bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute Mountain Sickness in Children at 4380 Meters in the Himalayas
Authors: Pradhan Santosh , Yadav Sanjay , Neupane Pritam , Subedi Prajan
Published: December 2009

Objective

To determine the incidence of and risk factors for acute mountain sickness (AMS) in native Nepalese children during a pilgrimage trip to Gosaikunda Lake in the Langtang National Park Region of Nepal (elevation 4380 m).

Methods

A descriptive, noninterventional, cross-sectional study was completed on a group of children during the pilgrimage to Gosaikunda. Participants were interviewed about the symptoms of AMS using the Lake Louise Scoring System.

Results

Thirty-six children between 3 and 15 years of age were interviewed after a rapid ascent (over 1 to 3 days) from 1950 m to 4380 m. Acute mountain sickness was diagnosed in 17 of 36 (47.2%) children. The sickness was seen in only 5 of 20 (25%) children who took 2 or more days to ascend, compared with 12 of 16 (75%) children who spent only 1 night (reaching the study site at Gosaikunda on the second day) to complete the same ascent ( P ≤ .01, odds ratio [OR] = 9.0, 1.61 < OR < 57.36). No significant correlation was found between the incidence of AMS and gender, previous exposure to high altitude, or concurrent illness.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that the incidence of AMS in this group of Nepalese children was high and associated with rapidity of ascent. Rapid ascent to high sleeping altitude and increased physical activity were observed as possible risk factors. We suggest organizing educational programs to make children and their parents aware of altitude-related problems and advise gradual ascent to such high-altitude pilgrimage sites.
A Survey of Snakebite Management Knowledge Amongst Select Physicians in Hong Kong and the Implications for Snakebite Training
Authors: Fung Hin T.J. , Lam Shing K.T. , Lam Ka K. , Kam Chak W. , Simpson Ian D.
Published: December 2009

Objective

The objective of the study was to assess the level of knowledge regarding snakebite management in doctors likely to treat such bites in the Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong in the People's Republic of China. Key concerns were doctor confidence, consistency of approach, use of anti–snake venom (ASV), and ancillary treatments. Hong Kong hospitals are equipped according to developed country standards, and knowledge therefore becomes the key factor in successful management.

Methods

A predesigned questionnaire consisting of 29 multiple-choice questions was submitted to physicians likely to treat snakebite victims at all Hong Kong hospitals receiving such patients.

Results

The key finding identified that only 29% of responding doctors were confident about treating snakebites. In the case of ASV selection between the 2 products available that deal with different species, 66% of doctors either were unsure of which to use or believed the 2 ASVs to be the same. The use of inappropriate clinical endpoints for ASV therapy suggests it is being used unnecessarily.

Conclusions

There is clear room for improvement in the knowledge base and confidence level of physicians treating snakebites in Hong Kong. Key components of management, such as ASV choice, indications, dosing, and clinical endpoints for administration, were sources of confusion to the participants in this study. The results demonstrate the need for a locally developed and widely distributed snakebite management protocol.
A Comparison of Bacterial Colony-Forming Units in Water Bottles and Hydration Bags Among Outdoor Enthusiasts
Authors: Brainard Andrew Han , Alcock Joe , Watts David
Published: December 2009

Objective

Transporting clean drinking water in an easily accessible container is a priority for many outdoor enthusiasts. Two basic hydration systems are commonly used to provide water: the water bottle and the hydration bladder. The authors tested the hypothesis that there were different levels of microbiologic contamination between these 2 systems.

Methods

Sixty-seven water samples were collected using sterile techniques from outdoor enthusiasts at several outdoor recreational locations. These users were then asked to complete a brief survey that reported demographic information and details of water container use. Water samples were then plated on sheep blood agar, and the colony-forming units were counted after 24 hours of growth. The 2 groups were compared using Student's t test.

Results

The 2 groups using water bottles or hydration bladders did not show significant differences in container age, duration of outdoor activity, or duration since last cleaning. The groups differed slightly in their composition of hikers/walkers/runners vs cyclists. The water bottle group had a mean colony-forming unit count per 100 mL of 37 (95% CI 26–48), and the hydration bladder had a mean of 27 (95% CI 17–35).

Conclusions

There was no statistically significant difference between hydration bladders and water bottles in microbial contamination or colonization. Judging from the available data, outdoor enthusiasts should select their water container based on criteria other than the relative exposure to microbes. Additional study is required to replicate this finding in other locations and with improved sample methodology.
Love and Fear of Heights: The Pathophysiology and Psychology of Height Imbalance
Authors: Salassa John R. , Zapala David A.
Published: December 2009

Individual psychological responses to heights vary on a continuum from acrophobia to height intolerance, height tolerance, and height enjoyment. This paper reviews the English literature and summarizes the physiologic and psychological factors that generate different responses to heights while standing still in a static or motionless environment. Perceptual cues to height arise from vision. Normal postural sway of 2 cm for peripheral objects within 3 m increases as eye-object distance increases. Postural sway >10 cm can result in a fall. A minimum of 20 minutes of peripheral retinal arc is required to detect motion. Trigonometry dictates that a 20-minute peripheral retinal arch can no longer be achieved in a standing position at an eye-object distance of >20 m. At this distance, visual cues conflict with somatosensory and vestibular inputs, resulting in variable degrees of imbalance. Co-occurring deficits in the visual, vestibular, and somatosensory systems can significantly increase height imbalance. An individual's psychological makeup, influenced by learned and genetic factors, can influence reactions to height imbalance. Enhancing peripheral vision and vestibular, proprioceptive, and haptic functions may improve height imbalance. Psychotherapy may improve the troubling subjective sensations to heights.
Meta-igneous rocks of the West-Carpathian basement, Slovakia: indicators of Early Paleozoic extension and shortening events
Authors: Putiš Marián , Ivan Peter , Kohút Milan , Spišiak Ján , Siman Pavol , Radvanec Martin , Uher Pavel , Sergeev Sergey , Larionov Alexander , Méres Štefan , Demko Rastislav , Ondrejka Martin
Published: December 2009

