bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Origin of presacral local recurrence after rectal cancer treatment
Authors: Kusters M , Wallner C , Lange M M , DeRuiter M C , van de Velde C J H , Moriya Y , Rutten H J T
Published: July 2010

Background

The objective of this study was to obtain detailed anatomical information about the lateral lymph nodes, in order to determine whether they might play a role in presacral local recurrence of rectal cancer after total mesorectal excision without lateral lymph node dissection.

Methods

Ten serially sectioned human fetal pelvises were studied at high magnification and a three-dimensional reconstruction of the fetal pelvis was made.

Results

Examination of the histological sections and the three-dimensional reconstruction showed that lateral lymph node tissue comprises a major proportion of the pelvic tissue volume. There were no lymph nodes located in the presacral area. Connections between the mesorectal and extramesorectal lymph node system were found in all fetal pelvises, located below the peritoneal reflection on the anterolateral side of the fetal rectum. At this site middle rectal vessels passed to and from the mesorectum, and branches of the autonomic nervous system bridge to innervate the rectal wall.

Conclusion

The findings of this study support the hypothesis that tumour recurrence might arise from lateral lymph nodes.
Total parathyroidectomy without autotransplantation for renal hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Coulston J E , Egan R , Willis E , Morgan J D
Published: July 2010

Background

Parathyroidectomy is the standard treatment for renal hyperparathyroidism although controversy exists about the optimal surgical procedure. Total parathyroidectomy without either autotransplantation or thymectomy is one suggested approach. This study reviewed the medium- to long-term results of this procedure.

Methods

A retrospective review was undertaken of patients undergoing total parathyroidectomy between August 2000 and March 2009. The procedure was performed by a single surgeon and median follow-up was 31 (range 1–120) months.

Results

Data were obtained on 115 patients with no re-explorations for bleeding or clinical recurrent laryngeal nerve injuries. The rate of postoperative hypocalcaemia on the day after surgery was 15·7 per cent. Thirty-three patients (28·7 per cent) had an undetectable parathyroid hormone level at the end of follow-up. Fourteen patients (12·2 per cent) developed recurrent hyperparathyroidism with a median parathyroid hormone level of 35·4 (range 5·4–200·0) pmol/l. The reoperation rate was 3·5 per cent. Thymectomy tissue, taken if all four glands could not be identified, revealed no parathyroid glands.

Conclusion

Total parathyroidectomy alone has minimal associated morbidity or mortality, and a good medium- to long-term clinical outcome with a low recurrence rate.
Development and validation of a high‐performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination of stemoninine in rat plasma after administration of Stemona tuberosa extracts
Authors: Jiang Dengzhao , Yang Xue , Liu Hongbing , Guan Huashi
Published: July 2010

For the first time, an HPLC method was developed and validated for the determination of stemoninine in plasma after oral and intravenous administration of the extract of the roots of Stemona tuberosa to rats. Plasma samples were analyzed on a Waters reversed‐phase C18 column using a gradient mobile‐phase of eluent A (water containing 0.1% formic acid and 0.2% triethylamine, pH 3.68) and eluent B (acetonitrile–water, 50:50, v/v). The flow rate was 1.0 mL/min and the detector wavelength was 210 nm. The Waters Oasis solid‐phase extraction cartridge was applied for the preparation of plasma samples with high recovery. A good linear relationship was obtained in the concentration range of 1.55–124 µg/mL (r = 0.9995). The limits of quantification and detection were 1.55 and 0.42 µg/mL, respectively. The average recoveries ranged from 91.11 to 96.43% in plasma at stemoninine concentrations of 3.10, 62.0 and 99.2 µg/mL. Intra‐ and inter‐batch coefficient of variations were 3.27–5.37% and 2.49–3.92%, respectively. This method was successfully applied to pharmacokinetic studies after oral and intravenous administration of Stemona tuberosa extract in rats. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development and validation of a hydrophilic interaction chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry for quantification of nicotine and its metabolites in human maternal and cord sera
Authors: Iwasaki Yusuke , Goto Masato , Mochizuki Keisuke , Terayama Emi , Ito Rie , Saito Koichi , Sugino Norihiro , Makino Tsunehisa , Nakazawa Hiroyuki
Published: July 2010

A selective and sensitive HILIC‐MS/MS method for the simultaneous quantification of nicotine and its metabolites in human maternal and cord sera was developed and validated. After solid‐phase extraction, LC separation was achieved on a hydrophilic interaction chromatography. The validated method is capable of selective identification as well as accurate and sensitive quantification. Analyte recovery ranged from 86.2 to 107.7% and intra‐ and inter‐day assay precision were less than 15% relative standard deviation. This sensitive HILIC‐MS/MS method can be used to determine nicotine and its metabolic profile in smokers. This validated method is useful for the determination of nicotine and its metabolites in human serum in future studies of the effects of nicotine exposure on neonatal outcome. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A cadaveric study of auricular lymphatics and implications for sentinel lymph node biopsy
Authors: Clark R.R. , Shaw‐Dunn J. , Soutar D.S.
Published: July 2010

