bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PAH biodegradation in surfactant‐water systems based on the theory of cohesive energy density (CED)
Authors: Chang Yi‐Tang , Lee Jiunn‐Fwu , Hung Chun‐Hsiung
Published: April 2007

The influence of two non‐ionic surfactant additives (Triton X‐100 and Brij 35) on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) biodegradation was evaluated using the chemical molecular interaction method, which is based on the theory of cohesive energy density (CED). The results indicated that PAHs have relatively higher CED values because aromatic compounds with labile π are more polarized and this encourages molecular attractions involving induced dipole force. Under different PAH‐surfactant compositions, similar CED values, which facilitated their intermolecular attractions through π–π electron interactions, gave rise to a similar biodegradation pattern. For example, when induced enzymes were able to target the same molecular bonding on the PAH and Triton X‐100, rapid degradation rates were observed in both systems. The distribution of the PAH in the monomer or micelle surfactant bulk affected the rate of PAH biodegradation. Quantification of the bacterial activity by applying specific oxygen uptake requirements (SOUR) identified an effect involving chemical molecular interaction. Changes in the physiological characteristics as measured by BioLog GN microplate measurements were identifiable and also could be related to the chemical structure of the dual substrates. Community‐level physiological profiling (CLPP) changed when PAH biodegradation took place in the presence of the different surfactants. Cluster analysis using matching coefficient and carbon degradation potential values also varied with the different PAH‐surfactant compositions. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Sequential optimization of culture medium composition for extracellular lipase production byBacillus sphaericususing statistical methods
Authors: Rajendran Aravindan , Thangavelu Viruthagiri
Published: April 2007

Asequential optimization strategy with the aid of statistical design of experiments was used to enhance the lipase (triacylglycerol acylhydrolases, EC 3.1.1.3) production byBacillus sphaericusin submerged cultivation. A Plackett–Burman experimental design was used to evaluate the twelve medium components. Various vegetable oil inducers were tested for lipase production in the second step and the third step was to identify the optimal values of the significant medium components with sesame oil as the inducer using response surface methodology. A predictive model of the combined effects of the independent variables using response surface methodology and an artificial neural network was proposed. Unstructured kinetic models, a logistic model and a Luedeking–Piret model, were used to describe the cell mass and lipase production respectively. The significant variables affecting lipase production were found to be glucose, olive oil, peptone, NaCl and MnSO4.H2O. Sesame oil was found to be the best inducer for lipase production byBacillus sphaericus. The maximum lipase activity of 4.45 U mL−1, which was 1.5 times the maximum activity obtained in the Plackett–Burman experimental trials, was obtained at the optimum combination of medium constituents containing 12.695 g L−1glucose, 13.161 mL L−1sesame oil, 9.947 g L−1peptone, 3.25 g L−1NaCl, 0.5917 g L−1MnSO4.H2O and other insignificant components at the fixed level. The statistical design of experiments offers an efficient methodology to identify the significant variables and to optimize the factors with a minimum number of experiments for lipase production byBacillus sphaericus. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Microbial metagenomes: moving forward industrial biotechnology
Authors: Ferrer Manuel , Beloqui Ana , Golyshin Peter N
Published: April 2007

Biotechnology, in terms of exploitation of catalytic activities for industrial applications, is increasingly recognized as one of the pillars of the knowledge‐based economy that we are heading for. Comprehensive knowledge of enzymology should be of practical importance for effective intervention on whole cell processes and enzymatic networks. Over the last decade metagenome‐based technologies have been developed to take us farther and deeper into the enzyme universe from uncultivable microbes. This sophisticated platform, which identifies new enzymes from vast genetic pools available, and assesses their potential for novel chemical applications, should be increasingly important in the discovery of advanced biotechnological resources. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Scientific collaboration and the Kerala model: does the internet make a difference?
Authors: Sooryamoorthy Radhamany , Duque Ricardo B. , Ynalvez Marcus Antonius , Shrum Wesley
Published: April 2007

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have become the panacea for development for many developing countries in the modern, knowledge‐based world. Kerala, a state in India known for its model of development, has not only joined this bandwagon but has also selected ICTs as a means to pull the state out of its present crisis. The paper examines the institutions of knowledge production in Kerala (academic and scientific sectors), which are generally the forerunner of other sectors in terms of their use of ICTs. We examine the extent to which ICTs have affected research communication and collaboration, the processes, which are crucial in developing a knowledge‐based economy. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mosaic versus regulation development in avian blastoderms depends on the spatial distribution of Rauber's sickle material
Authors: Callebaut Marc , Van Nueten Emmy , Harrisson, Fernand , Bortier Hilde
Published: April 2007

