bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Iberia in 1816, the year without a summer
Authors: Trigo Ricardo M. , Vaquero José M. , Alcoforado Maria‐João , Barriendos Mariano , Taborda João , García‐Herrera Ricardo , Luterbacher Juerg
Published: April 2008

The year 1816 was characterized by unusual weather conditions, in particular, by a cold and wet summer season (‘year without a summer’) on both the European and North American continents. The eruption of Tambora, an active stratavolcano, on the Island of Sumbaya (Indonesia) in April 1815 has been identified as the main driving force for the strong 1816 temperature anomaly. This climate anomaly has been relatively well studied in central Europe, France, Scandinavia and the United Kingdom. The unusual unsettled weather and climate at mid‐latitudes in 1816 and 1817 had major socio‐economic impacts, particularly in terms of a poor yield of agricultural production, malnutrition and consequentially an increased potential for diseases and epidemics. The Iberian Peninsula was also affected by the intense climate anomalies during those years. Documentary sources describe the impact that the cold and wet summer of 1816 had on agriculture, namely the bad quality of fruits, delayed ripening of vineyards and cereals.

It is within this context that we stress the relevance of recently recovered meteorological observed data, from 1816 onwards, for stations located in Portugal (Lisbon) and also for a longer period for the Spanish stations of Madrid, Barcelona and San Fernando‐Cadiz. We have compared observed (station‐based) and large‐scale reconstructed seasonal temperature anomalies computed for the winter and summer seasons after the eruption (1816–1818). There is qualitative agreement between the two independent data sets, though some stations partly indicate stronger departures from the long‐term averages for single years compared to neighbouring grid points. In particular, all available stations reveal a cold summer of 1816, mainly in July and August. In comparison to the 1871–1900 reference period, those two months were 2–3 °C cooler, close to what has been reported for central Europe. We also discuss the regional climate anomalies for those years (1816–1818) using independently reconstructed atmospheric circulation fields. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Team coaching helps a leadership team drive cultural change at Caterpillar
Authors: Anderson Merrill C. , Anderson Dianna L. , Mayo William D.
Published: April 2008

Team coaching readied NACD's top leaders for a broad cultural initiative, showing them how to be more effective with each other, and then how to drive behavioral change across the business by embodying the principles of service. The three‐phase initiative included coaching activities such as peer feedback, individual coaching engagements, in‐the‐moment group coaching, and coaching skills training. The leadership team dealt with its nonproductive habits of interaction; gained deeper insights about the individual and organizational behavior changes needed to implement a customer‐centric culture of service; defined and held each other accountable for new behavioral norms; and instituted processes to make its discussions and decision making more effective. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multiphoton excitation fluorescence microscopy of 5‐aminolevulinic acid induced fluorescence in experimental gliomas
Authors: Kantelhardt Sven Rainer , Diddens Heike , Leppert Jan , Rohde Veit , Hüttmann Gereon , Giese Alf
Published: April 2008

Background and Objective

The clinical usefulness of 5‐ALA guided detection of tumor tissue has been demonstrated for a number of malignancies. However, current techniques of intraoperative detection of protoporphyrin IX fluorescence in situ do not offer subcellular resolution. Therefore, discrimination of non‐specific 5‐ALA induced fluorescence remains difficult.

Materials and Methods

In this study we have used an orthotopic glioma model to analyze PpIX fluorescence in tumor tissue and normal brain by multiphoton excitation microscopy after intraperitoneal administration of 5‐ALA. A DermaInspect in vivo imaging system was used for autofluorescence measurements at 750 nm excitation and detection in the green channel of a standard photomultiplier module. For detection of PpIX fluorescence at different excitation wavelengths a red sensitive version of the photomultiplier and a filter combination of short pass filters and a color glass long pass filter was used restricting the sensitivity in the red channel to a range of 580–700 nm.

Results

Multiphoton microscopy allowed a higher structural definition of tumor tissue based on the excitation of 5‐ALA induced PpIX fluorescence compared to autofluorescence imaging. The high resolution of multiphoton microscopy allowed discrimination of fluorescence from the cytoplasm of tumor cells and 5‐ALA induced PpIX fluorescence of normal brain parenchyma adjacent to tumor. Fluorescence lifetime imaging showed significantly longer fluorescence lifetimes of 5‐ALA induced PpIX fluorescence in tumor tissue compared to normal brain. This allowed definition and visualization of the tumor/brain interface based on this parameter alone.

Conclusion

Multiphoton microscopy of 5‐ALA induced PpIX fluorescence in brain tumor tissue conceptually provides a high resolution diagnostic tool, which in addition to structural information may also provide photochemical/functional information. Lesers Surg. Med. 40:273–281, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Laser induced fragmentation of salivary stones: An in vitro comparison of two different, clinically approved laser systems
Authors: Siedek Vanessa , Betz Christian S. , Hecht Volkmar , Blagova Radka , Vogeser Michael , Zengel Pamela , Berghaus Alexander , Leunig Andreas , Sroka Ronald
Published: April 2008

Background

Clinical laser lithotripsy in urology promises a good fragmentation combined with a minimal risk of soft tissue damage and low medical complications. This in vitro study investigates the fragmentation of salivary stones by means of two clinically used laser systems.

