bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antiinflammatory and antinociceptive activities of gossypin and procumbentin – cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) inhibition studies
Authors: Mada Sripal Reddy , Metukuri Mallikarjuna Reddy , Burugula Laxminarayana , Reddanna Pallu , Krishna Devarakonda Rama
Published: December 2008

In the present study the antiinflammatory and antinociceptive activities of a few selected flavonoids were investigated. Procumbentin, gossypin, chrysin and methylhespiridin were studied for antiinflammatory and antinociceptive activities using in vitro enzymatic assays and in animal models utilizing acetic acid‐induced writhing in mice and hind paw edema in rats. In vitro studies were performed using TMPD (NNN′N′‐tetramethyl‐p‐phenylene diamine) and oxygraphic methods for COX‐1 (cyclooxygenase‐1), COX‐2, 5‐LOX (5‐lipoxygenase) and 15‐LOX. Gossypin and procumbentin showed COX‐2 inhibitory activity and exhibited IC50 (COX‐2/COX‐1) ratios of 0.14 and 0.11, respectively. None of the flavonoids tested in this study showed LOX inhibitory activity. Four groups were studied for each test compound following intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of doses of 10, 30 and 100 mg/kg. Antiinflammatory activity was measured by the carrageenin‐induced rat hind paw edema model and antinociceptive activity by acetic acid‐induced writhing. Procumbentin and gossypin showed antinociceptive activity at the 100 mg/kg dose. Gossypin showed antiinflammatory activity at doses of 10, 30, 100 mg/kg. Procumbentin and gossypin exhibited COX‐2 inhibitory activity when tested by in vitro methods. Procumbentin and gossypin showed antinociceptive, and gossypin showed antiinflammatory, activities. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dietary mucilage promotes regression of atheromatous lesions in hypercholesterolemic rabbits
Authors: Boban Puthenpura T. , Nambisan Bala , Sudhakaran Perumana R.
Published: December 2008

The antihypercholesterolemic and antiatherogenic effect of the mucilage galactomannan isolated from fenugreek seeds was studied in experimental rabbits maintained on a high cholesterol diet for 3 months. Changes in the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in serum and tissues and aortic fatty lesions were analysed in animals receiving mucilage (40 mg/kg body weight) daily and compared with the control. A significant decrease in serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and cholesterol and triglycerides in liver and aorta and a decrease in Sudan IV staining of aorta indicated antihypercholesterolemic and antiatherogenic effects of the mucilage. Regression studies showed that administration of mucilage for 3 months caused a significant decrease in serum total and LDL cholesterol and aortic cholesterol. Mucilage accelerated the regression of atheromatous lesions in the aorta as evidenced by significantly low sudanophilic staining. Recovery from inflammation in hypercholesterolemic animals receiving mucilage was evidenced by a faster decrease in C‐reactive protein (CRP) in serum to basal levels. The lipid lowering and antiatherogenic effects of mucilage from fenugreek which is used as a food flavoring spice highlights the importance of dietary intervention in the regression of atherosclerosis. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhibitory effects of green tea catechin on the lipid accumulation in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes
Authors: Lee Mak‐Soon , Kim Chong‐Tai , Kim In‐Hwan , Kim Yangha
Published: December 2008

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of green tea (‐)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) on the depletion of accumulated fat in differentiated 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. Intracellular lipid accumulation was decreased significantly after 24 h of incubation with 10 µm EGCG, while the viability of adipocytes was reported to be unaffected. Under the same experimental conditions, the amount of glycerol released from cells into the medium was increased by 10 µm EGCG. The level of mRNA in the 3T3‐L1 adipocytes was analysed by quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR. EGCG notably increased the mRNA level of hormone sensitive lipase (HSL), which catalyses the rate‐limiting stage in hydrolysis of stored triacylglycerol to monoacylglycerol and free fatty acids. In conclusion, the experiment produced results which showed that green tea EGCG effectively depleted fat accumulation via the stimulation of lipolysis and increased HSL gene expression in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. These results may relate to the mechanism by which EGCG modulates lipolysis in adipocytes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two‐way one‐dimensional high‐resolution air–sea coupled modelling applied to Mediterranean heavy rain events
Authors: Brossier C. Lebeaupin , Ducrocq V. , Giordani H.
Published: December 2008

South‐eastern France is prone to heavy rain events during the autumn. For these extreme precipitation events, the Mediterranean Sea fuels the atmospheric boundary layer in heat and moisture and sometimes contributes to flooding, owing to the large swell and waves produced in these situations. The aim of this study is to examine how the severe atmospheric conditions over the sea associated with these events alter the ocean mixed layer, and what feedback the ocean contributes to the precipitation events.

To address these questions, a high‐resolution air–sea coupled system is developed between the atmospheric MESO‐NH model and a one‐dimensional ocean model. It is applied for short range (24 h) and high‐resolution (2–3 km) simulations of three representative torrential rainfall events: 12–13 November 1999 (Aude case), 8–9 September 2002 (Gard case) and 3 December 2003 (Hérault case). In those meteorological situations characterized by moderate to intense low‐level winds, the Mediterranean Sea globally loses energy, to the benefit of the convective precipitating systems. The result is an overall decrease of the thermal content all along the simulation of the events. Significant cooling and deepening of the ocean mixed layer are found in the areas of intense low‐level winds. A notable result of the study concerns the impact of the torrential rainfall on the ocean mixed layer. The most important disturbances of the ocean mixed layer are indeed found underneath the heavy precipitation. The salt content is decreased all along the ocean mixed layer depth, but more significantly in the first ten metres near the air–sea interface, with the formation of a salt barrier.

