bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of Muscle Fiber Type Are Predictive of Skeletal Muscle Mass and Strength in Elderly Men
Authors: Verdijk Lex B. , Snijders Tim , Beelen Milou , Savelberg Hans H.C.M. , Meijer Kenneth , Kuipers Harm , van Loon Luc J.C.
Published: November 2010

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between skeletal muscle fiber type‐specific characteristics, circulating hormone concentrations, and skeletal muscle mass and strength in older men.

DESIGN: Cross‐sectional analyses.

SETTING: University research center.

PARTICIPANTS: Forty‐one community dwelling elderly men (≥65).

MEASUREMENTS: Leg strength (1‐repetition maximum, 1RM) and whole‐body and limb muscle mass were determined, and muscle fiber type composition, cross‐sectional area (CSA), myonuclear content, and satellite cell (SC) content were assessed in skeletal muscle biopsy samples. In addition, blood samples were collected to determine serum testosterone, sex hormone–binding globulin, insulinlike growth factor (IGF)‐1, and IGF binding protein‐3 concentrations.

RESULTS: Muscle mass correlated with muscle strength (0.41 ≤ correlation coefficient (r)≤0.72; P<.01). Muscle fiber CSA, myonuclear content, and SC content were significantly lower in type II than in type I muscle fibers. Myonuclear and SC content were positively correlated with muscle fiber CSA. Furthermore, greater muscle fiber CSA (type I and II) was associated with greater thigh muscle area and muscle strength (0.30 ≤ r ≤ 0.45; P<.05). Testosterone concentration was positively correlated with muscle mass and muscle fiber CSA. Regression analysis showed that SC content, myonuclear content, and testosterone concentration are predictive of muscle fiber CSA. Furthermore, muscle mass and type II muscle fiber CSA are predictive of muscle strength.

CONCLUSION: Skeletal muscle mass and strength in elderly men are positively correlated with muscle fiber type–specific CSA, myonuclear content, and SC content. These findings support the assumption that a decline in SC content plays an important role in age‐related decline in muscle mass and strength.
OPTIMIZATION OF ANGIOTENSIN I‐CONVERTING ENZYME INHIBITORY PEPTIDE PRODUCTION BY RIBBONFISH (TRICHIURUS HAUMELA) BACKBONE HYDROLYSIS USING RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY
Authors: WANG JIN‐LING , HE GUO‐QING , CHEN QI‐HE , FENG FENG‐QIN , YU GUANG‐JIAN , SHOEMAKER CHARLES F.
Published: November 2010

The effect of an acid protease hydrolysis on protein from ribbonfish backbone to produce peptides with angiotensin I‐converting enzyme inhibitory activity (ACEIP) was studied and optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). To optimize the hydrolysis reaction, a three‐step design was used which included fractional factorial design, steepest ascent design and central composite design (CCD). The results showed that the optimal conditions of ribbonfish backbone protein hydrolysis to produce ACEIP were: pH of 2.67, temperature of 45C, enzyme to substrate ratio of 1/150 (g/g protein), substrate to water ratio of 1:4.38 (g/mL) and hydrolysis time period of 7.0 h. With these conditions, the hydrolyzate concentration (mg/mL) that inhibited 50% angiotensin I‐converting enzyme activity (ACEIC50) was 1.054 ± 0.016 mg/mL, which compared well with the predicted value (1.050 mg/mL) by RSM model.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Ribbonfish is one of the principle catches from the China Sea. It is processed into various fish products in many factories in the China coastal areas. However, significant amounts of the ribbonfish backbone (12% protein, wet weight) are by‐products or waste from the processing, which are not fully utilized. It is often used as animal feedstuff. This study presents a use of the ribbonfish backbone to produce bioactive peptides with angiotensin I‐converting enzyme inhibitory activity, through optimizing an acid protease hydrolysis on protein from ribbonfish backbone using response surface methodology.
MICROSTRUCTURAL CHARACTERIZATION OF DEEP‐FAT FRIED BREADED CHICKEN NUGGETS USING X‐RAY MICRO‐COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY
Authors: ADEDEJI AKINBODE A. , NGADI MICHAEL O.
Published: November 2010

X‐ray micro‐computed tomography imaging technique was applied to study microstructural characteristics of deep‐fat fried chicken nuggets. The results obtained showed a significant (P < 0.05) influence of frying conditions on microstructural properties of the deep‐fat fried breaded chicken nuggets. The porosity of the breading coating increased while that of the core remained relatively unchanged with frying time. The number of pores also increased with frying. The chicken nuggets coating and core pores showed a decreased interconnectivity after frying. The shapes of the samples' pores were between rod‐like and spherical structure. The pore size distribution for the coating and the core parts showed an increase in pores with diameter <100 µm in terms of volume and number count. Some correlations were observed between the sample's (coating and core) porosity and frying time, fat content and moisture loss.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Microstructural properties are critical in food quality assessment, product development and process optimization. The use of X‐ray micro‐computed tomography for food microstructural evaluation is relatively new and recent studies have shown that the technique has the potential to elucidate microstructural properties of food with greater details and resolution than some other imaging techniques such as microscopy. It gives images in 3‐D for better quantitative assessment, involves minimal sample preparation and allows scanning under native environment. This technique was used to study the microstructural properties of breading coating and chicken core parts of deep‐fat fried breaded chicken nuggets to obtain microstructural parameters that are useful in quality assessment and process modeling.
Real‐Time Analysis of Small Volume Samples with Micro Ion‐Selective Electrodes
Authors: Timms Wendy A. , Hendry M. Jim
Published: November 2010