Materials and Methods

The effects induced by the FREDDY laser (WOM, Germany, λ = 532 nm/1,064 nm, Epulse = 120–160 mJ/pulse) and the Ho:YAG (AURIGA, StarMedTec, Germany, λ = 2,100 nm, Epulse = 300–800 mJ/pulse) on clinical salivary calculi (n = 15) and on salivary gland tissue were investigated using clinical laser parameter settings. All experiments were performed in an under water experimental set‐up using flexible fibres (core diameter 230 µm) positioned in front of each specimen. In order to assess fragmentation efficacy, each stone was placed on a grating (rhombic mash‐diameter 1–3 mm). The fragmentation rate was calculated with respect to the energy applied (mg/J), to the number of pulses (mg/pulse), and to the time needed (mg/minute). In addition the composition of the stones were analysed spectrographically. The soft tissue interaction on human salivary duct mucosa was examined histologically (HE‐staining).

Results

Spectrographic composition of the salivary stones showed a two component ratio of protein/carbonate apatite varying between 5/95 and 25/75. Stones treated by the Ho:YAG were vaporised in a milling‐like process, while using the FREDDY laser stones are cracked into pieces and fragmentation failed in two cases. The fragmentation rates achieved by the FREDDY laser were greater than those of the Ho:YAG laser, but fragments mainly bigger. A dependency on the composition of the stones could not be found. Laser pulse effects on soft tissue were found slightly beyond the mucosa.

Conclusion

This study clearly demonstrated the different processes of destroying salivary stones using two different laser systems. While the Ho:YAG vaporises the calculi in a more milling and soft sense, the FREDDY shows a more cracking and explosive destruction. Although both laser systems showed little direct risk to the surrounding tissue, it has to be proven whether cracked and accelerated particles could cause harm to soft tissue. With respect to this, further in vitro studies and clinical treatments in selected cases are needed to proof these results. Lasers Surg. Med. 40:257–264, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vitro resistance of articular chondrocytes to 5‐Aminolevulinic acid based photodynamic therapy
Authors: Egli Rainer J. , Di Criscio Agostino , Hempfing Axel , Schoeniger Ralf , Ganz Reinhold , Hofstetter Willy , Leunig Michael
Published: April 2008

Objective

5‐Aminolevulinic acid based photodynamic therapy (5‐ALA‐PDT) has revealed promising results in the treatment of inflammatory joint diseases due to the sensitivity of inflamed synovial tissue. For 5‐ALA‐PDT to be safe and beneficial for intra‐articular applications, resistance of chondrocytes is essential to prevent cartilage damage. As no data yet exist, the aim of the present study was to assess in vitro the response of the chondrocytes to 5‐ALA‐PDT and to compare with osteoblasts and synovial tissue derived cells.

Methods

Bovine articular chondrocytes, osteoblasts, and synovial cells were subjected to 5‐ALA‐PDT in cell culture. The PpIX accumulation and the function of the cells were assessed for up to 12 days.

Results

Bovine chondrocytes showed lower PpIX fluorescence upon incubation with 5‐ALA (0.0–2.0 mM) for 4 hours as compared to osteoblasts and synovial cells suggesting a low PpIX accumulation. After incubation with 0.5 mM 5‐ALA and application of light at a dose of 20 J/cm2, chondrocytes were functionally not affected (collagen type II and aggrecan mRNA, glycosaminoglycan synthesis) whereas a decrease in the proportion of viable cells was observed in osteoblasts and synovial cells (2±2% and 14±8%, respectively; chondrocytes 91±13%). Chondrocytes showed a 58% reduction of 5‐ALA uptake using [3H]5‐ALA as compared to osteoblasts and a lower mitochondrial content as assessed by the activity of the mitochondrial marker enzyme citrate synthase (9.2± 3.6 mU/mg protein) than osteoblasts (32.6±10.5 mU/mg) and synovial cells (60.0±10.8 mU/mg). The reduced uptake of 5‐ALA and/or the low mitochondrial content, an adaptation to their in vivo environment and the site of PpIX synthesis, presumably explains the lower PpIX content in chondrocytes and their resistance against 5‐ALA‐PDT.

Conclusion

5‐ALA‐PDT might represent a treatment strategy in inflammatory joint diseases without endangering the cartilage function. However, further in vitro and in vivo experiments are required to confirm this data in the authentic environment of chondrocytes, the articular cartilage. Lasers Surg. Med. 40:282–290, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High‐resolution two‐photon excitation microscopy of ocular tissues in porcine eye
Authors: Wang Bao‐Gui , Eitner Annett , Lindenau Joerg , Halbhuber Karl‐Juergen
Published: April 2008

Background and Objective

Two‐photon excitation laser scanning microscopy (TPM), based on nonlinear optical (NLO) response under high irradiance, is currently being extensively employed for diagnostic purposes in biomedical fields and becomes more and more an interesting imaging technique in the intact bulk tissue examination. In this study, this nonlinear‐excitation imaging technique including two‐photon‐mediated autofluorescence (2PF) and second harmonic generation (SHG) was employed to investigate the microstructures in the whole‐mount scleral, retinal, and corneal tissues of porcine eyes with intracellular spatial resolution and high signal‐to‐noise ratio.

Materials and Methods

Image acquisition was based on the intense 80 MHz femtosecond (fs) near‐infrared (NIR) laser pulses, emitted from a mode‐locked solid‐state titanium:sapphire system. By integrating a high‐numerical aperture diffraction‐limited objective, the whole‐mount ocular specimens could be viewed from the surface of eye globes further to a 200 µm depth. Under high light irradiance at the order of MW‐GW/cm2, more than one photon was simultaneously absorbed by endogenous molecules in ocular tissues.

