bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revision of the acetabular component in dysplastic hips previously reconstructed with a shelf autograft
Authors: Abolghasemian M. , Drexler M. , Abdelbary H. , Sayedi H. , Backstein D. , Kuzyk P. , Safir O. , Gross A. E.
Published: May 2013

In this retrospective study we evaluated the proficiency of shelf autograft in the restoration of bone stock as part of primary total hip replacement (THR) for hip dysplasia, and in the results of revision arthroplasty after failure of the primary arthroplasty. Of 146 dysplastic hips treated by THR and a shelf graft, 43 were revised at an average of 156 months, 34 of which were suitable for this study (seven hips were excluded because of insufficient bone-stock data and two hips were excluded because allograft was used in the primary THR). The acetabular bone stock of the hips was assessed during revision surgery. The mean implant–bone contact was 58% (50% to 70%) at primary THR and 78% (40% to 100%) at the time of the revision, which was a significant improvement (p < 0.001). At primary THR all hips had had a segmental acetabular defect > 30%, whereas only five (15%) had significant segmental bone defects requiring structural support at the time of revision. In 15 hips (44%) no bone graft or metal augments were used during revision.

A total of 30 hips were eligible for the survival study. At a mean follow-up of 103 months (27 to 228), two aseptic and two septic failures had occurred. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis of the revision procedures demonstrated a ten-year survival rate of 93.3% (95% confidence interval (CI) 78 to 107) with clinical or radiological failure as the endpoint. The mean Oxford hip score was 38.7 (26 to 46) for non-revised cases at final follow-up.

Our results indicate that the use of shelf autografts during THR for dysplastic hips restores bone stock, contributing to the favourable survival of the revision arthroplasty should the primary procedure fail.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:777–81.
Shoulder fusion after a self-inflicted gunshot wound
Authors: Zsoldos C. M. , Basamania C. J. , Bal G. K.
Published: May 2013

Gunshot injuries to the shoulder are rare and difficult to manage. We present a case series of seven patients who sustained a severe shoulder injury to the non-dominant side as a result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. We describe the injury as ‘suicide shoulder’ caused by upward and outward movement of the gun barrel as the trigger is pulled. All patients were male, with a mean age of 32 years (21 to 48). All were treated at the time of injury with initial repeated debridement, and within four weeks either by hemiarthroplasty (four patients) or arthrodesis (three patients). The hemiarthroplasty failed in one patient after 20 years due to infection and an arthrodesis was attempted, which also failed due to infection. Overall follow-up was for a mean of 26 months (12 to 44). All four hemiarthroplasty implants were removed with no feasible reconstruction ultimately possible, resulting in a poor functional outcome and no return to work. In contrast, all three primary arthrodeses eventually united, with two patients requiring revision plating and grafting. These patients returned to work with a good functional outcome. We recommend arthrodesis rather than replacement as the treatment of choice for this challenging injury.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:820–4.
Correspondence
Authors: Gjertsen J-E. , Lie S. A. , Vinje T. , Engesæter L. B. , Hallan G. , Matre K. , Furnes O.
Published: May 2013

We welcome letters to the Editor concerning articles that have recently been published. Such letters will be subject to the usual stages of selection and editing; where appropriate the authors of the original article will be offered the opportunity to reply.
Mitomycin and Fluorouracil with Concurrent Radiation (FUMIR) Regimen for Anal Cancer
Authors: White Brittany N. , Waddell J. Aubrey , Solimando Dominic A.
Published: May 2013

The complexity of cancer chemotherapy requires pharmacists be familiar with the complicated regimens and highly toxic agents used. This column reviews various issues related to preparation, dispensing, and administration of antineoplastic therapy, and the agents, both commercially available and investigational, used to treat malignant diseases.
Ampicillin (Parenteral): Prevention of Infective Endocarditis
Authors: Generali Joyce A. , Cada Dennis J.
Published: May 2013

This Hospital Pharmacy feature is extracted from Off-Label Drug Facts, a publication available from Wolters Kluwer Health. Off-Label Drug Facts is a practitioner-oriented resource for information about specific drug uses that are unapproved by the US Food and Drug Administration. This new guide to the literature enables the health care professional or clinician to quickly identify published studies on off-label uses and determine if a specific use is rational in a patient care scenario. References direct the reader to the full literature for more comprehensive information before patient care decisions are made. Direct questions or comments regarding Off-Label Drug Uses to jgeneral@kumc.edu .
Postoperative Opioid Requirements following Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass in Patients Receiving Continuous Bupivacaine through a Pump System: A Retrospective Review
Authors: Cohen Andrew R. , Smith April N. , Henriksen Brian S.
Published: May 2013

Background

Patients who undergo Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery have self-reported considerable postoperative pain, often requiring opioid administration.

Objective

To determine whether continuous delivery of local anesthetic via an infusion pump system decreased postoperative opioid usage in post-RYGB patients.

