bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overestimated diffusion coefficients for the prediction of worst case migration from PET: application to recycled PET and to functional barriers assessment
Authors: Pennarun P.Y. , Dole P. , Feigenbaum A.
Published: October 2004

This paper defines parameters that can be used to predict worst‐case migration from recycled PET bottles, with and without a functional barrier. Starting with a set of diffusion coefficients determined in well‐defined experimental conditions (temperature, presence or not of a solvent, with and without swelling effect), empirical equations for the diffusion coefficient of a migrant or a pollutant in PET at 40°C are given as a function of its molecular weight. An equation is also derived for migration from PET into water. Surrogates representative of worst‐case migrants are identified and are discussed in terms of molecular weight, structure and interaction with the PET matrix. In the second part of the paper, the empirical equations have been used to simulate the migration from monolayer bottles and from multilayer bottles with different geometries of functional barrier, as a function of the pollutants' molecular weight. Since the diffusion coefficients are overestimated, the calculated migration is also overestimated, which provides a margin of safety. The advantage of the functional barrier technology is compared to the direct food contact route, as a function of food contact time. In the last part of the paper, the effect of testing temperature is investigated. Based on a literature survey, the activation energy of pollutants is shown to increase roughly with their molecular weights. A worst‐case activation energy of 80 kJ/mol is proposed, allowing extrapolation of migration data from a higher temperature (values calculated at 40°C or determined at 60°C) to room temperature. The possible use of this activation energy to design tests for functional barriers is discussed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantum chemical study of alternating N/B and N/C π bonds in (un)charged even‐membered 4n and 4n+2 cyclic systems and their related open systems
Authors: Buck Henk
Published: October 2004

With semi‐empirical MO and ab initio calculations at different levels, we investigated the π conjugation of alternating XY bonds with XY for N/B and N/C combinations in an open and cyclic arrangement. Although the intrinsic symmetry is lost for the acyclic even‐membered compounds, the alternation is still reflected in its geometry and electron‐density transfer. For the cyclic π compounds, we focused our attention on borazine N3B3H6 (D3h symmetry), which is isoelectronic with benzene (D6h symmetry). Specific attention is given to the electrophilic behavior of borazine with respect to CH and SiMe. The dynamics based on the results of FT‐ICR mass spectrometry was studied in more detail. In addition, the results of the cyclic systems with 4n and 4n+2 π electrons concerning their geometries are compared with the corresponding carbon compounds. Attention is also given to the dication of borazine, because of the corresponding triplet ground state of the benzene dication. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2005
Ab initio study of reactions of 1‐halogen‐3‐methoxy‐1‐propynes with Grignard reagent
Authors: Ivanova Nina M.
Published: October 2004

The structures of coordination complexes of methylmagnesium chloride with 1‐halogen‐3‐methoxy‐1‐propynes have been studied by means of ab initio methods (RHF/3‐21G*, RHF/6‐31G* and RHF/6‐31G**), taking into account the electron correlation by Møller‐Plesset perturbation theory (MP2). Two pathways of the nucleophilic halogen substitution reaction between the reagents have been considered. The calculations predict the addition–elimination mechanism as advantageous for the reaction. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2005
Theoretical study of one‐carbon unit transfer between methyl‐AICA and N1‐methyl‐N1‐acryloyl‐formamide
Authors: Qiao Qing‐An , Cai Zheng‐Ting , Feng Da‐Cheng , Jiang Yuan‐Sheng
Published: October 2004

The mechanism of one‐carbon unit transfer between 1‐methyl‐5‐amino‐4‐carboxamide imidazole (M‐AICA) and N1‐methyl‐N1‐acryloyl‐formamide (the model molecule of 10‐f‐H4F) is investigated by the Hartree–Fock and DFT methods, respectively, at the 6‐31G* basis level. There are two different channels for the proton transfer, resulting in two reaction pathways with different properties. The results indicate that both channels can complete the reaction, but path a is slightly favored due to its lower active energy barrier. Furthermore, the influence of 4‐carboxamindde in M‐AICA is also discussed. This group can stabilize the reactant and intermediates, and reduce the active energy barrier through the intermolecular hydrogen bond. The intermolecular hydrogen bond results in an enlarged conjugation system and makes the transition states more stable. Our results are in agreement with experiments. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2005
Theoretical investigation of ion pair SN2 reactions of alkali isothiocyanates with alkyl halides. Part 1. Reaction of lithium isothiocyanate and methyl fluoride with inversion mechanism
Authors: Zhu Hua‐Jie , Ren Yi , Ren Jie , Chu San‐Yan
Published: October 2004

The gas‐phase ionic SN2 reactions NCS‐ + CH3F and ion pair SN2 reaction LiNCS + CH3F with inversion mechanism were investigated at the level of MP2(full)/6‐311+G**//HF/6‐311+G**. Both of them involve the reactants complex, inversion transition state, and products complex. There are two possible reaction pathways in the ionic SN2 reaction but four reaction pathways in the ion pair SN2 reaction. Our results indicate that the introduction of lithium significantly lower the reaction barrier and make the ion pair displacement reaction more facile. For both ionic and ion pair reaction, methyl thiocyanate is predicted to be the major product, but the latter is more selective. More‐stable methyl isothiocyanate can be prepared by thermal rearrangement of methyl thiocyanate. The theoretical predictions are consistent with the known experimental results. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2005
Cycloreversion and other gas‐phase reactions of neutral and cationic pyrrolidine‐fused chlorins and isobacteriochlorins under ion bombardment and electrospray
Authors: Izquierdo Raul A. , Barros Cristina M. , Santana‐Marques M. Graça , Correia A. J. Ferrer , Silva Ana M. G. , Tomé Augusto C. , Silva Artur , Neves M. Graça P. M. S. , Cavaleiro J. A. S.
Published: October 2004

