bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anthocyanin‐rich red cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.) extract attenuates cardiac and hepatic oxidative stress in rats fed an atherogenic diet
Authors: Sankhari Jayanta M , Thounaojam Menaka C , Jadeja Ravirajsinh N , Devkar Ranjitsinh V , Ramachandran A V
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen species plays an important role in the aetiology of several diseases including atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Anthocyanin‐rich extracts have been shown to possess a variety of therapeutic roles, including antioxidant, cardioprotective and hepatoprotective properties. The present inventory was undertaken to evaluate the protective role of anthocyanin‐rich red cabbage extract (ARCE) on an atherogenic (ATH) diet‐induced hypercholesterolaemia and related cardiac and, hepatic oxidative stress in rats.

RESULTS: ARCE (100 mg kg−1 body weight) treatment of rats fed the ATH diet significantly prevented elevation in serum and tissue lipids, circulating levels of cardiac and hepatic damage markers, and resulted in excretion of lipids through faeces. Also, the ARCE extract significantly attenuated alterations in the cardiac and hepatic antioxidants and lipid peroxidation, and histopathological changes in cardiac and hepatic tissue.

CONCLUSION: Thus, the present study provides the first scientific evidence for a protective role of ARCE against ATH diet‐induced hypercholesterolaemia and cardiac and hepatic oxidative stress. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Land reclamation and short‐term cultivation change soil microbial communities and bacterial metabolic profiles
Authors: He Xun‐yang , Su Yi‐rong , Liang Yue‐ming , Chen Xiang‐bi , Zhu Han‐hua , Wang Ke‐lin
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: Soil microbes play an important role in many critical ecosystem processes, but little is known about the effects of land reclamation and short‐term cultivation on microbial communities in red soil. In this study, soil microbial communities under five land use patterns—artificial pine forest (Fp), tussock and shrub (TS), shrubbery (Sh), sugarcane (Su) and maize and cassava rotation (Ma)—were characterised by DNA fingerprinting and metabolic profiling to reveal how land reclamation and cultivation affect the underlying diversity and function of soil microbial communities in southwestern China.

RESULTS: Eight years of reclamation and cultivation significantly affected population size, composition and structure, bacterial metabolic profiles and diversity values (Shannon–Wiener index) of soil microbial communities. Soil organic carbon and pH were the most important factors shaping the underlying microbial communities; however, with significant correlations between soil carbon/nitrogen ratio and bacterial taxonomic and metabolic diversities, soil total nitrogen was a potentially important factor for soil microbial composition and function, as well as soil moisture, cation exchange capacity and physical structure to a lesser extent. In addition, the lowest pH, lower nutrient availability and the most compact soil in pine forest resulted in the lowest microbial taxonomic and metabolic diversities among the five land use patterns studied.

CONCLUSION: Soil organic carbon, nitrogen and pH appeared to be the most important factors influencing microbial biomass, composition and function in red soil of southwestern China. The study suggests that measures to lessen the impact of changes in this edaphic environment should be taken to avoid an imbalance of microbial function and improve ecological sustainability in southwestern China. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
The effect of rice straw incorporation into paddy soil on carbon sequestration and emissions in the double cropping rice system
Authors: Xionghui Ji , Jiamei Wu , Hua Peng , Lihong Shi , Zhenhua Zhang , Zhaobing Liu , Faxiang Tian , Liangjie Huo , Jian Zhu
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: Soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration, methane emission, and the net carbon sink represented by rice straw incorporated into soil (RIS) were studied using long‐term experimentation with rice straw incorporated into soil (LRIS) and short‐term experimentation with different patterns of rice straw incorporated into soil (SPRIS).

RESULTS: Soil organic carbon could be improved by RIS combined with soil ploughing. The increased rate of SOC deposition per cultivated layer was 0.10 t C ha−1 for 2.625 t ha−1 straw incorporated each season in LRIS and 0.36 t C ha−1 for 4.5 t straw ha−1 season−1 incorporated in SPRIS; the apparent SOC conversion by rice straw (stubble) was reduced as the amount of incorporated straw increased. However, RIS methane emission from paddy fields also significantly exacerbated the CH4 emission flux observed during the early and late rice growing seasons, which was increased by 75.0% (P < 0.01) and 251.5% (P < 0.01), respectively, compared with combined application of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertiliser (NPK). The apparent methane conversion of straw was almost uniform with a similar rice yield and soil cultivating mode. Among the patterns of RIS, methane emission was significantly reduced under straw covering untilled land, and this property led to the lowest apparent methane conversion.

