bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined use of waist and thigh circumference to identify high‐risk, abdominally obese HIV+ patients
Authors: O'Neil T , Ross R , Zona S , Orlando G , Carli F , Garlassi E , Stentarelli C , Mussini C , Guaraldi G
Published: November 2012

Background

We examined whether the combination of waist (WC) and thigh (ThC) circumference improves the prediction of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) over WC and ThC independently in HIV‐infected men and women after correction for age. We also examined the independent associations between VAT, and the combination of WC and ThC with metabolic risk factors, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and prior cardiovascular events in HIV‐infected individuals.

Methods

Consecutive patients attending the metabolic clinic of the University of Modena in Italy between 2005 and 2009 were recruited in this cross‐sectional study. Total and regional fat mass and lean mass were quantified using DEXA. A single CT image was taken for quantification of VAT and CAC. Prior cardiovascular events which occurred within a 5‐year period of the clinical evaluation were analysed. A cross‐fold test was used to explore different models in the ability to predict VAT in order to build an algorithm for VAT estimation (e‐VAT). Regression analysis were performed to determine the univariate and multivariate relations between WC, ThC, and age with VAT. A comparison of beta coefficients for VAT and e‐VAT to predict cardio‐metabolic risk and events were performed using multivariable regression models after correction for BMI and age.

Results

2322 HIV‐infected patients were recruited: median duration of HIV infection was 182 months (IQR 126–236); median nadir and current CD4 were 172 (IQR 68–262) and 515.5 (IQR 369–700) and 75% of them had undetectable HIV1‐VL. In this abstract only the results of men will be presented. Men (n=1481) had a mean age of 45.9±7.3 years, a BMI of 24.1 ± 3.8 kg/m2, a WC of 88.0±10.1 cm and a ThC of 47.8±4.3 cm. e‐VAT algorithm for men was: (5.44*WC)−(1.35*ThC)−(1.70*age)−348.1 In men, at multivariable regression models after correction for BMI and age, e‐VAT was concordant to VAT in predicting HOMA, MetS Risk, prior cardiovascular events (OR=1.01), was better than VAT in predicting T2DM (OR=1.00) and CAC>10 (OR=1.01) but was worse than VAT in predicting TC/HDL and TG.

Discussion

We confirm that ThC is inversely associated to VAT after correction for WC. e‐VAT is a sensitive tool to predict VAT more accurately than WC and ThC independently. e‐VAT proved to predict cardio‐metabolic risks and events in men and women, qualifying this variable for a potential clinical use.
The effect of zinc sulphate supplementation on atazanavir/ritonavir‐associated hyperbilirubinemia
Authors: Jackson A , Else L , Back D , Yapa M , Seymour N , Ringner‐Nackter L , Gazzard B , Boffito M , Moyle G
Published: November 2012

Background

Atazanavir (ATV) causes an exposure dependent elevation of unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia (HBR) as a result of UGT1A1 inhibition. Zinc sulphate reduces unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia in individuals with Gilbert's syndrome. We assessed the changes in total and conjugated bilirubin following single dose and 14 daily doses of zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) and its impact on ATV pharmacokinetics (PK).

Methods

HIV‐infected individuals stable on ATV/ritonavir (r) containing regimens with a total bilirubin level > 25 mmol/L were administered 125 mg once daily of as solvazinc effervescent tablets for 14 days. ATV and bilirubin concentrations were measured pre‐ATV‐dose, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 24 hours post‐ATV‐dose before ZnSO4 intake initiation (phase 1), after a single dose of ZnSO4 (phase 2), and following 14 days of ZnSO4 intake (phase 3). Changes in bilirubin and ATV concentrations in the absence and presence of ZnSO4 were evaluated by geometric mean ratios (GMR) and 90% confidence intervals (CI, phase 1 as reference).

Results

All 16 male patients completed the study maintaining virologic suppression throughout. ZnSO4 was well tolerated. We observed statistically significant declines in total bilirubin Cmax and AUC0–24 of −12 and −13% after single dose ZnSO4 and −19 and −20% after steady state, compared to reference phase; GM Cmax decreasing from 57 nmol/L before zinc intake to 50 and 46 nmol/L after ZnSO4 single dose and steady state, respectively. No significant changes in conjugated bilirubin were observed, indicating that the changes were secondary to declines in the unconjugated fraction (data pending). ATV GMR (90% CI) for Ctrough, Cmax and AUC were −16% (−33 to +6), −8% (−20 to +8) and −12% (−23 to +0.1) after single dose ZnSO4, but changed by −26% (−38 to −11) −18% (−30 to −3) and −22% (31 to −12) after multiple dose ZnSO4 compared to reference. All individuals with the exception of one (whose levels were low throughout the study) maintained ATV concentration above the suggested MEC of 150 ng/mL.