Neutral and cationic pyrrolidine‐fused chlorins and isobacteriochlorins derived from meso‐tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)porphyrin undergo cycloreversion reactions in the gas phase, either when desorbed from a liquid matrix by ion bombardment or when electrosprayed. Cycloreversion occurs through loss of either neutral or charged moieties, with and without hydrogen and methyl radical migration, and both as high‐ and low‐energy collision processes. For the doubly charged isobacteriochlorin, one‐electron reduction with methyl loss occurs under ion bombardment and electrospray, through hypervalent pyrrolidinium radical formation. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preliminary investigation of electrodynamic charged droplet processing to couple capillary liquid chromatography with matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Bogan Michael J. , Agnes George R.
Published: October 2004

Charged droplet processing methodology, that utilizes electrodynamic levitation technology to control the trajectories of picoliter volume charged droplets and deliver them to a target plate at atmospheric pressure, has been developed. Termed wall‐less sample preparation (WaSP), this methodology offers several features that could prove beneficial to the preparation of sample spots from separation column effluents for matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MS) analysis. These features include solute pre‐concentration factors of 101 to 103 due to volatile solvent evaporation prior to droplet deposition onto the target plate, high spatial accuracy of the deposition position of each processed droplet (±5 μm), and the ability to prepare sample spots as small as 20 μm in diameter from a single droplet. Here a new mode of operation of this methodology is described and used as an offline post‐column pre‐concentrating interface between capillary liquid chromatography (capLC) and a target plate for offline MALDI‐MS. Using a fraction from the capLC separation of peptides produced by the proteolytic digestion of the protein cytidine 5′‐triphosphate:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase, MALDI sample spots were prepared using the dried‐droplet method, direct piezoelectric droplet dispensing, and the processing of piezo‐dispensed droplets by WaSP. The sample spot morphology was investigated using light microscopy, and peptide ion abundances produced by MALDI were measured using time‐of‐flight (TOF) MS. The advantages of developing an online capLC/WaSP interface with MALDI‐MS in the future are discussed along with some of the challenges that may be encountered in such an endeavor. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Global distribution of rotavirus serotypes/genotypes and its implication for the development and implementation of an effective rotavirus vaccine
Authors: Santos Norma , Hoshino Yasutaka
Published: October 2004

A safe and effective rotavirus vaccine is urgently needed, particularly in developing countries. Critical to vaccine development and implementation is a knowledge base concerning the epidemiology of rotavirus G and P serotypes/genotypes throughout the world. The temporal and geographical distribution of human rotavirus G and P types was reviewed by analysing a total of 45571 strains collected globally from 124 studies reported from 52 countries on five continents published between 1989 and 2004. Four common G types (G1, G2, G3 and G4) in conjunction with P[8] or P[4] represented over 88% of the strains analysed worldwide. In addition, serotype G9 viruses associated with P[8] or P[6] were shown to have emerged as the fourth globally important G type with the relative frequency of 4.1%. When the global G and/or P type distributions were divided into five continents/subcontinents, several characteristic features emerged. For example, the P[8]G1 represented over 70% of rotavirus infections in North America, Europe and Australia, but only about 30% of the infections in South America and Asia, and 23% in Africa. In addition, in Africa (i) the relative frequency of G8 was as high as that of the globally common G3 or G4, (ii) P[6] represented almost one‐third of all P types identified and (iii) 27% of the infections were associated with rotavirus strains bearing unusual combinations such as P[6]G8 or P[4]G8. Furthermore, in South America, uncommon G5 virus appeared to increase its epidemiological importance among children with diarrhea. Such findings have (i) confirmed the importance of continued active rotavirus strain surveillance in a variety of geographical settings and (ii) provided important considerations for the development and implementation of an effective rotavirus vaccine (e.g. a geographical P‐G type adjustment in the formulation of next generation multivalent vaccines). Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Constructing agoras of the global village: a Co‐laboratory of Democracy on the conscious evolution of humanity
Authors: Hays Paul R. , Michaelides Marios
Published: October 2004

This is a report of the Co‐laboratory of Democracy on Constructing Agoras of the Global Village. With a diverse set of participants from different parts of the world engaged in a structured dialogue, the overall aim was to generate the interest to conduct similar co‐laboratories by participants in different parts of the global village. The specific objectives set for this workshop were: to create a shared understanding of the challenges that will need to be addressed in the construction of agoras of the global village in the context of globalization; to build commitment to an action agenda for collaboratively addressing the ‘system of challenges’; and to begin forging a ‘chain of interactions’ which will embrace the variety of stakeholders of the situation in implementing the agenda for overcoming the system of challenges. The characteristic of this co‐laboratory of democracy was that it was an agora dealing with the issue of agoras. This meta‐agora did not address a specific issue or problem, which made things a bit confusing, but also very revealing. In the end, the participants and facilitators all learned about the process of structured dialogue and the nature of dialogues themselves. They were also able to design a preliminary set of options to initiate construction of agoras of the global village. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Indigeneity, an alternative worldview: four R's (relationship, responsibility, reciprocity, redistribution) vs. two P's (power and profit). Sharing the journey towards conscious evolution
Authors: Harris La Donna , Wasilewski Jacqueline
Published: October 2004

