bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enantiopure Ti(IV) amino triphenolate complexes as NMR chiral solvating agents
Authors: Zonta Cristiano , Kolarovic Andrej , Mba Miriam , Pontini Marta , KÜndig E. Peter , Licini Giulia
Published: August 2011

Enantiopure Ti(IV) complexes bearing pseudo‐C3 amino triphenolate ligands have been synthesized and characterized. The complexes bearing ortho phenyl groups act as 1H NMR chiral solvating agent (CSA) for the stereochemical analysis of a series of sulfoxides. The coordination of a Lewis base coligand (sulfoxide) and the presence of aromatic rings are the key structural factors for the efficiency of the CSA. Chirality, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A New Modification to the Chemical Mass Balance Receptor Model for Volatile Organic Compound Source Apportionment
Authors: Demir Selami , Saral Arslan
Published: August 2011

In this study, a modification to the chemical mass balance (CMB) receptor model presented in an earlier work was expanded to account for the changes in volatile organic compound (VOC) source fingerprints due to atmospheric reactions of VOCs that take place after being emitted to the atmosphere. The photochemical reactions consume VOCs that participate in, causing changes in the source fingerprints. These changes are of considerable magnitude when the travel durations from the source to the receptor (measurement point) are considered. The current study focuses on expansion of the integrated reaction rates of VOCs with ambient reactive species such as OH•, O3, NO3, and O• in order to estimate the source emission profiles simultaneously at the receptor site. Two test cases with different travel times and with different ambient OH•, O3, and NO3 concentrations were also provided to compare the standard model, the modified model suggested in the previous work, and the current modification. F‐tests were also performed to determine whether the changes in source compositions are significant or not. The results from both the standard model and the modified model were evaluated in terms of χ2, R2, percent mass apportioned (MA), and a best fit (BF) measure. Maximum values of BF for the test cases from the three models were 0.70 ± 0.03, 0.74 ± 0.05, and 1.000 ± 0.00, respectively, indicating that the current modification increases the performance of two previous models and was better in explaining the effects of chemical reactions of VOCs.
Levels of Organohalogenated Pollutants in Human Milk Samples from Konya City, Turkey
Authors: Ozcan Senar , Tor Ali , Aydin Mehmet Emin
Published: August 2011

This study reports the levels of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs, α‐, β‐, γ‐ and Δ‐HCHs, p,p′‐DDE, p,p′‐DDD and p,p′‐DDT), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs, PCB 28, 52, 101, 153, 138 and 180 congeners) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs, PBDE 47, 99, 100, 153 and 154 congeners) in 45 individual human milk samples collected from Konya City, Turkey. Average concentrations of ΣHCHs, ΣDDTs, ΣPCBs and ΣPBDEs were 22.62, 37.10, 104.95 and 67.34 ng/g lipid wt., respectively. No significant differences in investigated pollutants were found between primiparous and multiparous mothers. There was no correlation between levels of each group of pollutants in human milk and the age of mothers. Moreover, there was no significant difference in the levels of ΣDDTs, between mothers who have eaten fish more than once a week and those who consumed fish less than once. An analysis of the infant exposure to DDTs, HCHs and PCBs via mother's milk indicated that the estimated daily intakes of these pollutants were below the guideline proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Health Canada which means that there is definitely no concern on children health.
New Insights in the Formation of Combined Zeolitic/Mesoporous Materials by using a One‐Pot Templating Synthesis
Authors: Vernimmen Jarian , Meynen Vera , Herregods Sebastiaan J. F. , Mertens Myrjam , Lebedev Oleg I. , Van Tendeloo Gustaaf , Cool Pegie
Published: August 2011

Zeolitic growth is often absent or occurs in separate phases when synthetic strategies based on the combination of zeolite templates and mesopore templating agents are applied. In this work, zeolitic growth and mesopore formation have been investigated at different temperatures by applying a one‐pot templating approach, based on a TS‐1 zeolite synthesis whereby part of the microtemplate (tetrapropylammonium hydroxide, TPAOH) is replaced by a mesotemplate (hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide, CTMABr). Moreover, the synthesis duration and the molar ratio of the microtemplate/mesotemplate have also been studied. The different syntheses clearly show the inherent competitive mechanism between zeolitic growth and mesopore formation. These insights have led to the conclusion that by following a one‐pot templating strategy with standard, nonexotic commercial templates, i.e. CTMABr and TPAOH, it is not possible to develop a “true” hierarchical mesoporous zeolite, meaning a mesoporous siliceous material with highly crystalline zeolitic walls. The resultant materials are instead combined zeolitic/mesoporous composite structures with, however, highly tuneable and controllable porosity characteristics.
Oxidorhenium(V) Complexes with Oxazolinylmethoxido Ligands – Structure and Catalytic Epoxidation
Authors: Terfassa Belina , Traar Pedro , Volpe Manuel , Mösch‐Zanetti Nadia C. , Raju V. J. T. , Megersa Negussie , Retta Negussie
Published: August 2011