CONCLUSION: RIS with ploughing and tilling resulted in negative carbon sequestration because of increased methane emissions. A combined NPK application with only rice stubble incorporation may be sustainable for a higher rice yield, but this approach has a reduced rate of negative carbon sequestration in the paddy field. Straw covering with no tillage was the best measure to realise high yield and low carbon emission for RIS. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Representation of herpetofauna in wildlife research journals
Authors: Christoffel Rebecca A. , Lepczyk Christopher A.
Published: January 2012

Two groups of wildlife species that are critical for the maintenance of biological diversity in a variety of habitats and who fill a number of functional roles in these habitats are reptiles (Gibbons et al. 2000, Ernst and Lovich 2009) and amphibians (Semlitsch 2003). Globally, reptiles and amphibians (i.e., herpetofauna) make up 46% of species richness of terrestrial vertebrates, but the prevalence of herpetofauna investigations in wildlife research and management journals has not been explored. Our objective was to review representation of herpetofauna in 6 wildlife research journals from 1980 to 2009 to examine whether their representation parallels their contribution to global terrestrial vertebrate species richness, whether their representation has changed over time and how, and whether subsets of herpetofauna garner disproportionate coverage relative to one another. We ran a keyword search in Web of Science database (formerly ISI Web of Science) within the Web of Knowledge search engine published by Thomson Reuters (2010) on 6 wildlife research journals (European Journal of Wildlife Research [formerly Zeitschrift für Jagdwissenschaft], Journal of Wildlife Management, South African Journal of Wildlife Research, Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Research, and Wildlife Society Bulletin) from 1980 to 2009. We searched for 17 terms relevant to herpetofauna (e.g., toad, tortoise). Our search yielded 315 articles that focused on herpetofauna. Over the 30‐year period, we found the number of articles and pages and percentage of journal space devoted to herpetofauna increased. However, at best, <6% of journal space was devoted to herpetofauna, indicating that these species are greatly under‐represented in wildlife literature given their contributions to species richness and diversity and ecosystem function. Although absolute number of articles and pages has increased, little progress has been made in terms of relative representation of herpetofauna as compared to birds and mammals. Although percentage of pages in wildlife journals dedicated to herpetofauna has increased in the past 30 years, they must garner greater representation to enable us to adequately manage for biological diversity and ecosystem function and integrity. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Marten and fisher responses to fluctuations in prey populations and mast crops in the northern hardwood forest
Authors: Jensen Paul G. , Demers Charlotte L. , Mcnulty Stacy A. , Jakubas Walter J. , Humphries Murray M.
Published: January 2012

Many forest tree species produce seed (mast) crops that are consumed by a variety of wildlife species and these pulsed resources may mediate interactions among predator and prey populations. In the northern hardwood forests of New York, we investigated interactions among mast production, prey abundance, and harvests of American martens (Martes americana) and fishers (Martes pennanti) during 1988–2009. Mast production for beech (Fagus grandifolia), sugar maple (Acer saccharum), and mountain ash (Sorbus americana) was synchronous and an alternate‐year pattern in production was evident for most of the time series. We documented considerable temporal variation in summer small mammal relative abundance and our numerical response models received substantial support for 5 of the 8 species, indicating lagged responses to autumn mast crops. Trap response of martens to the autumn production of beech mast and mountain ash berries was immediate and numerical responses to the relative abundance of small mammal prey occurred during the preceding summer. The age structure of the marten harvest differed based on the dominant alternate‐year pattern of summer prey relative abundance and autumn mast production (χ24 = 33.06, P < 0.001). The proportion of juvenile marten in the autumn harvest was 52% and 34% following summers when small mammal relative abundance was high and low, respectively and these differences resulted in a persistent cohort effect that was apparent until age 3.5. Trap response of fishers to the autumn production of beech mast was immediate and numerical responses to the relative abundance of Sciurid prey occurred during the preceding summer. Marten and fisher harvests fluctuated similarly among New York, Maine, and New Brunswick, which may indicate regional synchronization of mast crops and responses of martens and fishers to similar prey dynamics. A better understanding of how food availability influences demographic responses and trapping vulnerability of martens and fishers would aid our ability to manage harvests of these species on a sustained yield basis. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Anxiety in children with hearing aids or cochlear implants compared to normally hearing controls
Authors: Theunissen Stephanie C. P. M. , Rieffe Carolien , Kouwenberg Maartje , De Raeve Leo , Soede Wim , Briaire Jeroen J. , Frijns Johan H. M.
Published: January 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

The objectives of this study were to examine the levels of anxiety in hearing‐impaired children with hearing aids or cochlear implants compared to normally hearing children, and to identify individual variables that were associated with differences in the level of anxiety.

Study Design:

Large retrospective cohort study.

Methods:

Self‐reports and parent‐reports concerning general anxiety, social anxiety, and generalized anxiety disorder were used. The study group (mean age, 11.8 years) consisted of three age‐matched subgroups: 32 children with cochlear implants, 51 children with conventional hearing aids, and 127 children without hearing loss.

Results:

Levels of anxiety in children with cochlear implants and normally hearing children were similar. Early implantation was associated with lower levels of general and social anxiety. Remarkably, children with conventional hearing aids had higher levels of social anxiety, and their parents also reported more generalized anxiety disorder.

Conclusions:

The outcomes demonstrate that in their level of anxiety, children with cochlear implants might be more comparable to normally hearing children than to children with hearing aids. This positive finding can be the consequence of audiological factors or other aspects of the cochlear implant rehabilitation program.
Impact of crooked nose rhinoplasty on observer perceptions of attractiveness
Authors: Roxbury Christopher , Ishii Masaru , Godoy Andres , Papel Ira , Byrne Patrick J. , Boahene Kofi D. O. , Ishii Lisa E.
Published: January 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To evaluate the impact of a crooked nose on observer perceptions of facial asymmetry and attractiveness and the ability of rhinoplasty to minimize it. We hypothesized that the presence of a crooked nose would penalize symmetry and attractiveness ratings as compared to normal faces. We further hypothesized that straightening rhinoplasty would restore symmetry and improve attractiveness.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled experiment.

