bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of livestock traffic on rock fragment movement on hillsides in a semiarid patchy rangeland
Authors: Ungar E. D. , Stavi I. , Lavee H. , Sarah P.
Published: March 2009

The roles of livestock traffic and surface cover types in controlling the movement of rock fragments was studied on north‐ and south‐facing hillsides in Israel's northern Negev. Experimental plots were mapped in terms of three surface cover types: shrub patch, flock trampling route and elsewhere in the intershrub. Numbered rock fragments in three size categories were distributed uniformly across the plots, half of which were fenced off as controls, and half were traversed by a flock of goats during two grazing seasons. The coordinates of the numbered rock fragments were recorded at the beginning, middle and end of each season. Coordinates were converted to patch type by using the plot map, and transition probabilities and movement distances were computed. There was considerable movement of rock fragments in the open plots, but none in the control plots. The probability of a rock fragment in the open plots being moved was 86, 60 and 5 per cent, respectively, for initial placement on cover types: trampling route, intershrub and shrub. The mean distance travelled by all rock fragments or only those that moved was greater for those placed on a trampling route than for those placed elsewhere in the intershrub. There was evidence that livestock traffic clears the trampling routes of rock fragments and causes their accumulation on shrub patches. We would expect disturbance of the patch structure to lead to a reduction in surface roughness that would intensify rock fragment movement and increase soil erosion. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low Viscosity Poly(trimethylene carbonate) for Localized Drug Delivery: Rheological Properties and in vivo Degradation
Authors: Timbart Laurianne , Tse M. Yat , Pang Stephen C. , Babasola Oladunni , Amsden Brian G.
Published: March 2009

The purpose of this study is to examine the potential of low‐molecular‐weight poly(trimethylene carbonate) for localized delivery for acid‐sensitive drugs. Poly(trimethylene carbonate) of various molecular weights is prepared by ring‐opening polymerization initiated by octan‐1‐ol and co‐initiated/catalyzed by tin 2‐ethylhexanoate. The resultant polymers are amorphous with low glass transition temperatures and viscosities at 37 °C that permit their injection through an $18{1 \over 2}$ G 1.5″ needle. Their biocompatibility and the influence of the molecular weight on the rate of degradation are assessed in vivo through subcutaneous implantation in rats over 40 weeks. The polymers are well tolerated in vivo, and degrade in a fashion dependent on their initial molecular weight. For very low initial molecular weight (620 Da) and for high initial molecular weight (2 400 Da), polymer mass loss is a result of dissolution of the soluble low molecular chains from the bulk. This is contrasted by the results obtained for an intermediate initial molecular weight (1 600 Da), for which polymer mass loss is a result of both dissolution and enzymatic hydrolysis or oxidation as a result of reactive species secreted by activated macrophages at the implant surface.

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Macromol. Biosci. 3/2009
Authors: Ogushi Yuko , Sakai Shinji , Kawakami Koei
Published: March 2009

Front Cover: The cover picture shows the preparation of hydrogels from carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) with phenolic hydroxy groups (CMC‐Ph) via peroxidase‐catalyzed reactions, and the fibroblast behavior on the hydrogel. Cellular adhesion and proliferation on the CMC‐Ph gels are tunable, by changing the phenolic‐hydroxyl‐group content in CMC‐Ph. Further details can be found in the article by Y. Ogushi,* S. Sakai, K. Kawakami on page 262.
Encapsulation of a Fragrance via Miniemulsion Polymerization for Temperature‐Controlled Release
Authors: Theisinger Sonja , Schoeller Katrin , Osborn Barry , Sarkar Manish , Landfester Katharina
Published: March 2009

The encapsulation of the hydrophobic fragrance 1,2‐dimethyl‐1‐phenyl‐butyramide (DMPBA), a typical C9 amide, in poly(methyl methacrylate), polystyrene, or acrylic copolymer nanoparticles can easily be obtained using a one‐step miniemulsion process. It is shown that this hydrophobic compound directly influences the kinetics, the molecular weight, and the morphology of the nanocapsule formation. The release behavior can be tuned by the temperature in relation to the Tg of the polymer which makes these nanocapsules interesting candidates for temperature‐dependent delivery systems.

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Multifunctional Poly(N‐vinylcarbazole)‐Based Block Copolymers and their Nanofabrication and Photosensitizing Properties
Authors: Tam Wing Yan , Mak Chris S. K. , Ng Alan Man Ching , Djurišić Aleksandra B. , Chan Wai Kin
Published: March 2009

The synthesis of poly(N‐vinylcarbazole)‐based block copolymers functionalized with rhenium diimine complexes or pendant terpyridine ligands is reported. The copolymers are synthesized by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, and they exhibit interesting morphological properties as a result of the phase separation between different blocks. The rhenium complex polymer block may function as a photosensitizer, while the terpyridine‐containing polymer block can be used as the template for nanofabrication by selective deposition of zinc complexes.

