bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship (QSAR) Approach to Multiple Drug Resistance (MDR) Modulators Based on Combined Hybrid System
Authors: Wu Jianhua , Li Xin , Cheng Weidong , Xie Qinjian , Liu Yinqian , Zhao Chunyan
Published: May 2009

The aim of this paper was to build hybrid QSAR models for predicting multiple drug resistance (MDR) modulators modulating activity of 70 compounds based on single multiple linear regression (MLR) models and support vector machine (SVM) models. All models were validated using more strict criteria to make sure that the results are reliable and robust. For the best hybrid model, it gave the best performance, with corresponding correlation coefficientsR2of 0.85, 0.81, and 0.84 for training, test, and whole data set, respectively. The hybrid method was proved to be a very promising tool in the prediction of MDR‐modulating activity. Additionally, the application of strict validation criteria permits the high quality of the hybrid model. Thus, these in silico methods can be applied to predict this property in the early stage of drug development and some of them will be important tools to select new drug candidates.
Delayed luminescence from collagen as arising from soliton and small polaron states
Authors: Scordino Agata , Grasso Rosaria , Gulino Marisa , Lanzanò Luca , Musumeci Francesco , Privitera Giuseppe , Tedesco Maurizio , Triglia Antonio , Brizhik Larissa
Published: May 2009

With the aim to give more hints to a theoretical model that describes the phenomenon of delayed luminescence (DL) from biological systems as due to the collective electron states that are excited in macromolecular structures by external illumination, a spectral characterization of DL from bovine Achilles' tendons sample at different hydration states has been performed. Tendons are mainly composed by Type I collagen macromolecules which form a one‐dimensional system with the long‐range order and capability of self‐organization, so favoring the existence of such collective excitations. Modeling the crystal structure of collagen as a one‐dimensional chain whose unit cell is formed by a tripeptide, the ground state of the corresponding Hamitonian has been evaluated by a variational approach. The change in DL from bovine Achilles' tendons, depending on the water content of the sample, has been correlated to the change in the ground state of such one‐dimensional lattice from a soliton state, for samples close to native, to a small polaron state, for samples that are much more dry. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
The model of fungal population dynamics affected by nystatin
Authors: Voychuk Sergei I. , Gromozova Elena N. , Sadovskiy Mikhail G.
Published: May 2009

Fungal diseases are acute problems of the up‐to‐day medicine. Significant increase of resistance of microorganisms to the medically used antibiotics and a lack of new effective drugs follows in a growth of dosage of existing chemicals to solve the problem. Quite often such approach results in side effects on humans. Detailed study of fungi‐antibiotic dynamics can identify new mechanisms and bring new ideas to overcome the microbial resistance with a lower dosage of antibiotics. In this study, the dynamics of the microbial population under antibiotic treatment was investigated. The effects of nystatin on the population of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeasts were used as a model system. Nystatin effects were investigated both in liquid and solid media by viability tests. Dependence of nystatin action on osmotic gradient was evaluated in NaCl solutions. Influences of glucose and yeast extract were additionally analyzed. A “stepwise” pattern of the cell death caused by nystatin was the most intriguing. This pattern manifested in periodical changes of the stages of cell death against stages of resistance to the antibiotic. The mathematical model was proposed to describe cell‐antibiotic interactions and nystatin viability effects in the liquid medium. The model implies that antibiotic ability to cause a cells death is significantly affected by the intracellular compounds, which came out of cells after their osmotic barriers were damaged © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
ProtNA‐ASA: Protein‐nucleic acid structural database with information on accessible surface area
Authors: Tkachenko M. Y. , Boryskina O. P. , Shestopalova A. V. , Tolstorukov M. Y.
Published: May 2009

The article describes a new database (ProtNA‐ASA), which combines the data on conformational parameters of nucleic acids and calculations of the accessible surface area (ASA) of nucleic acid atoms in protein‐DNA/RNA complexes. As for October 2008, the database contains 214 DNA‐protein and 28 RNA‐protein non‐homologous complexes. The database provides structural parameters that describe local geometry of base pairs and base‐pair steps as well as backbone torsion angles. Additionally, total ASA of DNA/RNA atoms and the accessible area of atoms in the minor and major grooves are calculated. ProtNA‐ASA database facilitates studying the relationship between the DNA/RNA conformation and availability of atoms for contact with proteins either in major or in minor groove for different nucleotides. Such an analysis is important for understanding the principles of molecular recognition including indirect sequence readout. The database is publicly available for use at http://www.protna.bio‐page.org. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
On the interaction of rubidium and cesium mono‐, strontium and barium bi‐cations with DNA and RNA bases. A theoretical study
Authors: Marino Tiziana , Mazzuca Donatella , Russo Nino , Toscano Marirosa , Grand Andre
Published: May 2009

