bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Middle Holocene fishing strategies in East Africa: zooarchaeological analysis of Pundo, a Kansyore shell midden in northern Nyanza (Kenya)
Authors: Prendergast M. E. , Lane P. J.
Published: December 2008

A zooarchaeological and taphonomic analysis is presented for the faunal remains from the Pundo shell midden in northern Nyanza province (Kenya), which contains Kansyore ceramics and dates to ca. 8000–7600 cal. BP. The faunal assemblage is overwhelmingly dominated by fish and molluscs, of which only the fish data are presented in detail. Taxonomic identifications suggest a diachronic change in relative species abundance, with cichlids becoming increasingly dominant, eventually comprising nearly 80% of the fish assemblage. The Pundo faunal data are compared with those from a number of other Kansyore sites. Pundo confirms that early Kansyore sites are purely forager sites, with domestic caprines only appearing at late Kansyore sites (post‐dating ca. 4400 cal. BP). Comparing ethological data for fish taxa found at Pundo and other lakeshore shell middens with those for fish taxa found at larger riverside sites, a seasonal round is suggested, in which short‐term fishing camps such as Pundo may have been occupied in the dry season, while riverside sites were probably occupied during the rainy season. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of the spin line temperature profile and melt index of poly(propylene) on melt‐electrospinning
Authors: Kong C.S. , Jo K.J. , Jo N.K. , Kim H.S.
Published: December 2008

Effects of the spin line temperature and melt index of polymer on fiber formation by the melt‐electrospinning process have been studied. Employing four levels of primary heating temperatures and two levels of secondary heating temperatures provided the necessary temperature profiles. Cooling time was altered through variation in tip‐to‐collector distance. Effects of the polymer melt index were also investigated using two types of poly(propylene) with different melt index values. Changes in diameter and structure of the electrospun fibers were then observed using scanning electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. It is worth to note that providing enough cooling time in the spin line is effective in producing finer fibers. However, introducing the higher heating temperature in the spin line adversely affected fibrous shape formation. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Process Intensification in Vacuum Arc Deposition Setups
Authors: Baranov Oleg , Romanov Maxim
Published: December 2008

The possibility to intensify the deposition process by application of a magnetic field generated by two additional magnetic coils placed under a substrate exposed to vacuum arc plasma has been investigated. When both additional coils generate a magnetic field matched with the field generated by guiding and focusing the coils of a vacuum arc source, the substrate ion current can be increased by up to 4.4% of the arc current, i.e., 1.26 times compared to a system without the additional magnetic field. A monotonous decrease of arc current depending on the currents in both additional coils is observed. When additional coils are powered oppositely and the magnetic field generated by one additional coil is directed according to the magnetic field of coils of the arc source, the substrate ion current can be decreased to 2.7% of the arc current.

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Bcl‐2 mediated modulation of vascularization in prostate cancer xenografts
Authors: Sakai Yoshihisa , Goodison Steve , Kusmartsev Sergei , Fletcher Bradley , Eruslanov Evgeniy , Cao Wengang , Porvasnik Stacy , Namiki Kazunori , Anai Satoshi , Rosser Charles J.
Published: December 2008

PURPOSE

We previously demonstrated that Bcl‐2 overexpression enhances the radiation resistance of PC‐3 human prostate cancer cells and xenografts by inhibiting apoptosis, increasing proliferation, and promoting angiogenesis. To further elucidate the relationship between Bcl‐2 expression and the angiogenic potential of PC‐3‐Bcl‐2 cells, tumorigenicity, angiogenesis, and lymphangiogenesis were evaluated and compared in a Bcl‐2 overexpressing clone in vitro and in vivo.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Human prostate cancer cells over expressing Bcl‐2 were studied in vitro and in vivo to determine the angiogenic and lymphangiogenic properties of these cells.

RESULTS

Increased Bcl‐2 expression enhanced the tumorigenicity of prostate cancer xenografts. It also enhanced the expression and secretion of key angiogenic and lymphangiogenic factors that stimulated the synthesis of CD31‐positive blood vessels and LYVE‐1 positive lymphatics. Specifically, the increased angiogenic and lymphangiogenic potential correlated with increased serum levels of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), interleukin 8 (CXCL8), and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP 9). In vitro analysis demonstrated that Bcl‐2 expressing tumor cells secreted bFGF and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) into culture supernatants. Microarray analysis of Bcl‐2 expressing PC‐3 cells demonstrated increased transcription of genes involved in metabolism, such as interleukins, growth factors, tumor necrosis factors (TNF) family members, and peptidases.

CONCLUSIONS

Together, these results demonstrate that Bcl‐2 can regulate tumoral angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis and suggest that therapy targeted at Bcl‐2 expression, angiogenesis, and lymphangiogenesis may synergistically modulate tumor growth and confirm that Bcl‐2 is a pivotal target for cancer therapy. Prostate 69:459–470, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prostate‐specific membrane antigen and its truncated form PSM′
Authors: Mlčochová Petra , Bařinka Cyril , Tykvart Jan , Šácha Pavel , Konvalinka Jan
Published: December 2008

BACKGROUND

Prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a type II transmembrane protein overexpressed in prostate cancer as well as in the neovasculature of several non‐prostatic solid tumors. In addition to full‐length PSMA, several splice variants exist in prostatic tissue. Notably, the N‐terminally truncated PSMA variant, termed PSM′, is prevalent in healthy prostate, and the ratio of PSMA/PSM′ mRNA has been shown to correlate with cancer progression. The widely accepted hypothesis is that the PSM′ protein is a translation product arising from the alternatively spliced PSM′ mRNA.

