bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxidative stress reaction in the meniscus of Bach 1 deficient mice: Potential prevention of meniscal degeneration
Authors: Ochiai Satoshi , Mizuno Toshiyuki , Deie Masataka , Igarashi Kazuhiko , Hamada Yoshiki , Ochi Mitsuo
Published: February 2008

Bach 1 is a transcription factor that negatively regulates the transcription of heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), a stress‐responding protein. In this study, we investigated the reaction to oxidative stress in the meniscus of Bach 1 deficient mice, and the suppression of meniscal degeneration by the induction of HO‐1. We carried out a comparative study between Bach 1 deficient mice and wild type mice, in which the oxidative stress reaction and age‐related changes were investigated using the menisci of 6‐, 12‐, and 24‐week‐old mice. The degrees of meniscal degeneration and expression of HO‐1 were evaluated using the menisci cultured under oxidative stress with cadmium chloride or interleukin‐1 β. The age‐related changes in the meniscus were histologically examined. The expression of HO‐1 was higher, and the degrees of histological degeneration were lower in the Bach 1 deficient mice than in wild type mice (HO‐1 mRNA expression: In both the Cd group and the IL group, two–fourfold higher in the meniscus). The age‐related changes were lower in the Bach 1 deficient mice than in wild type mice. In 24‐week‐old mice, a moderate decrease in the cell density and proteoglycan content was observed in wild type mice compared with Bach 1 deficient mice. In the menisci of Bach 1 deficient mice, the anti‐oxidative stress activity was considered to be increased by abrogating the suppression of HO‐1 expression, resulting in a reduction of histological degeneration. This finding showed a potential new strategy for the prevention and treatment of meniscal degeneration. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:894–898, 2008
Can surgeons improve survival in stage IV melanoma?
Authors: Mosca Paul J. , Teicher Erik , Nair Suresh P. , Pockaj Barbara A.
Published: February 2008

Successful systemic management of stage IV melanoma continues to be elusive because of the paucity of effective therapies. This has fueled the continued interest in surgical resection. Several single‐institution studies and a current, large, multi‐institutional phase III trial have demonstrated a survival benefit for patients who underwent surgical resection for melanoma metastases. Incorporating these results into new approaches using multimodality treatment may enhance survival in patients with stage IV melanoma. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;97:462–468. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cost‐effectiveness of laparoscopy versus laparotomy for initial surgical evaluation and treatment of potentially resectable hepatic colorectal metastases: a decision analysis
Authors: Karuna Shelly Tanner , Thirlby Richard , Biehl Thomas , Veenstra David
Published: February 2008

Background and Objectives

Approximately 10–40% of colorectal cancer patients with potentially resectable hepatic metastases are incorrectly deemed resectable on standard pre‐operative evaluation, including contrast‐enhanced CT. Laparoscopy can identify unresectability in a majority of patients at highest risk of being incorrectly deemed resectable, sparing them an unnecessary laparotomy. However, laparoscopy requires an added investment by surgeons, patients, and payers. This analysis seeks to ascertain whether that investment is cost‐effective.

Methods

A decision tree model was developed to evaluate the societal cost‐effectiveness of laparoscopy versus laparotomy in colorectal cancer patients with hepatic metastases deemed resectable on standard pre‐operative evaluation. This comparison involved the cost, the effectiveness, and the incremental cost‐effectiveness (the cost in dollars for each quality‐adjusted life‐year saved) of each option. Sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the model's validity under a variety of assumptions.

Results

The cost‐effectiveness of performing laparoscopy prior to laparotomy for resection of colorectal hepatic metastases depends primarily upon the probability of resectability determined at laparoscopy, and on the sensitivity of diagnostic laparoscopy.

Conclusion

Laparoscopy for initial evaluation of resectability of hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer is most likely to benefit patients and save costs when performed after pre‐operative risk stratification in patients at high risk of radiographically occult unresectable disease. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;97:396–403. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Initial tumor size predicts histologic response and survival in localized osteosarcoma patients
Authors: Kim Min Suk , Lee Soo‐Yong , Cho Wan Hyeong , Song Won Seok , Koh Jae‐Soo , Lee Jun Ah , Yoo Ji Young , Jeon Dae‐Geun
Published: February 2008

Background

To evaluate the correlation between histologic response and size parameters, and to analyze the prognostic importance of size parameters on metastasis‐free survival in localized osteosarcoma patients.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 331 patients with stage II osteosarcoma treated with surgery and chemotherapy. The tumor size parameters were measured and calculated based on MR images. The mean metastasis‐free interval was 77.8 months (range, 3–205 months; median, 67 months).

Results

Tumor size is best defined by relative tumor plane (RTP). Patients with a large tumor (RTP>27.5 cm2/m2) had a significant correlation with poor histologic response and distal femoral tumor location. The independent prognostic factors for metastasis‐free survival were American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage, RTP, proximal humerus location, chondroblastic subtype, and poor histologic response.