We performed a density functional investigation of the interactions of the two alkaline metal ions Rb(I) and Cs(I) and two alkaline earth metal ions Ba(II) and Sr(II), with DNA and RNA nucleobases. All the possible molecular complexes, originated from the attack of these cations to the different binding sites present on some selected low‐lying nucleobase tautomers, were considered to determine their relative stabilities and the preferred metal coordination geometries and sites. Absolute metal ions affinities were computed taking into account the most stable metal complex of each base with the aim to rationalize the trend of the obtained values within of and between the first and second periodic table main groups. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
Nonlinear dynamics of DNA: Velocity of the kinks activated in homogeneous polynucleotide chains
Authors: Yakushevich L. V.
Published: May 2009

Ideas of Alexandr Sergeevich Davydov applied to DNA have led to new important results on the nonlinear dynamics of the molecule, and at the same time they led to new interesting problems that have not been solved yet. One of the problems concerned the velocity of the kinks propagating in DNA polynucleotide chains. In this article, we present the results of calculations of the kink velocity made for particular case of synthetic homogeneous polynucleotide chains. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
Ratchet effect of Davydov's solitons in nonlinear low‐dimensional nanosystems
Authors: Brizhik Larissa , Eremko Alexander , Piette Bernard , Zakrzewski Wojtek
Published: May 2009

We study the ratchet behavior of polarons in diatomic molecular chains under the influence of an external electromagnetic field which is periodic in time. We show that in asymmetric chains a harmonic unbiased field causes a drift of polarons. This phenomenon has a threshold with respect to the intensity and the frequency of the field. In spatially symmetric chains, a harmonic periodic electric field generates oscillations of polarons but does not result in their movement. Such a drift current can be induced in symmetric chains by a time periodic asymmetric external field. This complex dynamics of polarons is generated by the interplay between the Peierls–Nabarro barrier and dissipative effects in the system. The dependence of the amplitude of soliton oscillations and the velocity of the drift are calculated depending on the intensity of the field, its frequency, and the coefficient of the energy dissipation. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
Structural analysis of ABAD point mutations causing 2‐methyl‐3‐hydroxylbutyryl‐coA deficiency
Authors: Marques Alexandra T. , Fernandes Pedro A. , Ramos Maria João
Published: May 2009

Here, we report a structural analysis of three human amyloid‐beta binding alcohol dehydrogenase (ABAD) mutations, identified in patients with 2‐methyl‐3‐hydroxylbutyryl‐coA dehydrogenase (MHBD) deficiency. Mapping of the mutations (R130C, L122V, and N247S) on ABAD crystal structure revealed that they occur in the interfaces of the enzyme tetramer. The wild‐type and mutant enzymes were then subjected to molecular dynamics simulations with the intention of studying the local effects of the mutations on protein structure. A computational alanine scanning mutagenesis study has been carried out to study the possible impact of the mutations in the energetic contribution of the mutation sites to the binding free energy of ABAD subunit association. In this study, the MMPB‐SA (molecular mechanics/Poisson‐Boltzmann surface area) approach has been used to calculate the free energy differences on alanine mutation. The interactions and conservation of the mutation sites have been also evaluated. Our results provide an explanation for the strong effect of the R130C mutation on protein stability, evidenced from experimental results. Possibly, the primary effect of this mutation is to impair dimer assembly, as it changes the hot spot character of position 130 to null spot and causes the loss of important hydrogen bonds mediated by the R130 side chain, including a conserved interface hydrogen bond. The other two mutations do not significantly change the energetic contribution of residues 122 and 247 to subunit association, but they are predicted to cause structural changes that affect the enzymatic activity. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
Calibration of new model core potentials for main group elements
Authors: Zeng Tao , Mori Hirotoshi , Miyoshi Eisaku , Klobukowski Mariusz
Published: May 2009

Three newly developed families of model core potentials (MCPs) for the main group elements were calibrated in extensive calculations. In the calibration, 90 closed‐shell molecules of the main group elements from Li to Rn, with noble gases being excluded, were optimized using the MCPs at different levels of correlation. The optimized structural parameters were compared with the experimental values and the errors were evaluated. The distributions of the errors were studied, and diagnostic conclusions on the efficacies of the MCPs were obtained. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
Electrostatic analysis of charge interactions in proteins
Authors: Tsironis G. P. , Ciudad A. , Sancho J. M.
Published: May 2009

We model proteins as continuous electrostatic media immersed in water to investigate charge mediated processes in their interior. We use a Green's function formalism and find analytical expressions for the electrostatic energy in the vicinity of the protein surfaces. We find that due to image charges generated by the protein dielectric medium embedded in water, the effective electrostatic interaction between the two charges in the interior of the protein has an energy larger than the thermal energy. We focus specifically on kinesin to asses the strength of the electrostatic interaction between ATP and ADP molecules. It is known experimentally that ADP expulsion is correlated to ATP kinesin binding while both processes are essential for the kinesin walk. We estimate that the Bjerrum length in the interior of the kinesin dimer protein is of the order of 4 nm and that the pure electrostatic ATP–ADP interaction is of the order of 3–5 kBT. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
Isospectral potentials for the Schrödinger equation with a position‐dependent mass: Free‐particle potential model
Authors: Morales J. , Ovando G. , Peña J. J. , de Parga G. Ares
Published: May 2009