The paper reviews the main West-Carpathian Early Paleozoic metamorphosed originally sedimentary-magmatic complexes, dated by SHRIMP on zircons, as indicators of crustal extension and shortening events. Igneous precursors of a Layered Amphibolite Complex (LAC) – fractionated upper mantle gabbros to diorites, dated at 503 ± 4 and 492 ± 4 Ma from the North-Veporic, or 480 ± 5 and 450 ± 6 Ma from the Tatric basement are contemporaneous with subaluminous to metaluminous I-type (507 ± 4 Ma, the South-Veporic basement), peraluminous S-type (497 ± 4 Ma, the South-Veporic basement; 516 ± 7, 485 ± 6 and 462 ± 6 Ma, the North-Veporic basement; 497 ± 6, 472 ± 6 and 450 ± 6 Ma, the Tatric basement), alkaline A-type (511 ± 6 Ma, South-Veporic basement) granitic orthogneisses and calcalkaline rhyolitic (482 ± 6 Ma) and dacitic (476 ± 7 Ma) metavolcanics (Gemeric basement), indicating a magmatic immature back arc setting. The ages point to Middle/Late Cambrian, Early and Late Ordovician magmatic phases, coeval with the extension in the northern Gondwana margin. Separation of an inferred Avalonian and/or Galatian terranes distal continental ribbon corresponds with the opening of a Medio-European Basin. A 430-390 Ma dated MP/HP metamorphic event, recorded in the LAC and associated orthogneisses, occurred in the area of thinned immature back arc basin crust due to closure of the Medio-European Basin. Thus a distal Gondwana continental ribbon north of this basin could be an eastward lateral pendant of Armorica, derived from Galatian terrane. Metaophiolites of the Pernek Group (a metagabbrodolerite dated at 371 ± 4 Ma) in the Tatric basement, analogous to island-arc tholeiites and back-arc basin basalts, indicate a back-arc basin setting north of a 430-390 Ma old northward dipping subduction/collision zone, dividing the northward drifting western Galatian terrane microplate from the Gondwana margin. Some metabasites of the Gemeric basement might indicate Late Devonian to Mississippian opening of a peri-Gondwanan Paleotethyan oceanic basin: a 383 ± 3 Ma old remelted metagabbro (482 ± 9 Ma) from the Klátov gneiss-amphibolite complex, ca. 385 Ma old porphyritic metabasite of the Zlatník ophiolite complex, as well as a 350 ± 5 Ma old HP metabasite as tectonic fragment within the Rakovec Group. The closure of Devonian-Mississippian basins, accompanied by medium-pressure (the Pernek Group) to high-pressure (blueschist to eclogitic tectonic fragments in greenschist facies rocks of the Rakovec Group) metamorphism, occurred in late Carboniferous to early Permian, when Paleotethyan realm complexes accreted to a Galatian terrane microplate, the latter represented by the older and the higher-grade Tatric and Veporic basement complexes.
Optimally Managing a Stochastic Renewable Resource under General Economic Conditions
Authors: McGough Bruce , Plantinga Andrew J. , Costello Christopher
Published: December 2009

Empirical evidence indicates that environmental fluctuations have important effects on fisheries production. However, existing analytical solutions of stochastic fisheries models have been produced only under highly simplified economic and biological conditions. The main contribution of this paper is to derive under general conditions a policy function for the management of a stochastic fishery. Our model includes general specifications of demand and cost relationships and a stochastic biological growth function with serially-correlated shocks. Applying methods from the theory of dynamic stochastic general equilibrium modeling and multivariate linear expectational difference equations, we derive a linear approximation of the solution to the model. Our main result is a reduced-form expression for an approximation to optimal escapement, which is shown to be a function of the current stock, past environmental shocks, and model parameters. This theoretically-grounded policy function has intuitive appeal, yields insights into comparative statics, and provides a theoretically-grounded, practical starting point for fisheries management.
Three good heroes
Authors: Suvajdzic Bosko
Published: December 2009

This paper is about the development of the epic model of "the three good heroes" in the diachronic perspective. The nomenclature and the functions of the hero are traced and the relationship between variant and invariant elements of the sujet is highlighted. The consequences of the intertwined motives are interpreted in the context of the genre poetics. The purpose of the paper is to establish the extent to which the shaping of the variants includes the factors of the time of performance and locality on which the poem was recorded. This paper also looks at the role of the predominant attitude of the community, as well as the skill of the talented individual.
Narrators and their stories
Authors: Nestorovic Zorica
Published: December 2009