METHODS

Differential ultracentrifugation, cell surface biotinylation, Western blotting, and enzyme activity measurement were used to study the origin and localization of the PSMA/PSM′ variants in prostatic (LNCaP; lymph‐node carcinoma of the prostate) and non‐prostatic (HEK293) cell lines. These experiments were further complemented by analysis of the N‐glycosylation patterns of the PSMA/PSM′ proteins and by site‐directed mutagenesis.

RESULTS

We identified PSM′ protein expression in both the LNCaP cell line and a non‐cancerous HEK293 human cell line transfected with a plasmid encoding full‐length PSMA. Differential centrifugation revealed that PSM′ is localized predominantly to the cytosol of both these cell lines and is proteolytically active. Furthermore, the PSM′ protein is N‐glycosylated by a mixture of high‐mannose and complex type oligosaccharides and therefore trafficked beyond the cis‐Golgi compartment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that the PSM′ protein is likely not generated by alternative splicing of the PSMA gene but by different mechanism, probably via an endoproteolytic cleavage of the full‐length PSMA. Prostate 69:471–479, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preclinical toxicological assessment of a phytotherapeutic product – CPV (based on dry extracts of Crataegus oxyacantha L., Passiflora incarnata L., and Valeriana officinalis L.)
Authors: Tabach Ricardo , Rodrigues Eliana , Carlini E. A.
Published: December 2008

Associations of plants have been widely used, for centuries, in Ayurveda and in Chinese medicine and have been increasingly acknowledged in Western medicine. The objective of this study is to assess the level of toxicity of an association of three plants: Crataegus oxyacantha, Passiflora incarnata, and Valeriana officinalis (CPV extract). This association was administered to rats, mice, and dogs, both acute and chronically for 180 days. The tests used in the acute experiments were: observational pharmacological screening, LD50, motor coordination and motor activity. Chronic tests carried out were: weight gain/loss and behavioral parameters in rats and in mice; estrus cycle, effects on fertility, and teratogenic studies in rats and of mutagenic features in mice, in addition to the Ames test. The following parameters were assessed in dogs: weight gain/loss, general physical conditions, water/food consumption and anatomopathological examination of the organs subsequent to the 180 days of treatment. All of the results were negative, showing that CPV administered in high doses and over a long period of time presents no toxicity, suggestive of the fact that this is an association devoid of risk for human beings. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antioxidant and antiinflammatory activity of pine pollen extractin vitro
Authors: Lee Kyung‐Hee , Kim Ae‐Jung , Choi Eun‐Mi
Published: December 2008

To determine the medicinal properties of pine pollen, the antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities of the ethanol extract of pine pollen extract (PPE) were investigated. PPE displayed a strong free radical scavenger activity on 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl radical and hydrogen peroxide. It was observed also that the antioxidant activity, measured by the ferric thiocyanate method, increased with the addition of PPE to the linoleic acid emulsion system. PPE was also found to inhibit significantly the amount of malondialdehyde and protein carbonyls formed from liver homogenate. Like the antioxidant activity, the reducing power of PPE was excellent. Thereafter, the study investigated the effects of PPE in modulating the production of pro‐inflammatory mediators in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐activated RAW 264.7 macrophages, and the effect of PPE on interleukin (IL)‐1β‐induced matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) production and mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) activation in the human synovial sarcoma cell line, SW982. PPE was found to inhibit the production of nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor‐α, IL‐1 and IL‐6 in LPS‐activated macrophages. Treatment with PPE at 10 µg/mL significantly (p< 0.05) inhibited IL‐1β‐induced MMPs (MMP‐1 and ‐3) production in SW982 cells. IL‐1β‐induced JNK activation was inhibited by PPE (10 µg/mL), whereas p38 and ERK1/2 were not affected. These findings suggest that pine pollen is a potential antioxidant and beneficial for inflammatory conditions through down‐regulation of JNK and MMPs. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stimulation of osteoblastic differentiation and inhibition of interleukin‐6 and nitric oxide in MC3T3‐E1 cells by pomegranate ethanol extract
Authors: Kim Young Ho , Choi Eun Mi
Published: December 2008

In this experiment, we studied the effects of pomegranate fruit extract (PE) on the function of osteoblastic MC3T3‐E1 cells and the production of local factors in osteoblasts. PE (16∼250 µg/ml) significantly increased the growth of MC3T3‐E1 cells (P < 0.05). Moreover, PE (50 µg/ml) caused a significant elevation of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and collagen content in the cells. We then examined the effect of PE on the TNF‐α‐induced production of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and nitric oxide (NO) in osteoblasts. Treatment with PE (10∼50 µg/ml) decreased the TNF‐α (10−10 M)‐induced production of IL‐6 and NO in osteoblasts. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Triterpene acids isolated from Lagerstroemia speciosa leaves as α‐glucosidase inhibitors
Authors: Hou Wenli , Li Yanfang , Zhang Qiang , Wei Xin , Peng Aihua , Chen Lijuan , Wei Yuquan
Published: December 2008

