bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Different Macro and Micro Nutrient Uptake on Soil and Plant in Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.) cv. Pusa Sharad
Authors: Bairwa Pappu Lal , Dixit Amit , Bala Jyoti , Singh Vivek
Published: May 2024

A Field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different macro and micronutrients on soil and plant in cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.) cv. Pusa Sharad at Research cum Instructional farm of Horticulture, Department of Vegetable Science, IGKV, Raipur during two consecutive seasons i.e., Rabi season 2017-18 and Rabi season 2018-19. The experiment was carried out under randomized block design consisting of fifteen treatments in three replicates. The important parameters encompassed in the study were available nitrogen (kg ha-1), phosphorus (kg ha-1), potassium (kg ha-1), boron (ppm), molybdenum (ppm) and zinc (ppm) content in soil and nitrogen (%), phosphorous (%), potassium (%), boron (ppm), molybdenum (ppm) and zinc content (ppm) in plants. All the treatments had a remarkable effect on the growth and yield of cauliflower, of which T5 (100% RDF + Borax @ 20 kg ha-1 + Ammonium molybdate @ 2 kg ha-1 + ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1) had the most significant influence on all parameters under the study as compared to T1 (control). Micronutrient application can enhance the growth, curd maturity and curd yield of cauliflower.
Nanogels in Herbal Medicine: Revolutionizing Drug Delivery for Enhanced Arthritis Treatment
Authors: Shrotriya Juliyas
Published: May 2024

In terms of stability and quick reaction to external stimuli, nanogels are highly fa-voured materials in herbal medicine. In order to provide herbal products with greater cellular penetration than currently possible, nanogel is proving to be a novel approach to oral and transdermal medicine delivery for a number of untreated ailments, includ-ing. Inflammation of one or more joints causes pain and stiffness that can worsen with age. Different types of arthritis exist, each with different causes including wear and tear, infections and underlying diseases. Symptoms include pain, swelling, reduced range of motion and stiffness. The ability of nanogel formulations to alter a drug's profile, genetic makeup, amino acids, peptides, a carbohydrate, or immunologic mate-rial, along with their capacity to pass through biological hurdles, biological distribu-tion, and drug kinetics, has been signalled as a promising target for drug delivery sys-tems. This may enhance effectiveness, safety, and compliance among patients. a num-ber of reasons, including their small size, huge surface area, and their ability for cover-ing both hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules, hydrophobic nanogels that are repre-sent a promising drug delivery technique. As an innovative medication delivery meth-od, nanogels can reduce toxicity and enhance the incorporated drug's bioavailability.
Detection of MRSA Carriers among Health Care Workers in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Mohammed Salma Elfaki Modathir , Fadul Razan Abdulkader , Elsiddig Yosria Mohammed , Zroog Susan Ali , Mohammed Salma Osman Noorelhuda , Elhag Sara Abdalla Ali , Moalim Nadar Bashir , Gorish Babbiker Mohammed Taher , Ali Abdelhakam H.
Published: May 2024

Objective: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the main causative agents of nosocomial infections that has posed a major threat to those with compromised immune systems beside health care workers (HCWs) which may act as carriers.  This study was aimed to determine the carriage rates of MRSA strains among health care workers.
Methodology: Cross-sectional, based study, 60 nasal and hand swabs were collected from HCWs who were enrolled in hospital and had close contact with patients. Isolation and identification of Staphylococcus aureus was done by culture and biochemical tests. Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method was used for the antimicrobial sensitivity test.
Results: About 20 (33%) out of the study population were found to be colonized by S. aureus. Only 4 (20%) of isolated Staphylococcus aureus which belong to the nasal sample among HCWs were found to be MRSA while absent at hand.
Conclusion: The study concluded that nasal and hand carriage of Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA were relatively low.
Developmental trajectories of aggression from late childhood through adolescence: similarities and differences across gender
Authors: Xie Hongling , Drabick Deborah A.G. , Chen Diane
Published: July 2011

Although numerous investigations of overt aggressive and antisocial trajectories have been undertaken, there is a dearth of literature examining gender differences and similarities in trajectory patterns and their correlates. To address these gaps, we investigated gender differences in the prevalence rates, predictive validity during transition to adulthood, childhood risk factors, and adolescent correlates of different trajectories of teacher‐reported overt aggression (i.e., fights, argues, gets in trouble) among 220 participants (116 girls and 104 boys) evaluated annually from grade 4 to grade 12. Four patterns of trajectories were identified: low, increasing (i.e., adolescent‐onset), decreasing (i.e., childhood‐limited), and high (i.e., childhood‐onset). A large proportion of youth, particularly girls, displayed low levels of aggression over time. A small proportion followed the childhood‐onset trajectory. Across gender, the childhood‐onset trajectory was associated with the highest rates of maladjustment during the transition to adulthood, the highest number of childhood risk factors, and multiple problems during adolescence. The adolescent‐onset trajectory was associated with few childhood risk factors, but with high levels of independent status during adolescence. In contrast, the childhood‐limited trajectory was associated with several childhood risk factors, but high levels of parental monitoring and school engagement during adolescence. Romantic involvement differentiated the adolescent‐onset and childhood‐limited trajectories among girls. Aggr. Behav. Aggr. Behav. 37:387–404, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Seasonal variation in vitamin D levels in psoriatic arthritis patients from different latitudes and its association with clinical outcomes
Authors: Touma Zahi , Eder Lihi , Zisman Devy , Feld Joy , Chandran Vinod , Rosen Cheryl F. , Shen Hua , Cook Richard J. , Gladman Dafna D.
Published: July 2011

Objective

Vitamin D insufficiency appears to be a pandemic problem and is more common in inhabitants of high latitude compared to low latitude areas. We aimed to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), its seasonal and geographic variation, and the possible association with demographics and disease activity.

