bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The function of the Ammonite Achior in the book of Judith
Authors: Venter Pieter M.
Published: December 2011

An intertextual analysis of the character of Achior in the book of Judith shows that the author of the book proposes a changed Judaean identity. The way in which he depicts the character of Judith and her alter ego, Achior, illustrates the author’s ideology that people like proselytes and marginalised widows are not only to be included in the society, but can even be the leaders of the community. A nationalistic and exclusivist approach is entwined in the narrative with an inclusivist viewpoint propagating a new identity for the people of that time.
Measurement of hepatic venous pressure gradient revisited: Catheter wedge vs balloon wedge techniques
Authors: Chelliah S Timothy , Keshava Shyamkumar N , Moses Vinu , Surendrababu Narayanam RS , Zachariah Uday George , Eapen CE
Published: December 2011

Aims: To evaluate the accuracy of measurement of hepatic venous pressure gradient by catheter wedge as compared to balloon wedge (the gold standard). Materials and Methods: Forty-five patients having a clinical diagnosis of intrahepatic portal hypertension were subjected to the two different types of pressure measurements (catheter wedge and balloon wedge) during transjugular liver biopsy under fluoroscopic guidance. Statistical Analysis: Spearman′s rank correlation coefficient, Bland-Altman plot for agreement, and single measure intraclass correlation were used for analysis of data. Results: There was a close correlation between the results obtained by both the techniques, with highly significant concordance (P < 0.0001). Hepatic venous pressure gradients as measured by the catheter wedge technique were either equal to or less than those obtained by the balloon wedge technique.
Conclusions: The difference in hepatic venous pressure gradients measured by the two techniques is insignificant.
Decision making in the treatment of peripheral arterial disease - A single-institution comparative study using information from color doppler and digital subtraction angiogram studies
Authors: Koshy Chiramel G , Chacko Binita R , Keshava Shyamkumar N , Stephen Edwin , Agarwal Sunil
Published: December 2011

Background: Numerous studies have compared the accuracy of color Doppler (CD) with that of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in the diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). However, only a few have looked at the influence of these diagnostic tests on the treatment decision in PAD. Aim: This study evaluated the differences in treatment decisions that were based on CD and with those based on DSA findings. Methods and Materials: Findings from CD and DSA studies obtained in 40 patients were entered on line diagrams by two radiologists working separately. These were randomized and sent to three experienced clinicians - two vascular surgeons and one interventional radiologist. The treatment decisions of the clinicians based on each proforma were collected and analyzed to look for the degree of agreement between Doppler-based and DSA-based decisions. Results: There was fair to moderate agreement between CD-based and DSA-based decisions for all three clinicians, with some improvement in agreement with the addition of clinical data. The vascular surgeons showed better agreement with each other on treatment decisions compared to the interventional radiologist who showed a fair-to-moderate level of agreement with the vascular surgeons, which did not significantly change with the addition of clinical data. Conclusion: There is a fair to moderate agreement between treatment decisions based on CD findings and those based on DSA findings. We conclude that CD along with clinical data is sufficient to make decisions in the treatment of PAD.
Use of Medical Care after a Community—Based Health Promotion Program: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Cousins Margaret , McDowell Ian
Published: December 2011

Purpose.

To assess the effects of health promotion on the use of medical care services in a community setting.

Design.

Quasi-experimental, multiple time points, case-comparison group.

Setting.

Community health center in Ottawa, Canada.

Sample.

520 volunteer participants in a health promotion program and 932 matched comparison subjects.

Intervention.

The health promotion program consisted of a weekend workshop on health behaviors, lifestyle assessment, and identification of weekly goals for change. This was followed by 18 months of support (5 group sessions, weekly telephone calls, and optional individual sessions).

Measurement.

Computerized data on health care use 6 months before, 18 months during, and 6 months after the program were obtained from Ontario's universal Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). These data were used to determine the number and system costs of visits made by participants and comparisons.

Results.

When controlling for baseline differences through analysis of covariance, program participants were found to have higher costs and more visits for ambulatory care during the first year ( p < .01) and second year (p <.05) of follow-up. Participants used significantly more diagnostic services than comparisons during both years of follow-up. Participants were also more likely to use more counseling and psychotherapy services in year 1 (relative risk, 1.53; 95% confidence interval, 1.28, 1.81) and year 2 (relative risk, 1.57; 95% confidence interval, 1.31, 1.89). No differences were found between participant and comparison groups in visits for medical consultations and assessments or preventive services.

Conclusion.

No evidence shows that this health promotion program reduced use in this population over the 2-year follow-up period.
Race Differences in the Proportion of Low Birth Weight Attributable to Maternal Cigarette Smoking in a Low-Income Population
Authors: Barnett Elizabeth
Published: December 2011

Purpose.

To quantify race differences in the public health impact of maternal cigarette smoking on infant birth weight and to estimate the proportion of low birth weight births that could be prevented by maternal smoking cessation.

Design.

A cohort that consisted of 77,751 mother-infant pairs was evaluated retrospectively.

Setting.

Statewide study of Women, Infants and Children participants in North Carolina.

Subjects.

African-American and non-Hispanic white women who delivered a single live infant during 1988, 1989, or 1990.

Measures.

