bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A nonlinear electrophoretic model for PeakMaster: I. Mathematical model
Authors: Hruška Vlastimil , Riesová Martina , Gaš Bohuslav
Published: April 2012

We extended the linearized model of electromigration, which is used by PeakMaster, by calculation of nonlinear dispersion and diffusion of zones. The model results in the continuity equation for the shape function ϕ(x,t) of the zone: ϕt = −(v0 + vEMDϕ)ϕx + δϕxx that contains linear (v0) and nonlinear migration (vEMD), diffusion (δ), and subscripts x and t stand for partial derivatives. It is valid for both analyte and system zones, and we present equations how to calculate characteristic zone parameters. We solved the continuity equation by Hopf–Cole transformation and applied it for two different initial conditions—the Dirac function resulting in the Haarhoff‐van der Linde (HVL) function and the rectangular pulse function, which resulted in a function that we denote as the HVLR function. The nonlinear model was implemented in PeakMaster 5.3, which uses the HVLR function to predict the electropherogram for a given background electrolyte and a composition of the sample. HVLR function also enables to draw electropherograms with significantly wide injection zones, which was not possible before. The nonlinear model was tested by a comparison with a simulation by Simul 5, which solves the complete nonlinear model of electromigration numerically.
Regulation of Schwann cell differentiation and proliferation by the Pax‐3 transcription factor
Authors: Doddrell Robin D. S. , Dun Xin‐Peng , Moate Roy M. , Jessen Kristjan R. , Mirsky Rhona , Parkinson David B.
Published: April 2012

Pax‐3 is a paired domain transcription factor that plays many roles during vertebrate development. In the Schwann cell lineage, Pax‐3 is expressed at an early stage in Schwann cells precursors of the embryonic nerve, is maintained in the nonmyelinating cells of the adult nerve, and is upregulated in Schwann cells after peripheral nerve injury. Consistent with this expression pattern, Pax‐3 has previously been shown to play a role in repressing the expression of the myelin basic protein gene in Schwann cells. We have studied the role of Pax‐3 in Schwann cells and have found that it controls not only the regulation of cell differentiation but also the survival and proliferation of Schwann cells. Pax‐3 expression blocks both the induction of Oct‐6 and Krox‐20 (K20) by cyclic AMP and completely inhibits the ability of K20, the physiological regulator of myelination in the peripheral nervous system, to induce myelin gene expression in Schwann cells. In contrast to other inhibitors of myelination, we find that Pax‐3 represses myelin gene expression in a c‐Jun‐independent manner. In addition to this, we find that Pax‐3 expression alone is sufficient to inhibit the induction of apoptosis by TGFβ1 in Schwann cells. Expression of Pax‐3 is also sufficient to induce the proliferation of Schwann cells in the absence of added growth factors and to reverse K20‐induced exit from the cell cycle. These findings indicate new roles for the Pax‐3 transcription factor in controlling the differentiation and proliferation of Schwann cells during development and after peripheral nerve injury. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effectiveness of cognitive training in Chinese older people with subjective cognitive complaints: a randomized placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Kwok Timothy CY , Bai Xue , Li Jessie CY , Ho Florence KY , Lee Tatia MC
Published: April 2012

Objective

This study examines the short‐term and long‐term effects of a cognitive training (CT) program in enhancing cognitive function of older people with subjective memory complaints.

Methods

A single‐blind randomized placebo‐controlled trial was carried out in a sample of 223 older adults aged 65 years or above with subjective memory complaints in Hong Kong. They were randomly assigned to either receive CT (intervention group, N = 111) or attend health‐related educational lectures only (control group, N = 112). Participants' cognitive abilities were assessed by the Chinese version of Mattis Dementia Rating Scale at baseline, immediately after the training, and nine months after the training.

Results

Significant interaction effect of CT and education was detected on participants' CT gains at both T2 (F(2, 200) = 6.329, p = 0.002, η2 = 0.060) and T3 (F(2, 189) = 3.294, p = 0.039, η2 = 0.034).

Conclusions

Cognitive training was effective in enhancing the overall cognitive functioning of less educated older adults with subjective memory complaints. The positive effect was durable for at least nine months in two cognitive areas, namely conceptualization and memory. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functional up‐regulation of P2X3 receptors in dorsal root ganglion in a rat model of bone cancer pain
Authors: Wu J.X. , Xu M.Y. , Miao X.R. , Lu Z.J. , Yuan X.M. , Li X.Q. , Yu W.F.
Published: April 2012

Background

Cancer‐induced bone pain remains a clinical challenge due to the poor understanding of the mechanisms. Recent study revealed extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and P2X receptors may be implicated in nociceptive signalling under cancer pain state. Therefore, here we investigated the potential role of P2X3 receptor in a rat model of bone cancer pain.

Methods

Walker 256 tumour cells were inoculated into the left tibia of Wistar rats. The model was verified by X‐ray imaging, pathology and behaviour examinations. The expression of P2X3 receptors in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) was examined. Functional significance of altered P2X3 receptors was investigated by measuring influx upon α,β‐meATP stimulation in acutely dissociated DRG neurons. Moreover, A‐317491, an antagonist of P2X3 receptors, was administrated intrathecally or locally to evaluate its analgesia effect in the cancer pain animals.

