bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative evaluation of liver cirrhosis using T1 relaxation time with 3 tesla MRI before and after oxygen inhalation
Authors: Kim Kyung Ah , Park Mi‐Suk , Kim In‐Seong , Kiefer Berthold , Chung Woo‐Suk , Kim Myeong‐Jin , Kim Ki Whang
Published: March 2012

Purpose:

To quantify liver T1 relaxation times before and after oxygen inhalation in patients with and without liver cirrhosis using a 3 Tesla (T) MRI.

Materials and Methods:

Institutional Review Board approval and written informed consent were obtained. Ninety‐two noncirrhotic patients and 87 patients with hepatitis B viral liver cirrhosis (72 Child‐Pugh class A and 15 Child‐Pugh class B or C) underwent MRI with a 3.0T system before and after the supply of 100% oxygen at a rate of 15 L/min by means of a nonrebreather ventilation mask for 3 min. T1 maps were acquired using three‐dimensional spoiled gradient echo sequences with two different flip angles (2° and 14°) and a fixed TR/TE (2.54 ms/0.95 ms). Liver T1 values were obtained using a T1 processing tool (MapIT software). The mean baseline T1 values of three groups (control, Child‐Pugh class A, and Child‐Pugh class B/C) were compared using an analysis of variance test. Liver T1 value before and after oxygenation was compared using a paired t‐test for each group.

Results:

The baseline liver T1 value was significantly higher in the control group (941 ± 136 ms) than in Child‐Pugh A (858 ± 143 ms) and Child‐Pugh B/C (783 ± 164 ms) group (P < 0.001 and P < 0.0001). The reduction in the liver T1 value after oxygen inhalation was significant in the control group (P = 0.012) but not significant in Child‐Pugh class A (P = 0.079) and Child‐Pugh class B/C (P = 0.752).

Conclusion:

The baseline liver T1 relaxation time was significantly different between the patients with and without liver cirrhosis. The shortening effect of oxygen on the liver T1 value was significant in the control group but not in the cirrhotic patients. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;36:405–410. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Correction of arterial input function in dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI of the liver
Authors: Wang Hesheng , Cao Yue
Published: March 2012

Purpose:

To develop a postprocessing method to correct saturation of arterial input function (AIF) in T1‐weighted dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE‐MRI) for quantification of hepatic perfusion.

Materials and Methods:

The saturated AIF is corrected by parameterizing the first pass of the AIF as a smooth function with a single peak and minimizing a least‐squares error in fitting the liver DCE‐MRI data to a dual‐input single‐compartment model. Sensitivities of the method to the degree of saturation in the AIF first‐pass peak and the image contrast‐to‐noise ratio were assessed. The method was also evaluated by correlating portal venous perfusion with an independent overall liver function measurement.

Results:

The proposed method corrects the distorted AIF with a saturation ratio up to 0.45. The corrected AIF improved hepatic arterial perfusion by −23.4% and portal venous perfusion by 26.9% in a study of 12 patients with liver cancers. The correlation between the mean voxelwise portal venous perfusion and overall liver function measurement was improved by using the corrected AIFs (R2 = 0.67) compared with the saturated AIFs (R2 = 0.39).

Conclusion:

The method is robust for correcting AIF distortion and has the potential to improve quantification of hepatic perfusion for assessment of liver tissue response to treatment in patients with hepatic cancers. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;36:411–421. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Integrated risk factors for vertebrate roadkill in southern Ontario
Authors: Farmer Robert G. , Brooks Ron J.
Published: March 2012

Road mortality of animals (roadkill) threatens public safety and wildlife populations. As mitigation tools, predictive models of roadkill are becoming more common in the published literature; however, few models generalize across multiple taxa, and thus are less useful for management scenarios that account for multiple target species. Using a dataset of 653 vertebrate roadkills collected from 2 parks in southern Ontario, we constructed generalized linear mixed models to determine the simultaneous risk factors for bird, frog, mammal, five‐lined skink (Eumeces fasciatus), snake, toad, and turtle hatchling roadkills from among a set of 8 potential predictor variables. Posted road speed limit was the dominant roadkill predictor (positive coefficient), followed by maximum daily temperature (positive), habitat diversity (positive), and distance from wetlands (negative). All else being equal, as road speed limits increase from 20 km/hr to 50 km/hr, the model predicted the season's mean roadkill probability for a given location to increase from less than 0.1 to 0.75. Conversely, roadkill probability declined from 0.55 to 0.29 as distance from wetland edges increases from 0 km to 1 km. Model diagnostics calculated from randomly resampled cross‐validation datasets indicated that the best model formulation had an averaged predictive accuracy of 67.5% and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.867. The best model also reflected seasonal patterns of animal behavior, including late‐summer frog movements and fall turtle hatching events. The best model also compared favorably to single‐taxon equivalent models. To reduce the incidence of vertebrate roadkill, we recommend that managers lower road speed limits, especially on roads near diverse habitats and near wetlands, and on warmer days if temporary signage is used. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Using Bayesian stable isotope mixing models to estimate wolf diet in a multi‐prey ecosystem
Authors: Derbridge Jonathan J. , Krausman Paul R. , Darimont Chris T.
Published: March 2012

