bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating alternate strategic options for agricultural value chains
Authors: Ainsley Archer A. , Thorburn Peter J. , Hobson Phil A. , Higgins Andrew J.
Published: December 2008

Making strategic innovations to agricultural value chains can be difficult. Complex biophysical and logistical interactions make a priori estimates of chain-wide impacts difficult. This paper gives the results of applying an agent-based, value chain modelling framework, developed and applied in participation with stakeholders in three sugar mill case studies, which evaluated the viability of maximising the co-generation of electricity by harvesting the whole crop (i.e. cane leaves as well as stalk). The existing practice of harvesting predominantly cane stalk (as in the 2003 production year) was the base case for comparing a scenario where electricity co-generation (from crop residues) was an added revenue stream. Increased revenues were compared to costs within sectors as per changes in biophysical flows for the grower, harvesting, transport and milling segments in the chain. In general, predicted impacts on the farming and milling sectors were greater than anticipated by stakeholders, while the impacts on the harvesting and transport sectors were less than anticipated because of increased logistical efficiency possible in the sectors. A virtual experience of their supply chain facilitated more complete knowledge transfer about possible impacts of whole-crop harvesting to managers across the chain and thus increased their capacity to evaluate innovative business models involving the co-generation of electricity.
Measurement of the importance of trust elements in agrifood chains: an application of the analytic hierarchy process
Authors: Ameseder Christoph , Meixner Oliver , Haas Rainer , Fritz Melanie , Schiefer Gerhard
Published: December 2008

This paper focuses on the level of inter-organizational trust-building elements in food chains of different countries. It is based on a theoretical typology of trust elements, developed and tested for an early stage of business to business (B2B) relationships. In a planned study, required data will be collected via qualitative expert interviews. The importance of trust elements will be measured by applying the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The study will contribute to understanding the influence of cultural background and single key informants on inter-organizational trust. Results will be useful for the implementation of trust elements in B2B e-business applications.
Human and animal disease outbreaks in India due to mycotoxins other than aflatoxins
Authors: Raghavender C. , Reddy B.
Published: December 2008

Mycotoxins are gaining increasing importance due to their deleterious effects on human and animal health. Chronic health risks are particularly prevalent in India where the diets of the people are highly prone to mycotoxins due to poor harvesting practices, improper storage and transport coupled with high temperature and moisture. This paper reviews disease outbreaks of mycotoxicoses other than aflatoxins in India due to ingestion of mycotoxincontaminated food. Ergotism is one of the earliest known outbreaks of mycotoxins reported in rural areas of western India associated with pearl millet grain. Trichothecenes have been involved in an acute human mycotoxicosis known as alimentary toxic aleukia in India during 1987 and were attributed to the consumption of mouldy wheat. Deoxynivalenol was implicated in an outbreak of emetic syndrome in Kashmir State. An outbreak of acute foodborne disease caused by fumonisin was reported in south India during 1995 affecting 1,424 people due to contaminated sorghum and maize.Rhizopustoxicosis was reported from Maharashtra State and caused the death of three people. These outbreaks continue to be a significant health problem of people in India, because their poor purchasing power compels them to consume contaminated food.
Distribution of aflatoxin in non-irrigated peanuts
Authors: Toyofuku N. , Schatzki T. , Ong M.
Published: December 2008

The aflatoxin B1 and total aflatoxin distribution in Georgia Green peanuts has been measured. Sample distributions
were measured in approximately 400 small samples each of jumbo, medium and small other kernels sublots, containing
20, 10, and 5 kernels, respectively. Results were converted to single kernel probability density distributions, p(c),
using methods previously published. This constitutes the first direct small sample experimental establishment
of p(c) in USA peanuts. All three sublots show evidence in the single kernel probability density of peaks at about
concentrations of 105 and 5×103 ng/g, and a partial peak at a concentration <5×102 ng/g. The first and last of these
are similar to peaks seen in tree nuts.
Photolysis of cyclopiazonic acid to fluorescent products
Authors: Maragos C.
Published: December 2008

Cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) is a mycotoxin produced by some of the same species of fungi that produce the more
widely known aflatoxins. As a consequence it has been found previously that CPA and the aflatoxins may co-occur
in commodities under certain conditions. CPA, which is a substituted indole, has a chromophore with absorptions
in the ultraviolet (UV) region (223 nm, 278 nm). Quantification of CPA is commonly accomplished by liquid
chromatographic separation followed by detection of one of the UV absorbances. CPA has not previously been
described as fluorescent, and it likely is not. However, herein we report that, following exposure to high intensity
UV light in a photochemical reactor, fluorescent products of CPA are produced. In methanol or aqueous acetonitrile
these products have an excitation maximum of 372 nm and an emission maximum of 462 nm. Upon exposure to UV
light for extended periods a decrease in the absorbance of CPA at 223 nm and 278 nm and a concomitant increase
in fluorescence was observed. CPA and aflatoxin B1 were separated by reverse-phase liquid chromatography and
the eluant was subjected to post-column photolysis, which allowed the fluorescence detection of both toxins. The
ability to photolyse CPA and detect this toxin by fluorescence may open up new avenues for determination of this
mycotoxin alone or together with the aflatoxins.
Reading information graphics: The role of spatial contiguity and dual attentional guidance
Authors: Holsanova Jana , Holmberg Nils , Holmqvist Kenneth
Published: December 2008

