bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neurocognitive profile in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
Authors: Kodituwakku Piyadasa W.
Published: September 2009

The question of whether children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) exhibit a unique neurocognitive profile has received considerable attention over the past three decades. The identification of a syndrome‐specific neurocognitive profile would aid in diagnosing prenatally exposed children with cognitive deficits who do not exhibit clinically discernable physical anomalies. The current review of the literature, therefore, focuses on the studies of higher‐order cognitive skills in children with FASDs with a view towards delineating a pattern of cognitive functioning. Researchers have documented that children with FASDs show diminished intellectual functioning, with average IQ scores falling within the borderline to low average ranges. Slow information processing and disturbances of attention have been observed from infancy through adulthood in individuals with FASDs. Clinical and experimental reports on individuals with FASD have documented marked deficits in executive functioning, particularly in tasks that involve holding and manipulating information in working memory. Studies examining specific domains of cognitive functioning such as language, visual perception, memory and learning, social functioning, and number processing in individuals with FASDs have revealed performance decrements associated with increased task complexity. The above findings converge on the conclusion that children with FASDs have a generalized deficit in the processing and integration of information. We recommend the study of developmental trajectories of both elementary and higher‐order functions in future research on FASD to elucidate the development of this cognitive profile. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Dev Disabil Res Rev 2009;15:218–224.
Cell‐autonomous role of EphB2 and EphB3 receptors in the thymic epithelial cell organization
Authors: García‐Ceca Javier , Jiménez Eva , Alfaro David , Cejalvo Teresa , Muñoz Juan J. , Zapata Agustín G.
Published: September 2009

The role of EphB2 and EphB3 in the organization of thymic epithelial cells has been studied in EphB‐deficient fetal thymus lobes grafted under the kidney capsule of WT mice. The deficient lobes, as compared with WT ones, showed altered distribution of medullary areas, shortening of medullary epithelial cell processes and presence of K5−K8− areas. EphB2 and EphB3 expressed on thymic epithelial cells play an autonomous role in their organization. The relevance of Eph/ephrinB forward and reverse signals for this process was evaluated in grafted fetal thymus lobes from mice expressing a truncated EphB2 receptor capable of activating reverse, but not forward, signaling. These deficient lobes showed important alterations of the thymic epithelial organization as compared with the grafted WT lobes, but a less severe phenotype than the grafted EphB2‐deficient thymus lobes, which confirms the relevance of EphB2 forward signal for the thymic epithelial organization but, also, a role of the reverse signaling in determining the final epithelial phenotype.
IL‐17 and IL‐22 mediate IL‐20 subfamily cytokine production in cultured keratinocytes via increased IL‐22 receptor expression
Authors: Tohyama Mikiko , Hanakawa Yasushi , Shirakata Yuji , Dai Xjuju , Yang Lujun , Hirakawa Satoshi , Tokumaru Sho , Okazaki Hidenori , Sayama Koji , Hashimoto Koji
Published: September 2009

IL‐20 cytokine subfamily members, including IL‐19, IL‐20, and IL‐24, are highly expressed in psoriatic skin lesions. Here, we demonstrate that psoriasis mediators IL‐17 and IL‐22 synergistically induce the production of IL‐20 subfamily proteins in cultured human keratinocytes. Interestingly, expression of the IL‐22 receptor (IL‐22R) also increased in epidermal lesions versus normal skin. IL‐22R over‐expression using an adenoviral vector to mimic psoriatic conditions in cultured keratinocytes significantly enhanced IL‐17‐ and IL‐22‐induced production of IL‐20 subfamily cytokines. Furthermore, IL‐17 and IL‐22 coordinately enhanced MIP‐3α, IL‐8, and heparin‐binding EGF‐like growth factor (HB‐EGF) production, depending on the amount of IL‐22R expression. Additionally, because IL‐20 and IL‐24 share the IL‐22R with IL‐22, the function of IL‐20 and IL‐24 was also increased. IL‐20 and IL‐24 have effects similar to that of IL‐22; IL‐24 showed more potent expression than IL‐20. A combination of IL‐24 and IL‐17 increased the production of MIP‐3α, IL‐8, and HB‐EGF, as did a combination of IL‐22 and IL‐17. These data indicate that increased IL‐22R expression in epidermal keratinocytes contributes to the pathogenesis of psoriasis through enhancing the coordinated effects of IL‐22 and IL‐17, inducing the production of the IL‐20 subfamily, chemokines, and growth factors.
NK cells protect secondary lymphoid tissue from cytomegalovirus via a CD30‐dependent mechanism
Authors: Bekiaris Vasileios , Gaspal Fabrina , McConnell Fiona M. , Kim Mi‐Yeon , Withers David R. , Sweet Clive , Anderson Graham , Lane Peter J. L.
Published: September 2009

The pathogenic outcomes of viral infection are often reminiscent of a dysfunctional immune system. Thus, cytomegalovirus (CMV) causes disruption of the lymphoid architecture and the functionality of lymphocytes, both of which are features of CD30 deficiency. It was therefore plausible that CD30 might interfere with CMV infection. The present study identifies CD30 as an inducible NK‐cell receptor critical for innate immunity against CMV. Expression of CD30 integrates survival signals to NK cells that allow them to prevent viral spread and subsequent disintegration of secondary lymphoid tissue. Deficiency in CD30 results in exaggerated NK cell death and complete abrogation of the lymphoid architecture. Our data define the necessity of NK cells for protection of secondary lymphoid organs and describe a mechanism by which this protection is conferred.
Ferromagnetic Coupling in a New Copper(II) Schiff Base Complex with Cubane Core: Structure, Magnetic Properties, DFT Study and Catalytic Activity
Authors: Thakurta Santarupa , Roy Partha , Butcher Ray J. , Salah El Fallah M. , Tercero Javier , Garribba Eugenio , Mitra Samiran
Published: September 2009

