bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation into factors that promote adherence to a mammography screening programme
Authors: Baldaro Bruno , Surcinelli Paola , Rossi Andrea , Fasol Rino , Mazzetti Michela , Bolzani Roberto
Published: July 2007

The aim of the present research was to investigate the importance of different factors in promoting women's adherence to mammography screening programmes. The research was conducted during a mammography screening programme of the Emilia‐Romagna region addressed to all women aged 50–69 years. The programme was designed to maximize women's participation by increasing their knowledge of the benefits of breast screening (invitation letter and information campaign) and by reducing barriers (e.g. free test). The research was conducted on a sample of 200 women who adhered to the programme, 65 of whom never had a mammogram in the past, and on a sample of 95 women who did not adhere to the programme, 42 of whom never had a mammogram and 53 of whom had mammograms privately. A semi‐structured interview on demographic variables (e.g. age and marital status), an evaluation of mastery and self‐esteem and an evaluation of the influence of the different information channels used during the information campaign were asked to participants. Significant differences among groups were found as regards to age, marital status and education and as regards to objective and subjective vulnerability to breast cancer. Among the information channels, the invitation letter undersigned by the family physician had the most influence. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using multi dimensional scaling to analyse software engineers' de‐motivators for SPI
Authors: Baddoo Nathan , Hall Tracy , O'Keeffe Ciaran
Published: July 2007

We present analysis of factors that de‐motivate software practitioners from supporting software process improvement (SPI) initiatives, using a multidimensional scaling (MDS) technique. Our findings are based on an empirical study involving nearly 200 software practitioners from 13 UK companies. Our aim is to provide managers with a better understanding of the obstacles that prevent practitioners from supporting SPI. This insight should help SPI managers establish more effective SPI implementation strategies. In this article we re‐introduce the use of MDS techniques in SPI research. MDS is a social science data analysis technique designed to generate a rich visual understanding of human issues. By using MDS we found evidence to suggest distinct clusters of de‐motivators exist for different staff groups. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using soft systems methodology for computer game design
Authors: Taylor M. J. , Baskett M. , Hughes G. D. , Wade S. J.
Published: July 2007

In this paper we examine how soft systems methodology (SSM) can benefit the initial identification and communication of new computer game concepts between those involved in its development. Computer games are a multi‐billion pound worldwide part of the entertainment industry. However, they are a relatively new type of software product and as such the manner in which they are designed and developed is still evolving. Computer games can be highly complex software systems that involve the expertise of a wide range of professionals ranging from programmers to animators, artists and musicians. When designing computer games, new game concepts can be difficult to communicate. In addition, the creative process could be benefited if game design ideas were capable of being shared widely and discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thinking systems need systems thinking
Authors: Waldman J. D.
Published: July 2007

After describing machine and complex adaptive systems (CASs), we definethinking systemas a CAS with two additional, unique characteristics: (1) having goal(s) separate from survival, and (2) having the capability to structure its own learning and to innovate purposefully. Thinking systemsalwayslearn. Healthcare can be considered a paradigm of the thinking system and is repeatedly plagued with unintended, adverse outcomes, particularly fixes that fail. Systems thinking can dissolve such dysfunction in healthcare and by extension in any thinking system. Specific recommendations follow from this rationale. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non‐metathesis reactions of ruthenium carbene catalysts and their application to the synthesis of nitrogen‐containing heterocycles
Authors: Arisawa Mitsuhiro , Terada Yukiyoshi , Takahashi Kazuyuki , Nakagawa Masako , Nishida Atsushi
Published: July 2007

Non‐metathesis reactions of ruthenium carbene catalysts, such as olefin isomerization, hydrogenation, radical reaction, activation of silane, cyclopropanation, epimerization cocyclopropane, [3 + 2] cycloaddition, and cycloisomerization, are summarized. The utility of these reactions was demonstrated by the synthesis of indole using olefin isomerization and subsequent ring‐closing metathesis, the synthesis of indoline using cycloisomerization, and the synthesis of the putative structure of fistulosin using cycloisomerization as a key step. © 2007 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chem Rec 7: 238–253; 2007: Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI 10.1002/tcr.20121
High‐performance functional ecopolymers based on flora and fauna
Authors: Kaneko Tatsuo
Published: July 2007

Liquid crystalline (LC) polymers of rigid monomers based on flora and fauna were prepared by in‐bulk polymerization. Para‐coumaric (p‐coumaric) acid [4‐hydroxycinnamic acid (4HCA)] and its derivatives were selected as phytomonomers and bile acids were selected as biomonomers. The 4HCA homopolymer showed a thermotropic LC phase only in a state of low molecular weight. The copolymers of 4HCA with bile acids such as lithocholic acid (LCA) and cholic acid (CA) showed excellent cell compatibilities but low molecular weights. However, P(4HCA‐co‐CA)s allowed LC spinning to create molecularly oriented biofibers, presumably due to the chain entanglement that occurs during in‐bulk chain propagation into hyperbranching architecture. P[4HCA‐co‐3,4‐dihydroxycinnamic acid (DHCA)]s showed high molecular weight, high mechanical strength, high Young's modulus, and high softening temperature, which may be achieved through the entanglement by in‐bulk formation of hyperbranching, rigid structures. P(4HCA‐co‐DHCA)s showed a smooth hydrolysis, in‐soil degradation, and photo‐tunable hydrolysis. Thus, P(4HCA‐co‐DHCA)s might be applied as an environmentally degradable plastic with extremely high performance. © 2007 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chem Rec 7: 210–219; 2007: Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI 10.1002/tcr.20122
Basic and applied features of multicopper oxidases, CueO, bilirubin oxidase, and laccase
Authors: Sakurai Takeshi , Kataoka Kunishige
Published: July 2007