In a naturalistic newspaper reading study, two pairs of information graphics have been designed to study the effects of (a) the spatial contiguity principle and (b) the dual scripting principle by means of eye tracking measurements. Our data clearly show that different spatial layouts have a significant effect on readers' eye movement behaviour. An integrated format with spatial contiguity between text and illustrations facilitates integration. Reading of information graphics is moreover significantly enhanced by a serial format, resulting from dual attentional guidance. The dual scripting principle is associated with a bottom‐up guidance through the spatial layout of the presentation, suggesting a specific reading path, and with a top‐down guidance through the conceptual pre‐processing of the contents, facilitating information processing and semantic integration of the material. The integrated and serial formats not only attract readers' initial attention but also sustain the readers' interest, thereby promoting a longer and deeper processing of the complex material. The results are an important contribution to the study of the cognitive processes involved in text‐picture integration and offer relevant insights about attentional guidance in printed media, computer‐based instructional materials and textbook design. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How do i do? Investigating effects of expertise and performance‐process records on self‐assessment
Authors: Kostons Danny , van Gog Tamara , Paas Fred
Published: December 2008

This study investigated the effects of expertise and cues of the performance‐process on self‐assessment, using a 2 × 2 factorial design with factors ‘Expertise’ (Lower vs. Higher) and ‘Performance‐Process Cue’ (Cued vs. Non‐cued). The cues, consisting of replays of integrated records of participants' eye movements and actions on the computer screen, were hypothesised to help the lower expertise group to remember and the higher expertise group to evaluate their task performance, by allowing them to review both physical actions (reflected in mouse/keyboard operations) and cognitive actions (reflected in eye movements) made during task performance. The results were in line with this hypothesis. Implications of these findings for self‐assessment theory and the use of eye tracking recordings as a performance‐process cue are discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self‐Organized Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotube Conducting Thin Films with Honeycomb Structures on Flexible Plastic Films
Authors: Wakamatsu Nobuo , Takamori Hisayoshi , Fujigaya Tsuyohiko , Nakashima Naotoshi
Published: December 2008

Complex 1, synthesized from anionic shortened single‐walled carbon nanotubes and cationic ammonium lipid dissolved in organic solvents, is cast on pretreated transparent flexible poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) films under a higher relative humidity to form thin films with self‐organized honeycomb structures. The cell sizes are controllable by changing the experimental conditions. The lipid, which is the cationic part of complex 1, is easily removed by a simple ion‐exchange method, while maintaining the basic honeycomb structures. After the ion exchange, the nanotube honeycomb films on PET with thinner skeletons exhibit a dramatic decrease in the surface resistivity from insulating to conducting. Carbon nanotubes with honeycomb structures formed by the self‐organization on flexible polymer films are useful in many areas of nanoscience and technology including nanomaterials, nanoelectronics, nanodevices, catalysts, sensors, and so on.
The design and use of an agent‐based model to simulate the 1918 influenza epidemic at Norway House, Manitoba
Authors: Carpenter Connie , Sattenspiel Lisa
Published: December 2008

Agent‐based modeling provides a new approach to the study of virgin soil epidemics like the 1918 flu. In this bottom‐up simulation approach, a landscape can be created and populated with a heterogeneous group of agents who move and interact in ways that more closely resemble human behavior than is usually seen in other modeling techniques. In this project, an agent‐based model was constructed to simulate the spread of the 1918 influenza pandemic through the Norway House community in Manitoba, Canada. Archival, ethnographic, epidemiological, and biological information were used to aid in designing the structure of the model and to estimate values for model parameters. During the epidemic, Norway House was a Hudson's Bay Company post and a Swampy Cree‐Métis settlement with an economy based on hunting, fishing, and the fur trade. The community followed a traditional, seasonal travel pattern of summer aggregation and winter dispersal. The model was used to examine how seasonal community structures and associated population movement patterns may have influenced disease transmission and epidemic spread. Simulations of the model clearly demonstrate that human behavior can significantly influence epidemic outcomes. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Maternal height and child mortality in 42 developing countries
Authors: Monden Christiaan W. S. , Smits Jeroen
Published: December 2008

Previous research reports mixed results about the association between maternal height and child mortality. Some studies suggest that the negative association might be stronger in contexts with fewer resources. This hypothesis has yet not been tested in a cross‐nationally comparative design. We use data on 307,223 children born to 194,835 women in 444 districts of 42 developing countries to estimate the association between maternal height and child mortality and test whether this association is modified by indicators at the level of the household (like sex, age and twin status of the child and socio‐economic characteristics of the mother and her partner), district (regional level of development, public health facilities and female occupational attainment) and country (GDP per capita). We find a robust negative effect of logged maternal height on child mortality. The effect of maternal health is strongest for women with least education and is more important in the first year after birth and for twin births. The indicators of development at the district and country level do not modify the effect of maternal height. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Seizures and reproductive function: Insights from female rats with epilepsy
Authors: Scharfman Helen E. , Kim Michelle , Hintz Tana M. , MacLusky Neil J.
Published: December 2008

Objective

Chronic seizures in women can have adverse effects on reproductive function, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, but it has been difficult to dissociate the effects of epilepsy from the role of antiepileptic drugs. To distinguish the effects of chronic seizures from medication, we used the laboratory rat, because an epileptic condition can be induced without concomitant anticonvulsant drug treatment.

