bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A mixed methodology framework for the assessment of the Voluntary Initiative
Authors: Garrod Guy D , Garratt James A , Kennedy Angela , Willis Ken G
Published: December 2006

The Voluntary Initiative (VI) is a UK programme of measures aimed at reducing the adverse effects of pesticides on the environment. It was initiated in 2001 and will be evaluated during 2006 following a five‐year trial period. To assess such a complex scheme, a mixed methodology approach is appropriate, encompassing the assessment of objective deliverables and issues raised by the farming community. A series of focus groups examined the perceptions of the VI by the farming community. Farmer attitudes to the VI appeared to be influenced by the belief that the UK government will, eventually, introduce some form of pesticide tax regardless of the outcome of the VI. Most farmers expressed that they already followed the principles of the VI. It was also evident that the scheme may become more acceptable and better understood as it becomes incorporated into existing farm assurance schemes. This paper proposes a framework for evaluation of the VI that takes into account these perceptions of the VI by the farming community. Based on the analysis of available data, key questions are identified that should be addressed within the final evaluation. These key questions cover the general themes of completion of VI targets and projects, uptake of the VI, environmental impact of the VI and economic implications. To answer the questions, four methods are proposed: a review of literature, a survey of farmers, questions to agencies and environmental modelling. © Crown copyright 2006. Reproduced with the permission of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increased optical damage resistance in Ce:Cu:LiNbO3 by doping with Sc2O3 for quasi‐nonvolatile holographic storage
Authors: Fang Shuangquan , Qiao Yingjie , Zhang Xiaohong , Ling Furi
Published: December 2006

A series of Sc:Ce:Cu:LiNbO3 crystals were prepared using the Czochralski method and the occupation mechanism of the dopants is discussed in terms of the results of infrared and UV–visible spectra. The optical damage resistance ability and quasi‐nonvolatile holographic properties of the samples were also obtained. The defect structure is discussed, accounting for the optical damage resistance and two‐photon holographic response speed. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Studies of high‐frequency magnetic permeability of rod‐shaped CrO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Wu L. Z. , Ding J. , Neo C. P. , Chen L. F. , Ong C. K.
Published: December 2006

Rod‐shaped CrO2 nanoparticles with an aspect ratio of around 8:1 were studied in this work. The high‐frequency properties (complex magnetic permeability, electric permittivity and reflection coefficient) have been measured on a composite consisting of 20 vol% of rod‐shaped CrO2 nanoparticles in a non‐magnetic epoxy resin matrix. The intrinsic magnetic permeability was calculated using an analytical model derived from the Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert (LLG) equation. The effective permeability of the composite consisting of rod‐shaped CrO2 particles embedded in a nonmagnetic matrix (epoxy resin) was calculated using an effective medium theory for randomly orientated ellipsoidal inclusions. The comparison of the experimental values of the effective permeability with the analytical calculation showed that a relatively good agreement was obtained when the interparticle interactions were taken into the consideration. The results showed that CrO2 have a natural resonance frequency at around 8 GHz. The microwave absorbing properties of the composite of rod‐shaped CrO2 nanoparticles and epoxy resin were studied. The calculated results of reflection coefficient indicated that the rod‐shaped CrO2 nanoparticles may be interesting for microwave absorption, particularly for the high frequency range around 10 GHz (X‐band). (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Soft core behavior in ZnO–Bi2O3‐based varistors containing oxides of Ce and Gd
Authors: Cheng Pengfei , Li Shengtao , Alim Mohammad A.
Published: December 2006

The effects of sample lengthd0on the average breakdown electric fieldEBof ZnO–Bi2O3‐based varistor materials containing oxides of Ce and Gd sintered in the temperature range from 1150 to 1200 °C were investigated. It is observed thatEBdecreases with increasingd0. The breakdown electric fieldE′Bat each location along the axial direction was measured by gradually grinding and lapping both sides of the sample. The experimental results indicate thatE′Bin the core of the varistor material is as low as about 35% of that in the surface layers. This behavior of varistor materials is termed the soft core phenomenon. Further experimental results reveal that the Schottky barrier heightΦBin the core of the material is much lower than in the surface layers. This is indicative of non‐uniform distribution of breakdown electric field. The reasons for the formation of the soft core were explored. The experimental results of X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis indicate that the binding energy of Zn in the core is lower than that in the surface layers implying variation in the chemical environment of the Zn atoms along the axial direction. The analysis of the phases obtained by X‐ray diffraction showed no evidence of Bi2O3phase in the core while Bi2O3phase appears in the surface layers. Consequently, it is proposed that the soft core behavior originates from the decrease of Schottky barrier height along the axial direction of the varistor material doped with rare earth oxides, which may be caused by the non‐uniform distribution of sintering atmosphere and phase morphology at the grain boundaries. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
First‐principles study of PbWO4 crystal with interstitial oxygen atoms
Authors: Teng Chen , Ting‐Yu Liu , Qi‐Ren Zhang , Fang‐Fei Li , Zhi‐Jun Yi , Dong‐Sheng Tian , Xiu‐Yan Zhang
Published: December 2006

