bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In situ Photopolymerization of a Gel Ionic Liquid Electrolyte in the Presence of Iodine and Its Use in Dye Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Winther‐Jensen Orawan , Armel Vanessa , Forsyth Maria , MacFarlane Douglas R.
Published: January 2010

We report for the first time an in situ photopolymerization of model co‐monomers, 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and tetra (ethylene glycol) diacrylate (TEGDA), in an IL electrolyte containing I2 for DSSCs. TiO2 nanoparticles were used as the photo‐initiator and co‐gelator in a charge transfer polymerization reaction. The gel‐IL polymer obtained was characterized in terms of the diffusion properties of the electrolyte. Preliminary results from DSSCs assembled using the gel‐IL electrolyte showed energy conversion efficiency of 3.9% at 1 sun (AM1.5) and 5.0% at 0.39 sun illumination.

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Neuropsychological functioning of children treated with intensive chemotherapy followed by myeloablative consolidation chemotherapy and autologous hematopoietic cell rescue for newly diagnosed CNS tumors: An analysis of the Head Start II survivors
Authors: Sands Stephen A. , Oberg Jennifer A. , Gardner Sharon L. , Whiteley Jennifer A. , Glade‐Bender Julia L. , Finlay Jonathan L.
Published: January 2010

Background

To evaluate the neuropsychological late effects amongst survivors treated on the Head Start II protocol between 1997 and 2003.

Procedures

Forty‐nine patients (mean age 2.9 years) diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor underwent baseline neuropsychological assessment prior to autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (AuHCT). Twenty‐six survivors were retested after 3 years of follow‐up as 20 patients did not survive. Patients were evaluated for intelligence, academic achievement, receptive language, visual‐motor integration (VMI), learning/memory, social‐emotional and behavioral functioning based upon age at testing.

Results

Overall intelligence and VMI at baseline were low average while verbal and non‐verbal intelligence, academic achievement, and receptive vocabulary were in average range. Parents reported social‐emotional and behavioral functioning within normal limits. Serial testing revealed Full Scale (FSIQ)/Mental Development Index (MDI), Verbal (VIQ), and Performance (PIQ) Intelligence to be generally stable over 3‐year follow‐up. Group‐average analysis at follow‐up demonstrated low average intelligence, academic achievement, receptive language, and VMI. Age at diagnosis was positively correlated with internalizing symptoms and visual immediate memory, while time since diagnosis was inversely correlated with FSIQ, VIQ, PIQ, reading and delayed verbal memory. Craniospinal irradiation (CSI) was avoided in two‐thirds of patients.

Conclusion

Induction, with or without intensification using intravenous methotrexate, followed by myeloablative consolidation chemotherapy with AuHCT, may avoid or delay CSI, with possible stabilization of neuropsychological functioning, including those younger at diagnosis. Continued follow‐up is necessary to determine the preservation of neuropsychological, academic, social‐emotional and behavioral functioning. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:429–436. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neonatal cholestasis and glucose‐6‐P‐dehydrogenase deficiency
Authors: Kordes Uwe , Richter Andrea , Santer Rene , Schäfer Hansjörg , Singer Dominique , Sonntag Josef , Steuerwald Ulrike , Schneppenheim Reinhard , Janka Gritta
Published: January 2010

We report a Caucasian neonate with chronic non‐spherocytic hemolytic anemia due to a class I G6PD deficiency. A novel mutation missense mutation in exon eight of the G6PD gene was detected (c.827C>T p.Pro276Leu). Bilirubin peaked on day 5 at 24 mg/dl with a conjugated bilirubin of 17 mg/dl. Jaundice resolved within 4 weeks. A detailed work‐up failed to reveal other specific factors contributing to cholestasis. Severe hemolytic disease of the newborn may cause cholestasis even in the absence of associated primary hepato‐biliary disease. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:758–760. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Decision analysis to compare treatment strategies for Stage I/favorable histology Wilms tumor
Authors: Frazier A. Lindsay , Shamberger Robert C. , Henderson Tara O. , Diller Lisa
Published: January 2010

Background

Decision analysis was used to clarify differences in survival and complication rates comparing surgery alone versus surgery plus chemotherapy for Stage I, favorable histology Wilms tumor patients.

Procedure

A state transition model was used to simulate treatment with nephrectomy‐only, nephrectomy with adjuvant vincristine (VCR) or with vincristine plus dactinomcyin (NWTS Regimen EE4A). Rates of relapse and complications of therapy were obtained from the literature. In sensitivity analysis, the model was probed for the value(s) at which the treatment of choice changes.

Results

The overall survival (OS) is essentially the same for patients treated with any of the three strategies (OSNephrectomy = 98.8%; OSEE4A = 98.8%; OSVCR = 98.6%). Rates of serious long‐term complications in the surviving population are also similar across treatment strategies (nephrectomy = 1.4%; VCR = 1.2%; EE4A = 0.3%). Both the progression and salvage rates after nephrectomy‐only would have to be much worse than expected for nephrectomy‐only to be an unacceptable strategy.