In this work, a method to obtain exactly solvable potentials for the one‐dimensional Schrödinger equation with a position‐dependent mass (SEPDM) and a procedure to determine their isospectral potential partners are presented. In the first case, the problem of exactly solvable SEPDM is worked by means of the point canonical transformation method which permit to convert the SEPDM problem into a standard Schrödinger‐like equation with a position‐independent mass (SLEPIM). In the second case, the procedure to obtain the partner isospectral potentials that fulfill with the SEPDM involves the Darboux transform applied to the SLEPIM. As example of the usefulness of the proposals, it is considered the special case of the free particle potential model as former potential of the SEPDM which leads to different exactly solvable potentials, and to their isospectral partners, depending on the choice of the position‐dependent mass distribution. The proposals are general and can be used in the search of those potentials leading to exactly solvable SEPDM and their isospectral partners, which could be useful in the modeling of quantum chemical properties in condensed matter applications. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
Self‐organization effects in reactions of macromolecules
Authors: Christophorov L. N.
Published: May 2009

The ability of biomacromolecules to coordinate fast reaction events in their active centers with slow rearrangements of their structure is focused upon. Under real conditions of many sequential reaction turnovers of the macromolecule, the structural shifts caused by single turnovers can be of cumulative character. This, in turn, leads to drastic threshold‐like changes of the reaction cycle. In this way, the creative role of dynamical substrate‐conformation interactions in the formation of functional regimes of the macromolecule is consistently uncovered. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
Design and preliminary in vivo validation of a robotic laparoscope holder for minimally invasive surgery
Authors: Herman Benoît , Dehez Bruno , Duy Khanh Tran , Raucent Benoît , Dombre Etienne , Krut Sébastien
Published: May 2009

Background

Manual manipulation of the camera is a major source of difficulties encountered by surgeons while performing minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery.

Methods

A survey of laparoscopic procedures and a review of existing active and passive holders were conducted. Based on these analyses, essential requirements were highlighted for such devices. Pursuant to this, a novel active laparoscope manipulator was designed, paying particular attention to ergonomics and ease of use. Several trials on the pelvitrainer and a first in vivo procedure were performed to validate the original design of our device.

Results

Phantom experiments demonstrated ease of use of the robot and advantages of the intuitive joystick with omnidirectional displacements and speed control. The compactness of the device and image stability were appreciated during the surgical trial.

Conclusions

A novel robotic laparoscope holder has been developed and produced. An in vivo trial proved its value in clinical practice, enabling surgeons to work more comfortably. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of IQ, computer‐gaming skills, general dexterity, and laparoscopic experience on performance with the da Vinci® surgical system
Authors: Hagen Monika E. , Wagner Oliver J. , Inan Ihsan , Morel Philippe
Published: May 2009

Background

Due to improved ergonomics and dexterity, robotic surgery is promoted as being easily performed by surgeons with no special skills necessary. We tested this hypothesis by measuring IQ elements, computer gaming skills, general dexterity with chopsticks, and evaluating laparoscopic experience in correlation to performance ability with the da Vinci® robot.

Methods

Thirty‐four individuals were tested for robotic dexterity, IQ elements, computer‐gaming skills and general dexterity. Eighteen surgically inexperienced and 16 laparoscopically trained surgeons were included. Each individual performed three different tasks with the da Vinci surgical system and their times were recorded. An IQ test (elements: logical thinking, 3D imagination and technical understanding) was completed by each participant. Computer skills were tested with a simple computer game (hand–eye coordination) and general dexterity was evaluated by the ability to use chopsticks.

Results

We found no correlation between logical thinking, 3D imagination and robotic skills. Both computer gaming and general dexterity showed a slight but non‐significant improvement in performance with the da Vinci robot (p > 0.05). A significant correlation between robotic skills, technical understanding and laparoscopic experience was observed (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The data support the conclusion that there are no significant correlations between robotic performance and logical thinking, 3D understanding, computer gaming skills and general dexterity. A correlation between robotic skills and technical understanding may exist. Laparoscopic experience seems to be the strongest predictor of performance with the da Vinci surgical system. Generally, it appears difficult to determine non‐surgical predictors for robotic surgery. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of robotics on practice management of endometrial cancer: transitioning from traditional surgery
Authors: Hoekstra Anna V. , Jairam‐Thodla Arati , Rademaker Alfred , Singh Diljeet K. , Buttin Barbara M. , Lurain John R. , Schink Julian C. , Lowe M. Patrick
Published: May 2009

Background

Evaluation of the impact of a new robotic surgery programme on perioperative outcomes for endometrial cancer

Methods

A prospective database of all patients undergoing staging for endometrial cancer during July 2007–July 2008 was collected and analysed. Demographic data and perioperative outcomes were compared between cases performed via laparotomy, laparoscopy and robotics.

