bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Induction of cobalt limitation in methanol‐fed UASB reactors
Authors: Zandvoort Marcel H , van Hullebusch Eric D , Golubnic Svetlana , Gieteling Jarno , Lens Piet NL
Published: July 2006

The effect of long‐term deprivation of all trace elements or solely cobalt on methanol conversion in upflow anaerobic sludge bed (UASB) reactors inoculated with a nickel‐limited sludge was investigated. Two UASB (30 °C, pH 7) reactors were operated at organic loading rates of up to 17.6 g chemical oxygen demand (COD) L−1 day−1, one reactor (R1) with no trace metal supplementation to the influent and another reactor (R2) to which all trace elements except cobalt were supplied. The cobalt content of the sludge in both R1 and R2 decreased at a rate of 0.1 µg g−1 total suspended solids (TSS) day−1, while the nickel content of the R1 sludge did not decrease despite nickel being absent in the feed. Cobalt limitation of the methanogenesis from methanol was induced in both reactors within approximately 55 days of operation. The specific methanogenic activity (SMA) of the inoculum sludge with methanol as the substrate could be increased by about 50% by adding solely nickel (5 µmol L−1) to the batch medium. After 55 days of operation the SMA of the R2 sludge increased by 49% upon the addition of solely cobalt (5 µmol L−1) to the batch medium. This indicates that a cobalt limitation was induced in the R2 sludge by omitting cobalt from the feed and that the initial nickel limitation was overcome by supplementation of nickel to the feed. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Olive oil mill wastewater valorisation by fungi
Authors: Crognale Silvia , D'Annibale Alessandro , Federici Federico , Fenice Massimiliano , Quaratino Daniele , Petruccioli Maurizio
Published: July 2006

This paper presents a brief survey of studies conducted at the Laboratory of Applied and Environmental Microbiology of the University of Tuscia on the possible biotechnological valorisation of olive mill wastewater (OMW) using fungi. Besides being a serious environmental problem, OMW might be a possible resource owing to the presence of added value products (e.g. antioxidants) and of simple and complex sugars as a basis for fermentation processes. To this end the technical feasibility of various fungal fermentative processes either to obtain products of high added value or to improve its agronomic use has been assessed. With regard to the former aspect the following cases of study are described: production of enzymes, such as lipase by Candida cylindracea NRRL Y‐17506, laccase and Mn‐dependent peroxidase by Panus tigrinus CBS 577.79 and pectinases by Cryptococcus albidus var. albidus IMAT 4735, and exopolysaccharide production by Botryosphaeria rhodina DABAC‐P82. As far as agronomic use of the waste is concerned, a process based on the acidogenic fungus Aspergillus niger NB2 and aimed at increasing the phosphorus content of OMW is also reported. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
A practical review of the performance of organic and inorganic adsorbents for the treatment of contaminated waters
Authors: San Miguel Guillermo , Lambert Steven D , Graham Nigel JD
Published: July 2006

A wide range of materials known for their adsorption properties have the potential for being used for the removal of trace substances from drinking and wastewaters. These include physically and chemically activated carbons, surface modified carbons, non‐porous resins with ion exchange capacities, inorganic microporous solids like zeolites and clays, and mixed organic–inorganic materials like bone chars. The adsorption capacity exhibited by each material relates primarily to its textural and chemical properties. Other factors, however, such as apparent density, regeneration potential and cost, need to be taken into consideration when selecting one adsorbent over another. A comparative investigation of 18 solids and their capacity to remove organics and metals from natural waters and solutions reconstituted to simulate the conditions in natural waters is presented. The experiments were carried out using batch and small‐scale column adsorption tests. In general, zeolites and ion exchange resins exhibited limited capacities to remove organic matter from solution but were highly effective with metallic species like manganese and aluminium. Activated carbons adsorbed organic matter very efficiently, with results showing a correlation between adsorption capacity and surface area (up to 1791 m2 g−1). Metal removal was highly variable and was enhanced in activated carbons subjected to acid washing. Owing to its mixed organic/inorganic nature, and despite its poorly developed micropore structure, bone char exhibited a strong adsorption capacity for both organic and metal species. The high apparent density of this material (0.763 g cm−3) meant that its performance was greatly improved when tests were conducted on the basis of volume, matching and surpassing the performance of the best carbons. The possibility of using mixtures of complementary adsorbents for the removal of organic and inorganic species from solution was also successfully evaluated in this work. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Identification of viral agents causing diarrhea among children in the Eastern Center of Tunisia
Authors: Fodha I. , Chouikha A. , Peenze I. , De Beer M. , Dewar J. , Geyer A. , Messaadi F. , Trabelsi A. , Boujaafar N. , Taylor M.B. , Steele D.
Published: July 2006