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Numerical Self‐Consistent Field Theory of Cylindrical Polyelectrolyte Brushes
Authors: Qu Li‐Jian , Jin Xigao , Liao Qi
Published: March 2009

A single cylindrical polyelectrolyte brush is studied by self‐consistent field (SCF) theory and the results compared with predictions from scaling theory. It is shown that the SCF theory results give the general trends as well as insight into the crossover regions between different regimes. The density profiles of the polyions and small ions indicate that the systems are locally electroneutral. The salted brush bears characteristics similar to those of a neutral brush. Counter‐intuitively, the chains are not uniformly stretched in the osmotic regime. The free‐end monomers shift to the outer region and an exclusion zone appears and grows with decreasing of salt concentration.

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Transport equation with boundary conditions of hysteresis type
Authors: Amler T. G. , Botkin N. D. , Hoffmann K.‐H. , Meirmanov A. M. , Starovoitov V. N.
Published: March 2009

This paper is an advanced extension of the work reported in (Nonlinear Anal. 2005; 63:1467–1473). A transport equation that describes the propagation of a substance in a moving fluid or gas is considered. The equation contains the transient, convection, and diffusion terms. The problem is formulated in a bounded domain provided with an inlet and an outlet for the fluid or gas flow. The crucial point of the problem setting is a hysteresis‐type condition posed on an active part of the boundary. This condition reflects the nondecreasing accumulation with saturation of the transported substance at each point of the active boundary part. We prove the existence and uniqueness of solutions to this problem, study the regularity properties of solutions, and perform numerical simulations that clarify the behavior of the model. Comparing with the results of (Nonlinear Anal. 2005; 63:1467–1473), the advancement of this work consists in accounting for the motion of the fluid or gas and posing inlet and outlet boundary conditions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stability analysis of membrane‐reinforced curved earth retaining walls, using a multiphase approach
Authors: Hassine Wiem Ben , Hassis Hedi , de Buhan Patrick
Published: March 2009

The stability analysis of curved earth retaining walls, stabilized by reinforcing membranes, is investigated by means of a multiphase model developed in the framework of the yield design approach. This model is an extension of that previously developed for soils reinforced by linear inclusions. It combines the advantage of a homogenization approach in terms of improved computational efficiency, with its capability to account for a specific soil–reinforcement failure condition, in a rational and systematic way. Application of this model is performed on the illustrative example of a cylindrical‐reinforced retaining wall by means of the kinematic approach of yield design, which provides upper bound estimates for the retaining wall stability factor. Nondimensional charts are finally presented assessing the influence of relevant parameters such as the curvature of the wall, the length of the reinforcing membranes or the reinforcement pull‐out resistance. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A prognostic gene expression index in ovarian cancer—validation across different independent data sets
Authors: Denkert Carsten , Budczies Jan , Darb‐Esfahani Silvia , Györffy Balazs , Sehouli Jalid , Könsgen Dominique , Zeillinger Robert , Weichert Wilko , Noske Aurelia , Buckendahl Ann‐Christin , Müller Berit M , Dietel Manfred , Lage Hermann
Published: March 2009

Ovarian carcinoma has the highest mortality rate among gynaecological malignancies. In this project, we investigated the hypothesis that molecular markers are able to predict outcome of ovarian cancer independently of classical clinical predictors, and that these molecular markers can be validated using independent data sets. We applied a semi‐supervised method for prediction of patient survival. Microarrays from a cohort of 80 ovarian carcinomas (TOC cohort) were used for the development of a predictive model, which was then evaluated in an entirely independent cohort of 118 carcinomas (Duke cohort). A 300‐gene ovarian prognostic index (OPI) was generated and validated in a leave‐one‐out approach in the TOC cohort (Kaplan‐Meier analysis, p = 0.0087). In a second validation step, the prognostic power of the OPI was confirmed in an independent data set (Duke cohort, p = 0.0063). In multivariate analysis, the OPI was independent of the post‐operative residual tumour, the main clinico‐pathological prognostic parameter with an adjusted hazard ratio of 6.4 (TOC cohort, CI 1.8–23.5, p = 0.0049) and 1.9 (Duke cohort, CI 1.2–3.0, p = 0.0068). We constructed a combined score of molecular data (OPI) and clinical parameters (residual tumour), which was able to define patient groups with highly significant differences in survival. The integrated analysis of gene expression data as well as residual tumour can be used for optimized assessment of the prognosis of platinum‐taxol‐treated ovarian cancer. As traditional treatment options are limited, this analysis may be able to optimize clinical management and to identify those patients who would be candidates for new therapeutic strategies. Copyright © 2009 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Service redesign: the experience of Newcastle Diabetes Service 2001–2007
Authors: Hawthorne G , Grzebalski D Kyne
Published: March 2009

The prevalence of diabetes is projected to rise substantially. National policy has introduced drivers to promote service redesign around patient needs. This paper describes how we have developed an integrated local diabetes service based on the community delivery of diabetes care, supporting primary care and interfacing with specialist care.

The diabetes service is located in the Primary Care Trust and is based at the Newcastle Diabetes Centre. There is a service delivery plan agreed with all stakeholders for people with type 2 diabetes. The service supports primary care to deliver high quality care, provides community care in close proximity to patients' homes and delivers specialist care.

