bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaporation of solvent molecules by ultrafast heating: effect on conformation of solvated protein
Authors: Thirumuruganandham Saravana Prakash , Urbassek Herbert M.
Published: January 2010

Using molecular dynamics simulation, we compare two cases of ultrafast heating of a small water droplet containing a solvated protein (echistatin). If the water temperature after irradiation is above the critical temperature, explosive boiling liberates the protein within some 10 ps of its hydration shell, while its temperature remains relatively low. By comparing with the case where the water shell is heated to the same final temperature, but without complete evaporation, we demonstrate that the protein conformation is governed by the hydration shell rather than by the protein temperature. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Matrix vapor deposition/recrystallization and dedicated spray preparation for high‐resolution scanning microprobe matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry (SMALDI‐MS) of tissue and single cells
Authors: Bouschen Werner , Schulz Oliver , Eikel Daniel , Spengler Bernhard
Published: January 2010

Matrix preparation techniques such as air spraying or vapor deposition were investigated with respect to lateral migration, integration of analyte into matrix crystals and achievable lateral resolution for the purpose of high‐resolution biological imaging. The accessible mass range was found to be beyond 5000 u with sufficient analytical sensitivity. Gas‐assisted spraying methods (using oxygen‐free gases) provide a good compromise between crystal integration of analyte and analyte migration within the sample. Controlling preparational parameters with this method, however, is difficult. Separation of the preparation procedure into two steps, instead, leads to an improved control of migration and incorporation. The first step is a dry vapor deposition of matrix onto the investigated sample. In a second step, incorporation of analyte into the matrix crystal is enhanced by a controlled recrystallization of matrix in a saturated water atmosphere. With this latter method an effective analytical resolution of 2 µm in the x and y direction was achieved for scanning microprobe matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry (SMALDI‐MS). Cultured A‐498 cells of human renal carcinoma were successfully investigated by high‐resolution MALDI imaging using the new preparation techniques. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Set‐up and docking of the da Vinci® surgical system: prospective analysis of initial experience
Authors: Iranmanesh Pouya , Morel Philippe , Wagner Oliver J. , Inan Ihsan , Pugin François , Hagen Monika E.
Published: January 2010

Background

Set‐up and docking of the da Vinci® surgical system are assumed to extend overall operating times. We hypothesized that these tasks could be achieved in adequate times. Therefore, a prospective analysis of set‐up and docking times of the da Vinci® Surgical System was conducted.

Methods

We prospectively analysed set‐up and docking times with the da Vinci surgical system in our division.

Results

Ninety‐six patients were operated on over 30 months in our institution. Median set‐up time was 22 (range 9–50) min and median docking time was 10 (range 2–70) min. Surgeons with previous docking experience were significantly faster than inexperienced surgeons: 8 (range 2–50) vs. 17.5 (range 10–70) min. Both set‐up and docking showed a fast learning curve.

Conclusion

The data support the conclusion that both set‐up and docking of the robot can be achieved in adequate times and have a low impact on overall operating time. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robotic port‐site and pelvic recurrences after robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical hysterectomy for a stage IB1 adenocarcinoma of the cervix with negative lymph nodes
Authors: Sert Bilal
Published: January 2010

Background

Port‐site metastasis (PSM) following minimally invasive surgery for gynaecological cancer has been recognized as a potential problem over the last two decades.

Methods

A 60 year‐old woman with stage Ib1 adenocarcinoma of the cervix was treated with radical hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy and bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection, using robot‐assisted laparoscopy.

Results

Eighteen months after primary surgery, the patient developed a pelvic recurrence invading both the bladder mucosa and the parametrium. During the routine recurrence work‐up, we found an 8 mm robotic port‐site metastasis (PSM) on the abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan.

Conclusion

This is the first case report emphasizing the risk of PSM and early pelvic recurrences in robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical hysterectomy and bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection for an early‐stage cervical adenocarcinoma patient with negative lymph nodes, histologically examined by immunohistochemical ultrastaging. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enteroviruses, type 1 diabetes and hygiene: a complex relationship
Authors: Tracy S. , Drescher K. M. , Jackson J. D. , Kim K. , Kono K.
Published: January 2010

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mounts an attack on the host's insulin‐producing β cells. Because most cases of T1D cannot be attributed only to individual genetics, it is strongly inferred that there is a significant environmental contribution, such as infection, impacting disease development. The human enteroviruses (HEV) are common picornaviruses often implicated as triggers of human T1D, although precisely which of the numerous HEV may be involved in human T1D development is unknown. Experiments using non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mice, commonly used to model T1D, show that induction of T1D by HEV infection in NOD mice is a multifactorial process involving both the virus and the host. Interestingly, results demonstrate that HEV infection of NOD mice can also induce long‐term protection from T1D under certain conditions, suggesting that a similar mechanism may occur in humans. Based upon both experimental animal and observational human studies, we postulate that HEV have a dual role in T1D development and can either cause or prevent autoimmune disease. Whichever outcome occurs depends upon multiple variables in the host‐virus equation, many of which can be deduced from results obtained from NOD mouse studies. We propose that the background to the sharply rising T1D incidences observed in the 20th century correlates with increased levels of hygiene in human societies. Viewing T1D in this perspective suggests that potential preventative options could be developed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coordinated aerobiological sampling of a plant pathogen in the lower atmosphere using two autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles
Authors: Techy Laszlo , Schmale David G. , Woolsey Craig A.
Published: January 2010

