bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Government Expenditure and Economic Growth: Does Corruption and Democracy Matter?
Authors: Mose Naftaly
Published: April 2024

This study investigated the potential role of corruption and democracy in the expenditure-economic growth nexus. Economic literature predicts economic growth-enhancing activities of various core functions of government. However, excess government expenditure, in corrupt and undemocratic countries, may slow down the overall performance of the economy through rent-seeking activities, ineffectiveness and engaging in unproductive projects. The research objective is to analyze the role of democracy and corruption levels in the effects of government expenditure on economic growth in Kenya over the period 1990-2020. The generalized method of moments (GMM) framework was exploited to estimate the regression model. The findings indicate that government expenditure, corruption and democracy have positive and direct effects on economic growth through improvements in the efficiency of government expenditure. Besides, this study finds that corruption and democracy can have indirect negative effects on growth through deterioration of the efficiency of government expenditure. The study results suggest that government policies aimed at promoting democracy and controlling corruption can have direct positive effects on economic growth and indirect negative effects through their influence in the efficiency of government expenditure.
Renal Histopathological Lesions Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Patients with no History of Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Santos Thais Morgana Mendes , Souza Andressa Duarte de , Sá Ariel de Castro Mendes , Moreira Jonathan Lopes , Batista Lucas Cardoso , Amorim Marcela Costa , Moreira Matheus Ribeiro , Glória Michelly Siman , Sampaio Kinulpe Honorato
Published: April 2024

Background and Aims: Structural and functional lung damage is the most documented impairment in SARS-CoV-2. Nevertheless, the virus's impact extends beyond pulmonary manifestations, affecting various organs and tissues, including the kidneys, known for their expression of ACE2, the virus's cell entry receptor. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive summary of studies investigating kidney injuries in individuals lacking prior renal conditions following SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Methodology: A literature search encompassed studies published between December 2019 and September 2022, adhering to the PRISMA protocol. Electronic search strategies were  developed to identify relevant studies across several bibliographic databases, including Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Knowledge, Embase, Scielo, Lilacs, Bireme, and Cochrane databases. A comprehensive analysis was undertaken, encompassing 43 studies involving 128 patients selected based on stringent inclusion criteria: a confirmed diagnosis of SARS-COV-2 infection, observable renal alterations through microscopy, and/or viral presence detected in the kidneys.
Results: The included patients, primarily male (60.1%) with an average age of 53, exhibited prevalent comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. The predominant outcome was death (43.7%), and various renal lesions were identified, with sclerosis, hyalinosis, tubular necrosis, and vascular injuries being the most common. Tubular lesions combined with glomerular lesions were frequently observed, regardless of comorbidity status. A greater predominance of renal involvement in patients with associated comorbidities, mainly arterial hypertension. The limited detection of the virus in renal tissue suggests a multifactorial origin of renal lesions, not solely attributed to the virus itself. The risk of bias assessment revealed mostly high-quality studies, with 24 assessed as low risk, 15 as moderate, and four as high risk.
Conclusion: Ours results provides a comprehensive analysis of kidney injuries in COVID-19 patients, emphasizing the significant role of comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity in contributing to the severity and occurrence of renal complications. Notably, hypertension emerges as a prominent risk factor. The findings suggest a multifaceted manifestation of kidney injury induced by SARS-CoV-2, involving both direct viral impact on kidney tissue and a systemic response to the infection. The study underscores the importance of understanding the renal implications of COVID-19 for guiding targeted interventions and future research in this critical area.
The Outcomes of Biologic Therapies for Fistulizing Crohn's Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Okezie Chidera Emmanuel , Asinde Angioshuye , Goswami Roshan , Okpara Clara C. , Goshe Mulusew Tibebu , Bamikole Opeyemi Oluwatobi , Anyiman Tope Mwuese , Nzotta Chiedozie Steven , Uzochukwu Chiamaka Vivien , Razaq Sajid , Nayab Khudija , Chukwuneta Chidera Precious , Chioma Ogochukwu Ekpeleamaka , Oraekwute Ifeyinwa Monica , Rahman Farzana
Published: April 2024

Background: Fistulizing Crohn's Disease (FCD) is a distinct and aggressive subset of Crohn's Disease, contributing to substantial morbidity, hospitalizations, and reduced patient well-being. The intricate interplay of factors influencing FCD outcomes warrants an in-depth exploration to refine patient care and therapeutic strategies. The aim of this paper is to conduct a comprehensive systematic review to critically evaluate the effectiveness, safety, and cost-effectiveness of biologic therapies and other interventions for FCD

Methods: In line with the PRISMA Statement 2020 guidelines, we conducted a systematic review. We extensively searched databases including PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library, with the last search update on November 5, 2023. Studies evaluating FCD patients were examined, emphasizing the disease's clinical burden and influential parameters. Observational studies that underlined treatments and various FCD management strategies correlating with clinical outcomes were primarily considered for inclusion.

