bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of micelle formation in sodium dodecyl sulfate and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide
Authors: Topallar Hüseyin , Karadag Birgül
Published: November 2006

pH changes as a function of concentration for sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) were observed by addition of 1 N HCl and 1 N KOH. pH values increased up to the critical micellar concentration (CMC) for the SDS/HCl system and decreased for the CTAB/KOH system. In the SDS/HCl and CTAB/KOH systems, the micellar phase had a fixed composition and was homogeneous and monodisperse above the CMC. However, in the SDS/KOH and CTAB/HCl systems, pH values increased continuously and gradually below and above the CMC, and the properties of the micellar phase changed as a function of concentration, giving rise to inhomogeneity and polydispersity.
Surface tension study of the interaction between two nonionic surfactants and two direct dyes
Authors: Pegiadou‐Koemtzopoulou Sofia , Eleftheriadis Ioannis , Kehayoglou Aristidis
Published: November 2006

The complex‐forming interaction between two direct dyes, CI Yellow 106 and CI Blue 78, and two nonionic surfactants, namely, polyoxyethylene nonyl phenyl ether (NP‐12) and polyoxyethylene stearylamine (R‐11), in aqueous solutions was studied. The estimation was made by measuring surface tension and critical micelle concentration (CMC) changes as a function of dye concentration. A decrease of NP‐12 surface tension at low concentration and an increase of R‐11 surface tension in the presence of both dyes were observed along with a significant decrease of NP‐12 CMC values. A difference in the spectrophotometric absorbance of dye solutions in the presence of both surfactants, indicating a change in the environment of the dye chromophore, was also visible. These results confirm the formation of hydrophobic complexes of NP‐12 and hydrophilic complexes of R‐11 with both dyes.
Narrow‐range ethoxylation of fatty alcohols promoted by a zirconium alkoxide sulfate catalyst
Authors: Di Serio M. , Iengo P. , Vairo G. , Santacesaria E.
Published: November 2006

Zirconium dodecanoxide sulfate is a very active catalyst in promoting fatty alcohol narrow‐range ethoxylation. The catalytic activity is initially very high but rapidly decreases after the addition of one mole of ethylene oxide per mole of substrate. This peculiar behavior makes it possible to obtain narrow‐range ethoxylated products containing not more than two or three ethylene oxide units. Because the catalyst shows a very feeble Brönsted acidity, it must be concluded that its activity originates from the Lewis acidity. This acidity is strongly enhanced from the introduction of the sulfate group in the catalyst molecule, because of the strong electron‐withdrawing effect of this group. A kinetic model was developed for explaining experimental results.
Surfactants and the environment
Authors: Britton Larry N.
Published: November 2006

A large body of information on the environmental attributes of commercial surfactants has been generated in response to concerns about the environmental fate and effects of these high‐volume chemicals. This review examines the scientific disciplines involved in evaluating the environmental acceptability of surfactants and highlights the current issues.
Comparison of the kinetics and composition of ethoxylated methyl dodecanoate and ethoxylated dodecanol with narrow and broad distribution of homologs
Authors: Hreczuch Wieslaw
Published: November 2006

Broad‐ and narrow‐range dodecanol ethoxylates were obtained with sodium hydroxide and a proprietary calcium‐based catalyst, respectively. The proprietary catalyst was also used for direct ethoxylation of methyl dodecanoate ester. Natta‐Mantica distribution coefficients were calculated from the fractional content of the reaction products. A specific sequence of the distribution coefficients was observed in each case. A superior activation of the second addition step in ethoxylation of the methyl dodecanoate ester was noted. The kinetic pattern of the reaction resulted in a product distribution specifically related to the average degree of oxyethylation degree.
A novel method for preparing oil‐in‐water‐in‐oil type multiple emulsions using organophilic montmorillonite clay mineral
Authors: Sekine Tomoko , Yoshida Katsunori , Matsuzaki Fumiaki , Yanaki Toshio , Yamaguchi Michihiro
Published: November 2006

A stable formula using oil‐in‐water‐in‐oil (O/W/O) type multiple emulsions was investigated. The components consisted of hydrophilic nonionic surfactant (HCO‐60), organophilic montmorillonite, and lipophilic nonionic surfactant (DIS‐14). O/W/O emulsions were prepared by a double‐step procedure in which an O/W emulsion was prepared in the first step, and then the O/W emulsion was “re‐emulsified” in an oil phase with organophilic montmorillonite. The diameter of the innermost oil droplets decreased with increasing HCO‐60 content (0.1–3%), while the viscosity showed a maximum at 1% of HCO‐60, indicating that the yiel of re‐emulsification is highest at this condition. Viscosity of the O/W/O emulsion increased with increasing organophilic montmorillonite and DIS‐14. According to the results of a phase ratio study, viscosity and stability of the O/W/O emulsion decreased at high weight fraction of inner oil phase (0.4–0.5), indicating that the excess amount of inner oil phase is absorbed by the outer oil phase. These results revealed that the weight fraction of inner oil phase should be kept below 0.3 for a stable O/W/O emulsion. A similar study on the weight fraction of O/W phase [фO/W)/O] suggested that the O/W/O emulsion is stable at ϕ(O/W)/O=0.65–0.70.
Effects of superfatting agents on cracking phenomena in toilet soap
Authors: Kuntom Ainie , Ahmad Iftikhar , Kifli Hamirin , Shariff Zainon Mat
Published: November 2006