Pathways of care for people with type 2 diabetes are based on level 1 primary care, level 2 community care and level 3 specialist care. Agreed district‐wide guidelines, with referral criteria, support integrated pathways of diabetes care. Level 1 (primary care) is supported by district‐wide podiatry, digital retinal screening and health care provider education. Level 2 (community‐based service) includes a pathway for newly‐diagnosed type 2 diabetes encompassing structured group education and a pathway for continuing care of more complex type 2 diabetes, supported by additional community services such as weight management groups, and community‐based group insulin starts. Level 3 (specialist services) provided at the Diabetes Centre include preconception care, a medical foot clinic, a young adults clinic, an insulin pump service and a diabetes renal clinic.

This paper shows how the redesigned service supports primary care to provide care closer to patients. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons.
Embedding CSII therapy in the routine management of diabetes in children: a clinical audit of this service in Leeds
Authors: Campbell F , Macdonald AL , Gelder C , Reynolds C , Holland P , Feltbower RG
Published: March 2009

The aim of this study was to document the clinical and secondary care cost benefit of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) over a five‐year period in the Leeds Paediatric Diabetes Service.

Patients with type 1 diabetes treated using CSII therapy since 2002 who attended the paediatric diabetes clinics in Leeds, UK, were eligible for inclusion. Information on glycaemic control (HbA1c) and frequency/type of hospital admission was collected during the 12‐month period before CSII was initiated and compared prospectively after the transition to pump therapy. Multi‐level regression modelling was used to assess the change in HbA1c levels and the effect of patient characteristics.

Data were included on 84 individuals ranging in age from 0 to 18 years, 54% of whom were female. Mean (SD) HbA1c levels improved from a baseline of 9.4 ± 1.7% to 8.9 ± 1.5%, with a significant overall reduction of 0.53% within the first year (95% CI 0.29‐0.78%). The improvement in HbA1c levels was sustained for up to five years after CSII therapy commenced. Regression modelling showed that age, sex and duration of diabetes were not significantly associated with change in HbA1c levels. Hospital admission rates fell for severe hypoglycaemia from 8.9 to 2.4 per 100 patient years although hyperglycaemia admissions remained largely the same (7.6 vs 7.3 on CSII per 100 patient years).

We concluded that patients treated using CSII appear to exhibit both improved glycaemic control, which is sustained over the short/medium term, and lower hospital admission rates for hypoglycaemia. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons.
Investigation of an interaction between statins and clopidogrel after percutaneous coronary intervention: a cohort study
Authors: Blagojevic Ana , Delaney Joseph A.C. , Lévesque Linda E. , Dendukuri Nandini , Boivin Jean‐Francois , Brophy James M.
Published: March 2009

Background

Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet drug that is prescribed after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to prevent stent thrombosis. Previous studies have suggested that some statins may inhibit the antiplatelet effects of clopidogrelviacompetitive metabolism of its activating enzyme cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4).

Objectives

To investigate a possible interaction between statins and clopidogrel after a PCI procedure in a population‐based cohort study.

Methods

A population‐based cohort study was carried out between January 2001 and December 2004 using the health insurance databases from Quebec, Canada. The primary endpoint was a composite of death from any cause, myocardial infarction (MI), unstable angina, repeat revascularization and cerebrovascular events. PCI patients ≥ 66 years of age were followed from their initial post‐discharge clopidogrel prescription until the earliest of study endpoint occurrence, end of clopidogrel exposure or end of study (90 days post discharge). Time‐dependent Cox regression analysis was performed.

Results

We identified 10 491 patients who were prescribed clopidogrel post‐PCI and 43.5% were also prescribed statins at the baseline discharge. During 1793 patient years of follow‐up, 623 composite endpoints were observed. Compared to the reference group (non‐CYP3A4‐metabolized statins), the co‐prescription of CYP3A4‐metabolized statins (hazard ratio (HR) 1.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.91–1.47), or no statin use (HR 1.22, 95%CI 0.93–1.59) were not statistically associated with an increase in adverse outcomes.

Conclusions

In this PCI cohort, the association of clopidogrel with CYP3A4‐metabolized statins did not demonstrate an increased early risk of adverse cardiovascular events, although a small risk could not be completely excluded. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Visualizing phase separation in polystyrene/polystyrene homo‐IPNs via sulfonation
Authors: Zheng Bo , Li Hexian , Wang Guochang , Liu Kun , Wang Lin , Pan Guiling
Published: March 2009

BACKGROUND: Polystyrene/polystyrene (PS/PS) interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) represent ideal homo‐IPNs. Whether phase separation occurs in this system has been a long‐standing problem, which is closely related to the self‐organization mechanism in IPN formation and is important to the exploration of new polymer morphologies and properties by topological isomerism.

RESULTS: A series of bead samples of PS/PS sequential IPNs with the same nominal divinylbenzene contents were synthesized by suspension polymerization, followed by sulfonation. Scanning electron micrographs and energy‐dispersive X‐ray mapping show unique distinctive topography on both surfaces and fractured surfaces and large heterogeneity in sulfonation of the PS/PS IPN beads, which for the first time provide visual evidence for dual‐phase continuity in PS/PS IPNs.