The positions of the interstitial oxygen atoms in PbWO4 (PWO) crystal are simulated by computer technologies. It was found that the formation energy of isolated point defects is low when interstitial oxygen atoms exist around the W6+ ion. Based on the computed results, the total density of states and the partial densities of states for perfect PWO crystals and PWO crystals containing interstitial oxygen atoms were calculated using the DV‐Xα program. By analyzing the calculated results it can be concluded that an interstitial oxygen atom could combine with one or two formal lattice oxygen ions forming oxygen molecular ions, which causes the 350 nm absorption band. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Enhanced performance by inserting ultrathin SiO2 layer in organic light‐emitting devices
Authors: Niu Lianbin , Zhang Fujia
Published: December 2006

Improved performance of organic light‐emitting devices (OLEDs) has been obtained by insertion of an ultrathin film of silicon oxide (SiO2) at the interface of 8‐hydroxyquinoline aluminum (Alq3) and N,N ′‐bis(1‐naphthyl)‐N,N ′‐diphenyl‐1,1′‐biphenyl‐4,4′‐diamine (NPB) layers. When a 1.0 nm SiO2 film was inserted, for an unoptimized indium–tin oxide (ITO)/NPB/SiO2/Alq3/Al device, the current efficiency was as high as 7.35 cd/A. Compared with conventional devices, a higher efficiency has been achieved. The mechanism of performance enhancement is discussed. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Low‐energy robust host heavily doped with Dy3+ for emission at 1.3 to 1.4 mm
Authors: Tikhomirov V. K. , Driesen K. , Görller‐Walrand C.
Published: December 2006

A transparent, heavily Dy3+‐doped oxyfluoride nano‐glass‐ceramic, 32(SiO2)9(AlO1.5)31.5(CdF2)18.5(PbF2) 5.5(ZnF2):3.5(DyF3) (mol%), has been fabricated, where the Dy3+ dopants dissolve mostly in the 8 nm diameter β‐PbF2‐type nanocrystals. We propose the chemical composition of this Dy3+‐doped PbF2‐type crystalline nanophase is of tveitite type and approaches Pb3DyF9. The low vibration energy of the Dy3+ site results in an intense emission band 6H9/2,6F11/2 → 6H15/2 of Dy3+, centered at about 1.35 μm with a 120 nm half‐height width and a 150 μs lifetime with negligible temperature dependence. This emission band has a potential application as a broad‐band short‐length optical amplifier operating in the extended telecommunications window at about 1.3 to 1.4 μm. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Nitrides optoelectronic devices grown by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Kauer M. , Bousquet V. , Hooper S. E. , Barnes J. M. , Windle J. , Tan W. S. , Heffernan J.
Published: December 2006

We report on the characteristics of our recent room temperature continuous‐wave InGaN quantum well laser diodes grown by by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). Uncoated ridge waveguide lasers fabricated on freestanding GaN substrates have a continuous‐wave (cw) threshold current of 110 mA, corresponding to a threshold current density of 5.5 kA cm–2. We report on our steps taken to reduce threshold voltage to 7 V. Lasers with uncoated facets have a maximum cw output power of 14 mW and a cw characteristic temperatureT0of 123 K. Cw laser lifetime vs. power dissipation data is presented, with a maximum lifetime of 2.6 hours for the best laser. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
GaN MQW microdisks pivoted on Si substrate
Authors: Choi H. W. , Yang B. L. , Lai P. T. , Chen P. , Zhang X. H. , Teng J. H. , Chua S. J.
Published: December 2006

The fabrication and characterization of GaN MQW microdisks pivoted on Si is reported in this paper. The GaN microdisks were patterned by photolithography and dry‐etched. This is followed by an isotropic wet‐etch process to remove the Si underneath the GaN microdisks, exposing the bottom GaN surface. A Si pillar is left behind to support the microdisk structure. The smooth GaN/air interface provides a reflectivity of ∼20%. Modal features are observed in the photoluminescence spectrum with a mode spacing of ∼1.1 nm. From theoretical predictions whispering gallery (WG) modes are likely to dominate in these microdisks structures. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of an (Al,In)N insertion layer on the radiative emission properties of (In,Ga)N/GaN multiple quantum well structures
Authors: Monemar B. , Paskov P. P. , Bergman J. P. , Keller S. , DenBaars S. P. , Mishra U. K.
Published: December 2006

As an effort to investigate new techniques to reduce the effect of the strong internal polarization fields in (In,Ga)N/GaN quantum well (QW) structures we have studied the influence of inserting a thin wide bandgap Al0.95In0.05N interlayer inside the QWs, in order to modify the potential and increase the electron–hole overlap. A strong reduction of the decay times of the photoluminescence (PL) was observed in this case at all temperatures up to 300 K, without a strong reduction in PL intensity. The tunneling electron–hole transition across the interlayer is observed to be dominant at room temperature for high excitation conditions. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Direct instruction vs. discovery: The long view
Authors: Dean Jr. David , Kuhn Deanna
Published: December 2006

