bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Meta-Analysis of the Impact of the Two-Layer Method of Preservation on Human Pancreatic Islet Transplantation
Authors: Agrawal Aditya , Gurusamy Kurinchi , Powis Steve , Gray Derek W. , Fuller Barry , Davidson Brian R.
Published: March 2009

There are conflicting reports about the effectiveness of perfluorocarbons used in the two-layer method (TLM) of pancreas preservation for human islet transplantation. The mechanism of action is unclear and the optimal role of this method uncertain. The study design was a meta-analysis of the evidence that TLM improves islet isolation outcomes. Pubmed, CENTRAL, EMBASE, Science Citation Index, and BIOSIS were searched electronically in January 2008. After selecting the relevant human trials for meta-analysis data relating to donor variables, study design, primary and secondary islet isolation outcomes were extracted. Electronic searches identified eight unique citations, describing 11 human studies that were eligible for the meta-analysis. When comparing TLM with preservation in University of Wisconsin (UW) solution, there was a statistically significant higher islet yield [WMD 711.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) 140.03–1283.07] in the TLM group. The proportion of transplantable preparations obtained was not significantly different (OR 1.30, 95% CI 0.89–1.88) between the two groups. The rate of successful islet isolations for marginal organs was higher in the TLM group (OR 6.69, 95% CI 1.80–24.87). Improved oxygenation and preservation of cellular bioengertics is thought to be the main underlying mechanism, although no single mechanism has yet been confirmed. There is currently no clear evidence that the TLM is beneficial in human islet transplantation. It may improve the preservation of marginal organs.
Intrahepatic Islet Transplant in the Mouse: Functional and Morphological Characterization
Authors: Melzi R. , Sanvito F. , Mercalli A. , Andralojc K. , Bonifacio E. , Piemonti L.
Published: March 2009

Although in a clinical setting islet transplantation is normally performed by percutaneous intrahepatic infusion, the kidney capsule has been the site of choice in nearly all the studies using mice. In the present study, we extensively characterized the mouse model of intraportally transplanted islets with the purpose to propose it as a model to study islet transplantation. C57BL/6 (n = 78) and BALB/C (n = 53) recipients were transplanted with 400 autologous islets alternatively through the portal vein (PV-Tx) or under the kidney capsule (KC-Tx). Glucose concentration during the first hour after syngeneic islet infusion was associated with subsequent long-term function confirming that early events have long-term effects on graft function. In both strains tested the probability to achieve islet function was significantly lower for PV-Tx than KC-Tx. Also in allogeneic models (C57BL/6 to BALB/C, n = 104; BALB/C to C57BL/6, n = 77) the probability to achieve primary function was significantly lower for PV-Tx than KC-Tx and the site of transplantation significantly affected the graft survival. Histological evaluation of livers showed the presence of features (embolism, thrombosis, focal areas of liver necrosis) that are absent in the kidney subcapsular site. Finally, significant differences in the outcome of PV-Tx were observed between the Th type 1 inflammatory-prone C57BL/6 mouse and the type 2 inflammatory-prone BALB/C mouse. Intraportal islet graft model has some features that are more similar to human clinical islet transplantation and should be used as a model to study not only engraftment but also mechanisms of immune suppression and immune tolerance.
The Effect of Cryopreservation on Umbilical Cord Blood Endothelial Progenitor Cell Differentiation
Authors: Lu Xiaomei , Proctor Steve J. , Dickinson Anne M.
Published: March 2009

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) has been shown to be present in umbilical cord blood (UCB) in addition to hematopoietic stem cells. Cryopreservation is the accepted method for long-term storage of UCB. However, whether EPCs can be derived from cryopreserved UCB samples is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the differentiation potential of EPCs from cryopreserved CB samples. CD34+cells were isolated from fresh or frozen and thawed UCB using magnetic beads. Cells were then cultured on fibronectincoated plates containing endothelial differentiation medium. After 4–5 weeks in culture, endothelial-like cells were generated from fresh UCB samples, but not cryopreserved UCB samples. Examining this further, both fresh and frozen/thawed UCB MNCs were stained with Annexin V-PE and 7-actinomycin D (7-AAD) using flow cytometry. We found that there were a significant number of apoptotic cells in cryopreserved UCB samples compared to fresh UCB samples. In conclusion, cryopreservation induced UCB cell apoptosis and impaired EPC differentiation.
CALCULATION OF WELFARE EFFECTS OF ROAD PRICING ON A LARGE SCALE ROAD NETWORK
Authors: Tampère Chris , Stada Jim , Immers Ben
Published: March 2009