CONCLUSION: The phase separation behavior is proposed to be due to hydrodynamic screening, architectural asymmetry and excluded volume interactions between network I and the precursor chains of network II. This is considered to represent pure IPN effects in sequential formation and may shed light on the general constitution mechanism and molecular design of IPN materials. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Degradation induced by nanostructural evolution of polylactide/clay nanocomposites in the isothermal cold crystallization process
Authors: Wu Defeng , Wu Liang , Yu Wei , Xu Bin , Zhang Ming
Published: March 2009

BACKGROUND: The aim of the work presented was to study the nanostructural evolution of clay tactoids during the isothermal cold crystallization of polylactide/clay nanocomposites (PLACNs). An interesting degradation behavior of the polylactide (PLA) matrix, however, was observed simultaneously with nanostructural evolution. The possible mechanisms of degradation and structural evolution are discussed.

RESULTS: The evolution of the nanostructure and the degradation were studied online or offline using parallel plate rheometry, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography and thermogravimetric analysis. The results showed that the intercalation level of the clay tactoids further increased during cold crystallization, leading to simultaneous degradation of the PLA matrix, which was further confirmed by the marked change of small‐ and large‐amplitude oscillatory shear flow behavior of the PLACNs before and after cold crystallization.

CONCLUSION: The increase of the intercalation level of the tactoids is due to the diffuse in movement of the PLA chain segments during cold crystallization. In this case, chain‐end scission occurs more easily, especially for those PLA chains around the loose edge and defect site of the tactoids during crystallization, which results in a simultaneous degradation of the PLA matrix. Hence, both the linear and nonlinear dynamic viscoelastic properties show a remarkable change after cold crystallization. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Ageing of poly(lactic acid) films plasticized with commercial polyadipates
Authors: Martino Verónica P , Ruseckaite Roxana A , Jiménez Alfonso
Published: March 2009

BACKGROUND: Amorphous poly(lactic acid) (PLA) was plasticized with two polyadipates with different molar masses. Some physical properties were studied over time to evaluate the stability of these blends. The aim of this study was to improve PLA ductility and consider the feasibility of its use in flexible films for food packaging.

RESULTS: The addition of polyadipates caused a decrease of the glass transition temperature (Tg) and an increase of PLA chain mobility. Samples with Tg values above the storage temperature suffered physical ageing with a reduction in free volume. All the unaged blends were mainly amorphous, but samples with Tg below the storage temperature developed crystallinity during ageing leading to phase separation. Ductile properties of films improved with plasticizer content immediately after blending, but there was a deterioration in such properties upon ageing due to matrix densification and crystallization of PLA chains.

CONCLUSION: PLA can be efficiently plasticized by polyadipates and the results have shown that some of the prepared films remain flexible with no phase separation after 150 days. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Novel pyridyl‐substituted coumarin and its perchlorate salt–crystal structure and spectroscopic properties
Authors: Koleva B. B. , Nikolova R. , Zareva S. , Kolev T. , Seidel R. W. , Mayer‐Figge H. , Sheldrick W. S.
Published: March 2009

The novel pyridyl‐substituted coumarin (1) and its perchlorate salt (2) have been synthesized and their structure and properties elucidated in detail spectroscopically, thermally and structurally, using single crystal X‐ray diffraction for 2, linear‐polarized solid state IR‐spectroscopy, UV‐spectroscopy, TGA, DSC, DTA, and positive and negative ESI MS. Quantum chemical calculations were used to obtain the electronic structure, vibrational data and electronic spectra. The studied compound crystallizes in the centrosymmetric space group P‐1 and exhibits an infinite layered structure with the ions linked by means of the intermolecular N+H…OClO3 (2.795 Å) interactions. The cations are disposed in a manner leading to a significant π‐stacking effect with a distance of 2.980 Å. The effects of Npy protonation on the optical and magnetic properties are elucidated by comparing the data of the protonated and neutral compounds. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploring the association between functional strain and emotional well‐being among a population‐based sample of breast cancer survivors
Authors: Ashing‐Giwa Kimlin T. , Lim Jung‐Won
Published: March 2009

Objective: Breast cancer survival and survivorship outcomes have improved dramatically; yet, there are still considerable morbidities associated with this illness. Functional strain is conceptualized as the unfavorable outcome of the functional well‐being domain of health‐related quality of life. This study intends to (1) examine the adequacy of the functional strain concept; (2) describe the level of functional strain and emotional well‐being by ethnicity and job types; and (3) investigate the salient functional strain components influencing emotional well‐being for breast cancer survivors (BCS) after controlling for ethnicity and job types.

Methods: A cross‐sectional design with mixed sampling methods was used. BCS were recruited from the California Cancer Surveillance Program, hospital registries and community agencies in Southern California. Functional strain was measured by assessing family and work burdens.

Results: Confirmatory factor analysis established the adequacy of the two factors (family and work burdens) defining the functional strain. Findings demonstrated significant differences in functional strain by ethnicity and job types. Latina‐Americans and homemakers/housewives showed the worst scores in functional strain variables. The final model examining the impact of functional strain components on emotional well‐being explained 34% of the variance of emotional well‐being.