La Donna Harris, founder of Americans for Indian Opportunity (AIO), discusses the two‐decade‐long collaboration between AIO and Alexander Christakis, President of ISSS, and other systems scientists. Structured dialogue processes have provided culturally resonant means through which Indigenous peoples have been able to identify and articulate their core values to broader audiences, especially the four R's (Relationship, Responsibility, Reciprocity and Redistribution). These Four R's form the core of an emerging concept, Indigeneity. The dynamic inclusivity of this value cluster has much to contribute to global discourse as we go about the task of constructing global agoras, the dialogic spaces of optimal mutual learning of the 21st century. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Indigenous Wisdom of the People Forum: strategies for expanding a web of transnational indigenous interactions
Authors: Harris Laura , Wasilewski Jacqueline
Published: October 2004

Laura Harris, President of Americans for Indian Opportunity (AIO), and one of the facilitators of the Indigenous Wisdom of the People Forum (WOPF) held at the 47th ISSS Conference, discusses why Indigenous people participated in the conference, the development of ILISTM (the Indigenous Leaders Interactive System, which is the structured dialogue process used to conduct the Indigenous WOPF) and the forum itself. Native American and Maori community members came to the conference to be able to share their Indigeneity on an international platform. Indigeneity is an emerging cluster of concepts (see La Donna Harris's contribution to this same volume) which tries to capture the conceptual contributions Indigenous people have to make to contemporary global discourse in the face of globalization. ILISTM has played a big role in assisting Indigenous people to ‘re‐cognize’ their ancestral knowledge and to articulate Indigenous systems thinking to the members of contemporary society, both inside and outside Indigenous communities. One outcome of this reflective articulation has been the creation of a new international Indigenous peoples' organization, Advancement of Global Indigeneity (AGI). The task of the Indigenous WOPF held on 7–10 July 2003 was to identify strategies for AGI's further outreach to other Indigenous groups in the world beyond the Native North American and Maori founders of AGI. One of the major reasons that the forum was a success was the ability of ILIS to authentically engage a very diverse set of participants, Indigenous and non‐Indigenous, ranging from people who had had much experience with Indigenous issues as well as those who had had no previous experience, and to enable them to effectively articulate their ideas for AGI's further development and outreach. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toward a grounded theory of sustainability in social service organizations: a systems point of view
Authors: Sanders Karen E. , Francis Karen , Lum May , Schiada Gwen
Published: October 2004

This paper was prepared for presentation at the 47th Annual Conference of the International Society for the Systems Sciences in Crete, Greece. It explores the problem of sustainability from a systems point of view within the context of the Safe Schools/Healthy Students Initiative—an initiative launched by the US Congress in 1999 to fund a multifaceted response to the difficult challenge of youth violence. A grounded theory of sustainability is proposed, based on the design of social systems, as an alternative to the current political emphasis on classical reductionist science‐based approaches to school reform. Further, insight into transformational leadership opportunities through evidence‐based social systems design strategies is offered. This paper represents an initial attempt to apply these principles within the context of school–community partnerships and sustainability. Subsequent work will provide further exploration and development. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
What can cybernetics contribute to the conscious evolution of organizations and society?
Authors: Schwaninger Markus
Published: October 2004

This contribution is based on the Ludwig von Bertalanffy Lecture delivered by the author at the 47th Conference of the International Society for the System Sciences (ISSS) in Crete, 7 July 2003. The conference was organized around the issue ‘Conscious Evolution of Humanity: Using Systems Thinking to Construct Agoras of the Global Village’. This article explores the potential and actual contributions of cybernetics to organizational and societal evolution. The focus is on the models and conceptual tools of managerial cybernetics. When properly used these can become powerful pivots of an ‘evolution by design’, as opposed to an evolution at the mercy of mere chance. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A dialogue on the future of ISSS: Team Syntegrity sessions at the Crete conference
Authors: Schwaninger Markus , Leonard Allenna
Published: October 2004

One of the sections of the the 47th Conference of the International Society for the System Sciences (ISSS) in Crete was dedicated to the methodology and applications of Team Syntegrity (TS). TS is a methodology to make the discourse of large groups effective, which is particularly useful in the context of conversations about the future. This contribution is centred on a Team Syntegrity event in which members of the conference initiated a dialogue on the future of ISSS. The paper provides a report and a reflection about that event, and an outlook on how to embark on an ongoing discourse about that vital concern of the Society. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wisdom of the people
Authors: Christakis Alexander N.
Published: October 2004

This paper was delivered as the Presidential address for the 47th International Society for the Systems Sciences Annual Conference in Crete, Greece. It builds and elaborates on the theme of the conference, which was ‘Conscious Evolution of Humanity: Using Systems Thinking to Construct Agoras of the Global Village’. The role of true dialogue in the context of the trends towards globalization, and the predicament of indigenous people to sustain democracy and cultural dignity and autonomy, are discussed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Properties of Korean Amaranth Starch Compared to Waxy Millet and Waxy Sorghum Starches
Authors: Choi Hunjai , Kim Wansoo , Shin Malshick
Published: October 2004