Results

Sixty‐five patients underwent staging during the time of data collection (LAP‐26, LSC‐7, ROB‐32). No difference in surgical volume in the year before vs. after robotics was identified. Median operative time for robotics and laparotomy was significantly less than for laparoscopy (p = 0.023). There was no significant difference in lymph node yields between the three groups (p = 0.92). Robotics was associated with significantly less blood loss (p < 0.0001). Complication rates were significantly lower in the robotic group compared to the laparotomy group (p = 0.05). Median hospital stay was 1 day for the minimally invasive groups. Total number of perioperative inpatient days decreased from 331 to 150 in one year. Practice management of endometrial cancer transitioned from a predominantly open approach (5.6% LSC) to robotics (11% LSC, 49% ROB) within 12 months.

Conclusions

Robotic surgery dramatically altered our management of endometrial cancer and was associated with a significant improvement in several perioperative outcomes when compared to laparotomy and laparoscopy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Teleoperated master–slave needle insertion
Authors: Abolhassani Niki , Patel Rajni V.
Published: May 2009

Background

Accuracy of needle tip placement and needle tracking in soft tissue are of particular importance in many medical procedures. In recent years, developing autonomous and teleoperated systems for needle insertion has become an active area of research.

Methods

In this study, needle insertion was performed using a master–slave set‐up with multi‐degrees of freedom. The effect of force feedback on the accuracy of needle insertion was investigated. In addition, this study compared autonomous, teleoperated and semi‐autonomous needle insertion.

Results

The results of this study show that incorporation of force feedback can improve teleoperated needle insertion. However, autonomous and semi‐autonomous needle insertions, which use feedback from a deflection model, provide significantly better performance.

Conclusions

Development of a haptic master–slave needle insertion system, which is capable of performing some autonomous tasks based on feedback from tissue deformation and needle deflection models, can improve the performance of autonomous robotics‐based insertions as well as non‐autonomous teleoperated manual insertions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hybrid model predictive control based on wireless sensor feedback: An experimental study
Authors: Bemporad Alberto , Di Cairano Stefano , Henriksson Erik , Johansson Karl Henrik
Published: May 2009

Design and experimental validation of model predictive control (MPC) of a hybrid dynamical laboratory process with wireless sensors is presented. The laboratory process consists of four infrared lamps, controlled in pairs by two on/off switches, and of a transport belt, where moving parts equipped with wireless sensors are heated by the lamps. The process, which is motivated by heating processes in the plastic and printing industry, presents interesting hybrid dynamics. By approximating the stationary heat spatial distribution as a piecewise affine function of the position along the belt, the resulting plant model is a hybrid dynamical system. The control architecture is based on the reference governor approach: the process is actuated by a local controller, while a hybrid MPC algorithm running on a remote base station sends optimal belt velocity setpoints and lamp on/off commands over a wireless link, exploiting the sensor information received through the wireless network. A discrete‐time hybrid model of the process is used for the hybrid MPC algorithm and for the state estimator. The physical modelling of the process and the hybrid MPC algorithm are presented in detail, together with the hardware and software architectures. The experimental results show that the presented theoretical framework is well suited for control of the new laboratory process, and that the process can be used as a prototype system for evaluating hybrid and networked control strategies. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Indirect estimation of a discrete‐state discrete‐time model using secondary data analysis of regression data
Authors: Isaman Deanna J. M. , Barhak Jacob , Ye Wen
Published: May 2009

Multi‐state models of chronic disease are becoming increasingly important in medical research to describe the progression of complicated diseases. However, studies seldom observe health outcomes over long time periods. Therefore, current clinical research focuses on the secondary data analysis of the published literature to estimate a single transition probability within the entire model. Unfortunately, there are many difficulties when using secondary data, especially since the states and transitions of published studies may not be consistent with the proposed multi‐state model. Early approaches to reconciling published studies with the theoretical framework of a multi‐state model have been limited to data available as cumulative counts of progression. This paper presents an approach that allows the use of published regression data in a multi‐state model when the published study may have ignored intermediary states in the multi‐state model. Colloquially, we call this approach the Lemonade Method since when study data give you lemons, make lemonade. The approach uses maximum likelihood estimation. An example is provided for the progression of heart disease in people with diabetes. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Do doctors need statistics? Doctors' use of and attitudes to probability and statistics
Authors: Swift Louise , Miles Susan , Price Gill M. , Shepstone Lee , Leinster Sam J.
Published: May 2009

There is little published evidence on what doctors do in their work that requires probability and statistics, yet the General Medical Council (GMC) requires new doctors to have these skills. This study investigated doctors' use of and attitudes to probability and statistics with a view to informing undergraduate teaching.

An email questionnaire was sent to 473 clinicians with an affiliation to the University of East Anglia's Medical School.