The paper deals with narrative techniques in Djura Jaksic's story One night that takes the exclusive place in narrative corpus of this great poet of Serbian romanticism as well as in Serbian prose in XIX century. The narrative technique known as skaz and the procedure of his shaping in the narrative structure are specially analyzed. The interpretation of narrative mechanisms expectation - realization, which was developed in the tradition of folk narrative, underlines the symbolic function of the elements from folklore legend in formatting the narrative structure and the narrator.
Truncal Pruritus of Unknown Origin May Be a Symptom of Diabetic Polyneuropathy
Authors: Yamaoka Hiroyuki , Sasaki Hideyuki , Yamasaki Hiroshi , Ogawa Kenichi , Ohta Takayuki , Furuta Hiroto , Nishi Masahiro , Nanjo Kishio
Published: December 2009

OBJECTIVE

Our goal was to ascertain the prevalence of pruritus in diabetic and nondiabetic subjects and the relevance of symptoms, signs, and nerve functions of diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) of pruritus.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A large-scale survey of 2,656 diabetic outpatients and 499 nondiabetic subjects was performed. In diabetic subjects, the relationship between pruritus and age, sex, diabetic duration, A1C, Achilles tendon reflex (ATR), and abnormal sensation in legs was evaluated. In 105 diabetic subjects, nerve conduction studies, quantitative vibratory threshold (QVT), heart rate variability, and a fall of systolic blood pressure at a head-up tilt test (ΔBP) were performed, and the relationships between pruritus and nerve functions were evaluated.

RESULTS

Although the prevalence of truncal pruritus of unknown origin (TPUO) in diabetic subjects was significantly higher than that in age-matched nondiabetic subjects (11.3 vs. 2.9%, P = 0.0001), the prevalence of other pruritus was not different between the two groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that abnormal sensation and ATR areflexia were independent risk factors for TPUO in age, sex, duration of diabetes, and A1C. ΔBP in diabetic subjects with TPUO was significantly impaired compared with that in those without TPUO. Larger ΔBP was identified as a significant risk factor of TPUO independent of other nerve dysfunctions by multiple logistic regression analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

TPUO is significantly more frequent in diabetic than in nondiabetic individuals. TPUO is significantly associated with symptoms and signs of DPN, including impaired blood pressure response in a head-up tilt test. TPUO, therefore, might be a newly recognized symptom of DPN.
Synthesis and characterization of silica gel microspheres encapsulated by salicyclic acid functionalized polystyrene and its adsorption of transition metal ions from aqueous solutions
Authors: Xu Qiang , Yin Ping , Zhao Guifang , Yin Gui , Qu Rongjun
Published: December 2009

The present study was undertaken to develop a novel adsorbent for heavy metal ions, and this paper presents the synthesis and characterization of a composite material-silica gel microspheres encapsulated by salicyclic acid functionalized polystyrene (SG-PS-azo-SA) with a core-shell structure. SG-PS-azo-SA was used to investigate the adsorption of Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Fe(III), Hg(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), Cr(VI), Pd(II), Cu(II), Ag(I), and Au(III) from aqueous solutions. The results revealed that SG-PS-azo-SA has better adsorption capacity for Cu(II), Ag(I) and Au(III). Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were applied to analyze the experimental data, the best interpretation for the experimental data was given by the Langmuir isotherm equation with the maximum adsorption capacity for Cu(II), Ag(I), and Au(III) at 1.288 mmol g−1, 1.850 mmol g−1 and 1.613 mmol gt-1, respectively. Thus, silica gel encapsulated by salicyclic acid functionalized polystyrene (SG-PS-azo-SA) is favorable and useful for the removal of Cu(II), Ag(I) and Au(III) metal ions.
Preparation, characterization and enhanced photocatalytic activity of Ni2+ doped titania under solar light
Authors: Gomathi Devi L. , Kottam Nagaraju , Girish Kumar S. , Eraiah Rajashekhar K.
Published: December 2009

Anatase TiO2 was prepared by sol-gel method through the hydrolysis of TiCl4. Ni2+ was doped into the TiO2 matrix in the concentration range of 0.02 to 0.1 at.% and characterized by various analytical techniques. Powder X-ray diffraction revealed only anatase phase for all the samples, while diffuse reflectance spectral studies indicated a red shift in the band gap absorption to the visible region. The photocatalytic activities of these photocatalysts were probed for the degradation of methyl orange under natural solar light. The photocatalyst with optimum doping of 0.08 at.% Ni2+, showed enhanced activity, which is attributed to: (i) effective separation of charge carriers and (ii) large red shift in the band gap to visible region. The influence of crystallite size and dopant concentration on the charge carrier trapping — recombination dynamics is investigated.
Synthesis, spectral characterization and catalytic studies of new ruthenium(II) chalcone thiosemicarbazone complexes
Authors: Muthukumar Manisekar , Viswanathamurthi Periasamy
Published: December 2009

A series of new hexa-coordinated ruthenium(II) complexes of the type [Ru(CO)(EPh3)(B)(L)] (E = P or As; B = PPh3, AsPh3 or Py; L = chalcone thiosemicarbazone) have been prepared by reacting [RuHCl(CO)(EPh3)2(B)] (E = P or As; B = PPh3, AsPh3 or Py) with chalcone thiosemicarbazones in benzene under reflux. The new complexes have been characterized by analytical and spectroscopic (IR, UV-vis, 1H, 31P and 13C NMR) methods. On the basis of data obtained, an octahedral structure was assigned for all of the complexes. The chalcone thiosemicarbazones behave as dianionic tridentate O, N, S donors and coordinate to ruthenium via the phenolic oxygen of chalcone, the imine nitrogen of thiosemicarbazone and thienol sulfur. The new complexes exhibit catalytic activity for the oxidation of primary and secondary alcohols to their corresponding aldehydes and ketones and they were also found to be efficient catalysts for the transfer hydrogenation of carbonyl compounds.
Trauma to transplanted kidney with open fractures: Report of a case
Authors: Piskin Turgut , Aydin Cemalettin , Kayaalp Cuneyt , Sumer Fatih
Published: December 2009

