bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen‐Rich Compounds of the Lanthanoids: The 5,5′‐Azobis[1H‐tetrazol‐1‐ides] of the Light Rare Earths (Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd)
Authors: Steinhauser Georg , Giester Gerald , Leopold Nicolae , Wagner Christoph , Villa Mario
Published: October 2009

On the occasion of Carl Auer von Welsbach's 150th birthday in 2008, we investigated the 5,5′‐azobis[1H‐tetrazol‐1‐ides] (C2N$\rm{ {_{10}^{2-}}}$; (ZT)2−) of the light lanthanoids (Ln) cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, samarium, europium, and gadolinium. Their synthesis was performed by crystallization from aqueous solutions of disodium 5,5′‐azobis[1H‐tetrazol‐1‐ide] and the respective lanthanoid nitrate. All compounds are isotypic (triclinic space group P‐1) and crystallize according to the general formula [Ln(H2O)7]2(ZT)3⋅10 H2O. The crystal structures of all compounds were determined. A distinct lanthanoid contraction could be established, clearly observable by the decrease in the bond lengths in the LnNO7 polyhedra from the Ce to the Gd compound. Further, and in contrast to the previously published 5,5′‐azobis[1H‐tetrazol‐1‐ides] of the heavy yttric earths, the light Ln cations in this study are coordinated not only by H2O molecules but also by one (ZT)2− anion. Further characterization was performed by vibrational (IR and Raman) spectroscopy and elemental analysis.
Synthesis of (−)‐Pinellic Acid and Its (9R,12S,13S)‐Diastereoisomer
Authors: Sabitha Gowravaram , Bhikshapathi Martha , Reddy Erigala Venkata , Yadav Jhillu S.
Published: October 2009

The total synthesis of (−)‐pinellic acid with (9S,12S,13S)‐configuration and its (9R,12S,13S)‐diastereoisomer was achieved in high overall yields from a common intermediate derived from (+)‐L‐diethyl tartrate.
Synthesis and Crystal Structures of O‐2′,3′‐Cyclic Cyclopentanone and Cyclohexanone Ketals of the Cytostatic 5‐Fluorouridine
Authors: Malecki Edith , Ye Fei , Reuter Hans , Rosemeyer Helmut
Published: October 2009

The synthesis of two O‐2′,3′‐cyclic ketals, i.e., 5 and 6, of the cytostatic 5‐fluorouridine (2), carrying a cyclopentane and/or a cyclohexane ring, respectively, is described. The novel compounds were characterized by 1H‐, 19F‐, and 13C‐NMR, and UV spectroscopy, as well as by elemental analyses. Their crystal structures were determined by X‐ray analysis. Both compounds 5 and 6 show an anti‐conformation at the N‐glycosidic bond which is biased from +ac to +ap compared to the parent nucleoside 2. The sugar puckering is changed from 2′E to 3′E going along with a reduction of the puckering amplitude τm by ca. 10–13° due to the ketalization. The conformation about the sugar exocyclic bond C(4′)C(5′) of 5 and 6 remains unchanged, i.e., g+, compared with compound 2.
Two New Diterpenes from the Twigs of Cinnamomum cassia
Authors: Ngoc Tran Minh , Ha Do Thi , Lee Ik‐Soo , Min Byung‐Sun , Na Min‐Kyun , Jung Hyun‐Ju , Lee Sang‐Myung , Bae Ki‐Hwan
Published: October 2009

Two new diterpene derivatives named cinnacasol (1) and cinnacaside (2) were isolated from the MeOH extract of the twigs of Cinnamomum cassia Blume. Their structures were identified based on physicochemical properties and spectroscopic‐data analyses such as IR, HR‐MS, and 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR, and by comparison with published values.
Synthesis and Crystal Structures of Two 9‐(2‐Bromoethyl)‐Substituted 7‐Deazapurines
Authors: Asaftei Simona , Reichelt Martin , Reuter Hans , Rosemeyer Helmut
Published: October 2009

The 7‐(2‐bromoethyl) derivatives, 2a and 2b, of 4‐chloro‐7H‐pyrrolo[2,3‐d]pyrimidine (1a) and 4‐chloro‐7H‐pyrrolo[2,3‐d]pyrimidin‐2‐amine (1b) were synthesized by nucleobase anion alkylation (NaH, DMF) and crystallized. X‐Ray analyses of both compounds were performed, and they revealed significantly different positioning of the side chain relative to the heterocyclic ring, depending on the substituent (H or NH2) at C(2).
Three New Monoterpene Glucosides from Lamium amplexicaule
Authors: Kikuchi Masao , Onoguchi Rie , Yaoita Yasunori
Published: October 2009

Three new monoterpene glucosides, lamiuamplexosides A–C (1–3), along with thirteen known glucosides, were isolated from the whole plant of Lamium amplexicaule L. The structures of 1–3 were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic, chemical, and physicochemical evidence.
2‐(2,4‐Dinitrobenzyl)pyridine (DNBP): A Potential Light‐Activated Proton Shuttle
Authors: Goeschen Catrin , Herges Rainer , Richter Josef , Tokarczyk Bogdan , Wirz Jakob
Published: October 2009