Logistic regression estimates of the relative risk of low birth weight births for smokers were used to calculate adjusted population attributable risk percentages for smoking. Separate population attributable risk percentages were calculated for total low birth weight, moderately low birth weight, and very low birth weight, and all estimates were adjusted for prepregnancy body mass index, gestational weight gain, age, education, parity, and timing of entry into prenatal care.

Results.

Non-Hispanic whites had a much higher prevalence of smoking and were heavier smokers than African-Americans. For both moderately low birth weight and very low birth weight, the population attributable risk percentages for smoking were twice as high for non-Hispanic whites than for African-Americans. Overall, after adjustment, 30.7% of low birth weight births among non-Hispanic whites and 14.4% of low birth weight births among African-Americans were attributable to smoking.

Conclusions.

Although the public health impact of maternal cigarette smoking on infant birth weight was twice as high for non-Hispanic whites as for African-Americans in this low-income population, smoking cessation by all low-income pregnant women would result in significant improvements in infant health and well-being.
Cigarette Smoking and Self-Reported Health Problems among U.S. High School Seniors, 1982–1989
Authors: Arday David R. , Giovino Gary A. , Schulman Jane , Nelson David E. , Mowery Paul , Samet Jonathan M.
Published: December 2011

Purpose.

To estimate the independent effect of cigarette smoking on respiratory tract symptoms and health status indicators among high school seniors.

Design.

Consolidated data sets from one-time cross-sectional survey designs.

Setting.

High schools in the United States, 1982–1989.

Sample.

A total of 26,504 high school seniors, with an 83% response rate.

Measures.

Odds ratios for respiratory tract symptoms and health status indicators for cigarette smokers compared with nonsmokers, while controlling for sex, socioeconomic status, and use of other drugs.

Results.

High school seniors who were regular cigarette smokers and who began smoking by grade nine were significantly more likely than never smokers to report shortness of breath when not exercising (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 2. 7), coughing spells (OR = 2.1), productive cough (OR = 2.4), and wheezing or gasping (OR = 2.6). These smokers were also more likely to have seen a doctor or other health professional for an emotional or psychologic complaint (OR = 3.0) and to rate their overall health as poorer than average (OR = 2.4). We found strong dose-response relationships for most outcome measures.

Conclusions.

Cigarette smoking among high school seniors is associated with respiratory tract symptoms and poorer overall physical health and may be a marker for underlying mental health problems. Smoking prevention activities directed at adolescents should include information on the early adverse health consequences of cigarette smoking.
Characteristics of Health Promotion Programs in Federal Worksites: Findings from the Federal Employee Worksite Project
Authors: Carter William B. , Omenn Gilbert S. , Martin Mona , Crump Carolyn , Grunbaum Jo Anne , Williams O. Dale
Published: December 2011

Purpose.

To describe how well-established health promotion programs at selected federal worksites were designed, organized, and implemented and to identify factors related to employee participation.

Design.

This descriptive study related characteristics of the health promotion program, worksites, and workforce to employee participation and perceptions of program impacts.

Setting.

The study was conducted at 10 established federal worksite health promotion programs in various regions of the country.

Subjects.

A total of 3403 of 5757 federal employees (59%) sampled completed employee surveys.

Measures.

Study data were collected from on-site observations, interviews, focus groups, and employee surveys.

Results.

Overall, program participation rates were high, and employees reported positive impacts on their health and attitudes toward the agency. Participation in health screening, perceived program convenience, and perceived support by management and others were important determinants of participation and of perceived work-related outcomes.

Conclusions.

Although site selection and response rate limit generalizability, the sites evaluated represent a broad cross-section of different types and sizes of agencies. The findings should be relevant in many other settings. Study programs compare favorably with private sector programs. Employees viewed the programs very positively. The most cogent challenge in justifying these, and perhaps other, worksite programs is that most participants already or simultaneously engage in health promotion activities elsewhere “on their own.”
Psychosocial Factors Associated with Fruit and Vegetable Consumption
Authors: Krebs-Smith Susan M. , Heimendinger Jerianne , Patterson Blossom H. , Subar Amy F. , Kessler Ronald , Pivonka Elizabeth
Published: December 2011

Purpose.

This study examined the relationship between various psychosocial factors and fruit and vegetable consumption.

Design.

The 5 A Day Baseline Survey, conducted in August 1991, just before the initiation of the 5 A Day for Better Health Program, obtained data on adults' intakes of, and their knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes regarding, fruits and vegetables.

Setting.

The survey was conducted by telephone.

Subjects.

Subjects were 2811 adults (response rate, 43%) aged 18 years and older in the 48 coterminous United States.

Measures.

Fruit and vegetable intake was measured as self-reported frequency of use; most of the psychosocial variables were measured using Likert scales.

Results.

This study estimates that only 8% of American adults thought that five or more servings of fruits and vegetables were needed for good health. Of the factors studied, the most important in determining someone's fruit and vegetable intake were the number of servings they thought they should have in a day, whether they liked the taste, and whether they had been in the habit of eating many fruits and vegetables since childhood. These few factors accounted for 15% more of the variation in fruit and vegetable consumption than did demographic variables alone (8%).

Conclusions.

