bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intercomparison of summer rainfall diurnal features between station rain gauge data and TRMM 3B42 product over central eastern China
Authors: Yuan Weihua , Li Jian , Chen Haoming , Yu Rucong
Published: July 2011

This study examines the differences in diurnal variations of summer (June–August) rainfall recorded in the station rain gauge data (Gdata) and Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission 3B42 product (Tdata) over central eastern China during 1998–2006. For the diurnal variations, rainfall amount and frequency in Tdata get the maximum in the afternoon, against the double diurnal peaks in the morning and afternoon of Gdata. For the intensity, the principal morning peak in Tdata contrasts with the dominated afternoon peak in Gdata. It is found that the massive morning light rainfall, which is missed by Tdata, greatly contributes to the weakened morning diurnal peaks of amount and frequency and the stronger morning intensity in Tdata. The overestimated afternoon rainfall in Tdata, including the light rainfall detected only by Tdata and the enhanced rainfall in Tdata when both datasets measure the rainfall, strengthens the afternoon peak of rainfall amount and frequency. In addition, the light rainfall in the morning missed by Tdata is more prevalent in plains than in mountains, whereas the overestimation of afternoon rainfall is more significant in mountain regions. For the diurnal rainfall amount, the afternoon peak in Tdata differs from the morning peak in Gdata in plains and the afternoon peak of Tdata is enhanced in mountain regions. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
The significant climate warming in the northern Tibetan Plateau and its possible causes
Authors: Guo Donglin , Wang Huijun
Published: July 2011

We have identified the northern Tibetan Plateau as having experienced the most significant warming of any region in the entire plateau domain since 1961. Warming in the northern plateau violates the previously suggested elevation dependency of warming trends. Further analysis shows that the increase in surface air temperature in summer has played a primary role in the rapid increase of the annual mean air temperature in the northern Tibetan Plateau since the mid‐1980s. In addition, the summer air temperature is correlated with ozone in the region, a result which is statistically significant. This correlation seems to have a relationship with solar radiation and ozone depletion ratios. Further discussion shows that the most significant warming in the northern plateau may be related to radiative and dynamical heating that are results of pronounced stratospheric ozone depletion. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Synthesis of ultrathin and compact Au@MnO2 nanoparticles for shell‐isolated nanoparticle‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SHINERS)
Authors: Lin Xiao‐Dong , Uzayisenga Viviane , Li Jian‐Feng , Fang Ping‐Ping , Wu De‐Yin , Ren Bin , Tian Zhong‐Qun
Published: July 2011

Shell‐isolated nanoparticle‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SHINERS) based on Au@SiO2 or Au@Al2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) shows great potential to break the long‐standing limitations of substrate and surface generality of surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). However, the shell of SiO2 or Al2O3 can easily be dissolved in alkaline media, which limits the applications of SHINERS in alkaline systems. Besides that, the synthesis of Au@SiO2 NPs can be further simplified and Au@Al2O3 NPs be replaced by other NPs that are more amenable for mass production. In an attempt to make SHINERS NPs available in any systems practically, we report the synthesis of ultrathin and compact Au@MnO2 NPs. The shell thickness of MnO2 can be controlled down to about 1.2 nm without any pinhole. SHINERS based on such Au@MnO2 NPs exhibits much higher Raman enhancement effect than Au@SiO2 NPs and can be applied in alkaline systems in which Au@SiO2 or Au@Al2O3 NPs cannot be applied. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface characteristics of Ag‐doped Au nanoparticles probed by Raman scattering spectroscopy
Authors: Kim Kwan , Kim Kyung Lock , Shin Kuan Soo
Published: July 2011

We have examined the surface characteristics of Ag‐doped Au nanoparticles (below 5 mol% of Ag) by means of the surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) of 2,6‐dimethylphenylisocyanide (2,6‐DMPI) and 4‐nitrobenzenethiol (4‐NBT). When Ag was added to Au to form ∼35‐nm‐sized alloy nanoparticles, the surface plasmon resonance band was blue‐shifted linearly from 523 to 517 nm in proportion to the content of Ag up to 5%. In the SERS spectra of 2,6‐DMPI, the N‐C stretching peak also shifted almost linearly from 2184 to 2174 cm−1 when the Ag content was 5 mol% or less; the peak then remained the same as that of the pure Ag film. The potential variation of the SERS spectrum of 2,6‐DMPI in an electrochemical environment, as well as the effect of organic vapor, also showed a similar tendency. From the SERS of 4‐NBT, we confirmed the occurrence of a surface‐induced photoreaction converting 4‐NBT to 4‐aminobenzenethiol, when Ag was added to Au to form alloy nanoparticles. The photoreaction induction ability also increased linearly with the Ag content, reaching a plateau level at 5 mol% of Ag. All these observations suggest that the surface content of Ag should increase almost linearly as a function of the overall mole fraction of Ag and, once the Au/Ag nanoparticles reach 5 mol% of Ag, their surfaces are fully covered with Ag, showing the same surface characteristics of pure Ag nanoparticles. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In situ analysis of chiral components of pichtae essential oil by means of ROA spectroscopy: experimental and theoretical Raman and ROA spectra of bornyl acetate
Authors: Chruszcz‐Lipska Katarzyna , Blanch Ewan W.
Published: July 2011