D. Klahr and M. Nigam (2004) make a case for the superiority of direct instruction over discovery learning in students' mastery of the control‐of‐variables strategy central to the scientific method. In the present work, we examine acquisition of this strategy among students of the same age as those studied by Klahr and Nigam, as well as follow central features of their design in directly comparing the two methods. In contrast to their design, however, we follow progress over an extended time period and a range of equivalent tasks. Three groups of 15 fourth‐grade students, of diverse socioeconomic background, were compared. One group engaged in 12 sessions over 10 weeks working on problems that required the control‐of‐variables strategy for effective solution. Another group engaged in the same activity, preceded by a session involving direct instruction on the control‐of‐variables strategy. A third group received only the initial direct instruction, without subsequent engagement and practice. In this longer term framework, direct instruction appears to be neither a necessary nor sufficient condition for robust acquisition or for maintenance over time. The patterns of attainment observed here point instead to a gradual and extended process of acquisition and consolidation. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 91:384–397, 2007
Comparison of CT‐ or ultrasound‐guided drainage with concomitant intravenous antibiotics vs. intravenous antibiotics alone in the management of tubo‐ovarian abscesses
Authors: Goharkhay N. , Verma U. , Maggiorotto F.
Published: December 2006

Objective

The purpose of this study was to compare the outcome of treatment of tubo‐ovarian abscesses by imaging‐guided drainage and antibiotics vs. intravenous antibiotics alone.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of all patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of tubo‐ovarian abscess was performed. Patients were categorized into two groups. The first group consisted of subjects treated with intravenous antibiotics alone. Patients in the second group had primary image‐guided drainage with concomitant intravenous antibiotics. Treatment failures in the primary antibiotics group underwent salvage drainage when feasible. The primary outcome of interest was complete response. Secondary outcomes included need for additional treatment, duration of resolution of fever, total length of hospital stay, and complication rates. We also evaluated the effectiveness of secondary drainage in patients who failed primary antibiotic therapy alone.

Results

A total of 58 patients were included in the study. Fifty patients were treated primarily with intravenous antibiotics; eight patients had primary drainage, which was guided by ultrasound in all cases. Complete response was noted in 29 (58%) patients treated with antibiotics alone. All eight (100%) patients in the primary drainage group responded to treatment. Of the 21 treatment failures with primary antibiotics, two underwent surgery and 19 (90.5%) had salvage drainage with either ultrasound or computed tomographic guidance; 18 of 19 salvage drainages led to complete recovery. Subjects in the primary drainage group required shorter hospital stays and showed more rapid resolution of fever. No significant morbidity was noted as a consequence of drainage procedures. A higher failure rate for secondary drainage was noted in older patients, those with larger tubo‐ovarian abscesses, and those with a history of pelvic inflammatory disease.

Conclusion

Drainage of tubo‐ovarian abscesses with concomitant intravenous antibiotics is an effective and safe treatment for the primary or secondary treatment of tubo‐ovarian abscesses. Copyright © 2006 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging with apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) determination in normal and pathological fetal kidneys
Authors: Chaumoitre K. , Colavolpe N. , Shojai R. , Sarran A. , D' Ercole C. , Panuel M.
Published: December 2006

Objectives

To assess the use of diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW‐MRI) in the evaluation of the fetal kidney and to estimate age‐dependent changes in the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of normal and pathological fetal kidneys.

Methods

DW‐MRI was performed on a 1.5‐T machine at 23–38 gestational weeks in 51 pregnant women in whom the fetal kidneys were normal and in 10 whose fetuses had renal pathology (three with suspected nephropathy, three with renal tract dilatation, one with unilateral renal venous thrombosis, and three with twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS)). The ADC was measured in an approximately 1‐cm2 region of interest within the renal parenchyma.

Results

ADC values in normal renal parenchyma ranged from 1.1 to 1.8 10−3mm2s−1. There was no significant age‐dependent change in the ADC of normal kidneys. In cases of nephropathy, the ADC value was not always pathological but an ADC map could show abnormal findings. In cases of dilatation, the ADC value was difficult to determine when the dilatation was huge. In cases of TTTS, the ADC of the donor twin was higher than that of the recipient twin and the difference seemed to be related to the severity of the syndrome.

Conclusion

Evaluation of the ADC for fetal kidneys is feasible. Fetal measurement of the ADC value and ADC maps may be useful tools with which to explore the fetal kidney when used in conjunction with current methods. DW‐MR images, ADC value and ADC map seem to be useful in cases of suspected nephropathy (hyperechoic kidneys), dilated kidney and vascular pathology (renal venous thrombosis, TTTS). Copyright © 2006 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
First‐trimester combined screening for trisomy 21 in a predominantly Chinese population
Authors: Leung T. Y. , Chan L. W. , Leung T. N. , Fung T. Y. , Sahota D. S. , Spencer K. , Lau T. K.
Published: December 2006

Objective

To examine the effectiveness of first‐trimester fetal trisomy 21 screening using a combination of maternal age, nuchal translucency thickness (NT) and maternal serum free beta‐human chorionic gonadotropin (β‐hCG) and pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A) levels in a predominantly Chinese population in Hong Kong.

Methods

This was a prospective study over a 1.5‐year period of 2990 women who underwent combined screening for trisomy 21 between 11 + 0 and 13 + 6 weeks of gestation in a university fetal medicine unit. NT was measured according to the criteria set by The Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF), maternal serum free β‐hCG and PAPP‐A levels were measured, and the risk of trisomy 21 was calculated using The FMF's algorithm. Fetal karyotyping was advised when the risk was 1 : 300 or above. All subjects were followed up for pregnancy and fetal outcome.