By performing both two‐way and one‐way coupled simulations, it is found that the interactive coupling tends to moderate both the atmospheric and ocean responses compared with the one‐way mode. The differences between the two‐way and one‐way coupled simulations are, however, found to be relatively small considering the atmospheric short‐range forecast. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Observational validation of the compensating mass flux through the shell around cumulus clouds
Authors: Heus Thijs , J. Pols C. Freek , J. Jonker Harm J. , A. Van den Akker Harry E. , H. Lenschow Donald
Published: December 2008

The existence of a subsiding shell around cumulus clouds has been observed before in several aircraft measurement campaigns. Recent results from large‐eddy simulations (LES) showed that the downward mass flux through the shell compensates for a significant fraction of the upward mass flux through the cloud. In this study, aeroplane measurements from the Rain In Cumulus over the Ocean (RICO) field campaign are used to verify the existence of this compensating mass flux. Just as in the LES results, the in‐shell downward mass flux is found to be significant. However, a few differences were found in comparison with the LES results; most of them were explained by taking into account the difference between the two‐dimensional slabs in LES and the one‐dimensional lines from aeroplane observations. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
A review of vector convergence acceleration methods, with applications to linear algebra problems
Authors: Brezinski C. , Redivo‐Zaglia M.
Published: December 2008

In this article, in a few pages, we will try to give an idea of convergence acceleration methods and extrapolation procedures for vector sequences, and to present some applications to linear algebra problems and to the treatment of the Gibbs phenomenon for Fourier series in order to show their effectiveness. The interested reader is referred to the literature for more details. In the bibliography, due to space limitation, we will only give the more recent items, and, for older ones, we refer to Brezinski and Redivo‐Zaglia, Extrapolation methods. (Extrapolation Methods. Theory and Practice, North‐Holland, 1991). This book also contains, on a magnetic support, a library (in Fortran 77 language) for convergence acceleration algorithms and extrapolation methods. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
A novel intraline of conical intersections for methylamine: A theoretical study
Authors: Levi C. , Halász G. J. , Vibók Á. , Bar I. , Zeiri Y. , Kosloff R. , Baer M.
Published: December 2008

In this article the study of conical intersections (ci) related to the NH bond in the methylamine, CH3NH2, molecule is extended. In a previous publication (Levi et al., J Chem Phys 2008, 128, 244302) we reported on a novel feature associated with the intersection of the two lowest states 1A' and 1A″ of the methylamine. We established the existence of a finite (closed) line of ci located in the HCNHH plane—a line that is formed by moving a single hydrogen on that plane while fixing the (six) other atoms. The validity of this line was proved by studying the singularities of the (angular) nonadiabatic coupling terms (NACT)—a study that was later supported by revealing the degeneracy points formed by the two interacting adiabatic potential energy surfaces (PESs). This situation led to two additional interesting features: (i) Along any (open) contour in the above plane that intersects this line is formed a narrow, spiky NACT for which the area under it is ∼π/2; (ii) In case of a closed contour the corresponding topological (Berry) phase is zero (and not an integer multiple of π as is usually the case). In the current article we present the theory to support these findings. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
Heisenberg uncertainty relations can be replaced by stronger ones
Authors: Skála L. , Kapsa V.
Published: December 2008

Two uncertainty relations, one related to the probability density current and the other one related to the probability density, are derived and discussed. Both relations are stronger than the Heisenberg uncertainty relations. Their generalization to the multidimensional case and to the mixed states is also discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
Energy decomposition based on the extended virial theorem: Hartree–Fock and second‐order Møller–Plesset results
Authors: Tasi Gyula , Barna Dóra
Published: December 2008

The article shows how the extended virial theorem within the Born–Oppenheimer framework can be used to decompose the total energy of a molecule into atomic and diatomic energy contributions under various conditions. For the stationary points of a series of potential energy surfaces corresponding to wave functions built up by using one‐electron basis functions centered rigidly on atomic nuclei, computational results are presented at the Hartree–Fock and second‐order Møller–Plesset levels of theory. After a partial redistribution of the original diatomic energy contributions into atomic ones, the transformed diatomic energy contributions are “on the chemical scale.” It turns out that the transformed diatomic energies at the second‐order Møller–Plesset perturbation level are characteristic of the strength of the chemical bonds present in the system. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
Comparison of navigation accuracy in THA between the mini‐anterior and ‐posterior approaches
Authors: Hananouchi Takehito , Takao Masaki , Nishii Takashi , Miki Hidenobu , Iwana Daiki , Yoshikawa Hideki , Sugano Nobuhiko
Published: December 2008

Background

The accuracy of a CT‐based hip navigation might depend on surgical approaches, resulting in varying accuracy of implant alignment.

