bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histamine-Dependent and -Independent Hypersensitivity Reactions to Contrast Media: The Impact of Antihistamines
Authors: Coors Esther A. , Bohm Ingrid
Published: May 2008

Contrast media (CM) are widely used substances that may lead to hypersensitivity reactions. Those adverse events can be classified as immediate reactions that occur within the first hour after administration of CM or delayed reactions that develop after more than one hour and during the following 7 days. The pathomechanisms for both types of reactions are still not fully clear. Only in a minority of cases with immediate reactions an IgE-mediated pathway has been shown. In most cases, different mechanisms lead to the release of histamine and other mediators, thus provoking the symptoms of anaphylaxis. These reactions may either occur immediately after CM-injection or delayed. Moreover, some of the delayed reactions seem to be mainly T-cell mediated. Antihistamines are used in the treatment of adverse reactions as well as in the prophylaxis for patients with a history of a hypersensitivity reaction. Although the clinical aspect of frequently occurring reactions like urticaria, and angioedema (type I-reactions and type I-like reactions) implicates a first line application for antihistamines, the clinical experience shows that some cases do not respond to these agents. Therefore, it seems likely that other mediators such as leukotrienes might be involved in mediating CM-induced reactions.
Post-translational regulation of the RpoS and PsrA genes in pseudomonas putida WCS358: The role of ClpXP protease
Authors: Jovcic B. , Begovic Jelena , Lozo Jelena , Topisirovic Lj. , Kojic M.
Published: May 2008

The RpoS and PsrA proteins are key transcriptional regulators that are activated in response to the stationary phase of growth in pseudomonads. This study was designed to establish whether ClpXP (ATP-dependent serine protease) regulates levels of RpoS and PsrA in Pseudomonas putida WCS358. Western blot analysis of P. putida WCS358 protein extracts from the early exponentianl, late exponential, and stationary phases of growth with antibodies against RpoS and PsrA revealed that these proteins are degraded by ClpXP in the early exponential phase of growth. The obtained results demonstrate a role for ClpXP protease in post-translational regulation of proteins encoded by the rpoS and psrA genes in Pseudomonas spp.
Steroid hormones modulate galectin-1 in the trophoblast HTR-8/SVneocell line
Authors: Bojic-Trbojevic Zanka , Bozic Milica , Vicovac Ljiljana
Published: May 2008

The effects of steroids on galectin-1 (gal-1) were studied in HTR-8/SVneo cells by immunocytochemistry, cell-based ELISA, the MTT proliferation test and the Matrigel TM invasion test. Dexamethasone (DEX), progesterone (PRG), and mifepristone (RU486) were used. Gal-1 was modulated in a steroid- and dose-dependent manner by DEX, which mildly but significantly stimulated production at low concentrations (0.1-10 nM), and inhibited it at 100 nM, while the effects of PRG and RU486 were opposite. HTR-8/SVneo cell invasion of Matrigel was significantly decreased in the presence of DEX and lactose. The obtained data support the proposed regulatory role of steroids in trophoblast gal-1 production.
Adrenal cortex in peripubertal and adult female rats after neonatal treatment with SRIH-14
Authors: Milosevic Verica , Terzic Milica , Filipovic B. , Manojlovic Milica , Sosic-Jurjevic Branka , Sekulic Milka , Starcevic Vesna
Published: May 2008

Neonatal female rats (3-7 days old) were injected subcutaneously twice daily with 20 ?g of SRIH-14/100g b.w. for five consecutive days. The animals were sacrificed in the peripubertal (38 days old) or adult (80 days old) periods of life. Control rats were treated in the same way with identical volumes of saline. SRIH-14 led to significant reduction (p<0.05) of the absolute and relative volumes of the ZG in peripubertal animals, by 11 and 22%, respectively in comparison with the controls. The total number and volume of ZG cells and their nuclei were also significantly decreased (p<0.05) in peripubertal SRIH-14-treated rats as compared to the controls. There were no significant (p>0.05) changes in the morphometric parameters of adult adrenal cortex after SRIH-14 treatment compared with control females. It can be concluded that subcutaneously applied SRIH-14 in the neonatal period inhibits growth of adrenal ZG cells in female rats only up to the peripubertal stage, while the adrenal gland cortex recovers before mature adulthood is reached.
Glutathione as a suitable biomarker in hepatopancreas, gills and muscle of three freshwater crayfish species
Authors: Kovacevic Tijana , Borkovic Slavica , Pavlovic S.Z. , Despotovic Svetlana , Saicic Zorica
Published: May 2008

We determined the contents of total glutathione (tGSH), reduced glutathione (GSH), and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and values of the glutathione redox index (GSH RI) in hepatopancreas, gills, and muscle of three freshwater crayfish species: noble crayfish (Astacus astacus) from the Southern Morava River, stone crayfish (Austropotamobius torrentium) from the Krajkovacka River, and spinycheek crayfish (Orconectes limosus) from the Danube River. The obtained data show strong tissue and species specifity of investigated parameters: tGSH, GSH, GSSG, and GSH RI in the hepatopancreas, gills, and muscle of the indicated crayfish species. Our work represents the first study of its kind and showed that the investigated parameters can be considered suitable biomarkers of the cellular glutathione redox status in of freshwater crayfish species.
Two metallothionein gene family members in buckwheat: Expression analysis in flooding stress using Real Time RT-PCR technology
Authors: Majic Dragana , Samardzic Jelena , Milisavljevic Mira , Krstic A.M. , Maksimovic Vesna
Published: May 2008

