bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HHV‐6 and EBV DNA quantitation in lymph nodes of 86 patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma
Authors: Lacroix Aurélie , Jaccard Arnaud , Rouzioux Christine , Piguet Christophe , Petit Barbara , Bordessoule Dominique , Ranger‐Rogez Sylvie
Published: July 2007

Human herpesvirus (HHV‐6) and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), are two ubiquitous human herpesviruses which share many common features although they belong to different sub‐families. In particular, both viruses are found in lymph nodes of patients suffering from Hodgkin's lymphoma. The aim of this study was to detect and to quantify independently HHV‐6 and EBV by a real‐time PCR in lymph nodes from 86 patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma. EBV quantitative method was compared with LMP‐1 protein detection among the same samples. EBV genome was detected for 61.6% of the patients (53/86) and the highest prevalence of this virus was observed in Hodgkin's lymphoma with mixed‐cellularity histopathological type (80%). In contrast to that, HHV‐6 genome was detected for 79.1% of the patients (68/86) and was most observed in the nodular‐sclerosis group (83.6%). Among the 68 HHV‐6 positive samples, 63 belonged to the B subtype. A large number of biopsies (47.7%) were positive for both viruses whereas a little number (7%) was negative for both. EBV quantitation and LMP‐1 immunohistochemistry were correlated statistically but this latter technique was less sensitive. Among the nodular‐sclerosis patients, HHV‐6−/EBV+ patients were significatively older than HHV‐6+/EBV− patients. Patients infected dually had higher values of quantitation for each virus than those positive for one virus. Data of the clinical follow‐up obtained by diagnosis and during the treatment of 83 patients, were correlated with the virological findings. J. Med. Virol. 79:1349–1356, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Variation in human papillomavirus type‐16 viral load within different histological grades of cervical neoplasia
Authors: Fiander A.N. , Hart K.W. , Hibbitts S.J. , Rieck G.C. , Tristram A.J. , Beukenholdt R.W. , Powell N.G.
Published: July 2007

The objective of this study was to investigate variation in human papillomavirus (HPV) type‐16 load within histologically defined grades of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Two hundred and thirty‐seven liquid based cytology samples were collected from women attending colposcopy clinics, DNA was extracted, and presence of virus determined by PCR‐enzyme immunoassay. Quantitative real‐time PCR was used to determine viral load for 70 HPV‐16 positive single infections. Viral load was expressed as the ratio of copies of the viral L1 gene to copies of the human beta‐globin gene. Measurements varied from 0.019 to 4,194 HPV genomes per cell. Our data demonstrate that in cervical neoplasia, HPV load tends to correlate with disease severity, but that the number of viral genomes/cell varies considerably within histological grades. This variation within disease grades currently limits the clinical utility of viral load measurement.
Characterization of inter‐genogroup reassortant rotavirus strains detected in hospitalized children in Italy
Authors: Maria Cristina Medici , Laura Anna Abelli , Vito Martella , Monica Martinelli , Eleonora Lorusso , Canio Buonavoglia , Giuseppe Dettori , Carlo Chezzi
Published: July 2007

Analysis of archival stool collections provides an invaluable source of virus strains and genetic material that may be exploited for molecular, epidemiological, and biological studies. The aim of this study was the molecular characterization of unusual human rotavirus (HRV) strains displaying atypical combinations of electropherotype (e‐type) and VP4 and/or VP7 genotypes. Analysis of a panel of archival stools collected in northern Italy revealed continual circulation of P[8]G1 HRVs during 1987–1990 and the onset of P[6] + P[8]G1 strains after 1989. Interestingly, nine G1 strains, associated with either P[8], P[4] + P[8], P[6] + P[8], or untypeable VP4 genes, and two P[4]G1 + G2 strains, displayed short RNA e‐type. The genetic constellation of the unusual strains was investigated by analysis of the VP4, VP6, VP7, and NSP4 genes. All the G1 strains with short e‐type were subgroup (SG)II or SGI + SGII, and possessed a NSP4 of genogroup B or A + B. Conversely, the P[4]G1 + G2 strains were SGI and possessed a genogroup A NSP4. Sequence analysis of the VP7 and VP4 genes revealed that the unusual P[8]G1 and P[4]G1 + G2 viruses emerged by reassortment of strains circulating locally, rather than by introduction of new strains. J. Med. Virol. 79:1406–1412, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Performance evaluation of the PROCLEIX® West Nile virus assay on semi‐automated and automated systems
Authors: Linnen Jeffrey M. , Deras Michael L. , Cline Janice , Wu Wen , Broulik Amy S. , Cory Robin E. , Knight James L. , Cass Michelle M.J. , Collins Cynthia S. , Giachetti Cristina
Published: July 2007