Conclusions

The intake of ZnSO4 led to a moderate decrease in total bilirubin maximum concentration and overall exposure. However, a decrease in ATV concentrations was also observed. ZnSO4 supplementation may represent a useful tool in the management of ATV‐related HBR.
Incidence and risk factors of chronic renal disease in a cohort of Greek HIV‐1‐infected adults
Authors: Sakka V , Bakoyannis G , Chini M , Gargalianos P , Sambatakou H , Antoniadou A , Chrysos G , Paparizos V , Daikos G , Katsarou O , Touloumi G , Lazanas M
Published: November 2012

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in HIV‐infected patients is associated with both HIV and non‐HIV‐related factors. Initial renal dysfunction is silent and detectable only by laboratory tests such as the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimated by the Cockcroft‐Gault equation. Our objective was to assess possible risk factors for CKD in a cohort of Greek HIV‐1‐infected adults.

Methods

Patients in the AMACS (Athens Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study) cohort with at least two available creatinine values were enrolled in the study. Renal dysfunction was defined as eGFR below 90 mL/min/1.73 m2. The Kaplan‐Meier estimator and the Cox proportional hazards model were used to analyze the occurrence and predictors of renal dysfunction.

Results

A total of 1073 patients were enrolled in the study; 255 (23.76%) had baseline eGFR below 90 mL/min/1.73 m2 and were excluded. Characteristics of the study population: men 88.4%, MSM 62.6%, median baseline age, CD4+count and viral load were 32.6 years, 413 cells/µL and 3.77 log10 copies/mL, respectively. 240 (29.3%) patients experienced an eGFR decrease below 90 mL/min/1.73 m2 during follow‐up period. Older age, female gender, heterosexual mode of transmission, lower baseline eGFR (all p<0.001), lower baseline CD4+(p=0.001), stage C (p=0.023), administration of cART (p<0.001) or other nephrotoxic agent (p=0.035) were the major risk factors in univariable analysis. Multivariable analysis identified older age [hazard ratio (HR) 1.289 per 10 years, p<0.001] and female gender (HR vs male: 1.899, p<0.001), as the major factors associated with increased hazard of developing CRD, whereas baseline eGFR <110 (HR vs eGFR <110: 0.245, p<0.001) and current CD4+count ≥350 cells/µL (HR 0.564, p=0.003) were significant protective factors.

Conclusion

In this large cohort of HIV‐infected Greek patients, almost one‐third (29.3%) experienced some degree of renal dysfunction during HIV infection. Older age and female gender were major predictors of CKD, whereas high current CD4+count and baseline eGFR were protective.
Renal dysfunction and factors associated among newly identified HIV‐infected patients in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
Authors: Ekat E , Diafouka D
Published: November 2012

With the introduction of nephrotoxic in recent WHO recommendation, it became necessary to determine prevalence and factors associated with renal dysfunction among patients newly identified HIV‐infected in Brazzaville.

Methods

Descriptive and analytical study of patients newly diagnosed HIV‐infected at the Ambulatory Treatment Center in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo between January 1st, 2009 and December 31st, 2010. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was assessed using the Cockroft‐Gault formula (CGCl) and modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) equation. Patients had renal dysfunction mild, moderate or severe when eGFR were respectively 60–89 ml/min, 30–59 ml/min and<30 ml/min with the GCCl and MDRD. To determine factors associated with renal failure (defined as GCCl<60 ml/min), univariate analysis followed by multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed.

Results

We evaluated 562 patients newly identified HIV‐infected, median age was 38.84 (interquartile range (IQR): 33.18–46.24) years, all patients were of African origin, 61.1% were female, median BMI was 20.30 (IQR: 17.96–22.89) kg/m2, median CD4 count was 192 (IQR: 81–350) cells/mm3 and 70.8% were at WHO stage III/IV. GFR was lower using CGCl (median 74.99 ml/min, 26.1%<60 ml/min) versus MDRD (95.59 ml/min/1.73 m2, 7.9%<60 ml/min/1.73 m2). Two hundred and fifty‐seven patients (47.2%) using CGCl versus 138 (32.6%) with the MDRD had mild, 126 patients (23.1%) versus 33 (5.9%) respectively had moderate, and 16 patients (3%) versus 11 patients (2%) respectively had severe renal dysfunction. Factors associated with renal dysfunction in multivariate analysis included age superior to 40 years (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 0.37 [95% CI: 0.22‐0.61]; p=0.0001), CD4+ T‐cell count below 200 cells/mm3 (aOR: 1.72 [95% CI: 1.04–2.83]; p=0.035) and BMI less than 18.5 kg/m2 (aOR: 4.39 [95% CI: 2.63–7.33]; p<0.0001).

Conclusions

This study shows a high prevalence of renal dysfunction in patients newly diagnosed HIV positive in Brazzaville. Necessity is now beside serum creatinine assay performed in the initial assessment as recommended by WHO, to also perform urine dipstick for better monitoring of these patients before initiating antiretroviral therapy.
HIV‐associated idiopathic non‐cirrhotic portal hypertension is an underdiagnosed disorder: results of a large cohort study
Authors: Koëter T , Rossing H , Schouten J , Taimr P , de Knegt R , Hansen B , Janssen H , van der Ende M
Published: November 2012

Purpose of the study

Idiopathic non‐cirrhotic portal hypertension (INCPH) has been reported increasingly in patients with chronic HIV infection. However, several aspects of this disorder remain to be elucidated. The aim of our study was to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of HIV associated INCPH.

