bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Copeptin Does Not Add Diagnostic Information to High-Sensitivity Troponin T in Low- to Intermediate-Risk Patients with Acute Chest Pain: Results from the Rule Out Myocardial Infarction by Computed Tomography (ROMICAT) Study
Authors: Karakas Mahir , Januzzi James L , Meyer Julia , Lee Hang , Schlett Christopher L , Truong Quynh A , Rottbauer Wolfgang , Bamberg Fabian , Dasdemir Selcuk , Hoffmann Udo , Koenig Wolfgang
Published: June 2011

PURPOSE

Copeptin, a stable peptide derived from the AVP precursor, has been linked to presence and severity of myocardial ischemia. We sought to evaluate the predictive value of copeptin and its incremental value beyond that of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) in patients with acute chest pain and low to intermediate risk for acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

METHODS

We recruited patients who presented with acute chest pain to the emergency department and had a negative initial conventional troponin T test (<0.03 μg/L). In all patients, hs-cTnT and copeptin measurements were taken. Each patient also underwent cardiac computed tomography (CT) and coronary angiography.

RESULTS

Baseline copeptin concentrations, in contrast to hs-cTnT, were not significantly higher in patients with ACS than in those without (P = 0.24). hs-cTnT showed an earlier rise in patients with ACS than copeptin, when analyses were stratified by time. A copeptin concentration ≥7.38 pmol/L had a negative predictive value (NPV) of 94% and a sensitivity of 51%, whereas hs-cTnT (≥13.0 pg/mL) had a NPV of 96% and a sensitivity of 63%. The combination of copeptin and hs-cTnT resulted in a lower diagnostic accuracy than hs-cTnT alone. Finally, on cardiac CT, copeptin concentrations were not associated with coronary artery morphology, although they were related to the presence of left ventricular dysfunction (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with acute chest pain and low to intermediate risk for ACS, copeptin concentrations are not independently predictive of ACS and do not add diagnostic value beyond that of hs-cTnT measurements.
A Framework for Conceptual Contributions in Marketing
Authors: MacInnis Deborah J.
Published: June 2011

Conceptual advances are critical to the vitality of the marketing discipline, yet recent writings suggest that conceptual advancement in the field is slowing. The author addresses this issue by developing a framework for thinking about conceptualization in marketing. A definition of conceptualization is followed by a typology of types of conceptual contributions. The types of conceptual contributions, their similarities and differences, and their importance to the field are described. Thinking skills linked to various types of conceptual contributions are also described, as are the use of tools that can facilitate these skills. The article concludes with a set of recommendations for advancing conceptualization in our field in the years to come.
Impact of Emerging Markets on Marketing: Rethinking Existing Perspectives and Practices
Authors: Sheth Jagdish N.
Published: June 2011

The core idea of this article is that five key characteristics—market heterogeneity, sociopolitical governance, chronic shortage of resources, unbranded competition, and inadequate infrastructure—of emerging markets are radically different from the traditional industrialized capitalist society, and they will require us to rethink the core assumptions of marketing, such as market orientation, market segmentation, and differential advantage. To accommodate these characteristics, we must rethink the marketing perspective (e.g., from differential advantage to market aggregation and standardization) and the core guiding strategy concepts (e.g., from market orientation to market development). Similarly, we must rethink issues of public policy (e.g., from compliance and crisis driven to purpose driven) and the marketing practice (e.g., from glocalization to fusion marketing).
On Managerial Relevance
Authors: Jaworski Bernard J.
Published: June 2011

The concept of managerial relevance continues to be a significant topic for both research faculty and business schools alike. Despite decades of debate, it is surprising that there is virtually no work on the nature of the concept itself. Thus, the author defines the concept of managerial relevance, makes three specific observations, and discusses research implications for each observation. The key message is that the field needs a much deeper understanding of the marketing roles within the firm, and research programs must be crafted to fit the needs of these particular roles. The author calls this approach “role-relevant” managerial research. With this central thesis in mind, he examines the role of the chief marketing officer (CMO) as an illustrative case study to identify areas of inquiry that are both novel and highly managerially relevant. This analysis reveals that of the seven core tasks of the CMO, three have been lightly investigated. The author concludes with advice to both academics and practitioners on how to increase the role relevance of academic research.
Emotional Brand Attachment and Brand Personality: The Relative Importance of the Actual and the Ideal Self
Authors: Malär Lucia , Krohmer Harley , Hoyer Wayne D. , Nyffenegger Bettina
Published: June 2011

Creating emotional brand attachment is a key branding issue in today's marketing world. One way to accomplish this is to match the brand's personality with the consumer's self. A key question, however, is whether the brand's personality should match the consumer's actual self or the consumer's ideal self. On the basis of two empirical studies of 167 brands (evaluated by 1329 and 980 consumers), the authors show that the implications of self-congruence for consumers’ emotional brand attachment are complex and differ by consumers’ product involvement, consumers’ individual difference variables, and the type of self-congruence (fit of the brand's personality with the consumer's actual self versus with the consumer's ideal self). On a general level, actual self-congruence has the greatest impact on emotional brand attachment. Product involvement, self-esteem, and public self-consciousness increase the positive impact of actual self-congruence but decrease the impact of ideal self-congruence on emotional brand attachment. The authors discuss important managerial and academic implications of these findings.
Facilitating and Rewarding Creativity during New Product Development
Authors: Burroughs James E. , Dahl Darren W. , Moreau C. Page , Chattopadhyay Amitava , Gorn Gerald J.
Published: June 2011