Conclusion: Findings suggest the impact of cancer on family and work life varies by ethnic and demographic characteristics, such that Latino ethnicity and homemaker/housewife status may be risk factors for functional strain. Our findings imply that functional strain provides a reasonable concept that can be used to deepen our understanding and examination of the impact of functional status on emotional well‐being. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relationship of stress management skill to psychological distress and quality of life in adults with cancer
Authors: Faul Leigh Anne , Jim Heather S. , Williams Charles , Loftus Loretta , Jacobsen Paul B.
Published: March 2009

Background: Distress is common among cancer patients, especially those undergoing chemotherapy. Although skill in stress management is often the target of intervention efforts, its relationship to distress and quality of life in patients about to begin cancer treatment has not been examined.

Objective: To examine the relationship of pre‐treatment skill in stress management to patient distress and quality of life.

Methods: One hundred and ten adults diagnosed with stage I–IV cancer and ECOG⩽2 provided data on perceived stress management skill, anxiety, depression, and health‐related quality of life prior to their initial chemotherapy infusion.

Results: As predicted, greater skill in stress management was associated with lower levels of anxiety and depression and better overall mental quality of life. These relationships were generally independent of demographic and clinical variables also found to be associated with distress and quality of life.

Conclusions: Findings confirm that skill in stress management is related to pre‐chemotherapy distress and quality of life and suggest the importance of assessing this variable as part of efforts to link distressed patients to appropriate psychosocial services. Findings also raise the possibility that assessing extant stress management skills could be used to match patients to the type of intervention most likely to benefit them. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gynaecologic cancer patients' needs and experiences of supportive health services in New Zealand
Authors: Walton Lisa M. , Reeve Jeanne , Brown Paul M. , Farquhar Cynthia M.
Published: March 2009

Background and Objectives: Psychosocial care across the cancer continuum is a core component of quality gynaecologic cancer services. The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify needs for supportive care in a sample of New Zealand women and to understand to what extent they feel their needs are being met by health services.

Methods: Purposive sampling was used to recruit women (n=28) diagnosed with a gynaecologic cancer. Unstructured interviews were conducted and a thematic analysis was performed.

Results: Interviews revealed a range of shared and unique needs and support experiences. Three themes emerged reflecting participants' sense of control, need for validation of the cancer experience and organisation of their care. Findings suggest issues of continuity and coordination of care result in unmet support needs across the continuum of care, but primarily after treatment finishes.

Conclusion: While broadly consistent with previous results, findings highlight the need for a patient‐focused, comprehensive, integrated approach to supportive cancer care encompassing diagnosis, treatment and long‐term recovery. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
RNA translocation between parasitic plants and their hosts
Authors: Westwood James H , Roney Jeannine K , Khatibi Piyum A , Stromberg Verlyn K
Published: March 2009

Recent research indicates that RNA translocation occurs between certain parasitic plant species and their hosts. The movement of at least 27 mRNAs has been demonstrated between hosts andCuscuta pentagonaEngelm., with the largest proportion of these being regulatory genes. Movement of RNAi signals has been documented from hosts to the parasitesTriphysaria versicolor(Frisch & CA Mey) andOrobanche aegyptiaca(Pers.), demonstrating that the regulation of genes in one species can be influenced by transfer of RNA signals through a parasitic association. This review considers the implications of these findings in light of present understanding of host–parasite connections and the growing body of evidence that RNAs are able to act as signal molecules that convey regulatory information in a cell‐ and tissue‐specific manner. Together, this suggests that parasitic plants can exchange RNAs with their hosts, and that this may be part of the coordinated growth and development that occurs during the process of parasitism. This phenomenon offers promise for new insights into parasitic plants, and new opportunities for the control of parasitic weeds. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Acaricidal properties of piperazine and its derivatives against house‐dust and stored‐food mites
Authors: Lee Chi‐Hoon , Kim Hyung‐Wook , Lee Hoi‐Seon
Published: March 2009

BACKGROUND: Piperazine derivatives possess pharmacological properties, yet the acaricidal activity of these compounds has not been investigated. This study was conducted to evaluate the colour alteration and acaricidal activity of piperazine derivatives against Dermatophagoides spp. and Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) using filter paper and fumigant methods.

RESULTS: In a fumigant bioassay, 1‐phenylpiperazine (7.83 µg cm−2) against D. farinae (Hughes) was found to be 4.7 times more toxic than DEET (36.84 µg cm−2), followed by benzyl benzoate (9.72 µg cm−2), piperazine (11.41 µg cm−2), 1‐ethoxycarbonylpiperazine (20.14 µg cm−2) and 1‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)piperazine (22.14 µg cm−2). In a filter paper bioassay, 1‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)piperazine (3.65 µg cm−2) was 5.7 times more toxic than DEET (20.64 µg cm−2), followed by 1‐ethoxycarbonylpiperazine (4.02 µg cm−2), 1‐phenylpiperazine (4.75 µg cm−2), benzyl benzoate (7.83 µg cm−2) and piperazine (10.59 µg cm−2). Similar results have been exhibited with piperazine derivatives against D. pteronyssinus (Troussart). However, no activity against T. putrescentiae was observed for piperazine derivatives, except for piperazine.

CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that piperazine derivatives may be suitable as vapour‐phase acaricide fumigants owing to their high volatility, acaricidal activity and safety. 1‐Phenylpiperazine was found to be an excellent mite indicator based on the colour change it induced. Taken together, these findings indicate that piperazine derivatives may be used to replace existing problematical acaricides owing to their activity and ability to act as a mite indicator. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
The Hirsch index in manufacturing and Quality engineering
Authors: Franceschini Fiorenzo , Maisano Domenico A.
Published: March 2009

The Hirsch index (h) is a recent bibliometric indicator for assessing the research output of scientists. Its most remarkable characteristics are immediate intuitive meaning, effective synthesis and easy calculation. With few modifications, the use of this indicator can be profitably extended to other fields beyond bibliometrics. The main novelty of the paper is to suggest some potential applications in manufacturing and Quality engineering, focussing the attention on the h capacity to aggregate and synthesize the most commonly used metrics in these areas. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A tandem mass spectrometric approach to the identification of O‐glycosylated glargine glycoforms in active pharmaceutical ingredient expressed in Pichia pastoris
Authors: Kannan Vivekanandan , Narayanaswamy Pradeep , Gadamsetty Deepak , Hazra Partha , Khedkar Anand , Iyer Harish
Published: March 2009

Glycoforms of glargine expressed in Pichia pastoris were isolated by high‐performance liquid chromatography and analyzed by a series of chemical and mass spectrometric methods for the identification of various glycoforms, glycosylation position, nature and structure of glycans. Reduction and alkylation, peptide mapping techniques were used to decipher the amino acid site at which glycosylation had taken place. Chemical methods were coupled with mass spectrometry techniques such as electrospray ionization and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization for identification of the glycosylation site. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New isotope ratio mass spectrometric method of precise δ37Cl determinations
Authors: Halas Stanislaw , Pelc Andrzej
Published: March 2009

The most precise method of chlorine isotope analysis described to date is based on the isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) of chlorine quantitatively converted into chloromethane, CH3Cl. This gas can be produced from several chlorine‐containing compounds and analyzed by IRMS. However, the mass spectrum of chloromethane is rather complicated and the ratio of the most abundant ions (mass‐52/mass‐50) differs from the 37Cl/35Cl isotope ratio. This difference becomes significant when the δ${}^{37}{\rm Cl}$ exceeds 10‰. Moreover, the electron ionization source yields approximately 80% of all the ionic species at the useful masses 50 and 52. To overcome these drawbacks, we have devised a negative ion mass spectrometer which retains all the best features of IRMS, including a dual‐inlet system with changeover valve, dual collector assembly and CH3Cl gas as analyte. In the modified ion source we have replaced the ionization chamber with an electron beam by a metal tube with a hot metal filament inside it. Within this tube the 35Cl− and 37Cl− ions are produced with an efficiency dependent on the filament material and its temperature. No other ionic species were found in the mass spectrum except of traces at masses 26 and 28 at ppm levels, probably due to the formation of CN− and CO−. The minimal amount of Cl used in our method is of the order of 5 µmol (3 mg AgCl) and the precision is better than 0.005‰ (1σ). Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electron ionization mass spectra and tautomerism of substituted 2‐phenacylquinolines
Authors: Martiskainen Olli , Gawinecki Ryszard , Ośmiałowski Borys , Wiinamäki Kirsti , Pihlaja Kalevi
Published: March 2009

Tautomerism has been studied conventionally in solutions or in the solid state. However, the importance of mass spectrometry in the gas phase was realized relatively late. 2‐Phenacylquinolines are known to undergo ketimine‐enaminone tautomerism. The ratio of tautomers is dependent on the nature of the phenyl ring substituent and the Hammett substituent constants σ. Theoretical calculations indicate the presence of ketimine and enaminone tautomers in the gas phase. The electron ionization mass spectra of eight 2‐phenacylquinolines (ketimine form) were recorded at 70 eV in order to determine the fragmentation routes and to screen for the presence of their enaminone tautomers, (Z)‐2‐benzoylmethylene‐1,2‐dihydroquinolines, in the gas phase. The relative abundances or total ion currents of some ions correlated with the Hammett substituent constants and Hammett‐Brown constants. The product ions [M–CO]+. and [M–HCO]+ were observed. A reaction mechanism is suggested for the formation of these ions, requiring skeletal rearrangements. The results furnish information relating to tautomerism in the gas phase. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robotically enhanced coronary artery bypass grafting: the feasibility and clinical outcome of 196 procedures
Authors: Caynak Baris , Sagbas Ertan , Onan Burak , Onan Ismihan Selen , Sanisoglu Ilhan , Akpinar Belhhan
Published: March 2009

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of robotically enhanced myocardial revascularization and to present the clinical outcome of 196 patients.

Methods

All internal thoracic arteries were harvested with the aid of a robotic surgical system. While off‐pump revascularization techniques were mostly used, peripheral cardiopulmonary bypass was needed in some cases with multivessel disease.

Results

A single (n = 118) or multivessel (n = 74) coronary revascularization was performed. Four patients had to be converted to median sternotomy. There was no operative mortality. Follow‐up was complete in 88% (n = 169) patients. The rate of freedom from ischaemic symptoms was 98.2% at mean 22 ± 3 months. Graft patency was 96.4% (81/84).