Methods:

A group of 39 naïve observers viewed pictures of patients with crooked noses before and after straightening rhinoplasty, and normal patients. Observers rated the overall asymmetry and attractiveness, and the asymmetry of facial subunits using a survey with a rating scale of 1 to 10 for each category.

Results:

For asymmetry, patient group (preoperative, postoperative, normal) was statistically significant by multivariate analysis of the variance. Post‐analysis of variance showed significant differences in asymmetry scores for overall, nose subunit, and mouth subunit. Pairwise testing then showed significantly different overall asymmetry scores between normal and preoperative (P < .001), and preoperative and postoperative (P < .001), but not between normal and postoperative (P = .215) groups. Mixed linear regression analysis showed that decreasing nasal asymmetry by 1 point increases attractiveness by 0.18 points or 0.082 attractiveness standard deviations (P < .001).

Conclusions:

Faces with crooked noses were rated less symmetrical overall and less symmetrical at the nose and mouth subunits as compared to normal and postoperative faces. Straightening rhinoplasty diminished overall facial asymmetry and subunit asymmetry scores. Decreasing nasal asymmetry led to significant improvements in facial attractiveness. These data provide objective evidence supporting the idea that a straightening rhinoplasty can improve attractiveness. Laryngoscope, 2012
Tracheal reconstruction with a modified infrahyoid myocutaneous flap
Authors: Masuda Muneyuki , Kamizono Kenichi , Ejima Masayoshi , Fujimura Akiko , Uryu Hideoki , Kadota Hideki
Published: January 2012

Reconstruction of a tracheal defect is a challenge because it often requires invasive surgery associated with relatively high morbidity. We recently invented a less‐invasive method using a modified infrahyoid myocutaneous (IHMC) flap for the reconstruction of a tracheal defect in an 83‐year‐old male. A tracheal defect, the right half of the cricoid cartilage plus the right three quarters of the I‐IV tracheal cartilage (about 3 × 4 cm), was reconstructed with a modified IHMC flap composed of the sternohyoid and platysma muscles and a skin pedicle. Considering the age of patient, we avoided rigid reconstruction and used a soft silicone tracheal opening retainer (Koken Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) as an anterior wall dilator after surgery and waited for the scarring of the flap until it become rigid enough. The postoperative course was uneventful and the trachea was reconstructed safely. Tracheal reconstruction with an IHMC flap is a useful and less‐invasive alternative compared to end‐to‐end anastomosis or reconstruction with a forearm flap, which is currently used as a mainstay.
Estrogen receptors alpha (rs2234693 and rs9340799), and beta (rs4986938 and rs1256049) genes polymorphism in prostate cancer: Evidence for association with risk and histopathological tumor characteristics in Iranian men
Authors: Safarinejad Mohammad Reza , Safarinejad Saba , Shafiei Nayyer , Safarinejad Shiva
Published: January 2012

We evaluated the effect of estrogen receptor (ER)‐α and ER‐β genes polymorphisms on development of prostate cancer (PCa) and its correlation with serum reproductive hormones and with clinicopathological characteristics in a sample of Iranian men. One hundred sixty‐two men with PCa (mean age 63.7 ± 13.4 years) and 324 age‐matched healthy controls (mean age 63.1 ± 13.2 years) were recruited in this study. Genotypes for ER‐α and ER‐β genes polymorphisms were identified by the polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) analysis. Serum levels of reproductive hormones were also measured. Of PCa patients, 38.3%, and 61.7% had localized and advanced tumor, and 45.7%, and 54.3%, had low grade and high‐grade cancer, respectively. There was a significant difference in genotype frequency distribution of ER‐α gene polymorphism (P = 0.002), and ER‐β gene polymorphism (P = 0.003) between cancer patients and controls. The ER‐α Pvull C allele carriers (TC or CC) had a significantly increased risk of PCa compared with the TT homozygotes [odds ratio (OR) 3.12; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.87–5.84, and OR = 4.73, 95% CI:2.44–7.33, respectively]. It was also found that the ER‐α XbaI AG (OR = 4.36; 95% CI:2.47–6.68; P = 0.001) and ER‐β AluI AG (OR = 2.66, 95% CI:1.61–4.16; P = 0.004) genotypes were significantly associated with increased risk of PCa. The ER‐β RsaI genotype was not associated with PCa. Baseline serum free E2 levels tended to be lower in men with PCa (0.35 ± 0.04 pg/ml) compared to healthy men (0.48 ± 0.05 pg/ml). Genotypes which confer susceptibility for developing PCa, accompanied with lowest serum levels of free E2. In the Iranian population, genetic polymorphisms of the ER‐α and ER‐β genes may be involved in the etiology of PCa. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Consumer safety and the regulation of industry
Authors: Armstrong Alan G.
Published: January 2012