Results

Of the 2990 women who underwent the screening program, 99% were Chinese. There were 57 twin pregnancies, giving a total of 3047 fetuses. Thirty‐one percent of the women were 35 years old or above. One hundred and eighty‐five (6.1%) fetuses were screen‐positive; this included 14 cases of trisomy 21 and 17 cases of other chromosomal abnormalities. The positive predictive value was 16.7%. Among the 2862 screen‐negative fetuses, only 18 (0.6%) cases had an unknown fetal outcome. There were no cases in which trisomy 21 was missed and the infant was liveborn.

Conclusion

First‐trimester combined screening for fetal trisomy 21 is highly effective among Chinese subjects. Copyright © 2006 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Short cervix: is a follow‐up measurement useful?
Authors: Fox N. S. , Jean‐Pierre C. , Predanic M. , Chasen S. T.
Published: December 2006

Objective

To study if a repeat cervical length (CL) measurement in the patient already diagnosed with a short cervix has any additional value in the prediction of preterm delivery.

Study design

This was a retrospective study of singleton pregnancies with cervical lengths 1–25 mm at a gestational age of 16–28 weeks seen in our institution between 2002 and 2005. Patients who were managed expectantly and had a follow‐up CL measurement within 3 weeks were included. Delivery data were obtained from the patients' computerized medical records.

Results

Sixty‐eight patients met the inclusion criteria. 37% of the patients had a shorter CL on the second measurement. These patients delivered at an earlier gestational age (36 + 4 vs. 38 + 2 weeks, P = 0.031) and were more likely to deliver at < 37 weeks (60% vs. 26%, P = 0.009). The change in the CL correlated with earlier gestational age at delivery and delivery at < 37 weeks.

Conclusion

In patients diagnosed with a short cervix, follow‐up CL measurement is a strong predictor of preterm delivery. Greater change in the CL correlates with an earlier gestational age at delivery. In the patient diagnosed with a short cervix, a repeat measurement of CL gives additional predictive value. Copyright © 2006 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Extraction of equivalent beam properties from blade models
Authors: Malcolm David J. , Laird Daniel L.
Published: December 2006

A method is presented for extracting the equivalent beam properties from a finite element model of a wind turbine blade so that full aeroelastic models can be constructed more reliably. The method is based on applying unit loads at the tip of the blade and processing the resulting nodal displacements to generate the 6 × 6 stiffness matrices for the specified beam discretization. The finite element model can comprise shell and/or solid elements, but the use of shell elements with centroids offset from the surface has been shown to produce erroneous torsional stiffness values. The method includes all three‐dimensional effects such as shear and warping as well as flap–twist coupling, and these are demonstrated in a series of validation examples. The process will accommodate blades with curvature in one or both directions and has the added advantage of identifying the centre of mass, elastic centre, principal directions and shear centre. Published in 2006 by John Wiley &Sons, Ltd.
Mitochondrial DNA Mutations in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer with Respect to the Age Factor
Authors: Witte Jürgen , Lehmann Steffen , Wulfert Michael , Yang Quin , Röher Hans D.
Published: December 2006

Introduction

Increased numbers of mitochondria in differentiated thyroid cancer and, most strikingly, mutations in human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in older people have led to speculation that mtDNA mutations might contribute to aging or accumulate in postmitotic tissues with age. Mutation analyses of mtDNA in papillary (PTCs) and follicular (FTCs) thyroid carcinomas have been limited to date. The significance and frequency of mtDNA mutations in PTC and FTC are therefore controversial, as is age dependence.

Methods

We analyzed eight sample pairs of PTC and six of FTC tissue with the corresponding normal thyroid tissue. DNA was extracted from frozen and formaldehyde‐fixed tissue using the QIAmp Tissue Kit. Sequence differences in the mtDNA between tumor and normal tissue were detected using appropriate polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products for heteroduplex analysis in a denaturing high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) Wave System (Transgenomic). Mutations were confirmed and identified by sequencing the PCR products of conspicuous chromatograms. The samples were obtained from 346 patients with PTC and 105 patients with FTC. We analyzed the whole mitochondrial genome from seven PTC and three FTC tumors along with the corresponding normal thyroid tissue. 3/7 PTC samples showed two heteroplasmic mutations and one polymorphism; all 3 FTCs showed homoplasmic and/or heteroplasmic mutations.

Results

All but one of these tumors are well documented in the mitochondrial database MITOMAP. MtDNA mutations were found in all three patients aged 45 years and older. There was no correlation, however, in this small group to clinical prognostic factors for recurrence and especially for survival in differentiated thyroid carcinomas, such as histology, tumor size, lymph node metastases, distant metastases, and gender, most likely because of the short follow‐up. While univariate analysis of the findings in the whole cohort of 346 patients with PTC suggested that age is a significant prognostic factor for survival (P= 0.0237) but not for recurrence (P= 0.65), this was not the case in the 105 patients with FTC.

Conclusions

Although we found accumulation of mutations in two older patients with PTC and one patient with FTC (all three patients older than 45 years had mtDNA mutations), the low frequency of these mutations in the small group of 10 analyzed patients did not correlate with statistically validated clinical prognosticators for recurrence or survival, especially not with age. The low power of our data are therefore not able to support or refute the hypothesis that these mtDNA mutations are related to age‐dependent tumor progression in the thyroid or that they “may be involved in thyroid tumorigenesis.”
Assessment of Quality of Life after Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication in Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Authors: Balci Deniz , Turkcapar Ahmet G.
Published: December 2006

Background

In this study two different quality of life items are compared, and correlation of patient satisfaction with preoperative and postoperative symptoms after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) for chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease is evaluated.