A new tetranuclear complex, [Cu4L4]·2H2O (1), has been synthesized from the self‐assembly of copper(II) perchlorate and the tridentate Schiff base ligand 4‐chloro‐2‐[(E)‐(2‐hydroxyethylimino)methyl]phenol (H2L). Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies reveal that complex1consists of a Cu4O4cubane core where the four copper(II) centers are linked by μ3‐alkoxo bridges. Each CuIIion assumes a distorted square‐pyramidal geometry with CuNO4chromophore. Variable‐temperature magnetic susceptibility data exhibit distinct ferromagnetic exchange interaction, corroborating with the geometrical parameters of the structural unit. Theoretical calculations based on DFT method have been used to quantify the strength of the Cu···Cu magnetic interactions which help to evaluate the experimental coupling constants:J1= +64.8,J2= +24.4 andJ3= +3.0 cm–1. The EPR spectroscopy also gives some insight on the ferromagneticS= 2 ground state of1. In addition, detailed investigations have been carried out on the catalytic activity of the complex towards the oxidation of cycloalkanes using H2O2as terminal oxidant.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
A New 2‐D Network Containing {As4V16O42(H2O)} Cluster Units
Authors: Zhou Jian , Zheng Shou‐Tian , Fang Wei‐Hui , Yang Guo‐Yu
Published: September 2009

A new polyoxometalate [Cd(dien)]2[Cd(dien)(H2O)]2[As4V16O42(H2O)]·2H2O (1, dien = diethylenetriamine) has been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized. 1 is the first example of 2‐D network based on the linkages of the rare {As4V16O42(H2O)} cluster units and two types of cadmium(II) complex fragments. The magnetic susceptibility shows the antiferromagnetic interaction between VIV cations in 1. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Hydrogen‐Bond Accepting Strength of Five‐Membered N‐Heterocycles:The Case of Substituted Phenylpyrrolines and Myosmines
Authors: Arnaud Virginie , Berthelot Michel , Felpin François‐Xavier , Lebreton Jacques , Le Questel Jean‐Yves , Graton Jérôme
Published: September 2009

The hydrogen‐bond (HB)accepting strengths of a series of five‐membered N‐heterocycles have been measured in CCl4 solution and/or calculated by theoretical methods. These molecules present a great chemical versatility, ranging from very weak π bases up to strongly HB acceptors, imines and amines. Among these compounds, special attention has been paid to myosmines, which are bifunctional molecules containing two very similar pyridinic and pyrrolinic sp2 nitrogen atoms. Infrared measurements provided the global HB basicities of these molecules, but the individual accepting strength of each nitrogen atom could not be achieved experimentally and had to be determined by theoretical calculations. Owing to their flexibility, the geometries of their different isomers were optimized and their basicities weighted by the calculated relative populations. To accurately estimate the individual HB strength of a nitrogen site, it was necessary to take into account a specific halogen bond between the second nitrogen atom and a solvent molecule. 1‐Pyrroline is a significantly stronger base than pyridine, but irrespective of the substituent on the pyridine ring, the pyrrolinic site is always the weakest HB acceptor in the myosmine molecules.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Synthesis of New Trifluoromethylated Hydroxyethylamine‐Based Scaffolds
Authors: Philippe Christine , Milcent Thierry , Nguyen Thi Ngoc Tam , Crousse Benoit , Bonnet‐Delpon Danièle
Published: September 2009

A very easy access to new trifluoromethyl‐hydroxyethylamine (Tf‐HEA) derivatives by epoxide ring opening with amino‐containing compounds, including aliphatic amines, aniline, aqueous ammonia, hydroxylamine, hydrazine, amino acids and a dipeptide, is described herein. The reactions were carried out in protic solvents, without the use of any catalyst or any other additive. A comparison of the efficiency of water, fluorinated and non‐fluorinated alcohols as solvents is reported. Total regioselectivity is observed, and the stereochemistry of the compounds is preserved. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
A Bifunctional Metal Probe with Independent Signal Outputs and Regulable Detection Limits
Authors: Liu Huan‐huan , Chen Yi
Published: September 2009

A bifunctional metal detection system with independent signal outputs and regulable detection limits was developed by using a photochromic diarylethene with an imidazole unit as the ligand. The sensor can be used for the detection of Cu2+ by fluorescence recognition and for the detection of Na+ or K+ by colorimetric recognition. Moreover, the amount of component of the probe can be modulated and manipulated by photomodulation, which results in changes in the upper detectable limits; this enlarges the window of detectable limits for metal ions. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Generation and Reactivity of 1,2‐Cyclohexadiene under Mild Reaction Conditions
Authors: Quintana Iago , Peña Diego , Pérez Dolores , Guitián Enrique
Published: September 2009

