bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: Discovery of PH‐797804, a Highly Selective and Potent Inhibitor of p38 MAP Kinase.
Authors: Selness Shaun R. , et al. et al.
Published: October 2011

The synthesis and SAR studies of a novel N‐aryl pyridinone class of p38 kinase inhibitors are described.
ChemInform Abstract: TADDOL‐Derived Phosphonites, Phosphites, and Phosphoramidites in Asymmetric Catalysis
Authors: Lam Hon Wai
Published: October 2011

Review: about 150 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Catalytic Decarboxylative Reactions: Biomimetic Approaches Inspired by Polyketide Biosynthesis
Authors: Pan Yuanhang , Tan Choon‐Hong
Published: October 2011

Review: ca. 50 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Heterogeneous π‐Acid Catalysis with Metal Nanoparticles
Authors: Patil Nitin T.
Published: October 2011

Review: 58 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Asymmetric Fluorination, Monofluoromethylation, Difluoromethylation, and Trifluoromethylation Reactions
Authors: Gouverneur V. , Lozano O.
Published: October 2011

Review: 160 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: New Bicyclic Lactones Made from Sugars: Synthesis and Applications in Fine Chemistry
Authors: Queneau Yves , Chambert Stephane , Moebs Sylvie
Published: October 2011

Review: 43 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Preparation, Properties and Applications of Oligomeric and Polymeric Organosilanes
Authors: Semenov V. V.
Published: October 2011

Review: 336 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Aquasomes: A Novel Nanocarrier for Drug Delivery
Authors: Wani S. U. , Yerawar A. N.
Published: October 2011

Review: 28 refs.
Future Power Plant Requirements
Authors: Spliethoff Hartmut , Wauschkuhn Arnim , Schuhbauer Christian
Published: October 2011

Die Dynamik der Stromerzeugung aus Photovoltaik‐ und Windkraftanlagen und die Qualität der Prognosen insbesondere von Windstrom bestimmen die Anforderungen an die Dynamik konventioneller Kraftwerke. Moderne Kohle‐ und GuD‐Kraftwerke sind flexibel und können zumindest mittelfristig die fluktuierende Einspeisung aus erneuerbaren Energien (EE) ausgleichen. GuD‐Kraftwerke weisen deutlich kürzere Anfahrtszeiten auf. Mit der zukünftig geringeren Kraftwerksauslastung sind die niedrigeren Investitionskosten der wesentliche Vorteil von GuD‐Kraftwerken. Weiter steigende Anteile EE benötigen Speicher. Aufgrund der hohen Energiedichte eignen sich synthetische Energieträger für eine jahreszeitliche Speicherung. Vergasungskraftwerke weisen gegenüber dem heutigen Dampfkraftwerk für feste Brennstoffe Vorteile auf.
Targeting the Cell Broadband Engine for constraint‐based local search
Authors: Diaz Daniel , Abreu Salvador , Codognet Philippe
Published: October 2011

We investigated the use of the Cell Broadband Engine (Cell/BE) for constraint‐based local search and combinatorial optimization applications. We presented a parallel version of a constraint‐based local search algorithm that was chosen because it fits very well the Cell/BE architecture because it requires neither shared memory nor communication among processors. The performance study on several large optimization benchmarks shows mostly linear time speedups, sometimes even super linear. These experiments were carried out on a dual‐Cell IBM (Armonk, NY, USA) blade with 16 processors. Besides getting speedups, the execution times exhibit a much smaller variance that benefits applications where a timely reply is critical. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of substrate temperature on the properties of reactively sputtered TiN/NbN multilayers
Authors: Subramanian B. , Ananthakumar R. , Jayachandran M.
Published: October 2011

TiN/NbN multilayer coatings were deposited with various substrate temperatures by DC reactive magnetron sputtering method onto Si (111) and glass substrates. The effect of substrate temperature on the structural and optical properties of TiN/NbN multilayers was investigated by X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Field emission scanning electron microscopy and Photoluminescence measurements. The composition was analyzed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. X‐ray diffraction results showed that the layers crystallized in cubic structure for TiN and hexagonal structure for NbN. It was found that grain size increased with increase in substrate temperature. The surface morphology of the TiN/NbN thin films showed a dense and smooth surface with substrate temperature upto 200 °C but after 300 °C, the grains became larger and coarse surface was observed. The TiN/NbN multilayer coatings exhibited the characteristic peaks centered at 180, 210 and 560 cm‐1. Red band emission peaks were observed in the wavelength range of 700‐710 nm. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Harbour porpoises respond to climate change
Authors: Heide‐Jørgensen Mads Peter , Iversen Maria , Nielsen Nynne Hjort , Lockyer Christina , Stern Harry , Ribergaard Mads Hvid
Published: October 2011

The effects of climate change on marine ecosystems and in particular on marine top predators are difficult to assess due to, among other things, spatial variability, and lack of clear delineation of marine habitats. The banks of West Greenland are located in a climate sensitive area and are likely to elicit pronounced responses to oceanographic changes in the North Atlantic. The recent increase in sea temperatures on the banks of West Greenland has had cascading effects on sea ice coverage, residency of top predators, and abundance of important prey species like Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua). Here, we report on the response of one of the top predators in West Greenland; the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). The porpoises depend on locating high densities of prey species with high nutritive value and they have apparently responded to the general warming on the banks of West Greenland by longer residence times, increased consumption of Atlantic cod resulting in improved body condition in the form of larger fat deposits in blubber, compared to the situation during a cold period in the 1990s. This is one of the few examples of a measurable effect of climate change on a marine mammal population.
Are the North American deserts expanding? Some climate signals from groundwater storage conditions
Authors: Brutsaert Wilfried
Published: October 2011

