bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of local analgesia on movement of the equine back
Authors: HOLM K. ROETHLISBERGER , WENNERSTRAND J. , LAGERQUIST U. , EKSELL P. , JOHNSTON C.
Published: April 2007

Reasons for performing study: Diagnostic infiltration of local anaesthetic solution is commonly used in cases of equine back pain. Evaluation is subjective and it is not known how local analgesia of the back affects horses without clinical signs of back pain.

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of infiltration of local anaesthetics on the movement of the back in horses without clinical signs of back pain, and to evaluate the usefulness of kinematic studies as an objective and quantitative tool in evaluating local analgesia in clinical practice.

Methods: The kinematics of the back in 10 clinically sound horses were measured on 2 occasions at walk and trot before and after injections with mepivacaine and sodium chloride around the interspinous spaces between T16 and L2. The kinematics were compared between the 2 occasions before injections and before and after each injection.

Results: The range of motion (ROM) for dorsoventral flexion‐extension (FE) of the back was increased significantly in all measured segments other than T10 at walk, as was lateral bending (LB) at T10, L3 and L5 after injection of mepivacaine. For lateral excursion (LE), total movement increased at all measured segments. At trot the only affected segment was L3, where the injection with mepivacaine decreased the ROM for FE. After injection of sodium chloride the ROM for FE increased at T13 and T17 at walk. Lateral bending and LE were not affected at walk. At trot, LB increased at L3 and L5.

Conclusions and potential relevance: Diagnostic infiltration of local anaesthetic solution affects the function of the back in clinically sound horses, which must be considered when interpreting the use of this clinical aid in assessing clinical cases of back dysfunction. Kinematics can qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate the effect of local analgesia of the back.
One‐Step Synthesis of Ru(2,2′‐Bipyridine)3Cl2‐Immobilized Silica Nanoparticles for Use in Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence Detection
Authors: Qian L. , Yang X.‐R.
Published: April 2007

One‐step synthesis of Ru(bpy)3Cl2‐immobilized (bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine) silica nanoparticles (Ru–silica nanoparticles) for use in electrogenerated‐chemiluminescence (ECL) detection is reported. Ru–silica nanoparticles are prepared by using the Stöber method. Compared with free Ru(bpy)3Cl2, Ru–silica nanoparticles are seen to exhibit a red‐shift of the UV‐vis absorbance peak and a longer fluorescence lifetime, which are attributed to the electrostatic interaction of Ru(bpy)32+ and silica. Because silica nanoparticles are used as immobilization matrices, the surfaces of Ru–silica nanoparticles are easily modified or functionalized via the assembly of other nanoparticles, such as Au. For ECL detection, Au‐colloid‐modified Ru–silica nanoparticles are immobilized on a 3‐mercaptopropyl‐trimethoxysilane‐modified indium tin oxide electrode surface by Au–S interaction; the surface concentration of electroactive Ru(bpy)3Cl2 is obviously higher than that in silica films. The modified electrode exhibits excellent ECL signals and gives a good linear range over 5 × 10–7–1.4 × 10–3 M with a detection limit of 50 nM towards the tripropylamine (TPA) detection. Moreover, the electrode has better reproducibility and long‐term stability for the determination of TPA than electrodes modified with pure Nafion, Nafion–silica, Nafion–TiO2, or sol‐gel films containing Ru(bpy)3Cl2. Immobilization of Ru(bpy)3Cl2 on the electrode surface by this method is simple and easy, so it shows potential applications in the field of ECL analysis and detection.
Photo‐ and Rubbing‐Alignable Brush Polyimides Bearing Three Different Chromophores
Authors: Hahm S. G. , Lee T. J. , Ree M.
Published: April 2007

Three new photoreactive brush polyimides (PSPIs), each bearing a different type of chromophore (cinnamoyl (CA), 3‐(2‐furyl)acryloyl (FA), and methacryloyl (MA)) in their bristles (i.e., side groups), are successfully synthesized, and are found to produce good‐quality films with smooth surfaces through conventional spin‐casting and drying processes. These PSPI polymers are thermally stable up to 320 °C. This is the first quantitative investigation of the photoaligning and rubbing‐aligning processabilities of PSPI polymer films, and of the abilities of the resultant films to control the orientation and anchoring of liquid‐crystal (LC) molecules. The chromophores of both poly(1‐cinnamoyloxy‐2,4‐phenylene hexafluoroisopropylidenediphthalimide) (6F‐DAP‐CA) and poly(1‐3‐(2‐furyl)acryloyloxy‐2,4‐phenylene hexafluoroisopropylidenediphthalimide) (6F‐DAP‐FA) PSPIs are found to undergo photodimerization in thin films and, to a lesser extent, photoisomerization, resulting in insoluble, crosslinked films. The MA chromophores of 6F‐DAP‐MA PSPI are found to undergo photopolymerization in thin films, which might include photodimerization to a lesser extent, resulting in insoluble, crosslinked films. Thin films of the PSPI polymer chains are found to have excellent unidirectional orientation ability as a result of either photoexposure with linearly polarized UV light (LPUVL) or rubbing. Both the photoaligned and the rubbing‐aligned polymer chains in the PSPI films are demonstrated to effectively induce the alignment of nematic LCs along their orientation directors by anisotropic interactions between the preferentially oriented polymer chain segments and the LCs. The contribution to LC alignment of the microgrooves developed in the rubbed films is found to be very low. The anchoring energies of the LCs on the photoaligned film surfaces are comparable to those on the rubbing‐aligned film surfaces; the anchoring energies are found to be in the range 0.45–2.25 × 10–5 J m–2, and to depend on which film treatment process is used and which chromophore bristle is present. In summary, the new PSPIs reported in this paper are promising LC alignment‐layer candidates with rubbing‐free processing for the production of advanced LC‐display (LCD) devices, including LCD televisions with large display areas.
Systematic comparison of perfusion‐CT and CT‐angiography in acute stroke patients
Authors: Tan Jessica C. , Dillon William P. , Liu Songling , Adler Felix , Smith Wade S. , Wintermark Max
Published: April 2007

