bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Confronting economic profit with hierarchy theory: The concept of gain in ecology
Authors: Allen Timothy F. H. , Allen Peter C. , Malek Amy , Flynn John , Flynn Michael 
Published: July 2009

AbstractContemporary problems are often complicated by values intruding into the arena of material systems. But there have always been values in biology and social science because they are required to assess how biosocial structures have models embodying purpose as an issue separate from the models of the scientists. Values are addressed seriously in economic discourses, and other discussions will benefit from paying attention to how the dismal science does that. Economic notions of profit have values embedded in them in a way that generally does not occur in ecology and the other natural sciences. Here we generalize profit as gain in settings beyond strict economics in a way that encourages placing values properly in biological and historical social systems. Complications of elaborate control quickly enter the scene at this point and in this paper we invoke hierarchy theory to keep levels of analysis straight. Hierarchy theory often invokes dualities and a mix of process and structure that is fluid under changes in level of analysis. Beyond this, the things the hierarchy represents changes over time, so we must extend discourse of level of analysis to include how time forces the use of new levels of analysis as hierarchies change over time. Notions of gain and profit are recursive as the system uses resources and must change strategies to deal with scarcity. This in turn forces increases in efficiency in yet a new round of change. The transition from abundant resources used carelessly to scarce resources used efficiently changes controls in biosocial systems. Such changes over time amount to hierarchical restructuring, which in turn requires of the observer meticulous application of new levels of analysis as the system is redefined. The system bounded at a new hierarchical level encounters dualities embedded in the hierarchical concept of the holon. The holon offers a precision of definition of the new system as it exists as an autonomous whole while still being part of some larger system. We introduce these shifts and dualities using examples from nuclear energy, colonial insects and changes in complex societies such as the Roman Empire and the EU. In the end both ideas of profit and hierarchy theory are clarified in a two‐way exchange that moves forward our understanding of biosocial systems. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kinetics of Granular Starch Hydrolysis in Corn Dry‐Grind Process
Authors: Vidal Bernardo C. , Rausch Kent D. , Tumbleson Mike E. , Singh Vijay 
Published: July 2009

AbstractA promising modification to the dry grind process is the use of granular starch hydrolyzing enzymes (GSHE) for corn fractionation and ethanol production. Modeling the kinetics of granular starch hydrolysis in the corn dry‐grind process is challenging given the heterogeneity of the substrate and the combined activities of α‐amylase and glucoamylase. By measuring reducing sugars, the hydrolysis progress in dry‐grind corn slurry treated with a commercial GSHE was monitored during 3 h of reaction. Progress curves consisted initially of a rapid product formation phase (<15 min), followed by a longer range kinetics characterized by relatively slower product formation. The initial product from the accelerated kinetics was proportional to the adsorbed GSHE concentration, after accounting for the contribution of dissolved starch hydrolysis. The long range kinetics was modeled by an empirical equation that yielded two parameters: a which stood for the asymptotic limit of the product concentration, and ln (b) which was the time required to reach a product concentration of a/2. In response to increasing GSHE concentration, a increased and ln (b) decreased towards a saturation limit. In response to decreasing corn particle size (geometric mean diameter), a increased and ln (b) decreased linearly. These behaviors indicated both parameters were controlled by the concentration of accessible substrates in the starch granules. The findings have implications on the optimal usage of GSHE in dry‐grind processes.