Multicopper oxidases (MCOs) such as CueO, bilirubin oxidase, and laccase contain four Cu centers, type 1 Cu, type II Cu, and a pair of type III Cu's in a protein molecule consisting of three domains with homologous structure to cupredoxin containing only type I Cu. Type I Cu mediates electron transfer between the substrate and the trinuclear Cu center formed by a type II Cu and a pair of type III Cu's, where the final electron acceptor O2 is converted to H2O without releasing activated oxygen species. During the process, O2 is reduced by MCOs such as lacquer laccase and bilirubin oxidase; the reaction intermediate II with a possible doubly OH−‐bridged structure in the trinuclear Cu center has been detected. The preceding reaction intermediate I has been detected by the reaction of the lacquer laccase in a mixed valence state, at which type I Cu was cuprous and the trinuclear Cu center was fully reduced, and by the reaction of the Cys → Ser mutant for the type I Cu site in bilirubin oxidase and CueO. An acidic amino acid residue located adjacent to the trinuclear Cu center was proved to function as a proton donor to these reaction intermediates. The substrate specificity of MCO for organic substrates is produced by the integrated effects of the shape of the substrate‐binding site and the specific interaction of the substrate with the amino acid located adjacent to the His residue coordinating to the type I Cu. In contrast, the substrate specificity of the cuprous oxidase, CueO, is produced by the segment covering the Cu(I)‐binding site so as to obstruct the access of organic substrates. Truncating the segment spanning helix 5 to helix 7 greatly reduced the specificity of CueO for Cu(I) and prominently enhanced the low oxidizing activity for the organic substrates, indicating the success of protein engineering to modify the substrate specificity of MCO. © 2007 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chem Rec 7: 220–229; 2007: Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI 10.1002/tcr.20125
Reactions of Alk‐1‐enylxenonium(II) and Alk‐1‐ynylxenonium(II) Salts [RXe]Y with Bromides and Iodides in Anhydrous HF
Authors: Frohn Hermann‐Josef , Bardin Vadim V.
Published: July 2007

The replacement of xenon(+) by iodine in reactions of alkenylxenonium(II) salts [RCF=CFXe]Y (R = cis‐C2F5, trans‐H) and alkynylxenonium(II) salt [C3F7C≡CXe][BF4] with NaI in anhydrous HF (aHF) occurred regiospecifically. At −60 °C the substitution of xenon(+) by bromine in the perfluorinated salts [cis‐CF3CF=CFXe]Y and [trans‐C4F9CF=CFXe]Y proceeded regio‐ and stereospecifically with NaBr in aHF, but at a higher temperature and after a longer time the treatment of [cis‐C2F5CF=CFXe]Y with NaBr, KBr, or [NBu4]Br in aHF gave mixtures of cisand trans‐perfluorobut‐1‐enyl bromides. The reaction of [C3F7C≡CXe][BF4] with NaBr in aHF at −65 °C gave only 48 %, of C3F7C≡CBr and was accompanied by a mixture of bromine‐containing related olefins. Reaction pathways to the main product are discussed.
Preparation and Structure of [Me3N(CF3)2BCCB(CF3)2NMe3]
Authors: Brauer David J. , Pawelke Gottfried
Published: July 2007

Bis‐trimethylamine‐ethynyl‐di‐bis(trifluoromethyl)borane [Me3N(CF3)2BCCB(CF3)2NMe3] (1) has been prepared from trimethylamine‐ethynyl‐bis(trifluoromethyl)borane, [HCCB(CF3)2NMe3], and dimethylamino‐bis(trifluoromethyl)borane, (CF3)2BNMe2. The structure of 1 has been determined by x‐ray crystallography. In the solid state the molecule possesses crystallographic Ci symmetry. The acetylenic attachment to the boron atom is characterized by a short B–C bond length of 1.565(4) Å and an essentially linear B–C–C′ bond angle of 178.1(4)°.
Tellurium(IV) Fluorides and Azides containing the Nitrogen Donor Substituent R = 2‐Me2NCH2C6H4; Crystal Structure of RTeF3 and of an Unusual Tellurium(VI) Fluoride Salt
Authors: Hammerl Anton , Klapötke Thomas M. , Krumm Burkhard , Scherr Matthias
Published: July 2007

The tellurenyl fluoride, 2‐Me2NCH2C6H4TeF, was obtained from reaction of the tellurenyl iodide RTeI with AgF. The compound was unambiguously identified by 19F and 125Te NMR spectroscopy. The decomposition under disproportionation leads to the tellurium(IV) trifluoride, 2‐Me2NCH2C6H4TeF3 and the ditelluride RTeTeR. The fluorination of the ditelluride, (2‐Me2NCH2C6H4Te)2, with XeF2 results in pure RTeF3. The molecular structure of 2‐Me2NCH2C6H4TeF3, the second structural characterized tellurium(IV) trifluoride, has been determined. Furthermore the syntheses of the new tellurium(IV) difluoride, (2‐Me2NCH2C6H4)2TeF2, and corresponding tellurium(IV) diazide, (2‐Me2NCH2C6H4)2Te(N3)2 as well as the tellurium(IV) triazide, 2‐Me2NCH2C6H4Te(N3)3, and their characterization by spectroscopic methods were reported. During these investigations a rather interesting tellurium(VI) species was formed and the molecular structure of a subsequent product, [(2‐Me2NHCH2C6H4)2TeF3O]2(SiF6), was elucidated. Theoretical investigations for the compounds containing the stabilizing 2‐dimethylaminomethylphenyl substituent are illustrated.
π‐Stacking Modulates the Luminescence of [(dppz)Ni(Mes)Br] (dppz = dipyrido[3,2‐a:2′,3′‐c]phenazine, Mes = 2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl)
Authors: Klein Axel , Hurkes Natascha , Kaiser André , Wielandt Wolfram
Published: July 2007