The potential antidiabetic activity of ethyl acetate extract of the leaves of Lagerstroemia speciosa (LSL) was investigated by α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase inhibition assay. Six pentacyclic triterpenes (oleanolic acid, arjunolic acid, asiatic acid, maslinic acid, corosolic acid and 23‐hydroxyursolic acid) were isolated from LSL. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis and their α‐glycosidase and α‐amylase inhibitory activities were investigated. They exhibited no or weak inhibitory activity against α‐amylase and middle α‐glucosidase inhibitory activities. Corosolic acid, which shows best bioactivity against α‐glucosidase (IC50 = 3.53 µg/mL), contributes most to the α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity of EtOAc extract. The kinetics of inhibition of corosolic acid was also discussed. Results from this study might provide the scientific evidence for LSL for the treatment of diabetes in traditional medicine. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Apoptosis inducement of bigelovin from Inula helianthus‐aquatica on human Leukemia U937 cells
Authors: Zeng Guang‐Zhi , Tan Ning‐Hua , Ji Chang‐Jiu , Fan Jun‐Ting , Huang Huo‐Qiang , Han Hong‐Jin , Zhou Guang‐Biao
Published: December 2008

Inula helianthus‐aquatica C. Y. Wu is a traditional medicinal plant used to treat some cancers in folk herbal medicine of Yunnan, China. Bigelovin, a sesquiterpene lactone isolated from this herb, potently inhibits the growth of a panel of eight cancer cell lines, especially in human monoblastic leukemia U937 cells with an IC50 value of 0.47 µM. Characteristic morphological features of apoptosis were observed in U937 cells treated with bigelovin. Annexin V and nuclear DNA content distribution assays showed that the percentage of Annexin V positive cells increased to 8.86% (24 h) with 1 µM bigelovin treatment, and cells treated with bigelovin at this concentration apparently arrested at G0/G1 phase compared with the control. These data suggested that cytotoxic effect of bigelovin on U937 cells involves induction of apoptosis, and the cell cycle is arrested at G0/G1 phase. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antiproliferative effect of flavonoids and sesquiterpenoids from Achillea millefolium s.l. on cultured human tumour cell lines
Authors: Csupor‐Löffler Boglárka , Hajdú Zsuzsanna , Zupkó István , Réthy Borbála , Falkay George , Forgo Peter , Hohmann Judit
Published: December 2008

The antiproliferative activities of n‐hexane, chloroform, aqueous‐methanol and aqueous extracts of the aerial parts of the Achillea millefolium aggregate on three human tumour cell lines were investigated by means of MTT assays. The chloroform‐soluble extract exerted high tumour cell proliferation inhibitory activities on HeLa and MCF‐7 cells, and a moderate effect on A431 cells; accordingly, it was subjected to detailed bioactivity‐guided fractionation. As a result of the multistep chromatographic purifications (VLC, CPC, PLC, gel filtration), five flavonoids (apigenin, luteolin, centaureidin, casticin and artemetin) and five sesquiterpenoids (paulitin, isopaulitin, psilostachyin C, desacetylmatricarin and sintenin) were isolated and identified by spectroscopic methods. The antiproliferative assay demonstrated that centaureidin is the most effective constituent of the aerial parts of yarrow: high cell growth inhibitory activities were observed especially on HeLa (IC50 0.0819 µm) and MCF‐7 (IC50 0.1250 µm) cells. Casticin and paulitin were also highly effective against all three tumour cell lines (IC50 1.286–4.76 µm), while apigenin, luteolin and isopaulitin proved to be moderately active (IC50 6.95–32.88 µm). Artemetin, psilostachyin C, desacetylmatricarin and sintenin did not display antiproliferative effects against these cell lines. This is the first report on the occurrence of seco‐pseudoguaianolides (paulitin, isopaulitin and psilostachyin C) in the Achillea genus. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of garlic consumption on Th1/Th2 cytokines in phytohemagglutinin (PHA) activated rat spleen lymphocytes
Authors: Zamani Alireza , Vahidinia Aliasghar , Ghannad Masoud Sabouri
Published: December 2008

The balance and regulation of T helper 1 (Th1) and Th2‐type cytokines are important in the effective immune response to different diseases. To clarify the effect of garlic (Allium sativum L.) consumption on the Th1/Th2 balance, the secretion of gamma interferon (IFN‐γ) and interleukin‐4 (IL‐4), as two prototypes of Th1/Th2 cytokines, were compared in serum and supernatant of in vitro phytohemagglutinin activated rat spleen lymphocytes. Thirty male rats were divided equally into two groups. The treatment group received garlic solution in water (600 mg/kg/4 mL) and controls received distilled water by gavage. After 1 month, serum and supernatant of PHA activated spleen lymphocytes were analysed for IFN‐γ and IL‐4 by the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay test and thymus and spleen weights were measured. The garlic treatment group showed significantly decreased production of IFN‐γ from 101.73 ± 4.62 to 74.64 ± 4.64 pg/mL and significantly increased IL‐4 production from 26.75 ± 3.35 to 83.92 ± 6.56 pg/mL (p < 0.001) in the supernatant of PHA induced spleen lymphocytes. The serum level of these cytokines was undetectable. The mean weight of thymuses in the garlic fed animals was significantly reduced from 0.456 ± 0.016 to 0.368 ± 0.023g compared with the control group (p < 0.005). There were no significant differences between the spleen weights in the two groups. In conclusion, oral garlic treatment may favor a Th2 or humoral immune response. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Echinacea as an antiinflammatory agent: the influence of physiologically relevant parameters
Authors: Sharma M. , Schoop R. , Hudson J. B.
Published: December 2008

