bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transmission of HIV-1 infection due to a fist fight
Authors: Emerson C R , Quah S P
Published: March 2008

Summary

We report a case of HIV-1 infection transmission caused by a fist fight between brothers. A 30-year-old Caucasian UK resident man developed ‘flu-like illness with symptoms of lethargy and weakness. Persistent lymphadenopathy six months later lead to HIV antibody testing, which was positive. Of note, his 37-year-old brother, who was HIV antibody-positive since August 2000, was taking HAART (combivir and nevaripine) with CD4 350 × 106/L (16%) with viral load 4800 copies/mL (log 2.58). A bloody fight had occurred between them four weeks prior to onset of symptoms. Phylogenetic analysis was undertaken. Analysis of the pol gene region indicated that samples from both brothers belonged to the subtype C clade of HIV-1, and that the sequences were closely related to one another. Exposure risk data are extremely useful in helping counsel patients prior to HIV-testing but, as this case illustrates, does not cover all situations.
An audit of completeness of HIV clinical histories: before and after introduction of an HIV proforma
Authors: Natha M , Sheehy C , Pollard M , Pakianathan M , Prime K
Published: March 2008

Summary

The completeness of a ‘first consultation’ human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) clinical history before and after the introduction of an HIV proforma was audited by a retrospective case notes review. Twenty key variables considered essential to every history were assessed. There was a significant improvement in the documentation of 14 of the 18 items for men and 14 of the 20 items for women post-proforma with no deterioration in documentation of any of the variables. Our study supports the introduction of a structured ‘first consultation’ notes proforma for use during consultations with both newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients and those transferring their care from other centres.
Evolutionäre Algorithmen zur Echtzeitoptimierung von Produktionsplänen für Chargenprozesse (Evolutionary Algorithms for the Online Optimization of Batch Production Schedules)
Authors: Sand Guido , Till Jochen , Tometzki Thomas , Urselmann Maren , Emmerich Michael , Engell Sebastian
Published: March 2008

Die Echtzeitoptimierung von Produktionsplänen für Chargenprozesse ist gekennzeichnet durch kritische Antwortzeiten und unsichere Daten. Unsicherheitsbehaftete Entscheidungsprozesse auf gleitenden Zeithorizonten können durch Modelle mit gemischt-ganzzahliger Kompensation abgebildet werden. Der Beitrag vergleicht zwei hybridisierte evolutionäre Algorithmen für eine Fallstudie aus dieser Problemklasse.

The real-time optimization of batch production schedules is characterized by critical response times and uncertain data. Decision processes under uncertainty on moving horizons can be represented by models with mixed-integer compensation. This contribution compares two hybridized evolutionary algorithms for a case study which belongs to this class of problems.
Qualitätsbasierte Schnittplanoptimierung in der Papierindustrie (Quality-based Retrimming in the Paper Industry)
Authors: Harjunkoski Iiro
Published: March 2008

Eine neue Strategie zur Schnittplanoptimierung wird diskutiert. Bisherige mathematische Modelle können Qualitätsaspekte nicht genau genug berücksichtigen und müssen deshalb ergänzt werden. Die neuen Algorithmen und Modelle verbinden die Planungs- mit den Qualitätskontrollsystemen und ermöglichen dadurch einen Qualitätsgewinn, der Energie und Rohstoffe spart und gleichzeitig auch die Lieferungsqualität verbessert und den Lieferumfang erhöht.

A new strategy to the trim-loss problem will be presented. The previous approaches are not able to handle quality aspects exactly. The paper presents a novel mathematical model and algorithm that enables the integration of planning and quality control system data. This allows to optimize the trim-loss problem with respect to quality, which results in improved quality, energy and raw material savings, as well as more precise and complete customer deliveries.
AN EVALUATION OF INTRAVERBAL TRAINING TO GENERATE SOCIALLY APPROPRIATE RESPONSES TO NOVEL QUESTIONS
Authors: Ingvarsson Einar T. , Tiger Jeffrey H. , Hanley Gregory P. , Stephenson Kasey M.
Published: March 2008

Four preschool children (with and without disabilities), who often responded inappropriately to questions, participated in the current study. Pretest results were used to create sets of questions that the children either did or did not answer correctly (i.e., known and unknown questions). We then sequentially taught two different responses to a subset of unknown questions: (a) “I don't know” (IDK), and (b) “I don't know, please tell me” (IDKPTM). Results showed that following acquisition with the target set, both responses generalized across questions and teachers for all participants. Following IDK training, some undesirable generalization of IDK to known questions occurred for 3 participants. Training of IDKPTM with the addition of a restricted reinforcement contingency was sufficient to establish correct answers to a portion of previously unknown questions. The importance of teaching generalized responses that enable the acquisition of novel intraverbals is discussed.
FURTHER EVALUATION OF EMERGING SPEECH IN CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES: TRAINING VERBAL BEHAVIOR
Authors: Kelley Michael E. , Shillingsburg M. Alice , Castro M. Jicel , Addison Laura R. , LaRue Robert H.
Published: March 2008