The red colour of the novel organonickel complex [(dppz)Ni(Mes)Br] (dppz = dipyrido[3,2‐a:2′,3′‐c]phenazine, Mes = 2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl) originates from long‐wavelength MLCT/L′LCT charge transfer bands. However, luminescence in dilute solution comes presumably from the 3π‐π* (phenazine) excited state. The red‐shifted emission exhibited in concentrated solutions is assigned to dimers. In the solid state emission is quenched. The crystal structure reveals two different types of π‐π stacking along the crystallographic a axis.
[P4N4F8NMe2]− – An Aminophosphazenate Ion
Authors: Kingston Melanie , Lork Enno , Mews Rüdiger
Published: July 2007

TAS+[P4N4F8NMe2]− (2) was prepared from TAS+[P4N4F9]− (1) via F/NMe2 exchange using Me3SiNMe2. The salt was characterised by nmr‐spectroscopy and by X‐ray crystallography. The bonding situation in the anion is briefly discussed. The structural properties of the anion are compared with those of the starting material.
Neue Zinn‐reiche Stannide der Systeme AII‐Al‐Sn (AII = Ca, Sr, Ba)
Authors: Wendorff Marco , Röhr Caroline
Published: July 2007

New Tin‐rich Stannides of the Systems AII‐Al‐Sn (AII = Ca, Sr, Ba)

Four new tin‐rich intermetallics of the ternary systems Ca/Sr/Ba‐Al‐Sn were synthesized from stoichiometric amounts of the elements at maximum temperatures of 1200 °C. Their crystal structures, representing two new types, have been determined using single crystal x‐ray diffraction. Close to the 1:1 composition, the structures of the two isotypic compounds A18[Al4(Al/Sn)2Sn4][Sn4][Sn]2 (overall composition A9M8; A = Sr/Ba, tetragonal, space group P4/mbm, a = 1325.9(1)/1378.6(1), c = 1272.8(2)/1305.4(1) pm, Z = 4, R1 = 0.0430/0.0293) contain three different anionic Sn/Al building units: Isolated Sn atoms (motif I) coordinated by the alkaline earth cations only (comparable to Ca2Sn), linear Sn chains (II), which are comparable to the anions in trielides related to the W5Si3 structure type and finally octahedral clusters [Al4M2Sn4] (III), composed of four Al atoms forming the center plane, two statistically occupied Al/Sn atoms at the apexes and four exohedral Sn attached to Al. Close to the AM2 composition, two isotypic tin‐rich intermetallics A9[Al3Sn2][(Sn/Al)4]Sn6 (overall composition A9M15; A = Ca/Sr; space group C2/m, a = 2175.2(1)/2231.0(2), b = 1210.8(1)/1247.0(1), c = 1007.4(1)/1042.0(2) pm, β = 103.38(1)/103.42(1)°, Z = 2, R1 = 0.0541/0.0378) are formed. Their structure is best described as a complex three‐dimensional network, that can be considered to consist of the building units of the binary border phases too, i.e. linear zig‐zag chains of Sn (motif I) like in CaSn, ladders of four‐bonded Sn/Al atoms (II) like in SrAl2 and trigonal‐bipyramidal clusters [Al3Sn2] (III) also present in Ba3Al5. Despite the complex structures, some statistically occupied Al/Sn positions and the small disorder of one building unit, the bonding in both structure types can be interpreted using the Zintl concept and Wade's electron counting rules when taking partial Sn‐Sn bonds into account.
Bi53+‐Polykationen in geordneten und plastischen Kristallen von Bi5[AlI4]3 und Bi5[AlBr4]3
Authors: Ruck Michael , Steden Folker
Published: July 2007

Bi53+ Polycations in Ordered and Plastic Crystals of Bi5[AlI4]3 and Bi5[AlBr4]3

Dark‐red air‐sensitive crystals of pentabismuth‐tris(tetrabromoaluminate) Bi5[AlBr4]3 and black crystals of Bi5[AlI4]3 have been crystallized from melts of Bi, BiX3 and AlX3 (X = Br, I). X‐ray diffraction on a single crystal of Bi5[AlI4]3 (T = 293(2) K; space group Pnma; a = 2143.6(3) pm, b = 1889.1(1) pm, c = 811.74(5) pm) revealed an ordered packing of Bi53+ trigonal bipyramids and [AlI4]− tetrahedra that corresponds to the PuBr3 structure type. Contrary to the so far known Bi53+ polycations with accurate D3h symmetry, the bismuth cluster found in Bi5[AlI4]3 holds only Cs symmetry. The room temperature structure of the tetrabromoaluminate Bi5[AlBr4]3, which is related to the AuCu3 type, shows a dynamic disorder of the Bi53+ polycations (T = 293(2) K; space group $Fm{\bar 3}c$; a = 1766.2(3) pm). Slight cooling induces the transition into an ordered rhombohedral phase isostructural to Bi5[AlCl4]3 (T = 260(2) K; space group $R{\bar 3}c$ a = 1241.5(8) pm, c = 3041(2) pm).
Redox‐Reaktion und Gasphasenabscheidung im System In/Mn/O
Authors: Möller Angela , Schmidt Peer , Fastje Oliver
Published: July 2007