The need for regulation to protect the consumer from unsafe products stems from the lack of full information. The extent of these imperfections is examined and it is argued that there are market pressures on manufacturers to produce safer products and that voluntary regulation can play a useful role before mandatory regulations are introduced. In setting targets it must be acknowledged that there are differences between products and between consumers and particularly that there will be costs associated with attempts to cure the consequences of imperfections. Recent trends in the US and British safety policy are assessed in this light.
Technical change, inflation and pricing decisions
Authors: Shone Robert
Published: January 2012

The paper discusses long‐term managerial cost pricing, thus taking into account both operating and capital costs of new plant. This approach is relevant to the public industries, oligopoly and can also be the basis for competitive pricing. The model integrates pricing and investment decisions, and incorporates, among other factors, expected future technical change and inflation. The treatment is illustrated in relation to a range of industries with very different rates of technical advance. It also discusses the reasons for the frequent failure for full potential gains from such advances to be realized and hence for sluggish economic growth.
The determinants and effects of actual, abandoned and contested mergers
Authors: Holl P. , Pickering J. F.
Published: January 2012

This paper reports the results of research aimed at exploring why some takeover bids give rise to merger while other do not and, using as a basis of comparison matched samples of actual and abandoned mergers, the performance effects of mergers. In this work, 50 cases of abandoned mergers occurring between 1965 and 1975 were analysed against a matched sample of 50 actual mergers. In addition, 33 cases of contested bids were also analysed. Variables used reflected managerial, shareholder and financial strength considerations. Analysis covered a period three years before to three years after each bid. Techniques of analysis were differences of means and discriminant analysis. The results show that there are important differences between target companies that are acquired and those that successfully resist takeover bids. They also show the influence of managerial and financial variables as the key to a successful takeover bid rather than variables reflecting shareholder interests. Analysis of the effects of the outcome of the bids suggests that companies involved in abandoned mergers recorded a stronger performance over the subsequent 1–3 years than those that made acquisitions, especially where shareholder and financial considerations are concerned. Target companies that resisted takeover bids showed a significant performance improvement.
Firm‐level determinants of export intensity
Authors: Schlegelmilch B. B. , Crook J. N.
Published: January 2012

This paper investigates why some companies export a larger percentage of their total sales than others, although they operate in the same industry. A variety of interesting but fragmented findings on specific determinants of export intensity is integrated into a coherent model. This is tested empirically, using a sample of British mechanical engineering companies.
Hand‐held nerve conduction device in carpal tunnel syndrome: A prospective study
Authors: Tan S. Veronica , Sandford Fiona , Stevenson Mark , Probert Sara , Sanders Sue , Mills Kerry R. , Koutroumanidis Michaelis
Published: January 2012

Introduction:

We assessed the clinical impact of replacing standard neurophysiologic testing with a hand‐held device (Mediracer) for diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

Methods:

One hundred patients (200 hands) with suspected CTS were studied by blinded assessors [Hand‐therapist (HT)1 and Consultant Neurophysiologist] using the Mediracer, followed by standard neurophysiologic testing. To simulate testing by personnel without neurological training, Mediracer recordings were analyzed separately by an assessor who had not seen the patients (HT2).

Results:

Correlation of the CTS grades was 0.94 for the results obtained by HT1, and 0.87 for HT2. The sensitivity and specificity of the Mediracer was 0.85 and 0.9, respectively, by HT1, and 0.84 and 0.89 for HT2. Nine patients had conditions other than CTS, and 35 patients were judged to require further investigation.

Conclusions:

The Mediracer should only be used in patients with typical CTS symptoms and signs and no muscle wasting who have had careful neurological assessment. Muscle Nerve, 2012
Muscle characteristics in patients with chronic systemic inflammation
Authors: Beenakker Karel G.M. , Duijnisveld Bouke J. , Van Der Linden Henrica M.J. , Visser Cornelis P.J. , Westendorp Rudi G.J. , Butler‐Brown Gillian , Nelissen Rob G.H.H. , Maier Andrea B.
Published: January 2012

Introduction: Histological characteristics of age‐related muscle wasting are type II muscle fiber atrophy, accumulation of oxidative stress‐induced lipofuscin granules and decreased satellite cell numbers. There is increasing clinical evidence for a strong correlation between chronic systemic inflammation and age‐related muscle wasting. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of chronic systemic inflammation on age‐related histological muscle characteristics. Methods: As a model for chronic systemic inflammation, we included 10 patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 27 control patients suffering from osteoarthritis (OA). Biopsies were taken from the vastus medialis muscle. Results: No significant differences were found in type II muscle fiber atrophy, lipofuscin accumulation, or satellite cell number in RA compared with OA patients. Conclusions: These results suggest there is no association between chronic systemic inflammation in RA and age‐related muscle characteristics. Future research should focus on inflammation and satellite cell function. Muscle Nerve 46: 204–209, 2012
Cardiac involvement in patients with lamin A/C gene mutations: A cohort observation
Authors: Carboni Nicola , Sardu Claudia , Cocco Eleonora , Marrosu Giovanni , Manzi Rosa C. , Nissardi Vincenzo , Isola Franco , Mateddu Anna , Solla Elisabetta , Maioli Maria A. , Oppo Valentina , Piras Rachele , Coghe Giancarlo , Lai Carlo , Marrosu Maria G.
Published: January 2012