Results: Beginning with an initial review of 438 studies, ten met the inclusion criteria and were incorporated into this systematic review. A total of 1122 patients were included. Spanning the years 2014–2022, the incorporated studies delve into diverse FCD treatment modalities. These range from the use of anti-TNF agents, surgical procedures, stem cell therapies, drug amalgamations, to intensifying dosing regimens. The synthesized findings from these studies carve out a progressively evolving treatment milieu for Crohn's disease, emphasizing the indispensability of individualized and empirically supported therapeutic avenues.

Conclusion: FCD presents a formidable challenge in the realm of inflammatory bowel diseases, impacting patient outcomes. This review accentuates the pivotal nature of comprehensive care, early intervention, and addressing intricate disease mechanisms. The collated evidence highlights an imperative for innovative care modalities, targeted therapeutic endeavors, and tailored interventions to manage FCD more effectively and improve patient prognosis.
Health Burden of the Consumption of Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting Systems in Buea Sub–Division, Cameroon
Authors: Mbua Roy Lyonga , Efande Samuel Eyum , Sunjo Tata Emmanuel
Published: April 2024

Roof harvested rainwater is generally considered to be safe and is mostly used without prior treatment. However, the population is exposed to several health risks associated with contaminating pathogens found in harvested rainwater. This study assessed the health risks of the currently practiced rooftop rainwater harvesting partially used for drinking water supply. Multi-stage sampling was employed to evaluate the microbial properties of 20 rainwater cistern across four communities (Bonakanda, Bova I and II, and Ewonda) in Buea Sub-division. A total of 358 households were randomly sampled for rainwater harvesting potentials and a semi-quantitative risk assessment matrix was used to estimate potential health risks of untreated harvested roof rainwater for drinking purpose. Rainwater is a principal cost-effective alternative to other sources of water supply for households. While its uses for other purposes such as cleaning and irrigation present limited risks to the population, its sparing use for drinking without any treatment was observed to results in health risks involving sporadic illnesses linked to bacterial diarrheas due to Salmonella and Campylobacter, bacterial pneumonia due to Legionella, botulism due to Clostridium, tissue helminths and protozoal diarrheas from Giardia and Cryptosporidium. The study thus recommends pre-treatment of harvested rainwater through filtration, chlorination, ultraviolet disinfection, and or boiling, for potable purposes.
A Review of Revolutionizing Green Synthesis of Nanoparticles in Pharmacy and Healthcare
Authors: Geetha Karra , Yekkala Mounika , Kiran R. Shireesh
Published: April 2024

Science's newest and fastest-growing field is nanotechnology. The foundation of nanotechnology is made up of nanoparticles. The sizes of nanoparticles range from 1 to 100 nm. A variety of classes, including inorganic, organic, ceramic, and carbon-based nanoparticles, are used to categorise the nanoparticles. Nanoparticles are becoming a more widely used material like electronic devices to medicine in industries. Green synthesis is a feasible and environmentally acceptable alternative that produces nanoparticles using natural resources and biological processes. In addition to using environmentally friendly reducing and stabilising agents, the green synthesis approach makes use of a variety of biological resources, including bacteria, fungus, plants, and algae. The synthesis of nanoparticles has grown in importance as a means of promoting targeted drug delivery, imaging, diagnostics, and therapeutic interventions in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. These natural resources guarantee the biocompatibility and stability of the final nanoparticles by acting as capping agents in addition to reducing agents The creation of safer and more effective medical solutions through green synthesis has great potential to transform the nanoparticle manufacturing process. Green nanotechnology for pharmacy and healthcare is experiencing innovation which is usefulness as a resource for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. Additionally, nanoparticles can be categorised into one, two, or three methods. The synthesis of nanoparticles using chemical, physical, and environmentally friendly methods is covered in this review. To make the nanoparticles, a variety of qualitative and quantitative techniques are applied. FTIR, SEM, and TEM are examples of qualitative techniques.
A Comprehensive Analysis of Risk Factors of Diabetic Nephropathy and Exploring the Treatment Pattern
Authors: Pal Aritra , Bhanja Asish , Williams Joy , Geddam Vineesha , Bendurthi Chandana , Sah Bipin , Marwein Bashongdor , Ghosh Arka , Rajkonwar Anurag , Sana Praveen , Kumari Ratna
Published: April 2024

Aims: The study aims to comprehensively analyze diabetic nephropathy's risk factors and treatment patterns, exploring diverse factors for enhanced prevention and personalized management.