In an effort to improve creativity in the new product development process, many firms offer incentive programs, creativity training programs, or both. However, creativity continues to be a construct that is not well understood in marketing, and little research has examined the joint influence of such initiatives on creative outcomes. As a result, there is considerable variance in the way firms approach these issues. A qualitative study of 20 firms indicates that 15 offered some type of incentive program, whereas only 7 engaged in creativity training (a subset of the firms used both). Given that previous research has consistently found that extrinsic rewards offered in isolation actually undermine the creative process (by reducing intrinsic motivation), it seems that many firms may be unwittingly hampering their own creative efforts. However, two experiments demonstrate that the effect of rewards can be made positive if offered in conjunction with appropriate training. Specifically, product creativity was highest when the monetary reward was paired with a dedicated creative training technique. The training alters the influence of the reward such that it reinforces, rather than undermines, intrinsic motivation. Managers can improve the effectiveness of their creative efforts by leveraging the use of incentives and training in combination.
Enough Is Enough! The Fine Line in Executing Multichannel Relational Communication
Authors: Godfrey Andrea , Seiders Kathleen , Voss Glenn B.
Published: June 2011

In an effort to build long-term, profitable relationships, many companies systematically engage in multichannel relational communication—personalized messages sent to existing customers through various channels as part of a broader relationship marketing strategy. In this research, the authors examine three key drivers of relational communication effectiveness: volume of communication, mix of communication channels, and alignment of those channels with customers’ preferences. They hypothesize that customer response to relational communication follows a continuum in which reciprocity explains response to lower levels of communication, the classic ideal point describes a transition phase, and reactance explains response to higher levels of communication. They empirically test the theoretical framework by examining the impact of multichannel communication on repurchase over a three-year period. The results indicate that after the ideal level of communication is exceeded, customers react negatively. This negative response can be exacerbated by the use of multiple channels but attenuated by aligning channels with customer preferences. The findings suggest that the complex effects of multichannel communication can actually drive customers away from rather than closer to a company.
Buchbesprechung
Authors: Zhdanova Vladislava
Published: June 2011

Europa und seine Werte. Hrsg. von Jerzy Bartmiński und Rosemarie Lühr. Frankfurt am Main u.a.: Peter Lang, 2009. 290 S. ISBN: 978-3-631-59057-7
Zum großen Revisionsprozess der funerären Texte in der XI. Dynastie
Authors: Morenz Ludwig D.
Published: June 2011

This article discusses the transmission of pictorial scenes with a focus on style and iconography. Thus the coffins of the early Middle Kingdom do not only depend on textual transmission (CT) but also on pictorial transmission (including longer scenes). This article deals especially with the pictorial tradition of the coffins T 3 C, G 1 T and A 1 C and its origins. Attention is also paid to the socio-economic setting of the process of transmission.
P.Lips. Inv. 1228 und 590: Eine neue ägyptische Königsliste in griechischer Sprache
Authors: Popko Lutz , Rücker Michaela
Published: June 2011

Discussion of two recently published fragmentary Greek papyri from Leipzig, dating into the 2nd century AD. The text contains a non-Manethonian king-list with some monarchs of the Third Intermediate and the Late Period as well as a reference on the oracle of the lamb.
OH and NH Stretching Vibrational Relaxation of Liquid Ethanolamine
Authors: Knop Stephan , Lindner Jörg , Vöhringer Peter
Published: June 2011

Femtosecond mid-infrared pump-probe spectroscopy was carried out to obtain information about the dynamics of vibrational energy relaxation in liquid ethanolamine at room temperature and ambient pressure. Through partial deuteration it was possible to disentangle the dynamics resulting from the OH and the NH stretching modes that proceed independently and simultaneously in the hydrogen-bonded liquid following an ultrafast vibrational excitation by a resonant mid-infrared pulse. The OH-stretching vibrational lifetime was determined to be 450 fs while the NH-stretching lifetime was found to be 1.2 ps. This large difference in lifetimes highlights the importance of the hydrogen-donating and the hydrogen-accepting character of the vibrating groups that are engaged in hydrogen-bonding.
Globalization, Democracy, and the Public Sector in Asia
Authors: Yi Dae Jin
Published: June 2011

In this era of globalization, does democracy in Asia have a mediating impact on a country's public sector? As the first empirical analysis focused solely on Asian countries, this paper finds that, in general, democracies are associated with a larger government. In particular, democracies more exposed to the global trade have larger public economies. This is not the case, however, in democracies more dependent on foreign direct investment.
Does Incarceration Change the Criminal Identity? A Synthesis of Labeling and Identity Theory Perspectives on Identity Change
Authors: Asencio Emily K. , Burke Peter J.
Published: June 2011

This study uses an identity theory framework to fill in gaps left by labeling theory in the explanation of criminal behavior resulting from one's identity. The authors examine the reciprocal relationship between the views of significant others, peers, and guards at the jail, and self-views for changes in the criminal identity, the drug user identity, and the worker identity using an incarcerated population. The findings suggest that identity theory provides a more detailed explanation of the processes by which the views of others can influence criminal behavior than labeling theory does. Identity theory allows for the explanation of different behavioral outcomes in response to the same label, which labeling theory does not provide.
Platelet function monitoring in patients on clopidogrel
Authors: Aradi Dániel , Rideg Orsolya , Komócsi András
Published: June 2011