Conclusions

The differences in overall survival and rates of long‐term complications between the three different initial strategies were negligible in the model. Based on this analysis, it was decided by the Children's Oncology Group that it was acceptable to continue to include nephrectomy without adjuvant chemotherapy as an experimental arm of the low risk Wilms tumor protocol with stringent eligibility criteria and close follow‐up. Decision analysis can have a role in clinical trial design by making the tradeoffs between strategies more explicit. The robustness of these conclusions can be tested by widely varying the underlying assumptions. Pediatr Blood Cancer. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Crystal structure ofStreptococcus pneumoniaeSp1610, a putative tRNA methyltransferase, in complex withS‐adenosyl‐L‐methionine
Authors: Ta Hai Minh , Kim Kyeong Kyu
Published: January 2010

Streptococcus pneumoniaeSp1610, a Class‐I foldS‐adenosylmethionine (AdoMet)‐dependent methyltransferase, is a member of the COG2384 family in the Clusters of Orthologous Groups database, which catalyzes the methylation of N1‐adenosine at position 22 of bacterial tRNA. We determined the crystal structure of Sp1610 in the ligand‐free and the AdoMet‐bound forms at resolutions of 2.0 and 3.0 Å, respectively. The protein is organized into two structural domains: the N‐terminal catalytic domain with a Class I AdoMet‐dependent methyltransferase fold, and the C‐terminal substrate recognition domain with a novel fold of four α‐helices. Observations of the electrostatic potential surface revealed that the concave surface located near the AdoMet binding pocket was predominantly positively charged, and thus this was predicted to be an RNA binding area. Based on the results of sequence alignment and structural analysis, the putative catalytic residues responsible for substrate recognition are also proposed.
Comparison of human solute carriers
Authors: Schlessinger Avner , Matsson Pär , Shima James E. , Pieper Ursula , Yee Sook Wah , Kelly Libusha , Apeltsin Leonard , Stroud Robert M. , Ferrin Thomas E. , Giacomini Kathleen M. , Sali Andrej
Published: January 2010

Solute carriers are eukaryotic membrane proteins that control the uptake and efflux of solutes, including essential cellular compounds, environmental toxins, and therapeutic drugs. Solute carriers can share similar structural features despite weak sequence similarities. Identification of sequence relationships among solute carriers is needed to enhance our ability to model individual carriers and to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of their substrate specificity and transport. Here, we describe a comprehensive comparison of solute carriers. We link the proteins using sensitive profile–profile alignments and two classification approaches, including similarity networks. The clusters are analyzed in view of substrate type, transport mode, organism conservation, and tissue specificity. Solute carrier families with similar substrates generally cluster together, despite exhibiting relatively weak sequence similarities. In contrast, some families cluster together with no apparent reason, revealing unexplored relationships. We demonstrate computationally and experimentally the functional overlap between representative members of these families. Finally, we identify four putative solute carriers in the human genome. The solute carriers include a biomedically important group of membrane proteins that is diverse in sequence and structure. The proposed classification of solute carriers, combined with experiment, reveals new relationships among the individual families and identifies new solute carriers. The classification scheme will inform future attempts directed at modeling the structures of the solute carriers, a prerequisite for describing the substrate specificities of the individual families.
Approaches to efficient production of recombinant angiogenesis inhibitor rhVEGI‐192 and characterization of its structure and antiangiogenic function
Authors: Chen Xu , Wu Jueheng , Liu Hanning , He Zhenjian , Gu Minghui , Wang Ning , Ma Jianda , Hu Jieping , Xia Lei , He Haipeng , Yuan Jie , Li Jun , Li Luyuan , Li Mengfeng , Zhu Xun
Published: January 2010

Methods to prepare pure, bioactive recombinant human vascular endothelial growth inhibitor (rhVEGI), a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis potentially applicable in antiangiogenic cancer therapy, are in urgent demand for preclinical investigation as well as future clinical trials of the protein. Here, we report expression and purification of rhVEGI‐192, a recombinant VEGI isoform, comparatively using host strains BL21 (DE3) pLysS and Origami B (DE3) with IPTG‐induction and autoinduction techniques. Our study identified that a combined use of Origami B (DE3) strain and autoinduction expression system gave rise to a high yield of purified rhVEGI‐192 at 105.38 mg/L culture by immobilized‐metal affinity chromatography on Ni‐NTA column. The antiangiogenic activity was effectively restored after the insoluble fractions being dissolved in 8M urea and subsequently subjected to a gradient‐dialysis refolding process. Functional tests demonstrated that the purified rhVEGI‐192 potently inhibited endothelial growth, induced endothelial apoptosis and suppressed neovascularization in chicken chorioallantoic membrane, indicating that the developed method allows preparation of rhVEGI‐192 with high yield, solubility, and bioactivity. Most importantly, our study also demonstrates that VEGI‐192 is capable of forming polymeric structure, which is possibly required for its antiangiogenic activity.
Interfacial resistive switching properties in Ti/La0.7Ca0.3MnO3/Pt sandwich structures
Authors: Liu X. J. , Li X. M. , Wang Q. , Yang R. , Cao X. , Yu W. D. , Chen L. D.
Published: January 2010