Methods

This study was conducted in a northern geographic area and in a subtropical region from March 2009 to August 2009. Most subjects were assessed in both winter and summer. Demographics, clinical data, skin phototype, and serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels were determined. Multivariate linear and logistic mixed models were used to assess the relationship with serum 25(OH)D levels.

Results

In total, 302 PsA patients were enrolled. Two hundred fifty‐eight patients were evaluated during the winter, while 214 patients were evaluated during the summer. 25(OH)D levels in winter and summer were adequate (north: 41.3% winter and 41.4% summer, south: 42.1% winter and 35.1% summer), insufficient (north: 55.7% winter and 58.6% summer, south: 50.9% winter and 62.2% summer), and deficient (north: 3% winter and 0% summer, south: 7% winter and 2.7% summer) among patients. There was no association between 25(OH)D levels, geographic and seasonal interaction, race, employment status, and skin phototype or disease activity in both seasons. No association between disease activity in summer and vitamin D levels in winter could be found.

Conclusion

A high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency among PsA patients was found. There was no seasonal variation in 25(OH)D levels among PsA patients in the southern and northern sites. No association could be established between disease activity and vitamin D level.
Rheumatoid arthritis patients and rheumatologists approach the decision to escalate care differently: Results of a maximum difference scaling experiment
Authors: van Hulst L. T. C. , Kievit W. , van Bommel R. , van Riel P. L. C. M. , Fraenkel L.
Published: July 2011

Objective

Antirheumatic treatment is frequently not appropriately modified, according to American College of Rheumatology guidelines, in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as defined by a Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) score greater than 3.2. The objective of this study was to determine which factors most strongly influence patients' and rheumatologists' decisions to escalate care.

Methods

We administered a Maximum Difference Scaling survey to 106 rheumatologists and 213 patients with RA. The survey included 58 factors related to the decision to escalate care in RA. Participants answered 24 choice tasks. In each task, participants were asked to choose the most important factor from a set of 5. We used hierarchical Bayes modeling to generate the mean relative importance score (RIS) for each factor.

Results

For rheumatologists, the 5 most influential factors were number of swollen joints (mean ± SD RIS 5.2 ± 0.4), DAS28 score (mean ± SD RIS 5.2 ± 0.5), physician global assessment of disease activity (mean ± SD RIS 5.2 ± 0.6), worsening erosions over the last year (mean ± SD RIS 5.2 ± 0.5), and RA disease activity now compared to 3 months ago (mean ± SD RIS 5.1 ± 0.6). For patients, the 5 most important factors were current level of physical functioning (mean ± SD RIS 4.3 ± 1.1), motivation to get better (mean ± SD RIS 3.5 ± 1.4), trust in their rheumatologist (mean ± SD RIS 3.5 ± 1.6), satisfaction with current disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (mean ± SD RIS 3.4 ± 1.4), and current number of painful joints (mean ± SD RIS 3.4 ± 1.4).

Conclusion

Factors influencing the decision to escalate care differ between rheumatologists and patients. Better communication between patients and their physicians may improve treatment planning in RA patients with active disease.
A Zipper‐Like On/Off‐Switchable Molecularly Imprinted Polymer
Authors: Li Songjun , Ge Yi , Piletsky Sergey A. , Turner Anthony P. F.
Published: July 2011

A zipper‐like on/off‐switchable molecularly imprinted polymer is reported. This unique imprinted polymer was composed of template‐imprinted polymeric networks that incorporate zipper‐like interactions between poly(acrylamide) (PAAm) and poly(2‐acrylamide‐2‐methyl propanesulfonic acid) (PAMPS). This polymer showed marginal recognition ability towards the imprint species under low temperature conditions, due to the interpolymer interaction between PAAm and PAMPS, which inhibited access to the imprinted networks. In contrast, at relatively high temperatures (such as 40 °C), the polymer demonstrated significant molecular recognition ability towards the imprint species resulting from the dissociation of the interpolymer complexes of PAAm and PAMPS, which enabled access to the imprint networks. Unlike previously reported PNIPAm‐based imprinted polymers, which demonstrate alterable molecular recognition simply because of the thermosensitive hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity of PNIPAm, this polymer employed a zipper‐like supramolecular architecture between PAAm and PAMPS, thereby enabling switchable molecular recognition.
Structure and Properties of Functional Oxide Thin Films: Insights From Electronic‐Structure Calculations
Authors: Rondinelli James M. , Spaldin Nicola A.
Published: July 2011