Palm stearin (POs) is one of the cheapest sources of C16–C18 fatty acids for use in soap making. Toilet‐soap formulations containing a high content of POs, however, would result in hard soaps with a tendency to form cracks on the surface. This phenomenon can be overcome by addition of superfatting agents to increase plasticity of the finished product. In this study, two different blends of soap made from distilled POs, palm oil (PO), and palm kernel oil (PKO) fatty acids in the ratio of 40POs/40PO/20PKO and 70POs/30PKO were evaluated. The soaps were superfatted with glycerin, palm kernel olein, coconut oil, olive oil and canola oil. The levels of incorporation of each superfatting material were 1, 2, 4, and 6%, respectively. The samples were subsequently tested for both wet and dry crackings using the Hewitt Soap Company methods (numbers 78 and 79, respectively). The superfatted soaps had a total fatty matter of 73–83% and an average moisture content of 10%. The penetration value which indicates hardness increased with increasing amount of superfatting agents. Foaming or lathering property was good with the exception of the formulation using palm kernel olein and canola oil as superfatting agents. At all the above levels of superfatting agents added, no cracks were observed during both wet and dry cracking tests. A sample of soap superfatted with 2% canola oil, however, developed cracks during the wet cracking test. This resulted in a test score of 7. Superfatting soaps with 1–2% neutral oils or glycerin resulted in better quality soaps that were free of cracks.
Characterization of aescin as a biosurfactant for environmental remediation
Authors: Pekdemir Turgay , Ishigami Yutaka , Uchiyama Hiroo
Published: November 2006

Surface‐tension‐lowering capacity and emulsion‐forming ability of aescin biosurfactant in pure water, seawater, 3 M urea, and 3 M glucose were investigated. Oils used in the emulsification tests were liquid paraffin, ethylbenzene, kerosene, 1‐decene, and heavy oils A and C. Volumetric ratios of oil phase to aqueous (water) phase (O/W) were 0.5∶4.5, 2.5∶2.5, 3.0∶2.0, and 4.5∶0.5. Concentration of aescin was changed from 0.16 to 27.3 mM. The critical micelle concentration of eascin in water and its surface tension effectiveness were shown to be 0.78 mM and 28.5 mN/m, respectively. Surface‐tension effectiveness of aescin was found to be highest in sea‐water (33.5 mN/m). The emulsifying action of aescin was compared with that of decaglyceryl‐monolaurylester (DGML). The performance of aescin was found to be as good as that of DGML and, depending on the O/W ratio and the concentration, aescin could yield emulsification efficiencies as high as 100%. These results indicated that aescin could be classified as a mild surfactant safe for living organisms. Because the surface activity of aqueous aescin solution was not satisfactorily good, attempts were made to improve the situation by addition of alcohols as cosurfactants. Ethanol, isoamyl alcohol, 2‐ethylhexanol, n‐hexanol, and n‐octanol were used. They were added to the solutions at a concentration equimolar to aescin. These cosurfactants improved surface‐tension effectiveness of aescin by as much as 53% and its emulsification efficiency by 67%.
The relationship of the environmental effect of surfactants to their interfacial properties
Authors: Rosen Milton J. , Fei Lin , Zhu Yun‐Peng , Morrall Stephen W.
Published: November 2006

In an investigation of possible relationships between interfacial properties of surfactants and their environmental effect, using several anionic and nonionic surfactants, a linear correlation was found between the parameters, ΔG0ad/Amin, and rotifer toxicity. ΔG0ad is a standard free energy of adsorption at the air/aqueous solution interface, and Amin is the minimal hydrated cross‐sectional area of the surfactant molecule. Both quantities were evaluated from surface tension data. This correlation is much better than attempted correlations of the toxicity with the negative logarithm of the critical micelle concentration (−log CMC) or with ΔG0ad or Amin alone. The ΔG0ad/Amin correlation with rotifer toxicity is also better than the correlation with the analogous parameter, Δs|Gads0| Amin, obtained from adsorption isotherms of the surfactants on a solid immobilized membrane simulating a cell membrane. The data support our hypothesis that toxicity is determined both by adsorption tendency and ease of cell membrane penetration.
Performance of sulfoxylated fatty acid methyl esters
Authors: Cohen Leon , Trujillo Francisco
Published: November 2006

Sulfoxidation of fatty acid methyl esters with SO2, O2, and ultraviolet light of appropriate wavelength has led to the synthesis of methyl esters sulfonates or sulfoxylates known as Φ‐MES because of the possible random position of SO3 group in the alkyl chain. This work describes experimental measurements of physical properties such as solubility and viscosity of sodium Φ‐MES water solutions. Amphipathic properties such as surface tension, critical micelle concentration, wetting and foaming powers were measured as well and compared to linear alkylbenzene sodium sulfonate (LAS). Finally, stability to water hardness, dishwashing test, and detergency performance were evaluated. Expectedly, these products may be used as LAS partners either in heavy‐duty powders or in hand dishwashing liquids. Experimental results on Φ‐MES of varying carbon number indicate that C16 is the optimal carbon chain length.
Structural characterization of a biosurfactant produced by Bacillus subtilis at 45°C
Authors: Makkar Randhir S. , Cameotra Swaranjit S.
Published: November 2006