Clopidogrel is essential to prevent recurrent ischemic events in patients with acute coronary syndromes and after percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs). However, platelet reactivity after clopidogrel treatment is not uniform, and high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HTPR) persists in approximately one third of patients receiving clopidogrel. As recent observational studies suggest that HTPR is associated with higher risk of ischemic events, including cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction and stent thrombosis, it seems rational to monitor post-clopidogrel platelet reactivity for risk assessment and to tailor anti-platelet therapy for patients with HTPR. However, routine platelet function monitoring is not recommended by current clinical guidelines. The article aims to review the available evidence on the clinical relevance of platelet function monitoring, highlighting possible reasons for the conflict between guidelines and observational studies.
Az arteria tibialis posteriorból eredő direkt septocutan perforator ér által ellátott különálló bőrszigetlebeny és a fibula kettős szabad átültetése a mandibula és a szájfenék kombinált rekonstrukciója kapcsán
Authors: Bognár Gábor , Lóderer Zoltán , Kovács István , Tamás Róbert , Csáki Gábor , Kardos István , Suri Csilla
Published: June 2011

A szájfenéki tumorok radikális műtéti megoldása után visszamaradó defektusok egyik jól ismert rekonstrukciós alternatívája a fibula osteocutan lebenyének szabad átültetése mikrosebészeti technikával. E lebeny ellátó erének anatómiája jól ismert, azonban igen ritkán ugyan, de előfordulhat nem várt variáció is. Esetünkben egy T4 stádiumú gingivatumor miatt végzett centrolateralis mandibularesectio utáni rekonstrukcióról számolunk be. Az eset érdekessége, hogy a felhasznált fibula és a hozzá tartozó bőrsziget külön érnyélről kapta vérellátását az arteria tibialis posteriorból. Kettős szabadlebeny-átültetés történt a szabad fibula esetében autológ peronealis arteria és vena graft pótlással. Az esetet irodalmi raritása és a műtéttechnikai megoldás miatt tartjuk közlésre érdemesnek.
Evaluation of Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Activity of Premna integrifolia Root
Authors: Gokani Rina H. , Lahiri Suman K. , Santani Devdas D. , Shah Mamta B.
Published: June 2011

Roots of Premna integrifolia Linn. Mant. (Verbanacea) are important rasayana (Adaptogenic) drugs and are considered to be useful in the treatment of variety of ailments. The present study was aimed at evaluating the for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Pretreatment with a single dose of methanolic extract of P. integrifolia (PIM) (300 mg/kg b.w.) produced significant inhibition on carrageenan-induced rat hind paw edema, histamine induced wheal formation, and acetic acid-induced mouse vascular permeation. In a 7-day study, daily administration of PIM suppressed formalin induced paw edema and cotton pellet-induced rat granuloma formation. The extract also showed significant inhibition of cyclo-oxygenase (COX-I) activity on rat uterus and plasma membrane stabilization. Apart from this, the antioxidant activity (in vitro) of the extracts was evaluated using the anti radical, superoxide scavenging, erythrocyte membrane stability, anti lipid peroxidation, hydroxyl radical scavenging, nitric oxide scavenging and reducing power (ferric thiocynate method and ?-carotene bleaching test) assays. PIM showed significant anti-oxidant activity. In addition, PIM (300mg/kg b.w.) produced no observable sub acute toxicity in mice with in 15 days. The results scientifically demonstrated the anti-inflammatory activity of P. integrifolia roots in various experimental models probably through their antihistaminic, antikinin, COX-inhibitory and antioxidant action. This therefore justifies the folkloric use of the plant.
Multiple endocrine diseases in dogs: 35 cases (1996–2009)
Authors: Blois Shauna L. , Dickie Erica , Kruth Stephen A. , Allen Dana G.
Published: June 2011

Objective—To characterize a population of dogs from a tertiary care center with 2 or more endocrine disorders, including the specific disorders and time intervals between diagnosis of each disorder.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—35 dogs with 2 or more endocrine disorders.

Procedures—Medical records were reviewed, and the following was recorded: clinical signs, physical examination findings, and the results of CBC, serum biochemical analysis, urinalysis, aerobic bacterial culture of urine samples, endocrine testing, diagnostic imaging, and necropsy.

Results—35 dogs with more than 1 endocrine disorder were identified. Seventy-seven percent (27/35) of the dogs were male, and the mean age at the time of diagnosis of the first endocrinopathy was 7.9 years. Miniature Schnauzer was the most common breed. Twenty-eight of 35 (80%) dogs had 2 disorders; 7 (20%) had 3 disorders. The most common combinations of disorders included diabetes mellitus and hyperadrenocorticism in 57.1 % (20/35) of dogs; hypoadrenocorticism and hypothyroidism in 22.9% (8/35) of dogs; and diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism in 28.6% (10/35) of dogs. A mean of 14.5 months elapsed between diagnosis of the first and second endocrine disorders, whereas there was a mean of 31.1 months between diagnosis of the first and third endocrine disorders.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that the occurrence of multiple endocrine disorders was uncommon in dogs. The most common combinations of endocrine disorders in this population of dogs were diabetes mellitus and hyperadrenocorticism, followed by hypoadrenocorticism and hypothyroidism.
A critical response to Will Kymlicka´s view of multiculturalism
Authors: Anwarullah Bhuiyan A.
Published: June 2011