Stable isotope analysis (SIA) of wolf (Canis lupus) tissues can be used to estimate diet and intra‐population diet variability when potential prey have distinct δ13C and δ15N values. We tested this technique using guard hairs collected from 44 wolves in 12 northwestern Montana packs, summer 2009. We used hierarchical Bayesian stable isotope mixing models to determine diet and scales of diet variation from δ13C and δ15N of wolves and potential prey, white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), elk (Cervus canadensis), moose (Alces alces), snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus), and other prey. As a check on SIA results, we conducted a separate diet analysis with temporally matched scats (i.e., collected in summer 2008) from 4 of the same packs. Wolves were centered on the ungulate prey in the isotope mixing space. Both methods revealed differences among pack diets and that wolves may consume moose in greater proportions than predicted by available biomass. Stable isotope analysis, and scat results were not entirely concordant; assumptions related to tissues of use in SIA, hair growth period in wolves, and scat sampling may have contributed to a mismatch between methods. Incorrect fractionation values, insufficient separation of prey in the isotope mixing space, choice of prior information in the Bayesian mixing models, and unexplained factors may have distorted diet estimates. However, the consistently high proportion of moose in pack diets suggests that increased population monitoring would benefit management of moose and wolves. Our results also support suggestions of other researchers that species‐specific fractionation values should be used whenever possible, and that SIA may sometimes only provide indices of use for general groups of prey (e.g., large ungulates). © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Kinetics of COx formation in the homogeneous metal/bromide‐catalyzed aerobic oxidation of p‐xylene
Authors: Sun Weizhen , An Meiying , Zhong Weimin , Zhao Ling
Published: March 2012

The homogeneous metal/bromide‐catalyzed aerobic oxidation of p‐xylene with different catalyst concentrations was carried out, and the formation kinetics of COx including CO2 and CO was measured. The simplified elementary steps for the formation of COx were summarized, on the basis of which the kinetic model of COx formation was established. The model calculations were in good agreement with the experimental data for the CO2 formation and also successfully captured the first peak of the CO formation rate as a function of time. The obtained rate constants have narrow confidence intervals, among which only k1 and k2 are the adjustable parameters for different catalyst conditions. The decarboxylation of the carboxyl group in aromatic acid, the oxidation of the aryl radical, and the destruction of acetic acid are the major sources of CO2. The formation of CO mainly results from the destruction of acetic acid and the oxidation of the aryl radical. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 44: 277–283, 2012
Functionalization and Compatibilization of Poly(ε‐caprolactone) Composites with Cellulose Microfibres: Morphology, Thermal and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Haque Md. Minhaz‐Ul , Errico Maria Emanuela , Gentile Gennaro , Avella Maurizio , Pracella Mariano
Published: March 2012

A comparative study of the preparation and properties of composites of PCL with cellulose microfibres (CFs) containing butanoic‐acid‐modified cellulose (CB) or PCL grafted with maleic anhydride/glycidyl methacrylate as compatibilizers, is reported. The composites are obtained by melt mixing and analyzed using SEM, DSC, TGA, XRD, FT‐IR, NMR and tensile tests. An improved interfacial adhesion is observed in all compatibilized composites, as compared to PCL/CF. The crystallization behavior and crystallinity of PCL is largely affected by CF and CB content. Composites with PCL‐g‐MAGMA display higher values of tensile modulus, tensile strength and elongation at break.

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Novel Generation of Liquid Crystalline Photo‐Actuators Based on Stretched Porous Polyethylene Films
Authors: Ryabchun Alexander , Bobrovsky Alexey , Stumpe Joachim , Shibaev Valery
Published: March 2012

The preparation of photo‐actuators based on stretched porous polyethylene and an azobenzene‐containing liquid crystalline polymer network is reported for the first time. It is revealed that this kind of photo‐actuator possesses the following advantages: the lack of a need for using aligning coatings and cells preparation, high deformation of the actuator and its complete reversibility, good mechanical properties, and relatively low cost of fabrication. In addition some kinetic and thermodynamic features of the bending and unbending processes have been studied.
Epigenetic regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor a dynamic expression in transitional cell carcinoma
Authors: Ping Szu‐Yuan , Shen Kun‐Hung , Yu Dah‐Shyong
Published: March 2012

Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF‐A) is a key mediator in the neovascularization of cancers. We have found that VEGF‐A was expressed at significantly higher levels in high‐grade transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) cells than low‐grade TCC cells in our previous study. In the present study, promoter methylation pattern was assessed and quantified by bisulfite genomic sequencing (BGS) and specific VEGF‐A CpG sites in low‐grade, but not in high‐grade, TCC cells were observed. Reporter assays indicated that hypermethylation of nine CpG sites can inhibit the transcriptional activity of the VEGF‐A gene. Subsequent chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay revealed down‐regulation of transcription activity of VEGF‐A with increasing binding of methyl‐CpG‐binding protein 2 (MBD2) and trimethyl‐histone H3 (Lys9) proteins to these CpG sites in low‐grade TCC cells during hypermethylation. Furthermore, treatment of low‐grade TCC cells with DNA methyltransferase inhibitor and histone deacetylase inhibitor can restore the expression of VEGF‐A and promote the invasive ability of low‐grade TCC cells. Hypermethylation with lower expression levels of VEGF‐A in low‐grade TCC tumors than high‐grade TCC tumors was also confirmed in clinical specimens by reverse transcriptase‐PCR and pyrosequencing analyses. Our findings are the first results indicating that VEGF‐A expression is suppressed in low‐grade TCC tumors by promoter hypermethylation. This offers a new perspective on the role of VEGF‐A in TCC tumor behavior. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Flow‐independent 3D whole‐heart vessel wall imaging using an interleaved T2‐preparation acquisition
Authors: Andia Marcelo E. , Henningsson Markus , Hussain Tarique , Phinikaridou Alkystis , Protti Andrea , Greil Gerald , Botnar Rene M.
Published: March 2012