Methods

All adult HIV patients attending the outpatient clinic between February and September 2011 underwent sonographical spleen size determination and assessment of portosystemic collaterals. Patients with splenomegaly underwent an extensive ultrasound examination. Gastroscopy was performed when additional signs of portal hypertension or collaterals were observed. All children with HIV infection underwent extensive ultrasound examination. INCPH was diagnosed according to the general definition. Differences between INCPH cases (group 1) and HIV patients treated with didanosine (ddI) without portal hypertension (group 2) were assessed at HIV diagnosis, start of ddI and INCPH diagnosis.

Summary of results

Four out of 1010 screened adult HIV patients were diagnosed with INCPH (prevalence of 4‰). Hundred of the 1010 screened patients were treated with ddI. All INCPH patients were treated with ddI, representing an INCPH prevalence of 4% in patients exposed to ddI. In The Netherlands, 7000 patients were treated with ddI and only 17 are diagnosed with INCPH, suggesting underdiagnosis in 260 patients. No differences in clinical characteristics predictive for the development of INCPH could be demonstrated between group 1 and group 2 at HIV infection or start of ddI treatment. INCPH patients were treated longer with ddI [86 vs. 51 months, p<0.01] and concomitant treatment with ddI and stavudine [21 vs. 4 months, p<0.01]. Corrected for age and duration of follow‐up of HIV, active protein c [0.64 vs. 1.13, p<0.01] and active protein s [0.67 vs. 1.01, p<0.01] levels were lower in the INCPH group. None of the 38 children with HIV infection were diagnosed with INCPH. None of these children were ever treated with ddI.

Conclusions

In our study HIV‐associated INCPH only occurred in patients exposed to ddI. Awareness for this disorder is warranted considering the suggested underdiagnosis based on these study results. Risk factors are long term treatment with ddI and concomitant treatment with stavudine and screening for signs of portal hypertension in this subgroup may be recommended. A possible pathophysiological role for thrombophilia remains to be elucidated.

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Systematic Processing of β‐Tricalcium Phosphate for Efficient Protein Loading and In Vitro Analysis of Antigen Uptake
Authors: Ozhukil Kollath Vinayaraj , De Geest Bruno G. , Mullens Steven , De Koker Stefaan , Luyten Jan , Persoons Rosita , Traina Karl , Remon Jean Paul , Cloots Rudi
Published: November 2012

Microparticulate calcium phosphate (CaP) powders are promising drug carriers because of their biocompatibility and degradability under physiological conditions. The adsorption capability of CaP microparticles makes them interesting candidates, within the inorganic carrier materials, for delivering protein antigens to professional antigen presenting cells (APC) for vaccination purpose. However, in order to bind and deliver a sufficient amount of protein, the challenge is to effectively increase the binding capacity of this material. In this study, β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) powder is engineered to obtain microparticles with increased protein loading, using bovine serum albumin as a model antigen. The decrease in particle size and increase in specific surface area of carrier is shown to strongly affect protein adsorption. Finally, we demonstrate that the processed β‐TCP is capable of delivering its protein payload in vitro to dendritic cells, which are professional APCs and the target cell population for microparticulate vaccines.
Simulation study of the morphologies of energetic block copolymers based on glycidyl azide polymer
Authors: Yang Zhou , Xin‐Ping Long , Qing‐Xuan Zeng
Published: November 2012

The morphologies of energetic block copolymers based on glycidyl azide polymer (GAP) were investigated by dissipative particle dynamics simulation. The results show that the morphologies could be used to qualitatively explain the variation in the mechanical properties of poly(azidomethyl ethylene oxide‐b‐butadiene) diblock copolymers (DBCs) and that bicontinuous (B) phases could effectively improve the mechanical properties. Among our designed DBCs, only GAP–acrylic acid, GAP–acrylonitrile, and GAP–vinyl amide could form B phases at very narrow regions of GAP contents. The triblock copolymers with their linear topologies could maintain the B phases in the broader region of GAP contents. We hope these results can provide help in the design and synthesis of new energetic block copolymers. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Rheological and aging properties of ultraviolet absorber/styrene–butadiene–styrene–modified bitumens
Authors: Feng Zhengang , Yu Jianying , Xue Lihui , Sun Yubin
Published: November 2012

The prevention of the ultraviolet (UV) aging of styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS)‐modified bitumen is of great significance because UV aging is considered to be a critical factor in the deterioration of the performance of bituminous roads. In this study, we selected two UV absorbers (octabenzone and bumetrizole) as modifiers to evaluate their effects on the rheological and UV‐aging properties of different SBS‐modified bitumens (linear and radial types) by means of dynamic shear rheological testing. The thermooxidative aging of the binders was also investigated through thin‐film oven testing. The results show that for the linear‐ and radial‐SBS‐modified bitumens, octabenzone only enhanced their elasticity at high temperatures, but bumetrizole could increase the elastic response at intermediate temperatures on the one hand and the viscous response at high temperatures on the other hand. The UV aging of the radial‐SBS‐modified bitumens could effectively be alleviated by both octabenzone and bumetrizole, whereas that of the linear ones could only be improved by bumetrizole. The influence of the UV absorbers on the thermooxidative‐aging properties of the SBS‐modified bitumens was dependent on the types of UV absorbers and SBS polymers. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Pervaporative dehydration of diethylene glycol through a hollow fiber membrane
Authors: Won Yim Dong , Kong Sung‐Ho
Published: November 2012