The confluence of state‐of‐the‐art electronic‐structure computations and modern synthetic materials growth techniques is proving indispensable in the search for and discovery of new functionalities in oxide thin films and heterostructures. Here, we review the recent contributions of electronic‐structure calculations to predicting, understanding, and discovering new materials physics in thin‐film perovskite oxides. We show that such calculations can accurately predict both structure and properties in advance of film synthesis, thereby guiding the search for materials combinations with specific targeted functionalities. In addition, because they can isolate and decouple the effects of various parameters which unavoidably occur simultaneously in an experiment–such as epitaxial strain, interfacial chemistry and defect profiles–they are able to provide new fundamental knowledge about the underlying physics. We conclude by outlining the limitations of current computational techniques, as well as some important open questions that we hope will motivate further methodological developments in the field.
The role of teratology information services in screening for teratogenic exposures: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Chambers Christina
Published: July 2011

Teratology Information Services (TIS) located throughout the world have long played a key role in screening for potential new human teratogens. Using a basic prospective cohort study design, TIS recruit pregnant women from among callers to the Services who have had an exposure of interest and at the same time identify an unexposed comparison group from the same pool of callers. Women in both groups are followed to pregnancy outcome and a range of adverse outcomes including major congenital anomalies, birth size, pregnancy loss, and preterm delivery are evaluated, while controlling for potential confounding. Particularly for rare exposures or newly marketed medications, TIS may be uniquely suited to gathering this information in a timely and efficient fashion. The primary limitation of these studies is the unknown representativeness of the volunteer sample, and the typical small to moderate sample sizes. Methods to increase the proportion of exposed pregnancies that are recruited should be developed. However, small sample size TIS studies, especially when considering new or rare exposures, often fulfill the important function of providing some reassurance to women who have already had the exposure of interest by ruling out major risks for teratogenicity, that is, on the order of thalidomide. Collaborations across TIS nationally and internationally help to address the sample size challenges. A formal collaboration between the TIS cohort study model with a case–control study design is also underway and will provide complementary strengths. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Altered functional magnetic resonance imaging resting‐state connectivity in periaqueductal gray networks in migraine
Authors: Mainero Caterina , Boshyan Jasmine , Hadjikhani Nouchine
Published: July 2011

Objective:

The periaqueductal gray matter (PAG), a known modulator of somatic pain transmission, shows evidence of interictal functional and structural abnormalities in migraineurs, which may contribute to hyperexcitability along spinal and trigeminal nociceptive pathways, and lead to the migraine attack. The aim of this study was to examine functional connectivity of the PAG in migraine.

Methods:

Using resting‐state functional MRI, we compared functional connectivity between PAG and a subset of brain areas involved in nociceptive/somatosensory processing and pain modulation in 17 subjects with migraine, during a pain‐free state, versus 17 gender‐ and age‐matched controls. We also assessed the relation between intrinsic resting‐state correlations within PAG networks and the average monthly frequency of migraine attacks, as well as allodynia.

Results:

Our findings show stronger connectivity between the PAG and several brain areas within nociceptive and somatosensory processing pathways in migraineurs versus controls. In addition, as the monthly frequency of migraine attacks worsens, the strength of the connectivity in some areas within these pathways increases, whereas a significant decrease in functional resting‐state connectivity between the PAG and brain regions with a predominant role in pain modulation (prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate, amygdala) can be evidenced. Finally, migraineurs with a history of allodynia exhibit significantly reduced connectivity between PAG, prefrontal regions, and anterior cingulate compared to migraineurs without allodynia.

Interpretation:

These data reveal interictal dysfunctional dynamics within pain pathways in migraine manifested as an impairment of the descending pain modulatory circuits, likely leading to loss of pain inhibition, and hyperexcitability primarily in nociceptive areas. ANN NEUROL 2011
Hyperglycemia promotes tissue plasminogen activator‐induced hemorrhage by Increasing superoxide production
Authors: Won Seok Joon , Tang Xian Nan , Suh Sang Won , Yenari Midori A. , Swanson Raymond A.
Published: July 2011

Objective:

Risk of intracerebral hemorrhage is the primary factor limiting use of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) for stroke. Clinical studies have established an association between admission hyperglycemia and the risk of hemorrhage with tPA use, independent of prior diabetes. Here we used an animal model of tPA‐induced reperfusion hemorrhage to determine if this clinical association reflects a true causal relationship.

Methods:

Rats underwent 90 minutes of focal ischemia, and tPA infusion was begun 10 minutes prior to vessel reperfusion. Glucose was administered during ischemia to generate blood levels ranging from 5.9 ± 1.8mM (normoglycemia) to 21 ± 2.3mM. In some studies, apocynin was administered to block superoxide production by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH). Brains were harvested 1 hour or 3 days after reperfusion to evaluate the effects of hyperglycemia and apocynin on oxidative stress, blood–brain barrier breakdown, infarct volume, and hemorrhage volume.

Results:

Rats that were hyperglycemic during tPA infusion had diffusely increased blood–brain barrier permeability in the postischemic territory, and a 3‐ to 5‐fold increase in intracerebral hemorrhage volumes. The hyperglycemic rats also showed increased superoxide formation in the brain parenchyma and vasculature during reperfusion. The effects of hyperglycemia on superoxide production, blood–brain barrier disruption, infarct size, and hemorrhage were all attenuated by apocynin.