Results

The P2X3 receptor was up‐regulated for about 50% in DRG neurons in rats with bone cancer at both protein and mRNA levels and correlated with the pain behaviour in bone cancer rats. A 51.9% increase of α,β‐me ATP (10 μM, for 4 s) evoked transient response currents and a higher percentage of neurons responsive to the application of α,β‐me ATP was detected in bone cancer rats. Intrathecal or local injection of A‐317491 significantly attenuated pain behaviour induced by bone cancer.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the P2X3 receptor is functionally up‐regulated in DRG in cancer rats. P2X3 receptor is a promising target for therapeutic intervention in cancer patients for pain management.
Pain sensitivity in fibromyalgia is associated with catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) gene
Authors: Martínez‐Jauand M. , Sitges C. , Rodríguez V. , Picornell A. , Ramon M. , Buskila D. , Montoya P.
Published: April 2012

Background

Recent evidence suggests that genetic factors might contribute to individual differences in pain sensitivity, risk for developing clinical pain conditions and efficacy of pain treatments. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship of three common haplotypes of COMT gene affecting the metabolism of catecholamines on pain sensitivity in patients with fibromyalgia (FM).

Methods

One hundred and thirteen FM patients and 65 age‐matched healthy volunteers participated in the study. We genotyped four single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs6269, rs4633, rs4818 and rs4680 or Val158Met) and identified haplotypes previously designated as low (LPS), average (APS) and high pain sensitivity (HPS). Thermal, pressure and touch thresholds were also examined using a quantitative sensory testing protocol.

Results

The frequency of genetic variations associated with low COMT enzyme activity was significantly higher in FM patients than in healthy volunteers. FM patients were more sensitive to experimental pain than healthy volunteers and, in particular, FM individuals with the met/met genotype (Val158Met SNP) or the HPS‐APS haplotypes showing higher sensitivity to thermal and pressure pain stimuli than patients carrying the LPS haplotype or val alleles (Val158Met SNP). No differences due to genotype or haplotypes were found on non‐painful touch thresholds.

Conclusions

According with previous research, our findings revealed that haplotypes of the COMT gene and genotypes of the Val158Met polymorphism play a key role on pain sensitivity in FM patients.
Effects of untreated preoperative essential hypertension on post‐operative pain after major abdominal surgery
Authors: Luo F. , Cai X.J. , Li Z.Y.
Published: April 2012

Background

Hypertension has been associated with hypoalgesia. This prospective study was designed to test the effects of untreated preoperative essential hypertension on post‐operative pain intensity and morphine requirement after major abdominal surgery.

Methods

Sixty subjects (30 untreated essential hypertensives and 30 normotensives) scheduled for abdominal surgery were included in this study. All subjects received standardized anaesthetic with intra‐operative fentanyl and patient‐controlled analgesia with morphine for 48 h post‐operatively as the only analgesics. Pain intensity scores, cumulative morphine requirement and side effects were recorded until 48 h post‐operatively.

Results

All subjects with essential hypertension had systolic hypertension, 93.3% had grade 1 severity and 6.7% had grade 2 severity. 23.3% of essential hypertensive subjects had elevated diastolic blood pressure. Essential hypertensive subjects had significantly lower total post‐operative morphine requirement (29.6 mg vs. 49.9 mg; p = 0.002), significantly lower verbal rating scale post‐operative pain intensity scores at rest and with coughing (p = 0.000), and significantly less incidence of post‐operative pruritus (p = 0.048) over 48 h than normotensive subjects. There were no post‐operative differences in the incidence of post‐operative nausea (p = 0.982) or vomiting (p = 0.644) between the two groups.

Conclusion

Untreated essential hypertension is associated with significantly reduced post‐operative morphine requirement and pain intensity, suggesting hypertension‐associated hypoalgesia.
Calcium carbonate microparticles used as a gene vector for delivering p53 gene into cancer cells
Authors: Kong Xiangdong , Xu Suju , Wang Xiumei , Cui Fuzhai , Yao Juming
Published: April 2012

Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) microparticles were for the first time used for efficient delivery of p53 gene to transfect human cancer cells HeLa. CaCO3 microparticles (2–4 μm) absorbed pEGFP‐C1‐p53 (expressing GFP‐P53 fusion protein) to transfect HeLa cells. Flow cytometer (FCM) was used to evaluate the gene transfection efficiency in HeLa cells, which were stably transduced with a green fluorescent protein gene. In this study, CaCO3 delivering pEGFP‐C1‐p53 could transfect about 5% of the tumor cells in culture. However, the efficiency of tumor cell apoptosis was surprisingly up to 80%. Meanwhile, the results of MTT assay and crystal violet staining showed that the CaCO3 microparticles had low cytotoxicity. These findings showed that CaCO3 microparticles were perspective to be used as new vectors for gene therapy. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 100A: 2312–2318, 2012.
A comparative study on structure–property elucidation of P3/4HB and PEG‐based block polyurethanes
Authors: Li Guangyao , Liu Yunhui , Li Dandan , Zhang Linlin , Xu Kaitian
Published: April 2012