A 45 year-old man, who had undergone kidney transplantation 7 years prior, was admitted to hospital after a motorcycle accident. The patient was conscious, hemodynamically stable, and had suffered open tibia and femur fractures, as well as closed pubic arm fractures. He had gross hematuria and radiologic study revealed a 3.5 cm length laceration on the transplanted kidney. His renal functions and hematuria recovered after intensive care. He required 2 surgeries for the open fractures but his general condition worsened after the surgical interventions. Acinetobacter, Candida albicans and pseudomonas aeruginosa were determined by blood cultures. Immunosupressive drugs (cyclosporine, prednisolone and azathioprine) were stopped. Despite intensive care, the patient died of sepsis 17 days post trauma. Open fractures of long bones provide a higher risk of sepsis in transplant patients than closed fractures.
Kinetics of nitric oxide oxidation
Authors: Skalska Kinga , Miller Jacek , Ledakowicz Stanisław
Published: December 2009

Nitrogen oxides are nowadays a subject of global concern. Several types of nitrogen oxides exist in the environment: N2O, NO, NO2, N2O3, N2O4, N2O5. The abbreviation NOx usually relates to nitric oxide NO, nitrogen dioxide NO2, and nitrous oxide N2O. The first two are harmful pollutants for both environment and human health, whereas the third is one of the greenhouse gases. Implementation of stringent NOx emission regulations requires the development of new NOx removal technologies from exhaust gases. One of many proposals for NOx emission reduction is the application of an oxidizing agent which would transform NOx to higher nitrogen oxides with higher solubility in water. The main objective of the paper was to present the rate constant of nitric oxide oxidation, determined in our studies.
Simulation of aerobic landfill in laboratory scale lysimeters — effect of aeration rate
Authors: Slezak Radoslaw , Krzystek Liliana , Ledakowicz Stanisław
Published: December 2009

Aeration of municipal landfills contributes to the acceleration of organic matter degradation and to the decrease of pollutant emission into air, water, and soil. Biodegradation of organic matter present in municipal waste, deposited in a landfill, by microorganisms under anaerobic conditions is a slow process. The aim of the study was to carry out simulations of an aerobic landfill in lysimeters, to determine the influence of aeration rate on the degradation of organic matter present in landfills, and to formulate a mathematical model defining the changes of carbon content in leachate and in gas produced. In this work, simulation of aerobic landfill leachate degradation was carried out in laboratory scale lysimeters with the working volume of 15 L. The changes of BOD5, COD, and ammonium nitrogen concentration during aeration were similar for all aeration rates. During aeration, the BOD5 index decreased by 99.9 %, COD decreased by 95.1 %, and ammonium nitrogen concentration by 93 %. The proposed kinetic model defines the processes of organic carbon content changes in simulated leachate and the quantity of carbon dioxide for aerobic landfill simulation quite well.
Single-longitudinal mode Nd:YVO4/YVO4/KTP green solid state laser
Authors: Sotor J.Z. , Antończak A.J. , Abramski K.M.
Published: December 2009

We present the concept and practical realization of a single frequency, tuneable diode pumped Nd:YVO4/YVO4/KTP microchip laser operating at 532 nm. Theoretical analysis of the single mode operation of such a laser configuration is presented. The single frequency operation has been obtained in a birefringent filter, where an YVO4 beam displacer acts as an ideal polarizer. Experimental results are in good agreement with theoretical analysis. We have obtained stable single frequency operation, tuneable over 0.6 nm in the spectral range around 1064 nm. The laser operated with output power up to 110 mW at 53 nm. The total optical efficiency (808 nm to 532 nm) was 14%.
Allergen Skin Test Reactivity and Serum Total IgE Level in Adult Bronchial Asthmatic Patients
Authors: Parveen Tasmina , Begum Noorzahan , Begum Shelina
Published: December 2009

Background: Asthma affects more than 100 million people worldwide. Increased morbidity is multifactorial and may include increased exposure to indoor allergens and environmental pollutants, overuse of beta-2 agonist, underuse of anti-inflammatory mediators and limited education about health care. Allergy represents a specific alteration in biologic reactivity mediated by an immunologic mechanism and resulting in an adverse physiologic response. Objective: Some of the type of allergen's sensitivity by skin prick test and serum total IgE level were studied in adult asthmatic patients to observe their relationships. Methods: This study was carried out in the department of Physiology, Bangabandhu Sheik Mujib Medical University, Dhaka and Asthma center,Mohakhali, Dhaka from January 2005 to December 2005. Allergen skin prick tests (SPT) were done by Pepy's skin prick method and serum total IgE level by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay method on 30 asthmatic patients and 30 age and sex matched control subjects. Data were analyzed statistically by unpaired student's ‘t' test and Chi- squares test. Results: In this study, maximum numbers of asthmatic patients had positive SPT for dust mite which was followed by house dust and by cockroach. Frequency percentage for dust mite was significantly higher (P<0.05) than that of house dust and cockroach. It was also significantly higher in house dust than that of cockroach (P< 0.001). The mean serum total IgE level was significantly higher (P<0.001) in asthmatic adults compared to that of healthy subjects. On the other hand, the association between the positive skin prick tests of all allergens used in this study and elevated serum total IgE were not statistically significant (P >0.05). Conclusion: Therefore , it can be concluded that different allergens like, house dust, dust mite and cockroach are responsible for bronchial asthma in our country which can be detected by SPT. Thus it can be used for identification of type of actual allergens responsible for bronchial asthma which may be a useful measure for earlier detection of allergens and for hyposensitization or desensitization of that patients accordingly with those allergens. Key words: Allergen, IgE, Bronchial asthma.   DOI: 10.3329/jbsp.v4i1.4062 J Bangladesh Soc Physiol. 2009 June; 4(1): 1-6
Parasympathetic Nerve Function Status in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Naher Latifa Afrin Dill , Begum Noorzahan , Begum Shelina , Ferdousi Sultana , Ali Taskina
Published: December 2009