Objective

To systematically evaluate the accuracy of noncontrast computed tomography (NCT), perfusion computed tomography (PCT), and computed tomographic angiography (CTA) in determining site of occlusion, infarct core, salvageable brain tissue, and collateral flow in a large series of patients suspected of acute stroke.

Methods

We retrospectively identified all consecutive patients with signs and symptoms suggesting hemispheric stroke of < 48 hours in duration who were evaluated on admission by NCT, PCT, and CTA, and underwent a follow‐up CT/CTA or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) within 6 months of initial imaging. Two neuroradiologists evaluated NCT for hypodensity, PCT for infarct core and salvageable brain tissue, and CTA source images and maximal intensity projections for site of occlusion, infarct core, and collateral flow. Follow‐up CTA and MRA were assessed for persistent arterial occlusion or recanalization. Follow‐up CT and MRI were reviewed for final infarct location and volume, and used as a gold standard to calculate sensitivity (SE) and specificity (SP) of initial imaging.

Results

A total of 113 patients were considered for analysis, including 55 patients with a final diagnosis of stroke. CTA source images were the most accurate technique in the detection of the site of occlusion (SE = 95%; SP = 100%). Decreased cerebral blood volume on PCT was the most accurate predictor of final infarct volume (SE = 80%; SP = 97%), Increased mean transit time on PCT was predictive of the tissue at risk for infarction in patients with persistent arterial occlusion. CTA maximal intensity projections was the best technique to quantify the degree of collateral circulation.

Interpretation

The most accurate assessment of the site of occlusion, infarct core, salvageable brain tissue, and collateral circulation in patients suspected of acute stroke is afforded by a combination of PCT and CTA. Ann Neurol 2007
Cover Picture: Template‐Directed Synthesis of a π‐Conjugated Porphyrin Nanoring (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 17/2007)
Authors: Hoffmann Markus , Wilson Craig J. , Odell Barbara , Anderson Harry L.
Published: April 2007

A molecular wire is forged into a smooth ring—not by the blacksmith's fire, as shown in the background of the picture—but by the vicelike grip of an octadentate template. H. L. Anderson and co‐workers describe in their Communication on page 3122 ff. how a linear porphyrin oligomer can be cyclized to generate a highly symmetric belt‐shaped π system (image by M. Hoffmann; background photograph by J. McNerney, Yukon Forge, www.yukonforge.com).
Preparation and properties of waterborne polyurethane‐urea/sodium alginate blends for high water vapor permeable coating materials
Authors: Yun Jong‐Kook , Yoo Hye‐Jin , Kim Han‐Do
Published: April 2007

To improve the water vapor permeability of coating materials, aqueous sodium alginate (SA) solution was blended with waterborne polyurethane‐urea (WBPU) dispersions synthesized by prepolymer mixing process. The content of SA for stable WBPU/SA dispersions was found to be below 30 wt %. As the SA content increased, the number and density of total micropores (tunnel‐like micropores/isolated micropores) formed after dissolution of SA in water increased, and the water vapor permeability of coated Nylon fabric also increased remarkably. These results clearly demonstrate that utilizing WBPU/water soluble polymer SA blends as coating materials and then dissolving SA in water surely facilitate obtaining prominent breathable fabrics. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007
Solution dynamics of the dextran/crosslinking agent systems
Authors: Özdemir Cemile , Çolak Nureddin , Güner Ali
Published: April 2007

The interaction of some selective Cl‐ and N‐containing functional crosslinking agents such as epichlorohydrin (ECH), N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide (MBAM), and bifunctional agents such as glutaraldehyde (GA) and glycidylmethacrylate (GM) with dextran (Dx) in aqueous solutions were studied by viscometric and spectroscopic methods. The dynamic viscosities of Dx‐crosslinker aqueous solutions have been measured at physiological temperature, 37°C and in the concentration range of 0.22–0.4 g/dL. Concentration of crosslinkers were kept constant at 0.001–0.35 mol/L. Viscosity behavior of the solutions was interpreted using the Huggins and Kraemer equations. Moreover, the interaction between hydroxyl groups of the Dx with crosslinkers in aqueous solutions, structure properties was also confirmed thereby use of Raman and FTIR spectroscopy. For the Dx/crosslinker systems, the decreasing order of interaction was determined as ECH > GA > MBAM > GM. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007
Biotechnological production of xylitol in a three‐phase fluidized bed bioreactor with immobilized yeast cells in Ca‐alginate beads
Authors: Fouad Sarrouh Boutros , Tresinari dos Santos Diego , Silvério da Silva Silvio
Published: April 2007