A series of alternating block polyurethanes (abbreviated as PU3/4HB‐alt‐PEG) and random block polyurethanes (abbreviated as PU3/4HB‐ran‐PEG) based on biodegradable polyester poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐4‐hydroxybutrate) (P3/4HB‐diol) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) with similar chemical compositions were synthesized using 1, 6‐hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) as coupling agent. The chemical structure, molecular weight and distribution were characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR, and GPC. The thermal differences were investigated by DSC. The hydrophilicity was studied by static contact angle and the results revealed that PU3/4HB‐alt‐PEG is more hydrophilic with a higher surface energy than PU3/4HB‐ran‐PEG. With SEM observation, PU3/4HB‐alt‐PEG exhibited a regular characterized microstructure with flower‐type patterns on the surface, while PU3/4HB‐ran‐PEG displayed no regular pattern. A platelet adhesion study illustrated that PU3/4HB‐alt‐PEG possesses better hemocompatibility due to its more hydrophilic surface and evident surface microstructure. The cell culture assay demonstrated that fibroblasts and rat glial cells were more favorable for attachment on PU3/4HB‐alt‐PEG films. By comparison, alternating block polyurethanes provides a way to control the exact structure of the biomaterials and tailor better properties to biomedical requirements. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 100A: 2319–2329, 2012.
Anticoagulation techniques in apheresis: From heparin to citrate and beyond
Authors: Lee Grace , Arepally Gowthami M.
Published: April 2012

Anticoagulation is essential for maintaining the fluidity of extravascular blood on the apheresis circuit. Although both citrate and heparin are used as an anticoagulant during apheresis, citrate is preferred for the majority of exchange procedures because of its safety and effectiveness. Complications of citrate are primarily due to physiologic effects of hypocalcemia. Symptoms of hypocalcemia and other citrate‐induced metabolic abnormalities affect neuromuscular and cardiac function and range in severity from mild dysesthesias (most common) to tetany, seizures, and cardiac arrhythmias. Oral or intravenous calcium supplementation is advised for decreased ionized calcium levels and/or symptomatic management of hypocalcemia. Heparin‐based anticoagulation is limited to certain apheresis procedures (membrane‐based plasma exchange, LDL apheresis, or photopheresis) or is used in combination with citrate to reduce citrate load. While effective, heparin anticoagulation is associated with an increased frequency of bleeding complications and heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia. J. Clin. Apheresis 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Plasma exchange and immunoadsorption effectively remove antiphospholipid antibodies in pregnant patients with antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Bontadi Agnese , Ruffatti Amelia , Marson Piero , Tison Tiziana , Tonello Marta , Hoxha Ariela , De Silvestro Giustina , Punzi Leonardo
Published: April 2012

Conventional therapy with aspirin and/or heparin is at times incapable of preventing complications in high risk pregnancies of patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). In those cases, a so‐called second‐line treatment protocol is used in addition to conventional therapy strategies. This manuscript is a report on three APS pregnant patients who were successfully treated with plasma exchange (PE) (two cases) or with immunoadsorption (IA) (one case) as a second‐line treatment strategy. The efficacy of these procedures in removing anticardiolipin (aCL) and anti‐β2glycoprotein I (aβ2GPI) antibodies from blood was evaluated. Serum samples were collected before and after 87 apheretic treatment sessions. Serum IgG/M aCL and IgG/M aβ2GPI antibodies were determined using an “in‐house” enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and showed that all three patients had medium/high IgG aCL and aβ2GPI titers. All three women had a successful pregnancy. A significant decrease in IgG aCL (P = 0.0001) and aβ2GPI (P = 0.0001) antibody titers was observed after PE and IA sessions. There was moreover a significant, steady fall in serum IgG aCL pretreatment levels during the course of all three pregnancies (P = 0.0001, P = 0.0001, P = 0.001). The fall in IgG aβ2GPI was significant in two of the patients (P = 0.0001, P = 0.0001) both with high antibody titers, but not in one with medium antibody titers, who was treated with PE (P = 0.17). J. Clin. Apheresis 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adverse outcomes associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease are rare following an apparent life‐threatening event
Authors: Zimbric Gabrielle , Bonkowsky Joshua L. , Jackson W. Daniel , Maloney Christopher G. , Srivastava Rajendu
Published: April 2012

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate for adverse outcomes associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) following an apparent life‐threatening event (ALTE) and potential risk factors of these outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN:

Retrospective cohort study of well‐appearing infants (<12 months) admitted for ALTE. Patients were followed for adverse outcomes associated with GERD (including aspiration pneumonia, failure‐to‐thrive, or anti‐reflux surgery), second ALTE, or death. Risk factors evaluated included: age, prematurity, gender, previous event, diagnosis of GERD, gastrointestinal (GI) testing positive for gastroesophageal reflux, length of stay (LOS), and neurologic impairment diagnosed in follow‐up.

RESULTS:

Four hundred sixty‐nine patients met inclusion criteria, mean age was 45 days, 110 (22%) were premature. Patients were followed for an average of 7.8 years; 3.8% of all patients had an adverse outcome associated with GERD. The only significant risk factors were a longer LOS, and development of neurological impairment. A diagnosis of GERD and positive reflux testing during the initial hospitalization were not associated with adverse outcomes associated with GERD.

