bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
1H‐Isoindole‐Based Potential Peptidomimetics
Authors: Biitseva Angelina V. , Rudenko Igor V. , Hordiyenko Olga V. , Jamart‐Grégoire Brigitte , Arrault Axelle
Published: June 2012

A variety of 1H‐isoindole‐based peptides was designed as potential mimics, and their efficient synthesis starting from 1‐imino‐1H‐isoindol‐3‐amine by subsequent interaction with N‐Boc‐amino acid hydrazides and amino acid ester isocyanates generated in situ, followed by chain elongation using conventional peptide chemistry, was elaborated.
Redox state alters anti‐cancer effects of wedelolactone
Authors: Benes Petr , Alexova Petra , Knopfova Lucia , Spanova Alena , Smarda Jan
Published: June 2012

Wedelolactone is one of the active plant polyphenolic compounds. Anti‐tumor effects of this drug have been demonstrated recently. We have described that wedelolactone acts as catalytic inhibitor of DNA topoisomerase IIα. The aim of this study was to further characterize the mechanism of its anti‐tumor effects. We showed that wedelolactone inhibits binding of DNA topoisomerase IIα to plasmid DNA and antagonizes formation of etoposide‐induced DNA cleavage complex. The inhibition of topoisomerase IIα by wedelolactone is reversible by excess of the enzyme but not DNA. The in vitro inhibitory effect of wedelolactone on the topoisomerase IIα activity is redox‐dependent as it diminished in the presence of reducing agents. Cytotoxicity of wedelolactone was partially inhibited by N‐acetylcysteine and glutathione ethyl ester in breast cancer MDA‐MB‐231 and MDA‐MB‐468 cells while the inhibitory effect of catalase was observed only in the former cell line. Finally, we found that wedelolactone can be oxidized in the presence of copper ions resulting in DNA strand break and abasic site formation in vitro. However, wedelolactone induced neither DNA damage in MDA‐MB‐231 cells nor mutations in bacterial cells detectable by Ames test suggesting that wedelolactone may not be an effective inducer of DNA damage. We conclude that the topoisomerase IIα inhibitory‐ and DNA damaging activities of wedelolactone in vitro depend on its redox state. Pro‐oxidant activity could, however, explain only part of wedelolactone‐induced cytotoxicity. Therefore, the major cellular target(s) of wedelolactone and the exact mechanism of wedelolactone‐induced cytotoxicity still remain to be identified. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Depression and cardiovascular risk factors: evidence from a large postmortem sample
Authors: Suemoto Claudia K. , Damico Marcio V. , Ferretti Renata E. L. , Grinberg Lea T. , Farfel José Marcelo , Leite Renata E. P. , Nitrini Ricardo , Lafer Beny , Jacob‐Filho Wilson , Pasqualucci Carlos A. , Group Brazilian Aging Brain Study
Published: June 2012

Objectives

We aimed to investigate the association of depression with cardiovascular risk factors and diseases (CVRFD) in a large population‐based sample.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 1012 deceased individuals greater than 50 years of age from a general autopsy service located in São Paulo, Brazil. Demographics, socioeconomic profile, and CVRFD information were collected by caregivers from the deceased individuals from the Brain Bank of the Brazilian Aging Brain Study Group. Depression diagnosed using the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Mental Disorders was the main outcome.

Results

Depression was associated with female gender (odds ratio (OR) = 1.86; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.28–2.71, p = 0.001), widowhood (OR = 1.54; 95% CI = 1.03–2.32, p = 0.04), physical inactivity (OR = 1.61; 95% CI = 1.15–2.26, p = 0.006), and smoking (OR = 2.03; 95% CI = 1.40–2.95, p < 0.001) after multivariate logistic regression analysis. Other CVRFD were not associated with the presence of depression.

Conclusions

In our cross‐sectional study, sedentary individuals and smokers showed a higher chance of depression during lifetime. Measures to control these common risk factors could decrease the incidence of depression. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Relative Importance of Usability and Functionality Factors for E‐Health Web Sites
Authors: Topaloglu Hande , Gumussoy Cigdem Altin , Bayraktaroglu Ayse Elvan , Calisir Fethi
Published: June 2012

With the growing usage of the Internet, the demand for online health care information and advice as well as the number of health‐related Web sites are increasing. In case of online health information and advice, the user interface replaces face‐to‐face communication. To ensure that the users' needs are met, it is critical to balance functionality and usability in the design of the Web site. The present study seeks to identify the complex interrelationships among the various factors of usability and functionality concerning e‐health Web sites. Two Turkish e‐health Web sites were assessed for evaluation in this study. The findings show that the users of the health information Web sites give a higher priority to functionality and its factors, whereby the highest relative importance is on “services/facilities” and “personalization/categorization of information.” The most important usability factors related to the e‐health Web sites are “memorability” and “interaction.” © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A gentamicin‐releasing coating for cementless hip prostheses—Longitudinal evaluation of efficacy using in vitro bio‐optical imaging and its wide‐spectrum antibacterial efficacy
Authors: Neut Daniëlle , Dijkstra René J. B. , Thompson Jonathan I. , van der Mei Henny C. , Busscher Henk J.
Published: June 2012

