bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of voltage‐gated Na+ current by nanosecond pulsed electric field (nsPEF) is not mediated by Na+ influx or Ca2+ signaling
Authors: Nesin Vasyl , Pakhomov Andrei G.
Published: January 2012

In earlier studies, we found that permeabilization of mammalian cells with nsPEF was accompanied by prolonged inhibition of voltage‐gated (VG) currents through the plasma membrane. This study explored if the inhibition of VG Na+ current (INa) resulted from (i) reduction of the transmembrane Na+ gradient due to its influx via nsPEF‐opened pores, and/or (ii) downregulation of the VG channels by a Ca2+‐dependent mechanism. We found that a single 300 ns electric pulse at 1.6–5.3 kV/cm triggered sustained Na+ influx in exposed NG108 cells and in primary chromaffin cells, as detected by increased fluorescence of a Sodium Green Dye. In the whole‐cell patch clamp configuration, this influx was efficiently buffered by the pipette solution so that the increase in the intracellular concentration of Na+ ([Na]i) did not exceed 2–3 mM. [Na]i increased uniformly over the cell volume and showed no additional peaks immediately below the plasma membrane. Concurrently, nsPEF reduced VG INa by 30–60% (at 4 and 5.3 kV/cm). In control experiments, even a greater increase of the pipette [Na+] (by 5 mM) did not attenuate VG INa, thereby indicating that the nsPEF‐induced Na+ influx was not the cause of VG INa inhibition. Similarly, adding 20 mM of a fast Ca2+ chelator 1,2‐bis(o‐aminophenoxy)ethane‐N,N,N′,N′‐tetraacetic acid (BAPTA) into the pipette solution did not prevent or attenuate the inhibition of the VG INa by nsPEF. These findings point to possible Ca2+‐independent downregulation of the VG Na+ channels (e.g., caused by alteration of the lipid bilayer) or the direct effect of nsPEF on the channel. Bioelectromagnetics 33:443–451, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The SingAboutScience.org database: An educational resource for instructors and students
Authors: Crowther Gregory J.
Published: January 2012

Potential benefits of incorporating music into science and math curricula include enhanced recall of information, counteraction of perceptions that the material is dull or impenetrable, and opportunities for active student engagement and creativity. To help instructors and others find songs suited to their needs, I created the “Math And Science Song Information, Viewable Everywhere” database in March of 2004. Recently rebranded as the SingAboutScience.org database, it now covers >5,500 songs varying widely in topic and grade level. Website visitors may search the database using such criteria as keywords from lyrics, performer/songwriter names, and age ranges targeted by songs. Changes in the database's contents over the past 7 years suggest that the online availability of educational songs has increased greatly during this period. College biochemistry and molecular biology instructors can use the database to find songs covering core concepts for majors and nonmajors as well as relevant material from related subjects, such as physics and mathematics. In offering teachers and students a menu of existing scientific songs, the database may inspire some of them to create additional content‐rich music.
Effect of individual proton pump inhibitors on cardiovascular events in patients treated with clopidogrel following coronary stenting:
Authors: Aihara Hideaki , Sato Akira , Takeyasu Noriyuki , Nishina Hidetaka , Hoshi Tomoya , Akiyama Daiki , Kakefuda Yuki , Watabe Hiroaki , Aonuma Kazutaka ,   for the ICAS Registry Investigators
Published: January 2012

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether combination therapy of clopidogrel and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) causes higher numbers of cardiovascular events than clopidogrel alone in Japanese patients. Background: PPIs are often prescribed in combination with clopidogrel following coronary stenting. PPIs are reported to diminish the effect of clopidogrel because both are metabolized by CYP2C19. However, no reports address the effects of PPIs on cardiovascular events following coronary stenting in the Japanese population. Methods: A total of 1,887 patients treated with clopidogrel following coronary stenting were enrolled in the Ibaraki Cardiac Assessment Study (ICAS) registry. All subjects were classified into two groups according to treatment without (n = 819) or with (n = 1,068) PPI. Propensity score analysis matched 1:1 according to treatment without PPI (n = 500) or with PPI (n = 500). Primary endpoint was the composite of all‐cause death or myocardial infarction. Results: No significant difference was observed in the primary endpoint between the group without PPI and the group with PPI (4.6% vs. 4.6%, P = 0.77). In contrast, a significant difference was found between the group without PPI and with PPI in regard to the incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding at the end of the follow‐up period and the specific PPI prescribed (2.4% vs. 0.8%, adjusted HR = 0.30, 95% Confidence interval 0.08‐0.87, P = 0.026) after propensity score matching. Conclusions: No significant association between PPI use and primary endpoint was observed in the Japanese population, whereas PPI use resulted in a significant reduction in the rate of gastrointestinal bleeding. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparative long‐term efficacy and safety of drug‐eluting stent versus coronary artery bypass grafting in ostial left main coronary artery disease
Authors: Lee Seung‐Whan , Kim Sung‐Hwan , Kim Seon‐Ok , Han Seungbong , Kim Young‐Hak , Park Duk‐Woo , Kang Soo‐Jin , Lee Cheol Whan , Park Seong‐Wook , Park Seung‐Jung
Published: January 2012