La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 (LCMO) films with and without in situ oxygen annealing have been prepared by pulsed laser deposition. After depositing Ti top electrodes (TEs) at room temperature, both the Ti/LCMO/Pt structures show a reversible, nonlinear, and hysteretic current–voltage (I–V) characteristics. The switching ratio between high and low resistance state is significantly reduced by in situ oxygen annealing due to the decrease of oxygen vacancies in the surface of LCMO film. Moreover, the switching ratio is also significantly reduced by depositing Ti TEs at a higher temperature such as 200 °C. These results suggest that the oxidation/reduction reaction between the TiOx interlayer and the oxygen‐deficient LCMO layer plays a crucial role in the resistive switching of the Ti/LCMO/Pt structures. Furthermore, it is also suggested that the formation/rupture of the conductive filament paths in the TiOx interlayer by the electrochemical migration of oxygen is responsible for the anomalous changes of current and the large hysteresis in the I–V curves.
Role of boron and (√3 × √3)‐B surface defects on the growth mode of Si on Si(111): A photoemission and electron diffraction study
Authors: Fissel Andreas , Krügener Jan , Schwendt Dominik , Osten H. Jörg
Published: January 2010

The influence of boron on Si molecular beam epitaxy was investigated as function of coverage and temperature by reflection high‐energy electron diffraction (RHEED). The development of the boron‐covered Si surface was studied additionally by ultraviolet photo electron spectroscopy (UPS) as function of boron coverage (cB) and annealing condition. We found a direct correlation between the appearance of surface states in UPS and the transient growth behaviour observed in RHEED. For cB > 0.4 monolayer (ML) regular RHEED oscillations occur with a period typically for two bilayers (BLs), whereas for lower cB a transient behaviour with irregular intensity oscillations was observed in the initial growth stages. The appearance of this transient behaviour is discussed in terms of an initial surface defect‐induced nucleation of BL‐high Si islands and the formation of two BLs‐high Si islands on top of the van der Waals‐like perfect boron‐covered surface, respectively. The occurrence of surface defects for cB < 0.6 ML is clearly established in UPS measurements, where an intensity peak slightly below the Fermi level (−0.4 eV) was visible. We suggest that this surface defect level is related to Si adatom dangling bonds acting also as preferential nucleation centres in epitaxy. Furthermore, surface defects results in a significant Fermi level pinning.
Laplace Meyer–Neldel relation
Authors: Okamoto Hiroaki , Sobajima Yasushi , Toyama Toshihiko , Matsuda Akihisa
Published: January 2010

Universal Meyer–Neldel (MN) relations in the reciprocal temperature domain are derived on the basis of Laplace transform representation of thermally activated quantities, by a mathematical analogy to the generalized Kramers–Kronig relations in the frequency domain. We concern the circumstances that allow the MN rule to be experimentally observed in realistic physical systems within the context of the Fano resonant‐transition model incorporating Yelon's multi‐excitation concept.
3D‐Quantitative Structure‐Activity Relationships: Investigation of Steric Effects with Descriptors Directly from 3D Structures Using a Comparative Molecular Field Analysis (CoMFA) Approach
Authors: Kim Ki Hwan
Published: January 2010

The applicability of the comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) method to describe the steric effects in 3D quantitative structure‐activity relationships (QSAR) has been investigated. Molecular fields calculated with a methyl probe produced significant correlations with excellent cross‐validation. These correlations are compared with the correlations of Es, STERIMOL parameter, and molecular volume (MV) in traditional QSAR. The results indicate that the CoMFA treatment of steric effects using a methyl probe is adequate for describing both the bulk and “steric” effects in 3D‐QSAR studies.
Study of Benzodiazepines Receptor Sites Using a Combined QSAR‐CoMFA Approach
Authors: Greco Giovanni , Novellino Ettore , Silipo Carlo , Vittoria Antonio
Published: January 2010

A quantitative structure‐activity relationship study on a set of anxiolytic benzodiazepines was carried out using the Hansch approach (QSAR) and the Comparative Molecular Field Analysis (CoMFA).The aim of the study was to investigate the nature of some of the main factors influencing the binding of the benzodiazepines to the CNS receptors. Since our preliminary QSAR results provided evidence of an involvement of a specific ligand‐receptor hydrophobic interaction, the methodological problem of how to properly include the scalar descriptor π in the development of the CoMFA model was extensively examined. The following explanatory variables were considered in the regression analyses: the HOMO and LUMO energies, the total dipole moment, the substituent constants π, ℐ, B1, B5, L, MR, the steric and the electrostatic CoMFA fields. The QSAR and the CoMFA were performed with Multilinear Regression Analysis and Partial Least Squares (PLS) Analysis, respectively. In each of the two methods the cross‐validation procedure was systematically applied to evaluate the significance of the correlation and to establish the most appropriate parametric dimensionality of the calibration models. A deeper insight into the meaning of the CoMFA electrostatic field as explanatory variable of the binding affinity was obtained by correlating the HOMO and LUMO energies with the electrostatic field itself. The results of this study suggest the existence of a specific interaction between the substituents which are in the “C7‐position”, formally corresponding to the 7‐chlorine atom in the structure of diazepam, and a receptor hydrophobic pocket. These substituents can additionally promote, through an electron‐withdrawing effect, a charge‐transfer interaction between the ligand and an electronegative receptor site.
Generalized Single Class Discrimination (GSCD). A New Method for the Analysis of Embedded Structure‐Activity Relationships
Authors: Rose Valerie S. , Wood John , MacFie Halliday J. H.
Published: January 2010

