bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microfiltration Process by Inorganic Membranes for Clarification of TongBi Liquor
Authors: Li Bo , Huang Minyan , Fu Tingming , Pan Linmei , Yao Weiwei , Guo Liwei
Published: February 2012

Membrane separation is an alternative separation technology to the conventional method of filtration. Hence, it has attracted use in the purification and concentration of Chinese Herbal Medicine Extracts (CHMEs). The purpose of this work was to study the process of microfiltration of Tongbi liquor (TBL), a popular Chinese herbal drink, using ceramic membranes. Zirconium oxide and aluminum oxide membranes with pore mean sizes of 0.2 μm and 0.05 μm, respectively, are used for comparisons in terms of flux, transmittance of the ingredients, physical-chemical parameters, removal of macromolecular materials and fouling resistance. The results show that 0.2 μm zirconium oxide membrane is more suitable. The stable permeate flux reaches 135 L·h−1·m−2, the cumulative transmittance of the indicator is 65.53%. Macromolecular materials, such as starch, protein, tannin, pectin and total solids were largely eliminated in retentate after filtration using 0.2 μm ZrO2 ceramic membrane, resulting in clearer TBL. Moreover, this work also reveals that continuous ultrasound could strengthen membrane process that the permeate flux increases significantly. This work demonstrates that the purification of CHME with ceramic membranes is possible and yielded excellent results.
On the Feasibility of Interoperable Schemes in Hand Biometrics
Authors: Morales Aythami , González Ester , Ferrer Miguel A.
Published: February 2012

Personal recognition through hand-based biometrics has attracted the interest of many researchers in the last twenty years. A significant number of proposals based on different procedures and acquisition devices have been published in the literature. However, comparisons between devices and their interoperability have not been thoroughly studied. This paper tries to fill this gap by proposing procedures to improve the interoperability among different hand biometric schemes. The experiments were conducted on a database made up of 8,320 hand images acquired from six different hand biometric schemes, including a flat scanner, webcams at different wavelengths, high quality cameras, and contactless devices. Acquisitions on both sides of the hand were included. Our experiment includes four feature extraction methods which determine the best performance among the different scenarios for two of the most popular hand biometrics: hand shape and palm print. We propose smoothing techniques at the image and feature levels to reduce interdevice variability. Results suggest that comparative hand shape offers better performance in terms of interoperability than palm prints, but palm prints can be more effective when using similar sensors.
Multi-Sensor Arrays for Online Monitoring of Cell Dynamics in in vitro Studies with Choroid Plexus Epithelial Cells
Authors: Mestres-Ventura Pedro , Morguet Andrea , Gómez de las Heras Soledad García
Published: February 2012

Sensors and multi-sensor arrays are the basis of new technologies for the non-label monitoring of cell activity. In this paper we show that choroid plexus cells can be cultured on silicon chips and that sensors register in real time changes in their activity, constituting an interesting experimental paradigm for cell biology and medical research. To validate the signals recorded (metabolism = peri-cellular acidification, oxygen consumption = respiration; impedance = adhesion, cell shape and motility) we performed experiments with compounds that act in a well-known way on cells, influencing these parameters. Our in vitro model demonstrates the advantages of multi-sensor arrays in assessment and experimental characterization of dynamic cellular events—in this case in choroid plexus functions, however with applicability to other cell types as well.
Plant Ureases and Related Peptides: Understanding Their Entomotoxic Properties
Authors: Stanisçuaski Fernanda , Carlini Célia R.
Published: February 2012

Recently, ureases were included in the arsenal of plant defense proteins, alongside many other proteins with biotechnological potential such as insecticides. Isoforms of Canavalia ensiformis urease (canatoxin—CNTX and jack bean urease—JBURE-I) are toxic to insects of different orders. This toxicity is due in part to the release of a 10 kDa peptide from the native protein, by cathepsin-like enzymes present in the insect digestive tract. The entomotoxic peptide, Jaburetox-2Ec, exhibits potent insecticidal activity against several insects, including many resistant to the native ureases. JBURE-I and Jaburetox-2Ec cause major alterations of post-feeding physiological processes in insects, which contribute to, or can be the cause of, their entomotoxic effect. An overview of the current knowledge on plant urease processing and mechanisms of action in insects is presented in this review.
Improving Water Supply Systems for Domestic Uses in Urban Togo: The Case of a Suburb in Lomé
Authors: Ahiablame Laurent , Engel Bernard , Venort Taisha
Published: February 2012

The rapid urbanization facing developing countries is increasing pressure on public institutions to provide adequate supplies of clean water to populations. In most developing countries, the general public is not involved in strategies and policies regarding enhancement, conservation, and management of water supply systems. To assist governments and decision makers in providing potable water to meet the increasing demand due to the rapid urbanization, this study sought to characterize existing water supply systems and obtain public opinion for identifying a community water supply system model for households in a residential neighborhood in Lomé, Togo. Existing water supply systems in the study area consist of bucket-drawn water wells, mini water tower systems, rainwater harvesting, and public piped water. Daily domestic water consumption in the study area compared well with findings on water uses per capita from Sub-Saharan Africa, but was well below daily water usage in developed nations. Based on the surveys, participants thought highly of a large scale community water tower and expressed interest in maintaining it. Even though people rely on water sources deemed convenient for drinking, they also reported limited confidence in the quality of these sources.
Efficient, highly diastereoselective MS 4 Å-promoted one-pot, three-component synthesis of 2,6-disubstituted-4-tosyloxytetrahydropyrans via Prins cyclization
Authors: Ahmed Naseem , Konduru Naveen Kumar
Published: February 2012