Current techniques to visualize the arterial vessel wall are limited in coverage because most of them are flow dependent. In this study, we present a novel technique for flow‐independent vessel wall imaging that takes advantage of the differences in T2 relaxation time of arterial blood and surrounding tissues using the T2‐preparation prepulse. The technique is based on the acquisition and subtraction of two data sets, one obtained with and one without T2‐preparation prepulse. This approach allows for nulling the signal of arterial blood while maintaining signal from muscle and vessel wall. The result of the subtraction is a flow‐independent black‐blood vessel wall image. To minimize the motion sensitivity of the subtraction step, we developed an interleaved acquisition for the T2‐preparation prepulse and non‐T2‐preparation prepulse images, which allows obtaining coronary vessel wall images from a whole‐heart acquisition with minimal misregistration artefacts. In this article, we present the technique and preliminary results in healthy subjects. Magn Reson Med, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effect of urinary incontinence on health utility and health‐related quality of life in men following prostate surgery
Authors: Buckley Brian S. , Lapitan M.C.M. , Glazener C.M. ,   for the MAPS Trial Group
Published: March 2012

Aims

The impact of urinary incontinence (UI) on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) has been less well researched in men than women and the general population. This study aims to assess the association between UI and HRQoL in men 1 year after prostate surgery.

Methods

Planned secondary analysis of data from two parallel randomized controlled trials of active conservative treatment for UI in 853 men following radical prostatectomy (RP) and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Men of any age were eligible for trial inclusion if they were experiencing UI 6 weeks after undergoing RP or TURP at 34 centers in the United Kingdom. Univariate and multivariate analysis considered associations between health status (SF‐12 and EQ‐5D) and self‐reported UI. Multivariate analysis controlled for age, obesity, UI prior to surgery, and concomitant fecal incontinence.

Results

Mean age of 411 men in the RP trial was 62.3 years (SD 5.7) and 442 men in the TURP trial was 68.0 (SD 7.9). Of men with UI at 6 weeks after surgery, 76.7% in the RP group and 63.2% in the TURP group still had UI at 12 months. Any UI at 12 months was significantly associated with reduced HRQoL in the RP group and lower EQ‐5D and SF‐12 Mental Component Scores in the TURP group.

Conclusion

Any UI is a significant factor in reduced HRQoL in men following prostate surgery, particularly younger men who undergo RP. Its importance to patients as an adverse outcome should not be underestimated. Neurourol. Urodynam. 31:465–469, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quality of life of multiple sclerosis patients: Translation and validation of the Spanish version of qualiveen
Authors: Ciudin Alexandru , Franco Agustin , Diaconu Mihai Gabriel , Peri Lluis , Vivas Veronica , Gonzalez Miguel Angel , Alcaraz Antonio
Published: March 2012

Purpose

Up until now there were no specific questionnaire translated into Spanish for evaluating urinary disorder specific health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). Qualiveen is recommended by the European Association of Urology guidelines as a tool for evaluating neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction. The objective was to translate the Qualiveen into Spanish, adapt it cross‐culturally and validate it against the currently available tools.

Materials and Methods

A bidirectional translation of Qualiveen was undertaken by professional translators. One hundred two Spanish MS patients were sent the Qualiveen and the ICIQ‐SF questionnaires twice within a month. The questionnaires were sent and received by mail and reviewed when the patients came for the scheduled visit.

Results

Eighty‐one patients participated. The validation study showed that the Spanish version of Qualiveen has good internal consistency with Cronbach's coefficient superior to 0.80 for all the questionnaire's subdomains and also for the entire Qualiveen demonstrating high discriminative power. Also the test–retest analysis proved internal stability of the Qualiveen (kappa coefficient between 0.81 and 0.89). Finally, all the Qualiveen scores correlated with the ICIQ‐SF final score.

Conclusions

The Spanish version of Qualiveen functions similarly to the English language version retaining its discriminating power. It has shown it could be a valid instrument for discriminating between patients in a cross‐sectional survey, as well as for measuring within subject changes over time thus evaluating the extent to which MS patients' HRQoL is impaired by urinary‐related problems. Neurourol. Urodynam. 31:517–520, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
HPLC Quantitative Analysis of Insecticidal Didehydrostemofoline and Stemofoline in Stemona collinsiae Root Extracts
Authors: Kongkiatpaiboon Sumet , Gritsanapan Wandee
Published: March 2012

Introduction

Stemona spp. have been traditionally used as natural pesticides and medicinal plants. Stemona collinsiae Craib has been of interest for its insecticidal activity, which has been supported by many scientific research studies. The roots contain didehydrostemofoline and stemofoline alkaloids as active components.