Background: In postmenopausal women, the risk of cardiovascular diseases gradually increases and alterations in autonomic nerve functions commonly affect cardiac vagal control. Objective: To observe some aspects of parasympathetic nerve function status in apparently healthy post menopausal women. Method: This cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Physiology Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. In this study, 30 postmenopausal women with age 45 to 60 years were included in group B (study group) and 30 premenopausal women aged 20 to 30 years were taken in group A (control group). They were further divided into group A1(menstrual),A2(follicular), A3(luteal) according to phases of menstrual cycle during which they were studied. Serum estrogen and progesterone levels were measured in postmenopausal women and also during follicular and luteal phases in premenopausal women and were estimated by MEIA technique. To assess parasympathetic nerve function status, three noninvasive cardiovascular reflex tests such as heart rate response to valsalva maneuver, heart rate response to deep breathing and heart rate response to standing were performed in all the subjects. Data were collected by recording ECG in resting conditions. For statistical analysis, unpaired t test and multiple regression analysis was used. Results: In postmenopausal women, serum estrogen and progesterone levels were significantly (p<0.001) lower compared to those of follicular and luteal phases of premenopausal women except progesterone level during follicular phase which was though lower but not statistically significant. Heart rate response to valsalva maneuver were almost similar in all the groups.Heart rate response to deep breathing and heart rate response to standing were significantly lower in group B than those of group A1, A2 and A3 respectively. On regression analysis parasympathetic nerve function in post postmenopausal women showed significant association with estrogen level. Conclusion: From this study it may be concluded that parasympathetic nerve function was lower in postmenopausal women, which may be related to decreased level of estrogen Key Words: Postmenopausal women, Parasympathetic nerve function, Cardiovascular reflex test.   DOI: 10.3329/jbsp.v4i1.4064 J Bangladesh Soc Physiol. 2009 June; 4(1): 14-19
The Selection of an Appropriate Count Data Model for Modelling Health Insurance and Health Care Demand: Case of Indonesia
Authors: Hidayat Budi , Pokhrel Subhash
Published: December 2009

We apply several estimators to Indonesian household data to estimate the relationship between health insurance and the number of outpatient visits to public and private providers. Once endogeneity of insurance is taken into account, there is a 63 percent increase in the average number of public visits by the beneficiaries of mandatory insurance for civil servants. Individuals' decisions to make first contact with private providers is affected by private insurance membership. However, insurance status does not make any difference for the number of future outpatient visits.
Chemistry of Secondary Polyphenols Produced during Processing of Tea and Selected Foods
Authors: Tanaka Takashi , Matsuo Yosuke , Kouno Isao
Published: December 2009

This review will discuss recent progress in the chemistry of secondary polyphenols produced during food processing. The production mechanism of the secondary polyphenols in black tea, whisky, cinnamon, and persimmon fruits will be introduced. In the process of black tea production, tea leaf catechins are enzymatically oxidized to yield a complex mixture of oxidation products, including theaflavins and thearubigins. Despite the importance of the beverage, most of the chemical constituents have not yet been confirmed due to the complexity of the mixture. However, the reaction mechanisms at the initial stages of catechin oxidation are explained by simple quinone–phenol coupling reactions. In vitro model experiments indicated the presence of interesting regio- and stereoselective reactions. Recent results on the reaction mechanisms will be introduced. During the aging of whisky in oak wood barrels, ellagitannins originating from oak wood are oxidized and react with ethanol to give characteristic secondary ellagitannins. The major part of the cinnamon procyanidins is polymerized by copolymerization with cinnamaldehyde. In addition, anthocyanidin structural units are generated in the polymer molecules by oxidation which accounts for the reddish coloration of the cinnamon extract. This reaction is related to the insolubilization of proanthocyanidins in persimmon fruits by condensation with acetaldehyde. In addition to oxidation, the reaction of polyphenols with aldehydes may be important in food processing.
Coordination of {Mo142} Ring to La3+ Provides Elliptical {Mo134La10} Ring with a Variety of Coordination Modes
Authors: Ishikawa Eri , Yano Yutaka , Yamase Toshihiro
Published: December 2009

