bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linking transcriptomic and proteomic data on the level of protein interaction networks
Authors: Perco Paul , Mühlberger Irmgard , Mayer Gert , Oberbauer Rainer , Lukas Arno , Mayer Bernd
Published: April 2010

Integration and joint analysis of omics profiles derived on the genome, transcriptome, proteome and metabolome levels is a natural next step in realizing a Systems Biology view of cellular processes. However, merging, e.g. mRNA concentration and protein abundance profiles, is not straightforward, as a direct overlap of differentially regulated/abundant features, resulting from transcriptomics and proteomics, is for various reasons limited. We present the procedures for integrating omics profiles at the level of protein interaction networks, exemplified by using transcriptomic and proteomic data sets characterizing chronic kidney disease. On the level of direct feature overlap, only a limited number of genes and proteins were found to be significantly affected following a separate transcript and protein profile analysis, including a collagen subtype and uromodulin, both being described in the context of renal failure. On the level of protein pathway and process categories, this minor overlap increases substantially, identifying cell structure, cell adhesion, as well as immunity and defense mechanisms as jointly populated with features individually identified as relevant in transcriptomics and proteomics experiments. Mapping diverse data sources characterizing a given phenotype under the analysis on directed and also undirected protein interaction networks serves in joint functional interpretation of omics data sets.
Ground‐motion prediction by a non‐parametric approach
Authors: Peruš Iztok , Fajfar Peter
Published: April 2010

Recently, several new ground‐motion prediction equations (GMPEs) have been developed in the U.S.A. (the NGA project) and elsewhere. Unfortunately, the predictions obtained by using different models still differ considerably, although starting from the same database. In this paper, a non‐parametric approach, called the Conditional Average Estimator (CAE) method, has been used for ground‐motion prediction. The comparison between the CAE results and the predictions obtained by five NGA and one European model suggest that the model predictions depend substantially on the selection of the effective database and on the adopted functional form. Both decisions rely to some extent on judgement, and their influence is especially important at short distances from the source. The differences between the results obtained from the European and NGA databases seem to be of the same or even smaller magnitude than the differences observed between different NGA models, at least at short and moderate distances. Aftershocks in the database generally decrease the median values and increase dispersion. The non‐parametric CAE method has proved to be a simple but powerful tool for ground‐motion prediction, especially in a research environment. It can be used for quick predictions with different databases and different input parameters within the range of available data. It is easy to add to or remove data from the database, and to check the influence of additional input parameters. With availability of high quality data, the non‐parametric approach will become more reliable and more attractive also for practical applications. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A 5‐year longitudinal study of the relationship between the wish to be thinner, lifestyle behaviours and disturbed eating in 9–20‐year old girls
Authors: Westerberg‐Jacobson Josefin , Edlund Birgitta , Ghaderi Ata
Published: April 2010

The aim of this 5‐year longitudinal study of 593 girls (9–20‐year‐old) was to examine whether the internalization of the thinness ideal in terms of ‘a wish to be thinner’ might be related to lifestyle factors and longitudinally increase the risk of disturbed eating over time. Results showed that a wish to be thinner was related to lifestyle factors, eating attitudes and body mass index (BMI) longitudinally. Girls who wished to be thinner dieted more often, thought that they would be more popular if they were thinner, skipped meals, were eating breakfast more often alone and had a higher BMI compared to the girls without such a wish. Girls who wished to be thinner were 4 times more likely to develop disturbed eating attitudes over a 5‐year period. These findings point to the importance of helping adolescents to establish regular eating habits, to avoid unhealthy dieting practices and to prevent sedentary behaviours that might lead to overweight and or obesity in early childhood. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Macroinvertebrate responses to insecticide application between sprayed and adjacent nonsprayed ditch sections of different sizes
Authors: Brock Theo C.M. , Belgers J. Dick M. , Roessink Ivo , Cuppen Jan G.M. , Maund Steve J.
Published: April 2010

Under typical agricultural use of an insecticide, it is likely that only part of an edge-of-field drainage ditch will be directly contaminated by spray drift. The response, including recovery, of aquatic macroinvertebrates in sprayed ditch sections may be affected by immigration of organisms from adjacent nonsprayed ditch sections, but also the population dynamics in nonsprayed sections (refuges) may be affected by nearby contaminated patches (known as action at a distance). Experimental ditches were used to study the influence of the presence of nearby refuges on the responses of macroinvertebrates in ditch sections directly sprayed with the insecticide lufenuron, and vice versa. The treatment regimes differed in the proportion of the ditch (0, 33, 67, and 100% of surface area) that was sprayed to reach a lufenuron concentration of 3 µg/L in the water column of the sprayed ditch section. In sprayed ditch sections, clear treatment-related effects were observed for adult midges in the emergence traps and for aquatic arthropods (mainly juveniles) in the artificial substrate/sweep net samples. The extent in magnitude and duration of effects in sprayed ditch sections was overall larger when a larger proportion of the ditch was sprayed and/or the distance to the refuge was larger. In nonsprayed ditch sections of partially treated ditches, treatment-related effects were absent or minor for macroinvertebrates that predominantly dwell on or in the sediment compartment, particularly at a larger distance from the sprayed ditch sections. More mobile arthropods that predominantly dwell in the water column showed clear treatment-related effects in the nonsprayed ditch sections as well, but action at a distance was smaller if a smaller proportion of ditch was treated. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:1994–2008. © 2010 SETAC
Toxicity of brominated volatile organics to freshwater biota
Authors: Binet Monique T. , Stauber Jenny L. , Adams Merrin S. , Rhodes Stuart , Wech Janine
Published: April 2010