An improved method to generate 1,2‐cyclohexadienes by fluoride‐induced β‐elimination of 6‐(trimethylsilyl)cyclohexenyl triflates is presented. This method allows the generation of these highly strained cyclic allenes in good yields and under mild reaction conditions, as demonstrated by trapping experiments based on cycloaddition reactions. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Detection of Aluminum Chlorohydrate Content in Antiperspirant Deodorants Using Screen‐Printed Silver Electrodes by One Drop Analysis
Authors: Zen Jyh‐Myng , Yang Ting‐Hao , Kumar Annamalai Senthil , Chen Yu‐Ju , Hsu Jaw‐Cherng , Shih Ying
Published: September 2009

Aluminum chlorohydrate (Al2(OH)5Cl⋅2H2O, ACH) is an active ingredient in many antiperspirants and deodorants formulation to reduce the body odors (mainly sweat) through interaction with apocrine sweat glands to produce insoluble aluminum hydroxide and free chloride, which then plugs the sweat gland that stops the flow of sweat to the skin's surface. We demonstrated here an one drop (50 μL) electrochemical sensing of the ACH using an in‐built three screen‐printed electrodes assembly containing Ag as working and pseudo reference and carbon as counter electrode system (AgSPE). The free Cl− ion librated from ACH/H2O reaction was detected at AgSPE surface at 0.072 V vs. pseudo Ag reference electrode system in pH 2 phosphate solution by Cyclic voltammetric Technique. Under optimal working condition the AgSPE shows a linear calibration plot in the window of 30–2000 ppm of ACH with sensitivity and regression values of 0.104 μA/ppm and 0.998 respectively. Calculated detection limit is 3.03 ppm. RSD values of intra‐ and interassays were 0.19% and 2.79% respectively. Finally, real sample (antiperspirant deodorant lotions) assays were successfully demonstrated with results comparable to the predicted values.
Selective Detection of Uric Acid in the Presence of Ascorbic Acid and Dopamine Using Polymerized Luminol Film Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode
Authors: Kumar S. Ashok , Cheng Hui‐Wen , Chen Shen‐Ming
Published: September 2009

Electrochemically polymerized luminol film on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) surface has been used as a sensor for selective detection of uric acid (UA) in the presence of ascorbic acid (AA) and dopamine (DA). Cyclic voltammetry was used to evaluate the electrochemical properties of the poly(luminol) film modified electrode. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) have been used for surface characterizations. The bare GCE failed to distinguish the oxidation peaks of AA, DA and UA in phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.0), while the poly(luminol) modified electrode could separate them efficiently. In differential pulse voltammetric (DPV) measurements, the modified GCE could separate AA and DA signals from UA, allowing the selective determination of UA. Using DPV, the linear range (3.0×10−5 to 1.0×10−3 M) and the detection limit (2.0×10−6 M) were estimated for measurement of UA in physiological condition. The applicability of the prepared electrode was demonstrated by measuring UA in human urine samples.
Laccase Based Synergistic Electrocatalytical System
Authors: Kulys Juozas , Vidziunaite Regina
Published: September 2009

Bioelectrodes employing the conversion of N‐substituted phenothiazine/hexacyanoferrate(II) and N‐substituted phenoxazine/hexacyanoferrate(II) that act as synergistic substrates were built using graphite electrode and recombinant laccase. The response of the bioelectrodes to low reactive substrate (hexacyanoferrate(II)) increases 2.9–97 times in presence of high reactive phenothiazine or phenoxazine mediator. The sensitivity of the bioelectrodes reaches 0.5–14.3 A/M⋅cm2. To background a scheme of bioelectrodes action the kinetics of laccase‐catalyzed synergistic substrates oxidation was investigated in homogenous solution. A satisfactory agreement of experimentally determined rate constants and calculated using parameters of bioelectrocatalytical system confirms the scheme of bioelectrodes action.
Performance of mix‐impregnated CeO2‐Ni/YSZ Anodes for Direct Oxidation of Methane in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Qiao J. , Zhang N. , Wang Z. , Mao Y. , Sun K. , Yuan Y.
Published: September 2009

CeO2‐Ni/YSZ anodes for methane direct oxidation were prepared by the vacuum mix‐impregnation method. By this method, NiO and CeO2 are obtained from nitrate decomposition and high temperature sintering is avoided, which is different from the preparation of conventional Ni‐yttria‐stabilised zirconia(YSZ) anodes. Impregnating CeO2 into the anode can improve the cell performance, especially, when CH4 is used as fuel. The investigation indicated that CeO2‐Ni/YSZ anodes calcined at higher temperature exhibited better stability than those calcined at lower temperature. Under the testing temperature of 1,073 K, the anode calcined at 1,073 K exhibited the best performance. The maximum power density of a cell with a 10 wt.‐%CeO2‐25 wt.‐%Ni anode calcined at 1,073 K reached 480 mW cm–2 after running on CH4 for 5 h. At the same time, high discharge current favoured cell operation on CH4 when using these anodes. No obvious carbon was found on the CeO2‐Ni anode after testing in CH4 as revealed from SEM and corresponding linear EDS analysis. In addition, cell performance decreased at the beginning of discharge testing which was attributed to the anode microstructure change observed with SEM.
Clinical characteristics of patients with chronic eosinophilic leukaemia (CEL) harbouring FIP1L1‐PDGFRA fusion transcript—results of Polish multicentre study
Authors: Helbig Grzegorz , Moskwa Andrzej , Hus Marek , Piszcz Jarosław , Swiderska Alina , Urbanowicz Alina , Całbecka Małgorzata , Gajkowska Justyna , Seferyńska Ilona , Hałasz Magdalena , Woszczyk Dariusz , Markiewicz Miroslaw , Krzemień Sławomira
Published: September 2009