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are an important tool to track the long‐distance movement of plant pathogens above crop fields. Here, we describe the use of a control strategy (coordination via speed modulation) to synchronize two autonomous UAVs during aerobiological sampling of the potato late blight pathogen, Phytophthora infestans. The UAVs shared position coordinates via a wireless mesh network and modulated their speeds so that they were properly phased within their sampling orbits. Three coordinated control experiments were performed August 14–15, 2008. In the first two experiments, two UAVs were vertically aligned at two different altitudes [25 and 45 m above ground level (AGL)] with identical sampling orbits (radii of 150 m). In the third experiment, two UAVs shared the same altitude (35 m AGL) with different sampling orbits (radii of 130 and 160 m). Orbit times did not vary significantly between the two UAVs across all three aerobiological sampling missions, and the phase error during sampling converged to zero within 2 min following the start of the coordinated control algorithm. Viable sporangia of P. infestans were recovered following two of the coordinated flights. This is the first detailed report of autonomous UAV coordination during the aerobiological sampling of a plant pathogen in the lower atmosphere. UAVs operating independently of one another may experience significant sampling variations during the course of a flight. Coordinating the flight of two or more UAVs ensures that the vehicles enter, sample, and exit a spore plume at consistent times. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
River science—What has it contributed to general ecological theory?
Authors: Milner Alexander M. , Tockner Klement
Published: January 2010

A special session of the 56th Annual Meeting of the North American Benthological Society in Utah in 2008 explored the contribution riverine benthic science has made to general concepts of ecological theory. Advances in general ecological theory have been made by riverine science in many areas, including metabolic theory, decomposition, reciprocal subsidies between ecosystems, ecotonal patterns and processes, secondary production and biodiversity‐ecosystem functioning (B‐EF). However in many cases these advances have not been taken up by other ecologists in their publications. In this special issue, we explore these contributions and examine reasons for the lack of uptake and suggest possible ways forward so that riverine benthic science can make a greater overall contribution to general ecological theory. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of initial surface conditions on field crystallization of anodic aluminum oxide films determined by synchrotron X‐ray diffraction
Authors: Sakairi M. , Kikuchi T. , Suda T. , Nagasawa D. , Sato M.
Published: January 2010

X‐ray diffraction measurements were performed using synchrotron radiation at the SPring‐8 facility and electrochemical techniques to investigate the effect of polishing methods and storage conditions on the crystal structure of air‐formed oxide films and anodic oxide films formed on highly pure aluminum. Storage in an N2 environment hinders local film breakdown during anodizing, and it was established that the X‐ray diffraction measurements showed the presence of a γ‐Al2O3 in the anodic oxide film formed on mechanically polished (MP) specimens. Formation of γ‐Al2O3 during anodizing was inhibited by electropolishing because of the removal of the work‐hardened layer that was formed on the MP by electro‐polishing. The X‐ray diffraction results do not show clear differences in the influence of the polishing method on the crystal structure of air formed oxide film. This is due to the very fast oxidation rate of the air‐formed oxide film and very long storage times for the X‐ray measurements. The anodic oxide film formed on aluminum, which has a very flat surface, shows color and the color depended on grain orientation. The electrochemical impedance of the MP specimen is slightly lower than that of the mechanically and then electrochemically polished specimen at the middle frequency range. This impedance difference may be due to formation of γ‐Al2O3 in the amorphous anodic oxide film and the thickness of the film. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of rapid thermally annealed GaP(001) surfaces in vacuum
Authors: Rokugawa Hiroshi , Adachi Sadao
Published: January 2010

Morphology of rapid thermally annealed GaP(001) surfaces has been investigated using spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE), optical microscopy, ex situ atomic force microscopy, electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The samples were annealed in vacuum for t = 2 s at temperatures T = 20–900 °C. The SE, optical microscopy and XPS spectra suggest that thermal annealing causes little influence on the GaP surface at T ≤ 600 °C; however, micro‐ and macroscopic roughening occur at T > 600 °C and T ≥ 750 °C, respectively, with a generation of Ga droplets at T ≥ 750 °C. The presence of the Ga droplets is confirmed by the EPMA measurements. The droplet density can be expressed as NGa ∝ exp (Ea/kBT) with an activation energy of Ea ∼ 2.3 eV. The XPS data indicate the change in the surface oxide composition from the native oxide to the Ga oxide (Ga2O3 and Ga2O) after annealing at T ≥ 750 °C. Possible annealing‐induced degradation steps are proposed to provide as complete a picture as possible. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interface analysis of pure Sn, pure Ag and SnAg binary alloys in H2SO4
Authors: Ameer M. A. , Ghoneim A. A. , Heakal F. , Fekry A. M.
Published: January 2010