Conclusion

The initial tumor size is closely related to histologic response and is an important prognostic factor in osteosarcoma. Tumor size is best represented by AJCC stage and RTP. These parameters may serve as a basis for risk‐adapted therapy in combined stratification with histologic response. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;97:456–461. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HPLC method for the simultaneous determination of atenolol and chlorthalidone in human breast milk
Authors: El‐Gindy Alaa , Sallam Shehab , Abdel‐Salam Randa A.
Published: February 2008

A high‐performance liquid chromatographic method was optimized and validated for the determination of atenolol and chlorthalidone (CT) in human breast milk. The milk samples were extracted and purified using ACN and phosphoric acid for precipitation of proteins followed by removal of ACN and milk fats by extraction with methylene chloride. The samples were applied, after an extraction procedure, to a cyanide column using a mobile phase consisting of ACN/water (35:65 v/v) and buffered at pH 4.0 with flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. Quantitation was achieved with UV detection at 225 nm using guaifenesin as the internal standard. The effectiveness of protein precipitation and clean up procedure were investigated. The method was validated over the range of 0.3–20 μg/mL for atenolol and 0.25–5 μg/mL for CT.
Development of a capillary electrophoresis method for the characterization of “palo azul” (Eysenhardtia polystachya)
Authors: Salinas‐Hernández Pastora , López‐Bermúdez Francisco J. , Rodríguez‐Barrientos Damaris , Ramírez‐Silva María Teresa , Romero‐Romo Mario A. , Morales‐Anzures Fernando , Rojas‐Hernández Alberto
Published: February 2008

The tree Eysenhardtia polystachya (Ortega) Sarg. has quite a wide popular use within the traditional Mexican medicine as herbal remedy. Popular practices constitute a relevant enough basis to design optimum analytical methods in order to determine basic principles of diverse medicinal plants. This has become one of the essentials needed to characterize such products, for which it is fundamentally important to develop an efficient and reliable separation method. This work presents the results concerning the development and optimization of a novel CE method for the separation of components from water/etanol (1:1) extracts of E. polystachya, using the following conditions, considered the best obtained: phosphate buffer 10 mM, 20 kV voltage, and pH 8.1 at 214 nm and 50 mM, 12.5 kV voltage with pH 8.1 at 426 nm. The optimization takes into account the parameters associated in the resulting electropherograms, such as number of peaks, migration times, and the Δtm of the neighboring peaks. Under optimal conditions the separation intended was attained within 15 and 20 min for 214 and 426 nm, respectively. The characterization method developed was applied to the analysis of diverse extracts of E. polystachya.
S‐Trityl‐(R)‐cysteine, a powerful chiral selector for the analytical and preparative ligand‐exchange chromatography of amino acids
Authors: Natalini Benedetto , Sardella Roccaldo , Macchiarulo Antonio , Pellicciari Roberto
Published: February 2008

S‐Trityl‐(R)‐cysteine [(R)‐STC] is the new selector of a dynamically coated, chiral ligand‐exchange stationary phase which proved to be highly effective in both analytical and preparative‐scale separation of enantiomers of some natural and unnatural underivatized amino acids, with good separation and resolution factors. With the aim of identifying the best chromatographic conditions suitable for the preparative‐scale separations, some parameters controlling retention, separation and resolution factors (such as the type and amount of cupric salt and the eluent pH) were investigated. The relatively easy removal of the Cu(II) ions renders this technique suitable for obtaining small amounts of enantiomerically pure samples for preliminary biological evaluations.
Current trends in isolation, separation, determination and identification of isoflavones: A review
Authors: Vacek Jan , Klejdus Borivoj , Lojková Lea , Kubán Vlastimil
Published: February 2008

Isoflavones are natural substances which elicit a number of physiological effects in living organisms. The substances are synthesized in plant tissues as protective agents against biotic stress (i. e. bacterial infection). Isoflavones are also an important dietary constituent in human nutrition. Modern trends in studies of isoflavones in plant materials and foodstuffs and procedures for chemical analyses of isoflavones in human body fluids and plant tissues are discussed in this review. Highly effective extraction and purification techniques, i. e. solid‐phase extraction, accelerated‐solvent extraction, and Soxhlet extraction, are presented. Latest procedures in chromatographic separation of isoflavones that apply different types of sorbents are described. Immunochemical analysis, electrochemical sensing of isoflavones, and spectrometric and other analytical techniques and their applications are also mentioned. Special attention is paid to the highly selective and sensitive technique of mass spectrometry and its application for identification of isoflavones and their glucosides in plants. Studies of interactions of isoflavones with cell receptors and a number of biologically active substances such as DNA and proteins are described. The review does not intend to give a complete overview of the topics considered but rather to present modern and most recent methods used in studies of isoflavones.
Strategic processes @ Nike—making and doing knowledge management
Authors: Stonehouse George , Minocha Sonal
Published: February 2008

This paper contrasts theory with practice through a case study of strategic processes of knowledge management (KM) at Nike Incorporated. From its origins as a small specialist enterprise in 1972 to a multi‐billion dollar global brand, the corporation has been continuously at the forefront of developments in management practice and business innovation. This case study has been compiled from interviews with senior managers and numerous secondary sources. The paper begins with a discussion of an insider perspective on the trajectory of the organization in terms of its strategic goals and decisions on markets, customers, products, services and business processes. It then goes on to explore and critique the dynamic interplay of the processes of strategizing, learning, creativity and innovation at Nike as the basis for its knowledge‐based competitive advantage (CA).