Structural and biochemical characterization of a biosurfactant produced by Bacillus subtilis under thermophilic conditions was performed. Preliminary structural determination of CHCl3/CH3OH (65∶15) extracts by thin‐layer chromatographic reagents showed it to be identical to surfactin. Also, the infrared, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectroscopy analysis confirmed it to be identical to surfactin. Biochemically, the surfactant was a lipopeptide‐containing lipid (17.05%) and protein (13.2%). The surfactant yielded a minimal aqueous surface‐tension value of 28 dyne/cm and an interfacial tension value at 0.1% concentration of 0.2 dyne/cm against diesel oil. The critical micelle concentration of the surfactant was 35 mg/L. The biosurfactant exhibited an emulsification value (E24) of 90 against diesel oil and a sand‐pack oil recovery of 62%. It has potential application in microbial‐enhanced oil recovery in thermophilic, alkaline, acidic, and halophilic environments.
Nutritional characteristics of DAG oil
Authors: Flickinger Brent D. , Matsuo Noboru
Published: November 2006

Excess calorie intake in industrialized countries has prompted development of fat substitutes and other lower‐calorie dietary items to enhance health. DAG cooking oils, with a 1,3 configuration, taste and have the texture of commonly used TAG cooking oils. Because they are not hydrolyzed to 2‐MAG in the gut, the absorption and metabolism of DAG oil differs from that of TAG. Among the physiological differences are lower postprandial lipemia and an increased proportion of FA being oxidized instead of stored. Preliminary studies suggest that these differences in energy partitioning between DAG and TAG may be usefully exploited to reduce the amount of fat stored from cooking oil and oil components of food items. Over 70 million bottles of DAG oil have been sold in Japan since its introduction in February 1999, and the product is being test‐marketed in the United States. It is hoped that wider use of DAG oil may provide one additional means of preventing obesity.
CLA and body weight regulation in humans
Authors: Risérus Ulf , Smedman Annika , Basu Samar , Vessby Bengt
Published: November 2006

CLA comprises a group of unsaturated FA isomers with a variety of biological effects in experimental animals. CLA reduces body fat accumulation in animal models and has been suggested to have significant effects on lipid and glucose metabolism, e.g., antidiabetic effects in obese Zucker rats. It has been proposed that the trans10‐cis12 isomer is the active isomer associated with the antiobesity and insulin‐sensitizing properties of CLA. The metabolic effects in humans in general, and isomer‐specific effects specifically, are not well characterized. In a series of controlled studies in humans, we investigated the effects of CLA (given as the commercially available mixture of isomers and as the purified trans10‐cis12 CLA isomer) on anthropometry, lipid and glucose metabolism, and markers of lipid peroxidation. Preliminary results indicate that CLA may slightly decrease body fat in humans also, particularly abdominal fat, but there is no effect on body weight or body mass index. There is no simultaneous improvement in lipid or glucose metabolism. Rather, the trans10‐cis12 CLA isomer unexpectedly caused significant impairment of the peripheral insulin sensitivity as well as of blood glucose and serum lipid levels. In addition, CLA markedly elevated lipid peroxidation. Thus, the metabolic effects of CLA in human seem complex; further studies, especially of isomer‐specific effects and for longer time periods, are warranted.
Treatment and prevention of obesity: What works, what doesn't work, and what might work
Authors: Allison David B. , Weber Mary T.
Published: November 2006

We provide a very broad conceptual overview of some of the issues involved in the treatment and prevention of obesity. Data suggest that clinicians have some ability to promote positive changes with obesity treatment. The environment, though important in influencing one's degree of adiposity, has largely transient effects that do not tend to carry over from one time to substantially later times. In contrast, the genetic influences on body mass index at any one time do tend to carry over to later times. This information influences the types of approaches that are and are not likely to be successful in terms of preventing obesity or reducing obesity on a population level. A second issue concerns the composition of weight lost. Conditional on fat loss, weight loss has been associated with an increased mortality rate (MR) whereas, conditional upon weight loss, fat loss has been associated with a decreased MR. This suggests that we should seek treatments that maximize the proportion of weight lost as fat. Third, the efficacy of current treatments is far below patients’ expectations and desires. We need both to increase the efficacy of our treatments dramatically and help patients adjust their expectations so that they can take satisfaction in smaller weight losses. Perhaps, with continued efforts at enhancing treatments, we will see incremental advances in the treatment and prevention of obesity.
Whole‐body utilization of n−3 PUFA in n−6 PUFA‐deficient rats
Authors: Bazinet Richard P. , Douglas Holly , Cunnane Stephen C.
Published: November 2006

We evaluated the utilization of α‐linolenic acid (18∶3n−3) in growing rats consuming a diet deficient in n−6 PUFA. After 90 d, whole‐body 18∶3n−3 accumulation was 55% lower, total n−3 PUFA accumulation was 21% lower, and 18∶3n−3 disappearance was 14% higher in n−6 PUFA‐deficient rats. Part of the reduction of whole‐body 18∶3n−3 in n−6 PUFA‐deficient rats was due to the 25% increase in net conversion of 18∶3n−3 to long‐chain n−3 PUFA. Despite adequate 18∶3n−3 intake, n−6 PUFA deficiency decreased the accumulation of 18∶3n−3 and total n−3 PUFA.
Two conserved domains in PCIF1 mediate interaction with pancreatic transcription factor PDX‐1
Authors: Liu Aihua , Oliver-Krasinski Jennifer , Stoffers Doris A.
Published: November 2006