A simple, efficient and highly diastereoselective one-pot three-component synthesis of functionalized 2,6-disubstituted-4-tosyloxytetrahydropyrans was performed. The synthesis features an optimized Prins cyclization in which an aromatic homoallylic alcohol, an aromatic/aliphatic aldehyde, and p-toluenesulfonic acid (catalyst and reagent) are reacted in the presence of molecular sieves (MS) 4 Å at reflux in dichloromethane to afford excellent yields (72–96%) within short reaction times (20–90 min). The MS 4 Å-promoted synthesis proved to be versatile enough to provide an array of symmetrical and unsymmetrical tetrahydropyran derivatives in economical manner. Furthermore, cleavage of the 4-tosyl group under mild conditions afforded 4-hydroxytetrahydropyran in excellent yields (95–96%).
Virus Infection of the Heart – Unmet Therapeutic Needs
Authors: Hazebroek Mark , Dennert Robert , Heymans Stephane
Published: February 2012

For over 50 years, viral infection has been recognized as an important trigger of acute myocarditis, inflammatory dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and congestive heart failure. Nevertheless, viral heart disease remains challenging to diagnose and treat. Improved diagnostic methods for myocarditis have led to a better understanding of its pathophysiology. The recognition of virus-mediated damage, inflammation and autoimmune dysregulation in these patients highlights the importance of differentiating between virus-positive and virus-negative inflammatory DCM. These insights have led to the development of novel treatment strategies, including intravenous immunoglobulin and interferon therapy for virus-positive patients. This article will focus on the pathogenesis of viral myocarditis, especially parvovirus B19-induced, its progression to inflammatory DCM and future treatment strategies.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Psoriatic Arthritis — Update on Current Status and Future Perspectives: A Report from the GRAPPA 2010 Annual Meeting
Authors: ØSTERGAARD MIKKEL , POGGENBORG RENÉ PANDURO
Published: February 2012

The potential of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for use in clinical practice and research has gained increasing interest over the last decade. International collaborative initiatives from GRAPPA (Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis) and/or OMERACT (Outcome Measures in Rheumatology) may contribute to facilitating research, identifying appropriate areas for use, and reaching consensus on the optimal examination technique. Accordingly, GRAPPA, a primary driver of international research in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), has focused on the current use and future development of MRI and other modern imaging modalities in PsA. This review, presented at the GRAPPA 2010 annual meeting, describes the current status of MRI in PsA, with a focus on its use in diagnosis, monitoring, and prediction of the disease course and treatment response. Important areas for future research are also outlined.
The Need to Define Musculoskeletal Inflammation: A Report from the GRAPPA 2010 Annual Meeting
Authors: GARG AMIT , GLADMAN DAFNA D. , MEASE PHILIP J.
Published: February 2012

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a form of spondyloarthritis, a group of conditions that share a spectrum of components including arthritis, enthesitis, dactylitis, and spine inflammation. In PsA, however, the unpredictable, heterogeneous, and often insidious involvement of joints or juxtaarticular tendons and ligaments can sometimes make clinical recognition of the disease a challenge. Underrecognition of PsA may be due to the absence of a single sensitive and specific diagnostic measure. Although the ClASsification of Psoriatic ARthritis (CASPAR) criteria introduced in 2006 have improved disease classification, they are designed to be applied to cases already diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis. Therefore, in order for these criteria to be applied, the clinician is required to recognize the presence of inflammatory arthritis, enthesitis, or spondylitis. At the 2010 annual meeting of GRAPPA (Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis), the need to define inflammatory arthritis, enthesitis, dactylitis, and spondylitis, especially for nonrheumatologists, was discussed. Conclusions from breakout group discussions are summarized.
Distinguishing Inflammatory from Noninflammatory Arthritis, Enthesitis, and Dactylitis in Psoriatic Arthritis: A Report from the GRAPPA 2010 Annual Meeting: Table 1.
Authors: MEASE PHILIP J.
Published: February 2012

The most widely applied criteria for classifying psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are the CASPAR (ClASsification of Psoriatic ARthritis) criteria. A patient who fulfills the CASPAR criteria must have evidence of inflammatory arthritis, enthesitis, or spondylitis, and may have an inflammatory musculoskeletal component, dactylitis. Although the criteria were developed by rheumatologists, not all patients with PsA are seen by rheumatologists. Thus, it is important for clinicians such as dermatologists, primary care providers, physiatrists, and orthopedists, and patients themselves, to be able to recognize the presence of inflammatory musculoskeletal disease and distinguish it from degenerative or traumatic musculoskeletal disease. At their 2010 annual meeting, members of the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA) discussed the steps they are taking to define the key variables that must be present to distinguish inflammatory arthritis, enthesitis, and dactylitis from degenerative, traumatic, mechanical, or infectious forms of these conditions.
Strategies for Biomarker Development in Psoriatic Disease: A Report from the GRAPPA 2010 Annual Meeting
Authors: RITCHLIN CHRISTOPHER T.
Published: February 2012