The conceptual basis for many effective language‐training programs are based on Skinner's (1957) analysis of verbal behavior. Skinner described several elementary verbal operants including mands, tacts, intraverbals, and echoics. According to Skinner, responses that are the same topography may actually be functionally independent. Previous research has supported Skinner's assertion of functional independence (e.g., Hall & Sundberg, 1987; Lamarre & Holland, 1985), and some research has suggested that specific programming must be incorporated to achieve generalization across verbal operants (e.g., Sigafoos, Reichle, & Doss, 1990). The present study provides further analysis of the independence of verbal operants when teaching language to children with autism and other developmental disabilities. In the current study, 3 participants' vocal responses were first assessed as mands or tacts. Generalization for each verbal operant across alternate conditions was then assessed and subsequent training provided as needed. Results indicated that generalization across verbal operants occurred across some, but not all, vocal responses. These results are discussed relative to the functional independence of verbal operants as described by Skinner.
TEACHING SPONTANEOUS RESPONSES TO YOUNG CHILDREN WITH AUTISM
Authors: Jones Emily A. , Feeley Kathleen M. , Takacs Jennifer
Published: March 2008

Using a multiple probe design across responses, we demonstrated the effectiveness of intensive intervention in establishing spontaneous verbal responses to 2 3‐year‐old children with autism with generalization to novel settings involving novel persons. Intervention involved discrete‐trial instruction (i.e., repeated instructional opportunities presented in close proximity to high rates of reinforcement), specific prompts, and error correction. Spontaneous responses were defined as specific verbal utterances (e.g., the child says “bless you”) following discriminative stimuli that did not involve explicit vocal directives (e.g., adult sneeze). The development of effective interventions to address the social‐communicative needs of very young children with autism is discussed.
ASSESSMENT OF THE FUNCTIONS OF VOCAL BEHAVIOR IN CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES: A REPLICATION
Authors: Kelley Michael E. , Shillingsburg M. Alice , Castro M. Jicel , Addison Laura R. , LaRue Robert H. , Martins Megan P.
Published: March 2008

Although experimental analysis methodologies have been useful for identifying the function of a wide variety of target behaviors (e.g., Iwata, Dorsey, Slifer, Bauman, & Richman, 1982/1994), only recently have such procedures been applied to verbal operants (Lerman et al., 2005). In the current study, we conducted a systematic replication of the methodology developed by Lerman et al. Participants were 4 children who had been diagnosed with developmental disabilities and who engaged in limited vocal behavior. The function of vocal behavior was assessed by exposing target vocal responses to experimental analyses. Results showed that experimental analyses were generally useful for identifying the functions of vocal behavior across all participants.
TREATMENT OF SELF‐RESTRAINT ASSOCIATED WITH THE APPLICATION OF PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Authors: Powers Katherine V. , Roane Henry S. , Kelley Michael E.
Published: March 2008

The current investigation assessed the effectiveness of protective equipment, specifically arm splints, in reducing the occurrence of severe self‐injurious behavior (SIB). Although the protective equipment reduced rates of SIB to near‐zero levels, self‐restraint subsequently emerged. In an attempt to reduce self‐restraint while maintaining reductions in SIB, we provided noncontingent access to preferred stimuli. The presentation of preferred stimuli along with the use of protective equipment reduced both the rate of SIB and the duration of self‐restraint.
Patient Outcomes Following Subepithelial Connective Tissue Graft and Free Gingival Graft Procedures
Authors: Wessel Jeffrey R. , Tatakis Dimitris N.
Published: March 2008

Background: Subepithelial connective tissue grafts (CTGs) and free gingival grafts (FGGs) are common periodontal procedures with similar indications; however, they may differ regarding patient outcomes. Reports on postoperative periodontal patient outcomes are limited. The aim of this observational trial was to compare patient‐based outcomes for CTGs and FGGs.

Methods: Patients who received CTG or FGG completed postoperative questionnaires at 3 days and 3 weeks to assess pain, number of analgesic pills taken, and number of days pills were taken. Postoperative pain was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS).

Results: Twenty‐three subjects (12 CTGs and 11 FGGs) completed the study. Differences between CTG and FGG groups in VAS pain scores at 3 days did not reach statistical significance. The proportion of subjects reporting pain in the palate at 3 days was significantly greater for FGG (P <0.05). There were no significant intergroup differences at 3 weeks. For the FGG group, 3‐week VAS pain scores were less than the 3‐day ones (P <0.01). For the entire study population, the number of days analgesic pills were taken, total number of analgesic pills taken, and number of pills taken from day 3 to the end of the study correlated with the 3‐week pain scores.

Conclusions: FGG is associated with a greater incidence of donor site pain compared to CTG at the early postoperative period. Longer‐term pain after soft tissue grafting is associated with greater analgesic usage. There is an opportunity to improve the postoperative protocols of soft tissue grafting, particularly for FGG.
The prevalence of Parkinson’s disease among Vilnius inhabitants
Authors: Valeikiene Vaineta , Ceremnych Jelena , Mieliauskaite Diana , Alekna Vidmantas
Published: March 2008

In a hospital-based study we investigated the prevalence of Parkinson’s disease among inhabitants of the Vilnius city, the capital of Lithuania. The study group was selected from patients who were diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease during the time frame of 1978-2005. Patients’ time of diagnosis were based on the data of dispensary cards, registration journals and/or other documentation. A questionnaire and Mini Mental State Examination provided data for analysis on the conditions of the patients. The prevalence of Parkinson’s disease in Vilnius is 1.32/1000 inhabitants and is higher in men than in women (p < 0.05). The age of Parkinson’s disease onset in men and women is the same (63.77 ± 0.70 years). The rigidity-tremor form of Parkinson’s disease is the most frequent (76.8% of all cases). The PD prevalence rate in Vilnius inhabitants are close to the mean levels observed in studies made in Finland, Austria, Germany. The prevailing form of Parkinson’s disease is rigidity-tremor.
High intracellular Zn2+ ions modulate the VHR, ZAP-70 and ERK activities of LNCaP prostate cancer cells
Authors: Wong Pooi-Fong , Abubakar Sazaly
Published: March 2008