Cells of Candida guilliermondii entrapped in Ca‐alginate beads were used for xylitol production, from concentrated hemicellulose hydrolyzate of sugarcane bagasse, in a fluidized bed bioreactor (FBR). The maximum xylitol concentration 28.9 g xylitol/L was obtained at a high aeration rate of 600 mL/min after 70 h of fermentation, indicating that the use of high aeration rate in this system is favored for better oxygen transfer into the immobilized cells. The specific xylitol productivity and the xylitol yield were of 0.4 g xylitol/L.h and 0.58 g xylitol/g xylose respectively. The immobilization efficiency at the end of the fermentation was of 65 %. After 90 h of fermentation xylitol productivity and yield decreased to 0.25 g xylitol/L.h and 0.47 g xylitol/g xylose respectively, indicating the beginning of xylitol consumption by the yeast. The use of FBR system with immobilized cells presented high xylitol yield and productivity.
Corynebacterium diphtheriae spoligotyping based on combined use of two CRISPR loci
Authors: Mokrousov Igor , Limeschenko Elena , Vyazovaya Anna , Narvskaya Olga
Published: April 2007

A large diphtheria epidemic in the 1990s in Russia and neighboring countries underlined the importance of permanent surveillance of the circulating and emerging clones of Corynebacterium diphtheriae, and hence there is a need for highly discriminatory, simple and portable typing methods. In the complete genome sequence of C. diphtheriae strain NCTC13129, we previously identified in silico two clustered, regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) loci, and developed a macroarray‐based method to study polymorphism in the larger DRB locus. We named this method spoligotyping (spacer oligonucleotide typing), analogously to a similar method of Mycobacterium tuberculosis genotyping. Here, we included in the analysis novel spacers of the other CRISPR locus in C. diphtheriae (DRA); both loci were simultaneously co‐amplified and co‐hybridized against the membrane with 27 different immobilized spacer‐probes. The use of additional DRA spacers improved strain differentiation and discriminated within large DRB clusters. The 156 Russian strains of the epidemic clone were subdivided into 45 combined spoligotypes compared to 35 DRB‐spoligotypes and only two ribotypes (‘Sankt‐Peterburg’ and ‘Rossija’). The spoligotyping method allows digital presentation of profiles and therefore it is perfectly suitable for interlaboratory comparison and database management; it may become a powerful tool for epidemiological monitoring and phylogenetic analysis of C. diphtheriae.
Determination of a selective Na+/H+ exchanger inhibitor, 4‐cyano(benzo[b]thiophene‐2‐carbonyl)guanidine (KR‐33028) in rat plasma by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Kim Young Hoon , Ji Hye Young , Lee Seonkyoung , Yi Kyu Yang , Kim You Sun , Lee Kyung Hee , Lee Hye Suk
Published: April 2007

A liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometric (LC/MS/MS) method was developed for the determination of a selective Na+/H+ exchanger inhibitor 4‐cyano(benzo[b]thiophene‐2‐carbonyl)guanidine (KR‐33028) in rat plasma. KR‐33028 and the internal standard, linezolid, were extracted from rat plasma with ethyl acetate at neutral pH. The analytes were separated on an XBridge C18 column with a mixture of methanol–0.1% formic acid (35:65, v/v) as mobile phase and detected using an electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry in the multiple‐reaction‐monitoring mode. The standard curve was linear (r = 0.9998) over the concentration range of 2.0–1000 ng/mL. The coefficients of variation of intra‐ and inter‐assay were 1.3–6.8% and the relative error was 0.8–5.0%. The recoveries of KR‐33028 and linezolid were 70.5 and 84.6%, respectively. The lower limit of quantification for KR‐33028 was 2.0 ng/mL using 50 µL plasma sample. This method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of KR‐33028 in rats. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development and evaluation of a rapid lateral flow immunochromatographic strip assay for screening 19‐nortestosterone
Authors: Liu Liqiang , Peng Chifang , Jin Zhengyu , Xu Chuanlai
Published: April 2007

The lateral flow strip test for 19‐nortestosterone is one kind of immunochromatographic assay. Nitrocellulose membrane was separately immobilized with goat anti‐rabbit IgG (control line) and 19‐NT‐OVA conjugate (test line). Anti‐19‐NT polyclonal antibody labeled with colloidal gold particles acted as the detector reagent. The assay is qualitatively, not quantitatively, judged with positive or negative result. We tested the sensitivity of the strip using spiked swine urine, and each specimen was independently measured by LC/MS/MS. The sensitivity, measure by eye, was determined to be 200 ng/mL. The assay time was less than 15 min, and so suitable for on‐site rapid test. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fingerprint analysis of Rhizoma chuanxiong by pressurized capillary electrochromatography and high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Xie Guoxiang , Zhao Aihua , Li Peng , Li Lu , Jia Wei
Published: April 2007

Pressurized capillary electrochromatography (pCEC) and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were used simultaneously to establish fingerprints of Rhizoma chuanxiong. Ten batches of Rhizoma chuanxiong collected from different regions in China were used to obtain the characteristic pCEC and HPLC fingerprints using a standardized procedure of sample preparation and analysis. A total of 22 common peaks were isolated within 60 min by pCEC and 16 common peaks by HPLC within 65 min. The fingerprints of Rhizoma chuanxiong were then used to identify the raw herbs from different sources in China. The two proposed methods demonstrated good stability and reproducibility with RSD less than 5% for retention time in pCEC and in HPLC, respectively. Finally, the data from the analyses of 10 batches of Rhizoma chuanxiong by pCEC and HPLC were all processed with similarity analysis with two mathematical methods, correlation coefficient and the included angle cosine. The fingerprints of Rhizoma chuanxiong established with pCEC and HPLC are suitable to identify samples from different sources and can be used to control the quality of raw herbs. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Principal properties (PPs) for lanthanide triflates as Lewis‐acid catalysts
Authors: Fortuna C. G. , Musumarra G. , Nardi M. , Procopio A. , Sindona G. , Scirè S.
Published: April 2007