Cementless prostheses are increasingly popular in total hip arthroplasties. Therewith, common prophylactic measures to reduce the risk of postoperative infection like the use of antibiotic‐loaded bone cements, will no longer be available. Alternative prophylactic measures may include the use of antibiotic‐releasing coatings. Previously, we developed a gentamicin‐releasing coating for cementless titanium hip prostheses and derived an appropriate dosing of this coating by adjusting the amount of gentamicin in the coating to match the antibacterial efficacy of clinically employed gentamicin‐loaded bone cement. In this manuscript, we investigated two important issues regarding the prophylactic use of this 1 mg cm−2 bioactive gentamicin‐releasing coating in cementless total hip arthroplasty: (1) its ability to prevent bacterial growth in a geometrically relevant set‐up and (2) its antibacterial spectrum. A geometrically relevant set‐up was developed in which miniature titanium stems were surrounded by agar, contaminated with bioluminescent Staphylococcus aureus. Novel, bio‐optical imaging was performed allowing noninvasive, longitudinal monitoring of staphylococcal growth around miniature stems with and without the gentamicin‐releasing coating. Furthermore, the antibacterial efficacy of the gentamicin‐releasing coating was determined against a wide variety of clinical isolates, including bioluminescent Staphylococcus aureus strains, using traditional zone of inhibition measurements. The gentamicin‐releasing coating demonstrated a wide‐spectrum of antibacterial efficacy and successfully prevented growth of bioluminescent staphylococci around a miniature stem mounted in bacterially contaminated agar for at least 60 h. This implies that the gentamicin‐releasing coating has potential to contribute to the improvement of infection prophylaxis in cementless total hip arthroplasty. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 100A:3220–3226, 2012.
Chitosan and polycaprolactone membranes patterned via electrospinning: Effect of underlying chemistry and pattern characteristics on epithelial/fibroblastic cell behavior
Authors: Şimşek Murat , Çapkın Merve , Karakeçili Ayşe , Gümüşderelioğlu Menemşe
Published: June 2012

Electrospinning was used as an effective route to pattern chitosan (CS) and polycaprolactone (PCL) membranes with submicron fibers having different chemical structure (PCL or PCL/collagen) and physical characteristics (size: between ≈200 and 550 nm; randomly oriented or aligned form). While the PCL fibers with diameters in the same range (≈200 nm) were patterned on both of CS and PCL membranes to evaluate the influence of the underlying membrane chemistry, only CS membranes were patterned with PCL fibers having different sizes simply by changing the electrospinning conditions to investigate the effects of pattern characteristics. Furthermore, collagen was added to the PCL fiber structure to change the chemical composition of the fibers in a cell‐attractive way. Two cell lines with different morphologies, fibroblastic MC3T3‐E1 preosteoblasts and epithelial Madine Darby Bovine Kidney (MDBK) cells, were cultured on the patterned membranes. The observation of cellular behavior in terms of cell morphology and F‐actin synthesis was realized by scanning electron microscopy and confocal microscopy analysis during the first 12 h of culture period. The viability of cells was controlled by MTT assay through 96 h of cell culture. The cell culture studies indicated that the leading aspect for the morphology change on patterned membranes was the fiber orientation. The aligned topography controlled the morphology of cells both on CS and PCL membranes. In the presence of collagen in the fiber structure, F‐actin filament synthesis increased for MC3T3‐E1 and MDBK cell lines. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 100A:3332–3343, 2012.
Preparation and preliminary bioevaluation of a 99mTc(CO)3‐glucose derivative prepared by a click chemistry route
Authors: Fernández Soledad , Crócamo Nancy , Incerti Marcelo , Giglio Javier , Scarone Laura , Rey Ana
Published: June 2012

Development of a 99mTc‐labelled glucose derivative as a single‐photon emission computed tomography analogue to [18F]‐2‐fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose (FDG) is considered of great interest. Herein, we present the synthesis and preliminary bioevaluation of a 99mTc(CO)3‐glucose derivative. Derivatization of glucose at C2 was achieved using the so‐called ‘click chemistry’, forming a histidine‐like, 1,4‐disubstituted triazole adequate as donor atom system for Tc(I)‐tricarbonyl complexes. Synthesis of the intermediate azide derivative was achieved by conventional organic chemistry. Because of the efficiency and selectivity of this cycloaddition, labelling was performed in ‘one pot’, adding the tricarbonyl precursor fac‐[99mTc(CO)3(H2O)3]+ to the same vial where the click reaction has taken place without any further purification. A single product with radiochemical purity higher than 90% was obtained. It was stable for at least 4 h in reaction milieu and exhibited high hidrophilicity (log P of −1.2) and low binding to plasma proteins (5 ± 1%). Biodistribution in C57BL/6 mice bearing induced Lewis murine lung carcinoma is characterized by low blood and liver uptake and rapid urinary excretion. 99mTc complex showed moderate tumour uptake but significant retention until 2 h post‐injection. Soft tissue clearance was fast leading to significantly higher uptake in tumour in comparison to muscle (p = 0.05) at all time points. Overall, biodistribution of our compound was very similar to that of [18F]‐FDG. However, tumour uptake was significantly higher for [18F]‐FDG, probably because of high hidrophilicity of our derivative that may hinder cell penetration. Similarity to biodistribution of FDG is a promising outcome, and modifications of the chelator and linker might improve biological results. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Plant growth promotion traits and Cr (VI) reduction potentials of Cr (VI) resistant Streptomyces strains
Authors: Javaid Mahwish , Sultan Sikander
Published: June 2012