Characteristics of waxy type starches isolated from amaranth, waxy millet and waxy sorghum harvested in Korea were evaluated. Shapes of all starch granules were polygonal or slightly round and the surfaces of waxy millet and waxy sorghum starch granules showed visible pores. Amylose contents of the three starches were between 3.2–6.0% and amaranth starch showed the highest water binding capacity (WBC) (130.7%). The swelling power and solubility of amaranth starch studied at 65.0–95.0°C increased about 13.7‐ and 14.0‐fold, respectively, with increase in temperature. Swelling power of waxy sorghum starch was the highest (72.6 at 95°C) among the starches studied, while amaranth starch had a constant swelling power and its rate of solubility increasely only slowly at temperatures higher than 75°C. From RVA data, initial pasting temperatures of amaranth, waxy sorghum and waxy millet starches were 75.7, 73.3 and 75.2°C, respectively. Peak viscosity, breakdown, and setback from trough of amaranth starch were 68.3, 16.7 and 7.5 RVU, respectively, which were the lowest values among the starches investigated. Using DSC, onset temperature of gelatinization of amaranth starch was 1.5–4.0°C higher than those of waxy sorghum and millet starches, corresponding to the RVA result. The enthalpies of gelatinization of the starches studied in our laboratory were in the range of 8.5–12.7 J/g with decreasing order of waxy sorghum > amaranth > waxy millet starch.
Handbook of Plant Biotechnology. By Paul Christou and Harry Klee (Editors‐in‐Chief)
Authors: Schierbaum Friedrich
Published: October 2004

No abstracts.
Coteaching: Creating resources for learning and learning to teach chemistry in urban high schools
Authors: Roth Wolff‐Michael , Tobin Kenneth , Carambo Cristobal , Dalland Chris
Published: October 2004

How do new teachers become confident and competent while they are interns in inner‐city neighborhood schools challenged by many problems, often associated with economic shortfalls and cultural differences between the students and their teachers? Many science teacher education programs place a lot of emphasis on the planning stages of curriculum. But considerable discrepancies emerge between planned and lived curriculum, particularly in inner‐city, comprehensive high schools, and especially in classrooms that honor student interests and culture as starting points for learning. Previous research showed that coteaching provides opportunities for learning to teach even though the lived curriculum emerges often in unpredictable ways from the dialectic of collective (teacher and students) agency and structure. The present study allowed us to understand the underlying processes: the presence of a coteacher increases access to social and material resources, and thereby increases opportunities for actions that otherwise would not occur. Greater teaching opportunities provide newcomers with greater opportunities of learning to teach. ? 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 41: 882‐904, 2004.
Bone Mineral Density in Menopausal Women with Primary Hyperparathyroidism before and after Parathyroidectomy
Authors: Sitges‐Serra Antonio , Girvent Meritxell , Pereira José A. , Jimeno Jaime , Nogués Xavier , Cano Francisco J. , Sancho Joan J.
Published: October 2004

The relationship between osteoporosis and primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) has not been definitely established because both diseases occur predominantly in postmenopausal women, and because PTH has a paradoxical effect on bone. We have investigated the prevalence of reduced bone mineral density (BMD) in women with pHPT, its relationship with metabolic parameters, and its course after parathyroidectomy. A prospective observational study was carried out on perimenopausal and postmenopausal women consecutively diagnosed and operated on for pHPT. Demographic data were recorded, as well as, PTH, Ca, calciuria/24h, P, vitamin D, adenoma weight. The BMD was measured at three sites: femoral neck (FN), proximal femur (PF), and lumbar spine (LS). Fifty‐two patients were included with a mean age of 61 ± 12 years. The prevalence of reduced BMD (≤ 1SD, T‐score) was 80%–100% depending on site. Parathyroid hormone was higher in patients with osteoporosis (319 ± 181 pg/ml) than in those with osteopenia (230 ± 83 pg/ml) or normal BMD (148 ± 81 pg/ml; p < 0,04). Twenty‐eight patients were investigated 1 year after parathyroidectomy. The BMD improved significantly at all sites, particularly in patients with osteoporosis. Age correlated inversely with BMD increases at the femoral sites (r= –0,47; p = 0,02) but not at the LS. 25‐OHD3 plasma levels correlated inversely with BMD increases at PF (r= –0,76; p < 0,0001). In pHPT, there is a high prevalence of BMD abnormalities. No metabolic variables had a definite influence on BMD values but a tendency was observed for lower BMD in severe pHPT. One year after parathyroidectomy, there were significant BMD increases that were more marked at femoral sites, in younger patients, in patients with preoperative osteoporosis, and in those with lower plasma levels of 25‐OHD3.
Fine Needle Aspiration and Intraparathyroid Intact Parathyroid Hormone Measurement for Reoperative Parathyroid Surgery
Authors: Kiblut Natacha K. , Cussac Jean‐Félix , Soudan Benoît , Farrell Stephen G. , Armstrong John A. , Arnalsteen Laurent , Biechlin Anne , Delattre Alexis A. , Proye Charles A.G.
Published: October 2004