As part of a larger study investigating the fate and effects of brominated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in contaminated groundwaters discharging to surface waters, the toxicity of 1,2 dibromoethene (DBE) and 1,1,2-tribromoethene (TriBE) to freshwater aquatic biota was investigated. Their toxicity to bacteria (Microtox®), microalgae (Chlorella sp.), cladocerans (Ceriodaphnia dubia), duckweed (Lemna sp.) and midges (Chironomus tepperi) was determined after careful optimization of the test conditions to minimize chemical losses throughout the tests. In addition, concentrations of DBE and TriBE were carefully monitored throughout the bioassays to ensure accurate calculation of toxicity values. 1,2-Dibromoethene showed low toxicity to most species, with concentrations to cause 50% lethality or effect (LC/EC50 values) ranging from 28 to 420 mg/L, 10% lethality or effect (LC/EC10 values) ranging from 18 to 94 mg/L and no-observed-effect concentrations (NOECs) ranging from 22 to 82 mg/L. 1,1,2-Tribromoethene was more toxic than DBE, with LC/EC50 values of 2.4 to 18 mg/L, LC/EC10 values of 0.94 to 11 mg/L and NOECs of 0.29 to 13 mg/L. Using these limited data, together with data from the only other published study on TriBE, moderate-reliability water quality guidelines (WQGs) were estimated from species sensitivity distributions. The proposed guideline trigger values for 95% species protection with 50% confidence were 2 mg/L for DBE and 0.03 mg/L for TriBE. The maximum concentrations of DBE and TriBE in nearby surface waters (3 and 1 µg /L, respectively) were well below these WQGs, so the risk to the freshwater environment receiving contaminated groundwater inflows was considered to be low, with hazard quotients <1 for both VOCs. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:1984–1993. © 2010 SETAC
Several properties of mineral admixtured lightweight mortars at elevated temperatures
Authors: Türkmen İbrahim , Fındık Satuk Buğra
Published: April 2010

The improvement of thermal and mechanical properties of mortars including expanded perlite aggregate (EPA) containing either clinoptilolite, a type of natural zeolite (NZ), waste glass powder (GP) or blast furnace slag (BFS) cured at elevated temperature was analyzed using thermal conductivity, compressive strength, flexure strength and dry unit weight. EPA mortar specimens were prepared by replacing a varying part of the portland cement with the above minerals. All mortar samples were prepared and cured at 23±1°C lime saturated water for 28 days. The maximum thermal conductivity of 1.3511W/mK was determined with the control samples containing plain cement. GP has shown 1 and 4% decrease for both 10, 20% GP and 25% EPA, respectively. Both BFS and NZ have a decreasing effect on thermal conductivity. The experiments were carried out, in which the samples were subjected to temperature of 300, 500 and 800°C for 2 h, then cooled in air. The results indicated that all the mortars exposed to temperature of 500 and 800°C shown a significant decrease in thermal conductivity, compressive strength and flexure strength. However, compared with the mortars including 25% EPA, adding the other admixtures at all level replacement decreased thermal conductivity, compressive strength, flexure strength and dry unit weight as a function of replacement percent. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synergistic effect of mesoporous silica SBA‐15 on intumescent flame‐retardant polypropylene
Authors: Li Jun , Wei Ping , Li Linke , Qian Yong , Wang Chen , Huang Nian Hua
Published: April 2010

Mesoporous silica SBA‐15 synthesized from Pluronic P123 and tetraethoxysilane was used as a synergistic agent on the flame retardancy of polypropylene (PP)/intumescent flame‐retardant (IFR) system. Limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL‐94 rating and thermogravimetric analysis were used to evaluate the synergistic effect of SBA‐15 on PP/IFR system. It showed that PP/IFR system could reach V‐0 with loading of SBA‐15 ranging from 0.5 to 3 wt%, while without SBA‐15 it had no rating at UL‐94 test. The LOI value increased from 25.5 to 32.2 when the loading of SBA‐15 was 1 wt%. The thermal stability of PP/IFR was improved in the presence of SBA‐15 and the amount of the char residue at 600° C was increased from 8.96 to 16.42 wt% when loading of SBA‐15 varied from 0.5 to 5 wt%. Laser Raman spectroscopy (LRS) and scanning electron microscopy were employed to study the morphology of the char residue of PP/IFR system with and without SBA‐15. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A nonparametric method for asymmetrically extending signal extraction filters
Authors: McElroy Tucker
Published: April 2010

Two important problems in the X‐11 seasonal adjustment methodology are the construction of standard errors and the handling of the boundaries. We adapt the ‘implied model approach’ of Kaiser and Maravall to achieve both objectives in a nonparametric fashion. The frequency response function of an X‐11 linear filter is used, together with the periodogram of the differenced data, to define spectral density estimates for signal and noise. These spectra are then used to define a matrix smoother, which in turn generates an estimate of the signal that is linear in the data. Estimates of the signal are provided at all time points in the sample, and the associated time‐varying signal extraction mean squared errors are a by‐product of the matrix smoother theory. After explaining our method, it is applied to popular nonparametric filters such as the Hodrick–Prescott (HP), the Henderson trend, and ideal low‐pass and band‐pass filters, as well as X‐11 seasonal adjustment, trend, and irregular filters. Finally, we illustrate the method on several time series and provide comparisons with X‐12‐ARIMA seasonal adjustments. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ammonoid succession across the Wuchiapingian/Changhsingian boundary of the northern Penglaitan Section in the Laibin area, Guangxi, South China
Authors: Ehiro Masayuki , Shen Shu‐Zhong
Published: April 2010