Materials and Methods

Between December 2002 and December 2004, 60 patients with a diagnosis of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease scheduled for laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication were recruited prospectively and volunteered to participate in this study. Patients underwent endoscopy, and their disease‐specific symptoms were scored on a scale. Quality of life was measured preoperatively and in the first and sixth postoperative months with two questionnaires: Short Form‐36 (SF 36) (preoperatively) and the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease—Health‐Related Quality of Life (GERD‐HRQL) (postoperatively).

Results

In more than 90% of the patients, typical symptoms (regurgitation and pyrozis) were controlled postoperatively (p < 0.001). In the first postoperative month, however, dysphagia (early dysphagia) was seen in 46 (76%) patients, whereas in the sixth postoperative month (late dysphagia) its incidence decreased to only 2 (3.3%) patients. Similarly, in the first postoperative month 42 (70%) patients had gas bloating, but the incidence of this symptom decreased to 26 (43.3%) patients by the sixth month (p = 0.01). The quality‐of‐life measurements obtained from both SF 36 and GERD‐HRQL showed that quality of life of the patients improved significantly in the related domain of each item after surgery (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is an effective operation that controls the typical symptoms and improves the quality of life of patients, but new‐onset symptoms affect postoperative well‐being. For closer evaluation of the benefits of the operation, we need new questionnaires that comprehensively evaluate the symptom spectrum of GERD both preoperatively and postoperatively.
Interleukin‐10 Gene Transfer: Prevention of Multiple Organ Injury in a Murine Cecal Ligation and Puncture Model of Sepsis
Authors: Kabay Burhan , Kocaefe Cetin , Baykal Atac , Özden Hilmi , Baycu Cengiz , Oner Zafer , Özgüç Meral , Sayek Iskender
Published: December 2006

Introduction

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of immunoregulatory cytokine interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) gene therapy on multiple organ injury (MOI) induced by a cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model of sepsis in mice.

Methods

Male Balb/c mice subjected to CLP were treated with either an hIL‐10‐carrying vector or an empty control vector. We assessed the degree of lung, liver, and kidney tissue destruction biochemically by measuring myeloperoxidase (MPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) activity. Histologic assessments were based on neutrophil infiltration in lung and liver tissue. IL‐10 protein expression was examined immunohistochemically, and ultrastructural changes in the liver were studied by transmission electron microscopy. We analyzed the expression of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNFα) mRNA by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction 3, 8, and 24 hours after CLP in all organs.

Results

Organ damage was significantly reduced by hIL‐10 gene transfer, which was associated at the tissue level with reduced MPO activity in the liver, lung, and kidney and decreased leukocyte sequestration and MDA formation in the lung. The liver MDA was not significantly higher in the hIL‐10 gene therapy group than in the controls and seemed not to be affected by hIL‐10 gene transfer. The reduced portal tract neutrophilic infiltration and preserved ultrastructure of the hepatocytes also showed that tissue function was not impaired. The lung and kidney TNFα mRNA expression was suppressed markedly in the hIL‐10 gene therapy group, but liver TNFα mRNA expression varied over time.

Conclusions

These findings showed that IL‐10 gene therapy significantly attenuated sepsis‐induced MOI.
Risk‐scoring Method for Prediction of 30‐Day Postoperative Outcome after Infrainguinal Surgical Revascularization for Critical Lower‐limb Ischemia: a Finnvasc Registry Study
Authors: Biancari Fausto , Salenius Juha‐Pekka , Heikkinen Maarit , Luther Michael , Ylönen Kari , Lepäntalo Mauri
Published: December 2006

Background

The aim of the present study was to develop a risk‐scoring method for prediction of immediate postoperative outcome after infrainguinal surgical revascularization for critical limb ischemia.

Methods

The Finnvasc registry included data on 3,925 infrainguinal surgical revascularization procedures. This database was randomly divided into a derivation and a validation data set of similar sizes.

Results

In the overall series, 30‐day postoperative mortality and major amputation rates were 3.1% and 6.3%, respectively. The 30‐day postoperative mortality and/or limb‐loss rate was 9.2%. Diabetes, coronary artery disease, foot gangrene, and urgent operation were independent predictors of 30‐day postoperative mortality and/or major lower‐limb amputation. A risk score was developed by assigning 1 point each to the latter risk factors. In the derivation data set, the 30‐day postoperative mortality/amputation rates in patients with scores of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 7.7%, 6.4%, 11.1%, 20.4%, and 27.3%, respectively, (P < 0.0001); mortality rates were 1.3%, 2.3%, 4.1%, 7.7%, and 12.1%, respectively, (P < 0.0001); and major amputation rates were 6.4%, 4.3%, 7.1%, 12.7%, and 18.2%, respectively, (P < 0.0001). In the validation data set, the 30‐day postoperative mortality/amputation rates in patients with scores of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 4.8%, 7.5%, 10.1%, 15.9%, and 22.2%, respectively, (P < 0.0001); mortality rates were 0.7%, 2.3%, 4.2%, 5.5%, and 14.8%, respectively, (P < 0.0001); and major amputation rates were 4.6%, 5.3%, 6.4%, 11.0%, and 14.0%, respectively (P = 0.011).