The well‐known photochromic tautomerism of 2‐(2,4‐dinitrobenzyl)pyridine (1; CH; Scheme 1) was re‐investigated by flash photolysis in aqueous solution in view of its potential application as a light‐activated proton pump. Irradiation of 1 yields the enamine tautomer NH (λmax=520 nm) that rapidly equilibrates with its conjugate base CNO− (λmax=420 nm). The pH–rate profile for the first‐order decay of NH and CNO− provides a direct determination of the acidity constant of NH, pK$\rm{ {_{a,c}^{NH}}}$=5.94±0.12 (I=0.1M) and serves to clarify the mechanisms of proton transfer prevailing in aqueous solutions. The acidity constant of protonated 1 (CHNH+), pK$\rm{ {_{a,c}^{CHNH}}}$=4.18±0.02, was determined by spectrophotometric titration.
Chemical and Genetic Study of Ligularia cyathiceps in Yunnan Province of China
Authors: Nagano Hajime , Torihata Atsushi , Matsushima Mika , Hanai Ryo , Saito Yoshinori , Baba Makiko , Tanio Yui , Okamoto Yasuko , Takashima Yuriko , Ichihara Mayu , Gong Xun , Kuroda Chiaki , Tori Motoo
Published: October 2009

Root chemicals and evolutionarily neutral DNA regions in L. cyathiceps samples collected in the Zhongdian (Shangrila) County of Yunnan, P. R. China, were examined. Twenty compounds were isolated, including three new ones, 1β,10β‐epoxy‐6β‐(propionyloxy)furanoeremophilan‐9‐one (6), 1β,10β‐epoxy‐8α‐ethoxyeremophila‐6,11‐diene (14), and 11αH‐6β‐isobutyryloxy‐1β,10β,7β,8β‐diepoxyeremophilan‐12,8α‐olide (15). The chemical diversity was found to be limited, with cacalol (1) and 6‐(acyloxy)furanoeremophilan‐9‐ones (4 and/or 5) being major components in all the samples. The nuclear ribosomal RNA gene was also found to harbor little variation, although two distinct sequence types were found for the plastid atpB‐rbcL intergenic region.
The sensitivity of simulated flow and water quality response to spatial heterogeneity on a hillslope in the Tarrawarra catchment, Australia
Authors: Neumann L. N. , Western A. W. , Argent R. M.
Published: October 2009

Models are widely used to simulate hydrological response and the generation and transport of constituents such as salt, phosphorus, and nitrogen from catchments to streams. Several models use a spatial representation with catchments divided into subcatchments. Variations in land use and other characteristics within subcatchments are represented by spatially lumped hydrologic response units (HRUs) or functional units instead of using fully distributed models. This approach disregards any spatial interaction between HRUs, including their connectivity to each other and to the stream and the influence of these interactions on water and constituent export. A spatially explicit hydrological model (Thales) was used to simulate a variety of theoretical catchments with soils dominated by combinations of infiltration excess, saturation excess, and subsurface stormflow processes and different soil constituent concentrations that were spatially interacting (i.e. located along a hillslope sequence). The modelling results show that the response of both runoff and concentration is sensitive to varying spatial arrangements due to interactions of runoff, infiltration, and chemical processes between the different soil types in many but not all situations. Results highlight the importance of considering connectivity of pathways when modelling hydrological response and constituents export. This is achieved by comparing pairs of simulations and the corresponding differences in the exported loads. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multi‐armed poly(L‐glutamic acid)‐graft‐oligoethylenimine copolymers as efficient nonviral gene delivery vectors
Authors: Chen Lei , Tian Huayu , Chen Jie , Chen Xuesi , Huang Yubin , Jing Xiabin
Published: October 2009

Background

The application of polyethylenimine (PEI) in gene delivery has been severely limited by significant cytotoxicity that results from a nondegradable methylene backbone and high cationic charge density. It is therefore necessary to develop novel biodegradable PEI derivates for low‐toxic, highly efficient gene delivery.

Methods

A series of novel cationic copolymers with various charge density were designed and synthesized by grafting different kinds of oligoethylenimine (OEI) onto a determinate multi‐armed poly(L‐glutamic acid) backbone. The molecular structures of multi‐armed poly(L‐glutamic acid)‐graft‐OEI (MP‐g‐OEI) copolymers were characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance, viscosimetry and gel permeation chromatography. Moreover, the MP‐g‐OEI/DNA complexes were measured by a gel retardation assay, dynamic light scattering and atomic force microscopy to determine DNA binding ability, particle size, zeta potential, complex formation and shape, respectively. MP‐g‐OEI copolymers were also evaluated in Chinese hamster ovary and human embryonic kidney‐293 cells for their cytotoxicity and transfection efficiency.

Results

The particle sizes of MP‐g‐OEI/DNA complexes were in a range of 109.6–182.6 nm and the zeta potentials were in a range of 29.2–44.5 mV above the N/P ratio of 5. All the MP‐g‐OEI copolymers exhibited lower cytotoxicity and higher gene transfection efficiency than PEI25k in the absence and presence of serum with different cell lines. Importantly, the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay revealed that the cytotoxicity of MP‐g‐OEI copolymers varied with their molecular weight and charge density, and two of MP‐g‐OEI copolymers (OEI600‐MP and OEI1800‐MP) could achieve optimal transfection efficiency at a similar low N/P ratio as that for PEI25k.