Results

The cellular and fibrous components of whole‐mount scleral and corneal tissues were selectively displayed in situ by in‐tandem detection of 2PF and SHG with high efficiency without the assistance of any exogenous dye. NLO images of fibroblasts and mature elastic fibers in sclerae as well as of the retina radial Müller glial cells, ganglion cells, bipolar cells, photoreceptors, and retina pigment epithelial (RPE) cells were acquired with subcellular spatial resolution. In particular, the microstructural topography of cells and extracellular components in the whole‐mount ocular tissues was elucidated in situ.

Conclusion and Outlook

The combination of the sensitive image acquisition technique allows to selectively studying of three‐dimensional (3‐D) architecture of cellular microstructures and extracellular matrix arrangement in situ at substantial depths in bulk tissues. The data obtained provided the primary knowledge for further studies of imaging entire eye globes based on two‐photon excitation microscopy. Lesers Surg. Med. 40:247–256, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Epstein–Barr virus latent membrane protein 1 mediates serine 25 phosphorylation and nuclear entry of annexin A2 via PI‐PLC–PKCα/PKCβ pathway
Authors: Luo Wei , Yan Guangrong , Li Lili , Wang Zhenlian , Liu Haidan , Zhou Shanghui , Liu Sufang , Tang Min , Yi Wei , Dong Zigang , Cao Ya
Published: April 2008

We have previously elucidated that Epstein–Barr‐virus‐encoded latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) can increase the serine phosphorylation level of annexin A2 by activating the protein kinase C (PKC) signaling pathway and that LMP1 induces the nuclear entry of annexin A2 in an energy‐ and temperature‐dependent manner. Here, we further confirm that LMP1 increases the serine phosphorylation level of annexin A2 by activating the phosphoinositide‐specific phospholipase C (PI‐PLC)–PKC α/PKC β pathway, mainly through the activation of the PKCβ pathway. Additionally, active recombinant PKC α, PKC β I, and PKC β II kinases are able to phosphorylate annexin A2 in vitro. Annexin A2 in the nucleus plays an important role in DNA synthesis and cell proliferation. By site‐specific substitution of glutamic acid in the place of serine 11 and 25 in the N‐terminus, we show that serine 25 phosphorylation of annexin A2 was associated with the nuclear entry of annexin A2, DNA synthesis and cell proliferation, whereas serine 11 has no obvious influence. We demonstrate for the first time that the PI‐PLC–PKCα/PKCβ pathway plays an important role in serine phosphorylation and in the nuclear entry of annexin A2 mediated by LMP1. In addition, we show that annexin A2 is the substrate protein of PKC α, PKC βI, and PKC βII kinases. Serine 25 phosphorylation of annexin A2 is shown to be associated with its nuclear entry, DNA synthesis, and cell proliferation. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spectrum of gait impairments in presymptomatic and symptomatic Huntington's disease
Authors: Rao Ashwini K. , Muratori Lisa , Louis Elan D. , Moskowitz Carol B. , Marder Karen S.
Published: April 2008

The purpose of this study was to quantify gait impairments in presymptomatic and symptomatic Huntington's disease (HD) subjects, and examine sensitivity of gait measures. Our sample (n = 65) included presymptomatic mutation carriers (PMC) (n = 15), symptomatic HD subjects (SHD) (n = 30) and healthy controls (n = 20). Participants were requested to walk at their preferred speed on a computerized walkway that recorded spatiotemporal variables. We administered the Unified HD Rating Scale (UHDRS) for PMC and SHD. PMC demonstrated decreased gait velocity (P < 0.01), stride length (P < 0.008), and increased time in double support (P < 0.001); and demonstrated higher variability in stride length (P < 0.01) and step time (P < 0.004) compared with controls. These impairments worsened with increasing disease severity for SHD. Gait impairments were correlated with predicted years to onset in PMC (velocity = −0.65; cadence = −0.70, step time = 0.71) and demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing between controls and mutation carriers. In contrast, UHDRS scores did not reveal impairments in gait and balance. Gait bradykinesia and dynamic balance impairments begin in the presymptomatic stage of HD and continue to worsen in the symptomatic stages. Gait measures are sensitive in differentiating between mutation positive and negative individuals even when impairments were not detected by clinical neurological examination. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Axial Green's function method for multi‐dimensional elliptic boundary value problems
Authors: Kim Do Wan , Park Seong‐Kwan , Jun Sukky
Published: April 2008

Axial Green's function method is proposed to solve multi‐dimensional second‐order elliptic partial differential equations with the geometrical complexity of solution domains. Instead of directly dealing with 2D or 3D Green's functions, the proposed method systematically decomposes a multi‐dimensional elliptic differential operator into 1D ones. Consequently, the method only requires 1D Green's function associated with each coordinate axis. Theoretical formulation and simple axial discretization result in the system of equations of which the solutions represent the numerical solution of the original multi‐dimensional elliptic problem, which is otherwise intractable to obtain by the traditional multi‐dimensional Green's function technique. The method employs analytical form of 1D Green's function and integral schemes so that it can potentially be more robust than both the finite difference method and the boundary element method. In addition, the simple discretization procedure, which uses only axially orthogonal straight lines and boundary data, demonstrates its convenience over the finite element method of comparable accuracy. Numerical examples verify these advantages by demonstrating the second‐order convergence in various discretized models of complex geometries. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theoretical aspects of the internal element connectivity parameterization approach for topology optimization
Authors: Yoon Gil Ho , Kim Yoon Young , Langelaar Matthijs , van Keulen Fred
Published: April 2008

