bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatic resection: Are elderly patients suitable for surgery?
Authors: Nanashima Atsushi , Abo Takafumi , Nonaka Takashi , Fukuoka Hidetoshi , Hidaka Shigekazu , Takeshita Hiroaki , Ichikawa Tatsuki , Sawai Terumitsu , Yasutake Toru , Nakao Kazuhiko , Nagayasu Takeshi
Published: April 2011

Aim

The indication for hepatectomy is still controversial in elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We examined the clinicopathological features and survival of 188 HCC patients who underwent hepatectomy.

Patients/Methods

Patients were divided into four age groups: Age<50 group (young patients <50 years of age, n = 9), Age50–69 group (between 50–69 years, n = 110), Age70–79 group (70–79 years, n = 57), and Age≥80 group (≥80 years, n = 12). Physiologic ability and surgical stress (E‐PASS) score, including preoperative risk score (PRS), surgical stress score (SSS), and comprehensive risk score (CRS) were assessed.

Results

Proportion of patients of Age70–79 and Age≥80 groups increased significantly in the last 5 years (P < 0.01). Co‐morbidity, performance status, and American Society of Anesthesiologists score significantly increased with age (P < 0.05). Proportions of patients with irregular findings and necro‐inflammatory activity were significantly lower in Age70–79 and Age≥80 groups than in other groups (P < 0.05). Systemic postoperative complications were high in Age70–79 and Age≥80 groups. PRS increased significantly with age (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis identified PRS ≥0.32 and age ≥70 years as significant determinants of systemic complications (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in postoperative survivals among the groups.

Conclusions

Careful follow‐up and proper decision on hepatectomy upon assessment of PRS are important in elderly HCC patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011; 104:284–291. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Determination of rosiglitazone and metformin in human serum by CE‐ESI‐MS
Authors: Znaleziona Joanna , Maier Vítězslav , Ranc Václav , Ševčík Juraj
Published: April 2011

A new method for the determination of anti‐diabetic drugs metformin and rosiglitazone based on the use of capillary electrophoresis with electrospray mass spectrometry was developed. The proposed method allowed their separation within 11 min by using 50 mM formic acid at +20 kV. Positive electrospray ionization and selected ion monitoring [M+H]+ of metformin (m/z=130) and rosiglitazone (m/z=358) were performed. Several important experimental parameters influencing electrospray ionization of metformin and rosiglitazone were studied. The final composition of sheath liquid was water/methanol/formic acid (50:49.5:0.5, v/v/v), at a flow rate of 2 μL/min. The developed method was applied for the determination of metformin and rosiglitazone simultaneously in human serum after protein precipitation with acetonitrile. The limits of detection of developed method were 4.42 and 2.14 ng/mL for rosiglitazone and for metformin, respectively, which is sufficient for therapeutic serum concentration levels monitoring for both studied drugs.
The influence of personality on active and passive use of social networking sites
Authors: Pagani Margherita , Hofacker Charles F. , Goldsmith Ronald E.
Published: April 2011

Managers are more and more interested in social networking sites because they provide opportunities for strengthening relationships with customers as well as site content and service. Using social networking sites effectively, however, depends on understanding both the psychological attributes and social interactions of participants. This paper addresses these topics by presenting the results of a two‐study inquiry into the importance of two personality traits (consumer innovativeness and expressiveness) to active and passive use of social networks among Italian consumers. In Study 1 (n = 753) it was found that innovativeness is positively related to active and passive use. Study 2 (n = 277) revealed that self‐identity expressiveness and social identity expressiveness positively influence only active use. These results suggest that managers need to distinguish bet‐ween, and differentially encourage, joining and browsing such sites on the one hand and actively contributing to them on the other. Managers can also enhance the impact of their social networking sites by taking into account social and self‐identity expressiveness to increase affiliation and market share and by encouraging consumers to use these sites actively. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effects of cognitive thinking style and ambient scent on online consumer approach behavior, experience approach behavior, and search motivation
Authors: Vinitzky Gideon , Mazursky David
Published: April 2011

This study evaluates the effect of the interaction between cognitive variables and the presence of scent on online search motivation, purchase characteristics, and telepresence. An interaction between consumers' type of thought process and the presence of scent was identified as influencing search motivation (attention focus and challenge) and telepresence experience. Ambient scent influenced the search motivation of consumers possessing systematic cognitive thinking style (SCTS) and the telepresence experience of consumers with intuitive cognitive thinking style (ICTS). In addition, much in the same way that ambient scent affects consumer behavior in traditional stores, in online settings consumers exposed to scent were found to demonstrate a higher degree of approach behavior. The results suggest extending the S‐O‐R model by emphasizing cognitive thinking style as a mediator of environmental stimuli. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ionization techniques in capillary electrophoresis‐mass spectrometry: Principles, design, and application
Authors: Hommerson Paul , Khan Amjad M. , de Jong Gerhardus J. , Somsen Govert W.
Published: April 2011