After a brief review of the theoretical principles of road pricing this paper presents the results of a modelling exercise aimed at ascertaining the effects of road pricing on a large road network. For the study area we chose an important part of the road network of Belgium, situated in the corridor between the main cities of Brussels and Ghent. Simulations were carried out using an elastic static traffic assignment method. Special care was taken to use realistic parameters for resource costs, time costs, external environmental costs and tax rates. The reduction of traffic caused by the increased trip prices as well as the route changes induced by the tolls were taken into account. The main objective of tolling as considered in this paper is the maximisation of the social welfare gain but possible adverse effects of tolling on traffic streams are also investigated. The relative merits of cordon and corridor tolling schemes are discussed. A combination of these two tolling schemes appears to give the best results, both in terms of welfare gain and traffic streams. Santrauka Po trumpos teorinės kelių apmokestinimo apžvalgos aprašomi kelių apmokestinimo didelio mastelio kelių tinkle efekto nustatymo rezultatai. Analizei atlikti buvo pasirinkta svarbi Belgijos kelių tinklo dalis ‐ koridorius tarp pagrindiniu Briuselio ir Gento miestų. Ypatingas dėmesys kreiptas į tai, kad buvo panaudoti realūs išteklių, išorines aplinkos sąnaudų ir mokesčių parametrai. Modeliuota pagal lankstųjį statinį eismo nustatymo metodą. Nustatyta, kad eismas sumažėjo padidėjus kelionių kainoms, įvedus rinkliava už kelius. Aprašomas rinkliavos poreikis socialinei gerovei ir galimas nepalankus poveikis. Aptariami santykiniai privalumai, užkardos ir koridoriaus rinkliavų schemos. Šių dviejų rinkliavų schemų derinys duoda geriausių rezultatų tiek socialinei gerovei, tiek eismo srautams.
SIMULATION OF AUTOMATED REAL‐TIME GROSS INTERBANK SETTLEMENT
Authors: Bakšys Donatas , Sakalauskas Leonidas
Published: March 2009

The aim of this paper is to analyze algorithms for the automated real‐time gross inter‐bank settlement (RTGS). One can change the efficiency of settlement systems by perfecting the processing of settlements and/or implementing rules for solving the gridlocks, or by applying the tools of refinancing and reservation. We focus on the settlement simulation of the Trans‐European Automated Real‐time Gross Settlement Express Transfer system (TARGET2). The system of modelling, simulation, and optimization of settlements (Bakšys and Sakalauskas 2007b) is applied in the simulation of TARGET2, estimating the parameters of simulation according to the real data. Santrauka Tarpbankinių mokėjimų apimties didėjimas, augantis poreikis atlikti mokėjimus realaus laiko režimu kelia papildomų reikalavimų tarpbankinių atsiskaitymų sistemų technologijoms. Aktyvus elektroninių informacijos perdavimo priemonių diegimas į bankininkystę ir dideles atsiskaitymų dalies sutelkimas tam tikruose bankų sistemos centruose leido sukurti automatizuotus atsiskaitymo centrus ‐ tarpbankinių lėšų pervedimo ir priešpriešinių mokėjimų padengimo sistemos. Straipsnio tyrimo objektas ‐ transnacionalinių automatizuotų tarpbankinių atsiskaitymų algoritmų analizė imituojant atsiskaitymų procesą. Tyrimų metu buvo nagrinėjami transeuropinės automatizuotos realaus laiko atskirųjų atsiskaitymų skubių pervedimu sistemos (TARGET2) atsiskaitymų algoritmai. Atsiskaitymų procesui imituoti buvo naudojama atsiskaitymų modeliavimo, imitavimo ir optimizavimo sistema. Algoritmu tyrimo rezultatai gauti remiantis realiais mokėjimų ir atsiskaitymo sistemos duomenimis.
CONCEPTUAL MODELLING OF SUSTAINABLE VILNIUS DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Kaklauskas Arturas , Zavadskas Edmundas Kazimieras , Šaparauskas Jonas
Published: March 2009

This research consists of 5 stages: comparative description of the sustainable urban development in developed countries and in Vilnius; a comparison and contrast of sustainable urban development in developed countries and Vilnius; a development of some of the general recommendations as how to improve the efficiency levels for a sustainable Vilnius; submission of particular recommendations for the city of Vilnius; a multiple criteria analysis of sustainable urban development's components and a selection of the most efficient version of sustainable urban development life cycle. The obtained results have partially confirmed the available data, and interesting trends of the development of established cities have been noted. In order to demonstrate the application of the above research, concrete examples of Vilnius will be considered in this paper. Santrauka Šis tyrimas apima penkias pakopas: išsivysčiusių šalių miestų ir Vilniaus darnaus vystymosi lyginamasis aprašymas; išsivysčiusių šalių miestų ir Vilniaus darnaus vystymosi skirtumų nustatymas; bendrų pasiūlymų, kaip pagerinti Vilniaus darnos lygį, kūrimas; konkrečių pasiūlymų pateikimas Vilniaus miestui; miestų darnaus vystymosi komponentų daugiakriterinė analizė ir efektyviausio miesto darnaus vystymosi gyvavimo ciklo varianto parinkimas. Tyrimų rezultatus iš dalies patvirtina turimi duomenys, aprašytos kai kurios žinomų miestų vystymosi tendencijos. Tyrimas iliustruojamas Vilniaus pavyzdžiu.
ASPECTS OF THE NATIONAL URBAN POLICY MANAGEMENT UNDER CONDITIONS OF INTEGRATED PLANNING
Authors: Jakaitis Jonas , Paliulis Narimantas , Jakaitis Karolis
Published: March 2009