Methods

Adult female rats were administered the chemoconvulsant pilocarpine to initiate status epilepticus, which was decreased in severity by the anticonvulsant diazepam. These rats developed spontaneous seizures in the ensuing weeks, and are therefore termed epileptic. Controls were saline‐treated rats, or animals that were injected with pilocarpine but did not develop status epilepticus. Ovarian cyclicity and weight gain were evaluated for 2 to 3 months. Serum hormone levels were assayed from trunk blood, which was collected at the time of death. Paraformaldehyde‐fixed ovaries were evaluated quantitatively.

Results

Rats that had pilocarpine‐induced seizures had an increased incidence of acyclicity by the end of the study, even if status epilepticus did not occur. Ovarian cysts and weight gain were significantly greater in epileptic than control rats, whether rats maintained cyclicity or not. Serum testosterone was increased in epileptic rats, but estradiol, progesterone, and prolactin were not.

Interpretations

The results suggest that an epileptic condition in the rat leads to increased body weight, cystic ovaries, and increased testosterone levels. Although caution is required when comparing female rats with women, the data suggest that recurrent seizures have adverse effects, independent of antiepileptic drugs. Ann Neurol 2008;64:687–697
The brain in the age of old: The hippocampal formation is targeted differentially by diseases of late life
Authors: Wu William , Brickman Adam M. , Luchsinger Jose , Ferrazzano Peter , Pichiule Paola , Yoshita Mitsuhiro , Brown Truman , DeCarli Charles , Barnes Carol A. , Mayeux Richard , Vannucci Susan J. , Small Scott A.
Published: December 2008

Objective

To rely on the anatomical organization of the hippocampal formation in understanding whether and how late‐life diseases such as diabetes and stroke contribute to age‐related cognitive decline.

Methods

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to document brain infarcts and to generate high‐resolution functional maps of the hippocampal formation in 240 community‐based nondemented elders (mean age, 79.7 years) who received a comprehensive medical evaluation. Sixty participants had type 2 diabetes mellitus, whereas 74 had MRI‐documented brain infarcts, and the first analysis was designed to pinpoint hippocampal subregions differentially linked to each disorder. Then, guided by the results, additional functional MRI studies in aging rhesus monkeys and mice were used to test proposed mechanisms of dysfunction.

Results

Although both diabetes and brain infarcts were associated with hippocampal dysfunction, each was linked to separate hippocampal subregions, suggesting distinct underlying mechanisms. The hippocampal subregion linked to diabetes implicated blood glucose as a pathogenic mechanism, a hypothesis confirmed by imaging aging rhesus monkeys and a mouse model of diabetes. The hippocampal subregion linked to infarcts suggested transient hypoperfusion as a pathogenic mechanism, a hypothesis provisionally confirmed by comparing anatomical patterns across subjects with infarcts in different vascular territories.

Interpretation

Taken together with previous findings, these results clarify how diseases of late life differentially target the hippocampal formation, identify elevations in blood glucose as a contributing cause of age‐related memory decline, and suggest specific interventions that can preserve cognitive health. Ann Neurol 2008;64:698–706
Metal–Organic Spheres as Functional Systems for Guest Encapsulation
Authors: Imaz Inhar , Hernando Jordi , Ruiz‐Molina Daniel , Maspoch Daniel
Published: December 2008

Sphärenmusik: Eine unendliche Koordinationspolymerisation von Zn2+‐Ionen und einem multitopen Liganden liefert metall‐organische Mikro‐ und Nanokugeln, die als funktionelle Matrices genutzt werden können. Sie können Kombinationen aktiver Substanzen, z. B. organische Farbstoffe, magnetische Nanopartikel oder lumineszierende Quantenpunkte (siehe Bild), einschließen, was zu Kugeln führt, die im blauen, grünen und roten Spektralbereich lumineszieren.

magnified image
Synthesis, crystal structure and properties of a new lanthanide‐transition metal carbonyl cluster
Authors: Ye Jiehui , Su Haiquan , Bai Fenghua , Du Yong , Zhang Yulong
Published: December 2008

A new type heterobimetallic complex containing lanthanide and transition metal carbonyl cluster (LnM carbonyl cluster), Sm2{OOCCCo3(CO)9}2{OOCCF3}4{(CO)9Co3CCOOH}4, has been synthesized by reaction of (CO)9Co3CCOOH with Sm(OOCCF3)3(H2O)2, and structurally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Application of the complex as a catalyst precursor for hydrogenation of carbon monoxide (Fischer–Tropsch reaction) was explored, and the thermogravimetric behavior and magnetic properties of the compound were examined as well. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pregnancy exposure registries: Academic opportunities and industry responsibility
Authors: Wyszynski Diego F.
Published: December 2008