Conclusions

This simple risk‐scoring method can be useful to stratify the immediate postoperative outcome of patients undergoing infrainguinal surgical revascularization for critical lower‐limb ischemia.
Ileosigmoidal Knotting in Children: A Review of 9 Cases
Authors: Atamanalp S. Selçuk , Ören Durkaya , Yildirgan M. İlhan , Başoğlu Mahmut , Aydinli Bülent , Öztürk Gürkan , Salman Bedii
Published: December 2006

Background

The purpose of this study was to review nine pediatric cases of ileosigmoidal knotting (ISK), which is an unusual form of intestinal obstruction common in adults, characterized by double‐loop obstruction.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was designed to examine preoperative, operative, and postoperative findings of the nine children with ISK who were surgically treated in a university hospital throughout a 38.5‐year period..

Results

The mean age was 10.6 years (range: 7–16 years). Seven patients (77.8 %) were male. The most common symptoms were abdominal pain, distention, obstipation, and vomiting, and the most common signs were abdominal tenderness and distention. The most common form was type 1A in 4 patients (44.4%) in whom the active ileum encircled the passive sigmoid colon in clockwise direction. There was a gangrene in both ileum and sigmoid colon in 7 patients (77.8%), one patient (11.1%) had gangrene in only the sigmoid colon, and the bowels were viable in 1 patient (11.1%). In the gangrenous cases, nonviable small bowel segments were resected, and anastomosis was performed, while gangrenous sigmoid colon was resected and Hartmann procedure or primary anastomosis was used. In the nongangrenous case, detorsion was performed and sigmoidopexy was added. One patient in this series (11.1%) died.

Conclusions

Ileosigmoidal knotting is a rare disease in children. Its preoperative diagnosis is not easy. It is generally misdiagnosed as an obstructive emergency. Aggressive preoperative resuscitation, effective and prompt surgery, and postoperative support are the basic principles of treatment. Although resection with primary anastomosis is advised in gangrenous cases, stomas may be lifesaving in unstable patients. In nongangrenous cases, definitive surgical procedures are generally used.
Is Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Occurring Late After Antireflux Surgery Due to Persistent Postoperative Reflux?
Authors: Lagergren Jesper , Viklund Pernilla
Published: December 2006

Background

Gastroesophageal reflux is the main risk factor for esophageal adenocarcinoma, but there is no strong support for a protective effect of antireflux surgery. We tested the hypothesis that esophageal adenocarcinoma that develops with long latency after antireflux surgery might be due to persistent postoperative reflux.

Methods

A nationwide population‐based case‐control study in collaboration with 195 relevant Swedish hospital departments and tumor registries during the study period 1995–1997. Frequency‐matched control persons were randomly selected from the population register. All study participants were personally interviewed regarding background data, exposures, symptoms, conditions, diseases, surgery, and medications. Differences between cases and controls in the occurrence of daily, long‐standing antireflux medication 5 years or later after antireflux surgery were estimated using Fisher’s exact test.

Results

One hundred and eighty‐nine out of 216 (88%) eligible cases of esophageal adenocarcinoma and 820 of 1,128 (73%) controls were prospectively enrolled. Seven (3.7%) patients and 8 controls had undergone antireflux surgery at least 5 years before the interview. All 7 case patients had Barrett’s mucosa. Four of the case patients had used postoperative antireflux medications continuously (mean duration 10.2 years), while none of the control persons reported such use (P = 0.026). There was no difference in mean body mass index between patients with and without postoperative reflux (P = 0.81). No differences between the patients and controls were found regarding age, sex, body mass index, or tobacco smoking status.

Conclusions

Esophageal adenocarcinoma occurring late after antireflux surgery might at least partly be due to persistent postoperative reflux. Further research is required to establish the role of antireflux surgery in the etiology of this tumor.
Unifying and distinguishing diversity ordering methods for comparing communities
Authors: Liu Canran , Whittaker Robert J. , Ma Keping , Malcolm Jay R.
Published: December 2006

Diversity indices have been widely used in ecological research, but they remain problematic in that different indices may rank communities inconsistently. This problem can be solved by using diversity ordering methods, the output of which is a diversity profile in graphical form for each community being compared. In this paper, we demonstrate that existing diversity ordering methods can be classified into four groups and that within‐group methods are essentially equivalent, while among‐group methods are not. We find that the intrinsic diversity‐related methods—i.e., the group containing the right tail‐sum method, the logarithmic dominance plot, the majorization method, and the k‐dominance plot—provide the most stringent test of diversity ordering, and we recommend the right tail‐sum method as the method of preference for practical purposes.
Development of a filter paper method potentially applicable to mass and high‐risk urinary screenings for Fabry disease
Authors: Auray‐Blais C. , Cyr D. , Mills K. , Giguère R. , Drouin R.
Published: December 2006

