bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medical and Financial Impact of a Neonatal Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Referral Center in the Nitric Oxide Era
Authors: Pawlik Theodore David , Porta Nicolas Francisco Marcos , Steinhorn Robin Heise , Ogata Edward , deRegnier Raye-Ann Odegaard
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVES. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether widespread use of nitric oxide after Food and Drug Administration approval decreased admissions to a neonatal referral center for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation evaluation. We also sought to determine whether antecedent treatment delayed eventual transfer, resulting in sicker patients, increased mortality, increased extracorporeal membrane oxygenation application, and higher direct costs of care.

METHODS. This was a retrospective cohort study of all of the patients transferred to a neonatal referral center for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation evaluation before (1995–1999) and after (2000–2005) Food and Drug Administration approval of nitric oxide. Patients were divided into “congenital diaphragmatic hernia” and “persistent pulmonary hypertension” (all other diagnoses) for additional analysis.

RESULTS. Admission rates for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation evaluation decreased in the nitric oxide era, and eventual transfer was not delayed. Persistent pulmonary hypertension patients had improved oxygen indexes, a trend toward decreased mortality, decreased extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use, and decreased direct costs. Congenital diaphragmatic hernia patients had unchanged physiologic measurements, mortality, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use with increased direct costs of care. As a whole, outcomes for patients transferred for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation evaluation improved, whereas direct costs were unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS. Persistent pulmonary hypertension patients had improved outcomes with decreased costs, whereas congenital diaphragmatic hernia patients had unchanged outcomes with increased costs. Overall, patients admitted to this NICU because of the presence of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation services had improved outcomes without increased costs in the nitric oxide era.
Managing the delivery of iconic football stadiums in England
Authors: Aritua B. , Bower D. , Turner M.
Published: December 2008

The English football premier league has become the most popular sports league in the world; with ardent fans and audiences all over the world. The potential business opportunities that this growth holds have therefore attracted investors who are keen to buy shares in the clubs and sign up the best footballers that money can buy. Underpinning the growth in all of the premier league clubs is a desire to make a distinct statement of identity as part of a competitive strategy. One way to achieve this is through the design and construction of iconic football stadiums. This paper explores the specific project management challenges associated with delivery of iconic football stadiums in England and draws lessons for the management of similar iconic infrastructure projects. A study of project management best practice and some case studies shows that key issues which are common to these projects are centred on design management; choice of procurement route; client management; and stakeholder expectation management. These issues are not necessarily unique to the project management of iconic football stadiums but are amplified by the context of these projects. The emphasis on iconic status in a competitive market also means that stadium projects should be conceived and delivered in the context of other strategic projects which should be clearly understood by the project management team.
Advanced Distance Sampling
Authors: Richardson Alice M.
Published: December 2008

Buckland, S. T., D. R. Anderson, K. P. Burnham, J. L. Laake, D. L. Borchers, and L. Thomas. 2007. Advanced distance sampling. Oxford University Press, New York. xvii + 416 p. £59.00 (cloth), ISBN: 978‐0‐19‐850783‐3 (alk. paper); £29.95 (paper), ISBN: 978‐0‐19‐922587‐3 (alk. paper).
Moving Seeds, at Many Scales
Authors: Moran Emily
Published: December 2008

Cousens, Roger, Calvin Dytham, and Richard Law. 2008. Dispersal in plants: a population perspective. Oxford University Press, New York. x + 221 p. $140.00 (cloth), ISBN: 978‐0‐19‐929911‐9; $70.00 (paper), ISBN: 978‐0‐19‐929912‐6.
Mountain Research and Real‐World Problems: A Global Overview of Challenges and Management Solutions
Authors: Eiter Sebastian
Published: December 2008

Price, Martin F., editor. 2007. Mountain area research and management: integrated approaches. Earthscan, Sterling, Virginia. xiv + 302 p. $95.00, ISBN: 978‐1‐84407‐427‐3.
THE EVOLUTION OF SPAWNING MIGRATIONS: STATE DEPENDENCE AND FISHING‐INDUCED CHANGES
Authors: Jørgensen Christian , Dunlop Erin S. , Opdal Anders Frugård , Fiksen Øyvind
Published: December 2008

Individuals migrate to exploit heterogeneities between spatially separated environments to modulate growth, survival, or reproduction. We devised a bioenergetics model to investigate the evolution of migration distance and its dependence on individual states. Atlantic codGadus morhuaranges from sedentary populations to stocks that migrate several thousand kilometers annually. We focused on the Northeast Arctic cod stock, which migrates south to spawn. A linear relationship between migration distance and the expected survival of offspring was assumed, here understood as the prospects for future survival and development that a fertilized egg faces at a particular spawning location. Reasons for why it may increase southward include warmer water that increases development rates, and thereby survival, along the pelagic drift trajectory.

In the model, ingested energy can either be allocated to growth or stored for migration and reproduction. When migrating, individuals forgo foraging opportunities and expend energy. Optimal energy allocation and migration strategies were found using state‐dependent optimization, with body length, age, condition, and current food availability as individual states. For both a historical and contemporary fishing regime we modeled two behaviors: (1) homing cod returning to the same spawning site each year and (2) roaming cod with no such constraints.