Nutrition education should stress the need to eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day because few adults are aware of this recommendation and such knowledge is strongly associated with increased intake. Furthermore, efforts to increase the palatability of fruits and vegetables, especially among children, should be promoted.
Longitudinal Shifts in Employees' Stages and Processes of Exercise Behavior Change
Authors: Marcus Bess H. , Simkin Laurey R. , Rossi Joseph S. , Pinto Bernardine M.
Published: December 2011

Purpose.

This study examines the usefulness of using the stages and processes of change model to explore exercise adoption and maintenance over time.

Design.

Data for this study were collected as part of the baseline and follow-up survey of participants in a worksite health promotion project.

Subjects.

Three hundred fourteen employees completed exercise questionnaires. The average age was 41 years, mean body mass index was 26, average years of education were 13, and 66% were women.

Setting.

The study was conducted in two worksites, a retail outlet and a manufacturing company.

Measures.

Previously validated questionnaires to determine stages and processes of exercise adoption were administered at baseline and 6-month follow-up, along with questions about demographic variables.

Results.

Four patterns of stage change emerged: subjects who became more active (adopters, 26%), those who became less active (relapsers, 15%), and those who did not change over time (stable sedentary, 32%; stable active, 27%). Adopters displayed increases in use of the processes of change, whereas relapsers displayed decreases in process use. Stable profiles were associated with no change in process use.

Conclusions.

These findings have important implications for research on exercise adoption and maintenance. Interventions tailored specifically to subjects' stage of readiness to be active and using specific processes to help in the change process are warranted at this time.
Building Academic-Community Linkages for Health Promotion: A Case Study in Massachusetts
Authors: Buchanan David R.
Published: December 2011

Using select practice variables from Rothman's typology of models of community organization, this case study of the Massachusetts Community-Based Public Health Consortium analyses potential sources of conflict in collaborations between academic institutions and community coalitions. Based on different socialization experiences and organizational expectations, the goals, assumptions, basic change strategies, salient practitioner roles, conceptions of the client population, and client roles of the respective organizations were found to differ between these two partners and to be a source of chronic, unproductive tensions in consortium deliberations. The article concludes with recommendations for facilitating the development of more mutually trustworthy academic-community linkages to achieve public health promotion goals. These recommendations include (1) developing a greater awareness of the respective kinds of assumptions academic and community partners are likely to bring into new partnerships and (2) developing a more highly integrated model of community-based public health that capitalizes on the strengths of both the social planning and locality development approaches.
Automated ground-based remote sensing measurements of greenhouse gases at the Białystok site in comparison with collocated in-situ measurements and model data
Authors: Messerschmidt J. , Chen H. , Deutscher N. M. , Gerbig C. , Grupe P. , Katrynski K. , Koch F.-T. , Lavrič J. V. , Notholt J. , Rödenbeck C. , Ruhe W. , Warneke T. , Weinzierl C.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. The fully automated observatory for total greenhouse gas (GHG) column measurements introduced here complements the in-situ facilities at the Białystok site in Poland. With the automated Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS), solar absorption measurements have been recorded nearly continuously since March 2009. In this article the automation system, including the hardware components and the automation software will be described in its basics. Furthermore the first comparison of the FTS dataset with the collocated in-situ measurements and the first comparison of the Jena CO2 inversion model are presented. This model identifies monthly variations in the total CO2 column and the seasonal amplitude is in good agreement with the FTS measurements.
The significance of nitrous oxide emission due to cropping of grain for biofuel production: a Swedish perspective
Authors: Kasimir Klemedtsson Å. , Smith K. A.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. The current regulations governing production of biofuels in the European Union require that they have to mitigate climate change, by producing >35% less greenhouse gases (GHG) than fossil fuels. There is a risk that this may not be achievable, since land use for crop production inevitably emits the potent GHG nitrous oxide (N2O), due to nitrogen fertilisation and cycling in the environment. We analyse first-generation biofuel production on agricultural land and conclude that efficient agricultural crop production resulting in a good harvest and low N2O emission can fulfil the EU standard, and is possible under certain conditions for the Swedish agricultural and bioethanol production systems. However, in years having low crop yields, and where cropping is on organic soils, total GHG emissions per unit of fuel produced can be even higher than those released by burning of fossil fuels. In general, the N2O emission size in Sweden and elsewhere in northern Europe is such that there is a >50% chance that the 35% saving requirement will not be met. Thus ecosystem N2O emissions have to be convincingly assessed. Here we compare Swedish emission data with values estimated by means of statistical models and by a global, top-down, approach; the measurements and the predictions often show higher values that would fail to meet the EU standard and thus prevent biofuel production development.
Seasonal speed-up of two outlet glaciers of Austfonna, Svalbard, inferred from continuous GPS measurements
Authors: Dunse T. , Schuler T. V. , Hagen J. O. , Reijmer C. H.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. A large part of the ice discharge from ice caps and ice sheets occurs through spatially limited flow units that may operate in a mode of steady flow or cyclic surge behaviour. Changes in the dynamics of distinct flow units play a key role in the mass balance of Austfonna, the largest ice cap on Svalbard. The recent net mass loss of Austfonna was dominated by calving from marine terminating outlet glaciers. Previous ice-surface velocity maps of the ice cap were derived by satellite radar interferometry (InSAR) and rely on data acquired in the mid-1990s with limited information concerning the temporal variability. Here, we present continuous Global Positioning System (GPS) observations along the central flowlines of two fast flowing outlet glaciers over 2008−2010. The data show prominent summer speed-ups with ice-surface velocities as high as 240 % of the pre-summer mean. Acceleration follows the onset of the summer melt period, indicating enhanced basal motion due to input of surface meltwater into the subglacial drainage system. In 2008, multiple velocity peaks coincide with successive melt periods. In 2009, the principle melt was of higher amplitude than in 2008. Flow velocities appear unaffected by subsequent melt periods, suggesting a transition towards a hydraulically more efficient drainage system. The observed annual mean velocities of Duvebreen and Basin-3 exceed those from the mid-1990s by factors two and four, respectively, implying increased ice discharge at the calving front. Measured summer velocities up to 2 m d−1 for Basin-3 are close to that of Kronebreen, often referred to as the fastest glacier on Svalbard.
HYSTERESIS CHARACTERISTICS OF HIGH MODULUS LOW SHRINKAGE POLYESTER TIRE YARN AND CORD
Authors: Samui Barun Kumar , Prakasan Manikanda Priya , Chakrabarty D. , Mukhopadhyay R.
Published: December 2011