A small subgroup of patients with hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) demonstrates imatinib‐sensitive fusion transcript—the FIP1L1‐PDGFRA (F/P+). These cases are currently diagnosed as chronic eosinophilic leukaemia (CEL). In this paper, we screened 77 patients to estimate the frequency of FIP1L1‐PDGFRA transcript among patients with unexplained, long‐term hypereosinophilia exceeding 1.5 × 109/L and to analyse the clinical and serological features in F/P+ CEL population. The FIP1L1‐PDGFRA chimeric protein was detectable in 16 (14 males and 2 females) out of 77 examined HES patients (20%) by RT‐PCR. Two patients suffered from cough at diagnosis. Three out of 16 (18%) patients had no organ involvements, in 5‐one organ was affected and in the remaining eight cases—at least two. Eosinophilic organ damage/dysfunction identified splenomegaly in the majority of studied patients. We compared clinical and serological features between CEL F/P+ (n = 16) and HES (n = 61) patients. F/P+ cases had significantly increased WBC and absolute eosinophil count (AEC) at diagnosis (p = 0.008 and 0.02), whereas platelet count was decreased in this population (p = 0.03). Serum B12 and tryptase levels were increased (p = 0.002 and 0.004) in CEL F/P+ patients when compared to HES cases whereas serum IL‐5 levels were significantly increased in the latter group (p = 0.01). Male gender and splenomegaly occurred more frequent in CEL F/P+ population (p = 0.002 and 0.0007, respectively). Additionally, patients with F/P+ CEL (n = 16) were compared with F/P− CEL (n = 8). The latter group, was significantly older, had lower AEC and higher platelet count. In conclusion, significant clinical symptoms are infrequent present and splenomegaly remains the most common organ involvement in patients with CEL expressing F/P fusion transcript. Our study confirmed the long‐term remission on imatinib in this patient population. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Geographic variation and environmental conditions as cofactors in Chlamydia psittaci association with ocular adnexal lymphomas: a comparison between Italian and African samples
Authors: Carugi Alessandro , Onnis Anna , Antonicelli Giuseppina , Rossi Benedetta , Mannucci Susanna , Luzzi Anna , Lazzi Stefano , Bellan Cristiana , Tosi Gian Marco , Sayed Shaheen , De Falco Giulia , Leoncini Lorenzo
Published: September 2009

A particular extra‐nodal lymphoma type arises from B cells of the marginal zone (MZ) of mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT). The aetiology of MZ lymphomas suggests that they are associated with chronic antigenic stimulation by microbial pathogens, among which Helicobacter pylori‐associated gastric MALT lymphoma is the best studied. Recently, MALT lymphomas have been described in the context of chronic conjunctivitis, which can be associated with Chlamydia spp. infection. Studies from Italy showed the presence of Chlamydia psittaci in 87% of ocular adnexal lymphomas (OAL), and C. psittaci has been described in a large part of samples from Austria and Korea as well. However, this finding was not always confirmed by other studies, suggesting that the association with C. psittaci may depend on geographic heterogeneity. Interestingly, none of the studies up to now has been carried out in the African population, where a strong association between infectious agents and the occurrence of human neoplasms has been reported. This study was designed to investigate the possible association of Chlamydia psittaci in cases retrieved from Kenya, compared to cases from Italy. Our results showed that there was a marked variation between the two geographical areas in terms of association with C. psittaci, as 17% (5/30) of the samples from Italy were positive for C. psittaci, whereas no association with this pathogen was observed in any of the African samples (0/9), suggesting that other cofactors may determine the OAL occurrence in those areas. OAL cases are often characterized by down‐regulation of p16/INK4a expression and promoter hypermethylation of the p16/INK4a gene. Our results showed a partial methylation of p16/INK4a promoter in C. psittaci‐negative cases, whereas no hypermethylation of this gene was found in C. psittaci‐positive cases, suggesting that mechanisms other than promoter hypermethylation lead to p16/INK4a silencing in C. psittaci‐positive cases. We may conclude that the role of epidemiologic, environmental and genetic factors, must be considered in the aetiology of this disease. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distal goal and proximal goal transfer of training interventions in an executive education program
Authors: Brown Travor C. , Warren Amy M.
Published: September 2009

This study assessed transfer from a customized executive training program involving 89 public sector employees. Participants who set a distal goal had higher self‐efficacy than those in both the “do your best” (DYB) and the proximal plus distal goal conditions. Participants who set proximal plus distal goals had higher maintenance than those who set distal outcome goals, and those who were urged to DYB. The distal goal participants had a higher level of applied generalization than their DYB counterparts. Maintenance did not differ between DYB and distal goal conditions.
Metabolomics in the assessment of chemical‐induced reproductive and developmental outcomes using non‐invasive biological fluids: application to the study of butylbenzyl phthalate
Authors: Sumner Susan , Snyder Rodney , Burgess Jason , Myers Christina , Tyl Rochelle , Sloan Carol , Fennell Timothy
Published: September 2009