The case thus represents KM as a unique combination of processes in which learning; strategy and creativity are organized and strategically embedded within a large global organization. This has implications for future theorizing in KM, which, as we illustrate in this paper, demands a more integrative approach to research and practice. One of the key lessons for practice is that span of activity, as well as strategy, will influence the relationship between strategizing, organizing and learning and this interplay determines the success (or failure) of KM. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self‐Cleaning and Next Generation Anti‐Fog Surfaces and Coatings
Authors: Howarter John A. , Youngblood Jeffrey P.
Published: February 2008

Due to their high surface energy, hydrophilic surfaces are susceptible to contaminations which are difficult to remove and often ruin the surface. Traditional anti‐fog coatings are especially limited by contaminants, as the prevention of fogging is enhanced as hydrophilicity increases. Thus, advanced solutions to fogging are required which incorporate some degree of self‐cleaning ability without significant losses in anti‐fog character. Potential next generation anti‐fog surfaces are characterized with particular emphasis on extended lifetime stimuli‐responsive surfaces. Surfactant‐based surfaces exhibited simultaneous hydrophilicity, necessary for anti‐fogging, and oleophobicity, necessary for contamination resistance. The combination of these features rendered the surface as self‐cleaning.

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A Novel Approach to Prepare Porous Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) Hydrogel with Superfast Shrinking Kinetics
Authors: Zhang Jian‐Tao , Jandt Klaus D.
Published: February 2008

In this study, the hydrophobic liquid template method was firstly used to prepare temperature sensitive, porous poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) hydrogel. During the radical polymerization, hydrophobic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) were used as liquid templates and stabilizer, respectively. After removal of the liquid templates, porous PNIPAAm hydrogel was obtained. This gel exhibited superfast shrinking properties when being transferred from below to above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST), which was ascribed to the interconnected porous structures.

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Chiroptical Properties of Multiple‐Helical, Oligopeptide‐Substituted Poly(diacetylene)s in Solution
Authors: Weiss Jan , Jahnke Eike , Frauenrath Holger
Published: February 2008

Three diacetylene macromonomers based on oligopeptide‐polymer conjugates were designed to self‐organize into uniform supramolecular polymers which exhibited multiple‐helical superstructures constituted from a defined, finite number of laminated single β‐sheet tapes. These supramolecular polymers were then converted into poly(diacetylene)s with multiple‐helical quaternary structures. The nature of the latter in solution was investigated by UV, CD, and Raman spectroscopy. The polymerization proceeded under preservation of the previously assembled multiple‐helical superstructures, and the deaggregation of the oligopeptide β‐sheets before and after polymerization proved the mutual stabilization of the helical poly(diacetylene) backbone conformation and hydrogen bonded β‐sheet arrays.

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Regulation of Micellar Morphology of PCL‐b‐PEO Block Copolymers by Crystallization Temperature
Authors: Du Zi‐Xiu , Xu Jun‐Ting , Fan Zhi‐Qiang
Published: February 2008

The effect of crystallization temperature on the micellar morphology of PCL‐b‐PEO block copolymers in water has been studied. It is found that the micellar morphology of PCLnPEO44 and PCLnPEO113 changes with crystallization temperature in different ways because of two competitive factors: perfection of the PCL crystals in the core and deformation of the soluble PEO block. For PCLnPEO44, perfection of the PCL crystals dominates the micellar morphology and lamellar micelles are formed at a higher crystallization temperature. For PCLnPEO113 the micellar morphology is mainly determined by the tethering density and spherical micelles or cylindrical micelles with a larger length/diameter ratio are formed at a higher crystallization temperature because of the larger tethering density.

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Preparation of Polystyrene Particles by Dispersion Polymerization in an Ionic Liquid
Authors: Minami Hideto , Yoshida Kazuhiro , Okubo Masayoshi
Published: February 2008

Submicron‐sized monodisperse polystyrene (PS) particles were successfully prepared by dispersion polymerization of styrene in an ionic liquid, N,N‐diethyl‐N‐methyl‐N‐(2‐methoxyethyl)ammonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ([DEME][TFSI]) at 70 °C with poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) as a stabilizer. At the optimum PVP and styrene concentrations with regard to preparation of stable polymer particles, the number‐average diameter and coefficient of variation were 350 nm and 5.7%, respectively. The particle size increased with a decrease in the PVP concentration and an increase in the styrene concentration. Moreover, we succeeded in producing PS particles by thermal polymerization in the absence of a radical initiator at 130 °C in [DEME][TFSI] using a conventional reactor (not autoclave) utilizing the advantages of non‐volatility and thermal stability of the ionic liquid.