The objective of this article is to consider how multiculturalism, minority rights, and nationbuilding have been defended by Will Kymlicka. For this purpose, I will first attempt to spell out the answers to the following questions: is it possible to defend minority rights in a liberal state? What is the problem regarding this defence of national minorities? Does anybody benefit from minority rights within a nationbuilding process? In order to find out the answer to these questions, I will first introduce the main line of thought found in Will Kymlicka’s views on the defence of the rights of national minorities, the nationbuilding process, and multiculturalism. Later, I will reassess the views of Kymlicka in finding the ways to defend national minorities with the aim of providing support to the minority cultures.
The Design of Cluster Randomized Crossover Trials
Authors: Rietbergen Charlotte , Moerbeek Mirjam
Published: June 2011

The inefficiency induced by between-cluster variation in cluster randomized (CR) trials can be reduced by implementing a crossover (CO) design. In a simple CO trial, each subject receives each treatment in random order. A powerful characteristic of this design is that each subject serves as its own control. In a CR CO trial, clusters of subjects are randomly allocated to a sequence of interventions. Under this design, each subject is either included in only one of the treatment periods (CO at cluster level) or in both periods (CO at subject level). In this study, the efficiency of both CR CO trials relative to the CR trial without CO is demonstrated. Furthermore, the optimal allocation of clusters and subjects given a fixed budget or desired power level is discussed.
Characterization of Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) Markers and Genetic Relationships within Cultivated Peanut (Arachis hypogaeaL.)
Authors: Li Yan , Chen Charles Y. , Knapp Steve J. , Culbreath Albert K. , Holbrook C. Corley , Guo Baozhu
Published: June 2011

A total of 709 SSR markers were collected from public databases and 556 SSRs passed an initial screen and were used to characterize 16 peanut (Arachis hypogaea) genotypes. PIC (polymorphism information content) scores and heterozygosity indices for each marker were calculated to assess the genetic diversity revealed by SSR markers and genetic distances were estimated from shared allele distances for construction of a cladogram by the Neighbor-Joining method to illustrate the genetic relationships among the genotypes. Two hundred thirty-five (42.27%) markers showed polymorphisms in these genotypes. The average heterozygosity estimated from these 556 SSRs was 0.225 with a range of 0 to 0.992 and the average PIC was 0.209. The average number of alleles per SSR was 2.5 with a range of 1 to 13. However, 410 SSR markers had only one allele, confirming that diversity of cultivated peanuts is very limited. Among the polymorphic SSR markers, 26.4% were dinucleotide GA repeat motif markers, followed by dinucleotide CT (10.4%), and trinucleotide TAA (9.6%). The dinucleotide and trinucleotide repeat motifs are the most abundant type of SSRs, and dinucleotide GA repeat motif shows a higher polymorphism in comparison to other types. The genetic relationships revealed from the cladogram are in agreement with the pedigrees and origins of the tested peanut genotypes, indicating that these SSR markers are useful tools for evaluation of genetic diversity in peanuts.
Genotyping and Fatty Acid Composition Analysis in Segregating Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Populations
Authors: Barkley Noelle A. , Chenault Chamberlin Kelly D. , Wang Ming Li , Pittman Roy N.
Published: June 2011

Oleic acid (C18∶1), a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid, is an important seed quality trait in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) because it provides enhanced fatty acid composition, a beneficial effect on human health, improved flavor, and increased shelf life for stored food products by delaying rancidity. Consequently, an emphasis has been placed on breeding peanuts with high levels of oleic acid and low levels of linoleic acid (C18∶2), a polyunsaturated, omega-6 fatty acid. Therefore, crosses were prepared between high oleic and normal peanut lines to develop segregating F2 populations. Total fatty acid composition and the ahFAD2B genotype were determined in the parents and progeny. The oleic to linoleic (O/L) ratio varied from 0.85 to 30.30 in the F2 progeny. Comparing the mean oleic acid values from the three genotypic classes (Ol2Ol2, Ol2ol2, and ol2ol2) in each population confirmed that the means were significantly different. Statistical analysis demonstrated that oleic acid was negatively correlated with linoleic (C18∶2) and palmitic acid (C16∶0), but was positively correlated with gadoleic (C20∶1) and lignoceric (C24∶0) fatty acids. This suggests that modifier genes may influence fatty acid composition. Principally, integration of genotyping and phenotyping data from segregating populations provided valuable insights on the genetic factors controlling total fatty acid composition.
Phytotoxicity of Delayed Applications of Dinitroaniline Herbicides in Strip-Tillage Peanut Production
Authors: Johnson W. Carroll , Prostko E. P. , Davis Jerry
Published: June 2011