The PROCLEIX® West Nile virus assay (WNV assay) is a qualitative nucleic acid test based on transcription‐mediated amplification (TMA). The assay was used under an investigational protocol in the United States to screen blood donations for West Nile virus (WNV) RNA starting in the summer of 2003, and was licensed by the FDA in December 2005 for use on the PROCLEIX System, also known as the enhanced semi‐automated system (eSAS). Performance characteristics for the assay were determined on both eSAS and the fully automated PROCLEIX® TIGRIS® (TIGRIS) System. Detection of both lineage 1 and lineage 2 WNV was demonstrated on both systems. For lineage 1, the 95% detection limit was 8.2 copies/ml for eSAS and 9.8 copies/ml for the TIGRIS system. For lineage 2, ≥95% detection was seen at ≥30 copies/ml on both systems. The overall specificity of the assay was >99.9% in fresh and frozen plasma specimens. Reproducibility studies on the TIGRIS system yielded ≥99.1% agreement with expected results for the 3‐member panel tested (0, 30, and 100 copies/ml). The WNV assay exhibited robust performance in cadaveric specimens and specimens representing various donor and donation conditions, including specimens from different plasma collection tubes that were subjected to multiple freeze/thaw cycles; specimens with elevated levels of endogenous substances; specimens containing other viruses and microorganisms; and specimens from patients with autoimmune and other diseases. Overall, these studies demonstrate high sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility of the WNV assay on both the semi‐automated and automated systems. J. Med. Virol. 79:1422–1430, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence and risk factors associated with antiretroviral resistance in HIV‐1‐infected children
Authors: Delaugerre Constance , Warszawski Josiane , Chaix Marie‐Laure , Veber Florence , Macassa Eugenia , Buseyne Florence , Rouzioux Christine , Blanche Stéphane
Published: July 2007

In the USA and West Europe, nearly 80% of HIV‐1‐infected adults, experiencing virologic failure, harbored virus strain resistant to at least one antiretroviral drug. Limited data are available on antiretroviral drug resistance in pediatric HIV infection. The aims of this study were to analyze prevalence of HIV‐1 drug resistance and to identify risk factors associated with resistance in this population. Prevalence of genotypic resistance was estimated retrospectively in treated children who experienced virologic failure (with HIV‐1‐RNA > 500 copies/ml) followed in Necker hospital between 2001 and 2003. Among 119 children with resistance testing, prevalence of resistance to any drug was 82.4%. Resistance ranged from 76.5% to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI), to 48.7% to non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) and 42.9% to protease inhibitor (PI). Resistance to at least one drug of two classes and three classes (triple resistance) was 31.9 and 26.9%, respectively. Resistance was not associated with geographic origin, HIV‐1 subtype, and CDC status. In multivariate analysis, resistance to any drug remained associated independently with current low viral load and high lifetime number of past PI. Triple resistance was independently associated with the high lifetime number of past PI and with gender, particularly among children aged 11 years old or more with a prevalence seven times higher in boys than in girls. In conclusion, antiretroviral resistance is common among treated HIV‐1‐infected children and prevalence was similar with those observed in adult population in the same year period. However, adolescent boys seem to be at greater risk. J. Med. Virol. 79:1261–1269, 2007. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Virological features of hepatitis B virus‐associated nephropathy in Japan
Authors: Kusakabe Atsunori , Tanaka Yasuhito , Kurbanov Fuat , Goto Kenji , Tajiri Hitoshi , Murakami Jun , Okuse Chiaki , Yotsuyanagi Hiroshi , Joh Takashi , Mizokami Masashi
Published: July 2007

Hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐associated nephropathy is considered as an immune‐mediated disorder which is dependent on interactions between viral, host, and environmental factors. But there are few reports that investigated the relationship between the development of HBV‐associated nephropathy and HBV genotypes and the mutations. To clarify the relationship between nephropathy and HBV genotype in Japan, six male patients with HBV‐associated nephropathy were examined. The complete genome sequences of HBV were determined directly and the specific mutations associated with the development of HBV‐associated nephropathy were examined by comparison of the alignments along with consensus sequences [HBV/A1 (Aa), A2 (Ae), B1 (Bj), B2 (Ba), C1 (Cs) and C2 (Ce)] retrieved from international database. The mean age of the six patients was 33.5 years. HBeAg was found in all patients and serum HBV–DNA levels were relatively high. Histological findings of renal tissues indicated five cases of membranous nephropathy and one membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. HBV genotypes from the six patients were two HBV/A1, two A2 and two C2, suggesting HBV/A was predominant. G1862T mutation was observed in the two HBV/A1 patients, resulting in the pre‐core amino acid substitution with a switch from valine (Val) to phenylalanine (Phe). Only one patient had core deletions. It is concluded that HBV/A may be associated with membranous nephropathy, but little relationship between HBV gene mutations and the development of HBV‐associated nephropathy was observed. J. Med. Virol. 79:1305–1311, 2007. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detection of bacteria aided by immuno‐nanoparticles
Authors: Naja Ghinwa , Bouvrette Pierre , Hrapovich Sabahudin , Liu Yali , Luong John H. T.
Published: July 2007

Magnetic immuno‐nanorice particles were used for the capture and detection of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. The selectivity of the method was attained by attaching a specific anti‐E. coli antibody on the surface of the nanorice, binding exclusively to E. coli. The antibody attachment to the nanorice (60% sorption efficiency) took place through protein‐A molecules (82% uptake). Once E. coli was captured, the immuno‐nanorice‐bacteria complex was separated from the solution using the magnetic property of the nanorice. The detection of bacteria sorbed onto the immuno‐nanorice was accomplished using the ultra‐violet resonance Raman (UVRR) method, detecting single bacterial cells. Specific information concerning the aromatic residues tyrosine (Tyr), phenylalanine (Phe) and tryptophan (Trp) was derived. The discriminant function and cluster hierarchical analysis confirmed the specific and reliable bacteria‐detection capabilities. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pigment study by Raman microscopy of 23 paintings by the Portuguese artist Henrique Pousão (1859–1884)
Authors: Correia Andreia M. , Clark Robin J. H. , Ribeiro Maria I. M. , Duarte Maria L. T. S.
Published: July 2007