Numerous Echinacea preparations are available on the market for the prevention and treatment of cold and 'flu symptoms and inflammatory conditions associated with infections. Most of these preparations are consumed orally in the form of aqueous or ethanol extracts and tinctures. Since the recommended consumption normally involves a brief local exposure to the diluted preparation at an unspecified time in relation to the actual infection, then it is important that experimental models for the evaluation of Echinacea reflect these limitations. A line of human bronchial epithelial cells, in which rhinoviruses stimulate the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, was used to evaluate several relevant parameters. The chemically characterized Echinacea preparation (Echinaforce®) was capable of inhibiting completely the rhinovirus induced secretion of IL‐6 (interleukin‐6) and IL‐8 (chemokine CXCL‐8) in these cells, regardless of whether the Echinacea was added before or after virus infection, and in response to a range of virus doses. This inhibitory effect was also manifest under conditions resembling normal consumption with respect to the duration of exposure to Echinacea and the Echinacea dilution. It is concluded that under real life conditions of Echinacea consumption, the virus‐induced stimulation of pro‐inflammatory cytokines can be effectively reversed or alleviated. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Retrospective evaluation of biopsychosocial determinants and treatment response in patients receiving devil's claw extract (doloteffinR)
Authors: Thanner J. , Kohlmann Th. , Künzel O. , Chrubasik S.
Published: December 2008

In a retrospective evaluation of patients taking part for 2 months in a postmarketing surveillance study on the effectiveness and safety of Harpagophytum procumbens, associations were found to known explanators of pain, disability and depression. Therefore, treatment non‐responders might best be referred to a multimodal pain relief program that deals with fear avoidance beliefs, enhances experiences that decrease perceptions linking disability and pain and forces the patients to rethink the way they deal with the problem. However, during treatment with the aqueous Harpagophytum extract, this decision might reasonably be postponed to the end of month 4, since it has been shown that the maximum pain relief occurs after 3–4 months. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relative Rényi entropy for atoms
Authors: Nagy Á. , Romera E.
Published: December 2008

Position and momentum space relative Rényi entropies of order α are presented for ground‐state neutral atoms with atomic numbers Z = 1–103. Simple hydrogen‐like model densities are used as the reference. A relationship with the atomic radius and quantum capacitance is also discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
Chemical calculations and chemicals that might calculate
Authors: Barnett Michael P.
Published: December 2008

I summarize some applications of symbolic calculation to the evaluation of molecular integrals over Slater orbitals, and discuss some spin‐offs of this work that have wider potential. These include the exploration of the mechanized use of analogy. I explain the methods that I use to do this, in relation to mathematical proofs and to modeling step by step processes such as organic syntheses and NMR pulse sequences. Another spin‐off relates to biological information processing. Some challenges and opportunities in the information infrastructure of interdisciplinary research are discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
Physicochemical, Pasting, Thermal and Morphological Characteristics of Indian Water Chestnut (Trapa natans) Starch
Authors: Singh Gagan Deep , Bawa Amrinder S. , Singh Sukhcharn , Saxena Dharmesh C.
Published: December 2008

Starch extracted from Indian water chestnut was investigated for its physicochemical characteristics. The results were compared with those obtained from two commercial starches (corn and potato). The pasting properties were tested in the Rapid Visco Analyser and thermal properties with a differential scanning calorimeter. Water chestnut starch possessed higher breakdown viscosity (BV) and setback viscosity (SV) than corn and potato starches. However, the pasting temperature of water chestnut starch was not significantly different from that of corn starch. Lower ΔHgel values were obtained for water chestnut starch than for the other two starches whereas the onset, peak and conclusion temperatures of gelatinization (To, Tp and Tc) for water chestnut starch were quite comparable with corn starch. Scanning electron micrographs showed similarity in starch granule shape between water chestnut and potato starch with corn starch showing surface wrinkles on starch granule surfaces.
Phase‐vanishing methods based on fluorous phase screen: A simple way for efficient execution of organic synthesis
Authors: Ryu Ilhyong , Matsubara Hiroshi , Nakamura Hiroyuki , Curran Dennis P.
Published: December 2008

The phase‐vanishing (PV) method is based on spontaneous reaction controlled by diffusion of reagents into fluorous media, such as perfluorohexanes (FC‐72) and polyperfluoroethers. Thus, the original PV reaction utilizes a triphasic test tube method composed of a bottom reagent phase, a middle fluorous phase, and a top substrate phase. In such a triphasic system, the fluorous phase acts as a liquid membrane to transport the bottom reagents to the top organic phase containing substrates. In the end, the bottom layer disappears and two phases remain. Since the first demonstration of the PV method by bromination of alkenes with molecular bromine, a number of applications have been developed thus far. These include halogenation of alcohols with SOBr2 and PBr3, demethylation of methoxyarenes with BBr3, cyclopropanation of alkenes by CH2I2‐AlEt3, and Friedel–Crafts acylation of aromatic compounds with SnCl4. A fluorous triphasic U‐tube method is effective for chlorination of alcohols based on lighter (less dense) reagents such as SOCl2 and PCl3. A system using a solution containing reagents as a bottom phase is useful for oxidation with m‐CPBA, which may be defined as a new category for the “extractive PV” method. Recent advances include a “quadraphasic” PV method, in which an aqueous “scavenger” phase is added to the original triphasic PV method to remove acidic by‐products. © 2008 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chem Rec 8: 351–363; 2008: Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI 10.1002/tcr.20161
Syntheses, Spectra, Thermal Studies and Crystal Structures of Vitamin B13 Complexes of Nickel(II) with N,N,N′,N′‐Tetramethylethylenediamine and 2,2‐Dimethylpropane‐1,3‐diamine
Authors: Yeşilel Okan Zafer , Erer Hakan , Dege Necmi , Büyükgüngör Orhan
Published: December 2008