Metallothioneins (MTs) are an extensive and diverse family of small cysteine-rich proteins with metal-binding ability that are involved in metal homeostasis and detoxification. Two cDNA clones of the MT3 type, differing in 3? UTRs, were isolated from the developing buckwheat seed cDNA library. Following sequence analyses, expression profiles during flooding stress were monitored by Real Time RT PCR technology.
The fauna of endoparasites in Acipenser ruthenus Linnaeus, 1758 from the Serbian part of the Danube River
Authors: Cakic P. , Djikanovic Vesna , Kulisic Z. , Paunovic M. , Jakovcev-Todorovic Dunja , Milosevic Snezana
Published: May 2008

Helminths of sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus L.) from the Danube River were studied as a part of ichthyoparasitological research in Serbia. The fish were collected during the period of 2002 - 2003 along the Danube's course through the Belgrade region. A total of 517 specimens of sterlet of different ages (0+ to 1+) were examined. Helminths were found in 342 or 66.15% of the collected specimens. The examined fish yielded a total of 13 helminth species: four species of Trematoda, one species of Cestoda, four species of Nematoda, and four species of Acanthocephala.
Bryophyte flora on the northern slopes of Zlatar Mountain (Southwest Serbia)
Authors: Veljic M. , Ljubic Biljana , Marin P.D. , Marin Mirjana
Published: May 2008

This work presents a contribution to knowledge of the bryophyte flora of Zlatar Mountain. A total of 127 taxa from 35 families were identified. The hepatics are represented by 18 and mosses by 109 taxa. Representatives of the Holarctic distribution type and the temperate floristic category are highly present the investigated area.
Bleaching of chlorophylls by UV irradiation in vitro: The effects on chlorophyll organization in acetone and n-hexane
Authors: Zvezdanovic Jelena , Markovic Dejan
Published: May 2008

The stability of chlorophylls toward UV irradiation was studied by Vis spectrophotometry in extracts containing mixtures of photosynthetic pigments in acetone and n-hexane. The chlorophylls underwent destruction (bleaching) obeying first-order kinetics. The bleaching was governed by three major factors: the energy input of the UV photons, the concentration of the chlorophylls and the polarity of the solvent, implying different molecular organizations of the chlorophylls in the two solvents.
The chemical composition of the essential oil and the antibacterial activities of the essential oil and methanol extract of Teucrium montanum
Authors: Vukovic Nenad , Milosevic Tanja , Sukdolak Slobodan , Solujic Slavica
Published: May 2008

This study was designed to examine the chemical composition of the essential oil and the in vitro antibacterial activities of the essential oil and methanol extract of Teucrium montanum. The inhibitory effects of the essential oil and the methanol extracts of Teucrium montanum were tested against thirteen bacterial species using the disc-diffusion method. GC/MS analyses revealed that the essential oil contained mainly sesquiterpenes, such as ?-cadinene (17.19 %), ?-selinene (8.16 %) and ?-calacorene (4.97 %). The highest activities were obtained with the essential oil of Teucrium montanum against K. pneumoniae, B. subtilis, B. mycoides, E. cloaceae and A. chlorococcum. In addition, comparison of the antibacterial activities of the essential oil and the methanol extract showed that the essential oil exhibited the stronger antibacterial activities.
Modification of nano-sized layered double hydroxides by long-chain organic aliphatic surfactants
Authors: Anbarasan Ramasamy , Lee Wanduc , Soon Seung
Published: May 2008

The inter-layer anion of layered double hydroxides (LDH) with a hydrotalcite (HT)-like structure was ion-exchanged with various organic surfactants, particularly with long chain aliphatic surfactants. After the ion-exchange process, the basal spacing of the LDH was increased and the increase of the basal spacing depended on various factors, such as the intercalation capacity functionality and orientation capability of the surfactant. Of the employed surfactants, stearic acid intercalated LDH showed the highest increase of the basal spacing, which was confirmed by XRD analysis. FTIR results supported the interaction of the surfactants with the LDH. In addition, an increase in the thermal stability of the dodecanedioic acid intercalated HT was evidenced by the TGA method.
Cd(II) extraction in PEG(1550)-(NH4)2SO4 aqueous two-phase systems using halide extractants
Authors: Bulgariu Laura , Bulgariu Dumitru
Published: May 2008

The extraction of Cd(II) was studied in an aqueous PEG-(NH4)2SO4 two-phase system, formed from a water-soluble polymer (poly(ethylene glycol), PEG) and an inorganic salt ((NH4)2SO4), in the presence of halide ions. In the absence of a suitable extracting agent, Cd(II) remains predominantly in the salt-rich phase of the extraction system. By addition of halide ions as extractants, Cd(II) is extracted into the PEG-rich phase due to the formation of cadmium halide species. The efficiency of the extractants increased in the order: Cl- < Br- < I-. From the distribution coefficients determined as a function of the concentration of the halide ions, the compositions of the extracted species were assumed and the "conditional" extractions constants calculated. The experimental results indicate that the extractability of Cd(II) in such extraction systems depends on the type of Cd(II) halide species (which is mainly determined by the acidity of salt stock solution) and of their stability.
Semiconducting properties of oxide films formed onto an Nb electrode in NaOH solutions
Authors: Jovic Vladimir , Jovic Borka
Published: May 2008