In this study, the pervaporative dehydration of diethylene glycol (DEG) through a commercial hollow fiber membrane was investigated at various feed temperatures in the range of 333–363 K with feeds containing 0.5–2.0 wt % water. Unlike the usual pervaporative dehydration process in which water is less volatile than the organic solvent, the feed mixture used in this study contained the organic component DEG, which is less volatile than water, resulting in unique permeation behaviors. The permeation behaviors of the individual components were investigated as functions of the feed temperature and feed composition. In particular, the effect of the low vapor pressure characteristics of DEG was investigated. Semi‐empirical equations for predicting the individual component fluxes and separation factor were quantified directly from actual dehydration pervaporation of DEG. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
A new method to estimate thermal conductivity of polymer composite using characteristics of fillers
Authors: Park Hui Joon , Kim Tae Ann , Kim Raehyun , Kim Junkyung , Park Min
Published: November 2012

In this work, a new method to estimate the thermal conductivity of polymer composite was suggested. For this purpose, polymer composites composed of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) and boron nitride (BN) were prepared by twin‐screw extruder melt‐mixing, followed by compression molding technique, and their microstructure was investigated by material simulation. Consequently, the Cf parameter of Agari and Uno equation, which represents an ease in forming conductive chains, was quantified by “Structure factor (related with conductive pathway)” and “Interfacial factors (related with thermal resistance)”, ultimately helping us evaluate the thermal conductivity of arbitrary composite system. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Structure and performance of reclaimed rubber obtained by different methods
Authors: Shi Jinwei , Jiang Kuan , Ren Dongyun , Zou Hua , Wang Yao , Lv Xuejian , Zhang Liqun
Published: November 2012

Four different reclaiming methods involving important reclaiming factors such as temperature, shear force, and atmosphere were used to reclaim ground tire rubber. The structure and performance of the reclaimed rubber were investigated. The reclaimed samples were all found to be mixtures of three parts: the sol part, a loosely crosslinked gel part, and low molecular substances. For a reclaimed product to have both good processability and mechanical properties, the ideal structure should be that the sol fraction and its molecular weight (Mn) are as high as possible. However, the high sol fraction and highMncannot be reached at the same time because of the nonselective scission of the main chain and crosslink bonds. Thus, for a reclaimed rubber to have high quality, the presence of some amount of gel fraction is essential. Our preliminary results showed that the recommended reclaiming method would be a process under oxygen‐free atmosphere, without severe shear force, and at relative low temperature. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Genome damage in induced pluripotent stem cells: Assessing the mechanisms and their consequences
Authors: Hussein Samer M. I. , Elbaz Judith , Nagy Andras A.
Published: November 2012

In 2006, Shinya Yamanaka and colleagues discovered how to reprogram terminally differentiated somatic cells to a pluripotent stem cell state. The resulting induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) made a paradigm shift in the field, further nailing down the disproval of the long‐held dogma that differentiation is unidirectional. The prospect of using iPSCs for patient‐specific cell‐based therapies has been enticing. This promise, however, has been questioned in the last two years as several studies demonstrated intrinsic epigenetic and genomic anomalies in these cells. Here, we not only review the recent critical studies addressing the genome integrity during the reprogramming process, but speculate about the underlying mechanisms that could create de novo genome damage in iPSCs. Finally, we discuss how much an elevated mutation load really matters considering the safety of future therapies with cells heavily cultured in vitro.
Target Costing, Business Model Innovation, and Firm Performance: An Empirical Analysis of Chinese Firms
Authors: Huang Hao‐Chen , Lai Mei‐Chi , Kao Meng‐Chun , Chen Yi‐Chun
Published: November 2012

Market orientation theory was used to relate the implementation of target costing systems and business model innovation to firm performance using a sample of 189 electronics and information industry manufacturers in China. As expected, the implementation of target costing was positively associated with both business model innovations and firm performance. Further, the diversity of product development teams was also crucial. It positively moderated the association between target costing and business model innovation. Finally, the business model innovation was positively related to firm performance. Copyright © 2012 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measurement and hemodialysis effect of complex relative permittivity for blood of kidney patients using open‐ended coaxial measurement probe
Authors: Takeda Akira , Takata Kazuyuki , Nagao Hirotomo , Wang Jianqing , Fujiwara Osamu
Published: November 2012

Before evaluating the quality of hemodialysis from the limited volume of human blood using a commercially available open‐ended coaxial probe, we previously measured the complex relative permittivity of pure water from 200 MHz to 6 GHz with respect to its measured liquid volume, and found that 1.9 ml of water in a beaker with a diameter of 24 mm and a depth of 2 mm gives a variation within ± 0.5% for the real part and ± 7% for the imaginary part. Based on the above finding, we measured the dielectric properties of 2.5 ml whole blood at 25 °C for 10 normal healthy subjects and 9 hemodialysis patients. The measured results on healthy subjects show good agreement with the data reported by Gabriel for human blood at 37 °C, while they provide different dispersion characteristics of straight lines for their Cole–Cole plots. The measured results on the patients give further different dispersion characteristics versus the healthy subjects. In an investigation of the above differences statistically, Student's t‐test revealed that the permittivity at infinite frequency for the Cole–Cole plots is significantly different with a level of 1% among its averaged values for normal healthy subjects and patients before dialysis. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 95(12): 56–61, 2012; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.11421
Evaluation method for service branding using word‐of‐mouth data
Authors: Shirahada Kunio , Kosaka Michitaka
Published: November 2012