Study Design: Prospective study design.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted for 5 months at Trust Multispeciality Hospital, Kakinada.

Methodology: This retroactive chart analysis of non-critical outpatients folders of Trust Hospital that refers to the mentioned period (11/2022 -04/2023) will use Excel software.

Results: A variety of risk factors promote the development and progression of diabetic nephropathy, including elevated glucose levels, high blood pressure, obesity, the long duration of diabetes, and dyslipidemia. These risk factors are modifiable by hyperglycemic agents, anti-hypertensives, and lipid-lowering agents. Most of the people who are prone to diabetic nephropathy are between 40 and 70 years of age. Males are most affected (80%) compared to females (20%). Oral hypoglycemic agents (97%) and calcium channel blockers (50%) play a major role in reducing the progression of diabetic nephropathy by controlling blood pressure and glucose levels in the subject. Obesity is also a notable risk factor for end-stage renal disease patients.
Making finds matter
Authors: Anderson-Whymark Hugo , Cooper Anwen , Flower Crispin , Garrow Duncan , Giles Melanie , Hamilton Susan , Hoole Maya , Kruse Susan , McCafferty Leanne , Mann Bruce
Published: April 2024

From enigmatic carved stone balls to the patched breeches of an 18th-century bog body, many archaeological finds from Scotland are, without doubt, fabulous. Through these objects and the practices they embody, we can imagine alternative ways of living and thinking, wonder at past people’s ingenuity and skill, and revisit significant moments in our own lives. Archaeological finds are also often fragile, scattered across diverse locations, and often difficult to access or find out about following their initial discovery. Only very few archaeological objects make it into museum displays where they can be widely enjoyed. In economically and socially challenging times, even these items can be hard to reach. Linking into wider moves to improve access to heritage collections in Scotland and across the UK, the Boundary Objects Project celebrated captivating archaeological objects from Scotland and the diverse sets of people involved in their discovery. Contemporary digital technologies and the goodwill, skills and energy of a wide set of archaeological professionals, students and enthusiasts were harnessed in order to improve access to information to scattered digital records relating to archaeological objects and sites, to raise the prominence of these items in existing community-led heritage initiatives, and to engage diverse audiences in actively enjoying them. This paper summarises work on the Boundary Objects Project – a collaboration between the universities of Reading and Manchester in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland (HES) and National Museums Scotland (NMS) – in the context of wider multi-stranded moves to build a better future for archaeological finds in and well beyond Scotland.
ChemInform Abstract: Pd(OAc)2/p‐Benzoquinone‐Catalyzed Anaerobic Electrooxidative Homocoupling of Arylboronic Acids, Arylboronates and Aryltrifluoroborates in DMF and/or Water.
Authors: Amatore Christian , Cammoun Chama , Jutand Anny
Published: January 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Preference of β‐Lactam Formation in Cu(I)‐Catalyzed Intramolecular Coupling of Amides with Vinyl Bromides.
Authors: Zhao Qiwu , Li Chaozhong
Published: January 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: From Dioxime Oxalates to Dihydropyrroles and Phenanthridines via Iminyl Radicals.
Authors: Portela‐Cubillo Fernando , Scanlan Eoin M. , Scott Jackie S. , Walton John C.
Published: January 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Reaction of α‐Nitrocinnamic Acid Esters with Pyrrole.
Authors: Baichurina L. V. , Baichurin R. I. , Aboskalova N. I. , Berkova G. A. , Berestovitskaya V. M.
Published: January 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: A New Synthesis of Hemialdals and Their Stereoselective Tandem Reaction in the Construction of 1,3‐Dioxolane Derivatives.
Authors: Shao Qiyun , Li Chunbao
Published: January 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: One‐Pot Parallel Solution‐Phase Synthesis of 1‐Substituted 4‐(2‐Aminoethyl)‐1H‐pyrazol‐5‐ols.
Authors: Kralj David , Novak Ana , Dahmann Georg , Groselj Uros , Meden Anton , Svete Jurij
Published: January 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of 2‐Benzylimidazo[2,1‐b][1,3]benzothiazoles Through Palladium‐Catalyzed Heteroannulation of Acetylenic Compounds.
Authors: Bakherad Mohammad , Nasr‐Isfahani Hossein , Keivanloo Ali , Sang Golnaz
Published: January 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Selective Aromatic Carbon—Oxygen Bond Cleavage of Trifluoromethoxyarenes: A Trifluoromethoxy Group as a Convertible Directing Group.