Redox Reaction and Gas Phase Precipitation in the System In/Mn/O

The oxidation of manganese metal with In2O3 occurs at approximately 973 K in evacuated silica ampoules. Thereby, the vapour transport species In2O(g) is being formed, which decomposes to indium metal and In2O3 at lower temperatures. Thermodynamic data as well as a description of the transport mechanism is given.
A Novel 2‐D Copper(II) Complex with Paddlewheel‐like Building Block
Authors: Zhao Hong‐Kun , Ding Bin , Yang En‐Cui , Wang Xiu‐Guang , Zhao Xiao‐Jun
Published: July 2007

By reaction of CuCl2 with H4btc (H4btc = 1,2,4,5‐benzenetetracarboxylic acid) in mixed N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) and methanol solution, a new two‐dimensional (2‐D) copper(II) complex [Cu(btc)0.5(DMF)]n (1) based on the paddlewheel‐like [Cu2(‐CO2)4(DMF)2] building blocks has been synthesized, which is different from those previous Cu‐btc(II) coordination polymers obtained in water medium. Four carboxylate groups of (btc)4− anion in 1 consistently exhibit bidentate bridging coordination mode, affording an unusual coordination mode of (btc)4−. Further analysis indicates C–H···π weak interactions are the primary driving forces to assemble the 2‐D layers of 1 into a 3‐D packing structure.
Morpholino‐Functionalized and Heteroaryl‐Substituted Titanocene Anti‐Cancer Drugs: Synthesis and Cytotoxicity Studies
Authors: Pampillón Clara , Claffey James , Hogan Megan , Tacke Matthias
Published: July 2007

From the carbolithiation of 6‐morpholino fulvene (3a) and different ortho‐lithiated heterocycles (furan, thiophene and N‐methylpyrrole), the corresponding lithium cyclopentadienide intermediate (4a–c) was formed. These three lithiated intermediates underwent a transmetallation reaction with TiCl4 resulting in morpholino‐functionalised titanocenes 5a–c. When these titanocenes were tested against LLC‐PK cells, the IC50 values obtained were of 58, 63 and 115 μM for titanocenes 5a–c respectively. The most cytotoxic titanocene 5a with an IC50 value of 58 μM is found to be approximately 20 times less cytotoxic than cis‐platin, which showed an IC50 value of 3.3 μM, when tested on the LLC‐PK cell line, and 10 times less cytotoxic than its dimethylamino‐functionalised analogue (Titanocene C, IC50 = 5.5 μM).
Substitution Effects in Zintl Phases: Synthesis and Crystal Structure of the Novel Phases Ae3Sn4−xBi1+x (x ≤ 1; Ae = Sr, Ba) Containing Shubnikov‐Type Nets $^{2}_{\infty}\rm [Sn_{4-x}Bi_{x}]$
Authors: Ponou Siméon , Kim Sung‐Jin , Fässler Thomas F.
Published: July 2007

The compounds Ae3Sn4−xBi1+x (Ae = Sr, Ba) with x < 1 have been synthesized by solid‐state reactions in welded Nb tubes at high temperature. Their structures were determined by single crystal X‐ray diffraction studies to be tetragonal; space group I4/mcm (No. 140); Z = 4, with a = 8.968(1) Å, c = 12.859(1) Å for Sr3Sn3.36Bi1.64(3) (1) and a = 9.248(2), c = 13.323(3) Å for Ba3Sn3.16Bi1.84(3) (2). The structure consists of two interpenetrating networks formed by a 3D Ae6/2Bi substructure (anti‐ReO3 type) forming the host, and layers of interconnected four‐member units [Sn4−xBix] with “butterfly”‐like shape as the guest. According to the Zintl‐Klemm concept, the compounds are slightly electron deficient and will be charge balanced for x = 1. The electronic structures of Ae3Sn4−xBi1+x calculated by the TB‐LMTO‐ASA method indicate that the compounds correspond to ideal semiconducting Zintl phases with a narrow band gap for x = 1 (zero‐gap semiconductor). The origin of the slight deviation from the optimal electron count for a valance compound is discussed.
Synthesis and Molecular Structure of Two Zinc Complexes of 1,2‐Bis[(trimethylsilyl)imino]acenaphthene
Authors: Fedushkin Igor L. , Skatova Alexandra A. , Eremenko Olga V. , Hummert Markus , Schumann Herbert
Published: July 2007

The reaction of 1,2‐bis[(trimethylsilyl)imino]acenaphthene (1, tms‐BIAN) with ZnCl2 and ZnI2 in THF and Et2O afford (tms‐BIAN)ZnCl2 (2) and (tms‐BIAN)ZnI2 (3), respectively. The compounds 2 and 3 were characterized by IR‐ and NMR spectroscopy as well as by single crystal X‐ray analysis.
Effect of Antioxidant Treatments on the Gut–Liver Axis Oxidative Status and Function in Bile Duct‐Ligated Rats
Authors: Assimakopoulos Stelios F. , Maroulis Ioannis , Patsoukis Nikolaos , Vagenas Konstantinos , Scopa Chrisoula D. , Georgiou Christos D. , Vagianos Constantine E.
Published: July 2007

Background

Experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated the pivotal role of oxidative stress in the promotion of hepatic and intestinal injury in obstructive jaundice. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of well known antioxidant treatments on the gut–liver axis oxidative status and function in bile duct‐ligated rats.

Methods

A total of 60 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups of 10 animals each: controls, sham operated, bile duct ligated (BDL), and BDL treated with either N‐acetylcysteine (NAC), allopurinol, or α‐tocopherol (α‐TC). Ten days after treatment, the hepatic and intestinal oxidative status was estimated by measuring lipid peroxidation and a battery of biochemical markers comprising the organ’s thiol redox state (i.e., glutathione, cysteine, protein thiols, oxidized glutathione, nonprotein mixed disulfides, oxidized cysteine derivatives, protein symmetrical disulfides, and protein mixed disulfides). Portal and aortic endotoxin concentrations and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were also determined.