In this paper, the results of the potentiostatic formation of homogeneous and heterogeneous, nano-crystalline passive films of Nb2O5 onto an Nb electrode in NaOH solutions of different concentrations at potentials lower than 3.0 V vs. SCE are presented. The semiconducting properties of such films were investigated by EIS measurements. After fitting the EIS results by appropriate equivalent circuits, the space charge capacitance (Csc) and space charge resistance (Rsc) of these films were determined. The donor density (Nsc), flat band potential (Efb) and thickness of the space charge layer (dsc) for such oxide films were determined from the corresponding Mott-Schottky (M-S) plots. It is shown that all oxide films were n-type semiconductors in a certain potential range.
Plasmon: Two phonon interaction in PbMnTe and PbTeS alloys
Authors: Trajic Jelena , Romcevic Nebojsa , Romcevic Maja , Nikiforov Vladimir
Published: May 2008

In this work far-infrared spectroscopy over a wide temperature range was used to investigate the vibration properties of Pb1-xMnxTe (x ? 0.12) and PbTe1-xSx (x ? 0.05) single crystals. In the analysis of the experimental results, a dielectric function which in advance takes into account the existence of plasmon - two phonon interaction was employed. As a result of the best fit, the three frequencies of the coupled modes were obtained and then the values for the two LO modes and the plasma frequency (?P) were calculated. It was found that the phonons in PbTe1-xSx and Pb1-xMnxTe showed two-mode behavior (each TO-LO mode pair for the end members degenerates to an impurity mode).
Metal extraction from Cetraria islandica (L.) Ach. lichen using low pH solutions
Authors: Cuculovic Ana , Pavlovic Mirjana , Veselinovic Dragan , Miljanic Scepan
Published: May 2008

Extraction of metals (K, Al, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Ba, Zn, Mn and Sr) from dry Cetraria islandica (L.) Ach. lichen was performed using solutions similar to acid rain (solution A H2SO4-HNO3-(NH4)2SO4 and solution B H2SO4- -HNO3-(NH4)2SO4-NH4NO3). The pH values of these solutions were 2.00, 2.58, 2.87, 3.28, and 3.75. Five consecutive extractions were performed with each solution. In all solutions, the extracted metal content, except Cu and Ca, was the highest in the first extract. The highest percentage of the metals desorbed in the first extraction was obtained using solutions with low pH values, 2.00, 2.58, and 2.87. The lowest percentage in the first extraction was obtained using solutions with pH 3.28 and pH 3.75, indicating influence of the H+ ion on the extraction. According to the results obtained, the investigated metals form two groups. The first group includes K, Al, Ca, Mg, and Fe. They were extracted in each of the five extractions at each of the pH values. The second group includes Ba, Zn, Mn, Cu, and Sr, which were not all extracted at each pH value. The first group yielded three types of extraction curves when the logarithms of extracted metal amounts were plotted as a function of the number of successive extractions. These effects indicate that three different positions (centers) of metal ion accumulation exist in the lichen (due to sorption, complex formation, or other processes present in the tissues).
Biologically active new Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) complexes of N-(2-thienylmethylene)methanamine
Authors: Spînu C. , Pleniceanu M. , Tigae C.
Published: May 2008

Iron(II), cobalt(II), nickel (II), copper (II), zinc(II) and cadmium(II) complexes of the type ML2Cl2, where M is a metal and L is the Schiff base N- -(2-thienylmethylene)methanamine (TNAM) formed by the condensation of 2- -thiophenecarboxaldehyde and methylamine, were prepared and characterized by elemental analysis as well as magnetic and spectroscopic measurements. The elemental analyses suggest the stoichiometry to be 1:2 (metal:ligand). Magnetic susceptibility data coupled with electronic, ESR and M?ssbauer spectra suggest a distorted octahedral structure for the Fe(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes, a square-planar geometry for the Cu(II) compound and a tetrahedral geometry for the Zn(II) and Cd(II) complexes. The infrared and NMR spectra of the complexes agree with co-ordination to the central metal atom through nitrogen and sulphur atoms. Conductance measurements suggest the non-electrolytic nature of the complexes, except for the Cu(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) complexes, which are 1:2 electrolytes. The Schiff base and its metal chelates were screened for their biological activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the metal chelates were found to possess better antibacterial activity than that of the uncomplexed Schiff base.
Metal complexes of Schiff bases derived from dicinnamoylmethane and aliphatic diamines
Authors: Krishnankutty K. , Sayudevi P. , Ummathur Basheer
Published: May 2008

Two new Schiff bases containing olefinic linkages have been synthesized by condensing aliphatic diamines with dicinnamoylmethane under specified conditions. The existence of these compounds predominantly in the intramolecularly hydrogen bonded keto-enamine form was well demonstrated by their IR, 1H-NMR and mass spectral data. Dibasic tetradentate N2O2 coordination of the compounds in their [ML] complexes (M = Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II)) was established on the basis of analytical and spectral data.
Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary Fish Clay at Højerup (Stevns Klint, Denmark): Zn, Pb and REE in kerogen
Authors: Premovic Pavle , Stankovic Maja , Pavlovic Mirjana , Djordjevic Milos
Published: May 2008