Background: To date, drug‐eluting stent (DES) implantation has not been compared with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for ostial left main coronary artery (LMCA) lesions. Methods: Of the 263 patients in the MAIN‐COMPARE registry with ostial LMCA stenosis, 123 were treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with DES and 140 with CABG. We compared their 5‐year overall survival, composite outcomes of death, Q‐wave myocardial infarction (MI) or stroke, and target vessel revascularization (TVR) rates. Results: Unadjusted analysis showed no significant differences between CABG and DES in overall survival rates (95% confidence interval (CI) for hazard ratio (HR): 0.44 to 1.77, P = 0.71), composite outcomes (death, Q‐wave MI, or stroke)‐free survival rates (95% CI for HR: 0.41–1.63, P = 0.56), and TVR‐free survival rates (95% CI for HR: 0.79–5.03, P = 0.14). Multivariate adjusted Cox regression analysis also showed no significant between‐group differences in TVR (95% CI for HR: 0.52–3.79, P = 0.49), death (95% CI for HR: 0.79–2.82, P = 0.22) and the composite of death, Q‐wave MI, or stroke (95% CI for HR: 0.65–2.57, P = 0.46). These results were sustained after propensity score adjustment and propensity score matching analysis. Conclusions: DES implantation for ostial LMCA lesions showed similar 5‐year outcomes of death, major adverse events, and TVR compared with CABG. Although meticulous adjustments decreased baseline difference between the two treatments, the absence of statistical significance could be attributable to the size of the study sample and hidden bias. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Acid–Base‐Catalysed Condensation Reaction in Water: Isoxazolines and Isoxazoles from Nitroacetates and Dipolarophiles
Authors: Trogu Elena , Vinattieri Claudia , De Sarlo Francesco , Machetti Fabrizio
Published: January 2012

Base‐catalysed condensation reactions of nitroacetic esters with dipolarophiles to give isoxazole derivatives proceed faster, and often with higher yields, in the presence of water than in organic solvents such as chloroform. Kinetic profiles show that induction times are greatly reduced when the reaction is performed “in water” or “on water”. Any specificity of the base related to H‐bonding ability observed in chloroform is lost in water: all bases either organic or inorganic give the same result that is simply depending on concentration. A 0.1 molar ratio of base to nucleophile gives the best conversion, whereas addition of one equivalent of base or strong acid prevents the reaction from occurring. These results fit into a reaction sequence in which reversible addition to a dipolarophile is followed by acid‐catalysed irreversible dehydration of the cycloadduct. This is a remarkable example of a condensation reaction occurring in water because of irreversible acid‐catalysed water elimination. The reaction has been successfully applied to dipolarophiles containing a wide variety of functional groups, including carboxylic acids and ammonium salts, under mild conditions. This new click‐style reaction is expected to be compatible with biological environments.
Thermodynamic properties of 1‐ETHYL‐3‐methylimidazolium methanesulphonate with aromatic sulphur, nitrogen compounds at T = 298.15–323.15 K and P = 1 bar
Authors: Anantharaj Ramalingam , Banerjee Tamal
Published: January 2012

This work investigates the ability of 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium methanesulphate ([EMIM][MeSO3]) as a green and tuneable solvent for denitrification and desulphurisation studies. Experimental density, surface tension and refractive index data have been measured for the following systems: [EMIM][MeSO3] (1) + pyridine (2), [EMIM][MeSO3] (1) + pyrrole (2), [EMIM][MeSO3] (1) + quinoline (2), [EMIM][MeSO3] (1) + indoline (2), [EMIM][MeSO3] (1) + thiophene (2) and [EMIM][MeSO3] (1) + water (2) over the entire mole fraction of [EMIM][MeSO3] at T = 298.15–323.15 K and P = 1 bar. Further from experimental density, surface tension and refractive index, coefficient of thermal expansivity, excess molar volume, deviation of surface tension and refractive index deviation were also calculated. It was found that the heteroaromatic nitrogen/sulphur compounds are completely miscible in [EMIM][MeSO3]. The surface tension values were found to increase while the refractive index decreases with increasing mole fraction of [EMIM][MeSO3]. The experimental values for surface tension increased in the order: pyridine > thiophene > pyrrole > indoline > quinoline > water and for refractive index: pyridine > pyrrole > indoline > quinoline > thiophene > water. It was found that the composition of [EMIM][MeSO3] has a greater influence than temperature in deciding the surface, optical and thermodynamic properties for similar molecular interaction such as IL–thiophene and IL–pyrrole than dissimilar molecules such as IL–water. Further quantum chemical‐based COSMO‐RS tool was used to estimate the activity coefficient at different composition. © 2012 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering
Commentary on ‘Care delivery and self‐management strategies for children with epilepsy’
Authors: Smith Gigi , Wagner Janelle L.
Published: January 2012

This is a commentary of Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Lindsay B, Bradley PM. Care delivery and self‐management strategies for children with epilepsy. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2010, Issue 12. Art. No.: CD006245. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006245.pub2.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying Summary article. Copyright © 2011 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Summary of ‘Vitamin D supplementation for improving bone mineral density in children’
Authors: Editorial Office Evidence‐Based Child Health
Published: January 2012

This is a summary of Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Winzenberg TM, Powell S, Shaw KA, Jones G. Vitamin D supplementation for improving bone mineral density in children. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2010, Issue 10. Art. No.: CD006944. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006944.pub2. Copyright © 2011 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Commentary on ‘Vitamin D supplementation for improving bone mineral density in children’
Authors: Greer Frank R.
Published: January 2012