Pregnancy exposure registries systematically evaluate pregnancies and outcomes exposed to a medicinal compound or device during the gestational period. Historically, such programs partner an academic institution with one or more pharmaceutical companies or are run solely by a pharmaceutical company. However, other examples abound. This article describes what a pregnancy exposure registry is, as well as selected methodological challenges they face, using real examples and applications. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Better data needed from pregnancy registries
Authors: Briggs Gerald G. , Polifka Janine ,   and OTIS Research Committee
Published: December 2008

This article is a consensus position statement from the Research Committee of the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS). The Committee believes that more specific information on the timing and dose of drug exposures from pregnancy birth defect registries sponsored by pharmaceutical companies (herein called pregnancy registries) would improve the estimation of risk for developmental toxicity (i.e., growth alteration, structural anomalies, functional/neurobehavioral deficits, or death). Specifically, the Committee believes that the exposure timing should be stated in gestational weeks and days rather than simply weeks. In addition, the Committee believes that the exposure dose should be stated in patient‐specific terms, such as body weight (mg/kg) or body surface area (mg/m2) rather than simply dose strength. Although the focus of this position is pregnancy registries, it also is applicable to any source of medication‐induced embryo‐fetal toxicity. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Non-invasive ventilation for treatment of postoperative respiratory failure after oesophagectomy
Authors: Michelet P , D'Journo X B , Seinaye F , Forel J M , Papazian L , Thomas P
Published: December 2008

Background

The aim of this case–control study was to compare the efficacy of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) with that of conventional treatment in patients who develop postoperative acute respiratory failure (ARF) after oesophagectomy.

Methods

Thirty-six consecutive patients with ARF treated by NPPV were matched for diagnosis, age within 5 years, sex, preoperative radiochemotherapy and Charlson co-morbidity index with 36 patients who received conventional treatment (control group).

Results

NPPV was associated with a lower reintubation rate (nine versus 23 patients; P = 0·008), lower frequency of acute respiratory distress syndrome (eight versus 19 patients; P = 0·015), and a reduction in intensive care stay (mean(s.d.) 14(13) versus 22(18) days; P = 0·034). Anastomotic leakage was less common in patients receiving NPPV (two versus ten; P = 0·027). These patients also showed a greater improvement in gas exchange in the first 3 days after onset of ARF (P = 0·013).

Conclusion

The use of NPPV for the treatment of postoperative ARF may decrease the incidence of endotracheal intubation and related complications, without increasing the risk of anastomotic leakage after oesophagectomy.
Acute pancreatitis and the influence of socioeconomic deprivation
Authors: Ellis M P , French J J , Charnley R M
Published: December 2008

Background

A comprehensive epidemiological study of acute pancreatitis (AP) using reliable objective methods of patient identification with the inclusion of socioeconomic factors has not been reported previously.

Methods

The study included all patients with AP identified by raised serum amylase or lipase levels admitted to 18 hospitals over 6 months. Clinical records were reviewed to confirm the diagnosis, aetiology and outcome. Patients were stratified into quintiles of socioeconomic deprivation. Age-standardized incidence (ASI) and mortality were calculated.

Results

Clinical data were reviewed for all 963 identified patients. The ASI was 56·5 per 105 per annum, double the highest figure reported previously in the UK. Univariable logistic regression analysis showed a high ASI among older age groups (odds ratio (OR) 1·06 per year; P < 0·001) and in areas of high deprivation (OR 2·40 between least and most deprived; P < 0·001); the latter was predominantly related to alcoholic aetiology (OR 6·50 (95 per cent confidence interval 3·90 to 10·84)).

Conclusion

The incidence of AP based on a highly sensitive method of case identification was higher than previously reported. A clear relationship was found between socioeconomic deprivation and incidence of AP, which was largely explained by a higher incidence of alcoholic aetiology.
Liver dysfunction and sepsis determine operative mortality after liver resection
Authors: Capussotti L , Viganò L , Giuliante F , Ferrero A , Giovannini I , Nuzzo G
Published: December 2008

Background

Liver failure is the principal cause of death after hepatectomy. Its progression towards death and its relationship with sepsis are unclear. This study analysed predictors of mortality in patients with liver dysfunction and the role of sepsis in the death of these patients.

Methods

The study focused on patients with liver dysfunction, excluding those with vascular thrombosis, after liver resection at one of two centres between 1998 and 2006.

Results

Liver dysfunction occurred after 57 (4·5 per cent) of 1271 hepatectomies. Fifty-three patients without vascular thrombosis were included in the analysis, with a mortality rate of 23 per cent. Independent predictors of death were age (odds ratio (OR) 1·18 per year increase; P = 0·017), cirrhosis (OR 54·09; P = 0·004) and postoperative sepsis (OR 37·58; P = 0·005). Sepsis occurred in 15 patients (28 per cent), seven of whom died. Intestinal pathogens were isolated in 12 patients with sepsis. The risk of sepsis was significantly increased in those with surgical complications (11 of 16 versus four of 37; P < 0·001).