Malignant cutaneous tumors of the auricle are known to have a high rate of spread to the regional lymph nodes, and, for this reason, removal of the lymph nodes, for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, is often required. Recent experience with sentinel node biopsy in cutaneous tumors of the head and neck has questioned the traditional lymphatic pathways and prompted a new study. Lymphatic pathways from the auricle were demonstrated by India ink injection of five auricles in three cadavers followed by block dissection and Spalteholz clearing of en bloc specimens. Lymphatics descend adjacent to the mastoid bone periosteum and lie deep to the insertion of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. There are five different locations for sentinel nodes: superficial parotid, anterior mastoid, infra‐auricular parotid, deep to sternocleidomastoid, and lateral mastoid. Two of these nodal locations (anterior and lateral mastoid) may be bypassed by anastomotic pathways. We conclude that, first, echelon lymph nodes lie in five different sites, some bypassed by anastomotic lymphatics. Lymphatics from the ear lie close to the mastoid bone and pass deep to the insertion of sternocleidomastoid where they may be difficult to follow. Sentinel lymph node biopsy for cutaneous tumors of the auricle is possible, but the presence of skip metastases should be considered. Clin. Anat. 23:792–797, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anatomical differentiation of direct and indirect inguinal hernias: Is it worthwhile in the modern era?
Authors: Sanjay P. , Fulke J.L. , Shaikh I.A. , Woodward A.
Published: July 2010

The study aimed to assess the clinical accuracy of differentiating direct and indirect inguinal hernias preoperatively by different grades of surgeons. A retrospective audit was conducted over a 9‐year period and comprised all adult inguinal hernia patients operated by one consultant surgeon. The hernias were differentiated into direct and indirect hernias based on the direction of cough impulse and the deep ring occlusion test. The preoperative diagnosis was compared with intraoperative findings. During the study period, 503 patients were examined. Of these, 272 patients were diagnosed as having indirect hernias and 56 patients as having direct hernias. In 175 patients, no attempt was made to differentiate indirect and direct hernias. When compared with intraoperative findings, the diagnosis was correct in 77% of the indirect hernias and 55% of direct hernias. Of the patients in whom no differentiation was attempted, 115 patients had indirect hernias, 56 had direct hernias, and four had both. For indirect hernias, the diagnostic accuracy was 82, 63, and 30% for consultant, registrars, and senior house officers. For direct hernias, the diagnostic accuracy was 66, 50, and 44%, respectively. This study demonstrates relatively poor accuracy in diagnosing direct inguinal hernias regardless of seniority. Clin. Anat. 23:848–850, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Atypical coeliomesenteric anastomosis: The presence of an anomalous fourth coeliac trunk branch
Authors: Manoharan B. , Aland R.C.
Published: July 2010

The presence of more than three coeliac trunk branches is a commonly encountered variant. Literature occasionally describes cases of middle or left colic arteries originating from the celiac trunks or its branches; however, the presence of an anomalous arterial connection between the celiac trunk and both the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries (SMA and IMA, respectively) has yet to be reported. Routine abdominal dissection of a male Caucasian cadaver, revealed the presence of an anomalous fourth arterial branch on the 4‐cm long coeliac trunk. The course of this artery was traced, and it terminated by anastomosing with the marginal artery of the mesenteric circulation. The distal termination point of this anomalous fourth coeliac branch was the marginal artery, 5 cm medial of the splenic flexure, anastomosing almost perpendicularly. The diameter of this anomalous artery was comparable with the left gastric artery at their origins. The artery coursed inferiorlaterally toward the splenic flexure, passing immediately posterior to both the pancreas and the splenic vein. The anastomosis point of this artery, near Griffith's Point, is normally considered a watershed region with dual arterial supply from both the SMA and IMA, allowing collateral circulation. This region has a relatively higher susceptibility to irreversible damage in ischemic diseases because of lower perfusion, thus, the anastomosis of atypical coeliac branches represents a rare case for consideration. Awareness of the possibility of embryological variants will minimize the risk of complications in surgical or clinical procedures, and exploration of rare variants will benefit the understanding of vascular embryology. Clin. Anat., 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anatomical considerations of subcoracoid neurovascular structures in anterior shoulder reconstruction
Authors: Tom James A. , Cerynik Douglas L. , Lee C. Marcus , Lewullis Gabriel E. , Kumar Neil S.
Published: July 2010

Anterior shoulder surgery, using open or arthroscopic technique, places subcoracoid neurovasculature at risk. This study examines the relationships of the brachial plexus and axillary artery to four bony landmarks and provides clinical correlations for anterior shoulder surgery. The musculocutaneous nerve (MN), posterior cord (PC), lateral cord (LC), and axillary artery (AA) were identified in 27 shoulders. Minimum distances (mm) were measured between neurovasculature and the coracoid tip, anterior midglenoid, inferior surface of the midclavicle, and anteromedial aspect of the acromioclavicular joint. Average distances from the coracoid to the MN, PC, LC, and AA were 69.7 ± 31.6, 50.5 ± 9.2, 41.8 ± 9.4, and 60.0 ± 8.0 mm, respectively; from the glenoid equator to the MN, PC, LC, and AA were 61.5 ± 38.5, 37.0 ± 6.1, 35.2 ± 8.7, and 45.2 ± 7.1 mm, respectively; from the midclavicle to the MN, PC, LC, and AA were 114.1 ± 33.9, 62.0 ± 13.6, 56.0 ± 19.7, and 69.9 ± 7.8 mm, respectively; and from the AC joint to the MN, PC, LC, and AA were 112.7 ± 36.5, 87.9 ± 10.6, 84.0 ± 12.0, and 100.9 ± 1.0 mm, respectively. The lateral cord was the closest structure to each bony landmark. The musculocutaneous nerve was the furthest structure from each bony landmark. Open procedures using a deltopectoral approach with the shoulder in the anatomical position, such as the Neer capsular shift and Warner capsular reconstruction, can use these results to prevent direct or retraction injuries. Results indicate a potential safe zone of 30 mm in diameter around the anteromedial coracoid tip for anteroinferior portal placement. Clin. Anat. 23:815–820, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of an MRI gradient coil duct with a micro‐perforated panel acoustic absorber
Authors: Li Gemin , Mechefske Chris K.
Published: July 2010