The most toxic form of chromium [Cr (VI)] can be converted to less toxic Cr (III) by reduction with the help of microbes. A total of 6 Streptomyces strains (S. matansis BG5, Streptomyces sp. RSF17, S. vinaceus CRF2, Streptomyces sp. CRF14, S. pulcher CRF17, S. griseoincarnatus SCF18) which were previously isolated from saline farmlands of Punjab, Pakistan, were used in this work. These strains showed varying levels of resistance to Cr (VI) from 800 μg ml−1 to 1000 mg l−1. Their plant growth promoting and Cr (VI) reduction potentials were assessed. Two strains showed positive phosphate solubilization activity. All the strains had ability to produce indole acetic acid (IAA) except one strain (CRF17). The maximum production of IAA was observed by strain BG5 that was 16 mg l−1 in the presence of 50 mg l−1 of Cr (VI). All the strains were able to produce ammonia both in the absence and presence of Cr (VI). The highest Cr (VI) reduction in majority of the strains was observed at 28 °C and pH 9. The complete reduction of 150 mg l−1 of Cr (VI) occurred after 168 hrs. The chromium (VI) concentration of 200 mg l−1 could be reduced above 90% by most of these strains. The presence of other metals also enhanced Cr (VI) reduction by most of the strains. The results indicate the potential capacity of Streptomyces strains as tool for plant growth promotion and Cr (VI) bioremediation and also is the first report about plant growth promoting traits of Cr (VI) resistant Streptomyces strains.
Direct effects of triiodothyronine on production of anterior pituitary hormones and gonadal steroids in goldfish
Authors: Allan Euan R.O. , Habibi Hamid R.
Published: June 2012

The present study investigated the effects of triiodothyronine (T3) on pituitary gonadotropin (GTH) subunits, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) β subunit, and growth hormone (GH) mRNA levels, as well as gonadal steroid secretion during different stages of reproduction in goldfish. Goldfish pituitary cells cultured with T3 exhibited lower tshβ mRNA levels in all reproductive stages and lower luteinising hormone β (lhβ) mRNA levels in early recrudescence, whereas gh and fshβ mRNA levels were not altered. T3 injections significantly reduced circulating oestrogen (OE2) concentrations in early and mid recrudescent male goldfish, but were without effect on the circulating level of OE2 in female fish. T3 injections also reduced circulating levels of testosterone in both male and female goldfish during the mid stage of gonadal recrudescence. In vitro culture of goldfish ovarian follicles at the late stage of gonadal recrudescence, in the presence of T3, resulted in reduced OE2 secretion; no consistent effect of T3 on testosterone secretion was observed in cultured goldfish ovarian follicles and testis. These findings support the hypothesis that T3 impairs reproduction by inhibiting production of gonadal steroids and pituitary luteinising hormone production in goldfish. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 79: 592–602, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Validation of acute myocardial infarction in the Food and Drug Administration's Mini‐Sentinel program
Authors: Cutrona Sarah L. , Toh Sengwee , Iyer Aarthi , Foy Sarah , Daniel Gregory W. , Nair Vinit P. , Ng Daniel , Butler Melissa G. , Boudreau Denise , Forrow Susan , Goldberg Robert , Gore Joel , McManus David , Racoosin Judith A. , Gurwitz Jerry H.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

To validate an algorithm based upon International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision, Clinical Modification (ICD‐9‐CM) codes for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) documented within the Mini‐Sentinel Distributed Database (MSDD).

Methods

Using an ICD‐9‐CM‐based algorithm (hospitalized patients with 410.x0 or 410.x1 in primary position), we identified a random sample of potential cases of AMI in 2009 from four Data Partners participating in the Mini‐Sentinel Program. Cardiologist reviewers used information abstracted from hospital records to assess the likelihood of an AMI diagnosis based on criteria from the Joint European Society of Cardiology and American College of Cardiology Global Task Force. Positive predictive values (PPVs) of the ICD‐9‐based algorithm were calculated.

Results

Of the 153 potential cases of AMI identified, hospital records for 143 (93%) were retrieved and abstracted. Overall, the PPV was 86.0% (95% confidence interval; 79.2%, 91.2%). PPVs ranged from 76.3% to 94.3% across the four Data Partners.