The model predicted distinct regions of locally high spawning stock biomass. Large individuals in good condition migrated farthest, and these also tended to mature later in life. The roaming cod spread farther south as they grew larger and older. Homing cod did not have this freedom, and spawning was generally concentrated along a narrower stretch of the coastline.

Under contemporary fishing, individuals matured earlier at a smaller size, had shorter migrations, spawned over a contracted geographical range, and tended to be in poorer condition. The effects were most pronounced for the homing behavior.
COMPONENTS OF UNCERTAINTY IN SPECIES DISTRIBUTION ANALYSIS: A CASE STUDY OF THE GREAT GREY SHRIKE
Authors: Dormann Carsten F. , Purschke Oliver , Márquez Jaime R. García , Lautenbach Sven , Schröder Boris
Published: December 2008

Sophisticated statistical analyses are common in ecological research, particularly in species distribution modeling. The effects of sometimes arbitrary decisions during the modeling procedure on the final outcome are difficult to assess, and to date are largely unexplored. We conducted an analysis quantifying the contribution of uncertainty in each step during the model‐building sequence to variation in model validity and climate change projection uncertainty. Our study system was the distribution of the Great Grey Shrike in the German federal state of Saxony. For each of four steps (data quality, collinearity method, model type, and variable selection), we ran three different options in a factorial experiment, leading to 81 different model approaches. Each was subjected to a fivefold cross‐validation, measuring area under curve (AUC) to assess model quality. Next, we used three climate change scenarios times three precipitation realizations to project future distributions from each model, yielding 729 projections. Again, we analyzed which step introduced most variability (the four model‐building steps plus the two scenario steps) into predicted species prevalences by the year 2050. Predicted prevalences ranged from a factor of 0.2 to a factor of 10 of present prevalence, with the majority of predictions between 1.1 and 4.2 (inter‐quartile range). We found that model type and data quality dominated this analysis. In particular, artificial neural networks yielded low cross‐validation robustness and gave very conservative climate change predictions. Generalized linear and additive models were very similar in quality and predictions, and superior to neural networks. Variations in scenarios and realizations had very little effect, due to the small spatial extent of the study region and its relatively small range of climatic conditions. We conclude that, for climate projections, model type and data quality were the most influential factors. Since comparison of model types has received good coverage in the ecological literature, effects of data quality should now come under more scrutiny.
AN EXPERIMENTAL DISTURBANCE ALTERS FISH SIZE STRUCTURE BUT NOT FOOD CHAIN LENGTH IN STREAMS
Authors: Walters Annika W. , Post David M.
Published: December 2008

Streams experience frequent natural disturbance and are undergoing considerable anthropogenic disturbance due to dam construction and water diversion. Disturbance is known to impact community structure, but its effect on food chain length is still a matter of considerable debate. Theoretical models show that longer food chains are less resilient to disturbance, so food chain length is predicted to be shorter following a disturbance event. Here we experimentally test the effect of disturbance on food chain length in streams by diverting stream flow. We found that our experimental low‐flow disturbance did not alter food chain length. We did see an effect on body‐size structure in our food webs suggesting that food chain length may be an insensitive indicator of disturbance. We suggest that habitat heterogeneity and food web complexity buffer the effect of disturbance on food chain length. The theoretical predictions of disturbance on food chain length are only likely to be seen in homogeneous systems that closely approximate the linear food chains the models are based upon.
Biosorption of Lignin Compounds Using Biomass Derived from Eichhornia crassipes: Batch Studies
Authors: Sahadevan Renganathan , Devaraj Ajit Balaji Kannavadi , Mahendradas Dharmendira Kumar , Gurunathan Baskar , Velan Manickam
Published: December 2008

Biosorption of lignin compounds by the Eichhornia crassipes was investigated in batch studies. Batch experiments were conducted to study the effect of initial sorbent dosage, solution pH and lignin compounds concentration. Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm models were used to represent the equilibrium data. The Freundlich isotherm model was found to be fitted very well with the experimental data when compared to Langmuir isotherm model. The results showed that the equilibrium uptake capacity was found to be increased with decrease in biomass dosage. The lignin compound removal was influenced by the initial lignin compounds concentration. The sorption results were analysed for pseudo first order and pseudo second order kinetic model. It was observed that the kinetic data fitted very well with the pseudo second order rate equation when compared to the pseudo first order rate equation. Sorption results were analyzed for the intra particle diffusion model.
Rediscovering the Role of Developing Countries in GATT before the Doha Round
Authors: Ismail Faizel
Published: December 2008

Developing countries have been characterized by some eminent writers on the GATT as having played an essentially defensive role in the GATT, unwilling to make tariff concessions, and are said to have focused almost exclusively on securing special and differential treatment concessions. This perspective has become part of the conventional wisdom in the academic literature on the GATT. This paper argues, based on empirical evidence, that the conventional argument is not an accurate description of the role of developing countries in the ITO and the GATT and that developing countries have played an active role in shaping the agenda of the GATT/WTO.
Arsenic Exposure through Drinking Water and its Effect on Pregnancy Outcome in Bengali Women
Authors: Sen Jaydip , Chaudhuri Asit
Published: December 2008

Arsenic Exposure through Drinking Water and its Effect on Pregnancy Outcome in Bengali Women