A major step forward in the development and application of capillary electrophoresis (CE) was its coupling to ESI‐MS, first reported in 1987. More than two decades later, ESI has remained the principal ionization technique in CE–MS, but a number of other ionization techniques have also been implemented. In this review the state‐of‐the‐art in the employment of soft ionization techniques for CE–MS is presented. First the fundamentals and general challenges of hyphenating conventional CE and microchip electrophoresis with MS are outlined. After elaborating on the characteristics and role of ESI, emphasis is put on alternative ionization techniques including sonic spray ionization (SSI), thermospray ionization (TSI), atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI), atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI), matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) and continuous‐flow fast atom bombardment (CF‐FAB). The principle of each ionization technique is outlined and the experimental set‐ups of the CE–MS couplings are described. The strengths and limitations of each ionization technique with respect to CE–MS are discussed and the applicability of the various systems is illustrated by a number of typical examples. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 30:1096–1120, 2011
Cysteinyl‐glycine reduction as marker for levodopa‐induced oxidative stress in Parkinson's disease patients
Authors: Müller Thomas , Muhlack Siegfried
Published: April 2011

Oxidative stress is influenced by the thiol homeostasis, which determines the redox milieu. One of its components is Cysteinyl‐glycine (Cys‐Gly) generation, as its metabolic precursor is the free radicals scavenging glutathione. Levodopa is under suspicion to promote oxidative stress via the turnover of its metabolite dopamine in abundant mitochondria. Objective was to investigate the impact of levodopa on Cys‐Gly plasma metabolism. Fifteen patients with Parkinson's disease orally took one 200‐mg levodopa/50‐mg carbidopa (CD) containing tablet. Levodopa, its derivative 3‐O‐methyldopa (3‐OMD), and free Cys‐Gly were measured at baseline, 60 and 120 min following levodopa/CD administration. Cys‐gly concentrations decreased, levodopa and 3‐OMD levels increased. Inverse relationships appeared between computed differences of Cys‐gly and 3‐OMD bioavailability. We conclude that Cys‐Gly decline is related to levodopa metabolism to 3‐OMD. Cys‐Gly decay may result from the alternative transformation of glutathione to its oxidized form glutathione dissulfide as consequence of free radical scavenging. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Differential Virtual Screening (DVS) with Active and Inactive Molecular Models for Finding and Profiling GPCR Modulators: Case of the CCK1 Receptor
Authors: Diaz Constantino , Leplatois Pascal , Angelloz‐Nicoud Patricia , Lecomte Marinette , Josse Annick , Delpech Monique , Pecceu Florence , Loison Gérard , Shire David , Pascal Marc , Ferrara Pascual , Ferran Edgardo
Published: April 2011

We discovered a constitutively activating mutation (CAM) V308E for the neurotensin NT1 receptor. Molecular dynamics (MD) performed for the CAM NT1‐V308E exhibiting a high spontaneous activity, and for the wild‐type NT1 without basal activity, show dramatic conformational changes for the CAM. To test if the two MD models could be valuable active and inactive templates for building molecular models for other class‐A GPCR, supposed active and inactive models were built by homology for the cholecystokinin CCK1 receptor. Virtual screening of a corporate library with 250 000 compounds was performed with the two CCK1 models, and a differential virtual screening analysis (DVS), led us to isolate 250 predicted agonists and 250 predicted antagonists. The two sets were merged and the compounds were tested in CCK1 agonist and antagonist cellular assays. An excellent correlation was obtained between predictions and biological results. The effective profiling provided by DVS with active and inactive molecular models, opens new perspectives for finding agonists and antagonists for other class‐A GPCR, notably for orphan GPCRs for which no ligands are known.
Prevention of muscle disuse atrophy by MG132 proteasome inhibitor
Authors: Jamart Cecile , Raymackers Jean‐Marc , Li An Gang , Deldicque Louise , Francaux Marc
Published: April 2011

Introduction: Our goal was to determine whether in vivo administration of the proteasome inhibitor MG132 can prevent muscle atrophy caused by hindlimb unloading (HU). Methods: Twenty‐seven NMRI mice were assigned to a weight‐bearing control, a 6‐day HU, or a HU+MG132 (1 mg/kg/48 h) treatment group. Results: Gastrocnemius wasting was significantly less in HU+MG132 mice (−6.7 ± 2.0%) compared with HU animals (−12.6 ± 1.1%, P = 0.011). HU was also associated with an increased expression of MuRF‐1 (P = 0.006), MAFbx (P = 0.001), and USP28 (P = 0.027) mRNA, whereas Nedd4, E3α, USP19, and UBP45 mRNA did not change significantly. Increases in MuRF‐1, MAFbx, and USP28 mRNA were largely repressed after MG132 administration. β5 proteasome activity tended to increase in HU (+16.7 ± 6.1%, P = 0.086). Neither β1 and β2 proteasome activities nor ubiquitin‐conjugated proteins were changed by HU. Conclusions: Our results indicate that in vivo administration of MG132 partially prevents muscle atrophy associated with disuse and highlight an unexpected regulation of MG132 proteasome inhibitor on ubiquitin‐ligases. Muscle Nerve, 2011
The muscle‐hypertrophic effect of clenbuterol is additive to the hypertrophic effect of myostatin suppression
Authors: Kim Kyung Ho , Kim Yong Soo , Yang Jinzeng
Published: April 2011

Introduction:

In this study we investigated the combined effect of myostatin (MSTN) suppression and β‐agonist (clenbuterol) administration on muscle hypertrophy and the phosphorylation of muscle 4E‐BP1 and p70S6k, two downstream effectors of the Akt/mTOR anabolic pathway.