Twenty‐three paintings by Henrique Pousão—a 19th century Portuguese painter—belonging to the collection of Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis, Porto, Portugal, were analysed by Raman microscopy. The fine focus of a 100× objective allowed the visualisation and individual identification of small grains. As a result, thirty‐seven compounds, namely, anatase, barium white, basic lead sulfate, brochantite, cadmium red, cadmium yellow, calcium carbonate, carbon‐based black, celadonite, chrome green, chrome orange, chrome yellow, cobalt blue, cochineal lake, copper sulfide, emerald green, iron(III) oxyhydroxide, iron(III) oxide, kaolinite, lead antimonate yellow, lead carbonate, lead white, lead sulfate, madder lake, malachite, Prussian blue, quartz, realgar/pararealgar, red lead, rutile, Scheele's green, strontium yellow, ultramarine blue, vermilion, viridian, zinc white and zinc yellow, were identified. Not all these compounds are pigments; some are extenders, others trace components and others probably products of reactions between pigments. Special attention was given to the Raman characterisation of celadonite, chrome orange, basic lead sulfate and lead antimonate yellow. Complementary techniques were used to confirm the identities of certain pigments and to characterise reference samples. Pousão, whose work has not previously been studied spectroscopically, was found to have used a remarkably wide range of pigments over his painting periods, without showing significant preference for any particular set of pigments. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of essential oils from chemotypes of Thymus vulgaris in Catalonia
Authors: Torras Josep , Grau M Dolors , López Jordi F , de las Heras F Xavier C
Published: July 2007

Essential oils from aerial parts of Thymus vulgaris have been obtained by hydrodistillation. Their components have been identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Samples were collected in Catalonia (northeastern Iberian peninsula), specifically in four locations along the Llobregat river basin. Such locations have different altitudes with respect to sea level (1500 m; 700 m; 300 m; 100 m), and have differences in pluvial regime and mean temperature. At 700 m, samples were collected from a transplanted specimen from 1500 m, in order to check the influence of the change in environmental conditions. Two different chemotypes have been characterized. Samples collected at 300 m have a dominant chemotype 1,8‐cineole, with 20% (approx.) essential oil content. The other samples have linalool as dominant chemotype with a 40–70% content, according to vegetative stage. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis and Structure‐Property Relationships of Fluorinated Poly(ether imide)s as Electret Materials
Authors: Erhard Dominik P. , Giesa Reiner , Altstädt Volker , Schmidt Hans‐Werner
Published: July 2007

The aim of this work was to establish and better understand the structure‐property relationship of fluorinated aromatic poly(ether imide)s (PEI) with respect to their electret performance. Therefore two series of PEIs with increasing fluorine content were synthesized. All PEIs are amorphous materials with glass transition temperatures above 220 °C. Thin films with thicknesses around 100 µm were compression molded and corona charged, and isothermal surface potential decay was investigated at 90 °C as an accelerated test for the electret performance. In comparison to the corresponding non‐fluorinated PEI, an improvement of up to thirty‐fold was achieved by the incorporation of trifluoromethyl moieties. Out of the investigated fluorinated PEIs, the polymer with the best charge storage performance maintained 87% of the initial surface potential charge after annealing at 90 °C for 24 h. It was also found that, within the investigated series, the highest fluorine content does not necessarily result in the best charge‐storage properties.

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The mayor gets things done
Authors: Waldron Webb
Published: July 2007

Louisville's chief executive, Wilson Wyatt, reduces city debt, tackles city‐county problems, and launches postwar planning aesociation to prepare for peacetime adjustment.
25 study georgia basic law
Authors: Arnall Ellis
Published: July 2007

Small group chosen by Legislature, Governor, and Courts tackles problem of bringing state's constitution up to date; will submit its report to General Assembly in 1945.
Constitution by convention
Authors: Loeb Tess
Published: July 2007

“Brevity in discourse and discussions, brevity in time, and brevity in the document which shall be submitted to the people,” keynote of Missouri constitution delegates.
Unicameralism passes test
Authors: Senning John P.
Published: July 2007

Nebraska's one‐house legislature, after extended trial, has shown itself a sound instrument in the solution of the state's problems; fears of critics prove unfounded.
A North Carolina experiment
Authors: Wager Paul W.
Published: July 2007

State's Institute of Government, which began as a Law School teacher's dream, brings the classroom to local, county, and state officials a clearing house for ideas.
Training for public servants
Authors: Ross William A.
Published: July 2007

More than 80,000 governmental emptoyees—local, state, and feder—are enrolled in federally‐aided training classes in 37 states; 55,000 others receive instruction.
Occupancy taxes in Britain
Authors: Collins Arthur
Published: July 2007

Three centuries of experience with taxes paid by tenant on rental values leave British generally content with steadiness of tax, assessment practices, low delinquency.
Dayton counts its blessings
Authors: Heavenrich Max P.
Published: July 2007