Psoriatic disease includes psoriasis and associated comorbidities (arthritis, uveitis, inflammatory bowel disease, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and anxiety/depression) and is remarkably diverse in disease presentation and course. The marked heterogeneity of musculoskeletal involvement in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) presents major challenges to clinicians regarding diagnosis, risk stratification, and management. Members of the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA) have begun collaborative efforts to develop biomarkers that can assist in the diagnosis and management of patients with psoriasis and related comorbidities. This brief review provides a rationale for biomarker research in PsA, consideration of types and sources of biomarkers, and examples of important biomarker studies in PsA, followed by a review of trial designs for biomarker research and a discussion of potential funding sources.
Epidemiology and Potential Pathomechanisms of Cardiovascular Comorbidities in Psoriasis: A Report from the GRAPPA 2010 Annual Meeting
Authors: BOEHNCKE WOLF-HENNING
Published: February 2012

There is increasing awareness that psoriasis is more than “skin deep.” Several recent reviews focused on biomarkers have indicated the systemic dimension of psoriasis and the comorbidity that psoriasis shares with other chronic inflammatory diseases. Of emerging significance is the relationship to cardiovascular disease, which contributes substantially to patients’ increased mortality. This article examines currently available evidence favoring the concept of a causal link between psoriasis and cardiovascular disease, and summarizes a report represented at the 2010 Annual Meeting of GRAPPA (Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis).
Bienvenue dans la « gigantesque base de données »
Authors: Amar Muriel , Menon Bruno
Published: February 2012

Résumé Si le Web est devenu un « gigantesque livre », en partie produit, annoté – et donc lu – en commun par la grâce du Web 2.0, on est en droit d’attendre de la prochaine étape qu’elle se concrétise par une « gigantesque base de données » permise par les technologies du web sémantique. À condition que les utilisateurs, au premier rang desquels figurent les professionnels de l’information, se considèrent comme partie prenante de cette aventure.
Continuité documentaire « lycée-université » dans l'académie de Lille : un dispositif expérimental généralisable ?
Authors: Billaut Ronald , Bruckert Renaud , Dome Philippe , Dooghe Emilie , Dupret Emmanuelle , Farvacque Brigitte , Feyler François , Gelles Jacinthe , Laneres Jérôme , Leblond Corinne , Papy Fabrice , Poullain Bénédicte , Van Ommeslaeghe Sophie , Verebes Sylvie
Published: February 2012

Résumé Mis en place lors de l’année scolaire et universitaire 2009-2010 dans l’académie de Lille, un dispositif expérimental de continuité documentaire lycée-université a rassemblé différents partenaires autour d’un objectif commun : relier les enseignements documentaires destinés aux lycéens et aux étudiants dans le but d’augmenter l’efficacité des formations à l’information. Le Visual Catalog, un nouvel Opac conçu par l’Université d’Artois, a joué le rôle du maillon manquant entre les apprentissages documentaires du collège et ceux du lycée.
Tensions autour de l'assurance-qualité et de l'évaluation dans l'instruction obligatoire suédoise
Authors: Segerholm Christina , Lindgren Joakim
Published: February 2012

Résumé À partir d’études issues d’un projet international, “Fabrication de la qualité dans l’Europe de l’éducation”, l’article analyse l’assurance-qualité et l’évaluation dans l’instruction obligatoire en Suède à travers la notion de continuum. Les continuums sont interprétés comme des positions résultant de négociations constantes face à des tensions entre des opinions contradictoires. L’évolution de l’assurance qualité est replacée dans la conjoncture suédoise à travers l’examen de la politique et de la gouvernance éducative autour des continuums public-privé, central-local et professionnel-politique. Les contradictions découlant de positions différentes sur ces continuums se recoupent. L’hypothèse est que les contradictions fortes sont devenues plus complexes et plus “fluides” (Bauman). Les tensions idéologiques entre le besoin de justice sociale et la liberté individuelle demeurent dans un cadre politique en perpétuelle évolution.
Aléas pluviométriques et pauvreté dans les économies du Sahel : le cas du Sénégal
Authors: Cabral François Joseph
Published: February 2012

Dans cet article, nous simulons, à l’aide d’un modèle d’équilibre général calculable dynamique, l’impact de chocs pluviométriques sur la pauvreté au Sénégal. Les résultats attestent que les périodes de chute pluviométrique correspondent à des phases de hausse de l’incidence de la pauvreté pour toutes les catégories de ménages. Cependant, les périodes d’excédents pluviométriques profitent davantage aux urbains en raison de l’effet dépressif sur les prix qu’exerce une trop forte progression de l’offre agricole.
Négociations commerciales multilatérales et cycle de Doha : les leçons d'un échec annoncé
Authors: Siroën Jean-Marc
Published: February 2012