Twelve districts of the state of West Bengal, India are affected by arsenic (As) and millions of individuals are consuming As-contaminated groundwater. The probable adverse effects of As on pregnancy outcome (stillbirth and miscarriage) are yet to be properly studied. The present investigation is an attempt to understand the effects of As exposure on the pregnancy outcome in Bengali women exposed to As through drinking water and residing in different villages in North 24 Parganas District of West Bengal. The results show a significantly higher rate of stillbirths and miscarriages than those in the unexposed population.
Determination of 8-hydroxy-2'deoxyguanosine in Urine Using HPLC With Electrochemical Detection
Authors: Domijan Ana-Marija , Peraica Maja
Published: December 2008

Determination of 8-hydroxy-2'deoxyguanosine in Urine Using HPLC With Electrochemical Detection

Endogenous cell metabolism and different chemicals, drugs, ionising radiation, solar light, cigarette smoking, and air pollution can induce oxidative damage to DNA. Oxidative DNA damage is involved in the development of different diseases, aging, and cancer. Urine 8-hydroxy-2'deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) is widely accepted as a biomarker of the "whole body" oxidative DNA damage. The aim of this study was to introduce a method for determination 8-oxodG in spot urine samples using high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. In the tested range of 50 nmol L-1to 400 nmol L-1, the calibration curve was linear (r2=0.9995) and the limit of detection was 3 nmol L-1. Concentrations of 8-oxodG ranged between 3.0 nmol L-1and 48.0 nmol L-1, which is in accordance with values reported for healthy individuals in other studies.
Cytotoxicity of Polyphenolic/Flavonoid Compounds in a Leukaemia Cell Culture
Authors: Josipović Pavle , Oršolić Nada
Published: December 2008

Citotoksičnost polifenolnih/flavonoidnih spojeva u kulturi leukemijskih stanica

Flavonoidne sastavnice propolisa biološki su aktivne tvari koje posjeduju antioksidativna, protutumorska, imunomodulacijska i protuupalna svojstva. Istražili smo citotoksično djelovanje polifenolnih spojeva (kvercetina, kavene kiseline, krizina, naringenina i naringina) na različite linije leukemijskih stanica (MOLT, JURKAT, HL-60, RAJI, U937). Stanice su inkubirane u mediju RPMI-1640 obogaćenom 10%-tnim fetalnim telećim serumom, pri temperaturi od 37 °C u atmosferi s 5% CO2, uz dodatak polifenolnih/flavonoidnih spojeva različitih koncentracija (100 μg mL-1, 50 μg mL-1, 25 μg mL-1i/ili 12,5 μg mL-1). Utvrđeno je da citotoksičnost flavonoida ovisi o vrsti i koncentraciji; najjači citotoksični učinak imaju kvercetin te krizin i kavena kiselina. Krizin i/ili naringenin primijenjeni na U937 i HL-60-stanice stimuliraju proliferaciju stanica, što upućuje na bifazni učinak istraživanih spojeva na monocitne leukemijske stanice. Dobiveni rezultati upućuju na potrebu daljnjih istraživanja učinkovitosti flavonoida na molekularnoj razini.
Chromosome Aberrations in Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes of Croatian Hospital Staff Occupationally Exposed to Low Levels of Ionising Radiation
Authors: Kašuba Vilena , Rozgaj Ružica , Jazbec Anamarija
Published: December 2008

Chromosome Aberrations in Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes of Croatian Hospital Staff Occupationally Exposed to Low Levels of Ionising Radiation

Medical staff is an occupational group exposed to different agents suspected to induce genetic damage. Among them ionising radiation is the most studied. Cytogenetic analysis of human chromosomes in peripheral lymphocytes allows direct detection of mutation in somatic cells. This study investigated the cytogenetic effects of low-level ionising x-radiation in 48-hour peripheral blood lymphocyte cultures sampled from 765 hospital staff occupationally exposed to several agents known or suspected to induce chromosome damage and compared them with 200 control subjects. The exposed subjects were divided in eight (8) groups according to their specialities and job titles. The exposed groups manifested an increase in all types of chromosome aberrations. Acentric fragments were the most frequent chromosome-type aberration. Dicentric chromosomes were statistically significant only in urologists/gynaecologists. Age and smoking significantly influenced the incidence of dicentrics in the exposed groups. The frequency of ring chromosomes was low in all exposed groups (range: 0-2), and none were found in the control group. These findings indicate the importance of periodic medical checkups of hospital staff occupationally exposed to low doses of ionising radiation. The purpose is to create an individual cytogenetic register, where changes could evidence individual risks.
The Association of OGG1 Ser326Cys Polymorphism and Urinary 8-OHdG Levels With Lung Cancer Susceptibility: A Hospital-Based Case-Control Study in Turkey
Authors: Karahalil Bensu , Emerce Esra , Koçer Bülent , Han Serdar , Alkiş Necati , Karakaya Ali
Published: December 2008

The Association of OGG1 Ser326Cys Polymorphism and Urinary 8-OHdG Levels With Lung Cancer Susceptibility: A Hospital-Based Case-Control Study in Turkey

