bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining Patterns and Trends of Household Food Consumption of in the City of Ati (Chad)
Authors: Mbayadoum Moussanadji , Nazal Alhadj Markhous , Doutoum Abdelsalam Adoum , Moukhtar Roumane , Halima Oumarou D.
Published: February 2024

Households in Ati face high food consumption costs which determine different states of food and nutritional security. This study was carried out with the aim of analyzing household food consumption in order to contribute to better knowledge of the food and nutritional situation and to inform stakeholders working in the field of food security so that they can better guide their intervention strategies. A prospective, cross-sectional descriptive research survey was adopted for the study and was conducted from 15 April to 14 June 2022 in the city of Ati. The study involved 135 households selected in the neighborhoods of the city of Ati. Data were collected using a questionnaire survey form and then processed using Excel 2016. The food consumption score was used to reflect dietary diversity, frequency of consumption as well as household nutritional intake relative to products and food groups consumed individually. Results showed that more than a third of households (38.52%) consumed at least 3 meals per day and more than half of the households surveyed (54.07%) had 2 meals per day. The group of cereals and tubers is the most consumed by the majority of households. The results show that 30.60% of households surveyed had a poor ACS, 63.60% had a borderline ACS and 5.80% had an acceptable ACS. It emerges that 76.6% of households have low AMDS, 17.9% have average diversity and only 5.50% have good dietary diversity.
Expert Opinion on the Prescription Practice of Rabeprazole and Other Common Proton Pump Inhibitors for Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Authors: Manjula S  , Krishna Kumar M
Published: February 2024

Objective: The current survey-based study aims to provide further insights on expert opinion regarding the commonly prescribed PPIs in clinical practice, with a specific focus on the use of oral rabeprazole 20 mg as a treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) maintenance therapy in Indian settings.

Methodology: The questionnaire-based survey involving 25 questions collected perspectives of experts across various regions of India regarding the prescription practice of rabeprazole 20 mg and other proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) for treating GERD symptoms.

Results: Out of 512 study participants, 44% reported obesity as the common comorbid condition observed in GERD patients, while 28% noted co-morbid diabetes mellitus. According to 68% of the respondents, rabeprazole demonstrated superiority over other PPIs in terms of quicker onset of action, maintaining intragastric pH >4 over 24 hours’ post-dose, and reduced nighttime heartburn. For GERD patients with functional dyspepsia and gastroparesis, 52% of responders favored the addition of domperidone as a prokinetic drug to the PPI treatment. Moreover, the majority of participants (61.91%) observed that rabeprazole 20 mg did not cause a delay in stomach emptying, nor did it raise somatostatin levels or alter baseline motilin levels in GERD patients. These findings underscore the effectiveness of rabeprazole 20 mg in comparison to omeprazole and lansoprazole.

Conclusion: Experts recommended rabeprazole 20 mg as the preferred treatment option over omeprazole and lansoprazole for GERD patients with coexisting obesity and diabetes mellitus conditions. Additionally, over half of the respondents reported using a combination of domperidone and other PPIs for GERD patients with functional dyspepsia and gastroparesis.
A Review on Plant Tissue Culture
Authors: Thakur Shivani , Shruti  , Hashmi Sohin , Mishra Saket , Ekka Shashi Kant , Kushwaha Akhilesh , Kujur Reena
Published: February 2024

Plant tissue and cell culture involve the aseptic cultivation and propagation of plant cells, tissues, and organs in a meticulously controlled laboratory setting. This innovative method harnesses the potential of nutrient-rich media to efficiently replicate plant cells on a large scale, resulting in the rapid production of mature and disease-free plants. The cornerstone of commercial technology in this field is micropropagation, a process that achieves swift proliferation from minute plant cuttings, axillary buds, and, to a limited extent, from somatic embryos and cell clumps in suspension cultures and bioreactors. Micropropagation, a pivotal aspect of plant tissue and cell culture, holds immense value in generating high-quality and consistent planting materials. These materials find applications across diverse fields, including molecular genetic engineering, plant breeding, horticulture production, and environmental preservation. The process of micropopagation unfolds through several distinct stages, including propagation, subculture of explants for proliferation, shooting and rooting, and hardening. These stages collectively form a universal framework for large-scale multiplication of plants. This technique plays a critical role in overcoming the limitations of traditional plant propagation methods. By allowing for controlled and accelerated growth in a laboratory environment, plant tissue and cell culture contribute to the efficient production of disease-resistant and genetically uniform plant materials. This not only supports advancements in various scientific disciplines but also addresses practical needs in agriculture, horticulture, and environmental conservation. The continuous refinement and application of plant tissue and cell culture methods underscore their significance in meeting the growing demands for sustainable and high-quality plant materials across diverse sectors.
Effect of Seed Extraction Period and Germination Temperature on Viability of Pinus patula Under Controlled Conditions
Authors: Onyango Alice Adongo , Inoti Shadrack Kinyua , Maara Nelson , Kimondo James Munga
Published: February 2024