PCIF1 is a TRAF and POZ domain containing nuclear factor that interacts with and inhibits transactivation of pancreatic homeodomain transcription factor PDX‐1. Here, we demonstrate interaction of endogenous PDX‐1 and PCIF1 in MIN6 insulinoma cells. Within PCIF1, the TRAF and POZ domains are both required for physical and functional interaction with the C‐terminus of PDX‐1, whereas the C‐terminal domain of PCIF1 directs its nuclear localization. A human PDX‐1 mutation associated with diabetes, E224K, disrupts the ability of PCIF1 to inhibit PDX‐1 transactivation, suggesting that the interaction between PDX‐1 and PCIF1 is required for normal glucose homeostasis. Inhibition of transactivation occurs by a mechanism distinct from the classical role of POZ domains to recruit co‐repressors and histone deacetylases. Understanding the functional roles of PCIF1 domains may have application to therapeutic β‐cell replacement strategies involving PDX‐1 for the treatment of diabetes.
An examination of corporate reporting, environmental management practices and firm performance
Authors: Montabon Frank , Sroufe Robert , Narasimhan Ram
Published: November 2006

Despite the growing interest in environmental management practices (EMPs), research to date has typically analyzed a limited range of these practices and used traditional data sources. In contrast, this paper uses an innovative data source to explore EMPs. We use a more comprehensive set of the practices than prior works in order to test relationships between EMPs and firm performance. The data used in this study comprised environmental and business performance data from 45 corporate reports. Content analysis is used to gather the data and canonical correlation is used for analysis in a two‐step process in order to explore the relationships between EMPs and performance measures. Results support previously posited relationships based on traditional data and indicate that EMPs are associated with firm performance.
Myasthenia gravis mimicking unilateral vocal fold paralysis at presentation
Authors: Hartl D M , Leboulleux S , Klap P , Schlumberger M
Published: November 2006

Objectives: To demonstrate the importance of detailed clinical analysis in the differential diagnosis of unilateral vocal fold paralysis, and to provide an update on current knowledge and treatment of myasthenia gravis.

Case report: A female patient presented with left unilateral vocal fold immobility. Diagnostic investigation revealed a 10 mm thyroid adenoma, but no other abnormality likely to cause unilateral vocal fold paralysis. Follow-up flexible endoscopy at three months showed laryngeal remobilisation with persistent left vocal fold bowing and vertical asymmetry of the vocal folds on phonation. Over the following months, voice quality varied between normal and breathy, with the breathy periods lasting from three days to one month. Laryngeal electromyography (EMG) showed a slight bilateral paradoxical activation of both posterior crico-arytenoid muscles on phonation. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and brainstem was normal. A diagnostic test for myasthenia gravis with intravenous edrophonium bromide (Tensilon®) lead to an immediate improvement in voice quality. The patient was subsequently treated with pyridostigmine bromide, with complete resolution of dysphonia.

Conclusions: Myasthenia gravis affecting the larynx may mimic unilateral vocal fold paresis or paralysis. A personal or family history of auto-immune disease, fluctuating symptoms, motor deficits in cranial nerve territories, and normal or subnormal laryngeal EMG results should lead the physician to reconsider a diagnosis of idiopathic unilateral vocal fold paralysis and to perform specific testing.
Assessment of complex mental activity across the lifespan: development of the Lifetime of Experiences Questionnaire (LEQ)
Authors: VALENZUELA MICHAEL J. , SACHDEV PERMINDER
Published: November 2006

Background. Brain reserve is a property of the central nervous system related to complex mental activity which may mediate the course and clinical expression of brain injury. Since there is no instrument that comprehensively assesses complex mental activity through the lifespan, we developed and tested the Lifetime of Experiences Questionnaire (LEQ) in a prospective study of healthy ageing.

Method. The LEQ assesses educational, occupational and cognitive lifestyle activities at different stages through life. Test–retest, item analysis and Item Response Theory (IRT) were used to determine reliability. Dimensionality was evaluated using factor analysis. Validity was established through IRT analysis of test performance, correlation with an extant contemporaneous instrument (Cognitive Activities Scale; CAS) and prediction of global cognitive change over 18 months controlling for age, baseline cognition and hypertension.

Results. In a sample of healthy older individuals (n=79) the LEQ was found to be consistent, coherent and discriminate between individuals with high and low mental activity levels. Factor analysis revealed a dominant factor which loaded heavily on education, occupation and leisure activity. Total LEQ was significantly correlated with the CAS. Furthermore, individuals with higher LEQ scores showed less cognitive decline over 18 months, independent of covariates (r=0·37, p=0·003).