Generalized Single Class Discrimination using Principal Component Analysis (GSCD‐PCA) is a novel method for the analysis of embedded biological activity. It is applicable to the analysis of a continuous activity measure and is suitable for multivariate data sets. It developed as a logical extension of Single Class Discrimination, which we recently described for the analysis of classified embedded biological activity. 4 different GSCD‐PCA algorithms are compared on artificial data sets containing parabolic and linear property‐activity relationships. 2 examples on structure‐activity data sets are given. The method performed well and produced stable, interpretable models.
A study of aromatic three membered rings
Authors: Wang Hong‐Jian , Schleyer Paul v. R. , Wu Judy I. , Wang Yan , Wang Hai‐Jun
Published: January 2010

The resonance energies (REs) of neutral three membered ring analogs of the cyclopropenyl cation, computed using block localized wave function (BLW) methods, reveal considerable variations. The RE's of cyclopropenes substituted with exocyclic double bonded groups CX, (X = O, NH, CH2, S, PH, SiH2) increase with the electronegativity of X in the same row (SiH2 < PH < S and CH2 < NH < O). The extra cyclic resonance energies (ECREs) (an energetic measure of aromaticity based on comparisons with the RE's of acyclic models) of these derivatives range from +10.5 kcal/mol for cyclopropenone (X = O) (somewhat aromatic; the benzene ECRE is 29.3 kcal/mol) to −2.4 kcal/mol (slightly antiaromatic) for X = SiH2. Additional disubstitution of the CC double bond by X′ groups (X′ = CH3, NH2, OH, SiH3, PH2, SH) increases the REs considerably, but has only small effects on the ECREs. Even the ECRE of deltic acid (X = O, X′ = OH) is only increased to +13.3 kcal/mol. The conclusion based on ECRE's, that all 12 of the three membered rings are only marginally aromatic/antiaromatic, is supported by the satisfactorily plot (R2 = 0.92) of ECRE against values of NICS(0)πzz (a superior nucleus chemical independent shift magnetic index of aromaticity), which range only from −6.1 ppm (diatropic) for deltic acid (cf., −35.5 ppm for benzene and −14.2 ppm for the parent cyclopropenium ion) to +8.9 ppm (paratropic) for the silicon derivative, X = SiH2, X′ = SiH3. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
Laser field dependence of intersubband transition in inverse V‐shaped quantum wells
Authors: Burileanu L. M. , Niculescu E. C.
Published: January 2010

The electron energy levels and the envelope wave functions in inverse GaAs/AlGaAs V‐shaped quantum wells (QWs) are calculated using the transfer matrix method. The influence of applied electric and laser fields on the electronic distribution is investigated. In studied systems, a laser‐induced attenuation for anomalous electric polarization of the excited state is found. Also, an oscillator strength increasing under high‐frequency laser radiation is obtained. The results presented in this article can be useful for novel device applications based on the intersubband transitions of electrons. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
The nitric oxide adsorption on gold neutral, cation, and anion atoms: A comparative ab initio MRCI—MRPT2 studies
Authors: Olvera‐Neria O. , Bertin V. , Poulain E.
Published: January 2010

The Auν + NO(2Π) → AuNOν reaction, for ν = −1, 0, +1, anion, neutral, and cation are calculated and predicted at multireference configuration interaction (MRCI) and multireference second order perturbation (MRPT2) levels of theory, in this way the main parameters: reaction path surfaces, total and adsorption energies, optimized geometries, and Mulliken charges distribution are presented and compared. The AuNO (X 1A′) complex is created spontaneously with −11.32 and −13.14 kcal/mol adsorption energies with the MRCI and MRPT2 approaches, respectively. The AuNO bonding in the neutral gold nitrosyl complex has a covalent character and the nitric oxide (NO) molecule is not dissociated. The others excited states (a 3A″, b 3A′, and A 1A″) do not present bonding. The gold nitrosyl cationic (X 2A′, A 2A″, and a 4A″) and anionic (X 2A″ and a 4A″) are bonding and present a dative covalent bond. The Mulliken analysis done for ionic species show that the binding is done through soft electrostatic interactions, due to that there is some charge transfer, delocalized onto the NO molecule for the AuNO± ionic species whereas the AuNO (X 1A′) neutral complex presents a little charge transfer. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
Abnormal first‐trimester ductus venosus blood flow: a marker of cardiac defects in fetuses with normal karyotype and nuchal translucency
Authors: Martínez J. M. , Comas M. , Borrell A. , Bennasar M. , Gómez O. , Puerto B. , Gratacós E.
Published: January 2010

Objective

To evaluate the independent contribution of ductus venosus (DV) blood flow assessment at 11–14 weeks' gestation to the prediction of congenital heart defects (CHD) in chromosomally normal fetuses, irrespective of the value of the nuchal translucency thickness (NT).

Methods

During a 4‐year period, all singleton pregnancies from 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks' gestation were scanned for NT and DV blood flow in a tertiary center. Abnormal DV blood flow was defined as either absent or reversed flow during atrial contraction (AR‐DV). Fetal echocardiography was performed in all cases with either NT > 99th percentile or AR‐DV. Follow‐up was assessed by postnatal examination or autopsy in cases of termination of pregnancy or perinatal death.