A number of coniferous species have demonstrated varied cone responses to the temperature intensities for seed release and subsequent seed germination behaviour. This study investigated the interactions of cone physical characteristics (weight and width), exposure duration (6,12 and 24 hours) at a fixed extraction temperature (65°C) and the germination temperature (22, 27 and 32°C) on seed quality of Pinus patula. The experimental design was a factorial experiment (4×3×3) laid down in a completely randomized design (CRD), with thirty-six treatments replicated 3 times. Analysis of the difference in means from the three factor effects from ANOVA was performed using R Statistical software. Where significant differences were observed, post hoc tests were carried out to separate means using the Tukey test at 5 % significance level. Results showed significant (p=0.001) differences in germination performance as a result of cone characteristics, extraction exposure periods, and germination chamber conditions. Seeds extracted from heavy cones and exposed to germination temperature of 32℃ demonstrated the highest germination percent at 90% while the lowest was 20% from light cones exposed to similar germination temperature conditions. Negative and significant correlation coefficients were observed in germination of seeds from narrow and light cones, thus cone sorting for heavy and wide cones was recommended for better germination performance of P. patula seed germplasm.
Evaluation of Antifungal Activity of Plant Extracts against Papaya Anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) under In-vitro Condition
Authors: Shinde S. S. , Karade V. M. , Kumbhar C. T. , Khadtare R. M. , Shelke S. D. , Bhosale A. V.
Published: February 2024

The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of various plant extracts against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides in papaya. This investigation employed a completely randomized design and took place at the College of Agriculture in Pune-05 during the academic year 2021-22.Among the six plant extracts tested, garlic (Allium sativum) was found to be superior to the rest, exhibiting the minimum mycelium growth (5.30 mm) and the highest percentage inhibition (94.11%) at a 20% concentration. However, the drumstick leaf (Moringa oleifera) extract was the least effective, with the maximum radial mycelial growth of 44.00 mm (51.11% inhibition) observed. The study indicates that the radial mycelial growth of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides decreases with rise in the concentration of plant extracts.
Influence of Abiotic Factors on Efficacy of Entomopathogenic Nematodes
Authors: Devi Gitanjali
Published: February 2024

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are potential biocontrol agents against many insect pests. The infective juveniles (IJs) dwell in soil ecosystem in a free-living state which is responsible for pest suppression under certain environmental condition. These IJs are faced with a wide range of environmental conditions during this stage. Abiotic factors such as temperature, moisture/relative humidity, soil texture and structure, ultraviolet radiation influence the survival, growth and development, and reproduction of entomopathogenic nematodes and ultimately their performance on bioefficacy against insect pests.
Investigating the Association of Traits Influencing Yield and Micronutrient Content in F2 Generation of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Prasad Jai Prakash , Singh Satish Kumar , Nilanjaya  , Nirmalaruban R.
Published: February 2024

Wheat is a key food crop for the world, providing a lot of the energy we need. It gives us about 55% of our carbohydrates and 20% of our calories. Many people eat cereal grains as their main food, but they often lack enough nutrients. This causes malnutrition, which is also called “hidden hunger”. Micronutrient malnutrition arising from Zn and Fe deficiency has emerged as a serious health concern and it afflicts over 3 billion people globally. Zinc and Iron are very important for our health. Bio-fortification circumvents the hidden hunger by improving the micronutrient composition of food grains by either increasing its concentration in edible portions or enhancing its bio-availability. The present investigation was an attempt to decipher the association among traits and their contribution towards yield by correlation and path analysis. Findings showed that the number of grains in each spike and the amount of chlorophyll in the plants were strongly related to how much grain each plant produced in both F2 groups (Rajendra Genhu 4 × HD2967 and Rajendra Genhu 3 × HD2967). On the other hand, grain iron content was inversely related to the yield. The path analysis of both crosses showed that factors like plant height, days to 50 % flowering, days to maturity and chlorophyll content had a positive direct impact on the yield. However, the zinc and iron levels in the grain had a negative direct impact on the yield. These results inferred that number of grains per spike and chlorophyll content could be used in indirect selection for yield improvement.
Efficacy of Acupuncture in Chronic Low Back Pain Treatment: A Literature Review
Authors: Carretta Lucca Tamara Alves , Teixeira Pedro Rodrigues , Dias Ana Clara Pirovani , Devens Carolina Mesquita , Rones Luiza Norbim , Bonacossa Camila Kafuri , Barbosa Cássio Newton Bomfim
Published: February 2024

Aims: To evaluate the effects of the use of acupuncture as a treatment of chronic low back pain.

Methodology: This study follows the integrative methodology of literature review, seeking articles published on PubMed, using keywords from Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) to form the search Formula: Acupuncture AND "low back pain". Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials published between 2018 and 2023, with free full text available in english or portuguese. The exclusion criteria was not answering this review’s orienting question. 

Results: Several studies analyzed the efficacy of different acupuncture and electroacupuncture approaches in the treatment of chronic low back pain. One study highlighted invasive laser acupuncture with different wavelengths, revealing improvements in pain and disability scales after 4 weeks. Another research compared electroacupuncture at various frequencies, observing similar reductions in pain between the groups. Combined acupuncture (hands and ear) was more effective than usual medical treatment, showing greater reduction in pain and cure rate. Both electroacupuncture and manual acupuncture also demonstrated efficacy in reducing pain intensity and quality. Acupuncture with embedded wires stood out, showing positive and rapid results in chronic low back pain. Another study revealed that both electroacupuncture and a placebo had positive impacts on pain intensity.