A multivariate insight into lanthanide triflates descriptors allowed derivation of three principal properties (PPs). The first one resembling the lanthanide sequence in the periodic table, the second one reflecting the discontinuity in lanthanides properties, the so called 'gadolinium break', and the third one related to the change of coordination number of Ln ions in aqueous solution from nine to eight around Sm–Gd. Experimental support to the predicting ability of the above PPs as descriptors in the prediction of the yields for the synthesis of α‐tocopherol from a selected set of four triflate catalysts (La, Eu, Er, Lu) was provided, opening new horizons for a rational selection in multivariate experimental design of Ln triflates catalysed organic reactions. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enzyme‐Catalysed Synthesis and Absolute Configuration Assignments of cis‐Dihydrodiol Metabolites from 1,4‐Disubstituted Benzenes
Authors: Boyd Derek R. , Sharma Narain D. , Coen Gerard P. , Gray Peter J. , Malone John F. , Gawronski Jacek
Published: April 2007

A series of ten cis‐dihydrodiol metabolites has been obtained by bacterial biotransformation of the corresponding 1,4‐disubstituted benzene substrates using Pseudomonas putida UV4, a source of toluene dioxygenase (TDO). Their enantiomeric excess (ee) values have been established using chiral stationary phase HPLC and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Absolute configurations of the majority of cis‐dihydrodiols have been established using stereochemical correlation and X‐ray crystallography and the remainder have been tentatively assigned using NMR spectroscopic methods but finally confirmed by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. These configurational assignments support and extend the validity of an empirical model, previously used to predict the preferred stereochemistry of TDO‐catalysed cis‐dihydroxylation of ten 1,4‐disubstituted benzene substrates, to more than twenty‐five examples.
Double Aromaticity in Monocyclic Carbon, Boron, and Borocarbon Rings Based on Magnetic Criteria
Authors: Wodrich Matthew D. , Corminboeuf Clémence , Park Sung Soo , Schleyer Paul von Ragué
Published: April 2007

The double‐aromatic character of selected monocyclic carbon, boron, and borocarbon rings is demonstrated by refined nucleus‐independent chemical shift (NICS) analyses involving the contributions of individual canonical MOs and their out‐of‐plane NICS tensor component (CMO‐NICSzz). The double aromaticity considered results from two mutually orthogonal Hückel p AO frameworks in a single molecule. The familiar π orbitals are augmented by the in‐plane delocalization of electrons occupying sets of radial (rad) p orbitals. Such double aromaticity is present in B3−, C6H3+, C64+, C4B44+, C6, C5B2, C4B4, C2B8, B102−, B12, C10, C9B2, C8B4, C7B6, C6B8, and C14. Monocyclic C8 and C12 are doubly antiaromatic, as both the orthogonal π and radial Hückel sets are paratropic. Planar C7 and C9 monocycles have mixed aromatic (π) and antiaromatic (radial) systems.
Comparison of RNA yield from small cell populations sorted by flow cytometry applying different isolation procedures
Authors: Mack Elisabeth , Neubauer Andreas , Brendel Cornelia
Published: April 2007

Background:

RNA from sorted cell populations is crucial in many instances. We therefore compared four current protocols for RNA isolation, with regard to mRNA yield and purity. Moreover, we examined the effects on RNA recovery caused by different storage reagents.

Methods:

Small populations of K562 cells or PMBC were sorted into the lysing reagent and subjected to RNA extraction, employing either phase separation extraction using an acidic guanidinium–isothiocyanate reagent (TriFast™ reagent), the silica‐gel membrane‐based spin‐column technology (RNeasy Mini‐/Micro‐Kit™), or the isolation via paramagnetic oligo(d)T‐beads (μMACS™). Cells designated for delayed RNA isolation were kept either in RNAlater™, Qiagen Buffer RLT™, TriFast™ or PrepProtect™, or simply frozen after pelleting from PBS. The mRNA yield was determined by quantitative RT‐PCR.

Results:

Performing unpaired two‐tailed t‐tests revealed that RNA was extracted in significantly higher amounts using magnetic bead isolation. This method also allowed best discrimination of induced IL2 gene expression. In contrast, phase separation extraction showed the highest rate of failures. Intermediate storage reduced RNA yield. Contamination by genomic DNA was detected in several samples subjected to phase separation or silica‐gel membrane‐based spin‐column extraction.

Conclusions:

Our results reveal advantages and disadvantages of RNA isolation procedures for small numbers of sorted cells and, therefore, facilitate the decision for the most appropriate protocol in a particular experimental context. © 2007 International Society for Analytical Cytology
Different levels of CD52 antigen expression evaluated by quantitative fluorescence cytometry are detected on B‐lymphocytes, CD 34+ cells and tumor cells of patients with chronic B‐cell lymphoproliferative diseases
Authors: Klabusay Martin , Sukova Vera , Coupek Petr , Brychtova Yvona , Mayer Jiri
Published: April 2007

Background:

The success of treatment using monoclonal antibodies in oncology is influenced by, among other factors, the level of target antigen expression on tumor cells. The authors analyzed the intensity of the CD52 antigen expression in patients with chronic lymphoproliferative diseases and compared them with B‐lymphocytes of a healthy population and CD34+ cells in peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) grafts.