Granule‐bound SSIIa Protein Content and its Relationship with Amylopectin Structure and Gelatinization Temperature of Rice Starch
Authors: Bao Jinsong , Xiao Peng , Hiratsuka Mayu , Sun Mei , Umemoto Takayuki 
Published: July 2009

AbstractStarch characteristics such as gelatinization properties determine the quality of various products of rice. The eating, cooking and processing qualities of rice are a function of the gelatinization of rice starch. The gelatinization temperature (GT) of rice is controlled by the starch synthase IIa (SSIIa) gene. In the present study, the amount of the starch‐associated SSIIa protein and its relationship with amylopectin structure and GT were investigated. The results indicated that the starch associated SSIIa protein content was positively correlated with GT and level of amylopectin chains with degree of polymerization 12‐24 (DP12‐24), and negatively correlated with the fraction of chains with DP6‐11 and short chain ratio (SCR), i.e. DP6‐11/DP12‐24 (P<0.001). GT was also negatively correlated with DP6‐11 SCR, and positively correlated with DP12‐24. The SSIIa protein content and amylopectin structure showed significant difference between the two SSIIa single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs, i.e. guanine‐cytosine/thymine‐thymine (GC/TT)) groups. Rice with GC and TT SNPs had average SSIIa protein contents of 1.076 and 0.681, respectively. Rice with the GC SNPs displayed a lower amount of chains with DP6‐11 and more chains with DP 12‐24 than those with TT SNPs. A mechanism is postulated to explain how SSIIa could determine the distribution of amylopectin side‐chains, which affects the gelatinization temperature of rice starch.
Silane grafting and moisture crosslinking of polyethylene: The effect of molecular structure
Authors: Azizi Hamed , Morshedian Jalil , Barikani Mehdi 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe silane grafting and moisture crosslinking of different grades of polyethylene have been investigated. Three types of polyethylene (HDPE, LLDPE, and LDPE) with different molecular structures and similar melt flow indices were selected. The initiator was dicumyl peroxide (DCP), and the silane was vinyltrimethoxysilane. The grafting reaction was carried out in an internal mixer. The extent of grafting and the degree of crosslinking were determined, and hot‐set tests were carried out to evaluate the crosslink structure of the different polyethylenes. The LLDPE had the highest degree of grafting, while the LDPE had the least. The rate of crosslinking for LDPE was higher than that of HDPE and LLDPE. The gel content of LDPE was higher than that of HDPE and LLDPE. Hot‐set elongation and the number‐average molecular weight between crosslinks (Mc) were lower for LLDPE and LDPE than for HDPE. Increasing the silane/DCP percentage led to peroxide crosslinking, thereby decreasing the Mc and hot‐set elongation. The number‐average molecular weight (Mn), molecular weight distribution, and number of chain branches were the most important parameters affecting the silane grafting and moisture crosslinking. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Biopersistence and potential adverse health impacts of fibrous nanomaterials: what have we learned from asbestos?
Authors: Sanchez Vanesa C. , Pietruska Jodie R. , Miselis Nathan R. , Hurt Robert H. , Kane Agnes B. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractHuman diseases associated with exposure to asbestos fibers include pleural fibrosis and plaques, pulmonary fibrosis (asbestosis), lung cancer, and diffuse malignant mesothelioma. The critical determinants of fiber bioactivity and toxicity include not only fiber dimensions, but also shape, surface reactivity, crystallinity, chemical composition, and presence of transition metals. Depending on their size and dimensions, inhaled fibers can penetrate the respiratory tract to the distal airways and into the alveolar spaces. Fibers can be cleared by several mechanisms, including the mucociliary escalator, engulfment, and removal by macrophages, or through splitting and chemical modification. Biopersistence of long asbestos fibers can lead to inflammation, granuloma formation, fibrosis, and cancer. Exposure to synthetic carbon nanomaterials, including carbon nanofibers and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), is considered a potential health hazard because of their physical similarities with asbestos fibers. Respiratory exposure to CNTs can produce an inflammatory response, diffuse interstitial fibrosis, and formation of fibrotic granulomas similar to that observed in asbestos‐exposed animals and humans. Given the known cytotoxic and carcinogenic properties of asbestos fibers, toxicity of fibrous nanomaterials is a topic of intense study. The mechanisms of nanomaterial toxicity remain to be fully elucidated, but recent evidence suggests points of similarity with asbestos fibers, including a role for generation of reactive oxygen species, oxidative stress, and genotoxicity. Considering the rapid increase in production and use of fibrous nanomaterials, it is imperative to gain a thorough understanding of their biologic activity to avoid the human health catastrophe that has resulted from widespread use of asbestos fibers. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.This article is categorized under:

Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials
Nanobiosystems
Authors: Seale‐Goldsmith Mary‐Margaret , Leary James F. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract‘Nanobiosystems’ is a relatively new term describing objects in the size range below 150 nm and having structures or functions that link to biological functions. Key features are that these nanosized objects typically self‐assemble, are not capable of self‐replication, and have functions that take advantage of its size. Nanobiosystems can be made entirely of biological or organic molecules that are organized into nanoparticles (e.g., liposomes, dendrimers) or be totally inorganic (with the exception of surface coatings used for biocompatibility) nanoparticles (e.g., gold, iron oxide, quantum dot nanocrystals). More complex nanobiosystems are inorganic/biologic hybrid composites that may include complex multilayered structures with targeting molecules (e.g., peptides, antibodies, aptamers), cell entry‐promoting molecules (e.g., HIV‐tat peptide sequence), drugs (small molecules), genes (therapeutic genes, reporter genes), and core nanomaterials (e.g., gold, quantum dot, iron oxide) that give the nanobiosystems sometimes unique detection capabilities by a variety of optical and non‐optical modalities (fluorescence, surface plasmon resonance, magnetic resonance imaging). Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.This article is categorized under:

Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials
Nanoporous membranes for medical and biological applications
Authors: Adiga Shashishekar P. , Jin Chunmin , Curtiss Larry A. , Monteiro‐Riviere Nancy A. , Narayan Roger J. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractSynthetic nanoporous materials have numerous potential biological and medical applications that involve sorting, sensing, isolating, and releasing biological molecules. Nanoporous systems engineered to mimic natural filtration systems are actively being developed for use in smart implantable drug delivery systems, bioartificial organs, and other novel nano‐enabled medical devices. Recent advances in nanoscience have made it possible to precisely control the morphology as well as physical and chemical properties of the pores in nanoporous materials that make them increasingly attractive for regulating and sensing transport at the molecular level. In this work, an overview of nanoporous membranes for biomedical applications is given. Various in vivo and in vitro membrane applications, including biosensing, biosorting, immunoisolation, and drug delivery, are presented. Different types of nanoporous materials and their fabrication techniques are discussed with an emphasis on membranes with ordered pores. Desirable properties of membranes used in implantable devices, including biocompatibility and antibiofouling behavior, are discussed. The use of surface modification techniques to improve the function of nanoporous membranes is reviewed. Despite the extensive research carried out in fabrication, characterization, and modeling of nanoporous materials, there are still several challenges that must be overcome in order to create synthetic nanoporous systems that behave similarly to their biological counterparts. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.This article is categorized under:

Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanomaterials and Implants
Comparative Study on Overexpression of HER2/neu and HER3 in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Zhang Xiu Li , Yang Yun Sheng , Xu Dong Ping , Qu Jian Hui , Guo Ming Zhou , Gong Yan , Huang Jin 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackgroundOwing to the special importance of the HER family in tumorigenesis, the downstream signaling pathways and effectors have become the key molecules in the strategy of carcinoma‐targeted therapy. Recent evidence that HER3 is responsible for tumor resistance to therapeutic agents targeting EGFR or HER2/neu, along with the new findings that HER3 is involved in the process of dedifferentiation of gastric cancer (GC) have highlighted the critical role of HER3 in cancer research. HER3 is becoming a new targeted molecule in cancer treatment. Here, we comparatively investigated the expression of HER2/neu and HER3 in gastric cancer of two pathologic types (intestinal type and diffuse type) using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and