Viral diarrhea remains a major cause of childhood morbidity and mortality worldwide. In Tunisia, no comprehensive studies of all viral agents related to diarrhea in children have yet been conducted. The present study was performed to investigate the role of enteric viruses in acute diarrhea in the country. Six hundred thirty‐eight stool samples were collected from children under 5 years of age seeking medical care for acute diarrhea between October 2003 and September 2005 in hospitals from the Eastern‐Center Tunisia. All samples were tested for rotavirus, astrovirus, and adenovirus using commercial antigen enzyme immunoassays (EIAs). Positive samples for rotavirus and astrovirus were confirmed by an “in‐house” reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Samples positive for adenovirus antigen were subjected to further EIA screening for species F enteric adenovirus types 40 and 41. At least one viral agent was found in 30% of the specimens. The frequency of rotavirus, astrovirus, and adenovirus was 20%, 7%, and 6%, respectively. Of the stool samples containing adenovirus, 57% (20/35) were found to be positive for species F adenovirus types 40/41. Dual infections were found in 9% (17/191) of the positive samples. Enteric viruses appear to play an important role in pediatric diarrhea in Tunisia. The introduction of affordable viral diagnosis in pediatric hospitals will improve patient care by reducing the unnecessary use of antibiotics. J. Med. Virol. 78:1198–1203, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detector technologies for comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography
Authors: von Mühlen Carin , Khummueng Weeraya , Alcaraz Zini Claudia , Bastos Caramão Elina , Marriott Philip J.
Published: July 2006

The detector is an integral and important part of any chromatographic system. The chromatographic peak profiles (i. e. peak separation) should, ideally, be unaffected by the detector – it should only provide the sensing capacity required at the end of a column separation process. The relatively new technique of comprehensive 2‐D GC (GC×GC) extends the performance of GC manyfold, but comes at a price – existing GC systems may not be adequately designed with the requirements of GC×GC in mind. This is primarily the need for precise measurement of very fast peaks entering the detector (e. g. as fast as 50 ms basewidth in some instances). The capacity of the detector to closely track a rapidly changing chromatographic peak profile depends on a number of factors, such as design of flow paths and make‐up gas introduction, type of detector response mechanism, and the chemistry of the response. These factors are discussed here as a means to appreciate the technical demands of detection in GC×GC. The MS detector will not be included in this review.
Field‐flow fractionation of proteins, polysaccharides, synthetic polymers, and supramolecular assemblies
Authors: Ratanathanawongs Williams S. Kim , Lee Dean
Published: July 2006

This review summarizes developments and applications of flow and thermal field‐flow fractionation (FFF) in the areas of macromolecules and supramolecular assemblies. In the past 10 years, the use of these FFF techniques has extended beyond determining diffusion coefficients, hydrodynamic diameters, and molecular weights of standards. Complex samples as diverse as polysaccharides, prion particles, and block copolymers have been characterized and processes such as aggregation, stability, and infectivity have been monitored. The open channel design used in FFF makes it a gentle separation technique for high‐ and ultrahigh‐molecular weight macromolecules, aggregates, and self‐assembled complexes. Coupling FFF with other techniques such as multiangle light scattering and MS provides additional invaluable information about conformation, branching, and identity.
Einfluß von Futterfetten und ‐lecithinen auf Parameter der Infektionsabwehr beim Absatzferkel, 2. Mitteilung: Der Einfluß von Soja‐ oder Eilecithinen
Authors: Brinkmann Gerlinde , Molnar Sandor
Published: July 2006

In einem Versuch mit 30 Absatzferkeln wurde der Einfluß von Soja‐ oder Eilecithin auf Parameter der Infektionsabwehr untersucht. Die Versuchstiere erhielten 41 Tage lang eine Diät auf Getreidebasis, in der entweder 6% Sojalecithin, 6% Eilecithin oder 13,8% Maisquellstärke (Kontrolle) isoenergetisch gegen eine Getreidekomponente ausgetauscht wurden. Parameter der Infektionsabwehr wurden am 0., 11., 18., 25. und 41. Versuchstag (VT) erfaßt. Sowohl 6% Sojalecithin als auch 6% Eilecithin in der Ration erhöhten die Werte der Blutparameter des unspezifischen Abwehrsystems wie die Nitroblautetrazolium‐ Reduktionskapazität (am 18. und 41. VT), die Lysozymkonzentrationen (am 18. VT) und die Granulozytengehalte (am 18. VT) signifikant im Vergleich zur Kontrollgruppe. 6% Soja‐ oder Eilecithin verbesserten nicht die IgG‐Konzentrationen und die Lymphozytengehalte (Parameter der spezifischen Abwehr) im Vergleich zu den Werten der Tiere aus der Stärkegruppe. Die Tiere der Eilecithingruppe zeigten bis zum 16. Versuchstag deutlich erhöhte Durchfallhäufigkeiten im Vergleich zu den Ferkeln aus den anderen Versuchsgruppen.
Effect of Sulfonation on the Crystallization Behaviour of Syndiotactic Polystyrene
Authors: Govindaiah P. , Avadhani C. V. , Ramesh C.
Published: July 2006

Syndiotactic Polystyrene (sPS) was sulfonated to different levels in a mixture of 1,1,2–trichloroethane and chloroform. Sulfonation levels were determined by nonaqueous titrations using phenolphthalein indicator. Thermal properties of sulfonated sPS (SsPS) ionomers depend on the sulfonation level. Incorporation of sulfonic acid groups in to the syndiotactic polystyrene backbone was found to affect the crystallization behavior of sPS. DSC data indicated that the melting temperature (Tm), heat of fusion, crystallization temperature (Tc), crystallization rate and degree of crystallization were lowered by the incorporation of sulfonic acid group on the syndiotactic polystyrene backbone. Thermal and FTIR data indicated that the sulfonic groups did not enter into the crystal lattice but remained in the amorphous phase.
Thixotropic Suspensions of Self‐Assembled Steroid Nanotubes: Structures, Kinetics and Rheological Specificities
Authors: Terech Pierre , Friol Séverine
Published: July 2006