Résumé Le nouveau cycle de négociations multilatérales (« Round ») ouvert à Doha (« Programme de Développement de Doha », PDD) en 2001 sous l’égide de l’Organisation Mondiale du Commerce (OMC) s’est enlisé et aucun délai n’est fixé pour son achèvement. La négociation repose sur des mécanismes qui visent à simplifier une négociation complexe faisant intervenir une multitude d’acteurs sur de nombreux sujets. L’article montre que le processus en place n’a ni permis de simplifier la négociation ni, surtout, d’élargir un espace de négociation trop étroit qui, dès l’origine rendait le succès d’autant plus incertain que les contraintes institutionnelles internes qui pesaient sur des pays leaders, comme les États-Unis, se durcissaient. Dans ces conditions, les principes de négociation comme l’engagement unique ou la règle du consensus se sont révélés trop exigeants. L’article conclut en proposant certaines pistes susceptibles d’améliorer les règles de cette négociation.
Power in International Negotiations: Symmetry and Asymmetry
Authors: Pfetsch Frank R.
Published: February 2012

Résumé Cette contribution analyse le processus de négociation avec de nombreux exemples illustratifs tirés de négociations internationales. Mon but est de montrer comment les relations de pouvoir sous-jacentes changent de forme pendant le processus de négociation. Cinq types de symétrie/asymétrie des relations de pouvoir sont proposés. Alors qu’au début des négociations internationales, les effets de symétrie/ asymétrie concernent le potentiel national sur lequel chaque partenaire de négociation peut compter, c’est pendant les négociations que ces effets sont transformés en une variable de processus qui dépend elle-même des moyens adéquats employés. Au stade final, les termes font référence aux résultats comme valeur comparative. En cas où un médiateur intervient, une quatrième forme concerne l’équidistance entre le médiateur et les parties en conflit. On peut supposer que de plus les relations deviennent symétriques plus ont-elles la tendance à aller vers un résultat durable. Ce modèle ne décrit pas un processus par étapes mais des configurations que l’on peut retrouver à tout moment.
Mémoire traumatique et expérience brésilienne
Authors: Wainberg Jacques A.
Published: February 2012

Résumé Ce texte porte sur la nature de la mémoire traumatique et sur l’affrontement médiatique existant aujourd’hui au Brésil pour le contrôle de l’imaginaire social à propos de la signification des faits relatifs à la période du régime militaire. Plus précisément, il s’agit d’évaluer la relation existant entre le discours des médias et la fixation de la mémoire collective.
Cuando las personas obesas son más pacientes que las personas no obesas. Un estudio post-quirúrgico de individuos en una asociación de pérdida de peso
Authors: Budría Santiago , Lacomba Juan A. , Lagos Francisco , Swedberg Pablo
Published: February 2012

El objetivo principal de este artículo es investigar las tasas de descuento temporal entre los individuos obesos tratados quirúrgicamente y que pertenecen a una asociación de personas interesadas en controlar su peso. también se analiza si el nivel socio-económico y los rasgos de la personalidad explican las diferencias existentes. las tasas de descuento diferido se obtuvieron utilizando los incentivos monetarios reales en un experimento económico donde a los sujetos se les pide elegir entre una menor y más inmediata recompensa o una recompensa mayor diferida. los rasgos de personalidad son examinados usando el modelo de cinco factores. Curiosamente, nuestros resultados muestran que las personas obesas muestran tasa de descuento menores al grupo de referencia. estas diferencias no pueden explicarse por los rasgos de personalidad. Nosotros sostenemos que la gente obesa no debería mostrar mayores tasas de descuento. De hecho, la conciencia y el compromiso, en lugar de su actual índice de masa corporal, parecen jugar un papel más importante en la determinación de este parámetro.
Strategies for Improving Patient Safety: Linking Task Type to Error Type
Authors: Mattox Elizabeth Andersson
Published: February 2012

This article reviews the connection between task type (skill based, rule based and knowledge based) and human error. Using real-life examples, each task type and error type is described in detail. Understanding how task type contributes to medical error enhances the ability of nurses to make meaningful changes in health care systems. Through error wisdom, nurses and other health care providers can more successfully navigate health care delivery and ultimately provide safer care to patients.
Intra-abdominal Hypertension and Abdominal Compartment Syndrome
Authors: Lee Rosemary Koehl
Published: February 2012

Intra-abdominal hypertension has a prevalence of at least 50% in the critically ill population and has been identified as an independent risk factor for death. Yet, many of the members of the critical care team do not assess for intra-abdominal hypertension and are unaware of the consequences of untreated intra-abdominal hypertension. These consequences can be abdominal compartment syndrome, multisystem organ failure, and death. This article provides an overview of the pathophysiology of intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome. In addition, the evidence-based definitions, guidelines, and recommendations of the World Society of the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome are presented.
Kosmiese mag in Pseudo-Aristoteles, De mundo, en die Nuwe Testament
Authors: Thom Johan C.
Published: February 2012

Cosmic power in Pseudo-Aristotle, De mundo, and the New Testament. In order to locate the cosmological views underlying the writings of Paul and other New Testament (NT) authors within their historical contexts it is necessary to compare them with other contemporary worldviews, such as those expressed in philosophical writings of the period. New Testament research has thus far concentrated on the most popular and influential philosophical traditions of NT times, that is, Stoicism and Middle Platonism. Other philosophical traditions may however also offer valuable insights. In this article I suggested that the De mundo attributed to Aristotle but probably dating from the 1st century BCE or CE provides early evidence for a splitting up of the demiurgic function of God in order to preserve God’s transcendence. I furthermore argued that a similar division of divine functions is also evident in some NT texts, for example, John 1, Colossians 1, and Hebrews 1. This notion is explored using Colossians 1 as example.
How to write an article: Preparing a publishable manuscript!
Authors: Shidham Vinod B. , Pitman Martha B. , DeMay Richard M.
Published: February 2012