Methods

We performed primary cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA) with mini‐incision surgery (MIS) to 40 well‐matched patients (anterior or posterior approaches, 20 hips each), using navigation with surface registration. We investigated cup alignment using postoperative computed tomography (CT) and compared the navigation accuracy between the two approaches, i.e. the difference between intra‐operative and postoperative alignments of the cup.

Results

There was no significant difference between the two approaches. The mean navigation accuracies in abduction and anteversion were 2.0° (SD 1.4° ) and 2.7° (SD 1.9° ), respectively, in the anterior approach, and 2.4° (SD 2.0° ) and 2.0° (SD 1.4° ), respectively, in the posterior approach. All cup alignments were within 10° of the target orientation.

Conclusions

This CT‐based navigation for MIS–THA provides navigation accuracy without significant differences between the two approaches and with favourable alignment of the cup. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving target registration accuracy in image‐guided neurosurgery by optimizing the distribution of fiducial points
Authors: Wang Manning , Song Zhijian
Published: December 2008

Background

The point‐pair method is widely used to register the patient space and the image space in image‐guided neuro surgery. In this kind of registration, the distribution of fiducial points has a great influence on the registration accuracy at the target point.

Methods

In this paper we propose the idea of target registration accuracy contribution (TRAC) of current fiducial points and of candidate fiducial points. Based on these two values, we give an interactive method to help the surgeon optimize the distribution of fiducial points so as to improve the registration accuracy at the target point.

Results

The experiments on real patients' data showed that this approach reduced approximately half of the registration error at the target point introduced by unsuitable distribution of fiducial points. When transferring the optimized distribution to real patients, the target registration accuracy obtained from optimization had no serious deterioration.

Conclusion

This study provides a practical approach for neurosurgeons to arrange the fiducial points properly on a patient's head. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An introduction to epitope prediction methods and software
Authors: Yang Xingdong , Yu Xinglong
Published: December 2008

In this paper, current prediction methods and algorithms for both T‐ and B cell epitopes are reviewed, and a comprehensive summary of epitope prediction software and databases currently available online is also provided. This review can offer researchers in this field a sense of direction and insights for future work. However, our main purpose is to introduce clinical and basic biomedical researchers who are not familiar with these biological analysis tools and databases to these online resources and to provide guidance on how to use them effectively. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Appreciative inquiry in software process improvement
Authors: Holmberg Lena , Nilsson Agneta , Holmström Olsson Helena , Börjesson Sandberg Anna
Published: December 2008

Traditionally, software process improvement (SPI) has been approached from a problem‐oriented perspective commonly using models such as the IDEAL and the DMAIC. In contrast, appreciative inquiry is a strength‐based approach focusing on bringing forward the best in people and organizations to achieve successful change. While there is a significant research on SPI initiatives and the use of problem‐oriented approaches there is limited knowledge about the way in which SPI initiatives unfolds when adopting a strength‐based approach. Therefore, it is interesting to explore how software organizations familiar with problem‐solving approaches experience the use of a strength‐based approach. We present an action research study conducted at the Swedish telecom company Ericsson using appreciative inquiry to facilitate an SPI initiative implementing a new process and tool for the requirements and test case management. While the SPI initiative was considered successful, important lessons were learned regarding the use of appreciative inquiry. We conclude that the use of appreciative inquiry does not eliminate the dependence on other well‐known key factors for SPI success. Also, our study indicates that the problem‐solving mind‐set, i.e. the satisfaction of identifying and solving problems, found among many software engineers familiar with problem‐oriented approaches may impede the use of appreciative inquiry. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of digital standardization on administrative efficiency in e‐government: A view of standards development organizations
Authors: Chiang LiChun , Liao Chao‐ning
Published: December 2008

This is an empirical study aimed to explore the impact of IT in efficiency in government and the intersection between administrative efficiency and the institutional design of IT standardization for civil servants. In this research, the top three digital standardization systems in the administrative process in the sampling governments are (1) the documentary management system aims to mange internal or external official documents via digitalized and standardized information systems; (2) the digitalized timecard system focuses on handling the individual working hours of officials and (3) the personnel management systems deals with officials' personal data, including recruitment, resignation and so on. This research is based on the perspective of standards development organizations (SDOs). The study examines the critical link between the institutional design of SDOs and working efficiency after digitalized standardization in e‐government. When applying the survey data from bureaucrats in Tainan City Council and Tainan municipal government, Taiwan to the ordered Logit model, the results showed that the time of tenure and working types significantly affect bureaucrats' perceived efficiency increase level. Also, for civil servants, IT standardization in administration increases their communication and cooperation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vitro Digestibility of Hydroxypropylated and Cross‐linked Waxy and Non‐waxy Rice Starches
Authors: Hwang Duck‐Ki , Kim Sung‐Woo , Kim Ji‐Hye , Ryu Je‐Hoon , Yoo Sang‐Ho , Park Cheon‐Seok , Kim Byung‐Yong , Baik Moo‐Yeol
Published: December 2008