Conclusion

Sepsis plays a key role in the death of patients with liver dysfunction after hepatectomy. Early recognition and aggressive treatment of sepsis may reduce mortality.
Concomitant injuries are an important determinant of outcome of high-grade blunt hepatic trauma
Authors: Schnüriger B , Inderbitzin D , Schafer M , Kickuth R , Exadaktylos A , Candinas D
Published: December 2008

Background

Little is known about the clinical importance of concomitant injuries in polytraumatized patients with high-grade blunt liver injury. A retrospective single-centre study was performed to investigate the safety of non-operative management of liver injury and the impact of concomitant intra- and extra-abdominal injuries on clinical outcome.

Methods

Some 183 patients with blunt liver injury were admitted to Berne University Hospital, Switzerland, between January 2000 and December 2006. Grade 3–5 injuries were considered to be high grade.

Results

Immediate laparotomy was required by 35 patients (19·1 per cent), owing to extrahepatic intra-abdominal injury (splenic and vascular injuries, perforations) in 21 cases. The mortality rate was 16·9 per cent; 22 of the 31 deaths were due to concomitant lesions. Of 81 patients with high-grade liver injury, 63 (78 per cent) were managed without surgery; liver-related and extra-abdominal complication rates in these patients were 11 and 17 per cent respectively. Grades 4 and 5 liver injury were associated with hepatic-related and extra-abdominal complications.

Conclusion

Concomitant injuries are a major determinant of outcome in patients with blunt hepatic injury and should be given high priority by trauma surgeons. An algorithm for the management of blunt liver injury is proposed.
Clostridium difficile infection and surgery
Authors: Gourevitch D , Hawkey P
Published: December 2008

Prudence with antibiotics
Perceived cultural distance and acculturation among exchange students in Russia
Authors: Suanet Irina , Van de Vijver Fons J. R.
Published: December 2008

The relations of perceived cultural distance, personality, acculturation orientations and outcomes were studied among exchange students (N = 187) in Russia who came from various countries in Asia, sub‐Saharan Africa, Latin America and the former Soviet Union. The hypothesis was supported that a larger perceived cultural distance between mainstream and immigrant culture is associated with less psychological (homesickness and stress) and sociocultural (behaviour with Russian students and behaviour with co‐nationals) adjustment. The statistical relations between perceived cultural distance, personality and sociocultural adjustment were much stronger for host domain behaviour than for home domain behaviour. Adjustment was higher for participants with more cultural empathy, openmindedness and flexibility. Adjustment showed statistically stronger associations with cultural distance than with acculturation orientations. It is concluded that cultural distance may be more salient than acculturation orientations in studies of heterogeneous groups of immigrants. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How applicable is the general adaptation syndrome to the unicellular Tetrahymena?
Authors: Csaba György , Pállinger Éva
Published: December 2008

Hormone receptors, hormones and signal transduction pathways characteristic of higher vertebrates can be observed also in the unicellular Tetrahymena. Previous work showed that stress conditions (starvation, high temperature, high salt concentration, formaldehyde or alcohol treatment) elevated the intracellular level of four hormones (ACTH, endorphin, serotonin and T3). Here, the effect of other stressors (CuSO4 poisoning, tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitor parachlorphenylalanine (PCPA) treatment) on the same and other hormones (epinephrine, insulin, histamine) was studied, using immunocytochemistry and flow cytometric analysis. It was found, that each effect increased the intracellular hormone contents, but some hormones (histamine, T3) were less reactive. Insulin—which is a life‐saving factor for Tetrahymena—itself provoked elevation of hormone amounts in association with a stressor, further increased the level of hormones. It was concluded that the ancestor of Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) can be found already at unicellular level, and this possibly has a life saving function. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adverse impact of vascular stent “mass effect” on airways
Authors: Ferandos Christine , El‐Said Howaida , Hamzeh Rabih , Moore John W.
Published: December 2008

Objectives:

To report our experience with bronchial compression secondary to vascular stent implantation within the mediastinum of patients with congenital heart disease.

Background:

Stents are routinely used to correct native and postsurgical vessel stenoses. However, the “mass effect” of stents on adjacent structures within the chest has not been consistently appreciated nor evaluated.

Methods:

A retrospective review of patients who had stent implantation and subsequent computerized tomographic angiography (CTA) at Rady Children's Hospital was performed.

Results:

From August 2005 to November 2007, 147 stents were implanted to correct vessel stenoses within the chests of 120 patients. Among these 120 patients, 21 had CT angiograms performed after stent implantation. Clinical indications for poststent CT imaging included inability to wean from ventilator support, significant coughing episodes, continued hypoxia, and follow‐up study after complex repairs. Six of the twenty one patients (29%) had adverse mass effects from stents causing compression of adjacent bronchial structures. Two of the six patients expired. One patient required a tracheostomy, two patients were slow to wean from the ventilator, while one was clinically asymptomatic. Five of the six patients had had an aortic arch anomaly with subsequent arch reconstruction or hybrid intervention.