Microelectrode and micro ion‐selective electrode (ISE) technologies were applied to obtain real‐time analysis of pH, Eh, and major ions (Cl−, Na+, Ca2+ and K+) in pore water samples. The precision and accuracy of micro ISEs were significantly improved by standardizing the solution matrix, accounting for electrode drift and implementing an iterative calibration procedure with analyses of selected samples by conventional techniques. Reliable results were obtained for a chemically complex pore water effluent which ranged in concentration from < 5 to 500 mmol/L. Although labor intensive, this procedure enabled real‐time analysis of samples from a column test of very low permeability clay‐rich till, which produced effluent sample volumes of only 0.2 to 0.5 mL/d.
Adherent Properties and Macrophage Activation Ability of 3 Strains of Lactic Acid Bacteria
Authors: Lin Wen‐Hsin , Wu Chi‐Rei , Fang Tony J. , Lee Meng‐Shiou , Lin Kai‐Li , Chen Hsin‐Chun , Huang Shi‐Ying , Hseu You‐Cheng
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) must possess probiotic properties in order to be beneficial to humans and animals. The adherent properties, the acid and bile tolerance as well as the macrophage activation ability of isolated LAB strains were investigated in this study. The adhesion was analyzed following heat, acid, trypsin, and sodium periodate treatments. Production of the cytokine tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) by RAW 264.7 macrophages was also measured after stimulation with heat‐killed LAB strains. The viable strains of Lactobacillus fermentum AF7, L. acidophilus GG5, and L. plantarum BB9 were able to tightly adhere to the intestinal Caco‐2 cells. In addition, the GG5 strain was not affected by heating, acid, trypsin, or sodium periodate treatment. However, the adhesion of strains AF7 and BB9 was reduced significantly by heating and trypsin treatment. This result suggested the GG5 and AF7 or BB9 strains had different cell‐surface adherent factors. TNF‐α production by the RAW 264.7 macrophages was induced significantly following stimulation with heat‐killed LAB at 108 CFU/mL in a dose‐dependent fashion. In addition, macrophage activity was similar whether the treatment consisted of live probiotics, or probiotics treated with heat, acid, or trypsin. However, the activity was reduced after treating with sonication. These in vitro results showed that the LAB studied possess probiotic characteristics, such as acid or bile tolerance, adherent capability, and immune activation, and may suggest that these LAB strains retain their probiotic activity as they pass through the gastrointestinal tract.
On the Formulation Design and Rheological Evaluations of Pectin‐Based Functional Gels
Authors: Haghighi Maryam , Rezaei Karamatollah , Labbafi Mohsen , Khodaiyan Faramarz
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  In the current study, formulation design and development of a novel pectin‐based functional gel were investigated. Amidated low methoxyl pectin (ALMP), high methoxyl pectin (HMP), sorbitol, inulin, rebaudioside‐A, gardenia, phloridzin, quercetin, apple flavor, and calcium chloride (as its dihydrated salt) were selected as general ingredients. Response surface methodology was applied to design different formulations and to investigate on their experimental responses. The oscillatory tests were carried out in 2 stages with ALMP, HMP, sorbitol, and inulin as the variables of the 1st stage and ALMP and calcium chloride as the variables of the 2nd stage. Results of the 1st stage indicated relatively similar behaviors throughout the frequency range applied for all of the samples studied (true gels). However, magnitudes of the 5 rheological parameters of this study (storage modulus, loss modulus, loss tangent, complex modulus, and complex viscosity) were affected by different variables (ALMP, HMP, inulin, and sorbitol concentrations). Experimental results confirmed that sorbitol could be omitted from the formula while inulin and HMP could be used at their highest levels studied. At the 2nd stage, only 2 formulas indicated a strong gel behavior and other formulas showed typical behaviors of weaker gels or those of the concentrated solutions. At the conclusion of this study, a finished gelled product formula was suggested with the application of the best levels of the ingredients. The resultant gel was found to be set rapidly with no syneresis and showed a potential to be considered as a functional gelled dessert.
Incorporation of Mg and Ca into Nanostructured Fe2O3 Improves Fe Solubility in Dilute Acid and Sensory Characteristics in Foods
Authors: Hilty Florentine M. , Knijnenburg Jesper T.N. , Teleki Alexandra , Krumeich Frank , Hurrell Richard F. , Pratsinis Sotiris E. , Zimmermann Michael B.
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  Iron deficiency is one of the most common micronutrient deficiencies worldwide. Food fortification can be an effective and sustainable strategy to reduce Fe deficiency but selection of iron fortificants remains a challenge. Water‐soluble compounds, for example, FeSO4, usually demonstrate high bioavailability but they often cause unacceptable sensory changes in foods. On the other hand, poorly acid‐soluble Fe compounds, for example FePO4, may cause fewer adverse sensory changes in foods but are usually not well bioavailable since they need to be dissolved in the stomach prior to absorption. The solubility and the bioavailability of poorly acid‐soluble Fe compounds can be improved by decreasing their primary particle size and thereby increasing their specific surface area. Here, Fe oxide‐based nanostructured compounds with added Mg or Ca were produced by scalable flame aerosol technology. The compounds were characterized by nitrogen adsorption, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and Fe solubility in dilute acid. Sensory properties of the Fe‐based compounds were tested in 2 highly reactive, polyphenol‐rich food matrices: chocolate milk and fruit yoghurt. The Fe solubility of nanostructured Fe2O3 doped with Mg or Ca was higher than that of pure Fe2O3. Since good solubility in dilute acid was obtained despite the inhomogeneity of the powders, inexpensive precursors, for example Fe‐ and Ca‐nitrates, can be used for their manufacture. Adding Mg or Ca lightened powder color, while sensory changes when added to foods were less pronounced than for FeSO4. The combination of high Fe solubility and low reactivity in foods makes these flame‐made nanostructured compounds promising for food fortification.