An analytical model was developed for an MRI gradient coil duct with a micro‐perforated panel (MPP) acoustic absorber placed inside the duct. The absorption coefficients of a series of MPP absorbers with varying design parameters including diameter of the holes, perforation rate and thickness of the air gap were calculated. Boundary Element Method (BEM) models were then developed for the coil duct with MPP absorbers and porous materials with varying design parameters and material properties. The acoustic power, sound pressure levels and sound field inside the duct were calculated using the BEM. The results show that the principal advantage of an MPP acoustic absorber is its effectiveness in absorbing relatively low frequency noise. By using the proper combination of parameters, a MPP acoustic absorber can be designed to be a wide bandabsorber or a narrow band absorber at any specific central frequency. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part B (Magn Reson Engineering) 37B: 103–115, 2010
Heterochiral vs. Homochiral Linkage of Emissive Iridium(III) Complexes with D‐Penicillaminate: Drastic Change in Emission Induced by Silver(I) Linkage
Authors: Saito Keisuke , Sarukawa Yuta , Tsuge Kiyoshi , Konno Takumi
Published: July 2010

Reactions of [{Ir(ppy or ppy‐CF3)2}2(μ‐Cl)2] {Hppy = 2‐phenylpyridine, Hppy‐CF3 = 2‐[3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]pyridine} with D‐penicillamine (D‐H2pen) afforded emissive IrIII mononuclear complexes [Ir(ppy or ppy‐CF3)2(D‐Hpen‐N,S)] as a 1:1 mixture of the ΔD/ΛD isomers. These complexes were converted into IrIIIAgIIrIII trinuclear structures in [Ag{Ir(D‐pen‐N,S)(ppy or ppy‐CF3)2}{Ir(D‐Hpen‐N,S)(ppy or ppy‐CF3)2}] by treatment with AgNO3, which led to a drastic blueshift of the emission bands. Whereas the (ppy)IrIIIAgIIrIII complex produced the heterochiral ΔDΛD isomer, the ppy‐CF3 complex gave the homochiral ΔDΔD and ΛDΛD isomers that could completely be separated by crystallization. It was found that the quantum efficiency of the emission band for the ΔDΔD isomer is much lower than that for the ΛDΛD isomer.
Self‐Terminating Radical Cyclizations: How Are Thiyl Radicals Performing?
Authors: Tan Kristine J. , White Jonathan M. , Wille Uta
Published: July 2010

The performance of thiyl radicals RS· in “self‐terminating radical cyclisations” was explored. Using the medium‐sized cyclodecyne (1) as model system, the reaction of PhS· generated by photolysis of (PhS)2 was used to study the intermolecular S‐radical addition and subsequent intramolecular radical translocations. This reaction resulted in the formation of three stereoisomeric sulfides 17a in very good yield, which all possess the bicyclo[4.4.0]decane framework with either cis and trans ring fusion. The isomeric bicyclo[5.3.0]decane framework was not formed. Product identification was performed using a combination of techniques, e.g. synthesis of authentic samples, X‐ray analysis and computational studies of the potential energy surface, which also revealed valuable insight into the mechanism of this radical cyclisation cascade. The (PhS)2/PhS· system provides an efficient source for in situ generated thiols, which mediate reduction of the α‐thio radical, e.g., 13a → 17a. The radical cascade initiated by the addition of BnS·, tBuS· or AllylS·, respectively, to cycloalkyne 1 was typically terminated also by reduction, even in the absence of an apparent H‐donor, and resulted in formation of various bicyclic and monocyclic thioethers. The desired “self‐termination”, e.g., β‐fragmentation of the S–R bond in radical intermediate 12/13 and release of a stabilized radical R·, was only observed as minor reaction pathway in one particular instance where tBuS· was generated by autoxidation of tBuSH. Computional studies showed that the differentstereochemical outcome of the radical cyclizations involving S‐radicals, compared to O‐ or N‐centred radicals, could be attributed to the reversibility of the initial intermolecular S‐radical addition to the C≡C triple bond in cycloalkyne 1.
Interleukin-22 Treatment Ameliorates Alcoholic Liver Injury in a Murine Model of Chronic-Binge Ethanol Feeding: Role of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3
Authors: Ki Sung Hwan , Park Oygi , Zheng Mingquan , Morales-Ibanez Oriol , Kolls Jay K. , Bataller Ramon , Gao Bin
Published: July 2010