Reaction of [ReOCl3(PPh3)2] with (4,5‐dihydrooxazol‐2‐yl)methanol and three methyl‐substituted derivatives thereof (2a–2d) in boiling acetone or tetrahydrofuran gave oxidorhenium(V) complexes of the type [ReOCl2(PPh3)(2a–2d)] (3a–3d) as blue crystalline materials in good yields. The complexes were characterized by 1H, 13C, 31P NMR and IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. All the complexes showed distorted octahedral geometries and were found to contain only one oxazolyl ligand displacing one PPh3 molecule and one chloride ion from the precursor complex [ReOCl3(PPh3)2]. The complexes were tested as catalysts for the epoxidation of cyclooctene with 3 equiv. of tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP). Complex 3a containing (4,5‐dihydrooxazol‐2‐yl)methanol showed the highest yield of epoxide (79 %), whereas the complex with the tetramethyl‐substituted ligand 3d exhibited the lowest catalytic activity.
Effect of vacuum‐packaging on the changes of Russian sturgeon muscle lipids during frozen storage
Authors: Balev Dessislav , Ivanov Galin , Dragoev Stefan , Nikolov Hristo
Published: August 2011

The changes in fatty acid composition, non‐polar (triglycerols) and polar lipids (phospholipids), total free fatty acids and total cholesterol of Russian sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii) were studied during 360 days of storage at −18°C. It was established that total neutral lipids and phospholipids content decreased and total free fatty acids concentration increased significantly during the frozen storage. Lower non‐polar and polar lipids content and higher free fatty acids concentration of vacuum‐packaged samples in comparison with air‐packaged samples were found. The changes in total cholesterol concentration and phospholipid classes of frozen stored sturgeon were not influenced by the frozen storage period and the type of packaging. It was established that the sturgeon polar lipids consisted mainly of phosphatidylcholine – 54.98 ± 0.85%, phosphatidylethanolamine – 28.42 ± 0.61%, and phosphatidylserine – 8.64 ± 0.45%. The increase of the total free fatty acids concentration was associated with the free n − 3 PUFA accumulation as a result of hydrolysis of non‐polar and polar lipids. During the frozen storage DHA percentage of non‐polar lipids and phospholipids decreased approximately 3 and 1.75%, respectively. After 360 days of storage at −18°C the n − 3/n − 6 PUFA ratio of total lipids decreased 4.9%.
Prediction of seasonal variation of butters by computing the fatty acids composition with artificial neural networks
Authors: Gori Alessandro , Cevoli Chiara , Melia Selenia , Nocetti Marco , Fabbri Angelo , Caboni Maria Fiorenza , Losi Giuseppe
Published: August 2011

The seasonal variation of the fatty acids composition of butters were investigated over three seasons during a 12‐month study in the protected designation of origin Parmigiano‐Reggiano cheese area. Fatty acids were analyzed by GC‐FID, and then computed by artificial neural networks (ANN). Compared with spring and winter, butter manufactured from summer milk creams showed an optimal saturated/un‐saturated fatty acids ratio (−8.89 and −5.79%), lower levels of saturated fatty acids (−2.63 and −1.68%) and higher levels of mono‐unsaturated (+5.50 and +3.45%), poly‐unsaturated fatty acids (+0.65 and +0.17%), and rumenic acid (+0.55 and +3.41%), while vaccenic acid had lower levels in spring and higher in winter (−2.94 and +2.91%). Moreover, the ANN models were able to predict the season of production of milk creams, and classify butters obtained from spring and summer milk creams on the basis of the type of feeding regimens.

Practical applications:The investigation on variables that affect the milk fatty acids composition can improve the quality of milk across all systems, and the combination of chromatographic and computational techniques will ensure a secure traceability enabling producers to characterize dairy products.
New Method for Regioselective Glycosylation Employing Saccharide Oxyanions
Authors: Matwiejuk Martin , Thiem Joachim
Published: August 2011

As an alternative concept for glycosylation, the prior activation of acceptor hydroxy groups for selective glycosidic bond formation, was investigated to give complex oligosaccharides. Oxyanions obtained from partially protected saccharides were glycosylated by employing glycopyranosyl halides, and the regiochemical results were studied. Initially, partially methylated methyl‐α‐D‐glucopyranosides were used as a model system to study the underlying mechanistic principles of base‐promoted glycosylation. High regioselectivities and stereospecific glycosidic bond formations were achieved, and the scope of the methodology was extended with different perbenzylated glycosyl donors.
Enantioselective Synthesis of 2‐Substituted‐1,5‐Benzodiazepines through Domino Reaction of o‐Phenylenediamine and Chalcone Derivatives
Authors: Fu Xuan , Feng Juhua , Dong Zhenhua , Lin Lili , Liu Xiaohua , Feng Xiaoming
Published: August 2011

Chiral 2‐substituted‐1,5‐benzodiazepine derivatives were synthesized for the first time from an enantioselective domino reaction involving o‐phenylenediamine and 2′‐hydroxychalcones. The titanium complex formed from chiral ligand 1a derived from (S)‐BINOL and L‐prolineamide promoted the reaction and gave the products in good yields with up to 82 % ee.
Bismuth Film Electrode as Sensing Platform for IgE–anti‐IgE Interactions
Authors: Anik Ülkü , Cevik Serdar , Timur Suna
Published: August 2011