Conclusion: Even though there are multiple forms of acupuncture used throughout the studies, and even those that appear on multiple studies are done differently on those appearances, all are used as a way to reduce CLBP. In that sense, the positive effects from using traditional acupuncture or some different form of acupuncture as a treatment for CLBP is highlighted by the results from the studies that were a part of this review.
Hypervalente Iodverbindungen in der Synthese: Möglichkeiten und Grenzen
Authors: Wirth Thomas
Published: April 2005

Vielfältige Veröffentlichungen belegen die beeindruckende Entwicklung der Chemie hypervalenter Iodverbindungen in den vergangenen Jahren. Auch wenn die Synthese der ersten hypervalenten Iodverbindung bereits über hundert Jahre zurückliegt, werden die Reaktivitäten dieser Verbindungsklasse sowie der Einsatz dieser metallfreien Reagentien in der organischen Synthese immer noch intensiv untersucht. Dieser Beitrag fasst neue Erkenntnisse und Fortschritte zusammen, die die zukünftige Forschung beeinflussen und zu neuen Anwendungen hypervalenter Iodverbindungen in der Synthese führen werden.
Ion Exchange Catalysis in Oxidation of Organic Compounds with KMnO4.
Authors: Shaabani Ahmad , Teimouri Fatemeh , Lee Donald G.
Published: April 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Structure and Bonding of Li1.42(5)Pd2Sn5.58(5): A Lithium Intercalated Palladium Stannide.
Authors: Sreeraj Puravankara , Hoffmann Rolf‐Dieter , Wu Zhiyun , Poettgen Rainer , Haeussermann Ulrich
Published: April 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Unexpected Ligand Substitutions in the Cluster Core {Re6Se8}: Synthesis and Structure of the Novel Cluster Compound Cs11(H3O) [Re6Se4O4Cl6] 3×4H2O.
Authors: Yarovoi S. S. , Mironov Y. V. , Solodovnikov S. F. , Naumov D. Y. , Moroz N. K. , Kozlova S. G. , Simon A. , Fedorov V. E.
Published: April 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Wurtzite CoO.
Authors: Risbud Aditi S. , Snedeker Lauren P. , Elcombe Margaret M. , Cheetham Anthony K. , Seshadri Ram
Published: April 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Potassium Osmate(VIII), K2OsO5.
Authors: Mogare Kailash M. , Klein Wilhelm , Jansen Martin
Published: April 2005

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Asymmetric Alkylation of Aldehydes Catalyzed by Novel Dinuclear Bis‐BINOLate Titanium(IV) Complexes.
Authors: Harada Toshiro , Kanda Kousou , Hiraoka Yuuki , Marutani Yasuhisa , Nakatsugawa Masashi
Published: April 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Conversions of 2‐(2‐Oxocyclohexylcarbonyl)benzoic Acid Derivatives to Pyrazolo[5,1‐a]isoindole and Pyrimidine Rings.
Authors: Voitenko Z. V. , Pokholenko O. A. , Kondratov I. S. , Kovtunenko V. O. , Andre C. , Wolf J. G.
Published: April 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Claisen Rearrangements Based on Vinyl Fluorides.
Authors: Tranel Frank , Haufe Guenter
Published: April 2005

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Bismuth Triflate Catalyzed Fries Rearrangement of Aryl Acetates.
Authors: Ollevier Thierry , Desyroy Valerie , Asim Muhammad , Brochu Marie‐Christine
Published: April 2005

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Chemoselective Monobromination of Alkanes Promoted by Unactivated MnO2.
Authors: Jiang Xuefeng , Shen Meihua , Tang Yu , Li Chaozhong
Published: April 2005

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Lutetium Triflate as an Efficient and Recyclable Catalyst for Chemoselective Thioacetalization of Aldehydes.
Authors: De Surya Kanta
Published: April 2005

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Iron‐Catalyzed Coupling Reaction Between 1,1‐Dichloro‐1‐alkenes and Grignard Reagents.
Authors: Dos Santos Mickael , Franck Xavier , Hocquemiller Reynald , Figadere Bruno , Peyrat Jean‐Francois , Provot Olivier , Brion Jean‐Daniel , Alami Mouad
Published: April 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Catalytic Asymmetric Reactions for Organic Synthesis: The Combined C—H Activation/Siloxy‐Cope Rearrangement.
Authors: Davies Huw M. L. , Beckwith Rohan E. J.
Published: April 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Regioselective Palladium‐Catalyzed Allylic Alkylations.
Authors: Dong Ying , Teesdale‐Spittle Paul , Hoberg John O.
Published: April 2005

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Synthesis of New Liquid Crystalline Compounds Containing an α,β‐Unsaturated Ketone and β‐Chloroketone Groups in the Side Chain.
Authors: Kovganko V. N. , Kovganko N. N. , Bezborodov V. S.
Published: April 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Electrochemical Synthesis of Dimerizing and Nondimerizing Orthoquinone Monoketals.
Authors: Deffieux Denis , Fabre Isabelle , Titz Alexander , Leger Jean‐Michel , Quideau Stephane
Published: April 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Selective Oxidation of Sulfides to Sulfoxides Using IBX‐Esters.
Authors: Koposov Alexey Y. , Zhdankin Viktor V.
Published: April 2005

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N‐Arylsulfanyl‐N‐arylsulfonyl(acyl)‐N′‐phenylthiourea Sodium Salts.
Authors: Koval' I. V. , Oleinik T. G.
Published: April 2005

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Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Activity of 1,3,4‐Substituted 2‐Azetidinones.
Authors: Pandey V. K. , Gupta V. D. , Upadhyay Mrinalini , Upadhyay Mridula , Singh V. K. , Tandon Meenal
Published: April 2005