Conclusions. The LEQ is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing complex lifespan mental activity which is protective against cognitive decline. The LEQ is therefore proposed as a useful tool for estimating brain reserve in older individuals and further development is anticipated.
Use of the implantable loop recorder in children and adolescents
Authors: Gass Matthias , Apitz Christian , Salehi-Gilani Schahriar , Ziemer Gerhard , Hofbeck Michael
Published: November 2006

Introduction: Recurrent but infrequent syncopes represent a diagnostic challenge, since they frequently remain unexplained despite extensive investigations. This applies specifically for patients who carry an increased risk of potentially lifethreatening arrhythmias, either due to congenital cardiac disease or primary electrical disorders. Implantable loop recorders permit long-term electrocardiographic monitoring. Experience with these devices is still limited in children. Patients and methods: Between January 1999 and August 2005, 12 patients underwent implantation of a loop recorder in our tertiary referral centre. The mean age was 10.9 years, with a range from 2 to 17 years. Of the patients, 6 had structural disease, 3 had primary electrical abnormalities, and 3 had no cardiovascular disease. Results: Resyncope occured in 9 of the 12 patients. Arrhythmic origin of the syncope was diagnosed in 4 of these patients. The events recorded were ventricular fibrillation in 2, intermittent asystole in 1, and pacemaker-syndrome in the other patient. Malignant arrhythmia was ruled out in the remaining 5 patients. There were no complications related to implantation of the loop recorder, and the mean duration until explantation was 8.3 months. Conclusions: Based on our experience, we suggest that implantation of a loop recorder represents an additional tool for a selected group of children. Due to its invasive nature, it should be restricted to patients at high risk, or those in which there is substantial clinical suspicion of the likelihood of serious arrhythmias when conventional testing has been inconclusive. In this cohort, implantation of the loop recorder either helps to establish the correct diagnosis, or to exclude an arrhythmic event, thus avoiding unnecessary escalation of therapy and providing reassurance for the family.
Echocardiographic analysis of the subtypes of right ventricular restrictive physiology in surgically treated patients with tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Vukomanović Vladislav , Stajević Mila , Jovanović Ida , Košutić Jovan , šehić Igor , Milovanović Vladimir
Published: November 2006

Background:Our study focusses on echocardiographic assessment of the right ventricular diastolic function and adaptive right ventricular response to volume overload resulting from pulmonary and tricuspid regurgitation in surgically treated patients with tetralogy of Fallot.Method and results:We included 60 patients subsequent to surgical correction of tetralogy of Fallot, dividing them into two groups – a group of 18 patients with restrictive physiology, having antegrade flow to the pulmonary arteries greater than 30 centimetres per second in late diastole in five consecutive beats, and a group of 42 patients with non-restrictive physiology. Based on the cardiothoracic ratio, being more or equal to, or less than 0.55, we further divided those with restrictive physiology into a group of 14 patients deemed to have primary restriction, and the other 4 patients considered to have secondary or acquired restriction. Those with non-restrictive physiology were divided into groups of 16 patients with a small heart, and 26 patients with a large heart. A fraction of the venous retrograde diastolic flow in the hepatic vein greater or equal to 30 centimetres is important for distinguishing between the subgroup with primary restriction and the other subgroups. In the four patients with secondary restriction, anterograde diastolic flow in the pulmonary artery greater than 30 centimetres per second was recorded after the average period of follow-up of 2.4 years. The mean value of the pulmonary regurgitant jet pressure half-time was higher in the subgroup with the secondary restriction in comparison to the nonrestrictive subgroup with large hearts at 152 milliseconds with standard deviation of 36 milliseconds versus 85 milliseconds with standard deviation of 11 milliseconds, p less than 0.05. This was significantly lower in comparison to those with primary restriction, where the value was 238 milliseconds, with standard deviation of 42 milliseconds, p less than 0.02.Conclusion:Echocardiographic analysis offers great possibilities for assessment of right ventricular diastolic function, identifying in particular those with restrictive physiology, its interrelation with pulmonary and tricuspid regurgitation, as well as timing and selection of patients for re-intervention.
Rescue cardiac transplantation for failing staged palliation in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome
Authors: Jacobs Jeffrey Phillip , Quintessenza James Anthony , Chai Paul J. , Lindberg Harald L. , Asante-Korang Alfred , McCormack Jorge , Dadlani Gul , Boucek Robert J.
Published: November 2006