Methods:

Recently diagnosed and previously untreated patients with B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B‐CLL), mantle‐cell lymphoma (MCL), or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) were evaluated and compared with control group and CD34+ cells. The intensity of CD52 was expressed in molecules of equivalent soluble fluorochrome units (MESF) and antibody‐binding capacity (ABC).

Results:

In the group of patients with B‐CLL, the CD52 level on tumor cells (245 × 103 MESF; 107 × 103 ABC) was significantly lower than on B‐lymphocytes of the control group (446 × 103 MESF; 194 × 103 ABC; P < 0.001) and SLL tumor cells (526 × 103 MESF; 229 × 103 ABC; P < 0.001). The CD52 antigen was expressed on a majority of CD34+ cells, but its expression intensity was low (101 × 103 MESF; 44 × 103 ABC).

Conclusions:

Our data demonstrate differences in the intensity of the CD52 antigen expression between B‐lymphocytes and tumor lymphocytes of B‐CLL patients, and between B‐CLL and SLL tumor cells. CD52 antigen is expressed at low level on CD34+ cells. © 2007 Clinical Cytometry Society
Tocotrienols and cancer: Beyond antioxidant activity
Authors: Nesaretnam Kalanithi , Yew Wong Weng , Wahid Mohd Basri
Published: April 2007

The edible oil industry has emerged as an important provider of raw material for the extraction of vitamin E. Vegetable oils, especially the seed oils, are rich sources of tocopherols. However, in palm oil, vitamin E occurs as a complex mixture of tocopherols and tocotrienols. Various tocotrienol isomers of vitamin E in palm oil have been reported to possess interesting biological and physiological properties not generally evident with tocopherol‐rich vitamin E preparations. They include potential blood cholesterol‐lowering and cardioprotective effects, more efficient antioxidant activity in biological systems, and possible anti‐cancer and neuroprotective effects. With the emergence of palm oil as the largest edible oil in world markets, technology is now available to extract tocotrienol‐rich palm vitamin E. Initiatives in Malaysia to manufacture biodiesel will further generate large amounts of micronutrients, especially tocotrienols, to be available to the nutraceutical and functional food industry.
Palm oil production through sustainable plantations
Authors: Basiron Yusof
Published: April 2007

The Malaysian oil palm industry is one of the most highly organised sectors of any national agriculture system of the world. Today, though, the focus has shifted to how well agriculture also meets universally accepted standards of sustainability. This paper highlights the development of oil palm cultivation and responsible farming practices in Malaysia, the world's largest producer of palm oil. The oil palm has had a natural head start in fulfilling sustainability indicators due to its plant physiology of high productivity and efficient carbon assimilation. Over the last 50 years, R&D activities and technological advances have helped raise yields and reduce inputs, thereby maximising oil production from a smaller land area than used for other food crops. Palm oil is now a major source of sustainable and renewable raw material for the world's food, oleochemical and biofuel industries. Involvement in cultivation or downstream activities has uplifted the quality of life of people, a key plank of the sustainability platform. In particular, this has helped alleviate poverty among landless farmers in Malaysia. Industry players have recently joined hands with other stakeholders to pursue certification of sustainably produced palm oil with full traceability. Also being explored are measures to conserve forests with high value and the wildlife population.
Comparative analysis of triacylglycerol composition, melting properties and polymorphic behavior of palm oil and fractions
Authors: Braipson‐Danthine Sabine , Gibon Véronique
Published: April 2007

Palm oil is without doubt the most widely fractionated oil. Dry fractionation is based on differences in the melting points of triacylglycerols (TAG) which will crystallize selectively during the cooling process. Unfortunately, limitations due to intersolubility, closely linked to polymorphism, induce formation of co‐crystals at each crystallization step. For this reason, only restricted TAG enrichments are observed. In this work, a series of samples (24) of palm oil, solid and liquid fractions (stearins, mid fractions, oleins and superoleins) have been selected and examined in terms of TAG composition (by HPLC), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) melting profile and variable temperature powder X‐ray diffraction pattern. Three major endotherms [low‐melting, high‐melting and very high‐melting peaks (LMP, HMP and VHMP)] are detected in the DSC melting profiles (5 °C/min). The VHMP is only recorded for palm stearin which contains more SSS components. The HMP contribution is weak for palm olein and even not observed for palm super oleins. The LMP is usually made up of UUU, SUU and SUS components; SUS components are observed in both LMP and HMP; the HMP is also made up of some SSS, except for palm oleins and super oleins. Sub‐α2, sub‐α1, α, β'2, β'1 and β polymorphic forms are recorded; the LMP components preferentially crystallize in sub‐α2, sub‐α1 and α forms; the HMP components generally crystallize in β'2 and β'1, with a tendency to exhibit β crystals, depending on the SSS content. Components of the VHMP have an increased tendency to stabilize in the β form; in view of the results, we can assume that there is a clear relationship between TAG composition, melting properties and polymorphic behavior and of palm oil and fractions.
Recent Development of Regio‐ and Stereoselective Aminohalogenation Reaction of Alkenes
Authors: Li Guigen , Kotti S. R. S. Saibabu , Timmons Cody
Published: April 2007

This microreview presents the development of the catalytic aminohalogenation of olefins. The olefin substrates include electron‐deficient and functionalized ones, such as α,β‐unsaturated esters, α,β‐unsaturated ketones and α,β‐unsaturated nitriles. In addition, the first asymmetric aminohalogenation by the use of Evans chiral auxiliaries is also discussed. The convincing evidence is provided to support the aziridinium mechanism of aminohalogenation reaction. The applications of this reaction are described by converting vicinal haloamines into other important synthetic building blocks. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Novel and Efficient Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of D‐Glucose 6‐Phosphate and Molecular Modeling Studies on the Selective Biocatalysis
Authors: Rodríguez‐Pérez Tatiana , Lavandera Iván , Fernández Susana , Sanghvi Yogesh S. , Ferrero Miguel , Gotor Vicente
Published: April 2007