This is a commentary of Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Winzenberg TM, Powell S, Shaw KA, Jones G. Vitamin D supplementation for improving bone mineral density in children. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2010, Issue 10. Art. No.: CD006944. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006944.pub2.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying Summary article. Copyright © 2011 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Neutrophil‐active chemokines in in vivo imaging of neutrophil trafficking
Authors: Sanz Maria‐Jesus , Kubes Paul
Published: January 2012

Chemokines are proinflammatory mediators that regulate leukocyte trafficking at different steps of the leukocyte recruitment cascade. Studies using new imaging approaches and new mouse models are giving new insights into the role of chemokines in neutrophil migration at sites of inflammation. Conventional rolling and adhesion paradigms as well as previously unappreciated functions of signaling pathways triggering leukocyte adhesion, intralumenal crawling and transendothelial migration are compiled and described here. In this review we will summarize recent work in this field, highlighting in vivo imaging studies that examine the behavior of neutrophils in response to chemokines.
Synthesis and Reactivity of Square‐Planar PtII–η1‐Hydrocarbyl Complexes Containing cis‐Coordinated Olefin or Alkyne
Authors: Cucciolito Maria Elena , Ruffo Francesco
Published: January 2012

The review provides a survey of the key classes of PtII complexes containing cis‐{Pt(η1‐hydrocarbyl)(η2‐unsaturated ligand)} moieties, which have been isolated or at least unequivocally characterized in solution. These compounds, which mimic reactive intermediates of fundamental catalytic processes, have been classified in four general types, which display a cis arrangement of an alkyl group and a monoalkene (I), an aryl group and a monoalkene (II), an alkyl group and a monoalkyne (III), and an aryl group and a monoalkyne (IV). A discussion of their main structural and chemicalfeatures, disclosing the factors affecting their reactivity, dynamic behavior, and relative stability, is presented. In some remarkable cases (III and IV), it is the cis arrangement of the hydrocarbyl fragments that promotes unusual reactivity.
Copper‐Catalyzed Cascade Reaction of 4‐Iodopyrazole Derivatives with Amidines for the Synthesis of Pyrazolo[4,3‐d]pyrimidine Derivatives
Authors: Nayak Maloy , Rastogi Neeraj , Batra Sanjay
Published: January 2012

An efficient copper‐catalyzed cascade reaction of 4‐iodopyrazolecarbaldehydes and 4‐iodopyrazolecarboxamides with substituted amidines for the preparation of substituted pyrazolo[4,3‐d]pyrimidines and pyrazolo[4,3‐d]pyrimidin‐7(6H)‐ones, respectively, is described.
HEIGHT AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION AT OLDER AGES: IS HEIGHT A USEFUL SUMMARY MEASURE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES?
Authors: Guven Cahit , Lee Wang Sheng
Published: January 2012

Previous research using US data suggests that height, as a marker for early investments in health, is associated with better cognitive functioning in later life, but this association disappears once education is controlled for. Using an English cohort of men and women older than 50 years, we find that the association between height and cognitive outcomes remains significant after controlling for education suggesting that height affects cognitive functioning not simply via higher educational attainment. Furthermore, the significant association between height and cognitive function remains even after controls for early life indicators have been included. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sex difference in stress‐induced enhancement of hippocampal CA1 long‐term depression during puberty
Authors: Huang Chiung‐Chun , Chen Jia‐Peng , Yeh Che‐Ming , Hsu Kuei‐Sen
Published: January 2012

Females and males react differently to stress. Our previous studies revealed that acute stress facilitates the induction of long‐term depression (LTD) in hippocampal CA1 region. However, it remains unknown whether sex difference exists in the effect of stress on LTD. Using an acute unpredictable and inescapable restraint‐tailshock stress paradigm, we report here that hippocampal slices from stressed male rats expressed larger LTD by low‐frequency stimulation (LFS) than controls, whereas such effect was not observed in female rats during puberty. The facilitatory effect of stress on LTD was prevented when animals were submitted to bilateral adrenalectomy. However, no sex difference in the magnitudes of LTD induced by direct application of N‐methy‐D‐aspartate or a combination of LFS with the glutamate uptake inhibitor D,L‐threo‐β‐benzyloxyaspartate was observed in slices from naive rats. Female rats exhibited significantly higher basal but not stress‐evoked levels of plasma corticosterone than male rats. In addition, the expression levels of glucocorticoid receptors in hippocampal CA1 region were significantly lower in female than male rats. Moreover, female rats showed less responsiveness to stress‐ or dexamethasone‐induced suppression of glutamate uptake in hippocampal synaptosomal preparations than male rats. Importantly, female rats that were masculinized with testosterone at birth responded to stress like male rats did, demonstrating an enhancement of LTD. In contrast, ovariectomized female rats failed to restore theability of stress to facilitate LTD. These results reveal an obvious sex difference in stress‐induced modification of hippocampal synaptic plasticity, which depends on organizational effect of testosterone during early development. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Copy number variations of GSTT1 and GSTM1, colorectal cancer risk and possible effect modification of cigarette smoking and menopausal hormone therapy
Authors: Rudolph Anja , Hein Rebecca , Hoffmeister Michael , Försti Asta , Hemminki Kari , Risch Angela , Brenner Hermann , Chang‐Claude Jenny
Published: January 2012