Of 130 respondents approximately 90 per cent of doctors who performed each of the following activities found probability and statistics useful for that activity: accessing clinical guidelines and evidence summaries, explaining levels of risk to patients, assessing medical marketing and advertising material, interpreting the results of a screening test, reading research publications for general professional interest, and using research publications to explore non‐standard treatment and management options.

Seventy‐nine per cent (103/130, 95 per cent CI 71 per cent, 86 per cent) of participants considered probability and statistics important in their work. Sixty‐three per cent (78/124, 95 per cent CI 54 per cent, 71 per cent) said that there were activities that they could do better or start doing if they had an improved understanding of these areas and 74 of these participants elaborated on this. Themes highlighted by participants included: being better able to critically evaluate other people's research; becoming more research‐active, having a better understanding of risk; and being better able to explain things to, or teach, other people.

Our results can be used to inform how probability and statistics should be taught to medical undergraduates and should encourage today's medical students of the subjects' relevance to their future careers. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Imputing missing covariate values for the Cox model
Authors: White Ian R. , Royston Patrick
Published: May 2009

Multiple imputation is commonly used to impute missing data, and is typically more efficient than complete cases analysis in regression analysis when covariates have missing values. Imputation may be performed using a regression model for the incomplete covariates on other covariates and, importantly, on the outcome. With a survival outcome, it is a common practice to use the event indicator D and the log of the observed event or censoring time T in the imputation model, but the rationale is not clear.

We assume that the survival outcome follows a proportional hazards model given covariates X and Z. We show that a suitable model for imputing binary or Normal X is a logistic or linear regression on the event indicator D, the cumulative baseline hazard H0(T), and the other covariates Z. This result is exact in the case of a single binary covariate; in other cases, it is approximately valid for small covariate effects and/or small cumulative incidence. If we do not know H0(T), we approximate it by the Nelson–Aalen estimator of H(T) or estimate it by Cox regression.

We compare the methods using simulation studies. We find that using logT biases covariate‐outcome associations towards the null, while the new methods have lower bias. Overall, we recommend including the event indicator and the Nelson–Aalen estimator of H(T) in the imputation model. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of mineral element concentrations in wheat, sunflower, chickpea and lentil cultivars in response to P fertilization by polarized energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence
Authors: Gunes Aydin , Inal Ali , Kadioglu Yusuf K.
Published: May 2009

Concentrations of elements (P, K, S, Ca, Mg, Si, Cl, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Mo, Na, Al, Ti, Ni, Ba, As, Br, Rb and Sr) of wheat, sunflower, chickpea and lentil cultivars grown in low and high phosphorus soil were investigated by polarized energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (PEDXRF). The phosphorus treatment x cultivars interaction was significant for the growth and element concentrations, and cultivars within plant species differed considerably with respect to element concentrations as the result of P fertilization. Shoot growth of the cultivars of each plant species was increased in response to phosphorus fertilization. Application of P increased the P concentrations of wheat, sunflower, chickpea and lentil cultivars. Under high P conditions, mean K concentrations of wheat and sunflower cultivars were decreased while the mean K concentrations of chickpea and lentil were increased. With the exception of sunflower cultivars, applied P significantly increased S concentration of the cultivars of wheat, chickpea and lentil. Calcium concentrations of wheat and sunflower cultivars were reduced by P fertilization and that of chickpea and lentil were increased. Applied P decreased mean Mg concentrations in sunflower, increased in chickpea and lentil cultivars and showed no effects on the wheat cultivars. Applied P significantly decreased mean Si concentrations of wheat and sunflower while mean Si concentrations of the chickpea and lentil cultivars were increased. Chloride concentrations of the wheat and sunflower cultivars were decreased and those of the chickpea and lentil cultivars were increased by applied P. In general, Fe concentrations of the wheat and chickpea cultivars were significantly increased by applied P. Zinc and Cu concentrations of all the cultivars of the four plant species were reduced by P, particularly Zn concentrations. However, applied P increased mean Mn concentrations of wheat and chickpea and decreased those of chickpea cultivars. Mean Mo concentrations of wheat and chickpea increased but decreased in sunflower and lentil cultivars. In general, applied P increased mean Na concentration of wheat and decreased that of chickpea and lentil. Aluminum concentrations of wheat and chickpea cultivars were decreased by applied P. Applied P decreased Ti concentrations of wheat and sunflower cultivars and increased Ti concentrations of chickpea and lentil. Nickel concentrations of wheat and chickpea were increased and those of sunflower and lentil were decreased by applied P. Applied P reduced the Ba and increased As and Rb concentrations of all the cultivars within the plant species. Bromine concentrations of wheat and lentil were decreased and those of sunflower and chickpea were increased by applied P. Finally, Sr concentrations in wheat and sunflower cultivars were reduced, and increased in chickpea cultivars with applied P. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Varus Gonarthrosis Predisposes to Varus Malalignment in TKA
Authors: Heyse Thomas J. , Decking Ralf , Davis Jack , Boettner Friedrich , Laskin Richard S.
Published: May 2009