A28-electron reduced C2h-Mo-blue 34Ǻ outer ring diameter circular ring, [Mo142O429H10(H2O)49(CH3CO2)5(C2H5CO2)]30- (≡{Mo142(CH3CO2)5(C2H5CO2)}) comprising eight carboxylate-coordinated (with disorder) {Mo2} linkers and six defect pockets in two inner rings (four and three for each, respectively), reacts with La3+ in aqueous solutions at pH 3.5 to yield a 28-electron reduced elliptical Ci-Mo-blue ring of formula [Mo134O416H20(H2O)46{La(H2O)5}4{La(H2O)7}4{LaCl2(H2O)5}2]10- (≡{Mo134La10}), isolated as the Na10[Mo134O416H20(H2O)46{La(H2O)5}4{La(H2O)7}4{LaCl2(H2O)5}2]·144 H2O Na+ salt. The elliptical structure of {Mo134La10} showing 36 and 31 Å long and short axes for the outer ring diameters is attributed to four (A-D) modes of LaO9/LaO7Cl2 tricapped-trigonal-prismatic coordination (TTP) geometries. Two different LaO2(H2O)7 and one LaO2(H2O)2Cl2 TTP geometries (as A-C modes) for each of two inner rings result from the coordination of all three defect pockets of the inner ring for {Mo142(CH3CO2)5(C2H5CO2)}, and two LaO4(H2O)5 TTP geometries (as D mode) result from the displacement of two (acetate/propionate-coordinated) binuclear {Mo2} linkers with La3+ in each inner ring. The isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) of the ring modification from circle to ellipsoid, showing the endothermic reaction of [La3+]/[{Mo142(CH3CO2)5(C2H5CO2)}] = 6/1 with DH = 22 kJ×mol-1, DS = 172 J×K-1×mol-1, DG = −28 kJ×mol-1, and K = 9.9 ´ 104 M-1 at 293 K, leads to the conclusion that the coordination of the defect pockets to La3+ precedes the replacement of the {Mo2} linkers with La3+. 139La- NMR spectrometry of the coordination of {Mo142(CH3CO2)5(C2H5CO2)} ring to La3+ is also discussed.
Dental Glass Ionomer Cements as Permanent Filling Materials? – Properties, Limitations and Future Trends
Authors: Lohbauer Ulrich
Published: December 2009

Glass ionomer cements (GICs) are clinically attractive dental materials that have certain unique properties that make them useful as restorative and luting materials. This includes adhesion to moist tooth structures and base metals, anticariogenic properties due to release of fluoride, thermal compatibility with tooth enamel, biocompatibility and low toxicity. The use of GICs in a mechanically loaded situation, however, has been hampered by their low mechanical performance. Poor mechanical properties, such as low fracture strength, toughness and wear, limit their extensive use in dentistry as a filling material in stress-bearing applications. In the posterior dental region, glass ionomer cements are mostly used as a temporary filling material. The requirement to strengthen those cements has lead to an ever increasing research effort into reinforcement or strengthening concepts.
An Efficient, Mild and Solvent-Free Synthesis of Benzene Ring Acylated Harmalines
Authors: Begum Sabira , Zubair Farhat , Nawazish Ali Syed , Shaheen Siddiqui Bina
Published: December 2009

A facile synthesis of a series of benzene ring acylated analogues of harmaline has been achieved by Friedel-Crafts acylation under solvent-free conditions at room temperature using acyl halides/acid anhydrides and AlCl3. The reaction afforded 10- and 12-acyl analogues of harmaline in good yield, along with minor quantities of N-acyl-tryptamines and 8-acyl analogues of N-acyltryptamines.
Transition-Metal-Free Highly Efficient Aerobic Oxidation of Sulfides to Sulfoxides under Mild Conditions
Authors: Zhang Hua , Chen Chunyu , Liu Renhua , Xu Qiang , Zhao Weiqie
Published: December 2009

A highly efficient transition-metal-free catalytic system Br2/NaNO2/H2O has been developed for a robust and economic acid-free aerobic oxidation of sulfides. It is noteworthy that the sulfide function reacts under mild conditions without over-oxidation to sulfone. The role of NaNO2as an efficient NO equivalent for the activation of molecular oxygen was identified. Under the optimal conditions, a broad range of sulfide substrates were converted into their corresponding sulfoxides in high yields by molecular oxygen. The present catalytic system utilizes cheap and readily available agents as the catalysts, exhibits high selectivity for sulfoxide products and releases only innocuous water as the by-products.
Al-Mousawi, S.M., et al. Azolylacetones as Precursors to Indoles and Naphthofurans Facilitated by Microwave Irradiation with Simultaneous Cooling. Molecules 2009, 14, 2976-2984
Authors: Al-Mousawi Saleh Mohammed , El-Apasery Morsy Ahmed
Published: December 2009

We realized that the title was incorrectly listed in our paper published in Molecules recently [1]. The correct title is indicated below: [...]
Polymers – A New Open Access Scientific Journal on Polymer Science
Authors: Lin Shu-Kun
Published: December 2009

Polymers is a new interdisciplinary, Open Access scientific journal on polymer science, published by Molecular Diversity Preservation International (MDPI). This journal welcomes manuscript submissions on polymer chemistry, macromolecular chemistry, polymer physics, polymer characterization and all related topics. Both synthetic polymers and natural polymers, including biopolymers, are considered. Manuscripts will be thoroughly peer-reviewed in a timely fashion, and papers will be published, if accepted, within 6 to 8 weeks after submission. [...]
Role of Different Pre-Treatments on Composition and Rheology of Synovial Fluids
Authors: Rinaudo Marguerite , Rozand Yves , Mathieu Pierre , Conrozier Thierry
Published: December 2009