Conclusions

MP‐g‐OEI copolymers demonstrated considerable potential as nonviral vectors for gene therapy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of Raman and SERS analytical protocols in the analysis of Cape Jasmine dye (Gardenia augustaL.)
Authors: Cañamares M. V. , Leona M. , Bouchard M. , Grzywacz C. M. , Wouters J. , Trentelman K.
Published: October 2009

The identification of organic colorants in works of art (such as dyes on textiles or organic pigments) by Raman spectroscopy is generally limited by the presence of a strong fluorescence background. In this paper, the effectiveness of minimizing fluorescence in the analysis of Cape Jasmine (Gardenia augustaL.) by dispersive Raman spectroscopy at three different excitation wavelengths (633, 785 and 1064 nm) and by surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) with and without acid hydrolysis is evaluated and compared. It is shown that these vibrational techniques offer an alternative analytical approach, when, as is particularly the case of Cape Jasmine, sample preparation procedures that are routinely applied for natural organic dyes and pigments cause alterations that lead to low sensitivity in the more classical high‐performance liquid chromatography‐photodiode array (HPLC‐PDA) analytical protocols. Samples of the yellow dyeG. augustaL. in the following forms were analyzed: dyed on alum mordanted wool, dyed on nonmordanted and alum mordanted silk, pigment precipitated on hydrated aluminum oxide, extract mixed with a protein binder and painted on glass, and as a water‐based glaze applied on a mock‐up of a typical Chinese wall‐painting. Raman bands at 1537, 1209 and 1165 cm−1are identified as discriminating markers for the carotenoid colorant components crocetin and crocin. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved surface‐enhanced Raman scattering properties of TiO2 nanoparticles by Zn dopant
Authors: Yang Libin , Zhang Yu , Ruan Weidong , Zhao Bing , Xu Weiqing , Lombardi John R.
Published: October 2009

In this paper, pure and Zn‐doped TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) with various content of Zn were prepared by a sol–hydrothermal method and were employed as active substrates for surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). On the 3% Zn‐doped TiO2 substrate, 4‐mercaptobenzoic acid(4‐MBA) molecules exhibit a higher SERS intensity by a factor of 6, as compared with the native enhancement of 4‐MBA adsorbed on undoped TiO2 NPs. Moreover, the higher SERS activity was still observed on the 3% Zn‐doped TiO2 NPs at temperature even up to 125 °C. These results indicate that an appropriate amount of Zn doping can improve the SERS performances of TiO2 SERS‐active substrates. The introduction of Zn dopant can enrich the surface states (defects) of TiO2 and improve the separation efficiency of photo‐generated charge carriers (electrons and holes) in TiO2, according to measurements of X‐ray diffraction, UV‐visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and photoluminescence, which are responsible for the influence of Zn dopant on the improved SERS performances of TiO2 NPs. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Extensive lymphadenectomy in colorectal cancer with isolated para‐aortic lymph node metastasis below the level of renal vessels
Authors: Choi Pyong Wha , Kim Hee Cheol , Kim Ah Young , Jung Sang Hun , Yu Chang Sik , Kim Jin Cheon
Published: October 2009

Background and objectives

The effects of isolated metastatic node dissection in the para‐aortic region have not been established in colorectal cancer (CRC). The authors undertook to evaluate the role of para‐aortic lymph node (PALN) dissection in CRC with isolated PALN metastasis.

Methods

Between January 1993 and March 2006, 24 patients underwent PALN dissection for isolated PALN metastasis from CRC. Patients with distant metastases other than to PALNs, or with nodal metastasis above the celiac axis were excluded. The control group was composed of 53 patients with isolated PALN metastasis below the level of the renal hilum that was not surgically removed.

Results

Median disease‐free interval after PALN dissection was 14 months. The postoperative complication rate was 27.8%, which was not significantly different from that of the control group. Median survivals in the PALN dissection and control groups were 64 (range, 17–111) and 33 (range, 24–42) months, respectively. The overall 5‐year survival rate was 53.4% in the PALN dissection group, versus 12.0% in the control group (P = 0.045).

Conclusions

The findings of this study suggest that PALN dissection increases the survival of patients with isolated PALN metastasis from CRC, and that it has a tolerable morbidity rate. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010;101:66–71. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization and quantitation of short‐chain fructooligosaccharides and inulooligosaccharides in fermented milks by high‐performance anion‐exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection
Authors: Borromei Chiara , Cavazza Antonella , Merusi Cristiana , Corradini Claudio
Published: October 2009

With the increased interest in the possible link between fructooligosaccharides (FOS) intake from functional foods and health, the need for reliable data on the individual FOS content of those foods has become very important. In this study a new high‐performance anion‐exchange chromatography coupled to pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC‐PAD) method is described for the selective determination of short‐chain FOS and inulooligosaccharides (IOS) present in the investigated prebiotic food ingredients. Response factor of PAD was investigated in relationship with degree of polymerization and isomers. The developed HPAEC‐PAD method has been applied to characterize short‐chain oligosaccharides of the inulin series with DP ranging from DP3 to DP7 and IOS from DP2 to DP7. Their quantification in commercial water‐soluble fibers of relevant importance as prebiotic food ingredient added in fermented milks has been performed. In order to evaluate the reliability of the proposed method, results have been compared with those obtained by the official enzymatic method. Furthermore, this new HPAEC‐PAD method may contribute to clarify the real importance, prebiotic effectiveness and biological role of these carbohydrates.
Quantitative determination of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soil samples using solid‐phase microextraction
Authors: Wang Yonghua , Zhang Juan , Ding Youchao , Zhou Jia , Ni Lixiao , Sun Cheng
Published: October 2009