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Transformations of Epoxide Derived from Nopol over Askanite—Bentonite Clay.
Authors: Il'ina I. V. , Volcho K. P. , Korchagina D. V. , Salakhutdinov N. F. , Barkhash V. A.
Published: April 2005

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Synthesis of 4‐(R)‐Naphthalene‐2‐yloxy‐1‐(1‐phenyl‐(S)‐ethyl)‐pyrrolidin‐3‐(R)‐ol and 4‐(S)‐Naphthalen‐2‐yloxy‐1‐(1‐phenyl‐(S)‐ethyl)‐pyrrolidin‐3‐(S)‐ol: Versatile Chiral Intermediateds for Synthesis.
Authors: Holsworth Daniel D. , Stier Michael , Wang Wei , Edmunds Jeremy J. , Li Tingsheng , Maiti Samarendra N.
Published: April 2005

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Palladium‐Mediated Arylation of 3‐Aminopiperidines and 3‐Aminopyrrolidines.
Authors: Jean Ludovic , Rouden Jacques , Maddaluno Jacques , Lasne Marie‐Claire
Published: April 2005

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Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors. Novel Sulfanilamide/Acetazolamide Derivatives Obtained by the Tail Approach and Their Interaction with the Cytosolic Isozymes I and II, and the Tumor‐Associated Isozyme IX.
Authors: Turkmen Hasan , Durgun Mustafa , Yilmaztekin Serpil , Emul Mahmut , Innocenti Alessio , Vullo Daniela , Scozzafava Andrea , Supuran Claudiu T.
Published: April 2005

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Synthesis of 6‐Hetaryl‐5,5‐dialkyl‐3,3‐dimethyltetrahydropyran‐2,4‐diones by Reformatsky Reaction.
Authors: Shchepin V. V. , Korzun A. E. , Sazhneva Yu. Kh.
Published: April 2005

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Bi(OTf)3‐[Bmim]PF6: A Novel and Recyclable Catalytic System for the Diastereoselective Synthesis of cis‐Fused Pyrano and Furanobenzopyrans.
Authors: Yadav J. S. , Reddy B. V. S. , Reddy P. Narayana
Published: April 2005

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A Facile Synthesis of Some New Thiazolo[3,2‐a]pyridines Containing Pyrazolyl Moiety and Their Antimicrobial Activity.
Authors: El‐Emary T. I. , Khalil A. , El‐Hag Ali G. A. M. , El‐Adasy A. A. A. M.
Published: April 2005

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3‐Arylidene‐pent‐2,4‐dione in the Synthesis of Heterocyclic Systems. Facile One‐Pot Synthesis of Novel Pentasubstituted 1,8‐Naphthyridine‐2‐thione.
Authors: Khalil Mohamed Ali
Published: April 2005

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A Hybrid Between the Antifungal Azole Eberconazole and the Alkaloid Onychine.
Authors: Dombeck F. , Bracher F.
Published: April 2005

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Condensed Isoquinolines. Part 17. Enamine Properties of Benzimidazo[1,2‐b]isoquinolin‐11(5H)‐one in Alkylation Reactions.
Authors: Potikha L. M. , Shkilna N. V. , Kisil V. M. , Kovtunenko V. A.
Published: April 2005

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Reaction of 1,3‐Substituted Benzothieno[2,3‐c]pyrylium Salts with Primary Amines.
Authors: Tolkunov S. V. , Kryuchkov M. A. , Tolkunov V. S. , Dulenko V. I.
Published: April 2005

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Synthesis of Pyridazinone Derivatives
Authors: Hovakimyan S. A. , Babakhanyan A. V. , Voskanyan V. S. , Karapetian V. E. , Panosyan G. A. , Kocharian S. T.
Published: April 2005

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Reaction of Substituted 2‐Allylthiopyrimidin‐4(3H)‐ones with Sulfenyl Chlorides.
Authors: Vaskevich A. I. , Gevaza Yu. I. , Vaskevich R. I. , Staninets V. I.
Published: April 2005

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Studies on Pyrazine Derivatives. Part 40. Synthesis, Reactivity, and Tuberculostatic Activity of 4‐Hydroxyalkyl‐5‐pyrazinyl‐4H‐[1,2,4]‐triazole‐3‐thiones.
Authors: Foks Henryk , Janowiec Mieczyslaw , Zwolska Zofia , Augustynowicz‐Kopec Ewa
Published: April 2005

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Substituted and Spiro‐Anellated Perhydro‐1,2,3‐oxathiazine 2,2‐Dioxides and 1‐Benzyl‐4‐methylazetidines.
Authors: Varlamov A. V. , Sidorenko N. V. , Zubkov F. I. , Chernyshev A. I. , Turchin K. F.
Published: April 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Thiazolidinone‐Annulated Pyrrolobenzodiazepines. Synthesis and Properties of a New Ring System.
Authors: Schmidt Andreas , Shilabin Abbas Gholipour , Nieger Martin
Published: April 2005

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A Novel Propargyltitanation of Acetylenes. Heteroatom Substituent Dependent Manifold in Intermolecular Coupling of Allene and Acetylene.
Authors: Tanaka Ryoichi , Sasaki Misa , Sato Fumie , Urabe Hirokazu
Published: April 2005