The development and spread of Internet technology enables service firms to obtain a high capability for brand information transmission as well as relative customer feedback data collection. In this paper, we propose a new evaluation method for service branding using firm and consumer data on the Internet. Based on the 7Ps of service marketing (Product, Price, Place and time, Promotion, People, Physical evidence, Process), which are key viewpoints for branding, we develop a brand evaluation system including coding methods for word‐of‐mouth (WoM) and corporate introductory information on the Internet in order to identify both the customer's service value recognition vector and the firm's service value proposition vector. Our system quantitatively clarifies both the customer's service value recognition of the firm and the firm's strengths in service value proposition, thus making it possible to analyze service brand communication gaps between firms and consumers. We applied this system to the Japanese Ryokan hotel industry. Using six ryokan hotels' data on Jyaran‐net and Rakuten travel, we created a total of 983 codes from WoM information and analyzed their service brand value according to three price‐based categories. We found that the characteristics of the customers' service value recognition vector differ according to the price categories. In addition, the system showed that there is a firm that has a different service value proposition vector from the customers' recognition vector. This helps to analyze corporate service brand strategy and has significance as a system technology supporting service management. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 95(12): 21–28, 2012; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.11442
Settlement Structures and Carbon Emissions in Germany: The Effects of Social and Physical Concentration on Carbon Emissions in Rural and Urban Residential Areas
Authors: Schubert Johannes , Wolbring Tobias , Gill Bernhard
Published: November 2012

Using data from the German Socio‐Economic Panel (GSOEP), we show that nearly 50% of all carbon emissions caused by private transportation and building operations in Germany can be explained by structural determinants that go hand in hand with infrastructural peculiarities in rural and urban residential areas. Taking the theoretical background of building physics, allometry and increasing returns to scale as a vantage point, this paper analyses the effects of physical concentration – e.g. apartment buildings versus bungalows – and social compactness – e.g. multigenerational versus single households. In contrast to related studies, this perspective reveals that social and physical concentration tend to counteract each other and thus clarifies the intricate interactions between household structure, different infrastructural environments and carbon emissions. A supplementary finding is that the spatial distribution of fuel types plays a large role in explaining lower carbon emissions in urban settlements. This leads us to the conclusion that environmental policy should foster physical concentration in rural and social concentration in urban infrastructural environments. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Reactions to threatening critical messages from minority group members with shared or distinct group identities
Authors: Wirtz Coen , Doosje Bertjan
Published: November 2012

Reactions to members of other groups are important in multicultural societies. In four studies (N = 725), we investigate the reactions of majority group members to minority group members who stress either their distinct identity or their shared identity when they express threatening critical messages. In Study 1, we investigate reactions to a person who stresses the importance of either his Moroccan and Muslim identity or his Dutch and non‐Islamic identity. In Studies 2 and 3, we disentangle national and religious identity. Across all studies, we find that minority group members who stress their shared identity rather than their distinct identity are evaluated more positively, are perceived as more similar to the self, and tend to evoke less anger. In Study 4, we replicate this finding and show that perceived similarity mediates the impact of identity on these evaluations, but constructiveness only partially mediates these relations. Results are discussed in terms of recategorization models and the intergroup sensitivity effect. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
One‐pot synthesis of (3‐sulfopropyl methacrylate potassium)‐silica hybrid monolith via thiol‐ene click chemistry for CEC
Authors: Yang Huihui , Chen Yingzhuang , Liu Yixuan , Nie Lihua , Yao Shouzhuo
Published: November 2012

A novel (3‐sulfopropyl methacrylate potassium)‐silica hybrid monolithic column for CEC has been prepared by a simple one‐pot approach based on efficient thiol‐ene click chemistry. In this process, the polycondensation of hydrolyzed alkoxysilanes and in situ click reaction of vinyl groups on 3‐sulfopropyl methacrylate potassium and thiol groups on the precondensed siloxanes simultaneously occurred in a pretreated capillary. Homogeneous monolithic matrix with large through‐pores tightly bonded to the inner wall of the capillary was shown by optical microscope and SEM. The minimum plate height of this hybrid monolithic column was determined as 3.9 μm for thiourea. Anilines, alkylbenzenes, and phenols were well separated on this hybrid monolithic column by CEC, which indicated typical reversed‐phase and cation‐exchange chromatographic retention mechanisms of the column.
High‐density extraction solvent‐based solvent de‐emulsification dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction combined with MEKC for detection of chlorophenols in water samples
Authors: Liang Ting‐Ting , Lv Zhi‐Hua , Jiang Ting‐Fu , Wang Yuan‐Hong
Published: November 2012