A method for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil samples using ultrasonic‐assisted extraction with internal surrogates combined with solid‐phase microextraction and GC‐MS has been developed. Five kinds of commercial solid‐phase microextraction fibers, 100 μm PDMS, 30 μm PDMS, 65 μm PDMS/DVB, 50 μm DVB/CAR/PDMS and 85 μm PA, were compared to choose the optimal SPME fiber for extraction of PAHs. One hundred micrometers of PDMS fiber was found to be more suitable for the determination of PAHs due to its wider linear range, better repeatability, lower detection and more satisfactory efficacy than the other fibers. Under the recommended conditions, 100 μm PDMS fiber could provide low nanogram level detection limits with correlation coefficient greater than 0.98. The method was also applied to determine PAHs in a spiked soil sample, obtaining recoveries higher than 79.3%. A field study with naturally contaminated samples from local contaminated sites was carried out. The proposed method was found to be a reliable, inexpensive and simple preparation method for quantitative determination of 16 PAHs in soil samples.
CE‐ECL detection of gatifloxacin in biological fluid after clean‐up using SPE
Authors: Fu Zhifeng , Wang Lin , Li Cuifang , Liu Ying , Zhou Xueting , Wei Wei
Published: October 2009

A simple, rapid and sensitive CE method has been proposed for the determination of gatifloxacin in biological fluid. This method is based on the ECL reaction of gatifloxacin and tris(2,2'‐bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) occurred in the end‐column detection cell. Under the optimal conditions, gatifloxacin can be assayed within 10 min over the concentration range of 5.0×10−8−5.0×10−6 g/mL with the theoretical plate numbers of 18 000. The intra‐day and inter‐day precision of the signal intensity and the migration time shows acceptable reproducibility for the analysis of gatifloxacin. The presented method has been successfully applied to determine the concentrations of gatifloxacin in urine and blood samples after clean‐up using C18 SPE column.
The impact of killing in war on mental health symptoms and related functioning
Authors: Maguen Shira , Metzler Thomas J. , Litz Brett T. , Seal Karen H. , Knight Sara J. , Marmar Charles R.
Published: October 2009

This study examined the mental health and functional consequences associated with killing combatants and noncombatants. Using the National Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Study (NVVRS) survey data, the authors reported the percentage of male Vietnam theater veterans (N = 1200) who killed an enemy combatant, civilian, and/or prisoner of war. They next examined the relationship between killing in war and a number of mental health and functional outcomes using the clinical interview subsample of the NVVRS (n = 259). Controlling for demographic variables and exposure to general combat experiences, the authors found that killing was associated with posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, dissociation, functional impairment, and violent behaviors. Experiences of killing in war are important to address in the evaluation and treatment of veterans.
Studies on Preparation and Fluorescent Properties of a Novel Photo‐Sensitive Nanoparticle Composed of Europium Ion and Cinnamic Acid Derivative
Authors: Shi Dongjian , Liu Xiaoya , Xiang Fei , Chen Mingqing , Yang Cheng , Akashi Mitsuru
Published: October 2009

A novel fluorescent and photo‐sensitive nanoparticle was self‐assembled from an europium‐based random copolymer, europium coordinated poly(methylacrylic acid)‐co‐poly(cinnamyl acrylate) (PMCFA‐Eu3+), which was synthesized from methylacrylic acid (MAA), and Eu3+‐cinnamyl acrylate derivative (CFA) by radical polymerization. DLS and TEM results indicated the formation of spherical nanoparticles with 120 nm in diameter. The PMCFA‐Eu3+ complex showed stronger fluorescence than Eu3+, indicating the effective energy transferred from the ligand to Eu3+. Moreover, the photo‐crosslinking of the cinnamate groups induced a decrease in the diameter and an increase in the fluorescent properties of the PMCFA‐Eu3+ nanoparticles. This functional nanoparticle might be useful as a carrier and a fluorescence probe in biomedical and fluorescent fields.

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The balanced billing cycle vehicle routing problem
Authors: Groër Chris , Golden Bruce , Wasil Edward
Published: October 2009

Utility companies typically send their meter readers out each day of the billing cycle in order to determine each customer's usage for the period. Customer churn requires the utility company to periodically remove some customer locations from its meter‐reading routes. On the other hand, the addition of new customers and locations requires the utility company to add new stops to the existing routes. A utility that does not adjust its meter‐reading routes over time can find itself with inefficient routes and, subsequently, higher meter‐reading costs. Furthermore, the utility can end up with certain billing days that require substantially larger meter‐reading resources than others. However, remedying this problem is not as simple as it may initially seem. Certain regulatory and customer service considerations can prevent the utility from shifting a customer's billing day by more than a few days in either direction. Thus, the problem of reducing the meter‐reading costs and balancing the workload can become quite difficult. We describe this Balanced Billing Cycle Vehicle Routing Problem in more detail and develop an algorithm for providing solutions to a slightly simplified version of the problem. Our algorithm uses a combination of heuristics and integer programming via a three‐stage algorithm. We discuss the performance of our procedure on a real‐world data set. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2009
Fixed routes with backup vehicles for stochastic vehicle routing problems with time constraints
Authors: Erera Alan L. , Savelsbergh Martin , Uyar Emrah
Published: October 2009