Two nickel(II) complexes of vitamin B13 (H3Or) with N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine (tmen) and 2,2‐dimethylpropane‐1,3‐diamine (dmpen) were synthesized and characterized by means of elemental and thermal analyses, magnetic susceptibility, and IR and UV/Vis spectroscopic studies. The crystal structures of mer‐[Ni(HOr)(H2O)2(tmen)]·H2O (1) and [Ni(HOr)(dmpen)2] (2) were determined by using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. In the complexes, which crystallize in the triclinic system (space group $P{\bar 1}$ for 1) and the monoclinic system (space group P21/c for 2), the NiII ions exhibit a distorted octahedral coordination. NiII ions are chelated by the deprotonated nitrogen atom of the pyrimidine ring and the oxygen atom of the carboxylate group, the distorted octahedral coordination completed by one tmen and two aqua ligands for 1 or two dmpen ligands for 2.
Adsorption of Aroma Chemicals on Cotton Fabric in Different Aqueous Environments
Authors: Obendorf S. Kay , Liu Haiqing , Tan Kuitian , Leonard Michael J. , Young Timothy J. , Incorvia Michael J.
Published: December 2008

Surfactants enhance adsorption of an aroma chemical on cotton fiber. Strong hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions between surfactant and fiber substrate result in higher adsorption of surfactant/aroma chemical aggregates than for the aroma chemical alone, with higher adsorption for cationic systems than for anionic systems. Adsorption is attributed to solution physical entrapment, hydrophobic interaction, dispersion forces, and interaction with surfactant molecules adsorbed on fiber. Log P and water solubility are important factors in aroma chemical adsorption. Hydrophobicity increased selective partitioning of aroma chemicals on the fiber surface particularly in the presence of surfactants. Statistical analyses indicate some evidence of polar–polar interaction between aroma chemicals and cellulose. With no surfactant, more adsorption is often observed in systems with a higher concentration of NaCl. The screening effect of electrolytes increases with the electrolyte reducing the energy of the liquid–solid interface. Lower interfacial energy results in increased adsorption of an aroma chemical on the fiber surfaces. Electrolyte screening affects aroma chemical adsorption most for anionic surfactant systems. Increase in the concentration of the electrolyte increases the screening effect that reduces the repulsive forces between the anionic molecules and weakly electronegative cotton fiber surfaces. In a cationic system, the screening effect of the electrolyte reduces adsorption of aroma chemicals with increased electrolyte concentration, due to the screening‐reducing attraction between cationic surfactant molecules and the fiber surface. Chemical functionality shows a significant effect (alkanol ≥ ketone ≥ aldehyde > ester) on adsorption. Adsorption increased with increasing molecule ovality. Statistical analyses indicate that molecular shape within a chemical class of compounds influences adsorption of the aroma chemical.
The Management of Stuttering Priapism within a Specialist Unit—A 25-Year Experience
Authors: Muneer A. , Garaffa G. , Minhas S. , Ralph D.J.
Published: December 2008

Introduction:

Stuttering priapism is a rare condition characterised by recurrent prolonged erections. The condition is common in patients with sickle cell disease although a significant proportion suffer from idiopathic stuttering priapism. The management of this condition is mainly through anecdotal reports.

Methods:

We have retrospectively reviewed 60 patients with this condition in a single centre over a 25-year period. Risk factors were identified and the outcomes of both pharmacological therapies and surgical interventions were recorded.

Results:

Erections were characteristically nocturnal and painful in nature and lasted up to 72h in some patients. Analysis of the outcomes of both medical and surgical interventions has shown that the use of hormone analogues such as cyproterone acetate is the most efficacious treatment option as it allows a successful control of their erections without a significant loss of libido in 86% of patients. The most successful surgical option was the insertion of a penile prosthesis.

Conclusion:

Due to the rarity of this condition, the management is variable and based on anecdotal evidence. This study has reported our experience of the most efficacious treatment options for this condition. We also discuss the potential therapeutic role of PDE-5 inhibitors in this condition.
Atomic structure of mutant PPARγ LBD complexed with 15d‐PGJ2: Novel modulation mechanism of PPARγ/RXRα function by covalently bound ligands
Authors: Waku Tsuyoshi , Shiraki Takuma , Oyama Takuji , Morikawa Kosuke
Published: December 2008

15‐deoxy‐Δ12,14‐prostaglandin J2 (15d‐PGJ2) activates a nuclear receptor heterodimer, peroxisome proliferators‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ)/ retinoid X receptor (RXRα) through covalent binding to Cys285 in PPARγ ligand‐binding domain (LBD). Here, we present the 1.9 Å crystal structure of C285S mutant LBD complexed with 15d‐PGJ2, corresponding to the non‐covalently bound state. The ligand lies adjacent to a hydrogen‐bond network around the helix H2 and the nearby β‐sheet. Comparisons with previous structures clarified the relationships between PPARγ function and conformational alterations of LBD during the process of covalently binding ligands, such as 15d‐PGJ2, and thus suggested a mechanism, by which these ligands modulate PPARγ/RXRα function through conformational changes of the loop following helix H2′ and the β‐sheet.
Rapid and improved reconstitution of bacterial mechanosensitive ion channel proteins MscS and MscL into liposomes using a modified sucrose method
Authors: Battle Andrew R. , Petrov Evgeny , Pal Prithwish , Martinac Boris
Published: December 2008