Interleukin-22 (IL-22), a recently identified member of the IL-10 family of cytokines that is produced by Th17 and natural killer cells, plays an important role in controlling bacterial infection, homeostasis, and tissue repair. Here, we tested the effect of IL-22 on alcohol-induced liver injury in a murine model of chronic-binge ethanol feeding. Feeding male C57BL/6 mice with a Lieber-DeCarli diet containing 5% ethanol for 10 days, followed by a single dose of ethanol (5 g/kg body weight) by gavage, induces significant fatty liver and liver injury with peak serum levels of approximately 250 IU/L alanine aminotransferase and 420 IU/L aspartate aminotransferase 9 hours after gavage. Moreover, chronic-binge ethanol administration increases expression of hepatic and serum inflammatory cytokines and hepatic oxidative stress. Using this model, we demonstrate that treatment with IL-22 recombinant protein activates hepatic signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and ameliorates alcoholic fatty liver, liver injury, and hepatic oxidative stress. Administration with IL-22 adenovirus also prevents alcohol-induced steatosis and liver injury. Deletion of STAT3 in hepatocytes abolishes the hepatoprotection provided by IL-22 in alcoholic liver injury. In addition, IL-22 treatment down-regulates the hepatic expression of fatty acid transport protein, but up-regulates several antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and antimicrobial genes. Finally, expression of IL-22 receptor 1 is up-regulated whereas IL-22 is undetectable in the livers from mice with chronic-binge ethanol feeding or patients with alcoholic hepatitis.

Conclusion:

Chronic-binge ethanol feeding may be a useful model to study the early stages of alcoholic liver injury. IL-22 treatment could be a potential therapeutic option to ameliorate alcoholic liver disease, due to its antioxidant, antiapoptotic, antisteatotic, proliferative, and antimicrobial effects with the added benefit of potentially few side effects. Hepatology 2010
Analysis of Flow and Heat Transfer in a Parallelogram Non‐Uniformly Heated Enclosure Filled with Porous Medium
Authors: Soleimani Soheil , Sedaghati Zadeh N. , Asgharian A. , Ganji D.D.
Published: July 2010

The flow and heat transfer in a parallelogram enclosure filled with a porous medium is analyzed numerically. The heated bottom wall has a sinusoidal temperature distribution and side walls cooled isothermally while the upper wall is well insulated. Dimensionless Darcy law and energy equations are solved using the finite difference method along with the corresponding boundary condition. Computations were carried out for four inclination angles of side walls (γ = 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°) with different Rayleigh numbers (100≤Ra≤1000) and their effects on the flow field and heat transfer are discussed. It is found that the inclination angle has a significant effect on flow pattern and heat transfer and an increase in the angle leads to a decrease in the strength of the right vortex. The study also revealed that as the Rayleigh number increases at γ = 45°, another (third) vortex develops along the left wall and its strength enhances with Rayleigh number. At the end, a correlation is extracted from the numerical data which represents the relation between the Nusselt number, inclination angle, and the Rayleigh number. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; 39(7): 497–506, 2010; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyOnlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20312
Ex‐CARS: exotic configuration for coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering microspectroscopy utilizing two laser sources
Authors: Yakovlev Vladislav V. , Petrov Georgi I. , Noojin Gary D. , Harbert Corey , Denton Michael , Thomas Robert
Published: July 2010

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a new coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering setting, which relies on a coherent excitation of Raman vibration using a broadband ultrashort laser pulse and signal read‐out using a conventional continuous wave laser radiation. Such an exotic arrangement does not require any synchronization of two laser sources and can be used for direct comparison of amplitudes of nonlinear and spontaneous Raman signals. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Tissue-specific regulatory regions of the PTH gene localized by novel chromosome 11 rearrangement breakpoints in a parathyroid adenoma
Authors: Mallya Sanjay M , Wu H Irene , Saria Elizabeth A , Corrado Kristin R , Arnold Andrew
Published: July 2010

Parathyroid adenomas can contain clonal rearrangements of chromosome 11 that activate the cyclin D1 oncogene through juxtaposition with the PTH gene. Here we describe such a chromosomal rearrangement whose novel features provide clues to locating elusive cis-regulatory elements in the PTH gene and also expand the physical spectrum of pathogenetic breakpoints in the cyclin D1 gene region. Southern blot analyses of the parathyroid adenoma revealed rearrangement in the PTH gene locus. Analysis of rearranged DNA clones that contained the breakpoint, obtained by screening a tumor genomic library, pinpointed the breakpoint in the PTH locus 3.3 kb upstream of the first exon. Accordingly, highly conserved distal elements of the PTH 5' regulatory region were rearranged at the breakpoint approximately 450 kb upstream of the cyclin D1 oncogene, resulting in overexpression of cyclin D1 mRNA. Thus, PTH–cyclin D1 gene rearrangement breakpoints in parathyroid tumors can be located far from those previously recognized. In addition to expanding the molecular spectrum of pathogenetic chromosomal lesions in this disease, features of this specific rearrangement reinforce the existence of one or more novel cis-enhancer/regulatory elements for PTH gene expression and narrow their location to a 1.7-kb DNA segment in the distal PTH promoter. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Preparation and evaluation of antibacterial activity of some new 1,2,4‐triazole derivatives
Authors: Arafa W. A. A.
Published: July 2010

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Cyclizations of 1,5‐diphenyl[1,2,4]triazole‐3‐carbohydrazide1and the thiosemicarbazide2(derived from1by addition to phenylisothiocyanate) under various conditions afforded novel biheterocyclic systems. The newly prepared compounds were screened for their antibacterial activity. The results showed that several of these compounds exhibited significant antibacterial activity. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
Synthesis of carbonyl dyes from 1‐hydroxy‐2‐acetonaphthone and 2‐fluorobenzophenone
Authors: Coelho Paulo J. , Fernandes Isabel C. , Carvalho Luis M.
Published: July 2010