Lithuanian cities architecture politics development and strategic aims implementation are impossible without global integrated accomplishing systems of country management and official plan observation (monitoring, operative planning, consequence modelling). Important development strategy problem is rational resort of resources especially financial for the country needs. Solving these problems has to be reasoned with the country development strategy by adjusting long‐term and short‐term city economic development aims, when preparing and implementing developing complex programs for the most important city life areas. When realizing the country architecture strategic level aims, it is necessary to improve constantly city development department organizational‐managerial structure by evaluating new functioning principles in democratic planning conditions, also e‐autonomy, e‐government conception and opportunities. Research of these problems is important for seeking natural, economic‐social environment and country architecture harmony. It is necessary to give an appropriate working freedom for government workers and to raise their responsibility for decisions. Rational control system of making, taking and proceeding solutions is in need. It will make assumptions for responding operatively to raising problems and solving fast the most important national affairs and city economy development problems. Santrauka Ištirti integruotos šalies urbanistines politikos valdymo (monitoringo, operatyviojo planavimo, pasekmių modeliavimo, visuomenės įtraukimo į planavimą) sistemos kūrimą, įnovacijų diegimą ir problemas yra svarbu siekiant gamtinės, urbanistinės, ekonominės bei socialinės aplinkos, miesto urbanistinių elementų darnos. Strateginis šalies lygmens planavimas visais lygmenimis tapo svarbia turimų išteklių, ypač finansinių ir žmogiškųjų, valdymo priemonė. Realizuojant šalies miestų architektūros politikos strateginio lygmens uždavinius, būtina tobulinti valdymo struktūrų funkcionavimo principus, taip pat e. savivaldos, e. valdžios koncepciją ir galimybes. Labai svarbu užtikrinti gerą veiksmų bei darbu koordinaciją racionaliai paskirstant pareigas tarp institucijų ir pareigūnų. Šioje situacijoje vienas iš pagrindiniu valdžios uždavinių ‐ rasti būdų, kaip, įgyvendinant miestų plėtros politiką, valdyti šiuos procesus, kaip formuoti racionalią ir skaidrią sprendimų paruošimo, priemimo ir vykdymo kontrolės sistema. Įvertinant demokratinių planavimo principų Lietuvoje taikymo ypatumus Vakarų Europos šalių patirties kontekste pagrindinis šio straipsnio tikslas ‐ atskleisti dezintegruoto planavimo Lietuvoje problematiką. Lyginant kitų šalių strateginio planavimo patirtį, įvertinti teisės aktais apibrežtų procedūrų efektyvumą ir pasiūlyti kompleksinio planavimo modelio taikymo galimybę. Šiam tikslui pasiekti taikomi tarpdisciplininis ir lyginamosios analizės metodai.
Subharmonic Oscillations of Moored Floating Cranes
Authors: Clauss G.F. , Vannahme M. , Ellerman K. , Kreuzer E.
Published: March 2009

The paper presents a comparative study of the operation capabilities offloating cranes, i.e. barge, ship and semisubmersible vessel with hanging load. Over a wide range of applications the dynamic behaviour of moored floatingcranes can be treated as being linear. Under certain conditions, however, thecoupled system of floating structure and swinging load shows different linearand nonlinear phenomena:in-phase and anti-phase load oscillations mutually coupled tointerdependent transverse and angular resonance motions of the cranevesselsubharmonic motions of the vessel due to nonlinear mooringcharacteristics.

In such cases a safe heavy-lift operation cannot be guaranteed since thelinear methods underestimate the occurring loads and motions.

Time series and bifurcation analysis reveal a coexistence of subharmonicoscillations, i.e. period 2 (P-2) or period 3 (P-3) motions with significantlyincreased amplitudes compared to a harmonic linear mode (P-1) in case of anonlinear mooring characteristic. Surge and pitch motion of the floating vesselas well as the coupled motion of the swinging load are substantially influencedby nonlinear restoring forces. High peaks in the mooring line forces occur dueto increased surge amplitudes. The analysis identifies the significance of keyparameters and reveals how the mooring system design can be adjusted to avoidcritical conditions.

Introduction

Floating cranes play an increasingly important role in the operation ofoffshore installations. Basically, three different types of floating cranes aredistinguished (Fig. 1):Barges with hinged shearlegs located at the bow of pontoon shaped hulls, operating in sheltered waters of harbours where waves are relatively low, andin offshore regions at moderate weather conditions.Ships for crane (and pipelaying) operations equipped with a revolving craneat the stern. Their development started in the early Seventies, when first oiland gas was produced from fields in harsher environment of the North Sea. Advantages of monohulls are higher transit speed, associated with lowermobilizing costs.Semisubmersibles with two revolving cranes. In 1978, Heerema built thefirst SSCVs - Balder and Hermod. Since then vessels with tandem lift capacitiesof 12.000 t and 14.000 t have been put into operation. The advantages ofsemisubmersible vessels like Heeremac's Thialf (formerly DB 102) or Saipem's S7000 are favorable seakeeping behaviour and an immense deckload capacity ascompared to older and smaller crane ships.
Data Integration for Velocity Modeling and Depth Conversion, Trinidad and Tobago
Authors: Day Ron A. , Burch Tom , Lehmann Christoph , Hoffman Karen S.
Published: March 2009

Gas-bearing reservoirs southeast of Trinidad are often difficult torepresent geometrically in spite of excellent quality 3-D seismic dataavailable in the area. Developmental challenges of this field include:multiple pay sands (about 20);fault-induced compartmentalization;broad low-relief hydrocarbon accumulations; andcomplex velocityvariations. Variations in facies and burial rates in addition to shallow and localized gas-bearing sands give rise to a complex subsurface velocity field.