Thirty years of council‐manager government finds Ohio city well satisfied with an “experiment that succeeded”; but sentiment grows for more positive approach to postwar needs.
Early fiscal plans bear fruit
Authors: Hinckley Thomas L.
Published: July 2007

Massachusetts' efforts for two generations to strengthen local financial adminiatration and share state‐collected revenues brightens postwar picture for cities and towns.
Researcher's digest: May
Authors: Raher Miriam
Published: July 2007

Boston looks at “in lieu” payments, kids in Oregon, subway fares, Cook County's new purchasing manual, Hartford's city employees, bonding practices, Alabmna studies legislature.
Tax rates of American cities
Authors: Mohaupt Rosina K.
Published: July 2007

Salary increases for municipal employees seen as chief cause of reversal of downward trend during last several years as rates are cut in only 40 per cent of eommunities.
The professor is a politician
Authors: Maccorkle Stuart A.
Published: July 2007

Saving on city council teching educator how unprivate public life is but, in spite of everything, he likes it.
A winning run for richmond
Authors: Parker T. Nelson
Published: July 2007

Mayor, who formerly opposed council‐manager plan, adds up gains and finds himself transformed into a crusader.
Portland limits initiative
Authors: Dow Edward F.
Published: July 2007

Voters and court approve keeping administrative matters such as tax levies, wages and hours in hrmdr of ofiiah.
Have i kept the faith?
Authors: Chester Colby M.
Published: July 2007

Retired industrialist, looking back on his omissions as a citixen, challenges today's businessmen to give leadership.
The governor needs staff
Authors: Scace Homer E.
Published: July 2007

If chief state official is to carry the many increased burdens of his office, he must have more adequate help.
The ‘third’ house in Indiana
Authors: Pierce Melvin
Published: July 2007

Lobbyists for pressure groups, outnumbering members of legislature, strive to impose their programs on state.
Volunteer rescuers on guard
Authors: Schubert Glendon A. , Marling Major R.
Published: July 2007

All parts of New Jersey are covered by well trained first aid squads, each equipped with its ambulance.
Goals for the modern city
Authors: Bruere Henry
Published: July 2007

Broad plans to make full use of wasted and neglected human and material resources proposed for urban areas.
How to wake up an old state
Authors: Edison Charles
Published: July 2007

It took organiaed eflort, large fundr to ancient New Jersey constitution and open way to major progrers.
If big steel comes to town
Authors: Martin Richard
Published: July 2007

Connecticut governor's committee makes study of problems raised if huge industrial plant moves into small community.
The rs‐method for material failure simulations
Authors: Fan R. , Fish J.
Published: July 2007

A new method for propagating arbitrary failure modes is presented. Arbitrary failure modes are resolved on a refined local patch of elements and then embedded into the coarse grid using partition of unity method. Strong discontinuities are propagated by means of element erosion in the superimposed patch of elements only. The method, coined as the rs‐version of the finite element method (or reduced order s‐method), has been integrated in ABAQUS and verified on several test problems. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A case of cranial trepanation in a Roman necropolis (Cassino, Italy, 3rd century BC)
Authors: Rubini M.
Published: July 2007

The aim of this study was to investigate an individual from a Cassino necropolis of the 3rd century BC. The inhumation shows a rectangular wound between the sagittal and lambdoid sutures of the cranium. Furthermore a series of pathological traces on the post‐cranial skeleton are present. The trepanation of the skull seems intentional: probably a healed surgical procedure to treat a sword wound. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mortality date estimation using fetal pronghorn remains
Authors: Fenner J. N. , Walker D. N.
Published: July 2007

Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) fetal remains are sometimes recovered from archaeological contexts. Pronghorn have consistent reproductive schedules so their remains may provide information on seasonality of site occupation and number of mortality events. To investigate the reliability of fetal remains for seasonality and mortality event assessment, bone size and tooth eruption were measured in a sample of modern fetal pronghorn remains with known mortality dates. Results indicate a strong correlation between bone size and mortality date, but no significant correlation between tooth eruption level and mortality date. Fetal bone size was used to estimate a late April or early May mortality date at both the Oyster Ridge (48UT35) and Trappers Point (48SU1006) archaeological sites. The number of mortality events at Trappers Point was also investigated. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An employment game between government and firms
Authors: Gradus Raymond H. J. M. , De Zeeuw Aart J.
Published: July 2007

Dynamic taxation of profits is a differential game between government and firms. The state equation is the accumulation of capital stock due to the investment of firms. The objective of the firms is the total stream of dividends. The objective of the government is total employment. With high tax revenues the government can stimulate public employment, but economic growth slows down, which is bad for private employment.