This study was conducted to evaluate the use of metabolomics for improving our ability to draw correlations between early life exposures and reproductive and/or developmental outcomes. Pregnant CD rats were exposed by gavage daily during gestation to vehicle or to butylbenzyl phthalate (BBP) in vehicle at a level known to induce effects in the offspring and at a level previously not shown to induce effects. Urine was collected for 24 h (on dry ice using all glass metabolism chambers) from dams on gestational day 18 (during exposure) and on post natal day (pnd) 21, and from pnd 25 pups. Traditional phenotypic anchors were measured in pups (between pnd 0 and pnd 26). Metabolomics of urine collected from dams exposed to vehicle or BBP exhibited different patterns for endogenous metabolites. Even three weeks after gestational exposure, metabolic profiles of endogenous compounds in urine could differentiate dams that received the vehicle, low dose or high dose of BBP. Metabolic profiles could differentiate male from female pups, pups born to dams receiving the vehicle, low or high BBP dose, and pups with observable adverse reproductive effects from pups with no observed effects. Metabolites significant to the separation of dose groups and their relationship with effects measured in the study were mapped to biochemical pathways for determining mechanistic relevance. The application of metabolomics to understanding the mechanistic link between low levels of environmental exposure and disease/dysfunction holds huge promise, because this technology is ideal for the analysis of biological fluids in human populations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Teflon radiolysis as the major source of carrier in fluorine‐18
Authors: Berridge M. S. , Apana S. M. , Hersh J. M.
Published: September 2009

The practical upper limit of fluorine‐18 specific activity has remained constant for many years among cyclotron facilities internationally. Although there have been isolated reports of very high specific activity and hints concerning the sources of carrier, experiments designed to identify carrier sources have been inconclusive and largely ineffective. This report describes experiments to test the hypothesis that radiolysis of fluorinated components is a source of carrier fluoride. Controlled experiments were performed in which contributions of irradiated fluorinated components to the mass of synthesized [18F]fluorobenzaldehyde (FBA) were measured. There was clear correlation between irradiation of Teflon and carrier mass. There was an additive effect of carrier due to different fluoropolymer components. It was concluded that in typical target and radiosynthesis systems it is radiolysis of fluorinated material and not the material itself that generates a large majority of the carrier typically reported. All Teflon and other fluorinated materials in contact with the [18F]fluoride solution were removed. With no further efforts to reduce carrier fluoride, FBA produced from a modest irradiation attained a reduction in mass from over 500 nmol to 30 nmol, and an increase in specific activity from 0.1 TBq (3 Ci) to 1.9 TBq (51 Ci) per micromole. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A 50‐year high‐resolution atmospheric reanalysis over France with the Safran system
Authors: Vidal Jean‐Philippe , Martin Eric , Franchistéguy Laurent , Baillon Martine , Soubeyroux Jean‐Michel
Published: September 2009

The assessment of regional climate change requires the development of reference long‐term retrospective meteorological datasets. This article presents an 8‐km‐resolution atmospheric reanalysis over France performed with the the Safran‐gauge‐based analysis system for the period 1958–2008. Climatological features of the Safran 50‐year analysis—long‐term mean values, inter‐annual and seasonal variability—are first presented for all computed variables: rainfall, snowfall, mean air temperature, specific humidity, wind speed and solar and infrared radiation. The spatial patterns of precipitation, minimum and maximum temperature are compared with another spatialization method, and the temporal consistency of the reanalysis is assessed through various validation experiments with both dependent and independent data. These experiments demonstrate the overall robustness of the Safran reanalysis and the improvement of its quality with time, in connection with the sharp increase in the observation network density that occurred in the 1990s. They also show the differentiated sensitivity of variables to the number of available ground observations, with precipitation and air temperature being the more robust ones. The comparison of trends from the reanalysis with those from homogenized series finally shows that if spatial patterns are globally consistent with both approaches, care must be taken when using literal values from the reanalysis and corresponding statistical significance in climate change detection studies. The Safran 50‐year atmospheric reanalysis constitutes a long‐term forcing datasets for land surface schemes and thus enables the simulation of the past 50 years of water resources over France. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Predicting the impact of global warming on the timing of spring flowering
Authors: Clark Robert Malcolm , Thompson Roy
Published: September 2009

Many plants flower in response to a change in the environment. Since one of the main goals for a plant is to complete a growth cycle in order to produce seed, flowering is a key stage in plant development. We have developed a statistical procedure for explaining the variations in flowering date, which is based on a well‐accepted phenological model (growing degree‐days). Our approach has several advantages over previous methods based around multiple‐regression procedures, the main one being that we have a direct interpretation in terms of just two meaningful phenological parameters (thermal requirement and thermal threshold) per species. The model is used to classify 79 flowering plants. By using a statistical approach based on empirical p‐values, we can decide which species can be regarded as sensitive to temperature. Our model, while a simplification of the real system, is easy to work with and enables the consequences of future temperature change to be predicted. By adopting a simple (linear), but realistic, approximation to the rise in temperature each spring, we derive a simple expression for the change in expected flowering dates under global warming. We use the expression to examine changes under three different climate change scenarios involving increasing warmth, oceanicity and continentality. Variations in flowering from species to species and year to year are explained in a straightforward manner by variations in our two parameters and the linear temperature functions, respectively. We find that the sensitivity of spring flowering dates to temperature is strongly governed by the continentality of the climate. We make predictions that will allow the assumptions used in constructing our model to be validated or repudiated. Our formulae can be used for any global warming scenario of the type we consider, whenever our basic assumptions hold. In particular, we predict the likely change in world‐wide spring flowering dates under the likely climatic conditions in the 2080s as predicted under the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change scenario A1FI. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Anthropogenic land cover changes in a GCM with surface albedo changes based on MODIS data
Authors: Kvalevåg Maria Malene , Myhre Gunnar , Bonan Gordon , Levis Samuel
Published: September 2009