For the first time, the high‐density solvent‐based solvent de‐emulsification dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (HSD‐DLLME) was developed for the fast, simple, and efficient determination of chlorophenols in water samples followed by field‐enhanced sample injection with reverse migrating micelles in CE. The extraction of chlorophenols in the aqueous sample solution was performed in the presence of extraction solvent (chloroform) and dispersive solvent (acetone). A de‐emulsification solvent (ACN) was then injected into the aqueous solution to break up the emulsion, the obtained emulsion cleared into two phases quickly. The lower layer (chloroform) was collected and analyzed by field‐enhanced sample injection with reverse migrating micelles in CE. Several important parameters influencing the extraction efficiency of HSD‐DLLME such as the type and volume of extraction solvent, disperser solvent and de‐emulsification solvent, sample pH, extraction time as well as salting‐out effects were optimized. Under the optimized conditions, the proposed method provided a good linearity in the range of 0.02–4 μg/mL, low LODs (4 ng/mL), and good repeatability of the extractions (RSDs below 9.3%, n = 5). And enrichment factors for three phenols were 684, 797, and 233, respectively. This method was then utilized to analyze two real environmental samples from wastewater and tap water and obtained satisfactory results. The obtained results indicated that the developed method is an excellent alternative for the routine analysis in the environmental field.
Dual‐cycle dielectrophoretic collection rates for probing the dielectric properties of nanoparticles
Authors: Bakewell David J. , Holmes David
Published: November 2012

A new DEP spectroscopy method and supporting theoretical model is developed to systematically quantify the dielectric properties of nanoparticles using continuously pulsed DEP collection rates. Initial DEP collection rates, that are dependent on the nanoparticle dielectric properties, are an attractive alternative to the crossover frequency method for determining dielectric properties. The new method introduces dual‐cycle amplitude modulated and frequency‐switched DEP (dual‐cycle DEP) where the first collection rate with a fixed frequency acts as a control, and the second collection rate frequency is switched to a chosen value, such that, it can effectively probe the dielectric properties of the nanoparticles. The application of the control means that measurement variation between DEP collection experiments is reduced so that the frequency‐switched probe collection is more effective. A mathematical model of the dual‐cycle method is developed that simulates the temporal dynamics of the dual‐cycle DEP nanoparticle collection system. A new statistical method is also developed that enables systematic bivariate fitting of the multifrequency DEP collection rates to the Clausius–Mossotti function, and is instrumental for determining dielectric properties. A Monte‐Carlo simulation validates that collection rates improve estimation of the dielectric properties, compared with the crossover method, by exploiting a larger number of independent samples. Experiments using 200 nm diameter latex nanospheres suspended in 0.2 mS/m KCl buffer yield a nanoparticle conductivity of 26 mS/m that lies within 8% of the expected value. The results show that the dual‐frequency method has considerable promise particularly for automated DEP investigations and associated technologies.
Very fast electrophoretic separation on commercial instruments using a combination of two capillaries with different internal diameters
Authors: Tůma Petr , Opekar František , Samcová Eva
Published: November 2012

A capillary formed by connecting a 9.7 cm‐long separation capillary with id 25 μm with an auxiliary 22.9 cm‐long capillary with id 100 μm (coupled capillary) was tested for electrophoretic separation at high electric field intensities. The coupled capillary was placed in the cassette of a standard electrophoresis apparatus. It was used in the short‐end injection mode for separation of a mixture of dopamine, noradrenaline, and adrenaline in a BGE of 20 mM citric acid/NaOH, pH 3.2. An intensity of 2.7 kV/cm was attained in the separation part of the capillary at a separation voltage of 30 kV, which is 2.9 times more than maximum intensity value attainable in a capillary with the same length with uniform id. At these high electric field intensities, the migration times of the tested neurotransmitters had values of 12.3–13.3 s and the attained separation efficiency was between 2350 and 2760 plates/s. It is thus demonstrated that an effective separation instrument ‐ a coupled capillary ‐ can be used for very rapid separation in combination with standard, commercially available instrumentation.
Sodium L‐lactate differently affects brain‐derived neurothrophic factor, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and heat shock protein 70 kDa production in human astrocytes and SH‐SY5Y cultures
Authors: Coco Marinella , Caggia Silvia , Musumeci Giuseppe , Perciavalle Vincenzo , Graziano Adriana C.E. , Pannuzzo Giovanna , Cardile Venera
Published: November 2012

The present study analyzed the in vitro effects induced by sodium L‐lactate on human astrocytes and the SH‐SY5Y cell line, when added at concentrations of 5, 10, and 25 mmol/liter. Expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and heat shock protein 70 kDa (HSP70) was evaluated by Western blot analysis. Cell viability with MTT, release of nitric oxide (NO) through the Griess reaction, and production of BDNF by enzyme‐linked immunoassay was determined. Data indicate that, in SH‐SY5Y as well as in cortical astrocytes, after 4 hr sodium L‐lactate increases the expression and release of BDNF, iNOS, and NO; after 24 hr, it turns is ineffective for the production of the neurotrophin in SH‐SY5Y and not in astrocytes, but the expression of iNOS and release of NO appear to be further increased compared with those after 4 hr. Sodium L‐lactate influences differently the expression of HSP70 in SH‐SY5Y compared with astrocytes. We propose, based on these findings, that sodium L‐lactate affects the expression of BDNF in SH‐SY5Y and astrocytes in a different manner: high levels of iNOS and NO expressed in SH‐SY5Y have a profound inhibitory effect on the release of BDNF related to a more limited production of HSP70 by SH‐SY5Y. In conclusion, the results demonstrate differences in the responses of SH‐SY5Y and astrocytes to stimulation by high levels of sodium L‐lactate. Sodium L‐lactate differently and dose and time dependently influences the expression and release of BDNF, iNOS, NO, and HSP70 depending on the cell type. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Examining the Effects of Tourism Impacts on Satisfaction with Tourism between Native and Non‐native Residents
Authors: Xie Hui ‘Jimmy’ , Bao Jigang , Kerstetter Deborah L.
Published: November 2012