Conclusions

By increasing surgical capabilities, robotically enhanced CABG in single or multivessel coronary disease was safe, effective and reasonable. It can be an alternative approach to percutaneous methods and conventional surgical techniques, or even used in acute coronary events. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance evaluation of TCP‐based applications over DVB‐RCS DAMA schemes
Authors: Luglio M. , Roseti Cesare , Zampognaro F.
Published: March 2009

Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) performance over Digital Video Broadcasting—Return Channel via Satellite (DVB‐RCS) standard is greatly affected by the total delay, which is mainly due to two components, propagation delay and access delay. Both are significant because they are dependent on the long propagation path of the satellite link. The former is intrinsic and due to radio wave propagation over the satellite channel for both TCP packets and acknowledgements. It is regulated by the control loop that governs TCP. The latter is due to the control loop that governs the demand assignment multiple access (DAMA) signalling exchange between satellite terminals and the network control center, necessary to manage return link resources. DAMA is adopted in DVB‐RCS standard to achieve flexible and efficient use of the shared resources. Therefore, performance of TCP over DVB‐RCS may degrade due to the exploitation of two nested control loops also depending on both the selected DAMA algorithm and the traffic profile.

This paper analyses the impact of basic DAMA implementation on TCP‐based applications over a DVB‐RCS link for a large set of study cases. To provide a detailed overview of TCP performance in DVB‐RCS environment, the analysis includes both theoretical approach and simulation campaign. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pragmatism and rationalism in the development of management science methodologies in the UK and France
Authors: Paucar‐Caceres Alberto
Published: March 2009

The development of a range of management science methodologies (MSMs) such as ‘soft’ operational research (OR) has been a feature of the UK OR practice over the last decades. This paper suggests that the increasing number of soft approaches developed in the UK is a direct consequence of the pragmatism in management education and management practice in Britain; and of the development of a robust British systems movement that has been engaged with the British OR community. Rationalism prevalent in French management education has kept OR/MS practice biased towards the hard end of MSM. We explore the usage of hard and soft methods and present results of a mailed survey administered to a small sample of British and French MBA graduates working in consultancy. Results reflect features of British and French business culture and management education; and indicate the different directions taken by the MS/OR movements in these two countries. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Different dose‐dependent correction of MIP‐1β and chitotriosidase during initial enzyme replacement therapy
Authors: van Breemen M. J. , de Fost M. , Maas M. , Wiersma M. G. , Hollak C. E. M. , Poll L. W. , vom Dahl S. , Boot R. G. , Aerts J. M. F. G.
Published: March 2009

In tissue lesions of type I Gaucher patients, characteristic lipid‐laden macrophages, ‘Gaucher cells’, are surrounded by inflammatory phagocytes. Gaucher cells secrete the elevated plasma chitotriosidase. The elevated plasma MIP‐1β in Gaucher patients stems from the phagocytes surrounding the Gaucher cells. Plasma chitotriosidase and MIP‐1β decrease upon successful enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with mannose‐terminated recombinant glucocerebrosidase (alglucerase). Previous histochemical analysis of Gaucher spleens revealed that Gaucher cells express little mannose receptor, in contrast to surrounding phagocytes. We therefore investigated the corrective effects of ERT on plasma MIP‐1β and chitotriosidase in more detail. We also compared effects of one year of treatment with a relatively low dose and a relatively high dose of ERT. A more rapid correction in plasma MIP‐1β, compared to chitotriosidase, was observed in most patients on low‐dose ERT. Correction of plasma MIP‐1β and chitotriosidase levels was more pronounced in the higher‐dosed patient group. Upon prolonged treatment, differences in the effects of enzyme dose were no longer significant. Normalization of plasma MIP‐1β and chitotriosidase levels was attained in the majority of patients. In conclusion, ERT with mannose‐terminated gluocerebrosidase results in prominent corrections of plasma chitotriosidase, a marker of Gaucher cells, and in particular of plasma MIP‐1β, a marker of inflammatory phagocytes. The sharper response in plasma MIP‐1β to ERT is in line with the observation that especially phagocytes surrounding Gaucher cells express mannose‐receptors.
Microscopy Study of Distribution of Laundry Fabric Softener on Cotton Fabric
Authors: Obendorf S. Kay , Dixit Vivechana , Woo Dong Jin
Published: March 2009

Distribution of fabric softeners on cotton terry cloth was studied using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray analysis. The unsaturated groups in the quaternary fabric softeners were tagged with osmium tetroxide to provide contrast in the microscopy. Longitudinal specimens showed the fabric softeners distributed over the cotton fiber surfaces with more in the crenulation of the fiber. Cross sectional specimens revealed that the fabric softener was distributed throughout the cotton fibers with higher concentrations of fabric softener observed in the lumen and crenulation than in the secondary wall and non‐crenulated fiber surface. This distribution of fabric softener is consistent with deposition on both external fiber surfaces and internal fibril surfaces. The deposition and final surface coverage is strongly dependent on the pH value of the washing medium. Repeated treatment cycles with fabric softener using a higher pH washing media resulted in higher concentrations of fabric softener on and within the cotton fibers. Neutral or lower pH washing media resulted in a somewhat constant concentration of fabric softener on and with cotton fibers with increased number of treatment cycles. Differences in perception of softness of the treated fabrics are not explained by differences in distribution of the fabric softener; it appear that there is an optimum amount of softener to achieve the desired sensory response and that further deposition build‐up does not increase perception of softness.
Plasma LCAT Activity and Lipid Subfraction Composition in Obese Beagles Undergoing Weight Loss
Authors: Angell Rebecca , Mitsuhashi Yuka , Bigley Karen , Bauer John E.
Published: March 2009