Hysteresis characteristics of high modulus low shrinkage (HMLS) polyester tire yarn and cord were evaluated to determine “specific work loss,” which indicate its heat generation characteristics. Test parameters were selectively chosen, considering the service conditions of high-speed passenger radial tires in which HMLS polyester tire cords are predominantly used. Specific work loss was found to increase exponentially with the increase in extent of stress relief. Dynamic property of this yarn and cord was also studied to determine “loss tangent (tan δ),” which influences rolling resistance of tires in service. A good correlation has been found between specific work loss of hysteresis test (a slow speed test) and tan δ of dynamic test (a high-speed test). Dynamic property of polyester dipped cord was investigated for a wide range of temperatures (100–180 °C) and frequencies (5–25 Hz). Tan δ at 100 °C was found to be relatively low and its magnitude remained at the same level for a wide range of frequencies. This is a favorable condition for the high-speed passenger radial tires, made out of HMLS polyester tire yarn. Microstructure of HMLS polyester yarn was analyzed. Crystallinity is around 43% (measured by Wide angle x-ray scattering); crystal width and long period are 61 and 142 Å, respectively.
Integrative and Deep Learning Through a Learning Community:
Authors: Mahoney Sandra , Schamber Jon
Published: December 2011

This study investigated deep learning produced in a community of general education courses. Student speeches on liberal education were analyzed for discovering a grounded theory of ideas about self. The study found that learning communities cultivate deep, integrative learning that makes the value of a liberal education relevant to students.
Evaluation of potential dietary toxicity of heavy metals in some common Nigerian beverages: A look at antimony, tin and mercury
Authors: Roberts I.I. , Orisakwe O.E.
Published: December 2011

There is currently little information on the composition of heavy metals in beverages imported and locally produced in Nigeria. The study quantitatively determined the composition of antimony (Sb), tin (Sn) and mercury (Hg) in 50 different beverage samples and evaluated the extent of violation of guideline values. Analysis of the beverage samples for the presence of Sb, Sn, and Hg was carried out using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) 929. The mean values detected for mercury, tin and antimony (±SE) in fruit juices and soft drinks were 2.39±0.25, 3.66±0.22 and 0.49±0.048 μg/l; 2.93±0.34, 3.60±0.46 and 0.49±0.10 μg/l in dairy drinks and 0.94±0.02, 4.34±0.48 and 0.48±0.05 μg/l in bottled water samples respectively. While antimony detected in all products was below guideline values, mercury and tin were above the acceptable levels established by the World Health Organization, United States Environmental Protection Agency and European Union in most samples tested.
Glycemic Profiles of Healthy Individuals with Low Fasting Plasma Glucose and HbA1c
Authors: Nomura Kyoko , Saitoh Tomoyuki , Kim Gwang U. , Yamanouchi Toshikazu
Published: December 2011

Scant data exists on glucose profile variability in healthy individuals. Twenty-nine healthy subjects without diabetes (86% male; mean age, 38 years) were measured by a CGM system and under real-life conditions. The median percentage of time spent on the blood glucose >7.8 mmol/L for 24 hrs was greater than 10% in both NFG and IFG groups. When subjects were divided into either NFG group (i.e., FPG levels of <5.6 mmol/L;n=22) or IFG group (FPG levels of 5.6–6.9 mmol/L;n=7), all CGM indicators investigated but GRADE scores, including glucose variability measures, monitoring excursions, hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, and 24-hour AUC, did not differ significantly between the two groups. GRADE score and its euglycemia% were significantly different between the two groups. Among various CGM indicators, GRADE score may be a sensitive indicator to discriminate glucose profiles between subjects with NFG and those with IFG.
Iron Inhibits Respiratory Burst of Peritoneal Phagocytes In Vitro
Authors: Gotfryd Kamil , Jurek Aleksandra , Kubit Piotr , Klein Andrzej , Turyna Bohdan
Published: December 2011