Geochemical analyses of Zn, Pb and rare earth elements (La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Yb and Lu) in the kerogen of the black marl at the Cretaceous - Paleogene boundary Fish Clay at H?jerup were performed. Substantial proportions of the Zn, Pb and rare earths were probably contained in terrestrial humic substances (the kerogen precursor) arriving at the marine sedimentary site. This is in accord with a previous hypothesis that kerogen is mainly derived from humic acids of an oxic soil in of the adjacent coastal areas of eastern Denmark. It is also suggested that humics enriched in Zn, Pb and rare earth elements were transported mainly through fluvial transport into the deposition site of the Fish Clay. Local weathering/leaching of the impact-eject fallout on the land surface and local terrestrial rocks by impact-induced? acid surface waters perhaps played an important role in providing Zn, Pb and rare earths to these humic substances. Apparently, chondritic and non-chondritic Zn originated from the impact fallout; Pb and rare earth elements were most likely sourced by exposed rocks in the coastal areas of eastern Denmark.
Thermodynamic calculations in ternary titanium-aluminium-manganese system
Authors: Kostov Ana , Zivkovic Dragana
Published: May 2008

Thermodynamic calculations in the ternary Ti-Al-Mn system are shown in this paper. The thermodynamic calculations were performed using the FactSage thermochemical software and database, with the aim of determining thermodynamic properties, such as activities, coefficient of activities, partial and integral values of the enthalpies and Gibbs energies of mixing and excess energies at two different temperatures: 2000 and 2100 K. Bearing in mind that no experimental data for the Ti-Al-Mn ternary system have been obtained or reported. The obtained results represent a good base for further thermodynamic analysis and may be useful as a comparison with some future critical experimental results and thermodynamic optimization of this system.
The effect of phosphoric acid application time on the bond strength of orthodontic brackets
Authors: Mitic Vladimir , Janosevic Mirjana
Published: May 2008

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different surface treatment intervals (15, 30 and 45 s) of 37% phosphoric acid on the bond strength of orthodontic brackets. Materials and Methods: Seventy extracted premolars, glass ionomer cement Ortho Fuji LC (GC Inc., Tokyo, Japan) and a conventional self-curing adhesive, System 1+ (Dentaurum, Inspringen, Germany) were used. Results: The obtained results suggested that the strongest bond was accomplished after enamel conditioning for 30 s and the weakest after 45 s treatment. Conclusion: The phosphoric acid application time has an effect on the quality and strength of the enamel - bracket bond.
Caries prevalence and risk factors for its development in urban and rural regions
Authors: Obradovic Marija , Dolic Olivera
Published: May 2008

Introduction: Many socio-demographic indicators, apart from other risk factors, may lead to a multicausal disease, such as caries. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate dental health status in 12-year olds in urban and rural populations in Banja Luka and determine possible risk factors in their oral health behavior. Subjects and Methods: The study involved 496 children, 12-year-old pupils in primary schools in urban and rural regions of Banja Luka. Dental checkup was performed in classrooms at day light and using dental mirrors and probes. Caries prevalence was analyzed using the Klein-Palmer system to obtain the mean decayed teeth values for the two regions. The pupils filled in questionnaires about their socioeconomic status, motivation and knowledge on oral health as well as oral hygiene and dietary habits. Results: High mean decayed teeth values were obtained in the rural population of pupils (4.89 and 6.74). Questionnaire data showed statistically significant differences regarding dental visits, fluoride prophylaxis, the frequency of tooth brushing and the age when pupils started to maintain oral hygiene. Conclusion: 12-year olds have a large number of affected teeth, especially in the rural region. It is essential to implement oral health education programs aimed at improving oral health and eliminating the misbalance in dental health status in populations living in different socio-economic and demographic regions.
Anatomical features of the palatal root canal in maxillary first molars and their influence on endodontic procedure
Authors: Beljic-Ivanovic Katarina , Ivanovic Vladimir
Published: May 2008

Introduction: More detailed acquaintance with specialist endodontic literature and treating complicated endodontic cases have revealed that the palatal root canal in maxillary first molars has different features from generally accepted simplicity. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the number, orientation and shape of the curvature of the palatal root canal in maxillary first molars, characteristics that may have great influence on the procedure and outcome of endodontic therapy. Materials and methods: Material consisted of 100 left and 100 right extracted human first maxillary molars. Extended access cavity was prepared, and canal orifices were detected using an endodontic probe. K-flex file no 15 or 20 was then introduced into the palatal root canal until the tip appeared at the apical foramen. The tooth was radiographed from buccal-oral (clinical) and mesial-distal (proximal) aspect under standardized conditions. On magnified images, the number and character of canal, orientation and shape of the curvature were determined. Results: One palatal root canal was found in each of 200 teeth. From the clinical projection, 60% of the palatal canals appeared curved and from the proximal 93.5% (p<0.05). Out of 120 curved canals from the clinical aspect, 66.7% were oriented distally and 33.3% mesially. From the proximal projection, of 187 curved canals 68,4% were oriented buccally, and 31,6% palatally. From the clinical projection, 49.2% were C-shaped, and 32.5 % with the J-shaped curvature. Only 18.3% of the palatal canals were with the S-shaped curvature (p<0.05). Conclusions: Upon presented results, practitioners may predict with high significance the character, orientation and curvature shape of the palatal root canal in maxillary first molars in the buccal-oral dimension which is not visible on clinical radiographs and, therefore, perform more successful endodontic treatment.
Monitoring of the morphologic reconstruction of deposited ablation products in laser irradiation of silicon
Authors: Vlasova M. , Aguilar Márquez , Reséndiz-González M.C. , Kakazey M. , Stetsenko V. , Tomila T. , Ragulya A.
Published: May 2008