We propose a practical and flexible fixed routing system that preserves many of the benefits of traditional fixed routes but can be deployed in settings with medium to high variability and delivery time window constraints. The key ideas are the introduction of a new recourse strategy, in which customers are assigned to two planned routes, a primary and a backup, and recourse decisions can move customers to backup routes to regain feasibility or improve costs, and the use of sampling‐based techniques to handle the presence of delivery time windows during the construction of primary and backup routes. A computational study based on real‐life data demonstrates the efficacy of the proposed fixed routing system and the route construction techniques. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2009
Complexity of some inverse shortest path lengths problems
Authors: Cui Tingting , Hochbaum Dorit S.
Published: October 2009

The input to an inverse shortest path lengths problem (ISPL) consists of a graph G with arc weights, and a collection of source‐sink pairs with prescribed distances that do not necessarily conform to the shortest path lengths in G. The goal is to modify the arc weights, subject to a penalty on the deviation from the given weights, so that the shortest path lengths are equal to the prescribed values. We show that although ISPL is an NP‐hard problem, several ISPL classes are polynomially solvable. These cases include ISPL where the collection of the pairs share a single source and all other nodes as destinations (the single‐source all‐sink problem SAISPL). For the case where the collection contains a single node pair (the single‐source single‐sink problem SSISPL), we identify conditions on the uniformity of the penalty functions and on the original arc weights, which make SSISPL polynomially solvable. These results cannot be strengthened significantly as the general single‐source ISPL is NP‐hard and the all‐sink case, with more than one source, is also NP‐hard. We further provide a convex programming formulation for a relaxation of ISPL in which the shortest path lengths are only required to be no less than the given values (LBISPL). It is demonstrated how this compact formulation leads to efficient algorithms for ISPL. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2010
A TLC bioautographic method for the detection of α‐ and β‐glucosidase inhibitors in plant extracts
Authors: Simões‐Pires Claudia A. , Hmicha Bouchra , Marston Andrew , Hostettmann Kurt
Published: October 2009

Introduction – Bioautographic assays using TLC play an important role in the search for active compounds from plants. A TLC assay has previously been established for the detection of β‐glucosidase inhibitors but not for α‐glucosidase. Nonetheless, α‐glucosidase inhibition is an important target for therapeutic agents against of type 2 diabetes and anti‐viral infections.

Objective – To develop a TLC bioautographic method to detect α‐ and β‐glucosidase inhibitors in plant extracts.

Methodology – The enzymes α‐ and β‐d‐glucosidase were dissolved in sodium acetate buffer. After migration of the samples, the TLC plate was sprayed with enzyme solution and incubated at room temperature for 60 min in the case of α‐d‐glucosidase, and 37°C for 20 min in the case of β‐d‐glucosidase. For detection of the active enzyme, solutions of 2‐naphthyl‐α‐D‐glucopyranoside or 2‐naphthyl‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside and Fast Blue Salt were mixed at a ratio of 1 : 1 (for α‐d‐glucosidase) or 1 : 4 (for β‐d‐glucosidase) and sprayed onto the plate to give a purple background colouration after 2–5 min.

Results – Enzyme inhibitors were visualised as white spots on the TLC plates. Conduritol B epoxide inhibited α‐d‐glucosidase and β‐d‐glucosidase down to 0.1 µg. Methanol extracts of Tussilago farfara and Urtica dioica after migration on TLC gave enzymatic inhibition when applied in amounts of 100 µg for α‐glucosidase and 50 µg for β‐glucosidase.

Conclusion – The screening test was able to detect inhibition of α‐ and β‐glucosidases by pure reference substances and by compounds present in complex matrices, such as plant extracts. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ethnic differences in considerations whether or not to participate in prenatal screening for Down syndrome
Authors: Fransen Mirjam P. , Wildschut Hajo I. J. , Vogel Ineke , Mackenbach Johan P. , Steegers Eric A. P. , Essink‐Bot Marie‐Louise
Published: October 2009

Objective

To evaluate ethnic differences in considerations whether or not to participate in prenatal screening for Down syndrome and to relate these to differences in participation.

Method

The study population consisted of 270 pregnant women from Dutch, Turkish and Surinamese (African and South Asian) ethnic origin, attending midwifery or obstetrical practices in the Netherlands. Women were interviewed after booking for prenatal care. Considerations were assessed by one open‐ended question and 18 statements that were derived from focus group interviews. Actual participation was assessed several months later.

Results

Women from ethnic minorities were less likely to participate in prenatal screening, which could be attributed to differences in age and religious identity. They more often reported acceptance of ‘what God gives’, low risk of having a child with Down syndrome and costs of screening as considerations not to participate in prenatal screening. They also reported many considerations in favour of participation, which did not differ from those of Dutch women but were less often consistent with actual participation in screening.