Fabry disease is an X‐linked lysosomal storage disorder of glycosphingolipid catabolism resulting from a deficiency of the enzyme α‐galactosidase A, and leading to the progressive accumulation of one biomarker, globotriaosylceramide (Gb3), predominantly elevated in the urine of these patients. We have developed a technique for the analysis of total Gb3 in urine samples collected on filter paper, using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) with a triple quadrupole instrument. Existing Gb3 techniques being both time‐ and labour‐intensive, this filter paper method eliminates lipid extraction, glycolipid isolation, centrifugation and evaporation steps, while maintaining sensitivity and efficiency. The stability of Gb3 on filter paper was good for a 7‐week period under different temperature conditions. Normal control values were established and the technique was tested with anonymized samples from Fabry hemizygotes and heterozygotes. The levels of total Gb3 in all classical hemizygotes were well above the control values and all heterozygotes, except two nonexcretors, were above the reference level. The proposed novel filter paper method favours the collection, storage and shipment of samples. It is simple and efficient for a feasibility study, potentially applicable to the determination of total urinary Gb3 in the newborn population as part of a screening programme, and could also be used in high‐risk screening laboratories. Since the incidence of Fabry disease is hard to establish, owing to the heterogeneous clinical expression of the visible phenotype, this feasibility study could help determine its actual incidence in the Quebec population.
A new infantile case of α‐N‐acetylgalactosaminidase deficiency. Cardiomyopathy as a presenting symptom
Authors: Chabás A. , Duque J. , Gort L.
Published: December 2006

α‐N‐Acetylgalactosaminidase deficiency is a lysosomal disorder with clinically very different infantile and adult forms. To date, 12 patients from eight families are known. Neuroaxonal dystrophy or moderate psychomotor retardation, without visceral involvement, have been reported in the infantile form. We describe a new Spanish patient with Schindler disease who presented with hepatomegaly and cardiomyopathy, traits not previously associated with this disease. There was no dysmorphism or neurological involvement in the patient, who died at the age of 8 months. α‐N‐Acetylgalactosaminidase activity was reduced in fibroblasts and liver to 1.6% and 0.57% of controls, respectively. Several lysosomal enzyme activities associated with infantile cardiomyopathy were found in the normal ranges. The patient was a compound heterozygote for the novel mutation p.D217N (c.649G>A) in exon 6 and the already reported mutation p.E325K (c.973G>A) in exon 8. The description of this new case broadens the clinical spectrum of the infantile forms and indicates that Schindler disease should be considered in the diagnosis of metabolic cardiomyopathies.
Guanidinoacetate methyltransferase deficiency masquerading as a mitochondrial encephalopathy
Authors: Morris A. A. M. , Appleton R. E. , Power B. , Isherwood D. M. , Abernethy L. J. , Taylor R. W. , Turnbull D. M. , Verhoeven N. M. , Salomons G. S. , Jakobs C.
Published: December 2006

Guanidinoacetate methyltransferase (GAMT) deficiency is a rare disorder of creatine synthesis. We report a patient who presented at 10 months of age with hypotonia and global developmental delay. Subsequently, she developed seizures and choreoathetosis. Magnetic resonance imaging showed high signal bilaterally in the globus pallidus on T2‐weighted images. Mitochondrial respiratory chain studies revealed low complex I activity (in muscle 0.052 nmol NADH oxidized per min per unit citrate synthase, controls 0.166 ± 0.047; in fibroblasts 0.080 nmol NADH oxidized per min per unit citrate synthase, controls 0.197 ± 0.034). The true diagnosis was suspected at 21 months of age because of persistent low plasma and urine creatinine concentrations. GAMT activity was undetectable in fibroblasts and compound heterozygous mutations were found in the GAMT gene (c.327G>A and c.522G>A). The patient was treated with creatine, dietary arginine restriction and ornithine supplements. Her movement disorder and seizures resolved but she still has severe cognitive impairment and no expressive language. The occurrence of secondary respiratory chain abnormalities in GAMT deficiency may lead to misdiagnosis, particularly as the clinical and radiological features resemble those seen in mitochondrial encephalopathies. It is important to establish the correct diagnosis because specific treatment is available.
A Comparative Study of the Properties of Selected Melon Seed Oils as Potential Candidates for Development into Commercial Edible Vegetable Oils
Authors: Mabaleha M. B. , Mitei Y. C. , Yeboah S. O.
Published: December 2006

A comprehensive compositional and characterization study was carried out on five seed oils from varieties of the melons Citrullus lanatus and C. colocynth in order to evaluate their suitability for large‐scale exploitation as edible vegetable oils. The oils were extracted by Soxhlet with a 3:1 mixture of n‐hexane/2‐propanol with yields that ranged from 24.8 to 30.0% (wt/wt). The refractive indices and relative densities of the oils fell within the narrow ranges of 1.465–1.469 and 0.874–0.954 g/cm3, respectively. Saponification values ranged between 182.1 and 193.8 mg KOH/g, whilst iodine values (IV) ranged from 95.8 to 124.0 (Wijs). The ranges of the values for free fatty acid (AV), 1.2–4.0 mg KOH/g, peroxide (PV), 1.1–10.9 meq/kg and p‐anisidine (p‐AV), 0.2–9.0, indicated that secondary oxidation products were barely present. GC analysis gave total unsaturation contents of 67.93–82.36%, with linoleic acid (18:2) being the dominant fatty acid (55.21–66.85%). The GC results agreed closely with those from proton NMR analysis of the fatty acid classes. The physicochemical and compositional properties determined in this study show that the qualities of the test Cucurbitacea seed oils are highly comparable to those of soybean, sunflower and groundnut seed oils. Therefore, the test melon seed oils could be developed into commercial products to serve as alternate vegetable oils in Southern and West Africa, the regions where these melons grow.
Glycerolysis of Fatty Acid Methyl Esters: 1. Investigations in a Batch Reactor
Authors: Negi Devender S. , Sobotka Felix , Kimmel Tobias , Wozny Günter , Schomäcker Reinhard
Published: December 2006