The localized gas-bearing sands manifest seismically as pronounced "gas sags". Accurate depth representation of proven and non-proven resources wasaccomplished using a minimum number of seismic surfaces (the five besthorizons), all mappable faults, a robust velocity model (for depth conversion), and well data to build a depth model of all of the sands and shales in thesubsurface. Below the shallow gas-bearing sands, initial efforts were notadequate to completely remove the gas sags, which impact over 25% of the studyarea. To accomplish final depth reconstruction, a number of seismic traverseswere interpreted through wells which pass through the shallow gas-bearingsands. These lines were depth converted and used to remove the gas sag wherethe velocity model was inadequate due to incorrect imaging of the seismic data. This was an iterative process which made use of geospatial data (isopachs, welldata, fault displacements, etc.) and was tested against all geophysical data(seismic interpretation, amplitudes, and velocity data). The result was a modelwhich not only added 0.5 TCF of proven resources, but also explained thetrapping mechanism responsible for gas accumulations in multiple reservoircompartments.

Geologic Setting

The Parang field, part of exploration and production license 120, lies 50miles southeast of the coast of Trinidad (Fig. 1). The field is located in the Columbus basin, which formed between the Caribbean and South American plates. The Miocene to Pleistocene reservoir sands and intercalated shales weredeposited in a variety of depositional environments along the ancestral Orinocodelta. Sedimentary rocks deposited on basin floor to slope fans comprise thelower part of the stratigraphic section. The sands and shales in the middle andupper part of the section were deposited in a paralic setting ranging fromprograding shore facies to a fluvial and transitional barrier complex. Thesource rock is assumed to be early Miocene and/or late Cretaceous in age.
The Physical Chemistry of Wax, Hydrates, and Asphaltene
Authors: Ellison B.T. , Gallagher C.T. , Frostman L.M. , Lorimer S.E.
Published: March 2009

Wax, hydrates, and asphaltenes are the three major threats to flow assurancethat must be assessed by design teams. These potential problems can dramatically change system selection and operational procedures. If one of themis discovered after the system is under construction or worse after first oilthen the whole project may be at risk. Each solid must be well understood byengineers so they can neutralize the threats to system uptime that result frompoor solids management. This paper focuses on the problems posed by, and the system implications of, wax, hydrates, and asphaltenes.

Introduction

Flow assurance in subsea systems focuses on preventing solid deposits fromblocking the flow path. The principle solids of concern are wax and hydrates. Sometimes scale and asphaltenes are also a concern. For a given reservoir fluidthese solids precipitate at certain combinations of pressure and temperature. Precipitated solids are often carried downstream slurried in the fluid; however precipitated solids can also deposit on the walls of the production equipment, which ultimately causes plugging and flow stoppage. Control of this blockage isthe essence of "flow assurance". Solids control strategies involve keeping thesystem pressure and temperature in a region where the solids are unstable(thermodynamic control) or controlling the conditions of solids formation sothat deposits do not form (kinetic control) or allowing solids to deposit, thenperiodically removing them (mechanical control).

This paper focuses on the thermodynamic and kinetic behavior of wax, hydrates and asphaltenes in reservoir fluids. The emphasis is on solidsbehavior in subsea systems. So, for each solid we describe the phase envelope, rate of solid formation and system implications. We also describephysicochemical factors important in solids removal. This is not acomprehensive review of the solids but we will describe their behavior wellenough so that the reader can understand why subsea systems are designed andoperated as they are.

Wax

Paraffinic hydrocarbon fluids can cause a variety of problems in aproduction system ranging from solids stabilized emulsions to a gelledflowline. Problems caused by wax occur when the fluid cools from reservoirconditions and wax crystals begin to form. The temperature at which crystals first begin to form is called the cloud point. At temperatures below the cloudpoint, crystals begin to form and grow. Crystals may form either in the bulkfluid forming particles that are transported along with the fluid or deposit on a cold surface where the crystals will build-up and foul the surface.
The Dynamics of a Flexible Jackup Transported in a Seaway
Authors: Fu Y. , Price W.G. , Temarel P.
Published: March 2009

Based on a three dimensional hydroelasticity theory, the responses (i.e.displacements, distortions, bending moments, shearing forces, stresses) at anyposition in a flexible jack-up structure are assessed. The transported rig iseither carried dry or towed wet in a unidirectional or confused seaway. Calculated response spectra and statistical measures are presented toillustrate the influence of barge/jack-up flexibility, sea conditions, wavespreading etc.

Introduction

The safe transportation of offshore structures from one exploration site toanother is an important operation which these designs must withstand, even whenundertaken in unexpected severe sea conditions. For mobile offshore drillingunits, two alternative modes of transportation may be considered. These areusually referred to as 'wet' and 'dry' tows. In the wet tow, the self floatingstructure is either towed by tugs or self-propelled whilst in a dry tow thestructure is carried on a heavy lift vessel or a flat top barge. The selectedmode of tow depends on the availability of suitable vessels, the dimensions andcharacteristics of the structure, the distance of the tow, expected seaconditions, etc.