Some authors have praised the value of fine needle aspiration (FNA) with measurement of intraparathyroid intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) for localization of the hypersecreting gland(s) in recurrent or persistent primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT). The aim of the present study was to determinate whether FNA for iPTH assay is an effective procedure to distinguish between normal and hypersecreting parathyroid glands. We performed a prospective study of 170 patients who underwent cervicotomy. They were divided into three groups: group A, 50 patients with thyroid diseases; group B, 100 patients with primary HPT; group C, 20 patients with secondary HPT. We performed intraoperative FNA for iPTH measurement from the thyroid, and from the normal and enlarged parathyroid glands, and we compared the different intraglandular iPTH assays. In group A, the intraparathyroid iPTH level was < 1000 pg/ml in 68% of the patients. In group B, in the pathological parathyroid gland iPTH was > 1000 in 88%; conversely, in the normal adjacent parathyroid glands it was < 1000 in 79%. In group C, intraparathyroid iPTH of enlarged glands was > 1000 in 80%. Intrathyroid iPTH was < 100 pg/ml in 96% for the three groups. We conclude that FNA for intraglandular iPTH measurement is an effective tool for distinguishing between normal and pathological parathyroid glands in the setting of primary HPT (p < 0.05), and between thyroid and parathyroid glands in groups A and B. But the procedure should be carried out in conjunction with the sestamibi scan and ultrasonography before surgical reintervention.
131I‐Meta‐iodobenzylguanidine in the Management of Metastatic Midgut Carcinoid Tumors
Authors: Sywak Mark S. , Pasieka Janice L. , McEwan Alexander , Kline Greg , Rorstad Otto
Published: October 2004

The management of metastatic neuroendocrine tumors incorporates multimodal therapy with surgery, biotherapy, and chemotherapy. Tumor‐targeted therapies using radiolabeled octreotide and meta‐iodobenzylguanidine (mIBG) represent a novel treatment approach. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of 131I‐mIBG in the treatment of metastatic midgut carcinoid tumors. survival outcomes were assessed for patients treated at two regional cancer centers and then compared. One center used 131I‐mIBG routinely in the management of metastatic carcinoid tumors (center A), and the other did not use this modality (center B). Only patients with histologically proven metastatic carcinoid tumor shown, or thought most likely, to be of midgut origin were included in the study. During the period 1980 to 2002, a series of 58 patients from center A with metastatic carcinoid tumor arising from the midgut underwent multimodality therapy with the addition of 131I‐mIBG. Their median age was 64 years. The median dose of 131I‐mIBG administered was 6751 MBq, and there was an average of 2.8 treatments per patient. During the same period, 58 patients with metastatic carcinoid were treated at center B with similar multimodality therapy without the use of 131I‐mIBG therapy. Their median age was 65 years. Survivals at 3 and 5 years were 77% and 63%, respectively (95% CI 47–75), for group A. The 3‐ and 5‐year survivals for group B were 56% and 47% (95% CI 34–59), respectively. The mean follow‐up was 6.6 years for group A and 5.0 years for group B. Although retrospective in nature, this study suggests that the addition of 131I‐mIBG therapy to the treatment protocol of patients with metastatic midgut carcinoid tumors prolongs survival.
Risk Factors for Recurrent Nodular Goiter after Thyroidectomy for Benign Disease: Case‐control Study of 244 Patients
Authors: Gibelin Hélène , Sierra Mauricio , Mothes Denis , Ingrand Pierre , Levillain Pierre , Jones Corinne , Hadjadj Sammy , Torremocha Florence , Marechaud Richard , Barbier Jacques , Kraimps Jean‐Louis
Published: October 2004

Surgery for recurrent nodular goiter is associated with a significant risk of parathyroid and recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) morbidity. Total thyroidectomy for benign disease is assessed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors for recurrence and the morbidity associated with reoperation. From 1969 to 1996 a total of 4334 thyroidectomies were performed, of which 122 were for recurrent nodular goiter (group I: 116 women, 6 men). A matched case‐control study of 122 patients operated on for nonrecurrent multinodular goiter was performed (group II: 112 women, 10 men). Age, family history, initial surgery, pathology, and morbidity were compared in the two groups by ċ2 test, Fisher’s exact test, and the Mantel‐Haenszel test. The mean age was 39.88 years in group I and 47.89 years in group II. There was no statistical difference in relation to the extent of thyroidectomy or morbidity after initial surgery. Statistical differences were identified regarding age (p = 0.000002) and the multinodular nature of the initial goiter (p = 0.005). Bilaterality and family history were less significant (p = 0.09 and p = 0.08, respectively). Temporary RLN palsy and temporary hypoparathyroidism were higher in group I (12.3% vs. 5.7%, p = 0.0737; 10.6% vs. 1.7%, p = 0.00337). Permanent RLN palsy was found in 0.8% in group I and in none in group II (p = 0.5, NS). Young age and multiple nodules at initial surgery are risk factors for recurrence. A higher rate of temporary morbidity was demonstrated after surgery for recurrent goiter. Total thyroidectomy for multinodular goiter is advisable.
Reasons for Conversion from Laparoscopic to Open or Hand‐assisted Adrenalectomy: Review of 261 Laparoscopic Adrenalectomies from 1993 to 2003
Authors: Shen Wen T. , Kebebew Electron , Clark Orlo H. , Duh Quan‐Yang
Published: October 2004