A detailed examination has been made of the Lopingian (Late Permian) ammonoid succession across the Wuchiapingian/Changhsingian boundary of the northern Penglaitan Section in the Laibin area, South China. Five ammonoid interval zones were identified via bed‐by‐bed collection: the Prototoceras–Konglingites, Etoushanoceras–Jinjiangoceras, Shevyrevites, Penglaites and Pleuronodoceras–Rotodiscoceras zones, in ascending order. The lower three zones, located in the upper part of the Heshan Formation, are all of Wuchiapingian age in terms of the associated conodonts, whereas the Penglaites Zone, which crosses the lithologic boundary between the Heshan and Talung formations, and the uppermost zone in the lower part of the Talung Formation are of Changhsingian age. Ammonoid faunal turnover, from otoceratoid‐dominated to Xenodiscoid‐dominated faunas, occurred between the Etoushanoceras–Jinjiangoceras and Shevyrevites zones. This horizon is slightly lower than the Wuchiapingian/Changhsingian boundary, which is located between the Shevyrevites Zone and the Penglaites Zone of the northern Penglaitan Section in the Laibin area, South China. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lopingian (Late Permian) high‐resolution conodont biostratigraphy in Iran with comparison to South China zonation
Authors: Shen Shu‐Zhong , Mei Shi‐Long
Published: April 2010

Lopingian (Late Permian) conodonts and stratigraphy in northwest and central Iran have become hotly debated issues recently. We here use a sample‐population approach, to develop a high‐resolution conodont biostratigraphic framework for the Lopingian of Iran based on a re‐examination of collections studied by Sweet from the Kuh‐e‐Ali Bashi area, northwest Iran; samples from the Abadeh C section and a nearby Permian‐Triassic boundary section in the Abadeh area; and on published data. Six Wuchiapingian conodont zones, theClarkina dukouensis, C. asymmetrica, C. leveni, C. guangyuanensis, C. transcaucasicaandC. orientaliszones, and eight Changhsingian conodont zones, theClarkina wangi, C. subcarinata, C. changxingensis, C. bachmanni, C. nodosa, C. yini, C. abadehensisandC. hauschkeizones, are described and figured. Diagnoses of ontogenetic characteristics to population variations of all the zone‐naming species are re‐described based on a sample‐population taxonomic concept. The high‐resolution Lopingian conodont zonation in Iran is closely correlative with its counterpart in South China. However, slightly different evolutionary trends inClarkinapopulations existed at the very end of the Changhsingian in Iran and South China. This reflects a geographical cline and/or facies dependence and endemism inClarkinapopulations rather than stratigraphic incompleteness of sections in either Iran or South China. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐resolution Lopingian (Late Permian) timescale of South China
Authors: Shen Shu‐Zhong , Henderson Charles M. , Bowring Samuel A. , Cao Chang‐Qun , Wang Yue , Wang Wei , Zhang Hua , Zhang Yi‐Chun , Mu Lin
Published: April 2010

The Lopingian represents the last epoch of the Palaeozoic Era and is bracketed by two severe biotic mass extinctions associated with dramatic environmental changes. The Lopingian Epoch lasted about 7 millions years and was also bracketed by large volcanic eruptions with the Emeishan volcanics at the base and the Siberian traps at the top. Considerable data have accumulated recently and in this paper we attempt to summarize these findings in a high‐resolution Lopingian (Late Permian) timescale that integrates currently available multiple biostratigraphic, isotope chemostratigraphic, geochronologic and magnetostratigraphic data. In South China at least 13 conodont zones, multiple polarity zones and large carbon isotope fluctuations in the Lopingian are recognized and provide the high‐resolution calibration that is essential to study this Late Permian interval characterized by Earth's largest biotic extinction. We also present a global correlation chart for the marine Lopingian Series. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Changhsingian foraminiferal fauna of a Neotethyan seamount: the Gyanyima Limestone along the Yarlung‐Zangbo Suture in southern Tibet, China
Authors: Wang Yue , Ueno Katsumi , Zhang Yi‐chun , Cao Chang‐qun
Published: April 2010

The Gyanyima Limestone is one of the isolated carbonate build‐ups that have a probable Neotethyan seamount origin, distributed along the Yarlung‐Zangbo Suture in southern Tibet. The limestone yields a highly diversified foraminiferal fauna consisting of nine fusuline and 37 taxa of non‐fusuline foraminifers. This foraminiferal fauna is dominated by Reichelina pulchra, Colaniella parva and the characteristic boultoniid genus Dilatofusulina. We propose a new foraminiferal zone, the Reichelina pulchra‐Colaniella parva‐Dilatofusulina orthogonios Zone that represents the last prosperous stage of foraminifers just before the end‐Permian mass extinction. This zone can be correlated broadly with the Palaeofusulina sinensis Zone in the Eastern Tethys based on advanced features observed in the major elements of the fauna. The composition of the fauna suggests that during the late Changhsingian, the Gyanyima Limestone occupied a palaeogeographic position at lower latitudes in the Neotethys. The fauna was largely influenced by the warm‐water equatoro‐tropical Palaeotethys. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lymphatic drainage of the external ear
Authors: Pan Wei‐Ren , le Roux Cara Michelle , Levy Sidney M. , Briggs Christopher A.
Published: April 2010

Background

Lymphoscintigraphy reveals inconsistencies in our knowledge of the lymphatic anatomy of the external ear.