Dinitroaniline herbicides are typically applied preplant incorporated or preemergence (PRE) immediately after seeding peanut. Situations frequently arise where dinitroaniline herbicides are not applied in a timely manner in strip-tillage peanut production. In these cases, dinitroaniline herbicides are be applied several days or weeks after seeding peanut. Weed-free, irrigated field trials were conducted in Tifton, GA in 2004 and 2005 to evaluate the phytotoxic effects of delayed applications of ethalfluralin and pendimethalin on peanut. Both herbicides were applied PRE, at vegetative emergence (VE), 1wk after vegetative emergence (VE+1wk), VE+2wk, VE+3wk, VE+4wk, and included a nontreated control. Dinitroaniline herbicides neither visually injured peanut nor affected foliage biomass collected at mid- and late-season. Timing of herbicide application did not consistently affect peanut vegetative growth. Pod biomass was reduced by dinitroaniline herbicides applied VE+3wk when measured mid-season, but recovered late-season. Across all application timings, ethalfluralin reduced peanut yield compared to pendimethalin. Across both dinitroaniline herbicides, peanut yields were reduced when herbicides were applied at VE. These data show that visual estimates of peanut response to dinitroaniline herbicides may not detect subtle phytotoxic effects. The data also suggests that pod biomass and yield responses may be difficult to predict. However, there is potential for significant injury if peanut are treated with delayed applications of dinitroaniline herbicides in strip-tillage peanut production. In contrast, PRE applications are not injurious to strip-tillage peanut and must be a priority to ensure crop safety.
Effect of Cover Crop Management and Preemergence Herbicides on the Control of ALS-Resistant Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) in Peanut
Authors: Dobrow M. H. , Ferrell J. A. , Faircloth W. H. , MacDonald G. E. , Brecke B. J. , Erickson J. E.
Published: June 2011

Palmer amaranth is a troublesome species across the southern US, and has become a serious problem in the SE in recent years. Resistance to acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibiting herbicides has made control of Palmer amaranth even more difficult for peanut producers. Field studies were conducted in 2008 and 2009 to determine the impact of three rye cover crop management scenarios combined with non–ALS residual herbicides on the duration of control of ALS-resistant Palmer amaranth. Cover crop scenarios included planting into a desiccated rye cover that was left standing, or rolled flat, or no-cover. Within each cover crop scenario five soil residual herbicides were evaluated to determine the duration that each herbicide provided acceptable control of ALS-resistant Palmer amaranth in peanut. Weed counts were conducted weekly to determine the number of Palmer amaranth free days (PFD), which equated to 1 Palmer amaranth per m of row. In 2008, cover crop did not affect the number of PFD and data ranged from 3 to 67 d. In 2009, standing and rolled cover provided greater PFD relative to no-cover. However, herbicide efficacy was reduced in 2009 with PFD ranging between 0.1 and 16 d after treatment. In both years, PFD was ordered as flumioxazin>S-metolachlor (at cracking)>S-metolachlor (preemergence), norflurazon >pendimethalin.
Structures of Benzenesulfonylamino-3-(4-benzenesulfonyloxy-phenyl)-propionic acid and 2-(toluene-4-sulfonylamino)-3-[4-(toluene-4-sulponyl-oxy)-phenyl]-propionic acid: Variations in L-tyrosine Backbone Conformation, Intramolecular Aromatic π–π Stacking and Short C–H···O Interactions
Authors: Khan Muneeb Hayat , Khan Islam Ullah , Arshad Muhammad Nadeem , Rafique H. M. , Harrison William  T. A.
Published: June 2011

The syntheses and crystal structures of benzenesulfonylamino-3-(4-benzenesulfonyloxy-phenyl)-propionic acid (1) and 2-(toluene-4-sulfonylamino)-3-[4-(toluene-4-sulponyloxy)-phenyl]-propionic acid (2) are described. The L-tyrosine cores of the molecules show significant conformational differences. In 1, both organic molecules show intramolecular aromatic π–π stacking and in 2 a very short intermolecular Cα–H···O interaction is seen. The structures of 1 and 2 are compared with those of related materials. Crystal data: 12·H2O·MeOH [2(C21H19NO7S2)·H2O·CH4O], Mr = 973.04, monoclinic, P21 (No. 4), a = 8.0078 (4) Å, b = 34.0704 (16) Å, c = 8.5506 (3) Å, β = 94.239 (3)°, V = 2326.47 (18) Å3, Z = 2, T = 296 K, R(F) = 0.062, wR(F2) = 0.157, 2·H2O (C23H25NO7S2·H2O), Mr = 507.56, monoclinic, P21 (No. 4), a = 5.7171 (7) Å, b = 24.359 (3) Å, c = 9.1043 (10) Å, β = 104.563 (6)°, V = 1227.2 (2) Å3, Z = 2, T = 296 K, R(F) = 0.055, wR(F2) = 0.092.
Energy Saving Evaluation of the Ventilated BIPV Walls
Authors: Lai Chi-Ming , Lin Yi-Pin
Published: June 2011

This study integrates photovoltaic (PV) system, building structure, and heat flow mechanism to propose the notion of ventilated Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) walls. The energy-saving potential of the ventilated BIPV walls was investigated via engineering considerations and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The results show that the heat removal rate and indoor heat gain of the proposed ventilated BIPV walls were dominantly affected by outdoor wind velocity and airflow channel width. Correlations for predicting the heat removal rate and indoor heat gain, the reduction ratio of the indoor heat gain, CO2 reduction, and induced indoor air exchange are introduced.
Bystander Exposure to Ultra-Low-Volume Insecticide Applications Used for Adult Mosquito Management
Authors: Preftakes Collin J. , Schleier III Jerome J. , Peterson Robert K.D.
Published: June 2011