Methods

The electronic health record was used to identify and review 289 patients who underwent RYGB at our institution from January 2009 to October 2011. The treatment group received a continuous infusion of 0.375% bupivacaine administered by intraperitoneal soaker catheter for 48 hours via an infusion pump; the control group did not receive a pump or local anesthetic. Both groups received general anesthesia, nausea prophylaxis, and pain medication. Pain management consisted of opioid-containing patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) for the first 24 hours. Patients transitioned to supplemental intravenous opioid boluses, plus an oral opioid, for the remainder of their stay. Opioid use was measured in terms of morphine equivalents. Secondary outcomes included visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores and length of hospitalization.

Results

Morphine equivalents over the postoperative time period studied were significantly lower in the bupivacaine group than the control group (133 vs 106 mg, respectively; P = .001). There was no significant difference in VAS scores between the 2 groups ( P = .80). Finally, the length of hospitalization between the 2 groups did not differ ( P = .77).

Conclusions

We have shown that continuous infusion of bupivacaine, administered via a pain pump system, may have decreased postoperative opioid utilization. There were no differences in VAS scores or length of hospitalization between groups.
Critical ∂̅ problems in one complex dimension and some remarks on conformally invariant variational problems in two real dimensions
Authors: Sharp Ben
Published: May 2013

We will study a linear first order system, a connection ∂̅ problem, on a vector bundle equipped with a connection, over a Riemann surface. We show optimal conditions on the connection forms which allow one to find a holomorphic frame, or in other words to prove the optimal regularity of our solution. The underlying geometric principle, discovered by Koszul–Malgrange, is classical and well known; it gives necessary and sufficient conditions for a connection to induce a holomorphic structure on a vector bundle over a complex manifold. Here we explore the limits of this statement when the connection is not smooth and our findings lead to a very short proof of the regularity of harmonic maps in two dimensions as well as re-proving a recent estimate of Lamm and Lin concerning conformally invariant variational problems in two dimensions.
Die Rückgabe eines Buches des protestantischen Gelehrten Wilhelm Wundt aus dem Besitz des enteigneten jüdischen Apothekers Leopold Scheyer an seine Erben
Authors: Andert Karin , Kohls Niko
Published: May 2013

Dieser Beitrag berichtet über die Geschichte eines Buches des jüdischen Apothekers Leopold Scheyer, das, nachdem es im Jahr 2010 aus dem Bibliotheksbestand der Freien Universität Berlin ausgesondert wurde, antiquarisch erworben, sich als NS-Raubgut herausstellte und jetzt an die Erben zurückerstattet wurde. Ein sich daran anschließendes Studium der Entschädigungsakten gibt Einblick in die Praxis der Wiedergutmachung der Bundesrepublik Deutschland in den Nachkriegsjahren.
A Commitment Theory of Subsidy Agreements
Authors: Brou Daniel , Ruta Michele
Published: May 2013

Abstract: This paper examines the rationale for the rules on domestic subsidies in international trade agreements through a framework that emphasizes commitment. We build a model where the policy-maker has a tariff and a production subsidy at its disposal, taxation can be distortionary and the import-competing sector lobbies the government for favorable policies. The model shows that, under political pressures, the government will turn to subsidies when its ability to provide protection is curtailed by a trade agreement that binds tariffs only (policy substitution problem). When the factors of production are mobile in the long-run, but the investments are irreversible in the short-run, the government cannot credibly commit vis-à-vis the domestic lobby unless the trade agreement regulates production subsidies in addition to tariffs (policy credibility problem). We employ the theory to analyze the Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM) Agreement within the WTO system. We show that WTO rules on nullification or impairment solves the policy substitution problem, while serious prejudice rules can address the policy credibility problem in sectors with tariff commitments.
Cerebrospinal fluid analyses for the diagnosis of subarachnoid haemorrhage and experience from a Swedish study. What method is preferable when diagnosing a subarachnoid haemorrhage?
Authors: Nagy Karin , Skagervik Ina , Tumani Hayrettin , Petzold Axel , Wick Manfred , Kühn Hans-Jürgen , Uhr Manfred , Regeniter Axel , Brettschneider Johannes , Otto Markus , Kraus Jörg , Deisenhammer Florian , Lautner Ronald , Blennow Kaj , Shaw Leslie , Zetterberg Henrik , Mattsson Niklas
Published: May 2013

Subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) has a high mortality and morbidity rate. Early SAH diagnosis allows the early treatment of a ruptured cerebral aneurysm, which improves the prognosis. Diagnostic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analyses may be performed after a negative computed tomography scan, but the precise analytical methods to be used have been debated. Here, we summarize the scientific evidence for different CSF methods for SAH diagnosis and describe their implementation in different countries. The principle literature search was conducted using PubMed and Scopus with the search items “cerebrospinal fluid”, “subarachnoid haemorrhage”, and “diagnosis”. CSF analyses for SAH include visual examination, red blood cell counts, spectrophotometry for oxyhaemoglobin or bilirubin determination, CSF cytology, and ferritin measurement. The methods vary in availability and performance. There is a consensus that spectrophotometry has the highest diagnostic performance, but both oxyhaemoglobin and bilirubin determinations are susceptible to important confounding factors. Visual inspection of CSF for xanthochromia is still frequently used for diagnosis of SAH, but it is advised against because spectrophotometry has a superior diagnostic accuracy. A positive finding of CSF bilirubin is a strong indicator of an intracranial bleeding, whereas a positive finding of CSF oxyhaemoglobin may indicate an intracranial bleeding or a traumatic tap. Where spectrophotometry is not available, the combination of CSF cytology for erythrophages or siderophages and ferritin is a promising alternative.
Staging chronic kidney disease and estimating glomerular filtration rate: an opinion paper about the new international recommendations
Authors: Delanaye Pierre , Cavalier Etienne
Published: May 2013