analyzed the correlation between overexpression of HER2 and HER3 and clinicopathologic parameters.MethodsAn IHC study for HER2 and HER3 was performed on 102 formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded specimens of GC—60 intestinal and 42 diffuse types. The correlation between overexpression of HER2 and HER3 and clinicopathologic parameters was statistically analyzed.ResultsIn the GC group, overexpression of HER2 and HER3 was detected in 19 (18.6%) and 14 (13.7%) of 102 GC patients, respectively. In a nontumorous group of 102 specimens, 5 were HER2‐positive (4.9%) (18.6% vs. 4.9%, p < 0.01), and 2 were HER3‐positive (2.0%) (13.7% vs. 2.0%, p < 0.01). No co‐overexpression of HER2 and HER3 was observed. The intestinal type of GC exhibited a higher rate of HER2 overexpression than did the diffuse type (26.7% vs. 7.1%, p < 0.05), whereas the diffuse type of GC exhibited a significantly higher rate of HER3 overexpression than did the intestinal type (26.2% vs. 5.0%, p < 0.01). The overexpression rates of HER2 and HER3 in phase III–IV (TNM stage) disease were significantly higher than that in phase I–II disease (24.0% vs. 7.7%, p < 0.05 and 22.0% vs. 5.8%, p < 0.05, respectively). HER2 and HER3 overexpression was also correlated with a significantly worse survival (p = 0.046 and 0.024, respectively).ConclusionsThe selective overexpression of HER2 and HER3 in the two histologic types of gastric cancer is strongly associated with a poor prognosis. Being an important member of the HER family, HER3 may become another candidate for molecular‐targeted therapy in gastric cancer, especially for the diffuse histologic type.
Long‐Term Results of Fundectomy and Periesophagogastric Devascularization in Patients with Gastric Fundal Variceal Bleeding
Authors: Lee Joo‐Ho , Han Ho‐Seong , Kim Hyun‐Ah , Koo Min‐Young 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackgroundGastric variceal bleeding is life‐threatening, and occasionally it requires operative intervention, but its treatment is controversial. Based on our experience, we considered that fundectomy and periesophagogastric devascularization (FPD) offers an effective treatment method. Accordingly, this study was undertaken to document postoperative and long‐term follow‐up results, such as, gastric variceal bleeding recurrence and patient survival.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 41 patients with gastric fundal variceal bleeding who underwent FPD between August 1994 and May 2005. The evaluation included clinical characteristics, operative morbidity, mortality, and long‐term follow up results.ResultsOperative morbidity and mortality rates were 26.8% and 17.1%, respectively. Child‐Pugh classification, number of previous variceal bleeding episodes, success of preoperative intervention, and ongoing active bleeding during surgery were all factors found to have significant effects on postoperative mortality. No recurrent bleeding from gastric varices was encountered over a median follow‐up period of 52.1 months. The cumulative 5‐year survival rate was 62.0%, and the major causes of death were hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and hepatic failure.ConclusionsThe operative procedure used in this study resulted in a low rate of recurrent bleeding and good long‐term survival. This analysis of results suggests that fundectomy and periesophagogastric devascularization is an effective therapeutic intervention in patients with fundal variceal bleeding.
Metastatic Lymph Node Ratio: A New Staging System for Gastric Cancer
Authors: Persiani Roberto , Rausei Stefano , Antonacci Vincenzo , Biondi Alberto , Casella Francesco , Ciccoritti Luigi , D’Ugo Domenico 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackgroundThis study was designed to analyze the prognostic significance of the staging system based on the ratio of metastatic lymph nodes (TRM) compared with the TNM staging system in patients with gastric cancer.MethodsWe reviewed the data of 219 patients who underwent gastrectomy for node‐positive M0 cancer. Node Ratio (NR) categories (NR1: 1–15%; NR2: 16–40%; NR3: >40%) were determined by the best cutoff approach at log‐rank test. After confirming the prognostic validity of NR in a collinearity‐free Cox regression analysis, among different combinations of pT and NR categories we selected five prognostically homogeneous TRM classes. To compare the prognostic power of the TRM vs. TNM systems, we plotted TRM and TNM classes against the mortality estimates.ResultsBoth of the TRM and TNM classifications significantly stratified patients outcomes (p < 0.0001), but the TRM system identified prognostic subgroups more homogeneous than the TNM system.ConclusionsThe TRM staging system is a simple and reliable tool to stratify patients with gastric cancer and has a higher prognostic power than the current system.