Introduction: LMNA gene mutations are associated with cardiac and skeletal muscle alterations. Methods: A cohort of 21 mutated individuals was assessed with clinical and instrumental investigations over the years. Results: The median observation period was 6 years. Cardiac compromise was detected in 16 patients. Bradyarrhythmias were the most frequent manifestations, followed by supraventricular arrhythmias. Two individuals suffered from nonsustained and 1 from sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Dilated cardiomyopathy was detected in 3 patients. Evaluation of the frequencies of the clinical expressions showed a high probability of suffering from analogue heart compromise in study subjects bearing the same LMNA gene mutation. Conclusions: Cardiac involvement represents a very common phenotypic expression of LMNA gene mutation. Subjects sharing common genetic background seem to suffer from analogue pattern of cardiac manifestation. Muscle Nerve 46: 187–192, 2012
Prognosis of acute compressive radial neuropathy
Authors: Arnold W. David , Krishna Vivek R. , Freimer Miriam , Kissel John T. , Elsheikh Bakri
Published: January 2012

Introduction: Small published case series suggest that compressive radial neuropathy is often a self‐limited phenomenon with a favorable prognosis. Due to paucity of data, we sought to clearly define prognosis. Methods: To define clinical and electrodiagnostic features in this condition, we retrospectively reviewed consecutive cases of compressive radial neuropathy confirmed using electrodiagnostic studies at a large tertiary center over a 10‐year period. Results: A total of 51 patients (26 men, 25 women, mean age 46 years ± 15; range, 19–83 years) with compressive radial neuropathy were identified and reviewed. All patients in whom clinical follow‐up was available (23 [45%] of the 51 patients identified) experienced complete recovery. Mean duration from onset to resolution of symptoms was 3.4 months. Conclusions: Our results support a good prognosis in essentially all patients with acute compressive radial neuropathies. This report provides valuable information to assist in counseling patients who may present with profound clinical deficits. Muscle Nerve 45: 893–894, 2012
Production scheduling with history‐dependent setup times
Authors: Lee Kangbok , Lei Lei , Pinedo Michael
Published: January 2012

We consider a parallel‐machine scheduling problem with jobs that require setups. The duration of a setup does not depend only on the job just completed but on a number of preceding jobs. These setup times are referred to as history‐dependent. Such a scheduling problem is often encountered in the food processing industry as well as in other process industries. In our model, we consider two types of setup times—a regular setup time and a major setup time that becomes necessary after several “hard‐to‐clean” jobs have been processed on the same machine. We consider multiple objectives, including facility utilization, flexibility, number of major setups, and tardiness. We solve several special cases assuming predetermined job sequences and propose strongly polynomial time algorithms to determine the optimal timing of the major setups for given job sequences. We also extend our analysis to develop pseudopolynomial time algorithms for cases with additional objectives, including the total weighted completion time, the total weighted tardiness, and the weighted number of tardy jobs. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2012
Advanced materials based on polymer cocrystalline forms
Authors: Guerra Gaetano , Daniel Christophe , Rizzo Paola , Tarallo Oreste
Published: January 2012

Polymeric “cocrystalline forms,” that is, structures were a polymeric host and a low‐molecular‐mass guest are cocrystallized, were early recognized, and in many cases also well characterized by X‐ray diffraction studies. However, only in the last two decades cocrystalline forms have received attention in material science, due to the ability (of few of them) to maintain an ordered polymer host structure even after guest removal, thus leading to the formation of “nanoporous‐crystalline forms,” for which many applications in the fields of molecular separation and sensors have been proposed. Moreover, in the last decade, an accurate control of the orientation of the polymer cocrystalline phases has been achieved, thus leading to a control of the orientation of the guest molecules, not only in the crystalline phase but also in macroscopic films. In addition, on the basis of this orientation control, in the last few years, cocrystalline films where active molecules are present as guests of polymer cocrystalline phases have been proposed for optical, magnetic and electric applications. In the last few years, it has been also discovered that polymer cocrystallization, when induced by nonracemic guest molecules, can produce stable chiral optical films. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012
Sterilization Method for Medical Container Using Microwave‐Excited Volume‐Wave Plasma
Authors: Nagatsu Masaaki , Zhao Ying , Motrescu Iuliana , Mizutani Ryota , Fujioka Yuya , Ogino Akihisa
Published: January 2012

We demonstrate a novel sterilization technique that sterilizes medical instruments stored in medical containers by generating a microwave‐excited volume‐wave plasma inside medical containers using a planar microwave launcher. We confirmed that a plasma was generated inside the medical container by the microwaves transmitted through the heat‐resistant plastic lid of the container. A Langmuir probe was used to study the characteristics of the microwave‐excited volume‐wave plasma generated inside the container. The inactivation characteristics of Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores set inside the medical container were also investigated. 2.3 × 106 spores were inactivated after irradiation for 40 min or longer by a plasma generated in a simulated air mixture. This inactivation time could be reduced to 30 min by adding water vapor to the air‐simulated plasma.

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Frequency and determinants of disagreement and error in gleason scores: A population‐based study of prostate cancer
Authors: Goodman Michael , Ward Kevin C. , Osunkoya Adeboye O. , Datta Milton W. , Luthringer Daniel , Young Andrew N. , Marks Katerina , Cohen Vaunita , Kennedy Jan C. , Haber Michael J. , Amin Mahul B.
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND

To examine factors that affect accuracy and reliability of prostate cancer grade we compared Gleason scores documented in pathology reports and those assigned by urologic pathologists in a population‐based study.