High incidence and poor prognosis of lung cancer make it a major health problem worldwide. Although smoking is a major cause of lung cancer, only some smokers develop lung cancer, which suggests that there is a genetic predisposition in some individuals. 8-OHG is an important oxidative base lesion and may elevate due to cancer and smoking. It is repaired by 8-hydroxyguanine DNA glycosylase 1 (OGG1), which has several polymorphisms. Although the Ser326Cys polymorphism is consistently associated with a range of cancers, findings about this polymorphism and lung cancer risk are contradictory. To date, no study has examined this association in the Turkish population. We conducted a case-control study to investigate the association between OGG1 Ser326Cys polymorphism and the risk of lung cancer using PCR-RFLP. We also evaluated gene-smoking interaction and excretion of urinary 8-OHdG. Our results suggest that the OGG1 Ser326Cys polymorphism is not a genetic risk factor for lung cancer, and that the heterozygous genotype is associated with a significantly reduced risk for lung cancer. The levels of 8-OHdG did not correlate with the polymorphism and smoking. Larger association studies are needed to validate our findings, and mechanistic studies are needed to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of this association.
Layered Sodium Disilicates as Precursors of Mesoporous Silicas. Part I: Optimisation of the Synthesis Procedure of δ-Na2Si2O5 and α-Na2Si2O5
Authors: Michalik-Zym Alicja , Zimowska Małgorzata , Bahranowski Krzysztof , Serwicka Ewa
Published: December 2008

Layered Sodium Disilicates as Precursors of Mesoporous Silicas. Part I: Optimisation of the Synthesis Procedure of δ-Na2Si2O5and α-Na2Si2O5

Optimization of the synthetic procedures described in literature aimed at preparing pure δ-Na2Si2O5has been carried out. The results show that a substantial shortening of the calcination time of amorphous silicate precursor is required, in order to minimize the appearance of the thermodynamically stable α-Na2Si2O5. The use of commercial water glass solution rather than freshly synthesized silica/NaOH slurry is the preferred source of the starting amorphous silicate. Optimized preparative routes for synthesis of single-phase δ-Na2Si2O5and α-Na2Si2O5have been described.
Layered Sodium Disilicates as Precursors of Mesoporous Silicas. Part II: Hydration of δ-Na2Si2O5 and α-Na2Si2O5
Authors: Michalik-Zym Alicja , Zimowska Małgorzata , Bielańska Elżbieta , Bahranowski Krzysztof , Serwicka Ewa
Published: December 2008

Layered Sodium Disilicates as Precursors of Mesoporous Silicas. Part II: Hydration of δ-Na2Si2O5and α-Na2Si2O5

Reaction of δ-Na2Si2O5and α-Na2Si2O5with water at ambient conditions has been studied. The first substrate produced kanemite, the other a crystalline solid, assumed to be the layered hydrated α phase of yet unknown structure. Important differences have been observed in the kinetics of δ-Na2Si2O5and α-Na2Si2O5reactions with water, the phase transformation of the latter being distinctly slower. The observed different rates of hydration were associated with the different structural properties of the disilicates investigated. Hydrated δ-Na2Si2O5and α-Na2Si2O5possess, respectively, the platy and the needle-like morphology. Hydrated α-Na2Si2O5contains less interlayer water, which is considered the reason for basal spacing being lower than that of kanemite. The interlayer water trapped between the layers of hydrated α-Na2Si2O5is more strongly bound than that in kanemite.
Editorial Note
Authors: Cap and Iwona Witczak-Plisiecka (LPP Editors) Piotr
Published: December 2008

Editorial Note
Evolution of a Teacher: Helping Students Learn
Authors: Kathleen Salisbury S.
Published: December 2008

I was honored to receive the 2007 National Carl J. Norden–Pfizer Distinguished Teacher Award. This award reflects the impact that my mentors and students have had on my teaching. I have been fortunate to have dedicated mentors and wonderful students. It is through the support and guidance of colleagues and students that I have been able to grow as a teacher. My students have taught me a lot about being an effective teacher. I will share some key principles that I try to follow in my teaching. These principles can be used in any teaching situation in any discipline.
Current Methods in Use for Assessing Clinical Competencies: What Works?
Authors: Hardie Elizabeth M.
Published: December 2008

An online survey was used to capture qualitative descriptions of methods used by a veterinary college to assess clinical competencies in its students. Each college was specifically asked about use of the methods detailed in the Toolbox of Assessment Methods developed by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and the American Board of Medical Specialties. Additionally, each college was asked to detail the methods used to ensure competency in each of the nine areas specified by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education. Associate deans of academic affairs or their equivalents at veterinary colleges in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the Caribbean were contacted by e-mail and asked to complete the survey. Responses were obtained from 24 of 32 colleges. The methods most often used were review of students’ medical records (16), checklist evaluation of must-learn skills (16), procedural logs (11), multiple-choice skill examinations (11), case simulations using role-playing (7), short-answer skill examinations (7), global rating of live or recorded performance (7), case simulations using computerized case simulations (7), 360-degree evaluation of clinical performance (4), and standardized patient or client examination (3). Additional methods used included medical record portfolio review, paper-and-pencil branching problems, chart-stimulated oral exams, externship mentor evaluation, performance rubrics for clinical rotations, direct observation and query on cases, video evaluation, case correlation tasks, and an employer survey. Non-realistic models were used more often for skill evaluation than realistic models. One college used virtual-reality models for testing.
The Use of a Structured Interview Guide in Veterinary College Admissions
Authors: Molgaard Laura K. , Lewis Robert E.
Published: December 2008