We describe how to prepare unincubated avian eggs to obtain a greater number of clearly visible Rauber's sickles for experimental embryology. After hemi‐sectioning of unincubated chicken (Gallus domesticus) blastoderms and cultivating both halves in vitro, two kinds of development can be discerned: (1) when the unincubated blastoderms were hemi‐sectioned according to the plane of bilateral symmetry, going through the middle region of Rauber's sickle, we obtained two hemi‐embryos (a left and a right one). Each contained a half primitive streak, localized at the cut edge (starting from the most median part of Rauber's sickle) giving rise to a half mesoblast mantle and half area vasculosa, thus indicating mosaic development (each part of the whole fertilized egg would be able to form independently on its own). (2) When the unincubated blastoderm is hemi‐sectioned more obliquely, going through a more lateral part of Rauber's sickle (sickle horn), two complete bilaterally symmetrically miniature embryos will form, indicating the so‐called regulation phenomena. We demonstrate that these two types of development are in reality due to the different spreading and concentration of Rauber's sickle tissue (containing γ ooplasm) around the area centralis. Embryonic regulation thus must not be considered as a kind of totipotent regeneration capacity of isolated parts of the unincubated avian blastoderm, but depends on the spatial distribution of a kind of extraembryonic tissue (Rauber's sickle) built up by the oblique uptake of γ ooplasm (ooplasmic mosaicism) at the moment of bilateral symmetrization (Callebaut [1994] Eur Arch Biol 105:111–123; Callebaut [2005] Dev Dyn 233:1194–1216). J. Morphol., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The tachykinin tale: molecular recognition in a historical perspective
Authors: Werge Thomas
Published: April 2007

Crystallography, mutational mapping and crosslinking are but a few of the experimental techniques that have helped to elucidate the underlying principles of molecular recognition between macromolecules and to improve our understanding of the evolution of the structure–activity relationship (SAR). While this development has been particularly successful for small and rigid ligands and substrates that bind to larger hydrophilic biomolecules, our understanding of membrane‐embedded proteins is still rather limited. This review uses the example of the neuropeptide family of tachykinins and their G‐protein coupled receptors (GPCR) to present how complementary experimental strategies over the past decades have nourished and modified conceptual models of the structural requisites of molecular recognition and function. Given the little we know, the pertinent question is how we proceed from here. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The application of small porous particles, high temperatures, and high pressures to generate very high resolution LC and LC/MS separations
Authors: Plumb Robert , Mazzeo Jeff R. , Grumbach Eric S. , Rainville Paul , Jones Michael , Wheat Tom , Neue Uwe D. , Smith Brian , Johnson Kelly A.
Published: April 2007

The effect of combining sub‐2 μm porous particles with elevated operating temperatures on chromatographic performance has been investigated in terms of chromatographic efficiency, productivity, peak elution order, and observed operating pressure. The use of elevated temperature in LC does not increase the obtainable performance but allows the same performance to be obtained in less time. Increasing the column temperature did allow the use of longer columns, generating column efficiencies in excess of 100 000 plates and gradient peak capacities approaching 1000. Raising the temperature increased the optimal mobile phase linear velocity, negating somewhat the pressure benefits observed by reducing the solvent viscosity. When operating at higher temperature the analyte retention is not only reduced, but the order of elution will also often change. High temperature separations allowed exotic organic modifiers such as isopropanol to be exploited for alternative selectivity and faster analysis. Finally, care must be taken when using high temperature separations to ensure that the narrow peak widths produced do not compromise the quality of data obtained from detectors such as high resolution mass spectrometers.
Asymptotic Expansions of Ellipsoidal Wave Functions and their Characteristic Numbers
Authors: W. Müller Harald J.
Published: April 2007

It is shown that a simple pair of asymptotic expansions exists for solutions of the ellipsoidal wave equation. An asymptotic expansion for the characteristic numbers is also obtained.
On the Distribution of the Ratio of the Measures of Divergence Between two Multivariate Populations
Authors: Consul Prem Chandra
Published: April 2007

In this paper we define a new statistic W as a logarithm of the ratio of measures of divergence (as defined by MAHALANOBIS or as defined by BHATTACHARYYA) between two multivariate populations and then we obtain the exact distribution of W by using Characteristic functions, Inversion Theorem and some other results of Operational Calculus. Some of the properties of W‐distribution have also been studied with the help of moments.
On Asymptotic Expansions of Ellipsoidal Wave Functions
Authors: Müller Harald J. W.
Published: April 2007

In two previous papers it was shown that three pairs of asymptotic expansions exist for the solutions of the ellipsoidal wave equation: One pair in terms of Jacobian elliptic functions and two pairs in terms of Hermite functions. In the present investigation we show that the expansions can be joined in regions of common validity. We then identify these solutions with known functions, and finally derive asymptotic expansions for their normalization constants.
Asymptotische Eigenschaften von Lösungen homogener linearer Differentialgleichungen n‐ter Ordnung
Authors: Hustý Zdenêk
Published: April 2007

In dieser Arbeit werden asymptotische Eigenschaften der Lösungen homogener linearer Differentialgleichung n‐ter Ordnung untersucht. Den Ausgangspunkt bilden die bekannten asymptotischen Formeln für Lösungen binomischer Differentialgleichungen zweiter Ordnung. Diese Formeln werden für Lösungen einer Differentialgleichung n‐ter Ordnung verallgemeinert.
Green function of discontinuous boundary‐value problem with transmission conditions
Authors: Akdoğan Z. , Demirci M. , Mukhtarov O. Sh.
Published: April 2007