METHODS

A stratified random sample of 318 prostate cancer cases was selected to ensure representation of whites and African‐Americans and to include facilities of various types. The slides borrowed from reporting facilities were scanned and the resulting digital images were re‐reviewed by two urologic pathologists. If the two urologic pathologists disagreed, a third urologic pathologist was asked to help arrive at a final “gold standard” result. The agreements between reviewers and between the pathology reports and the “gold standard” were examined by calculating kappa statistics. The determinants of discordance in Gleason scores were evaluated using multivariate models with results expressed as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

The kappa values (95% CI) reflecting agreement between the pathology reports and the “gold standard,” were 0.61 (95% CI: 0.54, 0.68) for biopsies, and 0.37 (0.23, 0.51) for prostatectomies. Sixty three percent of discordant biopsies and 72% of discordant prostatectomies showed only minimal differences. Using freestanding laboratories as reference, the likelihood of discordance between pathology reports and expert‐assigned biopsy Gleason scores was particularly elevated for small community hospitals (OR = 2.98; 95% CI: 1.73, 5.14).

CONCLUSIONS

The level of agreement between pathology reports and expert review depends on the type of diagnosing facility, but may also depend on the level of expertise and specialization of individual pathologists. Prostate 72:1389–1398, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of the combination of 1,3‐dichloropropene and dazomet as an efficient alternative to methyl bromide for cucumber production in China
Authors: Mao Lian‐Gang , Wang Qiu‐Xia , Yan Dong‐Dong , Xie Hong‐Wei , Li Yuan , Guo Mei‐Xia , Cao Ao‐Cheng
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: The combination of 1,3‐dichloropropene (1,3‐D) and dazomet (DZ) offers a potential alternative to methyl bromide (MB) for soil disinfection. MB is scheduled to be withdrawn from routine use by 2015 in developing countries. Combination treatments of 1,3‐D + DZ were evaluated in a laboratory study and in two commercial cucumber fields.

RESULTS: Laboratory studies found that nearly all of the tested combinations of 1,3‐D and DZ displayed positive synergistic activity on root‐knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.), two major soilborne fungi (Fusarium spp. and Phytophthora spp.) and the seeds of two major weed species (Digitaria sanguinalis and Abutilon theophrasti). Field trials revealed that the combination of 1,3‐D and DZ (at 10 + 25 g m−2) successfully suppressed Meloidogyne spp. root galling, sharply reduced Fusarium spp. and Phytophthora spp. and maintained high cucumber yields. The combination treatment of 1,3‐D + DZ was more effective than 1,3‐D or DZ alone and provided results similar to methyl bromide with respect to pest control, plant mortality, plant height, yield and income. All of the treatments were significantly better than the non‐treated control.

CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the tested combination of 1,3‐D and DZ offers an efficient alternative to methyl bromide for cucumber production. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Mutations in the sodium channel associated with pyrethroid resistance in the greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum
Authors: Karatolos Nikos , Gorman Kevin , Williamson Martin S , Denholm Ian
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood is an important pest of protected crops in temperate regions of the world. Resistance to pyrethroid insecticides is long established in this species, but the molecular basis of the mechanism(s) responsible has not previously been disclosed.

RESULTS: Mortality rates of three European strains of T. vaporariorum to the pyrethroid bifenthrin were calculated, and each possessed significant resistance (up to 662‐fold) when compared with a susceptible reference strain. Direct sequencing revealed three amino acid substitutions in the para‐type voltage‐gated sodium channel (the pyrethroid and DDT target site) of bifenthrin‐resistant T. vaporariorum at positions previously implicated with pyrethroid or DDT resistance (M918L, L925I and T929I) in other related species.

CONCLUSION: This study indicates that resistance to bifenthrin in T. vaporariorum is associated with target‐site insensitivity, and that the specific mutations in the sodium channel causing resistance may differ between localities. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
CO adsorption on metal‐oxide surfaces doped with transition‐metal adatoms
Authors: Blomqvist Janne , Lehman Lauri , Salo Petri
Published: January 2012

Using first principles density functional theory calculations, we have studied the adsorption of carbon monoxide (CO) on clean, Ag and Pd doped MgO(001), TiO2(110), and α‐Al2O3(0001) surfaces. Our results show that adsorption of CO on the clean surfaces is generally weak. Ag doping improves the adsorption only weakly, except on the TiO2 surface. The presence of Pd, however, significantly improves adsorption on all the surfaces studied. On the doped surfaces, the best adsorption sites are always the sites on top of the transition metal adatom, and the interaction range is 3–4 Å around an isolated adatom.
Origin of Bi3+‐related luminescence centres in Lu3Al5O12:Bi and Y3Al5O12:Bi single crystalline films and the structure of their relaxed excited states
Authors: Babin V. , Gorbenko V. , Krasnikov A. , Makhov A. , Mihokova E. , Nikl M. , Zazubovich S. , Zorenko Yu.
Published: January 2012