The University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine incorporated a structured behavioral interview guide in its 2004 application cycle. This article presents the challenges associated with the incorporation of the guide, the methods used to ensure appropriate training for faculty and practicing veterinarians conducting interviews, and preliminary data regarding the guide's contribution to the admissions process.
Duchesnea Phenolic Fraction Inhibits In Vitro and In Vivo Growth of Cervical Cancer Through Induction of Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest
Authors: Peng Bo , Hu Qin , Liu Xinmin , Wang Liwei , Chang Qi , Li Jianrong , Tang Jintian , Wang Ning , Wang Yuqi
Published: December 2008

Duchesnea indica (Andr.) Focke has been commonly used to treat cancer in Asian countries for centuries, and recently has been shown to possess anticancer properties in vitro and in vivo. But the underlying mechanism of the anticancer action is unclear, especially in in vivo studies. In this study, we investigated the anticancer effect and associated mechanisms of Duchesnea phenolic fraction (DPF) on cervical cancer in vitro and in vivo. Our results showed that DPF significantly inhibited cervical cancer cell proliferation in dose- and time-dependent manners. DPF induced apoptosis as determined by AO/EB staining, DNA fragmentation and flow cytometry. Some apoptosis correlated proteins were altered following DPF treatment. Bax was up-regulated while Bcl-2 was down-regulated, and the expression ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 was increased. These resulted in the translocation of Bax to mitochondria, the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria to the cytosol and caspase-3 activation. Concurrently, DPF provoked S phase arrest along with significant down-regulation of S phase-associated proteins, such as cyclin A, cyclin E, cyclin D1 and cdk2. Transplanted U14 cervical cancer mouse model was used to evaluate the antitumor effect of DPF in vivo. Compared with control, DPF treatment markedly prolonged survival of tumor-bearing mice and dose-dependently reduced the tumor weight. DPF could induce apoptosis in tumor tissues as evidenced by increased TUNEL-positive cells, activation of caspase-3, up-regulation of Bax and down-regulation of Bcl-2. In addition, DPF significantly decreased the expression of cell proliferation markers PCNA and ki67 in tumors. All together, these data sustain our contention that DPF has anticancer properties and merits further investigation as a potential therapeutic agent.
Quantitative Analysis of Polar Lipids in the Nanoliter Level of Rat Serum by Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Yu Shanggong , Li Qinglin , Badger Thomas M. , Fang Nianbai
Published: December 2008

Polar lipids in serum, including lysophospholipids (LPLs) and free fatty acids (FFAs), have a broad range of biological activities and require a suitable method for their quantitative analysis. Conventional methods use multistep procedures to simultaneously purify and analyze polar lipids and non-polar lipids in serum. However, the methods could result in inaccurate quantifications of polar and/or non-polar lipids because compounds with different polarities have different behaviors in solvent extraction and mass spectrometric ionization. In this study, a method was designed to analyze polar lipids in serum based on the polarities of LPLs and FFAs. The method consisted of extraction without filtration and analysis of the crude extract without multistep purification. Fifty LPLs and 32 FFAs were detected in rat serum. The concentrations of LPLs (1272.1 μmole/L in female and 999.8 μmole/L in male) and FFAs (1910.9 μmole/L in female and 1651.4 μmole/L in male) were determined. Peak areas of MS ion in Extract Ion Chromatogram (EIC) were used for the quantification in this study. The approach of quantification should be perfectly suitable for precise quantification of a specific serum component by adding its isotope standard to the serum before extraction.
Serum IGF-I-Deficiency Does Not Prevent Compensatory Skeletal Muscle Hypertrophy in Resistance Exercise
Authors: Matheny Wayne , Merritt Edward , Zannikos Symeon V. , Farrar Roger P. , Adamo Martin L.
Published: December 2008

The involvement of circulating insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) in the skeletal muscle response to resistance exercise is currently unclear. To address this, we utilized the liver IGF-I-deficient (LID) mouse model, in which the igf1 gene has been disrupted in the hepatocytes, resulting in ~80% reduction in serum IGF-I. Twelve- to 13-month-old male LID and control (L/L) mice were subjected to 16 weeks of resistance training. Resistance exercise resulted in equal strength gains in both L/L and LID mice. Basal IGF-I mRNA levels were greater in LID muscles than in L/L, and exercise increased IGF-I mRNA in quadriceps, gastrocnemius, and plantaris muscles. LID mice had elevated tyrosine phosphorylation of IGF-IR and Stat5b, the latter possibly reflective of increased serum GH. Tyrosine phosphorylation of IGF-IR was increased, while phospho-Stat5b was reduced after resistance training of both wild-type and LID mice. These data suggest that: 1) performance and recovery in response to resistance training is normal even when there is severe deficiency of circulating IGF-I; and 2) upregulation of local IGF-I may be involved in the compensatory growth of muscle that occurs in response to resistance training. Decreased levels of p-Stat5b in exercised mice suggests that the upregulation of local IGF-I gene expression in response to exercise may be GH-independent.
Effects of Diesel Exhaust Particles on Antigen-Presenting Cells and Antigen-Specific Th Immunity in Mice
Authors: Inoue Ken-Ichiro , Koike Eiko , Takano Hirohisa , Yanagisawa Rie , Ichinose Takamichi , Yoshikawa Toshikazu
Published: December 2008