The time‐inconsistent open‐loop Stackelberg solution for this differential game is compared with the time‐consistent feedback Stackelberg solution. The efficiency of the solutions and the sensitivity with respect to capital/labour intensiveness are investigated.
A primal‐dual approach to comparative dynamics with time‐dependent parameters in variational calculus
Authors: Caputo Michael R.
Published: July 2007

By changing the viewpoint of a variational problem so that the time‐dependent parameters are the choice variables, this paper presents a dual way of establishing the effects that perturbations in such parameters have on the entire optimal trajectories of the original choice variables. The beauty of this approach is that it provides a qualitative characterization of the effects that perturbations in time‐dependent parameters have on the entire optimal trajectories in a symmetric negative semidefinite matrix. Such a characterization is especially important in economics, since nearly all refutable implications in economics can be summarized by such matrices. Furthermore, a one‐line proof of a generalized dynamic envelope theorem is achieved via this methodology.
A complement to the differentiability of saddle points and min‐max
Authors: Delfour M. C. , Morgan J.
Published: July 2007

The object of this communication is to complement theorems on the differentiability of an infimum, a supremum, a min‐max or a saddle point with respect to a parameter t ≥ 0 at t = 0. This technical result gives an interesting description of the non‐differentiability in some problems with a non‐differentiable cost function subject to a state equation. An example is given along with generalizations of the conclusions of the above theorems.
Joint state and parameter estimation for a nuclear reactor with fast and slow modes
Authors: Fathi Z. , Ramirez W. F. , Aarna O.
Published: July 2007

The knowledge of the process state variables and coefficients is of substantial importance in many practical domains such as process control and fault detection and diagnosis. In practice, one encounters systems composed of both static and dynamic models owing to the natural difference in time response of various process variables. This paper presents an estimation algorithm for a system described by the coupled steady state and dynamic models via formulating the joint state and parameter estimation problem as a state estimation problem and using a filter for non‐linear systems. In the algorithm the error covariance matrix prior to the current measurements is updated using the filtered estimates rather than the predicted quantities, having a basal impact on the convergence behaviour. The other important aspect considered is the inclusion of the unmeasured disturbances in the parameter vector. This concept has an important implication for improving the on‐line detection and diagnosis of potential plant operational problems. A sodium‐cooled nuclear reactor is the application problem illustrating the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Trade‐offs in linear control system design: A practical example
Authors: De Moor Bart , David Johan , Vandewalle Joos , De Moor Maarten , Berckmans Daniel
Published: July 2007

In this paper two modern control techniques, the H2 and H∞ control design methods, are presented. After a brief theoretical explanation they are applied to a practical example: the control of the air flow rate through an axial ventilator. Modern control techniques are model‐based. In the first part of the paper it is explained how a model can be obtained both of the process and of the disturbances acting on it. On the basis of the model, several controllers can be designed. The example clearly illustrates some of the trade‐offs of modern control design. The H2 and H∞ controllers are also compared with a classical PI controller.
Optimal control of linearly constrained linear systems via state parametrization
Authors: Yen V. , Nagurka M.
Published: July 2007

This paper presents a general computational tool for determining the near‐optimal trajectories of linear, lumped parameter, dynamic systems subjected to linear constraints. In the proposed approach each state variable is approximated by the sum of a third‐order polynomial and a finite term Fourier‐type series. This enables a linearly constrained optimal control problem to be converted into a linearly constrained mathematical programming problem. Simulation results demonstrate that the approach accurately predicts the optimal performance index and the optimal state and control trajectories.
Combined schur/L2‐model reduction for non‐minimal systems
Authors: Bamani Ali H. , Aldhaheri Rabah W.
Published: July 2007

A new method for suboptimal model reduction of a non‐minimal MIMO linear system is proposed. This method minimizes the DC gain mismatch of the original and reduced‐order systems. The proposed method is based on finding the eigenspace associated with the large eigenvalues of the product of the controllability and observability Grammians. An example is given to illustrate the proposed method.
Electrorheological activity of suspensions of surface‐modified pyrolyzed polyacrylonitrile
Authors: Krztoń‐Maziopa Anna , Sobczak Janusz , Płocharski Janusz
Published: July 2007

Electrorheological (ER) activity of a series of surface‐modified polyacrylonitrile‐based powders was investigated. The semiconducting powders were obtained by pyrolysis of commercially available polyacrylonitrile fibers in controlled conditions. Some samples were additionally chemically oxidized before thermal oxidation to get materials of different surface characteristics. Selected samples were treated with trimethylchlorosilane in order to modify their surface properties. All materials were carefully characterized by means of elemental analysis, FTIR and XPS (X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy), optical, and scanning electron microscopy. Electrical properties of the powders were also determined. Then ER suspensions were prepared and their ER effect was studied in dynamic conditions. The results were correlated with material properties of the solid phase. It was found that ER effect in the studied suspensions was influenced by ionic polarization processes resulting from the presence of different polar functional groups in the solid material. XPS measurements indicated that materials with high ER effect contained more oxygenate moieties on the grain surface in comparison with materials of lower ER activity. Silane‐treated materials exhibited higher ER effect in comparison with their untreated counterparts. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:1192–1197, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Adhesion of thermoplastic elastomer on surface treated aluminum by injection molding
Authors: Fabrin P.A. , Hoikkanen M.E. , Vuorinen J.E.
Published: July 2007

Hybrid composites were prepared using insert injection molding without preheating. Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) was overmolded on etched aluminum sheets having porous surface to provide large contact area between insert and TPE. The resulting bond strength was studied using a 180° peel test. The effect of aluminum microstructure and various processing steps of the surface treatment procedures on adhesion were studied. Maximum peel strength obtained was 9.33 N/cm using P2 treatment with alkaline‐acid pretreatment. Lowest peel strength of 1.68 N/cm was achieved by alkaline–acid treatment. Increasing insert thickness lowers the peel strength since large heat capacity of thicker insert cools the melt and limits penetration of the melt to insert microcavities. At certain insert thickness microcavities are impregnated by the melt and no additional effect can be obtained by decreasing the insert thickness. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:1187–1191, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Detection of hydrolysis of lipid post‐translational modifications during gel‐electrophoresis‐based proteomic protocol
Authors: Žídková Jitka , Řehulka Pavel , Chmelík Josef
Published: July 2007