The internal element connectivity parameterization (I‐ECP) method is an alternative approach to overcome numerical instabilities associated with low‐stiffness element states in non‐linear problems. In I‐ECP, elements are connected by zero‐length links while their link stiffness values are varied. Therefore, it is important to interpolate link stiffness properly to obtain stably converging results. The main objective of this work is two‐fold (1) the investigation of the relationship between the link stiffness and the stiffness of a domain‐discretizing patch by using a discrete model and a homogenized model and (2) the suggestion of link stiffness interpolation functions. The effects of link stiffness penalization on solution convergence are then tested with several numerical examples. The developed homogenized I‐ECP model can also be used to physically interpret an intermediate design variable state. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydroelastic analysis of insulation containment of LNG carrier by global–local approach
Authors: Cho J. R. , Park S. W. , Kim H. S. , Rashed S.
Published: April 2008

The insulation containment of liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers is a large‐sized elastic structure made of various metallic and composite materials of complex structural composition to protect the heat invasion and to sustain the hydrodynamic pressure. The goal of the present paper is to present a global–local numerical approach to effectively and accurately compute the local hydroelastic response of a local containment region of interest. The global sloshing flow and hydrodynamic pressure fields of interior LNG are computed by assuming the flexible containment as a rigid container. On the other hand, the local hydroelastic response of the insulation containment is obtained by solving only the local hydroelastic model in which the complex and flexible insulation structure is fully considered and the global analysis results are used as the initial and boundary conditions. The interior incompressible inviscid LNG flow is solved by the first‐order Euler finite volume method, whereas the structural dynamic deformation is solved by the explicit finite element method. The LNG flow and the containment deformation are coupled by the Euler–Lagrange coupling scheme. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Energetics of K+ permeability through Gramicidin A by forward‐reverse steered molecular dynamics
Authors: De Fabritiis G. , Coveney P. V. , Villà‐Freixa J.
Published: April 2008

The estimation of ion channel permeability poses a considerable challenge for computer simulations because of the significant free energy barriers involved, but also offers valuable molecular information on the ion permeation process not directly available from experiments. In this article we determine the equilibrium free energy barrier for potassium ion permeability in Gramicidin A in an efficient way by atomistic forward‐reverse non‐equilibrium steered molecular dynamics simulations, opening the way for its use in more complex biochemical systems. Our results indicate that the tent‐shaped energetics of translocation of K+ ions in Gramicidin A is dictated by the different polarization responses to the ion of the external bulk water and the less polar environment of the membrane. Proteins 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of cuminaldehyde on melanoma cells
Authors: Nitoda Teruhiko , Fan Maria D. , Kubo Isao
Published: April 2008

Cuminaldehyde (4‐isopropylbenzaldehyde) suppressed melanin formation in cultured murine B16‐F10 melanoma cells in a dose‐dependent decrease up to 0.25 mm without affecting cell growth. Approximately 30% suppression in melanin production resulted when the cells were cultured with 0.25 mm of cuminaldehyde. This activity was not noticeable with cultured human A375 melanoma cells. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Activity against Mycobacterium smegmatis and M. tuberculosis by extract of South African medicinal plants
Authors: Mativandlela Sannah Patience Nkami , Meyer Jacob Jacobus Marion , Hussein Ahmed A. , Houghton Peter J. , Hamilton Chris J. , Lall Namrita
Published: April 2008

Seven ethnobotanically selected medicinal plants were screened for their antimycobacterial activity. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of four plants namely Artemisia afra, Dodonea angustifolia, Drosera capensis and Galenia africana ranged from 0.781 to 6.25 mg/mL against Mycobacterium smegmatis. G. africana showed the best activity exhibiting an MIC of 0.78 mg/mL and a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 1.56 mg/mL. The MICs of ethanol extracts of D. angustifolia and G. africana against M. tuberculosis were found to be 5.0 and 1.2 mg/mL respectively. The mammalian cytotoxicity IC50 value of the most active antimycobacterial extract, from G. africana, was found to be 101.3 µg/mL against monkey kidney Vero cells. Since the ethanol G. africana displayed the best antimycobacterial activity, it was subjected to fractionation which led to the isolation of a flavone, 5,7,2′‐trihydroxyflavone. The MIC of this compound was found to be 0.031 mg/mL against M. smegmatis and 0.10 mg/mL against M. tuberculosis. This study gives some scientific basis to the traditional use of these plants for TB‐related symptoms. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In SilicoPrediction of Blood–Brain Partitioning Using a Chemometric Method Called Genetic Algorithm Based Variable Selection
Authors: Shen Jie , Du Yiping , Zhao Yaxue , Liu Guixia , Tang Yun
Published: April 2008