In January 2013, the international recommendations of the KDIGO (for “Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes”) to define chronic kidney disease (CKD) and classify patients in CKD stages have been published. In this opinion article, we will review and discuss the most important guidelines proposed about CKD staging and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimating. In particular, we question the choice of fixed knot values at 60 mL/min/1.73 m² to define CKD. We also question the strategies proposed to measure and use cystatin C results.
Survey of national guidelines, education and training on phlebotomy in 28 European countries: an original report by the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM) working group for the preanalytical phase (WG-PA)
Authors: Simundic Ana-Maria , Cornes Michael , Grankvist Kjell , Lippi Giuseppe , Nybo Mads , Kovalevskaya Svjetlana , Sprongl Ludek , Sumarac Zorica , Church Stephen
Published: May 2013

Background: European questionnaire survey was conducted by the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine Working Group for the Preanalytical Phase (EFLM WG-PA) to assess how phlebotomy is performed in EFLM countries, including differences in personnel, level of education and skills, and to investigate the presence and compliance of national phlebotomy guidelines on this matter.

Methods: A questionnaire was constructed containing questions elucidating different aspects of the organization behind the phlebotomy praxis on a national basis, including questions on the staff performing phlebotomy, the education of these staff members, and the existence of and adherence to national guidelines. All 39 EFLM member countries were invited to participate.

Results: In total 28/39 (72%) EFLM member countries responded. Seven out of the 28 (25%) have national phlebotomy guidelines and five have implemented other guidelines. The estimated compliance with phlebotomy guidance for the laboratories in the countries that have national guidelines available is poor, regardless to whether the phlebotomy was under the laboratory control or not. Most countries were interested in EFLM guidelines and to participate in a pilot EFLM preanalytical phase external quality assessment (EQA) scheme. In the responding EFLM member countries, the majority of phlebotomy is performed by nurses and laboratory technicians. Their basic education is generally 4–5 years of high school, followed by 2–5 years of colleague or university studies. Only a third (10/28; 36%) of the participating member countries has any specific training available as a continuous educational resource. A specific training for phlebotomy is not part of the education required to become qualified in 6/28 (21%) and 9/28 (32%) of countries for nurses and laboratory technicians, respectively. In countries and professions where training is required, most require more than 5 h of training.

Conclusions: Based on the results of this survey we conclude the following: 1) There is a need to assess the quality of current practices, compliance to the CLSI H3-A6 guidelines and to identify some most critical steps which occur during phlebotomy, in different healthcare settings, across Europe; 2) Existing CLSI H3-A6 phlebotomy guidelines should be adapted and used locally in all European countries which do not have their own guidelines; 3) National EFLM societies need to be engaged in basic training program development and continuous education of healthcare phlebotomy staff (implementing the certification of competence).
Motivic integration in all residue field characteristics for Henselian discretely valued fields of characteristic zero
Authors: Cluckers Raf , Loeser François
Published: May 2013

We extend the formalism and results on motivic integration from [Invent. Math. 173 (2008), 23–121] to mixed characteristic discretely valued Henselian fields with bounded ramification. We also generalize the equicharacteristic zero case of loc. cit. by giving, in all residue characteristics, an axiomatic approach (instead of only using Denef–Pas languages) and by using richer angular component maps. In this setting we prove a general change of variables formula and a general Fubini Theorem. Our set-up can be specialized to previously known versions of motivic integration by e.g. the second author and J. Sebag and to classical p-adic integrals.
A uniqueness theorem for Frobenius manifolds and Gromov–Witten theory for orbifold projective lines
Authors: Ishibashi Yoshihisa , Shiraishi Yuuki , Takahashi Atsushi
Published: May 2013

We prove that the Frobenius structure constructed from the Gromov–Witten theory
for an orbifold projective line with at most three orbifold points is uniquely determined by the
Witten–Dijkgraaf–Verlinde–Verlinde equations with certain natural initial conditions.
Synthesis, antimicrobial and DFT studies of novel fused thiazolopyrimidine derivatives
Authors: Gupta Richa , Chaudhary Ram Pal
Published: May 2013

The reaction of dihydropyrimidine-2(1H)-thione 4, obtained by the condensation of chalcone 3 with thiourea, with chloroacetic acid and 1,2-dibromoethane furnished compounds 5 and 6 and not their respective isomers 8 and 9. The regiochemistry of the cyclized products and their structure was established by elemental analysis, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR and mass spectral data. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been carried out for compound 5a and its isomer 8a with Jaguar version 6.5112 using B3LYP density functional method and 6–31G** basis set. 1H and 13C NMR spectra of compound 5a and its possible isomer 8a have been calculated and correlated with experimental results. 2-Arylidene derivatives of 5 were obtained by two routes and their structure was established by spectral data. Compounds 4–7 were screened for their antimicrobial activities.
Indoloquinolines as DNA binding ligands
Authors: Riechert-Krause Fanny , Weisz Klaus
Published: May 2013