CONCLUSIONS:

Adverse outcomes associated with GERD are rare following an ALTE. Patients who developed neurological impairment and a longer initial LOS were at higher risk for developing these outcomes. Positive testing for gastroesophageal reflux during hospitalization for ALTE did not predict adverse outcomes associated with GERD. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2012;. © 2012 Society of Hospital Medicine
Probing cytoskeleton organisation of neuroblastoma cells with single‐cell force spectroscopy
Authors: Mescola Andrea , Vella Serena , Scotto Marco , Gavazzo Paola , Canale Claudio , Diaspro Alberto , Pagano Aldo , Vassalli Massimo
Published: April 2012

Single‐cell force spectroscopy is an emerging technique in the field of biomedicine because it has proved to be a unique tool to obtain mechanical and functional information on living cells, with force resolution up to single molecular bonds. This technique was applied to the study of the cytoskeleton organisation of neuroblastoma cells, a life‐threatening cancer typically developing during childhood, and the results were interpreted on the basis of reference experiments on human embryonic kidney cell line. An intimate connection emerges among cellular state, cytoskeleton organisation and experimental outcome that can be potentially exploited towards a new method for cancer stadiation of neuroblastoma cells. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct immobilization of avidin protein on AFM tip functionalized by acrylic acid vapor at RF plasma
Authors: Costa Lilian T. , Vilani Cecília , Peripolli Suzana , Stavale Fernando , Legnani Cristiano , Achete Carlos A.
Published: April 2012

The atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been used as a force sensor to measure unbinding forces of single bound complexes in the nanonewton and piconewton range. Force spectroscopy measurements can be applied to study both intermolecular and intramolecular interactions of complex biological and synthetic macromolecules. Although the AFM has been extensively used as a nano force sensor, the commercially available cantilever is limited to silicon and silicon nitride. Those materials reduce the adhesion sensitivity with specific surface and/or molecule. Here, we functionalized the AFM tip with carboxylic groups by applying acrylic acid (AA) vapor at radio frequency plasma treatment at 100 W for 5 min. This method provides a remarkable sensitivity enhancement on the functional group interaction specificity. The functionalized tip was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The electron beam high resolution images have not shown significant tip sharpness modification. Silicon wafers (1 0 0)—no treated and functionalized by AA plasma treatment—were characterized by Auger electron spectroscopy to elucidate the silicon surface sputtering and demonstrate functionalization. The Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy spectrum shows a high absorbance of avidin protein over the silicon surface functionalized by AA plasma treatment.We carried out force spectroscopy assay to measure the unbinding force between the well‐established pair biotin–avidin. At pulling speed of 2 µm/s, we measured the unbinding force of 106 ± 23 pN, which is in good agreement with the literature, demonstrating the effectiveness of the tip functionalization by AA plasma treatment in biological studies. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Janus face of paternalistic leaders: Authoritarianism, benevolence, subordinates' organization‐based self‐esteem, and performance
Authors: Chan Simon C. H. , Huang Xu , Snape Ed , Lam Catherine K.
Published: April 2012

We investigated how the two components of paternalistic leadership, namely authoritarianism and benevolence, jointly influenced work performance through their impacts on organization‐based self‐esteem (OBSE). Using a sample of 686 supervisor–subordinate dyads collected from a manufacturing firm in the People's Republic of China, we found that OBSE mediated the negative relationship between authoritarian leadership on one hand and subordinate task performance and organizational citizenship behavior toward the organization (OCBO) on the other. We also found that the negative effect of authoritarian leadership on subordinate OBSE, task performance, and OCBO was weaker when supervisors exhibited higher levels of leader benevolence. Also, OBSE mediated the joint effect of authoritarian leadership and benevolent leadership on subordinate task performance and OCBO. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hyperthermia synergizes with tissue factor knockdown to suppress the growth and hepatic metastasis of colorectal cancer in orthotopic tumor model
Authors: Li Hui , Tian Mao‐Lin , Yu Ge , Liu Yu‐Cun , Wang Xin , Zhang Jing , Ji Shi‐Qi , Zhu Jing , Wan Yuan‐Lian , Tang Jian‐Qiang
Published: April 2012

Background

Tissue factor (TF) is a significant risk factor for tumor growth and hepatic metastasis in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). This study aimed to investigate whether hyperthermia has synergistic anti‐tumor effects with TF knockdown in suppressing CRC progression and metastasis in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

Human colorectal cancer LOVO cells were treated by hyperthermia at 44°C for 2 hr or/and TF siRNA. Then the cells were subjected to colony formation assay. Apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The cell migration and invasion abilities were analyzed by wound healing and matrigel assay. In addition, orthotopic nude mice model of CRC was established.

Results

Hyperthermia synergized with TF knockdown to reduce colony formation ability, induce apoptosis, and suppress the migration and invasion of LOVO cells in vitro. Moreover, hyperthermia in combination with TF depletion inhibited the growth and hepatic metastasis of CRC in orthotopic nude mice model. Mechanistically, the synergistic effects were at least partly mediated by inducing JNK mediated apoptosis and suppressing matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) mediated invasion.