Practical Application:  The nanostructured iron‐containing compounds presented here may prove useful for iron fortification of certain foods; they are highly soluble in dilute acid and likely to be well absorbed in the gut but cause less severe color changes than FeSO4 when added to difficult‐to‐fortify foods.
Physician Characteristics as Predictors of Blood Pressure Control in Patients Enrolled in the Hypertension Improvement Project (HIP)
Authors: Corsino Leonor , Yancy William S. , Samsa Gregory P. , Dolor Rowena J. , Pollak Kathryn I. , Lin Pao‐Hwa , Svetkey Laura P.
Published: November 2010

The authors sought to examine the relationship between physician characteristics and patient blood pressure (BP) in participants enrolled in the Hypertension Improvement Project (HIP). In this cross‐sectional study using baseline data of HIP participants, the authors used multiple linear regression to examine how patient BP was related to physician characteristics, including experience, practice patterns, and clinic load. Patients had significantly lower systolic BP (SBP) (−0.2 mm Hg for every 1% increase, P=.008) and diastolic BP (DBP) (−0.1 mm Hg for every 1% increase, P=.0007) when seen by physicians with a higher percentage of patients with hypertension. Patients had significantly higher SBP (0.8 mm Hg for every 1% increase, P=.002) when seen by physicians with a higher number of total clinic visits per day. Patients had significantly lower DBP (−4.4 mm Hg decrease, P=.0002) when seen by physicians with inpatient duties. Physician’s volume of patients with hypertension was related to better BP control. However, two indicators of a busy practice had conflicting relationships with BP control. Given the increasing time demands on physicians, future research should examine how physicians with a busy practice are able to successfully address BP in their patients. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2011;13:106–111. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Homeopathy and medical ethics
Authors: Shaw David
Published: November 2010

This paper examines homeopathy from the perspective of medical ethics. It emerges that homeopathic practice is likely to breach basic tenets of medical ethics, even if homeopathic practitioners are well‐intentioned.
Boundary Control of Temperature Distribution in a Rectangular Functionally Graded Material Plate
Authors: Rastgoftar Hossein , Eghtesad Mohammad , Khayatian Alireza
Published: November 2010

In this paper, an analytical method and a partial differential equation based solution to control temperature distribution for functionally graded (FG) plates is introduced. For the rectangular FG plate under consideration, it is assumed that the material properties such as thermal conductivity, density, and specific heat capacity vary in the width direction, and the governing heat conduction equation of the plate is a second-order partial differential equation. Using Lyapunov’s theorem, it is shown that by applying controlled heat flux through the boundary of the domain, the temperature distribution of the plate will approach a desired steady-state distribution. Numerical simulation is provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method such that by applying the boundary transient heat flux, in-domain distributed temperature converges to its desired steady-state temperature.
Laminar Heat and Mass Transfer in Rotating Cone-and-Plate Devices
Authors: Shevchuk I. V.
Published: November 2010

The convective diffusion of feeding culture and the effect of fluid shear stress on endothelial cells are frequently investigated in cone-and-plate devices. Laminar fluid flow and heat and mass transfer in a cone-and-plate device, with cone apex touching the plate/disk, were simulated. The disk-to-cone gap made 1–5 deg. Transport equations were reduced to a system of self-similar ordinary differential equations solved numerically. Cases studied were a rotating cone and a stationary plate, and vice versa. The cone was isothermal, while the disk temperature followed a power-law radial distribution; boundary concentrations were constant. Prandtl and Schmidt numbers varied from 0.1 to 800. Temperature/diffusion profiles in the gap and Nusselt and Sherwood numbers exhibit different regimes of heat/mass transfer, depending on the disk surface temperature distribution.
Waste Utilization and Biodiesel Production by the Green Microalga
Scenedesmus obliquus
Authors: Mandal Shovon , Mallick Nirupama
Published: November 2010

Scenedesmus obliquus
was cultivated in three types of waste discharges to couple waste treatment with biodiesel production. The lipid pool accumulation was boosted to 1.0 g liter
−1
against 0.1 g liter
−1
for the control. The waste-grown
S. obliquus
showed an increase in the content of the saturated fatty acid pool, which is desirable for good-quality biodiesel.
Expanded Fermi Solution for Estimating the Survival of Ingested Pathogenic and Probiotic Microbial Cells and Spores
Authors: Peleg Micha , Normand Mark D. , Horowitz Joseph , Corradini Maria G.
Published: November 2010