The present work focused on the glycerolysis of fatty acid methyl esters. The aim was to develop and test a kinetic model that could be used to reliably simulate different process alternatives for this reaction. A prerequisite was the identification and characterization of the factors that affect the reaction kinetics. Experiments were carried out in a batch reactor with and without forced removal of methanol, which is one of the reaction products. Concentrations of all components in the two‐phase system were measured. It was found that the methanol concentration has a strong effect on the reaction rate and equilibrium conversion. Near‐complete conversions were obtained by stripping methanol with an inert gas. The glycerol concentration in the ester phase was found to increase as the reaction proceeds, which also accelerates the reaction. Effects of mass transfer on the reaction rate were not found to control the reaction rate under well‐agitated conditions. A semi‐empirical model was used to simulate the reaction. The results from the semi‐empirical model show good agreement with experimental results.
Elevated serum uric acid levels impair coronary microvascular function in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Gullu Hakan , Erdogan Dogan , Caliskan Mustafa , Tok Derya , Kulaksizoglu Sevsen , Yildirir Aylin , Muderrisoglu Haldun
Published: December 2006

In patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC), attenuated coronary flow reserve (CFR) and elevated serum uric acid levels have been reported. In this study, we investigated whether increased uric acid levels correlate with the degree of coronary microvascular dysfunction.

Serum uric acid levels were measured in 29 patients with IDC (mean age: 57.0±10.8 years, 10 female), and each patient also underwent transthoracic echocardiographic examination including CFR measurement. The study population was divided into two groups according to the median CFR value (lower CFR group and higher CFR group). Uric acid levels were significantly higher in the lower CFR group than in the higher CFR group (7.59±2.56 vs 4.80±0.80 mg/dL, P=0.000). CFR correlated significantly and inversely to serum uric acid (r=–0.570, P=0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that uric acid level was the only independent predictor of CFR (B=–1080, P=0.015).

We found a possibly clinically important negative association between serum uric acid levels and CFR in patients with IDC.
The S. cerevisiae Yap1 and Yap2 transcription factors share a common cadmium‐sensing domain
Authors: Azevedo Dulce , Nascimento Liliana , Labarre Jean , Toledano Michel B. , Rodrigues-Pousada Claudina
Published: December 2006

Towards elucidating the function of Yap2, which remains unclear, we have taken advantage of the C‐terminal homology between Yap1 and Yap2. Swapping domains experiments show that the Yap2 C‐terminal domain functionally substitutes for the homologous Yap1 domain in the response to Cd, but not to H2O2. We conclude that specificity determinants of the Cd response are encoded within both Yap1 and Yap2 C‐terminus, whereas those required for H2O2 response are only present in the Yap1 C‐terminus. Furthermore, our results identify FRM2 as Cd‐responsive Yap2 target and indicate a possible role of this protein in regulating a metal stress response.
Sinusoidal swinging dynamics of the telomere repair and cell growth activation functions of telomerase in rat liver cancer cells
Authors: Wolfrom Claire , Martin Olivier C. , Laurent Michel , Deschatrette Jean
Published: December 2006

Telomerase is a multimolecular complex of reverse transcriptase, RNA template, and regulatory proteins. It has two known functions: catalysis of the addition of [TTAGGG] repeats to telomeric DNA and the activation of various genes controlling cell proliferation. The possible coordination of these two functions is a key issue in understanding the growth of cancer cells. We report long‐term changes to this complex system, as shown by specific data analysis methods. We show that the dynamics of the two functions of telomerase are tightly linked, with a change in predominant function every 13–14 weeks. The conservative behavior of this dynamic system probably accounts for the persistent proliferation of cancer cells.
C. elegans RBX‐2‐CUL‐5‐ and RBX‐1‐CUL‐2‐based complexes are redundant for oogenesis and activation of the MAP kinase MPK‐1
Authors: Sasagawa Yohei , Sato Shusei , Ogura Teru , Higashitani Atsushi
Published: December 2006

Cul5‐based complex is a member of ECS (Elongin B/C‐Cul2/Cul5‐SOCS‐box protein) ubiquitin ligase family. The cellular function of the Cul5‐based complex is poorly understood. In this study, we found that oocyte septum formation and egg production did not occur in either cul‐5‐ or rbx‐2‐depleted cul‐2 homozygotes, although control cul‐2 homozygotes laid approximately 50 eggs. These phenotypes are reminiscent of those caused by the MAP kinase mpk‐1 depletion. In fact, activation of MPK‐1 was significantly inhibited in cul‐5‐depleted cul‐2 mutant and cul‐2‐depleted cul‐5 mutant. Yeast two‐hybrid analysis and RNAi‐knockdown experiments suggest that oocyte maturation from pachytene exit and MPK‐1 activation are redundantly controlled by the RBX‐2‐CUL‐5‐ and RBX‐1‐CUL‐2‐based complexes.