In this study, a bismuth film was used as a sensing platform for immunoreaction assay which includes the interactions between IgE and anti‐IgE molecules. For preparing this assay, IgE was deposited on a carbon paste electrode via bismuth(III) cations without using any membrane or functional reagent. The immobilized reagents and interaction of anti‐IgE on this formation were monitored by using atomic force microscopy technique and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Then some experimental parameters like the effect of IgE amount and the IgE–anti‐IgE interaction time were optimized. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the binding of anti‐IgE was also examined by following current decrease in differential pulse voltammograms of neutral red.
Capillary electrophoresis determination of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs in wastewater using hollow fiber liquid‐phase microextraction
Authors: Villar Navarro Mercedes , Ramos Payán María , Fernández‐Torres Rut , Bello‐López Miguel A. , Callejón Mochón Manuel , Guiráum Pérez Alfonso
Published: August 2011

The presence of pharmaceuticals in the environment due to growing worldwide consumption has become an important problem that requires analytical solutions. This paper describes a CE determination for several nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen, ketoprofen, diclofenac, ketorolac, aceclofenac and salicylic acid) in environmental waters using hollow fiber membrane liquid‐phase microextraction. The extraction was carried out using a polypropylene membrane supporting dihexyl ether and the electrophoretic separation was performed in acetate buffer (30 mM, pH 4) using ACN as the organic modifier. Detection limits between 0.25 and 0.86 ng/mL were obtained, respectively. The method could be applied to the direct determination of the seven anti‐inflammatories in wastewaters, and five of them have been determined or detected in different urban wastewaters.
Female contributions to the peaceful nature of bonobo society
Authors: Furuichi Takeshi
Published: August 2011

Although chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and bonobos (Pan paniscus) are closely related, females of the two species show surprisingly large differences in many behavioral aspects. While female chimpanzees tend to range alone or in small parties during non‐estrous periods, female bonobos aggregate even more often than do males. Female chimpanzees do not have frequent social interactions with other females, whereas female bonobos maintain close social associations with one another. Although the ranging patterns of chimpanzee parties are generally led by males, female bonobos often take the initiative in ranging behavior. While female chimpanzees usually do not exhibit estrus during postpartum amenorrhea or pregnancy, female bonobos exhibit a prolonged pseudo‐estrus during such non‐conceptive periods. Studies of these two species have also shown great differences in agonistic behaviors performed by males. Male chimpanzees frequently fight with other males to compete for estrous females, but male bonobos seldom do so. While there are many records of infanticide by male chimpanzees, there is no confirmed record of such an event among bonobos. Several cases of within‐group killing among adult male chimpanzees have been reported, but there is no such record for bonobos. While intergroup conflicts among chimpanzees sometimes involve killing members of the other group, intergroup conflicts among bonobos are considerably more moderate. In some cases, bonobos from two different groups may even range together for several days while engaging in various peaceful interactions. I will address two important questions that arise from these comparisons, exploring why females of such closely related species show such clear differences in behavior and whether or not the behavioral characteristics of female bonobos contribute to the peaceful nature of bonobo society.
Understanding dimorphism as a function of changes in male and female traits
Authors: Plavcan J. Michael
Published: August 2011

I once received a review of a manuscript that took exception to the analysis of sexual dimorphism because the phenomenon is reified from independent changes in male and female characters. The reviewer was both right and wrong. Sexual dimorphism, a difference between males and females of a species in any anatomical, physiological, or behavioral character, is real in the sense that it reflects some underlying difference between the sexes. The fact that the magnitude of these differences varies among species in a measurable and constant way suggests that the phenomenon has a biological basis. But it is also true that dimorphism is a product of independent changes in male and female traits. It is becoming more and more apparent that a complete understanding of the phenomenon of sexual dimorphism can be achieved only by understanding variation in the factors that affect both male and female traits, and the potentially different responses to those factors in each sex.
Odontogenic and nonodontogenic cysts in Istanbul: Analysis of 5088 cases
Authors: Tekkesin Merva Soluk , Olgac Vakur , Aksakalli Nihan , Alatli Canan
Published: August 2011

Background

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of 5088 odontogenic and nonodontogenic cysts over a 40‐year period in the Turkish population and to compare results with findings in the literature.

Methods

The records of odontogenic and nonodontogenic cysts, occurring during 1971 to 2010, were collected and analyzed for anatomic site, age range, and sex distribution.

Results

Among 5088 odontogenic and nonodontogenic cyst biopsies, 5003 cases (98.3%) were classified as odontogenic, whereas only 85 cases (1.7%) were nonodontogenic. In the former group, the most frequent diagnosis was radicular cyst (52.09%), followed by odontogenic keratocyst (20.6%) and dentigerous cyst (10.39%). Maxilla to mandible ratio was 1.13:1. The mean age of patients was 36.33 years (range, 2–87 years). The cysts were slightly more prevalent among male patients (57.70%).