Conclusions

The overall PPV of potential AMI cases, as identified using an ICD‐9‐CM‐based algorithm, may be acceptable for safety surveillance; however, PPVs do vary across Data Partners. This validation effort provides a contemporary estimate of the reliability of this algorithm for use in future surveillance efforts conducted using the Food and Drug Administration's MSDD. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanical and thermal properties of phenolic/glass fiber foam modified with phosphorus‐containing polyurethane prepolymer
Authors: Yuan Haixia , Xing Weiyi , Yang Hongyu , Song Lei , Hu Yuan , Yeoh Guan Heng
Published: June 2012

Phenolic foam exhibits outstanding flame, smoke and toxicity properties, good insulation properties and low production costs. However, the brittleness and pulverization of phenolic foam have severely limited its application in many fields. In this study, a novel phosphorus‐containing polyurethane prepolymer (DOPU) modifier was firstly synthesized, and then the foaming formula and processing of toughening phenolic foam modified with DOPU and glass fiber were explored. The structure and reactive behavior of prepolymer and phenolic resin were investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The effects of DOPU and glass fiber on the apparent density, compressive strength, bending strength and water absorption were investigated. The results suggested that the apparent density, compressive strength and bending strength of modified phenolic foam tended to increase irregularly with increasing content of DOPU. The addition of DOPU led to lower water absorption of glass fiber‐filled foam. Thermal stability and flame retardancy were examined using thermogravimetric analysis and limiting oxygen index (LOI) tests. It was found that foam with 3% DOPU and 0.5% glass fiber added exhibited good thermal stability and high char yields. The LOI value of modified phenolic foams decreased with increasing DOPU content, but it still remained at 41.0% even if the amount of modifier loaded was 10 wt%. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Blue native‐PAGE analysis of Trichoderma harzianum secretome reveals cellulases and hemicellulases working as multienzymatic complexes
Authors: Silva Adelson Joel da , Gómez‐Mendoza Diana Paola , Junqueira Magno , Domont Gilberto Barbosa , Ximenes Ferreira Filho Edivaldo , de Sousa Marcelo Valle , Ricart Carlos André Ornelas
Published: June 2012

Plant cell wall‐degrading enzymes produced by microorganisms possess important biotechnological applications, including biofuel production. Some anaerobic bacteria are able to produce multienzymatic complexes called cellulosomes while filamentous fungi normally secrete individual hydrolytic enzymes that act synergistically for polysaccharide degradation. Here, we present evidence that the fungus Trichoderma harzianum, cultivated in medium containing the agricultural residue sugarcane bagasse, is able to secrete multienzymatic complexes. The T. harzianum secretome was firstly analyzed by 1D‐BN (blue native)‐PAGE that revealed several putative complexes. The three most intense 1D‐BN‐PAGE bands, named complexes [I], [II], and [III], were subsequently subjected to tricine SDS‐PAGE that demonstrated that they were composed of smaller subunits. Zymographic assays were performed using 1D‐BN‐PAGE and 2D‐BN/BN‐PAGE demonstrating that the complexes bore cellulolytic and xylanolytic activities. The complexes [I], [II], and [III] were then trypsin digested and analyzed separately by LC‐MS/MS that revealed their protein composition. Since T. harzianum has an unsequenced genome, a homology‐driven proteomics approach provided a higher number of identified proteins than a conventional peptide‐spectrum matching strategy. The results indicate that the complexes are formed by cellulolytic and hemicellulolytic enzymes and other proteins such as chitinase, cutinase, and swollenin, which may act synergistically to degrade plant cell wall components.
Grateloupia lanceolata (Okamura) Kawaguchi, the Edible Red Seaweed, Inhibits Lipid Accumulation and Reactive Oxygen Species Production During Differentiation in 3T3‐L1 Cells
Authors: Seo Min‐Jung , Choi Hyeon‐Son , Lee Ok‐Hwan , Lee Boo‐Yong
Published: June 2012

Grateloupia lanceolata (Okamura) Kawaguchi is a red alga native to coastal areas of East Asia. The effect of a G. lanceolata extract on lipid accumulation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in 3T3‐L1 cells was assessed by examining adipogenic transcription factors and ROS‐regulating genes at the molecular level. An ethanol extract of G. lanceolata inhibited lipid accumulation and ROS production during adipogenesis. Treatment with the G. lanceolata extract lead to a reduction in the mRNA levels of the transcription factors, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ and CCAAT/ enhancer binding protein‐α, and at the protein level for the target protein, adipocyte protein 2. ROS‐producing nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydrogen (NADPH) oxidase 4 and NADPH‐producing glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase mRNAs decreased following G. lanceolata extract treatment. In contrast, the mRNA level of ROS scavenging enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase, and catalase increased in the extract‐treated group. The increase in SOD1 (Cu/Zn‐SOD) and 2 (Mn‐SOD) proteins was correlated with their mRNA levels. Additionally, the G. lanceolata extract significantly enhanced mRNA levels of adiponectin, one of the adipokines secreted from adipocytes. Our results show that G. lanceolata extract inhibited lipid accumulation and ROS production by controlling adipogenic signals and ROS regulating genes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hypolipidemic Effects of Andrographolide and Neoandrographolide in Mice and Rats
Authors: Yang Tao , Shi Hai‐xia , Wang Zheng‐tao , Wang Chang‐hong
Published: June 2012

Andrographolide (AND) and neoandrographolide (NEO) are the diterpenoids from the Andrographis paniculata (Acanthaceae). It is reported the diterpenoids exhibit a wide spectrum of biological activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the hypolipidemic effect of AND and NEO in hyperlipidemic mice induced by 75% yolk emulsion and in hyperlipidemic rats induced by high fat emulsion, respectively. The results showed that the levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol (TC) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol were reduced by AND and NEO in a dose‐dependent tendency in mice. Compared with the model group, the plasma TC levels of experimental groups with AND and NEO at 100 mg/kg dosage decreased by 23.9 and 20.2% in rats, respectively (P < 0.05). It was also found that the plasma aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase levels were significantly decreased by feeding with AND and NEO in rats, compared with positive group (simvastatin) (P < 0.01). Otherwise, AND and NEO could protect the cardiovascular due to down‐regulation of iNOS expression and up‐regulation of eNOS expression. In conclusion, AND and NEO have potent hypolipidemic effects and protect the cardiovascular without significant liver damage. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of an operational ice–ocean analysis and forecasting system for the Gulf of St Lawrence
Authors: Smith Gregory C. , Roy François , Brasnett Bruce
Published: June 2012