Interpretation:

These findings demonstrate a causal relationship between hyperglycemia and hemorrhage in an animal model of tPA stroke treatment, and suggest that this effect of hyperglycemia is mediated through an increase in superoxide production by NADPH oxidase. ANN NEUROL 2011
Splitting Water with Cobalt
Authors: Artero Vincent , Chavarot‐Kerlidou Murielle , Fontecave Marc
Published: July 2011

The future of energy supply depends on innovative breakthroughs regarding the design of cheap, sustainable, and efficient systems for the conversion and storage of renewable energy sources, such as solar energy. The production of hydrogen, a fuel with remarkable properties, through sunlight‐driven water splitting appears to be a promising and appealing solution. While the active sites of enzymes involved in the overall water‐splitting process in natural systems, namely hydrogenases and photosystem II, use iron, nickel, and manganese ions, cobalt has emerged in the past five years as the most versatile non‐noble metal for the development of synthetic H2‐ and O2‐evolving catalysts. Such catalysts can be further coupled with photosensitizers to generate photocatalytic systems for light‐induced hydrogen evolution from water.
Application of a hydrolyzable cationic agent, poly(acryloxyethyl trimethylammonium chloride), in salt‐free reactive dyeing for good dyeing properties
Authors: Teng Xiaoxu , Zhang Shufen , Ma Wei
Published: July 2011

Poly(acryloxyethyl trimethylammonium chloride) (PAOTAC), in which cationic groups were connected with the polymer skeleton through ester bonds, was applied in the salt‐free reactive dyeing of cotton with the aim of achieving good dyeing properties. Exhaust and exhaust–pad–steam dyeing procedures were used with the cotton cationized with PAOTAC in the absence of salt; for comparison, both dyeing procedures were also applied with the untreated cotton in the presence of salt. The dyeing results show that only the exhaust–pad–steam dyeing procedure was suitable for dyeing cationic cotton to achieve a high dye fixation. Color yields, colorimetric properties, fastness properties, dyeing levelness, and penetration behaviors with different dyeing methods were evaluated. Compared with the dyeings with untreated cotton in conventional exhaust dyeing, dyeings with cationic cotton in the exhaust–pad–steam procedure showed equivalent or even better fastness with generally higher color yields and good dye penetration. Possible reasons for the improved salt‐free dyeing properties were proposed, and the hydrolysis of ester bonds within PAOTAC under the dyeing conditions was proven by IR spectroscopy. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Sulfonyl and Phosphoryl Azides: Going Further Beyond the Click Realm of Alkyl and Aryl Azides
Authors: Kim Seok Hwan , Park Sae Hume , Choi Ji Ho , Chang Sukbok
Published: July 2011

Whereas alkyl and aryl azides readily react with terminal alkynes to afford 1,4‐disubstituted‐1,2,3‐triazoles in excellent yields and selectivity in the presence of a copper catalyst, sulfonyl, phosphoryl, and certain acyl azides allow additional chemistry upon ring‐opening of the corresponding copper–triazole intermediates. The amazingly versatile new chemistry stems from the high reactivity of a ring‐opened ketenimine intermediate, with which a wide range of nucleophiles react to give multicomponent products. Among those nucleophiles, amines, alcohols, water, and heterocyclic compounds are especially capable of being involved in this new chemistry.
Improving cardiac regeneration after injury: Are we a step closer?
Authors: Kühl Susanne J. , Kühl Michael
Published: July 2011

During regeneration, lost functional tissue can, in general, be replaced by different mechanisms, including proliferation of terminally differentiated cells or through differentiation of resident stem cells. It is a well‐accepted dogma that the mammalian heart cannot efficiently regenerate upon injury as a consequence of insufficient oxygen supply. This is in sharp contrast to the hearts of adult zebrafish or newts that are able to replace lost ventricular tissue. Novel data indicate that the young murine heart also has the ability to regenerate within the first week after birth using mechanisms apparently quite similar to those observed in fish. This now provides us with a good starting point to identify the molecular mechanisms that led to the loss of the regenerative capacity of the adult mammalian heart. These future studies will also indicate whether it will be possible to reawaken the regenerative capability of cardiomyocytes in the human heart by treatment with selected pharmaceuticals.
Highly sensitive spectrofluorimetic determination of rutin based on its activated effect on a multi‐enzyme redox system
Authors: Chen Ya‐Hong , Tian Feng‐Shou
Published: July 2011

A highly sensitive and simple spectrofluorimetric method for the determination of rutin, based on its activated effect on a haemoglobin‐catalysed reaction, was developed. Under optimum conditions, the concentration of rutin was linear, with decreased fluorescence (ΔF) of the system under optimal experimental conditions. The calibration graph was linear in the range 1.0 × 10–7–3.0 × 10–5 mol/L, with a detection limit of 7.0 × 10–8 mol/L. The relative standard deviation (RSD) was 3.26% for 11 determinations of 1.0 × 10–5 mol/L. This method was used for the determination of rutin in pharmaceuticals with satisfactory results. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Current progress of siRNA/shRNA therapeutics in clinical trials
Authors: Burnett John C. , Rossi John J. , Tiemann Katrin
Published: July 2011