Objective

To develop and validate a HPLC method for the quantitative analysis of didehydrostemofoline and stemofoline in S. collinsiae root extracts.

Methodology

HPLC was carried out using a Hypersil BDS C18‐column eluted with methanol:1 m m ammonium acetate (55:45) with a flow rate of 1 mL/min and detection at 295 nm. Method validation was performed to assure its linearity, precision, accuracy and limits of detection and quantitation.

Results

Didehydrostemofoline and stemofoline showed a linear relationship within the range of 0.5–432.4 and 0.5–188.4 µg/mL, respectively. The method was shown to be precise with RSD < 2%. The average recovery of didehydrostemofoline and stemofoline were 98.80 and 99.97%, respectively. Eight samples of S. collinsiae root extracts were analysed and the average contents of didehydrostemofoline and stemofoline were 0.78 and 0.048% w/w, respectively.

Conclusion

The HPLC method developed was appropriate for the analysis of didehydrostemofoline and stemofoline in S. collinsiae root extracts. This work would be useful as a guide for the standardisation of S. collinsiae root extract raw materials and their products as natural pesticides. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultradrawing properties of ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight polyethylene/attapulgite fibers
Authors: Yeh Jen‐Taut , Wang Chuen‐Kai , Hu Ping , Lai Yu‐Ching , Huang Lu‐Kai , Tsai Fang‐Chang
Published: March 2012

An investigation of the influence of the contents of original and modified attapulgite (ATP) on the ultradrawing properties of ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)/ATP (FAx) and UHMWPE/modified ATP (FAmx) as‐prepared fibers is reported. Similar to what is found for the orientation factor values, the achievable draw ratios (Dra) of the FAx and FAmx as‐prepared fibers approach a maximum value as the original ATP and/or modified ATP contents reach their corresponding optimum values. The maximum Dra value obtained for FAmx as‐prepared fiber specimens is significantly higher than that for FAx as‐prepared fiber specimens prepared at the optimum original ATP content. Similar to what is found for the orientation factors and achievable drawing properties, the tensile strength (σf) and initial modulus (E) of both drawn F2Ax and F2Amx fiber series specimens with a fixed draw ratio reach maximum values as the original and/or modified ATP contents approach the optimum values, respectively. The σf and E values of the F2Amx fiber specimens are always significantly higher than those of the corresponding F2Ax fiber specimens prepared at the same draw ratios and ATP contents but without being modified. To understand the interesting ultradrawing, orientation and tensile properties of FAx and FAmx fiber specimens, Fourier transform infrared spectral, specific surface area, transmission electron microscopic and elemental analyses of the original and modified ATPs were performed. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis and characterization of two classes of hyperstar polymers bearing hyperbranched cores grafted with linear arms
Authors: Däbritz Frank , Lederer Albena , Komber Hartmut , Voit Brigitte
Published: March 2012

New hyperstar polymers (HSP) consisting of two different hyperbranched (hb) aromatic/aliphatic cores grafted with linear polymer arms were successfully synthesized. The hb cores were based on either hb poly(vinylbenzylchloride) synthesized by SCVP‐ATRP or hb polyester from a polycondensation reaction. For the core‐first approach, the hb cores have been modified to hb macroinitiators initiating either the cationic ring‐opening polymerization of oxazolines (Oxa) or the atom transfer radical polymerization of alkylmethacrylates. For potential use as reactive binders in epoxy coatings the HSPs were equipped with a defined amount of OH‐groups during arm growth via controlled block‐copolymerization with nonfunctionalized and OH‐functionalized monomers, either an oxazoline (OH)Oxa (2‐[1‐(hydroxymethyl)ethyl]‐oxazoline) or a methacrylate HEMA (2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate). The amount of OH‐groups could be well adjusted in this way. The hyperstars were comprehensively characterized with respect to chemical structure and molecule dimension. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 000: 000–000, 2012
Clickable amphiphilic triblock copolymers
Authors: Isaacman Michael J. , Barron Kathryn A. , Theogarajan Luke S.
Published: March 2012

Amphiphilic polymers have recently garnered much attention due to their potential use in drug delivery and other biomedical applications. A modular synthesis of these polymers is extremely desirable, because it offers precise individual block characterization and increased yields. We present here for the first time a modular synthesis of poly(oxazoline)–poly(siloxane)–poly(oxazoline) block copolymers that have been clicked together using the copper‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition reaction. Various click methodologies for the synthesis of these polymers have been carefully evaluated and optimized. The approach using copper nanoparticles was found to be the most optimal among the methods evaluated. Furthermore, these results were extended to allow for a reactive SiH group‐based siloxane middle block to be successfully clicked. This enables the design of more complex amphiphilic block copolymers that have additional functionality, such as stimuli responsiveness, to be synthesized via a simple hydrosilylation reaction. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Antidepressants to cancer patients during the last year of life—a population‐based study
Authors: Brelin Siri , Loge Jon Håvard , Skurtveit Svetlana , Johannesen Tom Børge , Aass Nina , Ottesen Stig , Hjermstad Marianne Jensen
Published: March 2012

Objective

Although depression is common among incurable cancer patients, the prescription prevalence of antidepressants (ADs) to these patients is largely unknown. Aims were to examine the prescription prevalence of ADs in the last year of life in a 2‐year national cancer death cohort and to examine its associations with sociodemographic and medical variables.