In vitro digestibility of hydroxypropylated and cross‐linked waxy and non‐waxy rice starches was investigated to find the proper resistant starch (RS) assaying method for chemically modified starches. RS and total dietary fiber (TDF) content of hydroxypropylated and cross‐linked waxy and non‐waxy rice starches were measured using the approved AOAC RS assay procedure (AOAC method 2002.02) and the AOAC TDF assay procedure (AOAC method 985.29). Hydroxypropylation did not alter the RS content of waxy and non‐waxy rice starches (less than 1% of RS). Cross‐linking also did not change the RS content of waxy and non‐waxy rice starches (less than 1% of RS). It is interesting to note that non‐RS content decreased with increasing hydroxypropylation (97‐80%) and cross‐linking (99‐95%) in both waxy and non‐waxy rice starches. This indicates that some fraction of RS in hydroxypropylated and cross‐linked waxy and non‐waxy rice starches cannot be measured using approved AOAC RS and TDF assay procedures. Therefore, the RS and TDF assay procedures performed in this study are not appropriate to determine the RS content of chemically modified starch. Further investigation is needed to develop a method to determine the RS content of chemically modified starch.
Intra‐ and intermolecular amidation of CC unsaturated bonds through palladium‐catalyzed reactions of carbamoyl derivatives
Authors: Yasui Yoshizumi , Takemoto Yoshiji
Published: December 2008

Toward concise access to functionalized amides and lactams, palladium‐catalyzed amidations of alkynes and alkenes with formamide derivatives were developed. Cyanoformamides having an alkynyl group were found to undergo intermolecular cyanoamidation in the presence of palladium catalyst to afford α‐alkylidene lactams. Whereas, when cyanoformamides that possess a 1,1‐disubstituted alkenyl group were used as starting materials, α,α‐disubstituted lactams were obtained. The latter reaction was extended to enantioselective transformation by utilizing optically active phosphoramidites as ligand. Furthermore, chloroformamides having a 1,1,2‐trisubsituted alkenyl group were found to give α‐vinyl‐lactams in the presence of palladium catalyst, base and silver salt. Additionally, formal intermolecular hydroamidation of alkenes was performed through one‐pot hydroboration‐carbamoylation sequence. © 2008 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chem Rec 8: 386–394; 2008: Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI 10.1002/tcr.20159
From cellulosomes to cellulosomics
Authors: Bayer Edward A. , Lamed Raphael , White Bryan A. , Flint Harry J.
Published: December 2008

Cellulosomes are intricate multienzyme systems produced by several cellulolytic bacteria, the first example of which was discovered in the anaerobic thermophilic bacterium, Clostridium thermocellum. Cellulosomes are designed for efficient degradation of plant cell wall polysaccharides, notably cellulose—the most abundant renewable polymer on earth. The component parts of the multicomponent complex are integrated by virtue of a unique family of integrating modules, the cohesins and the dockerins, whose distribution and specificity dictate the overall cellulosome architecture. A full generation of research has elapsed since the original publications that documented the cellulosome concept. In this review, we provide a personal account on the discovery process, while describing how divergent cellulosome systems were identified and investigated, culminating in the collaboration of several labs worldwide to tackle together the challenging field of cellulosome genomics and metagenomics. © 2008 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chem Rec 8: 364–377; 2008: Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI 10.1002/tcr.20160
Selective organic synthesis through generation and reactivity control of hyper‐coordinate metal species
Authors: Hiyama Tamejiro
Published: December 2008

This paper is a review of my 40 years of research at Kyoto, Sagamihara, and Yokohama, all based on the generation of hyper‐coordinate metal species such as ate complexes and pentacoordinate silicates. The topics are: (i) carbenoid reagents for carbon–carbon bond‐forming reactions, (ii) nucleophilic substitution at acetal carbons using aluminate reagents, (iii) preparation of magnesium enolates and its reaction with nitriles, (iv) Cr(II) reagents for reduction of organic halides and highly selective carbon–carbon bond formation, (v) organic synthesis with organosilion reagents/fluoride ions, (vi) cross‐coupling reaction of organosilicon compounds, and (vii) silicon‐based conjugate addition to α,β‐unsaturated carbonyl acceptors. © 2008 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chem Rec 8: 337–350; 2008: Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI 10.1002/tcr.20162
Helical polyacetylene—Origins and synthesis
Authors: Akagi Kazuo , Mori Taizo
Published: December 2008

We present the origins and synthesis of helical polyacetylene (H‐PA) by focusing on its peculiar spiral morphology. Interfacial polymerization of acetylene was carried out in an asymmetric reaction field consisting of chiral nematic liquid crystal (N*‐LC) and Ziegler–Natta catalyst. As the N*‐LC is composed of nematic liquid crystal and a chiral compound such as a binaphthyl derivative with either the R‐ or S‐configuration, the screw directions of the polyacetylene chain and fibril bundle—and even the spiral morphology—are rigorously controlled by the chirality of the selected compound. Interestingly, the screw directions of the fibril and the bundle in H‐PA were found to be opposite to that of N*‐LC. It is worthwhile to emphasize that the hierarchical spiral morphology involving the primary to higher order structure is generated in a synthetic polymer such as polyacetylene by using N*‐LC as an asymmetric polymerization solvent. © 2008 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chem Rec 8: 395–406; 2008: Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI 10.1002/tcr.20163
Metabolism of tetrahydrobiopterin: Its relevance in monoaminergic neurons and neurological disorders
Authors: Ichinose Hiroshi , Nomura Takahide , Sumi‐Ichinose Chiho
Published: December 2008