A popular and effective management option for adult mosquitoes is the use of insecticides applied by ultra-low-volume (ULV) equipment. However, there is a paucity of data on human dermal exposure to insecticides applied by this method. The objective of the current study was to estimate dermal exposures to the insecticide active ingredient permethrin using water- (Aqua-Reslin®) and oil-based (Permanone® 30-30) formulations with passive dosimetry. No significant differences in deposition of permethrin were observed between years, distance from the spray source, front or back of the body, or the placement of the patches on the body. However, exposure to Aqua-Reslin was significantly greater than Permanone 30-30 and average concentrations deposited on the body were 4.2 and 2.1 ng/cm2, respectively. The greater deposition of Aqua-Reslin is most likely due to the higher density of the water-based formulation which causes it to settle out faster than the lighter oil-based formulation of Permanone 30-30. The estimated average absorbed dermal exposure for permethrin from Aqua-Reslin and Permanone 30-30 was 0.00009 and 0.00005 mg/kg body weight, respectively. We also found that ground deposition of ULV insecticides can be used as a surrogate for estimating dermal exposure. The estimated exposures support the findings of previous risk assessments that exposure to ULV applications used for mosquito management are below regulatory levels of concern.
Nanoparticles and Colloids as Contributing Factors in Neurodegenerative Disease
Authors: Bondy Stephen C.
Published: June 2011

This review explores the processes underlying the deleterious effects of the presence of insoluble or colloidal depositions within the central nervous system. These materials are chemically unreactive and can have a prolonged residence in the brain. They can be composed of mineral or proteinaceous materials of intrinsic or exogenous origin. Such nanoparticulates and colloids are associated with a range of slow-progressing neurodegenerative states. The potential common basis of toxicity of these materials is discussed. A shared feature of these disorders involves the appearance of deleterious inflammatory changes in the CNS. This may be due to extended and ineffective immune responses. Another aspect is the presence of excess levels of reactive oxygen species within the brain. In addition with their induction by inflammatory events, these may be further heightened by the presence of redox active transition metals to the large surface area afforded by nanoparticles and amphipathic micelles.
A Novel Cold-Active Lipase from Candida albicans: Cloning, Expression and Characterization of the Recombinant Enzyme
Authors: Lan Dong-Ming , Yang Ning , Wang Wen-Kai , Shen Yan-Fei , Yang Bo , Wang Yong-Hua
Published: June 2011

A novel lipase gene lip5 from the yeast Candida albicans was cloned and sequenced. Alignment of amino acid sequences revealed that 86–34% identity exists with lipases from other Candida species. The lipase and its mutants were expressed in the yeast Pichia pastoris, where alternative codon usage caused the mistranslation of 154-Ser and 293-Ser as leucine. 154-Ser to leucine resulted in loss of expression of Lip5, and 293-Ser to leucine caused a marked reduction in the lipase activity. Lip5-DM, which has double mutations that revert 154 and 293 to serine residues, showed good lipase activity, and was overexpressed and purified by (NH4)2SO4 precipitation and ion-exchange chromatography. The pure Lip5-DM was stable at low temperatures ranging from 15–35 °C and pH 5–9, with the optimal conditions being 15–25 °C and pH 5–6. The activation energy of recombinant lipase was 8.5 Kcal/mol between 5 and 25 °C, suggesting that Lip5-DM was a cold–active lipase. Its activity was found to increase in the presence of Zn2+, but it was strongly inhibited by Fe2+, Fe3+, Hg2+ and some surfactants. In addition, the Lip5-DM could not tolerate water-miscible organic solvents. Lip5-DM exhibited a preference for the short- and medium-chain length p-nitrophenyl (C4 and C8 acyl group) esters rather than the long chain length p-nitrophenyl esters (C12, C16 and C18 acyl group) with highest activity observed with the C8 derivatives. The recombinant enzyme displayed activity toward triacylglycerols, such as olive oil and safflower oil.
Applications and Implications of Neutral versus Non-neutral Markers in Molecular Ecology
Authors: Kirk Heather , Freeland Joanna R.
Published: June 2011

The field of molecular ecology has expanded enormously in the past two decades, largely because of the growing ease with which neutral molecular genetic data can be obtained from virtually any taxonomic group. However, there is also a growing awareness that neutral molecular data can provide only partial insight into parameters such as genetic diversity, local adaptation, evolutionary potential, effective population size, and taxonomic designations. Here we review some of the applications of neutral versus adaptive markers in molecular ecology, discuss some of the advantages that can be obtained by supplementing studies of molecular ecology with data from non-neutral molecular markers, and summarize new methods that are enabling researchers to generate data from genes that are under selection.
The Role Played by Computation in Understanding Hard Materials
Authors: Lowther John Edward
Published: June 2011

In the last decade, computation has played a valuable role in the understanding of materials. Hard materials, in particular, are only part of the application. Although materials involving B, C, N or O remain the most valued atomic component of hard materials, with diamond retaining its distinct superiority as the hardest, other materials involving a wide variety of metals are proving important. In the present work the importance of both ab-initio approaches and molecular dynamics aspects will be discussed with application to quite different systems. On one hand, ab-initio methods are applied to lightweight systems and advanced nitrides. Following, the use of molecular dynamics will be considered with application to strong metals that are used for high temperature applications.
Chitosan Nanoparticles Act as an Adjuvant to Promote both Th1 and Th2 Immune Responses Induced by Ovalbumin in Mice
Authors: Wen Zheng-Shun , Xu Ying-Lei , Zou Xiao-Ting , Xu Zi-Rong
Published: June 2011