The bacterial mechanosensitive (MS) channels of small (MscS) and large (MscL) conductance have functionally been reconstituted into giant unilamellar liposomes (GUVs) using an improved reconstitution method in the presence of sucrose. This method gives significant time savings (preparation times as little as 6 h) compared to the classical method of protein reconstitution which uses a dehydration/rehydration (D/R) procedure (minimum 2 days preparation time). Moreover, it represents the first highly reproducible method for functional reconstitution of MscS as well as MscS/MscL co‐reconstitution. This novel procedure has the potential to be used for studies of other ion channels by liposome reconstitution.
Depression among Nigerian women following pregnancy loss
Authors: Obi Samuel N. , Onah Hyacinth E. , Okafor Innocent I.
Published: December 2008

Objective

To determine the level of depression in Nigerian women following spontaneous pregnancy loss and the coping strategies used.

Methods

A questionnaire survey of 202 Nigerian women who had involuntary pregnancy loss over a 1‐year period. The Zung Self‐Rating Depression Scale was used to assess the women.

Results

Two‐thirds of the pregnancy losses occurred before 20 weeks of gestation and one‐third occurred after 20 weeks. The majority of respondents (74.3%) had minimal depressive symptoms (scoring 50–59 on the depression scale), 3% had moderate symptoms (scoring 60–69), and 13.9% had severe symptoms (scoring 70–80). Risk factors for moderate to severe depression included being married, previous pregnancy loss, loss of a male fetus, childlessness, and losses after 20 weeks (P < 0.05). Presence of a woman's husband, children, parents and relatives, friends, and religious observance were identified as positive coping strategies.

Conclusion

Most Nigerian women suffer some level of depression following pregnancy loss, with no living children and losses after 20 weeks being the most significant risk factors.
Patulous eustachian tube complicating gastric bypass surgery
Authors: Alhammadi M , Jönsson R , Olbers T , Yassin O
Published: December 2008

Objective:

We report the first case in the English literature of a patulous eustachian tube occurring after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery for obesity.

Method:

Case report of a 44-year-old woman who was referred to our ENT clinic complaining of autophonia and bilateral aural fullness. The patient had noticed these symptoms after she had undergone a laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery to aid weight loss.

Result:

On the basis of the medical history, clinical examination and immittance measurement (revealing a change in acoustic immittance synchronous with normal breathing in the right ear), a diagnosis of patulous eustachian tube was made, more severe in the right ear than the left.

Conclusion:

We report a case of patulous eustachian tube occurring after laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery for weight loss, which could be considered as one of the possible complications of this surgery. Our patient began to notice the symptoms of patulous eustachian tube after a 20 kg weight loss.
Theories Grammaticales et Pedagogie Des Langues
Authors: Roulet Eddy
Published: December 2008

The problem of the applications of grammatical theories to language teaching occupied a prominent place in applied linguistics in the Sixties. This article reviews the most important publications of the period on the subject. It shows how structural and transformational-generative grammars, often applied too directly and crudely, were accorded too dominant a place in language teaching methodology; they were later integrated into pedagogic grammars, which take into account the acquisition and use of the language as an instrument of communication.
Recent Developments in Elt – Part II
Authors: Roberts J. T.
Published: December 2008

What the foregoing should have brought out is that ‘communication’ and ‘communicative’ are still very much the watchwords of current ELT, and that interest in research into what constitutes ‘communication’ persists strongly. It is, of course, true that over the last ten or so years a vast corpus of new knowledge has been accumulated and has led to many new applications; yet it is also evident that there is as yet little feeling of self-satisfaction and that efforts continue to be directed towards improvement of all aspects of ELT. However, there are some danger signs, perceived notably by Brumfit, that where the ‘communicative approach’ is concerned, stasis could well come about unless the obsession with syllabuses is leavened with a more immediate and sensitive concern for classroom techniques and events. The ‘humanistic/psychological approach’ is, on the other hand, principally methodologically orientated, but its own weakness is that it seems to underestimate the value of the syllabus as a device for assisting efficiency and, being in a sense ‘anti-linguistics’, may fail to see the value of descriptive knowledge of language. No doubt the debate as to how ‘explicitly’ one should actually teach learners will continue for many years to come – indeed, it has always been a perennial issue – but the one safe prediction at the present time seems to be that some sort of synthesis, as foreseen by Stern and Brumfit, will take place between the ‘communicative approach’ and the ‘humanistic/psychological approach’, such that ‘communicative teaching’ may come to have a more similar meaning for everybody. But for more detailed predictions of directions for the 1980s, Alatis et al. (eds.) (1981) should serve as a good starting-point.
Discourse analysis: implications for language teaching, with particular reference to casual conversation
Authors: Gardner Roderick
Published: December 2008