Methods

Fifteen external ears from 9 unembalmed human cadavers were studied. Six percent hydrogen peroxide was used to find the lymphatic vessels using a surgical microscope. They were injected with a radio‐opaque mixture, dissected, photographed, and radiographed to demonstrate lymphatic vessels in the tissue. Final results were transferred to the computer for analysis.

Results

Four groups of lymph collecting vessels were found. The anterior branch, in all specimens, drained directly or indirectly (having merged with a vessel descending from the scalp) into the preauricular lymph nodes. The superior, middle, and inferior (lobule) branches drained to their multiple first tier lymph nodes.

Conclusion

An accurate lymphatic map of the external ear is described to upgrade our anatomic knowledge. It will be of benefit for the clinical management of malignancies in this region. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
First bite syndrome as a presenting symptom of a parapharyngeal space malignancy
Authors: Lieberman Seth M. , Har‐El Gady
Published: April 2010

Background

First bite syndrome is a known complication after parapharyngeal space surgery. This syndrome is usually encountered when the surgery is extensive but the parotid gland is preserved. A disruption in the balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic innervation to the parotid gland has been posited to play a role.

Methods

We report a 74‐year‐old woman with a parapharyngeal space malignancy who presented with first bite syndrome prior to any surgical intervention. The tumor and left parotid gland were resected via a transcervical approach. During the operation, the sympathetic chain was found to be directly involved with the tumor.

Results

The patient reported complete resolution of first bite syndrome immediately after the operation, and remained free of this symptom at 6 months' follow‐up.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first report of first bite syndrome presenting prior to any surgical intervention. Parotidectomy, if included in the surgical plan, may lead to the resolution of first bite syndrome. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010
Human papillomavirus infections in laryngeal cancer
Authors: Torrente Mariela C. , Rodrigo Juan P. , Haigentz Missak , Dikkers Frederik G. , Rinaldo Alessandra , Takes Robert P. , Olofsson Jan , Ferlito Alfio
Published: April 2010

Although the association and clinical significance of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections with a subset of head and neck cancers, particularly for oropharyngeal carcinoma, has recently been well documented, the involvement of HPV in laryngeal cancer has been inadequately evaluated. Herein we review the currently known associations of HPV infections in diseases of the larynx and their potential for oncogenicity. Using several methods of detection, HPV DNA has been detected in benign (papillomatosis), indolent (verrucous carcinoma), and malignant (squamous cell carcinoma) lesions of the larynx. Consistent with the known oncogenic risk of HPV infections, common HPV types associated with laryngeal papillomatosis include low‐risk HPV types 6 and 11, with high‐risk HPV types 16 and 18 more commonly present in neoplastic lesions (verrucous carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma). Although a broad range of prevalence has been noted in individual studies, approximately 25% of laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas harbor HPV infections on meta‐analysis, with common involvement of high‐risk HPV types 16 (highest frequency) and 18. Preliminary results suggest that these high‐risk HPV infections seem to be biologically relevant in laryngeal carcinogenesis, manifested as having viral DNA integration in the cancer cell genome and increased expression of the p16 protein. Despite this knowledge, the clinical significance of these infections and the implications on disease prevention and treatment are unclear and require further investigation. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
Pharmacology and Safety of Glycerol Phenylbutyrate in Healthy Adults and Adults With Cirrhosis
Authors: McGuire Brendan M. , Zupanets Igor A. , Lowe Mark E. , Xiao Xunjun , Syplyviy Vasyliy A. , Monteleone Jon , Gargosky Sharron , Dickinson Klara , Martinez Antonia , Mokhtarani Masoud , Scharschmidt Bruce F.
Published: April 2010

Phenylbutyric acid (PBA), which is approved for treatment of urea cycle disorders (UCDs) as sodium phenylbutyrate (NaPBA), mediates waste nitrogen excretion via combination of PBA-derived phenylacetic acid with glutamine to form phenylactylglutamine (PAGN) that is excreted in urine. Glycerol phenylbutyrate (GPB), a liquid triglyceride pro-drug of PBA, containing no sodium and having favorable palatability, is being studied for treatment of hepatic encephalopathy (HE).

In vitro

and clinical studies have been performed to assess GPB digestion, safety, and pharmacology in healthy adults and individuals with cirrhosis. GPB hydrolysis was measured

in vitro

by way of pH titration. Twenty-four healthy adults underwent single-dose administration of GPB and NaPBA and eight healthy adults and 24 cirrhotic subjects underwent single-day and multiple-day dosing of GPB, with metabolites measured in blood and urine. Simulations were performed to assess GPB dosing at higher levels. GPB was hydrolyzed by human pancreatic triglyceride lipase, pancreatic lipase-related protein 2, and carboxyl-ester lipase. Clinical safety was satisfactory. Compared with NaPBA, peak metabolite blood levels with GPB occurred later and were lower; urinary PAGN excretion was similar but took longer. Steady state was achieved within 4 days for both NaPBA and GPB; intact GPB was not detected in blood or urine. Cirrhotic subjects converted GPB to PAGN similarly to healthy adults. Simulations suggest that GPB can be administered safely to cirrhotic subjects at levels equivalent to the highest approved NaPBA dose for UCDs.