Over the past decade, laparoscopic adrenalectomy has become the operation of choice for resecting adrenal tumors. However, few reported data exist regarding the reasons for conversion from laparoscopic to open or hand‐assisted adrenalectomy. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 261 consecutive laparoscopic adrenalectomies performed by one surgeon between 1993 and 2003. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy could not be completed in 8 of the 261 patients (3%); four of the operations were converted to hand‐assisted laparoscopic adrenalectomy and four to open adrenalectomy. The reasons for the conversion were as follows: In three patients the tumor was too adherent to surrounding structures to be resected laparoscopically; in three patients the tumor was found to have malignant features during laparoscopy, and the operation was converted to achieve proper resection margins; in two patients the tumors were too large (15 and 16 cm, respectively) to be safely removed laparoscopically. The eight resected tumors included three pheochromocytomas, one myelolipoma, one angiomyolipoma, one solitary fibrous tumor, one liposarcoma, and one metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma. There were no cases in which conversion was required emergently for bleeding or other intraoperative catastrophes. All eight of the tumors removed were at least 5 cm in size (range 5–16 cm). The mean length of hospitalization was 4.4 days (range 3–8 days).
Are There Significant Benefits of Minimally Invasive Endoscopic Thyroidectomy?
Authors: Ikeda Yoshifumi , Takami Hiroshi , Sasaki Yuzo , Takayama Jun‐ichi , Kurihara Hideko
Published: October 2004

Minimally invasive surgery using endoscopic vision is widely employed for the treatment of thyroid diseases. We have performed endoscopic thyroidectomy by the axillary approach (axillary approach) and video‐assisted thyroidectomy via a 3 cm cervical incision (video‐assisted approach). In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of these two procedures. Each procedure was performed in 20 consecutive consenting patients. The degree of invasiveness after surgery was compared using postoperative results. The amount of pain and satisfaction with surgery was evaluated by grade (1–5) using a patient questionnaire. All thyroidectomies were completed successfully. No recurrent laryngeal nerve palsies occurred. Operating time for the video‐assisted approach was significantly shorter than that for the axillary approach (p < 0.01). The amount of pain for the axillary approach on 1, 3, and 5 days after operation, respectively, was graded 3.2 ± 0.7, 2.1 ± 0.6, and 1.6 ± 0.7 compared to 2.7 ± 1.1, 1.7 ± 0.7, and 1.1 ± 0.2 for the video‐assisted approach. The postoperative course was significantly less painful in patients undergoing the video‐assisted approach on postoperative days 3 and 5 (p < 0.01). The degrees of satisfaction for the axillary approach and the video‐assisted procedure were 1.2 ± 0.4 and 2.4 ± 1.0, respectively (p < 0.01). The video‐assisted approach is less “invasive” than the axillary approach, but the axillary approach may be indicated for patients who are anxious about the visible cosmetic results.
Detection of Asymptomatic Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma by Neck Ultrasonographic Screening for Familial Nonmedullary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Uchino Shinya , Noguchi Shiro , Yamashita Hiroyuki , Murakami Tsukasa , Watanabe Shin , Ogawa Takahiro , Tsuno Akiko , Shuto Shigeru
Published: October 2004

Mass screening for the purpose of detecting thyroid cancer at its earliest stage may not be recommended at the present time, but screening focused on certain risk groups is advocated. Familial nonmedullary thyroid carcinoma (FNMTC) is a distinct clinical entity with a high incidence of multifocality and association with multiple benign nodules. FNMTC patients have shorter disease‐free survival than do sporadic disease patients because of frequent locoregional recurrence. Screening by neck ultrasonography was performed for symptom‐free family members of patients with FNMTC. A total of 149 subjects representing 53 FNMTC families were examined in this study. The average age of the patients was 41.0 ± 19.0 years (range 3–76 years) with a female/male ratio of 104:45. At least one thyroid nodule was found in 77 (51.7%) of the 149 patients. Surgery was performed in 18 patients, and thyroid cancer was discovered in 15 of them (10.1%; 14 women, 1 man; 32–61 years of age). Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) was found in 14 and follicular thyroid cancer combined with PTC in 1. The tumors averaged 9.1 ± 5.4 mm (3–21 mm) in greatest diameter. Intraglandular metastases were found in 7 (47%) of the 15 patients with thyroid cancer. Lymph node metastases were found in 6 (43%). Ultrasonographic screening for FNMTC family members may enable the discovery of asymptomatic thyroid cancer. Because of the high incidence of intraglandular and lymph node metastases, we recommend screening with ultrasonography for early detection in family members of patients with FNMTC.
Identification of a novel shrimp protein phosphatase and its association with latencey‐related ORF427 of white spot syndrome virus
Authors: Lu Liqun , Kwang Jimmy
Published: October 2004