The study was conducted to investigate the promoted immune response to ovalbumin in mice by chitosan nanoparticles (CNP) and its toxicity. CNP did not cause any mortality or side effects when mice were administered subcutaneously twice with a dose of 1.5 mg at 7-day intervals. Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice were immunized subcutaneously with 25 µg ovalbumin (OVA) alone or with 25 µg OVA dissolved in saline containing Quil A (10 µg), chitosan (CS) (50 µg) or CNP (12.5, 50 or 200 µg) on days 1 and 15. Two weeks after the secondary immunization, serum OVA-specific antibody titers, splenocyte proliferation, natural killer (NK) cell activity, and production and mRNA expression of cytokines from splenocytes were measured. The serum OVA-specific IgG, IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b antibody titers and Con A-, LPS-, and OVA-induced splenocyte proliferation were significantly enhanced by CNP (P < 0.05) as compared with OVA and CS groups. CNP also significantly promoted the production of Th1 (IL-2 and IFN-γ) and Th2 (IL-10) cytokines and up-regulated the mRNA expression of IL-2, IFN-γ and IL-10 cytokines in splenocytes from the immunized mice compared with OVA and CS groups. Besides, CNP remarkably increased the killing activities of NK cells activity (P < 0.05). The results suggested that CNP had a strong potential to increase both cellular and humoral immune responses and elicited a balanced Th1/Th2 response, and that CNP may be a safe and efficacious adjuvant candidate suitable for a wide spectrum of prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines.
Carotenoids in Algae: Distributions, Biosyntheses and Functions
Authors: Takaichi Shinichi
Published: June 2011

For photosynthesis, phototrophic organisms necessarily synthesize not only chlorophylls but also carotenoids. Many kinds of carotenoids are found in algae and, recently, taxonomic studies of algae have been developed. In this review, the relationship between the distribution of carotenoids and the phylogeny of oxygenic phototrophs in sea and fresh water, including cyanobacteria, red algae, brown algae and green algae, is summarized. These phototrophs contain division- or class-specific carotenoids, such as fucoxanthin, peridinin and siphonaxanthin. The distribution of α-carotene and its derivatives, such as lutein, loroxanthin and siphonaxanthin, are limited to divisions of Rhodophyta (macrophytic type), Cryptophyta, Euglenophyta, Chlorarachniophyta and Chlorophyta. In addition, carotenogenesis pathways are discussed based on the chemical structures of carotenoids and known characteristics of carotenogenesis enzymes in other organisms; genes and enzymes for carotenogenesis in algae are not yet known. Most carotenoids bind to membrane-bound pigment-protein complexes, such as reaction center, light-harvesting and cytochrome b6f complexes. Water-soluble peridinin-chlorophyll a-protein (PCP) and orange carotenoid protein (OCP) are also established. Some functions of carotenoids in photosynthesis are also briefly summarized.
Derivatives of 10,16-Dihydroxyhexadecanoic Acid Isolated from Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) as Potential Material for Aliphatic Polyesters
Authors: Arrieta-Baez Daniel , Cruz-Carrillo Miguel , Gómez-Patiño Mayra Beatriz , Zepeda-Vallejo L. Gerardo
Published: June 2011

The main monomer of tomato cuticle, 10,16-dihydroxyhexadecanoic acid (or 10,16-dihydroxypalmitic acid; 10,16-DHPA), was isolated and used to efficiently synthesize two different monomers (16-hydroxy-10-oxo-hexadecanoic and 7-oxohexa-decanedioic acids) in addition to a dimer and linear and branched trimers. These compounds were fully characterized using NMR and MS techniques and could be used as starting materials for the synthesis of a wide range of chemicals and bio-polyesters, particularly the latter due to their physical properties, non-toxicity, and relative abundance among raw materials.
Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles and Their Biomedical Applications
Authors: Tiwari Pooja  M. , Vig Komal , Dennis Vida  A. , Singh Shree  R.
Published: June 2011

Metal nanoparticles are being extensively used in various biomedical applications due to their small size to volume ratio and extensive thermal stability. Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are an obvious choice due to their amenability of synthesis and functionalization, less toxicity and ease of detection. The present review focuses on various methods of functionalization of GNPs and their applications in biomedical research. Functionalization facilitates targeted delivery of these nanoparticles to various cell types, bioimaging, gene delivery, drug delivery and other therapeutic and diagnostic applications. This review is an amalgamation of recent advances in the field of functionalization of gold nanoparticles and their potential applications in the field of medicine and biology.
Neuronal Nicotinic Receptors as New Targets for Amphetamine-Induced Oxidative Damage and Neurotoxicity
Authors: Pubill David , Garcia-Ratés Sara , Camarasa Jordi , Escubedo Elena
Published: June 2011

Amphetamine derivatives such as methamphetamine (METH) and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, “ecstasy”) are widely abused drugs in a recreational context. This has led to concern because of the evidence that they are neurotoxic in animal models and cognitive impairments have been described in heavy abusers. The main targets of these drugs are plasmalemmal and vesicular monoamine transporters, leading to reverse transport and increased monoamine efflux to the synapse. As far as neurotoxicity is concerned, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production seems to be one of the main causes. Recent research has demonstrated that blockade of a7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) inhibits METH- and MDMA-induced ROS production in striatal synaptosomes which is dependent on calcium and on NO-synthase activation. Moreover, a7 nAChR antagonists (methyllycaconitine and memantine) attenuated in vivo the neurotoxicity induced by METH and MDMA, and memantine prevented the cognitive impairment induced by these drugs. Radioligand binding experiments demonstrated that both drugs have affinity to a7 and heteromeric nAChR, with MDMA showing lower Ki values, while fluorescence calcium experiments indicated that MDMA behaves as a partial agonist on a7 and as an antagonist on heteromeric nAChR. Sustained Ca increase led to calpain and caspase-3 activation. In addition, modulatory effects of MDMA on a7 and heteromeric nAChR populations have been found.
A Novel Self-Assembled Liposome-Based Polymeric Hydrogel for Cranio-Maxillofacial Applications: Preliminary Findings
Authors: Joo Victor , Ramasamy Thiruganesh , Haidar Ziyad S.
Published: June 2011