In this paper, a novel approach to analyze in situ (−)‐bornyl acetate (BA) in pichtae essential oil (Siberian fir needle oil, Abies sibirica oil) by means of Raman optical activity (ROA) is reported. As part of this approach, a conformational study in the gas phase of (+)‐ and (−)‐BA has been carried out, predicting the presence of three conformers for each enantiomer at 298.15 K. The structures of these conformers were optimized with density functional theory with the Becke 3LYP functional and 6–311 + + g** basis set. Subsequently, the Raman and ROA spectra were simulated in order to compare them with the experimentally measured spectra of the neat enantiomers of BA. Finally, the combination of Raman and ROA spectroscopy as well as DFT calculations was successfully applied not only for the detection of BA but also for the determination of the specific enantiomer of BA present in the investigated pichtae essential oil samples. Thus, the ROA technique described here has the potential to be used as a fast and easy commercial method to control the quality of essential oils. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The structural independence of Raman scattering cross sections of ν1(NO3−) and ν(H2O)
Authors: Li Kai‐Kai , Pang Shu‐Feng , Zeng Guang , Wang Feng , Zhang Yun‐Hong
Published: July 2011

The Raman scattering cross section (RSCS) is an important parameter in the applications of Raman spectroscopy to make quantitative analysis. To date, the dependence of the RSCS on concentration has remained unclear. Nitrate aerosols can easily achieve a supersaturated state, which provides a way to obtain the RSCS especially under this state. In this study, Raman spectra of NaNO3 and Mg(NO3)2 solutions are obtained with molar water‐to‐solute ratios (WSRs) ranging from 84.2 to 2.30 and 93.8 to 7.32, respectively. With decreasing WSR, a shift to higher wavenumbers of the symmetric stretching band of nitrate ion, i.e. ν1(NO3−), is observed, indicating the formation of various ion pairs. Meanwhile, the area ratio between the strongly and weakly hydrogen‐bonded components of water OH stretching envelope, i.e. ν(H2O), reduces as the WSR decreases, implying the transformation of water molecules from strong hydrogen‐bonding structures to the weak ones. However, a good linear relationship is revealed between the integrated intensity ratio of the ν(H2O) band to ν1(NO3−) band and WSR. The results suggest that the RSCSs of NO3− and H2O are insensitive to the structures of both ion pairs and hydrogen‐bonding structures. This observation points to the possibility of conducting quantitative analysis through the area ratio of the ν(H2O) band to the ν1(NO3−) band with Raman spectra without considering the formation of ion pairs and the variation of the hydrogen‐bonding structure. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of lipids and antioxidant capacity of novel nutraceutical egg products developed with omega‐3‐rich oils
Authors: Kassis Nissan M , Gigliotti Joseph C , Beamer Sarah K , Tou Janet C , Jaczynski Jacek
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease has had an unquestioned status of the number one cause of death in the US since 1921. Omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω‐3 PUFAs) have cardio‐protective benefits. However, egg is typically a poor source of ω‐3 PUFAs and, in general, the American diet is low in these cardio‐protective fatty acids. Novel, nutritionally enhanced egg products were developed by substituting yolk with ω‐3 PUFA‐rich flaxseed, menhaden, algae, or krill oil. Experimental egg products matched composition of hen egg (whole egg). The experimental egg products, mixed whole egg, and a liquid egg product (Egg Beaters™) were microwave‐cooked and compared.

RESULTS: Although fat, protein, and moisture contents of experimental egg products matched (P > 0.05) mixed whole egg, experimental egg products had more (P < 0.05) ω‐3 PUFAs, lower (P < 0.05) ω‐6/ω‐3 ratio, and depending on oil added, a higher (P < 0.05) unsaturated/saturated fatty acids ratio compared to mixed whole egg. Triglycerides were the main lipid class in all experimental egg products except those developed with krill oil, which had even more phospholipids than mixed whole egg. Analysis of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances showed that lipid oxidation of experimental egg products was lower (P < 0.05) or similar (P > 0.05) to mixed whole egg, except for experimental egg products with krill oil. However, peroxide value showed that all egg samples had minimal oxidation. Experimental egg products developed with menhaden or flaxseed oil had the highest (P < 0.05) concentration of the antioxidant, ethyoxquin compared to all other egg samples. However, experimental egg products with krill oil likely contained a natural antioxidant, astaxanthin.

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated an alternative approach to developing novel, nutraceutical egg products. Instead of dietary modification of chicken feed, yolk substitution with ω‐3 PUFAs oils resulted in enhancement of ω‐3 PUFAs beyond levels possible to achieve by modifying chicken feed. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Quality of white cabbage yield and potential risk of ground water nitrogen pollution, as affected by nitrogen fertilisation and irrigation practices
Authors: Maršić Nina Kacjan , Šturm Martina , Zupanc Vesna , Lojen Sonja , Pintar Marina
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND: The effect of different fertilisation (broadcast solid NPK application and fertigation with water‐soluble fertiliser) and irrigation practices (sprinkler and drip irrigation) on yield, the nitrate content in cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) and the cabbage N uptake was detected, in order to assess the potential risk for N losses, by cultivation on sandy–loam soil. The N rate applied on the plots was 200 kg N ha−1.