Most of the scientific work presented as abstracts (platforms and posters) at various conferences have the potential to be published as articles in peer-reviewed journals. This DIY (Do It Yourself) article on how to achieve that goal is an extension of the symposium presented at the 36th European Congress of Cytology, Istanbul, Turkey (presentation available on net at http://alturl.com/q6bfp). The criteria for manuscript authorship should be based on the ICMJE (International Committee of Medical Journal Editors) Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts. The next step is to choose the appropriate journal to submit the manuscript and review the ‘Instructions to the authors’ for that journal. Although initially it may appear to be an insurmountable task, diligent organizational discipline with a little patience and perseverance with input from mentors should lead to the preparation of a nearly perfect publishable manuscript even by a novice. Ultimately, the published article is an excellent track record of academic productivity with contribution to the general public good by encouraging the exchange of experience and innovation. It is a highly rewarding conduit to the personal success and growth leading to the collective achievement of continued scientific progress. Recent emergences of journals and publishers offering the platform and opportunity to publish under an open access charter provides the opportunity for authors to protect their copyright from being lost to conventional publishers. Publishing your work on this open platform is the most rewarding mission and is the recommended option in the current modern era.

[This open access article can be linked (copy-paste link from HTML version of this article) or reproduced FREELY if original reference details are prominently identifiable].
Rosuvastatin: A Review of the Pharmacology and Clinical Effectiveness in Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Luvai Ahai , Mbagaya Wycliffe , Hall Alistair S. , Barth Julian H.
Published: February 2012

Rosuvastatin is a new generation HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor which exhibits some unique pharmacologic and pharmacokinetic properties. It has low extrahepatic tissue penetration, low potential for CYP3A4 interactions and substantial LDL-C lowering capacity and therefore has distinct advantages. We conducted a Medline literature search to identify rosuvastatin papers published in English. In this review, we outline the pharmacology of rosuvastatin, highlighting its efficacy and safety. We also review the major clinical trials with reference to primary and secondary prevention, familial hypercholesterolaemia and comparison with other statins. Finally we address its place in clinical practice.
Understanding interprofessional communication: a content analysis of email communications between doctors and nurses
Authors: Smith C. N. C. , Quan S. D. , Morra D. , Rossos P. G. , Khatibi H. , Lo V. , Wong H. , Wu R. C.
Published: February 2012

Background: Clinical communication is recognized as a major source of errors in hospitals. The lack of documentation of communication, especially among verbal interactions, often creates hindrances and impedes improvement efforts. By providing smartphones to residents and encouraging nurses to communicate with residents by email shifted much of the communication to emails which permitted analysis of content.

Objective: Description on the interprofessional email communication between doctors and nurses occurring on the general internal medicine wards at two academic hospitals.

Design: A prospective analysis of email communications between doctors and nurses.

Setting: 34 out of the 67 residents who were on the general medicine clinical teaching units consented to allow analysis of their emails over a 6 month period.

Main measures: Statistical tabulations were performed on the volume and frequency of communications as well the response time of messages. Two physicians coded the content of randomly selected emails for urgency, emotion, language, type of interaction, and subject content.

Key results: A total of 13,717 emails were available for analysis. Among the emails from nurses, 39.1% were requests for a call back, 18.9% were requests for a response by email and the remaining 42.0% indicated no response was required from physicians. For the messages requesting a response by email, only 50% received an email response. Email responses had a median response time of 2.3 minutes. Content analysis revealed that messages were predominantly non-urgent. The two most frequent purposes for communications were to convey information (91%) and to request action by the physician (36%).

Conclusions: A smartphone-based email system facilitated the description and content analysis of a large amount of email communication between physicians and nurses. Our findings provide a picture of the communication between physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals. This work may help inform the further development of information and communications technology that can improve clinical communication.
A simple relationship between cloud drop number concentration and precursor aerosol concentration for the regions of Earth's large marine stratocumulus decks
Authors: Hegg D. A. , Covert D. S. , Jonsson H. H. , Woods R. K.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. Aircraft–based measurements of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN), accumulation mode and Aitken mode number concentrations, cloud drop number concentration (CDNC), and selected ancillary measurements are presented for the three large, semi-permanent marine stratocumulus decks of the earth (in the Pacific offshore of California and Chile and in the Atlantic offshore of Namibia). Based on these data, a simple linear relationship between CDNC and the accumulation mode number concentration (AMNC) is derived via regression. The slope of the regression is 0.72 ± 0.04 with an R2 of 0.90, higher than those found for CDNC-CCN linear regressions. Explanations of the relatively favorable CDNC-AMNC relationship and its utility for climate studies are discussed.
Tolerancia dividida en équidos: importancia en el equilibrio inmunitario de la interfase materno-fetal
Authors: Ivascu A.M. , Cutuli de Simón T.
Published: February 2012