Malignant prostate tissues have markedly reduced zinc (Zn2+) contents in comparison to non-malignant tissues. In this study, we restored a high intracellular Zn2+ level to LNCaP prostate cancer cells by culturing the cells in a growth medium supplemented with a supraphysiological concentration of Zn2+ (10 μg/ml) over 5 weeks. The intracellular Zn2+ level increased in the Zn2+-treated cells, and there was a marked increase in the presence of zincosomes, a Zn2+-specific intracellular organelle. The proliferation rate of the Zn2+-treated cells was markedly reduced. There was also a significant increase (36.6% ± 6.4%) in the total tyrosine phosphorylated proteins. Vaccinia H1-related (VHR) phosphatase, zeta chain-associated protein-70 (ZAP-70) kinase and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1 and 2 (p-ERK 1 and 2) were also present in higher abundance. Treatment with TPEN, which chelates Zn2+, reduced the abundance of VHR phosphatase and ZAP-70 kinase, but increased the abundance of p-ERK 1. However, the TPEN treatment restored the Zn2+-treated LNCaP cell proliferation to a rate comparable to that of the non Zn2+-treated cells. These results highlight the importance of a high intracellular Zn2+ content and the VHR/ZAP-70-associated pathways in the modulation of LNCaP prostate cancer cell growth.
Molecular genotyping of Anisakis Dujardin, 1845 (Nematoda: Ascaridoidea: Anisakidae) larvae from marine fish of Balinese and Javanese waters, Indonesia
Authors: Palm H. , Damriyasa I. , Linda  , Oka I.
Published: March 2008

The genetic identification and distribution of Anisakis larvae in Indonesia is described. 110 Auxis rochei rochei and 45 Decapterus russellii were sampled from fish markets in North (Anturan) and South (Kedonganan) Bali. Nematode larvae from A. rochei rochei, Caesio cuning and Epinephelus areolatus from Kedonganan and from Coryphaena hippurus from Pelabuhan Ratu, South Java, were identified using sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacers (ITS-1, ITS-2) and 5.8S region of rDNA. The larvae belonged to Anisakis typica with an identical sequence to this species from the spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris) from Brazil, and to 2 further genotypes that differed from that sequence by 0.24–0.47 %. A. typica occurred in the migratory A. rochei rochei and C. hippurus, while Anisakis sp. 1 and 2 were isolated from the same fish species and the non-migratory C. cuning and E. areolatus. The latter genotype is distinguishable by 4 positions in the ITS-1 region (1.1 %), a genetic distance that indicates the presence of an Indonesian A. typica sibling species. The musculature infection in A. rochei rochei was low (2.5 %), indicating no major risk for the fish consumers. The much higher A. typica infection of fish intermediate hosts in the northern Bali coast is suggested to be dependent on the large dolphin population (nematode final hosts) in the waters off Lovina Beach (North Bali).
Occurence of Echinococcus multilocularis in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in southern Poland
Authors: Borecka A. , Gawor J. , Malczewska M. , Malczewski A.
Published: March 2008

The prevalence of Echinococcus multilocularis in 214 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in the southern part of Poland (Małopolskie voivodship) was evaluated post mortem in 2005. Infected foxes were found in 8 districts within 17 examined, with the prevalence from 10.0 % to 63.9 % (a mean 20.1 % in the whole study area). The highest prevalence (41.2 % and 63.9 %) was revealed in two districts, in the south and the east of the province, respectively. The high prevalence of E. multilocularis in red foxes in the region previously recognised as that of low parasite endemicity provides evidence for the need of regular screening of the current epidemiological situation in foxes as well as the monitoring of humans from risk groups for early recognition of possible AE cases.
Interruptions create prospective memory tasks
Authors: Dodhia Rahul M. , Dismukes Robert K.
Published: March 2008

When the theory of prospective memory is brought to bear on the ubiquitous experience of failing to resume interrupted tasks, the cognitive reasons for these failures may be understood and addressed. We examine three features of interruptions that may account for these failures: (1) Interruptions often abruptly divert attention, which may prevent adequate encoding of an intention to resume and forming an implementation plan, (2) New task demands after an interruption's end reduce opportunity to interpret resumption cues, (3) The transition after an interruption to new ongoing task demands is not distinctive because it is defined conceptually, rather than by a single perceptual cue. Hypotheses based on these three features receive support from two experiments that respectively manipulate encoding and retrieval conditions. The data support our contention that interrupted tasks are a special case of prospective memory, and allow us to suggest practical ways of reducing vulnerability to resumption failure. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characteristics of tissue‐centric biomedical researchers using a survey and cluster analysis
Authors: Kim Sujin , Rasmussen Edie
Published: March 2008

The objective of this study was to characterize the types of tissue‐centric users based on tissue use, requirements, and their job or work‐related variables at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Pittsburgh, PA. A self‐reporting questionnaire was distributed to biomedical researchers at the UPMC. Descriptive and cluster analyses were performed to identify and characterize the complex types of tissue‐based researchers. A total of 62 respondents completed the survey, and two clusters were identified based on all variables. Two distinct groups of tissue‐centric users made direct use of tissue samples for their research as well as associated information, while a third group of indirect users required only the associated information. The study shows that tissue‐centric users were composed of various types. These types were distinguished in terms of tissue use and data requirements, as well as by their work or research‐related activities.
Thermodynamic efficiency of biomass gasification and biofuels conversion
Authors: Ptasinski Krzysztof J.
Published: March 2008