This study uses a global climate model (GCM) to investigate the climate response at the surface and in the atmosphere caused by land use change. The climate simulations are performed with the National Center for Atmospheric Research Community Land Model 3.5 (CLM3.5) coupled to the Community Atmosphere Model 3 (CAM3) and a slab ocean model. We use the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) surface albedo product to represent surface albedo in the CLM3.5 for both present day and to reconstruct the surface albedo for natural pre‐agriculture conditions. We compare simulations including vegetation changes and surface albedo changes to simulations including only surface albedo changes. We find that the surface albedo change is most dominant in temperate regions while the change in evapotranspiration drives the climate response in the tropics. Our results show that land cover changes contribute to an annual global warming of 0.04 K, but there are large regional differences. In North America and Europe, the surface temperatures decrease by − 0.11 and − 0.09 K, respectively, while in India the surface temperatures increase by 0.09 K. When we fix the vegetation cover in the simulations and let the climate changes be driven only by the differences in surface albedo, the annual global mean surface warming is reduced, and all three regions are now associated with surface cooling.

We also show that the surface albedo value for cropland is of major importance in climate simulations of land cover change. The surface albedo effect is the main driving mechanism when the change in surface albedo between agricultural and natural vegetation is substantial. Finally, we argue that differences in the surface albedo value of cropland implemented in earlier land use change studies explain the diversity in the sign and magnitude of the climate response. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Ultrasonographically guided vacuum‐assisted excision for multiple breast masses: Non‐randomized comparison with conventional open excision
Authors: Wang Wei Jun , Wang Qiang , Cai Qing Ping , Zhang Jian Quan
Published: September 2009

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and patient acceptance of ultrasonographically guided vacuum‐assisted excision (UGVAE) for multiple breast masses.

Methods

Ninty‐eight patients with low‐risk multiple breast masses were non‐randomized to either UGVAE or conventional open excision (COE). Clinical data were prospectively collected and analyzed.

Results

The two groups were similar with age, side predilection, size and number of lesions. Forty‐seven patients had UGVAE with 8‐gauge probe and 15 patients with 11‐gauge probe. All lesions were removed through same incision. Patients both in UGVAE and COE had complete removal of all imaged evidence of the masses by ultrasonography on initial follow‐up. The majority of excised lesions were fibroadenomas and fibrocystic changes. The overall complication rate was 8.1% in UGVAE group and 5.6% in COE group. Patients treated with UGVAE were more highly satisfied with the cosmetic aspects as compared patients with COE. The postprocedure incomplete removal rate was slightly higher in UGVAE than in COE with 12‐month follow‐up, but the overall difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Both seem to be equally safe and effective, but UGVAE has certain advantages, that include minimal residual scar, excellent cosmesis outstanding, offering an useful alternative to the excision of low‐risk multiple benign masses. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;100:675–680. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The long‐term outcome of atomic bomb survivors with gastric carcinoma
Authors: Yamamoto Manabu , Matsuyama Ayumi , Kameyama Toshifumi , Okamoto Masahiro , Okazaki Jin , Utsunomiya Tohru , Tsutsui Shinichi , Ishida Teruyoshi
Published: September 2009

Objective

During the decade following the 1945 atomic bombing of Hiroshima, a high incidence of leukemia was observed among atomic bomb survivors. Subsequently, the incidence of other cancers gradually increased while that of leukemia decreased. We examined the long‐term clinical outcome of gastric cancer and second primary cancer in atomic bomb survivors.

Methods

Results of surgical treatment of gastric cancer were reviewed in 231 atomic bomb survivors and 759 control patients between 1995 and 2006.

Results

Long‐term prognosis of gastric cancer in atomic bomb survivors was significantly poorer than that in control patients (P < 0.05). In a multivariate analysis, age, depth of tumor invasion, lymph node metastases, and curability were found to be significant and independent prognostic factors for gastric cancer. The incidence of second primary cancer after gastric cancer was significantly higher in survivors than in control patients (P < 0.01), because the number of elderly patients in the survivors was higher.

Conclusions

Gastric cancer in survivors had a significantly poorer prognosis. Although the frequency of second primary cancer after gastric cancer in survivors was higher than that in control patients, it did not influence the prognosis. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;100:594–597. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Routine or on demand radiological contrast examination in the diagnosis of anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy
Authors: Honing Judith , Pultrum Bareld B. , van der Jagt Eric J. , Groen Henk , Plukker John Th.M.
Published: September 2009

Background

To detect anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy in esophageal carcinoma patients, many surgeons perform a radiological contrast examination routinely. The aim of this retrospective study is to determine the clinical relevance of a routine contrast examination after esophagectomy and to evaluate criteria for contrast examination on demand.