Using electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray microanalysis, and IR spectroscopy, it was established that, in the regime of continuous laser irradiation of silicon at P = 170 W in different gaseous atmospheres with an oxygen impurity, SiOx composite films with a complex morphology form. The main components of ablation products are clusters that form during flight of ablation products and as a result of separation of SiOx-clusters from the zone of the irradiation channel. The roughness and density of the films depend on the heating temperature of the target surface and the type of deposited clusters.
The position of crime victims in legislation of the Republic of Slovenia
Authors: Filipcic Katja
Published: May 2008

In the last ten years the position of victims of crimes has been improved in Slovenia. In criminal law the model of restorative justice has been enacted and the hearing of sexual abused children at the court main hearing is not allowed. By this measure the secondary victimisation of abused children has been reduced. The changes in the other law, beside the criminal code and criminal procedure code, also have determined the position of victims. The most important new law is The law of preventing family violence witch does not contain any new incrimination or sanction. Its main goal is to coordinate activities of different agencies and provide the systematic approach to family violence. Slovenia also enacted special law about payment the restitution to victims of violent crimes. In Slovenia public opinion about offenders became more punitive and demands for harsher sentences are made in the name of victims rights and public safety.
Auditor Independence: A Focus on the SEC Independence Rules
Authors: Gramling Audrey A. , Karapanos Vassilios
Published: May 2008

Auditor independence is an important underpinning of the federal securities laws. These laws require that registrants' financial statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) be audited by independent public accountants. The focus on independence for public company auditors was increased in light of the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 to strengthen auditor independence.

These instructional resources provide background information on the current SEC auditor independence rules. After becoming familiar with these rules, you will have the opportunity to complete several case scenarios that address: (1) hypothetical settings that may represent violations of the SEC independence rules, (2) possible actions that an audit committee might take when it determines that the SEC independence rules may have been violated, and (3) possible alternatives to the current SEC independence rules that could achieve the desired public policy goals of objective audits and investor confidence.
Baier Building Products, Inc.: Performance Incentives and Variance Analysis in Sales Distribution
Authors: Lamberton Barbara A.
Published: May 2008

Faced with price volatility and changes in key personnel responsibilities, a small privately held distributor of commodity building products with limited resources needs to re-evaluate its performance incentives. The company's owners and controller need your help in assessing the extent to which the current compensation scheme has encouraged opportunistic behavior, resulting in large commissions without significant movement toward the company's strategic objectives. By completing this case successfully, you will learn how to develop a balanced scorecard suitable for a small sales distribution business and learn how to compute and interpret marketing variances.
Maxwell and Company: Staff Auditor Embezzlement at a Small Client
Authors: McKnight Constance A. , Manly Tracy S. , Carr Pamela S.
Published: May 2008

Maxwell and Company, a local accounting firm, discovers that one of its employees has embezzled funds from a client. This case requires you to examine the components of the fraud triangle and apply them to the facts of the case. The case emphasizes the importance of quality control at accounting firms and internal controls at small companies. In addition, the case provides you with an opportunity to analyze the responsibilities of accountants, accounting firms, and accounting students.
Beta Auto Dealers: Integrating Disparate Data to Solve Management Problems
Authors: Bradford Marianne , Samuels Janet A. , Wood Robert E.
Published: May 2008

In this case, you will examine imprecisely stated management problems and decide what data are needed from disparate legacy systems to solve these problems. The general management issues at Beta Auto Dealers, the car dealership in this case, include sales, marketing, and customer visit information. Since data are stored in multiple information systems built upon outdated flat file architecture, management questions cannot be easily answered.

This case encourages you to demonstrate your skills in both information system design and use. Given data extracted from the “legacy systems” in Microsoft® Excel worksheets, you will create business process maps, use your accounting and business knowledge to determine querying objectives for Beta's management, design a conceptual data model, create a Microsoft® Access database, and import data. Finally, using your database query skills, you will build relevant queries and interpret their results in order to improve management's decision making.
Phase transition in Bi8Fe6Ti3O27 multiferroic ceramics
Authors: Patri Sunanda , Choudhary Ram
Published: May 2008

The polycrystalline Bi8Fe6Ti3O27 compound was prepared by a high-temperature solid-state reaction technique. Preliminary structural analysis by X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirms the formation of a single-phase compound in an orthorhombic crystal system at room temperature. The elemental content of the compound was analyzed by EDAX microanalysis. Microstructural analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows that the compound has well defined grains, which are distributed uniformly throughout the surface of the pellet sample. Detailed studies of temperature-dependent dielectric response at various frequencies show dielectric anomalies at 380, 389 and 403°C for 10 kHz, 100 kHz, and 1 MHz respectively. The hysteresis loop observed by applying an electric field of 12 kV/cm on the poled sample with smaller remanent polarization supports the existence of ferroelectricity in this material. The value of d33 of the compound was found to be 19 pC/N.
Interstate Highway Connections and Traced Gun Transfers Between the 48 Contiguous United States
Authors: Roberts Leah , Hoofnagle Mark H. , Bushover Brady , Gobaud Ariana N. , Mehranbod Christina A. , Fish Carolyn , Morrison Christopher N.
Published: April 2024

Importance

Interstate gun flow has critical implications for gun violence prevention, as gun transfers across state lines can undermine local gun control policies.