(6R)‐L‐erythro‐5,6,7,8‐tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is an essential cofactor for aromatic amino acid hydroxylases, such as phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), tryptophan hydroxylase, and nitric oxide synthase, which catalyze physiologically important reactions in mammals. The biosynthesis and metabolism of BH4 is usually studied mostly in the liver and only slightly in the brain, as the BH4 level in the liver is relatively high because BH4 is required for the reaction of PAH. We found that GTP (guanosine triphosphate) cyclohydrolase I, an enzyme for the biosynthesis of BH4, is a causative gene for DOPA (3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine)‐responsive dystonia (also called Segawa's disease), and that partial deficiency of BH4 leads to the dysfunction of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons without hyperphenylalaninemia. We analyzed BH4‐deficient mice that were produced by disruption of a BH4‐synthesizing gene by a gene‐knockout technique. We found that the protein amount of TH was highly dependent on the amount of BH4, especially in nerve terminals. Our research suggests that BH4 metabolism in the brain should be different from that in the liver, and that altered metabolism of BH4 should lead to neuropsychiatric disorders including Parkinson's disease. © 2008 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chem Rec 8: 378–385; 2008: Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI 10.1002/tcr.20166
Prenatal prediction of neonatal morbidity in survivors with congenital diaphragmatic hernia: a multicenter study
Authors: Jani J. C. , Benachi A. , Nicolaides K. H. , Allegaert K. , Gratacós E. , Mazkereth R. , Matis J. , Tibboel D. , Van Heijst A. , Storme L. , Rousseau V. , Greenough A. , Deprest J. A.
Published: December 2008

Objectives

To investigate the value of the observed to expected fetal lung area to head circumference ratio (o/e LHR) and liver position in the prediction of neonatal morbidity in survivors with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).

Methods

Neonatal morbidity was recorded in 100 consecutive cases with isolated CDH diagnosed in fetal medicine units, which were expectantly managed in the prenatal period, were delivered after 30 weeks and survived until discharge from hospital. Regression analysis was used to identify the significant predictors of morbidity, including prenatal and immediate neonatal findings.

Results

The o/e LHR provided significant prediction of the need for prosthetic patch repair, duration of assisted ventilation, need for supplemental oxygen at 28 days, and incidence of feeding problems. An additional independent prenatal predictor of the need for patch repair was the presence of fetal liver in the chest.

Conclusions

In isolated CDH the prenatally assessed size of the contralateral lung is a significant predictor of the need for prosthetic patch repair, the functional consequences of impaired lung development and occurrence of feeding problems. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DFT Calculations of the Molecular Force Field of Vanadyl Nitrate, VO(NO3)3
Authors: Brandán S. A. , Socolsky C. , Altabef Aida Ben
Published: December 2008

A structural and vibrational theoretical study for vanadyl nitrate was carried out. The Density Functional Theory (DFT) has been used to study vibrational properties. The structures were fully optimized at the B3LYP/6‐31G*, B3LYP/6‐311G*, and B3LYP/6‐311+G* levels of theory and the harmonic vibrational frequencies were evaluated at the same level. The calculated harmonic vibrational frequencies for vanadyl nitrate are consistent with their experimental IR and Raman spectra in gas and liquid phases. Through these calculations a precise knowledge of the normal modes of vibration was obtained, considering the coordination mode adopted by the nitrate group in the mirror plane as monodentate and bidentate. A total assignment of the observed bands in the vibrational spectra for vanadyl nitrate is proposed in this work. The nature of the V–O and V ← O bonds in the compound was systematically and quantitatively investigated by means of the Natural Bond Order (NBO) analysis. The topological properties of the electronic charge density were analyzed employing Bader's Atoms in Molecules theory (AIM).
The phenotypic spectrum of paediatric neurotransmitter diseases and infantile parkinsonism
Authors: Pons R.
Published: December 2008

Paediatric neurotransmitter diseases are a group of inherited disorders attributable to a disturbance of neurotransmitter metabolism. The monoamines, catecholamines and serotonin, also called biogenic amines, are neurotransmitters with multiple roles including psychomotor function, hormone secretion, cardiovascular, respiratory and gastrointestinal control, sleep mechanisms, body temperature and pain. Given the multiple functions of monoamines, disorders of their metabolism comprise a wide spectrum of manifestations, with motor dysfunction being the most prominent clinical feature. The severity of the clinical manifestations ranges from mild to severe. Patients with severe and intermediate phenotypes may present with infantile parkinsonism that differs in a number of aspects from the parkinsonism in nigrostriatal degeneration. Analysis of monoamine metabolites and pterins in spinal fluid assists in the diagnosis of these disorders. Treatment options include tetrahydrobiopterin supplementation, l‐dopa, 5‐hydroxytryptophan, and medications that potentiate monoamine transmission. Response to treatment is variable.
A novel mutation in NDUFS4 causes Leigh syndrome in an Ashkenazi Jewish family
Authors: Anderson S. L. , Chung W. K. , Frezzo J. , Papp J. C. , Ekstein J. , DiMauro S. , Rubin B. Y.
Published: December 2008