Biomass has great potential as a clean renewable feedstock for producing biofuels such as Fischer‐Tropsch biodiesel, methanol, and hydrogen. The use of biomass is accompanied by possible ecological drawbacks, however, such as limitation of land or water and competition with food production. For biomass‐based systems a key challenge is thus to develop efficient conversion technologies which can also compete with fossil fuels. The development of efficient technologies for biomass gasification and synthesis of biofuels requires a correct use of thermodynamics. Energy systems are traditionally analyzed by energetic analysis based on the first law of thermodynamics. However, this type of analysis shows only the mass and energy flows and does not take into account how the quality of the energy and material streams degrades through the process. In this review, the exergy analysis, which is based on the second law of thermodynamics, is used to analyze the biomass gasification and conversion of biomass to biofuels. The thermodynamic efficiency of biomass gasification is reviewed for air‐blown as well as steam‐blown gasifiers. Finally, the overall technological chains biomass‐to‐biofuels are evaluated, including methanol, Fischer‐Tropsch hydrocarbons, and hydrogen. The efficiency of biofuels production is compared with that of fossil fuels. © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Synthetic mimics of antimicrobial peptides
Authors: Som Abhigyan , Vemparala Satyavani , Ivanov Ivaylo , Tew Gregory N.
Published: March 2008

Infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance are now considered the most imperative global healthcare problem. In the search for new treatments, host defense, or antimicrobial, peptides have attracted considerable attention due to their various unique properties; however, attempts to develop in vivo therapies have been severely limited. Efforts to develop synthetic mimics of antimicrobial peptides (SMAMPs) have increased significantly in the last decade, and this review will focus primarily on the structural evolution of SMAMPs and their membrane activity. This review will attempt to make a bridge between the design of SMAMPs and the fundamentals of SMAMP‐membrane interactions. In discussions regarding the membrane interaction of SMAMPs, close attention will be paid to the lipid composition of the bilayer. Despite many years of study, the exact conformational aspects responsible for the high selectivity of these AMPs and SMAMPs toward bacterial cells over mammalian cells are still not fully understood. The ability to design SMAMPs that are potently antimicrobial, yet nontoxic to mammalian cells has been demonstrated with a variety of molecular scaffolds. Initial animal studies show very good tissue distribution along with more than a 4‐log reduction in bacterial counts. The results on SMAMPs are not only extremely promising for novel antibiotics, but also provide an optimistic picture for the greater challenge of general proteomimetics. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 90: 83–93, 2008.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Development of a 6‐hydroxychroman‐based derivatization reagent: application to the analysis of 5‐hydroxytryptamine and catecholamines by using high‐performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection
Authors: Sasaki Tsukasa , Fukushima Takeshi , Ohishi Madoka , Toyo'oka Toshimasa
Published: March 2008

We developed a novel derivatization reagent, (2R)‐2,5‐dioxopyrrolidin‐1‐yl‐2,5,7,8‐tetramethyl‐6‐(tetrahydro‐2H‐pyran‐2‐yloxy)chroman‐2‐carboxylate (NPCA), for electrochemical (EC) detection in HPLC. NPCA was synthesized from (R)‐(+)‐6‐hydroxy‐2,5,7,8‐tetramethylchroman‐2‐carboxylic acid (α‐CA), which exhibits intense EC response. NPCA successfully yieldedα‐CA derivatives of primary amines by a two‐step derivatization procedure. Following pre‐column derivatization with NPCA, a simultaneous determination ofα‐CA derivatives of neuroactive monoamines [dopamine (DA), epinephrine, and 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT)], their monoamine oxidase metabolites (3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, homovanillic acid, and 5‐hydroxyindole‐3‐acetic acid) and their catechol‐O‐methyltransferase metabolites [3‐methoxytyramine (3‐MT) and normetanephrine (NMN)] was completely achieved using our HPLC‐EC method. Using an HPLC equipped with coulometric electrode‐array detection system, the resultantα‐CA derivatives of NMN, 5‐HT, DA and 3‐MT showed intense EC responses, that were approximately 1.3, 1.4, 1.1 and 1.4‐fold higher than the corresponding native forms, respectively. The detection limits were in the range of approximately 16–60 fmol on column (signal‐to‐noise ratio 3). The proposed HPLC method was applied to determine 5‐HIAA, HVA,α‐CA‐5‐HT andα‐CA‐DA in rat urine. As a consequence, these analytes were successfully determined with satisfactory precisions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Boldenone, testosterone and 1,4‐androstadiene‐3,17‐dione determination in faeces from horses, untreated and after administration of androsta‐1,4‐diene‐3,17‐dione (boldione)
Authors: Popot M. A. , Boyer S. , Menaut L. , Garcia P. , Bonnaire Y. , Lesage D.
Published: March 2008