Copy number variations (CNVs) of the glutathione‐S‐transferase θ‐1 (GSTT1) and glutathione‐S‐transferase μ‐1 (GSTM1) gene loci can lead to complete lack of enzyme and have been associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. As GSTs are involved in the detoxification of xenobiotics, CNVs may modify CRC risk associated with smoking exposure and menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) use. We investigated CRC risk associated with GSTT1 and GSTM1 CNVs and their interaction with smoking in 1,796 cases and 1,806 age‐, sex‐ and residence‐matched controls from a German population‐based case‐control study (DACHS). The interaction with MHT was assessed in the subset of 684 postmenopausal female cases and 681 controls. Trimodular genotypes (0/0, 1/0 and 1/1) were determined with relative quantification based on multiplex real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The associations with CRC risk as well as possible effect modifications were evaluated using conditional logistic regression analysis. CNVs of GSTT1 and GSTM1 were not significantly associated with CRC risk. Compared to the 1/1 genotype, odds ratios (ORs) for the 0/1 genotype and the 0/0 genotype were 0.89 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.77–1.04] and 0.97 (95% CI: 0.80–1.18) for GSTT1, and 0.99 (95% CI: 0.78–1.27) and 1.03 (95% CI: 0.81–1.31) for GSTM1. Compared to the non‐null genotype, ORs for the null‐genotype were 1.04 (95% CI: 0.87–1.23) for GSTT1 and 1.03 (95% CI: 0.91–1.18) for GSTM1. No significant interaction with smoking and MHT use was observed. Our study does not provide evidence for a strong association between CRC risk and CNVs of GSTT1 or GSTM1 or for an effect modification of smoking or MHT use.
STREET WORKING CHILDREN, CHILDREN'S AGENCY AND THE CHALLENGE OF CHILDREN'S RIGHTS: EVIDENCE FROM MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL
Authors: Grugel Jean , Ferreira Frederico Poley Martins
Published: January 2012

Drawing on data from the first large scale survey of street working children in Minas Gerais, Brazil, this article calls for a debate around how to support street working children. Street working children experience multiple human rights abuses; yet anti‐poverty programmes do not target sufficiently their needs and fail to engage with their perceptions of their lives or consider the choices they make as salient for policy making. Using insights from the new sociology of childhood, we argue that policy makers need to come to terms with the agency of child street workers and adjust their policies accordingly. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Climatic gradients along the windward slopes of Mount Kenya and their implication for crop risks. Part 1: climate variability
Authors: Camberlin Pierre , Boyard‐Micheau Joseph , Philippon Nathalie , Baron Christian , Leclerc Christian , Mwongera Caroline
Published: January 2012

In tropical mountains, the way topographical gradients translate in terms of intra‐seasonal and interannual climate variability (especially rainfall and evapotranspiration) is relatively unknown, yet it is an important issue for agriculture and food security. The eastern slopes of Mount Kenya, in East Africa, with their wide range of agro‐ecological conditions, are appropriate for the study of these aspects. Daily (monthly) rainfall data from 11 (24) stations at different elevations and exposures are collected for the period 1961–2006. For the elevation belts suitable for farming and agro‐pastoral activities, mostly below 2000 m, it is found that not all rainfall characteristics co‐vary with altitude.

Four distinct behaviours are revealed: (1) Parameters which show a relatively regular increase/decrease with elevation. This is the case for the duration of the two rainy seasons found across the region, and the mean onset and cessation dates, (2) Parameters which show a relatively uniform pattern throughout the region, with little differences both horizontally and vertically. This applies to the interannual variability of the October–December seasonal rains, which are quite homogeneously modulated by Indian Ocean sea‐surface temperatures (SSTs), (3) Parameters markedly influenced by exposure. This applies to daily rainfall intensities, which peak along the southeast‐facing slopes, whatever the altitude. The frequency of rainy days shows both a vertical gradient and some influence of exposure, (4) Parameters which show very weak spatial coherence, or pronounced vertical discontinuities. This is obvious for the cessation date of the March–May rains, whose poorly organized interannual variability contrasts with that of the onset.

Variables involved in potential evapotranspiration (ET0) computation display either a strong (maximum temperature) or a weak (global radiation) vertical coherence, reflecting the existence/absence of an elevation control on the mean distribution of these variables. However, the interannual variations of global radiation have the strongest influence on those of ET0. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Immobilization of galactose oxidase on self‐assembled monolayers of thiols on Au and Ag surfaces
Authors: Kaminska Agnieszka , Hołyst Robert
Published: January 2012