Methods

Nationwide, 20,627 cancer deaths in adults were identified by combining the Norwegian Central Population and Cancer Registries. Individual prescriptions of ADs in the 12 months prior to death were identified in the Norwegian Prescription Database. The study population consisted of 17,753 patients who died from cancer in 2005 and 2006, after excluding patients assumed to be hospitalized whose prescriptions were not registered in the Norwegian Prescription Database.

Results

Twenty‐two percent (N = 3836) had at least one prescription of ADs in their last year of life (men 19%/women 25%), compared with 6% in the general population (men 4%/women 8%). Patients who died within 1 year from diagnosis had lower prescription prevalence (20%) than patients with longer disease duration (23%) (p < 0.001). Prescription prevalence increased toward death for both genders, but the prevalence of first‐time prescriptions in the last 6 months of life was similar across genders. About 10% of ADs were prescribed for the first time 30 days or less before death.

Conclusion

The prescription prevalence among cancer patients in the last year of life was almost four times higher than in the general population. One of 10 patients was prescribed with ADs so close to death that the clinical effects can be questioned. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human prostate cancer initiating cells isolated directly from localized cancer do not form prostaspheres in primary culture
Authors: Chen Shuangling , Principessa Lorenzo , Isaacs John T.
Published: March 2012

BACKGROUND

Recent experimental studies suggest that hierarchical expansion from a minor population of cancer cells with an unlimited self‐renewal capacity, termed cancer initiating cells (CICs), drives both lethality and heterogeneity of prostate cancer. Human prostate CICs have been established from only two primary prostate cancer patients, with the remaining established CIC lines being derived from metastatic sites from <10 patients. This suggests that the established CIC lines are significant “outliers” and may not be representative of the prostate CICs seen clinically. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop new approaches to achieve the “routine” establishment of CIC containing lines, particularly derived from primary prostate cancers.

METHODS

In the present studies, we confirmed that in serum free, high Ca2+ (i.e., DMEN: F12) growth factor defined (GFD) media plus androgen, a large (n = 10) series of established human prostate cancer cell lines derived from both localized and metastatic sites characteristically self‐associate in suspension and grow as unattached spheroids, termed prostaspheres which contain CICs based upon their self‐renewal in vitro and tumorigenicity in vivo.

RESULTS

Unfortunately, however, while dissociated single cells from human primary prostate cancer tissues are viable, contain CICs as documented by their ability to take and proliferate as xenografts, and produce prostaspheres when plated with serum free, high Ca2+/GFD‐media plus androgen onto standard tissue culture flask, these prostasphere do not contain CICs.

CONCLUSION

The development of reproducibly methods to culture CICs isolated directly from localized cancers is still an urgent unmeet need of the prostate cancer research community. Prostate 72:1478–1489, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of abamectin on root‐knot nematodes and tomato yield
Authors: Qiao Kang , Liu Xia , Wang Hongyan , Xia Xiaoming , Ji Xiaoxue , Wang Kaiyun
Published: March 2012

BACKGROUND: Tomato growers in Shandong Province, China, commonly face heavy root‐knot nematode infestations. Current methods of control include cadusafos and methyl bromide (MeBr), but alternative methods are required because of the high toxicity of these pesticides and the ecological risk of their use. Therefore, abamectin soil applications were evaluated for their potential to control soil nematodes in a series of laboratory tests, greenhouse pot experiments and field trials.

RESULTS: Laboratory tests showed that abamectin exhibited rapid knockdown of Meloidogyne incognita, with LC50 and LC90 values that were superior to those of cadusafos and averaged 7.06 and 21.81 mg L−1. In the greenhouse pot experiment, soil applications of abamectin provided significant M. incognita control similar to that provided by cadusafos while maintaining excellent plant height and vigour. In the field trials, abamectin exhibited excellent control effects to nematodes while giving a higher tomato yield. There was a 19.3–39.0% yield increase from the various treatments compared with the control, and the best results were obtained from the highest dose of abamectin.

CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrated that abamectin has the potential to be used as an effective alternative to MeBr and cadusafos for nematode control in tomato production in Shandong Province. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Parkinson's disease: a guide to pharmacological management
Authors: Needham Edward , Worth Paul
Published: March 2012

Parkinson's is a progressive debilitating disease and pharmacological management is complex. Our Drug review describes the available drug options for the treatment of parkinsonian motor symptoms, followed by an analysis of the prescription data and sources of further information. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Interface Ltd
EpiPen: watch the expiry date
Authors: Moore David
Published: March 2012

Scrip points highlights the problems that can arise when writing prescriptions and advises how queries from the pharmacy can be reduced and potentially dangerous errors avoided. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Interface Ltd
Analogues of the frog skin peptide alyteserin‐2a with enhanced antimicrobial activities against Gram‐negative bacteria
Authors: Conlon J. Michael , Mechkarska Milena , Arafat Kholoud , Attoub Samir , Sonnevend Agnes
Published: March 2012