In this paper, we deal with Sturm–Liouville‐type problems when the potential of the differential equation may have discontinuity at one inner point and the eigenparameter appears not only in the differential equation, but also in both boundary and transmission conditions. By modifying some techniques of (Two‐point boundary value problems with eigenvalue parameter contained in the boundary conditions. Proc. R. Soc. Edin. 1977; 77A:293–308; Eigenfunction Expenses Associated with Second‐Order Differential Equations I (2nd edn). Oxford University Press: London, 1962) we generalize some results of the classic regular Sturm–Liouville problems. In particular, we construct Green's function, and derive asymptotic approximation formulae for Green's function. Further, we introduce a new operator‐theoretic formulation in suitable Hilbert space such a way that the considered problem can be interpreted as the eigenvalue problem of this operator and constract the resolvent of this operator in terms of Green's function. Finally, we estimate the norm of resolvent of this operator. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rheumatology nurses' work‐related empowerment
Authors: Juhola Heidi , Kukkurainen Marja Leena , Suominen Tarja
Published: April 2007

Objective: The purpose of the study was to investigate rheumatology nurse specialists' work related empowerment.

Method: Nine nurses undertaking graduate studies were asked to write an essay on ‘What work related skills does the rheumatology nurse need to master?’ In addition, one interview was conducted. The material was analysed using the method of inductive content analysis.

Results: The following key areas of work related empowerment were identified as important: knowledge about rheumatic diseases; treatments and follow up monitoring care; knowledge about patient education and counselling; collaboration and the ability to co operate; mastery of manual skills and development of the quality of nursing care for patients with rheumatic disease.

Conclusion: The study contributes to a better understanding of work related empowerment among rheumatology nurses. The results of the study can be used to develop the role components of healthcare professionals who attend patients with rheumatic disease. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lateral capacity exchange and its impact on capacity investment decisions
Authors: Chakravarty Amiya K. , Zhang Jun
Published: April 2007

We study the problem of capacity exchange between two firms in anticipation of the mismatch between demand and capacity, and its impact on firm's capacity investment decisions. For given capacity investment levels of the two firms, we demonstrate how capacity price may be determined and how much capacity should be exchanged when either manufacturer acts as a Stackelberg leader in the capacity exchange game. By benchmarking against the centralized system, we show that a side payment may be used to coordinate the capacity exchange decisions. We then study the firms' capacity investment decisions using a biform game framework in which capacity investment decisions are made individually and exchange decisions are made as in a centralized system. We demonstrate the existence and uniqueness of the Nash equilibrium capacity investment levels and study the impact of firms' share of the capacity exchange surplus on their capacity investment levels.© 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2007
Development of novel conducting composites of linseed‐oil‐based poly(urethane amide) with nanostructured poly(1‐naphthylamine)
Authors: Ashraf Syed Marghoob , Ahmad Sharif , Riaz Uffana
Published: April 2007

Novel conducting polymer composites of linseed‐oil‐based poly(urethane amide) (LPUA) were synthesized using nanostructured poly(1‐naphthylamine) (PNA). The combination of the electrically conducting PNA with LPUA was accomplished through different weight percent loadings (0.5–2.5 wt%) of the conducting polymer. The particle size of the nanocomposite was determined using transmission electron microscopy and was found to be in the range 17–27 nm. Intermolecular hydrogen bonding between the two polymers and formation of urea linkages were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The electrical conductivity of the nanostructured conducting composites at 2.5 wt% loading was found to be comparable to that reported for polyaniline (PANI)/polyurethane at 30 wt% loading of PANI. This shows the superior properties of PNA and its potential for application in anti‐static as well as corrosion‐protective coatings. The present method of formulation of composites using an oil‐based polymer matrix is useful and economically feasible in the sense that a great variety of oil‐based polymer matrices can be used to form composites that are ecologically safe and exhibit properties similar to commercial polymers. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Micellar structures of block‐copolymers with ordered cores in dilute solution as studied by polarized and depolarized light scattering
Authors: Lin Shaoliang , Lin Jiaping , Nose Takuhei , Iyoda Tomokazu
Published: April 2007

The hierarchical self‐assembly behaviors of a series of amphiphilic liquid crystalline block copolymers (pEGmAzn), consisting of poly(ethylene glycol) (pEG) block and liquid crystalline polymer block (pAz) of poly{11‐[4‐(4‐butylphenylazo) phenoxy]‐undecyl methacrylate} containing an azobenzenzene mesogen, in the selective solvent diethyleneglycol, which is good for pEG block, were studied by polarized and depolarized light scattering. It was found that these copolymers can form micellar particles with internal ordered structures of optical anisotropy. Depending on the relative lengths of the blocks, the obtained micellar structures show optical anisotropies with different geometrical anisotropies. The higher composition of pAz‐core blocks leads to the larger aggregate. The lower‐molecular‐weight copolymers tend to form the long and thin strings, which show rather the larger size with larger aggregation number. Even at the similar composition of pAz‐core block, copolymers with different chain lengths can form the core of the different aggregating structures with the different molecular orientations. It was also found that the addition of a small amount of the surfactant, C12E25, makes the string‐like aggregate shorter. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 1333–1343, 2007
Landscape scale determinants of periglacial features in subarctic Finland: a grid‐based modelling approach
Authors: Hjort Jan , Luoto Miska , Seppälä Matti
Published: April 2007