Conclusions:

Stent implantation in vascular structures within the chest may have adverse mass effects on adjacent bronchial structures. Clinical sequelae may range from silent to catastrophic. Pre‐and/or poststent implantation imaging of vascular structures and airways should be considered in selected patients. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pneumopericardial tamponade resulting from a spontaneous gastropericardial fistula
Authors: Bruhl Steven R. , Lanka Kiranmayee , Colyer William R.
Published: December 2008

Pneumopericardium is a rare but serious cause of morbidity and mortality. Untreated, it can lead to cardiac tamponade and thus must be promptly identified to treat the underlying etiology. Here, we report a case of spontaneous pneumopericardium secondary to gastric ulcer perforation in association with a hiatal hernia. The diagnosis of pneumopericardium was first made under fluoroscopy during cardiac catheterization and a follow‐up CT of the chest revealed a gastropericardial fistula as the initiating event. The patient underwent emergent thoracotomy and partial esophagogastrectomy which eventually resulted in a full recovery and discharge on postoperative day 19. Our unique experience with this rare and often fatal disease suggests that early diagnosis combined with an early and aggressive surgical strategy is critical for minimizing morbidity and mortality. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High Throughput Screening for the Design and Optimization of Chromatographic Processes: Automated Optimization of Chromatographic Phase Systems
Authors: Susanto A. , Treier K. , Knieps‐Grünhagen E. , von Lieres E. , Hubbuch J.
Published: December 2008

Chromatographic processes can be optimized in various ways. However, the two most prominent approaches are either based on statistical data analysis or on experimentally validated simulation models. Both approaches heavily rely on experimental data, the generation of which usually imposes a significant bottleneck on rational process design. Hence, here a closed‐loop optimization strategy is proposed in that an automated high throughput liquid handling platform is combined with a genetic algorithm. This setup enables process optimization on the mini‐scale and thus saves time as well as material costs. The practicability and robustness of the proposed high throughput method is demonstrated with two exemplary optimization tasks: first, optimization of the buffer composition in the capture step for a binary protein mixture (lysozyme and cytochrome), and second, optimization of multilinear gradient elution for the separation of a ternary mixture (ribonuclease and cytochrome, and lysozyme).
Hydrodynamics of a Novel Biomass Autothermal Fast Pyrolysis Reactor: Flow Pattern and Pressure Drop
Authors: Zhang H.‐Y. , Xiao R. , Pan Q.‐W. , Song Q.‐L. , Huang H.
Published: December 2008

A novel biomass, autothermal, fast pyrolysis reactor with a draft tube and an internal dipleg dividing the reactor into two interconnected beds is proposed. This internally interconnected fluidized beds (IIFB) reactor is designed to produce high‐quality bio‐oil using catalysts. Meanwhile, the pyrolysis by‐products, i.e., char, coke and non‐condensable gases, are expected to burn in the combustion bed to provide the heat for the pyrolysis. On the other hand, the catalysts can be regenerated simultaneously. In this study, experiments on the hydrodynamics of a cold model IIFB reactor are reported. Geldart group B and D sand particles were used as the bed materials. The effects of spouting and fluidizing gas velocities, particle size, static bed height and the total pressure loss coefficient of the pyrolysis bed exit, on the flow patterns and pressure drops of the two interconnected beds are studied. Six distinct flow patterns, i.e., fixed bed (F), periodic spouted/bubbling bed (PS/B), spouted bed with aeration (SA), spout‐fluidized bed (SF), spout‐fluidized bed with slugging (SFS) and spouted bed with backward jet (SBJ) are identified. The investigations on the pressure drops of the two beds show that both of them are seen to increase at first (mainly in the F flow pattern), then to decrease (mainly in the PS/B and SA flow patterns) and finally to increase again (mainly in the SA and SF flow patterns), with the increase of the spouting gas velocity. It is observed that a larger particle size and lower static bed height lead to lower pressure drops of the two beds.
New Attempt to Reduce the Harm of Smoking: Reducing the Nitrosamines Level in Tobacco Smoke by Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Gao Ling , Wang Ying , Xu Jia Hui , Xu Yang , Cao Yi , Yun Zhi Yu , Hong Chao , Zhu Jian Hua
Published: December 2008

In order to protect the environment and public health, microwave irradiation was investigated as a means of reducing the nitrosamines level of tobacco smoke under mild conditions where the microwave energy was 1 kW and the irradiation time was shorter than 2 min. The microwave‐induced elimination of nitrosamines such as N‐nitrosopyrrolidine (NPYR) and N‐nitrosodiphenylamine (NDPA) was investigated and the impact of the presence of water and salt in the medium on the reduction was assessed in detail. The existence of water in the medium was crucial for the microwave‐induced reduction of NDPA, because the rapid movement of water molecules under the influence of microwaves strongly affects the adjacent nitrosamines leading to their decomposition. This was the first time that microwaves have been used to directly irradiate cigarettes sealed in their packaging, and the nitrosamines content of tobacco and smoke of these irradiated cigarettes were analyzed with care. Irradiation for 90 s with microwave energy of 1kW was seen to reduce 25 to 30% of the nitrosamines in tobacco and 50 to 60% of the levels present in the mainstream smoke of the cigarette. Moreover, lower mutagenic activity and higher CHO cell livability were found for the irradiated cigarettes in comparison with the control according to the results of in vitro tests.
Chemical Characterization of Biosolids from Three Spanish WWTPs: Transfer of Organics and Metallic Pollution from Urban Wastewater to Biosolids
Authors: Galvín Rafael Marín , Cardenete López Juan Manuel , Rodríguez Mellado José Miguel
Published: December 2008