Single crystalline films (SCFs) of Y3Al5O12:Bi and Lu3Al5O12:Bi with different Bi3+ contents are studied at 1.7–300 K by the time‐resolved luminescence spectroscopy methods under excitation in the 2.4–20 eV energy range. The ultraviolet (UV) emission of these SCFs is shown to arise from the radiative decay of the metastable and radiative minima of the triplet relaxed excited state (RES) of a single Bi3+ centre, which are related to the 3P0 and 3P1 levels of a free Bi3+ ion, respectively. At T < 80 K, the radiative decay of the metastable minima is only observed resulting in the appearance of the low‐energy component of the triplet emission. At T > 100 K, both the high‐energy shift of the maximum and the shortening of the decay time of the UV emission with increasing temperature are caused by thermally stimulated non‐radiative transitions between the metastable and radiative minima of the triplet RES. Their excitation bands located around 4.6, 5.2 and 5.95 eV are assigned to the 1S0 → 3P1, 1S0 → 3P2 and 1S0 → 1P1 transitions, respectively, in free Bi3+ ions. The luminescence of dimer Bi3+–Bi3+ centres is not detected in the SCFs studied. The lower‐energy (≈2.6 eV) visible (VIS) emission of these SCFs is due to an exciton, localized near a single Bi3+ ion, while the higher‐energy (2.75 eV) VIS emission, an exciton, localized near a dimer Bi3+–Bi3+ centre. The phenomenological models are proposed to describe the excited‐state dynamics of all the luminescence centres studied. Application of the two‐ or three‐excited‐level models on the temperature evolution of the luminescence decay times has allowed determination of characteristic parameters of the corresponding RES: the energy separations between the excited states and the rates of the radiative and non‐radiative transitions from these states.
Scutellarin Inhibits Cytochrome P450 Isoenzyme 1A2 (CYP1A2) in Rats
Authors: Jian Tun‐Yu , He Jian‐Chang , He Gong‐Hao , Feng En‐Fu , Li Hong‐Liang , Bai Min , Xu Gui‐Li
Published: January 2012

Scutellarin is the most important flavone glycoside in the herbal drug Erigeron breviscapus (Vant.) Hand.‐Mazz. It is used frequently in the clinic to treat ischemic vascular diseases in China. However, the direct relationship between scutellarin and cytochrome P450 (CYP450) is unclear. The present study investigated the in vitro and in vivo effects of scutellarin on cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP 1A2) metabolism. According to in vitro experiments, scutellarin (10–250 µ m) decreased the formation of 4‐acetamidophenol in a concentration‐dependent manner, with an IC50 value of 108.20 ± 0.657 µ m. Furthermore, scutellarin exhibited a weak mixed‐type inhibition against the activity of CYP1A2 in rat liver microsomes, with a Ki value of 95.2 µ m. Whereas in whole animal studies, scutellarin treatment for 7 days (at 5, 15, 30 mg/kg, i.p.) decreased the clearance (CL), and increased the T1/2 (at 15, 30 mg/kg, i.p.), it did not affect the Vd of phenacetin. Scutellarin treatment (at 5, 15, 30 mg/kg, i.p.) increased the AUC0‐∞ by 14.3%, 67.3% and 159.2%, respectively. Scutellarin at 30 mg/kg also weakly inhibited CYP1A2 activity, in accordance with our in vitro study. Thus, the results indicate that CYP1A2 is inhibited directly, but weakly, by scutellarin in vivo, and provide useful information on the safe and effective use of scutellarin in clinical practice. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Auger Recombination Suppression in Nanocrystals with Asymmetric Electron–Hole Confinement
Authors: Climente Juan I. , Movilla Jose L. , Planelles Josep
Published: January 2012

Type II and quasi‐type II nanocrystals with thick shells exhibit reduced blinking. However, after a number of monolayers, the influence of the shell thickness is found to vanish. Using a two‐band Kane Hamiltonian, it is shown that this behavior is a consequence of interband coupling and asymmetric confinement of electrons and holes. Interface alloying provides an additional, order‐of‐magnitude contribution to the Auger suppression, in agreement with recent experiments. The existence is predicted of critical shell thicknesses that strongly quench Auger processes for any core size.
Fetal thoracoamniotic shunting for large macrocystic congenital cystic adenomatoid malformations of the lung
Authors: Schrey S. , Kelly E. N. , Langer J. C. , Davies G. A. , Windrim R. , Seaward P. G. R. , Ryan G.
Published: January 2012

Objective

To evaluate fetal thoracoamniotic shunting for isolated large macrocystic congenital cystic adenomatoid malformations (CCAM) of the lung.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of 11 fetuses with macrocystic CCAM who underwent thoracoamniotic shunting. This procedure was offered if fetal hydrops or signs of evolving hydrops (such as ascites or polyhydramnios) were present, or when there were very large lesions or lesions rapidly increasing in size. If there were multiple large cysts within the lesion, a single shunt was used, aiming to traverse several cysts.