Conclusions

Hyperthermia in combination with TF‐targeted therapy could be a potential approach for CRC treatment. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:689–695. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
HPLC–MS/MS enantioseparation of triazole fungicides using polysaccharide‐based stationary phases
Authors: Zhang Hu , Qian Mingrong , Wang Xinquan , Wang Xiangyun , Xu Hao , Wang Qiang , Wang Minghua
Published: April 2012

The enantiomeric separation of 21 triazole fungicides was carried out on four polysaccharide‐derived chiral stationary phases in the reversed phase separation mode using high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. All fungicides were detected in electrospray ionization (ESI) positive mode with selected reaction monitoring (SRM). Complete enantioseparation was achieved for 21 fungicides except for difenoconazole based on cellulose tris (3,5‐dimethylphenylcarbamate) and cellulose tris (3‐chloro‐4‐methylphenyl carbamate) columns by optimizing experimental conditions including mobile phase and column temperature. Mobile phase was 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution mixed with methanol or acetonitrile in different proportions. Among all the fungicides, 15 with two enantiomers and three with four stereoisomers (bitertanol, bromuconazole, and cyproconazole) were successfully separated at 25°C. Enantioseparation for the other three fungicides (propiconazole, triadimenol, and difenoconazole) with four stereoisomers could be achieved by changing the column temperature from 10 to 40°C. Propiconazole and triadimenol were enantioseparated on baseline at 40 and at 35°C, respectively, and difenoconazole was enantioseparated partially with the Rs > 1.1 at 25°C. Moreover, linearities and limits of detection (LODs) of 21 fungicides except for difenoconazole were studied, showing coefficients of determination (R2) higher than 0.99 and LODs lower than 2.5 μg/L.
Comparison of three solid‐phase extraction processes in quantification of ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin in pork meat
Authors: Blesa Jesús , Silva Liliana J.G. , Lino Celeste M. , Font Guillermina , Pena Angelina
Published: April 2012

Due to strong implications for food safety, control of fluoroquinolones residues in swine meat should be undertaken to verify compliance of the contamination levels with the maximum residue limits recently updated by Commission Regulation (EU) No. 37/2010 of 22 December 2009. Solid‐phase extraction is widely used in antibiotic analysis in food of animal origin. In this study, the results of a comparative study using different types of solid‐phase extraction columns, HLB, MCX, and MAX, for ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin analysis, in pork meat, are presented. In addition, diverse sample treatments for defatting, precipitate proteins, eliminate cations, and increase the ionic strength, were used to obtain the most suitable method of analysis. Only the MCX's use followed by liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection resulted in chromatograms that allow the quantification at maximum residue limits. The validation method, in terms of CCα and CCβ, recovery and precision determination, was according to the EU Decision 2002/657/EC. This procedure was used in the analysis of 50 samples of pork meat of Portuguese origin. Only two samples presented residues of enrofloxacin at 30 and 42 μg/kg, values under the legal maximum residue limit.
Rapid determination of ambrisentan enantiomers by enantioselective liquid chromatography using cellulose‐based chiral stationary phase in reverse phase mode
Authors: Douša Michal , Gibala Petr
Published: April 2012

A sensitive, specific, and rapid high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the determination of ambrisentan enantiomers has been developed and validated. Six chiral columns were tested in a reversed‐phase system. Excellent enantioseparation with the resolution more than 2.5 was achieved on Chiralcel OZ‐3R (cellulose 3‐chloro‐4‐methylphenylcarbamate) using mixture of 20 mM sodium formate (pH 3.0) with acetonitrile (55:45; v/v). Validation of the HPLC method including linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, precision, accuracy, and selectivity was performed according to the International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines. The method has an advantage of a very quick chromatographic separation (less than 6 min) and therefore is highly suitable for routine determination of (R)‐ambrisentan in enantiopure active pharmaceutical ingredient (S)‐ambrisentan.
Tourism in the Middle East: Conflicts, Crises and Economic Diversification, Some Critical Issues
Authors: Morakabati Yeganeh
Published: April 2012

This paper briefly examines tourism activity over a 60‐year period in the UNWTO Middle East region together with Israel and Iran. The region has been subject to political turmoil over that period, and its tourist arrivals have not fully capitalized on the potential that the region holds. The region has a wealth of heritage, a climate conducive to tourism and a range of leisure resources that should provide a comparative and competitive advantage to its tourism industry. This paper examines the vulnerability of tourism in the region as countries try to diversify their economies away from energy dependence. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dual‐Cure Thermoset Amide‐ and Acrylate‐Functionalized Latexes
Authors: Bas Serkan , Soucek Mark D.
Published: April 2012

A dual‐cure latex is prepared by mixing an amide‐functionalized latex with a latex that has both acetoacetoxy and unsaturated acrylic functionalities. The amide‐functionalized latex provides a thermal cure with the acetoacetoxy groups of the other latex via Michael addition. The partially polymerized triacrylates in the acrylate‐functionalized latex provide active sites for photocuring. Thermoset latex films are prepared by blending amide‐ and acrylate‐functionalized latexes in varying amounts. The effect of the photosensitizer (camphorquinone) concentration on thermal and mechanical properties is studied. The highest tensile modulus and elongation is observed in a 50:50 wt% amide/acrylate‐functionalized latex blend.