Characteristic structural, kinetical and rheological behaviors observed with alkaline aqueous suspensions of sodium lithocholate nanotubes are presented. The scaling behavior of the elastic shear modulus and yield stress as a function of concentration support the description of the fragile network with degrees of freedom at the hinges. The kinetics of nanotube formation mixes a component of the structural sequence for single aggregates and a collective component describing the relaxation of the distribution of tubes. SLC suspensions are easily shear‐thinned (and oriented) in purely Newtonian shearing conditions.
An EPR, ENDOR and EIE study of γ‐irradiated poly (lactide‐co‐glycolide) polymers
Authors: Bushell James A. , Claybourn Mike , Murphy Damien M. , Williams Helen E.
Published: July 2006

Gamma radiation of poly (lactide‐co‐glycolide) raw polymers and processed microspheres under vacuum and at 77 K results in the formation of a series of free radicals. The resulting powder electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum contains a distribution of several different radicals, depending on the annealing temperature, and is therefore difficult to interpret. By utilising the selectivity of the electron nuclear DOuble resonance (ENDOR) and associated ENDOR induced EPR (EIE) techniques, a more direct approach for the deconvolution of the EPR spectrum can be achieved. Using this approach, the radiolytically induced CH3•CHC(O)R‐ chain scission radical was identified at 120 K by simulation of the EIE spectrum. At elevated temperatures (250 K), this radical decays considerably and the more stable radicals ‐O•CHC(O)‐, CH3•C(OR)C(O)‐ and CH3•C(OH)C(O)‐ predominate. This work demonstrates the utility of the EIE approach to supplement and aid the interpretation of powder EPR spectra of radicals in a polymer matrix. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sperm defects in mice lacking a functional Niemann–Pick C1 protein
Authors: Fan Jun , Akabane Hiroto , Graham Stephanie N. , Richardson Laura L. , Zhu Guo‐Zhang
Published: July 2006

The Niemann–Pick C1 (NPC1) gene encodes for a multiple membrane spanning protein, which regulates the trafficking of low‐density lipoprotein‐mediated endocytosed cholesterol. Mutation of the human NPC1 gene causes Niemann–Pick type C (NPC) disease. The Npc1NIH mice, a model of human NPC disease, bear a spontaneous mutation of the Npc1 gene, and are infertile. In this study, we have performed sperm analysis to search for the cause of male infertility in the Npc1NIH mouse. The number of cauda sperms in Npc1−/− mice was decreased roughly three‐and‐half‐fold of that in wild‐type mice. The decreased sperm number in Npc1−/− mice is due, at least in part, to partial arrest of spermatogenesis in the testes, as revealed by histological analysis. Compared to wild‐type sperm, Npc1−/− sperm displayed a high frequency of morphological abnormalities, including tailless heads and aberrant heads. In the in vitro fertilization (IVF) assay using cumulus‐intact eggs, Npc1−/− sperm failed to produce two‐cell embryos. In the IVF assay where zona‐free eggs were used, Npc1−/− sperm bound normally but could not fuse with the egg. Further analysis indicated that Npc1−/− sperms are drastically impaired in the binding to the egg zona pellucida, only 14% of the level of wild‐type sperm. Moreover, on Npc1−/− cauda sperm, one‐third of the total cyritestin protein was not proteolytically processed, while fertilin β was processed normally. Taken together, these results demonstrate that there are multiple defects in sperms from mice lacking a functional NPC1 protein, and these observed sperm defects may result in sterility. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stem cell profiling by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Jansen Jacobus F.A. , Shamblott Michael J. , van Zijl Peter C.M. , Lehtimäki Kimmo K. , Bulte Jeff W.M. , Gearhart John D. , Hakumäki Juhana M.
Published: July 2006

The classification of embryonic and adult stem cells, including their derivatives, is still limited, and often these cells are best defined by their functional properties. Recent gene array studies have yielded contradictory results. Also, very little is known about the metabolic properties of these exciting cells. In this study, proton (1H) NMR spectroscopy was used to identify the major low‐molecular‐weight metabolites in murine embryonic stem cells (ESC) and their neural stem cell (NSC) derivatives. ESC are characterized by an unusually low number of NMR‐detectable metabolites, high phosphocholine (PC) content, and nondetectable glycerophosphocholine (GPC). The metabolic profiles of NSC resemble glial cells and oligodendrocyte progenitors, but with considerably higher PC, GPC, and myo‐inositol content. The results suggest that NMR spectroscopy in vitro can provide markers to study the effects of differentiation on cell metabolism, and potentially to assess stem cell preparations for differentiation status. Magn Reson Med, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of errors associated with single‐ and multi‐bolus injection protocols in low‐temporal‐resolution dynamic contrast‐enhanced tracer kinetic analysis
Authors: Roberts Caleb , Buckley David L. , Parker Geoff J.M.
Published: July 2006

Accurate sampling of the arterial input function (AIF) in low‐temporal‐resolution quantitative dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI (DCE‐MRI) studies is crucial for accurate and reproducible parameter estimation. However, when conventional AIFs are sampled at low temporal resolution, they introduce an unpredictable degree of error. An alternative double contrast agent (CA) bolus injection protocol designed to compensate for temporal mis‐sampling of the AIF and tissue uptake curve was simulated in addition to a commonly used single CA bolus injection protocol. A range of tissue uptake curves for each AIF form were generated using a distributed parameter model, and Monte Carlo simulation studies were performed over a range of offset times (to mimic temporal mis‐sampling), temporal resolutions and SNR in order to compare the performance of both AIF forms in compartmental modeling. Insufficient data sampling of the single bolus AIF at temporal resolutions in excess of 9 s leads to large errors, which can be reduced by employing an additional, appropriately administered, second CA bolus injection. Magn Reson Med, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The obstetrician's view: ethical and societal implications of non‐invasive prenatal diagnosis
Authors: Smith Richard P. , Lombaard Hennie , Soothill Peter W.
Published: July 2006