Galactose oxidase (GalOD) was immobilized on self‐assembled monolayers of thiols on silver and gold surfaces using trans‐stilbene (4,4′‐diisothiocyanate)‐2,2′disulphonic acid (DIDS) as the bridging compound. DIDS is the symmetrical bifunctional reagent that reacted with the amine moiety of the thiol and with primary amino groups of enzyme. The Raman measurement revealed that onto cysteamine‐modified silver and gold electrodes, bands corresponding to the galactose oxidase (about 694, 1076, 1274 cm—1 on Au and 762, 1058, 1274 cm–1 on Ag ) appeared and clearly demonstrated its immobilization onto Au and Ag surfaces. Simultaneously, we have also observed changes in the ratio of trans–gauche conformers of adsorbed cysteamine molecules. Layers revealing high content of trans conformer are transformed into layers composed mainly of cysteamine molecule in gauche conformation after galactose oxidase adsorption. These observations deliver a strong support for enzyme immobilization on cysteamine‐modified gold and silver surfaces. The surface plasmon resonance experiment gave a surface coverage of ~8.4 × 107 g/cm2 for gold electrode modified cysteamine using DIDS chemistry and 1.1 × 107 g/cm2 for the cysteamine only modified gold substrate and demonstrated that galactose oxidase layers immobilized with DIDS coupling reagent are quite stable and cannot be easily removed from the surface by treatment with a buffer solution. The surface plasmon resonance results indicated that in this method, a multilayer of galactose oxidase have been immobilized. Our new method of covalent attachment of enzymes seems to be quite promising as a new way of manufacturing biosensors. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of hepatocellular carcinoma in American and Asian patients by tissue array analysis
Authors: Song Tae‐Jin , Fong Yuman , Cho Sung‐Jin , Gönen Mithat , Hezel Michael , Tuorto Scott , Choi Sang‐Yong , Kim Young‐Chul , Suh Sung‐Ock , Koo Bum‐Hwan , Chae Yang‐Seok , Jarnagin William R. , Klimstra David S.
Published: January 2012

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Although some epidemiologic and etiologic differences between Asian and Western HCC are known, detailed comparative studies with pathologic correlations have not been performed.

Methods

Paraffin sections of resected HCC specimens from Memorial Sloan‐Kettering Cancer Center and Korea University Medical Center were used to construct tissue microarrays. Immunohistochemical staining of microarray sections was performed using antibodies against markers of proliferation and regulators of cell cycle. Patient data were correlated with staining results.

Results

When comparing both cohorts, significant differences were found in expression of p53 and MDM2. In the Asian group, more frequent positive staining for p53 (24%) was observed compared with the American group (9%; P = 0.037). For MDM2, 26% of American cases stained positive compared with 2% of Asian cases (P = 0.0003). No significant differences were found in expression of Ki67, p21, p27, cyclin D1, or bcl2. Female gender, vascular invasion, and lack of viral hepatitis infection correlated with positive MDM2 staining.

Conclusion

These data likely correlate with differences in molecular pathogenesis of HCC based on racial and regional differences. These findings may have implications in choice of molecular targeted therapies based on patient ethnicity. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:84–88. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Improved guideline compliance after a 3‐year audit of multidisciplinary colorectal cancer care in the western part of the Netherlands
Authors: van der Geest Lydia G.M. , Krijnen Pieta , Wouters Michel W.J.M. , Erkelens Willemien (G.)W. , Marinelli Andreas W.K.S. , Nortier Hans (J.)W.R. , Tollenaar Rob A.E.M. , Struikmans Henk ,   On behalf of the hospitals in the region of the Comprehensive Cancer Centre the Netherlands (CCCNL), Location Leiden
Published: January 2012

Background

From 2006 to 2008, an audit of the multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer patients in the western part of the Netherlands was carried out. We evaluated whether compliance with guidelines had improved.

Methods

All patients with newly diagnosed and surgically treated colon (n = 1,667) and rectal cancer (n = 544) stage I–III were evaluated. Nine quality indicators were derived from the evidence‐based guidelines. In order to compare hospital performances, hospital results were adjusted for casemix differences between hospitals.

Results

Colon cancer patients showed an increase in the examination of 10 or more lymph nodes (from 53% to 78%, P < 0.0001). For rectal cancer patients there was an increase in preoperative visualisation of the total colon (63–74%, P = 0.02), MRI (73–85%, P = 0.003), radiotherapy (from 82% to 93% for patients <75 years, P = 0.01) and examination of at least 10 lymph nodes (40–55%, P = 0.004). In 2006, standardised hospital performances differed widely for all quality indicators. Two years later, hospital performances for some quality indicators were more similar.

Conclusions

After the feedback of benchmark information, compliance with guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer patients improved, and differences between individual hospitals decreased. Although secular trends cannot be ruled out, it is highly likely that these results can be attributed to the audit. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:1–9. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development of an online capillary comprehensive 2D‐LC system for the analysis of proteome samples
Authors: Sommella Eduardo , Cacciola Francesco , Donato Paola , Dugo Paola , Campiglia Pietro , Mondello Luigi
Published: January 2012

In the present contribution, a fully automated capillary comprehensive two‐dimensional LC (LC×LC) method, for proteomic analysis, was developed for the first time. The investigated platform was characterized by the coupling of high‐pH RP with low‐pH RP separations thus ensuring the generation of high peak capacity despite the employment of identical stationary phases. The use of capillary columns in both dimensions allowed to reduce mobile‐phase consumption and enhance sensitivity. Fraction transfer from the first to the second dimension was performed by means of two 2‐position 6‐port nano‐switching valves, under stop‐flow conditions. Values as high as 1208 and 955 were obtained for the theoretical and practical peak capacity, respectively. The investigated LC×LC system showed good retention time repeatibility with RSD values ranging from 0.8 to 6.0% for the first dimension and from 1.0 to 3.0% for the second dimension, respectively. RSD peak area values below 9.5% were also attained, thus demonstrating the precision of the LC×LC method employed.
IR laser absorption diagnostic for C2H4 in shock tube kinetics studies
Authors: Ren Wei , Davidson David F. , Hanson Ronald K.
Published: January 2012