RESULTS: The highest yield (93 t ha−1) and nitrate content (1256 mg kg−1 DW) were found with treatments using broadcast fertilisation and sprinkler irrigation. On those plots the negative N balance (−30 kg N ha−1) was recorded, which comes mainly from the highest crop N uptake (234 kg N ha−1) indicating the lowest potential for N losses.

CONCLUSION: In terms of yield quality and the potential risk for N losses, broadcast fertilisation combined with sprinkler irrigation proved to be the most effective combination among the tested practices under the given experimental conditions. The importance of adequate irrigation is also evident, namely in plots on which 50% drip irrigation was applied, the lowest yield was detected and according to the positive N balance, a higher potential for N losses is expected. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Preparation of monomeric and polymeric β‐cyclodextrin functionalized monoliths for rapid isolation and purification of puerarin from Radix puerariae
Authors: Lv Yongqin , Hughes Timothy C. , Hao Xiaojuan , Mei Danping , Tan Tianwei
Published: July 2011

Monomeric and epichlorohydrin polymerized β‐CD functionalized monoliths were prepared for the rapid isolation and purification of the isoflavonoid puerarin, a well‐known traditional Chinese drug, from a crude extract of Radix puerariae (root of the plant Pueraria lobata). Two copolymers poly(isocyanatoethyl methacrylate‐co‐methyl methacrylate‐co‐ethylene dimethacrylate) (poly(IEM‐co‐MMA‐co‐EDMA)) and poly(glycidyl methacrylate‐co‐EDMA) (poly(GMA‐co‐EDMA)) were developed as facile, highly reactive and versatile monolithic matrix. SEM characterization demonstrated that the modified monoliths had homogenous porous structure and morphology. The success of the chemical modification of the monolithic matrix was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), solid‐state 13C NMR and elemental analysis. It was demonstrated that polymeric β‐CD modified monoliths had better separation and selectivity for puerarin, recovering puerarin with a purity of 96% (m%) and a yield of 93% (m%). Compared with poly(glycidyl methacrylate‐co‐EDMA), poly(isocyanatoethyl methacrylate‐co‐methyl methacrylate‐co‐EDMA) monolithic matrix had higher reactivity, which significantly improved the β‐CD ligand density and thus the selectivity of the monoliths. Puerarin with a purity of 96% (m%) and with a yield of 89% (m%) was recovered on the monolith.
Segmenting Mainland Chinese Tourists to Taiwan by Destination Familiarity: a Factor‐cluster Approach
Authors: Chen Chun‐Chu , Lin Yueh‐Hsiu
Published: July 2011

This research examines the effectiveness of destination familiarity as a segmentation variable. Based on the traditional destination‐choice model, which suggests that customers might eliminate unfavorable destinations in the early stages of information search process, this research proposes that familiar customers should possess more favorable destination images and higher visiting intentions than unfamiliar customers. As the results confirm the positive effects of destination familiarity on destination image and travel intention, the effectiveness of destination familiarity as a segmentation variable is also verified. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tourism Competitiveness and the Role of Fractionalization
Authors: Das Jayoti , Dirienzo Cassandra E.
Published: July 2011

This study explores the impact of ethno‐linguistic fractionalization on tourism competitiveness. Using the 2009 Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index, a comprehensive measure of tourism competitiveness developed by the World Economic Forum, this study provides evidence that while ethno‐linguistic fractionalization negatively impacts tourism competitiveness across nations, this effect is mitigated in wealthier countries. The results suggest that policy makers operating in less developed and more fractionalized countries should make a concerted effort to enhance economic development and strengthen the institutions, infrastructure, and overall business and economic environment needed to support and foster a successful tourism industry. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Shifting threats faced by the San Clemente sage sparrow
Authors: Hudgens Brian , Beaudry Frederic , George T. Luke , Kaiser Sara , Munkwitz Nicole M.
Published: July 2011

Threats to a species' persistence are likely to change as conservation measures reduce some threats, while natural and anthropogenic changes increase others. Despite a variety of potential underlying mechanisms, extinction threats will be manifested through one of the 3 components of population dynamics: reducing population growth potential, increasing population variability, or lowering the population ceiling. Consequently, effective management can be guided by monitoring programs and population models that examine each of these components. We examined the potential for a coupled monitoring and modeling effort to guide management of species‐at‐risk while accounting for evolving risks using the case study of the threatened San Clemente sage sparrow (Amphispiza belli clementeae). Originally listed due to a low population ceiling imposed by severe habitat loss, we found that the major threat to San Clemente sage sparrow persistence has shifted to low population growth potential driven by high juvenile mortality. We further found that successful mitigation of high juvenile mortality will shift the primary threat to drought frequency, which is predicted to increase on San Clemente Island as a consequence of global climate change. The latter shift is a consequence of the boom‐bust ecology exhibited by San Clemente sage sparrows in response to rainfall—likely a common characteristic of short‐lived terrestrial vertebrates in arid environments. Our ability to successfully recover this species hinges on a comprehensive monitoring and modeling program incorporating all 3 components of population dynamics informing changes in management priorities to reflect shifting threats. Our study indicates that the next critical step to recovering sage sparrows is to understand and mitigate the causes of high juvenile mortality. In response to these predictions, the United States Navy has funded a radio‐telemetry study to determine the cause(s) of juvenile mortalities. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Forage availability for white‐tailed deer following silvicultural treatments in hardwood forests
Authors: Lashley Marcus A. , Harper Craig A. , Bates Gary E. , Keyser Patrick D.
Published: July 2011