We believe non‐invasive prenatal diagnosis is about to have a massive impact on the way fetal medicine is practised. There will be many great advantages and improvements, but the technology also has the potential to be used for non‐medical reasons such as sex selection and paternity testing. We discuss some of the issues that may face obstetricians in the future as a result of this emerging technology. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of side‐chain end groups on the optical, electrochemical, and photovoltaic properties of side‐chain conjugated polythiophenes
Authors: Zhou Erjun , He Chang , Tan Zhan'Ao , Yang Chunhe , Li Yongfang
Published: July 2006

Three new side‐chain conjugated polythiophene derivatives, poly{3‐[2‐(3‐methoxy‐4‐octyloxy‐phenyl)‐vinyl]‐thiophene} (P3MOPVT), poly{3‐[2‐(3,5‐dimethoxy‐4‐octyloxy‐phenyl)‐vinyl]‐thiophene} (P3DMOPVT), and poly{3‐[2‐(3,4‐dioctyloxy‐phenyl)‐vinyl]‐thiophene} (P3DOPVT), were synthesized by Wittig‐Hornor reaction and GRIM method and compared with poly{3‐[2‐(4‐octyloxy‐phenyl)‐vinyl]‐thiophene} (P3OPVT) for investigating the effect of the end groups of the conjugated side‐chain on the properties of the polymers. Owing to the electron‐donating ability of methoxy groups, the visible absorption peaks of P3MOPVT and P3DMOPVT solutions and films become stronger and red‐shifted compared with P3OPVT. The electrochemical bandgaps of the four polymers are 2.15 eV for P3OPVT, 1.99 eV for P3MOPVT, 1.85 eV for P3DMOPVT, and 2.36 eV for P3DOPVT, respectively, which indicate that the electron‐donating ability of the methoxy end group on the conjugated side chain of P3MOPVT and P3DMOPVT and the large steric hindrance of the two octyloxy end groups on the conjugated side chain of P3DOPVT have obvious influence on the electrochemical properties of the side‐chain conjugated polythiophenes. Polymer solar cells were fabricated with a structure of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/Polymer:PCBM/LiF/Al. The best device, based on P3DMOPVT, shows a power conversion efficiency of 1.63% under the illumination of AM1.5, 80 mW/cm2. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 4916–4922, 2006
Stereocontrol of diene polymers by topochemical polymerization of substituted benzyl muconates and their crystallization properties
Authors: Matsumoto Akikazu , Furukawa Daisuke , Nakazawa Hideyuki
Published: July 2006

We report the stereocontrol of diene polymers by the topochemical polymerization of alkoxy‐substituted benzyl muconates in the solid state. A monomer stacking structure is controlled by the weak intermolecular interactions in the monomer crystals, depending on the structure and position of the alkoxy‐substituent. The translational and alternating types of molecular stacking structures in a column provide diisotactic and disyndiotactic polymers, respectively, by the solid‐state polymerization under UV and γ‐ray irradiation. On the other hand, the meso and racemo structures of the resulting polymers are determined by the molecular symmetry of the used muconate monomers. The various substituted benzyl ester polymers are transformed into the same ethyl ester polymers with the four types of tacticities. The structure and crystallization behavior of the substituted benzyl ester polymers as well as the ethyl ester polymers have been revealed in detail. We clarify the effects of the tacticity on the crystallization property of the stereoregular polymuconates. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 4952–4965, 2006
Comparison of throat swabs and nasopharyngeal suction specimens in non‐sputum‐producing patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Taylor L. , Corey M. , Matlow A. , Sweezey N. B. , Ratjen F.
Published: July 2006

Both throat swabs and nasopharyngeal suction (NPS) specimens are used for microbiological assessment in non‐sputum‐producing patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), but studies comparing their diagnostic yield are lacking. We, therefore, conducted a prospective study in young CF patients, in which both techniques were performed in random order. Forty‐seven consecutive CF children aged 6 months to 10 years were studied during routine visits to the clinic. CF relevant pathogens were found in the majority of patients with no significant differences in the rate of positive cultures for Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A statistically significant difference was observed in the rate of detection of other organisms with only 9/47 (19%) of throat swab specimens and 27/47 (57%) of NPS specimens being positive (P = 0.0004). This included 12 positive cultures for Streptococcus pneumoniae and 11 cultures that were positive for Moraxella catarrhalis, both of which are frequent colonizers of the upper airway. Therefore, the most common bacterial pathogens affecting the CF lung appear to be detected in similar frequency by throat swab as by nasopharyngeal suction. There is evidence that nasopharyngeal suction yields more specimens of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Moraxella catarrhalis, which may reflect upper airway colonization rather than lower airway infection. We conclude that nasopharyngeal suction is not routinely warranted as there is no benefit over throat swab in detection of CF pathogens in infants and young children with CF. Pediatr Pulmonol. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Absence of human metapneumovirus co‐infection in cases of severe respiratory syncytial virus infection
Authors: van Woensel J.B.M. , Bos A.P. , Lutter R. , Rossen J.W.A. , Schuurman R.
Published: July 2006