Leigh syndrome is a neurodegenerative disorder of infancy or childhood generally due to mutations in nuclear or mitochondrial genes involved in mitochondrial energy metabolism. We performed linkage analysis in an Ashkenazi Jewish (AJ) family without consanguinity with three affected children. Linkage to microsatellite markers D5S1969 and D5S407 led to evaluation of the complex I gene NDUFS4, in which we identified a novel homozygous c.462delA mutation that disrupts the reading frame. The resulting protein lacks a cAMP‐dependent protein kinase phosphorylation site required for activation of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I. In a random sample of 5000 healthy AJ individuals, the carrier frequency of the NDUFS4 mutation c.462delA was 1 in 1000, suggesting that it should be considered in all AJ patients with Leigh syndrome.
Iron bioavailability of cocoa powder as determined by the Hb regeneration efficiency method
Authors: Yokoi Katsuhiko , Konomi Aki , Otagi Miki
Published: December 2008

Fe deficiency is a public-health problem worldwide, and effective measures for preventing Fe deficiency are needed. The aim of the present study was to determine the bioavailability of Fe in cocoa using the Hb regeneration efficiency (HRE) method. Thirty-five F344/N male weanling rats were fed a low-Fe diet for 4 weeks to deplete body Fe stores. Then, four groups of seven animals each were repleted for 20 d using a modified AIN-93G diet fortified with ferrous sulphate, ferric citrate or two brands of cocoa powder to provide a total dietary Fe concentration of 20 mg/kg. As a negative control, seven rats were maintained on the low-Fe diet. The HRE were 0·733, 0·350, 0·357 and 0·336 for ferrous sulphate, ferric citrate and the two brands of cocoa powder, respectively. The relative biological values (RBV), defined as the ratio of the sample HRE to that of ferrous sulphate, were 0·478, 0·488 and 0·459 for ferric citrate and the two brands of cocoa powder, respectively. The Fe bioavailability of cocoa was significantly less than that of ferrous sulphate and was similar to that of ferric citrate. The difference in Fe bioavailability between the two brands of cocoa powder was negligible. When the negative control was used to correct the data, estimates of the RBV derived from Hb gain were similar to those derived from the HRE. These results suggest that cocoa is a significant source of moderately bioavailable Fe.
Lichen sclerosis et atrophicus masquerading as tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Ajayi O , Stephens J C , Karim S , Daly N
Published: December 2008

Objective:

We report a case of a 70-year-old man of Asian origin with lichen sclerosus et atrophicus affecting the tonsil, which presented as a painful, enlarging, exophytic lesion mimicking squamous cell carcinoma.

Method:

We present a case report and a review of the world literature regarding lichen sclerosus et atrophicus.

Results:

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic, benign, inflammatory dermatosis of the skin and mucous membranes which mostly affects the female genitalia, presenting as white plaques with epidermal atrophy. The cause is unknown, although a number of aetiologies have been proposed. The prevalence is unknown. Women have been reported to be affected six to 10 times more than men, and the condition has no known racial preference.

Conclusion:

Our patient illustrates a rare case of the condition lichen sclerosus et atrophicus; to our knowledge, this case represents the first report of tonsillar involvement of the condition. The case presented a diagnostic challenge.
‘Lazy’ Natives, Coolie Labour, and the Assam Tea Industry
Authors: SHARMA JAYEETA
Published: December 2008

This paper considers the creation of a ‘coolie’ work-force for the Assam tea industry and the local dimensions of tea plantation enterprise. While the industry has flourished through its use of migrant labour and export markets for tea, it has retained important connections with the locality. The Assam tea industry was a predominantly colonial enterprise manned by white British planters. It allowed participation, albeit in subordinate and dependent roles, by local peasants and gentry, though mainly based on the labour of migrant ‘coolies’ recruited on indentured contracts. The prominence of ‘imported’ coolie workers has obscured the significance of various local groups as well as the tea industry's importance in the local ‘imagination’. Despite the gradual development of nationalist antagonism towards the white ‘Planters' Raj’, tea enterprise retained a hallowed place for the Assamese middle classes, as tea workers continued as a racialized labouring class.
ESP – English for Specific Purposes
Authors: Coffey Bernard
Published: December 2008

This article is an updating of the ESP survey written by Professor Peter Strevens for Language Teaching and Linguistics: Abstracts, Vol. 10, No. 3 of July 1977. The account given there of ESP's definitions, antecedents, theoretical bases and methodology has not been rendered obsolete by the passage of six years, and it remains a definitive statement. What is new in the present article refers to output and events since 1977, and also, with a greater or lesser degree of tentativeness, to the development of trends – especially those which may indicate that ESP is moving into a pre-final phase, or which hint at new directions for research and development. This article also owes a considerable debt to other overviews of ESP that have appeared since 1977, and particularly to the work of Pauline C. Robinson (1980), of the University of Reading's Centre for Applied Language Studies.
A comparison of hepatitis B seroepidemiology in ten European countries
Authors: NARDONE A. , ANASTASSOPOULOU C. G. , THEETEN H. , KRIZ B. , DAVIDKIN I. , THIERFELDER W. , O'FLANAGAN D. , BRUZZONE B. , MOSSONG J. , BOOT H. J. , BUTUR D. , SLAČIKOVÁ M. , PANAIT M. L. C. , HELLENBRAND W. , DE MELKER H. , SOBOTOVÁ Z. , ICARDI G. , ANDREWS N. , PEBODY R. G. , VAN DAMME P. , KAFATOS G. , MILLER E. , HATZAKIS A.
Published: December 2008