Objective:Orthotopic heart transplantation is considered a rescue option for children with failing staged palliation or repair of hypoplastic left heart syndrome. We present our strategy for management, and outcomes, for these complex patients.Methods:We transplanted 68 consecutive children, with diagnoses of hypoplastic left heart syndrome in 31, cardiomyopathy in 20, and post-operative complex congenital heart disease in 17. Of these patients, 9 (13.2%) were neonates, and 46 (67.6%) were infants. Median age was 118.5 days. Operative technique involves bicaval cannulation and anastamoses with continuous low flow bypass, and either short periods of circulatory arrest or continuous low flow antegrade cerebral perfusion for reconstruction of the aortic arch. Initial reperfusion of the donor heart utilizes glutamate and aspartate substrate enriched white blood cell filtered cardioplegia. Immunosuppressive therapy includes induction (pulse steroids, gamma globulin, and polyclonal rabbit antithymocyte globulin) and initial maintenance (calcineurin inhibitor, an anti-proliferative agent, and a weaning steroid protocol). Of the 31 patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, 23 underwent primary transplantation, and 8 underwent rescue transplantation from failing staged palliation in seven, or attempted biventricular repair in one. Of the seven patients who had failing staged palliation, three had undergone only the Norwood Stage 1 operation, 2 had undergone a Norwood Stage 1 operation and a Glenn superior cavopulmonary anastomosis and two had undergone a Norwood Stage 1 operation, a Glenn superior cavopulmonary anastomosis, and a completion Fontan operation.Results:The group undergoing primary transplantation was younger (p equals 0.007), weighed less (p equals 0.003), and waited longer for an appropriate donor heart (p equals 0.021) compared to those requiring rescue transplantation. No significant difference exists between the groups with regards to donor heart ischaemic time or post-transplant length of hospital stay. Thirty day survival (p equals 0.156) and overall survival (p equals 0.053) was better in those having primary transplantation, although these differences were not statistically significant when a p value of less than 0.05 is considered to be significant. In those having primary transplantation, no patients had elevated panel reactive antibody greater than 10%. Half of the 8 requiring rescue transplantation had panel reactive antibody greater than 10%, and this subgroup did especially poorly.Conclusion:Cardiac transplantation can offer children with failing staged palliation their only chance of survival. Transplantation, however, carries a high risk in this subgroup, especially in the setting of elevated panel reactive antibody.
Is sudden cardiac death predictable in LEOPARD syndrome?
Authors: Limongelli Giuseppe , Pacileo Giuseppe , Calabrò Raffaele
Published: November 2006

We report the sudden cardiac death of a young male presenting with classic clinical features of LEOPARD syndrome, shown to be due to a mutation in the PTPN11 gene, and severe non obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. We also discuss briefly the usefulness of prophylactic risk stratification in patients with syndromic and non syndromic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
The quality of life in the dynamics of economic development
Authors: Krutilla Kerry , Reuveny Rafael
Published: November 2006

The neoclassical economic growth model and its extensions in the fields of environmental economics and endogenous growth theory typically represent welfare as a single argument function of consumption when the models are analytically solved. This simplified welfare specification is narrower than those described in the quality-of-life literature and emphasized by proponents of sustainable development. The purpose of this paper is to analytically solve for the properties of a growth model based on a broader quality-of-life measure. The welfare measure includes two arguments, consumption and the stock of nature capital. This formulation enables an analysis of the consequences of the dynamic tension between conventionally defined economic growth and nature capital preservation. We find that a static model without technical progress yields diverse steady states, stability properties, and comparative statics, while a model with exogenous technical progress exhibits unusual comparative dynamics and balanced growth paths. These unusual outcomes have a number of policy-relevant implications for sustainable development.
Assessment of China's pollution levy system: an equilibrium pollution approach
Authors: Jiang Tingsong , McKibbin Warwick J.
Published: November 2006

There is considerable concern about the effectiveness of China's pollution control policies. Despite government intervention, measures of pollution continue to rise. However, this does not mean that policies have necessarily been ineffective. What matters for the effectiveness of policy is not the overall level of pollution but whether the extent of pollution is improving relative to what it otherwise would have been without a policy intervention. This paper assesses the effectiveness of China's pollution levy system on water pollution, air pollution, and solid wastes using econometric techniques to estimate the effectiveness of government intervention. The paper first sets out a theoretical equilibrium model of pollution and then uses this to derive equations for the demand and supply of pollutants. This theoretical framework is then used to develop an econometrically estimated model. We find that it is possible to estimate a well-defined demand function for pollution (a reduction in environmental quality) but are unable to estimate the supply of environmental goods, suggesting that government regulation rather than consumer preferences are determining the rate of environmental degradation in China. We also find that the pollution levy system has been effective in reducing pollution relative to what it otherwise would have been in China.
The impacts of economic reform on the efficiency of silviculture: a non-parametric approach
Authors: Zhang Yaoqi
Published: November 2006

Institutions and organizations are regarded as being important in determining the efficiency of economic agents and public units. This study first reviews the economic reforms in silvicultural activities in China's state-owned forestry bureaux, then empirically examines the impact of economic reforms. Panel data from 40 forestry bureaux in Heilongjiang Province, and two different economic regimes: from the pre-reform and economic transition periods, are analyzed by Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). The technical efficiency has been decomposed into pure technical efficiency and scale efficiency and then examined. Our results show that the economic reforms have increased efficiency on average by about 25 per cent. Moreover, the study qualitatively analyses the sources of improvement and argues that the efficiency gain is a result of reductions in labour shirking and administration costs.
Suicidal Behaviors in Homosexual and Bisexual Males
Authors: Bagley Christopher , Tremblay Pierre
Published: November 2006

A stratified random sample of 750 males in Calgary, Canada, aged 18-27 years, were given questions on sexual activity and orientation. Mental health questions included a measure of suicidality and of acts of deliberate self-harm. A computerized response format, which has been established as a good method for eliciting sensitive personal data, ensured anonymity. Almost 13% of the males were classified as homosexual or bisexual on the basis of being currently homosexually active or by self-identification. Significantly higher rates of previous suicidal ideas and actions were reported by homosexually oriented males than by heterosexual males. Homosexually oriented males accounted for 62.5% of suicide attempters. These findings, which indicate that homosexual and bisexual males are 13.9 times more at risk for a serious suicide attempt, are consonant with previous findings. The predominant reason for the suicidality of these young males may be linked to the process of “coming out,” especially for those who currently have high levels of depression. These results underscore the need for qualified services rarely available to homosexually oriented youth.
α1A‐Adrenoceptors mediate contractions to phenylephrine in rabbit penile arteries
Authors: Morton J S , Daly C J , Jackson V M , McGrath J C
Published: November 2006

Background and purpose:

Maintained penile erection depends on the absence of α‐adrenoceptor (α‐AR) activation and so can be facilitated by α‐blockers. This study seeks the α1‐AR subtypes involved in order to inform the pro‐erectile consequences of subtype selective blockade.