Diesel exhaust particles (DEP) exacerbate antigen-related airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in mice; however, the mechanisms remain undefined. The present study characterized more precisely which pathways and cellular events of the allergic response are amplified by DEP in view of the maturation/activation/function of antigen-presenting cells (APC) and the antigen-specific Th response. We evaluated the effects of DEP on the phenotype and function of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDC) in vitro and on the expression pattern of APC-related molecules in the murine lung in the presence or absence of antigen in vivo. Also, we tested the effects of in vivo DEP co-exposure with antigen on the splenic antigen-specific Th response in the context of cytokine production. DEP significantly increased both allogeneic and antigen (ovalbumin: OVA)-specific syngeneic T-cell proliferation in vitro. In addition, an in vivo experiment showed that repetitive pulmonary exposure to DEP plus antigen (OVA) increased the numbers of MHC class II+cells and those expressing CD11c, DEC205 (DC markers), CD80, CD86 (co-stimulatory molecules), F4/80 (a macrophage marker), and CD19 (a B-cell differentiation antigen) in the lung as compared to that of others (vehicle, DEP, or OVA). Furthermore, an ex vivo assay system demonstrated that splenic mononuclear cells primed by DEP plus OVA produced a greater amount of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13 after in vitro antigen stimulation compared to those primed by the other treatments. In conclusion, enhancement of allergic responses by DEP can be explained via two novel mechanisms, i.e., enhancement effects on APC including DC and on antigen-specific Th response, which culminate in the promotion of local and systemic dysregulated Th immunity.
Land Use/Cover Dynamics in Response to Changes in Environmental and Socio-Political Forces in the Upper Reaches of Yangtze River, China
Authors: Wu Xing , Shen Zhenyao , Liu Ruimin , Ding Xiaowen
Published: December 2008

Land use/cover change (LUCC), which results from the complex interaction of social, ecological and geophysical processes, is a major issue and the main cause of global environmental change. This study analyzed the land use/cover dynamics and their environmental and socio-political forces in the upper reaches of Yangtze River from 1980 to 2000 by using remote sensing, climatic and socio-economic data from both research institutes and government departments. The results indicated that there had been significant land use/cover changes between 1980 and 2000 in the study area, which were characterized by a severe replacement of cropland and woodland with grassland and built-up land. The transition matrices highlight the dominant dynamic events and the internal conversions between land use/cover types during the study period and reveal two distinct transition phases. Land use/cover changes in the upper reaches of Yangtze River during 1980 to 2000, while restricted by environmental attributes, were strongly driven by socio-political factors. However, excessively pursuing higher land use benefits likely results in serious environmental degradation. This study suggests that the restructuring of land use should be based on land suitability and sustainable protection of fragile environment in the upper reaches of Yangtze River. A thorough comprehension of historical changes will enhance our capability to predict future land use change and contribute to effective management strategies and policies for the rational land use.
IMPROVED LIPSCHITZ BOUNDS WITH THE FIRST NORM FOR FUNCTION VALUES OVER MULTIDIMENSIONAL SIMPLEX
Authors: Paulavičius Remigijus , Žilinskas Julius
Published: December 2008

A branch and bound algorithm for global optimization is proposed, where the maximum of an upper bounding function based on Lipschitz condition and the first norm over a simplex is used as the upper bound of function. In this case the graph of bounding function is intersection of n‐dimensional pyramids and its maximum point is found solving a system of linear equations. The efficiency of the proposed global optimization algorithm is evaluated experimentally.
Polymer‐Supported N‐Phenylsulfonyloxaziridine (Davis Reagent): A Versatile Oxidant
Authors: Gao Yongnian , Lam Yulin
Published: December 2008

An efficient preparation of a new recyclable polymer‐supported oxidizing agent based on N‐phenylsulfonyloxaziridine has been developed. This new polymer‐supported oxidant was shown to effect a clean and selective conversion of a range of sulfides, selenides, amines, phosphines and enolates to the corresponding sulfoxides, selenoxides, N‐oxides, phosphine oxides and α‐hydroxy carbonyl compounds. It also enabled tetrahydrobenzimidazoles to be oxidatively rearranged to spiro‐fused 5‐imidazolones. Recycling of the polymer‐supported oxidant is possible with minimal loss of activity after several reoxidations.
Catalyst‐Free Aldol Additions of 1,3‐Dicarbonyl Compounds
Authors: Rohr Kerstin , Mahrwald Rainer
Published: December 2008

Solvent‐ and catalyst‐free aldol additions of activated aldehydes to 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds are described. Aldol condensation was not observed under these reaction conditions. This unexpected aldol reaction could be extended successfully to a variety of acyclic and cyclic β‐dicarbonyl compounds.
Ligand Control in Enantioselective Desymmetrization of Bicyclic Hydrazines: Rhodium(I)‐Catalyzed Ring‐Opening versus Hydroarylation
Authors: Panteleev Jane , Menard Frederic , Lautens Mark
Published: December 2008

The efficient desymmetrization of 2,3‐bicyclic hydrazines with boronic acids through rhodium‐catalyzed ring‐opening or reductive arylation is described. Excellent levels of enantioselectivity are achieved in ring‐opening with ortho‐substituted boronic acids, using Josiphos‐type ligands. Alternatively, reductive arylation occurs selectively with electron‐poor Josiphos and Walphos ligands. A CH activation/1,4‐migration mechanism was established through deuterium transfer experiments.
Forcing a cis‐Product by Matrix Imprinting: Heck Reaction Catalyzed by Palladium Acetate Entrapped within cis‐Imprinted Sol‐Gel Derived Silicates
Authors: Tsvelikhovsky Dmitry , Pessing Dikla , Avnir David , Blum Jochanan
Published: December 2008