Objective

To identify possible gun trafficking routes along interstate highways in the US.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This repeated-measures, ecological, cross-sectional study used data from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2019, to examine associations between interstate connections via 13 highways that each spanned at least 1000 miles and interstate traced gun transfer counts for the 48 contiguous United States. Analyses were completed in November 2023.

Exposures

Characteristics of the origin states and the transportation connections between the destination state and the origin states.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcome was the total count of guns used in crimes in each destination state per year that were originally purchased in the origin state. Bayesian conditional autoregressive Poisson models were used to examine associations between the count of guns used in crime traced to interstate purchases and interstate highway connections between origin and destination states.

Results

Between 2010 and 2019, 526 801 guns used in crimes in the contiguous 48 states were traced to interstate purchases. Northbound gun transfers along the Interstate 95 corridor were greater than expected to New Jersey (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 2.80; 95% credible interval [CrI], 1.01-7.68) and Maryland (IRR, 3.07; 95% CrI, 1.09-8.61); transfers were similarly greater along Interstate 15 southbound, Interstate 25 southbound, Interstate 35 southbound, Interstate 75 northbound and southbound, Interstate 10 westbound, and Interstate 20 eastbound and westbound.

Conclusions and Relevance

This repeated-measures, ecological, cross-sectional study identified that guns used in crimes traced to interstate purchases moved routinely between states along multiple major transportation routes. Interstate gun transfers are a major contributor to gun crime, injury, and death in the US. National policies and interstate cooperation are needed to address this issue.
Predicting outcome in disorders of consciousness: A mega‐analysis
Authors: Pavlov Yuri G. , Spiegelsberger Franziska , Kotchoubey Boris
Published: April 2024

Objective

Assessing recovery potential in patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC) is pivotal for guiding clinical and ethical decisions. We conducted a mega‐analysis of individual patient data to understand (1) if a time threshold exists, beyond which regaining consciousness is almost impossible, and (2) how recovery varies based on factors such as diagnosis, etiology, age, sex, and neuropsychological status.

Methods

A systematic literature search revealed a total of 3290 patients. In this sample, we performed a Cox proportional hazards analysis for interval censored data.

Results

We observed a late saturation of probability to regain consciousness in Kaplan–Meier curves, and the annual rate of recovery was remarkably stable, in that approximately 35% of patients regained consciousness per year. Patients in minimally conscious state (MCS) recovered more frequently than patients in unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS). No significant difference was observed between the recovery dynamics of MCS subgroups: MCS+ and MCS−. Patients with hypoxic brain lesions showed worse recovery rate than patients with traumatic brain injury and patients with vascular brain lesions, while the latter two categories did not differ from each other. Male patients had moderately better chance to regain consciousness. While younger UWS patients recovered more frequently than older patients, it was not the case in MCS.

Interpretation

Our findings highlight the necessity for neurologists to exercise caution when making negative predictions in individual cases, challenge traditional beliefs regarding recovery timelines, and underscore the importance of conducting detailed and prolonged assessments to better understand recovery prospects in DoC.
Nanoplasmonic Affinity Analysis System for Molecular Screening Based on Bright‐Field Imaging
Authors: Chen Mingqian , Fan Hongli , Li Wen , Ruan Jingyan , Yang Yihui , Mao Cuixuan , Li Rui , Liu Gang L. , Hu Wenjun
Published: April 2024

Considering the improved detection of biological analytes for affinity analysis is highly desirable, a metasurface plasmon resonance (Meta‐SPR)‐based imaging system, incorporating a localized SPR sensing platform with different microfluidic systems and employing simple bright‐field imaging, is established in this study. This system enables low‐level analyte concentration analysis, ranging from 100 pm to 100 nm, with the real‐time removal of nonspecific binding signals within the same device field of view. Combined with microfluidic systems and microdroplet spotting, it is possible to automatically measure the kinetic curves of a sample at ten concentration gradients or detect the specific responses of multiple samples in a single experiment simultaneously. This system can inexpensively and conveniently achieve complex detection functions, demonstrating an innovative breakthrough in sensor detection.
Crystallization‐Driven Optimization of Morphology and Performance in Near‐Infrared Organic Photodetectors via Alkyl Side Chain Tuning of Narrow Bandgap Non‐Fullerene Acceptors
Authors: Cho Kyounguk , Ha Jong‐Woon , Nam Minwoo , Lee Chihyung , You Seung Ju , Lee Ah Young , Yoon Sung Cheol , Han Mijeong , Kim Jong H. , Ko Seo‐Jin , Ko Doo‐Hyun
Published: April 2024