Results

Shunts were inserted at a mean gestational age of 24.6 (range, 17–32) weeks. Marked mediastinal shift was present in all cases. Six fetuses were hydropic and, of the remaining five, one had severe polyhydramnios, three had lesions that were rapidly increasing in size and one had a very large lesion at initial presentation. In total, four cases had polyhydramnios. Shunting one cyst always decompressed the entire lesion and hydrops and/or polyhydramnios resolved in all surviving fetuses. One hydropic fetus that underwent the procedure at 17 weeks died 1 day later. The shunt dislodged in one case and the lesion did not re‐expand. No mother went into labor or had ruptured membranes before 35.6 weeks. Mean gestational age at delivery was 38.2 weeks (n = 10). All pregnancies were delivered vaginally, with no maternal complications. All newborns had uneventful lobectomies, and pathology confirmed CCAM in all cases.

Conclusion

Fetal thoracoamniotic shunting for large macrocystic CCAM is associated with favorable outcome in most cases, and should be considered in severe cases even before hydrops develops. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How to Manage Thyroid Nodules With Two Consecutive Non‐Diagnostic Results on Ultrasonography‐Guided Fine‐Needle Aspiration
Authors: Moon Hee Jung , Kwak Jin Young , Choi Yoon Seong , Kim Eun‐Kyung
Published: January 2012

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the factors for considering surgery on thyroid nodules that had non‐diagnostic results on two consecutive cytology examinations.

Methods

A total of 104 thyroid nodules with two consecutive non‐diagnostic cytology examinations in 104 patients were investigated. Nodules with one or more suspicious ultrasonography (US) features of marked hypoechogenicity, a not well defined margin, microcalcifications, or a taller‐than‐wide shape were assessed as sonographically suspicious. Those without any suspicious features were assessed as sonographically benign. The clinicopathologic characteristics of patients and US features of the nodules were compared according to malignancy and benignity. The odds ratio for predicting malignancy was calculated.

Results

Altogether, 12 nodules were malignant, and 92 were benign. Age, sex, nodule size, and solidness were not associated with malignancy (P = 0.73, 0.92, 0.48, and 0.73, respectively). The malignancy rate of sonographically suspicious nodules was 25.7%, higher than the 4.3% of sonographically benign nodules (P = 0.002). The odds ratio of sonographically suspicious nodules for predicting malignancy was 16.01 (95% confidence interval 2.36–108.54, P = 0.005).

Conclusions

Based on sonographic features, surgery can be performed selectively on nodules with two consecutive non‐diagnostic cytology results.
Correlation Between the Pretherapeutic Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio and the Pathologic Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Patients With Advanced Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Sato Hiroshi , Tsubosa Yasuhiro , Kawano Tatsuyuki
Published: January 2012

Background

An elevation in the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been shown to be associated with a poorer prognosis in patients with various tumors. The aim of this retrospective study was to clarify the correlation of the pretherapeutic NLR with the prognostic value of the pathologic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in patients with advanced esophageal cancer.

Methods

This study was a retrospective review of 83 patients undergoing NAC for advanced esophageal cancer following esophagectomy. The NLR was measured before NAC, and the pathologic responses to NAC were evaluated.

Results

A comparison was performed for those whose pathology responded (responders) (G3/G2/G1b) and nonresponders (G1a/G0). In a univariate analysis, the cStage (P = 0.005), cN (P = 0.0001), and NLR (P = 0.005) were statistically significant parameters. A multivariate analysis revealed that the factors independently associated with pathologic responses were the pretreatment NLR (<2.2/≥2.2) (P = 0.043) and lymph nodes metastasis (P = 0.002). The pretreatment NLR (<2.2/≥2.2) was found to be a statistically significant useful predictive marker for a pathologic response (P = 0.001). The pathologic response rates were 56% in the patients with an NLR <2.2 and 21% in patients with an NLR of ≥2.2.

Conclusions

Our study is the first to demonstrate that the pretherapeutic NLR can be used as a predictor for chemosensitivity of thoracic esophageal cancer. Preoperative evaluation based on the clinical N stage and NLR may be easily used in routine clinical practice.
The Wonders of Geology
Authors: Mantell Gideon Algernon
Published: January 2012

Gideon Mantell (1790–1852) was an English physician and geologist best known for pioneering the scientific study of dinosaurs. After an apprenticeship to a local surgeon in Sussex, Mantell became a member of the Royal College of Surgeons in 1811. He developed an interest in fossils, and in 1822 his discovery of fossil teeth which he later identified as belonging to an iguana-like creature he named Iguanadon spurred research into ancient reptiles. These volumes, first published in 1838, contain a series of eight lectures which describe and explain early principles of geology, stratification and fossil plants and animals to a non-scientific audience. These detailed volumes became Mantell's most popular work, and provide a fascinating view of the study of geology and palaeontology during the early nineteenth century. Volume 2 contains lectures 5–8, discussing marine fossils including animals and corals, fossil plants and volcanic rocks.
Pollution and the Struggle for the World Product
Authors: Leonard H. Jeffrey
Published: January 2012

Since the early 1970s, observers have noted that complying with environmental regulations might be a significant new factor in determining the locations of industries involved in world trade. Two related hypotheses have been offered to explain how environmental regulations are altering international comparative advantage in industrial production: first, that stringent regulations push industries out of the United States and other advanced industrial nations (the 'industrial flight' hypothesis); second, that less developed countries compete to attract multinational industries by minimizing their own regulations (the 'pollution haven' hypothesis). This 1988 study examines the validity of the industrial-flight and pollution-haven hypotheses within a broad political and economic framework of theories purporting to explain international trade and investment.