La gestación induce un estado de tolerancia dividida. En esta situación la hembra gestante, aunque es capaz de inducir respuesta inmunológica frente los antígenos fetales, es tolerante a esos mismos antígenos en el útero grávido. El útero grávido es un “sitio inmunológicamente privilegiado” en el que existe una barrera física más o menos inaccesible para el sistema inmunitario materno y una inmunomodulación maternal en la interfase, fundamentales para el establecimiento del equilibrio inmunitario que asegure la supervivencia del feto en dicho ambiente. En este trabajo resaltaremos la aportación del équido en la comprensión de los mecanismos del equilibrio inmunitario en la gestación, ya que es el ejemplo más claro de tolerancia dividida. Se analiza tanto el tipo de placenta epiteliocorial equina y su paralelismo con la humana, como la inmunomodulación existente en la interfase en la que intervienen: hormonas secretadas por células del endometrio materno y del trofoblasto fetal; citoquinas adecuadas para el establecimiento de un microambiente tolerante; células presentadoras de antígeno con comportamiento diferente al usual y por último, la inhibición e inducción de apoptosis en linfocitos T; así como la importante presencia de linfocitos T reguladores TregFoxP3+.
A Comparative Analysis of Mast Cell Quantification in Five Common Dermatoses: Lichen Simplex Chronicus, Psoriasis, Lichen Planus, Lupus, and Insect Bite/Allergic Contact Dermatitis/Nummular Dermatitis
Authors: Patel Nikhil , Mohammadi Amir , Rhatigan Ronald
Published: February 2012

There is a large body of literature demonstrating an important role of mast cells in adaptive and innate immunity. The distribution of mast cells in the skin varies in different parts of the body. It is well known that mast cells are important for effector functions of classic IgE-associated allergic disorders as well as in host defense against infective agents and influence the manifestation of autoimmune diseases. We aimed to quantify mast cells in five common dermatoses and compare them statistically with respect to the immunostains. We retrieved paraffin-embedded tissue sections from the archives of the Pathology Department at the UF, Jacksonville, for five cases with each of the above diagnosis from the last three years. We performed CD-117 and tolidine blue stains on each one of them. The presence or absence of mast cells was evaluated and quantified. We observed that, in the skin, mast cells are mainly located close to the vessels, smooth muscle cells, hair follicles, and nerve ending. Our study showed that the mast cell distribution pattern is different across the two methods of staining for the five aforesaid dermatoses. The other important observation was the dendritic morphology of the mast cells.
CdSe/ZnS Core-Shell System Enhance the Efficiency of the White Light Generation
Authors: Suhail Abdulla M. , Kadim Akeel Mehdi , Ibrahim Omar A. , Murad Hind I.
Published: February 2012

The synthesis techniques of highly luminescent CdSe/ZnS core-shell composite nanocrystals are reported. The color-conversion, incorporating the photoluminescence emission of CdSe/ZnS core-shell nanocrystals in blue λ=350 nm and green λ=520 nm on near UV-InGaN/GaN LED λ=365 nm, was studied. The generated white light resulting from color-mixing of the emitted wavelengths of  the core-shell composite and that of the near UV emission from the LED was analyzed depending upon the chromaticity coordinates. The X-ray diffraction pattern was used to study the CdSe/ZnS core-shell structure and the nanocrystal size formation. The absorption and photoluminescence spectra of the composite core-shell were investigated. The Gaussian fit was applied to the fluorescence spectrum of the CdSe/ZnS core-shell in order to determine the chromaticity coordinates of the output white light emitted on the chromaticity diagram.
Redox Power Changes of Caramels and Sugar Reductones in Beer
Authors: Savel Jan , Kosin Petr , Broz Adam
Published: February 2012

Aerated or nitrogenated solutions of various sugars (10 % w/w) in deionized water, brewing water or phosphate buffers with dichlorophenolindophenol (DCIP) addition (10 mg/l) were heated 45 min at 60 °C and absorbance at 520 nm (?max of DCIP at pH 4.6) and 610 nm (?max of DCIP at pH >6) was measured. Reduction power of the solutions increased with the absence of oxygen, increasing pH value and the kind of sugar (FRU>LAC,MAL,GLU>SUC). Aerated solutions of various sugars were also autoclaved (10 min at 121 °C) and the absorbance at 420 nm was measured. The color of caramels from sugars was dependent on the kind of sugar (FRU> LAC,MAL,GLU>SUC), and it increased with increasing pH value. The formation of caramel pigments from ascorbic acid or maltose by oxidation with potassium peroxodisulfate or hydrogen peroxide was also compared. The formation of colored pigments is considered to be the mark of irreversible aging of food.
Comparative Study of Antioxidant Activity between Basic and Convenience Foods
Authors: Ioannou Irina , Hyardin Aude , Charbonnel Céline , Ghoul Mohamed
Published: February 2012