Conclusions

The knowledge of the biological behavior and clinicopathologic features of jaw cysts constitute key aspects to provide early diagnosis and adequate surgery. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
MRIgHIFU: A tool for image‐guided therapeutics
Authors: Hynynen Kullervo
Published: August 2011

High‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) provides focal delivery of mechanical energy deep into the body. This energy can be used to elevate the tissue temperature to such a degree that ablation is achieved. The elevated temperature can also be used to release drugs from temperature‐sensitive carriers or activate therapeutic molecules using mechanical or thermal energy. Lower dose exposures modify the vasculature to allow large molecules to diffuse from blood in the surrounding tissue for local drug delivery. The energy delivery can be targeted and monitored using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The online image guidance and monitoring provides treatment delivery that is customized to each patient such that optimal, effective treatment can be achieved. This ability to localize and customize treatment delivery may further enhance the future potential of targeted drugs that are personalized for each patient. This review examines the rapid development of MRI‐guided HIFU (MRIgHIFU) methods over the past few years and discuss their future potential. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Four‐dimensional velocity mapping of the hepatic and splanchnic vasculature with radial sampling at 3 tesla: A feasibility study in portal hypertension
Authors: Frydrychowicz A. , Landgraf B.R. , Niespodzany E. , Verma R.W. , Roldán‐Alzate A. , Johnson K.M. , Wieben O. , Reeder S.B.
Published: August 2011

Purpose:

To demonstrate the feasibility of PC‐VIPR (Phase Contrast Vastly undersampled Imaging with Projection Reconstruction) for the depiction and hemodynamic analysis of hepatic and splanchnic vessels in patients with portal hypertension.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty‐four cirrhotic patients (55.9 ± 10.4years) were scanned using 5‐point PC‐VIPR for high spatial resolution imaging with large volume coverage at 3 Tesla (T) using a 32‐channel body coil. Vessel segmentation and hemodynamic visualization included color‐coded three‐dimensional (3D) streamlines and particle traces. Segmentation quality was compared with contrast‐enhanced multi‐phase liver imaging. Flow pattern analysis was performed in consensus of three readers. The MELD score was calculated to estimate disease severity and was correlated to image quality.

Results:

Good to excellent visualization quality was achieved in 23/24 cases. All arterial vessels and 144/168 vessels of the portal venous (PV) circulation were unambiguously identified. No correlation with the MELD score was found. Eight of 148 vessels of the PV circulation demonstrated reverse (hepatofugal) flow. Hepatofugal flow in small tributaries to PV flow were present in three cases despite hepatopetal flow in the PV.

Conclusion:

This feasibility study demonstrates the feasibility of PC‐VIPR for simultaneous morphological and hemodynamic assessment of the hepatic and splanchnic vasculature in cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Future studies with quantitative analyses are warranted. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Knowledge Worker Roles and Actions—Results of Two Empirical Studies
Authors: Reinhardt Wolfgang , Schmidt Benedikt , Sloep Peter , Drachsler Hendrik
Published: August 2011

This paper proposes a typology of knowledge workers and their respective knowledge actions. The extant literature on the definition of knowledge work actions is examined and evaluated. The existing classifications of roles of knowledge workers are evaluated and extended with additional literature and empirical findings on the definition of a typology of knowledge worker roles. The empirical data in this paper comes from two studies. In the Task Execution Study 20, a knowledge worker had to carry out a selection of prepared tasks. The computer system that the participants were using was equipped with sensors, so that the execution steps of the tasks could be traced and analyzed. The data from the second study comes from a questionnaire survey of knowledge workers, which yielded 43 responses. The paper shows that the sampled users take on all identified knowledge worker roles, and that the knowledge work actions can be recognized in the sensor data from the first study. This paper contributes to the literature by proposing a new way of classifying the roles of knowledge workers and the knowledge actions they perform during their daily work. Furthermore, the paper provides a preliminary understanding of the relation between knowledge‐intense work tasks, the roles they are executed in, and the tools that are used to accomplish the respective tasks. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
From Skills and Competencies to Outcome‐based Collaborative Work: Tracking a Decade's Development of Personal Knowledge Management (PKM) Models
Authors: Cheong Ricky K. F. , Tsui Eric
Published: August 2011

In the area of knowledge management, existing and past research has tended to focus on the enterprise level. The topic of personal knowledge management (PKM) has only seen growth recently although PKM is not new, as our ancestors sought ways to learn better and to improve their knowledge. However, there are very little empirical researches, or significant conceptual development has been done with PKM, and there is lacking paper to evaluate the previous PKM literatures. This paper aims to provide a critical review of the published literature related to PKM and the PKM models. From the previous literatures, it is clear that PKM is playing an important role at individual, organization, and social level. PKM has evolved from mere individual activities to something that are more outcome/impact oriented; from information handling skills to personal competencies, sense making, and self‐reflection; from individual focused to a community and social collaborative focused. A new PKM model is developed based on the recent research done by the authors. There are four core components in this new PKM model, namely personal information management, personal knowledge internalization, personal wisdom creation, and interpersonal knowledge transferring. At the end of this paper, the Web 2.0‐based PKM tools was evaluated and important roles were identified to facilitate the practicing of PKM. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The immunoreactive patient: Rejection and autoimmune disease
Authors: O'Grady John
Published: August 2011

Key Points

1. Despite highly potent immunosuppression regimens, there is a small cohort of patients at risk of graft failure due to rejection.