The areal average underground water storage in a natural catchment is directly manifested by the low flow or baseflow features from that catchment. Accordingly, an analysis was conducted of the annual lowest flows of twelve prototype near‐pristine river basins with long streamflow records and minimal confounding human activities in four deserts of North America, namely the hot Chihuahua, Sonora, and Mojave deserts and the cold Great Basin desert. Except possibly for those in the Sonora Desert, the analysis has revealed no evidence that these few remaining pristine watersheds have undergone consistent or significant negative terrestrial water storage trends over the past century in their riparian aquifers and therefore no evidence of any increase in their aridity. Thus, if groundwater conditions in these deserts have been deteriorating, this suggests that it is likely attributable to human activities rather than to climate change. The situation in the Sonora Desert is unclear, on account of remaining questions regarding human impact. The reliability of the methodology is further probed by comparing the shorter term groundwater changes in all four deserts with well‐known concurrent sea surface temperature changes in the Pacific Ocean; the groundwater storage changes appear to be related, albeit weakly, to the El Nino‐Southern Oscillation and to the Pacific Decadal Oscillation; in the three hot deserts, the El Nino‐Southern Oscillation effect decreases with eastward distance from the Pacific Ocean, but not that of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Catalytic Enantioselective Addition of MeMgBr and Other Grignard Reagents to Aldehydes
Authors: Fernández‐Mateos Emilio , Maciá Beatriz , Ramón Diego J. , Yus Miguel
Published: October 2011

Herein, we report an efficient catalyst for the challenging enantioselective addition of MeMgBr to aldehydes. Unprecedented yields and enantioselectivities are achieved in the reaction with a broad range of aldehydes. Moreover, a variety of Grignard reagents can be also added to aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes in good yields and enantioselectivities in a simple one‐pot procedure under mild conditions.
License to sin: Self‐licensing as a mechanism underlying hedonic consumption
Authors: de Witt Huberts Jessie C. , Evers Catharine , De Ridder Denise T. D.
Published: October 2011

Hedonic overconsumption is often considered to be caused by impulsive factors. The current paper investigates whether self‐licensing, relying on reasons to justify subsequent gratification, can also be included as a significant contributor to hedonic consumption. Two studies were conducted to investigate whether self‐licensing can account for an increase in hedonic consumption while ruling out impulsive factors such as resource depletion, negative affect, and visceral state as alternative explanations. A pilot study indicated that perceiving oneself as having invested greater effort and thus having a self‐licensing cue did not lead to a decline in self‐control capacity compared with not having a self‐licensing cue. The main study employed the same procedure and established that having a licensing cue did lead to increased snack intake while controlling for impulsive factors. Together, these studies support the notion that self‐licensing is a separate mechanism leading to hedonic gratification independent of impulsive factors. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of silver nanoparticles on bacterial activity in natural waters
Authors: Das Pranab , Xenopoulos Marguerite A. , Williams Clayton J. , Hoque Md Ehsanul , Metcalfe Chris D.
Published: October 2011

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) may be introduced into aquatic ecosystems because of their widespread use as antimicrobial agents. However, few studies have investigated the impacts of AgNPs on natural aquatic microbial activity in an environmentally relevant context. In this study, bacterioplankton were collected from nine aquatic habitats and exposed to six concentrations of carboxy-functionalized AgNP (ViveNano, 10-nm particle size, 20% Ag w/w) over 48 h. After 1 h of exposure, bacterial production and extracellular alkaline phosphatase affinity were significantly reduced in all AgNP-exposed samples. However, across a 48-h exposure, extracellular aminopeptidase affinity was not consistently impacted by AgNPs. After 48 h, bacterial production recovered by 40 to 250% at low AgNP nominal concentrations (0.05 and 0.1 mg/L) but remained inhibited at the two highest AgNP nominal concentrations (1 and 10 mg/L). In contrast, AgNO3 additions between 0.01 to 2 mg Ag/L fully inhibited bacterial production over the 48-h exposure. At 48-h exposure, the lowest observed effective concentrations and average median effective concentration for bacterial production ranged from 8 to 66 and 15 to 276 µg Ag/L, respectively. Thus, in natural aquatic systems, AgNP concentrations in the nanogram per liter range are unlikely to negatively impact aquatic biogeochemical cycles. Instead, exposures in the low microgram per liter range would likely be required to negatively impact natural aquatic bacterioplankton processes. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012;31:122–130. © 2011 SETAC
Contrast improvement in scattered light confocal imaging of skin birefringent structures by depolarization detection
Authors: Varghese Babu , Verhagen Rieko , Tai Qiangqiang , Hussain Altaf , Boudot Clemence , Uzunbajakava Natallia
Published: October 2011