The influence of sample preparation on the identification of a lipid PTM was examined. Nonspecific lipid transfer protein 1 (LTP1) from barley is modified with a lipid‐like molecule of mass of 294 Da. This modification was detected in the MS analysis of intact protein samples but no lipid‐bound peptide was observed in the MS analysis of the in‐gel digested LTP1 after an SDS‐PAGE separation of the protein mixture. By using SEC instead of SDS‐PAGE, the lipid‐modified peptide was observed after in‐solution enzymatic digestion of the SEC fraction containing LTP1. Conditions of individual steps of the gel‐electrophoresis‐based protocol were tested to find their effect on the removal of the lipid PTM from LTP1. The influences of particular solutions used in the gel‐electrophoresis‐based protocol on the hydrolysis of lipids were investigated. It was found that denaturing conditions, in combination with alkaline pH, have a major influence on the hydrolysis of the ester bond. Especially, the electrophoretic buffer has a strong influence on the hydrolysis of the lipid PTM (in the intact molecule) of LTP1.
Centralized Data Management in Materials Research Projects with Several Partners at Different Locations
Authors: Mentges Michael , Sieg Simone , Schröter Christian , Frantzen Andreas , Maier Wilhelm F.
Published: July 2007

A data warehouse system for use in a high‐throughput/combinatorial materials science environment is introduced. Developed in a research project for lead‐free piezo materials, it links the research activities of several partners from academia and industry, spread over a wide geographical area. The system goes beyond the pure accumulation of data in databases and the individual data extraction. It provides numerous tools necessary for knowledge discovery and data exploration, accessed over a common easy‐to‐use Graphical User Interface (GUI), providing centrally developed best practice statistical analysis pathways and allowing the single partners to discuss the results with colleagues at other locations.
Control of oenological products: discrimination between different botanical sources of L‐tartaric acid by isotope ratio mass spectrometry
Authors: Moreno Rojas Jose Manuel , Cosofret Sorin , Reniero Fabiano , Guillou Claude , Serra Francesca
Published: July 2007

Following previous studies on counterfeit of wines with synthetic ingredients, the possibility of frauds by natural external L‐tartaric acid has also been investigated. The aim of this research was to map the stable isotope ratios of L‐tartaric acid coming from botanical species containing large amounts of this compound: grape and tamarind. Samples of L‐tartaric acid were extracted from the pulp of tamarind fruits originating from several countries and from grape must. δ13C and δ18O were measured for all samples. Additional δ2H measurements were performed as a complementary analysis to help discrimination of the botanical origin. Different isotopic patterns were observed for the different botanical origins. The multivariate statistical analysis of the data shows clear discrimination among the different botanical and synthetic sources. This approach could be a complementary tool for the control of L‐tartaric acid used in oenology. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid screening for bisbibenzyls in bryophyte crude extracts using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Xing Jie , Xie Chunfeng , Qu Jianbo , Guo Huaifang , Lv Beibei , Lou Hongxiang
Published: July 2007

A simple and rapid qualitative liquid chromatography‐diode‐array detection/tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐DAD/MS/MS) method was developed and validated for screening bisbibenzyl compounds in bryophyte crude extracts at sub‐ppm levels. After simple extraction with ethanol and analyte concentration with diethyl ether, the extracts were subjected to LC‐DAD/MS/MS analysis. The overall instrument turnaround time was 50 min to obtain baseline separation of bisbibenzyl isomers in bryophytes. MS full scan, MS/MS precursor ion scan and MS/MS product ion scan modes were used for the screening. The bisbibenzyl standards studied gave limits of detection (LODs) at or below 10 ng/mL. The results also indicated that the method had acceptable precision to be used on a day‐to‐day basis for qualitative identification. The bisbibenzyl types, i.e. one biphenyl ether bond (A‐type), two biphenyl ether bonds (B‐type), one biphenyl ether and one biphenyl bond (C‐type), or other biphenyl types can be differentiated by their ESI‐MS/MS product profiles, and the number of alkoxyl substituents can also be identified. The linkage sites of biphenyl and biphenyl ether bonds cannot be identified for an unknown bisbibenzyl solely from its mass spectra. This system was used to support three screening assays of bryophytes including Marchantia polymorpha L., Ptagiochasm intermedium L. and Asterella angusta, which were collected from different places in China. From them, 7/12, 8/5 and 8/9 confirmed/unconfirmed bisbibenzyls were identified, respectively, based on their MS/MS data, UV spectra and the retention behavior. The screening method considerably reduced the time and the cost for the qualitative analyses, and the structure‐fragmentation‐UV relationships will facilitate the high‐throughput screening (HTS) of bisbibenzyl compounds in bryophytes. It is also intended as a simple and convenient way for the determination of other structural families of natural products. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of the neutral loss of a full amino acid mass during collision‐induced dissociation of the b ion derived from a model peptide containing a 4‐aminobutyric acid residue
Authors: Talaty Erach R. , Chueachavalit Chawalee , Osburn Sandra , Van Stipdonk Michael J.
Published: July 2007