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Core/Shell PBA/PMMA‐PGMA Nanoparticles to Enhance the Impact Resistance of UV‐Cured Epoxy Systems
Authors: Naguib Mohamed , Grassini Sabrina , Sangermano Marco
Published: April 2012

Crosslinked core/shell PBA/PMMA‐PGMA particles are prepared by emulsion polymerization and dispersed into a UV‐curable cycloaliphatic epoxy resin in the range of 5–15 wt%. The presence of the particles does not significantly affect the UV curing process: a slight decrease of final epoxy group conversion is attributed to an increase in the viscosity when CS‐GMA is added to the photocurable formulation and to an enhanced vitrification effect. The presence of the particles does not modify the Tg of the cured materials, while an enhancement of impact resistance is observed that does not depend on the particle content. FESEM micrographs for epoxy reinforced with core/shell particles indicate a plastic void growth of the epoxy polymer and shear yielding toughening mechanism.

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Sensory relearning after surgical treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome: A pilot clinical trial
Authors: Jerosch‐Herold Christina , Shepstone Lee , Miller Leanne
Published: April 2012

Introduction: Surgical treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome does not always alleviate sensory deficits, especially in patients with severe disease. No proven treatment is currently available for these patients. Methods: We conducted a pilot randomized, controlled trial to evaluate the feasibility, patient acceptability, and efficacy of a sensory relearning (SR) program in patients who have ongoing sensory deficits after carpal tunnel decompression. Patients were randomized to receive either: (i) a 4‐week sensory relearning home program; or (ii) no further treatment. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and 4 and 8 weeks after randomization. Results: Thirty‐one patients were randomized. Efficacy analysis adjusted for baseline score and age showed a potentially clinically worthwhile benefit of SR. Conclusions: Data on screening, eligibility, and patient acceptability of the intervention confirm the feasibility of undertaking a definitive randomized, controlled trial. Muscle Nerve, 2012
Cure kinetics and thermal stability of micro and nanostructured thermosetting blends of epoxy resin and epoxidized styrene‐block‐butadiene‐block‐styrene triblock copolymer systems
Authors: George Sajeev Martin , Puglia Debora , Kenny Josè M. , Jyotishkumar P. , Thomas Sabu
Published: April 2012

The compatibility of styrene‐block‐butadiene‐block‐styrene (SBS) triblockcopolymer in epoxy resin is increased by the epoxidation of butadiene segment, using hydrogen peroxide in the presence of an in situ prepared catalyst in water/dichloroethane biphasic system. Highly epoxidized SBS (epoxy content SBS >26 mol%) give rise to nanostructured blends with epoxy resin. The cure kinetics of micro and nanostructured blends of epoxy resin [diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A; (DGEBA)]/amine curing agent [4,4′‐diaminodiphenylmethane (DDM)] with epoxidized styrene‐block‐butadiene‐block‐styrene (eSBS 47 mol%) triblock copolymer has been studied for the first time using differential scanning calorimetry under isothermal conditions to determine the reaction kinetic parameters such as kinetic constants and activation energy. The cure reaction rate is decreased with increasing the concentration of eSBS in the blends and also with the lowering of cure temperature. The compatibility of eSBS in epoxy resin is investigated in detailed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, optical and transmition electron microscopic analysis. The experimental data of the cure behavior for the systems, epoxy/DDM and epoxy/eSBS(47 mol%)/DDM show an autocatalytic behavior regardless of the presence of eSBS in agreement with Kamal's model. The thermal stability of cured resins is also evaluated using thermogravimetry in nitrogen atmosphere. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Electrochemically Reduced Single‐Layer MoS2 Nanosheets: Characterization, Properties, and Sensing Applications
Authors: Wu Shixin , Zeng Zhiyuan , He Qiyuan , Wang Zhijuan , Wang Shi Jie , Du Yaping , Yin Zongyou , Sun Xuping , Chen Wei , Zhang Hua
Published: April 2012

The electrochemical study of single‐layer, 2D MoS2 nanosheets reveals a reduction peak in the cyclic voltammetry in NaCl aqueous solution. The electrochemically reduced MoS2 (rMoS2) shows good conductivity and fast electron transfer rate in the [Fe(CN)6]3‐/4− and [Ru(NH3)6]2+/3+ redox systems. The obtained rMoS2 can be used for glucose detection. In addition, it can selectively detect dopamine in the presence of ascorbic acid and uric acid. This novel material, rMoS2, is believed to be a good electrode material for electrochemical sensing applications.
Weathered antlers as a source of DNA
Authors: Lopez Roy G. , Beier Paul
Published: April 2012

We tested antlers of Coues white‐tailed (Odocoileus virginianus couesi) and mule deer (O. hemionus) in various stages of natural decomposition to determine the degree of weathering that cast antlers could endure and still yield usable DNA. Based on physical characteristics, we partitioned antlers into 7 weathering categories ranging from freshly cast (class 1) to having been exposed to weathering for ≥8 years (class 7). Most antlers that had weathered 1–7 years yielded amplifiable DNA, whereas antlers weathered for ≥8 years failed to yield replicable DNA. This study confirms that antlers exposed to weathering for 1–7 years can be a source of replicable DNA and, thus, contribute an additional, and previously overlooked, non‐invasive sample for analysis in molecular genetics studies. Published 2012. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Genetic Counseling for the Orthodox Jewish Couple Undergoing Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis
Authors: David B. E. , Weitzman G. A. , Hervé C. , Fellous M.
Published: April 2012