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MEK1/2 is a critical regulator of microtubule assembly and spindle organization during rat oocyte meiotic maturation
Authors: Sun Shao‐Chen , Xiong Bo , Lu Sheng‐Sheng , Sun Qing‐Yuan
Published: February 2008

MEK (MAPK kinase) is an upstream protein kinase of MAPK in the MOS/MEK/MAPK/p90rsk signaling pathway. We previously reported the function and regulation of MAPK during rat oocyte maturation. In this study, we further investigated the localization and possible roles of MEK1/2. First, immunofluorescent staining revealed that p‐MEK1/2 was restricted to the germinal vesicle (GV). After germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD), p‐MEK1/2 condensed in the vicinity of chromosomes and then translocated to the spindle poles at metaphase I, while spindle microtubules stained faintly. When the oocyte went through anaphase I and telophase I, p‐MEK1/2 disappeared from spindle poles and became associated with the midbody. By metaphase II, p‐MEK1/2 was again localized to the spindle poles. Second, p‐MEK1/2 was localized to the centers of cytoplasmic microtubule asters induced by taxol. Third, p‐MEK1/2 co‐localized with γ‐tubulin in microtubule‐organizing centers (MTOCs). Forth, treatment with U0126, a non‐competitive MEK1/2 inhibitor, did not affect germinal vesicle breakdown, but caused chromosome mis‐alignment in all MI oocytes examined and abnormal spindle organization as well as small cytoplasmic spindle‐like structure formation in MII oocytes. Finally, U0126 reduced the number of cytoplasmic asters induced by taxol. Our data suggest that MEK1/2 has regulatory functions in microtubule assembly and spindle organization during rat oocyte meiotic maturation. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 1542–1548 © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Delphi survey of patients' views of services for borderline personality disorder: A preliminary report
Authors: Webb Daniel , McMurran Mary
Published: February 2008

Background Department of Health guidelines stipulate that specialist personality disorder services should gather feedback from service users.

Aim The Gwylfa Therapy Service (GTS) is a new specialist service for people with borderline personality disorder (BPD). The aim of this study was to gather users' views of services sought and/or received before the inception of the GTS and their views of the GTS.

Method A Delphi survey method was used first to elicit patients' views on services, and then to identify levels of consensus on the views generated.

Results The findings presented here identify what service users value in the treatment they receive, namely respect, professionalism, a service that meets their needs and personal support. Opinions regarding non‐specialist services indicated that, overall, police, general practitioners, community psychiatric nurses, psychologists and counsellors were viewed positively, and psychiatric hospital staff was viewed positively but with room for improvement. General hospital staff was viewed unfavourably. Users' views of the GTS were favourable.

Discussion This study begins to shed light upon the education, training and supervision needs of staff from services that come into contact with patients with BPD. Furthermore, the way these services may be better integrated with each other and GTS is identified as requiring attention. Care must be taken to avoid distressing, damaging and disaffecting patients as they pass through general services en route to a specialist team. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using glycidyl methacrylate as cross‐linking agent to prepare thermosensitive hydrogels by a novel one‐step method
Authors: Deng Jianping , He Qinxiong , Wu Zhilin , Yang Wangtai
Published: February 2008

A novel one‐step approach is reported to prepare thermosensitive hydrogels simply by using hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (HP‐β‐CD)/glycidyl methacrylate (GMA)/N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) system. From GMA and HP‐β‐CD, HP‐β‐CD/GMA inclusion complex was prepared and identified with NMR, FTIR, and UV‐vis spectroscopies. GMA in the form of HP‐β‐CD/GMA complex was copolymerized with NIPAM in water with K2S2O8 as initiator, yielding hydrogels designated as poly(NIPAM‐CD‐GMA). The inclusion of CD in the hydrogels was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. The contents of CD and GMA placed considerable influence on the swelling ratio and temperature‐sensitivity of the produced hydrogels. The hydrogels bearing CD moieties showed higher swelling ratio and temperature‐sensitivity when compared with that without CD. The porous structure of the hydrogels containing CD was observed in the SEM images. Relevant mechanism of the ring‐opening reaction of epoxide groups in GMA, the subsequent crosslinking reactions and the formation of hydrogels containing CD moieties were proposed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 2193–2201, 2008
Role of thiol‐disulfide exchange in episulfide polymerization
Authors: Kilcher Giona , Wang Lei , Tirelli Nicola
Published: February 2008

Episulfide polymerization offers a number of features that are uncommon in other ring‐opening anionic mechanisms. Besides the negligible sensitivity to water, the most distinctive and novel one is likely to be the role of disulfides, which may act both at the levels of chain transfer and end‐capping, producing polymers that feature both terminal and internal disulfides. In this article, we have qualitatively studied the kinetics of chain transfer and measured the thiolate–disulfide exchange equilibrium constants. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 2233–2249, 2008
Effects of molecular mass and surface treatment on adsorbed poly(methyl methacrylate) on silica
Authors: Kabomo Moses T. , Blum Frank D. , Kulkeratiyut Suntree , Kulkeratiyut Suriyaphongse , Krisanangkura Piyawan
Published: February 2008