Methods:

Female heterozygous MSTN‐prodomain transgenic mice (an MSTN suppression model) and wild‐type littermates were given 0 or 20 ppm of clenbuterol (CL) in their drinking water, and muscle samples were collected at 1 and 2 weeks after treatment.

Results:

CL increased body and muscle mass in both genotypes. Levels of phosphorylated muscle 4E‐BP1 and p70S6k were higher in MSTN‐prodomain transgenic mice than in wild‐type mice. CL increased the phosphorylation of 4E‐BP1 and p70S6k in both genotypes.

Conclusions:

The muscle‐hypertrophic effect of CL is additive to the effect of MSTN suppression. The combination of MSTN suppression and treatment with β‐agonists may be an effective therapeutic approach to combat muscle‐wasting conditions. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Potentiation of the triceps brachii during voluntary submaximal contractions
Authors: Smith Cameron B. , Cheng Arthur J. , Rice Charles L.
Published: April 2011

Introduction: The effects of postactivation potentiation (PAP) on evoked contractions are well understood, but less is known about the effect of PAP on voluntary submaximal contractions. Using a measure of neuromuscular efficiency (NME) [NME = (mV EMG / Nm torque)] we explored the effects of PAP in the triceps brachii at two muscle lengths. Methods: Evoked twitch and NME were compared at short (40° elbow flexion) and long (120°) muscle lengths. At each length, 12 subjects performed a contraction of 25% maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) torque before and after a potentiating MVC. Results: Twitch torque potentiated more at short length (216.9 ± 169.3%) than at long length (77.3 ± 32.6%), but PAP moderately improved NME only at short length (12.2 ± 8.7%). Conclusions: The greater capacity for PAP at the short length is reflected by greater NME. Compared with evoked responses, the relatively small change in NME suggests a different and more modest role of PAP during voluntary submaximal contractions. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Loss of BAF250a (ARID1A) is frequent in high‐grade endometrial carcinomas
Authors: Wiegand Kimberly C , Lee Anna F , Al‐Agha Osama M , Chow Christine , Kalloger Steve E , Scott David W , Steidl Christian , Wiseman Sam M , Gascoyne Randy D , Gilks Blake , Huntsman David G
Published: April 2011

Mutation of the ARID1A gene and loss of the corresponding protein BAF250a has recently been described as a frequent event in clear cell and endometrioid carcinomas of the ovary. To determine whether BAF250a loss is common in other malignancies, immunohistochemistry (IHC) for BAF250a was performed on tissue microarrays (TMAs) in more than 3000 cancers, including carcinomas of breast, lung, thyroid, endometrium, kidney, stomach, oral cavity, cervix, pancreas, colon and rectum, as well as endometrial stromal sarcomas, gastrointestinal stromal tumours, sex cord‐stromal tumours and four major types of lymphoma (diffuse large B cell lymphoma, primary mediastinal B cell lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma). We found that BAF250a loss is frequent in endometrial carcinomas but infrequent in other types of malignancies, with loss observed in 29% (29/101) of grade 1 or 2 and 39% (44/113) of grade 3 endometrioid carcinomas of the endometrium, 18% (17/95) of uterine serous carcinomas and 26% (6/23) of uterine clear cell carcinomas. Since endometrial cancers showed BAF250a loss, we stained whole tissue sections for BAF250a expression in nine cases of atypical hyperplasia and 10 cases of atypical endometriosis. Of the nine cases of complex atypical endometrial hyperplasia, all showed BAF250a expression; however, of 10 cases of atypical endometriosis (the putative precursor lesion for ovarian clear cell and endometrioid carcinoma), one case showed loss of staining for BAF250a in the atypical areas, with retention of staining in areas of non‐atypical endometriosis. This was the sole case that recurred as an endometrioid carcinoma, indicating that BAF250a loss may be an early event in carcinogenesis. Since BAF250a loss is seen in endometrial carcinomas at a rate similar to that seen in ovarian carcinomas of clear cell and endometrioid type, and is uncommon in other malignancies, we conclude that loss of BAF250a is a particular feature of carcinomas arising from endometrial glandular epithelium. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rituximab in combination with multiagent chemotherapy for Pediatric follicular lymphoma
Authors: Kumar Riten , Galardy Paul J. , Dogan Ahmet , Rodriguez Vilmarie , Khan Shakila P.
Published: April 2011

Given the rarity of follicular lymphoma (FL) in children, there is limited data on which to base treatment recommendations. Herein, we report our institutional experience of using rituximab with multiagent chemotherapy for pediatric FL. Six pediatric patients were diagnosed with FL from 2000 to 2009. All patients received rituximab in combination with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R‐CHOP) for varying durations. Five of the six patients remain in remission with a median follow‐up of 31 months. Larger randomized trials are indicated to establish the efficacy of this regimen for pediatric FL patients. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 57: 317–320. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Biomarker discovery and proteomic evaluation of cadmium toxicity on a collembolan species,Paronychiurus kimi(Lee)
Authors: Son Jino , Lee Sung‐Eun , Park Byeoung‐Soo , Jung Jinho , Park Hyung Soon , Bang Joo Young , Kang Gum‐Yong , Cho Kijong
Published: April 2011