It has been suggested that co‐infection of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) in severe respiratory syncytial (RSV) virus bronchiolitis is very common. To evaluate the epidemiology of hMPV co‐infection in children with severe lower respiratory tract infection caused by RSV virus. This was an observational cohort study in which hMPV and RSV viral load was measured by RT‐PCR in tracheal specimens from the target population. hMPV could not be detected in any of the 30 mechanically ventilated children with RSV lower respiratory tract infection. Our study suggests that hMPV co‐infection is not very common in severe RSV lower respiratory tract infection. Pediatr Pulmonol. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation to rescue profound pulmonary hemorrhage due to idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis in a child
Authors: Sun Li‐Chuan , Tseng Yu‐Ru , Huang Shu‐Chien , Huang Pei‐Ming , Ko Wen‐Je , Lu Frank Leigh , Wu En‐Ting
Published: July 2006

Idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis (IPH) is a rare cause of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) in pediatric patients. During the acute phase, death due to massive alveolar hemorrhage and subsequent severe respiratory failure with associated multiple organ failure often occurs. We report the case of an 11‐year‐old girl who developed severe hypoxemic respiratory failure and pulmonary hemorrhage. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was instituted on the next day because medical treatment and mechanical ventilation failed to maintain oxygenation. She was successfully decannulated 5 days later without ECMO‐related complications. Four months later, she was intubated again and the diagnosis of IPH was made by open lung biopsy. She was treated with systemic steroid therapy and discharged smoothly. We suggest that ECMO provides a chance of recovery and survival for patients with IPH, even if accompanied by severe pulmonary hemorrhage. Pediatr Pulmonol. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Correlation between lung scintigraphy and long‐term outcome in survivors of congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Okuyama Hiroomi , Kubota Akio , Kawahara Hisayoshi , Oue Takaharu , Kitayama Yasuhiro , Yagi Makoto
Published: July 2006

Lung scintigraphy has been used to evaluate the degree of pulmonary hypoplasia in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). However, the relationship between lung scintigraphy and long‐term outcome of CDH remains unclear. The aim of this study is to determine whether lung scintigraphy correlates with long‐term pulmonary morbidity and nutritional status in survivors of CDH. Consecutive 31 survivors of CDH were enrolled in this study. The initial scan was performed at 1–2 months when the patients were ready for discharge and the follow‐up scan was performed following an approximately 1‐year interval. The regional ventilation and perfusion were evaluated using 133Xe‐inhalation and intravenous 99mTc‐MAA injection, respectively. The ventilation and perfusion of the ipsilateral lung was expressed as a percentage of that of the contralateral lung. Physical growth at 1 and 2 years, and pulmonary morbidity were reviewed from medical records. The ventilation and perfusion of the ipsilateral lung at the follow‐up scan increased significantly from those at the initial scan. Ten patients had pulmonary morbidity. The ventilation and perfusion of the ipsilateral lung was significantly lower in the patients with pulmonary morbidity compared to the patients without pulmonary morbidity. The initial ventilation and perfusion of the ipsilateral lung were strongly correlated with body weight at 1 and 2 years (ventilation: R = 0.503, P < 0.01; perfusion: R = 0.760, P < 0.0001). These results suggest that lung scintigraphy is useful to predict long‐term pulmonary morbidity and poor nutritional status in survivors of CDH. Pediatr Pulmonol. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The anti‐snake venom properties of Tamarindus indica (leguminosae) seed extract
Authors: Ushanandini S. , Nagaraju S. , Harish Kumar K. , Vedavathi M. , Machiah D. K. , Kemparaju K. , Vishwanath B. S. , Gowda T. V. , Girish K. S.
Published: July 2006

In Indian traditional medicine, various plants have been used widely as a remedy for treating snakebites. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Tamarindus indica seed extract on the pharmacological as well as the enzymatic effects induced by V. russelli venom. Tamarind seed extract inhibited the PLA2, protease, hyaluronidase, l‐amino acid oxidase and 5′‐nucleotidase enzyme activities of venom in a dose‐dependent manner. These are the major hydrolytic enzymes responsible for the early effects of envenomation, such as local tissue damage, inflammation and hypotension. Furthermore, the extract neutralized the degradation of the Bβ chain of human fibrinogen and indirect hemolysis caused by venom. It was also observed that the extract exerted a moderate effect on the clotting time, prolonging it only to a small extent. Edema, hemorrhage and myotoxic effects including lethality, induced by venom were neutralized significantly when different doses of the extract were preincubated with venom before the assays. On the other hand, animals that received extract 10 min after the injection of venom were protected from venom induced toxicity. Since it inhibits hydrolytic enzymes and pharmacological effects, it may be used as an alternative treatment to serum therapy and, in addition, as a rich source of potential inhibitors of PLA2, metalloproteinases, serine proteases, hyaluronidases and 5¢‐nucleotidases, the enzymes involved in several physiopathological human and animal diseases. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Condition of Uniqueness in Manufacturing Process Representation by Performance/Quality Indicators
Authors: Franceschini Fiorenzo , Galetto Maurizio , Maisano Domenico , Viticchiè Luciano
Published: July 2006