While the Heck coupling of aryl bromides with styrenes by palladium acetate entrapped within octylated silica sol‐gel forms almost entirely trans‐stilbenes, the catalysis by the palladium compound within the cis‐pre‐imprinted support gives stilbenes that are substantially enriched by cis‐oriented isomers. Although the ceramic support is completely freed from the imprint prior to the coupling process, cis‐stilbenes are formed with similar selectivities upon recycling of the catalyst systems for at least four consecutive runs.
The Liebeskind–Srogl CC Cross‐Coupling Reaction
Authors: Prokopcová Hana , Kappe C. Oliver
Published: December 2008

New kid on the block: The cross‐coupling of thioorganic compounds with boronic acids under neutral conditions in the presence of catalytic palladium(0) and a stoichiometric amount of a copper(I) oxygenate has emerged as a very useful method for the construction of CC bonds (see scheme). This intriguing and mechanistically unprecedented base‐free coupling has distinct advantages, in particular when traditional Pd0‐catalyzed cross‐coupling is not possible.

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Although a plethora of highly selective and reliable methods for the construction of CC bonds are known to organic chemists, there is growing interest in the development of new protocols that offer different or orthogonal reactivity to that of existing methods. In 2000, Liebeskind and Srogl described a mechanistically unprecedented transition‐metal‐catalyzed cross‐coupling of thioesters with boronic acids to produce ketones under neutral conditions. This desulfitative cross‐coupling process is catalytic in palladium(0), stoichiometric in copper(I), and applicable to a range of organosulfur derivatives and nucleophilic organometallic reagents. In this Minireview, we highlight recent applications of this intriguing cross‐coupling reaction in modern organic synthesis, with an emphasis on cases in which traditional methods for CC bond formation have failed.
Adaptive feedback control in complex delayed dynamical networks
Authors: Wang L. , Dai H. P. , Sun Y. X.
Published: December 2008

Recently, complex networks have attracted a great deal of attention in various fields of nature and society. In this paper, an adaptive feedback control scheme is introduced to synchronize a general complex dynamical network with time‐varying delay. By construction of Lyapunov functional, we deduce that global synchronization of the network model can be guaranteed by the proposed control scheme. Numerical simulation illustrated by a three‐node network shows that the adaptive feedback control scheme can ensure adaptive synchronization of the controlled network even without the information of network topological structure and coupling strength. Copyright © 2008 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diphenylprolinol Silyl Ether as a Catalyst in an Enantioselective, Catalytic Michael Reaction for the Formation of α,α‐Disubstituted α‐Amino Acid Derivatives
Authors: Hayashi Yujiro , Obi Kazuki , Ohta Yusuke , Okamura Daichi , Ishikawa Hayato
Published: December 2008

Direct and enantioselective: Diphenylprolinol silyl ether was found to catalyze the direct, asymmetric Michael reaction of 4‐substituted 2‐aryl‐2‐oxazoline‐5‐one and α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes, affording the chiral α,α‐disubstituted α‐amino acid derivatives with excellent enantioselectivity.

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Population pharmacokinetics of valproate in Mexican children with epilepsy
Authors: Correa Tania , Rodríguez Ildefonso , Romano Silvia
Published: December 2008

Background. The aim of this study was to determine the factors that influence valproate clearance (CL) in Mexican epileptic pediatric patients using a mixed‐effect model and sparse data of serum concentrations of valproic acid (VPA) collected during routine clinical care of patients.

Methods. The number of patients included in the study was 110. The population CL was calculated by using the NONMEM program. The following covariates were tested by their influence on CL: total body weight (TBW), height, age, body surface area, daily dose (DD), sex of the patient and comedication with phenobarbital (PB) or carbamazepine.

Results. The final regression model for valproic CL found best to describe the data was: CL/F=(0.0466+0.00363 TBW+0.000282 DD) * (1+0.236 PB). This model allows a reduction of 50% of the interindividual variability and of 31% of the residual variability described by the basic model that does not include covariables.

Conclusions. Total body weight, daily dose of valproate and concomitant therapy with PB are factors that significantly influence VPA kinetic disposition and they should be considered in programming dosage regimens for this antiepileptic drug in the pediatric population. The validation of the model supports its acceptability for clinical purposes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Celebrating Fifty Years of the Biometrical Journal
Authors: Victor N. , Läuter J. , Ihm P. , Dietz K.
Published: December 2008

The publication of Volume 50 of the Biometrical Journal (formerly Biometrische Zeitschrift) in 2008 provides the perfect opportunity to describe the history of the present journal. We report on the long period of preparation for the journal within the German Region (DR) of the International Biometric Society (IBS). A special paragraph is dedicated to the first ten volumes. We emphasize the role of the journal as a bond between German biometricians on both sides of the border between the two German nations and IBS regions at that time. Furthermore, we report on the development of its thematic spectrum and impact factors and provide citation frequencies. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The Petersen–Lincoln Estimator and its Extension to Estimate the Size of a Shared Population
Authors: Chao Anne , Pan H.‐Y. , Chiang Shu‐Chuan
Published: December 2008