Results

A total of 6120 pregnancies were scanned at a median gestational age of 12 weeks, and 45 cases of CHD were detected. AR‐DV was found in 206 fetuses, of which 145 (70.4%) had a normal karyotype. Among fetuses with AR‐DV and normal karyotype, 11 cases of CHD were diagnosed, giving a sensitivity of 24.4%, a positive predictive value of 7.6% and an odds ratio of 9.8. Increased NT (> 99th centile) was present in 55 of the 145 (37.9%) cases with AR‐DV and normal karyotype, and in 6/11 (54.5%) of those with CHD. Thus, the group of 90 fetuses with abnormal DV blood flow and normal NT contained five cases of CHD, for a sensitivity of 11.1%, a positive predictive value of 5.5% and an odds ratio of 8.5. Right‐heart anomalies were predominant in those cases with isolated AR‐DV (4/5), but no specific CHD pattern was found in those with increased NT. The detection rate of CHD by the combined use of increased NT and/or AR‐DV in the first trimester improved from 28.9% (13/45) to 40.0% (18/45).

Conclusions

In experienced hands, abnormal DV blood flow in the first trimester is an independent predictor of CHD and should constitute an indication for early echocardiography. In this study, the use of DV blood flow assessment increased early detection of CHD by 11% with respect to the use of NT measurement alone. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Normal fetal salivary glands at 14–16 weeks of gestation as observed by transvaginal ultrasound imaging
Authors: Odeh M. , Ophir E. , Ardekian L. , Bornstein J.
Published: January 2010

Objectives

Absence or congenital anomalies of the parotid glands are associated with significant long‐term morbidity. To date there are no published data on ultrasonographic detection of these defects in early pregnancy. We set out to demonstrate and measure the fetal parotid and submandibular salivary glands at 14–16 weeks using transvaginal ultrasound imaging.

Methods

During a routine fetal anomaly detection scan in 30 consecutive patients, an attempt was made to examine the fetal parotid and submandibular glands. The fetal head was scanned in transverse sections just below the fetal ears, and the area of the parotid and submandibular glands was inspected. The examination time was not prolonged for the purpose of measuring the salivary glands. The fetal biparietal diameter and the femur length were also documented.

Results

The median gestational age was 15.4 (range, 14.4–16.5) weeks. In all 30 patients examined, at least one pair of parotid and submandibular glands was clearly visualized and measured. In seven patients the parotid and submandibular glands were visualized on both sides. The median length of the parotid gland was 7.5 (range, 5.5–11.5) mm and that of the submandibular gland was 5.4 (range, 3.7–8.5) mm.

Conclusions

The fetal salivary glands can be demonstrated by transvaginal ultrasound imaging at 14–16 weeks of gestation. This is the first reported study presenting the normal values of salivary gland measurements, which may be important in detecting fetuses with congenital absence or other malformations of the glands. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intraoperative Determination of PTH Concentrations in Fine Needle Tissue Aspirates to Identify Parathyroid Tissue During Parathyroidectomy
Authors: Horányi János , Duffek László , Szlávik Rezső , Takács István , Tóth Miklós , Romics László
Published: January 2010

Background

Exact tissue identification during parathyroidectomy is essential to successfully cure hyperparathyroidism. PTH level determination from tissue aspirates has been advocated as a “biochemical frozen section” for parathyroid tissue identification. We investigated the sensitivity and specificity of this method in a large cohort of consecutive patients who underwent parathyroidectomy in a tertiary referral center.

Methods

PTH levels of 359 tissue aspirates were measured intraoperatively in 223 consecutive patients from March 2006 to December 2008. Suspected parathyroid and control tissues were aspirated with a standardized technique immediately after their excision. Samples were processed for quick‐PTH assay with peripheral blood samples before and after excision. PTH levels from tissue aspirates were correlated with pathological diagnosis. The Mann–Whitney test was used to determine statistical significance (P < 0.05).

Results

A total of 255 parathyroid (196 adenoma, 30 hyperplasia, 4 carcinoma, 25 normal parathyroid) and 104 nonparathyroid tissue (88 thyroid, 16 lymph node, thymus, or fat) aspirates were compared. A highly significant difference was found between PTH levels of parathyroid (8,120 ± 2,711 pg/ml; interquartile range (IQR): 4,949–9,075) and nonparathyroid (0.8 ± 9.29 pg/ml; IQR: 0.4–1.4) tissue aspirates (P < 0.005). This test is 100% sensitive and 100% specific to identify parathyroid tissue for values >84 pg/ml. Furthermore, PTH levels of pathological parathyroid aspirates (8,169 ± 2,597; IQR: 5,634–9,109) were higher than that of normal parathyroid aspirates (4,130 ± 2,952; IQR: 2,569–8,284; P = 0.0011).

Conclusions

PTH level determination from tissue aspirates is a highly reliable, quick, and simple method to differentiate parathyroid and nonparathyroid tissues during parathyroidectomy. This method can obviate frozen sections in patients undergoing surgery for hyperparathyroidism.
The Anatomy of Lateral Ligament of the Rectum and Its Role in Total Mesorectal Excision
Authors: Lin Moubin , Chen Weiguo , Huang Liang , Ni Jindi , Yin Lu
Published: January 2010

Background

Lateral ligament of the rectum has suffered many diverse descriptions in its existence and composition. This study was undertaken to define the anatomy, nature, content of the lateral ligament of the rectum, and its role in total mesorectal excision.