The electrochemical and passivation properties of three selected binary xSnAg (x = 26, 50 and 70 wt%) alloys were studied by means of open‐circuit potential variation, potentiodynamic curves and a.c. impedance spectroscopy techniques.The specimens were polarized between −1.0 and 0.5 V versus saturated calomel electrode (SCE) in naturally oxygenated sulfuric acidsolutions of different concentrations The experimental results indicate that icorr increases with increasing either the acid concentration or the Sn content in the solid phase. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopyresults measured at the free corrosion potential confirm that alloy I (26SnAg) characterizes by thicker passive film with higher protective ability compared to the other two samples richer in tin component. The exponential variation of the relative thickness of the surface film on any of the tested samples assumes an almost constant thickness for a thin barrier layer and a much larger outer porous layer that dominates the total film thickness on the alloy. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How firms respond to being rated
Authors: Chatterji Aaron K. , Toffel Michael W.
Published: January 2010

While many rating systems seek to help buyers overcome information asymmetries when making purchasing decisions, we investigate how these ratings also influence the companies being rated. We hypothesize that ratings are particularly likely to spur responses from firms that receive poor ratings, and especially those that face lower‐cost opportunities to improve or that anticipate greater benefits from doing do. We test our hypotheses in the context of corporate environmental ratings that guide investors to select ‘socially responsible,’ and avoid ‘socially irresponsible,’ companies. We examine how several hundred firms responded to corporate environmental ratings issued by a prominent independent social rating agency, and take advantage of an exogenous shock that occurred when the agency expanded the scope of its ratings. Our study is among the first to theorize about the impact of ratings on subsequent performance, and we introduce important contingencies that influence firm response. These theoretical advances inform stakeholder theory, institutional theory, and economic theory. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Foxa2 and Nurr1 Synergistically Yield A9 Nigral Dopamine Neurons Exhibiting Improved Differentiation, Function, and Cell Survival
Authors: Lee Hyun-Seob , Bae Eun-Ji , Yi Sang-Hoon , Shim Jae-Won , Jo A-Young , Kang Jin-Sun , Yoon Eun-Hye , Rhee Yong-Hee , Park Chang-Hwan , Koh Hyun-Chul , Kim Hyun-Jung , Choi Hueng-Sik , Han Jeung-Whan , Lee Yong-Sung , Kim Jaesang , Li Jia-Yi , Brundin Patrik , Lee Sang-Hun
Published: January 2010

Effective dopamine (DA) neuron differentiation from neural precursor cells (NPCs) is prerequisite for precursor/stem cell-based therapy of Parkinson's disease (PD). Nurr1, an orphan nuclear receptor, has been reported as a transcription factor that can drive DA neuron differentiation from non-dopaminergic NPCs in vitro. However, Nurr1 alone neither induces full neuronal maturation nor expression of proteins found specifically in midbrain DA neurons. In addition, Nurr1 expression is inefficient in inducing DA phenotype expression in NPCs derived from certain species such as mouse and human. We show here that Foxa2, a forkhead transcription factor whose role in midbrain DA neuron development was recently revealed, synergistically cooperates with Nurr1 to induce DA phenotype acquisition, midbrain-specific gene expression, and neuronal maturation. Thus, the combinatorial expression of Nurr1 and Foxa2 in NPCs efficiently yielded fully differentiated nigral (A9)-type midbrain neurons with clearly detectable DA neuronal activities. The effects of Foxa2 in DA neuron generation were observed regardless of the brain regions or species from which NPCs were derived. Furthermore, DA neurons generated by ectopic Foxa2 expression were more resistant to toxins. Importantly, Foxa2 expression resulted in a rapid cell cycle exit and reduced cell proliferation. Consistently, transplantation of NPCs transduced with Nurr1 and Foxa2 generated grafts enriched with midbrain-type DA neurons but reduced number of proliferating cells, and significantly reversed motor deficits in a rat PD model. Our findings can be applied to ongoing attempts to develop an efficient and safe precursor/stem cell-based therapy for PD.
Hypoxia Promotes Efficient Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells to Functional Endothelium
Authors: Prado-Lopez Sonia , Conesa Ana , Armiñán Ana , Martínez-Losa Magdalena , Escobedo-Lucea Carmen , Gandia Carolina , Tarazona Sonia , Melguizo Dario , Blesa David , Montaner David , Sanz-González Silvia , Sepúlveda Pilar , Götz Stefan , O'Connor José Enrique , Moreno Rubén , Dopazo Joaquín , Burks Deborah J. , Stojkovic Miodrag
Published: January 2010

Early development of mammalian embryos occurs in an environment of relative hypoxia. Nevertheless, human embryonic stem cells (hESC), which are derived from the inner cell mass of blastocyst, are routinely cultured under the same atmospheric conditions (21% O2) as somatic cells. We hypothesized that O2 levels modulate gene expression and differentiation potential of hESC, and thus, we performed gene profiling of hESC maintained under normoxic or hypoxic (1% or 5% O2) conditions. Our analysis revealed that hypoxia downregulates expression of pluripotency markers in hESC but increases significantly the expression of genes associated with angio- and vasculogenesis including vascular endothelial growth factor and angiopoitein-like proteins. Consequently, we were able to efficiently differentiate hESC to functional endothelial cells (EC) by varying O2 levels; after 24 hours at 5% O2, more than 50% of cells were CD34+. Transplantation of resulting endothelial-like cells improved both systolic function and fractional shortening in a rodent model of myocardial infarction. Moreover, analysis of the infarcted zone revealed that transplanted EC reduced the area of fibrous scar tissue by 50%. Thus, use of hypoxic conditions to specify the endothelial lineage suggests a novel strategy for cellular therapies aimed at repair of damaged vasculature in pathologies such as cerebral ischemia and myocardial infarction.
Neurons Generated from APP/APLP1/APLP2 Triple Knockout Embryonic Stem Cells Behave Normally in Vitro and in Vivo: Lack of Evidence for a Cell Autonomous Role of the Amyloid Precursor Protein in Neuronal Differentiation
Authors: Bergmans Bruno A. , Shariati S. Ali M. , Habets Ron L.P. , Verstreken Patrik , Schoonjans Luc , Müller Ulrike , Dotti Carlos G. , De Strooper Bart
Published: January 2010