The production of biosolids in three Spanish wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) has been investigated. Biosolids produced from the treatment of urban wastewater in Spain are usually intended for agricultural use. The reliable production of biosolids mainly depends on both the quantity of suspended solids and the organic load influent to the treatment systems. The quality of the generated biosolids was independent of both the amount of treated water and the treatment process applied, with 20 to 25% dried matter, and 60 to 75%, 7% and 4% of organic matter, N and P, respectively, of the total matter. The biosolids contained ca. 11 to 19 g/kg of total metals in the dry matter, with Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn representing 97% of all of the metals present, and Hg being the minority metal. Such biosolids had the ability to concentrate the organic matter and metals from the wastewater up to 417 and 869 times, respectively, and thus, can be used in agricultural practice.
Studies on the Removal of Iron from Drinking Water by Electrocoagulation – A Clean Process
Authors: Vasudevan Subramanyan , Lakshmi Jothinathan , Sozhan Ganapathy
Published: December 2008

The present study describes an electrocoagulation process for the removal of iron from drinking water using magnesium as the anode and galvanized iron as the cathode. Experiments were carried out as a function of pH, temperature and current density. The adsorption capacity was evaluated using both the Langmuir and the Freundlich isotherm models. The results show that the maximum removal efficiency of 98.4% was achieved at a current density of 0.06 A dm–2, at a pH of 6.0. The adsorption of iron was better explained by fitting the Langmuir adsorption isotherm, which suggests a monolayer coverage of adsorbed molecules. The adsorption process followed a second‐order kinetics model. Temperature studies showed that adsorption was endothermic and spontaneous in nature.
Phase 2 open‐label study of single‐agent sorafenib in treating advanced hepatocellular carcinoma in a hepatitis B–endemic Asian population
Authors: Yau Thomas , Chan Pierre , Ng Kelvin K. , Chok Sin Ho , Cheung Tan To , Fan Sheung Tat , Poon Ronnie T.
Published: December 2008

BACKGROUND:

The current study was a phase 2 open–label study to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of single‐agent sorafenib in the treatment of advanced HCC patients in a hepatitis B–endemic Asian population.

METHODS:

Patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) received sorafenib at a dose of 400 mg twice daily in 4‐week cycles. Tumor response was assessed every 3 cycles using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria.

RESULTS:

Fifty‐one patients were enrolled in the study and were treated with sorafenib for at least 12 weeks. The median age was 56 years (range, 28‐79 years). Approximately 90% had hepatitis B virus–related HCC. Thirty‐six (71%) patients had underlying Child‐Pugh A cirrhosis, 13 (26%) Child‐Pugh B, and 2 (3%) Child‐Pugh C. Four (8%) patients achieved partial responses, and 9 (18%) patients had stable disease for at least 12 weeks. The median overall survival was 5 months (range, 4‐17 months). Patients without extrahepatic spread, particularly without lung metastasis (P<.01), are more likely to benefit from sorafenib treatment. The most common toxicities were diarrhea (67%), malaise (55%), and hand‐foot‐skin reaction (54%). The majority of patients had transient liver function derangement. Patients with and without underlying portal vein thrombosis had similar therapeutic benefits and likewise shared a similar treatment‐related toxicity profile with sorafenib treatment.

CONCLUSIONS:

Single‐agent sorafenib demonstrates good efficacy and acceptable tolerability in treating an advanced HCC patient population in a hepatitis B–endemic area. The presence of lung metastasis predicts poor response to sorafenib in advanced HCC patients. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Genetic susceptibility of lung cancer associated with common variants in the 3′ untranslated regions of the adenosine triphosphate‐binding cassette B1 (ABCB1) and ABCC1 candidate transporter genes for carcinogen export
Authors: Wang Haijian , Jin Guangfu , Wang Haifeng , Liu Gaifen , Qian Ji , Jin Li , Wei Qingyi , Shen Hongbing , Huang Wei , Lu Daru
Published: December 2008

BACKGROUND:

Tobacco‐specific nitrosamine 4‐(methylnitrosamino)‐1‐(3‐pyridyl)‐1‐butanone (NKK) is a well defined carcinogen that can induce lung cancer. Genetic polymorphisms in its disposition pathways could modify the risk of developing lung cancer. The authors of this report previously catalogued the sequence variations of the adenosine triphosphate‐binding cassette B1 (ABCB1) and ABCC1 candidate transporter genes for carcinogen export in the Chinese population and screened out common variants with potential function in their 5′ flanking and 3′ untranslated regions. The objective of the current study was to test the hypothesis that these common variants are associated with lung cancer risk.