This paper is a summary of the major findings of discourse analysis, and is concerned in particular with the implications it has for the foreign language teacher. The main focus of the article is on the analysis of conventional discourse, which is less strongly structured by non-linguistic factors than other kinds of discourse. Casual conversation is the most basic language activity, and in an analysis of it one is most likely to find what is inherently characteristic of spoken discourse. Written discourse will be referred to peripherally, though much of what will be said also applies to written discourse.
How images of old age vary with age: an exploratory study among the Portuguese population
Authors: Sousa Liliana , Cerqueira Margarida , Galante Helena
Published: December 2008

Agism was the term chosen by Butler to name the process of discrimination based on chronological age, which usually results in an image of the elderly as unproductive, sick, depressed and with cognitive impairment. This form of bias, like others that devaluate and stereotype groups of people, has a marked effect on social interaction, influencing social attitudes and perceptions in a covert manner. The use of negative images relating to old age and the aging process promotes negative attitudes relating to elderly people, affects the way they live and the way people of other ages prepare to face their old age.
Social mobilization and social marketing to promote NaFeEDTA-fortified soya sauce in an iron-deficient population through a public–private partnership
Authors: Wang Bo , Zhan Siyan , Sun Jing , Lee Liming
Published: December 2008

Objective

The present pilot project aimed to assess the effectiveness of social mobilization and social marketing in improving knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) and Fe status in an Fe-deficient population.

Design

In an uncontrolled, before–after, community-based study, social mobilization and social marketing strategies were applied. The main outcomes included KAP and Hb level and were measured at baseline, 1 year later and 2 years later.

Setting

One urban county and two rural counties in Shijiazhuang Municipality, Hebei Province, China.

Subjects

Adult women older than 20 years of age and young children aged from 3 to 7 years were selected from three counties to attend the evaluation protocol.

Results

After 1 year, most knowledge and attitudes had changed positively towards the prevention and control of anaemia. The percentage of women who had adopted NaFeEDTA-fortified soya sauce increased from 8·9 % to 36·6 % (P ≤ 0·001). After 2 years, Hb levels had increased substantially, by 9·0 g/l (P ≤ 0·001) in adult women and 7·7 g/l (P ≤ 0·001) in young children.

Conclusion

Social mobilization and social marketing activities had a positive impact on the KAP of adult women, and resulted in marked improvements in Hb levels in both adult women and young children. This should be recommended as a national preventive strategy to prevent and control Fe deficiency and Fe-deficiency anaemia.
The Lisbon Treaty: The Irish ‘No’.
Authors: Editors
Published: December 2008

The Editorial Board has discussed whether it is appropriate to give attention to the Treaty of Lisbon, in view of the uncertainty of its entry into force. We understand that some legal journals are refraining from discussing it until it has become law or at least until the Irish have cleared the way. (…) we hereby present three contributions about that issue:

– Europe's New Realism: The Treaty of Lisbon

Hans-Jürgen Papier

– National Parliaments and the Principle of Subsidiarity – Legal Options and Practical Limits

Jean-Victor Louis

– National parliaments and subidiarity: An outsider's view

George A. Bermann
The Lisbon Treaty: The Irish ‘No’.: Europe's New Realism: The Treaty of Lisbon
Authors: Papier Hans Jürgen
Published: December 2008

Institutional reforms – The principle of democracy: the European Parliament and the national parliaments – Bypassing unpleasant national debates by taking the European route – Reinforcement of protection of the subsidiarity principle: most valuable reform – Doubts on the effectiveness – Crucial weakness: creeping transfers of competences still possible
Presidential Elements in Government: Turkey
Authors: Gönenç Levent
Published: December 2008

History of the Turkish Presidency – Powers and status of presidents under the Constitutions of 1961 and 1982 – Parlementarisme attenué – A veto players system – Performance of individual presidents: guardian and partisan presidencies – Introduction of the principle of direct election of the president in 2007: not part of a well-thought out constitutional engineering scheme – Seeds of instability
International Law, Human Rights and the Community's Autonomous Legal Order
Authors: Griller Stefan
Published: December 2008

UN human rights binding on states; binding on UN organs? – Sanctions mechanism as implemented in EU – Kadi and others – Ruling Court of First Instance – Relation between UN law and EC law – Human rights obligations – Exception, political question, etc. – Solange – Monism and dualism – Questions remain
Soil respiration and aboveground litter dynamics of a tropical transitional forest in northwest Mato Grosso, Brazil
Authors: Valentini Carla Maria Abido , Sanches Luciana , de Paula Sérgio Roberto , Vourlitis George Louis , de Souza Nogueira José , Pinto Osvaldo Borges , de Almeida Lobo Francisco
Published: December 2008