One of the most critical aspects in operations management is making firm goals representable. This is usually done by translating the organization results and objectives in to ‘performance measures’. The scientific literature shows many applications in different fields such as quality, production, logistics, marketing, etc. Nevertheless, a general theory formalizing the basic and application concepts is still lacking. This paper represents a first attempt to provide a mathematical structure to the concept of an indicator. A set of basic definitions is introduced with the aim of giving a rigorous explanation of the concept of a ‘performance indicator’. Particular attention is dedicated to the condition of ‘uniqueness’. When dealing, for example, with performance evaluations of a given manufacturing plant, a practical way is to define some indicators which make tangible the different aspects of the system at hand. In this case, indicators such as throughput, defectiveness, output variability, efficiency, etc. are commonly employed. However, going on into the problem, many questions arise: ‘How many indicators shall we use?’, ‘Is there an optimal set?’, ‘Is this set unique?’, ‘If not, what is the best one (if it exists)?’, ‘Can all these indicators be aggregated in a unique one?’, ‘Are indicators the same as measurements?’, and so on. The aim of this paper is to give an answer to all these questions. A general theory which specifically faces this topic is presented. All the introduced concepts are explained and discussed by the use of practical examples. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Logit Model with a Variable Response and Predictors on an Ordinal Scale to Measure Customer Satisfaction
Authors: De Luca Amedeo
Published: July 2006

Acumulativelogit model is presented for assessing the customer satisfaction (CS) of consumers/services users of a product/service. Thecumulativelogit model (which directly incorporates the order of the categories of theoverallCS variableYresponse) uses ordinal predictors on an ordinal scale—evaluation judgments on each single attribute of the product—expressed using anadditivebinary coding scheme provided herein. The schemenaturallyidentifies the ordering of the categories, does not require the imposition of restraints to avoid non‐monotonous trends of the effect between categories and enables us to achieve more efficient parameters than those obtained by means of thedisjunctivebinary coding. The model has been assessed using the maximum likelihood method, with theproportional oddshypothesis (parallel regression) and with thedescendingoption of theoveralldependent variable. This paper suggests the use of the results of the model in an experimental CS planning activity. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anti‐High‐Mobility Group Box Chromosomal Protein 1 Antibodies Improve Survival of Rats with Sepsis
Authors: Suda Koichi , Kitagawa Yuko , Ozawa Soji , Saikawa Yoshiro , Ueda Masakazu , Ebina Masahito , Yamada Shingo , Hashimoto Satoru , Fukata Shinji , Abraham Edward , Maruyama Ikuro , Kitajima Masaki , Ishizaka Akitoshi
Published: July 2006

Background

High‐mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 (HMGB1) has recently been shown to be an important late mediator of endotoxin shock, intraabdominal sepsis, and acute lung injury, and a promising therapeutic target of severe sepsis. We sought to investigate the effect of antibodies to HMGB1 on severe sepsis in a rat cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model.

Methods

Adult male Sprague‐Dawley rats underwent CLP and then were randomly divided into two groups: treatment with anti‐HMGB1 polyclonal antibodies, and non‐immune IgG‐treated controls. The serum HMGB1 concentrations were measured at ten time points (preoperatively, and postoperatively at 4, 8, 20, 32, and 48 h and at 3, 4, 5, and 6 days). Hematoxylin‐eosin staining, elastica‐Masson staining, and immunohistochemical staining for HMGB1 were performed on the cecum and the lung to assess pathological changes 24 h after the CLP procedure.

Results

Treatment with anti‐HMGB1 antibodies significantly increased survival [55% (anti‐HMGB1) vs. 9% (controls); P< 0.01]. The serum HMGB1 concentrations at postoperative hours 20 and 32 of the anti‐HMGB1 antibody‐treated animals were significantly lower than those of the controls (P < 0.05). Treatment with anti‐HMGB1 antibodies markedly diminished the pathological changes and the number of HMGB1‐positive cells in the cecum and the lung.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrates that anti‐HMGB1 antibodies are effective in the treatment of severe sepsis in a rat model, thereby supporting the relevance of HMGB1 eradication therapy for severe sepsis.
Role of Magnetic Resonance Cholangiography in the Diagnosis of Bile Duct Lithiasis
Authors: Miletic Damir , Uravic Miljenko , Mazur‐Brbac Marzena , Stimac Davor , Petranovic Davor , Sestan Branko
Published: July 2006

Aim:

The aim of our study was to assess diagnostic value of magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) in patients with suspected common bile duct (CBD) stones focusing on the capability of this noninvasive method to replace invasive diagnostic procedures in these patients and to limit the use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) to the patients who need simultaneous therapeutic intervention.

Materials and methods:

Single‐shot fast‐spin‐echo rapid‐acquisition thick‐section MRC images were obtained in 310 patients recruited into this prospective study. There were 136 male and 174 female patients aged 21–95 years [mean ± standard deviation (SD) 64.9 ± 13.6 years]. Patients were subsequently classified into different risk groups (high, moderate, low) according to biochemical abnormalities or morphological features on abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography. Direct cholangiography was the reference method of CBD evaluation.

Results:

CBD stones were diagnosed in 115 (37%) patients; 86 of 175 patients in the high‐risk group, 24 of 83 patients in the moderate‐risk group, and 5 of 50 patients in the low‐risk group. In dependent risk groups, the mean CBD caliber was 9.7 ± 4.5, 7.1 ± 2.0, and 4.8 ± 1.2 mm, respectively. The difference was significant between all three groups (P < 0.05). The median size of CBD stones was 7 mm (range 3–21 mm). MRC achieved accuracy and positive and negative predictive values of 97%, 94%, and 98%, respectively.