Through a mechanism known as RNA interference (RNAi), small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules can target complementary mRNA strands for degradation, thus specifically inhibiting gene expression. The ability of siRNAs to inhibit gene expression offers a mechanism that can be exploited for novel therapeutics. Indeed, over the past decade, at least 21 siRNA therapeutics have been developed for more than a dozen diseases, including various cancers, viruses, and genetic disorders. Like other biological drugs, RNAi‐based therapeutics often require a delivery vehicle to transport them to the targeted cells. Thus, the clinical advancement of numerous siRNA drugs has relied on the development of siRNA carriers, including biodegradable nanoparticles, lipids, bacteria, and attenuated viruses. Most therapies permit systemic delivery of the siRNA drug, while others use ex vivo delivery by autologous cell therapy. Advancements in bioengineering and nanotechnology have led to improved control of delivery and release of some siRNA therapeutics. Likewise, progress in molecular biology has allowed for improved design of the siRNA molecules. Here, we provide an overview of siRNA therapeutics in clinical trials, including their clinical progress, the challenges they have encountered, and the future they hold in the treatment of human diseases.
Enzymatic synthesis of lignin–siloxane hybrid functional polymers
Authors: Prasetyo Endry Nugroho , Kudanga Tukayi , Fischer Roman , Eichinger Reinhard , Nyanhongo Gibson S. , Guebitz Georg M.
Published: July 2011

This study combines the properties of siloxanes and lignin polymers to produce hybrid functional polymers that can be used as adhesives, coating materials, and/or multifunctionalized thin‐coating films. Lignin‐silica hybrid copolymers were synthesized by using a sol‐gel process. Laccases from Trametes hirsuta were used to oxidize lignosulphonates to enhance their reactivity towards siloxanes and then were incorporated into siloxane precursors undergoing a sol‐gel process. In vitro copolymerization studies using pure lignin monomers with aminosilanes or ethoxytrimethylsilane and analysis by 29Si NMR spectroscopy revealed hybrid products. Except for kraft lignin, an increase in lignin concentration positively affected the tensile strength in all samples. Similarly, the viscosity generally increased in all samples with increasing lignin concentration and also affected the curing time.
Randomized clinical trial of ischaemic preconditioning in major liver resection with intermittent Pringle manoeuvre
Authors: Scatton O , Zalinski S , Jegou D , Compagnon P , Lesurtel M , Belghiti J , Boudjema K , Lentschener C , Soubrane O
Published: July 2011

Background

Vascular inflow occlusion is effective in avoiding excessive blood loss during hepatic parenchymal transection but may cause ischaemic damage to the remnant liver. Intermittent portal triad clamping (IPTC) is superior to continuous hepatic pedicle clamping as it avoids severe ischaemia–reperfusion (IR) injury in the liver remnant. Ischaemic preconditioning (IPC) before continuous Pringle manoeuvre may protect against IR during major liver resection.

Methods

This RCT assessed the impact of IPC in major liver resection with intermittent vascular inflow occlusion. Patients undergoing major liver resection with intermittent vascular inflow occlusion were randomized, during surgery, to receive IPC (10 min inflow occlusion followed by 10 min reperfusion) or no IPC (control group). Data analysis was on an intention-to-treat basis. The primary endpoint was serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level on the day after surgery.

Results

Eighty four patients were enrolled and randomized to IPC (n = 41) and no IPC (n = 43). The groups were comparable in terms of demographic data, preoperative American Society of Anesthesiologists grade and extent of liver resection. Intraoperative morbidity and postoperative outcomes were also similar. ALT levels on the day after operation were not decreased by IPC (mean(s.d.) 537·6(358·5) versus 525·0(400·6) units/ml in IPC and control group respectively; P = 0·881). Liver biochemistry tests in the week after operation showed the same pattern in both groups.

Conclusion

IPC did not reduce liver damage in patients undergoing major liver resection with IPTC. Registration number: NCT00908245 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Pushing or Sharing as Value‐driven Strategies for Societal Change in Global Supply Chains: Two Case Studies in the British–South African Fresh Fruit Supply Chain
Authors: Muller Claribel , Vermeulen Walter J. V. , Glasbergen Pieter
Published: July 2011

Business strategy is linked to organisational values and culture, which is determined to some extent by national culture. This can provide a challenge in a global supply chain where culture and values at one end of the chain do not correspond with culture at the other end. This paper contends that shared values contribute to effective sustainability changes in supply chains. Two case studies from the South African–British fresh fruit export chain present two contrasting business strategies for achieving socially sustainable practices: (i) a unilateral, prescriptive approach (pushing), mirroring a paternalistic value system, in which a company prescribes norms of socially responsible behaviour at the ground level (the Tesco case) and; (ii) a bilateral, collaborative approach (sharing) in which business and non‐governmental organisations work together to improve working conditions (the Waitrose case). Outcomes of these approaches are observed over a 3‐year period. It is concluded that within this specific supply chain a shared value approach is a more successful initiative than paternalistic pushing initiatives. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Dynamic Adjustment of Eco‐labeling Schemes and Consumer Choice – the Revision of the EU Energy Label as a Missed Opportunity?
Authors: Heinzle Stefanie Lena , Wüstenhagen Rolf
Published: July 2011