Experimental approach:

Wire myography was used with dorsal (nutritional supply) and cavernous (erectile inflow) penile arteries; standard α‐AR‐selective agonists and antagonists were employed to classify responses.

Key results:

In both penile arteries noradrenaline (NA) and phenylephrine (PE, α1‐AR agonist) caused concentration‐dependent contractions. Sensitivity to NA was increased by NA uptake blockers, cocaine (3 μM) and corticosterone (30 μM). PE responses were antagonised by phentolamine (non‐selective α‐AR: dorsal pKB8.00, cavernous 8.33), prazosin (non‐subtype‐selective α1‐AR: dorsal 8.60, cavernous 8.41) and RS100329 (α1A‐AR selective: dorsal 9.03, cavernous 8.80) but not by BMY7378 (α1D‐AR selective: no effect at 1‐100 nM) or Rec15/2615 (α1B‐AR selective: no effect at 1‐100 nM). Schild analysis was straightforward in cavernous artery, indicating that PE activates only α1A‐AR. In dorsal artery Schild slopes were low, though α1A‐AR was still indicated. Analysis using UK 14,304 and rauwolscine indicated an α2‐AR component in dorsal artery that may account for low slopes to α1‐AR antagonists.

Conclusions and implications:

Penile arteries have a predominant, functional α1A‐AR population with little evidence of other α1‐AR subtypes. Dorsal arteries (nutritional supply) also have α2‐ARs. Thus, α‐AR blockers with affinity for α1A‐AR or α2‐AR would potentially have pro‐erectile properties; the combination of these perhaps being most effective. This should inform the design of drugs to assist/avoid penile erection.

British Journal of Pharmacology(2007)150, 112–120. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706956
Regulation of OX1orexin/hypocretin receptor‐coupling to phospholipase C by Ca2+influx
Authors: Johansson L , Ekholm M E , Kukkonen J P
Published: November 2006

Background and purpose:

Orexin (OX) receptors induce Ca2+elevations via both receptor‐operated Ca2+channels (ROCs) and the “conventional” phospholipase C (PLC)–Ca2+release–store‐operated Ca2+channel (SOC) pathways. In this study we assessed the ability of these different Ca2+influx pathways to amplify OX1receptor signalling to PLC in response to stimulation with the physiological ligand orexin‐A.

Experimental approach:

PLC activity was assessed in CHO cells stably expressing human OX1receptors.

Key results:

Inhibition of total Ca2+influx by reduction of the extracellular [Ca2+] to 1 μM effectively inhibited the receptor‐stimulated PLC activity at low orexin‐A concentrations (by 93% at 1 nM), and this effect was gradually reduced by higher orexin‐A concentrations. A similar but weaker inhibitory effect (84% at 1 nM) was obtained on depolarization to ∼0 mV, which disrupts most of the driving force for Ca2+entry. The inhibitor of the OX1receptor‐activated ROCs, tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA), was somewhat less effective than the reduction in extracellular [Ca2+] at inhibiting PLC activation, probably because it only partially blocks ROCs. The partial inhibitor of both ROCs and SOCs, Mg2+, and the SOC inhibitors, dextromethorphan, SKF‐96365 (1‐[β‐(3‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)propoxy)‐4‐methoxyphenethyl]‐1H‐imidazole HCl) and 2‐APB (2‐aminoethoxydiphenyl borate), inhibited PLC activity at low concentrations of orexin‐A, but were not as effective as TEA.

Conclusions and implications:

Both ROCs and SOCs markedly amplify the OX1receptor‐induced PLC response, but ROCs are more central for this response. These data indicate the crucial role of ROCs in orexin receptor signalling.

British Journal of Pharmacology(2007)150, 97–104. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706959
Topology of splicing and snRNP biogenesis in dinoflagellate nuclei
Authors: Alverca Elsa , Franca Susana , de la Espina Susana Moreno Díaz
Published: November 2006

Background information. Dinoflagellates are protists that are hypothesized to have experienced a secondary loss of histones. Amongst eukaryotes, they are unique in lacking these proteins. To date, information on the mechanisms involving remodelling, transcription and splicing of their chromatin is limited. Dinoflagellate genes lack TATA boxes and downstream polyadenylation sites and particular linear arrangements. They have an α‐amanitin‐sensitive RNA polymerase, specific transcription factors and regulators, and both transcriptional and post‐transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Dinoflagellates produce either polycistronic or discrete mRNAs, and have conserved snRNAs (small nuclear RNAs), indicating that their genes are spliced.