Our ability to simulate and understand oceanic conditions of the Gulf of St Lawrence (GSL) has significantly increased in the last decade with the development of regional ocean models combining scientific knowledge, oceanographic data, and computing techniques. This has created opportunities for their integration with meteorological forecast models where the importance of sea ice–ocean dynamics in air–sea exchanges was recently demonstrated. In order to produce accurate initial conditions for coupled weather forecasts, a GSL ice–ocean ‘pseudo’ analysis (IOPA) system has been developed and implemented operationally at the Canadian Meteorological Centre (CMC). Based on prognostic ice–ocean model solutions the IOPA system has sufficient skill to produce realistic daily fields without flux correction or data assimilation of temperature and salinity. Using only a simple assimilation method for sea‐ice data, daily oceanic fields are obtained and can be used to initialize ice–ocean or coupled atmospheric forecasting systems.

A 3‐year retrospective evaluation of this operational method is presented focusing on sea‐surface temperature (SST) and sea‐ice conditions. Model estimates are compared with in situ and satellite‐derived data. Results show that the IOPA system has an accuracy equivalent to or better than the current operational SST and ice analyses produced at the CMC. Together with preceding modelling efforts, this work lays the foundation for the first state‐of‐the‐art GSL ocean analysis and forecast systems combining ocean modelling and real‐time three‐dimensional data assimilation. Coupled atmosphere–ice–ocean forecasts produced with the same ice–ocean model and initialized with the IOPA system are presented in a companion paper. Copyright © 2012 Crown in the right of Canada. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
A variance reduction framework for stable feature selection
Authors: Han Yue , Yu Lei
Published: June 2012

Stability of feature selection is an important but under‐addressed issue in knowledge discovery from high‐dimensional data. In this study, we present a theoretical framework about the relationship between the stability and the accuracy of feature selection based on a formal bias‐variance decomposition of feature selection error. The framework also reveals the connection between stability and sample size and suggests a variance reduction approach for improving the stability of feature selection algorithms under small sample size. Following the theoretical framework, we propose an empirical variance reduction framework, margin‐based instance weighting, which weights training instances according to their importance to feature evaluation. Our extensive experimental study first verifies the theoretical and empirical frameworks based on synthetic data sets and a popular feature selection algorithm SVM‐RFE. Experiments based on real‐world microarray data sets further verify that the empirical framework is effective at reducing the variance and improving the subset stability of two representative feature selection algorithms, SVM‐RFE and ReliefF, while maintaining comparable predictive accuracy based on the selected features. The proposed instance weighting framework is also shown to be more effective and efficient than the ensemble framework at improving the subset stability of the feature selection algorithms under study. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Statistical Analysis and Data Mining, 2012
The Fractal Structure of Equine Articular Cartilage
Authors: Smyth Patrick A. , Rifkin Rebecca E. , Jackson Robert L. , Reid Hanson R.
Published: June 2012

The naturally occurring structure of articular cartilage has proven to be an effective means for the facilitation of motion and load support in equine and other animal joints. Cartilage has been found to be a complex and dynamic medium, which has led to an incomplete understanding of the nature and operating mechanisms acting within a joint. Although cartilage has biphasic and triphasic properties, it is believed that the performance of equine articular joints is influenced by the surface roughness of the joint cartilage (Ateshian et al., '98; Chan et al., 2011; Yao and Unsworth, '93). Various joint types with different motions and regimes of lubrication have altered demands on the articular surface that may affect cartilage surface properties. In research performed on freshly harvested samples, equine articular cartilage has been shown to possess a multiscale structure and a fractal dimension. It is thought that by determining the fractal dimension (D) of articular cartilage, a better understanding of the friction, wear, and lubrication mechanisms for biomechanic surfaces can eventually be reached. This study looks at the fractal dimensions of three different articular cartilage surfaces in the equine carpus: the radiocarpal, midcarpal, and carpometacarpal surfaces. The three surfaces provide an ideal comparison of fractal dimensions for a different range of motion, geometry, and loading. In each sample, identical treatment was performed during measurement by a stylus profilometer. SCANNING 34: 418–426, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Misdiagnosed ectopic pregnancy mimicking adnexal malignancy: a report of two cases
Authors: Savelli L. , Fabbri F. , Moruzzi C. , Testa A. C.
Published: June 2012

