bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D deficiency in dialysis patients and its effect on various disease markers
Authors: Korkor Adel B. , Bretzmann Christine M. , Eastwood Daniel C.
Published: November 2009

BACKGROUND

Epidemiologic data has linked vitamin D deficiency with a variety of negative health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of 25‐hydroxy‐vitamin D deficiency in our outpatient dialysis patients and to assess the association between vitamin D level and various markers of disease.

METHODS

We performed a cross‐sectional study evaluating 25‐hydroxy‐vitamin D levels in 327 chronic dialysis patients. Associations between vitamin D level and various disease markers were measured using Pearson correlation, Spearman correlation, and Kendall's Tau.

RESULTS

Mean 25‐hydroxy‐vitamin D level was 19.7 ± 12.7 ng/mL. Vitamin D deficiency, defined as 25‐hydroxy‐vitamin D <30 ng/mL, was present in 85% of individuals (277/327). Using a Spearman correlation, there was a statistically significant negative association between vitamin D level and triglycerides and transferrin saturation while a positive association existed with albumin. No other significant correlations were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

Although vitamin D deficiency was highly prevalent in our dialysis patients, we were unable to demonstrate a correlation between a 25‐hydroxy‐vitamin D level and the majority of disease markers evaluated in this study. Further research is necessary to fully elucidate the consequence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with end‐stage renal disease.
Long‐term mycophenolate mofetil treatment in pediatric renal transplant patients
Authors: Roberts John P. , Potter Donald , Bouw M. René
Published: November 2009

OBJECTIVE

Clinical trials have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in reducing adult renal allograft rejection. We assessed the long‐term safety and efficacy of MMF in pediatric renal allograft recipients.

METHODS

In this 3‐year, open‐label, dose‐ranging study, 40 patients received twice‐daily (bid) MMF 15, 23, or 30 mg/kg (to a maximum of 1,500 mg bid), cyclosporine, and corticosteroids. As 23 mg/kg MMF bid was shown to provide similar pharmacokinetics to the adult dosage of 1 g bid, this study was terminated after most patients had received treatment for 1 to 2 years. Thereafter, 33 patients were eligible to continue receiving MMF 23 mg/kg bid in a follow‐up study.

RESULTS

A total of 26 patients completed both studies (total follow‐up of up to 3 years post‐transplant). There were no deaths in either study; 2 graft losses occurred during the dose‐ranging study. The total 3‐year acute rejection rate for both studies was 42% (17/40 patients). All patients experienced 1 or more adverse events, but only 4 patients (10%) withdrew because of adverse events.

DISCUSSION

Long‐term treatment with MMF was effective in preventing rejection and provided excellent patient and graft survival. Mycophenolate mofetil was well tolerated and had a safety profile consistent with that in adult renal allograft recipients.
Nursing personnel faced with living kidney donation in a Spanish hospital with a living‐donor kidney transplant program
Authors: Ríos Antonio , Martínez‐Alarcón Laura , Rodríguez María del Mar , Lucas Dolores , Parrilla P. , Ramíre Pablo
Published: November 2009

OBJECTIVE

To analyze attitudes toward living‐kidney donation among nursing personnel in a Spanish hospital with a living kidney transplant program and to analyze the influence of different types of variables on such attitudes.

METHODS

This was a descriptive transversal study. The study was carried out in a Spanish third‐level hospital with an organ transplant program (kidney, liver, pancreas, and heart) and a living‐donation program (kidney and liver). A random sample (n = 305) was taken and was stratified by type of service among nursing personnel. Attitude was evaluated using a validated survey. It was completed anonymously and was self‐administered.

RESULTS

The questionnaire completion rate was 95% (n = 289). Of these respondents, 86% (n = 248) were in favor of living‐related kidney donation. The following were found to be factors that were significantly related to attitude toward living kidney donation: (1) attitude toward deceased donor donation (p = .002); (2) a respondent's belief in the possibility of needing a transplant in the future (p = .002); and (3) a respondent's willingness to accept a living donated kidney (p < .0005).

DISCUSSION

Our hospital nursing personnel have a favorable attitude toward living‐related kidney donation, and this attitude is mainly determined by reciprocity.
Polyneuropathy in type 1 and type 2 diabetes: comparison of nerve conduction studies, thermal perception thresholds and intraepidermal nerve fibre densities
Authors: Løseth Sissel , Mellgren Svein I. , Jorde Rolf , Lindal Sigurd , Stålberg Erik
Published: November 2009

Background

To evaluate possible differences in distal polyneuropathy (PN) characteristics and degree of abnormalities for various small and large fibre parameters in diabetes type 1 (DM1) and type 2 (DM2).

Methods

Sixty‐six DM1 and 57 DM2 patients with or without PN symptoms were included. Nerve conduction studies (NCS), quantitative sensory testing (QST) and quantification of intraepidermal nerve fibres (IENFs) were performed. Z‐scores were calculated from reference materials.

Results

In both groups, 42% had abnormal NCS classification, 42% (DM1) and 39% (DM2) abnormal QST, as well as 40% (DM1) and 32% (DM2) abnormal IENF density. Seventy percent (DM1) and 65% (DM2) had one of the three tests abnormal (differences not significant). Correlations were found between most Z‐score parameters and disease duration and HbA1c in DM1, but fewer in DM2. In multivariate analysis, some NCS and QST Z‐scores were more abnormal in DM2. Symptom scoring correlated better with NCS and QST parameters in DM1.