Results

All antioxidant treatments significantly improved intestinal barrier function and protected from cholestatic liver injury, as evidenced by reduction of the portal and aortic endotoxin concentration and ALT levels, respectively. This effect accompanied their significant antioxidant action in both organs, mediated by a certain influence profile on the thiol redox state by each treatment.

Conclusion

NAC, allopurinol, and α‐TC, exerting a potent combined antioxidant effect on the intestine and liver in experimental obstructive jaundice, significantly prevented intestinal barrier dysfunction and liver injury. The variety of results depending on the antioxidant agent that was administered and the marker of oxidative stress that was estimated, indicates that a battery of biomarkers would be more appropriate in assessing pharmacologic responses to therapeutic interventions.
Relationship between plant species diversity and soil microbial functional diversity along a longitudinal gradient in temperate grasslands of Hulunbeir, Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Liu Zhanfeng , Liu Guohua , Fu Bojie , Zheng Xiaoxuan
Published: July 2007

Numerous experiments have been established to examine the effect of plant diversity on the soil microbial community. However, the relationship between plant diversity and microbial functional diversity along broad spatial gradients at a large scale is still unexplored. In this paper, we examined the relationship of plant species diversity with soil microbial biomass C, microbial catabolic activity, catabolic diversity and catabolic richness along a longitudinal gradient in temperate grasslands of Hulunbeir, Inner Mongolia, China. Preliminary detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) indicated that plant composition showed a significant separation along the axis 1, and axis 1 explained the main portion of variability in the data set. Moreover, DCA‐axis 1 was significantly correlated with soil microbial biomass C (r= 0.735,P= 0.001), microbial catabolic activity (average well color development;r= 0.775,P< 0.001) and microbial functional diversity (catabolic diversity:r= 0.791,P< 0.001 and catabolic richness:r= 0.812,P< 0.001), which suggested thatsome relationship existed between plant composition and the soil microbial community along the spatial gradient at a large scale. Soil microbial biomass C, microbial catabolic activity, catabolic diversity and catabolic richness showed a significant, linear increase with greater plant species richness. However, many responses that we observed could be explained by greater aboveground plant biomass associated with higher levels of plant diversity, which suggested that plant diversity impacted the soil microbial community mainly through increases in plant production.
Diversity and composition of larger moths in three different forest types of Southern Korea
Authors: Choi Sei‐Woong
Published: July 2007

Moth assemblages in three habitat types were investigated to find differences in species richness and abundances and to find any specific moth group(s) in each habitat. Study areas were in southern Korea: lowlands of Muan‐county, Jeollanam‐do Province and mid‐elevations to highlands of Mt. Jirisan National Park. Moth monitoring, conducted at eight sites, was comprised of three habitat types—native forest, regenerative forest and rural landscape. A total of 4,803 individuals, consisting of 583 species in 362 genera, were identified. Species richness did not differ significantly by habitat type or elevation. ANOVA indicated that site, location and elevation significantly affected the species abundances of Drepanidae, Epiplemidae, Limacodidae, Noctuidae and Zygaenidae, while habitat type was not a significant factor. The moth abundances of Geometridae, Lasiocampidae, Lymantriidae, Notodontidae, Saturniidae, Sphingidae and Thyatiridae were not significantly associated with any independent variables. The diversity patterns of larger moths along environmental gradients and the relationship between moths and forest types were discussed.
Micellar Behavior of Anionic Surfactants with Sulfonate Function in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Azira Hakima , Tazerouti Ammal
Published: July 2007

Using different reaction conditions of photosulfochlorination of n‐alkanes, various samples of anionic surfactants of sulfonates type have been obtained. Their micellar behavior was researched and the relationship between their isomeric distribution and so, their chemical structures and micellar behaviors were more thoroughly explored. Their critical micelle concentrations (CMC) were determined with surface tension measurements, the surface activities (γCMC) were obtained, the surface absorption amounts (Γm) and the molecular areas (Am) at the interface of air‐water gained by using Gibbs' equation. In addition, under the conditions of adding electrolyte NaCl, the critical micellar concentrations (CMCs) of two samples were also examined, and the effects of the addition of electrolyte on their micellar behaviors were studied. The experiment results show that the samples rich in secondary isomers have characteristic micellar behavior: CMC are higher, and the abilities to decrease surface tension are better, which well compared to common anionic surfactants, especially Hostapur 60, commercially available. Besides, the effects of addition of electrolyte on the micellar behaviors of the anionic surface‐active agents are similar to common anionic surfactants.
Effect of peripheral endothelin‐1 concentration on carcinoma‐induced pain in mice
Authors: Pickering Victoria , Gupta R. Jay , Quang Phuong , Jordan Richard C. , Schmidt Brian L.
Published: August 2007

In this study, we investigated the role of the peripheral endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) concentration in a cancer pain model. To test the hypothesis that the concentration of ET‐1 in the tumor microenvironment is important in determining the level of cancer pain we used two cancer pain mouse models that differed significantly in production of ET‐1. The two mouse cancer models were produced by injection of cells derived from a human oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma into the hind paw of female mice. Pain, as indicated by reduction in withdrawal thresholds in response to mechanical stimulation, was significantly greater in the SCC group than the melanoma group. The peripheral concentration of ET‐1 within the cancer microenvironment was significantly greater in the SCC group. Intra‐tumor expression of both ET‐1 mRNA and ET‐1 protein were significantly higher in the SCC model compared to the melanoma model. ET receptor antagonism was effective as an analgesic for cancer pain in the SCC model only. To address the potential confounding factor of tumor volume we evaluated the contribution of tumor volume to cancer pain in the two models. The mean volumes of the tumors in the melanoma group were significantly greater than the tumors in the SCC group. In both groups, the pain level correlated with tumor volume, but the correlation was stronger in the melanoma group. We conclude that ET‐1 concentration is a determinant of the level of pain in a cancer pain mouse model and it is a more important factor than tumor volume in producing cancer pain. These results suggest that future treatment regimens for cancer pain directed at ET‐1 receptor antagonism show promise and may be tumor type specific.
Butterbur root extract and music therapy in the prevention of childhood migraine: An explorative study
Authors: Oelkers‐Ax Rieke , Leins Anne , Parzer Peter , Hillecke Thomas , Bolay Hans V. , Fischer Jochen , Bender Stephan , Hermanns Uta , Resch Franz
Published: August 2007