Conclusion:

GPB exhibits delayed release characteristics, presumably reflecting gradual PBA release by pancreatic lipases, and is well tolerated in adults with cirrhosis, suggesting that further clinical testing for HE is warranted. (Hepatology 2010;)
Endothelial cells (EC) and endothelial precursor cells (EPC) kinetics in hematological patients undergoing chemotherapy or autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT)
Authors: Kideryová Linda , Pytlík Robert , Benešová Kateřina , Veselá Romana , Karban Josef , Rychtrmocová Hana , Goettsch Winfried , Morawietz Henning , Trněný Marek
Published: April 2010

Our objective was to study the kinetics of circulating endothelial cells (EC) and endothelial precursor cells (EPC) in hematological patients during chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantion (ASCT). Eighteen newly diagnosed patients and 17 patients undergoing ASCT were studied and compared to healthy controls. ECs were evaluated as CD146+CD31+Lin‐ cells, while EPCs were evaluated as CD34+CD133+Lin‐, or CD34+VEGFR2+Lin‐ cells, or CFU‐En colony forming units. Numbers of these cells were evaluated before and after treatment, and, in patients treated with ASCT, during mobilization of hematopoietic progenitors. Both newly diagnosed patients and patients before ASCT had significantly higher number of CD146+CD31+Lin‐ cells and significantly lower number of CFU‐En colonies than healthy controls. These parameters did not return to normal for at least 3 months after chemotherapy or ASCT. Numbers of CFU‐En did not correlate either with numbers of CD34+CD133+Lin‐ cells or with numbers of CD34+VEGFR2+Lin‐ cells but they did correlate with numbers of CD4+ lymphocytes and NK cells. In conclusion, we have found that hematological patients have higher number of EC and lower numbers of CFU‐En than healthy controls and that these parameters do not return to normal after short‐term follow‐up. Furthermore, our observations support emerging data that CFU‐En represent cell population different from flowcytometrically defined EC and endothelial precursors and that their development requires cooperation of monocytes and CD4+ lymphocytes. However, cells forming CFU‐En express endothelial surface markers and can contribute to proper endothelial function by NO production. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Setting health insurance remuneration rates of private providers in Kenya: the role of costing, challenges and implications
Authors: Mathauer Inke
Published: April 2010

Successful health financing depends on prudent design of resource collection, pooling and purchasing. One of the critical purchasing design issues is the provider payment mechanism and the remuneration rates, which need to set appropriate incentives to health providers. In order to set remuneration rates, cost information is required, but this is not known in many developing countries.

This paper illuminates the role of costing and the challenges of resetting health insurance remuneration rates for private hospitals in Kenya and discusses the implications and lessons. The results and proceedings of costing studies from Kenya are reviewed, which reveals methodological and practical challenges as to revising remuneration rates. The costing results are characterized by high variability, which is, among other factors, due to suboptimal resource use at some hospitals and provider payment mechanisms that incentivise over‐provision. In such a context, hospital‐specific remuneration rates are advisable.

In conclusion, remuneration rate setting is not just about translating costing results into a price tag, but other factors have to be considered in a low‐income country context in order to balance out health sector objectives and provider interests. Inclusion of providers in developing the costing methodology proves important to increase acceptability of results. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of sample area and sieve size on benthic macrofaunal community condition assessments in California enclosed bays and estuaries
Authors: Hammerstrom Kamille K , Ranasinghe J Ananda , Weisberg Stephen B , Oliver John S , Fairey W. Russell , Slattery Peter N , Oakden James M
Published: April 2010

Benthic macrofauna are used extensively for environmental assessment, but the area sampled and sieve sizes used to capture animals often differ among studies. Here, we sampled 80 sites using 3 different sized sampling areas (0.1, 0.05, 0.0071 m2) and sieved those sediments through each of 2 screen sizes (0.5, 1 mm) to evaluate their effect on number of individuals, number of species, dominance, nonmetric multidimensional scaling (MDS) ordination, and benthic community condition indices that are used to assess sediment quality in California. Sample area had little effect on abundance but substantially affected numbers of species, which are not easily scaled to a standard area. Sieve size had a substantial effect on both measures, with the 1-mm screen capturing only 74% of the species and 68% of the individuals collected in the 0.5-mm screen. These differences, though, had little effect on the ability to differentiate samples along gradients in ordination space. Benthic indices generally ranked sample condition in the same order regardless of gear, although the absolute scoring of condition was affected by gear type. The largest differences in condition assessment were observed for the 0.0071-m2 gear. Benthic indices based on numbers of species were more affected than those based on relative abundance, primarily because we were unable to scale species number to a common area as we did for abundance. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2012; 8: 649–658. © 2010 SETAC
Purified c‐phycoerythrin: safety studies in rats and protective role against permanganate‐mediated fibroblast‐DNA damage
Authors: Soni Badrish , Visavadiya Nishant P. , Dalwadi Nirav , Madamwar Datta , Winder Chris , Khalil Christian
Published: April 2010