Identification of the environmental drivers of geomorphological processes in cold regions is a central topic in periglacial research. The objective of this study was to develop and test a methodology to: (1) predict the occurrence of palsas, earth hummocks, sorted solifluction sheets and periglacial deflation sites in a subarctic landscape and (2) determine the most important environmental factors affecting the distribution of these features at the landscape scale. The study was performed using an empirically‐derived data‐set of landforms from an area of 600 km2 in northern Finland at a 25 ha resolution (n = 2272). Logistic regression and hierarchical partitioning were used to analyse the data and the predictive performance of the models was evaluated using area under the curve (AUC) measures. The explanatory variables highlighted as important predictors of the occurrence of periglacial features coincided well with the hypothesised determinants. Predictions for palsa, earth hummock and sorted solifluction sheet models were excellent (AUC = 0.92–0.95) and the deflation site model was good (AUC = 0.81). The results encourage further application of the grid‐based modelling approach, for example in predicting feature occurrences in other periglacial regions, studying scale dependency of process‐environment interactions and determining the effect of climate change on the distribution of frost‐related processes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In Vitro antifungal activity of extract and plumbagin from the stem bark of Diospyros crassiflora Hiern (Ebenaceae)
Authors: Dzoyem J. P. , Tangmouo J. G. , Lontsi D. , Etoa F. X. , Lohoue P. J.
Published: April 2007

In this study the methanol/dichloromethane (1:1) extract and plumbagin isolated from extract of stem barks of Diospyros crassiflora were tested for their antifungal activity against 12 strains of yeast pathogens and filamentous fungi: Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, Candida tropicalis, Cryptococcus neoformans, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Alternaria sp., Cladosporium sp., Geotrichum candidum, Fusarium sp. and Penicillium sp. The growth of all fungi strains tested was inhibited by the extract and plumbagin. The diameter of inhibition zones varied from 12 to 18 mm and from 21 to 35 mm for the extract and plumbagin, respectively. The MIC values ranged from 12.5 to 25 mg/mL for the extract and 0.78–3.12 µg/mL for plumbagin. It is therefore suggested that extracts from the stem bark of Diospyros crassiflora could be used traditionally in the treatment of fungal infections. Compared with ketoconazole used as a standard antifungal, plumbagin could be considered as a promising antifungal agent. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of the aqueous extract of Syzygium cumini on carbon tetrachloride‐induced hepatotoxicity in rats
Authors: Moresco Rafael Noal , Sperotto Rita Leal , Bernardi Anie Schiavo , Cardoso Ricardo França , Gomes Patrícia
Published: April 2007

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the aqueous Syzygium cumini leaf extract, given either as a single dose or by 7 days of pretreatment, on hepatotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats. Blood samples obtained after treatments were measured for aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). A significant increase in the AST and ALT activities occurred after carbon tetrachloride administration alone, which was significantly lowered by preadministration with the aqueous extract of Syzygium cumini, but not by a single dose. This suggests that the extract may be useful for liver protection but needs to be given over a significant period and prior to liver injury. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gedunin, a limonoid from Xylocarpus granatum, inhibits the growth of CaCo‐2 colon cancer cell line In Vitro
Authors: Uddin Shaikh J. , Nahar Lutfun , Shilpi Jamil A. , Shoeb Mohammad , Borkowski Tomasz , Gibbons Simon , Middleton Moira , Byres Maureen , Sarker Satyajit D.
Published: April 2007

Xylocarpus granatum J. König (Meliaceae), commonly known as ‘dhundul’, is a Bangladeshi mangrove tree, and well distributed in a number of other countries of south‐east Asia, Australia and east Africa. Traditionally, X. granatum has been used as an astringent and febrifuge, and also for the treatment of fever, malaria, thrush, cholera, dysentery and diarrhoea in many countries including Bangladesh. Two limonoids, gedunin and 1α‐hydroxy‐1,2‐dihydrogedunin, the latter being new, have been isolated from the bark of Xylocarpus granatum by reversed‐phase preparative HPLC, and the structures were confirmed by spectroscopic means. The cytotoxic potential of gedunin has been evaluated by the Promega's CellTiter 96 non‐radioactive cell proliferation assay using the CaCo‐2 colon cancer cell line (IC50 = 16.83 µm). A summary of the biological activities of gedunin reported to date is also presented. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The ‘successful failure’ of the sustainable development agreement between the Netherlands and Bhutan
Authors: Rinzin Chhewang , ten Velthuis Debberah N. , Vermeulen Walter J. V.
Published: April 2007