Conclusions

Women from ethnic minorities should not be stereotyped as being uninterested in prenatal screening, but should be better informed about the consequences of prenatal screening and Down syndrome. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maternal serum screening marker levels in women with a previous aneuploidy pregnancy
Authors: Spencer Kevin , Staboulidou Ismini , De Jesus Cruz Jader , Karagiannis George , Nicolaides Kypros H.
Published: October 2009

Objective

To re‐evaluate in a larger cohort of patients if the maternal serum biochemical markers used in first trimester aneuploidy screening have the same marker distributions in pregnancies with a previous history of aneuploidy compared with those that have no previous history.

Methods

Information related to previous pregnancy history is routinely recorded as part of first trimester screening in three centres King George, Kings College and Fetal Medicine Centre, London. From the database, records were extracted for women who had a previous pregnancy diagnosed with trisomies 13, 18 or 21. For each woman with a previous aneuploidy, five unaffected pregnancies in women of the same maternal age and with no previous aneuploidy pregnancy were selected as controls. A comparison was made between the marker distributions for pregnancy associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A) and free β‐human chronic gonadotrophin (β‐hCG) amongst the cases and controls using nonparametric statistical tests.

Results

A series of 8240 controls were compared against group of 1032 cases with a previous trisomy 21, 293 with a previous trisomy 18 and 158 with a previous trisomy 13. Cases with multiple previous trisomies were excluded. There were no significant differences in the level of free β‐hCG; however, in cases of trisomy 21 and trisomy 13 the levels of PAPP‐A were increased by 5 and 16%, respectively.

Conclusion

Risk calculation algorithms may need to take account of the increased PAPP‐A levels in women with a previous trisomy 21 or trisomy 13. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of nanoclay on the mechanical and damping properties of aramid short fibre‐filled styrene butadiene rubber composites
Authors: Praveen Srinivasan , Chattopadhyay Pijush Kanti , Jayendran Soman , Chakraborty Bikash Chandra , Chattopadhyay Santanu
Published: October 2009

The effect of nanoclay loading on the alteration of tensile and dynamic mechanical properties of aramid short fibre‐filled styrene butadiene rubber composites was investigated. In all the composites, 20 phr of N330 black was used. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis was used to investigate the viscoelastic damping at lower dynamic strains. Compressive hysteresis was evaluated to characterize higher strain static damping properties. Matrix–fibre interaction and filler distribution were investigated using morphological analyses. Matrix–filler interface, estimated by the half height width of the tan δ peak, plays a major role in energy dissipation. The matrix–fibre interaction parameter shows a similar trend with low strain tensile stress values. Nanoclay addition to the composites leads to improved elongation at break and frequency damping properties. Compressive hysteresis reflects no improvement of hysteresis with nanoclay loading. Dynamic storage moduli, matrix–fibre interaction parameter and energy dissipation properties of the short fibre‐filled composites are negatively affected by nanoclay addition. However, ultimate elongation is improved markedly on nanoclay addition. In respect of tensile strength and elongation at break values, two composite samples (KF5NC10 and KF10NC10) offer optimum properties. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Selective‐area growth of periodic iron‐garnet thin films
Authors: Zhang Xiwen , Xu Shiyou , Han Gaorong
Published: October 2009

A new approach for the fabrication of periodic crystalline iron‐garnet thin films is introduced. Crystalline iron‐garnet planar triangular‐disposed thin film arrays are fabricated on SGGG substrate based on a selective‐area growth process, consisting of electron‐beam lithography patterning, soft ion‐milling, selective‐epitaxy, and chemical etching. Aluminum thin film is utilized in the processing, acting as a conductive layer to overcome any charge build‐up problem for the dielectric substrate. X‐ray diffraction results confirm that a crystalline iron‐garnet film can be deposited on a soft ion‐bombarded (GdCa)3(GaMgZr)5O12 (SGGG) surface by radio frequency (RF) plasma double ion‐beam sputtering. Planar periodic triangular‐disposed films are observed from field emission scanning electron microscope and atom force microscope, with diameters of 200–300 nm, a height of 30 nm, and a spacing interval of 350 nm. A typical hysteresis loop of magnetic materials is obtained. All results show this structure has great potential to be used as two‐dimensional magnetic photonic crystals (2D‐MPCs) and the selectively growth method can also be used to fabricate other 2D‐MPCs.
Building a giant— Bank of America
Authors: Rinzinwangmo Yabshi Pan , Fengming Song , Flavel Peter
Published: October 2009

A long‐term, durable, and well‐executed corporate strategy is essential for any banking institution working to build a world‐class financial firm. Over the course of several decades, Bank of America has set the gold standard with respect to timing, execution, and integration of newly acquired businesses. Bank of America's “Four Cornerstones” corporate strategy is the foundation of the firm's success story. This case study explores the “Four Cornerstones” corporate strategy and investigates whether or not Bank of America's recent bold acquisition of Merrill Lynch demonstrates the firm's hallmark corporate strategy and tactical execution. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of different preparation methods on the properties of poly[ethylene‐co‐(vinyl acetate)]/(Standard Malaysian natural rubber)/organoclay nanocomposites
Authors: Munusamy Y. , Ismail H. , Mariatti M. , Ratnam C.T.
Published: October 2009