We have evaluated in vitro cytotoxicity of cyanobacterial phycoerythrin (C‐PE) on three human cell lines by cell proliferation and neutral red uptake assays. No toxic effects of C‐PE were observed to any of the cell lines tested. The protective role of purified C‐PE to potassium permanganate‐mediated human fibroblast‐DNA damage was assessed by comet assay at 0 (control), 10 and 20 µg C‐PE ml−1 doses in pre‐, simultaneous and post‐mutagen exposure conditions. Significant DNA damage was detected only in post‐mutagen exposure conditions. Our findings confirmed that the C‐PE is non‐toxic and provides protection against permanganate‐mediated DNA damage. The preliminary acute (2000 mg C‐PE kg−1 body weight, b.w.) and 90 day sub‐chronic (0, 5, 15 and 25 mg C‐PE kg−1 b.w./day) oral toxicity studies of purified C‐PE in male albino rats showed no mortality or treatment‐related major clinical signs, and all the doses of C‐PE were well tolerated. The no observed adverse effect level and no observed effect level were found to be 15 and 5 mg C‐PE kg−1 b.w./day respectively. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A convenient racemic synthesis of two isomeric tetrahydropyridyl alkaloids: Isoanatabine and anatabine
Authors: Rouchaud Anne , Kem William R.
Published: April 2010

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Anatabine is a major alkaloid in Nicotiana tabacum and its isomer, isoanatabine, was recently found in a marine worm. Reduction of 1‐methylpyridinium iodide with sodium borohydride gave 1‐methyl‐3‐piperideine, which was transformed with hydrogen peroxide into the N‐oxide. Reaction of the N‐oxide successively with trifluoroacetic anhydride and potassium cyanide gave 2‐cyano‐1‐methyl‐3‐piperideine. Its reaction with 3‐pyridylmagnesium chloride gave (±)‐N‐methyl‐isoanatabine. This was transformed with m‐chloroperbenzoic acid into the N‐oxide which was N‐demethylated with iron(II) sulfate, giving (±)‐isoanatabine. The successive applications of literature procedures for the N‐demethylation by decomposition of N‐oxide contributed to the knowledge of the mechanism of this oxidative rearrangement. On the other hand, the reduction of 1‐methylpyridinium iodide with sodium borohydride and with potassium cyanide present since the start of the reaction in a two layer ether‐water system, gave 2‐cyano‐1‐methyl‐4‐piperideine. This was transformed into (±)‐anatabine by the same sequence of reactions used for the synthesis of (±)‐isoanatabine. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
Synthesis of some novel N‐alkyl/acyl/aroyl 2‐(chroman/6‐bromochroman‐2‐yl)‐1H‐benzimidazoles using ionic liquids and their antibacterial activity
Authors: Raut Changdev Namdev , Bagul Sandeep Madhukar , Janrao Ravindra Ashok , Vaidya Sanjay Dashrath , Kumar Bobba Venkata Siva , Mahulikar Pramod Pandurang
Published: April 2010

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Synthesis of some novel N‐substituted 2‐(chroman/6‐bromochroman‐2‐yl)‐1H‐benzimidazoles by the condensation of 3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐chroman‐2‐carboxylic acid and 6‐bromo‐3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐chroman‐2‐carboxylic acid with o‐phenylenediamine in ionic liquid (IL) [bmim]BF4 and subsequent reactions at the benzimidazole‐NH with different types of electrophiles in ILs [bmim]BF4 = 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, [bmim]PF6 = 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate and [buPy]BF4 = butylpyridinium tetrafluoroborate in the presence of sodium hydroxide as a base have been reported. All the synthesized compounds were screened for their antibacterial activity. Some compounds exhibited promising antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhimurium when compared to Cephalexin as a reference standard. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
Synthesis and characterization of new 3‐acyl‐7‐hydroxy‐6,8‐substituted‐coumarin and 3‐acyl‐7‐benzyloxy‐6,8‐substituted‐coumarin derivatives
Authors: Chimenti Franco , Bolasco Adriana , Secci Daniela , Bizzarri Bruna , Chimenti Paola , Granese Arianna , Carradori Simone
Published: April 2010

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A new series of 3‐acyl‐6,7,8‐substituted coumarin derivatives has been synthesized in high yields (79–99%) and characterized by means of elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, IR, and 1H NMR spectroscopy. We examined with particular attention the presence of an acyl group at position 3 (ethyl ester, carboxylic acid, and acyl chloride), and of a hydroxyl group at position 7 or a functionalized one like benzyloxy or phthalimido. The hydroxyl group has been modified by an etherification in presence of crown ether with substituted benzyl bromide or chloride to evaluate the influence on chemical characteristics and lipophilicity of coumarin nucleus. Halogens (Cl, Br) and methyl group were introduced in position 6 and 8 of the coumarin ring, respectively, in order to study their effect on reaction feasibility. Some of these 3‐acyl derivatives have been recently assayed as MAO inhibitors and as intermediates (i.e. reactive chloride derivative) to design new anti‐Helicobacter pylori agents. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
Microcirculation of secondary bone tumors in vivo: The impact of minor surgery at a distal site
Authors: Schaefer Christian , Fuhrhop Ina , Schroeder Malte , Viezens Lennart , Otten Jasmin , Fiedler Walter , Rüther Wolfgang , Hansen‐Algenstaedt Nils
Published: April 2010