Measurements of soil CO2 efflux, litter production, and the surface litter pool biomass were made over a 1 year period in a tropical transitional forest near Sinop, Mato Grosso, Brazil with the aim of quantifying the seasonal variation in soil respiration and litter decomposition and the annual contribution of litter decomposition to soil CO2 efflux. Average annual soil CO2 efflux (±95% confidence interval (CI)) was 7.91 ± 1.16 g C m−2 d−1. Soil CO2 efflux was highest during the November–February wet season (9.15 ± 0.90 g C m−2 d−1) and lowest during the May–September dry season (6.19 ± 1.40 g C m−2 d−1), and over 60% of the variation in seasonal soil CO2 efflux was explained by seasonal variations in soil temperature and moisture. Mass balance estimates of mean (±95% CI) decomposition rates were statistically different between the wet and dry seasons (0.66 ± 0.08 and 1.65 ± 0.10 g C m−2 d−1, respectively), and overall, decomposition of leaf litter comprised 16% of the average annual soil respiration. Leaf litter production was higher during the dry season, and mean (±95% CI) leaf litter fall (5.6 ± 1.7 Mg ha−1) comprised 73% of the total litter fall (7.8 ± 2.3 Mg ha−1). Average (±95% CI) annual litter pool biomass was estimated to be 5.5 ± 0.3 Mg ha−1, which was similar to the measured pool size (5.7 ± 2.2 Mg ha−1). Overall, seasonal variations in environmental variables, specifically water availability (soil moisture and rainfall), had a profound influence on litter production, soil respiration, and surface litter decomposition.
Modulation of equatorial turbulence by tropical instability waves
Authors: Lien Ren‐Chieh , D'Asaro Eric A. , Menkes Christophe E.
Published: December 2008

The sea surface temperature in the Pacific equatorial cold tongue is influenced strongly by the turbulent entrainment flux. A numerical model using a level‐1.5 turbulence closure scheme suggests strong modulation of the entrainment flux by tropical instability waves (TIWs). Turbulence observations taken by a Lagrangian float encountering a TIW confirm the spatial pattern of turbulent flux variation predicted by the model. The strongest observed turbulence mixing occurred at the leading edge of the TIW trough; turbulence diffusivity K ∼ 10−2 m2 s−1 and turbulent heat flux Q ∼ 1000 W m−2 at the base of surface mixed layer. The weakest observed turbulence occurred at ∼2° south of the TIW trough; K ∼ 10−4 m2 s−1 and Q ∼ 10 W m−2. The TIW caused nearly two decades of turbulence variation within an O(1000 km) zonal scale and O(100 km) meridional scale. Model results suggest that the increased entrainment heat flux at the leading edge of the TIW trough can be explained by the enhancement of shear at the surface mixed layer base modulated by the TIWs.
Impact of online empirical model correction on nonlinear error growth
Authors: Danforth Christopher M. , Kalnay Eugenia
Published: December 2008

The purpose of this study is to compare two methods of correcting the bias of a GCM; namely statistical correction performed a posteriori (offline) as a function of forecast length, and correction done within the model integration (online). The model errors of a low resolution GCM are estimated by the 6‐hour forecast residual averaged over several years and used to correct the model. Both the offline and online corrections substantially reduce the model bias when applied to independent data. Their performance in correcting the model error is comparable at all lead times, but for lead times longer than 1‐day the online corrected forecasts have smaller RMS forecast errors and larger anomaly correlations than offline corrected forecasts. These results indicate that the online correction reduces not only the growth of the bias but also the nonlinear growth of non‐constant (state‐dependent and random) forecast errors during the model integration.
Moisture transport to Syowa and Dome Fuji stations in Antarctica
Authors: Suzuki Kazue , Yamanouchi Takashi , Motoyama Hideaki
Published: December 2008

Moisture transport plays a major role in the accumulation of water and the maintenance of the ice sheet in Antarctica. Hence it is necessary to understand how moisture is transported to the Antarctic by atmospheric circulation. We discussed the characteristics and seasonal variations of air transport routes and the regions of origin of air parcels in clear and snowy weather conditions. We calculated the air transport routes to the Syowa Station (SYOWA) and Dome Fuji Station (DOME‐F) for 5 days using a trajectory model and ERA‐40 reanalysis data from 1990 to 1999, and we determined various backward trajectories using cloudy conditions and general weather conditions from ground‐based observations. At SYOWA, in snowy condition, most of the air parcels originated in the Atlantic Ocean with eastward and upward advection. On the other hand, in clear condition, the air parcels originated in the continental interior with downward advection. A low‐pressure area was found to the west of SYOWA in the troposphere under snowy conditions, suggesting that the moisture transport to SYOWA has a close association with the disturbances from the Atlantic Ocean. The trajectories traveling to DOME‐F were mostly over the sea under snowy conditions in July (winter). A ridge that developed around DOME‐F caused the air parcels from the Atlantic and Indian oceans to move over the continent. Under clear conditions, we found few differences in the distributions of geopotential heights. Moisture transport routes are important as they can be used to interpret ice core data in the future.
Geometric model of conjugate faulting in the Gyeongsang Basin, southeast Korea
Authors: Hwang Byoung‐Hoon , Ernst W. G. , McWilliams Michael , Yang Kyounghee
Published: December 2008

The NNE trending dextral Yangsan fault system and the WNW trending sinistral Gaum fault system comprise a conjugate set that cuts the Cretaceous Gyeongsang Basin along the SE margin of the Korean Peninsula. These faults evidently formed under compressional stress accompanied by a progressive 12° block rotation, calculated from a geometric model incorporating angles between conjugate fault sets, widths of fault domains, and measured fault displacements. The angle between paleomagnetic declinations in the set of conjugate fault domains increases with age, suggesting incremental block rotation that included overall rotation of the entire Gyeongsang Basin (or the Korean Peninsula) with respect to Eurasia. The model accounts for Yucheon Group volcanism, subsequent caldera subsidence in the Uiseong subbasin, and volcanism in the Miryang subbasin, all produced by regional tension. The tectonic regime of the Gyeongsang Basin apparently evolved from compression to extension at ∼50 Ma, reflecting India‐Eurasia collision and opening of the Sea of Japan (East Sea).