Closed‐canopy upland hardwood stands often lack diverse understory structure and composition, limiting available nutrition for white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) as well as nesting and foraging structure for other wildlife. Various regeneration methods can positively influence understory development; however, non‐commercial strategies are needed to improve available nutrition in many stands, as some contain timber that is not ready to harvest and others are owned by landowners who are not interested in harvesting timber. Applications of herbicide and prescribed fire have improved availability of food and cover for deer and other wildlife in pine (Pinus spp.) systems. However, this strategy has not been evaluated in hardwood systems. To evaluate the influence of fire and herbicide treatments on available deer forage in upland hardwood systems, we measured forage availability and calculated nutritional carrying capacity (NCC) at 14% crude protein mixed diet, following 7 silvicultural treatments, including controls, in 4 mixed upland hardwood stands July–September 2007 and 2008. We compared NCC among forest treatments and within 4 paired warm‐season forage food plots to evaluate the usefulness of food plots in areas where forests are managed. Nutritional carrying capacity estimates (deer days/ha) were greatest following canopy reduction with prescribed fire treatments in both years. Understory herbicide application did not affect species composition or NCC 1 year or 2 years post‐treatment. Production of forage plantings exceeded that of forest treatments both years with the exception of early‐maturing soybeans and retention cut with fire 2 years post‐treatment. We encourage land managers to use canopy reducing treatments and low‐intensity prescribed fire to increase available nutrition and improve available cover where needed in upland hardwood systems. In areas where deer density may limit understory development, high‐quality forage food plots may be used to buffer browsing while strategies to reduce deer density and stimulate the forest understory are implemented. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Fecal hormones as a non‐invasive population monitoring method for reindeer
Authors: Morden C‐Jae C. , Weladji Robert B. , Ropstad Erik , Dahl Ellen , Holand Øystein , Mastromonaco Gabriela , Nieminen Mauri
Published: July 2011

Proper management of threatened species requires knowledge of population sizes and structures, however current techniques to gather this information are generally impractical and costly and can be stressful on the animals. Non‐invasive methods that can produce high quality and accurate results are better alternatives. In winter 2010, we collected blood and fecal samples from 2 reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) populations (Kaamanen, Finland and Svalbard, Norway) to investigate the feasibility of using fecal progesterone metabolites to help estimate the reproductive status, the sex, and the age structures of the populations. We first examined the relationship between plasma progesterone and fecal progesterone metabolite concentrations. We further assessed whether fecal progesterone metabolite levels would clearly differ among calf, yearling, and adult and between pregnant and non‐pregnant females. We quantified fecal progesterone metabolites (using enzyme immunoassay) and plasma progesterone (using radio immunoassay) of females and males of different ages from the 2 herds. We found in both populations that fecal progesterone metabolite levels reflected plasma progesterone concentrations. However, the range of fecal progesterone metabolite concentration was much wider in Finland than in Svalbard, possibly due to differences in diet or body condition. We determined a threshold value of 1.31 ng/ml plasma progesterone and 2025.93 ng/g dried fecal progesterone metabolites to identify pregnant reindeer from non‐pregnant animals with 100% accuracy. We found a significant difference in fecal progesterone metabolite concentrations only between calves and yearlings/adults in Finland. We could not differentiate among males, non‐pregnant adults, or calves of either sex; therefore identification of sex may have to rely on the use of DNA techniques. Our results suggest that hormone concentration, in combination with fecal DNA and pellet morphometry techniques, may provide important population parameters and is a valuable tool for the monitoring of reindeer and may have an application for threatened populations of woodland caribou throughout the winter and early spring. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Impact of reversible cardiac arrest in the brain-dead organ donor on the outcome of adult liver transplantation
Authors: Levesque Eric , Hoti Emir , Khalfallah Meriem , Salloum Chady , Ricca Luana , Vibert Eric , Azoulay Daniel
Published: July 2011