We present two cases of nulliparous women with no history of amenorrhea who were referred to our unit following finding of a hypervascularized solid adnexal mass. In both cases a malignant tumor of tubal origin was suspected at transvaginal sonography. However, following laparoscopy, histological examination revealed that the masses were the result of an undetected tubal ectopic pregnancy that had failed spontaneously, with massive vasodilatation of pelvic blood vessels surrounding the trophoblastic tissue. We recommend consideration of the potential diagnosis of a previously undetected, failed tubal ectopic pregnancy in fertile women presenting with an adnexal mass, even when there is no history of amenorrhea or a positive pregnancy test.
Sample thickness considerations for quantitative X‐ray fluorescence analysis of the soft and skeletal tissues of the human body – theoretical evaluation and experimental validation
Authors: Szczerbowska‐Boruchowska Magdalena
Published: June 2012

A good estimation of the matrix composition and the areal mass of the sample is critical for quantitative X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis. Integrated aspects of the XRF quantitative analysis of various human body organs are presented. Special emphasis is placed on the determination of the sample thicknesses at which the specimen can be regarded as thin, thick, or intermediate thickness depending on the element under consideration. Moreover, a method for a fully quantitative analysis allowing the determination of the masses per unit area of chemical elements in thin, thick, and intermediate thickness samples is discussed. It was found that for an incident beam of 17 keV energy, a 15 µm thick sample is of intermediate thickness for all elements between P and Ca and becomes thin from Fe for most human body tissues in a natural form. Dried samples of soft tissues excluding these of low water content can be regarded as thin for all elements from phosphorus to strontium. The use of thin sample approach in quantification of intermediate thickness specimen may result in about 30–45% discrepancy in areal mass (weight fraction) of phosphorus, 20–35% of sulfur, 15–25% of chlorine, 8–15% of potassium, and 5–10% of calcium. Theoretical evaluations presented in the work are verified experimentally. The analysis of human brain samples (white and gray matter) and bovine liver (National Institute of Standards and Technology standard reference materials 1577b) confirms high accuracy of the XRF quantification on the basis of the described procedures. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relative intensities of different reflection order X‐ray lines registered by microprobe analyzers
Authors: Lavrent'ev Yu.G. , Korolyuk V.N. , Nigmatulina E.N. , Karmanov N.S.
Published: June 2012

Relative intensities of X‐ray lines for various reflection orders are measured using a JXA‐8100 microprobe analyzer. Spectra obtained using standard analyzing crystals LiF, PET, TAP, LDE1, and LDE2 are studied. We observe and explain specific features of spectrometers with curved analyzing crystals that influence higher order reflections. The second‐order intensities are similar for different analyzing crystals and lie in the range 2.4 (PET)–5.6% (LiF) of the first‐order intensity. Higher order reflections show more variation. For example, for the LDE2 crystal, no lines of higher than the second‐order were observed, whereas for TAP reflections of up to eighth order were detected. The data obtained may be used for reference purposes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Call‐associated Acute Fatigue in Surgical Residents—Subjective Perception or Objective Fact? A Cross‐sectional Observational Study to Examine the Influence of Fatigue on Surgical Performance
Authors: Schlosser Katja , Maschuw Katja , Kupietz Eva , Weyers Peter , Schneider Ralph , Rothmund Matthias , Hassan Iyad , Bartsch Detlef Klaus
Published: June 2012

Background

The effect of acute partial sleep deprivation on surgical proficiency is still controversially discussed. The present study correlated physiological parameters of fatigue with objective technical and cognitive skills, as well as subjective sleepiness of surgical residents. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of acute partial sleep deprivation on surgical performance.

Methods

Thirty‐eight surgeons were interviewed on three consecutive mornings: prior to a 24 h call, post‐call, and after 24 h of rest. Reported hours of sleep were recorded. Subjective alertness was assessed with the standardized Stanford‐Sleepiness‐Scale (SSS). Saliva cortisol concentrations and pupillary activity were measured by standardized ELISA and pupillography. The virtual reality (VR)‐simulator LapSim was used to assess technical skills through low‐fidelity VR‐tasks (“cutting,” “clip applying”) and cognitive skills through high‐fidelity VR‐tasks (“intracorporeal suturing,” “VR‐cholecystectomy”). Objective alertness was measured by the standardized d2‐Paper‐Pencil Test.

Results

Recorded hours of sleep (p = 0.001) and subjective alertness (SSS) decreased (p = 0.001) significantly post‐call. None of the three factors studied—saliva cortisol concentration (p = 0.313), pupillary activity (p = 0.998), or VR‐performance of low‐fidelity VR‐tasks—differed significantly between assessments. Surprisingly, VR‐performance of high‐fidelity VR‐tasks (error‐score p = 0.044, time to complete task p = 0.0001, economy of instrument motion p = 0.0001) and objective alertness (d2‐Paper‐Pencil Test p = 0.027) significantly improved in the post‐call setting.

Conclusions

Acute call‐associated fatigue seems to be a predominantly subjective perception. Physiological factors seem to outbalance an anticipated fatigue‐associated impairment of technical performances within low‐fidelity VR‐tasks. In surgical residents, acute partial sleep deprivation seems to have a positive short‐term effect on cognitive skills, leading to enhanced technical performance and increased objective alertness within complex tasks.
Prospective randomized comparison of open versus laparoscopic management of splenic artery aneurysms: a 10-year study
Authors: Tiberio Guido A. M. , Bonardelli Stefano , Gheza Federico , Arru Luca , Cervi Edoardo , Giulini Stefano M.
Published: June 2012

Background

The literature does not support the choice between open and laparoscopic management of splenic artery aneurysms (SAA).