Poly[ethylene‐co‐(vinyl acetate)] (EVA)/(Standard Malaysian natural rubber) (SMR L)/organoclay nanocomposites were prepared by using melt intercalation and solution blending methods. In both preparation methods, the EVA: (SMR L) ratio was prefixed at 50:50, while the organoclay loading was varied from 0 to 10 phr. The effects of two different processing routes and organoclay loading on the morphology, tensile, properties thermal properties, and flammability of the nanocomposites were studied. X‐ray diffraction results and transmission electron microscopy images proved that solution blending promotes better dispersion of organoclay than melt intercalation. Thus, the nanocomposites prepared by the solution‐blending method exhibited higher values of tensile strength, stress at 100% elongation (M100), and thermal stability. The M100 value and thermal stability improved proportionally with the increase of organoclay content, owing to the demobilizing effect and the barrier properties of the organoclay. The optimum tensile strength value was achieved at a 2‐phr organoclay loading. Further increases in loading decreased the strength of the nanocomposites. Tensile fracture surfaces of the nanocomposites prepared by both methods showed different fracture behavior, as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy images. Flammability decreased when the organoclay loading increased for the nanocomposites prepared by both methods. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
A brief overview of theories of PVC plasticization and methods used to evaluate PVC‐plasticizer interaction
Authors: Daniels Paul H.
Published: October 2009

This paper reviews the most widely used models for explaining how plasticizers render PVC flexible. These models include the gel, lubricity, and free volume theories; kinetic theories; and mathematical models which predict on the basis of plasticizer structure how much a plasticizer will lower the polymer glass transition in a flexible PVC compound. Since plasticization results from interactions between plasticizer and polymer, methods which have been used to study either the strength or the permanence (or both) of those interactions are also briefly discussed. Tools which have often been used to study plasticizer‐PVC interactions include infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, compression and humid‐aging tests, dynamic mechanical analysis, torque rheometer tests, plasticizer‐resin clear point temperature measurements, plastisol gelation/fusion by hot stage measurements, and others. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Moisture absorption properties of wood‐fiber‐reinforced recycled polypropylene matrix composites
Authors: Xu Qi , Cui Yihua , Wang Xinxin , Xia Zhongzhen , Han Chen , Wang Jiabao
Published: October 2009

To reduce the moisture absorption of wood‐fiber‐reinforced recycled plastic composites (WRPCs), a coupling agent (KH550), methyl methacrylate (MMA), and maleic anhydride (MA) were used to modify the wood fibers. The surface‐treated wood fibers were mixed with recycled polypropylene and processing agents to fabricate the WRPCs. The mechanical properties and moisture absorption behavior of the WRPCs were determined. The results showed that the three surface treatment methods could effectively reduce the moisture absorption and thickness swelling of WRPCs. In Comparison to the properties of untreated wood‐fiber‐reinforced WRPCs, the moisture absorption ratio of WRPCs with wood fibers treated by MMA, KH550, and MA was reduced by 31.4%, 49.8%, and 38.2%, respectively, and the tensile strength was increased by 22.1%, 26.3%, and 4.2%, respectively. The impact toughness of the WRPCs was increased by 36.2% KH550 treatment and 19.2% for MMA treatment but was decreased by 4.2% for MA treatment. Coupling treatment of the wood fibers was the best way to reduce the moisture absorption of WRPCs, and this kind of WRPC possessed the best comprehensive properties. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of Feed Fat By‐Products with Trans Fatty Acids and Heated Oil on Cholesterol and Oxycholesterols in Chicken
Authors: Ubhayasekera Sarojini J. K. A. , Tres Alba , Codony Rafael , Dutta Paresh C.
Published: October 2009

Chicken is the most widely consumed meat all over the world due to chickens being easy to rear, their fast growth rate and the meat having good nutritional characteristics. The main objective of this paper was to study the effects of dietary fatty by‐products in low, medium and high levels of oxidized lipids andtransfatty acids (TFAs) on the contents of cholesterol and oxycholesterols in meat, liver, and plasma of chickens. A palm fatty acid distillate, before and after hydrogenation, and a sunflower–olive oil blend (70/30, v/v) before and after use in a commercial frying process were used in feeding trials after adding 6% of the fats to the feeds. Highly oxidized lipid and TFA feeds significantly increased the contents of cholesterol and oxycholesterols in all tissues of chicken (0.01 <p≤ 0.05). The contents of oxycholesterols in chicken meat, liver and plasma obtained from TFA feeding trials varied between 17 and 48 μg/100 g in meat, 19–42 μg/100 g in liver and 105–126 μg/dL in plasma. In contrast, in the oxidized lipid feeding trials, oxycholesterols varied between 13 and 75 μg/100 g in meat, 30–58 μg/100 g in liver and 66–209 μg/dL in plasma. Meat from chickens fed with feeds containing high levels of TFAs or oxidized lipids may contribute to higher ingestion of cholesterol and oxycholesterols by humans.
Die elektronische Gesundheitskarte
Authors: Staemmler Martin
Published: October 2009

Einleitung

Die elektronische Gesundheitskarte (eGK) soll administrative (z.B. Lesen und Schreiben der Versichertenstammdaten, elektronische Verordnung) und medizinische Anwendungen (z.B. elektronischer Arztbrief, Gesundheitsakte) in Verbindung mit der Telematikinfrastruktur (TI) unterstützen. Zudem dient sie der eindeutigen Identifizierung des Patienten und als Sicherheitstoken für seine persönlichen Daten. Dieser Beitrag zeigt den aktuellen Stand der Umsetzung und weitere Entwicklungen auf.
Personalisierter Technikeinsatz – Zukunftsperspektive gesundheitlicher Prävention?
Authors: Norgall Thomas
Published: October 2009