This article discusses the practice of implementing the Sustainability Treaty signed by Bhutan and the Netherlands in 1994. This unique treaty represents a new relationship between developed and developing countries, based upon the principles of reciprocity and equality. The operational aspects of this treaty and the impacts are addressed and analysed in this article. The analysis pays close attention to the implementation process in Bhutan and the Netherlands. The analysis includes a review of the policy documents, interviews and case studies of four projects. The core idea of the agreement was to deviate from the traditional form of cooperation by building a two‐way path, promoting equity, reciprocity and participation through dialogue, but it never succeeded in achieving its goal due to differences in political ideology and socio‐economic status and lack of shared vision. Yet, the analysis shows that the implementation has been a ‘successful failure’. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Communicative planning – friend or foe? Obstacles and opportunities for implementing sustainable development locally
Authors: Mannberg Mariann , Wihlborg Elin
Published: April 2007

There is a growing understanding of the potential of spatial planning to constitute a co‐ordinating arena for sustainable development, and planning processes are expected to merge all dimensions of sustainability. Since the concrete manifestation of spatial planning takes place at a micro level, it all boils down to the need for bringing together stakeholders at municipal level in a well functioning planning processes. Alongside this viewpoint, there is also an increasing awareness of the need for a decentralization of such processes, bringing them closer to the grassroots. Communicative planning is a planning ideal and a theoretical stream that has developed from this new ‘paradigm’. It is based on citizen participation as a win–win situation, where the planning process builds a social sustainability, in turn enhancing the likelihood of the process to be successful. However, global and national visions of sustainability and local implementation are in many ways separate from one another. Bringing it further, to the individual level, the gaps are even wider. These gaps make the daily job for the planner increasingly complex and difficult. This article aims to contribute to understanding the characters of these gaps by describing them as four threats. The discussion is purely theoretical and based on the eight proposals of Goodin and Dryzek (2006) on possible pathways from micro‐level deliberation towards the macro political system. However, the seed of the discussion is based on the authors' joint experiences from a number of evaluations of planning processes carried out in a Swedish context. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Individualized treatment rules: Generating candidate clinical trials
Authors: Petersen Maya L. , Deeks Steven G. , van der Laan Mark J.
Published: April 2007

Individualized treatment rules, or rules for altering treatments over time in response to changes in individual covariates, are of primary importance in the practice of clinical medicine. Several statistical methods aim to estimate the rule, termed an optimal dynamic treatment regime, which will result in the best expected outcome in a population. In this article, we discuss estimation of an alternative type of dynamic regime—the statically optimal treatment rule. History‐adjusted marginal structural models (HA‐MSM) estimate individualized treatment rules that assign, at each time point, the first action of the future static treatment plan that optimizes expected outcome given a patient's covariates. However, as we discuss here, HA‐MSM‐derived rules can depend on the way in which treatment was assigned in the data from which the rules were derived. We discuss the conditions sufficient for treatment rules identified by HA‐MSM to be statically optimal, or in other words, to select the optimal future static treatment plan at each time point, regardless of the way in which past treatment was assigned. The resulting treatment rules form appropriate candidates for evaluation using randomized controlled trials. We demonstrate that a history‐adjusted individualized treatment rule is statically optimal if it depends on a set of covariates that are sufficient to control for confounding of the effect of past treatment history on outcome. Methods and results are illustrated using an example drawn from the antiretroviral treatment of patients infected with HIV. Specifically, we focus on rules for deciding when to modify the treatment of patients infected with resistant virus. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Percutaneous ultrasound‐guided sclerotherapy for complicated fetal intralobar bronchopulmonary sequestration
Authors: Bermúdez C. , Pérez‐Wulff J. , Bufalino G. , Sosa C. , Gómez L. , Quintero R. A.
Published: April 2007

Bronchopulmonary sequestration (BPS), which can be intralobar or extralobar, is a rare developmental anomaly of the lung characterized by nonfunctional pulmonary tissue without communication with the tracheobronchial tree and with an aberrant systemic arterial blood supply. The intralobar type is typically within the pleural cavity with an arterial feeding vessel generally arising from the thoracic aorta and with venous drainage into the left atrium. The prognosis is poor in cases diagnosed before 26 weeks' gestation and when there is mediastinal shift, polyhydramnios and fetal hydrops. The ideal prenatal management option remains undefined. We present a series of three complicated cases of intralobar BPS treated prenatally with percutaneous ultrasound‐guided fetal sclerotherapy (FST). The feeding vessel was successfully accessed percutaneously under ultrasound guidance in all cases. FST with polidocanol resulted in complete obliteration of the blood flow to the mass. Abnormal Doppler findings, ascites, hydrops and polyhydramnios resolved and all patients were delivered at term. Antenatal treatment of patients with complicated BPS can be successfully achieved with FST, which is a simple and inexpensive technique. Comparison of risks and benefits of this approach with other techniques is warranted. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transvaginal sonographic measurement of cervical length vs. Bishop score in labor induction at term: tolerability and prediction of Cesarean delivery
Authors: Tan P. C. , Vallikkannu N. , Suguna S. , Quek K. F. , Hassan J.
Published: April 2007

Objectives

To compare transvaginal sonography for cervical length measurement and digital examination for Bishop score assessment in women undergoing labor induction at term, to assess their tolerability (in terms of pain) and ability to predict need for Cesarean delivery.