An IR laser absorption diagnostic has been further developed for accurate and sensitive time‐resolved measurements of ethylene in shock tube kinetic experiments. The diagnostic utilizes the P14 line of a tunable CO2 gas laser at 10.532 μm (the (0 0 1) → (1 0 0) vibrational band) and achieves improved signal‐to‐noise ratio by using IR photovoltaic detectors and accurate identification of the P14 line via an MIR wavemeter. Ethylene absorption cross sections were measured over 643–1959 K and 0.3–18.6 atm behind both incident and reflected shock waves, showing evident exponential decay with temperature. Very weak pressure dependence was observed over the pressure range of 1.2–18.6 atm. By measuring ethylene decomposition time histories at high‐temperature conditions (1519–1895 K, 2.0–2.8 atm) behind reflected shocks, the rate coefficient of the dominant elementary reaction C2H4 + M → C2H2 + H2 + M was determined to be k1 = (2.6 ± 0.5) × 1016exp(−34,130/T, K) cm3 mol−1 s−1 with low data scatter. Ethylene concentration time histories were also measured during the oxidation of 0.5% C2H4/O2/Ar mixtures varying in equivalence ratio from 0.25 to 2. Initial reflected shock conditions ranged from 1267 to 1440 K and 2.95 to 3.45 atm. The measured time histories were compared to the modeled predictions of four ethylene oxidation mechanisms, showing excellent agreement with the Ranzi et al. mechanism (updated in 2011). This diagnostic scheme provides a promising tool for the study and validation of detailed hydrocarbon pyrolysis and oxidation mechanisms of fuel surrogates and realistic fuels. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 44: 423–432, 2012
RUNOFF AND SEDIMENT FROM ORCHARD TERRACES IN SOUTHEASTERN CHINA
Authors: Li X. H. , Yang J. , Zhao C. Y , Wang B.
Published: January 2012

The severity of soil erosion is considered to vary according to the structure of the bench terrace and the ground cover conditions. Erosion losses were investigated in a field experiment based on 20 m × 5 m erosion plots on a 21 per cent slope in Southern China. Five plots were established for the present study. Rainfall, runoff and sediment yield from plots were recorded for 5 years (2001–2005) and which five different types of terraces on sloping red soil were compared. The results show that the planting of grass on the riser is the most important factor affecting runoff and sediment yield, the next most important factor was the construction of a bund built on the edge of the terrace. Although the terrace bed slope (slope < 5 degrees) does not significantly affect the runoff, it does benefit the soil. A terrace combined with vegetation measures is effective in controlling runoff and soil erosion. Among various terraces, the level terrace (i.e. grass planted on the riser and bunds built on the edge of a bench terrace) is apparently the most beneficial for soil conservation purposes, indicating that this type is an excellent choice for conserving soil and water resources in sloping red soil in Southeastern China. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Valvular heart disease in patients exposed to pergolide: insights from the clinical presentation
Authors: Krishnaswami Ashok , Albers Kathleen B. , Fross Robin D. , Jang James J. , Berkheimer Sarah B. , Kwai Ben Valerie C. , VanDenEeden Stephen K.
Published: January 2012

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine whether the presence of symptoms would aid in the detection of valvular heart disease (VHD) in those exposed to pergolide.

Methods

Utilizing a prospective, cross‐sectional study design, patients with an exposure to pergolide were asked regarding the presence or absence of chest pain, shortness of breath or lower extremity edema through a questionnaire. Echocardiograms were obtained on the same day as the questionnaire and were blinded to all staff involved in the study. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of the reported symptoms towards the outcome moderate or severe valvular regurgitation were obtained. Using the area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve, we also ascertained whether a relationship existed between symptoms, pergolide dose and presence of VHD. To understand the associations between symptoms and echocardiographic covariates, a logistic regression analysis was performed adjusted for age and gender.

Results

The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of symptom presentation and total dose was sufficiently low that it did not aid in the determination whether significant valvular regurgitation was present. Multivariable analysis noted a significant association with indexed left atrial volume (p = 0.011), estimated pulmonary artery pressure (p = 0.047) and shortness of breath.

Conclusions

The presence or absence of symptoms does not help guide whether valvular regurgitation is present or absent in individuals exposed to pergolide. Therefore, echocardiography is needed to confirm or refute pergolide‐associated VHD. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of a health safety warning and prior authorisation on the use of piroxicam: a time‐series study
Authors: Carracedo‐Martínez Eduardo , Pia‐Morandeira Agustin , Figueiras Adolfo
Published: January 2012

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the quantitative changes in systemic use of piroxicam after the issue of a health safety warning about its risks and the subsequent implementation of prior authorisation.

Methods

We determined the number of monthly daily defined doses/1000 inhabitants/day (DHDs) of piroxicam in the period 2005–2008 in a health area in Spain. The data were analysed graphically, and the impact of the safety warning and introduction of prior authorisation were estimated by using segmented regression analysis.

Results

The graph showed that the number of DHDs of piroxicam was stable both before and after the health safety warning but registered a very marked decrease after implementation of prior authorisation, after which DHDs of piroxicam remained stable at a 98% inferior level compared with previous to prior authorisation. Segmented regression analysis showed no statistically significant immediate jump in piroxicam utilisation after the safety warning nor a change in the slope afterwards, but it did show a significant immediate jump after prior authorisation.