Conclusions:

MRC has a potential to substitute diagnostic ERC in all patients with suspected choledocholithiasis due to its high accuracy, reducing invasive direct cholangiography to patients who require therapeutic intervention.
Duodenal Interdigestive Migrating Motor Complex in Patients 5 Years or More after Pylorus‐preserving Gastrectomy for Early Gastric Cancer
Authors: Tomita Ryouichi , Koshinaga Tugumichi , Ikeda Taro , Fujisaki Shigeru , Tanjoh Katsuhisa
Published: July 2006

Background

We investigated the relationship between interdigestive migrating motor complex, phase III (IMMC‐pIII) and postoperative quality of life (QOL) in pylorus‐preserving gastrectomy (PPG) patients.

Materials and Methods

A total of 40 patients (26 men and 14 women; average age 59.4 years) 5 to 7.5 years after PPG for early gastric cancer (Billroth I) (average 6 years and 3 months) were divided into two groups according to the occurrence of IMMC‐pIII from the duodenum, and their postoperative quality of life (QOL) was compared.

Results

As for appetite, “No change compared with before operation” was significantly more frequent in the IMMC‐pIII positive group compared with the negative group (P = 0.0002). Food consumption per meal compared with normal; “80% or more” was significantly more frequent in the IMMC‐pIII positive group than the negative group (P = 0.0002). Body weight loss during 5 years after surgery; “6 kg or more” was significantly more frequent in the IMMC‐pIII negative group than the positive group (P = 0.0002). Early dumping symptoms did not occur in any patients of either group. Reflux esophagitis and nausea; no patients in the IMMC‐pIII positive group experienced these symptoms, which was significantly different from the negative group (P = 0.0018). Abdominal pain occurred but was significantly less frequent in the IMMC‐pIII positive group than in the negative group (P = 0.0023). Epigastric fullness occurred but was less frequent in the IMMC‐pIII positive group compared with the negative group (P < 0.0001). Gastric stasis of the remnant stomach was significantly more frequent in the IMMC‐pIII negative group than in the positive group (P < 0.0001). Gholelithiasis was significantly more frequent in the IMMC‐pIII negative group than in the positive group (P = 0.0119).

Conclusions

These results showed more satisfactory QOL in the IMMC‐PIII positive group than in the negative group.
Targeting Dinitrophenol to Mitochondria: Limitations to the Development of a Self-limiting Mitochondrial Protonophore
Authors: Blaikie Frances H. , Brown Stephanie E. , Samuelsson Linda M. , Brand Martin D. , Smith Robin A. J. , Murphy Michael P.
Published: July 2006

The protonmotive force (Δp) across the mitochondrial inner membrane drives ATP synthesis. In addition, the energy stored in Δp can be dissipated by proton leak through the inner membrane, contributing to basal metabolic rate and thermogenesis. Increasing mitochondrial proton leak pharmacologically should decrease the efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation and counteract obesity by enabling fatty acids to be oxidised with decreased ATP production. While protonophores such as 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) increase mitochondrial proton leak and have been used to treat obesity, a slight increase in DNP concentration above the therapeutically effective dose disrupts mitochondrial function and leads to toxicity. Therefore we set out to develop a less toxic protonophore that would increase proton leak significantly at high Δp but not at low Δp. Our design concept for a potential self-limiting protonophore was to couple the DNP moiety to the lipophilic triphenylphosphonium (TPP) cation and this was achieved by the preparation of 3-(3,5-dinitro-4-hydroxyphenyl)propyltriphenylphosphonium methanesulfonate (MitoDNP). TPP cations accumulate within mitochondria driven by the membrane potential (Δψ), the predominant component of Δp. Our hypothesis was that MitoDNP would accumulate in mitochondria at high Δψ where it would act as a protonophore, but that at lower Δψ the accumulation and uncoupling would be far less. We found that MitoDNP was extensively taken into mitochondria driven by Δψ. However MitoDNP did not uncouple mitochondria as judged by its inability to either increase respiration rate or decrease Δψ. Therefore MitoDNP did not act as a protonophore, probably because the efflux of deprotonated MitoDNP was inhibited.
Background of a Geophysical Model of the Initiation of the Next Glaciation
Authors: Flohn Hermann
Published: July 2006

Evidence of (at least) five rapid hemispheric coolings of about 5°C during the last 105 yr has been found, each event spread over not more than about a century, as examples of a global-scale climatic intransitivity. Only some of them lead to a complete glaciation at the northern continents, others ended after a few centuries by a sudden warming (“abortive glaciation”). Starting from a modified version of Wilson's hypothesis of Antarctic ice surges, an air-sea interaction model with realistic geophysical parameters is outlined to interpret the sudden initiation of the North American ice sheet. Special attention is given to the Atlantic section, where the climatic anomalies during the last glaciation appear to have been significantly larger than in other sections.
Paleoanthropological Implications of the Nonarcheological Bone Assemblage from Swartklip I, South-Western Cape Province, South Africa
Authors: Klein Richard G.
Published: July 2006

The relative frequencies of different skeletal elements within the bone assemblage recovered from a late Pleistocene fissure fill at Swartklip (South-Western Cape Province, South Africa) are shown to resemble those in the assemblage from the Transvaal australopithecine site of Makapansgat. Since there is evidence that carnivores, probably hyenas, accumulated the bones at Swartklip, it follows that carnivores, rather than hominids, may have accumulated the bones at Makapansgat.
Subpolar North Atlantic Circulation at 9300 yr BP: Faunal Evidence
Authors: Ruddiman W.F. , Glover L.K.
Published: July 2006

