bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interpenetrating polymer networks derived from silylated soybean oil and polydimethylsiloxane
Authors: Dewasthale Sudhanwa , Shi Xiangke , Hablot Elodie , Graiver Daniel , Narayan Ramani
Published: May 2013

A series of interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) was prepared using various concentrations of silylated soybean oil and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) that were cross linked with inorganic silicates. This series of IPNs was prepared from emulsions of silylated soybean oil and PDMS together with colloidal silica and dioctyltin dilaurate catalyst at pH 10. Under these conditions, water soluble silicates reacted with silanols in the oil phase and formed intraparticle siloxane cross links. Upon casting films and evaporation of the water, additional interparticle cross linking were obtained between the coagulating particles to produce entangled networks of soybean oil and PDMS that were further reinforced by fine silica particles. The morphology revealed intimate mixing of the two immiscible components. The mechanical properties depended on the ratio of the soft, flexible PDMS phase and the rigid, brittle cross linked silylated soybean oil phase. These IPNs can be used as high release liners, low friction materials, or as a general protective coating. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2479–2486, 2013
Mechanical properties of interpenetrating polymer network hydrogels based on hybrid ionically and covalently crosslinked networks
Authors: Naficy Sina , Kawakami Shota , Sadegholvaad Sasha , Wakisaka Minato , Spinks Geoffrey M.
Published: May 2013

Hydrogels are polymer networks swollen in water. Because of their soft and wet nature, and their ability to show large volume changes, hydrogels can be useful in many biomedical and actuator applications. In these applications, it is crucial to tune the mechanical and physical properties of a hydrogel in a controllable manner. Here, interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) made of a covalently crosslinked network and an ionically crosslinked network were produced to investigate the effective parameters that control the physical and mechanical properties of an IPN hydrogel. Covalently crosslinked polyacrylamide (PAAm) or poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) networks were produced in the presence of alginate (Alg) that was then ionically crosslinked to produce the IPN hydrogels. The effect of ionic crosslinking, degree of covalent crosslinking, AAm : Alg and AA : Alg ratio on the swelling ratio, tensile properties, indentation modulus, and fracture energy of IPN hydrogels was studied. A hollow cylindrical hydrogel with gradient mechanical properties along its length was developed based on the obtained results. The middle section of this hydrogel was designed as a pH triggered artificial muscle, while each end was formulated to be harder, tougher, and insensitive to pH so as to function as a tendon‐like material securing the gel muscle to its mechanical supports. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2504–2513, 2013
Mechanical properties and crystallization behavior of high fluidity polypropylene/metallocene poly(ethylene–butene–hexene) copolymer blends
Authors: Tang Yingying , Wang Jingyi , Jia Hongbing , Ding Lifeng , Jiang Qi
Published: May 2013

This article presents a study on blends of high fluid polypropylene (HF‐PP)/metallocene poly(ethylene–butane–hexene) copolymer (mEBHC) prepared by melt‐blending process using a twin‐screw extruder. Six different mass fractions of mEBHC in the blends: 0, 5, 10, 30%, and 100% were investigated in our study. The thermal behavior, fracture surface morphology, mechanical properties, and rheological properties of the blends were analyzed. Our results suggested that phase separation of HF‐PP/mEBHC blends occurred during the cooling process. The addition of 30 wt % mEBHC resulted in a rise of crystallinity of HF‐PP/mEBHC blends from 22.8% to 34.9%. The wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD) showed that the incorporation of mEBHC did not have any influence on the intrinsic crystal structure of HF‐PP. The droplet‐matrix micrographs of the blends given by scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed that mEBHC particles were dispersed as “droplet” in HF‐PP continuous phase. When mEBHC content was increased up to 30%, the impact strength at 23°C and −20°C of HF‐PP/mEBHC blends were improved by 150 and 35%, respectively, while the tensile strength and flexural strength were decreased slightly, compared to pristine HF‐PP. The apparent shear viscosities of blends were similar to that of pristine HF‐PP. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2557–2562, 2013
Melt spinning of conductive textile fibers with hybridized graphite nanoplatelets and carbon black filler
Authors: Nilsson Erik , Oxfall Henrik , Wandelt Wojciech , Rychwalski Rodney , Hagström Bengt
Published: May 2013

In this study, two different carbon fillers: carbon black (CB) and graphite nanoplatelets (GNP) are studied as conductive fillers for the preparation of conductive polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites. In order to obtain a homogenous dispersion of GNP, GNP/PP composites were prepared by two different methods: solid state mixing (SSM) and traditional melt mixing (MM). The result shows that MM is more efficient in the dispersion of GNP particles compared to SSM method. PP nanocomposites containing only one conductive filler and two fillers were prepared at different filler concentrations. Based on the analysis of electrical and rheological properties of the prepared nanocomposites, it shows that a hybridized composite with equal amounts of GNP and CB has favorable processing properties. Conductive fibers with a core/sheath structure were produced on a bicomponent melt spinning line. The core materials of these fibers are the hybridized GNP/CB/PP nanocomposite and the sheath is pure polyamide. It was found that GNPs were separated during melt and cold drawing which results in the decrease of conductivity. However, the conductivity could partly be restored by the heat treatment. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2579–2587, 2013
Green turtles (Chelonia mydas) of the north‐western Arabian Gulf, Kuwait: the need for conservation
Authors: Al‐Mohanna Salim Y. , Al‐Zaidan Amani S. Y. , George Preeta
Published: May 2013

This study provides the first ever baseline data on reproductive ecology and genetic identification of the endangered green turtle, Chelonia mydas, in the north‐western Arabian Gulf, Kuwait.