Conclusion

Population exposure to systemic piroxicam remained unaffected by a previous health safety warning but declined sharply after the introduction of prior authorisation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
8q24 risk alleles in West African and Caribbean men
Authors: Murphy Adam B. , Ukoli Flora , Freeman Vincent , Bennett Frankly , Aiken William , Tulloch Trevor , Coard Kathleen , Angwafo Fru , Kittles Rick A.
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND

Multiple genetic studies have confirmed associations of 8q24 variants with susceptibility to prostate cancer (CaP). However, the magnitude of risk conferred in men living in West Africa is unknown.

METHODS

Here we determine the prevalence of 8q24 risk alleles and test for association with CaP risk alleles in West African (WA) descent populations from rural Nigeria, Cameroon, and the Caribbean island of Jamaica. Ten 8q24 SNPs were genotyped in histologically confirmed CaP cases (n = 308) and clinically evaluated controls (n = 469). In addition, unrelated individuals from Sierra Leone (n = 380) were genotyped for comparison of allele frequency comparisons.

RESULTS

SNPs rs6983561, rs7008482, and rs16901979 were significantly associated with CaP risk in WAs (P < 0.03). No associations with CaP were observed in our Caribbean samples. Risk alleles for rs6983267, rs7008482, and rs7000448 were highly prevalent (>84%) in West Africa. We also reveal that the A‐risk allele for the ‘African‐specific’ SNP bd11934905 was not observed in 1,886 chromosomes from three WA ethnic groups suggesting that this allele may not be common across West Africa, but is geographically restricted to specific ethnic group(s).

CONCLUSIONS

We provide evidence of association of 8q24 SNPs with prostate cancer risk in men from Nigeria and Cameroon. Our study is the first to reveal genetic risk due to 8q24 variants (in particular, region 2) with CaP within two WA countries. Most importantly, in light of the disparate burden of CaP in African‐Americans, our findings support the need for larger genetic studies in WA descent populations to validate and discern function of susceptibility loci in the 8q24 region. Prostate 72:1366–1373, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A New Multivariate Process Capability Index Under Both Unilateral and Bilateral Quality Characteristics
Authors: Jalili Majid , Bashiri Mahdi , Amiri Amirhossein
Published: January 2012

Process capability indices (PCIs) are used in statistical process control to evaluate the capability of the processes in satisfying the customer's needs. In the past two decades varieties of PCI are introduced by researchers to analyze the process capability with univariate or multivariate quality characteristics. To the best of our knowledge, most famous multivariate capability indices are proposed when the quality characteristics have both upper and lower specification limits. These indices are incapable to assess the multivariate processes capability with unilateral specification. In this article, we propose a new multivariate PCI to analyze the processes with one or more unilateral specification limits. This new index also accounts for all problems in the best PCIs of the literature. The performance of the proposed index is evaluated by real cases under different situations. The results show that the proposed index performs satisfactorily in all cases considered. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
HOW DOES RESTORED HABITAT FOR CHINOOK SALMON (ONCORHYNCHUS TSHAWYTSCHA) IN THE MERCED RIVER IN CALIFORNIA COMPARE WITH OTHER CHINOOK STREAMS?
Authors: Albertson L. K. , Koenig L. E. , Lewis B. L. , Zeug S. C. , Harrison L. R. , Cardinale B. J.
Published: January 2012

The amount of time and money spent on restoring rivers for declining populations of salmon has grown substantially in recent decades. But despite the infusion of resources, many studies suggest that salmon populations are continuing to decline, leading some to question the effectiveness of restoration efforts. Here we examine whether a particular form of salmon restoration—channel reconfiguration with gravel augmentation—generates physical and biological habitat that is comparable with other streams that support salmon. We compared a suite of habitat features known to influence the various life stages of Chinook salmon in a restoration project in California's Merced River with 19 other streams that also support Chinook that we surveyed in the same geographic region. Our survey showed that riffle habitats in the restored site of the Merced River have flow discharge and depth, substrate and food web characteristics that cannot be distinguished from other streams that support Chinook, suggesting that these factors are unlikely to be bottlenecks to salmon recovery in the Merced. However, compared with other streams in the region, the Merced has minimal riparian cover, fewer undercut banks, less woody debris and higher water temperatures, suggesting that these factors might limit salmon recovery. After identifying aspects in the Merced that differ from other streams, we used principal components analysis to correlate salmon densities to independent axes of environmental variation measured during our survey. These analyses suggested that salmon densities tend to be greatest in streams that have more undercut banks and woody debris and lower water temperatures. These are the same environmental factors that appear to be missing from the Merced River restoration effort. Collectively, our results narrow the set of candidate factors that may limit salmon recovery in channel reconfiguration restoration efforts. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing the security of internet‐connected critical infrastructures
Authors: Ghani Hamza , Khelil Abdelmajid , Suri Neeraj , Csertán György , Gönczy László , Urbanics Gábor , Clarke James
Published: January 2012