The behavior of relatively monodisperse adsorbed poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) samples, from 19 to 587 kDa on silica, was studied using modulated differential scanning calorimetry and FTIR. On untreated CabOSil silica, the glass transition temperatures (Tgs) were higher (by around 30 °C), and the transitions were significantly broader (by a factor of 5–6) than those for the corresponding bulk samples. While the Tgs for the bulk polymers showed the expected dependence on molecular mass, the polymers on untreated silica showed little dependence, i.e., at the same adsorbed amounts, the glass transitions were very similar. The FTIR spectra of the adsorbed PMMA (on untreated silica) showed the presence of at least two resonances, one for the bound (hydrogen bonded to surface silanols) and another for free carbonyls. Fitting of the spectra allowed the estimation of the bound fractions of carbonyls that were dependent on the adsorbed amount, but not molecular mass. On CabOSil treated with hexamethyldisilizane (HMDS), the adsorbed PMMA exhibited glass transition behavior with little molecular‐mass dependence; the Tgs for the different PMMA samples were very similar to those of the high‐molecular mass bulk polymer, but with additional broadening of about a factor of 2. FTIR spectra for the PMMA samples on the treated silica did not show significant amounts of any of the hydrogen‐bonded carbonyl groups. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 649–658, 2008
Dynamic Light Scattering for the Characterization of Polydisperse Fractal Systems: I. Simulation of the Diffusional Behavior
Authors: Kätzel Uwe , Bedrich Rainer , Stintz Michael , Ketzmerick Roland , Gottschalk‐Gaudig Torsten , Barthel Herbert
Published: February 2008

Dynamic light scattering (DLS) is a method used to size nanoscale and submicron particles by measuring their thermal motion (diffusion) in a liquid environment. The measured diffusion coefficients are related to the hydrodynamic particle size via the Stokes‐Einstein equation. This paper addresses the application of DLS for the characterization of diluted suspensions of pyrogenic silica, which consist of polydisperse fractal‐like aggregates composed of sintered spherical primary particles. Simulations are employed to establish a relationship between the structural properties of the aggregates and their diffusional behavior. Therefore, an algorithm is developed that enables the generation of aggregates with a tunable fractal dimension and an arbitrary number of primary particles. The results provide evidence that the hydrodynamic radii show a different scaling compared to the structural radius of gyration, which is of great relevance for the interpretation of DLS results. In addition, the influence of rotational diffusion has to be accounted for in the measurements.
Dynamic Light Scattering for the Characterization of Polydisperse Fractal Systems: II. Relation between Structure and DLS Results
Authors: Kätzel Uwe , Vorbau Manuel , Stintz Michael , Gottschalk‐Gaudig Torsten , Barthel Herbert
Published: February 2008

Dynamic light scattering (DLS) is frequently used to characterize suspensions of pyrogenic silica which consists of polydisperse fractal aggregates of sintered spherical primary particles. As the method primarily measures temporal fluctuations of scattered light caused by the translational and rotational diffusive motion of the aggregates it is an important prerequisite to identify those structural properties that are measurable with DLS and to quantify the method's sensitivity to changes in these properties. In a recent paper [1] we have investigated the structure‐hydrodynamics relationship via simulations. Here, the validation of the simulation results by experimental data is presented. Therefore, the structure of different pyrogenic silica grades has been characterized by static light and X‐ray scattering and the diffusional properties were obtained by multi‐angle DLS measurements. It is shown that the hydrodynamic radii determined with DLS scale well with the mean aggregate radius of gyration but that the influence of rotational diffusion has to be accounted for in the measurements.
Routine Quality Testing of Blood Platelet Transfusions with Dynamic Light Scattering
Authors: Maurer‐Spurej Elisabeth , Labrie Audrey , Brown Keddie
Published: February 2008

Extension of the current 5‐day shelf life of platelet concentrates to increase the supply of this life saving blood product will require quality testing. However, no automated test exists to routinely measure the quality of platelet concentrates for transfusion. Platelet concentrates cannot be sampled and diluted. These practical limitations have prevented the routine use of optical methods for platelet quality testing. The Dynamic Light Scattering Platelet Monitor (DLS‐PM) addresses these limitations. The DLS‐PM is a portable instrument with a temperature‐controlled sample holder to accommodate a wide range of sample containers. The challenges of small sample size, short light path through the sample, and accurate temperature control have been solved. The DLS‐PM measures platelet size, number of platelet‐derived microparticles, and the response of platelets to temperature changes, which are combined to calculate a platelet quality score. In this paper we introduce the DLS‐PM and discuss the advantages and challenges for dynamic light scattering to become a clinically relevant, routinely used platelet test.
Nitrogen modified nanostructured titania: electronic, structural and visible‐light photocatalytic properties
Authors: Kontos A. I. , Kontos A. G. , Raptis Y. S. , Falaras P.
Published: February 2008

Nitrogen doped titanium dioxide (N‐TiO2) powders were synthesized as the hydrolysis condensation product of tetrabutyl titanate reaction with urea. Following adequate thermal treatment, nitrogen was introduced at interstitial lattice sites, mostly near the surface of the nanocrystals. These defects, detectable by Raman spectroscopy, induce a shift of the energy band gap to the visible range (at about 2.3 eV) that justifies significant visible light photocatalytic activity towards degradation of methyl orange (MO) pollutant.

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UV–visible diffuse reflectance–transmittance spectra of nano‐ structured N‐TiO2, with sketch of its energy band gap.

(© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electronic Effects in Manganite/Insulator Interfaces: Interfacial Enhancement of the Insulating Tunneling Barriers
Authors: Balcells Lluis , Abad Llibertat , Rojas Humberto , Perez del Pino Angel , Estrade Sonia , Arbiol Jordi , Peiro Francisca , Martínez Benjamin
Published: February 2008

The transport properties across perovskite oxides heterointerfaces are analyzed. Epitaxial La2/3Ca1/3MnO3/SrTiO3 (LCMO/STO) heterostructures with different STO insulating‐barrier thicknesses are systematically investigated and their behavior compared with LCMO/metal junctions. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements in current‐sensing mode show typical features associated with tunneling conduction. Careful analysis of the I–V curves across LCMO/STO heterointerfaces, using the Simmons model in the intermediate voltage range, clearly shows the existence of an interface‐induced enhancement of the tunneling barrier of about 1.6 nm on the LCMO side. These results confirm recent theoretical studies predicting electronic phase segregation and the formation of an orbital‐ordered insulating phase at the manganite–insulator interface that is a result of the reduction in the number of charge carriers at the interface.
Working with mahouts to explore the diet of work elephants in Myanmar (Burma)
Authors: Campos‐Arceiz Ahimsa , Lin Thin Zar , Htun Wan , Takatsuki Seiki , Leimgruber Peter
Published: February 2008

At an elephant camp in central Myanmar (Burma), we interviewed mahouts and veterinarians to describe the diet of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in a mixed‐deciduous forest. Elephants showed a broad dietary breadth (103 plant species from 42 families); consumed mostly browse (94% of plant species); and were very selective about plant parts [e.g., many trees were eaten exclusively for their bark (22%) or fruits (14%)]. The fruits from 29 plant species were recorded to be eaten by elephants. Several of these were found as fruit remains, seeds, or seedlings in elephant dung, suggesting a role of Asian elephants in seed dispersal. Work elephants and their mahouts prove to be a rich source of information to understand wild elephant ecology.
Educational Attainment: A Key Factor for Improving the Lagging Rate of Black Entrepreneurship
Authors: Singh Robert P. , Crump Micah E. S.
Published: February 2008

The difference between the percentage of blacks and whites who are self-employed in the United States is striking. In this paper, we focus on the role of educational achievement in explaining the gap between white and black entrepreneurship. Using data collected through the Panel Study of Entrepreneurial Dynamics (PSED), we identified 1.061 white nascent entrepreneurs (NEs) and 270 black NEs and compared the two groups against each other as well as to white and black comparison groups of non-NEs. The results suggest that in order to improve the rate of black entrepreneurship, more focus is needed on improving black educational achievement.
Oxidation by hypochlorite converts protective HDL into a potent platelet agonist
Authors: Assinger Alice , Schmid Werner , Eder Sandra , Schmid Diethart , Koller Elisabeth , Volf Ivo
Published: February 2008

Addition of hypochlorite‐oxidized HDL to human platelets results in an immediate and transient raise in intracellular calcium, surface expression of P‐selectin and platelet aggregation. The observed effects are dose dependent and can be blocked by an antibody directed against the lipoprotein‐binding domain of platelet thrombospondin‐ and scavenger receptor CD36.
Identification and characterization of small‐molecule inhibitors of Tie2 kinase
Authors: Liu Jinqi , Lin Tsung H. , Cole Andrew G. , Wen Rong , Zhao Lian , Brescia Marc-Raleigh , Jacob Biji , Hussain Zahid , Appell Kenneth C. , Henderson Ian , Webb Maria L.
Published: February 2008

Angiopoietins and Tie2 receptor were recently identified as an endothelial cell‐specific ligand‐receptor system that is critical for vascular development and postnatal pathologic angiogenesis by mediating vascular integrity. In this study, we identified a series of small‐molecule Tie2 inhibitors, which blocked Ang1‐induced Tie2 autophosphorylation and downstream signaling with an IC50value at 0.3 μM. Further optimization yields improved selectivity, aqueous solubility, microsomal stability and cytochrome P450 profile for one of the compounds (compound 7). Both compound 1 and compound 7 inhibit endothelial cell tube formation. Furthermore, in a rat model of Matrigel‐induced choroidal neovascularization, compound 7 significantly diminished aberrant vessel growth. Our findings demonstrate a potential clinical benefit by specifically targeting Tie2‐mediated angiogenic disorders.
Putative alternative trans‐splicing of leukocyte adhesion‐GPCR pre‐mRNAs generates functional chimeric receptors
Authors: Chiu Pei-Ling , Ng Boon Han , Chang Gin-Wen , Gordon Siamon , Lin Hsi-Hsien
Published: February 2008

The EGF‐TM7 receptors, a subfamily of adhesion‐GPCRs mostly restricted to leukocytes, are known to express multiple functional protein isoforms through extensive alternative cis‐splicing. Here, we demonstrate that EGF‐TM7 pre‐mRNAs also undergo the rare trans‐splicing, leading to the generation of functional chimeric receptors. RT‐PCR and in silico analyses of EMR2 transcripts identified unique fragments containing the EGF‐like motif 3 of a closely related EGF‐TM7 gene, CD97, in addition to the alternative cis‐spliced products. The sequence swapping is restricted to the EGF‐3 exon, generating unique EMR2(1‐2‐3∗‐5) and EMR2(1‐2‐3∗‐4‐5) molecules, which are functional in ligand‐binding as the wild‐type EMR2(1‐2‐3‐4‐5) and CD97(1‐2‐3‐4‐5) receptors. Our results suggest that human leukocytes employ trans‐splicing as well as cis‐splicing to increase the repertoire of functional adhesion‐GPCRs.
Resting energy expenditure is not increased in mildly hyperglycaemic obese diabetic patients
Authors: Ryan M. , Sallé A. , Guilloteau G. , Genaitay M. , Livingstone M. B. E. , Ritz P.
Published: February 2008