Several donor and graft characteristics are associated with higher failure rates for deceased donor liver transplantation (LT). The influence of reversible cardiac arrest in the donor on these failure rates is unclear because of scarce and inconsistent data. The aim of this study was to determine whether reversible cardiac arrest in the donor could affect the early postoperative outcome of LT. From January 2008 to February 2010, 165 patients underwent LT, and they were retrospectively divided into 2 groups: a cardiac arrest group (34 patients who received grafts from donors who had experienced reversible cardiac arrest before organ procurement) and a control group (131 patients who received grafts from donors without a history of reversible cardiac arrest). The postoperative complications and the graft and recipient outcomes were prospectively recorded for all the patients. Graft failure was defined as death or the need for retransplantation within 90 days of LT. Donors in the cardiac arrest group displayed higher serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels than donors in the control group [AST: 104 (19-756) versus 42 IU/L (10-225 IU/L), P < 0.001; ALT: 73 (13-869) versus 29 IU/L (6-549 IU/L), P < 0.001]. However, no difference in the graft failure rates was found between the 2 groups (11.8% versus 8.4%, P = 0.51). The biological parameters 5 and 7 days after LT and the peak AST/ALT levels were similar for the 2 groups. Furthermore, the 2 groups had similar graft and patient survival rates at the 6-month mark (87% and 88%, respectively). In conclusion, our study shows that brief and reversible cardiac arrest in organ donors does not affect post-LT allograft survival and function, even though liver function test values are higher for these donors. However, the risk of using these grafts needs to be balanced against the potential benefits for the recipients. Liver Transpl 17:1159–1166, 2011. © 2011 AASLD.
Biliary complications after living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Wang Shao Fa , Huang Zhi Yong , Chen Xiao Ping
Published: July 2011

Biliary complications occur more frequently after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) versus deceased donor liver transplantation, and they remain the most common and intractable problems after LDLT. The anatomical limitations of multiple tiny bile ducts and the differential blood supplies of the graft ducts may be significant factors in the pathophysiological mechanisms of biliary complications in patients undergoing LDLT. A clear understanding of the biliary blood supply, the Glissonian sheath, and the hilar plate has contributed to new techniques for preparing bile ducts for anastomosis, and these techniques have resulted in a dramatic drop in the incidence of biliary complications. Most biliary complications after LDLT can be successfully treated with nonsurgical approaches, although the management of multiple biliary anastomoses and nonanastomotic strictures continues to be a challenge. Liver Transpl 17:1127–1136, 2011. © 2011 AASLD.
Renal function in patients undergoing transplantation for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis cirrhosis: Time to reconsider immunosuppression regimens?
Authors: Houlihan Diarmaid D. , Armstrong Matthew J. , Davidov Yana , Hodson James , Nightingale Peter , Rowe Ian A. , Paris Sue , Gunson Bridget K. , Bramhall Simon B. , Mutimer David J. , Neuberger James M. , Newsome Philip N.
Published: July 2011

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is an independent risk factor for chronic kidney injury (CKI), yet the impact of liver transplantation (LT) on renal function in this at-risk group is not known. We compared the post-LT renal function of patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and a matched comparison group. Forty-eight consecutive patients who underwent transplantation for NASH between 2000 and 2008 in a single UK center were compared to non-NASH patients who were matched by age, sex, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; calculated with the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula). In comparison with non-NASH patients, NASH patients had a significantly lower eGFR 3 months after LT (eGFR difference = 8.85 mL/minute/1.73 m2, 95% confidence interval = 2.93-14.77). After adjustments for the effects of the body mass index, tacrolimus levels, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hepatocellular carcinoma, the difference between the groups remained significant 3 months after LT (P = 0.001). These data were then analyzed at numerous time points after LT (6, 12, and 24 months), and the time did not significantly affect the difference between the groups (P = 0.17). Within 2 years, 31.2% of the NASH patients (15/48) had developed stage IIIb CKI, whereas only 8.3% of the non-NASH patients (4/48) did (P = 0.009). In conclusion, this study has identified NASH as an independent risk factor for renal dysfunction after LT. Renal-sparing immunosuppression regimens should be considered at the time of LT to reduce the development of kidney injury in NASH patients. The optimization of such regimens requires a prospective study.
Living donor liver transplantation for acute liver failure in pediatric patients caused by the ingestion of fireworks containing yellow phosphorus
Authors: Ates Mustafa , Dirican Abuzer , Ozgor Dincer , Aydin Cemalettin , Isik Burak , Ara Cengiz , Yilmaz Mehmet , Selimoglu Ayse M. , Kayaalp Cuneyt , Yilmaz Sezai
Published: July 2011

Yellow phosphorus is a protoplasmic toxicant that targets the liver. The ingestion of fireworks containing yellow phosphorus, either by children who accidentally consume them or by adults who are attempting suicide, often results in death due to acute liver failure (ALF). We present the outcomes of 10 children who ingested fireworks containing yellow phosphorus. There were 6 boys and 4 girls, and their ages ranged from 21 to 60 months. One patient remained stable without liver complications and was discharged. Three patients died of hepatorenal failure and cardiovascular collapse, and living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) was performed for 6 patients. The patients had grade II or III encephalopathy, a mean alanine aminotransferase level of 1148.2 IU/L, a mean aspartate aminotransferase level of 1437.5 IU/L, a mean total bilirubin level of 6.9 mg/dL, a mean international normalized ratio of 6.6, a mean Pediatric End-Stage Liver Disease score of 33.7, and a mean Child-Pugh score of 11.3. Postoperatively, 2 patients had persistent encephalopathy and died on the second or third postoperative day, and 1 patient died of cardiac arrest on the first postoperative day despite a well-functioning graft. The other 3 patients were still alive at a mean of 204 days. In conclusion, the ingestion of fireworks containing yellow phosphorus causes ALF with a high mortality rate. When signs of irreversible ALF are detected, emergency LDLT should be considered as a lifesaving procedure; however, if yellow phosphorus toxicity affects both the brain and the heart in addition to the liver, the mortality rate remains very high despite liver transplantation.
Next level of immunosuppression: Drug/immune monitoring
Authors: Levitsky Josh
Published: July 2011

Key Points

1. Current immunological monitoring relies heavily on clinical judgment and therapeutic drug levels and does not adequately assess the functional or donor-specific immunosuppression (IS) status of recipients of liver transplantation (LT).