Methods

Data were obtained from 211 patients with cancer of the esophagus or gastro‐esophageal junction who underwent an esophagectomy during the period 1991–2004. Retrospectively, we analyzed patients regarding anastomosis‐related characteristics and clinical signs including sepsis, fever ≥39.0°C, leukocytosis ≥20 × 109/ml and pleural effusion.

Results

Anastomotic leakage had appeared in 35 of the 211 patients. The clinical signs sepsis (odds ratio (OR) 6.72: 95% confidence interval (CI) (2.57–17.56); P < 0.0001), leukocytosis (OR 2.62 (1.10–6.22); P < 0.030), and fever (OR 2.34 (1.01–5.42); P < 0.047) were significantly related to anastomotic leakage. Pleural effusion was not significantly related to anastomotic leakage (OR 2.83 (0.98–8.13); P = 0.054).

Conclusion

Our study suggests that the clinical value for a routinely performed contrast examination is debatable. We recommend performing a contrast examination based on clinical suspicion and clinical signs of anastomotic leakage including sepsis, fever ≥39.0°C and leukocytosis ≥20 × 109/ml. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;100:699–702. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of ablative 10,600‐nm carbon dioxide fractional laser therapy on suppurative diseases of the skin: A case series of 12 patients
Authors: Cho Sung Bin , Jung Jin Young , Ryu Dong Jin , Lee Sang Ju , Lee Ju Hee
Published: September 2009

Background and Objectives

We have used an ablative 10,600‐nm carbon dioxide fractional laser system (CO2 FS) for suppurative diseases in order to attempt improvement. The purpose of our study was to demonstrate the effect of CO2 FS on the course of inflammatory reactions in suppurative diseases.

Materials and Methods

We reviewed a total of 12 Korean patients with suppurative diseases of the skin who had a history of treatment failure with several therapeutic modalities as well as active and multiple inflammatory lesions at the time of CO2 FS treatment.

Results

Improvement scores considering the number of suppurative lesions revealed that 3 of the 12 patients demonstrated clinical improvement of grade 4. Seven had clinical improvement of grade 3 and two showed improvement of grade 2. Improvement scores in severity were also evaluated; 2 of the 12 patients showed clinical improvement of grade 4. Six demonstrated clinical improvement of grade 3 and four had clinical improvement of grade 2. No patient showed a worsening of suppurative lesions.

Conclusion

Our observations demonstrated that the use of CO2 FS did not make active suppurative lesions worse, and might have a therapeutic effect on suppurative diseases and their related scars. Lasers Surg. Med. 41:550–554, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of cluster multi‐diode light emitting diode therapy (LEDT) on exercise‐induced skeletal muscle fatigue and skeletal muscle recovery in humans
Authors: Leal Junior Ernesto Cesar Pinto , Lopes‐Martins Rodrigo Álvaro Brandão , Rossi Rafael Paolo , De Marchi Thiago , Baroni Bruno Manfredini , de Godoi Vanessa , Marcos Rodrigo Labat , Ramos Luciano , Bjordal Jan Magnus
Published: September 2009

Background and Objectives

There are some indications that low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) may delay the development of skeletal muscle fatigue during high‐intensity exercise. There have also been claims that LED cluster probes may be effective for this application however there are differences between LED and laser sources like spot size, spectral width, power output, etc. In this study we wanted to test if light emitting diode therapy (LEDT) can alter muscle performance, fatigue development and biochemical markers for skeletal muscle recovery in an experimental model of biceps humeri muscle contractions.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Ten male professional volleyball players (23.6 [SD ±5.6] years old) entered a randomized double‐blinded placebo‐controlled crossover trial. Active cluster LEDT (69 LEDs with wavelengths 660/850 nm, 10/30 mW, 30 seconds total irradiation time, 41.7 J of total energy irradiated) or an identical placebo LEDT was delivered under double‐blinded conditions to the middle of biceps humeri muscle immediately before exercise. All subjects performed voluntary biceps humeri contractions with a workload of 75% of their maximal voluntary contraction force (MVC) until exhaustion.

Results

Active LEDT increased the number of biceps humeri contractions by 12.9% (38.60 [SD ±9.03] vs. 34.20 [SD ±8.68], P = 0.021) and extended the elapsed time to perform contractions by 11.6% (P = 0.036) versus placebo. In addition, post‐exercise levels of biochemical markers decreased significantly with active LEDT: Blood Lactate (P = 0.042), Creatine Kinase (P = 0.035), and C‐Reative Protein levels (P = 0.030), when compared to placebo LEDT.

Conclusion

We conclude that this particular procedure and dose of LEDT immediately before exhaustive biceps humeri contractions, causes a slight delay in the development of skeletal muscle fatigue, decreases post‐exercise blood lactate levels and inhibits the release of Creatine Kinase and C‐Reative Protein. Lasers Surg. Med. 41:572–577, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Blood flow dynamics after laser therapy of port wine stain birthmarks
Authors: Huang Yu‐Chih , Tran Nadia , Shumaker Peter R. , Kelly Kristen , Ross E. Victor , Nelson J. Stuart , Choi Bernard
Published: September 2009

Background and Objective

During laser therapy of port wine stain (PWS) birthmarks, regions of perfusion may persist. We hypothesize that such regions are not readily observable even when laser surgery is performed by highly experienced clinicians. The objective of this study was to use objective feedback to assess the acute vascular response to laser therapy.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

A clinic‐friendly laser speckle imaging (LSI) instrument was developed to provide the clinician with real‐time images of blood flow during laser therapy. Images were acquired from patients undergoing laser therapy of PWS birthmarks at Scripps Clinic and the Beckman Laser Institute and Medical Clinic. Blood flow maps were extracted from the acquired imaging data. Histogram‐based analysis was applied in grading the degree of heterogeneity present in the blood flow maps after laser therapy.