To ensure maximum safety, a detailed knowledge of the behaviour of thedynamic responses of the structure to the expected wave loadings is essentialso that the viability of the transportation and mode of operation to differentenvironmental conditions may be assessed. However, the evaluation of theresponse characteristics of any marine structure relies on a chosenmathematical model with its inherent built in set of assumptions. These mayrely on particular physical attributes possessed by the structure i.e. large, slender, shallow draft etc. or assumptions introduced to simplify the analysiswhich may not truly reflect the correct physical nature of the structure. Forexample, it is not uncommon to treat structures as rigid bodies whereas inreality all structures are flexible possessing distributions of mass andstructural stiffness throughout their forms. The implications of theseassumptions have been discussed elsewhere and significant qualitative andquantitative differences may occur between the predicted responses depending onthe assumptions introduced. This investigation is continued in this paper withreference to the dry transportation of a flexible jack-up structure inprescribed irregular seaways.
Overview of High‐Throughput Screening
Authors: Entzeroth Michael , Flotow Horst , Condron Peter
Published: March 2009

High‐throughput screening (HTS) is a key process used in drug discovery to identify hits from compound libraries that may become leads for medicinal chemistry optimization. This updated overview discusses the utilization of compound libraries, compounds derived from combinatorial and parallel synthesis campaigns and natural product sources; creation of mother and daughter plates; and compound storage, handling, and bar coding in HTS. The unit also presents an overview of established and emerging assay technologies (i.e., time‐resolved fluorescence, fluorescence polarization, fluorescence‐correlation spectroscopy, functional whole cell assays, and high‐content assays) and their integration in automation hardware and IT systems. This revised unit provides updated descriptions of state‐of‐the‐art instrumentation and technologies in this rapidly changing environment. The section on assay methodologies now also covers enzyme complementation assays and methods for high‐throughput screening of ion channel activities. Finally, a section on criteria for assay robustness is included discussing the Z′‐factor, which is now a widely accepted criterion for evaluation and validation of high throughput screening assays. Curr. Protoc. Pharmacol. 44:9.4.1‐9.4.27. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
HPLC determination of acidic d‐amino acids and their N‐methyl derivatives in biological tissues
Authors: Tsesarskaia Mara , Galindo Erika , Szókán Gyula , Fisher George
Published: March 2009

d‐Aspartate (d‐Asp) and N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) occur in the neuroendocrine systems of vertebrates and invertebrates, where they play a role in hormone release and synthesis, neurotransmission, and memory and learning. N‐methyl‐d‐glutamate (NMDG) has also been detected in marine bivalves. Several methods have been used to detect these amino acids, but they require pretreatment of tissue samples with o‐phthaldialdehyde (OPA) to remove primary amino acids that interfere with the detection of NMDA and NMDG. We report here a one‐step derivatization procedure with the chiral reagent N‐α‐(5‐fluoro‐2,4‐dinitrophenyl)‐(d or l)‐valine amide, FDNP‐Val‐NH2, a close analog of Marfey's reagent but with better resolution and higher molar absorptivity. The diastereomers formed were separated by HPLC on an ODS‐Hypersil column eluted with TFA/water–TFA/MeCN. UV absorption at 340 nm permitted detection levels as low as 5–10 pmol. d‐Asp, NMDA and NMDG peaks were not obscured by other primary or secondary amino acids; hence pretreatment of tissues with OPA was not required. This method is highly reliable and fast (less than 40 min HPLC run). Using this method, we detected d‐Asp, NMDA and NMDG in several biological tissues (octopus brain, optical lobe and bucchal mass; foot and mantle of the mollusk Scapharca broughtonii), confirming the results of other researchers. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Extraction and analysis of colourful eggshell pigments using HPLC and HPLC/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Gorchein A. , Lim C. K. , Cassey P.
Published: March 2009

The literature on the pigments of avian eggshells is critically reviewed. Methods using methanolic sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid to extract eggshell pigments are unsuitable to detect the occurrence of zinc protoporphyrin or zinc biliverdin because they demetallate these compounds. Extraction methods are described here using EDTA and acetonitrile–acetic acid or acetonitrile–dimethyl sulfoxide, which do not demetallate zinc protoporphyrin. Such extracts were prepared from eggshell of the common nighthawk, Chordeiles minor, and from another six bird species. Protoporphyrin and biliverdin were identified and fully characterized by HPLC/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI‐MS/MS) in all samples, but none contained zinc protoporphyrin. The zinc complex of biliverdin, claimed to be an additional pigment responsible for eggshell background colours, was labile to EDTA and acid pH and if occurring naturally could not be extracted intact by the published or the modified protocols. An explanation is advanced for the exceptional report that all porphyrins from uroporphyrin to protoporphyrin were found in eggshells of the fowl Gallus domesticus. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development and validation of a highly sensitive and robust LC‐ESI‐MS/MS method for simultaneous quantitation of simvastatin acid, amlodipine and valsartan in human plasma: application to a clinical pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Ramani Addepalli V. , Sengupta Pinaki , Mullangi Ramesh
Published: March 2009