Alzheimer's disease amyloid precursor protein (APP) has been implicated in many neurobiologic processes, but supporting evidence remains indirect. Studies are confounded by the existence of two partially redundant APP homologues, APLP1 and APLP2. APP/APLP1/APLP2 triple knockout (APP tKO) mice display cobblestone lissencephaly and are perinatally lethal. To circumvent this problem, we generated APP triple knockout embryonic stem (ES) cells and differentiated these to APP triple knockout neurons in vitro and in vivo. In comparison with wild-type (WT) ES cell-derived neurons, APP tKO neurons formed equally pure neuronal cultures, had unaltered in vitro migratory capacities, had a similar acquisition of polarity, and were capable of extending long neurites and forming active excitatory synapses. These data were confirmed in vivo in chimeric mice with APP tKO neurons expressing the enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) present in a WT background brain. The results suggest that the loss of the APP family of proteins has no major effect on these critical neuronal processes and that the apparent multitude of functions in which APP has been implicated might be characterized by molecular redundancy. Our stem cell culture provides an excellent tool to circumvent the problem of lack of viability of APP/APLP triple knockout mice and will help to explore the function of this intriguing protein further in vitro and in vivo.
Ultrasonographic prediction of homozygous α0‐thalassemia using placental thickness, fetal cardiothoracic ratio and middle cerebral artery Doppler: alone or in combination?
Authors: Leung K. Y. , Cheong K. B. , Lee C. P. , Chan V. , Lam Y. H. , Tang M.
Published: January 2010

Objective

To compare the predictive values of three ultrasonographic parameters: placental thickness (PT), fetal cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) and middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity (MCA‐PSV), alone or in combination, in pregnancies affected by homozygous α0‐thalassemia at 12–20 weeks' gestation.

Methods

Pregnant women at risk of carrying a fetus affected by homozygous α0‐thalassemia were studied from 1995 to 2006 using serial ultrasonography at 12–15 weeks, 16–20 weeks and 30 weeks' gestation. We measured CTR and PT from 1995, and MCA‐PSV as well from 1997. An invasive prenatal test was offered if cardiomegaly with or without placentomegaly was detected but the MCA‐PSV results were used only retrospectively for analysis.

Results

Of a total of 777 at‐risk fetuses studied, 138 (17.8%) were affected by homozygous α0‐thalassemia. At 12–15 weeks' gestation, 598 ultrasound examinations were performed. CTR was better than both PT and MCA‐PSV in the prediction of affected pregnancies. The highest sensitivity (98.3%) was achieved by the combination of CTR and/or MCA‐PSV at a false‐positive rate of 15.8%. At 16–20 weeks' gestation, 410 ultrasound examinations were performed, 121 of which were at the patient's first visit and 289 of which were at a follow‐up visit. Both CTR and MCA‐PSV predicted the affected pregnancies equally well. The sensitivity of CTR was 100.0%, but the false‐positive rate was 5.2%. In contrast, the false‐positive rate of MCA‐PSV alone was 1.4% and that of the combination of CTR and MCA‐PSV was 0%, although their sensitivities were less than 65%.

Conclusions

The data suggest that adding MCA‐PSV to CTR in the prediction of homozygous α0‐thalassemia can increase the sensitivity at 12–15 weeks and decrease the false‐positive rate at 16–20 weeks' gestation. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of Collaborative Academic Partnerships in Surgical Training, Education, and Provision
Authors: Riviello Robert , Ozgediz Doruk , Hsia Renee Y. , Azzie Georges , Newton Mark , Tarpley John
Published: January 2010

The global disparities in both surgical disease burden and access to delivery of surgical care are gaining prominence in the medical literature and media. Concurrently, there is an unprecedented groundswell in idealism and interest in global health among North American medical students and trainees in anesthesia and surgical disciplines. Many academic medical centers (AMCs) are seeking to respond by creating partnerships with teaching hospitals overseas. In this article we describe six such partnerships, as follows: (1) University of California San Francisco (UCSF) with the Bellagio Essential Surgery Group; (2) USCF with Makerere University, Uganda; (3) Vanderbilt with Baptist Medical Center, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; (4) Vanderbilt with Kijabe Hospital, Kenya; (5) University of Toronto, Hospital for Sick Children with the Ministry of Health in Botswana; and (6) Harvard (Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Children’s Hospital Boston) with Partners in Health in Haiti and Rwanda. Reflection on these experiences offers valuable lessons, and we make recommendations of critical components leading to success. These include the importance of relationships, emphasis on mutual learning, the need for “champions,” affirming that local training needs to supersede expatriate training needs, the value of collaboration in research, adapting the mission to locally expressed needs, the need for a multidisciplinary approach, and the need to measure outcomes. We conclude that this is an era of cautious optimism and that AMCs have a critical opportunity to both shape future leaders in global surgery and address the current global disparities.
C‐Reactive Protein Is an Early Predictor of Septic Complications After Elective Colorectal Surgery
Authors: Ortega‐Deballon Pablo , Radais François , Facy Olivier , d’Athis Philippe , Masson David , Charles Pierre E. , Cheynel Nicolas , Favre Jean‐Pierre , Rat Patrick
Published: January 2010