Results

Collectively, two types of patient responses were observed in response to laser exposure: (1) an immediate increase in perfusion within minutes after laser therapy; and (2) an overall decrease in blood perfusion ∼1 hour after laser therapy, with distinct regions of persistent perfusion apparent in the majority of post‐treatment blood‐flow images. A comparison of blood flow in PWS and adjacent normal skin demonstrated that PWS blood flow can be greater than, or sometimes equivalent to, that of normal skin.

Conclusion

In general, a decrease in skin perfusion is observed during pulsed laser therapy of PWS birthmarks. However, a heterogeneous perfusion map was frequently observed. These regions of persistent perfusion may be due to incomplete photocoagulation of the targeted vessels. We hypothesize that immediate retreatment of these regions identified with LSI, will result in enhanced removal of the PWS vasculature. Lasers Surg. Med. 41:563–571, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Carleson measures and the BMO space on the p ‐adic vector space
Authors: Kim Yong‐Cheol
Published: September 2009

For a prime number p, let Qp be the p ‐adic field and let Qp d denote a vector space over Qp which consists of all d ‐tuples of Qp . Then we study the p ‐adic version of the Calderón–Zygmund decomposition, Carleson measures on the vector space Qp d +1 and the space BMO (Qp d ) of functions of bounded mean oscillation on Qp d . In particular, it turns out that the operator norms of various oncoming operators are independent of the dimension d and the prime number p, which is one of the big differences from that of the Euclidean case. Interestingly, the independence of the dimension d and p makes it possible to develop Harmonic Analysis on the infinite dimensional p ‐adic vector space as the importance had already been pointed out in the Euclidean case (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The Dirichlet problem for non‐divergence parabolic equations with discontinuous in time coefficients
Authors: Kozlov Vladimir , Nazarov Alexander
Published: September 2009

We consider the Dirichlet problem for non‐divergence parabolic equation with discontinuous in t coefficients in a half space. The main result is weighted coercive estimates of solutions in anisotropic Sobolev spaces. We give an application of this result to linear and quasi‐linear parabolic equations in a bounded domain. In particular, if the boundary is of class C1,δ , δ ∈ [0, 1], then we present a coercive estimate of solutions in weighted anisotropic Sobolev spaces, where the weight is a power of the distance to the boundary (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Comparing factor analytical and circumplex models of brand personality in brand positioning
Authors: Bao Jia Yao Esther , Sweeney Jillian C.
Published: September 2009

Competition has never been greater, which means it is more important than ever that organizations assess their brand management strategies, including brand personality management. However, little empirical research addresses the brand personality concept, particularly its role in product evaluation. An exception, which views brand personality as a set of human personality characteristics associated with a brand, has been criticized for its use of a factor analytical approach. An alternative approach posits that the brand represents a relationship partner with which the consumer may choose to engage; it corresponds to the interpersonal circumplex approach to personality modeling. The present study compares these two approaches by developing brand positioning maps and predicting consumer outcomes. The results support the factor approach in a purely quantitative sense, but the circumplex approach offers both a richer qualitative explanation of the findings by encompassing a broad spectrum of traits and a more diagnostic prediction of consumer outcomes. The alternative conceptualization of brand personality contained in these results should be of interest to brand managers. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Highly Effective and Green Catalytic Approach Toward α,ω‐Dihydroxy‐Telechelic Poly(trimethylenecarbonate)
Authors: Helou Marion , Miserque Olivier , Brusson Jean‐Michel , Carpentier Jean‐François , Guillaume Sophie M.
Published: September 2009

α,ω‐Dihydroxy‐telechelic poly(trimethylenecarbonate), HO‐PTMC‐OH, is synthesized from the controlled “immortal” ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of trimethylene carbonate under mild conditions (bulk, 60 °C), using ZnEt2 or, more efficiently, [(BDI)Zn(N(SiMe3)2)] (BDI = CH(CMeNC6H3‐2,6‐iPr2)2) as catalyst precursor, in the presence of a diol HO‐R‐OH (R = (CH2)2 or CH2C6H4CH2; 0.5–10 equiv. vs Zn) acting both as co‐initiator and chain transfer agent. Alternatively, HO‐PTMC‐OH is prepared upon hydrogenolysis of HO‐PTMC‐OCH2Ph, initially prepared from the ROP of TMC using the [(BDI)Zn(N(SiMe3)2)]/PhCH2OH system, under smooth operating conditions using Pd/charcoal. Well‐defined dihydroxy‐functionalized PTMCs of molar mass ranging from $\overline M _{\rm n}$ = 2 000 to 109 500 g · mol−1 were thus quantitatively obtained and fully characterized by NMR, MALDI‐TOF‐MS and SEC analyses. The versatility of this “immortal” ROP allows the preparation of alike α,ω‐functional polyester such as linear HO‐poly(lactide)‐OH, as well as star polymers such as the glycerol‐based PTM‐OH3.

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