A concise chemoenzymatic synthesis of glucose 6‐phosphate is described. Candida rugosa lipase was found to be an efficient catalyst for both regio‐ and stereoselective deacetylation of the primary hydroxy group in the peracetylated D‐glucose. In addition, we report an improved synthesis of 1,2,3,4,6‐penta‐O‐acetyl‐α‐D‐glucopyranose providing a large‐scale procedure for the acetylation of α‐D‐glucose without isomerization at the anomeric center. The high overall yield and the easy scalability makes this chemoenzymatic strategy attractive for industrial application. Furthermore, molecular modeling of phosphonate transition‐state analog for the enzymatic hydrolysis step supports the substrate selectivity observed with Candida rugosa lipase.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Brief report: decreased bone mineral density as a long‐term complication of teenage‐onset anorexia nervosa
Authors: Wentz Elisabet , Mellström Dan , Gillberg I Carina , Gillberg Christopher , Råstam Maria
Published: April 2007

Objective

To follow up bone mineral density (BMD) 4 years after decreased BMD was diagnosed in adult individuals with teenage‐onset anorexia nervosa (AN).

Method

In a previous study BMD was assessed in 39 individuals (36 women, 3 men) 11 years after AN onset. Decreased BMD occurred in a minority. In the present study, a 4‐year follow‐up of individuals with decreased BMD, 11 AN women were reassessed by using dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA). Two women still had an eating disorder (ED).

Results

Eight out of eleven women met criteria for decreased BMD/osteoporosis. There was an increase in BMD of total body and lumbar spine (LS). There was a relationship between lumbar BMD and BMI.

Conclusion

At follow‐up of decreased BMD in adult women with teenage‐onset of AN, there is a possibility of improvement of BMD. © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Rapid high‐resolution karyotyping with precise identification of chromosome breakpoints
Authors: Mao Xueying , James Sharon Y. , Yáñez‐Muñoz Rafael J. , Chaplin Tracy , Molloy Gael , Oliver R. Tim D. , Young Bryan D. , Lu Yong‐Jie
Published: April 2007

Many techniques have been developed in recent years for genome‐wide analysis of genetic alterations, but no current approach is capable of rapidly identifying all chromosome rearrangements with precise definition of breakpoints. Combining multiple color fluorescent in situ hybridization and high‐density single nucleotide polymorphism array analyses, we present here an approach for high resolution karyotyping and fast identification of chromosome breakpoints. We characterized all of the chromosome amplifications and deletions, and most of the chromosome translocation breakpoints of three prostate cancer cell lines at a resolution which can be further analyzed by sequence‐based techniques. Genes at the breakpoints were readily determined and potentially fused genes identified. Using high‐density exon arrays we simultaneously confirmed altered exon expression patterns in many of these breakpoint genes. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Auditing your offshore outsource
Authors: Iijima Timothy
Published: April 2007

Offshore outsourcing has grown dramatically in recent years. But while offshore outsourcing can save money, management can't then afford to go off and focus on other objectives. Companies must painstakingly document the kind and quality of service they expect from any offshore provider. And then companies must constantly monitor what the outsource is doing. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Greatest IT audit and security risks of 2006
Authors: Smith Gordon
Published: April 2007

An expert in IT audit and security reveals the greatest audit risks discovered by his firm in 2006. An overemphasis on Sarbanes‐Oxley (SOX)‐related servers left companies with fewer resources to identify other risks. The author explains what they are and how to eliminate them. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The audit committee and corporate complaints
Authors: Colbert Jan
Published: April 2007

The Sarbanes‐Oxley Act (SOX) imposed many requirements on audit committees and management. For example, SOX Section 301 requires the audit committee to set up special procedures for handling complaints about accounting, auditing, and internal controls. The author explains what you need to know. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
How private equity and hedge funds are driving M&A
Authors: Gaughan Patrick A.
Published: April 2007

One of the major changes in the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) business is the increased prominence of private equity and hedge funds. Why is this happening? © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Making a balanced scorecard program a success: Beyond the measure‐selection process
Authors: Albright Tom , Burgess Christopher M. , Davis Stan B. , Juras Paul E.
Published: April 2007

This article explains some practical lessons learned from developing and implementing balanced scorecard programs in businesses having up to 800 employees. To avoid implementation pitfalls, the article provides some recommendations that can have a positive effect on any balanced scorecard initiative. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mechanism of oleic acid‐induced myofibril disassembly in rat cardiomyocytes
Authors: Huang Yuahn‐Sieh , Wang Seu‐Mei , Hsu Kwan‐Lih , Tseng Yung‐Zu , Wu Jiahn‐Chun
Published: April 2007