2. Trough levels of drugs are arbitrary and are more clinically relevant for preventing supratherapeutic or subtherapeutic dosing and blood concentrations and for more closely monitoring at-risk populations (children, the elderly, and patients with organ dysfunction). The AUC or the post-dose levels may be more precise, but they have not been used extensively by transplant centers.

3. Data on drug/immune monitoring specific to LT are fairly limited; therefore, clinical practice is often borrowed from experiences with nonhepatic transplantation (mainly renal transplantation).

4. The monitoring of drug levels in patients taking generic immunosuppressants is challenging because the formulations may change with each prescription. The monitoring of drug or antibody levels is not yet clinically available for biological therapies (induction, lymphocyte-depleting, and maintenance agents).

5. Polymorphisms in drug metabolism (cytochrome P450 and P-glycoprotein) may be useful in selecting the initial and maintenance dosages of immunosuppressants and in preventing complications from over or underimmunosuppression.

6. Future immune monitoring assays should be focused on genomic or immunological predispositions and on specific reactivities to donor antigens to guide the appropriate dosing and minimization of IS after LT.
Subelliptic estimates and regularity of \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$\bf \bar{\partial}$\end{document} at the boundary of a Q‐pseudoconvex domain of finite type
Authors: Ahn Heungju , Baracco Luca , Zampieri Giuseppe
Published: July 2011

We prove subelliptic estimates in degree k ≥ q for the \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$\bar{\partial }$\end{document}‐Neumann problem over a domain \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$\Omega \subset \subset {\mathbb C}^n$\end{document} which is weakly q‐pseudoconvex and satisfies in addition a finite bracket type condition. © 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim
Optimality of log Hölder continuity of the integrated density of states
Authors: Krüger Helge , Gan Zheng
Published: July 2011

We construct examples that log Hölder continuity of the integrated density of states cannot be improved. Our examples are limit‐periodic. © 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim
Orientability of linear Weingarten surfaces, spacelike CMC‐1 surfaces and maximal surfaces
Authors: Kokubu Masatoshi , Umehara Masaaki
Published: July 2011

We prove several topological properties of linear Weingarten surfaces of Bryant type, as wave fronts in hyperbolic 3‐space. For example, we show the orientability of such surfaces, and also co‐orientability when they are not flat. Moreover, we show an explicit formula of the non‐holomorphic hyperbolic Gauss map via another hyperbolic Gauss map which is holomorphic. Using this, we show the orientability and co‐orientability of CMC‐1 faces (i.e., constant mean curvature one surfaces with admissible singular points) in de Sitter 3‐space. (CMC‐1 faces might not be wave fronts in general, but belong to a class of linear Weingarten surfaces with singular points.) Since both linear Weingarten fronts and CMC‐1 faces may have singular points, orientability and co‐orientability are both nontrivial properties. Furthermore, we show that the zig‐zag representation of the fundamental group of a linear Weingarten surface of Bryant type is trivial. We also remark on some properties of non‐orientable maximal surfaces in Lorentz‐Minkowski 3‐space, comparing the corresponding properties of CMC‐1 faces in de Sitter 3‐space. © 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim
1H and DOSY NMR spectroscopy analysis of Ligusticum porteri rhizome extracts
Authors: León Alejandra , Chávez María Isabel , Delgado Guillermo
Published: July 2011

The presence of dimeric phthalides and other constituents in extracts of the vegetal species Ligusticum porteri was established by NMR spectroscopy. In comparative qualitative 1H NMR analyses of acetone extracts of rhizomes from fresh and dried L. porteri samples, we found that the dimeric phthalides tokinolide B (3), diligustilide (4) and riligustilide (5) were naturally produced by the plant and not post‐harvest products. We also obtained DOSY 1H NMR data that provided both virtual separation and structural information for the phthalides present in a dry acetone extract of L. porteri. In addition, we developed a protocol for the quantification of dimeric phthalides, which is performed by calculating the relative ratio of the peak area of selected proton signals for some compounds with respect to the known signal of the internal standard, 4‐dimethylaminopyridine. The protocol allows the rapid and direct quantification of dimeric phthalides and others constituents in fresh L. porteri rhizomes. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Geminal2J(29Si‐O‐29Si) couplings in oligosiloxanes and their relation to direct1J(29Si‐13C) couplings
Authors: Kurfürst Milan , Blechta Vratislav , Schraml Jan
Published: July 2011