Authors: Iijima Akinori , Amii Hideki
Published: January 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Nakijiquinones G—I, New Sesquiterpenoid Quinones from Marine Sponge.
Authors: Takahashi Yohei , Kubota Takaaki , Ito Junji , Mikami Yuzuru , Fromont Jane , Kobayashi Jun'ichi
Published: January 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthetic Studies of 3‐(3‐Fluorooxindol‐3‐yl)‐L‐alanine.
Authors: Fujiwara Tomoya , Yin Bin , Jin Meixiang , Kirk Kenneth L. , Takeuchi Yoshio
Published: January 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of 2′,3′‐Dideoxy‐6′,6′‐difluoro‐3′‐azanucleosides.
Authors: Yue Xuyi , Qiu Xiao‐Long , Qing Feng‐Ling
Published: January 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Tetrahydrobostrycin (Ia) and 1‐Deoxytetrahydrobostrycin (Ib), Two New Hexahydroanthrone Derivatives, from a Marine‐Derived Fungus Aspergillus sp.
Authors: Xu Jinzhong , Nakazawa Takahiro , Ukai Kazuyo , Kobayashi Hisayoshi , Mangindaan Remy E. P. , Wewengkang Defny S. , Rotinsulu Henki , Namikoshi Michio
Published: January 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Concise Stereoselective Synthesis of (‐)‐Podophyllotoxin (VI) by an Intermolecular Iron(III)‐Catalyzed Friedel—Crafts Alkylation.
Authors: Stadler Daniel , Bach Thorsten
Published: January 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Total Synthesis and Determination of the Absolute Configuration of Guadinomines B (I) and C2 (II).
Authors: Hirose Tomoyasu , Sunazuka Toshiaki , Tsuchiya Satoshi , Tanaka Toshiaki , Kojima Yasuhiro , Mori Ryuma , Iwatsuki Masato , Omura Satoshi
Published: January 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Fully Automated Molecular Mechanics Based Induced Fit Protein—Ligand Docking Method.
Authors: Koska Juergen , Spassov Velin Z. , Maynard Allister J. , Yan Lisa , Austin Nic , Flook Paul K. , Venkatachalam C. M.
Published: January 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Electronic Structure Study of Thermal Intraconversions of Some Dicyclopenta‐Fused Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds.
Authors: Markovic Svetlana , Stankovic Sonja , Radenkovic Slavko , Gutman Ivan
Published: January 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Chirality in Polyoxometalate Chemistry
Authors: Hasenknopf Bernold , Micoine Kevin , Lacote Emmanuel , Thorimbert Serge , Malacria Max , Thouvenot Rene
Published: January 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Mono‐ and Bidentate Benzannulated N‐Heterocyclic Germylenes, Stannylenes and Plumbylenes
Authors: Zabula Alexander V. , Hahn F. Ekkehardt
Published: January 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Dinuclear Chiral Vanadium Catalysts for Oxidative Coupling of 2‐Naphthols via a Dual Activation Mechanism
Authors: Takizawa Shinobu , Katayama Tomomi , Sasai Hiroaki
Published: January 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Carbohydrate Microarrays as Powerful Tools in Studies of Carbohydrate‐Mediated Biological Processes
Authors: Park Sungjin , Lee Myung‐Ryul , Shin Injae
Published: January 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Sovents from Nature
Authors: Horvath Istvan T.
Published: January 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Chemistry and Applications of 4,5‐Diazafluorenes
Authors: Ono Katsuhiko , Saito Katsuhiro
Published: January 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: π‐Acidic Alkene Ligand Effects in Pd‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling Processes. Exploiting the Interaction of Dibenzylidene Acetone (dba) and Related Ligands with Pd(0) and Pd(II).
Authors: Fairlamb Ian J. S.
Published: January 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
Wet and dry summers in Europe since 1750: evidence of increasing drought
Authors: Briffa K. R. , van der Schrier G. , Jones P. D.
Published: January 2009

Moisture availability across Europe is calculated based on 22 stations that have long instrumental records for precipitation and temperature. The metric used is the self‐calibrating Palmer Drought Severity Index (scPDSI) which is based on soil moisture content. This quantity is calculated using a simplified water budget model, forced by historic records of precipitation and temperature data, where the latter are used in a simple parameterization for potential evaporation. The precipitation and temperature records are updated to include the 2003 summer and all records, except for one, span at least 200 years, with the record for Kew going back to 1697.

The Kew record shows a significant clustering of dry summers in the most recent decade. When all the records are considered together, recent widespread drying is clearly apparent and highly significant in this long‐term context.