Background: Migraine is very common in school‐aged children, but despite a number of pharmacological and non‐pharmacological options for prophylaxis, randomized controlled evidence in children is small. Evidence‐based prophylactic drugs may have considerable side effects.

Objective: This study was to assess efficacy of a butterbur root extract (Petadolex®) and music therapy in primary school children with migraine.

Design: Prospective, randomized, partly double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group trial.

Methods: Following a 8‐week baseline patients were randomized and received either butterbur root extract (n=19), music therapy (n=20) or placebo (n=19) over 12 weeks. All participants received additionally headache education (“treatment as usual”) from the baseline onwards. Reduction of headache frequency after treatment (8‐week post‐treatment) as well as 6 months later (8‐week follow‐up) was the efficacy variable.

Results: Data analysis of subjects completing the respective study phase showed that during post‐treatment, only music therapy was superior to placebo (p=0.005), whereas in the follow‐up period both music therapy and butterbur root extract were superior to placebo (p=0.018 and p=0.044, respectively). All groups showed a substantial reduction of attack frequency already during baseline.

Conclusion: Butterbur root extract and music therapy might be superior to placebo and may represent promising treatment approaches in the prophylaxis of paediatric migraine.
Postprandial plasma adiponectin decreases after glucose and high fat meal and is independently associated with postprandial triacylglycerols but not with − 11388 promoter polymorphism
Authors: Rubin Diana , Helwig Ulf , Nothnagel Michael , Lemke Nina , Schreiber Stefan , Fölsch Ulrich R , Döring Frank , Schrezenmeir Jürgen
Published: July 2007

Adiponectin is discussed to regulate energy balance and insulin sensitivity. Several studies indicated an association of fasting adiponectin with parameters of the metabolic syndrome. We investigated postprandial adiponectin release and its relation to traits of the metabolic syndrome. Serum adiponectin concentration after an oral glucose tolerance test and after ingestion of a standardised mixed, fat-containing meal in 110 male non-diabetic subjects was assessed. Fasting and postprandial adiponectin and the decrease of adiponectin were correlated with anthropometric and metabolic parameters. Subjects were genotyped for adiponectin − 11 388 G/A promoter single nucleotide polymorphism. Adiponectin slightly decreased after both test meals. A significant decrease was attained 5 and 6 h after the lipid load and 2 h after the glucose load. Particularly, the mixed meal postprandial adiponectin showed stronger correlations with most traits of the metabolic syndrome than fasting adiponectin: postprandial adiponectin with HDL (r 0·30) v. fasting adiponectin with HDL (r 0·23); with postprandial insulin (area under the curve): r − 0·20 v. r − 0·16; with fasting insulin: r 0·10 v. r 0·14; with BMI: r − 0·23 v. r − 0·20; with waist: r − 0·18 v. − 0·16; with systolic blood pressure: r − 0·14 v. r − 0·12; with diastolic blood pressure: r − 0·18 v. r − 0·15. In multivariate analysis, postprandial TAG were the only independent predictor of adiponectin. There was no significant association of adiponectin, NEFA and TAG with − 11 388 G/A adiponectin promoter polymorphism. Our findings favour the interpretation that postprandial adiponectin has the strongest and independent associations to postprandial TAG metabolism.
Dietary long-chainn-3 fatty acids modify blood and cardiac phospholipids and reduce protein kinase-C-δ and protein kinase-C-ε translocation
Authors: Judé Sébastien , Martel Eric , Vincent Fanny , Besson Pierre , Couet Charles , Ogilvie Gregory K. , Pinault Michelle , De Chalendar Catherine , Bougnoux Philippe , Richard Serge , Champeroux Pascal , Crozatier Bertrand , Le Guennec Jean-Yves
Published: July 2007

The effects of ann-3 PUFA-enriched diet on cardiac cell membrane phospholipid fraction compositions and associated protein kinase-C (PKC) translocation modification have never been studied in higher mammals. This is of importance since membrane fatty acid composition has been shown to influence PKC signalling pathways. In the present study, we have tested whether the incorporation ofn-3 PUFA in cardiac membrane phospholipids correlated with changes in the fatty acid composition of diacylglycerols (DAG) and led to a differential translocation of PKC isoforms. Two groups of five dogs were fed the standard diet supplemented with palm oil or fish oil for 8 weeks. Dogs fed a fish oil-enriched diet showed a preferential incorporation of EPA and, to a lesser extent, of DHA, at the expense of arachidonic acid, in the circulating TAG, plasma phospholipids, erythrocyte phospholipids and cardiomyocyte phospholipid fractions. Analysis of 1,2-DAG fatty acid composition also indicated a preferential enrichment of EPA compared with DHA. Associated with these results, a reduction in the expression of PKC-δ and PKC-ε isoforms in the particulate fractions was observed whereas no effect was seen for PKC-α and PKC-ζ. We conclude that a fish oil-enriched diet induces a modification in fatty acid composition of cardiac membrane phospholipids, associated with a differential translocation of PKC isoforms. These results can be explained by the production of structurally different DAG that may participate in some of the protective effects ofn-3 PUFA against various chronic diseases.
Training in Superstition? Monasteries and Popular Religion in Late Medieval and Reformation England
Authors: HEALE MARTIN
Published: July 2007