Postoperative alignment is a predictor for long-term survival of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether or not preoperative deformities predispose to intraoperative malposition of TKA components. A retrospective radiographic analysis of 53 primary TKA cases was performed. Preoperative AP hip to ankle and lateral knee radiographs were compared with postoperative views to evaluate component positioning. The following angles were measured: the hip–knee–ankle (HKA) angle expressing the mechanical axis of the leg, the mechanical lateral distal femur angle (mLDFA), the medial proximal tibia angle (MPTA), the posterior distal femur angle (PDFA), and the posterior proximal tibia angle (PPTA). Postoperative measurement of the HKA revealed 34.0% of the cases had a deviation of >±3° from neutral alignment. Sixteen knees (30.2%) were in varus and, with one exception, all presented with severe varus gonarthrosis prior to surgery with a mean tibiofemoral angle of 12.4° compared with 1.0° of valgus in the optimally aligned group. Patients (93.3%) with preoperative valgus malalignment showed optimal postoperative HKA. Odds ratios for malalignment of TKA for varus knees in comparison with valgus knees were 7.1 for HKA, 2.4 for MPTA, 4.9 for PDFA, and 1.7 for PPTA. The overall number of outliers in the presented data corresponds well with reports from other authors using different implants and guide systems. The presented data indicate that patients with preoperative varus alignment have a higher risk of postoperative implant malposition than patients with valgus alignment. The data supports that preoperative varus deformity predisposes to varus malposition of TKA. The risk for intraoperative malposition is significantly lower in valgus knees.
The diversification of land transactions in the Qing Dynasty
Authors: Denggao LONG
Published: May 2009

There were three kinds of financial transactions involving rights of land during the Qing Dynasty: debt financing through rights of land, the direct transferring of the rights of land, and the transaction of shares. This article attempts to clarify the confusion between several types of debt financing through rights of land. Ya 押 was loan through land as guaranty and repaying the interest and capital by the rent of land or harvest. Dian 典 was loan through temporary transferring of usage rights and harvest in a certain period of time. Dang 当 referred to various types of loans which involved the rights of land. Di 抵 meant using a certain portion of land right as repayment of debt. Similar with modern financial methods, these financial transactions in the Qing Dynasty allowed peasants to preserve their possessive rights over the land and also satisfied their financial needs. The direct transactions of rights of land and repayment of debt by harvest included juemai 绝卖 (finalized sale of land), huomai 活卖 (not finalized sale of land), dianquan dingtui 佃权顶退 (sell or purchase tenancy), zhaojia 找价 (price add-on after transaction), and huishu 回赎 (redemption). The main purpose of these transactions was to protect the land proprietors as far as possible. Share transaction and co-tenancy of land also appeared in the Qing Dynasty. Such diverse financial transactions not only were substitutes of modern financing tools which allowed peasants to weather financial hardship, but also promoted the changing ownership of land which further encouraged the combination of different production elements and reallocation of resources in the land market.
The life style of Chinese scholars in the years of political turbulence ― Examinations of Li Sichun’s Jinling Diary, Wu Mi’s Diary and Hu Shi’s Diary
Authors: Tingxiang CHEN
Published: May 2009

After the abolishment of China’s Imperial Examination System and the founding of the Republic of China, the exterior mode of the Chinese scholars’ life, such as their academic research and ways of making a living, changed dramatically, but their real life style, including their habits, hobbies and tastes, did not show fundamental change. From the unpublished diary of an important but non-famous scholar Li Sichun of Sichuan University, with a close reference of Wu Mi’s and Hu Shi’s diary at approximately the same time, one can see that Chinese scholars kept their traditional literate life style and tastes until the 1940s. Therefore, we can make a conclusion that the social transition did not affect many scholars’ real life as profound as many present studies have claimed.
Towards market-responsive policy design for distributed renewable energy
Authors: Bradford Travis
Published: May 2009

Travis Bradford explores different policies which have proven to be successful in stimulating the development and deployment of renewable energy technologies, in particular photovoltaic (PV) electricity. Case studies from Asia, Europe and the US are compared and analysed in order to demonstrate the positive aspects of different programmes and policies used to successfully adopt and distribute PV electricity. Market-responsive programmes, renewable portfolio standards and municipal loan programmes show the best results overall, and thus future policies should be based on these strategies.
Antireproductive effect of calcium channel blockers on male rats
Authors: Morakinyo Ayodele O. , Iranloye Bolanle O. , Adegoke Olufeyisipe A.
Published: May 2009

Introduction

Drugs have been shown to adversely affect male fertility and recently anti‐hypertensive drugs were added to the list. The anti‐fertility effects of nifedipine and similar calcium channel blockers are well‐illustrated in in vitro experiments but not in vivo.

Purpose

The present study was designed to experimentally elucidate the sub‐chronic effect of nifedipine, verapamil and diltiazem on sperm functions and reproductive hormone levels in vivo.