Conclusions

The differences could be referred to disease duration, glycaemic control and possibly patient age. The various parameters from NCS, QST and IENF analysis contribute differently in the assessment of polyneuropathy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diabetes and microvascular pathophysiology: role of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase
Authors: Matrougui Khalid
Published: November 2009

Type 2 diabetes is responsible for the increased prevalence of ischaemic heart disease, generally related to coronary artery disease, which is associated with increased morbidity and death in diabetic patients. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase, one of the many factors involved in cell growth and migration, has been shown to be key element in the development of microvessel myogenic tone. In a recent study, we have shown that microvascular dysfunction in type 2 diabetes is dependent on the exacerbation of the EGFR tyrosine kinase phosphorylation. Thus, further elucidation of this EGFR transactivation and down stream signalling will offer a new direction to investigate the mechanism of microvascular dysfunction responsible for heart disease that occurs in type 2 diabetes. In this review, we discuss the link between the EGFR transactivation and microvascular dysfunction that occurs in type 2 diabetes. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ex vivo TCR‐induced leukocyte gene expression of inflammatory mediators is increased in type 1 diabetic patients but not in overweight children
Authors: Rosa Jaime S. , Mitsuhashi Masato , Oliver Stacy R. , Ogura Mieko , Flores Rebecca L. , Pontello Andria M. , Galassetti Pietro R.
Published: November 2009

Background

Abnormal systemic concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines have been implicated in the development of long‐term cardiovascular complications in type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and obesity. Whether leukocyte white blood cell (WBC) gene expression of these proinflammatory mediators contributes to their increased systemic levels, however, remains unclear, especially in the pediatric patient populations. This study examines mRNA changes of 9 cytokines and chemokines in WBCs following ex vivo immunostimulation from 9 T1DM (13.4 ± 0.5 year, 4F/5 M), 23 overweight (OW, 12.3 ± 0.5 year, 10F/13M, BMI% 97.1 ± 0.5 and > 90.0), and 21 healthy (CL, 13.8 ± 0.7 year, 9F/12 M, BMI% 59.6 ± 4.6 and < 85.0) children.

Methods

All subjects had been maintained in euglycemic conditions for at least 90 min before blood draws. Whole blood was then sampled and incubated with anti‐T‐cell receptor (TCR) antibody or heat‐aggregated IgG (HAG) to stimulate T‐cell and Fc receptors (FcR), respectively. After lysis of leukocytes, mRNA levels of six tumor necrosis factor superfamily cytokines (TNFSF2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 14) and three chemokines (CCL8, 20, and CXCL10) were measured using RT‐PCR.

Results

Following TCR stimulation, T1DM displayed significantly greater mRNA responses than CL for TNFSF5, 7, 9, and CCL8, and CXCL10; TNFSF9, CCL8, and CXCL10 were also significantly higher in T1DM than OW; no difference was observed between OW and CL. FcR stimulation induced similar responses across groups.

Conclusions

Leukocytes of T1DM children displayed exaggerated gene expression in response to ex vivo TCR induction of five key proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines. This elevated leukocyte gene expression may be one of the pathophysiological contributors to the development of vascular complications in T1DM. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fibrinogen kinetics and protein turnover in obese non‐diabetic males: effects of insulin
Authors: Tessari P. , Cosma A. , Vettore M. , Millioni R. , Puricelli L. , Cogo P. , Cecchet D. , Carnielli V. , Kiwanuka E.
Published: November 2009

Background

Although hyperfibrinogenemia and insulin resistance are common in obesity and diabetes mellitus, the impact of obesity per se on fibrinogen turnover and the insulin effects on fibrinogen and protein kinetics is unknown.

Methods

We measured fibrinogen and albumin fractional (FSR) and absolute (ASR) synthesis rates, as well as protein turnover, in non‐diabetic, obese and in control male subjects both before and following an euglycemic, euaminoacidemic, hyperinsulinemic clamp, using L‐[2H3]‐Leucine isotope infusion.

Results

In the obese, basal fibrinogen concentrations was ≈ 25% greater (p < 0.035), and fibrinogen pool ≈ 45% greater (p < 0.005), than in controls. Both FSR and ASR of fibrinogen were similar to control values. With hyperinsulinemia, although fibrinogen FSR and ASR were not significantly modified with respect to baseline in either group, fibrinogen ASR resulted to be ≈ 50% greater in the obese than in controls (p < 0.015). Hyperinsulinemia equally stimulated albumin synthesis and suppressed leucine appearance from endogenous proteolysis in both groups. Amino acid clearance was also similar. In the obese, the insulin‐mediated glucose disposal was ≈ 50% lower (p < 0.03) than in controls, and it was inversely correlated with fibrinogen ASR during the clamp in both groups (r = − 0.58).