A high‐throughput, simple, highly sensitive and specific LC‐MS/MS method has been developed for simultaneous estimation of simvastatin acid (SA), amlodipine (AD) and valsartan (VS) with 500 µL of human plasma using deuterated simvastatin acid as an internal standard (IS). The API‐4000 LC‐MS/MS was operated under the multiple reaction‐monitoring mode (MRM) using electrospray ionization. The assay procedure involved precipitation of SA, AD, VS and IS from plasma with acetonitrile. The total run time was 2.8 min and the elution of SA, AD, VS and IS occurred at 1.81, 1.12, 1.14 and 1.81 min, respectively; this was achieved with a mobile phase consisting of 0.02 mammonium formate (pH 4.5):acetonitrile (20:80, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.50 mL/min on an X‐Terra C18column. A linear response function was established for the range of concentrations 0.5–50 ng/mL (r > 0.994) for VS and 0.2–50 ng/mL (r > 0.996) for SA and AD. The method validation parameters for all three analytes met the acceptance as per FDA guidelines. This novel method has been applied to human pharmacokinetic study. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A sensitive and specific liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method for determination of echinacoside and its pharmacokinetic application in rats
Authors: Yang Hao , Wang Guangji , Hao Haiping , Tu Pengfei , Jiang Yong , Wang Qiong , Zhang Yan , Zheng Chaonan , Wang Yuxin , Dai Liang
Published: March 2009

A rapid and sensitive method based on liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) for the determination of echinacoside in rat plasma was established and fully validated. A single step of liquid–liquid extraction with n‐butanol was utilized. Chromatographic separation of the analyte and the internal standard (IS), chlorogenic acid, from the sample matrix was performed using a Capcell‐MG C18 analytical column (100 2.0 mm × 5 µm), with a gradient of acetonitrile and water containing 0.1% acetic acid as the mobile phase. Detection was performed on a triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer equipped with electrospray ionization source operated in negative ion selected reaction monitoring mode. The method was linear in the concentration range 10–2500 ng/mL. The deviations of both intra‐ and inter‐day precisions (RSD) were 7.1% and the assay accuracies were within 99.2–106.5%. Echinacoside proved to be stable during sample storage, preparation and analysis when an antioxidant solution was used. The method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study in rats after an intragastric administration of echinacoside (100 mg/kg). With the lower limit of quantification at 10 ng/mL, this method proved to have sufficient selectivity, sensitivity and reproducibility for the pharmacokinetic study of echinacoside. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of cholesterol and docosahexaenoic acid on cell viability and (Ca2+)i levels in acutely isolated mouse thymocytes
Authors: Sandal Suleyman , Tuneva Jelena , Yilmaz Bayram , Carpenter David O.
Published: March 2009

We investigated the effects of lipids on thymocyte function. The effects of application of cholesterol or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a C22, omega‐3 (n‐3) polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), on viability and intracellular calcium concentrations of acutely isolated mouse thymocytes were investigated using flow cytometry. Cholesterol (100 µM) caused significant cell death after 30–60 min whether or not calcium was present in the medium. Cell death was associated with an elevation of intracellular calcium whether or not calcium was present in the extracellular medium. However, the elevation of calcium concentration was not responsible for the cell death since calcium levels in the presence of ionomycin rose higher without significant cell death. DHA had similar actions but was more potent, causing significant cell death and elevation of calcium concentration within 5 min at 1 µM. In the absence of extracellular calcium 1 µM DHA caused 100% cell death within 15 min. Linolenic acid, a C18 omega‐3 fatty acid also caused cytotoxicity at low concentrations whether or not albumin was present, but omega‐6 or saturated C22 fatty acids were much less effective. These observations demonstrate that thymocyte viability is very sensitive to acute exposure to low concentrations of omega‐3 fatty acids. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coping strategies used by hypersexual patients to defend against the painful effects of shame
Authors: Reid Rory C. , Harper James M. , Anderson Emily H.
Published: March 2009

This article reports the findings of a study investigating coping strategies used by hypersexual patients (n = 71), compared with a control group (n = 73), in their attempts to defend against shame. Coping strategies were measured using the Compass of Shame Scale (CoSS) and hypersexual behaviour was measured by the Hypersexual Behavior Inventory (HBI). A multivariate analysis of variance of between‐group differences was significant, and examination of post hoc univariate tests revealed that the sample of hypersexual patients defended against shame with higher levels of withdrawal and higher tendencies to attack self and others when compared with the control group. The effect sizes of these differences were moderate to large. A categorical analysis of the patient group indicated that the greatest percentages of elevated shame scores were clustered on the Withdrawal and Attack Self subscales of the CoSS. Between‐group differences on the Avoidance subscale of the CoSS were not significant. The results of this study are discussed as they pertain to clinical practice, and future recommendations for research are offered. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Corporate social responsibility in Malaysia – experts' views and perspectives
Authors: Lu Jye Y. , Castka Pavel
Published: March 2009

The field of corporate social responsibility (CSR) has grown exponentially in the last decade and is gradually becoming a global trend. Companies are now expected to take explicitly into account all aspects of their performance, i.e., not just their financial results, but also their social and environmental performance. Therefore more organizations are now engaged in serious efforts to define and integrate CSR into all aspects of their businesses. The aim of our study is to understand this trend in Malaysia and specifically to investigate (i) The status of CSR in Malaysia; (ii) Different CSR practices in Malaysia; and (iii) Future diffusion of CSR in Malaysia. To answer these questions, we have conducted interviews with Malaysian leading experts in CSR. Our results suggests that the key issues in the journey toward wider diffusion and acceptance of CSR in Malaysia include current confusion over the meaning of CSR, the prevalent use of CSR as a PR tool, mandatory versus voluntary CSR and the role the National Mirror Committee of ISO/TMB/WG SR in this process. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
The effect of xanthorrhizol on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase‐1 and type‐I procollagen in ultraviolet‐irradiated human skin fibroblasts
Authors: Oh Hyun‐In , Shim Jae‐Seok , Gwon Song‐Hui , Kwon Ho‐Jeong , Hwang Jae‐Kwan
Published: March 2009