Narrow bandgap non‐fullerene acceptors (NBG NFAs) are crucial in advancing near‐infrared organic photodetectors (NIR OPDs). However, the polymorphous behavior of NFAs introduces energetic disorder and charge‐trapping sites in the bulk heterojunction (BHJ) active layers, thereby hindering the NIR performance of OPDs. This study demonstrates the design and optimization of the molecular structures of alkyl side chains in NFAs to morphologically address these electrical limitations and shed light on how side chains affect the crystallization‐driven control of the morphogenesis process in BHJ layers. The structure, linearity, and length of the alkyl side chain molecules are strategically designed and controlled to synthesize a series of NBG NFAs, namely COT‐R (R = EH, BO, Oct, or Dod). The in‐depth quantitative investigations into the morphological and electrical factors reveal that side‐chain optimization effectively enhances various morphological properties, such as the molecular alignment and compatibility between components in the BHJ layer, resulting in the mitigation of energetic disorders and charge traps in the BHJ layers. Therefore, the optimized BHJ system, comprising COT‐Oct blended with PTB7‐Th, achieves a reduced dark current and increased responsivity, contributing to the development of high‐performance NIR OPDs with an impressive specific detectivity of 1.49 × 1012 Jones at 1000 nm under ‐0.5 V.
Engineering Wet‐Resistant and Osteogenic Nanocomposite Adhesive to Control Bleeding and Infection after Median Sternotomy
Authors: Shokri Mahshid , Kharaziha Mahshid , Ahmadi Tafti Hossein , Dalili Faezeh , Mehdinavaz Aghdam Rouhollah , Baghaban Eslaminejad Mohamadreza
Published: April 2024

Median sternotomy surgery stands as one of the prevailing strategies in cardiac surgery. In this study, the cutting‐edge bone adhesive is designed, inspired by the impressive adhesive properties found in mussels and sandcastle worms. This work has created an osteogenic nanocomposite coacervate adhesive by integrating a cellulose‐polyphosphodopamide interpenetrating network, quaternized chitosan, and zinc, gallium‐doped hydroxyapatite nanoparticles. This adhesive is characterized by robust catechol–metal coordination which effectively adheres to both hard and soft tissues with a maximum adhesive strength of 900 ± 38 kPa on the sheep sternum bone, surpassing that of commercial bone adhesives. The release of zinc and gallium cations from nanocomposite adhesives and quaternized chitosan matrix imparts remarkable antibacterial properties and promotes rapid blood coagulation, in vitro and ex vivo. It is also proved that this nanocomposite adhesive exhibits significant in vitro bioactivity, stable degradability, biocompatibility, and osteogenic ability. Furthermore, the capacity of nanocomposite coacervate to adhere to bone tissue and support osteogenesis contributes to the successful healing of a sternum bone defect in a rabbit model in vivo. In summary, these nanocomposite coacervate adhesives with promising characteristics are expected to provide solutions to clinical issues faced during median sternotomy surgery.
Halide Exchange in Perovskites Enables Bromine/Iodine Hybrid Cathodes for Highly Durable Zinc Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Shixun , Wang Yiqiao , Wei Zhiquan , Zhu Jiaxiong , Chen Ze , Hong Hu , Xiong Qi , Zhang Dechao , Li Shimei , Wang Shengnan , Huang Yan , Zhi Chunyi
Published: April 2024

With the increasing need for reliable storage systems, the conversion‐type chemistry typified by bromine cathodes attracts considerable attention due to sizeable theoretical capacity, cost efficiency, and high redox potential. However, the severe loss of active species during operation remains a problem, leading researchers to resort to concentrated halide‐containing electrolytes. Here, profiting from the intrinsic halide exchange in perovskite lattices, a novel low‐dimensional halide hybrid perovskite cathode, TmdpPb2[IBr]6, which serves not only as a halogen reservoir for reversible three‐electron conversions but also as an effective halogen absorbent by surface Pb dangling bonds, C─H…Br hydrogen bonds, and Pb─I…Br halogen bonds, is proposed. As such, the Zn||TmdpPb2[IBr]6 battery delivers three remarkable discharge voltage plateaus at 1.21 V (I0/I−), 1.47 V (I+/I0), and 1.74 V (Br0/Br−) in a typical halide‐free electrolyte; meanwhile, realizing a high capacity of over 336 mAh g−1 at 0.4 A g−1 and high capacity retentions of 88% and 92% after 1000 cycles at 1.2 A g−1 and 4000 cycles at 3.2 A g−1, respectively, accompanied by a high coulombic efficiency of ≈99%. The work highlights the promising conversion‐type cathodes based on metal–halide perovskite materials.
A Stretchable Thermoelectric Device based on Direct Ink Writing of Liquid Metal and Multi‐Layer Lamination
Authors: Kim Hayeon , Bae Joonbum
Published: April 2024

Wearable thermoelectric devices are widely used due to their ability to generate heat and cool rapidly without the need for bulky external equipment. Researchers have explored methods to enhance flexibility and stretchability by incorporating liquid metal as an electrode. However, the challenge lies in the low thermal conductivity of the polymer, which hampers heating and cooling performance. Traditional methods, like molding and spraying, increase the thickness of both liquid metal and polymer channels, but this added thickness does not significantly improve the device's stretchability.[1, 2] To overcome these issues, this paper proposes a stretchable thermoelectric device (STED), which offers improved heating and cooling capabilities, as well as enhanced stretchability. To enhance the thermal conductivity of the polymer, Ag powder with varying particle sizes is mixed with the material. Additionally, the liquid metal is deposited using the direct ink writing (DIW) method, reducing the whole thickness of STED. The air layer is created by printing molten isomalt, which is subsequently removed using water. The proposed STED exhibits high stretchability, reaching up to 150 %, enabling flexible twisting in various directions. The double‐layer structure resulted in a maximum temperature decrease of 14 °C at room temperature.
Fingerprinting Defects in Hexagonal Boron Nitride via Multi‐Phonon Excitation
Authors: Tieben Pablo , Schell Andreas W.
Published: April 2024