The expanded Fermi solution was originally developed for estimating the number of food-poisoning victims when information concerning the circumstances of exposure is scarce. The method has been modified for estimating the initial number of pathogenic or probiotic cells or spores so that enough of them will survive the food preparation and digestive tract's obstacles to reach or colonize the gut in sufficient numbers to have an effect. The method is based on identifying the relevant obstacles and assigning each a survival probability range. The assumed number of needed survivors is also specified as a range. The initial number is then estimated to be the ratio of the number of survivors to the product of the survival probabilities. Assuming that the values of the number of survivors and the survival probabilities are uniformly distributed over their respective ranges, the sought initial number is construed as a random variable with a probability distribution whose parameters are explicitly determined by the individual factors' ranges. The distribution of the initial number is often approximately lognormal, and its mode is taken to be the best estimate of the initial number. The distribution also provides a credible interval for this estimated initial number. The best estimate and credible interval are shown to be robust against small perturbations of the ranges and therefore can help assessors achieve consensus where hard knowledge is scant. The calculation procedure has been automated and made freely downloadable as a Wolfram Demonstration.
Reversal of hemoglobin-induced vasoconstriction with sustained release of nitric oxide
Authors: Cabrales Pedro , Han George , Nacharaju Parimala , Friedman Adam J. , Friedman Joel M.
Published: November 2010

Erythrocyte free hemoglobin (Hb) induces vasoconstriction due to nitric oxide (NO) scavenging, limiting the NO available for vascular smooth muscle. The central objective of this study was to restore NO bioavailability using long-lived circulating NO-releasing nanoparticles (NO-np) to reverse the vasoconstriction and hypertension induced by polymerized bovine Hb (PBH) NO scavenging. PBH (13 g/dl) was infused in a volume equal to 10% of the animal blood volume. Intravascular NO supplementation was provided with an infusion of NO-np (10 and 20 mg/kg body wt). This study was performed using the hamster window chamber model to concurrently access systemic and microvascular hemodynamics. Infusion of PBH increased blood pressure and induced vasoconstriction. Treatment with 10 and 20 mg/kg NO-np reduced the blood pressure and vasoconstriction induced by PBH. Moreover, the higher dose of NO-np decreased blood pressure and induced vasodilation compared with baseline, respectively. Treatment with NO-np to decrease PBH-induced vasoconstriction increased methemoglobin levels and plasma nitrite and nitrate. In conclusion, NO-np counteracted both systemic hypertension and decreased the vasoconstrictor effects of PBH infusion, improving systemic and microvascular function. Based on the observed physiological properties, NO-np has clear potential as a therapeutic agent to replenish NO in situations where NO production is impaired, insufficient, or consumed, thereby preventing vascular complications.
Impurity / Danger!
Authors:   Burge
Published: November 2010

Several recent monographs and articles discussing ritual purity in Islam stress the independence of Islamic notions of ritual purity from neighbouring religious traditions and highlight the fact that impurity is considered less 'dangerous' in Islam. In this article, I examine the role of angels in connection with ritual purity and suggest that a number of ahādtth contest the conventional understanding of Islamic ritual law. Impurity, I argue, is much more dangerous than the fuqahāa and many contemporary scholars have suggested.
When the Gold is Gone: Reporting of Asset Retirement Obligations for the Ultimate Cleanup of Closed Mining Operations
Authors: Wilson Paula A. , Zabriskie Fern
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT: Hardrock mining companies contribute positively to the U.S. economy. However, they also cause serious degradation to the surrounding environment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, hardrock mining companies are among the greatest polluters in the United States. Mining companies are responsible for satisfying legal obligations arising under environmental laws that include cleanup and exit costs for all mines shut down. These environmental liabilities are called asset retirement obligations and under FAS No. 143, U.S. mining operators are required to recognize their asset retirement obligations upon acquisition or construction of their mines. In this paper, we examine the financial reporting for asset retirement obligations for gold mining companies. Based on a simple ratio analysis, it appears that top U.S. gold mining operators have sufficient financial resources to meet their future asset retirement obligations. However, when we conducted sensitivity analysis to exclude intangible assets and to adjust the value of the asset retirement obligations, we found that firms are not likely to have sufficient financial resources to meet their obligations. Current financial assurance mechanisms do not consistently and effectively result in firms meeting their asset retirement obligations. As a result, U.S. taxpayers can be left with the costs of cleanup and reclamation.
Navigating the Complex Maze of Ethics CPE
Authors: Rockness Howard O. , Rockness Joanne W.
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT: This paper evaluates the current state of ethics CPE requirements for the CPA profession in the context of the ethics literature in philosophy, business, and accounting and documents the development of state-level ethics requirements for CPAs. It presents a detailed analysis of ethics CPE requirements by state including hours required, frequency required, acceptance of ethics CPE across state lines, and course content. The paper then proposes changes in the content of CPE-required ethics courses consistent with the ethics education literature and to reduce the complexity of meeting multiple state requirements. The recommendations would improve the overall effectiveness of ethics CPE for CPAs.
Asymptotics for Functions Associated with Heat Flow on the Sierpinski Carpet
Authors: Hambly B. M.
Published: November 2010