Absolute values of (79) geminal2J(29Si‐O‐29Si) couplings were measured in an extensive series of (55) unstrained siloxanes dissolved in chloroform‐d. Signs of2J(29Si‐O‐29Si) in some (9) silicon hydrides were determined relative to1J(29Si‐1H) which are known to be negative. It is supposed that positive sign of the2J(29Si‐O‐29Si) coupling found in all studied hydrides is common to all siloxanes. Theoretical calculations for simple model compounds failed to reproduce this sign and so their predictions of bond length and angle dependences cannot be taken as reliable. Useful empirical correlations were found between the2J(29Si‐O‐29Si) couplings on one side and the total numbermof oxygen atoms bonded to the silicon atoms, sum of29Si chemical shifts or product of1J(29Si‐13C) couplings on the other side. The significance of these correlations is briefly discussed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Broken heart syndrome in myasthenia gravis
Authors: Bansal Vibhav , Kansal Mayank M. , Rowin Julie
Published: July 2011

Broken heart syndrome or stress‐induced non‐ischemic cardiomyopathy (SICM) has rarely been reported in the setting of myasthenic crisis. We describe a case of reversible SICM that occurred simultaneously with myasthenic crisis in a 77‐year‐old man without prior cardiac history, and we discuss the previous findings that support an association of other cardiac disorders with myasthenia gravis. Muscle Nerve 000: 000–000, 2011
Skin biopsy–proven flecainide‐induced neuropathy
Authors: Burakgazi Ahmet Z. , Polydefkis Michael , Höke Ahmet
Published: July 2011

Flecainide acetate is a classic Ic antiarrhythmic agent used to treat a variety of cardiac arrhythmias. Non‐cardiac side effects usually affect the central nervous system. Few case reports of possible flecainide‐induced peripheral neuropathy have been reported. We report this unique case in that flecainide‐induced sensory neuropathy was confirmed with skin biopsy, and subsequent improvement of neuropathy was documented with assessment of intraepidermal nerve fiber density in a repeat nerve biopsy. Muscle Nerve 45: 144–146, 2011
Regional neurochemical profiles in the human brain measured by 1H MRS at 7 T using local B1 shimming
Authors: Emir Uzay E. , Auerbach Edward J. , Moortele Pierre‐Francois Van De , Marjańska Małgorzata , Uğurbil Kamil , Terpstra Melissa , Tkáč Ivan , Öz Gülin
Published: July 2011

Increased sensitivity and chemical shift dispersion at ultra‐high magnetic fields enable the precise quantification of an extended range of brain metabolites from 1H MRS. However, all previous neurochemical profiling studies using single‐voxel MRS at 7 T have been limited to data acquired from the occipital lobe with half‐volume coils. The challenges of 1H MRS of the human brain at 7 T include short T2 and complex B1 distribution that imposes limitations on the maximum achievable B1 strength. In this study, the feasibility of acquiring and quantifying short‐echo (TE = 8 ms), single‐voxel 1H MR spectra from multiple brain regions was demonstrated by utilizing a 16‐channel transceiver array coil with 16 independent transmit channels, allowing local transmit B1 (B1+) shimming. Spectra were acquired from volumes of interest of 1–8 mL in brain regions that are of interest for various neurological disorders: frontal white matter, posterior cingulate, putamen, substantia nigra, pons and cerebellar vermis. Local B1+ shimming substantially increased the transmit efficiency, especially in the peripheral and ventral brain regions. By optimizing a STEAM sequence for utilization with a 16‐channel coil, artifact‐free spectra were acquired with a small chemical shift displacement error (<5% /ppm/direction) from all regions. The high signal‐to‐noise ratio enabled the quantification of neurochemical profiles consisting of at least nine metabolites, including γ‐aminobutyric acid, glutamate and glutathione, in all brain regions. Significant differences in neurochemical profiles were observed between brain regions. For example, γ‐aminobutyric acid levels were highest in the substantia nigra, total creatine was highest in the cerebellar vermis and total choline was highest in the pons, consistent with the known biochemistry of these regions. These findings demonstrate that single‐voxel 1H MRS at ultra‐high field can reliably detect region‐specific neurochemical patterns in the human brain, and has the potential to objectively detect alterations in neurochemical profiles associated with neurological diseases. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Notch signalling is off and is uncoupled from HES1 expression in Ewing's sarcoma
Authors: Bennani‐Baiti Idriss M , Aryee Dave NT , Ban Jozef , Machado Isidro , Kauer Maximilian , Mühlbacher Karin , Amann Gabriele , Llombart‐Bosch Antonio , Kovar Heinrich
Published: July 2011

Notch can act as an oncogene or as a tumour suppressor and thus can either promote or inhibit tumour cell growth. To establish Notch status in Ewing's sarcoma family of tumours (ESFT), we investigated the Notch pathway by gene expression profiling meta‐analysis or immunohistochemistry in samples obtained from 96 and 24 ESFT patients, respectively. We found that although Notch receptors were highly expressed, Notch did not appear to be active, as evidenced by the absence of Notch receptors in cell nuclei. In contrast, we show that Notch receptors known to be active in colon adenocarcinoma, hepatocarcinoma, and pancreatic carcinoma stain cell nuclei in these tumours. High expression of the Notch effector HES1 transcription factor, usually used as a surrogate marker for active Notch, was also restricted to outside of the nucleus in the majority of ESFT, and analysis of HES1 gene targets indicated HES1 to be transcriptionally inactive. Neither forced activation nor pharmacological or genetic blocking of Notch affected HES1 expression in ESFT cells, indicating HES1 expression to be uncoupled from the Notch pathway. Additional functional studies in ESFT cell lines confirmed Notch to be switched off. Finally, unlike experiments in which HES1 expression was modulated, experimental activation of Notch in ESFT cell lines via several means blocked cell proliferation and reduced their clonogenic potential in soft agar. These indicate that HES1 is uncoupled from Notch in ESFT, that EWS–FLI1‐mediated inhibition of Notch contributes to ESFT aggressive cell growth, and support a role for Notch in ESFT tumour suppression, at least partly through the Notch effector HEY1. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical simulation and experimental verification of the filling stage in injection molding
Authors: Wang Wei , Li Xikui , Han Xianhong
Published: July 2011