Single photon emitters in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) have gathered a lot of attention due to their favorable emission properties and the manifold of possible applications. Despite extensive scientific effort, the exact atomic origin of these emitters has remained unknown thus far. Recently, several studies have tied the emission in the yellow spectral region to carbon‐related defects, but the exact atomic structure of the defects remains elusive. In this study, photoluminescence emission and excitation spectroscopy is performed on a large number of emitters within this region. By comparing the experimental data with theoretical predictions, the origin of yellow single photon emission in hexagonal boron nitride is determined. Knowledge of this atomic structure and its optical properties is crucial for the reliable implementation of these emitters in quantum technologies.
Identification of a novel phenotype of external ear deformity related to Coffin–Siris syndrome‐9 and literature review
Authors: Wu Ruohao , Tang Wenting , Li Pinggan , Meng Zhe , Li Xiaojuan , Liang Liyang
Published: April 2024

De novo germline variants of the SRY‐related HMG‐box 11 gene (SOX11) have been reported to cause Coffin–Siris syndrome‐9 (CSS‐9), a rare congenital disorder associated with multiple organ malformations, including ear anomalies. Previous clinical and animal studies have found that intragenic pathogenic variant or haploinsufficiency in the SOX11 gene could cause inner ear malformation, but no studies to date have documented the external ear malformation caused by SOX11 deficiency. Here, we reported a Chinese male with unilateral microtia and bilateral sensorineural deafness who showed CSS‐like manifestations, including dysmorphic facial features, impaired neurodevelopment, and fingers/toes malformations. Using trio‐based whole‐exome sequencing, a de novo missense variant in SOX11 (NM_003108.4: c.347A>G, p.Y116C) was identified and classified as pathogenic variant as per American College of Medical Genetics guidelines. Moreover, a systematic search of the literature yielded 12 publications that provided data of 55 SOX11 intragenic variants affecting various protein‐coding regions of SOX11 protein. By quantitatively analyzing phenotypic spectrum information related to these 56 SOX11 variants (including our case), we found variants affecting different regions of SOX11 protein (high‐mobility group [HMG] domain and non‐HMG regions) appear to influence the phenotypic spectrum of organ malformations in CSS‐9; variants altering the HMG domain were more likely to cause the widest range of organ anomalies. In summary, this is the first report of CSS with external ear malformation caused by pathogenic variant in SOX11, indicating that the SOX11 gene may be not only essential for the development of the inner ear but also critical for the morphogenesis of the external ear. In addition, thorough clinical examination is recommended for patients who carry pathogenic SOX11 variants that affect the HMG domain, as these variants may cause the widest range of organ anomalies underlying this condition.
Accessing Z‐Enynes via Cobalt‐Catalyzed Propargylic Dehydrogenation
Authors: Bodnar Alexandra K. , Newhouse Timothy R.
Published: April 2024

Alkenes constitute an enabling motif in organic synthesis, as they can be functionalized to form highly substituted molecules. Z‐alkenes are generally challenging to access due to the thermodynamic preference for the formation of E‐alkenes compared to Z‐alkenes. Dehydrogenation methodologies to selectively form Z‐alkenes have not yet been reported. Herein, we report a Z‐selective, propargylic dehydrogenation that provides 1,3‐enynes through the invention of a Co‐catalyzed oxidation system. Observation of a kinetic isotope effect (KIE) revealed that deprotonation of the propargylic position is the rate limiting step. Additionally, isomerization experiments were conducted and confirmed that the observed Z‐selectivity is a kinetic effect. A proposed stereomechanistic model for the Z‐selectivity is included.
Chiral separation of D,L‐phenylglycine by cellulose triacetate membranes
Authors: Zhao Hong‐Wei , Cui Xue‐Fei , Yuan Li‐Ming
Published: April 2024

Enantiopure pharmaceuticals are especially important in medicinal applications. Phenylglycine, as a critical pharmaceutical intermediate, is often utilized in single enantiomeric form for drug synthesis. Chiral membrane separation offers advantages such as simple operation, low energy consumption, and scalability, holding great potential for chiral drug separations. In this work, cellulose triacetate (CTA) membranes are prepared via phase inversion and used for permeation experiments driven by a concentration gradient to investigate selective permeation of D,L‐phenylglycine solutions. Scanning electron microscopy reveals surface and cross‐sectional morphologies of the fabricated membranes. After single‐factor optimization, the CTA membrane exhibits an enantiomeric excess of 68.94% for D,L‐phenylglycine separation. The membrane maintains its selective permeation capability after repeated use. This indicates the CTA membrane has favorable chiral selective permeation for D,L‐phenylglycine solutions with stable performance. The chiral carbon on the six‐membered ring of the CTA backbone, as well as the single‐handed helical structure of the backbone, are thought to be responsible for the chiral selectivity of the membrane. This is the first report of using CTA membranes for chiral amino acid separation, providing experimental references and theoretical basis for membrane separation of racemic mixtures. It could facilitate scalable applications of chiral membranes.