Indoloquinoline alkaloids isolated from natural sources are known for their broad spectrum of biological activities. The cytotoxic action of some derivatives is thought to arise from their interaction with genomic DNA driven by favorable stacking interactions of the intercalated indoloquinoline skeleton with the DNA base pairs. In addition to double-helical DNA, indoloquinoline derivatives have also been found to bind DNA triplexes as well as G-quadruplexes with high affinity, opening interesting perspectives towards the development of indoloquinoline-based DNA binding ligands with numerous potential applications in therapeutics, diagnostics and microbiology. The present paper presents an overview of studies dealing primarily with the binding of indoloquinoline analogs to double-helical, triple-helical or quadruplex targets. Available thermodynamic and structural data that also include few experimentally determined three-dimensional structures of DNA-drug complexes highlight key elements for an improved binding affinity but also important structural aspects for the design of structure-selective analogs, prerequisite for many potential applications.
Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) of lignin and lignin model compounds in Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Lähdetie Anni , Nousiainen Paula , Sipilä Jussi , Tamminen Tarja , Jääskeläinen Anna-Stiina
Published: May 2013

Raman spectroscopy is a technique that provides structural information on lignin and other components of wood and pulp in situ. However, especially lignin-containing samples may produce laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) that overlaps with Raman bands. In the worst case, this background signal can overwhelm the weaker Raman signal completely. In this study, the LIF of lignin was investigated with the excitation wavelength 532 nm applied in Raman spectroscopy to clarify the correlations between lignin structure and LIF intensity. Raman spectroscopic analyses with lignin model compounds illustrated that the 5-5′ structures induce LIF. It was also shown that the intensity of LIF was significantly less intense when the 5-5′ model compound was structurally rigid (as in dibenzodioxocin) compared with the flexible simple counterpart. The comparison between the free phenolic model compounds with the methylated analogue showed that the presence of the free phenolic structure was not a prerequisite for LIF. It was thus concluded that the conformation of the molecule is the key factor with respect to fluorescence. The role of conformational aspects was further investigated by comparing wood with chemical pulps and isolated lignins.
Effects of DHEA on metabolic and endocrine functions of adipose tissue
Authors: Karbowska Joanna , Kochan Zdzislaw
Published: May 2013

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate ester, DHEAS, are the major circulating adrenal steroids and serve as substrates for sex hormone biosynthesis. DHEA is effectively taken up by adipose tissue, where the concentrations of free DHEA are four to ten times higher than those found in the circulation. DHEA reduces adipose tissue mass and inhibits the proliferation and differentiation of adipocytes; it may also protect against obesity by lowering the activity of stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 in fat cells. Recent studies demonstrate that DHEA stimulates triacylglycerol hydrolysis in adipose tissue by increasing the expression and activity of adipose triglyceride lipase and hormone-sensitive lipase, the key enzymes of lipolysis. DHEA has been shown to modulate insulin signaling pathways, enhance glucose uptake in adipocytes, and increase insulin sensitivity in patients with DHEA deficiency or abnormal glucose tolerance. Additionally, by suppressing the activity of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 in adipocytes, DHEA may promote intra-adipose inactivation of cortisol to cortisone. Several studies have demonstrated that DHEA may also regulate the expression and secretion of adipokines such as leptin, adiponectin, and resistin. The effects of DHEA on adipokine expression in adipose tissue are depot-specific, with visceral fat being the most responsive. The mechanisms underlying DHEA actions in adipose tissue are still unclear; however, they involve nuclear receptors such as androgen receptor and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors γ and α. Because clinical trials investigating the effects of DHEA failed to yield consistent results, further studies are needed to clarify the role of DHEA in the regulation of human adipose tissue physiology.
Role of maternal nutrition in programming adiposity in the offspring: potential implications of glucocorticoids
Authors: Breton Christophe
Published: May 2013

The epidemiological studies initially indicated that maternal undernutrition leading to a low birth weight may predispose to the long-lasting energy balance disorders. A high birth weight due to maternal obesity or diabetes, inappropriate early postnatal nutrition, and rapid catch-up growth, may also sensitize to an increased risk of obesity. As stated by the developmental origin of health and disease concept, the perinatal perturbation of the fetus/neonate nutrient supply might be a crucial determinant of the individual programming of the body weight set point. The adipose tissue is considered as the main fuel storage unit involved in the maintenance of the energy homeostasis. Several models have demonstrated that this tissue is a prime target of the developmental programming in a gender- and depot-specific manner. In the rodents, the perinatal period of life corresponds largely to the period of adipogenesis. In contrast, this phenomenon essentially takes place before birth in bigger mammals. Despite these different developmental time windows, the altricial and precocial species share several common offspring programming mechanisms. Thus, the adipose tissue of the offspring from malnourished dams exhibited impaired glucose uptake and leptin/insulin resistance with increased proinflammatory markers. It also displayed a modified sympathetic activity, circadian rhythm, fatty acid composition, and thermogenesis. This might lead to the reprogrammed metabolism and distribution of the adipose tissue with enhanced adipogenesis and fat accumulation predisposing to adiposity. The inappropriate glucocorticoid (GC) levels and modified tissue sensitivity might be key actors of perinatal programming and long-lasting altered adipose tissue activity in the offspring. Following maternal malnutrition, the epigenetic mechanisms might also be responsible for the adipose tissue programming.
Overexpression of miR-126 promotes the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells toward endothelial cells via activation of PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK pathways and release of paracrine factors
Authors: Huang Feng , Fang Zhen-fei , Hu Xin-qun , Tang Liang , Zhou Sheng-hua , Huang Jian-ping
Published: May 2013