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Cleavage of C—Si Bond by Intramolecular Nucleophilic Attack: Lithiation‐Promoted Formation of Siloles from 1‐Bromo‐4‐trisubstituted Silyl‐1,3‐butadiene Derivatives.
Authors: Wang Zhihui , Fang Hongyun , Yi Zhenfeng
Published: April 2005

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Isolation of a Cyclic Intermediate in the Reaction of a Phosphorus Ylide with Elemental Sulfur: Synthesis, Structure, and Reactivity of a 1,2σ5‐Thiaphosphirane.
Authors: Sase Shohei , Kano Naokazu , Kawashima Takayuki
Published: April 2005

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Synthesis of 5α‐Hydroxyecdysteroid Analogues Containing an Isoxazole Ring in the Side Chain.
Authors: Litvinovskaya R. P. , Drach S. V. , Masalova E. N. , Khripach V. A.
Published: April 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Synthesis and Fungicidal Activity of Some 6‐Aryl‐2‐(β‐D‐glucopyranosyl)‐3‐oxo‐2,3‐dihydro‐1,3,4‐oxadiazolo [3,2‐b]‐1,2,4,6‐thiatriazine‐1,1‐dioxides.
Authors: Khare R. K. , Srivastava Alok Kumar , Singh H.
Published: April 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Rapid Access to Glucopyranosyl‐1,2,3‐triazoles via Cu(I)‐Catalyzed Reactions in Water.
Authors: Akula Rakesh A. , Temelkoff David P. , Artis Nicole D. , Norris Peter
Published: April 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Sonochemical Synthesis, Optical Properties, and Electrical Properties of Core/Shell‐Typ ZnO Nanorod/CdS Nanoparticle Composites.
Authors: Gao Tao , Li Qiuhong , Wang Taihong
Published: April 2005

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Catechol Imine Ligands: From Helicates to Supramolecular Tetrahedra
Authors: Albrecht Markus , Janser Ingo , Froehlich Roland
Published: April 2005

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Absolute Asymmetric Photochemistry Using Spontaneous Chiral Crystallization
Authors: Sakamoto Masami
Published: April 2005

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Conformational and Electronic Properties of a Microperoxidase in Aqueous Solution: A Computational Study
Authors: Di Teodoro Carla , Aschi Massimiliano , Amadei Andrea , Roccatano Danilo , Malatesta Francesco , Ottaviano Luca
Published: April 2005

A theoretical study of the conformational properties of a small heme peptide in aqueous solution is carried out by classical, long‐timescale molecular dynamics simulations. The electronic properties of this species, that is, the relative energies of its excited electronic states and the redox potential, are reproduced and related to the conformational behavior using the perturbed matrix method and basic statistical mechanics. Our results show an interesting coupling between the conformational transitions and the electronic properties. These investigations, beyond the biophysically relevant results addressing the long‐standing question of the actual role of the enzyme structure on the enzyme activity, are also of some methodological interest since they offer a further computational perspective for incuding the electronic degrees of freedom into the modeling of rather complex molecular systems.
A three‐phase constant‐current source using an immittance converter
Authors: Irie Hisaichi , Oohashi Shunsuke
Published: April 2005

The term immittance converter refers to an impedance–admittance converter. The immittance converter has an input impedance that is proportional to the admittance of the load connected across output terminals. In this converter, the output current is proportional to the input voltage and the input current is proportional to the output voltage. Consequently, it converts a constant‐voltage source into a constant‐current source and a constant‐current source into a constant‐voltage source.

It is well known that the quarter wavelength transmission line shows immittance conversion characteristics. However, it has a very long line length for the switching frequency, and is not suitable for power electronics applications. We thus proposed immittance converters that consist of lumped elementsL,Cand show improved immittance conversion characteristics at a resonant frequency.

A three‐phase constant‐current source is proposed in this paper. It is possible to realize this by a simple circuit using an immittance converter. In this paper, circuit operation, characteristic equations, and results of simulation are described. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 151(4): 47–54, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20078
Development of a process for producing high‐purity calcium carbonate (CaCO3) from waste cement using pressurized CO2
Authors: Katsuyama Yasuro , Yamasaki Akihiro , Iizuka Atsushi , Fujii Minoru , Kumagai Kazukiyo , Yanagisawa Yukio
Published: April 2005

A new type of process for producing high‐purity calcium carbonate from waste cement powder was developed. The process consists of two main reactions; extraction of calcium in the form of calcium ions from waste cement powder in a water slurry by pressurized CO2 (typically at several MPa), and precipitation of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) from the extracted solution by reduction of the CO2 pressure. The process can be recognized as the emission reduction process of CO2 as well. Laboratory‐scale experimental studies were conducted for both the extraction reaction and the precipitation reaction, to examine the feasibility of the process. The extraction process was found to proceed at a relatively high rate, especially during the initial 10 min. The concentration of calcium ions exceeded the thermodynamic solubility of CaCO3 (supersaturation) when abundant waste cement was available. After filtration of the residues, CaCO3 particles with >98% purity were obtained by depressurizing the CO2. The dependency of the reaction rates on the operating conditions, such as the ratio of waste cement to water, CO2 pressure, and particle size of waste cement particles, was investigated. A process design was carried out based on the experimental results, assuming that the present process is applied to two types of CaCO3 production process: flue gas desulfurization and production of ultrahigh‐purity CaCO3. The estimated costs per 1 metric ton of CaCO3 were USD 136 for desulfurization and USD 323 for high‐purity CaCO3. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2005
Involvement of microtubules and Rho pathway in TGF‐β1‐induced lung vascular barrier dysfunction
Authors: Birukova Anna A. , Birukov Konstantin G. , Adyshev Djanibek , Usatyuk Peter , Natarajan Viswanathan , Garcia Joe G.N. , Verin Alexander D.
Published: April 2005

Transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) is a cytokine critically involved in acute lung injury and endothelial cell (EC) barrier dysfunction. We have studied TGF‐β1‐mediated signaling pathways and examined a role of microtubule (MT) dynamics in TGF‐β1‐induced actin cytoskeletal remodeling and EC barrier dysfunction. TGF‐β1 (0.1–50 ng/ml) induced dose‐dependent decrease in transendothelial electrical resistance (TER) in bovine pulmonary ECs, which was linked to increased actin stress fiber formation, myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation, EC retraction, and gap formation. Inhibitor of TGF‐β1 receptor kinase RI (5 μM) abolished TGF‐β1‐induced TER decline, whereas inhibitor of caspase‐3 zVAD (10 μM) was without effect. TGF‐β1‐induced EC barrier dysfunction was linked to partial dissolution of peripheral MT meshwork and decreased levels of stable (acetylated) MT pool, whereas MT stabilization by taxol (5 μM) attenuated TGF‐β1‐induced barrier dysfunction and actin remodeling. TGF‐β1 induced sustained activation of small GTPase Rho and its effector Rho‐kinase; phosphorylation of myosin binding subunit of myosin specific phosphatase; MLC phosphorylation; EC contraction; and gap formation, which was abolished by inhibition of Rho and Rho‐kinase, and by MT stabilization with taxol. Finally, elevation of intracellular cAMP induced by forskolin (50 μM) attenuated TGF‐β1‐induced barrier dysfunction, MLC phosphorylation, and protected the MT peripheral network. These results suggest a novel role for MT dynamics in the TGF‐β1‐mediated Rho regulation, EC barrier dysfunction, and actin remodeling. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
CpG‐oligodeoxynucleotides induce mobilization of hematopoietic progenitor cells into peripheral blood in association with mouse KC (IL‐8) production
Authors: Nardini Elena , Morelli Daniele , Aiello Piera , Besusso Dario , Calcaterra Claudia , Mariani Luigi , Palazzo Marco , Vecchi Annunciata , Paltrinieri Saverio , Menard Sylvie , Balsari Andrea
Published: April 2005

The immune system of vertebrates detects bacterial DNA as a “danger signal” based on the presence of unmethylated CpG motifs. We examined whether oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) with CpG motifs (CpG‐ODNs) also induce mobilization of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs). Mice challenged with CpG‐ODNs showed an increase in peripheral blood colony‐forming units (CFU) with a peak at day 4 after treatment, associated with an increase, starting 30 min after CpG treatment, in serum levels of mouse keratinocyte‐derived chemokine (mKC), a functional homolog of human interleukin (IL) 8; production of granulocyte‐colony‐stimulating factor (CSF) was also detected. Mobilization and mKC induction were sequence‐specific and dose‐dependent occurring even with low doses of CpG‐ODNs. Interestingly, intestinal cells were involved in mKC production. HPC mobilization by CpG‐ODNs was dependent on peripheral blood mononuclear cells since mobilization was reduced in neutrophil‐depleted mice. Moreover, CpG‐ODN treatment significantly increased G‐CSF mobilizing capacity. Finally, pretreatment with an anti‐mKC neutralizing antibody significantly reduced CpG‐induced mobilization, further supporting a role for mKC. Thus, bacterial DNA is a “danger signal” not only for immune cells but also for hematopoietic cells, communicating the need for increased hematopoiesis during infections and for the renewal of the immune system. The HPC mobilization activity of CpG‐ODNs will need to be considered in the design of treatment regimens for cancer clinical trials using CpG‐ODNs in association with chemotherapy. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ornithine‐urea cycle and urea synthesis in African lungfishes, Protopterus aethiopicus and Protopterus annectens, exposed to terrestrial conditions for six days
Authors: Loong Ai May , Hiong Kum Chew , Lee Serene Min Lin , Wong Wai Peng , Chew Shit Fun , Ip Yuen Kwong
Published: April 2005