Microcirculatory properties of tumors play a pivotal role in tumor progression and inefficacy of therapies. It has been hypothesized that surgical interventions result in an accelerated tumor growth by increasing the level of pro‐angiogenic cytokines with subsequent amplification of tumor angiogenesis. To characterize the microvascular properties of secondary bone tumors in vivo and determine the impact of minor surgery on the microcirculation, we performed intravital microscopy over 25 days using a xenograft model of breast cancer tumor growth (MCF‐7) in bone. After engraftment of tumors the mice were treated with a mastectomy versus no surgery. Tumor growth was accompanied by angiogenic sprouting and decreased vascular diameters while blood flow rate and tumor perfusion remained constant. Mastectomy initially led to a significant reduction of functional vascular density, increased vascular diameter, and decreased blood flow velocities. However, neither tumor growth nor tissue perfusion was different between the groups. The presented study corroborates the assumption that tumor microcirculation in bone exhibits similar time‐dependent alterations compared to soft tissue tumors. A minor surgical intervention did not change tumor growth kinetics however microcirculatory properties were altered. Whether major surgery has an impact on tumor growth in bone should be clarified in further studies. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:1515–1521, 2010
Optimisation of Raman analysis of walnut oil used as protective coating of Galician granite monuments
Authors: Pan A. , Rebollar E. , Chiussi S. , Serra J. , González P. , León B.
Published: April 2010

In the middle of last century, many valuable monuments of the Galician cultural heritage showed disintegration of the granite in the outdoor walls due to chemical erosion. To repair and conserve the stone from further deterioration, restorers decided to apply protective coatings that might act as consolidants and as hydrofugants. It is important to study these coatings in order to understand the processes that affect their conservation and deterioration and to design protocols for any future restoration action that might be necessary. Raman spectroscopy presents several advantages for this kind of application since it is a versatile technique, does not need sample preparation and provides a non‐destructive method. In this work, different types of walnut oil are analysed. A comparative study was performed using five different laser excitation wavelengths, and 532 and 488 nm turned out to be the most appropriate wavelengths for oil detection on aluminium substrates. Additionally, Raman spectroscopy allows the study of the evolution of the treatment once applied, as well as the determination of the curing times and chemical transformation. Raman analysis of walnut oil over Roan granite using excitation at both 532 and 488 nm are viable for in situ testing, but 532 nm offers higher sensitivity. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Response of shear wave from a corrugated interface between elastic solid/viscoelastic half‐spaces
Authors: Singh S. S.
Published: April 2010

The propagation of plane shear wave at a corrugation interface between elastic solid and viscoelastic liquid half‐spaces has been investigated. Adopting Rayleigh's method of approximation, the reflection and refraction coefficients corresponding to reflected and refracted SH‐waves have been derived for the first order of approximation of the corrugated interface. These coefficients are derived in the closed form for a periodic interface. Numerical computation has been performed for a particular model and the results are depicted graphically. The results of Asano (Bull. Earthquake Res. Inst. 1960; 38(2):177–197) and Kielczynski and Pajewski (J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 1987; 81(3):599–605) are recovered from this study. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of modified alumina oxides on the fire properties of PMMA and PS nanocomposites
Authors: Cinausero Nicolas , Azema Nathalie , Cuesta José‐Marie Lopez , Cochez Marianne , Ferriol Michel
Published: April 2010

Grafting of ethylene glycol methacrylate phosphate (EGMP) monomer polymerized from alumina nanoparticles has been performed in order to confer a better thermal stability and fire retardancy to PMMA and PS nanocomposites. Grafting and polymerization processes have been investigated using FTIR, TGA, and elemental analyses. Thermal stability and decomposition routes of monomer and polymer grafted alumina have been studied using thermogravimetric analysis and compared with the thermal behavior of the same alumina modified with octylsilane. The thermal stability of EGMP supported by the nanoparticles is higher than that of free EGMP. The incorporation of 5 wt% of both surface treated alumina in PMMA and PS leads to an improvement of thermal stability in comparison with unfilled polymers as well as nanocomposites containing unmodified alumina. Furthermore, the grafting of organic compounds on alumina also allows the peak of heat release rate measured using a cone calorimeter to be significantly reduced for PMMA nanocomposites. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Micropatterning of proteins on ion beam‐induced poly(acrylic acid)‐grafted polyethylene film
Authors: Kim Dong‐Ki , Ganesan Ramakrishnan , Jung Chan‐Hee , Hwang In‐Tae , Choi Jae‐Hak , Kim Jin‐Baek , Nho Young‐Chang , Suh Dong‐Hack
Published: April 2010

Micropatterns of proteins were created by using patterned ion beam irradiation onto a polyethylene film and graft polymerization of acrylic acid. Acrylic acid was selectively graft polymerized on the irradiated regions. The results of the grafting study revealed that the optimum fluence to achieve the maximum grafting degree was 1 × 1015 ions/cm2. Biotin was covalently immobilized on the grafted regions of the polyethylene film. Protein patterning was achieved through specific binding of biotin and streptavidin. The resolved protein patterns with the maximum fluorescence intensity were achieved on the poly(acrylic acid) (PAA)‐grafted polyethylene films prepared at the fluence of 1 × 1015 ions/cm2. This method can be used for patterning of various biomolecules and for further biological applications. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Organic‐montmorillonite modified shape memory epoxy composite
Authors: Liu Yuyan , Han Chunmiao , Tan Huifeng , Du Xingwen
Published: April 2010