A chemometric method called Genetic Algorithm Based Variable Selection (GAVS) was developed for Quantitative Structure–Property Relationship (QSPR) study here. Different from other GA based techniques, improvements have been made in GAVS, including fitness function and the strategy of elite warehouse. In the case of modeling the Blood–Brain Barrier (BBB) penetration, GAVS performed very well in variable selection. The training set consists of 151 structurally diverse compounds 154 molecular descriptors of which were calculated by E‐Dragon. The best model generated by GAVS contained six descriptors withr=0.848,q=0.817,F=61.40. The model was further validated by two external test sets, with the predicted correlation coefficient of 0.837 for Test set I which contained 28 compounds and correct rate of 82.42% for Test set II which included 91 drugs or drug‐like compounds with known BBB indication. To the CNS library containing 1283 CNS activities, the model performed with a success rate of 97.3% in predicting CNS active compounds. In comparison with other methods, GAVS performed best among Genetic Function Approximate (GFA) method and other published models. The established predictive model could be applied in design of combinatorial libraries or virtual screening against Central Nervous System (CNS) targets.
ConGENER – A Tool for Modeling of the Congeneric Sets of Environmental Pollutants
Authors: Haranczyk Maciej , Puzyn Tomasz , Sadowski Paweł
Published: April 2008

Congeners are molecules based on the same carbon skeleton but different by a substitution pattern, e.g., 1‐chloronaphthalene, 1,4‐dichloronaphthalene, 1,3,8‐trichloronaphthalene, etc. Various Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) exist in the environment as families of halogen‐substituted congeners. To facilitate computational studies on these species we developed ConGENER software package. The main program combinatorially generates all congeners of a parent molecule. The generated structures can be easily imported into quantum chemistry programs with scripting programs included in the package. Other included scripts can analyze outputs from the following quantum‐mechanical calculations and provide tabularized results easily imported into QSAR/QSPR programs to perform environmental toxicity studies. We demonstrate the application of ConGENER to study congeneric family of 287 chloropyrenes. This study explains how the individual molecular properties are changing according to a substitution pattern. In addition, we identified a new research need for validation of PM6 method in the case of perchlorinated congeners of PAHs.
Theoretical Study on Interactions of Bicyclic Vasopressin Analogues with Human Neurohypophyseal Hormone Receptors
Authors: Ślusarz Rafał , Sikorska Emilia , Ślusarz Magdalena J.
Published: April 2008

In the Arginine Vasopressin (CYFQNCPRG–NH2, AVP) molecule, the disulfide bond between Cys1 and Cys6 forms a 20‐membered ring crucial for AVP activity. The activity could be enhanced by restraining the AVP structure with additional cyclic moiety. To reduce AVP conformational flexibility, a standard link has now been added between residues at position 4, substituted with different positively charged amino acids, and Gly at position 9. The resulting AVP analogues have subsequently been docked to the vasopressin and oxytocin receptors and relaxed/geometry optimized using a Constrained Simulated Annealing (CSA) procedure. The results of our modeling suggest that the size of the additional AVP cycle is crucial for the biological activity of the analogue.
A target fish community to guide river restoration
Authors: Bain Mark B. , Meixler Marcia S.
Published: April 2008

A method is proposed and demonstrated to specify a fish community to serve as a target for planning river restoration projects and as an endpoint for evaluating programme progress. Our target fish community is appropriate for small rivers in southern New England with basins characterized by dispersed human activities. Our study was part of a multi‐agency improvement effort of the Quinebaug River in southern Massachusetts and northeast Connecticut, USA. We identify fish species expected to be found in streams, lakes and river reaches of the Quinebaug River basin. An expected rank order of abundance was computed using fish surveys from rivers identified by restoration programme managers as being in a desirable condition for a human‐dominated landscape. The rank order of species was converted to expected community proportions following a theoretical log–log relation between species abundances and occurrences in complex communities. Criteria from a committee of agency and water use representatives were influential in specifying a target community; so the overall method blends policy, objective zoogeography analyses and theory‐based parameters of community structure. We believe the use of a target community can be an important element in the design and evaluation of river restoration where the aim cannot be to copy pristine, natural ecosystem properties. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sonographic characteristics of the uterine cavity following first‐trimester uterine evacuation
Authors: Debby A. , Golan A. , Sadan O. , Rotmensch S. , Malinger G.
Published: April 2008

Objective

To characterize the sonographic appearance of the uterine cavity after first‐trimester uterine evacuation and to follow the evolution of these findings in an attempt to reduce the number of unnecessary surgical interventions following evacuation.

Methods

We studied retrospectively the sonographic characteristics of the uterine cavity in 599 women, 5–8 days after first‐trimester uterine evacuation. The patients were grouped according to the sonographic appearance of the uterine cavity. Patients with abnormal sonographic patterns were followed weekly until sonographic resolution.

Results

Group 1 included 351 (58.6%) women with normal endometrium; Group 2 included 130 (21.7%) women with hypoechoic endometrial content only; Group 3 included 69 (11.5%) patients with mixed type (hypoechoic and hyperechoic) endometrial content; Group 4 included 49 (8.2%) patients with hyperechoic endometrial content only. The time needed until the uterine cavity was considered normal was significantly longer in Group 4 (median, 12 days) compared with Groups 3 and 2 (8 and 9 days, respectively, P < 0.0001). The duration of vaginal bleeding after the surgical procedure was longer in Group 4 (median, 10 days) compared with Groups 3, 2 and 1 (9, 7 and 5 days, respectively, P < 0.0001). Clinically, the patients were divided into two groups: asymptomatic (575 patients) and symptomatic (24 patients). The thickness of the abnormal endometrial content in the asymptomatic patients gradually decreased until normalization, around the time of menstruation. There was no such change in the symptomatic patients, who eventually needed surgical intervention.