2. Steroid-resistant rejection is managed by the escalation of immunosuppression, but only one-third of patients with chronic rejection respond to this approach.

3. Interferon therapy for recurrent hepatitis C may induce an immunoreactive state and increase rejection rates.

4. Cyclosporine reduces the risk of recurrence of primary biliary cirrhosis but does not alter survival rates.

5. Patterns of primary sclerosing cholangitis recurrence are not affected by immunosuppression.

6. Autoimmune hepatitis recurrence and de novo autoimmune hepatitis are corticosteroid-responsive in most cases.
Patients With Non–[18F]Fludeoxyglucose-Avid Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma on Clinical Staging May Achieve Long-Term Recurrence-Free Survival After Liver Transplantation
Authors: Kornberg Arno , Küpper Bernadett , Tannapfel Andrea , Büchler Peter , Krause Babette , Witt Ulrike , Gottschild Dietmar , Friess Helmut
Published: August 2011

There is increasing evidence that a relevant number of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) exceeding the Milan criteria may benefit from liver transplantation (LT). We retrospectively analyzed the prognostic significance of [18F]fludeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) for identifying appropriate LT candidates with advanced HCC on clinical staging. Between 1995 and 2008, 111 patients with HCC were listed for LT. All underwent a pretransplant PET evaluation. LT was performed for 91 of these patients. The tumor recurrence rate after LT was 3.6% for patients with non–[18F]FDG-avid (PET−) tumors, but it was 54.3% for patients with [18F]FDG-avid (PET+) tumors (P < 0.001). The 5-year recurrence-free survival rates were comparable for patients with tumors meeting the Milan criteria (86.2%) and patients with PET− HCC exceeding the Milan criteria (81%) at LT, but these rates were significantly higher than the rate for liver recipients with [18F]FDG-avid advanced HCC (21%, P = 0.002). In a multivariate analysis, negative PET findings (odds ratio = 21.6, P < 0.001), an alpha-fetoprotein level <400 IU/mL (odds ratio = 3.3, P = 0.013), and a total tumor diameter <10 cm (odds ratio = 3.0, P = 0.022) were identified as pretransplant prognostic variables for recurrence-free survival. A PET+ status was assessed as the only independent clinical predictor of tumor-related patient dropout from the waiting list (hazard ratio = 5.7, P = 0.01). Patients with non–[18F]FDG-avid HCC beyond the Milan criteria according to clinical staging may achieve excellent long-term recurrence-free survival after LT.
Living Donor Hepatectomy: The Importance of the Residual Liver Volume
Authors: Reichman Trevor W. , Sandroussi Charbel , Azouz Solomon M. , Adcock Lesley , Cattral Mark S. , McGilvray Ian D. , Greig Paul D. , Ghanekar Anand , Selzner Markus , Levy Gary , Grant David R.
Published: August 2011

Living liver donation is a successful treatment for patients with end-stage liver disease. Most adults are provided with a right lobe graft to ensure a generous recipient liver volume. Some centers are re-exploring the use of smaller left lobe grafts to potentially reduce the donor risk. However, the evidence showing that the donor risk is lower with left lobe donation is inconsistent, and most previous studies have been limited by potential learning curve effects, small sample sizes, or poorly matched comparison groups. To address these deficiencies, we conducted a case-control study. Forty-five consecutive patients who underwent left hepatectomy (LH; n = 4) or left lateral segmentectomy (LLS; n = 41) were compared with matched controls who underwent right hepatectomy (RH) or extended right hepatectomy (ERH). The overall complication rates of the 3 groups were similar (31%-37%). There were no grade 4 or 5 complications. There were more grade 3 complications for the RH patients (13.3%) and the ERH patients (15.6%) versus the LH/LLS patients (2.2%). The extent of the liver resection significantly correlated with the peak international normalized ratio (INR), the days to INR normalization, and the peak bilirubin level. A univariate analysis demonstrated that hepatectomy, the spared volume percentage, and the peak bilirubin level were strongly associated with grade 3 complications. A higher peak bilirubin level, which correlated with a lower residual liver volume, was associated with grade 3 complications in a multivariate analysis (P = 0.005). RH and grade 3 complications were associated with an increased length of stay (>7 days) in a multivariate analysis. In conclusion, this analysis demonstrates a significant correlation between the residual liver volume and liver dysfunction, serious adverse postoperative events, and longer hospital stays. Donor safety should be the first priority of all living liver donor programs. We propose that the surgical procedure removing the smallest amount of the liver required to provide adequate recipient graft function should become the standard of care for living liver donation. Liver Transpl, 2011. © 2011 AASLD.
Regional alterations of brain microstructure in Parkinson's disease using diffusion tensor imaging
Authors: Zhan Wang , Kang Gail A. , Glass Graham A. , Zhang Yu , Shirley Cheryl , Millin Rachel , Possin Katherine L. , Nezamzadeh Marzieh , Weiner Michael W. , Marks William J. , Schuff Norbert
Published: August 2011