Soft nanogels are submicron-sized hydrophilic structures engineered from biocompatible polymers possessing the characteristics of nanoparticles as well as hydrogels, with a wide array of potential applications in biotechnology and biomedicine, namely, drug and protein delivery. In this work, nanogels were obtained using the physical self-assembly technique or ‘layer-by-layer’ which is based on electrostatic interactions. Liposomal vesicles were coated with alternating layers of hyaluronic acid and chitosan yielding a more viscous hydrogel formulation that previously reported core-shell nanoparticulate suspension, via simply modifying the physico-chemical characteristics of the system. Structural features, size, surface charge, stability and swelling characteristics of the nanogel were studied using scanning electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. With a specific cranio-maxillofacial application in mind, the hydrogel was loaded with recombinant human (rh) bone morphogenetic protein-7, also known as osteogenic protein-1 or rhOP-1 and release was monitored over an extended period of 60 days. This preliminary study reports promising results on the formulation of a novel core-shell polymeric nanogel.
Complicated Grief in the Aftermath of Homicide: Spiritual Crisis and Distress in an African American Sample
Authors: Neimeyer Robert A. , Burke Laurie A.
Published: June 2011

Both grieving the loss of a loved one and using spirituality or religion as an aid in doing so are common behaviors in the wake of death. This longitudinal examination of 46 African American homicide survivors follows up on our earlier study that established the relation between positive and negative religious coping on the one hand and complicated grief (CG) on the other. In the current report, we broadened this focus to determine the relation between religious coping and other bereavement outcomes, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, to establish whether religious coping more strongly predicted bereavement distress or vice versa. We also sought to determine if the predictive power of CG in terms of religious coping over time exceeded that of PTSD and depression. Our results suggested a link between negative religious coping (NRC) and all forms of bereavement distress, whereas no such link was found between positive religious coping (PRC) and bereavement outcomes in our final analyses. Significantly, only CG prospectively predicted high levels of spiritual struggle six months later. Clinical implications regarding spiritually sensitive interventions are noted.
Shiga Toxin Interaction with Human Intestinal Epithelium
Authors: Schüller Stephanie
Published: June 2011

After ingestion via contaminated food or water, enterohaemorrhagic E. coli colonises the intestinal mucosa and produces Shiga toxins (Stx). No Stx-specific secretion system has been described so far, and it is assumed that Stx are released into the gut lumen after bacterial lysis. Human intestinal epithelium does not express the Stx receptor Gb3 or other Stx binding sites, and it remains unknown how Stx cross the intestinal epithelial barrier and gain access to the systemic circulation. This review summarises current knowledge about the influence of the intestinal environment on Stx production and release, Stx interaction with intestinal epithelial cells and intracellular uptake, and toxin translocation into underlying tissues. Furthermore, it highlights gaps in understanding that need to be addressed by future research.
Molecular Aspects of HTLV-1 Entry: Functional Domains of the HTLV-1 Surface Subunit (SU) and Their Relationships to the Entry Receptors
Authors: Jones Kathryn S. , Lambert Sophie , Bouttier Manuella , Bénit Laurence , Ruscetti Frank W. , Hermine Olivier , Pique Claudine
Published: June 2011

The initial step in retroviral infection involves specific interactions between viral envelope proteins (Env) and specific receptors on the surface of target cells. For many years, little was known about the entry receptors for HTLV-1. During this time, however, functional domains of the HTLV-1 Env were identified by analyzing the effects of neutralizing antibodies and specific mutations in Env on HTLV-1 infectivity. More recent studies have revealed that HTLV-1 infectivity involves interactions with three different molecules: heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG), the VEGF-165 receptor Neuropilin 1 (NRP-1) and glucose transporter type 1 (GLUT1). Here, we revisit previously published data on the functional domains of Env in regard to the recent knowledge acquired about this multi-receptor complex. We also discuss the similarities and differences between HTLV-1 and other deltaretroviruses in regards to receptor usage.
West Nile Virus: Immunity and Pathogenesis
Authors: Lim Stephanie M. , Koraka Penelope , Osterhaus Albert D.M.E. , Martina Byron E.E.
Published: June 2011

West Nile virus (WNV) is a neurotropic, arthropod-borne flavivirus that is maintained in an enzootic cycle between mosquitoes and birds, but can also infect and cause disease in horses and humans. WNV is endemic in parts of Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, and since 1999 has spread to North America, Mexico, South America, and the Caribbean. WNV infects the central nervous system (CNS) and can cause severe disease in a small minority of infected humans, mostly immunocompromised or the elderly. This review discusses some of the mechanisms by which the immune system can limit dissemination of WNV infection and elaborates on the mechanisms involved in pathogenesis. Reasons for susceptibility to WNV-associated neuroinvasive disease in less than 1% of cases remain unexplained, but one favored hypothesis is that the involvement of the CNS is associated with a weak immune response allowing robust WNV replication in the periphery and spread of the virus to the CNS.