Methods

We designed a prospective, randomized comparison between open and laparoscopic surgery for SAA. Primary end points were types of surgical procedures performed and clinical outcomes. Analysis was developed on an intention-to-treat basis.

Results

Fourteen patients were allocated to laparotomy (group A) and 15 to laparoscopy (group B). Groups displayed similar patient- and aneurysm-related characteristics. The conversion rate to open surgery was 13.3 %. The type of surgical procedure performed on the splenic artery was similar in the two groups: aneurysmectomy with splenic artery ligature or direct anastomosis was performed in 51 % and 21 % of patients in group A and in 60 % and 20 % in group B, respectively. The splenectomy rate was similar (14 % vs. 20 %). Postoperative splenic infarction was observed in one case in each group. Laparoscopy was associated with shorter procedures (p = 0.0003) and lower morbidity (25 % vs. 64 %,p = 0.045). Major morbidity requiring interventional procedures and blood transfusion was observed only in group A. Laparoscopy was associated with quicker resumption of oral diet (p < 0.001), earlier drain removal (p = 0.046), and shorter hospital stay (p < 0.01). During a mean follow-up of 50 months, two patients in group A required hospital readmission. In group B, two patients developed a late thrombosis of arterial anastomoses.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that laparoscopy permits multiple technical options, does not increase the splenectomy rate, and reduces postoperative complications. It confirms the supposed clinical benefits of laparoscopy when ablative procedures are required but laparoscopic anastomoses show poor long-term results.
Coalitional Capacities and Environmental Strategies to Prevent Underage Drinking
Authors: Nargiso Jessica E. , Friend Karen B. , Egan Crystelle , Florin Paul , Stevenson John , Amodei Brenda , Barovier Linda
Published: June 2012

Coalitions are the most common platform for implementing community‐level environmental strategies (ES), such as media, policy, or enforcement for substance use prevention. The current study examines the associations between two types of coalition capacity (general and innovation‐specific) and ES implementation efforts and outputs within 14 intervention communities over a three‐year period. Efforts refer to the amount of energy exerted to implement an ES while outputs refer to the materials produced through these efforts. Quantitative measures of capacity were provided by coalition key informants and expert‐raters. Additionally, Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) provided proactively to improve the implementation of ES was also examined. Greater general capacity, as rated by a coalition informant, was associated with more ES policy effort. Both expert‐rated general and innovation‐specific capacity, however, were associated with greater ES outputs. Study results also found that community coalitions that endorsed weaker mobilization, structure and task leadership, (measures of general capacity), utilized more TTA compared to those who perceived their coalition as having greater capacity. Moreover, communities that utilized more TTA resources reported a greater number of successful policy changes. The study supports the need to consider both general and innovation‐specific capacity for ES implementation and offers promising preliminary findings regarding the role of TTA for improving coalitions’ capacity to facilitate policy change.
The modulation of spinal growth with nitinol intervertebral stapling in an established swine model
Authors: Carreau Joseph H. , Farnsworth Christine L. , Glaser Diana A. , Doan Joshua D. , Bastrom Tracey , Bryan Nathan , Newton Peter O.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

Anterior spinal stapling for the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis has been shown to slow progression in small curves; however, its role in larger curves remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of nitinol staples to modulate spinal growth by evaluating the two-dimensional and three-dimensional morphological and histological effects of this method in a well-established porcine model.

Methods

Three immature Yucatan miniature pigs underwent intervertebral stapling. Two staples spanned each of three consecutive mid-thoracic discs and epiphyses. Monthly radiographs were obtained. Computed tomography (CT) was conducted at harvest after 6 months of growth. Measurements of wedging and height for each disc and vertebral body were conducted. Micro CT was used to compare physeal closure between stapled and non-stapled levels. Histology of the growth plate also compared the hypertrophic zone thickness for control and stapled vertebrae.

Results

After 6 months of stapled growth, the average coronal Cobb angle of the stapled segments increased by 7.7 ± 2.0° and kyphosis increased by 3.3 ± 0.6° compared to preoperative curves. Increased vertebral wedging and decreased disc height ( p < 0.001) were noted in stapled regions. Overall, 26 ± 23 % of each growth plate was closed in the stapled segments, with 6 ± 8 % closure in the unstapled levels. No difference was observed regarding the hypertrophic zone height when comparing instrumented to uninstrumented levels, nor was a difference recognized when comparing right versus left regions within stapled levels alone.