The endothelial cell (EC)-specific miRNA, miR-126, is known to promote angiogenesis in response to angiogenic factors by repressing negative regulators of signal transduction pathways; however, whether miR-126 might regulate the differentiation of stem cells toward endothelial lineage remains unknown. To answer this question, in this study mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) harvested from C57BL/6 mouse bone marrow were transfected with miR-126 (MSCmiR-126) using recombinant lentiviral vectors. Results showed the para-secretion and the expression levels of phosphorylated PI3K p85, Akt, p38, ERK1 protein in the MSCmiR-126 group were dramatically increased when compared with the control group. With half culture medium refreshed every 3 days, a small number of 6-day-cultured MSCmiR-126 differentiated into endothelial-like cells and most of 9-day-cultured MSCmiR-126 formed a cobblestone-like structure. These differentiated cells evidently expressed EC-specific makers and possessed mature ECs function, while inhibition of paracrine factors suppressed the MSC-EC differentiation. Strikingly, the increased secretion of MSCmiR-126 and their endothelial-differentiated potential were deprived by using a PI3K or MEK chemical inhibitor. Our results suggest that overexpression of miR-126 agumenting the endothelial differentiation of MSCs might in part be attributable to the activation of PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK pathways and an increased release of paracrine factors.
Subcellular localization and RNP formation of IGF2BPs (IGF2 mRNA-binding proteins) is modulated by distinct RNA-binding domains
Authors: Wächter Kristin , Köhn Marcel , Stöhr Nadine , Hüttelmaier Stefan
Published: May 2013

The IGF2 mRNA-binding protein family (IGF2BPs) directs the cytoplasmic fate of various target mRNAs and controls essential cellular functions. The three IGF2BP paralogues expressed in mammals comprise two RNA-recognition motifs (RRM) as well as four KH domains. How these domains direct IGF2BP paralogue-dependent protein function remains largely elusive. In this study, we analyze the role of KH domains in IGF2BPs by the mutational GXXG-GEEG conversion of single KH domain loops in the context of full-length polypeptides. These analyses reveal that all four KH domains of IGF2BP1 and IGF2BP2 are essentially involved in RNA-binding in vitro and the cellular association with RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). Moreover the KH domains prevent the nuclear accumulation of these two paralogues and facilitate their recruitment to stress granules. The role of KH domains appears less pronounced in IGF2BP3, because GxxG-GEEG conversion in all four KH domains only modestly affects RNA-binding, subcellular localization and RNA-dependent protein association of this paralogue. These findings indicate paralogue-dependent RNA-binding properties of IGF2BPs which likely direct distinct cellular functions. Our findings suggest that IGF2BPs contact target RNAs via all four KH domains. This implies significant structural constraints, which presumably allow the formation of exceedingly stable protein-RNA complexes.
Structure and allosteric regulation of eukaryotic 6-phosphofructokinases
Authors: Schöneberg Torsten , Kloos Marco , Brüser Antje , Kirchberger Jürgen , Sträter Norbert
Published: May 2013

Although the crystal structures of prokaryotic 6-phosphofructokinase, a key enzyme of glycolysis, have been available for almost 25 years now, structural information about the more complex and highly regulated eukaryotic enzymes is still lacking until now. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge of eukaryotic 6-phosphofructokinase based on recent crystal structures, kinetic analyses and site-directed mutagenesis data with special focus on the molecular architecture and the structural basis of allosteric regulation.
Synthesis of a novel benzodifuran derivative and its molecular recognition of poly rA RNA
Authors: Roviello Giovanni N. , Roviello Valentina , Musumeci Domenica , Pedone Carlo
Published: May 2013

In this manuscript, we describe a synthetic approach to a novel benzodifuran derivative as well as CD studies regarding its ability to interact with DNA and RNA. After the chemical synthesis and ESI-MS and NMR characterization, this heteroaromatic molecule was investigated by CD spectroscopy in order to evaluate it as a potential nucleic acid binder. Interestingly, the benzodifuran compound was found to be able to induce conformational changes in both DNA and RNA homoadenine molecules forming in the latter case a complex with a 6:1 benzodifuran/nucleobase stoichiometric ratio, as evidenced by CD titration experiments.
Creep and Creep-rupture Behavior of 2124-T851 Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Jiang Yu-Qiang , Lin Y.C. , Phaniraj C. , Xia Yu-Chi , Zhou Hua-Min
Published: May 2013