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The reaction between 1‐hydroxy‐2‐acetonaphthone and 2‐fluorobenzophenone in basic medium afforded two diastereoisomeric carbonyl dyes whose structures were unambiguously established using spectroscopic methods. A mechanism for the formation of these dyes involving a base‐catalysed addition followed by dehydration and intramolecular aromatic nucleofilic substitution is proposed. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
Determination of endocrine‐disrupting compounds in drinking waters by fast liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Magi Emanuele , Scapolla Carlo , Di Carro Marina , Liscio Camilla
Published: July 2010

Growing attention has been recently paid to safety of food and drinking water, making necessary the adoption of policies for water sources protection and the development of sensitive and rapid analytical methods to identify micropollutants. Endocrine‐disrupting compounds (EDCs) have emerged as a major issue as they alter the functioning of the endocrine system. Since ingestion of EDCs via food is considered the major exposure route, there is a growing interest in understanding EDC fate during drinking water treatment and in monitoring potential contamination of surface waters and groundwaters. In this work, a fast liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for the determination of 4‐n‐nonylphenol (NP), bisphenol A (BPA), estrone (E1), 17β‐estradiol (E2) and 17α‐ethinylestradiol (EE2) in drinking waters. In the literature analytical articles seldom provide details regarding fragmentation pathways. In this paper spectra of the five EDCs in negative ESI were interpreted with the support of accurate mass spectra acquired by a quadrupole time‐of‐flight instrument; fragmentation pathways were also proposed. The chromatographic separation of EDCs was optimized on a Pinnacle DB Biphenylic column with a water–acetonitrile gradient. Quantitative analysis was performed in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode using bisphenol A‐d16 (BPA‐d16) as internal standard; calibration curves showed good correlation coefficients (0.9989–0.9997). All figures of merit of the method were satisfactory; limits of detection were in the range 0.2–0.4 ng/ml. The method was applied to the determination of the analytes in waters sampled by polar organic chemical integrative samplers in a drinking water treatment plant. Rather low concentration of BPA, NP and E1 were measured in the inlet, while none of the considered EDCs was detected in the outlet. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Elucidation of the mass fragmentation pathways of potato glycoalkaloids and aglycons using Orbitrap mass spectrometry
Authors: Cahill Michael G. , Caprioli Giovanni , Vittori Sauro , James Kevin J.
Published: July 2010

The mass fragmentation of potato glycoalkaloids, α‐solanine and α‐chaconine, and the aglycons, demissidine and solasodine were studied using the Orbitrap Fourier transform (FT) mass spectrometer. Using the linear ion trap (LIT) mass spectrometry, multistage collisional‐induced dissociation (CID) experiments (MSn) on the [M + H]+ precursor ions were performed to aid the elucidation of the mass fragmentation pathways. In addition, higher energy collisional‐induced dissociation (HCD) mass spectra were generated for these toxins at a high resolution setting [100 000 FWHM (full width at half maximum)] using the Orbitrap. This hybrid mass spectrometry instrumentation was exploited to produce MS3 spectra by selecting MS2 product ions, generated using LIT MS, and fragmentation using HCD. The accurate mass data in the MS3 spectra aided the confirmation of proposed product ion formulae. The precursor and product ions from glycoalkaloids lost up to four sugars from different regions during MSn experiments. Mass fragmentation of the six‐ring aglycons were similar, generating major product ions that resulted from cleavages at the B‐rings and E‐rings. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a tandem time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer with an electrospray ionization ion source
Authors: Nagao Hirofumi , Shimma Shuichi , Hayakawa Shigeo , Awazu Kunio , Toyoda Michisato
Published: July 2010

A new tandem time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer with an electrospray ionization ion source ‘ESI‐TOF/quadTOF’ was designed and constructed to achieve the desired aim of structural elucidation via high‐energy collision‐induced dissociation (CID), and the simultaneous detection of all fragment ions. The instrument consists of an orthogonal acceleration‐type ESI ion source, a linear TOF mass spectrometer, a collision cell, a quadratic‐field ion mirror and a microchannel plate detector. High‐energy CID spectra of doubly protonated angiotensin II and bradykinin were obtained. Several fragment ions such as a‐, d‐, v‐ and w‐type ions, characteristic of high‐energy CID, were clearly observed in these spectra. These high‐energy CID fragment ions enabled confirmation of the complete sequence, including leucine–isoleucine determinations. It was demonstrated that high‐energy CID of multiply protonated peptides could be achieved in the ESI‐TOF/quadTOF. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validation of a disease‐specific quality‐of‐life instrument for acoustic neuroma
Authors: Shaffer Brian T. , Cohen Michael S. , Bigelow Douglas C. , Ruckenstein Michael J.
Published: July 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To design and validate the first disease‐specific quality‐of‐life instrument for acoustic neuroma, the Penn Acoustic Neuroma Quality‐of‐Life (PANQOL) scale.

Study Design:

Prospective instrument validation.

Methods:

One hundred forty‐three patients with acoustic neuromas completed the 80‐question preliminary instrument and the general Short Form‐36 Health Survey (SF‐36). A chart review documented patient information. Statistical analysis was performed for item reduction and evaluation of validity criteria.