The emergence of strains of multidrug‐resistant Gram‐negative bacteria mandates a search for new types of antimicrobial agents. Alyteserin‐2a (ILGKLLSTAAGLLSNL.NH2) is a cationic, α‐helical peptide, first isolated from skin secretions of the midwife toad, Alytes obstetricans, which displays relatively weak antimicrobial and haemolytic activities. Increasing the cationicity of alyteserin‐2a while maintaining amphipathicity by the substitution Gly11→ Lys enhanced the potency against both Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria by between fourfold and 16‐fold but concomitantly increased cytotoxic activity against human erythrocytes by sixfold (mean concentration of peptide producing 50% cell death; LC50 = 24 µm). Antimicrobial potency was increased further by the additional substitution Ser7→Lys, but the resulting analogue remained cytotoxic to erythrocytes (LC50 = 38 µm). However, the peptide containing d‐lysine at positions 7 and 11 showed high potency against a range of Gram‐negative bacteria, including multidrug‐resistant strains of Acinetobacter baumannii and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (minimum inhibitory concentration = 8 µm) but appreciably lower haemolytic activity (LC50 = 185 µm) and cytotoxicity against A549 human alveolar basal epithelial cells (LC50 = 65 µm). The analogue shows potential for treatment of nosocomial pulmonary infections caused by bacteria that have developed resistance to commonly used antibiotics. Copyright © 2012 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tropical cyclone track analog ensemble forecasting in the extended Australian basin: NWP combinations
Authors: Langmack Hans , Fraedrich Klaus , Sielmann Frank
Published: March 2012

Ensemble‐Weighted Analogs (EWA) are introduced as an empirical forecast model for tropical cyclone (TC) tracks in the Australian basin extending to the Indian Ocean. The input requires only the 6 h positions of the preceding 24 hours to estimate the actual TC's future locations (up to 48 hours ahead) using optimally weighted ensemble members (analogs) from sections of historic cyclone tracks. They are determined as nearest neighbours of the actual track positions. After model calibration, independent forecasts are evaluated (2001–2007). The forecast analysis shows an error of about 140 km (for the 24 h prediction), which is better than the CLIPER reference forecast (161 km) and comparable to a numerical weather‐prediction model (NWP of the UK Met Office). Intensity estimates and the forecast error‐spread relation are discussed. Error‐minimizing forecast combinations are also analysed: the EWA–NWP combination improves the individual 24 h NWP forecasts by about 25 km. Track cluster conditioned 24 h EWA forecasts are introduced providing probability estimates of hazardous areas. Finally, two cases of sudden track changes and their forecasts are presented with fields of position probabilities derived from the analog ensemble members and their clusters. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Time‐reversal symmetry in molecular rovibronic states and in second‐order processes
Authors: Chiu Ying‐Nan
Published: March 2012

A unified treatment of time‐reversal symmetry is given for molecular systems. The treatment allows for interconversion of electronic, rotational, and vibrational angular momenta on equal footing because of a coherent phase choice. It also allows for correlation from a continuous group (of spherical or cylindrical symmetry) to lower point groups (such as C3, C4, C6, S4, Sg, T, etc.). General, many‐electron molecular states that form time‐reversal degenerate components are constructed. Attention is called to the Kramers' doublets as the special odd‐electron case of such double degeneracy. Specific examples of a spiropentane and a 5‐azoniaspiro(4.4) nonane with S4 symmetry and possible time‐reversal degeneracy are given. The optical rotation due to a time‐odd polarizability tensor in one of the two time‐degenerate components is shown to be of an opposite sign to that in the other component. The above result is from a second‐order matrix element (over the polarizability tensor) and is proved to be independent of even‐ or odd‐number of electron spins. It is shown to hold also for Kramers' doubly degenerate components. This result is contrasted with that of a first‐order Jahn‐Teller effect which depends on the number of electron spins.
On the electronic structure of transition metal complexes. I. An INDO‐MO investigation of some octahedral complex ions
Authors: Hilal Rifaat
Published: March 2012

Molecular‐orbital calculations within the INDO framework are reported for the hexafluoro, hexachloro, and hexaaquo metallate (II) ions of the first transition series. The parameterization scheme and choice of orbital exponents have been detailed. The results indicate that the method in its present form gives fairly satisfactory predictions of molecular properties.
The pseudo‐polarization tensor mutually consistent field (PPT‐MCF) method: A new approach to study intermolecular interactions and its application to dimeric and trimeric water configurations
Authors: Otto P.
Published: March 2012

A new method is proposed for the treatment of systems consisting of many interacting molecules. Properties of the individual molecules are computed and their response to the influence of external electric fields generated by the partner systems is determined. The necessary quantities are the point charges representing the electronic distribution and the pseudo‐polarization tensors for these point charges which are easily obtained with the help of optimization and iterative procedures, respectively. Thus information is then used in a mutually consistent iteration process to calculate the interaction energy. In this way, not only the pairwise additive energy terms but, in addition, the nonadditive contributions are obtained. The ρ1/3 approximation is used for the exchange energy and the dispersion energy is taken into account employing a London‐type expression, together with empirical parameters. The results of applying this approach to the sensitive systems of two and three interacting water molecules are compared with ab initio supermolecule results. Equilibrium geometries, total binding energies, and nonadditive contributions are in excellent agreement.
Angular‐momentum quantization applied to the Thomas‐Fermi atom
Authors: Olszewski S.
Published: March 2012