The goal of this study was to identify promising new biomarkers of cadmium by identifying differentially expressed proteins inParonychiurus kimiafter exposure to cadmium. Through proteomic analysis ofP. kimiusing 1‐D PAGE and nano‐LC‐MS/MS, 36 downregulated proteins and 40 upregulated proteins were found. Some of the downregulated and upregulated proteins were verified by LC‐MS/MS analysis after 2‐D PAGE. Downregulated proteins in response to cadmium exposure were involved in glycolysis and energy metabolism, chaperones, transcription, reproduction, and neuron growth. In contrast, proteins involved in glycolysis and energy production, neurogenesis, defense systems response to bacteria, and protein biosynthesis were upregulated in cadmium‐treated collembolans. Cubulin may be a potential biomarker for the detection of cadmium inP. kimisince this biomarker was able to low levels (3.5 mg/kg) of cadmium. The 14‐3‐3 ζ was also found to be a potential biomarker for the detection of medium levels (14 mg/kg) of cadmium. Collembolans may be an alternative tool to humans because many collembolans proteins show a high homology to human proteins.
Identification of a novel protein isoform derived from cancer‐related splicing variants using combined analysis of transcriptome and proteome
Authors: Hatakeyama Keiichi , Ohshima Keiichi , Fukuda Yorikane , Ogura Shun‐ichiro , Terashima Masanori , Yamaguchi Ken , Mochizuki Tohru
Published: April 2011

Splicing variation enhances proteome diversity and modulates cancer‐associated proteins. Thus, the identification of alternative splice forms is significant for discovery of new cancer‐related biomarkers. However, relatively few screening approaches of alternative splicing via proteomics have been reported. In the present study, we describe a combined analysis with proteome and transcriptome to simultaneously identify cancer‐related splicing variants and splicing variant‐derived protein fragments that are differentially expressed in a highly metastatic gastric cancer cell line MKN45P versus its parental cell line MKN45. We found three potential alternative‐spliced genes using MS‐based shotgun method and two different microarray platforms. Among them, aldolase C, fructose‐bisphosphate (ALDOC) was predicted to have novel alternative splice forms. We successfully identified and validated novel splice forms of ALDOC gene by RT‐PCR and DNA sequencing analyses, the expression level of which were higher in MKN45P than in MKN45. Furthermore, the protein fragment derived from the validated splicing variant was identified using custom‐built data set including sequences of ALDOC variants in MS/MS analysis. Our combined analysis will be a promising technique for screening of cancer‐related splicing variants and their protein isoforms.
Tuning the mechanical properties in model nanocomposites: Influence of the polymer‐filler interfacial interactions
Authors: Chevigny Chloé , Jouault Nicolas , Dalmas Florent , Boué François , Jestin Jacques
Published: April 2011

This article presents a study of the polymer‐filler interfacial effects on filler dispersion and mechanical reinforcement in Polystyrene (PS)/silica nanocomposites by direct comparison of two model systems: ungrafted and PS‐grafted silica dispersed in PS matrix. The structure of nanoparticles has been investigated by combining small angle neutron scattering measurements and transmission electronic microscopic images. The mechanical properties were studied over a wide range of deformation by plate–plate rheology and uni‐axial stretching. At low silica volume fraction, the particles arrange, for both systems, in small finite size nonconnected aggregates and the materials exhibit a solid‐like behavior independent of the local polymer‐fillers interactions suggesting that reinforcement is dominated by additional long range effects. At high silica volume fraction, a continuous connected network is created leading to a fast increase of reinforcement whose amplitude is then directly dependent on the strength of the local particle–particle interactions and lower with grafting likely due to deformation of grafted polymer. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011
A rare association of inlet patch with laryngospasm:
Authors: di Palmo E. , Cazzato S. , Tursini S. , Salfi N.C.M , Mazzotta A. , Di Silverio Carulli C. , Lima M. , Bergamaschi R. , Bernardi F. , Cicognani A.
Published: April 2011

The inlet patch (IP) is an area of heterotopic gastric mucosa in the cervical esophagus commonly seen during upper endoscopy. Although generally asymptomatic IP has been associated with esophageal and supraesophageal symptoms and, though rare, in adult with malignant transformation. We describe two cases of recurrent episodes of laryngospasm associated with IP. In both cases there was a good response to prolonged acid suppression therapy. Pediatr. Pulmonol. 2011; 46:934–938. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Holographic insights and puzzles
Authors: Hubeny V.
Published: April 2011

The talk is composed of two parts, both set within the AdS/CFT context. In the first part, I discuss holographic insight into strongly coupled field theory in a black hole background. I conjecture two new gravitational solutions, dubbed black funnels and black droplets, which describe two distinct deconfined phases in the field theory at finite temperature. I also briefly mention puzzles associated with an analogous set‐up in a rotating black hole background. In the second part of the talk, I discuss time‐dependent states in a CFT on flat spacetime background, exemplified by the conformal soliton flow. Here I focus on puzzles regarding the nature of entropy in time‐evolving states and its holographic dual.
Incorporation of evolutionary information into Rosetta comparative modeling
Authors: Thompson James , Baker David
Published: April 2011