To inform current and future vaccination strategies, we describe the seroepidemiology of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in ten representative European countries using standardized serology that allowed international comparisons. Between 1996 and 2003, national serum banks were compiled by collecting residual sera or by community sampling; sera were then tested by each country using its preferred enzyme immunoassays and testing algorithm, and assay results were standardized. Information on current and past HBV vaccination programmes in each country was also collected. Of the ten countries, six reported low levels (<3%) of antibodies against HBV core antigen (anti-HBc). Of the eight countries testing for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), the highest prevalence was reported in Romania (5·6%) and in the remaining seven countries prevalence was <1%. Universal HBV vaccination programmes had been established in seven countries as recommended by the World Health Organization, but the seroprevalence of antibodies against HBsAg (anti-HBs) was lower than the reported vaccine coverage in three countries. Regular serological surveys to ascertain HBV status within a population, such as reported here, provide important data to assess the need for and to evaluate universal HBV vaccination programmes.
Dynamics ofLegionellaantibody levels during 1 year in a healthy population
Authors: RUDBECK M. , MØLBAK K. , ULDUM S. A.
Published: December 2008

A total of 522 Danish blood donors were followed during 2004–2005 to describe the seroepidemiology ofLegionellainfections in healthy individuals from a general population. Antibodies toLegionellaspp. were measured by indirect immunofluorescence antibody test. The prevalence ofLegionellaantibodies (titre ⩾1:128) was 26·8% and remained fairly constant during the year of follow-up. However, 6·9% of the blood donors developed a fourfold or greater rise in antibody titres. A history of visits to Danish summer cottages was associated with bothLegionellaseropositivity (OR 1·53, 95% CI 1·02–2·30) and seroconversion (OR 2·66, 95% CI 1·21–5·83). There were no consistent associations between either levels of antibody titres or seroconversion and self-reported health symptoms, absence from work due to illness, or to any risk factors. We conclude that community-acquiredLegionellainfections are frequent; however, they rarely result in severe illness.
Impacts of local human activities on the Antarctic environment
Authors: Tin T. , Fleming Z.L. , Hughes K.A. , Ainley D.G. , Convey P. , Moreno C.A. , Pfeiffer S. , Scott J. , Snape I.
Published: December 2008

We review the scientific literature, especially from the past decade, on the impacts of human activities on the Antarctic environment. A range of impacts has been identified at a variety of spatial and temporal scales. Chemical contamination and sewage disposal on the continent have been found to be long-lived. Contemporary sewage management practices at many coastal stations are insufficient to prevent local contamination but no introduction of non-indigenous organisms through this route has yet been demonstrated. Human activities, particularly construction and transport, have led to disturbances of flora and fauna. A small number of non-indigenous plant and animal species has become established, mostly on the northern Antarctic Peninsula and southern archipelagos of the Scotia Arc. There is little indication of recovery of overexploited fish stocks, and ramifications of fishing activity on bycatch species and the ecosystem could also be far-reaching. The Antarctic Treaty System and its instruments, in particular the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources and the Environmental Protocol, provide a framework within which management of human activities take place. In the face of the continuing expansion of human activities in Antarctica, a more effective implementation of a wide range of measures is essential, in order to ensure comprehensive protection of the Antarctic environment, including its intrinsic, wilderness and scientific values which remains a fundamental principle of the Antarctic Treaty System. These measures include effective environmental impact assessments, long-term monitoring, mitigation measures for non-indigenous species, ecosystem-based management of living resources, and increased regulation of National Antarctic Programmes and tourism activities.
Antiepileptic drugs for older people
Authors: Burbridge Peter , Allen Stephen , Vassallo Michael , Kwan Joseph
Published: December 2008

Epilepsy in older people is a common problem. It is estimated that in Europe there are 85 000 new cases of epilepsy annually in those over 65 years old, equivalent to an incidence of 100 per 100 000. Incidence increases with age and the rate in older people is higher than in all but the first year of life. The older population has a median prevalence of 4.7 per 1000 (range 3.0 to 7.3) from nine studies and may be underestimated by case-ascertainment bias common to many studies of older people.
Monetary cost of dietary energy is negatively associated with BMI and waist circumference, but not with other metabolic risk factors, in young Japanese women
Authors: Murakami Kentaro , Sasaki Satoshi , Takahashi Yoshiko , Uenishi Kazuhiro ,   the Japan Dietetic Students’ Study for Nutrition and Biomarkers Group
Published: December 2008

Objective

Little is known about the relationship of dietary cost to health status. The present cross-sectional study examined the association between the monetary cost of dietary energy (Japanese yen/4184 kJ) and several metabolic risk factors.