A series of organic‐montmorillonite (OMMT) modified shape memory epoxy (SMEP) composites were prepared for the purpose of application on space deployable structures. Tensile test, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and fold‐deploy shape memory test methods were used to characterize the mechanical, structure, and shape memory properties of these materials. The results showed addition of OMMT could improve the composites' toughness, tensile strength, transition temperature, and shape recovery speed, while shape recovery ratio was unaffected. Composite with 3wt%. OMMT had the optimum combination property. It could fully recover its original shape in about 2 min at 185°C under the maximum bending angle of 180°. Its elongation at break and tensile strength were increased by 835 and 17.4%, respectively, compared to that of neat SMEP. The transition temperature also slightly increased. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adsorption properties of amidoximated porous acrylonitrile/methyl acrylate copolymer beads for Ag (I)
Authors: Liu Xin , Chen Hou , Wang Chunhua , Qu Rongjun , Ji Chunnuan , Sun Changmei , Xu Qiang
Published: April 2010

Porous a crylonitrile (AN)/methyl acrylate (MA) copolymer beads were synthesized by suspended emulsion polymerization and amidoximated for the purpose of Ag+ adsorption. Optimum amidoximation temperature and time were determined by following the adsorption capacity for Ag+. The results showed that amidoximated AN/MA (AO AN/MA) with the amidoximation temperature 70°C and amidoximation time 20 hr had a relatively higher adsorption capacity for Ag+. The effect of pH on adsorption for Ag+ was studied; the highest adsorption capacity presented at pH 5.0. Adsorption kinetics and isotherms of AO AN/MA copolymer beads for Ag+ were also investigated. The kinetics data indicated that the adsorption process was governed by the film diffusion and followed both pseudo‐first‐order and pseudo‐second‐order rate model. The isotherms indicated that adsorption capacities increased with equilibrium concentration and temperature. The Langmuir model and Sips model could describe the isothermal process. Thermodynamic analysis revealed that the adsorption behaviors of Ag+ ions on AO AN/MA could be considered as endothermic and physical sorption process. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid identification of furanocoumarins in Angelica dahurica using the Online LC‐MMR‐MS and their nitric oxide inhibitory activity in RAW 264.7 cells
Authors: Kang Suk Woo , Kim Chul Young , Song Dae‐geun , Pan Cheol‐Ho , Cha Kwang Hyun , Lee Dong‐Un , Um Byung‐Hun
Published: April 2010

Introduction – Angelica dahurica (Fisch. Ex hoffm.) Benth. Et Hook. is a perennial herb that grows throughout Korea whose dried roots have been used to treat various diseases in Korean traditional medicine. The root extract contains diverse constituents, and it is necessary to determine the active compounds.

Objective – To investigate the nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory activity in a root extract of A. dahurica and identify the most active compounds using LC‐NMR‐MS.

Methodology – In search of the anti‐inflammatory constituents of A. dahurica extract, the HPLC‐based activity profiling approach was used to investigate the extract's NO inhibitory activity. To directly identify the compounds, a hyphenated LC‐NMR‐MS technique was applied. Reversed‐phase isocratic chromatography was performed using the acetonitrile–water solvent system on a C30 column. The identification of the compounds was based on information from ESI/MS and 1H‐NMR.

Results – NO inhibitory activities for five main fractions of the extract were evaluated, which were identified by LC‐NMR‐MS as containing furanocoumarins: byakangelicol, oxypeucedanin, imperatorin, phellopterin and isoimperatorin.

Conclusion – The results obtained showed that the anti‐inflammatory activities of A. dahurica could be linked to imperatorin and phellopterin. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Patterns of asthma medication use: early asthma therapy initiation and asthma outcomes at age 8†
Authors: Koster Ellen S. , Wijga Alet H. , Zuidgeest Mira G. P. , Belitser Svetlana V. , Raaijmakers Jan A. M. , Koppelman Gerard H. , Postma Dirkje S. , Brunekreef Bert , de Jongste Johan C. , Maitland‐van der Zee Anke‐Hilse
Published: April 2010

Wheeze has many underlying pathophysiologies in childhood, but is the main reason for anti‐asthma drugs prescription. This study was conducted to describe asthma medication use patterns among children in their first eight years of life. Longitudinal medication use data from 777 children participating in the PIAMA study were used. Medication patterns were described for four groups that started therapy before the third birthday, when the peak in prescriptions occurred in our cohort; short‐acting β‐agonists (SABA), inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), SABA + ICS or none of these. One third (n = 255) of the children received a first SABA or ICS prescription before age 8. Only three children (1.2%) used medication continuously during follow‐up. Of the children who started SABA, 53.8% discontinued within 1–2 years. Of the children who started ICS before age 3, 42.1% discontinued within 1–2 years and 31.6% received additional SABA. 41.5% of the children who started SABA + ICS used this short‐term (≤1–2 years) and 21.5% long‐term (≥3 years). Fifteen percent of children who did not start asthma therapy in their first 3 years of life did receive prescriptions between age 3 and 8. Children prescribed SABA + ICS before age 3 had the highest prevalence of hyper responsiveness at age 8, and similar prevalence of atopy as the other groups. Asthma medication is prescribed frequently in the first 8 years of life, particularly before age 3, and only few children use it continuously. ICS and SABA prescription occurs especially in those who were more likely to develop signs of asthma at age 8. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.