Products with a superior environmental performance, such as a high level of energy efficiency, are typically subject to information asymmetries. Therefore these product attributes are often undervalued in purchase decisions. Signaling, e.g. energy labeling, can overcome these asymmetries, with positive implications for effective consumer decisions, competitive advantage for suppliers of energy‐efficient goods, and for societal goals such as mitigating climate change. However, there is a scarcity of research investigating how energy labels actually influence consumer choice. The recent revision of the European Union energy label provided a unique opportunity to investigate the effectiveness of energy labeling in a quasi field‐experimental setting. We show that the proposed extension of the seven‐point A–G rating scale by adding new classes A+, A++, etc. will result in a lower perceived importance of energy efficiency in consumer decision‐making. Based on a stated preference survey investigating 2244 choices by German consumers, we conclude that the revision actually undermines the label's ability to overcome information asymmetries, hence potentially contributing to market failure. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Modeling the Impacts of Corporate Commitment on Climate Change
Authors: Boiral Olivier , Henri Jean‐François , Talbot David
Published: July 2011

The aim of this paper is to propose an integrative framework for understanding the determinants of business strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the impact of these determinants on performance. The proposed structural equation model is based on a survey of 319 Canadian manufacturing firms. The study calls into question the traditionally positive relationship between a firm's environmental commitment and its economic motivations. However, the results also show a win–win relationship between the commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and financial performance. This study contributes to the understanding of the motivations underlying the efforts manufacturers make to tackle climate change and their economic benefits. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Anatomist on the dissecting table? Dutch anatomical professionals' views on body donation
Authors: Bolt Sophie , Venbrux Eric , Eisinga Rob , Gerrits Peter O.
Published: July 2011

Anatomical professionals know better than anyone else that donated bodies are a valuable asset to anatomical science and medical education. They highly value voluntary donations, since a dearth of bodies negatively affects their profession. With this in mind, we conducted a survey (n = 54) at the 171st scientific meeting of the Dutch Anatomical Society in 2009 to see to what extent anatomical professionals are willing to donate their own body. The results reveal that none of the survey participants are registered as a whole body donor and that only a quarter of them would consider the possibility of body donation. We argue that the two main constraints preventing Dutch anatomical professionals from donating their own body are their professional and their social environments. In contrast to the absence of registered body donors, half of the anatomical professionals are registered as an organ donor. This figure far exceeds the proportion of registered organ donors among the general Dutch population. Clin. Anat. 25:168–175, 2012. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increased Promiscuity of Human Galactokinase Following Alteration of a Single Amino Acid Residue Distant from the Active Site
Authors: Kristiansson Helena , Timson David J.
Published: July 2011

Galactokinase catalyses the site‐ and stereospecific phosphorylation of galactose at the expense of ATP. The specificity of bacterial galactokinase enzymes can be broadened by alteration of a tyrosine residue to a histidine. The effects of altering the equivalent residue in human galactokinase (Tyr379) were investigated by testing all 19 possible variants. All of these alterations, except Y379P, resulted in soluble protein on expression in Escherichia coli and all the soluble variants could catalyse the phosphorylation of galactose, except Y379A and Y379E. The variants Y379C, Y379K, Y379R, Y379S and Y379W were all able to catalyse the phosphorylation of a variety of monosaccharides, including ones that are not acted on by the wild‐type enzyme. Novel substrates for these variant galactokinases included D‐mannose and D‐fructose. The latter monosaccharide is presumed to react in the pyranose configuration. Molecular modelling suggested that the alterations do not cause changes to the overall structure of the enzyme. However, alteration of Tyr379 increases the flexibility of the peptide backbone in regions surrounding the active site. Therefore, it is proposed that alteration of Tyr379 affects the substrate specificity by the propagation of changes in flexibility to the active site, permitting a broader range of compounds to be accommodated.
Factors related to criminal justice expenditure trajectories for adults with serious mental illness
Authors: Robst John , Constantine Robert , Andel Ross , Boaz Timothy , Howe Andrew
Published: July 2011

Background

Criminal careers have been extensively studied in general population sample, but less is known about such patterns among people with major mental illness, and where so, criminal justice expenditure has not been taken into account.

Aims

Our aim was to examine criminal justice system expenditure over time in one Florida county. Our main research question was whether treatment for mental disorders was related to a change in criminal offending and expenditure trajectory.

Methods

We used the Pinellas County (Florida) Criminal Justice Information System to identify individuals under age 65 arrested between July 2003 and June 2004. Archival medical service, social and homeless services data were used to identify individuals with a serious mental illness. A two‐step analysis was used to examine the data: first, we identified groups of people with similar patterns of criminal justice expenditures over 4 years (July 2002 to June 2006); second, we evaluated their demographic characteristics, diagnosis and treatment as potential predictors of group membership.

Results

Three thousand seven hundred sixty‐nine people with serious mental illness were identified in the Pinellas County jail population. Their average length of stay in jail was 151 days and in prison was 48 days. The trajectory analysis identified three groups of individuals with distinct trajectories of criminal justice expenditures: those with low stable, those with initially high but decreasing and those with initially high and sustained or increasing. Mental health treatment, whether acute or sustained, voluntary or mandatory, was associated with membership of the low stable group.