Objective. This study examines the effects of iron ions Fe3+ on the respiratory burst of phagocytes isolated from peritoneal effluents of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients, as an in vitro model of iron overload in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Material and Methods. Respiratory burst of peritoneal phagocytes was measured by chemiluminescence method. Results. At the highest used concentration of iron ions Fe3+ (100 μM), free radicals production by peritoneal phagocytes was reduced by 90% compared to control. Conclusions. Iron overload may increase the risk of infectious complications in ESRD patients.
The Association between Metabolic Syndrome-Related Indicators and Ten-Year Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: An Epidemiologic Assessment
Authors: Yang Tsan , Sun Chien-An , Chen Ching-Chuan , Wu Szu-Hsien , Chung Tieh-Chi , Chou Yu-Ching
Published: December 2011

Objectives. This study explored the association between metabolic syndrome-related indicators and the ten-year risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the middle-aged and elderly population. Methods. Data were collected from residents in Southern Taiwan through a health screening program, carried out from March 2007 to May 2008. The present study used the risk assessment tool of the Framingham Heart Study and adopted ≦10% as low risk, 11~20% as medium risk, and >20% as high risk for CVD. Results. We found that subjects with abdominal obesity and hypertension had significantly higher 10-year risk for CVD than those who had normal waist circumference and blood pressure (OR=2.07 and 24.52, resp.). Subjects with hypertriglyceridemia were 1.86 times more at risk for developing medium risk of CVD than those who had normal triglyceride levels. Furthermore, individuals with reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) had significantly higher 10-year risk for CVD than those who had normal HDL-C. Conclusions. Metabolic syndrome-related indicators were positively associated with 10-year risk for CVD. Waist circumference (WC), blood pressure, triglyceride and HDL-C might be good indicators for predicting the risk of CVD for middle-aged and elderly populations.
Posttraumatic Growth Inventory: Factor Structure in the Context of DSM-IV Traumatic Events
Authors: Osei-Bonsu Princess E. , Weaver Terri L. , Eisen Susan V. , Vander Wal Jillon S.
Published: December 2011

Studies examining the dimensionality of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) have yielded varying results. To date, no study has investigated the measure's factor structure in the context of DSM-defined traumatic events. The present study examined the structure in an undergraduate student sample (N=379) reporting DSM-IV Criterion-A potentially traumatic events. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) did not support the original five-factor structure. Follow-up exploratory factor analysis and CFA on random halves of the sample showed poor model fit for 1-, 3-, and 7-factor models. Results suggest that the PTGI factor structure is unclear amongst individuals with DSM-IV traumatic events, and continued use of the total score is most appropriate. Future directions including the utility of the PTGI factors are discussed.
Direct Enantioselective Three‐Component Kabachnik–Fields Reaction Catalyzed by Chiral Bis(imidazoline)‐Zinc(II) Catalysts
Authors: Ohara Mutsuyo , Nakamura Shuichi , Shibata Norio
Published: December 2011

A direct three‐component reaction of aldehydes, amines and diaryl phosphites was catalyzed by a zinc(II) complex of 1,3‐bis(imidazolin‐2‐ly)pyridine (pybim) giving the corresponding α‐aminophosphonates in good yield with good enantioselectivity. The reaction was applied to a wide variety of aromatic aldehydes to give products with excellent yields (up to 99%) and enantiomeric excesses (up to 93% ee).
The Effect of Crystallinity on the Rapid Pseudocapacitive Response of Nb2O5
Authors: Kim Jong Woung , Augustyn Veronica , Dunn Bruce
Published: December 2011

Capacitive energy storage offers several attractive properties compared to batteries, including higher power, faster charging, and a longer cycle life. A key limitation to this electrochemical energy‐storage approach is its low energy density and, for this reason, there is considerable interest in identifying pseudocapacitor materials where faradaic reactions are used to achieve greater charge storage. This paper reports on the electrochemical properties of Nb2O5 and establishes that crystalline phases of the material undergo fast faradaic reactions that lead to high specific capacitance in short charging times. In particular, the specific capacitance for the orthorhombic phase at infinite sweep rate reaches ≈400 F g−1, which exceeds that of birnessite MnO2 in nonaqueous electrolyte and is comparable to RuO2 at the same extrapolated rate. The specific capacitances of the orthorhombic and pseudohexagonal phases are much greater than that of the amorphous phase, suggesting that the faradaic reactions which lead to additional capacitive energy storage are associated with Li+ insertion along preferred crystallographic pathways. The ability for Nb2O5 to store charge at high rates despite its wide bandgap and low electronic conductivity is very different from what is observed with other transition metal oxides.
Inhibition of glycoprotein synthesis in the endoplasmic reticulum as a novel anticancer mechanism of (−)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate
Authors: Konta Laura , Száraz Péter , Magyar Judit É. , Révész Katalin , Bánhegyi Gábor , Mandl József , Csala Miklós
Published: December 2011