The objectives of this study were (1) to determine the type of carbamoyl phosphate synthetase (CPS) present, and the compartmentalization of arginase, in the livers of the African lungfishes, Protopterus aethiopicus and Protopterus annectens, and (2) to elucidate if these two lungfishes were capable of increasing the rates of urea synthesis and capacities of the ornithine‐urea cycle (OUC) during 6 days of aerial exposure without undergoing aestivation. Like another African lungfish, Protopterus dolloi, reported elsewhere, the CPS activities from the livers of P. aethiopicus and P. annectens had properties similar to that of the marine ray (Taeniura lymma), but dissimilar to that of the mouse (Mus musculus). Hence, they possessed CPS III, and not CPS I as reported previously. CPS III was present exclusively in the liver mitochondria of both lungfishes, but the majority of the arginase activities were present in the cytosolic fractions of their livers. Glutamine synthetase (GS) activity was also detected in the hepatic mitochondria of both specimens. Therefore, our results suggest that the evolution of CPS III to CPS I might not have occurred before the evolution of extant lungfishes as suggested previously, prompting an examination of the current view on the evolution of CPS and OUC in vertebrates. Aerial exposure led to significant decreases in rates of ammonia excretion in P. aethiopicus and P. annectens, but there were no accumulations of ammonia in their tissues. However, urea contents in their tissues increased significantly after 6 days of aerial exposure. The estimated rates of urea synthesis in P. aethiopicus and P. annectens increased 1.2‐ and 1.47‐fold, respectively, which were smaller than that in P. dolloi (8.6‐fold) reported elsewhere. In addition, unlike P. dolloi, 6 days of aerial exposure had no significant effects on the hepatic CPS III activities of P. aethiopicus and P. annectens. In contrast, aerial exposure induced relatively greater degrees of reductions in ammonia production in P. aethiopicus (34%) and P. annectens (37%) than P. dolloi (28%) as previously reported. Thus, our results suggest that various species of African lungfishes respond to aerial exposure differently with respect to nitrogen metabolism and excretion, and it can be concluded that P. aethiopicus and P. annectens depended more on reductions in ammonia production than on increases in urea synthesis to ameliorate ammonia toxicity when exposed to terrestrial conditions. J. Exp. Zool. 303A:354–365, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Direct evidence of interaction between dislocations and point defects in diamond
Authors: Mora A. E. , Steeds J. W. , Butler J. E. , Yan C.‐S. , Mao H. K. , Hemley R. J.
Published: April 2005

The detailed correlation of results from two dissimilar experimental techniques, transmission electron microscopy and micro‐photoluminescence spectroscopy, has allowed us to obtain direct evidence of the interaction between linear and point defects in diamond as both 388.9 nm and 379 nm optical centers were found to be strongly related to dislocations. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Does a Second‐look Operation Improve Survival in Patients with Peritonitis due to Acute Mesenteric Ischemia? A Five‐year Retrospective Experience
Authors: Kaminsky Oleg , Yampolski Igal , Aranovich David , Gnessin Ehud , Greif Franklin
Published: April 2005

Second‐look laparotomy is one of the mainstays of surgical treatment of acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI). The aim of this study was to analyze its role in the survival of patients with infarcted gangrenous bowel resulting from AMI. A retrospective chart review of all patients admitted over the study period was undertaken. The study population consisted of 41 patients with clinical evidence of peritonitis and gangrenous, perforated bowel on surgical exploration. Outcome was compared among patients who underwent second‐look laparotomy and those who did not. Fifteen patients with an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score of less than 4 underwent second‐look laparotomy. Six patients had residual necrotic bowel that required additional resection. Only one (17%) of them survived. Of the nine remaining patients, who had no evidence of necrosis, only two survived (22%). Overall survival in this group was 20%. Twenty‐six patients were managed without second‐look laparotomy. Nine of them, with an ASA score of 4–5, died soon after the operation. The decision not to operate on the remaining 17 patients with an ASA score <4 was made by an experienced surgeon. Eleven of those patients (65%) survived. Overall survival in the non‐second‐look group was 42%. Excluding the early deaths, the survival in the non re‐explored group was significantly higher than in the second‐look group (65% vs. 20%, p = 0.011). A selective approach to the surgical treatment of acute mesenteric ischemia based on the sound clinical judgment of an experienced surgeon may be as appropriate as its universal application.
Local Platelet Trapping as the Cause of Thrombocytopenia after Hepatic Cryotherapy
Authors: Pistorius Georg A. , Alexander Christof , Krisch Carl‐Martin , Feifel Gernot , Schilling Martin K. , Menger Michael D.
Published: April 2005

Cryosurgery has been shown to be an effective approach to destruction of unresectable hepatic tumors. However, hepatic cryoablation may also be associated with local and systemic side effects, including thrombocytopenia and clotting dysfunction. Although thrombocytopenia is known to relate to the magnitude of hepatocellular injury, its etiology is still unknown. With the use of whole‐body scintigraphy after injection of indium‐111‐labeled platelets we here demonstrated in six patients undergoing cryoablation of hepatic tumors that manifestation of systemic thrombocytopenia after cryosurgery is associated with excessive platelet trapping and destruction within the cryolesion. We therefore conclude that local platelet trapping represents a major cause of cryothermia‐induced systemic thrombocytopenia.
Why We Need Confidence Intervals
Authors: Altman Douglas G.
Published: April 2005

The estimation approach to statistical analysis aims to quantify the effect of interest as an “estimate” of a clinically relevant quantity and to quantify the uncertainty in this estimate by means of a confidence interval (CI). As such, results expressed in this form are much more informative than results presented just as p values. This article focuses on the principles rather than the mathematics of CIs and discusses interpretation of CIs and some common misuses. CIs can be constructed for almost all analyses. They are especially useful for avoiding misinterpretation of nonsignificant results of small studies. CIs should be provided routinely for the main results of trials and observational studies.
Patient’s Preference and Randomization: New Paradigm of Evidence‐based Clinical Research
Authors: Millat Bertrand , Borie Frédéric , Fingerhut Abe
Published: April 2005

The limitations associated with the traditional randomized controlled design as applied to clinical surgical research must be recognized. The aim of randomization is to ensure initial comparability between groups of eligible patients for whom treatments are compared, thus eliminating their individual influence on outcome. Randomized controlled trials in the surgical literature are sparse; patient preferences might be a major obstacle to their performance. External validity of results of clinical trials depends on the representativity of patients who participate in trials: Compliance to participate through informed consent may act as a selection bias. In surgical randomized trials where it is not often possible for patients to remain blinded to the treatment to which they have been allocated, patient preferences can influence the effectiveness of treatments. In this setting, we need to look at alternatives and the potential advantages of adopting more flexible and clinically relevant approaches to the design of surgical trials. We have to accept the weight of the patient’s individual decision in everyday practice. Hence, to negate the importance of these individual choices when evaluating surgical outcomes is unrealistic. An original design reported herein might become a new paradigm for surgical evaluation.
Limits of Evidence‐based Surgery
Authors: Slim Karem
Published: April 2005