Conclusion

Review of criminal justice expenditure over time on individuals with major mental disorder may provide important indicators of unmet need for mental health services. Furthermore, it seems probable that improved provision of such services for them could reduce recidivism as well as improving health. Interventions may also be better focused if criminal justice expenditure trajectories are examined; programmes targeting re‐offending as well as specific mental health problems may be most effective. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CO2 and Formate Complexes of Phosphine/Borane Frustrated Lewis Pairs
Authors: Peuser Ilona , Neu Rebecca C. , Zhao Xiaoxi , Ulrich Matthias , Schirmer Birgitta , Tannert Jens A. , Kehr Gerald , Fröhlich Roland , Grimme Stefan , Erker Gerhard , Stephan Douglas W.
Published: July 2011

The reaction of a solution of B(C6F4H)3 and either iPr3P or tBu3P with CO2 afforded the species R3P(CO2)B(C6F4H)3 (R=iPr (1), tBu (2)). In a similar fashion the boranes, RB(C6F5)2 (R=hexyl, cyclohexyl (Cy), norbornyl), ClB(C6F5)2, or PhB(C6F5)2 were combined with tBu3P and CO2 to give the species tBu3P(CO2)BR(C6F5)2 (R=hexyl (3), Cy (4), norbornyl (5), Cl (6), Ph (7)). Similarly, the compounds [tBu3PH][RBH(C6F5)2] (R=hexyl (8), Cy (9), norbornyl (10)) were prepared by reaction of the precursor frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) with H2. Subsequent reactions of 9 and 10 with CO2 afforded the species [((C6F5)2BR)2(μ‐HCO2)][tBu3PH] (R=Cy (11), norbornyl (12)). In related chemistry, combinations of the boranes RB(C6F5)2 (R=hexyl, Cy, norbornyl) with tBu3P treated with an equivalent of formic acid gave [(C6F5)2BR(HCO2)][tBu3PH] (R=hexyl (13), Cy (14), norbornyl (15)). Subsequent addition of an additional equivalent of borane provides a second synthetic route to 11 and 12. Crystallographic studies of compounds 2–6 and 8–14 are reported and discussed. Further understanding of the FLP complexation and activation of CO2 is provided by computational studies.
Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of 1‐[(Biarylmethyl)methylamino]‐2‐(2,4‐difluorophenyl)‐3‐(1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐yl)propan‐2‐ols as Potent Antifungal Agents: New Insights into Structure–Activity Relationships
Authors: Guillon Rémi , Pagniez Fabrice , Rambaud Charlotte , Picot Carine , Duflos Muriel , Logé Cédric , Le Pape Patrice
Published: July 2011

We recently reported the design and synthesis of azole antifungal agents with a focus on modifications to the side chain appended to the propanol group. Herein we have identified a series of new 1‐[(biarylmethyl)methylamino] derivatives with broad‐spectrum antifungal activities against the most prevalent human pathogenic fungi (Candida spp. and Aspergillus fumigatus). Compounds containing a flexible benzylamine moiety were clearly shown to yield the best antifungal activities, without the need for a hydrogen‐bond acceptor substituent directly attached to the para position. We were also able to determine that selected compounds are able to overcome gene overexpression and point mutations that lead to reduced susceptibility or resistance against current treatments, such as fluconazole. As the minor differences observed with small structural modifications cannot be explain with only a three‐dimensional model of CYP51, adequate physicochemical parameters must be evaluated in terms of antifungal potency, bioavailability, and toxicity. Therefore, structure–activity relationship studies such as these reveal new insights for the development of future antifungal therapies.
Solid‐State Photochromic Behavior and Thermal Bleaching Kinetics of Two Novel Pyrazolone Phenylsemicarbazones
Authors: Abdurehman Samat , Liu Lang , Jia Dianzeng , Hu Jianping , Guo Jixi , Xie Xiaolin
Published: July 2011

Two novel photochromic compounds, 1,3‐diphenyl‐4‐benzal‐5‐hydroxypyrazole 4‐phenylsemicarbazone (1 a) and 1,3‐diphenyl‐4‐(4‐nitrobenzal)‐5‐hydroxypyrazole 4‐phenylsemicarbazone (2 a), are synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, FTIR spectroscopy, and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Their properties, including photochromic behavior, fluorescence properties, and thermal bleaching kinetics, are investigated. The results show that the two compounds exhibit improved photochromic performance in coloration and thermal bleaching rates, excellent photostability, high fatigue resistance, and reversible fluorescence switching properties in the solid state in comparison to reported pyrazolone thiosemicarbazones. The thermal bleaching process obeys first‐order kinetics. Bleaching of powders at 130 °C is completed within 90 s for 1 b (the colored isomer of 1 a) and 150 s for 2 b (the colored isomer of 2 a). The activation energy for the thermal bleaching process is determined to be 69 and 95 kJ mol−1, with frequency factors of 9.5×107 and 9.4×1010 s−1 for 1 b and 2 b, respectively.
Management strategies for gastrointestinal, erectile, bladder, and sudomotor dysfunction in patients with diabetes
Authors: Kempler P. , Amarenco G. , Freeman R. , Frontoni S. , Horowitz M. , Stevens M. , Low P. , Pop‐Busui R. , Tahrani A. A. , Tesfaye S. , Várkonyi T. , Ziegler D. , Valensi P. ,   on behalf of The Toronto Consensus Panel on Diabetic Neuropathy
Published: July 2011