Background

Nowadays, most patients who undergo colorectal surgery are discharged early. An early predictor of septic complications could avoid readmissions and decrease morbidity. CRP could be a good predictor allowing a safe discharge.

Methods

A prospective, observational study was conducted from November 2007 to October 2008. All patients who underwent elective colorectal surgery were included. Clinical (temperature, pulse, abdominal tenderness, bowel movements) and laboratory data (C‐reactive protein, leukocyte count) were recorded and evaluated as early predictors of septic complications (namely, anastomotic leaks). All detected leaks were considered fistulas, independently of their clinical significance. Clinical and inflammatory parameters were analyzed with univariate and multivariate techniques; logistic regression was performed and areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve were compared.

Results

A total of 133 patients were included. The overall incidence of anastomotic leaks was 15.5% and mortality was 4.5%. C‐reactive protein at postoperative days 2 and 4 was a good predictor of anastomotic leak (areas under the curve were 0.715 and 0.845, respectively) and other postoperative septic complications (areas under the curve were 0.804 and 0.787), showing the highest accuracy among clinical and laboratory data. A cutoff of 125 mg/l in the level of C‐reactive protein at postoperative day 4 yielded a sensitivity of 81.8% and a negative predictive value of 95.8% for the detection of anastomotic leakage.

Conclusions

C‐reactive protein is a simple way to ensure a safe discharge from hospital after elective colorectal surgery. Patients with CRP values >125 mg/l on the fourth postoperative day should not be discharged.
Peritoneal Infusion with Cold Saline Decreased Postoperative Intra‐Abdominal Adhesion Formation
Authors: Fang Cheng‐Chung , Chou Tzung‐Hsin , Lin Geng‐Shiau , Yen Zui‐Shen , Lee Chien‐Chang , Chen Shyr‐Chyr
Published: January 2010

Background

Postoperative intra‐abdominal adhesion is a common morbidity after laparotomy. We try to determine whether peritoneal infusion with cold saline may decrease postoperative intra‐abdominal adhesion formation.

Methods

Ninety‐six male BALB/c mice weighing 25‐30 g were randomized into four groups: (I) adhesion model with infusion of 4°C cold saline, (II) adhesion model with infusion of room temperature saline, (III) adhesion model without infusion of saline, and (IV) sham operation without infusion of saline. Adhesion scores, incidence of adhesion, and serum cytokines were measured at postoperative days 1, 3, 7, and 14.

Results

Group I had lower adhesion scores than groups II and III (P < 0.0001). IL‐6, IL‐10, and TNF‐α were significantly increased in the groups I, II, and III compared to group IV (P < 0.0001). IL‐6 in group I was significantly decreased compared to that in group III (P < 0.0004). IL‐10 in group I was significantly increased compared to that in groups II (P < 0.0001) and III (P < 0.05). TNF‐α in group I was significantly decreased compared to that in groups II (P < 0.0004), and III (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Peritoneal infusion with cold saline may decrease the degree of postoperative intra‐abdominal adhesion formation.
Peritoneal Damage: The Inflammatory Response and Clinical Implications of the Neuro‐Immuno‐Humoral Axis
Authors: Sammour Tarik , Kahokehr Arman , Soop Mattias , Hill Andrew G.
Published: January 2010

Background

The peritoneum is a bilayer serous membrane that lines the abdominal cavity. We present a review of peritoneal structure and physiology, with a focus on the peritoneal inflammatory response to surgical injury and its clinical implications.

Methods

We conducted a nonsystematic clinical review. A search of the Ovid MEDLINE database from 1950 through January 2009 was performed using the following search terms: peritoneum, adhesions, cytokine, inflammation, and surgery.

Results

The peritoneum is a metabolically active organ, responding to insult through a complex array of immunologic and inflammatory cascades. This response increases with the duration and extent of injury and is central to the concept of surgical stress, manifesting via a combination of systemic effects, and local neural pathways via the neuro‐immuno‐humoral axis. There may be a decreased systemic inflammatory response after minimally invasive surgery; however, it is unclear whether this is due to a reduced local peritoneal reaction.