Prediction of protein structures from sequences is a fundamental problem in computational biology. Algorithms that attempt to predict a structure from sequence primarily use two sources of information. The first source is physical in nature: proteins fold into their lowest energy state. Given an energy function that describes the interactions governing folding, a method for constructing models of protein structures, and the amino acid sequence of a protein of interest, the structure prediction problem becomes a search for the lowest energy structure. Evolution provides an orthogonal source of information: proteins of similar sequences have similar structure, and therefore proteins of known structure can guide modeling. The relatively successful Rosetta approach takes advantage of the first, but not the second source of information during model optimization. Following the classic work by Andrej Sali and colleagues, we develop a probabilistic approach to derive spatial restraints from proteins of known structure using advances in alignment technology and the growth in the number of structures in the Protein Data Bank. These restraints define a region of conformational space that is high‐probability, given the template information, and we incorporate them into Rosetta's comparative modeling protocol. The combined approach performs considerably better on a benchmark based on previous CASP experiments. Incorporating evolutionary information into Rosetta is analogous to incorporating sparse experimental data: in both cases, the additional information eliminates large regions of conformational space and increases the probability that energy‐based refinement will hone in on the deep energy minimum at the native state. Proteins 2011; © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reversed sequence enhances antimicrobial activity of a synthetic peptide
Authors: Gopal Ramamourthy , Kim Young Jin , Seo Chang Ho , Hahm Kyung‐Soo , Park Yoonkyung
Published: April 2011

A class of cationic antimicrobial peptides involved in host defense consists of sequences rich in Lys and Trp. Small peptides, (WK)3 and (KW)3, were designed by the combination of alternating Lys (K) and Trp (W) amino acids, and then their antimicrobial and hemolytic activities were determined. It was noticed that the reversed sequence of (KW)3 showed more activity against all strains than did (WK)3. The non‐hemolytic behavior of (WK)3 is identical to that of the reversed analog of (KW)3. CD spectra revealed that these peptides had an unfolded structure in buffer and EYPC:CH (10:1, w/w), but adopted folded conformation in the presence of EYPE:EYPG (7:3, w/w). The reversed‐(KW)3 peptide caused a higher extent of calcein release from EYPE:EYPG (7:3, w/w), though the activity was higher than that of the (WK)3. The interaction of the peptides with model lipid vesicles was examined using Trp fluorescence. The reversed‐(KW)3 showed higher interaction with EYPE:EYPG (7:3, w/w) membrane than did (WK)3. Both the peptides show less affinities while binding to EYPC:CH (10:1, w/w). This clearly indicated that the reversal of sequence factors is relevant to increased antimicrobial activity and lipid membrane permeability. Copyright © 2011 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the performance of different control charting rules
Authors: Riaz Muhammad , Mehmood Rashid , Does Ronald J. M. M.
Published: April 2011

In the literature a number of control charting rules are proposed to decide whether a process is in control or out of control. Some issues with these rules will be highlighted in this article. By redefining and listing a set of rules we will evaluate their performance on the , R, S and S2 charts. Also we will compare the performance of these rules using their power curves to figure out the superior ones. Application of a few of these rules with real data sets will show their detection ability and use for practitioners. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Covalently Linking Poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) Nanoparticles to Microbubbles Before Intravenous Injection Improves their Ultrasound‐Targeted Delivery to Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Burke Caitlin W. , Hsiang Yu‐Han J. , Alexander Eben , Kilbanov Alexander L. , Price Richard J.
Published: April 2011

Intravenously injected nanoparticles can be delivered to skeletal muscle through capillary pores created by the activation of microbubbles with ultrasound; however, strategies that utilize coinjections of free microbubbles and nanoparticles are limited by nanoparticle dilution in the bloodstream. Here, improvement in the delivery of fluorescently labeled ≈150 nm poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) nanoparticles to skeletal muscle is attempted by covalently linking them to albumin‐shelled microbubbles in a composite agent formulation. Studies are performed using an experimental model of peripheral arterial disease, wherein the right and left femoral arteries of BalbC mice are surgically ligated. Four days after arterial ligation, composite agents, coinjected microbubbles and nanoparticles, or nanoparticles alone are administered intravenously and 1 MHz pulsed ultrasound was applied to the left hindlimb. Nanoparticle delivery was assessed at 0, 1, 4, and 24 h post‐treatment by fluorescence‐mediated tomography. Within the coinjection group, both microbubbles and ultrasound are found to be required for nanoparticle delivery to skeletal muscle. Within the composite agent group, nanoparticle delivery is found to be enhanced 8‐ to 18‐fold over ‘no ultrasound’ controls, depending on the time of measurement. A maximum of 7.2% of the initial nanoparticle dose per gram of tissue was delivered at 1 hr in the composite agent group, which was significantly greater than in the coinjection group (3.6%). It is concluded that covalently linking 150 nm‐diameter poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) nanoparticles to microbubbles before intravenous injection does improve their delivery to skeletal muscle.
A business process‐driven approach for generating software modules
Authors: Zhao Xulin , Zou Ying
Published: April 2011