Orthodox Jewish patients who seek genetic counseling are often placed in a difficult position of having to choose between their desire to follow Jewish religious instruction (halacha) and following the advice of the genetic counselor. In this article we will present the work of the Puah Institute based in Jerusalem that is dedicated to assisting and guiding such couples to navigate through the medical system and medical recommendations and create a harmony between modern genetic counseling and the Orthodox Jewish tradition. In light of the expanding use of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) for a variety of medical and non‐medical conditions, this dilemma is even more poignant. There is an ethical debate regarding PGD and the correct parameters for its use. Here we present the Orthodox Jewish view of the use and abuse of PGD. We present three case studies that sought the assistance and guidance of the Puah Institute. Each of these cases raises ethical dilemmas for the genetic counselor and for the rabbinic counselor. We discuss; the status of the embryo, the status of a carrier of a genetic abnormality and whether PGD is an obligation or good practice. In addition we deal with whether PGD and the search for the desired traits can be defined as eugenics or not.
Tyrosine phosphorylation plays a role in increasing maspin protein levels and its cytoplasmic accumulation
Authors: Tamazato Longhi Mariana , Cella Nathalie
Published: April 2012

Maspin is a tumor suppressor with many biological activities, multiple ligands and different subcellular localizations. Its underlying molecular mechanism remains elusive. We hypothesized that phosphorylation might regulate maspin localization and function. Using two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis with different focusing power followed by Western blot we identified four different maspin forms with the same molecular weight (42 kDa), but different isoelectric points. Three of these forms were sensitive to acidic phosphatase treatment, suggesting that they are phosphorylated. Sodium peroxidovanadate treatment, a protein‐tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor, resulted in a rapid increase in maspin protein levels and cytoplasmic accumulation. These data show that there are three different maspin tyrosine phosphoforms. Inhibition of tyrosine phosphatases increased maspin protein levels and leads to its cytoplasmic accumulation.
Low-frequency unsteadiness in shock wave–turbulent boundary layer interaction
Authors: Priebe Stephan , Martín M. Pino
Published: April 2012

The low-frequency unsteadiness is characterized in the direct numerical simulation of a shock wave–turbulent boundary layer interaction generated by a $2{4}^{\ensuremath{\circ} } $ compression ramp in Mach 2.9 flow. Consistent with experimental observations, the shock wave in the simulation undergoes a broadband streamwise oscillation at frequencies approximately two orders of magnitude lower than the characteristic frequency of the energetic turbulent scales in the incoming boundary layer. The statistical relation between the low-frequency shock motion and the upstream and downstream flow is investigated. The shock motion is found to be related to a breathing of the separation bubble and an associated flapping of the separated shear layer. A much weaker statistical relation is found with the incoming boundary layer. In order to further characterize the low-frequency mode in the downstream separated flow, the temporal evolution of the low-pass filtered flow field is investigated. The nature of the velocity and vorticity profiles in the initial part of the interaction is found to change considerably depending on the phase of the low-frequency motion. It is conjectured that these changes are due to an inherent instability in the downstream separated flow, and that this instability is the physical origin of the low-frequency unsteadiness. The low-frequency mode observed here is, in certain aspects, reminiscent of an unstable global mode obtained by linear stability analysis of the mean flow in a reflected shock interaction (Touber & Sandham, Theor. Comput. Fluid Dyn., vol. 23, 2009, pp. 79–107).
Collapse and pinch-off of a non-axisymmetric impact-created air cavity in water
Authors: Enriquez Oscar R. , Peters Ivo R. , Gekle Stephan , Schmidt Laura E. , Lohse Detlef , van der Meer Devaraj
Published: April 2012

The axisymmetric collapse of a cylindrical air cavity in water follows a universal power law with logarithmic corrections. Nonetheless, it has been suggested that the introduction of a small azimuthal disturbance induces a long-term memory effect, reflecting in oscillations which are no longer universal but remember the initial condition. In this work, we create non-axisymmetric air cavities by driving a metal disc through an initially quiescent water surface and observe their subsequent gravity-induced collapse. The cavities are characterized by azimuthal harmonic disturbances with a single mode number $m$ and amplitude ${a}_{m} $. For small initial distortion amplitude (1 or 2 % of the mean disc radius), the cavity walls oscillate linearly during collapse, with nearly constant amplitude and increasing frequency. As the amplitude is increased, higher harmonics are triggered in the oscillations and we observe more complex pinch-off modes. For small-amplitude disturbances we compare our experimental results with the model for the amplitude of the oscillations by Schmidt et al. (Nature Phys., vol. 5, 2009, pp. 343–346) and the model for the collapse of an axisymmetric impact-created cavity previously proposed by Bergmann et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 633, 2009b, pp. 381–409). By combining these two models we can reconstruct the three-dimensional shape of the cavity at any time before pinch-off.
EVALUATION OF DIFFERENT COMPONENTS UNDER INTEGRATED FARMING SYSTEM (IFS) FOR SMALL AND MARGINAL FARMERS UNDER SEMI-HUMID CLIMATIC ENVIRONMENT – ERRATUM
Authors: KUMAR SANJEEV , SUBASH N. , SHIVANI S. , SINGH S. S. , DEY A.
Published: April 2012

In the published article Kumar et al. (2012) one of the authors’ names was incorrect and should have read ‘Shivani’ with no first name initial. This error also occurred in the reference list.