Results:

Analysis of item‐total and item‐item score correlations eliminated 38 items from the preliminary instrument. Exploratory principal component factor analysis eliminated 16 additional items and identified a natural grouping of remaining items into seven domains, forming the final 26‐item PANQOL scale. Test‐retest reliability and internal consistency measures for the instrument were high. PANQOL domain scores correlated significantly with related SF‐36 domain scores and correlated significantly with related visual analogue scale questions given with the preliminary instrument. PANQOL face domain scores showed significant differences across the House‐Brackmann grading system scores and correlated inversely with tumor size. No domain in either the PANQOL or SF‐36 had a strong correlation with pure‐tone average or speech discrimination scores. The PANQOL scale discriminated acoustic neuroma cases from controls better than the SF‐36.

Conclusions:

We have developed the first validated disease‐specific quality of life instrument for patients with acoustic neuromas. Given the lack of a validated equivalent, this tool has the potential to become a critical outcome measure for studies evaluating treatment of patients with acoustic neuromas. Laryngoscope, 2010
Neurotrophin expression of laryngeal muscles in response to recurrent laryngeal nerve transection
Authors: Vega‐Cordova Xavier , Cosenza Nicole M. , Helfert Robert H. , Woodson Gayle E.
Published: July 2010

Objective/Hypothesis:

The recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) commonly regenerates after injury; however, functional motion is rarely recovered. Animal experiments have documented aberrant reinnervation after nerve transection, with motor axons reaching inappropriate muscles. More recently, experimental results suggest that lack of vocal fold motion after RLN injury is due to preferential reinnervation of adductor muscles, with inadequate reinnervation of the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle (PCA), the only abductor muscle of the larynx. Information on factors that could influence the receptiveness of these muscles to reinnervation could be useful in developing new therapeutic strategies. It is hypothesized that the thyroarytenoid muscle (TA) and the PCA differ in expression of neurotrophins in response to denervation.

Study Design:

Laboratory experiment.

Methods:

Rats were sacrificed at 3 days, 6 weeks, or 4 months after unilateral RLN injury measure expression of brain‐derived nerve growth factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), and neurotrophin 4 (NT‐4) in the TA and PCA muscles, using immunohistochemistry. We also assessed nerve regeneration.

Results:

NGF was significantly diminished in the denervated TA muscle at 3 days after injury and increased at 6 weeks. BDNF expression was unchanged in the TA, but was diminished in both PCA muscles at 3 days and 6 weeks, returning to near‐normal levels at 4 months after injury. Robust nerve regeneration of distal RLN was present at 4 months.

Conclusions:

Results suggest that the TA and PCA muscles respond differently to denervation. Laryngoscope, 2010
Inaccuracies of creatinine and creatinine-based equations in candidates for liver transplantation with low creatinine: Impact on the model for end-stage liver disease score
Authors: Francoz Claire , Prié Dominique , AbdelRazek Wael , Moreau Richard , Mandot Ameet , Belghiti Jacques , Valla Dominique , Durand François
Published: July 2010

Renal function has a significant impact on early mortality in patients with cirrhosis. However, creatinine and creatinine-based equations are inaccurate markers of renal function in cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to reassess correlations between creatinine-based equations and measured glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and to investigate the impact of inaccuracies on the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score. GFR was measured using iohexol clearance and calculated with creatinine-based equations in 157 patients with cirrhosis during pretransplant evaluation. We compared the accuracy of creatinine to that of true GFR in a prognostic score also including bilirubin and the international normalized ratio. In patients with creatinine below 1 mg/dL, true GFR ranged from 34-163 mL/minute/1.73 m2. Cockcroft and Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) significantly overestimated true GFR. On multivariate analysis, younger age and ascites were significantly correlated with the overestimation of true GFR by 20% or more. Body mass index was an independent risk factor of overestimation of GFR with Cockcroft but not with MDRD. The accuracy of a prognostic score combining bilirubin, international normalized ratio, and true GFR was superior to that of MELD, whether creatinine was rounded to 1 mg/dL when lower than 1 mg/dL or not (c-statistic of 0.8 versus 0.75 and 0.73, respectively). Creatinine-based formulas overestimate true GFR, especially in patients younger than 50 years or with ascites. In patients with serum creatinine below 1 mg/dL, the spectrum of true GFR is large. True GFR seems to have a better prognostic value than creatinine and creatinine-based equations. Specific equations are needed in patients with cirrhosis to improve prognostic scores. Liver Transpl 16:1169–1177, 2010. © 2010 AASLD.
Synthesis of a New Hyperbranched Polyaminoester and Its Use as a Reactive Modifier in Anionic Curing of DGEBA Thermosets
Authors: Morell Mireia , Fernández‐Francos Xavier , Ramis Xavier , Serra Angels
Published: July 2010

The synthesis and characterization of a new hyperbranched PAE with a flexible structure and terminal hydroxyl groups is reported. The influence of PAE in the anionic curing of DGEBA with 1‐methylimidazole was studied. The curing reaction was investigated by DSC and FT‐IR. The covalent incorporation of the modifier in the matrix was proven. The addition of PAE to the formulation reduced the contraction on curing. The modified materials were more thermally degradable than neat DGEBA thermosets, which is advantageous from the point of view of their reworkability. Their Tgs were reduced by the flexibility introduced by the aliphatic structure of PAE. SEM microscopy on the fractured surface of cured samples revealed a homogeneous morphology and a possible effect of PAE as a toughness enhancer.