In a previous study we found that a dominant fragmentation pathway observed for collision‐induced dissociation (CID) of b derived from peptides with sequence AXAG, where X is γ‐aminobutyric acid (γAbu) or ε‐aminocaproic acid (Cap), involved the loss of 89 mass units (u). A neutral loss of 89 u corresponded to the free acid mass of an alanine (A) residue. This specific pathway was studied in greater detail here using a series of A(γAbu)AG peptides with strategic positioning of 15N, 13C and 2H isotope labels. Based on the extensive labeling, several possible routes to the net elimination of 89 u are proposed. One is based on initial elimination of either aziridinone or imine and CO, followed by opening of an oxazolinone, tautomerization and elimination of H2O. Another involves formation of an aziridinone by cleavage of the N‐terminal amide bond, and transfer of O and H atoms to this fragment via an H‐bonded ion‐molecule complex to complete the loss of 89 u. Both types of pathway include the transfer/migration of H atoms from the α‐carbon position of γAbu or A residues. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relations Among Circulating Monocytes, Dendritic Cells, and Bacterial Translocation in Patients With Intestinal Obstruction
Authors: Shiomi Hisanori , Shimizu Tomoharu , Endo Yoshihiro , Murata Satoshi , Kurumi Yoshimasa , Uji Yoshitaka , Tani Tohru
Published: July 2007

Background

Little evidence is available regarding the relations among circulating monocytes, dendritic cells (DCs), and bacterial translocation (BT) in patients with intestinal obstruction.

Methods

We investigated alterations in DCs in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs), circulating immune cells (white blood cell, lymphocyte, and monocyte counts), and BT to MLNs in 21 patients undergoing abdominal surgery because of intestinal obstruction. We also examined whether BT correlated with the development of perioperative systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and postoperative septic complications.

Results

BT subsequent to intestinal obstruction was observed in 7 (33%) patients. Preoperative circulating immune cell counts were significantly lower in BT‐positive patients than those in BT‐negative patients. The presence of preoperative SIRS was also significantly related to BT‐positive status. A preoperative monocyte count <290/mm3 was the best predictive factor for BT in MLNs during intestinal obstruction: sensitivity 85.7%; specificity 92.3%; positive and negative predictive values 85.7% and 92.9%, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.944. The expression of S‐100 protein‐positive DCs in MLNs significantly increased in BT‐positive patients.

Conclusions

A significant inverse correlation was observed between the circulating monocyte count and the ratio of DCs among all cells in MLNs (r2= 0.259). Postoperative septic complications were 3.3 times more common in BT‐positive patients than in BT‐negative patients. A significant increase in the expression of DCs in MLNs was observed in patients with BT subsequent to intestinal obstruction. Our findings suggested that a low monocyte count (<290 /mm3) and the presence of preoperative SIRS might be useful factors for predicting BT in patients with intestinal obstruction.
Multidisciplinary Crisis Simulations: The Way Forward for Training Surgical Teams
Authors: Undre Shabnam , Koutantji Maria , Sevdalis Nick , Gautama Sanjay , Selvapatt Nowlan , Williams Samantha , Sains Parvinderpal , McCulloch Peter , Darzi Ara , Vincent Charles
Published: July 2007

Background

High‐reliability organizations have stressed the importance of nontechnical skills for safety and of regularly providing such training to their teams. Recently safety skills training has been applied in the practice of medicine. In this study, we developed and piloted a module using multidisciplinary crisis scenarios in a simulated operating theatre to train entire surgical teams.

Methods

Twenty teams participated (n = 80); each consisted of a trainee surgeon, anesthetist, operating department practitioner (ODP), and scrub nurse. Crisis scenarios such as difficult intubation, hemorrhage, or cardiac arrest were simulated. Technical and nontechnical skills (leadership, communication, team skills, decision making, and vigilance), were assessed by clinical experts and by two psychologists using relevant technical and human factors rating scales. Participants received technical and nontechnical feedback, and the whole team received feedback on teamwork.

Results

Trainees assessed the training favorably. For technical skills there were no differences between surgical trainees’ assessment scores and the assessment scores of the trainers. However, nurses overrated their technical skill. Regarding nontechnical skills, leadership and decision making were scored lower than the other three nontechnical skills (communication, team skills, and vigilance). Surgeons scored lower than nurses on communication and teamwork skills. Surgeons and anesthetists scored lower than nurses on leadership.

Conclusions

Multidisciplinary simulation‐based team training is feasible and well received by surgical teams. Nontechnical skills can be assessed alongside technical skills, and differences in performance indicate where there is a need for further training. Future work should focus on developing team performance measures for training and on the development and evaluation of systematic training for technical and nontechnical skills to enhance team performance and safety in surgery.
Pediatric Hand Friction Burns from Treadmill Contact
Authors: Friedrich Jeffrey B. , Muzaffar Arshad R. , Hanel Douglas P.
Published: July 2007

Background

Treadmills have become relatively common in American homes. This machine can be dangerous for children because they can sustain friction burns to the hands when the moving treadmill is touched. With aggressive wound care and physical therapy, most of these burns will heal without surgery. However, some patients will require reconstructive surgery to release contractures. We report our experience with a series of patients who suffered friction burns to the hand from contact with a moving treadmill. The purpose of this study is to further understand the incidence and outcomes of this type of injury.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of all patients referred between September 2002 and June 2005 to our hand surgery clinic for treadmill friction burns on the hand (s) was conducted. Pertinent data collected included sex, age, injury distribution, and surgeries performed. An analysis of data maintained by the Consumer Product Safety Commission was used to understand the incidence of exercise equipment-induced injuries.