Methods

A prospective study was performed on 249 women admitted for labor induction. Cervical length was measured using transvaginal ultrasound examination. A 10‐point visual analog scale (VAS) for procedure‐related pain was obtained. Bishop score was determined just before labor induction and another pain score was obtained. Delivery outcome was recorded. Analyses were by t‐test, Fisher's exact test, receiver–operating characteristics (ROC) curves and multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Transvaginal sonography was significantly less painful than digital examination for Bishop score assessment (mean difference in VAS score 3.46; P < 0.001). Analyses of the ROC curves for cervical length and Bishop score indicated that both were predictors of Cesarean delivery (area under the curve 0.611 vs. 0.607; P = 0.012 vs. P = 0.015, respectively) with optimal cut‐offs for predicting Cesarean delivery of > 20 mm for cervical length and Bishop score ⩽ 5. Cervical length had superior sensitivity (80% vs. 64%) and marginally better positive (30% vs. 27%) and negative (89% vs. 83%) predictive values. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that only nulliparity (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 4.1; 95% CI, 2.1–8.1; P < 0.001) and transvaginal sonographic cervical length > 20 mm (AOR 3.4; 95% CI, 1.4–8.1; P = 0.006) were independent predictors of Cesarean delivery.

Conclusions

Transvaginal sonography for cervical length measurement is better tolerated than digital examination for Bishop score assessment. Both cervical length and Bishop score are useful predictors of the need for Cesarean delivery following labor induction. A cervical length > 20 mm at labor induction at term is an independent predictor of Cesarean delivery. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Imaging in gynecological disease (1): ultrasound features of metastases in the ovaries differ depending on the origin of the primary tumor
Authors: Testa A. C. , Ferrandina G. , Timmerman D. , Savelli L. , Ludovisi M. , Van Holsbeke C. , Malaggese M. , Scambia G. , Valentin L.
Published: April 2007

Objective

To describe the gray‐scale and color Doppler ultrasound findings of metastatic tumors in the ovary according to the origin of the primary tumor.

Methods

Information was retrieved retrospectively from 67 patients who had undergone preoperative transvaginal gray‐scale and color Doppler ultrasound examination and who were found subsequently to have metastatic tumors in their ovaries. In all women the ultrasound information had been collected prospectively using a standardized examination technique and predefined definitions of ultrasound characteristics. Stored ultrasound images were used only to describe retrospectively the external surface of the metastatic tumors. Information on presenting symptoms and on whether the patient had been treated for a malignancy in the past was retrieved retrospectively from patient records.

Results

Most (95%) ovarian metastases were solid, multilocular‐solid or multilocular. Almost all (38/41, 93%) metastases that derived from the stomach, breast, lymphoma or uterus were solid, while most (16/22, 73%) metastases deriving from the colon, rectum, appendix or biliary tract were multilocular or multilocular‐solid (P< 0.0001). Metastases that derived from the colon, rectum, appendix or biliary tract were larger compared with those from the stomach, breast, lymphoma or uterus (median maximum diameter, 122 (range, 16–200) mm vs. 71 (range, 27–170) mm,P= 0.02). In addition, irregular external borders were more common (19/22 (86%) vs. 19/41 (46%),P= 0.002), as were papillary projections (6/22 (27%) vs. 2/41 (5%),P= 0.011). They also appeared to be less vascularized, with 64% (14/22) manifesting moderate‐to‐abundant vascularization at color Doppler examination in comparison to 88% (36/41) of the ovarian metastases from stomach, breast, lymphoma or uterus (P= 0.024).

Conclusion

Ovarian metastases derived from lymphoma or from tumors in the stomach, breast and uterus are solid in almost all cases, whereas those derived from the colon, rectum or biliary tract manifest more heterogeneous morphological patterns, most being multicystic with irregular borders. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Introducing systems change in the schools: the case of school luncheons and vending machines
Authors: Suarez-Balcazar Yolanda , Redmond LaDonna , Kouba Joanne , Hellwig Maureen , Davis Rochelle , Martinez Louise I. , Jones Lara
Published: April 2007

A major public health crisis facing America's society is the increase in child and youth obesity, which has seen a fourfold increase in the last four decades. Major concerns include what children eat for school lunch and what other foods are available in schools. This paper illustrates efforts towards systems change in the luncheon program and food vending machines in the Chicago Public Schools. We discuss the different factors that lead to such changes using the framework of the social ecological model and the soft systems methodology, and we analyze how the resulting innovation was implemented and evaluated. First, we present a theoretical perspective to explain factors that influence children's eating patterns from a systems approach. Second, we discuss the antecedent factors that lead to systems change. Finally, we examine challenges to systems change, such as resistance to change, different stakeholder priorities, lack of resources, institutional bureaucracy, and unrealistic funder expectations.
Capturing system level activities and impacts of mental health consumer‐run organizations
Authors: Janzen Rich , Nelson Geoffrey , Hausfather Nadia , Ochocka Joanna
Published: April 2007