Conclusions

In obese, non‐diabetic males, post absorptive fibrinogen production is normal. Whole‐body amino acid disposal, basal and insulin‐responsive protein degradation, and albumin synthesis are also normal. However, the greater fibrinogen ASR in the obese with hyperinsulinemia, and the inverse relationship between insulin sensitivity and clamp fibrinogen production, suggest a role for hyperinsulinemia and/or insulin resistance on fibrinogen production in obesity. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Data management to enhance long‐term watershed research capacity: context and STEWARDS case study
Authors: Steiner Jean L. , Sadler E. John , Hatfield Jerry L. , Wilson Greg , James David , Vandenberg Bruce , Ross John D. , Oster Teri , Cole Kevin
Published: November 2009

Water resources are under pressure globally due to growing population, human migration into arid regions, and diverse competing needs. In recent decades, progress in the study of information (informatics) and its manipulation via computer‐based tools has stimulated development of data systems in many natural resources disciplines. Such informatics systems provide data storage, access, visualization, perhaps with analysis/modelling tools, and download capacity. Application of database technology can overcome problems of fragmentation, inadequate documentation, and cumbersome manipulation of complex data. Data management was a critical requirement for USDA's Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) which was established to quantify environmental effects of agricultural conservation practices. Although USDA and the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) have conducted watershed research since early 20th century, the data have been managed and disseminated independently from each research location, reducing accessibility and utility of these data for policy‐relevant, multi‐site analyses. To address these concerns, STEWARDS (Sustaining the Earth's Watersheds—Agricultural Research Data System) was developed to compile, document, and provide access to data from loosely coupled research watersheds. The STEWARDS case study is used to illustrate the role of data management in enhancing ecohydrological research and evolving information technologies available to improve data management from complex ecohydrologic studies. Published in 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Meeting in the middle – desirable but not easy
Authors: Allan Catherine , Wilson Ben P.
Published: November 2009

Some form of adaptive management is needed to address complex, uncertain and wicked natural resource management situations. Adaptive management is dependent on learning, in particular social learning. We reflect on some practical constraints on social learning by reference to a recent local scale project in south‐eastern Australia. The ‘Meeting in the Middle’ project aimed to facilitate the development and sharing of knowledge about soil health among farmers, advisors and scientists. The project was successful when measured against traditional extension criteria, but the creation and maintenance of an acceptable space for continuous knowledge creation and sharing is proving elusive. This appears to be related to the quite different paradigms within which the various individual and institutional players operate. Understanding how to recognize, manage and ultimately benefit from the juxtaposition of different world views is challenging but necessary for adaptive management, so we conclude with some reflections on this challenge. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Climate proofing Scottish river basin planning – a future challenge
Authors: Blackstock Kirsty , Dunglinson Jill , Dilley Rachel , Matthews Keith , Futter Martyn , Marshall Keith
Published: November 2009

Due to its cyclical planning process, River Basin Management Planning (RBMP) offers a route for adaptive management of a complex human–environment system. Considering how stakeholders speak about climate change provides a lens to examine social learning within RBMP. The paper explores how climate change emerged as a topic during our research and the trajectory of the social learning process. Participants were aware of the challenges that climate change might pose for achieving Good Ecological Status (GES), but as the deadline for the plans drew nearer the focus shifted from long‐term issues to the current state of the environment and delivery of objectives. The degree of ‘climate proofing’ in RBMP depends on choices in future planning phases. We reflect on the potential for this to occur, putting our findings into the context of literature on social learning and adaptive management processes. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Jumping off Arnstein's ladder: social learning as a new policy paradigm for climate change adaptation
Authors: Collins Kevin , Ison Ray
Published: November 2009

Participation of citizens, groups, organizations and businesses is now an essential element to tackle climate change effectively at international, European Union, national and local levels. However, beyond the general imperative to participate, major policy bodies offer little guidance on what this entails. We suggest that the dominance of Arnstein's ladder of citizen participation in policy discourses constrains the ways we think about, and critically the purposes we ascribe to, participation in a climate change context. We suggest an alternative framing of climate change, where no single group has clear access to understanding the issue and its resolution. Thus adaptation is fundamentally dependent on new forms of learning. Drawing on experiences of social learning approaches to natural resource managing, we explore how a commitment to social learning more accurately embodies the new kinds of role, relationship, practice and sense of purpose required to progress adaptive climate change agendas and practices. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Adapting to climate change in land management: the role of deliberative workshops in enhancing social learning
Authors: McCrum Gillian , Blackstock Kirsty , Matthews Keith , Rivington Mike , Miller Dave , Buchan Kevin
Published: November 2009

This paper explores how deliberative workshops might enhance social learning about climate change adaptation among land managers in northwest Europe (Scotland). To date, methods for enhancing social learning in the context of adaptation and climate change have been neglected. In this study, location specific agro‐meteorological indicators for both observed and future climate data were produced. The indicators were used as a basis for discussion in four deliberative workshops. The workshops sought to raise awareness of climate change issues, ensure the validity and utility of the indicators, stimulate thinking about adaptive responses and increase land managers' capacity to adapt. Land managers' adaptations to climate change fell into four broad categories: changing what they do, how they do it, when they do it or the frequency with which they do it. This paper therefore reflects on the use of deliberative workshops as an effective technique to enhance social learning regarding adapting to climate change. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Nucleophilic Addition of Water and Alcohols to Dicyanonitrosomethanide: Ligands with Diverse Bonding Modes in Magnetically Coupled d‐Block Complexes
Authors: Chesman Anthony S. R. , Turner David R. , Moubaraki Boujemaa , Murray Keith S. , Deacon Glen B. , Batten Stuart R.
Published: November 2009