By substituting the 1961–1990 climatological monthly mean temperatures for the actual monthly means in the parameterization for potential evaporation, an estimate is made of the direct effect of temperature on drought. This analysis shows that a major influence on the trend toward drier summer conditions is the observed increase in temperatures. This effect is particularly strong in central Europe.

Based on the 22 scPDSI records, a gridded scPDSI dataset covering a large part of Europe has been constructed and compared to a recent high‐resolution scPDSI dataset spanning the twentieth century only. We again observe that a major cause for the large areal extent of summer drought in the last two decades is high temperatures. Temperatures in the 12 months preceding and including the summer of 2003 explain an increase in the areas experiencing slightly dry (or worse) conditions of 11.1%. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Multi‐indices analysis of southern Scandinavian storminess 1780–2005 and links to interdecadal variations in the NW Europe–North Sea region
Authors: Bärring Lars , Fortuniak Krzysztof
Published: January 2009

Extra‐tropical cyclone frequency and intensity are currently under intense scrutiny because of the destruction recent windstorms have brought to Europe, and because they are a major meridional heat transport mechanism that may respond to differential latitudinal warming trends. Several studies using reanalysis data covering the second half of the 20th century suggest increasing storm intensity in the northeastern Atlantic and European sector. Fewer analyses cover a longer time period but show different trends or point towards the dominance of interdecadal variability instead of any clear trends. Hence, it is relevant to analyse cyclone variability over as long a period as possible. In this study, we analyse interdecadal variability in cyclone activity over northwestern Europe back to AD 1780 by combining information from eight storminess indices applied in an Eulerian framework. These indices, including four new approaches towards gauging cyclone activity, use the series of thrice‐daily sea level pressure observations at Lund and Stockholm. We find pronounced interdecadal variability in cyclonic activity but no significant overall consistent long‐term trend. The major interdecadal‐scale variability common to all indices is in good agreement with geostrophic wind reconstructions for NE Atlantic and NW Europe, and with variations in the North Atlantic oscillation (NAO). Our results show that the reanalysis studies cover a time period chiefly coinciding with a marked, but not exceptional in our 225‐year perspective, positive variation in the regional cyclone activity that has more recently reversed. Because of the interdecadal variations, a near‐centennial time perspective is needed when analysing variations in extra‐tropical cyclone activity and the associated weather conditions over northwestern Europe. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
A structural observation for linear material laws in classical mathematical physics
Authors: Picard Rainer
Published: January 2009

A class of linear material laws is considered, which covers a number of diverse initial boundary‐value problems of classical mathematical physics. The claim that this class is indeed to a large extent sufficiently general is exemplified for a number of specific models from classical physics. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Liquid crystal alignment property of n‐alkylthiomethyl‐ or n‐alkylsulfonylmethyl‐substituted polystyrenes
Authors: Kang Hyo , Park Jin Seol , Kang Daeseung , Lee Jong‐Chan
Published: January 2009

We synthesized a series of n‐alkylthiomethyl‐substituted polystyrenes (#T‐PS, # = 4, 8, 12, and 16) and n‐alkylsulfonylmethyl‐substituted polystyrenes (#S‐PS, # = 4, 8, 12, and 16), where # is the number of carbon atoms in the n‐alkyl side group of the polymers, using polymer analogous reactions to investigate their liquid crystal (LC) alignment properties. In general, the LC cell fabricated using the polymer film having a longer n‐alkyl side group, a thioether linkage group, and a higher molar content of n‐alkyl side group showed homeotropic LC alignment behavior with a pretilt angle of about 90°. The homeotropic alignment behavior was well correlated with the surface energy of the polymer films; when the positive dielectric anisotropic LC (ZLI‐5900‐000 from Merck) and negative dielectric anisotropic LC (MLC‐7026‐000 from Merck) were used to fabricate the LC cells, homeotropic alignment was observed when the surface energy values of the polymer were smaller than about 25 and 32 mJ/m2, respectively. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Properties of the N‐terminal domains from Y receptors probed by NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Zou Chao , Kumaran Sowmini , Walser Reto , Zerbe Oliver
Published: January 2009