Resting energy expenditure (REE) is believed to be increased in type 2 diabetes, an increase that is associated with deteriorating glucose tolerance during its development. Meanwhile, insulin resistance, a state linked to obesity and observed in all type 2 diabetic patients, is associated with reduced REE. Our aim was to compare REE in obese patients with and without diabetes. REE, body composition (total body water, density, percentage fat and fat-free mass: 3-compartment model) and metabolic control were assessed in fifty obese Caucasian patients with diabetes (glycated haemoglobin level 7·6 (sd 1·5) %) and fifty obese patients who were non-diabetic. Despite being more overweight and younger, obese non-diabetic patients had an absolute REE (7·73 (sd 1·44)v. 8·12 (sd 1·37) MJ;P=0·17) and percentage fat-free mass similar to those of obese diabetic patients. Even when adjusted for differences in body composition, REE remained similar in both groups. Furthermore, REE (absolute and adjusted) was unaffected by both glucose level and control (glycated haemoglobin), with fat-free mass being the only determinant of REE. We conclude that REE is not necessarily increased by the presence of diabetes in obese people.
Dietary fish oil enhances adhesion molecule and interleukin-6 expression in mice with polymicrobial sepsis
Authors: Hsu Chun-Sen , Chiu Wan-Chun , Yeh Chiu-Li , Hou Yu-Chen , Chou Szu-Yuan , Yeh Sung-Ling
Published: February 2008

This study investigated the effects of fish oil (FO) diet on plasma intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) levels and leucocyte integrin expression in polymicrobial sepsis. Mice were randomly assigned to a control group and an FO group. The control group was fed a medium-fat diet containing soyabean oil, whereas in the FO group, 70 % of the soyabean oil was replaced by FO for 3 weeks. After that, sepsis was induced by caecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in the experimental groups and mice were killed at 0, 6, 12 and 24 h, respectively, after CLP. Results showed that compared with the control group, plasma ICAM-1 levels were higher in the FO group 6 h after CLP. Intra-lymphocyte interferon-γ expression in the FO group was lower, whereas IL-4 expression was higher than in the control group 12 and 24 h after CLP. The expression of leucocyte integrin was significantly higher in the FO group 12 and 24 h after CLP. The FO group had higher IL-6 levels at 12 h in the lungs, at 6 and 12 h in the kidneys, and at 6, 12 and 24 h in the intestines after CLP. The survival rate did not differ between the two groups after CLP. The present findings suggest that pretreatment with an FO diet enhances adhesion molecule and inflammatory cytokine expressions during sepsis, which might aggravate the inflammatory reaction and increase neutrophil infiltration into tissues. In addition, FO diet promotes the Th2-type response and suppresses cellular immune response in polymicrobial sepsis.
Baseline serum folate level may be a predictive factor of weight loss in a morbid-obesity-management programme
Authors: Gorgojo Martínez J. J. , Ruiz F. Almodóvar , Candil S. Donnay
Published: February 2008

Prompt identification of responders to non-surgical therapy is of utmost importance in attempting medical treatment in patients with clinically severe obesity before indication of bariatric surgery. The objectives of the present study were to assess the outcome at 1 year of morbidly obese patients undergoing a weight-loss medical programme and to detect baseline predictors of a loss ≥10 % of initial weight at the end of the follow-up. A longitudinal, prospective study of a cohort of morbidly obese patients (n 182; females 78 %; age 40·5 (sd 11·5) years; BMI 45·4 (sd 6·0) kg/m2) enrolled in a 1-year obesity-management programme based on lifestyle changes and pharmacological therapy. Significant laboratory and clinical variables were included in a binary logistic regression model in order to identify baseline independent factors for the prediction of a successful outcome in the programme. At 12 months of follow-up, twenty-one subjects (11·5 % of the initial cohort) had lost ≥10 % of baseline weight. A high serum folic acid level was the only independent predictor of weight loss at 1 year. A rise of 1 ng/ml in serum folate increased the chance of success by 28 % (adjusted odds ratio 1·28; 95 % CI 1·04, 1·58). We concluded that a medical-management programme of morbid obesity obtained limited results at 1 year, in agreement with other intervention studies. Serum folate may be useful as a pre-treatment predictor of response to a medical-management programme in patients with morbid obesity. Patients with low basal serum folate levels probably should be urged to change unhealthy eating patterns.
Influence of bread volume on glycaemic response and satiety
Authors: Burton Pat , Lightowler Helen J.
Published: February 2008