This study tested the hypothesis that diffusion tensor imaging can detect alteration in microscopic integrity of white matter and basal ganglia regions known to be involved in Parkinson's disease (PD) pathology. It was also hypothesized that there is an association between diffusion abnormality and PD severity and subtype. Diffusion tensor imaging at 4 Tesla was obtained in 12 PD and 20 control subjects, and measures of fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity were evaluated using both region‐of‐interest and voxel‐based methods. Movement deficits and subtypes in PD subjects were assessed using the Motor Subscale (Part III) of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale. Reduced fractional anisotropy (P < .05, corrected) was found in PD subjects in regions related to the precentral gyrus, substantia nigra, putamen, posterior striatum, frontal lobe, and the supplementary motor areas. Reduced fractional anisotropy in the substantia nigra correlated (P < .05, corrected) with the increased rating scale motor scores. Significant spatial correlations between fractional anisotropy alterations in the putamen and other PD‐affected regions were also found in the context of PD subtypes index analysis. Our data suggest that microstructural alterations detected with diffusion tensor might serve as a potential biomarker for PD. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Acrolein – a pulmonary hazard
Authors: Bein Kiflai , Leikauf George D.
Published: August 2011

Acrolein is a respiratory irritant that can be generated during cooking and is in environmental tobacco smoke. More plentiful in cigarette smoke than polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), acrolein can adduct tumor suppressor p53 (TP53) DNA and may contribute to TP53‐mutations in lung cancer. Acrolein is also generated endogenously at sites of injury, and excessive breath levels (sufficient to activate metalloproteinases and increase mucin transcripts) have been detected in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Because of its reactivity with respiratory‐lining fluid or cellular macromolecules, acrolein alters gene regulation, inflammation, mucociliary transport, and alveolar–capillary barrier integrity. In laboratory animals, acute exposures have lead to acute lung injury and pulmonary edema similar to that produced by smoke inhalation whereas lower concentrations have produced bronchial hyperreactivity, excessive mucus production, and alveolar enlargement. Susceptibility to acrolein exposure is associated with differential regulation of cell surface receptor, transcription factor, and ubiquitin‐proteasome genes. Consequent to its pathophysiological impact, acrolein contributes to the morbidly and mortality associated with acute lung injury and COPD, and possibly asthma and lung cancer.
Breaking down social stereotypes: the case of the Fundación Secretariado Gitano in Spain
Authors: Melero Rosa , Montero Maria Jose , Araque Rafael A. , Gutierrez Belen
Published: August 2011

Over the last few years the Fundación Secretariado Gitano has organised several awareness campaigns aimed at improving the public image of the gypsy community, breaking down the stereotypes and providing a more credible concept of the Spanish gypsy community. These campaigns are intended to guarantee equal treatment and opportunities for this group. One of its first activities was a mass publicity campaign aimed at making the general public aware of how unfair it is to generalize. In this way the origins of the social image problem suffered by gypsies was tackled. The campaign titled ‘Get to know them before you judge them’ is the objective study of this case in which elements are analysed and decision‐making steps are followed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hereditary cancer risk assessment in a pediatric oncology follow‐up clinic
Authors: Knapke Sara , Nagarajan Rajaram , Correll Judy , Kent Debra , Burns Karen
Published: August 2011

Background

Pediatric cancer survivors are at risk for multiple late effects including second malignancies, some a direct consequence of genetic susceptibility. Appropriate surveillance and management for the survivor and at‐risk family members can often be established if the genetic predisposition is recognized and/or diagnosed. Numerous published guidelines outline which adult cancer patients and survivors should be referred for hereditary cancer risk assessment. In the pediatric oncology setting, minimal guidance exists for healthcare providers to determine which patients and families to refer for genetic evaluation.

Procedure

The aim of this project was to determine what percentage of childhood cancer survivors are appropriate for further evaluation in a hereditary cancer program or genetics clinic and characterize indications for referral. Participants included pediatric cancer survivors seen for follow‐up in a large cancer survivor center. Medical and family histories were obtained and reviewed by a certified genetic counselor at the survivor's annual visit. Eligibility for genetics referral was determined based on personal/family medical history and published literature.

Results

Of 370 survivors of childhood cancer, 109 (29%) were considered eligible for genetics follow‐up or referral. Family history of cancer is the most prevalent reason identified for eligibility for further genetics evaluation (61%) followed by tumor type (18%), medical history (16%), and family history of another condition (6%).

Conclusions

This project provides evidence that inclusion of genetic evaluation is feasible and relevant in the care of childhood cancer survivors. Further study is warranted to determine optimal timing and clinical utility of this multidisciplinary and family‐centered approach. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 85–89. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Treatment of nephroblastoma in Africa: Results of the first French African pediatric oncology group (GFAOP) study
Authors: Moreira Claude , Nachef Mohamed Nasser , Ziamati Soumaya , Ladjaj Yasmina , Barsaoui Sihem , Mallon Brenda , Tournade Marie‐France
Published: August 2011

Background

The multidisciplinary management of nephroblastoma has been defined through multicentric prospective studies and an average 90% of patients cured expected. In Africa, such studies are uncommon and results are fragmentary or unknown in most of the countries. We report the results of the GFAOPNEPHRO 01 study using SIOP 2001 protocol approach.