There are substantial advances in understanding disordered gastrointestinal autonomic dysfunction in diabetes. It occurs frequently. The underlying pathogenesis is complex involving defects in multiple interacting cell types of the myenteric plexus as well. These defects may be irreversible or reversible. Gastrointestinal symptoms represent a major and generally underestimated source of morbidity for escalating health care costs in diabetes. Acute changes in glycaemia are both determinants and consequences of altered gastrointestinal motility. 35–90% of diabetic men have moderate‐to‐severe erectile dysfunction (ED). ED shares common risk factors with CVD. Diagnosis is based on medical/sexual history, including validated questionnaires. Physical examination and laboratory testing must be tailored to patient's complaints and risk factors. Treatment is based on PDE5‐inhibitors (PDE5‐I). Other explorations may be useful in patients who do not respond to PDE5‐I. Patients at high cardiovascular risk should be stabilized by their cardiologists before sexual activity is considered or ED treatment is recommended.

Estimates on bladder dysfunction prevalence are 43–87% of type 1 and 25% of type 2 diabetic patients, respectively. Common symptoms include dysuria, frequency, urgency, nocturia and incomplete bladder emptying. Diagnosis should use validated questionnaire for lower urinary tract symptoms. The type of bladder dysfunction is readily characterized with complete urodynamic testing.

Sudomotor dysfunction is a cause of dry skin and is associated with foot ulcerations. Sudomotor function can be assessed by thermoregulatory sweat testing, quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test, sympathetic skin response, quantitative direct/indirect axon reflex testing and the indicator plaster. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a rapid LC‐MS/MS method for direct urinalysis of designer drugs
Authors: Bell Charlotte , George Claire , Kicman Andrew T. , Traynor Allan
Published: July 2011

The current immunoassay screening methodologies used to detect sympathomimetic amines within the context of workplace drug testing may fail to detect a number of the emerging designer drugs, for example β‐keto amphetamines and piperazine derivatives, commonly referred to as ‘legal highs’. Therefore, a rapid multi‐analyte qualitative screening method, using ultra‐high‐pressure liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS), was investigated for analysis of new designer drugs that have emerged from the former legal highs market.

Eight analytes were targeted as model compounds: 4‐methylmethcathinone (mephedrone), 3,4‐methylenedioxymethcathinone (bk‐MDMA, ‘methylone’), 2‐methylamino‐1‐(3,4‐methylenedioxyphenyl)butan‐1‐one (bk‐MBDB, ‘butylone’), 4‐methoxymethcathinone (bk‐PMMA, ‘methedrone’), 1‐benzylpiperazine (BZP), 1‐(3‐trifluoromethyl phenyl)‐piperazine (TFMPP), 1‐(3‐chloro phenyl)‐piperazine (mCPP), and 3, 4‐methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV).

The LC‐MS/MS method developed encompassed direct analysis following a 1:4 dilution of urine with mobile phase to reduce matrix effects. Although not all compounds were completely resolved chromatographically, two product ions conferred sufficient specificity to allow target analyte identification. Although all target analytes were readily detected at 500 ng/ml, a cut‐off of 1000 ng/ml was chosen to mirror the amphetamine screening cut‐off commonly used for routine analysis of workplace drug testing samples.

In conclusion, direct analysis using LC‐MS/MS offers an attractive way forward for the development of a rapid routine screen for new psychoactive substances, particularly given the growing number of novel compounds. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reference materials for new psychoactive substances
Authors: Archer Roland P. , Treble Ric , Williams Keith
Published: July 2011

Historically, the appearance of new psychoactive materials (and hence the requirement for new reference standards) has been relatively slow. This position has now changed, with 101 new psychoactive substances reported to EMCDDA‐Europol since 2006. The newly reported materials, and associated metabolites, require properly certified reference materials to permit reliable identification and quantification.

The traditional approach and timescales of reference material production and certification are being increasingly challenged by the appearance of these new substances. Reference material suppliers have to adopt new strategies to meet the needs of laboratories. This situation is particularly challenging for toxicology standards as the metabolism of many of these substances is initially unknown.

Reference material production often involves synthesis from first principles. While it is possible to synthesis these materials, there can be significant difficulties, from synthetic complexities through to the need to use controlled materials. These issues are examined through a discussion of the synthesis of cathinones. Use of alternative sources, including pharmaceutical impurity materials or internet sourced products, as starting materials for conversion into appropriately certified reference materials are also discussed.

The sudden appearance and sometimes brief lifetime in the market place of many of these novel legal highs or research chemicals present commercial difficulties for reference material producers. The need for collaboration at all levels is highlighted as essential to rapid identification of requirements for new reference materials. National or international commissioning or support may also be required to permit reference material producers to recover their development costs. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.