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The First Example of Main‐Chain Cyclic Azobenzene Polymers
Authors: Xu Xu , Zhou Nianchen , Zhu Jian , Tu Yingfeng , Zhang Zhengbiao , Cheng Zhenping , Zhu Xiulin
Published: July 2010

A novel main‐chain azobenzene cyclic polymer, cyclic‐PEHPA, has been successfully synthesized by ‘click’ cyclization of the α‐alkyne‐ω‐azido hetero‐difunctional linear precursors (linear‐PEHPA), which is synthesized by a step‐growth polymerization of the 3′‐ethynylphenyl[4‐hexyl‐(2‐azido‐2‐methyl‐ propionate) phenyl] azobenzene (EHPA). Gel permeation chromatography, and 1H NMR and FT‐IR spectra confirmed the complete transformation of linear‐PEHPA into cyclic‐PEHPA. With the same molecular weights, the cyclic‐PEHPAs are found to have higher glass transition temperatures than the linear‐PEHPAs, but almost the same decomposition temperatures. In addition, the obtained cyclic azobenzene polymer with lower molar mass shows a slightly better trans–cis–trans photoisomerization ability than the corresponding linear‐PEHPA.

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Are We Getting Any Better? Comparing Project Management in the Years 2000 and 2008
Authors: Andersen Erling S.
Published: July 2010

This paper presents a study on the progress of project management. Descriptions of projects from 2000 and 2008 are studied. The study concludes that the field of project management is moving ahead. Project team members are more knowledgeable about project work, project objectives are more clearly expressed, project organization is more appropriate, most work processes are improved, and team members experience project work as rewarding and are more motivated for future projects. However, the project results are not fully satisfactory. It is shown that stakeholders’ satisfaction could be improved by better decision processes, better management and leadership, and closer cooperation with the stakeholders.
Accurate gap levels and their role in the reliability of other calculated defect properties
Authors: Deák Peter , Gali Adam , Aradi Bálint , Frauenheim Thomas
Published: July 2010

The functionality of semiconductors and insulators depends mainly on defects which modify the electronic, optical, and magnetic spectra through their gap levels. Accurate calculation of the latter is not only important for the experimental identification of the defect, but influences also the accuracy of other calculated defect properties, and is the most difficult challenge for defect theory. The electron self‐interaction error in the standard implementations of ab initio density functional theory causes a severe underestimation of the band gap, leading to a corresponding uncertainty in the defect level positions in it. This is a widely known problem which is usually dealt with by a posteriori corrections. A wide range of corrections schemes are used, ranging from ad hoc scaling or shifting, through procedures of limited validity (like the scissor operator or various alignment schemes), to more rigorous quasiparticle corrections based on many‐body perturbation theory. We will demonstrate in this paper that consequences of the gap error must to be taken into account in the total energy, and simply correcting the band energy with the gap level shifts is of limited applicability. Therefore, the self‐consistent determination of the total energy, free of the gap‐error, is preferred. We will show that semi‐empirical screened hybrid functionals can successfully be used for this purpose.
Preparation of novel apigenin‐enriched, liposomal and non‐liposomal, antiinflammatory topical formulations as substitutes for corticosteroid therapy
Authors: Arsić Ivana , Tadić Vanja , Vlaović Djordje , Homšek Irena , Vesić Sonja , Isailović Gorana , Vuleta Gordana
Published: July 2010

Two oil‐in‐water formulations, containing equal amounts of apigenin‐enriched chamomile flower extracts, for potential use as topical antiinflammatory agents, were prepared and their physicochemical properties evaluated. A pilot clinical study was then carried out to assess patient acceptability and efficacy. The creams were either non‐liposomal or liposomal. The liposomal formulations were more viscous, thus producing superior release characteristics in vitro. The clinical study also showed that the liposomal creams were, as antiinflammatory agents, slightly more effective in vivo than the non‐liposomal formulations. These results suggest that there is scope for the further development of even more effective and safer alternatives to corticosteroids. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of pu‐erh tea on body fat and lipid profiles in rats with diet‐induced obesity
Authors: Cao Zhen‐Hui , Gu Da‐Hai , Lin Qiu‐Ye , Xu Zhi‐Qiang , Huang Qi‐Chao , Rao Hua , Liu Er‐Wei , Jia Jun‐Jing , Ge Chang‐Rong
Published: July 2010

The antiobesity and antihyperlipidaemic effects of pu‐erh tea in rats with high fat diet (HFD)‐induced obesity were investigated. Male Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups and fed varying diets for an 8‐week period: control diet, HFD, and HFD supplemented with low, moderate or high doses of pu‐erh tea extract (0.5 g, 2 g and 4 g/kg BW/day, respectively). Pu‐erh tea significantly reduced the total body weight and the weight of various adipose pads. Pu‐erh tea administration also significantly lowered plasma total cholesterol, triglyceride concentrations and low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol levels in rats with HFD‐induced obesity, but did not affect high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol levels. Moreover, pu‐erh tea significantly increased lipoprotein lipase, hepatic lipase and hormone‐sensitive lipase activities in epididymal fat tissue in rats with HFD‐induced obesity. Analysis of real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction results indicated that pu‐erh tea significantly enhanced mRNA levels of hormone‐sensitive lipase in rats with HFD‐induced obesity. These results suggest that pu‐erh tea attenuated visceral fat accumulation and improved hyperlipidemia in a rat model of HFD‐induced obesity. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A participatory modelling approach to support integrated sustainability assessment processes
Authors: Videira Nuno , Antunes Paula , Santos Rui , Lopes Rita
Published: July 2010