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are key regulators of the skin photoaging process that is set in motion by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. This skin damage results from UV‐induced generation of reactive oxygen species, which are associated with upregulation of MMPs and decreased collagen synthesis. We investigated the effects of xanthorrhizol, isolated from Curcuma xanthorrhiza, on the expression of MMP‐1 and type‐I procollagen in UV‐irradiated human skin fibroblasts. Fibroblasts cultured in the presence or absence of purified xanthorrhizol or C. xanthorrhiza extract were irradiated with UV (20 mJ/cm2), and MMP‐1 and type‐I procollagen levels were measured using Western blot analysis. Xanthorrhizol (0.001–0.1 µM) and C. xanthorrhiza extract (0.01–0.5 µg/mL) induced a significant, dose‐dependent decrease in the expression of MMP‐1 protein, and increased the expression of type‐1 procollagen. At a concentration of 0.1 µM, xanthorrhizol nearly completely abrogated MMP‐1 expression. The MMP‐1‐suppressing and type‐1 procollagen‐inducing effects of xanthorrhizol treatment were greater than those of epigallocatechin 3‐O‐gallate (EGCG), which is known to be a natural anti‐aging agent. These results suggest that xanthorrhizol is a potential candidate for the prevention and treatment of skin aging. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hypoglycemic effects of malonyl‐ginsenosides extracted from roots of Panax ginseng on streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice
Authors: Liu Zhi , Wang Li‐Juan , Li Xiang , Hu Jiang‐Ning , Chen Yun , Ruan Chang‐Chun , Sun Guang‐Zhi
Published: March 2009

Hypoglycemic effects of malonyl‐ginsenosides (MGR), extracted from roots of Panax ginseng, were examined in streptozotocin‐ (STZ‐) induced diabetic mice. Animals received daily intravenous injections of MGR in doses of 30, 60, 120 mg/kg. At a dose of 120 mg/kg, MGR reduced the fasting blood glucose level of diabetic mice by 77.8% (76.7 ± 8.5 mg/dl versus 345.2 ± 35.8 mg/dl, P < 0.01). The same dose also showed a marked improvement in glucose tolerance of 80% (75.3 ± 10.8 mg/dl versus 375.6 ± 43.3 mg/dl, P < 0.01) in diabetic mice after four days. The alkali hydrolysis productions of MGR, ginseng panaxadiol (PDS), malonic acid and a mixture of malonic acid with PDS, showed no effects on fasting blood glucose levels indicated the hypoglycemic effect of MGR relied on their unique esterified chemical structures. The findings from this study suggest that MGR extracted from Panax ginseng may be prescribed as adjunct to drug treatment for controlling diabetes mellitus. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cytoprotective effect of Proanthocyanidin‐rich cranberry fraction against bacterial cell wall‐mediated toxicity in macrophages and epithelial cells
Authors: La Vu Dang , Labrecque Julie , Grenier Daniel
Published: March 2009

Recent studies brought evidence regarding the potential beneficial effects of cranberry polyphenols for periodontal infections. In this study, we evaluated the capacity of a proanthocyanidin‐rich cranberry fraction to protect macrophages and oral epithelial cells against cytotoxicity induced by bacterial components. U937 cells, differentiated into adherent macrophage‐like cells, as well as oral epithelial cells were treated with cell wall or lipopolysaccharide preparations from periodontopathogens. Cell viability was monitored using a commercial MTT (3‐[4,5‐diethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. The cytoprotective effect was evaluated by pre‐incubating human cells with a proanthocyanidin‐rich cranberry fraction prior to treatment with the bacterial components at toxic concentrations. Among the various bacterial components tested, Peptostreptotoccus micros cell wall was found to be the most toxic for macrophages and epithelial cells and was thus selected for further analyses. Treatment of monocyte‐derived macrophages with cell wall of P. micros (20 µg/ml) decreased the cell viability by approximately 50%. Adding the cranberry fraction prior to treating cells with P. micros cell wall dose‐dependently protected monocyte‐derived macrophages from the toxic effect. A dose‐dependent cytoprotective effect of the cranberry fraction was also observed with oral epithelial cells treated with P. micros cell wall. This study suggests that cranberry polyphenols may exert a protective effect for host cells against the toxicity induced by bacterial components. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Large‐scale controls on Ganges and Brahmaputra river discharge on intraseasonal and seasonal time‐scales
Authors: Jian Jun , Webster Peter J. , Hoyos Carlos D.
Published: March 2009

Reliable water supply from the Ganges and Brahmaputra is of critical importance to the sustainability of the agricultural societies of India and Bangladesh. But, the flow in both basins is highly variable on time‐scales ranging from days to years, creating challenges for the optimization of agricultural practices, water resource management and disaster mitigation. The following questions are addressed. Is intraseasonal monsoon variability related to the subseasonal variability of river flow? Do variations in the large‐scale tropical sea‐surface temperature (SST) located both regionally and remotely promote seasonal and interannual variations of river discharge? And, if these relationships do exist, are they determinable with sufficient lead‐times to allow useful predictions for user communities in South Asia? We examine these questions using 50 years of daily river discharge data for both rivers calculated at the points where they enter Bangladesh, and with SST data in the Indo‐Pacific region. We also examine the question of determining the impact of man‐made dams, diversions and barrages on the data record, especially that of the Ganges. A comparison of discharge prior to 1974 (the time of the construction of the largest barrage) shows no statistical difference that cannot be explained by basin‐wide rainfall distributions. Changes that do occur are restricted to the dry‐season months.