Faeces, which could be a potential alternative medium for doping control, have been used for the detection of 1,4‐androstadiene‐3,17‐dione administration to the horse. Semi‐quantitative analyses of 1,4‐androstadiene‐3,17‐dione, testosterone, 17α‐ and 17β‐boldenone have been conducted in pre‐ and post‐administration faeces, and in controls (untreated stallions, geldings and mares). Sample preparation comprised diethyl ether extraction, lipid removal, HPLC purification and derivatisation. 1,4‐Androstadiene‐3,17‐dione, testosterone, 17α‐ and 17β‐boldenone were analysed by GC‐EI/MS/MS. Quantitative limits of detection were 0.1 ng/g for 1,4‐androstadiene‐3,17‐dione, and 0.025 ng/g for testosterone, 17α‐ and 17β‐testosterone. In post‐administration samples from geldings and mares, peak levels of 1,4‐androstadiene‐3,17‐dione, 17α‐, 17β‐boldenone and testosterone were attained 24 h after administration. In untreated geldings and mares (in di‐ or anoestrus), 17α‐ and 17β‐boldenone and testosterone were not detected. Faeces from females in oestrus had detectable levels of boldenone isomers and testosterone. 1,4‐Androstadiene‐3,17‐dione was undetectable in faeces collected from untreated horses, but the presence of this androgen was recently reported in faeces from untreated swine and it would therefore be advisable to check for its possible presence in a larger number of individual faecal samples. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sensitive and specific LC‐MS assay for quantification of digoxin in human plasma and urine
Authors: Kirby Brian J. , Kalhorn Tom , Hebert Mary , Easterling Tom , Unadkat Jashvant D.
Published: March 2008

Digoxin, a commonly prescribed cardiac glycoside with a narrow therapeutic window, is routinely used in pharmacokinetic studies to assess the in vivo activity of the drug efflux pump P‐glycoprotein. To minimize adverse events, a sub‐therapeutic dose of digoxin is usually administered, producing low plasma concentrations requiring a sensitive detection technique. Commonly available immunoassay techniques do not provide the required sensitivity to measure these low plasma concentrations and are potentially non‐specific in certain subject populations. Previously published mass spectrometric techniques require either large plasma volumes or a tandem mass spectrometer. To overcome these challenges we have developed a sensitive and specific LC‐MS method for the quantification of digoxin in small volumes of human plasma and urine. Plasma (1 mL) was extracted with methyl t‐butyl ether under basic conditions followed by LC‐MS detection of the sodium adducts of digoxin (803.4 m/z) and digitoxin (787.4 m/z, internal standard). Linearity and accuracy were demonstrated across a wide range of digoxin plasma concentration (0.05–1.5 ng/mL). This specific, sensitive, validated digoxin LC‐MS assay can be used to quantify sub‐therapeutic digoxin plasma concentrations in men and women (pregnant and non‐pregnant). Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination and pharmacokinetic study of nodakenin in rat plasma by RP‐HPLC method
Authors: Zhang Peng , Li Fei , Yang Xiu‐Wei
Published: March 2008

A simple, sensitive and selective RP‐HPLC method has been developed for quantification of nodakenin in rat plasma. Nodakenin in rat plasma was extracted with acetonitrile, which also acted as a deproteinization agent. Chromatographic separation of nodakenin was performed on an analytical Diamonsil(™) ODS C18 column, with a mobile phase of MeOH–H2O (1:1, v/v) at a flow‐rate of 1.0 mL/min, and UV detection was set at 330 nm. The calibration curve was linear over the range 0.2–12.0 µg/mL (R2 = 0.9995) in rat plasma. The lower limit of detection and quantification were 0.01 and 0.1 µg/mL, respectively, using the rat plasma sample. The extraction recoveries were 77.36 ± 4.56, 82.89 ± 1.84 and 81.66 ± 2.49% at concentrations of 1.0, 5.0 and 10.0 µg/mL, respectively. The intra‐ and inter‐day precision and accuracy were validated by relative standard deviation and relative error, which were in the ranges 5.07–5.83 and 3.95–6.29%, respectively. After i.v. administration to rats at a single dose of 40 mg/kg, the plasma concentration–time curve of nodakenin was best conformed to a two‐compartment open model. This assay method has been successfully applied to the study of the pharmacokinetics of nodakenin in rats. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Leverage in real estate investments: an optimization approach
Authors: Tyrrell Nick , Bostwick Jesse
Published: March 2008

Real estate investments are frequently leveraged. Leverage is an important tool for any real estate investor whose target return exceeds the expected return on core, unleveraged assets, since it can increase potential returns – although at the cost of increasing risk. It therefore competes with other means of raising risk and returns – in particular, buying riskier underlying investments – as a method of improving the performance of a portfolio. From a theoretical perspective, leverage should be preferred so long as the marginal increase in expected return per unit of extra risk from leverage exceeds that obtained from buying riskier assets. Since there are diminishing returns to leverage – primarily because costs rise as borrowing levels rise relative to value – this trade‐off will become less attractive as leverage rises, leading to an equilibrium optimal level of leverage. If all investors face the same opportunity set, then, from a theoretical perspective, all investors should leverage core investments up to this level so long as their return target is at least as high as the returns generated at this equilibrium point – a conclusion that is out of line with current practice. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to measure this equilibrium point, since, while it is relatively straightforward to compute the increase in risks and returns deriving from leverage, rather little is known about the risk/return trade‐off in real estate space. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermal Diffusion and MHD Effects on Combined Free‐Forced Convection and Mass Transfer of a Viscous Fluid Flow Through a Porous Medium with Heat Generation
Authors: Abdel‐Rahman G. M.
Published: March 2008

The problem of thermal diffusion and magnetic field effects on combined free‐forced convection and mass transfer flow past a vertical porous flat plate, in the presence of heat generation is studied numerically. The governing momentum, energy and concentration equations are converted into a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations by means of similarity transformations. The resulting system of coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations is solved numerically by using the Shooting method. Numerical results are presented for velocity, temperature and concentration profiles within the boundary layer for different parameters of the problem including suction parameter, heat generation parameter, Soret number, Dufour number, magnetic parameter, etc. In addition, the effects of the pertinent parameters on the skin friction and the rates of heat and mass transfer are discussed numerically and illustrated graphically.
Gold Catalysis: Deuterated Substrates as the Key for an Experimental Insight into the Mechanism and Selectivity of the Phenol Synthesis
Authors: Hashmi A. Stephen K. , Rudolph Matthias , Siehl Hans‐Ullrich , Tanaka Masato , Bats Jan W. , Frey Wolfgang
Published: March 2008