(−)‐Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) has been found to trigger the unfolded protein response (UPR) likely due to the inhibition of glucosidase II, a key enzyme of glycoprotein processing and quality control in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). These findings strongly suggest that EGCG interferes with glycoprotein maturation and sorting in the ER. This hypothesis was tested in SK‐Mel28 human melanoma cells by assessing the effect of EGCG and deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) on the synthesis of two endogenous glycoproteins. Both tyrosinase and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein levels were remarkably reduced despite unaltered mRNA expression in EGCG‐ or DNJ‐treated cells compared to control. The hindrance of tyrosinase and VEGF protein synthesis could be prevented by proteasome inhibitor, lactacystine. Collectively, our results support that glucosidase II inhibitor EGCG interferes with protein processing and quality control in the ER, which diverts tyrosinase, VEGF, and likely other glycoproteins towards proteasomal degradation. This mechanism provides a novel therapeutic approach in dermatology and might play an important role in the antitumor effect or hepatotoxicity of EGCG.
Sesquiterpenoids and Diarylheptanoids from Nidus Vespae and Their Inhibitory Effects on Nitric Oxide Production
Authors: He Jiang‐Bo , Yan Yong‐Ming , Ma Xiu‐Jing , Lu Qing , Li Xue‐Song , Su Jia , Li Yan , Liu Guang‐Ming , Cheng Yong‐Xian
Published: December 2011

Two coriamyrtin‐type sesquiterpenes, fengfangin A (1) and tutin (2), and six diarylheptanoids, namely alnusone (3), centrolobol (4), muricarpone B (5), 1‐(3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl)‐7‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)heptan‐3‐one (6), (3S)‐1‐(3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl)‐7‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)heptan‐3‐ol (7), and (3S)‐1‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐7‐(3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl)heptan‐3‐ol (8), were isolated from the 95% EtOH extract of nidus vespae, the nest of Polistes species. Their structures were identified by spectroscopic methods. Compounds 1 and 8 are new products. The absolute configuration of 1 was determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis using Flack parameter. The biological tests showed that compounds 5, 6, and 8 could inhibit nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated RAW 264.7 cells with IC50 values in the range of 13–17 μM, whereas the sesquiterpenes were inactive in this assay (>25 μM). In addition, the ecological significance of the presence of neurotoxic sesquiterpene lactones in nidus vespae is briefly discussed.
Terpene Chemodiversity of Relict Conifers Picea omorika, Pinus heldreichii, and Pinus peuce, Endemic to Balkan
Authors: Nikolić Biljana , Ristić Mihailo , Tešević Vele , Marin Petar D. , Bojović Srdjan
Published: December 2011

Terpenes are often used as ecological and chemotaxonomic markers of plant species, as well as for estimation of geographic variability. Essential oils of relic and Balkan endemic/subendemic conifers, Picea omorika, Pinus heldreichii, and P. peuce, in central part of Balkan Peninsula (Serbia and Montenegro), on the level of terpene classes and common terpene compounds were investigated. In finding terpene combinations, which could show the best diversity between species and their natural populations, several statistical methods were applied. Apart from the content of different terpene classes (P. omorika has the most abundant O‐containing monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes; P. heldreichii and P. peuce have the largest abundance of sesquiterpene and monoterpene hydrocarbons, resp.), the species are clearly separated according to terpene profile with 22 common compounds. But, divergences in their populations were established only in combination of several compounds (specific for each species), and they were found to be the results of geomorphologic, climatic, and genetic factors. We found similarities between investigated species and some taxa from literature with respect to terpene composition, possibly due to hybridization and phylogenetic relations. Obtained results are also important regarding to chemotaxonomy, biogeography, phylogeny, and evolution of these taxa.
The union of Anti‐CD34 antibody can improve the performance of drug‐eluting stents
Authors: Yang Xing‐Sheng , Zhu Hua‐Gang , Yu Zhan‐Jiang , Ren Fang , Chen Yong‐Qiang , Wu Xi , Zhang Zheng‐Cai , Zhang Li‐Jie , Lu Shu‐Zheng
Published: December 2011

Objectives: The authors investigate whether the combination of anti‐CD34 antibody with DES is win–win cooperation. Background: DES may reduce the risk of restenosis compared to bare‐metal stents (BMS), but they were found to inhibit the healing process of intima. Methods: Fifteen BMS, 17 DES, and 16 combined anti‐CD34 antibody and DES were randomly implanted in the coronary arteries of 22 minipigs. Ten minipigs were followed up to 2 weeks. The stenting coronary segments were examined by histological examination and scanning electron microscopy after in vivo coronary angiography and intracoronary optical coherence tomography (OCT) examinations. The other 12 minipigs were followed up to 3 months. Coronary angiography and intracoronary OCT examination were performed in vivo and histological examination was performed on the stenting coronary segments. Results: After 2 weeks, the neointimal covering level of the DES was lower than that in BMS, but the covering level of the combined stents was even better than the BMS. After 3 months, neointimal hyperplasia was significant in the BMS, but not in the other two types of stents. The in‐stent late lumen loss of the combined stents even showed a decreasing tendency when compared with the DES. Conclusion: The combination of anti‐CD34 antibody and DES can not only well offset the short‐term inhibitory effect on re‐endothelialization but also slightly enhance the long‐term antiproliferative effect. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Acute ST changes during anesthesia induction 10 months after norwood procedure
Authors: Hill James A. , Qureshi Athar M. , Latson Larry A.
Published: December 2011