We establish the asymptotic behaviour of the partition function, the heat content, the integrated eigenvalue counting function, and, for certain points, the on-diagonal heat kernel of generalized Sierpinski carpets. For all these functions the leading term is of the form xγΦ (log x) for a suitable exponent γ and Φ a periodic function. We also discuss similar results for the heat content of affine nested fractals.
Enhancement of Plant and Bacterial Lectin Binding Affinities by Three‐Dimensional Organized Cluster Glycosides Constructed on Helical Poly(phenylacetylene) Backbones
Authors: Otsuka Issei , Blanchard Bertrand , Borsali Redouane , Imberty Anne , Kakuchi Toyoji
Published: November 2010

A series of poly(phenylacetylene)s bearing diverse saccharide pendants—N‐acetyl‐D‐glucosamine, D‐lactose, and N‐acetyl‐D‐neuraminic acid—were synthesized by rhodium‐mediated polymerizations of the corresponding acetyl‐protected glycosylated phenylacetylenes followed by deprotection. The circular dichroism spectra of these glycosylated poly(phenylacetylene)s each displayed split‐type Cotton effects in the long absorption region of the conjugated polymer backbone (260–500 nm), thus indicating predominantly one‐handed helical conformations in their backbones. The binding affinities of these glycosylated poly(phenylacetylene)s, and those of previously reported phenylacetylenes bearing D‐galactose, towards plant and bacterial lectins were investigated by hemagglutination inhibition assay and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). The stoichiometries of binding vary strongly, depending on the lectin binding sites and the accessibilities of the carbohydrate residues in the helices. The measured affinities also vary, with the maximum value observed for the interaction between poly‐PA‐α‐Gal and lectin I from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with a Kd value of 4 μM per monosaccharide representing a 200‐fold increase relative to the corresponding monomer.
Germa‐closo‐dodecaborate: An Ambident and Flexible Coordinating Ligand
Authors: Dimmer Jörg‐Alexander , Wesemann Lars
Published: November 2010

By following a simple one‐pot procedure that starts with FeBr2 and triphos [MeC(CH2PPh2)3] or the dimer [Ru2(μ‐Cl)3(triphos)2]Cl in reaction with the nucleophile [Bu3MeN]2[GeB11H11] in acetonitrile, the zwitterionic acetonitrile adducts [M(GeB11H11)(triphos)(MeCN)2] [M = Fe (1), M = Ru (2)] were isolated in good yield. By means of a facile η1(Ge) to η3(B–H) rearrangement, 1 and 2 can be converted into [M(GeB11H11)(triphos)] [M = Fe (3), M = Ru (4)]. The nucleophilicity of the germanium cluster vertex in the iron derivative 3 is high enough to react with [Mo(CO)5(thf)] to give the bimetallic complex [(triphos)Fe(GeB11H11)(MoCO)5] (5), which contains an ambident coordinating germaborate moiety. The new compounds have been characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and elemental analysis. Soluble complexes were also investigated by 1H, 11B, and 31P NMR spectroscopy in solution. In the case of the insoluble complex 1, solid‐state 31P NMR spectroscopy was carried out.
Enantio‐ and Diastereocontrolled Total Synthesis of (+)‐Strictifolione
Authors: Kumar Pradeep , Pandey Menaka , Gupta Priti , Naidu S. Vasudeva , Dhavale Dilip D.
Published: November 2010

A concise and practical enantioselective synthesis of (+)‐strictifolione has been achieved in high diastereomeric excess using Jacobsen's hydrolytic kinetic resolution, proline‐catalyzed sequential α‐aminoxylation and Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons olefination of aldehyde and cross olefin/ring‐closing metathesis as the key steps.
Study of Hemoglobin and Human Serum Albumin Glycation with Electrochemical Techniques
Authors: Yang Jinghua , Zhao Jing , Xiao Han , Zhang Dongmei , Li Genxi
Published: November 2010

High concentration glucose in diabetes mellitus may stimulate nonenzymatic glycation of proteins. Hemoglobin (Hb) and human serum albumin (HSA) are among the most sensitive proteins for the modification by glucose. In this paper, we report our study of Hb and HSA modification by glucose using electrochemical methods. Compared with native Hb, it is found that highly glycated Hb presents lower electron transfer reactivity and electrocatalytic activity toward O2 and H2O2, and the glycation is glucose concentration and time dependent. Meanwhile, the changes of the electrochemical signal of heme after binding with HSA and glycated HSA have also suggested that proteins modified by high concentration glucose lasting for months and years in diabetes mellitus might be the reason for diabetes mellitus complication.
Tetracycline Potentiometric Sensor Based on Cyclodextrin for Pharmaceuticals and Waste Water Analysis
Authors: Cunha Cláudia O. , Silva Rita C. R. , Amorim Célia G. , Júnior Severino A. , Araújo Alberto N. , Montenegro Maria C. B. S. M. , Silva Valdinete L.
Published: November 2010