Two offshore islands were surveyed for nesting turtles in 2004 and 2005.

The findings reveal that nesting (nest numbers, nesting season, incubation period, clutch size, and hatching success) by green turtles off the Kuwait coast is comparable with that of C. mydas worldwide.

At Umm Al‐Maradim Island, no turtles nested during 2005 because of excavation and dredging activities associated with the construction of a coastguard dock.

Mitochondrial DNA control region sequences of 97 green turtles revealed six haplotypes, of which five have not previously been reported from rookeries in adjoining regional waters or adjacent oceans; this signifies the possibility of them being novel to the region.

Prudent management approaches, represented mainly by the rehabilitation and restoration of Umm Al‐Maradim Island and the designation of both foraging and nesting habitats as marine protected areas (MPAs), should be implemented by national as well as regional policy‐makers to maintain the region's native biological diversity.

Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structurally Diversified Heterocycles and Related Privileged Scaffolds as Potential Urease Inhibitors: A Brief Overview
Authors: Ibrar Aliya , Khan Imtiaz , Abbas Naeem
Published: May 2013

Ureases have emerged as significant virulence factors implicated in the pathogenesis of many clinical conditions such as pyelonephritis, hepatic coma, peptic ulceration, and the formation of injection‐induced urinary stones and stomach cancer. They have also been identified as important targets in research both for human and animal health, as well as in agriculture. Strategies based on urease inhibition are the main treatment of diseases caused by urease‐producing bacteria. So, in the present context, a diverse library of chemical structures is known to possess remarkable inhibitory activities against urease enzymes. The current review article summarizes and discusses endeavours towards the developments in the burgeoning field of urease inhibition in medicinal chemistry, with an emphasis on the insights that have been gleaned into the structural features that contribute to high and promising levels of anti‐urease activity.
A prospective, randomized crossover study comparing direct inspection by light microscopy versus projected images for teaching of hematopathology to medical students
Authors: Carlson Aaron M. , McPhail Ellen D. , Rodriguez Vilmarie , Schroeder Georgene , Wolanskyj Alexandra P.
Published: May 2013

Instruction in hematopathology at Mayo Medical School has evolved from instructor‐guided direct inspection under the light microscope (laboratory method), to photomicrographs of glass slides with classroom projection (projection method). These methods have not been compared directly to date. Forty‐one second‐year medical students participated in this pilot study, a prospective, randomized, crossover study measuring educational performance during a hematology pathophysiology course. The students were randomized to one of two groups. All students received the same didactic lectures in the classroom and subsequent case‐based review of peripheral blood smears using either laboratory or projection methods, on day one with a crossover to the other method on day two. Pre‐ and post‐test examinations centered on morphology recognition measured educational performance on each day, followed by a questionnaire identifying the student's favored method. There was no significant difference in the pre‐test and post‐test scores between the two teaching methods (rank‐sum P = 0.43). Students overwhelmingly preferred the projection method and perceived it as superior (76%), although post‐test scores were not significantly different. Student's recommended method was split with 50% favoring the projection method, 43% favoring a combined approach, and 23% noting logistical challenges to the laboratory. In this study, the laboratory and projection method were equivalent in terms of educational performance for hematopathology among medicals students. A classroom‐based approach such as the projection method is favored, given the large class sizes in undergraduate medical education, as well as the ergonomic challenges and additional resources required for large group instruction in a laboratory setting. Anat Sci Educ 7: 130–134. © 2013 American Association of Anatomists.
Determination of cefdinir levels in rat plasma and urine by high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry: application to pharmacokinetics after oral and intravenous administration of cefdinir
Authors: Jin Hyo‐Eon , Kim In‐Bong , Kim Chong‐Kook , Maeng Han‐Joo
Published: May 2013

A selective and sensitive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method (LC‐MS/MS) was developed and validated for the determination of cefdinir in rat plasma and urine. Following a simple protein precipitation using methanol, chromatographic separation was achieved with a run time of 10 min using a Synergi 4 µ polar‐RP 80A column (150 × 2.0 mm, 4 µm) with a mobile phase consisting of 0.1% formic acid in water and methanol (65:35, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min. The protonated precursor and product ion transitions for cefdinir (m/z 396.1 → 227.2) and cefadroxil, an internal standard (m/z 364.2 → 208.0) were monitored in the multiple reaction monitoring in positive ion mode. The calibration curves for plasma and urine were linear over the concentration range 10–10,000 ng/mL. The lower limit of quantification was 10 ng/mL. All accuracy values were between 95.1 and 113.0% and the intra‐ and inter‐day precisions were <13.0% relative standard deviation. The stability under various conditions in rat plasma and urine was also found to be acceptable at three concentrations. The developed method was applied successfully to the pharmacokinetic study of cefdinir after oral and intravenous administration. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High Performance and Stability of the Pt‐W/ZSM‐5 Catalyst for the Total Oxidation of Propane: The Role of Tungsten
Authors: Zhu Zengzan , Lu Guanzhong , Guo Yun , Guo Yanglong , Zhang Zhigang , Wang Yanqin , Gong Xue‐Qing
Published: May 2013

Tungsten‐modified 1.5 wt. % platinum supported on ZSM‐5 catalysts were prepared, and their performances for the total oxidation of propane and the role of tungsten in the catalysts were investigated. The results show that the addition of tungsten can improve the catalytic activity of Pt/ZSM‐5. When the tungsten loading is 5 wt. %, the Pt‐5W/ZSM‐5 catalyst demonstrates excellent catalytic activity and its turnover frequency is more than 1 order of magnitude higher than that of the Pt/ZSM‐5 catalyst. Analyses of the surface properties of catalysts reveal that metallic platinum is scarcely found on the Pt/ZSM‐5 catalyst without tungsten; the addition of tungsten can modify the nature of platinum species, which results in the presence of metallic platinum in the Pt‐W/ZSM‐5 catalyst. The amount of metallic platinum in the Pt‐W/ZSM‐5 catalyst depends on the tungsten loading and can correlate directly with its catalytic activity. Therefore, the oxidation resistance of platinum in the Pt‐W/ZSM‐5 catalyst seems to be responsible for the improved catalytic activity in propane oxidation. In addition, the Pt‐5W/ZSM‐5 catalyst demonstrates higher stability; no deactivation of the Pt‐W/ZSM‐5 catalyst is observed after the online test for 50 h, with the temperature alternating between 200 °C for 10 h and 500 °C for 10 h. Therefore, the Pt‐5W/ZSM‐5 catalyst demonstrates better catalytic activity for propane oxidation than the Pt/ZSM‐5 catalyst after online aging at 700 °C for 30 h.
Application of NMR spectroscopy for assignment of the absolute configuration of 8‐tert‐butyl‐2‐hydroxy‐7‐methoxy‐8‐methyl‐9‐oxa‐6‐azaspiro[4.5]dec‐6‐en‐10‐one
Authors: Jakubowska Anna , Sowa Agnieszka , Żylewski Marek , Kulig Katarzyna
Published: May 2013

In order to assign the absolute configurations of 8‐tert‐butyl‐2‐hydroxy‐7‐methoxy‐8‐methyl‐9‐oxa‐6‐azaspiro[4.5]dec‐6‐en‐10‐one (2a, 2b), their esters (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) with (R)‐ or (S)‐2‐methoxyphenylacetic acid (4a, 4b) have been synthesized. The absolute configurations of these compounds have been determined on the basis of NOESY correlations between the protons of the tert‐butyl group and the cyclopentane fragment of the molecules. The crucial part of this analysis was assignment of the absolute configuration at C‐5. Additionally, by calculation of the chemical shift anisotropy, δRS, for the relevant protons, it was also possible to confirm the absolute configurations at the C‐2 centres of compounds 2a, 2b and 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d. Chirality, 25:422–426, 2013.© 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Towards self‐caring MapReduce: a study of performance penalties under faults
Authors: Kadirvel Selvi , Fortes José A.B.
Published: May 2013

Self‐caring IT systems are those that can proactively avoid system failures rather than reactively handle failures after they have occurred. In this paper, we focus on failures in which a MapReduce job is unable to execute within an service‐level agreement based completion time. The existing fault‐tolerance capability provided by MapReduce frameworks such as Hadoop, is simple and the penalty associated with handling faults could potentially lead to excessive job execution times. Our goal in this paper is to bring out the severity of this penalty for different job and framework parameters. We quantitatively evaluate the penalty in execution time associated with node faults using the MRPerf simulator. We then perform an empirical study of penalties on a virtualized testbed consisting of Xen domains, by varying system characteristics along four dimensions: hardware, application, dataset, and fault types. Through simulation and empirical results, we show that job‐completion‐time service‐level agreement violations can be reduced using dynamic resource scaling. Scaling leverages, the elastic properties of a virtualized environment, to mitigate execution time penalties and hence proactively avoids a potential job failure. We show that using resource scaling, performance penalties can be decreased to less than 5% of the no‐fault execution time, at minimal additional cost. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NCAM polysialylation during adherence transitions: Live cell monitoring using an antibody‐mimetic EGFP‐endosialidase and the viability dye DRAQ7
Authors: Smith Paul J. , Furon Emeline , Wiltshire Marie , Chappell Sally , Patterson Laurence H. , Shnyder Steven D. , Falconer Robert A. , Errington Rachel J.
Published: May 2013

Polysialylation of neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) in small‐cell lung cancer (SCLC) is thought to regulate NCAM‐mediated cell–surface interactions, imparting antiadhesive properties to cells. However, SCLC cells in culture demonstrate anchorage‐independent growth and spontaneously generate adherent forms. Here, the ability of polySia‐NCAM to influence cell proliferation and adherence is unclear. We analyzed live SCLC cell polySia‐NCAM expression by flow cytometry, using the novel combination of a polySia antibody‐mimetic eGFP‐tagged endosialidase and the viability dye DRAQ7. Enrichment for adherence (<30 population doublings) in SCLC cell lines resolved populations with increased (SHP‐77 and COR‐L279) or negligible (NCI‐H69) polysialylation compared with nonadherent parent populations. Adherent forms retained NCAM expression as confirmed by immunofluorescence and immunoblotting. Initial transition to adherence and loss of polysialylation in NCI‐H69 was linked to a reduced proliferation rate with no increase in cell death. This reduced proliferation rate was reiterated in vivo as determined by the growth of noninvasive subcutaneous xenografts in mice. Continued selection for enhanced substrate adherence in NCI‐H69 (>150 population doublings) resolved cells with stable re‐expression of polySia and increased growth rates both in vitro and in vivo. Endoneuraminidase removal of polySia from re‐expressing cells showed that rapid adherence to extracellular matrix components was functionally independent of polySia. PolySia expression was not altered when isolated adherent forms underwent enforced cell–cell contact in three‐dimensional culture. Coculture of polySia expression variants modulated overall polySia expression profiles indicating an influence of SCLC microcommunity composition independent of substrate adherence potential. We conclude that an obligatory linkage between substrate adherence potential and polySia expression is rejected for SCLC cells. We suggest that a degree of homeostasis operates to regulate polysialylation within heterogeneous cell populations. The findings suggest a new model for SCLC progression while the application of live cell profiling of polysialylation could be used to assess polySia‐NCAM‐targeted therapies. © 2013 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Composition of the HLA‐DR‐associated human thymus peptidome
Authors: Collado Javier A. , Alvarez Iñaki , Ciudad M. Teresa , Espinosa Gabriel , Canals Francesc , Pujol‐Borrell Ricardo , Carrascal Montserrat , Abian Joaquín , Jaraquemada Dolores
Published: May 2013

Major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC‐II) molecules bind to and display antigenic peptides on the surface of antigen‐presenting cells (APCs). In the absence of infection, MHC‐II molecules on APCs present self‐peptides and interact with CD4+ T cells to maintain tolerance and homeostasis. In the thymus, self‐peptides bind to MHC‐II molecules expressed by defined populations of APCs specialised for the different steps of T‐cell selection. Cortical epithelial cells present peptides for positive selection, whereas medullary epithelial cells and dendritic cells are responsible for peptide presentation for negative selection. However, few data are available on the peptides presented by MHC molecules in the thymus. Here, we apply mass spectrometry to analyse and identify MHC‐II‐associated peptides from five fresh human thymus samples. The data show a diverse self‐peptide repertoire, mostly consisting of predicted MHC‐II high binders. Despite technical limitations preventing single cell population analyses of peptides, these data constitute the first direct assessment of the HLA‐II‐bound peptidome and provide insight into how this peptidome is generated and how it drives T‐cell repertoire formation.
N‐linked glycoproteome profiling of human serum using tandem enrichment and multiple fraction concatenation
Authors: Ma Cheng , Zhao Xinyuan , Han Huanhuan , Tong Wei , Zhang Qi , Qin Peibin , Chang Cheng , Peng Bo , Ying Wantao , Qian Xiaohong
Published: May 2013

N‐linked glycosylation is an important protein posttranslational modification that is involved in numerous biological processes. Different methods, including chemical reaction and affinity interaction, have been developed to enrich glycosylated peptides or proteins from biological systems. However, due to the common occurrence of low glycosites occupancy in proteins and the low efficiency of enrichment approaches, only a small fraction of protein glycosites have been reported. In this study, we combined the glycopeptide enrichment strategy for broad analysis of human serum N‐glycoproteins using a tandem enrichment method coupling lectin affinity capture with HILIC. This strategy was applied to profile the human serum N‐linked glycoproteome, and it resulted in 32 and 14% more N‐glycosites than could be identified with the common lectin affinity capture or HILIC approaches, respectively. With an additional dimension of glycopeptides separation using high‐pH reversed phase liquid chromatography or off‐gel electrophoresis, the number of identified glycosites was increased by 3.1‐fold and 1.8‐fold, respectively. These results demonstrate that tandem enrichment methods, especially when followed by high‐pH reversed‐phase prefractionation, can greatly improve the power of N‐glycoproteome analysis. In total, 615 N‐glycosites from 312 glycoproteins (protein group) were mapped using high‐accuracy mass spectrometry.
Characterization of different food‐isolated Enterococcus strains by MALDI‐TOF mass fingerprinting
Authors: Quintela‐Baluja Marcos , Böhme Karola , Fernández‐No Inmaculada C. , Morandi Stefano , Alnakip Mohammed E. , Caamaño‐Antelo Sonia , Barros‐Velázquez Jorge , Calo‐Mata Pilar
Published: May 2013

Enterococcus is a controversial genus due to its great variability; this genus includes pathogenic strains, spoilage strains, and apparently safe strains including some probiotic strains. Previous studies focused on the characterization of strains of Enterococcus spp. involved in nosocomial infections. However, little research has been conducted on Enterococcus strains in foodstuffs. In the present work, 36 strains of different species of Enterococcus have been characterized by means of MALDI‐TOF MS, resulting in highly specific mass spectral fingerprints. Characteristic peak masses common to certain bacterial species of Enterococcus have been identified. Thus, a peak at m/z 4426 ± 1 was assigned as a genus‐specific biomarker. In addition, phyloproteomic relationships based on the mass spectral data were compared to the results of a phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence. A better grouping at the species level was observed in the phyloproteomic tree, especially for the Enterococcus faecium group. Presumably, the assortment of some strains or ecotypes could be related to their ecological niche specialization. The approach described in this study leads the way toward the rapid and specific identification of different strains and species of Enterococcus in food based on molecular protein markers, aiming at the early detection of pathogenic strains and strains implicated in food poisoning or food spoilage.
Proteomics analysis of the Flp regulon in Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris
Authors: Akyol Ismail
Published: May 2013

Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris MG1363 genome sequence was completed and encodes two flp genes flpA and flpB. Research carried out has suggested that the flpB proteins are transcriptional regulators that respond to the environmental oxygen level. A variety of flp deletion mutant strains with single and double mutation were created. Wild‐type (MG1363) and its flp− derivatives were compared by 2DE to identify changes in protein intensity under different aerobic/anaerobic growth conditions. In total, 416 ± 20 and 444 ± 32 protein spots were quantified from anaerobic and aerobic cells, respectively, on pH 4–7 gels. Forty‐five protein spots that changed were excised from 2DE gel, digested with trypsin and identified from their MALDI‐TOF MS Peptide Mass Fingerprint. A variety of proteins were affected by the flp mutations and oxygen level. Some proteins were controlled by FlpA and FlpB independently and some required both FlpA and B for regulation. The identified proteins that are regulated by the Flp proteins can be grouped by biochemical function. These groups are oxidative stress, electron transfer, sugars, cell wall, ABC transporters, arginine metabolism, and pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway.
Electrophoretic study of peptide‐mediated quantum dot‐human immunoglobulin bioconjugation
Authors: Janu Libor , Stanisavljevic Maja , Krizkova Sona , Sobrova Pavlina , Vaculovicova Marketa , Kizek Rene , Adam Vojtech
Published: May 2013

The bioconjugation of quantum dots (QDs) is a key process in their application for bioanalysis as well as imaging. The coupling of QDs with biologically active molecules such as peptides, nucleic acids, and/or antibodies enables their fluorescent labeling, and therefore, selective and sensitive tracking during the bioanalytical process, however, the efficiency of the labeling and preservation of the biological activity of the bioconjugate have to be considered. In this study, a new approach of the bioconjugation of CdTe‐QDs and human immunoglobulin employing a small peptide is described. The heptapeptide (HWRGWVC) was synthesized and characterized by mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography, and capillary electrophoresis. Moreover, the peptide was used as a capping agent for QDs synthesis. The CdTe‐QDs were synthesized by microwave synthesis (600 W, 20 min) using 3.2 mM CdCl2 and 0.8 mM Na2TeO3. The bioconjugation of QDs capped by this peptide with immunoglobulin was investigated by capillary electrophoresis and magnetic immunoextraction coupled with electrochemical detection by differential pulse voltammetry. Furthermore, the applicability of prepared bioconjugates for fluorescent immunodetection was verified using immobilized goat antihuman IgG antibody.
ANALYSIS OF THE PERFORMANCE RESPONSE OF OFFLINE DETENTION BASINS TO INLET STRUCTURE DESIGN
Authors: Abawallo Shewanesh Segni , Brandimarte Luigia , Maglionico Marco
Published: May 2013

A detention basin is a structural measure used to manage floods by temporarily storing a portion of the incoming water volume in selected areas. The design of the inlet and outlet structures is crucial for the optimal efficiency of the detention system. This paper investigates the sensitivity of flood peak reduction through an offline detention basin to the design characteristics of the inlet structures. The response of the efficiency is studied by varying the design characteristics of the different inlet components: elevation and length of the lateral weir and elevation, location and type of in‐line structure. The response of the detention basin to the different inlet layouts is evaluated by means of three performance criteria, two at the detention basin section and one at a downstream control section. Laboratory data available for the detention basin under implementation on the Navile channel (Italy) were used to calibrate a 1D numerical model in steady‐state conditions. The calibrated model was then used in simulating different inlet alternatives in unsteady state to determine the most influential layout characteristics on flood peak reduction. The results of this study can provide general guidelines for the design of the inlet structure of detention basins having similar structural components. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural Strength Development at the Proximal Femur in 4- to 10-Year-Old Precompetitive Gymnasts: A 4-Year Longitudinal Hip Structural Analysis Study
Authors: Gruodyte-Raciene Rita , Erlandson Marta C , Jackowski Stefan A , Baxter-Jones Adam DG
Published: May 2013

Gymnastics, a high-impact weight-bearing physical activity, has been shown to be highly osteogenic. Previously in this cohort, bone mass development (bone mineral content accrual [BMC]) was shown to be positively associated with low-level (recreational) gymnastics exposure (1 to 2 hours per week); however, BMC is only one single component of bone strength. Bone strength is influenced not only by bone mineralization but also bone geometry, bone architecture, and the imposing loads on the bone. The aim of this study was to investigate whether low-level gymnastics training influenced the estimated structural geometry development at the proximal femur. A total of 165 children (92 gymnasts and 73 non-gymnasts) between the ages of 4 and 6 years were recruited into this study and assessed annually for 4 years. During the 4 years, 64 gymnasts withdrew from the sport and were reclassified as ex-gymnasts. A dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) image of each child's hip was obtained. Values of cross-sectional area (CSA), section modulus (Z), and cortical thickness (CT) at the narrow neck (NN), intertrochanter (IT), and shaft (S) were estimated using the hip structural analysis (HSA) program. Multilevel random-effects models were constructed and used to develop bone structural strength development trajectories (estimate ± SEE). Once the confounders of body size and lifestyle were controlled, it was found that gymnasts had 6% greater NN CSA than non-gymnasts controls (0.09 ± 0.03 cm2, p < 0.05), 7% greater NN Z (0.04 ± 0.01 cm3, p < 0.05), 5% greater IT CSA (0.11 ± 0.04 cm3, p < 0.05), 6% greater IT Z (0.07 ± 0.03 cm3, p < 0.05), and 3% greater S CSA (0.06 ± 0.03 cm3, p < 0.05). These results suggest that early exposure to low-level gymnastics participation confers benefits related to geometric and bone architecture properties during childhood and, if maintained, may improve bone health in adolescence and adulthood. © 2013 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
SNP rs6265 Regulates Protein Phosphorylation and Osteoblast Differentiation and Influences BMD in Humans
Authors: Deng Fei-Yan , Tan Li-Jun , Shen Hui , Liu Yong-Jun , Liu Yao-Zhong , Li Jian , Zhu Xue-Zhen , Chen Xiang-Ding , Tian Qing , Zhao Ming , Deng Hong-Wen
Published: May 2013

Bone mineral density (BMD) is a major index for diagnosing osteoporosis. PhosSNPs are nonsynonymous SNPs that affect protein phosphorylation. The relevance and significance of phosSNPs to BMD and osteoporosis is unknown. This study aimed to identify and characterize phosSNPs significant for BMD in humans. We conducted a pilot genomewide phosSNP association study for BMD in three independent population samples, involving ∼5000 unrelated individuals. We identified and replicated three phosSNPs associated with both spine BMD and hip BMD in Caucasians. Association with hip BMD for one of these phosSNPs, ie, rs6265 (major/minor allele: G/A) in BDNF gene, was also suggested in Chinese. Consistently in both ethnicities, individuals carrying the AA genotype have significantly lower hip BMD than carriers of the GA and GG genotypes. Through in vitro molecular and cellular studies, we found that compared to osteoblastic cells transfected with wild-type BDNF-Val66 (encoded with allele G at rs6265), transfection of variant BDNF-Met66 (encoded with allele A at rs6265) significantly decreased BDNF protein phosphorylation (at amino acid residue T62), expression of osteoblastic genes (OPN, BMP2, and ALP), and osteoblastic activity. The findings are consistent with and explain our prior observations in general human populations. We conclude that phosSNP rs6265, by regulating BDNF protein phosphorylation and osteoblast differentiation, influences hip BMD in humans. This study represents our first endeavor to dissect the functions of phosSNPs in bone, which might stimulate extended large-scale studies on bone or similar studies on other human complex traits and diseases. © 2013 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Benfotiamine Enhances Antioxidant Defenses and Protects against Cisplatin‐Induced DNA Damage in Nephrotoxic Rats
Authors: Harisa Gamaleldin I.
Published: May 2013

The objective of the present study was to assess superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), paraoxonase (PON1), glutathione reductase (GR), and catalase (CAT) activities ratio and their relationship with DNA oxidative damage in rats treated with cisplatin (3 mg/kg bwt/day) in the presence and absence of benfotiamine (100 mg/kg/day) for 25 days. Cisplatin‐induced renal damage was evidenced by renal dysfunction and elevated oxidative stress markers. SOD activity and levels of nitric oxide, protein carbonyl, malondialdehyde, and 8‐hydroxy‐2'‐deoxyguanosine were significantly increased by cisplatin treatment. Moreover, the ratios of GPx/GR, SOD/GPx, SOD/CAT, and SOD/PON1 were significantly increased compared to control. In contrast, glutathione levels were significantly decreased by cisplatin treatment. Simultaneous treatment of rats with cisplatin and benfotiamine ameliorate these variables to values near to those of control rats. This study suggests that benfotiamine can prevent cisplatin‐induced nephrotoxicity by inhibiting formation reactive species of oxygen and nitrogen. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J BiochemMol Toxicol 27:398‐405, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.21501
Green and Rapid Strategy for Synthesis of Novel and Known Pyrroles by the Use of Molybdate Sulfuric Acid
Authors: Karami Bahador , Khodabakhshi Saeed , Jamshidi Masih
Published: May 2013

Molybdate sulfuric acid as a highly efficient catalyst has been employed for the modified Paal–Knorr synthesis of some novel and known pyrroles under solvent‐free conditions. Catalyst loads as low as 1 mol% could be used leading to high yields of pure pyrrole derivatives at an oil bath temperature of 60 °C. This method has advantages such as the use of very low amounts of a recyclable catalyst, avoidance of organic solvents, and high product yields.
Molecular Dynamics Insight into the Diverse Thermodynamic Behavior of a Beta‐Hairpin Peptide
Authors: Tsai Min‐Yeh , Yuan Jian‐Min , Yamaki Masahiro , Lin Chih‐Kai , Lin Sheng Hsien
Published: May 2013

