period was observed.

Conclusion: We report a detailed analysis of the influence of L. casei Shirota combined with oligofructose‐enriched inulin on fermentation metabolites. Our results indicated a stimulation of saccharolytic fermentation and, importantly, a reduction of potentially toxic protein fermentation metabolites dimethyl trisulfide and ethyl benzene attended these effects.
Nutrigenomics in human intervention studies: Current status, lessons learned and future perspectives
Authors: Wittwer Jonas , Rubio‐Aliaga Isabel , Hoeft Birgit , Bendik Igor , Weber Peter , Daniel Hannelore
Published: January 2011

Nutrigenomics applications comprise transcript‐, proteome‐ and metabolome‐profiling techniques in which responses to diets or individual ingredients are assessed in biological samples. They may also include the characterization of heterogeneity in relevant genes that affect the biological processes. This review explores various areas of nutrition and food sciences in which transcriptome‐, proteome‐ and metabolome‐analyses have been applied in human intervention studies, including nutrigenetics aspects and discusses the advantages and limitations of the methodologies. Despite the power of the profiling techniques to generate huge data sets, a critical assessment of the study outcomes emphasizes the current constraints in data interpretation, including huge knowledge gaps, the need for improved study designs and more comprehensive phenotyping of volunteers before selection for study participation. In this respect, nutrigenomics faces the same problems as all other areas of the life sciences, employing the same tools. However, there is a growing trend toward systemic approaches in which different technologies are combined and applied to the same sample, allowing physiological changes to be assessed more robustly throughout all molecular layers of mRNA, protein and metabolite changes. Nutrigenomics is thereby maturing as a branch of the life sciences and is gaining significant recognition in the scientific community.
The effect of fatigue on knee position sense is not dependent upon the muscle group fatigued
Authors: Ribeiro Fernando , Venâncio João , Quintas Pedro , Oliveira José
Published: January 2011

Introduction:

Muscle fatigue could have a greater impact on position sense when antagonists of the movement are fatigued. Hence, this study aimed to compare the effects of antagonist and agonist exercise‐induced muscle fatigue on knee joint position sense.

Methods:

This within‐subjects repeated‐measures study included 40 subjects. Knee position sense and muscle strength were measured before and after two exercise protocols consisting of 30 consecutive maximal concentric/eccentric contractions of the knee extensors or flexors on the isokinetic dynamometer at an angular velocity of 180°/s (3.14 rad/s).

Results:

Both exercise protocols increased the absolute angular error (F1.78 = 39.89, P < 0.001; knee extensors protocol from 2.0 ± 1.3° to 3.5 ± 2.0°, knee flexors protocol from 2.1 ± 1.2° to 3.7 ± 2.2°), and no differences were detected between protocols (F1.78 = 0.034, P = 0.855). No changes were observed in the relative angular error.

Conclusions:

Muscle fatigue affects knee position sense, and the deleterious effect is not different depending upon the muscle group fatigued. Muscle Nerve, 2011.
Ultrasonography in ulnar neuropathy at the elbow: A critical review
Authors: Beekman Roy , Visser Leo H. , Verhagen Wim Im
Published: January 2011

Introduction:

Ultrasonography of the ulnar nerve has been recommended as a useful additional test in ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE).

Methods:

We searched the literature and systemically reviewed all clinical trials in UNE. We also looked for articles about the normal sonoanatomy and specific causes of UNE.

Results:

Seven of 14 clinical trials in UNE were suitable for further analysis. Ultrasonographic ulnar nerve size measurement appears to be a test with good diagnostic accuracy. The most frequently reported abnormality was an increased cross‐sectional area of the ulnar nerve at the elbow. However, several studies had methodological flaws. In addition, the ultrasonographic techniques and study designs differed among the studies. There were a few other uncontrolled studies about the underlying causes of UNE.

Discussion:

The role of ultrasonography in UNE seems promising but could not be firmly established. More prospective studies are needed, and we make several recommendations for further research. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Demyelinating neuropathy with anti‐CRMP5 antibodies predating diagnosis of breast carcinoma: Favorable outcome after cancer therapy
Authors: Samarasekera Shanika , Rajabally Yusuf A.
Published: January 2011

Introduction:

Breast cancer is exceptionally associated with anti–collapsin response mediator protein 5 (anti‐CRMP5) antibody or demyelinating neuropathy. This paraneoplastic antibody is itself not associated with demyelinating neuropathy.

Methods:

Herein we describe a patient with a predominantly sensory ataxic demyelinating neuropathy associated with an IgG‐kappa monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance (MGUS). Further investigations led to identification of anti‐CRMP5 antibodies. An initial search for a malignancy proved negative. No immunomodulatory therapy was administered.

Results:

The patient developed breast carcinoma 2 years after the initial neurological symptoms, which was effectively treated by surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and radiotherapy. At neurological follow‐up, 16 months after cancer treatment, she remained in remission and had made substantial neurological recovery. Electrophysiology showed significant amelioration, and serum anti‐CRMP5 antibodies were undetectable. MGUS paraprotein level was unchanged.

Conclusion:

This case widens the range of paraneoplastic manifestations of breast carcinoma to include anti‐CRMP5 antibody–positive sensory ataxic demyelinating neuropathy, which, in this patient, improved after cancer treatment. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Macro electromyography, an update
Authors: Stålberg Erik
Published: January 2011

The macro electromyography method was developed in the 1980s.1 Since then, technical modifications have been made, and a number of conditions have been explored.2, 3 This study is a methodological introduction and an update of findings in some nerve–muscle disorders. The spike component of a motor unit potential (MUP) recorded by a concentric or monopolar needle electromyography (EMG) electrode is generated primarily by fibers within 1–2 mm of the needle recording area. Given that a MUP's typical anatomical reach is 5–15 mm in diameter, it follows that conventional EMG is unable to record activity from the entire motor unit. Such information could promote understanding of muscle in health and disease. Macro EMG, with its large recording area, appears to provide this information by recording the activity from most of the fibers in a given motor unit. The value of combining macro EMG with single‐fiber EMG and conventional EMG recordings is discussed. Muscle Nerve, 2011