In this work, the construction and performance evaluation of PVC membranes ion‐selective electrodes for the determination of tetracycline type antibiotics is described. Electrodes with the best responses were based on plastic membranes containing 31% (w/w) PVC, 68% (w/w) of dibutylphthalate as plasticizer and 1% (w/w) of β‐cyclodextrin as ionophore. The electrodes were responsive over 6 months to tetracycline, oxytetracycline, doxycycline and chlortetracycline in glycine buffer solution (pH 2), in the dynamic range 2×10−5–10−2 mol L−1 with a constant slope of about 55 mV/dec To enable large scale analysis reducing wastes as associated costs tubular shape electrodes were coupled to a sequential‐injection analysis system and its performance evaluated using pharmaceutical samples and waste waters from a treatment facility. The sample throughput of 51 samples h−1 was enabled by the system as well as results that favorably agree with those provided by chromatographic analysis.
Analytical characterization of mandarin (Citrus deliciosa Ten.) essential oil
Authors: Dugo Paola , Bonaccorsi Ivana , Ragonese Carla , Russo Marina , Donato Paola , Santi Luca , Mondello Luigi
Published: November 2010

An investigation was performed on 124 samples of Sicilian mandarin essential oils (Citrus deliciosa Tenore), industrially cold pressed by different extraction techniques (Brown Oil Extractor and screw press). The samples were collected during the entire productive season (from September 2008 to March 2009). The aim of the study was to determine the composition of the volatile fraction by GC/FID and GC/MS‐LRI, of the non‐volatile oxygen heterocyclic components by RP‐HPLC/PDA and LCMS‐IT‐TOF, as well as the determination of the enantiomeric ratios of some volatile components by multidimensional GC (MDGC) with chiral column in the second dimension. Three new components were identified by LCMS‐IT‐TOF in the non‐volatile fraction (demethyl‐nobiletin, isosinensetin, demethyl‐tangeretin). The results obtained are discussed to evaluate seasonal variation of the composition of the essential oil as well as the influence of the extraction techniques. This study gives a wide view on the composition of Sicilian mandarin (C. deliciosa Ten.) essential oils industrially produced during the entire productive season, useful to identify quality parameters for the analytical characterization of this product. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Father–child and mother–child interaction in families with a child feeding disorder: The role of paternal involvement
Authors: Atzaba‐Poria Naama , Meiri Gal , Millikovsky Maaian , Barkai Anat , Dunaevsky‐Idan Maayan , Yerushalmi Baruch
Published: November 2010

To date, research about feeding disorder (FD) has focused almost exclusively on the mother–child dyad, ignoring fathers' roles. The current study investigated father–child interactions with children having FD. The sample consisted of 67 children (1–3 years old) and their mothers and fathers. Thirty‐four children, diagnosed with a nonorganic‐based FD (FD group) and 33 children without an FD (control group) were matched for age, gender, birth order, and maternal education. Data were collected during home visits. Mothers were interviewed about their and the father's involvement in childcare. In addition, mother–child and father–child interactions were videotaped during play and feeding. Both mothers and fathers from the FD group experienced less positive parent–child interactions than did parents in the control group. Furthermore, mothers in the FD group reported greater maternal versus paternal childcare involvement than did control group mothers. Finally, FD group mothers exhibited more parental sensitivity than did fathers during feeing interactions; however, this difference was observed only when coupled with low paternal involvement. In families where fathers were highly involved, no difference was evident in paternal and maternal sensitivity. These findings highlight the importance of fathers' involvement, especially in families with children exhibiting an FD.
CREB in long‐term potentiation in hippocampus: Role of post‐translational modifications‐studies In silico
Authors: Kaleem Afshan , Hoessli Daniel C. , Haq Ikram‐ul , Walker‐Nasir Evelyne , Butt Asma , Iqbal Zeeshan , Zamani Zahra , Shakoori Abdul Rauf , Nasir‐ud‐Din
Published: November 2010

The multifunctionality of proteins is dictated by post‐translational modifications (PTMs) which involve the attachment of small functional groups such as phosphate and acetate, as well as carbohydrate moieties. These functional groups make the protein perform various functions in different environments. PTMs play a crucial role in memory and learning. Phosphorylation of synaptic proteins and transcription factors regulate the generation and storage of memory. Among these is the cAMP‐regulated element binding protein CREB that regulates CRE containing genes like c‐fos. Both phosphorylation and acetylation control the function of CREB as a transcription factor. CREB is also susceptible to O‐GlcNAc modification, which inhibits its activity. O‐GlcNAc modification occurs on the same or neighboring Ser/Thr residues akin to phosphorylation. An interplay between these modifications was shown to operate in nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins. In this study computational methods were utilized to predict different modification sites in CREB. These in silico results suggest that phosphorylation, O‐GlcNAc modification and acetylation modulate the transcriptional activity of CREB and thus dictate its contribution to synaptic plasticity. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 138–146, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Electronic structure and relative stability of 1:1 Cu‐O2 adducts from difference‐dedicated configuration interaction calculations
Authors: Zapata‐Rivera Jhon , Caballol Rosa , Calzado Carmen J.
Published: November 2010