Business processes describe the business operations of an organization and capture the business requirements. Business applications provide automated support for an organization to achieve their business objectives. A software modular structure represents the structure of a business application and shows the distribution of functionality to software components. However, mainstream design approaches rely on software architects' craftsmanship to derive software modular structures from business requirements. Such a manual approach is inefficient and often leads to inconsistency between business requirements and business applications. To address this problem, we propose an approach to derive software modular structures from business processes. We use clustering algorithms to analyze dependencies among data and tasks captured in business processes and group the strongly dependent tasks and data into a software component. A case study is conducted to generate software modular structures from a collection of business processes from the industrial setting and open‐source development domain. The experiment results illustrate that our proposed approach can generate meaningful software modular structures with high modularity. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biegedrillknicken von I‐Profilen mit und ohne Voute — Bemessungshilfen für den vereinfachten Nachweis (Teil 1)
Authors: Strohmann Isabel
Published: April 2011

Bei Rahmentragwerken werden in den hochbeanspruchten Ecken häufig Vouten angeordnet. Die statisch‐konstruktiven Vorteile gevouteter Stäbe können derzeit nur für wenige Sonderfälle effizient genutzt werden, da die für den Tragsicherheitsnachweis erforderlichen Angaben fehlen. Es werden Bemessungshilfen vorgestellt, mit deren Hilfe der Nachweis biegebeanspruchter Bauteile mit und ohne Vouten mittels Handrechnung geführt werden kann. Diese umfassen Hilfen zur Bestimmung des idealen Biegedrillknickmoments und Empfehlungen bezüglich der Wahl einer geeigneten Traglastabminderungskurve. Abschließend werden die vorgestellten Bemessungshilfen anhand von Versuchsergebnissen verifiziert.

Lateral torsional buckling of I‐sections with and without haunches — Design aids for a simplified check (part 1). In the highly stressed corners of frame structures often haunches are realized. Currently, the structural advantages of haunched members can be utilised efficiently for only a few special cases because of the lack of necessary information for the member checks. Design aids are presented that allow to perform the lateral torsional buckling check of members with and without haunches subject to bending by a hand calculation. These include aids for the determination of the ideal critical buckling moment and recommendations regarding the choice of an appropriate buckling curve. Finally, the presented design aids are verified by experimental results.
Schädigungsmodell für hybride Verbindungen in Offshore‐Windenergieanlagen
Authors: Schaumann Peter , Lochte‐Holtgreven Stephan
Published: April 2011

Grout‐Verbindungen als hybride Rohr‐in‐Rohr‐Steckverbindungen mit hochfester zementgebundener Füllschicht sind während der Betriebsphase von Offshore‐Windenergieanlagen (OWEA) dynamischen Lasten aus Wind‐ und Wellen‐ sowie Betriebslasten der Anlage ausgesetzt. Zusätzlich müssen diese nicht redundanten Verbindungen Extremlasten widerstehen. Die in den letzten Jahren festgestellten Vertikalverschiebungen im Bereich der Verbindung bei Monopiles unterstreichen eine erforderliche konstruktive Optimierung. Dies kann beispielsweise durch in Umfangsrichtung angeordnete Auftragsnähte erfolgen. Die damit hervorgerufenen Druckstreben ermöglichen einerseits eine signifikante Axialtragfähigkeitssteigerung, andererseits führen die geometrischen Kerben zu Spannungskonzentrationen in den Stahlrohren und der Füllschicht. Der Nachweis ausreichender Ermüdungsfestigkeit kann dabei nach bekannten Konzepten erfolgen. Werden einaxiale Wöhlerlinien von Beton angesetzt, ist der Nachweis der Groutschicht gegen Materialermüdung rechnerisch nur schwer zu erbringen. Unter Berücksichtigung der tatsächlich vorliegenden mehraxialen Spannungszustände im Grout und mehraxialer Wöhlerlinien für das Verbundmaterial kann trotz vorliegender Spannungskonzentration der Nachweis ausreichender Ermüdungsfestigkeit der Verbindung durchgeführt werden.

Damage approach for hybrid connections in offshore wind turbines. During the service life of an offshore wind turbine, the connection between monopile and tower, the so‐called grouted joint, is exposed to high dynamic loadings from wind and wave actions. Additionally the connection, which is filled with a high performance grout, has to withstand extreme load situations. Within the last years vertical settlements between the connected steel pipes have been detected. This non‐redundant failure mode underlines the necessity for an optimization of the axial load bearing capacity. One possible solution is the application of shear keys, which are weld beads installed in circumferential direction of the connection on the surfaces of pile and sleeve. This additional mechanical interlock leads to compression struts and an increased axial strength. Unfortunately these geometric notches lead to local stress concentration and reduce the fatigue resistance of steel and grout. The fatigue design for the steel members can be performed acc. to well known local approaches. For plain grouted joints usually uniaxial S‐N‐curves for the grout layer are considered, which is not appropriate in cases of shear keys. Taking the multiaxial stress space around the weld beads and suitable S‐N‐curves into account, the fatigue design of the connection can be conducted.
Zur natürlichen Auflagerung von Platten
Authors: Rosemeier Gustav‐Erich
Published: April 2011

Die übliche Benutzung von fehlerempfindlichen Programmsystemen erfordert zunehmend die Bereitstellung einfacher Überschlagsformeln zur Ergebniskontrolle. Flächentragwerke z. B. Platten zeigen oft die Neigung, Minimalflächen auszubilden. Das gilt auch für die Auflagerungen, so dass z. B. rechtwinklige Auflagerränder durch statisch günstigere Kreis‐ oder elliptische Ränder virtuell verändert werden.