Here we describe a method for enhancing the contrast in imaging skin birefringent structures. The method relies on polarization‐dependent optical properties and is implemented using cross polarized confocal microscopy. The experimental data obtained using ex‐vivo and in‐vivo measurements on human scalp hairs and human skin demonstrate a significant dependence of the change in polarization of light that interacted with the birefringent hair on the orientation of the incident polarization. The polarization dependent contrast, defined as the ratio of intensity measured for different orientations of the incident polarization when observed using cross polarized confocal microscopy furthermore depends on the hair type/degree of pigmentation and on the focusing depth inside the hair. No such dependence was observed for the upper skin layers, including the stratum corneum and epidermis. We propose a new method for enhancing the contrast between the skin and the birefringent hair by the use of cross polarized confocal microscopy combined with the variation of the polarization of the incoming light. Potential applications of this method include imaging of hairs for assessing the efficacy of hair removal methods and measurement of skin birefringence. The underestimation of the birefringence content resulting from the orientation related effects associated with the use of linearly polarized light for imaging tissues containing wavy birefringent structures could be minimized by this method. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Target protein interactions of indole‐3‐carbinol and the highly potent derivative 1‐benzyl‐I3C with the C‐terminal domain of human elastase uncouples cell cycle arrest from apoptotic signaling
Authors: Aronchik Ida , Chen Tony , Durkin Kathleen A. , Horwitz Marshall S. , Preobrazhenskaya Maria N. , Bjeldanes Leonard F. , Firestone Gary L.
Published: October 2011

Elastase is the only currently identified target protein for indole‐3‐carbinol (I3C), a naturally occurring hydrolysis product of glucobrassicin in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts that induces a cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of human breast cancer cells. In vitro elastase enzymatic assays demonstrated that I3C and at lower concentrations its more potent derivative 1‐benzyl‐indole‐3‐carbinol (1‐benzyl‐I3C) act as non‐competitive allosteric inhibitors of elastase activity. Consistent with these results, in silico computational simulations have revealed the first predicted interactions of I3C and 1‐benzyl‐I3C with the crystal structure of human neutrophil elastase, and identified a potential binding cluster on an external surface of the protease outside of the catalytic site that implicates elastase as a target protein for both indolecarbinol compounds. The Δ205 carboxyterminal truncation of elastase, which disrupts the predicted indolecarbinol binding site, is enzymatically active and generates a novel I3C resistant enzyme. Expression of the wild type and Δ205 elastase in MDA‐MB‐231 human breast cancer cells demonstrated that the carboxyterminal domain of elastase is required for the I3C and 1‐benzyl‐I3C inhibition of enzymatic activity, accumulation of the unprocessed form of the CD40 elastase substrate (a tumor necrosis factor receptor family member), disruption of NFκB nuclear localization and transcriptional activity, and induction of a G1 cell cycle arrest. Surprisingly, expression of the Δ205 elastase molecule failed to reverse indolecarbinol stimulated apoptosis, establishing an elastase‐dependent bifurcation point in anti‐proliferative signaling that uncouples the cell cycle and apoptotic responses in human breast cancer cells. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fokusvariable Linsen
Authors: Blum Mark , Büeler Michael
Published: October 2011

Während Glas‐ und Plastiklinsen weit verbreitet sind, gelten fokusvariable Linsen noch als Novum. Dabei gibt es schon seit längerem diverse Ansätze, um die Brennweite einer Linse zu variieren. Einige dieser Ansätze findet man heute auch in kommerziellen Produkten wie Barcodelesern, Brillen oder Mikroskopen. Weitere Anwendungen kommen laufend dazu, und dies aus gutem Grund. Der zusätzliche Freiheitsgrad der veränderbaren Linsenform ermöglicht es elegante und kompakte optische Systeme zu entwerfen, typischerweise auch mit weniger mechanischen Komponenten und kürzeren Antwortzeiten.
Lasereinsatz im Recycling
Authors: Fricke‐Begemann Cord , Graf Norbert
Published: October 2011

Für ein effizientes werkstoffliches Recycling von Metallschrotten ist die sortenreine Trennung unterschiedlicher Metalllegierungen notwendig. Um diese Trennung möglichst wirtschaftlich durchzuführen, sind vollautomatische Sortierverfahren erforderlich, die einen hohen Durchsatz bei niedrigen Kosten und guter Erkennungsleistung erreichen. Mit etablierten Verfahren sind anspruchsvolle Sortierungen allerdings nicht realisierbar, wie bspw. die Trennung unterschiedlicher Aluminiumlegierungen. Für diese Aufgaben sind laser‐spektroskopische Verfahren prädestiniert, die eine schnelle und berührungslose Materialanalysen ermöglichen. Als Partner im Forschungsprojekt LASMET des Fraunhofer‐Institut für Lasertechnik ILT entwickelte die InnoLas Laser GmbH, Krailling die Strahlquelle für die Laser‐Direktanalyse, die optimal auf die applikationsspezifischen Anforderungen und das anlagenbauliche Umfeld zugeschnitten ist.
Analysis of perinatal outcome by combination of first trimester maternal plasma homocysteine with uterine artery Doppler velocimetry
Authors: Kaymaz Cemil , Demir Ahmet , Bige Ozgur , Cagliyan Erkan , Cımrın Dilek , Demir Namik
Published: October 2011

Objective

To analyse the pregnancy outcome by combining plasma homocysteine with uterine artery Doppler velocimetry at 11 to 14 weeks of gestation.