Evidence‐based medicine can be summarized as the use of current best evidence in the care of individual patients. When applied to surgical practice, it appears clearly that the concept of evidence‐based medicine involves some limitations. To discuss these limits, the author went back over the terms of the evidence‐based medicine definition. Limits are related to the low quantity and quality of randomized controlled trials and meta‐analyses in surgery, the difficulties when critically appraising the literature and applying the results of evidence to individual patients, and bringing surgeons more willing to endorse the principles of evidence‐based medicine. However all these limits can be overcome in the future, with the aim that evidence‐based surgery will not be a passing fad.
GIS‐based regionalisation of radiation, temperature and coupling measures in complex terrain for low mountain ranges
Authors: Häntzschel Janet , Goldberg Valeri , Bernhofer Christian
Published: April 2005

In low mountain‐range areas with complex topography, climate elements show a high variability caused by manifold interactions between relief and land use. The lack of continuous measurements demands concepts for the transfer of regional climatic information to smaller scales. In this study, a radiation model and a coupled vegetation atmosphere model using GIS were combined to estimate radiation balances, temperature and evapotranspiration as well as coupling and feedback mechanisms between vegetation and atmosphere of small‐scale heterogeneous areas.

In the system HIRGIS, these approaches were parameterised with the output of the vegetation‐boundary layer model HIRVAC and transferred in a GIS (ArcView) environment to consider topographic influences including sky view factors as well as the influence of different land uses (e.g. pasture and forest) especially on net radiation. Depending on the horizontal resolution of the digital elevation data, it is feasible to model area‐related meteorological surface data without any interpolation methods and associated loss of precision. The results are applicable to water budget modelling, forest management, alternative energy supply or downscaling of satellite information.

To illustrate the results, the area of the Tharandter Wald near Dresden as well as the Sperrgraben watershed in the Bavarian Alps were selected. The results clearly show the combined effects of topography and land use. The differences of solar irradiance on a clear spring morning between slopes oriented east–west and south–east in the Tharandter Wald reach up to 800 W/m2. The daily sum of evapotranspiration on a steep, south‐facing spruce‐covered surface in the Sperrgraben watershed is two times higher than the evapotranspiration on a north‐facing grass surface.

Model results match data collected at the ‘Anchor Station Tharandter Wald’ and from the Sperrgraben watershed for the periods under investigation. Copyright © 2005 Royal Meteorological Society.
Spatial interpolation‐based mapping of the spring frost hazard in the Champagne vineyards
Authors: Madelin M. , Beltrando G.
Published: April 2005

The Champagne vineyards, famous worldwide, are located at the northern limit of viticulture. Consequently, they are very sensitive to spring frosts that can occur after bud burst. These spring frosts occur mainly in radiative atmospheric situations (low speed wind, clear sky) where spatial variations in minimum temperatures are very important. The latter depend on several factors at different scales: from the macroclimatic scale, where the geographical location (latitude/longitude) has a strong influence, to the topoclimatic scale, where environmental and topographical factors play an important role. After a brief recall of the definition of these different factors extracted from a Digital Elevation Model and a land‐use database, we propose a spatial interpolation of minimum temperatures in the Champagne vineyards based on multiple regression. From this interpolation, we can map the frost hazard for the whole vineyard from data measured over five spring seasons (1998–2003) and for about 20 weather stations. In this paper, we present this mapping technique and compare it with the data for spring 2003 when particularly strong frosts occurred. Copyright © 2005 Royal Meteorological Society.
Too Important to Leave to the Economists? The Political Economy of Welfare Retrenchment
Authors: Hay Colin
Published: April 2005

The future of the welfare state in advanced liberal democracies is increasingly judged in economic terms. For, in an era of economic globalisation and heightened competition between economies, it is invariably suggested that the welfare state must prove its value in an exhaustive competitive audit if it is not to reveal itself an indulgent luxury and an unsustainable burden on competitiveness. Given the influence of such assumptions among policy-makers, it is unremarkable that social policy goals are increasingly subordinated to perceived economic imperatives. The critical dissection of the prevailing orthodox on the competitive-corrosive qualities of the welfare state in an era of (supposed) globalisation and welfare retrenchment is, then, a most urgent task for social policy analysts. In this paper I provide a review of the most recent comparative political economy of globalisation and regionalisation. This challenges, quite fundamentally, the view that globalisation is the proximate cause of welfare retrenchment in OECD countries and that high levels of welfare expenditure are incompatible with an open and competitive economy.
Crisis? What Crisis? EU Enlargement and the Political Economy of European Union Social Policy
Authors: Sykes Rob
Published: April 2005

This article considers the character of EU social policy and in particular the linkages between the EU's economic and social strategies. Arguably, the most recent enlargement of the EU represents a turning point for the future of EU social policy, though there is disagreement about its future if not so much about the causes of this crisis. The article concludes that the future political economy of EU social policy and indeed of the EU itself may be subject to fundamental changes.