Different pre-treatments applied to synovial fluids (SF) before their analyses are tested to characterize SF after storage under different conditions and to investigate their evolution along a viscosupplementation treatment. The main techniques proposed involve steric exclusion chromatography with triple detection (SEC) and viscometry; it is the first time that such a study is developed. SEC gives the molecular weight distribution and concentration of hyaluronan (HA) and proteins separately; the steady state viscosity is always non-Newtonian and not directly related to SF composition. Pre-treatment of SF (storage in cold, filtration, centrifugation) allows us to conclude that, in order to store SF, it is best to freeze it, even if in some cases, viscosity is modified but not the composition. All the data obtained (including protease pre-treatment) allow us to conclude that a small fraction of HA-protein complex forms a loose 3D-network and controls the rheology.
Individual Tree Species Classification by Illuminated—Shaded Area Separation
Authors: Puttonen Eetu , Litkey Paula , Hyyppä Juha
Published: December 2009

A new method, called Illumination Dependent Colour Channels (IDCC), is presented to improve individual tree species classification. The method is based on tree crown division into illuminated and shaded parts on a digital aerial image. Colour values of both sides of the tree crown are then used in species classification. Tree crown division is achieved by comparing the projected location of an aerial image pixel with its neighbours on a Canopy Height Model (CHM), which is calculated from a synchronized LIDAR point cloud. The sun position together with the mapping aircraft position are also utilised in illumination status detection. The new method was tested on a dataset of 295 trees and the classification results were compared with ones measured with two other feature extraction methods. The results of the developed method gave a clear improvement in overall tree species classification accuracy.
Application of Microwave Remote Sensing to Dynamic Testing of Stay-Cables
Authors: Gentile Carmelo
Published: December 2009

Recent advances in radar techniques and systems have favoured the development of microwave interferometers, suitable for the non-contact vibration monitoring of large structures. The paper addresses the application of microwave remote sensing to the measurement of the vibration response in the stay-cables of cable-stayed bridges. The reliability and accuracy of the proposed technique were investigated by comparing the natural frequencies (and the cable tensions predicted from natural frequencies) identified from radar data and the corresponding quantities obtained using more conventional techniques. The investigation, carried out on the cables of two different cable-stayed bridges, clearly highlights: (a) the accuracy of the results provided by the microwave remote sensing; (b) the simplicity of use of the radar technique (especially when compared with conventional approaches) and its effectiveness to simultaneously measuring the dynamic response of all the stay-cables of an array.
The Inflammasome in Host Defense
Authors: Chen Gang , Pedra Joao H.F.
Published: December 2009

Nod-like receptors have emerged as an important family of sensors in host defense. These receptors are expressed in macrophages, dendritic cells and monocytes and play an important role in microbial immunity. Some Nod-like receptors form the inflammasome, a protein complex that activates caspase-1 in response to several stimuli. Caspase-1 activation leads to processing and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18. Here, we discuss recent advances in the inflammasome field with an emphasis on host defense. We also compare differential requirements for inflammasome activation in dendritic cells, macrophages and monocytes.
Tracking Control of Shape-Memory-Alloy Actuators Based on Self-Sensing Feedback and Inverse Hysteresis Compensation
Authors: Liu Shu-Hung , Huang Tse-Shih , Yen Jia-Yush
Published: December 2009

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) offer a high power-to-weight ratio, large recovery strain, and low driving voltages, and have thus attracted considerable research attention. The difficulty of controlling SMA actuators arises from their highly nonlinear hysteresis and temperature dependence. This paper describes a combination of self-sensing and model-based control, where the model includes both the major and minor hysteresis loops as well as the thermodynamics effects. The self-sensing algorithm uses only the power width modulation (PWM) signal and requires no heavy equipment. The method can achieve high-accuracy servo control and is especially suitable for miniaturized applications.
A Study of MAC Protocols for WBANs
Authors: Ullah Sana , Shen Bin , Riazul Islam S.M. , Khan Pervez , Saleem Shahnaz , Sup Kwak Kyung
Published: December 2009

The seamless integration of low-power, miniaturised, invasive/non-invasive lightweight sensor nodes have contributed to the development of a proactive and unobtrusive Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN). A WBAN provides long-term health monitoring of a patient without any constraint on his/her normal dailylife activities. This monitoring requires the low-power operation of invasive/non-invasive sensor nodes. In other words, a power-efficient Medium Access Control (MAC) protocol is required to satisfy the stringent WBAN requirements, including low-power consumption. In this paper, we first outline the WBAN requirements that are important for the design of a low-power MAC protocol. Then we study low-power MAC protocols proposed/investigated for a WBAN with emphasis on their strengths and weaknesses. We also review different power-efficient mechanisms for a WBAN. In addition, useful suggestions are given to help the MAC designers to develop a low-power MAC protocol that will satisfy the stringent requirements.
Chip-Oriented Fluorimeter Design and Detection System Development for DNA Quantification in Nano-Liter Volumes
Authors: Lee Da-Sheng , Chen Ming-Hui
Published: December 2009