Method

A prospective cohort study with 103 healthy pregnant women. Uterine artery Doppler velocimetry was performed at between 11 and 14 weeks of gestation. Abnormal blood flow was defined as average pulsatility index >1.5 and presence of unilateral or bilateral diastolic notch. Doppler scores were calculated by a modified scoring method of uterine artery flow velocity waveforms. Serum for measurement of homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folate levels were collected when the ultrasonographic measurement was performed.

Results

Pre‐eclampsia developed in five, gestational hypertension in three, intrauterine growth restriction in two and preterm birth in eight patients. There was a significant difference between mean plasma homocysteine levels at different Doppler scores (p<0.001) and a weak positive correlation between Doppler scores and occurrence of pregnancy complications (rs= 0.232, p<0.05). Mean homocysteine level increased with increasing Doppler scores. Any uterine artery abnormality had a sensitivity of 88.9% in predicting obstetric complications. Addition of hyperhomocytenemia to Doppler scores did not change the sensitivity.

Conclusion

Maternal serum homocysteine level is increased in 11 to 14 weeks of gestation that is complicated with pre‐eclampsia, gestational hypertension, intrauterine growth restriction and preterm birth. Addition of homocysteine determination to uterine artery Doppler in the first trimester does not add any advantage in predicting adverse perinatal outcome. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spontaneous rupture of the peroneus longus tendon in a patient with diabetic sensory neuropathy
Authors: Chikkaveerappa K , Eyes B , Jones R , Gill GV
Published: October 2011

We present a case of spontaneous painless rupture of the peroneus longus tendon in a patient with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes and a distal sensory neuropathy. Tendon rupture in the diabetic neuropathic foot has been previously described, but not of the peroneus longus tendon.

Painless tendon rupture in the diabetic foot or ankle can present a diagnostic challenge, and requires a high index of suspicion. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons.
The diabetes pandemic: is structured education the solution or an unnecessary expense?
Authors: Deakin T
Published: October 2011

Structured education is a recommended clinical and cost‐effective approach that adds value to traditional medical care. A clinical trial demonstrated that the X‐PERT Diabetes Programme significantly improves health and quality of life. In order to determine if the national implementation of the X‐PERT Programme meets standards identified in the published trial, it is necessary to conduct continuous audit.

To meet the key criteria to implement National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidance, educators are trained to deliver X‐PERT Diabetes and X‐PERT Insulin Programmes and submit baseline, six‐month and annual results onto the X‐PERT Audit Database.

Forty‐seven percent of X‐PERT centres (55/118) have submitted data for 16 031 people with diabetes. Audit standards have been met with excellent attendance, evaluation and empowerment scores. All outcomes improved at one year: glycated haemoglobin (‐0.6%); body weight (‐3.0kg); waist circumference (‐2.1cm); systolic (‐0.9mmHg) and diastolic (‐2.2mmHg) blood pressure; total (‐0.2mmol/L) and LDL (‐0.1mmol/L) cholesterol; triglycerides (‐0.2mmol/L); HDL cholesterol (+0.1mmol/L); requirement for prescribed diabetes medication (23% less likely to increase medication, number needed to treat [NNT] = 4; 5% more likely to reduce medication, NNT = 19).

National implementation of the X‐PERT Programme has met audit standards. X‐PERT increases skills, knowledge and confidence for diabetes self‐management, resulting in intensification of glycaemic control and reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors in people with newly diagnosed and existing diabetes. Structured education is a clinical and cost‐effective approach that should be offered to all people with diabetes as an integral part of their diabetes treatment and management, potentially saving the NHS £367 million per annum. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons.

This paper was presented as the 2011 Janet Kinson lecture at the 2011 Diabetes UK Annual Professional Conference held in London
Botox for the prophylaxis of headaches in chronic migraine
Authors: Chaplin Steve , MacGregor Anne
Published: October 2011

Botulinum toxin type A (Botox) has been licensed for the prophylaxis of headaches in chronic migraine. In our New products review Steve Chaplin presents the clinical data relating to its efficacy and adverse events and Professor Anne MacGregor discusses its place in the treatment of migraine. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Interface Ltd
Depression: guide to detection and recommended management
Authors: Cameron Isobel , Gauld Graham , Reid Ian
Published: October 2011

Depression is a common condition and practitioners need to be alert to its possibility. Our Drug review discusses current diagnostic criteria and treatment guidelines, including the initiation of antidepressants, followed by sources of further information and an analysis of prescription data. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Interface Ltd
Reducing costs and raising quality of asthma prescribing
Authors: Rao Shailen , Shah Vinesh
Published: October 2011

Reviewing prescribing of inhaled steroids can improve quality of care and deliver savings. In this article a GP commissioning group describes how they conducted a review with the support of an industry partner and what they achieved. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Interface Ltd
Theoretical study of low‐lying electronic states of the LiRb+ molecular ion: Structure, spectroscopy and transition dipole moments
Authors: Ghanmi C. , Farjallah M. , Berriche H.
Published: October 2011