Ligands resulting from the transition‐metal‐promoted nucleophilic addition of water or an alcohol to dicyanonitrosomethanide ions (dcnm) have been utilised in the formation of a large series of polynuclear complexes. Addition of water to dcnm results in formation of carbamoylcyanonitrosomethanide (ccnm); deprotonation of this ligand gives amidocarbonyl(cyano)nitrosomethanide (acnm), which has been incorporated into the trinuclear complex [Cu3(acnm)2(dmae)2(H2O)2] [dmae = 2‐(dimethylamino)ethoxide] (1) which shows strong antiferromagnetic coupling with an exchange coupling constant, J = –500 cm–1. [Cu(acnm)(NH3)2]∞ (2) marks the first instance of acnm facilitating the formation of a coordination polymer, namely a 1D chain with intramolecular hydrogen bonding. Attempts to synthesise 2 through different reaction conditions instead resulted in the mononuclear [Cu(acnm)(NH3)2(py)] (py = pyridine) (3). The addition of ethanol to dcnm results in cyano[imino(ethoxy)methyl]nitrosomethanide (cenm) which features in the mononuclear [Cu(cenm)2(H2O)2] (4) and polymeric {[Cu(cenm)2]2·H2O}∞ (5). The latter is the first example of the cenm ligand in a coordination polymer and has a highly unusual coordination mode through the nitrile groups and extremely weak antiferromagnetic coupling. {[Mn3(ccnm)2(EtOH)2(OAc)4]·2EtOH}∞ (6) and (Et4N)2[Cu(ccnm)4] (7) contain previously unobserved coordination modes of the ccnm ligand while the complex [Mn(cmnm)3Mn(bipy)(MeOH)](ClO4) (8) {cmnm = cyano[imino(methoxy)methyl]nitrosomethanide, bipy = 2,2′‐bipyridine} displays weak antiferromagnetic coupling between manganese atoms with J = –1.44 cm–1. A change in the solvent systems used in the synthesis of 7 results in the formation of the mononuclear complexes [Mn(bipy)2(dcnm)2] (9) or [Mn(bipy)2(H2O)(dcnm)](dcnm)·H2O (10) and [Mn(bipy)2(dcnm)(H2O)](dcnm) (11). The addition of ethlyene glycol monomethyl ether to dcnm gives cyano[imino(2‐methoxyethoxy)methyl]nitrosomethanide (cgnm) and the formation of [Cu(cgnm)2(H2O)2] (12).
Synthesis of 3,4‐Fused Bicyclic β‐Lactams and Their Transformation into Methyl cis‐3‐Aminotetrahydrofuran‐2‐carboxylates
Authors: Leemans Erika , D'hooghe Matthias , Dejaegher Yves , Törnroos Karl W. , De Kimpe Norbert
Published: November 2009

cis‐3‐Benzyloxy‐4‐(2‐bromo‐1,1‐dimethylethyl)azetidin‐2‐ones were transformed into the corresponding 3‐hydroxy‐β‐lactams through hydrogenolysis of the benzyl ether substituent, followed by formation of novel cis‐2‐oxa‐6‐azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptan‐7‐ones by intramolecular nucleophilic substitution utilizing triethylamine in benzene. The conversion of the latter cis‐2‐oxa‐6‐azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptan‐7‐ones into cis‐3‐aminotetrahydrofuran‐2‐carboxylates was accomplished by means of acidic methanolysis. In this paper, the first straightforward transformation of cis‐azetidin‐2‐ones into cis‐3‐aminotetrahydrofuran‐2‐carboxylates via bicyclic β‐lactams is reported.
Cyclic tests of four two‐story narrow steel plate shear walls. Part 2: experimental results and design implications
Authors: Li Chao‐Hsien , Tsai Keh‐Chyuan , Lin Chih‐Han , Chen Pei‐Ching
Published: November 2009

This paper is the second part of a two‐part paper presenting the cyclic tests of four two‐story narrow steel plate shear walls (SPSWs). The first paper introduces the analytical studies and the specimen designs. This paper describes the test results. Some design implications including the capacity design for the first story column and the width‐to‐thickness ratio check for the beam web are discussed based on key observations from the tests. Test results confirm that the simplified strip model can accurately predict the inelastic responses of the specimens. Test results also confirm that the proposed capacity design method is effective in ensuring the plastic hinge formation at the bottom end of the first story column for SPSW with or without restrainers. Test results also show that the horizontal restrainers are effective in reducing the member forces in the boundary beam and column elements. Comparing the test results of the typical SPSW with those of the restrained SPSW (R‐SPSW) specimens, it is found that the R‐SPSW possesses an improved cyclic performance and reduced material weight. Analytical results predict the compressed column moments at the onset of the column plastic hinge formation well. The analytical hysteretic energy distribution in the first story column agrees very well with the observed inelastic actions developed in the four specimens. The detailed frame response analyses and the test results confirm that the assumptions made in developing the proposed column capacity design method are reasonable. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural characterization of intact antibodies by high‐resolution LTQ Orbitrap mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Jennifer , Liu Hongbin , Katta Viswanatham
Published: November 2009

Recombinant monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) can be heterogeneous due to modifications that can occur during expression, purification or during storage. These large multichain proteins (∼150 kDa) are structurally challenging for detailed characterization to identify the sites of modifications. We report the use of LTQ Orbitrap mass spectrometry to accurately measure the average masses of individual glycoforms by direct infusion of an intact antibody. To identify the site‐specific modification of methionines in the antibody caused by forced oxidation, we used a ‘middle‐down’ approach. The antibody was subjected to limited digestion using the endoproteinase Lys‐C and reduced to generate Fab heavy chain, single chain Fc and light chain fragments (∼25 kDa each). These species were subjected to on‐line liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) analysis using an LTQ Orbitrap, where these large precursors were dissociated by higher‐energy collisions in the C‐trap. High resolution and accuracy achieved for resulting fragments allowed us to show in a site‐specific manner that only the methionines in the Fc heavy chain were oxidized under the studied conditions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chiral differentiation of some cyclic β‐amino acids by kinetic and fixed ligand methods
Authors: Hyyryläinen Anna R. M. , Pakarinen Jaana M. H. , Forró Enik , Fülöp Ferenc , Vainiotalo Pirjo
Published: November 2009