Methods

Cadaver dissections were performed on 32 formalin‐preserved cadavers.

Results

Bilateral lateral ligament appeared in all 32 cadavers as a bundle of dense connective tissue traversing between rectum and visceral fascia instead of pelvic sidewall. No substantial tissue strand except pelvic splanchnic nerves was found between visceral fascia and parietal fascia at the same level. The middle rectal artery was observed in only 18 of 64 pelvic‐halves (28.1%). The constant component of the lateral ligament of the rectum was the rectal branches from the pelvic plexus, whereas the middle rectal artery was almost invisible in lateral ligament of the rectum.

Conclusions

During total mesorectal excision, it is impossible to reveal the lateral ligament of the rectum in the correct plane between visceral and parietal fascia. The entire rectum may be mobilized without the need for ligating the middle rectal artery. The clinical significance of lateral ligament is that, during lateral dissection, if the dense lateral ligament was identified, then the surgical plane was medial to the visceral fascia and incorrect surgical plane thus entered.
Treatment of Perforated Diverticulitis with Generalized Peritonitis: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Vermeulen Jefrey , Lange Johan F.
Published: January 2010

Background

The supposed optimal treatment of perforated diverticulitis with generalized peritonitis has changed several times during the last century, but at present is still unclear.

Methods/results

The first cases of complicated perforated diverticulitis of the colon were reported in the beginning of the twentieth century. At that time the first therapeutic guidelines were postulated in which an initial nonresectional procedure was provided to be the safest plan of management. After many years in which resection had become standard practice, today, one century later, again (laparoscopic) nonresectional surgery is presented as a safe and promising alternative in treatment of complicated perforated diverticulitis. The question rises what had happened to close the circle?

Conclusions

This paper includes a historic summary of changing patterns in surgical strategies in perforated diverticulitis complicated by generalized peritonitis.
The monitoring of trace elements in blood samples from patients with inborn errors of metabolism
Authors: Tondo Mireia , Lambruschini Nilo , Gomez‐Lopez Lilianne , Gutierrez Alejandra , Moreno Juan , García‐Cazorla Angels , Pérez‐Dueñas Belén , Pineda Mercé , Campistol Jaume , Vilaseca Maria A. , Artuch Rafael
Published: January 2010

Patients having inborn errors of intermediary metabolism (IEMs) may have element deficiencies related to dietary treatment. Our objective was to study several elements [cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo) and magnesium (Mg)] in patients with IEMs with and without dietary treatment and to compare these results with those established in a healthy paediatric population. We studied 72 patients with IEMs (age range 2 months–44 years; median 10.5 years), with and without protein‐restricted dietary treatment. Control values were established in 92 subjects (age range 1 day–42 years; median 6.5 years). Dietary treatment consisted of a natural protein‐restricted diet supplemented with a special formula, depending on the specific metabolic defect. Samples were analysed with an Agilent 7500ce‐ICP mass spectrometer. Significant differences were observed when we compared patients under dietary treatment and control values for Se and Co (P < 0.0001). No differences were observed for the other elements when the different groups were compared, except for Co (IEM patients without dietary treatment vs control group; P = 0.003). For Se and cobalamin, the daily intake of our patients (Se 48 ± 16 µg/day; cobalamin 3.5 µg/day) was slightly higher than the recommended daily averages (RDAs) (40 µg/day and 1.8 µg/day, respectively). We concluded that IEM patients under dietary treatment showed significantly lower selenium values in spite of correct supplementation, reinforcing the idea that these patients should be regularly monitored, at least for this element. Further investigations seem advisable about Se and Co availability in special diets.
A subunit of decaprenyl diphosphate synthase stabilizes octaprenyl diphosphate synthase in Escherichia coli by forming a high‐molecular weight complex
Authors: Cui Tie-Zhong , Kaino Tomohiro , Kawamukai Makoto
Published: January 2010

IspB (uniprotkb:
P0AD57
) and Dps1 (uniprotkb:
O43091
) physically interact (MI:
0915
) by blue native page (MI:
0276
)
Cognitive reappraisal modulates performance following negative feedback in patients with major depressive disorder
Authors: Fladung A.-K. , Baron U. , Gunst I. , Kiefer M.
Published: January 2010

Background

Depressed patients show impaired performance following negative feedback; the probability of committing an error is increased immediately after an error. This deficit is assumed to be highly specific and to represent a trait marker of major depressive disorder (MDD). Inconsistencies in currently available data could reflect inter-individually different strategies to regulate negative affect. The present study examined modulation of performance following negative feedback by cognitive reappraisal to regulate aversive affect in depressed patients.

Method

Thirty-three depressed patients and 33 control subjects performed tasks of varying difficulty over a prolonged time. Emotional feedback was given immediately after each trial. Performance was further analysed within subgroups using cognitive reappraisal of aversive events with high and low frequency.

Results

A significant group by task difficulty interaction for absolute number of subsequent errors revealed that depressed patients were especially impaired when receiving negative feedback more frequently. An increased probability of subsequent errors was shown in patients irrespective of task difficulty. Analysis of subgroups revealed higher absolute number and probability of subsequent errors only in depressed patients habitually not using cognitive reappraisal to regulate aversive emotions. Depressed patients using this strategy did not differ from controls.