The second phase of the gold‐catalyzed phenol synthesis, the ring opening of the intermediate arene oxide, follows general acid catalysis. The product selectivity is determined by the substrate only and can be explained by the stability of the intermediate arenium ions. Thus, even remote substitutents can be used to control the chemoselectivity of the overall reaction by electronic influences and their influence is stronger than the steric influence of neighboring substituents. This is supported by quantum chemical calculations of the intermediates. The lack of exchange of deuterium labels excludes even equilibria with acetylide or vinylidene intermediates and the observed deuterium distribution in the final products is in accord with the NIH‐shift reaction. In addition, these findings now explain previously obtained results.
A New Nanobiosensor for Glucose with High Sensitivity and Selectivity in Serum Based on Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) between CdTe Quantum Dots and Au Nanoparticles
Authors: Tang Bo , Cao Lihua , Xu Kehua , Zhuo Linhai , Ge Jiechao , Li Qingling , Yu Lijuan
Published: March 2008

A novel assembled nanobiosensor QDs‐ConA‐β‐CDs‐AuNPs was designed for the direct determination of glucose in serum with high sensitivity and selectivity. The sensing approach is based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between CdTe quantum dots (QDs) as an energy donor and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as an energy acceptor. The specific combination of concanavalin A (ConA)‐conjugated QDs and thiolated β‐cyclodextrins (β‐SH‐CDs)‐modified AuNPs assembles a hyperefficient FRET nanobiosensor. In the presence of glucose, the AuNPs‐β‐CDs segment of the nanobiosensor is displaced by glucose which competes with β‐CDs on the binding sites of ConA, resulting in the fluorescence recovery of the quenched QDs. Experimental results show that the increase in fluorescence intensity is proportional to the concentration of glucose within the range of 0.10–50 μM under the optimized experimental conditions. In addition, the nanobiosensor has high sensitivity with a detection limit as low as 50 nM, and has excellent selectivity for glucose over other sugars and most biological species present in serum. The nanobiosensor was applied directly to determine glucose in normal adult human serum, and the recovery and precision of the method were satisfactory. The unique combination of high sensitivity and good selectivity of this biosensor indicates its potential for the clinical determination of glucose directly and simply in serum, and provides the possibility to detect low levels of glucose in single cells or bacterial cultures. Moreover, the designed nanobiosensor achieves direct detection in biological samples, suggesting the use of nanobiotechnology‐based assembled sensors for direct analytical applications in vivo or in vitro.
New Rare Earth Metal Complexes with Nitrogen‐Rich Ligands: 5,5′‐Bitetrazolate and 1,3‐Bis(tetrazol‐5‐yl)triazenate—On the Borderline between Coordination and the Formation of Salt‐Like Compounds
Authors: Eulgem Patrick J. , Klein Axel , Maggiarosa Nicola , Naumann Dieter , Pohl Roland W. H.
Published: March 2008

From the two nitrogen‐rich ligands BT2− (BT=5,5′‐bitetrazole) and BTT3− (BTT=1,3‐bis(1H‐tetrazol‐5‐yl)triazene), a series of novel rare earth metal complexes were synthesised. For the BT ligand, a vast number of these complexes could be structurally characterised by single‐crystal XRD, revealing structures ranging from discrete molecular aggregates to salt‐like compounds. The isomorphous complexes [La2(BT)3]⋅14 H2O (1) and [Ce2(BT)3]⋅14 H2O (2) reveal discrete molecules in which one BT2− acts as a bridging ligand and two BT groups as chelating ligands. The complexes, [M(BT)(H2O)7]2[BT]⋅x H2O (3–5), (M=Nd (3), Sm (4), and Eu (5)), are also isomorphous and consist of [M(BT)(H2O)7]+ ions in which only one BT2− acts as a chelate ligand for each metal centre. [Tb(H2O)8]2[BT]3⋅x H2O (6) and [Er(H2O)8]2[BT]3⋅x H2O (7) are salt‐like compounds that do not exhibit any significant metal–nitrogen contacts. In the BTT–samarium compound 9, discrete molecules were found in which BTT3− acts as a tridentate ligand with three SmN bonds.
Siloxane‐based copolymers for use in two‐phase partitioning bioreactors
Authors: Amsden B. G. , Lau A.
Published: March 2008

Two‐phase partitioning bioreactors (TPPBs) have been recently demonstrated to be capable of using solid polymers as the absorbing/desorbing phase. In this paper, we examine the possibility of using a siloxane‐based copolymer as this phase. Copolymers were prepared using vinyl terminated oligo(dimethylsiloxane‐co‐diphenylsiloxane), copolymerized with varying amounts of the comonomers ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA), N‐vinyl pyrrolidone (NVP), or acrylic acid (AA), via free radical polymerization. The absorption rate of phenol as a representative pollutant into these polymers from water was measured. The inclusion of a water‐soluble comonomer resulted in swelling of the polymers in water, enhanced total phenol absorption, but reduced phenol diffusivity.
Properties of blends of linear and branched polypropylenes in film blowing
Authors: Fang Yunli , Sadeghi Farhad , Fleuret Guillaume , Carreau Pierre J.
Published: March 2008