The chip-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system has been developed in recent years to achieve DNA quantification. Using a microstructure and miniature chip, the volume consumption for a PCR can be reduced to a nano-liter. With high speed cycling and a low reaction volume, the time consumption of one PCR cycle performed on a chip can be reduced. However, most of the presented prototypes employ commercial fluorimeters which are not optimized for fluorescence detection of such a small quantity sample. This limits the performance of DNA quantification, especially low experiment reproducibility. This study discusses the concept of a chip-oriented fluorimeter design. Using the analytical model, the current study analyzes the sensitivity and dynamic range of the fluorimeter to fit the requirements for detecting fluorescence in nano-liter volumes. Through the optimized processes, a real-time PCR on a chip system with only one nano-liter volume test sample is as sensitive as the commercial real-time PCR machine using the sample with twenty micro-liter volumes. The signal to noise (S/N) ratio of a chip system for DNA quantification with hepatitis B virus (HBV) plasmid samples is 3 dB higher. DNA quantification by the miniature chip shows higher reproducibility compared to the commercial machine with respect to samples of initial concentrations from 103 to 105 copies per reaction.
Microfabrication of Microchannels for Fuel Cell Plates
Authors: Jang Ho Su , Park Dong Sam
Published: December 2009

Portable electronic devices such as notebook computers, PDAs, cellular phones, etc., are being widely used, and they increasingly need cheap, efficient, and lightweight power sources. Fuel cells have been proposed as possible power sources to address issues that involve energy production and the environment. In particular, a small type of fuel-cell system is known to be suitable for portable electronic devices. The development of micro fuel cell systems can be achieved by the application of microchannel technology. In this study, the conventional method of chemical etching and the mechanical machining method of micro end milling were used for the microfabrication of microchannel for fuel cell separators. The two methods were compared in terms of their performance in the fabrication with regards to dimensional errors, flatness, straightness, and surface roughness. Following microchannel fabrication, the powder blasting technique is introduced to improve the coating performance of the catalyst on the surface of the microchannel. Experimental results show that end milling can remarkably increase the fabrication performance and that surface treatment by powder blasting can improve the performance of catalyst coating.
Recent Advances in Sensing Oropharyngeal Swallowing Function in Japan
Authors: Ono Takahiro , Hori Kazuhiro , Masuda Yuji , Hayashi Toyohiko
Published: December 2009

Dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing) is an important issue in the elderly because it causes aspiration pneumonia, which is the second largest cause of death in this group. It also causes decline in activities of daily living and quality of life. The oral phase of swallowing has been neglected, despite its importance in the evaluation of dysphagia, because adequate protocols and measuring devices are unavailable. However, recent advances in sensor technology have enabled straightforward, non-invasive measurement of the movement of important swallowing-related organs such as the lips and tongue, as well as the larynx. In this article, we report the present state and possibility of clinical application of such systems developed in Japan.
1-Hydroxypyrene–A Biochemical Marker for PAH Pollution Assessment of Aquatic Ecosystem
Authors: Blahova Jana , Kruzikova Kamila , Kasiková Barbora , Stierand Pavel , Jurcikova Jana , Ocelka Tomas , Svobodova Zdenka
Published: December 2009

The aim of the present study was to assess aquatic contamination by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), using the 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) content in fish bile as a biochemical marker. A total of 71 chub (Leuciscus cephalus L.) were collected from seven locations on the Svitava and Svratka rivers in and around the industrial city of Brno, Czech Republic. The levels of 1-OHP were determined by reverse phase HPLC with fluorescence detection after deconjugation. Normalising the molar concentration of the biliary 1-OHP to the biliary protein content reduced sample variation. The content of 1-OHP was correlated with the PAH level in bottom sediment and semi-permeable membrane devices (SPMD), which was analyzed by a combination of HPLC/FLD and GC/MS methods. The highest mean values of 1-OHP were found in fish caught at the Svratka River at locations Modrice (169.2 ± 99.7 ng•mg-1 protein) and Rajhradice (152.2 ± 79.7 ng•mg-1 protein), which are located downstream from Brno. These values were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those obtained from localities Knínicky (98.4 ± 66.1 ng•mg-1 protein) and Bílovice nad Svitavou (64.1 ± 31.4 ng•mg-1 protein). The lowest contents of PAH in sediment and SPMD were found at location Knínicky (1.5 mg•kg-1 dry mass and 19.4 ng•L-1, respectively). The highest contents of PAH in sediment and SPMD were found in Rajhradice (26.0 mg•kg-1 dry mass) and Svitava before junction (65.4 ng•L-1), respectively. A Spearman correlation test was applied to determine the relationship between biliary 1-OHP and the sum of PAH in sediment and SPMD. A positive, but no statistically significant correlation was found. The main impact sources of elevated level of PAHs in sites located downstream from Brno are most probably intensive industrial and agricultural activities and domestic waste.
Design, Control and in Situ Visualization of Gas Nitriding Processes
Authors: Ratajski Jerzy , Olik Roman , Suszko Tomasz , Dobrodziej Jerzy , Michalski Jerzy
Published: December 2009

The article presents a complex system of design, in situ visualization and control of the commonly used surface treatment process: the gas nitriding process. In the computer design conception, analytical mathematical models and artificial intelligence methods were used. As a result, possibilities were obtained of the poly-optimization and poly-parametric simulations of the course of the process combined with a visualization of the value changes of the process parameters in the function of time, as well as possibilities to predict the properties of nitrided layers. For in situ visualization of the growth of the nitrided layer, computer procedures were developed which make use of the results of the correlations of direct and differential voltage and time runs of the process result sensor (magnetic sensor), with the proper layer growth stage. Computer procedures make it possible to combine, in the duration of the process, the registered voltage and time runs with the models of the process.