To characterize the role of latency‐associated ORF427 of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), a shrimp cDNA library was constructed to screen interacting proteins of ORF427. Employing the yeast two‐hybrid system, a novel shrimp protein phosphatase (named PPs), sharing 93% homology with human protein phosphatase 1, has been identified able to bind ORF427 in yeast. Through co‐immunoprecipitation assays, the interaction between PPs and ORF427 was further confirmed both in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, the novel shrimp protein phosphatase consists of only 199 aa and contains almost all the functional catalytic domains of human protein phosphatase, while it lacks the corresponding C‐terminal non‐catalytic sequence. Transcription and translation products of the identified cDNA can be detected in both normal and WSSV‐infected shrimps; and PPs was found to localize mainly in the lysosome of shrimp cells. To characterize its function, the PPs cDNA was highly expressed in bacteria and the purified protein showed phosphatase activity when tested against pNPP in a standard phosphatase assay. Our results suggest that the identified protein phosphatase, PPs, may represent a novel member of protein phosphatase family and might be involved in the regulation of WSSV's life cycle through interaction with latency‐related ORF427 of WSSV.
Subcellular localization of liver FBPase is modulated by metabolic conditions
Authors: Yáñez Alejandro J. , Garcia-Rocha Mar , Bertinat Romina , Droppelmann Cristian , Concha Ilona I. , Guinovart Joan J. , Slebe Juan C.
Published: October 2004

In primary cultured hepatocytes, fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphatase (FBPase) localization is modulated by glucose, dihydroxyacetone (DHA) and insulin. In the absence of these substrates, FBPase was present in the cytoplasm, but the addition of glucose or DHA induced its translocation to the nucleus. As expected, we observed the opposite effect of glucose on glucokinase localization. The addition of insulin in the absence of glucose largely increased the amount of nuclear FBPase. Moreover, at high concentrations of glucose or DHA, FBPase shifted from the cytosol to the cell periphery and co‐localized with GS. Interestingly, the synthesis of Glu‐6‐P and glycogen induced by DHA was not inhibited by insulin. These results indicate that FBPase is involved in glycogen synthesis from gluconeogenic precursors. Overall, these findings show that translocation may be a new integrative mechanism for gluconeogenesis and glyconeogenesis.
The salt bridge of calcineurin is important for transferring the effect of CNB binding to CNA
Authors: Hou Qiang , Yi Xiang , Jiang Guohua , Wei Qun
Published: October 2004

Calcineurin (CN) is a heterodimer consisting of a catalytic subunit (CNA) and a regulatory subunit (CNB). The crystal structure shows that three residues or regions of CNA are mainly responsible for the interaction with CNB: the CNB binding helix (BBH), the N‐terminus, and Glu53 that forms a salt bridge with Lys134 of CNB. In this report, we try to find the role that the salt bridge plays in the interaction between CNA and CNB. We found that mutation of Glu53 greatly reduced its responsiveness to CNB in the phosphatase assay and also that mutation of Lys134 of CNB affected its ability to activate the phosphatase activity of CNA. Structural analysis showed that disruption of the salt bridge affected the compact association of CNA and CNB. Thus, the salt bridge appears to help to stabilize CN and transfer the effects of CNB binding to CNA to activate its phosphatase activity.
Effect of elbow position on canine flexor digitorum profundus tendon tension
Authors: Tanaka Tatsuro , Amadio Peter C. , Zhao Chunfeng , Zobitz Mark E. , Kutsumi Keiji , An Kai‐Nan
Published: October 2004

Tendon injury in the finger remains a clinical challenge to hand surgeons. A canine model is commonly used to study biological effects of tendon injuries and their treatment. There is an important anatomical difference between human and canine anatomy that may be overlooked, however, namely that most of the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) muscle in dogs takes its origin from the medial epicondyle of the humerus, whereas in humans this muscle arises purely from the forearm. Therefore, elbow position can affect the tension of this muscle in dogs, while having no effect in humans. The purpose of this study was to measure the effect of elbow position on tendon tension in the canine digit in vitro.

Elbow position had a significant effect on tendon tension. Digit motion with the elbow fully flexed resulted in significantly higher tendon tension compared to digit motion with the elbow flexed 90° or fully extended, regardless of digit or wrist position (p < 0.05). The tension with the elbow flexed 90° was also significantly higher than with the elbow fully extended (p < 0.05). The maximum tendon tension with the elbow fully flexed was more than eight times larger than that of the fully extended elbow (p < 0.05).

We conclude that, in the canine model, elbow position is an important parameter that affects the passive tension applied to the flexor digitorum profundus, and, by implication, to any repair of that tendon. Dog flexor tendon rehabilitation protocols should therefore specify elbow position, in addition to wrist and digit position. © 2004 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Molecular mechanism of nitric oxide‐induced osteoblast apoptosis
Authors: Chen Ruei‐Ming , Chen Ta‐Liang , Chiu Wen‐Ta , Chang Chia‐Chen
Published: October 2004