The effect of blending a long‐chain branched polypropylene (LCB‐PP) with a linear polypropylene (L‐PP) on the processability and properties of blown films was investigated. The rheological data revealed that blending an LCB‐PP with an L‐PP improved the elongational properties and the bubble stability, but a severe drop in the mechanical strength was observed for the blends. The most deteriorating effect was the reduction in the elongation at break in tensile tests carried out in the transverse direction (TD), where no yielding behaviour was observed for the blends.
Glutamate transporter EAAT2 expression is up‐regulated in reactive astrocytes in human periventricular leukomalacia
Authors: Desilva Tara M. , Billiards Saraid S. , Borenstein Natalia S. , Trachtenberg Felicia L. , Volpe Joseph J. , Kinney Hannah C. , Rosenberg Paul A.
Published: March 2008

The major neuropathological correlate of cerebral palsy in premature infants is periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), a disorder of the immature cerebral white matter. Cerebral ischemia leading to excitotoxicity is thought to be important in the pathogenesis of this disorder, implying a critical role for glutamate transporters, the major determinants of extracellular glutamate concentration. Previously, we found that EAAT2 expression is limited primarily to premyelinating oligodendrocytes early in development and is rarely observed in astrocytes until >40 weeks. In this study, we analyzed the expression of EAAT2 in cerebral white matter from PVL and control cases. Western blot analysis suggested an up‐regulation of EAAT2 in PVL compared with control cases. Single‐ and double‐label immunocytochemistry showed a significantly higher percentage of EAAT2‐immunopositive astrocytes in PVL (51.8% ± 5.6%) compared with control white matter (21.4% ± 5.6%;P= 0.004). Macrophages in the necrotic foci in PVL also expressed EAAT2. Premyelinating oligodendrocytes in both PVL and control cases expressed EAAT2, without qualitative difference in expression. The previously unrecognized up‐regulation of EAAT2 in reactive astrocytes and its presence in macrophages in PVL reported here may reflect a response to either hypoxic‐ischemic injury or inflammation. J. Comp. Neurol. 508:238–248, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synaptic organization of thalamocortical axon collaterals in the perigeniculate nucleus and dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus
Authors: Bickford Martha E. , Wei Haiyang , Eisenback Michael A. , Chomsung Ranida D. , Slusarczyk Arkadiusz S. , Dankowsi Aygul B.
Published: March 2008

We examined the synaptic targets of large non‐γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)‐ergic profiles that contain round vesicles and dark mitochondria (RLD profiles) in the perigeniculate nucleus (PGN) and the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN). RLD profiles can provisionally be identified as the collaterals of thalamocortical axons, because their ultrastrucure is distinct from all other previously described dLGN inputs. We also found that RLD profiles are larger than cholinergic terminals and contain the type 2 vesicular glutamate transporter. RLD profiles are distributed throughout the PGN and are concentrated within the interlaminar zones (IZs) of the dLGN, regions distinguished by dense binding of Wisteria floribunda agglutinin (WFA). To determine the synaptic targets of thalamocortical axon collaterals, we examined RLD profiles in the PGN and dLGN in tissue stained for GABA. For the PGN, we found that all RLD profiles make synaptic contacts with GABAergic PGN somata, dendrites, and spines. In the dLGN, RLD profiles primarily synapse with GABAergic dendrites that contain vesicles (F2 profiles) and non‐GABAergic dendrites in glomerular arrangements that include triads. Occasional synapses on GABAergic somata and proximal dendrites were also observed in the dLGN. These results suggest that correlated dLGN activity may be enhanced via direct synaptic contacts between thalamocortical cells, whereas noncorrelated activity (such as that occurring during binocular rivalry) could be suppressed via thalamocortical collateral input to PGN cells and dLGN interneurons. J. Comp. Neurol. 508:264–285, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
What's love got to do with it? Family cohesion and healthy eating behaviors in adolescent girls
Authors: Franko Debra L. , Thompson Douglas , Bauserman Robert , Affenito Sandra G. , Striegel‐Moore Ruth H.
Published: March 2008

Objective:

To examine the association between family cohesion and behaviors linked to health or overweight in adolescents.

Method:

Cross‐sectional analyses of family cohesion and eating behaviors of 2,379 girls (followed from ages 9–19) who participated in the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Growth and Health Study (NGHS). Height and weight measurements were obtained on an annual basis. Family cohesion was measured by the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale (FACES) III. Food diaries were used to assess frequency of breakfast consumption and intake of milk, soda, fruits, and vegetables.

Results:

Family cohesion was significantly associated with less soda intake and higher rates of breakfast consumption. Ingestion of milk, fruits, and vegetables was predicted by family cohesion at the trend level.

Conclusion:

Understanding the role of familial factors in adolescent eating behaviors is an important research priority. Strengthening family cohesion may be a valuable goal toward promoting the health of adolescents, increasing breakfast eating and decreasing soda consumption. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2008
Reactions of Hydride Complexes of Ruthenium and Osmium with Propargylic Alcohols: Preparation of Chelate Vinyl ­Derivatives
Authors: Albertin Gabriele , Antoniutti Stefano , Bacchi Alessia , Pelizzi Giancarlo , Zanardo Gianluigi
Published: March 2008