High temperature creep and useful creep life behavior of Al-Cu-Mg (2124-T851 aluminum) alloy was investigated by conducting constant stress uniaxial tensile creep tests at different temperatures (473–563 K) and at stresses ranging from 80 to 200 MPa. It was found that the stress and temperature dependence of minimum creep rate could be successfully described by the power-law creep equation. The power-law stress exponent, n = 5.2 and the activation energy for secondary creep, Q = 164 kJ mol−1, which is close to that observed for self diffusion of aluminum (~140 kJ mol−1). The observed values of n and Q suggest that the secondary creep of 2124-T851 aluminum alloy is governed by the lattice diffusion controlled dislocation climb process. A Monkman-Grant type relationship between minimum creep rate and time for reaching 1.5% creep strain is proposed and could be employed for predicting the useful creep life of 2124-T851 aluminum alloy.
Forge and Heat-treatments in Microalloyed Steels – A Review
Authors: Raj A. , Goswami B. , Kumar S.B. , Ray A.K.
Published: May 2013

Improved designs, mostly for lightweight component manufacturer, have been made for improvement of forging and heat-treatment techniques. Low temperature precipitation strengthening and resistance to austenite grain size coarsening at reheat temperature for forging have been property improvement technique in these microalloyed steels. Studies of peak strain and flow stress at 1123–1423 K have shown increase in peak strain, peak stress and increment in mean flow stress in austenite phases in presence of vanadium. Partial vanadium alloying (1 part V substitute for 2 parts Mo) by substituting molybdenum has improved hardenability properties of conventional steels. Ultrafine grained steels have shown strain hardening effects from severe deformation by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) followed by annealing. The strain induced precipitation of nano-metric sizes have pinned dislocations for strain hardening. Estimation of remaining life for reactor components have been done by simulated experiments under similar conditions as the service exposure. Vanadium in ferritic stainless steel has shown competitive performance, e.g. chloride environment. This has shown equivalent effects like nickel. In welding of microalloyed steel inter-critical grain coarsened heat affected zone (IC GC HAZ) has martensite austenite (M-A) blisters to yield poorest toughness.
Determination of Photochemical, Electrochemical and Photoelectrochemical Efficiencies in a Photoelectrocatalytic Reactor
Authors: Marugán Javier , van Grieken Rafael , Pablos Cristina , Adán Cristina , Timmers Ruud
Published: May 2013

The relation between the amount of incident photons, absorbed photons, oxidant species, reaction products and electrons in the external circuit should be analyzed individually to determine the step limiting the efficiency of the global photoelectrocatalytic processes. This work discusses the evaluation of three different titania electrodes for the oxidation of methanol in a photoelectrocatalytic reactor. The electrode prepared with three titania coating cycles shows a high efficiency in terms of photochemical (photons to product molecules), electrochemical (product molecules to electrons) and photoelectrochemical (photons to electrons) what explain its high activity for the photoelectrocatalytic oxidation of methanol.
Efficient Synthesis of 1-Acetylpyrene Using [Bmim]Cl–FeCl3 Ionic Liquid as Dual Catalyst and Solvent
Authors: Chen Min , Pan Aixia , He Tong , Xu Lulu , Fang Yu , Li Huaming , Xie Jimin
Published: May 2013

Friedel–Crafts acylation of pyrene with acetic anhydride to 1-acetylpyrene catalyzed by three metal chloride and three Lewis acidic ionic liquids (ILs) containing 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Bmim]Cl) and different metal chloride was investigated. ILs were prepared and tested for the acylation to explore the effects of Lewis acidity of ILs on the synthesis of 1-acetylpyrene. [Bmim]Cl–FeCl3 was found to be the most suitable catalyst, and the possible pathway for the acylation of pyrene with acetic anhydride catalyzed by [Bmim]Cl–FeCl3-IL was discussed. Pure 1-acetylpyrene was obtained and its structure was identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometer, Fourier transform infrared and 1H NMR spectra.
Zonal Dynamic Equivalents Based on the Concept of Relative Electrical Distance
Authors: Agrawal Rimjhim , Dhadbanjan Thukaram
Published: May 2013

Abstract: This article presents a systematic approach to construct the zonal dynamic equivalents of a large-power system based on the concept of relative electrical distance (RED). The task of dynamic equivalencing is to eliminate the full model of the external system and replace it with an equivalent model, which has dynamic characteristics close enough to the full model. The dynamic equivalent models are used for large-scale power system offline transient stability analysis with large disturbance. Dynamic equivalencing also helps in reducing the computation burden and memory requirements in wide area monitoring system (WAMS) for online stability assessment. The procedure is illustrated on IEEE 39 bus system and on a practical 205 bus system consisting of three zones of Indian Southern grid, where an equivalent of a zone has been constructed. The simulation results of the original system and equivalent system are compared. The proposed approach is also compared with the existing Ward equivalent method and the results are found to be similar. The simulation results show that the developed equivalent system has close accuracy in representing the dynamic characteristics of the original system.
Reference Current Extraction through Sliding DFT Assisted Single Phase p-q Theory for Shunt Active Power Filter
Authors: Chandrasekaran S. , Ragavan K.
Published: May 2013