Binding of neurohormones from the NPY family to their receptors, the so‐called Y receptors, that belong to the superfamily 1b of G‐protein coupled receptors might include transient binding to the N‐terminal domains of the receptors. Accordingly, we have studied structural features of the N‐terminal domains from the Y1, Y2, Y4, and Y5 receptor subtypes (N‐Y1, N‐Y2, N‐Y4, N‐Y5). We developed efficient strategies for their recombinant expression. N‐Y4 and N‐Y1 were expressed as insoluble fusions to enforce accumulation into inclusion bodies, whereas N‐Y2 and N‐Y5 were expressed as soluble fusion proteins. All N‐terminal domains are fully flexible in aqueous buffer. In the presence of phospholipid micelles some stretches within the polypeptides adopt helical conformations, but these are too unstable to be characterized in detail. Using chemical shift mapping techniques, interactions of NPY, peptide YY (PYY), and pancreatic polypeptide (PP), the three members of the neurohormone family that are the Y receptors' natural ligands, with N‐Y1, N‐Y2, and N‐Y5 revealed chemical shift changes in all cases, with the largest values being encountered for PP interacting with N‐Y1 or N‐Y5 both in the presence and in the absence of phospholipid micelles. The strength of the interactions, however, is generally weak, and the data also point to nonspecific contacts. Previously, in case of the interaction of N‐Y4 with PP, the contacts were shown to be electrostatic in nature. This work indicates that association of the peptides with the N‐terminal domains may generally be part of their binding trajectory. Copyright © 2008 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Laparoscopy‐Assisted Donor Right Hepatectomy Using a Hand Port System Preserving the Middle Hepatic Vein Branches
Authors: Suh Kyung‐Suk , Yi Nam‐Joon , Kim Taehoon , Kim Joohyun , Shin Woo Young , Lee Hae Won , Han Ho‐Seong , Lee Kuhn Uk
Published: January 2009

Background

This report reviews our experience with a modified right hepatectomy (MRH) using laparoscopic or laparoscopy‐assisted techniques preserving the middle hepatic vein (MHV) branches in living donor liver transplantation.

Methods

Nine female donors (17–36 years) underwent a laparoscopic MRH under pneumoperitoneum (L‐MRH; n = 2) or a laparoscopy‐assisted MRH (LA‐MRH; n = 7) with a hand port device. The donors for this minimally invasive surgery were volunteers with the willingness to undergo laparoscopic surgery and recipients who were not in urgent need of transplantation. Mobilization of the right liver was performed under pneumoperitoneum in all cases. Hilar dissection and parenchymal transection were performed under pneumoperitonuem (n = 2) or with a mini‐laparotomy incision (n = 7) using an ultrasonic aspirator without the Pringle maneuver. The major MHV branches (>5 mm) were preserved using Hem‐o‐lock clips. The graft was extracted through the site of the hand port device or the mini‐laparotomy. On the back table, the MHV branches were reconstructed with an artificial vascular graft.

Results

There were no open conversions, and the graft was transplanted without any problem in every case. The operative time for the donors was 765 min and 898 min in the L‐MRH patients, and it ranged from 310 to 575 min for the laparoscopy‐assisted surgery. None of the donors required transfusion or reoperation; they were discharged on postoperative day 8–14 with normal liver function. A major complication occurred in one donor; fluid collection along the liver resection margin with fever was treated and resolved after percutaneous drainage.

Conclusions

A right hepatectomy preserving the MHV or its branches by minimally invasive techniques including total laparoscopic surgery was technically feasible. However, further refinements of the procedure are required prior to wide clinical application.
MicroRNA and Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Yang Linda , Belaguli Narasimhaswamy , Berger David H.
Published: January 2009

MicroRNAs are small 19 to 22 nucleotide sequences of RNA that participate in the regulation of cell differentiation, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis. MicroRNAs act much like small interfering RNA, annealing with RISC, to cleave messenger RNA, and microRNAs exert translational inhibition that is incompletely understood. They are important factors in tumorigenesis and have been the subject of research in many types of cancers, including colon cancer. MicroRNAs may be abnormally down‐regulated or up‐regulated in colon‐cancer tissue. Artificial dysregulation of certain microRNAs will trigger tumorigenesis or apoptosis depending on which microRNA is manipulated. Although the natural mechanisms for the dysregulation of microRNAs is still largely unknown, one theory tested in colon cancers proposes that DNA hypermethylation leads to down‐regulation of certain microRNAs. Specific microRNA expression patterns help characterize specific cancers and may be used as a prognostication factor and in following patient response to 5‐fluorouracil chemotherapy. This article reviews the existing literature pertaining to the study of microRNA in colorectal cancer.
Evaluation of Aerosol Delivery of Nanosuspension for Pre-clinical Pulmonary Drug Delivery
Authors: Chiang Po-Chang , Alsup Jason W , Lai Yurong , Hu Yiding , Heyde Bruce R , Tung David
Published: January 2009