Results

Thirteen pediatric patients were evaluated for friction burns on the hand. Their total injuries included 24 fingers, 1 hand, and 1 forearm. Three patients (23%) required surgery for release of flexion contractures. All wounds of the remaining 10 patients healed, and with the implementation of hand therapy programs did not require subsequent surgery.

Conclusions

Treadmill friction burns to the hands of children can lead to limitations of the motion of the hand. Because this problem is completely preventable, parents and treadmill manufacturers are encouraged to be proactive in preventing these injuries. In addition, prompt initiation of wound care and hand therapy is integral to a favorable outcome.
Supplemental Conjugated Linoleic Acid Consumption Does Not Influence Milk Macronutrient Contents in all Healthy Lactating Women
Authors: Mosley Samuel A. , Shahin Alam M. , Williams Janet , McGuire Mark A. , McGuire Michelle K.
Published: July 2007

The term “conjugated linoleic acid” (CLA) refers to a group of positional and geometric isomers that are derived from linoleic acid and are found primarily in meat and milk products from ruminant animals. Due to the array of putative benefits associated with various forms of CLA, there has been recent interest in supplementing human diets with these fatty acids especially when weight loss is desired. However, in many animal models, CLA has been shown to decrease milk fat production. There is some concern, therefore, that maternal CLA supplementation during lactation might inadvertently decrease nutrient supply to the nursing infant. However, there is only limited research on the effect of CLA consumption on milk fat content in women. Based on previously published work from our laboratory, we hypothesized that CLA supplementation would reduce the milk fat percentage in lactating women in a dose‐dependent manner. Breastfeeding women (n = 12) were assigned randomly to treatments of 4 g/day safflower oil (SFO), 2 g/day CLA plus 2 g/day SFO, or 4 g/day CLA in a double blind, 3 × 3 Latin square design. Conjugated linoleic acid supplements contained approximately equal amounts of cis9,trans11–18:2 and trans10,cis12–18:2; the two most common isoforms of CLA. Milk was collected by complete breast expression on the last day (day 5) of each intervention period and analyzed for macronutrient and fatty acid composition. On day 4 of each intervention period, infant milk consumption was estimated by 24 h weighing of the infant. Washout periods were 9 days in length. We observed a dose‐dependent increase in the concentrations of cis9,trans11–18:2 and trans10,cis12–18:2 in the milk fat. However, we detected neither a change in overall macronutrient composition nor infant milk consumption. These data do not support those obtained from animal models or our previous human work suggesting that consumption of CLA mixtures necessarily reduces milk fat. It is possible that either (1) the interpretation of our previously published data should be reevaluated, and/or (2) there are important intra‐ and inter‐species differences in this regard.
Phosphoinositide‐dependent protein kinase‐1 (PDK1)‐independent activation of the protein kinase C substrate, protein kinase D
Authors: Wood C. David , Kelly April P. , Matthews Sharon A. , Cantrell Doreen A.
Published: July 2007

Phosphoinoisitide dependent kinase l (PDK1) is proposed to phosphorylate a key threonine residue within the catalytic domain of the protein kinase C (PKC) superfamily that controls the stability and catalytic competence of these kinases. Hence, in PDK1‐null embryonic stem cells intracellular levels of PKCα, PKCβ1, PKCγ, and PKCε are strikingly reduced. Although PDK1‐null cells have reduced endogenous PKC levels they are not completely devoid of PKCs and the integrity of downstream PKC effector pathways in the absence of PDK1 has not been determined. In the present report, the PDK1 requirement for controlling the phosphorylation and activity of a well characterised substrate for PKCs, the serine kinase protein kinase D, has been examined. The data show that in embryonic stem cells and thymocytes loss of PDK1 does not prevent PKC‐mediated phosphorylation and activation of protein kinase D. These results reveal that loss of PDK1 does not functionally inactivate all PKC‐mediated signal transduction.
The pea mitochondrial nucleoside diphosphate kinase cleaves DNA and RNA
Authors: Hammargren Jenni , Salinas Thalia , Maréchal-Drouard Laurence , Knorpp Carina
Published: July 2007

Here, we present the characterization of a plant NDPK exhibiting nuclease activity. This is the first identification of a nuclease localised in the intermembrane space of plant mitochondria. The recombinant pea NDPK3 protein cleaves not only supercoiled plasmid DNA, but also highly structured RNA molecules such as tRNAs or the 3′UTR of the atp9 mRNA suggesting that the NDPK3 nuclease activity has a structural requirement. ATP inhibits this nuclease activity, while ADP has no effect. Furthermore, studies on NDPK mutant proteins indicate that the nuclease‐ and the kinase‐mechanisms are separate.