This study investigated the mechanism of oleic acid (OA)‐induced disassembly of myofibrils in cardiomyocytes. OA treatment disrupted myofibrils, as revealed by the disorganization of several sarcomeric proteins. Since focal adhesions (FAs) are implicated in myofibril assembly, we examined structural changes in FAs after OA treatment. Immunofluorescence studies with antibodies against FA proteins (vinculin, integrin β1D, and paxillin) showed that FAs and costameres disintegrated or disappeared after OA treatment and that the changes in FA proteins occurred prior to myofibril disassembly. The effects of OA on FAs and myofibrils were reversed after removal of OA. OA decreased expression of integrin β1D, paxillin, vinculin, and actin, and induced tyrosine dephosphorylation of FA kinase (FAK) and paxillin. These effects were blocked by pretreatment with sodium orthovanadate, a protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) inhibitor. This inhibitor also prevented OA‐induced myofibril disassembly, indicating the involvement of PTP in myofibril disassembly. Furthermore, OA increased protein levels of PTP‐PEST. The upregulation of this phosphatase correlated with the tyrosine dephosphorylation of paxillin and FAK, which are targets for PTP‐PEST. In addition, OA decreased RhoA activity and the phosphorylation of cofilin, a downstream target of RhoA. Cofilin dephosphorylation increased its actin‐severing activity and led to the depolymerization of F‐actin, which might provide another potential mechanism for OA‐induced myofibril disassembly. J. Cell. Biochem. 102: 638–649, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Performance of the general amber force field in modeling aqueous POPC membrane bilayers
Authors: Jójárt Balázs , Martinek Tamás A.
Published: April 2007

The aim of this work was to answer the question of whether the general amber force field (GAFF) is good enough to simulate fully hydrated POPC membrane bilayers. The test system contained 128 POPC and 2985 TIP3P water molecules. The equilibration was carried out in a nonarbitrary manner to reach the stable liquid‐crystalline phase. The simulations were performed by using particle mesh Ewald electrostatics implemented in molecular dynamics packages Amber8 (NPT ensembles) and NAMD2 (NPγT ensembles). The computational results were assessed against the following experimental membrane properties: (i) area per lipid, (ii) area compressibility modulus, (iii) order parameter, (iv) gauche conformations per acyl chain, (v) lateral diffusion coefficients, (vi) electron density profile, and (vii) bound water at the lipid/water interface. The analyses revealed that the tested force field combination approximates the experimental values at an unexpectedly good level when the NPγT ensemble is applied with a surface tension of 60 mN m−1 per bilayer. It is concluded that the GAFF/TIP3P combination can be utilized for aqueous membrane bilayer simulations, as it provides acceptable accuracy for biomolecular modeling. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2007
Frequency of new or worsening symptoms in the posthospitalization period
Authors: Epstein Kenneth , Juarez Esther , Loya Kathy , Jo Gorman Mary , Singer Adam
Published: April 2007

BACKGROUND

When patients are discharged from the hospital, they are assumed to be stable until follow‐up as outpatients.

OBJECTIVE

To study the frequency of new or worsening symptoms within 2‐5 days of hospital discharge.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of data from telephone calls to patients by centralized call center.

SETTING

Patients discharged by hospitalists employed by IPC—The Hospitalist Company.

PATIENTS

15,767 patients surveyed between May 1, 2003, and October 31, 2003.

INTERVENTION

Patients discharged home were contacted by a central call center in the first several days after discharge.

MEASUREMENTS

Patient demographics, self‐rated health status, prevalence of new or worsening symptoms, medication issues, home health services issues, and status of scheduled follow‐up appointments.

RESULTS

Of the patients surveyed, 11.9% reported new or worsening symptoms since leaving the hospital. There were no differences by age. Women were more likely than men to be symptomatic. Patients with worse health status were more likely to have new or worse symptoms (P < .0001). Symptomatic patients were minimally more likely to have made a follow‐up appointment (61.0% vs. 58.4%, P < .05) and were more likely to have medication issues (22.2% vs. 6.8%, P < .0001) and problems with receiving home health care services (5.8% vs. 3.6%, P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

A significant percentage of patients had new or worsening symptoms in the first several days after discharge. These patients were only minimally more likely to have made follow‐up appointments. A system to manage the postdischarge transition period is essential to improving posthospitalization outcomes. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2007;2:58–68. © 2007 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Rising to the challenge: How to develop responsible leaders
Authors: Wilson Andrew
Published: April 2007

Today's companies recognize that they are actors in large, complex systems and that they need to interact in a web of relations with various groups of stakeholders. In particular, businesses are facing increasing pressures to make a positive contribution to society beyond the traditional economic benefits that derive from corporate activities. However, many organizations are struggling to define and develop the leadership skills and abilities necessary to translate the principles of corporate social responsibility into practice. A new study provides some clarity.
Creating Defined 3‐D Defects Inside an Opaline Ormocer® Matrix with Two‐Photon Lithography
Authors: Lange Birger , Jhaveri Shalin J. , Steidl Lorenz , Ayothi Ramakrishnan , Ober Christopher K. , Zentel Rudolf
Published: April 2007

The creation of defined structures inside a synthetic opal is a key step toward applications in optics, where control of the propagation of light inside a photonic crystal is necessary. In a previous paper, we described the nanostructuring of Ormocer® to form inverse opals (Lange et al., Macromol. Rapid Commun. 2006, 27, 1746). Here, we report an application for this robust replica process in which defects can be directly produced within the PC by two‐photon lithography. The holes of an inverse opal structure are first filled with a resin of similar refractive index. In this transparent material, polymerization can be initiated at defined places via two‐photon lithography. After removal of the unpolymerized resin, buried fluorescent defects of dimensions comparable to the repeating units of the replica are found. The wavelength of their emission can be adjusted to the band gap of the replica.