Use of Retrieval Bags in Incidental Gallbladder Cancer Cases
Authors: Goetze Thorsten Oliver , Paolucci Vittorio 
Published: July 2009

AbstractIntroductionAccidental intraoperative gallbladder perforation is a problem in laparoscopic surgery, especially in cases with incidental gallbladder carcinoma (IGBC). The question is whether intraoperative gallbladder perforation has a prognostic disadvantage or a retrieval bag provides protection against tumor dissemination.MethodsA standardized questionnaire was sent to all German surgical clinics based on the central register of “incidental gallbladder carcinoma” of the German Society of Surgery founded in 1997.ResultsIn 592 IGBC‐registered cases, there were 330 laparoscopies, 154 open surgeries, and intraoperative conversion was performed in 106 cases. Of laparoscopic surgeries (n = 330), the recurrence rate was 30%. The recurrence rate for cases with (174/330) and without (156/330) the use of retrieval bag was 32.2% and 27%, respectively. In laparoscopies with intraoperative gallbladder perforation (73/330 cases), the recurrence rate was 38.4%. Of these cases the recurrence rate with (51/73) and without (22/73) the use of retrieval bags was 39.2% and 36.4%, respectively. In 257 cases without intraoperative perforation, tumor recurrence rate was 27.2%, and it was 29.3% or 25.4% with (123/257) and without (134/257) the use of retrieval bags.ConclusionsAccording to the registry data, the intraoperative gallbladder perforation results in significant (P = 0.047) prognostic disadvantage and in these cases retrieval bags were used more often (P = 0.001). However, in IGBC cases if intraoperative gallbladder perforation has already happened, the use of retrieval bags had no protective effects.
Effects of motor practice on cognitive disorders in older adults
Authors: Yan Jin H. , Zhou Cheng Lin 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
The demographics of our societies have changed drastically during the past few decades. The general population is aging rapidly as human life spans continue to expand and more adults are set to mature during the next quarter century. This aging process has numerous implications for the way we live and will have particularly important impacts on health and healthcare. In particular, substantial evidence suggests that cognitive–motor function deteriorates considerably as the result of inactive life style, biological aging, and cognitive impairments. The number of individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD), an aging-related cognitive disorder, is expected to increase significantly during the next 40 years. The development of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or AD can exaggerate the functional declines observed in cognitive or motor performance. The functional declines affect an array of social, cognitive, mental, physical, and motor activities in our daily lives. However, recent studies suggest that cognitive, physical, motor practice, or skill learning can improve motor speed, smoothness, and accuracy in both MCI and AD patients and their age-matched healthy peers. From theoretical and practical perspectives, this paper addresses several critical aspects of motor deficits and the kinematical characteristics of motor skill development in MCI and AD populations. Empirical data will be presented relative to the sensory–motor functions of MCI and AD, the motor skill acquisition, exercise rehabilitation in older adults with memory loss, as well as the implications for therapies. Finally, this review concludes with thoughts and suggestions for future research in these areas.
New Colloidal Lithographic Nanopatterns Fabricated by Combining Pre-Heating and Reactive Ion Etching
Authors: Cong Chunxiao , Junus WilliamChandra , Shen Zexiang , Yu Ting 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
We report a low-cost and simple method for fabrication of nonspherical colloidal lithographic nanopatterns with a long-range order by preheating and oxygen reactive ion etching of monolayer and double-layer polystyrene spheres. This strategy allows excellent control of size and morphology of the colloidal particles and expands the applications of the colloidal patterns as templates for preparing ordered functional nanostructure arrays. For the first time, various unique nanostructures with long-range order, including network structures with tunable neck length and width, hexagonal-shaped, and rectangular-shaped arrays as well as size tunable nanohole arrays, were fabricated by this route. Promising potentials of such unique periodic nanostructures in various fields, such as photonic crystals, catalysts, templates for deposition, and masks for etching, are naturally expected.