Methods

Male rats (150–200 g) were divided into four groups of ten rats each. Group 1 (control) received distilled water; Group 2 received nifedipine 0.57 mg/kg BW; Group 3 were given verapamil 3.40 mg/kg BW and Group 4 were given diltiazem 2.57 mg/kg BW. Each drug‐treated group had its own recovery group from which treatment was discontinued for 30 days before the animals were sacrificed. Blood samples were collected for hormonal assay of FSH, LH and testosterone. Semen evaluation was done and the testes, seminal vesicle, epididymis and prostate were removed, and weighed immediately.

Results

Nifedipine, verapamil and diltiazem significantly decreased (P < 0.05) sperm count and motility in drug treated groups. The weight of the epididymis was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in the drug treated rats. Semen parameters and other associated changes were restored after 30 days of drug withdrawal.

Conclusion

Calcium channel blockers appear to have a reversible anti‐fertility effect on male rats which does not occur through inhibition of the pituitary‐gonadal axis.
Tissue‐specific expression of dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and its polymorphisms in mouse tissues
Authors: Yuan Guohua , Wang Yinghua , Gluhak‐Heinrich Jelica , Yang Guobin , Chen Lei , Li Tong , Wu Li‐An , Chen Zhi , MacDougall Mary , Chen Shuo
Published: May 2009

Dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) consists of dentin sialoprotein (DSP) and dentin phosphoprotein (DPP). DSPP is highly expressed in mineralized tissues. However, recent studies have shown that DSPP is also expressed in several active metabolic ductal epithelial tissues and exists in a variety of sequences. We have investigated DSPP expression in various mouse tissues using RT‐PCR, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical analyses. To identify DSPP gene polymorphisms, we screened a mouse tooth cDNA library as well as isolated and characterized DSPP variations. Our results show that DSPP is predominantly expressed in teeth and moderately in bone tissues. We also have characterized a full‐length DSPP cDNA clone with an open‐reading frame of 940 codons and this polyadenylation signal. Compared to previously reported mouse DSPP cDNAs, 13 sequence variations were identified, including 8 non‐synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms and an in‐frame indel (8 amino acids) at DPP domain of the mouse DSPP. These 8 amino acids are rich in aspartic acid and serine residues. Northern blot assay showed a prominent band at 4.4 kb. RT‐PCR demonstrated that this mouse DSPP gene was dominantly expressed in teeth. The predicted secondary structure of DPP domain of this DSPP showed differences from the previously published mouse DPPs, implying that they play different roles during tooth development and formation.
Posttranscriptional down‐regulation of small ribosomal subunit proteins correlates with reduction of 18S rRNA in RPS19 deficiency
Authors: Badhai Jitendra , Fröjmark Anne-Sophie , Razzaghian Hamid Reza , Davey Edward , Schuster Jens , Dahl Niklas
Published: May 2009

Ribosomal protein S19 (RPS19) is mutated in patients with Diamond‐Blackfan anemia (DBA). We hypothesized that decreased levels of RPS19 lead to a coordinated down‐regulation of other ribosomal (r‐)proteins at the subunit level. We show that small interfering RNA (siRNA) knock‐down of RPS19 results in a relative decrease of small subunit (SSU) r‐proteins (S20, S21 and S24) when compared to large subunit (LSU) r‐proteins (L3, L9, L30 and L38). This correlates with a relative decrease in 18S rRNA with respect to 28S rRNA. The r‐protein mRNA levels remain relatively unchanged indicating a post transcriptional regulation of r‐proteins at the level of subunit formation.
Effect of Short‐term Cardiac Memory on Ventricular Electrical Restitution and QT Intervals in Humans
Authors: Lee Kun‐Tai , Chu Chih‐Sheng , Cheng Kai‐Hung , Lu Ye‐Hsu , Huang Chih‐Hsin , Lin Tsung‐Hsien , Lee Ming‐Chuan , Sheu Sheng‐Hsiung , Lai Wen‐Ter
Published: May 2009

Cardiac memory (CM) can alter the configuration of action potentials and the transmural repolarization gradient in ventricular tissue. This study evaluated the effects of CM on ventricular arrhythmogenicity. A total of 20 patients (12 females, 8 males; mean age, 46 ± 13 years) were enrolled. The following indicators were measured to evaluate ventricular arrhythmogenicity: (1) the action potential duration at 90% repolarization (APD 90) recorded from the right ventricular apex (RVA); (2) the maximal slope of the action potential duration restitution curve (APDR) constructed by programmed extra stimuli from RVA; and (3) the maximal corrected QT interval (QTc) and QT interval dispersion (QTd). The short‐term CM was induced by constant pacing from the RVA at a pacing cycle length (PCL) of 400 ms for 20 minutes. After induction of CM, the mean APD 90 were significantly shortened at both PCLs of 600 ms and 400 ms (252.9 ± 6.4 ms vs. 235.6 ± 6.4 ms and 231.2 ± 6.4 ms vs. 214.4 ± 7.3 ms, respectively; p = 0.001). No significant change regarding the maximal slopes of APDR were found at both PCLs of 600 ms and 400 ms (1.05 ± 0.09 vs. 0.96 ± 0.11 and 0.85 ± 0.08 vs. 0.84 ± 0.09, respectively). QTc (417.3 ± 9.1 ms vs. 454.7 ± 8.3 ms; p = 0.001), but not QTd (63.4 ± 5.4 ms vs. 65.7 ± 6.1 ms), was significantly shortened. Short‐term CM significantly decreased ventricular APD 90 and QTc, but did not significantly change the maximal slope of APDR or QTd. These results suggest that CM might not have a significant effect on ventricular arrhythmogenicity.
Colonoscopic Polypectomy of Colorectal Polyps in Children Under General Anesthesia
Authors: Lin Chien‐Heng , Wu Rick Sai‐Chuen , Lin Wei‐Ching , Wu Shu‐Fen , Chen An‐Chyi
Published: May 2009