Because the Internet of Things (IoT) pervasively extends to all facets of life, the “things” are increasingly extending to include the interconnection of the Internet to critical infrastructures (CIs) such as telecommunication, power grid, transportation, e‐commerce systems, and others. The objective of this paper is twofold: (i) addressing IoT from a CI protection (CIP) and connectivity viewpoint, and (ii) highlighting the need for security quantification to improve the quality of protection (QoP) of CIs. Using a financial infrastructure as an example, a CIP and trust quantification perspective is built up. To this end, we are developing a novel security metrics‐based approach to assess and thereon enhance the CIP. We focus on the communication level of the CI where IoT is playing an increasingly important role with respect to sensing and communication across CI elements. Determining the security and dependability level of the communication over the CI constitutes a basic precondition for assessing the QoP of the whole CI, which is needed for any efforts to improve this QoP. Because metrics play a central role for such quantification, this paper develops their QoP use from an IoT perspective, and a reference implementation along with experimental results is presented. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Data mining for oil‐insulated power transformers: an advanced literature survey
Authors: Huang Yann‐Chang , Huang Chao‐Ming , Sun Huo‐Ching
Published: January 2012

Knowledge discovery in database and data mining (DM) have emerged as high profile, rapidly evolving, urgently needed, and highly practical approaches to use dissolved gas analysis (DGA) data to monitor conditions and faults in oil‐immersed power transformers. This study reviews different DM approaches to oil‐immersed power transformer maintenance by discussing historical developments and presenting state‐of‐the‐art DM methods. Relevant publications covering a broad range of artificial intelligence methods are reviewed. Current approaches to the latter method are discussed in the field of DM for oil‐immersed power transformers. In this paper, various DM approaches are discussed, including expert systems, fuzzy logic, neural networks, classification and decision, and hybrid intelligent‐based diagnostic systems that apply the DGA database. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

This article is categorized under:

Application Areas > Industry Specific Applications
An Egg‐Enriched Diet Attenuates Plasma Lipids and Mediates Cholesterol Metabolism of High‐Cholesterol Fed Rats
Authors: Yang Fang , Ma Meihu , Xu Jia , Yu Xiufang , Qiu Ning
Published: January 2012

We investigated the influence of an egg‐enriched diet on plasma, hepatic and fecal lipid levels and on gene expression levels of transporters, receptors and enzymes involved in cholesterol metabolism. Sprague–Dawley rats fed an egg‐enriched diet had lower plasma triglycerides, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL)‐cholesterol, hepatic triglyceride, and cholesterol concentrations, and greater plasma high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration, fecal neutral sterol and bile acid concentrations than those fed a plain cholesterol diet. Chicken egg yolk had no effect on sterol 12α‐hydroxylase and sterol 27α‐hydroxylase; but upregulated mRNA levels of hepatic LDL‐receptor, cholesterol 7α‐hydroxylase (CYP7A1) and lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase, and downregulated hepatic hydroxymethylglutaryl‐(HMG)‐CoA reductase and acyl‐CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) after 90 days. Modification of the lipoprotein profile by an egg‐enriched diet was mediated by reducing de novo cholesterol synthesis and enhancing the excretion of fecal cholesterol, via upregulation of CYP7A1 and the LDL receptor, and downregulation of HMG‐CoA reductase and ACAT.
Sorbitol dehydrogenase of Aspergillus niger, SdhA, is part of the oxido‐reductive d‐galactose pathway and essential for d‐sorbitol catabolism
Authors: Koivistoinen Outi M. , Richard Peter , Penttilä Merja , Ruohonen Laura , Mojzita Dominik
Published: January 2012

In filamentous fungi d‐galactose can be catabolised through the oxido‐reductive and/or the Leloir pathway. In the oxido‐reductive pathway d‐galactose is converted to d‐fructose in a series of steps where the last step is the oxidation of d‐sorbitol by an NAD‐dependent dehydrogenase. We identified a sorbitol dehydrogenase gene, sdhA (JGI53356), in Aspergillus niger encoding a medium chain dehydrogenase which is involved in d‐galactose and d‐sorbitol catabolism. The gene is upregulated in the presence of d‐galactose, galactitol and d‐sorbitol. An sdhA deletion strain showed reduced growth on galactitol and growth on d‐sorbitol was completely abolished. The purified enzyme converted d‐sorbitol to d‐fructose with K
m of 50 ± 5 mM and v
max of 80 ± 10 U/mg.
Reduced maternal and cord nerve growth factor levels in preterm deliveries
Authors: Dhobale Madhavi , Mehendale Savita , Pisal Hemlata , Nimbargi Vandana , Joshi Sadhana
Published: January 2012

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a neurotrophin, which exerts an important role in the development and function of the central and peripheral nervous system. There is limited information regarding the levels of NGF during pregnancy and its role in fetal development. We have earlier reported increased oxidative stress in pregnancy complications. The present study examines the levels of NGF in maternal and cord samples in preterm deliveries and its association with oxidative stress marker. A total number of 96 women delivering preterm (<37 weeks gestation) and 94 women delivering at term (control group) (≥37 weeks gestation) were recruited. Plasma NGF levels were measured in both mother and cord plasma using the Emax Immuno Assay System Promega kit. Maternal and cord plasma NGF levels were significantly reduced (p < 0.05 for both) in women delivering preterm as compared to term. There was a positive association between maternal and cord plasma NGF levels (p = 0.022). Maternal NGF levels were negatively (p = 0.017) associated with maternal malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Reduced cord NGF levels may affect fetal growth in preterm deliveries which may have implications for the neurodevelopmental pathologies in later life. Circulating maternal NGF levels in preterm pregnancies may be a useful marker to predict NGF levels in the neonate.