Einleitung

Demografische Entwicklungen, Kosten- und Ressourcenprobleme werden die sozialen und gesundheitsbezogenen Sicherungssysteme fundamental verändern. Eine stärkere Gewichtung präventiver Maßnahmen erscheint dabei naheliegend und sinnvoll. Gesundheitliche Prävention in sämtlichen Formen – insbesondere in privater bzw. häuslicher Umgebung – lässt sich durch Technik unterstützen. Konzepte wie “Personal Health”, „Intelligentes Wohnen” und “Ambient Assisted Living” beinhalten entsprechende Optionen.
Automatisierte externe Defibrillatoren in der Ersten Hilfe
Authors: Schneider Kristin , Kugler Joachim , Wolfram Nicole
Published: October 2009

Einleitung

Automatisierte externe Defibrillatoren (AED) sind Geräte, die einen Herz-Kreislaufstillstand unterbrechen können. Sie sind technisch soweit entwickelt, dass sie sicher von zufällig anwesenden Helfern angewandt werden können und diesen in den Maßnahmen der Wiederbelebung unterstützen. In diesem Beitrag wird auf die Nutzung in Deutschland und auf das Potential dieser Geräte eingegangen.
« L'inégalité graduée » ou la pire des inégalités. L'analyse de la société hindoue par Ambedkar
Authors: Herrenschmidt Olivier
Published: October 2009

Dr. D.R. Ambedkar (18911956) was not just a politician of grand stature and from the untouchable caste. He was also a scholar, whose consistent and innovative thinking has hitherto been neglected. Ambedkar's lines of force are presented here, both in relation to his analytical critique of the organic metaphor of the social body as developed in brahmin texts, and of his definition of graduated inequality, a specific Hindu form, for which he developed the psychological as well as the political implications.
Witchcraft and selfcraft
Authors: Evens Terence M. S.
Published: October 2009

This essay explores the status of moral accounting in relation to contingent misfortune. It does so by comparing the oracular procedures of the Azande of Center Africa to a modern pseudo-psychotherapeutic interaction. Though the first is in principle mystical and the second rational, both forms of inquiry are shown to display a certain indifference to contradiction. The reason for this indifference rests with the consideration that both focus on practical rather than theoretical questions. Nevertheless, in the pseudo-psychotherapcutic interaction the presumption of theoryquatheory makes a difference. That presumption comports a principle of epistemological certainty, removing the ground from moral accounting while privileging naturalistic explanation. In this light, contrary to received anthropological opinion, it is the selfcraft of much psychotherapy rather than the witchcraft of the Azande that must count as a closed system.
Russian state-building and the problems of geopolitics
Authors: Gill Graeme
Published: October 2009

A basic task of the state is to ensure the continuation and security of the community within which it is found. In an attempt to achieve this, state elites pursue long-term strategies. Such strategies involve not just questions of external security, but also the structuring of domestic society with an eye to faciliting the extraction and mobilisation of resources. The tsarist state sought to achieve this through a cooptive strategy which left some room for independent economic initiative. The soviet elite sought to encapsulate all actors into a single command stucture, thereby removing all scope for independent activity. Ultimately both strategies failed, and the post-Soviet leaders are faced with the problem of devising a more successful alternative.
Polanyi in Brussels: Supranational Institutions and the Transnational Embedding of Markets
Authors: Caporaso James A. , Tarrow Sidney
Published: October 2009

Many have argued that the success of European integration is predicated on reinforcing market structures and some have gone further to state that the creation of a transnational market results in a decoupling of markets from their national political and social frameworks, thus threatening to unravel historical social bargains. Drawing on the work of Karl Polanyi and John Ruggie and using their insights regarding the social embedding of markets, we dissent from this view by examining how the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has handled a key sector of the emerging European market—labor mobility. We argue that rather than disembedding markets, decisions of the ECJ—just as Polanyi and Ruggie would have predicted—activate new social and political arrangements. We find evidence for the development of a new legal and political structure, largely inspired by the Court but also imbricated in European Union legislation, at the regional level.
D-Minus Elections: The Politics and Norms of International Election Observation
Authors: Kelley Judith
Published: October 2009

As international election monitors have grown active worldwide, their announcements have gained influence. Sometimes, however, they endorse highly flawed elections. Because their leverage rests largely on their credibility, this is puzzling. Understanding the behavior of election monitors is important because they help the international community to evaluate the legitimacy of governments and because their assessments inform the data used by scholars to study democracy. Furthermore, election monitors are also particularly instructive to study because the variety of both intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations that observe elections makes it possible to compare them across many countries and political contexts. This study uses a new dataset of 591 international election-monitoring missions. It shows that despite their official mandate to focus on election norms, monitors do not only consider the elections' quality; their assessments also reflect the interests of their member states or donors as well as other tangential organizational norms. Thus, even when accounting as best as possible for the nature and level of irregularities in an election, monitors' concerns about democracy promotion, violent instability, and organizational politics and preferences are associated with election endorsement. The study also reveals differences in the behavior of intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations and explains why neither can pursue their core objectives single-mindedly.