Conclusions

Six months of nitinol intervertebral stapling created a mild coronal and sagittal deformity associated with reduced vertebral and disc height, and increased coronal vertebral and sagittal disc wedging.
Ethnoracial Differences in Early Union Experiences among Young Adult Women
Authors: Addo Fenaba R.
Published: June 2012

This paper uses data from the 1997 cohort of National Longitudinal Study of Youth to examine racial differences in the first coresidential union experiences of young adult women in early adulthood. Young adults increasingly choose to delay marriage and opt to live with a significant other during their early adulthood years. Results from early studies of racial differences in relationship formation reported that Blacks had a higher probability that their first coresidential relationship was a cohabiting one despite a lower overall probability of being in a cohabiting relationship. Little is known about whether and how these early relationship experiences changed in the ensuing years, and the underlying causes for the racial differences in young adult union formation behaviors remain poorly understood. I use multivariate analyzes and decomposition techniques on a recent cohort of young women, between the ages of 12 and 18 in 1997, to examine the role of family background characteristics, sexual history, and economic and educational measures on the probability of an early coresidential relationship. I conclude with a brief examination of the fertility patterns surrounding that first union and the state of the union by age 24.
Perfecting Patient Flow in the Surgical Setting
Authors: Amato‐Vealey Elaine J. , Fountain Patricia , Coppola Deborah
Published: June 2012

Reduced surgical efficiency and productivity, delayed patient discharges, and prolonged use of hospital resources are the results of an OR that is unable to move patients to the postanesthesia care unit or other patient units. A primary reason for perioperative patient flow delay is the lack of hospital beds to accommodate surgical patients, which consequently causes backups of patients currently in the surgical suite. In one facility, implementing Six Sigma methodology helped to improve OR patient flow by identifying ways that frontline staff members could work more intelligently and more efficiently, and with less stress to streamline workflow and eliminate redundancy and waste in ways that did not necessitate reducing the number of employees. The results were improved employee morale, job satisfaction and safety, and an enhanced patient experience.
A General History of Music
Authors: Burney Charles
Published: June 2012

Charles Burney (1726–1814), was the foremost music historian of his day. The General History, his most famous work, was published in four volumes between 1776 and 1789 and is still of great value today. Burney wanted to write something which would appeal to and inform the musician and the general reader. Research for the History was undertaken during two European tours, in 1770 and 1772, consulting original sources and meeting the great musicians of the time. The resultant work is engaging and elegantly written, offering the reader a fascinating view not only of Burney's own musical preferences and enthusiasms, but also a reflection of contemporary fashionable taste. All four volumes contain generous musical examples, quotations from original sources and an index. Volume 1, originally published in 1776 (of which this is the revised edition of 1789) is devoted to the music of the ancient civilisations, in particular of Greece.
A Short Course in Computational Science and Engineering
Authors: Yevick David
Published: June 2012

Building on his highly successful textbook on C++, David Yevick provides a concise yet comprehensive one-stop course in three key programming languages, C++, Java and Octave (a freeware alternative to MATLAB). Employing only public-domain software, this book presents a unique overview of numerical and programming techniques, including object-oriented programming, elementary and advanced topics in numerical analysis, physical system modelling, scientific graphics, software engineering and performance issues. Compact, transparent code in all three programming languages is applied to the fundamental equations of quantum mechanics, electromagnetics, mechanics and statistical mechanics. Uncommented versions of the code that can be immediately modified and adapted are provided online for the more involved programs. This compact, practical text is an invaluable introduction for students in all undergraduate- and graduate-level courses in the physical sciences or engineering that require numerical modelling, and also a key reference for instructors and scientific programmers.
Romanticism and Childhood
Authors: Rowland Ann Wierda
Published: June 2012

How and why childhood became so important to such a wide range of Romantic writers has long been one of the central questions of literary historical studies. Ann Wierda Rowland discovers new answers to this question in the rise of a vernacular literary tradition. In the Romantic period the child came fully into its own as the object of increasing social concern and cultural investment; at the same time, modern literary culture consolidated itself along vernacular, national lines. Romanticism and Childhood is the first study to examine the intersections of these historical developments and the first study to demonstrate that a rhetoric of infancy and childhood - the metaphors, images, figures and phrases repeatedly used to represent and conceptualize childhood - enabled Romantic writers to construct a national literary history and culture capable of embracing a wider range of literary forms.
A History of Singing
Authors: Potter John , Sorrell Neil
Published: June 2012

Why do we sing and what first drove early humans to sing? How might they have sung and how might those styles have survived to the present day? This history addresses these questions and many more, examining singing as a historical and cross-cultural phenomenon. It explores the evolution of singing in a global context - from Neanderthal Man to Auto-tune via the infinite varieties of world music from Orient to Occident, classical music from medieval music to the avant-garde and popular music from vaudeville to rock and beyond. Considering singing as a universal human activity, the book provides an in-depth perspective on singing from many cultures and periods: Western and non-Western, prehistoric to present. Written in a lively and entertaining style, the history contains a comprehensive reference section for those who wish to explore the topic further and will appeal to an international readership of singers, students and scholars.
An Introduction to Animal Behaviour
Authors: Manning Aubrey , Stamp Dawkins Marian
Published: June 2012

Wolves excitedly greet each other as members of the pack come together; a bumble bee uses its long tongue to reach the nectar at the base of a foxglove flower; a mongoose swiftly and deftly bites its prey to death; young cheetahs rest quietly together, very close to sleep. Now in full colour, this revised and updated edition of Manning and Dawkins' classic text provides a beautifully written introduction to the fundamentals of animal behaviour. Tinbergen's four questions of causation, evolution, development and function form the fundamental framework of the text, illustrated with fascinating examples of complex behavioural mechanisms. The authors provide accounts of all levels of behaviour from the nerve cell to that of the population. The strengths of An Introduction to Animal Behaviour as a textbook include its clear explanations and concise, readable text and the enthusiasm of the authors for their subject.