Differentiation of β‐amino acid enantiomers with two chiral centres was investigated by kinetic method with trimeric metal‐bound complexes. Four enantiomeric pairs of β‐amino acids were studied: cis‐(1R,2S)‐, cis‐(1S,2R)‐, trans‐(1R,2R)‐ and trans‐(1S,2S)‐2‐aminocyclopentanecarboxylic acids (cyclopentane β‐amino acids), and cis‐(1R,2S)‐, cis‐(1S,2R)‐, trans‐(1R,2R)‐, and trans‐(1S,2S)‐2‐aminocyclohexanecarboxylic acids (cyclohexane β‐amino acids). The results showed that the choice of metal ion (Cu2+, Ni2+) and chiral reference compound (α‐ and β‐amino acids) had an effect on the enantioselectivity. Especially, aromaticity of the reference compound was noted to enhance the enantioselectivity. The fixed‐ligand kinetic method, a modification of the kinetic method, was then applied to the same β‐amino acids, with dipeptides used as fixed ligands. With this method, dipeptide containing an aromatic side chain enhanced the enantioselectivity. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New constraints on the age of the last ice sheet glaciation in NW England using optically stimulated luminescence dating
Authors: Telfer Matt W. , Wilson Peter , Lord Tom C. , Vincent Peter J.
Published: November 2009

Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) has been used to date silts, interpreted as either primary or colluviated loess, deposited in karstic depressions at three sites on the Carboniferous limestone of NW England. Two of the ages presented here constrain the onset of the last (Late Devensian) ice in this region to later than ca. 27 ± 2 ka, and the other two date initial deglaciation prior to ca. 19 ± 2 ka in the Morecambe Bay area and ca. 17 ± 2 ka in the karst of the Yorkshire Dales. While these ages are broadly consistent with existing estimates from lacustrine and speleothem evidence, they offer the tightest constraints yet published on the presence of the last ice sheet from northern England. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Orbital‐ and millennial‐scale fluctuations in late Quaternary marine pollen records from the Japan Sea
Authors: Ikehara Ken , Oshima Hideaki
Published: November 2009

Quaternary surface water conditions within the Japan Sea change with eustatic sea‐level changes and fluctuations in the East Asian Summer Monsoon (EASM), influencing regional climate and vegetation through the delivery of heat and moisture. Our marine pollen data suggest overall cooling from the Last Interglacial (ca. 125 ka) to the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), a cold climate during Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 2, gradual warming from 12 ka and rapid warming after 10 ka. These stages are concordant with published palaeoceanographic changes in the Japan Sea. During mid MIS 5 to MIS 3, marine sediments in the Japan Sea are characterised by fine alternations of dark‐ and light‐coloured layers that formed under the influence of fluctuations in the EASM, possibly correlated with Dansgaard–Oeschger cycles. During the deposition of dark layers, high levels of precipitation are inferred from the abundance of Cryptomeria. In contrast, a cool and dry climate is interpreted for the light layers, based on an abundance of subarctic conifer pollen. The palaeoclimate of the Japan Sea region appears to have been influenced by orbital‐scale changes in global climate and millennial‐scale fluctuations in the EASM. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Late Pleistocene stratigraphy and palaeoceanographic implications in northern Bering Sea slope sediments: evidence from the radiolarian species Cycladophora davisiana
Authors: Itaki Takuya , Uchida Masao , Kim Sunghan , Shin Hye‐Son , Tada Ryuji , Khim Boo‐Keun
Published: November 2009

A high‐resolution abundance curve of the radiolarian species, Cycladophora davisiana, was obtained from a Late Pleistocene sediment core, PC‐23A, which was obtained from the northern slope of the Bering Sea. The abundance pattern of this species was high during the glacial period and low during the Holocene. This general stratigraphic pattern was correlated with a previously reported pattern for the subarctic Pacific Ocean. However, planktonic foraminifera‐based accelerator mass spectrometry 14C dating revealed that a significant peak in the C. davisiana curve during the glacial period correlates to 15.5 ka, which is younger than that previously estimated as being the Last Glacial Maximum. The higher abundance of this species implies that there was well‐ventilated water with a large amount of organic matter in the intermediate‐water layer. An unusually high propagation of C. davisiana during the earliest Holocene period, Bølling–Allerød (B‐A) and Dansgaad–Oescheger interstadial event # 12, was most likely related to a significant increase in the amount of organic matter released into the intermediate‐water depths by a brine pump system via ventilation. In addition, centennial‐scale variations in the abundance of C. davisiana during the B‐A period suggest that the intermediate‐water ventilation was sensitively affected by brine rejection during sea ice formation as well as large‐scale atmospheric circulations such as the Arctic Oscillation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhanced marine productivity in the Kuroshio region off Shikoku during the last glacial period inferred from the accumulation and carbon isotopes of sedimentary organic matter
Authors: Ikehara Minoru , Akita Daisaku , Matsuda Ayuri
Published: November 2009