The Fermi momentum of an electron in a statistical atom can be considered as a vector sum of two components. The first represents the orbital movement of an electron and can be calculated from the quantum levels of the angular momentum. The second is the maximum progressive momentum of the same electron and can be obtained from the variational procedure given by Gombas. A new expression for the Fermi momentum leads to the modification of the Thomas‐Fermi statistical equation given by Barnes and Cowan.
The influences of being acquired on subsidiary innovation adoption
Authors: Barden Jeffrey Q.
Published: March 2012

Received research suggests that a firm subsidiary's acquisition by a new owner has countervailing effects on the subsidiary's innovation adoption behavior. On one hand, ownership change can make a subsidiary more receptive to innovation by reducing some inertial forces and introducing new resources to overcome others. Alternatively, the costs and demands of an acquisition can draw decision makers' attention away from important innovations in the technological environment. This event history study disentangles these countervailing influences by examining the influences of radio station ownership change on stations' adoptions of HD Radio®technology. The study finds that a change in ownership control does have a positive direct influence on the likelihood of technology adoption, but that it also curtails tendency for subsidiaries to subsequently mimic others' technology adoptions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Update on Breast Reconstruction Techniques and Indications
Authors: Petit Jean‐Yves , Rietjens Mario , Lohsiriwat Visnu , Rey Piercarlo , Garusi Cristina , De Lorenzi Francesca , Martella Stefano , Manconi Andrea , Barbieri Benedetta , Clough Krishna B.
Published: March 2012

Breast reconstruction is considered as part of the breast cancer treatment when a mastectomy is required. Implants or expanders are the most frequent techniques used for the reconstructions. Expander provides usually a better symmetry. A contralateral mastoplasty often is required to improve the symmetry. The nipple areola complex, which can be preserved in certain conditions, is usually removed and can be reconstructed in a second stage under local anesthesia. In case of radical mastectomy and/or radiotherapy, a musculocutaneous flap, such as rectus abdominis or latissimus dorsi autologous flaps, is required. When microsurgical facilities are available, free or perforator flaps respecting the muscle are preferred to decrease the donor site complications. In situ carcinomas or prophylactic mastectomy can be reconstructed immediately as well as invasive carcinoma according to the recent literature. Locally advanced breast cancer can be reconstructed after complete oncologic treatment. Radiotherapy of the thoracic wall is proposed in case of lymph node metastases, raising the discussion about the technique choice and the timing of the reconstruction. Plastic surgery procedures can improve the cosmetic results of the conservative surgery, also extending its indications and reducing both mastectomy and reexcision rates. Oncoplasty techniques are becoming more and more sophisticated, requiring the skill of trained plastic surgeons. Numerous publications confirm the psychosocial benefit resulting from the breast reconstruction.
Robot‐assisted Thoracoscopic Lymphadenectomy Along the Left Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in the Prone Position: Technical Report and Short‐term Outcomes
Authors: Suda Koichi , Ishida Yoshinori , Kawamura Yuichiro , Inaba Kazuki , Kanaya Seiichiro , Teramukai Satoshi , Satoh Seiji , Uyama Ichiro
Published: March 2012

Background

Meticulous mediastinal lymphadenectomy frequently induces recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (RLNP). Surgical robots with impressive dexterity and precise dissection skills have been developed to help surgeons perform operations. The objective of this study was to determine the impact on short‐term outcomes of robot‐assisted thoracoscopic radical esophagectomy performed on patients in the prone position for the treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, including its impact on RLNP.

Methods

A single‐institution nonrandomized prospective study was performed. The patients (n = 36) with resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma were divided into two groups: patients who agreed to robot‐assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy with total mediastinal lymphadenectomy performed in the prone position (n = 16, robot‐assisted group) without insurance reimbursement, and those who agreed to undergo the same operation without robot assistance but with health insurance coverage (n = 20, control group). These patients were observed for 30 days following surgery to assess short‐term surgical outcomes, including the incidence of vocal cord palsy, hoarseness, and aspiration.

Results

Robot assistance significantly reduced the incidence of vocal cord palsy (p = 0.018) and hoarseness (p = 0.015) and the time on the ventilator (p = 0.025). There was no in‐hospital mortality in either group. There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to patient background, except for the use of preoperative therapy (robot‐assisted group <control, p = 0.003). There were no significant differences in estimated blood loss, operating time, number of dissected lymph nodes, completeness of resection, or the incidence of the other complications, except for anastomotic leakage (p = 0.038).

Conclusion

Robot‐assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy with total mediastinal lymphadenectomy is feasible and safe. This method shows promise in preventing RLNP.
Is There any Benefit from Expanding the Criteria for the Resection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Cirrhotic Liver? Experience from a Developing Country
Authors: Galun Danijel A. , Bulajic Predrag , Zuvela Marinko , Basaric Dragan , Ille Tatjana , Milicevic Miroslav N.
Published: March 2012

Background

Patients with large‐size (>10 cm) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Child B cirrhosis are usually excluded from curative treatment, i.e., hepatic resection, because of marginal liver function and poor outcome. This study was designed to evaluate the feasibility of the radiofrequency (RF)‐assisted sequential “coagulate‐cut liver resection technique” in expanding the criteria for resection of large HCC in cirrhotic livers with impaired liver function.