The electronic structure and the spectroscopic properties for low‐lying electronic states of the LiRb+ molecular ion, dissociating into Li (2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 3d, 4s, and 4p) + Rb+ and Li+ + Rb (5s, 5p, 4d, 6s, 6p, 5d, and 7s), have been investigated using an ab initio approach based on non‐empirical pseudo potentials for the Li and Rb cores and parametrized l‐dependent polarization potential. We have determined the adiabatic potential energy curves and their spectroscopic constants for many electronic states of 2Σ+, 2Π, and 2Δ symmetries. A satisfying agreement, for the spectroscopic constants, has been obtained for the ground and the first excited states with the available theoretical works. Potential energy curves were presented, for the first time, for the higher excited states. In addition, we have localised and analysed the avoided crossings between electronic states of 2Σ+ and 2Π symmetries. Their existences can be related to the interaction between the potential energy curves and to the charge transfer process between the two ionic systems Li+Rb and LiRb+. Moreover, we have determined the transition dipole moments from X2Σ+ and 22Σ+ states to higher excited states of 2Σ+ and 2Π symmetries. For our best knowledge, no experimental data on the LiRb+ molecular ion is available. These theoretical data can help experimentalists to optimize photoassociative formation of ultracold LiRb+ molecular ion and their longevity in a trap or in an optical lattice. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2012
The Minimal Occupancy Level of the Clathrate Hydrate Host Lattice and the Intercalation Heat of the Guest Molecules in the Chlorine Hydrates
Authors: Kótai László , Bálint Szabolcs , Gács István , Lakatos Györgyi , Angyal András , Mehrotra Raj. N.
Published: October 2011

The minimal occupancy level (θmin) of the clathrate lattice of gas molecules is defined as the number of guest molecules in the host clathrate lattice, which can stabilize the thermodynamically unstable empty cage by covering the energy demand of the transformation of hexagonal ice into empty clathrate lattice (ΔHtrans). The θmin values for chlorine hydrate were determined from the n = f(p)T=const. relationship and the average molar intercalation heat of chlorine in the type I clathrate lattice was also calculated for both type of cavities.
Some Burning Questions Remaining Unanswered
Authors: Valdiya K.S.
Published: October 2011

Writing a book on the geodynamic evolution of India (Valdiya, 2010), which involved going through and perusing voluminous literature, I was confronted with many burning questions for which I could not find decisive answers. Maybe I missed the answers, or perhaps I failed to grasp and comprehend the logics of authors. I also felt that many very crucial problems of the evolutionary history of India await addressing squarely by the new generation of earth scientists. When the President of the Geological Society of India, Dr. Harsh Gupta, kindly invited me to speak at the Annual General Meeting of the Society in October 2010 I could not suppress my urge to voice my ignorance through some questions that tantalizingly tease me.
Ursodeoxycholic acid treatment in a rat model of cancer cachexia
Authors: Tschirner Anika , von Haehling Stephan , Palus Sandra , Doehner Wolfram , Anker Stefan D. , Springer Jochen
Published: October 2011

Background

Cancer cachexia is characterized by loss of both adipose and skeletal muscle tissue and by an increased production of proinflammatory cytokines. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), a bile acid used for centuries in the treatment of liver disease, is known to confer anti‐inflammatory and anti‐apoptotic effects as well as beneficial effects on mitochondrial integrity and cell signaling. We hypothesized that UDCA ameliorates the wasting process in the Yoshida hepatoma tumor model. In addition, we sought to establish if UDCA exerts beneficial effects on survival in this model.

Methods and results

Forty‐seven male rats were inoculated intraperitoneally with 108 Yoshida hepatoma AH‐130 cells and treated with placebo or one of two different doses of UDCA, 25 or 100 mg/kg daily. Body weight, body composition, and activity indicators were measured over the course of study up to day 16. UDCA treatment had no effect on tumor growth, loss of body weight, and loss of fat mass. Compared with placebo, low‐dose UDCA improved tissue loss in the lung (p = 0.022) and tended to reduce tissue loss in brown adipocytes (p = 0.06), gastrocnemius muscle (p = 0.06), extensor digitorum longus muscle (p = 0.09), and soleus muscle (p = 0.07). Compared with placebo, high‐dose UDCA tended to reduce the loss of lean body mass (p = 0.06), lung tissue (p = 0.1), white adipose tissue (p = 0.11), and gastrocnemius muscle (p = 0.11). The activity and food intake were not altered in tumor‐bearing rats by either dose of UDCA. Both doses tended to decrease the mortality rate in tumor‐bearing rats, (hazard ratio (HR), 0.42; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.17–1.04; p = 0.061 for low‐dose UDCA; HR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.18–1.05; p = 0.065 for high‐dose UDCA).

Conclusion

UDCA treatment in the Yoshida hepatoma model showed a trend towards attenuation of tissue loss in animals with progressive weight loss in cancer cachexia. Tumor growth and activity indicators were not altered. Both doses of UDCA tended to reduce the mortality rates in tumor‐bearing animals. Larger studies with longer follow‐up are required to verify these findings.
Rückkehr zur Arbeit nach Leistungen zur medizinischen Rehabilitation
Authors: Buschmann-Steinhage Rolf , Zollmann Pia
Published: October 2011