The press apologises to Dr Shivani, her co-authors and the readers for this error.
NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF UNDER-FIVE CHILDREN IN BANGLADESH: A MULTILEVEL ANALYSIS
Authors: ALOM JAHANGIR , QUDDUS MD. ABDUL , ISLAM MOHAMMAD AMIRUL
Published: April 2012

The nutritional status of under-five children is a sensitive sign of a country's health status as well as economic condition. This study investigated the differential impact of some demographic, socioeconomic, environmental and health-related factors on the nutritional status among under-five children in Bangladesh using Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2007 data. Two-level random intercept binary logistic regression models were used to identify the determinants of under-five malnutrition. The analyses revealed that 16% of the children were severely stunted and 25% were moderately stunted. Among the children under five years of age 3% were severely wasted and 14% were moderately wasted. Furthermore, 11% of the children were severely underweight and 28% were moderately underweight. The main contributing factors for under-five malnutrition were found to be child's age, mother's education, father's education, father's occupation, family wealth index, currently breast-feeding, place of delivery and division. Significant community-level variations were found in the analyses.
Tyranny in Aristophanes'sBirds
Authors: Ambler Wayne
Published: April 2012

The protagonist of Aristophanes'sBirdsrises from nowhere to become atyrannosof the first order, but scholars disagree when assessing him. Do Peisetairos's impressive political gifts make him an apt example of competent rule, or does his treatment of his subjects mark him as guilty of hubris and perfidy? While documenting the distinguishing features of this remarkable ruler, it is argued that—Arrowsmith's eloquent essay notwithstanding—Aristophanes does not condemn him. Nor, however, does he recommend Peisetairos's rule, as Henderson suggests. Between these extremes is a more complexvia media: if a birdlike populace is to have an empire, they must also embrace a Peisetairos. But it would not be unwise to oppose an empire at such a price, even if the Alcibidean leader who would preside over it cannot be condemned for seeking to rule in the way he imagines to be most advantageous for himself.
The Concept of “Cultural Affiliation” in NAGPRA: Its Potential and Limits in the Global Protection of Indigenous Cultural Property Rights
Authors: Kuprecht Karolina
Published: April 2012

In the debate about indigenous cultural property, the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) of the United States has developed and implemented an unorthodox concept of “cultural affiliation.” The act entitles Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations to claim repatriation of their cultural property—comprising human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony—upon the establishment of a specific shared group identity and a cultural affiliation to an object. The concept of cultural affiliation in the act replaces proof of ownership, or proof that an object was stolen or illicitly removed. It thereby amends traditional standards saturated in notions of property and ownership that have perpetuated since Roman law and allows the evolution of a control regime over cultural property that takes into account the cultural aspects of the objects. On an international level, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) of 2007 stipulates a similar emancipation of indigenous peoples' cultural property claims from notions of property and ownership. This article explores NAGPRA's cultural affiliation concept as it stands between private property and human rights law and brings into focus the concept's elements that go beyond traditional property law. It ultimately looks at the potential and limits of the concept from an international perspective as a standard for other countries that consider implementation of UNDRIP's provisions on indigenous, tangible, movable cultural property.
Science and Human Nature
Authors: Samuels Richard
Published: April 2012

There is a puzzling tension in contemporary scientific attitudes towards human nature. On the one hand, evolutionary biologists correctly maintain that the traditional essentialist conception of human nature is untenable; and moreover that this isobviouslyso in the light of quite general and exceedingly well-known evolutionary considerations. On this view, talk of human nature is just an expression of pre-Darwinian superstition. On the other hand, talk of human nature abounds in certain regions of the sciences, especially in linguistics, psychology and cognitive science. Further, it is very frequently most common amongst those cognitive-behavioral scientists who should be most familiar with the sorts of facts that putatively undermine the very notion of human nature: sociobiologists, evolutionary psychologists, and more generally, theorists working on the evolution of mind and culture.
The Anthropological Difference: What Can Philosophers Do To Identify the Differences Between Human and Non-human Animals?
Authors: Glock Hans-Johann
Published: April 2012

This paper considers the question of whether there is a human-animal or ‘anthropological difference’. It starts with a historical introduction to the project of philosophical anthropology (sct. 1). Section 2 explains the philosophical quest for an anthropological difference. Sections 3–4 are methodological and explain how philosophical anthropology should be pursued in my view, namely as impure conceptual analysis. The following two sections discuss two fundamental objections to the very idea of such a difference, biological continuity (sct. 5) and Darwinist anti-essentialism (sct. 6). Section 7 discusses various possible responses to this second objection – potentiality, normality and typicality. It ends by abandoning the idea of an essence possessed by all and only individual human beings. Instead, anthropological differences are to be sought in the realm of capacities underlying specifically human societies (forms of communication and action). The final section argues that if there is such a thing as the anthropological difference, it is connected to language. But it favours a more modest line according to which there are several anthropological differences which jointly underlie the gap separating us from our animal cousins.