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Study of Adhesion and Fracture of Polymer Laminates by Imaging of Interfaces
Authors: Horiuchi Shin , Yin Dehui , Liao Yonggui , Ougizawa Toshiaki
Published: April 2007

The adhesion and fracture of styrene‐acrylonitrile random copolymer and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA/SAN) laminates were studied. They showed a drastic transition from brittle to ductile on varying the acrylonitrile (AN) content in SAN, with changes in the fracture mode from interfacial failure to cohesive fracture. Energy‐filtering transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with an in‐lens detector system were employed to study the interface and adhesion of the laminates. The effect of the AN content in SAN on the PMMA/SAN interfacial structures could be revealed by imaging of the interfaces using elemental mapping and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). The in‐lens detector system in the SEM enabled the differentiation of thin interfaces with poor adhesion strength, yielding smooth and flat fracture surfaces, where numerous nanosized fibrils were formed normal to the surfaces.

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Block Copolymer Based Molecular Motor
Authors: Perelstein Oleg E. , Ivanov Viktor A. , Velichko Yury S. , Khalatur Pavel G. , Khokhlov Alexei R. , Potemkin Igor I.
Published: April 2007

We propose a model of molecular motor based on diblock copolymer strongly adsorbed on a patterned surface. One of the blocks of the copolymer is modeled as field responsive. It is shown that time‐periodic collapse‐readsorption of the responsive block leads to the directed motion (reptation) of the molecule along the “track” provided by the surface pattern. Both the Langevin dynamics (LD) technique of computer simulation for the bead‐spring model and numerical solution of the Newton equations of a simplified (toy) model of the copolymer are used. The physical reason of directionality of the motion is shown to be an anisotropy of the friction of the molecule with the surface.

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Observation of OH…N scalar coupling across a hydrogen bond in nocathiacin I
Authors: Huang Xiaohua Stella , Liu Xiaohong , Constantine Keith L. , Leet John E. , Roongta Vikram
Published: April 2007

We report here the observation of OH…N hydrogen‐bond 1hJN, OH scalar coupling in a biologically active natural product. The intramolecular hydrogen bond between the threonine hydroxyl (Thr‐OH) group and the thiazolyl nitrogen at the second thiazole ring (Thz‐2) in nocathiacin I was directly detected by a 1H15N HMBC NMR experiment. The magnitude of the scalar coupling constant 1hJN, OH was accurately measured to be 1.8 ± 0.1 Hz by a J‐resolved 1H15N HMBC experiment. By adding the OH…N distance restraint, the 3D solution structure of nocathiacin I was refined. The structure refinement indicated that the distance between the Thr‐3 hydroxyl hydrogen and the Thz‐2 nitrogen is ⩽2.50 Å in all the refined structures, and there are no NOE restraint violations ≥ 0.23 Å. The presence of an intramolecular hydrogen bond in nocathiacin I is further supported by a number of NMR parameters and additional NMR experiments. This observation provides valuable information for characterizing molecular conformations, and for studying structure‐activity relationships. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new eremophilanolide from Senecio sinuatus Gilib
Authors: Burgueño‐Tapia Eleuterio , López‐Escobedo Susana , González‐Ledesma Manuel , Joseph‐Nathan Pedro
Published: April 2007

From the hexane extracts of Senecio sinuatus roots, the new 3β‐angeloyloxy‐6β‐hydroxyeremophil‐1(10)‐en‐8β,12‐olide (3), along with the known compounds 3β‐angeloyloxy‐6β‐hydroxyeremophil‐1(10)‐ene (1), 3β‐senecioyloxy‐6β‐hydroxyeremophil‐1(10)‐ene (2), and 3β‐angeloyloxy‐6β,8α‐dihydroxyeremophil‐1(10)‐en‐8β,12‐olide (4), were isolated. Complete 1H and 13C NMR chemical shift assignments of 1–4 were achieved using one‐ and two‐dimensional NMR techniques, including gHMQC and gHMBC experiments. A Monte Carlo search, followed by B3LYP/6‐31G*DFT calculation, provided the theoretical conformations of the eremophilane rings, which were in agreement with results derived from 1H1H NMR coupling constant analysis, and confirmed by NOESY experiments. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parents' perceptions, attitudes, and needs regarding sex education for the child with myelomeningocele
Authors: Passo Sherrilyn
Published: April 2007

Nurses working in a multidisciplinary outpatient clinic for children with myelomeningocele desired to learn more about parents' ideas and needs in the area of sex education. Private interviews were conducted with 52 parents, using a structured interview guide. Mothers were seen as the main sex educator for girls, whereas both parents were seen as sex educators for boys. Sixty percent of the parents believed that sex education should begin during the school‐age years. Lack of adequate knowledge about their child's potential for sexual functioning was perceived by all parents. Parents' responses indicated a need for clinic staff to “open the door” to discussing sexuality and a need for realistic guidance about their child's sexual potential. Parents indicated that they saw the referral hospital as a more helpful resource than local resource persons, and selected means by which they and their children might learn more about sexuality from clinic staff. Based on information gathered in the study, clinic staff can plan a teaching and counseling program to help parents become more effective sex educators.
Temporal experience and motor behavior among the aging
Authors: Fitzpatrick Joyce J. , Donovan Michael J.
Published: April 2007

This study was designed to provide comparative data among institutionalized and noninstitutionalized persons between 70 and 89 years of age. Several measures of temporal experience and body movement were used to compare the groups. One‐half of the sample were nursing home residents, and the other half lived in their own or relatives' homes. Differences between the institutionalized and noninstitutionalized groups were observed. The institutionalized group was more past oriented and displayed more gross motor activity. Older persons projected further into the past than did the younger persons.