Since the 1970s mental health consumer‐run organizations have come to offer not only mutual support, but they have also adopted agendas for broader social change. Despite an awareness of the need for system level efforts that create supportive environments for their members, there has been limited research demonstrating how their system level activities can be documented or their impacts evaluated. The purpose of this paper is to feature a method of evaluating systems change activities and impacts. The paper is based on a longitudinal study evaluating four mental health consumer‐run organizations in Ontario, Canada. The study tracked system level activities and impacts using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. The article begins by describing the development and implementation of these methods. Next it offers a critical analysis of the methods used. It concludes by reflecting on three lessons learned about capturing system level activities and impacts of mental health consumer‐run organizations.
Size‐dependency in hydraulic and photosynthetic properties of three Acer species having different maximum sizes
Authors: Nabeshima Eri , Hiura Tsutom
Published: April 2007

Recent studies suggest that physiological traits can be affected by tree size due to stronger hydraulic limitation in taller trees. As trees vary greatly in size, both within and among species, the adaptive responses to hydraulic limitation may be different among species with different maximum sizes. To investigate this, we explored size‐dependency in photosynthetic and hydraulic parameters of three Acer species (Acer mono Maxim., Acer amoenum Carr and Acer japonicum Thunb.) using trees of various sizes under well‐lit conditions. Leaf stomatal conductance of the Acer species decreased with tree size, implying that water supply to leaves decreases as trees grow. In contrast, content of nitrogen increased with tree size, which may compensate for the decrease in stomatal conductance to maintain the photosynthetic rate. Although the increase in nitrogen and leaf mass per area were larger in species with larger statures, the size‐dependency in stomatal conductance was not different among species, and photosynthetic rate and hydraulic conductance were maintained in the three Acer species. Therefore, we suggest that hydraulic limitation on gas exchange does not necessarily depend on the maximum height of the species and that maintenance of photosynthesis and hydraulic properties is a fundamental physiological process during tree growth.
The Coronal Plane High Tibial Osteotomy. Part II: A Comparison of Axial Rotation with the Opening Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy
Authors: Baumgarten Keith M. , Meyers Kate N. , Fealy Stephen , Wright Timothy M. , Wickiewicz Thomas L.
Published: April 2007

The amount of axial rotation in the tibia caused by high tibial osteotomy is relatively unknown. The authors hypothesize that the coronal plane high tibial osteotomy, a novel technique used to treat varus malalignment, alters the axial rotation of the tibia less than the opening wedge high tibial osteotomy. Eight, embalmed, stripped cadaveric tibia–fibula constructs with intact interosseous membranes were randomized to either opening wedge or coronal plane high tibial osteotomies. Sequential valgus corrections of 5°, 10°, and 15° were performed. The Qualisys Track Manager motion capture system was used to measure axial rotation. Student's t test was used to compare axial rotation between the two groups. A p value of 0.05 was determined to be significant. The coronal plane technique produced rotations about the tibial axis that were statistically significantly smaller than those of the opening wedge technique for all correction angles (1.2° internal rotation (IR) vs 16° external rotation (ER), respectively, at 5° correction; p = 0.02) (3.5° IR vs 21.2° ER at 10° correction; p = 0.04) (4.5° IR vs 23.0° ER at 15° correction; p = 0.01). The coronal plane high tibial osteotomy alters axial rotation of the tibia significantly less than the opening wedge high tibial osteotomy.
Particle size of LDL is affected by the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) step II diet in dyslipidaemic adolescents
Authors: Azadbakht Leila , Mirmiran Parvin , Hedayati Mehdi , Esmaillzadeh Ahmad , Shiva Nilufar , Azizi Fereidoun
Published: April 2007

The objective was to determine the effects of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) step II diet on LDL and HDL particle size in dyslipidaemic adolescents. Forty-four dyslipidaemic adolescents, aged 10–18 years, participated in this case-control study. The control diet was a diet similar to what most Tehranian adolescents eat. NCEP step II diet was a diet with 30 % of energy as total fat, less than 7 % saturated fat, less than 200 mg cholesterol/d, less than 15 % of energy as MUFA and less than 10 % as PUFA. Lipoprotein particle size was the major outcome variable, which was measured after 3 months of intervention. Comparison was made by the repeated measurement ANOVA. The mean BMI was 26·3 (sd4·2) kg/m2. There were no significant changes in weight or physical activity in the two groups during the study. The NCEP diet resulted in higher reduction in total cholesterol ( − 13 (sd4)v.− 2 (sd0·3) mg/dl,P < 0·001) and LDL ( − 9 (sd2)v.3 (sd0·6) mg/dl,P < 0·01), and higher increase in size of the LDL (1·7 (sd0·4)v.0·1 (sd0·4) nanometer,P < 0·001). HDL particle size did not change significantly. NCEP step II diet had a favourable effect on the LDL particle size. The related mechanism needs to be studied in future experimental designs.
Fetal exposure to a maternal low-protein diet is associated with altered left ventricular pressure response to ischaemia–reperfusion injury
Authors: Elmes Matthew J. , Gardner David S. , Langley-Evans Simon C.
Published: April 2007