Conclusions

An abnormal intrauterine sonographic pattern 5–8 days following first‐trimester uterine evacuation is common and usually resolves spontaneously around menses. Therefore, in asymptomatic patients, we recommend a conservative approach. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transvaginal sonographic measurement of cervical length to predict preterm birth in asymptomatic women at increased risk: a systematic review
Authors: Crane J. M. G. , Hutchens D.
Published: April 2008

Objectives

To estimate the ability of cervical length measured by transvaginal ultrasonography in asymptomatic high‐risk women to predict spontaneous preterm birth.

Methods

MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were searched for articles published in any language between January 1980 and July 2006, using the keywords ‘transvaginal ultrasonography’ or (‘cervix’ and (‘ultrasound’ or ‘ultrasonography’ or ‘sonography’)); and (‘preterm’ or ‘premature’) and (‘delivery’ or ‘labour/labor’ or ‘birth’), identifying cohort studies evaluating transvaginal ultrasonographic cervical length measurement in predicting preterm birth in asymptomatic women who were considered at increased risk (because of a history of spontaneous preterm birth, uterine anomalies or excisional cervical procedures), with intact membranes and singleton gestations. The primary analysis included all studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Secondary analyses were also performed specifically for (1) women with a history of spontaneous preterm birth; (2) those who had undergone an excisional cervical procedure; and (3) those with uterine anomalies.

Results

Fourteen of 322 articles identified (involving 2258 women) met the criteria for systematic review. Cervical length measured by transvaginal ultrasonography predicted spontaneous preterm birth. The shorter the cervical length cut‐off the higher the positive likelihood ratio (LR). The most common cervical length cut‐off was < 25 mm. Using this cut‐off to predict spontaneous preterm birth at < 35 weeks, transvaginal ultrasonography at < 20 weeks' gestation revealed LR+ = 4.31 (95% CI, 3.08–6.01); at 20–24 weeks, LR+ = 2.78 (95% CI, 2.22–3.49); and at > 24 weeks, LR+ = 4.01 (95% CI, 2.53–6.34). In women with a history of spontaneous preterm birth (six studies involving 663 women) cervical length at < 20 weeks revealed LR+ = 11.30 (95% CI, 3.59–35.57) and at 20–24 weeks LR+ = 2.86 (95% CI, 2.12–3.87), but there were limited data on the use of cervical length of more than 24 weeks in this group (one study involving 42 women). In women who had had excisional cervical procedures, two studies presented data on cervical length (one at < 24 weeks and one at > 24 weeks), finding cervical length at < 24 weeks to be predictive of spontaneous preterm birth at < 35 weeks (LR+ = 2.91, 95% CI, 1.69–5.01). One study (of 64 women) evaluated cervical length in women with uterine anomalies, finding it predictive of spontaneous preterm birth at < 35 weeks (LR+ = 8.14, 95% CI, 3.12–21.25).

Conclusion

Cervical length measured by transvaginal ultrasonography in asymptomatic high‐risk women predicts spontaneous preterm birth at < 35 weeks. Further research may be warranted to evaluate the use of transvaginal ultrasonography after 24 weeks' gestation in women with a history of spontaneous preterm birth, and in women with uterine anomalies. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fatty acid composition of garlic (Allium sativum Linnaeus) lipids
Authors: Kamanna V. S. , Chandrasekhara N.
Published: April 2008

Chloroform‐methanol extracted lipids of garlic (Allium sativum Linnaeus) amounted to 0.6% on a dry weight basis. Fractionation by silicic acid column chromatography showed that garlic lipids comprise 62.6% neutral lipids 14.0% glycolipids and 23.4% phospholipids. Fatty acid compositions of total lipids and component lipid fractions were determined.
Catalytic carboxylation of fats. Carboxy acids and esters from monounsaturates
Authors: Frankel E. N. , Thomas F. L.
Published: April 2008

A highly selective catalytic, one‐step synthesis converts oleic acid into 9(10)‐carboxystearic acid in high yields (85–99%). Hydrocarboxylation with water and carbon monoxide under pressure (3000–4000 psi) is catalyzed with a mixture of palladium chloride and triphenylphosphine at 120–150 C with or without acetone or acetic acid solvents. Palladium supported on carbon is also an effective hydrocarboxylation catalyst in the presence of triphenylphosphine and HCl. Methyl 9(10)‐carbomethoxystearate was prepared by catalytic carbomethoxylation of methyl oleate with methanol and carbon monoxide but in lower yields. The carboxystearic acids and esters consisted of the 9 and 10 isomers (87–94%) in approximately equal proportions. This catalytic carboxylation procedure is a more efficient route to carboxystearic acid and ester than the two‐step hydroformylation‐oxidation process reported previously. Carboxylated acids, methyl esters and triglycerides of potential industrial importance have been prepared.
Cocoa butter‐like fats from fractionated cottonseed oil: I. preparation
Authors: Feuge R. O. , Gajee Betty B. , Lovegren N. V.
Published: April 2008