Abstract: Active Power Filters (APF) are more effective than conventional passive filters with regard to mitigating harmonics and compensating reactive power. As a result, deployment of APF in the distribution network is ever increasing. The performance of APF mainly depends on the reference extraction technique adopted. This work proposes sliding Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) assisted single phase p-q theory for the extraction of reference current. The proposed algorithm exploits the inherent ability of sliding DFT (SDFT) to provide the fundamental and its quadrature component of signal (voltage or current) to derive the reference current with the help of a single-phase p-q theory. Furthermore, the algorithm involves the phase shifting of the fundamental component alone, and is suitable even for distorted utility voltage. Effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated through simulation results.
CT Dimensioning for Single Slope Biased Differential Protection: Balancing Stability with Sensitivity
Authors: Khanna Abhishek
Published: May 2013

This paper demonstrates a systematic and objective approach for dimensioning of current transformers (CT) for biased differential relay. The paper proposes some mathematical formulae which allow protection engineers to dimension CT for meeting requirements imposed by sensitivity, and yet maintain stability for through fault. The formulae can be extended to CT with antiremanence magnetic paths. The suitability for the method is demonstrated for various sensitivity objectives and system conditions. The paper also discusses the implementation for different measurement algorithms.
Water Absorption and Temperature Changes in Poultry Carcasses during Chilling by Immersion
Authors: Paolazzi Elisa Delazeri , Noreña Caciano P. , Brandelli Adriano
Published: May 2013

The temperature profile and water absorption of chicken carcasses during the chilling process by immersion was investigated. The experiments were realized in a slaughterhouse that uses a pre-chiller and chiller operating by the immersion–rotation system in counter flow. Temperature gradients, in the entrance of the coolers, were higher in the pre-chiller than in the chiller, and the rates of heat exchange decreased as the carcass moves forward in each cooler. The influence of the immersion time (18, 22, and 27 min), period interval of ice addition (3 and 5 min) and the number of turbines used in the injection of air (1 or 2) on the temperature of carcasses leaving the pre-chiller was evaluated through a factorial design. The results indicated that the immersion time and the number of turbines were significant factors influencing the final temperature of the carcasses. Interactions among the time interval to ice addition with the time of immersion and this last with the number of turbines were also significant. The percentages of water absorption in the pre-chiller were between 2.0 and 4.5%. The best conditions were: 27 min for immersion time, 5 min time interval to ice addition, and injection of air through two turbines, which corresponded to 14.6°C and 4.1% of water absorption. In this condition, the temperature and water absorption of the carcasses leaving the chiller were 5.4°C and 6.8%, respectively. Refrigeration of poultry carcasses is one of the most important factors to reduce the growth of spoilage microorganisms and prolongs the shelf life of the product. Investigation of optimal conditions for chilling carcasses is an aspect of utmost relevance for meat quality.
Quality Properties of Crispy Winter jujube Dried by Explosion Puffing Drying
Authors: He Xinyi , Liu Jinfu , Cheng Li-li , Wang Bu-jiang
Published: May 2013

Explosion puffing drying was investigated as potential means for drying winter jujube. The sample was dried by hot air to dehydrate some amount of internal free water prior to explosion puffing drying to final moisture of less than 7% (wet bases). Physical properties (shrinkage, color, porosity, density, texture, and rehydration ratio) of crispy winter jujube dried by this method were evaluated and compared with those dried by convectional hot air drying alone, freeze-drying alone, combination of freezing drying and hot air drying, respectively. The comparison showed that crispy winter jujube dried by this method exhibited very close rehydration capacity, texture, density, porosity with those of the combination of freeze-drying and hot air drying. The sample dried by this method showed the more attractive crispness than those dried by freeze-drying and convectional hot air drying.
Effect of Some Hydrolytic Parameters in the Action of Subtilisin and Pancreatin on Whey Protein Concentrate
Authors: Silvestre Marialice P.C. , Afonso Wendel O. , Lopes Junior Carlos O. , Silva Viviane D.M. , Souza Mariana W.S. , R. Silva Mauro
Published: May 2013

In this work, the influence of some reactional parameters in the hydrolysis of whey protein concentrate (WPC) was evaluated, in terms of the nutritional quality of peptide profiles of the hydrolysates as well as the reduction of costs for scaling-up the process. Two enzymes (subtilisin and pancreatin) were used for preparing 18 hydrolysates, using different E:S ratios and reaction times, and the distribution of peptides according to chain length was analyzed by size-exclusion chromatography. The studied parameters affected the peptide profiles of WPC hydrolysates and the best result was similar for subtilisin and pancreatin, both using an E:S ratio of 4:100, after 5 h and 10 h, respectively. In these conditions, these enzymes gave rise to the smallest large peptide contents (12.28% and 12.34%, respectively) and one of the highest amount of di- and tripeptides (13.34% and 13.00%, respectively) as well as of free amino acids (45.56% and 47.26%, respectively). However, in terms of number of samples the action of pancreatin was more advantageous than subtilisin, since among the nine hydrolysates, four showed appropriate peptide profiles (P1, P2, P5, and P6), from the nutritional point of view, while the same happened only with one hydrolysate prepared by using subtilisin (S3). Also, the economical advantage of using smaller E:S ratio and reaction time was observed in several cases for both enzymes.
Modeling the outcome of language contact in the speech of German-Spanish and Catalan-Spanish bilingual children
Authors: Lleó Conxita , Cortés Susana
Published: May 2013