The natural support of plates. The usual use of sensitive incorrect program codes requires an increasing provision of simple estimation formulas to control the results. Plane load bearing structures often want to erect minimum areas. This is also valid for their supports, where rectangular lines may alter virtual to more convenient circular or elliptic edges.
A fast and inexpensive method for random spore analysis in Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Khare Asheesh K. , Singh Balveer , Singh Jagmohan
Published: April 2011

Random spore analysis is a fundamental tool of yeast genetics for determining gene linkage and the generation of recombinant progeny by genetic crosses. Experimentally it involves treatment of a mating mix with enzymes, such as zymolyase or lyticase, that selectively lyse the cell wall of vegetative cells rather than the spores. Here, we describe a method whereby the relative refractory nature of the spores to treatment with elevated temperature and repeated freeze‐thawing facilitates random spore analysis at low cost in fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Because of similar properties of spores in budding yeast, this method should prove to be useful for random spore analysis in both budding and fission yeasts. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
‘Green tides’ are overwhelming the coastline of our blue planet: taking the world's largest example
Authors: Ye Nai‐hao , Zhang Xiao‐wen , Mao Yu‐ze , Liang Cheng‐wei , Xu Dong , Zou Jian , Zhuang Zhi‐meng , Wang Qing‐yin
Published: April 2011

A broad spectrum of events that come under the category of green tide are recognized world‐wide as a response to elevated levels of seawater nutrients in coastal areas. Green tides involve a wide diversity of sites, macroalgal species, consequences, and possible causes. Here we review the effect of natural and man‐induced environmental fluctuations on the frequency and apparent spread of green tides. This article highlights the need for interdisciplinary research aimed at shedding light on the basic mechanisms governing the occurrence and succession of green algae in coastal seas. This will result in more effective management and mitigation of the effects of green tides, thus safeguarding the intrinsic and commercial value of coastal marine ecosystems.
AORN Ergonomic Tool 2: Positioning and Repositioning the Supine Patient on the OR Bed
Authors: Waters Thomas , Short Manon , Lloyd John , Baptiste Andrea , Butler Lorraine , Petersen Carol , Nelson Audrey
Published: April 2011

Positioning or repositioning a patient on the OR bed in preparation for a surgical procedure presents a high risk for musculoskeletal disorders, such as low‐back and shoulder injuries, for perioperative personnel. Safe patient handling requires knowledge of current ergonomic safety concepts, scientific evidence, and equipment and devices to ensure that neither the patient nor the caregiver is at risk for injury. AORN Ergonomic Tool 2: Positioning and Repositioning the Supine Patient on the OR Bed provides guidelines that enable perioperative personnel to determine safe methods for positioning and repositioning a patient in the semi‐Fowler, lateral, or lithotomy position in preparation for surgery.
A Perioperative Education Program for Pediatric Patients and their Parents
Authors: Adams Holly A.
Published: April 2011

Preparing pediatric patients for surgery is crucial to positive patient and parent experiences. Through preoperative screening, observation, and postoperative feedback, clinical staff nurses at the Yellowstone Surgery Center (YSC) in Billings, Montana, identified a need to provide increased information to pediatric patients and their parents regarding the surgical process and postoperative expectations for recovery. The director of nursing developed a program for patients that includes preoperative education and a hands‐on experience. The YSC Kids program is a customizable program that includes nine initiatives designed specifically for children. The program has been shown to successfully educate pediatric patients and their parents about the entire perioperative process, thus easing their anxiety about an unfamiliar situation.
Selection of a Method to Rate the Strength of Scientific Evidence for AORN Recommendations
Authors: Steelman Victoria M. , Pape Theresa , King Cecil A. , Graling Paula , Gaberson Kathleen B.
Published: April 2011

The use of scientific evidence to support national recommendations about clinical decisions has become an expectation of multidisciplinary health care organizations. The objectives of this project were to identify the most applicable evidence‐rating method for perioperative nursing practice, evaluate the reliability of this method for perioperative nursing recommendations, and identify barriers and facilitators to adoption of this method for AORN recommendations. A panel of perioperative nurse experts evaluated 46 evidence‐rating systems for quality, quantity, and consistency. We rated the methods that fully covered all three domains on five aspects of applicability to perioperative nursing practice recommendations. The Oncology Nursing Society's method was rated highest for all five aspects of applicability, and interrater reliability of this method for perioperative recommendations was 100%. Potential barriers to implementation of the rating method include knowledge deficit, staff resources, resistance to change, and fear of showing that lower levels of evidence support some recommendations. Facilitators included education, resource allocation, and starting small. Barriers and facilitators will be considered by the implementation team that will develop a plan to achieve integration of evidence rating into AORN documents. The AORN Board of Directors approved adoption of this method in June 2010.
Medical Error and Harm: Understanding, Prevention, and Control
Authors: Tarrac Shauna Ely
Published: April 2011

Medical Error and Harm: Understanding, Prevention, and Control Milos Jenicek 2010, Productivity Press 384 pages, $79.95 hardcover
ON KRULL–SCHMIDT FINITELY ACCESSIBLE CATEGORIES
Authors: CRIVEI SEPTIMIU
Published: April 2011