Vinyl complexes [Ru{η2‐C(=CH2)CPh(R)OH(Ru–O)}P4]BPh4 (1) [P = P(OEt)3; R = Ph, Me] were prepared by allowing the RuH2P4 hydride to react first with HBF4·Et2O and then with propargylic alcohol HC≡CCPh(R)OH at low temperature. The complexes were characterised spectroscopically (IR, NMR) and by X‐ray crystal structure determination of the [Ru{η2‐C(=CH2)CPh2OH(Ru–O)}{P(OEt)3}4]BPh4 (1a) derivative. Related osmium complexes [Os{η2‐C(=CH2)CPh(R)OH(Os–O)}P4]BPh4 (2) and [Os{η2‐CH=C(H)CPh(R)OH(Os–O)}P4]BPh4 (3) [P = P(OEt)3; R = Ph, Me] were obtained by treating the OsH2P4 hydride first with methyl triflate(MeOTf) and then with propargylic alcohol [HC≡CCPh(R)OH]. Spectroscopic data (1H, 31P, 13C NMR) suggest the presence of two isomers with four‐ and five‐membered chelate rings of the vinyl ligands. Treatment of vinyl complexes 1 and 2+3 with terminal alkynes R1C≡CH yielded enynyl derivatives [M{η3‐R1C3C(H)R1}P4]BPh4 (M = Ru, Os). The allenylidene complex [Os(=C=C=CPh2)P5](BPh4)2 was also prepared by allowing the triflate cation [Os(κ2‐OTf)P4]+ to react with propargylic alcohol in CH2Cl2 solution. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Synthesis of Nucleosides with 2′‐Fixed Lipid Anchors and Their Behavior in Phospholipid Membranes
Authors: Kaczmarek Oliver , Brodersen Nicolai , Bunge Andreas , Löser Ludwig , Huster Daniel , Herrmann Andreas , Arbuzova Anna , Liebscher Jürgen
Published: March 2008

Various new nucleosides bearing one or two lipophilic groups at the 2′‐position have been synthesized. The lipophilic substituents were attached to a 2′‐hydroxy, 2′‐amino, or 2′‐thio function. These lipophilic nucleosides anchor in large unilamellar POPC vesicles serving as phospholipid membrane models. The insertion of these molecules into the membranes was investigated by NMR techniques. For comparison, nucleosides with two or three lipophilic groups at the 2′‐, 3′‐, or 5′‐positions have also been studied.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Practical Routes to 2,6‐Disubstituted Pyridine Derivatives
Authors: Vandromme Lucie , Reißig Hans‐Ulrich , Gröper Susie , Rabe Jürgen P.
Published: March 2008

We report the synthesis of a series of 2,6‐disubstitutedpyridines in a straightforward manner starting from readily available 2‐substituted pyridines. The main sequence involves a selective α‐lithiation reaction with halogen functionalization followed by a Grignard reaction catalyzed by Fe(acac)3. After demonstration of the easy feasibility of this strategy by synthesizing 2,6‐disubstituted pyridines 1, the route was applied to obtain pyridine derivatives bearing electron‐donating or electron‐withdrawing groups. Thus, a series of pyridines bearing an aryl moiety in the 6‐position and an alkyl chain in the 2‐position was obtained. The pyridines were studied for their self‐assembly abilities at the interface between an organic solution and the basal plane of graphite. Preliminary STM results for one compound are reported.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Polyglycerol‐Supported Co‐ and Mn‐salen Complexes as Efficient and Recyclable Homogeneous Catalysts for the Hydrolytic Kinetic Resolution of Terminal Epoxides and Asymmetric Olefin Epoxidation
Authors: Beigi Maryam , Roller Sebastian , Haag Rainer , Liese Andreas
Published: March 2008

In this report we demonstrate the suitability of hyperbranched polyglycerol as high‐loading support for asymmetric catalysis. A polyglycerol‐supported unsymmetrical salen ligand was prepared and purified by means of ultrafiltration. The polymeric ligand was metalated with cobalt acetate to afford the corresponding supported Co‐salen complex which was further utilized in the hydrolytic kinetic resolution (HKR) of terminal epoxides. Kinetic studies for HKR of 1,2‐epoxyhexane using polyglycerol‐supported Co‐salen showed improved catalytic performance compared to the respective non‐immobilized catalyst. This observation points to the presence of a positive dendrimeric effect assuming a cooperative bimetallic mechanism. Furthermore, a polymer‐supported Mn‐salen catalyst was prepared and successfully applied in the asymmetric epoxidation of olefins. The respective dendritic catalyst was recycled by precipitation up to three times in the epoxidation of 6‐cyano‐2,2‐dimethylchromene (ee up to 95 %). Experiments with repetitive batches revealed enhanced stability of the catalyst as a result of immobilization whereby the total turnover number increased from 23 in a single batch to around 80 for four repetitive batches. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Packaging of microfluidic chips via interstitial bonding technique
Authors: Lu Chunmeng , Lee L. James , Juang Yi‐Je
Published: March 2008

In this paper, we describe an interstitial bonding technique for packaging of microfluidic chips. The cover plate is first placed on top of the microfluidic chip, followed by dispensing the UV‐curable resin into the resin‐loading reservoirs. With the interstitial space between the cover plate and the microfluidic chip connecting to the loading reservoirs, the UV‐curable resin wicks through capillary force action and hydrostatic pressure generated by the liquid level in the resin‐loading reservoirs. When reaching the microchannels, the UV‐curable resin stops flowing into the microchannels due to the force balance between the surface tension and hydrostatic pressure. The assembly is then placed under the UV light, followed by further curing in the thermal oven. It is found that there is no leakage from the bonded microfluidic chips and a good DNA separation result was obtained by using the microfluidic chips as fabricated. This bonding technique is relatively simple and fast, which can be applied to the packaging of microfluidic chips made from hybrid materials with complicated designs as long as the interstitial space connects to the loading reservoirs.