Several authors have described the usefulness of participatory system dynamics approaches in environmental decision‐making processes, particularly in supporting problem scoping and policy analysis. This paper explores how these approaches may be expanded to provide a coherent, deliberative platform, which structures Integrated Sustainability Assessments (ISA) of policy proposals. The proposed ISA framework forms a five‐stage feedback and learning process including scoping, visioning, model building, simulation/assessment and monitoring. We discuss these elements considering a set of best practice principles for participation in environmental assessment and decision making. Subsequently, we lay out a roadmap for implementing and testing the framework. We conclude that participatory modelling has a strong potential for supporting ISA processes. It allows stakeholders to build alternative policies, to reflect on their long‐term dynamics, and to gain insights on the interrelationships underlying persistent sustainability problems. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Applying system dynamics to foster organizational change, accountability and performance in the public sector: A case‐based Italian perspective
Authors: Bianchi Carmine , Bivona Enzo , Cognata Antonio , Ferrara Pietro , Landi Tiziana , Ricci Paolo
Published: July 2010

The goal of this paper is to discuss the role System Dynamics (SD) can play to enhance performance improvement in the public sector. It is remarked how SD can help decision makers to properly perceive the boundaries of the relevant system underlying observed phenomena. To this end, three real cases are analysed to show how SD can facilitate a better understanding of the relationships between the political and the organisational system in the public sector, and how to promptly attain efficiency and improve outcome, given the constraints that the institutional and political systems constitute. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adult Stem Cells Exhibit Global Suppression of RNA Polymerase II Serine-2 Phosphorylation
Authors: Freter Rasmus , Osawa Masatake , Nishikawa Shin-Ichi
Published: July 2010

Adult stem cells, which are characterized by their capacity for self-renewal and differentiation, participate in tissue homeostasis and response to injury. They are thought to enter a state of relative quiescence, known as reversible cell cycle arrest, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly characterized. Previous data from our laboratory has shown that housekeeping gene expression is downregulated in melanocyte stem cells (MelSCs), suggesting a global suppression of mRNA transcription. We now show, using antibodies against specific phosphorylated forms of RNA polymerase II (RNApII), that adult MelSCs do not undergo productive mRNA transcription elongation, while RNApII is activated and initialized, ready to synthesize mRNA upon stimulation, and that the RNApII kinase CDK9 is absent in adult MelSCs. Interestingly, other adult stem cells also, including keratinocyte, muscle, spermatogonia, and hematopoietic stem cells, showed a similar absence of RNApII phosphorylation. Although it is difficult to show the functional significance of this observation in vivo, CDK9 inhibition resulted in enhanced survival of cells that are deprived from survival factors. We conclude that the absence of productive mRNA transcription is an early, specific, and conserved characteristic of adult stem cells. Downregulation of mRNA transcription may lead to decreased rates of metabolism, and protection from cellular and genetic damage. Screening heterogeneous tissues, including tumors, for transcriptionally quiescent cells may result in the identification of cells with stem cell-like phenotypes.
Wind Energy literature survey no. 17
Authors: Henriksen L. C.
Published: July 2010

As a service to readers, Wind Energy regularly conducts literature surveys and publishes lists of relevant articles drawn from recent issues of a large number of periodicals including: Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, International Journal of Energy Research, Renewable Energy, Energy Sources, Journal of Solar Energy Engineering, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Journal, Electric Power Components and Systems along with a number of periodicals published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers etc. The list is limited exclusively to journals not specifically devoted to wind energy and its applications. To assist the reader, the list is separated into broad categories. Although many papers fit several categories, each paper is listed only once under the category thought most appropriate. Please note that the inclusion in the list is not an endorsement of a paper's quality. Compiled by Lars Christian Henriksen, Wind Energy Department, Risø National Laboratory for Sustainable Energy, Technical University of Denmark, PO 49, DK‐4000 Roskilde, Denmark. Please e‐mail any suggestions to larh@risoe.dtu.dk.
Effect of wall oscillation on dispersion in axi‐symmetric flows between two coaxial cylinders
Authors: Paul S.
Published: July 2010

Longitudinal dispersion of solute released in an unsteady flow between two coaxial cylinders is studied by employing the method of moments. The flow unsteadiness is caused by the oscillation of the outer cylinder in its own plane around the inner. A finite difference implicit scheme is adopted to solve the Aris integral moment equations arising from the unsteady convective‐diffusion equation for all time period. The behaviour of dispersion coefficient due to periodic flow with the variation of radius ratio, absorption parameter and frequency parameter has been examined. Assuming that the distribution of concentration is initially uniform over the cross‐section of the annulus, it is shown that, like the case of oscillatory flow caused by periodic pressure gradient, dispersion coefficient can be diminished by increasing absorption at the boundary. The radius ratio of the annular tube is found to have variable effect on the dispersion coefficient depending on the position (inner or outer) of the oscillatory tube. The axial distributions of mean concentration are approximated using Hermite polynomial representation from the first four central moments for a range of different radius ratios, absorption parameters, and frequencies of the wall oscillation. It has been found that the peak of the concentration distribution increases with increase in frequency parameter and radius ratio but opposite trend follows for the absorption parameter.