Conclusions

The present results replicate the observation of impaired performance in depressed patients following failure feedback. Most importantly, a subgroup of patients who habitually rely on cognitive reappraisal of aversion-eliciting events, such as negative performance feedback, was not impaired. This modulatory influence of emotion regulation strategies on performance subsequent to negative feedback suggests that training emotion regulation in achievement situations should be incorporated in current concepts to prevent relapse.
How should DSM-V classify eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS) presentations in women with lifetime anorexia or bulimia nervosa?
Authors: Eddy K. T. , Swanson S. A. , Crosby R. D. , Franko D. L. , Engel S. , Herzog D. B.
Published: January 2010

Objective

Anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) are marked by longitudinal symptom fluctuations. DSM-IV-TR does not address how to classify eating disorder (ED) presentations in individuals who no longer meet full criteria for these disorders. To consider this issue, we examined subthreshold presentations in women with initial diagnoses of AN and BN.

Method

A total of 246 women with AN or BN were followed for a median of 9 years; weekly symptom data were collected at frequent intervals using the Longitudinal Interval Follow-up Evaluation of Eating Disorders (LIFE-EAT-II). Outcomes were ED presentations that were subthreshold for ⩾3 months, including those narrowly missing full criteria for AN or BN, along with binge eating disorder (BED) and purging disorder.

Results

During follow-up, most women (77.6%) experienced a subthreshold presentation. Subthreshold presentation was related to intake diagnosis (Wald χ2=8.065, df=2, p=0.018). Individuals with AN most often developed subthreshold presentations resembling AN; those with BN were more likely to develop subthreshold BN. Purging disorder was experienced by half of those with BN and one-quarter of those with AN binge/purge type (ANBP); BED occurred in 20% with BN. Transition from AN or BN to most subthreshold types was associated with improved psychosocial functioning (p<0.001).

Conclusions

Subthreshold presentations in women with lifetime AN and BN were common, resembled the initial diagnosis, and were associated with modest improvements in psychosocial functioning. For most with lifetime AN and BN, subthreshold presentations seem to represent part of the course of illness and to fit within the original AN or BN diagnosis.
The asymptotic behaviour in Schwarzschild time of Vlasov matter in spherically symmetric gravitational collapse
Authors: ANDRÉASSON HÅKAN , REIN GERHARD
Published: January 2010

Given a static Schwarzschild spacetime of ADM mass M, it is well known that no ingoing causal geodesic starting in the outer domain r > 2M will cross the event horizon r = 2M in finite Schwarzschild time. We show that in gravitational collapse of Vlasov matter this behaviour can be very different. We construct initial data for which a black hole forms and all matter crosses the event horizon as Schwarzschild time goes to infinity, and show that this is a necessary condition for geodesic completeness of the event horizon. In addition to a careful analysis of the asymptotic behaviour of the matter characteristics our proof requires a new argument for global existence of solutions to the spherically symmetric Einstein–Vlasov system in an outer domain, since our initial data have non-compact support in the radial momentum variable and previous methods break down.
Alienation of Temporal Goods in Roman Catholic Canon Law: A Potential for Conflict
Authors: D'Auria Eithne
Published: January 2010

Alienation of church property is governed by both canon law and civil law, which may give rise to conflict. This paper addresses issues surrounding the Roman Catholic canonical requirements for alienation including the need to consult experts. Failure to consult, itself may give rise to concerns over the validity of the diocesan bishop's permission to alienate and, in turn, the lawfulness of the sale. This is not merely academic. Churches in the United States find themselves in the position where ownership of temporal goods is of increasing interest to the civil courts in the pursuit of compensation for successful litigants in the current wave of abuse cases.
Parliamentary Report
Authors: Cranmer Frank
Published: January 2010

The issue of assisted suicide has been a matter of considerable controversy. On 9 December 2008 the incoming Director of Public Prosecutions, Keir Starmer QC, announced that he would not prosecute Mark and Julie James for taking their son Daniel, paralysed as a result of a rugby accident, to an assisted-dying clinic in Switzerland. At the same time, Margo MacDonald MSP has been attempting to change the law in Scotland, where assisting the suicide of another is a common law offence. During the Lords committee stage of the Coroners and Justice Bill Lord Falconer moved a new clause to make it legal to help another to travel to a country in which assisted dying was lawful, in circumstances where that person had made a formal declaration of intent to travel abroad in order to die and two doctors, independent of each other, had certified that that person was terminally ill and had the necessary mental capacity to make the declaration. For the Government, Lord Bach said that Ministers felt that the Bill was not the appropriate vehicle for changing the law on assisted suicide and suggested that if Falconer wished to pursue the matter further he should do so through a Private Member's Bill – and the new clause was duly defeated by 194 votes to 141.
Attributions for Hallucinations in Bipolar Affective Disorder
Authors: Hammersley Paul , Taylor Katherine , McGovern John , Kinderman Peter
Published: January 2010