Nitric oxide (NO) can regulate osteoblast activities. Our previous study showed that NO induced osteoblast apoptosis [Chen RM, Liu HC, Lin YL, Jean WC, Chen JS, Wang JH. Nitric oxide induces osteoblast apoptosis through the de novo synthesis of Bax protein. J Orthop Res 2002;20:295–302]. This study was further aimed to evaluate the mechanism of NO‐induced osteoblast apoptosis from the viewpoints of mitochondrial functions, intracellular oxidative stress, and the anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 protein using neonatal rat calvarial osteoblasts as the experimental model. Exposure of osteoblasts to sodium nitroprusside (SNP), an NO donor, significantly increased amounts of lactate dehydrogenase in the culture medium, and decreased cell viability in concentration‐ and time‐dependent manners. Administration of SNP in osteoblasts time‐dependently led to DNA fragmentation. The mitochondrial membrane potential was significantly reduced following SNP administration. SNP decreased complex I NADH dehydrogenase activity in a time‐dependent manner. Levels of cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) were suppressed by SNP. In parallel with the mitochondrial dysfunction, SNP time‐dependently increased levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species. Immunoblotting analysis revealed that SNP reduced Bcl‐2 protein levels. Exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and IFN‐γ significant increased endogenous nitrite production. In parallel with the increase in endogenous NO, administration of LPS and IFN‐γ suppressed cell viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, and ATP synthesis. Results of this study show that NO released from SNP can induce osteoblast insults and apoptosis, and the mechanism may involve the modulation of mitochondrial functions, intracellular reactive oxygen species, and Bcl‐2 protein. © 2004 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
ROOTSTOCK EFFECTS ON COCOA IN SABAH, MALAYSIA
Authors: YIN JOE PANG THAU
Published: October 2004

Twelve seedling cocoa families were evaluated as rootstocks in Sabah, Malaysia using three commercial cocoa clones as scions. The average yield was about 3 t dry cocoa beans ha−1. Yields on pure Scavina rootstock were about 10% above average and those on pure West African Amelonado about 10% below average. However, the effects of rootstock on yield were correlated with those on vigour and there was no effect on the ratio of yield to continuing vegetative growth. Rootstock did not influence bean weight or number of beans per pod or the uniformity of the trees. There was no indication of an interaction between rootstock and scion for any of the traits that were studied. The rootstock effect is considered large enough to warrant its control in critical work, especially field experiments with budded cocoa, but development of high performance scions is a higher priority in cocoa than intensive work with rootstocks.
Onset, timing and risk for depression and anxiety in family caregivers to heart transplant recipients
Authors: DEW MARY AMANDA , MYASKOVSKY LARISSA , DIMARTINI ANDREA F. , SWITZER GALEN E. , SCHULBERG HERBERT C. , KORMOS ROBERT L.
Published: October 2004

Background. Family members adopt key caregiving roles in the maintenance of transplant recipients' health. While the bulk of the caregiving literature suggests that rates of psychiatric disorder should be high in these caregivers, the potential benefits of transplantation may instead lead to less distress than in other caregiving situations. We examined prevalence and risk factors for depressive and anxiety-related disorders in caregivers throughout 3 years after their family member's heart transplant.

Method. A total of 190 caregivers (97% of eligible respondents) were enrolled. They received psychiatric and psychosocial evaluations at 2, 7, 12 and 36 months post-transplant. Survival analysis determined cumulative rates of psychiatric disorders and the impact of potential risk factors.

Results. Rates of depressive and anxiety-related disorders met or exceeded other caregiver populations' rates. By 3 years post-transplant, cumulative onset rates were: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), 31·6%, Adjustment disorders, 35·4% (29·4% with anxious mood); Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder related to the transplant (PTSD-T), 22·5%, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, 7·3%, and any assessed disorder, 56·3%. PTSD-T occurred primarily during the first year post-transplant. Other disorders' rates increased over the entire study period. Risk for disorder was elevated by positive lifetime history of psychiatric disorder, greater post-transplant caregiving responsibilities, and a poorer relationship with the patient. Risk for MDD was further increased by caregiver unemployment, and risk for anxiety disorders was further increased by younger age, low sense of personal mastery, and high use of avoidance coping strategies.

Conclusions. Transplantation is associated with costs and benefits for not only patients but family caregivers. Caregivers' risk for psychiatric illness should be considered when developing interventions to promote families' long-term adjustment to the transplant process.
Validation of two survey diagnostic interviews among primary care attendees: a comparison of CIS-R and CIDI with SCAN ICD-10 diagnostic categories
Authors: JORDANOVA V. , WICKRAMESINGHE C. , GERADA C. , PRINCE M.
Published: October 2004

Background. The most widely used survey measures in psychiatry, the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) and the Clinical Interview Schedule – Revised (CIS-R) have generated estimates of psychiatric morbidity that show considerable variation. Doubts have been raised regarding the validity of these structured lay interviewer assessments. There have been no direct comparisons of the performances of these instruments against a common, established criterion.

Method. A total of 105 unselected primary care attendees were each interviewed with CIDI, CIS-R and SCAN in a single sitting with random order of administration. SCAN was administered by a SCAN trained psychiatrist, and CIDI and CIS-R by a public health doctor. Concordance was estimated for all ICD-10 neurotic disorders. We assessed the overall discriminability of the CIS-R morbidity scale using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Results. The concordance for CIDI for ICD-10 diagnoses was moderate to excellent (kappa=0·58–0·97). Concordance for CIS-R ranged between poor and moderate (kappa=0·10–0·65). The area under the ROC curve for the CIS-R morbidity scale with respect to any ICD-10 disorder [0·87 (95% CI 0·79–0·95)] indicated good overall discriminability, but poor sensitivity (44%) and high specificity (97%) at the usual CIS-R cut-point of 11/12.

Conclusion. Among primary care attendees the CIDI is a highly valid assessment of common mental disorders, and the CIS-R is moderately valid. Previous studies may have underestimated validity. Against the criteria of all ICD-10 diagnoses (including less severe depressive and anxiety disorders) a much lower CIS-R cut-point is required than that which is usually advocated.