This article focuses on phonological aspects of bilingualism and includes two approaches: internal linguistic and sociolinguistic. The former approach is based on internal variables (markedness, frequency, complexity, uniformity), and the latter on external variables (age, school, family language, language of the peer-group). The article comprises two parts. First, we analyze spontaneous data produced by German-Spanish bilingual children and try to model the contact-language situation of that group characterized by family bilingualism and societal monolingualism. The external variables are relatively homogeneous for those children, as they receive Spanish from the mother and German from the father, and from the broad German-speaking community in Hamburg. These cases of individual bilingualism mainly receive the impact of internal variables, which can be weighed against one another. This leads to the following hierarchy of variables from those having more to less impact: frequency > markedness > uniformity > language of the environment. Second, we analyze and compare the elicited speech of Catalan-Spanish bilingual children in two districts of Barcelona, which differ in the degree of Spanish dominance. Here, the emphasis is on external factors. School and the peer-group seem to play the most important role, as they have more predictive power than the language spoken at home.
Antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antiulcerogenic activities of ethanol root extract of Strophanthus hispidus DC (Apocynaceae)
Authors: Ishola Ismail O. , Awodele Olufunsho , Oreagba Ibrahim A. , Murtala Abdulahi A. , Chijioke Micah C.
Published: May 2013

Background:
Strophanthus hispidus DC (Apocynaceae) is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional African medicine in the treatment of rheumatic afflictions, ulcer, conjunctivitis, leprosy and skin diseases. This study sought to investigate the antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antiulcer properties of the ethanol root extract of S. hispidus.

Methods: Antinociceptive activity was evaluated using acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin tests in mice. The carrageenan- and egg albumin-induced rat paw edema tests were used to investigate the anti-inflammatory actions, whereas the antiulcer activity was investigated using ethanol-, HCl- and pyloric ligation-induced gastric ulcer models in rats.

Results:
S. hispidus [100–800 mg/kg orally (po)] produced significant (p<0.05) inhibition of writhing reflex with peak effect of 74.13% inhibition observed at 800 mg/kg. Similarly, S. hispidus significantly (p<0.05) attenuated formalin-induced early and late phase of nociception with peak effect of 61.84% and 89.43%, respectively, at 200 mg/kg. S. hispidus (25–800 mg/kg po) caused significant (p<0.05) inhibition of edema development in the carrageenan and egg albumin models with peak effect (93.40% and 90.10% inhibition of edema formation) observed at 50 mg/kg. With respect to antiulcer activity, S. hispidus (100–800 mg/kg) showed potent antiulcer activity with respective peak effects of 96% (ethanol-induced), 99% (HCl-induced) and 70.60% inhibition of ulcer.

Conclusions: The findings in this study suggest that the ethanol root extract of S. hispidus possesses antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antiulcerogenic activities. This justifies the use of the extract in folklore medicine for the treatment of ulcer and inflammatory disorders.
Plane elasticity solution for a half-space weakened by a circular hole and loaded by a concentrated force
Authors: Proskura Alexei V. , Freidin Alexander B. , Kolesnikova Anna L. , Morozov Nikita F. , Romanov Alexei E.
Published: May 2013

We present a complete analytical solution for the plane elasticity problem of a concentrated force acting on a half-space weakened by a circular hole. The solution is based on the algorithm proposed by G.B. Jeffery in 1920 for elasticity problems, using bipolar coordinates to characterize the geometry. We found the biharmonic stress function describing stresses and strains in the half-space and the associated biharmonic function that allows determining the displacement field. Both functions are given in the form of Fourier series with quite compact coefficients. Particular attention is paid to the displacements at the plane boundary of the half-space. It is discussed how these displacements can be used in an inverse procedure for the identification of a circular hole diameter and position.
Rhythmic structure effects on glottalisation: A study of different speech styles in Polish and German
Authors: Malisz Zofia , Żygis Marzena , Pompino-Marschall Bernd
Published: May 2013

The present paper examines glottal stops and the glottalisation of word-initial vowels in Polish and German. The presence of glottal marking is studied depending on speech style (‘speech’ vs. ‘dialogue’), prominence, phrasal position, speech rate, word type, preceding segment, and following vowel height. A question is also posed about the extent to which glottal marking might be dependent on the rhythmic structure of a given language or style. We analyzed recordings of 18 Polish and German speakers. The results point to significant differences between the two languages. In German, glottal marking occurs significantly more often (63.4%) than in Polish (45%). Whereas in both languages (and both styles) the majority of prominent vowels are more often glottally marked than non-prominent vowels, in German word-initial non-prominent syllables are also marked relatively often. Regarding phrase position, glottal marking occurs significantly more often at the phrase-initial position compared to phrase-medial position in Polish, while no such difference has been found in German. In addition, it is shown that in both languages glottal marking is strongly dependent on the tongue height of the marked vowel: low vowels are more frequently glottalised than non-low vowels. Finally, glottal marking in Polish is more likely to occur when rhythmic variability shifts towards the ‘indeterminate’, strengthening the hypothesis that glottal marking facilitates perceptual grouping.