Design

Monetary cost of dietary energy was estimated based on dietary intake assessed by a self-administered diet history questionnaire and retail food prices. Body height and weight, from which BMI was derived, waist circumference and blood pressure were measured and fasting blood samples were collected for biochemical measurements.

Setting

A total of fifteen universities and colleges in Japan.

Subjects

A total of 1136 female Japanese dietetic students aged 18–22 years.

Results

After adjustment for potential confounding factors, monetary cost of dietary energy was significantly and negatively associated with BMI (Pfor trend = 0·0024). Monetary cost of dietary energy also showed a significant and negative association with waist circumference independently of potential confounding factors, including BMI (Pfor trend = 0·0003). No significant associations were observed for other metabolic risk factors examined (Pfor trend = 0·10–0·88).

Conclusions

The monetary cost of dietary energy was independently and negatively associated with both BMI and waist circumference, but not other metabolic risk factors, in a group of young Japanese women.
Downward trends in the prevalence of childhood overweight in the setting of 12-year school- and community-based programmes
Authors: Romon Monique , Lommez Agnes , Tafflet Muriel , Basdevant Arnaud , Oppert Jean Michel , Bresson Jean Louis , Ducimetière Pierre , Charles Marie Aline , Borys Jean Michel
Published: December 2008

Objective

A school-based nutrition information programme was initiated in 1992 in two towns in northern France (Fleurbaix and Laventie, FL) and was followed by a number of community-based interventions. We took the opportunity to measure the outcomes in terms of childhood obesity and overweight over the next 12 years.

Design

Repeated, cross-sectional, school-based survey. For the school years beginning in 1992, 2000, 2002, 2003 and 2004, the height and weight of all 5- to 12-year-old children attending school were measured in FL. In 2004, the same assessments were made in two comparison towns with similar socio-economic characteristics but no intervention.

Setting

Fleurbaix and Laventie (intervention towns), Bois-Grenier and Violaines (comparison towns), northern France.

Subjects

In 2002, 2003 and 2004, respectively 515, 592 and 633 children were measured in FL (participation rate of 95–98 % of all eligible individuals); in the comparison towns, 349 children were measured in the 2004 school year (98 % of the towns’ school population).

Results

After an initial increase, trends in mean BMI and prevalence of overweight started to reverse. Compared with 2002, the age-adjusted OR for overweight in FL was significantly lower in 2003 and 2004 (but for girls only). In the 2004 school year, the overweight prevalence was significantly lower in FL (8·8 %) than in the comparison towns (17·8 %, P < 0·0001).

Conclusion

These data suggest that, over a long period of time, interventions targeting a variety of population groups can have synergistic effects on overweight prevalence. This gives hope that it is possible to reverse trends towards increasing overweight by actions at the community level.
Shwachman–Diamond syndrome: implications for understanding the molecular basis of leukaemia
Authors: Dror Yigal
Published: December 2008

Inherited bone marrow failure syndromes provide extremely useful genetic models for understanding leukaemogenesis because the initial genetic defect can be identified and the risk of leukaemia is very high. Shwachman–Diamond syndrome is one of the most common inherited bone marrow failure syndromes and an example of such a model. Here, I describe the malignant features of Shwachman–Diamond syndrome and discuss the potential molecular mechanisms that can lead to leukaemia.
‘The Law of Laws’ – Overcoming Pluralism
Authors: WTE  , LB
Published: December 2008

‘The Law of Laws’ – Overcoming Pluralism

Editorials in this journal are meant not to comment on acts or events, even if these take the form of judicial rulings or legislative acts. They are meant to point at the events' potential for constitutional scholarship; to indicate and propose new lines of research. The Kadi judgments of the Court of Justice's two instances, discussed in this issue by Stefan Griller, offer such an occasion. They point at the problem of relationships between legal orders. Can these best be understood under the now familiar palliative terms of ‘dialogue’ and ‘accommodation’? There is both reason and reward in looking for a keener articulation of the relationships. That is the contention of this editorial.
Cross-Pillar Litigation Before the ECJ
Authors: van Ooik Ronald
Published: December 2008

Second pillar v. first pillar – From Union to Community powers and vice versa – Court's jurisdiction under different headings – Jurisdiction after Lisbon – Choice of legal bases in cross-pillar situations – Dual competence? – Different combinations
The Lisbon Treaty: The Irish ‘No’.: National Parliaments and the Principle of Subsidiarity – Legal Options and Practical Limits
Authors: Louis Jean-Victor
Published: December 2008

Winner: national parliaments or European Parliament? – Differences between Lisbon Treaty and Constitutional Treaty – Latent rivalry – Lisbon innovation – National parliaments now actors in the Union? – Early warning mechanism as solution of compromise – Dual system of the two protocols: yellow and orange cards – Review – Compliance – Interparliamentary co-operation – Complexity of COSAC's involvement – Link between proportionality and subsidiarity – Conception of representative democracy – Position of the Court of Justice
Lustration and Lapse of Time
Authors: Kosař David
Published: December 2008

Czech Lustration Acts: basic features – Among the most far-reaching in the postcommunist countries in Europe – Challenges for the rule of law – 2001: Czech Constitutional Court upholds their validity – Case-law of the European Court of Human Rights – ‘Transition-to-democracy’ circumstances that justified their adoption have ceased to exist