Einleitung

Die Deutsche Rentenversicherung ist einer der größten Träger für Leistungen zur medizinischen und beruflichen Rehabilitation. Diese Leistungen werden mit dem Ziel durchgeführt, eine möglichst dauerhafte (Wieder-)Eingliederung in das Berufsleben zu erreichen. Für Rehabilitanden mit einer abgeschlossenen medizinischen Rehabilitation in 2007 kann anhand von Routinedaten gezeigt werden, dass 81% innerhalb von zwei Jahren eine Beschäftigung aufnehmen mit einer Dauer von durchschnittlich 20 Monaten.
Evidenzbasierung der medizinischen Rehabilitation (in Deutschland)
Authors: Mittag Oskar
Published: October 2011

Einleitung

Evidenzbasierung in der Medizin meint den gewissenhaften, ausdrücklichen und vernünftigen Gebrauch der besten verfügbaren wissenschaftlichen Evidenz für Entscheidungen in der Versorgung individueller Patienten (Sackett et al., 1996). Die Güte der Evidenz wird dabei hierarchisch in verschiedene Klassen eingeteilt. Die bestmögliche Evidenz leitet sich aus Metaanalysen mit mehreren randomisierten, kontrollierten Studien ab. Zum Nachweis der (generellen) Wirksamkeit einer Behandlungsmaßnahme sind randomisierte Studien mit unbehandelten Kontrollgruppen (RCTs) unverzichtbar. Das gilt auch für die Rehabilitation. Genau diese höchstrangige Evidenz für die Wirksamkeit und den Nutzen der medizinischen Rehabilitation aber fehlt in Deutschland fast ganz.
Life, DNA and the model
Authors: BUD ROBERT
Published: October 2011

This paper argues that the 1953 double-helix solution to the problem of DNA structure was understood, at the time, as a blow within a fiercely fought dispute over the material nature of life. The paper examines the debates, between those for whom life was a purely material phenomenon and religious people for whom it had a spiritual significance, that were waged from the aftermath of the First World War to the 1960s. It looks at the developing arguments of early promoters of molecular biology, including J.D. Bernal, his pupil Max Perutz and his pupil Francis Crick, on the one side, and of the so-called ‘Inkling’ cluster of writers including C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, on the other. This debate was conducted through polemical works, journalism, and science fiction and through the Festival of Britain and can be followed through the commentary of Jacob Bronowski. The paper concludes with the model of the double helix now at the Science Museum, which can be considered an archaeological relic of a battle in a war which is still being fought.
The politics of participation: Francis Galton's Anthropometric Laboratory and the making of civic selves
Authors: LUNDGREN FRANS
Published: October 2011

Historians have given much attention to museums and exhibitions as sites for the production and communication of knowledge in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. But few studies have analysed how the activity and participation of visitors was designed and promoted at such locations. Using Francis Galton's Anthropometric Laboratory at the International Health Exhibition in London 1884 as the empirical focal point, this paper explores a new mode of involving exhibition audiences in the late nineteenth century. Its particular form of address is characterized by an ambition to transform the visitors' self-understanding by engaging them with various techniques of scientific observation and representation of social issues. By analysing the didactics of this particular project, I argue that the observational ideal of ‘mechanical objectivity’ and associated modes of representation in this instance became an integrated part of a political vision of self-observation and self-reformation. Thus the exhibit and related projects by Galton not only underpinned a theoretical lesson, but also were part of an effort to extend a complex set of practices among the general public.
The lipid-lowering effect of dietary proanthocyanidins in rats involves both chylomicron-rich and VLDL-rich fractions
Authors: Quesada Helena , Díaz Sabina , Pajuelo David , Fernández-Iglesias Anabel , Garcia-Vallvé Santiago , Pujadas Gerard , Salvadó M. Josepa , Arola Lluis , Bladé Cinta
Published: October 2011

Proanthocyanidins have been shown to improve postprandial hypertriacylglycerolaemia. The present study aims to determine the actual contribution of chylomicrons (CM) and VLDL in the hypotriacylglycerolaemic action of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) in the postprandial state and to characterise the mechanisms by which the GSPE treatment reduces TAG-rich lipoproteins in vivo. A plasma lipid tolerance test was performed on rats fasted for 14 h and orally loaded with lard containing either GSPE or not. GSPE (250 mg/kg body weight) markedly blocked the increase in plasma TAG induced by lard, with a statistically significant reduction of 22 % in the area under the curve. The VLDL-rich fraction was the major contributor (72 %) after 1 h, whereas the CM-rich fraction was the major contributor (85 %) after 3 h. At 5 and 7 h after treatment, CM-rich and VLDL-rich fractions showed a similar influence. Plasma post-heparin lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity and LPL mRNA levels in white adipose tissue and muscle were not affected by GSPE. On the contrary, GSPE treatment significantly repressed (30 %) the secretion of VLDL-TAG. In the liver, GSPE treatment induced different effects on the expression of acyl-coenzyme A synthetase long-chain family member 1, Apoc3 and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase at 1 h and Cd36 at 5 h, compared to those induced by lard. Furthermore, GSPE treatment significantly increased the activity of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1a at 1 h. In conclusion, both CM-rich and VLDL-rich fractions contributed to the hypotriacylglycerolaemic action of GSPE, but their influence depended on time. GSPE induces hypotriacylglycerolaemic actions by repressing lipoprotein secretion and not by increasing LPL activity.
Early mental health morbidity and later smoking at age 17 years
Authors: Zubrick S. R. , Lawrence D. , Mitrou F. , Christensen D. , Taylor C. L.
Published: October 2011

Background

We examined the relationship between the onset and pattern of childhood mental health disorders and subsequent current smoking status at age 17 years.