The behaviour of the antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and the total phenol content (TPC) of basic foods and convenience foods were analysed along the different steps of food preparation. The major loss of TEAC happens during the processing of convenience foods. A database has been constituted on the TEAC and the TPC of basic and convenience foods, commonly consumed by the French population. It showed that the addition of ingredients with high antioxidant activity to a complex preparation contributes to an increase in the total antioxidant capacity, but not in a proportional way. Differences between expected and measured values are 31 % for two ingredients and 14 % for three ingredients. For the TPC, the increase corresponds to the sum of the TPC of the ingredients. It also showed that microwave reheating and food storage, in most cases, did not lead to variations on TEAC and TPC of convenience foods.
Impact of Instant Controlled Pressure Drop (DIC) Treatment on Drying Kinetics and Caffeine Extraction from Green Coffee Beans
Authors: Kamal I. , Gelicus A. , Allaf K.
Published: February 2012

The present work is directed towards the impacts of Détente InstantanéeContrôléeDIC (French, for instant controlled pressure-drop) in terms of decaffeination and drying of Ethiopian green coffee beans (GCBs).DICconsisted in subjecting the product to a high-pressure saturated steam during some seconds and ended with an abrupt pressure drop towards a vacuum. A conventional aqueous extraction and a hot air-drying took place after DIC treatment. Inthis study, Response Surface Method (RSM) was used withDIC saturated steam pressure P, thermal treatment time t, and initial moisture content W asthe independent variables. Both direct DICextract recovered from the vacuum tank and the aqueous extracts wereanalyzed and quantified using the reversed phase-HPLC. With decaffeination ratiosas dependent variables, P and Wwere the most significant operating parameters; whilet was much weaker.Total decaffeination ratio could reach 99.5% after DIC treatment at specificconditions of W=11.00% db, P=0.1 MPa, and t=35swhile it was only 58% when achieved with untreated raw material.
 The effective diffusivity  and the starting accessibility  were calculated from the diffusion/surface interaction kinetic model of hotair drying after DIC treatment. They dramatically increased with P and t while W had a weak impact.Thus, at the optimized DICconditions, and  increased from 0.33 to 12.60 10-10m² s-1and from 0.75 to 11.53 g/100 g db, respectively. Drying time needed to reach 5% db became 60 min instead of 528 min for untreated raw material.
RSM analysis showed that the DIC saturated steam pressure P and the initial moisture content W were the most significant variables both affecting the decaffeination ratio; the impact of the total thermal processing time t was much weaker. Total decaffeination ratio could reach 99.5% after DIC treatment at specific conditions of W=11.00% db, P=0.1 MPa, and t=35 s while it was only 58% when achieved with untreated raw material.

Using diffusion/surface interaction model of hot-air drying kinetics just after DIC treatment, we could observe that DIC expansion dramatically improved the drying kinetic parameters, with P and t as the most significant DIC operating parameters while the impact of W was much weaker. Thus, the optimized DIC treatment allowed the effective diffusivity  and the starting accessibility to increase from 0.33 10-10 m² s-1 and 0.75 g/100 g db to 12.60 10-10 m² s-1 and 11.53 g/100 g db, respectively. Drying time needed to reach 5% db became 60 min instead of 528 min for untreated raw material.
Introduction to Membrane Proteins
Authors: Chiu Mark L.
Published: February 2012

Membrane proteins (MPs) mediate important physiological processes for the cell via extracellular and intracellular interactions. To better understand the biochemical and structural bases of these interactions, well‐characterized preparations of purified MPs are required. This introduction reviews common problems encountered in MP preparation.
Elastomeric Origami: Programmable Paper‐Elastomer Composites as Pneumatic Actuators
Authors: Martinez Ramses V. , Fish Carina R. , Chen Xin , Whitesides George M.
Published: February 2012

The development of soft pneumatic actuators based on composites consisting of elastomers with embedded sheet or fiber structures (e.g., paper or fabric) that are flexible but not extensible is described. On pneumatic inflation, these actuators move anisotropically, based on the motions accessible by their composite structures. They are inexpensive, simple to fabricate, light in weight, and easy to actuate. This class of structure is versatile: the same principles of design lead to actuators that respond to pressurization with a wide range of motions (bending, extension, contraction, twisting, and others). Paper, when used to introduce anisotropy into elastomers, can be readily folded into 3D structures following the principles of origami; these folded structures increase the stiffness and anisotropy of the elastomeric actuators, while being light in weight. These soft actuators can manipulate objects with moderate performance; for example, they can lift loads up to 120 times their weight. They can also be combined with other components, for example, electrical components, to increase their functionality.
Control of particle cohesion with a polymer coating and temperature adjustment
Authors: Bouffard J. , Bertrand F. , Chaouki J. , Giasson S.
Published: February 2012

A new approach is presented that introduces interparticle forces induced by a change of temperature at which polymer coated particles are exposed. The particle cohesive flow behavior is shown for two different applications. The first one considers a dense granular flow that is typically observed for wet powder granulation using a modified spheronizer. The other application shows the possibility of mimicking the particle flow behavior observed in high‐temperature fluidized beds with the advantage of being operated at ambient conditions. For the first application, as the temperature increases, significant changes in the particle bed surface morphology were observed and an important reduction of the dynamic density was noticed. For the gas–solid fluidized‐bed application, pressure drop measurements revealed that the behavior of the particles transited from Geldart group B to Geldart group A and even Geldart group C as the temperature increased. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012
Psychometric properties and differential explanation of a short measure of effort–reward imbalance at work: A study of industrial workers in Germany
Authors: Li Jian , Loerbroks Adrian , Jarczok Marc N. , Schöllgen Ina , Bosch Jos A. , Mauss Daniel , Siegrist Johannes , Fischer Joachim E.
Published: February 2012

Background

We test the psychometric properties of a short version of the Effort–Reward Imbalance (ERI) questionnaire in addition to testing an interaction term of this model's main components on health functioning.