The role of carbohydrates in health and disease has received a high profile in recent years, in particular the glycaemic index (GI) as a physiological classification of carbohydrate foods. A common carbohydrate source in the UK is white bread, which is considered to have a high GI value and low satiety value. In the present study, the possibility of favourably altering the GI of white bread by manipulating bread structure (loaf form) was investigated. In a randomised repeated-measures design, ten subjects were tested for glycaemic and satiety responses to four loaves of varying volume, but of consistent macronutrient content. Peak plasma glucose levels and GI values were shown to be significantly reduced by lowering loaf volume (P=0·007, P<0·001 respectively). In addition, a greater satiety index (SI) was seen with decreased loaf volume (P<0·001). In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that reducing the volume of white bread, which is generally considered to be high-GI and low-SI, can favourably alter metabolic and appetite responses. Relatively small differences in the GI of regularly consumed starch foods have been shown to have beneficial effects on health.
Inulin attenuates atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice
Authors: Rault-Nania Marie-Hélène , Gueux Elyett , Demougeot Céline , Demigné Christian , Rock Edmond , Mazur Andrzej
Published: February 2008

Effects of different inulin-type fructan fractions were studied on atherosclerotic plaque formation in male apo E-deficient mice. Thirty-two mice were randomly divided into four groups and received either a semi-purified sucrose-based diet (control group), or diets in which sucrose was replaced in part by various inulin-type fructans (10 g/100 g): long-chain inulin, oligofructose, or an oligofructose-enriched inulin for 16 weeks. The presence of atherosclerotic plaques was assessed by histomorphometry in the aortic sinus. The apo E-deficient mice fed long-chain inulin or an oligofructose-enriched inulin had about 35 % and 25 % less atherosclerotic lesion area compared with the control group, respectively. Feeding long-chain inulin significantly reduced plasma cholesterol concentrations (P<0·001), and the three inulin-type fructans reduced triacylglycerol (TAG) concentrations compared with the control group (P<0·001). Both the long-chain inulin and an oligofructose-enriched inulin significantly lowered hepatic cholesterol concentrations compared with the control diet (P<0·05). Hepatic TAG concentrations were significantly lower in all three groups fed the fructan-supplemented diets v. the control group (P<0·0001). The results of the present study suggest that inhibition of atherosclerotic plaque formation is more potent in the presence of long-chain inulin, either alone or in combination with oligofructose (an oligofructose-enriched inulin), and that this probably is related to changes in lipid metabolism.
Effects of lipase inhibition on gastric emptying and alcohol absorption in healthy subjects
Authors: Chaikomin Reawika , Russo Antonietta , Rayner Christopher K. , Feinle-Bisset Christine , O'Donovan Deirdre G. , Horowitz Michael , Jones Karen L.
Published: February 2008

The rate of alcohol absorption is dependent on gastric emptying (GE). As the slowing of GE by fat is dependent on lipolysis, orlistat may increase the rise in blood alcohol when alcohol is consumed with, or after, fat. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of orlistat on GE and blood alcohol after an alcohol-containing drink following a fat ‘preload’, in healthy subjects. Ten healthy males consumed 120 ml cream with or without 120 mg orlistat, 30 min before an alcohol-containing drink labelled with 20 MBq [99 mTc]sulfur colloid on 2 d. GE, plasma alcohol and blood glucose were measured. GE was slightly faster with orlistat (P<0·05) compared with control. Plasma alcohol at 15 min was slightly higher with orlistat (0·034 (sem 0·006) g/100 ml) v. control (0·029 (sem 0·005) g/100 ml) (P<0·05), but there was no effect on the area under the curve 0–240 min. The increase in blood glucose was greater with orlistat, for example, at 15 min (1·07 (sem 0·2) mmol/l) v. control (0·75 (sem 0·2) mmol/l) (P=0·05). The rise in blood glucose and plasma alcohol were related (for example, at 15 min r 0·49; P=0·03). In conclusion, lipase inhibition accelerates GE of an alcohol-containing drink following a fat ‘preload’ with a minor increase in the initial rise in plasma alcohol.
Modest changes in dietary intake across the menstrual cycle: implications for food intake research
Authors: Bryant M. , Truesdale K. P. , Dye L.
Published: February 2008

Food intake varies across the menstrual cycle in mammals, energy intake usually being greater in the premenstrual phase compared with the postmenstrual phase. Premenstrual increments in energy intake and a preferential selection of carbohydrate have been suggested to be greater in women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), who may be more sensitive to cyclical hormonal or neurotransmitter fluctuations. This has direct implications for research within populations of women, especially where the primary outcome is diet or a change in energy balance. We aimed to determine whether: the premenstrual intake of energy and macronutrients differed from the postmenstrual intake; the change in intake across the menstrual cycle differed in women with PMS compared with controls; and the change in intake was related to the severity of premenstrual symptoms. We collected 3 d dietary intake data during the postmenstrual and premenstrual phases of the menstrual cycle in thirty-one women with PMS and twenty-seven control women. The consumption of energy and macronutrient intake were similar between the phases of the cycle in women with PMS. Conversely, intakes were usually greater premenstrually in control women, although not all differences were statistically significant. Exceptions were with non-milk extrinsic sugars and alcohol, which were both consumed in greater amounts in the premenstrual phase in women with PMS. Significant correlations were observed between the severity of symptoms and the change in the consumption of these nutrients. These data suggest that a consideration of the menstrual cycle phase and PMS in diet may not be warranted, especially in cross-sectional analysis, although it may need to be taken into account when examining change in intake during dietary interventions.