Method

Data were from a prospective cohort study of 2868 births of which 1064 supplied information about their current smoking at 17 years of age. The association between the onset and pattern of clinically significant mental health disorders in the child and subsequent smoking at age 17 years was estimated via multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Relative to 17 year olds who never had an externalizing disorder, 17-year-olds who had an externalizing disorder at age 5, 8 or 14 years were, respectively, 2.0 times [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.24–3.25], 1.9 (95% CI 1.00–3.65) or 3.9 times (95% CI 1.73–8.72) more likely to be a current smoker. Children with an ongoing pattern of externalizing disorder were 3.0 times (95% CI 1.89–4.84) more likely to be smokers at the age of 17 years and those whose mothers reported daily consumption of 6–10 cigarettes at 18 weeks' gestation were 2.5 times (OR 2.46, 95% CI 1.26–4.83) more likely to report smoking at 17 years of age. Associations with early anxiety and depression in the child were not found.

Conclusions

Current smoking in 17-year-olds may be underpinned by early emergent, and then, ongoing, externalizing disorder that commenced as young as age 5 years as well as exposure to early prenatal maternal smoking. The associations documented in adults and adolescents that link tobacco smoking and mental health are likely to be in play at these early points in development.
Spacelike hypersurfaces of constant higher order mean curvature in generalized Robertson–Walker spacetimes
Authors: ALÍAS LUIS J. , IMPERA DEBORA , RIGOLI MARCO
Published: October 2011

In this paper we analyse the problem of uniqueness for spacelike hypersurfaces with constant higher order mean curvature in generalized Robertson–Walker spacetimes. We consider first the case of compact spacelike hypersurfaces, completing some previous results given in [2]. We next extend these results to the complete noncompact case. In that case, our approach is based on the use of a generalized version of the Omori–Yau maximum principle for trace type differential operators, recently given by the authors in [3].
Increased Depression and Readmission Risk in Patients with New-Onset Angina after the Sichuan Earthquake
Authors: Kai-sen Huang , Qi Wu , Ping Liu , Ding-xiu He , Shu-yin Wen , You-gen Zhou , Fang-ming Zhou , Ying-de Kang , Xiao-jian Deng
Published: October 2011

Introduction: Earthquake exposure has been associated with adverse consequences for coronary heart disease. However, the natural history and prognostic significance of earthquake-related, new-onset angina have not been characterized.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between episodes of depressive symptoms and one-year prognosis after the first admission to the hospital among adults with new-onset angina before and after the Sichuan earthquake.

Methods: One hundred forty-one first hospitalized patients with new-onset angina before and after the Sichuan earthquake underwent psychological assessments during their first admission to the hospital following the earthquake. Patients were followed for 12 months to determine survival status. The independent relationships between baseline variables and readmission risk after the earthquake were examined. Baseline somatic and psychosocial variables were collected with the aid of standard, validated questionnaires.

Results: The proportion of patients with moderate/severe depression symptom in the earthquake-related group is higher than among their counterparts (23.7% vs. 8.9%, p = 0.026). Patients with new-onset angina after the Sichuan earthquake had a higher risk of readmission (22.4% vs. 8.9%, p = 0.041) and longer total hospitalization (average of 13.4 ±6.8 vs. 10.7 ±5.5 days, p = 0.015). The risks for readmission was associated with moderate/severe depression (adjusted hazard ratio, 9.18 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.09–27.23, p = 0.0000]) and low ejection fraction (adjusted hazard ratio, 6.66 [95%CI = 2.131–20.781, p = 0.001]).

Conclusions: Among patients diagnosed with new-onset angina, those with first episode after the Sichuan earthquake generated more moderate/severe depressive symptoms and had a higher risk for readmission and longer hospital stay. Depressive symptoms upon admission and low ejection fractions were significant predictors of 12-month risk for readmission, which indicates that antidepressants should be prescribed.
The Collapse of Potential Space in Adolescents with Psychosomatic Disorders
Authors: Appel Liat
Published: October 2011

The study applies Winnicott’s (1971 ) conceptualization of potential space to explore psychosomatic phenomena as manifested in Rorschach protocols of two adolescent outpatients. This approach for understanding psychosomatic disorders is based on Ogden’s (1986 ) model for defining different forms of collapse of potential or transitional space between reality and fantasy. Following Smith (1990 ), who applies this conceptualization to Rorschach work, the study compares data related to cognitive functioning derived from the Rorschach Comprehensive System (CS; Exner, 2003 ) from protocols of two adolescents with psychosomatic symptoms. The study also compares the results of a Rorschach index, the Reality-Fantasy Scale (RFS; Tibon, Handelzalts, & Weinberger, 2005 ), to detect different types of psychopathological manifestations conceptualized as forms of collapse of potential space. The results point toward substantial differences between the two protocols that are interpreted in terms of forms of collapse of potential space, demonstrating reality collapse into fantasy being revealed by one protocol and fantasy collapse into reality by the other. In conclusion, because similar psychosomatic pictures in adolescents might represent different, often apparently opposite, psychopathological states, using the Rorschach in adolescents with psychosomatic symptoms seem particularly important for revealing these states. Implications for treatment are discussed.
The Rorschach in Brazilian Children
Authors: Raspantini Renata Loureiro , Fernandes Suélen , Pasian Sonia Regina
Published: October 2011