The linear low‐density polyethylene melt is described by the modified Cross model, the dependence of melt viscosity on temperature incorporated with the Arrhenius equation, and the Moldflow second‐order model in this investigation. The mass, momentum conservation, and constitutive equations are discretized and solved by using the iterative stabilized fractional step algorithm along with the Crank–Nicolson implicit difference scheme. The energy conservation equation is discretized with the characteristic Galerkin approach. The free surface of molten polymer flow front is tracked by the arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) method. It is demonstrated that good agreement of the numerical predictions given by the proposed ALE method with the results obtained by the injection short‐shot experiments is achieved in the locations and shape of the melt front. Furthermore, when the melt front completely reaches the wall of the mold cavity, the horizontal velocity distribution of counterflow at the section near the finally filling wall is exhibited in the present simulation. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Epoxy/silsesquioxane organic–inorganic hybrids: Sol–gel synthesis of inorganic precursors containing amino and phenyl groups
Authors: Farias M.A. , Coelho L.A.F. , Pezzin S.H.
Published: July 2011

The synthesis of silsesquioxane oligomers containing amino and phenyl groups by sol–gel process and the formation of an organic–inorganic hybrid, by the reaction of amino groups of the silsesquioxane precursor with epoxy rings of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A, have been investigated. Acid catalysis proved to be more efficient than basic catalysis for the condensation reaction between 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APES) and phenyltriethoxysilane (PETS) in ethanol. Liquid state 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance (29Si NMR) analysis indicated that T3 structures are the major phase forming the network structure. Infrared spectroscopy analyses confirmed the formation of the epoxy/silsesquioxane hybrid and showed that a high degree of cure was achieved. A distinct behavior of the glass transition temperature (Tg) between the hybrids cured at different time intervals after the chemical modification was observed, and the most significant value was an increase of 13°C in Tg obtained with the hybrid produced with silsesquioxane oligomers synthesized by sol–gel for 18 h. From thermogravimetric analyses (TGAs), it was observed an increase on the residual masses for the hybrids and a decrease in their degradation rates, suggesting an improvement of thermal stability. These results indicate the formation of a new organic–inorganic hybrid material with potential applications for high performance coatings and structural components. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Foaming of EVA/starch blends: Characterization of the structure, physical properties, and biodegradability
Authors: Rodriguez‐Perez M.A. , Simoes R.D. , Roman‐Lorza S. , Alvarez‐Lainez M. , Montoya‐Mesa C. , Constantino C.J.L. , de Saja J.A.
Published: July 2011

Foams produced from blends of an ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) with high VA (vinyl acetate) content (28%) and corn starch have been successfully fabricated using an improved compression molding technique. A detailed characterization of the structure and physical properties has been carried out. The results showed that the corn starch acts as filler for EVA, showing a good compatibility with the polyolefin. Different types of cellular structure (closed, partially interconnected, and fully interconnected) and cell sizes were obtained depending on the relative density and the amount of starch included in the composition. Besides, the addition of starch allows tailoring the physical properties of the composite foams. An increase in the starch content leads to an increase of the density, compressive strength, hardness, and thermal conductivity and a decrease of the elasticity. Finally, biodegradability tests showed how increases the biodegradation with the amount of starch in the foam, which reaches 60% at 100 days for the foam with 70% of starch. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Formation mechanism of crystal morphologies in LLDPE/HDPE blends investigated via water‐assisted and conventional injection molding
Authors: Wang Bin , Huang Han‐Xiong
Published: July 2011

The LLDPE/HDPE blends with two different weight ratios as well as pure LLDPE were molded by means of water‐assisted and conventional injection molding (WAIM and CIM) in terms of their different thermal fields. The formation of the crystal morphology in the molded parts was investigated by a scanning electron microscope. The results showed that banded spherulites formed in the WAIM and CIM pure LLDPE parts. Banded spherulites of LLDPE coexisted with the randomly oriented lamellae of HDPE for LLDPE/HDPE blend parts with lower HDPE content at higher cooling rates, whereas a banding to nonbanding morphological transition occurred for LLDPE component (particularly for blend with higher HDPE content) at lower cooling rates. The heterogeneous nucleation effect of HDPE component on LLDPE component was responsible for the banding to nonbanding morphological transition by hindering the twist of LLDPE lamellae. It was interesting to find that the thermal effect, rather than the shear effect, was the main factor for the formation of crystal morphologies in both CIM and WAIM blend parts. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers