bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Millet and Its Significance on the Eve of International Year of Millets 2023: Culture, Consumption and Conservation Karnataka, India
Authors: Nanda Appaji , Janardhana Gungurumale Laxminarasimhacharya
Published: February 2024

This study was performed to learn what millet is and its significance on the eve of the International Year of Millets 2023 for high school students in Karnataka. The present study was considered essential to know about the perception of the Millennium Year celebration and to gain knowledge about why it is a prerequisite in our society, culture, nutrition, health, and food security. We selected different agro-climatic conditions in Karnataka state, like Shivamogga, Tumkur, Hassan, Mandya, Dharwad, and Chikkamagaluru districts. Where millet growing and consumption have been common since time immemorial, the present status is different. We involved 1095 students from 23 schools, 46 teachers who physically participated in the survey, and the participants' family members, 3285 grandparents and 2190 parents, who supported the students in debating for the information. The data were analyzed quantitatively by descriptive statistics and qualitatively by Pearson’s rank correlation. The findings revealed that most students do not know what millet is, and many do not hear of their name, their local name, or their importance as food, fodder, or health benefits. The majority of the students lack knowledge about millet, which is directly linked to their non-consumption of millet at home and in hotels. Why so much information and knowledge are not in the textbook is also one of the drawbacks of our system, as has been mentioned by the majority of the teachers. The only millets' knowledge bank is their elders (grandparents and parents). Our attempt to bridge the gap helped the students, parents, and teachers know what millet really is and why celebration matters to all, especially next-generation citizens (students), to know and act for their responsibility in food security in their region.
Emergence of High-Level Antibiotic Resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae: A Narrative Review
Authors: Sona P. H.  , Attavar Pavan Chand , Rasmi T. R.  , Kotian M. Shashidhar , Delna N. S.
Published: February 2024

In an era marked by remarkable advancements in medicine, the persistent emergence of high-level antibiotic resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae poses a critical threat to public health globally. As the worldwide spread of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) and pan-drug-resistant (PDR) K. pneumoniae strains continues to grow, a significant shift in how we approach treatment is on the horizon. The complex interaction of genetic factors, which encompasses a wide range of beta-lactamases, aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes, and chromosomal mutations, creates a dynamic resistance mechanism that counters the effects of antibiotics. These intricate adaptations, arising from both gene transfers facilitated by plasmids and changes in the genome itself, present a challenging obstacle to our efforts in managing antimicrobial effectiveness. Klebsiella infections come back stronger armed with molecular tactics that challenge healthcare systems, prolong hospital stays, and increase mortality. Beyond healthcare settings, the economic and social dimensions grow as resources are redirected, intensifying the impact on vulnerable groups. This review delves into the intricate mechanisms behind the high-level antibiotic resistance in K. pneumoniae, examining its epidemiological, molecular, and clinical facets. Highlighting the necessity for coordinated research, medical protocols, and policies, the review underscores the importance of judicious antibiotic utilization, drug innovation, and rigorous infection management.
Jurnalisme Damai dalam Pemberitaan Pandemi Covid-19 Varian Delta pada Portal Berita detik.com dengan Menggunakan Analisis Isi
Authors: Arifina Anisa Setya , Putri Wahyu Eka , Suryaningtyas Annis Azhar
Published: February 2024

Covid-19 varian Delta menghantam Indonesia pada Juni 2021. Media massa lantas mengabarkan kondisi ini secara massif. Situasi tersebut tidak lepas dari peranan penting media sebagai penyedia informasi terkini. Namun nampaknya, ada konsekuensi lain yang ditimbulkan akibat bombardier berita yang terus menerus, yakni munculnya kecemasan dan ketidakpastian di tegah masyarakat. Penulisan berita dengan bingkai jurnalisme damai disinyalir mejadi tawaran solusi bagi media massa untuk tetap dapat menjalankan perannya dalam memenuhi kebutuhan informasi dan juga meminimalisir resiko dampak kecemasan dan ketidakpastian berlebih di masyarakat. Oleh sebab itu, penelitian ini tertarik untuk mengkaji penerapan jurnalisme damai pada media online Indonesia, kususnya detik.com dalam memberitakan gelombang Covid-19 varian Delta selama periode Juni 2021. Ada 142 berita yang dianalisis pada penelitian ini dengan teori utama framing jurnalisme damai. Metode yang digunakan pada penelitian ini ialah analisis isi kuantitatif. Pengambilan sample dengan menggunakan aplikasi surveysystem.com. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa sebanyak 62,3% berita di detik.com sepanjang Juni 2021 telah menerapkan prinsip jurnalisme damai yang berupa orientasi damai, 100% telah berpegang pada prinsip orientasi kebenaran, 74,3% telah people-oriented, dan 73,3% telah berorientasi solusi.
Let’s be Frank
Authors: Maguire Rena
Published: February 2024

A unique bridle bit found at Lochlea crannog, South Ayrshire appears to show a fusion of traditional local Iron Age technology with Continental early medieval styling, specifically the influence of Frankish horsemanship (hereafter equitation) and equipment (hereafter lorinery and tack). The re-examination of the Lochlea bit allows consideration of Scotland’s connections to early medieval Francia as well as highlighting the archaeological potential of the artefacts found at Lochlea, with emphasis on a modern examination of the chronology of the site.
The Relationship Between Machiavellianism and the Ethics of the Accounting and Auditing Profession: An Analytical Study of the Opinions of a Sample of Accountants and Auditors in Banks Listed on the Iraq Stock Exchange
Authors: Sallal Farqad Faisal Jadaan
Published: February 2024

Machiavellianism tends to take actions that ignore moral norms and values. Therefore, this research seeks to study the relationship between Machiavellianism and the lack of commitment of accountants and auditors in banks listed in the Iraqi Stock Exchange to the ethics of accounting and auditing represented by the rules of Professional Conduct in order to achieve the research objective, the descriptive analytical approach was followed by designing a questionnaire and distributing it to a group of accountants and auditors working in nine banks listed on the Iraqi Stock Exchange. Excel was used to analyze the data to obtain the results. The research reached several results, the most important of which was the existence of a positive correlation and influence between Machiavellianism and non-compliance with the ethics of the accounting and auditing profession. This relationship is semi-strong or medium with the dimensions of confidentiality and integrity and weak with the dimensions of efficiency and objectivity. Based on these results, several recommendations were proposed, the most important of which are the need to pay attention to the integration of ethical aspects in the basic curricula of the accounting department and the development of continuing education programs to link ethics with the role and responsibility of the accountant and Auditor.
Hepatic MRI for GE Scanners
Authors: Mitchell Donald G. , Natale Pater , Holland George
Published: June 2004

MRI techniques continue to evolve rapidly, but the basic components of a liver examination, and the clinical role of each component, have changed little. The three most important considerations for choosing techniques for imaging the liver continue to be contrast, motion artifact, and coverage. This unit presents a for liver imaging for General Electric (GE) scanners. However, these basic approaches to hepatic MR imaging are quite similar, with most details relating to minor vendor‐specific differences.
A novel variable‐length sliding window blockwise least‐squares algorithm for on‐line estimation of time‐varying parameters
Authors: Jiang Jin , Zhang Youmin
Published: June 2004

Motivated by the advances in computer technology and the fact that the batch/block least‐squares (LS) produces more accurate parameter estimates than its recursive counterparts, several important issues associated with the block LS have been re‐examined in the framework of on‐line identification of systems with abrupt/gradual change parameters in this paper. It is no surprise that the standard block LS performs unsatisfactorily in such a situation. To overcome this deficiency, a novel variable‐length sliding window‐based LS algorithm, known as variable‐length sliding window blockwise least squares, is developed. The algorithm consists of a change detection scheme and a data window with adjustable length. The window length adjustment is triggered by the change detection scheme. Whenever a change in system parameters is detected, the window is shortened to discount ‘old’ data and place more weight on the latest measurements. Several strategies for window length adjustment have been considered. The performance of the proposed algorithm has been evaluated through numerical studies. In comparison with the recursive least squares (RLS) with forgetting factors, superior results have been obtained consistently for the proposed algorithm. Robustness analysis of the algorithm to measurement noise have also been carried out. The significance of the work reported herein is that this algorithm offers a viable alternative to traditional RLS for on‐line parameter estimation by trading off the computational complexity of block LS for improved performance over RLS, because the computational complexity becomes less and less an issue with the rapid advance in computer technologies. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Internal Field Screening in Polymer Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Brewer P. J. , Lane P. A. , deMello A. J. , Bradley D. D. C. , deMello J. C.
Published: June 2004

We use electromodulation spectroscopy and modeling studies to probe the electric‐field distribution in polyfluorene‐based polymer light‐emitting diodes containing poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) poly(styrene sulfonate). The bulk internal field is shown to be zero under ordinary operating conditions, with trapped electrons close to the anode fully screening the bulk semiconductor from the external field. The effect has far‐reaching implications for the understanding and optimization of organic devices.
Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes Tethered with Porphyrins: Synthesis and Photophysical Properties
Authors: Li H. , Martin R. B. , Harruff B. A. , Carino R. A. , Allard L. F. , Sun Y.‐P.
Published: June 2004

Single‐walled carbon nanotubes have been functionalized with derivatized porphyrins (see Figure). The photoexcited state properties of the nanotube‐tethered porphyrin moieties are investigated via steady‐state and time‐resolved fluorescence methods. Intramolecular energy‐transfer quenching of porphyrin fluorescence by the tethered nanotube occurs in the sample with a longer tether, but no fluorescence quenching is observed in the sample with a shorter tether.
Ordered Mesoporous Carbon Hollow Spheres Nanocast Using Mesoporous Silica via Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Xia Y. D. , Mokaya R.
Published: June 2004

Hollow spheres of well‐ordered mesoporous carbon (see Figure) may be obtained via a simple chemical vapor deposition route, which utilizes mesoporous silica SBA‐15 as a solid template and suitable organic compounds (e.g., styrene) as the carbon source.
A Two‐Stage Route to Coaxial Cubic‐Aluminum‐Nitride–Boron‐ Nitride Composite Nanotubes
Authors: Yin L.‐W. , Bando Y. , Zhu Y.‐C. , Golberg D. , Li M.‐S.
Published: June 2004

Coaxial cubic‐aluminum‐nitride–boron‐nitride composite nanotubes have been synthesized via a template‐free and catalyst‐free two‐stage route. The synthesized nanotubes have a uniform outer diameter of 50 nm and wall thickness of 15 nm, with a 2–3 nm thick BN coating. A vapor–solid (VS) mechanism is proposed for their growth, and insight is provided into the atomistic mechanism of coaxial nanotube growth.
Core‐Template‐Free Strategy for Preparing Hollow Nanospheres
Authors: Hu Y. , Jiang X. , Ding Y. , Chen Q. , Yang C. Z.
Published: June 2004

Hollow polymeric nanospheres (see Figure) are directly obtained by polymerization of acrylic acid monomers inside micelles comprised of a biopolymer with amino groups, (chitosan) and an organic monomer with carboxylic group (acrylic acid). In this approach, the nanospheres form in aqueous solution without the aid of surfactant, organic solvent, precursors of block and graft copolymers, templating cores, or emulsion phases.
Silica‐Templated Continuous Mesoporous Carbon Films by a Spin‐Coating Technique
Authors: Pang J. , Li X. , Wang D. , Wu Z. , John V. T. , Yang Z. , Lu Y.
Published: June 2004

Continuous mesoporous carbon thin films (see Figure) have been synthesized through direct carbonization of sucrose/silica nanocomposite films and subsequent removal of the silica to create a mesoporous carbon network. This method provides a simple and efficient method to synthesize continuous, high surface area and pore volume mesoporous carbon thin films with uniform‐sized and interconnected pore channels.
A Novel Approach to Synthesizing Calcium Copper Titanate Thin Films with Giant Dielectric Constants
Authors: Lo Nigro R. , Toro R. G. , Malandrino G. , Bettinelli M. , Speghini A. , Fragalà I. L.
Published: June 2004

Good quality CaCu3Ti4O12 giant dielectric constant films have been prepared by metal–organic chemical vapor deposition on LaAlO3 (001) substrates, using a multimetal molten precursor source. The growth of the oxide layer by a two‐step in‐situ process, namely deposition of an amorphous matrix and the consequent in‐situ annealing, has resulted in epitaxial (00l) CaCu3Ti4O12 thin films.
Si‐Compatible Ion‐Selective Oxide Interconnects with High Tunability
Authors: Schmuhl R. , Sekulic J. , Roy Chowdhury S. , van Rijn C. J. M. , Keizer K. , van den Berg A. , ten Elshof J. E. , Blank D. H. A.
Published: June 2004

A new class of porous oxide interconnects with a regularly perforated SiN support structure is presented here. The method is demonstrated by constructing γ‐alumina, MCM‐48 silica (see Figure), and amorphous titania interconnects. Ionic transport through the gate is established by externally varying the potential difference across the interconnects, which allows cationic, anionic, or no transport, depending on the magnitude and sign of the applied potential difference.
Dispersal ghosts in Oceania
Authors: Cann Rebecca L. , Lum J. Koji
Published: June 2004

Anthropological genetics helps expand our understanding of human phenotypes in the Pacific, in part because of its focus on gene genealogies to infer past episodes of dispersal and to differentiate these events from adaptations due to long‐duration directional selection. Sewall Wright's 1949 seminal paper on population structure emphasized that there were two strong forces that exerted systematic and therefore determinant pressure on the gene pool: recurrent immigration and gene flow. These are important topics to all discussions of human dispersal in any region of the world. Furthermore, Wright listed five unique kinds of events that produced indeterminate or unpredictable changes that could lead to phenotypic and genotypic effects. In this category, he placed unique selective incidents, unique hybridization events, unique reductions in number, swamping by mass immigration, and mutational drive due to an allele always being favored since its origin or introduction. This discussion of human dispersal in the Pacific will touch on these topics, since they provide a second level of complexity in knowing who moved about a region of the world found already settled when rediscovered by colonial explorers during the 16–18th centuries. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 16:440–451, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mitochondrial DNA and Y chromosome diversity and the peopling of the Americas: Evolutionary and demographic evidence
Authors: Schurr Theodore G. , Sherry Stephen T.
Published: June 2004

A number of important insights into the peopling of the New World have been gained through molecular genetic studies of Siberian and Native American populations. While there is no complete agreement on the interpretation of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and Y chromosome (NRY) data from these groups, several generalizations can be made. To begin with, the primary migration of ancestral Asians expanded from south‐central Siberia into the New World and gave rise to ancestral Amerindians. The initial migration seems to have occurred between 20,000–15,000 calendar years before present (cal BP), i.e., before the emergence of Clovis lithic sites (13,350–12,895 cal BP) in North America. Because an interior route through northern North America was unavailable for human passage until 12,550 cal BP, after the last glacial maximum (LGM), these ancestral groups must have used a coastal route to reach South America by 14,675 cal BP, the date of the Monte Verde site in southern Chile. The initial migration appears to have brought mtDNA haplogroups A‐D and NRY haplogroups P‐M45a and Q‐242/Q‐M3 to the New World, with these genetic lineages becoming widespread in the Americas. A second expansion that perhaps coincided with the opening of the ice‐free corridor probably brought mtDNA haplogroup X and NRY haplogroups P‐M45b, C‐M130, and R1a1‐M17 to North and Central America. Finally, populations that formerly inhabited Beringia expanded into northern North America after the LGM, and gave rise to Eskimo‐Aleuts and Na‐Dené Indians. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 16:420–439, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rural‐to‐urban migration in Latin America: An update and thoughts on the model
Authors: Dufour D.L. , Piperata B.A.
Published: June 2004

Urbanization is an important demographic phenomenon, and in Latin America it transformed the settlement pattern from rural to predominantly urban in less than 50 years. Understanding the biological consequences of this change in settlement pattern is an important challenge for human biologists. One approach to understanding the effects of urban environments on human biology has been to study rural‐to‐urban migrants. In Latin America this research has shown that 1) the fertility of migrants tends to be intermediate between that of rural and urban populations, and 2) migrants tend to suffer higher rates of mortality and morbidity, at least initially, than long‐term urban residents. There is some indication that the actual physical conditions under which migrants live in urban areas—and these tend to be among the most impoverished—are more important variables than migrant status per se. Studying rural‐to‐urban migrants requires careful attention to a number of conceptual issues. One issue is the definition of rural and urban. These two types of settlements are no longer as distinct as they once were, and “urban” can mean very different things in different places. Another issue is the complexity of current migration patterns. The classic case of people moving from a distinctly rural setting to a distinctly urban one and staying there for the remainder of their lives is not the norm. Third, the urban environments of large cities are extraordinarily heterogeneous environments with enormous socioeconomic differentials in health. Hence, it matters where in the urban environment the migrants live. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 16:395–404, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fluctuating asymmetry predicts human reactive aggression
Authors: Benderlioglu Zeynep , Sciulli Paul W. , Nelson Randy J.
Published: June 2004

Fluctuating asymmetry (FA) represents non‐directional deviations from perfect symmetry in morphological characters. Prenatal stressors contribute to the imprecise expression of symmetrical phenotypes and display of agonistic behavior in children and adults. Because prenatal stress affects neurological function and overt behavior, and FA is often used as a marker for prenatal stress, we hypothesized that high FA would be associated with elevated levels of human reactive aggression. Data were collected from 100 males and females (average age = 20.1) on FA of 11 bilateral traits (second, third, fourth, and fifth digit length, palm height, wrist diameter, elbow width, ear height, ear width, foot breadth, and ankle circumference). Additional relationships were also investigated among FA, testosterone (T), and type of provocation to test a comprehensive aggression model. Experimental participants solicited donations for a fictitious charity organization via telephone and selected follow‐up letters after the calls. High FA and T values were independently associated with elevated reactive aggression (force of terminating the call) under low provocation in males, and under high provocation in females. In the absence of phenotypical markers, i.e., FA and T, sex differences in response to provocation disappeared and a “passive‐aggressive” response emerged. Both males and females selected hostile follow‐up letters, but showed low reactive aggression when terminating the call under high provocation. This pattern was reversed under low provocation. Taken together, these data suggest that individuals' phenotype and intensity of provocation are important determinants of individual and sex differences in aggression. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 16:458–469, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modeling of methyl isothiocyanate air concentrations associated with community illnesses following a metam‐sodium sprinkler application
Authors: O'Malley Michael , Barry Terrell , Verder‐Carlos Marylou , Rubin Andrew
Published: June 2004

Background

A series of illnesses occurred in Earlimart, CA on November 13, 1999 following a metam‐sodium sprinkler application to a potato field on the southern edge of the town.

Methods

Case information was obtained from direct interviews, from illness complaints filed with state or county agencies, or from illness reports filed by community physicians for 173 subjects. Air concentrations of the by‐product methyl isothiocyanate (MITC) during the episode were estimated based upon the Industrial Source Complex Short‐Term (ISC3) air dispersion model, estimates from prior metam‐sodium monitoring studies, and data from weather stations in two adjoining communities.

Results

Weather station data indicated that the November 13th incident corresponded with a temperature inversion at approximately 5:00 p.m. and a shift in the direction of prevailing wind from northwest to southeast. On the edge of Earlimart, 1‐hr time weighted average (TWA) MITC concentration estimates ranged from 0.5 to 1 ppm. Of the 173 subjects, 170 had MITC‐compatible symptoms, including eye or upper respiratory irritation (77.6%), non‐specific systemic symptoms (64.7%), and lower respiratory symptoms (20.0%). 78.2% were exposed within 0.5 miles of the northern edge of the treated field where average 1 hr MITC concentrations exceeded the 800 ppb ocular irritation threshold.

Conclusions

ISC3 modeling is a useful means of evaluating MITC concentrations for illness episodes when industrial hygiene assessment is not possible. Am. J. Ind. Med. 46:1–15, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Blower Door‐Messungen: trotz Normen noch vieles unklar
Authors: Tanner Christoph , Mühlebach Hans
Published: June 2004

Es ist unbestritten, daß eine möglichst luftdichte Gebäudehülle ein Qualitätsfaktor ist, der viele Vorteile bringt. Wird eine Luftdurchlässigkeits‐Messung durchgeführt, werden die Beurteilungen und Vergleiche von Luftwechselzahlen schwierig. Einerseits werden länderspezifisch unterschiedliche Kennwerte ermittelt, andererseits fehlen in den Normen meist detaillierte Ausführungsbestimmungen für die Gebäudepräparation. So besteht z. B. Spielraum beim Festlegen der Meßzone und es entstehen — je nach Abdichtungsort bei der Lüftungsanlage — große Unterschiede im Ergebnis. Wesentlichen Einfluß hat auch der Meßzeitpunkt: Eine Messung mit Leckagenortung in der Bauphase ist sinnvoll und erwünscht, gilt aber nicht als Abnahme, da das Gebäude durch die Fertigstellung noch verändert wird. Das hinterläßt Fragen über den Stellenwert von Luftdurchlässigkeits‐Messungen. Bei der Beurteilung von Niedrigenergiebauten kommt hinzu, daß die z. T. extrem niedrigen Grenzwerte nur aus energetischen Gründen gefordert werden, obwohl bekanntermaßen zwischen der Luftwechselzahl n50 und den energetisch relevanten Lüftungswärmeverlusten (durch Infiltration/Exfiltration) nur ein indirekter Zusammenhang besteht. Lösungsvorschläge für eine einheitliche Gebäudepräparierung und Datenauswertung werden z. Zt. diskutiert. Ziel ist es, für die wesentlichen Probleme der komplexen Meßmethode einfache, pragmatische Lösungen zu finden und die Möglichkeiten und Grenzen der Meßmethode besser bekannt zu machen.
Teil 3: Anwendung von Laborergebnissen in der Baupraxis, Ausführungsfehler
Authors: Sälzer Elmar , Eßer Georg , Sahl Markus , Kühn Herbert
Published: June 2004

Mit dem vorliegenden dritten Teil der dreiteiligen Serie „Schallschutz mit Hohlraumböden”︁ wird der Übergang von der Untersuchung und Erforschung der schalltechnischen Parameter von Hohlräumböden im Labor zur Baupraxis ermöglicht. Während in Teil 1 [1] über die geschichtliche Entwicklung der Hohlraumböden seit Beginn der 1980er sowie über die wesentlichen Parameter der Luftschalldämmung — nämlich die Normflankenpegeldifferenz (Luftschalldämmung bei horizontaler Übertragung, Schallängsdämmung) und die Schalldämmung von Massivdecken mit Hohlräumböden im vertikalen Durchgang berichtet wurde, sind in Teil 2 der Aufsatzreihe [2] die Parameter der Trittschalldämmung — nämlich die bewertete Trittschallminderung (Trittschallverbesserung) und der bewertete Norm‐Flankentrittschallpegel (bewerteter Normtrittschallpegel bei horizontaler Übertragung) dargestellt. Nachfolgend werden Vorschläge unterbreitet, wie in der Planung der am Bau erforderliche Schallschutz — entweder durch bauaufsichtliche Mindestanforderungen oder durch zivilrechtliche Vereinbarungen zwischen Nutzer und Investor — eingehalten werden kann, soweit dies die Hohlraumböden betrifft.
Monitoring and control of an anaerobic upflow fixed‐bed reactor for high‐loading‐rate operation and rejection of disturbances
Authors: Liu Jing , Olsson Gustaf , Mattiasson Bo
Published: June 2004

A new control strategy has been introduced for operating anaerobic digestion processes efficiently at high load. The control system includes a cascade controller embedded into a rule‐based supervisory system based on extremum‐seeking control. Three process parameters, considered to be the most realistic variables for monitoring of the bioprocess, were selected (pH, biogas production rate, and the difference between the actual biogas flow and its setpoint). The control system examines these variables and varies the organic load by manipulating the influent flow. Good control performance was achieved during the start‐up, during steady‐state running operations, and during rejection of disturbances. The main advantages of this control approach can be attributed to its ability to adjust control parameters automatically, both for high‐load operation and for rejection of disturbances. Furthermore, the influent flow can be tuned automatically according to variations in organic matter in the feed without the characteristics of the influent being considered. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High‐activity biocatalysts in organic media: solid‐state buffers as the immobilisation matrix for protein‐coated microcrystals
Authors: Kreiner Michaela , Parker Marie Claire
Published: June 2004

Recently, we reported a new high‐activity biocatalyst for use in organic media termed protein‐coated microcrystals (PCMC) (Kreiner et al. [2001] Chem Commun 12:1096–1097). These novel particles consist of water‐soluble micron‐sized crystalline particles coated with the given biocatalyst(s) and are prepared in a one‐step rapid dehydration process. In this study we extended the choice of immobilisation matrix from a simple inorganic salt, K2SO4, to other compounds, both inorganic and zwitterionic, that act as solid‐state buffers for biocatalysis in organic media. The catalytic activity of serine proteases subtilisin Carlsberg (SC) and α‐chymotrypsin (CT) were significantly increased when coated onto the surface of solid‐state buffers, as measured in acetonitrile/1wt% H2O. SC‐PCMC with both organic and inorganic buffer carriers (Na‐AMPSO, Na2CO3, and NaHCO3) showed a 3‐fold greater activity than that observed when using the unbuffered system (PCMC‐SC/K2SO4). In comparison with freeze‐dried preparations, this represents an ∼3,000‐fold increase in catalytic activity. Importantly, there is no improvement in catalytic activity upon external addition of any of the solid‐state buffers to the reaction mixture. When acting in a solid‐state buffer capacity, good buffering capacity was observed with SC‐PCMC (3 wt% protein loading) prepared from a 1:1 mixture of AMPSO and AMPSO‐Na. Alternatively, increasing the amount of solid‐state buffer in the system allows improvement of the buffering. This can be achieved either by decreasing the protein loading of the SC/Na‐AMPSO‐PCMC or by addition of further external solid‐state buffer to the reaction mixture. The catalytic activity of lipase‐PCMC prepared from solid‐state buffers was found less responsive to immobilisation. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Molecular stool screening for colorectal cancer
Authors: Mak T , Lalloo F , Evans D G R , Hill J
Published: June 2004

Background

Mass screening for colorectal cancer reduces mortality and, with recent advances in molecular genetics, molecular stool-based tests have produced promising results. This article reviews this innovation and discusses its clinical significance.

Methods

Medline searches were used to identify recent key articles relating to stool-based testing. Further articles were obtained by manual scanning of the reference lists of identified papers.

Results

Current screening methods are based on endoscopic, radiological and stool-based testing. Recent recognition of the adenoma–carcinoma sequence and pathophysiological studies of colonic epithelium have enabled tumour markers to be used in the screening setting. Non-invasive molecular stool testing has now been shown to have a high sensitivity and specificity.

Conclusion

Recent studies on molecular stool-based testing have shown higher sensitivity and specificity than earlier studies, but larger clinical trials are required. Laboratory methods are still undergoing research, with the aim of improving sensitivity to allow large-scale testing.
Letter 1: Safety lessons taken from the airlines (Br J Surg 2004; 91: 393–394)
Authors: Huang A
Published: June 2004

The Editors welcome topical correspondence from readers relating to articles published in the Journal. Responses can be sent electronically via the BJS website (www.bjs.co.uk) or by post. All letters will be reviewed and, if approved, appear on the website. A selection of these will be edited and published in the Journal. Letters must be no more than 250 words in length. Letters submitted by post should be typed on A4-sized paper in double spacing and should be accompanied by a disk.
Vom Silberspiegel zum kratzfesten Autolack: Optimierte Oberflächen
Authors: Fröba Michael , Scheld Wilfried , Gath Carina , Hoffmann Frank
Published: June 2004

Im Rahmen einer anorganisch‐chemischen Experimentalvorlesung werden verschiedene Verfahren vorgestellt, um besondere Oberflächeneigenschaften, wie Reflektivität, Korrosionsbeständigkeit, Selbstreinigung oder Kratzfestigkeit, gezielt auf chemischem Weg zu erhalten.
Architektur einer Lichtantenne
Authors: Harrer Roswitha
Published: June 2004

Membranproteine sind „harte Nüsse”︁, wenn man sie kristallisieren und so ihre Struktur bestimmen will. Jüngstes Beispiel ist der pflanzliche Lichtsammelkomplex des Spinats, von dem erst heute, 10 Jahre nach einer ersten Kristallstruktur, eine hochauflösende Struktur vorgestellt werden kann. Diese besticht durch ihre faszinierende Architektur von Protein, Pigmenten und Lipid und gibt eine Vorstellung davon, wie Lichtenergie innerhalb des Moleküls verteilt wird.
Damit der Lack dran bleibt
Authors: Borchard‐Tuch Claudia
Published: June 2004

Die Automobilindustrie stellt höchste Ansprüche an den Lack: Autos werden für einen weltweiten Markt produziert und müssen unterschiedlichsten klimatischen Bedingungen standhalten können. Erst das Zusammenspiel von mehreren maßgeschneiderten Schichten erfüllt die vielen Anforderungen.
Naturwissenschaftliche Museen und „Science Center”︁ im Netz — Appetithäppchen für Besuche?
Authors: Hildebrandt Henry
Published: June 2004

Die Vielfalt der naturwissenschaftlich orientierten Museen in Deutschland ist kaum überschaubar. Die recht unterschiedlichen Selbstdarstellungen im Netz bieten methodisch interessante Möglichkeiten, Besuche vor Ort vorzubereiten. Eigene Wege könnten so eigene Interessen wecken — und nicht vorgedachte Pfade weiter austreten.
Study on the degeneration of quadrilateral element to triangular element
Authors: Li L.‐X. , Han X.‐P. , Xu S.‐Q.
Published: June 2004

In this paper, the problems involved in the process of degeneration of quadrilateral element into triangular element are thoroughly analysed. The contents include the formulation of the geometry mapping induced by collapsing one side of the quadrilateral element and the construction of the shape functions. The study focuses first on a 4‐node bilinear quadrilateral (Q4) element to 3‐node constant strain triangular (CST) element, and then on a 8‐node serendipity (Q8) element to 6‐node triangular element (T6). In the analysis, the quadrilateral element and degenerate triangular element are assumed to be enclosed by straight edges. The theoretical results show that there is another better approach to realize the degeneration, and that even for conventional approach of degeneration we can give more reasonable explanation to the unclear problems like the CST property in degenerate CST element and the necessity of the additional terms in degenerate T6 element. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PID congestion control in ATM with propagation delay
Authors: Kubo Seiji , Ushio Toshimitsu , Murata Masayuki , Ohsaki Hiroyuki
Published: June 2004

Recently there have been many methods for rate control methods as applications of control theory. This paper considers congestion control in an ER system of ABR class in ATM as an example, and proposes a PID‐type control rule under the existence of propagation delay. In the ATM switch, we predict the buffer level after time which equals the propagation delay elapsed. Based on the difference between the predicted and target values, a QoS value is calculated. It is stored in the ER field of an RM cell, and sent to each source. The connection sets the transfer rate corresponding to the extent of satisfaction and the QoS service class. We show conditions for the control parameters in order to stabilize the buffer level. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 1, 87(12): 90–99, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecja.10071
An analysis of superconducting fault current limiter for stabilization of synchronous generators in multimachine system: A two‐machine infinite bus system
Authors: Yagami Masaki , Shibata Shinsuke , Murata Toshiaki , Tamura Junji
Published: June 2004

This paper presents the results of analyses of the effectiveness of a superconducting fault current limiter (SFCL) to stabilize the synchronous generators, suppress turbine shaft torque oscillations, and limit the fault current in a two‐machine infinite bus system. In this study, the system model with two SFCLs having shunt resistance installed at each generator terminal was used taking 3LG (three lines to ground) fault at 12 fault points into account. These analyses were performed using EMTP/ATP. It is found that the use of SFCL with a shunt resistance value of 1.1 pu is most effective for all fault points for the stabilization of synchronous generators, the suppression of turbine shaft torque oscillations, and the limitation of fault current. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 148(3): 44–53, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.10272
Impulse partial discharge and breakdown characteristics of rod–plane gaps in air and N2 gases
Authors: Saitoh Hitoshi , Morita Keiichi , Kikkawa Takashi , Hayakawa Naoki , Okubo Hitoshi
Published: June 2004

In response to growing environmental concerns, we attempted to develop switchgear without using SF6 gas. In our research, we used compressed air and pure N2 as an electrical insulation gas, because of their low global warming potential. In this paper, we examined the impulse breakdown and impulse partial discharge characteristics under various conditions related to nonuniformity of the electric field. The experimental results show that the breakdown voltage (BDV) of air is higher than that of pure N2 gas under highly nonuniform field conditions in the rod–plane gap. On the other hand, the discharge inception voltage of air and N2 were almost the same. Furthermore, first partial discharge (PD), leader discharge, and its transition to the breakdown were successfully observed through the measurement of discharge current and light emissions under impulse voltage application. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 148(3): 36–43, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.10277
Relative permittivity and conductivity of water‐treed region in XLPE estimated by an equivalent circuit
Authors: Ozaki Tamon , Ito Noriyuki , Kawai Jiro , Nakamura Shuhei
Published: June 2004

By dividing a water‐treed XLPE sheet sample of 1 mm thickness into a nondegraded region and a water‐treed one, relative permittivity $\varepsilon'_{\rm T2}$ and AC conductivity σAC2 of the water‐treed region have been estimated using an equivalent circuit. The variation of $\varepsilon'_{\rm T2}$ and σAC2 with the length r of the water‐treed region has been discussed based on the Sillars model. It was concluded that the volume fraction of water in the water‐treed layer is in the range from 0.5% to 1.5% for the most‐degraded XLPE sheet, which depends on the ratio of axes of spheroids to which water‐filled voids and channels are compared. It was also concluded that the AC conductivity of water in the water‐treed region ranges from 3 × 10−3 S/m to 2 × 10−2 S/m. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 148(3): 7–14, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.10332
Novel Phosphovanadate Layered Structure Assembled from a Tetrametallic Cubane‐Like VV Cluster
Authors: Shi Fa‐Nian , Paz Filipe A. Almeida , Rocha João , Klinowski Jacek , Trindade Tito
Published: June 2004

A novel phosphovanadate layered structure intercalated by 4,4′‐bipyridinium cations, (C10H10N2)[(VO2)4(PO4)2], was synthesised under hydrothermal conditions and its crystal structure determined using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The anionic [(VO2)4(PO4)2]n2n− perforated layers are strongly hydrogen bonded to the interlayer 4,4′‐bipyridinium cations and are assembled by an unprecedented secondary tetrametallic VV building unit constructed from a distorted cubane‐like {V4O4} cluster. The compound was further characterised by IR, Raman, 1H, 1H‐13C, 31P and 51V MAS NMR spectroscopy, and by thermal and elemental analysis. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)
Characterization of Self‐Assembling of Glucose Dehydrogenase in Mono‐ and Multilayers on Gold Electrodes
Authors: Loew Noya , Scheller Frieder W. , Wollenberger Ulla
Published: June 2004

Glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) was assembled electrostatically onto QCM‐gold electrodes by their sequential deposition with anionic polyelectrolytes such as PSS and PASA. For the layer‐by‐layer arrangements both the microgravimetric and the electrochemical sensor signal were followed. Increasing amounts of GDH were deposited by stepwise formation of alternating layers of GDH and PSS or PASA. The mass increase was about 1.88 μg/cm2 for one GDH/PASA bilayer and 2.4 μg/cm2 for a GDH/PSS bilayer. The addition of phenolic compounds resulted in an oxidation current, which could be catalytically increased by the GDH catalysed reaction in the presence of glucose. The system functions as glucose sensor when quinones are present in nonlimiting amount. The amperometric response was already diffusion limited when a single layer of GDH was adsorbed. The sensor sensitivity increased by a factor of 10 when MSA was used instead of MUA as initial electrode modifier.
Phospholipid‐lysozyme coating for chiral separation in capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Bo Tao , Wiedmer Susanne K. , Riekkola Marja‐Liisa
Published: June 2004