The monasteries of late medieval England are regularly viewed as marginal to the religious lives of the laity, and have been largely omitted from the revisionist depiction of the pre-Reformation Church. Similarly the Dissolution has often been seen primarily as a financial measure, with limited religious motivations or consequences. This article seeks to challenge both these conclusions by drawing attention to the role played by religious houses of all sizes as centres of national and local pilgrimage. It is argued that monasteries exerted a strong and enduring influence over popular piety through their saints' cults, and as a result attracted the hostility of both Erasmian and evangelical reformers in Henrician England. This hostility should be seen as an important ingredient in the Dissolution.
Primary respiratory support in preterm infants with cleft lip and palate
Authors: Eifinger F , Lang-Roth R , Braumann B , Saffar M , Huenseler C , Kribs A
Published: August 2007

Objective:

Preterm infants with respiratory distress are routinely treated by application of nasal mask continuous positive airway pressure. In preterm infants with cleft lip and palate, nasal mask attachment is not feasible due to air leakage through the cleft defect. Here, we describe a modified continuous positive airway pressure application method that overcomes this problem.

Design and subjects:

Observation study, university neonatal intensive care unit. The neonates (n = 4) were between 28 and 33 weeks' gestation and weighed 1160 to 1680 g at birth. Immediately after birth, infants with unilateral cleft lip and palate (n = 3) were respiratory stabilised by a Medijet™ generator using a nasal tube. To minimise the pressure cap, hydrocolloid bandages were adhered over the total cleft defect. Immediately after orthodontic passive palatal plates insertion (within 27 hours of life), the nasal tube was removed and continuous positive airway pressure was applied through a nasal mask covering the complete nose of the infant.

Results:

The system proved suitable for patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate for whom the generated nasal mask continuous positive airway pressure remained constant between 5 to 7 cm of water but failed in the patient with bilateral cleft lip and palate. None of the patients had to be ventilated due to respiratory failure, and all survived to discharge.

Conclusion:

Preterm infants with unilateral, but not bilateral cleft lip and palate, can be successfully stabilised using the described nasal mask continuous positive airway pressure system, thereby avoiding primary intubation and its associated risk of complications.
Masson's pseudotumour of the ethmoid sinus – a case report
Authors: Hooda S , Humphreys M R , Wong S W , Evans A S
Published: August 2007

Objective:

We report a case of Masson's pseudotumour or intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia presenting in the ethmoid sinus.

Case report:

We present a diagnostically challenging case of Masson's pseudotumour of the ethmoid sinus presenting with persistent epistaxis and a review of the available literature.

Conclusion:

Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia is a benign, reactive lesion first described by the French pathologist Pierre Masson in 1923. It can lead to diagnostic uncertainty due to its close resemblance clinically, radiologically and histopathologically to angiosarcoma.
Stiff-person syndrome with acute recurrent peripheral vertigo: possible evidence of gamma aminobutyric acid as a neurotransmitter in the vestibular periphery
Authors: Teggi R , Piccioni L O , Martino G , Bellini C , Bussi M
Published: August 2007

Objective:

We report a case of a 58-year-old man suffering from stiff-person syndrome and recurrent peripheral vertigo.

Method:

A case report and a review of the recent literature on stiff-person syndrome are presented.

Results:

The patient presented with recurrent episodes of vertigo with a pure peripheral pattern and with concomitant episodes of burning muscle pain, muscle twitching, weight gain and fatigue, worsening with tension or stress that also occurred in periods without vertigo. Cochlear examinations only showed presbyacusis-like hearing loss. The diagnosis of stiff-person syndrome was made with electromyographic examination and from findings in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid of high titres of anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD67) autoantibodies. In a two-year follow-up period, therapy for stiff-person syndrome abolished episodes of both stiffness and vertigo.

Conclusion:

As far as we know, no other clinical case of acute vestibular damage with a possible correlation with anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies has been described. Peripheral vertigo possibly related to a lack of gamma aminobutyric acid underlines a possible role of gamma aminobutyric acid as a neurotransmitter in the peripheral vestibular system.
Deterioration of noise-induced hearing loss among bottling factory workers
Authors: Ologe F E , Olajide T G , Nwawolo C C , Oyejola B A
Published: August 2007

Background:

Repeated exposure to excessive noise will eventually lead to an irreversible increase in hearing thresholds. In theory, the damage reflects both the intensity of the noise and the duration of exposure. This is not linear with respect to duration of exposure; rather, the worker may experience a disproportionate loss in the early years of exposure.

Methods:

A prospective study surveying workers of the production section (i.e. most noise-exposed area) of a bottling factory was carried out in December 2003 and in December 2005. A self-administered questionnaire was used to extract information about worker's demographic characteristics, drug intake, and medical and occupational history, as well as information on the use of hearing protection devices. Noise mapping of the various departments of the factory was carried out. Otological examination, tympanometry and audiometry were also carried out on selected subjects.

Results:

Eighty-four workers, 76 (90.5 per cent) men and eight (9.5 per cent) women, were studied. Their mean age was 33.0 ± 7.6 years in 2003 and 35.0 ± 7.6 years in 2005. The recorded noise levels in the factory production section ranged between 91.5 and 98.7 dBA. The prevalence of sensorineural hearing loss among workers was noted to be 64.9 and 86.9 per cent for test one (2003) and test two (2005), respectively. The degree of hearing deterioration within the two years of this study was 1.0–3.2 dB for the right ear and 1.6–3.4 dB for the left ear. This deterioration was at discrete frequencies. More than half (53.6 per cent) of the workers did not have a hearing protection device. Of the 46.4 per cent who did, only 38.5 per cent claimed to have used it regularly.