Rats exposed to protein restriction as fetuses develop hypertension as adults. Hypertension increases the risk of myocardial ischaemia and infarction. We investigated whether rats exposed to low-protein dietsin uteroare more susceptible to myocardial ischaemia–reperfusion (IR) injury. Pregnant Wistar rats were fed control or low-protein (MLP) diets throughout pregnancy. At 4 and 8 weeks postnatal age systolic blood pressure was determined in the offspring using tail-cuff plethysmography. At 6 months of age, rats were treated with saline orN-acetylcysteine (NAC) for 48 h. Rapidly excised hearts were retro-perfused (Langendorff) to assess isolated cardiac function before (baseline), during 30 min ischaemia (no coronary perfusion) and for 60 min after reinstating coronary perfusion (reperfusion). Hearts were then harvested and treated appropriately for analysis of infarct size. Exposure to the MLP dietin uterosignificantly increased systolic blood pressure at 4 and 8 weeks of age (6–13 mmHg increase;P < 0·001) and significantly impaired recovery of left ventricular developed pressure after ischaemia at 6 months of age in male offspring only (P < 0·003). Pre-treatment with NAC prevented this impairment of recovery in MLP male offspring and improved recovery in all females. Myocardial infarct size was not different between dietary groups after IR, but NAC pre-treatment significantly reduced the degree of infarction (P < 0·001). In conclusion, an MLP diet throughout gestation significantly impairs recovery of the 6-month-old adult rat heart to IR-induced injury in a sex-specific manner. Undernutrition during development may increase susceptibility to CHD by impairing recovery from coronary events.
Comparison of the uptake and secretion of carotene and xanthophyll carotenoids by Caco-2 intestinal cells
Authors: O'Sullivan Laurie , Ryan Lisa , O'Brien Nora
Published: April 2007

Carotenoids have been shown to have potential beneficial effects on human health which has led to an increasing interest in the study of their bioavailability. A Caco-2 cell model, as previously described, was employed to examine the percentage transfer of the carotenoids α-carotene, β-carotene, lycopene, astaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein and zeaxanthin through an intact, highly differentiated Caco-2 cell monolayer at a range of different amounts. Our results show that astaxanthin, a carotenoid with powerful antioxidant capacity, had the highest percentage transfer overall. We examined the cellular uptake and secretion of lutein and zeaxanthin to compare two structurally similar carotenoids. Both were efficiently transported through the monolayer with a range between 5·1 (sem 1·2) % to 20·2 (sem 3·3) % and 5·5 (sem 2·5) % to 13·4 (sem 4) % for lutein and zeaxanthin, respectively. These carotenoids were compared to each other at each added amount and no significant difference was observed between the two xanthophylls. The carotene carotenoids α-carotene, β-carotene and lycopene and the xanthophyll β-cryptoxanthin were also examined and had lower uptake and secretion values when compared to lutein, zeaxanthin and astaxanthin. The xanthophyll β-cryptoxanthin was also not significantly different when compared to the carotene carotenoids. Data generated from this study compares well with in vivo bioavailability studies. Furthermore, the model provides comparative data on the relative absorption and transfer of seven different carotenoids. Our data indicate that lower amounts of carotenoids were absorbed and transferred more efficiently than higher amounts suggesting a saturation effect at higher exposure.
Effect of early feed restriction on myofibre types and expression of growth-related genes in the gastrocnemius muscle of crossbred broiler chickens
Authors: Li Yue , Yuan Lixia , Yang Xiaojing , Ni Yingdong , Xia Dong , Barth Stephan , Grossmann Roland , Zhao Ru-Qian
Published: April 2007

The purpose of this study was to investigate the immediate and long-term effects of early feed restriction (ER) on morphology and gene expression of lateral gastrocnemius muscle. Newly hatched crossbred broiler chickens were allocated into control and ER groups, the latter being free-fed on alternate days from hatch to 14 days of age (14 d), followed byad libitumfeeding as the control group until 63 d. The lateral gastrocnemius muscle was taken at 14 and 63 d, respectively for myofibre typing by both myosin ATPase staining and relative quantification of myosin heavy chain (MyHC) mRNA for slow-twitch (SM), red fast-twitch (FRM) and white fast-twitch (FWM) myofibres. The body weight and lateral gastrocnemius weight were significantly lower in the ER group, accompanied by significantly reduced serum triiodothyronine. The ER group exhibited significantly higher SM and FRM MyHC expression at 14 d, but lower SM expression at 63 d. Myosin ATPase staining revealed a similar pattern. The percentage of SM was higher at 14 d while lower at 63 d in the ER group. These morphological changes were accompanied by changes of mRNA expression for growth-related genes. The ER group expressed lower insulin-like growth factoar I (IGF-I) and higher IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) at 14 d, yet significantly increased growth hormone receptor and IGF-IR mRNA at 63 d. These results indicate that ER may delay the slow to fast myofibre conversion as an immediate effect, but would result in a lower percentage of slow fibres owing to compensatory growth in the long term, which involves changes of mRNA expression for the growth-related genes in the muscle.