The Petersen–Lincoln estimator has been used to estimate the size of a population in a single mark release experiment. However, the estimator is not valid when the capture sample and recapture sample are not independent. We provide an intuitive interpretation for “independence” between samples based on 2 × 2 categorical data formed by capture/non‐capture in each of the two samples. From the interpretation, we review a general measure of “dependence” and quantify the correlation bias of the Petersen–Lincoln estimator when two types of dependences (local list dependence and heterogeneity of capture probability) exist. An important implication in the census undercount problem is that instead of using a post enumeration sample to assess the undercount of a census, one should conduct a prior enumeration sample to avoid correlation bias. We extend the Petersen–Lincoln method to the case of two populations. This new estimator of the size of the shared population is proposed and its variance is derived. We discuss a special case where the correlation bias of the proposed estimator due to dependence between samples vanishes. The proposed method is applied to a study of the relapse rate of illicit drug use in Taiwan. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Estimating Completeness in Cancer Registries – Comparing Capture‐Recapture Methods in a Simulation Study
Authors: Schmidtmann Irene
Published: December 2008

Completeness of registration is one of the quality indicators usually reported by cancer registries. This allows researchers to assess how useful and representative the data is. Several methods have been suggested to estimate completeness. In this paper a multi‐state model for the process of cancer diagnosis and treatment is presented. In principle, every contact with a doctor during diagnosis, treatment, and aftercare can give rise to a cancer registry notification with a certain probability. Therefore the states included in the model are “incident tumour” and “death” but also contacts with doctors such as consultation of a general practitioner or specialised doctor, diagnostic procedures, therapeutic interventions, and aftercare. In this model transitions between states and possible notifications to a cancer registry after entering a state are simulated. Transition intensities are derived and used in simulation. Several capture‐recapture methods have been applied to the simulated data. Simulated “true” numbers of new cases and simulated numbers of registrations are both available. This allows to assess the validity of the completeness estimates and to compare the relative merits of the methods. In the scenarios investigated here, all capture‐recapture estimators tended to underestimate completeness. While a modified DCN method and one type of log‐linear model yielded quite reasonable estimates other methods exhibited large variability or grossly underestimated completeness. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Hybridization of short complementary PNAs to G‐quadruplex forming oligonucleotides: An electrospray mass spectrometry study
Authors: Amato Jussara , Oliviero Giorgia , De Pauw Edwin , Gabelica Valérie
Published: December 2008

We investigated the interaction of the short peptide nucleic acid (PNA) strand [acccca]‐PNA with oligodeoxynucleotides containing one, two, or four tracts of TGGGGT units. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry allowed exploring the wide variety of complex stoichiometries that were found to coexist in solution. In water, the PNA strand forms short heteroduplexes with the complementary DNA sequences, but higher‐order structures are also found, with PNA2n·DNAn triplex units, culminating in precipitation at very low ionic strength. In the presence of ammonium acetate, there is a competition between PNA·DNA heteroduplex formation and DNA G‐quadruplex formation. Heteroduplex formation is favored when the PNA + DNA mixture in ammonium acetate is heated and cooled at room temperature, but not if the PNA is added at room temperature to the preformed G‐quadruplex. We also found that the short [acccca]‐PNA strand binds to G‐quadruplexes. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 91: 244–255, 2009.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
An Unusual Stable Mononuclear MnIII Bis‐terpyridine Complex Exhibiting Jahn–Teller Compression: Electrochemical Synthesis, Physical Characterisation and Theoretical Study
Authors: Romain Sophie , Duboc Carole , Neese Frank , Rivière Eric , Hanton Lyall R. , Blackman Allan G. , Philouze Christian , Leprêtre Jean‐Claude , Deronzier Alain , Collomb Marie‐Noëlle
Published: December 2008

The mononuclear manganese bis‐terpyridine complex [Mn(tolyl‐terpy)2](X)3 (1(X)3; X=BF4, ClO4, PF6; tolyl‐terpy=4′‐(4‐methylphenyl)‐2,2′:6′,2“‐terpyridine), containing Mn in the unusual +III oxidation state, has been isolated and characterised. The 13+ ion is a rare example of a mononuclear MnIII complex stabilised solely by neutral N ligands. Complex 13+ is obtained by electrochemical oxidation of the corresponding MnII compound 12+ in anhydrous acetonitrile. Under these conditions the cyclic voltammogram of 12+ exhibits not only the well‐known MnII/MnIII oxidation at E1/2=+0.91 V versus Ag/Ag+ (+1.21 V vs. SCE) but also a second metal‐based oxidation process corresponding to MnIII/MnIV at E1/2=+1.63 V (+1.93 V vs. SCE). Single crystals of 1(PF6)3⋅2 CH3CN were obtained by an electrocrystallisation procedure. X‐ray analysis unambiguously revealed its tetragonally compressed octahedral geometry and high‐spin character. The electronic properties of 13+ were investigated in detail by magnetic measurements and theoretical calculations, from which a D value of +4.82 cm−1 was precisely determined. Density functional and complete active space self consistent field ab initio calculations both correctly predict a positive sign of D, in agreement with the compressed tetragonal distortion observed in the X‐ray structure of 1(PF6)3⋅2 CH3CN. The different contributions to D were calculated, and the results show that 1) the spin–orbit coupling part (+2.593 cm−1) is predominant compared to the spin–spin interaction (+1.075 cm−1) and 2) the excited triplet states make the dominant contribution to the total D value.