We obtained marine primary production records from cores MD01‐2422 and KH06‐3‐PC8 in the modern Kuroshio flow region in the western North Pacific for the last 35 ka. The organic carbon content of marine sediments is commonly used as a proxy for export production from the surface ocean. Most sedimentary organic carbon was derived from marine organisms, because carbon isotopes of organic matter (δ13Corg) in sediments were approximately −21‰, which is close to the typical marine δ13Corg value. The quantities of marine and terrestrial organic matter were reconstructed from the mass balance of δ13Corg in bulk total organic carbon. The accumulation of marine organic carbon, and presumably marine production, was enhanced during the latter half of the last glacial period in the subtropical gyre in the western North Pacific. Terrestrial organic matter varied synchronously with marine organic carbon changes, suggesting that both increased in late Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 2. We conclude that in addition to aeolian dust supplied by the East Asia monsoon, the lateral transport of nutrients from the East China Sea to the subtropical gyre as a result of a sea‐level rise at the last deglaciation played an essential role in enhancing palaeoproductivity during the last glacial period. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Organization of Three‐Arm‐Star PIB–PEO Block Copolymers at the Air/Water Interface: Langmuir‐ and Langmuir–Blodgett Film Investigations
Authors: Rother Marko , Barqawi Haitham , Pfefferkorn Dirk , Kressler Jörg , Binder Wolfgang H.
Published: November 2009

The synthesis of three‐arm‐star (PIB–PEO) block copolymers (BCPs) via azide/alkyne “click” reaction and their behavior at the air/water interface are reported. Starting from a three‐arm‐star allyl‐telechelic PIB (1) prepared by living cationic polymerization, the three‐arm‐star PIB–(CH2N3)3 (2c) was generated via borane addition/oxidation PIB–(CH2OH)3, (2a) followed by reaction with CBr4/PPh3 furnishing PIB–(CH2Br)3 (2b) and then the PIB–(CH2N3)3 (2c) after reaction with trimethylsilyl‐azide/tetrabutylammonium fluoride. The final three‐arm‐star (PIB–PEO) BCPs (4a, 4b) were then generated by azide/alkyne “click” reaction of the PIB–(CH2N3)3 (2c) with alkyne‐telechelic PEOs (3a, 3b) in a biphasic water/toluene mixture, using copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate/sodium ascorbate as the Cu(I)‐regenerative system and microwave irradiation. NMR spectroscopy and MALDI investigations proved the final structure of the three‐arm‐star PIB–PEO BCPs. Subsequent Langmuir‐ and Langmuir–Blodgett films investigations of 4a and 4b reveal the absence of a pancake‐to‐brush transition. Compared to PIB54–(PEO3–OCH3)3 4a, the collapse of PIB54–(PEO16–OCH3)3 4b occurs at higher surface pressures and lower mean molecular area values indicative of stronger anchoring of the PIB block to the air/water interface. Addition of iron‐oxide nanoparticle (Rh = 83 Å) leads to a stabilization of the hydrophobic layer of 4a, thus shifting the collapse to higher surface pressures.

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Simulation of Propylene Polymerization in Industrial Reactors Using Ziegler‐Natta Catalysts in the Presence of Electron Donors
Authors: Alshaiban Ahmad , Soares João B. P.
Published: November 2009

Heterogeneous Ziegler‐Natta catalysts are still the most important catalysts for the industrial production of polyolefins, despite the discovery of high‐activity metallocene systems in the eighties. Despite of their huge commercial importance, several aspects of Ziegler‐Natta catalysts are still poorly understood from both qualitative and quantitative points of view. Especially for polypropylene, a very important factor controlling product quality is the effect of the electron donor used to modify the catalyst. In this manuscript we present, for the first time, a quantitative mathematical model that describes the effect of electron donors on the tacticity of polypropylene made with multiple‐site type catalysts.
Do body proportions among Jomon foragers from Hokkaido conform to ecogeographic expectations? evolutionary implications of body size and shape among northerly hunter‐gatherers
Authors: Temple Daniel H. , Matsumura Hirofumi
Published: November 2009

This study documents and interprets adaptive postcranial morphology among prehistoric Jomon period foragers from Hokkaido, Japan (HKJ). The Hokkaido climate is differentiated from other Japanese islands by freezing winters with sea‐ice accumulation in the northern regions. Increased brachial and crural indices are, however, observed among HKJ foragers, while body mass (BM) has not yet been estimated for these groups. Based on previous observations and paleoclimatic reconstructions, it was predicted that increased BM and increased distal relative to proximal limb lengths would typify HKJ foragers. Similar BM was observed between HKJ foragers and groups from colder environments. Intralimb indices do, however, suggest similarity between HKJ foragers and groups from high‐latitude, warm environments. It is likely that HKJ foragers retained cold‐derived BM in association with Pleistocene migrations to Hokkaido via Northeast Asia. That is, enlarged BM among HKJ foragers is associated with long‐term evolution in a colder environment. Relatively elongated distal limbs may represent morphological response to a slightly warmer environment. Following migration to Japan from a colder environment, elongation of distal limb segments resulted in elevated brachial and crural indices. Relatively elongated distal appendages may also reflect positive nutritional status as HKJ people experienced lesser rates of systemic stress than other Jomon groups. It is also possible that elongated distal relative to proximal limbs are associated with neutral mutation and genetic drift. This interpretation suggests a neutral mutation associated with relative limb length in some HKJ ancestor with subsequent spread of this allele through isolation and drift. Ontogenetic and temporal studies of intralimb indices among Jomon people are necessary to further evaluate these interpretations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lower‐semicontinuity result for the two‐scale convergence
Authors: Boukrouche Mahdi , Ciuperca Ionel
Published: November 2009