The relationship between lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activity and weight loss in dogs was investigated. Four experimental weight‐loss diets were fed to 12 obese female beagles for 56 days in a partial crossover design (n = 6). High‐ (HGI) or low‐ (LGI) glycemic index starch and diacylglycerol or triacylglycerol oils were combined to compose experimental diets with similar fatty acid profiles. Food intake and body weights were measured daily and weekly, respectively. Fasted blood samples were drawn at day 0, day 28, and day 56 to measure plasma LCAT activity and total (TC), unesterified (UC), and esterified (EC) cholesterol concentrations, and for fatty acid analysis of the phospholipid (PL) and EC fractions. The LGI groups lost more weight than the HGI groups due to starch digestibility differences. An HGI starch effect on TC and UC concentrations was observed but was unrelated to weight loss. LCAT activities increased over time but were not different after controlling for percentage weight loss. However, a positive linear correlation was found between LCAT and UC concentrations in all groups. Plasma PL fatty acid profiles reflected the diets fed, but increases in 16 and 18 carbon saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids in all groups appeared to be an effect of fatty acid mobilization from storage sites. Both plasma PL and EC fatty acid profiles were similar with both acylglycerol types and EC fatty acids reflected linoleic acid specificity with minimal diet or time effects.
The Swedish breeding cat: Population description, infectious diseases and reproductive performance evaluated by a questionnaire
Authors: Ström Holst Bodil , Frössling Jenny
Published: March 2009

The questionnaire based study gives a combined description of management, infectious diseases and reproductive performance in breeding catteries during 1 year. The mean number of cats per cattery was 6.1, and 25% of the breeders let some of their cats have free access to outdoors. Breeders reported that infection with feline panleukopenia virus, feline immunodeficiency virus or feline leukaemia virus was uncommon, but 8% of the breeders had sold or had themselves owned a cat that died of feline infectious peritonitis. Presence of conjunctivitis was reported by 33.3% of the breeders. Mean litter size was 3.7±1.5, with 9.7% stillbirths and 8.3% kitten mortality week 1–12. The percentage of stillborn kittens increased with the age of the queen and litter size, and also differed among breeds. Kitten mortality differed among breeds, but did not increase with age of the queen. Seven percent of the litters were delivered by caesarean section, significantly more during winter and positively associated with presence of stillborn kittens.
Anatomy of the transarcuate approach to the petrous apex
Authors: Lee Alice , Hamidi Sanaz , Djalilian Hamid
Published: March 2009

Objective

Determine the dimensions of the approach to the petrous apex through the crura of the superior semicircular canal (SSC).

Study Design

Measurements obtained from high‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT) images.

Subjects and Methods

One hundred ninety‐two HRCTs were screened and 58 temporal bones with pneumatized posterior petrous apex cell tracts in 39 patients were identified and reviewed. Measurements were obtained with the assistance of the standard PACS (picture archiving and communication system) software.

Results

The mean anterior‐posterior (AP) dimension of the intercrural space of the SSC was 4.88 ± 0.49 mm. The mean superior‐inferior (SI) dimension of this space was 4.90 ± 0.62 mm. When air cells were present in the intercrural space, the dimensions of the approach increased to 5.27 ± 0.50 mm for the AP dimension (P = 0.014) and 5.27 ± 0.70 mm for the SI dimension (P = 0.056).

Conclusion

The subarcuate approach is a potential route for the drainage of petrous apex cholesterol granulomas with minimal risk to the SSC, as demonstrated on HRCT measurements.
Modern and late Quaternary clay mineral distribution in the area of the SE Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Hamann Yvonne , Ehrmann Werner , Schmiedl Gerhard , Kuhnt Tanja
Published: March 2009

The present-day clay mineral distribution in the southeastern Levantine Sea and its borderlands reveals a complex pattern of different sources and distribution paths. Smectite dominates the suspended load of the Nile River and of rivers in the Near East. Illite sources are dust-bearing winds from the Sahara and southwestern Europe. Kaolinite is prevalent in rivers of the Sinai, in Egyptian wadis, and in Saharan dust. A high-resolution sediment core from the southeastern Levantine Sea spanning the last 27 ka shows that all these sources contributed during the late Quaternary and that the Nile River played a very important role in the supply of clay. Nile influence was reduced during the glacial period but was higher during the African Humid Period. In contrast to the sharp beginning and end of the African Humid Period recorded in West African records (15 and 5.5 ka), our data show a more transitional pattern and slightly lower Nile River discharge rates not starting until 4 ka. The similarity of the smectite concentrations with fluctuations in sea-surface temperatures of the tropical western Indian Ocean indicates a close relationship between the Indian Ocean climate system and the discharge of the Nile River.