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are pulmonary diseases that are characterized by inflammatory cell infiltration, cytokine production, and airway hyper-reactivity. Most of the effector cells responsible for these pathologies reside in the lungs. One of the most direct ways to deliver drugs to the target cells is via the trachea. In a pre-clinical setting, this can be achieved via intratracheal (IT), intranasal (IN), or aerosol delivery in the desired animal model. In this study, we pioneered the aerosol delivery of a nanosuspension formulation in a rodent model. The efficiency of different dosing techniques and formulations to target the lungs were compared, and fluticasone was used as the model compound. For the aerosol particle size determination, a ten-stage cascade impactor was used. The mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) was calculated based on the percent cumulative accumulation at each stage. Formulations with different particle size of fluticasone were made for evaluation. The compatibility of regular fluticasone suspension and nanosuspension for aerosol delivery was also investigated. The in vivo studies were conducted on mice with optimized setting. It was found that the aerosol delivery of fluticasone with nanosuspension was as efficient as intranasal (IN) dosing, and was able to achieve dose dependent lung deposition.
Fatty Acid Desaturation and Elongation Reactions of Trichoderma sp. 1‐OH‐2‐3
Authors: Ando Akinori , Ogawa Jun , Kishino Shigenobu , Ito Taiyo , Shirasaka Norifumi , Sakuradani Eiji , Yokozeki Kenzo , Shimizu Sakayu
Published: January 2009

The fatty acid desaturation and elongation reactions catalyzed by Trichoderma sp. 1‐OH‐2‐3 were investigated. This strain converted palmitic acid (16:0) mainly to stearic acid (18:0), and further to oleic acid (c9‐18:1), linoleic acid (c9,c12‐18:2), and α‐linolenic acid (c9,c12,c15‐18:3) through elongation, and Δ9, Δ12, and Δ15 desaturation reactions, respectively. Palmitoleic acid (c9‐16:1) and cis‐9,cis‐12‐hexadecadienoic acid were also produced from 16:0 by the strain. This strain converted n‐tridecanoic acid (13:0) to cis‐9‐heptadecenoic acid and further to cis‐9,cis‐12‐heptadecadienoic acid through elongation, and Δ9 and Δ12 desaturation reactions, respectively. trans‐Vaccenic acid (t11‐18:1) and trans‐12‐octadecenoic acid (t12‐18:1) were desaturated by the strain through Δ9 desaturation. The products derived from t11‐18:1 were identified as the conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) of cis‐9,trans‐11‐octadecadienoic acid and trans‐9,trans‐11‐octadecadienoic acid. The product derived from t12‐18:1 was identified as cis‐9,trans‐12‐octadecadienoic acid. cis‐6,cis‐9‐Octadecadienoic acid was desaturated to cis‐6,cis‐9,cis‐12‐octadecatrienoic acid by this strain through Δ12 desaturation. The broad substrate specificity of the elongation, and Δ9 and Δ12 desaturation reactions of the strain is useful for fatty acid biotransformation.
The Relevance of Descartes's Philosophy for Modern Philosophy of Science
Authors: Buchdahl Gerd
Published: January 2009

I. Reputed shortcomings of Descartes as philosopher of science.

II ‘Knowledge’ in mathematics and in physics. The ‘ontological’ postulates of Descartes's philosophy and philosophy of physics.

III. The ‘foundations of dynamics’: ‘Newton's First Law of Motion’ and its status.

IV. Descartes's conception of ‘hypothesis’: the competing claims of the ideal of the a priori in physics and the conception of retroductive inference. (The status of the mechanistic world picture.)

V. Descartes's notion of ‘analysis’. The distinction between ‘procedure’ and ‘inference’. The notion of ‘induction’ and ‘understanding through models’: ‘Snell's Law of Refraction’.
Charles Darwin's Manuscript ofPangenesis
Authors: Olby R. C.
Published: January 2009

Darwin only published one account of his provisional hypothesis of pangenesis, and that is to be found in chapter xxvii of his bookThe Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication, the first edition of which is dated 1868. The absence of any earlier account in Darwin's works has led some to assume that he had recourse to this hypothesis only a short time before the published date of the book containing it, and on the basis of this assumption they have asserted that he produced it as a part of his defence of the theory of evolution against the criticisms made of it by the physicists Sir William Thomson, afterwards Lord Kelvin, and Fleeming Jenkin. But to make such an assertion is to ignore the fact that Darwin had already sent his manuscript of pangenesis to Huxley in the year 1865, two years before Fleeming Jenkin's article appeared and three years before Lord Kelvin openly attacked the evolutionary theory. The discovery of this manuscript of pangenesis has, therefore, some importance, for it should reveal Darwin's conception of pangenesis in 1865.
Dyes and Dyeing 1775–1860
Authors: Mellor C. M. , Cardwell D. S. L.
Published: January 2009