We have examined the circulation of the subpolar North Atlantic at 9300 yr BP by using a dispersed layer of silicic volcanic ash as a synchronous horizon. At the level of this datum, we have reconstructed from foraminiferal evidence a geologically synoptic view of seasonal variations in sea-surface temperatures and salinities. The reconstruction defines two oceanic fronts at 9300 yr BP: (1) the meridionally oriented Polar Front bordering the axis of deglacial outflow of Arctic and Laurentide ice and meltwater and (2) a zonal portion of the Subarctic Convergence along 48° N, marking a major confluence between the subtropical and subpolar gyres. The 9300-yr configuration primarily differed from the modern pattern in the more easterly position (by 3°) of the Polar Front and the more southerly (3°) and easterly (5°) position of the Subarctic Convergene. Both fronts had been merged at 18,000 yr BP into the full-glacial Polar Front; at 9300 yr BP, they were approaching the end of a northwestward deglacial retreat toward the modern interglacial positions.

There were two dominant departures at 9300 yr BP from the Earth's modern configuration, both related to deglaciation: the very large Laurentide Ice Sheet still covering eastern North America to 48° N, and the region of cold Arctic/Laurentide deglacial outflow. These two features caused: a more easterly position than now of the region of upper air divergence and lower air convergence downstream from the Ice Sheet and meltwater outflow; a more intense expression of this upper air divergence and lower air convergence over the central portion of the subpolar North Atlantic; and a latitudinally more stable axis of convergence of surface westerlies over this region. These factors apparently caused the stronger oceanic convergence along 48°N than at present. They also created a stronger, southeastward-directed wind drift current, which opposed the meridional (northward) flow typical of the present interglaciation.
Vegetation and Associated Environments during the past 14,000 years near Moulton Pond, Maine
Authors: Davis Ronald B. , Bradstreet Theodore E. , Stuckenrath Robert , Borns Harold W.
Published: July 2006

Pollen influx and percentage diagrams were prepared from an 11.4 m core from Moulton Pond, Maine. The pond basin was deglaciated about 14,000 y. a., after which it was located on an island in a sea of subarctic character until about 12,400 y. a. when the surrounding area emerged from the sea. The terrestrial vegetation was tundra until about 10,000 y. a. A change in the tundra vegetation is synchronous with the emergence from the sea, but synchroneity with the Pineo Ridge glacial readvance, which reached its maximum 50 km to the east of the pond about 12,700 y. a., is also possible because of imprecision in the dating. Comparisons of the Moulton Pond results with late-glacial pollen sequences elsewhere in eastern United States and adjacent Canada reveal a lack of synchroneity in vegetational changes casting doubt on claims of major broad-scale climatic shifts over the entire area.

The tundra period at Moulton Pond ended with a transition of a few hundred years to partly open, relatively xeric forests of low diversity dominated by white pine, oak, and birch trees. There was no intervening boreal forest. In the postglacial period the vegetation was continually changing, including in the early portion a series of immigrations of temperate tree taxa which later became important in the forests. The transient nature of these assemblages is further indicated by their differences from the closest modern analogs. From about 7100 y. a. until settlement by Europeans 200 y. a., the forests were closed. A major decline of conifers centering about 4700 y. a. was followed by maxima of mesic hardwoods about a thousand years later. In the most recent 2000 yr, the pollen record suggests greater environmental severity, evidenced by increasing spruce. But for the entire postglacial period, the closest modern vegetational analogs are all in the conifer-hardwood region. Much of the postglacial pollen sequence is inexplicable in climatic terms, as evidenced by nonsynchronous behavior of hemlock and beech.

The pollen influx diagram is useful for distinguishing tundra from forest, but for the postglacial period it is difficult to interpret. Pollen influx data are strongly affected by shifts in the pattern of sedimentation in lakes. We propose that such shifts account for the major changes in influx in mid- and late-postglacial time at Moulton Pond and at Rogers Lake, Connecticut. This complicates the interpretation of influx data which otherwise are superior to percentage data.
Electron Microprobe Analysis of Glass Shards from Tephra Assigned to Set W, Mount St. Helens, Washington
Authors: Smith Henry W. , Okazaki Rose , Knowles Charles R.
Published: July 2006

We have extended the fallout areas for each of two members of tephra-set W, erupted from Mount St. Helens about 1500 ad , by several hundred kilometers beyond the limits mapped in 1975. We traced one member (We) east into Idaho, and the other (Wn) northeast into British Columbia. After using stratigraphic and petrographic observations to assign more than 100 tephra samples to set W, we found 26 of these, selected for chemical analysis, to be closely similar in content of Ca, Fe, and K in glass shards. But improved homogeneity was evident when the 26 sampling localities for tephra W were segregated geographically, east vs. northeast of the volcano. When Ca:Fe:K proportions were plotted on a ternary diagram, there was no overlap of the plotting areas for these two groups of tephra W samples. Without such data, tephra layers We and Wn are currently separable only from stratigraphic and geographic information. Partial glass analysis is also an aid, along with stratigraphic position and petrographic characteristics, in distinguishing tephra W from associated tephra layers. These include tephra layers T and Yn from Mount St. Helens, as well as older tephra layers from Mount Mazama and Glacier Peak.