Conclusions

Interventions that dampen the peritoneal response and/or block the neuro‐immuno‐humoral pathway should be further investigated as possible avenues of enhancing recovery after surgery, and reducing postoperative complications.
Pediatric Gaucher disease type I and mild growth hormone deficiency: a new feature?
Authors: Biasucci Giacomo , Manfredi Piera
Published: January 2010

A 5‐year‐old girl was referred to the Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital, Italy, because of growth retardation. Clinical and laboratory investigations showed pallor, hepatosplenomegaly, anemia and low/normal platelet count. Further investigations led to the diagnosis of Gaucher disease (GD). We believe this is the first report of growth hormone deficiency in a growth‐retarded child with GD. After 1 year of imiglucerase replacement enzyme therapy, her bone age had normalized, linear growth rate had accelerated, and insulin growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) and, perhaps more interestingly, growth hormone deficiency, had normalized. While the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying compromised growth in GD are poorly understood, the response to imiglucerase reported in this patient suggests that growth hormone deficiency is related to the underlying metabolic disorder in GD, rather than a primary endocrine pathology. Growth hormone deficiency adds to an already extensive list of possible clinical manifestations of this heterogeneous and complex disorder.
Plant fecundity and pre‐dispersal reproductive losses in a common and a rareEuphorbiaspecies (Euphorbiaceae)
Authors: Boieiro Mário , Serrano Artur R. M. , Rego Carla , Espadaler Xavier
Published: January 2010

Comparative studies on the reproductive biology of closely related plant species have provided valuable information to understand the causes and consequences of common‐rare differences with possible applications for the management of threatened populations. The magnitude and spatiotemporal variability of seed production and pre‐dispersal reproductive losses were studied for 3 years in the rare endemicEuphorbia welwitschiiand in its widespread congenerE. characias. The factors responsible for a decrease in potential seed production in these species were the lack of a functional ovary in the cyathium, ovary and fruit abortion, seed predation by insects and seed abortion. InE. characias, the mothAcroclita subsequanawas also responsible for minor reproductive losses. The proportion of male cyathia varied significantly between seasons, populations and species, being consistently higher inE. characiasthan inE. welwitschii. Reproductive losses that resulted in ovary, fruit and seed abortion affected mostly the endemic species and were heavier in the populations located near the sea due to local adverse climatic conditions. Seed predators inflicted higher reproductive losses to the endemic species than to its widespread congener and their impact was particularly heavy at Risco. The twoEuphorbiaspecies differed markedly in cyathia production, withE. welwitschiiproducing systematically a lower number of cyathia than its widespread congener and this, together with higher levels of ovary, fruit and seed abortion, seemed to be the main reasons for the low reproductive output of this rare species.
A demographic analysis of population responses to the manipulation of adult males in Calomys venustus (Rodentia, Sigmodontinae)
Authors: Priotto José , Gómez Daniela , Polop Jaime
Published: January 2010

In many species of mammals, adults play an important role in influencing the survival and/or reproduction of juveniles. Adult males could have a negative effect on population density when their absence becomes a limiting factor in female fertilization. We tested the hypotheses that the absence of overwintering males (adult males) reduces the population growth rate through a delay in the onset of reproductive activity of Cohort 1 females in Calomys venustus populations. The study was carried out in two control and two experimental enclosures (0.25 ha). Adult males were removed after their offspring were born. Weekly trapping sessions were carried out from spring to autumn. To estimate population growth rates (λ), apparent survival (ϕ) and seniority probability (γ) were estimated using capture–mark‐recapture models. Models were constructed with these two parameters and recapture probability (p) constrained to vary as a function of time, enclosure and/or treatment. We derived estimates of population growth rates through the estimates of ϕ and γ. The best models for ϕ and γ did not show a treatment effect. Variability between the four enclosures was greater than between control and experimental enclosures. Enclosures had different growth rates at the beginning of the study but were equaled at the end. Temporal variation in population growth rates was a result of temporal variation of γ. The two controls showed the highest growth rates earlier in time. The results did not support the hypothesis tested in this study. It seems that the number of overwintering males do not affect the population growth rate.
Effect of Irrigation Regimes on Oil Content and Composition of Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) Cultivars
Authors: Ashrafi Ensiye , Razmjoo Khorshid
Published: January 2010

Safflower oil contains a large amount of unsaturated fatty acids, however, the composition of the oil may be affected by drought stress. This experiment determined the effect of three irrigation regimes (60, 75 and 90% soil moisture depletions of available water) on oil composition of safflower cultivars (Kuseh, PI and IL111). Amounts of oil and oil composition of the seeds were determined by gas chromatography (GC). The oil contents of IL111, PI and Kuseh cultivars were 30.73, 27.63 and 25.25%, respectively. The oil contents, palmitic, stearic, oleic and linoleic acid contents were reduced by about 13, 63, 60, 14 and 10% by drought, respectively. The stearic acid contents of PI, IL111 and Kuseh were reduced by 72, 61 and 37% and palmitic acid contents of the same cultivars were reduced by drought by 65, 53 and 51%, respectively. Whereas, the linoleic acid contents of Kuseh, PI and IL111 were reduced by only 10, 8 and 5% and oleic acid contents of the same cultivars were reduced by only 14, 13 and 14% under the drought stress, respectively. The results showed that although drought stress reduced the amount of oil and oil composition of safflower cultivars, the decrease was due to a dramatic reduction in saturated fatty acids contents. Thus, proper irrigation regimes may enhance safflower oil quality.
PROPERTY AND JUSTICE
Authors: Schmidtz David
Published: January 2010