A computational strategy to analyze Cu‐O2 adducts based on the use of difference‐dedicated configuration interaction (DDCI) calculations is presented. The electronic structure, vertical gaps and nature of the metal–O2 interaction, and the extension of the charge transfer between both fragments have been investigated. Relative stabilities between isomers are determined from triplet states CCSD(T) calculations. The key point of the here proposed strategy rests on the use of a rationally designed active space, containing only those orbitals, which optimize the interaction pathways between LCu and O2 fragments. The procedure has been tested on a broad set of model and synthetic biomimetic systems, the results compared with previous theoretical evaluations and/or available experimental data. Our study indicates that this strategy can be considered as an alternative approach to multireference second‐order perturbation theory methods to deal with this type of systems with remarkable biradical nature. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011
Multifunctional nanoparticles composite for MALDI‐MS: Cd2+‐doped carbon nanotubes with CdS nanoparticles as the matrix, preconcentrating and accelerating probes of microwave enzymatic digestion of peptides and proteins for direct MALDI‐MS analysis
Authors: Shrivas Kamlesh , Wu Hui‐Fen
Published: November 2010

For the first time, we utilized multifunctional nanoparticles composite (NPs composite) for matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometric (MALDI‐MS) analysis of peptides and proteins. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes doped with Cd2+ ions and modified with cadmium sulfide NPs were synthesized by a chemical reduction method at room temperature. The multifunctional NPs composite applied for the analysis of peptides and microwave‐digested proteins in the atmospheric pressure matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization ion‐trap and MALDI time‐of‐flight (TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) was successfully demonstrated. The maximum detection sensitivity for peptides in MALDI‐MS was achieved by the adsorption of negatively charged peptides onto the surfaces of NP composite through electrostatic interactions. The optimal conditions of peptide mixtures were obtained at 20 min of incubation time using 1 mg of NPs composite when the pH of the sample solution was kept higher than the pI values of peptides. The potentiality of the NP composite in the preconcentration of peptides was compared with that of the individual NP by calculating the preconcentration factors (PF) and found that the NPs composite showed a 4–6 times of PF than the other NPs. In addition, the NPs composite was also applied as heat‐absorbing materials for efficient microwave tryptic digestion of cytochrome c and lysozyme from milk protein in MALDI‐TOF‐MS analysis. We believe that the use of NPs composite technique would be an efficient and powerful preconcentrating tool for MALDI‐MS for the study of proteome research. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Selective SERS detection of each polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) in a mixture of five kinds of PAHs
Authors: Xie Yunfei , Wang Xu , Han Xiaoxia , Song Wei , Ruan Weidong , Liu Junqiu , Zhao Bing , Ozaki Yukihiro
Published: November 2010

This paper reports the qualitative analysis and quantitative detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) molecules with per‐6‐deoxy‐(6‐thio)‐β‐cyclodextrin (CD‐SH) modified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) by surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy. For the selective sensing of PAHs, which are environmental pollutants with very low affinity to metallic surfaces, by SERS, a stable substrate with AuNPs and CD‐SH was utilized by supramolecular interaction. Quantitative detection of each PAH was carried out by SERS on inclusion complexes with different concentrations. From the SERS spectra of a mixture of five different PAHs, we could easily distinguish each PAH by its discriminant peaks. In addition, quantitative analysis of one component in a mixture of five PAHs was also investigated. This sensing platform revealed matching relationship between the host and the guest and the host–guest interaction mechanism. The proposed approach for the selective detection of PAHs holds great potential in the detection of environmental organic pollutants. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vitro analysis of immersed human tissues by Raman microspectroscopy
Authors: Bonnier F. , Mehmood A. , Knief P. , Meade A. D. , Hornebeck W. , Lambkin H. , Flynn K. , McDonagh V. , Healy C. , Lee T. C. , Lyng F. M. , Byrne H. J.
Published: November 2010

Raman microspectroscopy is a powerful tool for the analysis of tissue sections, providing a molecular map of the investigated samples. Nevertheless, data pre‐processing and, particularly, the removal of the broad background to the spectra remain problematic. Indeed, the physical origin of the background has not been satisfactorily determined. Using 785 nm as source in a confocal geometry, it is demonstrated for the example of the protein kappa‐elastin that the background and resulting quality of the recorded spectrum are dependent on the morphology of the sample. Whereas a fine powder yields a dominant broad background, compressed pellets and solution‐cast thin films produce, respectively, improved quality spectra and significantly reduced spectral background. As the chemical composition of the samples is identical, the background is ascribed to stray light due to diffuse scattering rather than an intrinsic photoluminescence.

The recorded spectra from a tissue sample exhibit a large and spatially variable background, resulting in poorly defined spectral features. A significant reduction of the background signal as well as improvement of the spectral quality is achieved by immersion of the sample in water and measurement with an immersion objective. The significant improvement in signal to background is attributed to a reduction of the diffuse scattering due to a change in the effective morphology as a result of an improved index matching at the water/tissue interface compared to the air/tissue interface.