Methods

A self‐administered survey was conducted in a sample of 2,738 industrial workers (77% men with mean age 41.6 years) from a large manufacturing company in Southern Germany. The internal consistency reliability, structural validity, and criterion validity were analyzed.

Results

Satisfactory internal consistencies of the three scales: “Effort”, “reward”, and “overcommitment”, were obtained (Cronbach's alpha coefficients 0.77, 0.82, and 0.83, respectively). Confirmatory factor analysis showed a good model fit of the data with the theoretical structure (AGFI = 0.94, RMSEA = 0.060). Evidence of criterion validity was demonstrated. Importantly, a significant synergistic interaction effect of ERI and overcommitment on poor mental health functioning was observed (odds ratio 6.74 (95% CI 5.32–8.52); synergy index 1.78 (95% CI 1.25–2.55)).

Conclusions

This short version of the ERI questionnaire is a reliable and valid tool for epidemiological research on occupational health. Am. J. Ind. Med. 55:808–815, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Carotid plaque inflammation on 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography predicts early stroke recurrence
Authors: Marnane Michael , Merwick Aine , Sheehan Orla C. , Hannon Niamh , Foran Paul , Grant Tim , Dolan Eamon , Moroney Joan , Murphy Sean , O'Rourke Killian , O'Malley Kevin , O'Donohoe Martin , McDonnell Ciaran , Noone Imelda , Barry Mary , Crowe Morgan , Kavanagh Eoin , O'Connell Martin , Kelly Peter J.
Published: February 2012

Objective:

Symptomatic carotid stenosis is associated with a 3‐fold risk of early stroke recurrence compared to other stroke subtypes. Current carotid imaging techniques rely on estimating plaque‐related lumen narrowing but do not evaluate intraplaque inflammation, a key mediator of plaque rupture and thromboembolism. Using combined 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron‐emission tomography (FDG‐PET)/computed tomography, we investigated the relation between inflammation‐related FDG uptake and stroke recurrence.

Methods:

Consecutive patients with a recent (median, 6.5 days; interquartile range, 4–8) stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), or retinal embolism and ipsilateral carotid stenosis (≥50%) were included. FDG uptake was quantified as mean standardized uptake values (SUVs, g/ml). Patients were followed prospectively for stroke recurrence.

Results:

Sixty patients were included (25 stroke, 29 TIA, 6 retinal embolism). Twenty‐two percent (13 of 60) had stroke recurrence within 90 days. FDG uptake in ipsilateral carotid plaque was greater in patients with early recurrent stroke (mean SUV, 1.85g/ml; standard deviation [SD], 0.44 vs 1.58g/ml; SD, 0.32, p = 0.02). On life‐table analysis, 90‐day recurrence rates with mean SUV greater than a 2.14g/ml threshold were 80% (95% confidence interval [CI], 41.8–99.2) versus 22.9% (95% CI, 12.3–40.3) with SUV ≤2.14g/ml (log‐rank, p < 0.0001). In a Cox regression model including age and degree of stenosis (50–69% or ≥70%), mean plaque FDG uptake was the only independent predictor of stroke recurrence (adjusted hazard ratio, 6.1; 95% CI, 1.3–28.8; p = 0.02).

Interpretation:

In recently symptomatic carotid stenosis, inflammation‐related FDG uptake was associated with early stroke recurrence, independent of the degree of stenosis. Plaque FDG‐PET may identify patients at highest risk for stroke recurrence, who may be selected for immediate revascularization or intensive medical treatment. ANN NEUROL 2012
Polymer‐BaTiO3 composites: Dielectric constant and vapor sensing properties in chemocapacitor applications
Authors: Manoli Kyriaki , Oikonomou Petros , Valamontes Evangelos , Raptis Ioannis , Sanopoulou Merope
Published: January 2012

In this work, composite materials, prepared by inclusion of various amounts of BaTiO3 nanoparticles in PBMA and PHEMA polymer matrices, were characterized in respect to their dielectric properties and then used as the sensing layer of capacitive‐type sensors. BaTiO3 was found to be less effective in enhancing the permittivity of PHEMA, as compared to PBMA, in the range of 1 kHz–1 MHz, possibly due to the observed lower quality of dispersion in the polymer matrix and the higher polarity of the polymer in the former case. The response of the composite‐based chemocapacitors to four vapor analytes, covering a wide range of dielectric constants, was studied in relation to the BaTiO3 load. In all cases, with increasing amount of BaTiO3 load, the absolute value of capacitance response was increased, due to the corresponding increase of the initial capacitance of the sensing composite layer. However, the corresponding normalized (to the initial capacitance of the sensing composite layer) capacitance values were reduced, due to the decreased volume fraction of the sorbing polymer material in the composite matrix. An exception to this trend, observed upon exposure of the PBMA/BaTiO3 chemocapacitors to low humidity levels, is also presented and discussed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012