Let (m, n) ∈ ℕ2, Ω an open bounded domain in ℝm , Y = [0, 1]m ; uε in (L2(Ω))n which is two‐scale converges to some u in (L2(Ω × Y))n . Let φ: Ω × ℝm × ℝn → ℝ such that: φ(x, ·, ·) is continuous a.e. x ∈ Ω φ(·, y, z) is measurable for all (y, z) in ℝm × ℝn , φ(x, ·, z) is 1‐periodic in y, φ(x, y, ·) is convex in z. Assume that there exist a constant C1 > 0 and a function C2 ∈ L2(Ω) such that

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Then we have

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(© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Avoiding the effect of item wording by means of bipolar instead of unipolar items: An application to social optimism
Authors: Schweizer Karl , Schreiner Michael
Published: November 2009

Scales including positively and negatively worded items usually show an impaired degree of homogeneity. The transformation of unipolar positively and negatively worded items into bipolar items can avoid this disadvantageous effect. The precondition for this transformation is that each pair of items refers to the same topic. It is this topic that serves as the heading of the bipolar item. This scale construction method is demonstrated in the items of the social optimism scale (Schweizer & Schneider, 1997) that comprises unipolar items. The investigation of both the original and the transformed scales in a sample of 808 participants revealed equivalence and a high quality for both scales. Results of an additional sample confirmed the validity of both social optimism scales. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A two‐dimensional electrophoresis reference map for the bovine placenta during late pregnancy
Authors: Kim Hong Rye , Han Rong Xun , Yoon Jong Taek , Park Chang Sik , Jin Dong Il
Published: November 2009

An understanding of bovine placental gene expression is essential for the study of animal reproductive physiology. Recent reports have found that placental abnormalities occur frequently in cloned bovines and mice. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying bovine placenta function remain unclear. Here, we present a preliminary description of the bovine placenta proteome. Proteins within the isoelectric point ranging from 4.0 to 7.0 and 6.0 to 9.0 were analyzed separately using 2‐DE, using three replicates of bovine placenta. Approximately 2000 spots were detected in a placental 2‐D gel stained with Coomassie blue. Subsequent excision of 380 spots from gels and MALDI‐TOF MS analysis allowed the identification of 273 proteins. Our results revealed the composite profiles of key proteins in the bovine placenta during late pregnancy. These protein profiles will shed light on placental function during pregnancy and assist with functional analysis of the proteins.
Two decades of responses (1986–2006) to climate by the Laurichard rock glacier, French Alps
Authors: Bodin Xavier , Thibert Emmanuel , Fabre Denis , Ribolini Adriano , Schoeneich Philippe , Francou Bernard , Reynaud Louis , Fort Monique
Published: November 2009

The Laurichard active rock glacier is the permafrost‐related landform with the longest record of monitoring in France, including an annual geodetic survey, repeated geoelectrical campaigns from 1979 onwards and continuous recording of ground temperature since 2003. These data were used to examine changes in creep rates and internal structure from 1986 to 2006. The control that climatic variables exert on rock glacier kinematics was investigated over three time scales. Between the 1980s and the early 2000s, the main observed changes were a general increase in surface velocity and a decrease in internal resistivity. At a multi‐year scale, the high correlation between surface movement and snow thickness in the preceding December appears to confirm the importance of snow cover conditions in early winter through their influence on the ground thermal regime. A comparison of surface velocities, regional climatic datasets and ground sub‐surface temperatures over six years suggests a strong relation between rock glacier deformation and ground temperature, as well as a role for liquid water due to melt of thick snow cover. Finally, unusual surface lowering that accompanied peak velocities in 2004 may be due to a general thaw of the top of the permafrost, probably caused both by two successive snowy winters and by high energy inputs during the warm summer of 2003. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modern tundra landscapes of the Kolyma Lowland and their evolution in the Holocene
Authors: Veremeeva Alexandra , Gubin Stanislav
Published: November 2009

The different tundra landscapes of the Kolyma Lowland, northern Siberia are described, focusing on landscape typology, digital mapping and the calculation of areas occupied by different landscape complexes. The genesis, age and evolution of ‘yedoma’ sediments and associated alas (thermokarst basins) topography are inferred from the calculation of lake‐basin and lake‐area changes over three decades. Connections between the present landscape and its evolution during the Holocene are described. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Terpenoid content of Valeriana wallichii extracts and antidepressant‐like response profiles
Authors: Subhan Fazal , Karim Nasiara , Gilani Anwarul Hassan , Sewell Robert D. E.
Published: November 2009

Three extracts of Valeriana wallichii DC (Valerianaceae) rhizome and fluoxetine were studied for antidepressant‐like activity in two behavioral models, namely the forced swim test (FST) and the tail suspension test (TST). Fluoxetine as well as methanolic and aqueous extracts of V. wallichii induced monophasic dose‐related decrements in immobility times in both tests. However, the aqueous‐ethanolic fraction induced a biphasic dose‐response profile since it produced a graded effect up to 200 mg/kg but the highest dose (250 mg/kg) was inactive in the FST. This extract also exhibited significantly reduced activity at 200 mg/kg compared to lower doses in the TST. The highest doses of aqueous‐ethanolic extract also reduced locomotor activity which will have led to a negative functional interaction with antidepressant‐like effects. Qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed that the aqueous‐ethanolic extract of V. wallichii was the only separated rhizome fraction containing terpenoids. Furthermore, since the methanolic and aqueous extracts were active in the tests, it is suggested that the antidepressant‐like action of this herbal plant is not contingent upon its terpenoid constituents. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitory potential of a carbazole alkaloid, mahanimbine, from Murraya koenigii
Authors: Kumar N. Satheesh , Mukherjee Pulok K. , Bhadra S. , Saha B. P. , Pal B. C.
Published: November 2009