Compared to sections measured in air, the background is reduced to that of the water, and pre‐processing is reduced to the subtraction of the substrate and water signal and correction for the instrument response, both of which are highly reproducible. Data pre‐processing is thus greatly simplified and the results significantly more reliable. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The relationship between packaging uniformity and variety seeking
Authors: Roehm Michelle L. , Roehm Harper A.
Published: November 2010

This research explores the effect of product packaging uniformity on variety seeking. It is shown that the incidence of variety seeking is greater in product categories where packaging is similar among competitors, and thus the packaging display has relatively low arousal potential, as compared to categories where the packaging is less uniform across brands and therefore has higher arousal potential. Two experiments test and support these propositions. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A UV‐initiated reactive extrusion process for production of controlled‐rheology polypropylene
Authors: He Guangjian , Tzoganakis Costas
Published: November 2010

A new reactive extrusion process for the production of controlled‐rheology polypropylene (CRPP) has been developed. Instead of the traditionally used peroxides, this process employs a photoinitiator and an ultraviolet (UV) lamp. Experiments have been carried out in a corotating intermeshing twin‐screw extruder in which after mixing of the photoinitiator with the polypropylene, the melt stream is irradiated for just several seconds over two open barrel sections. Benzophonene (BP) has been used as the initiator and the effects of initiator concentration, polymer flow rate, and reaction temperature have been studied. The CRPP produced have been characterized through rheological measurements, size exclusion chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Controlled preparation of porous polysulfone monolith via concentrated emulsion templating using an aminated polysulfone as surfactant
Authors: Le Yechen , Zhang Chen , Li Hangquan , Du Zhongjie , Li Congju
Published: November 2010

A methodology for preparing porous polysulfone (PSF) monolith via concentrated emulsion templating was proposed. A regular emulsion was first prepared using a solution of PSF in chloroform as the continuous phase and deionized water as the dispersed one. After the emulsion was formed, the liquid species in the emulsion was allowed to be evaporated. The solvent chloroform was first removed and the emulsion was transformed to a concentrated emulsion. Further removing the aqueous species, a porous PSF monolith was obtained. To keep the system stable throughout the process, an aminated polysulfone rather than conventional surfactants was employed. The effects of chloroform and water fractions, the nature and loading of the macromolecular surfactant, the evaporating temperature on the pore structure were investigated. Controlled porous structure with different pore size and porosity could be obtained through the method. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Fatalities and the changing distribution of business types in the United States
Authors: Collins Robert L.
Published: November 2010

As businesses in the “Goods Producing” sector moved their operations outside of the United States over the last several decades, relatively higher accident rates went with them. The net result has been a trend towards business types, mostly in the “Service Providing” sector, which have historically lower accident rates. In this article, the author will show that a significant portion of the reductions in fatal occupational accidents over the 16‐year span from 1992 to 2008 in the United States were the result of business trends away from the “Goods Producing” sector towards the “Service Providing” sector. This is not to say that improvements in accident prevention policies and procedures were not a major contributor to reductions in fatal occupational accidents as well. Instead, these policy and program improvements were augmented by the changing distribution of business types in the United States. The net result was a reduction in overall fatal occupational accident rates of ∼ 43.5% with ∼ 23% of this reduction resulting from the changing distribution of business types in the United States. With the limited analysis demonstrated in this article, it is not possible to infer this same effect for other spans of time. It seems likely, however, that any span of years that sees a decrease in the percentage of hours worked in “Goods Producing” sector with a corresponding increase in the percentage of hours worked in “Service Providing” sector would have a decrease in total fatal accidents attributable only to the changing distribution of business types in the United States. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2010.
Preparation and adsorption properties of phospho‐L‐glutamic acid on hydroxyapatite
Authors: Shen Xiao‐qing , Zhou Yuan‐yuan , Chen Xiao‐ping , Tang Ming‐sheng , Li Zhong‐jun
Published: November 2010

Phospho‐L‐glutamic acid was successfully prepared by the phosphorylation of glutamic acid, and its adsorption on synthetic hydroxyapatite (HAP) was studied together with glutamic. The adsorption behaviors of both adsorbates were adequately described by a Langmuirian model. From the comparison between two different adsorbates, the results of the investigation indicated that the phosphate group in phospho‐L‐glutamic acid can greatly enhanced the adsorption affinity for HAP, the improvement of which was achieved through replacing the same group on the surface of HAP and interacting with the surface calcium ion of HAP by electrostatic attraction. The results obtained laid the solid foundation for further research on the regulating function of phosphorylated amino acids with hydroxyapatite biological composites. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimum and efficient sampling for variational quantum Monte Carlo
Authors: Trail J. R. , Maezono Ryo
Published: November 2010

Quantum mechanics for many-body systems may be reduced to the evaluation of integrals in 3N dimensions using Monte Carlo, providing the Quantum Monte Carlo ab initio methods. Here we limit ourselves to expectation values for trial wave functions, that is to variational quantum Monte Carlo. Almost all previous implementations employ samples distributed as the physical probability density of the trial wave function, and assume the central limit theorem to be valid. In this paper we provide an analysis of random error in estimation and optimization that leads naturally to new sampling strategies with improved computational and statistical properties. A rigorous lower limit to the random error is derived, and an efficient sampling strategy presented that significantly increases computational efficiency. In addition the infinite variance heavy tailed random errors of optimum parameters in conventional methods are replaced with a Normal random error, strengthening the theoretical basis of optimization. The method is applied to a number of first row systems and compared with previously published results.