This study explores the normative patterns of children’s responses to the Rorschach. A total of 180 Brazilian children between 9–11 years were selected for the study, presenting indicators of typical development and equally distributed in terms of gender, age, and school origin. Participants were assessed individually, using a child development questionnaire, the Raven’s Progressive Matrices Test, and the Rorschach Method (French Approach). The Rorschach protocols were analyzed by three independent judges. To date, 140 protocols have been coded, with their data being reported in average results. Productivity and rhythm indicators: R = 16.1; TLm = 17.2s; TRm = 33.4s. Apprehension modes: G = 44.3%; D = 33.0%; Dd = 22.0%. Determinants and formal quality: F% = 63.1%; F +% = 76.7%; F + ext% = 76.3%. Most evocated contents: A% = 57.5%; H% = 21.4%. Predominant affective reaction styles were studied. Although partial, the present results are promising as they provide an update of existing normative date for children between the age of 9 and 11. This study can help further the sociocultural understanding of the use of the Rorschach test with Brazilian children.
Spatial variability overwhelms seasonal patterns in bacterioplankton communities across a river to ocean gradient
Authors: Fortunato Caroline S , Herfort Lydie , Zuber Peter , Baptista Antonio M , Crump Byron C
Published: October 2011

Few studies of microbial biogeography address variability across both multiple habitats and multiple seasons. Here we examine the spatial and temporal variability of bacterioplankton community composition of the Columbia River coastal margin using 16S amplicon pyrosequencing of 300 water samples collected in 2007 and 2008. Communities separated into seven groups (ANOSIM, P<0.001): river, estuary, plume, epipelagic, mesopelagic, shelf bottom (depth<350 m) and slope bottom (depth>850 m). The ordination of these samples was correlated with salinity (ρ=−0.83) and depth (ρ=−0.62). Temporal patterns were obscured by spatial variability among the coastal environments, and could only be detected within individual groups. Thus, structuring environmental factors (for example, salinity, depth) dominate over seasonal changes in determining community composition. Seasonal variability was detected across an annual cycle in the river, estuary and plume where communities separated into two groups, early year (April–July) and late year (August–Nov), demonstrating annual reassembly of communities over time. Determining both the spatial and temporal variability of bacterioplankton communities provides a framework for modeling these communities across environmental gradients from river to deep ocean.
Association of Post‐Traumatic Stress Disorder and Obesity in a Nationally Representative Sample
Authors: Pagoto Sherry L. , Schneider Kristin L. , Bodenlos Jamie S. , Appelhans Bradley M. , Whited Matthew C. , Ma Yunsheng , Lemon Stephenie C.
Published: October 2011

Recent studies suggest a possible link between post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obesity risk, which would have implications for the development of obesity‐related diseases in this population. The present study examined the association between PTSD and obesity and whether this association differed by sex in a representative sample of the US population. A secondary objective was to determine whether the association between PTSD and obesity was mediated by binge eating disorder (BED). Data were from the Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiology Surveys (CPES), which comprises three nationally representative cross‐sectional surveys that were conducted between 2001 and 2003. Logistic regression analyses weighted to represent the general US adult population were performed. In the total sample of 20,013 participants, rates of obesity were 24.1% for persons without a lifetime history of PTSD and 32.6% among persons with PTSD in the past year. Adjusting for socio‐demographic characteristics, depression, substance and alcohol abuse/dependence, and psychotropic medication status, past year PTSD was associated with greater likelihood of obesity (odds ratio (OR) = 1.51; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.18, 1.95), with no differences by gender. BED did not statistically mediate the relationship between PTSD and obesity. The present study provides support for a link between PTSD and obesity. Findings further existing literature by indicating that the association is consistent across sexes and is not statistically mediated by BED.
Effects of FTO Genotype on Weight Loss and Metabolic Risk Factors in Response to Calorie Restriction Among Japanese Women
Authors: Matsuo Tomoaki , Nakata Yoshio , Murotake Yukako , Hotta Kikuko , Tanaka Kiyoji
Published: October 2011

Effects of gene variants in the fat‐mass and obesity‐associated (FTO) gene (primarily rs9939609) on weight loss induced by lifestyle intervention are controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate whether FTO gene variations are associated with weight‐reduction and changes in metabolic risk factors in response to a 14‐week calorie restriction. In total, 204 Japanese women (aged 24–66 years; BMI ≥25 kg/m2) enrolled as subjects and attended dietary lectures instructing them on how to consume a nutritionally balanced diet of 1,200 kcal/day. Fat mass, both at baseline (P = 0.100) and after the intervention (P = 0.020), was higher in subjects with the AA genotype (n = 15; 7.3%) than in those with TT (n = 114; 55.9%) and TA (n = 75; 36.8%) genotypes. The change in fat‐mass tended to be smaller in subjects with the AA genotype than in those with other genotypes (P = 0.065). However, the subjects with the risk allele could still decrease their body weight and improve metabolic risk factors significantly. Our data suggest that the impact of FTO rs9939609 in Japanese women may not be great enough to change body weight or metabolic risk factors in response to calorie restriction. Environmental and behavioral factors may overcome the effects of genes on weight reduction.