The history of the dyestuffs industry during the period 1775–1860 is interesting for three reasons. In the first place it was in connection with the manufacture of synthetic dyestuffs, begun in 1856, that the industrial research laboratory and the organization scientist first unmistakably appeared in the last decades of the nineteenth century. Secondly, there are the enigmas of W. H. Perkin, the man who discovered and manufactured the first coal-tar colours, but who retired somewhat abruptly from the industry in 1874: just after the synthesis of alizarine. Thirdly, the dyestuffs industry was in intimate association with the textile industries which had for a long time been subject to frequent radical scientific and technological innovation. Among the most important of these we may mention John Smeaton's classic paper of 1759 on the maximum work obtainable from a given fall of water: a problem important not only for the abstract science of mechanics, but also for the design of waterwheels—the main source of power for the early textile mills. (The waterwheel was not, during the eighteenth century, the epitome of the quaint and picturesque: it was in the van of scientific and technical progress.) Again, the textile industries were quick to employ the Watt rotative engine; previously a two cylinder Newcomen engine had been tried out. Bleaching powders, based on Scheele's discovery of chlorine and its properties, were rapidly adopted: in this context one cannot help contrasting the indifference of medical science to Davy's early suggestion of using nitrous oxide as an anaesthetic; or Faraday's comment in 1818 on the anaesthetic power of sulphuric ether. The textile industries saw, over this period, a rapid succession of new machines, the pace of invention being so hot that in 1832 Charles Babbage reported that machines became obsolete long before they wore out. A Salford cotton mill was the first industrial establishment to use gas lighting: James Thomson, calico printer, introduced gas lighting to the town of Clitheroe when he installed it in his works. And there were many other important technical and scientific innovations. It was to supply these industries, so well accustomed to change, that the synthetic coal-tar dyestuffs were introduced from 1856 onwards. It is interesting that, so far as we can see, the appearance of these synthetic dyestuffs was the last in the series of major innovations in the textiles and related industries: at least until recent times.
The Foundation of the Geological Society of London: Its Scheme for Co-operative Research and its Struggle for Independence
Authors: Rudwick M. J. S.
Published: January 2009

Synopsis

The Geological Society of London was the first learned society to be devoted solely to geology, and its members were responsible for much of the spectacular progress of the science in the nineteenth century. Its distinctive character as a centre of geological discussion and research was established within the first five years from its foundation in 1807. During this period its activities were directed, and its policies largely shaped, by its President, George Bellas Greenough, on whose unpublished papers this account is chiefly based.

The Society began as a small scientific dining club in London, but it developed rapidly into a learned society with a nation-wide membership. It became so independent in outlook and so active in research that it was felt to threaten the esteem of the Royal Society; and little more than a year after its foundation it clashed with the Royal Society (and especially with its President Sir Joseph Banks) so violently that its continued existence was for a time uncertain.

Its development into a large independent society was the outcome of its ‘Baconian’ view of the importance of collecting geological facts as a surer basis for geological theories. For this purpose it initiated an ambitious scheme for co-operative research, which would unite the efforts of ‘philosophers’ with those of ‘practical men’. Only personal reasons seem to have kept the most prominent of the practical men—William Smith—from co-operating with the Society.
Kepler's Laws of Planetary Motion: 1609–1666
Authors: Russell J. L.
Published: January 2009

Synopsis

Historians of seventeenth-century science have frequently asserted that Kepler's laws of planetary motion were largely ignored between the time of their first publication (1609, 1619) and the publication of Newton's Principia (1687). In fact, however, they were more widely known and accepted than has been generally recognized.

Kepler's ideas were, indeed, rather slow in establishing themselves, and until about 1630 there are few references to them in the literature of the time. But from then onwards, interest in them increased fairly rapidly. In particular, the principle of elliptical orbits had been accepted by most of the leading astronomers in France before 1645 and in England by about 1655. It also received quite strong support in Holland.

The second law had a more chequered history. It was enunciated in its exact form by a few writers and was used in practice by some others without being explicitly formulated, but the majority, especially after 1645, preferred one or another of several variant forms which were easier to use but only approximately correct. The third law attracted less interest than the others, chiefly perhaps because it had no satisfactory theoretical basis, but it was correctly stated by at least six writers during the period under review.

Between about 1630 and 1650 Kepler's Epitome Astronomiae Copernicanae (in which all three laws were clearly formulated) was probably the most widely read work on theoretical astronomy in northern and western Europe, while his Rudolphine Tables, which were based upon the first two laws, were regarded by the majority of astronomers as the most accurate planetary tables available.

Kepler's work certainly did not receive all the recognition it deserved, but the extent to which it was neglected has been much exaggerated.