The b‐hairpin is a building block in the β‐sheet structure. Understanding the formation of the β‐hairpin may provide insight into the formation of β‐sheet structures in, for example, protein amyloids. In this study, we performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate the temperature‐dependent transition behaviors of the GB1 β‐hairpin peptide. The simulated results are analysed in terms of distances between pairs of peptide bonds and site‐dependent dihedral angles. Our results show that the properties of the hairpin can be site‐dependent and that the dependency is primarily associated with the hairpin's geometrical shape and specific interactions, such as hydrophobic clustering. Thus our study provides a foundation for the interpretation of probe‐dependent experimental results.
Sonography of fat necrosis of the breast: Correlation with mammography and MR imaging
Authors: Atasoy Mehmet Mahir , Ören Nisa Cem , Ilica Ahmet Turan , Güvenç İnanç , Günal Armağan , Mossa‐Basha Mahmud
Published: May 2013

Fat necrosis (FN) of the breast is a benign nonsuppurative inflammatory process of the adipose tissue. The radiologic appearance ranges from benign to suspicious for malignancy; therefore, it is very important to know the distinguishing radiologic features of FN on different modalities. Mammography is more helpful in identifying FN than ultrasonography in most of the cases, and MRI may also be used to rule out malignancy as an adjunct to mammography and sonography. Even when modern diagnostic modalities are used, biopsy may still be unavoidable for some cases. In conclusion, an accurate history and familiarity with the radiologic findings are crucial to recognizing FN and avoiding unnecessary interventions. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 41:415–423, 2013
A case of sclerosing angiomatoid nodular transformation of the spleen: Correlations between contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography and histopathologic findings
Authors: Watanabe Manabu , Shiozawa Kazue , Ikehara Takashi , Kanayama Masahiro , Kikuchi Yoshinori , Ishii Koji , Okubo Youichiro , Shibuya Kazutoshi , Sumino Yasukiyo
Published: May 2013

Sclerosing angiomatoid nodular transformation (SANT) is a recently recognized benign vascular lesion of the spleen. Detection of SANT as an incidentaloma has increased due to improvements in imaging techniques. However, a definitive diagnosis of SANT on CT or MRI remains difficult. We report the use of contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography with Sonazoid in a case of SANT in a 50‐year‐old woman, with gross and microscopic pathologic correlations. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 42:103–107, 2014
Gas/particle partitioning of total alkyl nitrates observed with TD‐LIF in Bakersfield
Authors: Rollins A. W. , Pusede S. , Wooldridge P. , Min K.‐E. , Gentner D. R. , Goldstein A. H. , Liu S. , Day D. A. , Russell L. M. , Rubitschun C. L. , Surratt J. D. , Cohen R. C.
Published: May 2013

Limitations in the chemical characterization of tropospheric organic aerosol (OA) continue to impede attempts to fully understand its chemical sources and sinks. To assess the role of organic nitrates in OA, we used a new thermal dissociation‐laser induced fluorescence‐based (TD‐LIF) technique to obtain a high‐time‐resolution record of total aerosol organic nitrates (hereafter ΣANsaer) at the Bakersfield, CA supersite during the 2010 CalNex campaign. The TD‐LIF measurements compare well with Fourier transform infrared measurements from collocated filter samples. These measurements show that ΣANs are a ubiquitous component of the OA with the –ONO2 subunit comprising on average 4.8% of the OA mass. Scaling this fraction by an estimate of the organic backbone mass yields an estimate that 17–23% of OA molecules contain nitrate functional groups. Measurements of both total ΣAN (gas + aerosol) and ΣANaer show that on average 21% of ΣANs are in the condensed phase, suggesting atmospheric organic nitrates have similar volatilities to analogous non‐nitrate oxidized organic compounds. The fraction of ΣAN that is in the condensed phase increases with total OA concentration, providing direct evidence from the atmosphere that absorptive partitioning into OA has some control over the ΣAN phase partitioning. The specific molecular identity of the ΣAN is incompletely understood. Both biogenic hydrocarbons and long chain alkanes are calculated to be significant sources of low volatility nitrates in Bakersfield, and ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled to an electrospray ionization high‐resolution quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer measurements confirm the existence of particulate nitrooxy organosulfates derived from gas‐phase oxidation of both isoprene and monoterpenes.
Educational impact of using smartphones for clinical communication on general medicine: More global, less local
Authors: Wu Robert C. , Tzanetos Katina , Morra Dante , Quan Sherman , Lo Vivian , Wong Brian M.
Published: May 2013

BACKGROUND

Medical trainees increasingly use smartphones in their clinical work. Similar to other information technology implementations, smartphone use can result in unintended consequences. This study aimed to examine the impact of smartphone use for clinical communication on medical trainees' educational experiences.

DESIGN

Qualitative research methodology using interview data, ethnographic data, and analysis of e‐mail messages.

ANALYSIS

We analyzed the interview transcripts, ethnographic data, and e‐mails by applying a conceptual framework consisting of 5 educational domains.