In many countries, general anesthesia is not routinely used for colonoscopic polypectomy in children because of either feasibility or cost‐effectiveness issues. However, we have been using general anesthesia for colonoscopic polypectomy in pediatric patients in our hospital for the past 5 years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of the procedure and the degree of satisfaction that the patients' parents and endoscopists had with the use of general anesthesia. We retrospectively analyzed the results of colonoscopic polypectomies under general anesthesia in 18 patients performed between January 2001 and December 2005. The removed polyps were examined histologically and the patients were observed to assess complications during the first 24‐hour postoperative period. The patients' parents' and endoscopists' satisfaction with the use of general anesthesia was surveyed after the procedure. In our patient group, there were 10 boys and eight girls. The mean age was 5.5 ± 3.4 years (range, 2–15 years). Seventeen of the 18 patients had rectal bleeding (mean duration, 3.7 months) as the main symptom. There were 12 patients with juvenile polyps, four with hyperplastic polyps, one with juvenile polyposis and one with Peutz‐Jeghers syndrome. The majority (70.6%) of the polyps were located in the rectosigmoid colon. No significant complications related to colonoscopic polypectomy or anesthesia were observed. Satisfaction among parents and endoscopists ranged from good to excellent. General anesthesia is recommended for pediatric patients undergoing colonoscopic polypectomy.
‘Ancient custom time out of mind’: copyhold tenure in the west country in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries
Authors: Bettey Joseph
Published: May 2009

Copyhold tenure for a number of lives, regulated by manorial custom, was by far the most common form of landholding throughout much of the West Country during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, and was only gradually replaced by leaseholds for a term of years during the eighteenth century. Manorial custom, the body of local law and traditional usage, hallowed by long use and enforced in the manorial court, governed all aspects of farming practice, transfer of holdings, entry fines, rents, heriots, rules of cultivation, access to common grazing, wood, stone, fuel and the rights of widows. This paper uses examples from Wiltshire and Dorset to show the great variety of manorial customs, the effect these had on the lives of copyhold tenants and the problems which some long-established customs could cause for landowners.
The modern history of the first lambousa treasure of byzantine silverware from Cyprus
Authors: Merrillees Robert
Published: May 2009

Found in 1897, the important collection of Late Antique silverware known as the first Lambousa treasure (to distinguish it from a second find of Lambousa treasure made in 1902) was acquired in part by the British Museum in 1899. This paper reconstructs the history of the discovery of the first Lambousa treasure and the circumstances of its removal from Cyprus. Research for the paper has brought to light hitherto unknown documents, and throws new light on the collection of antiquities in the early modern era and the politics, attitudes and personalities involved.
Dietaryn-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids enhance metastatic dissemination of murine T lymphoma cells
Authors: Mannini Antonella , Kerstin Nadja , Calorini Lido , Mugnai Gabriele , Ruggieri Salvatore
Published: May 2009

Epidemiological investigation and animal studies have shown that dietaryn-3 PUFA prevent the development and progression of certain types of cancer. However, conflicting results have been reported by the few studies that focused on the effect of dietaryn-3 PUFA on the development of metastases. In the present study, we investigated the metastatic dissemination of murine T lymphoma lines with different metastatic potential transplanted into mice fed a fish oil diet, compared with mice fed a maize oil diet. Transplantation of highly metastatic S11 cells into animals fed a fish oil diet induced a large lymphomatoid infiltration in the spleen, associated with an eight-fold increase in spleen weight, compared with normal animals on the same diet. In contrast, only a limited increase in spleen weight was found in animals transplanted with S11 cells while fed a maize oil diet. No significant increase in spleen weight was found in animals transplanted with low-metastatic 164T2 cells regardless of whether they were fed a fish oil or a maize oil diet. At the end of experiment, an overt cachexia was shown by animals fed a fish oil diet transplanted with S11 cells, but not by those transplanted with 164T2 cells. The particularly high pro-metastatic effect of dietaryn-3 PUFA on S11 cells rules out the generalisation that dietaryn-3 PUFA inhibit tumour growth and progression.