The manufacture of salad oil from cottonseed oil can produce a byproduct stearine fraction consisting essentially of 1‐palmito and 1,3‐dipalmito triglycerides of oleic and linoleic acids and having an iodine value of ca. 72. Hydrogenation of this fraction to an iodine value of ca. 28–42, under conditions simultaneously selective and conducive to a low rate oftrans‐isomer formation, yielded a product that could readily be fractionated to produce over 60% of a cocoa butter‐like fat. The conditions of fractionation influenced the yield and properties. Fractionation was most easily accomplished by tempering the solidified hydrogenation product and leaching with a petroleum naphtha or acetone.
Apoprotein A‐V: An important regulator of triglyceride metabolism
Authors: Kluger M. , Heeren J. , Merkel M.
Published: April 2008

Apolipoprotein A‐V (apoA‐V) was discovered in 2001 both by comparative sequencing and as a liver regeneration protein. The gene is a located at the APOA1/C3/A4/A5 gene cluster on chromosome 11q23, a locus well known for playing a major role in regulating plasma cholesterol and triglyceride (TG) levels. ApoA‐V is produced in the liver and has very low plasma concentrations (0.1–0.4 μg/ml). Mice lacking apoA‐V have 4‐fold increased TG levels, whereas apoA‐V overexpression leads to 40% plasma TG reduction. Based on metabolic studies in vivo, apoA‐V enhances the catabolism of TG rich lipoproteins rather than affecting their intestinal or hepatic production. By activating proteoglycans‐bound lipoprotein lipase (LPL), apoA‐V can accelerate TG hydrolysis from VLDL and chylomicrons independent from other apoproteins. Several variants at the APOA5 gene locus have been detected in humans. Some single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with significantly higher plasma TG levels in patients (e.g., −1131T > C, S19W, G185C). In addition, these SNPs may affect fibrate response and obesity. However, data for a possible association of APOA5 variants with coronary heart disease are not consistent. Severe structural mutations (Q139X, Q148X, IVS3 + 3G > C) predispose to familial hypertriglyceridaemia and late‐onset chylomicronaemia. Thus, despite its low plasma concentration, apoA‐V is a major regulator of plasma TG metabolism in humans. However, the precise mechanism of its function is not yet clear.
A DIGITAL IMAGING TECHNIQUE TO QUANTIFY THE INCIDENCE OF INTERNAL BROWNING IN POTATO (SOLANUM TUBEROSUM) TUBERS
Authors: HARPER S. M. , BLAMEY F. P. C.
Published: April 2008

Internal browning disorders, including brown fleck (BF), in potato (Solanum tuberosum) tubers greatly reduce tuber quality, but the causes are not well understood. This is due, in part, to the highly variable data provided by visual value-based rating systems. A digital imaging technique was developed to quantify accurately the incidence of internal browning in potato tubers. Images of tuber sections were scanned using a flatbed scanner and digitally enhanced to highlight tuber BF lesions, and the area of affected tissue calculated using pixel quantification software. Digital imaging allowed for the determination of previously unused indices of the incidence and severity of internal browning in potato tubers. Statistical analysis of the comparison between digitally derived and visual-rating BF data from a glasshouse experiment showed that digital data greatly improved the delineation of treatment effects. The F-test probability was further improved through square root or logarithmic data transformations of the digital data, but not of the visual-rating data. Data from a field experiment showed that the area of tuber affected by BF and the number of small BF lesions increased with time and with increase in tuber size. The results from this study indicate that digital imaging of internal browning disorders of potato tubers holds much promise in determining their causes that heretofore have proved elusive.
AN IMPROVED METHOD FOR BREAKING DORMANCY IN SEEDS OF SESBANIA SESBAN
Authors: WANG Y. R. , HANSON J.
Published: April 2008

Dormancy in seeds of Sesbania sesban is caused by a water-impermeable seed coat (hard seeds or hardseededness). A two-phase pretreatment technique was developed for breaking seed dormancy and was validated using different accessions and seed lots. Seeds were first soaked in water at 80 °C for 8 min and prepared for the germination test. Ungerminated hard seeds at the first count (after four days incubation) during the germination test were then subjected to a second treatment by mechanically scarifying the seed coat. The effects of water temperature and variation in initial hardseededness and viability among and within accessions were also investigated. The optimum water temperature, allowing maximum seed germination without increasing the percentage of abnormal seedling/dead seeds was 80 °C. The mean percentage of hard seeds across 30 seed lots of six accessions was reduced to 26% after phase 1 and to 0% after phase 2. In addition, full germination occurred within only 10 days for treated seeds while germination in untreated seeds had reached only 48% after 14 days. Significant differences existed among the seed lots within the accessions (p > 0.05) for the percentage of initial hard seed and for the effects of treatments on breaking seed dormancy. The two-phase technique developed was validated using over 1000 seed lots of S. sesban, and it was found to be a rapid and cost-effective method for breaking hard seed dormancy with potential for wider use for hard-seeded legumes.
CROP DEVELOPMENT AND ROOT DISTRIBUTION IN LESSER YAM (DIOSCOREA ESCULENTA): IMPLICATIONS FOR FERTILIZATION
Authors: MELTERAS MARIE-VIANNEY , LEBOT VINCENT , ASHER COLIN J. , O'SULLIVAN JANE N.
Published: April 2008