METHODS:

The genotyping analyses for 6 common regulatory variants (reference single‐nucleotide polymorphism 4728709 [rs4728709] and rs2188524 in the 5′ flanking region of ABCB1 and rs3842 in its 3′ untranslated region; rs3743527, rs212090, and rs212091 in the 3′ untranslated region of ABCC1) was conducted in a case‐control study of 500 patients with incident lung cancer and 517 cancer‐free controls in a Chinese population.

RESULTS:

Compared with the wild adenosine/adenosine (A/A) genotype, the variant rs3842 genotype (adenosine/guanosine [A/G] + G/G) of ABCB1 was associated with a statistically significant increased risk of developing lung cancer (odds ratio [OR]. 1.36; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.06‐1.76). Also evident was the association between cancer susceptibility and the variant rs212090 genotype (adenosine/thymidine [A/T] + T/T) of ABCC1 (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.03‐1.83). Haplotype‐based association analysis also emphasized that 2 common haplotypes carrying the culprit alleles of the 2 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms were associated with an increased risk of cancer. In addition, stratification analysis demonstrated a remarkable association of ABCB1 rs3842 with the risk of cancer manifested in women (OR, 2.57; 95% CI, 1.36‐4.85), in the histologic type of adenocarcinoma (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.03‐1.99), and in individuals aged <60 years (OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.05‐2.14).

CONCLUSIONS:

The current study demonstrated that common polymorphisms in the 3′ untranslated region of ABCB1 and ABCC1 may contribute to the etiology of lung cancer, providing further support for the hypothesis that genetic components in the metabolism and the disposition of NNK may modify the risk of lung cancer, especially in lung adenocarcinoma among women. Functional studies are warranted to elucidate whether aberrant expression and dysfunction of ABC transporters for carcinogen export may play a role in the development of lung cancer. Cancer 2009. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Autoantibodies in autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type I patients react with major brain neurotransmitter systems
Authors: Fetissov Sergueï O. , Bensing Sophie , Mulder Jan , Le Maitre Erwan , Hulting Anna‐Lena , Harkany Tibor , Ekwall Olov , Sköldberg Filip , Husebye Eystein S. , Perheentupa Jaakko , Rorsman Fredrik , Kämpe Olle , Hökfelt Tomas
Published: December 2008

Patients with autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type I (APS1) often display high titers of autoantibodies (autoAbs) directed against aromatic L‐amino acid decarboxylase (AADC), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH), and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD). Neurological symptoms, including stiff‐man syndrome and cerebellar ataxia, can occur in subjects with high levels of GAD autoAbs, particularly when patient sera can immunohistochemically stain γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurons. However, it was not known if APS1 sera can also stain major monoamine systems in the brain. Therefore, in this work we applied sera from 17 APS1 patients known to contain autoAbs against AADC, TH, TPH, and/or GAD to rat brain sections and processed the sections according to the sensitive immunohistochemical tyramide signal amplification method. We found that autoAbs in sera from 11 patients were able to stain AADC‐containing dopaminergic, serotonergic, and noradrenergic as well as AADC only (D‐group) neurons and fibers in the rat brain, in several cases with a remarkably high quality and sensitivity (dilution up to 1:1,000,000); and, since they are human antibodies, they offer a good opportunity for performing multiple‐labeling experiments using antibodies from other species. Six APS1 sera also stained GABAergic neuronal circuitries. Similar results were obtained in the mouse and primate brain. Our data demonstrate that many APS1 sera can immunostain the major monoamine and GABA systems in the brain. Only in a few cases, however, there was evidence that these autoAbs can be associated with neurological manifestations in APS1 patients, as, e.g., shown in previous studies in stiff‐man syndrome. J. Comp. Neurol. 513:1–20, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Components and properties of the G3 ganglion cell circuit in the rabbit retina
Authors: Hoshi Hideo , Mills Stephen L.
Published: December 2008

Each point on the retina is sampled by about 15 types of ganglion cell, each of which is an element in a circuit also containing specific types of bipolar cell and amacrine cell. Only a few of these circuits are well characterized. We found that intracellular injection of Neurobiotin into a specific ganglion cell type targeted by fluorescent markers also stained an asymmetrically branching ganglion cell. It was also tracer‐coupled to an unusual type of amacrine cell whose dendrites were strongly asymmetric, coursing in a narrow bundle from the soma in the dorsal direction only. The dendritic field of the ganglion cell stratifies initially in sublamina b (the ON layers), but with few specializations and branches, and then more extensively in sublamina a (the OFF layers) at the level of the processes of the coupled amacrine cell. Intersections of the ganglion and amacrine cell processes contain puncta immunopositive for Cx36. Additionally, we found that the dopaminergic amacrine cell makes contact with both the ganglion cell and the amacrine cell, and that a bipolar cell immunopositive for calbindin synapses onto the sublamina b processes of the ganglion cell. Dopamine D1 receptor activation reduced tracer flow to the amacrine cells. We have thus targeted and characterized two poorly understood retinal cell types and placed them with two other cell types in a substantial portion of a new retinal circuit. This unique circuit comprised of pronounced asymmetries in the ganglion cell and amacrine cell dendritic fields may result in a substantial orientation bias. J. Comp. Neurol. 513:69–82, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.