Interpretation:

These findings showed that there was a high prevalence of mild sensorineural hearing loss and significant hearing deterioration among workers, due to exposure to excessive noise over a two-year period. The study demonstrates the practical importance of serial audiometry for noise-exposed workers as a means of monitoring hearing deterioration. It is necessary to enforce existing occupational health laws in our industries in order to prevent noise-induced hearing loss, since it is eminently preventable.
Inadequate analgesic prescription increases secondary post-tonsillectomy bleed rates: a completed audit loop
Authors: Alhamarneh O , Raja H , England R J A
Published: August 2007

A significantly greater than normal secondary haemorrhage rate was noted in patients who had undergone tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy as waiting list ‘initiative’ cases within an alternative healthcare provider setting, compared with patients undergoing the same surgery within a primary healthcare trust (17.8 vs 3.9 per cent, respectively; p < 0.001).

An audit was therefore set up to examine any variations in practice which may have caused this difference. Duration of analgesic prescription was identified as the only significant variable, and this was subsequently altered from three to seven days, to match the primary trust's protocol. Completion of the audit loop showed that the difference in secondary haemorrhage rates between the two provider sites had ceased to be significant (5.9 vs 3 per cent; p > 0.1). We conclude that adequate analgesia, for the first week post-tonsillectomy, is essential in order to keep the secondary haemorrhage rate within an acceptable range.
Life cycle of Bougainvillia nana (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa: Bougainvilliidae) from Italy, including a discussion of Bougainvillia muscus in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Denitto Francesco , Miglietta Maria Pia , Boero Ferdinando
Published: July 2007

The life cycle of a species of the genus Bougainvillia (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa), found in the southern Mediterranean Sea, Italy, is here described. Hydroid colonies produced immature medusae with two tentacles and two ocelli per bulb and four unbranched oral tentacles. The number of tentacles and ocelli, which remained constant during the entire life cycle, are here considered diagnostic characters to identify the present as a new species. Female medusae lived up to 47 days (with an average of 30 days) when reared at 17°C, while males, reared at the same temperature, were short-lived, concluding their life cycle in no more than 15 days. The medusa of this species resembles B. ramosa var. nana described by Hartlaub in 1911 on the basis of few specimens and no polyp stage. After the complete life cycle has been observed, and given its peculiar medusa stage, Hartlaub's subspecies (variant) must be promoted to species rank as Bougainvillia nana.
Reproductive biology of Eledone moschata (Cephalopoda: Octopodidae) in the Aegean Sea (Izmir Bay, Turkey)
Authors: Akyol Okan , Şen Halil , Kınacıgil H. Tuncay
Published: July 2007

Reproductive properties of Eledone moschata from the north-eastern Aegean Sea are reported for the first time. A total of 471 specimens was collected during monthly samplings from December 2004 to November 2005. The mantle lengths of the species were between 4.5 and 15.0 cm with an average of 8.1 cm ±0.15 for 204 males, and between 2.7 and 14.0 cm with an average of 7.8 cm ±0.12 for 267 females. The annual sex ratio (males: females) of the sampled specimens was 1:1.31. Maturity stages were recorded on a monthly basis in both sexes. The highest monthly percentage of mature females (21%) and males (46%) was recorded in January 2005 and June 2005, respectively. The monthly and seasonal gonadosomatic index (GSI) results indicated that E. moschata shows two annual reproduction peaks for each sex. For males, the first spring peak occurs in March–June and the second, autumn peak is in November. For females, the first summer peak occurs in May–June and the second, winter peak is in January, respectively. On the other hand, the reproductive season extends from November to July with two peaks in the Aegean Sea. Total oocyte stock varied from 273 to 2896 with a mean of 836 ±193 oocytes. The mean size of the oocytes was 6.26 ±0.10 mm. The maximum oocyte size found was 10.7 mm. The mean length of spermatophores was of 13.66 ±0.08 mm (range: 7.3–18.3) and their average number was 52 ±6 (range: 6–172).
Feeding habits of the bullet tuna Auxis rochei in the southern Tyrrhenian Sea
Authors: Mostarda E. , Campo D. , Castriota L. , Esposito V. , Scarabello M.P. , Andaloro F.
Published: July 2007

A total of 235 bullet tunas (Auxis rochei) was caught off the north-eastern coast of Sicily between March 2003 and March 2004 for the purpose of studying their feeding habits. The fish were caught by means of an experimental surface gill-net during fishing surveys carried out on a monthly basis. The stomach contents were analysed and the prey identified, counted and weighed. The importance of the different prey types was assessed utilizing several feeding indices while possible size-related changes of the diet composition were highlighted by means of hierarchical cluster analysis, nMDS and SIMPER analysis. The results of this study showed that the bullet tuna is an epipelagic off-shore predator feeding on whatever abundant resource is available in the environment with a preference for planktonic crustaceans, small cephalopods and fish larvae. Among crustaceans, hyperiidean amphipods were the most important prey, with Anchylomera blossevillei as the dominant species, followed by the euphausiacean Stylocheiron maximum. Among cephalopods, Heteroteuthis dispar was recorded frequently while fish larvae showed high values of all indices. All prey were pelagic organisms. A size-related change in the diet composition was observed, even if it seemed related to the temporal fluctuations of the zooplanktonic assemblage in the environment. The average prey weight per stomach increased significantly in the larger predators which mostly fed on fish larvae belonging to several commercially important demersal and pelagic species.