By using a sample of residents in Huangshan, China, this study examined whether tourism impacts affect the overall satisfaction of native and non‐native residents in different ways. Results of multiple‐group analysis revealed significant differences between the two groups regarding the effects of environmental degradation and loss of traditions and norms. Specifically, environmental degradation negatively affects non‐native residents' satisfaction but does not affect native residents' satisfaction. Loss of traditions and norms has a negative effect on native residents' satisfaction but has a positive effect on non‐native residents' satisfaction. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Triple Click Reaction Strategy for Macromolecular Diversity
Authors: Tunca Umit
Published: November 2012

This Feature Article focuses on the rapidly emerging concept of the “triple click reactions” towards the design and synthesis of macromolecules with well‐defined topology and chemical composition, and also precise molecular weight and narrow molecular weight distribution. The term “triple click reaction” used in this feature article is based on the utilization of three chemically and mechanistically different click reactions for polymer–polymer conjugation and post‐modification of the polymers. Three sequential click reactions of which two are identical should not be considered to be triple click reactions. The triple click reaction strategy for polymer conjugation and post‐modification of polymers is classified in this article based on the resultant architectures: linear and non‐linear structures.
Eu(fod)3 binding on the 1H‐NMR spectra of bis(2′‐ethylbenzoate)ethylene glycol podands
Authors: Ünlü Cüneyt H. , Yapar Gönül , Erk Çakıl
Published: November 2012

The complexing and selective binding constants of Eu(fod)3 with bis(2′‐ethylbenzoate)ethylene glycol podands having one to four oxyethylene groups was observed on their 1H‐NMR spectra at 250 MHz and 295 K in CDCl3. The Eu(fod)3 interaction displayed the selective binding role of oxygen on H2C–O–CH2 backbones with referring the 1H chemical shifts.

The estimated equilibrium constants, Ka, of 1:1 ratio of interactions were in accordance with the Eu(fod)3 ionic radii to bind the oxygen sites depending on the size and conformation of the esters. Esters having one or two ethyleneoxy groups gave mainly 2:2 complexes using ester sites. The minimum lanthanide‐podand ester distance displayed the maximum stability so that ester with four oxyethylene groups was found to bind the Eu(fod)3 moderately, whereas ester with three oxyethylene groups showed a large induced chemical shift due to the stability of Eu3+ complexes with larger ethyleneoxy groups. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantification of Phenylpropanoids in Commercial Echinacea Products Using TLC with Video Densitometry as Detection Technique and ANN for Data Modelling
Authors: Agatonovic‐Kustrin S. , Loescher Christine M. , Singh Ragini
Published: November 2012

Introduction

Echinacea preparations are among the most popular herbal remedies worldwide. Although it is generally assigned immune enhancement activities, the effectiveness of Echinacea is highly dependent on the Echinacea species, part of the plant used, the age of the plant, its location and the method of extraction.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the capacity of an artificial neural network (ANN) to analyse thin‐layer chromatography (TLC) chromatograms as fingerprint patterns for quantitative estimation of three phenylpropanoid markers (chicoric acid, chlorogenic acid and echinacoside) in commercial Echinacea products.

Material and methods

By applying samples with different weight ratios of marker compounds to the system, a database of chromatograms was constructed. One hundred and one signal intensities in each of the TLC chromatograms were correlated to the amounts of applied echinacoside, chlorogenic acid and chicoric acid using an ANN.

Results

The developed ANN correlation was used to quantify the amounts of three marker compounds in Echinacea commercial formulations. The minimum quantifiable level of 63, 154 and 98 ng and the limit of detection of 19, 46 and 29 ng were established for echinacoside, chlorogenic acid and chicoric acid respectively.