When we’re trying to articulate principles of justice that we have reason to take seriously in a world like ours, one way to start is with an understanding of what our world is like, and of which institutional frameworks promote our thriving in communities and which do not. If we start this way, we can sort out alleged principles of justice by asking which ones license mutual expectations that promote our thriving and which ones do otherwise. This is an essay in the how and why of nonideal theory: in particular, how and why principles of property come first and principles of justice second. Ownership conventions, and property law as it develops under the pressures of case by case dispute resolution, tend to become touchstones for conflict mediation down through generations. They may be imperfect, retaining vestiges of adaptations to ancient problems that no longer exist, yet still they work, coordinating expectations so as to make it easier for people to live well together.A priorireasons for endorsing principles of justice generally are not good enough. A good enough reason would be something like this: to endorsethisway of applyingthisprinciple inthiskind of circumstance is to support institutional frameworks that position us to play positive sum games.
EMBODIMENT AND SELF-OWNERSHIP
Authors: Russell Daniel C.
Published: January 2010

Many libertarians believe that self-ownership is a separate matter from ownership of extra-personal property. “No-proviso” libertarians hold that property ownership should be free of any “fair share” constraints (e.g., the Lockean Proviso), on the grounds that the inability of the very poor to control property leaves their self-ownership intact. By contrast, left-libertarians hold that while no one need compensate others for owning himself, still property owners must compensate others for owning extra-personal property. What would a “self” have to be for these claims to be true? I argue that both of these camps must conceive of the boundaries of the self as including one's body but no part of the extra-personal world. However, other libertarians draw those boundaries differently, so that self-ownership cannot be separated from the right to control extra-personal property after all. In that case, property ownership must be subject to a fair share constraint, but that constraint does not require appropriators to pay compensation. This view, which I call “right libertarianism,” differs importantly from the other types primarily in its conception of the self, which I argue is independently more plausible.
SELF-OWNERSHIP AND WORLD OWNERSHIP: AGAINST LEFT-LIBERTARIANISM
Authors: Arneson Richard J.
Published: January 2010

Left-libertarianism is a version of Lockean libertarianism that combines the idea that each person is the full rightful owner of herself and the idea that each person should have the right to own a roughly equal amount of the world's resources. This essay argues against left-libertarianism. The specific target is an interesting form of left-libertarianism proposed by Michael Otsuka that is especially stringent in its equal world ownership claim. One criticism advanced is that there is more tension than Otsuka acknowledges between private ownership of self and equal ownership of the world. This emerges once one notices that self-ownership should not be conceived merely in a thin, formal way but also as a thicker substantive insistence on wide individual freedom. A second criticism is that in other respects the formal idea of self-ownership that Otsuka and other left-libertarians embrace is an extreme doctrine that merits rejection.
Amorphous material in SAFOD core samples (San Andreas Fault): Evidence for crush‐origin pseudotachylytes?
Authors: Janssen C. , Wirth R. , Rybacki E. , Naumann R. , Kemnitz H. , Wenk H.‐R. , Dresen G.
Published: January 2010

Several types of amorphous material in ultracataclastic core samples recovered from 3194 m and 3294 m depth of the main bore hole of the San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth are identified and described with transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. We observed (1) amorphous material on a slickenside surface, (2) glassy bands contained in an ultracataclastic matrix and (3) amorphous rims surrounding quartz or feldspar clasts. Chemical analyses of the amorphous material reveal that silica content is slightly enriched or similar as in the adjacent matrix. We suggest that all amorphous material was formed by comminution of clasts (crush‐origin pseudotachylytes) rather than by melting (melt‐origin pseudotachylytes). The observed amorphous phases may act as lubricating layers that reduce friction in the San Andreas Fault.
Coseismic fault slip of the 2008 Mw 7.9 Wenchuan earthquake estimated from InSAR and GPS measurements
Authors: Feng GuangCai , Hetland Eric A. , Ding XiaoLi , Li ZhiWei , Zhang Lei
Published: January 2010

We infer co‐seismic fault slip during the 2008 Mw 7.9 Wenchuan earthquake from interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) and GPS observations of ground deformation. We use ALOS/PALSAR data from ascending orbits on six tracks, and we do not use data that are strongly affected by ionospheric perturbations. We use a fault model composed of three planar fault segments of the Beichuan fault, and one planar segment representing the parallel Pengguan fault. Maximum thrust‐slip is up to 6.7 m near the surface, and occurs in two locations, near Yingxiu in the south and Beichuan in the center of the rupture. Maximum strike‐slip is over 4 m, and occurs near Pingtong and Nanba along the northern end of the rupture. We find that the ratio of coseismic thrust‐ to strike‐slip on the Beichuan fault decreases from 1.5 to 0.7 from the SW to the NE.
Terrestrial nitrogen feedbacks may accelerate future climate change
Authors: Zaehle Sönke , Friedlingstein Pierre , Friend Andrew D.
Published: January 2010