A phospholipid coating with lysozyme as chiral recognition reagent permeated into the phospholipid membrane was developed for the chiral capillary electrophoretic (CE) separation of D‐ and L‐tryptophan. As a kind of carriers, coated as phospholipid membranes onto the inner wall of a fused‐silica capillary, liposomes are able to interact with basic proteins such as lysozyme, which may reside on the surface of the phospholipid membrane or permeate into the middle of the membrane. The interaction results in strong immobilization of lysozyme in the capillary. Coatings prepared with liposomes alone did not allow stable immobilization of lysozyme into the phospholipid membranes, as seen from the poor repeatability of the chiral separation. When 1‐(4‐iodobutyl)‐1,4‐dimethylpiperazin‐1‐ium iodide (M1C4) was applied as a first coating layer in the capillary, the electroosmotic flow (EOF) was effectively suppressed, the phospholipid coating was stabilized, and the lysozyme immobilization was much improved. The liposome composition, the running buffer, and the capillary inner diameter all affected the chiral separation of D‐ and L‐tryptophan. Coating with 4 mM M1C4 and then 1 mM phosphatidylcholine (PC)/phosphatidylserine (PS) (80:20 mol%), with 20 mM (ionic strength) Tris at pH 7.4 as the running buffer, resulted in optimal chiral separation with good separation efficiency and resolution. Since lysozyme was strongly permeated into the membrane of the phospholipids on the capillary surface, the chiral separation of D‐ and L‐tryptophan was achieved without lysozyme in the running buffer. The effects of different coating procedures and separation conditions on separation were evaluated, and the M1C4–liposome and liposome–lysozyme interactions were elucidated. The usefulness of protein immobilized into phospholipid membranes as a chiral selector in CE is demonstrated for the first time.
Influence of branch length asymmetry on the electrophoretic mobility of rigid rod‐like DNA
Authors: Heuer Daniel M. , Saha Sourav , Kusumo Andy T. , Archer Lynden A.
Published: June 2004

The electrophoretic mobility of three‐arm asymmetric star DNA molecules, produced by incorporating a short DNA branch at the midpoint of rigid‐rod linear DNA fragments, is investigated in polyacrylamide gels. We determine how long the added branch must be to separate asymmetric star DNA from linear DNA with the same total molecular weight. This work focuses on two different geometric progressions of small DNA molecules. First, branches of increasing length were introduced at the center of a linear DNA fragment of constant length. At a given gel concentration, we find that relatively small branch lengths are enough to cause a detectable reduction in electrophoretic mobility. The second geometric progression starts with a small branch on a linear DNA fragment. As the length of this branch is increased, the DNA backbone length is decreased such that the total molar mass of the molecule remains constant. The branch length was then increased until the asymmetric branched molecule becomes a symmetric three‐arm star polymer, allowing the effect of molecular topology on mobility to be studied independent of size effects. DNA molecules with very short branches have a mobility smaller than linear DNA of identical molar mass. The reason for this change in mobility when branching is introduced is not known, however, we explore two possible explanations in this article. (i) The branched DNA could have a greater interaction with the gel than linear DNA, causing it to move slower; (ii) the linear DNA could have modes of motion or access to pores that are unavailable to the branched DNA.
Injection by hydrostatic pressure in conjunction with electrokinetic force on a microfluidic chip
Authors: Gai Hongwei , Yu Linfen , Dai Zhongpeng , Ma Yinfa , Lin Bingcheng
Published: June 2004

A simple method was developed for injecting a sample on a cross‐form microfluidic chip by means of hydrostatic pressure combined with electrokinetic forces. The hydrostatic pressure was generated simply by adjusting the liquid level in different reservoirs without any additional driven equipment such as a pump. Two dispensing strategies using a floating injection and a gated injection, coupled with hydrostatic pressure loading, were tested. The fluorescence observation verified the feasibility of hydrostatic pressure loading in the separation of a mixture of fluorescein sodium salt and fluorescein isothiocyanate. This method was proved to be effective in leading cells to a separation channel for single cell analysis.
Chamber with modifiable inner width for performing transversal alternating field electrophoresis in variable numbers of minigels
Authors: Riverón Ana María , Herrera José Alfredo , López‐Cánovas Lilia
Published: June 2004

We present a transversal alternating field electrophoresis chamber that allows modifiable inner widths to accommodate low‐ or high‐throughput formats, with 7.8 cm opposite electrode separation and 30.4 cm electrode length. Removable slotted sheets divide the chamber into four smaller compartments, each one supporting a minigel of 3.85 cm in length and 7.1 cm in width. Replacements of slotted sheets with solid dielectric blocks with the sizes and shapes of compartments permit to occlude chamber compartments, changing from 4 to 1 the numbers of minigels per run, from 88 to 13 the maximum numbers of samples, and from 1688 to 422 mL the volume of buffer poured into the chamber. Saccharomyces cerevisiae chromosomes gave its characteristic DNA band pattern in all compartments, whereas migrations of DNA molecules are not affected by the occlusion of compartments.
Direct multicomponent analysis of beer samples constituents using micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography
Authors: Cortacero‐Ramírez Sonia , Segura‐Carretero Antonio , Cruces‐Blanco Carmen , Hernáinz‐Bermúdez de Castro Miguel , Fernández‐Gutiérrez Alberto
Published: June 2004

A capillary electrophoretic method was developed using micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography (MEKC) with diode‐array detection to analyze simultaneously 26 beer constituents in a single procedure, including alcohols, iso‐α‐acids, amino acids, flavonoids, isoflavonoids, a vitamin, purine and pyrimidine bases. After filtration, sample components were separated with an uncoated capillary and a 25 mM sodium borate and 110 mM SDS buffer at pH 10.5. Analyses were run at 14 kV and 8 s of hydrodynamic injection with UV detection at 210 nm and 270 nm. The proposed method was successfully applied to the direct determination of beer constituents without any sample cleanup procedures.