Methods

Forty patients with Child‐Pugh A or B cirrhosis underwent liver resection from December 1, 2001 to December 31, 2008. Of these, 20 patients (13 Child‐Pugh A and 7 Child‐Pugh B) with advanced stage HCC (stage B and C according to Barcelona‐Clinic Liver Cancer Group) underwent major liver resection. The two groups were comparable in terms of patient age, liver cirrhosis etiology, tumor number, and size.

Results

All resections were performed without the Pringle maneuver. There was no significant difference found between the two groups regarding resection time, perioperative transfusion, postoperative complications, hospital stay, and day 7 values of hemoglobin and liver enzymes. Likewise, there was no significant difference found in the overall survival between Child A and Child B patients who underwent major liver resection

Conclusions

RF‐assisted sequentional “coagulate‐cut liver resection technique“ may be a viable alternative for management of patients with advanced HCC in cirrhotic liver with impaired function.
Single‐Incision Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Left Adrenalectomy
Authors: Vidal Óscar , Astudillo Emiliano , Valentini Mauro , Ginestà Cesar , García‐Valdecasas Juan C. , Fernandez‐Cruz Laureano
Published: March 2012

Background

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy via three or four trocars is a well‐established procedure. This report describes the initial experience with single‐incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) using the transperitoneal approach for left adrenalectomy.

Methods

Between April 2010 and August 2011, all consecutive patients with adrenal masses, including Conn’s syndrome, Cushing’s adenoma, and nonfunctional adrenal tumors, who agreed to undergo SILS adrenalectomy were included in a prospective study. The left 2.5‐cm subcostal incision was the sole point of entry. Data of patients who underwent SILS adrenalectomy were compared with those from an uncontrolled group of patients who underwent conventional laparoscopic adrenalectomy during the same study period.

Results

There were 20 patients in each study group (20 men, 20 women; mean age [SD] = 50 [6.5] years). SILS was successfully performed and none of the patients required conversion to an open procedure. In one case of SILS procedure, an additional lateral 5‐mm port was needed for retraction of the kidney. The mean (SD) duration of the operation was 95 (20) min in the SILS group and 80 (8) min in the conventional laparoscopic adrenalectomy group (p = 0.052). There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. There were no differences between the two study groups with respect to postoperative pain, number of patients who resumed oral intake within the first 24 h, final pathologic diagnosis, and length of hospital stay.

Conclusion

SILS left adrenalectomy is a technically feasible and safe procedure in carefully selected patients. The definitive clinical, aesthetic and functional advantages of this technique require further analysis.
Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) in PKU: effect on dietary treatment, metabolic control, and quality of life
Authors: Ziesch B. , Weigel J. , Thiele A. , Mütze U. , Rohde C. , Ceglarek U. , Thiery J. , Kiess W. , Beblo S.
Published: March 2012

Background

Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4)‐sensitive phenylketonuria (PKU) can be treated with sapropterin dihydrochloride. We studied metabolic control and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in PKU patients treated with BH4.

Subjects and methods

Based on the review of neonatal BH4 test results and mutation analysis in 41 PKU patients, 19 were identified as potentially BH4‐sensitive (9 females, 10 males, age 4–18 years). We analyzed phenylalanine (phe) concentrations in dried blood samples, nutrition protocols, and HRQoL questionnaires (KINDL®) beginning from 1 year before, during the first 42 days, and after 3 months of BH4 therapy.

Results

Eight BH4‐sensitive patients increased their phe tolerance (629 ± 476 vs. 2131 ± 1084 mg, p = 0.006) while maintaining good metabolic control (phe concentration in dried blood 283 ± 145 vs. 304 ± 136 μM, p = 1.0). Six of them were able to stop dietary protein restriction entirely. BH4‐sensitive patients had average HRQoL scores that were comparable to age‐matched healthy children. There was no improvement in HRQoL scores after replacing classic dietary treatment with BH4 supply, although personal reports given by the patients and their parents suggest that available questionnaires are inappropriate to detect aspects relevant to inborn metabolic disorders.

Discussion

BH4 can allow PKU patients to increase their phe consumption significantly or even stop dietary protein restrictions. Unexpectedly, this does not improve HRQoL as assessed with KINDL®, partly due to high scores even before BH4 therapy. Specific questionnaires should be developed for inborn metabolic disorders.
Crimes Against Humanity and the Limits of International Criminal Law
Authors: Renzo Massimo
Published: March 2012

Crimes against humanity are supposed to have a collective dimension with respect both to their victims and their perpetrators. According to the orthodox view, these crimes can be committed by individuals against individuals, but only in the context of a widespread or systematic attack against the group to which the victims belong. In this paper I offer a new conception of crimes against humanity and a new justification for their international prosecution. This conception has important implications as to which crimes can be justifiably prosecuted and punished by the international community. I contend that the scope of the area of international criminal justice that deals with basic human rights violations should be wider than is currently acknowledged, in that it should include some individual violations of human rights, rather than only violations that have a collective dimension.