Let 𝒞 be a finitely accessible additive category with products, and let (Ui)i∈Ibe a family of representative classes of finitely presented objects in 𝒞 such that each objectUiis pure-injective. We show that 𝒞 is a Krull–Schmidt category if and only if every pure epimorphic image of the objectsUiis pure-injective.
Influence of landscape context on the abundance and diversity of bees in Mediterranean olive groves
Authors: Tscheulin T. , Neokosmidis L. , Petanidou T. , Settele J.
Published: April 2011

The diversity and abundance of wild bees ensures the delivery of pollination services and the maintenance of ecosystem diversity. As previous studies carried out in Central Europe and the US have shown, bee diversity and abundance is influenced by the structure and the composition of the surrounding landscape. Comparable studies have so far not been carried out in the Mediterranean region. The present study examines the influence of Mediterranean landscape context on the diversity and abundance of wild bees. To do this, we sampled bees in 13 sites in olive groves on Lesvos Island, Greece. Bees were assigned to five categories consisting of three body size groups (small, medium and large bees), the single most abundant bee species (Lasioglossum marginatum) and all species combined. The influence of the landscape context on bee abundance and species richness was assessed at five radii (250, 500, 750, 1000 and 1250 m) from the centre of each site. We found that the abundance within bee groups was influenced differently by different landscape parameters and land covers, whereas species richness was unaffected. Generally, smaller bees’ abundance was impacted by landscape parameters at smaller scales and larger bees at larger scales. The land cover that influenced bee abundance positively was olive grove, while phrygana, conifer forest, broad-leaved forest, cultivated land, rock, urban areas and sea had mostly negative or no impact. We stress the need for a holistic approach, including all land covers, when assessing the effects of landscape context on bee diversity and abundance in the Mediterranean.
Internal jugular vein reconstruction: application of conventional type A and novel type K methods
Authors: Kamizono K , Ejima M , Taura M , Masuda M
Published: April 2011

Background:

During neck dissection, the current practice is to preserve the internal jugular vein in the majority of cases. However, sacrifice of bilateral internal jugular veins is required in rare cases. Simultaneous excision of both internal jugular veins is known to frequently cause fatal complications. Even if staged, bilateral internal jugular vein sacrifice still occasionally leads to fatal complications (in 2 per cent). We report two different methods of unilateral internal jugular vein reconstruction, in two cases requiring excision of bilateral internal jugular veins, and we review the significance of this reconstruction procedure.

Method:

The first patient underwent conventional type A reconstruction (using Katsuno's classification): end-to-end anastomosis of the internal jugular vein to the external jugular vein. For the second patient, we anastomosed the internal jugular vein to the anterior jugular vein, preserving the flow of the external jugular vein. This method, termed type K, had two main expected benefits: facial drainage via the preserved external jugular vein; and provision of a built-in safeguard in the case of occlusion (via the preserved venous networks between the internal jugular vein and the external jugular vein, e.g. the facial vein).

Results:

In both cases, the reconstructed internal jugular vein was patent and the post-operative course was uneventful, with no severe complications.

Conclusion:

The current and previous findings strongly indicate that the reconstruction of at least one internal jugular vein is highly recommended for patients requiring bilateral internal jugular vein sacrifice. Our type K method may represent a useful technique for this procedure.
The Gift and Its Forms of Life in Contemporary India
Authors: COPEMAN JACOB
Published: April 2011

This paper seeks to document and interpret some of the many life forms of the gift ofdanin contemporary India. It attempts to be both summative in reflecting on the recent extremely productive literature ondanand programmatic in identifying emergent themes and instances ofdanthat require more detailed analysis at present and in the future. The paper focuses in particular on highly public forms ofdan, and examines the relationship betweendanand modernist modes of philanthropy. It discusses the giving ofdanonline and biomedical variants ofdanwhich foreground sacrifice. The paper is not a final statement but a call to focus attention on new terrains ofdanand the continuing vitality of this distinctive set of exchange categories.
Two-year-old children differentiate test questions from genuine questions
Authors: GROSSE GERLIND , TOMASELLO MICHAEL
Published: April 2011

Children are frequently confronted with so-called ‘test questions’. While genuine questions are requests for missing information, test questions ask for information obviously already known to the questioner. In this study we explored whether two-year-old children respond differentially to one and the same question used as either a genuine question or as a test question based on thesituation(playful game versus serious task) andattitude(playful ostensive cues versus not). Results indicated that children responded to questions differently on the basis of the situation but not the expressed attitude of the questioner. Two-year-old children thus understand something of the very special communicative intentions behind test questions.
Taking Human Rights to China: An Assessment of the EU's Approach
Authors: Kinzelbach Katrin , Thelle Hatla
Published: April 2011

A human rights dialogue between the European Union and China has been going on since 1995. It runs on three tracks and includes a diplomatic level, expert seminars and technical co-operation projects. The three levels are supposed to interact with and benefit from each other. This article focuses on the conduct of the dialogue and the interaction between the three levels, and aims to investigate the merits and obstacles of the set-up. It also discusses how the dynamic of this interaction affects the collaboration between European and Chinese human rights experts. The conclusion is that the dialogue's three-tiered set-up is counterproductive and the aims of the two sides are too different to fully attain the envisaged goals.