Background: Attributions for hallucinations in the “schizophrenia” spectrum disorders have been subject to extensive investigation; however, in comparison very little is known about attributions for hallucinations in the bipolar disorders spectrum. Aims: This preliminary study is an attempt to investigate attributions for hallucinations in bipolar disorder with regard to prevalence, modality and mood state. Method: Forty participants were recruited from a larger randomized control trial into CBT for bipolar disorder and asked to provide information related to attributions for hallucinations both in and out of episode. Data was collected using a specially designed instrument based on the Belief about Voices Questionnaire (BAVQ). Results: Just under half of the participants reported experiencing true hallucinations during their illness. Participants tended to report visual hallucinations in mania and auditory hallucinations in depression. The vast majority of participants attributed hallucinations to illness when out of episode, and unlike in previously reported analyses of attributions for hallucinations in the schizophrenia spectrum, malevolent/omnipotent attributions were comparatively rare. Conclusions: Attributions for hallucinations in bipolar disorder may be clinically distinct from attributions previously observed in the schizophrenia spectrum, and CBT aimed at reducing the distress associated with these attributions may have to be tailored accordingly.
Increased greenhouse gases enhance regional climate response to a Maunder Minimum
Authors: Song Xiaoliang , Lubin Dan , Zhang Guang J.
Published: January 2010

The climate responses to the Maunder Minimum‐type total solar irradiance (TSI) decrease in the pre‐industrial (PI) era and IPCC B1 global warming scenario are examined using the NCAR CAM3 coupled with a mixed‐layer slab ocean model. The TSI reduction shifts the AO/NAO state to a more negative index, resulting in regional surface air temperature (SAT) change in the model. In addition, the positive sea ice‐solar radiation feedback amplifies the surface cooling due to the TSI decrease. The global annual average cooling effect induced by the TSI decrease is reduced to 0.254°C in the B1 scenario from 0.347°C in the PI epoch, this difference being due to both the suppressed sea ice‐solar radiation feedback and the stronger greenhouse effect associated with the increase of greenhouse gases. However, regional SAT changes in the B1 scenario are strengthened markedly due to the enhanced negative AO/NAO. The warming in the western Greenland, Central Asia and East Asia will be enhanced in the B1 global warming scenario when the TSI decreases. These differences in response between the B1 and PI scenarios illustrate that the impact of multi‐decadal solar variation on climate depends on the atmospheric background trace gas composition. A future solar grand minimum does not offset the CO2‐induced warming in the B1 scenario, but through the enhanced negative AO/NAO may indeed amplify the warming in certain regions.
Humidity influence on gas‐particle phase partitioning of α‐pinene + O3 secondary organic aerosol
Authors: Prisle N. L. , Engelhart G. J. , Bilde M. , Donahue N. M.
Published: January 2010

Water vapor uptake to particles could potentially affect organic‐aerosol mass in three ways: first, water in the organic phase could reduce organic (equilibrium) partial pressures according to Raoult's law; second, an aqueous phase could attract water soluble organics according to Henry's law; finally, deliquescence of inorganic particle cores could mix the organic and inorganic particle phases, significantly diluting the organics and again reducing organic partial pressures according to Raoult's law. We present experiments using initially dry α‐pinene + ozone secondary organic aerosol (SOA) on ammonium sulfate (AS) seeds at atmospheric concentrations in a smog chamber. After SOA formation, the chamber relative humidity is increased steadily by addition of steam to near 100%. Little subsequent SOA mass growth is observed, suggesting that none of these potential effects play a strong role in this system.
Contrasting O/X‐mode heater effects on O‐mode sounding echo and the generation of magnetic pulsations
Authors: Kuo Spencer , Cheng Wei‐Te , Snyder Arnold , Kossey Paul , Battis James
Published: January 2010

The effects on the ionosphere of powerful O‐mode and X‐mode HF pump waves, modulated 3 minutes on and 1 minute off, were explored. The experiments were monitored using the digisonde and magnetometer located at the HAARP facility. The results show that the virtual heights of the O‐mode sounding echoes shifted down/up as the O/X mode heater was turned on; the ionosphere also moved downward/upward accordingly. Enhanced spread‐F was also observed in O‐mode heater‐on periods. Heater‐induced magnetic pulsation was observed. Its intensity increased progressively in the heater on/off sequence and X‐mode heater was more effective than O‐mode heater in the generation of magnetic pulsation. In the last X‐mode heater‐on period, when the magnetic pulsation reached the highest level, pc 3 pulsations, with increasing intensity were also observed.
Water vapor and precipitation isotope ratios in Beijing, China
Authors: Wen Xue‐Fa , Zhang Shi‐Chun , Sun Xiao‐Min , Yu Gui‐Rui , Lee Xuhui
Published: January 2010

The objective of this study is to investigate the characteristics of δD, δ18O, and deuterium excess (d) of precipitation and water vapor in surface air in Beijing, China. The δD, δ18O, and d of atmospheric water vapor in surface air were measured continuously with an in situ technique. Much less day‐to‐day and diurnal variations in the vapor isotopic contents were observed in the summer monsoon season (June–August) than in the rest of the year. Outside the monsoon season, the vapor δD and δ18O showed a log linear dependence on the vapor mixing ratio, and d showed a negative correlation with the local relative humidity (RH). Both relationships were statistically significant. The vapor mixing ratio and RH were poor predictors of the vapor isotopic temporal variability during the peak summer monsoon activities. In addition, an analysis was presented of the interaction of the isotopic exchange between the vapor and the condensed phase. The δD and δ18O departure from the equilibrium state was positively correlated with RH, and the d departure from the equilibrium state was negatively correlated with RH.