After the Norwood procedure for palliation of hypoplastic left heart syndrome, there is still significant interstage and late mortality with often unclear etiology. An important, but possibly under‐recognized complication of the Norwood operation is the potential for coronary insufficiency from pre‐coronary stenosis due to kinking or scarring at the anastomosis between the native and neo‐aorta. We report a case of a clinically thriving 10‐month old infant status post bidirectional Glenn who had acute ischemic changes on electrocardiogram (ECG) during induction of anesthesia for elective bilateral herniorrhaphy. A discrete narrowing in the native aorta to neo‐aorta anastomosis was identified. A stent was placed emergently to restore adequate coronary blood flow after failure of simple angioplasty to adequately improve the stenosis. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sanierung historischer Fassaden
Authors: Steinbrecher Michael
Published: December 2011

Im Rahmen eines Forschungsprojekts wurde die Ausführungspraxis bei der Sanierung und Instandsetzung von Putzfassaden analysiert. Der Schwerpunkt der Untersuchung lag im Bereich der Sanierung von denkmalgeschützten Fassaden historischer Objekte in Wien. Ergänzend wurden Gutachten über Schadensfälle an Putzfassaden ausgewertet.

Reconstruction of historic façads. In the context of a research project the execution of construction work by reconstruction and maintenance of plastered façades was analysed. The main focus of the examination was located in the field of reconstruction listed façades historic buildings in Vienna. Furthermore expertises about cases of damages of plastered façades were evaluated.
Nachhaltige Sanierung von Natursteinmauerwerk und Natursteinkonstruktionen
Authors: Kolbitsch Andreas
Published: December 2011

Bei der Untersuchung und Ertüchtigung von Bestandsobjekten der Bauphasen bis 1900 ist man häufig mit tragenden Konstruktionselementen aus Natursteinmauerwerk, im Bereich von Denkmälern mit reinen Natursteinkonstruktionen beschäftigt.

Während für konventionelles Bestandsmauerwerk aus gebrannten Ziegeln in den letzten Jahren fundierte Bewertungsregeln auch unter Berücksichtigung von Erdbebeneinwirkung erstellt werden konnten, besteht für Natursteinkonstruktionen noch ein erheblicher Untersuchungs‐ und Entwicklungsbedarf.

Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden neben einer kurzen Charakteristik der Materialien und Konstruktionen aktuelle Untersuchungsmethoden zur Bestandsbewertung und Ertüchtigungsansätze vorgestellt.

Sustainable refurbishment of natural stone masonry and natural stone constructions. In the course of investigation and refurbishing of building elements of construction phases till 1900 one is frequently occupied with loadbearing natural stone masonry, in the field of monuments with pure natural stone constructions.

During the last years calculation rules for existing masonry constructions have been developed even under the effect of earthquake. Concerning natural stone constructions there is still a considerable need for investigation and calculation methods.

The following contribution deals with the typical material and mechanical properties of natural stone constructions and presents some methods for investigation and refurbishment.
Little and large: body size and genetic clines in a New Zealand gecko (Woodworthia maculata) along a coastal transect
Authors: Fitness Josephine , Hitchmough Rodney A. , Morgan‐Richards Mary
Published: December 2011

Clinal variation can result from primary differentiation or secondary contact and determining which of these two processes is responsible for the existence of a cline is not a trivial problem. Samples from a coastal transect of New Zealand geckos (Woodworthia maculata) identified for the first time a body size cline 7–10 km wide. The larger geckos are almost twice the mass of the small adult geckos. Clines in allele and haplotype frequency were found at two of the four genetic loci examined. Estimated width of the morphological cline was concordant with neither the narrower mtDNA cline (3–7 m) nor the wider nuclear cline (RAG‐2; 34–42 km), and cline centers were not coincident. Although the body size cline is narrow compared to the entire range of the species, it is 2–3 orders of magnitude greater than estimates of dispersal distance per generation for these geckos. No evidence of assortative mating, nor of hybrid disadvantage was identified, thus there is little evidence to infer that endogenous selection is maintaining a hybrid zone. We cannot distinguish secondary contact from primary origin of this body size cline but conclude that secondary contact is likely due to the occurrence of mtDNA haplotypes from three distinct clades within the coastal transect and the presence of two frequency clines within this region.
Synthesis and Structure of Lead(II) Complexes of (η6‐Benzenecarboxylato)tricarbonylchromium
Authors: Murugesapandian Balasubramanian , Roesky Peter W.
Published: December 2011

Treatment of (η6‐benzoic acid)tricarbonylchromium withlead(II) acetate in the presence of trans‐1,2‐bis(4‐pyridyl)ethene (bpe) afforded the one‐dimensional coordination polymer [Pb{(η6‐C6H5COO)Cr(CO)3}2bpe]n (1). In contrast, the reaction of (η6‐benzoic acid)tricarbonylchromium with lead(II) acetate in the presence of 1,10‐phenanthroline (1,10‐phen) or 2,2′‐bipyridine (2,2′‐bipy) gave the lead(II) compounds [Pb{(η6‐C6H5COO)Cr(CO)3}2(1,10‐phen)] (2) and [Pb{(η6‐C6H5COO)Cr(CO)3}2(2,2′‐bipy)] (3). The solid‐state structures of all compounds were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction.
Menstrual cycle‐related changes in amygdala morphology are associated with changes in stress sensitivity
Authors: Ossewaarde Lindsey , van Wingen Guido A. , Rijpkema Mark , Bäckström Torbjörn , Hermans Erno J. , Fernández Guillén
Published: December 2011