Conclusion

A novel method for quality control of herbal products, based on TLC separation, high‐resolution digital plate imaging and ANN data analysis has been developed. The method proposed can be adopted for routine evaluation of the phytochemical variability in Echinacea formulations available in the market. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New thiophene‐based donor–acceptor conjugated polymers carrying fluorene or cyanovinylene units: Synthesis, characterization, and electroluminescent properties
Authors: Murali Maluvadi G , Dalimba Udayakumar , Yadav Vandana , Srivastava Ritu
Published: November 2012

Two new thiophene‐based donor–acceptor (D–A) conjugated polymers, PDTOFV and PDTOCN, are synthesized and characterized. The polymers are readily soluble in common organic solvents and exhibit good thermal stability with onset decomposition temperature (Td) in the range 310−330°C. Cyclic voltammetry studies revealed that polymers possess low‐lying highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy levels (−5.94 eV for PDTOFV and −5.86 eV for PDTOCN) and low‐lying lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels (−3.35 eV for PDTOFV and −3.55 eV for PDTOCN). The optical band gap is calculated from onset absorption edge of the polymer film. The polymers exhibit green fluorescence with fluorescence quantum yields (ϕfl) of 38% and 42%, respectively, for PDTOFV and PDTOCN. Polymer light‐emitting diodes (PLEDs) are fabricated using these polymers with a device configuration of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/polymer/Al. The device based on PDTOFV emitted green light with Commission Internationale de I'Eclairage (CIE) coordinate values of (0.25, 0.39). Whereas, the device based on PDTOCN showed white light emission with CIE coordinate values of (0.32, 0.35), which is very close to the values (0.33, 0.33) of standard white light emission. The threshold voltages of the PLEDs are determined by current density‐voltage characteristics and are found to be 7.3 and 3.9 V for PDTOFV and PDTOCN, respectively. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
The plasticizing effect of calcium nitrate on poly(vinyl alcohol)
Authors: Jiang Xiancai , Jiang Ting , Zhang Xiaofei , Zhang Xi , Dai Hua
Published: November 2012

Calcium nitrate (Ca(NO3)2) was used as the plasticizer to improve the properties of Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). The interaction between Ca(NO3)2 and PVA was investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The influence of Ca(NO3)2 on the crystalline, thermal, and mechanical properties of PVA was studied by X‐Ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and tensile testing, respectively. FTIR studies showed that Ca(NO3)2 could strongly interact with PVA molecule and reduce the intensity of the hydrogen bonding between PVA molecules. The crystallization of PVA was interrupted and the degree of crystallinity of PVA decreased due to the strong interaction between Ca(NO3)2 and PVA. DSC studies showed that the glass transition temperature of PVA decreased with the addition of Ca(NO3)2. However, the thermal stability of PVA decreased with the addition of Ca(NO3)2. The mechanical properties of PVA was improved with the addition of Ca(NO3)2, PVA film became soft and ductile, with lower tensile strength and higher elongation at break compared with original PVA. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Combined Raman‐DLTS investigations of n‐type Cu–In–S absorber layers grown on Cu tape substrate (CISCuT)
Authors: Trushin M. , Arguirov T. , Kittler M. , Seifert W. , Klossek A. , Bernhard T. , Gerlach‐Blumenthal W. , Hänsel A. , Tober O. , Schwabe M.
Published: November 2012

Thin absorber films grown by the CuInS2‐on‐Cu‐tape (CISCuT) method were studied by Raman spectroscopy and deep‐level transient spectroscopy (DLTS). Raman measurements revealed a degradation of crystalline quality and a growth of the CuAu fraction with the increase of Cu‐tape velocity through the sulfur chamber, whereas DLTS method – corresponding variations in the magnitude of the dominating peak E1. The origin of the E1 peak was established from the correlation of Raman and DLTS results and ascribed to defect states at the interface between chalcopyrite and CuAu phase.
Tuning of perpendicular exchange bias for magnetic memory applications
Authors: Meng H. , Naik V. B. , Sbiaa R.
Published: November 2012

Perpendicular exchange bias (PEB) between [Co 0.3 nm/Pd 0.8 nm]5 multilayers and IrMn antiferromagnetic (AFM) layer is studied as functions of thickness of the interface layer and the AFM layer. It is found that increasing the thickness of a CoFe interface layer up to 2.1 nm could effectively improve the PEB. The achieved PEB field (Hbias) is more than 500 Oe. On the other hand, the coercivity (Hc) exhibits an opposite trend as a function of CoFe interface layer thickness, which might promote the integration of PEB structure with the perpendicular magnetic memory stack. It is also found that PEB is sensitive to the thickness of the AFM layer. The thickness window is only around 2 nm to achieve the largest Hbias. Moreover, for a very thin IrMn layer, a ferromagnetic nature is observed at low magnetic fields, which is likely owing to the net spins at the surface that might have been magnetized by the CoFe interface layer.
Momentum‐space instantons and maximally localized flat‐band topological Hamiltonians
Authors: Jian Chao‐Ming , Gu Zheng‐Cheng , Qi Xiao‐Liang
Published: November 2012

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Recently, two‐dimensional band insulators with a topologically nontrivial (almost) flat band in which integer and fractional quantum Hall effect can be realized without an orbital magnetic field have been studied extensively. Realizing a topological flat band generally requires longer range hoppings in a lattice Hamiltonian. It is natural to ask what is the minimal hopping range required. In this letter, we prove that the mean hopping range of the flat‐band Hamiltonian with Chern number $ C_1 $ and total number of bands N has a universal lower bound of $ \sqrt {4\vertC_1 {|/\pi }N}. $ Furthermore, for the Hamiltonians that reach this lower bound, the Bloch wavefunctions of the topological flat band are instanton solutions of a $ CP^{N - 1} $ non‐linear σ model on the Brillouin zone torus, which are elliptic functions up to a normalization factor. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)