RESULTS

Smartphone use increased connectedness and resulted in a high level of interruptions. These 2 factors impacted 3 discrete educational domains: supervision, teaching, and professionalism. Smartphone use increased connectedness to supervisors and may improve supervision, making it easier for supervisors to take over but can limit autonomy by reducing learner decision making. Teaching activities may be easier to coordinate, but smartphone use interrupted learners and reduced teaching effectiveness during these sessions. Finally, there may be professionalism issues in relation to how residents use smartphones during encounters with patients and health professionals and in teaching sessions.

CONCLUSIONS

We summarized the impact of a rapidly emerging information technology—smartphones—on the educational experience of medical trainees. Smartphone use increase connectedness and allow trainees to be more globally available for patient care but creates interruptions that cause trainees to be less present in their local interactions with staff during teaching sessions. Educators should be aware of these findings and need to develop curriculum to address the negative impacts of smartphone use in the clinical training environment. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2013;8:365–372. © 2013 Society of Hospital Medicine
Scalable models of microwave system responses using sequential sampling on unstructured grids
Authors: Chemmangat Krishnan , Ferranti Francesco , Dhaene Tom , Knockaert Luc
Published: May 2013

This paper presents two sequential sampling algorithms for the macromodeling of parameterized system responses in model‐dependent sampling frameworks. The construction of efficient algorithms for the automatic selection of samples for building scalable macromodels of frequency‐domain responses is addressed in this paper. The sequential sampling algorithms proposed here are tailored toward the application of local scalable macromodeling schemes on unstructured design space grids. Two pertinent examples are considered. For the first one, different algorithms are applied, and a comparison is made in terms of the number of samples generated, accuracy and CPU time. As a second example, four design variables are taken into account with one of the proposed algorithms, and the generated model is used in a frequency‐domain optimization. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trends of temperature extremes in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Almazroui Mansour , Islam M. Nazrul , Dambul Ramzah , Jones P. D.
Published: May 2013

In characterizing the patterns of climate change across Saudi Arabia, several extreme indices are calculated from station values daily maximum and minimum temperature data. The trend analyses are performed on 13 annual extreme indices for Saudi Arabia, using observations from 27 surface stations with high‐quality data for the period 1981–2010. RClimDex is used to calculate the indices, and simple regression methods are employed for the trend analysis. The analyses of extreme temperature indices detected a significant increase in the majority of the stations, which further indicates that the country has experienced a warming trend. The findings show that 92/89% of the stations displayed a significant increase in the annual occurrence of warm days/nights and 96/93% revealed a significant decrease for the occurrence of cool days/nights. Time‐series analysis has also shown an important feature of the climate change signal. When the dataset is divided into two sub‐periods, the analysis reveals a distinctive long‐term trend that clearly distinguishes the two periods. It was found that the temperature extremes (hot and cold) in Saudi Arabia have increased significantly with greater magnitude in the recent‐past (1996–2010) compared to the previous period (1981–1995). The most telling evidence for this is the heat‐ and cold‐waves, where indices of both have occurred more frequently in the second part of the two sub‐periods.
Designer colloids in structured food for the future
Authors: Douaire Maelle , Norton Ian T
Published: May 2013

Recent advances in the understanding of colloids has enabled the design of food products that are healthier and tastier, in line with consumer expectations. Specifically, emulsion design and hydrocolloid structuring can be used to address the issue of fat reduction in foods by allowing the production of reduced fat products that provide similar sensory attributes. Additionally, various techniques for encapsulating molecules, such as flavour, nutraceuticals or drugs, are now being developed. The application of such techniques in food products can improve micronutrient bioavailability by means of targeted and controlled delivery, increasing the nutritional value. Colloidal structures can also be designed to enhance consumer experience, mimic fat or control satiety. Such novel improvements, as well as their potential translation into commercial food products, are highlighted in this paper, which focuses primarily on the areas of emulsion technologies and hydrocolloids. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Properties of two amide‐based hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography columns
Authors: Kalíková Květa , Kozlík Petr , Gilar Martin , Tesařová Eva
Published: May 2013

Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography is a separation technique suitable for the separation of moderately and highly polar compounds. Various stationary phases (SPs) for hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography are commercially available. While the SPs based on the same type of ligand are available from different providers, they can display a distinct retention characteristics and separation selectivity. The current work is focused on characterization and comparison of the separation systems of two amide‐based HPLC columns from two producers, i.e. XBridge Amide column and TSK gel Amide‐80 column. Several characterization procedures (tests) were used to investigate the differences between these columns. The chromatographic behavior of selected analytes indicates that multimodal interactions are responsible for retention and separation on these columns. Multiple testing approaches were used in order to reveal subtle differences between the SPs. Both amide‐based columns showed certain differences in retention, selectivity, and plate counts. Based on the tests used in this study, we conclude that the investigated columns provide a different degree of H‐bonding interactions.
On sub‐Riemannian geodesics on the Engel groups: Hamilton's equations
Authors: Adams Malcolm R. , Tie Jingzhi
Published: May 2013

We study the sub‐Riemannian geometry on the Engel group which is a step 3 nilpotent Lie group on . Our main result is to solve the Hamiltonian equations associated with the bi‐characteristic curves and express the solutions in terms of elliptic functions. Our model covers both the Heisenberg group and the Martinet case when setting certain parameters to be zero.