Premenstrual increases in negative mood are thought to arise from changes in gonadal hormone levels, presumably by influencing mood regulation and stress sensitivity. The amygdala plays a major role in this context, and animal studies suggest that gonadal hormones influence its morphology. Here, we investigated whether amygdala morphology changes over the menstrual cycle and whether this change explains differences in stress sensitivity. Twenty‐eight young healthy women were investigated once during the premenstrual phase and once during the late follicular phase. T1‐weighted anatomical images of the brain were acquired using magnetic resonance imaging and analyzed with optimized voxel‐based morphometry. To measure mood regulation and stress sensitivity, negative affect was assessed after viewing strongly aversive as well as neutral movie clips. Our results show increased gray matter volume in the dorsal part of the left amygdala during the premenstrual phase when compared with the late follicular phase. This volume increase was positively correlated with the premenstrual increase in stress‐induced negative affect. This is the first study showing structural plasticity of the amygdala in humans at the macroscopic level that is associated with both endogenous gonadal hormone fluctuations and stress sensitivity. These results correspond with animal findings of gonadal hormone‐mediated neural plasticity in the amygdala and have implications for understanding the pathogenesis of specific mood disorders associated with hormonal fluctuations. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hippocampal lesions can enhance discrimination learning despite normal sensitivity to interference from incidental information
Authors: Sanderson David J. , Rawlins J. Nicholas P. , Deacon Robert M. J. , Cunningham Colm , Barkus Chris , Bannerman David M.
Published: December 2011

Spatial properties of stimuli are sometimes encoded even when incidental to the demands of a particular learning task. Incidental encoding of spatial information may interfere with learning by (i) causing a failure to generalize learning between trials in which a cue is presented in different spatial locations and (ii) adding common spatial features to stimuli that predict different outcomes. Hippocampal lesions have been found to facilitate acquisition of certain tasks. This facilitation may occur because hippocampal lesions impair incidental encoding of spatial information that interferes with learning. To test this prediction mice with lesions of the hippocampus were trained on appetitive simple simultaneous discrimination tasks using inserts in the goal arms of a T‐maze. It was found that hippocampal lesioned mice were facilitated at learning the discriminations, but they were sensitive to changes in spatial information in a manner that was similar to control mice. In a second experiment it was found that both control and hippocampal lesioned mice showed equivalent incidental encoding of egocentric spatial properties of the inserts, but both groups did not encode the allocentric information. These results demonstrate that mice show incidental encoding of egocentric spatial information that decreases the ability to solve simultaneous discrimination tasks. The normal egocentric spatial encoding in hippocampal lesioned mice contradicts theories of hippocampal function that suggest that the hippocampus is necessary for incidental learning per se, or is required for modulating stimulus representations based on the relevancy of information. The facilitated learning suggests that the hippocampal lesions can enhance learning of the same qualitative information as acquired by control mice. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
‘Click Synthesis’ of 1H‐1,2,3‐Triazolyl‐Based Oxiconazole (=(1Z)‐1‐(2,4‐Dichlorophenyl)‐2‐(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)ethanone O‐[(2,4‐Dichlorophenyl)methyl]oxime) Analogs
Authors: Soltani Rad Mohammad Navid , Asrari Zeinab , Behrouz Somayeh , Hakimelahi Gholam Hossein , Khalafi‐Nezhad Ali
Published: December 2011

The ‘click synthesis’ of some oxiconazole analogs 5a–5v having 1H‐1,2,3‐triazolyl residues by Huisgen cycloaddition was achieved in four steps (Scheme 1). Oximation of phenacyl chloride (1) followed by azidation of 2‐chloro‐1‐phenylethanone oxime (2) provided azido ketoxime 3. The CuI‐catalyzed Huisgen cycloaddition of 3 with terminal alkynes gave the 4‐substituted (at the triazole) 2‐(1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐1‐yl)‐1‐phenylethanone oximes 4a–4i. The O‐alkylation of 4a–4i with various alkyl halides resulted in the formation of the target molecules 5a–5v in good yields.
New and Bioactive Sesquiterpenes from Schisandra sphenanthera
Authors: Mendbayar Khongorzul , Lo I‐Wen , Liaw Chia‐Ching , Lin Yu‐Chi , Fazary Ahmed E. , Kuo Yuh‐Chi , Wang Hsiu‐Ju , Chiang Been Huang , Liou Shorong‐Shii , Shen Ya‐Ching
Published: December 2011

Three new sesquiterpenes, schisansphenins A (1) and B (2) and (−)‐γ‐cuparenol (3), were isolated from an acetone extract of the fruits of Schisandra sphenanthera. The known compound 4 was isolated for the frist time from a natural source. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated through extensive spectroscopic analyses, particularly 2D‐NMR experiments (1H,1H‐COSY, HMQC, HMBC, and NOESY). A plausible biogenetic pathway for schisansphenin B (2) is proposed. Compounds 2 and 3 significantly reduced activation of NF‐AT and NF‐κB in the luciferase‐reporter assay.