Procedure

From April 1, 2001 to March 31, 2004, 8 African Pilot Units were selected to participate in a nonrandomized prospective study. All patients referred with a clinical and radiological diagnosis of nephroblastoma were registered, those aged over 6 months and less than 18 years with a unilateral tumor not previously treated were included in this study and received preoperative chemotherapy. Patients with unfavorable histology or with a tumor other than Wilms tumor, and those with stage IV tumor and persistent disease after surgery were secondarily excluded.

Results

Of the 229 patients initially registered, 166 were included and finally 133 retained in the study, after surgery. Tumor rupture occurred in 7.5% of the patients. Thirty‐five percent were stage I, 22% stage II, 23% stage III, and 18% stage IV. Two‐year disease‐free survival and 5‐year survival are, respectively: 77.9% and 76.7% for localized tumors, 72.7% and 71.6% for all study patients.

Conclusions

It is possible to conduct African multicentric therapeutic studies within the framework of GFAOP. Results in terms of event‐free survival and survival are satisfactory. Improvements with respect to procedure, data collection, and outcome are expected in a new study. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 37–42. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
European Medicines Agency review of post‐authorisation studies with implications for the European Network of Centres for Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacovigilance
Authors: Blake Kevin V. , Prilla Stefanie , Accadebled Sophie , Guimier Marie , Biscaro Monica , Persson Ingemar , Arlett Peter , Blackburn Stella , Fitt Henry
Published: August 2011

Purpose

A review of post‐authorisation studies requested in 2007 by the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) was undertaken to determine compliance and the need for research capacity in the European Union (EU), with implications for the European Network of Centres for Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacovigilance (ENCePP).

Methods

Information from the EMA's electronic records management systems was analysed.

Results

As of 31 January 2010, of the 60 relevant studies identified, 52 had been progressed to being able to start data collection (including six merged into a single study). Of the remaining eight studies, the agreement of the CHMP that a proposed study was no longer required is documented for six, with a final decision having not been reached for another study and an acknowledgement by the CHMP that a further study would not be progressed. Of the 47 studies that could therefore have commenced data collection or extraction, 38 were ongoing, four were complete and five had not yet started. Most studies were conducted within the EU.

Conclusion

Compliance with the request of the CHMP to conduct studies is very good. The review identified the need for careful consideration of the necessity of studies and of timely dialogue on protocols in advance of a CHMP opinion. The need for expertise and capacity within the EU for the conduct of post‐authorisation studies is confirmed. ENCePP as a transparency and excellence network and as an initiative to build research capacity will enhance post‐authorisation medicines research. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In situ‐generated Ru(III)‐mediated ATRP from the polymeric Ru(III) complex in the absence of activator generation agents
Authors: He Dan , Noh Seok Kyun , Lyoo Won Seok
Published: August 2011

Past research has examined the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) with high oxidation state metal complexes and without the need for any additives such as reducing agent or free radical initiator. To extend this research, half‐metallocene ruthenium(III) (Ru(III)) catalysts were used for the polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) for the first time. These catalysts were generated in situ simply by mixing phosphorus‐containing ligand and pentamethylcyclopentadienyl (Cp*) Ru(III) polymer ((Cp*RuCl2)n). The complexes in their higher oxidation state such as Cp*RuCl2(PPh3) were air‐stable, highly active, and removable catalysts for the ATRPs of MMA with both precision control of molecular weight and narrow polydispersity index. The addition of ppm amount of metal catalyst contributed to the formation of very well‐defined homopolymers and copolymers. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Living cationic polymerization of a coumarin‐substituted vinyl ether and reversible photoinduced crosslinking of the resulting homopolymers and amphiphilic block copolymers
Authors: Motoyanagi Jin , Nishimura Izumi , Minoda Masahiko
Published: August 2011

Living cationic polymerization of 4‐methyl‐7‐(2‐vinyloxyethoxy)coumarin (CMVE) was achieved using SnCl4 in the presence of nBu4NBr as an added salt at 0 °C. The number‐average molecular weight of the resulting polymers increased in direct proportion to the monomer conversion while retaining relatively low polydispersity. Structural analysis revealed that the resulting polymers carried pendant coumarinyl moieties. These coumarinyl moieties were crosslinked by irradiation with UV light at λmax = 366 nm, and the crosslinked sites were then cleaved by irradiation with UV light at λmax = 254 nm. The crosslinking behaviors of the polymers were studied by UV and FTIR spectroscopic measurement. PolyCMVE was soluble in dichloromethane but was found to be insoluble upon UV light irradiation. We also synthesized amphiphilic block polymers bearing coumarinyl moieties by living cationic copolymerization with an amphiphilic vinyl ether. The resulting block polymers were soluble in an aqueous medium and also formed micelle‐like aggregates. Upon UV irradiation of aqueous solutions above the critical micelle concentration, an efficient crosslinking reaction occurred. Photoinduced structural changes of these polymer aggregates in the solution state were further investigated. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Aspects of fatigue failure mechanisms in polymer fuel cell membranes
Authors: Kusoglu Ahmet , Santare Michael H. , Karlsson Anette M.
Published: August 2011