Subseasonal river discharge is found to be strongly tied to the monsoon intraseasonal cycle resulting in a near‐in‐phase timing of Ganges and Brahmaputra discharge. A basin isochrone analysis is used to couple stream‐flow variability and intraseasonal precipitation during the different phases of the intraseasonal cycle. On longer time‐scales, statistically significant correlations are found between mean monthly equatorial Pacific SST and the boreal summer Ganges discharge with lead times of 2–3 months. These relationships are tied to El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) oscillations in addition to SST variability in the southwest and northwest Pacific that also seems to be related to ENSO. The Brahmaputra discharge, on the other hand, shows somewhat weaker relationships with tropical SST. Strong lagged correlation relationships are found with SST in the Bay of Bengal but these are the result of very warm SSTs and exceptional Brahmaputra discharge during the summer of 1998. When this year is removed from the time series, relationships with SST anomalies weaken everywhere except in the northwest Pacific for the June discharge and in areas of the central Pacific straddling the Equator for the July discharge. In addition, the northwest Pacific relationship changes polarity for June and July discharges. Although the relationships are weaker than those found for the Ganges, they are persistent from month to month and suggest that two different and sequential factors influence Brahmaputra river flow. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
When almost all sets are difference dominated
Authors: Hegarty Peter , Miller Steven J.
Published: March 2009

We investigate the relationship between the sizes of the sum and difference sets attached to a subset of {0,1,…,N}, chosen randomly according to a binomial model with parameter p(N), with N−1 = o(p(N)). We show that the random subset is almost surely difference dominated, as N → ∞, for any choice of p(N) tending to zero, thus confirming a conjecture of Martin and O'Bryant. The proofs use recent strong concentration results.

Furthermore, we exhibit a threshold phenomenon regarding the ratio of the size of the difference to the sumset. If p(N) = o(N−1/2) then almost all sums and differences in the random subset are almost surely distinct and, in particular, the difference set is almost surely about twice as large as the sumset. If N−1/2 = o(p(N)) then both the sum and difference sets almost surely have size (2N + 1) − O(p(N)−2), and so the ratio in question is almost surely very close to one. If p(N) = c · N−1/2 then as c increases from zero to infinity (i.e., as the threshold is crossed), the same ratio almost surely decreases continuously from two to one according to an explicitly given function of c.

We also extend our results to the comparison of the generalized difference sets attached to an arbitrary pair of binary linear forms. For certain pairs of forms f and g, we show that there in fact exists a sharp threshold at cf,g · N−1/2, for some computable constant cf,g, such that one form almost surely dominates below the threshold and the other almost surely above it.

The heart of our approach involves using different tools to obtain strong concentration of the sizes of the sum and difference sets about their mean values, for various ranges of the parameter p. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2009
Sustainable consumption: green consumer behaviour when purchasing products
Authors: Young William , Hwang Kumju , McDonald Seonaidh , Oates Caroline J.
Published: March 2009

The ‘attitude–behaviour gap’ or ‘values–action gap’ is where 30% of consumers report that they are very concerned about environmental issues but they are struggling to translate this into purchases. For example, the market share for ethical foods remains at 5 per cent of sales. This paper investigates the purchasing process for green consumers in relation to consumer technology products in the UK. Data were collected from 81 self‐declared green consumers through in depth interviews on recent purchases of technology products. A green consumer purchasing model and success criteria for closing the gap between green consumers' values and their behaviour are developed. The paper concludes that incentives and single issue labels (like the current energy rating label) would help consumers concentrate their limited efforts. More fundamentally, ‘being green’ needs time and space in people's lives that is not available in increasingly busy lifestyles. Implications for policy and business are proposed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Doubling guarantees quadrupling—theory and practice
Authors: Xu Shoubo
Published: March 2009

Significant changes have occurred in China's energy development strategy in the past 30 years since the reform and opening policy was put into effect. The strategy has been shifted from the Strategy of Exploiting Energy Resources (SEER) to the Strategy of Comprehensive Energy Efficiency (SCEE); this made it possible that the target of ‘Doubling guarantees Quadrupling’ set by the CPC in the 1990s become a reality 5 years earlier than the target time frame. For the new target of ‘Doubling Economic Development’ set for the new century by the CPC, this paper will attempt to provide ideas and recommendations to offer possible alternative views. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How entrepreneurial orientation moderates the effects of knowledge management on innovation
Authors: Li Yuan , Liu Xunfeng , Wang Longwei , Li Mingfang , Guo Hai
Published: March 2009

Drawing on the complementary asset theory, this paper develops a conceptual model to explain the relationships among intrafirm knowledge sharing, knowledge application, and innovation as well as the moderating effect of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) on the intrafirm knowledge sharing and knowledge application. Using a sample of 607 Chinese firms, this paper empirically examines this model. The results show that, under China's transition economy, the positive relationship between intrafirm knowledge sharing and a firm's innovation is mediated by knowledge application. Furthermore, intrafirm knowledge sharing facilitates knowledge application, and EO positively moderates this relationship. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.