In the search for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors from Indian medicinal plants, via bioassay‐guided isolation, a carbazole alkaloid, mahanimbine [3, 5‐dimethyl‐3‐(4‐ methylpent‐3‐enyl)‐11H‐pyrano [5, 6‐a] carbazole], was isolated from the petroleum ether extract of the leaves of Murraya koenigii. Inhibition of AChE was evaluated based on Ellman's method using 96‐well microplate readers. Mahanimbine inhibited AChE activity in a dose‐dependent manner with an IC50 value of 0.03 ± 0.09 mg/mL, while galantamine was used as a standard. The AChE inhibitory activity of this carbazole alkaloid has not been reported so far, and this study is the first to reveal this activity in carbazole alkaloid mahanimbine, isolated from Murraya koenigii. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Caffeic acid improves the bioavailability of l‐dopa in rabbit plasma
Authors: Wang Li‐Hsuan , Hsu Kuang‐Yang , Uang Yow‐Shieng , Hsu Feng‐Lin , Yang Li‐Ming , Lin Shwu‐Jiuan
Published: November 2009

The impacts of caffeic acid (3,4‐dihydroxycinnamic acid, CA) on the pharmacokinetics of levodopa (L‐dopa) were studied in rabbits. A single dose of 5/1.25 mg·kg−1 l‐dopa/carbidopa was administered alone or was co‐administered with three different doses of caffeic acid (2.5, 5, and 10 mg·kg−1), or a single dose of 5 mg·kg−1 caffeic acid was administered alone via an intramuscular route to six rabbits each in a crossover treatment protocol. Plasma levels of l‐dopa, 3‐O‐methyldopa (3‐OMD), caffeic acid, and ferulic acid were determined and subsequently used to calculate their pharmacokinetic parameters. The results indicated that caffeic acid administered at a dose of 10 mg·kg−1 decreased about 22% of the peripheral formation of 3‐OMD and about 31% of the Cmax of 3‐OMD. In addition, the metabolic ratios (MR, AUC of 3‐OMD/AUC of L‐dopa) decreased by about 22%. Results also indicated that caffeic acid significantly decreased the proportion of 3‐OMD (p < 0.05). In contrast, the parameters of neither caffeic acid nor ferulic acid were significantly affected by l‐dopa/carbidopa. In conclusion, caffeic acid at a dose of 10 mg·kg−1 can significantly affect the COMT metabolic pathway of L‐dopa. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Angiogenesis inhibition by a lichen compound olivetoric acid
Authors: Koparal A. Tansu , Ulus Gönül , Zeytinoğlu Melih , Tay Turgay , Türk Ayşen Özdemir
Published: November 2009

Lichens have been used in folk medicine for centuries and are symbiotic organisms of fungi and algae that produce unique secondary metabolites. Olivetoric acid is one of these secondary metabolites. In the present study, the effect of olivetoric acid isolated from acetone extract of the lichenPseudevernia furfuracea(var.ceratea) on angiogenesis was evaluated. It displayed potent anti‐angiogenic activitiesin vitro: inhibited proliferation of rat adipose tissue endothelial cells (RATECs) and disrupted endothelial tube formation in a dose‐dependent manner. Furthermore, dose‐dependent depolymerization effects of olivetoric acid on F‐actin stress fibers were observed. Decrease in the tube formation of RATECs by olivetoric acid might be explained by a disorganization of the actin cytoskeleton. These findings suggest that olivetoric acid is a new anti‐angiogenic agent and can be developed as a new therapeutic agent for angiogenesis‐related diseases. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antioxidant and scavenging capacity of Anacamptis pyrimidalis L. – Pyrimidal Orchid from Vojvodina
Authors: Štajner Dubravka , Popović Boris M. , Kapor Agneš , Boža Pal , Štajner Marijana
Published: November 2009

In the present study we investigated the antioxidative properties of flowers and aboveground part of Anacamptis pyrimidalis L. from Vojvodina. Activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, and glutathione peroxidase), quantities of malonyldialdehyde, superoxide and hydroxyl radicals and reduced glutathione and also the contents of chlorophylls a and b, carotenoids and soluble proteins were determined. Lipofuscin ‘plant age pigments’, total antioxidant capacity and scavenging activity were also determined. Our results indicated that the aboveground part of the plant exhibited higher antioxidant activity due to low MDA and lipofuscin pigment accumulation (2.82 nmol/mg protein; 92.90%), higher scavenging activity (54.16%) and antioxidant capacity (432.00 μmol Fe2+/dm3). Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of ethanol in kava hepatotoxicity
Authors: Li X. Z. , Ramzan I.
Published: November 2009

Kava is known for its recreational, ceremonial and medicinal use in the Pacific. The aqueous non‐alcoholic drink of kava rhizome produces intoxicating, relaxing and soothing effects. While kava's medicinal effects receive worldwide recognition, kava‐containing products came under scrutiny after over 100 reports of spontaneous adverse hepatic effects. Many mechanisms have been postulated to explain the unexpected toxicity, one being pharmacokinetic interactions between kavalactones and co‐administered drugs involving cytochrome P450 enzyme system. Alcohol is often co‐injested in kava hepatotoxicity cases. This review evaluates the possible hepatotoxicity mechanisms involving alcohol and kava. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.