The swelling‐driven fatigue behavior of polymer fuel cell membranes during relative humidity (RH) cycling is investigated. In particular, swelling‐induced membrane stresses are obtained from a numerical model simulating fuel cell RH cycle tests, and compared to the lifetimes obtained experimentally from tests conducted in the absence of electrochemical effects. A strong correlation between the lifetimes of the membranes in the actual tests and model results is obtained. In general, higher RH (or swelling) amplitude results in larger stress amplitudes and shorter lifetime, that is, fewer cycles to failure. Tensile stresses are needed for forming local cavities in the membrane, which may eventually lead to craze formation. Cavitation is less likely to occur in compressed membrane at high humidities. The stress–lifetime plots for polymer fuel cell membranes exhibit similar features to those observed for other polymers. The crazing criterion for polymers suggests that craze initiation during RH cycling is more likely to occur in the low compression regions, such as under the channels, which is in agreement with experimental observations. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 49: 1506–1517, 2011
Theory of the surface effects on the luminescence of the NV− defect in nanodiamond
Authors: Pinto H. , Jones R. , Palmer D. W. , Goss J. P. , Briddon P. R. , Öberg S.
Published: August 2011

A vacancy with one of the carbon neighbours replaced by a nitrogen atom in diamond (the NV centre) is a defect of particular interest due to its many potential applications. In the negatively charged state, the defect is paramagnetic with spin 1 and under optical excitation it exhibits an intense luminescence with a zero‐phonon line at 1.945 eV. This fluorescence is found in nanodiamonds even as small as 5 nm and an important question is the effect of the surface of the nanodiamond on the optical emission of NV−.

Density functional calculations are used in this work to investigate the effect of the bare (001) and (001)‐OH diamond surfaces on the electronic structure of NV−. We show that the (001)‐OH diamond surface has the minimum interaction with the defect and is the ideal terminating surface of nanodiamonds, while the bare (001) diamond surface has a strong effect on broadening the emission.
Ab initio study on the electronic transport properties of carbon nanotube intramolecular junctions
Authors: Wang R. N. , Zheng X. H. , Song L. L. , Zeng Z.
Published: August 2011

The effects of electron doping and molecule adsorption on the electronic transport properties of carbon nanotube (CNT) junctions CNT(3,3)/n‐CNT(6,0)/CNT(3,3) (n = 1–5) are simulated by first‐principles calculations combined with a non‐equilibrium Green's function technique. The doping effects are investigated by N substitution for the carbon atom while the molecule adsorption effects are studied by adsorbing a H2O molecule or an OH group on the top of one carbon atom, respectively. The transmission function around the Fermi level is highly dependent on the doping or adsorption site. The effects are negligible when the site is at the interface, while it always forms a scattering barrier which causes a valley of the transmission spectra around the Fermi level when the doping/adsorption site is inside the sandwiched CNT(6,0). The conductance of CNT intramolecular junctions is very sensitive to the environment, which may provide potential of application in future nanoelectronic devices and gas sensors.
Cooperative influence of water binding to peptides by NH···OH2and CO···HOH hydrogen bonds: Study byAb Initiocalculations
Authors: Sun Chang‐Liang , Wang Chang‐Sheng
Published: August 2011

In this article, the geometry structures of hydrogen bond chains of formamide andN‐methylacetamide and their hydrogen‐bonded complexes with water were optimized at the MP2/6‐31G* level. Then, we performed Møller–Plesset perturbation method with 6‐311++g**, aug‐cc‐pvtz basis sets to study the cooperative influence to the total hydrogen bond energy by the NH···OH2and CO···HOH hydrogen bonds. On the basis of our results, we found that the cooperativity of the hydrogen‐bonded complexes become weaker as NH···OH2and CO···HOH hydrogen bonds replacing NH···OC hydrogen bonds in protein and peptide. It means that the NH and CO bonds in peptide prefer to form NH···OC hydrogen bond rather than to form CO···HOH and NH···OH2. It is significant for understanding the structures and properties of the helical or sheet structures of protein and peptide in biological systems. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
Variance estimation and confidence intervals for the standardized mortality ratio with application to the assessment of a cancer screening program
Authors: Talbot Denis , Duchesne Thierry , Brisson Jacques , Vandal Nathalie
Published: August 2011

The effect of a cancer screening program can be measured through the standardized mortality ratio (SMR) statistic. The numerator of the SMR is the observed number of deaths from the screened disease among participants in the screening program, whereas the denominator of the SMR is an estimate of the expected number of deaths in these participants under the assumption that the screening program has no effect. In this article, we propose a variance estimator for the denominator of the SMR when this expected number of deaths is estimated with Sasieni's method. We give both a general formula for this variance as well as formulas for specific disease incidence and survival estimators. We show how this new variance estimator can be used to build confidence intervals for the SMR. We investigate the coverage properties of various types of confidence intervals by simulation and find that intervals that make use of the proposed variance estimator perform well. We illustrate the method by applying it to the Québec Breast Cancer Screening program. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.