A growth analysis study involving monthly excavation ofDioscorea esculentaplants revealed that the root system developed fully in the period before tuber initiation, and extended radially for a distance between 2.3 and 4.3 m. Primary roots initially remained in the top 10 cm of the soil profile, but descended to approximately 30 cm near their full extension. Tuber number increased from initiation around 21 weeks after planting (WAP) until maximum vine growth was reached around 33 WAP, but tuber dry weight continued to increase throughout the senescence period of the vine, to 45 WAP. Tubers lost dry matter but not fresh weight during dormancy in the soil, to 55 WAP. The results indicate that a distance of at least 4.5 m is required to separate experimental fertilizer treatments, and that post-establishment burial of fertilizers around the mound or ridge risks damage to roots near their base, while inter-row application is accessible to roots and may be preferable.
Obesity and cancer
Authors: Pischon Tobias , Nöthlings Ute , Boeing Heiner
Published: April 2008

The prevalence of obesity, defined as a BMI of ≥30·0 kg/m2, has increased substantially over previous decades to about 20% in industrialized countries, and a further increase is expected in the future. Epidemiological studies have shown that obesity is a risk factor for: post-menopausal breast cancer; cancers of the endometrium, colon and kidney; malignant adenomas of the oesophagus. Obese subjects have an approximately 1·5–3·5-fold increased risk of developing these cancers compared with normal-weight subjects, and it has been estimated that between 15 and 45% of these cancers can be attributed to overweight (BMI 25·0–29·9 kg/m2) and obesity in Europe. More recent studies suggest that obesity may also increase the risk of other types of cancer, including pancreatic, hepatic and gallbladder cancer. The underlying mechanisms for the increased cancer risk as a result of obesity are unclear and may vary by cancer site and also depend on the distribution of body fat. Thus, abdominal obesity as defined by waist circumference or waist:hip ratio has been shown to be more strongly related to certain cancer types than obesity as defined by BMI. Possible mechanisms that relate obesity to cancer risk include insulin resistance and resultant chronic hyperinsulinaemia, increased production of insulin-like growth factors or increased bioavailability of steroid hormones. Recent research also suggests that adipose tissue-derived hormones and cytokines (adipokines), such as leptin, adiponectin and inflammatory markers, may reflect mechanisms linked to tumourigenesis.
Phyto-oestrogens and bone health
Authors: Coxam Véronique
Published: April 2008

As oestrogen deficiency is the main cause in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis hormone-replacement therapy remains the mainstay for prevention. However, prophylaxis by hormone-replacement therapy is limited. Phyto-oestrogens, which are weakly-oestrogenic compounds present in plants, deserve particular mention because emerging data support the suggestion that they may prevent bone loss associated with the menopause. In the past few years extensive research using animal models has provided convincing data to indicate a significant improvement in bone mass or other end points following feeding with soyabean. Moreover, observational studies relate the lower incidence of osteoporosis among women in the Eastern world to a diet rich in phyto-oestrogens. However, it is not valid to extrapolate to the Western situation. The varied clinical trials that have been published suggest that isoflavones reduce bone loss in women in the early period post menopause, but a definitive result requires more investigations of the effect of phyto-oestrogens on bone health that have substantial sample size and are of long duration. In addition, the clinical efficacy of soya foods in preventing osteopenia depends on their intestinal metabolism. Thus, phyto-oestrogens are a source for putative innovative dietary health intervention for post-menopausal women. However, more data are necessary, particularly in relation to their effect on the risk of fracture.
Nutrigenetics and CVD: what does the future hold?
Authors: Lovegrove Julie A. , Gitau Rachel
Published: April 2008

CVD is a common killer in both the Western world and the developing world. It is a multifactorial disease that is influenced by many environmental and genetic factors. Although public health advice to date has been principally in the form of prescribed population-based recommendations, this approach has been surprisingly unsuccessful in reducing CVD risk. This outcome may be explained, in part, by the extreme variability in response to dietary manipulations between individuals and interactions between diet and an individual's genetic background, which are defined by the term ‘nutrigenetics’. The shift towards personalised nutritional advice is a very attractive proposition. In principle an individual could be genotyped and given dietary advice specifically tailored to their genetic make-up. Evidence-based research into interactions between fixed genetic variants, nutrient intake and biomarkers of CVD risk is increasing, but still limited. The present paper will review the evidence for interactions between dietary fat and three common polymorphisms in theapoE,apoAIandPPARγgenes. Increased knowledge of how these and other genes influence dietary response should increase the understanding of personalised nutrition. While targeted dietary advice may have considerable potential for reducing CVD risk, the ethical issues associated with its routine use need careful consideration.
Antioxidants and CVD
Authors: Bruckdorfer K. Richard
Published: April 2008

The involvement of free radicals and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in the pathology of inflammatory and degenerative disease has been widely accepted, although the centrality of these species to the outcome of these diseases is still a matter for debate. In the case of CVD, and particularly the development of the atherosclerotic plaque, the oxidation of LDL is of particular importance and appears to explain many of the events that occur during the life history of the plaque. The corollary of this situation is that antioxidants must be a benign force to protect the population from the modern scourge of heart disease. In fact, recent evidence from intervention studies with large doses of the antioxidant vitamins and other antioxidants in foods has been very disappointing. Here, the background for the belief that antioxidants ought to be beneficial is examined and an attempt made to explain why the results of these intervention studies have been unsuccessful. It is agreed that a diet rich in fruit and vegetables is protective for both CVD and cancer, but the explanation for this effect may not necessarily lie with the presence of antioxidants.