The effects of nitrogen (N) constraints on future terrestrial carbon (C) dynamics are investigated using the O‐CN land surface model. The model's responses to elevated [CO2] and soil warming agree well with observations made in ecosystem manipulation studies. N dynamics reduce terrestrial C storage due to CO2 fertilization over the period 1860–2100 by ∼50% (342 Pg C) mainly in mid‐high latitude ecosystems, compared to a simulation not accounting for N dynamics. Conversely, N dynamics reduce projected losses of land C due to increasing temperature by 16% (49 Pg C); however, this effect is prevalent only in mid‐high latitude ecosystems. Despite synergistic interactions, the balance of these opposing effects is a significant reduction in future net land C storage. Terrestrial N dynamics thereby consistently increase atmospheric [CO2] in the year 2100 with a median value of 48 (41–55) ppmv, corresponding to an additional radiative forcing of 0.29 (0.28–0.34) W m−2.
Influence of the Arctic oscillation on central United States summer rainfall
Authors: Hu Qi , Feng Song
Published: January 2010

Effects of the Arctic oscillation (AO) on summer rainfall variability in the central United States are examined in order to improve understanding and prediction of the interannual variation in the summer rainfall. Major results show persistent AO effects that resulted in less summer rainfall in the central United States during the positive phase of the AO and more rainfall during the negative AO phase. These effects are most prominent at the interannual time scale. The key physical processes connecting the AO with the rainfall variations are shown in changes in latitudinal location of the midlatitude upper tropospheric westerly jet over North America, the transverse circulation around the jet, and the low‐level moisture flux divergence in the central United States. Diagnostic analyses show that the change of the jet stream location may have resulted from the AO‐induced eddy heat and momentum forcing on the mean zonal flow in the upper troposphere. The eddy‐mean flow interactions caused a northward shift of the jet in the positive phase of the AO. The associated anomalies of downward motion and moisture divergence in the lower troposphere over the central United States suppressed rainfall development. A set of reversed anomalies developed in the negative phase of the AO, encouraging summer rainfall.
Curcumin Functions as a Positive Regulator of miRNA Processing & a Negative Regulator of Cancer Stem Cell Proliferation
Authors: Boominathan Lakshmanane
Published: January 2010

Identifying agents that inhibit the proliferation of cancer stem cells is of great importance in cancer biology. Curcumin has been shown to function as an anti-cancer agent. One of the tumor suppressors that appear to be induced in response to curcumin treatment is p53. A recent study suggests that curcumin increases the expression of miRNAs, such as miR-22, miR-181a, b, c, miR-34, miR-103, and miR-21. Intriguingly, miR-34, 181b, c, miR-103, miR-21, and miR-24 have been identified as transcriptional targets of the tumor suppressor p53. This data suggests a possibility that curcumin, by inducing the expression of p53, it could increase the expression of these microRNAs. A number of groups have shown that c-Myc, Sox-2, Klf-4, Oct-4, Sox-2, Nanog, and Lin28 are required for reprogramming of differentiated cells into pluripotent stem cells and for cancer stem cell proliferation. Interestingly, miR-21 has recently been shown to represses stem cell factors such as Oct4, Nanog, sox2, and c-Myc, indicating that curcumin by increasing the expression of miR-21, it could inhibit cancer stem cell proliferation. In addition, curcumin induced p53 may result in increased expression of its target, miR-145. Interestingly, it has recently been shown that miR-145 suppresses the expression of c-myc, klf-4, Oct-4, and Sox-2 in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and thereby promotes the differentiation of hESC. This data suggests that p53-dependent miR-145 expression will result in down regulation of Oct-4, Klf-4, Sox-2, Nanog, and c-myc and inhibition of stem cell proliferation. Further, curcumin induced miR-22 appears to inhibit the expression of estrogen receptor α. Remarkably, it has recently been shown that estrogen receptor α inhibits the processing of several microRNAs, including the tumor suppressor miR-145. This data suggests that curcumin, by inhibiting the expression of estrogen receptor α. through its target miR-22, it could increase the processing of miR-145 and down regulate the expression of its target genes (Oct-4, Klf-4, Sox-2, Nanog, and c-myc). Thereby, curcumin could function as a positive regulator of miRNA processing and a negative regulator of cancer stem cell proliferation.
Analyses for Hormonal Substances in Food-producing Animals
Authors: Levy Len , Sharman Matthew , Scarth James , Houghton Ed , Akre Christine , MacNeil James D , Le Bizec Bruno , van Ginkel Leen , Teale Phil , Bichon Emmanuelle
Published: January 2010

This unique and definitive reference on hormone abuse in food producing animals is for scientists, regulators and consumers. It contains the results of a meeting held in November 2006 to discuss the progress made by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) supported programme on steroid abuse detection. When the "hormone ban" first arose in the EU, there were only 15 Member States. There are now 27 and some newer members lack the background knowledge of this issue. This book sets out to summarise the history and show the significant progress that has been, and continues to be, made in this area. It is the only comprehensive review of this subject available and contains input from leading researchers from around the world. The initial chapters provide valuable background information. For example, the chapter on toxicology and risk covers the controversies arising from the interpretation of the effects of artificial hormones in meat-producing animals. The book then goes on to deal with how the issue has been managed via national and international detection programmes. It finishes by covering the resulting cutting edge analytical science including current research using "omics"/ profiling for "natural hormones" and novel detection techniques such as IRMS. This book offers readers an insight into the risk management of an important food related issue and how current analytical analyses can assist evidence-based risk assessments. There is comprehensive coverage of all past and current issues relating to growth promoting hormone abuse in animals.