Results. Five representative dinoflagellate species (Amphidinium carterae, Akashiwo sanguinea, Alexandrium lusitanicum, Alexandrium fundyense and Prorocentrum micans), which show diversity in their DNA content, nuclear organization and taxonomic position, were investigated. The nuclear distribution and ultrastructural organization of splicing and snRNP (small nuclear ribonucleoprotein) biogenesis were determined by fluorescent and electron microscopy immunolabelling with Y12 sera [recognizing the sDMA (symmetrical dimethylarginine) domain of Sm and other nuclear proteins], anti‐p105‐PANA [proliferation‐associated nuclear antigen; a marker of IGs (interchromatin granules)] and anti‐DNA antibodies. In parallel, ultrastructural analysis, including cytochemical staining for RNA, phosphorylated proteins and DNA, was carried out. Splicing factors were distributed in a diffuse perichromosomal layer containing perichromatin granules and fibrils that co‐localized with the decondensed peripheral DNA loops, but not with the main chromosome body. Interchromosomal domains with IGs and Cajal‐like bodies were also detected.

Conclusions. Dinoflagellates are rather dissimilar to other eukaryotes in their genomes, their mechanisms of gene expression and their chromosome ultrastructure. However, they share common splicing nuclear domains and snRNP biogenesis with that of other eukaryotes.
Liquid-Specific Stimulus Properties Can Be Used for Haptic Perception of the Amount of Liquid in a Vessel Put in Motion
Authors: Jansson Gunnar , Juslin Peter , Poom Leo
Published: November 2006

We investigated whether people can use haptic liquid-specific information made available by shaking the vessel containing the liquid. In experiment 1 we studied to what extent people can discriminate between liquid and solid substances and determine the amount of substance in the shaken vessel, as well as the effects of exploratory procedures on these abilities. Exploratory procedures including horizontal shaking of the vessel produced accurate identification of the content and more precise judgments for a liquid than for a solid, but vertical lifting produced an overestimation of the amount of liquid. In experiment 2 we demonstrated that people can discriminate between the amount of liquid and the amount of solid in the same vessel. Three theories of what liquid-specific stimulus properties are picked up by shaking the vessel are preliminarily examined.
2-D Tilt and 3-D Slant Illusions in Perception and Action Tasks
Authors: Hibbard Paul B , Bradshaw Mark F
Published: November 2006

There is now a well established dissociation between perception and action based primarily on neuropsychological evidence [Milner and Goodale, 1995 The Visual Brain in Action (Oxford: Oxford University Press)]. Although equivocal, an important source of evidence from normal observers is that ‘perceptual illusions’ may affect the systems differently. We investigated the relative effects of 2-D tilt and 3-D slant illusions in the two domains, using similar tasks to those employed originally by Milner and Goodale. Subjects were required to either post a card through, or set a paddle to match the orientation of, a plane that was presented in two conditions: surrounded by a striped surface tilted between +90° and −90° (2-D tilt contrast), or surrounded by a disparity defined surface slanted in depth between +60° and −60° (3-D depth contrast). For 2-D tilt, action and perception were equally affected by the illusion, whereas in the 3-D condition they were not. Here, the illusion appeared greater in the posting than in the perceptual task. We conclude that, although no qualitative differences exist, there were quantitative differences between perception and action tasks in the binocular condition.
The Perception of Unfamiliar Faces and Houses by Chimpanzees: Influence of Rotation Angle
Authors: Parr Lisa A , Heintz Matthew
Published: November 2006

The inversion effect, or impaired recognition of upside-down faces, is used as evidence supporting the configural processing of faces. Human studies report a linear relationship between face-discrimination performance and orientation, such that recognition is more difficult as faces are rotated away from their typical viewpoint. Previous studies on chimpanzees also support a configural bias for processing faces, particularly faces for which subjects have developed expertise. In the present study, we examined the influence of expertise and rotation angle on the visual perception of faces in chimpanzees. Six subjects were presented with unaltered and blurred conspecific faces and houses in five orientation angles. A computerized paradigm was used to further delineate the nature of configural face processing in this species. The data were consistent with those reported in humans: chimpanzees showed a significant linear impairment when discriminating conspecific faces as they rotated away from their upright orientation. No inversion effect was observed for discriminations involving houses. Thus, chimpanzees, like humans, show a face-specific inversion effect that is linearly affected by angle of orientation, suggesting that their visual processing of faces is strongly influenced by the extraction of configural cues and closely resembles the perceptual strategies of humans.
Central Visual Persistences: II. Effects of Hand and Head Rotations
Authors: Ingle David
Published: November 2006

In an earlier paper, kinesthetic effects on central visual persistences (CPs) were reported, including the ability to move these images by hand following eye closure. While all CPs could be translated anywhere within the frontal field, the present report documents a more selective influence of manual rotations on CPs in the same subjects. When common objects or figures drawn on cards were rotated (while holding one end of the object or one corner of a card between thumb and forefinger), it was found that CPs of larger objects rotated with the hand. By contrast, CPs of smaller objects, parts of objects, and textures remained stable in space as the hand rotated. It is proposed that CPs of smaller stimuli and textures are represented mainly by the ventral stream (temporal cortex) while larger CPs, which rotate, are represented mainly by the dorsal stream (parietal cortex). A second discovery was that CPs of small objects (but not of line segments or textures) could be rotated when the thumb and fingers surrounded the edges of the object. It is proposed that neuronal convergence of visual and tactile information about shape increases parietal responses to small objects, so that their CPs will rotate. Experiments with CPs offer new tools to infer visual coding differences between ventral and dorsal streams in man.